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Crockpot Beef Stew With Potatoes and Peas

Megan HerrenCooking, Recipes

The term “comfort food” can be used in reference to a host of dishes. Some see Mom’s homecooking as the ultimate comfort food, while others may insist hearty dishes that fill the belly are the only true comfort foods.

Regardless of one’s definition of comfort food, one characteristic many might agree about is that foods must provide more than mere sustenance to qualify for entry into this wide-ranging category. Beef stew certainly fits that criteria, as many feel nothing is more comforting on a cold winter day than a warm bowl of slow-cooked stew. As winter settles in, those looking for some slow-cooked comfort can try this recipe for “Crockpot Beef Stew With Potatoes and Peas” from Lines+Angles.

Crockpot Beef Stew With Potatoes and Peas

Makes 6 servings

2 pounds boneless stew beef

1 teaspoon coarse salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped

2 celery ribs, rinsed, trimmed and sliced

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and pressed

2 cups baby carrots, sliced

6 small new potatoes, rinsed and cut into bite-sized pieces

6 ounces tomato paste

4 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon dried parsley

2 cups frozen peas

1. Rinse the beef under cold running water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, cut the beef into generous bite-size pieces.

2. Combine the salt, pepper and flour. Place the cubed beef in a large resealable plastic storage bag. Add the seasoned flour and shake to thoroughly coat the beef with flour.

3. Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the flour-coated beef and brown on all sides.

4. Place browned beef in the crock pot. Add onions, celery, garlic, carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley.

5. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 to 7 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas, cover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.

6. Ladle stew into individual serving bowls and serve.

Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on age and size of crockpot.

Tips For Successful Dog Training

Megan HerrenAnimals, Pets

After providing a safe home, veterinary care and nutritious food, the best thing a pet owner can do for a dog is provide adequate behavioral training. Some of the issues that result in pet surrenders can be traced to behaviors that might have been quashed had the dog undergone thorough obedience training.

All dogs can benefit from learning basic commands, and the RSPCA says successful training is a rewarding part of dog ownership. There are many things one might want to teach a pet and a variety of strategies to pursue that training. These tips can help anyone successfully train their dog, leading to a an even stronger relationship between owner and pet.

Elect a Dog Trainer

If a dog resides with many people in the household, select one person who will be the primary trainer to establish the ground rules of the training sessions. If multiple people bring various styles to the dog training, that could result in inconsistencies that confuse the animal. Once the training sessions have proven successful, the trainer can share what he or she is doing with others in the home and they can mimic the same commands and gestures.

Use Positive Reinforcement

According to Small Door Veterinary, almost all vets agree that positive reinforcement training is the most effective method of training a companion animal. This type of training rewards good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. The American Kennel Club says training is more successful when owners identify what the dog finds rewarding. Some dogs are very food-motivated, while others might be willing to work for play sessions or just verbal praise.

Consistency is Best

Always use the same word and intonation when asking a dog to do something. Everyone in the home also needs to be on the same page with rules, which means that if one person says “no” to the dog on the furniture and another says “yes,” the dog will end up confused.

Patience is Key

Although dogs can read human body language and gestures, they do not actually comprehend all language, says the AKC. It can be some time before a dog understands all training requests.

Start Small and Build Up

Teach a dog commands incrementally and reward each step of the learning process. For example, reward the “stay” command even if the puppy only stays for a second or two. Later on, build up to longer durations of staying still.

Praise Small Things

It is easy to get caught up in the end goal of training, but experts note little victories are equally important. Praising the pet when he or she does something right, even if it is a small thing, will keep the motivation going.

Finish Positively

End all training sessions with something the dog knows so that the session will end on a high note.

If training does not come easily after many weeks of going it alone, pet owners may want to seek the help of a professional dog trainer. Professionals also can be helpful for those pet owners who want to break dogs out of unsavory behaviors, such as leash aggression or excessive barking.

Get A Head Start On New Year’s Resolutions

Megan HerrenHolidays, Lifestyle

After the rush of the holiday season has largely ended, and the excess of the season starts to weigh on celebrants’ minds, it is customary for many people to start thinking about the changes they want to implement in the new year. According to a Pew Research Center survey of United States adults conducted in January 2024, 30 percent of people reported making at least one resolution, with half of this group making more than one. The survey also found that young adults are the most likely to make New Year’s resolutions, with 49 percent of those between the ages 18 and 29 saying they have made a resolution.

