Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
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I’ve been thinking (and that can be a dangerous thing). Last week’s All Things Nebraska column by Paul Hammel posed the question, “Should the Legislature dish up a state dessert?” ICYMI, Hammel lamented that our northern neighbors have a designated dessert. It’s Kuchen, a German cake, stuffed with fruit or custard filling. Once, Hammel made the suggestion to a state senator who represented several Czech communities that, perhaps, the legislature should designate kolaches as the official... Full story
As the State Legislature gets to work on its 90-day session, it's time to consider whether the Unicameral should resolve an important, and regularly overlooked matter - designating a state dessert. Face it, we all love dessert and naming an official state dessert is long overdue. It has to rank higher than designating an official state reptile or state fossil, which we already have (the box turtle and mammoth, respectively.) Eight states, our research indicates, have state desserts including, gu...
The holidays are for celebrating and Small Business Saturday is a celebration of the key role independent, locally-owned businesses play in Nebraska's economy. Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011, Small Business Saturday will be Nov. 25, the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and small businesses across Nebraska have embraced Small Business Saturday and the...
Of all our Nebraska traditions, one is especially memorable. It's a big production that seems to bring our whole state together to enjoy exhibits, shows, food, friends and a lot of fun. The sights, sounds and smells are unmistakable. I'm talking about the Nebraska State Fair, of course. After many years of attending the fair, I still get excited for this wonderful tradition. Every year, the state fair makes its long-anticipated appearance in Grand Island for 11 days to showcase Nebraska's best....
This month’s state board of education meeting convened on Thursday, April 13 and Friday, April 14 at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln. Before I get into this month’s highlights, I want to challenge you with a mental math problem for elementary students from 1877. No pencil, paper or technology allowed. On a farm, there are 60 animals - horses, cows and sheep; for each horse, there are three cows and for each cow there are two sheep: how many animals of each kind? For the answer, tune in to next mon...
If I asked 20 Nebraskans, “What is your favorite holiday dessert,” I imagine I would receive 20 different responses. My favorite treat: bing bars. No shock to those of you who know me well. I also like smooth, creamy fudge; pink divinity, like Mom used to make; and Sandy’s decorated sugar cookies. Sure, there may be other desserts on the buffet table, but a well-outfitted holiday spread is all about the candy and cookies ... or so it’s been our family tradition. I was shocked when I saw a map o...
Having guests for Thanksgiving dinner is great. Having treasured friends and family stick around for a couple of extra days is even better. But guests have to eat and you just spent a week (or more!) preparing that big holiday meal and you're simply "cooked out." Sure, leftovers will work for a meal or two, but eventually you're going to have to prepare something else. And don't forget that big football game coming up on Friday afternoon, with even more games on TV over the weekend. That adds...
Many years ago (the exact number will remain a mystery), the very first food section I put together for the daily newspaper I was working for was all about strawberries. It was just about this time of year as May is National Strawberry Month, and I wanted to highlight one of my favorite berries. While a lot has changed over those years, one thing hasn't: I still love strawberries. Standing alone as the only fruit to wear its seeds on the outside, strawberries are loaded with nutrients. According... Full story
Need something quick to make and easy to transport to a family gathering, picnic or potluck? Dessert bars are the answer. They can be made ahead of time. They require no utensils to eat. Unlike cookies, they don’t need to be portioned, scooped out onto a pan and then baked in batches. They can be transported in the pan you bake them in. And they can be any flavor your want: Chocolate. Caramel. Blueberry. Pecan. Even marshmallow. Get creative and have fun. The mild heat and berry undertones of g... Full story
Last year I wrote a Christmas cookie article featuring some of my favorite holiday cookies I've made over the years. If you tried any of the recipes I hope you enjoyed them. This year I'm sharing recipes I found while going through my mom's recipe box. Some are clipped from newspapers or magazines. Others came from the coupon supplements found in the Sunday paper. A couple are on the packaging from the original product. What they do have in common is they all include chocolate in one form or... Full story
I don't know about you, but I missed holiday parties last year. And even though it's still smart to be careful, getting together with family and friends is something we all treasure. Holiday appetizers have always been one of my favorite things to prepare. I love looking through cookbooks and recipe files, looking for just the perfect tasty tidbit to take to a party. But before we get to the menu, let's first set the scene. Decide on a theme or an anchor activity - gingerbread decorating,... Full story
It's no secret I'm not a big fan of pumpkin pie. Especially pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream. I know for some folks confessing I don't like pumpkin pie is practically criminal, but it is what it is. It's not that I hate pumpkin pie, it's just not my first choice. If I have one piece a year (hold the whipped cream, please), I'm good. When it comes to holiday desserts, there are other choices for me. And I don't dislike pumpkin in general (but don't get me started on pumpkin spice!). Several... Full story
JARROD McCARTNEY RED CLOUD - It's not unusual to catch sight of a celebrity in Red Cloud, population 962, especially during the annual Willa Cather conference. First Lady Laura Bush has appeared here. So has writer Maya Angelou, Golden Globe-winning actor Paul Giamatti and a drumbeat of talk show hosts, TV stars, novelists and artists. And yet a tiny, energetic, elderly woman often stole the celebrity spotlight, holding court about the life and times of Nebraska's famed novelist. Antonette...
