2019 Moments & Memories

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HOMETOWN

CELEBRATIONS 2019 4

SETTING THE TABLE FOR A HOMETOWN HOLIDAY

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UPCYCLE ORNAMENT STORAGE

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MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS RECIPES

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Contents 2019

6. CINNAMON ORNAMENTS 8. HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS PROJECT: LIGHTS & ORNAMENTS IN GLASS BOWL 10. UPCYCLE ORNAMENT STORAGE 11. CRANBERRY BARBECUE MINI MEATBALLS 12. CRANBERRY APPLE STUFFED PORK 13. SLOW COOKER MULLED CIDER 14. STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

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15. BAKE! BAKE! AS FAST AS YOU CAN 15. OLD FASHIONED EGG NOG

SETTING THE TABLE FOR A HOMETOWN HOLIDAY

If you’re the lucky one taking a turn at hosting the big meal and family get-together this holiday season, you probably have a lot of things on your mind.

This is a special publication of The Alamance News, in conjunction with Fox Print Services.

For future advertising opportunities, contact The Alamance News at (336) 228-7851, Published at Graham, North Carolina 27253. © 2019 Jumpstart Publishing, LLC, New Orleans, LA, All rights reserved Printed in the USA by Fox Print Services (igofox.com)

S E TT IN G

THE TABLE FOR A HOMETOWN HOLIDAY

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f you’re the lucky one taking a turn at hosting the big meal and family get-together this holiday season, you probably have a lot of things on your mind. From finding room for out-of-town relatives to sleep, to menu planning, to making sure you have time to clean the house (and keep it clean), and even arranging for the gift exchange, hosts and hostesses have a lot to consider. But that doesn’t mean that hosting can’t be fun, in fact, maybe you get energized by the idea of opening up your home to the family.

Or, maybe you just love to decorate, and this is just one more opportunity to show off those skills that show you should have been an interior designer?

Okay, maybe you will never be an interior designer, and maybe you think you don’t have a creative bone in your body, but you really want to create a statement and decorate your home, and table for this special event.

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Determine the number 4

By Ann Jarema

IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF SOME IDEAS AND INSPIRATION TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY TABLESCAPE,THEN LOOK NO FURTHER. HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED:

of place settings you will need, and then determine your theme and color palette. If decorating for Christmas, your generic theme is easy. But, think deeper than that… is your theme Kris Kringle?

Maybe you are looking for an elegant and classy look? Maybe you are a gum-drop fan and want to create a theme around gum drops and gingerbread. Whatever it is you are looking to

do, get your thoughts in mind and lock them down.

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Select your tablecloth and ensure it is designed to fit your table (round, square or rectangular).

A white tablecloth is always a go-to, but this will depend on your theme. A red tablecloth is a perfect fit for the Christmas season, and will also help to hide any spills or other

stma s seas on, A red tabl eclot h is a perfect fit for the Chri r oops ies that will and will also help to hide any spill s or othe mea l. holid inevitabl y make their way to your ay

oopsies that will inevitably make their way to your holiday meal.

3

Determine your centerpiece.

Poinsettias, red and white roses or even a glass or crystal vase filled with red and gold Christmas ornaments, perhaps adorned with a thick ribbon tied around the base, are all easy go-tos and often items that you already have on hand or are easy to find during the days leading up to the big day.

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Gather (or purchase) your placemats. While you can stick to the same color as your tablecloth, adding a pop of color to the mats can create dimension.

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Gather (or purchase) your cloth napkins (if going for a more elegant look). Often times, it is easy to select tablecloths, placemats and cloth napkins at the same department store, making it easy to grab and go and stick to your planned theme. Don’t forget a fun napkin ring to help tie in your theme.

If you are using sprigs of evergreen in your centerpiece, consider attaching a small sprig to the napkin holders. Or, if going for the ornament centerpiece, look for small ornaments that can be affixed in some

way to those napkin holders (if you can’t find something small enough, check in the earring section as many stores have holiday earrings that could be repurposed).

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Set the table and don’t forget your table setting training. If using a 6-piece setting, your first and second course forks will be placed to the left, and your first and second course knives will be Determine your placed to the right. dinnerware, glassware Your dessert fork and and serving ware. Will coffee spoon are placed it all match or will it above the setting. Next, be eclectic? Have fun take your napkin (in with this… if you don’t napkin holder) and set have enough pieces at a 45-degree angle on of any one setting, top of the plate.Then, consider switching it up consider a small candy with an “every other” (Christmas colored place setting approach.

Hershey Kisses are Consider if you will use always a win) or two on chargers or not. either side of the napkin holder.You can also

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sprinkle some candies throughout the table to dress it up and fill in any white spaces that you prefer to avoid.

