Christmas in Denton County 2014 by Denton Media Company

IN DENTON COUNTY

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â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tis the season to lend a helping hand. Find out how to help this holiday season.

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most wonderful time of the year. Celebrate the season with area events.

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Oh-so-many great gift ideas from Denton area businesses can be found inside. --

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Holiday drawings by younger artists in and around Denton.

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Denton Holiday Lighting Festival is this Friday.

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Wassail Fest expands this year. For details, see inside.

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2014

CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Denton Record-Chronicle

Students to present sold-out Christmas play By Lucinda Breeding Features Editor cbreeding@dentonrc.com

The students at Denton Community Theatre’s Theater School model angel wings and bathrobes as they get ready to take their places for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The play is the finale of the school’s family holiday event. The show is sold out, but local families can come to the PointBank Black Box Theatre, which will be set up as a holiday fun zone for children from 4 to 6:15 p.m. Dec. 5-7. Santa Claus will come to his house in front of the Black Box at 6:30 p.m., and while they wait for a visit with Santa, children can have refreshments. At 7:15 p.m., Santa will lead ticketholders into the theater for a show by Miss Polly and Her Tiny Big Band and then The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Nancy Chumbley, the former theater arts director at Argyle High School, is at the helm of this production of Barbara Robinson’s popular holiday comedy. Chumbley has kept the play simple — it takes place in the kitchen where narrator Beth warns her mother about taking on the church Christmas pageant, and the altar at the small church where the best Christmas pageant ever unfolds. “I want everyone to feel just like they’re Grace,” Chumbly said. Grace, played by Mia Leavell, inherits the all-important Christmas pageant from the strict and slightly judgmental Mrs. Armstrong, played by Becca Stieglemar. Sidelined by a bum leg, Mrs. Armstrong reluctantly hands the reins over to Grace. Unfortunately for Grace, her son Charlie (played by Shepherd Jackson) wiggles out of the grip of a schoolyard bully by tipping them off to the free cookies at church. The bully, Ralph Herdman (Ethan deBruyn) shows up at the next available church night

Photos by David Minton/DRC

with his five siblings. The Herdmans’ danger corresponds to their size, with Imogen Herdman being the alpha bully of the bunch. The promise of free sweets leads to the Herdmans joining the pageant. As each of them learn of Jesus’ birth, the children soften and change. “I just love this story,” Chumbley said. LUCINDA BREEDING can be reached at 940-566-6877 and via Twitter at @LBreedingDRC.

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Denton Record-Chronicle

SHADES OF JOY CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Holiday Coloring Contest

The Denton Record-Chronicle invited elementary school children to submit a Christmas holiday theme drawing during our holiday coloring contest. The lucky winner will help Santa turn on the lights at the 26th annual Denton Holiday Lighting Festival this Friday. Included below are some of the entries received.

Evangeline Adcock age 8

Valentine Adcock age 4

Griffin Evans age 7

Ryder Hodges age 6

Rowan Major age 9

Simon Anghel age 9

Elliot Kensinger age 10

Brinkley Bates age 7

Rei Meada age 7

Karissa Thiele age 8

Tommy Aarons age 8

Gypsy Hipple age 9

Phoebe Richter age 9

Juniper Brown age 8

Tucker Pace age 9

Corbin Sykes

Joshua Swift age 6

Camille Hilborn age 8

CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Denton Record-Chronicle

Area events light up the season orange juice or milk for $5 per person or $10 per family. Visit www.cityofjustin.com. 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 — Breakfast With Santa at Palermo’s Italian Cafe at Bartonville Town Center, 2650 FM407. Kids eat free with a toy donation. Includes balloons, face painting and a train ride. Visit www.bartonvilletc.com. 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 — Old Time Christmas at Bartonville Town Center, 2650 FM407. Includes live music by the Poor Kings, a Hot Cocoa Corner, Champagne Carriage Rides, vendors and more. Mission Moms will collect donations of coats, blankets and toys for Denton ISD families in need. Visit www.bartonvilletc.com.

2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 — Loot Christmas Show, a market with more than 100 vintage and vintage-inspired vendors, at Texas Motor Speedway. Three-day pass costs $15; $5 for one-day admission. Visit http:// lootvintage.com. 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 — Ice skating rink at Justin City Hall, 415 N. College Ave. Part of Justin’s OldFashioned Christmas Celebration. Free event includes s’mores around a fire. Visit www.cityofjustin.com. 7 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 — Justin Lions Club’s “Pancakes with Santa” at Justin Fire Hall, 310 N. Sealey Ave. All-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage with choice of coffee,

5 p.m. Dec. 6 — Little Elm Dasher Dash 5K and Fun Run, presented by Little Elm Fire Department Auxiliary. To register, visit www.lefda.org. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 — Justin’s Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration parade starting at City Hall, 415 N. College Ave., followed by caroling by the Justin Elementary Choir and the tree lighting ceremony. Includes children’s crafts, cupcake walk, pictures with Santa, cookies and hot chocolate. Free. Visit www.cityofjustin.com. 6 p.m. Dec. 6 — Little Elm’s Christmas Light-Up Parade, starting at the recreation center, 303 Main St., and ending at Santa Land in Little Elm Park, 701 W. Eldorado

Parkway. Visit www.littleelm.org. 8 p.m. Dec. 12 — “Christmas Bingo,” part of the Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater’s Grand Stand-Up Comedy Series, at 100 N. Charles St. in Lewisville. In the interactive comedy, audience members will play bingo while answering questions about Christmas traditions. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 60 and older and children 12 and younger. Visit http:// mclgrand.tix.com.

ONGOING Little Elm Christmas at the Beach, Dec. 6-28 at Little Elm Park, 701 W. Eldorado Parkway. Santa Land display includes a custom village, a 30-foot Christmas tree, hot cocoa and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will

visit Dec. 6-7 and 11-13 between 6 and 10 p.m. Free admission. Commemorative photos with Santa include a fee; you can also bring your own camera. Visit www.littleelm.org. Santa Claus at Vista Ridge Mall, 2401 S. I-35E in Lewisville. Santa is available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 24. Check Santa’s schedule at www.vistaridgemall.com. Photo prices begin at $22.99. The Big Vista Lodge is located on the lower level near Dillard’s. The Shops at Highland Village, 1701 Shoal Creek at the corner of FM2499 and FM407, offers free horse-drawn carriage rides, performances by the Living Christmas Card Quartet, and strolling interactive

characters including Jingles, a toy soldier, Jack Frost and Mrs. Claus. ● Carriage rides are first-come, first-served. Carriage will not run during inclement weather. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, as well as 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23. ● Living Christmas Card strolls through streets from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 28-29 and 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 30. Through Dec. 21, 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays; and 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 22-23. ● Strolling characters will visit from 2 to 8 p.m. Nov. 28-29, 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 30. Through Dec. 21, 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays; and 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 22-23.

