Town Crier Holiday Gift Guide 2011

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2011

Naughty and nice Find the perfect gift and

regift those you don’t like

Another MulticomMedia Publication

2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

Trusted in Real Estate since 1928

BOSLEY REAL ESTATE LTD. BROKERAGE.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

INSIDE:

Great gift ideas, shopping tips, holiday must-haves, plus:

2011

Naughty aNd Nice Finding the perfect gift and

regifting those you don’t like

• DIY celebrations Cool crafts, yummy recipes

• Dinner disaster

What to do when the bird gets burned and Aunt Martha brings extra guests

• Gamers’ delight A novice’s guide to the latest titles

4 •

PLAY TIME: 15 terrific toys for boys and girls of all ages.

8 • 2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

Another MulticomMedia Publication

Another

MulticomMedia Publication

Diversity Publishers & Printers

Lori Abittan Publisher

PRODUCTION SERVICES

Joe Mastrogiacomo

Tony Lomuto

Doreen Iannuzzi

Kosta Ketsilis Miguel Hernandez Dino Di Maria

Vice President of Finance

EDITORIAL

Production

Eric McMillan

16 • JUST ASK ME:

Finding that right gift for your partner isn’t as hard as you might think.

Supervisor

Vice President of New Media

Advertising & Sales

EDITOR-in-chief

CRAFT SEASON: Fun do-it-yourself gifts and decorations for the holiday season.

Gordon Cameron

42 • GO LOCAL:

You don’t need to shop far off brands to find the right gift.

Jennifer Gardiner

MANAGING EDITOR

:,1

Director, Corporate Sales

Shadi Raoufi

EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR

Kathy Kerluke

Business Manager

2QH 1LJKW RXW DW &5$9,1*6 $6,$1 &8,6,1( ZRUWK

www.MYTOWNCRIER.ca

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105 Wingold Avenue, Toronto, ON M6B 1P8 For all your printing and distribution needs call: 416 785 4311 ext. 614

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For a limited time only, you can also find this guide on our corporate website: www.MulticomMedia.ca 101 Wingold Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 1P8 Tel: 416 785-4300 Fax: 416 785-7350

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How to participate (1) To enter, complete the entry form and include on this page your guess of the number of ‘ELVES’ located throughout the Town Crier 2011 Holiday Gift Guide. Mail the coupon to: Multicom Media Services Ltd., ‘ELVES’ Contest, 101 Wingold Avenue, Toronto, ON M6B 1P8 or e-mail your guess to: winhere@ multicommedia.ca. To be valid the image of ‘ELVES’ must match the image pictured above. (2) The Contest begins December 1 2011 and ends December 16, 2011. All entries must be postmarked on or before December 16, 2011. Limit one (1) entry per postage stamped envelope. No mechanical reproduction will be accepted. (3) No purchase is necessary. Prize may not be exchanged and has no cash value.

How You Could Win - The contest draw date is 12 noon, Friday, December 19, 2011. One entries will be randomly selected from a draw box containing only correct answers to how many ‘ELVES’ are found in the 2011 Town Crier Holiday Gift Guide. One entrant drawn will win a voucher to Cravings Asian Cuisine Restaurant, retail value $150. The winner will be notified by telephone that day. The winner may be asked to pose for a photograph to be used in any subsequent editions of any Multicom Media Services Ltd. newspaper. The odds of winning depend on the total number of entries received.

0XOWLFRP0HGLD Diversity Publishers & Printers

(QWU\ %DOORW Name Address City Province Postal Code Daytime Telephone Number # of ELVES

2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

Fab 15

Fun, fun, fun

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Toys, games and gadgets for every kid on your list

By Shawn Star

ids love to play. And if you’re not careful, it could be that original da Vinci piece flying off the wall when your kids fly off the handle. In order to avoid touching up a 15th-century painting, here are 15 gifts that should help keep your kids occupied — and ensure you don’t serve them their last supper.

1. Maplelea Girls new Saila Doll Recently winning the 2012 Children’s Choice Award from The Canadian Toy Testing Council for ages six and up, this line of high quality, Canadian-themed, 45 cm vinyl dolls aimed at teaching girls about Canadian culture has introduced its newest addition, Saila Qilavvaq from Iqaluit, Nunavut. Reflecting Inuit culture, Saila also has various accessories available including traditional Inuit clothing and her pet dogs Nukilik and Nanuq. Ages 6–12. maplelea.com, $99.99.

3. Snow Goggle Camera Take high-definition stills or movies on the skihill without any extra gear. The snow goggle camera provides double duty with 100 percent UV protection and a 5.0 mega-pixel wide-angle camera lens so kids can record while they board. Each set includes video goggle, USB cable, RCA cable, rechargeable lithium battery, 4GB Micro SD card, additional amber snow lens and a micro bag. Ages 12 and up. PBteen, www.pbteen.com, $310.

2. Full-sized foldaway air hockey table After taking them out to the skating rink, why not let the fun continue at home with this full-sized air hockey table, which also folds up at the end of the third period, for easy storage. When folded, it can stand on one set of legs, allowing it to be tucked away into closets or other small spaces. Ages 8 and up. Mastermind Toys, $99.95.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

4. Zoomy handheld digital microscope Let your little Einstein get a closer look with Zoomy, a powerful, handheld digital microscope that super-magnifies whatever you’re looking at. The camera is easy to use and able to be hooked up to any Mac or PC. You can also upload high-quality videos or pictures and add special effects after. Ages 4 and up. Mastermind Toys, $59.95.

5. Laser pegs construction toy This construction toy lets your kids illuminate their creations with laser pegs. Each piece has a tiny LED light inside that illuminates up when it’s connected to the power base. Ages 7 and up. Mastermind Toys, $99.95.

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6. Smart labs weird and wacky contraption lab This easy-to-construct system lets your kids build and test courses of their own design. With 60 weird and wacky components available to mix and match, the contraptions are almost unlimited. Ages 8 and up.

Mastermind Toys, $49.95.

www.RLPonYONGE.com

CORPORATE OFFICE

The Spirit of Giving

Trish Manning Broker Manager

7. Silver keepsake collection with pearls This sterling silver jewellery collection can be monogrammed to create a personalized holiday present. The hand strung freshwater pearl necklace is 41 cm long and the bracelet measures 18 cm. PBteen, www.pbteen.com, $48.24 to $110.

Continued Page 6

It is with great pride and excitement that I would like to recognize the hands-on participation, sponsored activities and commission donations made by the Realtors of Royal LePage on Yonge in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

This team effort resulted in contributing donations that assisted Interval House, a Toronto women’s shelter, in building a new children’s activity area, play area and storage facilities for program materials. The new Children’s Program area will provide children with individual and group counselling, while the Children’s Art Group teaches children to use creative outlets to work through intense emotions.

The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is Canada’s largest public foundation dedicated exclusively to funding women’s shelters and violence prevention and education programs. Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company to have its own charitable foundation. All of the administrative costs of the Shelter Foundation are underwritten by Royal LePage so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to helping our cause.

The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation assists 30,000 women and children each year by putting “abuse out of commission”. You too can make a difference by choosing to work with a REALTOR ® that “gives back” or by lending your support directly. Please visit: www.royallepage.ca/shelter *In lieu of seasonal ads our Realtors have chosen to further donate to the Shelter Foundation*

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Cont. from Page 5

8. The Snow MX ‘Snow Bike’ Part snowboard part BMX bike, The Snow MX ‘Snow Bike’ can be used on the slopes or on toboggan hills. Designed for kids up to 150 lbs., the Canadiandesigned Outer Edge products are meant for tricks, sliding or carving big turns in snow. Also available in the shape of a mini snowmobile or a combination snowboard-sled, which can be used for sitting, surfing or lying down. Ages 8 and up.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

9. Creativity for kids shadowbox scrapbook kit It’s never too early to start creating memories, and this kit helps your kids get a head start by making their own scrapbooks. It comes with everything, including markers, stickers and other accessories, so your kids can fill each of the box’s cubbies with pictures, mementos and more. Ages 7 and up. Mastermind Toys, $24.95.

10. Gross-abulary game This is a word and trivia game wrapped into one — but with a healthy mix of “gross� to give it a twist. Picture and word cards can be mixed and matched create crazy sentences and answer gross trivia questions. The whole family can have a gross — er, great — time. Ages 6 and up. Mastermind Toys, $24.95.

11. Button-making kit The button factory includes everything kids need to create their very own buttons. The doit-yourself kit comes with colourful cotton fabric, metal pin backs and fronts and a one step button-covering tool to create 25 personalized pins. Ages 8 and up. urbanoutfitters.com, $22.

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12. Star Wars Lego character encyclopedia This product can help your kids take their Star Wars or Lego collections into hyperdrive. Or, it can just be a cool book to leaf through, as it lists every permutation of the classic Lego minifigure into over 200 Star Wars characters. It even comes with an exclusive Han Solo minifigure. Ages 6 and up. Mastermind Toys, $20.99.

• 1417 YONGE ST. (at St. Clair) • • 416.923.7842 • www.fursbyleonard.com • 13. Dreamlight The dreamlight replicates the warm glow of fireflies year-round. Containing six solar-powered LEDs, which pulse on and off, the soothing light can be used as décor or as a nightlight. All ages. urbanoutfitters.com, $40.

14. 3D Colour and Glo and Magna Colour Give your kids the chance to transform their artwork into 3D. Colour and Glo and Magna Colour, which come with 3D ultra vision glasses, allows kids to enjoy everything from a double-sided game of tic-tac-toe to the ability to see their drawings come to life — or at least to 3D. Ages 4 and up. Toys “R” Us, $19.99 to $29.99.

15. Fastrack wooden game This two-sided game board has elastics on both ends and a small hole in the middle where you try to launch your wooden pucks into by using your elastic — while your opponent does the same. Ages 5 and up. Mastermind Toys, $19.95.

2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

Photo courtesy Nikki Goldman Stroh

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED ORNAMENT: With a few basic supplies you and your kids can create a reindeer you can hang on your tree.

Handmade treasures

Do-it-yourself gifts and decorations

T

By Ann Ruppenstein

is the season to be crafty.

From fun arts, crafts and activities for all ages to recipes that make great gifts, art therapist Nikki Goldman Stroh from Seasons Family Centre offered some festive do-it-yourself ideas for the holidays.

