2020 Last Minute Gift Guide

Roswell Daily Record

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

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Roswell Daily Record

Business groups encourage supporting local merchants

By Lisa Dunlap Roswell Daily Record ‘Tis the season to shop local.

That’s the message of New Mexico’s business owners and marketing specialists, as they come up with ways to encourage consumers to buy products and services from Roswell, Chaves County and state businesses.

While large national corporations benefit communities in many ways, numerous research studies have shown that locally owned and independent businesses have a more direct economic impact in their communities than national companies.

Fundera, a small business lender, compiled some information from various studies to show several benefits to buying and shopping local.

For example, independent businesses generate $68 for their local economies for every $100 spent with them, compared to $43 for national companies.

Local businesses are much more likely to use other local businesses and professionals for their support services. Another study found that they also tend to do more charitable giving at the local level, giving as much as 250% more a year to local nonprofits and community projects.

Chaves County business groups as well as state organizations are engaging in all sorts of efforts during the holiday season to entice people to spend at least some of their dollars at local and small businesses.

That includes the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, which just launched the $5 Challenge Campaign as part of its larger Elevate NM Ag program.

The $5 Challenge Campaign in New Mexico stores — as well as various media outlets — asks people to spend $5 more a week on New Mexico grown or produced items.

“That could be increasing their spending, adding an additional $5,” said Felicia Frost, NMDA marketing specialist. “But it doesn’t have to be. It could also be utilizing that same grocery budget, for instance, and switching, making that switch from a national brand to a local brand.”

She said people can look for special display areas within stores or for products that carry one of two logos, the New Mexico “Taste the Tradition” logo or the New Mexico “Grown with Tradition” logo.

Frost said Grown with Tradition products must have all ingredients grown in New Mexico. Taste the Tradition products can have ingredients grown elsewhere, but they have to be made in the state.

A wide variety of local products exists that are popular during the holidays, Frost said, including chiles; pecans, pistachios, peanuts and other nuts, as well as candied or chocolate-covered varieties; coffees or other beverages such as ciders; and gourmet syrups.

Other Taste the Tradition products can be found at https://tradition. nmda.nmsu.edu/.

“It’s that multiplier effect that we are hoping for,” Frost said. “Also, longterm, creating that product awareness and brand loyalty for New Mexico products could have a lasting effect for a lot of companies.”

Several other organizations have promotions encouraging shopping at locally owned businesses.

• MainStreet Roswell’s Facebook page has a Holiday Business and Restaurant Directory on its events page, with contact information and a brief description about the businesses. On its main Face-

book page, it also has the videos of businesses that participated in Shop Small Saturday, which gives people an idea of merchandise and products available at stores. Its ongoing Parade of Windows contest also encourages people to go downtown to look at decorated windows. People have until 6 p.m. Dec. 25 to “like” their favorites on MainStreet’s Facebook page, with the top five vote recipients getting $100 each for their businesses. (www.facebook.com/MainStreetRoswell).

• The Roswell Chamber of Commerce continues its

cally improve, 20 percent of small businesses won’t survive.

According to NBC News, small businesses employ 60 million people in the United States, almost half of the nation’s private-sector employees. In addition, small businesses generate tax revenues that help communities by funding schools, maintaining parks and contributing to public safety programs. However, based on research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, even before COVID-19 spread across the world, only 20 percent of healthy small businesses had sufficient cash reserves to continue to operate if they experienced a revenue loss for two months. Some have been shuttered for much longer.

Individuals looking for everything from clothing

to home improvement services to office supplies can look to small businesses to fill those needs.

• Look for small businesses for any and all of your shopping needs.

Chances are items sold by big box retailers also are sold by small businesses.

When the options are the same or similar, purchase from a small business instead of its big box competitor.

• Readily provide recommendations of small businesses with which you have done business. Too often people are quick to complain about places that have failed them, but those same people don’t think to say kind words about companies that went above and beyond. Share great experiences on social media or through word of mouth.

• Talk to small busi-

nesses owners first if you have an issue. It’s tempting to go directly to social media to complain about something, but such complaints can have a dire impact. Always take issues to the manager or business owner first to see if a resolution can be reached. A manager may not be aware of an issue at all. Give small businesses a chance to make it right before taking things public.

• If you own a small business, rely on other small businesses to fulfill your needs. Order supplies from fellow small business owners, seek the help of local financial advisors and tax professionals and use local suppliers and delivery personnel.

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The New Mexico Department of Agriculture recently launched its $5 Challenge Campaign, which encourages New Mexico residents to spend $5 more each week on New Mexico products.

“Shop Safe, Shop Small” promotion on its Facebook page and website until Dec. 21. Its digital flipbook shows ads for various merchants with the “Shop Safe, Shop Small” logo.

