Saskatoon Star-Phoenix Celebrate 2016

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CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

306.934.1733

819 - 2ND AVENUE NORTH SASKATOON, SK ( 2 blocks North of SGI )

contents 4 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT IS ON T HE ENCHANTED FOREST READY TO ENCHANT 6 VISITORS AGAIN

R IVERSDALE 8

Decorating your home with holiday flair

R IVERSDALE 10

Does your tree have designer style?

HOLIDAY SONG SHEETS 12 A SASKATOON CHRISTMAS CAROL 16 O H, CHRISTMAS TREE! 18

The anatomy of the perfectly trimmed tree

H OLIDAY FAVOURITES FROM SASKATOON CHEFS 20 B ERRY BARN CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS 22 AROUND THE WORLD

Celebrate ALL THINGS FESTIVE

2016

The Saskatoon

Fireside Singers

EDITOR Jennifer Jacoby-Smith

Present

FEATURE WRITERS Jackie Blakely Ryan Hall Darlene Polachic DESIGNER Lorraine Chartier

Artistic Director Marilyn Whitehead • Pianist Bonnie Nicholson Stage Director Albert Couture • Choreographer Kelsey Stone

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3

Christmas bird count is on RYAN HALL

M

ost of us take birds for granted as part of our surroundings. But when you take time to watch them you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the amazing variety of avian life around us. In Saskatoon alone there are about 300 or so species of birds, though only about one third of those remain here all winter long. To help monitor populations the Audubon Society and Bird Studies Canada oversee the annual Christmas Bird Count, which also provides an opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about our feathered friends.

The Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 and is now one of the world’s longest running wildlife surveys, with thousands of people participating each year. Traditionally, most participants are adults, and the desire to get families and children involved drove the development of the current Christmas Bird Count for Kids (CBC4Kids) program. The CBC4Kids began in the United States in 2007, was adopted by Bird Studies Canada in 2010, and in 2013 the Saskatoon Young Naturalists started the local event. The whole idea behind CBC4Kids was to have a shorter outing that is not only fun, but educational.

“

“

Experienced birders are always willing to share their knowledge with newcomers.

This makes the Christmas Bird Count and CBC4Kids a great way for people to get into bird watching. Whether you are a curious beginner who wants to learn more about birds, or an experienced bird watcher, this is the event for you.

“During the Christmas Bird Count we have a good mix of experienced bird watchers and beginners,” says Greg Fenty, educational coordinator at the Saskatoon Zoo Society, “and experienced birders are always willing to share their knowledge with newcomers.”

As for the birds themselves, there are several different species to count. “Regular winter birds such as the chickadees, Bohemian waxwings, finches, magpies, blue jays, crossbills, grosbeaks, woodpeckers, nuthatches and the ubiquitous house sparrow will be there,” says Fenty, “but we will also be on the lookout for some 4

CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

of the really cool stuff like shrikes, great horned owls, and overwintering robins.”

However, the Christmas Bird Count has certain rules which must be followed to avoid counting birds twice. For example, once you have seen six chickadees, you cannot add number seven unless you see them all (seven) at one time. Each count is restricted to a circle 24 km in diameter, and participants are not allowed to count outside that area.

“After that, it’s like real life Pokeman Go – get out there and find the birds,” says Fenty.

This year’s Christmas Bird Count happens between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, with the CBC4Kids event taking place on Dec. 29 at the Affinity Learning Center located in the Saskatoon Forestry Farm.

The event isn’t just for kids and families though, as it is open to anyone who wants to attend. The bird count runs from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. with a bird walk at the top of each hour. Then it’s time to warm up with hot chocolate and cookies until the top of the next hour. Everyone is welcome to stay for the whole day, or to just come for one of the top-of-the-hour walks. Best of all, everything is free.

Last year there were over 60 participants, including a couple celebrity birders. This year Saskatoon Young Naturalists are hoping

for 75 people, and would love to see the number of kids involved continue to grow.

As Fenty says, “In this age of virtual reality there is a real fear that children are losing touch with the natural world. It is wonderful to see so many families getting some exercise, enjoying the fresh air, and checking out our feathered friends.”

Anyone planning to attend is reminded to dress appropriately for the weather and bring your binoculars, though there will be a few pairs available to loan for the day.

