The List Magazine - Holiday Guide 2022

Manhattan Sweets Boutique Bakery

Proudly Introduces The Cake Boutique

IF you have ever strolled down Main Street in Islip chances are you’ve stopped into Manhattan Sweets Boutique Bakery. It’s impossible to walk past the whimsically decorated display windows without stepping inside. For over two decades Manhattan Sweets has been a mecca for lovers of all sorts of fresh homemade baked goods, but it’s their elaborately decorated cakes and cookies that have made them famous. Looking more like works of art, it seems a shame to actually eat them. And yes, they taste even better than they look.

“We have a team of bakers and decorators who have really made Manhattan Sweets stand out as a fantastic location on Long Island for spectacular desserts. Our head baker has over 60 years of experience, spanning from an early upbringing in Germany to a vast resume of bakeries on Long Island. His mastery of baking has made Manhattan Sweets well known for creating superior quality desserts that not only taste incredible but look visually stunning. Our culinary manager and decorating team take a modern approach to decorating and staying ahead of the trends, yet are also masters of very sophisticated and elegant decorating techniques. Our entire team has an influence on our products, and we are always open to new ideas and designs, especially those that fit the fun and imaginative Manhattan Sweets style!” Travis Simon told us.

The Cake Boutique

Nestled beside Manhattan Sweets Bakery is The Cake Boutique, a new addition created to provide a more intimate and personalized experience for those interested in custom cake and dessert orders. The elegant space provides a relaxed and comfortable approach to special event planning. Wedding cakes and dessert tables are a highlight for many. Let’s be honest…the dessert table is always a favorite part of any event!

“We came up with the concept for The Cake Boutique when we realized how important personalization is when planning a cake for a wedding or special affair,” Cindy explained. “We wanted to have a dedicated space for guests to visit, enjoy a cup of coffee and relax in. Here, they receive our undivided attention and we can take the time to listen to their ideas and desires. We offer expert guidance and planning from start to finish, from scheduling personalized

tastings to creating custom designs, and coordinating every component for the affair, including delivery and set up at the venue or guest’s home. We have created some exciting dessert tables for weddings that have featured our signature baked donuts, rich chocolate dipped rainbow bars, elegant cupcakes, French macarons, and of course massively beautiful cakes. Gold leaf and fresh hand selected flowers are popular garnishes on all of these desserts, but anything our guests can imagine we can typically incorporate into the experience. We also carry a full line of party supplies, party favors and specialty one-of-a kind gifts for all occasions. We welcome anyone to schedule an appointment to sit with one of our skilled decorators and discuss an idea for an upcoming event. Our goal is to go above and beyond our guests expectations. If they can dream it we can bake it!”

“A party without cake is really just a meeting.”

- Julia Child

Desserts That Bring Joy to the Holidays

Manhattan Sweets holiday specialties are expansive. With a European background, they do make several popular European inspired classics, including their signature Bûche de Noël, more commonly known as the Yule Log. This delicious Christmas time torte is made with fresh vanilla sponge cake rolled with various fillings, from chocolate mousse to fresh raspberry jam, and coated in a rich chocolate fudge to resemble bark. Each log is beautifully detailed and hand decorated with pine cones, mushrooms and spruce branches making it a realistic and

wonderfully festive centerpiece for a holiday table.

“Over the years we’ve made multiple variations of the Yule Log adding our own flair to it. We even make a pink Yule Log that matches the Manhattan Sweets aesthetic!” laughed Cindy. “We also make a delicious authentic Stolen, which is a German sweet bread soaked with pure butter and loaded with candied fruits and nuts. This type of bread is found everywhere in Germany throughout the Christmas season. It is something we’ve

served for decades throughout our family history and has become extremely popular with our customers. We offer many special holiday desserts and Christmas cookies and confections, especially our classic Rainbow Cakes, which look like Christmas decorations, making them perfect for a holiday table. We also make rainbow cookie donuts, cupcakes, muffins and truffles, which are very popular. We ship our famous rainbow bars nationwide…these make fantastic holiday gifts, especially for friends or relatives who have moved out of state and can’t stop by the bakery for their favorite baked goods.”

