TVT 11/14/22 The Valley Trader of Central Pennsylvania

I have been able to sell so many things through this little paper!! People call me from all over. Last week I re ceived a call from Hawaii about one of my ads. LT Antiques - 02 Autos/Trucks - 07 53 Vehicles 1948 & up, $1,000 to

$5,000 or less. Too sick for hobby. 570538-3464. 12/19

1953 Dodge Truck Body on a 1997 Ram, 2500 Chasis, 12 Valve Cummins with Mods, Mul doons Transmis sion. Truck runs but does not drive. For more info. 570-3600017. 12/5

Wanted to Trade: 72 Ford Show Car for Ford Truck F15, 30.2 5 spd.

Fewer than 90,000 mi, air. Anytime. Sunbury 570-2867849. ufn Auto/Truck Acces sories - 10 Rear Spoiler fits Chev. Cobolt and Pontiac GS, excel lent condition. 570337-4619. ufn Truck Caps for sale. 570-494-0444, call for details. ufn For sale parts: 1997 Buick la Sabre, complete and ready to part out. Call 570-2049626. ufn Campers, Motor Homes, & Rec. Vehicles - 11 1995 Chariot Park Model Camper,

furnished, 34’x12’, w/loft, computer or office room, sunken BR, tinted living room window, fur nished 8’x34’ porch sunscreen, 10’x20’ carport, 10’x20’ new shed. Make of fer. 570-966-6220. ufn

Garage Sales - 25

Help Wanted - 28 Experienced Sales Person to handle our Montour & Columbia Co. area. Very good commission struc ture. Send resume to The Valley Trader, Sales Posi tion, PO Box 392, Lewisburg, PA 17837

Sales Rep Wanted: Expanding sales force in Lycom ing & Clinton Cos. Experience sales necessary. Must have car & valid Driver’s License. Territory & ac count list provid ed. Send resume to: The Valley Trader, Sales Dept., PO Box 392, Lewisburg, PA 17837 or email to: thevalleytrader@ yahoo.com

Help Wanted: Part time Graphic Designer position. 24-35 hrs. over 2 wks, but mostly on week 2. Must be able to work in a high speed environment. Be literally your own boss, but work easily with others. This may lead to a full-time position in the future. Send resume & portfo lio to: The Valley Trader, PO Box 392, Lewisburg, Pa 17837 or email: the valleytrader@ yahoo.com

Household - 30 White milk glass Punch Bowl, 12

Valley Vehicle Fin er

cups & ladel, $50.00 or make of fer. 570-898-0787. 11/21 2 used Anderson Skylight Windows, insulated, tinted, full screen, 1/S frame, 54”L x 29 1/4 W, rough open ing, ex. condition; 3 new, still in box, metal frame mounts for above window inserts, ex shape, plus extra frame. All above $295.00 firm. 310-383-6044, Lewisburg. 11/21 Oak Hutch W39”H74”D17”; Hand painted Ap ple Jelly Cupboard W17”H47”D10”; Tile Table W34”L59”, 4 chairs; Queen Size Mahogany Bed, clean, pillow top mattress, box spring. 570-2387355. 11/21

Wet/Dry Vac, 5.25, 16 gal. works great, all accessories, $75. OBO. 570-2049626 Mt. Carmel. UFN

-cycle, or Moped.

Any year, make or model. Running or not. WPU. 570-724996-2693 anytime. 12/5

WANTED:Baseball, football, basketball, & hockey

VALLEY HO E IMPROVEMENT VALLEY AUCTIONS VALLEY HEALTH

Sears Craftsman

Miscellaneous - 35 Parting Out 60 year old Bairmatic Coal Hot Water Furnace. 570-2860926. 11/14

Motorcycles - 37 Sell me your Mo torcycle, Mini-

Pets - 40 AKC Poodle, female, rare color Blue-Merle, 1 year, shots, not spayed, very calm, love able. $1,500.00 firm. 570-205-6442. 11/14

Installing Bathroom Tile Like a Pro

(Family Features) Updating the flooring can help infuse new life into tired, outdated bathrooms. For an upscale, polished look that doesn’t have to break the bank, consider installing tile flooring.

