Roundup Events Feb 29

The goal of the Heart of Roundup newsletter is to keep community members up to date on area events and fun stories.  This is a passion project and we are excited to bring a variety of exciting new things to Roundup.

Please email any events you know of to [email protected]

Leap years typically have 366 days, with the extra day added to February once every four years to account for Earth's orbit around the sun taking 365.

This extra day is added after four years, creating a leap year with 29 days in February instead of the standard 28.

To commemorate this rare occurrence, one can engage in various leap day activities such as creating a time capsule, meeting with loved ones, trying something new, playing games, hosting a dinner party, or making a leap day playlist.

These activities help celebrate the unique date and create lasting memories until the next leap year in 2028.

Leap Day Activities for Adults and Kids

Create a time capsule

Do something completely new

Play leapfrog

Make plans for 2028

Learn more about leap years

Host a leap day party

Play games

Arrange a photo shoot

Shake up a leap day cocktail or mocktail

Take a walk down memory lane 

Watch the sunset

Eat out

Make crafts

Plan a craft or two 

Cook a special meal

Host a dinner party

Write a letter to yourself

Watch a leap day movie

Get outside

Make leap day t-shirts

Make a leap day playlist

Host a scavenger hunt

Get organized

Make a scrapbook

Prepare for spring

Volunteer or extend a kindness

Leap Year Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
• 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Chill a cocktail glass: Start by placing your cocktail glass in the freezer to chill for a few minutes.
2. Combine ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the gin, Grand Marnier, sweet vermouth, and fresh lemon juice.
3. Add ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes, enough to well mix the ingredients.
4. Stir well: Using a long-handled cocktail stirrer, stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.
5. Strain: Take your chilled cocktail glass out of the freezer. Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass, ensuring no ice cubes transfer.
6. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a lemon twist. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.

Leap Year Savory Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Combine ingredients: Return the browned beef to the skillet. Add the frozen peas, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir well to combine. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Prepare the pie: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a deep pie dish or an oven-safe skillet.
6. Add the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface so it's big enough to cover your dish. Place it over the filling, tucking in the edges. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with the beaten egg.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
8. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your savory Leap Year pie with a side of mixed greens or your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, undrained
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (32 oz) container chicken broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla strips

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chicken broth, taco seasoning, chopped onion, and bell pepper on top of the chicken.
3. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Half an hour before serving, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir well.
5. Serve hot with optional toppings as desired.