The Almanack

The articles on this page are courtesy of aracontent.com and are not written by The Almanack

Burger season is back -- don't forget the basics

(ARA) - Americans love hamburgers ... that's a fact. An estimated 1.5 billion pounds of ground beef become those favored burgers cooked at home each year. Whether it's gas versus charcoal, with cheese or without, every burger fan has a different opinion about what makes the perfect patty.

But there's one thing most burger enthusiasts agree on. According to a national consumer survey from The Beef Checkoff, 90 percent of people enjoy their burger cooked to medium (160 F) doneness or higher. However, some home chefs and grillmasters are using unsafe methods for checking when a burger is done, like cutting into them with a knife, squishing them with a spatula, or just making an educated guess.

Dave Zino, executive director of the Beef and Veal Culinary Center at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, suggests a better method for checking your burgers to ensure a juicy, flavorful and safe result.

"Don't waste time with guesswork and techniques that can affect the quality of your burger," Zino says. "Use an instant-read meat thermometer each and every time to make sure you're cooking ground beef to 160 F. It's the only sure-fire way to achieve the doneness most people prefer while also ensuring a safe meal."

No matter the hamburger preference, the beef industry is dedicated to providing consumers with healthy and nutritious food. Steps taken at every segment of the beef production chain -- from pasture to plate -- ensure the safest product possible. However, there still are many opportunities for consumers to improve food safety in their own kitchens, and making sure your ground beef is cooked to 160 F is just one of them.

"Whether I am at work as a professional chef or in my home kitchen, food safety is always a part the recipe," Zino says.

Try Chef Dave's tips to ensure your burgers are safe and savory this summer:

* Keep beef refrigerated, even when thawing it. Don't leave beef out at room temperature.

* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after making patties or preparing any other foods.

* Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and ready-to-eat foods separate. Think ahead when at the grill or stove and have a clean plate ready for cooked meat.

* Insert an instant-read meat thermometer sideways into the center of the patty. Always cook burgers to an internal temperature of 160 F.

* Have leftover burgers? Refrigerate cooked foods no later than two hours after cooking.

For more information, tips and recipes for making your burger the best, visit: www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com/safesavoryat160.aspx

Classic Beef Cheeseburgers
Makes four servings. Preparation and cooking time: 25 to 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 teaspoons steak seasoning blend
4 hamburger buns, split
4 slices cheese (such as Cheddar, American, Swiss, etc.)
4 lettuce leaves
4 tomato slices

Toppings:
Ketchup, mustard, onion slices, pickles

Directions:

1. Combine ground beef and steak seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties.

2. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 13 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 13 to 14 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 F, turning occasionally. About two minutes before burgers are done, place buns, cut sides down, on grid. Grill until lightly toasted. During last minute of grilling, top each burger with cheese slice.

3. Line bottom of each bun with lettuce leaf; top with tomato slice, burger, and toppings, as desired. Close sandwiches.

Cook's Tip: To prepare on stovetop, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place patties in skillet; cook 12 to 15 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 F, turning occasionally.

Cook's Tip: Other popular burger toppings include grilled or caramelized onions, blue cheese, bacon, sauteed mushrooms and barbecue sauce.

Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, selenium and zinc.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Let your mower live long through engine maintenance

(ARA) - Keeping your lawn looking green and trim is hard work in itself. The last thing you want is to find out the engine on your lawn mower is not up to the challenge. Fortunately, with a few simple procedures you can keep your lawn mower or riding tractor running smoothly throughout the season and beyond.

"Taking some small maintenance steps can help reduce the wear and tear on your lawn equipment's engine so it runs great for a long time and you can spend more time enjoying your yard," says Scott Mack, senior training specialist at Kohler Engines, a global manufacturer of small gasoline and diesel engines.

Mack offers the following tips to help your lawn mower engine run smoothly:

* Clean out debris - When left sitting for a while, lawn mower engines may gather dust and dirt or worse, become home to a nesting mouse or other critters - a collection of grass and other dried plants is a key indicator of this. If you suspect an animal has been near the engine, check the engine for a nest or debris and inspect wires for chew marks.

* Fully charge the battery - Batteries can lose their charge if left idle for more than a month. Certain batteries also require you to check water levels, in which case distilled water must be used in refilling.

* Clean battery connections - Build-up and corrosion occur over time in the battery connections; therefore it's important to clean them before corrosion causes permanent damage. Remove the wires from the battery and clean connections by scrubbing with a wire brush. Use a baking soda and water solution to neutralize the acid and clean the parts without causing any damage. Make sure that terminals are dry before reassembling the battery cables. Remember when removing and reattaching battery cables, the negative cable (-) should be removed first and reattached last. Also, ensure you properly torque the bolts.

