Mount Hood

Happy harvest: a guide to fall crops

October brings a variety of fresh, in-season produce

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Summer may seem to offer the most variety of produce, but fall has quite the selection too. Some fruits and vegetables are nearing the end of their seasons while others are just getting ripe. Here is some of October’s seasonal produce to add to the shopping list.

Grapes of all colors are still being harvested. Stock up and make some jam if canning supplies are available, or grab some to snack on. Meanwhile, kiwi arrives at its peak in the fall in California. Get creative with kiwi by using it as a tart topping or in a salsa.

Apples and pears are two more fruits that taste best in October; use these in a cobbler, crisp or pie. Also try mixing these in-season fruits with some year-round produce — like bananas and cranberries — to create a fruit salad or delicious smoothie.

It is well known that pumpkin is in season come autumn, but other squashes, such as butternut and spaghetti squash, are available too. Each is great to include in soup recipes. Bell peppers are harvested in the fall as well; utilize their versatility to top pasta dishes, mix in stir fry or make stuffed peppers.

Brussels sprouts and beets are two more vegetables that peak in October. Though each may get their own bad rap, they can be enjoyable when prepared in a new way. Brussels sprouts can be sauteed, beets are great on salads and both taste good when roasted.

All this produce and much more are available at grocery stores, but these in-season fruits and vegetables are fresh at farmers markets as well. Check online to see if and when local farmers markets are open, and be sure to follow COVID-19 regulations by wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Dress up in pawsome matching costumes

Perfect costume pairs for pet and owner

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Halloween may look a little different in 2020. There will likely be some who venture out to trick-or-treat, but others like me will be social distancing at home. Staying in on Halloween doesn’t have to be a boring night, however, especially with the company of a furry friend. Celebrate with a pet by dressing up in matching costumes like these.

Ash Ketchum and Pikachu from “Pokémon”

Pikachu onesie — onesiemania.com, $12 to $15

Solid T-shirt — Walmart, $6

Blue vest —Amazon, $17

Red cap — Amazon, $8

 

Angel and devil

White dress — Goodwill, $10

Halo headband — Party City, $5

Pet devil horns — petcostumecenter.com, $3

 

Bandits

Black bandanas — Party City, $2

Black and white striped shirt — Goodwill, $8

Black beanie — Target, $5

If searching for other costume ideas, pick a character that a pet resembles and match with them. An orange tabby could be Rajah the tiger paired with Princess Jasmine, or a small black dog could be Toto matched with Dorothy. Dress as Rapunzel and let a pet gecko or lizard be Pascal, or be Russell from “Up” with a pet golden retriever as Dug. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

 

Celebrate Halloween with festive Franken-foods

Spooky snacks and sweets to prepare this Halloween

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Halloween means it’s time for treats. Candy is great, but homemade goodies allow for more creativity. Check out these appetizers and sweets to make for oneself, friends, roommates or family. 

 

  STRAWBERRY GHOSTS

Start to finish: 20 minutes

Yields: approximately 16 

2 cups strawberries

1 ½ cups white chocolate, melted

1 teaspoon coconut oil

¼ cup mini chocolate chips

1 cup chocolate chips, melted

Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine melted white chocolate and coconut oil and stir until combined. 

Dip strawberries into white chocolate, then place two mini chocolate chips on the top half of the strawberries for eyes. Place strawberries on prepared baking sheet and let harden in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.

Place melted chocolate chips in a plastic sandwich bag and pipe mouths on the strawberries. Let cool again in the refrigerator for five minutes before serving.

Recipe from delish.com

 

 

GRAVEYARD BROWNIES

Start to finish: 1 hour

Yields: approximately 20 

1 box of brownie mix (plus additional ingredients listed on the box)

20 Milano cookies, cut in half

2 cups crushed Oreo cookies

3 cups sugar cookie icing, green and black

20 candy pumpkins

Bake brownies as directed, and let cool completely before slicing into squares. If using homemade icing, color half the batch green and the other half black. Load each into a pastry bag with a small round tip or into a sandwich bag with a small hole cut in one corner. Frost squiggly pumpkin vines on the top of each brownie square with green icing. Crumble crushed Oreos on top of the green icing. 

Pipe letters onto the halved Milano cookies with black icing to create headstones. Adhere Milano cookie to the brownie with some black icing. Add a dab of green icing to the bottom of the candy pumpkin and place one on each brownie.

