Tag: family

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Fresh produce offers health in seasonal colors

With the arrival of the end of the year holidays, I get the impression that my clients think they have a pass on doing the right thing. Not! I know there is  plethora of tempting edibles at every gathering, at homes, and workplaces.

But one of the best things about this time of year is the colorful and nutrition filled fresh produce. It’s as if Mother Nature selected the season’s bounty to fit right in with the traditional holiday colors of red and green.

Radishes

Though red radishes are the most popular, they also come in rose, purple, lavender, and white. The popular variety in red and white could easily be considered the Santa Claus vegetable.

With a few swift slits of the paring knife, these orbs become the focal point of a vegetable tray. They look good, and they are good for you. The radish is low in calories, and high in vitamins A and C.

Radishes are a good source of vitamins and minerals. The vegetable’s high water and fiber content aids in digestion and makes it an excellent detoxifier.

Radicchio 

This colorful veggie looks like red cabbage with deep red or magenta leaves and white veins. Its flavor is spicy, with a hint of bitterness. It adds a stunning  pop of color to salads, and vegetable trays. You can also spread radicchio’s leaves with hummus, dips, tuna, or shrimp salad instead of crackers. It is a good source of antioxidants, contributing to overall health and wellness. The veggie is also high in fiber, as well as vitamins C and K, which promotes bone health. It contains magnesium which helps build strong bones and teeth, and potassium which plays a positive role in regulating blood pressure.

Beets 

Red beets are available year-round and can be served roasted, steamed, pickled, or in juice. This vegetable is in the same family as spinach and Swiss  chard. Beets are a good source of heart healthy folate and potassium. They also contain energy producing carbohydrates, antioxidants manganese and vitamin C; they are a good source of digestive-supportive dietary fiber, along with magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.

You can intensify the color of beets by adding lemon juice or vinegar while cooking for a brighter color. Baking soda will cause them to turn a deeper purple. Add salt after cooking, because it can blunt the color.

Red Swiss Chard

This leafy green, also in the vegetable family with beets, is stunning with its magenta stalk and veins surrounded by textured deep green leaves.

Swiss chard is an excellent source of bone-building vitamin K, manganese, and magnesium; it is high in antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. It contains potassium and iron, is a good source of fiber and B vitamins including folate which is good for a healthy heart. Swiss chard can be included in salads and sandwiches or as a hot vegetable. To maximize the nutrients, quick cooking such as sauté or steaming is best.

Whether seasonal festivities or year ‘round, these “reds” are vegetables to dish about; they are fabulous looking, great of these to your menu and you’ll be one nutrition-savvy hostess/host serving great dishes that are nutrition rich.

Take Away: Festive occasions can be enjoyed without shelving your plan for good health. Make wise choices and try to opt for colorful fruits and vegetables. Plenty of fruits and vegetables will go a long way toward keeping the calories down and nutrition up.

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Coping with COVID over the holidays

With COVID still raging, what has been called “the most wonderful time of the year” might not seem quite so wonderful this holiday season.

In fact, for some, it might feel downright depressing.

But there are steps we can take to adapt during these unique times to make the holidays and the new year as happy and fulfilling as possible.

Acceptance
“Accept that things are going to look a little diff erent this year,” says Dr. Amy Bravo, PsyD, a psychologist in private practice in Weston.

“There may be parts of this holiday season that are not our preferred ways of doing things, that are disappointing or upsetting. We have to allow ourselves to accept that and to feel that,” she advises.

Boundaries
Decide what social interactions and parameters you are comfortable with given COVID, and set those boundaries.

Are you okay with in-person get-togethers? Indoors or outdoors?
What size group? Will you be socially distanced?

Have the others who will be in attendance been quarantining? Will people be wearing masks? Where have the other attendees traveled from and what was their mode of transportation?

Will attendees have recently taken a COVID test? Do you have family members who might be more vulnerable to COVID?

These are some of the considerations to think about as you set boundaries that you are comfortable with and that make you feel safe.

Communicate
Inevitably, not everyone is going to agree with your boundaries, but they should be respectful of yours and vice versa.

“What families want to be careful and mindful about is judgment of other peoples’ difference of opinion,” says Dr. Bravo.

“Accept that not every member of your family or your circle of friends is going to see things the same way.”

