Cooking Up a Storm

La Nina is Back!

2011-09-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center has just confirmed that La Nina appears to be strengthening and is forecast to continue into the winter of 2012.

Their official winter outlook comes out mid-October, but it appears that we will be seeing a 'back-to-back" La Nina event. Typically, La Nina occurs every three-to-five years, but back-to-back episodes occur about 50 percent of the time.

In the short term, the return of La Nina should mean a continued active hurricane season through November.

This forecast is certainly not good news for Texas. La Nina winters tend to bring warmer than normal temperatures and drier than normal conditions . This means drought conditions are likely to continue in drought-ridden states like Texas.

Before La Nina becomes much stronger, let's hope we get some much-needed rainfall!

Mango-Pineapple Salsa

2011-08-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Sandy and I recently had a version of this at a restaurant, and I was inspired to give it a shot! This can be as hot as you want it to be, depending upon how many jalapenos you want to use in it. I use about 3 medium for what I call "PG-13" heat. If you want "R" rated salsa, add more!

This goes well with chips, grilled chicken, or with grilled fish.

As always, let me know what you think of this recipe!

2 large mangoes, ripe, but still firm, peeled
1 pineapple. peeled and cored
1 large red bell pepper, seeded
1 medium red onion, peeled
3-4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions:

1. Cut mangoes, pineapple, red bell pepper, and red onion into 1/4-inch cubes.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Cover and refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Parmesan Chicken

2011-08-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

This is what my wonderful wife, Sandy wanted me to cook as part of her recent birthday celebration. I have it with grilled or steamed veggies, but pasta works, too.

Let me know what you think! When you fix it, go to my Facebook page, upload a photo of it, and post a comment.

Enjoy!

Parmesan Chicken

4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 extra large eggs

1 tablespoon water

1 ¼ cups Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Unsalted butter

Olive oil

Pound the chicken breasts until they are ¼” thick. I use a meat mallet and wax paper.

Combine the flour, salt, and pepper on a large dinner plate. In a medium size bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. On another plate, combine the bread crumbs and ½ cup grated Parmesan.

Coat the chicken breasts on both sides with the flour mixture, then dip both sides into the egg wash and dredge both sides in the bread crumb/Parmesan cheese mixture, pressing lightly.

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan and cook breasts on medium-low heat until cooked throughout. I usually cook two at a time in the pan.

Add oil as needed, allow to reheat, and then continue cooking.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Buttermilk Fried Green Beans

2011-07-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

I had such a great response to my Squash Patties last month, I wanted to share another one of my summer favorites from the garden. Serve these "as is," or with Ranch dressing on the side.

Let me know what you think, and enjoy the "Crunch!'

Buttermilk Fried Green Beans

Ingredients:

1 lb. Green beans

½ cup Buttermilk

2 cups Flour

½ cup Cornmeal

2 tsp. Baking Powder

2 tsp. Salt (plus more for sprinkling)

¼ tsp. Cayenne (optional)

oil for frying

Trim, rinse, and thoroughly dry the green beans. Put them in a medium bowl and toss with buttermilk to coat. Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and cayenne in a large re-sealable plastic bag.

Drain green beans and toss them in the flour mixture to coat thoroughly.

Bring about ½” of oil in a wide, heavy skillet to 350-275F degrees over high heat.

Shake excess flour-mixture off beans as you add enough of them to form a single layer in the oil; don't crowd them. Fry until golden to medium brown and beans are tender-about 3 minutes. Transfer with tongs or slotted spoon to a cooling rack set over wax paper or paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot. Allow oil to return to temperature before frying next batch.

Zucchini Patties

2011-06-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

It's summertime, and there will be an abundance of squash in gardens all over the Big Country. This is a recipe that my Mom and Grandmother made all the time, and I loved it growing up. Every time I make these, it brings back some great memories!

My only advice is: Watch your fingers when grating the zucchini! I usually have a scrape or two, but it's worth it!

I hope you enjoy one of my favorites!

