My 5 Favourite Halloween Songs and a little Halloween Origins Fun Facts

I'm not one for horror or the macabre, but I do try to get in the spirit of Halloween. Yesterday, I went through my musical collection and picked out my favorite songs for Halloween. While listening I looked up some fun facts regarding the origins of Halloween.

My top 5 Favorite Halloween Songs:

1) Joy Division - Dead Souls

Ian Curtis haunting voice and dark lyrics make this my favorite song to listen at Halloween. Probably because I remember fondly seeing The Crow in my early teenage years and the great cover of this song by Nine Inch Nails.

2) Bauhaus - Bela Legosi's Dead 

Peter Murphy also with deep and tortured voice sings a song again with dark lyrics. This is a long song with a slow base line and some truly spooky guitar effects. Music historians consider this song the first gothic rock song (released August 1979) and it is about actor Bela Legosi, who played the first Hollywood Dracula in 1931.

3) Queens of the Stone Age - Burn the Witch

Again some great dark lyrics appropriate for Halloween. This song comes complete with a music video inspired by the Salem Witch Trials.

4) Michael Jackson - Thriller

It is hard not to love this song or the music video directed by John Landis. It has a 152 million views on You Tube and counting.  Watch all 14 minutes of its glory.

  

5) Pink Floyd - Syncopated Pandemonium

This is piece from a larger song called Saucerful of Secrets off of 1970's Atom Heart Mother. With its driving beat, banging piano, guitar effects and staccato notes. This song shows the evolution of the 'organized' cacophony of notes and wall of sounds that Igor Stravinsky revolutionized the world in the early 1900's.   This clip is from their Live at Pompeii art rock concert film which I recommend.  

Some Honorable Mentions:

• Talking Heads - Psycho Killer
• Ramones - Pet Semetary
• Pink Floyd - Careful with that axe Eugene
• Rockwell - Somebody's Watching Me

Lastly it is hard not to love Jason Segal and the song he wrote for Forgetting Sarah Marshall.  Here he is performing Dracula's Lament.

Origins of Halloween Facts:

• “Halloween” is short for “Hallows’ Eve” or “Hallows’ Evening,” which was the evening before All Hallows’ (sanctified or holy) Day or Hallowmas on November 1. In an effort to convert pagans, the Christian church decided that Hallowmas or All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) should assimilate sacred pagan holidays that fell on or around October 31.

• Jack o'lanterns were originally carved out of turnips by the Celts to keep away spirits on the Samhain holiday. According to Irish legend, Jack O’Lanterns are named after a stingy man named Jack who, because he tricked the devil several times, was forbidden entrance into both heaven and hell. He was condemned to wander the Earth, waving his lantern to lead people away from their paths.

Turnip Head - Jack O'Lantern

• Samhain was the Gaelic festival that celebrated the end of the harvest and the beginning of Winter.  It occurrs on October 31st, the midpoint between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice. Mumming and guising are part of this festival, and involved people going door-to-door in costume (or disguise), often reciting verses in exchange for food.

• During the pre-Halloween celebration of Samhain, bonfires were lit to ensure the sun would return after the long, hard winter. Often Druid priests would throw the bones of cattle into the flames and, hence, “bone fire” became “bonfire.”
• If you truly don't like Halloween to the point of being fearful about it, than that is called 'samhainophobia.' 

In closing, I leave you with this quote:

"Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't go to yours." - Yogi Berra

Do you have a favorite Halloween Song?  Tell me? I'm always open to listening to new things?

Free and Easy Flu Shots for all Ontarians

What I learned yesterday was that you can get your free flu shot from any participating Pharmacist in Ontario. (See the press release here.) This is the second year that pharmacists can provide a free flu shot and now getting one is more convenient than it has ever been before. I was able to get my shot at Costco Pharmacy and it took only 30 minutes.  A few minutes in line to get the shot and I had to wait seated 15 minutes to ensure no adverse reaction.  Why I wrote this article is because I got the flu the last two years in a row and I did not get vaccinated.  Neither times were fun and I was out of commission for almost a week both times. Don't let it be you! 