Before you get started, you’ll want to make some decisions about the look and feel of your flooring:

Ceramic or stone? Weigh factors such as porosity, how slippery the surface may be when wet and how well it retains heat or cold. Ultimately, your decision

hinges on the needs and uses of your family.

Complement or contrast? Define the overall style you want as well as the colors and tones that will help best achieve your vision.

Big or small? Generally, the

larger the tile, the fewer grout lines, and too many grout lines in a smaller space can create the illusion of clutter. However, smaller tiles can eliminate the need to make multiple awkward cuts, and small tiles are perfect for creating accent patterns or introducing a splash of color.

When you’ve got your overall look and materials selected, keep these steps in mind as you begin laying the flooring:

VALLEY HO E IMPROVEMENT

1. Prepare your subfloor. Use a level to check for uneven spots; you need an even surface to prevent cracks in the tile or grout as well as rough spots that could pose tripping hazards. Use patching and leveling material to create a consistent surface. Apply a thin layer of mortar then attach your cement backer board with screws. Cover joints with cement board tape, apply another thin layer of mortar, smooth and allow to dry.

blends well with the next.

excess as you go.

VALLEY AUCTIONS

10. Allow grout to dry per the manufacturer’s instructions then go back over tile with a damp sponge to set grout lines and clean grout residue.

VALLEY HEALTH

2. To ensure square placement, draw reference lines on the subfloor using a level and carpenter square. Tile should start in the middle of the room and move out toward the walls, so make your initial reference lines as close to the center as possible. Mark additional reference lines as space allows, such as 2-footby-2-foot squares.

3. Do a test run with your chosen tile by laying it out on the floor. There are color variations in most tile patterns, so you’ll want to verify each tile

4. Mix tile mortar and use the thin side of a trowel to apply mortar at a 45-degree angle. Use the combed side to spread evenly and return excess mortar to the bucket. Remember to apply mortar in small areas, working as you go, so it doesn’t dry before you’re ready to lay the tile.

5. When laying tile, use your reference lines as guides. Press and wiggle tile slightly for the best adherence.

6. Use spacers to create even lines between one tile and the next, removing excess mortar with a damp sponge or rag.

7. As you complete a section of tile, use a level and mallet to verify the tiles are sitting evenly.

8. Let mortar dry 24 hours before grouting.

9. Remove spacers then apply grout to joints, removing

11. Once grout has cured - usually at least a couple weeks - apply sealer to protect it.

Find more ideas and tips for updating your bathroom at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash #15612

Source: Family Features

a digital gift card to fulfill your gift

(StatePoint) Are you struggling to find thoughtful gifts for everyone as you make your holiday shopping list? Well, it’s time to get personal! By giving a personalized gift, the recipient will feel special knowing it was created and picked just for them. Here are a few customized gift ideas that they’re sure to love that won’t break the bank.

1. Make Their Holidays Magical with Video Greetings. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer, SmashUps from American Greetings are highly personalized, smile-inducing, shareable videos. There are options for everyone, like a message from Santa that calls the recipient out by name and location, or a customized winter greeting delivered by a talking penguin. SmashUps can check the box for holiday greetings, or you can include

giving needs.

With a subscription, you’ll unlock access to all of American Greetings’ digital offerings, meaning you can send unlimited SmashUps year-round. Subscriptions are $6.99 per month or $29.99 per year.

2. Photo Finish. Photos are a simple and affordable way to personalize gifts. Start by choosing your favorite pic with the recipient and then determine how you’d like to deliver it. Whether it’s in a unique frame, or printed on a personal

VALLEY HO E IMPROVEMENT

item, such as a mug, blanket, keychain, phone cover or even an ornament for their tree, the recipient will know how much they mean to you each time they view it.

needs.

