Home for the Holidays 2020 by Beacon Media

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Home for the Holidays • November 2020 • 2

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Must-haves to achieve a holiday wonderland

Did you know? - Professional holiday decorators

Why are Christmas colors red and green?

Steps for hanging holiday lights outdoors

The bright side of small holiday celebrations

Gifts that can make social distancing more enjoyable

5 ways to make gift cards more personal

Great gifts for book lovers

Holiday baking gets even sweeter with brownies

How to involve kids with holiday baking

Classic fruitcake tailor-made for the holiday season

Security tips to consider before buying online this holiday season

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Home for the Holidays • November 2020 • 4

Must-haves to achieve a holiday wonderland

he end of the year marks a period of heightened festivity. Come the holiday season, homes and businesses are decorated and everyone seems to have an extra spring in their step.

Did you know?

The sight of snowflakes, candy canes, evergreen wreaths, and Christmas trees can elicit nostalgia for happy holidays of the past, as well as excitement for what is yet to come. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are certain items that set the scene.

• Christmas trees: Germany is credited with starting the modern Christmas tree tradition. It dates back to the 16th century when devout Christians brought trees into their homes and decorated them. German settlers brought Christmas tree traditions to America upon their arrival in Pennsylvania in the 19th century. • Mistletoe: Mistletoe is known as the “kissing plant” and it is customary for couples to kiss while standing beneath the plant, typically hung in doorways and arches. Mistletoe was once hung to drive off evil spirts and ensure fertility. Kissing under the mistletoe was first found associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites. • Lights: Lights are commonly seen during the holiday season. The custom of having holiday lights dates back to when Christmas trees were decorated with candles, which symbolized Christ being the light of the world. These traditions evolved from pagan rituals that would celebrate the return of light of the sun as the days grow longer after the winter solstice. • Yule log: Many families burn a yule log in the fireplace and watch it burn while listening to Christmas carols. The familiar custom of burning the log dates back to solstice celebrations and the tradition of bonfires.

The Christmas tradition called for burning a portion of the log each evening until Twelfth Night, also known as the Epiphany, which takes place on January 6. • Poinsettias: Poinsettias are a tropical plant that originated in Mexico. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first Ambassador from the United States to Mexico. He became enamored with the plants, and brought them back to his native South Carolina. An old Mexican legend suggests a poor girl had nothing to offer baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services, so she picked a handful of weeds and put them at the bottom of the nativity scene. These weeds burst into bright red flowers and became known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.” Holiday decorations borrow traditions from all over the world to help establish a festive wonderland.

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t is customary to decorate for the holiday season, but not everyone has the time, inclination or wherewithal to handle the task. Those who want to enjoy the holidays but do not have time to decorate can rely on the services of professional holiday decorators. These individuals are available across the United States and Canada and can design top-notch lighting displays. Depending on the decorator, interior and exterior design services may be available. Professional decorators can work in residential or commercial settings. Furthermore, some services may include preventative maintenance as well as timely takedown of decorations once the season is over. Hiring a professional has its merits, including time savings, reduced injury risk and the assurance that a clean and thorough job will be done. Professional decorating also eliminates the need to store lights and other decorations between seasons, freeing up valuable storage space.

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any people may not get in the holiday spirit without decorations and all the trimmings. Chances are strong that if you have containers full of items just waiting to see the light of day again this holiday season, those items are red or green or some combination thereof. Red and green have become the traditional colors of Christmas, just as blue and white symbolizes Chanukah. But how did this color palette come to evolve? Just like many traditions of Christmas, the red and green scheme has origins that pre-date the Christian celebration. Christmas has borrowed from many of the customs of winter solstice celebrations of ancient peoples, including the Celts. Ancient Celtic people revered holly plants, believing they brought beauty and good fortune in the middle of winter — a time when the landscape is normally bleak and holly plants thrive and stand out. Celts would regularly bring in sprigs of holly and decorate their homes with the plants, which feature shiny, serrated leaves and bright, red berries, as a way to guarantee a prosperous new year. Holly also came to be associated with the crown of thorns Jesus Christ was forced to wear during his crucifixion. The custom of using red and green continued into the 14th century. Dr. Spike Bucklow, a research scientist at the University of Cambridge, says red and green also were used to paint medieval rood screens, which were partitions installed in churches to

