​Bacon-Inspired Dinner Recipes
​By Elizabeth Dubos
 
1. Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Prep Time: 20 Minutes, Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
                        2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
                        3 tablespoons unsalted butter
                        2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
                        2 cups whole milk
                        3 cups of shredded cheese
                        5 slices of bacon
Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º
2. Cook elbow macaroni and set aside
3. Cook bacon and set aside
4. In a large saucepan, low heat, melt unsalted butter and add flour
5. After butter and flour are combined gradually add whole milk
6. Cook on medium heat until it comes to a boil; stir constantly until mixture has thickened
7. Add 2 cups of shredded cheese to the saucepan
8. Drain macaroni, chop bacon, and add both to saucepan mixture
9. Stir on low heat for 1 minute
10. Remove and add to casserole dish, top with 1 cup shredded cheese
11. Bake for 20 minutes

 
2. Bacon Apple Sandwich
Prep Time: 2 Minutes, Cook Time: 1 minutes
Ingredients:
            Slices of bread, recommended: baguette or whole grain
            Honey mustard
            Pre-cooked bacon slices
            Cheese, recommended: American or Pepper Jack
            Lettuce
            Tomato
            Salt & Pepper
            Apple, recommended: Granny Smith or Courtland
      Instructions:

1. Cut bread into slices
2. Add mustard, salt, and pepper
3. Add lettuce, tomato, apple, cheese, and bacon on top,
4. Cut in half and enjoy!

 
3. Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Prep Time: 20 Minutes, Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
            10 slices uncooked bacon
            10 uncooked sea fresh sea scallops
            1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
            1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
            1/4 teaspoon paprika
            1/3 cup parsley for garnish
            3 tablespoons olive oil
 Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a large saucepan until brown, yet pliable
2. Combine spices into bowl and stir until well combined
3. Dip scallops into bowl to season
4. Wrap pieces of bacon around seasoned scallops
5. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat
6. Cook bacon-scallops until golden and crispy
7. Garnish with parsley

 
4. Chicken Bacon Pasta
Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
            6 slices of bacon
            2 cups pasta of choice, recommended: penne
            1 boneless turkey breast
            1/3 cup heavy cream
            3 chopped garlic cloves
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup parsley for garnish
Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a large saucepan until brown, chop into 1/2 inch pieces, set aside
2. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat to cook chicken
3. After chicken is done cooking cut into small-medium pieces, 1/2 inch large
4. Boil pasta, set aside
5. In a large saucepan combine pasta, chicken pieces, bacon, heavy cream, and chopped garlic cloves
6. Cook for 5 – 7 minutes on medium
7. After it’s golden, garnish with parsley, and serve

 
5. BLT Salad
Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
            10 slices of uncooked bacon
            5 cups fresh romaine lettuce
            2 cups grape tomato
            1 1/2 cups pre-made croutons
Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a large saucepan until brown, chop into 1/2 inch pieces, set aside
2. Rinse and clean fresh vegetables
3. Add bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and croutons into a large bowl
4. Serve with desired dressing, recommended: olive oil or lemon juice

 
6. Bacon Tomato Soup
Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
            8 slices of uncooked bacon
            2 tablespoons olive oil
            1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
            1/2 tablespoon onion powder
            1/4 teaspoon paprika
            1/2 cup fresh basil
            2 1/2 cups beef stock
            1 can of diced tomatoes, recommended brand: Hunt’s
            1 can of tomato sauce, recommended brand: Hunt’s
            1 tablespoon tomato paste, recommended brand: Hunt’s
                        Salt and pepper
Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a large saucepan until brown, chop into 1/4 inch pieces, set aside
2. In a large saucepan, medium-heat, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well-combined
3. Add salt, pepper, beef stock, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste to herb saucepan mixture
4. Stirring occasionally, add bacon to saucepan until well-blended

 
Edited by London Koffler
 
 

Staying Sane During the Holidays
By Reagan Greenwood
​
The holidays are just around the corner. Snow has started falling in many parts of the United States and the temperatures are dropping. Commercials are filled with deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, encouraging everyone to finish up those holiday wish lists. Yes, it’s that time of year. Some make call it “wonderful” while others call it “terrible.” Whichever one you may be, here are some tips to keep in mind during the holiday season.

