Missouri Magazine| Holiday Issue 2019

M i ssou r i M agazine Holiday Issue 2019

Holiday

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ISSUE

Holiday Issue 2019

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Missour i Magazine

25 D ay s o f T r ad i t i o n s

C h r i st m as C o o k i es

Celebr ating Why We Love Missour i

20

A m er i ca's B est A q u ar i u m

52

T i ed T h e K n o t

DEPARTM ENTS Publisher ?s Note 6 Staff 12 Recipes 42 Events 64

On the Cover: Missouri Winterfest at the Gateway Arch

#M issou r iM agazin e

Photo Credit: Gary Adams Artwork

Publisher'sNOTE

I t isthemost wonderful timeof the year!

I love the Christmas season and all the fun, joy, and giving that comes with it. I love all the lights, decorating Christmas trees, holiday parties and giving gifts. However, it?s the time of year that we adore the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Let?s not miss out on the reason for the season.

Thank you for reading out latest issue featuring Holiday Shopping Guide, home decor, recipes, and so much more. Our team had a lot of fun putting together our Holiday Issue and we hope you enjoy it. Our Holiday Issue is filled full of Holiday recipes, Winter Fashion, 20 Tips to Avoid Weight Gain During the Holidays, How to manage stress over the Holidays and so much more.

We love our holiday issue cover photo by the talented Gary Adams. A local photography Gary Adams Artwork.

I wish you all the happiest of holidays. Let?s take time to remember what matters most spending time with family and making memories.

Most of all Oh Come Let Us Adore Him? Jesus is the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! .

Cherish Life,

Cheri Cheri Cranford 573-284-5406 hello@missourimagazines.com Proverbs 3:5-6

M i sso u r i M agazi n e Pu blish er / Ow n er Cheri Cranford

Con t r ibu t in g Au t h or s

Tiffany Ash Bennet Bodenstein

Con t act M issou r i M agazin e 205 N Oak Street Stover, MO 65078 573-284-5406 hello@missourimagazines.com Missouri Magazine is published bi-monthly by CDM Media Group. T he opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the publisher or of Missouri Magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication.

However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. ©2018 CDM Media Group. Missouri Magazine welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Cheri Bullard-Cranford at hello@missourimagazines.com

Proverbs 3:5-6

25 Days of Tr adit ion s E

veryone knows the best gift of all is the gift of time. And what better time of year than the holidays to do things with friends and family? Here are 25 traditions you can practice this December.

Gam e n igh t . There are holiday-specific games out there, but you can?t go wrong by sticking with a classic. Check out your local toy and game store for some family friendly games.

Ch r ist m as m ovie m ar at h on . Too many choices to go wrong here. From the Griswolds to George Bailey, there?s a classic for your family.

Car olin g. Through your neighborhood or through your town, caroling is always more fun with friends.

Holiday bak in g. There is a recipe for every taste bud and every skill level.

Check out online recipes for unique options. Many local grocery stores also offer holiday baking classes. Ask around for times and options.

Ch r ist m as ligh t s. Put a little twinkle on your house or on your tree.

Ch oose a t r ee. Choosing a Christmas tree is a classic tradition with the added bonus of making your home smell amazing.

Wear Ch r ist m as pajam as. They don?t have to match (but it?s more fun if they do).

Ch r ist m as car ds. Make them or buy them, but please send them out. Elf on the Shelf. Quickly becoming a cult classic.

M ak e h ot cocoa. Yum. There are many recipes out there to completely innovate this holiday treat.

Tak e a dr ive. Admire others? decorations.

Volu n t eer. This is a hard time of year for others. Turn the act of kindness into a tradition.

Ch r ist m as cook ie sw ap. This party?s entire premise is all about you getting to sample cookies. The holiday joy is baked right in. Angel tree. Be someone else?s Santa.

Adven t calen dar . Counting down the days can be a fun tradition for the entire family.

Or n am en t s. Give your kids or loved one a new ornament each year. Over the years, the tree itself will become a family album.

Say t h an k you . To your friends, to your kids, to your mom, anyone that has had an impact on you.