separate the congregation from the priest and altar. Dr. Bucklow notes that Victorians also extended the association of these colors as a physical boundary to another boundary: the marking of the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one at Christmastime. While red and green had associations with Christmas in early times through holly and other sources, the connection was perhaps best solidified thanks to a man named Haddon Sundblom. Sundblom was an artist commissioned in 1931 by the Coca-Cola company to create an image of Santa Claus for the company’s upcoming holiday ads. Until this point, versions of Santa were rarely consistent, with his clothing vacillating between green, blue and red. He also wasn’t the plump, jolly fellow associated with Christmas as we know him today, but rather thin and elf-like. Sundblom portrayed him as a chubby man wearing red robes, likely as a nod to Coca-Cola’s own red logo, even though the company denies the connection. Santa was featured in front of a green background. The ads proved popular and Sundblom’s Santa became the preferred depiction. Santa’s red robes perfectly complemented the green background and other green components of the holiday, such as Christmas trees and holly, that already had been solidified as Christmas imagery. Color plays a strong role in creating Christmas nostalgia. Red and green are put on vivid display throughout the season.

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5 • November 2020 • Home for the Holidays

Why are Christmas colors red and green?

Home for the Holidays • November 2020 • 6

Steps for hanging holiday lights outdoors

• Add to shrubs and trees. Lights also can adorn shrubs and trees. Lowes Home Improvement says a good rule of thumb is 100 lights for every 11⁄2-feet of tree or shrub to cover. A 6-foot evergreen needs at least 400 lights for a basic level of lighting.

t begins to look a lot like Christmas when twinkling lights brighten up homes inside and out. Few things liven up the season more than holiday decorations, particularly clear and colored lights. Prior to taking out the lights, ladder and thermos of coffee to get you through the job, it’s important to note that there are right and wrong ways to hang holiday lights. • Sketch out your plan. Start by taking a few photos of your home from various vantage points. Print out the photos on regular paper so that you can draw your lighting arrangement and decoration placement right on the photos to see how things will look. • Measure the area. Use a measuring tape to roughly measure the width and height of eaves or other areas of the home where you plan to hang light strands. Calculate how much overall footage you will need so you can purchase all of the lights in one shopping trip. • Test the lights first. Plug in the lights to be sure all strands are operational. • Begin where the lights will be plugged in. Start where the lights will be plugged in and then work your way around the house.

• Exercise extreme caution. Accidents can happen when stringing lights. While many professionals use harnesses, homeowners are not always so cautious. Utilize a spotter to hold the ladder and make sure things are safe. Never set foot on a wet or icy roof. Do not attempt to string lights in inclement weather. • Know the wattage. Each outlet can generally hold about 17 amps or 1,870 watts if the lights are not sharing a circuit with another outlet, says Parrish. Plan accordingly to ensure you have enough power to handle your lights. • Use plastic clips. Plastic light clips hang strands along eaves and gables. They’re specially designed for hanging lights over the gutters. Some slip under the edges of roof shingles. Lights can be hung without staples or nails, which can damage exterior surfaces. Plastic zip-ties or deck clips also can attach lights along a handrail. • Use only outdoor extension cords. Be sure the extension cords you use are designed specifically for outdoor use. • Use a timer. Timers can make sure the lights turn on and off even if homeowners forget. Once lights have been safely strung, sit back and enjoy the splendor of a welldecorated house.