Whatever approach you take to setting your tablescape, have fun with it.You don’t have to have the absolute best in fabrics or china to create a great tablescape that your guests will ooh and aah about. Use what you have unless you are prepared to make an investment (and if you do decide to go out and buy, remember that you’ll be able to reuse these pieces for years and years to come). But again, let this be a fun activity for you as you work your way towards the holiday season… creating your tablescape is a great way to exhibit some holiday cheer!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Angie W. Hall 2815 S. Church St., Burlington, NC 27215 (336) 494-6262 PinnacleWealthNC.com

Financial Planner | Branch Owner Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® Angie@PinnacleWealthNC.com

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Pinnacle Wealth Partners is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

CINNAMON ORNAMENTS Two Ways

By Emily Fox

WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN HANDMADE ORNAMENTS THAT MAKE YOUR HOME SMELL LIKE CHRISTMAS? KIDS WILL LOVE GETTING TO CUT OUT FESTIVE SHAPES FOR CINNAMON APPLESAUCE ORNAMENTS AND CHOOSING RIBBON PATTERNS AND COLORS FOR CINNAMON STICK CHRISTMAS TREES. PERFECT CHRISTMAS SCENT, PERFECT CHRISTMAS CHARM. 6

CINNAMON APPLESAUCE ORNAMENTS

Supplies needed:  ½ cup applesauce

 ½ cup ground cinnamon, plus some for dusting  1 tsp school glue  Rolling pin  Festive cookie cutters  Spatula  Baking sheet  Twine or ribbon

Mix the applesauce, ground cinnamon and glue.The dough will be very sticky!

Sprinkle some cinnamon on the

surface where you want to roll out your dough. Shake some cinnamon on the rolling pin, as well. Roll out dough until it’s about ½ inch thick.

Use festive cookie cutters to cut out ornaments. Make a hole near the top of the ornament.

A pen or a straw works great for this.

Make the hole a little bigger than you think it needs to be. It will

shrink in the oven.

Using the spatula, carefully transfer ornaments to the baking sheet (great time for grown-ups to help!). Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 minutes, or let air dry for several days...if you can wait!

Once completely set and cool, string twine or ribbon through the hole and hang on your tree!

CINNAMON STICK CHRISTMAS TREES Supplies needed:  Long cinnamon sticks  Assorted ribbon  Scissors  Glue gun and glue  Twine

Cut six pieces ribbon into lengths of 9-10 inches each.

Tie the six pieces of ribbon around a cinnamon stick, starting at the top and working towards the bottom. A simple knot will do. Leave a little room between each ribbon.

With scissors (grownups can help!), start at the top ribbon and cut down at an outward diagonal.

Your ribbon should be longest at the bottom. Repeat on the other side.

Cut desired length of twine for your hanger.

Make a loop with the twine and secure ends to the top of your “tree” with a drop of glue.Tie a small bow with a piece of extra ribbon and glue over the ends of your twine loop.

Let dr y an d ha ng on th e tr ee !

Wishing You and Your Family a

Healthy & Happy Holiday Season!

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HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS PROJECT

LIGHTS & ORNAMENTS IN GLASS BOWL

By Ann Jarema

CHRISTMAS SEASON TENDS TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN MOST OF US, AND IN MANY CASES, GETS US IN THE MOOD TO DECORATE AND CREATE NEW WAYS TO SHOWCASE THE BEAUTY OF THE SEASON. IF YOU WANT TO CREATE A GREAT COUNTERTOP OR MANTLE PIECE FOR THE HOLIDAYS, USING ITEMS YOU LIKELY HAVE READILY AVAILABLE AT HOME, LOOK NO FURTHER. THIS ELEGANT AND FUN CHRISTMAS LIGHT ORNAMENT BOWL IS EASY TO PUT TOGETHER, AND EVEN MORE FUN TO ARRANGE.

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WHAT YOU WILL NEED:  A string of Christmas lights (color of your choice). If you plan to put your project within the vicinity of an outlet and your cord will be discreet, electrical lights are just fine. But, if you will not be able to access an outlet or if you want to keep your cord more hidden, head to your local home improvement store to pick up a string or two of batteryoperated lights.  A large glass bowl.  Ornaments – those with shiny or reflective metallic surfaces are recommended. DO NOT use cloth or flammable ornaments for this project.  Snow fluff (optional)  Craft paper roll (optional)

NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR SUPPLIES READY TO GO,THE NEXT PART IS FUN AND EASY.

• Arrange your bowl at its intended destination.

If you will be using snow fluff, you may wish to lay down a few sheets of crafting paper underneath.

• Place one end of your Christmas lights at the bottom of the bowl (make sure that the plug or the battery mechanism are not placed in the bowl… keep that end out).

