Make-ahead foods, such as scones, can be ideal because they are delicious at room temperature, which means can accommodate guests who are early risers as well as those who prefer to sleep in.

This recipe for “Lemon-Ginger Scones” from “Simply Scratch” (Avery) by Laurie McNamara produces refreshing flavor in a buttery scone. Serve with tea or coffee and guests will be in heaven.

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Lemon-Ginger Scones

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup cold heavy cream

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon organic lemon extract

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) ice-cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

1/4 cup finely diced candied ginger

2 tablespoons grated lemon zest

1/4 cup powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.

In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, use a fork to beat together the heavy cream, eggs, lemon extract, and vanilla until combined. Chill until ready to use. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Drop in the ice-cold butter and use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse wet sand.

Pour in the chilled cream mixture, ginger and lemon zest and use a rubber spatula to stir until just combined. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead it a few times before forming it into a ball. With floured fingers, flatten it out into a 1 1/2-inch-thick round. Cut the round into 8 equal-sized wedges and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking. Transfer the baked scones to a wire rack to cool.

Once the scones have cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Makes 8 scones

According to the National Education Council, when parents get involved in their children’s education, those children are more likely to do better in school and be more positive about the school experience.

Consider these possibilities:

Attend school board meetings

Many community school boards are comprised entirely of volunteers who work with superintendents and other personnel to advocate for policies and procedures for students. Decisions typically are up for vote, and parents can run for school board positions or simply attend meetings each month and let their voices be heard about various issues.

Attend open houses and conferences

Parents can make every effort to get to know teachers and other staff. Putting faces to names can help parents develop a connection to teachers and vice versa. Most schools have back to school nights, meet the coaches opportunities, open houses, and parent-teacher conferences. Parents can ask teachers and other staff how they prefer to communicate.

Attend school events

Families can make it a point to support students in all endeavors. Whenever the opportunity to visit the school comes up – whether for a concert, sports game, trivia night, or fundraiser – parents can make an effort to attend.

Volunteer

When parents want to be involved even further, they can head committees at school or volunteer with the PTA or PTO. They also can help out in the cafeteria, library or in the main office. Parents who have particular skills may volunteer to provide tutoring or mentoring as needed. Furthermore, parents can volunteer in school-sanctioned extracurriculars, such as Scouts BSA or as sports coaches.

Before tossing out brown bananas, consider this recipe for “Chocolate Chip Banana Bread” courtesy of Jenna Barnard and the Butternut Bakery Blog.

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Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups ripe and mashed banana (3 to 4 medium bananas), measured

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup 2% Greek yogurt (sour cream also works)

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, plus a handful more for sprinkling on top

DIRECTIONS

Preheat your oven to 325 F and grease and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter and sugars until you reach a paste-like consistency. This may take some vigorous whisking for a minute or two. You can either use a whisk or an electric mixer with the paddle attachment. Add in your mashed bananas followed by the eggs, yogurt and vanilla.

Once all of your wet ingredients are mixed together, fold in the dry ingredients. Then, fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if you like. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Let it cool completely before removing from the pan. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

The great Russian novelist is referring to the fact that impressions can be made even before conversations begin. This is an important notion to grasp and can do a job seeker a world of good in every interaction during the hiring process, including the interview. Recruiters may have an understanding of you as an applicant from your resume and other correspondences, but it is during the interview – whether it’s in person or remote – that a hiring manager can really get a sense of your energy and professionalism.

While no one wants to be judged on appearance alone, what you look like and how you dress affect others’ first impression of you. Doing all you can to tip the scales in your favor may lead to favorable job outcomes.

The best outfit to wear on an interview varies depending on the company and the job, according to The Balance: Money. But there are some guidelines for dressing to make the best impression.

Follow the employer’s dress code. If you can gauge dress code in advance, dress to mirror what others are wearing and then take it up a slight notch. For example, while you wouldn’t wear a suit if you’re interviewing as a park ranger, you may eschew work boots and faded jeans for a collared polo shirt and khaki pants. For a tech start-up or creative company that favors casual wear, something that is more business casual may be appropriate for the interview.

Err on the side of caution. If you do not know the company dress code, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. A sports jacket and a button-down shirt for gentlemen and tailored pants and blouse for women may fit the bill.

Less is more. Distractions can derail an interview, and wearing too many accessories can be distracting to the interviewer and even candidates during the interview. Keep jewelry to a minimum and mute all alerts on a smartwatch and smartphone. If you have piercings, you may want to remove them until you learn more about which types of body art are acceptable at the company, which you should be able to discern when visiting the office. Distractions also can include heavy or drastic makeup and hair styles. Tone things down until you have a firm understanding of dress policies.

Choose neutral colors. Wear neutral or classic colors over more flashy options. You want to be judged on your qualifications, and neon shirts or a busy print dress could cause an interviewer to lose focus. During a remote interview, choose a high-contrast interview outfit so that you don’t blend in with your background.

Wear clean, tidy clothes. No matter how formal or informal the attire, it should be freshly laundered, free from wrinkles or damage, and fit properly. Interview attire can make or break first impressions, so attention should be placed on what to wear.

This year, Halloween hosts can serve up a slice of “Chocolate Fudge Pie” from “Real Simple: Dinner Tonight Done!” (Time Home Entertainment) from the editors of Real Simple.

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Chocolate Fudge Pie

INGREDIENTS

1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade), fitted into a 9-inch pie plate

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped, plus more shaved, for topping

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

3 large eggs

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 375 F. Place the pie plate on a baking sheet. Prick the crust with a fork and line with foil. Fill to the top with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until the edges are firm, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the foil and weights and bake until just golden, 8 to 10 minutes more. Reduce oven temperature to 325 F.

Meanwhile, in a large heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter, stirring often, until smooth; set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs, salt, and 1/2 cup of the sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Fold one-third of the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the remainder. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake until puffed and beginning to crack, 20 to 25 minutes. Cook for 1 hour, then chill until firm, at least 2 hours.

