November 23, 2021 — Current Gifts 2021

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gifts 2021

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TRADITIONS RETURN

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FROM THE TEAM AT CURRENT PUBLISHING, SEASON’S GREETINGS!

Shop local to avoid shipping delays this year

As we all inch back to normal (however that’s defined these days), we’re hopeful you and yours will have an opportunity to return to family traditions that, perhaps, were sidelined as a result of the pandemic last year. We’re all for discretion when it comes to health and wellness, but this seems to be the season when everything gets back on the rails.

That is our anticipation, anyway.

Considering that, those traditions that might have had a year off, in many cases, are back at center stage. In Current’s annual holiday section, Gifts 2021, we take a closer look at a variety of family customs, any or many of which may prove an inspiration to you to launch one or more new rituals of your own.

In addition, Santa’s back, and we highlight some of his customary appearances. We also have a rundown on unique gifts one can find across the communities Current serves, a loaded listing of all the season’s events (lots to do outdoors and lots more to do indoors, courtesy of arts and entertainment venues and acts) and some recipes and other goodies to make your ramp up to the season a little brighter.

More than anything, we send you our sincere and best wishes for a fun and fulfilling holiday season, on any scale, as well as a healthful end of the year and new year.

An array of factors has led to disruptions in global supply chains, affecting many companies’ ability to deliver gifts in time for Christmas. However, officials in Boone and Hamilton counties believe shopping locally can be a solution for residents and families this holiday season.

The disruption of global supply chains has been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors that were in motion before the pandemic started, Boone County Economic Whitehead Development Corp. Executive Director Molly Whitehead said.

“I think the pandemic played a role in it, but even if we look pre-pandemic, we were having some pretty big workforce shortages prior to 2020, anyway,” Whitehead said. “I think the pandemic just kind of sped things along.”

Overseas, where many goods are manufactured, some nations have dealt with continued lockdowns and other measures that have hindered the ability to operate at pre-pandemic levels. Workforce shortages also have plagued companies around the globe, Whitehead said.

“Cargo ships are just waiting outside of the Los Angeles port because they can’t get unloaded fast enough or because there aren’t either enough workers to unload them or trucks to take them,” Whitehead said. “And you have even locally a

By Jarred Meeks jarred@youarecurrent.com

shortage of truck drivers able to deliver the product. Companies that have seen massive increases in their business, some may be weeks behind in delivering their product and just cannot produce it fast enough.”

To avoid shipping delays and the accompanying stress, Allyson Gutwein, executive director of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce, said shopping local is a sure way of ensuring gifts will be wrapped in time this holiday season.

“If you are buying things locally, you are buying things that are in stock,” she said.

According to a 2018 small business economic impact study conducted by American Express, 67 cents of every dollar spent at small businesses stay in the local community.

“There is likely going to be more availability for different sorts of products and unique items that people can purchase,” Whitehead said.

Visit Hamilton County President/CEO Brenda Myers said supporting small businesses after more than a year of financial uncertainty is crucial for their survival.

“The No. 1 reason to shop local if you are vaccinated and can shop local is you get much better service, and it’s not just a supMyers ply chain issue to me,” Myers said. “First of all, you can go and see the product and find a product that is available. You can meet the seller face to face and have that customer service that I think is so important today. You keep those dollars close to home.”

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Mother’s tradition evolves into children’s book series

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Westfield resident Amanda Hauser has released the third book in her “Impish the Elf” series, a tradition in the Hauser household for 15 years.

Hauser based the books on a family tradition started 15 years ago to keep holiday magic alive for her eight children. An elf named Impish visits the family and wraps gifts from Santa. Impish leaves clues for the children on which gifts are theirs.

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Hauser is a kindergarten teacher at Washington Woods Elementary School in Westfield.

The books are available on Amazon and at barnesandnoble.com.