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By Alison Ladman Associated Press We can’t help it. Once the cooler weather arrives, we crave hot cocoa with the same intensity that we crave a cold beer during barbecue season. There is, after all, something intensely comforting about drinking a warm mug of nature’s most perfect food — chocolate! Add a dollop of freshly whipped and lightly sweetened cream and it doesn’t get much better. Or maybe it can. To help take our hot cocoa game to the next level, we decided to see how many deliciously fresh ways we could doctor a mug of basic cocoa. Turns out, the possibilities are pretty inspiring (and tempting). So we picked our top 10 to share. Here are 10 fresh combinations to consider adding to your hot cocoa. 10 FRESH WAYS WITH HOT COCOA: Start with your favorite purchased hot cocoa mix, or make our hot cocoa. For homemade, heat 1 cup of whole milk until steaming. Sift together 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon sugar. Whisk into the hot milk along with 1/4 cup milk chocolate bits until completely smooth. Add any of the following and garnish with whipped cream: — Almond praline: Use brown sugar in place of the white sugar. Stir in 1teaspoon almond extract or 1 tablespoon

amaretto liqueur. — Hazelnut: Whisk in 2 tablespoons chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella). Add 1 tablespoon Frangelico liqueur, if desired. — Grasshopper: Whisk in 1/2 to 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, to taste. — Raspberry: Strain 1 tablespoon raspberry preserves through a fine mesh strainer. Discard any solids, then whisk the raspberry puree into the hot cocoa. — Chili: Stir in a pinch of cayenne and a pinch of cinnamon. — Gingerbread: Add 11/2 tablespoons of molasses and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice blend. Stir in 1 tablespoon ginger liqueur, if desired. — Coconut-lime: Add the finely grated zest of 1/2 lime and 2 tablespoons of cream of coconut. Add 1 ounce of rum, if desired. — Honey-pepper: Use 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey in place of the sugar. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. — Peanut butter-banana: Mash 1/2 of a very ripe banana until smooth. Whisk into the hot cocoa along with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. — Vanilla bean cheesecake: Scrape the seeds from a 1/2 vanilla bean pod into the cocoa. Transfer to a blender, add 2 tablespoons cream cheese then puree until smooth.

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CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Denton Record-Chronicle

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Find holiday cheer in Denton County THURSDAY, DEC. 4 4 p.m. — “Ornament Extravaganza” for all ages at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Create an ornament for the holiday season. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 5 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Toys for Tots Drive at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Cadets will collect new, unwrapped toys inside and outside the mall. Live band performances from 2 to 7 p.m. in the food court. Visit http://shopgoldentriangle.com. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Denton Holiday Lighting Festival, featuring the lighting of the community Christmas tree, music and dance performances, vendors and more on the downtown Square. The finale is the Holiday Lighting Christmas Spectacular, under the direction of David J. Pierce. Free admission; toy donations requested for the community toy drive. Nonprofit groups will sell food. Visit www.dentonholidaylighting.com. 6:30 p.m. — Aubrey Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting at 301 S. Main St. Includes Santa, music and more. Visit http://keepaubreybeautiful.org. 7:30 p.m. — Denton City Contemporary Ballet presents A Gift for Emma, a holiday fantasia in dance for all ages, featuring dancers from Denton Dance Conservatory. At Krum High School Performance Centre, 700 Bobcat Blvd. Tickets cost $12-$18 in advance, $20 at the door. Visit www.dentondance.com or www.dentoncitycontemporaryballet.org or call 940-383-2623. 7:30 p.m. — Reindeer Romp, which includes a 4.2-mile run and 2.5-mile walk, begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at South Lakes Park, 556 Hobson Lane. Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m. Both courses go through the neighborhoods and around the park. The entry fee includes a longsleeved T-shirt, and fruit, snacks and drinks at the end of the run. A free holiday fun zone is available (weather permitting) for kids to play in while parents participate in the race, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Register online at www.dentonparks.com, or in person at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Early registration is $15; race-day registration costs $20.

www.dentondance.com or www.dentoncitycontemporaryballet.org or call 940-383-2623. 8 p.m. — “Sounds of the Holidays,” a holiday concert by the UNT One O’clock Lab Band and the UNT Jazz Singers, in Winspear Hall at the Murchison Performing Arts Center, on the north side of I-35E at North Texas Boulevard. Admission is $3. Call 940-369-7802 or visit www.thempac.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 7 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Toys for Tots Drive at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Cadets will collect new, unwrapped toys inside and outside the mall. Live band performances from 2 to 5 p.m. in the food court. Visit http://shopgoldentriangle.com. 2 p.m. — Denton City Contemporary Ballet presents A Gift for Emma, a holiday fantasia in dance for all ages, featuring dancers from Denton Dance Conservatory. At Krum High School Performance Centre, 700 Bobcat Blvd. Tickets cost $12-$18 in advance, $20 at the door. Visit www.dentondance.com or www.dentoncitycontemporaryballet.org or call 940-383-2623. 3 to 6 p.m. — Robson Ranch Texas Women’s Club presents a Holiday Home Tour through six homes in development at 9501 Ed Robson Blvd. Tickets cost $10 and are available at all six homes on the tour. Proceeds benefit Hearts for the Homes and the Community Clothes Closet. Visit www.rrwomensclub.org.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10 11 a.m. — Santa Story Time for ages 1-5 at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Stories, songs and puppets for ages 1-5. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa at the end of the program. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 11 4:30 p.m. — “Christmas Gourd Ornaments” at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. For ages

5 and older. Join the Garden Culture Club to transform mini gourds into holiday ornaments. Free, but registration is required. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.eventzilla.net/user/dpl. 4:30 p.m. — “Tacky Christmas T-shirts” workshop for ages 11 and older at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Create your own tacky Christmas shirt. Supplies are provided. Free, but register by Dec. 9. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.eventzilla.net/user/dpl.

FRIDAY, DEC. 12 11 a.m. — Santa Story Time for ages 1-5 at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Stories, songs and puppets for ages 1-5. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa at the end of the program. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 3 to 5 p.m. — “Christmas Crafts” for children of all ages at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Open-ended, come-and-go program. Craft materials provided. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents A Christmas Carol at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. The stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic is for all ages. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older, $15 for students and $10 for children 12 and younger. Call 940-382-1915 or visit http:// dentoncommunitytheatre.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13 10 a.m. to noon — Holiday Wonderland at the Patterson-Appleton Center for the Visual Arts, 400 E. Hickory St. Family event featuring a live storytelling of William Joyce’s Santa Calls, photos with Santa, carolers, art activities and more. Admission is $10 per family. Call 940-382-2787 or visit www.dentonarts.com. 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. — The Festival Ballet of North Central Texas presents The Nutcracker at TWU’s Margo Jones Performing Arts Center, 1123 Oakland St. Tickets cost

$15-$35. For reservations, visit www.festivalballet.net. 5 p.m. — Denton Community Chorus Holiday Concert at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2121 E. University Drive. Includes refreshments, silent auction and audience sing-along. Free, but donations are accepted. Visit www.dentoncommunitychorus.org. 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents A Christmas Carol at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. The stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic is for all ages. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older, $15 for students and $10 for children 12 and younger. Call 940-382-1915 or visit http:// dentoncommunitytheatre.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 14 2 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents A Christmas Carol at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. The stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic is for all ages. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older, $15 for students and $10 for children 12 and younger. Call 940-382-1915 or visit http:// dentoncommunitytheatre.com. 2:30 p.m. — The Festival Ballet of North Central Texas presents The Nutcracker at TWU’s Margo Jones Performing Arts Center, 1123 Oakland St. Tickets cost $15-$35. For reservations, visit www.festivalballet.net.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17 7 p.m. — Santa Story Time for ages 1-5 at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Stories, songs and puppets for ages 1-5. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa at the end of the program. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18 10 a.m. — Santa Story Time for ages 1-5 at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Stories, songs and puppets for ages 1-5. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa at

the end of the program. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 19 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents A Christmas Carol at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. The stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic is for all ages. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older, $15 for students and $10 for children 12 and younger. Call 940-382-1915 or visit http:// dentoncommunitytheatre.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20 9 a.m. — Breakfast With Santa at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Includes breakfast, visits and photos with Santa, holiday crafts and bounce house. Register in advance for $10 per child ages 1-12; or pay $13 at the door. Adults may eat for $3. Visit www.dentonparks.com. Noon — North Texas Tuba Christmas at the UNT Library Mall, on the northeast corner of West Highland Street and Avenue C. Guest conductor Nicole Williams directs a choir of tubas through holiday favorites, sacred and secular. Free. Inclement weather location is the UNT Music Building commons area. Visit http://music.unt.edu. 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents A Christmas Carol at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. The stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic is for all ages. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older, $15 for students and $10 for children 12 and younger. Call 940-382-1915 or visit http:// dentoncommunitytheatre.com.

