RS - December 2019 by Lawrence Ambrocio

ORGANIZE YOUR FOOD STORAGE

LIFE MADE EASIER

5O GREAT GIFTS UNDER $5O Fast & Festive Recipes Tips for a Calmer Season Clever Little Beauty Buys from $9

DECEMBER 2019

A LL

COZIED UP WITH NOWHERE TO GO

REMEMBER THE LITTLE THINGS

Everything you need to make the season bright F I N D IT A LL I N S TO R E AN D AT J CP.CO M

WHIP UP SOM E

YUM

Thoughts

E Y E E M /G E T T Y I M A G E S

“Snow flurries began to fall and they swirled around people’s legs like house cats. It was magical, this snowglobe world.” —SAR AH ADDISON ALLEN, The Sugar Queen

2 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

Photograph by George Enciu

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E d i t o r ’s N o t e

growing up, my schoolteacher father spent his spare time helping people new to this country learn English, and often he would bring me along. I went begrudgingly, unclear about why we were spending our Saturday with, say, a Vietnamese family our church had sponsored. “Are we done? I’m bored,” I would whisper, but he genuinely enjoyed these visits. You see, my father knew how it felt to be a stranger in a strange land. My parents lived in American Samoa in the 1960s, when he was principal of a school there, and he spoke vividly about the people who had welcomed them and helped them negotiate island life, which was so different from the life they knew in Iowa. So later, when he was back in Des Moines teaching high school economics to immigrant students, he would also help them get afterschool jobs and take them to his mechanic and a real estate agent to learn about buying cars and homes, as many of them were the only English speakers in their families. In my dad’s final years in an assisted living home, his favorite pastime was coaxing stories from the employees who had grown up in Bosnia or Sudan about their homelands. Pride in my dad’s kindness long ago replaced the adolescent boredom, and I’ve tried to follow his example as I’ve gotten older. I thought of him when I read this month’s story, “Hello, Neighbor” (page 124), about people helping immigrant families in Pittsburgh through a local program. December can be a busy time, yet it’s also a great time to remember our neighbors, new and old, and how friendliness and open hearts can easily transform a strange land into a comforting community.

Follow me on Twitter @lyazel and Instagram @leslieyazel

4 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

Photograph by Remi Pyrdol

W A R D R O B E S T Y L I N G B Y A LY S S A D I N E E N ; H A I R A N D M A K E U P B Y S U M M E R T R A N

H E N I WA S

TODAY’S FORECAST: 100% CHANCE OF HYDRATED SKIN. Clinically proven to lock in hydration with Hyaluronic Acid. Skin so supple and hydrated, it bounces back. neutrogena.com/hydroboost

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To You Love U s Wishlist inspiration? We've got you covered. Visit us in store or at Dillards.com and shop over 100 fine fragrance and handbag brands.

VALENTINO Born in Roma Eau de Parfum, 3.4 oz. $130. YVES SAINT LAURENT LIBRE Eau de Parfum, 3.0 oz. $130. DIOR JOY Intense Eau de Parfum, 3.0 oz. $130. JIMMY CHOO Floral Blush Eau de Toilette, 3.0 oz. $105. LANCÔME Idôle Eau de Parfum, 2.5 oz. $123. Dillards.com • 1.800.345.5273

BRAHMIN Faith Pouchette, $265.

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Stand out this season Fast Drying. No extreme heat.

Gift edition Engineered for different hair types, the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer makes the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Includes a Dyson-designed display stand. Engineered to neatly hold your hair dryer and its magnetic attachments.

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Contents December 2019

O N T H E C OV E R

12 Pack Wooden Snowflake Boxed Ornaments (similar to shown), $16 for 2; worldmarket.com. TO BUY:

50 Great Gifts Under $50 Fast and Festive Recipes

77 36, 116, 142

Tips for a Calmer Season Clever Little Beauty Buys from $9 Organize Your Food Storage

32, 46

The ultimate gift guide—coming your way! 48

116

1 10

104

Make cocktails and recipes with five bottles

The comfiest ways to dress up for a party

Stylish inspo for store-bought wreaths

C o v e r P h o t o g r a p h b y Te d + C h e l s e a C a v a n a u g h Prop St yling by Megan Hedgpeth

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

MAKE ENTERTAINING EASY

Host a Holiday Brunch ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR PARTIES, POTLUCKS, AND PLENTY OF STRESS. LET SMITHFIELD® HELP MAKE PLANNING YOUR OWN CELEBRATION A WHOLE LOT EASIER WITH THESE SIMPLE TIPS FOR A FESTIVE AT-HOME BRUNCH.

Try mixing and matching plates and serving dishes for a perfectly imperfect, laid-back look.

SET UP SELF-SERVE STATIONS

PUT IN SOME LIGHT PREP TIME

Prepare easy, brunch-perfect dishes, featuring Smithfield®’s ready-to-heat essentials, the night before, then pop them in the oven day-of. Try ham-andcheese pinwheels, using the Smithfield® Sliced Ham, or cinnamon roll pigs in a blanket, featuring the Smithfield® Hometown Original Fully Cooked Sausage Links.

SCA N T HE CODE TO DIS COV ER DELICI O US S M I THF IE LD® RE CIPE S YO U CAN M AK E AL L YEAR .

Skip the stuffy sit-down meal and, instead, set your brunch up buffet-style with different food and drink stops—think a coffee or mulled wine bar, a deviled egg bar, featuring Smithﬁeld®’s Thick Cut Bacon, and a buildyour-own breakfast biscuit bar, using Smithﬁeld®’s Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham.

Real.

LET’S GET

Contents

14 4

Stockpile a big batch of weekday breakfasts

Four last-minute 2019 money savers

Bright ideas for hanging string lights

Thoughts Editor’s Note

2 4

Real Simple 24 /7

Your Words

The Short List

what we love Gift Wrap Supplies 21 New Uses for Old Things Socks The Staple Panko

26 29

Pretty Smart Beauty buys to simplify your routine 32

Holiday Lights Done Right The best lights, gadgets, and strategies for hanging 40 The Essential Three ways to style your LBD

Road Test: Beauty Grown-up glitter

Organize This Tidy up those food storage containers

relating

Cooking School Pro tips for decorating sugar cookies 36

Tough Cookie Juliet Grames makes sure her Italian aunt’s recipes aren’t lost in translation 55 Modern Manners Catherine Newman offers advice

Pet Tricks Help pets and guests coexist peacefully 62

Consider Your Health Future with Care What genetic testing kits can—and can’t—tell you about health risks 67 Make These Four Money Moves Before 2019 Ends Save some cash by tying up a few loose ends

gift guide

food

2019 Holiday Gift Guide We have all kinds of ideas, whether you’re shopping for a traveler, a picky teen, or anyone in between 77

5 Easy Dinners

134

Road Test: Food Baking mixes

140

Better for You Root vegetable latkes

142

Big Batch Brown butter waffles

144

Ahhh Take a breather

103

features

balance

5 Ways to Stay Ready for Last-Minute Guests Not everyone remembers to call ahead 51

the realist How to Pluralize Last Names for Holiday Cards

Mission: Dinner Veggie tacos

Wreath Tweaks Spruce up a wreath for long-lasting decor 104 Comfort and Joy Warm, cozy looks to wear to holiday parties 110

for fun Other Holidays to Celebrate in December

148

That’s the Spirit! Five bottles for mixing cocktails and making recipes 116

Hello, Neighbor A Pittsburgh nonprofit pairs residents with refugees to help welcome them into the community 124

REAL SIMPLE (ISSN 1528-1701) (DECEMBER 2019) (VOLUME 20/ISSUE 12) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY TI GOTHAM INC. TI GOTHAM INC. IS A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF MEREDITH CORPORATION. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 225 LIBERTY ST., NEW YORK, NY 10281-1008. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, NY, AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS (SEE DMM 507.1.5.2); NONPOSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40069223. BN# 13200211RT001. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: FOR 24/7 SERVICE, PLEASE USE OUR WEBSITE: REALSIMPLE.COM/MYACCOUNT. YOU CAN ALSO CALL 1-800-881-1172 OR WRITE REAL SIMPLE, PO BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. YOUR BANK MAY PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE CARD INFORMATION WE HAVE ON FILE. YOU MAY OPT OUT OF THIS SERVICE AT ANY TIME. FOR SYNDICATION OR INTERNATIONAL LICENSING REQUESTS OR REPRINT AND REUSE PERMISSION, EMAIL SYNDICATION@MEREDITH.COM.

12 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

NEXT LEADING BRAND

LEAKGUARDTM BRAID

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE Itʼs time to ditch the leaks. And get the protection of our LeakGuard BraidTM.

Real Simple 24/7 FOLLOW US ONLINE FOR E XCLUSIVE IDE A S, TIP S, A N D W AY S T O M A K E L I F E E A S I E R — E V E RY D AY.

MEET

A SS O C I AT E E D I TO R AT R E A L S I M P L E .C O M

40 FESTIVE DINNER RECIPES

Everyday uniform: Madewell jeans, a loose sweater, and flats.

Are you the host this year? These recipes will make Christmas dinner a highlight of your holiday.

Favorite seasonal dish: Christmas rice made from wild rice tossed with sausage, prosciutto, garlic, and herbs. It’s to die for.

Find the recipes at realsimple.com/ christmasdinner.

Ideal weekend plans: Read a book I love so much that I miss it when I put it down.

White Elephant Gift Guide 2019 Make gift exchanges a breeze with our definitive guide to this year’s best white elephant presents. Shop our list at realsimple.com/whiteelephant.

# R S H O L I D AY ’Tis the season for Instagram inspiration, so we’re sharing impressive holiday hacks, recipes, and more with our #rsholiday hashtag. Tag us in your photos and you may get the gift of a regram.

Tree alternatives P I N T E R E ST @REALSIMPLE

Deck the halls with everything but an actual Christmas tree. We’ve got ideas for unexpected holiday decor. Get inspired at realsimple .com/xmastrees.

14 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

Open

and tap

for holiday desserts.

TWITTER @REALSIMPLE

FAC E B O O K @REALSIMPLE

S N A P C H AT @ R E A L S I M P L E M AG

I N STAG R A M @ R E A L _S I M P L E

C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P L E F T: C O U R T E S Y O F B A R R I E T O VA R ; T E D + C H E L S E A C AVA N A U G H ; A N T O N I S A C H I L L E O S ; J O H N N Y M I L L E R ; N I C O L E F R A N Z E N

M A G G I E S E AV E R

Yo u r W o r d s

How do you de-stress during the busy holiday season?

I allow myself one “no” a day. We don’t have to do everything for everyone every day. @ STO RY STA RT S H E R E

“ M A D E C I N N A M O N RO L LS FO R T H E V E RY F I RST T I M E Y EST E R DAY ! A- MAZ-ING.” @ I N S P I R E D C H I C K

# R S L OV E

Being outdoors in the fresh air is an easy way to add peace to my day. I like to get a walk in each day and make sure I breathe deeply. The crisp air is refreshing. HOLLY GALLOWAY, ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK

I try to remind myself that life is not a Pinterest board and I don’t have to present a perfect holiday. It’s the people and experiences that matter, not the decorations or gifts. SANDY GIUSTI, BURLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS

I listen to the carols on the same albums my father played on our record player when I was a child. The scratchy sound of the needle on vinyl takes me back to Christmases past, and I am instantly a child again. GENA SUTTON, CALHOUN, GEORGIA

I close my eyes and think of the loved ones who are no longer with me. It reminds me how precious life is and to enjoy every moment. HEIDI HOWELL, SAN FRANCISCO

One of the most overwhelming things about the holiday season is all the face time. I carve out alone time to decompress, even if that just means excusing myself from guests to take a short walk. It makes a big difference for this introvert. @STYLETEACH CREATE

We had a champagne tasting the day after Christmas. It was so much fun. The kids played in one room, and the adults did the tasting in another. SUSAN WILLARD, ASHBURN, VIRGINIA

Watch Elf with the family! @MURCHIEANGELA

I read a sentimental, old-fashioned, feel-good Christmas novel to remind myself of the spirit of the season. DEBBIE BR ATEMAN, LIT TLETON, COLOR AD O

16 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

I stream a crackling fire on the TV. @NJHLYNCH

Every year, I use any cash gifts I received for Christmas for a muchneeded massage. It’s a great way to begin the new year. JENNIFER MORGANBOEBEL, BATAVIA, ILLINOIS

I save one vacation day for the Friday a couple of weeks before Christmas. I take myself and a book out for a latte and enjoy the festive atmosphere. CAROLINE CARRICO, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

Attend Advent services. The quiet time helps me remember the reason for the season. @DCMAG59

I love to buy gifts all year long. When I see something just right for someone I love, I pick it up. During the holidays, I wait until everyone is asleep, then I go to my secret stash and wrap. It cheers me up and recalls special times. No holiday blues here! JUDITH LAWRENSON, FALLING WATERS, WEST VIRGINIA

Keep exercising, even when family is staying over. The Instagrammers who shared the photos on these pages will receive our new Holiday Calm special edition. Want to be considered for this column? Tag photos on Instagram with #rslove.

@TILL_RADEB

I enjoy a puzzle. It allows me to unwind and concentrate in a relaxing way. Plus, my kids or my husband might join me for a little bit. BIRGIT GRUESS, MAPLE GROVE, MINNESOTA

We’ve decided as a family that, rather than exchange gifts, we’ll take up a collection for a local food pantry and deliver it during the holidays. None of us need anything, and contributing to families who have need seems to represent the true spirit of Christmas. And it definitely reduces the stress (and cost) of shopping for gifts.

# R S L OV E “ H OW M A N Y DAYS U N T I L SA N TA PAWS CO M ES ? ” @ M J OS EY M O U R

NEXT QUESTION...

KAREN LAMARTINA, OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS

What’s a little thing you do to show your loved ones you care?

I relax by knitting socks at night. It keeps my family’s feet warm and gives me purpose.

Send an email to yourwords@ realsimple.com and let us know your answer to this question. Your response could appear on these pages.

DIANNE RODERICK, CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS

Carving out time for myself is nonnegotiable. Even if I have to wake up earlier than everyone else, that first quiet cup of coffee is worth it. @SELF_CARE_BESTIE

I prepare my cookie batters throughout the fall, wrap them in plastic, and freeze them. Then I defrost and bake them as needed. Saves so much time. @SOLO GURENEMILY

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

The Short List F I V E B O O K S T H AT W O N ’ T D I S A P P O I N T By Elizabeth Sile

Comforting guide

Satisfying suspense

In Radical Compassion, meditation teacher and podcaster Tara Brach shares a way to find self-love and goodness, feel empathy for others, and shun limiting beliefs, even in this era of polarization and stress. Brach outlines her RAIN (recognize, allow, investigate, nurture) meditation and weaves in examples and anecdotes from real life in this soothing read.

In Nalini Singh’s A Madness of Sunshine, a safe, close-knit New Zealand town is rocked when a woman vanishes on a run. Is her disappearance connected to three hikers who went missing years before? Or to one of the many men in town who were attracted to her? Singh unravels the story from the perspective of the town’s new cop and a woman who has just moved back after years away.

Great for book club

Atmospheric novel A young man, Noel, witnesses change in Faha, the tiny Irish town where he lives with his grandparents. It’s 1956, and Faha is about to get electricity. When Christy arrives to sign residents up for lighting, he and Noel become friends, navigating love and life. Niall Williams’s This Is Happiness is a sweet novel with writing to linger over (you’ll relish the descriptions of rain alone).

Aldo Sohm has been named the best sommelier in the world and oversees the wine program at one of New York City’s top restaurants. Despite such accolades, he and Christine Muhlke have written a highly approachable handbook. Full of fun charts and illustrations, the unfussy Wine Simple demystifies everything from buzzy natural wines to tasting like a pro at your next dinner out. For more book recommendations, visit realsimple.com/ newbooks.

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY J OJ O L I FO R H E L LO A RT I STS

Six-year-old Aoife navigates her brother’s death and mother’s institutionalization in Eliza Nellums’s debut novel, All That’s Bright and Gone. With her imaginary best friend and real-life neighbor, she tries to solve her brother’s murder in the hopes that it will help her mom. This engrossing adventure story speaks to the resilience of children and the bonds of family.

Wine know-how

18 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

P h o t o g r a p h b y Te d + C h e l s e a C a v a n a u g h

Why settle for average? Earn a savings rate 5X the national average. Open a new savings account in about 5 minutes and earn 5X the national average. This is Banking Reimagined¨

Celebrate the moment. Fine chocolates. Lovingly Crafted. Perfect for celebrating the special moments and people in your life.

E V E RY T H I N G O U R E D I T O R S A R E B U Z Z I N G A B O U T T H I S M O N T H

RO C K S O L I D

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY J OJ O L I FO R H E L LO A RT I STS

This recyclable paper is made from stone rather than trees, making it water-resistant and reusable. TO BUY: Stone Wrapping Paper, $10 per roll; papersource.com.

ELF DUTY IS EASIER WITH THE RIGHT GIFT WRAP SUPPLIES. By Leslie Corona

P h o t o g r a p h b y Te d + C h e l s e a C a v a n a u g h

W H AT W E LO V E

This shipping material is recyclable; just remove all labels first.

1 ALL THE STRINGS

With two dozen rolls of colored twine in this set, you’ll have plenty left for gifts throughout the year. TO BUY: Jute Twine Pack, $38; shopterrain.com. 5 N O - FA I L M A I L E R

Cut this patterned, padded material to fit even the most oddly shaped gift. Seal it without tape. TO BUY: Scotch Flex & Seal Shipping Roll, $10 for 10 ft.; staples.com.

