Holiday Gift Guide 2017

A LOCAL SPIN ON THE "TOWER OF TREATS" WINCHESTER SHOPS SHARE TIPS FOR BUYING CLOTHING AS GIFTS NEW COOKBOOKS FOR YOUR FOODIE FRIEND PLAID FRIDAY DEALS IN OLD TOWN WINCHESTER

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017

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The Winchester Star

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

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TIPS FOR BUYING CLOTHING Tips and tricks from local apparel shops PAG E

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PLAID FRIDAY DEALS IN OLD TOWN

We round up early-morning deals from Winchester downtown merchants

ON THE COVER: We put together a box of local food gifts for our cover story on a local take on the Harry & David Tower of Treats. Pictured on the cover: Arrivato 1913 Ameritage wine from James Charles Winery; truffles from Nibblins; Christmas cookie pecans by My Buddy’s Nuts from The Chef’s Market; a Fuji apple from Virginia Farm Market; bread dip seasoning from Shenandoah Spice Company. For more local gifts, turn to page 10. Photo by Jeff Taylor/The Winchester Star.

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A LOCAL ‘TOWER OF TREATS’

We gathered several locally made or sourced treats, from chocolate truffles to sweet potato chips, for our take on the famous ‘Tower of Treats’ PAG E

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COOKBOOKS FOR YOUR FOODIE FRIEND Christine Patrick of the Winchester Book Gallery recommends new cookbooks for the chef on your list

The Winchester Star

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

FOR BUYING CLOTHING AS GIFTS

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One of the most popular holiday gifts to buy is also one of the most difficult to get right. Local shops share tips on how to find the right gift.

by JENNY BAKER

Without a doubt, clothing is one of the most popular gifts to give at Christmas — but it’s also one of the easiest to get wrong.

Whether it’s size, color, or style, it takes a lot of consideration to find something a person on your list will love, but also fit in to.

We spoke with local retailers to get their tips on buying clothes as gifts, and what services they provide to help make buying clothing a fail-proof experience this holiday season.

Familiarity “When we get a gentlemen in, most of the times we know who the wife is, because we’re small and familiar with people’s style and tastes,” said Brenda Adams, owner of Simply Charming on Piccadilly Street in Winchester.

Unlike most big-box retailers, locally owned shops carry a huge advantage in this arena.

If the person you are buying for is a frequent shopper at one of the local boutiques in the area, start your search there.

“Does she shop here? If we know her, we know right away what to show them. That’s my first question,” said Carrie Kern Luebcke, owner of Scarpa Alta on the Loudoun Street Mall.

K.P. Keyser of Kimberly’s agrees. “We consider our customers like family. If a customer comes in and says, ‘I really like this,’ we typically remember. And we really know our customers, even if she doesn’t come in, we’ll be able to pick out something for her that she would love.”

These shops also have computer programs which allows them to see previous purchases by the person you are shopping for.

“If we know she shops here, we look up her name and can see,” said Adams. “Has her size changed? No, not really? OK, well let’s see what size she bought last time. It gives us a good idea of what to point them to. That’s where shopping a little smaller helps, we can give insight.”

At mcKee’s, the Men’s Shop for Kimberly’s, Keyser said this comes in very handy for those buying for the men in their life.

“I get all the time downstairs in the men’s shop ‘what size belt do I need to get my husband?’ Well, it looks like he last bought a size 34 pant so you need to buy him a 36 belt.”

Know sizes Knowing sizes is ideal especially when buying for men, where so much of their clothing is tailored.

Irvin Shendow, owner of Bell’s Fine Clothing on the Loudoun Street Mall, recommends coming in with measurements if possible.

“In the area of men’s, if someone would know the neck size, the person’s waist size, approximate height and weight, this certainly gives anybody coming into a store buying for men, we can say this will be a medium, or this is (the size) where they should be,” he said.

“The biggest service we have is expertise. We can translate the sizes you give us or ask leading questions to find out who you’re giving this gift to, what’s their lifestyle,” said Shendow.

Bell’s also has records of measurements of many of their customers, particularly if the customer has purchased custom clothing at the store, like dress shirts. However, if this is a gift idea on your list, you’ll need to act quickly — the turnaround time for custom shirts is five weeks.

