Moments ~ October / November 2015 by Forsyth County News

November | December 2015

Philanthropy key for Cris Willis at Parsons

Peace of Thread Nonprofit founder helps refugees

Inside: Mulled wine for holidays | Find the perfect tree | Massage a great way to reduce stress | and so much more

We treat fractures. Even on holiday breaks. Our pediatricians are standing by this Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. And with our online scheduling, you can get in line before you leave home. Learn more at choa.org/urgentcare.

CHILDREN’S AT FORSYTH | 410 PEACHTREE PARKWAY, CUMMING HOLIDAY HOURS: 9 AM TO 7 PM

If you think your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911. We accept walk-in patients during business hours. Hours may be affected by unanticipated circumstances. Visit choa.org/urgentcare for real-time updates. Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

Moments Magazine

is published bimonthly by the Forsyth County News Co., 302 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30040. Advertising rates and deadlines available upon request. Contact Ryan Garmon at (770) 205-8960 or rgarmon@forsythnews.com.

8 moments mom Vince Johnson Publisher Kevin Atwill Editor Adlen Robinson Director of Content Ryan Garmon Advertising Director Micah Green Photographer

contents 12 choosing a tree

20 gifts from kitchen

14 moms at work

26 health

Picking and caring for a Christmas tree

Angie Decker Graphic Design

Women turns tragedy into working with refugees

Something for everyone on your list.

Massage is a great way to reduce stress

calendar ��18

Tracie Pike Paginator/Copy editor

mulled wine ��22

Kayla Robins Writer

seasonal trends ��24

Facebook.com/ForsythNews

holiday appetizers ��28

Twitter.com/ForsythNews

Cris Willis of Parsons gives back to community.

Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Welcome to..... W

hen we first launched Moments Magazine in 2012, we did so with much anticipation. We wanted to highlight some of the amazing moms and women who live in our county — even the ones who didn’t think they necessarily did anything special. We wanted our readers to get to know the moms and women who taught their children, ran our schools, started new businesses and volunteered tirelessly. Of course, we also wanted to keep you updated on the latest trends, whether culinary or in fashion. We are therefore excited to tell you that Moments will be getting a bit of a makeover in 2016. We will continue to highlight the interesting and amazing women in our community, and keep you up to date on local happenings and trends. But we also plan to broaden our horizons, add some elements and offer new ways to interact with us. While we have begun work on that issue, we hope you enjoy our holiday edition of Moments. Most of you probably recognize our featured mom. Cris

Welcome to.....

Willis of Parsons’ fame is a familiar figure to those of us who shop at the popular Cumming retailer. If you haven’t stopped in to see the Christmas Shop, you’re missing out. As usual, the displays are nothing short of amazing. Please stop in to help celebrate its 90th anniversary. I also loved getting to know Denise Smith and her incredible organization, Peace of Thread. Besides having a fascinating past, Denise felt called to help displaced refugee women learn to sew incredible, top-quality and stylish purses and bags so they can find work and support themselves and provide for their children. And there’s much more in this issue, most of which relates to the upcoming holiday season. In closing, please know how much we appreciate your readership and feedback. Be on the lookout for our next issue in January and let us know what you think of the new look. Best, Adlen

Adlen W. Robinson is a longtime resident of Forsyth County and mother of four. A contributor to the Forsyth County News for more than 10 years, Adlen is the author of “Home Matters: The Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home.” Email her at contact@adlenrobinson.com. Insta

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Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

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The friendly face of longtime family business

photo by Micah Green

From Cumming to Africa, Parsons enjoys giving back By Adlen Robinson Even those who have lived in Forsyth County for just a short amount of time have probably visited the iconic local store Parsons. For those who haven’t, a special treat awaits — especially since this time of year means its incredible Christmas shop is open. Wandering around Parsons and its connecting Christmas winter wonderland, it is easy to see why it’s celebrating its 90th anniversary. It’s an occasion so momentous, store officials decided to celebrate all year. “We are family owned and operated and we love being a part of this community,” said Cris Willis, owner and family member of

Photos by Micah Green

Brighton is a favorite product line at Parsons.