22 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

3 RU L E I T O U T 2 MINI MEMOS

This booklet includes 75 tiny note cards that can be folded up and used as tags. TO BUY: Little Letters of Good Cheer by Lea Redmond, $10; chroniclebooks.com. 6 DOUBLE UP

Wrap a present in a handdyed Japanese scarf to deliver a gift within a gift. TO BUY: Hand-Dyed Tenugui, $32 each; bestmadeco.com.

No need for scissors—just measure your paper and pull it along the edge of this tool for a clean, straight cut. TO BUY: WrapMaster Wrapping Paper Cutter, $16; containerstore.com.

The scalloped borders of this festive tissue paper will elevate any gift bag. TO BUY: Sugar Paper for Target Red Scallop Gift Tissue, $4 for 25; target.com.

7 STICK TO IT

8 SEND A MESSAGE

Layer on extra cheer with this set of seasonal decorative tape rolls. TO BUY: Holiday Paper Tape, $13 for 3; riflepaperco.com.

Print recipients’ names or a greeting on ribbon with this next-level label maker. TO BUY: Brother P-touch Embellish, $60; joann.com.

4 SWEET SHEETS

Once you gather your materials, learn how to put it all together at realsimple.com/howtowrap.

L I T T L E L E T T E R S A N D L A B E L M A K E R : B R I A N H E N N , S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

Versed Twice As Nice Serum Rolling Gift Set

Classic Pinball Board Game

Google Home Mini - Smart Speaker with Google Assistant

For all the gifted givers Discover the perfect gifts for all your favorite people at Target.

Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker

iRobot Roomba 675

Khalid Free Spirit Vinyl

Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Bliss What A Melon Essentials Kit - 4ct

Wrap it up! Tri-Coastal Design Lip Crayon Giftset (10pc)

Gray Heyday Turntable

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Camera

Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con

the holidays are better together taste, toast and make the most of your gatherings this season with the help of the Chinet® family of products.

Chinet® is a registered trademark of Huhtamaki, Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries.

How to Host a Festive Holiday Cookie Swap PREPARE TAST Y TREATS AND PL AN A COZY AFTERNOON FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS WITH HELP FROM THE CHINET BRAND. ®

PLAN THE GUEST LIST:

CHOOSE THE DESSERT MENU: Decide who will

Invite enough people to provide a good variety of cookies, but not so many that organizing becomes stressful. Six to eight is ideal.

bring which type of cookie, and ask them each to bring copies of their recipe to hand out to other guests.

3DON’T FORGET THE WRAPPING: Pick up

pretty packaging supplies so everyone can take home a sampling of cookies when the afternoon ends.

F IND HO L IDAY R ECI PES AN D GAT H ERI N G I D EAS F R OM TH E CH INET® B RA ND AT MYCH INET. COM .

4MAKE SERVING SEAMLESS:

Count on the Chinet® Cut Crystal® glasses to serve wine and champagne, the Chinet® Classic White™ plates for displaying the beautiful array of cookies and serving savory

hors d’oeuvres, and the Chinet® Comfort Cup® insulated hot cups for serving drinks, like cocoa and coffee, that guests can even bring home.

W H AT W E LO V E

New Uses for Old Things

Socks T RY A S YO U M I G H T, S O M E T I M E S A S O C K L O S E S I T S M AT E ( O U R B E T S A R E O N T H E D RY E R ) . G I V E I T N E W L I F E W I T H T H E S E A RO U N D -T H E - H O U S E H A C K S . By Brandi Broxson

M O P PA D

H O T/ C O L D PA C K

Fill a sock with a couple of cups of rice and tie off the end. Microwave it for a minute to make a hot pack, or store it in the freezer to ice injuries.

26 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

LIGHT BULB MIT T

Place your hand inside a sock to unscrew a blown-out or still-working-but-hot bulb. If the bulb shatters, the sock will protect your hand.

BITS AND BOBS L O C AT O R

Fit a sock (thin ones work best) over a vacuum’s suction tube and secure it with a rubber band. Vacuum where you suspect a hard-to-see earring back, tiny screw, or glass shard dropped— the sock will prevent it from being sucked into the machine.

Photograph by Corey Olsen

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M EG A N K I A N TO S

Ran out of dusting cloths? Try this trick: Remove the handle of a dry mop and fit a sock over the head. Replace the handle (over the sock) for a quick floor cleanup. Dispose of the sock when you’re done.

ECZEMA: UNDER CONTROL. SO ROLL UP THOSE SLEEVES. moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) for people 12 and up.

RHONDA, REAL PATIENT. Individual results may vary.

DUPIXENT is not a cream or steroid. It’s a biologic that continuously treats eczema over time—even between flare-ups when skin looks clear. See and feel the difference with:

Clearer skin

Significantly less itch

• In clinical trials at 16 weeks, 37% of adults and 24% of teens (ages 12-17) saw clear or almost clear skin vs 9% and 2% not on DUPIXENT. • And 38% of adults and 37% of teens (ages 12-17) had significantly less itch vs 11% and 5% not on DUPIXENT.

TALK TO YOUR ECZEMA SPECIALIST AND VISIT DUPIXENT.COM OR CALL 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) INDICATION DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used to treat people 12 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 12 years of age. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT. Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: have eye problems; have a parasitic (helminth) infection; are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your corticosteroid medicines unless

instructed by your healthcare provider. and tell your healthcare provider or This may cause other symptoms that get emergency help right away if you were controlled by the corticosteroid get any of the following symptoms: medicine to come back; are scheduled breathing problems, fever, general to receive any vaccinations. You should ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, not receive a “live vaccine” if you are swelling of the face, mouth and treated with DUPIXENT; are pregnant tongue, hives, itching, fainting, or plan to become pregnant. It is not dizziness, feeling lightheaded known whether DUPIXENT will harm (low blood pressure), joint pain, your unborn baby; are breastfeeding or skin rash. or plan to breastfeed. It is not known • Eye problems. Tell your healthcare whether DUPIXENT passes into your provider if you have any new or breast milk. worsening eye problems, including Tell your healthcare provider about eye pain or changes in vision. all the medicines you take, including The most common side effects in prescription and over-the-counter patients with atopic dermatitis medicines, vitamins and herbal include injection site reactions, eye supplements. If you are taking asthma and eyelid inflammation, including medicines, do not change or stop your redness, swelling and itching, and cold asthma medicine without talking to sores in your mouth or on your lips. your healthcare provider. Tell your healthcare provider if you DUPIXENT can cause serious side have any side effect that bothers you or effects, including: that does not go away. These are not all • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. including a severe reaction known Call your doctor for medical advice as anaphylaxis. Stop using DUPIXENT about side effects. You are encouraged

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR AS LITTLE AS A $0 COPAY*

to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed. DUPIXENT is an injection given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give DUPIXENT injections, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. Please see Brief Summary on next page.

*Limitations apply. Visit DUPIXENT.com for full program terms.

Brief Summary of Important Patient Information about DUPIXENT® (dupilumab) Rx Only (DU-pix’-ent) injection, for subcutaneous use What is DUPIXENT? • DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used: – to treat people aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. • DUPIXENT works by blocking two proteins that contribute to a type of inflammation that plays a major role in atopic dermatitis. • It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 12 years of age. Who should not use DUPIXENT? Do not use DUPIXENT if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT. See the end of this summary of information for a complete list of ingredients in DUPIXENT. What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DUPIXENT? Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: • have eye problems • have a parasitic (helminth) infection • are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your corticosteroid medicines unless instructed by your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine to come back. • are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a “live vaccine” if you are treated with DUPIXENT. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will harm your unborn baby. Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take DUPIXENT during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and your baby’s health. You can talk to your healthcare provider or contact 1-877-311-8972 or go to https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/ dupixent/ to enroll in this registry or get more information. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. If you have asthma and are taking asthma medicines, do not change or stop your asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. How should I use DUPIXENT? • See the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with DUPIXENT for information on how to prepare and inject DUPIXENT and how to properly store and throw away (dispose of) used DUPIXENT pre-filled syringes. • Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. • DUPIXENT comes as a single-dose pre-filled syringe with needle shield. • DUPIXENT is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). • If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give the injections of DUPIXENT, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. • If you miss a dose of DUPIXENT, give the injection within 7 days from the missed dose, then continue with the original schedule. If the missed dose is not given within 7 days, wait until the next scheduled dose to give your DUPIXENT injection. • If you inject more DUPIXENT than prescribed, call your healthcare provider right away. • Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicines to use with DUPIXENT. Use the other prescribed medicines exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of DUPIXENT? DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including: • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), including a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: breathing problems, fever, general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, mouth and tongue, hives, itching, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure), joint pain, or skin rash. • Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision. The most common side effects of DUPIXENT include: injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling and itching, and cold sores in your mouth or on your lips. Eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling and itching have been seen in patients who have atopic dermatitis. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. General information about the safe and effective use of DUPIXENT. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use DUPIXENT for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give DUPIXENT to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. This is a summary of the most important information about DUPIXENT for this use. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information about DUPIXENT that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information about DUPIXENT, go to www.DUPIXENT.com or call 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) What are the ingredients in DUPIXENT? Active ingredient: dupilumab Inactive ingredients: L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium acetate, sucrose, and water for injection Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591 U.S. License # 1760; Marketed by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, (Bridgewater, NJ 08807) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Tarrytown, NY 10591) DUPIXENT is a registered trademark of Sanofi Biotechnology / ©2019 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. / sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. All rights reserved. Issue Date: June 2019

DUP.19.08.0101

W H AT W E LO V E

Quick Ideas

The Staple For the flakiest bread crumbs, always reach for Japanese-style panko. The delicate texture comes from bread dough that’s been cooked by electrical current to create a crustless loaf, then ground into shardlike crumbs. Panko adds lightness when used as a binder for foods like meatloaf and crab cakes, and it delivers long-lasting crispiness to fried cutlets, baked gratins, and quickly broiled seafood. You can even pan-toast it to top salads, pizza, pasta, or ice cream for an extra dose of crunch.

1 C RU N C H Y S K I L L E T EG G S W I T H H E R B S

Combine 1/2 cup panko and 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet; cook over medium, stirring, until golden, 3 minutes. Reserve 2 Tbsp. panko; spread remaining panko in skillet and crack in 4 eggs. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes; cover and cook until whites are set, 2 minutes. Serve eggs sunny side up, garnished with chopped herbs, 1/4 tsp. white balsamic, and reserved panko. 2 C R I S P Y B RO I L E D OY S T E R S W I T H B A C O N

Spread 3 cups rock salt or kosher salt into a circle on a rimmed baking sheet; nestle in 12 oysters on the half shell. Mix 1/4 cup panko, 1 Tbsp. each olive oil and chopped parsley, and 1 tsp. minced garlic; sprinkle over oysters. Broil until panko is golden, about 4 minutes. Top with 3 crumbled cooked bacon slices. 3 MEXICAN “FRIED” ICE CREAM

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y M I A K O K AT O H

Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a skillet over medium. Add 2/3 cup panko; cook, stirring, until golden, 3 minutes. Stir in 1 tsp. sugar and 1/4 tsp. each salt and cinnamon; let cool completely. Roll 8 scoops of vanilla ice cream in panko mixture; serve 2 scoops in each bowl, topped with honey and cinnamon.

By Adina Steiman Recipes by Ivy Odom

Photograph by Corey Olsen

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

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W H AT W E LO V E

Pretty Smart O N E - S W I P E L I P ST I C K T H AT ’ L L G E T Y O U P I C T U R E - R E A D Y FA S T, PLUS SE VEN OTHER BE AUT Y BU YS TO S I M P L I F Y YO U R RO U T I N E By Heather Muir Maffei

L A N C Ô M E L’A B S O LU RO U G E RU BY L I P S T I C K

Inspired by—you guessed it—rubies, this long-lasting, one-swipe lipstick wears comfortably, thanks to rose flower extracts, and has a satin finish. Its faceted, crystal-like bullet helps you stay in the lines. Plus, the festive cases make it giftable. In 12 shades. TO BUY: $32; lancome-usa.com.

P h o t o g r a p h b y Te d + C h e l s e a C a v a n a u g h

PAT T E R N BY TR ACEE ELLIS RO S S M E D I U M CONDITIONER AND INTENSIVE CONDITIONER

Ten years in the making, this line contains products that give curl types 3B to 4C the right slip and definition. TO BUY: From $25; patternbeauty.com. STRIVECTIN B LU R F E C T O R FOR EYES LID & UNDEREYE BRIGHTENING PRIMER

P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y J O J O L I F O R H E L L O A R T I S T S ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

Brightens dark circles and smooths fine lines. Apply after eye cream; wear alone or under makeup (wait 30 seconds). TO BUY: $29; strivectin.com. F L O R E N C E BY MILLS CHEEK ME L AT E R C R E A M B LU S H I N G O RG E O U S G I A

Dab onto the apples of your cheeks and blend for healthy, sheer color. The cream dries to a stay-put powder. It perks up lips too. TO BUY: $14; ulta.com. SKINBET TER SCIENCE SUNBET TER TONE S M A RT S P F 6 8 SUNSCREEN C O M PA C T

This tinted, mineral sunscreen formula makes year-round sun protection easy and elegant. TO BUY: $55; skinbetter.com.

BIOSSANCE S Q UA L A N E + RO S E VEGAN LIP BALM

A worth-it splurge: This rich, jellylike balm smooths and plumps (without stinging), so lips feel softer despite harsh winter weather. TO BUY: $18; sephora.com. SECRET WITH ESSENTIAL OILS RO S E + C H A RC OA L

The same 48-hour antiperspirant with a chic new look and even better scent. TO BUY: $12; at Target. O L AY P R E S S E D S E RU M S T I C K I N C O O L I N G, B R I G H T E N I N G, AND REFRESHING

Loaded with vitamins and amino acids, these travel-friendly sticks pack potency in a fuss-free form. TO BUY: $27 each; olay.com.

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

A COOKIE STRAIGHT FROM 1937.

Back in 1937, our founder, Margaret Rudkin, put her faith in simple kitchen pantry ingredients. We still do today. Real chocolate, creamery butter and cage-free eggs make our Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse® Thin & Crispy cookies simply delicious. Available in Dark, Milk, Triple and Toffee Milk Chocolate.

U N C O M M O N S O L U T I O N S T O E V E RY D AY P R O B L E M S

H OW TO PLU R A LIZ E L A ST N A M E S FO R H O LIDAY C A R D S

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M EG A N K I A N TO S

Should you sign the card “Love, the Claus’s”? Or is it Clauses? Or Claus’? Addressing loved ones with the correct pluralized version of their last name—even signing your own!— can feel like a grammar pop quiz. Here are two easy rules for doing it right: A last name is always written out in its entirety, and you never need an apostrophe when signing or addressing cards, says Mignon Fogarty, host of the podcast Grammar Girl. That means write out Williams or Garcia and simply tack something onto the end. Usually you just have to add s, even if the last letter is y. Exceptions: If the name ends in s, z, ch, or sh, add es. If it ends in x, add es unless the x is silent. So the Felix family becomes the Felixes, and the Bordeaux family becomes the Bordeauxs. Happy writing! By Kristine Gill

Photograph by Corey Olsen

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

THE REALIST

Cooking School Y O U D O N ’ T H A V E T O B E A PA S T RY C H E F T O M A K E H O L I D AY C O O K I E S S H I N E . T H E S E C L E V E R C O O K I E - D E C O R AT I N G ST R AT E G I E S W I L L D O T H E T R I C K . By Adina Steiman

C H O C O L AT E DIPPED C H O C O L AT E D I P

GL AZED S PA R K L E S C I T RU S G L A Z E

1 Roll and cut cleanly Start with a versatile sugar cookie dough (find ours at realsimple.com/sugarcookie). Chill for at least an hour and up to overnight. Flour your work surface and cookie cutters, but avoid using too much flour—you’ll end up with tough cookies. Cut out shapes and chill on a baking sheet for 15 minutes to prevent spreading.

2 Choose simple shapes For maximum impact, stick with basic geometric shapes or holiday themes, like snowflakes and trees. Aim for similar sizes to keep baking times consistent. Or cut squares using a pizza cutter and a guide—try Reynolds Parchment Paper Rolls with SmartGrid ($3.50; at grocery stores). You won’t need to reroll scraps, since you’ll use all the dough.

3 Avoid overbaking Check the undersides of the cookies with a thin spatula. If they’re light golden, your cookies are done. Transfer them right away to wire racks to help stop further browning.

Whisk 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and 2 Tbsp. lemon juice in a small bowl until a thick but pourable glaze forms (add more juice if needed). H O W T O D E C O R AT E

Dip the top of each cookie in glaze and sprinkle with decorative sugar (we like India Tree Nature’s Colors Decorating Sugar in Jingle Mix, $11; amazon.com). Let stand until set, 15 minutes. For extra credit, go for an ombré effect with complementary colors of sugar.

Place 6 oz. chopped semisweet chocolate in a medium bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Heat, stirring often, until just melted. Remove from heat and stir in 2 oz. chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and transfer to a small bowl.

Combine 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 large egg white, and ½ tsp. water in a large bowl. Mix until icing is smooth, 2 minutes. Tint with a few drops of food coloring, if desired.

H O W T O D E C O R AT E

Dip each cookie halfway in chocolate, allow excess to drip off, and place on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. When all cookies are dipped, decorate chocolate sides with finely chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, or sprinkles.

Use a piping bag with a narrow round tip to make simple designs and outline borders, if you like. For clean lines, touch the tip to the cookie and start piping, then lift the tip a bit and pipe so the icing falls onto the surface. Finish with decorative sugar, such as NY Cake Diamond Glittery Sugar ($8; nycake.com), and let set for at least 1½ hours.

PIPED LINES E A S Y ROYA L I C I N G

M O R E F RO M O U R K I T C H E N Find videos, lessons, shortcuts, and strategies to help you get dinner (and breakfast, and lunch, and dessert) on the table with ease at realsimple.com/cookingschool.