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Home for the Holidays • November 2020 • 8

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The bright side of small holiday celebrations

o say the novel coronavirus COVID-19 changed life would be an understatement. Due to COVID19, the way people interact with one another has changed dramatically over the last several months. Despite this, the public has proven very resilient and adaptive, often finding a silver lining while confronting challenges that might once have seemed insurmountable. The holidays are one aspect of life that have been modified as people continue to navigate the new normal. It’s easy to lament the fact that extended family may not be able to travel or celebrate the holidays together. However, there is something to be said for small celebrations. The following are some of the positive aspects of scaling back holiday festivities. • More personal: Certainly it can be great to see distant cousins or old college roommates for the holidays. But the more people who you see each holiday season, the less personal interaction you get. When the holidays are scaled back, dinner becomes more intimate and everyone can exchange gifts and see their loved ones’ reactions. • Reduced expenses: Putting out an extensive holiday spread and entertain-

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ing 10 or more people can be expensive. Small gatherings are less expensive because there’s fewer mouths to feed. • Ability to splurge: On the other side of the financial coin, having fewer people for the holidays means one can indulge on items that may not be possible when hosting a crowd. Therefore, if chicken was normally on the menu, it could be possible to upgrade to a roast or something indulgent like lobster and other seafood. In addition, a small holiday celebration may free up the budget to spend more on gifts. • Special touch: When there are only a few people celebrating, hosts can go the extra mile to give celebrations a special touch. Create a special holiday dessert even if the recipe is time-consuming. In addition, immediate family can pile into the car to tour the neighborhood decorations, something that may not be as manageable with a motorcade of relatives. While holiday celebrations may need to be scaled back this year, small gatherings can produce some pleasant, unanticipated benefits.

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Home for the Holidays • November 2020 • 10

Gifts that can make social distancing more enjoyable

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The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in the winter of 2019-20 changed how people across the globe live their lives. Social distancing guidelines encouraged people to limit get-togethers, particularly indoor gatherings. Experts anticipate restrictions on indoor gatherings will continue in the early part of the winter of 2020-21, which could force families to rethink how they get together during the holiday season.

Many people have spent the last several months honing their culinary skills. Gift givers can help them take those skills to the next level by enrolling them in online cooking classes. The options are endless and some even include access to legendary celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay. Many online cooking classes feature monthly memberships or single classes, making them ideal for loved ones of all skill and interest levels.

Technology Technology has helped many people stay connected with friends and family while social distancing, so a new tablet, laptop or desktop computer can be just what people need to fully engage in family Zoom sessions or weekly virtual happy hours with coworkers and friends. If a new tablet or laptop stretches your budget, consider a pair of noisecanceling headphones, which can make it easier to concentrate while working remotely in a crowded house.

Families also may want to think outside the box when buying gifts for their loved ones, targeting items that can make social distancing easier. The following gift ideas can make a socially distant holiday season that much more special for a loved one.

Streaming subscription Movie theaters have been closed for months in many areas. But movie lovers still want to see their favorite flicks, so a streaming subscription to a service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime can be just what they need to stay entertained while social distancing this winter. For fans of classic films, including indie movies, foreign films and big studio productions, a subscription to the Criterion Channel might make the perfect gift. Curated by the Criterion Collection, this streaming service provides access to a library of more than 1,000 classic and contemporary films, making it an ideal gift for the family film buff.

Crafting kit Hobbyists may have had their passions for crafting reinvigorated while social distancing, making a crafting kit an ideal gift to help them fill their downtime. Beginner’s kits also can make an ideal gift for novices looking for an engaging, time-consuming hobby. Certain gifts can be a perfect fit during a socially distant holiday season.

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hen in doubt while holiday shopping, go with a gift card. Gift cards provide a convenient way to ensure people of all ages ultimately get something special.