Recipe from adventuresofmel.com

 

 

WITCH’S FINGERS BREADSTICKS

Start to finish: 25 minutes

Yields: approximately 15

1 roll refrigerated soft breadsticks dough

Marinara or pizza sauce

Sliced almonds, or…

1 bell pepper

¼ cup cream cheese

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and preheat the oven to the temperature indicated on the breadstick dough packaging.

Unroll the breadsticks onto a large cutting board, and using a pizza cutter, slice each breadstick to be about 3 to 4 inches long and ½-inch to 1 inch wide. Roll the dough around a bit to form a finger shape, and use the pizza cutter to press a few horizontal lines in the middle to resemble a knuckle. Transfer breadsticks to the baking sheet.

Indent the more narrow end of the breadstick for the fingernail bed. If using sliced almonds, press one into the bed before baking. If using bell peppers and cream cheese, adhere them after cooking. Bake according to package instructions or until puffy and browning at the top.

Let breadsticks cool completely on a wire rack. Now for the bell peppers: slice them into narrow triangles, add a dab of cream cheese to the tip and stick the pepper on. Serve the finished breadsticks with some marinara or pizza sauce.

Recipe from kitchentreaty.com

 

 

PUMPKIN DEVILED EGGS

Start to finish: 35 minutes

Yields: 24

12 large eggs

½ cup mayonnaise

Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 ½ tablespoons)

1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard

Kosher salt

Black pepper

2 tablespoons paprika

4 chives, cut into small pieces

Hard boil the eggs by placing them in a single layer in a saucepan and adding enough water to cover them with 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook covered for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let sit, still covered, for 14 minutes. Then rinse and carefully peel shells off under cool running water. Halve eggs lengthwise. Spoon out yolks into a small bowl and place whites on a serving platter. 

Using a fork, mash the yolks, then stir in mayonnaise, lemon juice and Dijon, and season with salt and pepper. Spoon mixture evenly among egg whites and smooth the tops. Carefully dust paprika to completely cover the yolk mixture. Using a knife, make ridges down the paprika-dusted yolk to look like a pumpkin. Place chive slice above yolk mixture to resemble a stem and serve.

Recipe from delish.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

 

Take a hike on a trail near Western

Hiking trails within an hour of Western

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Living in Oregon offers exceptional opportunities to get out and experience nature. According to alltrails.com, there are almost 2,500 trails to hike, bike, run and horseback ride in Oregon — and there are dozens to choose from that are near Western. Read on for some hike recommendations that are within an hour drive from campus.

 

Baskett Slough (14 minutes away): Featuring a pond and a short climb up Mount Baldy, this 5.1-mile trail is a beautiful hike to do, even on a cloudy day. Keep an eye out for numerous birds as well.

Luckiamute Landing (19 minutes away): An easy walk along the Willamette River, this 3.8-mile trail is great for anyone looking for a quick, relaxing outing.

Calloway Creek (20 minutes away): This short, 2.6-mile hike explores Peavy Arboretum, one of Oregon State University’s research forests. Add a quick loop around Cronemiller Lake, and check out OSU’s logging sports arena.

Davies Nettleton Loop (24 minutes away): This 6.6-mile loop offers nice forest views throughout and a moderate 767-foot elevation gain. Customize with detours at trails like the Old Growth Trail and the Upper Dave’s Trail for more traditional dirt paths.

Dimple Hill (24 minutes away): When accessed via Patterson Road 600, this hike is 4.9 miles long with an elevation gain of 692 feet, though it can be accessed from other trailheads. The top offers great views above the McDonald-Dunn Forest and Corvallis.

Fitton Green Natural Area (36 minutes away): This 5-mile hike caters to those looking for some hills; there is a total elevation gain of 1,190 feet. Great views await those who make the climbs.

Willamette Mission (40 minutes away): This state park has several miles of trails to explore alongside two lakes and the Willamette River. Be prepared for a day-use fee, but feel free to pack a lunch and spend a full day relaxing there.

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge Mega Loop (46 minutes away): A hike with many options for customization, this 8.3-mile loop combines five trails throughout the wildlife refuge. The serene, wet prairie landscape is home to an abundance of bird species — perfect for birdwatching.

Be sure to dress according to the weather forecast, and wear a face covering when passing other hikers.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Put some pep in your meal prep

Tips for how to start meal prepping

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Having access to regular healthy meals can be difficult for college students; healthy ingredients can be expensive, and dorm living does not always offer the necessary amenities for homestyle cooking. However, meal prepping offers a great way to save money and eat delicious meals more regularly. Here are some ideas and tips to help get started.

