HDLIVING LOCAL DINING | LOCAL AUTHOR | EVENT CALENDAR | HD HEALTH | WINE TRENDS
YOUR PREMIER HIGH DESERT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
W INTER 2018
SNOW BOUND WHERE TO PLAY, WHERE TO STAY
PLUS HOLIDAY RECIPES THE VILLAGE AT APPLE VALLEY WELCOMING 2018 IN THE HD V I C T O R V I L L E • S P R I N G VA L L E Y L A K E • A P P L E VA L L E Y • H E S P E R I A • O A K H I L L S
HDLIVING H.D. Living Magazine Volume 8, Issue 3, Winter 2018 PUBLISHER/CEO Frank A. Castillo frankc@hdlivingmagazine.com MARKETING/CFO Tiffany Santee tiffanys@hdlivingmagazine.com COPY EDITOR Elisa Urmston editor@hdlivingmagazine.com DESIGN and LAYOUT Everard Strong www.behance.net/whizbangstudios ADVERTISING DESIGN Chris Ackerman | Signify Designs CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Landers, Tere Kidd-Darnell, Katie Chavez, Stephanie Morris, Elisa Urmston, Dr. Brad Hannon, Alexa Whitney, Janelle Perez PHOTOGRAPHERS Celia Santee, Frank A. Castillo, Daniel Hayes ADVERTISING SALES (760) 241-8475 sales@hdlivingmagazine.com EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING INQUIRIES H.D. LIVING MAGAZINE INC. 6630 SVL Box Victorville, CA 92395 (760) 241-8475 www.hdlivingmagazine.com editor@hdlivingmagazine.com HD Living Magazine is a quarterly magazine published by HDLM, Inc.
2017 HD Living Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from this publisher. Photographs, graphics, and artwork are the property of HD Living magazine. HD Living magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers contained herein. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or its owners. HD Living is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscriptions are $9.95 per year domestically only. To subscribe, please mail payment to address above, or subscribe online at HDlivingmagazine.com.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS WINTER 2018
22
Let’s Go Play in the Snow!
26
Merry Mountain Getaways
30
A Village Renaissance: The Village at Apple Valley
DEPARTMENTS 8 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 13 UPFRONT
Author Elisa Urmston, Celebrating 2018 in the HD, and Soul Pattern
20 HEALTH MATTERS Listen Up!
32 HD DINING GUIDE
34 HOLIDAY RECIPES
16 BUSINESS PROFILE
38 WINE TRENDS
18 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
42 SUSAN’S CORNER
Sunland Ford
MAV Plumbing
Season of Giving ‘Tis the Season for Giving
19 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
38
FOLLOW US ONLINE
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
‘TIS THE SEASON FOR JOY
T
he weather outside is frightful… you know the rest. Wintertime is one of my favorite times of the year— holiday cheer, time with family, and weather that requires your favorite jacket and a cup of hot cocoa. Some of my fondest memories were made during the holidays, and although it’s not likely this year, an occasional winter season snow in the HD has been known to happen. From decorating the tree to putting up the lights, this is truly a special season for all. As 2017 comes to an end, we wanted to bring you some of our favorite things to do this time of year. From the villages in local mountain regions to weekend getaway ideas, Stephanie Morris takes us to the best spots to enjoy a little winter wonderland during the Christmas season. We also take you to the Village of Apple Valley—from boutiques and antiques to business services, local dining and the local art scene, Elisa Urmston tells you why a visit to the Village is in order. From our family to your family, we bring you some of our favorite holiday recipes. Make sure to check them out in our dining section. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year to all of you. Frank Castillo, Publisher & CEO frankc@hdlivingmagazine.com RETRACTION: In the Summer/Fall issue of HD LIVING, there was an error on page 19 regarding the title of Joseph W. Brady, whose bio was listed incorrectly below his photo. Mr. Brady is the President of Bradco Companies. Their website is www.thebradcocompanies. com and their phone number is (760) 951-5111. We apologize for the error.
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HDLIVING YOUR PREMIER HIGH DESERT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
6630 SVL BOX Victorville, Ca 92395
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RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR IN THE HD LOOKING FOR SOMETHING EXCITING to do in the High Desert for New Year’s Eve? There is something for everyone. If you’re searching for classy, cozy environment to celebrate the start of 2018 in style, look to one of the desert’s fabulous wine bars and restaurants! The lovely D’Vine Wine Bar in Victorville will be hosting a Prohibition Themed party, featuring live Jazz by Carlotta Diggs until 12:30, with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight! There is no cover charge for this fun event. Don’t wait too long to arrive, seats will fill up fast! The Wine Seller in Apple Valley also promises a fabulous night, and will be featuring a DJ, and for a $5 cover charge, you’ll receive party favors and be able to ring in the New Year with a Champagne toast! They will also be debuting their new menu, featuring delicious flatbread pizzas, meat and cheese platters, fresh pretzels, bruschetta, and drink specials all night long. Los Domingos Mexican eatery in Apple Valley will be providing their patrons with live music and a champagne toast at midnight. Try their Desert Pear Margarita or their Cadillac Margarita for a special treat!