People who spend a certain amount at businesses with the logo are entered for weekly drawings to win prizes. For every $50 they spend, they will receive an entry in a drawing for a $500 cash prize. (www. facebook.com/roswell. chamber.20).

• The city of Roswell has introduced its “Buy Roswell, Build Community” campaign. Window

clings and signs at local businesses identify locally owned operations.

• The New Mexico Tourism Department has a website for businesses certified as “New Mexico True.” (www.newmexico. org).

• The New Mexico Economic Development Department has created a website featuring New Mexico businesses. (www. buynmlocal.com).

Senior Writer Lisa Dunlap can be reached at 575-6227710, ext. 351, or at reporter02@rdrnews.com.

Shopping locally is now more crucial than ever

Metro Creative Services

The importance of shopping locally has been emphasized with increasing urgency in recent years. Events like Small Business Saturday and Plaid Friday have brought some much-needed attention to the importance of shopping local, which is even more crucial now as so many small businesses try to survive the pandemic.

A poll from the trade group the National Federation of Independent Business reported that about half of all the businesses in the survey reported a 25 percent drop in sales since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, and roughly one in five businesses have seen sales decline by more than 50 percent. If the economic climate does not radi-

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Roswell Daily Record

Last Minute Gift Guide

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

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Last Minute Gift Guide

Roswell Daily Record

The Salvation Army bells are ringing

Salvation Army Roswell Corps works to fill higher demand during the pandemic

By Christina Stock Roswell Daily Record The poverty rate for New Mexicans has been high in good years, numbers diligently being collected and kept by the New Mexico Work Force Department.

This year, these dry statistics are not as dry when you talk to Salvation Army Corps Roswell’s Capt. Niki Woollin, who sees the faces belonging to these numbers and the rapid rise in citizens in need of food.

“Our food boxes have continued to be increasing,” Woollin said. “We had lines down the road and are kind of overwhelmed. We are serving a lot of veterans, not something we (are) specifically asked, but something we are noticing when they are registering that they are a veteran, so it’s just hard. I think a lot of people have part-time extra work and because of those (businesses) being nonessential and shut down, a lot of people are in more need.”

According to Woollin, in November the numbers of food boxes given out locally were at 819, compared to October with 667, which nearly tripled from January due to the pandemic.

Woollin is concerned about the numbers continuing to go up and to be able to provide for all, especially as their Red Kettle Campaign — its biggest fundraiser — had to be postponed.

“We usually start our bellringing a week before Thanksgiving — our plan this year was to start Nov. 20. We had to postpone by two weeks. The governor’s orders allowed us to start Dec. 3 — our first day of bellringing. However, we are taking appropriate precautions, our bellringers should be 6 feet away, wearing masks at all times. But the foot traffic in and out of stores is very different. We don’t see as many people going in and out as rapidly as we usually do. We anticipate, while we have the kettles out, donations will be down, just based on

Christina Stock Photo

Angelique Gonzales is seen here in front of Walgreens North. She said she had just moved to Roswell from Albuquerque to be with her family. It is the first time she is ringing the bell for The Salvation Army. people not walking by the kettle as much, and also people struggling more financially this year and not having the free cash to give as they have in the years past,” Woollin said.

Asked about the bellringers, Woollin said, “They used to be all volunteers, that’s when we started kettles 100 years ago, but as we continued and progressed in time, more households became two adults working in the household, and so people didn’t have the spare time they used to (have) to volunteer.”

This change provided some of the bellringers with a job and they are able to make some money for the hours they work at minimum wage, according to Woollin. The budget is limited

and need for volunteers is still great.

“We are making a big push this year,” Woollin said. “We even hired a volunteer coordinator for our food bank and thrift store, but also to promote bellringing, because of the virus and people taking precautions, we haven’t had the response for volunteers and I completely understand. We are really looking at our locations and whether or not they are going to be able to sustain paying the bellringers to be there, and then what it’s going to look like if we are not getting the donations that we usually do based on need. We have 10 locations: We have Hobby Lobby, two doors at Walmart, Sam’s Club, both Albertsons, both Walgreens, the

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Farmers (Market) on Main Street and the Farmers (Market) on Hobbs. There are a lot of balls in the air.”

Woollin said that most likely the kettle campaign will not be as monetarily successful, due to people not shopping as often.

“We know that Christmas might look a little different this year, but the need hasn’t changed,” she said.

Those who do encounter the bellringers have been showing their support, Woollin said. “We really appreciate it. We appreciate the extra attention people are giving us and recognizing our bellringers and really trying to give when they can, because we understand it has been hard for a lot of people — so we really

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appreciate the community supporting us to help serve.”

According to Woollin, 250 qualified children are signed up in total for The Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Their donated gifts will be handed out by volunteers on Dec. 19 in the form of a drive-thru for social distancing purposes.