Set aside enough time to make meals; this will depend on how many meals are cooked at once and could take up to a couple hours. Meals can be made for the next three to six days, depending on budget and refrigerator storage space. Collect enough plastic or glass containers or Ziploc bags to store each meal. If possible, buy ingredients in bulk to save money.

If a stove and oven are not accessible, pick foods that can be cooked in a microwave, are precooked or don’t need cooking at all. Potatoes, pasta, rice, quinoa and frozen vegetables are just a few foods that can be prepared in a microwave. Canned meats don’t need any cooking, and rotisserie chicken can be pulled apart and refrigerated for up to four days.

Keep in mind, certain foods will keep better in the fridge than others. Salads keep for about a week, especially when dressing and wet ingredients are layered at the bottom and greens at the top. Quinoa stays good for about a week as well, while rice and cooked potatoes and vegetables can be eaten for about four days. However, if a freezer is accessible, meals can be prepped and kept for much longer — anywhere from two to four weeks.

As for recipes to try, salads are easily customizable and add some variety to a set of meals. Burrito bowls are another meal with lots of choices available. Loaded baked potatoes, or sweet potatoes, are perfectly proportioned on their own for a lunch. If the means are available to cook soups, stews or ramen, there are many different recipes to choose from. For breakfasts, oats, parfaits and wraps are great options.

If this is the first time trying meal prepping, start small with just lunches or dinners, or only prepare a few days at a time. Don’t feel discouraged if a week is missed; as it becomes part of a regular routine, meal prep will get easier.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Plan the day away with a planner

How to start using a planner

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

With 95% of Western’s classes being held online for fall term, keeping up with a schedule is more important than ever. Students have to be their own regulators of their study time outside of virtual meetings. A great way to stay on track is by using a planner, and here are some tips on how to use one most effectively.

Start by picking a planner or printing out free planner sheets to put into a binder;  daydesigner.com is just one site that offers free sheets in many styles. Pick a layout that has room to detail each class and associated workload. This may look like a weekly layout with columns on the side to expand on what assignments are due.

Next, color code assignments and classes. Use a highlighter or colored pens and markers. Some categories to code by are types of assignments, such as readings, discussion posts and projects, or class — whichever makes more sense personally. Also give a color to other tasks and events, such as work, vacations and trips to the gym or grocery store.

Now it’s time to pull out the syllabus. Write down class meeting times, assignment due dates and quiz and exam dates for the term with desired colors. Then add in other events as far ahead as is known. Finally, find some gaps in which study time for each class can be allocated. It is important to have designated times for studying and completing homework in order to keep up with classes. This time could be half an hour or several hours, but it should be set aside to do classwork uninterrupted. 

Starting a planner is the first step, but keeping up with a planner takes more persistence. To help with motivation, check off tasks and days once they are completed. Focus on one to two weeks of work at a time if seeing the entire term at once is overwhelming. Set aside a few minutes a day to check up on upcoming events to make it part of a routine, and always feel free to update the planner as life happens.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

At-home exercises for every home-body

Exercises anyone can do outside of the gym

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

A new school year is a time for a fresh start — students have the opportunity to get organized, manage their time and get into a healthy routine. Exercise is an important activity to add to one’s regular routine, as it can reduce the risk of certain diseases and improve mood and mental health, according to betterhealth.vic.gov.au. With many gyms still offering limited service, here are a few exercises anyone can do from home.

To work out leg muscles, do bodyweight squats. With feet slightly more than hip width apart, hold arms out straight ahead, parallel to the floor. Lower down until thighs are parallel to the ground, then return to standing. Complete up to three sets of 12 reps. Make squats easier by utilizing a wall, or add a challenge by doing one-legged squats.

One back workout to try is the Superman. Start by lying facedown on the floor with arms outstretched in front and legs straight. Keep every limb in a straight position, and simultaneously lift them several inches off the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly return to the starting pose. Do about three sets of 10 reps; adjust the amount of reps to modify.

For an arm muscle workout, try tricep dips using a chair, coffee table or bed. Facing away from the object, place palms on the edge of the surface with feet flat on the floor. Lower down until arms are at 90º angles, then rise back up. Aim for three sets of 8–10 reps. Stack a textbook on the thighs to add some additional weight.

