2021 Savor the Season

NOVEMBER 2021

SAVOR THE SEASON Holiday Recipes, Stories, And Traditions From Our Local Community

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE DAILY RECORD

Central Washington Dance Academy Presents

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INSIDE How to care for fresh holiday wreaths .................................................... P6 Tips to simplify Thanksgiving entertaining............................................. P7 How to reduce risk of home fires this holiday season ....................... P8 Classic holiday films families can enjoy together................................. P9 Decorative holiday symbols add to seasonal celebrations ........... P10 Meat and Main Courses ............................................................................. P11 A simple technique for faster turkey (or chicken) roasting ......... P14 Appetizers and Side Dishes....................................................................... P16 Desserts and Drinks .................................................................................... P19 Toy buying tips when shopping for kids ................................................ P25

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Have a Safe and Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Holidays at Home

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How to care for fresh holiday wreaths Majestic Christmas trees garner the lionÕs share of the decorative fanfare when the holidays arrive. Trees may be the focal points of holiday decor, but the humble wreath adorning the front door is the first decoration guests are likely to see when visiting a home.

Wreaths may need some care to maintain their beauty all month long. Here are some tips to help holiday wreaths last as long as possible.

Choose a wreath wisely When shopping for a wreath, choose freshly cut greenery that you assemble yourself; otherwise, look for wreaths made from freshly cut boughs with their foliage intact. Make sure not too many needles or leaves are falling off.

Heavily decorated, preassembled wreaths may be convenient, but ornaments can make it challenging to give the wreath the moisture it needs to survive.

Moisture/water Access to moisture will help to keep the wreath fresh. While a Christmas tree trunk may sit inside of a stand filled with water, wreaths require a little ingenuity. According to the wreath and garland retailer Club Botanic, if you will not be hanging a freshly purchased wreath right away, keep it in a plastic liner in a cool, dark place to help it retain moisture. Just make sure you don’t seal that liner closed. Before hanging, lay the wreath in a couple of inches of water for about an hour or up to a day so

that the cut stems can soak up water.

Once the wreath is hanging on a door or elsewhere, spritz it with water every few days to prevent it from drying out.

Location, location, location Where you hang the wreath is key to its longevity. Wreaths and garlands hung indoors likely wonÕt last as long as those hung outside, advises the floral retailer Bouqs.com. Evergreen boughs tend to require a colder climate to thrive, and indoor heat can prematurely zap moisture from the wreath.

Using a humidifier indoors or misting the wreath may help.

It’s probably best to hang fresh wreaths outdoors, but avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the greenery.

Slightly shaded spots are best.

If your front door is bathed in full sun for hours, hang an artificial wreath here instead of a fresh one.

Maintain airflow Another factor that can affect the wreath’s longevity is an ample flow of oxygen. Wreaths tend to last much longer when kept on an outer door, indicates Harbor Farm in Ellsworth, ME. Wreaths sandwiched between a front door and a storm door will probably perish faster due to lack of oxygen.

Following these tips can help keep fresh wreaths as vibrant as the day they were brought home.

enjoy.

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Open Monday thru Saturday

Tips to simplify Thanksgiving entertaining Preparing Thanksgiving dinner for a houseful of close friends and relatives can be a tad overwhelming. Thanksgiving is a food- and tradition-centric holiday, and all eyes will are typically on the dinner table. Pulling off a feast of this magnitude - multiple courses, side dishes and desserts - takes considerable effort. These tips, tricks and timesavers can be a Thanksgiving host’s saving grace.

Pick the menu early Don’t leave menu planning and shopping to the last minute.

Decide what you’ll be cooking in addition to turkey several weeks before the big day. Select two or three side dishes, preferably items that can be prepared in advance and then reheated on Thanksgiving. These can include a baked macaroni-and-cheese casserole, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a cornbread stuffing.

Brine your bird Turkey is the centerpiece of the feast, so give it every opportunity to shine. No one wants a dry turkey, but unfortunately this lean poultry can dry out easily. Meats typically lose about 30 percent of their weight during cooking. However, by soaking the turkey in a brine prior to cooking it, you can reduce this moisture loss to as little as 15 percent, according to Dr. Estes Reynolds, a brining expert at the University of Georgia. Brining the fowl for a day or more can infuse flavor and moisture.