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The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel will present a variety of holiday shows this season. Visit TheCenterPresents.org for tickets and COVID-19 protocols. Performances include:

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Amanda Hauser recently authored the third book in her “Impish the Elf” series. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Hauser)

DEC. 5 Indiana Wind Symphony — “Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Palladium” • The Palladium DEC. 5 Indiana Wind Symphony – “A Most Glorious Season” • The Palladium DEC. 9 “BPE Productions Presents a Motown Christmas” • The Palladium DEC. 11 “Dave Koz & Friends

Christma Tour 2021” The Palladium DEC. 12 “The King’s Singers — Holiday” • The Palladium DEC. 16 “Damien Escobar: 25 Days of Christmas” • The Palladium DEC. 17 TO 19 “Festival of Carols” • The Palladium DEC. 21 “Christmas with Lorie Line” • The Studio Theater

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Some holiday favorites SHERRI NEWKIRK About: Indianapolis, manager at Linden Tree in Noblesville What is your favorite Christmas movie? “Probably ‘Miracle on 34th Street.’”

RHONDA CRAWSHAW

Do you put up your tree as soon as possible after Halloween, or do you wait until after Thanksgiving? “I do it after Thanksgiving.”

What is the best gift you have ever received? “The best present I ever got was a trip from my kids.”

What is the best gift you have ever given? “The gift of love and time.”

I have to wait until after Thanksgiving.”

About: Indianapolis, gallery director of CV Art and Frame in Zionsville

What is the best gift you have ever received? “The best gift I’ve ever gotten was a vacation to The Bahamas.”

What is your favorite Christmas movie? “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

What is the best gift you have ever given? “The best gift I’ve ever given was also travel. We bought a package for my parents so that they could get away for about three days to Nashville, Tenn. We had all the entertainment set up and everything, and they loved it.”

Do you put up your tree as soon as possible after Halloween, or do you wait until after Thanksgiving? “I have to wait.

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SUE COLOMBINI About: Chicago, owner of Tangerine Cards & Gifts in Carmel and in Geist What is your favorite Christmas song? “Probably ‘Jingle Bell Rock.’”

Do you put up your tree as soon as possible after Halloween, or do you wait until after Thanksgiving? “As a retailer being in the holiday business, sometimes mine never makes it up. Because we decorate for the store the last weekend right before Halloween so that we are ready the first week of November, I’m all over the

ANGELA GAPINSKI About: Westfield, owner of Root 31 in Westfield What is your favorite Christmas movie? “Home Alone.”

Do you put up your tree as soon as possible after Halloween, or do you wait until after Thanksgiving? “I have changed in my adulthood. My birthday is on Nov. 22, and now that is like my birthday gift: I get to put up the Christmas tree. I’m a sooner rather than later type of person.”

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What is the best gift you have ever received? “When I was a kid, I loved Barbie dolls. Every Christmas my mom would get me Barbies. She could just do all Barbie stuff under the tree, and I was as happy as can be on Christmas Day.” What is the best gift you have ever given? “My husband is Italian, and he really loves Italian food, so one year for his birthday, I put together a whole gourmet Italian food basket. He was marveling at all the things I found that were products of Italy.”

received? “When I was young, my family lived on a farm, and I did get a pony. A real, live, actual pony. My dad made us tread out in the snow to the barn to read the Christmas story, and there was a big bow on one of the stalls.”

What is the best gift you have ever given? “My sister and I lived in Chicago together, and one year we did random acts of kindness from Thanksgiving all the way to Christmas Day, and we made my dad a video of us doing things for a six-week period. We gave him a disc drive of things we did for him that he had no idea about for the whole month.”

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holiday CALENDAR

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Come In, Taste, Be Inspired The Olive Mill in Carmel

OLIVE OIL • SPICES • BALSAMIC VINEGAR • CERAMIC & GLASS ART

CARMEL CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT The German-inspired market features more than 45 huts with vendors selling gift items, holiday decor and a variety of food and drink options.

When: 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and noon to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 20 to Dec. 24.

Special hours of operation are noon to 9 p.m. Nov. 24, noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 20 to 23 and noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 24. The market is closed Nov. 25.

Where: Carter Green, 10 Carter Green Cost: Free admission More info: CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com THE ICE AT CARTER GREEN Reserve a spot to skate at the outdoor ice rink by booking a time slot in advance at TheIceatCarterGreen.com. In addition to skating, The Ice at Carter Green will feature several special events, including ice carving competitions in January and The Carmel Winter Games in February.

