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Bring on the Holidays It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As I have gotten older, the holidays have become a learning process for me. I have been living independently of my parents for awhile now, but I am still figuring out how to celebrate the holidays my own way. This magazine is your “how to” guide for the holidays. This holiday season will be the first year I won’t be able to share the season with Family, so I’m going to have to make all the festive goodies without my mom’s help. Our non-traditional recipes offer a great source for those who are cooking at home this year or just want something different than the typical turkey and gingerbread cookies. Even though I’m not traveling this winter, I want everyone else to take all safety precautions and check out our winter driving tips. For those on a budget, browse our article about economical holidays to find some inspiration. A big part of my winter plans will be referencing our guide for making delicious hot chocolate, tea and cider at home. However you choose to celebrate, please be safe while you create all the wonderful memories and holiday cheer!
Jenelle Grewell, Guest Editor mwrlifeeditor@fortcampbellmwr.com
Editors Tara Goodson CynDe Clack Jenelle Grewell - Guest
Inside this issue
Contributors
Nina Darling Morgan Diggs Deanna Jones Kathy Jones Brittany Kluck Ramon Maisonet Stella Mayfair Elaine Oliver Melissa Sanders Lonnie Scott Erica Smith Crystal Veillette
Publisher
Creative ink
Creative Director Sears Hallett
Advertising 931-801-4531 sales@creativeinktn.com
Photography CynDe Clack Paula Hallett Shutterstock pg 3, 4, 7, 10, 21, 24, 29 Thinkstock pg 3, 6, 10, 12, 22
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Holidays On a Budget Don’t overspend this season.
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Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
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Be Careful With Your Heating Equipment
Have fun in the white stuff!
Prevent fires in your home.
10 Celebrate the Holiday Season Make the most of this festive time of year.
12 Curl Up With a Cup of Warmth Make your favorite hot beverages.
19 Try Something New Non-traditional holiday recipes.
24 Plan for Winter Driving Safety in dangerous road conditions.
27 Wrap the Perfect Present Your guide for pretty gifts.
29 Save On Your Electric Bill Conserve energy this year.
Disclaimers: Fort Campbell’s MWR Life Magazine is a monthly magazine produced by the Fort Campbell MWR Marketing Department under the authority of AR 215-1. Facilities and activities publicized are open to authorized patrons.The mention or appearance of commercial advertisers, commercial sponsors and/or their logos does not constitute endorsement by the Federal Government. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are subject to change. MWR Marketing is located at 5663 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. For more information, call 270-798-7535 or log on to www.fortcampbellmwr.com. 24hr. event line - 270-798-3172 www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr
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Money Matters
Holidays On a Budget By Jenelle Grewell
I just recently graduated from college so you would be correct if you guessed that I am not exactly rolling in dough. Since I was a college student for the past six years, I have had to get creative during the holiday season with my limited budget. Whether it is buying gifts, traveling or going to holiday parties, this time of year can get kind of pricey, so here are some ideas to keep you within a reasonable budget. It is seriously the thought that counts. I know that sounds cliché but any true friend will appreciate whatever you get them as long as it is thoughtful. So here are few wallet friendly gift ideas: •
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Potted plant. $3 and up where plants are sold. Look for cacti or other small house plants that are durable. Try not to give anything that is picky about sunlight and water. A photograph that means something to your recipient in a nice frame. $0.09 and up for each print and you can find cheap picture frames at the thrift store. For a couple or a movie buff consider getting a gift card for a few Redbox rentals and a box of popcorn. A box of popcorn can start as low as $3 and you can put whatever amount you are comfortable with on Redbox gift card. Kitchen utensils like apple corer or potato peeler. Small utensils that make life in the kitchen a little easier can start as cheap as $5. Attach a favorite recipe or two. A coffee or tea mug for hot drink lovers. Mugs can be as cheap as $5 at various stores. You could add a few favorite tea bags or hot chocolate drink pouches.