Wish lists One service that these locally owned clothing stores offer is a wish list, where a customer can come in and actually select styles and sizes they want for Christmas.

“We have a form downstairs, we help you, you can write down a style number or a more

See Tips, Page 4

GINGER PERRY/The Winchester Star

Brenda Adams, (right) owner of Simply Charming Boutique, has her daughter Blair Adams try on a vest, a popular winter clothing item.

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Tips

The Winchester Star

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

from Page 4 general description like colors and sizes,” explained Adams.

“Then we can tailor it towards you, so when they (the buyer) come in and they say my wife or significant other has a wish list. We’ll take it out and go around and help them find exactly what they are wanting.”

Shendow said this is a big help to men shopping for their wives or significant others.

“Most guys want things made easy for them,” he said.

“We are attuned and appreciative as women are, the thing is that a lot of times we need help and we don’t pay enough attention to what would be a really nice present for this person. By having a wish list out there, it solves a lot of problems for him, because he wants to do the right thing but he may not know what to do.”

Leading questions

GINGER PERRY/The Winchester Star

Sweaters are one of the safest bets for gifts, as they are unstructured and come in sizes like small, medium, and large.

If the person you are buying for lives out of the area, for example, and has not shopped at these stores, they can still help you find the perfect item.

“I ask main questions — what does she

look like, is she tall, does he know her size?

What is her skin tone and hair color? That goes into figuring out the color of the garments of clothing she should wear,” said Keyser.

These shops are also happy to try something on for you, if someone on staff is a similar size as the person you are buying for.

Buy unstructured garments Another tip is to look for clothing that comes in sizes like small, medium and large, instead of numerical sizes, and to stay away from buying pants since fit and style can vary greatly.

“It’s the year of comfy, is what I tell people who come in,” said Adams.

“Customers say, oh this is so soft. It’s the year of comfortable. We really looked for a lot of soft fabric that wear nice, but you have comfort and stretch. Not as many jobs are as tailored, they are a little more informal. You can wear a nice sweater to work.”

Sweaters are always a safe choice, as well as other unstructured garments like drapey vests, and one-size-fits-all wraps or ponchos in warm fabrics like wool or cashmere.

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Consider shoes Shoes are also a major holiday gift. The biggest tip here is to know the wearer’s exact size, but if you don’t, Keyser recommends looking at several pairs of shoes in their closet. Boots are a popular choice this time of the year, and Keyser said you can’t go wrong with a classic riding boot which will never go out of style.

Accessories, too Clothing stores also carry accessories which make great gifts.“A lot of things you don’t need a size on,” said Shendow. “For instance, a wallet, and we do monogrammed wallets, scarves, fashion

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017

hoisery, briefcases, portfolios, cuff links, and gift certificates.”

Shop early For best selection, shop early. Locally owned stores don’t have the huge selection of sizes and options that chain stores have. “We buy lines way far in advance, and we only get six,” said Adams. “People misconstrue sometimes — when you shop at a big store, they have a lot. And people will say, ‘is everyone going to be wearing this?’ Well, we only have six of them. My first two customers this morning were from Michigan, so you won’t see them (around Winchester) wearing the same thing. So you’ve got to keep that in perspective.”

Be direct Adams said that many customers take a photo of an item in her store, and the gift-buyer will come in with the photo. This is also a no-fail approach, as long as the store still has the item in stock.

Try something new While getting the person on your list exactly what they want for Christmas is great, Adams encourages both parties to keep an open mind for trying something different. “I always think that Christmas is about surprises and you don’t necessarily want to know everything you are getting,” said Adams.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017

IN OLD TOWN

The Winchester Star

Skip the big-box crowds and shop local this holiday season. We’ve rounded up what merchants in Old Town Winchester are offering on Plaid Friday.

by JENNY BAKER

WINCHESTER — If being in the throes of a crowd at 5 a.m. in the morning shopping for a new TV is the last thing you want to do the day after Thanksgiving, here’s an alternative: shop small on Black Friday, a.k.a., Plaid Friday for independent retailers.

For several years now, merchants in Old Town Winchester have opened their doors early for holiday shoppers hoping to score a good deal. The times the shops open may vary, and the discounts may vary, but there is one major thing in common: it’s a very pleasant shopping experience and has become a local holiday tradition for many.

