Plan Your Next Vacation Like a Pro Wed Feb 21 2024 17:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

It's All Happening This May: At The Broward Center For The Performing Arts Thu May 09 2024 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

We The Victims: Who Pays When The Government Weaponizes Its Power? By John & Nisha Whitehead May 28, 2026 One Way Or Another, The American Taxpayers Always Get Screwed By Politicians Eager To Spend Our Hard-Earned Dollars On Programs And Projects That Do Little To Improve Our Lives, Safeguard Our Freedoms, Or Secure Our Future. Donald Trump—the billionaire trust-fund baby/reality TV showman who transformed himself into a populist champion of working-class Americans—has proven to be no different, and in many ways worse, than the politicians who came before him. Trump has given new meaning to government corruption, graft, grift, profiteering, self-dealing and pay-to-play politics. From the proposed White House ballroom and its taxpayer-backed security upgrades, to the high-dollar UFC spectacle planned for the White House lawn, to pardons that function less like mercy than loyalty rewards, to government access increasingly conditioned on political obedience, Trump has turned the presidency into a private rewards program for himself, his donors, his allies, and his enforcers. Every new abuse is wrapped in the language of patriotism, security, or justice. Every bill lands, sooner or later, on the backs of the American people. Thus, rather than draining the swamp, Trump has shown himself to be the veritable swamp monster, mired in the muck and determined to keep it that way. Trump’s latest grift? A taxpayer-funded slush fund, dressed up as justice, purportedly to compensate those who claim they were targeted by the “weaponization” of the Biden Justice Department and Democrats. As part of the same settlement, the government also reportedly agreed to bar the IRS from auditing Trump, his family, the Trump Organization and related entities over tax filings and claims predating the agreement—a breathtaking act of self-protection disguised as legal closure that helps shield the president and his empire from the very kind of government scrutiny ordinary Americans are expected to endure without complaint. Taken together, the payout fund and the audit shield expose the real purpose of this so-called anti-weaponization crusade: not to end weaponized government, but to decide who gets protected by it, who gets paid by it, and who gets crushed by it. Read between the lines of the deliberately vague information provided about this “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” which will be seeded with $1.776 Billion in taxpayer funds, and it starts to look suspiciously like a fund to reimburse those convicted, investigated, or politically inconvenienced for crossing legal lines in service to Trump’s agenda. The message is unmistakable: commit crimes that benefit those in power, and those in power will absolve you, reimburse you, excuse you, or reward you. These are not miscarriages of justice being corrected. They are protection payments, signals to future operatives: do what we need you to do, and we will take care of you. But who will compensate “we the people” for the damage done when the government weaponizes its powers against us? Who will compensate the people surveilled without warrants, raided without cause, censored for their views, bankrupted by fines and fees, brutalized by militarized police, jailed without due process, dragged through the courts, disappeared into detention centers, or treated as enemies of the state for exercising their constitutional rights? Who will compensate the victims of a police state that has been weaponized by Republicans and Democrats alike? That is the real question. The Trump Administration claims this fund is about redressing government weaponization. Yet at the very same time, it is weaponizing the government against the citizenry: against protesters, immigrants, law firms, judges, journalists, universities, critics, whistleblowers, and anyone else who stands in the way of executive power. This is what it means to weaponize the government. When the government turns its power against its own people—through surveillance, retaliation, censorship, and intimidation—it ceases to serve the public and instead becomes a weapon of oppression. When protesters are snatched up, arrested, prosecuted, or surveilled for challenging government policy, that is government weaponized against dissent. When immigrants are rounded up, chained, deported, or detained without meaningful due process—without being properly identified, charged, heard, or allowed to challenge the government’s claims—that is government weaponized against due process. When law firms are punished for the clients they represent, barred from federal buildings, stripped of security clearances, threatened with the loss of contracts, or pressured into providing hundreds of millions of dollars in legal services aligned with the