Mountain climbers are also a great exercise that works out many parts of the body, especially the core. Start in a plank position, then bring one knee forward to chest and tap toes to the ground while maintaining a flat back. Quickly switch the positions of the feet to complete one rep. Do 15–25 reps at a time, or perform as many as possible in one minute. 

With any exercise, remember to warm up and cool down. Always rest and modify movements or reps as needed. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Pumpkin bread recipe to fall for

Fall in love with this pumpkin bread recipe

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

There are few things better than a warm baked good fresh out of the oven, especially as the weather begins to cool. To celebrate the start of fall and embrace the new season, try this moist pumpkin bread recipe with a sweet chocolate addition.

CHOCOLATE CHIP PUMPKIN BREAD

Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 1 loaf

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

¾ teaspoon table salt

2 large eggs, at room temperature

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

½ cup vegetable oil, canola oil or melted coconut oil

¼ cup orange juice (milk can substitute)

⅔ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

 

HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PIE SPICE SUBSTITUTE

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

 

Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and salt together until combined. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar and brown sugar together until combined. Whisk in the pumpkin, oil and orange juice. Pour these wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix together using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. There will be a few lumps. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60–65 minutes, and loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent the top from getting too brown. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with only a few small moist crumbs; begin checking every five minutes at the 55 minute mark.

Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing and slicing. Cover and store leftover bread at room temperature for 3–4 days or in the refrigerator for up to about 10 days.

Recipe from sallysbakingaddiction.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

A showcase of grad cap designs

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

Graduation and Commencement will be done differently this year due to extenuating circumstances, but that has not stopped many seniors from taking their graduation photos and decorating their caps to celebrate their accomplishments. Here, a few seniors show off their caps and explain what they mean. Congratulations class of 2020.

Ellen Moore, B.S. in Education Studies — I knew I wanted to paint something silly on my cap because I thought that would showcase my personality the best, and since I am constantly quoting Spongebob, it felt very fitting to use a Spongebob reference for my design!

Melissa Chacon-Lopez, B.A. in Psychology — I wanted to show my hard work and dedication through this cap. I put the Mexican flag because that is something that has defined who I am — a strong and independent Latinx woman who is dedicated in accomplishing her goals. The sunflowers define who I am. I’m a bubbly person who is always smiling and standing tall. It is also my favorite flower. The two butterflies represent my parents’ migration from Mexico to the U.S. I also wanted to add a caption that tied the whole cap together as well as closing a chapter to my life. I decided to add a caption from a reggaetón artist (Bad Bunny) who said it best “Gracias a to’ el que creyó en mí, desde el primer día / Gracias a pa y a mami por to’ lo’ regaño’ / Gracias a ustede’ soy el mismo to’ los año’ / Cada cosa que logro a ustedes se la dedico” This translates to “Thank you to everyone who believed in me since day one. Thank you dad and mom for scolding me. Thanks to you I am the same person throughout the years. Everything I accomplish I dedicate to you all.” Those few words he stated in his most recent song helped me sum up my four years of college. Si se puedo mami u papi !

Magen Boegli, B.S. in Psychology and Public Policy & Administration — My cap design is inspired by one of my favorite shows of which has carried me through college called “My Hero Academia.” The anime has a saying to ‘go beyond, plus ultra’ and I thought that sentiment is a good thing to continually aspire to, to do better and transform yourself into the best version you can be.


Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ellen Moore

Photo courtesy of Melissa Chacon-Lopez

Photo courtesy of Magen Boegli

Thanks for the memories: DIY memory book

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

As the school year comes to a close, students may find themselves looking back on the memories they’ve made throughout their time at Western and want to memorialize the experiences they’ve had. A way to do this is to create a memory book filled with significant things and events from a specific time period.

To start, grab something to use as a base — this could be an unused photo album, a notebook, a sketchbook or something similar. Additionally, Amazon has scrapbooks and similar items that can be bought online, if that’s preferred. 

After finding what will be used, plan out how pages will look. Memories and photos can be organized chronologically, by events, milestones or themes, to name a few options. These can be printed at home, a store or even ordered online; to save money or express more creativity, a person can recreate their favorite photos through drawings or paintings.

According to mimeophotos.com, it’s also common for people to include text, illustrations, clippings and various mementos in their memory books. This can add more meaning to the project as a whole if it’s filled with things that have meaning — concert tickets from throughout the year, buttons purchased from attended events, a pressed flower from a gift or postcards from trips. Adding in text and drawing doodles across the section could be an opportunity to play with fonts and themes on each page. 

