Outdoor Experiences2020-07-22T14:41:20-06:00

Crispy Cauliflower “Wings” from Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza

Steve loved cauliflower “wings” from Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza so much that we talked them into giving us the recipe! Breading Mix Start with equal parts cornmeal and either wheat or rice flour (gluten free). Add salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to taste. Mix evenly and set aside. Prep You can start with cauliflower florets or cut a whole head into bite-size pieces. Place the pieces in a mixing bowl and add enough buttermilk to coat the cauliflower, but not pool at the bottom.  Once the cauliflower is coated in buttermilk, continue tossing and sprinkle with breading mix. Add enough mix so cauliflower is coated and not sticking together. It should appear fairly dry. Bake Place in preheated fryer at 350 degrees for approximately 2-3 minutes. Dip in your favorite dressing or sauce. Enjoy!! Dip Suggestions Ranch mix and milk is easy dressing! Frank’s RedHot and butter makes yummy hot sauce! Try soy sauce, lemon pepper, or just plain! Special Thanks To: Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza 1305 Washington Avenue, Golden www.woodysgolden.com 303-277-0443

If It’s Labor Day, Why Don’t We Have to Work?

From startups to natural foods Colorado is a bellwether state and has been ahead of the curve in so many ways. Did you know that the Centennial State was one of the first to give women the right to vote? We were also one of the very first states to celebrate Labor Day. That’s right – Coloradans like a good day off when we see one! The very first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City in 1882. It was organized by the Central Labor Union and about 10,000 laborers marched in that first of many “workingmen’s” parades.  There were some Labor Day holidays held at the municipal level in 1885 and 1886. In February 1887 Oregon was the first to make Labor Day a state holiday, after which four more states – our beloved Colorado along with Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – followed suit later that year. Before long Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania jumped on the Labor Day bandwagon and in 1894, by which point 23 states had enacted their own Labor[...]

Don’t Neglect Your Deck

Schedule Now to Protect and Restore! Thank you for allowing us to service and maintain your deck. This year’s especially cool, wet and unpredictable Colorado weather diminished decks that haven’t been regularly and properly refinished or maintained. When summer hits, the hot and dry summer days and the classic monsoons can exacerbate the issue and reduce your deck’s life. Fortunately, deck neglect can be corrected with a quality refinishing or protective deck maintenance application by DeckTec. Be sure your deck is ready for whatever Colorado has in store. Call Adam today at 720.388.1210 or visit DeckTec.com/Deck-Refinishing before the hot and dry weather impacts the finish on your deck. Enjoy every summer opportunity, as well as the gorgeous fall season and protect your deck for winter!

DeckTec’s Guide to the Best Farmers Markets

Go local and get your fresh on! Farmers market season is happily upon us, and with so many great locations and schedules to choose from, the only problem is deciding where to go first! Each market has its own unique vendors and flavors, so go ahead and explore off your beaten path. Be sure to check out other great markets in Evergreen, Wheat Ridge, Berkeley Lake, Littleton, Highlands Ranch and to the north, Longmont, Louisville and Lafayette. Union Station 1701 Wynkoop Street Saturdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., May 11 – October 26 New! RINO Boxyard Park, 2500 Broadway Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. June 15 – October 12 Old South Pearl Street From Buchtel to Jewell Avenues Sundays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., May 19 – November 27 Cherry Creek Cherry Creek Shopping Center 1st Avenue and University Blvd. Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., May 4 – October 26 Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., June 12 – September 25 City Park Esplanade Sullivan Fountain, 2551 E. Colfax Avenue Sunday 9 a.m. to[...]

Deck-Worthy Cocktails Watermelon-Tequila Cocktails

Ingredients 1/4 c. water 1/4 c. granulated sugar 8 c. diced seedless watermelon (1 lb.) 1/4 c. fresh lime juice 1 3/4 c. blueberries 3/4 c. lightly packed fresh mint leaves 8 mint sprigs for garnish 1 1/4 c. silver tequila ice Directions In small saucepan, bring water and sugar to simmer. Stir over moderate heat until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Let sugar syrup cool. In a blender, puree watermelon until smooth. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and strain watermelon juice, pressing gently on the solids to extract maximum juice. Discard pulp. In a large pitcher, combine sugar syrup with lime juice, blueberries and mint leaves. Using a wooden spoon, lightly muddle blueberries and mint. Add watermelon juice and tequila. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. Pour cocktail into tall ice-filled glasses. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve.