Food Network personality Alton Brown has a fan-favorite roast turkey recipe with an aromatic brine that has garnered

five stars and was featured on his show “Good Eats” (www. foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkeyrecipe-1950271). A simple salted water soak also can work.

Start prep work a few days before Thanksgiving Take some stress out of Thanksgiving by cutting all vegetables and/or preparing some dishes a few days early. Label and organize prepared ingredients by recipe and store in the refrigerator. Make extra room in the fridge by removing nonessential items and placing them in a cooler with ice and cleaning out any old food or condiments. Plan your table settings and label which bowls and other serving dishes will be used for which items. This will make it much easier to set the table on Thanksgiving.

Serve batched cocktails It can be challenging and expensive to have a full bar for guests. Mulled wine, hot cider and punches are ideal ways to service a crowd looking for delicious spirited drinks.

Create simple centerpieces Use seasonal sights for your centerpieces or place settings.

These can include small squashes, gourds, citrus fruits, nuts, or acorns. A hollowed-out pumpkin filled with fresh flowers also can be eye-catching.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate bounty. Treat guests to a great experience by learning some hosting tips to make the holiday easier to manage.

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How to reduce risk of home fires this holiday season Safety might not be the first thing people think of as the holiday season approaches. Faith, celebrations, decorations, and holiday dinners all come to mind when considering the holiday season. But that doesn’t mean safety should be left out of holiday planning.

Fire safety bears special consideration during the holiday season, when the prevalence of fire hazards like Christmas trees, holiday lighting displays and other decorative items increase the risk for home fires. Such tragedies can be averted with a few simple safety measures. n Tend to your tree. Live Christmas trees are awe-inspiring, but they also pose a significant fire risk. The National Fire Protection Association urges celebrants to purchase only healthy trees with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Such trees are less likely to dry out, especially when well-watered throughout the season. Dry trees can catch fire more easily than healthy trees if embers from nearby fireplaces or candles drift in their direction. n Recognize that location matters when decorating. The NFPA notes that Christmas trees should always be placed at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, space heaters, heat vents, candles, and even overhead lights. If decorating with candles, never place them on the tree or on tables where other flammable decorations have already been 8

placed. Chanukah menorahs should never be placed near curtains or other decorations. n Turn off all lights and extinguish all lit decorative items when leaving the home or going to bed. Lit candles and menorahs should never be left unattended. The NFPA recommends turning tree lights and exterior decorative lights off when leaving the home or going to bed. n Utilize a fire screen on fireplaces. Embers can catch on trees, decorations or anything else thatÕs flammable if they escape the fireplace. Fire screens prevent that from happening by ensuring embers from burning logs stay in the fireplace. Like candles and menorahs, fires burning in a fireplace should never be left unattended. Make sure all embers have been extinguished before leaving the home or going to bed. n Keep discarded trees away from your home. A 2014 analysis from the NFPA found that none of the ten days with the largest share of Christmas tree fires were before Christmas.

Dried out trees still pose a fire risk even after theyÕve been removed from a home. When discarding a tree at the end of the holiday season, place it at the curb or keep it a safe distance away from your home and garage until you can.

Fire safety measures are an important component of the holiday season that can prevent this joyous time of year from turning tragic.

Classic holiday films families can enjoy together

The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Few traditions may elicit more collective belly laughs than holiday movie night, a tradition in millions of households across the globe. Families can consider these classic holiday films as they plan family movie night this holiday season. n “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947): This classic is centered around a man named “Kris Kringle” (Edmund Gwenn) who claims to be the real Santa Claus after a successful stint as a department store Santa in midtown Manhattan. A trial to determine if Mr. Kringle is telling the truth soon follows. This version of the tale has earned a 96 percent rating on the popular film review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. n “A Christmas Story” (1983): Though it airs all day long on Christmas on the cable television network TBS, families can get a head-start on that marathon and watch the film uninterrupted whenever they choose. Families can laugh together as 9-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) hopes to unwrap his official Red Ryder BB gun on Christmas morning. The film, which boasts an 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, includes a memorable performance by Darren McGavin, who plays Ralphie’s father. n “Babes In Toyland” (1934): Also known as “March of the Wooden Soldiers,” this nearly century-old classic stars the legendary comedy duo Laurel