Whatever event you are celebrating, desserts make life’s special occasions even sweeter. Manhattan Sweets Bakery Boutique can make planning for your event a fun and enjoyable experience. Even an ordinary day can become a little special with a baked goodie, so stop in to Manhattan Sweets for freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate and a morning Danish, but do go early as they typically sell out of Danish before noon! Happy Holidays!

Dessert Tables for Holiday Entertaining

THE SWEET SPOT

A beautifully styled dessert table is typically the first thing your guests will notice. Besides being a focal point, buffet tables are convenient when entertaining at home because guests can serve themselves. Here are some tips for designing a fabulous table.

SELECT IT

A small table or sideboard is perfect to display your desserts on. If you are entertaining in close quarters, a wheeled or bar cart makes a great display table and can be moved around as needed. A two-tiered cart or table will provide extra serving space - the bottom shelf is a

convenient place to put plates and utensils. Set up your table away from the main gathering area so it will free up space. Your dessert table will be a magnet for guests and become an additional place for them to mingle.

SET IT

Using serving dishes with varied heights is essential! Avoid setting everything flat on the table. Decorative items like flowers and tiered cake stands are perfect for adding height. Plates of cookies can be placed atop festively wrapped boxes; mini and bite-sized desserts can be displayed on cake stands. Decorative plates,

bowls and wood boards can all be used to display treats and décor. It’s a good idea to leave some serving dishes and places on the table empty so that guests who brought a dessert have a place to put it.

STOCK IT

Anchor your table with a spectacular cake as the centerpiece. Surround it with an eye-catching mix of bitesized desserts and confections like cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pastries, truffles and mints. Your dessert table can also double as bar space. Offer shot-sized signature cocktails on rustic trays; designate space on your buffet for after-dinner

cordials and glasses; or arrange a coffee station with mugs, flavored syrups and creamers.

STYLE IT

Use holiday decor, jars, candles, flowers, picture frames and string lights to jazz up your buffet. If your table is very large add bowls of fruit or ornaments, vintage seasonal pieces or sprigs of fresh greenery. Nothing needs to match, but everything should tie together through color and/or style. The only rule is to make it your own. Be it sophisticated or playful, your dessert table should reflect your personality…have some fun with it!

the Great South Bay coastal communities. Most of our distribution is mailed from Babylon to Great River, south of Montauk Highway, and to all of Brightwaters.

In addition, our magazines are available for pick- up in shops throughout our local villages and, in the summer months, on Fire Island at select markets and restaurants.

Welcome to our Holiday issue of The LIST! We are in full-spirit and ready to celebrate!

Every December we try to gather the warmth, joy and creativity of the season and bring it to you on the pages of our magazine. Inside this issue you’ll find bright ideas, and a few twists, for home entertaining. Our annual gift guide has ideas for the whole family, including some luxury and unique presents you might not otherwise track down. From high-end to budget-friendly, our gift guide has it all.

What better way to kick off the season than with dessert! Festive, elegant and decadent bakery treats from Manhattan Sweets Bakery Boutique made a perfect cover for our holiday issue. Stop into the bakery for a beautiful cake or delicious treats that will bring smiles and joy to any home.

Their new Cake Boutique is a Must-Know for anybody planning a wedding or special event. The holiday season is a magical time, especially when it comes to love. Congratulations to all the couples who recently got engaged! This is an exciting time in your lives. Inside this issue we have many local businesses that we highly recommend who provide exceptional services for weddings and special affairs.

The true magic of the holidays is really a collection of special moments and traditions shared with loved ones. As we all know, with time, things change. Children grow; families expand. Expecting everybody to be at the same place on Christmas Eve is unrealistic. Being flexible and starting new traditions is what the spirit of the season is all about. We are doing things a little different in my own family this year and celebrating a few days early so we all can be together. It’s a new tradition and I’m actually looking forward to extending the holiday! Whether your holiday celebrations are big or small, traditional or innovative, make them special. It’s what brings families closer.

From our families to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Faiths.

SHOP, DINE, CELEBRATE.

Beneath the Tree and Beyond...

Ho Ho Ho and Happy Holidays! Santa sent us on a special mission to help him out this year. We spent a day shopping in our local villages and found something for everyone on his (and our!) lists. So don’t fret if you still have a long list of presents to purchase, we’ve got you covered.

