News online for Encinitas, Calif.

North Coast Current

News online for Encinitas, Calif.

North Coast Current

News online for Encinitas, Calif.

North Coast Current

A cobalt mine in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Photo by Bas van Abel, Waag Society, for EarthTalk)

EarthTalk: The pitfalls of electric-car battery waste

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss March 1, 2022
A huge problem looms on the horizon: in less than a decade, nearly 2 million tons of lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles will be retired each year, and the current recycling infrastructure isn’t ready for them. Most lithium-ion batteries are tossed in landfills, with only 5% recycled worldwide.
Sunset. (Photo by Matt Phillips via Unsplash)

Notes & Quotes: The miracle of mentioning ‘Kansas’ 

Tom Morrow March 1, 2022
Since my early days on this planet, I’ve always looked to the West for my destiny. From my very first family vacation as a youngster, I’ve always wanted to “Follow the Sun.”

Notes & Quotes: The rise and demise of the daily newspaper

Tom Morrow February 19, 2022
Since the founding of the nation, daily newspapers have played an important role in American society. Here locally, San Diego County’s newspapers have been important to our everyday life … that is until the last few years.
Dehydrating citrus can be a favorite way to preserve the fruit, and it can be used daily in a variety of uses. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey Macklem)

Preserved Home: Citrus can offer daily dose of recipe options

Laura Woolfrey Macklem February 4, 2022
I remember driving from Escondido to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas as a teenager, passing produce stands overflowing with fresh blood oranges and other fruits and vegetables. Before I knew about preserving, I would stop along the road just buy a little here and there, and savor the produce fresh. I may not have preserved fruit back then, but what I have preserved are memories growing up surrounded by citrus and avocado groves, friendly produce vendors, and, most of all, a very best friend.
Smokestack. (Photo by DDP via Unsplash)

EarthTalk: Do wealthy people generate more pollution than the less fortunate?

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss January 31, 2022
While many companies have taken modest steps to reduce pollution, overall emissions are still increasing and will likely stay that way until the governments of major polluters like the U.S., China and the European Union force companies to transition away from fossil fuels.
With a deep, spiced flavor and soft crumb, this homemade gingerbread load the perfect holiday breakfast treat. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey Macklem)

Preserved Home: Looking to bake some gingerbread? Snap to it with this recipe

Laura Woolfrey Macklem December 17, 2021
My gingerbread loaf recipe, though, is a much-anticipated treat and baked in ornamental pans. With a deep, spiced flavor and soft crumb, it’s the perfect holiday breakfast treat.
Butternut bacon pasta pairs well with a side salad. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey Macklem)

Preserved Home: Butternut bacon pasta squashes pumpkin

Laura Woolfrey Macklem November 11, 2021
Don’t get me wrong, I really do enjoy pumpkin and it’s employed in my kitchen in the fall and winter. But butternut squash is something I use all year because it doesn’t depend on heavy fall spices to lift the flavor. Pumpkin has to be gussied up, while butternut squash naturally can stand alone.
Toppings take this homemade enchilada soup to divinity status. Creamy avocado sprinkled with lime juice and salt, crisp tortilla strips, spicy sliced green onions and fragrant cilantro make this soup a fiesta in a bowl. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey Macklem)

Preserved Home: Slow cooker enchilada soup is a tasty fall flavor

Laura Woolfrey Macklem September 30, 2021
With fall and school starting, soup is on the mind of home cooks, often looking to the slow cooker for quick, comforting meals. There’s nothing like a bubbling pot of soup waiting for you after a busy day when fall hits. And even if it doesn’t feel like fall outside for you, the vibe is everywhere, so why not join in?
Smoked baked beans with jalapeño and bacon are sweet, spicy, smokey, and will dominate as the favorite at any gathering. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey Macklem)

Preserved Home: Smoked beans are a scrumptious summer staple

Laura Woolfrey Macklem July 31, 2021
Smoked baked beans with jalapeño and bacon are sweet, spicy, smokey, and will dominate as the favorite at any gathering.
Homemade pizza is not only a nutritious offering, the ingredients can be prepped in advance for a quick lunch or dinner option. (Photo by Laura Woolfrey Macklem)

Preserved Home: Great dough key to pizza done right

Laura Woolfrey Macklem June 28, 2021
For years, I’ve been in search of the perfect pizza crust. My goal was a chewy, sturdy crust that could withstand a mountain of toppings and a thick pool of sauce. The trick is a crust with an easy bite but strong enough to meet my family’s appetite for ample toppings. It’s a versatile, trusty workhorse to dazzle your family and friends.

Education Matters: Humes ousted — wasting taxpayer money the union way

Marsha Sutton June 11, 2021
Demands for special and recall elections in the San Dieguito Union High School District are a contemptible union power grab and unconscionable waste of public money. Hopefully, constituents will see these divisive tactics for what they are.
Quiche. (Photo by Angèle Kamp via Unsplash)

Preserved Home: Quiche is a dish for everyone, and everything

Laura Woolfrey Macklem April 30, 2021
Quiche might conjure up thoughts of froo-froo French cooking for light appetites, but it’s actually a humble dish and a perfect receptacle for hearty leftovers.
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