Agassiz Observer, December 01, 2011

Holiday Treasures Christmas 2011

Delicious

Christmas Recipes Favourite

songs & carols How to plan your

party

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Holiday Treasures Contents 5.

Editor’s Note

14.

Winter Wonderland

6.

Party Planning

15.

O Come All Ye Faithful

8.

SONGS & CAROLS Jingle Bells & Away in a Manger

16.

RECIPES Hungarian Goulash

17.

Chipits® Oatmeal Cookies

9.

Silent Night & Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

18.

Cranberry Crumb Squares

10.

Frosty The Snowman

19.

Gourmet Chocolate Fondue

11.

Silver Bells & We Three Kings

20.

Shortbread Wedges

21.

Mocha Viennese Shortbread

22.

Fa-la-laahh

12.

Joy to the World

13.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce The Voice of Business for Harrison Hot Springs The District of Kent and surrounding area

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Editor's Note The days have gotten shorter and that means it’s time to eat, drink and be very merry!

This year, we’ve stuffed Holiday Treasures full of delicious recipes, cherished carols and some dinner party planning tips.

Many of the recipes are from local readers, and we’re sure you’ll be trying out a few of them yourselves.

Who could resist a chocolate fondue in front of a roaring fire, or over a romantic, candle-lit table setting? Find your prettiest bowl and fill it with fresh, seasonal fruits and maybe even some marshmallows for a bit of fun.

Whoever you’re entertaining this year, you’ll want to put out your best effort to make them feel at home. Check out our party planning tips on page 6, and remember to help your loved ones find a safe way home this holiday season.

contributors Published by: The Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer 7167 Pioneer Ave. Box 129 Agassiz, B.C. V0M 1A0 Tel: 604-796-4300 | Fax: 604-796-2081 www.ahobserver.com Publisher: Andrew Franklin Editor: Jessica Peters Sales & Marketing: Kerry Ferguson Graphic Design: Brittany Best Photos: Black Press Distributed free to select businesses in Agassiz, Harrison, Hope and surrounding areas.

Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited.

The Publisher is not responsible for unsolicted manuscripts or photographs.

Then, when all the presents are unwrapped, the meals have been shared, and your guests have gone home, unwind and take some time to rejuvenate. We’ve thought up some stress-busting methods you can easily try at home, which you’ll find on page 22.

So relax, have fun, and most of all, Happy Holidays!

Jessica Peters Editor – The Observer

“We don’t stop laughing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop laughing.”

Inkman’s Village Gifts • Casa Lifestyles Savvy Fashions • Canwest Art Gallery • Serenity Now Beach Bites • Cookin’ Kim’s Country Cafe The Green Star Cafe • Harrison Hamburgers Harrison Lake Supply • Dragonfly Gifts 196 Esplanade Avenue | Harrison Hot Springs, BC agassiz harrison hope observer

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Holiday Treasures 2011 5

PARTY G A PL NNIN Rolling out the red carpet doesn’t have to cost a mint this holiday season!

Check out these tips to keep your budget in line.

Taking time with your friends and family is the most important part of your holidays. You cherish your loved ones, and the time you spend with them.

This year, why not add a few special touches to your holiday meals?

Professional party planner Tracey Drummond says the key to a successful gathering is to create a comfortable feel for your guests.

“You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money,” she says.

The right lighting and decor are often the most important foundations of a good party.

And while it’s good to have music, it’s even important to have good stereo equipment to produce that sound.

“When people walk away from an event not knowing why it was good, you know you’ve

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created a good ambience,” she says.

And while a planner like Drummond can really help, there are some simple tips she’s offered for holiday hosts.

You could: • personalize place settings by adding a small favourite food or treat at each setting as a gift or, • personalize place settings with name cards, use festive paper for table decor • pick one simple motif and have fun with it • dim the lights and use lots of candles to create warm ambience • use glass, rocks, greenery and a hint of glimmer to add simple sparkle and warmth Drummond

has

experience

planning large events for hundreds of people, but she says the same rules apply to smaller parties.

A host should pay special attention to the menu, and avoid her pet peeve — making people line up for food.

Also, find out if any of your guests have allergies, and how you could accommodate them.

After all, it’s your event, your guests, and your home.

Jessica Peters

Plan for a safe ride home Preparations are well underway for this year’s Operation Red Nose Campaign, which will operate November 25, 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, and New Year’s Eve. Operation Red Nose is a free and confidential volunteer designated driver service designed to combat drinking and driving and promote road safety.

This is how it works. You’ve driven to a party, and through some circumstances no longer can drive home.

