Holiday Guide I 2014 by Cheshire Herald

G y a d i u l ide o H

vember 26

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the cheshire herald, NOVeMBer 26, 2014

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Holiday Guide Enjoy Beneﬁts Of Turkey Any Time Of Year

f turkey is not normally on your lunch or dinner menu, come the holiday season it’s bound to show up in abundance. As soon as the weather cools and the crispness of late autumn is in the air, thoughts turn to more hearty meals, and of course, the fall pièce de résistance: Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Turkey takes center stage on many Thanksgiving dinner tables, even though history suggests it likely wasn’t served at the ﬁrst Thanksgiving. Despite this historical discrepancy, turkey and all the trimmings continue to be traditional fare for big holiday dinners. Much more than just delicious and ﬁlling, turkey boasts many nutritional

beneﬁts, making it a worthwhile addition to your diet regardless of the season. ❊ Protein: Turkey is often overshadowed by other meats in refrigerated display cases, but it remains an excellent source of protein in a low-fat package. A typical 3.4- to four-ounce serving of skinless turkey breast (about the size of a deck of cards) contains around 30 grams of protein, providing about 65 percent of the average person’s recommended daily allotment of protein. Protein helps the body feel full and serves many essential functions in the body. Proteins regulate the entry of nutrients through cell walls, help the body grow and help it to generate antibodies that ﬁght against illness. ❊ Low-fat: A serving of

turkey is only 161 calories and contains just four grams of fat, which is low in saturated fat. ❊ B-vitamin beneﬁts: Turkey is an excellent source of B vitamins, including B3, B6 and B12. Having enough B3, also known as niacin, is important for overall health, and higher levels of niacin can improve cholesterol levels and even lower a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease. B6 is also called pyridoxine. It’s involved in the process of making certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin and norepinephrine, which transmit signals in the brain. Important for neurological health, B12 helps decrease levels of homocysteine, which can contribute to cognitive deSee BENEFITS, page 14

Turkey is low in fat and full of protein and other nutrients, making it a worthy addition to your diet no matter the time of year.

Let’s Talk Turkey

ew foods receive the fanfare of turkey come the holiday season. The National Turkey Federation says Americans eat 46 million turkeys each Thanksgiving and another 22 million on Christmas. An additional 19 million enjoy turkey as part of their Easter celebrations. Though turkey is enjoyed throughout the year, it is most popular during the holiday season. Some celebrants may want to know more about this beloved bird before sinking their teeth into their next holiday meal. The following turkey tidbits may surprise you. • Turkeys are large game birds that are closely related to chickens, pheasants and quail. • The turkey’s scientiﬁc name is “meleagris gallopavo,” which is the wild turkey from which the domesticated turkey many people eat descends. There is another species of turkey known as the ocellated turkey, which is native to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. • By the early 1900s, the wild turkey neared extinction. Restoration projects have increased the number of turkeys from approximately 30,000 birds

See GOBBLERS, page 14

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the cheshire herald, NOVeMBer 26, 2014

three

Holiday Guide What Can Guests Bring To The Holiday Party? it does in guests.

rative items like a bouquet in case guests prove forgetof fresh ﬂowers or candles ful. If one guest is tasked for the dinner table. Such with bringing dessert, pick items add to the ambiance of up some ice cream anyway a dinner party, and picking just so you’re covered if that them up does not require guest forgets to bring some Please call for corrections at 203-317-2308 - after 5 pm call much eﬀort on the part 203-317-2282 of dessert. Pub:CHESHIRECITIZEN Date:05/23/13 Day:THU guests. Ad#:1286331 I bring?” is a Size:2X4 Cust:VILLAGE PET SPA“What Last Editedcan By:JPASINSKI Please call for corrections atLine:NONE 203-317-2308 - after 5 pm call on 5/21/13 11:26 AM. Salesperson:115 Tag ❊ Have a backup plan Info:question party Color hosts can 203-317-2282 Please call for corrections at 203-317-2308 - after 5 pm call Please call for corrections at 203-317-2308 - after 5Pub:CHESHIRECITIZEN pm call Ad#:1286331 Date:05/23/13 Day:THU 203-317-2282 1286331 Composite in place. Guests sometimes expect toSPA hear. How hosts 203-317-2282 Size:2X4 Cust:VILLAGE PET Last Edited By:JPASINSKI Ad#:1286331 Pub:CHESHIRECITIZEN Date:05/23/13 Day:THU Ad#:1286331 Pub:CHESHIRECITIZEN Date:05/23/13 Day:THU on 5/21/13 11:26 AM. Edited Salesperson:115 Tag Line:NONE Color Size:2X4 Cust:VILLAGE SPA Last By:JPASINSKI Size:2X4to Cust:VILLAGE PET SPA Last EditedPET By:JPASINSKI forget bring something, answer that question can Info: on 5/21/13 11:26 AM. Tag Line:NONE Color Celebrating 28ColorYears on 5/21/13 11:26 AM. Salesperson:115 TagSalesperson:115 Line:NONE 1286331 Please call for correctionsInfo: at 203-317-2308 - after 5 pm call- Composite Info: even if they promised they impact how much they and 203-317-2282 1286331 - Composite - after 5 pm call 1286331 - Composite Please call for corrections at 203-317-2308 Ad#:1286331 Pub:CHESHIRECITIZEN Date:05/23/13 Day:THU28 Years 203-317-2282 Celebrating would. So hosts should have their guests enjoy the fesAd#:1286331 Pub:CHESHIRECITIZEN Date:05/23/13 Day:THU Size:2X4 Cust:VILLAGE PET SPA Last Edited28 By:JPASINSKI Celebrating 28 Years Celebrating Years Size:2X4 Cust:VILLAGE PET SPA Last Edited By:JPASINSKILLC 5/21/13 11:26 AM. in Salesperson:115 Color aonbackup plan place justTag Line:NONE tivities. on 5/21/13 11:26 AM. Salesperson:115 Tag Line:NONE Color Info: VILLAGE PET SPA & VILLAGE PET SPA & Info: CT’s1286331 FINEST- BOARDING & GROOMING FACILITIES Composite LLC 1286331 - Composite BOARDING KENNEL LLC BOARDING KENNEL LLC CT’s FINEST BOARDING & GROOMING FACILITIES Celebrating 29 Years CT’s FINEST BOARDING &Celebrating GROOMING FACILITIES All sleeping are spacious 28 Years Celebrating 28 quarters Years www.villagepetspa.com

