DeckTec, Author at DeckTec Outdoor Designs

Playing It Safe in the Summer Heat

July 14th, 2017|Blog, Life On Deck, Outdoor Living|

Summer in Colorado offers unparalleled outdoor fun in the sun. Who can resist walking, running or cycling on open space trails, or heading up to the gorgeous high country for a day or a week? But staying safe during the upcoming ‘dog days’ means taking extra care to stay cool – and knowing when to call it quits. Always keep your fitness level and health in mind – a 98-degree day is probably not the time to attempt your first fourteener. Set realistic goals, and be prepared to adjust them as needed. Your body needs time to adjust to the heat. Work up gradually to greater challenges. Staying hydrated is essential! Hydration packs with sip tubes are a convenient way to drink frequently without having to stop and reach for a bottle. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need. Check hydration guidelines for your activity, for instance, strenuous [...]

Golden, Parker, & Lafayette Farmers Markets

July 11th, 2017|Blog, DeckTec News & Updates|

Mid-July through September is prime time for homegrown Colorado produce, so head down to your local farmers market for juicy Western Slope fruit and a nearly-endless list of veggies – from beets and broccoli to carrots, corn, zucchini, beans and salad greens. A crop calendar guide to what you might find at the markets from month to month is available at http://coloradofreshmarkets.com/crop-calendar/. Presented by the Golden Chamber of Commerce, the award-winning Golden Farmers Market is in its 17th season, and its second year of management by the Boulder-based Colorado Fresh Markets, which also manages the Cherry Creek, City Park, and Stapleton farmers markets. The Golden market meets downtown at the Golden Public Library, 1019 10th Street, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through October 7 (except July 29, when its closed for the spectacular Buffalo Bill Days). In addition to fresh produce, the market offers prepared foods, home and [...]

Cool Summer Fruit Soup

July 5th, 2017|Blog, Life On Deck, Outdoor Recipes|

Serves 4 Ingredients 2 c. Ripe cantaloupe cut into chunks 1 Ripe large peach, peeled and cut into chunks 1 c. Freshly blended peach nectar (or canned) ½ c. White Zinfandel (or ½ c. peach nectar) 2 tbsp. Freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 c. Fresh or frozen raspberries Sugar or other sweetener Fresh mint sprigs Directions Fresh Peach Nectar Start with soft, ripe, fragrant peaches. Submerge peaches in boiling water until skin loosens. Remove peaches from hot water and submerge in ice water. Once peaches cool, peel and remove pits and cut into chunks. Liquefy peaches with water (2:1 ratio) in blender. Fruit Soup In blender or food processor, combine fruit, nectar and wine until smooth. Add sweetener to taste. Chill soup until cold in covered container, at least 1 hour. Pour soup into bowls and top with raspberries. Garnish with mint sprigs. Adapted from Jane Shapton, myrecipes.com

As Good As It Gets

July 4th, 2017|Blog, Life On Deck|

I have something to admit – I’m going to be a Grandfather soon and I have never been outside the United States. Yes, I have a passport, but I’ve never been to Mexico, Canada, or any other foreign country. I’ve been very lucky, though, to have traveled to many parts of this country and to have stayed at some very luxurious hotels and resorts. In addition, in over thirty years within my profession, I’ve been in many incredibly beautiful homes throughout the Denver metro area and Colorado. As spectacular as these places are, what strikes me most are the professionally designed environments that bring the indoors and outdoors together. I know I’m not alone, because everywhere I go I see restaurants expanding their open air seating and lounging areas with beautiful decks and patios. For example, during a recent trip to Austin, Texas, I saw many restaurant and hotel rooftop [...]

Gazpacho Soup with Beer and Jalapeno (Vegan)

July 3rd, 2017|Blog, Outdoor Recipes|

A tangy, chilled summer tomato soup with extra punch from your favorite light craft beer. (Serves 4) Ingredients 4 c. diced red tomatoes 1/2 c. chunk baguette or sourdough bread 1 tbsp. olive oil 2 tsp. salt 1/2 green pepper, seeded and diced (about 1/2 c.) 1/2 English cucumber, diced (about 1 c.) 1/4 c. red onion 1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped 2 tbsp. lime juice (or juice of 1 lime) 1/2- 1 jalapeno, diced, depending on desired heat level 1/2 c. beer freshly ground pepper to taste cilantro leaves, to garnish Directions Place all ingredients, except pepper, cilantro, and beer, in blender. Puree to desired consistency Stir in beer, add pepper to taste Pour into bowls and garnish with cilantro Adapted from: cookingforluv.com

DeckTec

About DeckTec

Playing It Safe in the Summer Heat

Golden, Parker, & Lafayette Farmers Markets

Cool Summer Fruit Soup

As Good As It Gets

Gazpacho Soup with Beer and Jalapeno (Vegan)