* Change oil and spark plugs - If you didn't change the oil before your mower was stored a few months back, it's important to do it now. Make sure you always use manufacturer-specified oil. Spark plugs are easy to replace and help keep equipment running in top condition during peak usage. Be careful when removing and reinstalling the plug not to cross-thread or over-tighten.

* Filters: oil and air - An oil change is also a good time to consider replacing the oil filter, if equipped. While operating conditions can alter these intervals, an oil filter should be changed every 100 hours or every season, whichever comes first. Air filters come in a variety of types, such as foam, paper or dry element, with the type determining whether an air filter can be cleaned or must be replaced. At minimum, clean or replace the air filter seasonally, but refer to your engine owner's manual to determine the air filter type and exact maintenance schedule.

* Check for proper functioning - While the machine is off, check to make sure the moving parts operate smoothly. Check the throttle and the choke linkage. If there is a ticking noise when the engine has warmed up and is running at low idle speed, this may indicate the valves need adjustment. To help lawn mower owners identify and solve a wide variety of engine operational issues, Kohler Engines offers a series of small engine troubleshooting tips at kohlerengines.com.

* Use the right fuel - It's a good idea to buy fuel in small quantities because fuel varies for different seasons. If your mower is also used in the winter, it most likely will have a different fuel type than what is required during the warmer months. Keeping parts clean and using fresh fuel will make your engine run more efficiently. If your mower contains old gas from the last season that did not have a fuel stabilizer added, consult your local gas station on how to properly dispose of it and start with fresh gas.

* Clean the carburetor - If the fuel wasn't stabilized before storing your equipment, it's possible that it gummed up the carburetor. Various additives can help address this problem. If an additive doesn't work, you might need to disassemble the carburetor and clean as recommended by your user's manual or service dealer. This requires considerable small engine knowledge, so it might be a good idea for most people to bring their lawn mower to a professional to be cleaned.

Kohler Engines provides a series of small engine maintenance videos that will guide you on performing these simple maintenance operations. A list of maintenance tips, maintenance schedules and an online version of the owner's manual are also provided at www.kohlerengines.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Have a Great Lawn That's Good to the Earth

(ARA) - Caring for the environment means caring for a full, green lawn. Properly maintaining your lawn will produce strong grass and can help protect and conserve water resources at the same time.

Regular care and lawn maintenance is especially important if you live near large bodies of fresh water like the Great Lakes. Containing more than 90 percent of the fresh surface water in the United States, the Great Lakes provide more than 40 million Americans and Canadians with drinking water.

To enjoy a great lawn and protect fresh water resources for generations to come, follow these lawn care tips from the experts at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and the Alliance for the Great Lakes:

* Strong, dense lawns can help reduce run off and erosion, and filter rainwater to recharge groundwater supplies. The foundation of a good lawn is rich soil, so use a mulching mower to return grass clippings to the soil where the clippings break down and recycle nutrients back into the grass.

* Generally, only new lawns require additional phosphorus for root growth. For mature lawns, choose a fertilizer that is low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free, unless a soil test shows a need for more.

* The best time to fertilize is in the spring and fall. Never fertilize when the ground is frozen.

* Use a drop spreader or rotary spreader with a side guard to keep fertilizer on the lawn.

* Sweep any grass clippings and fertilizer that land on driveways and sidewalks back on to the lawn to help keep nutrients out of waterways.

* Set your mower to its highest setting to build strong, deep grass roots that can find water and nutrients. Longer grass can also better withstand periods of heat and drought.

* If your lawn is dry, the best time to water it is in the morning. Water easily evaporates in the afternoon and watering at night can cause fungus and disease.

* When lawn problems arise, select the right product for the task. For small problems, use a spot treatment. For numerous problems throughout the yard, use a broadcast application.

* Use native plants in your landscape and garden. These plants are adapted to your area and better able to tolerate adverse conditions and resist disease.

* Avoid application when rain is in the forecast, as heavy rainfall can overwhelm soils and cause fertilizers to be washed into waterways.

* Storm sewers often lead directly into streams and lakes. Never dispose of clippings or pet waste in or around sewers or water resources, such as rivers, lakes and streams. Make it a habit to sweep up any fertilizer, grass clippings and leaves.

For more information and water-safe lawn care tips, visit LawnsandLakes.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Bird feeding basics: Simple ways to attract birds to your backyard

(ARA) - It's a myth that continues to persist: Feeding birds in spring and summer will spoil them. But birds are like babies - it's impossible to spoil them. Contrary to the myth, well-fed birds won't get too lazy to search for food; they'll just get healthy and happy. And the better the food is you feed them, the more likely they'll continue to come back bringing their colorful plumage and welcome song to your backyard.