According to a 2016 survey by the gift card sales tool CardCash, gift cards are a $127 billion market that keeps growing. Physical gift cards have been growing at an annual rate of 6 percent, but digital gift cards are growing at an annual rate of 200 percent. The financial resource The Motley Fool indicates that, during the 2018 holiday shopping season, people buying gift cards purchased roughly four cards each, with an average value of $45 per card. Many people enjoy the convenience of storing digital gift card information on their phones. Even though gift cards are any easy option, like giving cash, they may seem like impersonal gifts. However, gift givers can explore these ways to add a personal touch to the gift card. 1. Make your own gift card. Companies including Visa® and Mastercard® enable gift-givers to personalize cards with their own photos. Shoppers also can choose from predesign galleries to present a card that has a little more flair. The gift cards can then be tied to specific occasions or holidays. 2. Choose a popular store. Rather than buying the first gift card you see, select a

card for a specific store your loved one likes. For example, if the person is an outdoors enthusiast, a gift card to L.L. Bean may be perfect. If he or she wants to be the next top chef, money toward Sur La Table or Williams Sonoma is fitting. 3. Wrap it in a unique way. Don’t just give the gift card in an envelope; find a unique way to wrap it. After all, that will make the gift card a gift within a gift. Find a small gift box and wrap the gift card as you would any other gift. Or make it even more exciting by designing a scavenger hunt with clues on where to find the hidden gift card. 4. Assemble a gift basket. Add a few extra treats to a basket with the gift card that ties into a theme. If the gift card is for a boating or fishing retailer, place tackle, a floating key ring or a dry storage bag in the gift basket. 5. Add a sweet message. Attach a greeting card and share a few sentiments about why the gift card was chosen. This will help make the gift more personal and show that time was taken to select the item. The National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics reassures that gift cards are one of the most popular entries on holiday wish lists each year. Making the gift a bit more personal can increase the enjoyment factor even further.

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11 • November 2020 • Home for the Holidays

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Home for the Holidays • November 2020 • 12

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Avid readers may have personal book collections that rival local libraries’, so it can be difficult to find something they haven’t already read. In addition, asking them what’s on their wish list of books can remove the element of surprise from holiday gift-giving. Fortunately, shoppers can still light up their favorite book lovers’ eyes this holiday season, even if they’re not giving them a recent bestseller.

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ooks are very popular gifts come the holiday season. Genres that run the gamut from fantasy to nonfiction ensure there’s a book out there for everyone. But finding the right gift for a book-loving loved one may not be as easy as it seems.

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• Bookshelf: E-readers may provide instant access to millions of books, but many avid readers still prefer physical books. Bookshelves can make the perfect gift for book lovers who take great pride in their home libraries. Bookshelves come in all shapes, sizes and styles, from ladder bookcases to floating bookshelves to built-ins. A basic understanding of your loved one’s home decor preferences is all you need to find a bookshelf that can blend in seamlessly in his or her reading room. • Audio book subscription: Audio book subscription services have grown in popularity in recent years. These services

make it possible for busy readers to devour their favorite books while commuting to and from work or running daily errands in the car. Amazon’s Audible membership provides readers with a host of benefits, including discounts on audiobook purchases, monthly credits toward anything available through the service and even complimentary digital newspaper subscriptions. • Bookends: Book lovers tend to put a lot of effort into designing their reading rooms. Decorative bookends, which can have a humorous angle or tie into a theme that correlates to readers’ favorite literary genre (i.e., boat bookends for lovers of maritime histories), can make for great, unique gifts. • Embosser: Embossers allow readers to put their personal stamps on every book in their collections. That not only adds a unique touch to readers’ personal libraries, but also may increase the chances that the books they loan out to friends and family members are ultimately returned. After all, who wouldn’t return a book to its original owner when that book has been personally embossed? Many items make the perfect gift for book lovers, even if shoppers are unsure about buying their loved ones actual books.

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13 • November 2020 • Home for the Holidays

For the First Time Ever...

Home for the Holidays • November 2020 • 14

Holiday baking gets even sweeter with brownies

hat would the holidays be without delicious foods to share with loved ones? In fact, crafting elaborate meals and baking goodies is par for the course once the weather begins to cool and decorations turn up on businesses and homes.

Line the bottom of an 8-by-12-inch sheet pan with parchment paper and lightly coat the paper and the pan sides with flavorless vegetable oil. Put the gelatin in a small bowl. Add the water and stir. Set aside to soften.

