Certified Barbeque Judging Class Coming to Greenville

The South Carolina Barbeque Association (SCBA) will hold a one-day seminar in Greenville to train new barbeque judges. The seminar is July 15, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Project Host, located at 525 Academy St. 

Registration for the seminar is open to SCBA members and costs $50 per person, which includes a catered barbeque lunch. Non-members must join SCBA prior to or while registering for the seminar to be eligible to attend. SCBA annual membership dues are $45 for an individual or $60 for a family. 

The seminar is the first step in becoming a SCBA-certified barbeque judge. After completing the class, potential judges will continue their training with hands-on experience as novice judges at four SCBA-sanctioned barbeque competitions. Competitions are held around the state at festivals and fairs, as well as other community events or stand-alone BBQ contests. 

Those interested in becoming SCBA-certified judges and attending the July 15th seminar should visit www.scbarbeque.com to register for the seminar and/or join the SCBA. 

4 Practical Tips For Reducing Stress During The Holidays

The holidays are the time of year when families and friends are supposed to come together and rejoice in the season. It’s a time when lights are glittering, and carolers bring joy through song. However, for many the holidays are a source of stress. Trying to juggle responsibilities like work and relationships while also trying to do last minute shopping, attend parties, and decorate can put people into overload and cause a lot of stress. 

It is important to take the holidays back by finding ways to not stress about them so you can actually enjoy what they are all about. To get it right takes planning, prioritizing, maintaining personal wellness, and embracing the core essence of the holiday season. In this article, we will go over several practical tips to help you enjoy the holidays like you did when you were a kid. 

1 - Start by outsourcing

The first step in being able to enjoy the holidays is to admit to yourself that one person cannot do everything alone. It takes a team to be able to get through the obligations that come with the season. 

This is where the concept of hiring help for the holiday season comes into play.

Delegating tasks can be a game changer. Instead of juggling multiple responsibilities, you can hire professionals to take care of tasks such as shopping, gift wrapping, cleaning, cooking, and even paying for professional Christmas light installation. 

When you have people doing these tasks for you, it frees up your time to handle your social obligations and spend time doing the things you enjoy. This is what the season is about, after all.

2 - Prioritize and plan

Holiday stress often comes from feeling overwhelmed with the number of tasks to complete and the lack of time to get them done. If you prioritize these tasks and plan them out, then this can make it feel a lot less stressful. 

The first step is to list down everything that you need to do during the holiday season. This includes shopping for gifts, preparing meals, decorating the house, sending cards, and attending events.

Once you have a list you need to prioritize the order that the items should be done. Create categories for each task and then label them according to their urgency. 

Once you've prioritized your tasks, it's time to slot them into your schedule. Break down larger tasks into manageable chunks and distribute them across your available time. Do not anything until the last minute, which can cause panic and stress.

3 - Focus on what matters

The holiday season is about more than just the perfect meal or the most beautiful decorations. It's about spending quality time with loved ones, creating warm memories, and celebrating the year that's passed. 

When you start to feel burned out from standing in long lines at the mall, or attending a work holiday party after a long day, then it is time to take a step back. Make it a point to do something with your family or friends that brings joy like having a meal together, or even just going for a sled ride through the snow. 

Taking this step back will give you some breathing room and remind you that the season is not about stress but about the joy that comes from making time for your loved ones. 

Rather than spending your time in lines, go work at a soup kitchen for a day to give back to those in need. This will help you put everything into perspective and recharge your batteries by helping you feel thankful for what you have. 

4 - Take care of yourself

Balancing personal wellness with festive obligations might seem challenging, but it's key to enjoying the holiday season to the fullest. The holiday season can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Recognize and acknowledge your feelings. It's okay not to feel joyful all the time. 

When you start feeling like you are going through the motions, it’s time to schedule some time to do something for yourself. It sounds more difficult than it really is. For instance, if you are buying some skin care products as a gift, get them at a day spa and treat yourself to a 30 minute massage while there. 

It's okay to prioritize your wellness over trying to meet everyone else's holiday expectations. Remember, it's the experiences and memories that matter, not making sure to get the perfect gift for everybody on your list.

An Overview of Tequila Alternatives

Imagine a zero-alcohol drink that has the aroma and taste of tequila. 

A golden hue greets you upon pouring, while a traditional blue agave aroma and ripe tropical guava follow suit. Earthy mesquite smoke, clean spice, and a kiss of sea salt complete the experience. 

Agave

The agave plant, or maguey, is a succulent from the Asparagaceae family native to the arid regions of Mexico and the Caribbean. It has been used for centuries by indigenous people for food, fiber, and medicine, including the boiled sweetener known as agave nectar. Its stem is incredibly dense in carbohydrates immediately before flowering and is harvested to produce tequila and mezcal alcohol.

