Moxie Magazine - December 2021

DECEMBER 2021

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HOLIDAY RECIPES SHE’S GOT MOXIE: KRISTINA SCOBIE FAMILY TRADITIONS

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| FROM THE PUBLISHER | December is here and with it the arrival of the magic of the holiday season.

Twinkling lights, toasty beverages, tasty treats, and most of all, time with the ones we love, are all of the things that make the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day some of the most precious of the year.

This edition of Moxie Magazine is full of holiday cheer! One of my favorite features is our annual Holiday Cookbook,

complied by Rachel Kirtley, the Kalamazoo Foodie. In addition to the splendid food features, we have all of the amazing content you love.

As 2021 draws to a close, we here at Moxie would like to thank you for your continued support. From our family to yours, we wish you a beautiful and blessed holiday season!

Lots of Love,

Heather, Alicia, & Lalita

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contents LIFESTYLE

6 | Family Traditions 8 | She’s Got Moxie: Kristina Scobie 10 | The Gift of Empathy 12 | Mirror, Mirror On the Wall 14 | 30,000 Foot View of Life 16 | Marlita Walker Reviews: Firefly Lane 24 | How Young is Too Young?

26 | From the Runway to Your Closet For Less 28 | Evergreen Tidings

GOT MOXIE: KRISTINA SCOBIE 8SHE’S

FOOD & DRINK 18 | Home for the Holidays: 2021 Holiday Recipes

- Boozy Hot Cocoa - Blood Orange Chocolate Bark - Pumpkin Bisque - Rum Balls - Snowman Charcuterie Board - Candy Cane Cookies - Gingerbread Pancakes - Warm Pumpkin Hummus

HOME FOR 18 THE HOLIDAYS 2021 Holiday Recipes

22 | Restaurant Review: Holy Taco 30 | Recipes: Christmas Cookies - Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

- Kris Kringle Cookies - Chewy Molasses Cookies - Snow Ball Cookies - Chery Almond Cookies

THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN PUBLISHER: Heather Dombos hdombos@moxiemediagroup.net LAYOUT & DESIGN: Alicia Pauwels apauwels@moxiemediagroup.net EDITOR: Lalita Chemello lchemello@moxiemediagroup.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Emily Betros Kim Carson Ashley Carter Youngblood Kelly Duggan Rachel Kirtley Heidi McCrary Jenny Opdycke Dr. Marti Peters-Sparling Elizabeth Precopio

Hannah Reuter Marlita Walker Demarra D. West

BY EMAIL: info@moxiemediagroup.net editor@moxiemediagroup.net sales@moxiemediagroup.net

WEBSITE: moxiemediagroup.com FOR SALES INFO: 269-350-5227

BY MAIL: Moxie Media Group, LLC P. O. Box 2284 Portage, MI 49081-2284

December 2021

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Family Traditions

BY ETHEL WILKEY-DOWNS

Individual Egg Muffins 18 Eggs ½ cup milk 1 pound breakfast sausage 1 package, bacon 1 bag shredded hash browns 1 each of red, green, yellow pepper 1 medium onion

I love my family traditions.

And many, including a favorite of mine, have to do with cooking. I just love to be in my kitchen – it’s my happy place. I would like to believe it has something to do with my Italian heritage. Some of my fondest childhood memories are at my nonna’s house for the holidays. I can still smell the homemade pasta sauce simmering on the stove, and my brothers and I pleading for a taste by dipping crusty Italian bread into the pot (and hopefully sneaking a meatball too!).

Fast forward to me as a mom, where I created cherished traditions for my family. Every Christmas season, my boys and I would go to their grandma’s house to make Christmas cookies. The kids’ favorite was the sugar cookies, because they could frost them. For middle school, we hosted game nights with their friends and planned fun menus.

My boys were always involved in the cooking. In high school, our blended family began a new tradition. We dedicated one night a week as “Family Dinner,” no excuses, you had to be there. Each week, one child

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would plan the menu and we would prepare it together. I cherish those special times.

Now that my children are adults, we have created a new set of traditions. The day after Christmas is our family day. We start with brunch, then head out to a surprise event I have planned, such as an escape room, bowling, or nature hike.

One of our favorite go-tos for family brunch is individual egg muffins. The making of them has evolved into quite the event! It lends an opportunity to be creative, participate, and satisfy everyone’s palates!

1 package, mushrooms 1 bag, spinach 1 jar, artichoke hearts

Salt, pepper to taste

Variety of Cheeses

Muffin Pans

OUR FAVS: sharp, colby, feta, Havarti, mozzarella

In a bowl, beat the eggs, adding milk, salt & pepper to taste.

In a pan, saute the sausage into crumbles, keep separate.

Cook the bacon (I do it in the oven for less of a mess). Chop into pieces once cooked and keep separate.

In another pan, saute veggies (all separately) with salt and pepper to taste.

Fry/heat the hash browns.

Spray muffin pans with non-stick spray and fill 3⁄4 with the egg batter.

Everyone can then top their own muffin using their favorite toppings.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes, depending on muffin size.

Cook until crispy on top (or a toothpick inserted comes clean).

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December 2021

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{ S H E ’ S GOT

}

20 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT

KRISTINA SCOBIE Creative Director for both Noteworthy

by Design and Amplify Marketing

Meet the creative behind the Kalamazoo-area’s go-to for cards and invitations.

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I HAVE OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN. In the last couple of years, I’ve had the opportunity to not only be Creative Director of Noteworthy, but manager of a beautiful boutique shop! One of my favorite pastimes is shopping for inventory! It definitely cures me from overshopping for myself when I can shop for everyone else!

2 One of my favorite things to design are wedding invitations.

They’re an early glimpse into a couple’s most special day. It’s such a wonderful feeling when clients adore their invitation suite and drop them into the mail feeling like they’re sharing a bit of themselves with their guests.

3 I once worked with a

woman who taught me the best way to get to know someone on a more personal level.

She explained you just need to ask them to share three of their passions. I’ve since added a few rules: No “spending time with family and friends,” no “travel,” and no “foodie” passions unless they’re really specific. It forces people to think more deeply and share more juicy details.

4 I LOVE TOURS. Boat tours, bike tours, walking tours, haunted tours, anything! Especially home tours with guides dressed in period costume. One of my favorite vacation destinations is Newport, Rhode Island: A tourist’s dream come true!

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5 I grew up on what I would consider a small farm. We spent our time

swimming in cow troughs, bailing hay and playing outside. We were forever exploring and doing things I would deem far too dangerous for my own kiddos. My horse ran away once and we had to chase it down the road in the car, hanging out the window to slow her down.