administration’s priorities, that is government weaponized against the right to counsel. When judges are derided, defied, or threatened for ruling against the president’s agenda, that is government weaponized against the separation of powers. When universities are threatened with funding cuts and investigations and ideological purges for failing to toe the government’s line, that is government weaponized against academic freedom and independent thought. When journalists and critics are branded enemies, liars, radicals, criminals, or traitors for questioning official narratives, that is government weaponized against the First Amendment. When government websites, archives, agencies, and public records are rewritten, scrubbed, or politicized in order to reshape history, control memory, and enforce ideological obedience, that is government weaponized against truth. When the president threatens other nations militarily, talks openly about seizing foreign lands, stirs up international tensions, rattles the war drums, and then claims wartime powers at home, that is government weaponized against peace, liberty, and constitutional restraint. Trump, adept at twisting facts and spinning lies, insists these end-runs around the rule of law are for our safety. This is the devil’s bargain that we are being asked to enter into with Trump: empty promises and a one-way street to a dictatorship in exchange for our freedoms. There can be no doubt about the nature of what is taking place right now. This is government weaponized into war. President Trump’s justification for defying the courts and doing whatever he wants in pursuit of his political agenda (arresting protesters; carrying out mass arrests and deportations; muzzling critics; seizing funds; dismantling agencies; and usurping congressional powers) is that “this is war.” Here’s the thing, though: Trump may be using the language of war to bypass the Constitution at every turn, but the only war being waged is a war against the Constitution, the rule of law, and the American people. Likewise, this so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund is not justice. It is hush money for the powerful, paid for by the powerless. It is the weaponized government rewarding its own while leaving the rest of us to foot the bill. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, all freedoms hang together. They fall together, as well. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an attorney and author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of constitutional law, human rights and popular culture. John Whitehead's commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org . Previous Next

Travelers Are Resigned To Paying More And Getting Less. Do They Deserve This? By Christopher Elliott Oct 23, 2025 Don't Look Now, But Air Travelers Are Paying More And Getting Less -- And They're Fine With It. Sure, when Southwest Airlines killed its "bags fly free" policy earlier this year, there was a brief outcry from passengers. But then they went right back to booking on the former low-fare carrier -- and paying extra for checked luggage. Here's the reason, according to experts: There's a growing sense of resignation among American travelers. Simply put, they think they deserve both the expensive prices and the extra fees. After all, they kept making booking decisions based solely on price -- and the airlines took advantage, making super-low fares prominent but then piling on surprise surcharges. "It’s disheartening," says Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor. "The increasing trend of cutting back on essential services -- like free checked baggage or basic seat selection -- is undermining what used to be a standard part of air travel." This idea that travelers deserve to pay more but get less extends beyond the airline industry. Hotels do it when they start charging their guests for extras that used to be standard amenities, or imposing "resort" fees. Cruise lines do it when they add mandatory tips to your folio. It's been going on for years, but now it's finally stuck, experts say. But why are people being such pushovers? Is anyone resisting this ridiculous trend? And what can you do about it? It turns out you are not powerless, even though you may think you are. Why travelers think they deserve to pay more and get less! Why are travelers so accepting of this idea that they should pay more and get less? "Years of conditioning and poor customer service have led consumers to believe that the travel industry standard is paying more for less," explains Mario Matulich, President of CMP, a customer service consultancy. "Airlines and hotels want consumers to select the lowest upfront price, so they can then nickel-and-dime them with hidden fees on the back end." Breaking out the extras is something J.D. Power calls disaggregation. It’s driven by the way that consumers shop for airfare. Air travelers have more information than they used to, but fares to a given destination are usually ranked by ticket price, with