36 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

Illustrations by Adam Cruft

THE MORE YOU UNDERSTAND HER WORLD, THE MORE POSSIBILITIES YOU SEE. For Julia’s family, early screening for autism made a lifetime of difference. Find out more at ScreenForAutism.org

THE REALIST

Mission: Dinner DINNER C AN BE DAUNTING, BUT MANY (LIT TLE) HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK. K I D S C A N H E L P P R E P T H E S E V E G G I E TAC O S A N D B U I L D T H E I R O W N T O P P I N G S B A R . By Adina Steiman

Vegetarian tacos with sweet potatoes and corn ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4

2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-in. chunks 1 14-oz. package extra-firm tofu, drained, patted dry, and crumbled 2 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 10-oz. package frozen corn, thawed 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime) 8 small flour tortillas, warmed 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 3/4 cup store-bought refrigerated salsa FO O D ST Y L I N G BY C H E LS E A Z I M M E R ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

Lime wedges, for serving oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add sweet potatoes and cook until starting to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1/3 cup water, cover, and cook until just tender, 4 to 5 minutes. HEAT

UNCOVER and add tofu, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tofu is browned, about 5 minutes. ADD corn and lime juice. Cook, tossing, until warm, about 3 minutes. Fill tortillas with tofu mixture; top with cheese and salsa. Serve tacos with lime wedges.

38 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

How the kids can help Invite kids to roll up their sleeves, pat the tofu dry with a few paper towels, and crumble it into a large bowl for the taco filling.

Kids can measure out the chili powder and salt and add them to the bowl with the tofu. Have them grind in a bit of pepper too.

Tacos are all about assembly, so ask kids to set up a taco bar by spooning salsa into a bowl and piling shredded cheese on a platter.

Photograph by Jen Causey

Bring Comfort & Joy to Your Table WITH 2x THE MEAT*

THE REALIST

STEP 1: PL AN Before shopping, do a little prep work to make sure you get everything you need in one go. Look at your home from across the street at night to identify which areas you want to adorn. Consider what will look best and what level of installation challenge you’re confident tackling. Bushes and hedges are the easiest spots to illuminate. “Use net lights. You just drop them on and you’re done,” says Lance Allen, holiday merchant at the Home Depot. The roofline is a little more advanced. Measure the base of your house to determine the length of lighting you’ll need and add a few more feet to account for steep pitches, recommends Thomas Harman, CEO of Balsam Hill, a seasonal home decor company.

Using a diameter tape measure (a flexible tool that can

Holiday Lights Done Right M A K E Y O U R H O M E M E R RY A N D B R I G H T W I T H P RO T I P S FO R B U Y I N G, H A N G I N G, A N D ST O R I N G W I N T E RT I M E T W I N K L E S.

be wrapped around cylindrical objects), calculate the length of cord needed to cover curved surfaces, like porch columns. Also note how far away your power source is to ensure you have enough outdoor extension cords. Plugging too many light sets into one outlet can overload the circuit. Check whether you have 15- or 20-amp outlets: A 15-amp outlet can safely handle 1,440 watts, and a 20-amp outlet can handle 1,920 watts. The wattage of your lights should be on the box or tag.

To calculate how many strands you need for your holiday tree, consider light count and tree height. The general rule is 100 mini bulbs per foot of tree, so for a six-foot fir, you’ll need 600 bulbs.

By Leslie Corona

40 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

Photograph by Danny Kim

STEP 2: BUY The pros recommend using outdoor lighting both inside and out to avoid confusion over which cords belong where in future seasons. The package should clearly state that the lights can be used externally. Next, decide whether you want LED or incandescent lighting. While the latter offers a warm, vintage glow, LED lights are much more durable and energy efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, they consume up to 80 percent less energy and can last 25 times as long as incandescents.

Most brands will include the color temperature, measured in kelvins (K), on the outside of the box. For exterior decor, 2,700K to 3,000K lighting will appear soft and inviting. Lights above 3,000K will likely give off an unflattering glare that makes them difficult to look at directly. For your indoor tree, choose 2,300K to 2,700K lights to achieve a gentle glow. “These will look the most like warm candlelight,” says Greg Lehmkuhl, creative director of Terrain, a garden and lifestyle store.

G E T T Y I M AG ES

Select cords that match the color of your tree’s needles so they blend in among the branches. For your house’s facade and roofline, opt for brown or green cords. Use white cords for light-colored gutters and window moldings.

Purchase at least four more boxes than you think you need. If a strand breaks or you decide to extend your decoration into other areas, you’ll have backup. Plus, lights typically sell out quickly, so you may not be able to find the same model on a second trip. Gather the extra bulbs that come with the strand in a ziplock bag in case you need to replace any throughout the season.

S A F E T Y S M A RT S Be diligent about monitoring your tree’s water level; always keep the container full so the needles don’t dry out. Incandescent bulbs can get very hot and may pose a fire risk, but LED lights are cool to the touch, so they’re a safer option for your tree. A good reason to go for a faux fir? Artificial varieties often come prelit and are made with fire-retardant materials. No matter what, turn lights off before going to bed or leaving the house.

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

THE REALIST

STEP 3: HANG Test your lights before you hang them. Attach multiple cords and give them a shake to see if they flicker. If they do, the strands are likely past their prime and should be replaced. Generally, you can connect around 20 strands of LED lights or six strands of incandescent lights before you risk overloading the circuit (but always check the directions on the package). You’ll know you’ve linked too many if the lights dim. Incandescent strands are notorious for shorting out completely when even one bulb is defective. Use a light tester (see “Holiday Lighting Helpers,” opposite page) to revive a nonfunctioning strand. It detects which bulb is the dud and sends an electrical pulse to reenergize it.

STEP 4: STORE When the festivities are over,

to stabilize your ladder and hand you supplies. If you don’t feel comfortable on a ladder, or if you have a particularly large or high roof, hire a pro to hang your lights. Set up lights on a dry day, ideally before the first snowstorm, says Allen. Attach strands to the roofline using S-shaped clips; one end holds the cord and the other slips over the edge of the roof.

If you’re installing one long strand of lights around a series of windows, mask the LED bulbs you don’t want seen between the windows with electrical tape. Don’t try this with incandescent bulbs, as they may melt the tape. Zip ties can secure cords along railings or banisters. To illuminate the lights on a schedule, plug them into an outdoor stake timer connected to your exterior outlet.

42 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

Inside, light your tree from the top down, nestling the cords close to the trunk to keep them hidden. For a well-distributed glow along each bough, says Harman, secure strands to the branches using twoinch pieces of floral wire. Plug in the lights when you’re two-thirds of the way down and step back to see whether they’re evenly dispersed. (It’s fine to leave lights plugged in while you hang if it’s more convenient.) Finish the final third and connect the cord to a smart adapter, which lets you control your lights from your phone. You can use the adapter with other devices the rest of the year.

O U R E X P E RT S LANCE ALLEN, HOLIDAY MERCHANT AT THE HOME DEPOT IN ATLANTA CHRIS FITTS, OWNER OF ANGELS IN THE ARCHITECTURE IN ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA THOMAS HARMAN, CEO OF BALSAM HILL IN REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA GREG LEHMKUHL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF TERRAIN IN PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN WAUGH, OWNER OF NY LANDSCAPE LIGHTING IN YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NEW YORK

G E T T Y I M AG ES

Next, enlist at least one helper

wrap cords around a string reel or a sturdy piece of cardboard, or use a holiday-light storage box. Let lights dry completely before packing them away. Many retailers have recycling events for dropping off old or broken strands. The HolidayLEDS.com recycling program accepts both LED and incandescent string lights. Of course, investing in quality strands that last multiple seasons will make decorating easier and reduce waste.

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H O L I DAY L I G H T I N G H E L P E R S Add the pros’ go-to provisions to your lighting kit.

Diameter Pi 12 Ft. Steel Tape Measure, $7; perfect measuringtape.com.

Panacea Green Floral Wire, $3; michaels.com.

GE Outdoor Stake Timer, $20; homedepot.com.

C by GE Smart Plug, $25; bestbuy.com.

TO GIVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

PERSONALIZED CHILDREN’S DECOR Philips 25-Count LED C9 String Lights, $12; target.com.

GE StayBright 300Count LED Mini Lights, $35; lowes.com.

Northlight Ultimate Shingle and Gutter Clips, $5 for 100; christmascentral.com.

Iris Christmas Light Storage Box with 4 Light Wraps, $18; target.com.

LightKeeper Pro Light Tester, $26; homedepot.com.

Monoprice 8-Inch Cable Ties, $5 for 100; amazon.com.

All of your child’s favorite themes, starting at $44 for a personalized pillow. Discover the collection at ©Minted, LLC 2019

P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

FEATURING OUR FAMOUS PRINTS

MINTED.COM/KIDS — Order by 12/16 for Christmas delivery

THE REALIST

The Essential T H AT STA P L E I N YO U R C L O S E T I S M O R E V E R S AT I L E T H A N YO U T H I N K . THIS MONTH: HOW TO ST YLE A LIT TLE BL ACK DRESS FOR ANY O CC A SION By Flavia Nunez S TA RT WITH THE DRESS... TO BUY:

. . . A D D A JA C K E T A N D S C A R F

. . . A D D A S H E E R T O P A N D A B E LT

Smart layering keeps you comfy and professional. A silk scarf adds polish, but if the office heat is blasting, tie it around the handle of your carry-all tote. TO BUY: Regent Blazer, $198; jcrew.com. Natural Swirl Silk Square Scarf, $99; echonewyork.com. James Avery Cascading Circles Ear Statement Hooks, $160; dillards.com. The Longitude Tote, $245; awaytravel.com. Hanes Hosiery Micro Rib Tight, $10; jcp.com. The Lizzy Boot, $268; loyalfootwear.com.

Your basic LBD goes semiformal when you wear a sheer blouse underneath and incorporate sparkly details, like a feathery belt and glitter-laden shoes. TO BUY: Blouse K021, $48; oakandfort.com. Wide Feather Belt, $119; whbm.com. Nina Zayna Earrings, $48; nordstrom.com. Elizabeth and James Ring Handle Soft Pouch, $59; kohls.com. Marc Fisher LTD Zala Block Heel, $160; marcfisherfootwear.com.

44 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

. . . A D D A S W E AT S H I RT AND SNEAKERS

Grab the dress instead of your jeans for a varsity-inspired weekend look. A lively beanie brings a pop of color. TO BUY: Terry Chevron Hoodie, $168; torysport.com. Women’s Cable Knit Winter Beanie Hat, $35; landsend.com. See 4157 Sunglasses, $99; seeeyewear.com. Glorey Sneakers, $110; stevemadden.com.

Photographs by Brian Henn

S O F T S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N . C I R C L E S E A R S TAT E M E N T H O O K S : C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R

The Greenlay Dress, $295; mmlafleur .com.

“With a less bulky bladder leak pad,* I have nothing to hide.”

Poise

THE REALIST

R o a d Te s t

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B E S T B O DY O I L

Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil in A Vision You won’t look like a disco ball, but your skin will take on a rosy glisten in the light. Vitamin E keeps décolletage, arms, and legs smooth. TO BUY: $52; sephora.com. BEST EYE SHAD OW

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Essie Nail Polish in Let It Bow, Making Spirits Bright, and Caught on Tape For an easy way to feel festive and dress up any outfit, swipe on one of these glittery shades. You can also brush one on top of chipped polish to fake a fresh manicure in a pinch—no one will know. One coat delivers a sheer sheen, while three result in an opaque finish. TO BUY: $9 each; essie.com.

46 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

BEST HAIR ST YLER

Unwined by Hask Champagne Inspired Hair Highlighter Finishing Cream Tamp down flyaways and boost shine with this antioxidant-rich cream. Use on wet or dry hair. TO BUY: $9; ulta.com.

Maybelline New York Electric Shine Lip Gloss in Magnetic Ice This iridescent formula adds dimension for fuller-looking lips. Try layering it over lipstick. TO BUY: $9; at drugstores.

N A I L P O L I S H S M E A R A N D H I G H L I G H T E R : B R I A N H E N N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

BEST HIGHLIGHTER

Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre in Mink The finely milled powder contains flecks of glitter that create a foil effect on the lids. Swipe and go. TO BUY: $36; victoria beckhambeauty.com.

F REE R EC IP IE NT AD D RE S S I NG

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THE REALIST

Organize This W H I P U P S M A RT S O LU T I O N S F O R F O O D ST O R AG E S U P P L I E S W I T H C R E AT I V E T I P S F RO M S A M A N T H A P R EG E N Z E R, FO U N D E R O F S O H O M E P RO F E SS I O N A L O RGA N I Z I N G. By Stephanie Sisco

1 C R E AT E A S TAT I O N

Reserve a shallow drawer for boxes of foil, cling wrap, and wax paper. If you have a deeper drawer nearby, use it for food storage containers and lids; otherwise, use an adjacent cabinet. Keeping everything in one area makes prepping lunch and packing leftovers more streamlined.

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2 D I TC H B U L K Y B OX E S

Remove sandwich bags from their boxes and sort them by size between dividers spaced a few inches apart. You’ll easily see when the bags need to be replenished. TO BUY: OXO Good Grips Expandable Dresser Drawer Divider, $20 for 2; bedbathand beyond.com.

3 K E E P I T U N I FO R M

4 ARR ANGE LIDS

5 M A K E RO O M

Stick to the same brand of storage container to ensure the pieces nest well (generally, don’t stack more than four). Avoid buying the variety pack. Instead, select the individual sizes you’ll reach for most often. TO BUY: Tellfresh Food Storage, from $4; containerstore.com.

Store lids under the containers, or file them upright between a divider and the edge of the drawer.

Short on drawer space? Consider hanging food storage wraps on removable rods inside a cabinet door. Punch out the tabs on the ends of each box and slide the whole thing over the rod. Or stash wraps in a magazine file box positioned on its spine. TO BUY: Magazine File Box, $16; poppin.com.

Photograph by Br yan Gardner

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MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A MODERN WORLD

5 Ways to Stay Ready for Last-Minute Guests ’TIS THE SE A SON FOR SURPRISE VISITS.

M A K E E V E RY O N E F E E L W E L C O M E — N O M A T T E R H OW L I T T L E T I M E YO U ’ V E H A D TO P R E P— WITH THESE SWEET IDE A S.

By Carla Bruce

Photograph by Anna Williams

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

R E L AT I N G

Set it and forget it. 2

Having a straightforward process you don’t have to think about can help you avoid getting caught off guard. Start by giving your home a thorough seasonal clean. Then, for quick tidy-ups, reserve room in a closet for a mad stash of out-ofplace items. Also, identify a go-to outfit you’ll keep at the ready to jump into before the doorbell rings. Bottom line: A little stress-free prep means you can relax and have a good time anytime. Your guests will do the same. MONIQUE GREENWOOD IS THE OWNER AND CEO OF AKWAABA BED & BREAKFAST INNS, WITH LOCATIONS IN NEW YORK; WASHINGTON, D.C.; NEW JERSEY; AND PENNSYLVANIA. SHE LIVES IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

Remember the ambience—and the wine. I’m in the interiors world, and setting the mood in my entertainment space with good lighting is essential. It would be a disaster for me if the light bulb in the feature pendant over my dining table went out as I turned it on that night—I always have spare light bulbs. Ambience aside, I’m going to state the obvious: The number one supply to not be caught without is wine! You’re forgiven for not being able to feed me sufficiently, or for making me sleep on your sofa, as long as you have wine. CRAIG TABOR-RAESIDE IS THE OWNER OF CRÉMA DESIGN, IMPORTERS OF LUXURY EUROPEAN FURNITURE. HE LIVES IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA.

Focus on connection.

Stay flexible. A friend once asked if she could bring someone along to dinner, and I said no. I still regret it. True hospitality involves freeing yourself and others from expectations of how things “should” be. It means remaining open and flexible. Guests who arrive early or late, who don’t show up, who appear unannounced with a stranger, who are temporarily picky, moody, unruly—they are the true tests of a host. My friend never came to that dinner either. Perhaps the moments that can most reveal or disappoint, uplift or satisfy us are the ones we can’t fully plan. PRIYA BASIL IS THE AUTHOR OF BE MY GUEST: REFLECTIONS ON FOOD, COMMUNITY AND THE MEANING OF GENEROSITY. SHE LIVES IN BERLIN.

52 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

Be intentional in your hosting. Even if your guests show up at the last minute, focus on establishing a meaningful connection with them. Ask them thoughtful questions. If it’s Friday night, what was the highlight of their week? If it’s a holiday party, what is bringing light into their world right now? This will help keep the conversation flowing, and it might even buy you a few extra minutes of preparation. People might not remember the amazing cheese board or whether the bathroom mirror was dirty, but they’ll remember a genuine connection. KRISTIN ERIKO POSNER IS A LIFESTYLE EXPERT AND THE FOUNDER OF NOURISH CO., A LIFESTYLE BRAND THAT HELPS ETHNICALLY BLENDED AND INTERFAITH HOUSEHOLDS CREATE NEW RITUALS. SHE LIVES IN SAN FRANCISCO.

Keep the essentials stocked. I’ve found that the key to freak-out– free get-togethers is having the basics on hand. I hoard fun holidaythemed paper cocktail napkins, plastic cups, and stirrers (bought on after-Christmas clearance) and store them in my pantry along with mixers like club soda, tonic, and ginger ale, as well as low-sugar cranberry juice, lemons, and limes. I light my favorite spruce-scented candle, turn down the lights (it hides messes!), and turn up my Motown holiday CDs for a very merry everything. MARY KAY ANDREWS IS THE NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF 27 NOVELS—INCLUDING SUNSET BEACH, THE HIGH TIDE CLUB, AND THE WEEKENDERS— AND ONE COOKBOOK. SHE LIVES IN ATLANTA AND TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA.