For more information, visit roswell.salvationarmy.org/ roswell_corps or call 575-622-8700.

Christina Stock may be contacted at 622-7710, ext. 309, or at vision@rdrnews.com.

Last Minute Gift Guide

Roswell Daily Record

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Tips to simplify shopping and wrapping

Metro Creative Services

there are no “spoiler alerts” prior to the holidays.

The holiday season is a busy time of year. People devote many hours to generating gift lists and planning their shopping excursions. Shopping can be allencompassing during the holiday season, but it is only half of the gift-giving equation. After all of those toys, articles of clothing and other goodies are purchased, those items will need to be wrapped and hidden away. Giftgivers may be looking for ways to make these tasks just a little easier.

Shop early The sooner you begin shopping, the more time you will have to purchase everything you need and then get it prepared for giving. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales feature great deals, there are discounts to be had all year long if you keep your eyes open. Grab an item here and there when there is something that catches your eye and fits the needs of a gift recipient.

Shopping early also affords shoppers a greater buffer if they plan to do some of their shopping online. Shipping times

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have changed due to COVID-19, which has disrupted some supply chains and put added pressure on shipping companies. The U.S. Postal Service says products and packages may require more time to be delivered due to limited transportation availability, so

shopping early can help ensure everything arrives on time.

Tackle the kids’ gifts first Watching children’s bright grins and all their excitement opening presents can make all the hard work worth it. Be sure

that you shop for all of the gifts for children in your household first, especially if you play Santa’s helper. Use opportunities when the kids are in school or at daycare to bring gifts into the house and then wrap them. Wrapping as you go can help to ensure

Create a wrapping station A dedicated area for wrapping can streamline the process.

Gift wrapping supplies can be tough to keep organized because they’re usually awkward sizes and can eat up a lot of space.

That’s where a wrapping station can come into play. It can be custom-made or you can use items already around the house.

A laundry room or a large closet can be the ideal location for a wrapping station. Because wrapping paper rolls are the most cumbersome wrapping supplies, find a way to corral them. A tall laundry hamper works, or consider hanging wrapping paper rolls horizontally on thin curtain rods attached to a wall or the back of a door. Simply pull off the amount of paper you need and cut.

Organize other supplies in a nearby drawer or organizational caddy. Store gift bags and tissue paper in a fabric tote bag. Having everything within arm’s reach cuts down on time spent searching for supplies.

Security tips to consider before holiday shopping online Metro Creative Services Online shopping has become a wildly popular way for consumers to meet their holiday shopping needs. According to Mastercard, e-commerce sales hit a record high in the 2019 holiday season. Data from Mastercard’s SpendingPulse report indicated that consumers spent 19 percent more on online shopping in 2019 than they did in the previous holiday season.

That record may be short lived, as shoppers are expected to spend even more online this holiday season as they continue to confront the global COVID19 pandemic. A recent survey of 1,000 consumers conducted by the omnichannel technology provider Radial found that two-thirds of shoppers expect to increase their online purchases this holiday season.

Online shopping may be especially convenient during a pandemic, but online shoppers must take steps to protect themselves from cyber criminals.

• Make your browsing more secure. HTTPS Everywhere is an extension that encrypts shoppers’ communications with

major websites, thereby making their browsing more secure.

Compatible with browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Opera, HTTPS Everywhere employs technology to ensure websites

do not default to unencrypted HTTP sites, which are not as secure as HTTPS sites.

• Don’t just use any Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi can make holiday shopping a breeze, but shoppers

should know that unsecured Wi-Fi connections make it easy for cyber criminals to see everything users are doing online.

When using Wi-Fi to shop, make sure the connection requires a

password and never purchase items from a site that does not.

WPA2 AES encryption does not make users invulnerable to hackers or other criminals, but it does provide substantial security that’s superior to other encryption technology.

• Use a credit card instead of your debit card. Credit cards provide more protection to consumers than debit cards.

Though conditions apply, credit card users are not liable if fraudulent purchases are made with their cards, while debit card users could face an uphill battle to avoid being on the hook for fraudulent purchases.

• Shop via mobile apps instead of websites. Cyber criminals are less likely to target mobile apps in an effort to access consumer data because apps require hackers to create specific attacks for each app.

Websites are vulnerable to general browser attacks, which means hackers don’t have to work as hard to access site visitors’ sensitive data as they would if they were to target retail apps.

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Last Minute Gift Guide

Roswell Daily Record

Harvest Ministries braces for holiday surge

By Alex Ross Roswell Daily Record

With the holiday season approaching, at least one local food bank is bracing for an influx of clients seeking help in the final weeks of 2020.

Mark Green, a pastor and the executive director of Harvest Ministries, a nonprofit organization which services the homeless and those on fixed incomes, said such an increase in people seeking assistance this time of year is not unusual.

