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Holiday Guide November 21, 2018
THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
Two
HOLIDAY GUIDE Don’t Be Intimidated By Black Friday
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lack Friday is a holiday season phenomenon that entices shoppers out of their homes, sometimes in the wee hours of the morning. Many stores begin their Black Friday promotions on Thanksgiving night, while others may wait until midnight to open their doors to deal-hungry holiday shoppers. Thanks to the crowds, some shoppers may be intimidated by Black Friday and opt to avoid stores entirely on the day after Thanksgiving. But there are a host of benefits to shopping on Black Friday that can compel hesitant shoppers to
join the festive fray. •Deals: Black Friday is a consumer-friendly day on which savvy shoppers can find great deals on big-ticket items. Electronics, including televisions, smartphones and tablets, are often heavily discounted on Black Friday. Such deals may only be for a certain period of time or until a predetermined amount of inventory has been sold, so shoppers should do their research and prioritize which items are most important to them in advance of Black Friday. While Black Friday occurs during the holiday season when many
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people are busy looking for gifts for their loved ones, shoppers who need new bigticket items can save money by shopping for themselves as well as their friends and family members in the initial hours after Thanksgiving. •Shopping done early: Shoppers who tend to procrastinate during the holiday shopping season may find that shopping on Black Friday increases the chance they’ll get their shopping done early. Getting shopping done early leaves more time to celebrate with family and friends throughout December. •Giveaways: Many stores offer
We you many W ewish w i s h y o u a l l a moments of
p e a c e f u l a n d j o y o u s
stuffers, enabling Black Friday shoppers to get some shopping done without spending a dime. •Budget-friendly: Budget-conSee DON’T, page 3
Common Black Friday Myths
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giveaways to Black Friday shoppers. Such giveaways may include gift cards, free entries into raffles or totes bags full of goodies. Such giveaways make great stocking
much more successful.
B
lack Friday arrives every year, and with it sometimes comes a bit of misinformation. As shoppers prep their wish lists, separating the Black Friday facts from fiction can make the day that
Myth: There’s no need to shop on Black Friday because of the Black Friday “creep” phenomenon. Fact: Although many stores offer sales throughout Thanksgiving weekend, some stores limit their deepest discounts to Black Friday itself. Shoppers who are seeking
tech gifts or other hot items should know that Black Friday often provides the best chance to grab these items at deeply discounted prices. Myth: All stores are chaotic on Black Friday. Fact: Many retailers have redesigned their Black Friday models See SEPARATE, page 15
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
Three
HOLIDAY GUIDE Spice Things Up With A Cranberry Cocktail GregmansJewelers.com
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esides the ubiquitous “pumpkin spice,” nothing says autumn more than tart cranberries. Cranberries are a major component of Thanksgiving feasts, turning up alongside and atop turkey as well as in quick breads and desserts. Cranberries are loaded with health benefits, which include reducing the risk for ulcers and preventing gum disease. Also, just eight ounces of cranberry juice cocktail contains 137 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Cranberries can even be used to craft great cocktails. Move over mulled ciders, this crisp “Cranberry Margarita” from The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association makes a great autumninspired beverage.
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Cranberry Margarita Serves 1 • 1 1⁄2 shots of tequila • 1 shot of cranberry juice cocktail • 1⁄4 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce • 1⁄2 shot of triple sec • 10 ice cubes • Sweetened dried cranberries, for garnish • Lime, for garnish Combine all ingredients except garnish in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and frosty. Serve in a margarita glass. Garnish with dried cranberries and a lime wheel.
Don’t Compromise Your Budget
continued from page 2
scious holiday shoppers may find that Black Friday allows them to give great gifts without compromising their personal finances. In its second annual holiday debt survey, MagnifyMoney found that consumers who took on debt during the 2016 holiday season were poised to begin the new year with an average of $1,003 worth of new debt. Shopping on Black Friday might help many shoppers reduce the amount of debt they take on during the holiday season. Shoppers hesitant to join the Black Friday fray might want to consider the many benefits to shopping on one of the busiest shopping days of the year before making their final decision.
