Celebrations 2015

2015

Holiday HosËœing

How to ready your home for guests

Travel Tips

Safety Ëœips for holiday travelers

Holiday Decadence Tasty treats for family gatherings

November 2015

Azle News

Springtown Epigraph

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

•Wood Floors •Ceramic Tile

Staff Favorite Holiday Recipes What holiday get-together would be complete without the timeless tradition of gathering around the table? Whether the recipes represent traditional family fare or are new additions to the table, cooking and eating together is one way to celebrate with family and friends this year.

3 Traditional Corn Bread Dressing Kim Ware 8 Cravotta Pepperoni Spaghetti Clay Cravotta 9 Holiday Pecan Cheese Ball Mark Campbell 9 Classic Green Bean Casserole Sam Brownback 11 Sopapilla Cheesecake Tonya McDowell 11 Pecan Pie Muffins Misty Shaw 12 Snow Drop Cookies Johnna Bridges 13 Sour Cream & Cheddar Baked Mashed Potatoes 13 Ten Minute Fudge Wreath Cindy Cornelison 14 Sweet Potato Soufflé Carla Noah Stutsman 15 Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Natalie Gentry

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

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Make holiday decorating easier this year Follow a few strategies on a day when you can decorating the rest of to make easy work of devote your full attention the house. If you do to decorating, avoiding a not get to all of your holiday decorating. day when you might be other decorating, at distracted by other things. least the tree will be It is not the holiday sea- If you prefer to son until homes, stores decorate alone, and town centers are ask a friend to decorated in lights and watch the kids or tinsel. When entire neigh- have a spouse borhoods are enhanced take them out by bows and animated of the house for fi gurines, the celebratory a few hours. If tone is set and decora- decorating is a tions can trigger happy family event, fi nd feelings associated with a day when evholiday gatherings. eryone’s schedSome people fi nd holi- ules are clear. day decorating enjoy• Take out the able and eagerly antici- decorations the pate taking out storage day prior. Haulcontainers and sorting ing boxes and through all of their mem- containers from ory-laden trinkets, while the attic or baseothers are less enthusi- ment can take a while. ready and your home astic about readying their Take some time to move will still have some homes for the all of the decorating items holiday appeal. Once season.

No to a main fl oor of the the lights are on, matter which house the day or night decorating the tree group you before your decorating is a great activity for fall into, marathon. This way you keeping the kids busy the folwon’t get discouraged or while you handle othlowing tired by the task even be- er jobs. are some • Divide and conquer. fore the real decosimple tips Nothing makes holiday rating has begun. to make holiday • Put the tree up first. decorating go faster than decorating easier. decorating The Christmas tree is the delegating • Plan to decorate on a a focal point of holiday tasks. Assign specifi day when you do not have decorations, so set up tasks to your helpers. Put any other responsibili- the tree and decorate it one person in charge of ties. Choose to decorate before you get started on decorating the living room

Traditional Corn Bread Dressing Recipe from Kim Ware Ingredients 1 (16 ounce) package dry corn bread mix 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup chopped celery 1 small onion 2 eggs, beaten 2 cups chicken stock 2 tablespoons dried sage salt and pepper to taste

while another handles the outside lights, wreaths and inflatable items.

• Turn on the tunes.

Working to music frequently takes your mind coff of the work and will help pass the time more quickly. Have your favorite holiday playlist at the

ready and turn up the volume. Sing along to the carols or contemporary songs while you are elbow-deep in decorations.

• Take some breaks.

Working hungry or tired may lead to sloppy work or frustration. There’s little chance of untangling a knot in the lights with your patience in tact if you haven’t eaten for hours.

Plan some time for lunch while you sit and rest.

Survey the work you’ve done and make a list of the next steps.

After the hard work of decorating, you’ll likely have a sense of accomplishment. Now it’s time to enjoy the holiday scene and prepare for the excitement of the weeks ahead.