The holidays are often a time of financial stress for people, especially those already struggling to make ends meet or facing food insecurity.

Green said people often have a strong desire to celebrate the holiday, prompting them to shift more of their household budget toward travel expenses and purchasing of gifts this time of year.

“Which means they are possibly going to have less money to spend on food,” Green said. “So there is always a surge in people wanting their Thanksgiving or Christmas to be special so they come to us for extra food.”

Such a scene played out days before Thanksgiving this year, with a long line of people in vehicles lining up outside Harvest Ministries. Green said on that Monday and Tuesday, his organization provided food to a total of 300, causing the food bank to run out of food and preventing them from opening that Wednesday.

Green said the homeless are a population his organization often serves and those that come to Harvest Ministries’ headquarters on North Main Street have a heightened sense of desperation about them.

Christmas though could end up bringing with it another large wave of clients.

“If it is anything like Thanksgiving, it will be the biggest surge we have ever had at the holidays,” Green said.

The layoffs, furloughs and suspension of business operations that have resulted from the public health measures implemented across the country to curtail transmission of COVID-19 have led to widespread economic pain and a swelling among the ranks of those in need of food assistance.

Feeding America, an organization comprised of 200 food banks nationwide, estimates that as a result of the pandemic, one in six Americans could face hunger.

This past October alone, food banks gave out 50% more food than they did at the same point in October 2019.

And between early March and early October, food banks served an estimated 4.2 billion meals.

Green said that when 2020 is over, he estimates that Harvest Ministries will have served as many as 12,000.

The homeless, he said, are a population that depends greatly on the work of Harvest Ministries, not just for food, but also blankets, coats, gloves, sleeping bags, backpacks and basic hygiene products.

Daily Record Photo

Mark Green, Harvest Ministries executive director, is pictured in this 2018 file photo.

For many homeless and those in need of help getting enough food, Green said his organization is a crucial lifeline.

“I think we are ground zero for a lot of these people,” he said.

“They know that we are the one place they can come and we are going to serve them in the best way we can.”

Roller coaster ride

As is the case with many people, businesses and other organizations, 2020 has been a difficult year. Green compares it to a roller coaster, with the demand for services, as well as the volume in both donated food and financial contributions rising and falling.

In March, when the pandemic first took hold in New Mexico, stores experienced a wave of panicked consumers buying products in bulk. That “panic buying” left large gaping holes in store shelves and their inventories overall, and leaving Harvest Ministries without a source of donations.

Green said stores often give bulk merchandise to the food bank.

“So right at first, we saw a big decline in donations, food donations from the stores,” he said.

That coincided with a rise in clients after many businesses and nonprofits deemed “nonessential” were forced to shut down in compliance with the state’s public health orders.

Contributions from individuals also initially dried up, but Green said that was offset by corporate contributions.

Elsewhere though, Green said Harvest Ministries has continued to feel the pinch in reduced

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donations, most notably the absence of food drives.

Food drives, normally a major source of non-perishable food items, were largely canceled.

That included the National Association of Letter Carrier’s annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which in 2019 alone had provided 17,000 pounds of food to Harvest Ministries.

The closure of schools has been another persistent problem in terms of food donations.

Green said about half of the food his organization gets comes from schools in the Roswell Independent School District or from Eastern New Mexico UniversityRoswell, and the closure of RISD schools for in-person learning presented the food bank with another challenge.

“And when they are not in session, we don’t get those food supplies. So that has really hurt us this year,” Green said.

However, some of the pressure on the food bank lessened in late spring in terms of both clientele and donations. Green said that relief came in the form of the temporary enhancement in the amount of unemployment benefits people received, the $1,200 per person stimulus checks and stores ordering larger volumes of products in the wake of the panic buying.

Green said the number of clients then fell, and with the panic buying having subsided, stores once again began providing excess goods to the food bank.

Once the effect of the stimulus checks wore off and some of the enhanced unemployment benefits began to expire, Green said, the amount of people seeking assistance from Harvest Min-

istries again rose.

The homeless, who did not get stimulus checks, continued to be serviced by the food bank. Green said that in July, they served a total of 200 homeless people, double their normal numbers.

Numbers then fell off again in the early fall, only to rise again around Thanksgiving.

Burst in donations

Despite all of the tumult, Green said Harvest Ministries is likely breaking records in the amount of donated food they received this year — about 650,000 pounds worth.

In November when Sam’s Club and Albertsons temporarily shut down, Green said Harvest Ministries received about 50,000 in perishable food items. They also get food from the Road Runner Food Bank in Albuquerque and stores have continued to donate items.

Individual contributions which initially fell off at the start of the pandemic also eventually picked back up.

Green said that Harvest Ministries is also looking into whether they will be eligible for any of the $5 million set aside in the recent stimulus package passed by legislators and signed into law during November’s special session.