Ontario Government Health Poster

The key facts per Ontario Ministry of Health is that the flu shot prevents the likeliness of having the flu by 60% to 80% in the following year.  Depending on the year and the strain the average chance of a Canadian having the flu ranges from 10% to 20%. This year's flu shot immunizes you against the 3 most common strains that affected Ontarians in the prior year. Flu strains are constantly evolving and annual immunizations are required. It takes two weeks after receiving the shot for the immunization to be effective. This point is why some people think that the flu shot causes illness or they confuse it with a common cold. In all likelihood you were already infected.  The earlier you get the shot the less likely you will have the Flu and transmit it to others.

How to get a flu shot:

All that you need is your OHIP card and to fill out a brief questionnaire.  The government has setup a website application to find the nearest location for you or you can make an appointment with your doctor or local health clinic. This years flu shot became available on Oct 24th.

Find the nearest locations to get a flu shot.

Or simply go to your local Shoppers Drug Mart or Rexall Pharmacies, who are offering flu shots without appointment, while quantities last and a pharmacist is on duty.  To learn more about the flu and the differences between the common cold, see this Ontario Ministry of Health website.  To learn more about biology of influenza see this article from Wikipedia.

Possible Side Effects:

The most likely side effect is a runny nose or a sore throat that can last a couple of days. Also since the shot is intra-muscular than discomfort in that muscle.  It is possible to have an allergic reaction because the flu shot is developed using chicken eggs.  

It has been 24 hours and other than some muscular discomfort in my left bicep where I received the shot I'm feeling fine.  I didn't cry either. 

Quick facts:

• 1/3 of Ontarians are estimated to have received the shot in 2012.
• 2013 Flu Shot became available on Oct 24th.
• 2013 will be the 14th year that the Ontario Government has provided flu shots to all Ontarians.
• Pharmacists are paid $7.50 per shot administered.
• Approximately 2,000 of 3,500 Ontario Pharmacies are offering it in 2013.  Up from 600 in 2012.
• Doctors are only allowed to administer the shot to children under 5 years old.
• It takes 1 to 2 days after being infected to usually show symptoms. 
• People are normally contagious 5 to 7 days after infection.  Small children can be contagious up to two weeks after infection.
• Approximately 60,000 hospital stays a year are caused by the Flu and its complications.
• On average Influenza kills 500 to 1,500 Canadians a year.

Disclaimer:  I'm a guy who writes a Blog and not a Doctor.  My medical training solely consists of watching all 8 seasons of House. If you have questions or concerns, raise them with a healthcare professional.   There are reasons not to get a flu shot including, allergic reactions (eggs) or that you are currently sick.

Spicy Bucatini with Bacon Recipe

This is a tasty recipe that I have modified for the "servant-less" kitchen and the fact that pancetta costs 4 times more than the tastiest of meats known as bacon.  Like Homer, I'm amazed that bacon, ham and pork all come from one magical animal.  This recipe is perfect for any Pastafarian:

Spicy Bucatini with Bacon

This recipe makes two dinner size portions as a main entree or 4 portions as a side.  I'd suggest serving this with a glass of Chianti and a great starter prior to this is my White Cannelini Bean soup.  This recipe takes about 45 minutes to make and is best served immediately.  You can roast the tomatoes and bacon earlier in the day if necessary.  

Spicy Bucatini with Bacon
Ingredients:
	2 Cups Cherry/Grape Tomatoes halved
	2 TBSP Olive Oil
	1 Pinch Pepper
	4 Strips of Sodium Reduced Bacon
	2 Cloves Garlic minced
	1/2 TSP Hot Pepper Flakes
	6 Kalamata Olives, pitted and Coarsely Chopped
	6oz (170grams) Bucatini Pasta
	2 TSBP Coarsely Chopped Fresh Basil
	1 TBSP Grated Parmesan Cheese
Steps:
	1) Pre-Heat oven to 325 Degrees.
	2) In a small bowl, toss together tomatoes, olive oil and pinch of pepper.
	3) Place tomatoes cut side up on foil lined baking sheet (or non-stick) and bake tomatoes for 25 minutes until shriveled and starting to brown.
	4) Meanwhile, boil a large pot of salted water and add pasta approx 10 minutes before tomatoes are expected to be ready.
	5) In a non-stick fry pan, cook bacon over medium high heat until crisp about 6 minutes.  Remove bacon and set aside.
	6) Drain excess bacon grease.  Add garlic, black olives and chili flakes.  Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
	7) Combine fry pan with drained pasta, and roast tomatoes.  Toss in basil.
	8) Split pasta on two dishes.  Sprinkle with bacon and Parmesan cheese.