Beat the cream with the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar on medium high-speed until soft peaks form. Spread over the pie and sprinkle with the shaved chocolate.

Serves 8

It’s not uncommon for professionals to worry that careful consideration of a job offer can make them appear greedy or unappreciative.

However, any firm worth working for will allow candidates ample time to consider an offer and even negotiate terms if the need arises. In such instances, professionals can consider these negotiation tips.

Work with a recruiter. A professional recruiter can be your best advocate. Recruiters function as the intermediary between candidates and companies. These individuals can help professionals negotiate a fair offer and benefits in line with market compensation levels and current trends, according to LinkedIn. Employers may take recruiters seriously, and recruiters will have no qualms about negotiating because they are third parties in these conversations and can serve as the proverbial “bad guys” if need be.

Think about what you want most. Negotiation terms should reflect what matters most to you, which may differ from person to person. Salary is not the only negotiable. Perhaps a certain amount of vacation time is important because you routinely travel to visit with family? Maybe you need an alternative start time to accommodate childcare needs? Or you may want to solidify retirement savings and can negotiate for a larger match to your 401(k) plan? Focus on one or two negotiation points to get the best employment terms.

Verbally negotiate with the hiring rep. It’s important to negotiate before a written offer is presented. This is when you have the most leverage. Once an offer is put on paper, managers may be more reluctant to change terms. Take a day to mull over the offer and make a list of wants; then ask for a call with the recruiter. You never know what you can get if you don’t ask.

Expect some give and take. An employer likely will not cave to all of your demands unless they are desperate to fill the role. Negotiations often are marked by trading one thing for another. For example, an uptick in personal time off may come at the compromise of having to work longer hours each day. While you may not be able to get a big salary increase, the employer may be able to offer you a better title, which can translate into more upward growth in the industry when you move on to another job.

Again, if money is an issue, an employer may be willing to make up for a certain salary by offering stock options, expense account allowances or other perks. Job seekers shouldn’t be afraid to negotiate offers with prospective employers.

Recent data indicates that many people are trapped in unhealthy work-life balances and can’t find the time to unwind and enjoy themselves. The e-commerce company Groupon asked 2,000 Americans about stress at work and 60% indicated that pressures and responsibilities of the workplace and home life do not have boundaries.

Learning to balance work and life better may come from following these tips.

1. Find more time. While there’s no way to add extra hours to the day, you can add extra hours to your schedule. One way to do so is to wake up earlier or stay up later than the household. Some people prefer the quiet time to get things done while others are asleep. If you can afford to shave an hour from your sleeping schedule (provided you already are getting enough), this approach can make a significant difference.

2. Limit distractions as much as possible. Distractions pull attention away from tasks and that can make it harder to complete jobs on time.

Schedule tasks that require your utmost concentration when others are not around. Perhaps this means coming into the office during off-peak hours or waiting until a spouse or the kids go to their respective places of work or school before you start on things that require greater concentration.

3. Figure out your home priorities. Schedule your home priorities just as you would work meetings and other responsibilities. While you may not be able to attend every sports practice or game, make it a point to get to as many events as possible. Put it in the calendar or planner as a must-do.

4. Maximize your PTO. Chances are you are entitled to a certain number of days off. Do not squander the opportunity to use these days. It will not make you a hero if you give up on time off. Map out priorities for the next couple of months and see where your time away from work will be needed. Then utilize PTO for these events as well as vacations.

5. End work at a certain time. There is a saying that “work expands to fill the time allotted.” It’s easy to let work infiltrate home time especially for those who are remote workers. Set a distinct end time for the job and reinforce it by turning off your computer or other devices, or physically lock the door to your office. Schedule tasks directly after work that are important to you, so you won’t be tempted to continue working.

Finding work-life balance can take time and require breaking established habits, but it is one way to reduce stress and feel more personally satisfied.

Tteok is found in sweet and savory Korean dishes. Tteok are rice cakes made from rice that is steamed and pounded to form a product that is distinctively chewy. Most tteok are rolled into cylinders and cut into pieces, or sliced thinly on a diagonal. The rice cakes are available at retailers both fresh and frozen, and can be eaten out of hand or added to stir-frys or even fried to a crispy texture.

This recipe for “Royal Tteokbokki” from “Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food” (White Lion) is a stir-fry comfort food that hails from the royal court of the Chosun dynasty.

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Royal Tteokbokki

INGREDIENTS

1 pound beef rib eye, trimmed and thinly sliced

1 small firm but ripe pear, grated

3 tablespoons brown sugar

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons roasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus a drizzle for the stir-fry

5 garlic cloves, grated

2 tablespoons roasted sesame seeds, crushed

1/4 teaspoon ginger, peeled and grated

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Stir fry

10 ounces tteok (thin rice cake batons)

2 ounces baby onions, peeled and quartered

3 3/4 ounces mixed wild mushrooms

1 rainbow carrot, peeled and julienned

3 1/2 ounces baby leeks, trimmed and cut lengthways into quarters

3 ounces baby corn, cut length-wise into quarters

To serve

1 spring onion

1 quail egg, soft boiled

Pinch of black sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS

In a shallow dish, combine the beef, pear and brown sugar and massage with your hands to thoroughly combine. Leave to marinate for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, garlic, crushed sesame seeds, ginger, and black pepper. Set aside.

When the beef is ready, use your hands to shake off and squeeze out any excess sugary liquid, then add the beef to the soy sauce marinade. Toss to coat, cover and marinate for about 30 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge.

Meanwhile, cut the spring onion length-wise into thin strips and soak in iced water until curled, then drain.

About 30 minutes before cooking, place the tteok in a large bowl with enough water to cover them. Leave them to rehydrate.

