Recipe and Gift Idea Booklet NOVEMBER 2015 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO
The Oakdale Leader, The Escalon Times and The Riverbank News.
GIFTS GIFTS Gift for the special seniors in your life
Gift for the special seniors in your life
SHOPPING TIPS
SHOPPING TIPS Gifts to keep kids engaged Gifts to keep kids engaged
’TIS THE SEASON
’TISFriday THESurvival SEASON Black Guide Black Friday Survival Guide
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Holiday Guide
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Holiday Guide
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November 2015
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Holiday Guide
Gift Ideas for the Special Seniors in Your Life
With lifetimes of experiences and seemingly everything they could ever want or need in life already at their disposal, seniors can be difficult to shop for come the holiday season. Many even insist that their family members save their money and not buy them anything for the holidays. But if the thought of Grandma or Grandma not having something to open come the holidays is simply unacceptable, consider the following gift ideas.
Activity assistance devices
The realities of getting older often mean the body slows down and activities may not be as easy as they used to be. Many active seniors are not ready to live sedentary lives, nor should they be forced to do so. Plenty of products exist that can make life easier and more comfortable for older adults. Television amplifying headphones are one product that can be a great fit for seniors, particularly those having difficulty hearing their televisions. The headphones amplify the sound of the programming without disturbing others in the room, and many such headphones even allow users to mute their televisions. This feature is perfect
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November 2015
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for someone who likes to watch TV while a spouse is sleeping or reading in the same room. Other devices that can make life easier for seniors include magnifying products or bookholders. In addition, gel seat cushions can take pressure off of the spine in the car or at home.
Food
Food is always a handy gift because it doesn't take up much room and can be enjoyed at a recipient's leisure. Perhaps there is something the senior in your life used to enjoy as a child but now finds hard to come by. A search of the Internet may uncover that special treat. You may be able to ship a specialty soft drink or favorite cookie that is not available in a nearby store. Otherwise, ask a store manager if a particular item that's not in stock in the store can be a special order.
Photos
What grandparent does not enjoy looking at his or her family members? Computersavvy men and women can use photo software to design personalized photo books, calendars, mugs, and other photo-related gifts. Just about anything can be emblazoned with a photo, including tote bags and pillows. Another idea is to collect old photos and compile a memory book. Scan the images so they are preserved digitally and then print out the images in a book that includes the family history.
Time
Seniors who truly do not want or need anything probably will likely jump at the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Treat a friend or family member to a meal out or simply spend a few hours chatting at his or her home. Sometimes the company of a new face and good conversation is the ideal gift.
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Holiday Guide
Gifts to keep kids engaged
Store aisles are filled this time of year with every must-have gift retailers can advertise. Children often plead and beg for the hottest toys weeks ahead of the holidays, hoping to find their requests wrapped up come the big day. But once the gift wrap is torn away and kids have played with their presents for a day, some already grow bored with their new belongings and cast them aside. Certain toys are not engaging enough to warrant extended periods of play - no matter what the advertisements boast. No gift-giver wants to spend money on a present only to have it collecting dust days later. With that said, employing these strategies can help anyone select a gift that will continue to inspire Select gifts that will have a longer shelf and excite children long after the holilife, guaranteeing more opportunities for day season has come and gone. play. • Don’t believe the hype. It’s easy to fall hook, line and sinker for ultra-popular trendy gifts. While such gifts may have popular appeal, that does not mean they’re a perfect fit for your child. When shopping for youngsters come the holiday season, choose a gift because your child will truly enjoy it and not because it’s the trendy item of the year. • Focus on the play factor. Too often shoppers get caught up in toys’ appearances. Instead, think about how the toys will work with imaginative play. The more a child can envision himself doing with a particular toy, the more likely he or she will exhibit a continued interest in that toy. • Look for minimal bells and whistles. Kids often find toys that leave more room for imagination more interesting than toys that are loaded with gadgets. Children prefer to make up their own stories and create modes of play that are more about what they like rather than the ‘right’ way to play or win. • Choose gifts that grow. Shoppers want to select gifts that are age-appropriate for children so they will be safe during play time. But shoppers also should look for toys and activities that can be modified and grow with the child as he or she ages. A game that gets progressively harder through levels or a toy set that can be supplemented as kids grow older may make good gifts. Musical instruments also can grow with a child, as the instruments become easier to master with practice. • Figure out the child’s interests. Toys that cater specifically to a child’s interests will be the most warmly received. It may take going the extra mile to find a gift that matches a child’s interest rather than picking up the first trendy gift you see, but the results will be well worth it.