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Volunteers

Amid the fluctuations and swings in donations and need, Green said one thing has remained consistent during the nine months of the pandemic: the dedication of the food bank’s volunteers.

“They have been amazing. We have never missed one day since this whole thing started because

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of a lack of volunteers,” he said.

Typically, the food bank has about 40 or 50 volunteers they can regularly choose, with about 20 working each day on a rotating basis.

In a world where COVID-19 is a persistent reality, Harvest Ministries, like most businesses, organizations and individuals have had to alter how they operate.

Volunteers are now required to wear masks and are encouraged to frequently wash their hands and use hand sanitizer.

How and what services can be provided has also been reformed as a means of reducing the risk of transmission.

No one is allowed inside the Harvest Ministries building and the laundry and shower services once offered to the homeless are no longer provided.

Green added that people who come to get food must remain in their vehicles.

“So we have everyone just drive up and wait in their car.

We come out to their car, get their information and then take the food to their car,” Green said.

For those who come on foot, a service window has been installed on the building.

“So for the walkups and homeless, they come to the service window and we serve them there,” Green said.

People who want to know more about Harvest Ministries or to make a donation can visit their website at https://www.harvestmin.net/.

Breaking news reporter Alex Ross can be reached at 575-6227710, ext. 301 or breakingnews@ rdrnews.com.

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Last Minute Gift Guide

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

6 ways to stick to a holiday budget

Metro Creative Services The holidays are an exciting, fun and joyful time of year. And for many people, the holidays also are expensive.

According to the Motley Fool Company, a financial wellness resource, the average American spent $882.45 on Christmas gifts, food, decorations, travel, and other holidayrelated expenses in 2019.

Around 56 percent of gift shoppers set a budget for holiday spending, but only 64 percent stuck to it. In addition, 21.5 percent of respondents went into debt due to holiday shopping.

Who doesn’t want to have a super holiday with delicious foods on the table and lots of presents to share with family and friends? While that’s tempting, such a bounty should

never result in financial peril. These six strategies can make it easy to establish and stick to a budget this holiday season.

1. Budget for everything. When working out holiday spending plans, factor in all of the expenses associated with the holidays - not just the most obvious, like gifts. Costs for gas, parking lot fees, greeting cards, postage, travel expenses, and much more should be included in your final number.

2. Determine how much you can spend. Money for gifts and other holiday expenses should ideally come from your disposable income. Look at your finances in advance of the holiday season and figure out how much extra cash you have for the holidays, and use that figure to

determine how much you should spend. Find ways to make up any deficit by curtailing expenses like dining out or entertainment extras. Many people plan to use credit cards to pay now and worry about the aftermath later. Only use credit cards if you have the money in the bank and can pay off the entire bill when the balance due is in January.

3. Set a spending limit for individuals. Based on your numbers and how much you plan to spend overall, start allocating money to categories, including gift recipients.

Come up with a spending range for each person and stick to it.

4. Pay in cash as much as possible. It’s easy to know what you’re spending when using cash as

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opposed to credit. There is some risk with carrying around cash, but that risk may be offset by the benefit of spending only what you can afford to spend.

5. Track all purchases.

Save the receipts and keep a running total of expenditures so you can see how your spending is measuring up to your budget. If necessary, scale back on one category if you’ve tipped the scales in spending on another.

6. Shop sales and deals.

High-end stores may have the impressive tag, but their prices can set you back. Instead, look for comparable gifts at discount stores and other retailers. Also, if you must use a credit card, use one that earns you a cash-back bonus for added savings.

Handmade gifts are personalized and special Metro Creative Services 2020 has been year unlike any other. A global pandemic affected communities in every corner of the globe, and many people found they had much more time on their hands due to stay-at-home restrictions.

That extra free time may have opened up the opportunity to re-engage with old hobbies or start entirely new ones. Such endeavors may have resulted in items that can make ideal handmade holiday gifts.

Crafting or engaging in other creative pursuits is a great way to pass the time and alleviate anxiety related to self-quarantining. Katie Carey Levisay, a clinical neuropsychologist in Denver, said that crafting requires focused attention and forces a person to

• Oven mitts or skillet handle covers: Gift that special home chef with custom oven mitts and a coordinating skillet holder for popular cast-iron cookery. An easy pattern, some durable fabric and some basic sewing skills are all that’s needed.

be completely immersed in the moment. For those who prefer to continue to avoid crowds until COVID-19 is in the world’s collective rearview mirror, producing handmade gifts also cuts down on trips to shopping malls and other retailers.

Those interested in making handmade gifts this holiday season can consider these ideas.

• Jewelry: Most craft stores now have entire aisles dedicated to making jewelry. From earring posts and loops to necklace brackets and all the essentials in between, jewelry crafters can create something fitting for the special people on their lists.