and Hardy as two helpful tenants living in Mother Peep’s shoe in Toyland. n “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1967): An animated version of the Dr. Seuss classic, this film has entertained scores of children since it was first released more than 50 years ago. n “Holiday Inn” (1942): Hollywood legends Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire star in this classic that is perhaps most remembered for introducing the Irving Berlin class “White Christmas” to the masses. The film boasts a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has something for fans of song, dance and romance. n “Arthur Christmas” (2011): Not all Christmas films date back to the 20th century. This animated tale tells the story of Arthur (voiced by James McAvoy), Santa’s youngest son who is thrust into the Christmas Eve business of delivering presents when his father fails to deliver a present to one child out of the hundreds of millions of kids on his list. n “A Christmas Carol” (1951): Many holiday season celebrants cannot imagine letting a season go by without watching at least one adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. The 1951 version is widely considered the most faithful to Dickens’ 1843 novella that recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Alastair Sim stars as Scrooge, and many consider his performance the best of any actor to take a turn as the notorious 19th century miser.

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Decorative holiday symbols add to seasonal celebrations Decorating homes and other spaces is a major component of the holiday season. Holiday decorations often reflect celebrants’ religious beliefs, and the following are some traditional holiday decor symbols for people of various faiths.

n Christmas tree Christian or secular Christmas symbol Few things evoke thoughts of Christmastime quite like a towering evergreen parked front and center in a home’s picture window. Christmas trees are believed to date back to sixteenth century Germany. The custom ultimately arrived in America when the country welcomed an influx of German immigrants. It is widely believed that various non-Christian cultures may have used evergreen plants indoors in celebration of the winter solstice, which suggests Christmas trees may pre-date Christian symbolism.

n Menorah Jewish Chanukah symbol Menorahs are seven-armed candelabras used in Jewish religious worship. To mark the Chanukah celebration, a special nine-armed hanukkiah is displayed for eight days and nights. A candle is lit each day to commemorate the miracle of oil lasting in the rededicated Temple after the Maccabees’ successful uprising against the Syrian Greeks.

The menorah typically is placed in a highly visible spot, such as the front window of a home or in a high-traffic living space.

n Advent wreath Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran, among others, Christian symbol The Advent wreath is used by various Christian denominations and draws attention to the weeks preceding Christmas. A new candle is lit on the wreath each Sunday at mass to prepare the faithful to receive the Lord Jesus. n Kinara and Mishumaa Saba Kwanzaa cultural symbol The Kinara (candle holder) and the Mishumaa Samba

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(the seven candles) are symbolic of Kwanzaa. The candles and holder represent the Seven Principles, or the minimum set of values by which African people are urged to live. n Baby New Year Secular symbol Baby New Year is a popular promotional symbol used to commemorate the dawn of a new year. The baby represents rebirth and may be traced back to the ancient Greeks or Egyptians. Historians say the Greeks believed that their god of wine, Dionysus, was reborn on New Year’s Day as the spirit of fertility. While people may not decorate with Baby New Year figurines, they do participate in -First Baby- competitions, which celebrate those infants born in the opening moments of a new year.

n Nativity scene Christian Christmas symbol It’s customary for nativity scenes to be included in Christmas decor schemes. The nativity depicts the birth of Christ and typically includes a manger, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, various animals, an angel, and the three visiting Magi. The infant Jesus also is included, though some people prefer to wait until the after the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve to place Jesus in the manger.

Live nativity scenes also are commonplace around Christmas. Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first live nativity scene in 1223.