Get a ph ot o w it h San t a. These will amuse you for years to come.

Tak e in a sh ow. Or a second-grade Christmas pageant. Support local artists and students by showing up.

Get dr essed u p. Put on your best and walk the square. There is something special about getting your cheeks pink that sparks joy this time of year.

Get a t oy, give a t oy. Teach your children to donate unwanted or old toys to others.

Tr eat t h ose you depen d on . Take cookies to the police station, the fire station and to your Post Office.

M ak e a sn ow m an . Or, if you live in a warm climate, decorate a gingerbread house.

Decor at e a gin ger br ead h ou se. It shouldn?t be an ?either/or ? situation.

Leave cook ies f or San t a. He?s got a long night. He appreciates it.

Make your own family traditions that you can pass on from one generation to the next.

Enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

20 | M i ssou ri M agazi n e

Am er ica's Best Aqu ar iu m in t h e Hear t of M issou r i

by CJ Th om as

Did you know that you can com e face to face w ith a tiger shar k or a 400 lb.

Goliath Gr ouper r ight her e in M issour i? Now you can, thanks to Johnny M or r is?Wonder s of W ildlife: National M useum & Aquar ium , located adjacent to Bass Pr o Headquar ter s in Spr ingfield, M issour i. Your visit to Wonder s of W ildlife is so m uch m or e than your standar d tr ip to the aquar ium . They offer unique im m er sive exper iences that put you r ight in the hear t of the action fr om the m om ent you w alk in the door s!

W henever you visit Wonder s of W ildlife you?r e not just stepping into any aquar ium . You?r e visiting Am er ica?s Best Aquar ium and Best New Attr action, as voted by USA Today! It?s no w onder that it w as voted num ber one in the nation. The state-of-the-ar t facility is hom e to m or e than 35,000 living fish, m am m als, bir ds, and r eptiles. Wonder s of W ildlife has gone the extr a m ile to per fectly r ecr eate the anim al?s natur al habitats for their health and w ell-being. Bass Pr o founder , Johnny M or r is, has a passion for conser vation and educating the next gener ation about the natur al w or ld and all of its?cr eatur es, and it show s in ever y squar e inch of the facility.

Pr epar e your self for a one of a kind exper ience w ith anim als fr om ar ound the w or ld! Inside the aquar ium you w ill find m or e than 800 unique species of jellyfish, eels, r ays, and shar ks displayed in br eathtaking r ounded and tunnel aquar ium s that allow you to exper ience the m ajesty fr om ever y possible angle. Outside of the aquar ium visitor s w ill be able to m ingle w ith flam ingos, Gentoo penguins, cr ocodiles, bear s, and bald eagles, ow ls, and that?s just to nam e a few.

Wonder s of W ildlife featur es exquisitely detailed 4-D w ildlife galler ies w hich show case exotic r ecr eations of anim als in their natur al habitats.

These unique galler ies allow visitor s to stand in the pr esence of m ajestic elephants leading their young and side by side w ith a pack of w olves

seeking pr ey in the glow of the nor ther n lights. It is the authentic foliage, hand-painted m ur als, and special sound and lighting effects that m ake you feel as though you?r e tr ekking thr ough the Alps or the heat of the Afr ican Savanna.

If you?r e looking for a truly im m er sive exper ience than the Shar k Dive at Wonder s of W ildlife is for you! No diving exper ience is r equir ed for this unique jour ney into the under w ater w or ld of vibr ant r eef fish, bar r acudas, shar ks, and giant gr ouper s!

Your ticket includes a 1.5-hour Shar k Dive Exper ience, a com m em or ative t-shir t, an under w ater cam er a to take photos dur ing your exper ience, and a souvenir flash-dr ive w ith the photos fr om your exper ience. All diver s m ust be at least 10 year s old and a m axim um of 4 people can fit inside the shar k cage at one tim e. Fam ily and fr iends ar e able to com for tably w atch your exper ience fr om the outside of the tank!

The National M useum and Aquar ium offer s hour s of indoor enter tainm ent for guests of all ages. No m atter the w eather or the tim e of year the aquar ium has a br eathtaking adventur e aw aiting you and your fam ily!

