A Season of Gratitude
It’s that time of year again, when we collectively pause and take a moment from our busy lives to reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for. No matter the ups and downs of our lives – and we all have some – there’s always so much to appreciate if we just look. We’re blessed to live in an unusually beautiful place full of cultural and recreational riches. The economy is strong and has allowed DeckTec to grow and even expand. (And, if you’re anything like me, you’re probably grateful that the elections are over!) It’s hard[...]
Deck Worthy Dinners: Beer-Brined Turkey with Onion Gravy & Bacon
Ingredients ¼ c. yellow mustard seeds 2 tbsp. black peppercorns 8 bay leaves 1 c. dark brown sugar 1 c. kosher salt 2 onions, cut into thick wedges 1 lb. bacon slab, skin removed, sliced 1/3-in. thick six 12-oz. bottles Guinness stout one 12-14 lb. turkey 1 c. turkey stock or chicken broth 1 tbsp. unsalted butter 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour Directions In very large pot, combine mustard seeds, peppercorns and bay leaves. Toast on moderate heat until fragrant, about 2 mins. Add brown sugar and salt, remove from heat. Add 4 cups water, stir until sugar and salt dissolve.[...]
Deck Worthy Snacks: Homemade Soft Pretzels
Ingredients 1½ c. warm (110-115°) water 1 tbsp. sugar 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 package active dry yeast 22 oz. all-purpose flour (about 4½ cups) 2 oz. unsalted butter, melted vegetable oil, for pan 10 c. water 2/3 c. baking soda large egg yolk beaten w/1 tbsp. water pretzel (or other course) salt Directions Combine water, sugar and kosher salt in mixer bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5 mins. or until mixture begins to foam. Add flour and butter. Using dough hook attachment, combine on low speed. Knead on medium speed until dough is smooth and pulls[...]
My Scary Personal Story: What a Long, Strange Trip It’s Been
I’ve never liked horror movies or scary movies of any kind. But like most everyone, I’ve had to face some pretty scary things in my own life. When someone once asked me about the scariest thing I’d ever experienced, I told him, “When you have a wife and three small kids and no job, let me tell you, it doesn’t get any scarier than that.” Thirty years ago, before DeckTec, that was me. Broke and scared, I launched DeckTec on a prayer and a maxed-out credit card. It all started back in the late 80s, during one of Denver’s infamous[...]
Deck Worthy Snacks: Fresh Homemade Dill Pickles
Ingredients 1-quart jar with lid 2-3 pickling cucumbers (as many fit in jar) 5 sprigs fresh dill (or 1 tbsp. dry dill) 2-4 cloves of garlic crushed and minced 3 tbsp. white distilled vinegar ½ – 1 tbsp. kosher salt, to taste distilled or filtered water 20 black peppercorns, optional ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes, optional Directions Cut cucumbers into your desired pickle (discs, spears, sandwich slices, etc) and add to jar with all ingredients except water. Fill jar to very top with distilled or filtered water. Screw lid on very tightly. Shake jar to distribute flavors and leave on[...]