When: Visit website for details about daily skating times and events.

Where: Carter Green, 10 Carter Green Cost: Skate sessions are $10 for adults and $8 for children 10 and younger. Skate rentals are $4.

More info: TheIceatCarterGreen.com HOLIDAY WALKING PATH Enjoy beautifully lit holiday décor throughout Clay Terrace, including several large ornaments on the lawn and ornamental seating along Clay Terrace Boulevard.

When: The best time to view the display is between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Nov. 26 to Dec. 24.

Where: Throughout Clay Terrace Cost: Free More info: ClayTerrace.com CARMEL HOLIDAY TROLLEY The Carmel Holiday Trolley transports shoppers and diners through the Arts & Design District, Midtown and Carmel City Center.

When: Fridays 5 to 9 p.m., Saturdays 2 to 9 p.m. Nov. 26 to Dec. 18 Where: Trolley stops are at the west side of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, 10 Carter Green; Carmel City Center across from Manelé Cafe, 703 Veterans Way; Elm Street and Monon Bouelvard; the surface parking lot at the Indiana Design Center, 200 S. Range Line Rd.; Main Street near Agave Bar & Grill, 31 E. Main St.; and Main Street near Bub’s Burgers, 210 W. Main St. Cost: Free More info: HolidaysinCarmel.com

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Support locally owned small businesses, many of which will operate with extended hours and offer specials throughout the day.

When: Nov. 27 Where: Throughout the city SANTA SATURDAYS Visit with Santa in the Santa House. A photographer will be on site Dec. 4 When: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturdays Nov. 27 through Dec. 18. Pet days with Santa will be on Dec. 15 and 17.

Where: Indiana Design Center parking lot, 200 S. Range Line Rd. Cost: Free admission More info: HolidaysinCarmel.com SANTA PHOTO EXPERIENCE Cherry Hill Programs will capture photos as guests visit with Santa.

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Christmas Eve from Dec. 3 to 24 Where: Clay Terrace, 14311 Clay Terrace Blvd.

Cost: Various photo packages are available.

More info: Tickets for a reserved time are strongly encouraged. Reserve a spot at reservations.cherryhillprograms.com.

Learn more at Clay Terrace.com.

VISIT WITH SANTA Santa Claus will stop by Carmel City Center to visit with children and families.

When: 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 Where: Kits & Kaboodle Classic Toys, 723 Hanover Pl. Cost: Free More info: CarmelCityCenter.com SLEIGH RIDES Complimentary sleigh rides will travel through Clay Terrace.

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 and 17 Where: Clay Terrace Village Green, near Meridian Music, 14300 Clay Terrace Blvd.

Cost: Free More info: ClayTerrace.com SANTA’S ARRIVAL AND TREE LIGHTING Guests can decorate a holiday flag and cheer Santa as he parades along Clay Terrace Boulevard to arrive at Clay Terrace. A Christmas tree sponsored by L&M Garden will be lit for the first time this year.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4 Where: Clay Terrace Village Green, along Clay Terrace Boulevard Cost: Free More info: ClayTerrace.com

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holiday CALENDAR Saturday 11/27 through Friday 12/31:

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REINDEER MEET AND GREET Stop by Clay Terrace to meet Santa’s reindeer.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18 Where: Clay Terrace Village Green near Hoosier Sister, 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd.

Cost: Free More info: ClayTerrace.com HOLIDAY SIP + SHOP Visitors can enjoy holiday shopping with the locally owned merchants at Carmel City Center while enjoying special sales and promotions and sipping on complimentary white wine and cocktails.

When: 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 4 Where: Carmel City Center, 720 S. Range Line Rd. Complimentary wine tastings and cocktails will be available at Forever Gallery Tattoo, Linden Tree Gifts, The Imperial Spa and Fishman Fine Jewelers.

More info: CarmelCityCenter.com HOLIDAY IN THE ARTS DISTRICt The event includes visits from elves and reindeer, carolers, trolley rides, a visit from Santa, special activities and more.

When: 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 4 Where: Carmel Arts & Design District Cost: Free to attend More info: CarmelArtsandDesign.com PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA Bring your furry friends to get their holiday photo with Santa at Clay Terrace.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13 Where: Clay Terrace Santa photo set, 14311 Clay Terrace Blvd.