Skip ordering online and stressing over whether or not packages will arrive in time. Our villages are filled with holiday spirit, great merchandise and free gift wrapping!

Creating a themed gift basket by pairing some smaller items together with a gift card is always a hit. Here are some gift ideas we love that are all readily available right in our local villages:

For the Beauty Enthusiast:

• A high quality set of makeup brushes and skincare products

• Pair a gift card for a professional makeup application with a makeup kit

• A gift card for a medical grade facial treatment or service

• A package of professional shampoos & blowouts

For the Chef:

• Pair a gift card for prime meats with a bottle of red wine

• Pair a gift card for imported cheeses with exotic spreads, olive oils and a cutting board

• Pair a gift card for fresh fish with seasonings, lemons and a bottle of white wine

• Fill a gift basket with cooking & baking utensils and a recipe book

• Cooking classes!

For the Coffee Connoisseur:

• Pair bags of Holiday Blend and specialty coffees with festive mugs

• Flavored syrups, sugars and toppings

• Pair a gift card to one of our local coffee houses with espresso truffles & dark chocolates

For the Fitness Enthusiast:

• Pair athleisure-ware with a gift card to try a new fitness class

• A stylish gym bag and stainless steel water bottle

• A months membership to a gym or fitness studio

For the Overscheduled Type A's:

• A gift certificate for a Destress Day

• Pair a relaxation candle with a gift card for a massage

• A gift card for dinner out - no time to cook!

For the Wellness Gurus:

• Pair a gift certificate for nutritional counseling or an acupuncture session with some essential oils.

• Aromatherapy candle, variety of green teas, and a set of daily affirmation cards

• An assortment of clean organic hair and self-care products

Giving Gift Cards

Gift cards are always an excellent gift choice, and make great stocking stuffers. Recipients have the ability to tailor the resulting shopping spree to their own tastes.

There are endless options, from the nice-to-have gift cards to favorite boutiques and restaurants, or even useful ones for services or stores that provide essential items. For your convenience, we’ve comprised a list of local businesses that offer gift cards (as well as fabulous merchandise) that will make your holiday shopping fun and done!

Gift Card Check List

HOME DÉCOR & SPECIALTY SHOPS:

Argyle Jewelers, Babylon Village

Babylon Mercantile & Cookshop, Babylon Village

Drew Patrick Home, Bay Shore

Eyes on Main Eyewear Boutique, Islip

Gemaginations Jewelry, Brightwaters

Samhal Interiors, Bay Shore

Willy Nilly Trading Company, Bay Shore

ENTERTAINMENT:

The Argyle Theatre, Babylon Village

FITNESS & DANCE:

Babylon Barre, Lindenhurst

Equity Reformer Studio, Babylon Village & Bay Shore

Fitness Incentive, Babylon Village

Positions Dance, Babylon Village

SPECIALTY FOOD MARKETS:

Babylon Bean, Babylon Village

Babylon Bean North, North Babylon

Bay Shore Bean, Bay Shore

Cool Beans, West Sayville

Dean’s Seafood Market, Bay Shore

Frank & Maria’s Italian Market, Bay Shore

Manhattan Sweets Boutique Bakery, Islip

HAIR & SKIN:

Beauty Mark Spa, East Islip

Deep Blue Med Spa, Babylon Village

Drew Patrick Spa, Bay Shore

Incentives Organic Salon & Spa, Babylon Village

Village Salon & Spa, West Islip

HEALTH & WELLNESS:

Drew Patrick Spa, Bay Shore

Healthcare Wellness Center, Bay Shore

Welcome Mat Yoga and Wellness, Islip

RESTAURANTS:

Argyle Grill, Babylon Village

Barrique Kitchen and Wine Bar, Babylon Village

Captain Bill’s, Bay Shore

Changing Times Sports Bar & Grille, Bay Shore

Da Noi, Islip

Flour Shoppe Café, Bay Shore

George Martin’s Strip Steak, Great River

Goldy’s Gems, Bay Shore

ITA Kitchen, Bay Shore

La Famiglia, Babylon Village

The LakeHouse, Bay Shore

Mary Carroll’s Irish Pub, Babylon Village

Molto Vino, Babylon Village

Pecado Mexican, Bay Shore

Post Office Café, Babylon Village

Primi Italian Steakhouse, West Islip

Salt & Barrel, Bay Shore

Tula Kitchen, Bay Shore

View, Oakdale

Bringing the magic of a traditional toy shop to the Great South Bay communities.

