2023-12-EU

December 2023

The magazine of

Toasting the

Holiday Season page 8

Published by

Meet the state’s newest co-op microgrid page 7

A Southern take on Hanukkah traditions page 20

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(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 55, No. 12

Published monthly by 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950 Scott Gates, CCC Editor Warren Kessler Creative Director Renee C. Gannon, CCC Senior Associate Editor Rue Reynold Editorial Assistant Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer Tara Verna Creative Services Associate Donna Natosi Digital Strategist Keith Alexander Advertising Keith@carolinacountry.com Joseph P. Brannan Executive Vice President & CEO Nelle Hotchkiss Senior Vice President & COO Kristie Aldridge, CCC Vice President North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide reliable, safe and affordable electric service to 1 million homes and businesses.

The 26 electric cooperatives are each member-owned, notfor-profit and overseen by a board of directors elected by the membership.

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

Your cooperative sends you Carolina Country as a convenient, economical way to share with its members information about services, director elections, meetings and management decisions. The magazine also carries legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost.

Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Carolina Country on behalf of the membership at a cost of less than $5 per year.

Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions, $12 per year.

Schools, libraries, $6.

Carolina Country is available on digital cartridge as a courtesy of volunteer services at the NC Department of Cultural Resources, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Raleigh, NC 888-388-2460.

American Egg Board

eet reet

December 2023

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Raise a Glass to Eggnog Local dairies are cooking up fresh yuletide libations.

Celebrating Our Musical Heritage Musicians are honored at the NC Music Hall Of Fame.

A Southern Take on Hanukkah Food Traditions Plus Debbie’s recipe for Sweet Potato Latkes.

Favorites 2 From Our Readers

Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC, and additional mailing offices. Editorial offices: 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950. Carolina Country® is a registered trademark of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

4 Viewpoints

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950.

16 Energy Sense

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

Contact us Phone:

919-875-3091

Mail:

3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616-2950

Web:

carolinacountry.com

Email:

editor@carolinacountry.com

Change of address: Please contact your electric co-op or go online to carolinacountry.com/address Experiencing a power outage?

Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service.

Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.

6 More Power

22 Carolina Kitchen 24 Carolina Calendar 24 Where is This?

On the Cover If you’re an eggnog lover and have always wanted to try something other than the store-bought variety, you’re in luck. Learn about local options on page 8. Whatever your holiday libation of choice, take time to savor it this season. Photo by Tara Verna.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Carolina Voices We’re launching a new section in 2024 and we want to hear from you! We’ll be asking questions to learn more about readers, paying $50 for published responses. See the first question on page 21.

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11/13/23 3:10 PM

From Our Readers Ode to the Oak Just to let you know that the Carolina Snapshots photo “Amazing Maple” (November, 2023, page 2) is of a red oak leaf, definitely NOT a maple leaf. Oaks are native trees and they are amazing (even more amazing than maples), according to Douglas W. Tallamy, an entomologist and longtime professor at the University of Delaware.

“There is much going on in your yard that would not be going on if you did not have one or more oak trees gracing your piece of planet Earth,” he writes in his book “The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees.”

Please let people know how amazing that leaf is and encourage them to read more about our native oaks. Thank you!

THIS MONTH:

Food Traditions Some love it. Some hate it. But this time of year, grocery stores inevitably make room for it in their dairy aisles: eggnog. You don’t have to source your eggnog from the store, though. Several NC dairies make annual batches, or you can cook some up yourself. Learn how to do both on page 8. (I happen to like eggnog, for the record.) Also, learn about a new microgrid project on page 7.

—Scott Gates, editor

Liver Mush Tip Phyllis Hartsell, a liver mush fan and a member of both Union Power Cooperative and Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, called with a great tip after reading “Gather ’Round for Liver Mush” (September 2023, page 24). If you have a batch you’d like to save for later, slice the block and freeze it overnight on a cookie sheet. Thaw and enjoy by the serving!

Nancy Anderson, a member of Haywood EMC

Ornaments Made With Love There weren't many Christmas trees in Village Green Apartments [in Greenville], populated mostly by East Carolina University students who went home for the holidays. But in 1975, my three roommates and I decided we needed to trim a tree and we each

My mother’s soldier, made of a clothespin and matchsticks; I love his crooked magic marker smile.

contributed a few ornaments to a fake tabletop tree, which we proudly displayed in the front window. I don’t remember what it looked like, and no picture exists to remind me, but I do remember telling my parents, in a rare long-distance phone call (because they were expensive!), what we had done.

That Christmas was a slim year for gifts because my father’s union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) had been on strike for several months. I have no idea what gifts I received, probably all thoughtful, hard-earned and appreciated.

But no gifts were more meaningful to me than two handmade ornaments. They weren't wrapped and were treated almost as an afterthought: “Oh, and here’s something for your tree next year.” The mane on the horse my father made stands up due to “hair gel,“ the Elmer’s Glue which, as a woodworker, he used by the gallon. Even more primitive is my mother’s soldier, made of a clothespin and matchsticks; I love his crooked magic marker smile.

Each year I unwrap them, hoping the glue has held another year. Each time I unwrap them, I think of my parents, children of The Great Depression, and the skills they learned early in their lives of making something from nothing. This time I unwrap them and think of nearly 50 years of trees they’ve graced and how very, very blessed I have been.

Kay Crouch, Lenoir, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

2 | December 2023

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Viewpoints

One Year Later: What Utilities Learned from Winter Storm Elliott

By Amadou Fall

Last December, as families were settling in for the Christmas holiday across the country, a wide-ranging storm, Winter Storm Elliott, changed plans for many. The sudden peak in demand for power caused by extreme cold temperatures created electricity capacity issues for utilities from Colorado to the East Coast.

Here in North Carolina, Duke Energy implemented rolling service disruptions for the first time in its history, affecting thousands of electric cooperative members — if you weren’t directly affected, you likely knew someone who was.

Providing reliable access to power is a We’re also investing fundamental part of our job, and North in more of the Carolina’s electric cooperatives are resources that working together to helped keep power do so at the lowest possible cost. New available during grid technology such last year’s storm... as battery energy storage systems and our existing generation assets helped us manage the challenges of last year’s winter storm, but lessons were learned that electric co-ops and the larger electric utility industry have worked diligently to address over the past year.

First, electric utilities took a look at how power is being used, how that’s changing and how our expectations for providing power need to change as a result. A big part of what we do at the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), which provides power to 25 electric cooperatives in North Carolina, is forecast what power will be needed to meet future demand. We plan for everything from bad weather to how folks will use more power after getting home from their daily commute. Past trends are a big part of these forecasting tools, but past trends don’t always account for the new ways in which people are using energy.

