Featured Recipes: Beef Steak Tacos, Lime Cheeseburgers
August 14, 2011
Grilling is a great way to get a whole lot of flavor that goes way beyond plain burgers and basic barbecue. Lean meats, juicy marinades and zesty toppings add up to terrific flame-kissed dishes that will make guests want to kiss the cook.
(Scroll down for both recipes.)
Beef Steak Soft Tacos
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2/3 cup prepared Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Beef Tacos
- 2 boneless beef chuck shoulder steaks, cut 3/4 inch thick (about 1-1/2 pounds)
- 12 small flour tortillas, warmed
Toppings
- Thinly sliced lettuce, chopped tomato, dairy sour cream, guacamole (optional)
Preparation
- Combine marinade ingredients in small bowl. Place beef steaks and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
- Remove steaks; discard marinade. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 14 to 17 minutes for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally.
- Carve into thin slices; season with salt. Serve in tortillas with toppings.
Serves
Serves 6
Lime Cheeseburgers
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 6 slices Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 hamburger buns
- Your favorite flavor of guacamole
Preparation
- In a large bowl mix together ground beef, lime juice, garlic, onion and tomatoes. Form meat into 6 patties.
- Cook burgers to desired doneness on a preheated grill. Add a slice of cheese to each burger during the last minute of cooking.
- Serve on toasted buns with a healthy dollop of guacamole.
Serves
Serves 6
Notes, Tips & Suggestions
This recipe also makes great sliders. For a leaner version, use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
Show And Tell: Collectors Gather In Century (With Photo Gallery)
August 14, 2011
The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society held a “Collector’s Day” — think of it as show and tell for history buffs — Saturday in Century. Many private collections were displayed, including coins, bottles, Indian and Civil War artifacts, old tools, stamps and more.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured top: Flintnapping by Winston Burnham of Pace Saturday at Collector’s Day in Century. Pictured inset: A collection of bottles. Pictured below: A pickup truck size camera on display. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Schlobohm, Jones To Wed
August 14, 2011
Brook Nicole Schlobohm and Colton Dewayne Jones will be united in marriage at 3 p.m. August 20, 2011, at Victory Bible Baptist Church in Pensacola.
Brook is the daughter of Patrick and Angie Schlobohm of Molino. Grandparents are Nancy Register of Pensacola and Barbara Schlobohm of Cantonment. Colton is the son of Dennis and Michelle Fowler of Atmore. Grandparent is Marie Sanders of Atmore.
Brook is a 2011 graduate of Northview High School of Bratt. Brook currently works at Winn Dixie and will be leaving for the United States Coast Guard October 25, 2011. Colton is a 2009 graduate of Central Christian Academy of Winter Park, Florida. Colton currently works at Winn Dixie and Pizza Hut and will also be entering into the United States Coast Guard November 15, 2011.
Family asks for prayers for the couple as they start their future and careers together.
Birth: Tyler Rex Walz
August 14, 2011
Chris and Misty Walz of Pensacola are proud to announce the birth of their son, Tyler Rex Walz. Tyler came into the world on July 18, 2011, at West Florida Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 19.5 inches long.
Paternal grandparents are Rex & Ruth Walz of Molino, and maternal grandparents are Leslie & Paula Poston, also of Molino.
MSNBC’s ‘Lockup” Filming Show At Area Prison
August 12, 2011
For the first time in Florida Department of Corrections history, a television production crew will be filming inside a Florida prison for almost eight weeks with unprecedented access to inmates and staff who wish to participate.
44 Blue, the production company that produces the prison reality series “Lockup” for MSNBC, began filming at Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in Milton this week. Santa Rosa CI houses all custody levels of inmates along with a number of inmates with mental health issues.
Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ed Buss worked with 44 Blue when he was the prison Commissioner in Indiana, and he felt the effort was worthwhile.
“I have no qualms about them coming into our prisons. I’m proud of our staff and how well our facilities are run, and I hope this will help Floridians understand the challenges we face with our inmate population, as well as the benefits prisons provide to their communities through our programs and re-entry efforts,” said Buss.