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A small mason jar of recipient’s favorite candy. Sets of mason jars can run as low as $6 for four jars. Large bags of candy can be as low as $2. You can also browse thrift stores or dollar stores for cheap jars and glasses to put the sugary treats in and you could hit the bulk candy store if you are making a lot of gifts. Mini nail polishes for the more fashionable people in your life. Depending on what store you go to, you can pick up mini nail polishes for as little as $1 and large nail polishes for less than $2. Some pet treats or pet toys for those who love their furry friends. You can get pet toys for less than $5 and pet treats can cost less than $5 as well. Socks. Now I know this may sound ridiculous but really warm socks in crazy patterns are an appreciated gift in the cold winter months. I personally have a love for knee socks. You can get some pretty kooky looking cool socks for around $5-$10.
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Travel size toiletries are a good gift for those who are on the go a lot or for a Solider. Raid the travel toiletry rack and you can find mini bottles of tooth paste, wipes and much more for around a $1.
For additional inexpensive gift ideas, visit the Fort Campbell Spouse’s Club Thrift Shop. Located at 2112 Indiana Ave., the store has many great items for an even greater price and shopping there helps our military community. Call them at (270) 640-4769 for more information. With the holiday season around the corner, you may be invited to a lot of parties. It can get expensive bringing dishes or drinks to every party you go to, plus not all of us are masters in the kitchen who can whip up something amazing to wow guests. You should also consider what kind of holiday party you are attending. For a more laid back party among friends, you can probably pinch pennies and just be honest with the host or hostess about your budget. For a function among coworkers you might want to fork over a bit of cash. I personally like to make a calendar of all my social
• Pack a lunch. Make some sandwiches, grab a few of your favorite snacks from the grocery store or your pantry and a few bottles of water (or caffeinated beverage) before you hit the road. The average fast food meal is around $5 or more. That can be $15 per day for one person! Bring your own food and keep your wallet happy. • Check ahead of time for hotels and compare prices. Look for a hotel with complimentary breakfast. Even if it’s just toast and cereal, that is one less cost you have to figure in. A hot breakfast that is included is a huge bonus! Many hotels offer different discounts, including military discounts. • Do you know anyone who is headed in the same direction as you for the holidays? Offer to car pool part way. You can split cost of the gas for the part of the journey you ride together.
appointments and think about what I can bring ahead of time. Overall, I think any host or hostess will appreciate anything you bring so here are a few ideas that won’t break the bank: •
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Cookies. Everyone loves cookies! You can either bake them yourself for less than $5 with the ready-made dough or you can buy cookies already made for about the same price (there just won’t be as many). Also, most ingredients for your basic chocolate chip cookies are already in most pantries. You may just have to buy some chocolate chips or eggs. Bonus:Then you get bragging rights for bringing homemade cookies. Baking mini cookies means there are more to go around! Chips, crackers and pretzels. Many stores have sales and coupons for snack foods all the time. Check sale papers before you go shopping. Munchie-type foods can cost about $3 a bag. You can also offer to bring the non alcoholic mixers for beverages that will be served at the party. Alcohol can get expensive but you can suggest bringing the soda or juice and save a lot of cash. You can get a 2-liter of soda or juice for about $2 and even less for store brands.
Traveling can get expensive when you consider gas prices and all the stops you may have to make for hotels and food. Cut down on costs with a few tips: •
Keep up on maintenance with your car. It may seem like a large amount of cash to get your oil changed and do a winter check on your vehicle but trust me, regular maintenance on your car will not only save you from future costly repairs but having a well maintained car can also save you a lot on gas and keep you safe. Visit Air Assault Auto at 5300 Airborne St. or call them at (270) 956-1100 for all your vehicle maintenance needs.
If you set yourself a budget and stick to it, you should still have enough money after the holidays so you are not broke going into the New Year. If you need assistance creating a budget, please make an appointment with ACS Financial Readiness staff at (270) 798-5518.
Make your own party tray. Buy various fruits, vegetables and cheeses and make your own snack tray instead of purchasing one that is already made. This is a great idea if you have several gatherings to go within a few days of each other. You can make several party trays depending on how much food you purchase but don’t buy too much that will go bad before you use it! That will be a huge blow to your pocketbook. Slow cooker dips. Search online for recipes and you will find pages and pages available to choose from. For example, you can make a cheese dip with Velveeta Cheese (or a similar cheese block that melts easily) and a can of spicy tomatoes like Rotel. This super easy dip could cost you less than $10. Let another friend on a budget know to bring the tortilla chips!