November 2015
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Holiday Guide
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Holiday Guide
Tasty Omelets for Overnight Holiday Guests The holiday season often finds homeowners playing host to friends and family visiting from out of town. While the holiday dinner often draws the most attention, guests need to eat breakfast as well. Holiday hosts who want their overnight guests to start their days off on the right foot should consider the following recipe for “Potato and Arugula Omelets” from Betty Rosbottom’s “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books).
Potato and Arugula Omelets Serves 2 21/2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 tablespoon olive oil 4 ounces red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed but not peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 4 eggs 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 8 cups arugula, stems discarded and leaves cleaned, dried and coarsely chopped* 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 6 tablespoons grated Gruyere cheese 1. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of the butter and the olive oil in a medium, heavy frying pan set over medium heat. When hot, add the potatoes and saute, stirring often, until light golden and tender, 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper. (The potatoes can be prepared 1 hour ahead; leave at room temperature. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.) 2. Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl and season with a good pinch of salt and the cayenne. Place the arugula in another mixing bowl and toss with the vinegar. Place the Gruyere and the potatoes each in separate bowls. Have ready a ladle for adding the egg mixture to the pan. 3. Add 1 tablespoon to a 9-inch frying pan, preferably nonstick or seasoned cast iron, set over medium heat. Swirl the butter so that it coats the bottom of the pan. When it is hot but not smoking, ladle half of the eggs into the pan and stir with the back of the fork until they start to set but are still quite liquid on the top, 30 to 40 seconds. With the fork or a nonstick spatula, lift an edge of the omelet and tilt the pan to let some of the uncooked egg mixture run underneath. Repeat this two or three more times, working your way around the pan until the eggs are cooked but remain moist on top. 4. Sprinkle half of the potatoes, then half of the cheese, and finally half of the arugula over the eggs. Let the mixture cook until the cheese begins to melt and the arugula
November 2015
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wilts only slightly, 30 seconds. Using a nonstick or metal spatula, fold the omelet in half and slide it onto a plate. Repeat to make another omelet. 5. Serve each omelet as soon as it is prepared. * You can use regular or baby arugula, but the former provides a more intense flavor.
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Holiday Guide
Make holiday decorating easier this year Follow a few strategies to make easy work of holiday decorating.
I
t is not the holiday season until homes, stores and town centers are decorated in lights and tinsel. When entire neighborhoods are enhanced by bows and animated figurines, the celebratory tone is set and decorations can trigger happy feelings associated with holiday gatherings. Some people find holiday decorating enjoyable and eagerly anticipate taking out storage containers and sorting through all of their memory-laden trinkets, while others are less enthusiastic about readying their homes for the season. No matter which group you fall into, the following are some simple tips to make holiday decorating easier. • Plan to decorate on a day when you do not have any other responsibilities. Choose to decorate on a day when you can devote your full attention to decorating, avoiding a day when you might be distracted by other things. If you prefer to decorate alone, ask a friend to watch the kids or have a spouse take them out of the house for a few hours. If decorating is a family event, find a day when everyone’s schedules are clear. • Take out the decorations the day prior. Hauling boxes and containers from the attic or basement can take a while. Take some time to move all of the decorating items to a main floor of the house the day or night before your decorating marathon. This way you won’t get discouraged or tired by
the task even before the real decorating has begun. • Put the tree up first. The Christmas tree is the a focal point of holiday decorations, so set up the tree and decorate it before you get started on decorating the rest of the house. If you do not get to all of your other decorating, at
able items. • Turn on the tunes. Working to music frequently takes your mind off of the work and will help pass the time more quickly. Have your favorite holiday playlist at the ready and turn up the volume. Sing along to the carols or contemporary songs while you are elbow-deep in decorations.