You don’t want to leave your vehicle behind, especially if you are far from home, so you call Operation Red Nose and someone shows up to drive you home. But, as an added bonus, another two volunteers will follow you home in your own vehicle, whether you live in Harrison Hot Springs, Richmond, or anywhere in between.

This year, the program is hoping for at least 150 volunteer drivers, navigators and dispatchers. Last year, they offered 738 safe rides.

The service is run by volunteers, and your donation to your driver goes toward Chilliwack Restorative Justice And Youth Advocacy Association.

If you’re hosting a party, take a few minutes to jot down the number and inform your guests of the easy-to-use service. If you’d like to volunteer or sponsor, please call 604-393-3023.

Jessica Peters

Thank you for your loyal patronage... wishing you & yours patronag all a the best of the holiday season.

Jackie Greene & Staff

604-796-8444

AGASSIZ PRODUCE

7266 Pioneer Ave.

OPEN: Mon thru Sat 9am to 6pm | SENIORS’ DAY: WEDNESDAYS ((10% off regular priced produce & grocery items) LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED. agassiz harrison hope observer

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Holiday Treasures 2011 7

Songs & Carols Jingle Bells

Away in a Manger

Dashing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bob tails ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight

Away in a manger, No crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head

Chorus: Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh A day or two ago I thought I’d take a ride And soon Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot We got into a drifted bank And then we got upsot Chorus

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The stars in the bright sky Looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay The cattle are lowing The poor Baby wakes But little Lord Jesus No crying He makes I love Thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky And stay by my side, ‘Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever And love me I pray Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care And take us to heaven To live with Thee there

Silent Night Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born Christ, the Saviour is born Silent night, holy night Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose.

And if you ever saw him, you would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names.

They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say: “Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”

Then all the reindeer loved him as they shouted out with glee, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, you’ll go down in history!

AGASSIZ HARRISON COMMUNITY SERVICES 7086 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz, BC 604.796.2585 • www.agassiz-harrison.org

Children’s Christmas

Celebration

Saturday, November 26th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the Agassiz Agricultural Hall Tickets required for all: Children & Adults - $1 Pick up tickets at Agassiz Harrison Community Services.

Limited seating, so get your tickets early!

Hazelnuts! – That’s us!

We grow, process, and sell a variety of organic hazelnuts products including: raw x roasted x candied chocolate dipped x butters x bark Hazelnut flour and chop are great for Christmas baking and our Christmas Baskets make excellent gifts plus we have plenty of treats for stocking stuffers!

: Ages 0-12 will receive a present from Santa! : : Refreshments will be served : : All children must be accompanied by an adult : Agassiz-Harrison Community Services is accepting food and cash donations. Applications for Christmas Hampers are being accepted for the month of November.

Please help make someone’s Christmas special.

Holiday Christmas Train

6682 Lougheed Hwy, Agassiz 604.796.2136

Saturday, December 17 at 2:00 pm Please attend with your non-perishable items or cash donation for your local food bank.

agassiz harrison hope observer

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Holiday Treasures 2011 9

Frosty the Snowman Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose And two eyes made out of coal.

Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say, He was made of snow but the children Know how he came to life one day.

There must have been some magic in that Old silk hat they found.

For when they placed it on his head He began to dance around.

O, Frosty the snowman Was alive as he could be, And the children say he could laugh And play just the same as you and me.

Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpety thump thump, Look at Frosty go.

Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpety thump thump, Over the hills of snow.

Frosty the snowman knew The sun was hot that day, So he said, “Let’s run and We’ll have some fun Now before I melt away.”

Down to the village, With a broomstick in his hand, Running here and there all Around the square saying, Catch me if you can.

He led them down the streets of town Right to the traffic cop.

And he only paused a moment when He heard him holler “Stop!”

For Frosty the snow man Had to hurry on his way, But he waved goodbye saying, “Don’t you cry, I’ll be back again some day.”

Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpety thump thump, Look at Frosty go.

Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpety thump thump, Over the hills of snow.

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Silver Bells

We Three Kings

City sidewalks busy sidewalks .

Dressed in holiday style In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas Children laughing People passing Meeting smile after smile And on ev’ry street corner you’ll hear

We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star

Chorus: Silver bells silver bells It’s Christmas time in the city Ring a ling hear them sing Soon it will be Christmas day Strings of street lights, even stop lights Blink a bright red and green As the shoppers rush, home with their treasures Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch This is Santa’s big scene And above all this bustle, you’ll hear (Repeat Chorus)

Chorus: O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy Perfect Light Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain Gold I bring to crown Him again King forever, ceasing never, over us all to rein Chorus Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh Pray’r and praising, all men raising Worship Him, God most high Chorus

Merry Christmas

from your local Real Estate Agents for Harrison Hot Springs!