It’s never too early to start thinking about what to improve upon in 2025, or which goals to set. Here are some common resolutions and how to implement them.

Exercise More

Getting in shape is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions every year. Gym memberships spike and people often invest in home exercise equipment around this time of year. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, wearable technology continues to be a top trend in fitness and has been a mainstay since 2016. While Fitbit and the Apple Watch series have remained strong contenders, one also may want to invest in the Garmin Vivomove, which boasts wireless charging. Tracking fitness goals can keep those resolutions going strong.

Improve Mental Well-Being

Getting in shape is not the only health-related goal this time of year. Mental health also comes into play when people make their resolutions. Taking opportunities to slow down and be more mindful can help. One way to do so is through journaling. Human behavior expert and author Natalie Friscia Pancetti, says journaling reduces stress, helps with anxiety, encourages confidence, and can improve perceptions. This is why she developed a journal with inspirational writing prompts as a companion to her “This Too” book and planner.

Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is a worthy goal. Health care experts know smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and has been linked to more than 27 diseases. Many people want to quit smoking, but the Mayo Clinic says only about 5 percent of people who try to quit succeed without a smoking cessation product. Nicotine replacement items are some of the most popular smoking cessation tools. For those who want to go drug-free, Füm is a device that addresses the three major components of habit formation that occur with smoking. Employing flavored air, the device replaces the fixation of the hand-to-mouth habit with non-addictive plant extracts that are inhaled, simulating smoking without the negative effects.

Learn A New Language

Learning a new skill or language is another popular resolution. Today there are many apps available to help people learn one or more new languages. From Duolingo to Babbel to Memrise, there are programs available whether one is a visual learner or wants to jump right into specific phrases.

Many people get a jump-start on identifying their resolutions in early- to mid-December so they’ll be ready to move forward come New Year’s Day.

10 New Year’s Eve Party Pointers

Megan HerrenAdvice, Entertainment, Holidays

Many people consider New Year’s Day the unofficial end of the holiday season. That often means that New Year’s Eve is an opportunity to socialize, gather and party one final time before returning to the routines of daily life.

The first known instance of New Year’s celebrations can be traced to around 2,000 B.C. in the region of Mesopotamia. Celebrants were gathering in March, rather than January, as this was the time of the vernal equinox, when the darkness of winter subsided and agricultural life could begin anew.

As individuals count down the days until New Year’s Eve festivities, these planning tips can make the celebrations occasions to remember.

1. Consider a theme. Everyone who is anyone is having or attending a NYE party. Let your event stand out from the throngs of others with a theme. Guests can come dressed as dynamic duos (like Mario and Luigi) or the party can evoke a bygone era, such as the roaring 1920s. Let guests know what they can do to play the part.

2. Start late. You do not want guests wiped out by the time midnight arrives. Therefore, start the party at around 9 or 10 p.m. and anticipate it lasting into the wee hours of the morning.

3. Tailor drinks to the season. Utilize seasonal ingredients when crafting drinks, or serve drinks that are expected this time of year, such as a boozy eggnog or cranberry Moscow mules.

4. Provide various activities. Plan fun activities during the party. Offer card games or board games to give guests something to do. Karaoke or group activities like trivia also can spread out the fun.

5. Beverages should be accessible. Unless you are hiring a bartender who will be on call to pour drinks, having drinks ready to go is a smart idea. In addition to cans/bottles of beer or malt beverages, have ready-to-go mixed drinks available by selecting a signature drink and preparing a bulk batch.

6. Curate a winning playlist. Ask guests to submit a list of their favorite tunes so you can create a collection of songs that will ebb and flow with the evening’s events. Be sure to include some sing-a-long favorites like “Don’t Stop Believin'” or “Tiny Dancer.”

7. Offer self-serve foods. Much like having drinks ready to go, make foods accessible as well. Finger foods and bite-sized morsels will not require guests to carry plates, reducing the chances for spillage. Sliders, miniature quiches and dessert shooters should suffice.