• Take some breaks. Working hungry or tired may lead to sloppy work or frustration. There’s little chance of untangling a knot in the lights with your patience in tact if you haven’t eaten for hours. Plan some time for lunch while you sit and rest. Survey least the tree will be ready and the work your home will still have some you’ve holiday appeal. Once the lights done and are on, decorating the tree is a make a great activity for keeping the kids list of busy while you handle other jobs. the next • Divide and conquer. Nothing steps. makes holiday decorating go faster than delegating decorating After the hard work of decorating, you’ll likely have a sense of tasks. Assign specific tasks to accomplishment. Now it’s time your helpers. Put one person in to enjoy the holiday scene and charge of decorating the living prepare for the excitement of the room while another handles the outside lights, wreaths and inflat- weeks ahead.
November 2015
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Holiday Gift Certificates Just in time for the holiday season! Give the gift that keeps on giving. A gift certificate for one or more food preservation workshops.
The recipient of a Gypsy Cowgirl Kitchen Co. gift certificate will choose from several workshops like: Canning Salsa, Stonefruit Jams & Jellies, Cheese Making, Pickle It and more! Workshop subjects change with the growing season.
visit
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Holiday Guide
Minimize live Christmas tree gravitate toward real trees, with their rich, earthy smell and beautiful boughs of green. While the sights and smells of real trees are what draw many people in, live trees do require more maintenance than their artificial alternatives. Falling pine needles and sap are part of the live-tree package, as is regular watering and some initial tree preparation. However, those who have their hearts set on a real tree can employ some strategies to minimize the mess. Buy a fresh tree Christmas tree lots may begin Christmas tree is often the centerpiece of holi- to crop up before Thanksgiving, meaning trees will have day decorating. Trees come in many shapes and sizes, been cut and shipped weeks before. The tree you put up in both real and artificial. Those looking for a more authentic your home may be at least two
A
months old by Christmas Day. Also, trees that are open to full sunlight at tree lots can dry out prematurely. When shopping, look for trees that seem freshly cut and have good needle retention. Grab a branch and see if the needles remain intact. Give the tree trunk a bump on the ground and assess how many needles drop to the ground. Look at the color of the tree and determine if it is wilting. These may be signs that the tree is old and on its last legs. Choose the right variety Some varieties of tree have more staying power after being cut than others. So-called “true firs,� such as noble, Fraser, Nordmann, and Turkish, usually
tree mess last the longest. Douglas fir, Scotch pine, balsam, and grand fir trees also last long after being cut. Spruce trees, which are usually the least expensive variety on lots, may only last two to three weeks. Wrap and transport Ask the tree seller to freshly cut the bottom of the tree and wrap the entire tree in twine so it will be easier to move. Place the tree on the roof of your car with the trunk facing the front of the car. This way the wind will not fan out the branches and loosen up needles. Choose the right location It may seem like a good idea to put the tree right in front of a picture window, but if that window receives ample
November 2015
sunlight, the tree may dry out more quickly, leading to falling needles. The same can be said for putting a tree too close to a heating source, like a fireplace, radiator or heating vent. A cool, shaded area is best for keeping trees fresher longer. Fit the tree in the stand while it is still outdoors and wrapped up and then move the entire product inside to the right spot. This helps minimize dirt, bark and needles getting all over the room. Time your removal Removing a dried-out tree can be a cleaning disaster. It’s better for the tree to make its exit before it withers. A tree can drink a gallon of water per day, so make sure the
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stand reservoir is adequately filled. Over time, though, the tree may stop taking in water. When this happens, it is best to take down the decorations and get ready for removal. Hiding a tree disposal bag under the tree skirt can make it easier to get the tree out to the curb. Some people find there’s less mess by clipping off the branches and removing them in one lump, rather than navigating a full tree through small doorways. Real Christmas trees can enhance holiday season ambiance and set the scene for the festivities to come. With the right care and prep work, homeowners can cut down on the mess associated with fresh trees.
