Bergen Buzz

OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

TASTY TRADITION!

Just as Christmas observers have eggnog and gingerbread, their Jewish brethren too have a signature delicacy for their December holiday. Jelly donuts, called “sufganiyot” in Hebrew, are fried and dipped in oil and traditionally consumed on Hanukkah to honor the small amount of oil that miraculously served the Maccabees for eight nights. You can get great kosher donuts for the season right here in Bergen County, even if jelly isn’t your filling of choice. Here’s where to go, depending on what you crave:

• If you want a tried-and-true jelly donut…try Zadies Bake Shop in Fair Lawn. Its sole flavor of the season is jelly, but the folks here do it very well— and only sell these bad boys in December. In fact, people from all over northern Jersey line up every year to get a dozen of these signature jelly donuts. • If you want variety…try Butterflake Bakery in Teaneck. Owner Richard Heisler tells BERGEN his team spends 14 or 15 hours a day frying before and during Hannukah so that supply keeps up with demand. The flavors here change seasonally, but expect to see some fan faves for 2022, including Oreo, lemon meringue, caramel, pizza—and the “drunken donut” filled with booze for those 21 and up. • If you want an Israeli twist… try Breads Bakery in Tenafly. In addition to such flavors as strawberry and dolce de leche, Breads is bringing back its Mediterranean-inspired lotus donut, which flies off the shelves. P.S.: Add a few Oreo or chocolate M&M donuts to your order to bring home for the kids. • If you want something new…try Liv Breads & Artisan Bakery in Englewood. This Israeli-inspired, Millburnbased store set up shop in Englewood this year. And you’re in for a treat with its signature sufganiyot, made not with fried dough but with brioche buns, which are filled with strawberry jam, Nutella or dulce-deleche. Bonus: They’re not fried, so they won’t get stale or greasy as typical Hanukkah donuts do. “Many customers are more than happy to leave the oil to the latkes!” co-owner Elana Livneh tells BERGEN. These sufganiyot will be available in Englewood starting Sunday, Dec. 18, the first night of Hanukkah.

DID YOU KNOW? More than 141 million cards are sent for Mother’s Day in the U.S., according to the folks at Hallmark. But the holiday only ranksDID YOU KNOW? The tallest Christmas tree in New Jersey last year most likely resided in downtown Ridgewood. The village’s 65third on the list of top greeting card holidays. Christmas tops the list with 1.6 billion cards, followed by Valentine’s Day (151 million).foot Norwegian spruce was the centerpiece of the town’s holiday display, but it was still smaller than the tree at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, which stood tall at 82 feet.

USE YOUR NOGGIN’

What could be more relaxing at this time of year than sitting by the fireplace with friends and family? Well, put a glass of eggnog in everyone’s hands. This sweet treat is almost like drinking a milkshake, but it’s extra special because we typically drink it during only one month of the year. With that in mind, BERGEN asked George Chicolo III, an Allendale-based mixologist and owner of On the Fly mobile bartending service, to share an eggnog recipe that will make any holiday event a memorable one:

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon • 1 cup turbinado cane sugar • 1 pinch of salt • 2 large orange peels • ½ apple • ½ tsp. ground ginger • ½ tsp. ground cinnamon • ½ tsp. ground nutmeg • ½ tsp. ground cloves • 2 Tbs. vanilla extract • ¼ cup dried cranberries • 6 eggs • 2 cups of milk • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • Proper 12 Irish whiskey • Frangelico

Directions:

In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar and salt. Slowly add 2 cups of milk and add the rest of ingredients. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until it reaches 165° Fahrenheit. Do not allow the mixture to boil.

Strain the mixture milk into a separate mixing bowl and place in refrigerator until cool.

Once cooled, add the heavy whipping cream and stir until it thickens.

Serve in a glass and add 1 oz. Proper 12 Irish whiskey and ½ oz. of Frangelico.

Garnish wth a stick of cinnamon.

SPIKED EGGNOG Servings: 4–6

FIRST AID FOR THE SPIRIT

This is called the “most wonderful time of the year,” but is it? An implicit pressure to have things perfect—gifts, decorations, cooking, entertaining and seeing family— can make the holidays a trial instead of a joy. Feelings of grief or loss may come up as you remember past years—or maybe you had a tough 12 months in ’22. If all those reds and greens are secretly giving you the blues, take heart: You’re not alone.