“A homemade gift is always the perfect way to show you care,” says Goldman Stroh.

Whether you want to flex your creative muscles or spend some oldfashioned quality time with family, read on for details and inspiration.

Reindeer Tree Ornament

“This is a great activity to do with your children,” says Goldman Stroh.

“The paper maché will take a day to dry so you could always do that in advance and finish the ornaments with your kids. This of course would mean there would be much less mess.”

Materials needed: Styrofoam ball (1 per ornament) Recycled newspaper Paper maché (white liquid glue, flour, water) Paint (brown) Pipe Cleaners (brown) Googly eyes

Small bell (available at dollar stores) Pompom (red) Instructions: 1. To make the paper maché, mix 1 cup of flour with some water until you get a mixture that resembles the consistency of pancake batter and then add 1 tbsp of white glue and mix together. The glue makes the paper maché stronger and more durable.

2. Rip up enough newspaper to cover each Styrofoam ball in paper maché. The strips should be roughly 5 cm by 2.5 cm. Dip the newspaper strips into the paper maché mixture

and then cover your ball by layering the paper machĂŠd newspaper. Once you have covered the entire Styrofoam ball, let the paper machĂŠ dry for one day.

3. Once the paper machĂŠ is dry paint the balls brown. While the paint dries you can work on making the antlers, which are made out of brown pipe cleaners. Cut one pipe cleaner in half

to create a base for the antlers. Bend the antlers into the desired shape and then use other strips of pipe cleaner to form the branches of the antlers.

4. Glue googly eyes on to create the eyes and a red pompom for the nose.

5. If you found small bells at the dollar store use a glue-gun to glue the bell underneath the chin of the reindeer.

The Gingerbread Wreath “Aside from being delicious and festive, the best thing about the Gingerbread Wreath is the ability to personalize it with the cookie cutters and ribbon you decide to use,� says Goldman Stroh. “It is easy to make, it just requires a few steps.�

1. Using a large bowl beat the butter with sugar until it is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg. Then beat in the fancy molasses.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, salt, cloves, cinnamon and baking soda; stir into molasses mixture in three additions, mixing well and blending with hands if necessary.

3. Divide the dough into thirds.

Form each third into a flat disc and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough until firm about two hours. Or prepare dough up to a week in advance and keep refrigerated or over wrap in foil and freeze up to two weeks in advance.

Royal Icing 3 tbsp of meringue powder 3 2/3 cups of icing sugar 1/3 cup of water 1. In a bowl, beat the meringue powder with 1/3 cup of water until foamy, about two minutes.

2. Add the icing sugar and beat until stiff (you may need to add extra water/icing sugar to get the icing to the right consistency).

bake in centre of oven at 325˚F for 15–20 minutes. Let cool on sheet on rack. (If preparing in advance: store layers between waxed paper in airtight container for up to one week or freeze for up to one month.)

7. In a small bowl, whisk 3/4 cup of the royal icing with 4 tsp to 2 tbsp water until consistency is ready to brush on. Using a kitchen paintbrush, brush icing over cutout cookies and use silver balls to decorate the cookies.

8. Use any leftover icing as glue. Put a smear on the back of the decorated cookies and glue them to the wreath.

Continued Page 10

To

Arthur Parks

Ingredients and supplies Gingerbread Dough Royal Icing Coarse white sugar Small silver balls Cookie cutters (Christmas tree and stars) Ribbon Compass Parchment or waxed paper Gingerbread dough: 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup of granulated sugar 1 egg 1/2 cup of fancy molasses 3 cups of all-purpose flour 1 tsp of ground ginger 1/2 tsp of salt 1/2 tsp of ground cloves 1/2 tsp of cinnamon 1/2 tsp of baking soda

wreath and cut out the shapes. Transfer the cutout cookies to parchment/waxed paper-lined rimless baking sheet and put into freezer until firm.

5. Sprinkle the wreath with 2 tbsp of the sugar being careful sugar does not go into cutouts. Lightly press sugar into dough. Don’t forget to put a hole through the top of your wreath so that you can hang it once its been baked.

You can use a small round cookie cutter for this or just simply use a knife.

Bake in the centre oven rack at 325˚F until slightly darker, 20–30 minutes.

Let cool on sheet on rack.

6. Remove rimless baking sheet with cut out cookies from freezer and

101 W Toron Ph: Fx:

Broker

Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season

Consistent Superior Results Photo courtesy Nikki Goldman Stroh

3. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent from drying out. Makes about 1 1/2 cups of icing.

Creating the gingerbread wreath: 1. With a compass on parchment paper or waxed paper draw two separate circles; the bigger one should be approximately 28 cm in diameter and the smaller one approximately 13 cm in diameter. You can add wavy curves to your larger circle so that your wreath has more details. Cut the two separate circles out of the paper.

2. Tear off two more sheets of parchment/waxed paper, approximately 50 cm in length. Remove one of the wrapped gingerbread dough discs from the fridge and roll out the dough to 30 cm circle between these two sheets of parchment/waxed paper.

Slide the paper and dough onto the rimless baking sheet; freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Slide the dough back onto the work surface; peel off the top of the paper.

3. Centre your larger parchment paper circle on dough, with the tip of a knife cut out the wreath shape.

Peel dough scraps from the edge and set aside. Place the smaller parchment paper circle in the centre of your wreath and using the tip of the knife cut around the circle. Remove the dough scraps from the inside of the wreath and set aside. Freeze wreath until firm, about 15 minutes.

4. Using your choice of cookie cutters, place them in a pattern on the

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2. Turn slices over and continue to bake until dried but not browned, between 60–90 minutes, letting the steam escape every 15 minutes paying attention to the small slices near the end of bake time.

3. Remove slices; let stand until completely dry, at least 12 hours (to make ahead: let stand for up to 3 weeks).

4. Using a small knitting needle, pierce fruit and then thread twine, raffia or ribbon through holes and affix to packages.

5. Tie a cinnamon stick to the citrus slices for added detail.

Mason Jar with Sugar Cookies “These personalized mason jars with sugar cookies are as fancy as they are festive,” says Goldman Stroh.

“It is important to ensure that the cookies you make are small enough to fit through the top of the jar you are using.”

Materials needed: 2 cups of all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp of salt 3/4 cup salted butter, softened 3/4 cup of white sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 325ºF. 2. In a medium bowl combine the flour and salt with a wire whisk.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed.

4. Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until well mixed.

5. Scrape down the sides of bowl and then add the flour mixture. Blend on low speed just until combined, do not over mix.

6. Gather dough into a ball. Flatten the ball into a disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or a plastic bag.

7. Refrigerate for one hour until firm.

8. On a floured surface roll out dough to a 6 mm thickness.

9. With cookie cutters cut dough into desired shapes and place on ungreased cookie sheets.

10. Bake for 13-15 minutes, being

Homemade greeting cards “Homemade cards are a nice touch because the text is personalized as well as the font, colours, stamps and ribbons used,” says Goldman Stroh. “Anyone who gets a homemade card, knows that time, effort and love were put into the making of the card.”

Photo courtesy Nikki Goldman Stroh

careful not to brown. Immediately transfer cookies to cooling rack with a spatula.

11. As a finishing touch, tie or glue a handmade or printed label to the jar.

Dried Citrus and Cinnamon for gift wrapping “Dried citrus slices with a cinnamon stick adds the perfect finishing touches to your homemade gift and to top it off they’ll make your house smell lovely,” says Goldman Stroh. “The extra slices can be used as Christmas tree decorations or added to potpourri.”

Materials needed: Citrus fruit of your choosing: lemons,

Photo courtesy Nikki Goldman Stroh

grapefruit, limes or oranges.

Cinnamon sticks Parchment paper Instructions: 1. Using a sharp knife, slice citrus fruit into 3 mm thick rounds. Bake on parchment paper-lined baking sheet in oven at 200ºF for one hour, opening door to let steam escape every 15 minutes.

Materials needed Bristol board or blank cards Ribbon, construction paper or fabric Metallic pens (optional) Scissors or scrapbooking scissors Glue Instructions: 1. Fold and cut Bristol board into the shape of desired greeting cards.

Use a ruler to ensure straight cut and fold lines. Scrap booking scissors that create zigzag or wavy lines can also be used to create different edges. You can also use another greeting card to trace a base size.

2. Cut out designs from construction paper, fabric, ribbon or any other craft material in the shape of holiday themes like presents, Christmas trees, wreaths or snowflakes. Glue or stitch shapes onto card. You can also add fake or dried

ann Ruppenstein/town crier

flowers and get creative with items you find around the house like buttons.

3. Using a metallic pen, write a personalized message inside the card or leave empty if you are creating a set of cards for someone else to give away.

Custom messages can also be printed or stamped into the card. You can also cut up old or recycled cards and incorporate them into your homemade design.

Visit www.seasonsfamilycentre.com to register for classes or workshops on these and other holiday craft ideas.

Wishing all Town Crier readers a happy Holiday Season

Men of Character from Boys of Promise

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

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2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

11

Holiday memories

Snooping and new PJs

Corallo MEN’S SALON Established 1959

To all our friends and neighbours Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season

T

- The Staff at Corallo’s

etalk hosts share their special traditions

By Ann Ruppenstein

3195 Yonge St. 416-483-7061

BEYOND MARBLE & GRANITE

Superstar Stage Show. “The best thing about it was I could put on my very own fashion show,� she says. “I loved that toy.�

She says her favourite things to eat and drink during the holiday season are eggnog and a traditional bread her mother makes out of homemade ginger beer and sorrel.

As for music, “Christmas in Hollis� by Run DMC is at the top of the chart.

After staying up a few years ago on Christmas Eve until 4:30 a.m. trying to assemble tiny figurines and gifts for her kids, Melchor says she learned her lesson and now starts setting up presents in November. “I spend the holidays surrounded by my friends and family and of course my kids,� she says. “I always feel so blessed this time of year to have so many people in my life that I love.�

Her etalk colleague Danielle McGimsie says she was notorious for snooping for gifts when she was a kid.

raci Melchor’s mom started her favourite holiday tradition when she was growing up. “Every year on Christmas we each get a brand new pair of pajamas,� she says, a tradition that etalk host continues with her kids. “The really comfy ones with the feet and the back door.�

On Christmas Eve her family also gathers around the tree and everyone is allowed to choose one present to open up early.

