Holiday GIft Guide #3

Page 1

Celebrations 2010

Fresh ideas for the holiday foods we love

+

Pop Goes the Turkey: Presentation Tips from the Pros Bottoms Up: How to Pair Cocktails with Dinner

Celebrations

Tastes Like Tradition

1

Party Ahead? This Year Make it Personal Party On, Without The Waste: Eco-Friendly Entertaining HOLIDAYS

2010

Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide

DECEMBER 2, 2010 • YAKIMAHERALD.COM A SPECIAL INTEREST PUBLICATION OF THE YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC

yakimaherald.com


Celebrations

2

Chalet Place

Celebrations 2010

Santa’s Coming! Saturday, Dec. 11 • 6:30pm Stop by for hot chocolate, cider and pictures with Santa!

Chalet Place • 56th & Summitview • Yakima More Than Paint-Your-Own Pottery

Great Gift Idea Design’R Gift Bags Sugar Cookie Mix, Sprinkles, and Cookie Cutter

$5

Unique homemade Artistic Gifts Original Artwork Something for Everyone

966-4248

www.hands-on-art.com

Don’t Forget... your Holiday Book Catalog from

There is still time for custom framing!

cakedecoratorshoppe.com

494-0975

Boehm’s Chocolate Santas

Decadent Fudges

Truffles Danish Kringle Pastries fresh from Larsson’s Bakery in Seattle Gift Boxes & More!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30 Sat. 10-4

Jewelry by Craig

453-1143

English Country MarkEt Beautiful, useful goods for you and yours!

Silver

40% original pieces & custom made

965-5830

www.beadandbody.com

All Sterling

Offer ends Dec, 24, 2010

www.inklingsbookshop.com

966.2273 TUESDAY-FRIDAY 10-6, SATURDAY 10-4

509-965-9256

off

YH-R

Make your own or let us custom make it for you!

Be our Facebook Friend

English Toffee

Pick up your copy at the store – money saving coupon inside!

Beads & Supplies Books & Magazines Jewelry & Gifts Gift Certificates

972.3999

You never know what you’ll find in this corner of the market… featuring fresh, colorful, practical goods and intriguing vintage finds. Chalet PlaCe 5627 Summitview avenue

(former location of the Collector’s Niche)

(509) 965–7835 englishcountrymarket.com

49.833261.HGG/L


4

9

5 FUN IDEAS TO PERSONALIZE A PARTY

Planning to gather family and friends at your home this holiday season? A little forethought and creativity will make your party personal and special

6

HOW TO DJ A PARTY ONLINE

16

3

Celebrations

12

Celebrations 2010

18

LET’S GO SLOW

Slow cooking is perfect for the annual holiday pot roast, but this year turn it up a notch

18

FINISHING TOUCH: PRESENTATION TIPS FROM THE PROS

The same old turkey-and-potatoes meal doesn’t have to look spare. Here’s how to turn the basics into a blockbuster

8

NEW READS FOR HOSTS AND HOSTESSES

20

CHEAP, EASY AND ECO, TOO!

22

9

Throwing a party doesn’t have to be expensive or wasteful. Here are some simple tips to make a holiday shindig ‘green’ without spending a lot of green

47.833232.HGG.L

HOW TO SERVE COCKTAILS AT DINNER

ONE FOR THE ROAD

Send guests home with a sweet little something

12

CANDY IS DANDY

Start a sweet new tradition perfect for sharing and interacting. And it doesn’t taste so bad, either

Thursday, December 2, 2010

4

16

49.832978.HGG.L

6

20 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com


25 N. Front St. #2

• Paperwhites • Amaryllis • Garland 48.833454.HGG.L

Celebrations

Celebrations 2010

OVE THAT IL

4

• Hammonds • Crabtree & Evelyn

452-2612 Open Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-4

Garden Girl ~ Where you will find one-of-a-kind items!

Gift Baskets Available!

Cold Beer, Fantastic Wines, Tasty Food & Appetizers • Nachos • Burgers • Sausage • Bread & • Potato Skins • Tuna Melt Sandwich Cheese • Pizza • Hot Wings Platters

Bob’s Keg & Cork 27 N. Front Street

Tues.-sAT. 3:00 pm To ?

49.833338.GG.L

This Santa’s got the perfect gift! Whether it’s picky Uncle Fred or college-bound Sarah Jane, this is a gift that’s sure to be appreciated. Two convenient locations

YH-R Holiday Gift Guide

Planning to gather family and friends at home this holiday season? A little forethought and creativity will make the party personal and special DARCI SMITH CTW FEATURES

Wines to Go!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

5 Fun Ideas to Personalize a Party

Gift Certificates Available For: •Oil Changes •Tune-Ups •Brake Jobs •Fuel Filters • Serpentine Belts •Transmission Exchange •Coolant Exchange •Power-Steering Fluid Exchange •Brake Fluid Exchange •Light Automotive Repairs • Engine Flush

301 S. 1st St. • Yakima 452-8005 th 34 & Nob Hill Blvd•Yakima 452-2100

yakimaherald.com 49.833858.HGG/L

The original & still the

BEST!

KATIE BROWN

“THE HOLIDAY SEASON is all about giving,” says Katie Brown, home and gardening expert and host of “Katie Brown Workshop.” “When you throw a party and it’s full of unique touches, that is a great gift.” Take 5 steps forward in this year’s holiday party planning with these expert tips.

STEP 1: YOU’RE INVITED!

An invitation sets the mood for a holiday gathering, says Heather Lapham Kuhn, owner of Truly Yours Custom Correspondence Design in Carmel, Ind. Electronic invitations continue to increase in popularity. Leading online invitation and social event planning service Evite claims more than 22 million registered users, with more than 25,000 “Evites” sent each hour in 2009. But Kuhn finds electronic invites too impersonal for holiday gatherings. “It’s perfectly fine for a quick get-together, but receiving an invitation in the mail today is very special,” she says. “When people receive something that isn’t a bill or junk in their mailbox, they take notice – and that gets them excited.” Plus, custom invites can help introduce a theme, motif or color scheme, Kuhn says. “Carry the idea from the first contact through the final note to really make an impact.” Custom invites can be done the DIY route, or with the assistance of a designer, depending on the budget, Kuhn notes. For

the latter, expect to pay from $3 to $25 each, depending on how simple or elaborate the design. Mail invites four to six weeks in advance to ensure a place on guests’ busy holiday calendars.

STEP 2: FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Traditional turkey and stuffing may seem like a tired menu offering, but infusing it with a family’s heritage can add a new twist. Guests appreciate a personal touch, says Dana Cox, chef instructor at Chicagobased Kendall College’s School of Culinary Arts and owner of Old Stove Gourmet, a personal chef service. “It’s something that means something to you individually,” Cox says. “People like sharing what’s important to you.” Telling the history behind a dish’s tradition while breaking bread with guests can inspire dinner conversation, Cox says. Feel free to have copies of not-sosecret family recipes on hand for guests who request them. “They can continue that story the next time they serve it,” she adds.


Celebrations 2010

STEP 3: DRESS THE TABLE

A centerpiece is as important as the place settings and serving pieces, says Jennifer McGarigle, founder of Floral Art in Venice, Calif. “It makes the table festive, special.” McGarigle believes many people stay away from centerpieces because of a preconceived notion of what they should be. “Today, not everyone wants the round centerpiece with the candle in the middle,” she says. Luckily, a traditional centerpiece isn’t necessary. McGarigle likes groupings of small, cylindrical glass vases with a single orchid blossom, leaf or floating candle on top. Vases nine inches tall make a presence without being intrusive. Create groupings of three or four on a long table, tor a grid in the middle of a round one. Miniature cypress trees also provide interest, come in varying sizes and, best of all, outlive the evening, she adds.

