Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Helpful Household Tips: 5 Quick Uses for Masking Tape


Masking tape is great and luckily almost everyone has a roll or two lying around the house.  There are quite a few uses for masking tape that most people do not know about.  Here are a few that we were able to hunt down:

1.) Wood Cutter Aid- The next time you have to cut some wood around you home use masking tape as a ruler.  Wrap some tape around the location you want to cut on the wood.  Cut directly through the tape and you will have less splinters and a straight line.

2.) Homemade Lint Roller- If you are running out the door for an important event and can’t find the lint roller then grab a roll of masking tape.  It performs the same function as your lint roller. 

3.) Kid Coloring- 2 quick uses.  Put some tape around your child’s crayons to ensure they don’t break as easily.  You can also tape down any coloring sheet to the table with masking tape.  Not only will it help keep the sheet in place, but if they scribble a little off the page, the masking tape will ensure your table is not damaged.

4.) Glass Transportation- If you have to remove glass for remodeling or other purposes then take masking tape and make an “X” across the glass.  It will strengthen the glass for transportation.

5.) Signs and Labels- Masking tape is great for labeling things around the house.  It is cheap and easy to remove.

This information was gathered from the following site.

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Recipe of the Week: Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs





    It is quite tempting to pick up canned sauce and pre-made meatballs when making spaghetti, but fight the urge this week and try making the entire meal from scratch.  We know the word “scratch” often scares people as it can mean hours of prep time for one meal.  Breathe easy tonight as we found the perfect 30 minute recipe for you!

    Ingredients:

    ·         Coarse salt and ground pepper

    ·         1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

    ·         1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

    ·         2 garlic cloves, minced

    ·         1 large egg

    ·         1 pound ground beef chuck

    ·         1/4 cup plain dried breadcrumbs

    ·         1 tablespoon olive oil

    ·         1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree

    ·         3/4 pound spaghetti

    Directions:

    1.      Set a large pot of salted water to boil. In a bowl, combine Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add beef and breadcrumbs; mix gently. Form into 16 balls.

    2.      In a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium. Add meatballs, and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer; cover partially, and cook, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.

    3.      Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente. Drain, and return to pot; add meatballs and sauce, and toss gently. Serve with Parmesan.

    Enjoy!

    This recipe was found at the attached site.

    At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Best Burger in the World


 
 
There is an episode of “How I Met Your Mother” in which Marshall is convinced he has found the best burger in not only New York City, but in the world.  Convincing as his argument was, I think the best burger can be found elsewhere.  About a month ago, while in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, I had the pleasure of catching up with old friends at Overtime Bar and Grill.  The burger I had that night was far and away the best I have ever had.  This made me think.  Did the company around me make that specific burger stand out?  Have there been other burgers that were just as good, or even better?  My Overtime experience was one of the best I have ever had with my friends and the burger only made it better.  So, who does have the best burger?  I would have to say Overtime, but I think your state of mind, the people around you and, of course, the quality of meat comes into play.  Where is the best burger in the world?  To many, it may have been on their porch on a warm summer afternoon.  Let us know.  Who do you think holds the title for the best burger?

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Recipe of the Week: Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs

Picture of Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs Recipe


Is there anything better than fresh pasta with meatballs?  This unique recipe will dazzle the family.  Try this one tonight:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound orecchiette pasta
  • 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 3/4 cup grated Romano
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock, hot
  • 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 8 ounces bocconcini mozzarella, halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions:

1.) Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.

2.) In a medium bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, eggs, milk, ketchup, Romano cheese, and the salt and pepper. Add the chicken and gently stir to combine.

3.) Using a melon baller (or a teaspoon measure), form the chicken mixture into 3/4-inch pieces. With damp hands, roll the chicken pieces into mini meatballs.

4.) In a large (14-inch) skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook without moving until brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Turn the meatballs over and brown the other side, about 2 minutes longer. Add the chicken stock and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan.

