Food & Travel

• When it comes to quick meals, a plate of crispy, flavorful chicken wings always pleases. While traditional deep-frying might be the go-to method for achieving that perfect crunch, the air fryer has revolutionized the way we make these delectable wings.    
• This simple recipe will yield perfectly crispy wings with a mouth-watering Cajun flavor.  

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
• Olive oil 
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Black Pepper
• Salt

 Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Dry and Season the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss the wings in olive oil so they are completely covered.  In a large bowl, combine all of the seasoning. Toss the wings in this mixture until they are evenly coated.  
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Air Fry the Wings: Cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy.
5.  Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy air fryer wings immediately.  

• One day this Summer we visited a new ice scream shop called Shawn Michelle's Homemade Ice Cream.    
• From classic favorites like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, to unique creations like lavender honey, sea salt caramel, and peanut butter fudge swirl, there's something to please everyone. The shop takes pride in using high-quality ingredients, ensuring each scoop is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor.   
• Whether it's the refreshing watermelon sorbet during Summer or the cozy pumpkin spice latte ice cream in the Fall, Shawn Michelle's continually surprises and delights its patrons. 
• I had the Banana Pudding ice cream while the children chose an Oreo Cookie, vanilla ice cream concoction. Both flavors were delicious and we will definitely return. 
• Here is a link to the shop's site:  https://smhmicmenu.wordpress.com/

• As a transplant to Chicago from the East Coast, I have repeatedly said I would move back there. Almost 30 years later, I am still in Chicago.  When I think of moving now, I of course only consider places with no Winter.
• During a recent visit to Raleigh, NC, for a music festival, I felt like this could be home.  Friends told me to consider Charlotte, NC, with its big city amenities. 
• We made it Charlotte a couple months later.   Charlotte combines Southern charm with urban sophistication. Known as the Queen City, Charlotte boasts a thriving economy, a rich history, a spectrum of cultural delights, and a warm and welcoming community.
• Food lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice in Charlotte. The city offers a diverse range of cuisines, from southern comfort food to international flavors. Food markets like 7th Street Public Market and Optimist Hall provide an opportunity to savor local produce, artisanal products, and craft beverages.
• Finally, with its temperate climate, Charlotte's parks and green spaces can be enjoyed year-round. 
• Soon after our trip, my daughter asked me when we are moving to Charlotte.  Her older brother was, however, much less enthusiastic. Keep you posted ;)          

• Check out this week's top 20 travel ideas handpicked for the adventurers in all of us. Top 20