2013 Christmas Gift Guide LOOK INSIDE FOR GREAT GIFT IDEAS GET THEM WHAT THEY REALLY WANT THIS YEAR! PLAY THE TRIVIA CONTEST ON PAGE 8 FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $20
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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2013
DECEMBER 19-26, 2013
Bringing A New Twist To The Holiday Table (NAPSI)—Americans have long celebrated the holiday season with the classic favorite, homemade pumpkin pie. This year, treat family and guests to a delicious new twist on the pumpkin pie standard. Topped with whipped cream and warm Biscoff sauce, this unique recipe elevates the beloved tradition to a new level of indulgence. BISCOFF PUMPKIN PIE Pastry for a 10-inch deep-dish pie shell or 1 refrigerated rolled pastry 1⁄2 cup Biscoff Spread 1⁄2 cup sugar 2 large eggs 1 (15 oz.) can solid pack pumpkin 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg Whipped Cream with Biscoff Spread sauce* Heat oven to 425º F. Line a 10-inch deep-dish pie plate or quiche dish with pastry; flute edges. Whisk together
Biscoff Spread, sugar and eggs in a large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients; whisk well and pour into dish. Bake 10 minutes; reduce oven temperature to 350º F. Continue to bake 35 to 40 more minutes or until center is set. Cool on wire rack at least 2 hours before serving at room temperature or chilled with desired topping. Makes 8 servings. Whipped Cream with Biscoff Spread sauce: In a medium bowl, whip 1⁄2 cup whipping cream with a hand mixer until soft peaks form; add sugar to
desired taste and whip until stiff peaks form. Heat 11⁄2 cups of Biscoff Spread in microwave for 45 seconds or until melted. Top each slice of pie with whipped cream and drizzle with warm sauce. Biscoff Spread was created using Biscoff Cookies (those little caramelized crisps you've likely had on a Delta Air Lines flight) and has the same lightly sweet taste, but with a smooth, creamy texture. It is low in sugar, contains 88 calories per serving and is an all-natural, nut-free alternative to peanut butter. For additional Biscoff Spread recipes,
including festive Chocolate Truffles, Tiramisu and more, visit www.biscoff.com. *Biscoff Spread is available in 14ounce (400 gram) jars at www.biscoff.com or through retailers nationwide.
DECEMBER 19-26, 2013
THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2013
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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2013
DECEMBER 19-26, 2013
Fisher Offers Fresh Tips For Cooking With Nuts This Holiday Season (NAPSI)—Planning your holiday menu? Don’t forget the nuts! From stuffing to salads, nuts are one of the easiest ways to add flavor and crunch to your holiday favorites. Not just for brownies anymore, nuts are so versatile they can make any recipe a hit at the holiday dinner table. 1. Bake them in—One of the best ways to cook with nuts is to bake them right into your cakes, breads, muffins, cookies and other holiday favorites. To get the most out of your holiday baking, add toasted nuts to the batter. Toasting the nuts releases their essential oils, making them more fragrant and flavorful, and adding that special crunch to your baked goods. 2. Top it off—Nuts also make a great topping to holiday dishes. Add a layer of pecans to your sweet potato casserole. Chopped walnuts also make great toppings to frosted cakes. And what would the holidays be without a sweet and delicious pecan pie? Nuts are incredibly versatile and go beyond your holiday dinners. For a festive brunch, top off yogurt or oatmeal with some fresh walnuts. 3. Mix them up—Make your green beans more flavorful and exciting with fresh almonds. Look for flavor combinations that bring out the ingredients in your recipe. Walnuts and cranberries are a classic holiday pair. Mixing cranberries and walnuts into your salad and stuffing is a simple way to add flavor to your classic holiday dishes. To help keep your nuts crunchy and delicious, be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. 4. Keep ‘em fresh—Fisher Nuts has created a new Freshness Seal Bag with a press-to-seal closure that locks in freshness and preserves the flavor and crunch of the nuts after opening. The stand-up design also features an expandable bottom that opens into a flat base, allowing it to stay upright. The upright design makes it easier to scoop the nuts right out of the bag and into a mixing bowl. It also makes it more convenient to store in the pantry or freezer in between uses. For more information and holiday recipes, visit www.fishernuts.com.