Once the tteok are rehydrated, remove from the water, retaining 4 tablespoons of liquid. Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the baby onions and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened. Add the mushrooms, carrot, baby leeks and baby corn, and cook for a further 5 minutes until slightly softened.

Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef, marinade, rehydrated tteok, and the retained water. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is medium rare, and slightly pink in the center.

to a serving plate, and arrange the spring onion and quail egg on top. Finish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.

Serves 4

The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder, provided a wealth of insight about the hiring process, including some of the unusual things people have done in interviews. Asked to share the most unusual things candidates have done during interviews, employers and hiring managers indicated job seekers had asked for a cocktail, broke out in song in the middle of an interview, asked to taste an interviewer’s coffee, and even wore a costume of Darth Vader to an interview.

Though many of those replies undoubtedly elicited a laugh (and likely some shock), they indicate that many people aren’t entirely sure about how to act during a job interview. Most professionals probably don’t need to be told to avoid asking for a cocktail or to leave their costumes at home when leaving for an interview, but some might not know to avoid certain topics.

Others may simply venture into uncomfortable conversational territory due to nerves. Though there might not be a formula for a successful interview, if there were it might include avoiding these four topics.

1. Negative experiences about current or past employers: Positivity should reign supreme during a job interview, so candidates should avoid any negative comments about a current or past employer. Such comments give interviewers the impression that a candidate could be difficult to work with. Negative comments about an employer also suggest a candidate is unprofessional.

2. Politics: Whether it’s office politics or the goings-on in the political arena, this topic should not make it into a job interview. Politics understandably brings out a passion in many people, but candidates should emphasize their passion for the opportunity at hand and not their enthusiasm for a particular politician or political party during a job interview.

3. Personal life: Hiring managers and in fact anyone conducting a job interview is legally obligated to avoid topics that could be interpreted as discriminatory. Candidates who bring up their personal life in an interview could be putting interviewers in an awkward position, which may ultimately affect their impressions of the person being interviewed. Candidates can do their candidacy and their interviewers a favor by avoiding discussions of their personal life during an interview.

4. Salary: Bringing up salary might not be as big a red flag as political opinions or negative comments about past employers, but it’s best to wait until the interviewer broaches the topic. Asking about salary before the interviewer brings it up could give the impression that a candidate is only interested in the money and not the opportunity. Successful interviewing is a skill that candidates can cultivate.

Knowing which topics to avoid during an interview is an important part of that cultivation process

Wedge salads are traditionally made with iceberg lettuce and drizzled with a flavorful dressing – often blue cheese. However, there’s no set rules when it comes to wedge salads. With this recipe for “Watermelon Wedge Steakhouse Salad,” courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board and 2018 Watermelon Recipe Contest Winner Chauna Havey, diners can skip the lettuce altogether.

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Watermelon Wedge Steakhouse Salad

INGREDIENTS

For the dressing:

1/3 cup finely diced watermelon

1 cup sour cream

1/3 cup peeled and finely diced watermelon rind

1/4 cup watermelon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the salad and toppings:

4 thick wedges of watermelon

4 tablespoons real bacon crumbles

4 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles

2 tablespoons pecan chips

1 scallion, sliced

DIRECTIONS

Place all ingredients for the dressing into a medium bowl and mix gently to combine.

Place each watermelon wedge onto a serving plate and top with 1/4 of the dressing.

Sprinkle the bacon, blue cheese, pecans, and scallions over the top of the salads before serving.

Serves 4

This begs the question of whether individuals should consider relocating when looking for a new job. It’s a personal decision, and one that has the potential to affect professionals’ lives in many ways. Individuals can consider these factors before applying for jobs that might require them to relocate.

Relocation expenses

It is important to weigh the benefits of a new job with the expenses related to relocation. It may take some time to recover lost funds associated with moving, and you might not want to put your financial stability in jeopardy. Some companies are willing to offer relocation services or a moving stipend. Check with the hiring manager to see what, if anything, is offered. Assistance also may extend to helping a spouse find a new job or helping you to sell or rent an existing residence.

Think about career growth

Figure out where you see your career going in the future. Is this job a good stepping stone to other opportunities or one that will be your final job? If so, it could be worth the time, expense and effort to relocate. But if you’re moving only for salary and will not get much more out of the deal, like access to more connections or more challenging responsibilities, you may want to pass.

Building your network

Relocation requires building new networks, including social networks and networks of professional associates and service providers. When considering relocation, look to areas where you already have a networking touchstone, such as a former college pal or even a friend or family member. All you need is one person to start the ripple effect of getting to know others. This may be easier than starting from scratch in a town where you know no one.

Learn about the location

While every facet of a job may look good on paper, how does the location measure up? You may need to do a little market research to find out if a city, town or even country is on an upswing or in decline. Do you want to move to an area that has a high number of people moving out? Are there amenities you desire, such as museums, parks or good schools? How are real estate values and job security? Look beyond the company and the offer to the bigger picture, as you’ll only be spending so much time on the job and the rest enjoying life.

The potential to relocate for job requires professionals carefully consider a host of factors before committing to a move.

Some people feel that certain perks outrank salary on their professional priority list. The Society of Human Resource Management indicates 92% of employees feel employment benefits are important for overall job satisfaction. They’re also a driving factor when candidates read job postings.

Certain benefits are standard offerings, while others take perks a step further. The following are some of the benefits job seekers may encounter in job listings and during the interview process.

Health insurance: Offering health insurance is mandatory in certain areas, while in others it is up to the employer. Insurance costs may be taken care of by an employer, while in most cases employees have a portion of those costs deducted from their paychecks. Health benefits also may be extended to employees’ family members. Large organizations may allow employees to choose their health insurance provider, while small firms may only contract with one company.

Flexible health spending account: A health care spending account, sometimes called a health savings account, enables employees to set aside a portion of their incomes before taxes are deducted. That money can be used for qualified health purchases. HSAs are one way to reduce tax burden.