VALLEY AUCTIONS VALLEY HEALTH

3. Initial Thoughts. While not everyone wants to be in pictures, adding personalization to a gift item by using your recipient’s name, initials or monogram, can be a great alternative. And with a wealth of online sites, from boutique stores like Marley Lilly to major retailers like Amazon offering this service, you’ll have endless options—at various price points—to meet your shopping

4. Eat, Drink and Be Merry. They often say the way to the heart is through the stomach. So, whether it’s a foodie friend or a family member who has it all, making their favorite meal, treat, drink or dessert can be the ultimate thoughtful gift. Plus, it can provide you quality time together as you deliver the delicious treats to their home or host them at yours -- that is… if they’ll share!

5. Write a Message by Hand. In an age where everything is digital, seeing a loved one’s handwriting—whether it’s

scribbled by a child or printed by a grandparent—can be a special memento and unique way to customize a gift. Gift ideas could be handwritten messages and affirmations; a recipe book of your family favorites; or your handwriting could be inscribed onto a gift item like a keychain, picture frame or necklace.

Before You

WHEN REPLYING TO A LBYL AD BE SURE TO MAKE ALL CHECKS OUT TO THE VALLEY TRADER. EACH REPLY IS $4.00.

You must renew your ad every 2 issues for it to run in the next issue. And it MUST be written. Ads are not taken by phone.

Please note that no ads for alternative lifestyles will be placed anymore.

Ads will be placed according to publisher’s discretion. Must be 18 or over to use this column.

ATTENTION NOTICE

If you send us an ad to run in this section, you must include your real name and address or we will not be able to print your ad. No one ever knows who you are except for the person who handles the replies in my office. Thank you for understanding in this simple matter.

Did you meet someone or go further with your relationship? We want to know. Send us your testimonial.

Testimonials: (Looking for some new comments of success)

Fall 1991 and January 1992 Testimonials: My cousin and his new wife (both in their early 40’s) were visiting my mom, my sister, and I. My sister asks, “So, how did you meet?” They kind of giggled and asked each other, “Should we tell them?” They said they met through the LBYL column. My sister and I decided we would try our fare at meeting “Mr. Right”. (BTW, my cousin and his wife are still married and hopelessly in love.) My sister didn’t have much luck, but in January 1992, I saw this ad that kept drawing my attention. As described, he really wasn’t what I was looking for, but... We met later that month for the first time; got engaged in 1993 and married in 1994. We will celebrate our 25th anniversary this October and we have a 23-year-old daughter who lives out of state. Thank you, LBYL!

Mr. & Mrs. J.N.

4/4/17 Testimonial: I placed an ad 1/2/94 and met the love of my life. He has 3 boys and I have 3 girls. We were married 8/26/95 and now we’re the Brady Bunch. Thanks for helping us find each other.

KP/DP

I will always be grateful to your paper Valley Trader. My husband DH wrote to me and we have been happily married almost 12 wonderful years. We’ve been through many trials and joys and so glad we found each other. K.W/K.H.

“Thanks Again Valley Trader, Friends! Years ago I put an ad in your paper and we were married almost 20 years & then our lord called him home.” -HR

“My brother met his wife Bonnie through your column. They have a son named Jake! He’s our pride and joy!” –CW

L.B.Y.L. Readers: It would help a lot if you put your town location in your ad. Distance is important when replying to an ad. Thanks. –

The Valley Trader

PLEASE RESPOND – We have had several people who have responded to personals in our column, and received no response in return. We would like to request that you send at least a post card to each and every response you receive, just out of courtesy to those taking the time to write you. Also, don’t forget to include either a phone number or address in your letter when responding to an ad.

IN ORDER TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN IC RESIDENTS AND OTHER RESIDENTS WE HAVE DECIDED TO PUT EACH IN THEIR OWN SECTION.

Tired of not meeting that special someone at work, at the bar, or wherever you have been looking? Look no further than Look Before You Leap men and woman our other supporting single services. We want to help you! What do you have to lose? Just your loneliness. So do it. Send in your ad or send in a response. See directions at beginning of section on how to be a part of the Look Before You Leap.

