The Chomp
The Online Student Newsletter of GRHS
March 2021 Edition
March is Matcha Month by Kayla Ripley
As the spring time ensues, what never fails to make me smile is a nice cup of iced coffee (duh). However, you know what screams spring 10x more than coffee? Matcha! It’s green, it’s clean, and tastes ~sometimes~ really good. It's a healthier alternative to a Shamrock shake, too!
Let’s be honest, sometimes matcha tastes like grass. Other times though it’s amazing! To make sure you only get the best matcha around this spring time, I’ve decided to review it for you.
Starbucks regular matcha: 8/10
This drink is a classic. It’s not too sweet and doesn’t taste “green” either. A solid matcha choice.
Starbucks matcha with cold foam: 10/10
but THIS, this is my favorite of all time. It’s matcha, and the foam adds just enough sweetness to make it the best drink ever.
Dunkin matcha: 7/10
It’s sweet! Which isn’t always a bad thing, but sometimes it’s just too much.
Dunkin blueberry matcha: -3/10
This drink was all over tiktok this week, and I honestly was super excited to try it. However, it was awful. The blueberry does not mix well with the matcha, and frankly it made my body upset to drink it.
All in all, if you want good matcha go to Starbucks. Or make it at home! I use matcha powder, sugar, and hot water to make mine. Add some almond milk and homemade cold foam and boom! You have yourself a perfect little duplicate of a Starbucks matcha. Happy drinking friends!
Ava's Advice Corner by Ava Hojnowski
I’m so excited for summer! I can’t wait to do the things I normally used to!
I’ve heard this phrase reiterated multiple times among friends, acquaintances, and people online. However, it’s important to recognize that, while our summers this year will be a little more like a usual summer, and less like summer 2020, there is still a pandemic going on. Some of us have been taking COVID restrictions very seriously, and some haven’t, but regardless of how strict you and your family have been following guidelines, remember to follow these rules for a fun AND safe summer!
When meeting up with friends and extended family, try to meet up outside when possible!
Remember to stay 6 feet apart when you can manage to do so.
If you feel sick at all, make sure to check over your symptoms and get a COVID test to ensure your safety and others!
WEAR A MASK! Even if you already got your COVID vaccine, set an example for others around you!
Don’t go to crowded places when you can help it!
Check local pharmacies and mega sites regularly to register for your COVID vaccine.
Enjoy the fresh summer air!
It’s fantastic that more and more people are getting their COVID vaccines, but the pandemic won’t be completely gone by the summer. Dr. Fauci estimates that high school students will be getting the vaccine in the fall, so, until then, stay safe and make the best with what you’ve got!
Spring Cleaning by Sydney Abele
Spring is right around the corner, and you know what that means: spring cleaning! Now, I know a lot of people don’t like to clean or get rid of things. However, I want to give you a few tips to help you de-clutter and clean in the most efficient way possible!
Donate or recycle anything you can. It's better for the environment, and it helps other people.
Get rid of anything you haven't used or worn in 2 years. Box up valuables or sentimental objects you haven't used in two years or find a new purpose for them.
Create a list of things in each one of your drawers/organizers. This helps with not only remembering where you put everything, but also with knowing just how much stuff you have and what you use and don’t use.
Clean surfaces as you go. Don’t wait till the end to break out your broom and Clorox wipes. As you clean out drawers and shelves, clean them so you can put the things back.
Don’t hold onto meaningless things. Just get rid of it. I know it’s hard, but you're never going to use it again.
Store things in organizers for a cleaner look, and label those so you know what's in them.
Make spaces for everything to ensure easy cleaning next time.
De-clutter before you go anywhere. I know a lot of us are going to college or just on our senior trip and, trust me, you will thank yourself when you get back to a clean room!
Good luck cleaning and organizing!
Baking with Sydney
I made this amazing Raspberry Lemon tart a couple weeks ago and needed to share it with the world. In my opinion, far too few people eat tarts, let alone know what a tart is, so here is an easy intro tart to introduce you to these fresh, fruity desserts. Also, you won’t even have to use your oven!
What you’ll need:
For the crust:
1 ¼ cups of graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
6 tbsp melted butter
For the filling:
3 tbsp butter
⅓ cup sugar (more or less if you want your tart super sour or sweeter)
2 cups raspberries (fresh is best)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice and zest of one lemon
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
2 tsp powdered gelatin
2 tbsp cold water
Instructions:
Blend your graham cracker crumbs and sugar together in a blender to incorporate and then add the melted butter
Put this in a greased nine inch springform cheesecake or tart pan and press flat with the bottom of a cup
Refrigerate while making the filling
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, berries, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the fruit breaks down (8-10 minutes)
While the fruit is cooking- bloom gelatin in the cold water, add them together, stir, and let rest while the fruit cooks. Also whisk your egg and egg yolk until frothy.
Temper the eggs once the berries are done cooking by adding half of the berry mixture and whisking very quickly while adding it. Try not to scramble your eggs. Then reduce heat to low and add egg mixture to the rest of the fruit.
Strain the mixture. Press firmly so you do not lose too much of the filling.
Add gelatin and whisk for 2 more minutes
Remove from heat and add butter, stir as it melts
Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and then pour into the crust
Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator
For me this was my first time making and eating a tart. Not only did it taste amazing, but it wasn’t that hard to make. It may look daunting at first, but take it one step at a time, and everything will come together! Also, I made a quick whipped cream for a topping with some heavy cream and sugar, but you can just get some cool whip or eat it without a topping.
Thank you for reading!
Love,
The Chomp editors and our advisor, Ms. Barrett!