Many people have tried-and-true recipes they rely on each year, but there’s always the possibility to give new tasty tidbits a try. There are so many tantalizing desserts to tickle the tongue, but this recipe for “Rocky Recchiuti Brownies” from “Chocolate Obsession” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) by Michael Recchiuti and Fran Gage yields rich and chewy brownies that no holiday celebrant will be able to resist.

Combine 1 cup of the sugar with the corn syrup in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Use an unlined copper pot if you have one. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the sugar melts. Then continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 230 F on a candy thermometer. If any crystals form on the sides of the pan and the mixture heats, wash them down with a wet pastry brush.

Rocky Recchiuti Brownies

Meanwhile, put the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the bowl.

Makes 16 brownies

51⁄2 ounces 100 percent unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped, divided 10 tablespoons (5 ounces) unsalted butter with 82 percent butterfat, cut into 1-inch slices. 2 ⁄3 cup (31⁄2 ounces) unbleached all purpose flour 1 ⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt 3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, preferably Madagascar Bourbon cups granulated cane sugar 11⁄3 1 ⁄3 cup walnut halves, roasted and roughly chopped 6 Tahitian Vanilla Bean Marshmallows, each 11⁄2 inches square, cut into quarters (see recipe below) Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and liberally coat the paper and the pan sides with flavorless vegetable oil. Put 3 ounces of the chocolate and the butter in a medium stainless-steel bowl and set over a pot of simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate and butter melt and are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Lift the bowl from the pot. Set aside. Sift the flour and salt together into a bowl. In another bowl, combine the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk together by hand until blended. Whisk in the sugar. Whisk the egg mixture into the chocolate. Add the flour and the remaining 21⁄2 ounces

About 3 cups powdered cane sugar for finishing

How to involve kids with holiday baking

chocolate to the batter and, using a rubber spatula, mix well. Then mix in the walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a small offset spatula. Scatter the marshmallow pieces evenly over the surface and push them halfway into the batter. The tops should remain uncovered. Bake on the middle shelf of the oven until the marshmallows are browned and a skewer inserted into the center of the brownie sheet comes out with some batter clinging to it, about 45 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold. Run a table knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the sides of the brownie, and then slide the brownie, still on the paper, onto a work surface. Using a ruler to guide you and a sharp knife, cut into sixteen 2-inch squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Tahitian Vanilla Bean Marshmallows About 40 marshmallows

Flavorless vegetable oil for the pan 33⁄4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin 3 tablespoons water 2 cups granulated cane sugar, divided into halves 11⁄2 cups light corn syrup 4 extra-large egg whites, at room temperature 1 Tahitian vanilla bean, split horizontally

When the sugar syrup reaches 240 F, start to beat the egg whites on medium speed. When the whites form very soft peaks, add the remaining 1 cup sugar and continue beating. When the sugar syrup reaches 250 F, remove it from the heat and stir in the softened gelatin. The syrup will foam up and triple in volume. Switch the mixer to high speed and slowly pour the syrup into the beaten egg whites, aiming for the side of the bowl. The whites will almost double in volume. Reduce the speed to medium-high and beat until the whites (not the outside of the bowl) are lukewarm to the touch, about 114 F, about 15 minutes. Scrape the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and, using a small offset spatula, spread it evenly to the sides. Let cool completely at room temperature. To cut the marshmallows, sift about 1⁄2 cup of the powdered sugar onto a work surface in a rectangle the size of a sheet pan. Sift another 2 cups powdered sugar into a large bowl. Run a thin-bladed knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the marshmallow. Invert the pan onto the sugared surface to unmold, then lift off the pan and peel off the parchment paper. Sift about 1⁄2 cup powdered sugar evenly over the top. Using a ruler to guide you and a lightly oiled sharp knife, cut the marshmallow sheet into 11⁄2inch squares. It is easier if you use a pressing motion, rather than pull the knife. After cutting, toss the marshmallows, a few at a time, in the bowl of powdered sugar, coating them lightly.

