2021
Guide Shop Local November~December 2021
COVER PHOTO: Poppy Field, a kitten previously at Heart of the Catskills Humane Society in Delhi, plays beneath a tree decorated by local businesses and community members for the shelter’s annual holiday fundraiser in this 2020 photo. Sarah Eames | The Daily Star
2021
Guide Table of Contents
Brooks’ House of BBQ...............................................................................3 Wolf Wilde Goldsmith................................................................................3 Making Merry: Considering the History of Christmas.................................. 4 Southside Mall..........................................................................................6 Cabral’s Caribbean Store........................................................................... 7 King’s Kakery Pastry Shop.......................................................................... 7 John Grigoli, Licensed Massage Therapist................................................... 7
Eliminate the Holiday Headache with these Gift-giving Essentials.............. 8
Wise Guys Sammys................................................................................ 10 Silks & Treasures Consignments.............................................................. 10 Tin Bin Alley Candy & Gift Shop............................................................... 11 Merry Milk Chocolate Fudge....................................................................12
Area Retailers Offer Merry Merchandise & More......................................14 Sybil’s Yarn Shop.....................................................................................16 Posie’s Vintiques...................................................................................... 17
Artisans Guild........................................................................................ 18
Tino’s Pizza & Restaurant........................................................................19 Speedy’s Oneonta Coin Company............................................................19 Homemade Eggnog Made Easy............................................................. 20 Budget-Friendly Burlap Bubble Wreath....................................................22
Weaver’s Farm Market............................................................................ 24 Editor: Allison Collins
Holiday Guide 2021 is a publication of The Daily Star, 102 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820 © 2021 - All rights reserved.
2
THE DAILY STAR e Holiday Guide 2021
GREAT GIFTS AND STOCKING STUFFERS! BBQ supplies, Brooks' Gear Clothing, Local Maple & Honey Products, and more!
Gift Baskets & Gift Boxes
Assorted Sauces, Marinades, Rubs and Seasonings!
BROOKS' GIFT CARDS! Fast Casual Dining, Carryout or Curbside... Tuesday - Thursday & Sunday Ilam - 7pm Friday & Saturday Ilam - 8pm Now serving beer and wine! Restaurant Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Now Available - Online Ordering For Carry Out Only! 5560 State Highway 7 I 607.432.1782 I brooksbbq.com
A Perfect Gift For Those That Have Everything!
i'·
4,
·r • ·, �
1420-386223
•
.,
,
By Caitlin Ogden
Making Merry: Considering the History of Christmas 4
THE DAILY STAR e Holiday Guide 2021
d d d d d d d d d d d d
T
he holiday season in upstate New York is a beautiful time of year, featuring snow-topped trees, frozen ponds and lakes and crystal-clear nights that make for superior stargazing. Families and friends come together across various religious and secular holidays and traditions, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, decorating their homes. The Christian-based holiday of Christmas is celebrated in many ways in communities world- and statewide, and not just by practicing Christians (many celebrants practice other religions, but still enjoy putting up a tree, for instance.) In fact, many of the common elements of Christmas celebrations seem, on the surface, to have little in common with biblical stories of Jesus Christ’s birth: evergreen trees, Christmas stockings by the fire, family feasts. So, where do those traditions come from and where do they fit in with modern – religious and secular – Christmas?