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Good Read

Tough Cookie W H E N H E R A U N T S U D D E N LY C O U L D N ’ T M A K E T H E FA M I LY R E C I P E S , J U L I E T G R A M E S T U R N E D D E T E C T I V E T O R E - C R E AT E T H E M .

starts with a stroke, although not a fatal one. But my great aunt Connie, a somewhat stereotypically melodramatic Italian woman, claimed being wheelchair-bound was more frustrating than being dead. “How am I supposed to cook when I can’t even stand up?” was her usual chorus. Picture a vaudeville actress (albeit a 95-year-old one) with the back of her hand on her forehead, add a thick Italian accent, and you’re pretty much in scene. The ululation always ended with some version of “You should take me out to the woods to die!” All right, that was over-the-top. But the situation seemed drastic to her. With Aunt Con out of commission, there would be no homemade cavatelli, pignolata honey balls, or angel

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY J OJ O L I FO R H E L LO A RT I STS

U N FORT U NAT E LY, T H I S S TORY

P h o t o g r a p h b y Te d + C h e l s e a C a v a n a u g h

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

wing cookies at family holiday parties. Traditional foods were the bedrock of our special occasions, and no one but Aunt Con knew how to make them. Her family would go hungry. It was a disgrace. WE TRIED TO CONSOLE HER . But we had our own remorse. What was actually a disgrace was the fact that no one could step up and make all these sacred foods. In defense of the younger generation, this ignorance was not entirely our fault. We tried to learn Aunt Con’s recipes. “Come over and I’ll show you how to make them,” she’d tell us, and then reprimand, “If you never come watch, you’ll never learn.” But when we attempted these learning sessions, she’d ruthlessly sabotage them. Even if you were able to render her recipes down to a manageable size—the originals were always appropriate for an army platoon—Aunt Con’s instructions were…somewhat opaque. “You do like this!” she’d bark, and then demonstrate whatever “this” was—rolling, dipping, flipping, whipping—so quickly and expertly that your best imitation would be a sad fumble. She’d berate you, then she’d body-check you linebackerstyle and take away your wooden spoon, making it clear you did not deserve the privilege of her culinary secrets.

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just before my bridal shower, which I had very mixed feelings about in the first place. My general impression was that the whole point of a bridal shower was to have an excuse to lay out two fourby-eight-foot banquet tables’ worth of Aunt Con’s cookies. At this serendipitous moment, my mother happened to be poking around Aunt Con’s basement kitchen, looking for repurposeable pots, when she noticed a blue notebook tucked behind a shelf. Page after college-ruled page was packed with my aunt’s crabby handwriting—a secret recipe cache. My mom brought the notebook upstairs. “Aunt Con, what’s this?” “I don’t know.” My great aunt averted her eyes, sheepish. She’d been caught. “I’m taking it home, OK?” Aunt Con shrugged, affecting nonchalance. That was approval enough for my mother. It wasn’t as simple as flipping the blue book open and replicating Aunt Con’s recipes, of course. Everything had to be decoded. T H E G R E AT D I S C OV E RY O C C U R R E D

C O U RT ESY O F J U L I E T G R A M ES

It wasn’t as simple as flipping the blue book open and replicating Aunt Con’s recipes, of course. Everything had to be decoded.

One December I went so far as to take a week off work during Aunt Con’s busiest pre-Christmas baking period to stay in her little ranch house in her Italian enclave outside Hartford, Connecticut. I followed her down the stairs to her basement kitchen to help her—or, more accurately, watch her—make 800 chocolate cookies. Arrayed on the table were 10 pounds of flour, a tub of Crisco, three boxes of cocoa powder, four canisters of raisins, and a pot of cold coffee. After everything was rather violently combined in her gargantuan mixing bowl, she let me in on her secret ingredient. “One spoonya vanilla,” she pronounced, brandishing a teaspoon measure. I was skeptical. “Only one teaspoon? For all this?” “One spoonya!” she insisted, unscrewing the top of the bottle. Together we watched vanilla gush out and cascade over the sides of the teaspoon. “Maybe two,” she conceded, repeating the long pour. Then she squinted into the bottle’s depths and upended it over the bowl. When she realized I had not yet taken this down, she glared at me. “You write!” Obediently, I wrote, “2 tsps vanilla,” chewing one winter-chapped lip, feeling a little hopeless. She hadn’t invited me here to learn, I realized. I was here to witness. She wanted credit for the hard work she did nourishing her family with these labor-intensive recipes. She sure as heck didn’t want young upstarts treading on her title: There could be only one Queen of Cuisine. That was before the stroke. And now it was too late.

R E L AT I N G

My mother and I pored over the precious pages. The words made me want to laugh and cry at once. They were the painstaking and furtive work of a woman who had grown up speaking one language, Calabrian Italian, and then spent 70 years speaking another, American English. You see, Aunt Con was barely literate. Ninety years ago, in the impoverished village where she grew up, she dropped out of school after the first grade to work in the fields. In the blue book, she conquered her literary shortcomings; she was clearly determined to make this record. There were misspelled Italian words and Italian-English portmanteaus. Some recipes included diagrams to indicate which direction to slice in or what shape pan to deploy. Among our favorite gleanings (the words are easier to understand if you say them out loud, using Italian phonetics): Both the spongi checha (sponge cake) and spongi cuchise (sponge cookies) called for bechina polvera (that’s right—baking powder), but only the latter called for orangi

giuso (orange juice). Her chocolate cookies required a bochissa coco—a box of cocoa—and sinemento (you got that one). Her directions were even more charming. Most started with vuono (her Calabrian-dialect shorthand for “they want to be”). Different cookie batters “wanted to be” beaten, fried, or, my personal favorite, fatte come le mittibole (literally, “made like meatballs.” She meant rolled). In preparation for my shower, my mother, one intrepid bridesmaid, and I were going to attempt her angel wing cookies. We aproned up and braced ourselves for a failure-filled day of experimental baking. My mom located the recipe under the title Angili Uinghi. The ingredients were as follows: 12 uova [12 eggs] 2 piccoli cuchiarini bechina polvera [2 little spoons— that is, teaspoons—baking powder] 3 piccoli cuchiarini vinella [3 teaspoons vanilla]

R E L AT I N G

Set a plate by the chimney with

care.

For recipes and inspiration visit Pillsbury.com

And then—wait, what? The last ingredient read: farina uell ache si prende. “As much flour as it takes,” my mother translated. Great. The entirety of Aunt Con’s instructions read: Vuono frette (they want to be fried), and then: Passate alla mascina. “Pass to the machine.” What could this mean? I knew that in Aunt Con–ese, a machine could refer to anything from a car to a vacuum. (“You get my rug dirty, I gotta passa mascina.”) But to make cookies? Was the batter so thin you used an egg beater? It did have 12 eggs in it. “What do we do, Ma?” “I don’t know, but they want to be fried, so I’ll heat up the oil. Why don’t you start making it and see what happens?” Uneasy, I cracked one egg, then a second, into a large bowl, fearing I wasn’t going to have anything at the end except a weird-tasting omelet. I shook a cup of flour into the egg mixture, watching as it sunk into the yellow swirl around my spoon, and that was when I had the revelation. “It’s a pasta recipe!” I shouted, and with total confidence threw in another cup of flour. I don’t believe in these kinds of things, but in that moment I was channeling Aunt Con. I felt like my certainty was genetic, my latent Italianism switching on like a bald bulb in the dim kitchen of my mind. ABOUT THE “The ‘machine’ is the pasta machine! We make a AU T H O R pasta dough, run it through the roller, then cut it Juliet Grames is the into strips!” I added flour until the dough was the author of the novel consistency of tagliatelle, then dumped it onto The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella the counter and kneaded until it felt ready to go Fortuna and a book through the machine. editor at Soho Press. We made an Aunt Con–size portion of angel She lives in New York City. wings that afternoon, and continued working our way through her blue book, cross-referencing what she wrote with recipes from the internet, and crossreferencing all that with our memories. There were two four-by-eight-foot tables of cookies at my bridal shower. I set a plate on the table in front of Aunt Con and watched, masochistically, as her gnarled, pink-manicured fingers carefully, carefully lifted a cookie to her mouth. “This is as good as mine,” she said, rueful, and that was how I knew she meant it. Then she gave me a sneaky half smile, which was how I knew she was more pleased than chagrined that we had ferreted out her secrets.

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C O U RT ESY O F H A R P E R C O L L I N S PU B L I S H E R S ; H E A D S H OT C O U RT ESY O F J U L I E T G R A M ES

½ sticca burro [½ sticka butter, you know?] ½ piccolo cuchiarino sale [½ teaspoon salt]

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R E L AT I N G

Modern Manners R E A L S I M P L E ’ S E T I Q U E T T E E X P E R T, C AT H E R I N E N E W M A N , O F F E R S HER BEST ADVICE ON YO U R S O C I A L Q UA N DA R I E S.

N.A. ASKS…

We’re part of a fellowship group in which the host house provides the meal. A couple joined the group about a year ago, and they habitually pack up food to go. No one else does this. We don’t mind sharing, but they get aggressive: They commented at the last meeting about how we ran out of dinner rolls! I have made smaller portions, omitted desserts, and put out less food, but it doesn’t seem to matter. How can we thwart this offensive behavior?

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For holidays, my mother-in-law buys my husband and me a lot of gifts we don’t need or want. She works at a department store and gets a huge discount. I understand the appeal of buying things at a discount, and I know she means well, but the gifts are large in quantity and make no sense for who we are. How do we politely tell her to stop buying us random items?

ABOUT C AT H E R I N E The author of One Mixed-Up Night, Catastrophic Happiness, and Waiting for Birdy, Catherine Newman has shared her wisdom on matters ranging from family and friends to happiness and pickling in numerous publications. She gets advice from her husband and two opinionated children in Amherst, Massachusetts.

In a perfect world, gift givers would know what their recipients actually want. In our world, though, it’s almost impossible to address the disconnect without sounding like an ingrate. We’ve had some luck requesting experiences versus things: You (by which I mean your husband) could say, “Our house is so full. We really have everything we need. But we’d love a night out!” Otherwise, consider this: Your mother-in-law enjoys buying you loads of discounted stuff. It’s taxing on the environment, and unwanted gifts can seem to take more than they give. But can you give her this once-a-year pleasure and then give the stuff away? Worst-case scenario, she asks after it—and you have an occasion to address the topic more directly.

I l l u s t r a t i o n s b y Yo c o N a g a m i y a

C AT H E R I N E N E W M A N I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y U L I K N Ö R Z E R

We were curious whether leftover conventions vary by culture, so we asked about it on Twitter. Sure enough, they do. “Latinx here,” one reader wrote. “Usually it’s seen as a sign you didn’t like the food if you don’t take leftovers with you.” A Polish commenter suggested something similar, as did a Southeast Asian one. So chalk it up to differences in cultural background or family tradition rather than to rudeness, draw on the values of your fellowship, and choose to feel generous instead of offended. (And flattered your guests are such fans of the rolls!) If you like, follow the advice of another commenter, who stashes away the food she wants to keep and assumes the rest will be taken home. Gracious hosting means putting your guests first, and leftovers are food you had every intention of serving. So let go of your judgment, then let go of your ham—and feel good imagining your new friends enjoying it the next day.

C .T. A S K S …

B.B. ASKS…

What’s the etiquette for reclining your seat on an airplane? Am I a jerk for reclining, or is it a small perk to take advantage of in a not-very-luxurious situation? Should you ask before you recline?

Airplane seats are like those dolls with a smiling face on one side and a sad face on the other: Just flip her hair over and imagine she’s happy! Just recline your seat and imagine someone’s tray table didn’t jerk coffee into their lap! The expectation is that we can and will recline our seats. But I’m not sure why the convention is to pretend there’s nobody back there. I prefer turning around to say, “I’m reclining my seat, OK?” I mean less “Will you give me permission?” and more “Incoming!” What I really want to say is, “We’re both people. I know you’re behind me, and I’m sorry to squash you.” (But if the rearward passenger has a cast on their leg or a baby in their lap? Please just stay upright.)

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H AV E A N E T I Q U E T T E Q U E S T I O N ? Submit your social conundrums to modernmanners@realsimple.com. Selected letters will be featured on these pages every month.

R E L AT I N G

Pet Tricks H AV I N G G U E S T S O V E R ? H E L P E N S U R E E N T E RTA I N I N G I S S M O O T H S A I L I N G F O R A L L Y O U R L O V E D O N E S , F U R RY O R O T H E R W I S E .

Clean House

Make a Better Entrance

Create a Safe Space

Keep allergies in mind during your holiday home preparations. Let guests know in advance that you have pets; they may want to take allergy meds for a couple of days before they arrive. When cleaning, wipe all surfaces to help remove dander, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on your floors, and consider washing or steam cleaning your rugs. You may want to bathe your pet and, if necessary, confine him to a separate area while your guests are visiting. If you have forced-air heating, cover the vents with cheesecloth to help keep allergens from spreading.

Ideally, visitors would pet your dog only when he’s sitting quietly with all four paws on the floor, but that’s a lot to ask of excited animal lovers. So if your pup tends to jump on visitors or bark at them as they enter, either keep him on a leash or put him behind a baby gate (or in an exercise pen) until he’s calm. You can also tempt him away from guests by giving him a chew toy, puzzle toy, or frozen treat.

If you have a shy pet, designate a place for her to hide while guests are over. For cats, this could be a room set up with things she needs, like water, treats, toys, and a litter box—just make sure you get her used to being in there beforehand. For dogs, try a small shelter in the living or dining room. Educate your guests: One of the best ways to approach a cat is to crouch down and extend a finger. If she’s up for it, she’ll likely touch you with her nose and rub her cheek on you. Have guests toss treats to your dog so they land a few feet behind him.

62 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

G E T T Y I M AG ES

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R E L AT I N G

The Tools

Keep an Eye on Kids

Give the gift of crunchy holiday cat treats! Baked with tasty, real chicken

Small guests should be allowed to shower your guy with all the love he wants—under supervision. For everyone’s safety, don’t leave pets alone around young children, and don’t let kids near your pet’s food, treats, or bed. If your cat is cool with little humans, ask the child to gently stroke his head, neck, or under his chin. Dogs usually like to be petted under their chin or around their chest. All guests should avoid the top of a dog’s head, his paws, and the lower half of his body.

AIR PURIFIER

Help make allergic guests more comfortable by filtering out dander and other airborne allergens. TO BUY: Blueair Blue Pure 211+, from $265; amazon.com.

E N T E RTA I N M E N T CENTER

O U R E X P E RT S MARILYN KRIEGER, CERTIFIED CAT BEHAVIOR CONSULTANT AND AUTHOR OF NAUGHTY NO MORE!

Fill this wobbly toy with kibble or treats to keep your dog occupied while you greet guests. TO BUY: Zogoflex Toppl Treat Toy, from $16; westpaw.com.

MICHAEL SHIKASHIO, DOG BEHAVIOR CONSULTANT AND OWNER OF COMPLETE CANINES IN MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT

H I D E AWAY

This peekaboo tunnel can make your cat feel invisible, even when she’s in the middle of the action. TO BUY: Kong Play Spaces Burrow, $24; chewy.com.

Available at a Store Near You!

64 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

NEETA OGDEN, MD, ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND IMMUNOLOGY SPECIALIST AND SPOKESPERSON FOR THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ALLERGY, ASTHMA AND IMMUNOLOGY

Give the gift of delicious, healthy BLUE treats! From crunchy baked biscuits to tender meaty morsels, BLUE™ has the treat for every occasion. So treat them like family this holiday season with these healthy favorites you’ll feel good about giving!

Available at a store near you!

Love them like family. Treat them like family.

A -

Fun for Everyone A L

+ JA

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W O R K , M O N E Y, A N D H E A L T H ADVICE FOR BUSY PEOPLE

G e n e t i c Te s t i n g

Consider Your Health Future with Care I F YO U ’R E U N W R A PP I N G A N AT- H O M E D N A K I T T H I S Y E A R , T H E R E ’ S P L E N T Y Y O U N E E D T O K N O W.

L E I G H P R AT H E R /A D O B E S T O C K

By Jeanne Erdmann

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

BAL ANCE

The Pros First and foremost, at-home medical genetic testing kits are pretty easy. Companies use the spit-in-a-tube method or something equally painless— no needle or blood test required. And the results will help you learn more about your DNA. That’s a good thing: Genes are fixed at birth, so you can use this information throughout your life. Medicine is already becoming

68 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

Think About Privacy Before doing one of the tests, consider your privacy—and your future insurance needs. True, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) protects you against discrimination by employers and health insurers based on DNA information revealed by genetic tests. But that protection does not extend to life, disability, or long-term-care insurance, so you might want to buy those policies before testing. The various testing companies all have privacy policies, but each one is different. If you read the long statements full of legalese and are still confused (you’re not alone!), call the customer care team and ask for clarifications and explanations. Remember, too, that the companies’ privacy policies may change—as can laws—and online data breaches happen all too often. Plus, as soon as you share any results on social media or ancestry websites, that information is no longer protected by a privacy policy. It’s a lot to think about—especially when the hypothetical concerns about privacy are offset by the leaps and

A F R I C A S T U D I O/A D O B E S T O C K

your nonna—she of the world-famous pasta with pignoli—is not, in fact, even uno percento Italian. But what about the next level of findings from a genetic testing kit, the kind that focus more on health risks than on ancestry? Those results can be decidedly less delightful to get back. But at-home genetic tests (like 23andMe and also more detailed, medicalfocused ones, like Color) spike in sales during the holiday season. Before you send off your vial of saliva, you should decide what you’ll do with the information (what if it’s bad news?) and what the privacy implications are. Granted, your genetic risk isn’t your health destiny— your age, gender, family history, and lifestyle all play roles too. “Genetics can’t tell you whether you will or won’t get a disease,” says Mary Freivogel, a genetic counselor and past president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. But a test can keep you informed. I T WA S S O F U N T O F I N D O U T

highly personalized—for instance, cancer therapies can be based on the genetic makeup of a tumor, and tests can help predict how your body will react to certain medications. And it’s likely to become even more so: “We’re heading toward a time when anybody who enters a hospital will have their DNA sequence performed,” says geneticist Matthew Ferber, PhD, director of the Mayo Clinic GeneGuide lab. If you know you’re at increased risk for certain diseases, you may be able to find ways to lower that risk. And if you have your genetic data on hand, you’ll be more ready to take advantage of new discoveries as researchers make them. Just 10 years ago, women who were positive for BRCA2 mutations had the option of preventive surgery to remove their ovaries and breasts. But thanks to more research, “today we’d also talk to them about melanoma and pancreatic cancer screening, and we would probably adjust their colon cancer screening schedule,” says Suzanne Mahon, RN, a genetic counselor and professor in internal medicine at Saint Louis University.

bounds medical research takes when more and more people do the testing. Researchers love DNA—it helps them find clues to the cause of diseases, and it helps them discover cures and develop new drugs. If you allow your DNA to be used for research—usually by clicking “agree” when you sign up for testing—steps are taken to keep your identity private (though all the caveats above still apply).