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
Four
HOLIDAY GUIDE
A Special Holiday Appetizer
P
resents may get much of the glory during the holiday season, but there is much to be said about the foods found throughout this time of year as well. During the holiday season, people frequently find that dinner invites, cocktail parties, office happy hour gatherings, and other opportunities for socialization are easy to come by. At the heart of these events are foods and beverages. Whether one is hosting a holiday soiree or plans to bring something to a potluck party, it’s helpful to have a list of fail-proof recipes at the ready. Tasting menus, bite-sized treats and finger foods are always a hit at holiday functions — and this recipe for “Mini Merry Meatballs,” courtesy of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, is sure to please. Paired with a cranberry barbecue sauce, these savory appetizers are bursting with flavor and holiday appeal. Mini Merry Meatballs (Serves 24) • 1⁄2 • 1⁄4 • 1⁄4 •1 •1 •3 •1 • 1⁄4 • 1⁄8
pound ground beef brisket pound ground beef ribeye steak boneless pound ground beef (80 percent lean) cup seasoned stuffing mix egg, beaten tablespoons water teaspoon minced garlic teaspoon salt teaspoon pepper
Cranberry Barbecue Sauce: • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil • 1⁄2 cup chopped white onion • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • 2 1⁄2 cups fresh cranberries • 1⁄2 cup orange juice See FOLLOW, page 6
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
Five
HOLIDAY GUIDE
Some Surprising Facts And Figures About Holiday Spending T
he holidays are here, and that means millions of people will spend time decorating, making shopping lists, purchasing presents, and stocking up on entertaining essentials. Various groups and consumer watchdogs track trends in holiday spending and giving, and many facts and figures may surprise holiday enthusiasts. •Economists with the National Retail Federation say online and retail sales in 2017 increased by 10.5 percent over the previous year. The combination of job and wage gains, modest inflation, and elevated consumer confidence has led to higher holiday spending, experts hypothesize. •Between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday 2017, more than 174 million Americans shopped in stores and online, according to the NRF. Black Friday still reigns supreme, with 77 million consumers making a purchase on that day. However, Small Business Saturday was not far behind, with 55 million consumers. •Data from Prosper Insights & Analytics says people planned to
spend an average of $967.13 in 2017 on the holiday season. That was up 3.4 percent from the year prior. •Tracking of spending on video games by The NPD Group reflects a growth of 15 percent when compared to a year ago. All categories have shown gains, including software, hardware, accessories, and
game cards. The popular game “Fortnite” has been a significant software sales driver for 2018, ratcheting up legions of fans seemingly overnight. •Many people pride themselves on shopping early for gifts, but there are 11th-hour consumers as well. NRF says around 15 percent of last-minute shoppers plan to buy
gifts at supermarkets or grocery stores. •Charitable giving tends to skyrocket at the end of the year, when the spirit of giving synonymous with the season inspires individuals to give back. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, the average total cash contribution to charity by individuals is roughly $245.
•The NRF notes that, in 2017, only about 12 percent of consumers finished their holiday shopping by the second week of December. •Research from Forbes found that gift cards will continue to reign supreme. Gift cards are convenient for gift-givers, and PWC found that 42 percent of people prefer to receive gift cards for the holidays. •Sales are strong for both online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Accenture’s “10th Annual Accenture Holiday Shopping Survey” discovered 84 percent of consumers plan to go online, particularly to Amazon.com, to research and price-check gifts before looking or buying elsewhere. •The Accenture survey also found that at least three-quarters of shoppers are enticed by coupons and other promotions to shop at stores they have not visited before. •Don’t let the holiday buying season fool you. Shopping continues even after Santa has slid down the chimney. The NRF states 48 percent of shoppers will take advantage of after-Christmas sales in stores.