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At Victorville’s favorite French-Asian fusion restaurant, Chateau Chang, a lovely celebration is planned, featuring the musical stylings of Lyn Moon, from 5-9pm. Their new menu includes such gourmet specialties as Lobster Thermidor, Baby Rack of Lamb and Filet Mignon and Shrimp Tempura. Pair any of their scrumptious dishes with a bottle from their extensive and impressive wine selection for a magical evening that’s sure to impress your date! The Tilted Kilt in Victorville will be featuring a DJ and live band, complimentary champagne toast, call for cover charge. Their White or Red Sangria and their Irish Mules are highly recommended. Pancho Villa’s gourmet Mexican restaurant in Victorville will be hosting a delicious and celebratory champagne specialty dinner for $50, complete with rousing music by their house mariachi band. Seats must be reserved in advance and are available for purchase at the restaurant; dinner and the show begin at 7pm, ending at 2am. Wherever you choose to celebrate in the High Desert, be safe. If you will be imbibing, make sure to plan ahead with a designated driver. Happy 2018! — By Janelle Perez
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ARTS & CULTURE
HD’s Got Soul! ONE OF THE WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT THE HD COMMUNITY is the amount of talent we find residing here. One brilliant example would be the band Soul Pattern Project—the brainchild of singer/multi-instrumentalist Maggie Vee, and musician/producer Nathan Paul. The band also features the solid rhythm section of Joaquin Sura on bass and Alan Winkel on drums. Vee and Paul knew from the time of the band’s inception in 2010 that it was going to be something very special, but like all good things, it took time to make it happen. The early incarnation of the band was a beautiful, meantto-be sound, their own original genre Vee refers to as “fringe folk”— which was organic and acoustic guitar-based, but it soon blossomed into a rich, distinct fusion that draws from the influences of rock, blues, jazz, and country, forming a sound that is, again, uniquely their own. Soul Pattern Project’s music, and indeed their performances are inspired and spiritually driven, which, to those unfamiliar with the way artists work, may be hard to understand, but those who understand the workings of the muse can attest to a certain alchemical magic that happens when an artist can tap into that divine message. This is joyful music designed to make you feel good, to heal, to celebrate. This is music we need now, more than ever. You can check out their website to hear their recordings, purchase their music, and find out when and where to catch their next performance. You won’t be disappointed. — Elisa Urmston
SOUL PATTERN PROJECT www.soulpatternproject.us
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Photography by Cindy Bliss
SOUNDCHECK Elisa Urmston’s Musical Story of Life on the Road
M
any decades ago, John Fogarty wrote about the perils and pleasures of life playing and singing in a “travelin’ band.” But Fogarty’s tune only scratches the surface of what it means to make your living on the road playing music. Rowdy, drunk audiences along with often surly club owners and managers combine to challenge musicians in a variety of ways, but if you’re the girl singer on center stage, well, there is much more to face. Making a living as a musician is not easy, but that is what Elisa Urmston did for more than thirty years. In her new book, Soundcheck, Urmston tells stories of what it is to be the “girl singer” in multiple bands playing everything from country-western to Top-40 dance tunes. Music lovers in the H.D. and SoCal know Urmston very well as her band Caliente (and the smaller version Caliente Duo with husband Chris Urmston) has enticed audiences onto the dance floor with pop and Latin-infused music as well as romantic standards at many bars and clubs over the years.
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Soundcheck is not just a book of poems, however; it is an autobiography, the journey of a girl guitar player struggling to be taken seriously by her family, her male counterparts, and the audiences she faces. It tells tales of avoiding lecherous men on and off stage, of what it takes to create courage when dealing with insecurity, and of the joys of following a dream. The illustrations by Tamara Adams make Soundcheck a beautiful feast for the eyes and soul. No less a rock & roll legend than Pamela DesBarres has written a blurb for Urmston’s collection, so that is a recommendation worth its weight in gold records. — Susan Landers
SOUNDCHECK Available at Amazon.com and jamiipublishing.com.
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Photography by Daniel Hayes
EVERY DAY IS SUNNY AT SUNLAND FORD SOMETHING BIG IS HAPPENING AT SUNLAND FORD IN VICTORVILLE. 2018 is their golden anniversary! That’s right. Sunland Ford will be celebrating fifty years serving the communities of the HD. A lot has changed in those fifty years, but one thing hasn’t and that is Sunland Ford’s commitment to its customers. Selling and servicing high quality vehicles has allowed Sunland Ford to become not merely a successful business, but a member of the community that makes the HD a better place for all. The celebration plans are still in the works, but there is bound to be plenty of Ford fun. Sunland Ford’s legacy in the Victor Valley is well-known, and their commitment to good customer service is a part of that legacy. One cannot walk through Sunland Ford’s car lot or service area without a cheerful greeting by all of the employees. From service advisors and service technicians to cashiers, parts and sales people, everyone at Sunland Ford will greet you with a cheery hello and a bright smile. Whether you’re looking for a new or used vehicle or in need of service, Sunland Ford will offer you a great deal and a hometown feel. — Susan Landers
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SUNLAND FORD Corner of Palmdale and Amargosa, Victorville (760) 241-7751 www.sunlandfordinc.com
WINTER 2018
SPONSORED EDITORIAL
LOSE UP TO 30 POUNDS IN 30 DAYS! At RCMC Medical Clinic, we provide mindful weight loss guidance and nutritional counseling to help our patients not only meet their weight loss goals, but keep the weight off through lifestyle changes. Poor eating habits are one of the biggest nonmedical contributors to weight problems. Changing these habits is the largest hurdle most people face. Through individualized nutritional counseling, these poor habits are addressed, a plan is created to correct the habits, and positive reinforcement is used to help maintain the new healthier eating habits. The key to successful weight loss at a local medical clinic begins with a healthy, positive mental attitude. We know you have the power to achieve your weight loss goals and keep the weight off because we have seen so many people do just that. Each visit, you will be greeted by positive attitudes, encouragement, and all the support you need along your journey to a healthier you.
OUR MEDICAL CLINIC’S INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING ASSURES EFFECTIVE LONG-TERM WEIGHT LOSS Every person is unique, and their diets should reflect this. Our proactive approach takes many aspects into consideration, particularly our clients’ unique lifestyles. Every visit, your nutritional counselor will review your past results, and help you set new, realistic goals. As life throws new challenges and exciting events your way, we tweak your plan to compensate, allowing you to continue to meet your goals without the weight of guilt or denial holding you back.
A LIFETIME OF WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS The main goal of RCMC’s nutritional counseling at our Rancho Cucamonga medical clinic is to teach our clients healthy weight loss habits to boost the metabolism for a lifetime of weight management.
OUR 90% SUCCESS RATE The dedicated professionals at RCMC Medical Center work hard to help each and every client lose weight, get healthy, and live the life they have always wanted. We understand that no two people are the same, and because of this, no two weight loss plans should be the same. We personalize each diet plan to complement lifestyles and goals, which as earned us a 90% success rate
Just a Few of the Many Successes at the RCMC Medical Weight Loss Clinic JOETTA LOST 40 LBS IN JUST 12 WEEKS!
Before coming to us, Joetta had tried every diet out there and still could not lose the weight. A thyroid condition made dropping the pounds nearly impossible. But after developing a personalized diet plan, complete with underactive thyroid treatments, Joetta finally saw results. In just 12 weeks she lost 40 pounds! IN 10 WEEKS, CLIFF LOST 42 LBS!
Cliff is proof that exercise alone is not always enough to lose weight. He is a CrossFit coach but still could not get down to his ideal weight. After speaking to the nutritional counselors here at RCMC Medical Center, he was able to develop a personalized eating plan that finally allowed him to lose the weight. His hard work let him drop 42 pounds in only 10 weeks. TRISHA LOST 100 LBS IN 18 WEEKS! After having kids and going through life’s many stresses, Trisha found herself in poor health and overweight. She tried diet after diet, but never saw the results she dearly hoped for. RCMC Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Banning was her last hope of regaining her health and losing the weight. Over the course of just 18 weeks, our dedicated staff helped her lose a staggering 100 pounds though a personalized medical weight loss plan!