For example, a growing number of North Carolina homes are using electric heat pumps (42% of all NC homes in 2022, second only to South Carolina). That’s wonderful for homeowners, because heat pump technology works well in our climate and can be more efficient

than other HVAC options. But it also means utilities need to be prepared to meet an increased demand for power when temperatures drop and new electric heat pumps — which may not be accounted for in past trend data — switch on to keep homes warm.

Learning from last year’s winter storm, utilities have upgraded load forecasting tools to better account for how power is being used today, as well as more precisely predict the performance of smaller sources of generation spread across the grid, like solar and batteries.

Additionally, over the past year regulators have required electric utilities to better winterize their systems. During last year’s winter storm, NCEMC’s duel-fueled power plants (able to use natural gas and fuel oil) continued to operate at full capacity because we had fuel oil available when natural gas supply became constrained. Natural gas supply lines, some even hundreds of miles away, froze and limited the amount of fuel available when it was most needed. Utilities are going into this winter with new plans in place, making changes to equipment so it will operate better in extreme cold.

What’s more, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have studied Winter Storm Elliott and made changes to our own processes, improving coordination with other utilities, including Duke Energy, during peak demand events. We’re also investing in more of the resources that helped keep power available last year, such as energy storage systems and microgrid technology like that being used on Rose Acre Farms (see page 7).

The way our communities are using electricity is changing, and that’s a good thing. But as last year’s storm proved, we need to account for all factors and collaborate in planning for future energy needs. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are doing just that to ensure we provide members with reliable, affordable power, regardless of what the future brings.

Amadou Fall is COO of the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation.

4 | December 2023

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More Power

Electric Co-op Lineworkers Put Lifesaving Skills to the Test 2023 Pole Top Rescue Competition held at Nash Community College Randy Berger

In a competition showcasing lifesaving skills, 25 electric co-op lineworkers from across North Carolina raced against the clock — and their peers — for the title of state champion at the 2023 Pole Top Rescue Competition held by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives in October.

“North Carolina’s electric cooperative lineworkers exemplify the meaning of service to community,” said Farris Leonard, director of job training and safety for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “Whether day or night, rain or snow, our lineworkers are out in their communities ensuring the 2.5 million North Carolinians who rely on electric cooperatives to power their lives have access to reliable service.”

The competition took place on de-energized equipment, simulating a scenario where a lineworker finds a coworker unconscious atop a utility pole. The competitor, dressed in full climbing gear, must radio for help, scale 20 feet up the utility pole, lower a weighted mannequin and begin CPR. Participants are scored based on time and precision.

“When I heard my time after my run, I was nervous about if it would hold up in the final standings because there were a lot of highly skilled lineworkers competing,” said Cameron Clark, a powerline technician for Lumbee River EMC, who placed first in the competition. “Once I heard the final times and realized I had won, it was an amazing feeling because it meant all the hard work paid off to get here.”

Cameron Clark, Lumbee River EMC

While a top-three finish is a highly coveted honor for these lineworkers, competitors like Austin Story — who has now competed in six pole top rescue competitions — say at the heart of the event is safety.

“Every single one of these competitors, and every lineworker across the state’s co-ops, is trained for situations like this,” said Story, a line technician for Blue Ridge Energy, who placed second this year. “While we hope a situation like this never occurs, knowing I can trust the people that I share the lines with gives me peace of mind and makes my job much safer.”

The biennial competition was held at the Nash Community College campus thanks to the valuable partnership between North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and Nash Community College’s Lineman Training Academy. All North Carolina electric cooperative lineworkers must complete this same scenario in less than five minutes to maintain their certification to work on co-op power lines.

—Josh Conner and Townley Venters, North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives

Randy Berger

Meet the 2023 Pole Top Champs Pictured, top to bottom

First place: Cameron Clark, Lumbee River EMC, with a time of 01:37.7 Second place: Austin Story, Blue Ridge Energy, with a time of 01:43.3 Third place: Cody Buck, Brunswick Electric, with a time of 01:48.9 Not pictured: Chris Griffin of Union Power maintains the overall record with his 2014 time of 01:33.47.

Digital Extras

This is a competition you have to see to believe! Watch a competitor in action on our website at carolinacountry.com/extras

6 | December 2023

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More Power

State’s Newest Microgrid Online at Rose Acre Farms Tideland EMC and Hyde County egg producer partner on the project

Hayes House Productions

Cooperatives and Rose Acre Farms demonstrates that agriculture and electric utilities — two of the state’s most important industries — can work together to improve power reliability while achieving sustainability goals,” said Tideland EMC General Manager and CEO Paul Spruill.

With the addition of Rose Acre Farms, North Carolina’s Electric

Rose Acre Farms

Hayes House Productions

Here are a couple of facts about Hyde County, hugged by the Pamlico Sound along our coast, that you may not know: The largest employer in the county is Rose Acre Farms, an Indiana-based egg producer (which happens to be the second-largest egg producer in the country). And the farm recently partnered with Pantegobased Tideland EMC and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives to develop the state’s newest agricultural microgrid.

The microgrid, which includes a 2-megawatt (MW) solar array, a 2.5-MW battery energy storage system and 6 MW of backup diesel generation, typically remains connected to the main grid, adding resiliency and diversity to traditional power resources. But should an outage occur, the microgrid can also operate in “island mode,” keeping egg production online.

The renewable energy generation creates another benefit to Rose Acre Farms by supporting its corporate sustainability goals, which include energy efficient lighting, and efficient water and waste management programs. The solar production is expected to offset about one-third of the total energy consumed by the farm.

“The partnership between Tideland EMC, North Carolina’s Electric

Cooperatives has partnered to bring five microgrids online around the state.

Digital Extras

Just in time for the holidays, don’t miss the Classic Deviled Egg recipe from the eggsperts at Rose Acre Farms (sorry, we couldn’t resist) at carolinacountry.com/extras

ROSE ACRE FARMS

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Terms to know A microgrid is an electric system that combines local energy resources, which are managed and coordinated by a controller (computer hardware and software), to provide power to a defined area. Microgrids are connected to the main grid but can also operate independently.

6,300 Solar Panels 2 MW

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Backup Diesel Generators 6 MW

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Carolina Stamey

g o n g g E o t s s la G a e is Ra

By Debbie s. on ati lib e tid le yu sh fre up g in ok co e ar es iri da l Lo ca

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N MID-NOVEMBER EACH YEAR, eggnog hysteria sweeps NC State University in Raleigh.

The food sciences department starts getting questions about it in mid-September. On the day it arrives, lines at the dairy education and sales center on the school’s 329-acre farm rival ones for Santa at the mall, full of people bearing bags and coolers, ready for multiple purchases to last them through the holiday season.

Adding to the mystique is that at one time, you had to know the right people to get it.

“When we started making it in the early ’80s, we gave it away to faculty and staff. We didn’t sell it at first,” says Carl Hollifield, director of the Dairy Enterprise System in the department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences.