Of all the gifts she’s received over the years, she still remembers getting a Barbie

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SOME THINGS DON’T CHANGE for etalk hosts Traci Melchor, left, and Danielle McGimsie when it comes to Christmas. Melchor gives her kids new pajamas on Christmas Eve, the same as her mother used to while McGimsie’s clan usually gets embroiled in an epic game of Trivial Pursuit.

“One year my mom decided to lock all the presents in her luggage,” she says. “I spent every spare minute I had looking for the keys. It took me about two weeks but I found them.”

For as long as she can remember McGimsie says her family has ordered Chinese food on Christmas Eve, which remains her favourite holiday tradition.

This year she says she’ll celebrate Christmas Day with her immediate and extended family — and loads of food — after spending time in Arizona with her boyfriend and his family.

“The day usually ends with us playing an epic and ruthless game of Trivial Pursuit,” she says. “I’m the reigning champ.”

McGimsie says she’s a fan of Justin Bieber’s new holiday album Under the Mistletoe.

“He does a duet of ‘All I want for Christmas is You’ with Mariah Carey, which is my favourite holiday song,” she says.

She also likes indulging in some seasonal treats including gingerbread lattes from Starbucks and Cranberry Joy Shimmer Lotion from The Body Shop.

“It smells heavenly and gives my fair winter skin a little boost,” she adds.

When it comes to gift giving, McGimsie says she loves picking presents for her parents they would never buy themselves.

“Last year I gave my dad a pair of sunglasses he’d always wanted and for my mom some jewellery she’s never treated herself to,” she says.

On the receiving end, she says Melchor gave her a pink chopping knife last year that she really loves.

“Pink is my favourite colour and I love to cook so it really was the perfect gift,” she says. “I use it almost everyday.”

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Holiday memories

Family feasts Lobsters and lasagna graced the tables of duo Madison Violet

W

By Ann Ruppenstein

hen Lisa MacIsaac was in grade 9 she was about to spend her first Christmas without her famous fiddler brother.

“Ashley was away living with Philip Glass doing a musical in New York and my parents were pretty bummed that he was not going to be coming home for Christmas,” she says.

At around 7 p.m. that Christmas Eve she heard a knock on the front door and saw a large white delivery truck with what looked like a new freezer for her mom.

“When she went to the door Ashley jumped out of the box,” she says.

“My parents and I were elated that he made such a valiant effort to come home and he made it just in time for our Christmas Eve dinner.”

Brenley MacEachern, the other half of the Toronto-based alternative country group Madison Violet says her favourite holiday tradition growing up was the feast her father would put together.

“My father, a Cape Bretoner, would go out in the afternoon and buy us a whole bunch of lob-

sters and cook them up for Christmas Eve,” she says. “Newspapers covering the table, a hammer, cutting board and tiny bowls of white vinegar, my parents, my three siblings and I would sit around the table devouring them while the pile of shells in the middle got larger and larger — not your typical Christmas Eve dinner, but we loved it.”

To this day she still remembers asking her parents for a pair of cross-country skies when she was 10 years old and being told they were too expensive.

While she was opening gifts that year she received a pair of ski boots and was excited because she thought it meant she would only have to wait one more year for the matching skis.

“When everyone had finished opening all the gifts and I thought we were done, my mom pulled back the curtains and there were my brand new shiny red skis,” she says. “I almost passed out.”

Over at MacIsaac’s house on Christmas Eve her family would always eat a huge meal of lasa-

photo courtesy Madison Violet

FAMILY: Both Brenley MacEachern, left, and Lisa MacIsaac’s holiday thoughts turn to kin.

gna, meatballs, ribs, pies, cookies and fresh rolls, which her mom slaved over for days in advance.

“We would eat until we could barely move and then we were allowed to open one present that night,” she says. “It was a challenge trying to find what would be the most fun gift for the evening, hoping to not open socks.”

As much as MacEachern says she likes having a white Christmas and New Years in Canada, she says her family has started a new tradition and is heading to Grenada for the second year in a row.

“It’s really a nice change to be in a southern climate and witness all the Christmas lights, decorations, the family gatherings, without the cold and without the snow,” she says. “I’ll take sand over snow and 28 degrees over minus 28 degrees any day.”

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By Karolyn Coorsh he holidays are on the horizon, and you’re stressing about buying that special someone the perfect gift.

You’re not the only one.

Holiday gift-hunting can be a sensitive endeavor for many couples, says relationship expert Kimberly Moffitt, but there are ways to minimize the stress associated with the big shop.

“What I’ve seen in my practice, is it tends to be especially stressful for men,” says the Toronto-based therapist.

While women take initiative and start the gift search early, men tend to leave it to the last minute, Moffit says, which can lead to a more rushed, less thoughtful approach to holiday shopping.

Besides planning ahead, it helps to take the guesswork out of the equation, Moffitt says.

If you or your partner is waiting until the last minute, it could be because you’re

stumped, she adds.

Moffitt encourages couples to sit down together and discuss their gift wish list.

“I actually think it’s 100 percent fine for couples to talk about what they want for Christmas,” she says. “Even setting a budget with each other, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that because at the end of the day, you’re setting up the expectations and that way no one is disappointed.”

Those in a new relationship really need to communicate prior to the gift buying, as your partner may not yet know your taste or style.

“Some people have been raised with the idea that monetary gifts are better … and other people are under impression that doing something really thoughtful — it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money — means you care.”

Despite the tendency to shop last minute, Moffitt says she’s also met a lot of men who are very nervous about their choice in gift.

Relax, she says. A gift, even a poor one, shouldn’t make or break a relationship.

“If you really feel worried that your partner is going to go off or get really upset if you get them the wrong gift, then it might be a good idea to take a look at that relationship, and say ‘is there anything wrong with this conversation that we’re having?’ ” When it comes time to unwrap the gift, be gracious if what you get is not what you were hoping for, Moffitt says.

“You really just have to appreciate that your partner did put a lot of thought into it,” she says.

It’s fine for couples to talk about what they want for Christmas.

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Awkward moments

When suprises go wrong

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How to deal with another reindeer sweater without causing hurt feelings

By Tristan Carter

ou and your partner have just finished a romantic holiday dinner when he reaches under the table and pulls out a wrapped gift.

Could it be that beautiful necklace youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been telling him about for months? The one in the magazine ads you subtly scattered about the house? The one you took him to see and to try on?

You slowly open the present only to findâ&#x20AC;Ś Tube socks?

You put on a brave face, hoping this is some sort of joke only to realize heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not kidding.

So what now? You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to hurt his feelings, but you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worn tube socks since gym class in high school. Should you say something? Should you even accept this lemon of a gift in the first place? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Always,â&#x20AC;? says Leanne Pepper, manager of the University of Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Faculty Club where she teaches classes on etiquette. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whenever a

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gift is given to you, you accept it graciously. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so many people that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t receive anything this time of year so be aware of that and be grateful when somebody has taken the time to get you something.â&#x20AC;?

Once you have said thank you for the present, returning or exchanging it is an option if it came with a receipt. However, this may not always go over well with the gift-giver. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it in front of them,â&#x20AC;?

Pepper said.

Unwanted gifts can also be donated to charity and doing so may soften the blow if the gift-giver discovers that you gave away their present. Initiatives such as the United Wayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gifts-in-kind program accept donations of unwanted gifts or excess stock and send them to various charitable organizations across the city.

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Pepper said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s embarrassing if you go and regift something and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re giving it back to the person that gave it to you.â&#x20AC;?

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Gibson organizes RegiftTO, an annual event advertised on Twitter inviting people to mingle with fellow tweeters and swap their disappointing present for one more appealing to them.

“We’ve done it two years in a row and last year was obviously bigger than the year before,” Gibson said. “Nobody got their own gift so that worked out.”

She said she is in talks to plan a third event this January and will post any new information on Twitter @crystalgibson.

In order to make sure the present you give someone is not regifted, Gibson has a couple of tips.

First, stay away from clothing unless you really know the person. If you’re still at a loss, consider buying them a gift card.

“Gift cards are always a good thing,” Gibson said. “I personally love to get things like that because I can spend it on whatever.”

Some gift cards apply to entire malls while others are redeemable only at specific stores. Cardswap.ca allows people to sell unwanted gift cards to the site at less than the face value. Others can then log on the site and purchase the cards, typically for 90 percent of its value.

Pepper though, warned gift cards can sometimes be considered impersonal and recommended items showing you have invested thought and effort into a person’s present.

“I think it’s nice if you can make something homemade,” she said.

In these tough economic times many people cannot afford to buy several different gifts for all of their family, friends and co-workers. Pepper

tristan Carter/town Crier

UMMM ... THANKS? While not all gifts you receive may be what your heart desires, you don’t have to get stuck with something you don’t like just to avoid hurting the person who gave it to you.

recommended people be extra sensitive to that issue this year and suggested gifts with no financial cost, such as shovelling snow, are often considered more thoughtful and appreciated more.

“What’s most important in this day and age is just spending time with one another, helping one another out,” she said. “I think that’s one of the greatest gifts of all.”

2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

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Experience “Winning details”

ike a video game’s Easter egg, Gamerama requires a little extra effort to find.

But once inside the midtown shop, the sights and sounds of gamers’ banter is an invitation to join in the debate.

The holidays are coming, and general manager Jeff Eidelman is fielding requests and orders for what’s hot for the season.

Amid his tasks, customers ask for his opinion on what platform is better — Playstation 3 or Xbox 360? Eidelman shoots from the hip, expressing an outdated DVD system from Microsoft pales to Sony’s Blue Ray. The kids guffaw.

Eidelman shoots down another teen’s retort, “What about hacking?”

“Please, Microsoft invented the computer virus,” he says, with a smirk.

As the crowd ebbs, he notes the big thing this year is games, not consoles. Those would include first person shooters.

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is coming off the best console-selling game ever,” he says. “But Battlefield 3 has them in their sights.

“EA is certainly wanting to encroach on Modern Warfare’s turf, so you’ve got a miniscule competition going on with them.”