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to formal aﬀairs may throw your entire schedule out of whack if guests are late. ❊ Consider the guests. Some guests may specialize in a particular item or be especially knowledgeable in a certain area, and hosts can put such skills and knowledge to good use when guests ask what to bring to the party. Guests whose baked goods have achieved legendary status within your social circle can be tasked with bringing dessert, while those with an extensive knowledge of wines can bring the libations for

the night. In the latter case, let the party’s wine enthusiast know the menu in advance so he or she can bring appropriate pairings. ❊ Avoid asking guests to bring side dishes. Some guests may oﬀer to bring side dishes, but this once again may leave hosts vulnerable to guests who may not arrive on time. In addition, guests may have their own favorite side dishes, which may or may not go well with your entree. When hosting a dinner party, it’s best to prepare the whole dinner on your own. If guests oﬀer to bring sides, thank them before you politely explain how excited you are to host and prepare the entire meal on your own. ❊ Don’t overlook decorative items. If the food and beverages are already taken care of but guests still want to contribute, don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring deco-

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hen hosting a party, hosts are often asked, “What can I bring?” Those four words can spark as much thought in hosts as they do in guests, who want to show their appreciation for gracious hosts by bringing something to the party and hopefully taking some of the load off their hosts’ shoulders. Veteran hosts know that answering, “What can I bring?” is not always so easy. But there are a few guidelines hosts can follow to ensure both they and their guests feel good about what is brought to the festivities. ❊ Consider the type of party. The type of gathering you’re hosting may dictate which gifts are acceptable and which are best left at home. For example, what works for a football party likely will not suffice at a formal affair. Casual affairs tend to be more loose and not as planned, whereas hosts throwing a formal dinner party likely have a set menu and schedule in mind. Guests can bring appetizers or snacks like potato chips and pretzels to backyard barbecues or parties geared

the cheshire herald, NOVeMBer 26, 2014

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Holiday Guide Fashion Festive Wreaths From Many Materials

reaths are synonymous with the holiday season, and they can range from intricate to simple to ﬂashy to rustic. Creating festive wreaths does not necessarily require a lot of skill, and wreaths can be fashioned from a va-

riety of different materials. The first step to crafting wreaths is to gather the foundation pieces. This usually involves a sturdy material that will serve as the wreath round. It can be vine, foam, branches, or even wire. You’ll also need decorative items that fit the theme of your wreath. These may be berries, ornaments, ribbons, bows, and other trinkets that will be attached to the wreath. Florist wire and tape can be used to attach the ornaments to the wreath. “Say cheese” wreath Purchase a premade evergreen wreath or wrap boughs of pine

around a wreath frame to make your own. Glue or tie on small wooden frames with photos of the family to the wreath. Fill in the barren spots with small bows and ornaments. Fruitful wreath Instead of an evergreen wreath, create something festive and edible. Fruit and vegetables in vibrant colors can be used to fashion a wreath. Use picks or wire to attach oranges, lemons, limes, clementines, and any other produce desired to a foam wreath. Use leaves to ﬁll in sparse areas and a thick ribbon to hang the wreath. Holly vine wreath Purchase a plain grapevine wreath and decorate it with sprigs of holly leaves and stems with berries. Simple and festive, this wreath should take only a few min-

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utes to make and then hang. Metallic wreath Add a glamorous touch to an evergreen wreath with faux fruit and pine cones that you paint with glimmering metallic colors. Intersperse items in gold, copper and silver for an eyecatching piece that can adorn any spot in your home. Add a few twinkling lights to reflect off of the metallic elements to add even more appeal. Bells or glass ornament wreath Use flexible wire to string a wreath of metal bells or glass ornaments together in a ring shape. Bells not only look nice but also lend a gentle twinkling sound anytime the door is opened. Floral wreath Make a fresh flower wreath from a florist’s wreath and fresh blooms. Soak the foam wreath in water according to the packaged directions. Trim flower stems (carna-

tions are durable) and insert the stems into the wreath. Attach a bow to the bottom of the wreath and then hang. This is one wreath that is best displayed the day of the festivities because it has a short shelf life. Cinnamon wreath This wreath looks beautiful and gives oﬀ that quintessential holiday aroma. Begin with a foam wreath and wrap with a two-inch wide ribbon to cover. Use hot glue to secure cinnamon sticks all around the wreath. For more color, add sprigs of holly, bows or mistletoe.