There is a bigger picture than just getting people outdoors and appreciating nature. Bird counts contribute to our scientific knowledge about birds and nature. Since the researchers that study birds cannot be everywhere at once, events like the Christmas Bird Counts incorporates the concept of Citizen Science, where everyday people collect the information the scientists use to improve our understanding of bird behaviour. Changes in bird numbers and distribution can signal a change in habitat or climate, and this information gives scientists a long-term record to analyze the effect of change and what the consequences will mean to us. As a result, every count holds potentially valuable information even when it might not be studied for years to come.

For more information, visit www.saskatoonnaturesociety.sk.ca.

Each year since 2013, Saskatoon Young Naturalists have hosted the CBC4Kids Christmas Bird Count. This fun outdoor adventure is way to get young people to interact with nature. The bird count also contributes to scientists knowledge of avian populations. This year’s event takes place Dec. 29 starting at 10 a.m. SUPPLIED PHOTO

CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

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Enchanted Forest

The ready to enchant visitors again JACKIE BLAKELY

T

he holiday season is upon us and if you’re looking for hometown enchantment, the Enchanted Forest must be on your list of things to do this season. The Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour presented by BHP Billiton is Saskatoon’s own little piece of magic that brings joy to the season with a popular light show that entertains people from all across Saskatchewan.

There are over 70,000 visitors to the light show each year. “It’s become one of the largest tours in Saskatchewan,” explains Hugh Vassos, director of marketing at the Enchanted Forest. “We’ve actually done surveys at the gate. Thirty-nine per cent come from outside of Saskatoon.”

Word of mouth spreads far and wide, as families and friends returning to the event bring even more people with them. “We even get visitors from other countries, as well,” says Vassos.

As more people move to Saskatoon from different countries, they bring visiting guests with them. “It runs over seven weeks so it gives people a good opportunity to bring family and friends out.”

This year, like every year, there are special displays added. This year they will be adding a new nutcracker display. “It’s something we haven’t had before. We decided on the concept in the spring, and Rick Stefan built the display over the summer. We’ll unveil it at the official lighting up of the forest ceremony in November.”

Vassos believes this, too, will become a family favorite.

While the light display officially opens to vehicle traffic tomorrow for its 18th season, back by popular demand is the Saskatchewan Blue Cross Push2Play Light Walk which takes place tonight. The first and last day of the light show are dedicated to foot traffic only.

The first and last day of the light show are dedicated to foot traffic only. No vehicles are allowed. “It’s a great way to see the forest at a leisurely pace and to stop and take pictures. There’s a bonfire and the Forestry Farm is open to stop in and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie,” says Vassos.

The light show’s popularity has made it a yearly Christmas tradition for the past eighteen years.

“There’s always something new to see and it happens at a very family oriented time of year. People are always looking for something to do,” explains Vassos. “But more than anything else, it’s the bright lights and a nice drive through an urban forest.”

The light show is an important fundraiser for the Saskatoon City Hospital and the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation. Says Vassos, “This is a very unique situation where you have two foundations who work together to present the Enchanted Forest, and along with sponsor BHP Billiton, they raise over $200,000 each year for hospital equipment and new zoo displays. It’s a unique partnership and it’s worked well for 18 years.”

The Enchanted forest is open each evening from Nov. 18 to Jan. 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and Ukrainian Christmas Eve. For more information on events, pricing, and the tour, check out their website at www.enchanted-forest.org.

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CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

The Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour presented by BHP Billiton officially opens today. The holiday light display continues to attract over 70,000 visitors each year. TOURISM SASKATOON/CONCEPTS PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

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7

MEET YOU IN

YOUR LOCAL HOLIDAY DESTINATION

Decorating your home with holiday flair DARLENE POLACHIC

G

litz and glam are out; natural is in. Especially when it comes to decorating your home for the holidays. So says Palma Cafolla, manager of Anthology Home Collection.

“Everything is going back to nature. And when we as designers are thinking about decorating our homes for the holidays, we’re thinking about bringing the outside in.”

Take a hint from Victorian times, she says, when people decorated their homes with what was available to them at that time of year. Study a Dickensian Christmas scene. There was no mass production of plastic back then.

“For decorating this holiday season, think walking in the woods and seeing what nature has dropped or discarded on the forest floor.

We’re using mossy branches; all the season’s greens like pine, fir, and balsam foliage; berries and cones; and things like naturally dried 8

CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

SUPPLIED PHOTO

hydrangea bloom heads.”