Lear n m or e at w w w.w onder sofw ildlife.or g

home

get thelook our Pinterest finds

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Love Letter s

Love Letters designs and sells t-shirts for the city and sport you Love! We love how their line makes you feel beautiful and confident even in a t-shirt. When we came across Love Letters we knew we had to share ?Love Letters? t-shirts with our readers. There are so many t-shirts to choose from. You will fall in love with this line.

Love Letters started in 2013 with two friends LeAnn and Amy. They both had a mutual passion and a whole lotta coffee and haven?t looked back since. Their major love for their city and the people who live there. They wanted to share that love and feeling with women everywhere.

Love Letters pride their selves with special designs and an amazing fit all while striving to have a little something for everyone at a really sharp price!

Dress them up? Dress them down?

Doesn?t matter, you?re going to look amazing either way! Love Letters is a labor of love and they?re loving every minute of it!

Sh oplovelet t er s.com

31 | M i ssou ri M agazi n e

YOUR HEALTH | CARING FOR YOU

20 T i p s t o Av o i d W ei gh t Gai n D u r i n g t h e H o l i d ay s The holidays are an exciting time of year. But between the parties, stress and baked goods, it's also a time when people tend to gain weight.

In fact, between mid-November and mid-January, adults gain an average of one pound.

This may not seem like a lot, but most people don't lose the weight they gain over the holidays. For this reason, holiday weight gain is one of the biggest contributors to total yearly weight gain for many people.

The good news is that weight gain during the holidays is not inevitable.

Here are 20 tips to help you avoid weight gain during the holiday season.

1. Be Act ive Wit h Fam ily an d Fr ien ds Sedentary activities, such as sitting on the couch watching sports, are common holiday traditions for many families.

Inactivity may contribute to weight gain, especially when lounging around is accompanied by eating excessive amounts of food. Doing some type of physical activity while on holiday with your family may prove to be beneficial for weight control.

An activity as simple as a family walk can provide benefits, as it will get your mind off food and allow you to bond with your loved ones. You can also be active during the holidays by signing up for a workplace or community fitness competition or event.

Running races are popular options.

2. Be Sm ar t Wh en Sn ack in g During the holiday season, unhealthy snacks like cookies and other goodies tend to be available for you to take as you please.

When treats are easy to access, unnecessary snacking or grazing is more likely to occur.

At home, this problem can be solved by keeping treats out of sight. However, that strategy is more difficult to avoid in situations that you cannot control, such as your workplace or a family dinner party.

You can overcome these situations by being mindful of your snacking habits. If you find yourself snacking just because there's food available ? and not because you're hungry ? then it's best to avoid snacking altogether. However, if you are hungry and need a snack, opt for real foods. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are filling snacks that don't contain added sugars or unhealthy fats, both of which can lead to weight gain.

3. Wat ch You r Por t ion Sizes When the holidays arrive, it can be easy to overdo it on your portion sizes. Those who eat larger-than-recommended portions tend to gain weight more easily than those who don't.

The best way to overcome this is to weigh and measure your food, or eat off smaller plates, which is discussed more below.

To determine an appropriate portion size, read food labels and the recommended serving sizes listed on recipes.

If you're in a situation that leaves you unable to measure portions, use your best judgment to fill your plate with a reasonable amount of food.

4. Pr act ice M in df u l Eat in g People are often rushed and on the go throughout the holiday season, which frequently leads to multitasking during meals.

Studies show that those who eat while they are distracted are more likely to overeat. This is because they are unable to pay attention to their body's fullness signals.

To prevent this from happening, eat mindfully without distractions, including work and electronics. Another way to eat mindfully is to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, which will allow you to better recognize your body's signals of fullness and consume fewer calories.

It can also be helpful to take a few deep breaths before you start eating. This can induce relaxation and help you keep your full attention on your plate, rather than your to-do list.

Several studies show that those who engage in mindful eating practices are less likely to gain weight.

