A New Dessert for the Holiday

Vanilla Cakes with Strawberries and Blueberries are a staple on the Fourth of July.  However, here is a great recipe to make a different red, white, and blue dessert.  You can make mini berry pavlovas at home for your party next weekend  You can find more great Fourth of July recipes at The Kitchn.


Mini Summer Berry Pavlovas with Strawberry Sauce
Serves 8

1 pound strawberries, hulled and cut into quarters
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 mini pavlova shells, baked and cooled
2 cups fresh berries (any combination of raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries)


Combine the quartered strawberries, granulated sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until sugar has dissolved and the liquid at the bottom of the pan is simmering. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Using a blender or food processor, process the fruit into a smooth sauce. Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate until cool. (Sauce can be made and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance.)

Combine the cream, powdered sugar and vanilla in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.

To assemble, place a pavlova shell on a plate and top with a spoonful of strawberry sauce, a dollop of whipped cream and a scattering of fresh berries. Repeat with remaining shells. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
The baked pavlova shells, once cooled, can be kept in an airtight container for several hours, or frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw for 2 hours at room temperature.

Things To Do

There are tons of things to do in Happy Valley during the summer weekends. Check out this cave and water park in happy valley. It is America’s only all water cavern. It is also a working farm today. Keep reading to learn more.

America's only all-water cavern and wildlife park are nestled in Central Pennsylvania's scenic Penn State Country.

The cavern tour is a guided one-hour tour by motorboat on an underground stream. Along the limestone corridors, stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone cascades and draperies decorate the interior rooms, while underwater, trout swim and jump for feed!

The farm and wildlife tour is a guided 90-minute motorized tour over 1,500 acres of Penn's Cave forests and fields which have been carefully preserved as a natural habitat for birds, plants, and animals. North American animals, such as bears, wolves, elk, deer, bobcats, bison, longhorn cattle, mustangs as well as the Penn's Cave Icon, the cougar, are seen, along with the African adventure museum.

Penn's Cave also remains a working farm operation, and was presented with the Century Farm Award in 2008 by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Spend the day at Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park! You will be entertained, as well as educated about the geology, biology, geography and agriculture of Central Pennsylvania.

More here: http://www.pennscave.com/

A New Take on Pasta and Rice

Are you looking for a new healthy alternative for lunch and dinner?  Check out Quinoa!  It is a great substitute for pasta and rice.  This is a great recipe to make this delicious substitute at home in no time.  You can find out about more great recipes at The Kitchn.

Quinoa has come a long way in the last few years. From health stores to the mainstream, its high protein content and delicate texture have made it a popular substitute for starchier pasta and rice. Several of us here at The Kitchn like to make a big pot of quinoa on the weekends and eat it throughout the week with curry, grilled vegetables, or braised meat. It's one of the most delicious, fast-cooking lunch staples we know (not to mention healthy). Here's how to cook great quinoa — not mushy, not bitter — but delicate and perfectly fluffy.

Cultivated in the Andes for over 5,000 years, quinoa has been called the "mother grain" and "the gold of the Incas." (It's technically not a grain but a seed, but it is used in virtually the same ways as other whole grains.) Today, the popularity of quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is growing steadily as people discover its pleasant nutty taste and superfood qualities. As a complete protein source also high in iron, magnesium, and fiber, quinoa is not only one of our healthiest pantry staples, but also one that's incredibly easy and quick to cook.

We've read that there are 1,800(!) varieties of quinoa, but just three main types are found in markets here: the most common white variety, as well as a red one and a black one.

Here is our standard method for cooking any of these.

Basic Quinoa Facts

How much cooked quinoa does 1 cup dry quinoa yield?
1 cup dry quinoa yields about 3 cups cooked quinoa.

How much liquid do I need to cook quinoa?
To cook 1 cup quinoa, you need about 2 cups liquid.

How long does it take to cook quinoa?
1 cup quinoa will cook in about 20 minutes.

How do I make quinoa less bitter?
Nearly, if not all, of the natural bitterness of quinoa's outer coating can be removed by a vigorous rinsing in a mesh strainer.

How do I make better-tasting quinoa?
Quinoa is really excellent when cooked in vegetable or chicken broth. Also, add about 1/4 teaspoon salt to each cup dried quinoa when cooking. Try adding other spices aromatics during cooking as well: A clove of smashed garlic, a sprig of fresh rosemary, a dash of black pepper.