Substitutions:

• The original recipe calls for 3 oz of pancetta diced.  Bacon works fine and cost 1/4 of the price.  Pancetta is salted and smoked pork belly.  
• You can add another 1/4 tsp of chili flakes if you prefer the dish hot rather than a medium spice.
• I tried this recipe with Penne once and it worked.  But, I would use Bucatini or Tagliatelle as my second choice.  Bucatini I have found both at Longo's and Loblaws, but prior to this recipe I never had it before.

Ingredients for Spicy Bucatini with Bacon

Step 2 - Getting Tomatoes ready to Roast 

Step 2 and 5 - Frying the Bacon and Tomatoes Ready to go in the Oven

Measuring the amount of Bucatini Pasta Required

Step 6 - Frying Chili Flakes, Black Olives and Minced Garlic.

Step 7 - Finishing the Pasta

Step 8 - Pasta plated and served.

What I learned:

• Pasta need not have a tomato or cream sauce.  Roasted vegetables and other toppings can beautifully punctuate pasta.
• Olives taste best packed in oil and out of jar.  Canned olives have a tinny taste and a different texture.  Further, olives in a jar taste better if you pit them yourself, rather than get pre-sliced.  Oxo sells for reasonable price a cherry and olive pitter that is dishwasher friendly.
• A kitchen scale is great for measuring quantities by weight (grams, ounces and lbs.) Make sure it has a tare function.  

Carrot & Parsnip Soup with Fresh Basil Recipe

This is a great fall and winter vegetable soup and be can made in about 45 minutes. It tastes great, warms you up and you're getting a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and fiber. Parsnips can be normally found near the carrots at your grocery store and you can store them just like you would carrots. Frankly, I never cooked with parsnips until that last couple of years and I had them confused with turnips. They were not part of my family's dinner table growing up and from my informal survey most other families as well. So give them a try.

 

Carrot & Parsnip Soup with Fresh Basil

This soup makes a great starter to go with roasts and makes about 6 portions.

Carrot & Parsnip Soup with Fresh Basil
In Stock Pot combine:
	1 Sweet Onion Chopped
	1 Large Yellow-Fleshed Potato, peeled and chopped (Yukon Gold works)
	2 Cups Parsnips, peeled and chopped (3 to 4, about 10oz)
	4 Cups Carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 1/4 LBS)
	4 Cups/1 Liter Sodium Reduced Chicken Broth
	1/2 TSP Salt
	1/2 TSP Pepper
	1 Cup of Water
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.  Cook covered for 25 minutes until vegetables are soft.
Blend with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender.
Add to simmering soup:
	2 TBSP of Salted Butter
	1 Cup of Milk
Stir in.  Simmer soup until needed.
Prior to serving add to finish soup:
	3 TBSP of freshly squeezed lemon juice (1/2 a large lemon)
	3 TBSP of fresh chopped basil
Soup will last up to 3 days in the fridge.  When reheating consider adding more water to get to desired thinness.  Soup will continue to thicken.

Substitutions and Notes:

• The original soup recipe called for 10% or 18% cream in lieu of milk and butter.  I have made the soup both ways and I can't tell a difference.
• If you are feeling naughty you could add a dollup of sour cream when serving.  
• This recipe can be made hours ahead and reheated.  Just add the lemon juice and basil just prior to serving.  Also, the soup will also thicken with time.  Add more water to get to desired consistency.

Ingredients for Carrot & Parsnip with Fresh Basil

Step 1: Bringing the Vegetables to Boil

What I learned in making this soup:

• Parsnips sweeten as you cook them and work well in balance with carrots. They are easily peel-able and slightly softer than carrots to cut.
• The starches in the vegetables will cause the soup to thicken with time.  The soup can easily be thinned by adding water and stirring.  

Do you like Parsnips? Enjoyed the soup?  Please tell me what you think in the comments section below.

