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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2016

DEC. 15-21, 2016

DEC. 15-21, 2016

THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2016

PAGE 3B tacular salad. All that's needed is the greens.

SWEDISH NUTS Prep: 10 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Makes 8 servings (about 1/4 cup each) 1 egg white, slightly beaten 2 cups pecan or walnut halves 1/3 cup sugar 2 teaspoons ground cardamom 1. Heat oven to 300F°. Grease 15 x 10 x 1inch pan with shortening or cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix egg white and pecan halves until pecans are coated and sticky.

2. In small bowl, mix sugar and cardamom; sprinkle over pecans. Stir until pecans are completely coated. Spread pecans in a single layer in pan.

3. Bake about 30 minutes or until toasted.

Cool completely or serve slightly warm. Store tightly covered up to 3 weeks.

New twist: Ground cinnamon can be substituted for the cardamom; both spices are perfect for the holidays.

1 serving: Calories 220 (Calories from Fat 160); Total Fat 18g (Saturated Fat 1.5g; Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 5mg; Total Carbohydrate 12g (Dietary Fiber 3g; Sugars 9g); Protein 3g; % Daily Value: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 0%; Iron 4%; Exchanges: 1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 3 Fat; Carbohydrate Choices: 1 For more information, visit www.wiley.com.

Jazzing Up Traditional Holiday Baking Favorites (NAPSI)-It is the time of year for holiday baking-the time of year when friends and family gather in the kitchen to share recipes, treats and laughter. Whether painting smiles on freshly baked gingerbread men or enjoying cocoa and cookies, families gather around the kitchen table to share their holiday traditions and treats.

You can create some taste-tempting new traditions this holiday with easy variations on favorite family recipes.

With a splash of seasonal color and a twist of winter's mint, Hershey's holiday candies turn cookies, cakes and other treats into flavor-filled delights that neither Santa nor his elves will be able to resist.

A twist on the traditional Peanut Butter Blossoms cookie, Candy Cane Blossoms are a colorful, delicious cookie that guests will long remember. The classic candy cane flavor of this new chewy-crisp Blossom is the perfect complement to a cold glass of milk or a steamy cup of coffee.

Candy Cane Blossoms Yield: About 4 dozen cookies Ingredients: 48 HERSHEY®'S KISSES® Brand CandiesWhite Chocolate with Cane Mint Flavor 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons milk Red or green sugar crystals, granulated sugar or powdered sugar Heat oven to 350°F. Remove wrappers from candies.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, egg and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; add alternately with milk to butter mixture, beating until well blended.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in red sugar, granulated sugar, powdered sugar or a combination of any of the sugars. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and cookie is set. Remove from oven; cool 2 to 3 minutes.

Press a candy piece into center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

TURN YOUR HOME INTO SANTA'S WORKSHOP (NAPSI)-Whether you're decking the halls, gathering around a festively set table for a fabulous holiday feast or putting thoughtfully creative presents under the tree, "The Betty Crocker Christmas Cookbook" (Wiley; $25.95) can be a complete resource. This inspiring and practical all-in-one guide is chock-full of fresh ideas, 250 recipes to serve and to give, oodles of holiday crafts for gift giving and decorating, plus special Holiday Survival and Countdown Calendars. Let Betty Crocker show you how to add zest to the season with plenty of time to relax and bask in the holiday glow with friends and family.

Among the great food gift ideas, here is a recipe that is ideal for parties and when packaged with an excellent blue cheese, a bottled vinaigrette dressing and fresh pears is the start of a spec-

THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2016

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Did you know?

Leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus is a Christmas Eve tradition. Children regularly place a dish of cookies and a glass of milk by the tree on Christmas Eve so that Santa has enough energy to complete all of his gift-giving before kids wake up on Christmas morning. The tradition of leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve may trace its origins to Saint Nicholas. On the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6, children would leave food and drink for the saint and any attendants. The treats would be exchanged for gifts. While that’s one theory behind the tradition, others think it is linked to the history of the Christmas tree and the edible

decorations that adorn it. Santa would snack on the ornaments.

Even after e d i b l e decorations gave way to i n e d i b l e ornaments, the tradition of leaving a snack for Santa remained.

Whatever the origins behind the tradition, millions of children dutifully leave milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.

A Holiday Classic: The Poinsettia (NAPSI)-In addition to their role as traditional Christmas decorations, poinsettias can serve as tokens of goodwill, friendship and joy during the holidays and beyond. More than 50 million Americans will purchase a poinsettia plant this holiday season.

Christmas Gift Guide #4 2016 Trivia Contest Play to Win $20 HOLIDAY CASH! Name ___________________ Address _________________ City/State/Zip _____________ Phone __________________

HERE’S HOW TO WIN: Simply fill in the answers on the trivia contest entry form. Answers can be found in the Christmas Gift Guide inserted in this week’s Thrifty Nickel. Mail or drop off at your friendly THRIFTY NICKEL at 999 N. Congress Ave., Evansville, IN 47715.