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I LOVE GAMES. I’ve got an entire wall of board games we periodically play our way through, putting games in yes/no piles just to keep our collection under control. Some of my favorites right now: Pub Trivia, Monikers, Mysterium, The Bob Ross Art of Chill, and One Night Ultimate Werewolf, among many others! That being said, stay away from Scrabble, Monopoly and Yahtzee. Just the worst in my opinion.

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My dad worked as a lineman for Consumers Energy and built everything out of used telephone poles. We had a cool clubhouse and a swing set that looked like they were made for giants because of it.

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My brother, sister and I could not be more different. My sister is an artist and what anyone would consider a free spirit, my brother is an engineer and a bit of a hermit and I’m smack dab in the middle. We all love each other despite our differences, and people are flabbergasted when I tell them we never fought as children. We truly didn’t. My own children are making up for that blip in normalcy.

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15 When I got married, I dedicated

myself to doing as much as possible to save money on the wedding. I spent every evening leading up to the big day creating and assembling the invitation, etching glass vases as favors, and taking cake-making classes in order to make my own 5-tier wedding cake! I still use those skills each year to make my kiddos dream birthday cakes.

16 I once faked going to the gym three times a week 9 Speaking of… I have two children who are insanely talented little

human beings. My daughter, Fiona, is my mad scientist; always creating, making messes and wreaking havoc. My son, Liam is my little artist. He’s always saying he’ll either be an architect, florist, or artist when he grows up, but I don’t doubt he’ll be all three.

A modern renaissance man.

for several months because I didn’t want to tell my husband that I didn’t feel like going any longer. I began by sitting in the car for a bit and ended up sitting at our kitchen table. One morning he walked in on me and discovered my ruse. I’ll never live it down.

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It’s always been on my to-do list to work my way through an entire cookbook from front to back, cooking and trying every recipe, no matter my initial thoughts on each. I’ll do it one day. I just have to find the right one! Open to suggestions!

10 My husband attended grad school at UConn and

dragged me to Connecticut after college. It turned out to be some of the most exciting years of our lives.

We loved being just a few short hours from NYC and Boston. We were able to call in sick and run down to the city to watch TV tapings or attend Broadway shows, visit museums, or eat amazing food whenever we fancied.

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I hate sports. I love watching my kiddos play, but don’t even try to turn on football in my presence. The constant drone of the audience just kills my mood. I just don’t understand people who watch sports 24/7. (Sorry father-in-law.)

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I LOVE CRAFTING. I’m sure it stems from my elementary school teacher mom, who has always been the queen of school-crafts. I hope my children look back on their childhoods someday and just cringe with how many crafts I made them do. That’s what I would consider a job well done.

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I’ve been lucky enough in my design career to work on so many amazing brands!

From National Geographic and Crayola, to Journeyman Distillery, Crockpot, Mr. Coffee, Yankee Candle and so many more! I’m so proud of the work I’ve done and look forward to many more years of fantastic clients.

14 I know I’m one of a million people

who are obsessed with HGTV and playing interior designer at home, but it truly makes me happy to have a beautiful environment in which to live. I even convinced my husband that a pink paneled wall in the dining room would be amazing! He’s learned to trust me and has grown to love it.

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My YouTube guilty pleasures include unboxing videos, try-on videos and home biz stationery entrepreneurs. I also really enjoy Hot Ones, Mia Maples and Emma Chamberlain when she’s actually DOING something. Oh, and my sister! (Follow local Artist, Julia Haw!) There is SO much interesting content on YouTube.

19 I LOVE THRIFT SHOPPING. It truly makes me happy to score an amazing find at a great price. I’m also not above picking up treasures on bulk-trash day.

That’s even MORE satisfying!

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I’ve got a stash of around 20-30 framed boards in my basement just waiting for me to paint! I think I would truly enjoy making and selling original artwork but at this point, I just haven’t had time to begin! One day… One day.

December 2021

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THE GIFT OF

E mpathy

BY KELLY DUGGAN

One key to holding things together and moving through uncertain times is empathy — empathy for both yourself and those you care for, support, or lead personally and professionally.

Knowing and using empathy in your daily life can promote a better you, while helping you to grow and strengthen relationships with family, friends and coworkers.

EMPATHY VS. SYMPATHY

To begin, it’s important to understand what empathy is and means. In general, empathy is the ability to understand or feel what someone else is experiencing from within their frame of reference. It’s the capacity to place yourself in another’s position.

Empathy can be misunderstood or confused with sympathy. However, they don’t carry the same meaning. Sympathy involves feeling and understanding from your own perspective and experience. Empathy involves sensing, imagining and/or understanding what someone else is thinking or feeling and why that is going on for them. The difference between sympathy and empathy is astutely portrayed in a clip from RSA Animate, which narrates an excerpt from Dr. Brené Brown’s TED talk on empathy.

COMPONENTS OF EMPATHY

Psychologists Daniel Goleman and Paul Ekman have identified three specific components of empathy: cognitive, emotional and compassionate. Learning these three types of empathy and using them with your family, friends, coworkers and others will help you build stronger relationships and trust.

Cognitive: This is simply knowing/ understanding how the other person feels and what they might be thinking. It’s sometimes called “perspective taking.”

Emotional: This is when you feel physically along with the other person, almost as though their emotions were contagious.

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Compassionate: With this kind of empathy, we not only understand someone’s predicament and feel with them, but can be spontaneously moved to help.

EMPATHY LESSONS

A 25-plus year dental career taught me these fundamentals of empathy, which I still apply and use today, nurturing the type of care that I had provided as a practicing periodontal dental hygienist. Working through the fear, unknowns and discomfort of sometimes extreme pain required empathy for the type of care I wanted to provide for my patients.

INCREASING EMPATHY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND INTO THE NEW YEAR So how can you access and raise your level of empathy to connect with/lead people more effectively?

Empathy is simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of you’re not alone.”

- DR. BRENE BROWN

Cognitively, I grew to understand how they were feeling by observing behaviors and body language. Emotionally, at times, the physical pain (unless controlled by pre/post-operative medications and local anesthesia) was real for both of us. Compassionately, I worked one step ahead to provide the best experience and outcome possible. I saw the total care outcome in patients who came back, completed care, and gave me hugs and thanks.

Unfortunately, empathy appears to have declined significantly over the past few decades in the U.S. For example, a University of Michigan study analyzed data on empathy from almost 14,000 college students. Gathered between 1979 and 2009, the study found a 48% decrease in empathetic concern and a 34% decrease in perspective taking (i.e., cognitive empathy). We also do not know if our collective, worldwide experience with COVID-19 will change our use of empathy for better or worse.

