Why You Need to Start Planning Your Summer Deck Project Now
Here in Colorado, winter is a wonder to behold. After a sunny day on the slopes, you can cozy up under a starry night by the fire. But as beautiful as winter is on the Front Range, that doesn’t mean we don’t dream of summer afternoons when we look outside, wishing for a warm evening to barbeque and enjoy drinks with our friends on the deck. […]
Beer Battered Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Ingredients Buttermilk Soak 3 c. buttermilk 2 tbsp. kosher salt 1 tbsp. black pepper 2 tsp. cayenne pepper 4 lbs. medium chicken wings, thighs & drumsticks Beer Batter 2 c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. onion powder 2 tsp. garlic powder 2 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 tsp. kosher salt 2 tsp. black pepper 2 ¼ c. lager or pilsner beer Directions In large bowl mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper and cayenne. Add chicken, turning to coat. Refrigerate 4 hours. In large bowl whisk flour, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt and black pepper. Whisk in beer, make thin batter. Drain chicken,[...]
A Room with a View: Relaxing on Deck with Jim & Susan Judge
When it comes to Jim and Susan Judge’s deck, third time’s the charm. The Judge’s first deck, which came with their Highlands Ranch home, was a poorly constructed “builder deck.” On their next deck, they tried the “Trek type stuff,” as they put it. “We saw the commercials on TV,” Jim said. “We figured it was low maintenance ha-ha.” While the composite deck didn’t splinter like the first deck, that second deck didn’t work out so well either. “The floorboards warped and there were screws popping up. I was afraid to have our grandkids running around out there, I was[...]
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,[...]
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[...]