5. Get Plen t y of Sleep Sleep deprivation is quite common during the holidays, and it may cause weight gain. This is because those who do not sleep enough tend to be hungrier, consume more calories and get less physical activity.

The reason behind this is that sleep restriction may increase your hunger hormone levels, ultimately leading to higher calorie intake. Additionally, inadequate sleep has been linked to lower metabolism. This is believed to be due to alterations in your circadian rhythm,

which is known as the biological clock that regulates many bodily functions.

6. Con t r ol You r St r ess Levels Keeping up with the demands of the holidays can be stressful. Those who are stressed commonly have high levels of cortisol, a hormone that's released in response to stress.

Chronically high cortisol levels may cause weight gain, as they have been linked to greater food intake.

Additionally, a stressful lifestyle may cause more cravings for junk food. For these reasons, it's important to keep stress levels under control throughout the entire year, but especially during the holidays when you might be plagued with more tasks and surrounded by unhealthy foods.

There are plenty of things you can do during the holidays to reduce stress.

Some options include exercise, meditation, yoga and deep breathing.

7. Keep M eals Balan ced Wit h Pr ot ein Holiday meals are typically rich in carbs but lack protein. However, it's important to include some protein with every meal, as it promotes fullness and may be useful for weight maintenance.

In fact, eating protein with meals may automatically reduce calorie intake by reducing hunger and appetite. Protein is also beneficial for weight control because it increases your metabolism and levels of appetite-reducing hormones.

For these weight-management

benefits, you should include at least 25?30 grams of protein in each meal.

Good sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish and some plant foods like beans and quinoa. Ensure your holiday meals include a serving or two of these foods to reduce the likelihood of overindulgence.

8. Focu s on Fiber Fiber is another important nutrient that induces fullness. Some studies show that increased dietary fiber can reduce total calorie intake, which may be a method to prevent weight gain over the holidays.

Unfortunately, many common holiday foods lack adequate amounts of fiber.

Do your best to incorporate fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, into your meals.

9. Cu t Back on Tast e Test in g Many people spend a lot of time cooking and baking during the holiday season. Surprisingly, this can lead to weight gain. That's because along with the cooking and baking comes taste testing, and even small bites of baked goods and holiday dishes can add up in calories.

Tasting your dishes can be important, especially if you are cooking for others, but a small bite of less than a teaspoon is probably more than enough. You should also make sure that you aren't hungry while cooking, as it's much easier to go overboard on taste testing when your stomach is growling.

10. Br in g a Healt h y Dish t o Sh ar e Holiday parties can be a common setback in the battle against holiday weight gain. In these instances, you often have no control over the food that's served.

The good news is that you can have control. Simply bring your own healthy dish for yourself and to share with others. This way, you can be sure you'll have something to eat that aligns with your weight goals.

11. Ch oose Desser t s Wisely an d Savor Th em Dessert is everywhere during the holiday season. This often leads to excessive sugar consumption, a common cause of weight gain.

Instead of eating every treat in sight, it can be helpful to focus on your favorites. Eat the ones you really want and ditch the rest.

Another trick is to savor the desserts you do indulge in, which may leave you feeling more satisfied and less likely to overdo dessert. To savor desserts, eat them slowly and mindfully so you can really taste and enjoy them.

12. Lim it Liqu id Calor ies The holidays are a time of year when alcohol, soda and other sweetened beverages seem to be unlimited. These beverages can contribute a significant amount of sugar and empty calories to your diet, which can cause weight gain.

Additionally, alcohol consumption is often linked to increased appetite

and is a risk factor for weight gain. If you're trying to control your weight, it is best to limit liquid calories during the holidays ? and all year long, for that matter.

13. Use a Sm aller Plat e Dinner parties and potlucks are common occasions during the holiday season. While people often think of these as diet disasters, they don't have to be if you eat from a smaller plate.

This is based on the fact that people tend to consume larger portions off of large plates, which may lead to overeating. By using the simple trick of choosing a smaller plate, you can control portions and therefore reduce the likelihood of holiday weight gain.