“For many of us, the holidays can be taxing on our emotional well-being,” says Emily Austein, LCSW, a psychotherapist who practices in Ridgewood. Here are some tips on how to mentally cope with all the jolliness of the season when you’re feeling anything but in the spirit: Figure out your triggers. Austein says this involves recognizing what stresses you out and how it makes you feel. How does your body react when you’re stressed? What type of thoughts do you have? Then try to avoid these prompts as much as possible. Set boundaries. “Decide what makes you feel comfortable and stick with it,” Austein advises. “Discuss this with a friend or a partner for extra support.” Setting boundaries can involve, for instance, declining invitations for holiday parties or events that may set you off emotionally. Consider meditation. Meditation has been shown to help us cope with stress by refocusing our attention on something calming. You can take a meditation class, download an app like Calm or find a simple grounding technique on the internet. You deserve to take a breather! Be kind to yourself. Set realistic expectations for your holiday season, Austein says. If you opt out of hosting the family this year or forgo the office gift exchange, cut yourself some slack. This too shall pass.

THINGS WE’RE HINTING FOR

What gifts are you hoping to unwrap this year? A cozy hoodie or a pair of boots, perhaps? A new e-bike, or the latest GoPro camera? In the holiday spirit, BERGEN staff members share below what we hope to receive—because sometimes the things one yearns for turn out to be great ideas for giving to others too. (That’s our excuse for hinting, anyway.)

Darius Amos, senior associate editor.

“I’m a wannabe sneakerhead but I’ve yet to pull the trigger on a pair of Jordan 1 middies. I have Nike Dunks, which look similar, but you gotta have the Jordan paneling and logo. I prefer them in black and gray, but I won’t object to unboxing a classic blackand-red pair.”

Haley Longman, lifestyle

editor. “I’m still using the

Apple headphones that came with my 2017 iPhone, and it’s gotten to the point where I’m embarrassed to be out in public (or on video calls) using headphones that aren’t wireless. The horror! I’d love a pair of AirPods for

Hanukkah, preferably the all-new AirPods Pro, with my initials on the case. It’s 2023. It’s time.”

Stephen Vitarbo, creative director.

“I mean, look at them! They’re art! You could be wearing a burlap sack and still look great wearing Taft Jack Boots. But they work even better paired with a stylish suit or jeans and a sportcoat. I put these on my wish list every year, and I’m building up quite the collection.”

A NEW FRIEND FOR THE HOLIDAYS

With so many puppies and kittens available for adoption in the area, why not bring a furry friend home in time for the festive season? These rescue animals are in need of a new home, and we’re betting you could use a snuggle buddy. Of course, remember to discuss with your family all the responsibilities before you adopt. If you’re ready, consider one of the three 2-year-old males below—or contact the organizations for other adoptable animals.

Meet Happy Chappie

From: Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Inc., 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland, 201.337.5180; rbari.org Breed: Smooth fox terrier mix

Temperament:

Happy Chappie is an athletic and energetic 22-pound dog who loves adventure.

Meet Klaus

From: Cat Crew Rescue, Oradell, 201.965.4434; petfinder.com Breed: Domestic shorthair Temperament: Shy at first, Klaus warms up quickly and is a playful boy. He would do best in a home with another cat.

Meet Parker

From: Bergen County Animal Shelter, 100 United Lane, Teterboro, 201.229.4600; petfinder.com Breed: Pointer Temperament: Parker is a playful adult dog who does well at the vet, being handled and playing dress-up in cold temperatures. He requires a special diet to control inflammatory bowel disease.

EAT, STREAM AND BE MERRY

For Laura Rose, owner of Washington Township’s Township Theatre, the 1946 Frank Capra classic It’s a Wonderful Life is still the greatest Christmas flick ever. “There are many positive messages in it, and it truly embraces the spirit of the season of love, giving thanks, family and friends,” she explains. “For a few years, a couple would rent out one of our theaters for a private viewing of the film by their friends and family. They’d invite them to home afterward for a holiday brunch.”

But more recent filmmakers have also sought to win their wings with holiday fare, and some of their movies have attained classic status too. Below you’ll find a list of some top family-friendly holiday films you can curl up with this year—and where they’re streaming. (Did we omit your favorite? Tell us on Instagram at @bergenmagnj.) • A Charlie Brown Christmas (Apple TV Plus) • Elf (HBO Max) • Four Christmases (HBO Max) • Jingle All the Way (Starz) • How the Grinch Stole Christmas (HBO Max) • The Holiday (Netflix) • Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (Disney+) • It’s a Wonderful Life (Amazon Prime) • Love Actually (Paramount+) • The Santa Clause (Disney+) • Serendipity (Paramount+)

SHOP SMALL

Our county is the shopping hub of New Jersey, and that doesn’t just mean big-box chain stores in Paramus. You’re missing out if you don’t also check out the smaller shops and boutiques this holiday season. In them you can find distinctive—often surprising—gifts ranging from home décor to hair accessories to knickknacks, and it feels good to support your neighbors by “shopping local.” Here are seven little Bergen stores that punch above their weight: • Creative Den has a vast selection of curated items, including accessories, home décor, apothecary products and kits and clothes for babies and kids.

