LHS Episode #380: The Weekender LXI

by Black Sparrow Media Episode #380 Duration: 00:40:20
LHS Episode #380: The Weekender LXI

It's time once again for The Weekender. This is our bi-weekly departure into the world of amateur radio contests, open source conventions, special events, listener challenges, hedonism and just plain fun. Thanks for listening and, if you happen to get a chance, feel free to call us or e-mail and send us some feedback. Tell us how we're doing. We'd love to hear from you.

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This Weekend in Amateur Radio (Segment 1)

This Weekend in Open Source (Segment 2)

This Weekend in Hedonism (Segment 3)

  • Cheryl’s Recipe Corner!

  • Balsamic Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

  • Description

  • A few years ago at Hamvention, Russ and Bill dined at Brio Tuscan Grill… and came back to the hotel telling me all about the Brussels Sprouts they enjoyed (as an appetizer?).  I gather they were amazing (I stayed behind at the hotel, enjoying Cheesecake Factory, burning DVDs to distribute at Hamvention).  SO, I hunted down a knockoff recipe… Russ and Bill have both said this seems pretty spot-on.  And it sounds like a great Thanksgiving side item!

  • Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pecans

  • 6 slices bacon

  • 2 pounds brussels sprouts, halved (stem and ragged outer leaves removed)

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 2-1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

  • Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil. Place pecans on the prepared baking sheet and bake until lightly toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn fast. Transfer the pecans to a cutting board and chop coarsely. Set aside. Turn the oven heat up to 400 degrees. Lay the bacon strips out flat on the same foil-lined baking sheet, leaving space in between so they don’t overlap. Roast for 12-20 minutes, rotating the pan from front to back midway through, until the bacon is crisp (cooking time will depend on thickness of bacon). Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels; pour rendered bacon fat into a small dish and then discard aluminum foil. When bacon is cool, finely chop. Turn the oven heat up to 425 degrees, and line the baking sheet with fresh aluminum foil. Using a rubber spatula, toss the brussels sprouts with the rendered bacon fat, olive oil, salt and pepper directly on the baking sheet. Roast, stirring midway through with rubber spatula to promote even browning, until brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and maple syrup and toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning, then transfer to a serving dish. Right before serving, top with chopped pecans and bacon. Serve hot or warm.

  • Cheryl’s Mixed Drink Corner

  • Apple Champagne Cocktail

  • Ingredients (Martini)

  • 2 cups chilled apple cider (homemade or storebought)

  • 2 cups chilled champagne

  • optional rim garnish: 1 tablespoon brown sugar + 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar

  • Directions

  • Begin by preparing the garnish for this drink by mixing brown sugar and turbinado sugar together and pouring it on a small plate. Next, wet the rim of 4 champagne flutes and carefully dip them in the sugar mixture. Repeat until all champagne glasses are garnished. Finally, pour 1/2 cup of apple cider into each champagne flute and then top the apple cider with about 1/2 cup of champagne and enjoy!

  • Russ’s Drink Corner

  • Mortlach 15 - Game of Thrones Six Kingdoms - Scotch

  • Description

  • The Game of Thrones Six Kingdoms is a 15-year-old whisky hailing from the Mortlach distillery. Diageo chose Mortlach to close out the Game of Thrones whisky collection because it is a very sought after super-premium single malt. Woven throughout the eight seasons of Game of Thrones is the Three-Eyed Raven. Particularly in the final season, the character picks up more relevance. The new Greenseer and vessel for the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran Stark, is the one to give the North independence, and is now the king of the Six Kingdoms. This single malt has been matured in first-fill sherry casks for the majority of its time before a short finishing period in American Oak ex-bourbon casks. The whisky has been bottled at 46% ABV and has been especially crafted for release in this Game of Thrones series of single malts.

  • Details

  • Mashbill: 100% Barley

  • Proof: 46% ABV (92 Proof)

  • Region: Speyside

  • Color: Dark Amber

  • Nose: Light smoke, musty oak, orange, pear, sultanas, raisins, baking spices, sugar sweetness

  • Taste: Vanilla, oak spice, green apple, orange zest, pipe tobacco, oatmeal, hint of chocolate with some astringency

  • Finish: Oak, apple, cinnamon, raisins, baked bread, stewed fruit

  • Price: $140 (750ml)

  • Rating: 87