Drinks to make for the holiday season

*How to temper chocolate

Finely chop the chocolate. In general, 1-1/2 to 2 pounds is an ideal size to work with. It is more difficult to control the temperature with smaller or larger amounts. Place 2/3 of the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water. If you don’t have one, put a metal bowl atop a pan of water. In either case, be sure the water does not touch the bottom of the metal above it.

Place a candy thermometer into the chocolate. The temperature should not exceed 120°F for dark chocolate or 105°F for milk and white chocolate. Stir frequently with a spatula. When the chocolate is fully melted, remove bowl from heat and wipe condensation from the bottom and sides. Put a lid on the bottom pan so the water remains simmering.

Stir in the remaining chocolate a bit at a time, allowing it to thoroughly melt before adding more. Let the chocolate cool to 82°F. If it is warmer, keep stirring it until the temperature lowers. If it is cooler, begin reheating (see next step). When the chocolate is 82°F, place it over simmering water. For dark chocolate, heat to 88°F to 91°F.

For milk chocolate and white chocolate, heat to 85°F to 87°F. Remove bowl from heat. Spread a small spoonful of the chocolate on a piece of wax paper. If it dries quickly with a glossy finish and no streaks, it is in temper. If it is dull with streaks, you need to re-temper it, beginning with How To Temper Chocolate Step 2. Immediately proceed to Preparation Step 4 and add the inclusions. Tempered chocolate must be used before it cools and sets. Otherwise, you need to re-temper it.

Christians celebrate Christmas. Jews celebrate Hanukkah. Kwanza is a Swahili word that means “first fruits” and has been celebrated for just 44 years, while Hanukkah has been around for more than 2,000 years, as has Christmas. Regardless, all of the holidays are for celebrating. Food, drinks, merriment abound, though things look a bit different for 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are a few suggestions to mix up for family and friends – or perhaps just for yourself.

Hanukkah: Bourbon & Blood Orange Martini

Ingredients

1.5 ounces bourbon ½ cup blood orange juice 8 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig of mint for garnish, if desired

Preparation

Mix together the three ingredients in a shaker. Pour over ice in a short glass, and garnish with a spring of mint. Makes one drink.

Kwanza: Stinger – Country Club Style

Ingredients

1 jigger of brandy 1 pony white Crème de Menthe

Preparation

Pour into a large mixing glass or shaker and fill with ice chunks. Shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.

From The Ideal Bartender, 1917

Christmas: Hot Buttered Rum

Ingredients

1 pound butter 1 pound brown sugar 1 pound confectioners’ sugar 1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened 1 T ground cinnamon ! teas. ground nutmeg

From All Recipes.com

Preparation

Step 1 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Blend in brown sugar and confectioners’ sugar. Remove from heat, and whisk in the ice cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour mixture into a plastic container, seal, and freeze. Step 2 - In a coffee mug, measure 1 tablespoon Hot Buttered Rum Batter and 1 ounce of rum, then fill cup with boiling water. Stir, and sprinkle top of drink with nutmeg.

Local New Year’s Eve events

happening for all ages

By April S. Kelley

Prior to the pandemic, New Year’s Eve meant a night buzzing with energy and people out and about, staying up late, celebrating the end of a year and the hopeful, exciting beginning of another. This year, though, has shaped up to look a lot different than anyone ever expected. And so, too, has New Year’s Eve. While there are fewer celebrations than normal and most will likely choose to stay home with loved ones and a bottle of champagne, here is a list of all the events happening for those who need to end this year with a bit of normalcy, while complying with all CDC-recommended safety guidelines, of course. Don’t forget that most of the favorite local bars, restaurants and businesses will likely be open, serving curbside and limited seating inside, even if they aren’t having an official celebration.