14. Redu ce Calor ies in Recipes Excessive calorie intake is a primary cause of weight gain during the holidays. However, it doesn't have to be that way. There are plenty of things you can do to lower the calorie contents of recipes. Here are some ideas on how to reduce calories in baking, cooking and beverages: Bak in g Replace butter with applesauce, mashed banana or pumpkin puree.

Instead of sugar, use a lower-calorie substitute such as stevia, erythritol or xylitol.

Add dried fruit instead of chocolate chips or candies.

Flavor recipes with extracts like vanilla, almond and peppermint instead of butter and sugar.

Cook in g

and accountable.

Flavor dishes with herbs and spices instead of butter

Reach out to friends, family and co-workers to find someone willing to partner with you in your effort to prevent weight gain.

Use cooking methods such as baking, steaming or grilling instead of frying Substitute low-fat or skim milk for heavy cream Replace cream cheese, sour cream and mayo with Greek yogurt Bever ages Use club soda or sparkling water in place of sweetened beverages.

Flavor drinks with freshly squeezed lemon or lime rather than sugar.

Cinnamon can also add flavor to holiday-themed beverages.

In dairy-based drinks, use low-fat or skim milk in place of heavy cream.

15. Weigh You r self Regu lar ly Stepping on the scale regularly during the holidays may help prevent weight gain. In some studies, individuals who weigh themselves regularly are able to maintain or lose weight better than those who do not weigh themselves.

Do what works best for you when it comes to weighing yourself. Some find it beneficial to check their weight daily, while others are successful weighing themselves once or twice a week.

16. Use t h e Bu ddy Syst em Many people report success with their weight goals when they have a partner to pursue them with. Finding a health buddy who has similar weight goals may be useful over the holidays, as this person can keep you motivated

17. Avoid Pr ocessed Foods The hectic holiday season has led to the increased availability of processed holiday convenience foods, such as boxed mashed potatoes and stuffing. While these may be quick and easy, they often contain excess sugar and unhealthy fats that are not good for weight control.

To prevent weight gain, opt for whole foods this holiday season.

Focus on making meals and baked goods from scratch instead of a box. That way, you can control what goes in your food and stay on top of your weight.

18. Plan Ah ead All of the suggestions in this article come down to planning ahead if you are watching your weight over the holidays.

If you have events that involve food on the calendar, take matters into your own hands. Find out what types of foods will be served and if you need to, bring your own dish. Decide what and how much you will eat ahead of time.

It can also be helpful to gather a list of healthy holiday recipes, so you always have a go-to when you need to bring something to a party.

19. Sk ip Secon ds Holiday meals are often served in a buffet style, with several options to choose from in unlimited amounts. This leads people to serve themselves seconds ? and maybe even thirds. The calories from double helpings can add up and contribute to weight gain.

To overcome this, assess your hunger when you finish your first plate. If you're still hungry, have a little more food. If you're not, then you've probably had enough and can move on to enjoy other aspects of the gathering.

20. Dr aw t h e Lin e During the holiday season, many people have an "I'll start tomorrow" mentality, which can end up being a vicious cycle of unhealthy habits. If you are serious about controlling your weight over the holidays, it may be helpful to draw the line, set limits for yourself and stick to your goals regarding food intake.

Decide which foods are worth it to you and which ones are not. Know that it's okay to say no to certain foods and habits that don't align with your goals. It's also important to be aware that you might have a slip-up or two.

People often abandon their goals after this happens. However, there is no need for this.

Merry Christmas For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not per ish but have eter nal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3:16- 17

Missour i Magazine missour imagazines.com

PecanPieBrie

INGREDIENTS -

1 (12-oz.) wheel of brie 2 tbsp. butter 1/4 c. packed brown sugar 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 3 tbsp. heavy cream 1 c. whole or chopped pecans Pinch kosher salt

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place brie in a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish.

2. In a nonstick skillet over low heat, melt butter and brown sugar until bubbly. Stir in cinnamon, heavy cream, pecans, and salt until completely coated, then remove from heat.