X

X

X

X Commit to growing empathy as a foundational component of who you are.

X In conversations, pause, breathe and take the time to actively listen to what someone is really saying, not just their words.

X Clarify and ask gentle questions until you understand where someone is coming from.

Listen patiently, without trying to jump in and problem-solve right away.

Practice finding new perspectives by deliberately trying to understand the other person’s point of view.

Be strategic in what you say and how you say it, noting the effect you have on others.

Adjust your approach as needed to establish more rapport.

Learning to lead with empathy takes practice, awareness and educating yourself about other people, along with understanding your own biases. It doesn’t happen overnight. Ask yourself, how can using empathy be more effective for you?

Kelly Duggan

Kelly is an Image Consultant specializing in executive and personal image development, etiquette & communication skills.

She is a certified member of the Association of Image Consultants International. Contact Kelly at: www.kellyduggan.com.

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Featuring Guest Professional Dancers from

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Group Rates for 20 or more are available.

December 2021

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Mirror, Mirror On the Wall

HOW BODY CHECKING HARMS SELF IMAGE

H

ow many times would you say you’ve looked in the mirror today? Once? Ten times? No idea? When we struggle with our body image, looking in the mirror can become one way we obsess about it. Other ways we may obsess is by weighing ourselves frequently, pinching at parts of our bodies, comparing ourselves to others, measuring body parts, or constantly checking the fit of our clothing. Sound familiar to you? All these behaviors together are used to judge size, shape, and weight, also known as “body checking.”

Body checking is different from adjusting an item of clothing because it slipped out of place or checking your teeth in the mirror after eating. It is an extreme behavior around appearance that takes place when we are trying to feel better about ourselves around areas of our body that we wish were different.

Essentially there is so much worry and anxiety around body image that we start to believe that body checking will provide us some relief by making us feel more in control.

The real issue with body checking comes into play when we realize what we are looking for is not actually the information we receive.

For example, think about just a simple mirror.

Things like how large the mirror is, the lighting, the warping of the whole mirror, and how it’s sitting all play a part in what

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we might see. In fact, the mirror never gives us a full, 100 percent accurate reflection because part of what we see in the mirror will always be perception. We look to it only to be provided a sense of security, when in actuality, it’s not accurate at all.

time you look in the mirror.

Chances are if you are in a good mood, you will see a “good” reflection. If you’re in a bad mood, you will see a “bad” reflection.

Experiment with this for yourself and reflect on what you are actually getting when you look to use the mirror. Do you feel better or worse afterwards? If you feel worse, you may be using the mirror for the wrong reasons. Body checking actually increases negative emotions that we believe we are trying to control.

Taking our feelings out on our bodies, or thinking we can fix our feelings through changing our body, fails to resolve anything and just leaves one with more anxiety.”

While there may be a moment of reassurance, this is typically followed by even more anxiety or fear. Why is this? Because we are bringing anxiety and fear to the mirror to begin with. Consider your mood the next

If you feel like body checking is getting in the way of your daily life—for instance, feeling

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like you need to check your body or you will feel out of control and distracted by the fact that you can’t check it—then you need to build up your awareness.

Before you automatically find a mirror, fidget with your body, or weigh yourself, ask yourself why you feel the need to check right now. What question am I trying to answer? How will checking affect my mood?

Is my worth tied up in what I’m checking or am I thinking objectively? Simply noting or tracking every time you engage in body checking will help you notice what’s going on physically, emotionally, or mentally at the time. Try it for a couple days and see what conclusions you might be able to draw.

Once you have an idea of how often you are body checking and some awareness about

why or when you do it, it is then time to try to replace the behavior with something else that doesn’t have to do with your body. This is the hard part. Like any behavior change, your brain is already wired to do something one way, and training it to do or think differently is hard. But, it’s certainly not impossible!

Once you know what predicates the body checking (typically a feeling like, “I’m feeling like a failure”), you can start to address the feeling rather than your “reflection.” Anything that puts less focus on your body will work.

body which has nothing to do with it! Taking our feelings out on our bodies, or thinking we can fix our feelings through changing our body, fails to resolve anything and just leaves one with more anxiety. See if reducing body checking relieves some worry about your body and allows you to focus on all the other important, amazing stuff you have going on in your life!

Also take some time to remind yourself of your recent successes, show yourself a little extra TLC, use a compassionate mantra, or talk your feelings out with a friend. All these options help address the real issue (feeling like a failure) instead of focusing on your

Emily is a licensed clinical social worker, certified health coach, and owner of Reclaiming Health, LLC. She specializes in body image support, eating disorders, anxiety, life transitions, mindfulness, and women's issues. More info: www.reclaiminghealth.net.

Emily Betros

December 2021

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ON THAT NOTE

A 30-Thousand Foot

View of Life

BY LALITA CHEMELLO

Hello again readers.

Here it is again, the arrival of the holiday season, yet another one in the time of the pandemic. I hope by the time you read this, things are on the up-and-up, but vaccines for kids 5-11 were just approved, and COVID-19 cases just continue rising. You could say I’ve already lost a bit of hope for this round of celebrations.

Really, this year I’m not so much worried about the holiday gatherings anymore. I don’t know about you, but the last couple of years missing out on family gatherings, celebrations, not even having my family at my wedding this September, has opened my eyes on the enormous energy we place on these few particular days in the midst of days growing shorter and colder. As I learned from a previous job, people are still working on those days.

The world continues to turn. People still die or struggle. Things still happen.

Okay, I may have grown a bit cynical, but I think nearly two years of having to remain close to home has made me more uninspired than anything, while also giving me time and insight to realign my values a little more.

Ironically, I’m writing this nearly 30-thousand feet in the air as I travel for my new job to California for a few days. I can tell my wanderlustian cravings have been neglected for some time as I stare out the window with the same starry-eyed look of a child seeing something new for the first time. Looking over the Rockies, the beautiful clouds beneath, it’s magical. The fact we’re currently traveling at near 500 mph is insane to think about too.

This trip has been a back and forth of guilt and questioning, as I grasped what was

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December 2021

happening pandemic-wise, and considered all the protocols in place for safe travels leaving the state by air. I chose to go, knowing to take every precaution I needed to. I also considered that my day job co-workers had been traveling frequently and overseas, and it appears none have had a coronavirus run-in, yet.

or outright dangerous. I will add, some of these airports may be one of the safest places to be right now. Everyone has to be masked.

Sure, there are people (like at the Los Angeles International Airport…wow), but I think I have been to stores with more people that were a mixed bag of masked/un-masked and questionable vaccination status.