2 cups grated zucchini
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the zucchini, eggs, onion, flour, Parmesan cheese, Mozzarella cheese, and salt. Stir well enough to distribute ingredients evenly.
2. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drop zucchini mixture by heaping tablespoons, and cook for a few minutes on each side, until golden.
3. Drain on paper towels, then serve.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp With Margarita Butter

2011-05-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

I've had this recipe for about 5 years, and love it! Honestly, I'm not even sure where I got it. Don't be intimidated when making the Margarita Butter; it's not that hard, just jump in, you can do it! After you try it, let me know what your thoughts!

Spicy Grilled Shrimp With Margarita Butter

12 Jumbo Shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on

1 Tablespoon Prepared Chili Powder

(such as McCormick’s, Spice Islands, or Fiesta)

2 Tablespoons olive oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Heat grill, and allow coals to burn down, oil grate or use non-stick foil

Season shrimp with chili powder, salt, and pepper

Brush with olive oil

Grill on each side for 5-6 minutes.

Margarita Butter

1 Tablespoon olive oil

½ cup diced red onion

½ cup white wine

½ cup heavy cream

2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into cubes

1 shot (3 tablespoons) tequila

Juice of 1 lime

Salt and pepper to taste

Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add onion and cook unto translucent. Deglaze pan with white wine and reduce by half. Add cream, lower heat, and reduce by half. Stir in butter a bit at a time until all is used and sauce is thickened. Stir in tequila and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

To serve, drizzle the margarita butter over the shrimp.

IN the Middle of Wildfires-The Right Kind of Spark

2011-04-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

In the Middle of Wildfires - The Right Kind of Spark

There have been tremendous losses suffered by so many folks due to the recent wildfires. None more tragic than Eastland Volunteer Fireman, Greg Simmons, who lost his life fighting the fire near Carbon and Gorman.

As family and friends began to speak of Greg, there was a common theme:

“He loved being a volunteer fireman and he died doing what he loved.”

His job didn’t pay a salary, and it was totally sacrificial – it was all about helping other people in danger.

Greg Simmons’ story prompts me to ask myself:

“What am I involved in that offers no salary, is totally sacrificial, and is all about helping others?”

“ And if I died while doing that activity, folks would say, He died doing what they loved.”

It’s so easy to become self-absorbed and “too busy,” to volunteer or help others, but these two questions continue to echo in my head and challenge me to do more for others.

In President Bush’s 1989 Inaugural address, he made his famous “Thousand Points of Light” speech.

“I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good. The old ideas are new again because they are not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in."

It would be ironic and, at the same time, so appropriate, if Gregory Simmons’ sacrifice would spark a thousand points of light across West Texas, and ignite all of us to get as passionately involved with helping others as he was.

I think that’s one wildfire Greg Simmons wouldn’t want to extinguish.

Severe Weather in April

2011-03-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

An outbreak of severe weather is as much a part of springtime in the United States and West Texas as wildflowers and windy days. April is a very historic month for severe weather in the USA and Texas.

It was on April 3, 1964 that the famous Wichita Falls tornado cut a wide track nearly 4 miles long, killing 7, injuring 111, and destroying 225 homes.

On April 5, 1936, The USA’s 4^th deadliest tornado on record struck Tupelo, Mississippi, killing 216 residents. The very next day, the USA's 5th deadliest tornado on record struck Gainesville, Georgia killing 213 people.

April 9, 1947 Woodward, Oklahoma was the target of the USA's 6th deadliest tornado on record as 181 people were killed.

April 11, 1965 was known as “The Great Lakes Palm Sunday Tornado Outbreak.” 51 tornadoes strike Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Iowa killing 256 and injuring over 1500 people.

April 18, 1880 The USA's 15th deadliest tornado on record strikes Marshfield, Missouri killing 99 people.

April 20, 1920 The USA's 21st deadliest tornado on record strikes Starkville, Mississippi and Waco, Alabama killing 88 people.

April 24, 1908 The USA's 7th deadliest tornado on record strikes Amite, Louisiana and Purvis, Mississippi killing 143 people. On the same day another tornado strikes Natchez, Mississippi killing 91 people. This is the 19th deadliest tornado on record in the USA.

Wow! A pretty sobering look back at severe weather history for the month of April. As severe weather season continues into the month of April, keep you all-hazards radio handy, and stay tuned to KTAB-TV for timely and accurate information. Remember, “During severe weather, you are not alone.” The KTAB Weather Team is severe weather coverage you can count on.

When the storm clouds roll in, we’ll be here for you.