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the cheshire herald, NOVeMBer 26, 2014

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Holiday Guide Get Ready To Score Cyber Monday Savings

lack Friday, the day when many retailers drastically reduce their prices in recognition of the first official day of the holiday shopping season, remains wildly popular among holiday shoppers. But, in recent years, the day after Thanksgiving has gotten some competition from Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving when many retailers, in particular those that are onlineonly, offer heavy discounts via their websites. Instead of Black Friday traditions like waiting outside stores in the wee hours of the morning, holiday shoppers who can wait until Cyber Monday to start buying gifts can do so from the comforts of their homes or offices. Many Cyber Monday discounts are already set in stone. But savvy shop-

pers can employ a few additional strategies to make sure they’re saving as much money as possible. ❊ Be ready to buy. In the days leading up to Cyber Monday, make a list of what you want and, if possible, which retailers will have the best deals on those items (retailers may or may not advertise their Cyber Monday deals in advance). Some retailers only oﬀer Cyber Monday deals during a relatively small window of time, so you don’t want to waste time comparing prices with other retailers and risk missing out on a great deal. Make sure such legwork is completed before the arrival of Cyber Monday. Knowing what you want also increases the likelihood that you will get what you want on Cyber Monday, which may enable you to take advantage of free shipping deals that won’t be available later

in the season. ❊ Buy smart. When shopping on Cyber Monday, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by sticker prices. But even the most heavily discounted items may be subject to substantial fees, negating the savings and, in certain instances, costing you more money than if you were to simply buy the item in-store. Before making any purchases on Cyber Monday, determine the shipping and handling fees and any other additional costs that may oﬀset the deal you think you’re getting. If a deal is simply too tempting to resist, see if there is an instore pickup option to save you the cost of shipping and handling. ❊ Know the rules. Just because you won’t be waiting in line outside a store in the middle of the night on Black Friday does not necessarily

Consider Eco-Friendly Gifts

iving eco-friendly gifts is easier than ever before. As more people are conscious of reducing their impact on the planet, the demand for environmentally conscious products and services has grown. Earth-friendly givers can rest assured they’re doing their part to safeguard natural resources for future generations. The following are some gift ideas for the ecoconscious people on your holiday shopping list. Locally-Made Products Locally-made products make great holiday gifts. They don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions like products that need to be ﬂown or driven across the globe. Craft fairs and artisan shops are good sources for locally-made gifts, which also are a great way to support businesses in your community.

Gifts Of Service A massage or music or tutoring sessions are examples of gifts of service. These gifts do not require much use of

natural resources, and recipients ﬁnd their personal nature very thoughtful. Gifts of service also can include See GIVE, page 9

mean you won’t have to get up early to take full advantage of Cyber Monday deals. In the course of doing your Cyber Monday homework, you may find certain items that you simply must have. When you find these deals, read the fine print so you know the rules regarding each specific deal. Some may say “while supplies last” or “limited supply.” In such instances, determine when the sale starts and be ready to go the moment the item goes on sale. ❊ Resist temptation. Cyber Monday deals are often hard to resist, but holiday shoppers should stay disciplined and buy only those gifts they need and not heav-

ily discounted items they are unlikely to use. Buying items you don’t need can stretch your holiday budget and distract you from the shopping you need to do. ❊ Stack ‘em up. Stacking is a term used to describe the use of multiple coupons or discount codes on a single purchase. Many retailers do not allow customers to stack discounts, but some do. Take advantage of those that do. Cyber Monday has grown in popularity as more and more consumers do their holiday shopping online. But shoppers can save even more money if they employ a few saving strategies this Cyber Monday.

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Sunday, December 7, 2014 Seatings at 12:00 & 2:30 pm Parks & Recreation Center 559 S. Main Street Cheshire, CT

For information and tickets, call 2 0 3 . 6 9 9 . T U T U ( 8 8 8 8 ) Tickets: $8.00 (10 & under), $12.00 (adults) (At the door: $10.00 10 & under, $15.00 adults) Delight in a full afternoon tea service in the K i n g d o m o f t h e S w e e t s . Enjoy boutique shopping at C l a r a ’ s C l o s e t . Hear C l a r a read the story of T h e N u t c r a c k e r . Bring your favorite doll and dance with C l a r a !

the cheshire herald, NOVeMBer 26, 2014

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Holiday Guide Dos And Dont’s Calm Dinner Party Jitters osting a dinner party is no small task. First-time hosts tasked with hosting a dinner party for family and friends may not

turn as host goes oﬀ without a hitch. DO serve your specialty. While experimenting with new recipes is part of the joy of cooking, such ex-

realize just how big a commitment such an undertaking can be. As a result, hosts often find their first dinner party to be somewhat overwhelming. But dinner parties need not be an exercise in crisis management. In fact, firsttime and even veteran hosts can put the following dos and don’ts of dinner parties to good use to ensure their

periments are best avoided when hosting a dinner party. Instead of trying a new recipe, serve a dish you have prepared numerous times in the past. Making such meals is like second nature to home chefs, and that can greatly reduce the stress of hosting a dinner party. DON’T worry if it takes longer to serve a meal than you planned. Even if you are

