I broke down in tears when I spotted my dad in his favourite spot on Google Street View 11 years after he diedVANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FIREWEED METALS CORP. (“Fireweed” or the “Company”) (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQX: FWEDF) is pleased to announce it has been awarded US$15.8 M (~C$22.5 M) from the U.S. Department of Defense and up to C$12.9 M from the Government of Canada in support of its critical minerals projects at Macmillan Pass, Yukon Territory. Highlights Fireweed has been awarded US$15.8M (~C$22.5 M) from the U.S. Department of Defense under Title III of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (“DPA Title III”) to advance its 100%-owned Mactung tungsten project toward a final investment decision. Fireweed will also receive up to C$12.9 M from the Government of Canada, pending final due diligence, through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (“CMIF”) to lead planning for road and power infrastructure supporting Fireweed’s critical mineral assets at Macmillan Pass, Yukon Territory. With this funding, Fireweed’s team will advance its Mactung tungsten project to a final investment decision, while concurrently leading the planning for improvements to regional infrastructure (road and power) that serve the entire critical mineral district at Macmillan Pass. CEO Statement Peter Hemstead, President and CEO, commented: “The coordinated investments by the United States and Canadian governments underscore the critical importance and strategic value of Fireweed’s mineral assets at Macmillan Pass. This joint announcement is a testament to the determination of both governments to unlock this new critical minerals district in Canada. In the coming months and years, our team will work to ensure our projects and the enabling infrastructure move forward in a way that respects rights-holders, provides benefits to communities in the region, and demonstrates how critical minerals can be developed responsibly.” Adam Lundin Statement Adam Lundin, Fireweed’s Strategic Advisor, stated: “The emerging critical minerals district at Macmillan Pass is a profound opportunity to address key supply chain vulnerabilities of the North American industrial base. These investments are significant milestones on the path to advancing both Macpass and Mactung projects toward development.” Statement from the Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources The Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, stated: “Canada is positioning itself as a global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals, which are increasingly in demand for the clean and digital economy as well as for defence applications. The Fireweed project will develop the necessary energy infrastructure to power multiple critical minerals mines and communities with clean energy. These investments by Canada and the United States build on our long history of friendship and collaboration, complement the region’s deep expertise in mining, create good jobs in the Yukon and advance economic growth, now and into the future.” A Critical Minerals District at Macmillan Pass Macmillan Pass is an emerging critical minerals district (the “Macpass District”), with two immediately-adjacent, best-in-class critical mineral projects being advanced by Fireweed. The Macpass Project (“Macpass”) is a district-scale collection of high-grade zinc deposits, forming one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources globally, while also containing the world's largest known accumulation of germanium and gallium 1,2 . The Mactung Project (“Mactung”) is the world’s largest, high-grade tungsten deposit 1 ,3 , with sufficient mineral resources to potentially supply North America’s expected tungsten demand for decades. Macmillan Pass and the North Canol Road (the district’s primary overland access) are located within Kaska Nation Traditional Territory and the Traditional Territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyӓk Dun. The Mactung access road passes through the Sahtú Settlement Area (Tulı́tʼa District in the Northwest Territories), which include both First Nations and Métis communities. US Government Funding to Advance the Mactung Tungsten Project Fireweed has been awarded US$15.8 M (~C$22.5 M) by the U.S. Department of Defense under DPA Title III to advance its 100%-owned Mactung tungsten project toward a final investment decision. The objective of the DPA Title III funding is to progress Mactung to a final investment decision, a precursor to project construction and subsequent production of domestic tungsten concentrates for the North American industrial base. The award will support an expansive, Fireweed team-led program that includes mine design optimization, geotechnical investigations, and metallurgical test programs, culminating in the development of a new feasibility study. A range of environmental studies will be undertaken, supporting the pursuit of licenses and permits necessary to construct Mactung. The program builds on extensive past drilling at Mactung and an updated 2023 mineral resource estimate that supersedes a historical 2009 Feasibility Study. The project also benefits from a positive environmental assessment decision issued in 2014 by Yukon and Canadian Federal regulators. The DPA Title III award is non-dilutive to Fireweed shareholders and no commercial covenants are included in the award conditions that would impair Fireweed’s current business nor its future sale of tungsten concentrates to the industrial base. Fireweed’s own management team will lead the work and periodically report progress to administrators of the award. Canadian Government Funding to Advance the “North Canol Infrastructure Improvement Project” Fireweed will also receive up to C$12.9 M, pending final due diligence, from the Government of Canada through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (“CMIF”) to lead planning efforts for infrastructure improvements that would serve the critical minerals district at Macmillan Pass. The CMIF funding will support Fireweed’s implementation of the first phase (Phase I) of the “North Canol Infrastructure Improvement Project” (“NCIIP”), which includes developing preliminary designs for approximately 250 kilometers of road improvements, as well as upgrades to an existing transmission line between Faro and Ross River, and the construction of a new transmission line from Ross River to Macmillan Pass. The effort also includes seeking the consent of local Indigenous groups, completing necessary environmental assessment processes and facilitating multi-party project agreements necessary to advance NCIIP toward construction (Phase II). Fireweed anticipates NCIIP Phase II to be advanced through a collaboration of government, Indigenous groups and industry. Funding sources for NCIIP construction have yet to be determined but will likely involve ‘stacking’ a range of new and existing funding sources, potentially including previously announced Yukon Resource Gateway funding. Qualified Person Statement Technical information in this news release has been approved by Fireweed Metals VP Geology, Jack Milton, Ph.D., P.Geo. (BC), a ‘Qualified Person’ as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Dr. Milton is not independent of Fireweed for purposes of NI 43-101. About Fireweed Metals Corp. (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQX: FWEDF; FSE:M0G): Fireweed Metals Corp. is an exploration company unlocking significant value in a new critical metals district located in the Yukon, Canada. Fireweed is 100% owner of the Macpass District, a large and highly prospective 977 km 2 land package. The Macpass District includes the Macpass zinc-lead-silver (germanium-gallium) project and the Mactung tungsten project, both characterized by meaningful size, grade and opportunity. At Macpass, Fireweed owns one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources worldwide 1 , 2 , in a region with enormous exploration upside potential. The Mactung project is a strategic critical metals asset that hosts the world’s largest high-grade tungsten resource 1, 3 – a potential long-term supply of tungsten for North America. A Lundin Group company, Fireweed is strongly positioned to create meaningful value. In Canada, Fireweed (TSXV: FWZ) trades on the TSX Venture Exchange. In the USA, Fireweed (OTCQX: FWEDF) trades on the OTCQX Best Market for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies and is DTC eligible for enhanced electronic clearing and settlement. