2015christmasweek3 by The Newport Miner

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December 2, 2015 |

Mak y r r e ing Christmas M A Christmas Carol STAVE 3 - THE SECOND OF THE THREE SPIRITS By Charles Dickens Edited for public reading by Theresa Race Hoffman. This version Copyright © 2006 by Theresa Race Hoffman. All Rights Reserved.

ow, when the Bell struck One, a quarter of an hour went by, yet nothing came. At last, he began to notice a ghostly light coming from the adjoining room. He shuffled in his slippers to the door. A strange voice called him by his name, and bade him enter. It was his own room. But the walls and ceiling were hung with berries, holly, mistletoe, and ivy, and a mighty blaze went roaring up the chimney. Heaped up on the floor, to form a kind of throne, were turkeys, geese, sausages, mincepies, plum-puddings, red-hot chestnuts, apples, oranges, pears, cakes, and seething bowls of punch. Upon this food couch, there sat a jolly Giant, who bore a glowing torch, and held it high up, to shed its light on Scrooge, as he came peeping round the door. “Come in!” exclaimed the Ghost. “Come in! and know me better, man!” Scrooge entered timidly, and hung his head. Though the Spirit’s eyes were clear and kind, he did not like to meet them. “I am the Ghost of Christmas Present,” said the Spirit. “Look upon me!” Scrooge reverently did so. It was clothed in a simple green robe, bordered with white fur. Its feet were bare; and on its head it wore a holly wreath, set here and there with shining icicles. Its dark brown curls were long and free as its cheery voice, and its joyful air. “You have never seen the like of me before!” exclaimed the Spirit. “Spirit,” said Scrooge, “conduct me where you will. I went forth last night and I learnt a lesson which is working now. To-night, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it.” “Touch my robe!”

Scrooge did as he was told, and held it fast. Feast, fire, room all vanished instantly and they stood in the city streets on a snowy Christmas morning. The sky was gloomy, and yet was there an air of cheerfulness abroad like a summer day. Soon the steeples called good people all, to church and chapel, and away they came, flocking through the streets in their best clothes, and with their gayest faces. They went on, invisible, as they had been before, into the suburbs of the town. The good Spirit led him straight to Scrooge’s clerk’s, holding to his robe; and on the threshold of the door the Spirit smiled, and stopped to bless Bob Cratchit’s dwelling. Think of that! Bob had but fifteen shillings a-week himself; and yet the Ghost of Christmas Present blessed his fourroomed house! Then up rose Mrs. Cratchit, dressed poorly in a worn dress. And now two smaller Cratchits danced about the table. “What has ever got your precious father then?” said Mrs. Cratchit. “And your brother, Tiny Tim.” In came Bob, the father, with his threadbare clothes darned up and brushed, to look seasonable; and Tiny Tim upon his shoulder. Alas for Tiny Tim, he bore a little crutch! “And how did little Tim behave?” asked Mrs. Cratchit. “As good as gold,” said Bob. “He told me, that he hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see.” His active little crutch was heard upon the floor, and back came Tiny Tim. At last the dishes were set on, and grace was said. Bob said he didn’t believe there ever was such a goose cooked. Eked out by apple-sauce and mashed potatoes, it was a sufficient dinner for the whole family. Mrs.

Cratchit left the room to bring the pudding, like a speckled cannon-ball, blazing in ignited brandy, and with Christmas holly stuck into the top. A wonderful pudding! At last the dinner was all done, all the Cratchit family drew round the hearth, and Bob proposed a toast: “A Merry Christmas to us all, my dears. God bless us!” “God bless us every one!” said Tiny Tim, the last of all. He sat very close to his father’s side upon his little stool. Bob held his withered little hand in his, as if he loved the child, and wished to keep him by his side, and dreaded that he might be taken from him. “Spirit,” said Scrooge, with an interest he had never felt before, “tell me if Tiny Tim will live.” “I see a vacant seat,” replied the Ghost, “in the poor chimney-corner, and a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die.” “No, no,” said Scrooge. “Oh, no, kind Spirit! say he will be spared.” “If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, he will die this year,” repeated the Ghost. “What then? If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.” Scrooge hung his head to hear his own words quoted by the Spirit. “Man,” said the Ghost, “will you decide what men shall live, what men shall die? It may be, that in the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man’s child!” Scrooge bent before the Ghost’s rebuke, and trembling cast his eyes upon the ground. But he raised them speedily, on hearing his own name. “Mr. Scrooge!” toasted Bob; “I’ll give you Mr. Scrooge, the Founder of

the Feast!” “The Founder of the Feast indeed!” cried Mrs. Cratchit, reddening. “My dear,” said Bob, “the children! Christmas Day.” “It should be Christmas Day, I am sure,” said she, “on which one drinks the health of such a stingy, hard, unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge. You know he is, Robert! Nobody knows it better than you do!” “My dear,” was Bob’s mild answer, “Christmas Day.” “I’ll drink his health for your sake and the Day’s,” said Mrs. Cratchit, “not for his. Long life to him! A merry Christmas and a happy new year!” The children drank the toast after her, but they didn’t care for it. Scrooge was the Ogre of the famSee CAROL, 2B