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Holiday Guide
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November 2015
In the Spirit of the Holidays... You’re Invited to Attend
Westurf Nursery’s Annual Open House Thursday, November 19th 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Special vendors joining us include: • Dragon Tea Company • Siena Farms Olive Oil • Paula Cox - Unique Art Creations • Dale’s Gourmet Kettle Corn • Beverly Claussen Essential Oils
Join us for refreshments & fun! We’ll have demos & drawings throughout the evening, Special Offer
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Bring a friend & Join us for a slice of freshly baked pizza from our wood-fired pizza oven and get a head start on your holiday shopping!
Enter a drawing at the nursery during our event for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate! We are your locally owned, full service nursery! 1612 Claus Rd., Modesto
209-576-1111 www.westurf.net
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Holiday Guide
Put safe travel at the top of holiday lists
T
he nation’s highways and skyways experience an influx of travelers during the holiday season. People are on the move over the last five weeks of the calendar year, traveling near and far to spend the holidays with friends and family members they hold dear. In fact, the United States Department of Transportation says the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year. Roughly 90 percent of holiday travel takes place by personal vehicle, followed by air, bus and train, says the USDOT. With so many people on the move, the risk for accidents and other incidents increases. To keep the holidays enjoyable and safe, travelers should remember to exercise caution. • Schedule a tune-up. Make sure your car is in good working order. Check the air pressure in tires and get an oil change if it is time. Other cars on the road may kick up salt and other debris from the roadways, so be certain to top off windshield washer fluid to maintain adequate visibility. • Leave plenty of time. Expect traffic and leave extra time to get to your destination. Hurrying may cause you to increase your speed or make risky maneuvers behind the wheel that can increase your risk of accident and injury. Leave extra time as well for traveling through weather conditions like snow and sleet. • Know various routes to the destination. Volume or accidents can result in road detours. Keep a paper map in the car or rely on navigation systems. • Leave room for emergency supplies. Stock your vehicle with a change of
clothes, blankets, snacks and drinks, jumper cables, a flashlight, and additional safety supplies. Drivers should be prepared in the event of a breakdown. • Keep children entertained. A long trip can seem longer with unhappy children in tow. Plan ahead with some activities to keep kids occupied while on the road. Games, books, videos, and music can fill the time. Make frequent stops so kids can get out of the car and stretch. And don’t forget to pack some food and drinks to cut down on timeconsuming rest stop visits. • Take turns driving. Spending long hours behind the wheel can cause fatigue. Share driving responsibilities with another adult passenger to help avoid drowsy driving conditions. If no one else is available to share the load, pull over and rest from time to time. • Secure packages and luggage. Tie down items on roof racks and in rear cargo areas of SUVs and vans so they’re not moving around freely. In the event of an accident, items that are not secured can be dangerous. Pack gifts and other items so that the driver’s line of sight is not impeded. If holiday travel is in your future, remember to make safety a priority.
November 2015
$20 Will Hold Any Bike Until Christmas! Full Selection of Children, Teen and Adult Bikes!!
445 East F Street, Oakdale
847-5073
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Holiday Guide •Vintage Clothing •Linens •Cottage Dishes •Furniture
VINTAGE SISTERS 1830 Main Street, Escalon
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Norm’s Barbershop 747 West F Street, Oakdale
847-0245
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9-5 • Saturday 8-2
November 2015
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Sweet Water Leather Co. See Us at Oakdale’s Cowboy Christmas Nov. 27 & 28
• Custom Holsters,Belts, Chaps & more • Leather Repairs & Custom Designs • Leather Classes & Supplies • Largest selection of Conchos around • Tack, Saddle & Harness Hardware • Cow Hide Rugs & Custom Pillows • Jewelry & Purses
A Very Unique Western Store
1601 E. 2nd Street, Escalon (209) 838 - BITS (2487)
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Holiday Guide
We Deliver Convenience Right To Your Door We can help you get ready for the holidays & clean up afterwards.