We live and work here!

Freddy & Linda Marks

YOU SHOULD SEE

WHAT THE ELVES & GOLLIES ARE DOING AT DICKENS...

They are knee deep in English chocolates & sweets, Christmas puddings, cakes & mince pies.

They’re sorting Selection Boxes, Thornton’s Toffee, ginger wine, Scottish shortbreads & fudge.

They are climbing all over the Coronation Street & Mark’s & Spencer goodies and English character mugs & souvenirs!

Make your reservation now for High Tea or Pub Food in the unique Oliver’s Tea Room located in our British Museum.

Please call 604-703-1981 for reservations.

Dickens Sweets: Monday to Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm Nov. 28th to Dec. 23rd - Monday to Saturday - 10 am to 5:30 pm Closing at 2 pm on Christmas Eve Oliver’s Tearoom: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Our 13th Annual Animated Christmas Village opens on Monday 28th November.

Please call 604-793-1981 for dates of Santa’s visits.

Sutton West Coast Realty 875 Hot Springs Road Call (604) 491-7060 info@3ainternational.net

*Amission to the Christmas Village is by donation to the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation

Dickens Sweets • 604-793-1981 Oliver’s Tearoom • 604-703-1981 45945 ALEXANDER AVENUE, CHILLIWACK agassiz harrison hope observer

ie n d l ie s t & The Valley’s fcre to shop! a l p m o s t fu n

www.dickenssweets.com •

Holiday Treasures 2011 11

Joy to the World Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.

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Santa Claus is Coming to Town You better watch out You better not cry Better not pout I’m telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town He’s making a list And checking it twice; Gonna find out who’s naughty and ncie Santa Claus is coming to town He sees you when you’re sleeping He knows when you’re awake He knows if you’ve been bad or good So be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!

You better not cry

Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 4 pm (closed for lunch)

Visit us during our Christmas Clearance Sale & give a unique gift.

artist April White

RUBY CREEK ART GALLERY

58611 Lougheed Highway Agassiz, BC (604) 796-0740 • www.rubycreekartgallery.com

RIP INTO CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Join Now & Get 1 month FREE with a 1 year membership 1 year membership $25/m 6 month membership $30/m *on now until January

604.491.7976 | 6958 Pioneer Ave, Agassiz 24 hour cardlock system | 21+ years agassiz harrison hope observer

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Holiday Treasures 2011 13

Winter Wonderland Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight.

Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird, Here to stay is a new bird He sings a love song, As we go along, Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman, Then pretend that he is Parson Brown He’ll say: Are you married?

We’ll say: No man, But you can do the job When you’re in town.

Later on, we’ll conspire, As we dream by the fire To face unafraid, The plans that we’ve made, Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman, And pretend that he’s a circus clown We’ll have lots of fun with mister snowman, Until the other kids knock him down.

When it snows, ain’t it thrilling, Though your nose gets a chilling We’ll frolic and play, the Eskimo way, Walking in a winter wonderland.

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O Come All Ye Faithful O Come All Ye Faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing all that hear in heaven God’s holy word.

Give to our Father glory in the Highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Find everything you need for a

Cool Yule!

Berries, Stems Wreathes, Greens & Garlands

Live Owl Visits!

Live Musical Entertainment, Family Fun Days & Elf Olympics

Green & Flocked Trees Indoor Train Rides & Light Display

Unique Gifts for the Gardener

Nutcracker Brunches at Minter Gardens 11am-2pm Sundays Nov. 20Dec. 18 604.794.7044

...and so much more! Fore full event details and schedules visit www.mintergardens.com

10 10015 Young Rd. Chilliwack 604.792.6612 mintergardens.com m agassiz harrison hope observer

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Holiday Treasures 2011 15

Recipes Hungarian Goulash From the Cookbook “Eating in with Family and Friends” Many men are excellent cooks. My husband, Heinz Altendorf, was one of them. The following is a dish he loved to make: Hungarian Goulasc.

Try it and enjoy!