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Make your holiday party shine

Get more out of holiday entertaining this season The holiday season is a time of year meant to be celebrated with friends and family. It is also a time for entertaining, whether you are hosting or attending as a cherished guest. With more than 20 years of experience in the fashion and entertaining space, stylist and host Clinton Kelly is an expert entertainer. To ensure a festive and fun-filled celebration, Clorox 2 partnered with Kelly to help you get more out of the season with some simple tips for the holidays.

Don’t be afraid to go bold. “Your clothes tell the world who you are, and color is a great way to show off your vibrant personality,” Kelly said. Rather than the little black dress, try a jewel tone dress for the holidays to make you the life of the party. You can style it differently – by changing jewelry, shoes and bags – to get a new look for each occasion. Plan ahead. Food has a special place

A table filled with delicious food and dazzling decor surrounded by family and friends is the perfect recipe for a holiday dinner to remember. Once you’ve figured out your menu, be sure to leave time to plan the table decor. A festive and memorable gathering can be achieved without the fuss by using things you already have around the house. Use these tips to help make your holiday dinner party a success during this most wonderful time of year: Keep things simple. White dinnerware makes a great backdrop to showcase your holiday meal. Add splashes of color

and texture. It’s OK to mix and match patterns, colors and textures on the table. If you have white or solid colored dishes, layer with decorative salad plates or add seasonal glassware or use red napkins, chargers or placemats to create a holiday atmosphere. Be creative with table decorations. Try using things you have in new ways. Scatter candles, ornaments and greenery down the center of the table. Add some holly leaves and berries to a vase or pitcher to complete the look. Don’t skip the details. It’s easy to focus on the bigger elements, but small touches can take

your spread to another level. Coordinate details, such as place cards, napkin rings and placemats, with the theme to make your tablescape memorable. End the evening with a crowd-pleasing dessert, such as this VanillaOrange Cheesecake with Cranberry Swirl and Gingersnap Crust.

Vanilla-Orange Cheesecake with Cranberry Swirl and Gingersnap Crust 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries 1 3/4 cup sugar, divided See PARTY, 4B

See holiday, 4b

CARol From Page 1

ily. The mention of his name cast a dark shadow on the party. By-and-bye they had a song from Tiny Tim, who had a plaintive little voice, and sang it very well indeed. They were not a handsome family; they were not well dressed. But, they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another, and contented with the time. In the bright sprinklings of the Spirit’s torch at parting, Scrooge had his eye upon them, and especially on Tiny Tim, until the last. By this time it was getting dark, and snowing pretty heavily; and as Scrooge and the Spirit went along the streets. And now, without a word of warning from the Ghost, they stood upon a bleak and desert moor. “What place is this?” asked Scrooge. “A place where Miners live, who labour in the bowels of the earth,” returned the Spirit. “But they know me. See!” Passing through the wall of mud and stone, they found an old, old man and woman, with their children and their children’s children, all decked out gaily in their holiday attire. The old man was singing them a Christmas song and from time to time they all joined in the chorus. Again the Ghost sped on, above a black and heaving sea—on, on— until, being far away from any shore, they lighted on a ship. They stood beside the helmsman, the lookout, the officers on watch; every man among them hummed a Christmas tune, or had a Christmas thought. And every man on board, waking or sleeping, good or bad,

had had a kinder word for another on that day than on any day in the year. It was a great surprise to Scrooge, while listening to the moaning of the wind, to hear a hearty laugh and to recognise it as his own nephew’s. He found himself in a bright, dry, gleaming room, with the Spirit standing smiling by his side. “Ha, ha!” laughed Scrooge’s nephew. “He said that Christmas was a humbug, as I live! He believed it too!” “More shame for him, Fred!” said Scrooge’s niece, indignantly. “He’s a comical old fellow,” said Scrooge’s nephew, “that’s the truth: and not so pleasant as he might be. However, his offences carry their own punishment, and I am sorry for him; I couldn’t be angry with him if I tried. Who suffers by his ill whims! Himself, always.” After tea, they had some music and played at games; for it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas. There might have been twenty people there, young and old, but they all played and sang, and so did Scrooge; forgetting that his voice made no sound in their ears, he sometimes came out with his singing quite loud. The Ghost was greatly pleased to find him in this mood, and looked upon him with such favour, that he begged like a boy to be allowed to stay until the guests departed. But this the Spirit said could not be done. Much they saw, and far they went, and everywhere the Spirit went he left his blessing. It was a long night, and Scrooge noticed that the Ghost grew older, clearly

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older, and he noticed that its hair was grey. “Are spirits’ lives so short?” asked Scrooge. “My life upon this globe, is very brief,” replied the Ghost. “It ends to-night at midnight. Hark! The time is drawing near.” The bell struck twelve. And the Spirit disappeared. As the last stroke ceased to vibrate, he remembered the prediction of old Jacob Marley, and lifting up his eyes, beheld a solemn Phantom, draped and hooded, coming, like a mist along the ground, towards him.