ONGOING Gift-wrapping service at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E, offered by youths from First United Methodist Church. Gift wrap station is in the Macy’s wing of the mall. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 6; noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 7; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 13; noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 14; 2 to 10 p.m. Dec. 19; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 20; noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 21; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 22-23; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 24. Pricing varies from $3 to $10 per package. Proceeds help fund mission trips. Holiday Art Exhibition presented by the Visual Arts Society of Texas at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays. Free. Letters from Santa can be sent to your child, friend or family member. The letter is postmarked from the North Pole and will contain a fun, personal message. Cost is $2 per letter. To order a letter from Santa, call Denia Recreation Center at 940-349-8285. Santa Claus will be at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E, for visits and photos. Santa will be at Santa’s Chalet at Center Court during all mall hours through Dec. 24, except during daily breaks from noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. Visit http:// shopgoldentriangle.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21 2 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents A Christmas Carol at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. The stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic is for all ages. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older, $15 for students and $10 for children 12 and younger. Call 940-382-1915 or visit http:// dentoncommunitytheatre.com.

Photo by Justin Clemons

SATURDAY, DEC. 6 9 a.m. — Breakfast With Santa in the food court at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Monkey Crepe Cafe will make Christmas crepes for Kid’s Club members (free membership for ages 3-12; sign up at guest services desk). Visit http://shopgoldentriangle.com. 10 a.m. to noon — Santa’s Snap Shots at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. Kids can visit Santa, have pictures taken and enjoy games and activities. Cost is $5 per child, $2 for extra prints. Call 940-349-8575 or visit www.dentonparks.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Krum’s North Pole Days craft show in downtown Krum, at the parking lot just west of Johnny Joe’s, 100 S. First St. Inclement weather location is the Krum Early Education Center. Visit www.ci.krum.tx.us. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Toys for Tots Drive at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Cadets will collect new, unwrapped toys inside and outside the mall. Puppet show at noon and Christmas carolers from 1 to 2 p.m. in the food court. Harley-Davidson Toys for Tots Motorcade will arrive at approximately 2 p.m. Live band performances from 3 to 8 p.m. in the food court. Visit http://shopgoldentriangle.com. 2:30 p.m. — Make ’n’ Take: “Holiday Gifts With Essential Oils” at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Learn about essential oils and how to create beauty and cleaning supplies, and make a holiday gift. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 4 to 6:30 p.m. — Argyle Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting at Argyle Town Hall, 308 Denton St. Includes crafts, food, carnival games, carolers, a scavenger hunt, vendors, Santa Claus and more. The evening will end with holiday songs and the tree lighting. Entry is a donation of canned goods for the Argyle Food Bank and/or a toy for Toys for Tots. Visit http://argyletx.com. 6 p.m. — Krum’s Parade of Lights through downtown Krum. Parade includes floats of all types, horses, lighted cars and more. Immediately after the parade, a chili supper will be served at First United Methodist Church, 1001 E. McCart St. $5 donation for chili supper with cornbread and coffee, tea or water. Donations will be used for new playground equipment. Visit www.ci.krum.tx.us. 6 to 8:30 p.m. — Christmas on the Square in Pilot Point’s historic town Square. Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves in the gazebo as they light the city tree. Also: cookie decorating, a petting zoo, old-fashioned games, concessions, ornaments for kids to decorate and place on the tree, face painting, vendors and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free. In case of inclement weather, the Pilot Point Community Opera House is the backup location. Visit www.cityofpilotpoint.org. Call Pilot Point Main Street director Lenette Cox at 940-686-6488. 7:30 p.m. — Denton City Contemporary Ballet presents A Gift for Emma, a holiday fantasia in dance for all ages, featuring dancers from Denton Dance Conservatory. At Krum High School Performance Centre, 700 Bobcat Blvd. Tickets cost $12-$18 in advance, $20 at the door. Visit

Please consider

Christian Community Action this Thanksgiving or Christmas season to volunteer or give!

Are you looking for a way to give back this season? CCA has several opportunities for you to help make this a special holiday season for so many in our community. You can give the gift of your time, or a financial gift, to help provide food, clothing and toys for families struggling during this time of year. Volunteer at the CCA Christmas Store: Help is needed at the Store, or volunteer for a shift at a mall location to manage a giving tree. Coordinate a food, Christmas toy, or clothing drive: Host a drive at your church, business, or organization. Adopt a Senior for Christmas: Adopt a senior citizen and purchase gifts from their needs wish list. Make a monetary donation to CCA: Make your check payable to Christian Community Action: 200 South Mill, Lewisville, TX, 75057 or, give online at www.ccahelps.org.

ccahelps.org/holiday-program

Contacts to volunteer, host a drive, or give: Dedra Brynn | 972.219.4318 | dedra.brynn@ccahelps.org (host a drive or to give) To volunteer | 972.219.4372 | volunteer.requests@ccahelps.org LC

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Denton Record-Chronicle

Annual festival changes its tune By Megan Gray-Hatfield Staff Writer mgray@dentonrc.com

One night of sipping on flavorful wassail just wasn’t enough, and officials said that’s why they are extending the 16th annual Wassail Fest to two days. Christine Gossett, event coordinator with Denton Main Street Association, said that with merchants offering an estimated 40 wassail recipes in and around the Square this year, there just isn’t enough time to try them all during the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival. She said they will keep the tradition alive and offer the usual free tastings during Friday’s festival, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., as well as the following day, Saturday, from 2 to 6 p.m. “This is a way for people to taste more this year. With the popularity of the event and it continuing to grow, there just wasn’t enough time in one evening to try all the wassail available,” Gossett said. “We are seeing the growth as an opportunity to expand on the holiday activities for the weekend and hope that more will decide to come out and enjoy a second day with us.” Those activities, festival organizers said, will include a photo opportunity with Santa Claus in front of a 1960s retro camper

stationed in front of the picturesque Courthouse on the Square. Merchants on the side streets of the Square are also taking part in the Christmas tradition, Gossett said. However, some shops and restaurants are offering wassail tastes only on Friday night. The wassail tradition was started by merchants of the Denton Main Street Association as a way to contribute to the annual holiday lighting festivities. Last year, more than 30 downtown Denton merchants participated, according to a news release. Visitors can cast their votes for their favorite wassail on Friday evening during the Holiday Lighting Festival, or on Saturday during the expanded Wassail Fest. Gossett said all participating merchants will have ballots and drop-off boxes during the twoday Wassail Fest. The coveted title of Wassail Fest king or queen will be named Saturday, and as an incentive for tasters to turn in ballots, all who vote will be eligible for door prizes, organizers said. “We also encourage everyone to follow us on social media as we will have separate contests going on for even more chances to win prizes,” Gossett said. “This

Photos by David Minton/DRC

is just really going to be a fun two-day event that brings even more holiday festivities to the downtown Square.” Denton Main Street can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/downtowndenton, and a list of participating wassail merchants is available online at www.dentonmainstreet.org. GRAY-HATMEGAN FIELD can be reached at 940566-6885 and via Twitter at @MGrayNews.