The creamy concoction was legendary around Raleigh back then, with desperate folks begging their university connections to snag them a quart. Today, eggnog lovers can easily purchase it at NC State’s Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery off Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh, and at campus convenience stores — for as long as it holds out.

Moose

The 1,500 gallons the department produces from mid-November through mid-December goes fast. And there won’t be more.

“We’ve made more eggnog every year and it always sells out. We’re at the max we can easily make now,” Carl says.

For many, the eggnog is a taste of the university’s roots, since farming and food education was a part of the land-grant university before it became a tech center.

Pasteurized milk was produced on campus in 1918, and a dairy barn used to sit where Reynolds Coliseum is now.

Students in the university’s food science department learn about all aspects of making dairy products, from the cow to the carton, including the popular Howling Cow ice cream, which is available in some supermarkets. There’s a seasonal eggnog ice cream, but it’s only sold at the Lake Wheeler Road creamery.

While students are learning, they can work at the sales outlets, Carl says. So, this is educational eggnog.

The eggnog from NC State is 5% fat, direct from the cows on its dairy farm. Carl purchases a commercial blend

8 | December 2023

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11/13/23 3:16 PM

“

You’re probably just a hop, a skip and a jingle from a locally made eggnog.”

No matter what you like about eggnog, you’re probably just a hop, a skip and a jingle from a locally made version. Here are a few small dairies in the state that produce it.

P

HOMELAND CREAMERY, JULIAN homelandcreamery.com | 336-685-6455

Seven generations of dairy farmers produce milk and other products at the Guilford County dairy, and its eggnog was on the shelves in mid-October.

While you’re at the farm store, pick up some farmchurned butter for holiday baking. Tours of the farm are available.

American Egg Board

Carolina Stamey

Homemade Holiday Goodness Can’t get to a creamery that serves up eggnog? Cook up your own! Visit carolinacountry.com/extras for a recipe from the American Egg Board.

RAN-LEW DAIRY, SNOW CAMP ranlewdairy.com

Get ready to shake it up when you get this eggnog, because fifth-generation farmer Randy Lewis makes it from the dairy’s non-homogenized, cream-top milk. The eggnog flavoring base is made from pasteurized egg yolk solids, not a powdered mix, and sweetened solely with sugar. He makes about 2,000 gallons of eggnog from the end of October through the holiday season.

RIVERBEND CREAMERY, LINCOLNTON riverbendcreamery.com | 704-740-0095

to add the eggnog flavor for ease of production.

Folks love the eggnog for many reasons.

“For lots of people, it’s a tradition, and it has a sense of place. And I believe we make high-quality eggnog,” Carl says. “You can see the cows being milked and know where it came from.”

Around the state, local dairies satisfy folks’ love of eggnog during the holiday season with their own versions, which, like NC State’s, vanish in the blink of Rudolph’s eye. So it looks like no matter what the health-conscious say, a lot of people still love eggnog for the holidays.

As to why?

“I ain’t quite figured out that one yet,” says Randy Lewis, owner of Ran-Lew Dairy in Alamance County. “But for country folks who like it, I guess it’s a good excuse to drink more white liquor, which sure is good in it.”

Carolina Country recipe contributor Debbie Moose grew up in WinstonSalem and now lives in Raleigh. A former reporter and food editor for The News & Observer, she has authored seven cookbooks, including “Southern Holidays: A Savor the South Cookbook.”

This family-owned dairy in Lincoln County began offering eggnog in mid-October at their farm store and in area retail outlets, and plans to make about 2,500 gallons through the end of December. It’s 6% fat, sweetened with sugar only and includes “something a little different, a secret recipe” in the eggnog flavoring, says Olivia Miller, plant manager.

SIMPLY NATURAL CREAMERY, AYDEN simplynaturalcreamery.com | 242-746-3334

Customers start calling in early October about the eggnog at this Pitt County dairy. It produces 800 gallons a week from mid-October to the end of December, which is sold from its retail stores at the farm and in Morehead City and Greenville, plus at area supermarkets. Try eggnog ice cream at the farm store.

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11/13/23 3:52 PM

Kids Need 4-H Camp Now More Than Ever!

4-H CAMP TEACHES RESPONSIBILITY

4-H CAMP CULTIVATES A SENSE OF BELONGING

For many, 4-H camp is a first experience cleaning a cabin or setting a table. It may also be the first time campers work with others to overcome challenges.

4-H CAMP PROMOTES PHYSICAL HEALTH

4-H Camp gives young people the opportunity to be themselves while appreciating others with values, attitudes and abilities different from their own.

4-H CAMP TEACHES INDEPENDENCE

Combined with activities like swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking and more, youth learn how to enjoy physical activity.

Children are encouraged to push their boundaries, step out of their comfort zones and grow the self confidence necessary to become independent.

4-H CAMP BUILDS AFFINITY FOR NATURE Far from the digital screens at home, 4-H campers are fully immersed in the natural world.

Learn more about our three 4-H centers: EST. 1964

eastern4hcenter.org 252-797-4800

bjpenn4h.org 336-349-9445

Youth DO NOT need to be enrolled in 4-H to participate.

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millstone4hcamp.com 910-652-5905 North Carolina Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.

11/8/23 2:22 11/9/23 3:21 PM

Carolina Living

The ‘Pawsitive’ Way to Gift a Pet for Christmas

Five tips to help prevent a ‘ruff’ pet-giving experience

By Rue Reynold

As the holiday season approaches, many families consider wrapping a furry friend in a festive bow and placing it under the Christmas tree. However, before you rush to surprise a loved one with a new pet, it’s important to remember the responsibilities, long-term commitment and the welfare of the animal. Here are five crucial things to consider before gifting a pet for the holidays.

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While the idea of gifting a pet for Christmas is heartwarming, it’s important to be responsible and thoughtful in your decision. By considering the recipient’s desire, lifestyle and willingness for the long-term commitment of pet ownership, you can make an informed decision and potentially save a pet from ending up in a shelter after the holidays are over.

Desire Bringing a pet into your or someone else’s home is a significant and long-time commitment. On average, dogs, cats, rabbits and fish live around 10 to 15 years, while birds and reptiles may live even longer. Remember, the greatest gift you can give any person or animal is the promise of a lifetime of care, love and companionship. So before gifting an animal, find out how much the recipient truly wants a pet and whether this person has the ability and willingness to provide a loving “fur-ever” home.

Finances Owning a pet entails financial responsibilities that extend far beyond the initial purchase or adoption fee, including quality food, grooming and veterinary care.

Depending on your pet of choice, there may be additional costs to proper housing, heating and lighting as well.

Expenses can accumulate over the years, so make sure the recipient is financially prepared for the ongoing costs associated with pet ownership.

Adoption over purchase Consider adopting from a local animal shelter or rescue organization instead of purchasing from a breeder or pet store. By doing so, not only will you give a deserving animal a second chance at living a happy and fulfilling life, you’ll also help make room to save other animals in need.