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
Six
HOLIDAY GUIDE
Must-Haves For The Perfect Party P
arties are highly anticipated events come the holiday season. Office parties, gatherings with friends and family celebrations are just some examples of the many soirees that dot the social schedules of millions of people between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Office parties might be governed by certain organizational protocols, but parties with friends and families come with no such rules. That said, holiday hosts might want to keep their guests’ expectations in mind when planning their get-togethers. While there’s always room to try something new, the following are some must-have items when hosting holiday parties. Holiday foods and beverages It goes without saying that holiday hosts will be expected to
provide food for their guests. But certain foods, such as gingerbread cookies, can put everyone in the holiday spirit. And don’t forget that staple of the holiday beverage menu: eggnog. Eggnog can be made with and/or without alcohol so everyone can enjoy this beloved holiday beverage.
Decorations Decking the halls is a holiday tradition, and hosts should make an effort to string some holiday decorations before welcoming guests into their homes. A Christmas tree might be the most ubiquitous decorative item come the holidays, so hosts can make their tree the centerpiece of their decor. Hang some mistletoe around the house, which also can be adorned with season-specific plants like holly and poinsettias. If kids are
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attending the party, a kid-friendly decoration station can even be set up to ensure the youngsters have fun and stay busy during the festivities. Music Christmas music can go a long way toward getting everyone in the holiday spirit. Utilize iTunes or music streaming services such as Amazon Prime Music or Pandora to ensure that the holiday hits keep coming throughout the party. Games Games can be a great way to keep guests occupied during the party. From a safety perspective, games that engage guests might prevent them from overindulging in alcohol at a time of year when the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration says drunk driving incidents are at their highest. Games in which participants can win holiday-themed prizes might be especially enjoyable for players. Holiday parties are highly anticipated parts of the holiday season. Hosts can take their parties to the next level by incorporating certain must-have items into the festivities.
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Follow Directions For Proper Cooking continued from page 4
• 1⁄2 • 1⁄3 • 1⁄4 •2 •2 • 1⁄2 • Salt
cup water cup ketchup cup light brown sugar tablespoons cider vinegar tablespoons molasses teaspoon ground red pepper
Preheat oven to 400 F. Combine brisket, ribeye, ground beef, stuffing mix, egg, water, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 24, 1.5-inch meatballs. Place on a rack in a broiler pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature reads 160 F. Meanwhile, prepare the Cranberry Barbecue Sauce. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic—cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender, but not brown. Add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until cranberries burst and the mixture has been reduced to a thick consistency, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Transfer mixture to blender container. Cover, allowing steam to escape. Process until smooth. Season with salt, as desired.
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
Seven
HOLIDAY GUIDE
Ensure Your Gifts Arrive On Time
Sweeten Your Holidays Try This Pomegranate Prosecco Punch
T
he holiday season is one of the most festive times of the year as social engagements fill up many people’s calendars. Seasoned hosts or hostesses often have a go-to list of foods and beverages available to ensure guests are treated to the best of the best. One easy way to keep the beverages flowing is to have one or two signature drinks, such as sangria, at the ready that can be prepared in advance and then generously doled out as needed. Sangria traces its origins to Spain. It is traditionally made with wine and chopped fruit. Since “sangria” is Spanish for “blood,” red wine is often the vintage of choice, though lighter wines can be used based on personal preference. Sangria is often mixed with juice, spices and sweet liqueurs, such as brandy. Sangria is a punch that can be prepared in advance and served in a decorative bowl so guests can simply refill their drinks as needed. Even though sangria is a summertime staple, simply adjusting the flavor profile can make this beverage perfect for any time of year. With this recipe for “Citrus Pomegranate Prosecco Punch,” courtesy of Ruffino wines, the drink takes on the familiar flavors of pomegranate and orange that tend to show up in the winter months. Plus, the sparkling prosecco gives it that light and fizzy feel that evokes a festive atmosphere.