Deadline for Trivia #4 is Tuesday, December 20. All 4 Weeks of Winners will be announced in the December 22, 2016 issue of the THRIFTY NICKEL.

Rules: Must Be 18 years of age and older to play. Employees and relatives of Thrifty Nickel are not eligible. One entry per person.

1. Find Jambalaya _________________________________________ 2. Find the dinosaur________________________________________ 3. Who’s phone number is 812-428-8436? ____________________ 4. Who’s phone number is 812-423-4376? ____________________ 5. Find the Prince of Peace. _________________________________ 6. Where can you get 4 years interest free? ___________________ 7. Where can you get 24 hour credit approval? ________________ 8. Who has Pre-owned and new wheels chairs? _______________ 9. Who has Lane Rental packages on New Years Eve? _________ 10. Who has over 500 Name Brand Knives? __________________ 11. Who has $5.00 lunch specials? __________________________ 12. Who has something for everyone? ________________________ 13. Who has $7.00 Lunch Specials? _________________________ 14 Who is wishing America a Merry Christmas? _______________ 15 Who has $5.00 Off $30.00? ______________________________

DEC. 15-21, 2016

While 75 percent prefer the familiar red version, there are more than 100 varieties available. White, pink, yellow and even variegated poinsettias are gradually gaining popularity. Named after Joel Poinsett, who introduced this indigenous Mexican plant to the United States during the 1800s while he served as the U.S. ambassador to that nation, poinsettias have become America's best-selling potted plant. More than 85 percent of all potted plants sold annually are poinsettias.

Here are some care and handling tips for your own holiday classic from the floral experts at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM: • When purchasing your plant, select a poinsettia with dark green foliage, strong, stiff stems, and completely colored flowers. Make sure your plant has no fallen or yellow leaves and that it is fully balanced and attractive from all sides.

• Poinsettias thrive on bright, sunny, natural daylight. Place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. Keep your room temperature between 68 to 70 degrees. Do not place your plant near drafts, heating vents or appliances.

• Water the plant when the soil surface feels dry to a light touch. It's very important not to let your plant sit in standing water.

• It is not necessary to fertilize your poinsettias when they are in bloom. However, after the holidays, a balanced, all-purpose household plant fertilizer will help maintain the rich, green foliage color and promote new growth.

• Do not place your poinsettia outside, as the plant is sensitive to chilling temperatures.

Visit 1800flowers.com on the Web for a beautiful selection of poinsettia plants, including the Christmas Cookie Poinsettia, a bold new variety in deep, bright red, with leaves that resemble perfectly shaped holiday cookies.

2016 Christmas Gift Guide LOOK INSIDE FOR GREAT GIFT IDEAS

Holiday Sugar Plums That Dance On Your Taste Buds THESE HOLIDAY SUGAR PLUMS ARE MADE WITH RUBY-RED MARASCHINO CHERRIES (NAPSI)-The more the cherrier when it comes to holiday treats. And holiday sugar plums are no exception.

These traditional treats are made with festive and fun Maraschino cherries.

Whether you are hosting a party or giving gifts to neighbors, these sugar plums are full of holiday cheer. And because they are so simple, the kids will have a ball helping you make them.

HOLIDAY SUGAR PLUMS 1 cup butter or margarine 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar 1-1/2 tsp vanilla

Celebrating And Improving The Delicious Tradition Of Gingerbread (NAPSI)-Gingerbread can be a crisp, flat cookie or a delicately spiced cake but it always contains the spice ginger.

While small gingerbread cakes were eaten to celebrate the winter solstice in Europe, the specific word gingerbread was not used to describe a cake until the 15th century.

It quickly became a popular recipe when bakers discovered that ginger helped preserve breads and pastry.

Settlers who made gingerbread in North America used local ingredients such as maple syrup.

Bakers have tried to perfect gingerbread recipes and making a few small changes can often result in a big transformation.

The baking experts at Argo Corn Starch and regional brand Kingsford's Corn Starch have turned gingerbread cookies to new ginger shortbread cookies with amazing results.

Many people may think of cornstarch as an essential ingredient in the creamiest sauces and fine gravies, but its benefits have been rediscovered in baked goods, such as shortbread cookies. Using the right blend of cornstarch and flour produces a softer shortbread cookie than when using flour alone.

Preparing and decorating this scrumptious new recipe for Ginger Shortbread Cookies may become one of your family's favorite indoor pastimes.

GINGER SHORTBREAD COOKIES Prep Time: 30 minutes Chill Time: 2 hours Bake Time: 11 minutes Yield: 3 dozen cookies 3 1 1/4

cups flour cup light brown sugar cup Argo Corn Starch or Kingsford's Corn Starch

1-1/2 1 1 1 1/2 2 1 1 1

Tbsp dried orange peel Tbsp ground ginger Tbsp pumpkin pie spice tsp. baking soda tsp. salt Tbsp. molasses Tbsp. water egg cup cold butter, cut into 1-inch pieces Icings, sugars and sprinkles MIX flour, sugar, cornstarch, orange peel, ginger, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Whisk molasses, water and egg in small bowl; set aside.

