T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
TIME BOOK
THIS SECTION WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION.
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
202
0
QC
11
12
T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
QC
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
SIMPLIFYING THE ART OF OUTDOOR DECORATING By Wendy Livingstone
Clark Griswold did things the hard way. The beleaguered protagonist of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation risked life and limb on a wobbly, collapsing extension ladder, experienced the perils of a slippery, peaked roof and wrestled with metres of tangled cords in order to hang his “25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights.” The display— although impressive—used so much electricity that it temporarily plunged the entire neighbourhood into darkness and undoubtedly gave him an extremely high utility bill. Like many Reginans, Travis Haukaas has found a better way to decorate for the holidays. Each year, just after Remembrance Day, he brings out a single storage bin that contains all the inflatable Christmas decorations and cords he needs to create an impressive, three-dimensional Christmas scene on his north Regina lawn. “It’s pretty easy to set up. Because I’ve done it up for a couple of years now, it literally takes me maybe half an hour,” he said. Each ornament is inflated and then secured to the ground with guy wires and stakes, and voila! Lighted characters seem to almost come to life when gently tossed about by winter breezes. They include an owl, penguins, and a teddy bear, all centred around Santa, who is placing a star on top of a whimsical Christmas tree. “I like the 3-D look,” Haukaas said. “When I was growing up, there were lots of different displays, but they were typically made of wood. They were really cool back then, but now it’s more three-dimensional, and that’s what I wanted to do.” The property’s landscaping includes large evergreen trees, the trunks of which Haukaas wraps in rope lights that shelter and frame the display, creating a woodland-like scene. “It gives me the nice look I want—a little bit of a forest feel,” he said. Unlike decorations that consist of lights only, the inflatables spread Christmas cheer all day long. “They’re three-dimensional figures so you can see them from any direction, daylight or nighttime,” he said. When Christmas is over, he deflates the
figures, rolls each one up around its fan and puts them back in the bin and out of the way until the next November. “The inflatables themselves take up very, very little space for storage. The fan is maybe about six inches by four inches—just a tiny little circulating fan because that’s all it takes to keep the air in there,” he said. In addition to their modest storage requirements, Haukaas finds inflatable
decorations to be durable. He said he has had them for several years now and has yet to see any damage, nor has he had to replace any figures. “They’ve held up to the elements: the wind, the snow, the cold.” The inflatables are also inexpensive to purchase, with each piece costing about $20, and inexpensive to operate. He runs them almost constantly and said he barely notices a change to his SaskPower bill.
Here are a few tips if you are considering designing your own front lawn Christmas scene: • Before you purchase the inflatables, choose the spot in your yard where they will be most visible so they will broadcast maximum holiday cheer. • Make sure there’s room for the scene S E E D E C O R AT I N G O N NEXT PAGE
QC
T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
13
SNOW SHOP UNDER $50 • Goggles • Ski Gloves • Mitts • Face Masks • Running Shirts • Ski Bags • Boot Bags • T-Shirts • Sunglasses • Toques • Ski & Snowboard Socks • Downhill or Cross Country Ski Poles • Ski & Snowboard Tools • Ski & Snowboard Waxes • Stomp Pad • Leashes • Locks • Yeti Products
UNDER $100 • Fleece Tops • Goggles • Snowboard Gloves & Mitts • Hoodies • Snowboard Boots • Running Tights • Sunglasses • Running Tights • Running Shoes • Helmets • Padded Snowboard Ba Bags gs
UNDER $200 Inflatable decorations communicate Christmas cheer both day and night. This is demonstrated by the display at Travis Haukass’s home on Schneider Crescent, photo above, taken during the evening, and one at the Schulz home next door, top photo, previous page, taken during the daytime. (Photo: Wendy Livingstone) D E C O R AT I N G F R O M PREVIOUS PAGE
that you have planned without the pieces rubbing against tree branches or other abrasive objects that could cause damage. • Be sure that they are within reach of an electrical outlet without having to run the cord across a sidewalk or driveway. • Try to avoid low-lying areas where puddles might form if a warm day causes some snow melt. • When you begin set-up, be sure the fan is
unobstructed so that it can deliver air to all the characters’ limbs and other details. Although Haukaas appreciates the efficiency of inflatables, for him decorating is all about the fun, and making memories for his family. He said, “I have two small children and they think it’s great. It’s something that they’ll remember from their childhood. You don’t have to go out and spend hundreds of dollars to create a display. You can start small, do it little-by-little, and end up with a few throughout the years. It’s something different and I enjoy doing it.”
