An MBA graduate of Binghamton University, Bradley “Brad” Berfield has spent nearly three decades as a retail distribution and logistics executive in the grocery, apparel, and general merchandise sectors. Also an accomplished home chef, Brad Berfield maintains a substantial collection of specialized cookware and especially enjoys cooking with cast iron.One of the oldest forms of cookware in the world, early examples of cast iron pots date back to Han Dynasty China in the third century. Though the prevalence of cast iron has come and gone over the centuries, the cookware is enjoying a newfound popularity among both home and professional cooks alike. One reason for this popularity is that, once properly treated in a technique known as “seasoning,” a cast iron skillet will take on nonstick properties and last a lifetime.Though some cast iron manufacturers pre-season their cookware, it is also quite easy to do at home. In fact, even if the pan comes pre-seasoned, most experts suggest regularly re-seasoning your pan as part of its maintenance. To season a cast iron skillet, simply scrub it with soapy water and dry thoroughly. If there is rust on the pan, use steel wool to scrape it off. Once the skillet is clean, apply a very thin layer of oil to the cooking surface of the pan. This can be soybean, flaxseed, or any other kind of vegetable oil.After applying the oil, place the pan upside down on the center rack of the oven at a temperature of 375 degrees, making sure to put something beneath the rack to catch the dripping oil. After one hour, turn off the oven and let the pan cool.
Brad Berfield is a logistics professional with more than two decades of experience overseeing corporate distribution efforts nationwide. An avid fisherman, Brad Berfield has angling experience ranging from Canada to the Chesapeake Bay, where he seeks out bass.Over the past several years, the Upper Chesapeake Bay has reemerged as a hotspot for bass, with weight and catch rates increasing at tournaments for local fishermen. With crowding becoming an issue, there are still many excellent fishing spots that have netted trophy bass in the five- to six-pound range.As described in American Boater, these spots include Elk River, which is accessed through Elk Neck State Park, and the Sassafras River. As the area around the latter location can present heavy morning fog, anglers there typically launch in Galena on Duffy Creek, at a private boat launch.The ideal time for bass fishing in the Upper Chesapeake Bay area is spring, as fish gather from diverse areas of the river system for spawning in two large creeks: Lloyd's, and Turner's. During this season, Turner's Creek offers excellent cover, including emerging grasses and lily pads. The root systems of the lily pads overlap with vegetation such as hydrilla and milfoil, providing an ideal location for spawning. In addition, the sand bottom of the shoreline and boat docks harbor numerous bass, as they provide ideal shelter from currents and predators.
With an MBA from Binghamton University, Bradley (Brad) Berfield works as a distribution and logistics executive for a Philadelphia-based company. In his free time, Brad Berfield enjoys a variety of activities, including cooking, fishing, and boating. Regardless of the size and age, every boat needs to be properly maintained. One of the easiest and most important things that any boat owner can do to maintain a vessel is to wash it down after every use, especially boats that spend time in salt water. Salt can corrode railings and other metal hardware and cause significant damage to a boat’s finish. To completely remove salt crystals, start by spraying the entire boat with fresh water. Both the inside and outside of the boat should be sprayed, including hardware, piping, pulleys, and other working parts. After spraying, wait a few minutes to ensure that the salt crystals are fully dissolved, then spray the boat again from the top down. Outboard boat owners should also thoroughly clean the engine and all of its mounting components.