Here’s a round up of the deals at this year’s participating shops: Eugene B. Smith Gallery 25 N. Loudoun St. Opening at 10 a.m.

Special on framed notecards: Two for $75 and three for $110 Deals on holiday cards Flavor Pourfection 27 N. Loudoun St. Opening: 9 a.m.

15 percent off entire store all day

Handworks Gallery 150 N. Loudoun St. Opening at 8 a.m.

10 percent off 8 - 9 a.m.

Spend $75 and get a $10 gift certificate Kimberly’s & mcKee’s 135 N. Braddock St. Opening at 6 a.m.

Champagne tastings and muffins 6 - 7 a.m. 20 percent off 7 - 8 a.m. 15 percent off 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 10 percent off

See Plaid, Page 8

Read The Holiday Gift Guide in full color online at winchesterstar.com

GINGER PERRY/The Winchester Star

Plaid Friday shoppers packed Scarpa Alta at 7 a.m. during last year’s retail event on the day after Thanksgiving.

The Winchester Star

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

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Read The Holiday Gift Guide in full color online at winchesterstar.com

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Plaid

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

The Winchester Star

from Page 6 Make Nest Interiors 1 S. Loudoun St. Opening at 8 a.m.

Cider and cookies 10 percent off all day including custom orders Mountain Trails 115 N. Loudoun St. Opening at 10 a.m.

20 - 50 percent off limited items 20 percent off Women’s Patagonia Down Sweaters, all men’s and women’s Kuhl rugged mountain wear and The North Face rainwear and 3-1 component jackets Murphy Beverage Company 167 N. Loudoun St. Opening at 6 a.m.

Food and mimosas 6 - 7 a.m. 25 percent off 7 - 8 a.m. 20 percent off 8 - 9 a.m. 15 percent off 9 - 10 a.m. 10 percent off Once Upon A Find 48 S. Loudoun St. Opening at 8 a.m.

Free pastry and hot beverage Receive a $5 Santa Buck

for every $25 purchase, free entry on the Santa Basket The Polka Dot Pot 157 N. Loudoun St. Opening at 10 a.m.

Customers with 10 a.m. reservations receive 25 percent off order Board art class at 1 p.m. for $20 Posh Pets 16 S. Loudoun St. Opening at 9 a.m.

Christmas pet themed toys 30 percent off, 25 percent off iced Christmas dog cookies 25 percent off Christmas pet accessories 25 percent off all pet clothing Runners’ Retreat 135 N. Loudoun St. Opening at 10 a.m.

Clearance shoes and apparel Scarpa Alta 10 S. Loudoun St. Opening at 7 a.m.

7 - 9 a.m. 40 percent off 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 20 percent off

JENNY BAKER/The Winchester Star

Many shops in Old Town Winchester will open early on the day after Thanksgiving to offer special discounts during Plaid Friday.

The Winchester Star

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017

Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum Store 19 W. Cork St. Opening at 9 a.m.

9 a.m. - noon 10 percent off Noon - 5 p.m. 5 percent off Special plaid item for sale Raffle for purchases of $25 or more for two free admission tickets Plaid art project in Leo’s corner free with paid admission Silver Cloud Jewelry 142 N. Loudoun St. Opening at 8 a.m.

20 to 50 percent off entire day

Winchester Brew Works 320 N. Cameron St. Opening at noon 8 a.m. - noon online sale on Hop Hikers mug club for $25 off one year All day: Steal a pint glass (one per person) Hop Hikers get 20 percent off merchandise

(excludes consigned artwork)

(excluding 128 oz Drink Tank growlers)

Simply Charming 28 W. Piccadilly St. Opening at 6 a.m.

6 - 7 a.m. 25 percent off 7 - 10 a.m. 20 percent off 20 percent off Alex & Ani Nov. 22 -27 Limited Edition Alex & Ani Snowflake Bracelet 30 percent off Uno de 50 Jewelry GINGER PERRY/The Winchester Star

During last year’s preparation for Plaid Friday, Jessica Robison, (left) sales associate, and Richie Crim, manager, secure a sign announcing early Black Friday savings at the Total Image and Workingman’s Store on West Boscawen Street. The store participated in Plaid Friday and Shop Small on Saturday.