Understandably, it can be difficult and hurtful to disappoint friends and relatives when your COVID boundaries and theirs conflict and you or they feel the need to decline an invitation.

If you are the one declining the invitation, assure them that it’s not personal, (and don’t take it personally if they are unable to accept your invitation).

Convey that you would love to get together but under these circumstances you need to choose what is best for you and makes you feel safe, and that you are really looking forward to a time soon when you can get together again.

Be creative
Once you have accepted that the holidays are different this year and know your boundaries, focus on creative options that will make the holiday special.

Maybe it doesn’t work to get together with out-of-town family, but there are local friends with whom you see eye-to-eye.

Is there a way of incorporating family traditions and get togethers in new ways? Perhaps it’s an outdoor visit or with a smaller group.

Maybe you can get together via Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype, where grandparents can read Christmas stories or light Hanukkah candles with their grandchildren remotely, watch each other open gifts, or eat a meal together but in separate locations.

In other words, while you may be apart from family and friends, you still can be a part of family and friends’ holiday celebrations.

COVID has made this a difficult year, even more so for those who have lost loved ones or suffered and recovered from the virus.

It’s understandable to be sad because your world has shrunk in some ways.

“Through this year, there’s been a lot of downtime. And when there’s a lot of downtime, there’s time to get in your head. And that’s not usually positive,” says Dr. Irene LeBlanc, PhD, LMCH, a mental health counselor with Psychological Associates in Coral Springs and Boca Raton.

But as we look forward to the holidays and the New Year, we can view this COVID-induced downtime as an opportunity for growth.

“We’re social beings, we’re meant to have relationships and interact with people. That keeps morale up and lifts us emotionally. We’re not meant to isolate,” says Dr. LeBlanc.

Dr. Amy Bravo contact info is: amybravopsyd.com, 954-385-8884

Dr. Irene LeBlanc contact info is: Berlinmentalhealth.com, 985-974-8423

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You, too, can make a difference

What if one day you woke up and said to yourself:

  • I am going to do something good for others by forming a charity and
    creating a fundraising event that raises money for sick children.
  • I am going to raise money by hosting a Whiffle Ball Tournament as the
    flagship event.
  • I will coordinate food trucks, live entertainment, and a Home Run Derby.
  •  People will love it!

Now imagine telling your altruistic and lofty plans to your significant other and family and friends …And that is where the story usually ends.

The naysayers will quickly rain on your parade by reminding you: (1) you have no experience starting a charity; (2) you do not have a team of organizers or volunteers to help you run this charity; (3) it will take dozens, if not hundreds of hours, to set up this charity; and (4) you have a full-time job with three young children.

But you are not Todd Rodman. 

Todd Rodman is the president of Sports Chiropractic and Natural Health Solutions. Todd lives in Parkland with his wife Lorin, the “do-it-all” wife who writes a lifestyle and fashion blog, “Styled as a Mother” and his three children, Jack (11), Reese (9) and Austin (7).

The Rodmans are the family that wear elaborate costumes for Halloween, constantly post funny videos to social media, and hold impromptu driveway musicals for their neighbors’ enjoyment. They are Parkland’s version of the social media darlings, the Holderness Family.

In 2017, Todd, in conjunction with the Jason Taylor Foundation, organized the Inaugural “Whiffle Blast,” which took place at Pine Trails Park in Parkland.

Todd, a college baseball player, came up with the idea for a Wiffleball tournament while playing a pick-up game with his family. Now going on their fifth year, Whiffle Blast has raised over $125,000 for children battling cancer and other pediatric emergencies. Every penny donated goes toward charity.

Whiffle Blast, a Whiffleball round-robin tournament, may be the most fun charity event you will ever attend. It is super competitive, but all for a good cause. Last year, 30 teams battled it out to be crowned champion.

Hundreds cheered on the Home Run derby.

Who knew Wiffleball could be so intense?

Having no experience planning a fundraising event, all while running a successful business, the first year was challenging at times. Todd and Lorin cobbled together their plans on scraps of notebook paper.

They relied on grassroots efforts to promote the event and procure entertainment and raffle items.

They spent sleepless nights calling restaurants for gift certificates, coordinating food trucks, making DIY signs, and baking cookies to make sure the event was not a failure. Even their children contributed by getting their friends to work as volunteers.