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CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Denton Record-Chronicle

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Rock around the Square Thanks to sponsors, Denton’s holiday lighting a feast of music, good cheer By Stanton Brasher For the Denton Record-Chronicle

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, or, at least, it will when the Denton Holiday Festival Association plugs in for their yearly festivities. The Denton Holiday Lighting Festival, now in its 26th year, will kick off this season’s celebration at 5:30 p.m. on Friday on the Downtown Denton Square. With sleigh bells ring-tingtingling from horse drawn carriage rides and a visit from Santa himself, the free festival has fun activities for the whole family including live music, dance performances and arts and crafts. “The event has always been free and that is what’s so great about the donations we get from sponsors,” said Kelley Pound, Board Chair of the Denton Holiday Festival Association. “It helps keep it fr-ee. We have no intentions of changing that,” Pound added. Christmas has become synonymous with Black Friday and commercial jingles, and the idea of sponsors can often conjure images of The Grinch. But the lighting festival doesn’t point its shiny red nose in that direction. “We open it up to non-profits who want to do it as a fundraiser,” Pound said. “So, a lot of local non-profits sell food, hot chocolate, coffee, stuff like that,” she added. The festival is not a mere month one-off. Pound admits that she is in the holiday spirit 11 months out of the year and that fund raising is a constant concern. The funds raised are not just for the festival. The Denton Holiday Lighting Association is also responsible for the upkeep on the lights in the trees on theCourthouse Square lawn 365 days a year. This illuminated circumstance requires some out-of-thegift-box ideas. “This year, one of the things we did in the summertime, we took a lot of the musicians and made a CD – a Denton Holiday CD,” said David Pierce, co-director of musical programming for the festival. The album, A Very Merry Denton, is available on iTunes and features many of the artists performing at this year’s festival, including Mariachi Quetzal, Bubba Hernandez, Bonnie and Nick Norris, and The Denton Community Band. “That was a big thing for me,” Pierce said, “to have worked with so many artists in a very short amount of time. It was two weeks that we had to record and, sort of, rough-mix 12 songs.” Not all of the artists that worked on the CD could catch a reindeer back in time for the lighting, but, the festival has plenty of snow power to fill in the gaps with musical acts such as Bubba Turner, A Taste of Herb and Midlake. With acts like these, the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival seems to be the perfect place for jingle bells to rock.

While the goal of the Denton Holiday Lighting association is to spread joy to the community, they feel that the festival alone is not enough. “The main focus of the event is the toy drive,” Pound said. “The Denton County Toy Store is our main recipient.” The Denton County Toy Store, a non-profit division of Asbury Methodist Church, is an organization devoted to serving families in Denton County. According to their website, they have been in operation since 1969 and give away more than 2,000 toys a year. “All of those toys stay in Denton County and are distributed to Denton County families,” Pound said. As Pound is entering her sixth year with the festival, her joyously fast-paced sleigh ride shows no signs of slowing down. “It’s crazy, but I do it because I love Denton, Texas” Pound said. File photos/DRC

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CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Denton Record-Chronicle

Art of flower arranging meets holiday decor By Katherine Roth Associated Press Holiday decorations in the U.S. are often symmetrical: Two candles on either side of the mantel, a round wreath in the center of the door, a centerpiece with matching sprigs of holly and pine on each side. The ancient Japanese art of ikebana, or flower arranging, can provide festive sparkle and color, too, with a much more modern feel. “The three basic tenets are line, movement and open space,” said Eileen Kay, a retired elementary-school teacher in Boulder, Colorado, who has been studying ikebana for years. “Most people go to the store and buy a bunch of flowers. But there’s no line. The line could be a piece of ivy, a ribbon, anything that lends itself to visual flow.” Mastering ikebana requires years of training, and there are many methods of approaching the art. The Sogetsu school of flower arranging, one of the largest and most accessible, teaches that anyone can arrange ikebana and with almost anything. Even for the uninitiated, a few basic tools and principles are sufficient to begin experimenting at home with this different aesthetic — just in time for holiday decor. “The biggest difference between Western arrangements and ikebana is asymmetry,” said Kimi Quinn, a Sogetsu-certified practitioner who has been designing ikebana arrangements in the U.S. and Japan for over 20 years. “Ikebana is about capturing the universe and nature. Nothing in the natural world is symmetrical.” In ikebana, the empty space between branches is as important as the branches themselves. “It’s like that Zen question asking about the sound of one hand clapping. The answer is silence. Space,” Quinn said. Many ikebana arrangements mix and match tall tree branches and much smaller flowers with no perfectly vertical or horizontal lines, plenty of space in between and, if a low dish is used, the water often in view.

To begin, all that’s needed is a heavy pin board (kenzan) or a block of flower-arranging sponge, available at craft and floral-supply stores, and a low salad bowl or platter. The container should be filled with just enough water to barely cover the pin board or sponge. You might start with a decorative branch for a long defining line, a medium flower or branch and a shorter flower, and a large leaf or some other small flower to help cover the pin board. For the holidays, bare branches painted silver, gold or white are a good choice, as are pine, holly or even red roses. In general, “the longest stem should be twice as long as the container is wide,” Quinn said. “The medium stem should be around three-quarters the length of the longer branch, and the shorter stem should be around half the length of the medium stem.” Before arranging the stems and branches, trim excess foliage, and trim the stems while they are submerged in water. They should be clipped at an angle for tree branches and straight across for flower stems, Quinn said. “You don’t just stick them straight down into the pin board,” she said. “You angle them in different directions, some backward and others forward, to give some depth and perspective. Pay attention to the curve of the lines, and the spaces between the lines.” Think about the beauty of the natural forms, and allow your personality and feeling to come through, Quinn said. Ikebana displays typically last only three to five days. “It’s so sad when they go because I’ve put so much heart into them,” Quinn said. “But appreciating that fleeting beauty is really the essence of what it’s all about.” ___ ON THE WEB www.sogetsu.or.jp (The Sogetsu school of Ikebana offers classes, books and supplies) www.ziji.com (sells supplies for ikebana flower arrangements)

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CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Holiday cookie inspired by Reese's NutRageous bars By Alison Ladman Associated Press This cookie was all about packing an outrageous number of peanuts into one small, but so-very-delicious package. Inspired by the NutRageous bar, these drop cookies combine peanut butter, whole peanuts, chocolate and caramel into saltysweet morsels you will find dangerously addictive. ___ CARAMEL PEANUT BUTTER ROCKS Start to finish: 30 minutes Makes 3 dozen 1 cup smooth peanut butter 1 cup packed dark brown sugar 1 egg 1 cup salted peanuts 1 cup caramel filled chocolate chips Heat the oven to 375 F. Line 2 baking sheets with kitchen parchment or coat them with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, brown sugar and egg. Mix just until you have a thick paste. Gently stir in the peanuts and chocolate chips. Scoop by the tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 1/2 inches between them. Bake for 10 minutes, or just until set. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Nutrition information per serving: 110 calories; 60 calories from fat (55 percent of total calories); 7 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 5 mg cholesterol; 11 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 10 g sugar; 3 g protein; 40 mg sodium.

Matthew Mead/AP

Dress up a simple hash By Alison Ladman Associated Press Maybe this year you should consider stepping up your Christmas brunch offerings. Despite how extravagant it sounds, this savory brunch item actually is simple to assemble. You also can bake it the day before, then reheat it in a 350 F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. All you need to do Christmas morning is top the hash with poached eggs and smoked salmon. And you'll be glad you did. ___ SWEET POTATO AND SALMON HASH BAKE Start to finish: 1 hour 10 minutes (20 minutes active) Servings: 8 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter 1 medium yellow onion, diced 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes 1 cup diced roasted red peppers 2 tablespoons roughly chopped capers 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme Kosher salt and ground black pepper 8 ounces smoked salmon Sour cream or 8 poached eggs (optional) Heat the oven to 400 F. Coat a 3- to 4-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until tender and starting to brown. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, grate the sweet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes. Alternatively, use the medium grating disc on a food processor to shred the potatoes. Either way, grasp the shredded potatoes a handful at a time to squeeze and discard as much liquid as possible, returning the potatoes to the bowl. To the potatoes, add the onion-butter mixture, roasted red pepper, capers, thyme and a 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. Top the hash with slices of smoked salmon and either dollops of sour cream or poached eggs, if using.