Argyle Toys offers toys that inspire true play, imagination, family time, curiosity, learning, sensory experiences and more.

Favorite Children’s Books

from Long Island Authors. Few things are better than snuggling and story time with little ones.

THE ABC’S OF LONG ISLAND by James McDonald. Each letter represents what makes L I unique. Don't be surprised if your next family day is spent enjoying the people, places or things featured in the book! Available at Willy Nilly Trading Co., Bay Shore.

THE FAMOUS PHOEBE OF LONG ISLAND: PHOEBE’S ADVENTURES AT SAILOR’S HAVEN by Jean Derespina. Join a fun-loving dog’s boating adventures in this beautifully illustrated children's book. Available at Willy Nilly Trading Co., Bay Shore.

HAPPY LOVE SPRINKLES by Maria DiCostanzo & Kim Messina. Beautifully illustrated, this award-winning children’s picture book will charm the hearts of children and their adult readers alike. Available online and at Roomors Gifts, Lindenhurst.

SOPHIA’S STOOP STORY: 18TH STREET, BROOKLYN by award winning children’s author Maria LaPlaca Bohrer. Uncle Frankie tells Sofia about the day he met Dodgers baseball player Carl Furillo. Story reveals the 1960s Brooklyn landscape through her own memories of dialogues with her family.

Available at Argyle Toys, Babylon Village & Roomors Gifts, Lindenhurst

Designed

resemble handsome

boxes, watch winders are becoming very popular with watch collectors who want to keep their automatic watches running in order to maintain the date and time settings while the watches aren’t being worn. They keep watches protected and make elegant display cases for any watch collection.

Watch Winder by Wolf available at Drew Patrick, Bay Shore

Gifts for the Home

These laser-cut carved wooden maps of Long Island are beautiful pieces of art perfect for a home office or entry. Made with high quality craftsmanship, each map is intricately detailed and includes town names.

Available at Willy Nilly Trading Company, 153 W. Main Street, Bay Shore

Elegant and unique stemware that’s as decorative as they are fun to drink from. They make excellent conversation pieces that any avid home-hostess will appreciate. In addition to glassware, you’ll find kitchen accessories, bath & body products, candles, and home accent pieces perfect for holiday gift-giving.

Available at Samhal Interiors, 126 E. Main Street, Bay Shore

Festive Food & Charcuterie Board ideas for Holiday Entertaining

Charcuterie boards are typically appetizer foods arranged and served on a wooden board featuring a selection of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, jams, spreads and crackers or bread. Beautifully designed boards can look more decor than food.

But not all boards are destined to be meat & cheese boards, they can be for anything! Desserts, Bagel Breakfast, Chocolate Lovers…you name it! A festive board is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday table, and a great way to impress your guests. With a little time and creativity, boards can be designed for almost any theme you can think of.

Here are some helpful tips for making a holiday board:

• Line your board with parchment paper if you are unsure of the surface material.

• Small crocks of jams, sauces and dips are great anchors to build around.

• Use cookie cutters to cut cheese or fruit into festive shapes.

• Add fresh greenery, like rosemary, pine or holly sprigs.

• Strawberries, grape tomatoes and cranberries add a splash of red to any board making it instantly festive.

Above holiday boards were made by Dimitra. For more inspirational ideas for themed boards follow her on Instagram: @grateboards

Crudite’ Christmas Tree Board

Classic Charcuterie Board

Bagel Breakfast Board

Hot Chocolate Board

Candy Cane Board

For the Home Chef Enthusiast

SMEG LUXURY APPLIANCES

These distinct and colorful small appliances, including the premium Italian line designed by Dolce & Gabbana, will add a splash of color and style to any kitchen. Coffee machines and grinders, blenders, toasters, stand mixers, kettles and more.

HAND-FORGED SMITHEY IRONWARE

Each piece of their premium cast iron and carbon steel cookware is individually hand-forged and visually unique, yet maintains the highest quality core design features true to the Smithey name. The resulting cookware is as beautiful as it is functional.