Friends and family were so inspired by Todd’s desire to give back to his community, that they also chipped in and tapped their connections to make the event a success.

When I asked Todd why he started a charity he said, “Giving back to our community is so important to me because I understand what it’s like to be on the other side of the fence. I was inspired by the people before me who I look up to in the philanthropic community to pay it forward.”

Todd’s advice to anyone who wants to give back to their community: “Just do it. Yes, it is hard. Yes, it is a lot of work. And yes, it is the single most rewarding thing you can do with both your time and money. Your community will rally around you – they will not let you fail.”

Be inspired by Todd. Anyone can make a  difference – it is never too late. Do not get caught up in negativity. Do not be afraid to take chances. Parkland / Coral Springs is a resilient community that rallies around each other. To quote the movie Field of Dreams, “If you build it, he will come.” Todd Rodman built “Whiffle Blast” – that is his community legacy. What will you build? What will be your community legacy?

To learn more about Whiffle Blast check out https://jasontaylorfoundation.com/events/ whiffle-blast/. Start practicing hitting curve balls now as Whiffle Blast is on January 23, 2021.

Philip Snyder, Esq. is a partner at Lyons and Snyder, a Plantation law firm specializing in personal injury.

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Somerset Parkland Academy plans a Christmas “Winter Caravan to North Pole” celebration for their students

On December 17, 2020, the Somerset Parkland Academy will host a fun and creative holiday celebration in its latest innovative solution to bring brick and mortar kids together with virtual students. From 4:30pm–8:30 pm, the school will host a drive-thru Winter Caravan to the North Pole–Covid Style.

Students and their families can attend the event from the comfort and safety of their vehicles. Each car will make their way around the school parking lot, while enjoying costumed characters and stilt-walkers parading around the caravan, a Christmas light show with celebrity DJ Cruz, games that can be played from afar, throwing pies at teacher’s faces, and food truck galore.

Somerset Parkland Academy is a first-year charter school that opened its doors during the craziest times in 2020. Right away the school was forced to start with all virtual classes from  K-6th grade. Within 2 months, the school transitioned to a hybrid model with both brick and mortar students and remote-learning virtual students.

Somerset Parkland wanted to end the year with a flair as this Winter Caravan is another creative idea to allow the virtual students to experience the same holiday event as the in-person students.

Project Coordinator:  Jennifer Knight

(305)-469-8854 or jenniferharrisknight@gmail.com

Principal: Geyler Castro

(954)-718-3391 or gcastro@somersetparklandacademy.com

 

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Delray mom writes kids book on wearing masks

Delray Beach resident Shannon Q. McDonald, a mom of two young children, wanted to find a way to tell her kids about face masks in kid-friendly language, while also making them laugh at the same time.

To do so, she wrote Remember to Smile, a children’s picture book for kids ages 2-6 years old that describes and illustrates different styles of masks and when to wear them.

“I have a 3- and 5-year-old, and as a parent, I look for ways to explain some of the new COVID-related realities they are seeing in an age-appropriate way,” McDonald says. “I wanted something that was fun, but still carried a message about one of the most visual changes they are encountering in schools and daycares – face masks.”

As more and more places require masks, and young children have to experience so many new, confusing, and sometimes scary things, Remember to Smile adds playfulness and laughs around masks. With the help of some giggles and an adorable wiener dog based on the author’s family pup, Remember to Smile will help children become more comfortable with the idea of face masks, and encourage them to keep smiling, even if it has to be hidden from sight at times.

“Things look a bit different these days as we go out and about, especially for those little ones that are attending daycare or school this Fall,” McDonald said. “As our kids start to see and wear masks, it can be somewhat confusing. I hope that regardless of the various viewpoints about mask-wearing right now, people understand that this is a reality for our children. The most helpful thing we can do as parents is helping them to feel more comfortable and at ease when seeing anyone wearing them.”

The book is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon as a paperback, hardcover or e-book.

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The holidays during COVID

 

Rabbi Stollman

Approaching the 9th month of the pandemic, we are faced with the challenge, yet again, of how to celebrate a holiday during a time of isolation and separation.