Responsibility and commitment Different pets have different needs, so ensure that future pet owners have done their research and are willing to keep up with their new pet's needs. For example: dogs have a lot of energy and need to be socialized and trained; rabbits should be kept in larger pens or given their own room to free roam; fish benefit more being in tanks than bowls (and some species don’t get along with others); and many reptiles require heating, UVB lighting and a larger space than is usually advertised.

Have a Plan B Life is unpredictable and unforeseen circumstances can arise. Think about and discuss what happens if the recipient’s circumstances change and they can no longer care for the pet. Having a contingency plan ensures the animal’s well-being.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

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11/9/23 12:08 PM

Carolina Living

Deck the Halls with Eco-Friendly Décor

H W

Tips for a beautiful and sustainable holiday season

By Rue Reynold

While holiday decorations are a cherished tradition, they can be a source of waste. If you’re aiming to make your celebrations more eco-friendly, here are some green decorating tips that will help you create a sustainable and stylish seasonal atmosphere.

Reuse and repurpose Reuse or repurpose existing decorations you have from previous years or borrow any from family and friends who aren’t using them. For old ornaments and décor you no longer want, consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store.

LED lights and timers LED lights use significantly less electricity and last longer than traditional

incandescent bulbs. To further reduce energy consumption, use timers to ensure your lights turn on and off at set times, saving you money while helping to reduce energy use across the grid.

Sustainable materials Consider cloth napkins instead of paper, and bamboo or wooden utensils for table settings. You can even use scarves, fabric scraps or newspaper for creative and sustainable gift wrapping.

Eco-friendly ornaments Look for ornaments made from sustainable materials like wood, felt or recycled materials. Better yet, make your own ornaments from

items you already have around the house. It’s a fun and creative way to personalize your holiday décor and minimize waste.

DIY and handmade décor Get the family involved in crafting unique holiday decorations. Create paper snowflakes, homemade wreaths or hand-painted ornaments.

By incorporating these eco-friendly decorating tips, you can reduce your environmental footprint and do your part to protect the planet while still enjoying the festivities of the holiday season.

Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.

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12 | December 2023

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R t

DECEMBER 2023

CONNECT E N E R G Y U N I T E D ' S M O N T H LY M E M B E R N E W S L E T T E R

IN THIS ISSUE CAPITAL CREDITS PROGRAM

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SAVE ENERGY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

YOUTH TOUR REMINDER

11/9/23 2:29 PM

A LETTER FROM OUR CEO

THOMAS Though we may be entering the coldest part of the year, the holiday season is full of warmth. That’s partially because wherever you go this month, there’s one thing you’re nearly certain to see: lights.

When you’re surrounded by a glow gentle and vibrant, made of lights that shine brighter because they shine together, you can’t help but feel a little warmer.

I love holiday lights, and I love being part of the co-op that makes them shine. That’s why I’m overjoyed that EnergyUnited has been named a 2023 Top Workplace by The Charlotte Observer. Congratulations to every single member of our team for this remarkable achievement. So much goes into creating the energy that lights up the winter nights and powers our homes, and our team always rises to the occasion.

GOLDEN investment in the co-op.

One of our favorite parts of the cooperative model is returning surplus funds to members at the end of the year in the form of capital credits. See our article about capital credits to learn more about how they work and who will receive them this year.

Whatever you and your loved ones do this holiday season, know that your co-op will be there, working as safely as possible to keep the lights on. I can never thank you enough for being a member. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my family and I have some lights to admire. Happy holidays!

E

Sincerely,

Thomas Golden, CEO

In addition to lighting up the holiday nights, we also serve as a steward of your

"

In honor of giving season, I’d be remiss not to thank everyone who participates in Operation Round-Up, a program where members may opt to round their electric bill up to the next dollar each month to fund the EnergyUnited Foundation. In 2023 alone, the Foundation has given approximately $600,000 to communities throughout our service area. That’s all thanks to you.

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ALL ABOUT

C A P I TA L C R E D I T S

EnergyUnited is pleased to announce that the cooperative will be refunding $3.5 million in capital credits to members in December. Capital credits are excess margins that are returned to members

ISSUED TO MEMBERS WITH ACTIVE SERVICE IN

annually and also reinvested in the cooperative’s distribution system to enhance member service. Members who received service from the Crescent or Davidson EMCs in 1992, 1997 or from Energyunited in 1998, 2000 2001 or 2022. These credits will be refunded as bill credits to expedite the delivery process.

1992 1997 1998 2000 2001 2022

The amount of capital credits you receive is determined by the amount

of energy you purchased from the cooperative during the retirement

year. The remaining portions of the capital credits may be refunded

in later years based on the decision and approval of the EnergyUnited Board of Directors.

E N E R G Y E F F I C I E N C Y: S AV E B OT H K I N D S O F G R E E N

Looking for ideas on how to save money on your bill and reduce energy consumption? Give our energy efficiency tips a read at EnergyUnited.com/Energy-Efficiency-Tips for 54 ways to save green by going green!

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11/9/23 2:29 PM

RY DAY E

E EV

M

W ERE D PO

YOUNGS MOUNTAIN PROJECT

SPOTLIGHT STORY

The Youngs Mountain circuit is one of our largest and most sprawling circuits. This leads to a lot of exposure for outages and reduced voltage due to the load and distance from the substation.

Crews are currently working to build a new circuit to address these challenges. It will consist of nearly 90 ductile iron poles, which are lighter than wooden poles, much easier to install and are also very durable.

The poles, which will help extend 4.4 miles of overhead primary distribution line, also feature fiberglass crossarms.

The new circuit will serve more than 500 EnergyUnited members in Statesville.

The project will deliver enhanced service reliability while also improving our outage response capabilities. Plus, the new circuit will also provide additional capacity for future load growth in the area. The project is being managed by our distribution design

EnergyUnited-1223.indd 4

team, in partnership with local contractor Utility Line Construction Services.

The existing circuit from the Cool Springs Substation is being transferred to the new poles and we’re also adding a second circuit on top as an express feed. This line is going east along Mocksville Highway before turning down Barry Oak Rd where it will join the existing Youngs Mountain circuit. The new circuit will take on the load from the existing circuit, allowing for more backfeeding opportunities during an outage.

Members in the area may have already noticed the construction that is in progress along Mocksville Highway. Thanks to the efficient installation process with the ductile iron poles, crews are making significant progress each day and we are currently expecting to see the project completed Q1 2024. We are excited to deliver this new circuit to members in Statesville and will continue working diligently each day to strengthen the energy infrastructure that powers our communities.

11/9/23 2:29 PM

BEHIND BIRKDALE:

O U R Q U I E T R O L E I N T H E R E VA M P

There’s no better spot to get your holiday shopping done this year than Birkdale Village in Huntersville.