Little Drummer Boy. “It just meant the world to me,” she adds. “Presents meant nothing.” Such pageants set a “magical tone for the night,” Brown says, because all generations gathered to focus on a singular event. “It’s a beautiful moment in a holiday party,” she adds. Advise guests of a pageant in the invitation, so children are prepared with ideas and an appropriate costume. Still, it’s best to have props, role ideas and costumes ready for kids to run with, Brown advises. No children in attendance? Gather the adults together for a holiday-themed reading or recording, such as Clement Clarke Moore’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas” – “some kind of moment where you all come together and celebrate the season,” Brown says.

Celebrations

Another option is to update old family recipes with seasonal ingredients, or luxury ingredients not used daily. Cox’s version of green bean casserole – a fan favorite –includes a variety of wild mushrooms with a homemade béchamel cream sauce. “It’s always a huge hit,” she says. “It’s that same flavor profile but upgraded with quality ingredients.”

5

STEP 5: DON’T SEND GUESTS AWAY EMPTY-HANDED

“A takeaway gift is part of the sharing, the celebration of people in your life,” says Shai Tertner, lifestyle expert, event designer and president of Shiraz Events, a production company with offices in New York City and Miami. Plus, guests feel like hosts have invested in them, since they took the time to put a gift together, Tertner points out. “Give gifts that are a reflection of you and things you like and STEP 4: THAT’S appreciate in your life,” he says. ENTERTAINMENT The gift need not be expensive: Katie Brown has fond memories of homemade nuts, a trio of olive the pageants she, her sisters and oils, even a framed picture of the friends would put on during her host and guest are all appropriate mother’s annual post-church and touching offerings. Don’t forChristmas Eve gathering. While get packaging, which can be personalized with branded stickers or adults celebrated in her family’s Petoskey, Mich., home, the children cards, or wrapped in a favorite color guests will immediately assospent a good portion of their eveciate with their host. ning rehearsing. “It’s the thought that counts, but “I felt like I was contributing to let it be a stylish thought,” Tertner the whole festival of Christmas,” says. says Brown. One especially good year was when she played the © CTW Features

Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com 49.833865.HGG.L


Celebrations

6

Celebrations 2010

DJing with the Web

Stream a personalized holiday playlist from a top online music database at your party. It’s easy, fun and free TANIESHA ROBINSON CTW FEATURES

a decent internet connection and speakers are all that’s needed to DJ a party this holiday season. It’s a great money-saving idea. Holiday web DJ’s can customize their music and in some GROOVESHARK cases take requests! Here’s a www.listen.grooveshark.com guide on how to do the job with some of the top sites for music It’s the world’s largest online music streaming. library, so you’re bound to find all of your favorite holiday tunes. Set up a playlist before the party and take individual requests during the festivities. Users can search for any song and discover new ones through the recommendation system “Grooveshark Radio.”

A COMPUTER,

Tomorrow’s Holiday Sounds Today Want to add some fresh sounds to the standard holiday fare. Try these updated holiday classics, perfect for rockin’ around the Christmas tree

PANDORA

www.pandora.com

Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

Get started early on by customizing a holiday Pandora station. It takes quite a few thumbs up and thumbs down ratings to truly tailor the station to your taste. Type in the name of your favorite artist followed by “holiday” and QuickMix it with one of the site’s pre-mixed stations like Rockin’ Holidays. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to search and play specific songs, but the site does a good job profiling tastes in music. Pandora’s 48 million subscribers can choose from a library of more than 700,000 songs.

SPOTIFY

www.spotify.com Incorporate a personal iTunes collection into the holiday mix with Spotify Open. Users get 20 free hours per month to access and stream music from this 8-milliontrack library. All of these sites run the occasional audio ad, which can be annoying to guests. But an upgrade from any of these services would scrap the ads and unlock tons of other cool features for a fee that may still run less than DJ costs. © CTW Features

If On a Winter’s Night Sting (Deutsche Grammophone, 2009) Genre: Adult Contemporary

Not So Silent Night R.E.O. Speedwagon (Sony, 2010)

Genre: ’80s pop Celtic Thunder Christmas Celtic Thunder (Celtic Thunder Limited, 2010) Genre: Traditional Irish Christmas Comes Alive Brian Setzer Orchestra (Surfdog, 2010) Genre: Swing/Big Band

A Cherry Cherry Christmas Neil Diamond (Columbia, 2009) Genre: Easy Listening

Christmas In the Heart Bob Dylan (Sony, 2009) Genre: Folk/Rock

Midwinter Graces Tori Amos (Universal Republic, 2009) Genre: Alternative Christmas Clay Walker (Warner Bros., 2010) Genre: Country © CTW Features


There’s Snow Over Owens! Celebrations 2010

7

Celebrations

800 RZR CAMO TRACK

800 RZR UTV w/PLOW

(Available for your UTV side x side)

Red With Top

$11,76900

$12,36900

+tax & license

+tax & license

Blade not included

500 H.O. E.F.I. w/Plow

Tough

Optional tracks available

$7,26900

CLINCH

KILM

Rekon Bib Overalls

Bibs

Tough, Articulated Knee, Multiple Zippered Pockets

Breathable, GORE-TEX®

$35999

$38999

KILM

KILM Valdez Parka Warm, Dry Comfortable

Adrenaline GTX® Riding Boots

Non-bulky, GORE-TEX®

$18999

$419

99

Cycle

PITTARDS

Summit Gloves

Breathable, GORE-TEX®

1707 N. First Street • Yakima WA 98901 • 509.575.1916

$16999

49.833175.HGG/L

HOMETOWN

Home Brew for the Holidays Great Gift Ideas From The Brew Shop

• Complete Beer Making Supplies Hops, Grain, Yeast & More

• Wine Making Kits & Supplies Wine Making Kits! Brew Starter Kits! • Cheese Making Supplies Was $89.99 Was $79.99 • Soda Flavor Concentrates 99 Now...$ 99 Now...$ • Green Coffee Beans & Roasting Equipment

69

Sale ends Dec. 24th

49

Sale ends Dec. 24th

Headquarters for Beer & Wine Making supplies

Cheese Ingredients Kits

Now...

20%

OFF

Sale ends Dec. 24th

Mon-Sat 8-7 Sunday 9-6

49.832991.HGG/L

HOMETOWN

Hardware • 3700 Tieton Drive • 972-4400

Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com


Celebrations

8

Celebrations 2010

Eye Candy

Deck the Halls • Beautiful FRESH-CUT Christmas Trees Choose from Noble, Frasier, Grand & Douglas Fir • FRESH-CUT Garland, Wreaths and Poinsettias • Several Sizes & Varieties of LIVE POTTED Trees • Christmas Ornaments & Decor • Unique Gifts for the Gardener on your list! Gift Cards too! • Childrens Coloring Contest ...stop in & pick up your coloring sheet

seeking inspiration for the next holiday gala will find plenty to chew on in the latest holiday cookbooks and entertaining guides. From cookies to cocktails to Crock-Pots, read up on the latest trends for 2010 and throw the poshest party on the block.

HOSTS AND HOSTESSES

• Santa Claus is Coming! Dec. 12th & 19th, 1-4pm $5.00 donation to Children’s Wishes and Dreams.

