Celebrations November 2018
Greet guests with a
homemade concoction 4 tips to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday season Holiday appetizers perfect for entertaining
and more inside!
Le Sueur County News | St. Peter Herald
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CELEBRATIONS
• Hand & Power Tools • Western & Flannel Shirts • Automotive Accessories • Winter Outerwear • Ertl Farm Toys • Lego Playsets • Schleich Animal Figurines • Printed & Embroidered Sweatshirts • Carhartt Causal Wear • Radio Flyer Wagons • Year round Workwear • Housewares
• Honda Generators • Nursing Accessories • Winter Workwear • Horse Tack & Saddles • Western, Pac & Work Boots • Air Compressors & Accessories • Weber Grills & Grilling Accessories • Barco, Cherokee, Carhartt, Dickies, White Cross & Koi Nursing Uniforms • Echo & Stihl Power Equipment
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November 2018
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
A special publication of the Le Sueur County News and St. Peter Herald Publisher Chad Hjellming
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November 2018
CELEBRATIONS
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How to make the holiday Greet guests with season more eco-friendly a homemade concoction
(Metro) With so much to do, it can be easy for people celebrating the holiday season to forget about the environment. But no matter how hectic the holiday season can be, there are always some simple opportunities to make it more eco-friendly. • Create an eco-friendly party theme. Many holiday parties have themes. For example, ‘ugly sweater parties’ have become so popular that many clothing manufacturers now intentionally produce colorful sweaters that might otherwise draw the ire of fashionistas. Hosts planning to throw an ugly sweater party can easily transform such festivities into something more eco-friendly by encouraging guests to purchase their sweaters from thrift stores. A Christmas tree planting party is another eco-friendly party theme that can benefit the planet and revitalize local for-
ests at a time of year when they might be depleted due to the demand for natural Christmas trees. • Serve locally sourced foods. Food is often front and center during the holiday season. Whether hosting family and friends at home, dining out or catering an office party, patronize businesses that sell only locally sourced foods. Locally sourced foods are much more eco-friendly than foods that must be shipped from afar before they land on your dinner table, and such foods tend to taste fresh as well. If serving at home, use reusable dishware and cutlery instead of paper plates and plastic utensils. • Reuse decorations year after year. Decorations need not be discarded once the holiday season ends. Come the new year, inspect holiday decorations and store those that made it through
• Get rid of your old holiday lights. Still using the same Christmas lights you used in 1995? Such lights are likely incandescent bulbs that are considerably less efficient than today’s LED Christmas lights. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy notes that LED lights consume 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. In addition, the OEERE says that LED holiday lights are easier to install and that as many as 25 strings of lights can be connectServing only locally sourced ed end-to-end without overloadfoods at your holiday party is ing a wall socket. one way to keep the festivities An eco-friendly holiday eco-friendly. season is easier to realize than many holiday celebrants may the season unscathed. Doing so know. benefits the planet and will save you the trouble of shopping for new decorations next holiday season.
(Metro) Adults tasked with hosting friends and family at home may want to serve up a homemade concoction for their adult guests. The following recipe for ‘Jamaican Punch’ from Elise Petersen-Schepelern’s ‘Cool Smoothies’ (Ryland, Peters & Small) can be just the thing to set parties apart.
Jamaican Punch Serves about 16 to 20
6 limes (3 juiced, 3 sliced) 1/2 bottle ginger wine 1 bottle wine rum or vodka Sugar, to taste 3 lemons, sliced 1 starfruit (carambola), sliced (optional) 1 pineapple, cut lengthwise into long wedges, then crosswise into triangles Sprigs of mint, to serve Put the lime juice, ginger wine, rum or vodka, and sugar into a pitcher and stir until the sugar dissolves. Fill a punch bowl with ice, add the sliced fruit, and pour the ginger wine mixture over. Stir well and serve with sprigs of mint.