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making a dish you have prepared dozens of times in the past, expect things to move a little more slowly when hosting a dinner party. This is especially true when hosting a large dinner party because you will have to prepare a much larger meal than usual. So don’t worry if the meal is served later than you had planned. DO make a list and check it twice. In the days leading up to your party, make a list of ingredients you will need to prepare the meal. Once that list has been made, check your refrigerator and pantry to make sure you have enough of everything to prepare the meal on the scale it needs to be prepared. After you have made your list and checked your pantry, read the recipes again just to make sure you didn’t forget anything before you head to the store to buy whatever you need. DON’T ask guests to bring essential items. While guests will often volunteer to bring certain items, it’s best that hosts don’t ask guests to bring anything essential to the meal. That’s because guests might be late, which can delay the meal, or they might just forget, forcing hosts to make

last-minute trips to the grocery store. Guests can bring items, but it’s ideal if they bring items you won’t need to serve the meal, such as a bottle of wine or even premade desserts. DO ask guests if they have any dietary restrictions. Many guests, especially older guests who might be managing certain health conditions, might have dietary restrictions that govern what they can and cannot eat. Ask guests to let you know if they have any such restrictions, and if those restrictions are foods they can’t eat or simply foods they don’t want to eat. That’s an important distinction that can make a host’s job easier. DON’T make meals that require a speciﬁc taste. Certain types of cuisine are destined to produce mixed responses, and hosts should

stomachs of your guests who don’t often indulge in such foods. DO start early. In addition to preparing your entree earlier than you would when making dinner for your family, start preparing sides or other parts of the meal in advance when possible. Some recipes include storage instructions for chefs preparing meals in advance, so heed those recommendations to take some of the pressure oﬀ come the day of your party. DON’T go overboard. While it may be tempting to stun your guests with a seven-course meal, aiming too high may lead to disaster. A simple meal with an easily prepared appetizer, a delicious entree and a light dessert will make for a memorable evening for everyone, and your guests will appreciate both your ef-

avoid such foods so no one is forced to dine entirely on appetizers and dessert. For example, Indian cuisine tends to be very spicy, and not everyone likes their food to pack such a potent punch. Stick to cuisine that is ﬂavorful but not so extraordinary that it may upset the

forts and the time they get to spend with you throughout the night. Hosting a dinner party is a thoughtful gesture that should be fun. While it can be stressful, following a few tricks of the trade can make hosting duties that much more manageable.

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seven

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the cheshire herald, NOVeMBer 26, 2014

eight

Holiday Guide Chocolate Gingerbread A Delicious Indulgence

he holiday season is rife with tradition. Families have their own unique traditions, whether it’s gathering at Grandma’s to enjoy a holiday meal or singing carols together around the neighborhood with friends who live nearby. One tradition that seems to have made it into many families’ holiday celebrations is indulging in deli-

cious baked goods. Desserts are a big part of the holiday season, when many people relax restrictions on their diets to enjoy some of their favorite cookies and cakes. While such delicacies are often served at dinnertime, homemade baked goods also make great gifts come the holiday season. Whether a friend or family member is a fully devoted foodie or simply a person who loves

a decadent dessert, gifting homecooked baked goods is a great way to show your loved ones just how much you appreciate them. This holiday season, give the gift of decadence by cooking up the following recipe for “Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread” courtesy of Maxine Clark’s “Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers” (Ryland, Peters & Small).

Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread Makes an 8-inch cake

A homemade holiday treat of Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread is sure to please friends and family.

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Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and line the base and sides of the cake pan with nonstick parchment paper. Put the molasses in a pan and heat gently until hot, but do not allow it to boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chocolate. Stir until melted. Sift the flour, ground ginger and salt together in a bowl. Add the stem ginger and toss it around in the flour until every piece is coated. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, then the molasses and chocolate mixture and finally the flour mixture. Dissolve the baking soda in the milk and gradually beat this into the batter. Pour into the prepared cake pan, scatter with the crystallized ginger, if using, and bake for 45 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F and bake for another 30 minutes. (If using the oval pan, cook for about 45 minutes at the higher temperature, then about 1 hour at the lower temperature, as it will be deeper.) A metal skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack and let cool completely. When cold, store in an airtight container for at least a couple of days to mature and become sticky. Don’t worry if it sinks a bit in the middle — this is normal.

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the cheshire herald, NOVeMBer 26, 2014

Nine

Holiday Guide Reduce Your Holiday Carbon Footprint

he holiday season is typically one when everything is done bigger and better. Here are some eﬀects the holidays can have on the environment and changes anyone can make to enjoy the festivities and help the planet at the same time. ❊ Trash: From gift wrap to cards to disposable decorations, trash has a way of piling up during the holiday season. According to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Americans generate 25 percent more waste per week between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than during the rest of the year. This creates an additional 1.2 million tons of trash per week, or an extra six million tons throughout the holiday season. Cutting back on trash is one of the easiest steps a person can take to reduce his or her environmental impact. Purchase cards or

paper made from recycled, post-consumer content and printed with nontoxic inks. Choose postcards that do not need a separate envelope for mailing. Use reusable decorations, dinnerware, boxes, and bags to prevent extra garbage from ending up in landﬁlls. Carry your own fabric shopping bags in place of plastic ones and, when available, have your receipts emailed instead of printed. ❊ Food: Lavish meals are the central component of holiday gatherings. Leftover food produces waste, so purchasing too much food or selecting products that were not locally produced can negatively aﬀect the environment. Shipping food over long distances requires fuel and other natural resources. In some instances, products shipped from other countries may harbor parasites or insects not native to this country, and such

unwanted guests can prove harmful to local ecosystems. To meet the extraordinary demands of the holiday season, food suppliers may beef up livestock and produce with artiﬁcial hormones, fertilizers and pesticides, all of which are detrimental to the environment. Shop wisely this time of year and only buy what you need, rather than cooking to impress. Choose locally-grown or organic foods and in-season produce instead of exotic, imported fare. Promptly package and freeze leftovers so they can be enjoyed again instead of ending up being discarded. ❊ Decorating: It’s tempting to purchase ready-made, plastic imported holiday decorations. But these objects are not always the most sustainable options, and there are plenty of decorative items that have less impact on the planet. LED holiday lights, for example,