The previous release was Call of Duty: Black Ops and was available across all platforms. Eidelman is reticent to say he likes the game, only because it almost broke the bank for video game retailers, programmers and producers.

“Call of Duty: Black Ops was bought by every single kid last year and it was so bad, and such a good selling game that they didn’t buy anything else for almost eight months,” he says. “That actually brought our industry to its knees because all these kids were sitting at home playing this one game and not buying anything else.”

Beyond no man’s land, there is plenty of action for gamers who seek a little more adventure.

Naughty Dog’s release, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception has scored some of the highest ratings among game critics, including perfect 10s.

“Drake’s Uncharted 3 is coming off one of the best trilogy of any game, ratings wise, of all time,” Eidelman says, adding it’s a Playstation exclusive.

The series is about treasure hunter Nathan Drake, who along with his friend Victor (Sully) Sullivan and love interest Elena Fisher, bring down nefarious grave robbers.

When it comes to sequels, DC Comics’ Dark Knight, Batman, returns for another round in Arkham City by Rocksteady Studios.

This time he takes his fight to the streets of Gotham now annexed as part of Arkham Asylum.

Picking up right from the first story, Batman has to fight an unethical psychologist, Hugo Strange, in an effort to save Arkham inmates. Yes, you have to save criminals. Enter the menagerie of Penguin, Ra’s al Ghul, Two-Face, Riddler, Mr. Freeze, Joker, Solomon Grundy and Harley Quinn.

Chalk full of side missions and more cameos than a Ben Stiller film, the game will have players busy long after they finish

story mode.

It also features plenty of downloadable content, allowing playability as Catwoman, Robin and Nightwing.

For roleplayers, the big title is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim by Bethesda Softworks. The story is set 200 years after the previous release Oblivion. Players create their own protagonist and work their way to defeat the Nordic dragon god Alduin.

It’s available for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

With all this talk of swordplay, batarangs and thievery, one would think kid-friendly titles were missing. Not so.

Nintendo’s bringing back two of their biggest characters into the Christmas shopping rush: Link and Mario.

Wii will see The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and 3DS, which has lowered its console price by $100 since August, hopes to hop on the holiday wave with Super Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario

3D Land.

For those not sure of what to grab the gamer in your life, there’s always money, as second-hand deals are a good way to pick up the game you want for $15-20 cheaper.

“Some people don’t like that because they find it offensive that we’re giving them only $30 for a game they’ve bought for $67,” Eidelman says. “But I am also giving it to you less than when it came out a few days ago.”

2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

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Emergency tips

Holiday damage control What you should do when nightmares come true

P

By Ann Ruppenstein icture this: It’s 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and your family and friends are en route to your house for dinner when the phone rings. You get distracted and manage to burn the turkey and overcook the pie you were baking for dessert.

The doorbell rings and — surprise — your cousin also brought her new boyfriend and his roommate tagged along since he had nowhere to spend the holidays. Not only do you have to improvise seating arrangements, but you also didn’t prepare enough food to feed the extra guests — not to mention the fact the bloody bird is already burned to a crisp. What do you do now?

It’s safe to say the holidays can be a recipe for disaster filled with endless potential pitfalls. But fear not, we gathered some expert advice so you know how to handle even the worst-case scenarios.

Disaster # 1 Uncle Marc gives your 13-year-old daughter money to buy whatever she wants for Christmas and she wants a tattoo.

Parenting expert and psychotherapist Alyson Schafer, who also penned Honey, I Wrecked the Kids and Breaking The Good Mom Myth, says although the money your kids get over the holidays is their own, they still have to abide by the rules.

If tattoos and video games have been outlawed in your household then no amount of money should cause the existing rules to change.

“If they go buy Call of Duty and they’re eight, just because their grandparents gave them money you can still say ‘I’m sorry we still live by the house rules that you can’t have this, it’s age inappropriate.’ ” Karyn Gordon, CityLine’s relationship expert adds parents shouldn’t feel like they have no say over what kids do with the cash they receive as gifts.

Although it may seem obvious, she says, she recently had to remind some of her own clients they were still in charge.

24

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

ann ruppenstein/town crier

JUST A LITTLE DRY? In the event you scorch the bird, or find any other holiday disaster looming, there are ways to save yourself. Herein, how to help from hampering the holidays.

“I said ‘listen you are the parents, you can control that’,” she says. “It’s kind of interesting that they thought that because it was an outsider that was giving it to their kids they thought they actually had no power over it.”

However, Schafer reminds parents to talk with their kids in advance about what happens when they receive cash and whether they are allowed to spend it frivolously or have to put some aside into savings or their education fund.

“Don’t have that conversation Christmas morning where people are going to break into tears,” she says. “It’s about communication and the best time to communicate things that are contentious is to talk about them in advance.”

Disaster # 2 Is that the fire alarm going off? Overcooked is putting it mildly — your turkey is so dark it gives new meaning to the word blackened.

Nota Bene restaurant’s executive chef David Lee says your chances of a dreaded overdone bird decrease significantly if you start with fresh as opposed to frozen turkey.

“You’ll just get a much moister turkey,” he says.

Another important component, he says, is to let the turkey rest before it goes under the knife.

“What that means is at least two hours before you’re going to eat, the turkey has to sit alone just so the juices stay inside because if you cut it while it’s hot it’s just going to bleed,” he says.

If, despite your best efforts, you still wind up with a turkey that spent a little too much time in the oven, he suggests drenching it in sauce to cover up

the fact that it’s overcooked.

Toronto Cooking founder Alison Verge says although meat is somewhat unsalvageable if it is dried out or burned, there are a few things you can do to help the situation.

“When guests are not looking, fill a spray bottle with warm chicken stock and spray it over the meat as you carve it,” she says. “This does not cause the meat to be moister but the spray will prevent further drying.”

At this point she says the key to rescuing the dinner will be in the gravy, so be sure to make a lot.

“The second you put down the platter of turkey start offering everyone extra gravy,” she says. “A good gravy can make a bad turkey much better.”

Another last minute suggestion, since you can’t exactly prepare another turkey in time, is to strive for a blackened flavour by rubbing cajun spices onto the skin or by adding a sauce or spice that complements a smoked flavour like chipotle.

Then, as a final and important step, cook Trish Magwood says to, “turn down the lights and pour that wine.”

All jokes aside, to prepare for any extra or unplanned dinner guests, Magwood says it’s a good idea to stock up on groceries.

“I always feel like at holiday time I’m shopping like I’m preparing for a flood and like we’re not going to be able make it to the store that’s a few minutes away,” she says.

“I have this need to nest and stock up and I think part of it is because of store closings at holiday time, but you never really know. You might have more people, you might have less people, so don’t be afraid to shop and stock up a little bit and pick dishes that allow you to ramp up and allow you to

double it.”

Disaster # 3 Uncle Vinnie has hit the vino a little too hard and still wants to drive home.

Arrive Alive Drive Sober’s executive director Anne Leonard says while hosting a holiday party can be a lot of fun it also comes with a lot of responsibility.

Although many people feel awkward taking keys away from family members, she says hosts can be assertive and tell guests they took the initiative to arrange rides because they wanted to make sure everyone had as much fun as possible.

She says arranging for a sober driver is a good way to ensure your guests make it home safely, whether it’s with a designated driver or a taxi.

“Having alcohol-free drinks for your designated driver will help facilitate their decision and commitment and more and more drivers are willing to part with their keys as awareness levels and guilt-free discussions have taken place,” she says.

In addition to having extra cab fare available for anyone who needs it, she says hosts should also be prepared for guests to spend the night.

However, Leonard warns many people need to be aware they may still be over the legal limit the next morning depending on how much they drank and how much time has elapsed.

Another tip Leonard has for party hosts is to have a “meet, greet and repeat” system in place to find out if their guests plan on driving when they arrive, if they’ve already knocked back some drinks prior to getting there and checking sobriety levels throughout the night.

“Check in on your guests through the evening and make sure none are imbibing to excess,” Leonard says. “If

they are, subtly offer them something alcohol free like punch or coffee. It’s sometimes easier to avert an issue than to address one.”

Disaster # 4 You show up to your office holiday party and low and behold Suzy from accounting is wearing the same dress as you.

“As women, our worst nightmare is showing up to an evening event wearing the same outfit as another guest,” says fashion expert Erin Nadler, the founder of Better Styled.

Since going home to change isn’t a realistic option, she suggests making light of the situation by taking a picture with your dress double or joking about it rather than hiding in the opposite corner of the room all night.

“Unless you are purchasing a couture dress there are no guarantees of originality,” she says. “The only way to keep things original is to take your outfit and make it originally you — add accessories, change up the shoes and keep things interesting with texture and colours.”

Equally horrific for many women is when they are getting ready for a festive soiree only to discover the outfit they were planning to wear no longer fits, leaving them with nothing to wear.

When this happens Nadler suggests taking a look at your closet to find pieces you can mix and match together.

“If you are attending a casual party why not take your favourite dark denim jean and pair it back to a white blouse and fur vest or wear a black dress and add a thick zipper belt and red pumps,” she says.

She says accessories vamp up the look of a basic black dress and suggests adding elements of colour, texture like fur, leather and suede or oversized and

cally told her not to go overboard with gifts.

detailed shawls and scarves.

Disaster # 5

Author Karyn Gordon, who has written books like Dr. Karyn’s Guide to the Teen Years, says it’s difficult to teach kids the value of money when they’re getting a lot of freebies.

“It is really hindering in terms of Continued Page 26

Grandma Betty wants to spoil her grandkids — your children — with an abundance of cash and a slew of big-ticket items. Not only do they not understand and appreciate the value of a dollar but you’re also mad because you specifi-

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2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

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their kids’ ability to understand money and how money works,” she says.

Her suggestion is to encourage people to give gifts instead of cash. Since many extended family members usually resort to money because they don’t know what to buy, she suggests getting your kids to make a list of items they’d like to receive to distribute amongst family.

“It’s also good to kind of help your kids, you don’t want to be recommending some $500 gifts in there so you have to kind of say why don’t you write out five to 10 items you’d really love that are all under a $50 mark so you’re giving some kind of a boundary.”

Rogers’ The Parenting Show, host Alyson Schafer says parents who worry all the values they’ve instilled in their kids are going to go out the window when they get spoiled, should focus more on the example they are setting by taking a stance.

