TIDEings Magazine - Winter 2011

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach | www.JLNVB.org

Our Mission The Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. is an organization of women, committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

Your 2011-2012 Board of Directors Connie McKenzie President

Melissa Steadman President-Elect

Ashley Gentry

Administrative Vice President

Maryann McChesney-Shaw Treasurer

Julie H. Stroh Treasurer-Elect

Ellie Desselle

Vice President of Fund Development

Stacy Long

Membership Vice President

Laura Bangor Community Vice President

Nancy Wilkinson

Communications Vice President

Angie Jones

At-Large Director

Visit our new website at www.JLNVB.org

Letter from the President The JLNVB is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (http://www.ajli.org/) an organization of over 155,000 women in 292 Leagues in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom who make a difference in their communities every day through their volunteer efforts.

The collective power,

wisdom and efforts of these women make the JLNVB and all Leagues around the world catalysts for lasting community change. The training offered locally, regionally and nationally provides the foundation of the League Members’ experience.

I congratulate each of our almost 400 members on making an impact in Hampton Roads.

Connie McKenzie

Best,

2011-2012 President Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.

Connie McKenzie

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

Its That Time of Year Again...

Reflecting on a Wonderful Year with Nancy Wilkinson

Can you believe it is that time of the year again, we are just cleaning up from Halloween and Thanksgiving and already the Holiday specials are on? Long lines at the mall waiting for the latest and greatest toy or gadget and hoping to get the best deal.

What do the holidays mean to you? Is it a time to reflect on the past year or are we now in an endurance race to finish the shopping, baking, card writing and parties. It can all be overwhelming.

December is my favorite time of year, I love all the music, shows, decorating and of course, cooking. The one thing I always do is watch my favorite movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Watching George Bailey get caught up in day to day problems, he starts to doubt himself and does not see how one kind gesture makes a difference.

When I think of our League, we are living a wonderful life. We give back to our community and help others in need. We have donated food to the Southeastern Foodbank so those less fortunate have a nice meal; we teach children the healthy way to eat so hopefully they will not develop childhood diabetes.

Take this season and think about what the League has done for our Community, how you have contributed and think how it has made us a little stronger and happier.

Every one of us plays an important role in this League whether you are a provisional, active member or even on Board. We all work together to accomplish the same goal.

And, it is a “Wonderful Life”.

I wish you and your family a safe healthy and happy Holiday season and best wishes for 2012.

Visit our new website at www.JLNVB.org

I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas Tips & Tricks for an Earth-Friendly Holiday from Katie Rider Did you know that from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, household waste increases by more than 25%? According to EPA, additional food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons from the holidays add up to an additional one million tons a week to our landfills! We can all work together to change that by practicing the 3 R’s this holiday season: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle when planning gift giving and celebrations. Here are a few quick tips to help you minimize your impact on the environment during the holidays: • Take reusable shopping bags with you to retail stores. They hold lots of gifts, you can throw them over your shoulder to free up your hands for MORE SHOPPING, and it will eliminate the need for a bag from each store you visit.

• Set up recycling stations before any holiday party, big or small, to keep guests from tossing recyclables in the trash.

• Reuse and recycle cardboard and other gift boxes.

• Think about using alternatives to traditional gift wrap. Try reusable shopping bags or tins instead of disposable packaging. Use holiday tea towels or fabric instead of paper. Wrap gifts in recycled or reused wrapping paper. Craft paper or newspaper works great, too.

• Buy rechargeable batteries to accompany your electronic gifts.

• For that hard-to-shop-for friend or relative, choose gifts that don’t require much packaging such as concert tickets, a museum membership, or gift cards.

• Last, but certainly not least, once the holiday hustle and bustle is over, recycle your live Christmas tree! Most localities offer free curb-side pick-up for a limited time after Christmas. The trees are collected and chipped into mulch that is typically used around municipal plantings. Check with your community to find out when and how Christmas trees are recycled where you live.

For more ideas on how you can live a little greener here in Hampton Roads, visit askHRgreen.org.

Stay Safe & Healthy This Holiday The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reflect. They are also a time to pay special attention to your health. Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others by following these holiday tips.

