HDT - Home for the Holidays - November 19, 2022

Home for the Holidays

Easy Kolaczki Cookies (Shortcut) Polish Recipe (32 cookies)

Filling

• 6 oz (from 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened 3⁄4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Cookie

• 1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough 4 oz. (from 8 oz package) cream cheese softened

• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Topping

• 1/3 cup raspberry jam or other preserves

• 2 tablespoons coarse white sparkling sugar

Steps

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. In medium bowl, beat Filling ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. In large bowl, break up cookie dough. Stir in remaining cookie ingredients until well mixed. Shape dough into 32 (1 1⁄2 inch) balls. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Make 1-inch indentation in center of each ball with back of floured round metal 1⁄2 inch teaspoon. Spoon about 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream cheese filling center of each cookie.

4. Bake 10 to 14 minutes or until edges are set. Cool about 5 minutes: Remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Immediately, spoon about 1⁄2 teaspoon preserves onto cream cheese filling: sprinkle with sugar. Cool completely for about 30 minutes. Store in refrigerator up to one week, or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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• 1 Cup butter

• 1 Cup sugar

• 1 Cup packed brown sugar

1. Cream together and add 2 eggs.

2. Add: 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 2 cups flour and 2 Cups old fashioned rolled oats.

3. After all is blended add 2 Cups of chocolate chips & walnuts to taste.

4. Drop by large spoon on cookie sheet.

5. Bake at 350* 12-15 minutes.

Colleen Karsmarski Krohn Elkton, MI

Armen Becker

Cowboy Cookies

Port Hope Sing-A-Long returns to original venue

BY CONNOR VEENSTRA staff writer

The Port Hope Christmas Sing-Along will bring the holidays to the village on Sunday, Dec. 4. Several activities will be held at Rubicon Township Hall, Buck’s Port Hope Diner, and the local laundromat, which all sit side-by-side on the same street.

“We’re trying to keep it local, don’t know what the weather’s going to be, and we’re keeping it right there on Main Street,” said Port Hope Chamber of Commerce member Mark Slagh.

In the previous few years, the township hall was unable to host activities due to COVID restrictions, with the Sing-Along being held instead at the old Brinker Lumber Yard. However, now that COVID guidelines have become more relaxed, the chamber plans to return to the hall.

The various holiday activities will be held in all three Main Street locations. There will be storytelling of holiday-related tales and Christmas carol sing-alongs, hot chocolate, Christmas cookie decorating for children, a small fire truck parade that will bring Santa to town, and other activities that the chamber is still planning.

“It’s a tradition in town we’re trying to keep going through a change of personnel in the chamber,” Slagh said. “We’re trying to pick it up and make sure it keeps going.”

Slagh has taken charge of organizing this year’s events, after the retirement of the chamber’s vice president, who was previously in charge of putting together the sing-along.

Butter Baked Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless skinless is best to use )

• 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)

• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1 can Cream of Chicken soup

• 1/4 cup water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425. First, pour a little of the evaporated milk in a small dish…just enough to dip your chicken in. After you dip each piece of chicken in the milk, roll it in the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Melt butter in 13×9 pan and cook the chicken in the melted butter for 30 minutes at 425.

2. Mix water, can of soup, and what’s left in your can of evaporated milk together. Turn chicken over after 30 minutes of baking and pour soup mixture on top. Bake for 30 more minutes until nice and golden brown.

Bernice Becker

Fruit Salad

Ingredients • 1 can(small)pineapple chunks, in their own juice • 1 can(small )mandarin oranges, drained • 1 bunch green grapes, halved • 2 bananas • 1 pkg ( small) strawberries, sliced however you want

1 box small box of vanilla instant pudding (Jell-O brand only –others just don’t taste right)

•

you can also add other fruits that you like to this as you please. Directions

Directions

1. Pour the pineapple, juice and all into a bowl. Add the pudding mix and stir until creamy. Stir in the DRAINED mandarin oranges. Add additional fruit and stir in completely until covered and creamy.