The sprawling retail, residential and dining area is appropriately named: It feels like a charming and lively community unto itself. And that’s no accident. Birkdale underwent a $20 million facelift, the central focus of which was a 6,000-squarefoot plaza that serves as a focal point for the complex—something akin to a village square. It includes a covered stage, LED screen, standalone retail kiosks and more. The renovation extends throughout the rest of the property as well, and the unseen infrastructure behind the upgrades required extensive retrofitting. As Birkdale’s energy provider, we’re proud to have played a major part in making that happen. Whether for shopping, dining, a movie or even just a casual stroll, visiting Birkdale Village is well worth the trip.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BIRKDALE VILLAGE:

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11/9/23 2:29 PM

MY ENERGYHUB: ENHANCING ENERGYUNITED'S O N L I N E M E M B E R P O R TA L

At the end of October, EnergyUnited upgraded the My EnergyHub web application to a newer and more modern version. The application is currently available on web browsers, Apple iOS and Android. This upgrade allows our membership to access some exciting new features and provides a fresh new look.

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Why upgrade? EnergyUnited wants to help our members hit the “Easy” button. The newly designed My EnergyHub is laid out in a more user-friendly manner, with larger text sizes, fewer clicks and support for our members with sight issues. Our previous site was very helpful and easy to use, but the buttons and text

What changed? The main welcome page looks much different when a member first logs in to the system; however, you immediately notice large buttons and larger text sizes which make navigation easier for all of our membership.

The navigation tools have been moved to the left-hand side of the member’s screen, instead of scrolling across the top. Also, you will find additional quick links at the bottom left-hand side of the screen to easily navigate to “Make a payment” or “Report an outage.”

sizes were small and not editable. This made navigation difficult for some members and the color palette didn’t lend itself to be very user friendly for color blindness.

w

EnergyUnited’s IT team has been working toward this upgrade for the better part of a year and we hope you will enjoy the new easyto-navigate web application.

FAQs and training videos available at EnergyUnited.com/myenergyhub/

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11/9/23 2:29 PM

LAST CALL

F O R YO U T H TO U R A N D C O O P E R AT I V E L E A D E R S H I P C A M P A P P L I C AT I O N S !

The deadline for 2024 Youth Tour applications is December 31, 2023.

We’ll be selecting two outstanding students to attend this allexpenses-paid leadership program in Washington, D.C., next June.

Selected students will join other high schoolers with strong leadership skills from across the country. Together they will learn about electric co-ops, American history and how the federal government operates.

Students will also meet their district’s representatives and visit museums, monuments and other historic sites.

All applicants for Youth Tour will also be considered for Cooperative Leadership Camp, a weeklong summer camp for high school students interested in how they can be involved in cooperative business. Attendees will network with other leaders from across North Carolina and learn more about cooperatives, leadership and team building.

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Applicants must currently be enrolled in their sophomore or junior year and either receive electric service from EnergyUnited at home OR attend a school that is served by EnergyUnited. These schools include North Davidson High, Central Davidson Sr. High, South Davidson High, Ledford High, Davie County High, Davie County Early College, North Iredell High, West Iredell High and Hopewell High.

To apply, scan the QR code below:

DEADLINE:

DECEMBER 31

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11/9/23 2:29 PM

SUSTAINABILITY CORNER The holiday season wouldn’t be the same without lights. While the extended use of lighting this time of year can be a driver of increased energy use, the good news is there are ways to make your holiday cheer more sustainable.

BRIGHT LIGHTS

DONE RIGHT

•

Switch to LED bulbs. On average, LED bulbs are a staggering 80% more efficient than incandescent lights!

•

Use an outlet timer. There’s no need to have your lights on at 2 a.m. A timer ensures you’re not using more energy than you need and has the added benefit of reducing light pollution, which has a negative impact on not only your sleep patterns but also animal behavior and the delicate balance of the ecosystem surrounding your home.

•

Use bulbs with warmer colors. Instead of blue and pure white lights, opt for colors like red, amber and yellow, which more closely resemble natural light.

Following these simple steps will help reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing one of the holiday season’s most beloved traditions.

Source: summitdaily.com/news/did-you-know-holiday-light-displays-can-affect-the-environment-heres-how-summit-county-can-help-with-that

HOLIDAY

C LO S I N G EnergyUnited will be closed Friday, December 22, and Monday, December 25.

Our teams will be on call for emergency service, of course, and you can report an outage through My EnergyHub or by calling 1-800-EUNITED.

EnergyUnited

@EnergyUnitedEMC

EnergyUnited Electric Cooperative

ENERGYUNITED.COM

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EnergyUnitedEMC

1-800-522-3793

11/9/23 2:30 PM

Carolina Living

Holiday Efficiency Word Search

The holidays are a fun, festive time of year! We typically use more electricity during the holiday season.

Read the holiday efficiency tips to the right, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.

W G W P D K S S J J W S U M M V Y F K F N E Z Z H T T F C B T J L P C W V E B H V P V W J P I G I L Z V L G W K K Z G R I U M D M W W I H C N J N K O G F X E R A L S D N E I R F G J K H W R D F P X G V L F B O C A T H E R M O S T A T I D E F E V L Y C H U O Y O T R T O U I O K C S N X G Q V J E C T J C A J G L X M Y A W A P Q V N O D R I A S U E D K S L B D P C H G S Q X P X H C U A V A Q V H E A L X O S D U E C V G O T R N F Z H Q G V V S E H V

7 Decorate your tree with energy-saving LED lights.

7 Control home heating costs with a smart or programmable thermostat.

7 Save energy by using a timer to turn off holiday lights when you’re sleeping.

7 If you have a fireplace, ask an adult to close the damper when a fire is not burning.

7 Open blinds and curtains during the day to let sunlight in to warm your home.

7 Lower the thermostat when you invite friends and family over. (The extra people in your home creates additional warmth.)

carolinacountry.com | 13

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11/13/23 10:17 AM

Carolina Living

Rice and Quinoa to Sweeten the Holiday Season

Once the table is cleared and gifts are put away, it’s time for one of the favorite moments of holiday gatherings. The taste and smell of these divine desserts will be enough to keep guests hungry even after the main course. Put a new staple on holiday menus for years to come with these delightful holiday treats. Find more sweet holiday recipe inspiration at SuccessRice.com.

—Family Features

Pumpkin Pecan Rice Pudding Bars

Cran-Raspberry Quinoa Pudding Trifle

This winter-flavor-inspired creamy pudding is an easy way to impress at the dinner table.

Quinoa Pudding 2 bags (12-ounce) tri-color quinoa 4 cups almond milk 3 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Creamy Yogurt Layer 2 cups plain Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup heavy cream Cran-Raspberry Layer ½ cup cranberry sauce ¼ cup orange juice 1 teaspoon orange zest 2 cups fresh raspberries ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted 2 cups gluten-free vanilla cookies, chopped ½ cup fresh raspberries

To make quinoa pudding, prepare quinoa according to package directions, substituting almond milk for water. Drain, reserving almond milk.