HOURS: M-F 9-5 • Sat. & Sun. 10-5

Visit us at: www.russells-nursery.com

Cocktails: 50 Cork-Popping Concoctions and Scintillating Sparklers by A.J. Rathbun (Harvard Common Press, 2010)

• Toys, Games & Books • Jewelry • Baby Clothes • Stuffed Animals • Stocking Stuffers • Christmas Figurines • Christmas Decorations • Greeting Cards • Frames ... And More! Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

10th St. & Tacoma Ave. – Sunnyside, WA 509.837.1646 49.833860.HGG.L

Margaret Fulton Christmas: A Collection of Christmas Favorites by Margaret Fulton (Hardie Grant Books, 2010)

A Very Merry Cookie Party: How to Plan and Host a Christmas Cookie Exchange by Virginia Van Vynckt, Barbara Grunes and France Ruffenach (Chronicle Books, 2010)

CTW FEATURES

Savannah Celebrations: Simple Southern Party Menus by Martha Nesbit (Pelican Publishing, 2010) C

Party Vegan by Robin Robertson (Wiley, 2010) D

B

A Champagne

49.833859.GG.L

6710 Tieton Drive • 966-0698

A

MATTHEW M. F. MILLER

C

D

B

E

A Homemade Christmas: Creative Ideas for an Earth-Friendly, Frugal, Festive Holiday by Tina Barseghian (Harlequin, 2010)

Gorgeous Christmas by Annie Bell and Chris Alack (Kyle Books, 2010)

Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions by Rosanna Bowles (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2010)

E Betty Crocker

Christmas Cookbook (Betty Crocker, 2010)

© CTW Features


Celebrations 2010

Throwing a party doesn’t have to be expensive or wasteful. Here, some simple tips to make a holiday shindig ‘green’ without spending a lot of green DAWN KLINGENSMITH CTW FEATURES

ARRIVING AT Pat Smith’s home for her

holiday party, one might think her little tree, perched on a table and adorned with a delicate strand of lights, is an homage to “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” But actually, the little tree makes a big statement about Smith’s commitment to the environment. Buying and disposing of both real and artificial Christmas trees is wasteful, she says. Her eco-friendly substitute is a potted Norfolk Island pine that thrives yearround in a sunny room until Christmastime, when Smith moves it to a place of honor and drapes it with energyefficient LED lights and hand-tied straw ornaments made of renewable materials. Smith is a firm believer that holiday entertaining need not be wasteful or expensive. She and other eco-conscious hosts share tips on how to throw a stylish, spirited party while saving money and protecting the environment.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

“Not having a big fancy dinner and lots of preparation minimizes driving all over for food and party supplies,” says Smith, principal of OnTarget Public Relations, Denver. For a gathering of close friends and

family she suggests potluck or a big pot of hearty soup, salad and a simple, light dessert. The lack of excess “is a relief from an already indulgent, calorie-intensive holiday,” Smith says. “People are generally grateful not to be pressed with food.”

PAPER OR PIXELS

Some folks feel that sending e-mail invitations via www.evite.com is impersonal, but Andrea Woroch champions online invitation platforms because they’re fast, free and paperless. “Attendees can even

arrange to carpool together through the invitation site,” saving on gas and emissions, says Woroch, a Santa Barbara, Calif.-based consumer finance expert by day and a party planner by night.

November 24th thru December 5th Buy $10000 in “Gift Certificates” and Receive 3 Movie Passes (one admission each)

Mercy Movie Money Gift CeRtifiCates

Available at ALL Yakima Theatre Box Offices – cash only–

Accepted for ksAdmission & Snac

9

Celebrations

Cheap, Easy And Eco, Too!

FREE MOVIE PASSES...

EASY to Give!e! Fun to Receiv es! For ALL Agne ’s Face! eryo

Puts A Smile on Ev

Hotline (509) 248-2525 www.yakimatheatres.com

49.833166.HGG/L

Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

49.833333.HGG.L


Celebrations

10

20% OFF MENS & WOMENS SLIPPERS

Celebrations 2010

“The ultimate comfort experience.” VALLEY MALL • 248-3696 49.833918.HGG/L

Rejuvenate your entire body! Tightens skin and reduces fine lines on the entire body. No UV No Down time & No Discomfort

Give a GIFT CERTIFICATE for the ultimate gift! 901 W. Yakima Ave., Suite 5B – Yakima 509.248.9891

49.833172.HGG/L

LOSE THE ENVELOPE

If you prefer to send invitations the old-fashioned way, print them on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Send a postcard invitation instead of a card to save on paper and postage, says event planner Meghan Andalman, owner of Lovebird Events in Chicago.

47.833437.HGG/L

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

47.832996.HGG.L

YH-R

letto.com, about eco-friendly living. She likes to decorate with groupings of living plants that her guests can take home as party favors.

’TIS THE SEASON

Deck the halls with seasonal, plentiful items like evergreen boughs and holly. “Red apples, winter squashes, even pinecones look beautiful as FORGO THE FLOWERS centerpieces when placed in large Typically, “Cut flowers are grown glass bowls or vases,” Andalman with pesticides under less-than-sus- says. For the ultimate eco-friendly tainable circumstances” and their feast, seasonality should extend to importation raises ecological issues, the menu. “Support local businesssays Los Angeles-based writer es and reduce your carbon footprint Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, who pubby planning a menu around locally lishes an online magazine, EcoStigrown, in-season foods,” she adds.


Celebrations 2010 Using glassware and cloth napkins means more cleanup, but think of it in terms of cleaning a small space now as opposed to an overburdened planet later. “If you have to go disposable, use biodegradable veggie plastic from GreenWare or EarthShell,” Sarnoff suggests. If using plastic cups, have guests write their name on theirs with permanent marker so they don’t keep “losing” their drink and using new glasses. Make sure recycle bins for bottles and cans are located beside each trash can and are clearly marked so your guests will know to sort.

UNPLUGGED ENTERTAINMENT

509.833.9251 • 3410 W. Nobhill Blvd. Mon: 11-5, Tue-Fri: 11-7 • Sat. 11-5

www.pursecrazystore.com

Exp. 12/31/10

We Accept: 48.833496.HGG.L

Trendsitional Lighting by

The Village Shoppe

49.833260.HGG.L

Dim or turn off overhead lighting and use eco-friendly, paraffin-free candles to save electricity and set the mood. Also consider hiring a piano player or a quartet to play acoustical music instead of using your stereo system, Andalman suggests.

Smith’s is a Norfolk Island pine. • Choose a pot that is not so heavy you can’t move it at Christmastime and that also allows the tree and its root system room to grow. It’s possible to choose a color, such as a muted metallic or white, that enhances both everyday and Christmas décor, but that’s not necessary, since you’ll probably drape the base with a tree skirt just like a regular Christmas tree. • When not decorated and displayed for Christmas, a Norfolk Island pine like Smith’s prefers a sunny room that’s free of drafts. In certain regions, these trees will thrive outside in the summertime. Read up on how to care for roots and whether periodic re-potting is needed, because the roots need to grow and spread out in order for your tree to gain height. • When it’s just a shorty, your tree will need to be elevated on a table if it’s intended to be a focal point. Conceal the table with fabric that drapes nicely. • Ornaments must be light-

11

Celebrations

DUST OFF THE CHINA

Bring This Ad in & geT 10% Off

www.dimondlighting.com

Where you always find that one-of-a-kind treasure for your home and garden. FINE FURNITURE • ACCESSORIES • GARDEN PLANTS • DESIGN SERVICES

574-5281• 2402 FRUITVALE • www.thevillageshoppe.net

“Red apples, winter squashes, even pinecones look beautiful as centerpieces when placed in large glass bowls or vases.” — MEGHAN ANDALMAN, LOVEBIRD EVENTS