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the dry corn bread mix according to package directions. Cool and crumble.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and saute the celery and onion until soft.

4. In a large bowl, combine the celery, onions, 3 cups crumbled corn bread, eggs, chicken stock, sage and salt and pepper to taste; mix well.

5. Place into prepared dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

COLORS OF CHRISTMAS • Holiday Coloring Contest

Celebrations 2015

Picture it merry and then fill it in do a great job and you could win! ~ CONTEST RULES

NAME: AGE: ADDRESS:

1. Contest open to children ages 2-11.

CITY:

3. Only newspaper coloring sheet will be eligible for judging. No color copies.

2. 1st - 3rd prize winners will be awarded in two age groups, 2-5 yrs. and 6-11 yrs.

STATE:

ZIP:

SCHOOL:

GRADE:

4. All entries must be postmarked or delivered by noon to Azle Pediatrics, 604 S.E. Parkway, Azle, Texas 76020 on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015.

5. All entries become property of Azle Pediatrics.

6. Entries will be judged on neatness, use of color, creativity and overall appearance.

Entries must be received by Friday, Dec. 4, 2015.

5

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Put safe travel at the top of holiday lists The nation’s highways and skyways experience an influx of travelers during the holiday season.

People are on the move over the last five weeks of the calendar year, traveling near and far to spend the holidays with friends and family members they hold dear. In fact, the United States Department of Transportation says the Thanksgiving and Christmas/ New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year.

Roughly 90 percent of holiday travel takes place by personal vehicle, followed by air, bus and train, says the USDOT. With so many people on the move, the risk for accidents and other incidents increases. To keep the holidays enjoyable and safe, travelers should remember to exercise caution.

• Schedule a tune-up.

Make sure your car is in good working order.

Check the air pressure in tires and get an oil change if it is time. Other cars on the road may kick up salt and other debris from the roadways, so be certain to top off windshield washer fluid to maintain adequate visibility.

• Leave plenty of time.

Expect traffic and leave extra time to get to your destination.

Hurrying may cause you to increase your speed or make risky maneuvers behind the wheel that can increase your risk of accident and injury. Leave extra time as well for traveling through weather conditions like snow and sleet.

• Know various routes to the destination. Volume or accidents can result in road detours. Keep a paper map in the car or rely on navigation systems.

• Leave room for emergency supplies. Stock

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your vehicle with a change of clothes, blankets, snacks and drinks, jumper cables, a flashlight, and additional safety supplies. Drivers should be prepared in the event of a breakdown.

• Keep children entertained. A long trip can seem longer with unhappy children in tow. Plan ahead with some activities to keep kids occupied while on the road.

Games, books, videos, and music can fill the time. Make frequent stops so kids can get out of the car and stretch. And don’t

forget to pack some food and drinks to cut down on time-consuming rest stop visits.

• Take turns driving.

Spending long hours behind the wheel can cause fatigue. Share driving responsibilities with another adult passenger to help avoid drowsy driving conditions. If no one else is available to share the load, pull over and rest from time to time.

• Secure packages and luggage. Tie down items on roof racks and in rear cargo areas of SUVs and vans so they’re not moving around freely. In the event of an accident, items that are not secured can be dangerous.

Pack gifts and other items so that the driver’s line of sight is not impeded.

If holiday travel is in your future, remember to make safety a priority.

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

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Ready your home for holiday guests The song may say, “there’s no place like home for the holidays,” yet many people find their holidays are just as well spent in someone else’s abode. The popular motor club federation AAA says that more than 90 million Americans journey 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holiday season, and each year the number of travelers increases.

When opening their

ration of their stay. Otherwise, turn another spot into a guest area. A den or living room with a pullout sofa also might work.

Children’s rooms also are another idea. Let young children camp out in the living room or the basement while you turn their rooms into spots for your guests. The kids will appreciate the novelty of setting up sleeping bags, and guests will get some measure of privacy.

