Technicolor Dining News for July 2015

Welcome to July! In the Northern hemisphere Summer is well underway. In the Northern hemisphere the cold winter experienced several months ago has been forgotten as many comment on the current heat and humidity of summer.

In the United States July begins with Independence Day and the celebrations associated with the holiday. Growing up this holiday was an opportunity enjoy local fruits and vegetables, grilled meats, and sun tea. If inclement weather dampened outdoor activities the meats were cooked in the oven and on the stove.

I invite you to join me as I explore:

• A local brewery celebrating its 1st anniversary
• Making kale chips with a variety of locally grown  kale 
• A taste of California in Virginia
• Life after Culinary Techniques 101
• And much more!

I haven't forgotten that I'm overdue in sharing the final classes of Culinary Techniques 101, and looking for grill.  We'll explore that too!



Are you ready to set sail? Let's go!












Be well,
Technicolor girl

image created by Ink+LLC

Ringing Out the Old and Bringing in the New!

A message from Glenda reminded me of the numerous ways people recognize the end of the year and usher in the new year.

Traditions/rituals to end the year

• Drinking bubbly around midnight
• Eating grapes  at midnight (while standing on a chair, if possible)
• Eating seafood
• Attending a house of worship just before midnight
• Attending a party
• Hosting a party
• Attending a public New Year's Eve Celebration (e.g. opera house in Sydney Australia, ball drop in New York City)
• Thorough cleaning of the entire home
• Silent meditation

Traditions/ rituals to start the year

• Eating greens (collard, mustard, kale, turnip) 
• Eating  black eyed peas
• Eating chitterlings
• Crossing the street with luggage
• Wearing yellow underwear
• Have a male be the first to enter your home
• Sweeping dirt out the door
• Have money in your pocket

Growing up, we often prepared snacks to eat New Year's Eve evening while waiting for the start of the New Year, if we stayed awake until midnight. A favorite snack to prepare was brandied wieners. My mother has perfected her recipe; my sister and I  learned the recipe as result of observation and asking questions.  We have convened via phone or text messages to answer each other's questions about modifications to the recipe.  The house underwent a thorough cleaning on New Year's Eve and no clothes washing  was allowed on New Year's Day. We did wash dishes, however.

I still do a thorough housecleaning that wraps up by nightfall on New Year's Eve. It has sometimes made me so tired I was asleep before midnight on New Year's Eve. My cousin Antoine tells me that his family has a seafood feast on New Year's Eve.

This year I will be staying close to home.  The bottle of bubbly is chilling ( I chose a 2009 sparkling wine from Stone Tower Estate Winery to  bring in the new year. It's a blanc de blancs). I also  have green grapes chilling that will be consumed at midnight.  New Year's Day dinner preparations are underway too. A bowl of dried black eyed peas is soaking; I will make Hoppin' John. A mix of collard and mustard greens is also on the menu.

What traditions or rituals do you or you family employ to recognize the end of one year and the beginning of the next? Share your comments below.

Wishing each of you a 2015 filled with abundance and joy, Happy New Year!

Be well,

Technicolor girl

image created by Ink+ LLC

Smoothie King Bowie is now on the scene!

photo by TEP

I was about to close my email when the message below appeared in my inbox.

Friends, Family, and Colleagues,

Many of you know that Tonya and I have been working for more than a year to open up a Smoothie King franchise in Bowie (Maryland). We can’t tell you how happy it makes us to be able to announce we are opening our doors at the end of this week in Bowie Town Center!

 

We would love to have you join with us in celebrating this great news by attending our private, VIP party on Sunday from 2pm – 4pm at our store - 15407 Excelsior Drive.

photo by TEP

 

We’re located across the parking lot from L.A. Fitness in the town center (near Hair Cuttery, Bowie Town Barber Shop and around the corner from Safeway).

 

The mission of Smoothie King is to inspire people to live a healthy and active lifestyle and our goal in Bowie and Prince George’s County is to make our community even healthier.

Please plan to join us this Sunday between 2pm and 4pm! 

 

Best,

Steve & Tonya Brigham

##

 

I checked my calendar, I was available between 2pm and 4pm. I replied to the email stating  that I would stop by.

photo by TEP

 

When I walked in the door I was greeted warmly by one of the Brigham children who wanted to make sure I had a coupon to sample a smoothie. The space was filled with patron of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. The staff patiently answered questions and then repeated smoothie selections to ensure the order was the customer specification.

 

photo by TEP

While standing in line to give my order I reviewed the list of smoothie options. There were  lots of options! Many of the menu items listed the primary ingredients. On the far right side of the menu were boosters (supplements that can be added to a smoothie for a specific need , e.g. weight loss, protein, immunity boost).

photo by TEP

I ordered a apple kiwi, kale smoothie with an immunity booster ( a combination of  Vitamin C, green tea, Zinc, Echinacea, Selenium and Beta Carotene in powder form mixed into the smoothie). The smoothie was fresh tasting and not too sweet.

 

Bowie is not metro train accessible, but there are buses that stop in Bowie Town Center.  Paring is free and there are lots of space available.  

 

Smoothie King Bowie officially opened on 17 November 2014. I've asked Steve Brigham for an interview, so please check to read  about the genesis of the Smoothie King Bowie store.

 

If your schedule permits, I hope you will consider stopping by Smoothie King Bowie. The Brighams will be glad to see you and will  make you feel welcome.

 

Smoothie King Bowie

15407 Excelsior Drive

Bowie, MD 20716

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smoothiekingbowie

 

 Be well,

Technicolor girl



image created by Ink+ LLC