Give ‘Green’ This Holiday Season continued from page 5 tasks you’ll do for the recipient. For example, teach a senior member of your family how to navigate their new smartphone or agree to help them shop for groceries. Antiques Gifting a sentimental piece of family history is an earth-friendly way to share the holidays. Pass down a cherished piece of jewelry

or browse antique shops for items that have interesting histories. Recycled Goods Cans, bottles and jars can be turned into unique pieces such as trivets, spoon rests and vases. Artisans have reused items from bike parts to ﬁre extiguishers to make clever and attractive gifts. Natural Gifts Foodies may appreci-

ate an herb-growing kit for the kitchen and flower seed packets are nice stocking stuffers for budding gardeners. Offer to purchase a living Christmas tree for a relative, so that he or she can plant it after the holidays have come and gone. Gift-giving doesn’t have to be detrimental to the environment. Givers can seek out earth-friendly gifts and share even more this time of year.

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use 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent lights and can last up to 100,000 hours. Keep lights on only when you’re home and awake to save energy. Instead of purchasing new ornaments, make your own or host an ornament swap with friends. Create your own wreaths and centerpieces from natural materials found around the yard. Soy candles do not emit unsafe hydrocarbons and produce less soot than paraﬃn wax candles. ❊ Travel: Travel is a large component of the holidays, as friends and family members criss-cross the globe to spend the season together. According to Green Choices, aviation accounts for 75 percent of the travel industry’s greenhouse gas emissions, followed by road transport

(32 percent). Look for the most cost- and eco-eﬀective method of travel to reduce your carbon footprint. If you will be away from home or the oﬃce for long periods of time, remember to set your thermostats to a lower temperature or program them to the vacation setting. You also can turn down your water heaters to conserve energy. It is possible to enjoy the holidays and protect the planet at the same time. A few easy changes are all it takes to reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season.

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ten

Holiday Guide Take Some Of The Stress Out Of Holiday Travel

illions of people fly the friendly skies, ride the rails or hit the highway come the holiday season, and it can often be both expensive and stressful. But holiday travel need not be either. Here are a handful of tips to help travelers enjoy successful and stress-free travel this holiday season. ❊ Reserve early. Fares usually rise as the holidays draw closer. It’s unlikely you will score a last-minute deal by waiting until the last minute to book holiday travel, as discount fares are largely a thing of past. If your schedule is inflexible, book as early as possible. You might be able to save some money. ❊ Fly on the holiday. Very often flying on popular holidays, including Thanksgiv-

ing and Christmas Day, is less expensive than flying on the surrounding days. If your goal is to save money and you don’t mind showing up on the holiday itself, then flying on the holiday may earn you the most savings. ❊ Book a business hotel. Hotels that cater to business clientele in big cities often reduce their rates during the holidays, when business travel tends to wane. ❊ Consider flying into and out of smaller airports. What they lack in size, number of flights and modern

comforts, smaller airports can make up for in fewer delays and smaller crowds. Flying into and out of a smaller airport may be especially advantageous if

such an airport is closer to your home or ﬁnal destination. ❊ Get pre-screened security clearance. The TSA Pre-Check Program enables some people to move quick-

ly through security checkpoints. This can help save a considerable amount of time. Visit www.tsa.gov to learn who qualiﬁes. ❊ Do not wrap gifts prior to traveling. If you must bring gifts along, your move through security will be quicker if they are not wrapped. Unwrapped gifts save oﬃcers the time of removing wrapping to inspect what’s inside, so reserve the wrapping for when you arrive at your destination. ❊ Have an alternate plan in place. Unforeseeable delays or cancellations can

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turn even the most carefully planned itinerary on its head. Keep phone numbers for taxi services and hotels handy in case your flight is delayed to avoid having to spend a night at the airport. ❊ Avoid domestic or popular holiday destinations. One way to avoid the holiday crowds is to head off for parts of the world that are not celebrating the same holiday as you. Such locales likely won’t attract as many tourists as other parts of the world, and you might be able to save money by visiting during the offseason. ❊ Do the hosting. People who do the holiday hosting don’t have to worry about travel. Even though it can mean more prep work and cleanup, hosting duty saves you the headaches and expenses of holiday travel.

the cheshire herald, NOVeMBer 26, 2014

eleven

Holiday Guide Stay Casual And Relaxed With A Pot Luck Party

good time is the goal of many social gatherings, but too often the host and the hostess spend the majority of the party catering to guests rather than enjoying themselves. But pot luck parties that encourage guests to contribute to the festivities can allow even party hosts to relax and enjoy the festivities. Such parties a great option for contemporary hosts or hostesses who want to host a gathering but are too busy with their day-to-day activities to plan a party. With a pot luck, everyone is invited to bring a signature dish to the event. These types of parties enable everyone to share the work so the party hosts aren’t inundated with all of the labor. Pot luck parties are typically informal gatherings, which can help put guests at ease and make them more inclined to attend. A casual party where no one is expected to put on airs can create a relaxed and fun environment. Although pot luck party guests will be sharing the workload, pot luck parties still require some planning. In fact, such parties may need a bit more organization than others, if only to ensure that the right ratio of food