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CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Denton Record-Chronicle

Dance program returns This weekend marks the 15th year Denton City Dance Conservatory will stage A Gift for Emma, a holiday fantasia in dance. Created by artistic director Lisa Racina, Emma borrows the spirit and tradition of Christmas and replaces a ho-hum winter recital with a story about Emma, a street urchin who sneaks into a dance studio, falls asleep under a Christmas tree and takes a journey. Curious creatures from the earth, sea and childhood visions usher Emma through a dreamscape and, ultimately, give Emma the gift of dance. Racina drafted dancers from among her students Denton City Contemporary Ballet and its home studio, Denton Dance Conservatory. A Gift for Emma pairs emerging dancers with professional performers. Professional guest artists return. Yulia Ilina, an alumna of the Kiev Ballet, brings touches of The Nutcracker to the production in her classical grand pas de deus. Chris Koehl, a former faculty of the Denton conservatory and contender on season 8 of So You Think You Can Dance, reprises his popular performance of the robot doll in the show. Racina’s heart might beat for ballet, but her busy conservatory teaches tap, jazz, hip-hop and modern dance, and Emma still showcases the forms with its GI Joe dancers, graceful jellyfish and tap dancing elves. More than 200 performers appear in the holiday tradition.

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Who: Denton City Contemporary Ballet What: A holiday fantasia in dance by Lisa Racina and guest choreographers When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5-6, 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 Where: Krum High School Auditorium, 700 Bobcat Ln. If you go: $12-$18. For reservations, visit http://bit.ly/1vLEfUg

Fresh ways to serve pork tenderloin By Alison Ladman Associated Press The holidays are stressful enough, never mind if you feel the need to reinvent your dinner repertoire every time someone new pops over. But at the same time, December is going to be an awful long month if you resort to making the same dish over and over again. So we figured there had to be a delicious middle ground. And there was. Our idea was simple — pick a cut of meat that is easy to have on hand, simple to prepare for both small groups and crowds, and yet versatile enough to pair with multiple flavors. Our choice? Pork tenderloin. Though delicious and tender, it also is neutral enough to pair wonderfully with numerous ingredients. It's also easy to cook. We like to rub it with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then roast for about 30 minutes. The entire process takes about 5 minutes hands-on time. Thinly sliced, the tenderloins can be paired with any number of sauces or toppings. We've offered up two versions here — a tangy butternut squash pesto and a garlic-rich potato puree. Add some fresh bread and a salad and you've got a great holiday meal. ___ HOLIDAY ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN (with three variations) Start to finish: 45 minutes Servings: 8 Two 1-pound pork tenderloins Olive oil Kosher salt and ground black pepper Heat the oven to 400 F. Brush or rub olive oil over the surface of each pork tenderloin. Sprinkle each on all sides with salt and pepper. Place the tenderloins in a small roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes, or until the center of the tenderloins reaches 145 F. Slice and serve topped with one of the varia-

tions below. ___ BUTTERNUT SQUASH PESTO In a food processor, pulse 2 cups of peeled and cubed butternut squash until the pieces are very finely diced. Stir 1/4 cup olive oil into the squash, then spread the mixture on a foillined rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 400 F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until tender, but not mushy. Lift the foil off the pan and place the squash in the freezer to chill for 10 minutes. Once chilled, in a medium bowl stir together the squash, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup grated manchego cheese, and salt and black pepper, to taste. Spoon over the pork and top with toasted almonds.

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GARLIC POTATO PUREE In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup halfand-half with 3 garlic cloves and 2 bay leaves. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a covered medium saucepan fitted with a steamer basket and filled with 1 inch of water, steam 2 pounds of peeled and cubed russet potatoes for 15 minutes, or until very tender. Pass the potatoes through a food mill or ricer and into a large bowl. Remove the bay leaves from the half-andhalf and discard. In a blender, puree the half-and-half with the garlic until completely smooth. Gradually whisk the half-andhalf into the potatoes, allowing it to be absorbed before adding more. Whisk in 6 tablespoons butter, then season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme, then serve alongside the pork tenderloin.

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CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Denton Record-Chronicle

11D

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

From vintage to city chic: holiday decor trends By Kim Cook Associated Press For those who love to decorate, there’s no time like the holidays for adding fun, festive touches to our living spaces. This year, there’s something for many tastes and styles. A look at the trends you’ll see at stores: CHRISTMAS PAST The 1920s inspire a lot of holiday décor, with West Elm offering glittery Art Deco letter ornaments and star garlands, as well as Deco-patterned, mercuryglass hurricanes in silver and midnight blue. Elegant, gold, blown-glass animals fit the vibe. At Pier 1, you’ll find beaded tree swags, as well as ornaments encrusted with sequins or glass mosaics. Beaded metallic pillars, champagne glasses and bottles, and chevron-patterned pendants add Jazz Age style. Throw pillows and signs printed with a vintage-style chalkboard Christmas greeting hold charm at Pottery Barn, where the design is also available in a door mat. Here too, a decorative collection of old-fashioned village homes, churches and schoolhouses evokes turnof-the-century German ornaments similarly made of cardboard and silver glitter. Purchases from the collection support shelters nationwide through the Give a Little Hope organization. For a more midcentury look, consider Crate & Barrel’s teardrop ornaments in a sexy, red matte glass. If you’re into making some of your own midcentury modern Christmas decorations, check out the DIY Network’s website for suggestions including stockings and ornaments. SNOW GLOW LED lighting is now in just about anything, including holiday décorations. Ikea’s Strala collection includes a garland of pierced gold balls fitted with LEDs, and a bright red tree mat has built-in LEDs. Frontgate’s Meteor light set twinkles, showers, shimmers

and glows at the touch of a button. Clusters of string lights look gorgeous under glass cloches; Restoration Hardware offers both in various sizes. And snow globes that send up a flurry of up-lit flakes with the push of a button are a twist on the traditional. Also at the retailer: spare, birch-wrapped branches wrapped in warm LEDs, in various sizes for tabletop or entryway floor. CITY SPARKLE “This year I’m seeing deep, rich hues,” says designer Taniya Nayak. “Think sapphire, deep emerald and sexy violet. The real wow factor rolls in with the metallic touches. There is a cool juxtaposition that happens when you mix the sophisticated richness of jewel tones and the medley of copper patina and copper shine.” Pier 1’s peacock-inspired tree skirt anchors a collection of vibrant ornaments in faceted glass, sequins or feathers. There are accent pillows on the market this year decorated with glitter, bugle beads, sequins or metallic embroidery thread. Look for snowflake or tree motifs, or seasonal words like “Noel” and “Joy.” One or two on an entryway bench greet guests with panache; Target and Homegoods have nicely priced op-