As many families cancelled their annual Thanksgiving dinners with  relatives in order to remain safe, we continue to experience the ongoing sense of loss and grief. I am not sure we will ever get to a stage of acceptance.

Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights, runs from December 10 through December 18. How can it help illuminate a dark and sad time for us? Originally intended to be a private celebration at home, hanukkiyahs, or menorahs, are displayed in the window for the passerby to enjoy. This year, they will continue to light the darkness, even if no one is on the street to see it. As the light grows with each night of the eight-branched candelabrum, we hope to bring more light into our world. The light commemorates the legend of the single cruse of oil that lasted eight nights. We traditionally eat foods fried in oil such as latkes, potato pancakes, or sufganiyot, jelly donuts. Due to the influence of other December holidays, it has also become the main gift- giving holiday for Jews in North America.

Most people do not know this, but because Hanukkah does not originate in the Bible, it is considered a minor festival. While Jews often gather for parties and public candle lightings, it is perfectly acceptable (although maybe not preferable) to celebrate with those only in your household. If not, virtual gatherings may be an option as well, or following CDC guidelines for celebrating outdoors.

The word Hanukkah comes from the Hebrew word for dedication, and it is derived from the Maccabees’ rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. While we are not celebrating as we might have in the past, we can rededicate ourselves to what is most important. The moral of the Hanukkah story in the ancient texts reminds us that “Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit says the Lord of Hosts” (Zech 4:6). Faith and hope can be more useful than strength sometimes.

I encourage you to see this holiday as an opportunity to help bring light into the world– from donating money or gifts to charitable organizations, called tzedakah. While we may feel physically restricted this year, we are still blessed with our religious freedoms to celebrate and many of us have the means to help others.

Let us remember the importance of the blessings we say on the fi rst night as we light the lone candle. In addition to thanking God for enabling us to fulfi ll the mitzvah or commandment of kindling the holiday lights, we thank God for helping us reach this season, and the great miracle that took place for our ancestors. No matter what we face in the world right now, we still can thank God for what we have, including the blessing of each new day and the hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Pastor Andy Hagen

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 We have been walking through a unique kind of darkness these past eight months. Without warning, we were plunged into darkness when the COVID pandemic arrived. In this darkness, we experienced fear of contracting the illness, worry, and grief for those affected, anxiety due to a shaken economy, tension over increased political division, and confusion over safe practices. The greatest darkness may well be a sense of isolation from each other.

The blessing of belonging to a community of faith is that our members have had many opportunities to “walk in the light” together. Our Bible studies and small groups have continued to meet through the blessing of Zoom and in person when safe. I’ll never forget the smiles of joy the first time some of our seniors figured out how to join us online! Safely distanced, we’ve been able to worship together since May. It is a strange thing as a pastor to preach to a room of bank robbers! One woman shared with me that her church is the only thing that has kept her from loneliness and despair. “How are those who don’t have a church getting through?” she wondered. Not well, I fear, for the darkness is deep.

My family has also been looking forward to the ray of light expected with our first grandchild’s arrival in January. Our weeks and months have been filled with the same kind of excitement and anticipation that inspired Isaiah to share words of hope to those people walking in darkness- “For to us a child is born, a son is given.” Isaiah 9:6 May such joy dawn on us all.

 

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Dating during the pandemic

In addition to all of the tragic circumstances, COVID-19 has thrown romance for a loop.

Over the last seven months of the pandemic, individuals continue to long for social interaction, whether it is virtual or socially distanced. Before the pandemic, we did not know how fortunate we were to easily meet with a friend for coffee or fly and visit a different state until those types of activities were taken from us in a matter of months.

Josh and I began dating a month before the pandemic began. Right when we were getting to know each other we had to begin thinking about what mattered to us and how we would make our new relationship work during the pandemic.

Both Josh and I are very family oriented and have grandparents with health conditions. This meant that we had to create some sort of plan where we could still see each other, but also respect our families and their health.

We did not want to have one of us move in with the other’s family because it would not be fair to the other, so we had to weigh our options.

I decided to reach out to my older sister, Stephanie. She had already moved away to quarantine with her boyfriend in his hometown. Stephanie graciously offered Josh and I the opportunity to quarantine together in her vacant Miami apartment.

