Holiday Gift Guide 2024 MLT CM by Smckenna

an inside look 2024 HOLIDAY GUIDE

THE CONCORD MONITOR

Monitor Publishing, PO Box 1177

Concord, NH 03302-1177

Advertising Information: 603-369-3212

ads@cmonitor.com

Editorial comments: 603-369-3324, features@cmonitor.com

MONADNOCK LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT

PO Box 36

Peterborough, NH 03458

Information: 603-924-7172

ads@ledgertranscript.com news@ledgertranscript.com

Where the halls are decked out

By JESSECA TIMMONS

MonadnockLedgerTranscript

TheAntrimFestivalofTreesreturnsSunday, Dec.2throughTuesday,Dec.31attheJamesA. TuttleLibraryat45MainStreetinAntrim.Over 50treeswillbeondisplay,alongwithholiday decorations,wreaths,holidaydisplays,and quilts.

OrganizerJamesPanicosaidthisyear’sfestivalhassomenewattractions.

“Newforthisyear,we’vecreateda“winter forest”seatedphotostationwherepatronscan snaptheirownselfieorposewithagroup amongglisteningbirchtrees.Alibrarianisalwaysaroundthecornerifyouneedanextra handintakingthatmemorableshot.Youcan findthisinthelibrary’sreferenceroom,” Panicosaid.

Thetreesareondisplayanytimethelibraryis open,includingSaturdaysfrom10a.m.to4p.m. Foracompletescheduleofthelibrary’shours gotoantrimnh.org/james-tuttle-library/

Supper,andattheAntrimHomeandHarvest FestivalonSept.22,thegrouphostedanornamentmakingtableandencouragedlocalorganizations,familiesandindividualstosignup andenteratree.Thethemeofthisyear’sfestivalis“HomefortheHolidays.”Localgroups whichregularlyparticipateintheFestivalincludetheAntrimHistoricalSociety,Antrim AmericanLegionPost50,theAntrimNewcomer’sClub,TheLionsClub,AntrimElementarySchoolPTO,EdmundsAceHardware,the A&BBookClub,aswellasmanyfamiliesand individuals.

Theannual,month-longFestivalofTreesis freeofcharge.Unlikesomefestivalsoftrees, treesanddecorationsarenotforsale,andarein displayfortheenjoymentofthecommunity. Thelibrarywillprovidehotchocolateto guests.

“Everynookandcrannyofthebasementand firstflooroftheTuttleLibraryisdecorated withholidaydisplaysrepresentingamyriadof

Get ready to shop and be merry

MidnightMerrimentissettoringinthe holidayseasonindowntownConcord,and thisyearit’sgoingtobebrighterthanever. NewthisyearistheParadeofLights, whichwillincludefloatsanddisplaysthat musthavealightcomponent.Theparade willproceeddownMainStreetfrom5:30to 6p.m.

Therestofthebelovedeventissetfor5 p.m.untilmidnight,ofcourse,onFriday, Dec.6.Herearesomeofthethingstoexpect:

■ PhotoswithSanta,4to8p.m.

■ Holidaymusicplayedthroughout downtown,5p.m.tomidnight.

■ TheWanderingSoulsBandperformsin BicentennialSquare,5to8p.m.

■ S’moresinBicentennialSquare,5p.m. whilesupplieslast.

■ GirlScoutcarolersinCapitalPlaza,6to 8p.m.

■ ConcordArtsMarket“Winter Giftopolis”intheEagleSquareAtrium,5to 11p.m.

Therewillalsobeavarietyofdowntown shoppingdealsandpromotionstolookout for.

And,ofcourse,therewillbehotchocolatetokeeprevelerswarmwhiletheyshop andenjoythefestivities.

Andreaand RobertDoswelllet theirdaughter,Aurora, 4,pickouta Christmasdecorationat

Midnight Merriment in downtown Concord last December.

Fire and Ice heats up holidays

By JESSECA TIMMONS

MonadnockLedgerTranscript

Greenfield’sfourthannualFireandIceParade, organizedbytheGreenfieldFireDepartment andtheGreenfieldFireAssociation,returnsSaturday,Dec.7,indowntownGreenfield.

Theeventbeginswithhotcocoa,freechildren’sbooksandthetowntree-lightingat StephensonMemorialLibraryat4:45p.m.The ParadeofLightsstartsat5p.m.atEastRoadand ForestRoadandwillproceedthroughthecenter oftowntoOakPark.

EventsatOakPark,beginningat6p.m.,includephotoswithSantaandMrs.Clausinthe gazebo,firedancers,holidaycraftsandgames andabonfire.Hotfoodwillbeavailableatthe OakParkkitchen.

“FireandIceisaneventIlookforwardto everyyear.It’sgreattoseethecommunitycome togetherforsuchafunnightinsupportofthe GreenfieldFireDepartment,”saidBrennaCove oftheGreenfieldFireAssociation.“It’samazing howmuchhardworkparadeparticipantsput intotheirfloats,andtheactivitiesatOakPark followingtheparadeareablast.”

Inpastyears,firedepartmentsandfirst-respondersfromsurroundingtownshaveparticipatedintheparade,competingtoseewhocan maketheirfiretrucksandambulanceslightup thenight.Greenfieldtowndepartments,organizations,clubs,localbusinessesandfamiliesall

2021asawaytobringtownresidentstogether duringtheCOVID-19pandemic.Thefirstevent wasahugesuccess,withhundredsgatheringto watchtheparadeinthecenterofGreenfieldand attendingeventsinOakPark.