Scent is essential to holiday decor. Cafolla suggests tucking bundles of cinnamon – either cinnamon sticks or pieces of curly bark from the cinnamon tree – into greenery arrangements, along with star anise and clovestudded fruits which add colour and fragrance that lasts well into the new year.

Need something floral? Hellebore (sometimes called Christmas rose) admirably fills the bill, as does amaryllis which typically blooms about this time of year.

And, of course, poinsettias.

“Poinsettias are very Victorian,” Cafolla says, “and bring an essence of Old World Christmas.

They are visually stunning, and can last a long time if cared for properly.”

Poinsettias hate drafts, and don’t like temperature changes, so take care to put your poinsettia

in a draft-free area where temperatures don’t vary. When purchasing a poinsettia, be sure there is no leaf drop. Leaf drop is an indication the plant had a temperature change it didn’t like.

“Poinsettias also don’t like being dried out, so keep it watered, but make sure no water touches the leaves or flowers. This is a very delicate plant. If a leaf or flower bract is broken, it releases a white latex milk. Treat it with kid gloves.”

If you’re looking for unique ideas for your holiday table, Cafolla suggests making table settings individual by writing the guest’s name on a salal leaf with gold or silver leaf pen, then tying the leaf in a bundle with seeded eucalyptus and bright red ilex berries.

“If you’re having a lot of people in for dinner and don’t want a full-on table centre, run a live garland of greenery along the middle of the table and scatter votive lights in shot glasses and bundles of cinnamon, star anise, and fruit with cloves along its length. Stunning.”

Garlands for wrapping stair rails can also be made from fresh material. Palms says greenery in five-foot lengths or less are easily wired onto a rope. Tuck in whatever material you want for colour and accent.

Some evergreen material lasts longer than others without drying out or shedding. White pine is good. Cedar and balsam dry naturally and will remain intact if you don’t touch them.

It’s never too early to get the scent of Christmas going. Cafolla suggests filling large decorative bowls with a mix of dried limes, cinnamon, star anise and cloves with some dried rose hips for colour. Every few days, mix the pot pourri with your hands to activate the scent, and don’t be afraid to break the cinnamon sticks or bark for an extra burst of fragrance.

All the materials mentioned above are available at most florist boutiques including Blossoms Living, which is located in the Anthology Home Collection store, 126 Twentieth Street West.

Anthology manager, Palma Cafolla offers some unique ideas for holiday decor. SUPPLIED PHOTO

florals floral fl als no al now w lo locate located ted d within Anthology 126 20th St. West, Saskatoon kato • 3 306.955.3355 06.955.3355

CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

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MEET YOU IN YOUR LOCAL HOLIDAY DESTINATION

Does your tree have

designer style?

JEANNIE ARMSTRONG

H

ave you ever wished your Christmas tree had that extra dash of designer style? Inspiration awaits at Garden Architecture and Design (GAD).

Every holiday season, Garden Architecture is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with its very own festival of trees. “We have a following of people who come here because of our trees and ornaments. They actually refer to it as our festival of trees,” says co-owner Delores Wionzek.

Twenty magnificently decorated trees are on display throughout the store and adjacent greenhouse. Each is a work of art created by GAD’s professional tree designer, Myrna Wilson, who declares, “I have a passion for Christmas!”

Wilson joined Garden Architecture 12 years ago. “I am so fortunate to be able to pursue my passion here because they bring in the most elegant, beautiful ornaments and the trees are second to none. I do 50 trees on average every season.”

Among the fashionable trees on display is the stunning “Royal White” tree – dripping in gold and pearls, even crystal tiaras. The “Tapestry and Teal” tree is resplendent in rich jewel tones and adorned with peacock feathers.

The “Green Tree” celebrates nature, mixing organic elements with essential glitz. The innovative “Upside Down” tree is ideal for homes where space is at a premium.

GAD has also captured the whimsy of Christmas in a traditional red-andgreen tree populated with elves and snowmen, as well as the captivating “Black Bear” tree, featuring loveable plush bears.

Surrounding each tree are all of the embellishments needed to decorate your own tree in similar fashion, including a dazzling array of ornaments, garlands, ribbons, trims, toppers and velvet skirting.

“We carry a large selection of novelty ornaments, in almost any theme you can think of – representing different travel destinations, interests, hobbies and professions,” says Wionzek.