Two months into our relationship, Josh and I, along with my 9-month-old puppy Ellie, moved in.

A lot of my friends thought we were crazy.

“How are you going to quarantine with a guy you have only been dating for a month?”

“Isn’t it too soon?”

“Julie, are you sure?”

Sure, my friends’ comments were valid, but they were also wrong. The quarantine brought Josh and I closer and allowed us to get comfortable faster.

With all the time we had by ourselves we were able to see each other’s strengths and differences. We learned more about each other and created some of the best memories. I learned that Josh makes a mean steak and Josh learned that he could always count on baked goods due to my love of baking.

Around the beginning of May, my sister returned. I moved back in with my parents and Josh prepared to move into his new apartment. I work from home and Josh works at his law firm. Since the shutdown, his firm has put in strict social distance protocols in accordance with CDC guidelines. We see each other often as well as our families, and only surround ourselves with people we have been around from the start of the pandemic.

As the pandemic continues, some people choose to date online, some continue with the traditional dating route in person, and some have just stopped dating.

“It’s weird. You want to be conscious of what is going on in the world but at the same time you don’t want to be alone,” Jessica Harper, 23-year-old Florida resident, said.

Online dating sites report record use as singles look for someone to connect with and bring some light into these uncertain times.

According to the popular dating site Hinge, messages on the application have increased by 30% since the pandemic began. Dating in the age of COVID-19 is simple for some and difficult for others. Instead of fearing rejection, ghosting, or catfishing, you now have to worry about infection.

College senior, Edramy Mancheno says, “I am not dating during COVID because I don’t trust random people I don’t know; so I don’t know if they’re safe from the virus or not. Since I live with my parents there is a higher risk of them being infected too.” “I definitely feel like I’m going on less dates. I’m trying to figure out beforehand if this is someone I’d even enjoy a date with because of the risk of COVID,” Harper said.

But how do you figure out beforehand the risks of meeting someone? Do they wash their hands regularly? Who are their contacts?

We have to pick and choose what is important to us. No one knows when the pandemic will subside, so why stop living your life? Get out there, whether on a virtual or socially-distanced date, depending on your comfort level.

 

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Coral Springs Resident and President of Sign Greeters, Ivonne Simon, Delivering Smiles!

Now 38 Owners Across 11 States

“We are currently delivering smiles for all occasions and celebrations,” said co founder and president of Sign Greeters, Ivonne Simon, from Coral Springs “These days, people are looking for new and different reasons to celebrate!”

Sign Greeters, a popular national yard greeting sign company, has built a brand that helped contribute to an era of drive-by parties, small outdoor gatherings, and Zoom parties. As such, the yard sign business has boomed, delivering satisfaction for both the clients and the owners during the pandemic.

Sign Greeters was founded by Ohio State University sorority sisters Ivonne Simon and Stacie Francombe (from Atlanta, GA). In March 2020, the two successful businesswomen saw the demand for the Sign Greeters business. With Ivonne’s top recruiting skills and Stacie’s 20 plus years of marketing, they had the perfect team.

“Stacie and I saw an incredible vision for this company during a time of uncertainty,” says Ivonne. “We wanted to help families during the pandemic – both families who were looking for new ways to celebrate birthdays and special occasions, and those who were looking for a new source of income after losing jobs. This was a natural fit for so many, who are now becoming regional owners of a company that is both meaningful and profitable.”

The Sign Greeters brand now has 38 owners across 11 states, in less than four months, and it’s picking up speed.

From a birthday, graduation, or baby shower to bar/bat mitzvahs, Christmas/Hanukkah, or Welcome Home, Sign Greeters has the yard signs that have helped families across the country celebrate special occasions and bring joy to all those who see them.

To order your Sign in Parkland, Coral Springs or Boca, please contact Ivonne at 954-459-1859. To place your yard greeting order in other areas of South Florida, or to find out more about owning your own Sign Greeters Business, please visit our website www.signgreeters.com.

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Holiday treats, savory and sweet

Holiday and New Year celebrations may be more restrained this year but you can still enjoy a treat or two, savory or sweet.

One of my favorites is rumaki. It’s a combination of chicken livers, bacon, and water chestnuts marinated in a soy, brown sugar, and garlic sauce with fresh ginger.