To learn how RCMC Medical Center can help you reach your weight loss goals through a personalized weight loss plan and one-on-one support, call the office today for a free Consultation. HESPERIA
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RANCHO CUCAMONGA 7388 Carnelian St Ste D (909) 945-9982
BANNING
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WWW.RCMCMEDICALCENTER.COM
High Desert Living magazine 17
HD BUSINESS PROFILE
Building on a Foundation of Family and Faith
MAV PLUMBING FAITH, FAMILY, AND HARD WORK ARE THE KEYS to success, according to Martin Diaz, owner and president of MAV Plumbing. Founded in 2000 by his father, Jose, this company has become one of the most stellar success stories in the HD. Martin recalls learning the trade by tagging along and eventually working with his dad when he was just a boy when his father worked for another plumbing company in Los Angeles. By doing so, he learned both the trade and management aspects of the business. He also realized it was what he loved to do; there is real joy in meeting new people, starting a new project, and seeing the vision come to life. MAV Plumbing—the initials of Martin, his brother Alex, and his sister, Valerie—is a plumbing contractor business that works with general contractors on new construction. Much of their work is commercial—retail stores, restaurants markets, clinics, warehouses, and museums— you might encounter their work at Michael’s, Aaron Bros. Yogurtland, or the Flame Broiler, to name a few; however, they also have plenty of experience working on larger, multi-use projects, such as condos, and new multi-unit apartment complexes. They have worked all over California, Texas, and even as far away as Seattle, Washington. Diaz is excited for the future, which includes the creation of multiple divisions of the company, which will enable one division to work on restaurants, while another division would handle the hotels and multi-unit projects. If all of this sounds like they aren’t the first people you should call for your own, perhaps more humble projects, think again! They are soon going to be setting up a division exclusively for that aspect of the trade and will be happy to take local service calls once that happens. He is delighted to keep his roots here in the HD, because he knows many new and exciting projects are coming to the area soon. MAV Plumbing prides itself on its organized and professional work ethic, and Diaz notes most of their clients have stuck with them from the very beginning. However, there is something else he wanted us to know: Diaz confided
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that when his dad started the company, he struggled, and worried his fledgling company might not make it, but he never gave up. He prayed for divine guidance and wisdom, and God answered those prayers. Faith, prayer, and a strong work ethic has seen this family and company through, and to this day, those are the foundations that make this company something very special. — Elisa Urmston
MAV PLUMBING 12620 Mar Vista Dr. Apple Valley (760) 694-0511 martindiaz@mavplumbing.com www.mavplumbing.com
WINTER 2018
HD UPCOMING EVENTS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 28 NEAVE TRIO
to vivid musical life in Little Women. The Civil War is in full Victor Valley College Performing swing, and the March sisters -- Meg, the oldest, a romantic, Arts Center the spirited and tomboyish Jo, 18422 Bear Valley Rd, sweet and loving Beth, and Victorville irascible, playful Amy -- live in www.vvc.edu/offices/ Concord, Massachusetts with performing_art/events their Marmee while their father One of the finest emerging is on the battlefield. Filled chamber ensembles, the with adventure (both lived Neave Trio has been enjoying and imagined), heartbreak, tremendous international success in concert series’ and and a deep sense of hope, the struggle of these “Little at festivals worldwide. Women” to find their own voices mirrors the growing FEBRUARY 15–25 pains of a young America. LITTLE WOMEN With buoyant, joyful melodies, Creative Arts Theater memorable characters, and 15615 8th Street, Victovivlle www.creativeartstheater.com a big-hearted message, Little Women reminds us that Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story of the adventures of the “sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true.” four March sisters is brought
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MARCH 17-18 THE PIRATE FAIRE Hesperia Lake Park 7500 Arrowhead Lake Rd., Hesperia www.hdpiratefaire.com The Pirate Fair will be celebrating the Golden Age of Pirates, with much Revelry & Merry Making. Fun for all ages from the littlest Powder Monkey to the oldest Captain. Face Painting, Games to play, Stage Acts to enjoy, Battles between Pirates, Food from the four corners of the known world, Ale, Wine & Mead and there may even be a trial of a Pirate. There will be many merchants with wonderful items to purchase and fun for the entire family.
EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT COMEDY SHOW HOSTED BY JT TURNER Green Tree Inn, 14173 Green Tree Blvd, Victorville www.facebook.comjtturner.com Look forward to a night full of laughs with some hilarious Comedians! Hosted by Comedian JT Turner! With Live music from DJ Joel Trujillo!! FREE GIVEAWAYS from High Desert Deals!! There is even an after party at The Coffee Bean Cafe located at the Green Tree Inn! Doors open at 7pm and the shows start at 8pm! Enjoy some DRINKS, FOOD and LAUGHS in the HD!
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HD HEALTH MATTERS
LISTEN UP! What your ears can tell you about cardiovascular disease
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C
ardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, heart attack, arrhythmia, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, deep vein thrombosis, and more. Symptoms of a possible CVD event are pain or discomfort in the center of the chest and/or in the arms, left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back. Other common symptoms of CVD are sudden weakness of the face, arm, or leg, most often on one side of the body; numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, difficulty seeing with one or both eyes; difficulty walking, dizziness, low energy, loss of balance or coordination, severe headache with no known cause, and fainting or unconsciousness. When it comes to CVD, many of us are familiar with the typical risk assessments that raise your risk, such as being a past or current smoker, high blood pressure, low HDL levels on blood work, family history of CVD, obesity, birth control medications, higher stress levels, inflammation, alcohol consumption, inactivity, and diabetes. But, almost no one knows about diagonal earlobe creases (DELC) or Frank’s sign; Frank’s sign is named after Sanders T. Frank, M.D., who discovered it in the 1970s while examining a patient with heart disease.
THE STATS ON CVD Johns Hopkins University reports some interesting stats on CVD. CVD causes about 2,200 deaths per day, averaging one death every 40 seconds. One out of every three deaths results from CVD. CVD costs about $315 billion per year and is increasing, CVD causes more deaths than cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and accidents combined. The CDC stats show that the number of adults diagnosed with heart disease is 28.4 million, which accounts for 11.7% of the population. CVD accounts for 18.6 million doctor office visits per year, 1.9 million outpatient hospital visits per year, and roughly 1 million ER visits per year. There are 614, 348 deaths per year caused by CVD and CVD is ranked the #1 cause of death.