Select the Right Kit Before committing to one kit, decide what you want to get out of it. If you’re just curious about your genealogy and want to learn interesting tidbits about your health, you might opt for a test by 23andMe or MyHeritage. These companies, which do both ancestry and health screenings, test

for “hot spots” across your data rather than running a comprehensive test for every genetic risk factor. So 23andMe, for example, looks for three common genetic changes out of the thousands that can increase your risk for breast cancer. The quality of the data and interpretation from these services is high, says Mayo’s Ferber, but you would of course double-check any positive result with a more specific test administered by a health care professional. If you have more serious questions or hunches—you suspect you have an inherited risk for a particular disease, say—then consider tests from companies like Color, Invitae, or Helix, which provide options to target different areas of your health. Color offers a test that gives information about your risk for some cancers, as well as about how your body processes cer-

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tain medications. Helix offers a range of kits from smaller biotech companies. You can order Mayo Clinic’s GeneGuide, for example, which is partly a tutorial on genes and health but also gives information on certain conditions you may carry (such as cystic fibrosis) or how ibuprofen affects you. If you want to know more—and are willing to spend more—Veritas sequences your whole genome and shows your risk for cancer and heart disease, in addition to revealing lots of other health and ancestry information. Remember to check the cost: You get what you pay for in terms of thoroughness, and some of the most in-depth tests run up to several hundred dollars. (Find out if you can use your flex spending or HSA funds.)

BAL ANCE

Talk to Family

Call Early for Backup If you have more questions, consider talking to a freelance genetic counselor before you test. These specialists (who’ve studied genetic counseling in graduate school and completed a rigorous certification process) can help you understand the benefits, limitations, and risks and make sure you choose the right test for your needs. They can also walk you through possible outcomes and assuage any worries you might have about testing. “Pretest counseling helps prevent problems on the back end,” explains Saint Louis University’s Mahon. “We can talk about how you might manage various results scenarios and even family dynamics.” If you end up opting not to test, that’s fine—a counselor won’t pressure you. “At least you’re making an informed choice,” says Freivogel. Genetic counselors also help interpret results. Check out the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ website (nsgc.org) to find resources and a counselor near you (or one who can do a phone consultation).

70 R E A L S I M P L E D EC E M B E R 2019

Genetic testing is about families. You aren’t the only person whose life could change based on what you learn.

Understand Risk Just because a genetic test shows a positive result doesn’t mean you’re bound to get the condition (or guaranteed not to, if the result is negative). Still, the information might send you down an unexpected path. If you find out you have a high risk for heart disease, your doctor may suggest prophylactic cholesterol medication, and you’ll have to weigh the risks and benefits of taking the drug. For some cancer-related results, you may need anything from immediate riskreducing treatment to intensive surveillance. You may also need to tell family what you discovered. Because of all this, consider how you want to learn the results. With 23andMe, results come via email, and genetic counseling is not included. MyHeritage may include a session with a genetic counselor, depending on your results, while Color and Invitae provide access to a counselor no matter your results. If one or more of your genes test positive for high-risk changes on a clinical-grade test, your doctor or a genetic counselor will talk you through the results and guide you and your family on preventive care.

At its heart, genetic testing is about families. You aren’t the only person whose life could change based on what you learn. If you uncover a risk, your close family members will need to decide whether they want to be tested and how to move forward. Use that pretest session with a genetic counselor to find the best way to discuss the subject with your family. “People need to understand that this isn’t always an easy decision,” says Freivogel. There are no formal guidelines for talking to family members, and much depends on how your family communicates difficult information. Freivogel suggests saying something like this: “I’m going to do a healthrelated genetic test. If I find out I have a gene that predisposes me to a certain disease, do you want me to share that with you?” Once you’ve asked this question, employ your best listening skills: Make eye contact and paraphrase their concerns back to them. “Say, ‘Talking about cancer can be hard,’ ” suggests Joann Bodurtha, MD, MPH, professor of genetic medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. If a test comes back positive and your relatives have said they want to hear your results, try this wording from Laura Panos Smith, a genetic counselor at the Ambry Genetics lab in Aliso Viejo, California: “I have a change or mutation in a gene that puts me at higher risk for certain types of cancer. It’s not a guarantee I’ll develop cancer, but it does mean your risk may be increased too. There are things we can do to find cancer earlier and steps we can take to reduce the risk of cancer developing.” Then, like so many things in life, you’ll face it together.

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Make These Four Money Moves Before 2019 Ends S E T Y O U R S E L F U P F O R A W E A LT H I E R N E W Y E A R B Y F O L L O W I N G T H E S E T I M E - S E N S I T I V E T I P S F RO M F I N A N C I A L E X P E RT S. By Maggie Puniewska

72 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

Photographs by Corey Olsen

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY M EG A N K I A N TO S

L o o k i n g Fo r wa rd

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BAL ANCE

Consider charitable giving.

Fully fund your retirement account. Put as much as you can into a traditional 401(k) or IRA before the end of the year. A higher contribution can lower your taxable income, so you could pay less in taxes in April, says certified financial planner Misty Lynch, head of planning at John Hancock in Boston. If your company offers it, take advantage of employer matching—essentially free money for retirement. Aim to hit your contribution limit as soon as possible; waiting means losing time in the market for your investment to grow, says Manisha Thakor, vice president of financial well-being at Brighton Jones, a wealth management and financial planning firm. This year, you can squirrel away up to $19,000 in a 401(k) and $6,000 in an IRA (traditional and/or Roth). People ages 50 and over can put an additional $1,000 in an IRA. Need to catch up? If you received an annual bonus or other financial windfall, deposit all or most of it straight into your retirement account.

Do a security check. Fraud attempts rise by over 23 percent at year’s end due to holiday spending. Delete credit card and other personal info saved in your browser, says Lyn Tran, chief product officer at FigLeaf, a consumer privacy company. (Go into your browser’s Preferences to delete data and turn off autofill.) See if your bank has a virtual credit card program; instead of plugging in your card numbers during checkout, you receive a randomly generated, one-timeuse sequence. And before ordering something, always confirm that the checkout page has a secure connection. The URL should include “https,” and a padlock or key symbol should appear on the far left of the address bar.

December is a good time to be generous. If you itemize deductions, giving gifts to qualified charities before December 31 can reduce your tax bill. Use the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool on irs.gov to check whether a charity qualifies for tax-deductible donations, says Thakor. Gifts of $250 or more require a dated receipt that includes the gift amount and a description. Donations under $250 don’t require detailed records, but Thakor suggests keeping them anyway in case you’re audited. The maximum amount you can deduct for charitable donations depends on your financial situation; ask an accountant how much you should give and how often. Next year, consider making automatic monthly donations to your favorite causes. These gifts help nonprofits manage budgets and figure out what they can spend each month.

Take advantage of cheaper health care. By December, you’ve probably met your health insurance deductible, so it’s the perfect time to receive routine care and elective procedures that may cost more once January arrives, says Sharon Orrange, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Get up-to-date on immunizations, book a skin check with your derm, or finally schedule that colonoscopy. A Zocdoc survey found that November and December are typically slower months for many practices, meaning appointments might be easier to come by.

74 R E A L S I M P L E D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9

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FROM CELEBRATING THE SEASON with Holiday Blend to sipping Peppermint Mocha while adding festive touches to your home, there’s a Starbucks® coffee to make every holiday moment feel even more special.

2O19

H O L I D AY GIFT GUIDE 100-plus clever ideas for family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone else on your list PHOTO GR APHS BY T E D + C H E L S E A C AVA N AU G H

O N A RO L L

P R O P ST Y L I N G BY J OJ O L I FO R H E L LO A RT I STS

Toddlers will ride in style atop this vintageinspired push trike. TO BUY: Primo Ride-On Push Scooter, $149; moma.store.org.

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

STRIKE A POSE

Abstract tropical designs adorn these vibrant, latex-free mats. TO BUY: Adult Tropical Leaf Yoga Mat, $118; take carespace.com.

S P E A K E R TA B L E

Connect via Bluetooth to play favorite tunes by the bed. Bonus: The top acts as a wireless charging dock. TO BUY: Mensa Trndlabs Speaker Table, $168; niemanmarcus.com.

FOR

ME TIME BREW CREW

Unwinding is easy with this sampler of loose-leaf, organic Chinese teas. Choose from 10 varieties. TO BUY: Four Tin Gift Sampler, $20; littleredcuptea.com.

HAPPY FEET

Ultra-luxe slides for staying cozy. Grab a pair for the house and another to hide under the desk at the office. TO BUY: Hadley Slide, $60; sorel.com.

2 0 1 9 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 B E AU T Y S L E E P

A chic pillowcase and eye mask to guarantee sweet dreams. TO BUY: Slip Beauty Sleep Collection, $119; slip.com.

2 SOUND MACHINE

Blend nature and relaxation tracks to create custom white noise for better sleep. TO BUY: Sleep Sound Mixer, $100; bedbathandbeyond.com. 3 S M O O T H M OV E S

S O U N D M A C H I N E , R O B E , A R T T O O L S , R U L E R T O T E , A N D N A P K I N S : B R I A N H E N N , S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

This lightweight body oil is a splurge, yes, but it will leave skin feeling like it just received a fancy spa treatment. TO BUY: Radiant Multi Repair Oil, $168; cledepeaubeaute.com.

4 COZY UP GR ADE

Organic cotton socks in a basket-weave knit keep toes warm but not too hot. TO BUY: Chunky Knit Socks, $30 per pair; bollandbranch.com.

5 R E D E S I G N E D RO B E

Short-sleeved and collarless, this cotton cover-up warms without the bulk of a typical bathrobe. TO BUY: Women’s Short Robe, $135 (plus $15 for embroidery); weezietowels.com. 6 A RT F U L T O O L S

A grown-up interpretation of a childhood staple to charm the doodler in your life. TO BUY: Mixed Shapes #2, $49 for 5; retoolings.com.

7 NICE SCENT

These pretty little sculptures are actually crayons.

Neroli and jasmine delight the senses, while the exquisite bottle makes a pretty addition to a vanity. TO BUY: Flora Luminare Eau de Parfum, $160; molton brown.com. 8 RU L E R T O T E

A removable strap that doubles as a ruler makes this waxed twill bag the perfect spot for knitters to stash supplies. TO BUY: Ruler Tote, $60; crossover.industries.

9 TA K E O U T N A P K I N S

Elevate a friend’s order-in routine with these sweet embroidered linen napkins. TO BUY: Sunday Takeout Napkins, $80 for 4; chefanie.com.

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

2 0 1 9 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 TA L K I N G G L O B E

Point the stylus on this smart globe to measure distances or learn more than 1,000 facts about our planet. TO BUY: Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Globe, $100; amazon.com.

2 T R AV E L L I G H T

A beauty routine on the go: This set includes a lanolinlaced cleanser, mask, and moisturizer in TSA-approved sizes. TO BUY: Lano Jet Set Travel Essentials, $27; ulta.com.

3 O N L O C AT I O N

Memorialize travels with these copper-foil map prints of 12 major cities and a few states. TO BUY: Roam Map Print, $68 each; 42pressed.com. 4 CUSTOM SET

J E TSETTER

5 IN THE BAG

Frequent fliers can pack necessities in this versatile, monogrammable pouch. TO BUY: Cosmetic Case, $80; thedailyedited.com. 6 LINK UP

Give a trusty camera (or purse) a glitzy upgrade with this multiuse chain strap. TO BUY: Lara Chain Multi-Use Strap, $36; prettyconnected.com.

7 PHOTO BANK 6

Back up pics on this creditcard-size portable storage device to make space on a phone or camera for more. TO BUY: Portable SSD T5, from $100; samsung.com. 8 E XO T I C C A N D L E S

These coconut and mineralwax candles represent historical figures and places across the globe. Choose from five scents. TO BUY: The Nomads Candles, $65 each; nomadnoe.com.

8 80 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

L A N O J E T S E T: B R I A N H E N N , S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

R O F

Choose from nine travel accessories, like a manicure kit and lingerie bags, to make excursions effortless. TO BUY: Build Your Own Travel Kit, from $15; verabradley.com.

Naughty or Nice, something special is coming your way, starting at $69

Non-binding recommended retail prices. Items are subject to availability.

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CHIC NOODLES

S TA RT E R K I T

This set includes a Dutch oven, a skillet, and a lid that fits both—along with a handy wood trivet. TO BUY: Classic Dutch Oven Cast Iron Set, $118; store.moma.org.

R O F

Clever packaging shows off noodles in a variety of colors and textures. TO BUY: Greenomic Good Hair Day Pasta, $12 per box; neimanmarcus.com.

ENTERTAINER

S M A RT S M O C K

A secret-weapon apron with built-in pot holders and a measurement conversion chart in one of the pockets. TO BUY: Five Two Ultimate Apron, $45; food52.com.

SIPPING SAMPLER

A bold VJOP gin, classic London dry gin, and berry-scented sloe gin fill out this nicely sized set from the first copper distillery to open in London since 1820. TO BUY: Sipsmith Holiday Trio, $30; sipsmith.com.

2 0 1 9 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E 1 UPGR ADED CHEESE KNIVES

This knife-and-serving-board set tackles any cheese shape or texture. TO BUY: RBT Cheese & Knives Set, $60; bloomingdales.com.

2 C O C K TA I L G U I D E

New takes on 21 classic drinks. (Margarita fans will love the Matador.) TO BUY: Cocktails with a Twist by Kara Newman, $20; indiebound.org. 3 E L E G A N T E VO O

Made from olives that are coldcrushed within 12 hours of harvest, this beautifully packaged oil will enhance any food it touches. TO BUY: Olio Simone, $42; italianfoodandstyle.com.

2 1

4 MIX MASTER

C O F F E E B U N D L E A N D C H E E S E S E T: B R I A N H E N N , S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

Serious bakers will treasure this limited-edition mixer, which features a subtle heart pattern. TO BUY: Queen of Hearts Stand Mixer, $400; kitchenaid.com. 5 COFFEE BUNDLE

Sourced exclusively from women-owned farms, these beans are paired with a handcrafted scoop from Kenya. TO BUY: Artisan Gift Bundle, $30; mariemae.com.

6 CHEESE, PLE ASE

Nutty Gouda, double-cream Cremont, and crowd-pleasing blue cheese come complete with spiced pecans and jam. TO BUY: Host with the Most Set, $110; saxelbycheese.com.

Includes a recipe for the baker y ’s legendar y morning buns

7 V I N AU N AT U R E L

Send six bottles of California wine made from sustainably grown, minimally processed grapes. TO BUY: Les Lunes Wine Club, from $132; lesluneswine.com. 8 BAKER’S BIBLE

This reissued cult classic has fresh photography and 68 new recipes. TO BUY: Tartine by Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson, $40; barnesandnoble.com.

9 PIZZA IN A FL ASH

Get the taste of wood-fired pizza from this gas-powered tabletop oven. TO BUY: Ooni Koda Outdoor Pizza Oven, $299; thegrommet.com.

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

2 0 1 9 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 FR AMED FLOR A

Nurture greenery in any space. This shelf has brightness-control lights to help plants thrive. In five colors. TO BUY: Growframe, $160; modsprout.com. 2 F U L L C I RC L E

3 H E R B AU T H O R I T Y

This illustrated encyclopedia of 100 herbs explains their many uses and how to grow them. TO BUY: Herbarium by Caz Hildebrand, $30; thamesandhudsonusa.com.

4 BLO OMING B O OK

R O F

GREEN THUMB

In this gorgeous coffee table book, florist Amy Merrick shares flower-arranging secrets and essays about her inspirations. TO BUY: On Flowers, $35; artisan books.com. 5 ST YLISH STOR AGE

This canvas wall organizer has 20 compartments for stashing clippers, seed packets, and other supplies. TO BUY: Canvas Half-Wall Organizer, $117; thefloral society.com. 6 G E T G RO W I N G

Supply the home chef or mixologist with everything needed to plant (and maintain) a fruitful indoor garden. TO BUY: Giftable Garden with Plants, $52; gardenuity.com. 7 S TAY I N ’ A L I V E

Greenery for the botanically challenged, this 1,000piece puzzle features a lush jungle of leaves. TO BUY: Galison Houseplant Jungle 1000 Piece Puzzle, $17; amazon.com.