T
hanks to families being more spread out than ever before, today’s holiday shoppers must figure out ways to get holiday gifts to their destination on time. The holiday season tends to be the busiest time of year for many delivery services. The following tips should help shoppers ensure their loved ones’ gifts arrive on time. •Ship directly. Adobe Analytics reported that online shopping hit a record high of $108.2 billion in the 2017 holiday shopping season, and all indicators suggest online shopping will only increase in the years to come. Holiday shoppers who want to ensure their loved ones will receive their gifts on time can rely on online shopping. When checking out, have gifts shipped directly to loved ones’ homes. Many online retailers will even wrap gifts for a nominal fee. •Research shipping options. In 2018, Christmas falls on a Tuesday. Shoppers who plan to rely on twoday or overnight shipping should keep that in mind. Some delivery services may be open throughout the weekend before Christmas, while others may only be open on Saturday. Last-minute shoppers, whether they’re shopping online or in-person, should confirm their shipping options well in advance of Christmas. Because Christmas is on a Tuesday this year, getting gifts to their destination on time may require shoppers to purchase and ship them earlier than they otherwise might. •Purchase package insurance. Consumer Reports notes that UPS and FedEx shipments automatically come with declared-value coverage of up to $100. (Note:
Citrus Pomegranate Prosecco Punch
A Tuesday Christmas may require some extra planning. Declared value is the carrier’s maximum liability.) Purchasing additional insurance can ease shoppers’ concerns about lost or stolen packages. Just be sure to keep all invoices and receipts in case claims must be filed. Shoppers also should ask for tracking numbers on all packages so they can confirm when packages are delivered. • Properly secure the package. Many delivery services now have off-site drop-off boxes that can make it easy to send gifts. This is a convenient service, but shoppers who use them won’t be able to have a company employee provide in-person confirmation that their packages are secured to company
standards. Poorly packaged items may never be shipped. Visit the shipping company’s website for packaging guidelines, and include a business card and duplicate label inside the package just in case it is damaged after being dropped off.
• 1/2 part orange juice • 1/2 part pink grapefruit juice • 1/4 part pomegranate juice • 1 part Ruffino Prosecco, well chilled • Slices of assorted citrus and pomegranate seeds, to garnish In a large pitcher or punch bowl with plenty of ice, combine the fruit juices. Pour the Ruffino Prosecco over top. Garnish generously with sliced citrus and pomegranate seeds. For best flavor, use freshly pressed juices as available. Ruffino Sparkling Rosé is a great choice for this recipe too. Make available coupe cocktail glasses for serving.
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
Eight
HOLIDAY GUIDE Make A Personal Budget And Stick To It This Holiday Season S After settling on a
pending time with loved ones and reflecting on all of the blessings the previous year has bestowed is a great way to celebrate the holiday season. But giving, entertaining and traveling are part of the season as well, and that can leave many people wondering how to finance their holiday season. Many people admit to spending more than they initially intended to spend during the holiday season, leaving them with sizable bills to pay come January. This trend is dubbed the “holiday hangover,” and MagnifyMoney found that Americans racked up an average of $1,054 of debt during the 2017 holiday season, a 5 percent increase over 2016. Recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York says consumer credit card debt stands at $808 billion. A portion of that ongoing debt is accumulated dur-
budget, keep track of all spending to ensure you are sticking to your plan.
ing the holidays — but it doesn’t have to be. By establishing a budget and a plan to pay down their debt, consumers can gift without grief. The first step to establishing a holiday shopping budget is to make a list of all the people with whom you intend to exchange gifts. Jot down charitable gifts and entertaining/social expenses as well. With paper in hand, it can be easier to visualize just how many people are on the gift list, making it easier to allot a certain amount to each person. Friends and coworkers may receive less than family members.