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com. In Europe, Fireweed (FSE: M0G) trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Additional information about Fireweed and its projects can be found on the Company’s website at FireweedMetals.com and at www.sedarplus.com . ON BEHALF OF FIREWEED METALS CORP. “ Peter Hemstead ” President & CEO, and Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Forward Looking Statements This news release contains “forward-looking” statements and information (“forward-looking statements”). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to receipt of the DPA Title III award, use of proceeds of the DPA Title III award, receipt of CMIF award and the actual amount thereof, the use of proceeds of the CMIF award (including leading planning efforts relating to road improvements and transmission line construction and upgrades), pursuit of necessary licencing and permits and/or environmental assessment processes, seeking the consent of local Indigenous groups, the making of a final investment decision with respect to Mactung, interpretation of drill results, targets for exploration, potential extensions of mineralized zones, future work plans, and the potential of the Company’s projects, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “potential”, “possible”, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results “will”, “may”, “could”, or “should” occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Company management and reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include but are not limited to, exploration and development risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, expenditure and financing requirements, general economic conditions, changes in financial markets, changes in the Company’s work programs, the ability to properly and efficiently staff the Company’s operations, the sufficiency of working capital and funding for continued operations, title matters, First Nations and local Indigenous group relations, operating hazards, political and economic factors, competitive factors, metal prices, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulations and oversight, permitting, seasonality and weather, present and future infrastructure capacities, technological change, industry practices, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and laboratory tests, and one-time events. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward ‐ looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections or other factors, except as required by law. Footnotes and References 1 References to relative size, grade, and metal content of the Mactung resources and Macpass resources in comparison to other tungsten, zinc, gallium, and germanium deposits elsewhere in the world, respectively, are based on review of the Standard & Poor’s Global Market Intelligence Capital IQ database. 2 For Tom, Jason, End Zone, and Boundary Zone Mineral Resources, see the technical report filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ October 18, 2024, entitled “Technical Report for NI 43-101, Macpass Project, Yukon, Canada”. The effective date of the Mineral Resource is September 4, 2024. SLR Managing Principal Resource Geologist, Pierre Landry, P.Geo. (BC) is a ‘Qualified Person’ as defined under NI 43-101. Mr. Landry is considered to be “independent” of the Company for purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Landry, of SLR, is responsible for the Macpass Mineral Resource Estimate. 3 For Mactung Mineral Resources, see Fireweed news release dated June 13, 2023 “Fireweed Metals Announces Mineral Resources for the Mactung Project: the Largest High-Grade Tungsten Deposit in the World” and the technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mactung Project, Yukon Territory, Canada,” with effective date July 28, 2023 filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ . Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. is considered independent of the Company, and a ‘Qualified Person’ as defined under NI 43-101. Garth Kirkham, of Kirkham Geosystems Limited., is responsible for the Mactung Mineral Resource Estimate. Contact: Peter Hemstead Phone: +1 (604) 689-7842 Email: info@fireweedmetals.comTrailblazing model Dayle Haddon dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
S&P Dow Jones Indices Announces Dow Jones Sustainability Indices 2024 Review ResultsSources say that 90 grams of Ganja was seized by the excise department. Excise department officials say that they found the banned substance in the possession while they were drinking at a secluded place in Thakazhi near Alappuzha. Alappuzha: Excise officials apprehended Kayamkulam MLA U Prathibha’s son and his gang for possession of marijuana today morning. The excise inspection happened while Kaniv and his team were consuming alcohol near Thakazhi Bridge. The officials also seized 3 grams of ganja from them. After registering a case, all were released on bail. MLA’s son Kaniv (21) and eight others were taken into custody by the Kuttanad excise team. Sources say that 90 grams of Ganja was seized by the excise department. Excise department officials say that they found the banned substance in the possession while they were drinking at a secluded place in Thakazhi near Alappuzha. Meanwhile, the MLA has denied the charges made against her son. Prathibha while speaking to a regional media said that her son Kaniv was hanging around with her friends and there was no ganja in his possession. “I am going to take legal steps against those media houses who spread misinformation about my son. There was no substances that was found with him. There is a major conspiracy behind this”, said Prathibha. Click for more latest Kerala news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Vivek Narayanan is currently working in TV9 Network as a Special Correspondent contributing towards the various developments in Kerala covering all domains ranging from local issues, sports to political developments. Sports, especially football, is one sport he always look to cover and discuss. He has nearly 10 years of experience in print, broadcast and digital journalism. His flair for socio-political developments, sports and environment kept him floating and hitched towards journalism. He is always looking for positive developments that while reported could make a difference in the life of people around. Latest News
The morning after the Sacramento Kings fired coach Mike Brown , they held a shootaround in Los Angeles to prepare for Saturday's game against the Lakers . Interim head coach Doug Christie, who is expected to remain in that role for the rest of the season , ran shootaround for the first time. Asked about his reaction to the controversial decision , Sacramento guard De'Aaron Fox told reporters: "It was surprising. I mean, I found out a minute before everybody else did, so." Then he shrugged his shoulders. Fox has been with the Kings since they drafted him No. 5 overall in 2017. Christie will be his fifth coach in the NBA . "I've been through a coaching change before," Fox said. "I think for some of the guys, it's the first time, but you gotta keep moving. I think we're -- this is Game 32, so you still have a long season to go." A reporter asked Fox if, as a player, he felt any pressure or guilt when a change like this occurs. "Pressure or guilt?" Fox said. "I mean, obviously, we all know the job that we have. You can be traded at any point, released, cut, fired, whatever it may be. I mean, I wouldn't use the word 'guilt.' But that's the nature of the job that we have. But, I mean, obviously him signing his extension this summer, we felt like we'd be together a whole lot longer, but that's the decision that they made. But at the end of the day, too, he's still getting paid. A great part of being an NBA player, NBA coach is those things can happen, but contracts are guaranteed, so." De'Aaron Fox reacts to the firing of Mike Brown, how he found out, where his Sacramento Kings go from here, Doug Christie as interim coach and answers the question about bearing any responsibility. pic.twitter.com/P29C0zeRzR At the end of Friday's practice, Brown had what The Athletic described as an "extended" conversation with Fox. According to Fox, they were "talking about end-game stuff, what we do towards the end of games." He "definitely didn't know that that little conversation," which he called "really normal," would be their last of Brown's tenure. Six months ago, after Brown signed an extension, Fox told reporters that it was great to have "stability" on the coaching front. Asked if his perspective on that had changed since then, Fox said, "Not at all." Before the team plane