“The fact that grandma and grandpa want to be spoiling and showering them with gifts is not going to make an indulgent child and exposure to people who don’t live life by your values is not going to kibosh all your hard work,” she says.

“When you say ‘yes’ to I want to represent my values so I’m going to get into a fight and get in conflict with my parents you are saying ‘no’ to showing your children what a harmonious intergenerational relationship looks like.

“The conflict isn’t worth, in my opinion, the worry about the values.”

When all else fails

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

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When all else fails Schafer says she wants people to

focus on what’s really important.

“We need to remember that the holidays really are about getting together and loving one another,” she says.

Although people may not be able to change their situation, she says, they can always change their attitude.

“We should be thankful we’re alive,” Schafer says.

“Thankful that our cousins are here, thankful that we’ve got this messy house full of a bunch of people who all do things differently and in a sense celebrate the craziness that is our family life rather than once again being reminded that we wish it was different.”

Tips on preventing food disasters Fast food fixes by Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat from the cookbook Bite Me.

a raw potato (peeled and cut into chunks) to soak up some of the salt by simmering for 15 minutes and then removing the potato. As well, sugar and cider vinegar (1 teaspoon of each) can also neutralize the damage. Finally, adding extra vegetables will go far in diluting the excess.

Curse you telephone for ringing. Without fail, I say “hello” and instantly morph into Blunder Woman.

A great convo has caused me to: use coriander instead of parsley, salt in place of sugar, burn everything from toast to rice and has led to the top getting blown off a pressure cooker.

Friends, if you’re reading this, don’t call me during cooking time.

But, if you must, here’s what I’ll do should (read: when) things go wrong…

My mouth is a 10-alarm blaze Spice is nice in salsa, chili and curry, but, if there’s too much, here are a few handy-dandy extinguishers: sugar (a can of crushed pineapple in the salsa or chili), acids (lime juice in the salsa) or dairy (yogurt in the curry, sour cream to top the chili).

The soup is a salt mine You read tablespoon instead of teaspoon and end up with a pot of sodium soup. You can add

The vegetables are overcooked If only there was Viagra for limp vegetables. But until that

invention comes around we will have to put them in the food processor and puree. Some suggestions include broccoli or cauliflower with cheddar and fresh herbs, carrots with cream and salt or sweet potatoes with maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon.

The cookies are baking unevenly Remove the slightly brown cookies to a cooling rack. Return the under-baked cookies to the oven; make sure the tray is placed in the centre of the oven to allow heat to circulate. Rotating your baking sheet from front to back halfway through baking is another option if your cookies are browning unevenly. As well, reduce the risk of burned bottoms by baking your cookies on light-coloured cookie sheets with a dull finish.

Diet and nutrition

Watching the waistline?

I

Gain advice instead of pounds

By Omar Mosleh t’s easier than you think to gobble up all your favourite foods over the holidays without gaining weight, says fitness trainer and author Jane Clapp.

Clapp, founder of fitness studio UrbanFitt and author of Working on the Ball: A Simple Guide to Office Fitness, said she recommends her clients enjoy their favourite dishes, but not eat too much.

“I don’t really think of any foods as bad foods necessarily,” said Clapp. “If you’re having gravy once a year, then have some, but make a rule not to go back for seconds.”

She also believes it can be effective to prepare mentally for the holidays by setting a goal not to gain weight.

“I’m a strong believer in self-fulfilling prophecies,” she said. “If people think that the holidays automatically means gaining weight, then that will be so.”

But what about practical tips? No one expects you to go to your aunt’s holiday gathering without partaking in her highly acclaimed pecan pie.

Portion is key, says Clapp. It can be advantageous to eat a small meal before the big night in order to prevent gorging.

“Don’t go to cocktail parties hungry,” Clapp recommends. “Make sure you go with some good food in your tummy because most of the food at cocktail parties is going to be (fatty).”

Green vegetables make for a good appetizer, she says, because they’re packed with fibre, which helps us feel full.

It’s also helpful to take breaks while eating and to eat slowly, said Clapp because it takes our body up to 20 minutes to realize we’re full.

“Putting your fork down between bites is really important,” she said.

It’s not only up to guests to be conscious of what they eat. The onus is also on hosts to cook dishes that are both tasty and healthy.

The Living Kitchen Wellness Group’s chief nutritionist, Sarah Grossman, suggests looking into honey and maple syrup as natural sweeteners for baked goods, and using whole grains such as spelt and khorasan wheat in starchy dishes like stuffing.

“It’s not just about what you eat, it’s about what you’re drinking,” Clapp noted. “A lot of Christmas cocktails are very high in sugar.”

She said she frequently sees clients who are picky about what they eat over holidays, but less discerning in what they drink.

“It’s the booze more than anything that makes people gain weight over the holidays,” she said. “Especially when you’re self-medicating around family.”

Clapp suggests a glass of red wine if one chooses to imbibe, as she says it is the healthiest of the alcohols.

It’s also beneficial to munch on green veggies and perhaps a vitamin D supplement prior to the party, said Grossman.

“They actually help to process alcohol faster,” she said.

To

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Good eats

Dining delights Shake things up this holiday with these tasty recipes

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By Ann Ruppenstein

rish Magwood, chef and host of the Food Network’s Party Dish, says even she gets stressed out during the holidays.

Her rule of thumb is to double a recipe if she’s unsure whether she has enough food to feed her guests and family, especially if she’s going through the trouble of making a dish like potato au gratin or a fancy dessert.

“It doesn’t take you that much more time and it doesn’t cost that much more,” she says. “I think it will always put you in good stead — and pick things that aren’t delicate and will be just as good or even better for leftovers the next day.”

One of her favourite desserts this time of year, largely because her mom makes it most of the time, is the aptly named Mom’s Christmas Chocolate Roll.

“It’s our family’s classic holiday dessert,” she says. “The good thing about it is it’s made ahead and I think that’s a big thing for holidays. There’s a lot of last minute components and always surprises with holiday dinners and so if you can have some nibbles

or a dessert that you’ve got done ahead of time, then that’s always a good thing.”

Her newest cookbook, In My Mother’s Kitchen, which contains family recipes going back three generations, also outlines how to cook a turkey dinner from start to finish and brings up the heated debate of fresh versus frozen birds.

“It you’re looking for steps on how to prepare your first turkey dinner for your in-laws or as a newly married couple it steps you through it as well as a whole bunch of accompanying sides,” she says.

Magwood believes homemade goods also make great gifts for teachers or party hostesses, adding she has many friends who are teachers and say they get a lot of unnecessary stuff.

“We do gifts from the kitchen and so one of the things I love to make is a couple of big batches of granola and I make a granola that never lasts more than a week in our house because it’s demolished,” says the mother of three young kids. “It’s just a really nice gesture and it’s a consumable that you know most people love.”

For finishing touches, she recommends placing the baked goods in a mason jar or a neat old glass,

photo courtesy trish magwood

JUST LIKE MOM: Food Network host Trish Magwood has just released a new book of recipes.

tying some twine around it and adding a customized sign reading along the lines of “from the kitchen of Trish and the kids.”

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

Renovated The Newly proof attached has dining room and a New Menu. been read very carefully; every effort25 has beenin the business.

Celebrating years made *Not to make it correct valid with any otherin promotion/discount. every detail, but we do not assume any responsibility for errors.

Please read the proof carefully, especially names, addresses, and figures.

Mom’s Christmas Chocolate Roll This is my mom’s version of a Yuletide log, a Christmas tradition at the Magwood table. It’s far more casual than the usual fancy version, and so delicious. Now that our family numbers 10 adults and 10 kids, mom may need to make three. The chocolate sauce comes from a cookbook of my great-grandmother’s.

Roll 6 tbsp sifted cake and pastry flour 6 tbsp sifted cocoa powder 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 4 large eggs, separated 1 tsp vanilla 3/4 cup sugar, sifted Filling 1 cup 35% cream 2 tsp sugar Chocolate Sauce 1 1/2 cups sugar 6 tbsp cocoa powder 4 tsp cornstarch 1 1/2 cups boiling water 2 tsp vanilla 1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Grease a 43 x 28 cm jellyroll pan and line with parchment paper or greased waxed paper.

2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder,

baking powder and salt. Sift three more times.

3. Lightly beat egg yolks with vanilla.

4. In a large bowl with clean beaters, beat egg whites until they hold stiff peaks. Gently but thoroughly fold in sugar. Fold in egg yolks. Fold in dry ingredients until no flour is visible.

Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.

5. Bake for 11–13 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.

6. Turn cake out right away onto a damp tea towel and roll up with the tea towel. (This keeps the cake moist while it awaits filling.) Cover with a second damp towel and set aside to cool.

7. To make the filling, whip cream to soft peaks. Just before it’s done, add sugar and continue whipping to incorporate.

8. Half an hour before serving, unroll cake. Cover with two-thirds of the whipped cream. Roll back up (without towel) Put on a platter.

Top with remaining whipped cream.

Refrigerate.

9. Just before serving, make the chocolate sauce: In a small saucepan, stir together sugar, cocoa powder and cornstarch. Stir in boiling water and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 15 minutes. Add more boiling water if sauce gets too thick.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

10. Pour warm chocolate sauce over

the chocolate roll. Cut roll into thick slices and serve with remaining chocolate sauce.

Serves: 6 Kitchen notes: The cake can be made the morning of. Whip cream up to one hour before. Assemble 30 minutes before serving.

It’s important to sift the cake and pastry flour and the cocoa before you measure them, and then again together with the baking powder and salt.

This amount of chocolate sauce is generous and intended to yield leftovers. Enjoy over ice cream. It keeps in the fridge for days. The chocolate sauce can be made ahead.

Family Granola When I held a competition for the best granola, so many people contributed great recipes that I just couldn’t make up my mind. This recipe combines the best of my age-old granola and my friends Kara’s and Ebie’s versions.

My seasoned recipe tester Chef Elena Embrioni stepped in with her final tweaks.

4 cups quick-cooking rolled oats 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut 2 cups slivered almonds, chopped 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup honey 1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup golden raisins or dried cherries 1 cup chopped dried apples or mangoes 1 cup chopped dried apricots 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup chopped cashews 1/4 cup flax seeds Makes 12 cups 1. Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line a Continued on Page 30

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large baking sheet with foil; lightly oil the foil.

