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April 11, 2008 |
Number 137 |
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By Dorothy Reinhold Editor's Note: Our friend Dorothy is back guest "hosting" this time, sharing some more of her original food creations. Don't you wish you could live at her house - or bring her to your house? At least at dinner time? Sue B. Dance Co. Burgers, pizza, mac ‘n’ cheese ... there are a couple of classic childhood tastes that never go out of style, aren’t there? No matter how many food fads come and go - low-carb, high-fiber, froth and foam, wraps and raw - you can always count on these basics as a food foundation on which to build a family dinner. For our family, add tacos to that mix. No matter what else is offered, if tacos are on the menu, bingo, that’s it! There’s just something pretty perfect about crunchy or soft tortillas filled with seasoned meat or chicken and topped with lettuce, cheese and whatever other manner of garnish you like. I like to hoe new rows, though, so regular tacos all the time can get pretty boring for me. To keep myself culinarily entertained and my family happy, I kept the winning flavor of classic tacos but branched out with different strategies and techniques. Behold two new ideas for your dinner repertoire: The Turkey Taco Burger and the Weeknight Skillet Taco Dinner. Either will keep the mouths and tummies at your table happy. For the Turkey Taco Burgers, start with a large bowl where you'll mix 1 pound of lean ground turkey with a 4-ounce can of chopped mild green chiles, 2 tablespoons dry taco seasoning mix and a tablespoon of dried minced onion. Sometimes, if I am lazy, I mix the meat on low in my Kitchen-Aid mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand easily enough. Shape this into 4 patties and refrigerate for a bit to let the onion hydrate. In the meantime, make your "secret sauce" by stirring together about 3 tablespoons sour cream, 1 teaspoon dried taco seasoning mix and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Set aside to let the flavors get hitched. When you are ready to eat, split and toast 4 English muffins, grill your burgers, top with a tomato slice and lettuce leaf if you wish, and add a dollop of secret sauce. Yum yum! My husband just walked into the room, looked over my shoulder at the computer screen, saw what I was writing, and said, "Whenever you're ready to make those Taco Burgers again, I am ready to eat them!" To round out the plate, I might serve these with a simple green salad and some chopped fresh pineapple, or whatever other fruit is in season. Serves 4. PEN Next up to our taco trials is an easy, one-pan dinner that tastes something like "Combination Dinner #2" at your favorite neighborhood Mexican restaurant. It brings the familiar flavors of tacos and red rice together, all in one bowl. There are lots of ways to tweak this to your own tastes: Substitute salsa instead of the canned tomatoes, use a Mexican blend shredded cheese, make it fiery hot with chopped jalapenos ... use your imagination. I prefer using leftover cooked brown rice, which also gives my family a dollop more nutrition. This has the perfect characteristics of a successful dinner. It is quick, very tasty and a family-pleaser, as well. Let’s just call it a trifecta recipe. Start your Weeknight Skillet Taco Dinner by browning 1 chopped onion in about 2 teaspoons of olive or canola oil for 5 to 7 minutes, until it begins to brown lightly. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the onion skillet and brown it. Throw in about 2 finely minced garlic cloves and about half a packet of dry taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons), about 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of ground ancho chili powder. (You can use the whole packet of taco seasoning and omit the extra cumin and chili powder, but that makes it too salty for my tastebuds. See what you think.) Cook and stir that for a couple of minutes until it is nice and fragrant, then add a 14.5-ounce can of petite cut diced tomatoes in juice (or a 12-ounce jar of chunky salsa). Stir and cook that for another 2 minutes or so until it is nice and bubbly. Stir in about 2 cups of leftover brown or white cooked rice and let it bubble for another minute. Sprinkle on about 1 cup (4 ounces) of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, then turn off the heat, cover the skillet and allow the pan to sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows time for the cheese to melt. To serve, place a mound of finely shredded lettuce (or use baby salad greens) in individual bowls, spoon some of the taco mixture on top of the greens, and finish off - voila! - with a sprinkling of broken tortilla chips or Fritos. You may also use other taco garnishes if you like, such as chopped fresh cilantro, chopped black olives and a dollop of sour cream. This serves 5-6. Tacos ... the terrific treat! Dorothy Reinhold lives in Malibu with her husband and two taco-loving children. She writes the Tried and True food/recipe column for the Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Whittier Daily News. You may reach her at DReinhold@aol.com. |