Remove quinoa from bags and stir into almond milk in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey, vanilla and cinnamon.

Bring to simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, 5–8 minutes or until thickened slightly.

Refrigerate 45–60 minutes or until well chilled.

To make creamy yogurt layer, in large bowl, stir yogurt, honey and vanilla. In separate bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Stir whipped cream into yogurt mixture until blended. Refrigerate until ready to use.

To make cran-raspberry layer, in medium bowl, stir cranberry sauce, orange juice and orange zest. Gently fold in raspberries.

To assemble, in 10-cup trifle dish, layer 1/3 quinoa mixture, 2 tablespoons almonds, 1/3 cran-raspberry mixture,1/3 vanilla cookies and 1/3 yogurt mixture. Repeat layers twice. Garnish with remaining raspberries and almonds.

1 bag (14-ounce) white rice 1 cup pecans 4 cups coconut milk 1 can (15-ounce) pumpkin purée ¾ cup brown sugar* 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice ½ teaspoon salt 3 eggs ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons maple syrup Prepare rice according to package directions. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans on baking sheet and toast 8–10 minutes. Cool and chop.

In large saucepan over mediumhigh heat, combine milk, pumpkin, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Bring to boil, stirring constantly.

Slowly add ½ cup hot liquid to eggs and beat well. Stir egg mixture back into saucepan and cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice, vanilla and pecans.

Pour mixture into greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.

Whip heavy cream to soft peaks then add maple syrup and continue beating until peaks form. Serve with warm pudding. *For sweeter pudding, increase brown sugar to 1½ cups.

Yield: 4–6 servings

Yield: 6 servings

14 | December 2023

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11/9/23 12:09 PM

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11/9/23 2:38 PM

Energy Sense

Mark Gilliland, Pioneer Utility Resources

Winterization Tips for Energy Savings

By Miranda Boutelle

A

s the weather outside is increasingly frightful, winterizing is an important step to keep your home delightful (while lowering your energy bills). These tried-and-true methods will ensure your home is sealed tight and ready for colder weather.

Keep the heat in hot water You can raise the water temperature inside your home’s water pipes by 2 to 4 degrees by insulating, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Insulating allows you to turn down the heat on your water heater, saving energy and money.

Start by insulating the pipes coming out of your water heater. If you have a gas water heater, keep pipe insulation at least 6 inches away from the flue. Insulate hot and cold water lines. The latter can prevent condensation and freezing pipes.

Insulating your water heater can save 7% to 16% on water-heating costs, DOE says. Insulation kits are available at hardware stores. Don’t obstruct the pressure relief valve, thermostats or access valves.

Eliminate leaks Air sealing and insulation are a great combination for minimizing home energy use. Insulation is like a warm sweater for your home, and air sealing is the wind breaker. All the cracks, gaps and holes in a typical home can be like having a window open year-round. Air sealing with caulk eliminates those leaks. It can be done as a do-it-yourself project or by a professional.

Improve windows Windows can be a source of drafts and wasted energy. Close windows tightly.

Add weatherstripping around windows to prevent warm air from escaping your home and caulk the gaps where the window trim meets the wall and the window frame.

Add curtains to make the room feel warmer.

Storm windows are a lower-cost option for upgrading single-pane windows. They are available with low-emissivity coatings, which insulate better, and are available for installation either from the inside or outside of the window.

Keep fireplaces efficient When I was little, my dad told me it was too cold to have a fire. I remember thinking that made no sense, but he was right.

We had an open, wood-burning fireplace — not a wood stove. A fireplace can draw the warm air out of the house, cooling it down or causing your heating system to use more energy.

Your fireplace adds ambience to your home but isn’t necessarily effective at heating it. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, close the damper when your fire is extinguished. An open damper in the winter is an easy exit for the air you paid to heat.

Adding tempered glass doors to a wood-burning fireplace can create an extra buffer between the cold outside and a cozy living space.

Some gas fireplaces require a damper to remain permanently open so gas can vent out of the home. Check the specifications of your unit to ensure safe operation.

Close rooms correctly Through the years, I have heard a lot of debate about closing off rooms or parts of the home to save energy.

Best practices come down to the type of heat source. If you have a zonal heating system, where individual areas are controlled separately, you can close doors and only heat the areas you use. Examples of zonal systems are wall heaters, baseboard heat, hydronic radiant heat, radiators and ductless heat pumps, also called mini-splits.

Keep areas with plumbing or water lines warm enough so pipes do not freeze.

If you have a central forced-air heating system, leave doors open to all heated areas. Closing doors and/ or register dampers forces the system to work harder, uses more energy and can shorten the life of heating equipment.

Check your filters Maintaining a clean filter in your furnace is one of the best ways to keep it running efficiently and prevent costly repairs. Check your furnace or ductless heat pump filter monthly during peak heating season.

This column was written by Miranda Boutelle of the Efficiency Services Group.

Visit CarolinaCountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.

16 | December 2023

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Carolina Adventures

Earl Scruggs

John Coltrane

Celebrating Our Musical Heritage Local musicians are honored at the NC Music Hall Of Fame

By Renee Gannon

D

riving south on I-85, if you blink you may miss the brown information sign located between Salisbury and Kannapolis announcing the exit for the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. But don’t blink! Follow the sign to the state’s musical treasures and you won’t be disappointed.

Originally opened in 1994 and Thomasville-based, the hall moved to Kannapolis in 2008 then to its current home in 2014 when Mike Curb, a veteran record producer and owner of Curb Music (and 2009 inductee), built a 20,000-square-foot museum for his motorsports organization’s team cars and memorabilia, as well as highlights from his record production company.

He also formally opened a North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in the space to recognize the state’s musical roots of the past, present and future.

Six new names were recently added to North Carolina’s musical map: Scotty McCreery, Loudon Wainwright III, Bill Curtis, Fetchin’ Bones, George Beverly Shea and Betty Davis. The hall now recognizes 132 souls of sound as members.

According to Executive Director Veronica Cordle, the hall continues to add four to eight new members each year, and will continue to venture into all music genres, including progressive, rap and hip hop. Each inductee’s exhibit features a mix of wardrobe, signed albums, sheet music, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photos, posters, awards and other memorabilia.

One inductee, funk musician and Kannapolis native George Clinton, stopped by the hall recently and announced he would send more for his exhibit, including a few of his iconic outfits. A surprised and delighted Veronica plans to expand his exhibit for these personal additions.

Musical legacy The gold records on the wall in the lobby and the large NC map dotted with names and locations give you a quick idea that you are entering a musical journey. The hall exhibits are grouped by genre — street signs mark each genre’s location, a “city grid” that leads one to Jazz Alley, R&B/ Beach Music, Country Road, Bluegrass Street (one of the most extensive collections), Pop & Rock Crossing, Hall of Famers, Music Makers and Gospel Way. Qualifications to be included in the hall are not limited to birth right.