2. Refrigerate the salad for a while until it is nice and chilled. Don’t let it sit to long or the bananas will turn brown. You can also serve right after making this without chilling. But it is much better chilled.

Bernice Becker

Bernice Becker

BY DOMINIC SEVILLA staff writer

The Elkton Lions Club is bringing good tidings and cheer this holiday season with the Elkton Christmas Weekend on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3.

This two-day event will be held throughout the village of Elkton, with Main Street being closed as they celebrate and kick off the Christmas season. The Lions Club has put this event on for the last few years, with a year off due to COVID, but this is a regular tradition for the village of Elkton with different groups in the past putting on the event.

“There will be kids contests and other activities to do,” Janet Devroye of the Lions Clubs said. “There is an ugly sweater contest and a decorating beard contests, men can come and put decorations in their beards. We are also doing an ‘Elf yourself,’ which is more for the kids and for pictures.”

Along with the contests, there will be music being played with heaters along the street to help keep guests warm. There are plans for food trucks to provide food as well. The full event list is not complete yet, but it will be finalized soon. There are, however, a few things that are lined up for Friday evening.

“Friday night we announce a prince and princess,” Devorye said. “Kids can sign up to become the snow prince and princess. Santa will come into town and we do a tree lighting in the park.”

Along with the celebrations, Creative Colors Ceramics & More is sponsoring a gingerbread building contests over the weekend. It is also holding a make-and-take ornament event for people to create their own ornaments for their Christmas trees.

The festivities continue on Saturday, where kids will be able to have Lunch with Santa. There will also be games and activities at the Youth Center for kids to take part in. Running throughout the Saturday will be the craft show and cookie walk both hosted indoors at the Elkton Missionary Church. Space is limited for craft show vendors and are based on a first come first serve basis. Those who would like to donate home baked cookies by the dozen for the cookie walk can find the post on the Elkton Communty Happenings Facebook page

Leading up to the event has been the countdown to Christmas raffle that has been going on for the last few months. The weekly drawings on the Elkton Community Happenings Facebook page have seen many winners of the $50 prizes. Saturday will see the drawing for the top three prizes of $500, $750 and $1,000.

“The countdown to Christmas raffle is what is used to help pay for the (Christmas) weekend,” Devroye said. “When people are drawn, their names get put right back in, people can win multiple times. We also will have a secret Santa that goes around to hand money out. People won’t see how much

because it will be in envelopes, but it is another way to give back to this community.”

That was the overall theme Devorye kept coming back to whenever she described what each activity or event. The Elkton Christmas Weekend is another way for people of the community to come together.

“Its a mixture of both seeing the kids faces light up when they see Santa and the activity in town,” Devroye said. “To see this draw the people here. The comradery between the whole town and having fun coming together and enjoying themselves.”

Harbor Beach Christmas Parade returning this December

BY CONNOR VEENSTRA staff writer

The Harbor Beach Christmas Parade returns this year on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Lineup for the parade will begin on Trescott Street at around 4 p.m. The parade will include fire and police departments, the ambulance service, the high school marching band, and different floats from any businesses and groups that wish to join in.

The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m.

and will travel through downtown Harbor Beach.

“We let people vote after the parade,” added Debbie Brandow, a member of the Harbor Beach Christmas Parade Committee.

The poll will be posted on the Committee’s Facebook page, with each voter able to pick a first, second, and third place choice for their favorite float in the parade. Once the votes are tallied, the winners will receive a check.

BY SHAWN ROBINSON staff writer

Christmas time is coming to Sebewaing, as the village’s Spirit of Christmas is returning for the holiday season.

On Saturday, Nov. 19, the village turns into a holiday wonderland to celebrate the Christmas holiday all day long. There will be a variety of activities for the entire family, from pictures with Santa and Frosty’s workshop to the lighted parade and vendor markets, all hosted by the Sebewaing Area Chamber of Commerce.

“There will be something for everyone at the event,” chamber member Chris Deming said.

Starting at 10 a.m., children can create craft goods and other items at Frosty’s workshop, as well as meet Frosty himself. During that time, the Festival of Trees will be held at the Moore Shoreline dealership. The special event is created by various different businesses and residents.