2. In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, almonds and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine oil, maple syrup and honey; gently fold into dry mixture until coated, allowing clumps to form. Spread mixture evenly onto baking sheet.

3. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until light golden brown. Remove from oven, stir again and cool. Stir in dried fruits, nuts and seeds.

4. Store in airtight container. Granola keeps two weeks at room temperature (if you can keep it around that long.)

Kitchen notes: This is the perfect breakfast with fresh berries and your favourite yogurt. It’s also an ideal car or stroller snack. I even sometimes have this as dinner or a late-night snack.

Variations: Add pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds, wheat germ or bran.

Expert from: In My Mother’s Kitchen by Trish Magwood. Published in Canada by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. Copyright 2011 by Trish Magwood. Photography copyright 2011 by Brandon Barré. All rights reserved.

two minutes.

3. Slice toast into 1/2 inch cubes (about 6 cups) and add to sausage mixture.

4. Stir in egg & seasonings.

5. Stuff in bird or bake separately (covered at 350ºF for 40 min, then uncovered for 10.

Alison Verge While most people read novels, Alison Verge says she consumed cookbooks and online recipe reviews. Coming from a family of talented cooks, Verge says she has had a passion for food her whole life.

“Great food is what binds families together during the holidays,” she says. “It’s about those special moments enjoyed with loved ones and dear friends around the table.”

As the founder of TorontoCooking.ca, a resource for recipes, cooking classes, tools and tips, she believes it’s important for hosts to prepare food in advance so they don’t miss out on the experiences that happen outside of the kitchen.

Among her favourite picks for the holidays is a stuffing recipe with chestnuts and sausage meat, which has been passed through generations and always receives rave reviews in her house.

“We have chosen these time-honoured delicious recipes to relieve stress and focus on the important things during the wonderfully busy holiday season,” says Verge.

Chestnut and Sausage Meat Dressing

photo courtesy Alison verge

YUMMY: Alison Verge says her stuffing has been passed through her family for generations.

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots 12 slices whole grain bread toasted 1 tsp each sage & thyme 1 egg beaten Salt and pepper 1. Cook sausage meat and drain off fat. Stir in onion and continue cooking.

2. Stir in chopped chestnuts, celery, and apricots and continue to cook for

1/2 lb sausage meat 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 lb chestnuts — whole 2 stalks celery (thinly sliced)

Spicy Cranberry Chutney 1/4 cup dried apricots; finely chopped 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup raisins 1 cup water 3 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup dried cherries 2 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and diced 1 tbsp lemon zest 2 tbsp orange peel chopped Juice of 1 orange 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger 1. In a medium saucepan, mix dried apricots, dark brown sugar, cherries, raisins and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer five minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Mix in cranberries, apple, lemon and orange zest. Simmer 10 minutes.

3. Mix in lemon and orange juice; crystallized ginger and red pepper flakes.

Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Continued Page 38

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Holiday Happenings

Get into the spirit francis crescia/town crier

Sat., Nov. 5–Mon., Jan 31 Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls, Ontario. This festival fills the streets of Niagara Falls with ambient, festive decor and offers a range of activities for every member of the family. In addition to the 100 lighting displays, there are fireworks shows, live music, activities, parties and theatre performances. Price varies by event. www.wfol.com.

Mon., Nov. 14–Fri., Dec. 23 Sherway Gardens is offering children from ages 2–6, 30 minutes of face time with Santa where they’ll be entertained by the big man and his elves. At the end of each session parents are invited to take their own photos. All proceeds go toward the charity Sleeping Children Around the World. Register and purchase tickets in advance at the holiday information booth in the mall. $5.

Kellylee Evans

Justin Hines

JRDN

Jarvis Church

Saturday, November 26 t 7 pm Nathan Phillips Square Enjoy live musical performances, the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree, stunning fireworks and a DJ skating party Call

| toronto.ca/cavalcade

Produced by

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

Presented by

Fri., Nov. 25–Fri., Jan. 6 The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre presents Ross Petty’s The Wizard of Oz — the Wickedly Wacky Family Musical. Ross Petty’s comic twist on the classic tale is filled with music, wit and plenty of laughs. This year, the tornado transports

Dorothy and Toto to a wickedly wacky new world. Elicia MacKenzie and Yvan Pedneault star as Dorothy and the Tin man, with Ross Petty as the Wicked witch of the west.

Let the booing begin. Adults $27–85. Children (12 and under) $ 27–59. Family fourpack $235.

Fri., Nov. 25–Sun., Jan. 1 Niagara Holiday Market, Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, New York. The largest European-style holiday market and festival in America. Featuring holiday shopping, from national retailers to local boutiques, showing their unique artisans, crafts, gifts, apparel and specialty foods, as well as 20+ extraordinary events and special experiences in a family-friendly environment, including a tree-lighting ceremony, ice rink, Santa’s workshop, tournament of song and Holiday Concert Series featuring The Canadian Tenors, Elizabeth Von Trapp, Aaron Neville and the Buffalo Philharmonic. www.niagaramarket.com.

Sat., Nov. 26 The Cavalcade of Lights is celebrating its 45th year with an opening celebration featuring a live outdoor concert and a fireworks display. Jar-

Holiday Happenings

vis Church, Kellylee Evans, JRDN, rising star Justin Hines and singer Victoria Duffield. The concert will be hosted by CityTV’s very own Ken Frankish and Flow 93.5’s Jeni, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display at 8 p.m., followed by a skating party sponsored by Timothy’s World Coffee on the Nathan Phillips Square rink.

Elves in the Workshop, Casa Loma, 1 Austin Ter., 10 a.m.

Bring your little elf to Casa Loma and join us in our annual seasonal workshop hosted by Marnie Lippa from Parties Made Simple. You and your little elf will enjoy creating a decorated gingerbread house to hang on your family tree. Adults: $22.99 + HST; Children: $18.50 + HST. 416-923-1171.

It’s a weekend of free fun for families at Yonge-Dundas Square. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. The 4th annual Kidzfest event, part of Winter Magic, invites children and their parents to enjoy Toronto’s city-centre through youth-focused entertainment, rides and activities for children

Sat., Dec. 3, 10 & 17 Yonge Lawrence Village BIA’s Winter Retail event will feature the Yonge Lawrence Village Carolers and Santa, who will make his annual visit to the Village between 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Bring your cameras and take pictures with Santa and don’t forget to ask him for your free Yonge Lawrence Village Enviro shopping bag.

Sun., Nov. 27–Sat., Dec. 24 Once again Santa appears at Casa Loma to greet children and hear their holiday wishes. This season, jolly old Saint Nick takes over the castle’s billiard room and transforms it into a toy workshop. 9:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

During the weekends, there’s an opportunity to get photos with Santa.

Nov. 30–Dec. 17 White Christmas, The Civic Light-Opera Company, Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Dr. Based on the Paramount Pictures film.

Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. Tickets: $25. Box Office: 416-755-1717 or online at www.civiclightoperacompany.com.

Sat., Dec 3 Cantores Celestes Women’s Choir, 432 Runnymede Rd., 8 p.m. A Hands Across the Border Christmas Cantores Celestes Women’s Choir under the direction of founder Kelly Galbraith, perform two Christmas classics from both sides of the 49th parallel — ‘Sir Christmas’. $20 general admission.

Candy Cane Tea and Bazaar, Presteign Woodbine United Church, 2538 St. Clair Ave. East, 11 a.m. Bring the whole family, have tea and goodies and get some holiday shopping done. Includes tearoom, bake sale, craft and gift sale.

Sat., Dec 3–Sun., Dec 18

Sun., Dec. 5, 12, 19 & Sun., Jan. 9 & 16 RBC Branch at Laird Drive and Wicksteed Avenue is sponsoring a series of five public skating events for five Sundays in December and January. Skating will be free of from 3–4:30 p.m., with prizes and some very special guests. Leaside Memorial Community Gardens, 1073 Millwood Rd. Call 416-4251124 for more information.

Mon., Dec. 5 Ugly Holiday Sweater Party, Dress for Success/emPoweR. WAYLA Bar, 996 Queen St. East, 7 p.m. Are you feeling jolly? Early bird prizes, 50/50 draw, silent auction, spiked eggnog, ugly holiday season photos and the ultimate Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest. Funds donated to Dress for Success Toronto. http://uglyholidaysweaterparty.wordpress.com. $10.

Tues., Dec 6 Bus Trip: Niagara Winter Festival of Lights, Central Eglinton Community Centre. 160 Eglinton Ave. East, 2 p.m. What’s prettier than Niagara in winter? The trip will start with a delightful, early supper at Betty’s Restaurant. After dinner we will visit Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights. Must register

by Nov 29. $91 for members, $96 for non-members. For more info call 416-392-0511.

Wed., Dec. 7 St. Cuthbert ’s Church Leaside is proud to present Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Visit www.stcuthbertsleaside.com or call 416-4850329 for more information. 1399 Bayview Ave., 7 p.m. Refreshments at intermission. Tickets are $20 per person $15 per child (under 14).

Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Flemingdon Park Community Food Bank.

Holiday Luncheon at Joe Badali’s, Central Eglinton Community Centre, 160 Eglinton Ave. East, 10:45 a.m. Join us as we enjoy a lovely holiday buffet at the classy Joe Badali’s. Register by Nov 30. $29.

For more info call 416-392-0511.

Holiday Bake Sale, Casa Loma. 1 Austin Ter., Noon. Take a tour of the castle and purchase some delicious home baked goods from our pastry kitchen by Pegasus Hospitality Group. We will be selling all kinds of holiday treats for the season. Perfect for those holiday parties and dinners. General Admission. 416-923-1171.

Sat., Dec. 10–Sun., Dec. 18 Santa will be making a special stop

at Winterfest on Toronto’s Waterfront again this holiday season for the 5th Annual Santa Cruise. Located at the foot of York Street, boarding begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a harbour cruise until noon. $12 + HST per person (children under 6 are free). For more information visit www.mariposacruises.com or call 416-203-0178.

Create your own Christmas centrepiece using natural materials.