took off on Friday, Christie addressed the team, Fox said, "and after that, the plane ride was normal. I went to sleep." Fox said that Christie wants to "simplify" the offense, and he wants the team to "continue to be better defensively, be physical defensively." He added that Christie wants the team to try to play fast, just like Brown did. Sacramento big man Domantas Sabonis missed Thursday's loss against the Detroit Pistons because of an illness. He missed Brown's last practice, too, and didn't fly with the team to Los Angeles. On Saturday morning, though, he took an early flight and joined the team in time for shootaround. "Crazy," Sabonis told reporters . "I haven't been with the team for 30 hours, and a lot's happened. Just shocked with everything." Sabonis "got here and went right onto the court," he said. "We're all focused on winning the game, but we obviously we know we haven't been performing our best and we have to do a better job. As one of the leaders of the team, I gotta make sure that happens." Sacramento is 13-18 and has lost five straight games, and Sabonis implied that its struggles cost Brown his job. "Things are happening because we're not performing," Sabonis said. "At the end of the day, we know that we have a standard to be at, and we're not doing it." Domantas Sabonis says he plans to play tonight vs. Lakers, reacts to the firing of Mike Brown and how capable Doug Christie is taking over the head coaching reins pic.twitter.com/m5hw7kNnFi When Brown got fired, Sabonis was sleeping. "I got woken up by the news," he said. Sabonis spoke appreciatively of the two-plus years he spent with Brown. "He trusted me in my career," Sabonis said. "He put me in a position to succeed, and he gave me a lot of confidence." For years, Sabonis has worked individually with Christie before games. Christie has visited him for summer workouts, too. "He's very capable," Sabonis said. "He's been around basketball a lot, as a player, as a coach. He has a true, deep love for the city of Sacramento and the team. His only goal is to win a championship." Christie's message to the team was "to come out and stick together, fight," Sabonis said. "And just be us, be who we are and turn this thing around." Malik Monk reacts to the Kings firing Mike Brown, his message to Kings fans, what he'll miss about his former head coach and thanks him after experiencing the best years of his career. "The energy he brought, the passion he had for the game ... that's what I took most out of... pic.twitter.com/C1orHmPzlc Kings guard Malik Monk told reporters that he was "shocked, just like everybody else" when he found out that Brown was out. "But it's the NBA. Anything can happen. So next man up, I guess." Monk has texted Brown, but they haven't debriefed yet. "He said he's going to call me tomorrow," Monk said. "I guess I'll see what he says tomorrow." Under Brown, Monk played the best basketball of his career. What he'll remember most about playing for Brown, he said, is "the energy he brought, the passion he had for the game, the passion he had for just being on a basketball court, being around the game. That's what I took most out of him. He never took everything for granted." Monk then added, "Thank you, Mike." Asked if he had a message for Kings fans, Monk said, "Sorry, fans. We're going to turn it around. That's it. Short and sweet."NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks slipped in afternoon trading Friday as Wall Street closes out a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 fell 0.2%, and is on track for a loss for the week after three straight weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 81 points, or 0.2% to 43,833 as of 12:56 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq fell 0.3% and is hovering around its record. Broadcom surged 20.2% after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. The company also raised its dividend. The company's big gain helped cushion the market's broader fall. Pricey stock values for technology companies like Broadcom give the sector more weight in pushing the market higher or lower. Artificial intelligence technology has been a focal point for the technology sector and the overall stock market over the last year. Tech companies, and Wall Street, expect demand for AI to continue driving growth for semiconductor and other technology companies. Furniture and housewares company RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged 14.3% after raising its forecast for revenue growth for the year. Wall Street's rally stalled this week amid mixed economic reports and ahead of the Federal Reserve's last meeting of the year. The central bank will meet next week and is widely expected to cut interest rates for a third time since September. Expectations of a series of rate cuts has driven the S&P 500 to 57 all-time highs so far this year . The Fed has been lowering its benchmark interest rate following an aggressive rate hiking policy that was meant to tame inflation. It raised rates from near-zero in early 2022 to a two-decade high by the middle of 2023. Inflation eased under pressure from higher interest rates, nearly to the central bank's 2% target. The economy, including consumer spending and employment, held strong despite the squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. A slowing job market, though, has helped push a long-awaited reversal of the Fed's policy. Inflation rates have been warming up slightly over the last few months. A report on consumer prices this week showed an increase to 2.7% in November from 2.6% in October. The Fed's preferred measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditures index, will be released next week. Wall Street expects it to show a 2.5% rise in November, up from 2.3% in October. The economy, though, remains solid heading into 2025 as consumers continue spending and employment remains healthy, said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY. “Still, the outlook is clouded by unusually high uncertainty surrounding regulatory, immigration, trade and tax policy,” he said. Treasury yields edged higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.39% from 4.34% late Thursday. European markets slipped. Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.1%. Britain’s economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% month-on-month in October, following a 0.1% decline in September, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Asian markets closed mostly lower.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy took part in some light throwing on Monday after missing his first career game because of an injury and the 49ers are hoping he can return this week. Purdy hurt his throwing shoulder during a loss to Seattle on Nov. 17. Purdy underwent two MRIs last week that showed no structural damage. But Purdy he felt discomfort after making a few throws at practice on Thursday and was shut down for the game at Green Bay on Sunday that San Francisco lost 38-10 . Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Purdy made it through the session without pain and will rest on Tuesday and hopefully be able to return to practice on Wednesday as the Niners prepare to play at Buffalo this coming week. “We rested it throughout the weekend hoping that would help,” Shanahan said. “He threw lighter today to see if that rest helps and the rest did help him. So we’ll see again, going through the same things we did last week. We’re going to let him rest all the way up to Wednesday. We’ll see how it feels on Wednesday and then we’ll take the exact same course throughout the week. Hopefully it responds better this week than it did last week with the rest.” Brandon Allen went 17 for 29 for 199 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a lost fumble in his first start since the 2021 season. Allen would play once again if Purdy is unable to go on Sunday at Buffalo. Purdy wasn't the only star player missing for the 49ers on Sunday with defensive end Nick Bosa missing the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique and left tackle Trent Williams out with an ankle injury. “Just waiting to see how they respond,” Shanahan said. “They didn’t respond great last week. That’s why they weren’t able to go. Nick and Trent are both in the same boat. ... We’ll evaluate as this week progresses and hopefully it turns a better corner than it did last week.” In other injury news, linebacker Dre Greenlaw will return to practice this week for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl last season. Greenlaw will likely need at least a couple of weeks of practice before being able to return to play. Offensive lineman Jon Feliciano will be shut down for the rest of the season after his knee injury didn't fully heal. Feliciano's three-week practice window ended Monday and the Niners decided to keep him on injured reserve instead of activating him. Left guard Aaron Banks, defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and receiver Jacob Cowing all remain in concussion protocol to start this week and their status is unknown. Right guard Dominick Puni (shoulder) and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (knee) underwent MRIs on Monday and the team is waiting for results. Cornerback Renardo Green (neck) and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee) are day to day. Defensive tackle Kevin Givens is expected to return to practice this week after missing the past four games with a groin injury. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflTransatlantic balance buoys sterling towards pre-Brexit berth: Mike Dolan