We should remember that all we get is this life.

Maybe venture out a little.

And choose your adventure, just a little more carefully.”

For my first flight today, the gentleman sitting beside me told me a little bit about his travels.

He was the one lucky guy getting a connecting flight to Amsterdam of which the flight attendant was envious of. I asked him why he was traveling there. He revealed he was an emptynester and had lost a lot of people, especially family in the last two years to coronavirus. He said 20-30. 20. TO. 30. Looking at everything he lost, he thought it was time to go out and live.

He started a non-profit, and started traveling the world, including a recent trip to the Serengeti.

Myself, I’ve lost over 20 people (I honestly have lost count) in the last eight years, and have been fortunate to only know two people who have lost their lives to coronavirus, one of them my great aunt who had been fully vaccinated. But all to coronavirus? It really puts a perspective on things. This now worldtraveler put a perspective on things. Yes, we are in the midst of the pandemic. Yes, there are things we need to do to keep ourselves and our families safe, but there IS a way to do this life, with restrictions, and still experience it.

In the last few weeks I’ve learned to make sure I’m doing what I can to keep myself safe and extracting myself and family out of situations that may be contradicting

I digress. What I’m really getting at here is that yet again, things are still fuzzy as the pandemic continues. But we also should remember that all we get is this life. I’m not saying abandon all and just go big into the holiday gatherings, but observe with caution. Maybe venture out a little. And choose your adventure, just a little more carefully.

I forgot how beautiful the world is when I leave the house. No wonder this has been such a refreshing, albeit nerve-wracking adventure.

Cheers to you this holiday season, and see you in a hopefully even more promising 2022.

Lalita Chemello Lalita is our Editor, Writer and occasional photog. Her 13 years of writing has landed features with Panorama, published poetry and even a short film. She spends any extra time she can quenching her wanderlustian needs by finding new places to adventure with her other half, writing, or playing with their motorized toys.

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December 2021

15

|

BOOK REVIEW |

Marlita Walker Reviews

FIREFLY LANE

By Kristin Hannah

“When you get … to the end, you see that love and family are all there is.

Nothing else matters.”

Families are complicated, especially in the holiday season. The hilariously funny anecdote shared at Thanksgiving by a sibling, clashes with your memory of that hurtful event. Grade-school competition in athletics or academics transform into heated discussions over politics, current events and the best way to cook the turkey; all with the goal of “winning” the debate.

Nonetheless, our best selves will still step forward with anticipation, making plans for our finest Christmas gathering, because our complicated families still long for a bit of perfection. “Firefly Lane,” by Kristin Hannah explores friendships, especially one undergirded by family.

Growing up in the seventies, Kate Malarkey is shunned by the high school crowd as a book-loving introvert; but her stable, mostly functional home sustains her. When she meets beautiful and courageous Tully, her world is upended by a friendship that develops and lasts over her lifetime. Ever-grateful Kate believes that Tully has saved her, but what

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really happens is that the Malarkey family saves Tully. When Mrs. Malarkey figures out that Tully’s mom, a drug-addicted hippie, is incapable of loving her; Margie steps in to shower praise, encouragement and unconditional love on this insecure young girl.

They have the time and compassion to fully embrace Tully, not being encumbered by these other difficult challenges that the streaming giant throws in. They open their arms to Kate’s friend and she becomes family. Hannah’s book recognizes this important element.

Though this was one of Hannah’s earlier novels (released in 2008), it grabbed hearts and propelled this former attorney into her journey as a well-loved, very popular author.

I purposely chose to re-read this recently after watching several episodes of the new Netflix show bearing the same name. As usually occurs, many changes take place in the transferral from novel page to screen...and I was not a fan. As if the families in the story are not already in tough straits, Netflix chose to change the Malarkey family dynamics by adding divorce, sexual identity issues, and affairs into the mix.

“Fly Away,” the sequel to “Firefly Lane,” gives “the rest of the story,” as Paul Harvey liked to say. More melancholy, Hannah diligently weaves a saga of redemption that brings her character full circle, with an abundance of forgiveness and love, showing families can survive even after unimaginable transitions and losses.

From my perspective, the book outshines this false TV representation, with changes presumably added to be culturally current.

Family groups are becoming increasingly diverse, and I acknowledge that...but don’t change an original story to gain more viewers.

And that’s why the Netflix version doesn’t work, as Tully changes because the Malarkeys are relatively stable, supportive and connected.

Love. Family. Laughter. Maybe that’s why we don’t give up on our picture-perfect Christmas...because when all is said and done, we can forgive the complicated memories. We come together to remember the best of us, and leave a legacy.

Marlita Walker Marlita is a native Michigander, who returned back to the area after 18 years spent in IL & PA. When not on cruising adventures with her hubby in their vintage Roadtrek camper van; she relaxes by re-arranging her home decor, walking with friends, and connecting with her 10 grands who live in TN and CA. Read more book reviews at litaslines.blogspot.com.

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NOW ACCEPTING

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Counseling is not only my profession, it is my passion and my calling. I am honored to walk with you through some of life’s most difficult seasons, to support and guide you into a healthier chapter. Learning to share thoughts, feelings, and concerns in a healthy way with yourself and others; counseling may be an extremely helpful resource for you to utilize.

Kim Powers

Licensed Professional Counselor in Kalamazoo, MI 510.827.1305 kimpowers@counselorkimpowers.com heartsoulmindstrengthllc.com

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@ SweetDreamsKzoo December 2021

17

Home s y a d i l Ho

for the

2021 RECIPE BOOK

The holiday season is already here! And if you know me, I LOVE cooking, as well as supporting local!

For 2021, we here at Moxie want to spread the holiday cheer with you, with these curated, festive-

inspired treats from some of your favorite local restaurants and food bloggers (including a favorite of my own!) Happy Holidays! And please share your favorite holiday recipes with us on our social media.

Boozy Hot Cocoa PROVIDED BY THE KALAMAZOO FOODIE

1 packet of your favorite white hot chocolate mix 2 ounces GODIVA® White Chocolate Liqueur

}

MIX IT UP: Try with regular hot cocoa mix and GODIVA® Milk Chocolate Liqueur

1 ounce Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka

Milk, steamed

Marshmallows or whipped cream (optional) In your favorite mug, pour hot chocolate packet.

Add hot milk until it fills ¾ of the mug. Add Smirnoff Whipped and GODIVA, and stir. Top with whipped cream and marshmallows. Enjoy!

