Springtime Leek and Goat Cheese Tart Recipe

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Here's the latest recipe from chef Jill Fisher! Jill, a licensed Personal Chef, teaches cooking classes at Conejo Valley Adult School and Williams Sonoma in Thousand Oaks and has written articles for local food magazines such as 805 Living. In December, Jill and her friend released their cookbook "i found my sanity in...My Best Friend's Kitchen."

CLICK HERE for other recipes from Jill published here on Conejo Valley Guide!

Perfect for your springtime brunch, a Leek and Goat Cheese Tart.  Leeks are a member of the onion family yet have a milder flavor and are a fantastic addition to your favorite dishes, especially  when they have been slightly sautéed first.  Because they are a bulb, they do have layers that can trap dirt.  The best way to get rid of the dirt and sand is to slice the leeks, just up to tender green stem, and put the slices in a colander.  Run them under cool water and separate the rings with your fingers to shake loose any residual dirt. Pair this delicious tart with a spinach salad and fruit and you’ll be ready for spring! -Jill

Leek and Goat Cheese Tart

1 pie crust, blind baked*

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 lb leeks, including tender green parts, well cleaned and sliced crosswise 1/8 inch thick

Salt and pepper

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Breaking News!! First Case of Rabbit Flu Discovered in the Conejo Valley!

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One year ago, the H1N1 flu (often referred to as "swine" flu) virus was first detected.  Conejo Valley Guide has been compiling global swine flu updates since then.

Today, April 1, 2010, Conejo Valley public health officials reported their first confirmed case of a new form of influenza, the Bunny Flu, in a local Thousand Oaks resident.  Typical symptoms of Bunny Flu include fever, runny nose and unexplained displays of EGG (Excessive Grass Grazing).  Nausea is additional symptom of Bunny and Rabbit Flu (BARF).

According to Dr. Pete R. Wrabett, Human and Rabbit Expert (HARE) at South Dakota State University (Home of the Jackrabbits), "This is the first known case of Bunny Flu, but there is no cause fur immediate concern. However, due to the abundance of rabbits in the Conejo Valley, one must take a few precautions."

Wrabett's advice includes:

  • Wash hands after coming into contact with Easter Bunny.
  • Limit carrot consumption to one bunch per day.
  • If one feels compelled to hop for extended periods of time, visit Jolly Jumps to get it out of your system.

In other news, it is reported that several wild rabbits in Sycamore Canyon are showing signs of Irritable Bunny Syndrome (IBS). Apparently between the months of rains we've had this winter, the winds and the ever-present coyotes, local rabbits are hopping mad.

 

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Swine Flu Outbreak Information and Updates

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We have been reporting daily H1N1 (Swine) Flu tallies and updates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization since 4/27/09 and will continue to do so until they stop reporting the stats.  On 7/24/09, the CDC announced it will no longer report individual H1N1 flu cases by state but will continue reporting hospitalizations and deaths. But we will continue reporting tidbits of information as we obtain it.

The Ventura County Health Care Agency H1N1 Hotline is 805.981.5390 and operates Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm. Visit the VC Public Health website at www.vchca.org/ph/swineflu for more information.  H1N1 and seasonal flu shots are now widely available to all individuals in Ventura County.

Update 4/30/10: WHO H1N1 update 98 on 4/30/10 reports at least 17,919 deaths as of 4/25/10 (66 in latest week).

Update 4/23/10: CDC finally realized last week no one cares anymore about H1N1 flu stats. But the WHO is still reporting. Its H1N1 update 97 on 4/23/10 reports at least 17,853 deat

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Had to Share This Great TV Theme Show Medley

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These two young guys** from Sweden do a heck of a job covering 22 U.S. TV show theme songs in less than 7 minutes.  Quite a talented duo.  Visit their website at www.freddegredde.com to see other videos and to donate if you like their work. Or visit their YouTube Channel.  **I've been told this is just one guy, not twins. Duh! In any case, this dude is talented!

Theme songs included along with their start times on the video:

0:01 Two and a Half Men
0:22 The Simpsons
0:36 O.C
1:00 Naruto
1:11 Family Guy

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March Madness and Super Bowl Pools Still Illegal but Not Quite as Much

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I don't know anyone who has been thrown in jail or fined $5,000 for participating in a March Madness pool, but, whew, effective January 1st, at least we don't have to worry about this prospect! Thanks to California Assembly Bill 58 "Sports Betting Pools" law signed last year, the your prospects for going to jail have been reduced even further!

Well, that's not exactly the case. If you run or participate in a sports betting pool that has at least $2,500 at stake and/or is run...gulp...online, you continue to face a possible misdemeanor or even felony charges.

But even if you participate in a little $5 sports pool and fill out your selections on those printed bracket sheets, you still face the prospect of a $250 infraction.

Now I'm wondering if there are any loopholes. If everyone wagers, say, a six-pack of beer, does that

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New Rules for Roth IRAs in 2010

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New Rules for Roth IRAs

Presented by Bradley Bronk, CFP®

Roth IRAs, despite their attractive features, have yet to match the popularity of traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA).  One reason Roth IRAs constitute such a small percentage of total retirement assets, just 5%, is that many wealthier individuals, who potentially stand to benefit the most from them, have been ineligible either to contribute to one or to convert their existing traditional IRAs to a Roth IRA.  As of year-end 2008, over $3.5 trillion was invested in traditional IRAs compared with a mere $165 billion in Roth IRAs.1

The Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 changed tax laws regarding the conversion of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.  The act specifically allows anyone to convert their traditional IRA to a Roth IRA regardless of their adjusted gross income (AGI), beginning January 1, 2010.  This is a unique opportunity that was not available to everyone in the past.

What is a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA is a retirement investment vehicle in which all earnings are tax free when distributions are taken. Other benefits include eliminating the need to take minimum distributions after age 70½ and avoiding the early distribution penalty on certain withdrawals.

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Potato Cobb Salad with Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing

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Here's the latest recipe from chef Jill Fisher! Jill, a licensed Personal Chef, teaches cooking classes at Conejo Valley Adult School and Williams Sonoma in Thousand Oaks and has written articles for local food magazines such as 805 Living. In December, Jill and her friend released their cookbook "i found my sanity in...My Best Friend's Kitchen."

CLICK HERE for other recipes from Jill published here on Conejo Valley Guide!

Happy March everyone!  Since the Irish always seem to steer me towards thinking of potatoes, here is a great take on potato salad – Potato Cobb Salad!  Fill up your platter with rows of beautiful salad fixings and toppings and let your guests pick and choose what they like.  Serve with a side of Cilantro Buttermilk dressing for a real crowd pleaser – maybe even Oscar Party worthy!  Enjoy! -Jill

Potato Cobb Salad

 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes

¾ tsp salt

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