When it comes to buying quality groceries at an affordable price, nobody does it better than Aldi. Its unique business model is why ALDI's food is so cheap . The cult favorite even boasts a fan club that's millions of members strong and has a Fan Favorites section on its website that you can scour before heading out to the store, to make sure you never miss out on any of the fantastic buys. Among the array of groceries you can get at Aldi, to stock up your pantry, are a vast selection of different types of pasta sauces. Because there are so many pasta sauces to choose from, I thought it might be helpful to pick up as many of them as I could, and test them all out so that you don't have to. I sniffed, scooped, and tasted marinaras, Alfredos, pestos, and more, ranking them from worst to best. Read on to discover which pasta sauce from Aldi reigned supreme, and how I came up with my criteria for determining the best of the best. 16. Priano Alla Genovese Pesto While there are many different types of pesto out there, the one most of us are familiar with is the classic Genovese variety. This verdant version typically features basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, olive oil, and garlic that are pulverized into a paste. The one from the Priano brand looked promising when I picked it up, but ended up being a huge disappointment. The aroma of this sauce was pungent, with strong basil, cashew, and Grana Padano notes coming through. Its texture was suitably thick, coarse, and paste-like. That said, when I took a bite, I noticed immediately that the basil was not properly trimmed and there were bits of chewy stem that stuck between my teeth. In terms of taste, I found this pesto to be exceedingly bitter. There was also a notable acidity that was not particularly appealing, and that lingered on my tongue well after swallowing the pesto. Overall, this was not well-balanced and the texture was unappetizing. 15. Priano Creamy Alfredo Sauce Second to last on this ranking is the Creamy Alfredo Sauce from the Priano brand which, at first glance, looked more like ranch dressing. I typically enjoy an Alfredo sauce that's slightly less thick and just barely coats the pasta, rather than one that looks like a spoon could stand straight up in it. This was a sauce that was smooth and creamy, but overly dense and pasty. The aroma of this sauce more closely resembled a Mexican queso than an Alfredo, and a fast food version at that. The flavor, while predominantly milky, did have some notes of parmesan cheese to it and was not overly salty, which I appreciated. What it lacked was nuance. That said, this sauce could easily be augmented with a bit of chicken stock or reserved pasta water, some freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of black pepper to help thin it out and give it some complexity. 14. Priano Four Cheese Alfredo Sauce Next comes the Four Cheese Alfredo from the Priano brand. While this sauce was not altogether disappointing, it did have some serious flaws that made me less than enthusiastic about it. Its aroma, while somewhat more complex than the plain Alfredo, still smelled milky, but lacked that fast food queso scent, which was a win. Its texture was quite a bit thinner, having a more saucy than pasty quality, which was also a plus. The taste of this sauce is where things fell apart somewhat. Though you could taste the four cheeses (Parmesan, romano, ricotta, and provolone), these were used slightly out of balance, making the sauce excessively salty and somewhat bitter. Again, this could be remedied by adding a hint of acidity, cream, or a dash of sugar to help tame the salinity, though these may adversely impact the texture of the sauce. 13. Specially Selected Premium Tomato Basil Sauce The Tomato Basil Sauce from the Specially Selected Premium brand comes in next on this ranking. Specially Selected is the premium store brand that's exclusive to Aldi, specializing in offering comparable products to mainstream brands at a much lower price. Though many of its products are fantastic, this was one of the less successful ones. The aroma of this sauce was extremely tomato-forward and rich in savory notes. The texture of this sauce was thick and coarsely puréed, with small pieces of tomato still detectable, which would make it better suited to putting over wide noodles or short, tubular pasta shapes, like penne. While the flavor of this sauce was decent, the basil was virtually undetectable. It was dominated by the acidic tomatoes and a pronounced onion flavor. In general, I'm a fan of onions, especially when they're caramelized, which can lend sweetness and richness to a sauce, but the flavor was a little too potent here. Additionally, this sauce had an oddly meaty aftertaste, which was slightly discombobulating. 12. Specially Selected Marinara Sauce The Specially Selected Marinara Sauce came in next on this ranking. When it comes to a classic marinara sauce, rather than a basic spaghetti sauce, this version got a lot of things right. It featured a short list of basic ingredients, with tomatoes being the star. It was also rather chunky, with large pieces of tomato left intact, giving it a freshness that's characteristic of an authentic marinara, which should never be overcooked. The biggest issue I had with this sauce was the prominence of olive oil in it. When I first opened the jar, there was a notable oil slick on the sauce. The aroma of this sauce also smelled assertively oily and oniony, with the tomatoes and herbs taking a back seat. This oiliness carried through in the flavor of this sauce. While this wasn't especially bad or off-putting, it didn't allow the tomatoes to shine, which is the point of a marinara sauce. 11. Reggano Mushroom Pasta Sauce The Mushroom Pasta Sauce from the Reggano brand may have been the biggest disappointment for me. I love mushrooms and I was really hoping this sauce would deliver an umami bomb of flavor in my mouth. Sadly it did not, even though it wasn't altogether a disaster. The aroma of this sauce did have distinct fungi-forward notes punctuated by parsley and oregano, and its texture was quite a bit thinner than I anticipated. I had expected there to be chunks of mushrooms present. There were not. This, unfortunately, foreshadowed the lack of mushrooms in the flavor of this sauce. Though the sauce had a pleasant, acidic tomato flavor and pronounced herbaceous elements, thanks to the basil and oregano, the mushrooms were almost an afterthought. That said, all was not lost, as this could easily be remedied by adding some mushroom powder , which would enhance the umami profile of this sauce. 10. Priano Marinara Sauce Up next was the Marinara Sauce from the Priano brand, which is another label exclusive to Aldi. Yet again, this sauce wasn't altogether a bust, but it had a few issues that made it problematic. This marinara featured both tomato purée and diced tomatoes, maximizing the presence of this fruit in the recipe, without a lot of other ingredients to mask it. The sauce was also relatively thick, though not especially chunky. The aroma of this sauce was intensely acidic, with an almost citrus-like quality to it. Its flavor was dominated by sweetness. While I understand the need to tame the acidity of tomatoes with some sugar, this was overkill. The acidity and salt were hardly detectable, both of which would have assisted in producing a more balanced taste. The aftertaste of this sauce was also somewhat unusual, having assertive floral notes and a mild savoriness that was not unpleasant, but was definitely unexpected. 