and beverages is available. Party hosts do not want to be stuck with duplicates of menu items or a scarcity of something essential. Here’s how to throw a successful pot luck. Get Organized The ﬁrst step is deciding which type of pot luck you want to have. This will dictate the menu. A cocktail party requires ﬁnger foods, while a sit-down event may require more substantial dishes. Many party hosts like to associate a theme with their parties, and tying food into the theme can help guests decide what to bring. Create A List Of What’s Needed Determine how many dishes will be needed. The number of dishes available does not have to equal the number of guests in attendance, but it is a good idea to have a variety of options. When notifying guests what they can bring, give a gener-

al list of guidelines. Perhaps you would like to have a beef dish, poultry, side dishes, a vegetarian option, and a salad. By giving guests the guidelines, they can work within them to create foods that they enjoy. It is best not to dictate exactly what to bring, as that may seem overbearing. Don’t Forget The Beverages Sometimes it can be easy to get swept up with the menu and overlook the beverages and other treats. Guests who do not need to bring a dish or those who admit their culinary capabilities are lacking can opt to bring drinks or ice. If you will be oﬀering alcohol beverages, delegate who will bring which spirits and mixers.

desserts and then keep track of who is bringing which items so you do not overlap. Chances are there is a seasoned baker in your midst who enjoys delighting the crowd with delectable desserts. Take Suggestions Allow guests to make suggestions regarding the menu. Perhaps someone will handle cutlery and serving pieces. Maybe a friend has chaﬁng dishes that you can borrow. A family member who owns a business may be able to contribute a product from his or her store or service. Guests can

do more than just bring food or beverages to make a contribution. Extra seating and tables are always welcome. Stock Up On Take-home Containers Even the most carefully planned pot luck party is sure to generate a good deal of leftovers. Send everyone home with their own doggie bags. Aluminum or plastic containers can be used to divide any remaining foods. Pot lucks can be a comfortable, informal way to host a number of people without taking on all of the work or expense of a party.

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twelve

Holiday Guide

Timesaving Tips Will Ease Holiday Hustle And Bustle

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from getting tangled. Hang the bags from a hook in a garage or stack them in a storage bin. ❊ Use plastic zip ties to attach garland and lights to bannisters. They’re easy to assemble and will not damage the bannisters. ❊ A paper towel holder can be screwed to the wall in a craft room to neatly hold spools of ribbon. Simply pull the length you need from the spool and cut for easy decorating. ❊ Mount a tree stand to a piece of wood with screws or glue. This prevents spills from reaching the floor while stabilizing the tree. ❊ Old maps make interesting gift wrap and are a nice change of pace from commercially produced paper or newsprint. ❊ Wrap duct tape or another type of sticky tape around your hand. Pat over fallen pine needles that accumulate around the tree. In hard-to-reach areas, wrap the tape around a broom or a floor sweeper. ❊ When traveling for the holidays, use a brightly colored suitcase or flashy tape to make your suitcase stand out from others at the airport. ❊ Place hardened brown sugar in a baking dish, cover it with a moist paper towel and either microwave it on high for 20-second intervals or place it in a 300-degree F See BENEFITS, page 15

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ith so much on our plates between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the holiday season can be hectic. Save some time and hassle and make holiday decorating more manageable by following these tips: ❊ If you don’t have plastic clips to hang lights around windows and to the eaves of your home, inexpensive clothespins will work just as well. If you’re concerned about the color of the wooden clips, paint them holiday hues before stringing the lights. ❊ Put a bath mat, rugside down and rubber-side up, beneath your Christmas tree stand. This allows you to spin the tree as you hang lights and ornaments without damaging the ﬂoor underneath. It also makes it simple to undress the tree once the season is over. Use a tree skirt to hide the mat. ❊ Squeeze artiﬁcial tree portions into concrete form tubes. First wrap the tree portions in twine and then slip them into the concrete sleeves. Each tube can be stowed in attic or garage rafters, freeing up precious space. ❊ Use empty squirt bottles to make baking and cooking easier. Pancake and cookie batters can be squirted from the containers for less mess. ❊ Store one or two strings of lights in a plastic shopping bag to keep the strands

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thirteen

Holiday Dining & Catering The Victorian House Restaurant & Tavern

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the cheshire herald, NOVeMBer 26, 2014

Fourteen

Holiday Guide Gobblers Are Native To America continued from page 2 back then to nearly seven million now. • Despite their size, turkeys can fly in the wild. They often perch in trees to sleep to protect themselves from predators. Some domesticated turkeys may not fly because they have been bred to be overly large to produce more breast meat. • The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds. • A male turkey is called a “tom” or a “gobbler,” while female turkeys are referred to as “hens.” Only the male will make the familiar gobbling sound, which is used to attract mates. • A hen is smaller than a gobbler and does not have the distinctive beard of modified feathers that gobblers have on their breasts. Males also have sharp spurs on their legs for fighting. • Male and female turkeys also can be differentiated by their droppings. Male droppings are spiral-shaped, while females’ look

like the letter J. • Both genders of turkey have snoods (the dangling appendage on the face) as well as red wattles under their chins. • A hen can lay about 10 to 12 eggs over a period of two weeks. The eggs will incubate for 28 days before hatching. Baby turkeys are called “poults.” • Turkeys and peacocks may look similar, but they are not closely related. • Turkeys have excellent vision due to their eyes being located on the sides of their head. This gives the birds periscopic vision. • The gizzard is a part of the turkey’s stomach that contains tiny stones that the bird has swallowed. The stones facilitate the digestion process. • Benjamin Franklin did not support the bald eagle as the nation’s symbol, feeling the turkey would be a better choice. In a letter to

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his daughter, he wrote, “He [bald eagle] is a rank coward; the little king-bird, not bigger than a sparrow, attacks him boldly and drives him out of the district. For in truth, the turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America. Eagles have been found in all countries, but the turkey was peculiar to ours …” • Turkeys will have 3,500 feathers at maturity. Rumor has it the costume worn by the “Sesame Street” character “Big Bird” is made of turkey feathers. • The turkey shares its name with a country. But why? A turkey bears some resemblance to the guinea fowl. Though it is native to eastern Africa, the guinea fowl was imported to Europe through the Ottoman Empire and came to be called the “turkey-cock” or “turkey-hen.” When settlers in the New World began to send similarlooking fowl back to Europe, they were mistakenly called “turkeys.” • Despite an abundance of turkeys being eaten between November and January, June is National Turkey Month.