• Start positioning your ornaments inside the bowl, one by one, making sure to adjust the Christmas light strand within the bowl (but not necessarily around each ornament

as the goal is to keep the cord from being visible).

• Sprinkle snow fluff around the bowl and place a few ornaments haphazardly on the snow fluff, to create the look of a bowl spilling over.

• Position the rest of your lights so that the cord comes out the back side, or wherever it will be least visible.

• Test your lighting to ensure that your ornaments reflect when the lights are turned on. Reposition your ornaments if needed, to create the maximum effect.

Now , step ba ck and take a look at you r pro ject , and sm ile.

Yo u did it!

336.229.2295 roastedcoffeedepot.com 131 W Elm St, Graham, NC 27253 Celebrating 12 years of NC roasted coffee beans, espresso drinks, and delicious pastries.

Browse pottery, art, and home decor, find the perfect gift for anyone!

Shipping available!

HOT BEVERAGE SLEEVES FROM COFFEE SHOPS. These work wonders with larger round glass ornaments to keep them from touching.

Upcycle Ornament Storage

By Suzanne Fox

DRINK HOLDERS FROM COFFEE SHOPS AND FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS. Line a box with drink holders and place precious items in each cup holder.

MASON JARS. Place light strands in mason jars to keep them from tangling.

CUPCAKE PAPER LINERS AND COFFEE FILTERS. Use these lined in the bottom of a box to keep glass ornaments safe.

Sav e these items thro ugho ut the year to protect yo ur holiday decorations.

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GARMENT BAGS. Place a trouser hanger (with clips) inside of a garment bag.

Use the clips to hold your wreath. Zip and store your wreath in a closet.

EGG CARTONS. Line the bottom of a box with egg cartons and place smaller ornaments in each cup.

Close the lid and layer another row of egg cartons.

CRANBERRY

BARBECUE MINI MEATBALLS

By Amanda Bochain INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds lean ground beef • 1 cup panko bread crumbs • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 large eggs • ½ cup ketchup • 1 can cranberry sauce (16 ounces) • 1 cup fresh cranberries (optional) • 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce • ¼ cup brown sugar • 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp pepper • ½ tsp dried parsley

 Add the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, cranberries (if using) and barbecue sauce to a slow cooker. Stir well.  In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and mix well, ensuring that everything is fully blended together.  Roll the beef mixture into small, one inch meatballs.

You can use a tablespoon to scoop the meat and then roll it into a ball so that all of

your meatballs are uniform in size. As you roll, place the meatballs directly into the slow cooker with the barbecue cranberry sauce.  Once all the meatballs are rolled, cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours.  Serve the meatballs directly out of the slow cooker or place on a plate with toothpicks for people to enjoy as a delicious holiday appetizer!

Active Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 4 hours Yield: 8 Servings

CRANBERRY APPLE STUFFED PORK

Active Time: 30 minutes Yield: 4 Servings

By Amanda Bochain INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup dried cranberries • ¼ cup red wine • 1 tsp butter • 1 cup chopped apple, peeled • ½ cup pearl onions, halved • ¼ tsp salt • ¼ tsp ground black pepper • 1 pound pork tenderloin • 1 tsp olive oil • ½ cup chicken stock DIRECTIONS

 Combine the dried cranberries and the wine in a small bowl and set aside to let the fruit absorb the liquid. Let sit for about an hour.  In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the chopped apples. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the pearl onions to the pan and cook 12

for another minute. If the pan gets too dry, add about a tablespoon of water at a time to prevent the fruit and onions from burning.  Strain the cranberries, saving the wine for later, then stir the cranberries into the apple and onion mix.Add the salt and pepper and stir.  Make a hole in the center of the pork tenderloin by pushing the handle of a wooden spoon through the center of the pork loin. Once the handle has gone all the way through, roll it around a little to widen the hole. Stuff the pork loin with half of the fruit and onion mixture, reserving the rest of the fruit to make a sauce.  Place the olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet and heat over medium high heat.

Sear the pork loin in the pan, cooking it for about 2 minutes on each side.

Transfer the skillet to a preheated 425 degree oven and bake for 14 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let the pork loin sit in the skillet for 5 minutes. Move to a cutting board and begin the sauce.  Pour the reserved wine in the skillet (no need to wash it, the cooked pieces left behind from the pork will add flavor!) and bring to a boil over medium heat.

Add the reserved fruit and onion mix and stir. Season with salt and pepper.  Slice the pork loin and serve with the red wine fruit sauce. Enjoy!

SLOW COOKER MULLED CIDER INGREDIENTS • 1 gallon apple cider • 1 piece ginger, cut into rounds • 2 large oranges, cut into rounds • 6 cinnamon sticks • 1 tablespoon cloves • 1/2 teaspoon allspice berries

*If making on stovetop, simmer on low for one hour.

