Featured Recipe: The Ultimate Game Day Chili Warm Up
January 6, 2013
Bold, flavorful chili is the ultimate game day grub, offering hearty portions to feed a hungry crowd and personalized toppings to suit every palate. For a delicious twist to your go-to, wow guests with a hearty, versatile pork-based chili with layers of savory flavor.
Smoky ingredients are all the rage, with fire-roasted tomatoes, bacon and chipotle peppers on the rise in restaurant menus across the country. Give this delicious trend the home-cooked treatment with Smoky Pork, Bacon and White Bean Chili, a simple recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and can be conveniently made in the slow cooker.
With this versatile recipe, it’s easy to add a personal touch. Make your hearty chili even more smolderingly smoky by adding finely chopped chipotle chiles (from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce) along with the onion. Or, to amp up the heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper powder along with the chili powder.
To round out the meal on game day – or any day – serve with warm corn tortillas or corn bread and a refreshing side salad with radishes and cilantro. Prepare a topping bar with sour cream, roasted tomato salsa, sliced avocadoes, scallions and shredded Jack cheese.
Smoky Pork, Bacon and White Bean Chili
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
8 ounces bacon, thick-cut, (5 or 6 slices), cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips
1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 1/2 pounds pork loin roast, cut into 3/4-inch dice
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 14 1/2-ounce cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 1/2 cups water
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, (white kidney) or other white beans, drained
Salt
1/2 cup sour cream, (optional)
2 scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
In large saucepan or small stockpot over medium heat, cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Add onion to bacon fat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, add pork, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are crisp-tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in chili powder and paprika. Stir in tomatoes (with juices) and water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender, 35 to 45 minutes.
Stir in beans and about 2/3 of bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 10 minutes. Add salt to taste.
Weekend Gardening: What To Do With Those Holiday Plants
January 5, 2013
People often give and receive decorative plants during the holiday season. Many of these plants can last long past the holidays, but only if you care for them properly.
Use the following tips to keep Christmas cactus, poinsettia, amaryllis, kalanchoe, and cyclamen healthy and vibrant long after the holidays are over.
Light & Water Conditions
Keep your holiday plants in bright, indirect light, such as a sunny window. You can also put plants under incandescent or fluorescent lamps if a room is too dim.
Keep the room temperature cool. The ideal temperature ranges are 65º to 75ºF during the day and 50º to 60ºF at night.
Make sure the plants are watered enough to stay evenly moist, but do not overwater. Even Christmas cactuses need to be regularly watered since they are not true cactuses.
Flowering
Most plants are already flowering when you give or receive them. Eventually the flowers will fade and you should remove them.
You can prepare some plants for next season’s flowering. Remember that plants like poinsettia and Christmas cactus need to be kept away from artificial light at night to stimulate flowering, usually beginning around October.
Amaryllis
Since amaryllis is a bulb, it easily flowers if you force the bulb. After the last flower fades, remove the bloom stalk, but let the leaves continue to grow. Keep amaryllis under bright light and fertilize it regularly.
In late summer, the leaves will die and the bulb will go into a resting stage. Reduce the amount of water it receives and store the bulb in a cool, dry place for two to three months.
Begin watering again and the bulb should reflower in four to six weeks.
Poinsettia
Poinsettias are hard for home gardeners to force to reflower.
When the poinsettia begins to drop its leaves, this signals the start of its resting stage. At this time, only water the poinsettia often enough to keep the stems and roots from drying out.
In April, prune the stems to six inches high, resume a regular watering and fertilization schedule, and place it where it will receive bright light that is not direct.
Planting
Most holiday plants are cold-sensitive, so only people in the southern part of Florida can consider planting their holiday plants outdoors without too much worry. Residents in northern parts of Florida can try growing their plant outdoors, but will most likely need to pay attention to weather reports and have some way of protecting plants from the cold.
Select the plants that have remained healthy and lush, and plant them after the chance of frost is past.
Poinsettias
Plant your poinsettia in a sunny spot that will not receive artificial light at night. The soil should be well drained.