Can I use my rice cooker to make quinoa?
Yes! Just use the 2:1 liquid to quinoa ratio and follow the instructions on your rice cooker.



How To Cook Quinoa
What You Need

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (any variety — white or golden, red, or black)
Olive oil (optional)
2 cups liquid, such as broth or water
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Tools

Fine mesh strainer
2-quart saucepan with lid
Spoon
Instructions

1. Measure quinoa and liquid. Measure out 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups liquid.

2. Rinse the quinoa. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer, and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Rub and swish the quinoa with your hand while rinsing, and rinse for at least 2 minutes under the running water. Drain.
Why rinse quinoa? Rinsing removes quinoa's natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy. Although boxed quinoa is often pre-rinsed, it doesn't hurt to give the seeds an additional rinse at home. Some cookbooks suggest soaking the quinoa but, in our experience, this is unnecessary.

3. Dry and toast quinoa in saucepan. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the saucepan over medium-high heat, and add the drained quinoa. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute, letting the water evaporate.

4. Add liquid and bring to a boil. Stir in the liquid and the salt (if using) and bring to a rolling boil.

5. Lower heat and cook covered for 15 minutes. Turn heat down to the lowest setting. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.

6. Let stand covered for 5 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and remove the pot from the burner. Let stand for 5 minutes, covered.

7. Fluff and eat! After 5 minutes, remove the lid, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork, and serve. (You should see tiny spirals (the germ) separating from and curling around the quinoa seeds.)

Additional Notes:
• One cup of dried quinoa yields about 3 cups cooked.
• Some people like to add olive oil, butter, salt, or pepper. Cooked quinoa can also be used as the basis for pilafs, salads, breakfast porridges, and more.

Happy Memorial Day

We hope everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day in Happy Valley

Are you looking for some Memorial Day plans for Happy Valley?  There are plenty of events and specials happening throughout the weekend in State College.  Keep reading to find out the details and you can learn more at Happy Valley.


It’s a wonderful time to experience downtown State College. School’s out, so take advantage of plenty of parking and more sidewalk space! Enjoy dinner and drinks at Happy Valley’s finest,Zola New World Bistro. You’ll be delighted by the seasonal menu, innovative flavors, and exceptional service. The warm, beautiful atmosphere, or outdoor seating right on College Ave. make Zola the perfect choice for night out with friends and family.

Looking for more Downtown dining? Check out our Downtown dining list and our full restaurant guide!

Upcoming Events

Visit the Birthplace of Memorial Day
Memorial Day Weekend in Boalsburg, Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27, is a three-day remembrance of our veterans and a celebration of the town’s heritage as the Birthplace of Memorial Day. The commemoration includes reenactments with Civil War period dress, as well as a somber parade-march at 6 PM Mondayfrom the village diamond to the Boalsburg Cemetery’s statue of the Three Ladies. The Boalsburg Fire Department Carnival runsThursday, May 23 through Monday, May 27. Read more about shopping, dining and history in Boalsburg, and visit our calendar for more Memorial Day activities in and around Happy Valley.

Fireworks Over the Water
Neighboring Huntingdon’s Lake Raystown Resort, Lodge & Conference Center, just 45 minutes from the heart of Happy Valley, will put on a show with the Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks on Sunday, May 26, 2013 from 9PM to 10PM. Take a day trip to enjoy the weekend with family and friends with a stunning display! Or, make plans to spend the night camping under the stars or at one of Raystown’s many family-friendly accommodations. Visit the Raystown region online for more!

Last Chance for Wine Classes with Glasses
Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery’s final Classes with Glasses, a wine educational tasting event, is planned for May 31, 2013 from 5:30PM to 7PM. This is the last chance to attend and learn about wine with Jamie Ryan. Wine, bread and cheese provided with admission. Don’t miss it!

Penn Staters Reuniting and Reliving Memories
Are you heading back to Happy Valley for 2013 Penn State Reunion Weekend, May 30, 2013 to June 2? Members of the Class of 1963 will receive their Pioneer Medallions at this special celebration. Find all the best restaurants and attractions to make the most of your weekend in Happy Valley!

Music on the Mountain—Special Ticket Offer Ends May 24!
Rusted Root returns to Tussey Mountain June 1 and there are just a few days left to take advantage of the special pre-sale ticket discount! Before May 24th tickets are only $20! Purchase online, at the ticket office or over the phone.