Regular: PA Romantic WtM, 69 - 62 - 200. Looking for a woman who likes camping, flea markets, dining out, having fun. I have a good sense of humor. Photo, phone. JB26836 11/21

Looking for my Teddy Bear, I’ll be your kitten. This John 3:16 Christian Wt. Lady (70) has

many interests: writing, art, nature, nutrition & cooking. Let me make your favorite meal! I’ll respect you and hopefully make you smile. Non-smoker please. Kindness a must. Phone friend OK for now. Disabilities OK as well. KO26897 4/5/23

IC’s:

FIC, Smart, sexy, fun, good sense of humor, long dark hair, hazel eyes. Loves to laugh. Looking for good conversations & a good time. JB26918IC

WdWtFIC, 61, looking for a white man around the same age. I need a pen pal & friendly companion. EF26919IC

FIC, looking to correspond by mail or phone for fun & good company. My charges are not violent or drug related. Just bored & lonely.

SP26920IC

FIC, soon released. Attractive, energetic, healthy, fun, exciting &attentive woman .Seeking support, TLC, friendship, all things good. KE26921IC

SWtFIC, 5’9”, blonde/ brown eyes, athletic build, 33, outgoing, openminded, extremely loving. Enjoy trying new things, caring personality. Seeking a lover/ compaion. JW26922IC

FIC, 25, lt. brown skin, 160 lbs. Have sexy lips, chanky eyes, 5’1”. A lil shorty but carry myself with a big heart. Looking for someone I can write & talk to & visit.

BS26923IC

FIC, 48, long black hair/blue eyes, very outgoing, love to travel. Very positive person.

AD26924IC

SWtFIC, Mistress seeking Mr. for care, comfort, support. Looking for a friend, lover & generous man. Write for details.

KE26925IC

FIC, 30, tall, thick, short brown hair. Love music, have tattoos, nose & tongue pierced, from Milton. Enjoy 4 wheeling, outdoors, camping, fishing, arts & crafts. Love food, & swimming. JW26920IC SWtFIC looking to get to know any males, 36-45. I’m 39, black hair, blue eyes, 5’3”-160. Just a few months left here. Just trying to get to know someone better.

LA26921IC

SWtFIC, seeking supportive men with the capacity for making me a sugar baby. I’m attractive,

attentive, amorous, available for release & companionship soon. KE26922IC

FIC, Italian Princess looking for her Prince. Smart, funny, loves to laugh & have good conversations. Dark hair, hazel eyes, thick in all the right places. JB26924IC

SWtF looking for older man. I’m 38, blonde hair, 5’7”-170, outgoing & full of fun. Willing to make it long term. NB26925IC

FIC, Italian, 35, 5’8”-180, thick in all the right places. Have a 38 Double D chest & nice butt. Love music, movies, warm weather & the fall. Tacos are my favoite & anything pumpkin. Long brown/blonde hair, big brown eyes, tattoos. LW26926IC

Breast Cancer Survivors: How big was your lump?Local female inmate seeking information & letters of experience for purpose of making well informed decisions about treatment. Support & detail appreciated. KE26927IC

SWtFIC, attractive. I need a man to talk to, a mate and do special things for me. Preferably generous, older, kind, hardworking, happy. KE26928IC

SWtFIC, long black hair, hazle eyes, curvy & independent. Seeking older, kind, outdoorsy, calm man to share my days with. PM26929IC

SWtFIC, looking for outgoing, older gentleman to share time with. I’m very outgoing, independent, & loving. RB26930IC

SWtFIC, sweet, sexy, fun, easygoing, patient, open minded, tender, loving, affectionate, honest, loyal. Enjoy the outdoors. Will bring you pleasure & happiness. Looking for long term relationship. HS26931IC

SFIC, likes cooking & traveling. Looking for a penpal/companion. If something more comes from it, great! Willing to relocate. BS26932IC