Gift Cards ~Available~
Skis & Boots • Downhill Boots & Bindings • Winter Running Shoes • Base Layer Sets • Ski Luggage • Soft Shell Jackets
DOWNHILL CARVING SKI & BINDING PACKAGE starting at...
44999
$
Clothing & Gear by
• Snowboard Bindings & Boots • Cross Country ry
COMPLETE CROSS COUNTRY SKI PACKAGE starting at...
$
489
99
COMPLETE ADULT SNOWBOARD PACKAGE starting at... Boots included... Without Boots...
649 459
$
$
• BURTON • SPYDER • PATAGO NIA • VOLC OM • THE NO RTH • ARC’TER FACE YX • 686 • ARMAD A • OBER MEYER
RUNNING & CROSS TRAINING SHOES starting at...
11499
$
~STORE HOURS~ MON: TUES: WED: THURS: FRI: SAT:
10:30 - 5:30 10:30 - 5:30 10:30 - 8:00 10:30 - 8:00 10:30 - 5:30 10:00 - 5:30
Activewear by • CRAFT • NEW BALANCE • SMARTWOOL
4403 Albert Street South • 584-2255
Celebrating Local Christmas Shopping for 43 Wonderful Years!
14
T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
QC
CELEBRATE THE SEASON SAFELY By Andrew Livingstone
Christmas is a time of warmth, of delicious food, and of bright lights on long, dark nights. As much as each of these enriches our lives, it can also be a source of danger if treated carelessly. “We chart fires back over the last 25 to 30 years, and Christmas can be a time of year where things go sideways pretty quickly,” said Randy Ryba, fire marshal for Regina Fire & Protective Services. “It’s a high profile time of year, because people do gather… We try to get the message out to folks pre-fire to try to mitigate some of the potential causes.” The greatest threat to homes may also be the tastiest: Christmas cooking. “Cooking fires are a year-round challenge, but, on special occasions and seasonal things — like Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and the like — people gather, and we have more cooking incidents,” Ryba said. “It’s the leading cause of unintentional fires almost continent-wide.” Christmas is notable not only for its delicious food, but also for its colourful light displays, but improvised electrical relays can create opportunities for ignition. “Extension cords are plugged into cords and power bars, and people are trying to light the lights and all of their other stuff during these special times of year, and we message that people need to use only the approved cords,” said Ryba.
issue.” Once a fire is ignited, Christmas provides no shortage of fuel to keep it burning. The stockings are hung by the chimney, and pretty paper and ribbons wrap your presents to your darling from you. Needless to say, these should be kept away from flames. Even the centrepiece of the occasion, the Christmas tree, can be additional fuel for a fire under the wrong circumstances. “Live Christmas trees are seeming to make a comeback nowadays,” said Ryba. “Live Christmas trees have to be tended on a daily basis, because, when they dry out, they become a tinder box. Given lights and lighting systems on trees, the tree needs to be watered continually (at least daily), and, when it becomes dry for whatever reason (prematurely or otherwise), it needs to be removed from the house. “If people can just be more vigilant in their daily practices—be it candle safety, be it careless use of smokers’ material, cooking, the proper extension cords—we can save lives, absolutely,” Ryba said. “Priority number one is the preservation of life, and then of property. It’s urgently important… For people who lose their homes, it’s devastating, it’s traumatic even if they get out safely.”