Passionate about Outdoor Living

Ever since I can remember, every holiday, birthday and family event were held outside on the deck and patio if the weather allowed. Beginning with landscaping as a summer job in high school, my career evolved through landscaping, sunrooms and cedar homes before I came to specialize in decks and outdoor living. Not everyone sees a deck and patio the same way. Builders and architects usually see these additions as a necessary extension of the house (if they give any thought to it at all). Typically in the past its main function was as a way to get out of the house with a little space for a grill and table. Mostly square and very generic, this is what we currently refer to as a “builder deck.” Having begun my career in landscaping, I have always viewed a deck and patio area differently, more a part of the overall outdoor living environment, or at least a transitional space that blends the home into the outdoors. I’ve always wondered why anyone would settle for just a deck,[...]

Meet Our Hardy Hardwoods: Mahogany and Ipe

With decks such an important space in today’s homes, it makes sense for quality-conscious homeowners to seek out premium materials to enhance the appeal and durability of their outdoor living additions. Clients are rediscovering the unique qualities and value of certain tropical hardwoods like red balau mahogany and ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”). In addition to the rich, natural beauty, longevity and scratch resistance of these hardwoods, Colorado’s increasing frequency and severity of hail storms make ipe and mahogany great choices. There can be a lot of confusion about the names of these materials. Like cedar, pine and other types of wood, there are many different varieties of mahogany, and many different common names, in addition to the scientific botanical names. For example, ipe is also referred to as Brazilian walnut, Brazilian redwood, and ironwood. (Start Planning: DeckTec's Buyer's Guide) While there are many other types of hardwood available, DeckTec focuses on mahogany and ipe because of their overall availability and because of their availability in the specific dimensions of lumber needed for our custom construction projects. Ipe[...]

Plan Your Perfect Southwest Road Trip

Relative newcomers to Colorado may have experienced relatively mild and dry winters, however, to long-time residents, this last winter season has been more like we remember (in the past) with regular snow and consistently cool, if not cold, temperatures. Now’s the time to chase the winter chills out of your bones under the warmth of the beaming southwestern sun! The good news is that here in the metro area we’re within a day’s drive of some of the most beautiful and interesting places on earth, popular destinations such as Santa Fe and Taos, the Four Corners area with Mesa Verde National Park, Utah’s Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and Moab – a jeep and off-road mecca – and lots more as you’ll in our “Southwest Attractions” below. These are high desert areas that can be quite hot if you wait till summer. In the spring, everything is green and if conditions are right there are incredible trails for hiking and biking. The not-so-good news is that there are millions of people living here and most everyone[...]

Deck-Worthy Meals Cheddar BLT Burgers w/ Russian Tarragon Dressing

Ingredients 1/2 c. mayonnaise 1/3 c. ketchup 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 tbsp. grated onion 1 tbsp. chopped parsley 1 tbsp. chopped tarragon 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 12 oz. thickly sliced bacon 1 1/3 lbs. ground beef chuck 1 1/3 lbs. ground beef sirloin 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 3 oz. sharp cheddar, cut into 6 slices 6 hamburger buns lettuce, tomato and red onion slices Directions In medium bowl, whisk mayo with ketchup, vinegar, onion, parsley, tarragon and Worcestershire. Cover and refrigerate. In large skillet, cook bacon over moderately high heat until crisp, turning once, about 6 mins. Drain, cut bacon into large pieces. Lightly grill and fill large bowl with ice water. Gently mix meats, salt and pepper, form into six 4-in. patties, 1 1/4 in. thick. Soak patties in water for 30 seconds, then grill immediately on high 9 mins. for medium-rare, brushing with butter occasionally and turning once or twice. Melt cheese atop burgers at very end. Spread dressing on buns. Put[...]

The Seasons of Life

Spring has always been a season for renewal, new growth and fresh optimism about everything from this year’s garden, home improvement projects and vacation plans as well as the Rockies new baseball season. I have to admit that I’m more than ready for spring. Sparkling white snow can look so beautiful, especially atop the divide, but I’ll tell you – I’m just about done with scraping my windshield and shoveling the walk. I bet you might be feeling the same way! It’s been a cold Colorado winter and it’s a welcome relief to see some green grass growing and even some flowers blooming lately. The cold and dark of winter can be tough on all but the hardiest among us, and sometimes it can just seem like Old Man Winter lasts forever. Warmer weather and longer days are re-energizing and remind us that nothing, even a long winter, lasts forever. Spring is also a time for new beginnings. I’m currently reminded of that as my youngest and last single child, my “baby,” is getting married in[...]

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