9. Reggano Marinara Pasta Sauce The Marinara Pasta Sauce from the Reggano brand falls next on this ranking. This was a stellar example of a quality marinara sauce, even though its texture was somewhat thinner than one might expect. The ingredient list was short and sweet, featuring both tomato purée and diced tomatoes in juice. In terms of scent, this was not the most aromatic of sauces, though a delicate sweet tomato fragrance did come through. As noted, this sauce was very smoothly puréed, lacking in those chunks that might give a store-bought sauce a more rustic, homemade feel. Where this sauce shone was in its flavor, which showcased the tomatoes front and center. Though this was a slightly sweeter sauce, it did have a well-balanced acidity and salinity, and a pronounced umami-rich aftertaste. There was also a hint of spiciness and notable herbal undertones that lingered after swallowing it. 8. Reggano Traditional Pasta Sauce Reggano's Traditional Pasta Sauce entered the ranking in eighth place. What sets a traditional tomato-based pasta sauce apart from a marinara is that, typically, traditional tomato sauce is more complex, having other ingredients in it, like a mirepoix, other spices, and even meat. It's generally cooked for an extended period of time, to develop more depth of flavor, and has a thicker texture. That said, this version of a traditional tomato sauce was much more akin to a pizza sauce. While moderately thick, its smooth texture was akin to the marinara from the same brand. The aroma was quite tomato-forward and acidic, and though the flavor featured tomatoes front and center, other elements were layered on top of them. Hints of parsley, oregano, and some spice came through, as did well-balanced levels of acidity and salinity. The only reason this sauce didn't rank higher was that it wasn't unique enough to truly set it apart from the rest. 7. Priano Tomato Basil Sauce Next on this ranking of Aldi pasta sauces comes the Priano Tomato Basil Sauce. This was the first sauce that felt more unique in terms of flavor, texture, and overall quality. There was a nuance to it that was definitely a step above the previous sauces, signaling a new phase in this tasting. The aroma of this sauce was quite sweet, with mild fragrant notes of basil peeking through. In terms of texture, the sauce was quite thick and slightly chunky, which gave it a more homemade quality. When I took a bite, I was immediately surprised at the level of savoriness. Though the tomato featured heavily, there were elements of sweetness and delightful floral notes from the basil that gave it layers that emerged in succession. This was a well-balanced sauce that would be delightful as the base for a classic lasagna recipe . It would also make for a great eggplant or chicken Parmesan. 6. Priano Rosso Pesto Red pesto, or pesto rosso, is a classic spin on this traditional sauce that you might not have heard of , but should definitely try. This version, from the Priano brand, was a great introduction to this distinctive sauce, with sun-dried tomatoes, Grana Padano cheese, and cashews for a thick sauce rife with umami flavors. The aroma of this sauce was to die for. It was so savory that it literally made my mouth water. Its texture was suitably thick, more like a paste, which is how pesto should be. When it came to the flavor, though this sauce was quite salty, it was still within what I would consider acceptable for a pesto of this type. The sun-dried tomatoes shone, giving this sauce intense depth of flavor, and there was enough acidity to help lighten the sauce and temper the salinity. While I would have preferred slightly less salt, this was a knockout sauce. 5. Priano Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce The top-ranking Alfredo-type sauce was the Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce from the Priano brand. Where the other Alfredos fell short, this one performed beautifully. I will note, however, this is not a sauce for those who don't love garlic. That flavor was definitely the star, and would keep any vampires at bay for quite some time. In terms of aroma, the garlic muted virtually everything else, including any milky or cheesy notes. The texture of this sauce was quite luxurious, having a quality that was similar to slightly melted mayonnaise or icing, which may not sound like a compliment but certainly is. The taste was quite pleasant, having the slightly sweet, nutty, and savory notes of roasted garlic, which were beautifully paired with salty parmesan cheese. These were all embedded into a creamy sauce that coated pasta like a dream. Just a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg would make this sauce ideal for fettuccine Alfredo . 4. Priano Four Cheese Sauce If you've ever craved the cheesy quality of an Alfredo, but didn't want the heaviness of a cream-based sauce, the Priano Four Cheese Sauce would be for you. This was a tomato-based sauce full of bold cheese flavors, giving the perfect balance between a classic marinara and an Alfredo. The aroma began with savory notes of Parmesan cheese, followed immediately by the tangy and sweet fragrance of tomatoes. The texture of this sauce was the thinnest of the tomato-based sauces, puréed quite smoothly, though you could still see some tomato seeds in the mix, giving it a rustic flair. While the cheese dominated in the smell department, the tomatoes took center stage in taste. Sweet and acidic notes were beautifully balanced by the salty cheeses, which included Parmesan, romano, provolone, and ricotta. I admit, I was smitten with this sauce. The only reason I didn't rank it higher was because of the sophistication of the top three sauces. 3. Specially Selected Roasted Garlic Sauce Entering in third place on this ranking of pasta sauces from Aldi is the Roasted Garlic Sauce from the Specially Selected brand. Again, this would not be a sauce for those who dislike a strong flavor of garlic. That said, if you are a big fan of garlic bread with your pasta, and don't plan on kissing anyone after your meal, this would be the sauce you would want slathered over your spaghetti. From the aroma to the taste, roasted garlic was the star here. The texture of this sauce was quite chunky, with large pieces of tomato punctuating the otherwise thin sauce, giving this a real made-from-scratch vibe. While you'd expect the roasted garlic to completely overwhelm the tomatoes, it did not. The tomatoes were well-represented, providing a backdrop of acidity that helped to bring the sweet, savory, toasty elements of roasted garlic to the back of your palate. The whole thing was well-seasoned with just the right amount of salt to make everything pop. 2. Simply Nature Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce The Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce from the Simply Nature brand lands in second place on this ranking. This brand, exclusive to Aldi, features products that are Non-GMO Project Verified, free from 125 ingredients (including artificial colors, partially hydrogenated oils, and added MSG), and often organic. It's also earned the Good Housekeeping Nutritionist Approved Emblem, which underscores its quality. This marinara knocked it out of the park. Its aroma was strongly that of tomatoes, with savory, meaty undertones. Its thick, chunky, rustic texture gave it a homemade look. The flavor, while simple, was exactly what a marinara should be. It showcased the fresh tomatoes, which were rich in taste and not watery. Every taste component was perfectly balanced, including sweetness, acidity, and salinity. This was not a fancy sauce, but it was one that I would feel good about serving as a professional chef if I hadn't had a chance to make my own. 1. Simply Nature Organic Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce The top-ranked pasta sauce from Aldi was ... the Organic Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce from the Simply Nature brand. This brand has been recognized countless times for its quality and has garnered a number of accolades, including winning an award for its extra virgin olive oil cooking spray . This particular sauce appealed to the food snob and chef in me in many ways. I'm a sucker for bold flavors, particularly herbal and spice notes that are well incorporated in a balanced way. That's where this sauce blew away all the others. The use of basil was not shy in the slightest. From the aroma to the flavor, fragrant floral notes were omnipresent. This sauce, like the marinara from Simply Nature, was thick, chunky, and rustic. While the basil could have easily overpowered the fresh tomatoes, it did not. The tomatoes lent a fruity acidity, which