by California Casualty | News |
Just in time for St. Patty’s day, here’s a great guest post from Rebecca Stumpf:
Oh for the love of the Irish! It’s St. Patrick’s Day and that means corned beef and cabbage; a family favorite in our house! As I set out to write this blog I wondered about the actually history of St. Patrick’s Day. History.com and Wikipedia (extensive information) are both great resources of information.
Let’s start with Saint Patrick. He was born in Britain, taken hostage at the age of 16 and sent to Ireland. After escaping 6 years later he started his religious training to become a priest. After his ordination, he returned to Ireland to counsel those Christians living in Ireland and to set out on the goal of converting the rest. Instead of eradicating local customs, he wove in some of the nature based pagan traditions into Christianity. We are reminded every March 17 how much he was widely respected and loved by the Irish. Unfortunately, I do not have enough room to give all his history, so I encourage you to visit The History Channel and Wikipedia to read more about Saint Patrick.
Now, onto the St. Patrick’s Day feast! The Irish have observed this day for over 1000 years. Yet, it was those Irish immigrants who came to America that made this day into the festival it is with parades, food and lots of green beer, bread, popcorn and even a green river. Because, this holiday falls on a Thursday, most of us won’t have time to labor over cooking a brisket all day. So let the crock pot do all the work. Prepare and set it in the morning and come home to a wonderful smell (for some an acquired smell). Depending on how much time I have and how adventurous I feel, I may try a different recipe that incorporates more vegetables or extra spices.
This year, however, it’s simple and straightforward. One large (4 – 5 pound) corned beef brisket, one head of cabbage and 4 red potatoes all go into a crock pot on low heat for 8 hours. Make sure to set the brisket fat-side down, the fat will penetrate the brisket making it more tender and adding more flavor. Adding the spice packet into the crock pot is optional; however it does add additional flavor. Check out other corned beef recipes online to find one that your family likes.
One last note, for those of you who despise corned beef or want to try something new, you might opt for what may actually be as close to an Irish traditional dish of boiled bacon and cabbage! Check out this link for the history and recipe of this other great dish.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day and don’t forget to wear your green!
by California Casualty | News |
As always, I’m very proud to hear when our company makes our customers happy. Here’s a nice little note from Carol W that fell into my inbox this week:
Had great success getting my car repaired. The actual charge was some greater than the estimate but California Causality paid without a complaint. I had called to tell them that I thought there was too much in the estimate, damages that they thought necessary and I didn’t, but my insurance assured me the car should be put back into good shape and they did not question the charges. Thanks to California Causality for all the years of protection we have had with our vehicles and our home insurance. It’s not the little lizard’s insurance but it sure works for us. Thanks again
by California Casualty | News |
At California Casualty – we love doing things for the folks who do so much for our communities. As a way to say thanks, we are running a March Madness Bracket Challenge for the NCAA tournament. The contest is open to anyone who is an educator, peace officer, nurse, or firefighter.
The premise is simple – make your tournament picks, and the entrants that get the most correct will win the following:
– 1st Prize, iPad 2
– 2nd Prize, $200 Visa Gift Card
– 3rd Prize, $100 Visa Gift Card
Check out our Facebook page for more information!
by California Casualty | Safety |
Today, an 8.9-magnitude quake struck Japan, causing widespread devastation and setting off a chain of tsunamis that are affecting coastlines as far away as California. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those whose lives have been turned upside-down by this historic disaster.
When things like this occur – it’s important that we remind ourselves of steps to take in the face of disaster.
Earthquake safety is all about preparedness. We found a list of 7 Steps to Earthquake Safety, and wanted to share them with you here:
– Identify hazards such as heavy items that aren’t secured, and repair them
– Create a disaster plan
– Prepare disaster kits that contain first aid items and fresh water
– Identify building weaknesses and repair them
– Drop, Cover, and Hold on
– After an earthquake, check for injuries and damage
– Follow your disaster plan
We encourage you to read the full description of the steps here.
We also recently posted a guide to flood safety, which can be important in the aftermath of a tsunami. Follow the link to read.
by California Casualty | News |
Get in the Mardi Gras spirit with this great recipe for King Cake!
This traditional Mardi Gras dessert makes two king cakes each topped with a creamy glaze and festive gold, purple, and yellow sugar sprinkles.
Yield: Makes 2 cakes (about 18 servings each)
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 (1/4-ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 6 to 6 1/2 cups bread flour*
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Purple-, green-, and gold-tinted sparkling sugar sprinkles
For the Glaze:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk
Stir together first 4 ingredients. Stir in 2 tablespoons milk, adding additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until spreading consistency.
Cake Preparation
Cook first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until butter melts. Set aside, and cool mixture to 100° to 110°.
Stir together yeast, 1/2 cup warm water, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a 1-cup glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes.
Beat sour cream mixture, yeast mixture, eggs, and 2 cups flour at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until smooth. Reduce speed to low, and gradually add enough remaining flour (4 to 4 1/2 cups) until a soft dough forms.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top.
Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until dough is doubled in bulk.
Punch down dough, and divide in half. Roll each portion into a 22- x 12-inch rectangle. Spread 1/3 cup softened butter evenly on each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border. Stir together 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over butter on each rectangle.
Roll up each dough rectangle, jelly-roll fashion, starting at 1 long side. Place one dough roll, seam side down, on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bring ends of roll together to form an oval ring, moistening and pinching edges together to seal. Repeat with second dough roll.
Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 20 to 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
Bake at 375° for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden. Slightly cool cakes on pans on wire racks (about 10 minutes). Drizzle Creamy Glaze evenly over warm cakes; sprinkle with colored sugars, alternating colors and forming bands. Let cool completely.
Cream Cheese-Filled King Cake: Prepare each 22- x 12-inch dough rectangle as directed. Omit 1/3 cup softened butter and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Increase 1/2 cup sugar to 3/4 cup sugar. Beat 3/4 cup sugar; 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 large egg; and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly on each dough rectangle, leaving 1-inch borders. Proceed with recipe as directed.