Beneﬁts Of Turkey continued from page 2 cline. ❊ Immune system eﬀects: People may not know turkey contains selenium, which is key to healthy thyroid function. It also helps boost the immune system by playing a role in the body’s antioxidant defense system. Selenium may help eliminate free radicals in the body that would otherwise contribute to cancer risk. ❊ Relaxation: Many people are aware of turkey’s

ability to induce feelings of relaxation, particularly when eaten in abundance at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Turkey contains the amino acid tryptophan, which plays a role in triggering production of serotonin. Serotonin can induce feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. Turkey is lean, full of essential nutrients and low in saturated fat, making it a worthy addition to your diet no matter what time of year it happens to be.

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the cheshire herald, NOVeMBer 26, 2014

Fifteen

Holiday Guide Follow Simple Rules To Pair Wines With Food

alk into many the earlier course before opt❊ Match delicate seafood wine and spir- ing for deeper, richer wines dishes with a light wine. its stores, and as the meal progresses. Pinot grigio or chablis are you will likely encounter a ❊ Consider champagne to delicately flavored and will dizzying array of selections. accompany appetizers and pair well with seafood. Fish While wine selections at opening courses. Cham- that is served in a rich sauce such stores were once lim- pagne works particularly may be better matched with ited to a few well-known well with salty foods, which a heartier chardonnay. brands, many niche ❊ Make rose your and private wingo-to wine when The vast array of vintages available can eries have begun serving cheese. Almake wine pairing a bit challenging. to make their vinthough some cheestages available to a es work great with wider clientele, so white or red, rose now shoppers are treated to is why it is often a good is typically a safe bet when both familiar and less well- match for hors d’oeuvres. serving cheese because of known options. If your’s is a cocktail party its acidity and fruity characTo novice dinner party only, you may want to ex- ter, offering the best of both hosts, the vast array of wines clusively serve champagne, worlds. and flavors can make select- which typically pairs well ❊ Hearty meats, such as ing a bottle or two to ac- with passed finger foods steaks and chops, pair well company a meal a bit more and even bite-sized desserts. with rich reds. Cabernet challenging. But one need ❊ Opt for sauvignon blanc sauvignon and bordeaux not be a master sommelier when you do not want the are great when paired with to find the right pairing. The flavor of the wine to be over- meat. Malbec and shiraz can following tips can help any- whelmed by the food. Sauvi- hold their own if meats are one select wines to go with gnon blanc works with early spiced and extremely flavortheir menu or the type of oc- courses that pack a flavor- ful. casion. ful punch. Sauvignon blanc ❊ Rustic wines will work ❊ Work from light to dark. can be grassy or tropical in best with rustic recipes. Try Just as you begin a dinner flavoring, depending on the to find a wine from the same service with some appetiz- region in which the grapes region from which the meal ers and salad before moving were grown. It is commonly originated. Pinot noir is a to heavier courses, the wine described as crisp and fresh light-bodied red wine that should follow suit. Select in flavor and is often recom- has full flavor and can work lighter wines to accompany mended with sushi. with many pasta dishes as

well as earthy ingredients, such as mushrooms. Though some people follow a strict personal code regarding wine pairings, your personal tastes should

dictate what you ultimately serve. Experimentation can yield an unexpected ﬂavor combination that complements the nuances of both the food and the wine.

Handy Holiday Timesavers continued from page 12 oven for ﬁve minutes. This will soften the sugar, making it easier to use the sugar to prepare your favorite holiday cookie recipes. ❊ Save plastic bread ties, which can be used to make tags for the wires on certain devices. Such ties also can be used to organize decorating components and to keep your place on a roll of tape. ❊ Measure the inside of your picture window and construct a wooden frame to its dimensions. Staple holiday lights to the frame and then easily slip the frame in and out of place each year. ❊ Hang a live wreath or some boughs of evergreen in your home to give it that fresh pine scent if you have an artiﬁcial tree.

❊ Color-code storage containers so you can easily ﬁnd holiday decorations in the attic or basement. ❊ Pack for a holiday excursion using a collapsible clothing storage hanger for closets. Fold clothes on each fabric shelf and then col-

lapse it into your suitcase. When you get to your destination, unfold and hang it in a closet so all of your clothes will be at the ready. Make the holidays even more enjoyable with a variety of timesavers and clever tips.