5.) Reduce heat to low and simmer until tomatoes are soft and meatballs are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Transfer pasta to a large serving bowl and add the Parmesan.

6.) Toss to lightly coat orecchiette, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Add the meatball mixture, mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of the basil. Gently toss to combine. Garnish with the chopped basil.

This recipe was found at the attached site.

Enjoy!

At Ryan Motors, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

The Life of a Rock Star


Wish you were a rock star?  Of course you do, who wouldn’t want to be, right?  I recently spoke to a good friend who is in a relatively famous band and asked him what life of a rock star is actually like.  Sure, he has been to some wild parties, and yes he has opened for some BIG names, but what is the normal day like for a true rock star?  It is not what you think.  For example, while on tour, the main voice has to make sure his vocal chords are in tip-top shape.  He said that after a show, he sometimes won’t speak again until his next sound check.  Fatigue also sets in as they are constantly sleeping on a bus.  The beds are not as comfortable as you may think, plus the bus is constantly moving, rattling and stopping.  He also made mention of the stress.  Musicians have trained themselves to not fear the crowd.  I was told that on his first couple of tours, stage freight would often set in and he would get stomach ulcers from the stress.  Is there anything awesome about being a rock star?  Oh ya…money, fame and yes there are some pretty incredible experiences and parties.

Happy Thursday!

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Battle of the Burritos: Chipotle vs. Qdoba



Massive burritos have become a staple of American dining over the last fifteen years as delicious, fast Mexican restaurants have sprung up all over the country.  There are two, however, that seem to stand out: Qdoba and Chipotle.  These two restaurant chains not only put up huge sales numbers, but they have created a burrito cult following.  Everyone is different and it is fun to see who likes the different burrito restaurants.  Currently, Chipotle outnumbers Qdoba about 100 to 1, but to many Midwestern folk, the numbers make no difference.  The queso sauce from Qdoba, to many, is like manna from heaven as it adds a unique cheesy blend to the burrito.  On the other hand, Chipotle sticks with simplicity.  Their burritos harness the nuts and bolts of classic Mexican dining.  Each restaurant chain is unique in their own way, but who reigns supreme?  Personally, both restaurants fill the hunger void.

Who do you think is best?

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Quick Dinners: Penne with Chicken and Asparagus



Dinner is served!  Pasta, chicken and delicious veggies are all included in this delicious meal.  If you are crunched for time and are craving a healthy dinner for the whole family then try this one tonight!  
Ingredients:
·         1 (16 ounce) package dried penne pasta
·         5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
·         2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into cubes
·         salt and pepper to taste
·         garlic powder to taste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
·         1 bunch slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
·         1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
·         1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Directions:
1.       Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
2.       Warm 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in chicken, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until chicken is cooked through and browned, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken to paper towels.
3.       Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Then stir in asparagus, garlic, and a pinch more garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover, and steam until the asparagus is just tender, about 5 to 10 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet, and warm through.
4.       Stir chicken mixture into pasta, and mix well. Let sit about 5 minutes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, stir again, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
This recipe was found at the attached site.
Enjoy!
At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Opening Day


It is here!  Opening Day has finally arrived.  Baseball is set to begin today (it actually began last night, but for the sake of argument, we will say today) as teams square off against each other for the first games of the regular season.  What does Opening Day mean?  For many, it means spring is finally here.  Snow, sleet and cold weather are gone and the time of great weather, bountiful sunshine and warm summer nights are upon us.  Unfortunately, this spring has not brought ideal weather for many openers, including the Minnesota Twins.  Temperatures in the Twin Cities are supposed to climax at about 35 degrees today; not exactly ideal baseball weather.  Oh well, baseball will go on.  This season should be a wild one as many teams are already struggling with injuries, including an always Fall Classic favorite, the New York Yankees.  A large majority of teams revamped their lineups in the off-season, so hopefully we will see plenty of stellar pitching, excellent hitting and overall good baseball this year.  Who is your favorite team?

Happy Opening Day!

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.