1. Do not go into debt. Depending on how you spend the holidays, gifts claim importance. However, the holiday season only lasts a couple months. The new remote control plane you bought for five-year-old Benny is only going to be appreciated until he opens his next gift. You do not need to spend all of your money and then some just to please those around you. Simple, thoughtful gifts are important, too. Think practical. Is the expensive gift you are buying going to be used enough to get its money’s worth? If not, don’t buy it. No matter how special your loved ones are, no gift is worth the stress of going into debt for the next few months.
2. Say no. You do not have to do everything, whether it is cooking two desserts and a side dish, or traveling across the country for the holidays. Traveling is tiresome, especially with children. Plus, with the cold weather, many kids are fighting off the cold or flu. There is no need to spread any illnesses. If stress outweighs enjoyment, it may be best to decline and stay home.
3. Family isn’t necessary. Yes, family is important, but if going home and visiting the family for the holidays causes you to have more stress, anxiety, or depression, do not go. You must take care of your mental and physical health first. All families are different. Just because everyone else is chowing down on apple pie with their grandparents does not mean that you have to as well.
4. Take a break. If you do decide to spend the holidays with your family and find yourself getting stressed or annoyed, exit. Excuse yourself from the conversation you are having, grab a drink, and step into a quieter room. This could be the bathroom, a bedroom, or even the back yard. Find a dog to love on. Give yourself five to ten minutes of alone time. This will allow you to recharge and brace yourself for the next game of 20 Questions.
5. Be thankful. Yes, it may be hard to do so when you have three babies crying in your ears and your aunt’s chihuahua peeing on your new sweater, but think about all the things you have the opportunity to experience and all the things you don’t have to. Even if your Uncle Joe burnt the ham, at least there is food on the table to enjoy.

The holidays are meant to be filled with joy, so do what makes you happy. If that means sitting in a car for twelve hours and drinking beer with your six aunts and four uncles, then do that. Or if you’d be happier spending the day inside with your cat and ordering a pizza, that is fine, too. As long as you are able to enjoy some time without stress, it doesn’t matter what you do.
Edited by Emily Chance

Dark Times Call for Better Measures
By Emily Chance
​
I have come to find that most suicides happen on Mondays or on the holidays. I know of many people who killed themselves without knowing what kind of an impact they would create leaving those behind, and most of them were considered “happy.” So here are some ideas to help battle the blues:

1. Hang out with friends. Make sure to hang out with people other than your family. It will help you realize that you are loved by more than those who are “obligated” to love you. If you feel like you have no friends or you have lost touch with them, reconnect with them! I know that I’m happy to talk to people I haven’t seen or heard from in years.
2. Find a hobby. Find something that you enjoy doing, or at least something to get your mind off of your troubles. Bake a cake. Sew a pillow. Make a tie blanket! Take up solitaire or even origami. Getting yourself busy can be good for your soul.
3. Binge watch a T.V. show or movies. Go get a blanket, grab some snacks out of your fridge or cabinet, curl up on the couch, and put on Supernatural, Gilmore Girls, House, Doctor Who, Orange is the New Black, or whatever else you want to watch! Watch Disney movies! The possibilities are endless! Just make sure to get up and get some water, too. You deserve to stay hydrated.
4. Talk to somebody! Don’t just sit there thinking dark or suicidal thoughts. You are not a bother to anyone. Everyone is loved by someone, and if you haven’t heard it today: I love you! Now go get a glass of water and stay hydrated, you beautiful human being.

U.S.A. Suicide Hotline: 855-325-4296
United Kingdom Suicide Hotline: 44 0 8457 90 90 90
Edited by Klancy Hoover

5 Easy Pumpkin Flavored Dessert Recipes
By Elizabeth Dubos
​
1. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Blondies
Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Ingredients:
            2 cups all-purpose flour
            1 1/2 tablespoon pumpkin spice
            1 teaspoon baking soda
            1/2 teaspoon salt
            1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
            2 cups granulated sugar
            2 eggs
            1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
            1 tablespoon vanilla extract
            1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
            1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
            1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
            2 cups mini milk chocolate chips
Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F
2. Line a 9 X 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper
3. In a large bowl mix together dry ingredients.
4. In a separate medium bowl use electric mixer to combine butter and sugar
5. In the same medium bowl mix eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract
6. Add medium bowl mixture to large bowl in thirds

• Note: Add 1/3 medium to large & mix, add 2/3 medium to large & mix, add 3/3 medium to large & mix
  1. Bake 35 to 40 minutes
  2. Allow chocolate chip pumpkin blondies to cool 30 minutes before serving

 
2. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Prep Time: 30 Minutes, Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
            Crust:
                        2 cups all-purpose flour
                        1/2 cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
                        1/2 cup granulated white sugar
            Cheesecake Layer:
                        8 oz cream cheese
                        1/2 cup granulated white sugar
                        1 egg
                        1 tablespoon vanilla extract
            Pumpkin Layer:       
                        1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
                        1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
                        1 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
                        2 eggs
                        1 tablespoon vanilla extract
                        1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
                        1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
                        1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F
2. Line a 9 X 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper
3. Prepare Crust: Combine flour, butter, and sugar until blended. Hand knead dough into 9 X 13 inch baking dish. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool 10 minutes.
4. Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a separate medium bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Prepare Pumpkin Layer: In a separate medium bowl combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, ginger, and nutmeg.
6. Pour cheesecake layer over cooled crust.
7. Pour pumpkin layer over cream cheese.
8. Bake 50–60 minutes
9. Refrigerate overnight then serve!