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Next think about a total dollar amount to earmark for the holidays. This amount is something that you should be able to comfortably pay
GREAT HOLIDAY
off in full at the end of the holiday season — no more than a month or two after New Year’s Day. Do not feel obligated to purchase more than one gift for each person on your list. Parents who want to have a few extra items under the tree for their children or who have to finance presents from Santa Claus can set aside more money to make such purchases. However, these gifts should also be factored into the overall budget. It’s important to keep track of spending even after the budget has been created. This way you can see if you are adhering to your budget. Record gifts as you would checks in a register. Take home receipts and tally your spending to see if it aligns. Make adjustments as necessary if you are on track to go over
your budget. When budgeting, keep in mind the potentially inflated costs of hot items for the year. It can be tempting to splurge on the latest video game console, but will it be obsolete in a few months? Budgeting and frugal buying go hand-in-hand. Budgets do not need to remain fixed from year to year. If this year was a banner year in terms of finances, you may be able to afford more. If it wasn’t, you may have to cut back. True friends and close family members should understand that the value of the gift is not based on its price tag. Budgeting is important for holiday spending. With a budget in hand, consumers can avoid holiday hangover and potential financial ruin for months to come.
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
Nine
HOLIDAY GUIDE
Time To Start Marking “Giving Tuesday” On Your Calendar
W
hile Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the more widely known retail holidays, Giving Tuesday is becoming pretty popular in its own right. Celebrated on the Tuesday following American Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday helps raise awareness that charity is an important component of the holiday season. The nonprofit services company Neon says nearly one-third of all annual giving occurs in December, with 12 percent happening over the final three days of the year. Giving
Tuesday is positioned right in the midst of the most popular time for charitable giving. What makes Giving Tuesday unique is that it is largely fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. The day was actually created by the 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City that has been instrumental in bringing diverse groups of people to-
gether with the goals of giving back through service. The 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation came together in 2012 to help form a day that was focused on the generosity of giving during the holiday season. Thus, Giving Tuesday was born. Technology and social media
play a large role in uniting people for Giving Tuesday. Founding partners included Mashable, a technology website, Skype and Cisco. But the success of Giving Tuesday is thanks in large part to the general public, who have both spread the word and made their own contributions to charity. In 2017, Giving Tuesday soared to new heights when technology mogul Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, announced their foundation would match up to $2 million in donations to Giving Tuesday
fundraisers started on Facebook. Facebook similarly waived its 5 percent fee for U.S.-based nonprofits all day long. The global Giving Tuesday movement helped raise more than $300 million online across more than 150 countries in 2017 alone. This year, the Giving Tuesday organization is poised to top their numbers and continue to improve upon the more than 46,000 participating organizations involved in their charitable efforts. Learn more at www.givingtuesday.org.
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
Ten
HOLIDAY GUIDE
Do Your Research Before Deciding To Make A Donation
D
onating to a favorite charity or charities is a great way to make a difference in the lives of people that need a helping hand. Choosing a charity to support can be a difficult decision, as many organizations are in need and worthy of your charitable dollars. Learning how to vet charities can
help prospective donors make the best decisions in regard to which charities to support. •Do your research. The holiday season tends to be the most popular time to give, but charities accept donations year-round. That said, the holiday season may serve as a great reminder to give. If you
plan to give this holiday season or during any time of year, resolve to research charities rather than make knee-jerk donations when the impulse to donate strikes. The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance has reviewed more than 1,000 charities, assessing each on a host of factors that include orga-
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R
D
nizational oversight and program effectiveness. Such reviews are free to access and can help donors rest easy knowing they made informed donation decisions. •Volunteer with an organization. Another way to vet a charity is to volunteer with it. This hands-on approach can give a first-hand glimpse in to just how effective a charity’s programs are and how the organizations directs donations. In addition, volunteering has been linked with improved happiness and provides a great way to meet people. •Look into the organization’s financials. A charity’s financial filings are public record. In the United States, donors can look on Form 990 in the organization’s filing with the Internal Revenue Service (equivalent forms are accessible in Canada as well). This form indicates if a charity finished the year with positive or negative assets. If it’s the latter, the charity might be suffering from mismanagement or legal troubles that are preventing it from meeting its mission statement. That’s not the case in every instance, but it should at
G
Volunteering for an organization can provide a handson opportunity to gauge how the group dedicates the funds it receives. least present a red flag to wouldbe donors. •Speak with representatives of the charity. Many charities will happily speak with prospective donors. Such organizations will be specific regarding how donation dollars are spent, including where your donation will be directed should you decide to go forward. Many will even allow donors to dictate how their donations will be spent, as many donors want to know their money is going toward programs and not organizational operating costs. Vetting a charity is a wise move for donors who want to make sure their money is truly benefitting those in need.
