HOLIDAY MOOSE MUNCH
WINTER DRIVING AND EMERGENCIES
Looking for a fun and delicious goodie to share with friends and family this holiday season? Be sure to copy this recipe down and make copies because you’ll certainly be asked to share it.
RESEARCH SHOWS LESS THAN 3% OF DRIVERS HAVE A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT IN THEIR CAR. THE ICY, SLIPPERY ROADS HAVE ARRIVED AND WITH THEM, COMES THE NEED TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE PREPARED, SHOULD YOU HAVE A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY. THERE ARE A VARIETY OF ROADSIDE KITS THAT CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE, OR YOU CAN SIMPLY MAKE YOUR OWN, BEING SURE TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: 72 HOURS WORTH OF ENERGY BARS, WATER, FIRST AID KIT, WHISTLE, FIRE STARTING GEAR, 3 DAY SUPPLY OF ALL MEDICATIONS TAKEN, SOLAR BLANKET, A RADIO WITH BATTERIES, FLASHLIGHT WITH BATTERIES, TOW ROPE, REFLECTING TRIANGLE, DUCT TAPE, LEATHER GLOVES, UTILITY KNIFE AND JUMPER CABLES. HAND CRANKED PHONE CHARGERS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE, SO NO CAR SHOULD BE WITHOUT ONE. THESE KITS ARE IMPORTANT TO CARRY AND MAKE A GREAT GIFT FOR A NEW DRIVER TO KEEP THEM SAFE.
Start by making this delicious caramel corn: Ingredients: 7 cups plain popped popcorn 2 cups brown sugar ½ cup light corn syrup 1 tsp. salt 1 cup margarine ½ tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. vanilla extract Directions: Place the popped popcorn into two shallow greased baking pans, like roasting or broiling pans. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, margarine and salt in the saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly. Remove from the heat, and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will be light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans and stir to coat. Don’t worry too much at this point about getting all of the popcorn coated. Bake for one hour, removing the pans and giving them each a good stir every 15 minutes. Line the counter top with waxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper and separate the pieces. Allow to cool completely. NEXT! Comes the added YUM!!! Place the broken up caramel corn on cookie sheets. Sprinkle 1 bag mini marshmallows and 1 cup dry roasted or honey roasted peanuts over the top of the caramel corn. In a glass container, mix 1 bag milk chocolate chips and 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil. Heat the chips and the vegetable oil in the microwave for one minute intervals. Remove, stir and repeat until melted completely. Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn, marshmallows, and nuts. Allow to cool (this process can be sped up by placing it all in the refrigerator). Break into smaller chunks and enjoy!
KEEPING IT SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! With the holiday season and all of the festive decorations, come additional safety concerns. In order to enjoy a safe and joyful season, be sure to follow these tips: 1. Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains/drapes, or with any potentially flammable item. 2. Many holiday plants are poisonous or can cause severe stomach problems. Be sure to keep plants such as mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis out of animal’s and children’s reach. 3. Turn all lights off on the trees and decorations before you go to bed or leave the house. Unplug extension cords when not in use. 4. Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Be sure to place extension cords against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run under rugs or across doorways. 5. If using a natural tree, make sure it is well watered to avoid dry branches from catching fire from the heat of the light bulbs. 6. Avoid placing breakable decorations or ones with small detachable parts where young children may be able to reach them. 7. Use only indoor lights indoors, and outdoor lights outdoors. Look for the UL label. Replace any light sets that are damaged, have broken or cracked sockets, or frayed or bare wires. 8. If using an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label. For additional holiday safety information visit www.nsc.org/NSCDocuments/Holiday-Safety-Tips.pdf