Bountiful Boughs Each year, when conversations around the history of Christmas traditions arise, the Christmas tree looms large, though there is no direct evidence that evergreen trees existed in Bethlehem, or anywhere close, when Jesus was born. Yet there are many myths and hypotheses about just how “O, Tannenbaum” became so analogous with Christmas. It is widely accepted by historians that ancient peoples, including the Romans and the early Germanic peoples, prized evergreen plants, especially fir trees, in the winter, bringing all or part of a plant into their homes around the celebration of the winter solstice (which also happens to occur in late December). The trees may have symbolized many things, but certainly they stood
for the promise that, through the dark of winter, spring would come again. The German-language Christmas carol “O, Tannenbaum” didn’t originally reference Christmas, but detailed the fir tree as a symbol of constancy, faith and beauty. In the latter medieval period, Christian Church reformer Martin Luther is credited with inventing the Christmas tree after walking home from giving a winter sermon and wanting to replicate the dazzling stars he saw by adding lit candles to the evergreen boughs decorating his home. Possible also is the theory that the Christmas tree came from Latvia in the early 1500s, where “Paradise Trees” were used in nativity plays. The trees used were evergreens, hung with apples representing the fruit of knowledge from the Garden of Eden. No matter the origins, it is generally agreed that German immigrants brought the tradition of Christmas trees with them to early America. Now, Christmas tree farms exist in all 50 states (even Hawaii), where they represent a sustainable, if slow to mature, crop for farmers that captures carbon and naturally acts as a barrier for waste-water runoff into streams and rivers. So, next time you select a live Christmas tree to decorate with, not only are you linked through the ages to early Roman and Germanic civilizations, you’re also doing a little to fight climate change. Gifts Across the Generations What is a Christmas tree without some gifts wrapped beneath? The two have not always gone hand in hand. For most of the history of evergreen use, the tree has not been associated in any way with gift giving, and gift giving itself has, historically, come in and out of favor among celebrants. Early Puritan settlers of America eschewed celebrating Christmas, finding it too frivolous, largely due to the gift exchange aspect. If you have ever read a Bible story around the birth of Christ, you’ve likely heard of the three Magi, or wise men, who traveled with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the infant Jesus. But that is not necessarily where the tradition comes from. Like the use of evergreens for decorations, gift giving also has pagan roots. Medieval Germany had a tradition of
“wassailing.” Wassail has two common definitions: a type of spicy mulled wine drunk around the 12th night of December and Christmas Eve, and a tradition of going house to house, singing carols in exchange for gifts. It can be assumed that one went wassailing after having imbibed a hearty amount of wassail. This is also where we get the tradition of caroling. There was a tradition of gift giving between social classes, with wealthy Germans giving gifts to their tenants and other lower-income members of the community. It was the Victorians who modernized most Germanic Christian traditions, and they had a role to play in shifting gift giving from the social classes to our modern tradition of giving gifts primarily to children. Pastor Joel Shue, of the Free Methodist New Life Church in Oneonta since 2017, said he loves giving gifts at Christmas. “When I give gifts, I’m reminded of how God gave us the greatest gift ever, through Jesus,” he said, noting that, to him, exchanging gifts is symbolic of the gifts of new life, forgiveness and knowledge of the creator described in the story of Jesus’s sacrifice. “We give gifts out of love: the person getting the gift didn’t pay for it, and when they unwrap it, they know how much they’re loved, just like God did for us!” Pastor Shue’s said his favorite holiday tradition is Christmas Eve service at church. “Families, friends and the community all gather together to worship Jesus,” he said. “It’s a really special time together.” Festive Feasts Shue said he loves, too, Christmas dinner. The idea of feasting at Christmastime as we know it can be traced to the Roman feast day held for Saturnalia, the pagan holiday celebrating the god Saturn that occurred on or around the 25th of December by the modern
calendar. But what goes on the table for Christmas dinner varies a lot, depending on the location in the world and the cultural traditions of individual families. The British tradition of roast beef and Christmas pudding – which isn’t a pudding by American definition, but a cake - is likely the dominant meal worldwide. Turkey comes in close in America, right alongside ham for those with Germanic roots (Germanic cultures tend to stick with ham for all the big feasts). Italian Americans, especially those of Catholic descent, are less known for Christmas dinners, but go all out for Christmas Eve, with the “feast of the seven fishes,” commemorating the wait for Jesus’ birth. That adheres, too, to the Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on the eve of any religious holiday. For many, including Pastor Shue, it’s less about the meal and more about the memories. “As a person from a really tight-knit family, our holiday meals were always spent with extended family, friends and neighbors, just enjoying each other’s company,” he said, noting that even Jesus liked to spend meaningful time around the dinner table with friends and family. “He shows us that one of the most important things in life is developing relations and spending quality time with people, showing them the love of God.” Whether you are religious or secular, prefer ham or turkey, Christmas is a special time. When you place the lights on your evergreen tree this year, spare a thought for the thousands of years of human history wrapped up in that simple gesture. When you gather with family and friends, think of the generations who have come together before you, to wish each other well at the start of the long winter. Maybe pour yourself a mug of wassail and mull ideas of love, charity and togetherness. No matter your reason for the season, have a very Merry Christmas.
“Families, friends and the community all gather together to worship Jesus.”
Sending Cartloads of Cheer Your Way Happy
Holida ys, and th anks for shopp ing wi th us!
Southside Mall (607) 432-4401
5006 NY-23, Oneonta, NY 13820
Cakes, Pies, Cookies and Pastries for the Holidays!!!
Gluten-Free Options!
Cabral’s Caribbean Store Gift Certificates available
Hot Chocolate Bombs!
(607) 267-4343 281 Main St, Oneonta, NY 13 3820
John Grigoli 607.760.9910
Grocery, Art, And Fashion 607-386-4669 cabralscaribbeanstore@gmail.com 300 Main St Oneonta, NY 13820
Licensed Massage Therapist 109 N. Main Street Bainbridge, NY 13733
Swedish, Deep Tissue, CTT, Trigger Point, Hot Towel Therapy
Ask about special package deals! GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!