Winchester Book Gallery 185 N. Loudoun St. Opening 7 a.m.

Free donuts and coffee Buy two books and get the third 25 percent off – all day!

Free “blind date” book with purchase

Tin Top Art & Handmade 130 N. Loudoun St. Opening at 7 a.m.

Various discounts throughout the day

Store.winchesterbrewworks.com

Why Plaid?

According to OaklandGrown.org, an organization that celebrates and supports independent business leaders, artists and activists in the city of Oakland, California, plaid symbolizes the weaving together of a creative and diverse community of small businesses.

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The Winchester Star

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

The Winchester Star

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017

A LOCAL SPIN TOWER OF TREATS

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We searched the area for artisanal and locally made foodie gifts for our take on the famous Harry & David Tower of Treats.

by JENNY BAKER photography by JEFF TAYLOR

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The Winchester Star

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

The Winchester Star

Thursday, November 16, 2017 — 11

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

A LOCAL SPIN TOWER OF TREATS

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We searched the area for artisanal and locally made foodie gifts for our take on the famous Harry & David Tower of Treats.

by JENNY BAKER photography by JEFF TAYLOR

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The Winchester Star

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

Here's our roundup of locally made or sourced products that we included in the photo on the previous page. Look for more suggestions on page 13.

1. WINE

A locally sourced food gift basket, tower, or box wouldn’t be complete without a bottle of wine from a local vineyard.

Our picture showcases wines from Frederick County vineyards: Ameritage 1913 ($29), the winery’s signature Bordeaux-style blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot, by James Charles Winery; and the Manor House White ($29) from Valerie Hill Winery, a blend of vidal blanc, riesling, and traminette with flavors of white peach and apple laced with hints of pineapple and exotic lychee. www.jamescharleswine.com and www.valeriehillwinery.com

2. APPLES

Just as Harry & David is known for their pears, the Winchester region is know for apples. You can give farm-fresh apples for the holidays — just call your favorite farm market to check their availability. While many markets do close for the season, some have limited hours. Eddie Richard of Richard’s Fruit Market in Middletown said while they are closed for the season after Nov. 26, you can call 540-3276166 to set up an appointment to pick up local apples, in varieties like Stayman, Fuji, York, Nittany, Red and Golden Delicious, etc. Richard's is open one day a month until April, with December's date being Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Marker-Miller Orchards in Frederick County offers gift boxes, a peck or half-bushel size of certain varieties like Fuji, Pink Lady, Golden and Red Delicious, and Staymen.

Marker-Miller is open daily until Thanksgiving, and on Fridays and Saturdays in December until Christmas. Pictured: Fuji apples from Virginia Farm Market. Prices vary. www.richardsfruitmarket.com and www.markermillerorchards.com

3. CHOCOLATE-COVERED FRUIT

A mainstay of any Harry & David gift tower, chocolate covered dried fruit can be found right here in Winchester at Shenandoah Fine Chocolates. They are available to buy in any amount or weight you desire, priced at $25 per pound.

Pictured are chocolate-covered raspberries and blueberries, but the shop also carries chocolate-covered raisins, cherries, espresso beans, almonds, sea salt caramel balls, peanuts, and malt balls. www.shenandoahfinechocolates.com

4. OLIVE OIL & BALSAMIC VINEGAR

The gourmet on your gift list will appreciate any of the varieties of premium extra virgin olive oils and specialty balsamic vinegar from Flavor Pourfection on the Old Town Mall in Winchester. We chose the Manzanillo, a robust extra virgin olive oil from California, and a dark chocolate balsamic vinegar, which combines three different chocolates and is perfect drizzled over vanilla gelato or fresh berries. Other olive oil varieties include Persian lime, basil, and butter; balsamic vinegars include fig, lavendar, and white balsamics like cara cara orange vanilla. Pictured are 200 milliliters bottles, $12; other sizes available, $5.50 - $29. www. flavorpourfection.com

5. ARTISAN TRUFFLES

More chocolate for the chocolate lover on your list — Nibblins at Rutherford Crossing in Frederick County offers large truffles in a variety of flavors. We selected hazelnut, fudge love, amaretto, and dark chocolate mint, but other flavors include sea salt caramel, mint cookie crunch, and party hardy. $3 to $3.75 each. www.nibblins.com

6. PECAN APPLE BUTTER

If you've ever wanted to eat applesauce cake with a spoon, your dreams have come true — the pecan apple butter from Mt. Airy Farm Market in Boyce delivers that experience. Spread it on your morning toast or fresh baked bread. $4.99, 9 ounces. www.mountairymarket.com

7. SPICY PLUM CHUTNEY

Delicious on cheese like cheddar or Dubliner, the spicy plum chutney is a go-to condiment for any cheese lover (it also makes a great glaze for roast pork).