Garden Architecture not only offers a large selection of artificial trees, they can even decorate the tree for you. “I can design and decorate the tree from start to finish, or just do part of the tree,” says Wilson.

“We have some clients who just want the tree partially decorated with garlands and sinamay. Then they’ll add their own ornaments and finishing touches,” says Wionzek.

Every year, more customers opt for Garden Architecture’s tree-trimming services, for a number of reasons. “Some people don’t have the time or the interest in doing it themselves. A lot of customers just want the ‘Garden Architecture’ look!” says Wionzek.

For more details, stop into Garden Architecture and Design at 315 Avenue A South in Riversdale or check out www.gardenarchitecture.ca.

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CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

Garden Architecture and Design’s “Royal White” Christmas tree is opulently decorated in touches of gold, pearls, white sculpted ribbon – even crystal tiaras! PHOTO: GAD

The “Tapestry and Teal” tree is embellished with jewel tones and peacock feathers. PHOTO: GAD

Greenhouse now open for the Holiday Season Fresh Greens and Wreaths Now Available

GARDEN ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN 315 Avenue A South 306-651-2828

GA INTERIORS

331 Avenue A South 306-651-2899 CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

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ChristmasCarolMusic.org - free Christmas carol sheet music

Joy to the World

words by Isaac Watts, alt.

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CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

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ChristmasCarolMusic.org - free Christmas carol sheet music

Silent Night

tune by Franz Gruber, alt.

w6rds by Joseph Mohr trans. John F. Young

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Si - lent night, Si - lent night, Si - lent night,

ho - ly night, ho - ly night, ho - ly night,

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moth - er and child. heav - en a - far, thy ho - ly face

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sleep in heav - en - ly Christ the Sav - iour is Je - sus, Lord at thy

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peace, born, birth,

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round yon vir - gin glo - ries stream from ra - diant beams from

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all is bright at the sight, love's pure light

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Ho - ly in - fant so ten - der and mild, heav'n - ly hosts sing al - le - lu - ia. with the dawn of re - deem - ing grace,

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in heav - en - ly the Sav - iour is sus, Lord at thy

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peace. born! birth.

Remember to

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CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

13

ChristmasCarolMusic.org - free Christmas carol sheet music

Deck the Hall

words: traditional English

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CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

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ChristmasCarolMusic.org - free Christmas carol sheet music

We Wish You a Merry Christmas traditional English

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CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

15

A Saskatoon Christmas Carol RYAN HALL

F

or over 170 years Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been captivating the hearts and minds of readers with its tale of change, redemption, and hope. While the story has

been told in many different ways, from public readings to the silver screen, it remains most powerful in small intimate settings where the separation between actors and audience is kept to a minimum.

In Saskatoon, no location is better suited for that then Persephone Theatre. This year they will be doing just that with a performance of this beloved Dickens classic running from Nov. 23 until Dec. 11.

For Persephone, this marks the second time they have presented A Christmas Carol, as they first did so in 2008. With that in mind, this year’s production features several returning elements from the original production that may be familiar.

First off, Director Johnna Wright will be returning, bringing her superb skills to this show, and ensuring that the ethos and feel of the story shines through. Additionally, audiences will be delighted to see Kent Allen reprising his role as the curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge. “It’s a real coup having Johnna and Kent back for this performance,” says Lisa Bayliss, director of marketing and development at Persephone Theatre, “as they were both big contributors to the success of the previous run.”

While these elements provide a link to the past, Persephone is working hard to ensure this production is full of new and exciting features as well. Among the many surprises planned for the audience is an overarching desire to accent the ‘spectacle’ of A Christmas Carol. For many people this centers on the three ghosts who visit Scrooge and guide him on his journey of personal transformation. However, as Bayliss notes, “the entire story is imbued with power, and our goal is to capture that in every facet of our production.”

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CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

Persephone Theatre, located in the Remai Arts Centre, will perform the Christmas classic Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Story. The classic tale of a changed heart continues to captivate hearts over 170 years since it written. TOURISM SASKATOON/CONCEPTS PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

To do this, the theatre has gone all out recruiting top design-

However, the real heart of this Dickens story is the message it

ers from across Canada to lend their talents. This includes Karyn

has for all humanity, namely the power we all have to change. The

McCallum, an award winning set designer from Toronto, as well as

journey of Scrooge throughout A Christmas Carol is something

Bonnie Deakin, an internationally recognized designer, who will

that has resonated with readers and audiences for generations, and

be creating authentic, detailed, and captivating period costumes.

given hope that we can all become better individuals. In this way, it

Finally, lighting design will be handled by the nationally renowned

has become part of our collective culture.

will be a visual experience that immerses the audience in the world Dickens was portraying.