MEAT AND MAIN COURSES Brought to you by Old Mill Country Store

11

Recipes For Your Smoker

(509) 925-5397 500 W. 3rd Avenue, Ellensburg www.oldmillcs.com

ROLLED CHICKEN PARMESAN - Submitted by Sid Breckenridge MARINARA SAUCE INGREDIENTS

ROLLED CHICKEN PARMESAN INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium sweet onion, diced • 4 cloves of garlic, minced • 2 Tbs olive oil • 1 cup red wine (cabernet or merlot) • 1 28-oz can of whole plum tomatoes • 1 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes • 1 sprig of fresh basil • 1 Tbs dried oregano • ½ Tbs chili flakes • 1 Tbs honey • Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 large boneless chicken breasts • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese • 1 8-oz package of fresh mozzarella • 2 sprigs of fresh basil • 1 8-oz container of Panko bread crumbs • 1 egg • ½ stick of salted butter • 1 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS

1. On medium heat, sauté onions in oil until caramelized.

2. Add garlic, chili flakes, oregano and sauté for 1 minute.

3. Deglaze the pan with red wine and reduce the liquid by half.

4. Puree tomatoes in a blender and add to sauteed mixture.

5. Add basil sprig and honey then simmer for 2 hours on low heat, stirring occasionally.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove basil sprig.

DIRECTIONS

1. Butterfly the chicken with a sharp knife. Laying it open, pound the chicken to an even thickness with a meat hammer (about ½ inch thick).

2. Spread marinara sauce on the butterflied chicken breast. Sprinkle 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese and the entire package of mozzarella over marinara sauce. Lay the basil leaves on top of the mozzarella.

3. Roll the chicken breast into a log and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

4. Mix Panko bread crumbs and 2/3 cup Parmesan together. Coat rolled chicken breast with mixture.

5. Cut thin slices of ½ stick of salted butter and place as an even layer on top of chicken.

6. Bake at 375 degrees until a golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

7. Slice into 1-inch-thick rounds, serve, and enjoy with sauce. Add a choice of pasta and/or salad if desired.

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A simple technique for faster turkey (or chicken) roasting

Waiting to dig into a beautifully golden and succulent turkey is one of the joys of Thanksgiving Day. Waiting is the operative word on Thanksgiving, as cooking a turkey to perfection in the oven can take several hours.

Those who do not have the patience to wait for their drumsticks or breast meat may look to faster cooking methods like deep frying, which takes considerably less time than roasting. However, for those not yet ready to delve into deep frying, spatchcocking is a classic technique that can cook turkeys a little more quickly.

While food scholars are not certain of the origins of spatchcocking, many agree that it dates back to 18th century Ireland. Spatchcocking is a simple deboning method that essentially butterflies a whole chicken or turkey. According to The Spruce: Eats, spatchcocking involves removing the backbone of the bird from tail to neck so that the poultry can be opened out flat. The increase in surface exposure to the heat while roasting results in a shorter cooking time and more even cooking. A 10-pound turkey may be done in under two hours when spatchcocked, compared to three or more hours when cooked traditionally.

Butterflying a turkey also makes it easier to manage on a grill or in a smoker.

How to spatchcock a turkey A sharp, sturdy pair of kitchen shears is the best tool for the job. Once shears have been procured, cooks can follow these guidelines.

1. Remove the gizzards, if applicable, from the inner cavity of the turkey.

2. Flip the bird breast-side down on a cutting board and find the backbone in the middle.

3. Cut along one side of the backbone, then repeat on the other. It may take a little strength to power through the rib bones. Save the backbone for making stock or gravy.

4. Flip the turkey breast-side up and then use both hands to crack the breastbone and flatten the turkey further.

5. Cut off the wing tips, if desired, or tuck them under the breast. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Turn the legs so that the drumsticks are facing inward on the pan, like the turkey is knocked-kneed.

6. Season and cook until internal temperature at the thigh (not touching the bone) reaches 165 F with a thermometer.

7. Let rest, then cut and enjoy.

Spatchcocking a turkey is a method of flattening the bird that results in a faster cooking time, perfect for busy Thanksgiving cooks.

Check out our recommendations from for the recipes p on page 10.

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SAVORY BEEF STEW - Submitted by Amy Flinton Stew might not be on the menu for major holidays, but it the perfect meal to have on hand when the house is full of visitors. Double the recipe for leftovers or groups larger than four.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

1. Combine the flour and pepper in a bowl, add the beef and toss to coat well.

Heat 3 tsp of the oil in a large pot. Add the beef a few pieces at a time; do not overcrowd. Cook, turning the pieces until beef is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch; add more oil as needed between batches.

• ¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

• 1 lb beef stewing meat, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes • 5 tsp olive oil

• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 cup red wine

• 3½ cups beef broth, homemade or low-sodium canned • 2 bay leaves (optional)

• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped

• 5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch rounds

• 2 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes

2. Remove the beef from the pot and add the vinegar and wine. Cook over medium-high heat, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits.

Add the beef, beef broth and bay leaves.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer.

3. Cover and cook, skimming broth from time to time, until the beef is tender, about 1 ½ hours. Add the onions and carrots and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Add the potatoes and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Enjoy with your leftover wine.

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APPETIZERS AND SIDE DISHES

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TWICE BAKED SWEET POTATOES WITH BACON AND MINI MARSHMALLOWS - Submitted by Old Mill Country Store Prep Time: 25 Minutes , Cook Time: 1 Hour, Serves: 6 people

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 Garnet Yams, Or Sweet Potatoes, Similar In Size, Washed, Halved Lengthwise • 2 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil • Kosher Salt

• 1 Stick (8 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter, Melted And Slightly Cooled, Divided, Plus More If Needed • 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar, Firmly Packed • 1 Orange, Zested

• 1/4 Cup Fresh Orange Juice

• 2 Teaspoon Pumpkin Spice Blend

• 1/2 Cup Toasted And Chopped Walnuts, Optional • 1 Cup Cooked Bacon, Crumbled • 3 Cup Mini Marshmallows

DIRECTIONS:

1. When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 400°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the yams on the baking sheet and drizzle with vegetable oil and season with salt.

Place the yams cut-side down on the baking sheet.

3. Place the baking sheet directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook until the yams have softened and can be pierced with a fork, 30-45 minutes.

4. Remove the yams from the grill and place them cut-side up to cool. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh and place in a large mixing bowl, leaving 1/3-inch of flesh in each “shell” so there

will be something to hold the mixture when it’s placed back in the skins. Set the skins aside until ready to use, discarding any skins that are ripped.

5. In the bowl with the sweet potato flesh, add 4 tablespoons of melted butter, ¼ cup of brown sugar, the orange zest and juice, pumpkin spice blend, and a teaspoon of salt. Using a potato masher or electric beaters, mash until the sweet potatoes are free of lumps and the ingredients are combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts, if using, then stir in half of the bacon crumbles.

Taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt or brown sugar, as desired.

6. Use a spoon to divide the mixture evenly between the sweet potato skins, allowing the mixture to mound up in the middle. Alternately, place the sweet potato mixture in a piping bag and pipe into each shell.

7. In a grill-proof serving dish or cast iron pan, place the stuffed sweet potatoes packed closely together to help them hold their shape. Drizzle some of the remaining butter over the potatoes.

8. Place the pan with the potatoes on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 5 minutes, until the potatoes are warmed through.

9. Remove the pan from the grill, and increase the Traeger temperature to 450°F.

10. In a large bowl, combine the marshmallows, remaining crumbled bacon, and 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter, and toss to coat. Place a few heaping tablespoons of the marshmallow-bacon mixture onto each sweet potato, ensuring it sticks to the top of the potatoes.

11. Place the pan with the sweet potatoes directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and roast for 5-8 minutes, or until the marshmallows are browned and a little poofy.

12. Remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and serve immediately. Enjoy!

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SPICY HONEY NUT MIX INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups unsalted, roasted whole nuts (such as cashews, pecans, pistachios or a mix) • 1 cup seeds (such as pumpkin, sesame, millet, quinoa, sunflower, nigella or a mix) • ¼ cup honey • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil • 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 teaspoon turbinado sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the oven to 325 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the nuts and seeds.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine honey, butter, red-pepper flakes and ½ teaspoon salt. Microwave until the butter has melted, about 40 seconds. (Alternatively, you can melt the mixture in a small saucepan on the stove.)