POUR molasses mixture over flour; beat with mixer until dough forms a ball. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. Divide in half, wrap in plastic wrap. Chill a minimum of 2 hours.

CUT butter into flour mixture using a pastry blender or 2 knives until the mixture resembles coarse meal.

ROLL dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Place on baking sheets.

BAKE for 11 to 13 minutes in a preheated 350Âş F oven. Cool on wire racks.

DECORATE as desired with icings, sugars and sprinkles.

For baking and cooking tips and hundreds of recipes, visit www.argostarch.com.

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup quick rolled oats (optional) 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans 48 Maraschino cherries (about one 16-oz. jar) Confectioners' sugar for finishing Drain Maraschino cherries thoroughly on paper towels and set aside.

Put butter and 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed three to four minutes, or until well mixed. Stir in vanilla. Add flour, oats and salt; mix well. Stir in pecans.

Garlicky Green Beans With Pine Nuts INGREDIENTS 1 1/2pounds green beans, trimmed 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1/3 cup (about 2 ounces) pine nuts kosher salt and pepper DIRECTIONS Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until just tender, 3 to 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large

Shape about 2 teaspoons dough around each cherry. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet about one inch apart. Bake in a preheated 350°F. oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until set but not brown. Role in confectioners' sugar while still warm. Cool.

For a fun presentation, use cherries with stems. Remove stems, bake as directed and then insert stems in cookies while they are still warm but after rolling in sugar. Makes 4 dozen.

For more recipes, visit www.nationalcherries.com.

skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Add the pine nuts and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes.

Drain the green beans and transfer to the skillet. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and toss to coat.

Transfer to a serving bowl.

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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2016

DEC. 15-21, 2016

CHRISTMAS TREE VARIETIES AND CARE An evergreen tree decked out in lights and ornaments is one of the universal symbols of the holiday season. The Christmas tree tradition is believed to have originated in Germany in the 15th or 16th centuries, when trees were decorated with edibles, such as nuts and fruits. They were later decorated with candles and eventually lights.

Through the centuries, people have trekked to forests, Christmas tree farms and commercial lots to pick the perfect trees for their holiday displays. The National Christmas Tree Association says more than 33 million real trees are purchased each year, making the tree business a billion-dollar industry. While there are scores of evergreen varieties, certain tree types are more popular than others and thus more available for purchase. The following are some of the more popular trees come

Christmastime.

• Eastern Redcedar: Branches of the tree are compact and form a pyramidshaped crown. The trees should be a dark, shiny green color. The eastern redcedar is not a true cedar tree, but a member of the juniper family. This tree can make a great cut tree with a homespun look and a pungent fragrance.

• Leyland Cypress: This cypress is one of the more popular Christmas trees in the southeastern United States. The tree will be very dark green to almost gray in color. It has little aroma. Some people choose the Leyland because it does not produce sap, which is great for those with sap allergies.

• Colorado Blue Spruce: An attractive blue-green foliage and a good symmetrical form is what attracts many people to the blue spruce. The Colorado Blue Spruce has an

excellent natural shape and requires little pruning to look like the perfect Christmas tree. It’s not very fragrant, but the tree needles may give off an

unpleasant odor when crushed.

• Scotch Pine: A classic conical shape and very good needle retention help make the Scotch pine a popular tree to cut for the holidays. Scotch pines also are quite prevalent thanks to the tree’s adaptability to a wide range of climates.

• Eastern White Pine: A delicate green color and long needles are found on this tree. Another popular pine, the rich fragrance of the white pine may make it preferable to those who like their homes to smell of evergreen.

• Douglas Fir: The Douglas fir is one of the foremost Christmas tree species in the United States. It has soft needles that are dark green in color. Those needles radiate in all directions from the branches to give the tree a full look. The needles, when crushed, have a sweet fragrance.

Douglas firs tend to live long when cut.

• Fraser Fir: Another popular fir for Christmas is the Fraser fir. The needles are bicolored, with dark green on top and silver on the bottom.

More fragrant than its cousin, the Douglas, the Fraser also boasts a slender profile, which makes it suitable for smaller rooms.

Christmas tree maintenance Nothing can guarantee the health and appearance of a tree after it is brought into a home. But choosing a recently cut tree that has good needle retention can help. Here are other tips for a long-lasting tree.

• Use a sharp saw to cut an inch off of the trunk base to remove the sappy covering that forms from cutting.

This will improve water intake.

• Fill a tree stand reservoir with warm water. Expect the tree to drink heavily in the beginning.

• Keep the reservoir filled every day and check to see how much water the tree is using.

• Place the tree far from heaters or other drying sources.

DEC. 15-21, 2016

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

Stuff their stocking with a gift certificate from one of these

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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2016

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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2016

DEC. 15-21, 2016