SMEG small appliances & Smithey cookware available at the Babylon Mercantile, Babylon Village

For the Home Entertainers

WOOD SERVING BOARDS

One-of-a-kind boards made from aged whisky barrels. Risers, Lazy Susans, custom engraved trays and breadboards make handsome centerpieces and practical gifts for anyone who loves to entertain.

ENGRAVED & PERSONALIZED BOARDS

WINE FLIGHT SET

Perfect for the craft beer or wine connoisseur because sometimes just one kind of beer or wine isn’t enough!

Enjoy sampling different reds, whites, ambers or liquors right at home. Crafted from acacia wood, the wooden paddle is a sturdy material to ensure a mess-free experience. Includes 6 oz. stemless wine glasses.

Wooden

serving boards available at Willy Nilly Trading Company, Bay Shore

10 Tips for Avoiding the Gain While Enjoying the Holidays

BY CORINNE BROWN, OWNER OF FITNESS INCENTIVE

NEVER go to a party hungry! Always have a good source of protein before you leave home.

Make a point of being well hydrated with water, not sugary drinks, coffee, or tea, prior to attending holiday parties.

Don't grab chips and a drink upon arrival; scope the table for something healthier and start grazing there.

Opt for non-sweetened cocktails or wine if you're drinking alcoholic beverages. Most importantly, alternate a glass of water with each drink.

Offer to bring a dish and make it a healthy one! Guacamole with celery, endive, cucumbers and carrots is a great choice and crowd pleaser. Roasted veggies in olive oil with salt & pepper (no heavy sauces) is another healthy and delicious option.

Keep your indulgence at the dessert table to a small sampling. No need to taste everything.

Don't set unrealistic goals; it’s ok to set the holiday bar a little lower, but do stay disciplined.

Do not miss your gym time! Holiday obligations can be stressful and demanding, so if you need to change a workout time do so. Try not to skip classes or training; exercise will benefit your mind as well as your body. If you absolutely cannot get to the gym, then go for a walk, preferably with family or good friends, and discuss what's happening…you'll be surprised how talking about life, food, and family makes you even more committed to staying on track.

Carve out time for a little self-care. A massage, a facial, or a hair treatment will help you relax and feel better about yourself.

Get organized before the holidays. If you're entertaining, plan your meals in advance. Shop early and wrap gifts as you purchase them; this will allow you to enjoy more time with friends and family.

you a happy, healthy, and prosperous Holiday Season from the entire Fitness Incentive Team!

hey Said es!

Congratulations and Best Wishes from The LIST!!

If the moment you have been waiting for happens this holiday season, the first thing to do is break out the bubbly and celebrate! Then just relax with your fiancé and savor your magic moment. You’ll want to show off the ring, so do be sure to schedule a manicure asap! And then, let the planning begin!

Photographer: Cristina Inestroza

ARGYLE GRILL & TAVERN

90 Deer Park Ave., Babylon Village

631-321-4900

• theargylegrill.com

Sophisticated yet casual atmosphere offering an extensive menu of amazing starters & salads, sandwiches & wraps, prime burgers, daily specials and more formal entrees. Sit at the long bar or enjoy delicious food and a premier selection of wines, spirits and craft beer in their dining room. LUNCH

BARRIQUE KITCHEN AND WINE BAR

69 Deer Park Ave., Babylon Village 631-321-1175

• barriquekitchenandwinebar.com

Enjoy small plates meant for sharing in charming brick and timber quarters. Rustic food, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, thin crust pizzas, pan pressed sandwiches, mini-desserts, and a large selection of wines by the glass, full or half bottle, as well as craft cocktails & beer.

DINNER

VIEW 3 Consuelo Place, Oakdale 631-589-2694

Viewoakdale.com Offers diners top-notch seafood with a breathtaking view of the Great South Bay year-round.  Cozy up next to one of the three roaring fireplaces and enjoy a hearty dish accompanied by their award-winning wine list. View will warm the palate.

ITA KITCHEN

45 W. Main Street, Bay Shore 631-267-5916 • itakitchenbayshore.com

Innovative Italian-American cuisine featuring traditional classics and a modern take on some new favorites. Dine in or enjoy dinner under the stars in their clear, heated greenhouses.  Small seats 2-6, and large seats 8-10. Call for reservations and details. Visit their new location in Garden City South.