The Great Gatsby Theme

The Great Gatsby came out this week to amazing reviews at the box office.  The glamour of the flapper style parties has made many people want to re-create the movie.  This is your first step in experiencing a Gatsby style party. Check out this recipe for a prohibition era drink!  You can get more ideas at The Kitchn.

This week's end gives us lots to toast. Tonight, the alluring Jay Gatsby and his dazzling Daisy hit the box office in Hollywood's latest version of The Great Gatsby. On Sunday, moms everywhere get to celebrate. If that weren't enough, it's Friday, people! That means a delicious 10-Minute Happy Hour just for you.
In Gatsby's day, gin was touted as the national drink, though Gatsby himself didn't actually drink that much. Yet, those rich images from the book persist — the roaring 20's and the infamous lavish Long Island parties, complete with Mint Juleps and loads of champagne. That is enough inspiration for any of us to throw our own outside soirée this weekend.
This bottle of Cavicchioli 1928, at under $15 per bottle, pours up a luscious and creamy bubbly with a peach nectar perfume. It also looks perfect being poured at any outdoor garden party. It's lovely on it's own if you like a sweet sip, but stellar in this cocktail homage to Gatsby.   
I qualify this recipe as "my" version because technically this isn't champagne, though it pours just as fine a perlage (that's wine speak for lots and lots of gorgeous unending strands of tiny bubbles). On the Julep end, I make it mine by skipping the traditional sugar cube, and instead letting the sweetness of this wine take its place. On top of some Bourbon and muddled fresh mint, all this drink needs is some jazz and you'll be having a very happy hour in less than 10-minutes time.

My Champagne Mint Julep

Serves 1
3-4 fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 ounces bourbon
3 ounces of Cavicchioli 1928, Sparkling Wine, NV, very well chilled
In a champagne flute, add the mint leaves (twisting them as you add to release their flavor and aroma) and the bourbon, and muddle with the end of a spoon. Top with the chilled Cavicchioli and enjoy.

Recipe Notes

• If you can't find this wine try a sparkling Moscato as a substitute.

Tips for the Graduates

Did you graduate last week?  First off, congratulations on this amazing accomplishment, you have a lot to be proud of.  Now, you have to enter the real world.  This can be intimidating, but these seven tips are great for college graduates.  There are great things out there for you to accomplish, and we can not wait to see what you do! 

1)  Here’s a secret: Careers don’t just happen, they are made. If you want to have the job and career that you want and need, it will take an enormous amount of work on your part. Many graduating seniors mistakenly believe that it is the responsibility of their career service officers to get them a job. Not true. Until you are ready to take charge of, and own, your career, you won’t have one.

Owning your career takes discipline and true commitment. Sending 20 standard cover letters and résumés to Monster.com and hoping for a response isn’t enough. To land the job you want, you need to make it your full-time job. Yes, this is hard – you have finals and papers to write, and friends to party with – but if you don’t work hard, you won’t get a job. Guaranteed.

Make a commitment to yourself and to your job search by claiming your career as your own. By pledging to do this, you will stop being a victim of the job market and will begin to take control over your future. This may sound hokey, but this symbolic act will help you accelerate your job search. Raise your hand and make the pledge.

2)  Take a moment and think about what kind of car you drive. Or if you don’t drive a car, what you’d like to drive if you had one? What adjectives or characteristics do you associate with your car? Safe? Well-engineered? Versatile? Eco-friendly? Car companies spend gazillions of dollars crafting the brands of the cars they sell. Looking for safety? Buy a Volvo. Superior engineering? Audi. Versatile? How about a Ford minivan? Want to save the planet? You better drive a Toyota Prius.

When we decide to purchase a car, we consciously or subconsciously have certain attributes in mind that will make the car “feel like me.” That is exactly why car companies pour money into brand development, brand marketing, and advertising.

You are no different. As you go out and try to “sell” yourself to future employers, it’s essential that you know exactly who you are and what you want to be. By being clear about what you can offer to hiring managers, you will be able to get people to buy into the brand that is you.

Discovering your own brand is an essential component of differentiating yourself from other hungry job seekers. Think about what makes you different, what skills you have to offer, what you’re passionate about, and what you can bring to an employer that will make them want to pick you. If you were a car, what would be your best selling points? If you don’t know what they are, ask a counselor, a parent, or friend to help you uncover what makes you a great product for employers to buy.

Read the rest of the tips at the CSM.