Smaller electronics must be treated just as carefully. “In today’s age, with electronics, and cellphones, and cellphone chargers and the like, we do have them fail on occasion, and they can cause great damage to the house,” Ryba said. “A lot of people put their cords under a rug, so they eliminate a trip hazard, but a cord has to self-cool. When it’s covered with something, it can’t self-cool, and eventually you could get ignition.” Outdoor electrical systems are subject to their own hazards due to the cold and wet conditions, and a problem outside a home can damage the circuit breaker panel inside. In the winter, such problems are often caused by old and neglected block heater cords, but outdoor Christmas lights should be treated just as diligently. “Cords that are lighting even your trees outside should be approved for use as an outside cord, not an interior cord for interior use,” said Ryba. Fortunately, modern conveniences are considerably safer than traditional technologies, which often involved open flames. “We are very cognizant, especially in the Christmas season, of candle safety,” Ryba said. “People leave them burning and forget about them, and, if a cat knocks it over or it falls over onto a combustible surface or something nearby, then we have an
Untended burning candles are a common cause of house fires during the holiday season. (Photo: Getty)
If your preference is a live Christmas tree, be sure to water it daily, to prevent a potential fire. (Photo: Getty)
QC
T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
Oh CHRISTMAS Tee Oh CHRISTMAS Tee Christmas Came Early At ASPEN LINKS COUNTRY CLUB
20% OFF 22021 021 Adult Ad lt - 18 18 hole h l green fee f with ith power cartt Valid until Dec.31
20% OFF 22021 021 Senior S i - 18 18 hole h l green fee f with ith power cartt Valid until Dec.31
20% OFF 22021 021 Golf G lf Punch P h Passes. P Valid V lid until til Dec.31 D 31
2021 Golf Memberships on Sale NOW! 310 Emerald Park Rd, Emerald Park, SK • (306) 791-7467 • www.aspenlinksgolf.com
15
16
T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
QC
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
HOW TO HOST VIRTUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS The 2020 holiday season figures to be vastly different than seasons past. The novel coronavirus COVID-19 has transformed daily life in many ways. The public has become accustomed to wearing masks while shopping, limiting the number of people in public venues and keeping their distance from friends and loved ones. Many events have been reimagined as virtual celebrations because of social distancing protocols. For those with large families or people with inherent risk factors that make them more susceptible to illness, sharing the holidays over video conferencing apps may be the safest way to go in 2020. The following tips can help holiday hosts make the most of a virtual holiday experience. Pick a bright, festive spot Set up your tablet, smartphone or comput-
er in a bright area with a festive backdrop. You’ll want others who join the virtual hangout to be able to see you clearly. A Christmas tree or a decorated fireplace in the background can set the scene. Choose the right conferencing app Certain programs may work better than others depending on your needs. For example, if everyone has the same operating system platform (iOS or Android), you may be able to use an app inherent to that system, which won’t require a separate download or login. Apps also may be chosen depending on how many people can be invited in, as some set limits. Do your homework and conduct a test run prior to the holidays.
Position the camera at eye level Try to set up the camera so you’re not looking up or down. Practice looking straight into the camera instead of at yourself in the minimized window or even others on the screen. This way you’ll appear engaged. Use mute when not speaking Muting yourself (and encouraging others to do the same) when you are not speaking will limit the amount of background noise. As the host, serve as the moderator and encourage everyone to speak one at a time. Choose a visual cue to signal when someone has the floor to speak, such as raising a hand or even showing a festive picture.
Tune into virtual worship While some places of worship have reopened to some capacity, others may still be offering hybrid services. If your place of worship offers services via YouTube or another video platform, gather around and watch together and participate just as if you were there in person. Better yet, share the link with other family and friends so they can tune in as well. Share dinner ‘together’ Set up your camera source so it captures the holiday table. All parties gathering virtually can then sit down to the holiday meal as one and enjoy one of the season’s more endearing traditions. (Metro)
Keep props nearby If the goal is to open gifts virtually, be sure to have everyone gathered and gifts nearby so no one is scrambling in and out of view.
May the Holiday Season fill your home with Joy, your heart with Love and your life with Laughter.