he holiday season is steeped in tradition. Many holiday traditions are centered around food, with much of the focus on all of the decadent treats and desserts taking center stage at many family gatherings. Many parents hope to involve their children in as many family holiday traditions as they can. Holiday baking is one kid-friendly tradition, and parents can make it even more so by taking a few simple steps before they get started. • Purchase kid-friendly baking equipment. Bakers rely on lots of tools to make cookies, cakes and other delicacies. That equipment is even available in kids’ sizes. Kids may be more excited about baking if they have their own equipment, and such gear also can make it easier for them to lend a hand. A spatula made for youngsters can make it easier for kids to move cookies from a baking sheet to a platter, while colorful measuring cups and their own whisk can excite youngsters about baking.

and the sides with one layer of parchment. The batter will be very sticky. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and baking powder.

• Plan ahead. Seasoned bakers know that it’s imperative to have the right supplies, including ingredients, on hand before beginning a baking session. That’s even more necessary when baking with kids, who might not be as patient as moms and dads hope if a baking session has to be paused to run to the store for a missing ingredient or to dig out some tools from the back of the pantry. Plan ahead by setting everything out and assembling all the necessary ingredients the night before you plan to bake. • Delegate wisely. Young kids may want to do everything mom and dad do, but baking is a delicate science that requires careful attention to detail and a strict adherence to recipes. So it’s important that parents delegate wisely when involving children in holiday baking. Whisking, stirring and topping off cookies with frosting and sprinkles are fun, kid-friendly tasks. • Add some fun foods to the menu. If you plan to bake holiday cookies, purchase kid-friendly holiday cookie cutters before your baking session so youngsters have as much fun as possible. Kids may have more fun if they get to make Santa Claus, Frosty or Rudolph cookies. • Make a mess. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy when baking with children. Moms and dads may love a clean kitchen, but kids tend to have more fun in the kitchen when things get a little messy. Douse each other with a little flour and make a joke of things if some ingredients find their way onto the counter or the floor instead of into your mixing bowl. Parents can make the holiday baking that much more fun by letting their kids pitch in this year.

he holiday season is steeped in tradition, and many of those traditions figure to be compromised to some degree in 2020. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 that began in the winter of 2019-20 has affected holidays and how people celebrate for much of the year. St. Patrick’s Day was the first holiday to be affected by COVID-19, as communities across the globe canceled celebrations or scaled them back considerably. For example, the world renowned St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City was canceled in 2020, and many other holiday celebrations had to shift course as well. While family gatherings to celebrate holidays like Easter, the Fourth of July and Labor Day may have been downsized in 2020, one staple of such celebrations has endured: food. That trend figures to continue throughout the 2020 holiday season. In-person dinners may or may not be possible, but families can still take to their kitchens and do some holiday baking, ultimately sharing their bounties with relatives, friends and neighbors. Though it might not have as many devotees as holiday cookies, fruitcake is a must-have for many during the holiday season. This recipe for “Fruitcake” from Jeanne Sauvage’s “Gluten-Free Baking For the Holidays” (Chronicle Books) can help holiday celebrants ensure the holiday tradition of baking fruitcake continues this holiday season.

Fruitcake

Serves 10 to 15

Macerated Fruit pounds raisins, pitted prunes, 21⁄2 pitted dates, and dried figs, finely chopped 1 ⁄2 cup candied orange and/or lemon peel, finely chopped 1 ⁄3 cup candied or dried cherries, finely chopped

⁄3 cup candied or preserved ginger, finely chopped Grated zest and juice of 1 large lemon Grated zest and juice of 1 large orange 1 tablespoon orange or tangerine marmalade 1 tablespoon apricot jam 1 cup applesauce 2 tablespoons brandy, sweet sherry or apple juice 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing 3 cups Jeanne’s Gluten-Free All- Purpose Flour (see below) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 cup packed dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature 2 tablespoons brandy, rum, whiskey, sweet sherry, or apple juice, or as needed 2