Paid time off: Often referred to as PTO, this is a benefit that enables employees to schedule personal days off from work. Typically, PTO accrues each pay period by a set number of hours. PTO may occur in place of or in conjunction with separate vacation time. PTO can be a negotiating point with prospective employers who do not have wiggle room on salary offerings.

Life insurance: Many employers contract with life insurance companies to offer their employees discounted rates on life insurance premiums. Employees typically pay these costs out of pocket, but the employer facilitates the relationship with the insurance broker.

Retirement savings: Employers may offer pensions or other retirement savings plans such as 401(k) and 403(b) accounts. Employees contribute a percentage of their salaries and employers may make matching or discretionary contributions as well.

Flex scheduling/remote work: Many employers recognize the advantage of allowing employees to work from home all or a portion of the week. An alternate work schedule also may be offered to help employees. Flexibility is something employees covet, as it can help them achieve a work/life balance.

These are just some of the benefits professionals can consider as they search for a new job. Additional benefits include bonuses, stock options and tuition reimbursement.

All EMS workers provide life-saving services and help transport individuals to hospitals for additional treatment and care. Here is a deep look into the different EMS personnel and the training one might expect.

Certified first responder

A certified first responder is an integral member of an EMS team. These individuals provide basic medical care at the scene of emergencies, including basic first aid, stabilization of injuries, treating shock, and other tasks. First responders must be certified by the National Registry of Emergency Technicians, according to Learn.org. The American Red Cross offers first responder training courses. Certification requirements vary by state, and each state’s EMS office can provide specific details.

Emergency Medical Technician

According to the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care, EMTs complete a course that is a minimum of 170 hours. One does not need to have previous medical experience to become an EMT, but eligibility requirements may vary from school to school and state to state. For example, to be EMT eligible in California, a person must be 18 years of age. In Pennsylvania, one must be 16 years of age and the training course is 240 hours and includes both classroom and practical lab scenarios. In Massachusetts, to be eligible to be certified as an EMT-Basic, a person must be at least 18 years of age. Like certified first responders, EMTs must pass the NREMT examination in order to obtain certification. EMTs can be EMT-B (basic) or one of two EMT-I (intermediate).

Paramedic

Paramedic students complete many more hours of training that may last between six and 12 months. Coursework builds on EMT education and blends additional medical training, including courses in anatomy, cardiology, medication, and physiology. Paramedics will take part in lectures, skills labs and a hospital internship, followed by an EMS field internship before passing the national certification exam. Upon passing, these individuals will receive the highest certification of pre-hospital care in the United States.

EMS workers provide life-saving medical care and are often first on a scene when a medical emergency takes place. Working as part of an EMS team is a demanding but rewarding career.

With such competition for jobs, landing an interview is an opportunity to be cherished. Furthermore, candidates should do their best to ensure interviews go as smoothly and effectively as possible. Nerves can derail an interview. Nervous energy is a byproduct of humans’ “flight or fight” response in stressful situations. Adrenaline builds up in the body and that can make for a nervous interview. The following anxiety-taming tips can help anyone remain calm, cool and collected during an interview.

1. Laugh out loud. Humor can diffuse nervous feelings. Rather than stewing on the upcoming interview, watch a funny movie or listen to some standup comedy to help you laugh and lighten up.

2. Leave plenty of time for travel. Anxiety can creep in if you’re running late for an interview. Leave plenty of time to get there when interviewing in person. You don’t want to stroll in sweaty and out of breath because you just ran from the subway station or parking lot. For remote interviews, ensure that meeting links are working properly and that you understand how to use the conferencing application in advance of the interview.

3. Be prepared. Prepare for the interview and conduct a trial run with a friend or family member. Research commonly asked interview questions but be prepared to answer more job-specific queries as well. Preparation can help you feel less nervous and more in control.

4. Clear your mind. Figure out which relaxation method works for you and employ it. Some find taking a short stroll outside enjoying nature clears their mind, while others prefer deep breathing and meditation. Some people may feel more relaxed after an exercise session. Build these coping mechanisms into your schedule on the day of an interview.

5. Change your perception. An interview is a conversation and not an interrogation. Certainly you are selling yourself to the recruiter, but the company also has to sell itself to you. Interviews are two-way streets to determine if the employer-employee dynamic is the right fit. Remembering that you are on somewhat equal footing can make the interview less nerve-wracking.

6. Make small talk. While waiting to be called into the interview, speak with others, such as the receptionist, other employees walking by or even people in the elevator. Small conversations can shift your focus from internal thoughts to external stimuli.

Job interviews can drum up nerves, but there are strategies to help candidates overcome their nerves.

A person is never too old to teach if he or she feels capable. In fact, more mature teachers may be coveted because they could bring life experience, social skills and flexibility to school districts. While there are certain protocols in place to become qualified to teach, thanks to teacher shortages brought on by the pandemic, many states now offer shorter routes to classrooms with alternative teacher certification programs that may not require master’s degrees.

There are various reasons seniors may want to consider becoming teachers, and there are many teaching positions and opportunities for their consideration.

Substitute teacher

Seniors can begin their pursuits as substitute teachers. This option may not require any certification, and substitutes may only need to undergo background checks for eligibility to work in schools. Substituting enables individuals to work only as much as they desire.

Adjunct professor

Certain colleges and universities hire professionals to teach industry-specific college courses. For example, a certified public accountant may teach an introductory accounting class. Adjunct professors typically are those who are still employed in their fields, but it may be possible to do this as a second career as well. This could be an option for someone who would like to devote more time to teaching at an advanced level.

Elementary school or high school teacher

These positions will require the most dedication and potentially certification in a specific area, such as grade level or coursework. General education teaching requires a term commitment commensurate to the school year. And that commitment will be five days per week. There may be more flexibility if one were to teach a specific special concentration class, such as a foreign language or art. However, certain school districts require such educators to float from school to school in the district during the week.