ADOPT A YEAR-ROUND CHRISTMAS TREE

weight, such as strung popcorn. And of course your tree topper can’t Rather than buying a live tree every be too heavy or your tree will break year or a fake one that will eventual- or be forced into a backbend. ly end up in a landfill, consider rais• Tell kids that while there’s not ing an indoor potted evergreen that a lot of room for presents directly thrives year-round and does double- underneath the tree, they will get duty as a Christmas tree. Plus, it will two stories, or levels, of gifts come grow right alongside you and your Christmas day. Place small gifts on loved ones. the tabletop and larger ones at the “Mine has grown a foot-and-abase of the table. You can even half since I got it,” says Smith, who place one or two surprise gifts shares the following tips for adoptunderneath the table drape and ing a tree of your own: see how long it takes before • Consult a local nursery for suit- they’re discovered. able species. Conifers look the most © CTW Features like miniature Christmas trees.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Stein’s

7200 W. Nob Hill Blvd.

965-2622

Hardware

49.833971.HGG/L

M-F 7-7 • SAT 8-6 • SUN 9-4

YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com


Celebrations 2010

Celebrations

12

Candy is Dandy

Start a sweet new tradition perfect for sharing and interacting. And it doesn’t taste half bad, either MATTHEW M. F. MILLER CTW FEATURES

WILTON ENTERPRISE & ANITA CHU

Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

For Nancy Siler’s children, making homemade candy was as integral to the holidays as tearing open the presents on Christmas morning. “We loved the kitchen experience and the creativity of deciding whether we were going to make easy and quick clusters or mold some special iconic shapes in candy molds,” says Siler, vice president of consumer affairs for Woodridge, Ill.-based Wilton, a popular food-crafting company. “It was fun to share the creations with family and friends, especially the grandparents!” Creativity is also the allure for Anita Chu, author of “Field Guide to Candy: How to Identify and Make Virtually Every Candy Imaginable” (Quirk Books, 2009). “As with all other homemade goods, you can control what goes

into your homemade candy, which makes it that much more unique and special,” she says. “You can come up with your own flavors and your own presentation for your candies. You can also avoid many of the preservatives and additives that go into mass-produced candy. There is a world of difference between fresh chocolate and butter and mass produced, prepackaged items.” According to both Chu and Siler, people tend to be unnecessarily intimidated by the candy-

making process, which can be easy and rewarding if you start small and carry a big thermometer. “Start small and practice. Many candies are surprisingly simple to make at home and require no more skill than mixing ingredients together or melting chocolate,” Chu says. “Candies that require skill, like cooking sugar or tempering chocolate, can also be mastered with a little patience and practice.” Siler says that many of the

tools needed for basic candy-making are already in your home. “You can melt large amounts of chocolate or confectionery coating in the microwave, which is perfect for molding and dipping candies, cookies or pretzels,” she says. “Or mix in 1/2 cup of rice cereal, nuts, coconut or chocolate-covered candies with 1 cup of candy melts and drop onto a parchment-covered cookie sheet for clusters.” The essential tools to get started are a candy thermometer that


select the right flavors, targeted to the person who is receiving the goodies. And since most people can’t resist the allure of candy, she says don’t worry about how long it will stay fresh. “Most candies don’t last that long to worry about freshness, especially at the holidays,” she says. Chu agrees. “Anything with chocolate is always welcome. Candy is almost always made for gift-giving, so most candies are suitable as long as you give it away soon after making it, and let the recipient know to keep them cool, dry and covered.” Chu’s favorite gift candies are chocolate covered nut clusters, caramel corn, chocolate bark and English toffee. Cookie exchanges have long been a popular activity around the holidays, but making candy can be a great way to bond with family and friends, and to get a nice array of sweets without spending the entire month cooking. “Candy clubs are a great way to experiment with candy-making, especially as most recipes yield quite a few pieces, so it’s easy to divide them up,” Chu says. “Dipping chocolates or forming nut clusters is a fun group activity. Taffy-pulling parties used to be a popular activity in Colonial days.” And while candy-making isn’t kids stuff, many recipes are fun and easy for younger candy enthusiasts. Chu recommends caramel corn, chocolate-dipped pretzels, coconut haystacks, nofail fudge and peanut butter balls, which all have just a few ingredients. These are all relatively simple to assemble and provide children the satisfaction of creating their own candy. © CTW Features

13

Celebrations

goes up to 400 degrees F (if you want to cook sugar), aluminum baking sheets for lining up candies to cool and inexpensive plastic molds, if the agenda includes making molded chocolates or candies. Chu also recommends using thin latex or cotton gloves, which allow candy makers to handle finished candies without leaving prints. In these cash-strapped times, Siler says candy is an inexpensive, scrumptious present to share with loved ones. “The holidays inspire gift-giving and sharing with family and friends. What better gift is there than to craft something with your own two hands?” Siler says. “Everyone loves to receive delicious homemade treats that come from the heart. It’s a personal touch that shows you took the time to create something special from your kitchen.” One of this year’s emerging trends for candy making is the addition of sea salt to sweets. “Sweet and salty is a nice combination,” Siler says. “Think about making chocolate-dipped potato chips and pretzels. If making truffles, a very small amount of a good quality, larger particle salt could be placed on top.” Chu finds that sea salt pairs well with caramel. Its distinct tang contrasts with the rich sweetness of the caramel, giving more dimension to the buttery caramel flavor. “Sea salt should be used as a highlight though, not simply substituted for regular salt in a recipe,” she says. Chu says that another big trend is homemade marshmallows, in all sorts of flavors, as well as old classics jazzed up with modern ingredients, like peanut brittle with sea salt or chocolate bark with roasted cacao nibs and pumpkin seeds. To give candy as a gift, Siler suggests making the effort to

Celebrations 2010

Fleur de Sel Caramels ingredients 1 cup sugar 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup light corn syrup 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel 1 tablespoon vanilla extract method Line an 8-by-8 inch baking pan with a piece of parchment paper long enough to hang

over the edges. Butter the parchment well. Combine the sugar and cream in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the corn syrup and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 230 degrees F. Add the butter and stir carefully to combine. Continue cooking mixture until it reaches 245 degrees F.

Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla. Pour mixture into pan to cool and harden. Remove the caramel block from the pan and cut into squares using a sharp, well-oiled knife. Sprinkle a few grains of fleur de sel on top of the caramels before wrapping. Yield: About 60 caramels © CTW Features

Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com


COUPON

AT 453-3369 UPSTAIRS THE VALLEY MALL

20% OFF

Any Regular Priced Merchandise Good Thru 12/25/10

Celebrations 2010

49.833802.HGG.L

Celebrations

14

Good for:

Jessi - PROOF sALes - GiFT GUiDe - FULL.RVs 1109 sPR.COR/PDF 1110 sPR 47.832988.THUR.118.1_8H.sJB

Support your local Shriners

Give a Gift of Apples or Oranges

California Fancy Navel Oranges......15 lb. Box....$15 Washington Extra Fancy Red & Fuji..22 lb. Box....$26 12 lb. Box....$16 Shipping is additional.

Hours: Mon-Fri 10-3 2802 Fruitvale Blvd. (509) 452–2810 • Yakima masada@shrine191.com • yakimamasada.org

From “Dulce: Desserts in the Latin-American Tradition” (Rizzoli, 2010) 50.819468.HGG.K

Coming March 12, 2011 Last year more than 2,500 people in the Yakima Valley attended the first-ever Playdate Expo.

Seventy businesses participated in last year’s event at the Yakima Valley Convention Center and the response from both attendees and vendors was overwhelmingly positive! In fact, the event proved so popular that this year we’ve expanded to allow even more participation! However, booth space is limited, so please contact us today to reserve your booth and discuss this exciting opportunity to promote your business.

Standard Booth ........... $250 (includes 8 ft. table)

Non-Profit .................... $200 (includes 8 ft. table) Thursday, December 2, 2010

DON’T MISS OUT...