Parsons. “So many of our associates have been here much longer than I have. The environment here is amazing.” Willis said she married into the family business, which was started by her husband Gary’s great-

grandparents. The store has been in Cumming for 69 years. Parsons is well known for its unique gifts, home furnishings, dining accessories, handbags, clothing and, of course, jewelry. Perhaps most notably, it features a Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

collection of Brighton jewelry and accessories. Founded by Jerry and Terri Kohl in 1991, Brighton is also a familyowned and -operated business that shares many of the same values as Willis and her family. “We have been carrying Brighton for years and Jerry is such an amazing person,” she said. “He has such a great heart and does so much for worthy charities. He has really inspired me.” Years ago, Willis said Kohl encouraged her to find a local charity to support. “I decided I wanted to support a local charity that was active in supporting Africa.” A friend introduced Willis to Connie Cheren, co-founder of Partners for Care. Willis said Cheren’s passion for the children and people of Kenya was contagious — so much so, it inspired her to visit Africa with the organization. But even prior to the trip, Willis

Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

was no stranger to volunteer work, having helped raise funds and awareness for childhood diabetes since her daughter was diagnosed with the disease in 1997. She served as a support group leader with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Walk for Diabetes for more than 10 years. Her husband helped start the Diabetes Camp Kudzu in Georgia, which their daughter attended at age 9 the year it opened. She now volunteers there, some 16 years later. After her trip to Africa, Willis worked diligently to raise money and awareness for Partners for Care. “The amazing thing about PFC and what they do is they are all about empowering nongovernment organizations that work directly with the Kenyan people to try to decrease the number of children who are dying from preventable diseases,” she said. Then, three years ago, Willis attended a Christian Women’s Business Leadership Seminar and the message was all about using a business

On the Net Sign up to receive emails regarding the charity of the month, store specials and other news from Parsons at www.parsonsgifts.com. platform as a personal mission ground. “It really resonated with me,” she said. “I thought we are so blessed to have this business, and since I email more than 30,000 people a week, it occurred to me what a huge platform that is.” The more Willis thought about it, the more excited she got about what she could do when it came to supporting local charities and their causes. After much thought and prayer, Willis created Parsons on Mission, which highlights numerous local charities and non-profit organizations — a different one every month. “My dream was to bring awareness to our customers about what needs are out there,” Willis

said. “In most cases, people want to help, but so often they don’t know what to do, what the charities are and what their needs are.” Willis said she emails customers (sign up for the blasts on Parsons’ website), about what charity or organization Parsons on Mission is highlighting and customers can show their support accordingly. Often customers can donate as little as $5 to the charity and receive a $5 coupon redeemable at Parsons. “It is such a simple way for our community to come together and support these worthy and amazing organizations,” Willis said.

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Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Choosing and caring for the perfect tree By Adlen Robinson

For many families, the annual ritual of choosing a Christmas tree is as iconic as roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving Day dinner. That said, here are some important things to remember when heading out to search for that perfect tree. • Measure the space where the tree will stand and remember to allow for at least 1 foot from the ceiling to the top of the tree. Don’t forget to take the tape measure along to measure the tree. • Look for a tree that when gently shaken doesn’t lose its needles. • A fresh tree should have a strong, piney scent. • Make sure to have a good, sturdy tree stand that can hold plenty of water.

Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

• Be sure that the tree stand is big enough to fit the trunk. • During the first few days, the tree will drink as much as a gallon of water, so make sure it’s watered at all times. Most experts say there is no need to add anything to the water, though some people insist on putting in some aspirin or sugar. • For those with small children, be sure not to hang breakable ornaments where they can get to them. Ditto for cats or curious puppies. • For particularly heavy or fragile ornaments, use florist wire to secure them to the tree. • Consider a pet-proof conduit to keep cats and dogs safe. • For the freshest trees, shop locally. Better yet, head to a Christmas tree farm and cut one down.

