Lewis Maclean's online newsletter for August 2018
AUGUST 2018
The Best Water is Filtered Water
Water filtration is an important part of a complete home plumbing system. Whether you rely on city water or a well on your property or in your neighbourhood, filtration can make a big difference. And it’s not just about taste. We all need water to drink, cook, clean, irrigate our yards and gardens, and keep cool in the summer. But contaminants — both natural and man-made — pose a problem in a lot of communities in the Lower Mainland. At least once per year, you should have your water tested to make sure it’s completely safe to drink. This is doubly important if you use well water. Not only can water contain natural contaminants, such as iron, manganese, and arsenic, it may also include sewage, chlorine, and a number of other dumped chemicals. On top of all that, unfiltered water can also harbour bacteria. It goes without saying that you don’t want any of these things in your drinking water. Arsenic, in particular, can only enter your body through ingestion. In Canada, private wells are considered an “at-risk” source of arsenic, according to Natural Resources Canada’s geological survey. Chlorine, too, can be absorbed into the body through ingestion. However, it can also enter the body simply through skin contact. The chemical can exist in water naturally, but it’s most often used as a disinfectant. The problem is that chlorine is a toxic chemical, as is chloramine, another harsh chemical made from a mix of ammonia and chlorine. This is the chemical that gives swimming pools that distinct “chlorine” smell.
“At least once per year, you should have your water tested to make sure it’s completely safe to drink.”
These chemicals alone are why we recommend a whole-house water filtration system. This is a system designed to keep you and your family safe, all while keeping your water tasting better than ever. Many filters use activated carbon to pull contaminants out of the water. Carbon is remarkably effective at cleaning water, pulling out harsh chemicals that you don’t want anywhere near your drinking glass.
But like any filter, water filters need to be replaced regularly. Over time, the carbon absorbs all the harmful particles, bacteria, and chemicals it can. So, even if you already have a water filtration system, this is another thing to keep in mind. Just as you should regularly replace your home’s air filter, you should ensure you don’t simply “set and forget” your water filter. Whether you need a water test or a whole-home water filtration system, we can help. Stop ingesting all those foul chemicals and start drinking the cleanest water of your life! As always, we’re standing right by the phone, ready to take your call 24/7. You can always count on us for your plumbing, drainage, heating, air conditioning, and water filtration needs!
1 604-532-9625 •
Cast-iron skillets have been utilized almost religiously for a long time, but they became especially popular at the beginning of the 20th century. In some families, a cast- iron skillet is passed down from parents to children to grandchildren — and for good reason: When properly cared for, a good cast-iron skillet can last for generations. There’s nothing quite like a classic breakfast of bacon and eggs right out of the iron skillet. The problem is, once breakfast is over, you’re left with grease and other stuck-on food. But if you follow these steps, you’ll be left with a cast-iron skillet that’s good as new and ready for its next use. HOWTO CLEAN AND PRESERVE YOUR CAST-IRON SKILLET turn on the tap and let it run as hot as possible. (Warning: Never run cold water over hot iron. You’ll crack the metal and ruin the skillet.) Rinse the hot skillet under the hot water. There will be a lot of steam, so be sure to lean back a little! Then, using a wood or silicone spatula (never metal — this will scratch the iron), remove all excess grease and food particles. They should come off like a breeze. If any food particles remain, it’s time to break out the salt. Once the skillet is cool, add about a tablespoon of coarse salt and one tablespoon of water. With a soft sponge, scrub away the leftover debris. Once the remaining particles are gone, rinse and dry thoroughly. To make sure your skillet is completely dry, set it back on a hot burner for a few minutes so that all leftover water drops evaporate. To maintain the nonstick surface of the skillet, you’ll need to complete a few more steps. Remove it from heat and use a lint-free rag to gently rub a tablespoon of vegetable oil (coconut and peanut oil work too) into the surface of the skillet. Cover all parts of the skillet, including the bottom and handle, with a thin layer of oil, and when you see that dull shine, it’s good to go! Every time you use your cast-iron skillet, follow these steps. It may sound like a bit of extra work, but your skillet will reward you with decades of delicious meals! The best way to clean cast iron is to use heat. If you’ve let the skillet cool after cooking, start by heating it back up until you get a touch of smoke coming off the grease or stuck- on food. As the skillet heats up,
3 More Air Conditioning Myths To Cool Down With
Myth #1: Ceiling fans will keep your home cool when the air conditioner is off.
Truth: Ceiling fans are great for circulating air — but that’s all they do. They don’t cool the air in any way, though the movement of the air can create a mild cooling sensation on your skin. Some people opt to leave the ceiling fan on while they’re away from home and then turn the A/C off. This isn’t going to do much to keep your home cool or save on your electricity bill (in fact, this will hurt your bill more than anything — ceiling fans are surprising energy hogs). When you want to circulate the air, use your ceiling fan, but if you want to keep your home cool, turn on the A/C.
Myth #2: Air conditioning can make you sick.
Truth: There’s a belief that keeping your home cool — or downright cold — in the summer can cause a cold. The truth is keeping your home cool will have no effect on whether or not you catch a cold. People do report having cold-like symptoms after they turn on their air conditioning unit. This is something that often occurs in the spring or when you turn on your system after having it sit unused for long periods of time. The burst of air can push dust and other allergens into your home.
Myth #3: You can install an A/C anywhere in or around the home.