Contact Leslie Lubrano Today for More Info! Phone: (509)577-7743 llubrano@yakimaherald.com

YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

47.831850.HGG.L

Nougat Candy (Turrón) with Almonds & Cashews

If your target market is parents and families, you need to contact us today about this FUN and AFFORDABLE way to reach new customers.

ingredients 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 cup honey 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, seeds scraped out and reserved (or 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract) 1 egg white 1 pinch cream of tartar 1 cup toasted and coarsely chopped almonds 1 cup toasted and coarsely chopped cashews About 2 cups confectioners’ sugar method In a small saucepan over medium heat bring the granulated sugar, honey and vanilla bean and seeds (or extract) to a boil. Continue cooking, without stirring, until the temperature on a candy thermometer reaches 248 degrees F (the “soft ball” stage). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, scoop a bit of the sugar mixture onto a spoon and submerge it in a bowl of ice water for a few seconds. Grab the sugar with your fingertips. You should be able to form it into a small, soft ball. Remove the vanilla bean.

While the syrup is cooking, soak the bowl and the whisk attachment of an electric mixer in warm water and dry thoroughly. This will ensure that the egg whites gain enough volume during beating. Put the egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl and beat until soft peaks form. Turn the mixer to high speed and slowly and carefully add the hot syrup to the egg white mixture. Continue beating at high speed until the meringue becomes nice and fluffy, 5 to 7 minutes, or until the bowl no longer feels hot to the touch. Fold in the nuts. Dust a work surface generously with confectioners sugar. Pour the warm nougat on top and cover it with more confectioners sugar. Knead it until it is fully coated with the sugar and no longer sticking to the surface of your hands, about 1 minute. Form the nougat into a large rectangle and, using a rolling pin dusted with more sugar, flatten it to 1/2-inch thick. Cut the nougat into 2-by-1-inch rectangles and transfer them to a container dusted with confectioners sugar. Once the candy has cooled completely, cover the container and store in a cool, dry spot. © CTW Features


Celebrations 2010

• Unique Gift Ideas • Dining Room Sets • Flat Screen TV Stands • Wine Cabinets

105 S. Toppenish Avenue Downtown Toppenish

Hours Open: Mon. 12-5pm ,Tue.-Sat. 10-5 Call for Sunday Hours

Candy Corn From “Field Guide to Candy” by Anita Chu © 2009 Quirk Productions. Used with the permission of Quirk Books. Halloween wouldn’t be complete without pumpkins and candy corn. Vary the colors for other holidays. You can make Indian corn (brown, orange and white), reindeer corn (red, green and white), and cupid corn (red, pink and white). Candy corn traditionalists eat each stripe of color one nibble at a time. Candy-making notes: When forming the ropes of dough into one piece, lightly running a rolling pin over the top will help press the colors together. ingredients 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/4 cup dry powdered milk 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar 2/3 cup corn syrup 1/3 cup unsalted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Food coloring, if desired method Combine confectioners sugar, powdered milk and salt in a bowl and set aside. Combine sugar, corn syrup and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes, stirring

(509) 865-5300

49.833675.GG.L

15

Celebrations

Bedroom Sets s Child’s Rocker le b Child’s Play Ta

Everything you need to have a beautiful Christmas! Come see 16 beautifully decorated trees.

Scarves • Jewelry • Lotions • Art • Jewel Kade ~ Inspired Jewelry, Handcrafted Artistry Many other gift items to choose from

Selah Sandwich & Gift Shop

105 W. Naches aveNue – selah, Wa 98942 – 509-697-5550 Tue-Fri: 7am – 5pm • Sat: 10am – 3pm

occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Add the dry milk mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine. Let mixture rest for a few minutes until it is cool enough to handle. Divide dough into 3 equal parts and place each portion in a bowl. Add coloring as desired. Knead each portion of dough until the coloring is evenly distributed and the dough is smooth and stiff. Roll each portion into a rope about 1/2 inch thick. Place the three ropes of dough next to each other to form a long rectangle. Use a rolling pin to gently press them together. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into triangles and place on a baking sheet. Let set for about 1 hour. Yield: About 80 pieces Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months. © CTW Features

Gift Certificates Make a Great Gift!

50% Off any new client

We offer unique & specialized services … - Vibradermabrasion - Blue Light Acne Facial - Complete Skin Rejuvenation - Skin Brightening Facial - Rosacea Facial - Chemical peels (specially trained for Jessner peel)

49.833158.HGG/L

Our unique Body Wraps allow you to lose 4 to 16 inches! We are well equipped with advanced technology such as Vibraderm, LED machine, O2xy Spa machine, LightVac machine, and Microcurrent. Visit: www.FeminaBeauty.com Thursday, December 2, 2010

Awarded Best Spa for the last 3 years!

Located in the Valley Mall

509-452-2920

49.833259.HGG/L

YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com


The Perfect Family Christmas Gift is a... Nordic Spa

Celebrations 2010

Let’s Go Slow Locally owned and operated by Jerry and Yvonne Sikes 724 S. Fourth Street • Sunnyside JANNA.PROOF SALES.HGG.CMYK.RVS 1119 (2) SPR, RVS 1123 SPR.PDF 1124 (509)837-5896 SPR 49.832922.THURS.1202.1/8PG.SPR

Great Gifts for the Holidays! Vases, Handbags, Candles…

49.832922.HGG/L

Loo-Wit GARDENS

3806 Summitview • Yakima, WA 98902 • (509) 966-7010

Give the gift of relaxation! • • • • • • • •

Body Sugar Scrubs & Mudd Wraps Manicure & Pedicure Designer Cuts & Styles Massage Therapy Bare Escentuals Make-up Waxing (sugar & full body) Coloring & Foiling Gift Certificates available!

Not pictured Tina Ring

(509) 575–8952

3908 Creekside Loop, Suite 110 Yakima, WA 98902 49.833178.HGG/L

Buy Your Christmas Outfit Here!

Gift Certificates Available

Now Taking Winter & Holiday Consignments. Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R

823.4552

CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

3112 W. Nob Hill Blvd. • Yakima

Tues - Fri Open til 8pm

49.833457.HGG/L

Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

Lady Godiva’s

Slow cooking is perfect for the annual pot roast. This year, turn it up a notch BEV BENNETT CTW FEATURES

THE ASSORTMENT of counter-clogging cookware you need to braise, bake or warm a holiday menu can be replaced by this year’s one musthave appliance: the slow cooker. This trusty tool, which cooks weeknight chili or sloppy joes when time can’t be spared, works magic on elegant cuisine. “It’s indispensable for entertaining,” says Sandra Lee, the Food Network star and best-selling cookbook author. “You can bake in it; you can use inexpensive beef cuts,” she adds. The slow cooker’s makeover as a gourmet appliance isn’t surprising to devotees. However, even fans are amazed by its versatility and convenience. Thanks to renewed interest in Julia Child’s cookbooks, braising is becoming popular. The method calls for cooking food in a small amount of liquid in a covered container over low heat for a long time. “A slow braise that you could do on the stovetop or in the oven, you can also do in a slow cooker,” says Michele Scicolone, author of “The Italian Slow Cooker” (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010). In fact, if you can put a dish in the oven to cook for three hours you

can put it in a slow cooker instead, according to Betty Byrne, director of the consumer test kitchen for Hamilton Beach Brands. A slow cooker is made for longsimmering recipes, but temperamental dishes also fare surprisingly well. “I love making polenta as an

Image courtesy Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade

Floor Models on Sale Now! 47.832408.HGG.L

Celebrations

16

accompaniment to pot roast,” Scicolone says. “But it’s very fussy when you stand there and stir it. If you make it in a slow cooker it stays creamy.” Even those cooks who prepare party foods the traditional way will find the advantages to the utensil. “Some people use the slow cooker simply for keeping food warm,” Byrne says. “They may not cook food in the slow cooker, but use it as a serving piece [similar to a chafing dish].” © CTW Features