Eliminate the Holiday Headach with thes e e Giftgiving Es
Photos by Chrystal Savage
By Chry stal Sav age
G
Top: For a coach or teacher, an oversized seasonal mug filled to the brim with holiday sweets or supplies is certain to earn you an A+ on your gift-giving game. Bottom: For a co-worker or Secret Santa, consider a holiday candle, special tea blend or jar of cookiemaking ingredients.
8
THE DAILY STAR e Holiday Guide 2021
sentials
ift-giving can be tricky, especially when there are teachers and coaches, Secret Santa or office parties and unexpected “plus ones” dropping in. Whether you’re puzzled on what to get that special someone or want a “moment’s notice” gift, here are a few tips to make sure you crush the gifting game no matter the situation. • Consider versatility: Select items that are well-liked among most people and across demographics – children under 10, college students, working professionals. Having items on hand that can work for a variety of circumstances will serve you well and, when in doubt, leave the gag gift out. • Maintain a designated price point: It can be easy to get carried away when buying gifts, but setting a maximum budget, per gift, is essential to ensuring that no one gift is lacking or over the top. • Be consistent: Unless there is a co-worker with whom you’re especially close or a coach who has gone above and beyond, keep things the same or as similar as possible across the board. Getting one coach a mug and some chocolates? Consider doing the same for another, but be flexible and customize each gift with a favorite candy or mug color to demonstrate added thought. • Make it personal: Whether it’s showcasing knowledge and appreciation for two separate teachers or applauding each grandkid’s unique talents and interests, it’s this added touch that encompasses the meaning behind a holiday gift more than any amount spent or items selected.
Don’t rule out homemade: Many people would like a homemade pie or cookie mix just as much, if not more, than a physical gift.
When all else fails: Select an amount with which you’re comfortable and do a simple card with cash or local gift card if you’re unsure.
• Keep the Wrapping Simple: As with buying, it’s easy to find yourself buried in wrapping paper and ribbons, wondering how you got so far in. Instead, establish a cohesive vision for all your gifts: cellophane and bows or reversible gift wrap. • Don’t rule out homemade: Many people would like a homemade pie or cookie mix just as much, if not more, than a physical gift. Not everyone wants something that occupies a space in their home. Just be sure to consider allergies and intolerances when gifting food-related items. • When all else fails: Select an amount with which you’re comfortable and do a simple card with cash or local gift card if you’re unsure. Alternatively, maybe include a gift receipt with the item. • Last, but not least: Don’t forget to pick up some thank-you cards! Whether you’re 1 or 100, there’s likely someone who thought of you this holiday season. Show them you’re grateful with a thank-you note in the mail, online or in person. Gift Ideas for the Adults and Young Adults: • Scent-based Items: Candles are a practically fool-proof gift. If you know them well, select a favorite scent or change it up with something holiday-inspired. Candles are available at several price points and also offer room for expansion with add-ons and accessories. • Drinkware: Mugs, like candles, are widely available and provide a thoughtful gift at a reasonable price. Mugs exude cozy, holiday energy sure to be carried into the new year. Wine glasses, reusable water bottles and custom tumblers are a great way to personalize the message behind your gift. Drinkware also offers an opportunity to double your gift, by filling the vessel with seasonal goodies. • Something practical: Whether it’s a pair of slippers, a new set of kitchen essentials or replacing a well-worn briefcase, getting that person on your list something that’s been on theirs is a great way to show you’ve been listening all along. Gift Ideas for Children: • Interactive items: Games, puzzles and art supplies are a great way to help the children in your life continue hitting important milestones while they’re home for the holidays, and have fun while they’re at it. • Hobby items: The better you know the child, the easier it is to find hobby items. Children who enjoy sports might be delighted to receive a soccer ball or a new baseball bat, while arts-oriented kids might appreciate new sheet music or an
easel. Also, consider a game the whole family can play. • Something plush: Soft items are a must when the temperatures drop, whether it’s a blanket, pillow or plush toy, kids are sure to think of you and feel special every time they snuggle up. Gift Ideas for a Coach or Teacher: • An oversized mug that captures the season or recipient’s personality filled with holiday sweets, a tea blend or instant coffee wrapped in cellophane and topped off with a ribbon is certain to earn you an A+ on your gift-giving game. Consider topping the mug off with school supplies or a gift card for sports supplies or to a sporting goods location. Gift Ideas for a Co-worker or Secret Santa: • This gift can be one of the hardest to shop for, so keeping it generic is often best. For the secretary at the office, a holiday candle might make a nice addition to the desk or home; for your office bestie, consider a holiday blend red wine and a set of glasses. Gift Ideas for Everyone: • Reading materials: With so many genres, you can find a book that fits just about anyone on your list. Is your recipient not the type to read something from start to finish? Magazine or digital media subscriptions are a great way to bridge the gap. • Gift cards and vouchers: Gift cards are always reliable, and most major businesses offer them. Many local shops and restaurants also offer vouchers. • Something sweet: It’s likely almost everyone on your holiday shopping list this season has a sweet tooth. Whether that means making something yourself, a la their favorite homemade cookies, or picking up a box of chocolates, it’s almost impossible to go wrong.