21/2 lbs . . . . . stewing beef, cut in cubes 1 lb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . onions, sliced 1/ cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . veg. oil 3 11/2 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . water 2 tbsp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paprika 2 tsp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . salt 1/2 tsp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pepper 1clove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garlic, minced 6 lg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .sliced mushrooms 1 lg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sliced carrot 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . med. tomatoes, sliced

KENT VETERINARY CLINIC & COQUIHALLA VETERINARY SERVICES

...keeping your pets healthy!

www.kentvet.ca 6948 Pioneer Ave. Agassiz, BC Phone: 604-796-9401 16

Quickly only brown the cubed beef in the oil in a large frying pan. Set aside. Brown onions in the same pan meat was done in. Place onions in a blender or food processor, add a bit of water and mix until smooth. Place browned meat in a large soup pot or casserole dish. Pour the onion sauce over the meat & add water until meat is covered. Add mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, paprika, salt & pepper. Cook on stove top in soup pot or in oven at 300 degrees F for 1-1/4 hours or under meat is tender.

Ruth A.

591-C Wallace Street, Hope, BC Phone: 604-869-9474

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Chipits Oatmeal Cookies ÂŽ

1 cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .margarine 1/2 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .white sugar 1/ cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . brown sugar 2 1/2 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . boiling water (melt above ingredients together) 1 tsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vanilla 2 cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . white flour 1/2 tsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . salt 2 cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . oatmeal 1 tsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . baking soda 1/2 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . chocolate chips 1/2 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . coconut Mix together with a spoon and drop onto cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 15 min. (makes about 3 1/2 doz.)

Barry Penner

From our families to yours...Happy Holiday!

Helping you get through

it all...safe & sound.

Let our award winning service department help keep your vehicle ready for winter weather or summer travels.

SUSHI Eat In - Take Out Japanese 604.796.2633

140 Esplande, Harrison Hot Springs, BC Located on the Beach-Front

1756 No 9 Hwy. Agassiz, BC

(604) 796-2611 agassiz harrison hope observer

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Holiday Treasures 2011 17

CRANBERRY CRUMB SQUARES We like these squares because they’re fairly simple to put together, and use one of the Fraser Valley’s healthiest fruit crops — the cranberry! Mix up this yummy dessert for a special treat after lunch, or to bring to a Christmas gathering.

BASE: Combine until resembles crumbs 11/2 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . flour 3/4 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .butter 1/3 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . icing sugar Press into a 9" x 13" pan and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.

SECOND LAYER: Then, cream together 250 g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .cream cheese 1 can . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .condensed milk 1/ cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lemon juice 4 Pour over the base in pan.

THIRD LAYER: Mix together 1 tbsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .brown sugar 2 tbsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cornstarch 14 oz . . . .whole berry cranberry sauce (canned) Spoon over cream cheese mixture.

TOPPING: /4 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .butter 1/ cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . flour 3 3/ cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . walnuts 4 2 tbsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .brown sugar 1

Sprinkle over cranberry mixture.

Bake at 325 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes.

Shirley Hopkins

HarrisonChristmas Harrison Christmas Crawl Saturday & Sunday December 3rd & 4th 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

REFRESHMENTS & DOOR PRIZES AT EACH LOCATION

Come to beautiful Harrison Hot Springs & visit the Back Porch, canwestart, Casa Lifestyles, Savvy Fashions, Serenity Now Gifts, Inkman’s Village Gifts, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, & the Ranger Station Art Gallery for a chance to WIN a Grand Prize Draw basket* valued over $500!

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(*Must have a fully stamped Christmas Crawl Passport to receive an entry.

Passports available at all locations.)

GOURMET CHOCOLATE FONDUE Heat cream and butter in heavy saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat when mixture just starts to simmer. Break chocolate bars into pieces and add to the cream mixture and whisk until smooth. Add a splash of your favourite liqueur if desired and stir until smooth.

Add more heated cream if fondue is too thick. Transfer chocolate fondue mixture to fondue pot and keep warm with a lit tealight candle underneath the pot.

Dip fruit in chocolate fondue and enjoy!

2. . . . . . . .chocolate bars (milk, dark or white) 1/2 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .whipping cream 1 tsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . butter 6-8 cups . . . . . . fruits cut into bite size pieces (strawberries, oranges, bananas, etc.)

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

TAKE A PEAK AT CHRISTMAS ROCKY GIFT BOXES

makes it merry

Winter Hours: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm Daily • 604-491-2010 • 328 Esplanade, HHS • Beachfront, across from the Lagoon agassiz harrison hope observer

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Holiday Treasures 2011 19

Shortbread Wedges (also known as petticoat tails) Makes 12 cookies | Cost Per Serving: 0.19 Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes INGREDIENTS 1 cup . . . . . . . . . butter, at room temperature 3/4 cup . . . . . .firmly packed dark brown sugar 1 3/4 cups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . salt 2 tsp . . . . . . . . . . . Epicure’s Ginger (ground) TOPPING: 2 Tbsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . icing sugar 1/4 tsp . . . . . . . . . . . Epicure’s Ginger (ground) INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add flour, salt and Ginger, beating until dough forms.