DINNER • BRUNCH • BAR • OUTDOOR DINING ALL-WEATHER GREENHOUSES • HEATED TENT • DJ ON FRIDAY TAKEOUT • CATERING • GIFT CARDS

DA NOI ITALIAN RESTAURANT

301 Main Street, Islip 631-650-6468 • Danoiislip.com

Charming, warm and intimate setting in the heart of Islip. They offer the finest Italian cuisine prepared by talented chefs. Extensive selection of pastas made on premises daily, grilled fresh fish, free range fowl & meats, salads and more.

THE LAKEHOUSE RESTAURANT

135 Maple Ave., Bay Shore 631-666-0995 • thelakehouserest.com

Enjoy gorgeous waterfront views from multiple dining rooms with fireside tables, their tap room or bayside patio. Seasonally inspired New American cuisine, fresh seafood & raw bar, extensive wine list, Prix Fixe Lunch Mon - Sat, and lively Sunday Brunch.

LUNCH • DINNER • BAR • SUNDAY BRUNCH OUTDOOR DINING • PIANO ON FRI. & SAT. NIGHTS TAKE OUT • CATERING • GIFT CARDS

MARY CARROLL’S IRISH GASTRO PUB

121 Deer Park Ave., Babylon Village 631-587-6181

A favorite casual dining spot popular for their homemade specialties, including their famous wings. A friendly atmosphere for the whole family offering a cozy dining room with fireplace and covered patio equipped with heaters. Choose from their large selection of draft beer on tap and 150 different whiskeys!!

DINNER • BAR • OUTDOOR DINING • HEATERS • URBAN BEACH

ENTERTAINMENT • TAKEOUT • DELIVERY •

5

DINNER

ITALIAN AMERICAN

NEW AMERICAN

AMERICAN GASTRO

Eat, Drink and e erry

Planning a special Christmas Breakfast is a great way to bring everybody back together after all the presents are opened. It’s a tradition in our home, and truly one of my favorites. Nothing better than the aroma of freshly baked breakfast treats on Christmas morning. Set a festive table, invite friends and neighbors, serve hot cocoa and holiday mimosas, and let the joy and laughter continue!

Vince & Charley’s Hearty Blueberry Pancakes With Homemade Blueberry Syrup

INGREDIENTS : (for 4-6 pancakes)

• 1/3 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/3 cup white flour

• 1/3 cup corn meal

• 1/4 cup shredded coconut, preferably non-sweetened

• 1 tsp. baking powder

• 1/2 tsp. baking soda

• 1 Tbsp. sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 2 Tbsp. neutral vegetable oil

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1 cup blueberries

Cinnamon Streusel Breakfast Cake

This cake is as delicious as it is easy and can be made ahead of time. Do try to make it on a morning when everyone is home, it smells like the holidays when it is baking.

INGREDIENTS:

For Topping

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup flour

• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon

• 6 Tbsp. butter, melted

For Filling

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 ½ Tbsp. cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, beat eggs then add milk, vanilla and oil and mix until smooth.

3. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk together but do not overmix.

4. Gently fold in blueberries.

Blueberry Syrup

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) blueberries

• 1/8 cup granulated sugar

• 2 Tbsp. water

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook the blueberries, water, sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium-low heat stirring occasionally to ensure all the ingredients combine.

2. Cook to your desired thickness (about 10 -15 mins.) and remove from heat.

5. Grease a frying pan or griddle with butter then place on stove over medium-low heat.

6. Ladle batter onto pan and cook over medium-low heat until golden brown.

7. Serve with butter and blueberry syrup. Take a bow when the applause come.

For Cake

• ½ cup plus 4 Tbsp. butter, at room temperature

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 ½ cups white sugar

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 2 ½ tsp. baking powder

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

• 3 eggs, at room temperature

• 3/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

• 1 ¼ cups milk

• 3 ¾ cups flour

• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp. cornstarch

3. Pour berries into a food processor; blend for 30 seconds then pour into a serving pitcher.

4. Serve warm with pancakes

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar plus 1 Tbsp. milk

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9" x 13" pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the topping: Whisk together the sugar, salt, flour, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter, stirring until well combined. Cover with waxed paper and place in refrigerator.