For a student or child, a family-friendly game or a new book in their favorite series alongside some fuzzy socks or a blanket make a sweet but simple gift sure to keep their minds active through the holidays.
Holiday Guide 2021 e THE DAILY STAR
9
Gift Certifica tes Available !!!
Let us cater your next special event!!! Oneonta’s Authentic Destination for Fresh Hand Crafted Sammys, Burgers, Salads, Pizza, Wings & More!
Delivery & Take Out Available! Under the Yellow Awning 607-267-4347
261-267 Main St., Oneonta, NY
wiseguyssammys.com
SilksConsignments & Treasures GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!
We have a wide variety of gifts and clothing for the holiday season. A Gift Certificate from Silks and Treasures would be the perfect holiday gift! Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-5:00 | Closed: Sunday & Monday
11 Elm Street • Oneonta, New York 13820 • 607-432-0587
Step into Holiday Magic We invite you to visit & explore
A GIFT SHOP LIKE NO OTHER!
TIN BIN ALLEY CANDY & GIFT SHOP
nique U & l a Loc r eas fo d I t f i G ne on Ever yo st! i Your L
Free Gift Wrapping Available!
BUY 4 P IE C E S O F FUDGE GET 2 FREE
❄ Fresh Store-made Fudge ❄ Fine Chocolates ❄ Jewelry ❄ Gifts ❄ Saratoga Peppermint Pigs ❄ Hand-made Ribbon Candy ❄ Holiday Candy ❄ Polish Pottery ❄ Turkey Joints ❄ Kids Toys ❄ Fun Stocking Stuffers and More!
re e Sugar f ates Chocol n dy and Ca le Ava i l a b
Enjoy o u environ r friendly & fun ment! E shoppin xce g persona l attenti llent service w ith on is ou r specia lty!
Hundreds Of Items Under $10
114 Main St., Cooperstown • 607-547-5565
Merry Milk Chocolate Fudge By Allison Collins
I
n our family, there are certain recipes that only ever get made during the holidays and, regardless of how well-loved (or not) they are, the holidays wouldn’t be the same, or complete, without them. (Christmas Jell-O jigglers, I’m looking at you.) This milk chocolate fudge is one of those recipes. I don’t know when it was decided it could only ever be made for Christmas, but somewhere across the generations – and it is a decades-old recipe – it found its place in the Christmas culinary canon. Like any good recipe, it exists on a scrap of faded, cursive-riddled paper with notes and tips in the margins left by its various makers – “Excellent,” “Use the green pan,” and “Good luck.” And though it’s been passed from my great-grandmother to grandmother to mother to me, its provenance is unclear. My great-grandmother, a professional baker and cake decorator, could have developed it, or it could’ve come from a friend, a neighbor or a newspaper flyer. Beyond the fact that it’s tradition, this fudge has maintained its place at the Christmas table because it’s delicious – creamy, sweet, nutty and full of melty milk chocolate flavor. It has an old-timey feel and inexpensive, throwback ingredients. In a holiday season about remembrance and family, these factors meld to make this fudge most fitting.
1
2
3
Photos by Alliso
4
1. Arrange fudge ingredients. 2. Combine sugar and cocoa powder. 3. Whisk in evaporated milk. 4. Ready the butter, marshmallow cream, nuts and chocolate bars
12
THE DAILY STAR e Holiday Guide 2021
ison Collins
4
Tips: • You can determine soft ball stage without a candy thermometer, though it’s a little tricky. After bubbling continuously for about 15 minutes, a pea-sized amount of the mixture can be dropped into a glass of water and, when it easily forms a soft ball within the water but can still be flattened out of the water, you’ve reached soft ball stage. This process can be repeated several times. • Because of how long the fudge needs to cook and because it needs to be stirred continuously, a large, heavy-bottomed pan is essential. • Be sure to have your casserole dish prepared and your add-in ingredients ready, as once the mixture reaches soft ball stage, you must move quickly. • This fudge cuts and stores nicely, making it a great gift or holiday sweet swap idea.