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
Eleven
HOLIDAY GUIDE
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Chocolate And Gingerbread? A Perfect Marriage
he holiday season is synonymous with many things, including family gatherings, shopping, elaborate lighting displays, and Santa Claus. For foodies, this time of year is the perfect opportunity to indulge one’s love of baked goods. Between office parties and gatherings with family and friends, it’s hard to avoid baked treats come the holiday season. Perhaps no baked good is more closely linked to the holidays than gingerbread, an indulgence many people enjoy only around Christmastime. Holiday hosts or those who want to bring a dessert to their next holiday gathering can whip up this recipe for “Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread” from Maxine Clark’s “Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers” (Ryland, Peters & Small). Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread Makes an 8-inch cake • 2 1⁄3 cups dark molasses • 6 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 70 percent cocoa solids), grated • 1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons ground ginger • 5 ounces whole pieces preserved stem ginger, drained and roughly chopped • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened • 1⁄2 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, sifted (to remove lumps) • 2 medium eggs, beaten
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
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he holiday season is as an opportunity for families to come together, celebrate and catch up. But thanks to work, military service, school, or other commitments, plenty of individuals won’t be home to celebrate the holidays with their families. It’s natural for people in such situations to feel homesick, but there are many ways to stay upbeat when spending the holidays away from home. •Make plenty of contact with loved ones. Use devices to your advantage to stay in touch this holiday season. Schedule frequent video chats and share photos so you feel like you are right in the holiday mix. When possible, people spending the holidays away from home should schedule calls or video conferences when family has gathered so they can chat with as many loved ones as possible. • Connect with people in similar situations. Connect with others who also cannot be with their loved ones for the holidays. Plan your own celebrations and commit to new traditions this year. • Dine with a religious group. Many churches or other places of worship open their doors during the holiday season to people who may have nowhere else to go. Take advantage of such chances to share and spread some holiday joy. • Adapt family traditions. It may be challenging to find an evergreen tree to decorate while stationed in a tropical climate or a fireplace by which to hang stockings, but you can adapt traditions to your current situation. Better yet, see what the locals do and experience a few new holiday treats that you may want to revisit in the future. • Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to reduce depression, help others and see some smiling faces. Focus on helping others if you are feeling blue about not being at home. • Find out if family can visit. Just because you can’t make it home for the holidays doesn’t meanatthe festivities can’t come5topm you. Play Please call for corrections 203-317-2308 - after call host or hostess this year to family and friends who want to visit. 203-317-2282 Celebrating thePub:RJ holidays away from home presentsSize:2X2 opportunities Ad#:1277287 Date:03/07/13 Day:THU to embrace new traditions, make Last new friends help others.on Cust:MIKE & PATS CRAFTS Editedand By:JPROTO 3/1/13 1:23 PM. Salesperson:320 Tag Line:NONE Color Info: 1277287 - Composite
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
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How To Cook For People With Different Dietary Needs
reaking bread with friends and family is the perfect recipe for a fun day or evening. However, even the most experienced party hosts may struggle with ways to cater to their guests’ various dietary restrictions. According to Food Allergy Research & Education organization, as many as 15 million Americans have food allergies. Research by a team of allergists at the McGill University Health Centre found that 7.5 percent of Canadians report having at least one food allergy. In addition to food allergies, hosts also must consider diets, food sensitivities, religious preferences, and lifestyle choices (i.e., vegetarianism or veganism) when planning dinner party menus. So what is the accommodating host or hostess to do? Etiquette experts say that while it is important to keep guests’ preferences in mind, it is impossible to accommodate everyone. But hosts can take certain steps when planning a menu that might make it easier to cater to an array of eaters. •Host a buffet or family-style meal. Buffets and family-style