Along with those events, local residents and businesses will host and sell their homemade items at the vendor sale. Vendors range from crafters and bakers, and will include

other homemade items that are from the Sebewaing area.

During the evening, the annual lighted parade will happen, starting at the fire hall. The event will showcase floats along the road, lighting up the village of Sebewaing.

After the parade, there will be more children events and activities at Moore Shoreline. From 7-9 p.m., Santa and the USA Lions Club will be at the showroom to take photos and serve hot chocolate.

During the event, the Charles W. Liken Museum will have an open house for visitation. Visitors can check out the venue and see what its has to offer during the holiday season.

“We encourage people to come out and enjoy the great time,” Deming said. “It’s something that people have really enjoyed.”

Food trucks will also be on hand at the historical district downtown from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for breakfast and lunch. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce or visit its Facebook page.

DEVILED EGG POTATO SALAD RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• 4 pounds of potatoes (about 8 large)

• 12 hard boiled eggs

• 1½ cups mayo

• ¼ cup mustard

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar

• 2 tablespoons dill relish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large pot, boil potatoes with enough water to cover and boil potatoes just until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain when done, and place in a bowl to chill in the refrigerator. When the potatoes are cooled down enough to handle, but still warm, peel using a paring knife. Then cube the potatoes.

2. Peel and slice hard boiled eggs in half. Place the yolks in a mixing bowl, and set aside the egg whites.

3. Mash the egg yolks, as you would for deviled eggs.

4. Add mayo, mustard, and vinegar to the mashed egg yolks and whisk until smooth and creamy.

5. Fold dill relish into egg yolk mixture.

6. Chop the egg whites and add them in with the potatoes. Gently toss to combine.

7. Add egg mixture to the potatoes and gently stir to coat potatoes.

8. Chill before serving * you can cut this recipe in half for smaller amount

Apple Pie Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 can apple pie filling, mashed

• 1 yellow cake mix

• 4 eggs, slightly beaten

• 1 cup self-rising flour

• 1 Tbsp cinnamon

• 1 medium chopped apple

Directions:

1. Whisk all dry ingredients , add wet ingredients. Fold in apples.

2. Pour in 2 loaf pans, greased. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top.

3. Bake in 325 oven for 35 to 45 minutes. Cool before eating

Zucchini Bread Recipe

(Makes 2 Loaves)

Ingredients

• 3 eggs

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 cup oil

• 3 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 3 cups zucchini, grated, raw and unpeeled

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 cup walnuts, chopped or raisins (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Beat together the eggs, sugar, and oil.

2. Add the other ingredients, beating well.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour in two oiled and floured loaf pans.

Armen Becker

Bernice Becker

Armen Becker

Christmas in the Village takes over Cass City

BY SHAWN ROBINSON staff writer

The village of Cass City and the Cass City Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its annual Christmas in the Village.

The annual event will be held on Dec. 3, with fun family activities all day long. The chamber, along with local businesses and their donations, put on the event every year to ring in the holiday season with cookie decorating, Santa Claus, and the highly anticipated lighted parade.

“It’s going to be a great event,” Chamber Administrator Kayla Klco said.

The morning kicks off with breakfast with Santa, where kids will be able to meet and greet the Christmas figure. There will also be another opportunity for children and families to take photos with him at the Rotary Park.

In addition, starting at 9 a.m., the Cass City High School will host the annual craft show, where local vendors will be selling their homemade items. Over 68 crafters from all over the Thumb area will be in attendance.

There will also be a number of things going on at

the Rotary Park during the day, such as hot cocoa and bean soup stands. Along with that, there will be a cookie decorating fundraiser, where kids can dress their cookies in frosting and sprinkles. During that time, there will be a best chili cook off. Participants will bring their home cooked chili while event attendees will vote on the best one.

The newly reopened Cass Theatre will be showing “Polar Express,” with a time to be announced closer to the date.

For the evening, the town will gather around Main Street and watch decorated Christmas themed floats for the lighted parade. The parade will consist of local businesses and a few residents showing off their decorated floats.