Myths aside, wooing beautiful backyard birds to your outdoor environment can be as simple as offering them a reliable, high-quality food source. Birds, like most wild animals, are survivalists and they'll take advantage of any food source they find - whether it's in your yard or your neighbor's. To entice them to your yard and garden, set out these preferred foods recommended by the bird-feeding experts at Cole's Wild Bird Products:

* Suet - Made from the fat of cattle, sheep, or even vegetables, suet may sound icky to us, but for birds it's a gourmet delight that helps them stay healthy and build vital fat reserves. Served in a cage or log, suet has the consistency of soft wax and can be kept for a long time. Chickadees, titmice, catbirds, bluebirds, robins, jays, warblers, thrashers, nuthatches and all species of woodpeckers relish suet and will feed on it all year round, even in warm months.

If your suet gets too soft in the warm summer months, switch to a no-melt, cornmeal-based suet. Suets offer a variety of enhancements including seeds, pecans and peanut butter. To keep squirrels from stealing your suet, try Cole's Hot Meats suet cakes that contain chili-infused sunflower meats. Birds can't taste the hot spice and squirrels will high-tail it out of your feeder once they try it.

* Seed - Not all birdseed is created equal. Look for blends without cheap filler seeds that are all natural, that way, the birds get more nutrition and you keep a cleaner feeder; the less filler, the less leftovers birds will kick out and leave behind. All-natural feeds are more appealing to birds, who know that natural just tastes better.

It's important to remember that all birdseed is perishable. Be sure and store any open product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the seed from drying out and little critters from finding it. Cole's seed is offered in nitrogen-purged barrier packaging to ensure seed freshness. They use the same packaging technology employed by potato chip makers and fresh vegetable farmers to keep their products fresher longer.

If unwelcome squirrels raid your bird feeder, opt for a seed blend like Cole's Blazing Hot Blend, new this spring. By combining a patented habanero chili oil formula with the most preferred seeds of backyard birds you can protect your feeder from squirrels while attracting woodpeckers, grosbeaks, buntings, cardinals, chickadees, bluebirds, goldfinches and more. Squirrels don't like the hot, spicy flavor, but birds won't be able to detect it.

* Insects and worms - A healthy, lush lawn is one of the best ways to feed birds who prefer insects and worms. A good lawn will attract the species of insects that birds enjoy. You can also supplement their diet by serving Dried Mealworms in a packaged variety that's easier to feed and less messy than live mealworms, and birds love them. These energy-packed morsels are Mother Nature's perfect treat for all your insect-loving songbirds.

* Garden favorites - Feeding birds doesn't just have to happen at the feeder. Thoughtful planting in your garden can help entice wild birds to forage there. Offer a birdbath for water and berry-producing trees and shrubs. Plant annuals and perennials that birds like, such as sunflowers, marigolds, petunias, Sweet William, nasturtium and blueberries. Climbing vines like morning glories, coral honeysuckle, muscadine and trumpet creeper are also favorites.

By serving wild birds their favorite foods throughout the summer, you can boost and build their stamina and reserves for the long winter ahead - and all the while you'll enjoy a birds-eye view of a multitude of species bringing bright color and cheerful song to you throughout the warm months.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Emergency Nurses Offer Water and Boating Safety Tips for Summer

(ARA) - The summer season is filled with many enjoyable activities, many of which take place in or around water. As people head to beaches and neighborhood swimming pools, or take recreational boating trips, water safety becomes increasingly important. Drowning remains the second leading cause of injury-related death among children ages one to 14, and in 2004, boating accidents caused a reported 3,363 injuries and 676 fatalities.

The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Injury Prevention Institute/EN CARE offers the following tips for parents and children to ensure safe play in water and on boats.

Water Safety Tips
* Never leave a child unsupervised around water in or outside the home. It takes only a few seconds and one inch of water for a child to drown.
* Pools should have a fence that is at least four feet tall with a high gate latch that is not reachable by children.
* Keep rescue equipment, a telephone and a list of emergency numbers at the poolside.
* Remove toys from in and around the pool when not in use, as children can be tempted by floating pool toys.
* Secure, lock or remove ladders to above ground pools when they are not being used.
* Use only Coast Guard approved life preservers or life jackets. Air-filled flotation devices such as "water wings" or "tubes" actually increase chances of drowning.
* No one, not even adults, should swim alone. Teach children to swim with a buddy.
* Take a class in how to perform infant/child CPR.
* The American Red Cross recommends at least nine feet of depth for safe diving and jumping. Never dive headfirst into unknown waters.