8 S U P P O RT I V E V E S S E L

Messages like “So thirsty” and “Please don’t die” adorn these color-dipped pots. TO BUY: Planters and Vases, $18 each; easytigerco.com.

7 8

84 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

H E R B A R I U M , C A N VA S W A L L O R G A N I Z E R , I N D O O R G A R D E N , A N D E A S Y T I G E R C O . P L A N T E R S : B R I A N H E N N , S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

These sleek vases make a statement with or without flowers. TO BUY: Loop Vase, from $140; eastfork.com.

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

3 Simple Steps to Prep for Holiday Houseguests DISCOVER FESTIVE AND FRAGRANT WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR COMPANY WITH THE GLADE® LIMITED EDITION HOLIDAY COLLECTION AT WALMART.

PREPARE SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

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MAINTAIN A COZY GATHERING SPACE

Amid the busyness of the holidays, remember that your main living spaces will serve as a relaxing area for guests to cozy up and reconnect. This season, create a more tranquil mood by adding knitted blankets, soft pillows and the glowing scent of Glade® Deep Amber Hills 3-Wick Candle. Blended notes of black currant, incense and liquid amber will ﬁll the room and ignite a feeling of calm.

ADD A FESTIVE TOUCH TO EVERY MEAL

Before you serve up your favorite seasonal recipes, make sure to carve out time to enhance your dining room atmosphere. Adding decorative dishes, patterned placemats and Glade® PlugIns® Scented Oil in Cozy Cider Sipping® scent will complement the meal and the mood. So that as you gather to eat, blended notes of apple, cinnamon and nutmeg will infuse the air with a prolonged, festive feeling.

SCAN TO DISCOVER SIMPLE WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR HOLIDAYS

C U D D LY C R E AT U R E S

Promote emotional learning by pairing snuggly toys with a book on a big topic, like authenticity or self-esteem. TO BUY: Slumberkins Snuggler Bundles, $42; slumberkins.com.

S PA C E O U T

An out-of-this-world sidewalk chalk kit. A portion of every sale goes to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for autism research. TO BUY: Mason’s Planets Sidewalk Chalk for Autism Research, $40; neimanmarcus.com.

CIT YSCAPE

This board book unfolds accordion-style to reveal fun, city-street-inspired scenes and peekaboo flaps. TO BUY: Alphabet Street, $18; indiebound.org.

FOR

LITTLE KIDS

RO C K O N

This roll-up drum pad has a headphone jack so your little musician can jam without giving the whole house a concert. TO BUY: Mukikim Rock and Roll It Drum, $70; neimanmarcus.com.

2 0 1 9 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 ALL EARS

At just over 10 inches tall, this backpack was made for the cutie in your life. In five colors. TO BUY: Little Monster Backpack, $30; parklandmfg.com.

2 WO ODEN REGISTER

A checkout station with a scanner and credit card slot so they can run their own imaginary store. TO BUY: Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Wood & Felt Cash Register Set, $30; target.com.

C A R D G A M E , L O V E V E R Y P L AY K I T, C O AT, A N D J O N K L A S S E N ’ S H AT B O X : B R I A N H E N N , S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

3 F U T U R E S AV I N G S

This sleek bank collects spare change and allowance money. TO BUY: Mini Piggy Bank, $60; pigzstore.etsy.com. 4 WILD CARD

A family-friendly game with the goal of hanging on to your cards—think Uno in reverse. TO BUY: Nope Card Game, $12; blueribbon generalstore.com.

Available in 22 animals and characters

5 T OY C H E S T

Each box of educational books and playthings is tailored to a baby’s or toddler’s cognitive growth stage. TO BUY: The Play Kit, from $72; lovevery.com.

6 TR ANSFORMER S

Hoodies ward off the wintertime chill and convert into sweet stuffed animals once your kiddo warms up. TO BUY: Rekka the Raccoon, $45; cubcoats.com. 7 SOUND MACHINE

This little llama will provide endless entertainment for toddlers exploring their musical talents. TO BUY: Musical Lili Llama, $50; manhattantoy.com.

8 B OX E D S E T

Get all the beloved picture books in Jon Klassen’s hat trilogy (I Want My Hat Back, This Is Not My Hat, and We Found a Hat), along with a frame-worthy print. TO BUY: Jon Klassen’s Hat Box, $50; indiebound.org. 7

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

2 0 1 9 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 M U S T- H AV E G A D G E T

Perfect for gaming on the go, this handheld system is compact and compatible with over 2,000 games. TO BUY: Nintendo Switch Lite, $200; nintendo.com.

2 J E W E L RY P O U C H

This faux-leather and velvet organizer has multiple compartments and drawstring pouches for storing trinkets and bangles. In five patterns. TO BUY: Hidden Gem, $39; scoutbags.com.

3 S E E -T H RO U G H S O C K S

4 ZINE MAKER

This book has tear-out pages that your budding editor can fill out and assemble to create 10 mini magazines. TO BUY: Read All About It!, $18; laurenceking.com.

FOR

TEENS & TWEENS

5 THINKING CAP

They’ll make only the best decisions while wearing this bold hat. TO BUY: Thinking Cap in Blue, $36; poketo.com. 6 C H O O S E YO U R C L A N

Each special edition represents a clan from the best-selling YA fantasy series and includes fan art and a poster. TO BUY: Children of Blood and Bone (Reaper, Burner, Lighter, Connector, or Seer edition), $23 each; barnesandnoble.com.

7 HAIR CARE

Everything required for a great hair day: a full-size blow-dryer, travel-size tools, and products to ace a blowout. TO BUY: Drybar Blowout N’ Go Out Kit, $199; ulta.com. 8 S H A DY S P E A K E R S

8 7

88 REAL SIMPLE

These stylish frames have a speaker built into each arm and produce quality sound (without disturbing others!). TO BUY: Bose Frames, $199; bose.com.

P O K E T O S O C K S , R E A D A L L A B O U T I T ! , A N D D R Y B A R K I T: B R I A N H E N N , S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

Paired with sneakers or heels, these socks add a playful pop to any look. TO BUY: Sheer Socks in Dots, $14; poketo.com.

There’s a secret pocket hidden in the crown.

1 C O N V E RT I B L E PA C K

A water-repellent carry-on bag that can be toted as a duffel or a backpack. TO BUY: Migrate Duffel 40L, $79; eaglecreek.com. 2 ESSENTIAL HEADGEAR

This unisex wool-felt hat repels rain and snow and features tuck-away ear warmers. In various sizes and colors. TO BUY: Montana Fedora, $135; tilley.com. 3 B L A N K E T S TAT E M E N T

A compact camping essential filled with 100 percent postconsumer recycled insulation. TO BUY: NanoLoft Puffy Blanket, from $149; rumpl.com. 4 CO OL (OR HOT) CANTEENS

These nature-inspired bottles keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. TO BUY: Hydro Flask Limited Edition Wonder Collection, $45 each; hydroflask.com.

R TH O E F

ADVENTURER B O O K : B R I A N H E N N , S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

5 SMOKELESS FIRE PIT

Enjoy a fire without the smoke. The size of the flames can be controlled via phone. TO BUY: BioLite FirePit Climate Neutral Edition, $200; bioliteenergy.com. 6 HIDDEN P OTENTIAL

Six storage slots are woven into this hoodie’s lining for hands-free travel. TO BUY: The Dad Hoodie, $85; thedadhoodie.com. 5

7 V E R S AT I L E S H O E

This hiking shoe is waterproof and lightweight, perfect for a morning on the mountain. The stylish leather detailing makes it suitable for a night out too. TO BUY: Men’s SH/FT Low Shoe, $100; columbia.com.

8 PA R K P R I M E R

7 8

Former ranger Jon Waterman has written the definitive guide to America’s parks. TO BUY: National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks, $65; shop.national geographic.com. DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

2 0 1 9 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E 1 D O G T OY T R I O

This three-piece set, made with natural rubber and organic cotton, is great for tuggers, fetchers, and chewers. In three colors. TO BUY: Toy Kit, $58; wildone.com.

2 C H A R M I N G M E M O RY

Immortalize a pet’s silhouette on a metal necklace. Animal Lighthouse Rescue receives 10 percent of sales. TO BUY: Cut-Out Charm, from $105; carriecramer.com.

For the dog parent who has everything: a hilarious journal for storing memories and photos. TO BUY: My Adorable Dog, $15; barnes andnoble.com. 4 S TAT E M E N T S C A R F

FOR

One-size-fits-most dog bandanas emblazoned with cheeky phrases. TO BUY: Dog Bandanas, $15 each; easytigerco.com.

PET

5 C A N I N E C H RO N I C L E S

This illustrated book shares tales (or should we say tails?) of famous dogs throughout history—from Isaac Newton’s Pomeranian to Paul McCartney’s sheepdog. TO BUY: The History of the World in Fifty Dogs by Mackenzi Lee, $20; abrams books.com. 6 T H E C AT ’ S M E O W

A tote for the feline fanatic. TO BUY: Crazy Cat Lady Canvas Tote Bag, $34; mulberry-grand.com.

7 A RT S Y O RG A N I Z E R

Hang Fido’s leash from this clever wooden holder. TO BUY: Dog Leash Holder, $69; twowoodendots.etsy.com. 8 PAW P RO T E C T O R S

Rubber booties with Velcro closures keep pups’ paws protected. In five sizes. TO BUY: WagWellies, $64 for 4; wagwear.com. Find even more shopping inspiration at realsimple.com/giftideas.

90 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

T H E H I S T O R Y O F T H E W O R L D I N F I F T Y D O G S , B A N D A N A S , A N D L E A S H H O L D E R : B R I A N H E N N , S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

3 F U R- B A BY B O O K

SAY GOODBYE TO DUST, DANDER, AND NASTIES

CLOUD CONTROL™ CLUMPING LITTER •100% DUST FREE •HYPOALLERGENIC LIGHT SCENT •BLOCKS AIRBORNE DANDER

2 0 1 9 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 S H E ’ L L M E LT W I T H YO U

With a hollow chocolate body full of peppermint hot cocoa mix and a head full of marshmallows, Carla melts down into a pot of luscious holiday hot chocolate. TO BUY: Kate Weiser Carla the Peppermint Chocolate Snowman, $38; neiman marcus.com.

PICTURE PERFECT 1

Preserve family memories and young artists’ works in these stylish photo albums that can be mixed in with your coffee table display. TO BUY: Great Art Display Book, $27, and Life in Pictures Coffee Table Photo Album, $45; blueribbon generalstore.com.

2 TRICKY TILES

3 I N S TA N T F O RT

FOR

This adorable playhouse quickly inflates to 77 inches wide and 50 inches tall with an ordinary box fan. TO BUY: Airfort, $49; amazon.com. 4 GO O GLE GAME

Can you guess the most popular queries on the internet’s biggest search engine? Players get one minute to fill in the top 10 searches for 300 prompts, like “I hate the taste of,” without peeking at their phones. TO BUY: Autocomplete: The Game, $25; barnesandnoble.com.

FA M I LY FUN 4

5 G RO U P G I F T

Coordinating sleepwear for the whole family—even the dog. TO BUY: Family Jammies, from $10; burts beesbaby.com.

Choose from onesies or separates in eight patterns. 5

6 A N C E S T RY C H A RT

Map out your family’s lineage on this print modeled after the rings of a tree. TO BUY: Fresh Retro Gallery Family Tree Chart, $17; amazon.com.

7 GA M E O N

92 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

Clamp the net onto nearly any surface and challenge family members to a snowday table tennis tournament. TO BUY: Ping Pong Play On, $35; sunnylife.com.

C H O C O L AT E S N O W M A N , A U T O C O M P L E T E , A N D FA M I LY T R E E C H A R T: B R I A N H E N N , S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

Problem-solvers can flex their mental muscles as they assemble this acrylic-andbirch brain bender. TO BUY: Rainbow Pentomino Puzzle, $25; brightbeamgoods.com.

MINI SPREADS

A delightful dose of the sweet stuff in a single-serve glass jar. TO BUY: Nutellinos, $1 each; target.com.

B RU S H W I T H P U R P O S E

CKIN

FO OT WE AR UP GR ADE

Lace up with these subtle little hits of personality. Choose from 50 styles. TO BUY: Whiskers Shoelaces, $15 each; whiskerslaces.com.

STUFFERS F

Each of these biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes supports a good cause, including women’s rights and ocean conservation. TO BUY: Bamboo Toothbrushes, $7 each; mamap.life. PONY SHOW

Coiled ties hold hairdos in place without tugging or causing breakage. TO BUY: Invisibobble Slim Trio Cracker That’s Crackin, $18; sephora.com.

P OWER TO OL

A compact gadget with a screwdriver, drive bits, and allen keys that won’t get lost in a drawer. TO BUY: Rainbow Multi Tool Set, $23; kikkerland.com.

HALLMARK HELPER

Make binge-watching holiday rom-coms even more fun with this game of chance. TO BUY: Hallmark Christmas Movie Bingo, $15; hallmark.com. FO ODIE KNIFE

Mini multitools decorated with foodie favorites, like popcorn and citrus. TO BUY: Food of the World Swiss Army Knives, $26 each; swissarmy.com.

MODERN MONOGR AM TIGHT GRIP

A pop-up handle for a phone, plus a slot to stick a work ID or ticket stubs. TO BUY: PopWallet+, $25; popsockets.com.

Confetti-filled patches to personalize a laptop or notebook. TO BUY: Stick to It Confetti Letters, $12 each; packedparty.com.

2 0 1 9 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1 ZIPPER HELPER

Attach the clip to a hard-to-reach zipper and raise it with the push of a button. TO BUY: The Best Friend, $35; bestfriendzip.com. 2 PAT C H T E S T

Give the gift of glowing skin with undereye patches and sheet masks. TO BUY: All Is Bright Set, $18; patchology.com. 3 D E C I D I N G FA C T O R

Leave decisions to chance and spin this keychain for an answer. TO BUY: Indecisive Keychain, $15; amazon.com. 4 E V E RY DAY AWA R D S

These practical prizes acknowledge skills that tend to get overlooked. TO BUY: Award Ribbons, $8 each; blueribbongeneralstore.com.

1 4

5 BEST BUDS

Z I P P E R H E L P E R , K E YC H A I N , A N D B E A R D B A L M : B R I A N H E N N , S T Y L I N G B Y M A I T R A N ; P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

A luxe leather holder for an AirPod case. TO BUY: CarryOn for AirPods, $30; intelliarmor.com. 6 HIDDEN GEM

This makeup sponge and solid cleanser come in an ornamentshaped box. TO BUY: Beautyblender Jewel Box Mystery Blind Bag, $20; jcpenney.com.

7 H O L I DAY C H E E R

Stocking-size champagne to celebrate the season. TO BUY: Rosé Brut Champagne, $22 for 375 ml; wholefoodsmarket.com.

8 BARE NECESSITIES

These minis make it easy to pluck and primp on the go. TO BUY: Travel Tool Essentials Kit, $30; tweezerman.com. 9 R E T RO W H E E L S

Pretty sitting on a shelf or zooming across the floor, these three-inch wooden racers come in seven styles. TO BUY: Candycars, $9.50 each; candylabtoys.com.

10 SCENTED STICKER

Skin stick-ons are a new way to wear fragrance. TO BUY: Perfumed Sticker, $55 for 5; diptyqueparis.com.

11 CO OL COZIES

Choose from dozens of designs for this leather-and-needlepoint sleeve. TO BUY: Needlepoint Can Cooler, $30; smathersandbranson.com. 1 2 G I F TA B L E G RO O M I N G

This oil-based beard balm doubles as a moisturizer to nourish the skin underneath. TO BUY: 18.21 ManMade Beard Balm, $24; ulta.com.

DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

BRIGHT OFFERS

EVENTS

FINDS

IDEAS

GIVEAWAYS

Ahhh... When you’re ready for bed but haven’t had time to unwind from the day, use this breathing technique to tuck yourself in. Get into bed and find a comfortable position. Close your eyes and feel the delightfulness of the mattress under you. Feel the embrace of the sheets and blankets on top of you. Then place one hand on your stomach and one hand on your chest. Notice how your hands move up and down, like a boat on a gentle tide. If your mind begins replaying what happened during the day or starts to plan tomorrow, come back to the breath and use it to find calm for the night.

E Y E E M /G E T T Y I M A G E S

—CYNDI LEE, cyndilee.com

P h o t o g r a p h b y Ka t e H o r o d y s k i

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wreath twe aks DRESS UP A STORE-BOUGHT B A S E — A N D H AV E D E C O R T H AT L A ST S W E L L PA S T T H E H O L I D AY S .

SNOW-DUSTED PINECONES Start with a whitewashed pinecone wreath, then give it a little extra dimension by attaching unpainted cones (use hot glue or floral wire). Sprigs of red berries provide a burst of color.

GOLD LEAF BY

LESLIE CORONA AND

STEPHANIE SISCO PHOTO GR APHS BY

B R YA N GARDNER FLOR AL ST YLING BY

LIVIA CETTI

A can of metallic spray paint is all it takes to transform a classic magnolia-leaf wreath into a showstopper. Pluck out a few leaves, coat them in shimmery copper, and—once they’re dry—disperse them throughout. Add a long bow for more impact.

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FA U X S H O W Decorate a eucalyptus wreath with paper flowers (they will never die…or even wilt). Stick with one color palette to keep it cohesive. TO BUY: Paper Flowers; shop.thegreenvase.com for info.

STA R G A Z E R Attach shiny celestial cutouts to a boxwood wreath. A small-to-large arrangement across the lower two-thirds gives the impression of shooting stars.

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E A RT H Y O RG A N I C S Liven up a grapevine base with rose hips, real flowers, and fresh fruit. Go with botanicals that dry nicely, like hydrangeas and amaranthus, and include a few small quince (just be sure to pluck them off and eat them).