Preschool teacher

Seniors who aspire to shape the minds and skills of younger children could be drawn to preschool education. Education and other certifications to work in such settings may vary depending on the school. This type of position is ideal for compassionate individuals who have the patience for youngsters who may be nervous being away from home.

Teaching is a potential second career for seniors looking for new challenges after retirement. Most alternative route certification courses are now offered online, which can align with any applicant’s schedule

Today a growing number of interviews are virtual. Many are conducted via popular video conferencing apps like Zoom. In a recent survey of talent leaders and recruiters conducted by the tech firm Talview, 80% of respondents said their hiring process is now fully remote. There are many advantages to remote/virtual interviews. They tend to be more convenient for screening applicants for remote positions because the applicant pool may be coming from anywhere around the world. Remote interviews also can be less time-consuming.

As useful as they can be, remote interviews are not foolproof. Technical snarls or uncooperative conditions at home can affect remote interviews. Virtual interviews also may not give candidates an accurate idea of the culture at a given firm. But remote interviews are likely here to stay, so here’s how candidates can put their best (virtual) foot forward.

Test the technology

Open the conferencing app and test links to make sure that you can get on the service and understand how it functions. Log in early, even if it means sitting in a virtual waiting room until the meeting organizer arrives. At least you’ll be ensured of being on time.

Have a cheat sheet at the ready

A remote interview gives candidates a distinct advantage, as they can utilize notes without it being obvious. Place them just above the device camera or off to the side slightly so you can refer to them like one may read a teleprompter or cue cards on television.

Use your space wisely

If you’ll be on video, set up your space and your appearance so that it is professional but engaging. Use your home office environment to make a strong impression.

Keep background clutter to a minimum.

If necessary, use a virtual office backdrop, which was preferred by 97% of the 513 recruiters that Harvard Business Review observed and interviewed over an eight-month period in 2020.

Engage with the interviewer and avoid distractions

Distractions can knock you off of your game and make you come across as less engaging to recruiters. Ask housemates to make themselves scarce during the interview and lock pets out of the room. Silence your phone (if it isn’t the device being used for the interview) and look into the camera while speaking. Maintaining eye contact is a sign of respect and confidence. If the interviewer is speaking at length, utilize the mute button on your phone or conferencing app to silence ambient noise.

Conventional wisdom regarding resumes may no longer apply. A resume can still be a useful asset, but job seekers must recognize the game has changed, specifically in regard to how resume submissions are received and reviewed. Many companies now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sift through resume submissions before they ever land in the inbox or on the desk of an actual human being.

Because ATS is so popular, job seekers would be wise to embrace strategies to make their resume more ATS-friendly to increase the chances the document finds its way to a hiring manager.

The right keywords can help get a resume seen. Though a resume was once viewed as a tool that allowed job seekers to illustrate how they were unique from other applicants, uniqueness on a resume may now be a detriment. ATS serve as virtual gatekeepers that scan documents submitted for job openings. If those documents don’t feature certain keywords, they’re likely to be relegated to the virtual scrap heap. Professionals should research which keywords are likely to get their resume past the first stage of the hiring process and include them in the body of the document.

There’s more to it than keywords. Though the right keywords can ensure a resume gets past the virtual gatekeepers, they’re not the only features of a good resume. ATS are programmed to read resumes that are formatted in certain ways. The experts at Jobscan note that the most ATS-friendly resume is one that is chronological. That’s something most job seekers are already familiar with, as professionals have long listed their professional experience in reverse chronological order. That approach still works, and Jobscan recommends including company name and location, job title, start and end dates, and achievements and responsibilities for each job listed in the work experience section.

Avoid unique formats. resume data included in graphs, tables and columns might seem invaluable, but ATS software might make a mess of it. In addition, maintain a uniform font throughout the document. Sans serif fonts like Calibri and Helvetica won’t be difficult for ATS programs to read, increasing the likelihood that the document will ultimately be seen by a hiring manager.

Make the resume mobile-friendly. A resume that is easily opened and read on a mobile phone is likely to be just as easily read in an ATS program. Professionals can design their resumes and then open the documents on their phones. Documents that open quickly and easily are probably formatted in an ATS-friendly way, while those that don’t may need to be simplified and reformatted. In the age of digital job-seeking, professionals can take steps to make their resumes ATS-friendly to ensure the documents are ultimately seen.

But it’s not necessarily easy for anyone to find a new job in the digital era, so mid-career professionals can utilize some strategies to increase their chances of finding a job that allows them to advance to the next step in their careers.

Identify your priorities.

Mid-career professionals who are working but want to move on to a new opportunity have the luxury of looking for a position that aligns with their priorities and should take full advantage of that position. Identify what you like or don’t like about your current job.

Variables that merit consideration include the job itself, but also company size, workplace culture and benefits and perks. Make a list of these priorities and identify which are most and least important to you, and then allow that list to inform your search for a new job.

Determine if your next job will be your last job.

Many mid-career professionals looking for a new job may be looking with the intention that their next employer will be the last company they work for. If that’s the case, then it’s important to keep that in mind as you begin your search. Opportunity for professional growth and advancement should be available within an organization that you envision being the last firm you work for.

If you enjoy the challenges and excitement that comes with switching employers, or even careers, then you may not need to prioritize advancement opportunities over chances to beef up your experience.

Practice interviewing.

Mid-career professionals may not have interviewed for a job in many years, and the process of interviewing has undoubtedly changed since individuals were offered their current jobs. For example, initial interviews are now often conducted over conferencing apps like Zoom, so mid-career professionals may want to study up on how to master such interviews.

Everything from lighting to backgrounds to how you sit during the call can affect interviewers’ impression of you as a candidate. So preparing for interviews may involve more than traditional steps like studying up on the company and preparing responses to questions interviewers may ask.