Have separate guest amenities Invest in some lush towels and wash cloths reserved for guests. Also, have comfortable sheets on hand. Be sure all linens are freshly washed, and have a drawer or two available in case guests want to unpack their suitcases.

Keep some toiletries stocked as well.

A few extra toothbrushes, mouthwash, soap, and other personal items may be needed to accommodate forgetful guests.

homes to loved ones and friends, hosts want to make their guests feel welcome.

Fortunately, there are many ways to do just that.

Provide creature comforts Establish a cozy nook Guests won’t be used Determine where your to the rooms in your guests will be sleep- house, so be sure that ing. Do not worry if you you offer a light for a do not have a separate nightstand and an alarm guest room. There are clock. Nightlights placed other things you can do, in the bathroom or hallsuch as giving up your way can illuminate unown bedroom for the duPLEASE SEE Get, PAGE 8.

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Get ready for guests ■ Get, FROM PAGE 8.

familiar surroundings.

Keep a fan on hand so that guests can adjust the temperature in their rooms and also if they need a little white noise while they sleep. A tray with books, magazines and the Wi-Fi code also may be appreciated.

foods that your guests enjoy and plan a shopping trip to stock up on these items. Encourage guests to have free reign of the kitchen, helping themselves to snacks or whatever is desired.

Remember to ask about any dietary restrictions, including allergies.

Separate bathroom facilities If possible, devote one bathroom in the house for guests’ use. This way they will have all the privacy they need. Ask if there are any special products they like to use in the bathroom, helping to cut down on the items guests need to bring with them.

Deep clean your home Clear away unnecessary clutter and give fl oors a fresh wash or vacuuming, especially if you have pets. Pay special attention to showers and the bathroom itself.

You don’t want guests tripping over your belongings.

A few special and simple touches can quickly prepare a home for holiStock favorite foods day hosting and enterMake a list of the taining.

Cravotta Pepperoni Spaghetti Recipe from Clay Cravotta Ingredients 2 jars of Delallo red sauce 1 cup Pepperoni 2 teaspoon of garlic powder 2 teaspoon of himalayan pink salt 1 teaspoon of pepper 1 teaspoon of chia seeds.

1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 package of Delallo spaghetti Directions 1. Combine sauce, pepperoni, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chia seeds. Cook on med/ low heat until pepperoni is cooked through.

2. Bring 10 cups of water to a rolling boil and add Delallo spaghetti. Cook until noodles are al dente, 8-10 minutes.

3. Strain noodles.

4. Put noodles back in pot, add a tablespoon of coconut oil to hot noodles.

5 Add sauce mixture to noodles and enjoy.

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Serves 3-4

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Sam Brownback Ingredients 2 (10.75 ounce) cans Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup or Campbell’s® Condensed 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom Soup 1 cup milk 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 8 cups cooked cut green beans 2 2/3 cups French’s® French Fried Onions

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Holiday Pecan Cheese Ball 2. Sprinkle with pecans.

3. Chill in the refrigerator approximately 2 hours before serving.

Recipe from Mark Campbell Ingredients 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped 1 (8 ounce) jar dried beef, chopped 1 cup chopped pecans

Prep time: 10 min.

Chill time: 2 hours Total time: 2 hours 10 min.

Directions 1. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, green onions and dried beef. Form the mixture into a ball.

Directions 1. Stir soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, beans and 1 1/3 cups onions in 3-qt. casserole.

2. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 min. or until hot. Stir.

3. Top with remaining onions. Bake for 5 min. more.

Prep time: 10 min.

Cook time: 30 min.

Total time: 40 min.

Notes: For a colorful festive touch, stir in 1/2 cup chopped red pepper with soup.

Cheese lovers can omit soy sauce and stir in 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese with soup. Sprinkle additional cheese as desired when topping with onions.

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Until next time: How to pack your holiday decorations Soon it will be time to bid farewell to another holiday season. Once the gifts have been unwrapped and the last of the turkey leftovers are gone, the only task that remains is to put away all of those holiday decorations that have been decking the halls since Thanksgiving.