8. Tie decorations into the theme. Classic New Year’s Eve decorations include balloons, streamers and confetti. Think about a very festive balloon arch or backdrop that also can serve as a place to pose for photo opportunities.

9. Offer takeaway gifts for designated drivers. Encourage guests to stay sober and volunteer for designated driving duties by offering prizes. Ideas include gift cards to coffee shops or restaurants.

10. Be ready for midnight. Have a large television at the ready to show the midnight countdown and start pouring champagne roughly 20 minutes before midnight to ensure all glasses are full when the clock strikes 12.

New Year’s Eve celebrations get an extra boost from a well-planned party.

Santa’s Whiskers

Megan HerrenBaking, Holidays

The holiday season doubles as cookie season. Indeed, there’s no shortage of baking opportunities in December. Various cookies make the rounds, and if you are tasked with bringing cookies to a function, you might be interested in something a little different.

“Santa’s Whiskers” likely get their name from the coconut on these cookies, which resemble Santa’s beard. Maraschino cherries add some jolly red to the cookies as well, making them perfect for Christmas. Try this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.

Santa’s Whiskers

20 to 24 cookies

1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar

1 cup butter, softened

1 12-ounce jar pitted maraschino cherries, strained and stemmed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

  1.  In a stand mixer, with a hand mixer, or by hand, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
  2.  Add the cherries, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Fold into the flour and mix until it forms a crumbly but moist dough.
  3.  Lay a 16-inch sheet of parchment paper onto the counter. Sprinkle 1 cup of the coconut on th center in a loose rectangle, making sure it does not reach the edge of the parchment. Place the cookie dough on top, flattening a bit with your fingers, and sprinkle the remaining coconut over the top of the dough.
  4.  Form the dough into a 12- to 14-inch log, about 3 inches thick. Evenly press the coconut around the log and roll to make the log an even cylinder.
  5. Roll the parchment up with the dough inside and twist the ends. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice cookies in 1/4- to 1/2-inch rounds, place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.

Make Holiday Crafting A Family Affair

Megan HerrenCrafts, Holidays

Families gather frequently during the holiday season as everyone enjoys the feasts and festivities that are synonymous with this time of year. Families often bake and decorate together, as these activities are inclusive of people of all ages.

This time of year also is one for dabbling in creative pursuits. Now is a prime opportunity to bond with children over a table full of paint, glue, beads, and other crafty supplies. The crafts made during the holidays often become cherished mementos that will be regarded fondly for years to come. Here are some ideas to inspire holiday creativity.

Snowman family

Handprint crafts are popular among children. Adults and children can dip their hands into washable white paint and make a handprint stamp on a small canvas, wooden palette or even a terracotta flowerpot. Decorate the white fingerprints with black dots to look like the faces of the snowmen and paint on top hats and scarves. In the years to come, artists can marvel at how small their hand prints once were.

Wine cork reindeer

Repurpose wine corks by crafting adorable little reindeer. Two corks make up the head and the body, and four vertically will comprise the feet. Stick on googly eyes, and add a small red or black bead for the nose. Pipe cleaners can be bent to form the reindeer’s antlers.

Family garlands

This craft also makes use of handprints. Ask all family members to trace their handprints on different colors of construction paper or card stock. Cut out all of the paper hands, punch holes in the tops and then string a ribbon through. Decorate the Christmas tree or a mantle with this garland.

Miniature Christmas trees

Paint the tips of gathered pine cones with green paint and allow to dry. Add white glitter or paint as “snow.” Glue the pine cones to wine corks that will serve as the tree trunks, and attach a small wooden star to the top of the trees for the finishing touch.

Decoupage ornaments

Purchase wooden or plastic ball ornaments. Cover with small scraps of cut fabric or paper dipped in craft glue or Mod Podge®, and attach to the ornament in an overlapping fashion. Remember to add a string from which the ornament can be hung on the tree. Allow to dry completely before use.

Paper chain Advent calendar

Cut strips of paper to make a link for every day of Advent. Advent begins on Sunday, December 1, 2024, and lasts until Christmas. The top link can be any design artists prefer, but those who need a little inspiration can consider a religious symbol, the face of a reindeer, a snowman, or a Christmas tree. Hang the chain and then children can take turns ripping off a link from the bottom each day as they count down to the holiday.