Thegrandmarshaloftheparade,anhonorbestowedonaresidentwithalonghistoryofcontributingtothecommunity,isawell-keptsecret eachyear.ThefirstgrandmarshalswerelongtimetownvolunteersandclosefriendsMary AnneGrantandLeeLeBlanc,whohaveboth sincedied.In2022,theRev.DanielOsgoodof theGreenfieldCovenantChurchwashonored, andin2023,thegrandmarshalwasBruce Dodge,whohasservedthetownincountless rolesoverthepastfewdecades.

showtheircreativitydecoratingcars,trucks, tractorsandevenbicycles.

KathySeigarsandherhusbandStevenwon “BestFloat”in2021fortheirmountainbikesilluminatedwithbattery-poweredlights.

“Wefeltkindofbadaboutit,honestly,because otherpeoplehadgonetosomuchworkwith theirfloatsandthereweresomanyamazingentries.Peoplearesocreative,anditwassomuch fun,”Seigarssaid.

TheGreenfieldFireDepartmentlaunchedFire andIce,whichisprimarilyanoutdoorevent,in

In2023,volunteersSharonAndrewsand WarrenAndrewsmadechiliandservedchiliand chilidogstolargecrowdsfromtheOakPark kitchen.

“Peoplejustlovethisevent,”SharonAndrews said.“EspeciallyWarren’schili.Wereallyhada ball.Peopledon’tevencareabouttheweather; theyjustwanttogetoutandseepeople.It’sreallywonderful.”

Greenfield’sStephensonMemorialLibrary willalsohostthefourthannualFestivalofTrees fromtheweekendafterThanksgivinguntilthe endofDecember.

ForinformationaboutFireandIce,visitfacebook.com/13GFDNH

COURTESY PHOTO ASHLEY WADLEIGH

A “snowman family” waves from a float at 2023 Fire and Ice in Greenfield.

Plan ahead for a holiday show

Dec. 7 and 8

Holiday Spectacular

ConcordDanceAcademypresents“AHolidaySpectacular.”ThispopularshowattheCity Auditoriumopenswithakicklineandincludes Santa,photos,sweets,raffles,andgiftstocommunitycauses.Showsareat1and6onDec.7 and1p.m.onDec.8.Tickets$25attheboxofficeontheshowdays.Forinfo,call603-2260200oratoffice@concorddanceacademy.com.

Through Dec. 8

German market

Singholidayclassicswiththecowsatthis family-friendlyevent.PerusetheGerman Christmasmarketfeaturinglocalvendors,and explorethefarmstorestockedwithspecialty items.BrookfordFarm,250WestRoad,inCanterbury.Visitbrookfordfarm.com/events.

Through Dec. 13

‘A Christmas Carol’

ThePalaceTheatretraditioncontinueswith CharlesDickens’classicstoryofScroogeand TinyTiminAChristmasCarol.Knownforhis penny-pinchingways,Scroogeisvisitedby threeghostsonasnowyChristmasEve.These

ghostlyvisitsrevealScrooge’spast,presentand future,fillinghimwithnewfoundhopeandjoy intheChristmasseason.Filledwithlivelysong anddance,specialeffects,professionalactors andaliveorchestra,thisheartwarmingtalewill createfamilymemoriesyouwillcherishforever.

Dec. 8

Holiday Pops

RingintheHolidaySeasonwiththeannual yuletideprogramfeaturingtheCapitalJazzOrchestraandguestvocalistsCJ&LauraPoole, alongwithnarratorLauraKnoy,formerlyof

NHPR,whowillberecitingtwoworldpremiere piecesbasedon“SilentNight”&“TheLittle DrummerBoy”ascomposedbyCJOarranger andformerleaderoftheUSNavyCommodores JazzBand,JerryAscione.Theshowbeginsat4 p.m.anddoorsopenat3p.m.onDec.8atthe ChubbTheatreatCCA,44S.MainSt.,Concord. ccanh.com.

Dec. 14

The Nutcracker

SafeHavenBalletbringsaspirited,full-length balletofTheNutcrackertoTheCapitalCenter fortheArts.Thisdynamicperformanceincludes allofyourfavoritecharactersincludingastrongmindedClaratotheeccentricDrosselmeyer,the spookyRats,aswellasthebelovedSugarplum FairydancedbyartisticdirectorLissaCurtis.In theLandofSweetsyouwillbeintroducedtoa variationuniquetoSafeHavenBalletcalledThe BraveAmerican.Bringenergeticapplauseat 4:30ChubbTheatreatCCA,44S.MainSt,Concord.

December 14

Nutcracker tradition

TurningPointeCenterofDancePresents“The Nutcracker”at2p.m.For42years,thisfamilyfriendlyholidaytreatdirectedbyLisaDrouin Goffhaspresentedamagicalexperienceforaudiencesofallages.Ticketsare$23inadvance and$25atthedoor,andonlineatturningpointecenterofdance.com.ForInfo:603-485-8710or

Dec. 14

Mr. Aaron Holiday

JoinMr.Aarononanadventurethroughthe worldofmusic.Alongtimeaward-winning multi-instrumentalperformer,writer,and singer,hebringshisyearsofexperiencewriting andperformingformusicaltheater.Mr.Aaron getsthecrowdmovingandsingingwithhisfun storysongsandnewinstruments.You’llhearthe guitar,saxophone,livelooping,andevencollaboratetocreateanoriginalsong.Thisprogramis excellentforkidsages1-10.Doorsopenat10:30 a.m.;showbeginsat11onBNHmainstage16S. MainSt.,Concord.