Although packing holiday decorations may not be a favorite task, the following strategies can save both time and effort.

Making a Difference. Offering a Choice.

various sizes and don’t be afraid to use takeout containers, which can hold smaller items and be stacked inside of larger bins to keep everything neat and organized.

Zip-top storage bags are also handy for ornament hooks and other small trinkets.

• Find cushioning material. Fragile ornaments will need to be packed in some sort of soft wrapping to prevent breakage. Tissue paper, newspaper, old dish towels, and even faux polyester “snow” can be used to line bins and boxes. Label accordingly so you can isolate the breakable items.

• Start with the tree. If • Get motivated. The you have a live tree, this fi rst supply you need should be the fi rst item when putting holiday dec- you remove. The longer orations away is a healthy the tree dries out, the bigDo you know that you have a choice when it comes to your care? Welcome to dose of motivation. It’s ger the mess it creates.

Azle Manor - the cornerstone in Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing care. easy to put off the taking Take down the lights and · On-site Physical, Occupational · Activities offered Seven Days a Week down of lights or rolling spool onto an empty pa· Scheduled Outings and Speech Therapy up of holiday garlands, per towel tube or package · · Interfaith Religious Services 24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care but the earlier you start into individual plastic · Beauty and Barber Shop · Televisions with DirectTV provided the more quickly bags to avoid knots · Courtyard and Gazebo (Residents can · WiFi Available you can move on and kinks. Thread enjoy Outdoor Activities) from the holiday a tree bag over season. Plan a the top of the Give us a call or drop by today! day when you empty tree and We’ll be glad to show you around. can pack away scoop around decorations, and the bottom to Call Kinny Pack at 817-444-2536 • 721 Dunaway Lane, Azle, 76020 do not schedule contain as many anything else for that pine needles as day. possible. Drag the tree • Purchase storage outdoors and dispose bins. Stock up on storage or recycle according to bins as they go on sale. neighborhood collection HEALTH CARE & REHAB Even if you end up with guidelines. Vacuum up extra bins you ultimately any fallen needles. If you Accepting Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay and Insurance don’t need to store holi- have an artifi cial tree, day decorations, you will take the same steps, but no doubt fi nd another use Locally Owned and Serving the Community for Over 42 Years PLEASE SEE Pack, PAGE 11. for them. Choose bins of

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Manor

Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

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Pack your holiday decorations right Sopapilla Cheesecake ■ Pack, FROM PAGE 10.

store the tree away for next year.

• Divide your home into quadrants. You likely use the same decorations in the same places each year. To make decorating easier next year, dismantle holiday displays and pack them up according to specific areas of the home.

For example, store all picture window decorations in one bin and label thusly. Continue to store decorations according to the room where they are hanged. Items that are used strictly for outdoors can be grouped together and stored in the garage.

• Use a gift wrap organizer. Under-the-bed storage containers are ideal for storing gift wrap

and assorted accessories. You also can use a hanging shoe organizer to store bows, tape and name tags. Wrapping paper rolls also can be stored horizontally over rafters in the attic or garage.

• Be especially careful with candles.

Pack candles separately from other items, as candles must be kept in a relatively cool area so they do not melt when temperatures rise.

• Keep an empty bin handy. Use this bin to store any gifts or decorations you buy throughout the year. This way you won’t forget where you stashed them.

Recipe from Tonya McDowell Ingredients 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon Mexican vanilla extract 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls 3/4 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup butter, room temperature 1/4 cup honey Directions 1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Beat the cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar and the vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.

3. Unroll the cans of crescent roll dough, and use a rolling pin to shape each piece into 9x13 inch rectangles.

4. Press one piece into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture into the baking dish, then cover with the remaining piece of crescent dough.

5. Stir together 3/4 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Dot the mixture over the top of the cheesecake.