RASPBERRY WALNUT SALAD Dressing: 8 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 1-1⁄2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1 clove garlic, minced 1-1⁄2 tsp. granulated sugar 1⁄2 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper 1/3cup vegetable oil SALAD: 1 package (10 oz.) mixed salad greens 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced 1⁄2 cup Fisher Chef’s Naturals Walnuts 1 package (6 oz.) fresh raspberries For dressing, whisk vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper in small bowl. Slowly add oil, whisking until well blended. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight to blend flavors. For salad, combine mixed greens, cucumber slices and walnuts in serving bowl. Whisk dressing; drizzle over top. Toss salad to coat. Scatter raspberries over top. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings
Finding A Gift For The Whole Family Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult (NAPSI)—As any shopper knows, sometimes it’s easy to buy gifts for a specific person—just hunt for what’s on his or her wish list and check it off. But this holiday season many people are looking for gifts that the entire family can enjoy—at an affordable price. Many shoppers are solving their dilemma by choosing Nintendo’s Wii U home console. The new Wii U console comes with two great games starring Mario and Luigi, all at a suggested retail price of $299.99. Wii U has a vast selection of exclusive family-friendly experiences like the online gaming community Miiverse and Nintendo TVii—both included at no extra charge. Wii U has a big library of high-def games, plus Wii U can play most of your old Wii games using the same Wii controllers and accessories. And the Wii U GamePad controller even has its own screen, which means one person can play select games on the GamePad, even if someone else is watching something on TV. Wii U offers outstanding value and variety for holiday shoppers. For more information on Wii U, visit http://happyholidays.nintendo.com.
DECEMBER 19-26, 2013
THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2013
Light And Lively Dips For Holiday Celebrations (NAPSI)—Fashionably slim California endive (pronounced on-deev) spears with their intriguing bittersweet flavor make a crisp dipper for an array of colorful dips. Kids love endive’s juicy crunch, especially when scooping up “pretty in pink” raspberry dip. And, each endive “slimmer dipper” has just one calorie. California endive is less expensive by the pound than most chips and crackers and lasts up to two weeks refrigerated—and there’s no need to wash or spin them dry. To store, wrap endive in a moistened paper towel then place inside a plastic bag in the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator. With these easy, make-ahead dips, you’ll be eating deliciously healthy while celebrating the holidays in style! CARROT-ORANGE DIP Makes about 2 cups, serves 8 to 10 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced 3⁄4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp peeled and chopped fresh ginger 1 tsp ground cumin 1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon Salt and freshly ground black pepper Combine the carrots, juice, oil and ginger in a medium pot and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until carrots are very soft. Cool to room temperature. Combine carrot mixture with remaining ingredients and chop finely in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with endive spears. YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP Makes about 2 cups, serves 8 to 10 1 medium seedless cucumber, peeled and grated 1⁄4 tsp salt 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1⁄2 bunch scallions, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced (optional) 2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill, or 2 teaspoons dried dill Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Mix cucumbers with salt and marinate 15 minutes at room temperature, or until liquid comes out of cucumbers. Drain gently pressing out excess liquid. Combine with remaining ingredients and serve with endive spears. ROMESCO DIP Makes about 2 cups, serves 8 to 10 4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 Tbsp roughly chopped garlic 1 cup garlic croutons 1 (16-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained 1 cup unsalted whole roasted almonds or hazelnuts 2 tsp sweet smoked paprika or paprika 1 tsp hot red pepper sauce (optional) 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar Salt to taste Combine 2 tablespoons oil and garlic in a small pan and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Cool; combine with remaining ingredients and chop finely in a food processor. Season with salt and serve with endive spears. RASPBERRY-YOGURT DIP Makes about 2 cups, serves 8 to 10 1 cup walnuts 1 cup frozen raspberries, thawed and drained 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice 1 tsp finely grated lime zest 2 Tbsp honey 2 Tbsp confectioners’ sugar Process walnuts in food processor until finely ground. In a large bowl, fold ground walnuts with remaining ingredients. Serve with endive spears. For more delicious endive recipes, visit www.endive.com.