Best Cake Ever!

2011-03-02T12:38:00.000-08:00

This is my wonderful Mother-in-Law's recipe, and it's the BEST CAKE EVER! It's been in her family for several years, and I wanted to share it with ya'll, because it's too good to keep to myself. If there's ever a dessert that I could just sit down and eat till I popped...this is it!

Please let me know your comments after you try it! It's supposed to be served after sitting in the refrigerator until it gets cold, but I never can wait that long!

ENJOY!

Silver White Cake

2 1/4 cups flour

1 2/3 cups sugar

3 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 ¼ cups milk

2/3 cups shortening

1 teaspoon vanilla

5 egg whites

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour two round pans (8” or 9 ½”) or rectangular pan 13 x 9 x 2.

Beat flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, shortening, and vanilla in large mixing bowl on low speed, scraping bowl constantly for 30 seconds. Beat on high speed scraping bowl occasionally, 2 minutes.

Beat in egg whites on high speed, scraping bowl occasionally, 2 minutes.

Pour into pans – layers 30-35 minutes; rectangular 40-45 minutes of baking time, or until tester comes out clean.

Cool and frost.

Cream Cheese Icing

1 – 8 oz. Pkg cream cheese

½ cup margarine

1 tsp vanilla

4 cups powdered sugar

chop fresh strawberries on top

Valuable Skywarn Training

2011-02-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

The 2011 severe weather season is fast approaching. Each year local National Weather Service offices conduct a weather preparedness campaign in various locations across the West Texas. These Skywarn severe weather training programs have been scheduled across the area as part of a public education program prior to severe storm season.

At these Skywarn training programs experts from the National Weather Service will discuss thunderstorm formation, severe weather production, and features associated with severe storms. The presentations will also review tornado formation and behavior. Spotting operations and recommended reporting procedures will also be covered in the sessions.

These programs are free and open to the public. Even if you don’t want to become an active storm spotter, you will learn about how storms work and the visual clues you can identify when storms are in your area.

We, at the KTAB Weather Team, consider the storm spotter network a vital part in communicating important information to viewers when storms threaten our area.

I strongly encourage KTAB viewers to attend the local Skywarn training sessions that are being held near your community. Better trained viewers means better prepared viewers when severe weather occurs.

A complete list of area Skywarn training sessions is posted on our website: www.bigcountryhomepage.com.

Find the session nearest you, and we’ll see you there!

Drought Outlook for 2011

2011-01-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

The past two months have been very dry across West Texas and the Big Country. La Nina conditions continue to dictate our weather, bringing above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. The rains we received on December 24 helped things temporarily, but the outlook through March is not very optimistic based upon the latest U.S. Drought Monitor released recently.

According to this National Weather Service study, four major items of concern for our area are forecast through March:

1. Above normal wildfire conditions, including possibly a few significant fires
2. Drought conditions to intensify, especially south of Interstate 20
3. Continued supplemental feeding of livestock
4. Surface water supplies continued to be depleted from evaporation, municipal and agricultural consumption.

Most Big Country counties have Burn Bans in place, and we must all be very careful of wildfire potential for the next few months.

In the meantime, we're all waiting for that next big rain that hopefully, will come sooner than anticipated.

Sinful Oatmeal Cookies

2011-01-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

I know everyone's got a New Year's Resolution to lose weight, but I still want to share one more cookie recipe. I got this recipe from a magazine on an airplane a few years ago, and I hope you all will forgive me for tempting you with it! I hope these don't de-rail your New Year's Resolutions too much! Enjoy!

Sinful Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 ½ cups all purpose flour

2 ½ cups quick cooking oatmeal

1 ten-ounce package Hershey’s Cinnamon Chips

1 cup raisins

½ cup chopped walnuts

½ cup sliced almonds

½ cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter and both sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla until well blended. Combine soda with flour, and mix into the butter mixture. Stir in the oatmeal, and then add the chips, raisins, and nuts. Batter will be thick. Drop onto parchment lined baking sheet by heaping teaspoonfuls and bake 10-12 minutes. Makes 4 dozen.

