December 13th, 2012 by CrispRoot

Growing up, this time of year had two special traditions:  caroling, and cookies.  Often times, the first was followed immediately by the second.

This year, in prepping for the inevitable songs & sweets fest, it occurred to me:  what about people who require a gluten free diet - what are they to do?  What about kids who meet that description – I don’t even want to think of their faces, when everyone is munching on a Christmas cookie, and they have to just sit there. (more…)

October 18th, 2012 by CrispRoot

One nice thing about fall is, the return of cooler temperatures brings with it the return of an American staple that’s popular for dinner, lunch, or especially tailgating: chili! (more…)

July 5th, 2012 by CrispRoot

Happy belated 4^th of July, Y’All.  A day late, but better late than never, right?  I hope everyone had fun, ate some great summer-holiday type food – healthy, hopefully, since there’s more and more healthy good tasting options out there – and then watched an awesome fireworks display. (more…)

June 21st, 2012 by CrispRoot

Hey, in case you missed it, yesterday was the longest day of the year.  The way my sometimes silly mind works, that makes me wonder – is today the second longest day of the year, or would that have been two days ago? (more…)

June 14th, 2012 by CrispRoot

It’s quiz time:  It’s after Mother’s Day, after Memorial Day, after Flag Day, and before the Fourth of July.  Your one and only hint is, there could be no Mother’s Day without the guy we’re honoring this weekend.  So, what day is this Sunday? (more…)

May 10th, 2012 by CrispRoot

Mother’s Day, the once a year day to honor a very important person in your life… your mom.  So, how are you going to do that this year?  Flowers?  Candy?  Brunch?  A day at the spa? (more…)

April 12th, 2012 by CrispRoot

Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month?  I didn’t either.

So just what is National Volunteer Month?  A month to honor all those who volunteer their time and effort to a good cause?  Well, that’s not a bad idea, and I’m sure it could be worked in there somehow… but that’s not really what it’s all about. (more…)

April 5th, 2012 by CrispRoot

As of this week, baseball is back.  And, whether it be Little League, high school, college ball, or the pros… I humbly submit, no other sport’s Opening Day has quite the same impact on the American soul as this one. (more…)

March 22nd, 2012 by CrispRoot

They call it March Madness.  I agree with the name, but only because the NCAA Basketball Tournament tends to drive me nuts.

Why?  Well… (more…)

March 15th, 2012 by CrispRoot

It’s mid-March, which means spring is just around the corner.  Much like the flowers that are about to bloom, random thoughts of the year’s second season are blossoming in my head… in just about the same riot of color and variety as those flowers. (more…)

March 8th, 2012 by CrispRoot

Snack Attack! 

We’ve all had them.  When we were kids, they’d cause our mothers to yell things like, “No, you can’t have a snack, you’ll spoil your dinner!”  As adults, thankfully, we’re a bit freer to indulge ourselves… and since Americans love our freedoms, indulge ourselves we do! (more…)

February 9th, 2012 by CrispRoot

Guys, a heads up.  Next Tuesday is Valentine’s Day.  Three words of advice:  Do. Not. Forget.   (more…)

February 1st, 2012 by CrispRoot

Annnnnd here we go.  It’s time for America’s biggest party, and no, I’m not late in writing about New Year’s Eve in Times Square.  This Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday – so let the revelry commence! (more…)

December 8th, 2011 by CrispRoot

What is with Christmas and three word phrases?  The season abounds with them… but at least things like “Deck the Halls” and “Ho, Ho, Ho” are festive, joyous, and are known for putting people in the holiday spirit.  There are a few others, though, that bring out completely different reactions. (more…)

November 17th, 2011 by CrispRoot

Don’t look now, but Thanksgiving is only a week away. Yup, just seven days remain until the big feast, football ‘til you drop, and oh yeah… a day in which to give thanks.  Please – don’t forget that last part. (more…)

November 10th, 2011 by CrispRoot

It’s November.  The time has changed, the leaves have turned, it’s getting chilly outside…  and if you have fans of rival schools in your house, it’s about to get chilly inside, too, as we head straight into college football rivalry season! (more…)

November 4th, 2011 by CrispRoot

Hey, all you CrispRooters out there…  it’s time for another trek into the culture behind the CrispRoot story!  The nice thing is, no passport is required for you journey, there are no TSA security checks, and you don’t even have to return your seats and tray tables to their original upright position…  just sit back, read on, and enjoy. (more…)

October 20th, 2011 by CrispRoot

Yo, dawg.  Or cat.  Or Imperial Storm Trooper.  Or even Dracula, for you traditionalists out there.  The end of October fast approaches, and with it comes…  Halloween! (more…)

October 6th, 2011 by CrispRoot

It took awhile this year – coming down to the final day of the season like it did – but the playoff teams for the 2011 baseball season were finally set.  Rays, Rangers, Yankees, Tigers, Cardinals, Phillies, Diamondbacks, and Brewers.  Let the fun begin – not just on the field, but in homes across the country. (more…)

September 15th, 2011 by CrispRoot

It’s September.  Already?  Wow.  Where’d summer go?

Ah, but September is not without its charms.  September means Fall, and Fall means cooler weather, snuggling opportunities in front of the fireplace… and because it’s too soon for the trees to jettison their leaves, raking them is a task not yet on anyone’s radar.  That’s what used to be called a win-win, way back in the (gasp) 1990’s.

Lest we forget, though, September also marks the return of yet another great American institution… one that will drive a lot of evening plans for many months to come.  Yup, believe it or not, the network Fall TV Season is here!  (Well, almost – it starts next week, but you get the point…) (more…)

September 9th, 2011 by CrispRoot

To some, it seemed like it was never going to get here – for a lot of reasons, this time around – but get here it did… and on 9/8 at 8:30 p.m. EDT, the 92^nd NFL season kicks off. Literally. (more…)

June 29th, 2011 by CrispRoot

And here we go… It’s summer, it’s the 4^th of July Weekend, and it’s time to grill some burgers, steaks, chicken, and hot dogs.  Ladies and Gentlemen …  Start. Your. BBQ’s! (more…)

June 23rd, 2011 by CrispRoot

“Snack”.  What a fun little word… and awfully hard working, too.    After all, how many words pull double duty like “snack” does?  Yes, “snack” is a noun – as in, “CrispRoot BBQ flavor chips make a great snack.”  But, it’s also a verb… Haven’t you ever said, “I want something to snack on!”?  (more…)