“There will be a few residents decorating and putting floats in this year, which is a little different than years past,” Klco said. “We hope that a lot more people come out this year. Last year we had a good turnout, but we want everyone to come out and enjoy the fun.”

For more information regarding the Christmas in the Village, contact the Cass City Chamber of Commerce via phone or Facebook.

Lights on a Christmas tree may seem like a relatively recent phenomenon, but people who can’t wait to deck the halls each December may be surprised to learn that this beloved tradition dates all the way back to the late nineteenth century. Edward Johnson, a friend and colleague of Thomas Edison, introduced holiday light bulbs in 1882. Prior to that, candles were lit on trees and families would briefly gaze at this awe-inspiring bit of holiday decor before the candles were quickly extinguished. Johnson is credited with being the first to suggest light bulbs, which were invented by his friend Edison, be used to light trees in place of candles. While many were impressed by Johnson’s eight-bulb holiday display, it remained a novelty until the 1920s, when preassembled lights became more accessible. Since then, Christmas tree lights have taken hold as a must-have piece of holiday decor in households across the globe.

How To Make:

1. Beat cream cheese in mixing bowl until light and fluffy.

Add sweetened condensed milk; blend thoroughly.

Stir in lemon juice and vanilla.

Turn into the pie crust.

Cover and refrigerate 2-3 hours or until firm (can do overnight); do not freeze. Chill pie filling when chilling the cheesecake.

Top with chilled pie filling before serving.

Bernice Becker of Ubly, Michigan

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 250°F. 2. In a gallon zip-top bag, combine olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, ranch seasoning, dill pickle juice, and dried dill. Close and shake to combine. 3. Add mini saltines to bag, close again, and gently turn bag to coat crackers in seasoning mixture. 4. Arrange crackers on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden brown and oil has absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.

How To Make:

1. Be sure cabbage and carrots are chopped into very fine pieces (a little bigger than rice) 2. Combine the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper in large bowl. Beat until smooth 3. Add cabbage, carrots, and onions. Mix well. 4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, if you let it sit over night it’s even better.

Armen Becker

Bernice Becker

Bad Axe Christmas Parade embraces holiday tradition and change

BY DOMINIC SEVILLA staff writer

This year’s Bad Axe Christmas Parade brings with it a new name, but looks to keep the tradition of the event alive while adopting a new theme and identity.

The parade, which will take place Saturday, Nov. 26, is now named the Tidings and Tinsel Christmas Parade, and will also include other activities and events throughout the day. Kaitlin Fay, who is the president of the Bad Axe Chamber of Commerce, is happy to continue bringing the city’s tradition to the community.

“It was a real hit last year after not having it in 2020,” Fay said. “The community is used to having it, as it is such an established event. A bunch of people showed up the day of the event to participate.”

The name was introduced by the chamber of commerce to give it more of a brand to recognize the idea of tradition and new beginnings.

The parade did not happen back in 2020 due to the pandemic and the chamber of commerce not being active that year. Since the chamber has been back to being active, Fay expects to see the same amount of community support and participation in the parade this year.

“The tidings represent the tradition, and the tinsel is something new,” Fay said. “The parade is such a big tradition for the city. The effort that people put into having a float in it is incredible.”

In addition to the parade, which takes place at 6:30 p.m., the chamber plans on having ornament decorating, which Fay said was a huge hit last year. There will also be food trucks downtown and a choir performance at Jim Hicks Veterans Memorial Park by Danielle Maurer-Sutton and the Bad Axe Choir.

To get ready for this event, the chamber will also be decorating downtown the first weekend of November, with help from volunteers and DTE, which will be providing a bucket truck and an employee to get decorations up on poles and buildings downtown.

Finally, there will be a free kids movie to go along with the celebrations at the Bad Axe Theatre, with its time and movie still to be determined.

Registration to participate in the parade is just $5 and the signup sheet can be found at the Bad Axe Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page. Any other questions can be directed to the Bad Axe Chamber of Commerce by email at badaxechamberofcommerece@gmail.com.

Christmas Trees Chris

Farm!