Popsicle stick snowflakes

Paint four popsicle sticks per snowflake in desired colors. Decorate with glue, pompoms, beads, or other trinkets. Add small looped strings to hang the ornaments.

Parents, grandparents and children can have fun crafting holiday decorations this December.

These Decorative Items Add A Lot To Holiday Festivities

Megan HerrenDecoration, Holidays

It’s easy to recognize the holiday season has arrived. Holiday-centric sights and sounds abound this time of year. In fact, the arrival of decorations in stores seemingly comes earlier and earlier each year, perhaps to accommodate people’s undying enthusiasm for the holiday season.

Decorating a home or business for the holidays involves some familiar items, but this is a time of year when people can truly make the holidays their own. With that in mind, here are some considerations for decorations and other trinkets that can add a lot of cheer to this already festive time of year.

Wreaths

Wreaths are one of the simplest ways to dress up windows, doors or other areas of a home. These decorative items can be made from various materials. Evergreen boughs are one of the more traditional, but there’s also colorful garlands, flowers or even ribbon that can be wrapped to make a wreath.

Lights

Lights are integral parts of both Christian and Jewish holiday celebrations. Lights adorn homes to represent Christ being the Light of the World. In Judaism, the lighting of eight candles for Chanukah represents how a small amount of Temple oil miraculously burned for eight days and nights. Filling a home with artificial lights or candles adds a festive touch to dark winter evenings.

Advent Calendar

While it is called an advent calendar and traditionally ties into the time preceding Christmas, anyone can utilize an advent “countdown” calendar as they anticipate the arrival of Christmas Day. There are different iterations of advent calendars, from chocolate calendars to decorative ones featuring doors behind which there are whimsical figurines. Kids may even want to get involved in making homemade calendars.

Poinsettias

Poinsettias come in a variety of colors, but red is the hue of choice for holiday decorating. Perhaps surprisingly. poinsettias are tropical plants. The “flowers” you see on the plants aren’t flowers at all. They’re modified leaves called bracts. If you take good care of poinsettias, they even can be planted outdoors for the summer.

Boughs and Branches

One of the easiest ways to add a festive touch to a home for the holidays is with items that likely can be scavenged from outdoors. Take a hike and gather some evergreen boughs, tree branches, pine cones, and holly sprigs, which can be turned into garlands, wreaths or centerpieces. With a little white speckle paint, you can give them a snow-covered look.

Decorating for the holidays is a popular tradition and one that can make spaces even more festive to enjoy. Various items can enhance the ambiance and set the scene for the joyous weeks to come.

How To Make Shopping Black Friday/Cyber Monday Pay Off

Megan HerrenBusiness, Holidays, Shopping

The holiday shopping season is a profitable period for retailers. So it should come as no surprise to consumers that many stores now begin stocking shelves with Christmas decor and other holiday-related items as early as September, reminding shoppers that the countdown is on until the holidays arrive.

Historically, Black Friday has been the busiest day for retailers, but Cyber Monday has increasingly become a go-to holiday shopping opportunity. Now largely known as BFCM, Black Friday Cyber Monday is undoubtably the busiest time of year for retailers. These days can be a make-or-break period for many merchants. According to Drip, an e-commerce customer data aggregator, Cyber Monday was the biggest shopping day in 2023, with shoppers spending $12.4 billion – a 9.6 percent year-over-year increase. The National Retail Federation reported a record 200.4 million shoppers participated in Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in 2023.

As people consider their BFCM shopping plans for 2024, these tips can help them make the most of these unique opportunities.

Become A Price Connoisseur

Consumers who would feel right at home calling out correct prices on “The Price is Right” will have an advantage come the holiday shopping season. By understanding the standard retail price on many items, it is easier to know just how customer-friendly BFCM deals are. Consumers can look at the advertisements in newspapers or online and only shop the best deals to save money.

Pay Attention To Early Bird Deals

BFCM is a great opportunity to save, and many retailers have extended this exclusive price-slashing period to offer “sneak peeks” and “early bird” opportunities that precede Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Shoppers can keep an eye out for early BFCM deals to save even more money.