Dec. 14

The Nutcracker: Safe Haven Ballet

Sweet

Dec. 15

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’

Thestoryofalonelycreaturewhotriesto cancelChristmasbystealinggiftsfromthe homesofthenearbytownofWhovilleon ChristmasEve.Thisballetisfulloflaughter,romance,andanimportantlessonaboutthetrue meaningoftheholidayseason.SafeHaven Ballet’sperformanceissettobothclassical musicandcontemporaryholidaymusicandincludesnarration,soeachaudiencemembercan fullyappreciatetheartistryoftheprofessional dancers.Theperformancebeginsat4:30p.m.on Sunday,Dec.15,attheChubbTheatreatCCA44 S.MainSt.,Concord.Purchaseticketsonlineat ccanh.com.

Dec. 19

Winter Solstice Soirée

Thewintersolsticemarkstheshortestdayof theyear.Sayfarewelltothelongesteveningof darkness,andlightupthenightwithTheNature ConservancyinNewHampshire.Theeventswill beheldattheirnewoffices,locatedinsideThe HotelConcord.Drop-inanytimebetween4and 7p.m.fordrinks,lightappetizersandholiday cheer.Theeveningisopen-housestyleandfree (yourfirstdrinkisonus,thencashbar).While notrequired,RSVPiswelcome.Streetparkingis

Scrooge meets Shakespeare

ProjectShakespearewillpresent itsannualholidayproductionof CharlesDickens’“AChristmas Carol”throughouttheMonadnock regionDec.14and15andDec.20 to22.

Thisyear,founderanddirector DeborahShakespeareThurber’s adaptationemphasizesthestory’s “ghoststory”elements,expanding JacobMarley’sroleanddelvinginto EbenezerScrooge’spastthrough theinterventionsoftheGhostsof ChristmasPast,Present,andYetto Come.AudienceswillseeScrooge’s journeyfromayoung,hopeful dreamertoawealthymiserand,ultimately,hisredemption.

Thecastof30students,ages10 to19,bringsthistaletolifewith singing,dancingandstorytelling. AdvancedstudentLifPetrovastars asScrooge,withBenjaminMichaud playingBobCratchitandOldJoe. Roundingoutthecompanyare MargaretBennett,NoraBlair, AlexanderBrand,LeilaBurk, CounselChronopoulos,Tess Geana,ElizaHammer,Madelyn Hammer,LilliannaHelsel,Grant

School),98SouthLincolnSt., Keene.

■ Sunday,Dec.15,at4p.m.at TheParkTheatre,19MainSt.,Jaffrey.

■ Friday,Dec.20,at7p.m.atFirst CongregationalChurch,6Payson HillRoad.,Rindge.

■ Saturday,Dec.21,at2p.m.at PeterboroughUnitarianUniversalistChurch,25MainSt.,Peterborough.

■ Saturday,Dec.21,at7p.m.at FirstChurchinJaffrey,14Laban AinsworthWay,JaffreyCenter.

■ Sunday,Dec.22,at4p.m.at DublinCommunityCenter,1123 MainSt.,Dublin.

Johnson,SiennaJohnson,Eleanora Kishinevsky,AriellaLeifer,Lachlan Linn-Boggs,HaroldMcCarthy, HenryMcDonald,AbigailMcKibben,EliseNicklin,EthanPapastefanou,VincentPapastefanou, RenzoPatterson,MirandaPipitone,

AmeliaRosbach,JemRussell, CorbinSanders,ScoutSanders,Ella WakemanandHalleighWakeman.

Performancesarescheduledas follows:

■ Saturday,Dec.14,at4p.m.at GatheringWatersSchool(Lower

Ticketsare$15foradultsand$5 forchildren12andunder,available attheboxoffice30minutesbefore showtime.ProjectShakespearewill alsoholdaholidayquiltrafflefora quiltdonatedbyJudyMichaud. Ticketsare$5foroneticketand $10forthreeticketsandmaybe purchasedatallperformances. Forreservationsorquilttickets, emailprojectshakespeare@ gmail.com

PHOTO BY ETHAN DAVIS

LifPetrova starsasScrooge,with BenjaminMichaudplayingBob Cratchitand Old Joe in the Project Shakespeare production of “A Christmas Carol.”

the gift of books

20 great reads for all year ‘round

By KATHARINE NEVINS MainStreetBookEndsofWarner

“The Wedding People,”

by Alison Espach

mainstreetbook-

ends.com/book/9781250899576

Thisislaugh-out-loud pureenjoymentfromstart tofinish.Takeawonderful escapetoa$1MillionweddinginNewport,RIwhere everyonewillgotoallextremestomakesureeverythingisperfect,when nothingcouldbefurther fromthetruth.Sweetand wise,youjustneverknow wherelivewilltakeyou,orwhen youmaymeetsomeonetochange yourlifeforever.

Acompellingstoryofthefarmers duringTheDustBowloftheGreat Depression,writteninthe1930’sby awomanwhohadbeenajournalist collectingmountainsoffirst-hand accountsfromthosemostsuffering. Muchofherbackground materialwasusedbyJohn SteinbeckforTheGrapesof Wrath.Hereisherversion, andmanysayperhapseven truertothepovertyanddiscriminationsufferedbythe farmingcommunitybefore

TheNewDealwasenacted.

“North Woods,” by Daniel Mason

Masonisaneloquentwriterofthe naturalworld.Hecapturesthe magicandmysteryofeachtimeperiod,echosthatyoumayalsofeel walkingaroundyourownhome.

“The Frozen River,” by Ariel Lawson

mainstreetbooken

12070

ends.com/book/9780679733768

“Another Day: Sabbath Poems 2013-2023,” by Wendell Berry mainstreetbook-

Thisisthenewestcollectionofpoetryfromourfavorite poet/farmer/philosopher/novelistWendell Berry.Ifyoudonotyetknow him,youareinforatreat.