WHAT EXACTLY IS THE FRANK’S SIGN? Identifying Frank’s Sign is quite simple, really. Look at your ears and focus on the lobe part. If you see a diagonal crease or wrinkle, you have a Frank Sign or DELC; specifically, the crease starts higher, from the tragus, and extends down and outward to the rear edge of the auricle. There is some controversy about this sign, but in my years of experience, it is a pretty good indication someone might have some type of CVD and the need for further evaluation and testing. There are many studies looking into this sign and its relationship to CVD, but no one quite understands how or why these creases form. One study found an increased risk of CVD as a cause of death with Frank’s sign. They found that Frank’s
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sign increased the risk of death 1.5 times in men and 1.7 times in non-diabetic women.1 Another study discussed Frank’s sign as being associated with higher risk of major adverse cardiac events in patients with known CAD, a marker of generalized atherosclerotic disease, carotid-intima media thickness, subclinical atherosclerosis in people without CVD, and ischemic stroke.2 Yet another study showed that these DELC’s proved to be an indication of CVD even without the other common CVD risk factors. In other words, it is a good stand alone indicator of CVD in of itself.3
CONCLUSION CVD is one of the number one killers in our country and many of the risk factors can be minimized through healthy lifestyle. The World Health Organization states “Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing behavioral risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol”. Know the risk factors that you have personally. Have a healthcare professional guide you on your personal risks and how to minimize these risk factors through lifestyle modifications, clean eating, stress reduction, sleep and exercise. Be proactive on this— often times the first sign of a heart attack is a heart attack. That’s all until next time, when we will continue our journey of healthy living and clean eating together.
REFERENCES 1.Br Heart J. 1989 Apr; 61(4): 361-364 Diagonal earlobe creases and fatal cardiovascular disease: a necropsy study. 2. Circulation. 2014;130:92-93. Bilateral Earlobe Creases and Coronary Artery Disease. 3. Wang Y, Mao L, Jia E, et al. Relationship between diagonal earlobe creases and coronary artery disease as determined via angiography. BMJ Open 2016;6:e008558.
DR. HANNON Graduated from the Southern California University of Health Sciences’ Doctor of Chiropractic program. Dr. Hannon dedicates his time to his passion of health, exercise, and nutrition.
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y a l P
LET’S GO
IN THE SNOW
Local Mountain Ski & Snowboard Resorts By Stephanie Morris
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IF YOU’RE NEW TO THE AREA and seeking to shred pow, rip the run, go fakie in fresh flakey, or you’re just a typical lift-licker, our local mountain peaks are magnanimously accommodating. Just step outside and look up and around; we’re surrounded by Southern California’s crème de la crème! With several select ski resorts to choose from—each slightly diverse, yet all providing premier skiing/ snowboarding, entertainment, and lodging features—you really can’t make a poor choice.
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BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORTS Big Bear Mountain Resorts gift us with two exceptional and independently distinctive resorts to relish: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Between the two, they offer twenty-six lifts, over 436 acres of skiable terrain, a free shuttle service for resort hoppers, and with Big Bear Lake as the constant water resource, 100% snowmaking coverage.While lift tickets are interchangeable, each resort is unique in its milieu and diverse in its vibe. Snow Summit, one of SoCal’s finest resorts, delivers 240 acres of interconnecting runs and family-friendly entertainment for visitors and serious enthusiasts to enjoy. Less seasoned skiers/boarders can take their time and rest easy, as Snow Summit provides one of the largest learning domains in the region. Skilled shredders, on the other hand, are often found seeking the adrenalin rush the Ego Trip and Olympic terrains provide. Snow Summit’s Snowsport School offers skiing and snowboarding lessons to students of various ages and aptitude levels, focusing on individual attention. Even the most advanced skiers and riders may benefit by participating in their Go with a Pro program. Day skiers can delight in the breathtaking view of Big Bear Lake, but if night skiing is more your cup of tea, they accommodate guests on Friday and Saturday evenings from 3:00-9:30. Package deals include lift tickets, lessons, and discounted rates on equipment
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rentals. Just a little over an hour away, Snow Summit is located at 880 Summit Blvd. in Big Bear Lake. Bear Mountain, a snowboarder’s haven, is considered one of the most progressive terrain parks in the world, and it’s just a swift shuttle ride away from Snow Summit. With over 200 jibs and jumps, three halfpipes, and an in-ground superpipe, it’s no wonder that Bear Mountain was voted #1 Park in the Nation by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine’s 2009 Resort Poll. Freestyle Park is a hotspot for those seeking signature boxes, rails, logs, jibs, and tanks, and The Scene is the perfect setting to enjoy a drink and a bite and watch it all go down. For those who are new to snow sports, Skill Builder Park provides a low-pressure learning environment with all the necessary tools to encourage progression. A variety of lesson specials and packages are available for ages four and up, and it’s recommended that reservations be made in advance, as Bear Mountain limits their ticket sales to keep lift lines minimal and runs from being overcrowded. Bear Mountain is located at 43101 Goldmine Dr. in Big Bear Lake. Explore bigbearmountainresort.com/winter for Bear Mountain and Snow Summit events, current snow reports, tickets, and trip planning tips. For other inquiries, call 844462-2327.
WINTER 2018
MOUNTAIN HIGH IN WRIGHTWOOD An easy drive, just off CA-138, will lead you to some of the closest and finest skiing terrain in Southern California. Wrightwood’s Mountain High consists of three distinctive resorts: East, West, and North—each only a mile apart, but different in character and levels of challenge. The East Resort’s high point reaches as high as 8,200 feet, so it’s not surprising that it’s celebrated for its beautiful views of the Mojave Desert and its long trails that make for supreme carving. The locale of the Olympic Bowl, “the longest, steepest bump run in the region,” the East Resort is a favorite of traditional skiers seeking an Alpine rush. Mountain High’s West Resort is designed with plenty of jumps and jibs for enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders of all levels. A favorite hot-spot for youth, the well-lit park is open seven nights a week and is the home of the Children’s Sports Center, the Bullwheel Bar and Grill, and the Foggy Goggle, where live performances are held. The North Resort is Mountain High’s newest resort, providing seventy acres of beginner terrain that’s ideal for less experienced skiers. The North Pole Tubing Park, open on peak weekends as well as holidays, offers fun and excitement for the entire family. Mountain High Resort can be found at 24510 Hwy 2 in Wrightwood. Seek them on the web at www.mthigh.com, or reach them at 888-754-7878 for more information.