Finally, while including the positive things that occurred in a time period, it’s also important to incorporate the difficult experiences, if the person is comfortable with doing so; they may have been unpleasant, but they still happened and were overcome, so why not acknowledge the fact that they came and went? This helps to create an accurate representation of a person’s life, and show that both good and bad times will always come around.

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

WOU Bites provides recipes for students learning remotely

Rylie Horrall | Lifestyle Editor

Many students, if not all, are currently doing remote learning for their classes due to the closure of campus. As a result, the dining options available on campus — such as Caffe Allegro, The Press and Valsetz Dining Hall — have also had to close their doors to students. However, WOU Bites has begun posting recipes on their various social media platforms for students to try at home.

“Our team has spent the last month planning, cooking and filming recipes that students can replicate right at home,” stated Marketing Program Assistant of Campus Dining Tatianna Brock, going on to say that their goal was to bring comfort to the students.

According to Brock, WOU Bites is creating and posting tutorials on how to make some of the meals that are favored the most by students. Recipes are chosen by the Assistant Director and Assistant Manager for Campus Dining, which are based on what ingredients they currently have available for the more popular dishes.

Currently, the instruction videos for homemade alfredo sauce, teriyaki sauce, chocolate crinkle cookies and guacamole have been posted on social media — @wou.bites on Instagram, ‘WOU University Housing and Campus Dining’ on Facebook and WOU Bites on YouTube. Brock says that more are coming as well, such as a recipe for curry, miscellaneous breakfast foods, more of Pam’s Desserts and “more fun recipes we created.” 

In addition, Brock created a home page for students to look at previously posted tutorials, request recipes and give feedback, which can be found at the link wou.edu/dining/recipes/. The website also has a section titled ‘Cooking Basics,’ which gives students tips on how to cook rice and boil pasta.

The recipes are posted on social media every Wednesday and uploaded onto the homepage for students to access at later dates.

“We thought this would be a fun and creative way to still stay connected with students who are taking classes remotely! Hopefully bring a little bit of WOU to them,” Brock said.

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Tatianna Brock

A catalog of activities for graduates to complete

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

Graduation and Western’s virtual Commencement ceremony are approaching quickly, with important deadlines coming and going. While the deadlines for Grad Packs and registration for the ceremony have already passed — although the latter statement may have been extended, according to Western’s website — there are still some things seniors should try to complete before the final hurrah. 

Attempting to have professional graduation photos may be a struggle due to the current situation of the world, but that doesn’t mean they have to be skipped. Roommates, friends or family members may be willing to lend a hand to memorialize the coming occasion, or perhaps a timer on a camera or smartphone may be the way to go. Western’s campus is closed for courses, however it’s still a viable option for some last pictures at the university.

Continuing from that point, the deadline for submitting a graduation photo and personal statement for commencement is May 31. While it isn’t the same as an in-person celebration, this can give students a chance to still have a special final moment during the viewing at home.

This last term could have been draining for students; some may find themselves lacking motivation to finish or struggling to balance projects amid trying to ensure all graduation requirements are met. Nevertheless, it’s still important to finish the final term strong. For many, students will have the satisfaction of knowing, despite potential challenges from throughout the term, that they ended their college journey on a good note.

Before leaving Western, it wouldn’t hurt to start networking while on the hunt for jobs post-graduation. Professors in a chosen major field would be a great resource to turn to, or peers and former classmates who have already graduated who already went through the process. It would also be beneficial to obtain letters of recommendation for future job opportunities, which could come from previous professors, advisers and staff members. 

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy

Need ideas for gifts to give for your loved one’s graduation?

Sage Kiernan-Sherrow |  News Editor

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

Graduation is right around the corner, and for many graduates, that means being celebrated for their accomplishments with a graduation party. Traditionally, graduation parties include food, family and maybe some tears shed. They also include gifts, but, like any college student knows, not all gifts are equal. Here are a few of the most desired gifts among college graduates:

Let’s face it — money is always the go-to. Money or gift cards are useful for students who are short on cash and can go towards their savings for the future. Graduates are expected to make big decisions when it comes to where they are going to live and begin life in the workforce; a little extra cash goes a long way in making their dreams a reality.  

