Tag: blog

That’s Nuts

Posted on by nickverderano

In my opinion, nuts in general are sleepers when it comes to snacks.  They are so many different types and they all pack some serious nutritional value.  I will be giving a brief list of some nuts and why they should be involved in more diets.

Almonds:  In my opinion almonds are best when they are roasted and lightly salted.  Even though they are the same nut, almonds can taste different based on the brand.  This could be due to where the almonds were grown and harvested.  But overall almonds are high in omega 6 fatty acids as well as antioxidants.

Peanuts:  Peanuts are technically not considered nuts.  They are classified as legumes.  But, they are probably the most popular nut/legume in my opinion.  Peanuts can be prepared and eaten many different ways.  Some are plain, dry roasted, honey roasted, skillet roasted, or boiled.  Personally I think all peanuts pretty much taste the same, but can vary in the way they are prepared.  Peanuts are also used in many different cooking recipes in  the kitchen.  One of the most famous things that peanuts are used in is peanut butter.  Just think, without peanuts, there would be no peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  In every jar of peanut butter, there are said to be over five hundred and forty individual that went into making the peanut butter.  And, to be classified as peanut butter, the recipe has to be made from at least 90% peanuts.  Also, former presidents Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter actually grew their own peanuts.  And who doesn’t love Mr. Peanut.

Michael Peanut butter head

The Symphony

Posted on by nickverderano

Going into the symphony “Turangalila” conducted by Neal Gittlemen, I had very little knowledge and experience with this type of music.  In elementary school, we learned a little about famous composers such as Mozart and Beethoven.  But besides that, I had no idea what to expect.  When we arrived at the Schuster Center, I got a little excited to get in and see what the symphony had to offer.  This was a brand new experience for me so I was looking forward to sitting down and just listening.  Once I got into the theatre and sat down in  my seat, I was a little blow away by how many people there were to take in the music, as well as how many different instruments that were being played on stage that I could not even name.  Once the music started I was amazed.  With all of the different sounds at different pitches changing at different times, sometimes quicker than others, I could almost picture a story in my head that was being portrayed through the music and how it was being played.  Before I went, I was told that the theme of the symphony was love and madness.  While I was sitting there listening, I could actually hear how love and and madness were being portrayed through the way the instruments were being played.  I found that when the music was softer and the pitch was higher, it was portraying love and happiness, but when the music had a greater bass and was deeper, it sounded more like madness and trouble.

symphony selfie

Versatility of The Spud

Posted on by nickverderano

 

An old Irish saying goes, “Only two things in this world are too serious to be jested on, potatoes and matrimony.”  Potatoes are a true powerhouse in the kitchen.  You can prepare some form of potato to be eaten with literally any meal.  With the amount of different dishes, and sides you can make out of potatoes, I am surprised we aren’t at a shortage of them.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to absolutely devour potatoes.

Baked:  This is probably the most classic and way to enjoy a potato.  The baked potato can be eaten with any meal.  Usually served best with Lunch, and especially dinner, this form of potato is very easy to make.  No matter how much experience you have in the kitchen, anybody can cook a baked potato.  Deriving from the standard plain baked potato, come a ton of variations.  Some examples are a loaded baked potato, which is a plain baked potato cut down the middle and stuffed with bacon bits, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and really whatever you want.  Potato skins are also somewhat easily made from a baked potato.

French Fries:  I don’t need to say too much on this one, pretty much everyone with both sides of their brain knows what french fries are.  Originating from the 1600s, french fries can be ordered and enjoyed at pretty much any restaurant you go to.  Cooked in a different style everywhere you go, french fries are definitely a favorite amongst most people.

michaels potato salad     dwights spud gunspudnik.jpg

More Fruits for your Feed

Posted on by nickverderano

Last week I posted a small guide to help you decipher and choose fruits based on their ripeness.  I am well aware that there are more than just two fruits in the grocery store, so here are a few, or one more just in case you eat more than just bananas and watermelons.

Apples:  Apples are one of the most popular fruits out there.  Scientifically known as the Malus Domestica, a species apart of the Rosales order, apples are grown on trees literally everywhere.  With 2,500 different types of apples grown in the United States alone, and 7,500 grown throughout the world,  the versatility and variety of things you can do, and dishes you make with apples can not be matched.  Much like bananas, they are very easy to tell when are good or not for purchase.  It really depends on how you like your apples.  Some people like them best when they are a little soft, and almost have a grainy feel when you take a bite.  These are the same people that hold their nose when they jump into a pool.  It’s the equivalent of eating an all brown banana, or just the orange rind.  I believe apples are best when they are firm, crisp, and make a cracking sound with every bite.  So when picking out apples, depending on the type, I would recommend first, looking for any bruises or dents, if none are spotted, make sure the apple is firm enough for your liking, then bag it.  That’s all there is to it.dwights fruit vending machine

Am I a writer?

Posted on by nickverderano

In the past, and as of now, I never have, and I still do not identify myself as a writer. This is just because I do not believe I am a strong writer. I can write essays that are assigned and answer prompts, but it usually takes me quite some time to actually think about what I’m going to write and how I’m even going to start. With math, there is a certain way to do things and there is a right or wrong answer, that makes it is easier to practice and get better at math. With writing, the prompt or topic is almost completely different every time so it makes it harder to understand what needs to be done. Although, when it is a topic I am passionate about, I can go on for pages on end. This is usually never the case though. My usual writing process starts by me sitting there thinking about how to even start. Then I eventually move on to just writing down topics, then I try to put them in order and get a format from which I can work off of. Once I get a rough copy of the essay down, I will re-read and revise the essay/writing multiple times until it is ready to go. My writing process is long and could definitely be more efficient. By the end of this semester, I want to be able to have a good and well structured writing process and I am hoping to be able to call myself a somewhat strong writer.