Molasses Sugar Cookies

Melt and cool:

3/8 cup shortening

3/8 cup margarine

Add:

1 cup sugar

¼ cup molasses

1 egg

Sift together and add:

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 cups flour

½ teaspoon cloves

½ teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix ingredients well by hand and chill for 30 minutes. Form into one-inch balls, roll in granulated sugar and place on baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies will crinkle while baking. Makes 3 dozen.

Annie's No Bake Cookies

2010-12-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

My sweet next door neighbor, Annie, brought some of these over today! What a treat! Make a batch during this upcoming holiday season, and you and your guests will love them!!

Happy Holidays from the Nichols Family!

Annie’s No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar

½ cup milk

1 stick margarine or butter

Combine and bring to a boil; boil for 1 minute

Remove from fire and add:

½ cup rolled graham crackers

2 cups uncooked oats

½ cup peanut butter

2 tablespoons cocoa

½ cup coconut

2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix well and drop by teaspoon on wax paper and let set. Then, cover and put in refrigerator.

Rocky Road Chocolate Cake

2010-11-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a brand new recipe for a gooey, delicious cake that you make in a crock pot! If you're looking for something new to surprise the family with this holiday season, this will be a hit-I promise!

Try it, and let me hear from you on how you like it!

Rocky Road Chocolate Cake

1 (18.25 oz.) package German chocolate cake mix
1 (3.9 oz.) package chocolate instant pudding mix
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 ¼ cups milk, divided
1 (3.4 oz.) package chocolate cook-and-serve pudding mix
½ cup chopped pecans
1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup semi sweet chocolate morsels
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

1. Beat cake mix, next 5 ingredients, and 1 ¼ cups milk at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Pour batter into a lightly greased 4-qt. slow cooker.

2. Cook remaining 2 cups milk in a heavy nonaluminum saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or just until bubbles appear (do not boil); remove from heat.

3. Sprinkle cook-and-serve pudding mix over batter. Slowly pour hot milk over pudding. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 ½ hrs.

4. Meanwhile heat pecans in a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant.

5. Turn off slow cooker. Sprinkle cake with pecans, marshmallows, and chocolate morsels. . Let stand 15 minutes or until marshmallows are slightly melted. Spoon into dessert dishes, and serve with ice cream.

Winter Season 2010-2011 Climate Outlook

2010-11-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

The National Weather Service Office in San Angelo has issued its comprehensive study for the Winter Season climate trends for 2010-2011. I thought you all might enjoy reading their projections for upcoming temperature and precipitation. Next Spring, it'll be interesting to look back on this study!

With La Nina conditions developing this past summer, we can expect La Nina conditions to continue through the upcoming winter season and into the spring of 2011. This may become one of the strongest La Nina events on record.
The temperature outlook indicates an enhanced probability for temperatures to average above normal across West Central Texas during the upcoming winter season.

The precipitation outlook shows slightly enhanced probability for winter season precipitation to be below normal across roughly the northeastern half of West Central Texas, with a greater probability of below normal precipitation across the southwest half of West Central Texas.

Buttermilk Pecan Pie

2010-10-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Of all of the things I cook, here's my most requested dessert! I always have to make two of these, and they only last for one day before they're gone!!

Please send me your comments after you've tried this one! I think you'll find it yummy!

BUTTERMILK PECAN PIE

1 9-inch pie crust
1 stick unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 eggs
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 300 degrees

Cream the butter and sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.

Add the vanilla and beat to blend.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well and scraping down side of bowl after each addition.
Combine the flour and salt. Add to the mixer in thirds, alternating with the buttermilk. Stop to scrape down side of bowl after each addition. Set aside.

Scatter the pecans in the bottom of the pie crust.

Pour the buttermilk mixture over the pecans and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes in preheated oven. Set on wire rack to cool completely. Refrigerate until well chilled before serving.

Sam's Touchdown Wings

2010-10-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

Sam’s Touchdown Wings

These are always a hit on Game Day! Try fixing these, and get ready for your “team” to give you a standing ovation, and maybe even a “Game Ball!”

2 ½ lbs chicken wings, third join removed

Egg Wash:
2 eggs, beaten ½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons water ½ teaspoon pepper

Flour Mixture:
1 ½ cups flour
1 tablespoon, plus 1 ½ teaspoon your favorite dry Bar-B-Q rub seasoning
½ cup bread crumbs
1 cup oil (for frying)
1 cup your favorite Bar-B-Q sauce
juice of ½ lime

Wisk egg wash ingredients in medium bowl and set aside. Combine flour and seasoning in plastic bag and set aside. Rinse chicken wings and then pat dry and set aside.