Utilize a recruiter.

Mid-career professionals can benefit from the services of a recruiter. Recruiters can provide pointers on constructing a resume and how to answer interview questions with the goal of emphasizing your experience and accomplishments. Such insight can be invaluable for established professionals.

This summer also may be a great time to try a Frisco 49, which is not to be mistaken with a similarly named drink, The Frisco.

The Frisco 49 was created by mixologist Brandon Chandlor and it was inspired by fruit cocktail dessert cups and a French 75 cocktail. The drink has a few hands-on steps, but the result can show off your mixology skills

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Frisco 49

INGREDIENTS

For Pear-Infused Gin:

1 Bartlett pear

1 DÕ\’Anjou pear

1 750 ml bottle gin, like Citadelle

DIRECTIONS

Cut the pears into slices and place in a mason jar. Add gin to cover the pears. Allow to steep for one to three days (according to taste) in a cool, dark place. Strain out the pears and bottle the gin under a tight seal. It will retain the shelf life of normal gin.

For Roasted Honey Peach Syrup:

2 peaches

2 to 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

3/4 cup honey

3/4 cup warm water

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 F. Cut the peaches in half and sprinkle with cinnamon. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes.

Add the roasted fruit, honey and water to a food processor or blender and blend well. Strain well to remove any solids, bottle and store in the refrigerator. The syrup will keep well for about two weeks.

For the cocktail:

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 ounces pear-infused gin

1/2 ounce lemon juice

1/2 ounce roasted honey peach syrup

3 ounces sparkling wine

Maraschino cherry garnish

DIRECTIONS

Combine the gin, lemon juice and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake and strain into a Champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a maraschino cherry in the bottom of the glass.

Vocational school, often referred to as “trade school,” can be an advantageous route for many people who are looking for an alternative to college. In 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics said a four-year private college cost around $50,300 for a student living on campus, while a four-year public college was roughly $24,300 annually. A 2018 poll from The Learning House, a skills training and coursework company, found 35% of students said tuition and other fees were their primary concerns when choosing college programs.

Trade schools can cost three times less than other schooling, making them more palatable to young people concerned about the high costs of college. Career and Technical Education programs number around 1,200 in the United States alone. Many students begin vocational career tracks in high school, according to American Education Services. Here are some benefits to pursuing an education in the trades.

Lower cost

According to NCES, trade schools cost significantly less than four-year institutions. Data from the U.S. Department of Education says programs may run between $3,600 to $16,000 per year. Most vocational programs last two years, meaning that students graduate with far less debt than they might accrue when pursuing a four-year college program.

Individualized attention

Many trade programs offer instruction in very intimate settings, with experienced practitioners serving as mentors and trainers. While each program is different, vocational training schools tend to have lower faculty-to-student ratios than traditional colleges.

Fewer admission requirements

Trade schools may not have the same stringent application and admissions processes as colleges. Course prerequisites and grade point average requirements also may not dictate trade school admissions policies.

Direct, hands-on training

Unlike a traditional college that marries general education courses with those specific to a major, trade school programs focus only on skills and training relevant to each student’s chosen career path.

Less time to complete schooling

More direct lessons means that students can complete their certifications or degrees in shorter times and enter the workforce much more quickly than their counterparts at traditional colleges and universities.

Fried chicken long has been a popular picnic menu item, but other chicken dishes can fill in for this staple quite easily. For example, this recipe for “Sesame Chicken Fingers with Honey Dip” can be enjoyed by kids and adults on a picnic or even at casual events at home.

This recipe, from “125 Best Chicken Recipes”  by Rose Murray (Robert Rose), features a sweet honey dip, but other dips can complement the meal as well.

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Sesame Chicken Fingers with Honey Dip

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup light mayonnaise

3 tablespoons liquid honey

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup light mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup dry bread crumbs

3 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning

1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts cut into fingers, 2 inches long by 1/2-inch wide

DIRECTIONS

Honey Dip: In a small bowl, stir together the 1/3 cup mayonnaise, honey and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until well combined. Refrigerate if making ahead.

In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

On waxed paper or in a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, sesame seeds and Italian seasoning.

Coat chicken with mayonnaise mixture, then with bread crumb mixture. Place on prepared cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink inside, turning once. Serve hot with the honey dip and potato wedges, if desired.

Serves 4

The following recipe for “Blueberry Lavender Lemonade” from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council pairs the sophisticated flavor of lavender with tart blueberry in a refreshing concoction that also includes gin. The result is fruity, floral and fragrant.

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Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Cocktail

INGREDIENTS

Lavender Simple Syrup

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon dried edible lavender flowers

3/4 cup blueberries, divided

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 ounces gin

1 tablespoon lavender simple syrup

1/2 cup club soda

2 sprigs fresh lavender

2 lemon wheels

DIRECTIONS

To make the Lavender Simple Syrup:

In a small saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine all syrup ingredients and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.

Remove from heat and let steep for 2 to 3 hours. Strain and set aside.

To make the Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Cocktail:

In a cocktail shaker, add 2/3 cup blueberries and lemon juice. Muddle berries to release juices. Add gin and lavender simple syrup, and fill with ice. Shake until frosty.

Strain through fine-mesh sieve into two ice-filled glasses. Top evenly with soda water.

Garnish with remaining blueberries, lavender sprigs and lemon wheels. Tip: Cover and store remaining lavender simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Improved job prospects undoubtedly contributed to that high turnover, but professionals who left their jobs without another one already lined up may need some help finding their next gig. Significant layoffs in the early months of 2023 coupled with tens of millions of individuals leaving their jobs voluntarily in 2022 could potentially make the competition for new jobs more intense.

Professionals confronting that situation can consider these tips as they seek to master the art of modern job hunting.