“The Poetry of Grief, Gratitude, and Reverence,” edited by

John Brehm

“Whose Names AreUnknown,” by

Sanora Babb

mainstreetbook-

Thisisasgoodasyouhaveheard fromothers.Thinkabouttheplace whereyouliveandtakeitallthe wayback.Settinghisstoryinthe woodsofWesternMassachusetts,

Thisishistoricalfictionat itsverybest,revolving aroundtheamazinglifeof MarthaBallard,themidwife andhealerfromMainewho keptscrupulousdiaries,and onemysteriousmurderthat happenedin1789.You mightwanttokeepbyyour sidethePulitzerwinninghistory coveringallofherjournals,AMidwife’sTalebyLaurelThatcherUlrich.Atthetimeofthisawardshe wasaHistoryprofessoratUNH. https://www.mainstreetbook-

WhenJohnBrehmpublishedhis firstcollectionin2017,ThePoetry ofImpermanence,Mindfulness, andJoy,thisbecameoneofour

bestsellers,alwaysonthefront counter.We’resopleasedtoseehis latesteditedcollection,sureto bringasmuchcomfortandinsight andpleasureasthefirst.

“New Hampshire Trivia,” by Rebecca Rule

mainstreetbooke

Markyourcalendars,becauseRebeccaRulewillbeatMainStreet BookEndsduringourHomeTown HolidayCelebrationonDecember7 at2pm.Shewillbesomuchfunto watchinaction,notonlypremieringherlatestbook,butholding aliveNHTriviaContestforallto enjoy!NH’sprideandjoy,Becky hasbeencollectingourstoriesfor years,andnowwe’llfindouthow muchweremember.

SyMontgomery,fromHancock, seemstorolloutonebestseller afteranother.Justthisyearwehave “SecretsoftheOctopus,”“OfTime andTurtles”,andthislittlegem, “WhattheChickenKnows.”Being veryhappyraisersofchickens,we lovewatchingandcaringforthem andwitnessinglittlemiracles.Sy capturesthiswithhumorandgrace, anotherbooktoputonyour“comfort”pile.

We Will Be Jaguars: A Memoir of My People,” by Nemonte Nenquimo

“What the Chicken Knows: A New Appreciation of the World’s Most Familiar Bird,” by Sy Montgomery

ok-

Thisisthememoirfroman amazingyoungwomanfromthe WaoranitribeofEcuador’sAmazon rainforestwhoisthevoiceforindigenouspopulationsaroundthe world.Throughherhistoryand wisdomshehasbecomeoneofthe strongestvoicesinclimatechange activism,andthefighttosavethe Amazonrainforest.

“How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World,” by

mainstreetbook-

Ethan Tapper

ends.com/book/9798889830559

Onereviewsumsupthisbookas “atender,fearlessdebutbya foresterwritinginthetraditionof SuzanneSimard,RobinWallKimmerer,andRobertMacfarlane.”Oh my!FromhisexperienceinVermont,Tappertakesusthroughan understandingofthefragilityofour forests,andwhatweneedtodoto healthedamagedone.Sometimes wemusthuntthedeerorfellthe treesthatwelovetobestpreserve thehealthofourbelovedforests.

“Naturally Curious: A Photographic Field Guide and Month-ByMonth Journey Through the Fields, Woods, and Marshes of New England,” By Mary

Holland

tbook-

Welovethisbook,andhaverecommendeditforyears,alongwith hercompanionvolume,“Naturally CuriousDaybyDay.”FromHartland,VT,Hollandhasbeenphotographinganddocumentingour naturalworldforover60years.Itis sowonderfultotapintoherwealth ofknowledge,aswehike,garden,or justlookoutsideourwindow.

“Vanishing

Treasures: A Bestiary of Extraordinary Endangered Creatures,” by Katherine Rundell

ThisbestsellingauthorfromEnglandismakingwavesherewiththis justreleasedbeautifulbook.Rundellhastraveledtheworldtobring usthestoriesandillustrationsofextraordinaryanimalsthatmaysoon becomeextinct.Areminderofthe magicandfragilityofouranimal world.

CLOUGH TAVERN FARM CHRISTMAS 23 Clough Tavern Road, Canterbury

November 29, - December 8, 2024 9am-5pm every day or by appointment 603-731-5574

Shop at Anytime Apparel on Friday, November 29th or Saturday, November 30th Spend $50 or more on Friday and Saturday and get a free gift!

16DepotSquare,Peterborough,NH03458

Hours:T-F:11-5,Sat:11-4•603-924-5995

“Impossible

Creatures,”

by Katherine Rundell illustrated by Ashley MacKenzie

mainstreetbook-

ends.com/book/9780593809860

Thatmakesforanicetransition intobooksformiddle-schoolage childrenwiththisgorgeousbookby thesameauthor.Rundell hasbeencomparedtoC.S. Lewis(“TheLion,Witch, andtheWardrobe”)and J.R.R.Tolkien(“Lordofthe Rings”).Thislushlyillustratedbookisfulloffantasy,magic,imagination andadventure.Who wouldn’twanttogetlostin this?

thatwouldmakeaperfectreadaloudtoyourlittleones,orbecome abookclubdiscussionforadults. Notmanystoriescancoverallthat territory!

“Journey to Layamon,” by Stephen Curtin

/979821815

“The Wild Robot: Volume I,” by Peter Brown

mainstreetbook-

ends.com/book/9780316382007

Theyhavejustmadeamovie fromthisbook,whichledmetofinallyreadit.Itisperfectlydelightful.Thisisthekindofbook

ConcordauthorStephen Curtincreatedthistaleof exploration,adventureand fantasyfromhisyearsof hikingtheWhiteMountainswithhischildren.Soit isfuntoimagineyourselfin theWhiteswhilethetwo childrenbattlemagicalanimals,trickstersandspells intheenchantedLandof Layamon.