A Memory Care Community
2235 Heseltine Road, Regina | 306-347-7773 @espritlifestyle | www.espritlifestyle.com
Virtual celebrations may continue through the holiday season. Adapting with some video conferencing tips can ensure everyone enjoys the festivities. (Photo: Metro)
QC
T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
17
FURRY FRIENDS ENJOY THEIR FIRST FESTIVITIES
by Andrew Livingstone
This year has seen a surge in pet adoptions, and, before the holidays are over, many more dogs and cats will have found new homes. For these pets and their families, their first Christmas together may present some challenges, but, with some planning and patience, it can be safe and celebratory.
be if they’re not familiar with the people that are coming over,” said Thorn. “Generally speaking, you just want to make sure that the pet has some space to be in, and it’s not underfoot.” Be vigilant when your pet is around tasty Christmas foods—and when it’s around decorations, which can look like tasty foods to a four-legged gourmand. “A lot of things come out at Christmas time—ornaments, and decorations, and food, and treats, and candies and that kind of stuff—make sure that the animal doesn’t have access to those things, because they can swallow them and they can be harmful,” said Thorn. “Some plants, as well—things like poinsettias—can be very toxic to pets.”
Under the COVID-19 lockdown, the Regina Humane Society experienced the same stampede of adoptions that has swept across the continent. “People found themselves at home with some extra time, and it ended up being a really good time where they could focus on an animal—something positive,” said Bill Thorn, director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Regina Humane Society. “We did see a lot of animals go home, and we’ve not seen any come back.” For these pet owners, this will be the first Christmas with their new, furry friends, which may require some forethought and fortitude. “When it comes to new pets, patience is one of the keywords we always use,” said Thorn. “Take your time, research, think about it, and plan, and everything should work out just great.” As for those who have a place in their hearts and in their lives for such a cuddly companion but have yet to bring one home, this may be an opportunity to arrange an adoption. “It’s something that can work quite well—in fact, we do support it with the caveat that it’s not a surprise,” said Thorn. “A person who has expressed an interest in a particular type of pet or something like that for a long, extended period of time, and they’ve got the time, the energy and such to look after it, a pet as a gift can be really good.” In some cases, the holidays can be the ideal time to bond with a new buddy. “Unless you’re having a cast of thousands over for the holidays, it can be a great time, because you’re home, it’s quieter, you can spend some extra time to get used to each other, maybe work on a bit of training,” said Thorn. “So, it can be a wonderful time to bring a pet into the home as long as your house isn’t going to be a bunch of chaos with people coming and going, but, this year, we’re probably safe on that.” If, however, this will be your pet’s first encounter with crowds of visitors, prepare accordingly. “Make sure that the animal has a safe place to
Nevertheless, most owners consider their pets to be an addition to the family, and Christmas is an occasion to celebrate loved ones and cherish their company. “I don’t know of a single pet owner that doesn’t have a little Christmas stocking for their pet,” said Thorn. “That’s more for us, I think, than the dog [or cat], but you can certainly put all kinds of little treats or a new toy in there.” There are approximately 165 homeless pets currently waiting to find their special someone at the Regina Humane Society. A special adoption campaign is in place to help send each of these loveable animals “Home for the Holidays.” (Photo: RHS)
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS The Regina Humane Society encourages adoptions during the Christmas season through a program called “Home for the Holidays.” Bill Thorn, director of Marketing and Public Relations for the RHS, said that the promotion, “brings attention to some of the animals that we have at a time when people can be quite busy, and it can be quite easy to forget that we do have homeless pets that are looking for homes.” Consider the possibility, however, that an adoption may be easier after the holiday hubbub has come to a halt. “If you’re going to be busy with the Christmas season, maybe it’s better to wait for after or do it well ahead so that things are settled in before we get into that busy time,” said Thorn.“In fact, we have a certificate on our website that you can print off and put it in an envelope under the tree that basically says, ‘I know you’ve been wanting to get a cat, or dog, or whatever for some time. When the time is right, I’ll go with you to the Humane Society, and I’ll cover the cost of the adoption,’” said Thorn. “That way, the person is involved in the selection of the pet, which can be very important.”
18
T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
QC
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
GOOD WINES ENHANCE FOODS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS by Wendy Livingstone
Our 2020 holiday get-togethers will likely include fewer guests due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, but that doesn’t mean our gatherings need to be any less special. This year, perhaps more than ever, it’s important to unwind and celebrate the season with those who are closest to us.
A bubbly drink also makes a refreshing accompaniment for many brunch dishes. “I will often serve a champagne cocktail— some bubbles with maybe some peach juice. Something really fresh-tasting. And keeping it really light for the red, serving grape varieties like Gamay and Pinot Noir.”