was juxtaposed with delicate amounts of salt, heat, and sugar to help create a perfectly balanced sauce. How we ranked the pasta sauces from Aldi To determine the best and worst pasta sauces from Aldi, I purchased and personally sampled each one. As a professional chef with nearly two decades of experience, I've made many of these sauces from scratch myself, which gives me a unique perspective on what makes a quality marinara, Alfredo, or pesto. I used my expertise to analyze the aroma, texture, flavor, and overall quality of each sauce. While it's impossible to remain completely objective in any taste testing, I did attempt to keep my own likes and dislikes out of the overall ranking. I also factored in fidelity to what a sauce claims it is. For example, if a sauce was supposed to have a mushroom base, I expected fungi to be showcased in the recipe. Similarly, if one of the primary ingredients advertised was basil, but none could be detected, this led me to place it lower on the ranking, even if the flavor of the sauce was pleasant.LAS VEGAS (AP) — Trae Young might be the NBA's biggest enigma. Young's fans can point to numbers and say he's an elite player. His detractors can point to numbers and say he's overrated. Both arguments have validity. To some, his cocky ways are endearing. To others, they're infuriating. This can't be argued: He's helping Atlanta author one of the season's surprise stories. The Hawks are in the NBA Cup semifinals, set to play Milwaukee on Saturday before the other semifinal between Oklahoma City and Houston. The title game is Tuesday night. “When we talk about Trae, the word I like to use is evolution,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “And every player evolves. They just evolve in different ways. He's been an important part of our young guys' growth and being able to elevate them.” The Hawks haven't had a ton of big moments in Young's seven seasons. But he has shown a propensity for rising to the occasion: ousting New York in the 2021 playoffs, ousting the Knicks from the quarterfinals of this tournament to get to Las Vegas — and now comes another chance on national TV on Saturday, facing the Bucks with a chance to play for a trophy. “I feel like this team has been embracing the challenge each and every night from the beginning of the season,” Young said. “We haven’t looked too far ahead in any moment. We’re just taking it day by day. Even though early on in the season we may have had some struggles and some bumps in the road and some guys out, we stuck with the process and focus on each day." Here's part of the pro-Young argument: He's averaging 21 points and 12 assists something that only Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas have done over a full season, and he's on pace to lead the league in assist average for the first time. Here's part of the anti-Young argument: Among the 220 players with at least 50 3-point attempts this season he ranks 189th at 30.8%, and of the 248 players with at least 100 field goal attempts this season he ranks 231st at 38.4%. Choose your side. They're both valid. But it's clear that Young — who made no secret that he was upset over not being picked for the team that won gold for USA Basketball at the Paris Olympics this past summer — is growing and maturing. “He’s doing a better job on both ends of the floor,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “Defensively he’s figured out a way of keeping himself out of actions. I know that sounds easy. That’s hard to do, and he’s brilliant at it, he really is. ... He must be really studying the game on both ends of the floor, and you can see that in his play. And he’s earned the trust of his players. This team likes playing with him, that’s obvious. I couldn’t say that in the past, but now they love playing with him.” Hawks forward Jalen Johnson doesn't deny that point. “He’s so good, man,” Johnson said. "It’s crazy, like just seeing it in person and on TV prior to me playing with the Hawks and getting drafted by the Hawks, it was crazy just watching it. A guy that’s undersized, being able to score at will, being able to make any pass at will. And then next thing you know you’re his teammate and you’re on the receiving end of those passes. “Watching those clutch late game buckets, it’s a joy to watch. It’s a gift that he has that’s very special and not many people have had it at that elite of a level. It’s been great being his teammate. It’s been a blessing.” Saturday is an opportunity. The semifinals are the only games on the NBA calendar for that day; the title game Tuesday — which doesn't count in the standings — is the only game on the NBA slate that night as well. Young will have tons of eyeballs on him Saturday and would have tons more on him Tuesday if the Hawks find a way to win another big game against the Bucks. They're 3-1 against Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland and Boston already this season, 1-0 against Milwaukee. The potential is clear for the Hawks. The potential for Young has always been clear as well. Only now, it's starting to be realized. “The narrative about me not being able to do certain things or being too mad or frustrated about certain things is — I mean, just aren’t true,” Young said. "I think you’re just now being able to see like with the young team we have, just some of the different things we’ve been doing this year, I think just now you’re starting to kind of see it because the results are showing and we’re winning now. We’re here in this final four of the Cup, and it’s a big deal.” AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
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What is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham? And how did the Islamist group evolve into a key player in Syria’s civil war?SANTA CLARA, Calif. — De'Vondre Campbell's decision to quit on his team in the middle of a game overshadowed the bigger issues for the San Francisco 49ers. An offense that was one of the most dynamic in the NFL during a run to the Super Bowl last season has been just ordinary for most of 2024 and was downright bad in a 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night that just about ended San Francisco's playoff hopes. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Jacob Bethell to make England Test debut at number three against New ZealandA SURPRISING Strictly Come Dancing feud has been revealed with just hours before the celebs reunite at the show's grand final. One star has dealt a brutal blow to four of her co-stars in an unexpected move. Toyah Wilcox, 66, has seemingly scrubbed four of this year's Strictly celebs, including two finalists, from her social media. The singer appears to have dramatically unfollowed the select celebs from her Instagram account. Final stars Tasha Ghouri and Chris McCausland are among those who Toyah has opted fall out of touch with as well as last week's evictee Pete Wicks and EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. The reasoning behind Toyah's decision is unclear but with all of this year's cast set to be back together for Saturday's final, the timing is very telling. Toyah has not addressed any feuds but her subtle move appears to have made her feelings clear ahead of the last episode of the series. At the start of the series, Toyah came under fire as she appeared to take a pop at Chris on It Takes Two. She took a savage swipe at Chris in a rather awkward moment on the BBC Two spin-off show back in October. Host Fleur East asked her: "You are such a tightknit group as well this year, do you have any advice or tips for the other celebs?" Toyah laughed and started clapping, before pointing at the camera and shouting: "If you don't want to do a dance off, get rid of Chris!" She then cackled and fell into Neil's lap while Neil and Fleur looked on and laughed awkwardly. Toyah's surprising comment did not going unnoticed by viewers watching at home, who took to social media to react. One wrote on X: "Was Toyah trying to throw Chris under the bus!!" A second chipped in: Was it panic I saw on their faces when Toyah said ‘get rid of Chris if you don’t want to do a dance off ‘ ...little does she realise Chris is a 100x better dancer than she [was] and he is there on merit." She l ater clarified that she meant no ill will by her commen t just a day later and insisted that Chris was her winner, saying: "Just to clarify and to clear up any confusion that’s flying around. "My good friend @chrismccausland, is my favourite to win this year, I think he is inspiring and brilliant, he has worked so hard and I wish him nothing but love! Toyah x" But it now appears that her stance has changed after she chose to dissociate with him online. It will leave Strictly fans keeping a very close eye on Toyah and her fellow celebs as they all take to the dancefloor one final time. Strictly first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners. Here is a full list of who has been lucky enough to win the famous Glitterball Trophy :