Boating Safety Tips
* Know how to operate your boat safely in all weather and water conditions.
* Ensure that your boat has the safety equipment required by law and that it is in working order.
* Participate in the Vessel Safety Check program, provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron.
* Boat operators should be familiar with the body of water being navigated.
* All passengers must always wear a life jacket while boating.
* Always avoid alcohol while operating a boat.
* Maintain a safe speed at all times.
* Water skiers and swimmers should be at least 20 feet from the back of a moving boat in order to avoid carbon monoxide exposure.

For additional information and safety tips, visit the ENA Injury Prevention Institute/EN CARE Web site at www.ena.org/ipinstitute. Information about the ENA is available at www.ena.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

From Flame to Finish: Grilling 101

(ARA) - Got a hungry crowd to please? Fire up the grill! Cookouts are an easy way to serve a gathering of any size -- whether you’re feeding three or 100 -- for any occasion. From holiday celebrations, birthday parties and family reunions to camping trips and weekday cookouts, grilling is a fun and flavorful way to bring together family and friends. That’s why Kingsford is sharing tips to help you stay safe when turning up the heat at your next gathering.

“Grilling safety is extremely important no matter how skilled you may be, especially now since more Americans than ever are using their grills beyond the summer season,” said Kelly Burke, charcoal expert for The Kingsford Products Company. “In fact, our research shows that 37 percent of Americans grill year-round.”

Whether you’re a master like Burke or a beginner, be sure to follow these simple grilling safety tips:

* Light It Right! -- Get your grill started by forming a pyramid with your briquets. Add lighter fluid according to the instructions of the lighter fluid you are using. If coals are slow to start, resist the temptation to add more lighter fluid. Instead, place a few new briquets in a metal pan, soak with fluid and then add to the grill with tongs before lighting.

* Wait to Put a Lid on It -- Keeping the lid on your grill can help foods retain their natural juices and deepen flavor, but leave the lid alone until you’re ready to cook. Putting it prematurely on the grill can prevent the lighter fluid from completely burning off and may impact the taste of your food.

* Beat the Burn -- Use the indirect grilling method when cooking large pieces of meat—like ribs, roasts or whole birds—or those with a higher fat content. It’s a good way to beat the burn since heat circulates around the food. For indirect grilling, after the coals are ready, spread them on both sides of a drip pan to collect the fat and prevent it from dripping into the fire, which causes smoke and flames.

* Fight Flare-Ups -- Use leaner cuts of meat or trim the fat off meats to reduce smoking or flare ups. Take care not to char or overcook your food.

* Add a Flavor Booster -- Use a marinade like KC Masterpiece to add great flavor to beef, pork, lamb, fish or poultry.

* Cool Down -- Time to turn down the heat? Place the cover on your grill, close the vents and let the coals cool down for at least 48 hours before throwing them away. Never pour water directly onto the coals to put out the fire—water and heat create steam, which could burn you.

At your next cookout, put these tips into practice when firing up the “Grilled Tiger Steak Kabobs,” surf ‘n turf skewers that boast the delicious flavor of KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki Marinade. Looking to go beyond kabobs? Visit www.kingsford.com for more great grilling recipes and expert tips.

Grilled Tiger Steak Kabobs
Recipe created by Chef William Pickett of Mickey & Mooch in Charlotte, N.C. on behalf of the makers of Kingsford Charcoal

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinate Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 10-20 minutes
Serves: 4

4 12-ounce strip steaks, approximately 1-1/2 inches thick
1 16-ounce bottle KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki Marinade
16 large tiger shrimp, shelled
2 large red bell peppers, chopped into 1-1/2 inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, chopped into 1-1/2 inch pieces

Cut strip steaks into 2 ounce pieces and place into a one quart food storage bag with 1 cup of KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki Marinade. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours (if time allows, marinating overnight is suggested.)

Approximately one hour before grilling, add shrimp to the marinade.

Light grill using Kingsford briquets. Using long metal skewer, thread marinated steak piece, pepper, shrimp, and onion until skewer is full. Repeat with additional skewers. When coals are ready, lay skewers directly on grill grate and cook uncovered until steak is desired temperature.

Courtesy of ARA Content

EDITOR’S NOTE: KC Masterpiece and Kingsford Charcoal are registered trademarks.

Choose right, use right: Tips for safe and effective use of pesticides and fertilizers

(ARA) - It's that time of the year again when millions of do-it-yourself homeowners face the challenges of keeping problem insects and weeds away from home gardens and yards -- while staying within the family budget.