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CELEBRATIONS
November 2018
HOLIDAY APPETIZERS PERFECT FOR Merry ENTERTAINING Mankato Christmas
(Metro) Presents may get much of the glory during the holiday season, but there is much to be said about the foods found throughout this time of year as well. During the holiday season, people frequently find that dinner invites, cocktail parties, office happy hour gatherings, and other opportunities for socialization are easy to come by. At the heart of these events are foods and beverages. Whether one is hosting a holiday soiree or plans to bring something to a potluck party, it’s helpful to have a list of fail-proof recipes at the ready. Tasting menus, bite-sized treats and finger foods are always a hit at holiday functions - and this recipe for ‘Mini Merry Meatballs,’ courtesy of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, is sure to please. Paired with a cranberry barbecue sauce, these savory appetizers are bursting with flavor and holiday appeal. Mini Merry Meatballs (Serves 24)
Holiday Open House & Restoration market
November 8-11 4 days of everything holiday, home and gift
885 Madison Ave. Mankato www.hilltopflorist.com
1/2 1/4 1/4 1 1 3 1 1/4 1/8
pound ground beef brisket pound ground beef ribeye steak boneless pound ground beef (80 percent lean) cup seasoned stuffing mix egg, beaten tablespoons water teaspoon minced garlic teaspoon salt teaspoon pepper
Cranberry Barbecue Sauce: 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup chopped white onion 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup ketchup 1/4 cup light brown sugar 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 2 tablespoons molasses 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper Salt Preheat oven to 400 F. Combine brisket, ribeye, ground beef, stuffing mix, egg, water, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 24 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Place on a rack in a broiler pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature reads 160 F. Meanwhile, prepare the Cranberry Barbecue Sauce. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender, but not brown. Add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until cranberries burst and the mixture has been reduced to a thick consistency, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Transfer mixture to blender container. Cover, allowing steam to escape. Process until smooth. Season with salt, as desired. Serve meatballs with barbecue sauce
November 2018
CELEBRATIONS
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tips to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday season Hosts may agonize over their holiday menus, and some may feel compelled to prepare a family specialty or the same dishes their parents or grandparents prepared for holiday dinners when they were children. But holiday hosts can make things easy on themselves by choosing dishes they’ve made in the past, regardless of their place in family history. Chances are the ingredients for hosts’ own specialties are already in the pantry, saving a potentially time-consuming trip to the grocery store. And thanks to the familiarity factor, hosts’ own specialties likely won’t require as much time to prepare.
(Metro) Families big and small typically celebrate the holiday season together. For some, celebrating the holidays with family requires traveling, while others stay put and welcome family and friends into their homes. At some point during the holiday season, celebrants who host family and friends will no doubt prepare a homecooked meal for their loved ones. Cooking for a crowd can seem like a daunting task, especially for firsttime hosts. However, there are various ways for hosts to simplify 2. Share some cooking duties. cooking for a crowd this holiday Another way to simplify season. cooking for a crowd is to invite guests to bring along a side 1. Prepare a familiar dish. dish or dessert. Guests who live
nearby can make something in advance of the big meal, while hosts can hand over their kitchens to overnight guests who express a willingness to contribute their own homecooked dish to the party. Sharing the cooking duties gives hosts more time to connect with friends and family and serves as a great way to plan the menu in advance. 3. Only make what guests are likely to eat. Hosts also should not feel pressured to cook more food than is necessary. Holiday meals have a tendency to be lavish, but hosts don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen preparing food that will likely end up as leftovers or trash. Get a final headcount in the days before everyone comes over and adjust your recipes accordingly.
4. Start early. If the big is on Christmas Day, that does not mean hosts have to start cooking while everyone unwraps their presents. Hosts who are uncertain about
what to cook can look for meals that can be prepared in advance so come the big day all they need to do is turn on the oven and let meals cook while the family spends time together.
Hosts can employ various strategies to simplify the process of cooking for a crowd this holiday season.
TM
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CELEBRATIONS
November 2018
What’s new and noteworthy for gifting the cook this holiday season
(Metro) There’s never been a more exciting time to gift a seasoned or novice home cook. The rise in popularity of all things culinary has raised the bar on product innovation, craftsmanship, convenience, quality, and attractive styling. When seeking cookware gifts for friends and family, here are a few new collections to consider. Anolon¨ Accoladeª ($49.99 - $499.99) Gourmet-chef-worthy, this new forged hard-anodized collection features Anolon’s best nonstick. The triple-layer, sapphire-reinforced, metal-utensilsafe nonstick provides optimal food release and lasts more than 16 times longer than traditional nonstick cookware. Patented Precision-Forgeª technology puts the metal where cooks need it most � in the thicker base, slimmer side walls, and heavy-duty
rims. The Accolade collection is try collection is now available induction suitable, dishwasher in warm, sophisticated Merlot. Crafted from hard-anodized alusafe, and oven safe to 500¥F. minum, a material that is twice Anolon¨ Nouvelle Copper as hard as stainless steel, this collection features the TOTAL¨ Luxeª Nonstick System with premium($39.99 - $399.99) Styled in rich Sable or el- quality nonstick that lasts 10 egant Onyx, this collection fea- times longer than ordinary nontures durable, hard-anodized stick coatings. Heat-resistant, aluminum construction and silicone-wrapped stainless-steel a heavy duty multi-layer base handles offer a comfortable and crafted with copper for excellent secure grip, and the cookware heat conductivity. With premi- is dishwasher safe and oven safe um nonstick on the interior and to 400¥F. (Also available in Black exterior, this collection is com- and Chocolate.) pletely dishwasher safe, and the Unity Surface¨ of flat, easy-clean Farberware¨ Copper Glideª rivets means easier clean-up. ($17.99 - $79.99) Offered in Black, Blue or Oven-safe to 500¥F, all stovetop suitable, including induction, Copper, this collection is crafted in fast and even heating alumidishwasher safe, and beautiful. num. The copper color interior Circulon¨ Symmetry¨ Merlot features CopperSlideª Technology, a 2-layer long-lasting ceramic ($49.99 - $299.99) Perfect to complement holi- nonstick with 90 percent better day dŽcor, the popular Symme- food release than other ceramic
cookware. This durable cook- rable nonstick interiors, grippy ware is dishwasher safe for easy handles, and shatter-resistant cleanup and oven safe to 350ÂĄF. glass lids. Dishwasher safe and oven safe to 350ÂĄF, this popular AyeshaÂŞ Home Collection Por- collection is available in a raincelain Enamel in Brown Sugar bow of colors, including Orange, Red, Marine Blue, Blue, Purple, ($17.99 - $139.99) Also available in Twi- Green and Fennel. light Teal, Sienna Red, and, new for this year, Basil Green, the all-metal construction of this hard-working and exceptionally attractive, dishwasher safe cookware allows cooks to start meals on the stove, finish in a hot oven (collection is oven safe to 500ÂĄF), and serve straight from the oven to the table.