44 Blue’s film crew visited SRCI in July to scout the Santa Rosa CI location and interview inmates they may want to focus on. They will be filming during weeks in August and September. A staff member, Santa Rosa CI Lieutenant Andrew Williams, has been assigned to the crew full time and employees and inmates have been told they may opt out of being filmed. 44 Blue is paying a fee to cover the cost of the DC’s expenses.
“I am honored that Santa Rosa CI has been chosen for this opportunity,” said Warden Randy Tifft. “Our staff is looking forward to working with the film crew to showcase our inmate programs and what we do each day to protect the public.”
The series of shows is expected to air on MSNBC in early 2012.
Back To School Bash, Neighborhood Watch Party In Farm Hill
August 11, 2011
A Back to School Bash and Neighborhood Watch Party will be held this Saturday in Farm Hill.
There will be free hot dogs, chips and drinks. The Cantonment Volunteer Fire Department will provide fire safety education and display a truck, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol will be on hand, plus there will be plenty of activities for the children.
Donations of school supplies will be accepted, and school supplies will be distributed to children in need.
The Back to School Bash and Neighborhood Watch Party will take place Saturday, August 13 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Santa Maria Plaza Park in Farm Hill. For more information, call (850) 554-7376.
The event is sponsored by the Cottage Hill, Farm Hill and Village neighborhood watch programs.
Photos: Century Care Center Clowns Around
August 10, 2011
There was a lot of clowning around caught on camera recently among the normally professional staff at Century Care Center.
The residents and staff celebrated National Be a Clown Day with a special visit from Lady Butterfly — also known as Faye Gandy, the daughter of a former Century Care Center resident. She painted faces, created balloon art for the residents and just generally clowned around.
Pictured top: Century Care Center residents recently enjoyed National Be a Clown Day. Pictured inset. Faye “Lady Butterfly” Gandy creates balloon art for the residents. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Orientation Schedule Announced For Escambia Schools
August 9, 2011
Orientation, and elementary open house, events have been scheduled at schools in Escambia County as follows:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Orientations:
- Bratt — Pre-K and Kindergarten, August 18, 9-11 a.m.; grades 1-5, August 19, 9-11 a.m.
- Byrneville — K-5, August 19, 9-11 a.m.
- Jim Allen — K-5, August 19, 9-10:30 a.m.
- Molino Park — Pre-K, August 18 9-10:30 a.m.; grades K-5, August 19, 9-10 a.m.
For other orientation events at elementary schools in Escambia County, click here.
Open House:
- Bratt — September 8, 6:30 p.m.
- Byrneville — TBA
- Jim Allen — September 8, 6-7 p.m.
- Molino Park — September 8, 6:30 p.m.
For other open house schedules at elementary schools in Escambia County, click here.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Middle school orientations are scheduled for August 18 at 10:30 a.m.
HIGH SCHOOLS
High School Orientation will be held Thursday, August 18 at 9 a.m., and schedules for upperclassmen may be picked up the same day between 1 and 2:30 — with the following additions and exceptions:
Northview High School upperclassman may pick up their schedules on August 17th during the following times: seniors, 8:30 a.m., juniors, 10:00 a.m., and sophomores, 1:30 p.m.
West Florida will hold orientation on August 13th at 9 a.m. Ninth graders get their schedules at that time. Juniors wills pick up schedules at 10 a.m.; sophomores at 1:30 p.m.. Also, at 6 p.m., seniors will participate in a Parent Night where they will get their schedules and other information pertinent to their senior year.
Pine Forest High School ninth grade orientation is scheduled for August 11, 2011, 1-3 p.m.in the gym. There will be a wealth of information for both parents and students including a tour of the campus, dress code fashion show, and more.
Washington High School freshman orientation is August 10-11. Upperclassmen textbook and schedule distribution by alpha groups will occur on the 18-19th. Parents should receive information via newsletter. A new student orientation will be held on August 18 from 8:30 – 9 a.m.
Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe During The Hot Summer
August 8, 2011
The Escambia County Animal Shelter is offering tips to keep your pets safe this summer:
From unpredictable weather to unusual routines, household animals are exposed to all sorts of hazards during June, July and August and your pets are counting on you to keep them safe.
Do not leave pets in the yard without plenty of shade and water. Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat.
Also, never leave your dog, cat or any other animal friend alone in a car. The inside of a car can heat up very quickly—even with an open window. When it’s 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car, even with the windows opened slightly, can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes. After 30 minutes the vehicle becomes a deadly 120 degrees. Cracking the windows provides an insignificant effect on both the rate of heating and the final temperature.
Recognize the symptoms of animal heatstroke:
- Heavy panting
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Glazed eyes
- Lack of coordination
- Vomiting
- Excessive thirst
- Profuse salivation
- Unconsciousness
If your pet exhibits any of the symptoms, immediately move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Gradually apply ice packs or cold towels to the animal’s head, neck and chest or slowly immerse it in cool (not cold) water. Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Then take it directly to a veterinarian.
If you see a pet in a parked vehicle or penned and/or tethered without sufficient shade and water – call your local law enforcement or the Escambia County Animal Control Office at (850) 595-0097.
Stay cool near the pool. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool or body of water—not all dogs are expert swimmers.
Other tips for keeping animals safe include, avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for animals. Keep your pet away from matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system.
From hurricanes to floods, we’ve seen the devastation severe weather has brought to pets and their families. Develop an evacuation plan well ahead of time in case you’re forced from your home in an emergency.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipes: Sweet (And Cold) Summer Delights
August 7, 2011
Making homemade ice cream and cool treats for friends and family is a sweet way to celebrate summer – and it’s easier than you might think. Scroll all the way down the page to see all four recipes — Fresh Fruit Ice Cream, Pineapple and Chipotle Ice Pops, Orange Cream Granita and Creamy Latte Pops.
Orange Cream Granita
(pictured at top of page)
Ingredients
- 3 cups orange juice
- 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
Preparation
- COMBINE orange juice, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, orange peel and rose water, if desired, in large bowl; mix well.
- POUR into 9-inch square baking pan. Cover and freeze just until edges are frozen, about 1 1/2 hours. Using a fork, scrape frozen granita toward center to break up ice crystals. Pat mixture evenly into pan. Cover and freeze. Repeat every 30 minutes until granita is firm, about 4 hours.
Serves
Yield 4 cups
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Fresh Fruit Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pureed or mashed fresh fruit, such as peaches, strawberries, bananas and raspberries
- Food coloring
- 2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream
Preparation
- COMBINE sweetened condensed milk and vanilla in large bowl; stir in 1 cup pureed fruit and food coloring, if desired. Fold in 2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream (do not use non-dairy whipped topping). Pour into 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or a 2-quart freezer container; cover. Freeze 6 hours or until firm.
Serves
Yield about 1 1/2 quarts
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Pineapple and Chipotle Ice Pops
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple in pineapple juice, undrained
- 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
Preparation
- PLACE pineapple in food processor. Cover and process until pureed. Combine pureed pineapple, sweetened condensed milk, pineapple juice, lime juice and chile powder in large bowl; mix well.
- SPOON into 8 (4 oz.) plastic ice pop molds or 10 (3 oz.) wax-coated paper cups. If using paper cups, insert wooden craft stick into the center of each cup. Freeze until firm, about 4 hours.
Serves
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Creamy Latte Pops
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Folgers Classic Roast(r) Instant Coffee Crystals
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation
- BRING sweetened condensed milk to a boil in medium saucepan, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, about 15 minutes or until very thick.
- ADD milk, cream and coffee crystals slowly to saucepan on low heat, whisking until well blended. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
- POUR 1/3 cup cooled mixture into each of 12 (3 oz.) disposable plastic cups or 12 (3 oz.) ice pop molds. Freeze until partially frozen, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Insert wooden craft sticks. Freeze until firm, about 6 hours or overnight.
Serves
Yield 12 pops
Notes, Tips & Suggestions
TIP: To release from ice pop molds, dip quickly into warm water.
Preparation Time:
10 minutes