—227 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, 201.882.1422; shop.creativedenllc.com • Ginger Home, an offshoot of the women’s clothing store Ginger N’ Cream, sells candles, servingware, home decor and everything else your holiday hostess’s heart could desire.

—350 Center Ave., Westwood, 201.664.2440; gingerncream.com • The Little Locust has themed clothing (think holiday hoodies), pet presents, jewelry and the like.

—100 W. Pleasant Way, Maywood, 201.880.4271; thelittlelocust.com • Market House is “a platform for local artists,” selling handcrafted items, mostly wellness-centric goodies such as bath salts and perfumes, as well as décor and jewelry.

—172 Center Ave., Westwood, 201.364.7671; markethouseshoplocal.com • Pazzazed has handpicked gifts for all occasions, including New Jersey-themed finds and funny accessories.

—826 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes, 201. 485.8022; 6 Wilsey

Sq., Ridgewood, 201.857.5004; pazzazed.com • The Purple Bow is where to go to check a few items off your kids’ list for Santa, from clothing to backpacks to craft kits to toys.

—1444 Queen Anne Rd., Teaneck, 201.855.8040; thepurplebowteaneck.com • The Table at Latona’s sells artisan tabletop and home décor— things a recipient will have for years. The folks here also do wedding and gift registries to simplify your shopping.

—26 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201.612.6600; thetableatlatonas.com

TAKE A QUICK BREAK

With so much to do leading up to the holidays, you may not yet have secured plans with the kids during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. A brief excursion can work wonders in refreshing your point of view, and there are fascinating destinations within easy reach—these four, for example: • American Museum of Natural History, New York. If you haven’t seen either the shark or the recently opened “Insects in Peril” exhibits, now’s your chance. Both are kid friendly, full of visuals—and educational as well! Suggested admission: $25 for adults, $14 for children. • Campgaw Mountain, Mahwah. Bergen County’s lone ski resort is open to skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers of all ages and skill levels. Sign up for a daily lift ticket, purchase a season pass or just stop by for a steaming cup of hot chocolate and hang out at the lodge. Lift tickets: varies. • Liberty Science Center, Jersey City. People of all ages can learn about the power of volcanoes—and how they can preserve history—at the new “Pompeii: The Immortal City” exhibit. Your STEM-loving little ones will also get a kick out of the Dino Dig Adventure, Infinity Climber and more. Advance tickets: $29.99 for adults, $24.99 for children. • New York Botanical Garden, Bronx. Seeing the NYBG’s Holiday Train Show has become a beloved NYC tradition. Watch with your kids as model trains zip through displays made from all-natural materials. Tip: Stay past sundown to see the garden’s outdoor holiday lights. Admission: $30 for adults, $15 for children 2 to 12.

WORDS FOR THE BIRDS

Congratulations to Fair Lawn’s Deanna Dawicki, who submitted the winning caption for October’s “Caption This!” contest. “I squawk over food (prices) too!” writes Deanna, describing this photo of an adult bald eagle looking over its eaglets. Thanks to Emerson’s Paul Sullivan for sharing his photo.

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Brandy, 2-yearold beagle/chihuahua mix Owners: Jacqueline and John Dikdan of Saddle Brook When the Dikdans’ beloved border collie, Rylee, passed away in March 2021, the family knew they wanted to give another pup a loving home. They learned of Brandy, a rescue dog from Texas who was waiting for a forever home at a shelter in South Jersey. “We heard about her from my daughterin-law,” says John, “and we were very interested.”

On adoption day, Brandy shook for the duration of the car ride back to Saddle Brook. “But once we got her familiar with her new yard and home, she loved it,” John recalls. Though Brandy is still learning to walk properly on a leash and visit stores and parks with her parents, she’s “very playful and cuddly.” Says John: “Brandy is spoiled, mostly because I just retired, and my wife and I are always home with her. She is such a joy in our lives!” Want to see your dog or cat featured in an upcoming issue? Email a photo and brief description of your pet to Editor in Chief Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.