Celebrations 2010

17

Image courtesy Unilever

Toss & Go Throw in the ingredients and walk away. That’s the lure of the slow cooker. However, some enthusiasts are adding the extra step of browning foods, such as meat and onions on top of the stove, before slow cooking. Browning turns meat an appealing rich color and gives meat an extra depth of flavor. Onions are caramelized and taste sweeter. Almost half the cooks in a recent

survey brown some foods first, according to Betty Byrne with Hamilton Beach Brands. But do you need to make extra work for yourself? In a side-by-side test of chicken cooked for six hours, Michele Scicolone couldn’t tell the difference in color or flavor between chicken that was first browned and chicken that was immediately placed in a slow cooker. “Brown first if you want to draw the fat out [of the meat],” says Scicolone, who isn’t browning as many foods as she once did. © CTW Features

Beef Shanks with Red Wine and Tomatoes (Adapted from “The Italian Slow Cooker”) ingredients 1 large head garlic, separated into cloves, peeled 2 cups dry red wine 1 (14-ounce) can Italian peeled tomatoes with their juice, chopped 1 (4-inch) sprig fresh rosemary or 1 tablespoon crushed, dried 3 pounds bone-in beef shanks, about 2 inches thick, trimmed Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Thick-sliced Italian bread

Celebrations

49.833917.HGG.L

Beads, Beads, and MORE Beads! Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 11-4, Closed Holidays 877-6405 • 201 S. Wapato Ave • Wapato www.wapatobeads.com

47.832884.HHG/L

 Great selection of unique ponies  The Trail of Painted Ponies ornaments also available GIFTS and ANTIQUES

(509)457-4540 • 3715 RIVER ROAD • YAKIMA

method Scatter garlic in large slow cooker. Add the wine, tomatoes and rosemary. Place the beef shanks in the cooker and sprinkle with salt to taste and plenty of pepper. Cover and cook at low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or until beef is tender and falling off the bone. Skim and discard excess fat; correct seasoning. Toast the bread and place 1 or 2 slices in each serving dish. Break the beef up with a spoon and ladle some of the beef, garlic and juices over the bread. Serve with the bones for the marrow. Makes 8 servings. © CTW Features

www.cobblestonesgifts.com

Valley Home & Gifts

Across from H Macy’s in Union Gap (509)575-7939 49.833441.HGG.L

YOUR HISTORY, YOUR BOOK Tree Top

Creating a Fruit Revolution David H. Stratton

Washington is the largest domestic apple producer, and the fruit is the state’s top-ranked agricultural commodity. Tree Top chronicles Northwest apple history and celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the innovative grower cooperative. Washington State University Press books are available at bookstores, online at wsupress.wsu.edu, or by phone at 800-354-7360.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Paperback • $29.95 ISBN 978-0-87422-306-4

YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

&INE 1UALITY "OOKS FROM THE 0ACIFIC .ORTHWEST

49.833849.HGG.L


Celebrations 2010

Celebrations

18

Finishing Touch: Presentation Tips from the Pros The same old turkey-andpotatoes meal doesn’t have to look spare. Here’s how to turn the basics into a blockbuster ANNA SACHSE CTW FEATURES

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

into something super chic. Holiday meals usually involve children and teenagers, so creating a signature seasonal drink that can be made with or without alcohol is fun and allows everyone to participate, says Schemper. Try an “add your own wine” roasted-fruit sangria made with dark fruit juices, or cranberry mimosas and mockmosas featuring sparkling white grape juice and sweetened cranberry ice cubes. True also likes serving a trio of fabulous hot drinks. “Our current favorite holiday sips are brandied hot chocolate, mulled wine with Triple Sec, cardamom and crystallized ginger and a warm apple pie cocktail, which tastes exactly like apple pie, only in liquid form.”

GIVE EVERY DISH A PROP THAT POPS

Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

Think of garnishes and tableware as the ultimate accessory for a meal. An ultra-creative way to garnish is to actually cook the decoration into the dish, says Baldwin. “Inlaying herbs beneath the skin of the bird makes for a beautiful presentation before carving and accompany grilled butterflied turEVERY YEAR it’s the same old song and go all out with an Indian Spiced adds a lot of flavor.” To do it, careTurkey that’s been brined in yogurt key. dance – holiday meals that consist fully loosen the skin from the Finally, a simple way to banish and roasted with turmeric, corianof the standard turkey, stuffing, meat on the breast and insert boredom from the table is to serve whole sage leaves, thyme sprigs der seeds and fenugreek. Pair it mashed potatoes and cranberries. But with a little thinking outside with Curried Mashed Potatoes with up a side dish that’s similar, but not or rosemary in whatever pattern the same. For example, instead of the icebox, it’s possible to have a Peas (a take on the classic samosa you prefer. After the bird cooks, mashed potatoes, try a root vegeta- the design will appear through traditional dinner and a five-star filling) and apple chutney. presentation, too. The chutney could work as a sub- ble gratin, says Brittany Baldwin, the skin. stitute for cranberries, but if you can’t chef/owner of Portland Home Another Baldwin garnish go-to Chef, Portland, Ore. Or instead of REWRITE THE SCRIPT imagine the holidays without those is pink peppercorns. Mild and a stuffing, serve savory bread pudWant to serve the classic dishes, but little red balls, go cross-cultural and little sweet compared to white or ding made with seasonal vegetable black peppercorns, you can use avoid preparing them in a clichéd make the following version, a new combinations like butternut them whole to add a speck of red way? favorite of Margo True, food editor squash cubes, thyme and chanterwithout overpowering a dish. For “Even though a holiday like for “Sunset” magazine: fresh cranberelle mushrooms, or brussels an appetizer, she rolls a log of Thanksgiving is purely American, ries simmered with sweet-tart pomesprouts and radicchio with parmegoat cheese in pink peppercorns your plate needn’t be,” says Molly granate molasses from the Eastern san. and drizzles with garlic or citrusSchemper, co-owner of ChicagoMediterranean. Look for this piquant These dishes have the added flavored olive oil and serves with based FIG Catering. syrup in the imported foods aisle. benefit of providing a satisfying crackers. She recommends adding Another scene-stealing option is and unique option for vegetarians. intrigue to a traditional meal by to most of the meal on the grill. For a sweeter accent, Schemper Schemper suggests grilled iceberg using ingredients inspired by ethlikes candied ginger and citrus nic cuisines. For example, serve the lettuce wedge salad, orange and LET THE SUPPORTING peels. To DIY it, chop peeled ginger honey grilled sweet potatoes, turkey with a Mexican mole sauce and citrus peel and boil in water for ACTORS STAND OUT grilled sourdough stuffing and made with chiles, tomatilloes, Sometimes all it takes is a special one hour. Drain and boil in a simdried fruit, nuts and chocolate. Or, grilled fruit with whipped cream to beverage to turn a basic spread ple sugar mixer (equal parts water


Celebrations 2010

TRICK OUT THE SET

Finally, décor also plays a part in

the success of the final presentation. Try embellishing the table with a beautiful log of sprouting blue oyster mushrooms from Far West Fungi (FarWestFungi.com), sprays of winter berries and leaves, or colorful winter fruits like persimmons, lemons and tangerines clustered near votive candles, says True. Baldwin likes inserting flowery vegetables such as brussels sprouts, purple cauliflower and baby turnips into holiday bouquets, with sprigs of kale, chard and mustard greens. And Schemper suggests using hollowed out pumpkins, acorn squash and dried gourds as candle holders or vases. Centerpieces inspired by nature are an easy way to remind everyone that, when it comes to holiday meals, the earth’s bounty is really what deserves our applause. © CTW Features