Merry Milk Chocolate Fudge Ingredients: 3 c. granulated sugar 3 tbsp. cocoa powder 1 c. evaporated milk ½ stick butter 2 plain milk chocolate bars ½ 16-oz. jar of marshmallow Fluff 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. chopped nuts of choice (optional)
5
Directions: Lightly grease or line a large glass casserole dish. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, whisk sugar, cocoa powder and evaporated milk together and cook over medium heat. Stir constantly over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the mixture to come to a soft, continuous boil. Using a candy thermometer, watch for the mixture to reach soft ball stage, 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat and stir in butter, chocolate bars, Fluff and vanilla extract. Mix well. If using nuts, fold in. Alternately, save nuts until fudge is panned and sprinkle on top. Pour fudge into prepared glass dish and allow to cool completely before cutting and serving. Store at room temperature for several days or up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
6
7
8
ars. 5. Allow the mixture to bubble until reaching the soft boil stage. 6. Add in remaining ingredients. 7. Stir until smooth. 8. Pour fudge into prepared glass dish.
Holiday Guide 2021 e THE DAILY STAR
13
Area Retailers Offer
Merry Merchandise & More
By Allison Collins
14
THE DAILY STAR e Holiday Guide 2021
A decorated Christmas tree at Theresa’s Emporium features ornaments available at the Main Street, Oneonta store.
Theresa’s Emporium carries themed gift items, such as movie night snack kits, pictured.
A
s the holiday season ushers in the hunt for one-of-a-kind, heartfelt gifts, local retailers have shoppers covered. In Oneonta, Theresa Cyzeski has owned Theresa’s Emporium, 155 Main St., for nine years. According to its social media, the downtown outfit is “an award-winning, eclectic shop with a family-friendly atmosphere … and the local go-to for gifts, quality toys, unique clothing, a wide selection of dips, teas, fudge and more.” Cyzeski said she begins stocking holiday inventory in early autumn, with plans to expand favorite selections while adding new must-haves. “My fall and winter clothing is coming in – leggings and sweaters and winter PJs,” she said in September. “We have yarn for the knitters and all the comfort food, like gingerbread and pancake mixes, maple-bacon onion jam and movie night popcorn sets. And we have new tea brands and we’ll be selling Vermont Coffee this winter, in the cup.”
Photos by Allison Collins
Handmade earrings are among the many gift options available at Theresa’s Emporium.
Cyzeski said consumer and market trends help inform her product selection. “Last year, it was not much clothing; it was pajamas, because everybody was in their home and not going anywhere and on Zoom,” she said. “We have specialty soaps with fun sayings on them and we have cutting boards that are made right in Stamford. I have pieces of the store designated to local (goods) and another to USAmade and fair trade (products), so we have a little bit of everything. We try to make everybody happy.” And her handcrafted, non-electronic toys, Cyzeski noted, are perennial top-sellers. “We sell a lot of toys,” she said. “They all are non-electronic; we have the ones that children actually have to use their imaginations for. “The toys are always huge, and that’s all year,” Cyzeski continued, “but for gift-giving, (people) are always looking for something unique and we very often have it. (The toys)
Holiday-themed mugs complement the variety of teas and cocoa-making kits at Theresa’s Emporium.
are very educational: one is a metal thing you put together and it comes out like a helicopter, and some are horses with a wooden barn and we have infant toys. Toys range from up to about 8 years old, then we skip on to puzzles and we’re starting to get in some older children’s things.” Theresa’s Emporium also hosts regular art events, with customer favorites including pottery wheel instruction, ceramicware painting and paint-pouring crafts. Theresa’s will host children’s cookie decorating at 11 and 1 on Dec. 4 and this holiday season will see the return of story-time with Mrs. Claus on Dec. 9, during Oneonta’s tree-lighting event, and at 11 a.m., Dec. 11 and 18. Also on Dec. 11, at 11:30, staff from the Studio for Art and Craft of Cobleskill will lead a handprint ornament-making workshop. Bingo, the proceeds of which benefit area food pantries, will take place from 5 to 6:30, Dec. 21. For more details or event registration, find “Theresa’s Emporium” on Facebook.
Non-electronic children’s toys are displayed at Theresa’s Emporium in late October.