The pesticides and fertilizers available at local hardware and home improvement stores are designed specifically to help with these tasks, but choosing the right products and using them correctly is something every homeowner must consider.

"Nothing is more rewarding than picking healthy, home-grown vegetables, or enjoying a healthy lawn or a pest-free outdoor space with family, friends and pets," says Allen James, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. "The range of products available to homeowners is vast, but you have to use the ones that are right for your specific situation and use them responsibly."

Here are some basic guidelines to help homeowners choose the right products and use them correctly:

* Identify the problem -- Different pesticides and fertilizers are formulated to work in various ways, so positively identifying the problem is vital. If this is unclear or unknown, ask a qualified expert or local extension agent.

* Determine the best method of control -- Research the best, most effective, most economic solution to the specific problem at hand. Sometimes pesticides or fertilizer products are the answer, other times a different solution might be appropriate.

* Read and follow all label directions -- If pesticides or fertilizers are needed, remember the label is the law. Read the label carefully for mixing and application instructions, as well as other precautionary information such as wearing proper clothing or product drying time after application.

* Use only what is needed -- Measure, mix and use the right amount of product needed for the task at hand. Don't over-apply, but don't under-apply either. Read the directions and follow them to the letter.

* Store products in a clean, dry area -- Always store any unused pesticide or fertilizer products away from weather or direct sunlight. Make sure all products are stored out of reach of kids and pets.

"The right pesticide or fertilizer can make all the difference, but each situation is unique," James says. "We have the right to choose the products we use, but we also have the duty to use them responsibly."

Pesticides and fertilizers are designed to improve quality of life. If used properly, they are a helpful tool. They control, kill or moderate unwanted and dangerous pest populations ranging from stinging insects to vegetable-destroying fungus to noxious weeds, and they help to minimize the risks posed to homeowners, families, pets and property.

When used according to label directions and applied as directed, they have the potential to make a substantial positive impact on the productivity and usability of gardens and green spaces around the home. Improper use and careless handling can cause unnecessary, avoidable complications. Make sure all products are selected and used with care.

For more information on the proper application of pesticides and fertilizers, visit www.pestfacts.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Five burger-building secrets to thrill grilling fans

(ARA) - You may switch things up with salmon or add variety with veggies, but when it comes right down to it, the burger is still king of summer grilling.

"Americans' love affair with a great burger is enduring and passionate," says Dave Woolley, executive chef of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, a national restaurant chain that specializes in gourmet burgers. "For summer entertaining, the burger is versatile, interesting, flavorful and reliable. It's hard to top its appeal."

Cuisine, culture and creativity continue to drive the popularity of the burger. In honor of National Hamburger Month this May - and Memorial Day, the unofficial kick off of grilling season - Woolley and his team of burger connoisseurs offer their top five grilling tips for creating gourmet burgers at home:

1. Start with high-quality ingredients
A burger is only as good as the beef you start with; buy higher-grade USDA beef. Select only the freshest produce from your local market for toppings. Consider sauteing and caramelizing some of the toppings, such as onions, mushrooms and even chilies. This can add a distinct nutty sweetness to burgers. Finally, use artisan breads or specialty buns to add another dimension to the burger's flavor profile. An herb-encrusted bun adds an ethnic flare, and a jalapeno cornmeal Kaiser roll can round out the flavor of a spicy burger.

2. Add ethnic flavor
Adding ingredients you might not typically use on a burger can create a whole new flavor experience. Consider Italian favorites like Marsala sauce, pesto or caprese. Or try seasonings like Jamaican jerk spice to make the flavor pop.

3. Create flavor harmony
Incorporate ingredients that are harmonious and work in unison. You can get creative and mix sweet and salty tastes like bacon and tomato or sweet and spicy like pineapple and spicy jerk sauce. Balancing flavors is the key.

4. Lighten up
Altering your toppings can help you achieve a lighter gourmet burger without compromising on taste. Replace mayonnaise with mustard or salsa, which are both flavorful but lower in calories. Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil to saute; or caramelize toppings. Even bacon can be lightened up if you cook it until it's crispy to remove as much fat as possible. You can even wrap your burger in lettuce instead of a bun for another lighter dimension of freshness, flavor and crispiness.

5. Adding gourmet flair is easy
" Red Robin is known for combining a variety of harmonizing flavors to create really unique gourmet burgers," says Woolley. "You can make a spicy gourmet burger at home by enhancing store-bought items with fresh ingredients." For example, you can dress up store-bought salsa by adding your own finely chopped tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, serrano peppers and jalapenos. Turn common mayo into chipotle mayonnaise by pureeing chipotle peppers and mixing them in. Add a dash of cayenne pepper to your favorite grill seasoning. Top a burger with pepper jack cheese and some jalapenos and your guests' taste buds will be grateful.