Manage Stress The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health. Keep a check on over-commitment and over-spending. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Make sure to get proper sleep.

Wash Your Hands Often As you prepare holiday meals, keep you and your family safe from food-related illness. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Stay Warm Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.

Travel Safely Whether you’re traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive. Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight, and age.

Remember Fire Safety Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.

Holiday Volunteering

Consider Giving Back to Make Your Community Better This Season We are right in the middle of the most spectacular display of economic activity all year -- holiday shopping season.

With all this getting, consider giving a little back to make your city a better, brighter place this holiday season by adding a community service project to your family’s extended holiday to-do list.

Most of those holiday gifts will put a hole in your wallet, but the gift of time won’t cost you a cent. You don’t need any experience to pitch in at your local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, hospital or nursing home as most organizations will give you on-site training and let you know how you can be of service when you arrive.

On an annual average, volunteers in Virginia Beach contributed 36.5 service hours per resident. We do a lot, but we can do more. Below are some opportunities around Hampton Roads to help you and your children remember the real spirit of the holiday season. Happy giving!

FOR KIDS Landscaping - Volunteers enjoy planting trees and flowers, mowing the lawn, and weeding the garden. Other landscaping duties may include painting the fence, litter pick up, and laying down mulch. (Spring & Summer months only) Locations: Colley Ave; 38th St.; Ocean View

HOT MEALS & HOMEWORK TUTORS http://www.homesforkids.org/get_involved/VolunteerOpportunities.html

Provide tutoring and mentoring to children in our Aftercare and In-Home programs.

After tutoring, children are sent home with a hot nutritious meal for their family—donated by a local restaurant.

September - June: 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Colley Avenue and 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Cuffee Center in Chesapeake

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

FOOD BANK http://www.foodbankonline.org/HowToHelp/Volunteer.aspx

A few hours are all that it takes for you to help us lead the effort to eliminate hunger in our community. It’s a big mission, but working together we can make a difference. Every time you volunteer with The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia you leave knowing that you have helped put food on the table of our neighbors in need.

For individuals and families –the young, elderly, and people of all ages; unemployed, working, homeless and struggling middle-class families – your contribution is making a difference.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE The Ronald McDonald House of Norfolk is currently looking for people to help collect items on our Wish List. Our Wish List includes basic food and household items that our guests use every day. Having these items donated help keep our costs down and make an immediate difference in the life of families when many of them they need it most. For more information or to view a full copy our Wish List contact us today! This activity is great for kids, churches, organizations, and groups of all ages!

MEALS ON WHEELS http://www.mowaa.org/page.aspx?pid=262

Volunteers are the backbone of Meals On Wheels programs across the country. Not only do they prepare and deliver meals to home-bound seniors in their local communities, Meals On Wheels volunteers provide the seniors they serve with companionship and a warm, friendly smile when they arrive at the door.

There are a lot of volunteer opportunities at a Meals On Wheels program near you, though specific openings will vary from one location to another. People with all schedules, interests and abilities can help at a local Meals On Wheels program – whether they want to be hands-on or behind the scenes, and whether they can volunteer during weekdays or only on evenings and weekends. Call your local organization to find out how you can help.

Visit our new website at www.JLNVB.org

Secrets to a Stress-Free Celebration Tips for a Successful Holiday Gathering from Doris Salem

I love this time of year. It is such a treasure to gather friends at your home and celebrate the season.

After years of hosting holiday parts I have learned that some simple planning can make the process easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

The bottom line? A fabulous holiday party takes on a life of its own. The bottom line? A great party takes on a life of its own. All you can do is set the stage, anticipate the needs of your guests, and let everyone get on with having a fabulous time.

Food & Drink Are you serving casual finger food, potluck, or a multi-course feast?

Cater to your guests: vegetarian, low-fat or sugar-free options, tolerance for spices, food sensitivities, and the willingness or reluctance to try new food should all be considered. Ask ahead of time if there are food issues you should know about.

Offer a variety of choices but go with what you know. Now is not the time to spring untried dishes on innocent bystanders Having a bartender can be expensive. I usually mix a “signature� drink for the party and also offer beer and wine to my guest. For those guest who do not drink have some non-alcoholic options.

Communication Send invitations two weeks ahead of time (or four weeks ahead for major holidays).