I know, I know. Many of you are already making a face at the word, liver. But just give this a try. In all my years of cooking and catering, rumaki was always a favorite among my clients.

My mother would make it New Year’s Eve if they were entertaining. My sister and I weren’t invited to the actual celebration, but a special plate of appetizers was always prepared for us.

Rumaki
1 lb. chicken livers, deveined and fat particles cut off , cut into 1” pieces
1 lb. good quality bacon, sliced in half length wise
2 cans whole water chestnuts. Cut each chestnut into half rounds
1 cup soy sauce
1⁄2 cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced through a garlic press
1⁄4 cup dry white wine ginger. If using whole, peel a piece about 1⁄2” in length and cut that into 4 pieces. If using ground, about 1⁄2 teaspoon.
Round, wooden toothpicks
Frilly toothpicks for presentation

Rumaki

Lay out each bacon slice onto a wooden board. You may have to do this more than once, depending on the size of your cutting board.

Starting at the bottom of the piece of bacon, place one water chestnut. On top of that add a piece of liver.

Using a toothpick, start at the end of the bacon, just under the chestnut and liver, and begin to roll up the bacon, as tightly as possible. Skewer each piece and set aside.

Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, wine, garlic, and ginger. Mix thoroughly and put into a heavy-duty plastic, sealable bag. Put each piece of rumaki into soy mixture and seal the bag.

Marinate at least six hours to overnight. I usually always do the overnight method. That way they are ready to go into the oven at any moment.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil. This just helps with clean-up.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the bacon to cook completely. At this point, I exchange the toothpicks for the frilly ones and plate. Some people heat the soy mixture to a boiling point and serve alongside the rumaki. Personally, I think they have lots of flavor as is.

Moving on, desserts were seldom on our menu growing up. I’m not sure why, except dessert, unlike other foods, is an exact science. You can’t just throw anything you want into desserts because it will change the texture and cooking time.

However, as I got into my catering career, I realized that dessert was always on the menu. Most of my customers would ask me to make desserts that they didn’t normally make themselves. Desserts require time and attention. I began experimenting, on my family of course (husband and two daughters) and they were always willing tasters. Here’s one of their favorites.

Apple Cream Cheese Tart
(For the crust)
1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose fl our
1 1⁄2 sticks unsalted butter
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
(For the apples)
3 Granny Smith apples
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons Cointreau
1⁄4 cup sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons cinnamon
(Cream-cheese filling)
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1⁄2 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
9, or 10, inch tart pan with removable bottom

Apple Tart

 

Place butter, flour, sugar, and vanilla into a food processor and process until completely combined. Remove and wrap in plastic wrap while you mix the apples. Don’t clean the processor. In a large bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, Cointreau, and lemon juice.

In a large bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, Cointreau, and lemon juice. Peel, core, and slice apples thin and add to cinnamon mixture. Continue until all apples are done. Mix apples thoroughly with cinnamon mixture.

Take the pastry out of the refrigerator, and by using your hands, place pieces of dough over the tart pan. Begin to press down on dough until the entire bottom of tart pan is covered. I usually go up the sides as well.

Mix the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla in the processor and process until completely combined.

Spread the cream cheese mixture over the entire pastry.

Begin, on the outer edge, to place apple slices. After you have the first row placed, begin the next layer and start again where the apples meet. You want the apples to look pretty. Continue until you reach the center. I will usually add some of the apple juice mixture. You will probably have apple slices left. Enjoy!

Bake tart for 35 to 45 minutes. I usually put the tart pan into a larger pan to catch any juices. You want the tart to look beautifully golden. Take out and cool slightly.

Melt apricot or peach jam along with some Cointreau. Bring to a boil and brush the whole tart with the apricot glaze.

Once the tart is cool enough to touch, I begin to play with removing it from the bottom. Sometimes it will get stuck in places, but usually comes out easily. Place the tart, with bottom attached, onto a platter to serve.

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Anglers: It’s Spanish mackerel time

Anglers who fish offshore or inshore can celebrate the holiday season by catching Spanish mackerel, which are plentiful in South Florida in December right on through March.

According to legendary Capt. Bouncer Smith of Miami Beach, all that’s needed to catch the smaller cousin of the king mackerel, or kingfish, are some No. 1 planers or some 2-ounce cigar leads, and some No. 2 red-bead Clark spoons.