3. Pour the honey butter over the nuts and seeds, and stir until well coated. Dump onto the prepared baking sheet and spread in an even layer. You want the nuts spread out as much as possible.

4. Bake, stirring occasionally, until the nuts are tacky and look and smell toasted, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle over the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and all of the turbinado sugar. Let cool on the baking sheet, then transfer to a bowl and serve (or transfer to an airtight container, where they’ll keep for up to 4 days).

CHEESE BALL PLEASER - Submitted by Teneal Norrbom INGREDIENTS • 1- Pkg of Cream Cheese • 1- Small can crushed pineapple • 1- Small sweet onion, chopped into small bits • 1- Cup of slivered almonds

DIRECTIONS Mix together cream cheese, pineapple and sweet onion. Roll into a ball and then roll the ball in slivered almonds to coat the ball. **A good substitute for the pineapple and onions would be shredded cheddar cheese (about ½ a cup).

CAULIFLOWER STUFFING - Submitted by Amy Flinton INGREDIENTS

• 4 tbsp. butter or coconut oil • 1 onion, chopped • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped • 2 celery stalks, chopped or thinly sliced • 1 small head cauliflower, chopped • 1 c. (8-oz.) package baby bella mushrooms, chopped • Salt • Black pepper • 1/4 c. freshly chopped parsley • 2 tbsp. freshly chopped rosemary • 1 tbsp. freshly chopped sage (or 1 tsp. ground sage) •1/2 c. low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth 18

DIRECTIONS

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, carrot, and celery and sauté until soft, 7 to 8 minutes.

Add cauliflower and mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes more.

Add parsley, rosemary, and sage and stir until combined. Pour over broth and cook until totally tender and liquid is absorbed, 10 minutes.

Gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan optional.

DESSERTS AND DRINKS

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Tips and tricks for cutting out cookies Baking is a holiday tradition in many households. The aroma of freshly baked cakes, pies and cookies wafts through the air of many homes this time of year, and that makes the holiday season even more special.

Cookies are a tradition passed down through the ages.

In medieval Europe, small, spiced cookies were exchanged as treats, and people still bake and share gingerbread cookies today.

Cut cookies are some of the most popular cookies to make during the holiday season. Some families may have their share of favorite cookie cutter shapes and dough recipes. Certain techniques can make holiday baking sessions easier and ensure consistent results.

• Work on a lightly floured, cool surface, such as a cutting board or stone counter top. Never work on a warm surface, which can cause dough to spread and stick.

• Roll out the dough between two sheets of baking or parchment paper. Betty Crocker recommends a thickness of about 1Ú8 inch, unless noted in the recipe. This prevents the dough from sticking, and parchment enables you to easily transfer rolled-out dough to a refrigerator or elsewhere.

• When rolling out dough, portion it out into a few smaller amounts to roll out more easily. This will also help it to chill more readily.

• Cookies cut most easily when the dough is chilled.

Refrigerate the dough for as long as possible, ideally an hour or more Ñ even overnight. The more chilled, the firmer the dough will be.

• Rubber rolling pin rings that slip onto each side of the rolling pin can help ensure that the dough is being rolled out to a uniform thickness.

• Dip cookie cutters into flour with each cut. Work from the center and move out to the edges when cutting out your designs. Try to maximize space and avoid scraps and rerolling.

• Some expert bakers say that metal cookie cutters cut cleaner than plastic ones. Whichever cutter you use, cut the cookie by pressing straight down; try not to twist or jiggle the cookie cutter when using it. Doughs with a high butter content can help, as the extra grease helps separate the dough from the cutters.

• If cut cookies have gotten warmer, place them in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up again and then cook.

This will guarantee the cookies will not spread or distort while baking.

Extra steps may seem like they will take a lot of time.

However, the extra effort and attention to detail will help produce cookies that win rave reviews.

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Crustless pie a treat for those with gluten intolerance The holiday season is a popular time to entertain. Food is often a focal point of holiday season entertaining.

Individuals who navigate food allergies or intolerances may shy away from certain celebrations out of fear that a nibble of this or a bite of that may trigger an allergic response. In such instances, concern about ingredients can cast a pall over normally festive occasions.