the lowest first. "Airlines quickly realized that their airfares needed to be near the top of these lists before consumers would choose their brand," says Michael Taylor, a Senior Managing Director for Travel and Hospitality at J.D. Power. So unbundling services could allow the airline to lower the basic fare, causing their flights to rise to the top of the search results. But there's also a psychological aspect to this. Because travelers choose these low prices, they are often made to feel that they should also accept lower service levels along with higher costs, once you've factored in all these fees. (Airline apologists alternate between praising the "miracle" of air travel and scolding with a "you-get-what-you-paid-for" lecture.) "Research suggests travelers feel guilty because they've always chosen price over overall service quality," notes Kevin Shahnazari, CEO of the financial advice site FinlyWealth. "But with each instance of customers choosing the lowest fare ticket or bed rate, they inadvertently send the message to businesses that cost is more significant than overall service." But travelers shouldn't feel responsible or even guilty. Just because someone chooses a lower fare doesn't mean they asked for -- or that they deserve -- a degraded product at a higher price. Some travelers are not OK with the new reality. Not all travelers are OK with the pay-more-get-less reality. Frequent, experienced travelers like Stan King don't like this trend. "The whole value proposition has been lost," he says. And he chafes at the idea that passengers somehow deserve less service when they pay a lower price.. King says for him, the only way to escape reality is to upgrade to a bigger room or a better seat. But even when he does, he says travel companies are still stingy. Gerri Hether, a frequent leisure traveler, chafes at the suggestion that somehow she's responsible for the state of affairs. "How can customers be remotely responsible for junk fees?" she wonders. But the reality is this: Despite the anger and complaining, travelers continue to buy fares and book rooms from companies that have stopped caring about a quality product. And that's all that matters. What can you do to escape a buy-more-get-less travel industry? This will only end when travelers say "enough," according to industry experts. 1. Look for ways to beat the system. "There are measures you can take to get around the service cuts," says Frances Rahaim, a financial coach and consumer advocate. For example, she sidestepped luggage fees altogether by buying an underseat-sized bag from IT Luggage and used vacuum seal bags to minimize clothing space, allowing her to fit in more of her belongings. You can also try wearable luggage by apparel companies such as Scottevest. 2. Reject bad service. "Don't accept service cuts without question," says AirAdvisor's Radchenko. That's especially true if an airline reduces service by downgrading you or canceling your flight but is required to pay you under the law. Radchenko says that's an area where many passengers are under-informed -- and they leave money on the table. 3. Find the honest companies and give them your business. "Reward companies with transparent pricing models," says Shahnazari of FinlyWealth. There are still airlines and hotels that don't believe in the pay-more-get-less-model, but you have to do some research. Full-service hotels like Marriott and InterContinental still offer a more inclusive experience, and international airlines like Qatar Airways don't nickel-and-dime you for luggage. But they're few and far between. But the biggest way to disrupt this dangerous trend is to say "no" whenever you see it, according to experts. "Passengers have to insist on greater openness and reject nickel-and-diming as the standard," says Deepak Shukla, CEO of Pearl Lemon Adventures, a travel agency. Do we have to accept this? All of this raises a bigger question: Have customers lost their power? I've been covering the travel industry for three decades, and travel companies -- particularly airlines -- have consistently tried to charge passengers more while delivering less. And the rest of the travel industry has followed along. But in the last year, it feels like businesses have felt more empowered to deliver substandard service at a higher price. It also seems as if customers have given them permission, if not their approval. The evidence of that is obvious: They are rewarding these travel companies with their business. Unfortunately, this will continue until consumers realize that they are the only ones who can reverse course and return to a time when airlines, hotels and cruise lines delivered quality service at a fair price. In other words, no one is coming to save you. Maybe we have to save ourselves. Christopher Elliott is an Author, Consumer Advocate, and Journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a NonProfit Organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at: chris@elliott.org . Previous Next