The planers, which are rectangular pieces of steel with a clip attached, and cylindrical weights get the spoons down to where the Spanish mackerel hang out.

“Anytime that you exit the inlet and it’s too rough to run, or if you see birds anywhere along the coast in your travels, you deploy your planers or cigar leads with a 6-foot to 8-foot leader and a red-bead No. 2 Clark spoon, and there’s an excellent chance that you’ll encounter Spanish mackerel,” said Smith, who added that the fish eat swimming plugs.

“To complement your emergency supply of Clark spoons and planers, some 6- or 7-inch Yo-Zuri Crystal minnows are also an excellent trolling bait for Spanish mackerel.”

Smith said don’t hesitate to put out some double-hooked ballyhoo, which are commonly used for dolphin, if you come across a school of mackerel as you’re heading back to the inlet. He said ballyhoo are a good bait for big Spanish mackerel, which can top 10 pounds.

“If you encounter Spanish mackerel, or Spanish mackerel are your target for the day, bring ample boxes of chum, and if at all possible, glass minnow chum, which is not to be confused with silversides,” Smith said, adding that Spanish mackerel can be caught in inlets out to 90 feet of water, with the best fishing in 20-40 feet. “And then a bucket of live shrimp or several dozen small live pilchards, and it’ll be one of the funnest days your kids will ever have.

“You find where the mackerel are, you anchor up and you chum. Fishing with small live shrimp and small pilchards, the kids’ll have lock and load action, and it’ll be a lot of fun.”

Smith emphasized that the smaller the shrimp, the better.

“The biggest tip on fishing for mackerel with shrimp is don’t pick the big shrimp,” he said. “Real small shrimp will consistently catch a Spanish mackerel. The real big shrimp, if it gets bit, will get bit in half, and always the end without your hook in it. So go with the really small shrimp. The ridiculously smallest one in the bucket. It’s highly effective for Spanish mackerel. Hook it through the head, because you want them to swim very naturally.

“If you want to have a little bit more exciting action, it’s very critical if you’re using a nylon jig or a bucktail, to use the smallest little piece of shrimp on the hook. The bucktail or the nylon jig will dance very pretty, but if you put a big chunk of shrimp on, it won’t. If you use a little teeny piece of shrimp, then the jig will still have great action and it will smell like a shrimp.”

Smith recommended using 1/0 to 3/0 long-shank hooks with the baits, preferably black or bronze, with 30- or 40-pound fluorocarbon leaders, which are invisible in the water. He did note that some sharp-toothed mackerel will cut through the leaders, but you’ll get many more bites than if you use wire leaders.

Losing a hook is not a big deal, but losing a lure can be. Smith said that anglers who cast spoons, plugs, or jigs for mackerel might find fluorocarbon too expensive if they get too many cut-offs, so he suggested using 20-pound titanium wire.

To keep a Spanish mackerel, it must measure at least 12 inches from the tip of the mouth to the fork of the tail. The daily bag limit is 15 per angler, which will provide numerous meals for your family and friends. The delicate white flesh can be prepared a number of delicious ways, including smoked, broiled or grilled, and it’s excellent for ceviche.

“That’s my very favorite smoked fish,” Smith said. “And it’s really good
fried when it’s fresh.”

Having the fun of catching a dinner that satisfying is something worth celebrating.

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Parkland mom launches Dough Nation

With the increase in schools and workplaces closed due to the pandemic, many parents have found themselves holding multiple roles.

ER nurse and Parkland resident, Shannon Taccalite, has firsthand experience.“My husband and I do everything we can to keep our kids active and off electronics. School is virtual, so it gets to be too much.”

A mother to 4 children, ages 2-20, Taccalite juggles working as a full-time nurse and a mother. Since the pandemic, Taccalite has had to find activities to keep her children busy for more than five minutes.

While home one day with her 2-year-old daughter, Demi, Taccalite decided to search online mom blogs for inspiration to keep her little ones busy. “At first, I experimented with colored pasta, colored rice, and rainbow shaving cream, but Demi and my 9-year-old son Massimo got bored quickly with the other stuff… not to mention it made a MESS!”