An inductee must have a significant connection to North Carolina, not necessarily a native, but one who studied here, started a career or other connections to the state’s music industry. The inductee must also have had a sustained 10 years of national or international popularity.

Six American Idols are now in the hall, including the newest inductee, Scotty McCreery. Inductees hail from a broad range of genres and music professions, including singers, songwriters, producers, musicians, inventors and executives.

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd.

Kannapolis 704-934-2320 northcarolinamusichalloffame.org

At any given time, about 100 inductees are featured in the museum.

Veronica wished all inductees could be featured, but the hall team continues to develop a rotation policy to ensure all inductees are featured.

“Creating the exhibits are timeconsuming and often brutal,” quipped Veronica. Some items donated, such as outfits, require a little ingenuity to work, such as finding a child’s mannequin for singer Betty Davis outfits, she explained.

What can you learn? Some interesting tidbits, such as: NC songwriter and musician Arthur Smith wrote “Feudin’ Banjos,” later to be known as “Dueling Banjos” in the movie Deliverance, but the song was used without Smith’s permission. He later received songwriting credit and royalties. Charles Poole’s unique finger-picking style culminated from a baseball injury. Find out why 9th Wonder often kicks off one shoe.

“You know the names, but often you don’t know their life or story,” Veronica said. “These exhibits give you a sense of the person behind the music.”

Renee C. Gannon is the senior associate editor of Carolina Country.

18 | December 2023

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11/9/23 2:22 PM

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11/9/23 2:22 PM

h anukkah A SOUTHERN TAKE ON

FOOD TRADITIONS

A

FTER I MARRIED MY HUSBAND

four decades ago, fish began appearing at the breakfast table. This was a shock to a Southern girl who was accustomed to country ham and biscuits in the morning, not slices of smoky-smelling salmon and chewy bagels. It was just the start, because in our case, merging two households also meant blending Jewish and Southern food traditions.

It wasn’t difficult. I learned to love sweet, fruity haroset (an apple relish) at Passover; he embraced coconut cake at Easter (as long as Passover wasn’t going on at the same time). He has never appreciated tomato soup, my childhood sickbed comfort. But I’ve learned how to make gallons of “Jewish penicillin” — hearty chicken broth — for the freezer each winter, for which my husband makes the matzo balls. From the box. He says that’s what everybody does.

Not surprisingly, traditional foods veer wildly away from each other during the December holidays.

Fruitcake, eggnog, Moravian spice cookies (I grew up in Winston-Salem) and ham, obviously, are nowhere near the Hanukkah orbit.

Latkes are the stars. Latke is a SlavicYiddish name for potato pancakes fried in oil, and when I found that out, well, I know French fries and hash browns, and that they shouldn’t be too greasy.

As a devoted new wife, I labored for hours to create grease-free latkes, adjusting the oil temperature, the grating of the potatoes, the amount of flour, and so on.

Until my husband told me the oil is what they’re all about.

By Debbie Moose

The story of Hanukkah goes like this. In the second century BCE, the Greeks had invaded Jerusalem and prevented the Jews from worshipping as they chose. A small army managed to defeat the Greeks, and to rededicate the temple, they lit the nine-branched candelabra known as the menorah. There was only enough oil for one day, but by some miracle, it lasted for eight. The holiday has continued, with families lighting menorahs in their homes and (because it’s a miracle involving oil) eating fried foods. Easy to get behind that idea, especially since I deep-fry my Thanksgiving turkey.

Because I’m a food writer, I can’t resist experimenting and, fortunately, my husband is broad-minded. Besides the traditional white potatoes and onions, I’ve used all kinds of grated root vegetables for latkes, including carrots, beets and turnips, but our favorite is a sweet potato version, which also has a touch of heat (as much or as little as you like). They go very well with the traditional accompaniments of applesauce and sour cream.

This month’s holidays remind us to find hope and light even in the darkest times. May your family feel the season’s warmth.

Carolina Country recipe contributor Debbie Moose grew up in Winston-Salem and now lives in Raleigh.

She has authored seven cookbooks, including “Southern Holidays: A Savor the South Cookbook.”

Sweet Potato Latkes

From “Southern Holidays: A Savor the South Cookbook” by Debbie Moose, published by University of North Carolina Press 2 cups coarsely grated peeled sweet potatoes* 1 small onion, coarsely grated 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Vegetable oil Applesauce and sour cream In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, chili powder and cinnamon. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the sweet potato mixture per latke and place in the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan so the oil will stay hot. Press the patties gently with the back of a spoon to flatten them out. Fry, turning once, until browned on both sides.

Drain on a wire rack placed over a platter for a few minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined platter and keep warm in the oven while you fry the remaining latkes. Serve with applesauce and sour cream. *Save time by grating both the onions and sweet potatoes in a food processor.

Yield: 4 servings

20 | December 2023

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Carolina Voices We all love sharing and swapping stories, and we’d like to hear more from our readers. In 2024 we’ll be asking some questions to learn more about you.

FEBRUARY’S QUESTION:

Where did you first meet your sweetie?

Submit your answer (roughly 200 words) and any related photos for a chance to be in an upcoming issue. We retain reprint rights, and we’ll pay $50 for those we publish in the print version of the magazine.

Deadline: December 31

Online: carolinacountry.com/voices No emails, please.

Mail: Carolina Country—Carolina Voices 3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616

Advertising published in Carolina Country is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to customers at the advertised price. All ads must adhere to Carolina Country’s advertising policy, which can be found in our media kit at carolinacountry.com/advertise/MediaKit. The magazine, North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and the member cooperatives do not necessarily endorse the products or services advertised. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading is never knowingly accepted. Should you encounter advertising that does not comply with these standards, please inform Carolina Country at 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616. 919-875-3091.

carolinacountry.com | 21

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an

Carolina Kitchen

Rustic Creamy Mushroom Soup With mushroom ‘croutons’

The busy holiday season lies ahead, which makes it doubly important to slow down and take in a comforting meal. This flavorful, hearty soup will warm you to your bones.

3 (8-ounce) cartons assorted mushrooms (1 whole, 2 sliced) 4 tablespoons oil, divided 3 large cloves garlic, divided 2 tablespoons butter 2 large carrots, roughly chopped 2 large stalks celery, diced 1 large turnip, diced Several large shallots, thinly sliced

1 package fresh herbs-poultry blend mix 3 cups vegetable broth ¼ cup dry sherry 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon paprika Cracked black pepper Salt if needed 1 cup milk, optional

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut whole mushrooms into quarters and toss with 2 tablespoons of oil. Roast about 25 minutes until crispy. During final 3 minutes, zest 1 clove of garlic over mushrooms and toss. Set aside to drain on paper towel.