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Do You Want To Build A Snowman?
This and That
By Stella Mayfair
Snow is probably the first thing that comes to mind when anyone thinks of winter. While the Fort Campbell area does get some snow, we are still technically in the South. “Winter Wonderland” and “the South” aren’t exactly synonymous. But in case we do get some snow, or you decide to travel somewhere that does have snow this winter, I have provided you with the perfect guide for playing in the white, cold, fluffy stuff.
How to Build A Snowman: 1. The right type of snow is important. You don’t want the dry snow that won’t stick. To test if the snow is packable, see if you can create a good snowball that stays together. If the snow seems too dry, you can always add some water to help. 2. Shape a handful of snow into a ball. Pack the snowball until it is too big for your hands.
How to Make A Snow Angel: 1. Find a patch of snow that is large enough to lie down in. Make sure there isn’t any debris to scratch you or flaws in the snow. 2. Lie down carefully onto your back. Make sure your legs and arms are outstretched as you do this. Get a good imprint of all your body parts.
5. Stack your snowballs largest to smallest. You may need to get a shovel to help get the midsection and the top ball into place. 6. Decorate your snowman! Get creative and give it eyes, a nose, a mouth or whatever pleases you. Dress up your snowman in scarves, hats, jewelry. Invite your Family to get creative in decorating your snowman.
3. Move your arms and legs up and down flat across the snow. Keep your limbs straight as you do this. It will be almost like doing jumping jacks while lying down in the snow. Also make sure not to let your arms go all the way above your head. Make sure your whole body is touching the snow while doing this! 4. Stand up slowly and carefully to not mess up the shape of your snow angel.
3. Roll the snowball away from you (you don’t want to run yourself over). This is your first ball for your snowman and it should be the largest.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 twice but each ball should be smaller.Your midsection ball will be smaller than your bottom ball and your top ball will be smaller than your midsection ball.
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Another tip for building a snowman that isn’t as traditional, is to just make a giant mound of snow. You can then shape the mound to look like whatever you want. This allows for even more creativity in your snowmen or snow sculptures. Giant snow cat anyone?
Now that you know how to make fun things in the snow, you need a place with snow to visit. If you aren’t visiting loved ones up North, visit our Leisure Travel Services office for information on tickets and lodging for places that do have the cold weather and snow. Leisure Travel Services office is located inside the Exchange Mall. You can call them at 270. 798.7436 for more information or visit www. fortcampbellmwr.com. The Gaylord Opryland Hotel offers a great event for those who want to experience snow and ice without traveling to places with cold weather. ICE! ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas brings the famous story to life with 2 million pounds of ice. This awesome show offers discounted tickets for the military.
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Be Careful with your Favorite Heating Equipment
In The Home
By Elaine Oliver As the weather turns from cool to frigid, nothing sounds more appealing than making a mug of hot cocoa and curling up in front of a fire in the fireplace. Despite how comforting a fire may sound, heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths. David Land from the Fort Campbell Fire Department sent me a few tips and reminders about heating equipment safety that becomes especially important as we reach the winter months. • Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from warming equipment. This includes furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves and portable heaters. • Read the labels on all heating equipment and follow the directions. • Your oven is for cooking! Never use an oven for raising the temperature in your home. • You need to do routine maintenance on your heating equipment. Have your devices cleaned and inspected by professionals. • Turn off portable heaters when you leave the room or when you go to bed. • Make sure you use proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer when using fuel burning space heaters.
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Wood burning stoves need chimney connectors. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer or have professionals install your chimney for you. Another danger of fuel burning equipment is carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure all equipment is ventilated to go outside. Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms in your home if you do use fuel burning heaters. Change the batteries when you change the clocks! For those with gas heaters, keep your nose open for the smell of gas. If you do smell gas,
turn off all controls and open all doors and windows. Call the gas service company. • Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries should be changed when you change your clocks. Heating equipment safety is very important to have a safe winter. Follow these tips and your home will not only be warm but also better protected from the danger of fires.
Celebrating the Holiday Season
Perspective Management
By Ramon M. Maisonet
The holidays are about traditions that help give us a sense of community and continuity. It is an annual signal reminding us of certain events and people that should never be taken for granted.