As tequila recovers from its reputation as the spirit of bad decisions and blacked-out college years, its sister mezcal is sashaying onto craft cocktail menus. In addition, a growing number of bars and restaurants are stocking shelves with tequila alternatives like bacanora and pulque.

In cocktails, tequila alternatives pair well with citrusy, tropical flavors such as cilantro lime and tropical guava. They also work with savory tomato juices in margaritas and palomas. And they add a smoky, herbal, earthy element to drinks with agave syrup or honey.

In addition to a lower glycemic index than table sugar, agave syrup has a high level of beneficial fats that can help boost metabolism and lower cholesterol levels. It also contains minerals like potassium, selenium, and folate. Unlike fructose, which many people can’t properly digest, agave syrup is digested by the body and converted to energy without raising blood glucose or insulin levels. That makes it a healthier alternative to white sugar and other liquid sweeteners.

Aesthetics

With golden color, these non-alcoholic spirits look most like a reposado tequila. It smells smoky, like mezcal or charred wood, and it tastes sweet with a spicy finish. It blends well in drinks with spice, especially margaritas. It also works in mules and sour mix drinks.

It has a low alcohol content of less than 0.5%, making it suitable for many people. However, it does contain a small amount of sugar, so you should be careful when adding it to a diet. In addition, it contains glycerol and citric acid for natural flavors and sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate as preservatives.

Add a tequila alternative to a glass of tonic water for an impressive mocktail, and garnish with a jalapeno slice and basil. Allow the jalapeno to soak for 15 minutes to make it spicier. The result is a refreshing drink that you can enjoy all year round.

Mezcal

Mezcal is a spirit with a unique flavor with much to offer to drinkers. Its savory and potent flavor has made it a popular alternative to tequila in cocktails and on the rocks. It is also one of the lowest-calorie liquors when served straight without mixers. This may help those looking to limit their sugar intake while still enjoying a spirit with a bit of a buzz.

Mezcals can be enjoyed alone or with a variety of mixers and foods. Its earthy, smokey flavor pairs well with citrus, fruits, and other foods. It can even be mixed with ice to make margaritas or juleps. A splash of honey or lime can also enhance its smoky undertones.

A mezcal’s flavor is influenced by the type of agave used to make it and the distillation and cooking processes. Some mezcals are aged in barrels, creating a more complex and nuanced spirit.

Mezcals are becoming increasingly popular in the US thanks to a growing interest in artisanal spirits. Several mezcal brands have emerged in the past decade. These mezcals are sourced from families operating their palenquero (distillery). The founders of these mezcal brands understand sustainability. They have incorporated youth into their businesses and have combined knowledge of the North American market with traditional mezcal production practices.

Taste

Unlike most spirits, tequila doesn’t spike blood sugar levels, making it one of the healthiest alcohol options you can drink. It also contains agavins, which are non-digestible sugars that provide an excellent source of dietary fiber. This helps your body burn calories and lower cholesterol.

Tequila has also been shown to have prebiotic and probiotic properties. It detoxifies the skin and reduces bloating. It is also a natural astringent that removes oil and cleans pores. In addition, it has a high amount of potassium and calcium, which help balance blood pressure and prevent strokes.

The agave plant has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It can help treat inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. It can also improve bone strength and prevent osteoporosis. It also promotes fat metabolism and boosts energy.

The tequila alternative has a delicious taste reminiscent of real tequila. It smells fresh and has a subtle agave aroma, making it the perfect ingredient for cocktails. It’s also calorie-free and contains no artificial colors or flavors. You can mix it with various ingredients to create the best non-alcoholic margarita. You can even use it to make other non-alcoholic cocktails, such as a mojito. Try pairing it with lime and orange juices for a more authentic taste.

What to Look for When Buying Used Tires

The tires on your vehicle are one of the most critical safety and performance features. They determine your vehicle's handling, stopping power, and fuel efficiency. Used tires can be a great way to save money. But you have to be a savvy shopper. 

Age of Tires

It's crucial always to be aware of your car's tire age since they are the only part that comes into contact with the road. While new tires are the best option, if you have to buy used tires near me for sale, it's even more essential to know the tire's age and remaining tread. Rubber degradation can cause cracks on the tire's sidewalls, leading to blowouts or slow leaks, so most manufacturers recommend changing tires every six years. Additionally, inspecting the tire's sides for any signs of dry rot or damage is imperative. Be aware of products that claim to restore a flat tire's integrity, as they may not work. Buying used tires from reputable dealerships or tire stores is best to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones. Take your time with cheap, used tires.