Gourmet Green Bean Casserole Get rave reviews by making a classic dish from scratch. Baldwin’s DIY recipe for green bean casserole contains less salt and preservatives, and allows you to incorporate organic ingredients. Better yet, Baldwin says, “It’s very simple and much better tasting!” Ingredients 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 medium onion, chopped 1 pound mushrooms, chopped 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 1/2 pounds of green beans, either frozen or fresh with the stems removed and sliced into small pieces 6 tablespoons flour 2 cups milk 8 ounces fried onion pieces

Method Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sauté chopped onions for 2 minutes in two tablespoons of the butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 8 minutes, then stir in 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper and set aside. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and add flour, whisking until mixture begins to turn golden, about 2 minutes. Pour in milk and continue whisking until mixture has thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in remaining salt and pepper and pour mixture over beans. Pour beans into a buttered 9x13 glass dish. Cover and cook on top shelf of oven until bubbly, about 15 minutes. Uncover and add onion pieces, cook another 30 seconds or until golden brown.Add garlic, wild mushrooms or bacon to this dish for a tasty twist. © CTW Features

Celebrations

and sugar) for another hour. Once removed, place pieces on a baking sheet covered with sugar, toss to dust and let dry. As a bonus,use the leftover ginger or citrus-infused syrup with dessert or in cocktails. The right tableware can quickly lend character to an event. Consider serving a trio of soups to guests in shot glasses, says True, or dole out individual little gravy pitchers, available for less than $2 at some stores. Another solution for the gravy is to use that pretty teapot that usually collects dust, says Lisa Homa, a food stylist and recipe developer in New York City. “They’re the perfect vessel because there’s a top to keep in the heat, a spout for pouring, and they’re meant for hot liquids.” Mix and match high and low china and glassware, and put those family heirlooms in the spotlight!

19

Come see why we’re definitely NOT a typical furniture store and definitely NOT typical furniture.

Offering

FREE Delivery!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

(509) 882-1247

www.marchanthomefurnishings.com • I-82 Exit 73• Grandview • Wine Country Road

49.833676.HGG/L

1-800-525-4467

YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com


Celebrations 2010

Celebrations

20

... Then Comes Cocktails If you serve cocktails with dinner, opt for champagne beforehand, says Cameron Bogue, a cocktails expert. Prepare a pitcher of cocktails or the base in advance so you’re not juggling bottles at the dinner table. Vary drink colors. Use liqueurs to tint drinks blue, green or red. Offer a variety of glass shapes. “You want them to appear different,” Bogue says. For some added flair, try the following recipe for Chocolate and Cranberry Martini, used with permission from “Difford’s Encyclopedia of Cocktails: 2,600 Recipes” by Simon Difford (Firefly Books, 2009).

Dynamic Duo This year’s tantalizing flavors aren’t exclusive to the dishes you prepare. The cocktails that accompany each course have their own special zing.

CHOCOLATE & CRANBERRY MARTINI

BEV BENNETT CTW FEATURES

A HINT OF PEPPERCORNS; the sweet-tart

Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

tang of a Meyer lemon. That’s right. The before-dinner drinks are headed to the dining room table. Pairing food with mixed drinks is this season’s holiday trend, according to Colin Cowie, expert on wedding and event planning. Why cocktails and courses? “It’s fun, different and can be creative,” says Cameron Bogue, mixologist at some of New York’s finest restaurants. It can be inspired.” However, the goal isn’t to ply everyone with liquor, but to stimulate the senses. To accomplish this, imagine the wine that’s traditionally served with the course. Then create a cocktail to emulate the wine’s characteristics, including acidity, body and fruitiness, says Bogue, who

works with chef Daniel Boulud’s establishments. He offers an example of an appetizer of vodka- and beetcured salmon with a little dill. If Bogue were pairing that with wine, he’d choose sauvignon blanc, which is “bright, acidic, lighter bodied and a little oak.” Then think of a cocktail that embodies those qualities. Bogue’s match is an Aviation, an elegant drink with gin, maraschino liqueur and lemon juice – and sometimes crème de violette. You can play with the recipe by adding garnishes or other spirits. Here’s the recipe:

Aviation

Adapted from “The Essential Cocktail” by Dale DeGroff (Clarkson Potter/Publishers, 2008) ingredients 2 ounces gin 3/4 ounce maraschino liqueur 1/2 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice method Combine the gin, liqueur and lemon juice in a mixing glass with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Serves one © CTW Features

ingredients 2 shots Vanilla-infused Ketel One vodka 1/2 shot White crème de cacao liqueur 1/2 shot Noilly Prat dry vermouth 1 shot Ocean Spray cranberry juice glass: Martini garnish Wipe rim with cacao liqueur and dust with cocoa powder. method Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into chilled, rimmed glass. © CTW Features


Celebrations 2010

Celebrations

SHOP • DINE STROLL

21

Shopping Center Where 40th Avenue meets Summitview

santa claus is coming to:

©2010 Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.

adley Designs, Inc.

shipping • packaging •copying • faxing • mailboxes •notary

formerly the ups store Come and have $ .oo your picture taken

New! 2010 Holiday Ornaments

ave a ball (five in all) with these handpainted and dated glass ornaments in ter colors. Each is presented in a coordinating, fabric-covered keepsake box.

New! Ornaments 2010 Holiday ew! 2010 Holiday Ornaments

in all) with these handpainted and dated glass ornaments in h is presented in a coordinating, fabric-covered keepsake box. Have a ball (five in all) with these

handpainted and dated glass ornaments in winter colors. Each is presented in a coordinating, fabric-covered keepsake box. Recently Retired Colors 25-50% Off!

WESTPARK for the home

40th & Summitview Suite 9 509.965.5397

MADE EASY... FOR THE CHEF IN YOUR LIFE!

3fedexoff $ .oo 5fedex off ground*

express air*

*must present this ad to receive discount

yakima’s friendly place to do shipping no packaging service fee!

with Santa, a Christmas Angel or even Buddy the Elf & Jovie! Saturday December 4th 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Proceeds from pictures benefit

Westpark – 4001 Summitview Ave., Suite 5 • 509-972-7988

With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. www.vauxshoes.com

965-7170

Tuesday Thru Friday 10-6 • Saturday 11-5

Reserve your holiday wreath or centerpiece today.

Specialty Cooking Items! Decor, Aprons, Snowmen, Ornaments, Cookie Cutters, Towels, Food Items & Lots More!

Shop while the selection is great. Your Purchases Wrapped Free!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Open Sundays 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. til Christmas

YH-R Holiday Gift Guide

40th & Summitview

965-0606

yakimaherald.com

Westpark • 972-2670 49.833907.5L


Celebrations 2010 Salt-Topped Chocolate, Toffee and Pecan Cookies

Celebrations

22

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 (3.5-ounce) bars milk chocolate with toffee pieces (see note) 1 cup coarsely chopped, salted, roasted pecans Coarse salt

One for the Road

That little morsel can also be a delightful breakfast reminder of the charming evening. Katz, who oversees the pastry departments for the New York B.R. Guest Restaurants, offers some suggestions. with a special treat as a token of “At Ocean Grill on the Upper BEV BENNETT appreciation. West Side we do muffins or CTW FEATURES Giving people something teacake. We have a neighborhood ISTOCKPHOTO.COM memorable and delicious to take clientele. Guests walk home and home is a delightful way to have their teacake the next day. extend the experience, says It’s tradition,” Katz says. WHEN GUESTS are pushing away from Elizabeth Katz, an executive pasOn occasion she’s given guests the table satisfied by the extravatry chef in New York City. a small box of cookies. gant dinner hosted, it’s easy to It’s a gesture Katz encourages. “They called to say it made feel like the job is done. A holiday food gift could prothem so happy to have a treat to look forward to,” Katz says. But don’t stop there. vide a small treat for the diner Start a unique token tradition. Extend the pleasure of a festive who was regretfully too full to eat Share the following rich, intenseholiday meal with one more ges- dessert. A chocolate truffle, a rich ly flavored chocolate chip cookie ture. chocolate brownie or a mouthwith guests and head to the top Taking a cue from a trend in watering chocolate chip cookie of the desirable host list. © CTW fine-dining establishments and at will be a well-appreciated substiFeatures special events, send guests home tute.