Dr. Gary Smalley said in his book The DNA of Relationships, “Life is relationships, the rest is just details.” The holidays should remind people that the most important relationships in life should be cherished. The holidays are an opportunity for many Families to spend time together after being apart for most of the year. It is a good time of reflection, reunions and traditions. For some, visiting with Family is not always an option. You can help others celebrate by volunteering to help prepare meals at a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen. If you are able, it’s always a selfless act of generosity to purchase food for Families that you know are less fortunate. There is something about giving that is a celebration in itself. In my opinion, the month of December is the pinnacle of the holidays. Not only do you have several
different holidays that lead up to the New Year, but depending on where you live, you get snow to help you spread the holiday cheer. How is your singing voice? Between traditional holiday songs that will be played on the radio, on television commercials and sung by people all around you, you will have plenty of karaoke opportunities. This is also a great time to participate in office parties and bring in your favorite holiday dish or dessert to share with co-workers. If you are a parent, enjoy your inner child when you bake cookies in the shapes of snowmen, snowflakes and pine trees with your kids. You can make pinecone bird feeders, cut paper snowflakes, build a gingerbread house and other activities you may have done in your youth around the holiday season. You can watch holiday classics such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf, or old favorites such as Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life or my favorite, A Christmas Story. For those looking for more holiday movies that aren’t about Christmas, you can check out Little Fockers or American Tail. Consider getting out of your comfort zone, round up some friends and go caroling. You can do it at home, go door to door in your neighborhood, or even at a veteran’s or assisted living home!
Remember the holidays are an opportunity to create some incredibly special memories, with some very special people. Make the most of it, after all, it is the most wonderful time of the year!
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Curling Up with a Cup of Warmth
In The Kitchen
How to make your favorite hot drinks By Nina Darling
I hate being cold, so nothing makes me happier than curling up under a blanket with my favorite mug of hot drink. Making cups of hot chocolate before we started holiday decorating or present wrapping was always a tradition in my Family and now that I am older, I enjoy a cup of warm tea in the mornings to help ward off the winter chill. Instead of making hot chocolate out of the store-bought ready-made packets, try making it with this easy stove top method.
• A teaspoon of vanilla extract for an added flavor. • A peppermint candy cane. Use the candy cane to stir your hot chocolate if it settles. As the candy cane melts, it adds a yummy minty flavor. • A scoop or two of peanut butter. Make sure you mix in the peanut butter while the cocoa is still really hot and it will dissolve into a delicious, thick drink that tastes just like a peanut butter cup! • Cool whip or whipped cream. Let it melt into your cocoa to make it extra creamy and sweet. • A sprinkle of cinnamon. This will add a nice spicy flavor to your hot chocolate and make you feel even warmer as you sip.
• Black: 205 degrees and steep for three minutes. • Green: 150-175 degrees and steep for three to four minutes. • Oolong: 195 degrees and steep for three to six minutes. • White: 175-185 degrees and steep for seven to nine minutes. • Honeybush: 205 degrees and steep for five to eight minutes. Sugar, milk and lemon are common add-in to teas. Milk is a good add-in to your black teas. Lemon is better for your Asian teas but a little of this citrus fruit goes a long way so be careful not to add too much. Don’t ever add BOTH milk and lemon!
Nothing starts my winter mornings off better than steaming mug of green tea, and I know I am not alone in my love of tea. However, if you don’t steep (or brew) your tea correctly, your drink won’t be as tasty. Follow these tips and you can’t go wrong. • Always use cold, fresh water when you boil or heat the water for tea. Don’t ever reuse old water.
1. Add one cup of milk to a pot. 2. Add four tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the pot. 3. Add the same amount of sugar to the pot. 4. Turn your stove top burner on high. 5. Stir your mixture with whisk until it boils. 6. Remove pot from heat and stir once more. 7. Add to your favorite mug and enjoy! Of course there are plenty of ways to spruce up your hot cocoa. Whether you make it stove top, from a packet, microwave or any other method, try these add-ins to make your drink extra special and delectable.