Let the style and wording set the tone. Include the date, start and end times, location, appropriate attire, RSVP info or stamped return envelope (for a formal party).

The more details you give, the better. Include a map. Another great option is to send an e-vite. This is a great way to send invitations quickly and track RSVPs. If I have not heard from my guest one-week prior I usually call or send a follow-up email.

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

Logistics If it’s a big to-do, do you need to rent a party tent, tables and chairs, a sound system, cups, plates, utensils, coffee urns, chafing dishes, or other party hardware? Can you enlist a couple of friends? Also think about parking, bathrooms, and where to throw the coats. You can rent a coat rack with hangers for about twenty-five dollars from a party store. And what about your pets? Does your 12-pound Bichon like to leap on guests? Is anyone allergic to your cat?

Decorations Your budget will be your guide here, but there’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple. Try fruit and flower centerpieces, red and white poinsettias, fabric or decorative paper on a buffet table, tea lights along window sills or candles in the bathroom add a nice touch.

Entertainment Choose your tunes ahead of time and make a holiday party mix. If you want your guest to spend time getting to know each other be mindful of the volume of your music. If you host your party the same night of a big game offer a separate room with a television for guest to check the score. Games are optional, but decide when you want them to happen. If kids are coming, keep them entertained. Hire a couple of babysitters if needed so the adults can relax.

Don’t Panic If you’re relaxed, you put your guests at ease.

• Prep dishes ahead of time to avoid a last second kitchen crunch.

• Give yourself time to shower and change before the party.

• Start the music before the doorbell rings so you can greet the first comers without sprinting off to press “play.”

• Lavish attention on guests as they arrive, set them up with drinks, introduce them to someone friendly, and move on to the next new people. This encourages mixing and mingling. At some point, play mix master again.

Visit our new website at www.JLNVB.org

Why We Love Our Pets

Stories of How Pets Enrich Our Members’ Lives

Emily Filer My husband, Bob, died in the spring, and our 12 year old dog, Taffy, died in summer. I found “Mango,” who just turned four this summer. She weighs 7 pounds, and is a toy apricot poodle FILLED with unconditional love and joy! This is Mango and me in Chestertown, MD at Thanksgiving. She loved running after the Canada Geese – hundreds of them! She brings me a lot of joy.

Doris Salem Dogs have always been a part of my life. As a child we had two black poodles the first was Midnight and followed by Sam when I was a teenager. When I married twenty-five years ago my husband and I soon adopted Bowie (named for David Bowie) a cute white Pomeranian from a shelter.

That started the pattern of us giving our dogs names attached to music. After Bowie passed away we adopted a Beagle that we named Cactus. At the time we lived in Nashville and our neighbor (Cactus) was a drummer in the band Diamond Rio. After a few years Cactus went to live on a farm in West Virginia.

After moving to Virginia in 1996 Frostt, our youngest son, saw a movie that featured an Australian Cattle Dog. He was about seven at the time and had to have one. My husband Nik took him to North Carolina to adopt Cracker (named for the band). Cracker was the dog of all dogs. He was loyal, smart, a great herder, loving, and fierce if he ever perceived a threat to his family. When Frostt would get off the bus in the afternoon Cracker would bolt out of the front door to meet him. He would get so excited he would totally turn himself around in the pursuit of greeting Frostt.

It was great fun to watch him turn himself around with excitement as Frostt came home from school everyday. We had Cracker for ten wonderful years.

Currently we have two dogs: Layla (Eric Clapton’s song) my Bichon and Matilda (Waltzing Matilda) our second Australian Cattle Dog. They are sweet loving and total divas. It is always a contest to see which one gets to sleep next to me.

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

Debra Griggs Hazel and Marina ‘crashed’ on the dog bed. They were so tired after a morning of wild-pup-play that Hazel collapsed on TOP of Marina (so named because she was a stray found on a dock) . Lily is beside the bed because she refuses to play the “let’s pile on top of each other” game! And, if you look closely there is the head of yet another sleeping pup at the bottom of the pic, our Max, but in our house sleeping pups are everywhere.