Truth: A/C units can’t go just anywhere. For outdoor units, you want to find a place that’s out of direct sunlight throughout the day. Finding a shaded or partially shaded spot will help increase efficiency. You also don’t want to install the unit in a heavily planted area, as keeping the unit clear of plants and other debris is important for maximum performance.
2 • www.lewismaclean.com
THE WORST KITCHEN UTENSIL EVER
But that’s it. The avocado slicer doesn’t have much use beyond this point. And considering the highly specialized shape and overall
design, you aren’t going to get much mileage out of an avocado slicer unless you really, really love avocados. Sure, you can slice mushrooms, various soft fruits, and soft cheeses, but each item must be fairly small to accommodate the unique shape of the avocado slicer. There is, however, another tool you can use to get the job done. Call it the world’s best kitchen utensil — the chef’s knife. A good chef’s knife that is kept well-maintained can last a lifetime. It will slice and dice just about any food item you need prepped. All you need to do is a little research to find the chef’s knife that’s right for you. You’ll be glad you did. Here are three resources to get you started: • TheKitchn.com/from-budget-to-big-spender-10-chefs-knives-for- every-budget-166133
The avocado slicer. Bon Appétit magazine called this kitchen utensil “the last thing you’ll ever need.” TV chef and host Alton Brown will scold you if you have one. And if you do have one, ask yourself this: Why? If you don’t have one, pat yourself on the back — you’ve saved yourself from one of the most useless utensils in the world. Okay, so what’s the big deal with the avocado slicer? Is it possible to turn this (barely) one-hit wonder into something worthy of your kitchen? We can try. Other than slicing avocados for the perfect avocado toast, here’s another way to put the device to work: The Egg Slicer Hard-boiled eggs can be difficult and messy to slice up for a salad or side dish. That’s why they make egg slicers, a first-cousin of the avocado slicer. But here’s the great thing about using an avocado slicer to prep hard-boiled eggs: the clean-up. Cleaning an egg slicer can be a kitchen nightmare, especially making sure every piece of egg is washed away. The avocado slicer, on the other hand, is a cinch to clean.
• FoodAndWine.com/lifestyle/kitchen/best-chefs-knife
• GentlemansGazette.com/best-knives-home-cook
Halibut SUMMER GRILLED
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine If you’re tired of grilling hamburgers at this point in the summer, try using your grill for something a little different. This easy halibut recipe is a great change of pace.
INGREDIENTS
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4 boneless, skinless halibut fillets, about 5 ounces each 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
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2 pounds mixed tomatoes, sliced 1/2 cup hearts of palm, drained Basil leaves, for garnish
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1 lemon
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Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Lightly oil grill grates and heat grill to medium. 2. Grate 1 teaspoon lemon zest onto halibut fillets. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 3. Grill halibut, turning just once, for about 5 minutes on each side.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, hearts of palm, juice from lemon, and oil. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Garnish salad with basil. Spoon salad over grilled halibut. Serve.
STROKE HOLEINONE PGA CADDIE
SWING PUTTER GOLFCART DRIVINGRANGE
PAR BIRDIE DRIVER GREEN
3 604-532-9625 •
23008 Fraser Highway Langley, BC V2Z 2V1 604-532-9625 www.lewismaclean.com
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Inside 1
THIS ISSUE
Have a Glass of the Best Water of Your Life! Get Decades out of Your Cast-Iron Skillet 3 Chilling Air
2
Conditioning Myths The Worst Kitchen Utensil Ever
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Summer Grilled Halibut The Best End-of-Summer Activity
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Journey to the Great Backyard FINISH THE SUMMER WITH A FAMILY CAMPING ‘TRIP’
Summer is drawing to a close, but there’s still time to make some great memories. Camping trips are a summer staple. Fortunately, you don’t have to drive hours into the mountains to find the perfect campsite. Your backyard is right there waiting for you! Here are a few tips to help your family say farewell to summer with a perfect backyard camping trip. Pack for an authentic experience. Your back door is literally a few yards away, which can be great in the event of an emergency. But if the kids are running in and out of the house all night long, they might end up deciding they’d rather be inside playing video games after only an hour. Be sure to pack everything you would need if you were really going into the woods for the night so no one is tempted to go back inside. This means tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, pajamas, books, binoculars, a compass, water bottles, and a cooler of food with snacks and dinner. Treat this like a “real” camping experience right from the beginning! Figure out the campfire. Don’t have an in-ground fire pit? No worries! You can still enjoy hot dogs and s’mores with a charcoal grill or a store-bought fire pit. If
you have enough room in your backyard, you could even try building a bonfire.
Just make sure to check your city ordinances and get any necessary permits first. You can find advice for building the perfect campfire at
REI.com/learn/expert-advice/campfire-basics.html. Remember: It’s okay to call it a night.
For kids, the most exciting part of camping in the backyard is getting to sleep in a tent — that is, until they actually have to sleep. After stargazing, some kids will want to stay up all night whispering and giggling in the tent, and that’s great! But other kids might decide they’d rather sleep inside, and that’s okay too. Your camping trip isn’t a failure because everyone spent the night in their own beds. It’s not about where everyone sleeps; it’s about how much fun your family had together before bedtime. The best part of backyard camping? It doesn’t take a lot of planning. Just grab your gear and your family and hike out into the great backyard.
4 • www.lewismaclean.com
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