Explore Loyalty Rewards

Shoppers who are part of stores’ rewards programs, whether that entails earning loyalty points or having a store credit card, may be eligible for additional perks. Although one’s email inbox may be overflowing this time of year with promotions, individuals should double-check their accounts to see if they’ve been given early access to sales or special coupon codes that can bring prices down even further. Some retailers also may utilize digital coupons that need to be “clipped,” which is basically saving them to a loyalty account.

Plan The Shopping List In Advance

A complete shopping list at the ready can make it easier to shop for specific items during Black Friday or Cyber Monday hours.

Avoid Impulse Buying

It may be tempting to grab many different items because the prices seem so good. However, sticking to a list and only shopping for necessary items is an effective way to avoid overspending.

Don’t Forget Small Businesses

Be sure to check out the sales at local small businesses during BFCM as well as Small Business Saturday. Shoppers may find that deals at smaller retailers rival those at larger chains.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday present chances to save. Making the most of these shopping opportunities can translate to scoring holiday gifts at the lowest prices possible.

Pecan Pie

Megan HerrenFood, Holidays, Recipes

A Thanksgiving dinner table can be a sight to behold. For foodies and others who love the array of comfort foods on display comes the fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving is a day to circle on the calendar each year.

While a mouthwatering turkey and sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing garner the bulk of the attention on Thanksgiving, the dessert table also can be a tempting place to direct one’s eyes. Though no dessert is off limits on Thanksgiving, pie is a particularly popular option on Turkey Day. With that in mind, those tasked with crafting something for dessert this Thanksgiving can consider the following recipe for “Pecan Pie” courtesy of Lines+Angles.

Pecan Pie

Makes 8 servings

1 9-inch unbaked frozen deep dish pie shell, thawed

11/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon molasses

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Spread pecans along the bottom of the prepared pie shell.

3. In a large bowl, mix the remaining ingredients and pour over pecans. The pecans will rise to the surface of the pie.

4. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes until the filling has set. Pie is done when the center reaches 200 F. Pie center when lightly tapped should spring back. Remove pie from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours.

5. Serve.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Cooling time: 2 hours

Total time: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Tips To Choose Your Next Book

Megan HerrenAdvice

Avid readers are always seeking new material to whet their literary appetites. Reading can be an immensely enjoyable activity, and one with notable benefits. According to Basmo, a reading tracker app, a couple hundred thousand books are published each year. The sheer volume of material to choose from can make it challenging to find a good book.

Readers can pursue many avenues to find new books. The following are just a few ways to find the next book you won’t want to put down.

Visit the Library

With so much content at your fingertips, it may be tempting to turn to the internet to find a new read. Instead, go back to where many people first fall in love with reading. The local library has many great offerings and personnel who can help you find something that will prove a good match.

Visit a Local Bookstore

If you’d rather purchase a book, your local bookstore is an ideal place to get feedback on books. Whether it’s a chain store or an independent retailer, many bookstores employ individuals who are book lovers themselves. Ask for recommendations.

 Try an App

Options like Whichbook enable you to find your next book based on various qualifiers, such as emotion, geography or type of character.

Go with a Classic

Browse a list of classics and find books that you haven’t read yet or even ones you may want to reread now that you are older. There are reasons these books have withstood the test of time.

Ask Family and Friends

Query the people in your life who love to read and find out what they are reading. You may be introduced to an author that you weren’t familiar with or a book series that is right up your alley.

Join a Book Club

A book club will expose you to a rotation of new books for as long as you are a member. Since books tend to be suggested by members each go-round, you won’t fall in the trap of only choosing one genre or “safe” titles that you are used to.

Go with Authors’ Recommendations

If you like a particular author, research who he or she is reading. Some authors recommend others in the industry. While some of these recommendations may be for compensation or publicity, many are legitimate suggestions.

Let Your Reading History Dictate

Reading services like Amazon’s Kindle will recommend new titles based on your reading habits; otherwise, search for “books like (name title)” online to discover books that have a similar theme or style.

Reading is a popular pastime that can strengthen the brain and relax the body. There are many ways to find new books to read to keep one’s library fully stocked.

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