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Denise Smith formed the nonprofit Peace of Thread which trains and employs refugee women in Georgia.

photos for the FCN

Peace of Thread After loss of son, mother finds purpose

By Adlen Robinson

When Denise Smith’s youngest child Jesse was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer at age 13, she felt her world was crumbling. “He fought hard, and during those next four years he taught all of us so very much,” she said. Tragically, shortly before his 17th birthday, Jesse succumbed to the cancer and, as Denise said, “[He] traded house keys and went home to the Kingdom

Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

of God.” Losing a child changed everything for Smith and her husband of 38 years, Art. “We just felt like we needed to go somewhere that could utilize our resources,” she said. “And it became clear to us that ‘somewhere’ was going to be far away in another country.” In 2004, the couple committed to a two-year mission

aboard a ship that would distribute educational materials all over the world. As they prepared for the journey, they met a man who asked if they would consider instead going to Beirut to help run a mission organization in war-ravaged Lebanon. After much prayer, the Smiths agreed to go. Arriving in Beirut, the couple immersed themselves in learning not only the language, but the culture. “We lived in the mountains, and absolutely loved the people,” she said. Two years came and went, and Denise and her husband stayed and continued to help the people. “What bothered me most was that there are so many innocent people who are just trying to live their lives peacefully, but because of things they have no control over, there is no peace or stability,” she said. Not surprisingly, women and children are particularly powerless. “Women have no voice — and they have no power — they just want to care for their children, and provide for them, but they have such limited resources,” she said. The Smiths stayed in Beirut until 2010, when they decided it was time to return to Georgia. “In Beirut, I came to grips with who I am as a person. I learned so much about myself,” she said. Coming back to America was a bit of a culture shock. “I just prayed for God to show me what he wanted me to do with my life,” she said. The answer came when Smith received a call asking if she could come to Clarkston, where there was a group of refugee women from the Middle East who didn’t speak English. “There was a two-week camp for the children of refugees who were being tutored so they could begin school, and their mothers were there just standing around,” she said. At first, Smith was just asked to speak with the women in Arabic. After a few days of visiting with them, Smith awoke one night thinking God had put the word “sewing” on her heart. “I have always loved to sew and have been sewing

Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Denise Smith decided the group would make and sell purses, wallets and handbags.

my entire life, so I packed up my sewing machine and my seam ripper and asked a few friends to come along and back I went,” she said. With no clear idea of what the future held, Smith began teaching the women how to sew. In the process, they also learned English. “We just kept moving forward, I didn’t know what would happen,” she said. What did happen was the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center donated garbage bags of beautiful fabric that would otherwise have been thrown away. “We felt like we had won the lottery,” Smith said. Wanting the women to be able to use their newfound sewing skills to earn a living, Smith decided the group would make and sell purses, wallets and handbags. After obtaining 501c3 status,

Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Peace of Thread officially began training and employing refugee women. “We employ the unemployable women in vulnerable populations around our world,” Smith said. The bags are one-of-a-kind pieces of art that are as practical as they are beautiful. The fabrics and attention to detail are amazing. It is obvious the “artisanal threaders” take great pride in the work. “There are so many success stories we have seen — women getting jobs, going to school to improve their English and livelihoods — it is truly heartening to see,” Smith said. Peace of Thread would not be possible without the generous donations of supporters and the tireless efforts of volunteers. “We have many things for volunteers to do,” she said. “You don’t have to know how to sew, although if you do, that is great.” Peace of Thread recently moved into a new facility in Clarkston that is much larger, thus more women can be trained and employed. And Smith holds many trunk shows in the Forsyth County area. “Getting to know these women is truly a gift and a blessing,” Smith said. “I wake up every day and am so happy I get to do what I am doing.”