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December 2021

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Blood Orange Chocolate Bark with Almonds and Sea Salt

PROVIDED BY THE PANTRY ON TAP

6 ounces white chocolate chips

11 1/2 ounces extra dark chocolate chips

1 tablespoon blood orange olive oil

1/2 cup almonds, chopped

Vanilla Bean Sea Salt

Prepare 1 baking sheet by lining with a piece of parchment paper.

Fill a large pot half full with water. Place the white chocolate chips in one mason jar and the dark chocolate chips in a second along with the Blood Orange Olive Oil. Set the mason jars in the pot of water so they can melt, stirring occasionally.

Once the dark chocolate is melted, add the chopped almonds and stir. Pour evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Drizzle the melted white chocolate atop the dark chocolate in a decorative pattern. Finish with an even sprinkling of vanilla bean sea salt.

Set aside to cool or refrigerate if in a hurry. Once cool, break into pieces and enjoy!

TIP: We recommend using the chocolate brand Guittard for this recipe. You can also purchase the blood orange olive oil and vanilla bean sea salt at The Pantry on Tap

Pumpkin Bisque PROVIDED BY FULL CITY CAFE

¾ teaspoon vegetable oil 4 ounces Spanish onion 4 ounces celery 1 pound Idaho potatoes 6 ounces jumbo carrots 1 can pumpkin puree

In a stock pot, add diced carrots, onions and celery to ½ inch pieces, and sweat them over low heat until onions are soft and translucent.

Peel and chop potatoes into 2 x 2 cubes.

¼ teaspoon white pepper

When onions are soft, add the rest of the ingredients except for the cream and bring to a boil.

Once soup is boiling, turn down to a simmer and cook until the potatoes break apart when poked with your finger.

2 ounces whip cream

Puree & strain. Then add the cream.

1 ¼ quarts tap water 2 ½ ounces brown sugar 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg 1 1/8 teaspoon iodized salt

December 2021

19

Rum Balls

PROVIDED BY FEED ME KALAMAZOO

2 ½ cups vanilla wafer crushed into crumbs 1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans or mix

Snowman Charcuterie Board PROVIDED BY THE PANTRY ON TAP

1 cup powdered sugar 1/3 cup rum or bourbon 3 tablespoons light corn syrup

Powdered sugar for rolling

Combine all ingredients. Mix Well. Roll into 1-inch balls. Then roll in Powdered sugar.

How cute is this holiday charcuterie board for your next festive gathering? The snowman is made out of Brie cheese and snowfall with fresh blueberries, add one of our gourmet spreads or jams available at The Pantry On Tap!

Candy Cane Cookies PROVIDED BY THE KALAMAZOO FOODIE

1 cup butter, softened 1 cup shortening 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 eggs 3 teaspoons almond extract

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 5 cups flour 2 teaspoons salt

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red food coloring

December 2021

In a large bowl, mix together butter, shortening, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. In a separate bowl, stir flour and salt together. Once combined, stir flour mixture into the butter mixture, one cup at a time.

Divide the dough in half. Mix red food coloring into one half of the dough until you get the desired color. Take a small ball of dough from each of the red and regular dough, roll into ropes, and twist together to shape a candy cane. Repeat until all of the dough is gone.

Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 375° for about 9-10 minutes.

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Gingerbread Pancakes PROVIDED BY THE GARDEN GRIDDLE

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoons salt 2 ½ teaspoons ground ginger 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoons ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoons ground cloves 1 ¼ cups water ½ cup molasses 2 large eggs 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for griddle Maple syrup, for serving

Preheat an electric griddle to 375° F. In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves for 20 seconds. Make a well in center of flour mixture and set aside.

In a separate mixing bowl whisk together water, molasses, and eggs, then mix in butter.

While whisking, pour molasses mixture into well in flour mixture, and mix just until combined (batter should be slightly lumpy and will also be pretty runny - if you’d like you can let it rest for about 3 minutes and it will thicken).

Butter griddle then immediately pour batter onto griddle about 1/3 cup at a time.

Cook until bottom is golden brown and bubbles start to appear on surface edges of pancakes then rotate & cook opposite side until golden brown.

Serve warm with maple syrup.

Warm Pumpkin Hummus PROVIDED BY PRESIDENTIAL BREWING COMPANY

¼ cup tahini ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup roasted garlic 16 ounces garbanzo beans ½ cup garbanzo bean liquid 1 cup pumpkin puree ½ teaspoon ginger 1/8 teaspoon dried sage ¼ teaspoon allspice 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon paprika ½ cup olive oil

Build in your food processor! Blitz together tahini, lemon juice and roasted garlic (fresh peeled garlic cloves placed in the oven at 250 for 4 hours in a glass dish covered with foil).

Drain & rinse your garbanzo beans, but save the liquid! Add garbanzo beans & 1/2 cup garbanzo bean liquid (aquafaba).

Scrape down the sides of your food processor & add pumpkin puree, ginger, dried sage, allspice, cinnamon and paprika. Puree & scrape down the sides again!

Stream in olive oil. Transfer to glass baking dish & bake 15/20 minutes.

Top with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Serve with cinnamon sugar toasted pita bread & enjoy with loved ones!

December 2021

21

|

RESTAURANT REVIEW

|

Holy Taco Open for dine-in service + takeout • HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 4 PM – 10 PM • 6942 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo

I

t’s always exciting to hear when a new place to eat has come to town—making for an opportunity to try new foods! After hearing so many good things about Kalamazoo’s latest addition, HOLY TACO, I knew I had to embark on an adventure and try it for myself.

though, I highly recommend ordering a few bowls of guac for everyone. The dip was fresh…the chips were crisp and appeared to be made in-house. Definitely hard to stop eating, so we continued to enjoy them until our food arrived.

This hidden gem is located on Q Avenue in Texas Corners. It’s more hidden due to the lack of a sign when I visited. But I knew I was in the right place when I saw the “Uno Mas” neon sign lighting up the wall in the back. Accenting the neon sign were bright colors, and the bar was absolutely eye-catching.

Adorned in pretty tile to compliment the grand lit display of tequila bottles!

For our tacos, our server recommended starting with two to three tacos each, with an option to order more if we had room for it. I ordered the FISH, CARNITAS & CHICKEN TACOS, while my friend went with the STEAK, SHRIMP AND CHORIZO – covering all the bases of flavors and choices!

All six were served on one platter, which our server then took the time to point out which taco was which. It really gave it a family style feeling to eating!

The eatery has one whole page menu providing all the tequila and mezcal options your heart desires, with food that was listed simply and quite straightforward. Holy Taco specializes in street tacos with an array of different proteins and toppings. They also offer a handful of sides, most comprised of different dips and chips (but who would complain about that?).