Jody Foley Our family has five members and they include me, my husband, my step-son, our 8 yr. old Chocolate Lab Jager, and our 3 yr. old German Short Haired Pointer Scarlett. We had Jager for five years when we decided he needed a playmate-thus Scarlett O’Hara joined our family. It has taken him along time to forgive us for this treachery!

Needless to say, we have a thousand funny stories about our puppies; however, our favorite is the night that we made a visit to the Emergency Veterinary Hospital for both dogs. In excitement at my arrival home, Scarlett and Jager accidentally knocked down a bottle of Scarlett’s medication from the counter; subsequently, ingesting a still unknown amount of pills. I contacted the animal poison control and they emphatically suggested I take both puppies to the emergency hospital to be assessed more closely for possible reactions to the medication. Scarlett, who we adopted from the SPCA, was very nervous about the hospital and shook and cried constantly once we arrived. Jager, of course, thought the visit to the hospital was another opportunity for him to make friends. Scarlett was taken into the back first and according to the nurses was inconsolable no matter what they did to help. Eventually, they brought Jager into the back to be evaluated and the nurses reported they have never seen such a difference. Once Jager came into the room with Scarlett, she immediately stopped shaking, crying, and moping and immediately began to be at ease. Scarlett and Jager were required to spend the night at the hospital to be observed and treated ($1500 later) and it was reported that Jager remained by Scarlett the entire night and helped his little sister to feel safe in that scary hospital. The puppies suffered no reciprocal damage due to the ingestion of pills and they have remained the very best of friends since that time.

Visit our new website at www.JLNVB.org

Stepping Up to Leadership

Highlighting the Finance, Communications, & Administrative Councils with Jessica Decker

Continuing with our Leadership Series, this month the Placement Committee would like to tell you more about three of our Councils - Finance, Communications, and Administrative. Each Council has a unique and important role to play in the JLNVB and contribute to the seamless operation of the whole organization. In order to operate effectively and efficiently, the JLNVB needs each of its Councils and depends upon our membership to step up to the leadership roles offered on each Council.

Here we give you a brief description of the Finance, Communications, and Administrative Councils and a list of the positions available on each.

Finance Council The Finance Council is one of the most exciting Councils in the JLNVB. Our Finance Council performs the fundraising tasks that help to ensure that we can continue to achieve our mission. They meet our annual fundraising goals through the Beach Bash, Cookbook, Ways & Means, and the Shopping Event committees. What’s more, the Fund Development Committee is continuously working to increase both our Annual Fund and our Endowment Fund. In addition to raising funds, the Finance council members oversee JLNVB funding for other programs, obtaining grants for JLNVB supported programs, and they serve as our organization’s financial managers. They manage all aspects of our financial business from standard bill paying and checking management to annual taxes and investment plans. And, on top of all this, being a part of the Finance Council affords you one of the best opportunities to meet people in the JLNVB. Please look at the list of Finance Council positions and, if you are interested in learning more about them, contact your Advisor.

• • • • • •

Treasurer* Treasurer Elect* Ways and Means Chair*, Chair Elect, and Committee Beach Bash Chair, Chair Elect, and Committe Cookbook Chair, Chair Elect, and Committee Shopping Event Chair, Chair Elect, and Committee

• Fund Development Chair and Committee (Endowment and Annual Fund)

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

Communications Council Being part of the Communications Council will allow you the opportunity to impact the promotion of the JLNVB. This Council coordinates all of our League’s publicity and communications and oversees the development and implementation of marketing plans. They govern the public image of our League through everything from media campaigns, to our TIDEings e-newsletter, FaceBook, Twitter and TidewaterNet (www.jlnvb.org). Communications Council positions afford you the chance to shape perception about our League and its mission. Please look at the list of Communications Council positions and, if you are interested in learning more about them, contact your Advisor.

• • • • • •

Communications Vice President* Assistant Communications Vice President TIDEings Manager TIDEings Business Manager TIDEings Event Photographers Web Liaison

• Assistant Web Liaison

Administrative Council Like Communications Council, the Administrative Council is a small Council with a very important role within JLNVB. This Council is vital to the efficient and effective operation of our League. There are many diverse operational functions carried out by this Council. Administrative Council members keep records for the Board of Directors, coordinate JLNVB meetings and events, oversee the operation, maintenance, and care of the Taylor Whittle House, ensure that the Taylor Whittle House is open and available to the public, maintain historical records of the JLNVB, and aid the JLNVB Office Manager in matters related to the TWH. Please look at the list of Administrative Council positions and, if you are interested in learning more about them, contact your Advisor.