ADULT CELEBRATIONS

New Year’s Eve Party! When: Thursday, Dec. 31, beginning at 7 p.m. Where: Craft & Racked Wine Bar, 1400 E. Old Settlers Blvd. Suite 203, Round Rock

Join Craft & Racked Wine Bar to kiss 2020 “Goodbye (and Good Riddance)” with DJ 5-oh spinning, tons of drink specials and a champagne toast at midnight. For more info, visit https:// www.craftandracked.com/.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Rockey’s When: Thursday, Dec. 31, beginning at 6 p.m. Where: Rocky’s Piano Bar, 111 W. Main St., Round Rock

Ring in the New Year at Rockey’s Piano Bar, with party favors and a bottle of champagne included in the cover charge. A table for four costs $100; however, for those who choose not to make a table reservation, the cost to walk in and stand is just a $10 cover. For more info or to reserve a table, call 512-840-1302 or visit https://www.rockeysrrtx.com/.

Oasis New Year’s Eve Celebration When: Thursday, Dec. 31, beginning at 7 p.m. Where: The Oasis on Lake Travis, 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin.

If a fancier New Year’s celebration is part of the plan, reserve a spot at The Oasis on Lake Travis. Their celebration includes an extensive buffet from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., party favors, hats, tiaras, noise makers and a complimentary champagne toast served in commemorative champagne flutes for each guest at midnight. Local band Dysfunction Junction will provide live entertainment, beginning shortly after 9 p.m. and lasting until 12:30 a.m. New Year’s Day. Table sizes range from 4-10 guests, and formal attire is encouraged. For more info, pricing and reservations, visit http://oasis-austin.com/.

NYE Surprise! When: Thursday, Dec. 31 Where: Willard’s Brewery, located at 2400 Patterson Industrial Dr., Pflugerville

More info to be announced at http://willardsbrewery.com/.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY CELEBRATIONS

New Year Buffet When: 5 - 9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 31 Where: Kalahari Convention Center Hall, 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable celebration, while enjoying a buffet that includes ribs, rotisserie chicken, and other hot and cold delicacies plus an amazing dessert selection. To make a reservation, call 512-953-9565. Prices: Adult - $62.99 (13 years and older); Children - $29.99 (ages 4 to 12 years); 3 years or younger are free. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more info, visit https://www.kalahariresorts. com/texas/.

Noon Year’s Eve Party When: 11:30 a.m. - noon, Thursday, Dec. 31 Where: Austin Aquarium, 13530 US-183 #101, Austin.

Celebrate a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve at the Austin Aquarium, with a Balloon Drop when the clock strikes noon. Come enjoy all the fun of New Year’s Eve without missing bedtime. The event is free, with paid admission. Visit austinaquarium.com for tickets or more info.

New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop When: 12 - 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 31 Where: Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr., Austin

Enjoy a family skate day to celebrate New Year’s Eve, with a Balloon Drop at 4 p.m. and party favors while supplies last. For more info, visit http://playlandskatecenter.net/.

Simple workouts for that holiday weight gain

By Lance Catchings

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During the holiday season many Central Texans are looking for ways to keep off the traditional holiday weight gain and jump start their New Year’s Resolutions for 2021. Covid-19 has made many conscious of their personal health and Texans are taking charge of their physical fitness whether it be at the gym, track or burning up calories while making laps around the neighborhood. Here are three holiday workouts that can be done alone or with family to help keep off the traditional weight gain.

WALKING/RUNNING/HIKING – These activities may seem over-simplified but are some of the most efficient ways to burn calories for beginners. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and you’re set for these activities. Start small and build on distance each week. Listen to your favorite music or audio book and the time (and distance) will fly by.

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CYCLING - This is another activity that can be done from home, at the gym or down your favorite less traveled road. This can be a great lower body and core workout, and should you take a class will quickly realize how fast the level of intensity can be raised.

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H.I.I.T (High Intensity Interval Training) – HIIT workouts are very popular and extremely effective by raising the level of cardiovascular intensity followed by short periods of rest. A favorite HIIT warm-up workouts is 4x1 (four movements followed by one minute of rest). Air Squats, burpees, push-ups and sit-ups. Start with Air Squats and do as many as possible in one minute. Once the minute is over, go right into burpees, followed by one minute of pushups and one minute of sit-ups. After sit-ups take a one-minute rest. Repeat this process for four rounds, and there is a quick 20-minute home workout for beginners or a nice warm-up for those who are more experienced.