Cyzeski noted that she also offers private shopping hours. “Families can come and book private shopping on Sundays,” she said. “We’re here until 3 and they can book until 6 or 6:30. Last year, (participating families) played games and had snacks and we’ll offer that again.” Theresa’s Emporium is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 10 to 7, Friday and Saturday and closed Sunday. For more information, visit theresasemporium.com or call 607-432-1020. Donabeth Neil, owner of Purple Star Boutique at 5995 state Highway 28 in Fly Creek, said she, too, has stocked up on cozy comforts for holiday shoppers. “Unique clothing (and) fleece is big this year: fleece hooded open jackets, fleece PJ sets, fleece socks and faux leather leggings and oversized sweaters,” she said. Neil said decorative pieces and accessories are big, too, though shipping delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic are impacting inventory. “Jewelry is always a big gift-giving item, and candles,” she said. “Purple Star carries an eclectic array of items, (such as) beautiful clothing, jewelry, local pottery, socks, pillows and chimes. I ordered Christmas inventory months ago, but due to the shipping issues, I’m not sure what is going to be available. And a lot of Christmas decorations I ordered are totally out of stock, with no restock available.”
Despite such challenges, Neil said, Purple Star will have “something for everyone” this season. “(The) demographics (are) local, downstate and New Hartford (shoppers),” she said. Find “Purple Star Boutique” on Facebook, call 607-4351286 or visit purplestarboutique.square.site. In Oxford, Gallery Three-Two-One has specialized in showcasing local artisans and American-made products for more than three decades. Last year, founders and husband-andwife potters Diane and Bill Troxell sold the business to their daughter and fellow potter, Sarah Smith, and her husband, Ron. The 41 State St., Oxford shop is a 9,000-sqare-foot dairy barn, with 2,300 square feet converted into a showroom for locally and regionally crafted jewelry, pottery, small furniture, glass work, paintings, food and more. The gallery-shop represents more than 250 makers and artists. Smith said, as the holidays approach, she starts broadening offerings. “We have ordered more pieces and have worked to not only extend our lines of artist work that we already carry, (but) we also worked hard to find other artists whose work appeals to our current customers,” she said. And though Smith said she plans for the holiday shopping season “all year,” operating through the pandemic has proven tricky.
Sybil’s Yarn Shop With the Knittybiddie
We carry a wide array of yarns, needles and notions for knitters, crocheters and felters, as well as beautiful accessories from local craftspeople. Not sure what to get? A gift card is never the wrong size or color
(607) 286-4061 • sybilsyarnshop.com 65 S. Main st, Milford, NY 13807 Hours wed, thurs, Friday from 12 to 6 pm and Sat from 10 am to 5 pm
Photos Contributed
Artisan-made wooden bowls are pictured at Gallery Three-Two-One in Oxford in this undated photo.
“Ordering is especially important this time of year because so many artists are short-staffed, backed up with their own orders or just getting open after the COVID-19 shutdown,” she said. “Many artists actually got second jobs, so we have been placing larger orders with the knowledge that many will not be fulfilled without a six- to eight-week wait. We also extend our hours to every day, 11 to 5, after Thanksgiving.” While Smith said it’s hard to predict gift-giving trends, Gallery Three-Two-One stays committed to keeping inventory varied.
A unique shop for all of your Holiday gifts!
The Oxford shop features a variety of jewelry.
“You can never tell,” she said. “The only thing that we can guarantee is that Christmas Eve will consist of mostly men shopping. We have such a wide range of handmade items, like jewelry, glass, metal, woodwork, wall art (and) cork handbags that it’s hard to tell what will be most popular. Every day it changes. “Last year, my ceramic stemless wineglasses and personalized mugs were huge sellers,”
Open year round
Handmade spoons are featured at Gallery Three-Two-One in Oxford.
Smith continued. “I’m trying to make some every day, to get ahead of the season.” For more information and holiday hours, find “Gallery Three-Two-One” on Facebook, visit gallerythree-two-one.godaddysites.com or call 607-843-9538.
6 Center Street • Milford, NY 13807 • 607-286-4025
Gallery Three-Two-One 41 State St., Oxford 607-843-9538 gallerythree-two-one.godaddysites.com
Riverwood 88 Main St., Cooperstown 607-547-4403 theriverwoodotter.com
Heartwood Frame Gift Barn 8072 state Highway 12, Sherburne 607-674-2500 Heartwoodframe.com
The Artisan’s Guild 148 Main St., Oneonta theartisansguildoneonta.com 607-432-1080
Purple Star Boutique 5995 state Highway 28, Fly Creek 607-435-1286 purplestarboutiqueshop.square.site
Theresa’s Emporium 155 Main St., Oneonta 607-432-1020 theresasemporium.com
The Artisans’ Guild
Handcrafted Gifts by Regional Artists A Cooperative Shop
50 Local & Regional Artists & Craftspeople OPEN 10-6 Mon. - Sat. with additional holiday hours
12-4 Sundays,
Thanksgiving through Christmas
• Pottery • Jewelry • Glass • Wood • Fabric Arts
• Paintings • Soap • Candles • Photography ... and so much more...