For those who enjoy a glass of wine on such occasions, the experience may be further enhanced by choosing the variety that best complements the dish being served, and there are many great wines to choose from that are made in Canada.
She also likes to offer bubbly drinks for other special occasions, such as when she serves appetizers and drinks. “It’s so festive to pour a nice bubbly wine into a flute. What’s really popular in Saskatchewan is La Marca Prosecco, or you can go with a simple white wine or a simple light red wine. If you are entertaining, it’s always a good idea to offer a selection of wines and, these days, don’t forget the rosé. It’s super popular.”
It was commonly believed that the traditional turkey dinner—or any similar, light meat—was best served with a white wine, but Peggy Perry, president of the award-winning Willow Park Wines & Spirits, said that a light red wine is often the best choice. She serves turkey with a spicy sausage dressing and says, “When you’re doing something that’s a little bit spicey, you can definitely handle the richer reds. Poultry is considered a perfect dish to serve with any lighter-style red wine.”
Peggy Perry is president of the award-winning Willow Park Wine & Spirits. (Supplied photo)
Her suggestion for beers is the Saskatchewan-made Original 16 or your favourite local craft beer. “I would really encourage people to support local as much as possible. A lot of the local distilled spirits and fruit wines are out of stock, but you can still support craft breweries.”
She said that Pinot Noir is a great wine to pair with turkey, and the Canadian wine industry is having great results with the Pinot Noir grape because it doesn’t require a particularly hot climate. “Mission Hill, in the Okanagan in Kelowna, B.C., makes a really beautiful Pinot Noir that’s readily available in Saskatchewan,” she said. If you do prefer a white wine with turkey, Perry recommends Gewürztraminer (Sumac Ridge Gewürztraminer is a good choice) or Riesling, which is a good, classic white grape variety.
If you wish to give a bottle of wine to a host or hostess, or even as a gift for those who are not within your COVID bubble, Perry has some advice: “You want to buy something that has good character, so you really need to get into that $20 to $25 range. For a special occasion gift, I always recommend that you spend around $25 a bottle. A safe bet in Saskatchewan is to go with a Cabernet Sauvignon because that’s one of the most popular grape varieties. The other way to go with gifting is to buy a nice, sweet wine for after-dinner, like a beautiful icewine, a nice bottle of port or a nice bottle of champagne. They are special occasion wines, and people don’t always treat themselves.”
Many Christmas traditions include seafood dishes, and she said that a white wine such as Chardonnay is a great accompaniment for seafood. She recommends two Okanagan producers: CedarCreek Winery in Kelowna, B.C. and Tinhorn Creek in Oliver, B.C. Sometimes, celebrations often begin early in the day with a special brunch. “You have to be a little bit careful because a lot of brunch foods are not necessarily great pairing with wines, so with brunch I tend to serve slightly off-dry wine, such as Riesling, but it really does depend on your menu.”
It’s not necessary to offer spirits when entertaining, she said. “It’s quite acceptable to just offer beer and wine.”
Perry recommends serving a light red wine with your holiday turkey dinner. (Photo: Getty)
Willow Park, whose head office has been located in Calgary, Alta., since the company was established 1994, has an 8,000-square-foot retail operation in Regina.