Presented by Colborne Lodge, this two-hour workshop is a great preChristmas get-together for friends and families. Set in picturesque High Park, the house offers a cozy historic ambience for this seasonal craft. A tour of the decorated parts of the house and light refreshments are included. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Seven dates and times available: Sat., Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. 10 a.m. for children; Sun., Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.; Sun., Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. 11 Colborne Lodge Dr. For more information call 416-3926916.

Sun., Dec. 11 Yorkminster Park Baptist Church will have a morning worship service Continued Page 35

COME CELEBRATE WITH US

Christmas AT

Yorkminster Park BAPTisT ChurCh

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Sunday, December 11 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship 4:30 p.m. Carols by Candlelight (Doors open at 3:30 p.m.; child care for children 5 yrs & under)

Saturday, December 17 2:00 p.m. 3rd Annual CITY Carol Sing In support of the Churches-on-the-Hill Food Bank

101 W Toron Ph: 4 Fx: 4

With Special Guests: Richard and Lauren Margison

Sunday, December 18 11:00 a.m. Family Christmas Service 4:30 p.m. Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (Doors open at 3:30 p.m.; child care for children 5 yrs & under)

Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m. Bethlehem on Yonge Street Outdoor Nativity 11:15 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Sunday, December 25 Christmas 11:00 a.m. Christmas Morning Communion Saturday, December 31 11:15 p.m. New Year’s Eve Watchnight Service Sunday, January 1 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship

Issue

Date

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Ad wil shown fax or

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YPBC LIVE Worship Service Sundays at 11:00 a.m.

Our Sunday Worship Services are broadcast LIVE online.

Visit yorkminsterpark.com Sunday mornings at 11:00, and worship with us online – real time!

Yorkminster Park Baptist Church 1585 Yonge Street, (1 block north of St. Clair Ave.)

Tel: (416) 922-1167 www.yorkminsterpark.com

2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

Holiday Happenings

Cont. from Page 33

at 11 a.m. as part of White Gifts Sunday followed by Carols by Candlelight at 4:30 p.m. featuring the stellar, CD-recorded Yorkminster Park Choir. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Childcare for children 5 and under. 1585 Yonge St. For more information call 416-9221167 or visit www.yorkminsterpark.com.

Tues., Dec. 13 Celebrate the season with Ballroom on Bayview Dance Studio and enjoy delicious Christmas goodies, dance show performances, group classes, general dancing, prizes, raffles & giveaways, games and great company. 7:30-10 p.m. Call 416-486-6174 or visit www.ballroomonbayview.com for more info.

Thurs., Dec. 15 Holiday Party at Casa Loma, 1 Austin Ter., 6 p.m. Enjoy our holiday inspired buffet dinner served in the stately elegance of Toronto’s majestic castle. Dinner includes nonalcoholic beverages, self-guided touring and dancing with a DJ in the magnificent Great Hall following dinner. $75 + HST. Phone 416-923-1171 for more information.

The Junction Trio: Celebrating the Season with Sound, North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St. 7 p.m. Join the Junction Trio (Jamie Thompson, flute, Aleksa Toskov, violin & Lucas Tensen, cello) for a concert featuring the music of Bach, Handel & Mozart ... along with Seasonal Surprises.

Please call 416-395-5639 to register for this free program.

Fri., Dec. 16, Christmas with Markus. 2848 Bloor St. West, Noon. Children’s Cushion Concert The Kingsway Conservatory of Music presents awardwinning children’s entertainer Markus in a cushion concert brimming with snappy songs and Christmas cheer. A special surprise guest and a sack of takeaway treats will be part of the festive fun — all to the delight of young children. Limited capacity. Please reserve tickets in advance. Tickets: $5 per person. For more info call 416-234-0121, or visit www. kingswayconservatory.ca.

Sat., Dec. 17 Come be a part of the Third Annual CTV Christmas Wish Carol Sing at the Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in support of the 45th Annual CTV Christmas Wish Campaign. With special guests international opera stars, Richard and Lauren Margison.

Peformances by High Park Children Choir, Larkin, Yorkminster Park Baptist church, Christ Church Deer Park and a brass band.

Doors open at 1 p.m. 1585 Yonge St. A collection will be taken for the CTV Christmas Wish. Also accepting donations of toys. Call 416-922-1167 for more information.

Canada Sings! Toronto-Riverdale, St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 415 Broadview Ave. 2 p.m. Christmas Carol Singalong. With brass & organ Mark Bell. Songleader St. John’s Presbyterian Church Choir & friends Eileen

Best. Conductor Philip Jones, organ Claire Bresee, and piano brass quintet. Free. For more info visit www.canadasings.ca.

Messiah with Michael Burgess, Ontario Philharmonic, 1570 Yonge St., 8 p.m. The world tradition of Messiah continues with the Ontario Philharmonic. A great way to get in the spirit of the holiday season as you experience the glorious sounds of this choral marvel. Exceptional artists on stage including a luxury vocal quartet with Les Miz superstar, Michael Burgess and the Toronto Chamber Choir all under the direction of Marco Parisotto in the beautiful surroundings of Christ Church Deer Park. Tenor Michael Burgess, soprano Inga FilippovaWilliams, mezzo Christina Stelmacovich, bass-baritone Andrew Tees, and Toronto Chamber Choir director Mark Vuorinen.

Tickets — 416-443-9737 or 905-579-6711. $37–57. www.ontariophil.ca.

Sun., Dec. 18 The Yorkminster Park Baptist Church will be having a morning worship service as part of the Christmas Sunday Service followed

by Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 4:30 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Child care for children 5 yrs & under. 1585 Yonge St. For more information call 416-922-1167 or visit www.yorkminsterpark.com.

Art Making with your Family. Art Works art school. 238 Jane St., 2 p.m. Capture the light this holiday season, dazzle and delight your family and friends with your own one-of-akind holiday ornaments and designs. Master Artist: Create kinetic mobiles like those of Alexander Calder. $5 per person. For more info call 416-766-0662.

Thurs., Dec. 23–Sun., Jan. 1 Disney on Ice: Celebrates 100 years of Magic.

Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way. You’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney Princesses. $15–90.

Sat., Dec. 24 The Yorkminster Park Baptist Church will be celebrating Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. as part of the Christmas Eve Family Service. Outdoor service with nativity characters and animals. At 11:15 p.m. the Church will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. 1585 Yonge St. For more information call 416-922-1167 or visit www.yorkminsterpark.com.

Sat., Dec. 31 The Yorkminster Park Baptist Church will be having a New Year’s Eve Watchnight Service at 11:15 p.m. 1585 Yonge St. For more information call 416-922-1167 or visit www.yorkminsterpark.com.

Join thousands of others this New Year’s Eve at Nathan Phillips Square. CityTV presents this free, annual outdoor concert with some of Canada’s top Canadian musical talent and midnight fireworks.

For more holiday events in and around our area visit our online TownCalendar at www.mytowncrier.ca.

The Call of Christmas with the True North Brass, All Saints’ Kingsway Anglican Church, 2850 Bloor St. West. 4 p.m. An unforgettable afternoon of Christmas music performed by a massed choir, organ and brass ensemble plus congregational singing of carols. Shawn Grenke, conductor; Simon Walker, organist; Margaret Bárdos, mezzosoprano. $20. For more info call 416-2331125, Ext. 0.

Mon., Dec 19 Breakfast With Santa, Casa Loma, 1 Austin Ter., 8:30 a.m. Join Santa for Breakfast in a beautifully decorated castle. Your children will enjoy a served pancake breakfast with orange juice, a visit with Santa, castle admission, self-guided touring, and tickets to our holiday themed show. Children: $24.75 + HST; Adults: $23.50 + HST. Phone 416923-1171 for reservations.

Tues., Dec 20 Holiday Tea & Sing-A-Long, Central Eglinton Community Centre, 160 Eglinton Ave. East, 1:30 p.m. Join us and musician Christina Doyle, as we sing all of our favourite carols and popular tunes. You’re more than welcome to bring your favourite treat to share. Must register by Dec 13. For more info call 416-392-0511.

2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

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and www.MyTownCrier.ca

2011 Holiday Colouring Contest

How To enTer

Operation of this contest is Sole Responsibility of Town Crier under the control of Multicom Media Services Ltd.

How to participate

PrIZeS: one (1) of Two (2) Family passes (4 tickets each) to the ontario Science Center Six (6) McMichael Canadian Art Collection Family Passes

name ____________________________________ Age: ___________ Address __________________________________________________ City _________________ Prov. ______ Postal Code ____________ Daytime Telephone number ________________________________ email: ________________________________ HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

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1) To enter, complete the Entry Form and include your completed colouring of the image attached to the form and mail it to Multicom Media Services Holiday Colouring Contest 2011, 101 Wingold Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 1P8.

2) The contest begins Friday, November 29th, 2011 and ends Monday, December 12th, 2011. All entries must be postmarked on or before December 12th, 2011. Limit one (1) entry per postage stamped envelope. Entry limited to children 12 years old and under. No mechanical reproduction will be accepted.

3) No purchase is necessary.

4) To print additional copies of the contest drawing, please visit www.mytowncrier.ca and click on the 20101Holiday Colouring Contest link.

How you Could win

The contest draw is 12 noon, wednesday, December 14th, 2011. Eight (8) entries will be randomly selected for a total of eight (8) prizes. All winners will be notified via telephone that day. Winners may be asked to pose for a photograph to be used in any subsequent editions of any Multicom Media Services Ltd. newspaper. The odds of winning depend on the total number of entries received.

INCLUDED with ADMISSION!

Bonus Family Days, new yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CeleBration!

December 29 and 30 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrate the holidays of the global village. Create art and enjoy a musical performance by popular childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performer, Chris McKhool, celebrating various customs and festivals. To book reservations for a family brunch in SEVEN Restaurant, please call 905.893.1121, ext. 2363.

sunDay ConCert series

WHILE YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE HERE, â&#x20AC;&#x153;WRAP UPâ&#x20AC;? YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN OUR GALLERY SHOP!