Curtains • Table Linens Comforters • Holiday Finery Bed Spreads • Throw Rugs
FREE Pick-up and Delivery! SaveMart Center • Oakdale • 847-8555 Sylvan Avenue, Modesto • 524-0905 CVS Center • Riverbank • 869-8635 Mar-Val/CVS Shopping Center • Ripon • 599-2989
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Office 209-322-3421 • w ww.drbruceturley.com Hours: Mon 8-6, Tues 9-4, Wed 8-6, Thu 9-4, Fri 7-12
November 2015
Sunday Services:
English – 9 & 11 am Spanish – 11 am This season at River Oak Grace our new series, "A Family Thing" is marked by real love. Real love gives without expecting anything in return. Here at River Oak Grace, we believe that in working together we can deeply impact our community, and our desire is to see what could happen if we pooled our resources to give gifts, time, and money with the goal of making our great community even greater. This fall, we want to stand alongside our local partners fighting loneliness, poverty, hunger and injustice, and you can be a part!
Christmas Eve Candelight Services: 4 & 6 pm A family oriented service, including drama, worship & message
7712 Rodden Rd. Oakdale, CA 95361 209-847-9428 www.riveroakgrace.org
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Holiday Guide
Inside the Mind of a Turkey By Jesse Hirsch In a fascinating book called “The Psychology of Birds,” shrink-turned-birdwatcher Harold Burtt applies the powers of psychoanalysis to our inscrutable feathered friends, e.g., “There’s no point in asking a bluejay why he is screaming.” But, in a major scholastic oversight, Burtt forgot the turkey. Modern Farmer has picked up where the book left off. After all, Americans wolf down 46 million of these birds each November; shouldn’t we at least try to relate? Using the combined wisdom of an Ohio turkey farmer named Bill Karcher, a poultry researcher named John Anderson and some 4H essays written for children, let us provide you with some armchair insight into tomorrow’s dinner. Loneliness It’s well-documented: Domesticated turkeys always want to hang out. Even if they have lots of space to roam, they’ll stick tight; Anderson
calls it “flocking up.” Remove a turkey from his friends, he’ll squawk and make a scene. They’re not real choosy -- Anderson has seen turkeys latch onto dogs or sheep in a pinch. He even has a turkey at home that trails him like a trained pooch.
Moss Rose Bakery 113 Years of Old Fashioned Treats & Traditions
Mary Anne Heath, Celebrating 35 Years of Ownership Specializing in "baked on the bricks" breads, cakes, cookies and pastries Lunch served daily featuring fresh baked meats, Homemade soups, pasta and salads 118 N. Third Avenue, Oakdale
847-0542
6 am - 5:30 pm weekdays, 6 am - 4 pm Saturdays Closed Sun & Wed
November 2015 Fear of Death In the poultry industry, stories make the rounds about turkeys suffering heart attacks when their brethren head to slaughter. True or not, Karcher says that when a turkey dies in front of its flock, everyone else gets spooked. They all mope for a while, eating less and avoiding the death site. Luckily they get over it after a few days. “They’re either really resilient, or they’ve got bad short-term memory,” Karcher says. Growing Pains Right around the age of adolescence, male turkeys start acting like punks. They seek attention in the most desperate ways, shoving each other around and generally being obnoxious. “It’s like teen humans,” says Karcher. “They don’t have the good judgment that comes with maturity.” Motherly Love Turkey hens are like most mothers in nature -- mess with their babies and they’ll totally freak. Karcher says it can be no easy task to collect eggs during laying season. Typically docile hens have no problem rearing up and attacking a human. He says the male turkeys (toms) also will get in on the action. “You take an egg, they’re going to flog the crap out of you with their wings,” he
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says.