• • • • •

Administrative Vice President* Parliamentarian* Arrangements Chair Headquarters Chair, Chair Elect, and Committee Historian

• Contracts Chair NOTE: Positions denoted by an asterisk are Board of Directors positions.

Visit our new website at www.JLNVB.org

Member Spotlights

Get to Know Some of Your Fellow Junior League Members

Member Spotlight:

Cinda Ayers

Education: The College of William & Mary Occupation: Development Officer, Old Dominion University Current League Placement: Sustainer Favorite Placement: President!

Favorite thing about Virginia: We have four seasons!

Favorite Food or Restaurant: Vintage Tavern in Suffolk What are you passionate about? Education and access to it.

Three accomplishments that you are most proud of: Professionally: Earning my CFRE; Personally: finding my husband, Tom; As a Volunteer: Being a member of the JLNVB! Most Notable Life Adventure: So far – being a parent!

Best Life Lesson Learned: Keep your heart and mind open to all possibilities.

My goal for this year is: to balance being present with planning for the future.

People would be Surprised to know that: Hmmmm…if I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise!

Persons who have influenced my life: Family! My parents, husband Tom and 5 year-old daughter, Rynni Favorite Vacation Spot/Destination: Great Britain Hobbies/Interests: Reading and whatever Rynni is into

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

Member Spotlight:

Leah Kennedy Education: Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University (2003) Occupation: Industrial Engineer with NAVFAC-Atlantic (Naval Facilities Engineering Command) Current League Placement: Placement Chair Favorite Placement: Provisional Mentor Funniest Story or Moment: When my husband and I went on our first date I ate my whole entire meal. Then before he was done with his I asked, “are you going to finish that?”, and started eating off of his plate too. … I was hungry ok!! After that, he told his parent’s that his new girlfriend, “eat’s more than I do.” So as you can imagine, they had a much different picture of me in their minds before I met them!

Favorite thing about Virginia: I’m from Chesapeake, VA, so I love that VA is home for me. It also helps that there is a beach nearby!

Favorite Food or Restaurant: I love Italian food, and I’m always up for trying new foods and restaurants.

What are you passionate about?: Helping children realize their potential and find self-confidence.

Three accomplishments that you are most proud of: Graduating from NC State’s College of Engineering, winning the title of Mrs. Physical Fitness at the 2008 Mrs. Virginia-America pageant, and becoming a parent in January (hopefully a great one at that!)

Most Notable Life Adventure: Visiting Bahrain for work. It was definitely a culture shock and something I won’t ever forget!

Best Life Lesson Learned: There is always a means to accomplish your goals.

My goal for this year is: To stay organized and on top of things!

People would be Surprised to know that: I’m pretty shy when I meet new people and I hate being the center of attention.

Persons who have influenced my life: My Father – he’s such a hard worker, he’s always been so involved in mine and my brother’s life, he’s such a great provider for our family, and he always – and still does – encourage me to follow my dreams.

Favorite Vacation Spot/Destination: I love warm weather and the beach! My husband and I went to Cabo San Lucas on our honeymoon, and I would definitely go back in a heartbeat.

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy working out and staying active, spending time with family and friends, and finding great deals while shopping!

Visit our new website at www.JLNVB.org

Member Spotlight:

Brandi Hazelwood Education: BS Political Science from Georgia Southern University, pursuing nursing at ODU Occupation: Nursing Asst at Chesapeake General Current League Placement: Provisional Favorite Placement: I’m interested in the membership council for next year Favorite thing about Virginia: coming from Florida, the fall weather!

