Your Evansville Thrifty Nickel's Christmas Gift Guide #1

2012 Christmas Gift Guide LOOK INSIDE FOR GREAT GIFT IDEAS PLAY THE TRIVIA CONTEST ON PAGE 7 FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $20

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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2012

Holiday Party Planning Ideas

NOVEMBER 21-28, 2012

Smoked Bone In & Boneless Hams Just In Time For The Holidays!

A few bright ideas can really brighten up your holiday. Give a gift that makes someone smile. Spice up your dĂŠcor with a few extra touches. Add some pizzazz to your party and make it one for the ages. Here are some helpful ideas to get you started.

Go high-tech with the slide show.

Instead of Uncle Bill clicking through pictures of his trip to Alaska on a slide projector, go multimedia. Create a DVD of pictures and music that can play on your television while guests mix and mingle. A lot of computers have programs that make it easy to create DVD slideshows-or you can use an in-store kiosk. Some cameras and digital music players can output video to your television, too.

Convert your kitchen.

Somehow, everyone always ends up in the kitchen. Maybe it's because that's where the food is. Maybe it's because that's where you are, making it. Maybe it's time to just embrace it. If you have room, slide a chair or two against the wall. Put out some snacks. But, most importantly, get an extra cutting board and put those kitchen visitors to work!

Mini marshmallow roast.

Craving s'mores but can't exactly have a campfire? Here's a silly but scrumptious idea: Buy mini marshmallows and toast them on skewers or toothpicks over a (unscented) candle! Don't forget the graham crackers and HERSHEY'S chocolate, of course.

Holiday karaoke.

A twist on caroling that you can do in your own home. If you have a karaoke setup, you can probably find a collection of holiday songs to keep handy. Or, get clever and download midi music files and lyrics off the web!

Unexpected guests Have a few extra gifts on hand. Stock up on HERSHEY'S POT OF GOLD boxed chocolates or HERSHEY'S EXTRA DARK Truffles for delicious, last minute gifting solutions.

Not enough time to bake that huge assortment of homemade cookies this year? Include indulgent store bought cookies onto your cookie tray.

HERSHEY'S chocolate enrobed and sandwich cookies will round out your holiday assortment nicely.

Cookie party!

Get together with friends and bake away! The best part, of course, is having a glass of wine while you wait for everything to finish baking.

Alternatively, just get together and swap cookies that you each baked in your own kitchens.

Fondue will do.

You can start with melted cheese, but there's nothing like melted chocolate to break the ice. Dust off your fondue pot for a nice meal or snack that brings people together and encourages conversation.

NOVEMBER 21-28, 2012

THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2012

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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2012

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Peanut Butter Blossoms Ingredients: 48 HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates 1/2 cup shortening 3/4 cup REESE'S Creamy Peanut Butter 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar 1 egg 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt Granulated sugar Directions: 1. Heat oven to 375째F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.

2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well.

Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

Cool completely. About 4 dozen cookies.

Baked Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Crumble Ingredients: 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples 1 cup sugar, divided 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided tablespoons butter or margarine, divided 1 cup quick-cooking or oldfashioned rolled oats 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup REESE'S Creamy Peanut Butter Sweetened whipped cream or ice cream(optional)

Directions: 1. Heat oven to 350째F. Grease 9-inch square baking pan.

2. Stir together apples, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup flour in large bowl. Spread in prepared pan; dot with 2 tablespoons butter.

Combine oats, remaining 3/4 cup flour, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl; set aside.

3. Place remaining 1 tablespoon butter and peanut butter in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 30 seconds or until butter is melted; stir until smooth. Add to oat mixture; blend until crumbs are formed. Sprinkle crumb mixture over apples.

4. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and edges are bubbly. Cool slightly. Serve warm or cool with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired. 6 to 8 servings.

NOVEMBER 21-28, 2012

NOVEMBER 21-28, 2012

THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2012

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REESE’S Peanut Butter Temptations Ingredients: About 40 (13-oz. pkg.) REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures or 12 (0.8 oz. each) REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups, quartered 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup REESE'S Creamy Peanut Butter 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions: 1. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from candies.