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SNOW VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT IN RUNNING SPRINGS If some of the larger resorts seem a bit overwhelming, Snow Valley may be a better fit. A smaller, less crowded, and family friendly resort, Snow Valley provides a children’s learning center, miniature snow mobile rentals, and a ski/snowboard rental/repair shop. They also offer 240 acres of ski area, with 35 trails, 12 lifts, and 2 terrain parks. Snow Valley has made great strides to improve their terrain park features, which now include rails, quarter pipes, table tops, jumps, and jibs. Schighridj (pronounced Sky Ridge!) Terrain Park is where boarders are found making flakes fly; however, The Edge is Snow Valley’s primary terrain park with features for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Their Hideout Jib Park features a plethora of rails and boxes, while the Rim Progression Park offers smaller features, perfect for newbies. Snow Valley is located at 35100 Hwy 18 in Running Springs. To find out more, visit www.snowvalley.com, or give them a call 909-867-2751.
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Merry Mountain Getaways Story by Stephanie Morris
D
A warming suite at Arrowhead
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o you ever feel a bit gypped while listening to holiday carols? “It’s a marshmallow world in the winter…” Well, Dean, not all of us get to dash through the snow with Frosty the Snowman during the most wonderful time of the year. Our desert backdrop is year-round lovely, and we do get a dusting of snow, once in a great while; but, this time of year, we often find ourselves living through the cocoa-quaffing characters of Hallmark movies. Sometimes, as I gaze at the holiday cards decking my walls, I can’t help but envision myself frolicking in winter wonderlands and reveling in the fragrance of glistening pines and chestnut roasting fireplaces. Well, such enchantment doesn’t need to be a dream. Our buddy, Jack Frost—he’s just a short drive away, and he’s itching to nip at your nose. Whether your jaunt entails a week, weekend, or just a day-cay away, our local mountains are all that cliché carols are made of and more. And, hey, just think—maybe you’ll get lucky and get snowed in! Sorry, not sorry, Mr. Bossman. After all, ‘tis the season to be jolly, so let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
WINTER 2018
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BIG BEAR www.bigbearlake.com
WHERE TO STAY If your goal is to stay near the hub of The Village, consider lodging at the Wishing Well Motel, Robinhood Resort, Big Bear Village Lodge, Pine Knot Guest Ranch, Honey Bear Lodge, the Fireside Lodge, or the Big Bear Hostel. If you’re seeking a more lavish sojourn, try the Marina Resort which is right on the lake, The Lodge at Big Bear Lake, or Knickerbocker Mansion Bed & Breakfast. There are numerous cabins and vacation home rentals available as well. Just visit bigbeargetaway.com and/or bigbearcoolcabins.com to explore a few options.
WHAT TO DO Shop, eat, and drink—all the while basking in the festive charm that characterizes The Village. Bring your kids and watch the naughty turn nice, as every Saturday and Sunday, from November 25th to December 24th, it’s Christmas in The Village with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Go play in the snow! Kids young and old can enjoy toboggan runs, go karts, and tubing at Big Bear’s two inner tube snowplay fun parks: Magic Mountain Recreation Area and Big Bear Snow Play! Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain offers a genuine bobsled experience, as riders twist and turn down a ¼ mile track. The speed is rider controlled, so it makes for a delightful joyride for both moderate cruisers and thrill seekers alike. If you’re looking for high-speed tubing fun, visit Grizzly Ridge Tubing Park, but if skiing or boarding is your passion, both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit provide perfect powder and leading-edge jumps, rails and fun-boxes. Big Bear Lake also has its share of hotspots for libations and entertainment. The Black Kat is a place to hit for a fine dining and wine bar experience, and Big Bear Lake Brewing Company is a must-do if you’re into more of a merry gastropub environment. Popular concerts and comedy shows can be found at The Cave—an intimate and distinctive venue!
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
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LAKE ARROWHEAD www.lakearrowheadgetaways.com
WHERE TO STAY If you’re on a quest for rustic extravagance with a lakeside view, merely steps away from the Lake Arrowhead Village, look no further than the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa! The Saddleback Inn and Grill is another favorite amongst those seeking first-class resort lodging, fine dining, and entertainment, and the romantic charm of the Arrowhead Lake Inn is an enchanting option for those who delight in themed rooms and delicious continental breakfasts. The lodging options are vast, so snoop around! From lake view lodges to comfy cabins, lakearrowheadgetaways.com is a reliable source for ideas and inspiration. However, if your preference is a smaller, less touristy setting, Crestline/Lake Gregory’s The North Shore Inn and Sleepy Hollow Cabins and Motel are options close in proximity. Explore more possibilities at cityofcrestline.com/lodging.
Mountain High Resort
WHAT TO DO Feel as though you’re vacationing in the Swiss Alps, as you peruse the charming chalet themed shops of Lake Arrowhead Village. In addition to fabulous shopping and dining opportunities, the village is also home to the Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour—a one-hour narrated ride around the lake that offers history, folklore, and views of luxuriant lakefront homes of rich and famous residents. Weather permitting, kids may enjoy the village’s Lollipop Park, which includes various rides, a candy store, and a playground by the lake. Snow fun and games are found just east of Lake Arrowhead at Snow Valley in Running Springs. Whether your preference is skiing, sledding, cross country skiing, boarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or just snowball throwing, Snow Valley is a delightful family-friendly venue for snow sports and play. Santa’s Village is back! Now known as SkyPark at Santa’s Village, the North Pole-themed adventure park provides attractions, such as Frozen Falls Climbing Tower, Polar Express Train Ride, Silver Bells Skating Arena, Blitzen’s Bungee, live entertainment, and so much more. And, who wouldn’t want to experience Breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus’ Tea Party, or Cookie Decorating with Santa’s Elves? If craft beer is your preferred tonic, the Pedal Pub is an indoor/outdoor pub, complete with a cool fire pit and tasty bar fare. Those craving a fine dining experience, however, may want to pay a visit to Gatherings BBQ House. Visit skyparksantasvillage.com for specials, events, and ticket information.
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WRIGHTWOOD
www.wrightwoodmountainresort.com WHERE TO STAY Located in the heart of Wrightwood, Applewood Inn, Canyon Creek Inn, and Cedar Lodge are good options if your preference is to stay within walking distance of the town’s restaurants and shops. The 5-star rated Rhinestone Rose is a delightful bed and breakfast and is also centrally located. If you’ve got a large group to accommodate, consider Camp Wrightwood. To explore other options, cabins, and vacation homes, peruse wrightwoodmountainresort.com or wrightwoodvacationhomes.com. WHAT TO DO Mountain High Ski Resort and Tubing Park is three resorts in one, and each section is complete with breathtaking terrain, lessons, rentals, and shopping. If you’re looking to satisfy your appetite, you’ll find several worthy dining options, such as Grand View Bistro and Big Pines Barbecue; however, the word on the street is that The Bullwheel Grill is a must-do for tasty fare. Get your heart pumping! A neighbor to Mountain High Resort, Ziplines at Pacific Crest offers two exhilarating zipline courses. Both the Canopy Tour and Mountain View Tour are built high in the trees of the San Gabriel Mountains, but each offer unique and exciting experiences. And, if you happen to have an adrenaline junky on your gift list, gift cards are available! Pay ziplinespc.com a visit for more info.