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Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Gifts from the kitchen Please everyone on your list, even Fido By Adlen Robinson

ven if you have an unlimited budget when it comes to gift buying, everybody loves getting homemade treats from the kitchen, even those with an unlimited gift-buying budget. At the workplace, a tray of homemade goodies cheers everybody up. And what better hostess gift to take to the holiday party than a platter of bourbon balls or some old fashioned Southern pralines? Also, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget those pooch loving friends. They will love these homemade dog treats almost as much as fido. 20

Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Coconut bourbon balls 2 cups vanilla wafers, finely ground in the food processor 2 cups pecans, chopped finely or chopped in the food processor 1 cup confectionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sugar, sifted 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powEer 1/2 cup bourbon 6 tablespoons cane syrup or corn syrup Ganache: 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 4 tablespoons heavy cream In a large bowl, combine cookie crumbs, pecans, sugar and cocoa powder. In another bowl, whisk together bourbon and syrup. Combine with dry mixture (hands are the best mixers). Set aside for a few minutes. Using a small ice cream scoop or a cookie scoop, scoop out balls and place them on a cooking rack with wax paper underneath. In a food processor, process coconut flakes until small. Microwave chocolate chips and heavy cream, stirring every 20 seconds or so, being careful not to burn, until melted. Dip balls into chocolate, reheating the chocolate as necessary. Place on the rack. Sprinkle with coconut and allow to sit for several hours. Store in an air tight container for a few days.

Southern pralines 1 1/2 cups sugar 3/4 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup whole milk 6 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped (toasted if desired) Before cooking, lay out parchment paper or silpat. Combine ingredients in a medium-sized pot. Do not use a small pot. Cook over medium-high heat and once it boils, stir constantly. Boil about

three minutes (240 degrees F on a candy thermometer). Remove pan from heat but continue to stir constantly.The caramel will begin to become creamy and start to thicken. When it seems “grainy” it is ready. Working quickly, drop the mixture by spoonfuls onto the parchment paper or silpat. Don’t worry if they are not uniform in shape. Let harden for 15 minutes and then store in an airtight container for a few days.

Holiday Shows at

The Cumming Playhouse Christmas Classics Holiday Variety December 15 | 8 PM

North Georgia Barbershop Singers Holiday Concert December 16 & 17 | 8 PM

Cumming Playhouse Singers Holiday Concert December 18 | 8 PM

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Doggy Treats 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup melted bacon fat 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/2 cup cold water Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients, adding more flour if too sticky or more bacon fat or water if too stiff. Roll out the dough to a little less than ½-inch. Cut into bars or use a bone-shaped cookie cutter. Bake on a parchment paper lined baking sheet for 20 minutes. Turn the treats over and leave in the turned-off oven for 10 more minutes. After cooling completely, store in an air tight container for a few days.

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Toast holidays with mulled wine

By Adlen Robinson

There is something so festive about mulled wine. The scents of cinnamon and citrus, and the taste of warm apple cider and red wine come to mind. What a perfect drink to sip in front of a roaring fire this holiday season. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to making great mulled wine. Just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overdo it with the spices or they can overpower the wine itself. Here is a simple yet wonderful recipe for this hot toddy. 22 Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Mulled wine

4 cups good quality apple cider 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine, (such as Cabernet Sauvignon) 1/4 cup honey 2 cinnamon sticks (more for garnish) 2 oranges, peel and juice 4 whole cloves 3 star anise (optional)

Using a vegetable peeler, make long strips of orange peel, which will garnish each mug of mulled wine. In a large pot (or slow cooker), combine apple cider, red wine, honey, two cinnamon sticks, orange juice, cloves and star anise. Heat almost to the boiling point. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs and garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick. Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Making a list