Try this recipe to make your own version of Red Robin's Burnin' Love gourmet burger at home:

Ingredients:

1 jalapeno kaiser cornmeal roll
1/3 lb. ground beef, 80 percent lean or above, made into a patty
Cayenne seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Chipotle mayonnaise
Iceberg lettuce, shredded
2 slices pepper- jack cheese
1 vine ripened tomato, sliced
Salsa
Jalapeno rings, fresh or battered and fried

Directions:

For the chipotle mayonnaise - Mix high-quality mayonnaise with pureed chipotle peppers, salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for about an hour to enhance the flavor prior to using.

For the salsa - Enhance your favorite store-bought salsa with fresh finely chopped tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, Serrano peppers and jalapenos. Or make your homemade salsa from scratch using all fresh ingredients.

For the burger - Season the hamburger patty with cayenne, salt and pepper to taste prior to grilling. Oil the grill grates and preheat the grill before putting the burger on it. Grill the patty to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees for a minimum of 15 seconds to maximize flavor and juiciness. Remove burger from grill and top with pepper-jack cheese. Grill for an additional two minutes to melt the cheese. Toast the bun on the grill to a golden brown. Spread chipotle mayonnaise on both sides of the toasted bun. Place the burger on the bun and top with sliced tomato, salsa, jalapenos and shredded lettuce. Cover with the bun top and enjoy.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Backyard Buzz: How to Attract Hummingbirds

(ARA) - If the birding world had a rock star, it would be the hummingbird. Swift, tiny, secretive and simply amazing to watch, "hummers" are so hard to spot that catching a glimpse of one can be a summer experience you'll long remember. But you don't have to be an avid birder to be thrilled by the sight of a hummingbird.

Hummingbirds can be found across the country, with ruby-throated hummingbirds common east of the Rocky Mountains and a dozen or more species common in western regions. To maximize your chances of seeing a hummingbird this summer, take a few simple steps to attract them to your backyard, where you can enjoy them at your leisure.

In spring, hummingbirds return from their tropical winter retreats in Central and South America, and this is the best time to attract them to your backyard. Like all wild birds, hummers have three basic requirements to make a place their home - access to food, water and a good nesting spot. Offering nectar-rich flowers and feeders is a good start. But you also need suitable habitat that provides sheltered perches and good nesting places, encouraging females to raise their young.

Research shows that these tiny birds have a remarkable memory and frequently return to the same hospitable sites on the same day of each year. If you feed consistently, you may have return visitors, especially during spring and fall migrations. If you can get them to nest nearby, too, you'll have fledglings who also may remember your address in years to come.

Female hummers typically settle in deciduous trees over a clearing or stream. They fashion their nests from sticky spider webbing, using lichen to camouflage the exterior and soft plant fibers to cushion the interior. It's probably not practical for the average hummingbird fan to stock spider webs and lichens in their yard. But there is a man-made alternative.

Hummer Helper is the first commercially available product that has proven appealing to hummingbirds. Introduced by Songbird Essentials, the all-natural material (specially processed with oil left in) is contained in a wire frame painted red to attract a hummingbird's eye.

The product is endorsed by the Hummingbird Society (hummingbirdsociety.org), an Arizona-based advocacy group. In the March 2009 edition of the society's journal, Executive Director Ross Hawkins reported watching females at work gathering the material. "We recommend 'Hummer Helper,'" he wrote. "It has the potential to help bring in more hummers, close by where you can observe them, and to increase the odds that they will nest near you."

To start attracting hummers, hang a small feeder. Nectar mixes are available, but it's easy to make your own. Use four parts tap water to one part ordinary table sugar, heated until dissolved. Red coloring isn't necessary. Increase the visibility of new feeders by hanging red ribbons nearby. The hummingbird's high metabolism drives it to feed about every 10 minutes, and it examines every square yard in its range for food, experts say.

Keeping the feeder clean and the nectar refreshed is critical. Spoiled solutions can turn to alcohol and support mold, both harmful to the tiny birds. In cool weather, fluid can be left for five to seven days, but during hot spells it should be replaced every two days. For easy cleaning, pick up a specialized brush like Songbird's "Best Hummer Brush." Don't use soap or detergents, which can be hard to rinse thoroughly. A solution of ordinary white vinegar is a good non-toxic cleaner.