SWtFIC, very outgoing, kind & independent. Love the outdoors, very loyal, & honest. Looking for kind man to keep me company. PM26933IC

SFIC, 31, ambitious, driven, humorous, outgoing. Seeking male or female companion & desiring to expand my

horizons. Can you lead the way? RD26934IC

SWtFIC, 47, Indian/Irish/ German, willing to relocate. Looking for a friend/ companion. TS26935IC

FIC Wanted: potential mates for myself, an amorous woman. Must be industrious, gentle, love to travel, make music, dine & love dogs, big trucks & farmers. KE26936IC

SWtFIC, looking for people to correspond with. I’m 45 & this is my first time incarcerated & losing my mind from boredom. SM26937IC

SFIC, Moroccan, 35. Seeking friends to correspond with. I look forward getting to know you. NF26938IC

FIC seeking penpals, friends, potential mates for fun loving woman. Love horses & fast cars. Athletic, brunette, great smile, talented & attentive. Seek same & funny. KE26939IC SFIC, 36, looking for penpal, possibly relationship, lonely. DM26940IC

Wanted penpals for soon to be releeased woman looking for funny, potential friendship & more. Need TLC, attention support, humor from local people who care. KE26941IC

FIC, 28, A bad girl looking for a man that can handle & tame me. Freak in the sheets but lady in the streets. Lonely, looking for someone’s full attention. Have expensive taste & like to be taken care of. I want to take care of you back. I am unique, one of a kind with a juicy booty. You will never be bored with me.

CF26942IC

FIC, smart, funny, sassy, Italian Princess, long black hair, big hazel eyes. Looking for that special someone to complete me to talk & laugh with. JB26943IC

SWtFIC, 58, brown hair, blue eyes, 124 lbs. I like the outdoors, biking, swimming, parks, etc. I love to have fun. Have a sense of humor.

PJ26944IC

FIC, Soon to be Released. Would like to meet someone who enjoys the finer things, 5 star dining, trips all over the world. Must be serious. TM26945IC

SWtFIC, looking for a gentleman too share my time with. I’m kind, compassionate &

independent. Very caring. Love the outdoors & cuddling. PM26946IC

FIC, Sexy, Italian, long dark hair, big hazel eyes, funny, smart, loves to talk. Looking for that someone to laugh with & have fun. JB26948IC

SWtFIC, seeking long term relationship. Fun, loving, affectionate, sexy, loyal, open-minded, patient, educated, responsible, relocatible. I will bring love, pleasure, & happiness into your life. HS26949IC

FIC, 35, looking for pen pals to correspond with. I’m a non violent offender & just looking to pass my time here. NF26950IC

FIC, 46, just looking for pen pals. First incarceration, not violent or drug related. An interesting story actually. “Robin Hood” offense. SM26951IC

SWtFIC, 48, looking for a fresh start. Willing to relocate. TS26952IC

SWtFIC, looking for companionship. Just turned 50 & am in prison for life. Look forward to communicating with someone. KB26953IC

WE DO NOT RUN ANY IC-LBYL ADS WITHOUT YOUR IDENTIFYING NUMBER. THESE MAILINGS ARE RETURNED BACK TO US, NON DELIVERABLE. ALSO YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR MAIL FROM LBYL. Inmates, seems you may need to be on some kind of mailing list at the prison. Inquire at your place.

The Valley Trader would like to thank everyone who places an ad in this column and also the people who respond. The number of responses we have been receiving has been GREAT!!! If you meet that “special person” from communicating through our column, let us know. Did you marry? Are you dating? We would like to know! Write us a short note we can print. Of course, we’ll only print it with your initials.

ATTENTION: We have no control over where our Look Before You Leap ads arrive from, and being a free press, we will place them in our column.

AUCTIONS

buyers are willing to spend on a home, it’s important for homeowners to look beyond simply choosing the right siding color and consider different siding materials and profiles, adding accents like stone veneer and

typically top the list of projects that add the most resale value to homes.