8 VIBES TO I N S P I R E YO U We gave our editors one hour and a few supplies to spruce up the same faux wreath. Now take their ideas and run circles around them.

STA RT W I T H THE BA SE TO BUY: Canyon Pine Mixed Artificial Wreath; michaels.com for similar.

B O H O & O RGA N I C

T I M E L E S S & T W O -T O N E

Group a few succulents asymmetrically for a modern effect. TO BUY: Faux Small Tillandsias, Faux Hens + Chicks Stem, Small Agave Stems, and Faux Echevaria Picks, from $8; shopterrain.com.

Look for flowers made of wood or sturdy fabric, like burlap, that will hold their shape all year. Swap in new bows as the seasons change. TO BUY: Ashland Sedum Pick, $8; michaels.com.

N O R D I C & N AT U R A L Wooden animals give this neutral wreath a foresty feel. TO BUY: Meri Meri Woodland Wood Advent Calendar, $20; worldmarket.com.

TAC T I L E & C O L O R F U L

TEXTURED & VIBRANT

Multicolor pom-poms add playfulness. Hang a quirky ornament or monogram in the center for personality.

Incorporate dried eucalyptus, feathers, and other foliage to create a wild and wonderful display. TO BUY: Ashland Lagurus Dried Floral Bunch, $10, and Ashland Pheasant Feather Pick, $8; michaels.com.

BRIGHT & ABUNDANT

OLD-SCHO OL & CL A SSIC

Go to town with tiny ornaments. Use a cohesive color scheme for a sophisticated look. TO BUY: Miniature Bulb Set in Neutrals, $38 for 100; shopterrain.com.

Nestle groups of bells and glitter-frosted pinecones. Tie it all together with a plaid bow. TO BUY: Metallic Jingle Bells, $10 for 10; papersource.com. 12 Pack Glittered Pinecone Ornaments, $14 for 2; worldmarket.com.

Help festive door decor last all season with the tips at realsimple.com/wreathcare.

C O O L & W I N T RY Opt for traditional seasonal colors, but have fun with stems in unique textures and shapes. TO BUY: Ashland White Queen Anne’s Lace Stem, $7, Ashland Cream Amaranthus Stem, $5, and Ashland Scented Natural Bouquet, $22; michaels.com.

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YO U D O N’ T H AV E TO C H O O S E B E T W E E N G E T T I N G COZ Y A N D G O I N G O U T—T H E S E C H I C PA RT Y LO O K S L E T YO U P U L L O FF B OT H.

o c

f m

t r o

b y F L AV I A N U N E Z photographs by J O N AT H O N KAMBOURIS

S T Y L I N G B Y E L I Z A B E T H P R E S S F O R J U DY C A S E Y

Wide-leg satin pants and a chunky turtleneck look dressy and festive, but you’ll feel like you’re snuggled up on the sofa.

(This page) Velvet Devore Dot Embroidered Top, $398; toryburch.com. Gemini Pant, $395; veronicabeard.com. Alpaca Fur Pull-Through Scarf, $99; peruvianconnection.com. Rhinestone C-Hoop Earrings, $28; guess.com. Gala Wristlet Bag, $275; lizziefortunato.com. Hallie Embellished Flats, $130; bodenusa .com. (Opposite page) Lowell Sweater, $425; ramybrook.com. Satin Wide Leg Pleated Pants, $110; bananarepublic.com. Crystal Baguette Waterfall Earrings, $40; jardinjewelry.com. Calysta Handbag, $115; ninashoes.com. Desiree Sling, $325; sarahflint.com. TO BUY:

This outfit has all the comfy textures (velvet-dot top, cotton pants, furry scarf) with a tinsel-fringe bag that adds a dash of shimmer.

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A draped velvet kimono, stretchy faux-leather leggings, and comfortable high heels mean you can actually chat, snack, stand, or dance all night.

TO BUY: (This page) Travelers Reversible Velvet Jacket, $159; chicos.com. Silk Georgette Crepe Tunic, $318; eileenfisher.com. Faux Leather Leggings, $98; spanx.com. Kaylee Necklace, $198; lorenhope.com. Faux Fur Handheld Bag, $106; hattattack.com. Marc Fisher LTD Uday Heeled Western Boot, $299; marcfisherfootwear.com. (Opposite page) Popsugar Puff-Sleeve Sweater, $50; kohls.com. Pleated Flounce Skirt, $180; clubmonaco .com. Delphinus Drop Earrings, $48; baublebar .com. Val Satin Bow Minaudiere Clutch, $68; adriannapapell.com. Hadley Mule, $130; colehaan.com.

Yes, pink is totally winterappropriate when paired with a mottled black sweater. And the skirt’s elastic waistband is truly a gift that keeps giving.

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Slip a snow-white cardigan over a creamy satin slip dress for hygge-chic minimalism—then add pattern (snake-print heels) and sparkle (gold jewelry).

TO BUY: (This page) Prasong Top, $218; shopdolan.com. Black Watch Plaid Hampshire Ankle Pants, $119; talbots.com. Fit Hoop Pierced Earrings, $169; swarovski.com. The Mini Lady Bag, $228; neelyandchloe.com. Seaport Levy Tassel Fur Mules, $90; sperry.com. (Opposite page) Camellia Silk Slip Dress with Pearls, $390; the-sleeper.com. Carla Cardigan, $478; eleven-six.co. Spike Studded Wire Drop Earrings, $235; alexisbittar.com. Dannijo Elisa Necklace, $245; boxofstyle.com. Mia Large Satchel, $248; etienneaigner.com. Anny Sandals, $295; loefflerrandall.com.

The metallic top is ready to party— and the classic trousers are ready for anything. Fuzzy mules are the next best thing to wearing your slippers.

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That’s the Spirit! With these five essential bottles, you can m i x a p a r t y ’s w o r t h o f c r e a t i v e c o c k t a i l s — and whip up festive and delicious holiday dishes.

by ANANDA EIDELSTEIN photographs by G R E G D U P R E E

Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 6

1 lb. mezzi rigatoni or other short pasta 1 cup heavy cream 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 Tbsp. olive oil 5 large shallots, sliced (2 1/2 cups) 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more for cooking pasta 4 cloves garlic, sliced 1 6-oz. can tomato paste 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper 1/2 cup vodka Freshly ground black pepper, for serving pasta in a large pot of generously salted water according to package directions for al dente; before draining, ladle 1 cup pasta water into a large, heatproof bowl. Drain cooked pasta. Whisk cream into reserved pasta water. Set aside. COOK

butter with oil in a Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot over medium. Add shallots and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring often, until tomato paste starts to darken, 3 to 4 minutes. Add vodka; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. MELT

heat to low and add reserved cream mixture, several grinds of black pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until combined, about 1 minute; add pasta and toss to coat. Serve topped with several more grinds of black pepper. REDUCE

Cranberr yLemon Spritz Place 8 frozen cranberries, 1/2 Tbsp. sugar, and 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice in a tall glass. Muddle with the end of a wooden spoon until cranberries are mashed. Add ¼ cup (2 oz.) vodka and 2 Tbsp. cranberry juice cocktail. Stir, add ice, and top up with 1/2 cup chilled club soda. Makes 1.

Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka

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CampariGlazed Carrots

Gin-Infused Beets with Crème Fraîche and Rye Bread Crumbs

Campari Soda with Orange Pour ¼ cup (2 oz.) Campari into a wineglass. Fill glass with ice and top up with chilled club soda and a squeeze of fresh orange juice. Garnish with a strip of orange zest. Makes 1.

ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES SERVES 6

1/2 cup dry gin 2 1/2 lb. small to medium red beets, trimmed and halved 1 Tbsp. juniper berries 1/2 tsp. black peppercorns 1 fresh rosemary sprig 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 2 Jewish rye bread slices, torn into pieces

F O O D S T Y L I N G B Y C H E L S E A Z I M M E R ; P R O P S T Y L I N G B Y A U D R E Y D AV I S . O P E N I N G S P R E A D : TA N K C O P P E R I C E B U C K E T; T O M D I X O N . N E T F O R I N F O

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 1/2 tsp. coriander seeds, crushed 3/4 cup crème fraîche or sour cream 2 Tbsp. torn fresh dill gin and 1/4 cup water in a large pot with a lid. Add beets, juniper berries, pepper, rosemary, and 1 teaspoon salt, stirring to combine. Partially cover and bring to a simmer over mediumhigh. Reduce heat to low and PLACE

cook, covered, until beets are tender, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool, covered, for about 15 minutes. Remove beets (discard remaining mixture in pot); rub off skins using paper towels. Cut beets into wedges. WHILE beets cool, pulse bread pieces in a food processor until coarse crumbs form, 5 or 6 times. MELT butter in a large skillet over medium; add coriander and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add bread crumbs and toss to coat. Cook, stirring often, until golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.

crème fraîche on bottom of a platter or large plate. Top with beets, bread crumbs, and dill.

SPREAD

Gin and Ginger Place 3 Tbsp. (1 1/2 oz.) dry gin, 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 Tbsp. honey in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice; cover and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into an icefilled rocks glass and top up with 1/4 cup chilled ginger beer. Garnish with crystallized ginger. Makes 1.

Campari-Glazed Carrots ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 6

3 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 1/2 lb. carrots, halved lengthwise (quartered if large) 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. kosher salt 1 fresh thyme sprig 1/3 cup Campari Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, for serving butter in a large skillet with a lid over medium-high until foaming. Add carrots, sugar, kosher salt, and thyme; cook, turning carrots with tongs to evenly coat in mixture, for about 1 minute. Add Campari and 2 tablespoons water; bring to a simmer and cook, partially covered, stirring once or twice, for about 8 minutes. MELT

and reduce heat to medium. Cook, tossing often with tongs, until carrots are tender when pierced with a fork and liquid is reduced to a glaze, 2 to 3 minutes. Top with flaky salt and several grinds of pepper. UNCOVER

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Tequila Queso Fundido

Cinnamon Paloma Combine 1/4 cup (2 oz.) blanco (silver) tequila, 3 Tbsp. fresh pink grapefruit juice, 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, 1 tsp. sugar, and a pinch of ground cinnamon in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice; cover and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass and top up with chilled grapefruit soda. Makes 1.

Tequila Queso Fundido ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES

SERVES 6

1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, grated (about 4 cups)

Freshly ground black pepper, for serving

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

Fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, for serving

1 tsp. chili powder

6-in. corn tortillas, warmed, for serving

1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1 clove garlic, halved 1/2 cup blanco (silver) tequila 1 4.5-oz. can chopped green chiles 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

constantly and waiting until cheese has melted and queso is smooth before adding the next handful, about 4 minutes. Stir in chiles, salt, and several grinds of pepper. queso to a serving bowl and top with cilantro. Serve immediately with warm tortillas. (To reheat queso, microwave in a microwavable bowl on high until melted, about 1 minute, stirring halfway through.) TRANSFER

cheese, cornstarch, chili powder, and cumin in a large bowl until cheese is coated. MIX

the inside of a saucepan with cut sides of garlic; discard garlic. Add tequila and bring to a simmer over medium. Immediately add cheese mixture a handful at a time, stirring RUB

Bourbon Fruit-Swirl Bread ACTIVE TIME 40 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 4 HOURS, 45 MINUTES

2/3 cup whole milk 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed, plus more for greasing 2 large eggs 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface 2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast (from 1 envelope) 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. sugar, divided 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 cup raisins or chopped dried figs 8 dried dates, pitted 3/4 cup bourbon, warmed 1/2 tsp. orange zest (from 1 orange)

MAKES 1 LOAF

reserving 1 tablespoon bourbon; transfer to a food processor (discard remaining bourbon). Add orange zest, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon salt; pulse until a thick but spreadable paste forms, about 15 times. GREASE a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with butter. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface; roll out to a 15-inch square. Spread fruit paste evenly over dough to edges. Roll into a log; cut in half lengthwise to make 2 long pieces. With cut sides facing up, twist dough pieces together to form a long spiral; tuck ends underneath. Transfer to pre-

pared loaf pan. Cover; let rise at room temperature until puffy, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. oven to 350°F. Brush top of loaf with remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter; sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake until golden brown, 45 to 50 minutes (tent with foil after 35 minutes, if needed, to prevent loaf from overbrowning). Let cool in pan, about 10 minutes. Remove loaf from pan and transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. To store, wrap tightly in plastic wrap; keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm slices in the toaster. PREHEAT

3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted, divided milk to a simmer in a small pot over medium. Remove from heat and add cubed butter, stirring to melt. Let cool until warm to the touch, 5 to 8 minutes. Whisk in eggs. BRING

flour, yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon each cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add warm milk mixture, stirring until just combined and no dry spots remain. Transfer to a lightly floured surface; knead dough, flouring surface as needed, until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a buttered bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. (At this point, dough may be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days.) WHISK

Bourbon Fruit-Swirl Bread

Spiced Hot To d d y Toast 1 Tbsp. cracked cardamom pods and 2 star anise pods in a saucepan over mediumlow until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3 cups water and 1/3 cup honey; bring to a simmer over medium. Cook, covered, until fragrant, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in 1 cup (8 oz.) bourbon and ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; keep warm over low heat until ready to serve. Ladle into mugs and garnish with star anise. Makes 4.

mix raisins, dates, and bourbon in a bowl, pushing down fruit to submerge. Let stand for 30 minutes. Drain, MEANWHILE,

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H E L L O, NEIGHBOR W h e n l o c a l s m e e t u p w i t h re f u g e e fa m i l i e s to ex p l o re , b re a k b re a d , a n d n a v i g a t e daily life, this city becomes a friendlier place, one neighbor at a time. WRIT TEN BY

JENNIFER CHEN

PHOTO GR APHS BY

ROSS MANTLE

Thanksgiving in 2016, Sloane Davidson got a call that upended her holiday plans. Weeks earlier, she had volunteered to share a meal with a refugee family. Now a caseworker from a refugee resettlement agency was asking if she’d be interested in hosting a Syrian family—a mom, a dad, and three kids— for a meal the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The problem was, that’s when Davidson celebrated Thanksgiving with her stepfather at his house. She asked him if she could bring a family of five strangers who didn’t speak English. “You’re giving us a chance to be the kinds of Americans and Pittsburghers we say we want to be,” he responded. “How could we possibly say no?” Davidson worked with WO DAYS B E F O R E

Tika Rai (far left), Rachel White, and Aaron White sit on a couch while a few of their kids look on. DECEMBER 2019 RE AL SIMPLE

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a translator to get the family to her stepdad’s house. “There were a lot of people, but it was incredibly meaningful,” she says. “It filled my heart.” That gathering was more than a meal. A friendship began that extended long after. “I helped them read their mail,” says Davidson. “We ate meals together. We cooked together. We celebrated birthdays.” When she shared her experience on the website Medium, people wrote to her, wanting to replicate it in their own communities. Inspired, Davidson, who was pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh, used her 15 years of experience with nonprofits to launch a new organization, Hello Neighbor. The first gathering, a citywide Valentine’s Day craft event in February 2017, drew more than 300 new and longtime Pittsburghers—including the mayor. Since then, Hello Neighbor has matched 95 refugee families representing 13 different countries, including Syria, Bhutan, and Myanmar, with Pittsburgh residents. The program begins with a volunteer orientation and requires a six-month commitment of 10 hours a month. Paired-up individuals and groups attend Hello Neighbor events (potlucks, river cruises) and get together on their own for meals and outings. Volunteers also offer guidance on things like filling out health forms. As the program grows, Davidson and her team are providing leadership training to similar organizations, and she plans to expand Hello Neighbor to additional cities in the next few years. “The volunteers feel they’re becoming lifelong friends,” says Davidson. “The refugees, some of whom have experienced trauma, feel respected and heard as human beings again.” Here, three Hello Neighbor matches share stories of their cross-cultural friendships.

M O M -T O - M O M S U P P O RT

Top: The kids love to read library books together. Bottom: Tika Rai with her two sons.

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When Rachel and Aaron White signed up for Hello Neighbor, they wanted to be paired with a family. “I’m a little shy, but I thought if I was set up with another mom, we’d have more in common,” says Rachel. They met Shyam and Tika Rai, who had both left Bhutan and spent several years in a refugee camp in Nepal before resettling in the U.S., and the couple’s two sons. While I talk with them one rainy day, the kids, including the Whites’ son and daughter, are on the Rais’ couch, flipping through a stack of books. But minutes later, they’re chasing one another through the house. “The best thing that came out of spending time together was seeing Tika as another mom,” says Rachel. Group playdates were limited until Tika earned her driver’s license; Rachel helped her schedule the test

and gave her moral support. Over the past year, the four kids have grown comfortable with one another, and with the adults too. (Rachel recalls Tika’s youngest boy, Saras, plopping down in Aaron’s lap with a book.) Most weekdays, Rachel goes to Tika’s house when the younger kids get home from preschool, and the two families often visit the library, checking out books to build the children’s literacy skills. Tika hosted their first dinner together, inviting the Whites over for dumplings and Nepali tea. For Thanksgiving, Rachel and Aaron prepared a traditional dinner and invited the Rai family over. “It was the first time I tasted—” says Tika, turning to Rachel for help finding the right word. “Turkey,” offers Rachel. Back at the Rais’ house, the rain clears and the kids burst in, asking to go outside. Before the group heads out to splash in the puddles, Rachel reflects on her new friend: “I love how capable she is. It’s inspiring. I have it easy because I grew up in Pittsburgh. She can do anything she wants, and it makes me feel like I can do anything too.”

D O U B L E - DAT E R S Rachel and Justin Coaxum moved to Pittsburgh from Boston a year before becoming Hello Neighbor mentors. They had volunteered with refugees in Boston and were drawn to do so again because they could relate to the experience of settling in a new city. Plus, says Justin, as African Americans, “we know what it’s like to be a minority in this country. Any way we could help other people with the same experience was attractive.”