The day before you bake the cake, prepare the macerated fruit. Place the raisins, prunes, dates, and figs in a large bowl. Add the citrus peel, cherries, ginger, lemon zest and juice, and orange zest and juice. Add the marmalade, jam, applesauce, and brandy and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and let stand overnight at room temperature so that the fruits soak up the liquid and the flavors meld. The mixture can macerate in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Preheat the oven to 325 F. If the fruit has been in the refrigerator, bring it to room temperature. Grease the bottom and sides of a 91⁄2- or 10-inch springform pan with butter. Line the bottom with three layers of parchment paper

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the brown sugar and beat for 1 minute. Reduce the speed to low, add the vanilla, and beat until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Then beat for 1 minute longer. Add the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Add the macerated fruit and, with a large wooden spoon, combine with the batter. This requires a bit of strength. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 2 hours, then reduce the oven temperature to 300 F and bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean, about 2 hours. If the cake browns too quickly, you might want to tent it with aluminum foil for the last 2 hours so it doesn’t burn. Remove the cake from the oven and, while it is still hot, pierce it all over with a skewer. Pour the brandy over the top. Place the pan on a wire rack and let the cake cool completely. Remove the sides from the pan and peel the parchment paper from the sides and bottom of the cake. Wrap the cake in waxed paper and place it in an airtight container or wrap it in a few layers of plastic wrap. Leave the cake at room temperature for 3 to 5 days to allow the flavors to meld. If you used alcohol, you may store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Store sliced cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Jeanne’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Makes 41⁄2 cups

1 ⁄4 11⁄4 1 1 1

cups brown rice flour cups white rice flour cup sweet rice flour cup tapioca flour Scant 2 teaspoons xanthan gum

In a large bowl, whisk together the brown and white rice flours, sweet rice flour, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum thoroughly. Transfer the mix to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.

15 • November 2020 • Home for the Holidays

Classic fruitcake tailor-made for the holiday season

Home for the Holidays • November 2020 • 16

from the Management & Staff of

BEACON COMMUNICATIONS Warwick Beacon • Cranston Herald • Johnston Sun Rise The Reminder • RI Newspaper Group • RhodyPrints

Did you know? • Don’t just use any Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi can make holiday shopping a breeze, but shoppers should know that unsecured Wi-Fi connections make it easy for cyber criminals to see everything users are doing online. When using Wi-Fi to shop, make sure the connection requires a password and never purchase items from a site that does not. WPA2 AES encryption does not make users invulnerable to hackers or other criminals, but it does provide substantial security that’s superior to other encryption technology.

nline shopping has become a wildly popular way for consumers to meet their holiday shopping needs. According to Mastercard, e-commerce sales hit a record high in the 2019 holiday season. Data from Mastercard’s SpendingPulse report indicated that consumers spent 19 percent more on online shopping in 2019 than they did in the previous holiday season. That record may be short lived, as shoppers are expected to spend even more online this holiday season as they continue to confront the global COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey of 1,000 consumers conducted by the omnichannel technology provider Radial

found that two-thirds of shoppers expect to increase their online purchases this holiday season. Online shopping may be especially convenient during a pandemic, but online shoppers must take steps to protect themselves from cyber criminals. • Make your browsing more secure. HTTPS Everywhere is an extension that encrypts shoppers’ communications with major websites, thereby making their browsing more secure. Compatible with browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Opera, HTTPS Everywhere employs technology to ensure websites do not default to unencrypted HTTP sites, which are not as secure as HTTPS sites.

• Use a credit card instead of your debit card. Credit cards provide more protection to consumers than debit cards. Though conditions apply, credit card users are not liable if fraudulent purchases are made with their cards, while debit card users could face an uphill battle to avoid being on the hook for fraudulent purchases. • Shop via mobile apps instead of websites. Cyber criminals are less likely to target mobile apps in an effort to access consumer data because apps require hackers to create specific attacks for each app. Websites are vulnerable to general browser attacks, which means hackers don’t have to work as hard to access site visitors’ sensitive data as they would if they were to target retail apps. Experts expect online shopping to reach new heights this holiday season, and it’s up to consumers to take every step necessary to ensure their sensitive financial information is kept safe from online criminals.