• Candles: Candles add light, warmth and aroma to help a home feel cozy. With

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• Handmade blanket: Those who love to knit or crochet know the bounty that can be made with needle, hook and yarn. From homemade afghans to cozy slippers to scarf and hat sets, the options are endless. some basic components, such as a wax source, wick, tint, and scent oils, it’s easy to make candles. Pour the wax into a favorite vessel, such as a mason jar or deli-

cate teacup.

• Handmade soaps: Those who dabble in candles may want to parlay those skills into soapmak-

ing as well. Soaps can be crafted relatively easy and packaged as part of the ultimate homemade spa package.

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• Food: Those whose talents lean more toward culinary than crafty can pour their holiday love into delicious desserts or tasty tidbits.

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C8 Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Last Minute Gift Guide

Roswell Daily Record

Stock the pantry with holiday baking ingredients

Metro Creative Services

Many holiday traditions begin with family and friends gathered in the kitchen or around the dinner table. Food is an integral part of celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chanukah, and key components of each holiday are tied exclusively to food.

Come the holiday season, many people gather to make delicious desserts for holiday dinners or even as gifts. The right ingredients are necessary to produce a bounty of baked goods.

It’s also essential to ensure those ingredients are fresh, as age can compromise the taste of some spices, and leavening ingredients like yeast, baking soda and baking powder may lose efficacy over time.

• Flours: All-purpose flour is versatile and useful in many recipes. In addition, bread flour, cake flour and pastry flour have attributes that make them bet-

ter suited for their respective jobs than all-purpose flour. Individuals who follow certain diets, including gluten-free diets, can find alternative flours that can be substituted in many different recipes.

• Baking soda: This leavening agent is activated when it is combined with acid and heat. That is why it is often paired with citrus juice, buttermilk and sour

cream.

• Baking powder: This leavening agent is baking soda mixed with a powdered acid and cornstarch.

If baking soda is the only leavening agent, it will not require the addition of another acidic ingredient.

“Double-acting” means carbon dioxide bubbles will form during mixing and again during heating.

• Yeast: Yeast takes more

time to metabolize and cause doughs to rise than other leavening agents.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar is the most common sugar found in recipes. Confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar) is used in frosting and icings. Brown sugar is refined sugar with molasses added, and is used in certain recipes, like gingerbread.

• Salt: Granulated table

salt is used in everyday baking.

• Unsalted butter: Unsalted butter will be the default for baked goods unless the recipe specifically mentions salted butter.

• Eggs: Eggs help to bind ingredients together. Large eggs are most often cited in many baking recipes.

• Milk: Dairy adds moisture and texture to batters.

Alternative milks, such as

soy or almond milk, can sometimes be substituted, but the resulting texture may change.

• Vegetable oil: Many recipes call for vegetable oil, which has a neutral flavor.

• Shortening: Shortening is a solid vegetable fat used to make tender baked goods. Shortening also has a higher melting point, which helps cookies and other items retain their shape while cooking.

• Flavorings: It is helpful to have various spices and extracts on hand.

Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice are some common baking spices. Almond and vanilla extracts are quite versatile and add extra punch to recipes.

• Additions: Mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, cocoa powder, oats, nuts, and dried fruits, often turn up in holiday recipes.

Baking pointers for successful holiday treats

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reads. If it is different, adjust cooking times accordingly or have the oven repaired. Cooking at the wrong temperature might mean the recipe doesn’t turn out right.

The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Baking is one tradition that comes with the holiday territory.

Many people may only bake in November and December, so it’s understandable if they’re a little rusty come the holiday season. These baking tips can lead to successful yields of cookies, cakes and other holiday treats.

Use unsalted butter Most recipes will call for unsalted butter so you aren’t adding unwanted sodium to the recipe, affecting dough consistency and flavor.

Position pans centrally Pans should be on the center rack of the oven. If the oven isn’t wide enough to put multiple pans side by side, place them on different racks and slightly offset them to enable air circulation.

Follow the recipe carefully When cooking, it is easy to add an extra dash of this or a pinch of that. But baking is a science and the ingredients are used in a ratio to produce a desired chemical reaction while cooking. To ensure success, do not substitute ingredients unless the recipe tells you how to do so, and measure each addition carefully.

Spoon out your measurements It can be tempting to dig a measuring cup right into a bag of flour, but scooping packs the ingredients down — potentially causing you to use more than the recipe calls for. Instead, spoon the flour into your measuring cup

gently and use a straight edge to level it out. Even better, use a scale and metric measurements to ensure exact amounts of wet and dry ingredients.