According to Remodeling’s 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, nine of the top 10 projects delivering the best return on cost were exterior renovations.

HEALTH

If you’re looking to sell or just want to increase the overall value of your home, consider these high-ROI exterior upgrades from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products that can improve aesthetics and increase resale value.

Front Door

If replacing the front door isn’t necessary, adding a fresh coat of paint is a simple way to refresh your

home’s exterior. You can take your “dated” door and make it modern again with a bold, on-trend color. Take it one step further by adding artistic house numbers, a new light fixture or a door knocker in an unexpected shape for inexpensive pops of style.

Vinyl Siding

Updating your home’s exterior with vinyl siding yields a 67.2% return upon sale, according to the report. When considering new siding, look for high-quality, low-maintenance materials. Depending on where you live, insulated vinyl siding can add additional protection against the elements, as well as increased energy efficiency. While function is important, don’t be afraid to make bold choices with color, texture, different profiles and contrasting trim to make a true statement with your home’s exterior.

For example, Westlake Royal Building Products offers a wide range of vinyl siding options in the latest shades, including adding five ontrend colors to its Royal Siding and Exterior Portfolio lines. Inspired by colors found in nature, the gray, bluegray, brown and green tones reflect the latest trends in modern exterior home design. Both lines feature patented color protection technology to resist fading, which is especially important for darker shades.

Shutters

Adding or replacing shutters is another easy way to add a bit of flair and can be a key finishing touch in creating the perfect exterior. With the potential to play beautifully alongside windows and siding as well architectural style and surrounding landscaping, it’s important to make thoughtful choices and install them properly to ensure they look and function as designed.

Composite Decking

Another exterior remodeling project with a high ROI (62.1%), according to the report, is replacing your home’s existing wood deck with composite decking. An option like

Zuri Premium Decking combines the natural beauty and warmth of exotic hardwood with the durability and lowmaintenance requirements of PVC (cellular polyvinyl chloride), which resists stains, scratches, fading and moisture, for a deck that will last for years with minimal upkeep.

Column Wraps

Give your front porch an instant facelift by wrapping your existing columns with PVC wraps. This is an easy way to achieve a cleaner and more modern, updated look. Resistant to moisture, PVC column wraps prevent issues found in traditional wood columns, such as warping, rotting and insect damage. Available in a variety of ready-to-install styles, they can also be painted to complement your home’s exterior color palette.

Find more ideas to increase your home’s beauty and resale values at westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com. #16333

Source: Westlake Royal Building Products

(Family Features) The elegance of the holidays starts at the table with meals, desserts and drinks shared among loved ones. This year, let grapes add easy elegance to seasonal recipes as a signature ingredient perfect for special occasions.

As a highly versatile addition to appetizers, snacks, main courses, sides and desserts, grapes are an essential ingredient to keep on hand. Thanks to their delicate sweetness and juicy texture, Grapes from California can be the star at the center of the meal in unique and tasty Braised Pork Chops with Spiced Honey and Grapes served with Spiked Grape Cider for a cozy adult beverage.

Finish the celebration by sharing Grape Basque-Style Cheesecake, where delicious, fresh grape juice is used in the cheesecake batter to lend natural sweetness and enhance flavor. Decorate the top with fresh, juicy grapes for a final festive touch.

Find more sweet ideas to celebrate the holidays at GrapesfromCalifornia.com.

A Sweet Party Starter

Set the stage for a delicious get-together by serving an easy, attractive appetizer like this Grape Party Tray with fresh grapes, prosciutto, cheeses, pistachios and more holiday favorites. Grapes are easy to include as they offer variety - different colors, shapes, sizes and textures - which makes them an ideal healthy snack or ingredient in tasty recipes.

Braised Pork Chops with Spiced Honey and Grapes

Servings: 4

4 thick pork chops (about 3 pounds)

4 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1 1/2 cups whole red or black Grapes from California

1/3 cup honey

2 small cinnamon sticks, broken

3-5 whole cloves

1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 F.