3. Pour pecan mixture over brie and bake until brie is melty, 10 minutes.

IN THE KITCHEN| HOLIDAY RECIPES

SpinachDipChristmasTree INGREDIENTS · 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened · 1/2 c. finely chopped artichoke hearts · 1/2 c. frozen spinach, defrosted, drained and finely chopped · 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan · 2 tbsp. sour cream · 2 cloves garlic, minced · 1 tsp. lemon zest (optional) · 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional) · Kosher salt · Freshly ground black pepper · 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, defrosted · 1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella · 2 tbsp. melted butter · 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, stir cream cheese, artichoke hearts, spinach, Parmesan, sour cream, garlic, and lemon zest and red pepper flakes (if using) until combined. Season mixture with salt and pepper.

2. Unroll both pastry sheets onto baking tray, and use a pizza cutter or knife to cut a Christmas tree shape into the dough; reserve scraps. Remove top tree cut-out, and spread cream cheese mixture on bottom layer. Sprinkle with mozzarella then top with second tree cutout.

3. Cut a star out of reserved puff pastry scraps and place on top of tree. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut 1/2" thick "branches" on either side of tree, being careful to leave a 1" section in the center. Gently lift and twist each "branch".

4. In a small bowl, mix together butter and garlic powder. Brush all over tree and star and bake until golden, 30 minutes.

Candy CaneBrownieTrifle INGREDIENTS -

-

1 9x13 inch pan of baked brownies (This recipe is my favorite) 6 ounces (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips 3 tablespoons butter 1 and 1/4 cup half and half or cream 3/4 sugar 3 tablespoons light-colored corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract 2 cups whipping cream 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 cup crushed candy canes (about 12 candy canes

DIRECTIONS Start by making the brownies. A box mix is fine. Make sure not to over bake them. Remove brownies from the oven and cool completely (if you are in a hurry stick them in the freezer).

Cut brownies into bite-size chunks and set aside.

1. Meanwhile, in a saucepan combine chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons of butter. Cook and stir over low heat until melted.

2. Stir in 1 and 1/4 cups half and half or cream, 3/4 cup sugar, and corn syrup. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Boil over medium heat, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes (set a timer!) or until sauce is reduced to about 2 1/3 cups. Remove from heat.

Let cool for a minute or two, until it stops bubbling.

3. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Cool to room temperature; mixture thickens as it cools. (Freezer or fridge also helps here).

4. For the whipped cream, in a chilled mixing bowl combine 2 cups cream, powdered sugar, and 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract. Beat with the chilled beaters of an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.

5. In 16 small dessert cups, alternately layer brownie chunks, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes, ending with whipped cream and candy canes. Serve immediately.

6. If you want to do this all in one trifle bowl, place 1/3 of the brownie chunks in a 3-quart bowl or trifle dish. Drizzle with 1/4 of the chocolate sauce. Sprinkle with 1/4 of the candy canes. Top with 1/3 of the whipped cream. Repeat layers twice more. Drizzle with remaining chocolate sauce; sprinkle with remaining candy canes. Serve immediately.

JingleJuice INGREDIENTS 4 c. Cran-Apple Juice 2 bottles red moscato 1 bottle prosecco 1/2 c. vodka 2 c. frozen cranberries 1/3 c. mint leaves 1/2 c. sugar, for rimming glasses 2 limes, sliced into rounds

DIRECTIONS -

Using a wedge of lime, wet the rim of your glasses. Dip in sugar until coated.

-

Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl, stir together and serve.

ChristmasMimosa INGREDIENTS 2 Granny Smith apples, chopped 1 c. whole fresh cranberries 1 c. green grapes, halved 1 c. pomegranate seeds 1 c. sparkling grape juice 1 bottle champagne, prosecco, or cava

DIRECTIONS -

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, add apples, cranberries, grapes, and pomegranate seeds. Pour over sparkling grape juice and champagne just before serving.