Cost: Various photo packages available More info: Reserve a spot at reservations. cherryhillprograms.com. ClayTerrace.com VISIT WITH SANTA Santa Claus will stop by Carmel City Center to visit with children and families.

When: 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 10 Where: Hey Little Diddle, 730 S. Range Line Rd. Cost: Free More info: CarmelCityCenter.com COOKIES WITH CLAUS Visit Santa’s workshop to make cookies with Santa. The event will have cookies to decorate, holiday crafts and story time with Santa.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 11 Where: Clay Terrace Santa photo set, 14311 Clay Terrace Blvd.

Cost: Free More info: ClayTerrace.com MEET ME ON MAIN In December, the Second Saturday Gallery Walk will include shopping and entertain-

ment at galleries throughout the Arts & Design District.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11 Where: Carmel Arts & Design District More info: CarmelArtsandDesign.com MOVIES AT MIDTOWN Seasonal movies will be shown on the big screen.

When: Various times on Saturdays through Dec. 25 Where: Midtown Plaza, 365 Monon Trail Cost: Free More info: MidtownPlazaCarmel.com FISHERS/GEIST WINTERFEST Winterfest will include an outdoor ice-skating rink, various events throughout the season and more.

When: Various times Nov. 20 to Jan. 1 Where: Civic Plaza, 5710 Lawrence Village Pkwy., Lawrence Price: Ice skate rental is $10 per adult, $5 per child For more: visitlawrenceindiana.com/ events/winterfest/skate-rink/ A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY Conner Prairie will offer activities for the whole family, such as the Kringle’s Carousel, Selfies with Santa and Historic Holidays.

When: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 26 to Dec. 19, Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 Where: Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers Cost: $11 members, $22 non-members For more: connerprairie.org/explore/ things-to-do/merry-prairie-holiday/ BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast as Santa visits with children individually.

When: 8:30 and 11 a.m. Nov. 27, Nov. 28, Dec. 4, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Dec. 18, Dec. 19 Where: Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers Price: Adult members are $21.95, youth members are $11.95, adult non-members are $24.95 and youth non-members are $14.95 For more: connerprairie.org/explore/ things-to-do/breakfast-dinner-with-santa/ A LAWRENCE CHRISTMAS A Lawrence Christmas will include a holiday parade, tree lighting and more.

When: Parade begins at 5 p.m. Nov. 27 with tree lighting to follow Where: Civic Plaza, 5710 Lawrence Village Pkwy., Lawrence Cost: Free For more: visitlawrenceindiana.com

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holiday CALENDAR MCCORDSVILLE TREE LIGHTING Participate in holiday activities, hear from a student choir and witness the tree lighting.

When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 Cost: Free Where: McCordsville Town Hall, 6280 W. County Rd. 800 N., McCordsville For more: mccordsville.org BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICHOLAS Members of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew will cook and serve breakfast. St. Nicholas will make an appearance.

When: 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 4 Where: Holy Family Episcopal Church, 11445 Fishers Pointe Blvd., Fishers Cost: Free For more: bit.ly/3owHXmm HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Experience a winter open house art exhibition at High Frequency Arts in Hub and Spoke.

When: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 4 Where: Hub and Spoke, 8100 E. 106th St., Fishers Price: Free For more: bit.ly/3Dsxoa6 NOBLESVILLE MAGIC OF LIGHTS Enjoy a family friendly drive-thru holiday lights festival with twinkling and magical light displays.

Price: $25 per carload on weekdays, $35 per carload on weekends When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 2 Where: Ruoff Music Center, 12880 E. 146th St., Noblesville For more: magicoflights.com/events/ ruoff-music-center/ HOLIDAYS AT THE HILL: Enjoy carriage rides, participate in a free

walking light tour and write a letter to Santa When: Ice rink times vary through Jan. 9 Where: Federal Hill Commons, 175 Logan St., Noblesville Price: Varies depending on activity For more: noblesvilleparks.org/235/ Holidays-at-the-Hill DECK THE DOWNTOWN Shop downtown Noblesville for Main Street’s First Friday event When: 5 p.m. to midnight Dec. 3 Where: Downtown Noblesville Price: Admission is free For more: noblesvillemainstreet.org/ new-events WESTFIELD CHRISTMAS AT STUCKEY FARM Guests can select their own living Christmas tree.