Heat heavy, lidded saute pan or casserole dish over mediumhigh heat. Dust pork chops with flour and brown slowly in melted butter. Do not let flour burn.

Remove pan from heat and add grapes, honey, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, salt and pepper. Cover and place in oven. Braise slowly 50-60 minutes, or until pork is tender. Remove pork from pan and keep warm. Skim pan sauce of excess fat. Arrange pork chops on serving platter, spoon with sauce and sprinkle with chopped mint, if desired.

Nutritional information per serving: 569 calories; 54 g protein; 41 g carbohydrates; 21 g fat (33% calories from fat); 9 g saturated fat (14% calories from saturated fat); 33% calories from fat; 165 mg cholesterol; 407 mg sodium; 1.6 g fiber.

Grape Basque-Style Cheesecake

Prep time: 15 minutes, plus cooling and chilling

Bake time: 40 minutes

Servings: 12

2 cups green Grapes from California, divided 1/4 cup, plus 2/3 cup, granulated sugar, divided 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 large pinches kosher salt 21 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 1 cup cold heavy cream 4 large eggs, at room temperature 2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur (optional)

Heat oven to 425 F with rack in center. Use 12-by-16-inch sheet of parchment paper to line 9-inch springform pan in center. Press paper into bottom edge of pan and flatten creases around sides. Place pan on shallow baking sheet.

In mini blender or food processor, blend 1 cup grapes, 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch and salt on high until smooth, about 1 minute.

In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle, beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until fluffy, 1-2 minutes. With mixer on medium speed, gradually pour in heavy cream; scrape down and beat on high speed until mixture resembles soft whipped cream, about 1 minute. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down between additions. At medium speed, gradually add grape puree mixture; scrape and mix until well blended, 1 minute.

Pour batter into prepared pan, transfer to oven and bake 3840 minutes until cake is puffed and top is caramel brown. Cracks will appear around edges and cake will be wobbly when touched gently with finger. Set cake pan on baking sheet on rack to cool. Cake will sink to half its height. Cool to room temperature, 1-2 hours, then refrigerate uncovered. Do not unmold cake from pan until well chilled, at least 5 hours or overnight.

Slice remaining grapes in halves or rounds. In small bowl, combine grapes with orange liqueur, if desired, and set aside.

When ready to serve, remove side of pan. Carefully pull creased parchment away from side of cheesecake then transfer to serving platter by peeling parchment away from bottom of cake and underneath pan while gently tugging cake toward platter and off parchment.

Garnish top of cheesecake with grape-liqueur mixture, if desired, or fresh grapes. Cut cake into wedges with thin, sharp knife.

Note: Cheesecake can be made up to 2 days ahead. Once cake is well chilled, cover pan with plastic wrap until ready to serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 6 g protein; 25 g carbohydrates; 26 g fat (67% calories from fat); 15 g saturated fat (39% calories from saturated fat); 135 mg cholesterol; 200 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.

Hot Spiked Grape Cider

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: about 1 hour

5 cups red Grapes from California, plus additional for garnish, divided 3 cups water

1 tablespoon honey

1 cinnamon stick

2 star anise (optional)

1 large navel orange 6 ounces amber rum

In large saucepan, combine 5 cups grapes with water, honey, cinnamon and star anise, if desired. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until grapes are tender, 50-60 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes.

Lay medium mesh strainer over bowl and pour grape mixture through. Gently press on solids to remove juice from fruit for about 2 cups grape cider.

With peeler, peel off large strip orange zest and add to warm juice. Let cool, cover and refrigerate.

When ready to serve, gently warm cider over medium heat. Pour 1/2 cup cider into each cup. Add 1 1/2 ounces rum and garnish with twist of orange and small skewer of grapes.

Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 0 g protein; 18 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat (0% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat (0% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 5 mg sodium; 0 g fiber. #16399

Source: California Table Grape Commission