Two other handy accessories are a water-filled nectar protector ant moat, hung above feeders to keep ants at bay, and an overhead protector like Songbird's Hummer Helmet to keep rain water from diluting nectar solutions. While its shade helps keep nectar fresh longer, the red color acts as a big red "Food Here" sign. Songbird products are sold through outlets catering to birders. The Web site www.songbirdessentials.com includes a "Retail Finder" directing customers to nearby locations.

To learn more about hummingbird research, visit the Hummer Bird Study Group at hummingbirdsplus.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Fertilizer Can Be Green

(ARA) - The impact phosphorus - a common component of lawn fertilizer - has on the environment is drawing a lot of attention as summer approaches. Phosphorus from fertilizer can leach into lakes and streams, contributing to excessive algae and water plant growth that harms fish and impedes recreational use of these waters.

Urban areas have many sources of phosphorus: including lawn fertilizer, leaves, other organic yard waste and pet droppings. Regulators have targeted lawn fertilizers as a primary source of interest. However, any source of excessive phosphorus will cause problems in lakes and rivers.

Phosphorus is essential to sustain life. It plays a key role in how living creatures use energy from food to power growth and reproduce. Limiting phosphorus limits growth and reproduction. Eliminating phosphorus from the environment eliminates life.

Not all sources of fertilizer phosphorus are the same. The water extractable phosphorus test, or WEP test, is a new way to show how easily phosphorus in a particular fertilizer moves into groundwater. A low WEP means that phosphorus will stay out of groundwater. A high WEP means that movement is likely. Phosphorus in groundwater may move to surface water and cause excessive water plant growth.

Synthetic fertilizers, the traditional kind used to manufacture common lawn fertilizer, contain more than 85 percent water extractable phosphorus. If these fertilizers are ove- applied, some of this phosphorus may enter groundwater and move to bodies of water.

Fertilizers such as Milorganite 5-2-0 contains less than 2 percent water extractable phosphorus, making them better choices for the environment. This phosphorus is far less likely to move into groundwater. Research also shows this phosphorus is still available for plants to use.

"Milorganite 5-2-0 fertilizer should be the fertilizer choice for homeowners and regulators concerned about phosphorus movement to lakes and streams," says Mike Archer of Milorganite. "Our research shows that Milorganite fertilizers consistently are better stewards of the environment."

Milorganite fertilizers contain high amounts of iron. This iron combines with phosphorus, holding it away from soil water until plants can use it. Thus, lawns still have an adequate supply of phosphorus to grow and repair themselves from damage by mowing and playing. However, this phosphorus does not move to groundwater. "Milorganite 5-2-0 fertilizer not only adds non-staining iron to help keep lawns green, but it uses this iron to keep phosphorus out of lakes and streams," Archer says.

Other sources of phosphorus also contribute in polluting surface waters. Leaves and grass clippings contain phosphorus. Keep them out of curbs and from washing into storm sewers. Recycle their nutrients and organic matter back to your plants by mulching them. If you are mowing near open water, point mower discharges to land.

When you spread any fertilizer, blow or sweep it off drives and walks back onto your lawn. When it rains, any fertilizer left on these hard surfaces washes into storm sewers then to bodies of water, causing pollution.

Finally, pick up pet droppings and place them in the trash. These droppings contain high amounts of phosphorus. Dropping them into storm sewers is like dropping fertilizer pellets onto open water.

Everyone can do something to protect the environment. Using eco-friendly fertilizers, taking care when disposing of lawn debris, and properly disposing of pet droppings are actions that help keep our lakes and rivers clean and clear for future generations.

For more information regarding eco-friendly fertilizer, visit www.milorganite.com or call (800) 304-6204.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Have the lawn of your childhood memories

(ARA) - From playing baseball to driving, grilling to mowing the lawn, your dad probably taught you many things in life. It's often dear old dad who took you out in the yard, and showed you how to care for the lawn and mow the grass. Need a refresher course? Here is how to take care of your lawn the way dad would want you to ... just like you remember from childhood.

Tool time
Dad may have enjoyed jazzing up the tool shed with loads of power tools but things don't have to get that complicated to have great results with your lawn. Some essentials include a rake, a shovel or spade, a lawn fertilizer spreader, a garden hose, and a lawn mower. Depending on the size of your lawn, you may not even need a large mower. Old fashioned reel mowers are still available and work beautifully for smaller jobs. Regardless of what type of mower you have, you'll need to take it in for a blade sharpening before you use it. A sharp blade will ensure the best results on your lawn. There are many other tools available to assist with lawn care (weed whackers, power edgers, leaf blowers, etc.). While the endless list of power tools is fun, you can do everything you need to with minimal investment and just these few basics.