3. Make the filling: Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon; set it aside.

4. Make the cake: In a large bowl, beat together the butter, salt, sugars, baking powder, and vanilla until well combined and smooth.

5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream or yogurt and milk – it will be lumpy.

7. Add the flour to the butter mixture alternately with the milk/sour cream mixture, beating gently to combine.

8. Pour/spread half the batter into the prepared pan, spreading all the way to the edges then sprinkle the filling evenly over the batter.

9. Spread remaining batter over the filling. Use a toothpick to gently swirl filling into batter.

10. Remove topping from refrigerator and crumble evenly over the top of the batter.

11. Bake the cake until it's a dark golden brown around the edges, about 50 to 55 mins. When pressed gently in the middle, the cake should spring back.

12. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 30 mins.

13. When cake is cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make glaze; mix until desired consistency then drizzle over top of cake. Serve cake right from the pan.

Vegetable Frittata with Pancetta and Cheese

A good frittata is creamy, custardy, and more like a quiche than an omelet. This easy frittata recipe is perfect for a special Christmas morning breakfast or New Year’s Day Brunch.

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 oz. diced pancetta (or you can use 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled)

• 1 small Vidalia onion, diced

• 1 cup Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced

• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream

• 2 tsp. olive oil

• 6 - 8 Fingerling potatoes, sliced thin (I use a mix of gold and purple potatoes)

• 8 asparagus stalks, woody ends removed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 8 Grape tomatoes, sliced in half (I like mini-Marzano tomatoes available at Pat’s Marketplace in E. Islip)

DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap a tart pan in foil and spray with cooking spray.

2. Fry pancetta in skillet until it begins to crisp. Remove from skillet; place on paper towels to drain.

3. Using the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and saute’ the onions and mushrooms until they begin to brown, about 10 minutes. (add a tsp. of butter if necessary)

4. Slice and chop all other vegetables as needed.

5. Remove onions and mushrooms from skillet; place in a bowl and set aside.

6. Add touch of butter to skillet and cook potatoes for 5 - 10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove potatoes and set aside.

7. Saute’ the asparagus in the same skillet for 5 minutes, until tender.

8. Add half of the cooked vegetables and the pancetta to the tart pan; sprinkle with the cheeses.

• 2 - 3 Tbsp. Bel Gioioso Asiago, thinly shaved (regular Asiago is also fine)

• 2 Tbsp. grated Locatelli Romano cheese

• 8 eggs at room temperature

• 2 Tbsp. butter, melted but cooled; plus additional butter for sautéing vegetables

• Fresh chopped Italian parsley

• Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

• Dash of Cayenne pepper

9. Add eggs into a large mixing bowl with the melted butter, heavy cream, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Whisk gently; be careful not to overbeat the eggs. Pour mixture over vegetables in tart pan.

10. Add remaining vegetables to tart pan and a final sprinkling of cheese.

11. Cover with foil and place in oven. Bake until set, about 20 - 25 minutes. Be careful not to overbake.

12. When done, remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before unwrapping foil and removing frittata from the tart pan. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Blackberry-Thyme Bellini

YIELDS 6 COCKTAILS

INGREDIENTS :

• 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled prosecco or sparkling wine

• 6 fresh blackberries and 6 fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Blackberry-thyme syrup

• 1 cup blackberries

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

• 2 fresh thyme sprigs

Thyme simple syrup

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup sugar

• 10 fresh thyme sprigs

DIRECTIONS

1. Make the blackberry-thyme syrup: combine the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice and thyme in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until the berries have broken down. Remove from heat, let cool, then strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a container. Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

2. Make the thyme simple syrup: bring water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sugar and thyme, and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, let cool, then strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a container. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

3. To make the cocktails: into each wine glass add 1/2 oz. blackberry-thyme syrup and 1/4 oz. thyme simple syrup. Top off each flute with 4 oz. prosecco. Garnish drinks with a blackberry and thyme sprig.

Cranberry Prosecco Sparkler

YIELDS 8-10 COCKTAILS

INGREDIENTS :

• 1 ½ cups water

• 1 fresh rosemary sprig (about 5 – 6 inch sprig)

• 2 cups cranberry juice

• 1 cup triple sec

• 3 cups (750 ml) chilled prosecco

• Cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Winter Aperol Spritz

YIELDS 4 COCKTAILS

DIRECTIONS

1. Place water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn off heat; add rosemary sprig and let steep for 10 minutes. Discard sprig.