Dates and times subject to change; activities free unless noted; phone numbers provided if reservations are requested; please note age ranges on some activities. Also, see our special printable calendar, especially for readers of The Orange Cat. Friday, April 11, 2008 Sea Otters: Caltech Beckman Auditorium 10 a.m. In the waters of Monterey Bay grow some of the world's largest kelp forests. Sea otters shelter here from predators and strong sea currents. Once threatened by hunting, the otters are now making a comeback, thriving in this ocean sanctuary where they feed, sleep and raise their young. James Maloney of Caltech's Biology Division will introduce the film and guide the post-screening discussion. $5. Recommended for grades 3 through 12. Reservations: Mary Herrera, 626-395-6059 or email mhh@caltech.edu. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Saturday, April 12, 2008 Under the Big Top: Arcadia Public Library 2:30 p.m. Join us for a fun storytime all about the circus. Ages four and up. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia. Caltech Jazz Festival Family Festival: Lake Avenue Church MOPS Club 10 a.m. This is a free and fun event for the entire family. There is a silent auction with many items and baskets for families, a bounce house obstacle course and much more. For more information call 626-664-4646. 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre. Limericks Out Loud: Linda Vista Branch Library 11 a.m. Learn to write a fun limerick or two. Give a listen and then a limerick you'll pen and see if you are a winner too. And at Central Library at 2 p.m. Also on April 15 at 11 a.m. at Lamanda Park Branch and at 3:30 p.m. at Hill Avenue Branch. 1281 Bryant St., Pasadena. Musical Circus: Pasadena Symphony 8:30 a.m. Program begins with a musical “petting zoo” of orchestra instruments, followed by a performance designed especially for music lovers 10 and younger. This month's concert features Martin Espino, a classically trained professional musician who has brought instruments of his ancestral Mexicano heritage back to life for performances and educational events. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Wind Chime: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids create a jingly, jangly wind chime that they can hang anywhere…using craft materials like bells, buttons and gems. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday High: Art Center College of Design 11 a.m. - noon and 3-4 p.m. Art Center welcomes high school students, parents, guardians and educators to an open house to learn more about the courses offered through Saturday High. For information click the link or call 626.396.2319. South Campus, 950 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Poet-Tree Party: Vromans Hastings Ranch 7 p.m. Join us as we celebrate National Poetry Month, Earth Day and Arbor Day. We'll tell stories, do crafts, and give you a tree of your own to take home with you. 3729 E. Foothill Blvd, Pasadena. Sunday, April 13, 2008 Eco-Week: Kidspace Museum - April 19. Celebrate Earth Day (April 19) all week! Eco-friendly activities include creating butterfly garden seed balls, making nature journals with recycled bags, mixing natural pesticides to protect your garden, reading butterfly and nature stories. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Monday, April 14, 2008 Open House: MOMS Club of South Pasadena 10 a.m. Support group for stay-at-home moms living in South Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra and the San Gabriel 91775 zip code. We have monthly speakers, park days, outings, moms night out, play groups and more. Open house features Gymnastikids demonstration and Ident-A-Kid children's ID cards. Light snacks provided. Thurnher House, Lacy Park, San Marino. Library Mouse: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 3:30 p.m. Children's author Daniel Kirk will read from his latest book, Library Mouse. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Heebie & Jeebie: Altadena Public Library 7 p.m. Come experience the sweet harmonies, zany antics, and fabulous funny costume & hat changes from the World’s Only Demi-Nerd Singing Duo as they perform corny “take-offs” of familiar tunes you know and love that will keep the whole family laughing for days after. 600 E. Mariposa Ave., Altadena. Tag Team Reading: Monrovia Public Library 3:45 p.m. All ages are invited to hear their favorite librarians read aloud some of their favorite stories. 843 E. Olive Ave., Monrovia. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Ann Whitford Paul: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 3:30 p.m. Ann Whitford Paul, author of "Fiesta Fiasco" and "Manana Iguana" will read from her latest books, "Count on Culebra," "Go From 1 to 10 in Spanish" and "Snail's Good Night." 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Pasadena Area Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Thursday, April 17, 2008 Harry Potter Magic Show: Crescenta Valley Park Community Room 2 p.m. Tony Daniels will present a Harry Potter Magic Show with activities, magic tricks and audience participation for elementary school age children. 