By Bennet Bodenstein

For those of you who long for ?the good old days of wine,?I will resort to my Brooklyn New York youth and say ?fergetaboutit, they weren?t that great,? however, among the things that have been benefited by modern times are the sparkling wines. Science and technology have reduced the cost of production of sparkling wines tenfold. During ?the good old days? there were many costly hand operations required to produce a decent sparkling wine. Today most of those hand operations have been mechanized so that only a few sparkling wines are still produced by the old methods and some of those are quite costly. Since it has become the style to enjoy sparkling wines during the upcoming holidays, I would like to suggest some excellent and affordable sparkling wines that fill the bill of both price and quality.

Dark Horse California Brut ($13). This wine is far and away worth considerably more than its very affordable price may indicate. The wine starts by displaying a pale straw color and a fresh summer fruit and floral aroma, which revolves around apples, pear, and citrus, backed up by a fresh bread-like sensation and toasted nuts all of which are reprised in the flavor. What impressed me about this wine is the finish which ends in ways similar to most Champagne, toasty and bread-like with hints of fruits that seem to last indefinitely. The Dark Horse California Brut is not only a terrific buy but it is a truly fine wine for holiday celebrations.

?J? Vineyards Cuvée 20 ($38). This wine is one of California?s best answers to French Champagne.

It is an elegant wine that bespeaks the quality that can be found in a well-made domestic sparkling wine. The wine is so popular that, it is known by an initial rather than a name. Needless to say, the wine is superb. Forget all you know about where and when to serve a sparkling wine, this is the

TopHoliday WinePicks type of wine that goes far past the traditions of the past and takes a giant leap into the future.

Barefoot Cellars Bubbly Wines ($9.99). Like Will Rogers never met a man he didn?t like, I have never tasted a Barefoot Sparkling wine that was not well made and worth considerably more that its very affordable selling price. All of the Barefoot Bubblers, from the driest to the sweetest are well above average and definitely enjoyable. My choice among all of the Barefoot Bubblers is the Brut Cuveé, a wine that has captured numerous first place and gold medals at wine competitions the world over. A quick trip to their internet site at www.barefoot.com will show the entire selection of wines that Barefoot produces, and that number is very large.

Vilar an u Br u t Reser va ($14.99) an d Vilar an u Br u t Reser va Rosé ($15.99). Here are two Spanish sparkling wines (called Cava in Spain) that are a bit of an anachronism. Both of these wines have been made in the old fashioned Methode Champenoise, meaning that they were fermented in the bottle and contrary to the tradition, are also affordably priced. These excellent sparklers are well made and full flavored and leave nothing to be desired. The wines are easily spotted on dealers?shelves by their white and pink heavily decorated bottles.

Lam ar ca Pr osecco ($20). Lamarca Prosecco is sparkling wine that can stand head and shoulders with the best of them from anyplace in the world while selling at a very reasonable price. Two things are immediately noticeable when the wine is poured, its greenish golden color and the constant stream of very fine bubbles, both signs of a better wine. The aroma is a compendium of summer flowers with honeysuckle being the most obvious.

The flavor is crisp with a pleasant lemon-like flavor backed up by a fresh bread-like sensation and ending in the impression of toasted nuts. All of these aromas are reprised in the flavor with the addition of grapefruit and spice and is the perfect accompanyment to a perfect meal.

JDre asmw ine& & Em A us tin ma

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THRIVE | M ERRY CHRISTM AS

Jw asmineandA ustin M an agin g St r ess over t h e Holidays e all have a picture of how we want the holidays to be in our head? the flawless Holiday spread, the perfect Christmas tree, the impeccable holiday party, and the best Hanukkah yet.

In our rosy visions of holiday bliss, everyone always gets along and any stress we have been dealing with earlier in the year simply melts away.

However, just like the Griswald family in National Lampoon?s Christmas Vacation, very rarely do we get the holiday season we have envisioned in our heads.

While we may want the holidays to be a stress-free zone, most people say that their anxiety actually increases this time of year.

You may find yourself feeling stressed about keeping up with all of the holiday activities, financial crunches, work deadlines, or even just anxiety about whether or not this year will live up to your expectations. Keeping stress under control does not have to take a Christmas miracle though! Here are some easy ways to help manage your anxiety this season.

Plan ah ead, m ak e a list , an d ch eck it t w ice.