For more information on Anolon, Circulon, Farberware, Ayesha, and Rachael Ray cookware collections, please visit www.PotsandPans.com.
Rachael RayÂŞ Porcelain Enamel in Sea Salt Gray ($29.99 - $149.99) This stylish, two-tone cookware features fast and even-heating aluminum construction, du-
Le Sueur Chamber of Commerce Presents
HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE Friday, November 30th Downtown Le Sueur Sponsored by Le Sueur Chamber of Commerce
Parade 6:00pm Tree lighting Ceremony 7:00pm
at Mother Louise Park, Sponsored by Le Sueur Rotary. Walton Hollow Petting Zoo 5-7 sponsored by The Canopy Group and Miller Custom Floors. Located next to Miller Custom Floor.
Private Parties & Catering Available 32 Beers on Tap
Buy $50 in gift certificates & receive a $10 gift certificate for yourself!
125 S. 3rd St. • St. Peter • 507-931-9051 • www.patrickson3rd.com
Fireworks 7:15pm
Fireworks are provided by the Green Mill, The Bar and Le Sueur Knights of Columbus. Caroler’s from MSU sponsored by AgQuest Minnesota River Insurance Tim Lewis.
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE Friday, November 30th Saturday, day, December 1st
5pm-8pm 9am-noon
Valleygreen Square Mall
The Le Sueur-Henderson Choir will be caroling in the mall at 10:00am Crafts and More!
You can find applications for Parade and Christmas Boutique on the Chamber Website www.lesueurchamber.org or contact the Chamber Office at 665-2501
November 2018
CELEBRATIONS
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Potatoes perfect for the holiday breakfast table
(Metro) Holiday dinners may get all the glory, but men and women who host friends and family each holiday season know that time spent with loved ones at the breakfast table can be just as enjoyable as breaking bread in the evening. A homecooked meal first thing in the morning is a great way to start the day, and hosts who want to serve up something familiar with a little extra flavor can try the following recipe nfor ÒSkillet-Roasted Potatoes with Mushrooms and Pancetta’ from Betty Rosbottom’s ‘Sunday Brunch’ (Chronicle Books). , t
Skillet-Roasted Potatoes with Mushrooms and Pancetta Serves 4
4 3 1
ounces pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (see note) tablespoons olive oil, plus more if necessary pound Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled, scrubbed and quartered Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 10 ounces cremini or brown mushrooms, quartered 6 garlic cloves, peeled and halved crosswise 2 teaspoons dried thyme Several fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional) 1. Arrange a rack at center position and preheat the oven to 400 F. 2. In a large, heavy, ovenproof frying pan (preferably cast iron) set over medium heat, sauté the pancetta until golden and
crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels. 3. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings from the pan. (If you don’t have 2 tablespoons, add olive oil to make
this amount.) When hot, add the potatoes and sauté, stirring, until they start to take on a little color, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and place the frying pan in the oven. Roast for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the frying pan from the oven and add the mushrooms, garlic and the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the dried thyme and season with more salt and pepper. Toss to coat well. 5. Return the pan to the
oven and roast until the potatoes are golden brown and tender and the mushrooms are softened, about 15 minutes more. Remove the frying pan from the oven and stir in the reserved pancetta. If desired, garnish the center of
the pan with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm.
Note: If buying pancetta from a deli, ask for it to be cut thickly into 1/4-inch slices. Prepackaged pancetta is often thinly sliced.
THANKSGIVING on
MULBERRY
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Celebrate your favorite food holiday and see our refreshed store! Fresh Deals. Vendors. Samples. Fresh Ferndale Market Turkeys.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME | 228 Mulberry, St. Peter | stpeterfood.coop | 507.934.4880
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CELEBRATIONS
November 2018
Happy Holidays from Nicollet County Bank
The Staff of Nicollet County Bank
Holiday Open House Friday, December 14th 2-4 pm St Peter High School Chamber Singers singing from 3:00-3:30 PM
Cookies, Coffee & Cider will be served!
2018 Calendars on display in our lobby. Eight designs. Free, but limit one per customer, please. please
www.nicolletcountybank.com • 220 South Third Street , St. Peter · 931-3310 • Like us on Facebook!