• A Beginner's Guide to Pickleball in Austin,Brian Weinzetl

    A Beginner's Guide to Pickleball in Austin

    Pickleball is a fun and easy sport for all ages. If you're looking for a new activity to do with your family, friends, or co-workers, pickleball is a great option! Here's everything you need to know about pickleball in Austin. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis. It can be played as singles or doubles, and the court is smaller than a tennis court. The game is played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball.  Where can I play Pickleball in Austin?There are several places to play pickleball in Austin. The YMCA, local recreation centers, and some parks offer pickleball courts. You can also find many private clubs that offer pickleball memberships.  My favorite place is the Austin Tennis and Pickleball Center. How do I get started?If you're new to pickleball, the best way to get started is by taking a beginner's class or joining a league. This will help you learn the basic rules and strokes of the game. Once you're familiar with the game, you can start playing recreationally with family and friends.  Pickleball is a great activity for all ages. If you're looking for something new to do in Austin, give pickleball a try! With many places to play and different ways to get involved, there's sure to be an option that's perfect for you. So grab a paddle and get out on the court!

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  •  5 Ways to Prepare Turkey for Thanksgiving  ,Sonny Zahn

    5 Ways to Prepare Turkey for Thanksgiving 

    It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing color, the air is getting crisp, and best of all, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare the turkey for Thanksgiving. This year, why not mix things up and try one of these five unique methods for preparing your bird?   1. The Classic Roast If you're looking for a tried-and-true method, look no further than the classic roast. Simply preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, then place your turkey in a roasting pan breast side up. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like, then cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil. Roast the turkey for two hours, then remove the foil and continue roasting until the skin is golden brown and the meat is cooked through.  2. Deep Fried For a crispy skin and juicy meat, deep frying is the way to go. Heat oil in a large pot or fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then carefully lower your turkey into the hot oil. Cook for three to four minutes per pound, then remove from the oil and allow to drain on a wire rack. Be sure to take all necessary safety precautions when deep frying—hot oil can be dangerous!  3. Smoked Smoking adds amazing flavor to turkey and is perfect if you're feeding a crowd. To smoke a turkey, you'll need access to a smoker or grill. Set up your smoker or grill for indirect heat, then place your turkey on the grate away from the heat source. Smoke at 225 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit—the smoking process will add approximately 30 minutes of cook time per pound.  4. Braised Braising is a great way to infuse flavor into your bird while keeping it moist and tender. To braise a turkey, brown it in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until all sides are golden brown. Add chicken stock or water to cover half of the turkey, then bring to a simmer and cover with a lid. Braise until the internal temperature of the bird reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit—this will take approximately 30 minutes per pound.  5. Spatchcocked Spatchcocking is a method of preparation that involves removing the backbone so that the turkey can be flattened out before cooking. This results in even cooking and crispy skin all over. To spatchcock a turkey, use poultry shears or a sharp knife to remove the backbone by cutting along either side of it. Once removed, open up the bird like a book and press down firmly so that it lies flat—you may need to break some bones to get it fully flattened out. Season as desired, then roast at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes to an hour—cooking times will vary depending on the size of your bird.  No matter which method you choose, remember that there's no such thing as too much flavor when it comes to Thanksgiving turkey! From classic roast to deep fried and everything in between, these five methods are sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your holiday table this year. Happy cooking!

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  • 5 Holiday Traditions to Start This Year,Sonny Zahn

    5 Holiday Traditions to Start This Year

    The holidays are a time for family, friends, and tradition. If you're looking for some new traditions to start this year, look no further. Here are 5 holiday traditions that your family will love. 1. Baking cookies together. This is a great tradition to start with young children. let them help measure the ingredients, mix the dough, and of course, eat the raw dough! You can make it even more fun by making a different kind of cookie each day leading up to Christmas. By the time Christmas rolls around, you'll have a whole platter of delicious homemade cookies to enjoy. 2. Going on a holiday lights scavenger hunt. This is a fun tradition that the whole family can enjoy. Get in the car, turn on some festive music, and see how many houses you can find with Santa Claus, reindeer, elves, or any other holiday-themed decorations. You can even keep track of your findings on a map so you can see how your holiday light viewing changes from year to year. 3. Volunteering together. The holidays are a great time to give back to those less fortunate. Find a local soup kitchen or food bank and spend an afternoon volunteering together as a family. It's a great way to teach children the importance of giving back and spreading holiday cheer. 4. Having a movie marathon. Pick out some of your favorite holiday movies and spend an afternoon or evening curled up on the couch watching them together as a family. Don't forget the popcorn! 5 .Making homemade gifts. If you're looking for a unique way to show your loved ones how much you care this holiday season, try making them something special instead of buying it from the store. It doesn't have to be anything fancy - even something as simple as baked goods or a hand-crafted card will do. What matters is that it came from the heart.  The holidays are a wonderful time of year to start new traditions with your family and friends. These traditions will help create lasting memories that you'll cherish for years to come. What are you waiting for? Get started today!

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