Another useful gift idea is household appliances; some graduates are just moving out of the residence halls and might not have the necessary equipment to keep their future dwelling clean or functionable. Consider buying a graduate a vacuum or any of the hundreds of kitchen appliances that make life a little easier. Keurig coffee maker, anyone? 

Subscriptions are another excellent gift idea because they can be personalized to fit the graduate’s hobbies. If a graduate loves to binge-watch Netflix, consider making that payment one less thing to worry about this year. Or maybe the graduate loves to read, and in that case, a subscription to Book of the Month might be ideal. Monthly subscription boxes are also a popular gift idea. For $10 to $50 on average, depending on the box, a graduate could essentially get a care package every month full of goodies like self-care items or new clothing. 

The last gift idea, and arguably one of the most important gift considerations for this day and age, would be upgrading the graduate’s technology. Whether that’s getting them a new sound system for their car, a new laptop or one of hundreds of other add-ons, they are sure to be appreciative. Technology isn’t all expensive either; items like portable bluetooth keyboards and Alexa-enabled car charges average around $50.

Consider sending this list as a little hint to loved ones on what graduates really want for graduation, or use it as inspiration for gift-buying for others.

 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Duplicate recipes from your favorite places

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

Many restaurants have been forced to close temporarily or permanently due to the world’s current state. Because of this, many people may find themselves longing for their favorite foods from these establishments, but unable to obtain any due to the closures and social distancing. Luckily, multiple websites are providing copycat recipes for people to attempt to make their favorites from the comfort of their homes.

One restaurant that is closing for good is Sweet Tomatoes — also referred to as Souplantation in other states. This one hits pretty close to home for me, as this was an eatery my friends and I frequented often before COVID-19, so I was happy to learn that their website, souplantation.com, has recipes for many of their buffet dishes. For instance, a full list of instructions can be found for their popular seasonal Chicken Pot Pie Stew, which is packed with roasted chicken, red potatoes, mushrooms, celery, pearl onions, green peas and carrots in a creamy base. Other soups and stews can be found under their ‘Souplantation Recipes’ in addition to other beloved favorites of the establishment.

For Chick-Fil-A lovers, there are a few recipes that can be found to recreate their sandwiches and various chicken meals. On damndelicious.net, the full recipe for a Chick-Fil-A sandwich for two can be found; to recreate the taste, a person needs to marinate a chicken breast in pickle juice for 30 minutes before coating it in milk, egg, flour and powdered sugar and frying it up. The same website also provides a link to a recipe for Chick-Fil-A nuggets.

In the interest of those craving something sweet while stuck at home, the-girl-who-ate-everything.com posted a recipe for Cinnabon’s famous cinnamon rolls. The copycat recipe recommends making the dough for the rolls the night before and letting them rise on the counter overnight, and to change the amount of cinnamon in the recipe if the 2 ½ tablespoons would be too intense. Moreover, it says to pour the icing over the cinnamon rolls while they’re still hot so the icing seeps into the roll, then to add more once they have cooled down.

Finally, for Disney enthusiasts who are missing the park, a few have taken to recreating the famous Dole Whip sweet treat. On homemadehooplah.com, it states it can be made using coconut milk, sugar, lemon juice, a pinch of salt and, of course, pineapple chunks — preferably Dole brand, but any works. Once it’s all blended together, it can be dished up in a glass and eaten with a spoon or sipped through a straw.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Cleaning the house made simple

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

Since most people are spending quite a bit of time at home, some might find themselves cleaning more than they normally do. While cleaning can be a satisfying task, it can sometimes be a grueling one — a stain that won’t come out, a tub that doesn’t look clean no matter how much it’s scrubbed or multiple surfaces that no longer shine. Here are some tips and tricks to help polish up the house.

For pans that have gotten particularly dirty and involve a lot of scrubbing to clean, try using a dryer sheet instead. Put the dirty pan in the sink with some dish soap, warm water and a dryer sheet, and let it sit for an hour or so. According to bestlifeonline.com, the grime should come off easily, afterwards.

To get stains out of clothes, there are a couple methods to try; the stain can be spot treated with laundry soap beforehand, or a mixture of dish soap and baking soda can be used. Baking soda will help lift the stain, and dish soap just helps with cleansing the spot. This can also be used comparably on carpet stains, but with carpet cleaner rather than dish soap.