Send guests home with a sweet little something

Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com

Combine butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in bowl of electric mixer. Beat at high speed until light and fluffy, scraping bowl down occasionally. Stir together flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl. Add flour mixture to butter one-half cup at a time. Beat after each addition to blend in. Chop chocolate into bitesize pieces. Add chocolate and pecans to butter mixture. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide dough into 18 balls, about 3 tablespoons each. Place 9 on each baking sheet, at least 2 inches apart. Flatten to 1/4inch thickness with fork. Refrigerate cookies at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours. Just before baking, sprinkle a small pinch of coarse salt over each cookie. Bake cookies one sheet at a time in preheated 325 degree F oven for 20 minutes or until cookies are set and golden brown around the edges. Remove from oven. Cool for five minutes; remove to wire rack and completely cool. Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap and add a ribbon. Makes 18 cookies. Note: Look for milk chocolate with toffee pieces in natural food supermarkets and finer food stores. Green & Black’s Toffee is an excellent choice. If not available, use milk chocolate covered toffee. Chop and measure 1 1/3 cups. If desired, bake cookies in advance, wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil and freeze. © CTW Features


Museum of Art

“The Spirit of America on Canvas�

Enjoy the 16 Decorated Trees! See our... Annual Miniatures Exhibit!

47.832919.HGG.L

Watch artist Jack Babcock hand paint ornaments December 10th and 11th. He can personalize the ornaments for you – they will become family keepsakes. 416 N. Pearl St. • elleNSburg, Wa • 509-962-6416

e Stuff th ith w s g in k c sto oy a Cowb his t t r Conce as! Christm

SAVENov. BIG – 20% OFF 18 – Dec. 25, 2010 Please bring this ad to the shop to redeem your discount.

Don’t Miss Our...

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Saturday, December 4, 2010

$%& 'RQXWV

1 3LQH

$OHQWHÂś 6DORQ 6SD

1 3LQH 1RRQ Âą 30

$0 30

$UQLHÂśV +RUVHVKRH

: UG

$0 Âą $0

%DLOH\ÂśV %LEOLRPDQLD

1 0DLQ

$0 Âą 30

%HWWHU /LIH 1DWXUDO )RRGV

: WK

1RRQ 30

%ULFN 5RDG %RRNV

1 0DLQ

$0 30

&O\PHU 0XVHXP

1 3HDUO

1RRQ 30 0D\ 'HF

' 0 &RIIHH 'RZQWRZQ

1 3LQH

$0 Âą 30

'ROODU 7UHH

1 3LQH

$0 Âą 30

(OOHQVEXUJ 3HW &HQWHU

1 3HDUO 1RRQ 30

(OOHQVEXUJ 3XEOLF /LEUDU\

1 5XE\ 30 30

)LWWHUHUÂśV )XUQLWXUH

: WK

1RRQ 30

)OLUW

1 0DLQ

1RRQ 30

*DOOHU\ 2QH

1 3HDUO

1RRQ 30

*LIWV RI WKH 9LQH

1 3HDUO

1RRQ 30

7KH *\P

1 0DLQ

1RRQ 30

+XE $QWLTXHV

1 3HDUO

1RRQ 30

/RWXV -HZHOU\ &ORWKLQJ 'HVLJQ 1 0DLQ

$0 30

0DLQ 6WUHHW $QWLTXHV

1 0DLQ

$0 30

0DXULFHV

( WK

1RRQ 30

0RUHOOLÂśV &DIp ,WDOLDQR

1 0DLQ

1RRQ 30

0RXQWDLQ +LJK 6SRUWV

( WK

1RRQ Âą 30

2OG 6NRRO

1 0DLQ

$0 Âą 30

3DODFH &DIp

1 0DLQ

$0 Âą 30

3DQGD *DUGHQ

1 0DLQ

1RRQ Âą 30

3LQH 6WUHHW 0DOO

1 3LQH

$0 30

3LWD 3LW

: UG

$0 Âą 30

3L]]D 5LWD

1 0DLQ

$0 Âą 0LGQLJKW

5LYHU &KXUFK

1 3HDUO

$0 Âą 30

5RGHR &LW\ %%4

1 0DLQ

$0 Âą 30

6DIHZD\

1 5XE\

$0 Âą 0LGQLJKW

6D]yQ

1 0DLQ $0 Âą 30

6HDUV

1 3HDUO $0 30

6RXS %RZO

1 0DLQ

$0 30

6XJDU 7KDL &XLVLQH

1 3LQH

1RRQ 30

7KH 7DY

: WK

1RRQ Âą $0

9DOOH\ &DIp

: UG

$0 Âą 30

:HVW &RDVW 0HQÂśV &ORWKLQJ 1 0DLQ 1RRQ 30 :RRGÂśV $FH +DUGZDUH

1 0DLQ

$0 30

+DSS\ +ROLGD\V IURP WKH Fabulous Fibers Meet The Friendliest Folks

x

Ellensburg, WA

x

509-962-5648

www.dancingewe-yarns.com

49.833653.HGG/L

ZZZ HOOHQVEXUJGRZQWRZQ RUJ ZZZ IDFHERRN FRP HOOHQVEXUJGRZQWRZQ

49.833654.HGG/L

23

Thursday, December 2, 2010 YH-R 49.807908.HGG/L

109 E. Third Ave., Ste. 1

7 Days a Week!

49.833658.HGG/L

2SHQ 6XQGD\V

Celebrations

Visit the Clymer Museum Gift Shop for Festive Ornaments and Great Gifts!

49.833650.HGG/L

'RZQWRZQ (OOHQVEXUJ LV

Celebrations 2010

Shop Ellensburg

r e m y l C

Holiday Gift Guide yakimaherald.com


Celebrations

24

7KLV KROLGD\ VHDVRQ GLVFRYHU WKH VWRUH WKDW HYHU\RQH LV WDONLQJ DERXW Celebrations 2010

“The best place to stop/shop between Spokane and Seattle.�

Cyndi, Spokane

“Love, love, love your store. I come across the mountains just to see you!� Judy, Auburn

0DNH KROLGD\ VKRSSLQJ IXQ DJDLQ 9LVLW :LQG 5LYHU IRU XQLTXH DIIRUGDEOH 1RUWKZHVW JLIWV DQG KRPH GHFRU LQ D UHOD[LQJ DWPRVSKHUH <RX¡OO VHH ZK\ ZH¡UH WKH VWRUH WKDW HYHU\RQH ORYHV WR VKRS DW

“Always so beautiful and better & better everytime I stop thank you!!�

12'0 *175'

Frani, University Place

n

vro

Che

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide

yon Can ad Ro

YH-R

76

&DQ\RQ 5RDG (OOHQVEXUJ :$ (;,7 *,)7

2SHQ GD\V D ZHHN DP WR SP ZZZ :LQG5LYHU$W+RPH FRP

-R

V 8 Q L

'HFHPEHU

2)) 6WRUHZLGH

)UHH FLGHU KRW FKRFRODWH DQG IHVWLYH VQDFNV 'UDZLQJV IRU WKUHH JLIW FHUWLILFDWHV

yakimaherald.com 49.833102.HGG.L


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.