My guest and I started with the CHIPS AND GUACAMOLE in the most perfect of portions for two people. If you happen to stop here for a meal with a group

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December 2021

I loved all of my tacos. They were small, but kept with the style of street tacos and were packed with ingredients. The Carnitas Taco stands as my favorite – I just love roasted shredded pork! This was tender, salty and mixed with queso, cilantro and garlic sauce. It just packed a punch!

My friend favored the Shrimp Taco with black beans, five-pepper shrimp, cabbage and pico de gallo. I’ll admit she’s a little braver than myself, so she also topped it with a hot sauce.

@holytacokzoo

To be honest, all of the tacos were good! My Fish Taco came in at a very close second. I just loved the cumin-lime slaw piled on top of the cod adding a good crunch! My Chicken Taco had a sweetness to it, thanks to the corn salsa that helped fill the taco to the brim with yumminess.

In the ever-growing area of Texas Corners, Holy Taco is a great addition. Its super vibrant and exciting establishment makes for a fun night out with good drinks and delicious food!

It would definitely make for a great place for a girl’s night out, date night, or just a place for a margarita and snack. I cannot wait to return!

E.B. Precopio Elizabeth is a hairstylist by day and 24/7 food enthusiast.

She visits restaurants in the Kalamazoo area and blogs about her experience at feedmekzoo.com

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COMING SUMMER 2022

JOIN US FOR A DAY OF FREE FAMILY FUN! Kalamazoo County Expo Center 2900 Lake Street | Kalamazoo, MI

• Bounce house & obstacle course • Heroes and characters who love to engage and pose for photos • Rocking musical performances

• Trick-or-Treating • Kid’s costume contest • Princess story time • Face painting

GREAT ACTIVITIES & FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

VENDORS: There is still time to reserve your booth for the 2022 Expo (269) 488-9780 | info@moxiemediagroup.net | www.moxiemediagroup.com December 2021

23

HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG TO LEARN ABOUT RACISM?

QUESTIONS ARISE ON EDUCATION ON RACISM IN THE WAKE OF DEBATE ON CRITICAL RACE THEORY How young is too young to learn about racism?

I came across this tweet the other day, to which someone replied, “How young is ‘too young’ to experience it?”

This particular Twitter interaction was spurred by the recent attack on critical race theory.

As I have listened to white moms and even some Black parents argue against an academic movement they know nothing about, this tweet was the first rebuttal that put into words what I’d been subconsciously feeling as I watched the news. Really, how young is too young to experience racism?

Flashbacks immediately flood my mind of the racist trauma I have experienced firsthand, my entire life, but there’s one particular incident I immediately recall when seeing the word “young.”

My family and I had recently moved into our first house in a nearly all-white suburb within a predominantly white city: Calera, Alabama.

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December 2021

We were the first black family on our street, and no this was not “hundreds of years ago,” which is where most people try to place racism. This was over 15 years ago, in 2005.

My single, Black mother moved to this all-white area against all odds because she wanted to give us kids a yard. My two younger brothers and I loved playing outside, and this didn’t change when we moved to Calera, even though the culture did. My mother did her best to shield us from as much of the hate as she could. We would play with kids in our neighborhood, without realizing those same families were spreading rumors about my mother as they tried to incite fear in her to move. All of this because of their own fear: the fear that Black people are bad, that we don’t belong in their spaces, and we don’t deserve to be there.

Personally, I believe the fear white people have of Black Americans stems from their angst that Black people will one day want revenge for the horrific injustices we’ve

suffered at the hands of white Americans.

Really though… most of us just want to be left the hell alone, at the very least.

And that’s just what my family was trying to do: live.

One day after school, it was an ordinary day for all the kids playing in our street including my middle brother and 4-year-old youngest brother. This day though, I did not join them and chose to stay in my room. It was typical in our neighborhood for families to leave their doors open and take this village approach at watching the kids. My mother was in the kitchen preparing dinner. Then all of a sudden, there’s a violent knock at the door.

From my room I hear muffled squabbling, then I hear, “you need to get your N- word son out of the street.”

My mother saw red and the arguing grew louder. What happened is, my white neighbor was pulling into the street. My baby brother,

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on his bike, quickly pedaled to the side of the road once he realized she needed to pass. He was not the only kid in the street, but he was the only Black kid. My neighbor then walked down to our house and said those ugly words to my mother. I wish I could say this was the only incident of racism I or my family has experienced, or even the worst, but sadly, this is just one of many. However, it is one of the most blatant.

So I come back to this moment, when I read the tweet “how young is too young to experience racism?” I think about my young brother, who in my neighbor’s eyes was just another N-word who didn’t belong in her space.

What made this white woman feel bold enough to come say this to my mother’s face?

Why did she become so furious at a child merely riding his bicycle?

Why didn’t any of my other neighbors see anything wrong with this behavior?

Why did my family deserve this treatment?

Why do Black kids have to learn to cope with this trauma, while white kids are shielded from knowing it even exists?

There will be people who read my story and think, well this is just an extreme, rare moment. There are others who may say, well this is just in Alabama. My response, then why was a confederate flag the first thing to greet me when I moved to Medford, Oregon?

People who have very few, if any at all, meaningful relationships with Black people, feel emboldened to speak out about our experiences in this country. If you don’t want to hear these ugly truths from a Black woman, then I encourage you to read the book, “Nice Racism” by Dr. Robin DiAngelo (who happens to be white).

workload of understanding and undoing racist systems and ideologies is solely left up to victims, however the people who intentionally built and benefit from it can avoid it all?

So again, how young is too young to learn about racism?

Kristie Curier Kristie is an Executive Producer at a local news station in the Kalamazoo-Grand Rapids market. Simply a storyteller at heart and a proclaimed writer since the first day she picked up a pen. As a Black woman, she is most passionate about unmuting the stories of those who’ve felt silenced and overlooked for centuries.

I have had to battle the complexities of racism my entire life. I have stories for days. I will also tell you I know I am not the only person of color who can relate. How is it fair that the

December 2021

25

FASHION FIX

F R O M T H E RU N WAY T O YO U R C L O S E T !

s s e L For

BY LALITA CHEMELLO

Do you find yourself obsessing over the outfits in episodes of Making the Cut, Project Runway or America’s Next Top Model? Do you still buy the occasional issue of Vogue or Elle and mark pages, in hopes that one day you can wear luxurious items like the ones shown in the elaborately constructed ads and campaigns?

Rent The Runway

I am here to tell you, it is not impossible.

And your fashion-seeking self can obtain realistic labels, at an insanely discounted price, that’s also great for the environment.

Giving back to the Earth, while treating yourself? Where do I sign up?