Use LinkedIn to your advantage. The professional social media platform LinkedIn is an invaluable resource, especially for professionals looking for a new job. Even professionals who are still working but hoping to land a new job can utilize LinkedIn to their advantage, as many recruiters embrace the strategy of passive recruiting, which involves scouring LinkedIn for professionals who are not actively looking for a new job but might be interested if the right opportunity presents itself.

Professionals who aren’t already on LinkedIn should join and create a profile that highlights their experience and skills. Workers who are already on LinkedIn can periodically update their profiles and use the platform to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in their industries.

Create a portfolio of your work. Landing an interview may be the first goal, but professionals also must be ready to master that interview should the opportunity arise. A portfolio that showcases past work and accomplishments can help candidates present themselves in the best light possible. Utilize a free or inexpensive service like WordPress that hiring managers and others can visit quickly and easily to see your work.

Identify who you want to work for. Experienced professionals who are still working may have the luxury of patience when beginning their job search. That luxury ensures professionals can wait for opportunities at companies they want to work for.

Targeting specific companies can take some of the frustration out of modern job hunting, which often requires scouring a seemingly endless string of job openings. Out-of-work professionals can still target specific firms, but they also can utilize down time to research other organizations in an effort to widen and expedite their search.

Work with a recruitment agency. Much like job seekers grow frustrated at sifting through job postings, organizations may not have the will or the resources to devote to finding worthy candidates for their openings. That’s why organizations often turn to recruitment professionals, who do the leg work when companies are looking to hire new people. Recruitment professionals earn their money from the companies doing the hiring, not the person getting hired. So there’s no downside to utilizing recruiting professionals in your search.

There’s a rich history behind the traditions that feature prominently at many weddings. Here’s a look at traditions past and present and the meaning behind these customs.

Marriage

The custom of marriage can be traced back thousands of years to when hunters and gatherers started coming together to form societies and farm land. In order to ensure the success of communities, couplings were developed to produce offspring and maintain households. T

Tie the knot

Getting married is sometimes referred to as “tying the knot.” This stems from the custom of “handfasting,” which is a common practice among various cultures around the world, and notably in ancient Rome. The bride and groom’s hands are tied together for the duration of the ceremony, not to be released until the wedding is made official. This isn’t something you see too often at modern weddings, but can be something unique couples may want to consider.

Bridal bouquet

A bouquet of beautiful flowers is held by the bride on her wedding day. Roses, orchids, peonies, and other fragrant blooms are often included, but in ancient times brides’ bouquets were likely made of herbs. According to the resource Minted Weddings, these aromatic herbs were used to ward off evil spirits.

Veil

Evil spirits also were the basis for the wearing of bridal veils, as they were utilized to hide brides from these miscreants. Veils now are more style than substance.

Bridesmaids

In ancient Rome, bridesmaids were tasked with protecting the bride. They wore the same dresses as the bride to confuse evil spirits from finding the soon-to-be-betrothed and cursing her. Today/s bridesmaids are less decoy and more helper. They may wear similar dresses to the bride and one another, but they aren’t trying to fool any spirits.

Tossing rice

Rice and grains were long regarded as signs of prosperity and fertility, according to the gifting company Personal Creations. Therefore, couples were showered with rice to ensure their good fortune. Consumption of uncooked rice has been proven to be detrimental to some wildlife, so rice has now been widely replaced with bubbles or birdseed.

Cutting the cake

At the reception, many couples link hands and make the first cut in their wedding cakes. Wedding Wire says it’s a tradition that around 80% of wedding couples partake in. It is believed this tradition symbolizes the couple’s first official task performed together, and marks the promise to support and take care of one another throughout the marriage.

However, in the past, brides were responsible for cutting the wedding cake alone and distributed slices to guests to aid in fertility, according to BakingNook.com.

As various menu items will hit the grill, hosts and hostesses may wonder which desserts to serve to make their events complete. While there is seemingly nothing more American than apple pie, cookies also can be sweet ways to help wrap up the festivities. Sugar cookies are a universal favorite, and in this recipe for “Fourth of July Cookie Cups,” they’re shaped into cups filled with a buttercream frosting.

Enjoy this star-spangled showcase, courtesy of “Live Well, Bake Cookies” (Rock Point) by Danielle Rye.

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Fourth of July Cookie Cups

INGREDIENTS

Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the pan

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Red, white and blue sprinkles, for topping

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

To make the cookie cups: preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 24-count mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together for 1 to 2 minutes, or until well combined.

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, making sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Evenly distribute the cookie dough among all 24 cups in the mini muffin pan, a little more than 1 tablespoon of cookie dough per cup. Press each ball of cookie dough into the cups and smooth it out.

Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges of the cookie cups are lightly browned and the tops are set.

Remove from the oven, and make an indentation in each cookie using the back of a measuring spoon. Allow to cool in the muffin pan, then carefully remove from the pan and set aside.

To make the vanilla buttercream frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, 1Ú2 cup at a time, mixing in each addition until well combined.

Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Pipe the frosting into the cooled cookie cups and top with the sprinkles.

Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Makes 24

“Honey-Laced Blueberry Parfaits” can be enjoyed any time of day. Made with tasty layers of blueberries, yogurt and angel food cake, these parfaits are light, flavorful and refreshing. To tailor them for patriotic celebrations, add a few red berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, to embrace a red, white and blue theme. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “Cooking Light¨ Fresh Food Superfast” (Oxmoor House) by The Cooking Light Editors.

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Honey-Laced Blueberry Parfaits

INGREDIENTS

1 6-ounce carton French vanilla low-fat yogurt

1 6-ounce carton blueberry low-fat yogurt

1 1/2 cups frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed

3 cups 1-inch cubed angel food cake

2 cups blueberries

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 cup honey-almond flax cereal, coarsely crushed

DIRECTIONS

Combine yogurts in a bowl; gently fold in whipped topping.