Mr. Shopaholic in a China Shop - Review of William Ashley Warehouse Sale (Toronto)

Last Sunday, October 20th, Ms. Shopaholic and I attended AMEX cardholders preview event at the William Ashley Factory Warehouse Sale. This was our 4th time attending this sale. Here is my review:

William Ashley Sale 2013:

William Ashley sale is a great opportunity to get several things for the kitchen and home on sale.  The warehouse is densely stocked with lots of great items and a wide variety of brands. Over the years we have had great success adding to our china pattern with serving dishes, kitchen accessories, and household items. If you are willing to line up outside a 1/2 hour and fight the crowds than this can make for a successful shopping trip.  It is just like shopping on Boxing Day.

The sale is a much different shopping experience than at WilliamAshley's downtown store at the Manulife Centre (Bloor and Bay.)  Downtown you get a tasteful shop that is neatly laid out, great lighting, and hands on salesperson with a clipboard writing down your purchases.  Your shopping is either hand delivered to your car or delivered by the store to your home.   Warehouse sale can be crowded, densely stocked shelves, you are given a 'office push cart' to put your purchases in (or a box to carry), and there are salespeople to help.  We actually found that other customers would freely talk with us about products they liked or disliked. Some of them gave some great advice. The checkout was also quick and they will wrap up your purchases to ensure your goods get home safe.

William Ashley Sale

For me it comes down to the savings.  I think we were able to save 10% on our China pattern as compared to William Ashley's downtown prices.  We had larger saving on place mats about 50%, kitchen accessories about 25%, cutting board 33%, and about 40% on a decorative item.  Would go into detail, but it is an upcoming birthday present for our favorite friend in Waterdown.  Overall, I think you could save between 10% and 50% on items. A good sale at the Bay could also be as fruitful, especially at the downtown location where they have the largest selection of household items.

William Ashley Sale

However, it's not all roses. The washrooms are outdoor port-o-potties, all sales are final (so inspect closely before buying),  and you may be walking around at a snail's pace through the center of the warehouse. Also, I would stick clear of marinades, spices, chocolate or other food stuffs. I'd looked at some items and none were past their expiry date, but I would be nervous of products coming from overseas and then spending time in a warehouse.  How fresh can it be?  Watching CBC's Marketplace has taught me to question prices when they are too good to be true. Timing is also key when you go shopping at the warehouse.  Weekdays are fine, but a Saturday or Sunday the place can be crowded and parking could be difficult.  You could also spend more than an hour in line (in a heated tent) on the weekend. I would suggest going before noon if you can.

In conclusion, if you need some things for the kitchen, housewares or decorative items, than this sale is well worth it.  Cranky ol' Mr. Shopaholic will gladly go again and guard Ms. Shopaholic's purchases.  

What they sell:

• China Place Settings and Serving Dishes
•  Crystal Glasses and Decorative Pieces
•  Small Kitchen Appliances
•  Knives, Cutlery, Everyday Dishes and Glasses
•  Pots, Pans, Cutting Boards and Kitchen Utensils
•  Christmas Decorations, Cards and Wrapping Paper
•  Bathroom Accessories, Shower Curtains and Soaps

Location and Details:

The warehouse is located on 62 Railside Rd, which is located South, off of Lawrence Ave East between the Don Valley Parkway and Victoria Park Ave.   You can get there via transit by taking the Lawrence Ave East Bus #54 from Eglinton Subway Station.

This is the link to their website:  http://www.williamashley.com/warehousesale/

William Ashley Sale - Details

Tips for Success:

• Go in the morning when shelves are restocked and before items are picked through.  Also, it is easier to find parking.
•  Have a list of ideas before you go and think about present ideas for Christmas, birthdays and other events.
•  If you already have china, cutlery or crystal pattern at home, write-down the brand and style name to help the salespeople find what you are looking for.  They have a computer system and can locate stock not on the warehouse floor.
• Parking costs $5 for onsite parking or you can try to find street parking on the East side of the street.  Many other local businesses are sensitive of where you park and parking enforcement officers can be seen trawling the area.
• Make sure you have a snack before you go in to keep up your energy.  You could easily spend more than 2 hours on your feet.  Outside there is a chip wagon where you can get street meat, sausage, fries or a cold drink.  We didn't try the wagon's food.  So, eat at your own risk.