A Need to Be Heard Do not mock the comical-sounding gobble -- it’s a basic form of self-expression. It’s also only one of the noises turkeys make in a fairly complex arsenal of turkey communication. Turkeys possess a vast range of gobbles, clucks and yelps, with meanings ranging from “I’ll take you on, big boy” (Acker’s words) to “I’m lost” or “I’m just waking up for the day.” A Tidy Mind You’ve surely heard this one before -- in a rainstorm, turkeys will supposedly crane their necks up and drown. This myth has been roundly disproven, yet it endures. Some claim it is the necessary folklore we use to justify mass turkey slaughter (i.e., it’s OK to kill dumb things). Dr. Karl Nestor suggests that turkeys aren’t dumb, but they do like a good rainstorm. It’s like a natural shower to wash them clean. He may just be speculating, but turkeys are always preening and tamping down their feathers, a not-quiteOCD display of hygiene. Reprinted by permission of Modern Farmer. To read more articles like this or to subscribe to its magazine, visit modernfarmer.com. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Holiday Guide
Favorite Pumpkin Cheesecake The flavor of pumpkin pie in a creamy cheesecake -- the secret is that it’s baked in a water bath. Our pumpkin cheesecake is light (in texture) and rich at the same time. Quite possibly our best cheesecake recipe yet!
PHOTO CREDIT: BRIAN HAGIWARA/GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Crumb Crust: 1 cup graham-cracker crumbs 3 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted 2 tablespoons sugar
Pumpkin Cheescake Filling: 2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened 1 1/4 cups sugar 1 can (15oz.) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin-pie mix) 3/4 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons bourbon or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 large eggs Sour-Cream Topping: 1 cup sour cream 3 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Crystallized ginger strips, for garnish 1. Heat oven to 350 F. In 9-by-3-inch springform pan, with fork, stir graham-cracker crumbs, melt-
ed margarine or butter, and sugar until moistened. With hand, press mixture onto bottom of pan. Tightly wrap outside of pan with heavy-duty foil to prevent leakage when baking in water bath later. Bake crust 10 minutes. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. 2. Prepare Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling: In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat cream cheese until smooth; slowly beat in sugar until blended, about 1 minute, scraping bowl often with rubber spatula. With mixer at low speed, beat in pumpkin, sour cream, bourbon or vanilla, cinnamon, allspice and salt. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. 3. Pour pumpkin mixture into crust and place in large roasting pan. Place pan on oven rack. Carefully pour enough boiling water into pan to come 1 inch up side of springform pan. Bake cheesecake 1 hour 10 minutes or until center barely jiggles. 4. Meanwhile, prepare Sour-Cream Topping: In small bowl, with wire whisk, beat sour cream, sugar and vanilla until blended. Remove cheesecake from water bath, leaving water bath in oven, and spread sour-cream mixture evenly over top. Return cake to water bath and bake 5 minutes longer.
5. Remove cheesecake from water bath to wire rack; discard foil. With small knife, loosen cheesecake from side of pan to help prevent cracking during cooling. Cool cheesecake completely. Cover and refrigerate cheesecake at least 6 hours or overnight, until well chilled. Remove side of pan to serve. Garnish with crystallized ginger. Makes 16 servings. • Each serving: About 310 calories, 20g total fat (10g saturated), 5g protein, 30g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 95mg cholesterol, 225mg sodium. For thousands of triple-tested recipes like this one, visit www.goodhousekeeping.com/ recipefinder/. (c) 2015 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved
November 2015
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Holiday Guide
Black Friday Survival Guide Black Friday isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s a shopping event that you can’t help but try once. Be forewarned: If you go into an event of this magnitude hoping to casually scope deals as you browse the aisles, you’ll likely end up frustrated and empty-handed. Despite the frenzy broadcast on TV, saving money on Black Friday can and should be an in-and-out operation, as long as you stick to these savvy shopping tips. PHOTO CREDIT: ALURATEK.COM
• Shop with intent: Compile a spreadsheet of who you’re purchasing gifts for, including size and product model preferences. Some seasoned Black Friday shoppers even go so far as to include a column to note which store to get individual items and their store hours, as well as driving directions to each location. At the very least, you should know exactly what you’re buying and the discount or promotion that should be reflected at checkout. • Sign up for rewards programs: Major retail stores often have a loyalty rewards program that earns you points or instant cash back on all purchases, including those on Black Friday. One retail card that is particularly helpful is Target’s self-branded debit card, which provides an instant 5 percent cash back on purchases. • Comparison shop in store: While you should have your eyes specifically on list items, you might encounter a few deals inside the store that you hadn’t seen on Black Friday ads. Before adding it to your card, use your smartphone to do on-the-spot price comparisons. Stores bank on shoppers getting carried away with bulk discount bins and huge neon signs advertising a deal, but you shouldn’t take their word for it. • Tag team with a friend: If you have a few of the year’s hot items on your wish list, your trip might be more successful with the help