“When You Find the Right Rock,” by Mary Lyn Ray illustrated by Felicita Sala m

Youmaystillbeacollectorofspecialrocksalongyourtravels,butit startedasachildwhereeveryrock seemedmagicalandspecial.Mary LynRayeloquentlycapturesthis excitement,andFelicitaSala’sbeautifulillustrationsarecaptivating.Sit downwithachildandwatchtheir eyespopastheyrelatetothethrill andthesignificanceof findingtheirownspecial rock.

Best in Show,” by David Elliott

mainstreetbookends.com /book/9780063321922

Best-sellingchildren’s authorDavidElliottfrom Warnerhasdoneitagain, ashecreatestheperfectsillypoem tomatcheachwonderfulbreedof dog(includingeveryone’sbeloved mutt).Eighteenawardwinningillustratorswereselectedtocapture onebreed,whichmakesthebook anadditionaltreat.Everydoglover andeverychildwithadogwillfind muchtoloveinthisone.

“Maddie and Mabel,” by Kari Allen illustrated by Tatiana Mai-Wyss

mainstreetbook-

Twosistersworktheirway throughlife’slittleupsanddownsin thisverysweetseries,eachbookcontainingseveralshortstories.Likethe“Frogand Toad”series,shortvignettescomefullcircleto exploreimagination,joy, play,forgivenessand family.KariAllenisa teacherattheSanBani School,andthesixthofthe seriesisdueoutinMarch.

“Tractor Dance,” by Matt Forrest Esenwine

Thisfunboardbookfrom Warner’sownMattForrestEsenwineishislatesttoaddtoabigcollectionofpicturebooks.Afarm,a tractor,andthere’slotsofdancing. Whatistherenottolovehere?

Messiah Festival Dec. 7

ThePeterboroughMessiahFestivalonSaturday,Dec.7,willbring togethercommunitymusiciansand singersforaperformanceof Handel’s“Messiah.”

HeldatthePeterboroughUnitarianUniversalistChurch,25Main St.Thefestivalinviteslocaltalentto rehearseandperformthe Christmasportionoftheoratorio. Startingat1p.m.,areasingersare welcometojoinacommunity chorusinpreparationforthemain concert.

UnderthedirectionofJames Sharrock,the4p.m.performance willfeaturetheAppleHillString Quartet,withSheldonRosson trumpetandColbyBakeronorgan. SoloistsNickTocci(bass),Matthew McGinnis(tenor),PamelaStevens (alto)andJenniferBates(soprano) willsingfromthechurch’sbalcony.

The70-minuteconcertisfree, withdonationsappreciated.Contactfriendsofmessiahptbo@ gmail.comorvisitfacebook.com/MessiahPbro.

MAPLE vs. PUMPKIN

By JONATHAN VAN FLEET Monitorstaff

ItmaycomeasnosurprisethattheNew Hampshirestatefruitcanbequitecontroversialfromaculinaryperspective.Sure, pumpkincanbedelicious,butitcanalsobe senselesslyover-used.

Idon’tneedpumpkininmycoffee,thank you.

Yetpooh-poohingpumpkincanbeproblematicsinceit’ssuchatime-honoredflavor aroundtheholidays.Besides,whatcouldbe betterormoreiconic?Well,maybemaple.

Suchaconceptsparkedvigorousdebatein theConcordMonitornewsroom.Pumpkinloyalistsextolleditsversatilityinbothsavoryand sweetdishes.Maplepuristslaudedthesyrup foritssimplicityandrefinement.Feelings wereflambéed,tempersbroiled.

Clearly,onlyonethingwouldsettlethedispute–anold-fashionedmapleversuspumpkin throwdown.

ReportersandeditorsbrokeintoTeam

cook off

Our journalists set out to find which NH ingredient is best when preparing a holiday dish? Let the competition begin

MapleorTeamPumpkinandagreedtobringin onedishthatwaseithersavoryorsweet.Everyonewouldsampleeachdishandthenvote onthewinner.However,abreakoutthird partybegantoemergewithasolidplatform–thatbothmapleandpumpkinwerebetter whencombinedinthesamedish.Aninterestingconcept,andTeamFusionwasborn.

ThebigdecisiondaywasNov.5,Election Day,ofcourse.AstherestofthecountrydecidedonthenextpresidentoftheUnited States,wehadourownmatterstosettle.

TeamMapledeliveredbrusselssproutswith bacondrizzledwithmaplesyrup,amaple applecakewithmaplecreamfrosting,and maplegranola.Thebrusselssproutsweresurprisinglydeliciouswithsweetmaplesyruphittingthepalettefirst,followedbythecrunchof thesprout,andfinishedwiththesaltiness fromthebacon.Theglutenfreeapplecakewas loose,buttastyandbuttery.Thegranolaprovidedtheexpectedcrunchandgoodflavor,but itwaslessexcitingthanotherentries.

TeamPumpkinarrivedarmedwithvegetarianpumpkinchili,pumpkinicecreamand pumpkinporiyal,aSouthIndian-stylespicy pumpkindish.Thechiliwasunexpectedand excitingasitdeliveredpumpkinnoteswitha southwestspin.Theicecreamwaslikeeating liquidpumpkinpieandwhippedcreamallat thesametime.Theporiyalpackedinflavors thatbroughtpumpkintonewheights.