QC
T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
19
sexual and emotional abuse. Donations will be shared equally by:
DONATE ONLINE OR BY MAIL ONLINE: MAIL:
leaderpost.com/cheerfund By cheque using the form below mailed to: Payable to ‘South Saskatchewan Community Foundation’, include ‘Christmas Cheer Fund’ in the cheque memo
South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, Attn: Christmas Cheer Fund, 3934 Gordon Rd, Regina, SK S4S 6Y3
I consent to my donor name, amount and message to be published
I prefer my donation to publish as “ANONYMOUS”
Please email my tax receipt to:
LEADERPOST.COM/CHEERFUND
20
T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
QC
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
‘TIS THE SEASON FOR SOME SCIENCE by Andrew Livingstone
Many Christmas celebrations will be cancelled under COVID-19 restrictions, but the Saskatchewan Science Centre does not want to leave families without their favourite December dose of discovery. It’s using the lockdown as an opportunity to bring science to life in its exhibit gallery, its IMAX theatre and in Saskatchewan homes. “The magic of the Science Centre is having all of these great, hands-on experiences, and that doesn’t work very well in a pandemic, so we are making big changes to our exhibit floor,” said Ryan Holota, Vice-President of Operations. Although the Science Centre’s exhibit floor is under renovation, JoyLab 2.0 is an ongoing opportunity to put on a mask, meet with friends, explore important questions, and see the exhibit gallery. “We will continue to have openings available for people to book that all through the end of December,” said Holota. “JoyLab is a collection of curated experiences that are designed to offer Instagram-ready moments for families, but it also allows them to think about the things that truly bring them joy in their lives, and maybe even what the difference is between joy and happiness.” The exhibit is an original creation of the Saskatchewan Science Centre, but it draws on concepts discussed in Ingrid Fetell Lee’s book Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness. “She’s created these ten aesthetics of joy, and, in this exhibit, we explore those aesthetics and encourage people to think about those aesthetics and how they relate to them,” Holota said. “We don’t give you the answers—you have to do the work on them yourself.” For visitors interested in finding joy in a giant-screen film, the Kramer IMAX Theatre is also braving the Christmas lockdown to bring education and entertainment to visitors of all ages. “It is Saskatchewan’s largest movie screen, and we have a lot of great IMAX documentaries on right now, including Asteroid Hunters, which is a brand new documentary,” said Holota. This year, the theatre will also feature Into Nature’s Wild, Great Bear Rainforest, and Superpower Dogs. Longer Hollywood blockbusters will also grace the IMAX screen. “In December, we are going to have a whole bunch of people’s favourite
The Saskatchewan Science Centre’s JoyLab 2.0 exhibit is a collection of curated experiences designed to offer Instagram-ready moments for families. (Photo: Saskatchewan Science Centre)
IMAX feature-length films back on the schedule, including Interstellar, the Dark Knight trilogy, Dunkirk, and, hopefully, a few additional showings of Tenet as well,” Holota said. The 15/70 mm format of IMAX film creates a unique movie-going experience. “We know that people really love that, and they love that immersive experience, and it’s different than you can get at any other theatre,” said Holota. As for the more educational fare, “The documentaries are completely engaging and engrossing, and it’s a really great way to learn about science and also have a lot of fun at the same time.” Many families have made a tradition of finishing their year with the Science Centre’s Noon Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, but the lockdown has required that the event be modified for 2020. “We’re going to be having a science experience in a box that we’re going to be offering to people all across Saskatchewan,” Holota said. “It’ll be full of activities, and snacks, and some really great, hands-on science [demonstrations]. “The people that buy that box will be able to join our team online if they need help, or if they just want to hang out and talk with other people that are doing those same experiments. That, we hope, will really allow people to have a really wonderful science-filled New Year’s Eve like
View life from a different perspective in the “upside down” room, one of the experiences featured in the Saskatchewan Science Centre’s JoyLab 2.0 exhibit. (Photo: Saskatchewan Science Centre)
they’re used to having.” The boxes will be available for purchase until Dec. 14, and they will be mailed to amateur scientists in time to participate in the event on the 31st. Noon Year’s Eve “has become a really favourite thing of families to do in Regina, and
really across Saskatchewan,” said Holota. “We think that it’s something that they are going to miss, not being able to come to the Science Centre in large numbers on that day. So, we wanted to provide this so that families could still have a great STEM activity together as they celebrate the New Year.”
QC
T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
21
TIPS FOR BAKING BETTER CHRISTMAS COOKIES Cookies and other baked treats are everywhere come the holiday season. It’s not uncommon to give cookies as gifts or arrive at holiday gatherings with cakes and other decadent desserts. Cookies are a classic holiday treat, and some families even build entire traditions around baking Christmas cookies. Novice bakers making cookies for the first time may be a little overwhelmed when perusing recipes. Baking is a science, and sometimes it takes practice to get the results just right. However, there are some tips that can help yield better, buttery bounties.