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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2013
DECEMBER 19-26, 2013
Napa Valley Winery Offers Perfect Winter White (NAPSI)—Red wine may be an obvious choice for the winter months, Smoked Salmon & Apple Relish Crostini but a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay is a luxurious alternative. Many of us—not to mention our dinner guests—prefer white wine, even when Relish: the temperature drops and the wool scarves come out. This season, in 1 Granny Smith apple, cored, peeled and chopped the midst of the red wine aisle, we’re doing an about-face to find the 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley perfect winter white. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives As America’s most popular white wine, Chardonnay is a natural fit 2 tablespoons olive oil for holiday feasts and winter menus. For a classic selection, look no 1⁄2 lemon, juice only further than the vineyards of Napa Valley, one of the world’s most prestigious Chardonnay regions. Tucked away, off the Toppings: beaten path from mainstream Napa, William Hill 8 ounces soft goat cheese Estate Winery crafts an elegant, full-bodied 6 ounces smoked salmon, cut into crostiniChardonnay from Napa Valley’s most celebrated sized pieces vineyards. A bright spot on an otherwise bleak winter, the William Hill Estate 2012 Napa Valley Crostini: Chardonnay leaves an indelible impression. 1 sourdough baguette “We craft this Chardonnay in a classic Napa 4 tablespoons olive oil Valley style,” says Ralf Holdenried, winemaker for William Hill Estate. “It makes for a versatile Slice the loaf into 1⁄2-inch rounds, brush lightly pairing with a wide range of foods, but it also with olive oil and bake for 13-15 minutes at 250° stands on its own as a rich, expressive wine with F or until golden brown. Allow to cool. While great depth and character.” the crostini are baking, mix together all the apple For the 2012 vintage, Holdenried looked to a relish ingredients in a bowl until well combined. handful of select sub-regions in Napa to create a Set aside. Remove crostini from the oven and balanced wine with bright acidity and a luxurispread goat cheese over the crostini. Top with a ous, silky texture. He chose the cooler, rolling hills piece of smoked salmon and a teaspoon of apple of Carneros, the southernmost region of Napa, relish. Serve immediately. for Chardonnay grapes with lively green apple and lemon flavors. Moving further north, warmer Makes approximately 25 pieces. areas like St. Helena added a richer character to this Chardonnay, with ripe tree fruit flavors and heady notes of baked apple. Layers of caraTo learn more about William Hill Estate and its wines, visit mel, brown spice and toasted oak from barrel aging gave this Chardonnay www.williamhillestate.com or call (888) 909-9463. its decadent palate. An ideal selection for a holiday meal, this Chardonnay complements traditional seasonal fare like turkey, baked ham or roasted goose. And, this wine will be a welcome accompaniment long after the last holiday decoration has been stowed away. That’s because the William Hill Estate 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay offers expressive layers of flavor that match cream-based pastas, seasoned pork and rich seafood, like scallops or salmon. Holdenried has offered up his favorite smoked salmon recipe to try with his Napa Valley Chardonnay this winter.
DECEMBER 19-26, 2013
THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2013
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Got someone on your list that is hard to buy for? Stuff their stocking with a gift certificate from one of these retailers!
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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2013
Ways To Celebrate Christmas With A Smile (NAPSI)—If you believe smiling and Christmas should go hand in hand, here are a number of ways in which you can deliver a smile. Now, you can have a number of ways in which you can share that smile. For example, one way to deliver a smile this holiday season is with gift ideas from 1-800-Flowers.com. You can send a faraway friend the Traditional Tidings Sleigh Arrangement—a natural for traditional tabletop decor and more. Or you can give that special cookie lover a little something to store all of his or her holiday treats in. Cheryl’s Collector’s Edition Santa Cookie Jar comes with a holiday cookie assortment and buttercreamfrosted cut-out cookies. It’s available at Cheryls.com. For a sweet and salty gift there’s ThePopcornFactory.com. Their brand-new line of Very Indulgent Popcorn (VIP) offers ultraextravagant popcorn for the holidays made up of decadent ingredients. The Holiday Ornaments 3-Canister VIP Assortment will deliver a sweet set of smiles this season. You can present your co-workers and professional counterparts with a basket full of sophistication. Shop 1-800-Baskets.com for sumptuous treats, gift baskets, towers and assorted gourmet food gifts, each beautifully designed and handcrafted for the holidays, such as the Gilded Splendor Gift Basket. If you’re hoping to spend Christmas under the mistletoe with your chocolate lover, indulge with Fannie May chocolates and the brand’s Mistletoe Sweet & Salty Snack Tower available at FannieMay.com.