TeamFusionunleashedpumpkincoffeecake withamaplecrumble,spicedmapleand pumpkinsoupandpumpkincakewithmaple frosting.Thecoffeecakewasdenseandrobust justasitwassupposedtobeandprovedpopularwiththosewhorevisitedthetastingtable. Thepumpkincakeliveduptoitspromise–it wasnotdryintheleastandthefrostingwas subtleandcreamyandnotoverpoweringly sweet.Thesoup(madebyme)wasalittle spicy,whichmadeitoneofthemorepolarizingdishes.IthitthespotwithDavidBrooks, whosaid,“Ithinkyoursoupturnedoutjust right.Ithinkit’sjustontheedge.”

Afterallthevotesweretallied,wehada winner,whichturnedouttobe thepumpkin icecream,hand-madebyJeremyMargolis.Sorry ifIburiedthelead.

Asasidenote,theicecreamwonwithjust threevotes.Nexttime,we’lleitherholdaprimarytowinnowdownthecandidatesorto Dave’sdelight,giveranked-choicevotinga whirl.

Herearealltherecipes,wehopeyoutryone outthisholidayseason:

Team Pumpkin

Pumpkin ice cream, by Jeremy Margolis

ItwasatremendousprivilegetoMake PumpkinGreatAgain.Ourmulti-ingredient coalitionbringstogethertherichnessofbrown sugarwiththehominessofpumpkinpuree,toppingitalloffwiththebeautifuldiversityof pumpkinspicemix.Whenwethrowabunchof ingredientsintoanicecreammakerandletit churn,wewin!RecipeiscreditedtotheDaring

Gourmet

Ingredients

2cupsheavycream

1/2cupfirmlypackeddarkbrownsugar

5eggyolks

2tspvanillaextract

3tsppumpkinspicemix(mixtureofcinnamon,cloves,nutmeg,ginger)

1cupunsweetenedpumpkinpuree

Directions:Whisktogethertheeggyolks, pumpkinspicemix,andhalfofthesugaruntil thesugarissmoothanddissolved.Inasaucepan, combinetheheavycreamandrestofthesugar andcookoverlowheatuntilbubblesbeginto form.Ensurethemilkdoesn’tcurdle.Very slowly,add1/2cupofthecream/sugarmixture totheeggmixture,stirringconstantly.Add vanillaextract.Slowlypourtheeggmixtureinto therestofthecream/sugarmixtureoverlow heat,stirringconstantlytoensuretheeggsdon’t scramble.Cookabout5minutes,untilthemixturethickens.Takethemixtureoffheatandstir inthepumpkinpuree.Letcoolforseveralhours. Pourintoanicecreammakerandletchurnfor about20minutes.

Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili, by Charlotte Matherly

Ingredients

1/2largeredonion,diced

2bellpeppers,diced

2clovesgarlic,minced

115-ozcanblackbeans,drainedandrinsed

215-ozcanskidneybeans,drainedandrinsed

115-ozcanfire-roastedtomatoes(liquid

Barrel & Baskit

377 MAIN STREET

HOPKINTON NH WWW.BARRELANDBASKIT.COM

Classic Corner Store

Newly renovated, Barrel & Baskit is a classic corner store with a cozy eat in section to meet friends, do some remote work or gather at one of our fun events.

Catering

Let us cater your holiday party or shop our great selection of cheeses, desserts and wines for all your entertaining needs.

Take & Bake Meals

Delicious soups available everyday, take and bake dinners and a foodie section of specialty products make dinner a breeze!

Monday-Friday 6:30AM-7:00PM Saturday: 7:30AM- 7:00PM Sunday: 7:30-4:00PM

mostlydrained)

1canpumpkinpuree

1cupcorn

11/2tspmaplesyrup

2tspchilipowder

2tspsmokedpaprika

2tspcumin

1/4tspcinnamon

1/4tspItalianseasoning

1/2tspblackpepper

1tspsalt

21/2cupsvegetablebroth

Directions:Sauteonionsandpeppersover mediumheatuntilsoft,about5minutes.Add garlicandspices,thensauteanotherminute whilestirringconstantly.Addallremainingingredients(exceptcorn),bringtoaboilandthen simmerfor30minutes.Removefromheatand stirincorn.

Pumpkin poriyal, by Sruthi Gopalahrishnan

STAY ON TOP OF IT ALL- SIGN UP FOR

ThisSouthIndian-stylespicypumpkindish whichwascalled“pumpkinchunks”bysomein thenewsroom isasweetandspicyfavorite daily headlines breaking news dining & entertainment contests real estate city beat

frommychildhoodinIndia.

Finishedwithasprinklingofgratedcoconut, thisvegetabledishwasamust-havepartofmy lunch,andgoingevenaweekwithoutitseemed wrong.

Ingredients

1smallpumpkin,peeledandcubed(iftheskin isthick)

1onion,sliced

1-2tablespoonsoil

1teaspoonmustardseeds

1teaspooncuminseeds

Afewcurryleaves

2driedredchilis

Salt,totaste

1/2teaspoonturmericpowder

1teaspoonredchilipowder

1teaspooncorianderpowder

1teaspooncuminpowder

Ahandfulofgratedcoconut

Directions

1.Heatoilinapanovermediumheat.Add mustardseeds,cuminseeds,andcurryleaves. Letthemsplutter.

2.Addthedriedredchilisandsautéforafew

seconds.

3.Addtheslicedonionsandsautéuntilthey soften.

4.Addthecubedpumpkinpieces,salt,red chilipowder,turmericpowder,coriander powder,andcuminpowder.Stirwelltocoatthe pumpkinwiththespices.

5.Coverthepanandletthepumpkincook, addingwaterifnecessarytopreventburning. Cookuntilthepumpkinbecomestender.