This gift even comes with bragging rights — the chutney, made in nearby Flint Hill, won the 2013 Sofi Award gold medal (a.k.a., the Oscars of the specialty food world). $7.95 $9.99, 10 ounces. Available at area grocery stores and specialty retailers like Locke Store, Kimberly’s, Murphy Beverage Co., and Nibblins. www.virginiachutney.com

8. CHOCOLATE BARK

We couldn’t resist adding a chocolate bark — the dark chocolate bark pictured is Shenandoah Fine Chocolate’s toasted coconut caramel bark, but they also offer a pecan bark, spicy cashew, Reese’s Pieces marshmallow, Oreo, and salted caramel pretzel. Priced at $40 per pound. www. shenandoahfinechocolates.com

9. SALSA

A tasty salsa with just a little kick, the summer tomato salsa from Kimberly's is a perfect blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and spices and is great in guacamole or a seven-layer dip. $6.50, 16 ounces. www.kimberlys.biz

10. (MORE) ARTISAN TRUFFLES

There’s no such thing as too much chocolate. These artisan truffles are available at Flavor Pourfection in Old Town Winchester, many of which are actually made with balsamic vinegar from the shop — like cinnamon pear balsamic, blueberry balsamic, and fig honey. Other flavors include salted dark caramel, pistachio, caramel apple, strawberry, red wine, vanilla and mixed berry (pictured). $1.50 each. www.flavorpourfection.com

11. SWEET POTATO CHIPS

First crafted in the early 1990s, the Route 11 potato chip is a long-time local foodie favorite. Made in nearby Mount Jackson (the plant was located in Middletown, until a few years ago), they make several varieties including sour cream and chive, lightly salted, dill, Chesapeake crab, and sweet potato, which is what we chose for our gift tower. It’s a chip you can feel good about eating — 1 ounce serving has 120 percent recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A. All natural and gluten free, too. Available in 1.5 pound tins ($23 - $29) or 3 pound tins ($34 - $46) of chips from the company. Also available in 2 ounce and 6 ounce bags at local grocery stores, and specialty retailers like Murphy Beverage Co., Shaffer’s BBQ, Kimberly’s and Locke Store. www.rt11.com

12. HOUSEMADE GRANOLA

Bringing together sweet and savory flavors of oatmeal, walnut, coconut, orange zest, pecan, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, butter, honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, dried cherries, dried cranberries, candied ginger, and salt, this housemade granola from Locke Store in Millwood is an excellent topper for yogurt with fresh berries or eaten on its own. They’ve been making it for around 10 years and it is one of the store’s best sellers. $9.95, 14 ounces. www.lockestore.com

13. CHRISTMAS COOKIE PECANS This new gourmet treat was inspired by a trip to a candle store. Co-owner Bonnie Jones said she held a Christmas cookie candle to her husband, Phil Anderson, a certified executive chef, and asked if he could make a pecan that tasted like the candle smelled — and here they are. The duo now sells the Christmas cookie pecans, along with other varieties like maple mustard and pumpkin spice (available through November) at their store, The Chef’s Market in Old Town Winchester. Also look for pecan brittle in December. $8, 4 ounces. www.mybuddysnuts.com and www.thechefsmarket.org

