Sunday, December 20, 2009

Pears Poached Purple


So it has been quite a long time since I have posted anything. I have been extremely busy lately and not had a chance to do very much posting. But there has been plenty of job searching, loss mitigation, construction, and, of course, cooking going on.

You know, a lot of people are leaving Florida right now. It is just as well. Florida is the home of the 3rd worst job market in the US, according to a Gallup.com poll. Sited to be in such a state due to the recent "housing disaster" we Floridians are dealing with, Florida is only topped by Michigan and Rhode Island as the worst job markets. According to the most recent news headlines on MSNBC, 45% of the population of Detroit is now out of work, due to the crippling of the american automotive industry.


However, the best job markets can be found in "oil-producing states [such as] Wyoming, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas." But with the country's sudden apparent interest in "going green," this trend will probably not last long. I understand that soon the government will be giving incentives for businesses and homeowners to switch to solar, wind, and other eco-friendly froms of energy... which is great news for electricians like me.

I would venture to say that some of the best places to move (without needing to turn around and relocate again in another couple years) would be states that are on the above map that have a "Better" or "Best" job market rating, but are not so dependent on oil.

The most recent "Moving Trends" report by U-pack Moving shows that, according to their records, Florida has the second highest count of outbound movers. It is also ranked tenth in the nation for states with a higher ratio of outbound moves to inbound. In short, a lot of people are leaving without any coming in to take their place.

 The U-pack report reads: "It is interesting to track and compare the percentages of inbound and outbound moves for cities and states. These statistics could indicate potential trends in population growth or decline..."

Other states with a high percentage of outbound moves are New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Nevada, Michigan, California, Alaska, Connecticut, and New York. While states that have a high percentage of people moving in are Hawaii, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Montana, Kentucky, Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. States that have balanced percentage are Arizona, Oregon, Indiana, and Nebraska.

What does all of this mean? Well when you compare these statistics with the states that have the highest volumes of inbound an outbound moves and the job market map above, I believe it may be evident where the best and worst places to move (economically) are.

Texas, North Carolina, and Louisiana seem to be great states all around, however, due to that fact that everyone seems to be moving to these states (especially Texas and North Carolina), I would venture to suggest that states where few are moving in or out, but have a good job market (not involved with oil), such as Utah and Colorado, would be the ideal places to move.

It may even be more beneficial to find a state that has a good job market, but has more people moving out than coming in. However the only state that matches this criteria is Alaska! Hmm...

So, basically, we're thinking about moving if my wife and/or I can find the right opportunity. I am sure many people in this nation are doing the same. But in this economy, it is especially important to do your research before you move.

And if you are considering a move, you may want to sit back and think over your decision over "Pears Poached Purple." Lexie gives it a 10... I am on a roll!

 Pears Poached Purple
Ingredients:
4 firm pears, peeled and cored (leave stem)
2 cups sweet concord grape wine (Manischewitz is good)
½ cup moscato
3 tbsp brandy
4 whole cloves
1 tsp sugar
1 cup plain yogurt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp honey
1 cup crumbled ginger snaps

Preparation Instructions:
1. Make sure your pears are peeled and cored first.  

 

 
2. Pour the wines and brandy into a sauce pan that’s just large enough to hold the pears. Add the cloves and the pears. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40 minutes, turning the pairs occasionally.


 

3. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Put pears and juice into a bowl and cover. Refrigerate overnight.

4. Mix the yogurt, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Refrigerate.

 5. Take bowl out and strain the juice into a pan. Add the sugar. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until reduced by two thirds into a syrup. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
 
6. To serve, place each pair in a dish and drench in syrup. Spoon the yogurt over the top of the pair and top with ginger snap crumbs. Serve any additional crumbs on the side.

 
 
 
* Be sure not to overfeed hyperactive one year olds.



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