6.Oncethepumpkinissoft,turnofftheheat andsprinklewithgratedcoconut.

Team Maple

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, by David Brooks

RoastedBrusselssproutsareexcellent;drizzlingthemwithmaplesyrupmakesthemmore excellent.Toovercomeanyvegetablephobias, thisaddsbacon.

Ingredients

1poundwholeBrusselssprouts

4slicesbacon,cutinto½-inchpieces

1/2teaspoonsalt

1/4teaspoonpepper

1/4cupoliveoil

3tablespoonspuremaplesyrup

Directions:Preheatovento400degrees.Chop theBrusselsproutsinhalf,orthirdsifthey’re big.Mixallingredientstogetherinabowl, spreadtheresultonabakingsheet,cookfor2030minutesdependingonhowtoastyyoulike yourveggies.

Maple-ified Fresh Apple Cake, by Catherine McLaughlin

TheperfectmaplerecipetomereallyonlyinvolvesacontainerofrealNHsyrupandashot glass.

Butthatseemedtobemissingthepointofthe assignmenthere,soIdugalittledeeper.The originalrecipeIusedcomesfromthecookbook fortheBakeryLaneSoupBowl,anow-closedbut iconicrestaurantinthetownofMiddlebury, Vermont.Iwenttoschoolthereandsodidmy mom,andshestillhasheroriginalcopyofthe bookinourcabinetathome.Mostoftherecipes mymomgoesbacktoagainandagainandagain areAltonBrownrecipesthatshe’sprintedoff theFoodNetworkandfoldedinhalf.Butshe

Open House

Farm

keepsthiscookbookcloseathand,soItrusted herwhenshesaidthisapplecakewasfamously goodandfiguredit’dbeaperfectcandidatefora celebrationofNewHampshire’stwomosticonic flavors.

Iswappedoutsomeofthesugarintheoriginal recipeformaplesyrup whichmakesthecook timealittleoff.Makesureit’sfullybaked.Ialso swappedoutthecaramelfrostingtheoriginal recipecallsforandwentwithamaplebuttercreaminstead.

I’dberemissifIdidn’tnotethatmymaple syrup-centeredlifestyleissponsoredbythe syrupingoperationofmyverygoodfriendsthe CrosbyfamilyinCenterHarbor.Forsomethings inlife,you’vegottahave“aguy.”Maplesyrupis oneofthem.

Ingredientsforcake

21/3cupsflour

11/4cupsugar,1/2cupmaplesyrup

1tspbakingsoda

1/4tspbakingpowder

1tspcinnamon

1/4tspcloves

1/4tspnutmeg

4cupschopped,peeledMacIntoshapples

1/2cupshortening

1/2choppedwalnuts(optional)

2eggs

Formaplefrosting:

2stickssaltedbutter

2tbspwholemilkorcream

3cupsconfectionerssugar

Dashofvanillaextract

Maplesyruptodesiredsweetness

Directions:Combinedryingredients,then addinwet.Beatonmediumfornomorethana fewmins.Bakeat325foratleast45min,butreallyjustuntilitsdone themiddleshould springbackwhenyoupokeit.Theamountofapplesinthismeansitmaynotbedoneforawhile. Worksina9x9or9x13pan,dependingonthicknessyouwant.

Pumpkin Maple Munch (aka So-So Granola), by Steve Leone

Likea6thgraderattheirfirstmiddleschool dance,myhumblegranolanevermadeitoutof thecorner.Iadmittedlyfailedmiserablyinmy missiontoclumptheoatsandnutswithjustthe rightamountofoil,mapleandhoney,leavingme withafine-tastingbutbreakfast-cereal-likemix. Embarrassed,Iknewintheworldofmaplebut-

tercreamglazeandpumpkinicecreamthatIjust couldn’tcompete,soIhidmygranolabehindthe pumpkinsoup.ButIpickedupsomevaluable lessonsalongtheway.

First,Ididsomethingsright.IusedBen’s SugarShackmaplesyrupandlocalhoneyI pickedupattheWarnerFallFoliageFestival. Thisrecipeusesthesameingredientsbutitmodifiesthebakingandcoolingprocesstoallowfora nicecrunchyandclumpygranola.

Ingredients

4cupsoldfashionedoats

1/4cupcupflaxseeds

1/2cupalmonds(walnutsorpecanswork too)

1/2cupbrownsugar

1/4cuphoney

1/4cupmaplesyrup

1/4cupcanolaoil

1tsppumpkinpiespice

1tsp.vanillaextract

1/4tspsalt

1cupdriedcranberries

Directions:Preheatovento300.Lineabaking

sheetwithparchmentpaper.Combineoats,nuts, flaxseeds,sugar,saltandpumpkinpiespiceand setaside.Inmicrowave-safedish,combinethe oil,syrup,honeyandextractandheatfor30secondstowarmitup.Pouritovertheoatsandmix untilevenlycoated.Spreadthemixtureevenly intothepan.Bakedfor30minutes.Turnoffthe ovenandleavethegranolainforanother30 minutes.Takeitoutoftheovenandsprinkle withdriedcranberries.Coolcompletelybefore breakingitapart.Storeinanair-tightcontainer.