December 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Performance by The Coyotes, Country/Blues/Folk Family Sundays and Family Bonus Days supported by

BADGF2ZÂ&#x201E;}z xÂ&#x2026;Â&#x20AC; 2RÂ&#x2021;v Â&#x2020;v=2\}vz sÂ&#x2020;Â&#x192;x=2`_2 22JAF?IJD?BBCB22 22Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2C6;?~t~ztyrv}?tÂ&#x20AC;~

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2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS! CARMELA DAMIANO Mortgage Specialist

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FILIPINO LIVE IN CAREGIVERS. Nannies & housekeepers available for homecare,please call 416.924.5727 or email at: rossana@platinum-care.com

Happy Holidays

from Platinum Care Services Limited 162 Cumberland St. Suite 222, Toronto, ON, Canada M5R 3N5 (Beside the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville) www.platinum-care.com

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

Cont. from Page 30

Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat

enovation.

Best rate on the market. Work with TD, Scotiabank, Meridian, CIBC & many more banks.

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Cooking sisters say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bite Meâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sisters Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat are the duo behind the humourous cookbook and video program Bite Me. The pair hit the books â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that is their cookbooks Bite Me and the soon to be released follow up Bite Me Too, and narrowed down a few choices fit for a holiday feast.

Although classified as a dinner, they swear their carrot pudding with brown sugar drizzle is so delicious it could easily be mistaken for dessert. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This carrot cinnamon pudding drizzled with a brown sugar sauce is a crowd-pleaser alongside meat, chicken or fish,â&#x20AC;? says Albert.

Another favourite is a prime rib dish that fares well with a creamy horseradish sauce, which Albert says is also a snap to prepare. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This garlic, rosemary and thymerubbed roast is perfect for a celebratory meal,â&#x20AC;? she adds.

For those seeking some lighter options between cheesecake and turkey, they also suggest a caprese orzo salad that pairs perfectly with a sweet and spicy salmon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A favourite way to tame our tomato cravings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; cherry tomatoes are always in season,â&#x20AC;? Albert says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A bright holiday salad that can be served alongside salmon â&#x20AC;Ś even a fish-aphobe will love this sweet-topped salmon.â&#x20AC;?

Caprese Orzo Salad 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 2 cups pearl bocconcini cheese 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 1 small garlic clove, minced 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 cups orzo 2 tbsp olive oil 1. In a medium bowl, gently stir together tomatoes, bocconcini, olive oil, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature for one hour, allowing fďťżlavours to blend.

2. For the orzo, in a medium pot,

bring water to a boil over high heat.

Add the pasta and cook until tender.

Drain well and place in a large bowl, allowing to cool for 20 minutes.

3. Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and tomato mixture to orzo, tossing to coat.

Serves: 6 Prime Rib with Creamy Horseradish Sauce Prime Rib Roast 1 (10lb or 4 rib) bone-in Prime Rib Roast 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp kosher salt 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper 4 large garlic cloves, minced 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, leaves removed and chopped 4 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves removed and chopped Horseradish & Mustard Sauce 1/4 cup buttermilk 2 tbsp white horseradish 2 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp sour cream 1/2 tsp fďťżinely chopped fresh rosemary 1/4 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1. Preheat oven to 450ÂşF. To ensure even cooking, bring roast to room temperature 30-60 minutes before roasting. Pat rib roast dry and make 1/2-inch slits over the top and on the sides of the roast. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary and thyme. Rub seasoning all over roast and inside the slits. Place roast in a large roasting pan, rib side down. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325ÂşF and continue cooking 2 hours and 10 minutes until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the roast reaches 130-135ÂşF (for medium-rare). Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes before carving.

2. For the horseradish sauce, in a medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, horseradish, mayonnaise, Dijon

photo courtesy julie Albert & Lisa gnat

JUST LIKE DESSERT: Bite Me authors Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat say that their Carrot Pudding, while a main dish, is often mistaken for something sweeter.

mustard, sour cream, rosemary, salt and pepper. Serve with sliced roast.

Serves: 8-10 Carrot Pudding with Brown Sugar Drizzle Carrot Pudding 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 large egg 1 tbsp orange juice 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 1/2 cups coarsely grated carrots (5-6 carrots) Brown Sugar Sauce 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch 1/4 tsp kosher salt 1 cup water 2 tbsp butter 1 tsp vanilla extract 1. For the carrot pudding, preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a 20 cm round or square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. In an electric mixer, cream butter with brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the egg, orange juice and vanilla. Combine until well mixed.

3. In a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together. Add flour mixture and grated carrots to buttersugar mixture. Mix just until flour disappears, making sure not to overmix the batter. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Bake 32-35 minutes or until golden around the edges.

4. For the brown sugar sauce, in

a medium saucepan, whisk brown sugar, cornstarch and salt. Whisk in water and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower heat to medium, whisking constantly until sauce is smooth and has thickened slightly, 4-6 minutes.

Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla. Serve drizzled over pieces of carrot pudding.

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WALK-INS WELCOME. NO A P P O I N T M E N T S

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A N D

D O N E

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APPOINTMENT NECESSARY.

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O N F I D E N T I A L

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Serves: 6-8 Sweet Citrus and Spiced Salmon

4 1 6

U

2 2 6

U

4 1 4 0

Marinade 3/4 cup pineapple juice 6 tbsp fresh lemon juice 6 (6oz) salmon fillets, skin removed

Get Get her her a a REAL stocking stocking stuffer stuffer this this year year at at

Cupid’s Boutique!

Topping 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 2 tsp lemon zest 2 tsp chili powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

OUR NEWEST LOCATION! 718 Yonge St. (South of Bloor)

416.967.7544

1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine pineapple juice, lemon juice and salmon. Refrigerate for one hour, turning occasionally.

2. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat a 28x18 cm baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

3. For the topping, in a small bowl, combine brown sugar, lemon zest, chili powder, cumin, salt and cinnamon.

Remove salmon from refrigerator and dispose of marinade. Place fillets in prepared baking dish and rub brown sugar mixture over salmon. Bake 12 minutes or until fish is flaky.

Serves: 6 Bite Me is available at Indigo across Canada and Bite Me Too will be available exclusively at Indigo in time for this holiday season.

4530 Kinston Rd., Scarborough 416.282.8743

789 Warden Ave, Scarborough 416.285.6425

39 Dundas St. East, Mississauga 905.306.7544

158 Kennedy Rd. S., Brampton 905.457.7544

655 Queensway, Etobicoke 416.253.7544

189 Carlingview Dr., Etobicoke 416.213.1233

Kinky Fashions Adult Videos & Novelties 89 Hudson St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON

705.949.0154 www.kinkyfashion.com

• Adult Novelties • Exotic Lingerie • High Heel Shoes • Menswear • Costumes for EVERY OCCASSION • Lotions & Massage Oils SHOP ONLINE AT: www.cupidboutique.com ALL STOrES OPEN: MON-SAT: 10AM-10PM SuN: 12PM-6PM 2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

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Gifts for grown-ups

Is Santa stumped?

The President’s Choice mini cupcake maker is perfect for baking adorable appetizer-sized treats, which can then be decorated with the whole family. superstore.ca, $19.

10 great ideas to inspire Old St. Nick

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s Instant Camera is a twist on the Polaroid. The point-and-shoot camera has auto-focus, auto-flash and a built-in lens cover with Instax Mini Film for instant images. bestbuy.ca, $89.

Choose a cozy sweater from the Joe Fresh winter collection, available in a Nordic or striped style for both him and her. joefresh.com, $59–79.

Named after an element of Kabuki dance, the NARS Kudoki Kabuki Mini Lip Coffret is packed with three shades of lip colour including ougi — deep red, takebue — neutral and botan — deep pink. The Bay, $135.

Conair’s YouCurl is like a ceramic curling iron but without the clip.

This tool heats up to 200ºC in 30 seconds and comes with a heat glove to keep hands protected. wal-mart.ca, $49.99.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

The 7-qt. KitchenAid Stand Mixer equips home bakers with 10 speed ranges and commercial features for fast and efficient mixing. williamssonoma.ca, $549.95.

Calvin Klein’s latest watch designs feature rose gold shaped like a jewelry-inspired bangle for her and paired with rich brown leather for him. Independent fine jewelry retailers and select The Bay stores, $295–425.

For a gift that keeps on giving, a year’s membership to SPiN Toronto provides access to the new ping pong club, which is co-owned by academy award winner Susan Sarandon. SPiN Toronto, 461 King St. West, $300–500.

This sleek vintage-inspired Stereoluxe AM/FM radio and MP3 dock fits iPods and iPhones and doubles as an analog radio tuner. urbanoutfitters.com, $225.

Forget the lottery ticket. Show off the countries you’ve traveled to by revealing different colours underneath the foil layer on the Scratch off world map. 81 by 84 cm, urbanoutfitters.com, $39.

2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

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Closer than the North Pole

Gift local Presents from Toronto artists

By Ann Ruppenstein

Hats by Julie Sinden Handmade Local designer Julie Sinden uses a boiled wool process to create her accessories, which essentially means she shrinks her hats in the laundry prior to adding finishing touches like a flower cloche.

Visit juliesinden.com or Nathalie-Roze & co., 1015 Queen St. East, $49–59.

Greeting Cards by Poitras Art Studio Mother and daughter duo Kathy Poitras and Priscilla Ilasi teamed up to create a collection of homemade greeting cards, which can also be framed as original works of art. Visit poitrasartstudios.com or call 647-341-2750, $20–25.

The Girl From Ipanema Designer Perla Porto, who hails from Brazil, aims to deliver a collection of Brazilian-inspired footwear to Torontonians at her newly opened storefront.

The shoes and sandals, which are made in small batches, combine elegance and style with vivid colours and attention to detail. Visit 426 Queen St. West or thegirlfromipanema.ca, $69–96.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011

style and el h t i w e t egan ra b e l ce Ce

visit

cutlery

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 148 Norfinch Drive, (Hwy 400 & Finch) Toronto, ON 433 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON Open Mon-Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm Saturdays 8:00am - 4:00pm

www.nellacutlery.com Tel.: 416-740-2424 2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier

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The Coop is a contemporary men’s wear shop, that has been servicing the North Toronto neighbourhood for over 29 years now and celebrating our new location just 4 blocks north of our old one, stop in and see what a difference 4 blocks makes... check us out at www.coopink.com

CLOTHING FOR MEN

• 3435 Yonge st. • Toronto, Ontario • 416.544.9944 • 44

Don’t forget about the best sale in the city! Boxing Day! One day only Dec.26th Open 9am - 6pm.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Town Crier 2011