3901 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta. Friday, April 18, 2008 Fun Flick Friday: Altadena Public Library 330 p.m. A series of fun-filled films for the whole family to enjoy! Join us this month for BEE MOVIE – Rated PG. 600 E. Mariposa Ave., Altadena. The Penderwicks: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 3:30 p.m. Jeanne Birdsall, author of The Penderwicks,. will present her follow-up title, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street. Ms. Birdsall decided to become a writer at the age of ten, but did not start until she was 41. This is an opportunity for young aspiring authors to ask questions. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Spring Musical: Blair High School 8 p.m. This years musical revue is packed with memorable songs from Broadway hits. Accompanied by a live band, the talented Blair IB singers and dancers are sure to dazzle audiences as they have for the past four years. Show also being performed on April 19 at 8:00 and April 20 at 2:00. $12 adults; $8 ages 3 to 18; free for under 3. PCC Sexson Auditorium, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena. Saturday, April 19, 2008 Earth Day: Vromans Bookstore 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy live music, speakers, an eco-friendly fashion show and a bike ride to celebrate Earth Day. See website for full schedule of activities. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Kids Club Concert: University of La Verne 10 a.m. Come hear The Happy Crowd, with Kenny, Hai and Professor Smartie. Founders Auditorium, 1950 Third St., La Verne. Who is Krishna: Norton Simon Museum Learn about the Hindu god known as the Blue Lord, from his mischief in childhood to his later heroic deeds, and then craft a story panel that depicts a special moment in your life. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Butterfly Release: Kidspace Museum 11 a.m. A full day of butterfly acitvities and performances. The Hollow Trees perform at 11 a.m. to kick off the celebration, followed by nectar tasting, Eat-Like-A-Caterpillar contests and the creation of butterfly costumes. Do the Pupa Freeze Dance, learn about metamorphosis, see live caterpillars and butterflies and, of course, bring your own recently-emerged butterfly for the 12th Annual Butterfly Release. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Billiant Butterfly: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children will use pom-poms, pipe stems, wiggly eyes and more to create delightful butterflies. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Sunday, April 20, 2008 Old Elm Speaks: Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Join author Kristine O'Connell George and discover the inspiration for her collection of poetry about nature. A workshop follows in which you can create your own illustrated tree poems. Branch out and see what sprouts from your imagination in this afternoon for nature lovers of all ages. For children ages 4 through 10. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Wednesday, April 23, 2008 Shrinky Dink: Allendale Branch Library 3:30 p.m. Take a step back in time and inspire your imagination by making a creative toy from the 1970s, a Shrinky Dink keychain, and other artistic masterpieces. Materials will be provided; just bring your arty ideas. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena. TheatreWorks: Caltech Beckman Auditorium 10 a.m. Moving from the city to a new house in the country can be tough. Just ask Henry, who can't find a playmate in his new neighborhood. Luckily, he's got Mudge, a great big, slobbery, 182-pound canine buddy, with whom he can share all kinds of adventures. Recommended for grades Pre-K through third. Reservations: 800-497-5007. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Margaret Peterson Haddix: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 4 p.m. Margaret Peterson Haddix, author of the "Shadow Children Series," will present the first book in her new series, "Missing Book 1: Found." For ages 8 to 12. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Thursday, April 24, 2008 Birdman or Birdbrain? La Pintoresca Branch Library 3:30 p.m. When The Book's pages transform into rongorongo script, Freddi, Samantha, and Fred transport back in time to Rapa Nui (a.k.a. Easter Island) and come face to face with a 15-ton Moai! 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena. Animal Magic: Monrovia Public Library 3:45 p.m. The after school program, featuring Abrams amazing magical tricks and his small furry pals, is perfect for the entire family and it is free. 930 E. Lemon, Monrovia, Bradoaks Elementary School. Saturday, April 26, 2008 Family Fun Days: Arcadia Historical Museum 12-2 p.m. Slow down, stop and take time to notice our beautiful mountains, water, wildlife and plants just after celebrating Earth Day. Make a colorful ladybug paperweight and hear what Smokey the Bear has to say. 380 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia. Science Film: Caltech Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. Hotel Heliconia, a high-definition film, will be presented followed by a live discussion with Caltech scientist Tara Adele Gomex. The heliconia, a tropical jungle plant with some of the most beautiful flowers on earth, is both a rain forest hotel and supermarket. It provides a home and food for many fascinating creatures, all of which seem to be using the plant for their own gain. $5. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Barks and Books: Altadena Public Library 11 a.m. Children ages 5-12 are invited to read animal related short stories of their choice to a loveable dog from the Pasadena Humane Society’s Companion Animal Program. This reading enrichment program makes reading fun, boosts confidence and encourages respectful, humane treatment for all animals. 600 E. Mariposa Ave., Altadena. Collage Mirror: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids decorate a mirror that they can set up anywhere using fun craft materials like gems, feathers and stickers. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Cherry Blossom Festival: West Covina Civic Center Courtyard noon - 6 p.m. Festival highlights include cultural demonstrations, exhibits, a tea ceremony, martial arts, taiko (Japanese drums), odori (Japanese folk dancing), iikebana (flower arrangement) and much more. 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina. American Cowboy: Rosemead Library 11:30 a.m. Experience life in the Wild West. Listen to cowboy tales and songs. Watch some trick roping. 8800 Valley Blvd., Rosemead. Celebrating Trees: Descanso Gardens 10 a.m. Visitors will be treated to a weekend of tree-related music, crafts and tours and Jon Sherman presents music performed on branch flutes made from California trees. Event also held on April 27 at 10 a.m. as well. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge. Unity in our Community: Community of Christ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.The event will feature music (with special guest Edith Wallace), activities for all ages, prizes, and free food. All are welcome to come and share in this celebration of our earth and the collective stewardship for its care. 9468 Broadway, Temple City. Buggy About Reading: Monrovia Public Library 2 p.m. Childrens librarian Annette Simpson will be reading aloud from some of her favorite stories about all kinds of bugs. Six-legged guest stars will also be on hand for children to study and hold. 501 S. Mountain Avenue, Monrovia. 4th Annual Relay For Life; American Cancer Society 11 a.m. This 24-hour community fund raiser supports cancer research, education, advocacy and services to cancer patients. Teams will camp out at the park and take part in games and contests. Information: Mohna Manihar, 626-359-4114 or Laura Harris, 818-269-6626. Recreation Park Girls & Boys Club, 600 South Shamrock Ave, Monrovia. Register Early Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Marionette Magic: Alhambra Public Library 7 p.m. Franklin Haynes Marionettes will perform a special program especially for children. The program is free, butdue to space limitations, tickets will be issued beginning Wednesday, April 9 in the Children's Department. 410 W.Main Street, Alhambra. Friday, April 18, 2008 Art and Music Class: South Pasadena Public Library 3:30 p.m. A four-week series of classes designed to help students grades 4-6 understand the worlds of these famous men will be held each week. Each week, moderator Andy Lippman, or a guest speaker, will lead a discussion of these creative geniuses and leave time for some project, or activity, related to their work. Visit the South Pasadena Library to sign up. 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena. Saturday, April 19, 2008 Royal Tea Party: South Pasadena Public Library 3 p.m. How do you become a Rose Queen or Princess? What kind of training does the Royal Court receive? Where do princesses get their pretty dresses? And what are the Rose Queen’s and Princesses’ favorite books? Children are invited to ask the Tournament of Roses Queen and Court at this event. Reservations required; tickets available in library children's room. Library community room, 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena. Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Family Craft Night: Alhambra Public Library 7 p.m. Remember when the family used to gather around the dining room to play games and make things? Bring the family to thelibrary and work together to create several crafts that can be displayed in your home. The library will provide the makings. Register in the literacy office or at 626-570-3281. 410 W.Main Street, Alhambra. Saturday, May 3, 2008 Claremont Folk Festival: Folk Music Center 9 a.m. Bring the family and enjoy music, dance workshops, craft vendors, international cuisine and three stages of live music including children's entertainment with Angela Lloyd, Dan Crow, The Happy Crowd and Uncle Ruthie. $50; kids 12 and under free. Information: 909-624-2928 or 909-624-8803. Sycamore Elementary School, 225 W. 8th Street. Click on the Continuing Activities headline directly above, or here, to see more fun children's activities. Are you aware of a great event or venue that we're not listing? If so, please let us know so we can include it in the next Orange Cat. Email: karen@theorangecat.org. |
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