14. HOT SAUCE

Clark + Hopkins out of White Post has created a unique collection of hot sauces that will be a welcomed sight on Christmas morning. Varieties include Kerala, named for the state on the southern tip of India where a friend of theirs was born and who served as inspiration for the company; Chesapeake Bay (pictured) which carries the flavors of the Eastern Shore combined with apple cider vinegar, jalapeno, bell peppers, ginger and onion; Ethiopian, which is great on spicy stews of chicken, beef, lamb, vegetables, and lentils; Laos, which features bird’s eye chilies, lemongrass, ginger and dried shrimp paste great for Asian recipes; and Virginia, which evolved from an 1800s recipe combining peach, peanut, and tomato with apple cider vinegar, black pepper and spices and is aged in rye whiskey barrels from Catoctin Creek Distillery. Also look for Chesapeake Bay Bloody Mary mix and Chesapeake Chutney. $7.99 to $9.99, 5 ounces. Available at Locke Store, Region’s 117, The Butcher Station, Shaffer’s BBQ, Valerie Hill Winery, Old Town General Store, The Chef’s Market, The Better Beer Store, Schenk Foods, Mt. Airy Farm Market, Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau. www.clark-and-hopkins.myshopify.com

15. BREAD DIP SEASONING

The bread dip seasoning from Shenandoah Spice Company in nearby Toms Brook is a gift that keeps giving the whole year (or until you use it all). Mix a tablespoon of this seasoned blend with olive oil, and serve with crusty warm bread, and you’ve got yourself a perfect appetizer. The company also makes other spice blends and rubs in varieties such as Mediterranean, Carnitas, Blacked Bayou, and Espresso BBQ. $8. Available locally at the Old Town General Store, Flavor Pourfection, Gore’s Fresh Meats, The Butch-

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er’s Station, Jordan Springs Market, Rosie’s Sweets, Mt. Airy Farm Market. www.shenandoahspicecompany.com

16. LOCAL HONEY

Millwood Bee Company apiarist and owner Chris Lewis offers both light and dark (pictured) varieties of honey harvested from locations in Frederick and Clarke counties during the summer. The honey is local, fresh, and raw, which means it has not been heated and filtered like commercial honeys. “Fresh, raw honey has an abundance of aroma and flavor, plus it maintains all of its healthy attributes,” said Lewis. The light honey is harvested after the trees bloom in spring, and has a fragrant fresh floral and citrus aroma and a sweet fresh fruit flavor with a hint of vanilla and a persistent, peachy finish. Lewis said the dark honey is from mid-summer, and has a savory flavor with aromas of roasted nuts and dried fruit, a buttery texture with notes of dried fig and dates. $12 - $13.

Available at Bonnie Blue Southern Market, The Chef’s Market, Kimberly’s, Locke Store, and the gift shop at The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.

17. CREAMED HONEY

One of the beloved products created by the Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, creamed

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017

honey is made from locally sourced honey in the Shenandoah Valley. The Monks take the liquid honey and naturally crystallize it so that it thickens slightly and has the texture of butter, making it soft and spreadable. We chose cinnamon for the photo, but it is also available in almond, blueberry, brandy, orange, lemon, raspberry and natural. Creamed Honey can be stored at room temperature and has an indefinite shelflife. $5.50 - $7. Available at the gift shop at The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Solenberger’s Hardware, West Oak Farm Market, Mt. Airy Farm Market, Belle Grove Plantation gift shop, Nibblins, the Monastery in Berryville. www.monasteryfruitcake.org

18. LOCALLY ROASTED COFFEE

We selected Ethiopia, Cordial Coffee Company’s best-seller, for our photo which produces a cup of robust brushfruit and dark chocolate flavors. Other varieties available are Kenya, Guatamala, Tanzania, Espresso, Papau New Guinea, Rwanda, Aden’s Grail, and Nocturne. From $13. Served locally at Cordial Coffee, and hot and on draft (cold) at Sexi-Mexi Burrito Bar. Sold whole bean, 12 ounce bags at Cordial Coffee, The Butcher Station, and The Chef’s Market.

Also pictured: Wood cutting board from Virginia Farm Market crafted by local artisan Phil Wolfing; fluted and small sauce bowls by Fortessa, available at Nibblins.