2. Combine rosemary water, cranberry juice and triple sec into a 1 qt. freezer container. Mix well, cover and freeze at least 8 hours or until ready to serve.

3. When ready to serve, scoop frozen cranberry mixture into champagne flutes, filling them about half way. Top frozen mixture with prosecco and garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs.

Aperol is a light, refreshing Italian aperitif with a bright orange rhubarb flavor. It is often used as a palate cleanser. It is similar to Campari, but slightly less bitter. With just a few extra ingredients, you can turn the classic summertime Aperol Spritz into a festive winter cocktail!

INGREDIENTS :

• Cranberry Spice syrup (recipe below)

• 12 oz. club soda

• 12 oz. Aperol

• 12 oz. chilled prosecco

• Rosemary sprigs, cranberries and orange slices for garnish

Cranberry Spice syrup

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup water

• ½ cup cranberries

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 sprig rosemary

DIRECTIONS

For the syrup

1. Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.

2. Let cool completely, then strain into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid. Store in the fridge for up to a month.

For the cocktails

1. Fill 4 wine glasses with ice.

2. To each glass, add 3 oz. Aperol, 3 oz. prosecco, 1 oz. Cranberry Spice syrup, and top off with club soda. Garnish with orange slices, cranberries, and sugared rosemary sprigs.

*To make sugared rosemary sprigs: Dip sprigs in water, then generously sprinkle with sugar. Let dry on a wax paper-lined baking sheet for about 1 hour.

Ramsay Realtors

Eric G. Ramsay, Jr. Associates, LLC. Specializing In Fine South Shore Residential Waterfront Properties

LONG ISLAND is a highly coveted market when talking property. We all know that Long Island’s real estate market has been on a tear since the onset of the pandemic. Homes for sale have been in short supply, causing housing prices to reach new heights over the past few years. In attempt to curb inflation, the Federal Reserve has increased interest rates by three quarters of a point four times this year. The higher federal funds rate mean higher mortgage rates for home buyers. With this, we felt it was time for some expert advice regarding how this will influence the housing market. We reached out to Tammy Ramsay, co-owner of Ramsay Realtors with her husband Rick, for a quick Q & A session to get her thoughts:

The LIST: Please tell us what the real estate market in our area is currently experiencing.

Tammy: At this time, we are still seeing a strong market in our area. We are getting multiple offers on properties despite the rising interest rates. Currently, the average ‘sold price’ is up over 10% from last year. A key factor keeping housing prices strong is a decline in active listingsSouth Shore listings are down nearly 20% year-to-date. This means more buyers are looking at fewer listed properties.

The LIST: Do you feel the listings will continue to decrease?

Tammy: I do think inventory will decrease with the holiday season upon us, but I expect the market to pick back up early in the New Year. However, if you are thinking about putting your house on the market don’t wait to do so! In my experience, the buyers during this time of year are very serious.

The LIST: What advice can you offer our readers who may be thinking of buying a property in the New Year?

Tammy: Market prices coming down while inventory continues to remain low is most likely not going to happen. Sellers are holding onto their homes because they are carrying lower mortgage rates and are in no hurry to pay higher interest rates on a new purchase. The properties that are being listed for sale are mostly from people who have paid off their mortgage and wouldn’t require a mortgage for a new purchase, or are estate sales, divorce sales and foreclosures. All contribute to keeping prices high. There are opportunities for buyers right now because many prospective buyers have adopted a wait-andsee attitude and moved to the sidelines. It can be a risky game to wait for the interest rates to drop… when buyers return to the market in force we see more bidding wars which elevate prices as a result.

TAMMY RAMSAY

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson 516-319-8605 tammy@ericramsay.com

ERIC G. RAMSAY III “RICK”

Licensed Real Estate Broker 516-319-2252 rick@ericramsay.com

“We’re very excited to have the Ramsay Realtors app up and running. It’s a great tool to start your home search, see what your home is worth, keep up on the local market, and communicate with your Ramsay Realtor.”

Tammy also emphasized that the app will never sell user’s personal data.