Measure flour properly Measuring flour the right way can ensure cookies come out right. The Cooking Channel says to spoon the flour lightly into a dry measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. Do not dip the measuring cup into the flour or tap the knife against the cup. This will pack too much flour into the measuring cup and result in dry, tough cookies. Slow down the eggs Add eggs one at a time to make sure each will emulsify properly with the fat in the butter. Adding eggs en masse may cause the emulsification to fail. Chill out Follow recipes that call for chilling cookie dough carefully. This process is important for making sliced and shaped cookies. By chilling, the dough becomes more malleable for rolling and even slicing.
Handle butter with care Butter can make or break a cookie recipe, as butter is often the glue that holds the cookie together. Therefore, it is key to follow the directions carefully regarding how to handle butter. Smithsonian.com says to leave butter at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes to properly soften it. This takes patience, but fiddling with butter too much can damage its delectable integrity. While purists may say butter is best, margarine may be acceptable if it has a high fat content; otherwise, cookies may spread out and flatten.
Use a bottom rack Too much heat may compromise cookie integrity. The food experts at Delish say to try moving cookies onto a lower rack in the oven if they aren’t retaining their shape when baked. Put an empty cookie sheet on the top rack. That will block the cookies from the most intense heat that rises to the top of the oven.
When it comes time to cream the butter with sugar, be sure to do so thoroughly to incorporate air into the butter and remove the grainy texture of the sugar.
Mastering cookies takes a little patience and some trial and error. Once bakers get their feet wet, Christmas-cookie-baking becomes even more special. (Metro)
TRIPLE-CHOCOLATE COOKIES
From Michael Recchiuti and Fran Gage’s “Chocolate Obsession” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang)
7 oz. unbleached all-purpose flour 1 ½ oz. unsweetened natural cocoa powder ½ tsp. baking soda 6 oz. unsalted butter with 82% butterfat, at room temperature 3 ½ oz. granulated cane sugar 4 ½ oz. dark brown cane sugar ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract ½ Tahitian vanilla bean, split horizontally ½ tsp. fleur de sel in fine grains 3 oz. 41% milk chocolate, roughly chopped 3 oz. 65% chocolate, roughly chopped To make the dough: Sift the flour, cocoa and baking soda together in a bowl. Set aside. Put the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until creamy. Add both sugars and the vanilla extract. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the bowl. Sprinkle the salt over the top. Beat on medium speed just until combined. Reduce the speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in three batches, pulsing the mixer to incorporate each batch before
Baking is a science, and sometimes it takes practice to get the results just right. However, there are some tips that can help yield better, buttery bounties. (Photo: Metro)
SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER
WITH A TOMMY’S GIFT CARD
adding the next one. Pulse just until a crumbly dough forms. Add both chopped chocolates and mix on low speed just until incorporated. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead a few times to incorporate any crumbs. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a log about 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 12 inches long. As you roll, gently push the ends toward the center occasionally to prevent air pockets from forming and to keep the logs at an even thickness. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least three hours or up to three days. To bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line the bottoms of two 12-by-18 inch sheet pans with parchment paper. Remove the logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a ruler to guide you and a sharp knife, cut each log into rounds 1/2-inch thick. If the dough crumbles as you cut it, reshape each slice. Place the rounds on the prepared pans, spacing them 1.5 inches apart. Bake on the middle shelves of the oven, rotating the pans 180 degrees halfway through the baking time, until set but soft enough to hold a slight indentation when pressed with a fingertip, about 14 minutes. Let cool completely on the pans on wire racks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Makes about 48 cookies. ©Metro
2710 Montague St. • 306-584-7777 TommysRegina.ca
22
T h u r s d a y, d e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 0
QC
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
Enjoy a 14-day Payment-Free Transition Period*.
Let’s talk about retirement living and what you want to know right now. At Green Falls Landing, we’re committed to ensuring you experience nothing but a warm, safe welcome. Our Settle in Safe™ program connects you with our team from day one, and helps you create a schedule of daily activities for your transition period. After this time, you’ll enjoy all the benefits our independent living community has to offer – knowing your health and safety are our top priority. Call 1-855-973-8372 to speak to a Senior Living Advisor today. Hurry, offer ends February 1, 2021
Green Falls Landing
3850 Green Falls Drive, Regina *Limited-time Offer. Visit reveraliving.com/letstalkoffer for full terms and conditions.
Gene and Marleen Residents of Revera