The site’s already-worn pieces are also available for sale after they are retired! AND, if you want to switch up your look monthly, they have a subscription service that rotates anywhere from eight to 16 pieces a month (regular pricing is $135 - $199 a month). Some of us…easily spend that in a month. Imagine wearing designer clothing everyday for that price?

As someone admittedly weak to the constructs of fashion and style—I have learned to be creative and a little more friendly to my wallet over the years.

The pieces I have found on my crafty searches, are all thrifted! These sites I’ve put to use over the years work for every budget, nearly every age AND every size.

So, my gift to you this holiday season, and the fashion-lovers in your life, are these internet finds for the best pieces, for the best prices.

www.renttherunway.com

Dress like a celeb for an evening, without the guilt of a several thousand dollar dress sitting in your closet (looking at you, wedding dresses…). You can rent current season designer dresses, many for under $100. They even allow you to pick two sizes, so you’re likely not in a pinch if you’re between sizes or not sure how something will fit!

The Real Real

www.therealreal.com

One of my favorite pieces in my closet, an Alexander McQueen pencil skirt, is from here.

My latest purchase was a pair of Michael Kors over-the-knee boots for $60 this season.

You can find things at a variety of prices, and everything is checked for authenticity. Not only that, but they explain the condition, so you’re not purchasing something too worn, if you don’t want. Honestly though, if I could find a thoroughly worn piece of Chanel for a decent price, I might have to pick it up.

Another bonus? If you’re done with a piece, you can sell it with them! You get extra credits if you keep the money as credits for the site.

So, everyone wins as someone else can enjoy it, and you can go on to something new.

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December 2021

ThredUp www.ThredUp.com

This is the best of all worlds, and they sell clothes for Women, Kids and Maternity! You can find anything from Prada (for real) to J. Crew. Rent the Runway is also a partner, and sells their retired pieces on this site.

While it is a lot to scroll through at times, you can customize your searches to make it easier.

Want a long sleeve chunky sweater from a designer label in an XS? You can find it. You can also save searches and get updates when new items are found.

eBay

www.eBay.com

This one takes some talent and knowledge to find designer pieces. I actually have a BCBG dress I’ve kept for years found on eBay, as well as an older Coach purse. While you can find designer handbags here, you need to do a little research to know how to spot an authentic piece. Personally, I avoid handbags that don’t show the inside of the bag, or lack a lot of photos, which helps you to take a look and verify its authenticity for yourself.

Other Options

This is by no means an exhaustive list of places you can go to treat yourself while sticking to your budget. Poshmark and Mercari are a couple other great options to check out. If you still prefer trying before buying, check out local consignment shops or national chains like Style Encore and Plato’s Closet. Happy shopping!

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Make Life Even

w ter S

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Weekly Curbside Cupcake Pick-Up: Fridays 3-6pm (Order: Laylascoolpops. square.site) For Special Orders: Info@Laylascoolpops.com

December 2021

27

Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners KIM CARSON’S INTERVIEW WITH GRETCHEN ANTHONY

I took some time to speak with Gretchen Anthony, author of the novel Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners. The story follows an overbearing mother, Violet Baumgartner, who has good intentions in wanting the best for her family and how the world sees it. But over the course of the story it’s revealed, the family is not as perfect as she envisions it to be. The title birthed from the mother’s Christmas letters over the years, always starting with, “Dearest loved ones, far and near Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners.”

KIM CARSON: So, first of all, tell me a little bit about your book and what sparked the idea for it.

GRETCHEN ANTHONY: Her character actually came to me just growing up over the years and my family would receive hundreds of Christmas cards and letters over the years and I loved reading them. Eventually, I began to recognize that every year there were a few gems in there. Anyone who’s ever received one of these letters knows what I’m talking about, that there are lots of Violet Baumgartners out there.

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December 2021

KC: Gretchen, I get those holiday letters at

Christmastime, and usually enclosed is a Christmas photo of the family with the dog in what looks like a Hallmark moment.

But what I’m wondering, is some of these letters are great. They’re a full page of text on pretty holiday stationery, while other letters go on and on for two, sometimes three pages. Do you have any tips on writing a good holiday letter?

GA: Oh, I hope so. I write a letter every year.

Single page. I have a rule. I call it the single page, single glass rule. Don’t write anything longer than it takes you to get through a single glass of wine or a beer or a Diet Coke, whatever your pleasure, right?

If you’re working your way into your second glass and you’re still writing, you’ve gone way too long. Every year, we get a letter that’s front and back and in columns. I love their family dearly but that’s too much.

KC: Yes. It makes it difficult to read. Those

letters I get halfway through and just stop.

I look at the family photo, smile and move on to the next letter. Where should the letter writer start? Help me out here?

GA: I think, “What have we done this year?”

We’re so prone in our busy life to think in terms of accomplishments, to-do lists and that’s sort of where we start and that’s fine.

We start with where we went on vacation, the sports our kids play, and all the places that we have to drive for car pool, and the things that we do at work. And that’s a great starting point except life isn’t, hopefully, lived in a to-do list. It’s really a series of moments connected together.

What you want to do is really take it to the next level and make it not about the list, but about the moments.

KC: Is it okay to not make everything sound so perfect? Because I enjoy the funny stories, “Bobby slid into home base and broke his arm but the team won.”

GA: Oh, absolutely. The best letters sound like

you’re talking to your best friend on the phone. Yes, they should be authentic. They should sound like you. They don’t even have to be extensive. We got a letter one year that was just the story of our friend’s bear encounter that summer. They had gone camping, and they thought they were these great outdoors people, and they were hiking, and they were having a great time. But they were completely done in by this little baby black bear, and it was hysterical. If you want to look at it as a moral of the story, they were like, “We’re not as cool as we thought we were.” Think about it as the art of connecting with other people. It shouldn’t look and sound like a game of out-doing each other.

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KC: Why do you think people resonated so

much with Violet in your book? I mean she is overbearing and kind of wants everything to look perfect. Why do you think so many people connected with her?

GA: I love doing book events because someone comes up to me at every single event, if not more than one person, and they say, “I swear you were writing about my mother-in-law,” or “I swear you’re writing about my aunt,” because we all know a Violet.

The other thing about her is that she’s – yes, she’s over-the-top and yes, she’s braggy and obnoxious and she does crazy things.

She’s crazy intrusive, but she’s driven out of love. She’s driven out of fear and her vulnerabilities. Those are human emotions, human reactions that we all have. So, even though we’re not Violet, hopefully, we see her in ourselves as well and people connect with that.

did you get the idea for Cerise and that whole role as playing a daughter, a child, that sort of thing?