oliday shoppers on the lookout for the perfect gift might want to avoid buying clothing or electronics for their loved ones. A 2019 study from the personal finance website WalletHub found that 34 percent of gift recipients in the United States intended to return gifts they received for the holiday season. Among those who planned to return gifts, 68 percent intended to return clothing while 23 percent indicated they planned to return electronics. Clothing is often returned due to issues with sizing, but fashion sense also can vary significantly from individual to individual. That can make clothing a tricky item to gift a loved one. Electronics also can be difficult, as techies may have loyalties to certain brands or simply prefer devices that are compatible with items they already own. So unless shoppers know which devices their loved ones already rely on, it may be best to avoid giving gadgets this holiday season. Of course, shoppers who want to gift clothing or electronics can always give gift cards to their loved ones’ favorite stores.

Merry Christmas AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

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17 • November 2020 • Home for the Holidays

Security tips to consider before buying online this holiday season

Home for the Holidays • November 2020 • 18

The meaning of the menorah

enorahs are a prominent symbol of Chanukah. Menorahs are seven-branched candelabras that have been used in Jewish worship since ancient times. The seven branches refer to the seven days of creation. The menorah is the traditional symbol of Judaism and the emblem of the state of Israel. For Chanukah, a ninebranched candelabra called a hanukkiah is used, but the word “menorah” has become interchangeable. The Chanukah menorah consists of nine candles. The center and ninth candle are referred to as the Shamash. It is used to light all the other candles. The Shamash is raised above the other candles to make it kosher. The lighting of the menorah over the eight days of Chanukah symbolizes the miracle that occurred during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt. The sacred oil, of which there was only enough for one day’s lighting, miraculously lasted for eight days.

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Holiday Special

Home for the Holidays • November 2020 • 20

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Merry Christmas!

Home for the Holidays • November 2020 • 22

Start new caroling traditions

aroling is a symbol of community that once was a wildly popular holiday tradition but has largely fallen by the wayside. According to the Pew Research Center, about 16 percent of Americans reported caroling in 2017. However, this once-beloved tradition can be brought back with vigor.

History of caroling Caroling evolved from the practice of wassailing. The word “wassail” is derived from the Old Norse phrase “ves heill,” which translates to “be well and in good health.” As early as the 13th century, people in England would travel between houses to go wassailing and wish their neighbors well during the winter months. In some places, the word “wassail” referred to a hot and thick spiced beverage given to travelers to help them stay warm. It is the precursor to modern-day mulled wines, cider and eggnog. Caroling largely remained separate from Christmas until Saint Francis of Assisi incorporated similar well wishes

and songs into his Christmas services. Music was embraced as part of liturgical services during the holiday season.

Caroling today Many caroling sessions now take place inside of churches or schools as part of choral performances. However, with social distancing limitations in place, it may be the ideal time to once again implement door-to-door caroling. This can help bring cheer to people who may be missing loved ones who can’t travel, and may even buoy the spirits of those who have been spending more time alone in their homes. These tips can make caroling more successful. • Find someone with some musical knowledge to guide the group. While everyone needn’t be the next star singer, it helps if one person can help keep the group in time and in tune. • Choose familiar songs. Select a

body of music that is familiar to all. Songs such as “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” “Deck the Halls,” and “The 12 Days of Christmas” are easily recognizable. The more familiar the song, the easier it is for carolers to follow the tune. Have roughly 10 songs and rotate as needed when visiting homes. • Map out your course. Caroling can take place over several days as carolers visit various parts of their communities. A caroling session may last about an hour or two. • Dress for weather. Layer clothing and agree on some festive trimmings that unite the caroling group. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. • Advertise your intentions. Let others know that carolers will be stopping by on particular dates so they can come out on their front porches or doorsteps. Follow social distancing guidelines if necessary and urge spectators to avoid congregating too closely in one place. Caroling is a great way to enjoy the holiday season responsibly.

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23 • November 2020 • Home for the Holidays

Happy Holidays from Saint Elizabeth Community

Home for the Holidays â&#x20AC;˘ November 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ 24