DECEMBER 19-26, 2013
Christmas Gift Guide 2013 Trivia Contest 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 999 N. Congress Ave., Evansville, IN 47715. Phone _______________________________ Deadline is Tuesday, December 24, 2013. 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. 27, 2013 issue of the THRIFTY NICKEL. 1. Who is the Reader’s Choice Award Gold Winner? __________________________________________________________ 2. Find the Prince of Peace? ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. Find a diamond ring? _______________________________________________________________________________ 4. Who has construction equipment? _____________________________________________________________________ 5. Find a Cupola? ____________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Find a hundred dollar bill? ___________________________________________________________________________ 7. Who is open Christmas Eve 10:30-5:00? ________________________________________________________________ 8. Who is across from Showplace East? ___________________________________________________________________ 9. What business has “Get A Yes” in it’s website? ___________________________________________________________ 10. Where can you find pre-owned wheelchair lifts? _________________________________________________________ 11. Where is the best place to find deals on drums, amps & guitars? ____________________________________________ 12. What business has items that are “just a little better?” ____________________________________________________ 13. Where can you save up to 50% on recliners and dining sets? _______________________________________________ 14. Who has Star Trek figures for $4 each? ________________________________________________________________ 15. Who has the best margaritas in town? _________________________________________________________________ 16. Who is located at 943 North Park Drive? _______________________________________________________________ 17. Who has a special where you buy a gift card for $50 and you get an extra $10? _________________________________ 18. Who has $7.00 lunch specials?_______________________________________________________________________ 19. Who has dinette sets for $176 and bunk beds for $179? ___________________________________________________ 20. What store can help you get what you want without credit? _________________________________________________ 21. Where can you get 40% off of diamond stud earrings now through Christmas? __________________________________ 22. Who’s phone number is 812-401-6088? ________________________________________________________________
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DECEMBER 19-26, 2013
THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2013
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Sassy Ginger Cookies Are Full Of Sweet, Chewy Figs (NAPSI)—Ginger molasses cookies bring a wonderful taste of tradition to holiday baking. Now you can take ginger cookies to delicious new heights with nuggets of sweet, chewy figs nestled into every bite. Traditionally, ginger cookies are crisp and “snap” when eaten, thus the name “gingersnaps.” To please the chewy-cookie lovers out there, these ginger cookies deliver the ultimate combination of light, crispy outside and moist, chewy inside. Whether you go for golden, slightly nutty-flavored Calimyrna Figs or dark purple, sweet Mission Figs—or even a combination—this Chewy Ginger Molasses Fig Cookie can become a holiday tradition and a much-requested treat.
Present Pointers (NAPSI)—You can be known for having the gift for giving if you heed three hints: 1. Make it personal. Consider the recipient’s hobbies and interests. Give a gardener seeds and gloves; send kitchen equipment to the gourmet cook. 2. Make it unique. If you have a special talent for knitting or painting or photography, give something you’ve created just for them. Even if your photography skills are not that picture perfect, you can turn any snapshot into something memorable with a customized photo gift. To help, Walgreens provides personalized wall decor, mugs, totes, blankets, ornaments, desk accessories, clothing, calendars, photo books, canvas prints, puzzles, and cases for smartphones and tablets. You can even get holiday ornaments in assorted shapes and frames. There’s something to make just about everyone on your list feel extra special. 3. Wrap it up. Any gift can seem better in a beautifully wrapped box. For further information and ideas, go to www.Walgreens.com/photo or visit any in-store kiosk.