6. Bake in the preheated oven until the crescent dough has puffed and turned golden brown, about 30 minutes.

7. Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey.

8. Cool completely (about 20 minutes) in the pan before cutting into 12 squares.

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Cooling time: 20 minutes Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes Serves 12 Note: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe from Misty Shaw Ingredients Nonstick cooking spray 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 1 1/3 sticks butter, melted Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place paper liners in 9 muffin cups and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

3. In a large bowl, combine the pecans, sugar and fl our. Make a well in the center of the mixture.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until foamy. Add the melted butter and stir to combine. Pour the egg mixture into the well in the dry ingredients, stirring until moistened.

5. Spoon the batter into the cups, filling each almost full.

6. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in a muffin, about 20 minutes.

Prep time:10 minutes Cook time:20 minutes Total time:30 minutes Serves 9 Notes: This recipe also makes great mini-muffins; just shorten the baking time by 5 minutes.

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Minimize live Christmas tree mess Face a tree’s trunk toward the front of the car to prevent needles from becoming loose and falling off in your home.

part of the live-tree package, as is regular watering and some initial tree preparation. However, those who have their hearts set on a real tree can employ A Christmas tree is of- some strategies to miniten the centerpiece of mize the mess. holiday decorating. Trees come in many shapes and Buy a fresh tree sizes, both real and arti- Christmas tree lots may fi cial. Those looking for a begin to crop up before more authentic tree gravi- Thanksgiving, meaning tate toward real trees, with trees will have been cut their rich, earthy smell and and shipped weeks bebeautiful boughs of green. fore. The tree you put While the sights and up in your home may be smells of real trees are at least two months old what draw many people in, by Christmas Day. Also, live trees do require more trees that are open to full maintenance than their ar- sunlight at tree lots can tifi cial alternatives. Falling dry out prematurely. pine needles and sap are When shopping, look for

Snow Drop Cookies Recipe from Johnna Bridges Ingredients 1-3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 cup butter, softened 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine first 5 ingredients with a spoon.

3. Shape into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake 20 minutes.

5. Combine powdered sugar and cinnamon.

6. Sift powdered sugar mixture over warm cookies or roll cookies in sugar mixture.

trees that seem freshly cut and have good needle retention. Grab a branch and see if the needles remain intact. Give the tree trunk a bump on the ground and assess how many needles drop to the ground. Look at the color of the tree and determine if it is wilting.

These may be signs that the tree is old and on its last legs.

and grand fi r trees also last long after being cut. Spruce trees, which are usually the least expensive variety on lots, may only last two to three weeks.

Wrap and transport Ask the tree seller to freshly cut the bottom of the tree and wrap the entire tree in twine so it will be easier to move. Place the tree on the roof of your car Choose the right variety with the trunk facing the Some varieties of tree front of the car. This way have more staying power the wind will not fan out the after being cut than others. branches and loosen up So-called “true fi rs,” such needles. as noble, Fraser, Nordmann, and Turkish, usually Choose the right location It may seem like a good last the longest. Douglas fi r, Scotch pine, balsam, idea to put the tree right

in front of a picture window, but if that window receives ample sunlight, the tree may dry out more quickly, leading to falling needles. The same can be said for putting a tree too close to a heating source, like a fi replace, radiator or heating vent. A PLEASE SEE Keep, PAGE 13.

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Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Makes 5 dozen.

Notes: These cookies taste best after sitting a couple of days.

Store them in the refrigerator, freezer, or at room temperature.

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Keep Christmas tree mess minimal ■ Keep, FROM PAGE 12.

cool, shaded area is best for keeping trees fresher longer. Fit the tree in the stand while it is still outdoors and wrapped up and then move the entire product inside to the right spot. This helps minimize dirt, bark and needles getting all over the room.