of a friend or family member. The extra set of eyes and hands can prove to be useful when sweeping the aisles for go-to deals. Leave children with a babysitter at home, when possible. • Shop online: Jeanette Pavini, Coupons. com savings expert, said, “Some stores will even let you make your purchases online and choose the in-store pickup location. That way you can take advantage of the convenience of online shopping but in some cases pick up your items within an hour!” • Look out for price drops: You might think your work is done as soon as you’re past the checkout counter -- it’s not. If you use a credit card to pay for your Black Friday purchase and find that the price dropped soon after, your credit card issuer might honor a pricedrop refund. For example, Discover customers benefit from up to a $500 per-claim refund maximum on qualified purchases within 90 days. Keeping your eyes open for price reductions in the months after Black Friday can mean hundreds of dollars saved. Hold onto your purchase receipt, credit-card statement with the transaction and the dated advertisement with the lower price (at times a signed letter from the store manager will suffice). (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
November 2015
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Holiday Guide
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Holiday Guide
Homemade dinner rolls for those with gluten allergies
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oliday dinners vary depending on the household, but certain staples seem to pop up no matter where you sit down to enjoy your holiday meal. Dinner rolls are one such staple, as few things supplement a hearty holiday meal better than freshly baked homemade dinner rolls. Men and women with gluten allergies may want to avoid traditional dinner rolls, but holiday hosts can take steps to ensure everyone gets to enjoy dinner rolls regardless of their dietary restrictions. The following recipe for “Dinner Rolls” from Jeanne Sauvage’s “Gluten-Free Baking” (Chronicle Books) is a gluten-free version of a beloved holiday staple.
Dinner Rolls
Makes 18 rolls 4 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 cups warm milk (about 110 F) 2 tablespoons active dry yeast 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons xanthan gum 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 extra-large eggs 1⁄4 cup neutral-flavored oil such as rice bran or canola 2 teaspoons vinegar, preferably apple cider Melted unsalted butter for brushing Tapioca flour for dusting Brush 18 standard muffin cups (one 12-cup pan and one 6-cup pan) with melted butter and dust with tapioca flour. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of the sugar into the warm milk. Whisk in the yeast to dissolve. Set aside to proof. The mixture will get foamy. If your kitchen is warm, the mixture will foam quickly, so watch it to make sure it does not overflow the bowl. In a medium bowl, mix together the allpurpose flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, salt, and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs on
medium speed until foamy, about 3 minutes. Add the oil and beat for 2 more minutes. Reduce the speed to low, add the vinegar and beat to combine. Add the yeast mixture and beat to mix. Add the flour mixture and beat to combine, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes longer. Distribute the dough equally among the prepared muffin cups and fill them about three-quarters full. With a sharp knife that has been dipped in tapioca flour, cut a deep slash in the top of each roll. Dip the knife in flour before each cut, and don’t worry if a little extra tapioca flour is left on top of the rolls. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Let the dough stand in a warm, draft-free place to rise until doubled in bulk, about 40 minutes. Brush the top of each roll with melted butter. Bake until the tops are a nice golden brown, about 20 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, loosely tent the rolls with aluminum foil. Remove the rolls to wire racks to cool. If you are serving them immediately, it’s nice to put them in a tea towel-lined blanket to keep warm. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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A tasty treat for holiday guests Aint Luverta’s Dr. Pepper Cake Makes one 9- by 13-inch cake
Cake 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 11⁄2 cups miniature marshmallows 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup Dr. Pepper 2 eggs 11⁄2 cups buttermilk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dr. Pepper Frosting 1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 6 tablespoons Dr. Pepper 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1-pound box confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease, but do not flour, a 9- by 13-inch pan. Set it aside. To make the cake, in a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Gradually stir in the sugar. Set aside. In a saucepan, heat the butter, marshmallows, cocoa, and Dr. Pepper. Stir constantly until the butter and the marshmallows are melted. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the flour mixture. Beat well. Set side. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy. Stir in the butter-
milk and vanilla extract. Mix well. Beat the egg mixture into the flour mixture until well blended and the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the center of cake springs back when lightly touched. Let the cake cool on a rack for 10 minutes. To make the frosting, in a saucepan, combine the butter, Dr. Pepper and cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat. Gradually stir in the confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is smooth, then fold in the vanilla extract and pecans. Spread over the warm cake.