Maple Bourbon coffee, BBQ sauces and dry rubs from Shaffer’s in Middletown www.shaffersbbq.com Lone Oak Coffee www.loneoakcoffee.com

Hopscotch Coffee squareup.com/market/hopscotchcoffee Golden Blends BBQ Sauces goldenblendsbbq.storenvy.com Local beer sold in four-pack cans from Escutcheon Brewing Company www.escutcheonbrewing.com Local hard cider sold in four-pack cans from Winchester Ciderworks www.winchesterciderworks.com Apple butter and other fruit butters by Shawnee Canning Company www.shawneesprings.com Chocolate-covered pretzels from Shenandoah Fine Chocolates www.shenandoahfinechocolates.com Bloody Mary mix and Chesapeake Chutney by Clark & Hopkins clark-and-hopkins.myshopify.com

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017

The Winchester Star

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017

FOR THE CHEF ON YOUR LIST

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Christine Patrick, owner of the Winchester Book Gallery, recommends new cookbooks for the foodie or chef on your holiday shopping list.

by JENNY BAKER

“Smitten Kitchen Every Day” by Deb Perelman $35 Award-winning blogger and New York Times best-selling author of “The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook” shares new, simple and quick recipes like Stickey Toffee Waffles, Kale Caesar with Broken Eggs and Crushed Croutons, Grandma-Style Chicken Noodle Soup, Brussels and Three Cheese Pasta Bake, and Pretzel Linzers with Salted Caramel.

“Sweet” by Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh $35 Known for his savory and vegetarian dishes, Yotam Ottolenghi actually started his career as a pastry chef. You’ll find baked goods and desserts featuring his signature flavor profiles and ingredients like fig, rose petal, saffron, orange blossom, star anise, pistachio, almond, cardamon, and cinnamon.

“Bean to Bar Chocolate: America’s Craft Chocolate Revolution” $19.95 Chocoholics, take note: Learn what to look for in a craft chocolate bar, how the flavor of the chocolate is affected by where the cocoa bean grows, how to pair chocolate with coffee, beer, spirits, cheese and bread, plus recipes from top chocolatiers, and stories of America’s leading makers.

“Cooking at Home with Bridget & Julia” by America’s Test Kitchen $35 A new classic by the TV hosts of America’s Test Kitchen, you’ll find recipes that are “so easy that it feels like cheating,” and dishes that “will leave your guests speechless.” Recipes include the Ultimate Cinnamon Buns, Stuffed Mushrooms with Boursin and Prosciutto, Lemon-Herb Cod Fillets with Crispy Garlic Potatoes, and more.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017

FOR THE HOLIDAY HOST

When celebrating the holidays, it is customary to offer hosts a token of appreciation. During the season of giving, it may be challenging to find a gift that stands out in the crowd. However, some of the best gifts for hosts focus on their love of entertaining family and friends.

Music often is an integral part of entertaining, but not every party host is equipped with a stellar sound system. Today’s Bluetooth-enabled music speakers run the gamut from handheld options to speakers that combine mood lighting with sound to large units. Shoppers can find speakers that suit the space hosts have to work with and ones that won’t bust shoppers’ budgets.

Toasting the season (or any occasion) is par for the course at a party or get-together. Avid entertainers can benefit from having new bar tools, such as mixers and serving glasses, to make sure guests’ cups are never empty.

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Hosts may want to put foods on display, and a decadent cake stand or serving plate will make occasions more glamorous. Consider other entertaining-related pieces like a beautiful coaster set, an ice bucket, or bowl.

Keeping guests content often involves having plenty of beverages and food available. However, for the hosts who want to go above and beyond, game night or other entertainment-based activities can add flair to special events. Board games, physical games (like horseshoes or bean bag tosses), games for video gaming systems, and even karaoke machines can fit the bill.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017

Hosting can be hard work. After the guests have come and gone, hosts will no doubt need some time to rest and recuperate. This can be achieved more easily with a gift card to a nearby spa or massage therapist.

The gift of a cleaning service saves hosts from having to do the post-party cleanup, and giving such a gift in advance of the party can be the helping hand hosts need as the chore list grows in the days before the party.

If you are visiting from out of town, bring one of your favorite locally made food items from your neck of the woods. Anything from honey, chocolates, dips and spreads, or, of course, the always welcomed bottle of wine.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017

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HOLIDAY FOODS

By MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON Associated PRESS

When Devin Kidner was a child, she looked forward to the box of goodies her aunt sent from England each December.