Heat oil in frying pan or electric skillet to 350 degrees F.
Dredge chicken wings in flour mixture. Dip in egg wash. Dredge again in flour mixture and then finish with a coating of bread crumbs.

Fry wings in small batches, not allowing them to touch each other while frying. It usually takes about 15-20minutes. Remove from frying pan or skillet and drain on paper towel. Allow the oil to re-heat and repeat, until all wings are cooked.

Combine Bar-B-Q sauce and lime juice in a large bowl. Stir in chicken wings, making sure to completely coat all wings with the sauce.

Place wings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Finish in oven under broiler for 3-4 minutes. Turn wings over and broil again for 3-4 minutes.

ENJOY!!

Smoked Pork Butt

2010-09-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

Like most Texans, I cook brisket all of the time on my smoker, but I also enjoy smoking a pork butt. Here's how I do it! Have some potato salad and a pot of beans on the side...Um-m-m, good!

Enjoy!!!

SMOKED PORK BUTT

Tenderize the meat by poking it with a fork. Season the butt liberally with your choice of seasoning. Poke the meat again to tenderize it some more.Refrigerate overnight in plastic bag.

Place butt on smoker fat side down.
Cook between 200-225.
Meat is done when it’s 165-170 (if you want to slice it)
180-185 if you want to pull it.

MOPPING SAUCE
1 qt. apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
3 TBS. Vegetable oil
2 TBS kosher salt
2 TBS chili powder
2 TBS sugar
1 TBS cayenne

After first hour on the smoker, mop ever hour.

Cool Shrimp Salad

2010-08-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

When it gets "August hot" around the Nichols' house, this is one of mine and Sandy's favorite dishes. Try it, and let me know what you think!

Shrimp Salad

1 lb. Cooked Shrimp, peeled
2 Tbsp. Pickle Relish (either Sweet or Dill, your choice)
2 Tbsp. Onion, minced
2 Tbsp. Celery, minced
2 Tbsp. Green onions, minced
1 Boiled egg, minced
3 Tbsp. Mayonnaise (see note below)

Rinse shrimp, and pat dry (you don’t want them to be wet, it’ll make the salad soggy)
Cut shrimp into bite-size chunks
Add dry ingredients and toss.

Add 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise gradually. Mix thoroughly.

Note: You may not want to use all 3 tbsp. of the mayonnaise; it just depends how “dry” or how “wet” you want your salad.

Chill and serve cold with crackers and slices of cheese.

Reflections From the Road

2010-07-26T16:56:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share some of my random thoughts following our recently completed wonderful KTAB On the Road Tour. Thanks to the hard work of so many people, I can't imagine anything more successful than our recent On the Road Tour. All of the set-up crew, the engineers, technicians, and the rest of the KTAB family, everything went very smoothly all week long. Of course, Zach Harmon and his band were so professional and entertaining every night.

But, the biggest "Thank You" has to go to all of the Big Country folks that came out to the events in their towns. It was so great to see the community spirit and pride in Albany, Eastland, Sweetwater, Brownwood, and Anson! The crowds were huge, enthusiastic, overflowing with community spirit, and treated us as family! It is so great to live in West Texas where you can drive into any town or community and be treated as "one of the folks!" That spirit isn't just in the towns we visited, but is found all across the Big Country.

I left the tour with a profound sense of thanks for all of the viewers that choose every night to watch KTAB for their news and weather. After our tour, I continue to feel a great sense of responsibility to each and every Big Country resident to provide you with accurate weather information.

When I step in front of the camera in the studio, I'll still see the faces of all of the folks we met on the tour, and give you all the best weathercast possible!

I consider it such an honor and privilege to serve the Big Country as your source for weather information. Wow! Have I got a great job, or what?

Don't wait for our next KTAB Road Tour, but, if you see me out and about in the area, please stop me, and say, "Hello!" I'd love to meet you!

Thanks, again, Big Country, for an unforgettable week On the Road!!