Chewy Ginger Molasses Fig Cookies 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil 1 large egg white 3 tablespoons light molasses 1-1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1⁄2 teaspoons ground ginger 1-1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup stemmed, finely chopped Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Figs 1/3 cup granulated sugar Beat brown sugar and oil in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Beat in egg white and molasses. In separate bowl, combine flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon and salt. On low speed, slowly beat in flour mixture until combined. With spoon, stir in figs. Shape 1-tablespoon portions of dough into balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Place 21⁄2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Place sheet in center of oven and bake at 350° F for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are cracked on top and set around edges. Cool on wire rack. Makes about 30 cookies. Free Recipes One great place to get your figs throughout the year is Valley Fig Growers’ online store at www.valleyfig.com. The site has a wealth of kitchen-tested recipes.
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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2013
DECEMBER 19-26, 2013
Have A Holiday Dessert Party With A Peppermint Twist (NAPSI)—An easy way to entertain during the holidays is to have a dessert party. It's great for the host because the time needed to make and serve dessert and beverages is much less than when a whole meal is planned. And guests almost always have time to make one last stop for something sweet, no matter what else is happening on a particular evening. Here are a few hints to make your dessert party a little sweeter: • Think red, white and pink instead of the usual red and green when coming up with decorations and recipes to serve family and friends. Tuck candy canes of various sizes in centerpieces and vases for an unexpected bit of fun. • Save time and trouble for yourself by preparing the desserts ahead of time. That way, you too can enjoy the party and spend time with your guests. • Serve the perfect holiday pair—frosty peppermint just tastes like the holidays and creamy chocolate is always popular. Combining the two can be even more delightful when you put out a pair of decadent desserts such as these made with
Dreyer's or Edy's Slow Churned Peppermint Light Ice Cream. With half the fat and one-third fewer calories than regular ice cream, no one has to leave feeling like a bowl full of jelly.
4 oz white chocolate or white chocolate chips 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening Holiday sprinkles and candies
Place a plate or other flat surface PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM lined with parchment paper in the LOLLIPOPS freezer for 15 minutes. Make 1 container Dreyer's/Edy's Slow round scoops of ice cream and Churned Peppermint Light Ice place on parchment. Put a Cream lollipop stick in each scoop of ice Lollipop sticks cream and freeze for 1 hour or 4 oz bittersweet chocolate or up to 24 hours. When you are chocolate chips ready to dip the lollipops, melt chocolate and 1 tablespoon shortening in a bowl in the microwave. Use 20-second intervals until smooth. (Should take 40-60 seconds and no longer. Do not scorch the chocolate.) Let sit while repeating the process to melt the white chocolate and 1 tablespoon of shortening in the microwave until smooth. Place different sprinkles in separate small bowls. Dip each lollipop halfway into the chocolate and dip into sprinkles. Immediately put back into freezer to set. Repeat with remaining ice cream. Freeze completely before serving. For more holiday ice cream dessert ideas and recipes, visit www.icecream.com. Peppermint ice cream takes the cake in this delicious dessert. Ice cream lollipops can please guests of any age. UPSIDE-DOWN PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM CAKE 1 box chocolate cake mix 1/2 can chocolate frosting 1 container Dreyer's/Edy's Slow Churned Peppermint Light Ice Cream Peppermint candies or candy canes Make two 9-inch cakes according to the package
directions; cool completely. Remove from pan and cut the rounded top off one of the cakes to make one even layer. Wrap and freeze the second cake for later use. Soften ice cream at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Wash pans and dry completely. Line them with plastic wrap or parchment. Carefully spread the ice cream in the pan using the entire container. Freeze for one hour or until very firm. Remove from freezer and spread the frosting over the ice cream and put the trimmed cake over the frosting. Cover tightly and freeze overnight. To serve, let frozen cake sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. Unwrap and invert cake onto serving dish. Remove plastic wrap or parchment from the ice cream. Sprinkle crumbled pieces of peppermint candies over top of cake. Serve slices with whipped cream and garnish with candy canes, if desired.
DECEMBER 19-26, 2013
THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2013
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THRIFTY NICKEL WANTS ADS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2013
DECEMBER 19-26, 2013