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A VILLAGE RENAISSANCE By Elisa Urmston YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED VIBRANT SIGNS OF LIFE IN THE PART OF APPLE VALLEY KNOWN AS THE VILLAGE. Like the little Mojave brine shrimp, who lie dormant during the dry season, only to awaken after a rain storm, the once sad and seemingly abandoned buildings on the east end of the Happy Trails Highway are now springing to life as art galleries and shops that cater to our community; this is a vibrant place where you will find wonderful surprises, from the artisan yarns and friendly environment of Lynn Thomas’ Fanciwerks Yarn Shoppe—founded thirteen years ago and surely one of the first stores to engage in the renaissance, to crystals and candles at Lisa Maki’s The Enlightened Hippie—a metaphysical and holistic healing center specializing in reiki healing— your mind will boggle at the unique and imaginative small businesses that are such a refreshing and rewarding change of pace from the cookie-cutter chain stores. Hungry? From mouthwatering meals in legendary restaurants to live music and art in new soon-to-be favorite venues, your favorite new place is probably now in The Village. If it’s lasagna, the mouth-watering bruschetta pizza or oh-so-yummy desserts at Mama Carpino’s; authentic, down-home Southern cooking and live music at Mattie’s Blues Cafe, or margaritas and savory enchiladas in the courtyard of Las Brisas you crave, The Village has something truly special for everyone. Perhaps, in the hectic rush of the holidays, you don’t have the time to shop or dine just yet.
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We’ve all been there. Well, fear not! The Village has you covered for that, too. While dropping off your Christmas packages at the Apple Valley Post Office, just don’t forget to practice a little selfcare, and grab yourself a hot cup of your favorite coffee or hot chocolate to go at Tonyan Coffee, a local family-owned and operated, intimate little coffee house, or a growler of a delightful microbrew at the family friendly Off the Grid Brewing Company to savor later. Salúd! One of the driving forces behind the region’s resurgence is The Village Arts Collective, whose motto is, charmingly, “The ARTbeat of the community.” The project strives to connect the community through art galleries, events and activities designed to strengthen the community’s identity, economy, bond, and safety. Besides being a catalyst for economic improvement, the arts help promote understanding and tolerance. Like many original and historic business districts in small towns across America, The Village in Apple Valley has seen its share of economic ups and downs. While the concept of the Village identity is not a new one, the Village Arts Collective recognizes the area is poised for growth, and seeks to create a vital, arts community which will benefit the region and its residents visually, economically, and emotionally, creating an oasis—a destination spot in our region. The Village, with its enhanced security, decorative lighting, enhanced sidewalks and gorgeous xeriscape landscaping, is becoming a real treasure in our midst. Experience it!
WINTER 2018
Tonyan Coffee
Las Brisas
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Off The Grid Brewing
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DINING GUIDE
The following is a listing of select High Desert Restaurants. These listings are a free service provided by H.D. Living Magazine and are subject to change. This guide also includes wine tasting venues. If you would like your dining establishment considered, send information to frankc@hdlivingmagazine.com, include your name, the name of the establishment, address, and contact information.
Victorville Down Home Grill 12120 Ridgecrest Rd. #101 (760)241-4663 Thai Dawn Bistro 14317 Bear Valley Rd Ste 2 (760) 244-7600 Republic SVL 13261 Spring Valley Pkwy, (760) 596-3971 Paulina’s Mexican Grill 14845 Monarch Blvd, (760) 955-2661 Tokyo Steak 14317 Bear Valley Rd. Ste 2, (760) 956-6888 Yoshi Sushi 14177 Kentwood Blvd, (760) 241-1960 Chateau Chang Restaurant 15425 Anacapa Rd, (760) 241-3040 Steer ‘n Stein Restaurant 12224 Mariposa Rd, (760) 241-0775 D’Vine Wine Bar 14845 Monarch Blvd. suite C, (760) 843-3888 La Casita Mexican Restaurant 14977 Palmdale Rd, (760) 241-0119 La Casita at the Lake 12170 Spring Valley Pkwy, (760) 843-0440 The Corner Café 15683 Roy Rogers Dr., (760) 900-6676 Poncho’s Salvadorian Restaurant 16427 Victor Street, (760) 843-3336 Golden Gate Restaurant 15208 Bear Valley Rd # B, (760) 245-6189 Tokyo Sushi & BBQ 14741 7th St #A, (760) 955-7123
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Marie Callenders 12180 Mariposa Rd, (760) 241-6973 The Brass Pickle Deli 15617 Roy Rogers Dr, (760) 241-4846 Outback Steakhouse 12400 Amargosa Rd # B, (760) 962-1003 Mimi’s Cafe 12032 Amargosa Rd, (760) 244-6888 Original Roadhouse Grill 11940 Amargosa Rd, (760) 949-2308 Carino’s 11970 Amargosa Rd, (760) 949-2248 Giuseppe’s Restaurant 14309 Bear Valley Rd, (760) 949-5400 El Pescador Seafood & Mexican Grill 14144 Green Tree Blvd, (760) 245-4860 Poncho Villas Fresh Grill & Tequila 11620 Amargosa Rd. (760) 981-1958 Itchy Foot Islands Deli & BBQ 15329 Palmdale Rd, (760) 243-3354 Miguel’s Baja Grill 14480 7th St. (760) 241-3838 BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse 11600 Amargosa Rd, (442) 600-2840
Apple Valley Go Bangkok Thai Cuisine 20783 Bear Valley Rd, Ste H (760) 240-3888 Di Napoli’s Fire House 17856 US Highway 18, (760) 242-5802 The Wine Seller Apple Bear Center, (760) 961-2500
Las Brisas 21919 CA-18 (760) 240-1051
Desert Barn Brewery 11352 Hesperi Rd. (760) 995-3894
Mega Tom’s Restaurant 20781 Bear Valley Rd., (760) 240-9022
Hidden Tavern 12728 Main St. (760) 947-0099
Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant 17790 Wika Rd. (760) 946-5344
Juliano’s Italian Restaurant 12052 Hesperia Rd., (760) 949-0595