Pairing pears - Pears are good in salads, where they partner well with greens, especially the bitter ones, and be sure toss in a few nuts and goat cheese for creaminess. Try slices of pear with leaves of prosciutto for an appetizer, and pair them with blue-vein cheeses and nuts on a cheese platter. Surprise guests with sautéed pears as a garnish for grilled or fatty meats such as pork and duck. - Seasonal dessert menus welcome pears, too. Poach them in red wine, then serve with their reduced... Full story
Not only will it be nice to see actual fans in Memorial Stadium this fall and not cardboard cutouts, it will be nice to see parking lots full of fans devouring their favorite foods before the game. Tailgate parties are back! And while fun is at the forefront, food safety can't be forgotten. So before we get to the food, let's cover the basics. The key to keeping your food safe during a tailgate is a good game plan. Do you have enough coolers and all the tools you need to cook? In addition to a... Full story
It's not hard to see why food on a stick is so popular at fairs around the country, including county fairs that are in full swing in the area and our very own Nebraska State Fair which opens later this month in Grand Island. The portability factor makes these foods easy to hang onto and easy to eat while strolling the fairgrounds in search of the best exhibit or midway ride. But the shear variety of foods that can be put on a stick boggles the mind. Who would have thought you could put a... Full story
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, and many of us will observe the holiday with cookouts, road trips and other activities that involve food. And I think this year we will really be looking forward to getting outdoors and getting together with friends or family members we might not have seen for awhile. I know Memorial Day is also supposed to be the start of grilling season, but what if your group just wants to get together and eat and not have to cook when you get to... Full story
When you think of Valentine's Day treats, chocolate is usually at the top of the list. But this year, skip the fancy box from the store and make your own chocolate treats. From breakfast to dessert, chocolate is the star of the day. ~~~~~ Show your affection with a plate of these colorful Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes, featuring rich 100% cocoa, buttermilk and fresh berries. Heart-shaped cookie cutters lend a special touch to these fluffy, flavorful pancakes. Add sweet garnishes like powdered... Full story
I have a confession to make: I’ve never really learned how to make pie crust. In fact, most of the pies I’ve served in my life have a connection to Pillsbury, Mrs. Smith or the bakery department from my favorite supermarket. It’s not for lack of effort. I’ve tried to make my own crust, but I just don’t have it together. And you can’t blame my mother. For all of the good things she inherited from my grandmother, the ability to make a decent pie crust was not one of them. So long ago, I acknowledg...
It’s been a weird summer, hasn’t it? Traditional Memorial Day programs were few and far between. Father’s Day was observed with proper “social distancing.” Fourth of July celebrations were canceled and most of the fireworks we saw were on TV. “Back to school” for many students across the country meant “back to the kitchen table.” And as for fall, I’m still trying to wrap my head around September, October and November with no Husker football or volleyball. And even the sporting events tha...
It's funny when people on the coasts figure out Midwestern culture. For several months, I've read magazine articles about and website postings dedicated to what may be a true middle-of-the-country delicacy: the pairing of chili with cinnamon rolls. It's even funnier when Midwestern folk figure out what's popular in the Midwest. Even a Sioux Falls radio station featured a segment on the union of soup and dessert, noting it's popular in Nebraska, Colorado, Utah Montana and Kansas. In South Dakota?...