A lot of our stress comes from trying to accomplish things last minute. However this normally leaves us in a severe time crunch where we start to feel really overwhelmed.

Try to plan out this holiday season a bit more than usual. Be intentional about

THRIVE | M ERRY CHRISTM AS

scheduling your social calendar as well as planning out when you will accomplish your cooking and shopping. If you are an anxious traveler, plan ahead and find ways to help yourself relax while you are away from home. A more intentional holiday season might even leave you some time to relax by a fire with a nice cup of something hot.

Call a h oliday t r u ce.

Try to set aside any differences or conflicts with family members until the holidays are over. The Thanksgiving table is not the time or place to try to resolve any conflicts or disagreements. Chances are the rest of your family is feeling the stress of the holidays just like you are. Try to have extra patience with any family conflict or politics talk. Try walking away from the conversation, having a favorite holiday treat, or even finding a friend to talk to.

Ever yt h in g in m oder at ion .

It is easy to overindulge in more ways than one during the holidays. Too much eggnog, holiday treats, or even together time can leave you feeling more drained. It can be tempting to use drinking or food to take the edge off in stressful situations, but this just leaves you feeling more anxious.

Con n ect w it h ot h er s in a m ean in gf u l w ay.

Make sure that you are having a holiday that is fulfilling and enjoyable for you and not just something where you are going through the motions. Take the pressure off yourself and make realistic expectations about what the season will look like for you. Take a break and refocus yourself when you are overwhelmed, even if that means you leave the party for a minute or two. Find social groups, volunteer opportunities, and traditions that bring you joy and peace. The holidays don?t need to be perfect to be enjoyable.

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C hristmas C ookies

Per f ect Su gar Cook ies INGREDIENTS FOR THE COOKIE DOUGH 3 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for surface 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened 1 c. granulated sugar 1 large egg

FOR THE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened 5 c. powdered sugar 1/4 c. heavy cream 1/2 tsp. pure almond extract 1/4 tsp. kosher salt Food coloring

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 tbsp. milk

DIRECTIONS -

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.

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In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy and pale in color. Add egg, milk, and vanilla and beat until combined, then add flour mixture gradually until totally combined.

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Shape into a disk and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour.

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When ready to roll, preheat oven to 350º and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out dough until 1/8? thick. Cut out shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets. Freeze 10 minutes (so your shapes hold while baking!).

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Meanwhile, make frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and beat until no lumps remain. Add cream, almond extract, and salt and beat until combined.

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Bake cookies until edges are lightly golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

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Let cool, then frost and decorate as desired.

M er in gu e Cook ies DIRECTIONS -

Preheat the oven to 225°. In a small bowl, mix sugars. In the bowl of an electric mixer, add egg whites. Beat until foamy, then add cream of tartar and salt. Add vanilla to incorporate.

-

Start adding sugar to the mixture slowly, 1 tablespoon at a time. The

INGREDIENTS

egg whites should appear stiff and

2/3 c. powdered sugar

glossy.

1/3 c. granulated sugar

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Transfer mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Line 2 baking

4 egg whites

sheets with parchment paper. Pipe 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar 1/8 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

meringues onto baking sheet.

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Bake for 1 hour exactly, then turn off oven and let meringues sit in the unopened oven for three hours, and up to eight.

Pean u t Bu t t er Sn ow balls INGREDIENTS 2 c. powdered sugar 1 1/3 c. creamy peanut butter 1/4 c. butter, melted 2/3 c. graham crackers crumbs 1 tbsp. maple syrup 1 tsp. kosher salt 2 c. white chocolate, melted 2 tsp. coconut oil Sprinkles, for garnish

DIRECTIONS -

Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter, graham cracker crumbs, maple syrup and salt. Using a whisk or hand mixer, mix ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated.

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Using a small cookie scoop, form mixture into balls and place on prepared baking sheet.

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In a medium bowl, combine melted white chocolate and coconut oil and stir until smooth. Dip peanut butter balls in white chocolate and place on cooling rack (excess chocolate will drop off).

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Top with sprinkles, then refrigerate until set, about 10 minutes.