Layer about 1/3 cup angel food cake, 1/4 cup blueberries and 1/3 cup yogurt mixture in each of four dessert glasses. Repeat procedure once. Drizzle honey evenly over parfaits. Top evenly with cereal. Serve immediately. Serves four.

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Jack Kerouac’s Margarita

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces silver tequila

3/4 ounce Cointreau

3/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

1 teaspoon agave nectar (optional)

Rock salt for garnishing

Lime wedge for garnishing

DIRECTIONS

Pour salt onto small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the lip of a rocks glass and dip the rim in the salt. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and agave, if using. Shake vigorously. Strain into the salt-rimmed rocks glass over ice. Garnish with the lime wedge.

But as everyone knows, Mother Nature tends to be a bit unpredictable during the hazy days of summer. Thunderstorms can roll in quite suddenly, or rain may persist for a few days as the atmosphere attempts to right itself after an abundance of steamy days.

Keep a list of craft ideas at the ready to make the most of time spent inside or out. The following are a few ideas.

Friendship bracelets

There have been different iterations of friendship bracelets for every generation. With some general craft supplies, such as embroidery thread, beads, plastic lanyards, or other jewelry-making materials, kids can make and share a variety of friendship bracelets.

Seashell creatures

At the next beach excursion, pick up differently shaped shells. They can be painted and glued together to resemble different animals or whatever designs one can imagine.

Sunprints

Check out the craft store for a special light-sensitive solution that can be painted onto thick craft paper. Set various natural items on top (such as fern boughs, shells, feathers, and more) and let the sun do its work. You’ll ultimately be left with some beautiful silhouettes.

Leather sewing kits

Evoke the feelings of summer camp right at home with leather sewing kits that enable everyone to make handcrafted leather wallets or small purses.

Painted stones

Kids can have fun gathering smooth pebbles from trails or at the shores of lakes. They can be painted with various designs or sweet sentiments, only to be left around the neighborhood for others to discover.

Sea glass jewelry

An adult can use a very thin drill bit to make holes in sea glass remnants that washed up on beaches. Feed through earring hooks or chains to create one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Dyed shoes or accessories

Use commercially produced or homemade dyes made from teabags, berry juice, turmeric powder, or more to color certain items. Dress up canvas sneakers with summertime hues, or make colorful bandanas to help keep you cool.

French toast or pancakes may be popular weekend breakfast options, but why not switch things up with another sticky and sweet option? “Sweet Sunday Rolls” from “The Contented Vegan” (Head of Zeus) by Peggy Brusseau are quick to prepare and perfect for a relaxing morning meal when time allows. Enjoy with tea or coffee.

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Sweet Sunday Rolls

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup desiccated (shredded) coconut

1/2 cup lightly packed soft light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

10 1/2 ounces all-purpose or whole-wheat flour, plus extra for dusting your work surface

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

2 3/4 ounces coconut oil, plus a little extra for greasing the dish

5 ounces plant milk

2/3 cup raisins

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 ounces maple or barley malt syrup

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 425 F, and grease an 11- 1/4 inch round baking dish or similar ovenproof dish with a generous coating of coconut oil. Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the greased dish, jostling it a little to distribute evenly.

Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar over the coconut-coated baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Add the coconut oil and use a table knife to “cut” it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the plant milk and stir well, then knead to a firm dough using your hands.

Lightly flour a work surface. Turn out the dough and shape it into a rough rectangle. Use a rolling pin (or simply press with your hands) to flatten it into a bigger rectangle of about 8 by 12 inches, with a thickness of about 5/8 inch. With the long edge closest to you, spread the raisins over the dough, leaving a gap of about 1 1/4 inches all around the edges. Lightly press the raisins into the dough. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the raisins, and drizzle with the olive oil and half of the syrup.

Roll the dough into a log from the long edge, working away from you. Press firmly as you roll to ensure the filling is properly embedded. Check that the ends and the long edge are closed – if necessary, dampen those edges and press together to seal. Using a serrated bread knife, cut the roll into slices about 1 1/4 inches thick. Lay the slices flat in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little room between each slice. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

While the rolls are baking, cut a piece of baking paper large enough to cover the baking dish. When the rolls are cooked, set the dish on a wire rack or trivet. Lay the baking paper over the dish and put a large plate or tray upside down on top of the paper, with the baking dish centered underneath. Using oven gloves, carefully lift the dish and plate, holding them firmly together as you turn them over. Leave the baking dish upside down on the plate for 2 to 3 minutes, then carefully lift off.

Collect and spread any coconut mixture left in the dish over the rolls, which are now upside down. Drizzle the remaining syrup over the rolls while they are still hot. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes before gently pulling them away from each other. Eat while still warm. Serves 4

There are different variations of frose. Some concoctions pour rose over sherbet while others mix the wine with various liqueurs before freezing. This “Best Frose Recipe,” from husband and wife home cooking experts Sonja and Alex Overhiser, is frose at its most basic – without skimping on flavor. Keep in mind that this mixture takes six hours to freeze, so prepare accordingly if you will be serving guests.

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Best Frose Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 750 ml bottle of favorite rose wine

8 large strawberries (about 1 1/2 cups ripe strawberries, halved), plus more for garnish

1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)

DIRECTIONS

Open the rose and pour 2/3 cup into a glass measuring cup; set aside for when serving. Remove the tops of the strawberries and cut them in half.

In a blender, blend the remaining rose, strawberries and honey until smooth and fully combined. Then pour the mixture through a strainer and into a covered baking dish. Transfer the baking dish to the freezer and freeze at least 6 hours, or overnight. The alcohol in the mixture will keep it a slushy texture instead of freezing solid.

Blend the mixture again until it comes to a fluffy texture. To serve, place the blended mixture into a glass. Then pour a splash of rose into each glass (this step is important: it gives the final texture and brings in the character of the rose). If desired, garnish with strawberries and serve. Serves 6