Time your removal Removing a dried-out tree can be a cleaning disaster. It’s better for the tree to make its exit before it withers. A tree can drink a gallon of water per day, so make sure the stand reservoir is adequately fi lled. Over time, though, the tree may stop taking in water. When this happens, it is best to take down the decorations and get ready for removal. Hiding a tree disposal bag under the tree skirt can make it easier to get the tree out to the curb.

Some people fi nd there’s less mess by clipping off the branches and removing them in one lump, rather than navigating a full tree through small doorways.

Real Christmas trees can enhance holiday season ambiance and set the scene for the festivities to come. With the right care and prep work, homeowners can cut down on the mess associated with fresh trees.

Sour Cream and Cheddar Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe from Terry Thomas Ingredients 5 pounds Russet Potatoes, peeled, rinsed and quartered 4 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 (16. ounces) container sour cream 1 1/4 cups 2 % milk 1 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cup freshly grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided Directions 1. In a large stock pot, cover the potatoes with cold water, bring to a boil and cook until you can easily pierce with a fork (about 35 minutes or so).

2. Pre heat your oven to 350 degrees.

3. Drain potatoes and return to the pot.

4. Use a potato masher and give the potatoes a quick mash.

5. Add the butter, half of the sour cream and half of the milk and start whipping them with a hand held mixer.

6. Add the remaining sour cream and milk, whip together until well blended.

7. Add the salt and 1 cup of the cheese.

8. Whip together until blended.

9. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray and spoon the potatoes into the dish evenly.

10. Sprinkle the potatoes with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of Sharp Cheddar cheese and cover with foil being careful not to touch the cheese.

11. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

12. Remove from the oven and keep covered until you are ready to serve.

Ten-minute Fudge Wreath Recipe from Cindy Cornelison Ingredients 1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate morsels 9 ounces butterscotch morsels 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 (8-ounce) can walnut halves 1/2 cup (a couple of handfuls) currants 8 inch cake pan, lightly greased with softened butter Candied cherries, red and green, for garnish, optional Directions 1. Preheat heavy pot over low heat.

2. Add chips and milk. Stir until chips are melted.

3. Stir in vanilla and remove fudge from heat. Add nuts and currants.

4. Cover empty condensed milk can with plastic food wrap and center in the greased cake pan. Spoon fudge into pan around can, making sure keep can centered.

5. Fudge will set up almost immediately. Garnish must be add ed in the first few minutes.

6. Decorate with “holly” made from cut candied red and green cherries.

7. Chill covered and slice fudge very thin when ready to serve.

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time:5 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Yields 2 pounds

Prep time: 50 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Total time:1 hour 15 minutes Serves 8-10

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Christmas tidbits

to put you in the holiday spirit

Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe from Carla Noah Stutsman Ingredients 2 cans (29 ounces each) sweet potatoes 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup milk 3 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups sugar

The holiday season has anonymously, feeling the a manger. According to arrived, and millions of poem was beneath his tal- the gospel of Luke, the people across the globe ents. shepherds that helped will be celebrating Christ- • Santa has his own of- fi nd shelter for Mary to mas with their families and ficial postal code. It’s H0 give birth kept their fl ock Topping 1/2 cup butter friends. The following are H0 H0. in a cave. The Church of 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup flour some interesting tidbits • The song “Jingle Bells” the Nativity in Bethlehem 1 can (8 ounces) crushed to share with your loved was originally written for is built over a cave called pineapple, drained ones this holiday season. Thanksgiving and not the Grotto of the Nativity, 1 egg • Each year, more than Christmas. People loved where Jesus is believed to Directions three billion Christmas it so much that the lyrics have been born.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. cards are sent in the Unit- were changed to fi t Christ- • Many people may be 2. Peel, dice, sweet potatoes mas. ed States alone.

3. Place potatoes in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce less inclined to stand unheat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.

• Christmas trees typi- der mistletoe waiting for • In 350 AD, Pope Julius 4.