What to buy that special someone By Kayla Robins

ith Thanksgiving comes the imminent point on the calendar when shopping for holiday gifts becomes frantic instead of wellplanned. That moment seems to be inching earlier and earlier, with black Friday now starting in many stores on Thanksgiving itself. As the stuffing settles, maybe you’re wondering what to get your child or husband. Or friend. Or in-law. Not another tie. No gift cards (unless you’re buying for someone who would really just prefer one since they will probably exchange whatever you get them anyway.) Following are some ideas for items to wrap up for your loved ones. The beauty of these gifts is that their specifics can change with the recipient’s age or with the latest trend. When you’re in the aisle scanning the unlimited number of different styles for one type of product, I like to think of what I would be happy receiving as a present. What I would wear or use. In the end, apply that to yourself and what you know of the people you are gifting, and you should see smiles on their faces when the bows and wrapping paper comes off.

Scarf The perfect combination of practical, stylish and creative. Your scarf-getter will be sure to need one right away since temperatures are dipping, and there are so many options that they can always be trendy. My favorite type of scarf is an infinity scarf. By having the ends connected, I don’t have to worry

about it falling off, and wrapping it around keeps me warmer than letting it hang down. More versatility comes when you choose between puffy, short, long, fuzzy, thick, thin. The list goes on. Try it on yourself at the store to make sure it looks good. If you give your family member or friend one you especially like, hint at borrowing it some time.

For him Shopping for the man in your life — husband, boyfriend, sibling, father — can prove to be harder than finding presents for a girl. They don’t take lavender-scented baths, and they’re clothing options are more monotone. But they do have their hobbies. Instead of trying to get something brand new for him, adding onto something he already does will help ensure he truly likes his gift. Maybe he enjoys outdoor activities like biking, hunting or running. Gear for that activity will be used and appreciated. If he cooks, you can personalize kitchen items to his specific liking. Or sign him up for a beer of the month club. Craft brewing has skyrocketed in the past few years, and this is a way to explore micro-breweries from all over the country without leaving the couch. Details vary, but clubs will usually ship a set of bottles to you each month from two breweries, giving explanations of what you have, a history of the brewery it came from and maybe even some recipes that incorporate the specific batch.

Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Bath and beauty Holidays can be stressful. Who would say no to bath and spa products this fall? Again, there are countless types of items to get for your loved one who is in need of some R&R. Different smells, different colors, different methods of relaxation. If you know your loved one’s preference — facial masks, bath items, manicure sets, etc. — go with that. Since you have to set aside time to relax or apply a spa item, they have to be excited about the gift. If you’re not sure what they like, bath items are a safe bet. Bath bombs are another trendy gift, and they’re so great you may want to get an extra one or two for yourself. When placed in a full tub, bath bombs — with a seemingly unlimited amount of scents and types — fizz up and release essential oils, scents and colors to turn your regular bath into a spa retreat.

Kitchen accessories Food is a holiday staple, no matter the subject of celebration. Recipes, homemade food or dinner outings are always welcome, but there are ways to stay in the eatable theme and be unique. Cooking and kitchen items can be personalized and follow trends. Just like a scarf, they’re practical, too. I recently read an article that said people can become addicted to cheese. Whether that’s true or not, I’ll use it as an excuse. Cheese boards have gained popularity as presents in the past couple years as they can be customized and highquality. Try finding one that is a nice piece of cut and polished wood. Or one that is engraved for your gift-getter. They can come with a set of knives or with smaller plates. This idea for a gift is especially fun for the holidays because they can immediately be used to host parties, meals or any other social event that includes anything from snacks and bites to a four-course dinner. Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

STRESSED OUT?

Massage is a great way to relax and unwind By Adlen Robinson

When most people think of getting a massage, they likely think of pampering. But besides helping us relax and relieving stress, there are numerous health benefits to getting a massage. There are different types of massage, each serving a different purpose. Swedish massage is one that uses gentle, long strokes and deep circular movements, intending to

both relax and energize. A deep massage uses slower, more forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. This type of massage benefits people who may have muscle damage due to an injury. A sports massage is similar to a Swedish massage, but is geared to helping those with sports-related injuries or who are trying to

Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

prevent them. A trigger-point massage focuses on certain areas that are tight due to an injury or just overuse. All massages reduce stress and muscle tension, something many people are prone to during the holiday months. Some studies show that massage may also help with anxiety, digestive issues, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia, nerve

pain, sports injuries and soft tissue strains. Most places offering massages have packages that can help make getting them regularly more affordable. This is a great excuse to treat yourself to a soothing massage with the knowledge that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing much more than just helping you relax. It would also make a terrific Christmas gift.