Another holiday favorite is hot apple cider and it is really easy to make it at home. Here is a very simple method that you and your Family can try. Ingredients: 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 cloves, 4 cups of apple juice or 3 cups of still cider, Apples for garnish • Pour water directly over tea in the cup. Many people make the mistake of adding tea to an already filled cup of water. • Don’t squeeze teabags after steeping is done. • Always cover the cup with something for the entire time of steeping. A small plate will work just fine. • Remove tea immediately after steeping. • Drink tea while warm. Don’t wait for the tea to cool down. Different types of tea require different methods of brewing. Follow this quick guide and enjoy the perfect cup:
How to prepare: 1. Place cinnamon sticks, cloves and apple juice in saucepan. 2. Heat on a low setting for 10 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and allow to sit for five minutes. 4. Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves. 5. Add cider to already warmed glasses and add a slice of apple to the rim of the glass to make it pretty! It is not hard to enjoy your favorite hot drinks at home. Prepare these drinks for your Family, your friends, holiday guests or even just for yourself. What can go wrong with a tasty warm beverage in your hands?
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In the Kitchen
Non-Traditional Recipes
Shrimp Bisque By Jenelle Grewell In my Family, we never celebrated the holidays with a feast of turkey and all the trimmings. Instead, my mother always prepared a banquet of seafood. My favorite dish has been always her shrimp bisque. This soup is filling, delicious and very easy to make. Ingredients ⁄4 cup butter • 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and coarsely chopped • 2 large green onions, sliced • 1⁄4 cup flour 1 cup fish stock or canned chicken broth • 3 cups of half and half 1 ⁄2 teaspoon salt • 2 cloves of garlic • Dash of ground red pepper 2 Tablespoons white wine (optional) • Whole shrimp to garnish 1
Directions 1. Melt butter in a large sauce pan over medium heat. 2. Cook and stir shrimp, onion and garlic in butter until shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove from heat. 3. Remove shrimp from sauce pan. Blend in flour. Add pan back to heat and stir until just bubbly. 4. Add shrimp back in sauce pan. Stir in fish stock or chicken stock and cook until bubbly. Cook 2 more minutes, after getting bubbly, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. 5. Process soup in small batches in food processor or blender until smooth. Return to saucepan. 6. Stir in half and half, salt, red pepper and white wine. Heat through. Garnish with whole shrimp
Panko-crusted Chicken Tenderloins by Erica Smith Panko is a flavorful type of breadcrumb that stays crispier than regular breadcrumbs. This dinner is perfect for the holiday season because it is yummy, warm, easy to make and all ages will love this Japanese spin on a classic dish. Ingredients 12-16 fresh or thawed raw chicken tenderloins (about 2-2.5 lbs) • 1 large egg 1⁄4 cup milk • 1 tsp salt 1 ⁄2 tsp pepper • 3⁄4 cup vegetable oil • 3 cups Panko bread crumbs Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 2. Line a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil and set aside. Line a large plate with paper towels and set aside. 3. In a large bowl, whisk egg, milk, salt and pepper. Place the chicken tenderloins into egg mixture to soak. In a separate shallow bowl, add Panko bread crumbs. 4. Using a large, non-stick frying pan, heat a thin layer of vegetable oil coating the entire bottom of the pan on medium heat. 5. Carefully remove chicken pieces one at a time, letting excess egg drip back into the bowl. Coat egg-soaked chicken generously with Panko bread crumbs. 6. Place Panko-coated chicken into heated oil. Fry six to eight pieces at time for three to four minutes on each side, until crust is golden-brown. 7. Turn over chicken gently with tongs to not break crust. Place all the fried pieces on the foil-lined cookie sheet to prep for final step to cook thoroughly. 8. Bake on the center rack for eight to 10 more minutes until fully cooked (check the thickest part of one piece with a knife). 9. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle sparingly with salt, while still hot, for taste. Place on paper-towel lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve with a bowl of sticky rice with vegetables, or enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
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Chorizo Chicken By Melissa Sanders I have always loved the flavor of chorizo, a spicy sausage. I wanted a quick, easy dish to make so I threw these ingredients together. Everyone loves it! This is the perfect entree for those who may be busy during the holiday season. Just let the slow cooker do all the work and enjoy. Ingredients ⁄2 an onion, diced • One chorizo sausage, out of casing 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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Directions 1. Place ingredients in slow cooker. 2. Cook on high for four to six hours or until chicken falls apart. 3. Serve with tortillas and garnish with cheese, sour cream and/or diced green onions as desired.