DIRECTIONS  Pour cider into large slow cooker.*  Add ginger and half the orange slices.  Add spices (in a tea ball or sachet, if preferred).  Cook 4 hours on low.*  Strain and serve warm. Garnish with remaining orange slices.

Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year from

KING ELECTRIC CO., INC. Monday-Friday 8-5

336-226-8889

808 Chapel Hill Rd. v Burlington

KingElectric-co.com

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

By Amanda Bochain

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream • ¾ cup butter • ½ cup corn syrup • 6 dates, pitted, chopped • 1 cup granulated white sugar • ¾ cup brown sugar • ¾ cup warm water • ¼ tsp baking soda • ¼ tsp salt • ¾ cup flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 large egg • 1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Place ½ cup of the butter, corn syrup, white granulated sugar and 1 ¼ cup of the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan and bring to a boil over low heat. Cook for about 40 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is golden brown. Remove from the heat and pour through a strainer to remove any pieces that formed during cooking. Set the sauce aside to cool.

Active Time: 30 minutes Yield: 6 Servings

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2. Add the dates and water to a separate small saucepan and cook over low heat, simmering for about 15 minutes. During this time, the dates will absorb most of the water.

3. Place the dates in a food processor along with any remaining liquid and blend until smooth.

4. Add the remaining ¼ cup butter and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on high speed until the butter is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl several times to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

5. Add the egg, date puree and vanilla extract to the bowl and blend until incorporated.

6. Add the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder and mix again until a smooth batter forms.

7. Grease 6 ramekins with butter or baking spray then scoop the batter into the ramekins. It is okay if the batter comes to the top of the cup!

8. Place the ramekins on a sheet tray and bake for 20 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. Once

baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

9. Use a small serrated knife to trim the top of each cake so that it is flat and level with the top of the ramekin.

Unmold the cakes gently then slice each cake in half horizontally.

10. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the sticky toffee sauce into the bottom of each ramekin then place the bottom halves of the cakes back in the ramekin. Scoop another tablespoon of the sauce on top of each cake then place the top halves of the cakes back in the ramekins as well. Pour another tablespoon of sauce over the ramekins and then return the cakes to the oven for another 10 minutes.

11. Once the toffee sauce is bubbling, remove from the oven, cool for about 5 minutes and then unmold (use a knife to go around the edges of the ramekin if needed).

Serve the toffee pudding with any remaining toffee sauce, whipped cream or ice cream. Enjoy!

Bake! Bake! As fast as you can!

It’s the cookie we love! It’s the Gingerbread Man! Whether you’re baking for a class party, a family function or even the jolly man himself, the gingerbread man cookie is the quintessential holiday treat. Not only are they delicious, the amazing aroma they leave behind in your home after making them is well worth the effort!

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ c. margarine • ½ c. sugar • ½ c. molasses • 1 egg yolk • 2 c. all-purpose flour • ½ tsp. salt

• ½ tsp. baking powder • ½ tsp. baking soda • ½ tsp. cinnamon • 1 tsp. ground cloves • 1 tsp. ginger • ½ tsp. nutmeg

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350°. 2. Blend margarine and sugar in large bowl until smooth. 3. Add molasses and egg yolk to mixture. 4. Combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg in separate bowl, then blend into molasses mixture until smooth.

5. Cover and chill one hour. 6. Using rolling pin, roll out dough on lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thick. 7. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes from the dough. 8. Place shapes two inches apart on nonstick cookie sheet.

9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until firm.

10. Cool completely on wire racks.

And now decorate them with your favorite icing!

“Today me will live in the moment Unless it’s unpleasant In which case me will eat a cookie”

- Cookie Monster

OLD-FASHIONED

EGGNOG

By Michele Robert Poche

“Store-bought eggnog?” I hear it every year when I take the shortcut approach to the holidays. So I decided it was time for me to learn to make this decadent beverage from scratch. Join me for a glass?

INGREDIENTS: • 4 cups milk • 5 cloves • 2½ teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 cinnamon sticks • 12 egg yolks • 1 cup sugar • 4 cups half & half • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg DIRECTIONS 1. Heat milk, cloves, ½ teaspoon vanilla and cinnamon on low 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in bowl until fluffy then slowly whisk in hot milk mixture.

3. Pour everything into saucepan and cook over medium heat stirring constantly until thick.

Do not allow to boil.

4. Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks then let cool.

5. Add half & half, remaining vanilla and nutmeg.

Refrigerate overnight and serve.

!

Bottoms Up

To avoid risk of food poisoning, never serve a beverage made with raw eggs. For a more adult beverage, add 1½ cups brandy, rum or bourbon at step 5 or serve alongside a bottle of your preferred spirit. Add as desired.