Line small muffin cups (1-3/4 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups.

2. Beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, egg and vanilla until light and fluffy in large bowl.

Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place one in each prepared muffin cup. Do not flatten.

3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until puffed and lightly browned; remove from oven. Immediately press peanut butter cup or piece onto each cookie. Cool completely in muffin pan. About 3-1/2 dozen cookies.

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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2012

Got someone on your list that is hard to buy for?

Stuff their stocking with a gift certificate from one of these retailers!

NOVEMBER 21-28, 2012

NOVEMBER 21-28, 2012

THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2012

Christmas Gift Guide 2012 Trivia Contest

A Merry Cherry Twist On Holiday Cheer

Play to Win $20 HOLIDAY CASH!

HERE’S HOW TO WIN: Simply fill in the answers on the trivia Name ________________________________ contest entry form. Answers can be found in the Christmas Gift Guide inserted in this Address ______________________________ week’s Thrifty Nickel. Mail or drop off at City/State/Zip __________________________ your friendly THRIFTY NICKEL at 1301 E. Morgan Ave., Evansville, IN 47711.

Phone _______________________________ Deadline is Tuesday, November 29, 2012.

Rules: Must Be 18 years of age and older to play. Employees and Winner will be announced in the December relatives of Thrifty Nickel are not eligible. One entry per person. 1, 2012 issue of the THRIFTY NICKEL. 1. Where can you find DVDs 3 for $10? _____________________________________________________________________ 2. What restaurant has a valuable coupon offering of “Get $5 Off When You Spend $25 or More?” _______________________ 3. What business has the website address www.theteachersaid.us? _______________________________________________ 4. Where is the best place to buy Makita tools? _______________________________________________________________

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Forget the dancing sugar plums. Here's a way to create an elegant and memorable holiday dessert in a snap using cherries. Some may appreciate the fact that while this dessert is full of holiday cheer, it can be made just as easily without the alcohol.

This one-of-a-kind martini-inspired dessert is made with frozen, dark sweet cherries that are grown and harvested in summer. Freezing captures the cherries' height of flavor and juiciness, making the sweet taste of summer available all year. Try substituting cherriesfresh or frozen-for raspberries, strawberries and other fruits in your favorite recipes.

5. What place of business is the Roll Your Own Superstore? _____________________________________________________ 6. What restaurant will add 15% more to your gift card for free? __________________________________________________

CHERRY MARTINI DESSERT

7. Who has $6 lunch specials? ____________________________________________________________________________ 8. Who has 99¢ margaritas on Thursdays? ___________________________________________________________________

Yield: 4 servings

9. What business can be found on 720 N. Sonntag Ave.? ________________________________________________________ 10. Where can you find guitars as low as 89.95? ______________________________________________________________ 11. What business is offering a $500 Visa gift card with every purchase? ___________________________________________

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12. Where can you get boneless hams? _____________________________________________________________________ 13. Who has a Honda TRX 420 Rancher starting at $3999? ______________________________________________________

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14. Who has pre-owned wheelchairs as low as $800? __________________________________________________________ 15. Whose mission is it to “provide quality products paired with incomparable service?” _______________________________ 16. Where can you mix ‘em, match ‘em, stack ‘em? ____________________________________________________________ 17. Who has Karaoke every Friday night? ____________________________________________________________________ 18. Who has 3 locations between Indiana and Kentucky? ________________________________________________________

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10-oz. or 12-oz. bag of frozen dark sweet cherries cup almond liqueur or orange juice teaspoons sugar lady fingers, split in half lengthwise cup whipped cream

19. Who has over 55 years and 4 generations of family know how?________________________________________________ 20. Where can you buy $100 in gift cards and get $10 free? _____________________________________________________ 21. Where can you Ring In The New Year - Inn Style? __________________________________________________________ 22. Find the $100 dollar bill ______________________________________________________________________________ 23. Who has a private party room? _________________________________________________________________________ 24. Where can you get Christmas cash? _____________________________________________________________________ 25. Find tax relief ______________________________________________________________________________________

Mix cherries, liqueur (or orange juice) and sugar; marinate 1 hour or longer. Arrange lady fingers against sides of 4 martini glasses. Just before serving, spoon 1/2 cup cherries over lady fingers in each glass. Swirl 1 tablespoon whipped cream on top. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry if desired. Angel food cake or pound cake cut into 3x1x1/2-inch strips may be substituted for lady fingers. Lightly toast strips if desired.