Sticky Rice By Erica Smith Who says you can’t play with your food? You can build a snowman by shaping sticky rice into different sized snowballs. This side dish can help create a festive holiday dinner plate. Grab the kids and give them a fun opportunity to help in the kitchen. Allow your kids to garnish the riceball snowman with their favorite veggies and toppings like peas or carrots Ingredients 4 cups of short-grained or medium-grained rice (can be found in the grocery store in the Asian food section) Directions This recipe is good for those who may not have a good rice cooker available. A non-stick medium saucepan is a good substitute. 1. Rinse and drain the rice several times. 2. Drain water thoroughly and then add 4 cups of fresh water to the rice. 3. Cover pot with lid and place on stove top on high heat. In 5-10 minutes when the water is boiling, turn down to medium heat and remove the lid to prevent water from boiling over. 4. When there is no more liquid, replace the lid and turn to low heat to steam the rice for 10 more minutes. 5. Turn off heat and using a wooden spoon or rice paddle, fold the rice several times. If you want to make rice ahead of time or store leftover rice, place rice in freezer bags immediately after cooking to preserve freshness.
Key Lime Pie By Deanna Jones As a fifth generation Conch (someone born and raised in Key West, Florida), it is almost obligatory that I have a key lime pie recipe in my arsenal. Everyone enjoys pie for the holidays and this sweet and tart treat is sure to please guests while bringing a unique flavor that is reminiscent of Florida beaches to the table. Ingredients Ready made pie crust • ½ cup of granulated sugar • 2 tablespoons of melted butter • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk 1 cup of key lime juice (preferably fresh squeezed) • 3 whole large eggs 1 ⁄2 cup cream cheese • 1 tablespoon of lime zest • Whipped cream or CoolWhip Directions 1. Preheat oven for 325 degrees. 2. Combine milk, butter, lime juice, cream cheese, sugar and eggs in a bowl. Whisk until well blended. 3. Place filling in pie shell. 4. Bake in oven for 15 minutes. 5. Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours to chill. 6. Once chilled, garnish top of pie with whipped cream (preferably Cool Whip). 7. Sprinkle lime zest on top.
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Non-Traditional Recipes Fruit Pizza By Brittany Kluck If you aren’t a baker but you want to bring a dessert to a holiday party that is unique and will “wow” the taste buds, then this recipe is for you. This recipe is simple, easy to make and also great for those on a budget. Ingredients 1 package sugar cookies 1 package 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese ¼ cup sugar ½ tsp vanilla -Assorted fresh fruit (kiwi, strawberries, and bananas are my favorite but any fruit will do) Directions 1. Preheat oven according to directions on cookie dough package. 2. Roll dough onto a cookie sheet or pizza pan for a true fruit pizza or keep the cookies individual for personal small pizzas. 3. Bake cookie(s) for 14 minutes or until lightly brown. 4. Mix the cream cheese vanilla and sugar together. 5. Spread cream cheese mixture over the sugar cookie. 6. Cut your fruit into small pieces and top your cookies. *To cut a few calories you can leave out the sugar and use low fat cream cheese.
Flan By Deanna Jones My Cuban grandmother passed this dessert recipe down to me. A Cuban version of crème brûlée, flan is a delicious and fairly easy dessert alternative to the traditional apple pie and sugar cookies of the holiday season. It takes patience to make this dish, but my Abuela’s recipe is well worth the wait. Ingredients 1 can of condensed milk 1 can of evaporated milk 1 tsp of vanilla extract 3 egg yolks 1 ⁄2 cup of sugar Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Caramelize your sugar in a frying pan. 3. Once sugar is melted into a liquid, pour it evenly on the bottom of a glass or ceramic bread pan. Allow it to harden. 4. Beat eggs in a large bowl and then add both kinds of milk and vanilla extract. 5. Pour egg mixture into pan over hardened sugar. 6. Take a cake pan and fill half way with water. Place flan pan into water bath and let bake for 45 minutes or until top is golden. Be sure the water pan does not go dry! 7. Remove from water bath and place in freezer for about 15 minutes. 8. Put flan in fridge for three to four hours or until completely cool. 9. Take a plate and place it over flan. Flip to remove flan from baking dish. *If the flan is completely cool, it will hold shape when flipped. If you are worried about the flan being completely cool, you can keep it in the freezer or fridge longer.
