Kowalski Heat Treating Blog - Kowalski Heat Treating

Pumpkin Spice

October 25, 2024/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

Pumpkin spice. It has become synonymous with autumn, evoking images of cozy sweaters, falling leaves, cool nights, and warm drinks. I thought I’d search out the origins and history of this beloved spice blend, and found out it stretches far beyond recent association with trendy lattes seasonal baked goods, and craft beers. The origins of Pumpkin Spice, or the flavor/blend known as “pumpkin spice” actually date back to the culinary traditions of colonial America. I think I remember the first time I tasted it – in a cookie, and realized it was not good! Full disclosure, not everything needs or should have pumpkin spice added!

Wine About It

October 18, 2024/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

As summer gradually draws to a close, farmers nationwide are focused on harvesting – major crops like corn and grains, soybeans, all sorts of apples and of course grapes, not only here in the US, but throughout the world. This annual ritual marks the culmination of months of careful cultivation and anticipation, marked by intensive activity in vineyards, where growers aim to harvest grapes at their absolute peak ripeness. Knowing when things are “just right” takes experience, science and expertise, to be sure the grapes have fully developed and can become part of a wonderful harvest. (Talk about a PIA (Pain in the @%$) Job! – wow. Here at KHT, so many of our processes involve the right temperature and the right timing – come to think of it, I’m sort of a thermal processing “vigneron”, carefully managing time and temperature to make your parts we process “great”… (wonder if my wife Jackie agrees?). I dug into the fall harvest of grapes and found some really fun and interesting facts and trivia I think you’ll enjoy. For those reading after hours, be sure to pour yourself a glass of wine, and celebrate along with the wonderful people and industry that makes this possible. Enjoy!

Live From New York

October 11, 2024/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon, TV /by Steve Kowalski

Ever since I can remember, and mostly during my teen years, Saturday nights were reserved to watch) Saturday Night Live (SNL), an iconic American television show that has had a profound impact on popular culture, comedy, and television since its debut – it first aired today on October 11, 1975… can you believe almost 50 YEARS!! Created by Lorne Michaels and originally titled NBC’s Saturday Night due to a naming conflict, it was envisioned as a live comedy show that would blend sketch comedy, political satire, and musical performances, presented by a guest host each week. Like many of you growing up, there are SO many skits and characters I’ve fallen in love with. But there’s still something about the original cast, referred to as the “Not Ready for Prime-Time Players”, including comedy legends like Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman. What they did on live TV had never been done before. They set the standard for what would become a launching pad for comedic talent and a fixture on Saturday nights. As you can imagine, there is a “ton” of information and memories about the show (Wikipedia alone lists twenty separate write-ups broken into 5-year segments. I’ll do my best to hit some of the highlights of the “early” days. Special thanks to Google, Wikipedia and YouTube for the info. Enjoy!!