Page 8 - Lakewood Village Real Estate Edge May 2019

car culture and food

LIFESTYLE
More than 7.9
or many car owners, their million young car
vehicle is an extension of
Ftheir personality - and as enthusiasts between
such they customize it to reflect their the ages of 16 and 24
individuality and uniqueness.
That’s particularly true for spend $7.2 billion each
young car enthusiasts ages 16 to 24, year customizing
who spend $7.2 billion each year
customizing their vehicles, according their vehicles…
to a recent study by the Specialty
Equipment Market Association
(SEMA).
“More than 7.9 million young
people customize, modify or upgrade
their vehicles each year,” says SEMA
Director-Market Research Gavin
Knapp. “Their vehicles not only help
them get from A to B, they are also an
integral part of their social lives.”
Car modifying is an exciting
creative outlet that lets young
people express who they are. Larger
projects become group projects, and
mods give them something to talk
about with friends. Here are some
modifications young customizers
perform on their cars:

WHEELS AND TIRES: YOUNG CAR ENTHUSIASTS SPEND $7.2 BILLION A YEAR
Almost half upgrade these
elements. Original tires are upgraded CUSTOMIZING VEHICLES
to all-season models, performance
slicks, off-roading tires or low-
profile versions. Swapping out
standard wheels for lighter options is just as important as modifying the anything else that enhances sound to enthusiasts routinely perform on
made of aluminum, alloy or carbon exteriors. Changing the seats alone their liking. Other electronic upgrades their vehicles, made possible by the
fiber enhances both the look and can result in a more comfortable ride. may include new GPS systems, many options available to them in the
performance of any given car. dashboard cameras, alarm systems $43 billion automotive aftermarket
LIGHTING: and/or Smartphone connections. industry.
EXTERIOR BODY MODS: Lighting modifications are some Manufacturers introduce their
Exterior looks matter to 42 of the easier and more common PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT: latest products and services every
percent of young customizers. They upgrades performed by young car Young customizers enhance the year at the SEMA Show in Las
spend money adding tint to their aficionados. Most exterior lighting performance of their cars by switching Vegas, the leading trade-only show
windows, completely wrapping their upgrades consist of replacing to aftermarket high-performance oil, for automotive industry businesses.
car body or installing a body kit. the taillight and headlight covers, fuel additives and engine treatments. Consumers can connect with
Customizers also often upgrade their switching lightbulbs and/or adding By replacing original equipment those businesses at the official
bumpers, mirrors, fenders and grilles lighting kits. Inside vehicles, such as brake pads and rotors with SEMA Show after-party known as
to achieve unique looks. customizers easily personalize looks lighter counterparts, they can also SEMA Ignited, where one-of-a-
by changing cabin and dash lighting lower vehicle weight. Modifications kind custom vehicle builds with
INTERIOR MODS: to different hues. like an updated suspension system, the newest aftermarket products
From simple changes like exhaust kit, drivetrain and/or intake (including wheels) parade out of the
upgraded floor mats to more intricate MOBILE ELECTRONICS: system can help a vehicle perform at a convention center to the ultimate
modifications like installing a new Mobile electronics: Upgrading a different level. car show. For more information,
dash kit or replacing upholstery, car’s sound system remains a priority visit www.semaignited.com. n
16- to 24-year-old enthusiasts feel for young enthusiasts, including Those are just a few of the many
enhancing the interiors of their cars new stereos, speakers, amplifiers or types of vehicle modifications young ©2019 Brandpoint.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 sticks plus 2 3/4 tablespoons unsalted • 4 2/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
butter, chilled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cups light brown sugar
• 12 1/2 ounces Valrhona Jivara milk
• 2 large eggs chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 1 1/4 cups caramelized pecans (below)
CARAMELIZED PECANS
• 6 cups pecan pieces
• 2 2/3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt

MILK CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES WITH CARAMELIZED PECANS

DIRECTIONS machine back on to speed 1 and sprinkle in golden brown around the edges but still sugar and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring
the sifted ingredients, beating for 1 minute slightly soft in the center, about 10 minutes. continuously and keeping a close eye on the
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the and stopping as needed to make sure that Remove the baking sheet from the oven, nuts, until the sugar has melted completely,
paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar all the ingredients are incorporated. Add the and leave the cookies to cool on the sheet for coating the nuts and turning a light caramel-
and light brown sugar. Mix on speed 2 for chocolate and pecans, and continue mixing about 2 minutes before transferring to a wire brown color.
2 minutes. Then, raise the speed to 4 and just until fully incorporated. rack to cool completely. Continue baking Immediately empty the nuts onto a baking
continue mixing for 4 minutes longer, until Position an oven rack to the middle of the more batches; or refrigerate the dough for up sheet or tray lined with parchment paper
the mixture looks like a creamy. oven and preheat the oven to 310 F. Line 1 to three days; or, if you like, freeze scoops of and, with a metal spoon or spatula, quickly
Reduce the speed back to 2 and add the or more baking sheets with parchment paper. dough, and package them for future baking. spread them out in a single layer. Leave at
eggs one at a time, beating for 30 seconds (If using only 1 sheet, be sure to let it cool Store the baked cookies in an airtight room temperature until the nuts have cooled
after each addition. Add the vanilla, continue between batches.) container at room temperature for up to completely. Store in an airtight container at
to beat briefly to incorporate, and then stop With a 1-ounce scoop, scoop the dough one week. cool room temperature. Makes about 6 dozen
the machine. onto the baking sheet, allowing about 2 1/2 cookies. n
In a separate mixing bowl, sift together inches between each scoop. Bake the cookies CARAMELIZED PECANS
© 2019 Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc.
the flour, baking soda and salt. Turn the until they have spread out evenly and are In a medium pot, combine the pecans, Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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