Q&A Newspaper Columns
What is Corned Beef?
Q: Corned Beef is associated with St. Patrick’s Day, but what exactly is it?
A: St. Patrick’s Day is the traditional holiday to serve corned beef. Originally, "corned beef" was salted or brined during the winter to preserve it. After the long meatless Lent, this preserved meat was eaten. Corning is a form of dry-curing meat with "corns" of salt. Today, beef brisket is cured in salt brine with spices but we still maintain the name "corned beef." Corned beef is available as a sliced deli meat for sandwiches or whole corned beef briskets are available and often served with cooked cabbage. Cook corned beef low and slow so it is “fork tender.” It will retain a pink color from the nitrites used in the curing process. Cook to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Energy Savings Through the Seasons
Q: I am concerned with the heating/cooling bills in my house with the range of February temperatures we are having.
A: About 3 percent of the U.S. population is using a tablet or smartphone off site to manage “smart” thermostats at home. While smart thermostats are among the newest technologies for energy efficiency, it is possible to see savings with programmable and manual thermostats with a little extra effort. You will see the most savings by adjusting the thermostat and leaving it for 8 to 10 hours, according to research available from U.S. Department of Energy. The research has also shown that the most savings, as much as 10 percent per year, is seen when the thermostat is turned up or down a particular number of degrees.
For greatest savings in the summer, set up the thermostat about 7 degrees Fahrenheit (F) during the day and 4 degrees F at night, considering the base temperature is between 72 F and 74 F. Closing window coverings to keep out the sunlight during the day could also help increase home energy savings. Ceiling fans can benefit home energy savings in the summer months, by circulating cool air through the house. A bathroom or range fan can be turned on to control heat and humidity. Don’t use heat producing appliances such as the dryer or oven during the day, but rather use those at night, if needed.
Turning the thermostat down 8 degrees F in the winter is recommended, when gone or during the night. Window coverings should be left open on sunny days during the winter, as the sunlight can help warm the inside of the house.
If updating a furnace or air conditioner and getting a programmable thermostat, rebates are often available from electric companies and equipment manufacturers. Not only do you save on the cost of the new air conditioner or heating unit, you also then would save over time. Furnace and air conditioning units generally last about ten to fifteen years.