Cut off fading bracts, leaving four to six inches of stem on the branches. Mulch around the plant, and keep it well watered during establishment.
Fertilize monthly from May to September.
Prune regularly during the growing season to keep the poinsettia from looking “leggy.” Stop pruning in September and flower buds will form in October.
If the plant was damaged by cold, cut it back to 12 to 18 inches of the ground or to living tissue in the spring after the chance of frost is passed.
Area Woman On People Magazine Cover, TV’s 20/20 After Losing 137 Pounds
January 4, 2013
A Santa Rosa County woman is on the cover of the latest edition of People magazine and was featured on ABC’s 20/20 Friday night because of her dramatic weight loss.
Ashley Donahoo, 27, was chosen for the cover of People’s 11th annual Half Their Size issue after losing 137 pounds since 2010.
“Eighteen months ago my son Zach gave me a hug and said, ‘Mom! I can reach my hands all around you.’ I started bawling because I never realized that he could never completely hug me,” the Pace resident told People.
People’s Half Their Size issue is on newsstands now. The ABC special 20/20 and People Half Their Size aired Friday night.
Meatless Mondays: Health Dept. Encourages Skipping Meat One Day
January 4, 2013
The Escambia County Health Department is advocating a program called “Meatless Monday” — encouraging residents to reduce the amount of meat in their diets.
The health department says eating less meat will improve personal health and the health of the planet. Supporting the international Meatless Monday movement, the Escambia County Health Department will provide information and resources about the benefits of eating more plant-based proteins and less meat.
“We’re not advocating complete avoidance of meat – that’s not realistic,” says Registered Dietitian and Community Health Education and Nutrition Director, Versilla Turner. “This campaign is about helping residents take small, manageable steps toward better health.”
The Escambia County Health Department will work with local restaurants, schools, and other establishments to promote eating less meat as a step toward a healthier diet. Weekly recipes, frequently asked questions, and an overview of why and how to eat less meat can be found on the campaign webpage on EscambiaHealth.com.
According to the Escambia County Health Department — Eating less meat can improve health, save money, and help sustain the environment. Excess meat consumption is linked to increased risks of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Replacing some meat with plant-based proteins improves health by increasing the variety of vitamins and minerals consumed, as well as providing more fiber and less saturated fat. Individuals can easily meet protein needs and still feel full and satisfied by eating more plant-based proteins and less meat. Finally, eating less meat can also help sustain the planet by decreasing energy usage and dependence on fossil fuels.
2012 In Photos: November
January 4, 2013
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2012. Today, we are featuring photos from November.
Two people were charged after a Davisville lottery store owner was shot and killed during a robbery.
The Pen Air Federal Credit Union was robbed in late November by a man claiming to have a gun.
The Northview Chiefs defeated Freeport during an overtime thriller in Bratt for the Chief’s third consecutive Region 1-1A championship.
A November sunset behind a Walnut Hill cotton field, giving the appearance of “southern snow”.
Children enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast at the Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center.
A church purchased the Chumuckla’s Farmer’s Opry and Campground just weeks after the country music landmark closed due to the owner’s retirement.
Firefighters took part in a live burn training exercise in Atmore.
The Tate High School Army JROTC marched in Pensacola’s Veterans Day Parade.
An emotional program honored veterans at Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
A program honoring veterans was held at Northview High School.
Tens of thousands of people attended the annual Blue Angels homecoming air show at Pensacola NAS.
2012 In Photos: October
January 3, 2013
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2012. Today, we are featuring photos from October.
Fire destroyed this vehicle alongside Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
A grand opening ribbon cutting was held for the new Molino Community Complex.
A Century convenience store was robbed at gunpoint. A suspect was arrested a few days later.
Mitt Romney campaigned in Pensacola in October, along with Sen. Marco Rubio and Connie Mack.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office uncovered this indoor marijuana grow operation at a home on Wesley Circle in Molino.
Hundreds of area residents attended Flomaton’s annual Fall Festival in October.
Over 14,000 took part in the 10th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Pensacola.
