Three Ways to Celebrate National Fried Scallop Day

Three Ways to Celebrate National Fried Scallop Day

Fresh scallops are a crowd-pleasing favorite any time of the year, not just on National Fried Scallop Day. As one of the most versatile seafood options available, you can completely customize the flavor and method of cooking to your taste. If you are new to cooking Scallops, here are three easy (and delicious) recipes to try.

Buttery pan-seared Scallops
A quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare scallops, this method takes only about 10 minutes and requires minimal preparation. Pat down fresh scallops and season them with salt, pepper, or any specific seasoning you prefer.
Prep the pan or skillet by increasing the heat to medium/high. Once heated, add a conservative amount of a high smoke point oil, such as olive oil, to the pan.
Place the scallops in the pan, with room left between them so they do not touch one another. Sear the scallops for approximately two minutes on one side, adding butter once flipped. Continue to cook the other side for one minute. Be careful not to overcook the scallops, as they will become tough to chew.
Once ready, serve them alongside a grain or add them to a salad for a light and fresh summer meal.

Air-fried Scallops
The air fryer has taken the world by storm and, in recent years, has become a staple in many kitchens. Scallops are fair game in the realm of what you can air fry. On hot summer days, skip heating a big oven and opt for this quick method.
Begin by preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once heated, spray the fryer with a non-stick cooking spray. Prep the scallops by patting them down and seasoning them to taste. Once preheated, place the scallops in the fryer and heat for three minutes. Flip the scallops to the other side, then cook for another three minutes.
Soften a couple of tablespoons of butter (relative to the number of scallops you cook) in a separate dish. Once the scallops are finished cooking, toss them with the softened butter and serve.

Crispy Baked Scallops
If you want to add some crunch to the buttery smooth flavor of fresh scallops, preheat your oven to about 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, mix melted butter, salt, and garlic. In a separate bowl, toss together panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Set these bowls aside.
Remove the fresh scallops from their packaging, drying them off with a paper towel. Take each scallop (similar to the process of making fried chicken) and dip each in the butter mixture, and once coated, coat thoroughly in the panko breadcrumb mixture.
Once coated, place the scallops on a baking tray and leave space between them. If desired, add the butter mixture and sprinkles of parmesan cheese to the tray.
Bake anywhere from 10 to 14 minutes, depending on the size and amount of scallops. Serve and enjoy!

Why Old Appliances Are Costing You Money

Why Old Appliances Are Costing You Money

The idea of buying new appliances can be stressful, especially when you think about how expensive modern appliances can be. But it is important to realize that your old appliances are likely costing you money each month. With that in mind, you can feel more confident and comfortable purchasing new appliances and using them to make your home more efficient.

They Use More Energy

Old appliances are going to be less efficient for a couple of reasons. The first is that they were designed and built a long time ago, and efficiency has improved over the years. The second is that appliances tend to become less efficient over the years as their parts become less effective and they need more power to run. This decrease in efficiency means that your appliances will eventually start costing more money to run each month. This can lead to a serious increase in your costs, which can add up over time.

They Look Outdated

If you are looking to sell your home, then your old appliances can have even more of an impact on your costs. Older appliances look outdated and can immediately cause potential buyers to have second thoughts about your property. Replacing old appliances with modern ones can help raise the value of your home. And, taking the time to replace your appliances can make your home more appealing to buyers in your area. That means that your home will be worth more and it will be easier to attract buyers.

They Can Become Unsafe

Over time, perfectly good appliances can start to have issues that can be frustrating or even dangerous. And when a problem occurs with the safety of your appliances it can lead to issues throughout your home that are even more expensive. It can also lead to an injury that you will have to pay for, and that can lead to problems for the health of your family. If you have old appliances, you want to make sure that you replace them in a timely manner so they don’t become unsafe.

 

Taking the time to evaluate your appliances and decide when they need to be sold can help you to make sure that your home is in good condition. It will also help you to balance your budget more effectively, which is a real win for everyone involved. Make updating your appliances a priority, so you can enjoy your home even more.

Check out this article on practical upgrades that help you get better use out of your kitchen!