148 Main St. • Oneonta, NY 13820 • 607-432-1080
Home of the Famous Cold Cheese Pizza!!!
Tino’s would like to thank our customers for the continued support throughout these unusual times. We are grateful for your patronage. We would also like to wish everyone happy holidays! Make this a holiday season to remember!!! https://tinosoneonta.com
FAST HOLIDAY CASH
Sp
180 Main St, Oneonta, NY 13820 (607) 432-0008
ee
’s dy
STOP BY—WE’LL BUY! HIGHEST PRICES PAID!
IMMEDIATE CASH! GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE GOLD • GOLD • GOLD WE BUY & SELL Broken Jewelry • Coins • Old Treasures
STOP BY
GOLD • DIAMONDS • SILVER JEWELRY • WATCHES
DON’T SELL BEFORE YOU GET OUR FREE PRICE QUOTE!
Collectibles & Estate Buyer Buyer of Bold: 10K, 14K, 18K, Silver & Platinum Jewelry. All forms: Also Gold Filed, Sterling Silver, Pocket & Wrist Watches, Fobs, Costume Jewelry, Broken Scrap Gold or Silver, Complete Estates, Hoards, Collections & Accumulations.
252 Main Street, Oneonta NY • (607) 267-4788 (607) 349-7264 M–F 10–3PM • Also available by appointment
Homemade Eggnog Made Easy By Chrystal Savage
E
“If you’ve never made your own eggnog, then you’ve never truly had eggnog.”
20
ggnog is a staple of the season but, according to American chef Joshua Weissman, “If you’ve never made your own eggnog, then you’ve never truly had eggnog.” There are a variety of brands and flavors of eggnog that begin lining supermarket shelves as the holiday season approaches. Some of the most popular include sugar cookie, pumpkin, vanilla, golden, dairy-free and, of course, classic. But what if you could make the holiday favorite fresh from your kitchen in less time than it takes to run to the grocery store? Consider using fresh, local goods, such as whole milk and heavy cream from Clark Farms Creamery, fresh hen eggs from Frog Pond Farm and spices from Wellington Herbs and Spices for a superior, and supportive, flavor profile.
Easy Eggnog in Under an Hour Recipe courtesy of joshuaweissman.com. Serves four, 8-oz. servings and can be completed in approximately 50 minutes. Eggnog ingredients: 3 c. whole milk 1 ½ c. heavy cream 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract or half a vanilla bean 6 egg yolks 1 c. granulated sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. ground clove 2 tsp. ginger powder 1 ½ tsp. ground nutmeg Optional: ¼ c. rum, brandy or cognac Ingredients for optional whipped topping: 6 egg whites Up to 3 cups granulated sugar, as desired
THE DAILY STAR e Holiday Guide 2021
1
Garnish ideas: Cloves or ground spices Cinnamon sticks Equipment: Fine mesh strainer or sieve, with or without cheesecloth Kitchen bowls, including at least one metal bowl A mixer is recommended, but not required Please note, spice amounts can be modified or omitted as desired.
6
Instructions: Bring milk to a simmer. While the milk is simmering, separate yolks and whites. Beat egg yolks in a separate bowl, adding sugar gradually and whipping until light in color. Once the milk has simmered, slowly temper the milk into the egg yolk mixture by gradually scooping in a little at a time until milk has fully combined with the egg yolk mixture. Add vanilla extract or bean. Consistently stir for 10-15 minutes over low heat to prevent curdling. Do not boil. Look for a nappe consistency (coats the back of a spoon when you run your finger through it). Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a metal bowl. Place metal bowl on ice-water bath and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Grate, chop or grind additional spices if needed. Add cinnamon, clove, ginger powder, nutmeg, heavy cream and alcohol, if desired. Store for up to two weeks. Serve as needed and over ice if desired. To finish, add leftover whipped egg whites, alcohol or more nutmeg as desired in a glass. Instructions for whipped topping: Beat egg whites until reaching a whipped cream consistency. Add up to 3 cups of sugar, as desired, for sweetness. Store for up to two weeks. Instructions for garnish: Grate, chop or grind additional spices as desired. Add cloves, spices and cinnamon sticks until desired effect is achieved.
