http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Season-s-Greetings.html?soid=1102923281017&aid=ZC-MxtW7QGQ.
My favorite part of this time of year is spending quality time with family, friends, and our community. The food available at these gatherings is great, too! Speaking of food, below is a special family recipe I wanted to share with you and your family during the holiday season.
For me, this time of year is also a period of personal reflection on the year that was and the goals and adventures waiting for me in the year to come. I know for many, 2011 was a difficult financial year. In talking with our neighbors and fellow residents, it is clear that the economic uncertainties continue to affect individual households in Augusta, in Maine, and across the nation. I can certainly relate to this as my family has been facing the same economic struggles.
Looking ahead, I know the economy and city budget will be a primary focus on the City Council. Other local items of importance that will likely be discussed in 2012 include: redevelopment of the Kennebec Arsenal, Cony Flatiron, and former American Tissue Mill site; a successful fundraising campaign to renovate Lithgow Library; upgrades at Cony’s Alumni Field complex; fixing our roads and sidewalks; supporting our educational system; continued revitalization efforts for our downtown; the MaineGeneral and Exit 113 projects; and so much more. I would like to hear your thoughts on what should be the focus for the upcoming year.
I want you to know that I will continue to work hard for you on the City Council. It is an honor to have the opportunity to be your City Councilor and it is a job I take seriously. I hope I have been able to meet your expectations of an elected public official.
So here is to a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year to you and your loved ones. From my family to yours – Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays!
Mémé Guerrette’s Fried Rice
This recipe has been around my family as far as I can remember. This was a signature dish for my mémé – and my mom continues the tradition today. It is always served during family meals on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. It is truly a special moment when a certain food can capture a memory of a loved one, family, and good times.
Our family calls this recipe, Mémé Guerrette’s Fried Rice.
What you will need:
- 1 cup of white rice (river rice is best, but you can use any brand name. Just do not use minute rice)
- A piece of steak (our family uses New York sirloin)
- A green pepper
- Soy Sauce (La Choy is best)
- Vegetable oil
Cooking Instructions:
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Add one cup of white rice, stir well to prevent sticking on bottom of pot.
- Bring to a second boil and then shoot down with cold water.
- Continue to stir while boiling and shoot down again with water until rice is cooked.
- Drain rice in a drainer and apply cold water from tap until rice is drained and not sticky.
- Cut up steak and green peppers into small chunk size pieces.
- Using a cast iron skillet, add some vegetable oil to cover bottom on skillet, about ½ cup.
- Allow oil to get hot and stir fry steak and pepper until cooked.
- Turn stove on low and add rice.
- While stirring, add soy sauce until rice, and ingredients are brown.
- Enjoy!
Augusta Matters 
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