tions. Z Gallerie has the glamorous Folly collection of white and gold pearl wreaths, table trees and garlands, as well as crystal flower spheres and ornaments in trendy turquoise. Stylized foxes and owls in white or gold acrylic add a soft, metallic accent to the tree or tablescape, from Ikea. Pottery Barn’s chinchilla, fox or bear faux-fur tree skirts add a touch of luxe. Dress the tree with midcentury-style copper and brass trims for a cool and current vibe. CAMP CHRISTMAS The rustic, cabin-y look that took off last year has held strong. Woodland creatures populate the ornament collections at Land of Nod, while, in a twist, hedgehogs and raccoons are photoprinted on little stuffed ornaments at Target. At West Elm, Boston designer Mimi Kirchner’s felt foxes, deer, raccoons and bears sport jaunty scarves and plaid coats. Ikea’s Vinter collection features Swedish patterns on cushion covers and guest towels. At Pottery Barn, an advent calendar with farmhouse charm is created out of small, galvanized buckets mounted on a pine frame. Artists Petra Borner and Fiona Howard have designed ornaments for Crate & Barrel evok-

ing European folk art designs. Here too, clever tree collars made of glossy red or galvanized metal to resemble vintage tubs. FOR ENTERTAINING Nayak loves “any mixture of glam and rustic,” including “a winter-white backdrop with reclaimed wood and a bit of polished chrome.” Crate & Barrel’s got a selection of laser-cut, crocheted and curled paper snowflakes in creamy hues of champagne, bronze and white; add a few glittery, beaded ornaments in silver and muted grays. Sandy Chilewich has a new collection of mats and runners rendered in gold, silver, gunmetal and brass, in a chic geometric Pebble pattern. At Target, Nate Berkus’ Ascot Star dessert plates and trays feature a classic foulard pattern in smart black and white that would work for get-togethers straight into New Year’s Eve. For Hanukah, Jonathan Adler offers a blue, Lucite cube menorah, as well as an array of mod, ceramic-animal menorahs. At Williams-Sonoma, a collection of porcelain plates and serveware in cream with a graphic print of ancient temple menorahs would add style to a holiday buffet. Sara Peterson, editor-inchief of HGTV Magazine, likes colorful décor beyond the tradi-

Pier 1 Imports/AP

tional red and green. “Felt pompom garlands are always a party hit, and not just for Christmas trees,” she says. “String them on stair railings and around mirrors, and drape them from your curtain rods.” Think beyond the living room, Peterson says. “Add a little decorating twist here and there throughout your

house,” she says. “It’s fun to do something beyond just setting the table. In guest bathrooms, use a whiteboard marker to write a fun holiday message on the mirror, and put down a holiday-themed bath mat. In the kitchen, plant mini cypress trees in colorful glazed pots, and swap out regular dish towels for festive tea towels.”

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12D

CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Denton Record-Chronicle

How to help this holiday season Brookshire Grocery Co. Spirit of Christmas food drive through Dec. 20 at Brookshire’s of Denton, 719 S. I-35E. Donations of nonperishable food items will be donated to local service organizations. North Texas Trinity Cowboy Church of Sanger will collect donations 24 hours a day in the parking lot of Super Save Foods, at of FM455 and I-35. Donations of boxed or canned food items as well as monetary donations will be accepted. New toys and new blankets will also be accepted. Donations will be distributed on Dec. 20 to anyone in need, no questions asked, at the city park in downtown Sanger. “Christmas Is for Caring” fundraiser Dec. 8-12 for Denton State Support Supported Living Center. The center’s Volunteer Services Council and WBAP-AM raise money for Christmas gifts for residents and other needs. Call the phone bank at 214-525-2500 between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the drive. Donations are tax-deductible. Giving Hope Inc. poinsettia sale offering 10-inch plants in red, white or

pink, $20 each. To order, call the Giving Hope office at 940-380-0513. Orders can be picked up Dec. 3-5 from Irwin Hall of Denton’s First Presbyterian Church, 1114 W. University Drive. Delivery is offered for large orders. Toys for Tots Drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5-7 at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Cadets will collect new, unwrapped toys inside and outside the mall. Visit http://shopgoldentriangle.com. Toys for Tots drive through Dec. 12 at Corinth City Hall, 3300 Corinth Parkway, and Kensington Park Apartments, 3150 S. Garrison Rd in Corinth. Drop off new, unwrapped toys. Visit https://cityofcorinth.com. Wish List for Denton State Supported Living Center residents at the Volunteer Services Council website, www.vscdenton.org. Gifts can be delivered to 3980 State School Road, Building 557, or to any regional Calloway’s Nursery location during Dec. 8-12. Gifts should be wrapped and tagged, and not include any glass, food or gift cards. Call 940-591-3630.

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Wednesday, December 3, 2014

13D

Ideas for easy party snacks By Alison Ladman Associated Press Nobody is going to blame you if your holiday party spread includes a bowl of mixed nuts, some grapes and a wedge or two of cheese. After all, most people enjoy them and are willing to nibble mindlessly on them. But it is easier than you think to elevate your feast by bolstering those tired party snack cliches with a few more creative offerings. You won’t need to work very hard at this. Most holiday party snacks can be assembled in less than 10 minutes, and many can be assembled ahead of time. And the only truly important rule is to make sure everything is neat and easy to eat (one-handing it really is best for party food). To help get your party started, we’ve assembled some of our favorite snack ideas. We’ve even given you a way to jazz up your basic bowl of mixed nuts. DEAS FOR SNACKS: — Spiced nuts: Beat 1 egg white with 1 teaspoon of water until frothy. Add 3 cups of your favorite unsalted nuts and toss to coat. In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Toss the sugar mixture with the nuts and spread on a rimmed baking sheet lined with kitchen parchment. Bake at 350 F until fragrant and dry. — Marinated olives: Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, the zest of 1 orange, 2 minced cloves garlic and 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh rosemary. Toss with 2 cups mixed pitted olives. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 4 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving. — Honeyed goat cheese: Set an 8-ounce log of soft goat cheese on a serving plate. Drizzle the cheese liberally with honey, then sprinkle with toasted pecans, chopped fresh tarragon, grated lemon zest and ground black pepper. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.

Matthew Mead/AP

— Apricot prosciutto beans: Spread a half slice of prosciutto very thinly with apricot preserves. Wrap the prosciutto around several haricot verts (thin French green beans) and a thin strip of roasted red pepper. Make a dozen or so bundles in this fashion, then stack on a serving tray. Sprinkle with ground black pepper. — Bacon-date cream cheese dip: Beat an 8-ounce block of cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of milk until light and fluffy. Stir in 1/2 cup crumbled well-cooked bacon, 1/2 cup chopped dates and 2 thinly sliced scallions. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. — Avocado shrimp cocktail: In a food processor, combine the flesh of 3 avocados with 1/2 cup cocktail sauce, 2 tablespoons horseradish, the juice of 1 lime, a splash of hot sauce and a bit of salt and pepper. Process until smooth, then transfer to a serving bowl. Top with sliced scallions and serve with cooked, chilled shrimp. — Candied kielbasa bites: Slice 1 pound of kielbasa into thin ovals. Arrange in a single layer on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 cup brown sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the kielbasa. Bake at 350 F until the slices are golden brown and the sugar is bubbly, about 30 minutes. — Smashed lemon cannellini beans: Drain and rinse a 15ounce can of cannellini beans.

Pat dry with paper towels, then spread on a dinner plate. Roughly smash the beans with a fork or potato masher. Drizzle all over with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with grated lemon zest, chopped fresh oregano, coarse sea salt, black pepper and smoked paprika. Serve with toasted pita chips. — Marinated mozzarella with anchovy and peanuts: Mash 3 anchovies with a fork in a medium bowl. Add 1/2 cup good olive oil, 1 pound cubed, drained fresh mozzarella, a pinch of red pepper flakes, 2 cloves grated garlic, 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves, and 1/2 cup lightly chopped unsalted peanuts. Serve with bread for scooping. — Sweet and spicy cracker bark: Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer covering the entire baking sheet. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (more or less to taste), 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice blend, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Bring to a simmer and stir to combine. Pour the mixture over the crackers, spreading until the crackers are evenly covered. Bake at 350 F until golden brown and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup crumbled crisp-cooked bacon and 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds. Allow to cool completely, then break into bitesized pieces.