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December 2, 2015 |

Family Features

staple of the holidays, flavorful desserts bring a seasonal spread together like nothing else, and whipping up those desserts is a perfect time to spend some quality time with your family. From cookies that are sure to quickly disappear to a classic cheesecake and a berry-inspired twist on a holiday favorite, an array of tantalizing desserts can keep your family and friends around the dinner table long after the main course has been devoured, and give your family a new activity to bond over.

See desserts, 4b

Made to Vanish When it comes to holiday baking, it’s often the simplest ingredients and classic recipes that resonate best with everyone. One of which is Quaker’s Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – a family favorite that’s been featured under the lid of the Quaker Old Fashioned Oats canister for 20 years. A kitchen staple for 100 percent whole grain baking needs, the Quaker Oats canister is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Find more oats recipes and learn more about the iconic oat canister at quakeroats.com.

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DESSERTS From Page 3B

Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 8 minutes Makes: 4 dozen 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened, plus 6 tablespoons 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) 3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked) 1 cups raisins

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; move to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

Heat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats and raisins; mix well.

PARTY

From Page 2B

1/2 cup orange juice, plus 1 tablespoon 1/2 cup water 24-32 purchased gingersnap cookies (to make 1 cup crumbs) 1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs 4 tablespoons butter, melted 3 packages (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature 2 eggs 1/4 cup sour cream 1/4 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Heat oven to 300 F. Simmer cranberries, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice and water in saucepan over mediumhigh heat until berries burst and begin to break down, about 10 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes, then in blender or food proces-

sor puree until smooth. Set sauce aside.

In large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and remaining sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Scrape sides of bowl, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla and 1 tablespoon orange juice, then pour into prepared pan. Drizzle top of cheesecake with 1/4 cup of prepared cran-

berry sauce, then drag skewer, toothpick or knife tip through sauce to create marbled swirl pattern on top. Place cheesecake on baking sheet and bake on center rack until edges are set and puffed but center is slightly jiggly, about 45 minutes. Do not overbake. Turn oven off, crack door open slightly and allow cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then cover cheesecake with tea towel and refrigerate overnight. Run knife around sides of cheesecake, then release and remove side of pan. To cut, dip blade of thin, sharp knife into hot water (do not wipe dry) and slice into wedges, cleaning blade between each cut to prevent smearing. Serve with remaining cranberry sauce.

throw at you with a well-stocked laundry closet. Kelly stocks his laundry arsenal with Clorox 2 Stain Fighter & Color Booster to keep his clothes and table linens looking their best. “I love

good food, great cocktails, crafting and DIY, so my clothes can get a little messy,” Kelly said. “I keep Clorox 2 Stain Fighter & Color Booster on hand to fight stains and keep colors from fading.”

Coat 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Process gingersnaps in food processor until fine; add graham cracker crumbs. With machine running, drizzle in melted butter. Press crumb mixture firmly into bottom of prepared springform pan and about 1 inch up sides of pan. Set aside.

HOLIDAY From Page 2b

in holiday celebrations, but you don’t want to spend the whole night in the kitchen. To ensure you can spend the most quality time with your guests, prepare items, such as sides or dessert items, ahead of time. Premaking pies is a great step, but you can also think about crowd-pleasing appetizers and other treats as well as simple slow-cooker recipes, such as a warm, spiced cider to fill the room with a favorite scent of the season. Mingle, don’t mix. Don’t get stuck behind the bar mixing complicated beverages at your next shindig. Try a punch inspired by a classic holiday cocktail, such as the poinsettia – a delicious mix of sparkling wine, cranberry juice and a splash of orange liqueur, and let guests help themselves. Holiday decorating doesn’t have to be hard. Kelly suggests using potted plants and flowers –it’s simple and they last longer than fresh – so you can get more out of your holiday entertaining. For an easy tablescape with color and texture, pick up some luxe fabric, in a bold color or with a bit of shine, from a craft shop to create an easy runner to layer over a tablecloth. Stock up your supply closet. Be prepared for whatever messes and stains the holidays

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For a festive twist to your holiday sweets, look no further than your freezer. Aside from a bright, joyful color, frozen red raspberries’ sweet and tart flavors allow them to complement and enhance a wide range of

ingredients. They also boast the most fiber and the lowest natural sugar content compared to other berries. Find more recipes worth sharing this holiday season at redrazz.org.