Aventura Branch Library Happenings: Creative Kids, LEGO At The Library, Introduction to Computers And Much More Thu Jun 20 2024 16:20:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hollywood Police Launch New Program: School Zone Safety Cameras To Combat Speeding And Enhance Student Safety August 15, 2024 Share Speeding in school zones poses a serious and potentially fatal risk. To address this issue, the City of Hollywood has implemented a school zone safety camera program aimed at reducing the number of speeding vehicles in these areas. This program will cover 33 public, private, and charter schools. School zones are clearly marked with additional speed limit signs, regulatory time placards, and photo-enforced signs. These warning signs will assist in slowing down traffic, leading to fewer crashes and injuries. Cameras will be used to identify vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit. Drivers caught speeding 11 mph or more over the limit within these zones will receive a violation notice by mail. The School Zone Speed Cameras are now operational with a 30-day grace period during which only warnings will be issued. This period is intended to encourage drivers to adjust their habits and slow down. During this time, violators will receive a warning notice without a fine. The speed cameras are active and enforced on school days from 30 minutes before school starts until 30 minutes after it ends. Violations are classified as civil, not traffic, and carry a fine of $100. The City is committed to slowing down drivers and protecting kids in the community. Please drive safely in school zones and in the community. To learn more about the program and see a list of schools, visit: www.hollywoodfl.org/1543/School-Zone-Safety-Camera-Program Back To School Join in the fun at the Community Enhancement Collaboration's - 19th Annual Back-to-School & Family Fun Day this Saturday, August 17th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Washington Park Community Center, 5199 Pembroke Road, Hollywood, Florida 33021. For more information, visit: www.cecwashpark.org Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk Looking for a FREE fun night out? Come to the Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk, this Saturday, August 17th. You will have the opportunity to visit galleries and shops in Downtown Hollywood while enjoying art, cultural entertainment, live music, murals and more! Artisan Market at the ArtWalk: 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Join locals for the Artisan Market at the ArtWalk! Featuring pop-up shops, artist showcases, handmade items, local purveyors, vintage shopping, boutique goods and FUN! Located on Harrison Street between 20th & 21st Avenue. Mural Tour: 6:00 p.m. This FREE guided tour lets you learn the stories behind the art and artists of the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. Meet at the Information Tent at 20th Avenue & Harrison Street. Gallery Tour: 7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. Join Evan Snow of Choose954 for a FREE guided and curated ArtWalk experience. Get an opportunity to meet with the local artists of each gallery in Downtown Hollywood. Meet at the Information Tent at 20th Avenue & Harrison Street. Cinema Paradiso: 10:00 p.m. Catch an amazing sleight-of-hand performance by "Magic Jack" Maxwell at 2008 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020. The event is FREE. Live Music: 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. FREE live performances on August 17th, 2024: 6:00 p.m.: DJ Tony Tiru, 8:00 p.m.: TBA on the MAIN STAGE: Harrison Street at 21st Avenue. For More information, call: (954) 924-2980 Parking Information Downtown Hollywood offers On-Street Metered Parking for $1.50 Per Hour, as well as Municipal Garage Parking for $1 Per Hour. Municipal garage location: 251 South 20th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33020 (between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street). Valet Parking is available for a $10 Flat Rate Thursday - Sunday, 5:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m., and is conveniently located in front of 1925 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020. < Previous News Next News >

Taco Tuesday Is Looking A Bit Different By Family Features November 2, 2023 Share Mealtime traditions are common among many families, from taco Tuesdays to weekend favorites. You can add a special touch to one of the most popular traditions - Taco Night - with a plant-based twist. With a nutty, smokey and truly meaty taste and texture, Pecans offer a perfect Plant-Based Protein to incorporate in favorite dishes like Tacos. However, great taste is just the beginning - Pecans pack a nutritious punch with a unique mix of health-promoting nutrients while shining in a wide range of flavor profiles. To help make your next Taco night all the rage among loved ones, the American Pecan Promotion Board recommends serving up authentic Vegan Taco recipes using Pecans in place of meat in dishes like Smoky