In addition to chocolates and gifts, the box contained powdered mustard and custard, pickles and other foods that her father needed to prepare the family’s annual Christmas meal. A British native who moved to the United States, Graham Kidner relishes the chance to share the foods of his childhood with his family, said his daughter, now 31 and living in Chicago.

“This is his way to feel connected to his family,” she said. “It keeps him tied to England.”

The meal, along with regular visits “across the pond,” helped Kidner appreciate her heritage. She can’t imagine eating anything other than a traditional English

roast on Christmas.

“It wouldn’t be Christmas without the food,” she said.

Holidays meals are an easy way for children to absorb lessons about their ethnicity and ancestors, said Amy Bentley, a professor of food studies at New York University.

Because eating and dining together involve all the senses, it creates powerful memories, she said.

“It’s nutrition, but it’s also culture,” she said. “It’s a way of saying, this is who we are, and this is what’s important.”

The internet and the popularity of import stores and specialty grocers have made it easier to access beloved foods at the holidays.

Leslie Srodek-Johnson of Stan’s North-

See Food, Page 19

Dewey’s Bakery/Associated Press

This 2017 photo provided by Dewey’s Bakery in Winston Salem, N.C., shows their Moravian Cookies.

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Food

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017

from Page 19 field Bakery, which sells handmade pierogis in Northfield, Ohio, says the shop increases production of the potato-filled dumplings tenfold in December. Pierogis are commonly served at Christmas and during Lent in many Polish, Czech, Slovak and Hungarian households.

The demand is so great that Stan’s stops taking pierogi orders two weeks before Christmas. Srodek-Johnson has had people show up at the bakery with tattered recipes or lists of ingredients asking whether she could help reproduce their grandmother’s pierogis.

She and her family use their great aunt’s traditional recipe.

“We have found a lot of people just can’t reproduce grandma’s handiwork at home,” she said. “Many people tell us that ours are as good or better.”

The Kennedy clan in Beresford, South Dakota, is determined to keep their potato sausage recipe in the family. Every December, the various generations gather to make the sausage that Katie Kennedy Westra’s great, great grandma brought from Sweden.

“Grandma tells us all what to do,” she said. “It’s always such a hoot.”

They serve the sausage with mustard and lingonberries at their Christmas celebration.

While the meal remains a way for Westra and her siblings to stay connected to their roots, they recently discovered that their family in Sweden no longer makes the sau-

sage.

“I have a cousin over there who never even heard of it,” said Westra, 35. “She asked me to send the recipe.”

Regardless, she said, the tradition has already taken hold in her family’s next generation. “My oldest is in 4-H and she wrote a speech about her Swedish heritage for the state fair,” she said. “She’s very into it.”

Dustin Shearon, 45, would never attempt to make Moravian Sugar Cake, his favorite holiday treat, at home. For him, the store-bought version brings back memories of his mother and grandmother taking him to Dewey’s Bakery in his hometown, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The cinnamon and sugar coffee-style cake, which was brought to the region by Moravian settlers in the mid-1700s, remains a local favorite.

Many children are introduced to it during school field trips to a living history village known as Old Salem.

Shearon was delighted to discover that a grocery store in his new home town of Charlotte, North Carolina, had started stocking the Dewey’s cake at the holidays. It offered him a way to share stories about his childhood with his son and daughter.

“It’s a connection to my past, and a way to talk about the life I shared with my mom and grandma,” he said.

He serves the cake on Thanksgiving and Christmas: Not having it, he says, “would be like not having sweet potato casserole

on Thanksgiving. I would be distraught if I could not get my Moravian sugar cake.”

Josh McCutchen, Dewey’s vice president of marketing, said the company ships the cakes all over the country during the holiday season.

Ann Jones, meanwhile, ships cinnamon sticks to her grandchildren in New York every Thanksgiving and Christmas to give them a taste of Ohio, where she grew up.

She also keeps some of the cinnamon sticks — made from layers of sweet dough and cinnamon at The Original Goodie Shop in Columbus — in her freezer at home in Jupiter Island, Florida.

“My grandchildren have never been to Ohio. They don’t have any connection to Columbus, but they love cinnamon sticks,” she said.

RIGHT: Pierogis being made at Stan’s Northfield Bakery in Northfield, Ohio.

BELOW: The Original Goodie Shop in Upper Arlington, Ohio (Photos by Associated Press)

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