January 2026 | ISSUE NO. 7 | | |
Topsail Beach & Surf City
- January 23: Surf City Movie Night, 6-8:30 pm
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Wilmington, Wrightsville & Carolina Beach
- January 16: Free Concert Friday, 7 pm
- January 17: MLK Jr. Celebration, 11-2 pm
- January 18: Wilmington Symphony Orchestra Performance at the Wilson Center
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Duplin/Pender County Events
- January 15: Friends of Horticulture Meeting (Duplin), 6-7 pm
- January 23: Basics of Air Frying Workshop (Duplin), 10-12 pm
- January 31: Hot Chocolate Hike (Pender), 10 am
| | For information on all upcoming events in NC click here. | | For a complete North Carolina Market Snapshot click here. | |
January Home Maintenance Checklist
1. Test Smoke & CO2 Detectors
- Why: Prevents fires and CO poisoning, saving lives.
- How: Press the test button monthly; replace batteries annually (when clocks change is a good reminder). Replace units every 5-10 years.
2. Change the HVAC Filter
- Why: Improves air quality, reduces energy costs, extends system life.
- When: Monthly, or every 1-3 months depending on pets/usage; check seasonally.
3. Professionally Service & Clean Your HVAC
- Why: Ensures safe & efficient operation.
- What: Tech checks heat exchanger, blower, belts, safety controls, thermostat.
4. Clean Your Dryer Vent
- Why: Prevents fires, improves drying efficiency.
- How: Remove lint from the vent line and the dryer's lint trap regularly.
5. Recaulk
- Why: Seals gaps, prevents drafts, improves energy efficiency and comfort.
- Where: Windows, doors, foundation cracks.
6. Vacuum Refrigerator Coils
- Why: Helps the fridge run efficiently.
- How: Unplug fridge, locate coils (usually behind or underneath), vacuum dust/debris.
7. Drain Sediment from Water Heater
- Why: Removes sediment, improves efficiency, extends lifespan.
- How: Connect hose to drain valve at bottom; run a little hot water first, then drain, flush, and refill.
8. Lubricate Garage Door Wheels & Springs
- Why: Reduces noise, prevents wear, ensures smooth operation.
- What: Lubricate springs, rollers, hinges (use silicone-based spray).
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Crisp Gnocchi With Brussels Sprouts & Brown Butter
Author: Ali Slagle
Prep/Total Time: 20 Min.
Yields: 20 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussel sprouts (or cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower or even cabbage)
- 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- 1 (18-ounce) package shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into 6 pieces
- ½ teaspoon honey
- Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
Preparation
Step 1
Trim and halve the brussels sprouts. Using a vegetable peeler, peel thick strips of lemon zest, then coarsely chop. (You should have about 2 teaspoons chopped zest.)
Step 2
In a large (preferably 12-inch) skillet, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high. Add the brussels sprouts, season with ½ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, then arrange the brussels sprouts in an even layer, cut side down. Scatter the lemon zest over the top and cook, undisturbed, until the brussels sprouts are well browned underneath, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the red-pepper flakes, stir and cook until the brussels sprouts are crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl.
Step 3
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high. Break up any gnocchi that are stuck together, add them to the pan and cook, covered and undisturbed, until golden brown on one side, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the butter and honey, season with salt and a generous amount of black pepper, and cook, stirring, until the butter is golden, nutty smelling and foaming, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the brussels sprouts until warmed through. Serve with grated Parmesan.
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