Chipotle Pecan Burrito Bowls and Vegan Pecan Al Pastor Tacos. Their texture makes them uniquely suited as a meat alternative that doesn't sacrifice flavor so it can taste like the original and leave your family clamoring to keep Taco night on the weekly menu. Learn more and discover delicious Plant-Based Recipes at: www.eatpecans.com Smoky Chipotle Pecan Burrito Bowls Recipe Courtesy of Dominique Williamson on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board Prep time: 40 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 2-3 Pecan "Meat:" • 2 1/2 Cups of Water • 1 Cup of Pecans • 1/2 Cup of Portobello Mushrooms • 2 Tablespoons of Taco Seasoning • 2 Tablespoons of Tamari Sauce or Soy Sauce • 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced • 1 Tablespoon of Liquid Smoke • 1 Tablespoon of Vegan Worcestershire Sauce • 1 Tablespoon of Chipotle in Adobo Sauce Pineapple Salsa: • 1 Pineapple, diced • 2 Roma Tomatoes, diced • 1-2 Jalapeños, diced • 1 Cup of Cilantro, finely chopped • 1 Red Onion, diced • 1/4 Cup of Lime Juice • Salt, to taste Chipotle Crema: • 2 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce • 1 Cup of Vegan Mayo • 3 Cloves of Garlic, minced • 2 Teaspoons of Vinegar • 2 Tablespoons of Plant-Based Milk • 1 Teaspoon of Agave • 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt To make the Pecan "meat:" In a bowl of boiling water, soak the Pecans, covered, at least 30 minutes, or overnight in room temperature water for a softer texture. Drain the Pecans and place them in a food processor with the Mushrooms. Pulse the mixture to a texture resembling meat crumbles. Avoid over-pulsing. In a pan over Medium Heat, add the Pecan mixture, the Taco Seasoning, the Tamari Sauce, the Minced Garlic, the Liquid Smoke and the Vegan Worcestershire Sauce. Cook it for 7-10 minutes then add the Chipotle in the Adobo Sauce and Cook it for 3 minutes. To make the Pineapple Salsa: Combine the Pineapple, the Tomatoes, the Jalapeños, the Cilantro, the Red Onion, the Lime Juice and the Salt, to taste. To make the Chipotle Crema: Combine the Chipotle Peppers, the Vegan Mayo, the Garlic, the Vinegar, the Milk, the Agave and the Salt. To assemble the bowls, place the Pecan mixture in a bowl followed by the Pineapple Salsa and the Chipotle Crema. Vegan Pecan Al Pastor Tacos Recipe courtesy of the American Pecan Promotion Board Prep time: 35 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4-6 • Water • 2 Pounds of chopped Pecans • 1 Cup of Onion • 8 Cloves of Garlic, minced • 8 Dried Guajillo Peppers • 2 Tablespoons of Oil • Salt, to taste • Pepper, to taste • 7 Ounce 1 can of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Toppings And Garnishes: • Flour or Corn Tortillas (6 inches each) • Cilantro • Diced Onion • Lime • Pineapple In a bowl of boiling water, soak the Pecans, covered, at least 30 minutes, or overnight in room temperature water for a softer texture. Drain the Pecans. In a food processor, pulse the Pecans to meat-like crumbles. Do not overprocess the Pecan Butter. Finely chop the Onions, the Garlic and the Guajillo Peppers. In a skillet over Medium-High Heat, heat the Oil and sautée the Onions until transparent, 2-3 minutes. Add the Garlic and cook it for 1 minute. Sprinkle it with the Salt and the Pepper, to taste, and stir to combine it. Add the Chipotle Peppers in the Adobo and cook it for 1 minute. Add the crumbled Pecans and stir it well to combine it. Remove it from the heat and serve it on the Tortillas. Serve it with the Cilantro, the Onion, the Lime and the Pineapple. < Previous News Next News >

Looking For An Idea Family Vacation - 5 Reasons This Northwest Resort Will Be Your Favorite By BPT Jun 18, 2025 Daydreaming About Your Next Family Getaway? Look No Further Than Northwest Florida! The Location And Climate Are Ideal, And Thanks To Its Recent $35 Million Makeover, The Sensational Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa In South Walton, Florida, Offers Everything You Could Wish For In A Vacation Destination. Here are the 5 top reasons why this resort will be your ultimate family paradise. 1. It's all about that beach Wish you were on the beach right now? As the largest full-service beachfront resort on Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast, Hilton Sandestin Beach lets you immerse yourself in calm, clear emerald-green water and sink your toes into the pristine white sandy beach. You'll enjoy exclusive sun-bathing, sandcastle building, swimming, and soaking up the stunning views such as one of the most colorful sunsets you'll ever see along Miramar Beach. When all that swimming and sunbathing makes you hungry and thirsty, Barefoot's Beachside Bar & Grill lets you dine and sip while gazing out at the Gulf. And when you need a break from sand and saltwater, you can enjoy the two outdoor pools, and whirlpools. Rainy day? No worries. Hilton Sandestin Beach has thought of everything, including a newly renovated indoor pool in a spacious tropical-themed atrium. 