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Indoor S’mores By Deanna Jones Winter brings upon crisp and cold weather, but with chilly weather, the opportunities for campfires become harder to come by. For those who want to enjoy the gooey goodness of s‘mores without going outside for a campfire, indoor s ‘mores is a great option. This recipe requires no baking, so it is an easy option for those non bakers or busier folks who need something to bring to a holiday party. Ingredients 8 cups Golden Grahams cereal 5-6 cups miniature marshmallows (about one bag) 1 ½ cups semi-sweet/milk chocolate chips ¼ cup light corn syrup 5 tablespoons butter Directions 1. Pour measured cereal into large bowl and set to the side. Butter 13x9-inch pan and set to the side. 2. In large pot boil water and place a smaller metal pot or bowl on top (into the boiling water) – this allows the ingredients to melt seamlessly together. 3. In the metal bowl, melt 5 cups marshmallows, the chocolate chips, corn syrup and butter, uncovered, on stove stirring after every minute, until melted and smooth when stirred. 4. Pour over cereal; quickly toss until evenly coated 5. Press mixture evenly in prepared pan, using wax paper. Let stand uncovered at least 1 hour or until the bars have set and are able to be cut
Cherry Yum Yum By Crystal Veillette from The Smokehaus Cherry pie is something that might be expected at the holiday table but what about cherry pie with a refreshing twist? Cherry Yum Yum offers a different take on the classic cherry pie recipe. Ingredients 1 carton of Cool Whip 1 ½ cup of graham cracker crumbs 1 can cherry pie filling 1 ⁄2 cup of melted butter 3 ⁄8 cup of sugar 1 8oz. package of cream cheese Directions 1. Mix cracker crumbs, butter and 1/8 cup of sugar in 8x8 inch pan to make the crust. 2. Beat cream cheese and ¼ cup of sugar. 3. Add Cool Whip to cream chesse mixture and mix well. 4. Spread mixture over crumb crust. 5. Pour cherries over cream cheese layer. 6. Sprinkle with a few remaining graham cracker crumbs. 7. Chill before serving.
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22
Safety First
By Lonnie Scott
The most hazardous time for anyone to drive is in dangerous winter conditions. Fort Campbell has rather moderate winters but there are occasions where snow, ice and black ice can become a problem. Being prepared for unsafe conditions is very important. Preparing for the winter driving can help make a trip much safer, can assist with an emergency or could even prevent injury or a fatal accident. Be ready for the winter drive by taking your vehicle in for a winter check up.
• •
Check your antifreeze. Have a full tank of gas.
Emergency Vehicle Kit: • A flashlight. • Jumper cables. • Abrasive material (sand, kitty litter, floor mats). • Shovel. • Snow brush. • Ice scraper. • Warning devices (flares). • Blankets. If you will be going on a long trip in winter conditions add food, water, medication and cell phone. If your car breaks down, pull to the side of the road: • Place bright markers on the antenna or windows. • Shine the dome light. • Stay in your car. • If you run your car make sure the exhaust pipe is clear and run it just enough to stay warm.
Pre Winter Drive Vehicle Check List: • Check battery life and condition. • Change your oil. • Measure your tire tread depth. • Purchase new windshield wipers. • Have no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir.
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If you are a Soldier and headed on a trip make sure you use the Travel Risk Planning System (TRIPS) which can be found at www.safety.army.mil. Always keep your command aware of your plans. Before the trip, check the weather and leave early if required and let others know your route and arrival time. Plan your traveling for daylight hours because after the sun goes down, driving becomes even more hazardous. When the sun sets, ice reforms and it becomes harder to see due to the reflections of snow and ice.
Other Safety Tips For Winter Driving: • Slow down! Stopping distance increases in winter conditions and speed is a killer. • Clear ice and snow from lights, windows, and license tag, no peephole driving. • Allow more space between the vehicles in front of you. • Stay clear of big trucks as these they can throw huge amounts of slush. Larger trucks have higher risk of not being able to stop on ice. • Ensure that everyone is buckled up and use child seats properly. • Get plenty of rest for the trip. • Stop at least every three hours. • Rotate drivers if possible. The holiday season may include social gatherings that include alcohol. If you plan to drink, plan for a designated driver or make arrangements to sleep nearby. Bottom line: don’t endanger yourself or others by getting behind the wheel when you have been drinking! Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving. If the winter weather is very hazardous and you really don’t need to go, just make yourself a hot drink and stay at home.