Let’s Remember

Together For some, it has been a difficult year and the holidays— traditionally a time of celebration—can magnify a tragedy or loss. We’ve found that remembering a loved one with a candlelight remembrance service often helps families work through difficult times. If you have lost a loved one, please join us and we’ll take a moment to remember and celebrate that life... together.

Denton Funeral Home and Cremation Services

You’re Invited What: Candelight Remembrance Service When: Saturday, December 13 1:00 p.m. Where: Denton Funeral Home Chapel

120 South Carroll Blvd. Denton, Texas 76201 Phone: (940) 382-2214

RSVP by 12/10/14 by calling (940)382-2214 or e-mail wesley@familyowned.net

www.dentonfuneralhome.net

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14D

CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Denton Record-Chronicle

Master deep-frying to get perfect doughnuts By Sara Moulton Associated Press Plenty of us have a perfectly understandable fear of frying. After all, it can be both messy and dangerous. But it doesn’t have to be. And since eating fried food is one of life’s great joys, it’s well worth mastering. Consider the doughnut. Everybody’s favorite wheel-shaped goodie is made of fried sweetened dough that has leavened with yeast, baking powder or baking soda. The difference in leavening comes down to texture. Yeast doughnuts are light and airy, while doughnuts leavened with baking powder or baking soda are denser, more like cake. These chai-spiced doughnuts are of the latter variety. They are easy to mix together (just don’t overmix or they’ll get tough) and flavored with chaistyle spices (the kinds that make Indian tea so lovable). The equipment part of frying is easy. A fryer is nice, but if you don’t have one, you can piece together one of your own. It requires nothing more than a large, deep pot and a frying thermometer. The best kind of oil for this job is one that’s flavorless and has a high “smoke point.” The smoke point is the temperature at which a given oil starts to smoke; it can catch fire if it gets much hotter than that. Good candidates include vegetable, safflower, sunflower, soy, some kinds of canola, and some kinds of grape seed. Usually, the label will tell you if the oil’s suitable for frying. Don’t fill the pot with more than about 2 inches of oil. When you add the doughnuts, the level of the oil will rise. Next, insert the thermometer deep enough into the oil to get a reading, but not so deep that it rests on the bottom of the pan. Now heat the oil to 375 F. Once the right temperature is reached, it’s important to fry the doughnuts in small batches. If you fry up too many at once, the oil temperature drops and

the doughnuts absorb too much oil. You want to make sure the oil is always between 365 F and 380F. If it starts to edge up toward 400 F, add some cold oil to cool it down. If it dips below 350 F, remove the doughnuts temporarily, which will allow the oil to climb back up. The perfect tool for removing doughnuts (or any fried food) from hot oil is called a spider. These are flat strainers that work like a scoop blended with a wooden spoon. But the scoop part usually is made of a weblike lattice of wire (hence the name). As the doughnuts fry, let them rest for a few moments, then cut one open to make sure they are cooked through. The exteriors should be deep brown and the interiors should be cakelike and light. Can you re-use the oil? Sure, as long as you didn’t overheat it the first time (which lowers its smoke point) and you strain it with a fine strainer to lose any crumbs. But I wouldn’t re-use it more than once. Got it? Great. When it comes to frying, there’s nothing to fear. ___ CHAI-SPICED DOUGHNUTS Start to finish: 1 hour Makes 36 small doughnuts For the spice mix: 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground dry ginger 1teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves For the doughnuts: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting the counter 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon table salt 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided 2/3 cup buttermilk 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted and cooled 1 large egg, beaten lightly 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger

Vegetable oil, for frying To make the spice mix, in a small bowl stir together the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, pepper and cloves. Set aside. To make the doughnuts, in a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix until well combined. In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the sugar and 2 teaspoons of the spice mix. Set aside. In another large bowl, combine the remaining sugar, the buttermilk, butter, egg, vanilla and candied ginger. Add to the flour mixture and stir just until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead it briefly until it just comes together. Lightly flour a baking sheet. On a lightly floured counter, pat out the door (which will be sticky) into a round about 1/3 inch thick. Use a 1 3/4-inch round biscuit or cookie cutter to cut rounds from the dough. Transfer the doughnuts to the prepared baking sheet, then reroll and cut the scraps of dough once. In a wide, 5-quart heavy pot over medium-high, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375 F. Working in batches of 5 or 6, carefully add the doughnuts, 1 at a time, to the oil and fry, turning over frequently, until browned, about 2 1/2 minutes per batch. Transfer the fried doughnuts to paper towels to drain. Return the oil to 375 F between batches. Let the fried doughnuts cool slightly, then dredge them through the bowl of spiced sugar, turning to coat both sides. Nutrition information per serving: 70 calories; 30 calories from fat (43 percent of total calories); 3.5 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 5 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 5 g sugar; 1 g protein; 105 mg sodium. ___ EDITOR’S NOTE: Sara Moulton was executive chef at Gourmet magazine for nearly

25 years, and spent a decade hosting several Food Network shows. She currently stars in public television’s “Sara’s Weeknight Meals” and has written three cookbooks, including “Sara Moulton’s Everyday Family Dinners.”

Matthew Mead/AP

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Olivia Clark age 10

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Hannah Houchin age 7

Riley Henry age 9

Henry May age 6

Eleanor Garner age 7

CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Denton Record-Chronicle

Community theatre brings classic holiday story to life Denton actor, playwright and director Bryan Patrick might be known mostly for his comedic chops. But in his latest project, Patrick’s job is to cut through a man’s well-earned cynicism and find his heart. Ebenezer Scrooge is nearly a caricature of avarice and unhappy solitude, and as the director of Denton Community Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, Patrick’s mission is to find sweetness in the presence of scarcity, and redemption in the midst of garden variety cruelty.

Pat Watson appears as Scrooge in the classic story of a merchant who does his best to ignore the moral heart and warmth of his young clerk, Bob Crachit. Blindness proves dangerous for old Scrooge, who faces his empty soul on a restless Christmas Eve, when three ghosts visit him to make him look back on Christmases past, present and future. Can Scrooge find a new way of living – and being – by truly celebrating Christmas? In the span of a single night,

Scrooge has to weigh a future dictated by his miserly suspicion of people against the simple sweetness of hope proffered by a little boy, tiny Tim Crachit, whose stature might be small and disabled, but whose spirit is buoyant. This adaptation honors the novel, and weaves Christmas carols through they play. With Brittany Fowler as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Mike Strecher as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Travis Barth as the Ghost of Christmas Future.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

15D

‘A Christmas Carol’ Who: Denton Community Theatre What: A stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel, by Lin Stevens When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21 Where: The Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. If you go: $22 adults, $18 for ages 62 and up and $10 for ages 12 and younger. For reservations, call 940-3882-1915.

Go Italian this Christmas with lobster manicotti By Alison Ladman Associated Press A robust Italian dinner feels just about right for Christmas. It's rich and comforting and — particularly in the case of our lobster manicotti — decadent without being fussy. We start our manicotti with a lobster and ricotta cheese filling, but if lobster is too much trouble (or not in the budget) just substitute cooked and peeled shrimp. You also could make this dish vegetarian by skipping the seafood entirely and using well-drained chopped and cooked spinach. Whatever you use, a zippy — but not scorching — fra diavolo sauce ties everything together wonderfully. And to help keep your holiday running smoothly, this dish can be prepared the night before and refrigerated until ready to bake. ___ LOBSTER MANICOTTI FRA DIAVOLO Start to finish: 1 hour Servings: 5 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium yellow onions, chopped 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less, to taste)

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 28-ounce can crushed fireroasted tomatoes 2 tablespoons lemon juice Kosher salt and ground black pepper 7 ounces cooked lobster meat, drained, patted dry and roughly chopped (about 1 mounded cup) 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish 8-ounce box wide lasagna noodle sheets (10 sheets) Grated romano cheese (optional) In a medium saucepan over medium-high, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook until tender and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer half of the onions to a medium bowl. Add the red pepper flakes and garlic to the saucepan and continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Add the lobster, ricotta and basil to the bowl of onion. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper.