Tread Depth

The tread depth of tires is crucial to safety. It is where the rubber meets the road and allows your car to grip the surface for safe driving. Driving on tires with minimal tread is inherently unsafe and can lead to sudden tire failure, especially at high speeds. It's a good idea to avoid buying used tires with less than 3/32" of tread, as that is the minimum required by most state inspection laws. Select tires with more tread than the minimum requirement to guarantee superior durability and performance. When purchasing used tires, it is strongly advised to examine the tread depth using a gauge, which can be easily acquired from most auto parts stores for less than $5. If you need more clarification about using the gauge, solicit assistance from the seller. Look for uneven tread wear, as this is a sign that the previous owner didn't have their vehicle appropriately aligned, which will shorten their lifespan and cause them to wear out more quickly. Also, look for holes, deep cuts, or other damage to the tire casing and signs of belt separation. If you see any of these problems, walking away is best. The seller may come to their senses after a few days and reprice the tires more appropriately. If not, other sellers will be willing to make a deal for a safer set of tires. 

Tire Identification Numbers

The small patch of rubber at the bottom of your vehicle determines how your car responds to your driving, how much traction it has on the road, and how long it will take to stop. Although new vehicles have many safety and performance features, the effectiveness of your vehicle will ultimately be determined by that patch of rubber. When shopping for tires, look for the DOT (Department of Transportation) code on the sidewalls. The code should be a 10- to 12-digit number that begins with "DOT." The last four digits represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example, a tire with a date stamp of "0507" was made in the fifth week of 2005. If the DOT code is missing, it was either scrubbed off or painted over to look newer. In that case, the tires should be a no-go. Shop for tires at a tire store or dealership with a reputation for quality. It won't guarantee that the tires you buy are good, but it will increase your chances. Buying used tires is risky because you have yet to learn how the previous owner treated them. They could have been driven on rough terrain or under or over-inflated. You also have yet to learn what kind of high-speed driving they experienced.

Tire Pressure

As you know, tires are one of the most critical components of your vehicle. They connect your car to the road and determine how the steering responds to driver input, how far it takes to stop, and how elegant your vehicle is on curves. The condition and thickness of your tires directly affect the safety and performance of your vehicle. Purchasing used tires is risky because you need to know how they are stored or treated. They could have been driven overloaded, underinflated, or at excessively high speeds, which can cause internal damage that isn't visible from the outside. To protect yourself from wasting your hard-earned money, investing in a tire tread depth gauge (available for as little as $5) before buying any used tires is a good idea. A good gauge will tell you exactly how much life is left in them, which will help you negotiate with the seller. Please also check the DOT date on the side of the tire. This is the date of manufacture, and you should only purchase tires over six years old. Also, look for uneven tread wear. This indicates that the previous owner did not have the tires properly aligned, which will shorten their life.

Easy Gazpacho Made Without Juice

Today we're taking a refreshing plunge into the realm of gazpacho—a beloved Spanish classic that's perfect for savoring the summer season. Gazpacho is a chilled soup bursting with the essence of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, zesty peppers, and fragrant herbs. Its smooth texture and tangy flavors make it a tantalizing option for those seeking a light and invigorating dish. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a refreshing beverage, gazpacho offers a delightful respite from the sweltering heat. It's also a tasty way to get more vegetables into your diet. 

I want to share my version of this delightful chilled soup. Many recipes online call for canned or bottle tomato juice. This recipe is made from all raw fruits and vegetables. It helps a lot to use a high-powered blender to get a nice smooth consistency. Now if you want it chunky, you can blend it a little less. This soup is packed with flavor, and is so quick to make. 

Check out the recipe below

I didn't have quite enough Roma tomatoes, so I added a hefty handful of cherry tomatoes. 

What you will need 

For the soup: 

• 5-6 fresh Roma tomatoes cut in quarters  
• 1 small or 1/2 of a large red or orange bell pepper, cut in big pieces
• 3/4 of an English cucumber peeled and cut in large chunks
• 1/2 of a small red onion
• 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic
• a big handful of fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• sea salt and cracked pepper to taste, about a tsp each

For the topping: 

• the remaining 1/4 cucumber dice finely (skin on)
• cherry tomatoes cut into small pieces
• cilantro
• avocado chunks

How to make it

1. Add all of the cut up vegetables except for the toppings into your blender. 
2. Next, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. 
3. Blend on high speed until you reach the consistency you like. Taste for seasoning, and add additional salt and pepper if needed. 
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to come together. 
5. Top with the chopped veggies and a drizzle of olive oil if you'd like. ENJOY! 

Gazpacho is a versatile soup that offers a wide range of topping possibilities, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences. Traditional toppings include diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and croutons, which add texture and enhance the overall flavor profile. You could even add cooked, chilled shrimp to make it a heartier meal. For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. As for storage, gazpacho can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy its refreshing taste and vibrant colors over multiple servings. So go ahead and explore the endless variations and toppings to create your own delightful gazpacho experience, perfect for cooling down during hot summer days or whenever your taste buds crave a burst of Mediterranean flavors!