Favorite Food or Restaurant: Yu mi sushi What are you passionate about? Helping others Three accomplishments that you are most proud of: continuing my education Most Notable Life Adventure: getting married to my best friend and moving here together Best Life Lesson Learned: Friends and family are what matter most My goal for this year is: to run a half marathon and participate more in the League People would be Surprised to know that: I was accepted to Navy OCS before getting married Persons who have influenced my life: my father and husband Favorite Vacation Spot/Destination: anywhere tropical and Europe Hobbies/Interests: running

Members of the Month

Mary Stringer Blaschke & Maura Boswell For all of their hard work on preparing assessments of the TWH for the City and meeting with City to discuss the issues with the home. While both ladies serve on the Admin Council, this was truly unexpected role they have both picked up and run with this year. While we will not know the outcome of the TWH for a bit longer, the problem would not have been brought to the forefront if now for both of them, meaning we wouldn’t have know the danger we were putting our members in by meeting at the TWH. Both of the ladies are leading an effort, while not fun nor glamorous, an extremely important one to JLNVB.

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

Did You Know...

Interesting Facts from LeAnn Bradbury

Did you know that JLNVB implemented the docent program at the Chrysler Museum?

As with many programs at the Museum, the docent program grew from the hard work of a group of inspired Norfolk women.

In 1958, the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach established a volunteer docent program to lead school tours at the Museum.

Modeling their program after the National Gallery of Art, they began giving their first tours in the spring of 1959 with only six volunteers. These founding volunteers recognized the importance of the arts and the Museum to the quality of education offered in the region’s schools. As the demand for school tours grew, so did the number of volunteers. Consequently, the Junior League pledged $20,000 in 1966 towards the salary of the Museum’s first education director, Mr. Richard Carroll. His primary responsibility was to train the Museum’s docents. During this time, women from the service clubs of Virginia Beach and Portsmouth also assisted with Museum education programs, including taking works of Art into schools. Even after Walter P. Chrysler Jr. brought his art collection to Norfolk in 1970s, the role of the docents in the Museum’s mission remained essential, and continues to be a key part of the Museum today.

Visit our new website at www.JLNVB.org

Featured Recipe of the Month From FoodNetwork.com

Peppermint-Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Yields 12 | Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients: • 1 (16.5 ounce) tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided • 1/4 cup heavy cream • 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil • Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Directions: Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, knead together the cookie dough and flour until smooth. Lightly flour a work surface. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick. Using cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Knead together any scraps of dough and roll out again. Continue to cut out pastry circles until there are 24 pieces in total. Place the dough circles on the baking sheets.

Bake until the cookies are slightly golden around the edges, about 10 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Reserve 1 parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Combine 1 cup of chocolate chips and the cream in a small bowl. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Whisk in the peppermint extract and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, place the chocolate mixture in the center of the flat side of 12 of the cookies.

Place the remaining cookies on top and gently squeeze to distribute the filling evenly. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until the filling has set, about 25 minutes.

Combine the remaining chocolate chips and the vegetable oil in a small bowl. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Dip the top of each cookie in the melted chocolate and return to the baking sheet.

Sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store in an airtight plastic container.

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

Our Local Cookbooks Great Gift Ideas for the Holidays!

Toast to Tidewater $29.35

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

Tidewater on the Half Shell $19.90 Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

More League Cookbooks Great Recipes from Around the Country

Celebrate $26.25

Junior League of the Sacramento, CA

Grand Temptations $26.95

Worth Tasting $26.25

Tropical Settings $26.95

The Roux We Do $19.95

Junior League of Grand Rapids, MI

Junior League of Fort Myers, FL

Junior League of the Palm Beaches

Junior League of St Joseph, MO

Cooking by the Boot Straps $17.85

Southern Accent $19.95

Junior League of Enid, OK

Junior League of Pine Bluff, AK

From Grouper to Grits $24.95

Southern Accent:

Junior League of Clearwater / Dunedin, FL

A Second Helping $24.95 Junior League of Pine Bluff, AK

Visit our new website at www.JLNVB.org

Our Sponsors

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor Businesses & Organizations!

While all of us are susceptible to hard times, women and children are at the most risk, and they make up the vast majority of clients we serve. We support a variety of community projects through financial donations and hundreds of volunteer hours. This holiday season, please consider becoming a JLNVB Sponsor! Your donation will mean so much to the people we help, and it will ensure the our continued service in South Hampton Roads. Visit our website at www.JLNVB.org to learn more.

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach

Visit our new website at www.JLNVB.org