Holiday Safety to Make Your Season Merry! Being prepared for a disaster or emergency also means preventing them. In a continued effort to make ACPM properties prepared, we felt it was good to share these important holiday safety tips with you: Never use lighted candles near trees, curtains, drapes or any other flammable item. Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. If you have a live tree, make sure it is well watered to avoid dry branches catching on fire from the heat of the bulbs. If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Turn off all lights on trees and decorations before you go to bed or leave the house. Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them. Use only indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights outdoors). Don’t use if you see cracked sockets or frayed wires. At ACPM, we want you to enjoy your holiday and stay safe!
Justin’s Tips The holidays are just around the corner and to me that brings to mind the smell of fresh pine. Here are a few helpful tips to keep that tree fresh and alive.
Select the freshest looking tree. Gently shake the tree to test for freshness. Very few needles should come off in your hand.
Make a fresh, slightly angled cut about an inch from the bottom. Place into water as soon as possible so it starts absorbing water right away.
Make sure you have a tree stand that will hold at least three
Keep the tree as far away from heat sources as possible.
Don’t leave the lights plugged in for long periods of time.
fourths of a gallon of water.
Heat from the bulbs can speed up the drying out process. You’ll be sure to enjoy your tree all throughout the holiday season by following these simple steps.
White Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles What would the holiday season be like without an abundance of chocolate and candy canes? This recipe combines the fun of both for a great treat to share and enjoy!
The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt by the heart. Wishing you happiness. -Helen Keller
Ingredients 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 1 ¼ cup white chocolate chips, melted ½ tsp. peppermint extract 1/3 cup crushed candy canes Directions 1. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. 2. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave. Careful not to burn them! 3. Add white chocolate and peppermint extract to cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth and well combined. 4. Cover and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. 5. Use a food scoop to measure out chocolate, roll the ball in between your hands into a smooth ball, and then roll it in the crushed candy canes. 6. Place in mini cupcake liners for a perfect presentation. Note: Roll in candy canes the day you plan to serve them or else the candy layer will get sticky from absorbing the moisture in the chocolate. Yields 15 Truffles This great recipe and many others available at www.yourcupofcake.com