services provide plenty of options for guests to enjoy. Think about offering at least one item from all of the food groups, including vegetables that will fit the bill for vegetarians, vegans and those who may be avoiding grains. • Keep some trendy foods on hand. Consider current dietary trends and how likely your guests are to follow them. For example, investigate a few gluten-free options and some foods that are low in carbohydrates. Opt for quinoa or couscous as an alternative to white rice. A hummus dip is a nice change from a dairy-based dressing for those who may need to avoid dairy products. Replace iceberg or romaine lettuce with baby spinach and arugula. •Stick to simple recipes. The more ingredients in each dish, the more explaining you will have to do to guests who might be watching what they eat. Herb-crusted grilled chicken, roasted colorful vegetables in a ratatouille, a bean salad, and a three-cheese gourmet mac-and-cheese are some simple crowd-pleasers. •Offer a signature dish. In
Encourage those with restrictions to bring a dish of their choice.
addition to “safe” menu items, showcase something you enjoy and like to prepare. After all, you should be able to enjoy the foods you love as well. Some guests may come with food
in hand. Graciously accept their additions and give credit where credit is due. You can even encourage those with especially strict diets to bring their own foods to ensure they don’t go hungry.
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
Turkey Is a Healthy Option, No Matter The Time Of Year T
urkeys are seemingly everywhere come November, whether it’s at your favorite grocery store, on television cooking shows and possibly hanging out in the wild of a nearby nature preserve. Turkeys are the main course for many holiday dinners, and turkey leftovers also make for popular meals once holidays have come and gone. Although turkeys earn most of their attention during the holiday season, their health benefits can be enjoyed throughout the year. Turkey contains roughly 34 calories and 1 gram of fat per ounce (33 grams) of meat. It is low in saturated fat and is a good source of protein. In fact, just one 3 to 4 ounce serving of turkey provides 65 percent of a person’s recommended daily intake of protein. Protein helps fuel the body and can help a person feel full longer. People who are customizing
their diets to protect against cancer may want to include turkey on the menu. Turkey contains selenium, which can promote healthy function of the thyroid and boost the immune system. Selenium also helps to eliminate free radicals in the body through its antioxidant power. Those who need to increase their B vitamin intake also can turn to turkey. According to Livestrong, a serving of turkey has 36 percent of the daily allowance of vitamin B3, which helps process fats in the body. It also contains 27 percent of the RDA for vitamin B6, which helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, among other things. In addition to these vitamins, turkey also is rich in many minerals, including iron, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc. While turkey is healthy, the way it is prepared can affect just how beneficial it is to one’s diet. For example, slathering the meat with butter or dousing it in rich gravies
may negate some of turkey’s positive attributes. One of the most popular ways to cook turkey is to roast it. Let fresh herbs and a citrus juice marinade add the desired flavor. Place the turkey on a roasting rack so that any fat will drain to the bottom of
the pan. Baste the turkey with fresh marinade to keep it moist. It’s best to cook any stuffing outside of the turkey so there is no potential for contamination by bacteria. Make stuffing healthier by using whole-grain rice, vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts in lieu of a
heavy bread base. Leftover roasted turkey can be ground and used to make tacos and burgers or chopped and turned into turkey salad. The possibilities for leftover turkey are endless, especially for cooks willing to try their hands at something new.