High-end Children’s Clothing, Shoes, Accessories, Toys, Baby Gear & Holiday Attire

Open: Mon-Tues 11am-5pm • Wed.-Fri. 10am-6pm • Sat. 10am-4pm 96 Elm St., Cheshire (directly behind Town Hall) 203-250-6462• www.dragonflycheshire.com

Norton Brothers FRUIT FARM

www.nortonbrothersfruitfarm.com ROAD•HYBRIDS•MOUNTAIN•BMX/KIDS

For That Special Holiday Gift! Wide selection of bikes, Skateboards, Madd Gear Scooters & accessories

1529 Meriden-Waterbury Road, Milldale

OPEN TUES.-SAT. 860.426.2124 www.bobbysprocket.com

Coming Soon - Fresh Cut Christmas Trees!

A wide variety of apples •Bosc Pears Various Fresh Produce • Cider Donuts Apple Fritters • Honey & Maple Syrup • Fresh & Frozen Pies Jellies • Jams • Salsa • Salad Dressings Barbecue Sauces • Baking Mixes Snacks • Hay • Apple Firewood

Cemetery Boxes Order Your Holiday Pies 203-272-8418

466 Academy Road, Cheshire

the cheshire herald, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Sixteen

LOWEST PRICES IN CT

WINE MERCHANTS Sam Adams

Busch & Busch Light

12 pack bottles

18 pack bottles

9.99

12.99

949 S. MAIN STREET CHESHIRE 203-872-3134

Bud & Bud Light

20 pack bottles

12 pack bottles

11.99

Liquor Specials Bacardi Rum Lt & Gold 1.75L .......... $23.99 Pinnacle All Types 1.75L ............... $18.99 Johnny Walker Red 1.75L ........ $36.99 Crown Royal 750ml .................... $22.99 Jack Daniels 1.75L ..................... $43.99 Jameson Irish Whiskey 1.75L ... $49.99 Patron XO Cafè 750ml ............... $19.99 Bailey’s Irish Cream 750ml All Types$24.99 Dewar’s White Label Scotch

36.99 Absolut Vodka 750ml ................. $19.99 Captain Morgan Rum 70 1.75L $26.99 Grey Goose Vodka 1.75L .......... $56.99 Viking Fjord Vodka 1.75L ....... $19.99 Skyy Vodka 1.75L ..................... $23.99 Jose Cuervo Tequila 1.75L ...... $34.99 Canadian Club 80 1.75L ............ $19.99 Absolut Vodka 80 1.75L ............. $29.99 800 1.75L.........................................

Sambuca Romana

25.99 Grey Goose Vodka 750mL all types 29.99 Titos Vodka 1.75L ................... $29.99 Seagrams VO 1.75L ......................... $24.99 Stoli All Types 1.75L ........................ $29.99 Full line of FINE WINES in stock white or dark 750ML ........................................ $ $

HOURS Mon.-Sat. 9am-9pm Sun. 10am-5pm

Barefoot

750 ml All Types

$5.99 Merlot or Chard. $ 9.99 Barefoot Kendall Jackson

We will meet or beat any Liquor ad. Lowest Legal Price allowed 1.5L All Types by CT State Law

WE DELIVER

Bogle

$10.99

Chardonnay $ 99

Shock Top

Bud Light Lime & Platinum

12 pack bottles

9.99

Beer Specials

Bud & Bud Lite 30pk ...................Full Case $20.99 Heineken & Heineken Light 24pk btls. $24.99 Busch or Busch Light 30 packs Full Case $17.99 Coors Lite 30pk cans ........................Full Case $21.99

Heineken & Light 18pk btls ...........................$18.99

Corona & Corona Light 24pk btls.Full Case $24.99 Miller High Life 18 packs ................................ $8.99 Natural Light & Ice 30pk cans .Full Case $16.99 Miller Light cans.................................30 Pack $17.99 Smithwick’s Irish Ale 12pk btls......Full Case $28.99 Heineken & Heineken Light 12 pk btls.........$12.99 Keystone Lite 30pk cans .................Full Case $15.99 Bud or Bud Lite loose btls ...............20 Pack $11.99

ICE COLD KEGS in stock Clos du Val Cabernet

750 ML $

Silver Oak Cabernet

Kahula Liqueur

1.75L

3499

Magnum Madness 1.5L

12.99 Mezza Corona Pinot Grigio....................... 13.99 Ketel One Lindeman’s 1.5L .......................................... $9.99 $ 99 1.75L 39 Crane Lake 1.5L .......................................... $7.99 $ Bailey’s Irish Cream Bella Serra 1.5L ........................................... 9.99 $ .................................. 31.99 1.75L $3899 J. Lohr Cab. 1.5L CK Mondavi All Types ............................... $10.99 Smirnoff San Giuseppe Pinot Grigio 1.5L .............. $29.99 Vodka $ 99 Nathanson Creek All Types .................... $8.99 1.75L 19 Cavit All Types ................................................. $11.99 TISDALE Two Oceans Sav. Blanc 1.5L ..............$12.99 WINE 99 Woodbridge Chard., Cab., Mer., Pin., Syrh

750 ML $

All Types, 750ml

3.99

Fetzer

1.5 L All Types $ 99

Not Responsible for Typographical Errors

Ecco Domani

All Types 750ml

Peter Vella

999

1199

Yellow Tail Sutter Home

White Zin.

750ml

599

All cigarettes at CT State minimum prices

Prices good thru November 30, 2014 Division of Grace Holdings Visit our other locations

MERIDEN WINE & SPIRITS WALLINGFORD 429 S. Broad St. 994 North Colony Rd. 203-440-1499 203-774-3288

Turning Leaf

All Types 1.5 L

5L, Generics 1.5 L All Types $ 99 $ 99

.........

***SPECIALS ONLY AT CHESHIRE LOCATION***

HAMDEN 2300 Dixwell Ave. 203-745-4289