Oggis Pizza & Brewing Co 19201 Bear Valley Rd, (760) 240-8977 Linko Sushi 12115 Apple Valley Rd, (760) 240-1125 Apple Valley Golf Course Grill 15200 Rancherias Rd, (760) 242-3653 Off the Grid Brewing Company 13615 John Glen Rd., (760) 247-5600 Mama Carpino’s 22010 Highway 18 (760) 240-9664 Marcelinos Mexican Restaurant 21510 Bear Valley Rd, (760) 240-4344 Viva Maria 20162 Highway 18 #D (760) 946-2087 Linko Sushi 12115 Apple Valley Rd, (760) 240-1125 Ninja Sushi 15850 Apple Valley Rd., (760) 242-3913 Siam Thai Cuisine 18564 Outer Hwy 18 Ste 203, (760) 242-5093 Giuseppe’s Apple Valley 18855 Bear Valley Rd. Ste. 1, (760) 247-1999 Havana Wine & Beer Club 13692 Apple Valley Rd, Suite 1, (760) 961-6880 Spirit River Cafe 16000 Apple Valley Rd. Ste. B4, (760) 242-1400
Go Bangkok Thai Cuisine 15800 Main St Ste 200, (760) 947-9029 Cancun Mexican & Seafood 15550 Main St, (760) 956-7720 Italian Kitchen 16409 Yucca St, (760) 244-7757 Thai-Lotus Restaurant 12027 Hesperia Rd, (760) 949-9362 Fina’s Giuseppe’s 15555 Main St. (760) 949-9600 Los Domingo’s Restaurant 15885 Main St, 92345 (760) 948-6161 Oasis Sushi Restaurant 12719 Main St, 92344 (760) 244-9608 Wood Grill Buffet 14135 Main St. Hesperia (760) 981-4418
Oak Hills Oak Hills Brewing Company 12221 Poplar St. #3 (760) 244-8278
Oro Grande Cross Eyed Cow 19242 National Trails Hwy (760)241-1987
Barstow Idle Spurs Steakhouse 690 Old Highway 58 (760)256-8888
Hesperia Whisky Barrel Restaurant & Saloon 12055 Mariposa Rd. (760) 244-1115
WINTER 2018
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HOLIDAY COOKING
HOLIDAY RECIPES
CLASSIC PECAN PIE Contributed by Frank Castillo Ingredients • 1 pie dough (9 inches) • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled • 1 cup light corn syrup • 1 cup light brown sugar • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten • ½ teaspoon salt • 2 ½ cups raw pecan halves
Directions Place baking sheet in oven. Heat oven to 350 F. Line pie pan with rolled out pie dough. Press into edges and up sides. Use fingers or fork to create decorative edge. Set aside. In large bowl, whisk together butter, corn syrup, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Add eggs and salt, and whisk until mixture is even. Fold in pecan halves. Pour mixture into pie crust and spread evenly with spatula. Use pieces of aluminum foil to cover edges of pie crust. Place pie on prepared baking sheet and bake 60-70 minutes, or until pie is set in center. Remove pie from oven and allow to cool completely before serving or chilling. Note: Pie can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated overnight. Allow pie to come to room temperature before serving.
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ELISA’S CASI-MIMOSA/ PRICKLY NAVEL Contributed by Elisa Urmston Necessity can be the mother of invention. Friends over for holiday brunch, and the designated champagne bringer phones with a sudden can’t-make-it call. What to do? Well, lucky for me, I had some Stella Rosa Stella Peach wine (Trader Joe’s also offers a nice peach moscato, if you happen to be near a TJs location), some fresh oranges—blood oranges are wonderful, if you can get them— and some Cheri’s Prickly Pear Cactus Syrup (available on Amazon.com—I try to never run out of this stuff. It’s wonderful for so many recipes). This drink has become a delight my friends request when they come to visit, and it makes a lovely holiday brunch beverage, because not only is it yummy, it’s pretty! In a chilled champagne flute, fill with: • 1/2 Stella Rosa Stella Peach, chilled • 1/2 fresh-squeezed blood orange juice • 1/4 tsp Cheri’s Prickly Pear Cactus Syrup Toast There’s my Abuelo’s favorite toast to go with it: “Salúd, amor, y pesetas—y tiempo para disfrutarlas” (Translation: “Health, love, and money—and the time to enjoy them all.”). Merry Christmas and Happy holidays.
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LOCAL DINING SPOTLIGHT GINGERBREAD BARS WITH EGGNOG FROSTING Contributed by Stephanie Morris Bars • 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter (if using salted, cut the amount of salt below in half) • 1 cup light brown sugar • 2 large eggs • 1/2 cup molasses • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 2 teaspoons ginger • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (saved for topping) Directions Preheat oven to 350º. Prepare a 9x13” pan by lining it with foil (be sure your foil is slightly larger than the edges of the pan, so you’ll be able to grab & lift bars out of the pan after baking & cooling). Lightly grease foil with butter or spray. Blend the butter and sugar until nice and creamy. Mix in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla, and then add salt and spices (my spice spoonfuls tend to be slightly heaping), blending well. Add baking soda and flour and stir until combined (don’t overmix). Pour into prepared pan and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Be sure NOT to overbake or they will be dry. Soft and chewy is your goal! When completely cooled, remove from pan and place…wherever you want. I frost mine on a festive rectangular platter.
Frosting So, below I list what’s required to top the bars, but I often double up on those measurements and use what’s left to top cookies, brownies, and/or…for those late nights when I need to eat it right out of the bowl. • 5 tablespoons softened butter (I’ve used both salted & unsalted – use what you prefer) • 5 tablespoons softened cream cheese • 2 cups powdered sugar • 1-2 tablespoons eggnog Directions Beat butter, cream cheese, eggnog, and powdered sugar until fluffy. If it seems too thick, add a little more eggnog. Make sure your bars are completely cooled before lavishing them with such wonderfulness. Bedazzle bars with decorations and sprinkles of choice. Bars should be stored in a covered container and refrigerated. Fun topping options: Festive red & green sprinkles, sparkle flakes, gumdrops, candy cake toppers: mini gingerbread men (so cute!), candy canes, trees, holly, snowmen etc. *Modified recipe based on original found on backforseconds.com.
GRANDMA WRIGHT’S BUTTERSCOTCH MERINGUE PIE Contributed by Susan Nylander Ingredients • 4 eggs • 1 ½ cups brown sugar • 1 cup flour • 1 ½--2 cups hot milk • 1 stick butter (cut into patties) • 2-3 capfuls of vanilla extract • ½ cup granulated sugar • Deep Dish Pie Shell (Grandma made her crust from scratch, but this is 2017 and nobody has time for that!)