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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2012

NOVEMBER 21-28, 2012

NOVEMBER 21-28, 2012

THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2012

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Mistletoe Jello Shots Beneath every mistletoe you'll find some pucker and hopefully some minty fresh breath. The same is true for this simple holiday shot. Beneath each mistletoe garnish you'll find a kiss of apple pucker and a hint of mint. The mistletoe experience captured in a cup.

Ingredients 1 small package (3 oz.) lime jello 1 cup boiling water 1/2 cup Apple Pucker, chilled 1/2 cup Absolut Vodka, chilled 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint leaves Garnish: Whipped cream Whole mint leaves Red Hots or red candies Method Dissolve jello in 1 cup boiling water. Add apple pucker, vodka and chopped mint. Pour mixture into shot cups and refrigerate until set. Garnish top with whipped cream, whole mint leaves and red candies.

Number of Servings: About 10

Christmas Tree Jello Shots Have your Christmas in a shot this year!

Red sugar adds a festive touch to these green jello shots.

Ingredients 2 cups boiling water 1 large package (6 oz.) lime Jello 1 cup cold water, 1 cup vodka Splash of bourbon, Red colored sugar Method Pour boiling water over Jello and whisk until combined. Slowly whisk in cold water, vodka, and a splash of bourbon. Pour mixture into cups and refrigerate until set. Sprinkle with red sugar before serving.

Notes: Let the Jello shots set before sprinkling the sugar on top, so the sugar will not bleed into the shots.

Number of Servings: About 20

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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2012

NOVEMBER 21-28, 2012

From the Kitchen: Say Thanks With A Home-Baked Gift Tis the season for caroling, entertaining and gift giving. Whether the holiday occasion is a festive brunch or dinner at a friend's home, a gift for the host is a perfect way to say "thank you."

Skip the traditional bottle of wine and bring a home-baked gift from the kitchen.

It's a great way to add a personal touch and make your gift more memorable than something bought in a store.

Quick breads are an excellent baked good to give because they're simple and delicious. Quick breads don't require kneading or rising because they're yeastfree, and most can be assembled in 10 to 15 minutes.

For the best-tasting quick breads, follow these foolproof baking tips: • Forget the electric mixer with a basic quick bread recipe. Use a whisk and spatula.

• Use a non-stick baking spray with flour, like Baker's Joy, so your home-baked gifts come out of the pan, perfect every time.

• Baked goods bake more evenly in the center of your oven. When baking more than one item, place them in the center, leaving one inch between them.

• All ovens are not created equal. Purchase an oven thermometer to be sure your temperature is accurate.

• Cool quick breads on a wire rack. This allows the bread to cool on all sides.

Try some simple and creative ideas when packaging your home-baked creation. For example, gift wrap baked goods on a holiday serving plate, or put them in decorative bags with gift tags and write seasonal messages on them with a silver paint pen for a festive look. Visit bakersjoy.com for more gift-giving tips, delicious recipe ideas and free downloadable gift tags.

CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD Ingredients 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 large egg Juice with from one orange combined with water to make 1 cup 2 cups all purpose flour 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries Grated orange rind from 1 orange Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (160°C), spray 9"x5"x3" pan with Baker's Joy. 2. Cream together butter and sugar. Add egg and juice mixture, mix well.

3. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together; add to butter mixture.

4. Fold in cranberries and grated orange to mixture.

5. Pour in pan, bake for 1 hour. Remove from oven, let stand for 10 minutes before removing from pan; cool on cake rack, slice.

NOVEMBER 21-28, 2012

THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2012

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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2012

NOVEMBER 21-28, 2012