The celebration of Mardi Gras took place on Feb. 13. Also known as Fat Tuesday, this carnival encourages the consumption of rich, delicious foods before Lent begins. The most popular dish for Mardi Gras-and one that you can find everywhere in New Orleans-is king cake.

This delicious, ring-shaped pastry is a cross between a French pastry and a coffee cake, covered in green, purple and gold sprinkles that give it the semblance of a crown.

While many people purchase king cake from bakers, making your own is easy, especially if you follow the recipe from Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby-Cakes.com.

Ingredients

One of the aspects of what makes this recipe so easy is its low amount of required ingredients.

Instead of gathering an armload of baking materials to create the dough from scratch, simply purchase two (2) cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, like Pillsbury® Grands!™ or a grocery brand.

While you’re at the grocery store, make sure you also pick up one (1) can of cream cheese frosting, one (1) large egg and sanding sugar in green, purple and yellow colors.

Preparation

Since the cinnamon roll dough is already prepared, there isn’t much work to be done to prepare the king cake before you bake it.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit; find a 10-inch round Bundt pan and coat the inside with a non-stick baking spray. Break the egg and lightly beat it in a small bowl, whip it lightly with a whisk and then set it aside.

Making the cake

Open both packages of cinnamon rolls; begin by lining the bottom of the Bundt pan with a row of the dough. Lightly brush the ring of dough with the beaten egg, then add another layer of dough. Repeat this pattern until all the cinnamon rolls are used.

Place the pan in the oven and bake it for 20 – 25 minutes until the dough is cooked through. Let it cool on a hot pad for five minutes before removing the cake from the pan.

Flip the cake over and coat the top of it with cream cheese frosting, sprinkling the three different colors of sprinkles on top in alternating sections.

Now, all you have to do is cut the cake and serve it.

Want a baby?

One of the elements that set king cakes apart from other cakes is the inclusion of a plastic baby in the dough. Whoever “finds” the baby by being served the slice of cake that contains the half-inch-long toy is declared king or queen for the day and is obligated to bring next year’s cake.

If you want to participate in this tradition, purchase or obtain a plastic baby figurine while you’re gathering your ingredients. Bake the cake as you normally would but before you ice the finished cake, insert the tiny doll into the bread from the top, where you’ll cover up the hole with icing.

Just make sure that you alert those consuming the king cake that the plastic baby is hidden inside it so they do not accidentally swallow it.

The entire time to prepare and cook the cake should only last a half hour, so you can whip it before you eat dinner or if you are headed to a party. It serves 12 people and is a festive treat even if you don’t celebrate Mardi Gras.

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“Take care of those lingering issues from winter because it may not feel like it today, but the winter driving season is coming to a close.”

It may not feel like it today, but the winter driving season is coming to a close. There are some easy things you can do to prepare your vehicle for your spring travels.

The first thing to do is make sure factory-specified maintenance is up to date. Look at your mileage, then check the recommended service schedule in your owner’s manual. You may be due for service or an oil and filter change. Any problems you’re currently encountering – hard starting, rough running, stalling, unevenly worn tires, for example – are reasons to take your vehicle in, as well. A lit “check engine” light is another sure motivator to head for our service department.

Even if you’re not suffering from any gremlins at the moment, nobody wants problems to pop up unexpectedly. Here are a few items to take care of as the winter breaks.

Flush and refill the cooling system – Cooling system health is often neglected, and system failures can cost big money and require major engine repairs. Keeping tabs on the coolant level, its condition and concentration (the level of freeze protection it will offer) is crucial to the longevity and proper performance of your engine. As always, follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and have the system serviced at the recommended intervals.Check the tires – If you run dedicated winter tires, early spring is a great time to change back to your three-season tires. If you run the same tires and wheels year-round, check their condition now, and don’t forget the spare. Obvious damage, including cuts in the tread or bulges in the sidewalls, need immediate attention. Also check the tread for even wear and safe tread-depth. Make sure they’re aired up to the proper pressure listed in your owner’s manual.

Check and adjust belts and hoses – Most modern vehicles use a single “serpentine” belt to drive the charging system, power steering, air conditioning, and water pump. It’s all that stands between getting there and going nowhere. If you see cracks in the serpentine belt, get it replaced. Hoses don’t move much, but they can chafe against other underhood parts, and years of heating and cooling will cause them to break down. Like belts, hoses typically work right up until they don’t. Common signs of old hoses are bulging around fittings and obvious fatigue. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, our technicians at the dealership will be able to help.

Fix your air conditioner – While its primary function is to create a comfortable atmosphere inside the car, it’s a safety issue, too. The air conditioner is engaged when you de-fog your windshield, since it effectively removes humidity from the cabin air. The temperature swings and rainy weather of springtime are prime window-fogging weather, and you’re at greater risk for an accident if your windows are fogged and impairing your visibility. Make sure the system is fully charged and have it inspected for leaks.

Make sure all the lights work – Being seen is as important as being able to see. It’s as easy as walking around the vehicle with the lights on and making sure the blinkers work. Have a helper step on the brake pedal so you can check the brake lights. If you aren’t sure how to replace any bulbs that have burned out, take your vehicle to our service department for assistance.

Change the oil – Winter weather can be hard on engine oil. Temperatures are low, which means it takes the engine longer to warm up and that can lead to extra condensation and acid buildup in the oil. Get that old stuff out of there and start the spring with fresh protection.