Read up on temperature Certain ingredients, like butter

and eggs, are temperature-dependent. Cold butter in biscuits helps them to rise up flaky and delicious. Eggs brought to room temperature enable the emulsification process to work more readily. The difference in temperature can mean a completely dif-

ferent chemical reaction, so follow the recipe accordingly.

Use parchment paper This unsung hero of baking can keep cookies from spreading out on baking sheets, prevent cakes from sticking to pans and may even help batter and dough bake evenly.

Calibrate the oven Purchase an oven thermometer, set your oven to 350 F, the standard baking temperature, and see what the thermometer

Flip cakes Cool cakes upside down on a cooling rack. This will help flatten out the tops, which makes it easier to stack and level cakes for layered cakes.

How to involve kids with holiday baking Metro Creative Services The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Many holiday traditions are centered around food, with much of the focus on all of the decadent treats and desserts taking center stage at many family gatherings.

Many parents hope to involve their children in as many family holiday traditions as they can. Holiday baking is one kid-friendly tradition, and parents can make it even more so by taking a few simple steps before they get started.

• Purchase kid-friendly baking equipment. Bakers rely on lots of tools to make cookies, cakes and other delicacies. That equipment is even available in kids’ sizes. Kids may be more excited about baking if they have their own equipment, and such gear also can make it easier for them to lend

a hand. A spatula made for youngsters can make it easier for kids to move cookies from a baking sheet to a platter, while colorful measuring cups and their own whisk can excite youngsters about baking.

• Plan ahead. Seasoned bakers know that it’s imperative to have the right supplies, including ingredients, on hand before beginning a baking session. That’s even more necessary when baking with kids, who might not be as patient as moms and dads hope if a baking session has to be paused to run to the store for a missing ingredient or to dig out some tools from the back of the pantry. Plan ahead by setting everything out and assembling all the necessary ingredients the night before you plan to bake.

• Delegate wisely.

Young kids may want to do everything mom and dad do, but baking is a delicate science that

requires careful attention to detail and a strict adherence to recipes. So it’s important that par-

ents delegate wisely when involving children in holiday baking. Whisking, stirring and topping off

cookies with frosting and sprinkles are fun, kidfriendly tasks.

• Add some fun foods to the menu. If you plan to bake holiday cookies, purchase kid-friendly holiday cookie cutters before your baking session so youngsters have as much fun as possible. Kids may have more fun if they get to make Santa Claus, Frosty or Rudolph cookies.

• Make a mess. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy when baking with children. Moms and dads may love a clean kitchen, but kids tend to have more fun in the kitchen when things get a little messy. Douse each other with a little flour and make a joke of things if some ingredients find their way onto the counter or the floor instead of into your mixing bowl.

Roswell Daily Record

Last Minute Gift Guide

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Eggnog Cake, an easy recipe with variations

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Christina Stock Photo

Easy and fast to make, this miniature eggnog cake uses basic ingredients

By Christina Stock Roswell Daily Record

It is not as easy to find cake recipes that are ideal during these times when most of us are social distancing and large parties are postponed until the pandemic is over. This following recipe is for two to four guests, and is easy to make. It uses leftover eggnog instead of milk.

Ingredients: • 7 Tbsp butter, room temperature • 1/4 cup sugar • 1 large egg, room temperature, separate the white • from the yolk • 1 2/3 cup flour, all purpose • 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1 pinch salt • 7 Tbsp eggnog • Cooking spray

Optional glaze: • Juice of one lemon • 1 cup powdered sugar • 4 maraschino cherries

Preparation: Heat your oven to 350 degrees F. If you have an air fryer that has a baking option, preheat to 350 degrees F as well.

Spray a small fluted tube pan with cooking spray.

Put the egg white into a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until stiff, but not dry.

Beat butter and 1/4 cup sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

Add the eggnog, egg yolk and egg white and fold carefully. Stir in flour and salt slowly.

Transfer the batter into a prepared pan.

Bake in the oven for 25 minutes — bake in the air fryer for 15 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool and remove the cake. While the cake continues to cool on a nice platter, mix the glaze. The consistency should be that of a thick paste. If needed, add more powdered sugar.

Spread the glaze on the cake and decorate with the cherries.

If you like, you can use eggnog in the glaze instead of lemon juice, or for adults you can use rum. Another fun variation is if you slice the cake horizontally in half and fill it with jam or custard cream.

C10 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Roswell Daily Record

Last Minute Gift Guide

Roswell Daily Record

Local gift options offer Southwest flair

There’s only about a week left until Christmas, but that’s still time to buy thoughtful gifts for people on your list.

Most Roswell businesses have their physical locations open now, although the number of people allowed at one time is typically restricted due to COVID-related state restrictions. If people choose, they can drop by local stores to see what is being offered while observing public health orders to mask up and practice social distancing.

In-store shopping isn’t necessary for a lot of things on the shopping list. Most Roswell businesses are offering remote purchasing options, whether through their websites, via social media pages or by email and phone. Curbside pick-up and delivery are available from many businesses.