Key Notes:

• All sales are final. Make sure you inspect your purchases closely before buying.
• Warehouse Sale is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
•  They do not allow strollers or car seats in the store.

Did you buy anything?  Any tips? Key details I'm missing?  Had no luck?  Please tell me in the comments below.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

This is a light salad that is easy to make and it goes well with BBQ, chicken, or sausage. The recipe takes about 25 minutes, with about 15 minutes of actual prep time.  It also can be made hours ahead and will keep in the refrigerator up to 2 days.  This recipe is even faster and easier with a mandolin to get consistent thin slices of cucumber and red onion.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad
Combine Salad Ingredients in a Large Bowl:
	3 Cups English Cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced (1 1/2 Cucumbers approx)
	1/2 Cup Red Onion thinly sliced and soaked
Combine Dressing Ingredients in Small Bowl:
	1/4 Cup Regular or light Sour Cream
	1 TBSP White Wine Vinegar
	1/2 TSP Salt
	1/4 TSP Pepper
	1 TSP Sugar
	1 TBSP of chopped Fresh Dill
Steps:
	1) Slice and peel cucumbers. Pat dry to remove excess water.
	2) Meanwhile let thinly sliced red-onion sit in a bowl of cold water for 15 minutes.
	3) Drain onions and pat dry. Combine with cucumber.
	4) Whisk together salad dressing ingredients.  Add to cucumber and onion. Toss and serve.
Refrigerate salad until needed. Recipe can be made hours ahead and just needs to be tossed again before serving.

Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad - Halfway Prepared

Creamy Cucumber Salad Served

What I learned making this type of salad:

• Adding sugar to a salad dressing takes away the acidity of the vinegar and adds a little sweetness; making it more pleasing to the palette.
• Soaking the onions in cold water gets the natural sulfur compounds (the ones that make you cry) out of the onions and tones down their flavor.  
• Fresh dill tastes substantially better in a dressing than dried dill.  You could substitute 1 1/2 TSP of dried dill for the fresh dill.

Confessions of a Spouse of a Shopaholic - Toronto Premium Outlets Mall

My preferred shopping style is a fast surgical strike.  Go with a list of items and only go into stores I had past success at.  Browsing and taking my time, I save for a zoo or art gallery.  Ms. Shopaholic likes to take her time and has the patience to go through the racks.  I still don't know why she takes me with her...   On a grey and rainy Saturday, October 19th, we went for our first time to the Toronto Premium Outlets. Here is my review:

Toronto Premium Outlets - Main Entrance

Review of Toronto Premium Outlets:

Toronto Premium Outlet is the latest mall to open in the greater Toronto area and is part of a larger chain of US malls run by Simon who have both their suburban malls and 'Premium Outlets' chain.  We have previously shopped at several of them in our trips down South with some success.   Toronto outlet opened on August, 1, 2013 and still looks new in October.  What stood out from this location as compared to the others was the figure 8 design of the stores with the food court and information kiosk at the centre. So, the stores were more centrally located, rather than being a ring around a parking lot or an endless maze.  Further they have some nice added touches in the central courtyard with an outdoor gas fireplace, patio tables and toddlers playground.  Other locations we have been to only had benches.

Toronto Premium Outlets - Central Courtyard

Toronto Premium Outlets - Central Courtyard

The mall has 85 stores, which is a significant number, but many of their other malls have more than 100 stores.  Birch Run (Detroit) has a 145 stores and Grove City (Pittsburgh) 130 and the nearest to Toronto, Waterloo (Rochester) has a 100 stores.  Unlike the above malls, this one is located in the GTA and does not involve crossing the border.  The mall probably be more aptly titled Milton Premium Outlets and it is located 1 block North of the Hwy 401 at the intersection of Trafalgar Rd. (exit #328) and Steeles Ave.  Also, like all the other malls we have been to it is an outdoor mall and although they have roof overhangs in parts you could certainly be wet or cold on a bad day.  Not a selling feature for me.  Give me a climate controlled indoor mall any day of the week.