Mash potatoes with a fork until well blended. Add remain I, bishop of Rome, pro- cally grow for 15 years bea kiss if they knew what ing ingredients and mix well. Place mixture in a shallow claimed December 25 the fore they’re cut and sold.

2-quart greased casserole. “mistletoe” means in the offi cial celebration date for This means the trees sold 5. Melt butter. Cream in sugar and flour. ancient Germanic lan6. Add pineapple and egg and mix well. Pour over sweet the birth of Jesus Christ. today were likely planted guage. It literally means potato mixture and bake at for 20 minutes.

Many historians and theo- in 1999. “dung on a twig,” for the logians have surmised that • Christmas was not dePrep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Christ really wasn’t born clared an offi cial holiday bird who eats the berries Total time: 50 minutes this time of year, thanks to in the United States until and then leaves seeds in Serves 10 droppings to propagate imagery and information June 26, 1870.

• Before turkey, the tra- new plants. from the Bible.

• Christmas carols be- ditional Christmas meal • Each holiday season, gan as an English custom served in England was a PNC Wealth Management calculates the costs of the called “wassailing.” Indi- pig’s head and mustard. viduals toasted neighbors • Male reindeer tend to gifts in the song, “The 12 to a long and healthy life. shed their antlers in the Days of Christmas.” The • Despite the common winter. This means San- price index for the gifts tale that three wise men ta’s reindeer are likely fe- went from $12,673 in 1984 During this busy to more than $24,000 in paid homage to baby Je- male.

Holiday Season sus, the Bible never spe- • Christ may have been 2011. The most expensive cifi cally calls out a num- born in a cave rather than gift is the swimming swans.

Stop by and let us ber. Similarly, there’s no serve you! specifi c indication that they visited the infant Jesus. Their visit may have occurred when Jesus was Authorized Dealer: older.

•Reem • Comfortmaker • Amana Time • Santa Claus’ modern Breakfast Served look was inspired by writfor your SERVICING ings from The KnickerAll Day ALL BRANDS HEATER bockers of New York and TUNE Quality at reasonable rates imagery from Clement Take out orders 817-220-7915 UP! SaleS • Service • inStallation Clarke Moore’s “A Visit 401 Hwy. 199 West • Springtown Residential & Commercial from St. Nicholas.” Moore Sunday - Thursday 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. denied authoring the faReed 817-270-8811 office Russell owner Major credit cards Friday & Saturday 6 a.m. - midnight mous poem for 15 years TACLBO17933C 817-239-8710 cell accepted after it was published

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Recipe from Natalie Gentry Ingredients 1 (12 ounce) package herb-seasoned bread stuffing mix 2 skinless boneless turkey breasts 1 cup chopped pecans 2 (8 ounce) packages dried, sweetened cranberries 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 lettuce leaves 1/2 cup pecan halves Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Prepare stuffi ng mix according to package directions. Set aside to cool.

3. With a sharp knife, butterfl y breasts open to lay fl at. Place each breast between two sheets of waxed paper, and fl atten with a mallet.

4. Spread the prepared stuffi ng to within 1/4 inch of the edge of each breast. Sprinkle each one with chopped pecans and dried cranberries, reserving some of the cranberries for garnish.

5. Roll turkey and stuffi ng up tightly in a jellyroll style, starting with the long end. Tuck in ends, and tie in sections with string, about 4 sections around the middle and one running the length of the roll to secure the ends.

6. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully brown rolls on all sides.

7. Place skillet in oven, uncovered. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature is at 170 degrees when taken with a meat thermometer.

8. Do not let these get overly dry.

9. Allow rolls to set for 15 minutes before removing string, and slicing into 1/2 to 3/4 inch circles. Leave one roll whole, and slice the other for presentation. Stuffi ng will be spiraled into meat. Present on your prettiest platter on a bed of curly lettuce, and garnish by sprinkling with the remaining 1/2 cup pecan halves and the reserved dried cranberries.

Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Total time: 2 hours 369 calories Serves 10

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Celebrations 2015

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

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