2. Endless fun Adventure awaits at Hilton Sandestin Beach and beyond! Whether you're up for a round of golf at world-class courses, or a game of beach volleyball, tennis, biking, paddleboarding, or kayaking, this resort has it all. The resort is also near several off-property opportunities for water sports galore, like snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and fishing. Nearby, explore the surrounding area by taking a complimentary shuttle to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for family-friendly attractions like zip lines, water parks, a rope course, go-karts, shopping, seasonal events and live music, and more. For a change of pace, you can also visit nearby state parks, including the Underwater Museum of Art, which is a diving area located off the state park where five resort-sponsored sculptures can be found among the growing aquatic installation 58 feet below the water's surface. 3. Total relaxation Need a place to chill beyond all that fun in the sun? Hilton Sandestin Beach is able to recommend local babysitting services, allowing parents to unwind at the renovated Serenity by the sea Spa - a world-class 14,500-Square-Foot Spa offering an extensive menu of treatments, relaxation areas with cascading whirlpools, sauna and steam rooms, plush robes, zero-gravity loungers, and a 24-hour fitness center featuring top-of-the-line Precor equipment and Peloton stationary bikes, with fitness classes like Yoga, Pilates, and more. Relax with your partner in the spa's new area for couples, complete with a wet bar and cozy fireplace. Adding to the wide selection of facials, body treatments, massages, salon services and rejuvenating experiences, the spa now offers new features including touchless wellness, using innovative technology to offer individualized experiences - like Hydrojet Massages or Prism Red Light Pad Therapy. If you want to update your look, the full-service spa also offers two styling rooms with a wide range of hair, makeup, and nail services. 4. Unforgettable events Celebrating a momentous occasion? From weddings and anniversaries to birthdays, reunions, and more, Hilton Sandestin Beach has you covered with customizable venue options and group activities. The resort offers three main ballrooms, in addition to numerous outdoor and indoor event spaces of different sizes suitable for all kinds of get-togethers - plus event planners to work alongside each couple or family to plan their special occasion. Spa treatments, beachfront yoga on the deck, dining experiences, volleyball tournaments, beach relay races, and more can enhance your celebration. For soon-to-be newlyweds, Hilton Sandestin Beach is one of the only resorts in the Northwest Florida area offering an all-encompassing wedding experience. Your full wedding itinerary is customizable - including options from a welcome beach bonfire to a farewell brunch. 5. Culinary delights Savor a variety of on-site dining options at Hilton Sandestin Beach to tantalize your taste buds, including fine dining at Seagar's Prime Steaks & Seafood (the area's only AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse), plus casual eateries like Sandcastle's Restaurant and Lounge, The Coffee Shop, and Hadashi Sushi Bar. Beachside and poolside dining with seasonal hours include Barefoot's Beachside Bar & Grill and Picnix Poolside Market. In-room dining is also available. Plan your visit Ready to make your dream vacation a reality? Great accommodations await you and your family at Hilton Sandestin Beach, with 590 spacious guest rooms and suites including private balconies with partial or full Gulf views, and first-floor rooms feature a covered patio. Junior deluxe suites are ideal for families, with bunk beds and sleeper sofas. The resort also offers ADA-equipped rooms. Explore the possibilities for your next family vacay at: www.HiltonSandestinBeach.com - And check out great package offers at: www.HiltonSandestinBeach.com/vacation-packages . Previous Next

To Censor or Not To Censor - A History Lesson: “Parental Rights in Education Bill” Dubbed The “Don’t Say Gay” Bill Thu Apr 14 2022 04:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Fill Your Child's Summer With Adventure: Camp Can Be The Most Special Time Of A Child's Year Fri Jun 21 2024 16:13:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Dancing With The World Thu Sep 16 2021 04:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Cook Like a Pitmaster from the Comforts of Home Family Features March 9, 2023 Share For home chefs looking to take their cooking skills to the next level, it all starts with a little inspiration and a few new skills. Turn family meals into extravagant adventures, take backyard barbecues to new heights and impress friends and neighbors with pitmaster-worthy recipes. In fact, it can be as easy as turning on the TV. From beef ribs and barbacoa to curried brisket rice and pho rub beef belly spring rolls, viewers are in for a treat by tuning into season 3 of "BBQuest: Beyond the Pit," a video series that dives into the long-held