Northview High celebrated Homecoming with their annual parade through Bratt.
Ashley Cunningham was crowned Northview High School’s homecoming queen.
A BMX bicycle team presented high flying tricks and an anti-drug message at Rachel Patterson Elementary School in Atmore.
The Century Branch Library held their seventh annual Halloween program.
A small number of homes were evacuated after a gas leak in the Milestone subdivision off West Nine Mile Road.
Four people were injured in crash involving an ambulance in Century.
The 23rd annual crosstown rivalry between two inner city Pensacola youth sports leagues — the Soul Bowl — was held at the Maritime Park, with a little help from some youngsters from Jay.
A fall tradition is the annual Allen Memorial United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch.
A longstanding tradition of electing two homecoming queens — one African-American and one not — came to an end at Escambia County High School in Atmore under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Looking like Fall — bright yellow goldenrods lined the highways of North Escambia is October.
A visitor gets up close and personal with a snake during the annual Open House at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center in Cantonment.
Hundreds attended the annual Fall Festival at Molino Park Elementary School.
Numerous schools took part in several cross country meets at Northview High School.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Bomb Squad deposed of a military anti-personnel mine found at a home in Bratt.
Over 100 runners and walkers took part in the third annual Chief Challenge at Northview High School in October.
One person was stabbed inside a Century bar in October.
Hundreds of people attended a community-wide Fall Festival in Molino sponsored by four area churches.
Lineup Announced For 2013 Beulahfest
January 3, 2013
The lineup has been announced for this year’s Beulahfest.
Beulahfest will welcome country stars Randy Houser, Confederate Railroad, John Anderson and The Kentucky Headhunters to the Escambia County Equestrian Center on March 15-16. Local bands including Brooke Woods and The Dusty Sanderson Band will also perform.
On March 15, Randy Houser will perform at 9 p.m. On Saturday, March 16, Confederate Railroad will perform at 2 p.m., John Anderson at 5:30 p.m. and The Kentucky Headhunters at 9:30 p.m.
Ticket prices will be announced soon.
Beulahfest is a nonprofit organization operated by the Beulah Volunteer Fire Department and The Beulah Firefighter’s Community Improvement Association. For over 26 years, Beulahfest has raised money for local charities and community based nonprofit organizations.
Pictured: The Kentucky Headhunters (top) and Randy Houser (inset) will be among the country artists performing at this year’s BeulahFest. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
2012 In Photos: September
January 2, 2013
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2012. Today, we are featuring photos from September.
Fire destroyed this vacant home on Booker Street in Cantonment in September.
Tonia Allen
An overturned 18-wheeler and lots of peanuts caused tens of thousands of dollars to equipment at a Century sewage lift station at Highway 29 and Jackson Street.
Hundreds of students gathered at a schools across the area, including Ernest Ward Middle School, to pray during the annual See You at the Pole event.
A Flomaton man was critically injured in this Century wreck.
Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff Grover Smith was shot while attempting to apprehend a suspect at this home in Flomaton.
Homecoming was held at Tate High School.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee campaigned in Escambia County for Romney-Ryan and the Republican party.
A Flomaton man was seriously injured in this crash landing in September in Mississippi.
Firefighters battled a vehicle fire on West Highway 4 near Bratt.
Students learned fire safety at Molino Park Elementary School.
A September rainbow as seen from Bogia.
A Patriot Guard rider was injured in this crash on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
The Northview High School cheerleaders at a Friday night game.
A September 11 memorial service was held at NAS Pensacola.
Ernest Ward Middle School opened their season with a win over Perdido.
The Northview Chiefs opened their historic state championship season with a 60-0 win over John Paul II Catholic of Tallahassee.
2012 In Photos: August
January 1, 2013
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2012. Today, we are featuring photos from August.
Workers watch as the first $6.5 million train load of crude oil arrives at a new transfer station in Walnut Hill in August.
Hurricane Isaac left a calling card on Pensacola Beach.
Northview took on Catholic in high school volleyball.