Let Gingerbread Cool A Few Days After Cooking continued from page 11
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda • 2 tablespoons milk, warmed • A pinch of salt • Extra-large crystallized ginger pieces, to scatter (optional) • A deep 8-inch square cake pan or 8 x 6 x 3-inch oval cake pan
Preheat the oven to 325 F. Grease and line the base and sides of the cake pan with nonstick parchment paper. Put the molasses in a pan and heat gently until hot, but do not allow it to boil. Remove the pan from the
heat and add the chocolate. Stir until melted. Sift the flour, ground ginger and salt together in a bowl. Add the stem ginger and toss it around in the flour until every piece is coated. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, then the molasses and chocolate mixture and finally the flour mixture. Dissolve the baking soda in the milk and gradually beat this into the batter. Pour into the prepared cake pan, scatter with the crystallized ginger, if using, and bake for 45 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 300 F and bake for another 30 minutes. (If using the oval pan, cook for about 45 minutes at the higher temperature, then about one hour at the lower temperature, as it will be deeper.) A metal skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. Let cool for five minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack and let cool completely. When cold, store in an airtight container for at least a couple of days to mature and become sticky. Don’t worry if it sinks a bit in the middle — this is normal.
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
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HOLIDAY GUIDE Make Holiday Party Hosting A Breeze
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ntertaining is a great way to show good will and friendship to others and to celebrate special occasions. Many people can successfully throw parties, but hosting a great party takes a little extra effort. By following some tips, hosts can ensure their next party is one to remember. •Stick to a theme. Many party hosts find that themes help in the planning. Themes make it easy to coordinate invitations, decor, food, and music. Guests also may enjoy dressing up according to the theme. •Start making lists. Make lists regarding which foods you plan to cook, what you need to buy, who you plan to invite, and any other details that are floating around in your head. Getting things on paper and checking off the list can help keep things moving. •Do as much you can in advance.
When hosting at home, spend the day prior to the party getting the house in order and making any food if the party will not be catered. If it will be catered, confirm with the catering company the delivery time and firm up any other details. You’ll be far less frazzled if you space out your tasks than trying to squeeze them in a few hours before guests arrive. •Expect early/late arrivals. Some people just aren’t punctual. Some may leave home too early and arrive well before the party starts, while others think “fashionably late” is showing up long after the party starts. Have some easy-tograb snacks so that early and late guests can munch while you finish your tasks. •Stick to what you know. A dinner party or other event may not be the best time to get creative. Lean on recipes you’ve made before
Make a list and prepare for some unexpected guests when planning your holiday get-together. and can guarantee correct timing and flavor. •Have a seating plan. Have ample seating available and consider assigning seats at formal affairs so guests can sit next to friends or like-minded fellow invitees. •Spread out foods and beverages. Guests tend to bottleneck around the goodies. Ensure mingling and avoid traffic jams by having drinks and snacks in different locations. These are just a handful of ways hosts can throw memorable parties where everyone has a good time.
Separate The Black Friday Facts From Fiction continued from page 2
to alleviate safety concerns. Some may offer specific doorbusters throughout the day. Therefore, shoppers can schedule their shopping trips around when items they’re targeting are going on sale. Myth: Online shopping is much easier. Fact: While there is a certain convenience to online shopping, many sales are time-sensitive and may appear one minute and sell out the next. This could result in being tied to a computer or tablet all day seeking sales. Visiting stores on Black Friday enables shoppers to make their purchases immediately, saving them the potential hassle of dealing with disappearing deals, while also saving them money on shipping costs. Myth: Only big box retailers
participate in Black Friday deals. Fact: The Black Friday phenomenon is not limited to big box retailers. While big box stores may get the most attention thanks to their sizable advertising budgets and national reach, local businesses also offer their share of Black Friday savings. What’s more, stores shoppers may not immediately associate with Black Friday deals may be well worth a visit. These can include drug and sundries stores, outlet shopping centers, home improvement retailers, and much more. Myth: Black Friday shopping can quickly bust holiday budgets. Fact: Consumers can approach Black Friday shopping as they would any other retail excursion. By sticking to a list and avoiding impulse purchases, it’s possible for shoppers to stay within their
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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, November 21, 2018
HOLIDAY GUIDE
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