2
7 8
3
Serve over ice and with whipped cream, if desired. Garnish and enjoy. 4
5
1. Use farm-fresh ingredients, including local whole milk, heavy cream, chicken eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar and spices. 2. Separate egg yolks from whites and set the latter aside. 3. Pour three cups of whole milk into a pan on low heat. 4. Beat egg yolks while periodically adding granulated sugar. 5. Pour tempered milk into egg yolk mixture, stirring consistently. 6. Add spices and mix. 7. Strain liquid into the ice bath bowl. 8. Beat egg whites with optional granulated sugar until a desired consistency is reached. Photos by Chrystal Savage
Budget-Friendly
Burlap Bubble Wreath By Allison Collins
I
love pretty things, but I’m cheap. Enter: crafting. But if I’m going to dive into DIY, I want that, too, to be inexpensive, relatively easy and not overly time-consuming. This Budget-Friendly Burlap Bubble Wreath checks all the boxes. And it comes out looking like a million bucks (or at least the $100 you could easily spend on a similar retail wreath). This wreath comes together in roughly 45 minutes, costs about $20 and the burlap base works for any holiday wreath design. This Christmas-inspired version would make a lovely homemade gift (if you can stand giving it away), a great raffle donation or a fun make-and-take group project. Materials: 12-15 yards of 6-inch burlap or ribbon 16-inch wire wreath frame Thin wire, floral wire or bread ties Holiday-colored silk flowers Small holiday decorations Scavenged natural decorations (pine boughs, pinecones, holly branches with berries, etc.) Glue gun and hot glue sticks
1
2
3
4
1. Fold the ends of the burlap ribbon into a thick nub. 2. Secure the burlap nub with wire. 3. Begin weaving the burlap through the wreath form rows, anchoring with wire as needed. 4. Scrunch burlap bubbles together to create a full, fluffy look.
22
THE DAILY STAR e Holiday Guide 2021
Directions: Accordion just the end of the roll of burlap and secure by winding with wire. Use additional wire to anchor the burlap nub to the wreath frame. Begin threading small swaths of burlap through the rungs of the wreath frame horizontally, pulling and fluffing to create the “bubbles.” Flip the wreath frame over and, using wire or a bread tie, or by just firmly twisting the wadded burlap, secure the first row or two of bubbles. Continue threading the burlap through the rows of the frame, scrunching, bunching and fluffing as you go. Don’t worry if some wire shows through; you can always adjust and re-scrunch. There really is no bad way to make these bubbles. Repeat this process along the entire wreath frame, pausing occasionally to turn the frame over and secure from behind as needed. Once the wreath is fully wrapped in burlap, give bubbles a final adjustment, then begin layering on your decorations. Arrange decorations as desired before gluing in place. Glue larger pieces – pine boughs, leaves, etc. – first, under the smaller, accent items. The weave of the burlap makes a nice netting for branches and twigs, allowing you to position things securely before tacking down. Glue down any final flowers or small decor pieces.
Tips: If your local dollar store has wide burlap, the cost of the wreath will be much less than noted. If not, it is widely available online for between $5-$10 a roll, depending on length. Before heading to the dollar store, look around the backyard. A base of natural decor only amplifies the rustic feel of this wreath. If using real holly branches, make sure the toxic berries are kept out of reach of kids and pets while crafting, and once displayed. The burlap can be a little messy to work with. To avoid inhaling the fibers that fly up, consider wearing a face mask while you craft. (We all have one!) It can be helpful when making the bubbles to unroll the entire spool of burlap. Before gluing on the decorations, take a moment to step back from the wreath and check for the visual balance of objects, colors and desired placement. There are lots of bubble wreath-making tutorials online. If you need a visual for the pull-through bubble technique, check out YouTube beforehand.
Cost: e - $1 Wire wreath fram rries - $3 be Silk flowers and Ornament - $1 cks) - $2 necones (two pa Scented mini pi burlap - $14 each) of 6-inch 2 rolls (10 yards – $0 d holly branches Pine boughs an Total: $21 Photos by Allison Collins
5
6
7
8
5. Continue weaving the burlap ribbon. 6. Wrap and scrunch burlap until the entire wreath form is covered. 7. Arrange decorations in desired positions before securing. 8. Adhere decorations with hot glue.
Holiday Guide 2021 e THE DAILY STAR
23
WEAVER’S
Farm Market
• Deli (meats & cheeses)
• Local Beef, Pork and Chicken
• Bulk Food (spices, candy, baking supplies,
• Local Produce In Season
frozen foods and more) • Fruits & Vegetables
• Large selection of Organic
• Local Baked Goods
and Natural Foods
• Local Dairy Products
• Local Crafts, Hickory Furniture
• Local Free Range Eggs
OPEN YEAR ROUND!
• Local Maple Syrup and Honey
and Handmade Baskets
We look forward to serving you!
Products From Over 60 Local Farmers, Bakers & Crafters
1272 East Side Rd. • Morris, NY 13808 • 607-263-2030 Hours: Tues., Wed. & Sat. 9am-5pm / Thurs. & Fri. 9am· 6pm; Closed Sun. & Mon.