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Wednesday in a case that could shape the way gender-affirming health care is provided in the U.S. — specifically for minors. The case in question comes from Tennessee, where the state banned medical care such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for transgender minors regardless of parental consent and recommendations from a health care provider. Tennessee’s ban, as it was passed, would require transgender minors who already received gender-affirming care to stop their treatments within nine months of the law’s effective date as well as establish a path of legal action against medical professionals who provide the treatments. RELATED STORY | Ohio governor signs bill limiting bathroom use by transgender students Shortly after the state’s legislation passed the ban in 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union sued on behalf of three families with transgender youths and a Memphis-based medical doctor who wanted to block the ban from going into effect. The U.S. Justice Department later joined in opposition to the law. The plaintiffs argue that Tennessee’s ban violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause by discriminating against trans youth on the basis of sex. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has said the law is meant to protect minors from harm in the state. In the lower courts, he claimed that there is uncertainty around the risks and benefits of transition care for minors. RELATED STORY | Supreme Court will take up state bans on gender-affirming care for minors Over half of the states in the U.S. have enacted some type of ban on gender-affirming care for minors to date. The Supreme Court’s decision in the case US v. Skirmetti could have implications across the country. If the Supreme Court rules that Tennessee’s ban is unconstitutional, then similar bans passed by other states could also be deemed unconstitutional. But if the high court affirms that laws prohibiting healthcare for transgender minors do not violate the equal protection clause, then those bans could remain in place.NASCAR insider: Chris Gabehart moving on from Denny Hamlin ‘is a gut punch’
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Wicked Director Teases Dorothy’s Inclusion in Part Two By director Jon M. Chu has opened up about the possibility of Dorothy appearing in the film’s upcoming sequel, . What did Jon M. Chu say about Dorothy’s inclusion in Wicked: Part Two? Speaking to Variety following the film’s release, Chu was asked whether or not Dorothy — the iconic character from The Wizard of Oz — would appear in the film’s sequel, as she does in the musical that the films are based off of. While Chu wouldn’t give away any exact information, he did note it’s almost inevitable. “In the show, Dorothy is around. They have to intersect, and you can only tease it so much. I won’t say whether she’s a character, necessarily, in movie two. There’s a part of me that wants everyone’s Dorothy to be whatever Dorothy they want. And yet, there is interaction and some crossover. So I’ll leave that up to Part Two.” Dorothy does appear in the latter half of the Wicked musical, as the play intersects with the events of The Wizard of Oz. This is true of Gregory Maguire’s novel, as well. It’s unclear whether or not she’ll appear, although rumors have swirled about who could play her. The movies are directed by Jon M. Chu from a screenplay written by the musical’s book writer Winnie Holzman. It is based on Maguire’s bestselling novel and the Tony-winning stage musical. The ensemble cast is led by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who play Galinda Upland and Elphaba Thropp in the film, respectively. The rest of the cast includes Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp, Bronwyn James as ShenShen, Ethan Slater as Boq, and more. “The film tells the untold story of the witches of Oz: Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power; and Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart,” reads the official synopsis. “The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths.” Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.” Wicked: Part One is out now in theaters. The sequel, , is currently set for November 21, 2025. (Source: ) Anthony Nash has been writing about games and the gaming industry for nearly a decade. When he’s not writing about games, he’s usually playing them. You can find him on Twitter talking about games or sports at @_anthonynash. Share articleSaudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry's riseNebraska defensive end Jimari Butler enters transfer portal
Why Scottish salmon’s rebrand may end up harming the integrity of a top export and hurting producersGretchen McKay | (TNS) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Beans are kind of like the your best friend from high school — nearly forgotten but always ready to step back into the limelight and help out an old pal when needed. As gorgeously (and tantalizingly) demonstrated in Rancho Gordo’s new cookbook, “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans” (Ten Speed, $35), beans are indeed a magical fruit, though not in the way you heard as a kid. Classified as both a vegetable and a plant-based protein in the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, beans and other legumes can be the ingredient you build an entire vegetarian or veggie-forward meal around. Or, they can help an economical cook stretch a dish twice as far with nutritious calories. A healthful and shelf-staple plant food — they last for years when dried — beans have been among a home cook’s most reliable pantry items for a very long time. (Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are thought to have been grown in Mexico more than 7,000 years ago.) That’s why, for some, they’re often something of an afterthought, especially if the only time you ate them as a kid was when your mom tossed kidney beans into a pot of beef chili or made baked beans (with brown sugar and bacon, please!) for a family cookout. Related Articles Restaurants Food and Drink | Do not wash your turkey and other Thanksgiving tips to keep your food safe Restaurants Food and Drink | Frying a turkey this Thanksgiving? Here are some tips to stay safe Restaurants Food and Drink | 5 budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner ideas Restaurants Food and Drink | The future of Thanksgiving is takeout and hosts couldn’t be happier Restaurants Food and Drink | A starry Thanksgiving: Recipes beloved by Donna Kelce, Eric Stonestreet, Taylor Swift Vegetarians have always appreciated their versatility and nutritional punch, and because they’re cheap, they also were quite popular during the Great Depression and World War II as C rations. Sales also peaked during the coronavirus pandemic, when shoppers stockpiled long-lasting pantry essentials. It wasn’t until Rancho Gordo, a California-based bean company, trotted out its branded packages of colorful heirloom beans that the plant began to take on cult status among some shoppers. Unlike the bean varieties commonly found in even the smallest grocery stores, heirloom beans are mostly forgotten varieties that were developed on a small scale for certain characteristics, with seeds from the best crops passed down through the generations. The result is beans that are fresher and more colorful than mass-produced beans, and come in different shapes and sizes. They also have a more complex and intense flavor, fans say. “The Bean Book” dishes up dozens of different ways to cook Rancho Gordo’s 50 heirloom bean varieties, which include red-streaked cranberry beans, mint-green flageolets, black and classic garbanzos and (my favorite) vaquero — which wear the same black-and-white spots as a Holstein cow. Other gotta-try varieties (if just for the name) include eye of the goat, European Soldier, Jacob’s Cattle and Good Mother Stallard, a purple bean with cream-colored flecks. “The very good news is that you have to work extra hard to mess up a pot of beans, and it’s not difficult to make an excellent pot,” Steve Sando writes in the book’s foreword. “The even better news is that you become a better cook with each pot you make.” Not convinced? Here are five reasons to jump on the bean bandwagon: Even the smallest grocery store will have a selection of dried and canned beans. Common varieties include black, cannellini (white kidney), Great Northern, pinto, navy, kidney, Lima and garbanzo (chickpea) beans. Even when they’re not on sale, beans are a bargain at the supermarket. Many varieties cost less than $1 a can, and dried beans are an economical way to build a menu. I paid $1.25 for a one-pound bag of cranberry beans, a smooth and velvety bean with a slightly nutty flavor, at my local grocery store. Rancho Gordo’s heirloom beans cost substantially more. (They run $6.25-$7.50 for a one-pound bag, with free shipping on orders over $50.) But they are sold within a year of harvest, which makes them more flavorful and tender. A bag also comes with cooking instructions and recipe suggestions, and the quality is outstanding. Plus, after cooking their beans with aromatics, “you are left with essentially free soup,” Sando writes in the cookbook. “If you drain properly cooked and seasoned beans, the liquid you are left with is delicious.” Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and both soluble and insoluble fiber, and they include essential minerals like iron, magnesium and potassium. If you’re watching your weight or following a particular diet, beans are naturally free of fat, sodium and cholesterol and are rich in complex carbohydrates. They also contain antioxidants and folate. And if you’re vegan or vegetarian, most types of dry beans are rich sources of iron. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating 1-3 cups of legumes, including beans, per week Dry beans have to be soaked overnight, but cooking them is easy. They can be cooked on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, in the pressure cooker and in the oven. Canned beans are even easier — just rinse and drain, and they’re ready to go. Beans can be used in so many different dishes. They can be made into soup, salad or dips, top nachos, add some heft to a casserole or be mashed into the makings of a veggie burger. You also can add them to brownies and other baked goods, toss them with pasta, add them to chili or a rice bowl or stuff them into a taco or burrito. Check out these four recipes: PG tested This light and creamy vegetarian soup benefits from a surprising garnish, roasted shiitake mushrooms, which taste exactly like bacon. For soup 1/4 cup olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 medium carrot, scrubbed and chopped 6 garlic cloves, finely grated or pressed 2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 cups vegetable broth 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed For bacon 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, caps cut into 1/8 -inch slices 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt To finish Plant-based milk Chili oil, for drizzling Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Make soup: In large pot, heat oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add onion, celery, carrot, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are fragrant and tender, 8-10 minutes. Add vegetable stock and beans, increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until thickened, 12-14 minutes. Meanwhile, make the bacon: Spread shiitake mushrooms into a single layer on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Bake until browned and crispy, 18-20 minutes, rotating pan front to back and tossing mushrooms with a spatula halfway through. Let cool in pan; mushrooms will continue to crisp as they cool. To finish, add some milk to the soup and use an immersion blender to puree it in the pot, or puree in a blender. (Cover lid with a clean kitchen towel.) Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Divide soup among bowls and top with shiitake bacon. Garnish with thyme sprigs and a drizzle of chili oil. Serves 4-6. — “Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking” by Joe Yonan PG tested Velvety cranberry beans simmered with tomato and the punch of red wine vinegar are a perfect match for a soft bed of cheesy polenta. This is a filling, stick-to-your-ribs dish perfect for fall. 1/4 cup olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups canned chopped tomatoes, juice reserved 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 4 fresh sage leaves Salt and pepper 4 cups cooked Lamon or cranberry beans 2 cups uncooked polenta 6 ounces pancetta, diced Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving In large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and red wine vinegar. In a small bowl, dissolve tomato paste in the broth and add to pan. Stir in sage and season with salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, 15-20 minutes. Add beans to tomato sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare polenta according to package instructions. Place pancetta in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pancetta is brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel to drain. To serve, spoon polenta into serving dishes. Ladle the beans over the polenta and top with the pancetta. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with grated Parmesan. Serves 6. — “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans” by Steve Sando PG tested Beans and seafood might seen like an unusual pairing, but in this recipe, mild white beans take on a lot of flavor from clams. Spanish chorizo adds a nice contrast. 4 cups cooked white beans, bean broth reserved 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 white onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/2 cup finely chopped Spanish-style cured chorizo 2 plum tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 pounds small clams, scrubbed well Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Country-style bread and butter, for serving In large pot, heat beans in their broth over medium-low heat. In large lidded saucepan, warm olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic and salt and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add chorizo and cook gently until some of the fat has rendered, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and wine and cook to allow the flavors to mingle, 5-6 minutes. Increase heat to medium and add clams. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Uncover the pan and cook until all of the clams open, another few minutes. Remove pan from heat, then remove and discard any clams that failed to open. Add clam mixture to the bean pot and stir very gently until well mixed. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to mingle but not get mushy. Ladle into large, shallow bowls and sprinkle with parsley. Set out a large bowl for discarded shells and encourage guests to eat with their fingers. Pass plenty of good bread and creamy butter at the table Serves 4-6. — “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen” by Steve Sando with Julia Newberry PG tested So easy to pull together for your next party! 1 1/2 cups cooked cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 small garlic clove, minced Generous pinch of salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 or 3 tablespoons water, if needed 2 fresh basil leaves, chopped, optional 1 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves chopped, optional In a food processor, pulse cannellini beans, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and several grinds of pepper until combined. If it’s too thick, slowly add the water with the food processor running until it is smooth and creamy. Blend in the basil and/or rosemary, if using Serve with veggies, pita or bruschetta. Makes 1 1/2 cups — Gretchen McKay, Post-Gazette ©2024 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.BJP president JP Nadda has accused the Congress of engaging in 'cheap politics' surrounding the funeral arrangements for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. According to Nadda, the government had allocated a specific spot for Singh's memorial and informed his family, countering Congress claims. The controversy arose after Congress alleged an insult to Singh by organizing his cremation at Nigambodh Ghat instead of a designated memorial site. Rahul Gandhi denounced it as a significant insult to Singh, the first Sikh Prime Minister of India. Nadda criticized Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for politicizing the issue, stating that the Congress had not properly respected Singh during his lifetime and was now using his legacy for political gains. (With inputs from agencies.)