Why Your Appliances Are More Important Than You Think

Why Your Appliances Are More Important Than You Think

How much importance do you place on your kitchen appliances? Most people don’t spare them much thought beyond their use, provided they operate as normal. Quality kitchen appliances are worth a certain amount of appreciation, however. They’re more important than many give them credit for.

Energy Costs

Most kitchen appliances aren’t the top energy-hungry appliances, but they still rely on gas or electricity to operate. The energy your kitchen appliances use adds up, especially over time. That impacts you in terms of how much you spend on your utility bills. It also impacts the world around you, since that energy has to come from somewhere. 

This is why there’s such an emphasis on using energy-efficient appliances. It reduces your carbon footprint and how much you have to pay for utilities. Everyone wins when you use energy-efficient appliances.

Resale Value

Because energy-efficient appliances are in higher demand, they can improve the resale value of your home. Everyone loves a bargain, and that’s exactly what having energy-efficient kitchen appliances offers. Don’t just settle for any energy-efficient kitchen appliance though. Pay attention to aesthetics as well. 

Home buyers want something that both looks nice and can save them money. Stainless steel appliances can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Just make sure you clean them regularly so they’re shiny and free of fingerprints.

Quality of Life

Your kitchen appliances can directly impact your quality of life. That’s because their primary purpose revolves around food, and what you eat is directly responsible for how you experience life in many ways. With the right kitchen appliances, preparing food takes less time and requires less effort. It’s more convenient to prepare delicious home-cooked meals. That has the added potential benefit of saving quite a lot of money since you’ll be less prone to eating out

Cleaning up after a meal takes less time as well, as anyone with a working dishwasher can attest. Store leftover food in your refrigerator or freezer to reduce the amount of food you waste by throwing away. Plus, leftovers are another great way to stretch your food budget. Really, the right kitchen appliances save you money in all sorts of ways.

 

The importance of kitchen appliances stretches beyond what they can do for you personally and impacts everything from your home’s future owners to the environment. Even if the impact of a single kitchen’s appliances is small in the grand scheme of things, it adds up. Think about it: billions of kitchen appliances are used worldwide. The combined impact is substantial.

Here’s more to read: Modern Appliances For Your Home.

What to Know Before Buying a Vacation Home …Great Info for Central Florida!

What to Know Before Buying a Vacation Home …Great Info for Central Florida!

You are financially secure, interest rates are low, and your investment account is soaring. Maybe it is finally time to realize your dream of buying a vacation home! With a vacation home, you will be able to get away without losing out on comfort. You will no longer have to fight for a hotel room during busy seasons or pay exorbitant fees for rentals. However, vacation homes can become a money pit if you don’t choose and plan carefully. Here are some things to consider.

Picking Your Location

Your vacation home will become your go-to travel destination, so choose the location carefully. You should choose a place that you know well, so that you are already familiar with weather patterns, real estate trends, and activities at hand. You should also buy in a location that you love and will not tire of.

If you plan on renting your vacation home to other travelers, you will have to consider your location even more carefully. You will want your home to be competitive within the market, offering amenities that travelers to that particular destination will likely be interested in.

Cost of Upkeep

As you consider the maximum price you are willing to pay for a vacation home, don’t forget to add maintenance costs. There are a variety of factors that will play into these costs, including utility rates, cost of property taxes, HOA fees, cleaning expenses, pool/spa maintenance, insurance prices, and wear and tear. One way to save money on upkeep is to invest in solar panels. Solar provides an easy source of energy for your home at an affordable cost.

Additionally, the proximity of your permanent dwelling to your vacation home will decide whether you can perform regular maintenance yourself or if you will need to hire out. If you will be renting, proximity will also determine if you need to hire a property manager.

Time Considerations

Owning a vacation home will take some time to manage. It typically takes a few hours a week to answer rental inquiries, work with your property manager, and schedule cleanings. You will also be at the whims of renters who will expect everything to be perfect for their dream vacation. This could involve dealing with emergency repairs, extra cleaning, and even complaints.

Owning a vacation home can provide the perfect getaway spot that you have always wanted. It also has the potential to turn you a nice profit and can prove to be a wise investment. On the other hand, it might turn into a major hassle. Do your homework and be certain that you are fully prepared for this exciting purchase.

Read this next: How to Avoid Pipe Issues in Your Home