Community matters: The Place of Forsyth County The holidays are such a fun time of year. Families get together to celebrate, holiday decorations are everywhere and Christmas music is playing in the stores. Sitting in front of a cozy fire often is part of our nightly routine. Sadly, even in affluent Forsyth County, there are many families who dread this time of year, in part because they can’t afford many of the things that make these months so festive. Imagine being a senior citizen and unable to afford a proper Thanksgiving Day dinner, or a parent who can’t buy Christmas gifts for a child. Thankfully, The Place of Forsyth County is here to help those in need. And as concerned citizens, we can all help with its mission. Joni Smith, executive director, said there are several ways to take part. “We are currently collecting warm coats, gloves and scarves for both children and their parents,” Smith said. “Last year, we distributed 146 coats. But children grow so quickly, so we always need to replenish our supply.” Donated clothing should be clean

and new or gently used. Another need The Place has is to provide a Thanksgiving Day meal for qualifying clients. “We prepare Thanksgiving boxes for each family with either a turkey or a ham, and we also want to have fresh produce for our families,” Smith said. People who want to contribute are welcome to drop off gift cards at The Place. Smith said the organization prepared and distributed 140 boxes last year, and officials expect more than 200 families to qualify this year. “We have a very extensive process when it comes to qualifying our clients,” she said. “People can be confident that those we serve truly have a need for our help.” Of course, Christmas is always a busy time for The Place. “This year, we are going to have a true, community effort when it comes to helping our clients and their children,” she said. Smith explained that this year The Place is going to have an actual “school” for parents to shop at.

“We are collecting toys for children and parents will be able to choose toys for their children, which is so important since it allows them to be involved in the process,” she said. “This provides them so much more dignity.” Parents will also be given wrapping paper so they can also wrap the gifts for their children. Freedom Tabernacle Church is the host of the Christmas store. “We need lots of volunteers to make this happen,” Smith said. “We also would love for groups to do toy drives for the store.” The Place also will have Christmas decorations for families, so donations of those items, as well as gift cards, are welcome. Smith said The Place will be providing toys for more than 1,500 children this year. “There are so many ways people in the community can help,” she said. “We hope they will consider getting involved this holiday season.”

Lanier Place

— Adlen Robinson

Lanier Place, our senior living community, is known for being warm, inviting, and active. We develop individual care plans to meet the needs of each resident, and a full-time registered nurse is available 24 hours a day to provide clinical oversight and coordination of care. Our residents engage in a variety of activities, such as tai chi, bingo, pool, cards and board games, and yoga. We also offer four church services per week, weekly performances by musical groups, and shopping, dining, and entertainment outings. For senior living in Cumming, Georgia, schedule a visit at Lanier Place today.

Care Levels • Personal Care • Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory care • Respite Care • Short-Term Stay • Urgent Placement

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(770) 888-1114 • www.enlivant.com Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Easy and impressive seasonal appetizers

By Adlen Robinson

f entertaining during the holidays causes stress, get ready for some relief. Entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful — as long as you plan ahead and remember friends and family are coming to visit, not to judge your cooking skills. My favorite way to entertain is to set out a bunch of appetizer-type foods and enjoy the evening. Sometimes I reserve a few things to pop into the oven once guests arrive, so the house is filled with wonderful scents and guests can enjoy a few things straight out of the oven. Always make as many things ahead as possible. Also, because of dietary restrictions, try to have a good variety of offerings. There is always a vegetarian, vegan or Paleo guest or two at a party, so plan accordingly. Labeling things cuts down on having to repeatedly explain what is in a dish, especially dips or spreads. Here is a sample party menu and some go-to recipes that are simple yet elegant.

Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Party menu • Cocktail shrimp with cocktail sauce (make ahead and chill or use store bought) • Platter of assorted fresh vegetables with ranch dressing (make ahead) • Cheese platter with assorted cheeses and grapes and crackers (make ahead) • Platter of assorted olives, roasted peppers and Italian deli meats (make ahead) • Chicken liver mousse with crostini (make ahead) • Spinach/feta puff pastry bites (prepare ahead and refrigerate. Pop in the oven once guests arrive) • Bacon wrapped dates (prepare ahead and refrigerate. Pop in the oven once guests arrive) • Mulled wine (see page 22) • Homemade gifts from the kitchen (see page 20)

Bacon wrapped dates with almonds Pitted dates Roasted, salted whole almonds Bacon, cut into halves or thirds (depending on how much fat is on the strips) Stuff each date with one or two almonds, depending on how big the dates are. Wrap each date with bacon and secure with a toothpick. Bake in a preheated 425-degree oven for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway, until bacon is crispy and cooked. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Spinach/feta puff pastry bites 1 (10-ounce) box frozen spinach, thawed 1/4 pound feta, crumbled 1 teaspoon pepper Dash nutmeg 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or put through a garlic press 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Drain spinach and squeeze dry. In a bowl, combine spinach, feta, garlic, pepper and nutmeg. Flour countertop and roll out the puff pastry (sprinkle with a little flour first), until roughly half as thick as it was. Cut into 3-inch strips crosswise and lengthwise making aobut 32 squares. Place a few teaspoons of the spinach mixture in the middle of the square and moisten the edges with a little water. Fold over and use a fork to seal edges. Place on nonstick sheet or parchment paper or a silpat and bake 15 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot or warm.

Ranch dressing 1 clove garlic, finely minced or put through a garlic press Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup good quality mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt 1/4 cup Italian parsley, minced 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced Dash or two of Worcestershire 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar Pinch of paprika Dash of hot sauce 1/3 cup buttermilk (more if desired) Combine all ingredients and chill for several hours or overnight before serving. Thin with more buttermilk if too thick.

Chicken liver mousse 2 tablespoons butter 2 cups onion, chopped 1 cup peeled and chopped Granny Smith apple 1 teaspoon fresh thyme 1 pound free range chicken livers, rinsed and trimmed 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup brandy 1 cup heavy cream Melt butter over low heat. Add onion, apple and thyme and cover, cooking until apple is tender. Remove lid and raise heat to medium. Add chicken livers and cook five to six minutes until firm, but still pink inside. Remove from heat and cool. Pour into food processor and add salt, pepper and brandy, puree until smooth. Cover and chill in the refrigerator. Whip the heavy cream until medium peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the liver puree. Cover and chill thoroughly before serving. Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

Storing those decorations If decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas, is stressful, perhaps part of the problem lies in organizing and storing the decorations. Take a little extra time and label the boxes and containers. It will save hours next year when pulling out the decorations.

Here are some time-tested tips to get started. • When ready to store the decorations, make sure to have plenty of plastic containers, tissue paper for wrapping breakables and markers for labeling. • Put things away in groups of how they’re arranged in the home. For example, if the Nutcracker collection typically goes on the fireplace mantel, store the pieces together and label the container accordingly. If certain decorations go in the dining room, store them together and label the container, “Dining room decorations.” This may seem like a small thing, but it will save hours the following year. This system also helps young children “help” decorate. • Be careful not to put candles in containers that are stored in the attic. That could make a mess in the hot summer months. • When putting away decorations, discard any broken ornaments. • Store extra wrapping paper, bows and ribbons in a special container for wrapping paper to preserve it for future use. • Save any gift boxes and bags for the following year.

Moments Magazine | November-December 2015

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