Team Fusion Pumpkin Cake with Maple Frosting, by Rachel Wachman

Ingredientsforcake

1cupvegetableoil

1cupbrownsugar

1/2cupgranulatedsugar

4largeeggs

1cuppumpkinpurée

1teaspoonbakingsoda

1teaspoonbakingpowder 1/2teaspoonsalt

1tablespoonpumpkinpiespice

2cupsKingArthurUnbleachedAll-Purpose Flour

1/2cupchoppedtoastedwalnuts(optional)

1cupgoldenraisins/gingerminichips(optional)

Forthefrosting:

8ouncescreamcheese

4tablespoonssoftenedbutter

2tablespoonsmaplesyrup

2½cupsconfectioners’sugar

1/8teaspoonsalt

1/2cuptoastedwalnutpieces

Directions:Preheattheovento350°F.Grease andflouralargerimmedhalf-sheetpan,about 18”x13”;orlinethepanwithgreasedparchment.Beattheoilandthesugarstogetheruntil wellblended.Beatintheeggs,thenthepumpkin purée.Stirthebakingsoda,bakingpowder,salt, andspiceintothewetingredients,thenstirin theflour,beatinggentlytocombine.Stirinthe nutsandraisins/ginger.Pourthebatterintothe preparedpan,andbakeforapproximately20to 25minutes,oruntilacaketesterortoothpickinsertedintothemiddleofthecakecomesout clean.RecipeisfromSurLaTable

Pumpkin Coffee Cake, by Michaela Towfighi

Ingredientsthepumpkincake

11/2cupsall-purposeflour

3/4cupgranulatedsugar

1teaspoonbakingsoda

1/4teaspoonbakingpowder

3/4teaspoonsalt

Amazing Array of Holiday Gifts

Minnetonka | Dingo | Merrell

Chippewa | Dan post | Justin lareDo | outbaCk | penDleton blankets ... anD More! 359 Elm St. Rt 101A, Milford (603) 673-1321 Hours: 7 Days a

Special thanks to our 175th Anniversary Celebration Community Partners

Belletetes Your One Stop Holiday Shop

We have something for every one on your shopping list. Come shop with us and see everything we have to make your holiday shopping easier -- all in one place!

Shopping for last minute gifts? Visit one of our 9 locations, we bet you can find a gift or if not, a Belletetes Gift Card would be perfect!

Make sure you shop our “Holidays are on the Way” sale starting November 21- December 31!

JAFFREY, NH

603-532-7716

PETERBOROUGH, NH

603-924-9436

ANDOVER, NH

603-735-5544

SUNAPEE, NH

603-763-9070

ASHLAND, NH

603-968-7626

PEMBROKE, NH

603-224-7483

MOULTONBOROUGH, NH

603-253-4404

WINCHENDON, MA 978-297-1162

4teaspoonspumpkinspice

2eggs

1cuppumpkinpuree

1/3cupmilk

1/2cupcanola(orvegetable)oil

1teaspoonvanilla

Forthecrumbtopping

1cupall-purposeflour

1cuplightbrownsugar,packed

1teaspoongroundcinnamon

1/2teaspoongroundnutmeg

1/4teaspoonsalt

1/2cupunsaltedbutter,roomtemperature

(canalsosubstituteforoil)

Forthemapleglaze

1cupconfectioners’sugar

2tablespoonmaplesyrup

1tablespoonmilk

1teaspoonvanillaextract pinchofsalt

Directions:Preheatovento350°Fandlinea9 x9-inchpanwithparchmentpaper.Setaside.In alargebowl,mixtogetherflour,sugar,baking soda&powder,salt,andpumpkinspiceuntil combined.Makeawellinthecenterofyourdry ingredients.Pourineggs,pumpkinpuree,milk, oil,andvanilla,Whisktogetherthewetingredientsforabout30seconds,thenfoldtheminto thedryingredientsuntiljustcombined.Pourthe batterintoyourpreparedpanandsetasideto makethetopping.Inalargebowlmixtogether theflour,brownsugar,cinnamon,nutmeg,and salt.Addinthebutteruntilthemixturestartsto clumptogether.Pourthecrumbleontopofthe pumpkinbatter,spreadingoutevenlytothe edges.Bakefor30-40minutes,oruntilaknifeinsertedinthecenterofthepancomesoutclean. Oncethecakecools,drizzlewithicing.

RecipefromBromaBakery

Spiced Maple Pumpkin Soup, by Jonathan Van Fleet

Thinkliquidpumpkinpieservedinabowl withasavoryandspicytwist.

Ingredients

1wholebutternutsquash,peeledandcubed

1largesweetonion

1/2cupofmaplesyrup

1canofpumpkinpuree(pumpkinpiefilling)

1canofcoconutmilk

1quartofwater

1tablespoonlemonjuice

Spicestotaste:Salt,pepper,cinnamon,ginger, curry,redpepperflakes,parsley

Directions:Boilsquashandonioninalarge potwithwateruntilsoftandthenmash.Onlow heat,addtherestoftheliquidingredientsand spices.Addalittlemoreofthisorthatdependingontaste.Whentheflavorishowyou wantit,blenduntilsmoothusinganimmersion blenderorregularblender.Iftoothick,adda littlemorewater.Servehotorcold.

A breakout third party began to emerge with a solid platform – that both maple and pumpkin were better when combined in the same dish. An interesting concept, and Team Fusion was born.

Purchase gift cards in-store from November 29 - December 31 and receive 20% of your total purchase back on a Common Man Bonus Card!* Available at Common Man locations.** Purchase online starting Cyber Monday, December 2 at theCman.com.

$10 DO GOOD COUPON BOOK

GIFTS AT OUR CO. STORE Toys • Books • House-made Fudge • Foodstuffs • NH Products

Mugs & Drinkware • Common Man & Uncommon Woman Gear

Delivered to their inbox or yours! For every $25 in Common Man EGift Card purchases from November 29 - December 31, you receive a $5 EGift Bonus Card*. That's 20% back for you! Available online at theCman.com.

Packed with $400 worth of deals that last all year long! A portion of proceeds benefits NH Food Bank.*** Available at C-MAN family locations and online at shop.theCman.com