The Peruvian Aji Amarillo

A corporate pilot, Charlie McMannis has logged over 7000 total hours in flight time over the course of his career, which has included flying commercial airplanes for Delta Airlines, as well as flying helicopters for the air and sea unit of the Chicago Fire Department. When he is not navigating an airplane, Charlie McMannis enjoys recreational travel in Peru, where he appreciates the local cuisine.

Heat or spice is a frequent component of traditional Peruvian cooking, and the aji amarillo chili is a common ingredient in many classic soups and sauces. From the C. baccatum family of chilis, the thick, bright orange flesh of an aji amarillo produces a medium to hot heat, with a subtle fruity flavor, complementary to a broad range of Peruvian dishes.

Aji amarillo can be found at Latin American markets, some Mexican grocery stores, and online. It comes fresh, frozen, dried, pulverized in a paste, and canned, and while the most common form available is the paste, the other formats can be used with equal results.

Quick Facts about Chicago Professional Sports

 

Professional pilot Charlie McMannis has over 7,000 hours in the sky. A die-hard Chicago sports fan, Charlie McMannis enjoys watching the Bears, the Cubs, and the Blackhawks. Chicago sports fans are known for being loyal through thick and thin.

Watching the Bears, known as the “Monsters of the Midway,” play at Soldier Field is a favorite activity for fans all over Chicago. Established in 1919, the Bears team has an impressive legacy and has seen 27 of its players inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame over the years.

Catching a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field is also a coveted treat. Even though the Cubbies haven’t snagged a World Series win since 1908, faithful fans remain loyal.

Having won three Stanley Cups in six years, the Blackhawks have brought renewed energy to Chicago sports fans. In 2015’s tightly contested series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Hawks came through, winning the final game 2-0.

McMannis Names Latin America a Favorite Destination

As a professional pilot, Charlie McMannis has had the opportunity to travel the world for work and for pleasure. As someone who appreciates history, Charlie McMannis enjoys witnessing how a culture’s historic background and landscape affect modern-day life, food, and traditions, and he especially appreciates his experiences in Latin America, including his trips to Belize and Peru.

Belize, a country that claims over 1,400 Mayan archeological sites, is a favorite destination for those who love history, culture, and a tropical environment. In addition to exploring ancient Mayan archeological sites, a visitor can search for natural beauty while hiking in the rain forest, experience underwater wildlife while scuba diving or snorkeling on Belize’s reef, participate in numerous types of water sports, and even try spelunking. Belize is known for its delicious seafood as well.

Peru is also a traveler’s favorite. As a center of the ancient Incan Empire, Peru offers the history buff insight into the civilization. Peru is known for its spectacular hikes through the Andes Mountains. Many a traveler has enjoyed the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Peru is also noted for its eclectic cuisine. Highlighting locally grown, in-season produce, Peruvian food features traditional dishes infused with a Spanish influence.

Benefits of Arts Participation

Charlie McMannis has made substantial philanthropic efforts. Working with city schools and arts organizations, Charlie McMannis has helped cultivate a love of art and beautification among local youth.

Youth participation in arts programs has several benefits beyond mere enjoyment, and helps students build necessary skills and knowledge. One major area in which arts program participants excel is SAT performance, with those taking four or more years of arts education significantly outperforming those with less arts experience on both the verbal and mathematics portions of the test. Music education often significantly increases understanding of mathematics in particular, while drama and literature improve verbal skills.

Participation in the arts also often improves student engagement, with participants often considering these programs to be safe spaces in which they can take risks and accept criticism. Some also reported improved engagement during reading assignments after participation in visual arts programs.