Those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerances must be mindful of the foods they consume. Meals or desserts containing gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, semolina, rye, barley, graham, spelt, farina, and more, can trigger intestinal distress and other symptoms. With delicious pies, cakes and cookies on the holiday serving table, gluten is likely to make an appearance. However, with careful planning, people who cannot stomach foods that contain gluten can still indulge in their favorite holiday flavors.

“Crustless Libby’s™ Famous Pumpkin Pie” is a variation on traditional pumpkin pie served at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. Without the crust, individuals who avoid gluten can still dive into that pumpkin-and-spice combination that’s so popular around the holiday season. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of Libby’s™ Pumpkin.

CRUSTLESS LIBBY’S FAMOUS PUMPKIN PIE Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 2 large eggs • 1 can (15 ounces) Libby’s™ 100% Pure Pumpkin • 1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestle™ Carnation Evaporated • Milk • Nonstick cooking spray • Whipped cream (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven as directed below. Glass baking dishes without crust require a cooler oven, and in most cases, a longer baking time.

2. Spray baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease bottom of baking pan or baking dish.

3. Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in a small bowl. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

4. Bake as directed below or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.

5. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

10-inch-round glass pie dish: 325 F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes 8-inch-round cake pan: 350 F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes 9-inch-round cake pan: 350 F; bake for 35 to 40 minutes

8-inch-square baking pan: 350 F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes 8-inch-square glass baking dish: 325 F; 50 to 60 minutes

9-inch-square baking dish: 350 F; bake for 35 to 40 minutes

11x7-inch glass baking dish: 325 F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes 13x9-inch baking pan: 350 F; bake for 35 to 40 minutes

13x9-inch glass baking dish: 325 F; bake for 40 to 45 minutes

COOKING TIMES

9-inch-round glass pie dish: 325 F; bake for 55 to 60 minutes

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Warm and wow guests with homemade hot mulled apple cider

When hosting friends and family at home, it’s understandable that hosts direct so much of their focus to the foods they plan to serve. The main course is often the focal point and most memorable aspect of a dinner party, and that’s true whether the get-together is a backyard barbecue, a holiday meal with the family or a formal affair with colleagues.

Food might be a focal point, but guests also will need something to drink. Traditional spirits like wine and cocktails are the standard, but hosts who want to get a little creative should not hesitate to do so. When choosing a special beverage, timing is everything. Guests wil want to cool down on warm summer evenings, so something cold and refreshing can make for the perfect signature cocktail. When hosting on nights when the mercury has dropped, a warm beverage can heat up guests in a matter of minutes. On such nights, hosts can serve this version of Hot Mulled (Sherried) Apple Cider courtesy of Laurey Masterton’s - The Fresh Honey Cookbook (Storey). One added benefit to Masterton’s recipe is it can produce a welcoming winter aroma, helping hosts establish a warm ambiance for the festivities.

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HOT MULLED (SHERRIED) APPLE CIDER Serves 16

INGREDIENTS

1 gallon apple cider 1 orange, unpeeled, cut into slices 1/4 cup whole cloves 4 sticks cinnamon 1/4 cup honey, preferably cranberry honey 1 cup sherry (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the cider, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, and honey in a large pot over medium heat. If you are picky about things floating in your cider, make a little bundle out of cheesecloth and place the cinnamon and cloves inside before adding to the cider. I like to chew on cloves, so I just toss everything in. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer over low heat for an hour or so to spread these lovely winter aromas around your home.

2. If you’re serving it to adults, add the sherry. It might make everyone want to go sledding!

Snowball

Submitted by The Mule Cocktail Bar • 2oz Hynotiq liqueur • .75 oz vodka • .75 oz RumChata • .25 oz simple syrup • .5 oz egg white

Combine all ingredients in shaker, shake vigorously with ice.

Rim glass with white crystal sprinkles or sugar. Strain into a coupe/ martini glass. Enjoy!