There's no time like the present
When spring rolls around, we all want to get out in the yard, not just to work on it, but to live and play on it. Spring and early summer, when the temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees, are the perfect times to get your lawn into shape. Start with a good mowing and then assess the condition of your lawn. If need be, at this time you can reseed bare or thinning areas, prevent weeds and feed your lawn to get it ready for the long, hot summer months. Take note of the problems your lawn has and the end results you want, then head to your local garden center. Grass seeds and fertilizers don't have to be complicated. Many products need to be applied a few times a year for effectiveness. Combination products make life even easier. Products like Scotts Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control that incorporate lawn fertilizer and weed control encourage beautiful, thick grass, while clearing out dandelions and other unsightly weeds. Use a lawn spreader and follow package directions for application of these products.

Rules to mow by
Lawn mowing doesn't have to be difficult to be effective. One of the best things you can do is to set your mower to its highest setting before you start cutting. Taller grass not only looks inviting and feels luxurious underfoot; it encourages healthier grass growth and discourages weeds. Keeping it slightly taller will help it build good roots, which go deeper to absorb water and nutrients. You can also boost the effectiveness of feeding by leaving grass clippings on your lawn to break down and recycle nutrients right back into the soil.

Don't get all wet
Most lawns don't need much watering since rainfall generally provides adequate moisture. Grass doesn't need nearly as much water as shrubs or flowers therefore, unless you are seeding new grass or have dull wilted grass, you probably don't need to break out the sprinkler. In cases of drought, your grass will most likely become brown and dormant. This is not a bad thing since it will bounce right back after a good rain, especially if it is fed well in the spring. In fact, a well-fed lawn generally requires far less water than an unfed lawn to be lush and green because roots are more developed, improving its ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Follow these few words of advice and not only will you enjoy a beautifully manicured lawn but your whole neighborhood will appreciate it, even dad. Who knows, after this you may even be able to teach dad a thing or two.

For more great tips that will help you increase your lawn care knowledge and lead to a more beautiful yard, go to www.loveyourlawn.us.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

“Is It Done Yet?”
Only Your Food Thermometer Knows for Sure

(ARA) - Kids popping into the kitchen or dashing by a barbecue grill ask impatiently, “Is it done yet?” The answer to this hungry question is the basis of a national campaign to encourage the use of food thermometers when preparing meat, poultry and egg dishes, to prevent foodborne illness. The campaign, which is being led by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is themed, “Is It Done Yet? You Can’t Tell By Looking. Use a Food Thermometer to be Sure!”

Studies have shown that using a food thermometer is the only way to tell if harmful bacteria have been destroyed. FSIS reports that even if hamburgers look fully cooked, one in four hamburgers may not be safely cooked. Yet only 6 percent of home cooks use a food thermometer for hamburgers and only 10 percent use a food thermometer for chicken breasts, according to the latest data from the Food Safety Survey, which was conducted by FSIS and the Food and Drug Administration.

USDA food safety experts encourage people to get and use a food thermometer -- dial or digital -- and become a role model in their neighborhoods. By using a food thermometer to check if meat, poultry or egg dishes are done, you also prevent overcooking and guesswork. Food cooked to a safe internal temperature is juicy and flavorful. If you use a food thermometer, then you’ll know the answer to “Is it done yet?”

You can buy a food thermometer in many grocery, hardware or kitchen stores. Here are some tips for using it:

* Insert the food thermometer into the thickest part of the food, making sure it doesn’t touch bone, fat or gristle.

* Cook food until the thermometer shows an internal temperature of 160 F for hamburger, pork and egg dishes; 145 F for steaks and roasts; 170 F for chicken breasts and 180 F for whole poultry.

* Clean your food thermometer with hot, soapy water before and after each use.

FSIS has created a Web site to provide consumers with recommended internal temperatures and instructions on how to use a food thermometer:

www.IsItDoneYet.gov

FSIS is partnering with various organizations, agencies and local groups to help spread this important food safety message.

For food safety information in English and Spanish, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (888) MPHotline (674-6854) or TTY: (800) 256-7072. The year-round toll-free hotline can be called Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. An extensive selection of timely food safety messages also is available at the same number 24 hours a day.

For a free copy of the “Is It Done Yet?” brochure, order online at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/food/isitdoneyet/isitdoneyet.htm or send your name and address to Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC), Dept. 11, Pueblo, CO 81009.

Consumers may also pose food safety questions by logging on to FSIS’ online automated response system called “Ask Karen,” which is available on the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov. E-mail inquiries can be directed to MPHotline.fsis@usda.gov.

Courtesy of ARA Content

The articles on this page are courtesy of aracontent.com and are not written by The Almanack

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