Carribean Marinated Shrimp

2010-06-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

Having just returned from The Bahamas, I thought it was only appropriate to post one of my favorite summer-time backyard dishes. Put on some "Island" music, fire up the grill, and enjoy!

As always, your comments after trying my recipes are appreciated!

CARRIBEAN MARINATED SHRIMP

Marinate:
1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
1 habanero, chopped
4 shallots, chopped
2 lemons, zested
2 limes, zested and juiced to ¼ cup (juice more limes if necessary)
1 cup coconut milk
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup vegetable oil

16 shrimp, cleaned and deveined
8 skewers

Puree all marinate ingredients in a blender. Reserve 2 tablespoons of marinate.

Skewer shrimp and place in marinate, and refrigerate. After shrimp has marinated 2-3 hours, grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side; making sure they are fully cooked.

Serve with a drizzle of the reserved marinate, and garnish with cilantro.

True Confessions About Water

2010-05-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Even though we’re not into the scorching hot temperatures that we’ll see later in the summer months, I want to spend a few minutes “preaching” to myself about the importance of hydration.

Water is the most abundant substance in the body, and ranked by experts as second only to oxygen as essential to life. The World Health Organization recommends drinking 6 to 8 large glasses of water a day. This is their recommendation for normal activity, not taking into account the extra fluid demands of physical activity or hot weather.

True Confession#1: There’s no way that I am close to drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. I drink a lot of unsweet iced tea, so that counts for something, but plain old water, not much!

Experts stubbornly contend that WATER is the fluid of choice (for more reasons than I have space to list) even better than sports drinks.

True Confession#2: I’m a summer guy-I love being outside in hot weather and sunshine. My lifestyle will have me outside quite a lot over the next few months; that’s not going to change.

I know it’s not January 1, but I’m going to make a Summertime Resolution (if that’s permissible) to make a conscious effort to drink more water this summer-for all the right reasons!

Maybe you should join me as I go get me a glass of water!

Get Your All Hazards Radio, Please!

2010-05-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, May is one of our most active months for severe weather in West Texas. So far this spring, we have “dodged the bullet” of severe weather, but we need to be ready when our turn comes.

I highly recommend everyone owning a Midland All Hazards Radio. These used to be called “Weather Radios,” but now they have expanded coverage. They now include Civil Emergencies and Amber Alerts, along with the traditional severe weather alerts.

These are very inexpensive, and now would be a good time to get one, get familiar with its operation, and plug it in a prominent place in your home. I’d also suggest you getting one for your workplace as well.

When you buy your radio, find out what kind of batteries it uses for its back-up power source, and get them, too. Many times severe weather knocks off electricity, at least temporarily, and back-up batteries will enable your All Hazards Radio to continue to give you necessary information during storms.

After you plug in your radio, be sure and activate the “Alarm” switch. Then, whenever a severe weather alert is issued for your county, your radio will sound an alarm to let you know the alert has been issued.

Of course, the KTAB Weather Team will be on the air giving you important information to keep you updated during any severe weather situation in the Big Country. To keep you safe, we’ll use our crawl system, our smaller radar image posted on the left-hand corner of the screen, and cut-ins to programming when necessary.

Remember, during severe weather, “You’re not alone.” The KTAB Weather Team will be on the air for YOU!

Answer to Vanita's Question

2010-04-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Red chili pepper is the same thing as red chili powder. The brand I use calls their version "Red Chili Pepper" You can find this usually in the spice section of grocery stores, or sometimes in the Mexican Food section. Let me know if you can't find it!

Sam's Homemade Bar-B-Q Sauce

2010-04-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

As it's getting warmer, and many of you are beginning to cook out, I thought I'd post the recipe for my homemade Bar-B-Q Sauce. I use this all of the time! It can be used on everything; chicken, ribs, pork chops, even burgers!

I hope you like it, and want you to post your comments after you've tried it!

Sam’s Bar-B-Q Sauce

½ stick butter
1 cup minced onion
1 cup ketchup
¼ cup Brer Rabbit molasses
2 TBS brown sugar
1 ½ TBS Worcestershire sauce
2 TBS yellow mustard
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp chili pepper (chili powder)

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat
Add onion, saute’ until soft (about 6 min)
Add all of the other ingredients
Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until sauce thickens (about 10-15 min)

Great on Chicken, ribs, pork chops, or even hamburgers!