Heat remaining oil with butter in a heavy pot over medium heat. Sauté vegetables until tender, stirring frequently. Roughly chop both packages of sliced mushrooms and mix with fresh herbs, reserving a few sprigs of thyme for garnish. Zest 2 cloves of garlic into mixture and add remaining ingredients (except milk) and cook for about 3 minutes more.

Bring to a slow boil, then turn to low; cover and simmer about 30 minutes. Garnish with the roasted mushroom ‘croutons’ and thyme.

For a creamy soup like ours, purée a cup of the cooked vegetables with milk. Stir into soup.

Yield: 4–6 servings

From Your Kitchen Artichoke Poppers

Member Bettina Vernon served these savory little pop-in-your-mouth morsels at a New Year’s party, and guests said “if there were any leftovers, they would fight for them.”

2 (10-ounce) packages artichoke dip (homemade or store-bought, well chilled)* 1 cup flour 3 eggs 2 cups panko breadcrumbs Olive oil 1 lemon (or lemon juice) Crack three eggs into a bowl and beat with a fork.

Put flour and panko breadcrumbs in separate bowls.

Take a spoonful of artichoke dip (about the size of a walnut) and roll into a ball. Dip in flour, then egg and finally in the panko.

Recipe courtesy of Bettina Vernon of Marvin, a member of Union Power Cooperative.

Pour enough oil into a frying pan to cover the bottom and heat on medium-high.

Place your poppers in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. When golden brown on bottom, flip and fry until the other side is also golden brown.

Remove from pan onto a flat surface covered with a paper towel.

Squeeze some lemon juice on poppers, place on a platter and serve. *Important: Make sure your artichoke dip has chilled overnight so that it is firm.

Yield: 24, depending upon size

Submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe.

Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25.

Buttery Cinnamon Bun Popovers Crispy outside yet hollow inside, these light and airy pastries represent the American version of Yorkshire pudding. Bend these buttery beauties to your will and make them sweet or savory as you wish.

2 sticks salted butter, divided 4 large eggs, room temperature 1½ cups milk, room temperature ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1½ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon honey ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup loosely packed brown sugar ½ teaspoon cinnamon Melt butter and set aside to slightly cool.

Whirl eggs with milk in blender until combined. Add 3 tablespoons of melted butter, vanilla, flour and salt. Blend again until frothy. Let batter rest 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Place rack in lower third oven and remove higher racks that might impede rising.

Lightly brush cups and rims of popover pan with butter (a mini muffin pan will work for a less puffy popover). Place into hot oven for 2 minutes. Carefully remove and fill about ²/₃ full of batter. Bake 20 minutes. Do not open oven door. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue baking for 10 minutes.

While baking, mix the sugars and cinnamon into a bowl. Remove popovers from oven and poke with a knife to release steam.

Cool slightly to touch. Add honey to remaining butter and brush popovers so it seeps into the poked holes. Dip each top into the cinnamon sugar.

Best if served immediately or warm later in a 325-degree oven for 5 minutes.

Serve with leftover melted butter and cinnamon sugar and encourage “dipping!”

Yield: About 18 Recipes by Wendy Perry unless otherwise noted. Learn more about Wendy at WendysHomeEconomics.com.

Digital Extra Visit carolinacountry.com/recipes to search more than 1,000 recipes by name or ingredient.

22 | December 2023

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11/9/23 2:22 PM

December Events DEC. 7–16

Robeson County Christmas Show Musical revue Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater, Lumberton 910-738-4339 DEC. 8–10

Christmas Aurora Holiday Fair Tweetsie Railroad

NOV. 24 – DEC. 23

Tweetsie Christmas Rides, variety show, holiday lights Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock

DEC. 1–9

DEC. 3

The Art of Giving

Holiday Gift Shop

Art vendors and showcase Hillsborough Gallery of Arts 919-732-5001

Newbold-White House, Hertford 252-426-7567

Christmas Open House at Historic Hope

NOV. 24–DEC. 23

Jim Snyder Christmas Tree 5k Run

Tweetsie Christmas Rides, variety show, train ride with holiday lights Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock 828-264-9061 NOV. 24–DEC. 31

Island of Lights Festival Carolina Beach Blvd.

910-458-5507 NOV. 24–JAN. 1, 2024

Granville Christmas Farm Drive-through light show US-15, Oxford 919-339-4452

Downtown West Jefferson 336-977-4587 Main Street, Highlands 828-526-2112

Scotland Neck Christmas Parade Main Street, Scotland Neck 252-813-1096

Holiday concert Old Theater, Oriental 252-249-1001

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular Ballantyne’s Backyard, Charlotte 443-759-5388

DEC. 3

Christmas Presence with Terry Barber

Music, beverages, horse-drawn carriage rides Historic Hope, Windsor 252-794-3140 DEC. 7

Olde Mountain Christmas Parade

DEC. 13–17

A Christmas Carol Durham Performing Arts Center 919-680-2787 DEC. 14

NOV. 14–DEC. 31

DEC. 2

Aurora Richland Township Chamber of Commerce 707-416-1048

A Charlie Brown Christmas The Walker Center, Wilkesboro 336-838-6260

Colonial Christmas Music, food Newbold-White House, Hertford 252-426-7567 DEC. 20–22

Carolina Christmas Show Old Rock School Auditorium, Valdese 855-222-2849 DEC. 31

New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Torchlight skiing, fireworks, food, ice skating Appalachian Ski Mountain, Blowing Rock 828-295-7828

Visit carolinacountry.com/calendar for more information about each event, including links to the most current information, or to submit your own event.

where in Carolina Country is this?

Send your answer by Dec. 15, with your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative.

Online: carolinacountry.com/where By mail: Where in Carolina Country? 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616 Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. The winner, chosen at random and announced in our February issue, will receive $25.

Have a roadside gem you’d like to share? Submit a photo, plus a brief description and general location information, at carolinacountry.com/where.

October’s winner The October “Where Is This” photo by Carolina Country’s Tara Verna features a gorilla holding an eagle on one hand and walking lions on a leash with the other. This whimsical scene located on Highway 96 (Zebulon Road), between Youngsville and Zebulon, turns a few drivers’ heads daily.

The jungle menagerie serves as a fun landmark for commuters, with many readers commenting the statues elicit chuckles and others wave as they drive by. Reader Bill Ordelt commented that it’s always “nice to see King Kong and his lions!” The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Joe Mabe of Youngsville, a Wake Electric member.

CC12-WK.indd 24

11/13/23 3:07 PM

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Our Purpose is You

North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are committed to powering your home, your life and your adventures with reliable, affordable electricity. We are rooted in this community, and we were created to serve you. Our purpose is you.

Learn more at NCElectricCooperatives.com.

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10/10/23 11/9/23 2:36 1:00 PM PM