Beyond spectacle, the production will also feature several local actors and actresses. Among them is the Brandon family, who reside in Saskatoon, that together

That importance is something that

“

Persephone is well aware of, and which

This classic story of redemption reminds us all that this is possible, at a time when we need to hear it most.

“

Guido Tondino. The final result

will be playing the Cratchit fam-

they want to highlight. As Del Surjik, artistic director for Persephone Theatre, says “With the distressing events in our international news, I’m even more glad that we programmed this play. Now more than ever, we need to remember our potential for profound change – and the transformation that

ily with Skye Brandon portraying Bob, wife Kristi Friday as Mrs.

can result. This classic story of redemption reminds us all that this

Cratchit, and young Pyper playing Tiny Tim. “Having a family

is possible, at a time when we need to hear it most.”

take on these roles together creates an interesting dynamic,” says

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from the Perse-

Bayliss, “as the natural ease they have with each other really adds

phone Theatre box office, or by visiting www.persephonetheatre.

to the overall experience.” In addition to the Brandons, there will

org. Due to the popularity of this production, anyone interested in

be other familiar faces on stage including Kevin Williamson and

attending is encouraged to buy their tickets as soon as possible

Joshua Beaudry.

before performances sell out.

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Oh, Christmas Tree!

The anatomy of the perfectly trimmed tree ERIK J. MARTIN CTW FEATURES

S

ure, icicle lights can brighten your front path and a handsome door wreath is a surefire smile provoker. But no holiday home decorating is complete without the right Christmas tree — one that’s lovingly adorned, entrancingly illuminated, and ready to greet guests as they enter your abode. In fact, 77 per cent of all American house-

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CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

holds displayed a Christmas tree in 2015, according to a survey conducted by Nielsen for the American Christmas Tree Association.

But with so many styles and options available today, it’s easy for homeowners in the market for a new Christmas tree or accompanying décor to get overwhelmed.

Relax, say the experts: whether you choose a freshly cut fir with all the trimmings or a synthetic sapling, you won’t be a sap if you plan carefully.

First, remember that the tree you select “should represent your unique style and reflect your family’s holiday traditions, which sets the tone for all your festive entertaining,” says Emily Hull-Martin, home fashion director for Bloomingdale’s in New York City. “Think about making your tree the focal point for the room.”

Second, give thought to practical matters by scouting locations and taking measurements.

“Figure out where the tree will go, and consider available space, ceiling height, and if there are electrical outlets nearby,” suggests Alena Capra, owner of Alena Capra Designs, an interior design firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Next comes perhaps the biggest decision of all: real or artificial?

Both types have their pros and cons.

“If you love the smell of fresh pine or fir and don’t mind watering and cleaning up dead needles, nothing beats a real tree for creating a festive holiday mood,” Hull-Martin notes.

Kurt Heckman, a Frederick, Maryland homeowner, is a firm believer in a bona fide Douglas fir.

“As a tradition, we cut our own tree on the weekend after Thanksgiving at a cut-your-own-tree farm in the area,” Heckman says.

“But we need to keep it watered and be careful when the tree is in the house, as many homes are lost every year to fires that start from a dry Christmas tree.”

Mark Chisholm, an arborist with Aspen Tree Expert Company in Jackson, N.J., says real trees have to be picked carefully.

“I recommend choosing one with some empty spaces or there won’t be much room for ornaments,” says Chisholm, who suggests buying an uncut tree (with its root ball intact) you can keep alive, and later replant, by planting it indoors within a container. “Also, be sure the first foot of the trunk is straight, or you’ll have a hard time getting it to stand correctly at home.”

For these and other reasons, most Americans opt for an artificial vs. real tree (81 per cent vs. 19 per cent), with an estimated 11.5 million artificial units purchased last year that will be displayed for an average of 11 years, as per the aforementioned poll. Artificials come in many sizes, shapes, colours and varieties, including unlit, pre-lit with LED or mini bulbs, pre-flocked with fake snow, alternativecoloured (like white, blue, pink, tinsel or metallic), slim/narrow (for tight spaces) and even upside-down.