Similar to the previous hack, cleaning a bathtub can be done in a few ways. To scrub away grime, try using a grapefruit or lemon with salt — the salt will create an abrasive texture and the citric acid found in the fruits will assist with stain lifting, as stated by bestlifeonline.com. According to nbcnews.com, baking soda and vinegar mixed with hot water is another easy way to make the tub pristine. After letting that mixture sit for about five minutes, fill part of the tub with warm water and sit for an additional five minutes. This method can also be used on the toilet to freshen it up.

Following the trend of baking soda, vinegar and citrus fruits, all of these things can be used to make a sink clean and shiny. Sponge the surface with a baking soda and vinegar concoction, rinse, and then use the peel of a lemon or orange to deodorize. Finally, buff the sink with some sort of rag, sponge or paper towel and olive oil, which will repel water and keep the sink shiny for a while before it needs to be cleaned again.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Pros and cons of popular diets

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

Dieting is something many people choose to partake in for a variety of reasons — such as to better their health or to lose weight. While they have their fair share of benefits, there’s also some drawbacks to various popular diets.

The Ketogenic or “Keto” Diet is a low-carb and high-fat diet, and is said to provoke the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. This produces ketones, which burn stored fat in order to obtain energy. According to roswellpark.org, people have been known to lose weight at the start of this diet and keep it off, although this could be attributed to cutting calories and sugary treats. However, this diet is known to be high in saturated fats and low in vital minerals and vitamins that the body needs; additionally, it could upset a person’s stomach, cause headaches, fatigue and dizziness, which are clustered together and called the “Keto flu.”

In the Alkaline Diet, acid-forming foods — meat, poultry, eggs, grains, dairy, alcohol — are replaced with alkaline-forming foods — fruits, nuts, vegetables and legumes. This alters the pH values in an individual’s body, which is intended to prevent the production of acid. A supposed upside to this diet is that there is an increased intake of fruits and vegetables, hereby improving vitamin intake and helping with miscellaneous health problems — but this isn’t supported by evidence according to roswellpark.org.

Another common diet trend is the Paleo Diet; food for this particular diet needs to be hunted, gathered or fished to mimic the way human’s ancestors ate. The allowed foods are grass-fed meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, fruits and vegetables, according to livestrong.com. By eliminating processed and junk foods, a person can decrease their chances for chronic and inflammatory diseases. However, an individual also cuts out dairy, starches and grains, leaving them with a lower carbohydrate intake. Because of this, some may need to take supplements to make up for lost vitamins and minerals.

As a whole, diets can help a person lose weight and make them more aware of what exactly they’re eating. However, done unsafely, they can come with the risk of losing nutrition — depending on the diet — as well as potentially causing some health concerns. Before taking a plunge with any diets, students interested should research beforehand, or speak with health faculty or staff at Western if they are wanting more information.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Strawberry oatmeal bar recipe

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

Granola bars and breakfast bars can be a quick option for a snack throughout the day, or as a small meal in the morning. In addition, making them at home can be a fun activity to do by oneself or with others.

STRAWBERRY OATMEAL BARS

Start to finish: 55 minutes

Servings: 16 bars

1 cup old fashioned oats

¾ cup white whole wheat flour (all-purpose flour can substitute)

⅓ cup light brown sugar

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

6 tablespoons melted, unsalted butter (coconut oil can substitute)

2 cups small-diced strawberries (about 10 ounces divided)

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

OPTIONAL VANILLA GLAZE

½ cup sifted powdered sugar

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon milk

 

Preheat the oven to 375° F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that the paper overhangs two sides like handles.

In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, ginger and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until it forms clumps and the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Set aside a ½ cup of the crumble mixture, then press the rest into an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan.

Scatter half of the strawberries over the crust. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the top, then sprinkle on the lemon juice and ½ tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Scatter on the remaining berries, then the remaining ½ tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs evenly over the top, but know that some of the fruit will show.

Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the fruit is bubbly and the crumb topping smells toasty and looks golden. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely; the process can be sped up by placing it in the refrigerator.

While the bars cool, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, briskly whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk until smooth. Feel free to add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired. Using the parchment-paper handles, lift the bars from the pan. Drizzle with glaze, slice and serve.

 

Recipe from wellplated.com

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Eateries that are currently open with limitations

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

With the world currently at odds with COVID-19, many businesses have unfortunately had to close their doors or, on a lighter note, had to modify the way they operate. In the Indy-Mo area, there have been multiple restaurants that have altered their normal routines, changing from dine-in to takeout and delivery only.