 
3. Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse
Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: Overnight Chilling
Ingredients:
            8 oz cream cheese
            1/2 cup granulated sugar
            1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
            1 instant vanilla pudding mix (recommended Jell-O)
            1 cup whole milk
                        1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
                        1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
                        1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
                        Optional Toppings: Whipped cream & crushed gingersnap cookies
Instructions:

1. In large bowl combine cream cheese and sugar until smooth
2. Add pumpkin puree, pudding mix, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon
3. Gradually add milk 1/2 cup at a time
4. Refrigerate overnight
5. Serve with whipped cream and crushed gingersnap cookies

 
4. Pumpkin Pudding
Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: Overnight Chilling
Ingredients:
            1 instant vanilla pudding mix (recommended Jell-O)
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
                        1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
                        1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
                        Optional: Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:

1. Follow pudding mix directions and substitute reg. milk for evaporated milk
2. Refrigerate 5 minutes
3. Add to pudding mix and combine pumpkin puree, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon
4. Refrigerate overnight
5. Serve with whipped cream

 
5. Pumpkin Cookies
Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: 18 minutes, Makes 36 Cookies
Ingredients:
                        1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
                        2 cups flour
                        1 large egg
                        2 teaspoons vanilla extract
                        1/2 teaspoon baking powder
                        1/2 teaspoon baking soda
                        1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
                        1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
                        1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
                        1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
Optional Glaze: Combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons whole milk, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper
3. In large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and salt
4. In medium bowl combine sugar and butter until well blended.
5. In latter medium bowl add pumpkin puree, egg, vanilla extract until smooth
6. Add medium bowl mixture to large bowl in thirds

 Note: Add 1/3 medium to large & mix, add 2/3 medium to large & mix, add 3/3 medium to large & mix

1. Using 1 inch ice cream scooper place cookie dough on prepared baking sheets
2. Bake 15–18 minutes
3. Cool for 5 minutes then drizzle glaze over cookies
4. Let set for 10 minutes in refrigerator before serving

 
Edited by London Koffler

Blurb:

Colin McKenzie, Diane Christy, and Kelly Lytton, the three captured and reprogrammed Reploids, have proved their worth to the United Protectorate in a fierce battle against the powerful cybernetic weapon, Succubus, developed by traitorous Dr. Fenlow.

Commissioned to form a special unit known as the Silencers under the jurisdiction of the military's Central Intelligence Division, Colin, Diane, and Kelly are back on Maseklos Prime, working at menial jobs while the CID keeps a close eye on them. But when the United Protectorate's President Drennan is almost killed in a bizarre assassination attempt, Colin, Diane, and Kelly are ordered to uncover whoever was responsible.

Meanwhile, Colin remains curious and wary about his dark past as a Vendetta operative formerly working against the Protectorate. The more he learns about his previous life, the less he likes it. Even more worrisome are the odd dreams he's been having.

​As Colin, Diane, and Kelly chase leads in their case, they realize they may be up against unstoppable weapons in the form of third generation Reploids, created to be bigger, stronger, and more inhuman. But Colin, Diane, and Kelly are the Protectorate's only hope.


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I don't know about anyone else, but when I'm studying, editing, writing, or doing work that needs concentration, I like to listen to music with no words. I don't want words to distract me from thinking.

Music is also great for your mental health. You can use music for relaxation, meditation, or to help you go to sleep.

I was searching for some new meditation sounds recently and came across this website: https://www.calmsound.com/

I love that they give you free sounds to listen to! How cool is that! You can also buy their albums if you want. They've got nature sounds like rain, the ocean, birds chirping, etc.

However, don't steal their sounds to use in things like youtube videos, etc. As a creator myself, I don't like seeing anyone's work stolen. They're nice enough to let you listen to it for free, so don't ruin that for everyone by stealing it and using it for the wrong purposes! "Free sounds" doesn't mean free to use however you want, it just means you can listen to them for free.

I've been enjoying these nature sounds. They help me relax and fall asleep. 

Does anyone like to listen to nature sounds? Tell us about it in the comments!