Clockwise from top: Gul Tabee (left) talks with Rachel Coaxum; the families, including Abdul Tabee (center) with son Wahid and Justin Coaxum (far right); tea and snacks at the Tabee house.

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“ W E K N O W W H AT I T ’ S LIKE TO BE A MINORIT Y I N T H I S C O U N T R Y. A N Y W AY W E C O U L D H E L P

I N STA N T G I R L F R I E N D S

OTHER PEOPLE WITH

When Morgan Walbert doesn’t show up regularly at Jane Langoya’s house, Jane’s children complain. “They love Morgan. They want to see her,” says Jane. Morgan and Jane met a year ago and have since gone on dozens of outings, like watching glassblowing at the Pittsburgh Glass Center and discovering dinosaur fossils at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The women are close in age—Morgan is 27; Jane is 29—but have very different lives. Jane is a married mother who came to the United States from South Sudan after a war broke out in her village. She’s raising three kids (ages 2 to 9) with her husband, Ochen. Morgan is a single, young professional who came to Pittsburgh for college. What has emerged over their yearlong friendship is more than either woman expected. “I’m from a rural town in Maryland, so I don’t have family in Pittsburgh,” says Morgan. “Jane has shared her family with me.”

THE SAME EXPERIENCE WA S AT T R A C T I V E .”

The Coaxums were matched with a family from Afghanistan. Abdul Wahid Tabee had worked for the U.S. military there and received a special visa to come to the U.S. with his wife, Gul, and their 11-year-old son. The families often bond over Afghan food, eating on a large mat on the floor, as the Tabees would do back home. “I cook for them everything,” says Gul. When Justin says he loves a certain egg dish, Abdul chimes in with the name: kuku. Rachel adds, “Gul makes an amazing chicken dish [murgh dopiaza]. We eat that often. Then we sit and talk. Time flies by.” A highlight: when the Tabees invited the couple over the day before Ramadan for a feast. “It reminded me of Thanksgiving,” says Justin. “There’s community and togetherness.” Since the Coaxums are newcomers to Pittsburgh too, they are learning about the city with the Tabees, going on picnics or checking out the botanical gardens and local auto shows. “A lot of things we do together, we are all experiencing for the first time, which is fun,” says Justin. Transitioning to America has been a challenge for the Tabees, as the customs—and languages—are vastly different. Abdul once told a woman who helped him, “Thank you. I love you,” and she admonished him. (“In my country, ‘love’ is a very respected word. If someone helps you, you need to say it,” he explains.) Abdul says, “One day, Justin asked me, ‘Can I please use your bathroom?’ I laughed. I said, ‘Why are you asking me?’ I learned that in America, if you go to somebody’s house and you want to use the restroom, you have to ask.” For Gul, chatting one-on-one with Rachel is new; in her experience, women in Afghanistan aren’t allowed to socialize with girlfriends independently or go out at night alone. When Gul arrives home by herself or shops with Rachel, she says with a smile, “This is America!” The group cracks up. “Gul has a wonderful sense of humor, so we spend a lot of time laughing,” says Rachel. “It’s a rich relationship.”

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Hello Neighbor founder Sloane Davidson plays with Jane and Ochen Langoya’s daughter (left) and niece.

H A I R A N D M A K E U P B Y B R I M AT T I S E F O R Z E N O B I A

From left: Ochen Langoya, Jane Langoya, and Morgan Walbert, with the Langoyas’ three children.

Morgan is a regular guest at Jane’s mom’s house for meals and has helped the whole family with practical matters, like finding free GED classes. At home, Jane speaks her native language, Acholi, with her children (who, except for the youngest, are in school and learning English). For Jane, it’s vital that her kids learn Acholi to converse with their grandmother and aunts and preserve their culture. Jane is learning English too. She and Morgan find it easy to communicate through daily texts. In person, they—like most Hello Neighbor matches—use a mix of talking and gesturing, turning to Google Translate when those methods fail. For native English speakers, Hello Neighbor stresses at orientation that there are lots of ways to communicate.

Before Morgan flew home for the holidays last year, she brought Jane a big slice of chocolate birthday cake because, she says, “Jane has the world’s biggest sweet tooth.” On hearing the phrase “sweet tooth,” Jane asks what it means. Morgan attempts to explain, and Jane says Morgan baked a very good cake. Jane calls Morgan her little sister, which makes Morgan chuckle. Being in Jane’s life has shown Morgan how tough it can be to feel part of American culture. “Moving from a different country is difficult. There are daily challenges: language barriers, finding a job, taking classes,” says Morgan. “They have to take a big leap of faith.” Jane chimes in: “I didn’t have someone to help me, but thank God I found one.”

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D ECE M B E R Deck the halls and dress up your dinner— at this festive time of year, a little extra richness makes a whole lot of sense. Wintry mushroom soup becomes even more comforting with some heavy cream (page 136), and generous layers of ham and Swiss turn a weeknight chicken bake into something special (page 138). Jewel-toned root vegetables make latkes more flavorful (page 142), while lazy holiday mornings with family get a dose of luxury when you add brown butter to a big batch of waffles (page 144). Joy!

Photograph by Jen Causey

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FOOD

Easy Dinner 1

Roast pork with carrots and tarragon-mustard sauce ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Make Ahead ✓ Gluten-Free

1 lb. carrots, cut into 2-in. pieces 1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 1 1-lb. pork tenderloin 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon 2 tsp. Dijon mustard oven to 425°F. Toss carrots and onion with 3 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until beginning to soften, 12 to 14 minutes. PREHEAT

heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season pork with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Move vegetables to edges of baking sheet; place pork in center (reserve skillet). Roast until a thermometer inserted in center of pork registers 140°F, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer pork to a cutting board; let rest for 5 minutes. MEANWHILE,

broth to skillet; cook over medium-high until liquid is reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, tarragon, and mustard. Thinly slice pork and serve with vegetables and mustard sauce. ADD

PER SERVING: 332 CALORIES, 19G FAT (5G SAT.), 81MG CHOL., 4G FIBER, 25G PRO., 14G CARB., 947MG SOD., 7G SUGAR

Recipes by Robin Bashinsky 134

Photographs by Jen Causey

Easy Dinner 2

Soy-glazed salmon sandwiches with watercress ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Family Friendly

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar 2 Tbsp. canola oil, divided 4 5-oz. skinless salmon fillets 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 cups watercress, tough stems removed 5 radishes, thinly sliced

FO O D ST Y L I N G BY C H E LS E A Z I M M E R ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 4 Tbsp. mayonnaise 4 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted Sweet potato chips, for serving chili sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar in a bowl. MIX

1 tablespoon oil in a heavy pan over medium-high. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on 1 side, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook, brushing with soy mixture often, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. HEAT

watercress, radishes, lemon juice, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a medium bowl. TOSS

mayonnaise on top and bottom halves of buns. Build sandwiches with salmon and watercress mixture. Serve sandwiches with sweet potato chips. SPREAD

PER SERVING: 632 CALORIES, 34G FAT (8G SAT.), 125MG CHOL., 3G FIBER, 37G PRO., 45G CARB., 1,333MG SOD., 5G SUGAR (2G ADDED SUGAR)

FOOD

Easy Dinner 3

Creamy mushroom soup with chives ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Freezable ✓ Make Ahead ✓ Vegetarian

3 Tbsp. canola oil, divided 1 small yellow onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 8 oz. thinly sliced fresh cremini mushrooms (2 1/2 cups), divided 8 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced (2 cups), divided 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped 2 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives Crusty bread, for serving 1 tablespoon oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, 2 cups creminis, and 1 1/2 cups shiitakes. Cook, stirring often, until softened, 6 to 7 minutes. Add broth, potatoes, and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Stir in cream and pepper. HEAT

remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh. Add remaining 1/2 cup each creminis and shiitakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. HEAT

soup into bowls; top with chives and sautéed mushrooms and serve with bread. LADLE

PER SERVING: 269 CALORIES, 16G FAT (4G SAT.), 17MG CHOL., 5G FIBER, 5G PRO., 28G CARB., 1,179MG SOD., 8G SUGAR

Easy Dinner 4

Mole-spiced black bean and quinoa bowl ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Make Ahead ✓ Whole-Grain ✓ Vegetarian ✓ Gluten-Free

4 cups cauliflower florets (from a 2-lb. head) 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 6 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1 1/2 cups quinoa 1 15.5-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed 6 Tbsp. jarred red mole sauce 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp. honey 4 cups baby arugula (about 2 oz.) 1/2 cup cotija cheese or queso fresco, crumbled (about 2 oz.)

oven to 450°F. Toss cauliflower, cumin, 2 tablespoons oil, and 1 teaspoon salt on a baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Roast until cauliflower is tender and caramelized, 15 to 17 minutes, stirring halfway through. PREHEAT

combine 2 cups water, quinoa, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan with a lid over high; bring to a boil. Stir and reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook until quinoa has absorbed most MEANWHILE,

of the water, 12 to 14 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl; stir in beans. dressing: Whisk mole, vinegar, honey, and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl. Transfer half to quinoa mixture; add arugula and toss gently. MAKE

cauliflower over quinoa, topped with cheese and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with remaining dressing and serve with lime wedges, if using. SERVE

PER SERVING: 773 CALORIES, 44G FAT (8G SAT.), 15MG CHOL., 12G FIBER, 22G PRO., 72G CARB., 1,418MG SOD., 14G SUGAR (4G ADDED SUGAR)

1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seed kernels (pepitas) Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

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FOOD

Easy Dinner 5

Crunchy baked chicken with ham and Swiss ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES SERVES 4

✓ Quick Cooking ✓ Family Friendly

2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 2 lb. chicken breast cutlets (about 8 cutlets) 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 cups whole milk, divided 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 3 oz. Swiss cheese, coarsely grated (about 3/4 cup) 2 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto, torn into 1-in. pieces 1/3 cup panko 12 oz. haricots verts or green beans, trimmed

138 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

broiler to high. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season cutlets with 3/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Working in batches, cook cutlets, flipping once, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Arrange cutlets in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Wipe skillet clean. PREHEAT

1 1/2 cups milk, thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan over medium-high until bubbles form around edges. Whisk flour and remaining 1/2 cup milk in a bowl until smooth; add to saucepan. Cook, whisking often, until HEAT

slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in cheese until melted and smooth. Pour cheese mixture over cutlets; top with prosciutto and panko. Broil until golden brown and bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes. add haricots verts, 1/4 cup water, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt to skillet. Cook over high until water evaporates and haricots verts are tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Serve baked chicken with haricots verts. MEANWHILE,

PER SERVING: 571 CALORIES, 25G FAT (9G SAT.), 205MG CHOL., 3G FIBER, 66G PRO., 19G CARB., 1,145MG SOD., 9G SUGAR

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FOOD

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B E S T OAT M E A L C O O K I E

Bouchon Bakery Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Mix Loaded with Indonesian cinnamon and three kinds of raisins, this mix brings the taste of the award-winning Bouchon Bakery home. TO BUY: $20; at Williams Sonoma.

B E S T G LU T E N - F R E E

Sweet Loren’s Chocolate Chunk Edible Cookie Dough Eat it raw (yes, raw!) or scoop and bake for crunchy yet chewy treats. Testers couldn’t believe this cookie dough was both vegan and gluten-free. TO BUY: $7; sweetlorens.com.

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Sur La Table Ultimate Chocolate Chunk Cookies Hefty chunks of high-quality Valrhona chocolate and a touch of sea salt make these treats a special experience. Finish them with some more flaky sea salt and no one will believe they came from a box. TO BUY: $12; at Sur La Table.

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Foodstirs Organic Brooklyn Brownie Mix This organic mix delivers top-notch fudgy brownies, studded with molten pockets of fair-trade chocolate chips. TO BUY: $6; at grocery stores.

P R O D U C T I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F M A N U FA C T U R E R S

realsimple ROAD TE ST

BEST PE ANUT BUT TER

Krusteaz Double Peanut Butter Cookie Mix A combination of peanut butter and peanut butter chips gives these cookies extra nuttiness. Don’t forget to add those crosshatch fork marks before baking. TO BUY: $3; at grocery stores.

BEST BLONDIE

The Safe + Fair Food Company Birthday Cake Blondie Mix These festive blondies are great for more than just birthdays—especially since they’re free of the eight most common allergens. TO BUY: $5; safeandfair.com.

FOOD

Better for You FA S T, H E A LT H Y, A N D F U L L O F F L AV O R . T H I S M O N T H : RO OT V EG E TA B L E L AT K E S By Robin Bashinsky

ACTIVE TIME 50 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 50 MINUTES MAKES 16 LATKES

3 large carrots (3/4 lb.), peeled 4 medium parsnips (3/4 lb.), peeled 1 small red beet, peeled 1 small yellow onion 1/2 cup cornstarch 3 scallions, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup) 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper oven to 300°F. Set a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet. Grate carrots, parsnips, and beet on the largest holes of a box grater. Grate onion to measure 1/3 cup (reserve remaining onion for another use). Stir grated vegetables, cornstarch, scallions, eggs, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until fully combined. (Do not let sit; mixture will become watery.) 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Drop latke mixture into hot skillet by 1/3 cupfuls to form 4 patties, pressing gently with a spatula to even out tops. Cook, flipping once, until latkes are golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to baking sheet and place in oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and latke mixture. HEAT

cooked latkes with 1 teaspoon salt. Stir together yogurt, dill, pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Serve yogurt sauce alongside latkes. SEASON

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Photograph by Jen Causey

FO O D ST Y L I N G BY C H E LS E A Z I M M E R ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

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FOOD

Big Batch CO O K O N C E A N D R E A P T H E R E WA R D S. T H I S M O N T H: B ROW N B U T T E R WA FF L E S By Ananda Eidelstein

ACTIVE TIME 1 HOUR, 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 20 MINUTES MAKES 12 TO 14 WAFFLES

4 large eggs, separated cup sugar 2

cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder

tsp. kosher salt

cups whole milk

tsp. pure vanilla extract Melted butter or nonstick spray, for waffle iron Maple syrup, for serving

a waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Preheat oven to 250°F. Set a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet and place in oven. PREHEAT

butter in a medium skillet over medium, stirring occasionally, until it browns and smells nutty, 4 to 6 minutes. Pour into a bowl; let cool for 5 minutes. MELT

beat egg whites with an electric mixer on high until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually beat in sugar. MEANWHILE,

WHISK flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk egg yolks, milk, vanilla, and cooled brown butter in a separate large bowl. Stir egg yolk mixture into flour mixture until evenly incorporated. Fold in egg whites until just combined.

waffle iron with melted butter or coat with nonstick spray. Spoon batter into waffle iron (about cup batter per square waffle or cup batter per round waffle). Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer waffle to baking sheet in oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter, buttering or spraying iron between batches. Serve with butter and maple syrup. BRUSH

FO O D ST Y L I N G BY TO R I E C OX ; P R O P ST Y L I N G BY C L A I R E S P O L L E N

cup (1 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for serving

Let waffles cool completely. Transfer to sealable plastic bags and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place frozen waffles directly on oven rack at 350°F until warm, about 10 minutes (or reheat in a toaster). TO FREEZE:

Pick an editor-approved tool at realsimple.com/wafflemakers.

144 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

Photograph by Greg DuPree

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holiday S O LU T I O N S Decorating and hosting guests is easy with smart, stylish solutions from Real Simple.

AVA I L A B L E E XC LU S I V E LY AT

SEE THE WHOLE LINE AT BEDBATHANDBEYOND.COM /REALSIMPLE

By Shannon Reed

“ C A N YO U B E L I E V E C O U S I N BEV SENT HER CHRISTMAS C A R D A L R E A DY ? ” DAY

She must have mailed them on Thanksgiving. Which means she wrote them on…wow.

T H E K E N N E DY C E N T E R H O N O R S F O L L O W E D BY I N S O M N I A C N I G H T O F S E L F- E X A M I N AT I O N ABOUT L ACK OF LIFETIME A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S DAY

WINTER WONDERL AND AT T I R E I N V E N T O RY DAY

Do you have a single matching set of gloves or mittens for any member of your family?

REMEMBERED TO BUY TA P E W H I L E S T I L L I N T H E S T O R E DAY

You did it! You bought the three-pack!

ENDURE A CHILD’S WINTER H O L I DAY C O N C E RT DAY

WA N D E R T H RO U G H A PA C K E D M A L L W I T H L OV E D O N E S DAY

Why do 20 off-key recorders screeching their way through “I Have a Little Dreidel” always make you cry?

Honestly, at this point, they’re out of everything. Just get some popcorn and watch the show.

DAY O F A N G S T- F R E E C A N C E L L AT I O N

N AT I O N A L G O O G L E A C H E E S E B A L L R E C I P E DAY

No one may be aggrieved by the abrupt abandonment of social plans on this special day.

For tomorrow’s party, of course.

NEW YE AR’S EVE, OR IT’S MIDNIGHT SOMEWHERE, LET’S J U S T G O T O B E D AT 9 P. M . DAY

Starts at 11 p.m. sharp!

148 RE AL SIMPLE DECEMBER 2019

You made it!

Illustrations by Joel Holland

We go the extra mile to bring the holidays to you. Even if that extra mile means navigating midtown traffic. The United States Postal Service® makes more last mile holiday deliveries to homes than anyone else in the country. TO:

Send holiday joy at usps.com/extramile

D. MCCRACKEN 501 VILLAGE RD ESTER, AK 99725

NEW

COLOR SENSATIONAL

THE CREAMS

Color so crisp, lips so smooth. Formula with pure color pigments and infused with shea butter. Josephine is wearing Hot Chase.