“Pre-lit artificial trees are easy to put up, easy to take down and

the lights are already on it. The branches and shape are perfect, and the decorations go on easy,” Capra says.

When it comes to lighting a real or imitation tree, “it should have at least 750 bulbs, which equates to 100 lights per foot,” says Thomas Harman, CEO of Redwood City, Colo.-based artificial tree manufacturer Balsam Hill, who recommends LED lights for greater efficiency and a 90 per cent longer lifespan than traditional bulbs.

“Multi-coloured lights help create a youthful look, especially

Rise of the tiny trees

P

lus-sized Christmas trees aren’t the only option: there’s also petite, in the form of a tiny tree.

“Tabletop, narrow, pencil and even three-quarter Christmas trees are a great solution for small spaces. They can be small versions of larger trees, unlit or pre-lit, and made of glass, wood, crystal, plastic or other materials,” says Thomas Harman, CEO of Balsam Hill, an artificial tree maker in Redwood City, Colorado. “They’re also used by individuals who like to display more than one Christmas tree throughout the home.”

Alena Capra, owner of Fort Lauderdale, Floridabased Alena Capra Designs, says mini trees, which can range in height from as little as a few inches up to a tad below the traditional seven-and-a-half-foot size, are ideal for seniors, kids and owners who are renovating or away for the holidays.

“They help set the holiday spirit but without all the effort of putting up a full-sized tree,” Capra says. “And there are amazing tiny ornament options available, too.” © CTW Features

if you’re going with colourful ornaments. If you’ve chosen more monochromatic ornaments or metallic, go with clear lights,” says Hull-Martin, who advises matching the colour of your light cords to your tree’s colour.

If you’re aiming for an elegant tree with harmonizing colours, ornament kits are worth exploring, Harman says.

“I also like to consider the décor of the room when deciding on ornaments,” Capra says.

As for the tree topper, whether it’s an angel, star, ribbon or bow, there’s no wrong answer.

“You need to think more about ceiling height and the weight of the topper, as a lot of the stars and angels they make are somewhat heavy,” Capra says. “I personally prefer bow tops for colour and because they don’t weigh down the tree top.” © CTW Features

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✶

Holiday favourites from ✶ Saskatoon Chefs

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C

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hristmas is a special time of sharing with family and friends – sharing laughter, memories

and delicious comfort food. Celebrate! talked with three Saskatoon chefs about their favourite holiday recipes and now you can share them with your family and friends.

✶ Old-fashioned gingerbread cake Nothing says Christmas better than the aroma of warm ginger and spices. This delectable dessert comes from Chef Chris Corkum at The Radisson Hotel’s Aroma Resto Bar. It’s currently part of their fall and winter menu.

100 g sugar 115 g butter, room temperature 1 egg 315 g molasses 360 g flour 8 g baking soda 4 g cinnamon 4 g ginger 2 g cloves 2 g salt 250 g hot water Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium stainless steel bowl whisk together all the dry ingredients. In another medium stainless bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix thoroughly followed by the molasses. Add the dry ingredients and combine.

Finish the batter with the hot water and it’s ready. Pour into a buttered 9X9 inch baking pan and bake for approximately 30 minutes. (You’ll know it’s done when it springs back when lightly pushed.)

Corkum suggests going all out with toppings. Serve warm with spiced rum ice cream, roasted pineapple, and crème fraiche.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

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For a simple, yet delicious accompaniment, try whisking together a little sugar, vanilla and orange zest into plain yogurt or sour cream. “Put a healthy dollop of that on top of your gingerbread,” Corkum says. “After all, if we can’t over-indulge during the holidays, when can we?”

✶ Baked goat cheese with tomato sauce and cashew nuts Makes enough for 10-12 as a appetizer.

Can be made ahead of time.

