THE NEFF ZONE -- BY JIM NEFF

CADILLAC NEWS -- AUGUST 9, 2025

 

It's already August. Fall is just around the corner. A sure sign is that the Octoberfest beers are beginning to appear on store shelves. It's also time to transition from summer munchies to a more autumnal fare. 

 

The transition between seasons could be difficult to discern if the Old Farmer's Almanac is correct. “Their fall weather forecast just dropped—and they're predicting warmer-than-average temperatures through much of the country, and lower-than-average rainfall almost everywhere in the U.S.” (https://www.realsimple.com/old-farmers-almanac-fall-2025-weather-prediction-11781869)

 

When it comes to foods to enjoy during warm days, the traditional watermelon is popular choice. “The best part about eating watermelon is the fact that it pretty much legitimizes the practice of spitting seeds as far as you can across the lawn, while getting covered in sweet, sticky juice. Ahh, the simple joys of summertime.”

 

There is a downside. “How do you get it to come out in neat, symmetrical chunks instead of having the project turn into a raggedy mess?” Here's where that Interweb thingy comes in. A new “hack” says after you cut the melon into wedges you can use dental floss to remove the meat from the rind. They say floss also works on cake. See photos at: Read More: https://www.mashed.com/215313/this-viral-watermelon-cutting-hack-changes-everything/.

 

Ice cream is another favorite during the summer, but you want to avoid the treat turning into a carton of ice crystals in your freezer. There's a way to avoid this advises the International Dairy Foods Association. 

 

“After opening a new carton of ice cream, the IDFA recommends pressing a piece of waxed paper or plastic wrap against the surface of the ice cream before putting the lid back and returning the carton to the freezer. This will help prevent the formation of ice crystals by adding an extra layer of protection to the ice cream's surface.” (https://www.allrecipes.com/wax-paper-to-prevent-ice-cream-ice-crystals-7642635)

 

While ice cream is a nice treat, having a healthy breakfast is a good idea in any season. EatingWell.com tells us that the best cereal to promote heart health is an old favorite. “When it comes to heart-healthy cereals, shredded wheat cereal stands out. One serving provides eight grams of fiber and also contains essential nutrients, including iron, niacin, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc.” See the other top cereal choices at: https://www.eatingwell.com/best-cereals-to-reduce-stroke-risk-11777695.

 

A breakfast favorite of mine also bridges the seasons – peanut butter on toast. However, when choosing that schmear you have to be careful. “Based on FDA regulations, in order for a product to be labeled peanut butter in the U.S., its contents must contain at least ninety percent peanuts. Unfortunately, most reduced-fat peanut butter varieties are labeled as peanut butter 'spreads' since many options contain significantly less than ninety percent nuts.” (https://www.chowhound.com/1920143/avoid-buying-reduced-fat-peanut-butter/)

 

A Michigan dish that probably is enjoyed more often in brisk weather made a Food Network list. “Welcome to the United Plates of America. Each state is packed with iconic local flavors that share its history and define its geography.” (https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/packages/best-food-in-america/photos/most-iconic-food-united-states)

 

The pasty is the iconic Michigan choice. “The pasty has become a staple Michigan food for Yoopers, who even throw a festival to celebrate it. Some of the best pasties can be found at Lawry's, a family-owned pasty shop that opened in 1946. They still serve the traditional meat variety stuffed with beef, potato, onion and rutabagas, but also offer mini pasties and garden medley vegetable versions as well.” 

 

Pot pies are more prevalent in the colder months, but an old comfort pie is making a comeback. According to a FoodandWine.com headline: “Squirrel Pot Pie Was Once America’s Comfort Food — What Happened? This pioneer-era pie is due for a comeback.” The article notes: “If you were to flip open a 1975 edition of The Joy of Cooking, you might be startled by an illustration that demonstrates how to skin a squirrel. The page includes instructions on how to prepare a variety of small game: opossum, porcupine, raccoon, woodchuck, muskrat, armadillo, and beaver. 

 

Now, although these recipes might not be on your go-to menu, a lot of folks love wild game meals. Don't be too fast to judge. “In an age when rabbit and quail make regular appearances at fine-dining restaurants or high-end butcher shops, squirrel might deserve to resume its place at the dinner table.” (https://www.foodandwine.com/squirrel-pot-pie-1177587)

 

Finally, as we transition into fall, did you notice that your dinner table seemed to move a bit last Tuesday? There's a reason for that. August 5 was one of the shortest days of the year –  1.34 milliseconds shorter to be exact. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/08/04/august-5-short-day-2025/85517066007/)

 

How does this affect you? “The Earth's rotation is influenced by the core and the atmosphere. The core’s spin has been slowing, meaning that the rest of the planet must speed up to compensate.” Now you know. It wasn't your imagination. 

 

Jim Neff is a local columnist. Read Neff Zone columns online at CadillacNews.com and NeffZone.com/cadillacnews.