Toronto Premium Outlet - South West Quadrant

But for me it all comes down to money.  We bought only a few things after 3 hours of shopping.  The prices were only slightly better to our local mall with less selection and we did not encounter any great sales.  In the past, I have had much better luck shopping during sales at Yorkdale Mall.  Majority of the things I looked at were only slightly cheaper than the mall (10% maybe) and about 30% more expensive than our last summer trip to Detroit.  You add the 13% HST and suddenly things are far more expensive than the US without its federal sales tax.  State Taxes are similar to most provinces between 5% and 7%. With the dollar near par then you can get a lot more bang for your buck in the States. Toronto Premium outlets does have a coupon book and you can find a few more savings if you spend over a certain threshold.  See below for more details.

Quality is important as well. I can't speak for all the businesses, but I have noticed in the past that comparable items at the mall stores for both Ralph Lauren and Banana Republic have thicker fabric and are made in different countries than the Premium Outlets.  A friend of mine said that they specifically manufacture for this mall chain and other discounters.  Google did not provide a definitive answer, but others have suggested the same on comments pages.  So, you may not be getting the same quality as you would at the mall and that is reflected in the price as well.  Those small savings could be just an illusion.

Personally, I've had the most success shopping at Macy's during a sale and getting there foreign visitors 10% additional discount. If you go to the mgmt office at Macy's and show your ID they will give you a Welcome Savings Pass that you show to the cashier when you buy things and get an extra 10% off.  If you don't know Macy's is a large department store chain like the Bay and they sell a lot of the same brands.  Ms. Shopaholic has had the most success stateside shopping at Macy's, and at the Premium Outlets for Ann Taylor, Nine West, and Banana Republic.  She was disappointed that they did not have an Ann Taylor at the Toronto Premium Outlets, which she finds has decent business attire.  Otherwise, we have found that local savings can be best had by signing up for our favorite stores promotional emails and shopping early in the day during a sale.

For a complete listing of stores, directions, mall hours and holidays observed, see their official website.  For specific comments on some of the stores we visited, see the end of this article.

In conclusion, it is a nice modern outdoor mall, wide variety of stores, clean, and you could find a great deal if you're patient.   However, if you follow sales at your favorite stores than you probably can get better deals at your preferred mall.  Or better yet, go South for a few days and see some great sites during the day and do a little shopping at night.


How to Save a Few Dollars More:

This mall chain has a deal with CAA/AAA and if you show your card at the information desk (inside the central - Food Court) you can get a pamphlet that lists all the savings.  This is true for the other Premium outlets we have visited.  Generally the discount is a percentage off your purchase once you spend a minimum or set amount off your bill.  You can also spend $5.00 to buy these coupons.  We scanned the booklet, so you can see if it would be helpful for you.

Toronto Premium Outlets Discount Book - Page 1 of 2

Toronto Premium Outlets Discount Book - Page 2 of 2

Some Shopping Highlights:

The Bay Outlet Store - They have a large wall of shoes organized by size.  But, the majority of shoes looked like they had already been worn for a few weeks with visible scuffs and worn soles.  The Men's wear also had of lots dress shirts, sweaters, and pants. You would have lots of selection if you are men's small or Homeresque.

Lindt Chocolate Store - They give you a bon-bon on the way in and lots of tasty chocolate and other candy to buy.  You can save a few bucks if you buy some bulk chocolate and if you eat it all and you can save when you become XXL and shop at the Bay Outlet Store.

Ralph Lauren Store - Good service, nice displays and plenty to choose from.  The con is that many items (golf shirts, sweaters, and pants) are at least $20 more than US factory outlets.  Further, I have had better luck at the Bay or Macy's when they have Ralph Lauren on sale.

Nike Store - Large with lots of sports clothes and shoes.  I was surprised to see they were still selling 'Live Strong' items.   The Onion for awhile sold 'Cheat Strong' bracelets years ago before Lance finally admitted to doping. They had read the tea leaves right on that.

Columbia Sports Apparel - Lots of choices for coats and outdoor wear.  Had my eye on several things, but I didn't need anything new for the moment.

Banana Republic - This location had the least amount of Men's selection of any Banana Republic I recall being in.  A sales lady was very helpful, but I was unable to find anything worth buying in my size.