Authorities removed a suspected meth lab from a mobile home in Escambia County, Ala.
Gov. Rick Scott paid a visit to Escambia County to promote Labor Day activities post-Hurricane Isaac.
A Robertsdale man allegedly opened fire in the parking lot of the Grocery Advantage in Cantonment, causing minor injuries to one person in the domestic violence incident.
Hurricane Isaac pounded Pensacola Beach with high surf.
August meant back to school for students across the area, including Aubree Jordan on her first day of kindergarten at Molino Park Elementary School.
The intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 29 continued to prove problematic for drivers.
Atmore elected Jim Staff (left) as mayor, ended more than two decades in office for Howard Shell (right).
LifeFlight lifts off following a motorcycle crash on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
Eli Miller of Walnut Hill shows his support for Escambia County Commission District 5 candidate Steven Barry at the Walnut Hill precinct during the August primary.
Atmore held a “Market in the Park” event downtown.
An overturned log truck snarled traffic for hours on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
A new Family Dollar store opened in Century.
Mission Molino — a joint group of students from Highland Baptist Church in Molino and Friendship Baptist Church of Cleburne, TX — teamed up to clean up and make an impact across Escambia County.
One person was injured and three horses were killed in this accident on West Highway 4 in Davisville.
The Molino 16U Lady Astros took second in the Southern Nationals.
Thousands turned out to Chick-fil-A restaurants in August, an effort organized by Mike Huckabee to support the Christian owned business.
Texting and driving became illegal in Alabama on August 1.
Make A Resolution To Be More Wildlife Friendly
January 1, 2013
The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions dates back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was said to have two faces which allowed him to look back on past events and forward to the future.
The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect on the issues of the past and resolve to do better in the upcoming year. The 2010 Gulf oil spill had a devastating impact on local wildlife. Florida is a state renowned for its diverse and unique ecosystems. But rapid development and environmental disasters, particularly in coastal areas, is continuing to destroy wildlife habitat. Resolve to be more wildlife-friendly in 2012 by following these easy tips from the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program.
Provide food
Select plants with seeds, fruit, foliage, or flowers that butterflies, birds, and other wildlife like to eat. Berries, fleshy fruits, nuts, and acorns are all treats for many animals.
Supply water
Any water you provide will attract wildlife. You could have running water in the form of a natural feature, such as a pond, creek, or other body of fresh water, but a fountain or birdbath will also beckon wildlife. Empty and clean your birdbath every few days. Do not clean it with soap or bleach—just physically scrub all surfaces with a brush or scouring-type sponge. Change the water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding and bacterial contamination.
Leave snags
Leave snags, which are the trunks of dead trees, in place if they do not create a hazard. Many birds use snags for perching, nesting, and feeding. Snags are often removed from yards or land mistakenly thought of as no longer having value. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A tree’s full life cycle at this point, is far from over.
Manage pets
If you permit pets to harass or kill wildlife, you will only hinder any efforts you make toward attracting wildlife. This is especially true for cats allowed outdoors.
Reduce insecticide use
Each time you apply an insecticide to your landscape, you reduce insect populations, which form an important food source for birds. Some chemicals can also poison birds and other animals that feed on affected insects.
Reduce the amount of mowed lawn area
Unmowed areas can contain more plant species than mowed areas, providing more potential food sources and habitat for wildlife. Reduce the mowed area around your house, especially in low-traffic areas, such as corners of the yard.
Increase vertical layering
Plant a variety of plants in different sizes and heights to provide more cover and feeding opportunities for diverse species of wildlife.
By following the simple tips in this chapter, your Florida-Friendly lawn and garden can become a sanctuary for wildlife, as well as part of a migratory passage between one wild space and another. Animals need to move from place to place, just like people. They have trouble traveling in heavily urban and suburban landscapes, but you can help them by joining your Florida-Friendly yard with others in the neighborhood to create a “natural corridor”—a safe, traversable route between woodlands, wetlands, or other wild areas.
For more specific information, visit the University of Florida/IFAS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscaping_for_wildlife or call your local Extension Office.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.