GA: Yes. Cerise. She was interesting to explore

as a character, because she was someone that I knew her mother wanted to be so perfect, but in her own way so I had to find a way to make Cerise authentic to her - what I saw as her authentic self. Cerise is a lot like her dad.

She’s a counterbalance to her mom’s manic needs and yet she’s flawed in her own ways too. I really like Cerise. I think I would be friends with her if I bumped into her.

KC: Yes. That’s what I was going to say. I think I would be friends with her too. Then, you also added a gay daughter for Violet?

GA: Well, as I was thinking about her character, she has this need to be perfect about

everything. I do that in a couple of ways with Violet. Her husband is this highlyaccomplished scientist. He studies intestinal problems. That’s about the least desirable science that she could be talking about. So, he has to be a great scientist but he studies gross stuff.

Her daughter is perfect in so many ways, but she’s not living the life that her mother wants her to live, and so I wrote her the gay character, because I needed Violet to be faced with the challenge that would be hard for her to accept, and she does.

You can catch up with Gretchen Anthony & her work on her website: www.GretchenAnthony.com

I tell people if you’re worried about being obnoxious in your letters, just read the book because you can never be as obnoxious as Violet is. Again, if you don’t sound authentic, if you don’t sound like a real person in your letter, you haven’t gotten there.

One year when we were raising the three boys, we had three kids within four years, and one year they were all potty training.

I wrote an entire Christmas letter about underwear because that’s all we talked about at the dinner table. One of my kids was wearing multiple pairs. One of my kids wasn’t wearing anything.

I could never keep it straight in the laundry. People still talk about that letter because they’re like, “it was hysterical.” That’s exactly what we’re talking about at our dinner table.

KC: I love that. You have a character in your book, Cerise and she’s kind of interesting to me. Where

December 2021

29

Kris Kringle Cookies

Christmas Cookie Recipes

1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 1/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup white chocolate chips 1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 375° F.

In a large mixing bowl beat butter & sugar until light and fluffy.

Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons lemon zest 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 1/2 - 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt For the Icing 1 1/2 tablespoons water 3/4 cup to 1 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350° F.

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December 2021

In your mixer bowl, using the paddle attachment combine the butter and cream cheese. Cream together for about 1 minute.

Add granulated sugar and continue to mix.

Add egg and vanilla extract and continue to beat on medium to high speed until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Add half the flour, all the baking soda, salt, cornstarch and lemon zest. Add lemon juice and the remaining flour. Mix to combine until the dough starts to form like a ball. Add a little more flour until slight ball starts to form.

Cover and refrigerate dough at least 2-3 hours or up to a few days.

Prepare baking sheet and spray with cooking spray or parchment paper.

Using a cookie scoop, scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie dough. Roll cookie dough between hands to get a nice round ball and place on prepared cookie sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, removed from oven and while still hot, slightly press down if desired. Allow cookies to cool down completely before transferring. Cookies will slightly harden overnight a little more so don’t bake them much longer.

Add eggs and vanilla extract. Next add flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing well.

Gently stir in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries with a spoon.

Drop the dough by rounded spoonful onto a lined cookie sheet. I like to use a cookie scoop to make sure all my cookies are the same size.

I also use these non-stick baking mats to make sure that my cookies don’t stick to my cookie sheets.

Bake cookies for 8-9 minutes, until just browned around the edges.

If your cookies look too flat, place the remaining cookie dough in the refrigerator and let it chill for an hour so before making the rest of the cookies.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a minute before removing them to cool completely on waxed paper or wire baking racks.

To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar and water together in a small bowl.

Whisk fast until ingredients are combined with no lumps. Dip cookies upside down into icing or drizzle icing over the top and allow to harden.

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Chewy Molasses Cookies 3/4 сuр unѕаltеd butter 1 сuр brоwn sugar 1/2 сuр mоlаѕѕеѕ 1 еgg 1 tеаѕрооn сіnnаmоn 1/4 tеаѕрооn nutmеg 2 teaspoons ground gіngеr 1/2 tеаѕрооn salt 1 tablespoon baking ѕоdа 2 1/4 cups all рurроѕе flоur 1/2 сuр grаnulаtеd ѕugаr

Cover аnd сhіll аt lеаѕt 2 hоurѕ.

Rоll dоugh іntо 1 1/2” balls and roll thеm in thе grаnulаtеd ѕugаr untіl соаtеd.

Plасе dough bаllѕ 2” араrt оn аn ungreased сооkіе ѕhееt.

Bаkе fоr 8-9 minutes.

Let сооl a few mіnutеѕ on сооkіе sheet before transferring wire rасkѕ to cool соmрlеtеlу.

Preheat оvеn to 350° F.

Crеаm tоgеthеr buttеr аnd ѕugаr untіl lіght аnd fluffy.

Mіx in mоlаѕѕеѕ аnd thе egg.

1 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/4 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup additional powdered sugar for rolling Preheat oven to 400° F.

Add іn thе сіnnаmоn, nutmеg, gіngеr, ѕаlt, and bаkіng ѕоdа аnd mіx wеll.

Soften your butter thoroughly. You don’t want any hard clumps.

Grаduаllу mіx in thе flоur untіl combined.

Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla thoroughly. Add flour and salt. Stir until mixture is uniform.

Cherry Almond Cookies ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup brown sugar 1 large egg 1 tеаѕрооn almond extract 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ tеаѕрооn salt 36 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry 2 ounces white chocolate ½ teaspoon Crisco

Snowball Cookies

Preheat oven to 350° F.

With an electric mixer, beat butter, cream cheese and brown sugar at medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract; beat until just combined.

Combine flour and salt. Gradually add flour and salt to butter mixture; beat until combined. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls (yield 36). Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. With your thumb, press an indentation into the top of each ball.

Place a cherry in each indentation.

Roll into one-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheet (I like to line it with parchment for easy clean up).

Bake 10 minutes, or until set but not browned. (Err on the side of under baking. 10 minutes is perfect for my oven. If you overbake, your cookies will end up crumbly and dried out.

While the cookies are still warm, roll in additional powdered sugar. Let them cool completely and then roll again.

Store in an airtight container.

Bake until edges are light golden brown, about 12 – 14 minutes. Let cool on pan about 5 minutes; transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Place white chocolate and Crisco in a small ziptop plastic bag. Set bag in a bowl of warm water to soften. Gently knead the chocolate with your fingers until melted and smooth, placing back in the warm water for a minute or two as needed.

Snip a very small hole in the corner of the plastic bag. Drizzle white chocolate over the cooled cookies. Let stand until white chocolate is set.

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