Tell me what you think below in the comments.   Did you have better luck than we did?  Worse?

Fun Facts - Hockey Goaltenders

What I learned today:  On Saturday evening, Goalie Mike Smith of the Phoenix Coyotes became the 11th goaltender in NHL history to score a goal.  He scored on an open net with one second remaining against the Detroit Red Wings.  Curious to know how common this is I looked it up:

• The first goal by an NHL goalie was on Nov 28 1979 by Bill Smith of the New York Islanders against the Colorado Rockies. The puck deflected off the chest protector of the Islanders' Smith into the corner. Colorado rookie Rob Ramage picked up the puck and accidentally made a blind pass from the corner boards in the opposing zone to the blue line. Nobody was there to receive the pass, and so the puck sailed all the way down the length of the ice and into the Colorado net. Smith had been the last Islander to touch the puck, and was credited with a goal.

• The first goalie to intentionally score a goal was Ron Hextall on December 8, 1987 against the Boston Bruins.  Ron Hextall also was the first goalie to repeat the feat and did it to two seasons later against the Washington Capitals.

• Martin Brodeur holds the record with 3 open net goals.  His first was April 17, 1997 against the Montreal Canadians and his last was on March 21, 2013 against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Martin Brodeur - Goalie NHL Scoring Record Holder

• Total of 14 open net goals have been accredited to a goaltender.  7 have been intentionally shot by the goaltender and 7 have been caused by the goaltender last handling the puck and by opposing team error.  
• 10 of the 14 goals occurred in the last two minutes of play for the extra attacker.  The other 4 were caused by player error during a delayed penalty.
• No goalie has ever scored a goal on an open net during the playoffs.
• No goalie has ever scored a goal on another goalie. 

Will a goaltender ever just skate down the ice and sharp shoot one in against an opposing goaltender?  Since a goaltender is not allowed to cross the red line during play, this will likely never happen.    

Tex Mex Black Bean Soup Recipe

This is a flavorful soup that is a great starter for Mexican food, steak, ribs or BBQ chicken. The soup takes about 30 minutes total to prepare and needs about 20 minutes on the stove. It serves 4 portions.  

Tex Mex Black Bean Soup with shredded Cheddar cheese garnish

Tex Mex Black Bean Soup
In Large Saucepan or Stock Pot at medium heat combine:
	1 TBSP Vegetable Oil
	1 White Onion Finely Diced
	1 Sweet Red Pepper finely diced
	3 Cloves Garlic minced
	1 TSP Ground Cumin
	1/2 TSP Salt
	Pinch Cayenne Pepper
Stir occasionally and cook for 5 minutes or until onions are softened.
Add and bring to a boil:
	1 Can (19oz/540ml) Black Beans with liquid
	2 Cups (500ml) Sodium Reduced Chicken Stock
Once at a boil, cover pot and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Using a hand blender, blend soup until smooth.  Keep warm in pot until serving.
Add and stir to finish soup:
	2 TBSP fresh squeezed Lime Juice
	2 TBSP fresh Cilantro finely chopped
Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream at the centre of each bowl.

Note: This recipe can be made hours ahead and reheated.  Just add the lime juice and cilantro just prior to serving.  Also, the soup will also thicken with time.  Add more water to get to desired consistency.  

Ingredients for Tex Mex Black Bean Soup

Step 1 - Frying the vegetables and seasonings.

Step 2 - After adding chicken stock and black beans.

Step 3 - After blending soup.

Tex Mex Black Bean Soup

Garnishes and Additions:

• Substitute the dollop of sour cream with sprinkling of shredded Cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese, or homemade bacon bits.
• For a spicier soup add a second pinch of Cayenne pepper.

What I've learned in making this soup:

• Cilantro is also commonly referred to as Coriander or Chinese Parsley.  Although, I think it is labeled as Cilantro in most Canadian grocery stores.  Cilantro can normally be found next to fresh dill and parsley.
• Cayenne pepper increases in heat the longer you cook it.
• For tips on blending soups, see my previous blog on White Cannellini Bean Soup.
• Low-Fat Sour cream is not photogenic in hot soup.  It just dissolves, hence no decent photo.