traditions, new flavors and everyday inspiration that make Texas barbecue legendary. The show follows four themes that capture the essence of Texas barbecue: legacy and tradition; creativity and innovation; Texas trailblazers; and family and community. You can bring barbecue flavors home and cook like a pitmaster with dishes recreated from the series and developed by "Hardcore Carnivore" cookbook author Jess Pryles, including Smoked Chuck Beef Ribs, Grilled Jalapeño Cheddar Meatballs and Szechuan Skirt Steak with Crispy Rice. "Since launching BBQuest four years ago, it's truly remarkable to see how much has changed and yet stayed the same when it comes to Texas barbecue, and that's exactly what you see in season 3," said Rachel Chou, Texas Beef Council's director of consumer marketing. "There has been so much exciting innovation around cooking methods and international flavors while there's still a huge dedication to long-held recipes and smoking techniques." Learn more about the show and find inspiration to bring the taste of barbecue to your kitchen at: www.BeefLovingTexans.com Smoked Chuck Beef Ribs Recipe courtesy of Jess Pryles on behalf of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 10 hours, 30 minutes Servings: 8 • 1 Slab Beef Chuck Short Ribs (about 4 pounds) • 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt • 2 tablespoons coarse Black Pepper • 1/4 cup Cider Vinegar • 1 cup water Preheat smoker or pellet grill to 275˚F. Pat ribs dry with paper towel; remove moisture on surface. Combine salt and pepper. Rub beef ribs well on all sides and ends with seasoning, coating generously. Place ribs in smoker and close lid. Cook 5-6 hours. In spray bottle, combine cider vinegar and water. Lightly spritz ribs every 30 minutes for first 4 hours of cooking. Ribs are ready when completely probe tender. If parts still feel tough, continue cooking. Once completely tender, remove ribs from smoker then wrap tightly in butcher's paper and place in small cooler to rest 30 minutes. To serve, slice ribs between bones. Grilled Jalapeño Cheddar Meatballs Recipe courtesy of Jess Pryles on behalf of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Servings: 15 • 1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed • 3/4 cup milk • 2 pounds Ground Beef • 3 fresh Jalapeños, seeded and finely diced • 1 block (8 ounces) Cheddar Cheese, finely diced • 1 tablespoon Paprika • 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder • 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt Place crushed tortilla chips in large bowl. Add milk and allow chips to soften about 10 minutes. After milk is absorbed, add beef, jalapenos, cheese, paprika, garlic and salt. Mix well to combine then scoop approximately 1/3-1/2 cup of mixture to form meatball; repeat with remaining mixture. Place meatballs on plate or tray and refrigerate 30 minutes to firm. Heat grill to medium for two zone cooking. Place meatballs on indirect heat side of grill away from coals or lit burner; close lid. Grill 25-35 minutes, or until meatballs reach 165˚F internal temperature on meat thermometer. Remove meatballs from grill and cool slightly before serving. Szechuan Skirt Steak with Crispy Rice Recipe courtesy of Jess Pryles on behalf of Beef Loving Texans Total time: 35 minutes Servings: 2 • 2 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns • 1 teaspoon five spice powder • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt • 1 skirt steak or bavette steak (about 1 pound) • 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided • 2 teaspoons milk or cream • 2 cups cooked white rice • sesame seeds (optional) • scallions, thinly sliced (optional) • cucumber, sliced (optional) • cilantro leaves (optional) In skillet over low heat, toast peppercorns until fragrant, swirling in pan to keep from burning, about 2 minutes. Allow peppercorns to cool slightly then add to spice grinder or mortar and pestle with five spice and salt. Crush until fine powder forms. Pat skirt steak with paper towel to remove moisture then season well with Szechuan salt on both sides. Place skillet over high heat then add 1 tablespoon oil. When skillet is hot, add skirt steak and cook 5 minutes per side for medium-rare or medium doneness (135-150˚F), turning occasionally. Remove steak from skillet then tent with foil to rest 3 minutes. Temperature will rise about 10-15˚F to reach 145˚F for medium-rare; 160˚F for medium. Lower heat to medium-high then add remaining oil and milk or cream. Add rice, pressing down gently with large spoon to form large, flat disc covering entire base of pan. Season with Szechuan salt, if desired, then lower heat to medium and cook 10 minutes until grains begin to turn brown and become crisp on bottom. Break up rice in pan to mix soft and crispy grains. Slice skirt steak across grain. To serve, place rice in two bowls. Layer with sliced skirt steak. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions then place cucumber and cilantro on top, if desired. < Previous News Next News >