24
In The Know
Wrapping the Perfect Present By Morgan Diggs
I love the holidays! I love the excitement of exchanging gifts and one of the most exciting things about present swapping is the part where I get to wrap them. No one really cares if your gift is wrapped perfectly or not, but it does help make your gift pile look a lot more appealing if you take the time to wrap attractively. Follow this guide to make your presents look as pretty as they are thoughtful. 1. 2.
3. 4.
Put the gift in a box if it isn’t in a box already. Unroll wrapping paper and place gift in middle.
Take outer edge of paper (not attached to roll) and fold over gift box. Make sure there is enough paper to cover the entire side of the box Trim paper with sharp scissors on the side attached to the roll. Make sure there are a few inches of paper to work with on that side before you cut.
5. Place gift back in the middle of cut wrapping paper. 6. Take one side of the wrapping paper and fold over box, leaving half of the box exposed. Make sure you use a little less than half for this part. 7. With clear tape, tape paper down to the middle of the box. Tape three or four times depending on length of box. This helps prevent the paper from sliding as you wrap. 8. Take the other half of the wrapping paper and fold down the middle. Slightly overlapping other half of wrapping paper to cover the entire box. 9. With clear tape, tape paper down to already taped wrapping paper the same amount of times as before.
10. Turn box around to have unwrapped edges face you. 11. Take top part excess paper and fold down to the edge of the box. Please reference picture.
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12. Grab corner of right or left side and then fold to the center. It will look like a half of a triangle. Please reference picture. 13. Grab corner of the other side and fold to center. This should create a full triangle. Please reference picture.
14. Take point of triangle and fold over box. The point should overlap top of box. Please reference picture. 15. Use tape to tape down triangle point. 16. Repeat steps 11-15 on the other side of box.
17. 18. 19. 20.
Turn box over so triangle points face down. Top with bow. Tape down bow is needed. Add gift tag. Present the gift to the receiver!
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Bright Lights by Kathy Jones The holiday season is generally a big time for energy use, but that doesn't mean your bill has to sky rocket. Campbell Crossing would like to share eight ways to save energy during the holidays: 1. Switch to LED holiday lights. LED holiday lights use 90 percent less electricity than regular holiday lights. Making the switch can make a huge difference in your electric bill. 2. Limit the time lights are on. Wait until dark to turn on your holiday lights and then turn them off before you go to bed. Do you have trouble remembering to turn your lights on and off? Set a timer and you don’t have to worry! 3. Turn off lights in the room where your tree is lit. The lights on your tree should provide more than enough lighting to navigate around the room. There is no need for turning on extra
lights and adding an extra expense to your holiday bill. 4. Turn the thermostat down. The recommended thermostat setting for heat is 68 degrees but no lower than 60 if you are out of your home for an extended amount of time. Each degree above 68 can increase heating usage by three percent. Turn the thermostat down when you have guests. Extra bodies in the house mean extra warmth at no cost to you. 5. Buy Energy Star label electronics. Energy Star certified electronics such as TVs, DVD players and cordless phones, use up to 60 percent less electricity than their non-certified counterparts. Visit energystar.gov for a list of qualifying models and make smart decisions when you shop. 6. Bake several dishes at a time. The holiday season is a big time for baking and cooking. Make the most of your oven and
the energy it takes to power your oven, by cooking several dishes at once. Use your microwave and toaster oven for small holiday cooking tasks and save the oven for big cooking tasks. 7. Unplug phantom energy users before you go on vacation. TVs, DVD players, DVRs, computers, printers, radios and many other electronics use energy even when they aren’t turned on. Unplug these items before you go on vacation and enjoy the energy savings. 8. Remember to change your return air filter at on a monthly basis. Changing your air filter can help keep your heating system clean and free of debris. A clean system helps the system run more efficiently. A dirty system will slow down the air flow and make it harder (and more expensive) for your home to stay warm.
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