2. Press dough into a 9" (23 cm) springform pan or pie plate. Using a fork, crimp edges, then score into 12 ‘petticoat tail’ wedges with a knife. Prick each with a fork in 3 places. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 325° F (160° C).

4. Bake for 40–45 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes. Leave shortbread in pan and cut into wedges along the scored lines.

5. Sift icing sugar and Ginger together over petticoat tails.

Do not remove from pan until completely cooled.

Per Serving : Calories 270, Fat 16 g (Saturated 10 g, Trans 0.5 g), Cholesterol 45 mg, Sodium 170 mg, Carbohydrate 29 g (Fibre 1 g, Sugars 15 g), Protein 2 g.

Chantal Staaf Epicure Selections Consultant

HAPPYYS HOLIDA WHEELER CHEAM REALTY

DIANE JACOBI

Office: 604-792-0077 • Cell: 604-819-1067 dianejacobi@royallepage.ca 20

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Mocha Viennese Shortbread The combination of buttery shortbread, coffee icing and milk chocolate makes this this dessert a winner anytime of the year!

INGREDIENTS 1 cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . butter, softened 3/4 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . icing sugar 1 tsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . instant espresso powder 1 tbsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vanilla 1 1/2 cups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . all purpose flour 3/4 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cornstarch ICING INGREDIENTS: / cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .icing sugar, softened 1/4 cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . butter, softened 2 tsp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . instant espresso powder 34

PREPARATION: In a large bowl, beat butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Dissolve espresso powder in vanilla, beat into butter mixture.

In separate bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch and salt.

Stir into the butter mixture to form soft dough.

Fit piping bag with 1/2 inch star tip. Pipe 11/2 inch rosettes, 11/2 inches apart, onto two parchment paper lined or ungreased rimless baking sheets.

Bake in two and bottom thirds of 350F oven, rotating and switching pans halfway through, for about 15 minutes or until golden on bottom.

Transfer to rack. Let cool completely.

To make the icing, beat sugar and butter in bowl until smooth. Dissolve espresso powder in one teaspoon hot water; beat into butter mixture. Drizzle over cookies and let stand for a few minutes.

Enjoy!

Shirley Warren

THE COMPLETE RENOVATION SPECIALIST Max Chowdhury • 604.491.2222 • 604.316.3793 max@aquasulis.ca • aquasulisrenovations.com Serving Agassiz, Harrison & Hope | Over 25 yrs experience Your local friendly renovation specialist for kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, painting, decks & more. agassiz harrison hope observer

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Holiday Treasures 2011 21

Fa-la-laahh...

Stress has become a daily part of people’s lives. Despite its detriments to health and well-being, stress seems to be something most people can’t shake. Increasing the number of relaxation tools around the house may prove effective at reducing stress.

The holidays offer a chance to shake off that stress. You should carve out some time to just relax. Find something that soothes your soul and gives you a chance to re-energize for the New Year. Whether that means kicking off your work shoes and soaking them in minerals, or strapping on a pair of runners and burning off excess stress, any time spent relaxing is time investing your overall health.

HOT TUB | Water, heat and massage therapy as provided by a hot tub can alleviate many of the body strains caused by stress. Raising core body temperature for 15 minutes around 90 minutes before bed has been shown to induce a more restful sleep. Heat also dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow to sore or damaged tissue. In addition, water provides buoyancy that reduces strain on muscles and joints. Add the gentle massage from spa bubbles and the body is relaxed.

MASSAGE | Few things can reduce stress as much as the feeling of human hands working the kinks out of tense muscles. Massage can alleviate pain, reduce anxiety and may even improve immune system function.

There are many different types of massages available. A person can certainly invest in a massage table for home and have a spouse or family member do the massage.

However, most prefer to visit a spa or rehabilitation center and rely on a trained professional.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES | Everything from accupuncture to aromatherapy to music therapy can be tried in an effort to staunch stress. Following in the footsteps of Eastern cultures, many people are finding meditation, yoga, deep breathing and Tai Chi are effective at calming the mind and the body. Look for local classes where these activities are offered, or simply try them at home.

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Holiday Treasures 2011

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Holiday Treasures 2011

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Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm OPEN FRIDAYS until 9 pm