Tasty treats

Many options exist in Roswell if you want to treat people to some good-tasting items. The local bakeries Eli Bistro, El Toro Bravo Bakery and Sweet Baby J’s are still open in the week ahead to offer cookies and other sweet treats. Many local restaurants are packaging meals if you want to gift someone with a preholiday feast.

New Mexico brands of ales and wines can be found at several locations, including Pecos Flavors Winery and Bistro and Black Cock Brewery. Aztec Imports is selling products made from New Mexico chiles, and Hangar 209 has its own line of beef jerky, as well as other New Mexico-made food items. Several nutrition stores in Roswell also might have the food and drink items your friends and families would like.

Jewelry and collectibles, including a Nambé nativity scene, can be found at Bullock’s Jewelry on North Main Street.

Feasts for the eyes

A handmade artistic creation is always special. Bone Springs Art Space is featuring art, textiles, pottery and other items made by local and regional artists. The Gallery at Main Street Arts also carries a wide range of artistic and artisan creations, many by Roswell residents. The Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum has some vintage and handmade holiday items, as well as stocking stuffers.

The Roswell Museum and Art Center gift shop carries items from the Southwest and is open by appointment, and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary

Art has an online store.

New Mexico-made jewelry and collectibles, including the wellknown Nambé brand, can be found at Bullock’s Jewelry. Gallery Indian Crafts has artwork and jewelry crafted by Native Americans. Handcrafted items also are available at many other stores in Roswell, including Calico Cow Fabric and Gift Shop.

Southwestern styles

Rugged Trade is a New Mexico brand that opened a Roswell store this fall in the downtown area. It sells outdoor and workcasual clothes and accessories.

Custom or uniquely New Mexican T-shirts and apparel can be

found at She’s a Dandy, Business Notions, Moon Man Printing and Hangar 209.

Other local stores, such as the Brave Company, Casa Bella Boutique, Hippie Chicks and the Farmhouse on Second, carry specialized lines of clothing and accessories.

Lisa Dunlap Photo

online store are just a few of the local businesses offering extraterrestrial-related merchandise.

And a sleigh-full more

For the people on your list who enjoy UFO lore, Roswell has a lot to offer, from funny figurines to serious-minded books. Invasion Station, the Alien Zone, the International UFO Museum and Research Center, Alien Invasion, the city of Roswell Visitors Center and the Roswell Daily Record

There’s plenty of other items from Roswell stores to consider: flowers, plants and gift baskets from local florists; rocks, geodes and crystals; antique furniture; home décor items; handmade soaps and lotions; and scrapbooking materials.

Other options include gift certificates for future services, which could include salon days, spa days, gym memberships or personal training sessions.

with candles, which symbolized Christ being the light of the world. These traditions evolved from pagan rituals that would celebrate the return of light of the sun as the days grow longer

after the winter solstice.

• Yule log: Many families burn a yule log in the fireplace and watch it burn while listening to Christmas carols. The familiar custom of burning the log dates back to solstice celebrations and the tradition of bonfires. The Christmas tradition called for burning a portion of the log each evening until Twelfth Night, also known as the Epiphany, which takes place on January 6.

• Poinsettias: Poinsettias are a tropical plant that originated in Mexico. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first Ambassador from the United States to Mexico.

He became enamored with the plants, and brought them back to his native South Carolina.

An old Mexican legend suggests a poor girl had nothing to offer baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services, so she picked a handful of weeds and put them at the bottom of the nativity scene.

These weeds burst into bright red flowers and became known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.”

Other-worldly goods

Must-haves to achieve a holiday wonderland

Metro Creative Services

The end of the year marks a period of heightened festivity.

Come the holiday season, homes and businesses are decorated and everyone seems to have an extra spring in their step.

The sight of snowflakes, candy canes, evergreen wreaths, and Christmas trees can elicit nostalgia for happy holidays of the past, as well as excitement for what is yet to come. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are certain items that set the scene.

• Christmas trees: Germany is credited with starting the modern Christmas tree tradition. It dates back to the 16th century when devout Christians brought trees into their homes and decorated them. German settlers brought Christmas tree traditions to America upon their arrival in Pennsylvania in the 19th century.

• Mistletoe: Mistletoe is known as the “kissing plant” and it is customary for couples to kiss while standing beneath the plant, typically hung in

doorways and arches. Mistletoe was once hung to drive off evil spirts and ensure fertility. Kissing under the mistletoe was first found associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later

with primitive marriage rites.

• Lights: Lights are commonly seen during the holiday season. The custom of having holiday lights dates back to when Christmas trees were decorated

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Last Minute Gift Guide

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C12 Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Last Minute Gift Guide

Roswell Daily Record