Hurricane Forecast Released

2010-04-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

According to a recent report from the Colorado State University hurricane forecasting team, the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane season will produce an above-average eight hurricanes, four of them major storms.

The six month season begins June 1, and this study predicts 15 named tropical storms. The team forecast a 69% chance of at least one major hurricane making landfall on the U.S. coastline in 2010.

That's not a very rosy picture for the upcoming Hurricane Season, but the KTAB Weather Team is prepared to make sure all of the Big Country gets comprehensive information on any storms that develop and make their way towards the U.S.

On a side note, some of the heaviest rainfall totals in the Big Country have come as remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms moved inland through Texas.

We'll watch and see how this prediction develops.

2010-03-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

Well, in my opinion, March "Came in like a lion!" It was a crazy start,with sleet/snow/and rain all ushering in March 1st. Before we talk about March, here's a brief look back to February 2010:

The normal high/low average for February is 60/36, but this February our average high was 50, and our average low was 32. That gets February 2010 into the record books as the 9th coldest February on record! This winter, which includes the months of December, January, and February, was the 8th coldest winter on record. This winter was also the 7th wettest winter on record.

We had seven inches of snow during February 2010, with four inches falling on February 23rd. We also had 2.18" of rain, with 0.87" falling on February 3rd.

March is typically a month with a variety of weather. I refer to it as a "Transitional Weather Month," and I'm expecting a little bit of everything.

Here's a couple of other folk sayings about March weather:

"As it rains in March, so it rains in June"
"A dry March and a wet May? Fill barns and bays with corn and hay"
"March winds and April showers? Bring forth May flowers"

These are fun, and I've heard them for years; we'll just have to see how true they are this year!

Severe Weather Outlook for Spring

2010-02-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

Already this year we have experienced the results of an active El Nino weather pattern. We are over 3.00" above normal for precipitation, and it's just February!

This active El Nino pattern will continue through this spring, and I'm anticipating above average precipitation through the end of May. In addition to increased chances for above normal rainfall, that also means a greater probability for thunderstorms and severe weather.

It's a shame that the beneficial abundant rainfall that we will possibly get these next few months may have some excess baggage in the form of severe weather.

Here at KTAB, we are all ready as we approach severe weather season this spring. We'll monitor any storms, and be sure and keep everyone posted on changing weather conditions.

2010 is Off to a Wet Start

2010-02-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

El Nino is delivering as advertised. Back last fall when we first started talking about us moving into an active El Nino winter, I forecast that we would probably have more precipitation than normal during the upcoming winter (December 2009-February 2010).

After a January where we saw record-setting rainfall on January 29^th (2.64”), it’s very exciting to be able to report that we are nearly 2.00” above normal for this time of year. Although it’s still early in 2010, it’s just so nice to say” above normal” when talking about rainfall totals!

Think back one year ago…remember all of the terrible range fires that began in January 2009? They were so widespread because there was so much dry vegetation due to drought-like conditions from December 2008-February 2009. Hopefully, this nice rainfall will help curtail any range fire outbreaks any time soon.

The only request I have is that the temperatures stay well above freezing whenever we get precipitation during winter months. I prefer an “Ice-Free Zone!” Nonetheless, anytime we get precipitation in West Texas, we’re celebrating.

2010-01-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

I'm excited about starting this blog! How do you like the title? As a weather forecaster and someone who loves to cook...it just seemed perfect! I'm anticipating a variety of topics here, from weather, to all of you sharing some of your favorite recipes!

Here in January, we're still in the winter season, so let's kick off this blog with some of your favorite "cold weather" dishes. Personally, I remember my Mother cooking a massive pot of stew during cold weather, with potatoes, carrots, onions, corn, and of course, ample amounts of stew meat! The aroma while it was simmering on the stove would torture us for hours while we had to wait! Served with crackers and some cheese...priceless! And what about desserts? During cold weather, my Mom (and Grandmother) both would make hot custard!! If any of you have a hot custard recipe, please send it my way!

How 'bout you? Do you have any memories like that? If so, share them with us, and if you have a special stew or soup recipe...send it to me, and I'll post it here! I'd love to hear your stories and try out your "cold weather" dishes, so email them to snichols@ktab.tv Yum! Yum!