She found that the only thing that would keep her kids busy for more than 5 minutes was playdough.

“The dough kept them engaged, especially when I added little things for them to make a scene or cutters to make shapes,” Taccalite said.

Taccalite’s kids would grab the tablet or TV if they were bored, but when she offered to make the dough, they would get really into the process.

She decided to create her own dough for many reasons. “I didn’t want to go out to the store with the kids, so I used what I had on hand, and secondly, I could add oils to mine to make them smell good and change the consistency to what felt nice. The store-bought dough tends to be harder and doesn’t smell as good in my opinion!” Taccalite said.

Besides the fun experience of creating the dough with her children, Taccalite says that she and her children like to make it themselves because it can be customized.

After creating some for her kids, Taccalite gave samples of dough to neighborhood kids and her work friends’ kids.  Each person who tried out the product said the same. “It kept my kid busy for longer than 5 minutes.”

With all the positive comments Taccalite received from the dough, she started to create and sell themed dough kits.

Taccalite makes the dough in her kitchen with the help from her children. “I wear gloves. I keep it super clean. It is all non- toxic, made with household ingredients. It took a while to get the consistency and smell, but with practice, I figured what worked.”

The non-toxic products she uses include vegetable oil, salt, cream of tartar, flour, glycerin, coloring, and flavor oils. When customizing each kit, Taccalite likes to use scents and colors to add to the experience.

“In the explorer kit, the black smells like dirt, the brown smells like wood, and the green smells like grass. The candy kit smells like jelly beans or cotton candy, so the kids get the whole experience! They picked their color, scent, and played with all of the accessories to create an entire scene.” Taccalite said.

Taccalite has always been into charity and giving back to her community. The Operation Underground Railroad has been a charity near and dear to her heart. With this in mind, she decided to give 5% of all proceeds she makes to the Railroad. With the business surrounding dough and her passion for donating, Dough Nation was born.

In the end, this will not be Taccalite’s full-time job, but it is a way to keep her children and other children in the area entertained during the quarantine downtime.

“My kids see what it is like to start a business. It’s a learning
experience. If you have an idea go for it,” Taccalite said.

If interested in trying a sensory kit, head to www.doughnation.shop to learn more.

 

 

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Drive-thru holiday light shows

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, the Festival of Lights, Kwanzaa, or Festivus (for the Rest of Us) this holiday season — it’s safe to say that we could all use a little extra light in our lives this year. If you’re looking for family friendly activities that are also COVID-safe — consider taking the show on the road!

Holiday Fantasy of Lights

Holiday Fantasy of Lights is proud to announce its 26th year of spreading magical, luminescent cheer! A South Florida family tradition, Holiday Fantasy of Lights will return for the 2020 season displaying its drive-thru spectacular with thousands of lights to dazzle the whole family. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Gilda’s Club of South Florida, an organization dedicated to providing free services to men, women, and children impacted by cancer.

Website: holidaylightsdrivethru.com

Located: Tradewinds Park 3600 W

Sample Rd. Coconut Creek, FL 33073

2020 Dates: Nov 20 – Jan 2, 2021

Hours: Nightly 6-10 p.m.

 

Lights 4 Hope

Lights 4 Hope, Inc will return once again for the 2020 season to showcase a delightfully illuminated drive-thru holiday light show with a purpose — to share the spirit of giving with those less fortunate, and inspire happiness and hope to those in need during the holiday season. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, proceeds from the light show will go toward gifting holiday decorations and presents to children in local hospitals and families in need.

Website: lights4hope.org

Located: Okeeheelee Park 7715

Forest Hill Blvd. WPB, FL 33413

Cost: $12 to $30 depending on vehicle size, number of occupants.

2020 Dates: Nov 20 – 22, Nov 27-29, Dec 4-6, Dec 11-13, Dec 18-20, Dec 25-27, 2020

Hours: Fridays & Saturdays 6-10 p.m.

Sundays 6-9 p.m. (weather permitting)

Neighborhoods
For decades, these neighborhoods in South Florida have made a tradition out of bringing festive joy to the hearts and sparkle to the eyes of both the young and old by illuminating their homes and communities.

Gabriel Lane “The Christmas Street” (West Palm Beach, FL)

The Heights of Jupiter (Jupiter, FL)

 

 

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