Heat the oven to 400 F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce over the bottom of a 9by-9-inch baking dish. Cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package directions, then drain well. Working quickly and carefully with one sheet of pasta at a time, lay a pasta sheet flat in front of you. Spoon 1/4 cup of the lobster-ricotta filling across the bottom edge of the pasta sheet. Roll the pasta away from you, forming a tube around the filling. Lay the rolled and filled pasta (manicotti) on the sauce in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining pasta sheets, filling and lining the manicotti in a row in the prepared pan. Spoon the remaining sauce over the tops of the manicotti. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and browning around the edges. Serve topped with basil and grated romano, if desired. Nutrition information per serving: 410 calories; 120 calories from fat (29 percent of total calories); 13 g fat (5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 85 mg cholesterol; 53 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber; 10 g sugar; 22 g protein.

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16D

CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Denton Record-Chronicle

Denton State Supported Living Center fundraiser planned By Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe Staff Writer pheinkel-wolfe@dentonrc.com

Volunteers for the Denton State Supported Living Center have teamed up with WBAPAM for the annual “Christmas Is for Caring” fundraiser Dec. 8-12. The center’s Volunteer Services Council has helped raise money for the center for 36 years, partnering with area radio

stations for many years to help pay for things that the state of Texas doesn’t, including Christmas gifts for the residents and other needs. This year, longtime volunteer Neil Sperry will help the campaign on radio station WBAPAM (820). Last year, the group raised money to help pay for more covered walkways, according to Su-

san Dean, spokeswoman for the council. This year, the group plans to help pay for new respiratory equipment. Donors may call the phone bank at 214-525-2500 between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day during the drive.All contributions go straight to the council, making them tax-deductible. In addition to making a cash

donation, people can also give a gift directly to residents at the Denton State Supported Living Center.The council put together a “Wish List” on its website to help. Gifts can be delivered directly at any time to 3980 State School Road, Building 557, in Denton. Or, during the drive Dec. 812, they can be taken to any Calloway’s Nursery in the Dallas-

Fort Worth area. The council asks that the gift be wrapped and tagged, and not include any glass, food or gift cards. More information on the Wish List can be found on the council’s website, www.vscdenton.org, or by calling 940-5913630. Each year, the council sees that it all comes together for the

residents in a big Christmas party, Dean said. WBAP will host the event, which is open to the public, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18. “I can guarantee that it will warm everyone’s heart,” Dean said. PEGGY HEINKEL-WOLFE can be reached at 940-5666881 and via Twitter at @phwolfeDRC.

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CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Denton Record-Chronicle

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

17D

Festival Ballet prepares to stage ‘Nutcracker’ The Nutcracker Prince escorts Clara through the fanciful Land of Sweets, where she watches a cavalcade of dancers who demonstrate their native flair — Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Arabian and more. The Festival Ballet production includes students of the company’s home studio, Denton Ballet Academy, and dancers from across North Texas. Before the ballet opens, the company often takes dancers through area schools to perform pieces for young students. A corps of volunteers prepares and maintains costumes for the productions, from ball gowns to the gray furry mouse costumes (complete with red eyes that light up in the darkness). Watch for costumed dancers at the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival on the Square from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday. The Festival Ballet always invites a pair of guest artists to perform the grand pas de deux between the Snow Queen and her Cavalier. The local ballet sells out each year, and reservations are encouraged. For tickets, visit www.festivalballet.net. LUCINDA BREEDING can be reached at 940-566-6877 and via Twitter at @LBreedingDRC.

By Lucinda Breeding Features Editor cbreeding@dentonrc.com

The Festival Ballet of North Central Texas has but one mission. Each December, the Dentonbased company dresses up the stage at Margo Jones Performance Hall at Texas Woman’s University as the grand Stahlbaum home on Christmas Eve, and then transform it into the Land of Sweets. And then the company fills the stage with girls, boys, mice and soldiers, the young Clara Stahlbaum and her Nutcracker Prince. The company has produced the holiday ballet classic for the last 26 years. Ballet dancers Eldar Valiev and Lilia Valieva took over the Denton tradition just a few seasons ago. More than 200 dancers — some as young as 4 — tell the fateful story of Clara, who dreams of traveling to the Land of Sweets with a real live Nutcracker Prince. This is all inspired by the gift of a nutcracker doll given to Clara by her godfather, Drosselmeyer. As she slumbers under the family Christmas tree, Clara watches the prince command toy soldiers through a battle with the mice and their Mouse King.

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18D

CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Denton Record-Chronicle

Holiday cocktails to help you pour some cheer steaming. Stir in the whiskey and hazelnut liqueur, then top with grated nutmeg. Serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring. ___ RUBY SPICE BUBBLES Start to finish: 1 hour (10 minutes active) Servings: 4 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Pinch ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground dry ginger 3 tablespoons water 4 ounces unsweetened cran-

By Alison Ladman Associated Press Whether you’re having a quiet night in with family or a larger gathering with friends, holiday celebrations often call for a cocktail — sometimes simply to help you deal with those friends and family! So we’ve got you covered with a trio of easy but delicious cocktails that won’t tax your time or budget. If there’s a chill in the air, consider starting with the roasted cider, a seasonal hot toddy that combines a classic mulled cider with the toasty flavor of hazelnuts. Or for a fresh take on tradition, try the ginger fashion, a zippy rendition of the reliable old fashioned. And if you’re feeling particularly festive, the ruby spice bubbles offers a fresh — and refreshing — way to enjoy sparkling wine. ___ ROASTED CIDER Start to finish: 10 minutes Servings: 1 6 ounces cider 1 1/2 ounces rye whiskey 1 ounce hazelnut liqueur (such as Frangelico) Freshly grated nutmeg Cinnamon stick, to garnish In a small saucepan over medium heat or in a mug in the microwave, heat the cider until just

berry juice, chilled 750-milliliter bottle sparkling white wine, chilled Brandied or candied cherries In a microwave-safe bowl or glass, combine the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and water. Stir well, then microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool completely. In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled spice syrup with the cranberry juice. Shake to combine, then divide between 4

cocktail flutes or coupe glasses. Top each with sparkling wine and add 1 cherry to each. ___ GINGER FASHIONED Start to finish: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 1-inch slice fresh ginger 1 sugar cube 2-inch strip orange peel 2 dashes maple bitters 2 ounces bourbon

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SHADES OF JOY CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Holiday Coloring Contest

Caroline Hilborn age 5

Grace Kensinger age 5

Claudia Kensinger age 8

Caroline Landdeck age 9

Kelsey Plaisier age 8

Kason Chesky age 9

Bobbi Eckels age 9

Lucy Blair age 8

Stockton James age 9

Kaia Love age 10

Helena Coleman age 10

Emily Collier age 10

Siena Dickey age 9

Eden Brumfield age 7.5

Milena Hutton age 11

Cate Panter age 7

Grace Collier age 8

Victoria Attaguile age 8

19D

20D

CHRISTMAS IN DENTON COUNTY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Denton Record-Chronicle

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