This recipe comes from Chef Anthony McCarthy at The Saskatoon Club. He notes, “[It’s] a favourite of mine that goes over well, is easy to make, and a good one to show up with when asked to bring an appy.”

for the tomato sauce: 1 litre preserved summer tomatoes, or one can San Marzano tomatoes 1 small Spanish onion, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 oz. basil and oregano, chopped Pinch of salt and pepper Olive oil to top the sauce: 4 oz. coarsely chopped cashews 4 oz. soft goat cheese

✶ ✶

Put about 2 tbsp of olive oil in a medium pot. Add garlic and onion. Sauté until softened. Add the tomatoes, herbs and seasonings. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Blend lightly leaving it a little chunky. Pour into a suitable size oven proof dish. Top first with crumbled goat cheese and then cashews. When ready to serve, re-heat in a 350 oven for 15 minutes. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

✶ Wheat salad

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Mary Lachapelle operates Tasty Bites Catering and The StarPhoenix cafeteria. She submits a classic dessert highlighting one of Saskatchewan’s key exports – wheat.

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained 2 tbsp. lemon juice 1 package instant vanilla pudding 2 cups cooked wheat 1 large container whipped topping Soak wheat overnight. Boil gently until tender; drain. Cream cheese with mixer. Add pineapple with juice, lemon juice, and dry pudding mix. Blend. Fold wheat and whipped topping into mixture. Chill until ready to serve.

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Berry Barn celebrates Christmas around the world JACKIE BLAKELY

T

he Berry Barn isn’t just about berries. In addition to catering, hosting weddings, and their splendid greenhouse, the Berry Barn is gearing up for their famous Christmas buffets. Over the past two years they’ve been cooking up something pretty special for the holiday season.

Four traditional buffets are on the menu and Grant and Natalie Erlandson, owners of the Berry Barn, are hoping to tempt your taste buds to try something new.

“The way my wife and I grew up, we both came from farms and a lot of what happens on a farm is things get discussed over the kitchen table,” says Grant Erlandson. “We started shooting ideas around and we involve the staff and it just kind of rolled from there.”

The first year, the Erlandson’s employed cooking staff from the Philippines and decided to let the staff cook Christmas dinner, Philippine-style, so they could show off their Christmas traditions. One thing led to another and this year they are pulling all the stops, offering buffets of traditional Philippine, Norwegian, Ukrainian, and their own signature Berry Barn traditional Christmas dinner.

“Our background is Norwegian and we always have a Norwegian dinner on the 24th of December,” says Erlandson. “We’re trying to keep the older tradition always of doing things alive.”

Menu options at the Philippine banquets include specialties such as: porchetta (roasted pork belly), chicken inasal (barbecue chicken) and kaldereta (braised short ribs).

From the Norwegian side of the house, the menu at the Norwegian buffet offers fish meatballs, lutefisk, and leg of lamb among other delicious selections.

And it’s not Christmas dinner in Saskatchewan without a Ukrainian feast. Borscht, perogies, pickled herring and cabbage rolls are just a sampling of this delicious buffet.

The traditional Christmas dinner is a buffet for those who like the traditional turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Whether it’s traditional comfort food or a new selection to honour traditions around the world, the Berry Barn serves up hospitality and delicious food for you to share with family and friends – both old and new.

For more information on the delicious offerings and to view the menus for the Berry Barn buffets and prices, check out their website at www.berrybarn.ca.

The Berry Barn – an iconic summer staple – has created several international banquets to honour Christmas traditions from around the globe.

GETTY IMAGES

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CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

GRINCH CH

HOW O T THE HE

STOLE CHRISTMAS S TOLE C HRISTMA M S

Saturday, Dec 3 7:30pm - TCU

Performance December 9 Friday 7:30PM Knox United Church C

Tickets: 306-975-7799 saskatoonsymphony.org

essiah Handel's

Sing-Along December 10 Satu urday 2PM Knoxx United Church

saskatoonsymphony.org

Tickets 306-665-6414

CELEBRATE ALL THINGS FESTIVE 2016

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It’s Our 18th Sparkling Season

See the NEW Nutcracker Display

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park

Nov19-Jan7 5:30-10:00 Every Night

$ Sav5in Off th g e Enchanted Express Passes available at all Saskatoon locations of

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$28

*

Price!Gate * $10/person or $33/vehicle

FACEBOOK.COM/ENCHANTEDFORESTSASKATOON at the Gate. Each pass TWITTER @ENCHFORESTYXE #ENCHANTEDFORESTYXE admits 1 car with WWW.ENCHANTED-FOREST.ORG

including GST Non-refundable

maximum 7 passengers.

Ages 5 and under free.

Cash, Credit, Debit accepted