Replace your wiper blades – Winter does a number on windshield wipers. Being able to see is worth the small amount of money a good set of wiper blades costs.

Following these basic steps will help ensure a trouble-free driving season ahead, without any nasty surprises. Check with our service department to see if there are any specials or coupons that may apply to a comprehensive spring service. We know your vehicle best, too, so be sure to ask for recommendations to keep your car in tip-top condition for the warmer season.

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Meet Sales Manager and Jackson University graduate, Josh Kestenbaum. As a Norwalk/Fairfield native, Josh was the owner of The Bagel Maven in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut. With 7 years experience in the automotive industry, Josh’s favorite part of the job are the cars and all of the people he gets to meet. Setting November and December sales records was one of his proudest moments at the dealership.Fun Facts:

Josh likes to cook, watch Seinfeld, go to concerts, and watch comedies.

Josh loves to spend time with his wife and 14 year old daughter

When Josh is not interacting with clients, he is singing and dancing to the 70’s in the showroom!

Josh helps out with Adaptations Drama Group at Shelton High where his daughter goes to school.

Josh’s dream car is a 2019 Z06

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The past and future met December 16, 2017 with the introduction of the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado at an event celebrating the first 100 years of Chevy Trucks. Many in attendance were Chevy Truck Legends members, some of the brand’s most passionate owners.

The 2019 Silverado 1500 is all new from the ground up and leverages Chevrolet’s experience building more than 85 million dependable, long-lasting pickups. It also reflects feedback from more than 7,000 people on what they wanted in their next truck – the most customer research in the company’s history.

The 2019 Silverado’s strong, modern design advances Chevrolet’s history of industry-leading pickup design. It’s a legacy built on decades of experience with models such as the Advance Design trucks of the 1950s and the C/K series of the 1960s. Those trucks set the standard for pickup design in their eras, and currently are some of the most coveted vintage trucks on the market. The next-generation Silverado is poised to change the face of trucks again, with a breakthrough design that is unmistakably Chevrolet.

The new Silverado also delivers improved capability and performance. For example, a higher-grade alloy is used in the roll-formed, high-strength-steel bed floor, contributing to a bed that is more functional and lighter weight. This use of mixed materials and advanced manufacturing is evident throughout the Silverado, resulting in a significant reduction in total vehicle weight and improved performance in many measures.

As no two-truck customers are alike, the next-gen Silverado will offer an expanded range of models, more engine/transmission combinations and more technology and convenience features to help customers find their ideal truck. The new Silverado LT Trailboss is one of eight 2019 Silverado models. It integrates the off-road equipment of the Z71 package as well as a two-inch suspension lift. Unlike aftermarket lift kits, the Trailboss suspension is fully tested, validated and warrantied by Chevrolet.

The 2019 Silverado will make its public debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, exactly 100 years after the first Chevrolet trucks were delivered to customers

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During the month of December, we participated as a proud sponsor of the Toys for Tots program. With the help of our Maritime Chevy staff along with the Fairfield community, we were able to collect a ton of toys for this year’s donation. “We are very thankful for every donation received. This year’s toy drive was extremely successful and we look forward to participating every year, says President Eric Sandstrom.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. The objective is to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better

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As we approach the end of the year, we would like to thank you for choosing Maritime Chevrolet for all your automotive needs.

We know you have many shopping choices, so we are pleased that you continue to be a part of the Maritime family.

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2017-12-01T00:00:00

It’s that time of year again!

Maritime Chevy is an official donation site for Toys for Tots – bring any new, unused toys to the dealership between now and December 15th and help make a difference this holiday season!

We’ve also partnered with Star 99.9 & Choice Pet for their Toys for Pets drive!Visit any of the listed locations and dates with donations to benefit the local Humane Society. Enjoy live music & get your picture taken with Santa!

You can also donate at the Maritime Chevrolet showroom and service department. During the month of December, all dog owners who buy a car at Maritime Chevrolet will receive a free dog harnesses for their dog to ride safely in their new car!

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November 30 – December 3, 2017

Maritime Chevy proudly sponsors the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival!

Each year volunteers transform the historic Burr Homestead in Fairfield into a spectacular celebration of Christmas. Visitors can enjoy a cup hot cider as they meander through the newly renovated mansion and view the rooms designed by local interior decorators and artists. Exquisite trees, wreaths, and decorative items throughout are for sale, as well as custom made, one-of-a-kind live wreaths. The Holiday Boutique is an annual favorite, offering festive gifts and ornaments. Bring the kids to visit Santa! They can have their photo taken while they read him their list. All the proceeds go to our 2017 beneficiary, Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Bridgeport Rescue Mission fights poverty from the inside out as we embrace the urban poor and addicted with the compassion of Christ, offering hope and healing for a changed life.

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2017-12-01T00:00:00

Maritime Chevy proudly sponsors the Westport Sunrise Rotary for their 2017 Westport Uncorked event!

Westport Sunrise Rotary is dedicated to giving their talent, time and money to doing good work for community and social causes. They have established a vision focused on youth, international, and local human needs.Food and clothing drives; meals cooked; mentoring; tutoring; countless service hours; $1 million raised and given away. Over 50 charities, local and international, have benefitted from their hard work and dedication!

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2017-11-01T00:00:00

Maritime Chevy teamed up with the Bridgeport Sound Tiger Booster Club to collect goods for our soldiers. Many thanks to our generous employees and customers that helped us put together care packages to send over to our troops! We look forward to doing this again.

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