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Directions Separate the eggs into a large sauce pan. To the beaten yolks add the brown sugar and flour mixing well, then stir in a cup of hot milk while continuously stirring over medium heat adding more milk slowly. Once the mixture begins to thicken, add butter patties and vanilla. When the butterscotch is thick and pudding like, pour into a browned pie shell and set aside. Using a hand mixer, beat the egg whites, adding small amounts of granulated sugar until peaks form. Spread the meringue atop the pie and brown the meringue in a hot oven until it is a golden brown. Once cool, refrigerate pie until ready to eat.
WINTER 2018
A warm and intimate ambiance in a confortable setting with plenty of tasty and satisfying food combine to make Mama Carpino’s one of the High Desert’s favorite Italian restaurants. Featuring live entertainment on select weekends.
22010 US Highway 18 Apple Valley CA 92307-3971 (760) 240-9664 Mon: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Tue: Closed Wed, & Thu: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Fri - Sat: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sun: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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WINE TRENDS
SEASON OF GIVING ‘TIS THE SEASON to be jolly and spread good cheer, so let’s do this! Wait, did I just hear a groan? Let me guess… Your lists are too long, and your inspiration stops short, right? Trust me—I get it. When it comes to the wine lovers on our lists, it’s a nobrainer. We can easily gift a favorite and put the happy ho-ho in their holidays. But, if you’re looking to give something that’ll last longer than one great diversion, I have a few suggestions that may stimulate ideas. Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m not trying to dissuade you from giving them wine. Psshh! Stop! I’m just proposing the addition of a little something, besides your nifty gift bag, to show you care. A little personalization goes a long way. From engraved wine bottles, drinkware, and bottle boxes to customized corkscrews and accessory sets, there are so many delightful gifts that can be created and purchased in just a few easy clicks. One of my favorite sites to peruse for such fun is PersonalWine.com. You choose your wine, design a custom label or engraving, and if you’re feeling extra generous, you can throw in a personalized leather wine carrier. The gifts are reasonably priced, and an embellished bottle alone serves as a cool keepsake!
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If you’re in a DYI kind of mood and you have a sangria fancier on your list, have I an idea to throw your way! I stumbled upon “Sangria for Friends,” created by blogger Jessica Burgess on Fantabulosity.com. You just take a nifty drink dispenser and fill it with sangria ingredients, such as a bottle of wine (duh), colorful oranges, lemons, cranberries, and limes. I would also include a rockin’ sangria recipe and a cute wooden spoon fastened with a festive bow. Fun stuff! If you’ve got a few extra bucks to spend, a wine club membership is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Revel Wine Club allows is customers to customize their shipments, which is rare. You get to choose the quantity and shipment frequency as well. The prices are fair and memberships can be altered or cancelled at any time and without grief. See for yourself at revelwineclub. com. If you prefer letting an expert make recommendations and wine selections, Wine Insiders Club may be more to your liking. They’ve got special offers for new members, so you may want to visit wineinsiders.com for deals and details. And, if you’d like to support your local economy, you can always pop into Victorville’s D’Vine Wine Bar or Hesperia’s The Wine Seller and inquire about their wine club memberships!— Stephanie Morris
WINTER 2018
Money when you need it ... standing by when you don’t. Matt Valdez, Agent State Farm Agent 16360 Main Street Hesperia, CA 92345 Bus: 760-998-3500 NMLS #139716, NMLS MLO #1330014 MLO License #CA-DBO1330014 Hablamos Español
Your home’s equity is ready when you need it with a Home Equity Line of Credit from State Farm Bank . You decide how much you need with the ease of writing a check. So when an unexpected bill comes up, you’ll be ready. Call for more information. ®
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State Farm Bank, F.S.B.; Bloomington, IL
The Longest standing full service commercial, industrial, retail office and land brokerage company serving the High Desert region Completed and closed more transaction that any of their competitors Joseph W. Brady, CCIM, SIOR 2015 Realtor of the Year High Desert Association of Realtors Publisher of the Bradco High Desert Report Trustee at Victor Valley College High Desert Resident for 29 Years
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Recently negotiated a 505,192± square foot lease, the largest commercial lease ever recorded by the commercial brokerage industry in the High Desert region
12138 Industrial Blvd, Ste 250, Victorville, CA 92395 (760) 951-5111 • Fax (760) 951-5113 • jbrady@thebradcocompanies.com
www.TheBradcoCompanies.com High Desert Living magazine 39
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mcupcakesnpastries.com 760 • 843 • 5988 15617 Roy Rogers Dr. Suite# 102 • Victorville, Ca 92394 40 High Desert Living magazine
WINTER 2018
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High Desert Living magazine 41
SUSAN’S CORNER
‘TIS THE SEASON
FOR GIVING BY SUSAN LANDERS
A
s we draw to the end of another year, it is a time to reflect upon what has come before, to relish in what is, and to look ahead with hope and optimism. The holidays, whether we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Solstice, or the secular Santa, are a time of family, friends, food, and fun. Also, it is generally a time when we find our hearts opening to others who are not as fortunate as we. Whether we drop our change into a red kettle or toys in the donation box, pay for the people behind us at the drive-thru, or behave a bit more kindly to one another, this time of year encourages giving. This year, with the devastating fires that are still burning with only some containment as I write this, there will be many who have lost homes, pets, and loved ones. While there is never a good time for such losses, it seems to impact more keenly this time of year as others celebrate around us. For those whose homes were destroyed or are still in danger, we can help with donations to agencies who are on the ground offering assistance to victims. Those in Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties will need a lot of help in the coming year, whether to rebuild or to relocate. We (knocking fiercely on wood) in the HD, have been spared what others in the state have not, and while we should be extremely grateful, we must also help if we can. Many agencies will be working with the people most affected by the fires, so if you can reach out a helping hand, do so with open eyes as well, for it is also a time for opportunists. Unfortunately, some use disasters to line their own pockets at the expense of others who need the help. Be sure to follow up on Go Fund Me accounts to ensure that they are genuine. If anyone is collecting for well-known agencies, make sure they are identified as such. But, while the need seems most dramatic in light of the fires, there are other local agencies who still need help and offer myriad opportunities to give of ourselves and our resources. From ABC-7’s Spark of Love Toy Drive and Toys for Tots to Mojave Desert Animal Rescue, from Family Assistance Program to Barstow Humane Society, local giving is important all year ‘round too.
If you would like to see something special featured in Susan’s Corner, or if you have a special recipe, drop me a line and let me know about it at: Susan Landers at H.D. Living Magazine 6630 SLV Box Victorville, Ca. 92395, or e-mail me at susanl@hdlivingmagazine.com.
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