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Cranberry Bliss Bars INGREDIENTS

• ½ c granulated sugar • ½ c packed brown sugar • ½ c creamy peanut butter • ½ c butter, softened • 1 egg • 1 ½ c all purpose flour • ¾ tsp baking soda • ½ tsp baking powder • 1 or 2 packages of Hershey’s Kisses (you can really use any flavor of them)

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 375. In large bowl, beat ½ c granulated sugar, the brown sugar, peanut butter, butter and egg with mixer on medium speed until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda and baking powder until dough forms.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in additional granulated sugar if desired. On ungreased cookie sheets, place about 2 inches apart.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.

Once out of the oven, immediately press 1 Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

Kiss Thumprint Cookies INGREDIENTS

• ½ c granulated sugar • ½ c packed brown sugar • ½ c creamy peanut butter • ½ c butter, softened • 1 egg • 1 ½ c all purpose flour • ¾ tsp baking soda • ½ tsp baking powder • 1 or 2 packages of Hershey’s Kisses (you can really use any flavor of them)

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DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 375. In large bowl, beat ½ c granulated sugar, the brown sugar, peanut butter, butter and egg with mixer on medium speed until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda and baking powder until dough forms.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in additional granulated sugar if desired. On ungreased cookie sheets, place about 2 inches apart.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.

Once out of the oven, immediately press 1 Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

Toy buying tips when shopping for kids Shopping for gifts for kids makes many shoppers nostalgic for their own childhoods. Few adults can forget the joy of finding the perfect gift under the tree on Christmas morning. Recreating that magic for a youngster can be as joyous for gift givers as it is for kids. That’s especially so when shoppers make it a point to give safe, age-appropriate gifts.

Whether shopping for their own children or their grandkids, nieces or nephews, shoppers can keep these tips in mind to ensure they give toys that are as safe as they are fun. n Speak to Mom and Dad first. When buying for a grandchild, niece or nephew, shoppers should first ask Mom or Dad for suggestions. Parents will know which types of toys their children like, and theyÕll also know the child’s level of maturity.

Some kids may not be mature enough to play with otherwise age-appropriate toys, while others may be mature beyond their years and enjoy more complex toys than their age would suggest. Parents will know what makes a good toy and what doesn’t. n Learn what to look for on labels. Toy labels are great sources of information, but shoppers must know what to look for. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that toy labels include information about age-appropriateness (i.e., “Ages 3 & Up”) as well as directions regarding how to use the toy. If the instructions seem a bit complex for the child the item will be for, look for something else. Children’s toy labels also include additional information that consumers may not be familiar with. For example, toys labeled “ASTM F963” meet the latest safety standards from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. An “ASTM D4236” label indicates the materials associated with the art toy have been reviewed and deemed safe by a toxicologist. More information about toy label requirements can be found at cpsc.gov. The AAP advises that electric toys should only be given to kids if they include the UL label. That means the toy has been certified by the global safety certification company UL, LLC. n Avoid certain features. The AAP notes that toys that are loud, shoot objects into the air or

contain small pieces pose a threat to children.

Especially loud toys can damage children’s hearing, while projectiles can increase the risk of eye injuries or choking. Toys with small pieces also pose a choking risk to young children who may try to put the pieces into their mouths. n Err on the side of caution. Consumers who are uncertain about the safety of a given toy, even after reading its label, should err on the side of caution and only give toys they’re confident won’t pose a safety risk. Even toys that may seem safe could be dangerous to kids who might otherwise seem old enough. For example, the AAP advises against giving kids under 12 hobby kits and chemistry sets.

That’s because such kits may contain dangerous chemicals that even pre-adolescents are not old enough to handle safely.

Shoppers must consider a host of factors when looking for safe toys for kids this holiday season.

(ENTER THE ALLEY OFF 3RD ST.)

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Happy Holidays from your local lender.

At Evergreen, we know there’s no place like home for the holidays. We’re proud to help people achieve their homeownership goals so they can experience joy the season from the comfort of a place they call their own.

Call us today to start your journey home.

Tara Brown

Branch Manager NMLS 487445

Josh Cox

Loan Officer NMLS 759635

Kristin Jeffries Loan Officer NMLS 1542061

Brie Bass

Loan Officer NMLS 2009978

Alex Stevens Production Associate

Calvana Carper Marketing Assistant

(509) 925-5800

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