In terms of fast food franchises, the ones in the surrounding area have merely taken away the dine-in option previously offered, but continue to provide through their drive-thrus. Dairy Queen, McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr., KFC and Subway are all continuing to provide service without allowing customers to sit-in. Many have even gone to lengths such as taping off their tables so customers that walk in to order are aware that dine-in is still not available. Burgerville and KFC have also given the option for delivery for the time being.

Nearby pizza establishments — Figaro’s, Papa Murphy’s, Domino’s, Mendi’s, Little Caesars and Yeasty Beasty — have mostly retained their same delivery and takeout options prior to the pandemic, however, Yeasty Beasty has since taken away the option to dine inside. The other businesses didn’t have buildings where customers could eat inside, so there wasn’t a need to change in that aspect.

In regards to food trucks, many have taken away the dining areas that used to surround the space around the trucks. Tucky’s and Lonney’s Lunch Wagon no longer have their respective picnic tables and tents, but still offer food for pick-up and takeout. Many have even taken to expanding their online ordering — like The Donut Bar and Tucky’s — so customers don’t have to linger longer while waiting for their meals.

Fan favorite restaurants near the university — Sing Fay, Momiji’s, Yang’s Teriyaki, Koyote’s, Urban Deli, Casa Burrito — have also taken away their dine-in options. While Momiji’s now offers delivery, the other restaurants have stuck with takeout as their sole method of customer interaction.

A handful of eateries have unfortunately had to close their doors completely, some even permanently, such as Main Street Pub and Eatery ⏤ which closed due to additional factors as well. Nevertheless, students living in the area still have a chance to grab food from some of their favorite places amidst the chaos of a pandemic.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Social events turned virtual

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

Our current pandemic situation has affected how numerous people go about their lives; some can’t go to their favorite restaurants, take a night out with a loved one or friends or even hold a birthday party during this time of self-isolation. In this day and age, most have technology that enables us to stay in contact with those we hold dear, even if it isn’t the same as seeing them in person. This doesn’t change the fact that get-togethers are currently inadvisable; however, those in the household can still celebrate birthdays and accomplishments.

While it’s advised to stay in and limit contact with others, there isn’t any ‘rule’ saying that festivities can’t happen with people already living in the same household. In regards to birthday celebrations, people can still make decorations and cook food — which can be a fun activity to participate in. Maybe it isn’t the same as going out like someone could have previously planned, but, it doesn’t mean it has to be skipped altogether.

For someone who wants to ‘party’ or just socialize with others not in their household, there are many video chatting applications that can be utilized for more than solely conversation. As an example, Discord can be used for video and audio calls, and gaming software can be displayed so everyone can participate. To continue with the party theme, JackBox Party can be played remotely for everyone, as long as the screen is visible, leading to an enjoyable time similar to playing in person. Netflix Party and the website rabb.it are options for groups who want to watch movies or TV shows together; the former allows all users to sync up their devices so everyone can view at the same time, while the latter depends on the ‘host,’ or whoever has control of the room.

Right now, the idea of going out freely without concern for COVID-19 may seem bleak, and staying cooped up without friends could be disheartening. Birthdays are still coming and going, but plans have to be altered or cancelled for safety and health reasons. Nevertheless, some enjoyment can be achieved through celebration with roommates or virtual contact with friends afar.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Let’s get this bread: hopping on the bread making train

Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

A trend that has been circling around on various social media platforms is bread baking. According to cnn.com, it’s possible that people are using it to help preoccupy themselves during this time of social distancing. As a result, minds are occupied and stomachs are full; for those who have been thinking of hopping on the bread-making train, here’s a recipe to try at home.

 

HOMEMADE BREAD

Start to finish: 4 hours

Servings: 2 loaves (16 slices each)

1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast

2 ¼ cups of warm water (110° to 115°F)

3 tablespoons and ½ teaspoon of sugar

1 tablespoon salt

2 tablespoons canola oil

6 ¼ to 6 ¾ cups of bread flour

 

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and ½ teaspoon sugar in warm water. Let it stand until bubbles form on the surface. Whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Stir oil into yeast mixture. Pour into flour mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and divide dough in half. Shape each into a loaf. Place in 2 greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Bake at 375° F until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped or has reached an internal temperature of 200°F, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks for cooling.

 

Recipe from tasteofhome.com

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photos by Rylie Horrall

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