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Jardin RESTAURANT
157 S. Sierra St. Oakdale
847-8209
1st Dinner Entrée 1/2 Off With Purchase Of 2nd Dinner Entrée & 2 Drinks *of equal or lesser value offer good thru 1-31-16 except Fridays at
Oakdale location only.
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Holiday Guide
A filling morning meal for overnight holiday guests
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any families enjoy hosting overnight guests come the holiday season. Waking up to a full house and enjoying a leisurely breakfast with family and friends is a great way to begin a new day, and such moments make for great opportunities to catch up with loved ones. The following recipe for “Gratin of Eggs, Leeks, Bacon, and St. André Cheese” from Betty Rosbottom and Susie Cushner’s “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books) includes the staples of a traditional breakfast: bacon, eggs and toast. But this dish also can be assembled the night before and simply popped into the oven the next morning once everyone wakes up, making it an ideal morning meal that allows hosts to join in the breakfast table conversation.
Gratin of Eggs, Leeks, Bacon, and St. André Cheese Serves 6
1 baguette, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter 6 thick slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts 6 ounces St. André cheese, well chilled (see note) 6 eggs 21⁄2 cups half-and-half 1⁄ 2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley or chives Unsalted butter, for the baking dish Generous 2 pinches of cayenne pepper 1 ⁄2
1. Arrange a rack at center position and preheat the oven to 350 F. Generously butter a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. 2. Cut enough 1⁄2-inch-thick slices from the baguette to make a single layer in the baking dish. (You will probably need between 20 and 24 slices; save extra slices for another use.) Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake without turning until crisp and very lightly colored, 10 minutes. Remove and arrange the slices in the baking dish. 3. In a medium, heavy frying pan set over medium heat, fry the bacon pieces until crisp and
browned, 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. 4. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings and return the frying pan to medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring, until just softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle the leeks and bacon over the bread slices in the baking dish. 5. Cut the St. André cheese with its rind into 1⁄2-inch cubes and scatter them over the leeks and bacon in the baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs to blend, and then whisk in the half-and-half, salt and cayenne. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Let the gratin stand at least 1 hour, or cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. (If the dish has been refrigerated, let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking if you have time. It also can go directly from the refrigerator to the oven but will take longer to cook.) 6. Bake the gratin until the egg mixture is set, the top is golden and the mixture is bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes (10 to 15 minutes longer if straight from the refrigerator). Remove and let cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with minced parsley and serve hot. (Note: St. André cheese is a mild, triple-cream French cheese with a white rind. It is available at many grocers and cheese stores. If you are unable to find it, you can substitute a triple-cream Brie.)
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Season’s Greetings Here’s hoping your Christmas is trimmed with beauty, friendship, goodwill and all the joy this special season brings into bloom. Folks like you remind us how lucky we are to be a part of such a closeknit community. Your kindness and generosity are an inspiration to us, and we are truly grateful to have neighbors like you. Thank you for brightening our year with your visits; your support and trust in us mean a lot.
Merry Christmas to you and yours. We wish you all the best, and we look forward to seeing you soon in the New Year!
The Oakdale Leader, The Escalon Times and The Riverbank News. 209-847-3021
November 2015
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Merry Christmas! Visit Kristine's for that special someone on your list! OLD FASHIONED CUSTOMER SERVICE... A PERSONAL SHOPPER TO HELP YOU FIND THE PERFECT GIFT!
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