Time: Varies When: Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5, Dec. 11-12 Where: Stuckey Farm, 19975 Hamilton Boone Rd., Sheridan Price: Varies per tree For more: stuckeyfarm.com/ christmas-with-santa/ WESTFIELD IN LIGHTS: Enjoy a tree lighting, vendors and more.

When: 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4 Where: Downtown Westfield Cost: Free For more: westfieldwelcome.com/ calendar/westfield-in-lights/ ZIONSVILLE SMALL BUSINESS WEEKEND The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce will hand out free tote bags Friday, Saturday and Sunday during Small Business Weekend, as residents are encouraged to shop locally.

Nov. 26-28 When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Local business throughout Zionsville Cost: Free More info: zionsvillechamber.org CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE - SMALL BUSINESS WEEKEND Zionsville shops and restaurants will be open. The event also includes a Santa House.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 27 Where: The Village in Zionsville Cost: Free More info: zionsvillechamber.org CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE PARADE The family friendly parade features the arrival of Santa in Zionsville.

When: 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 27 Where: The Village in Zionsville Cost: Free More info: zionsvillechamber.org TOWN CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce will lead the town in the lighting of the Zionsville Town Christmas Tree When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 27 Where: South Main Street in Zionsville Cost: Free More info: zionsvillechamber.org GIFT WRAP WEEKEND Free gift wrapping of locally purchased goods by Zionsville Chamber of Commerce staff is available at Sotheby’s on Main Street.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 Where: 76 S. Main Street in Zionsville Cost: Free if goods are purchased from local businesses More info: zionsvillechamber.org

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CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE LADIES’ NIGHT Zionsville Village merchants will offer specials and holiday treats for shoppers.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 Where: The Village in Zionsville Cost: Free More info: zionsvillechamber.org WINTERFEST The event will feature an ice rink and programming throughout the month.

When: Dec. 10 to Jan. 2 Where: Mulberry Fields, 9645 Whitestown Rd., Zionsville Cost: Free More info: zionsvillechamber.org CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE - FAMILY DAY Families are encouraged to participate in Christmas in the Village.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11 Where: The Village in Zionsville Cost: Free More info: zionsvillechamber.org CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE Christmas in the Village includes holiday festivities, visits with Santa, special shopping and dining events and more.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 12, 18, 19 Where: The Village in Zionsville Cost: Free More info: zionsvillechamber.org CHRISTMAS CRAWL Take a leisurely stroll through the Village of Zionsville and enjoy samples of seasonal beverages and special small plate offerings from some of the restaurants and merchants in the Village. Finish at a local establishment for prizes.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16 Where: The Village in Zionsville Cost: Free More info: zionsvillechamber.org

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Multicultural family embraces blended holiday traditions

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com The holiday season has looked a little different for Linda Pike since welcoming her daughter-in-law to the family four years ago.

Pike’s daughter-in-law, Peiyan Shao, grew up in China, and at Christmastime they celebrate by combining aspects of their cultural traditions. This year, for example, Pike and her 3-year-old grandson plan to make gingerbread cookies seasoned with homemade Chinese five-spice powder.

“As I learn more and more about Chinese culture, definitely things will change in my home,” Pike said. “As (my grandson) gets older, I’m able to introduce more and more of my family traditions.”

Pike said many commercialized aspects of Christmas are popular in China, such as Santa Claus and gift exchanges. Through the years she’s been struck more by the similarities than differences between the two cultures, she said.

One Chinese tradition she enjoys is gifting cash in an ornate red envelope.

“It sure makes Christmas shopping, birthday shopping and New Year’s gifts so much easier,” Pike said.

A longtime resident of the Home Place area in Carmel, Pike has long been inter-

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIVE EVENTS THIS YEAR Clockwise from left, Linda Pike, her son, Dallis Pike, her daughter-in-law, Peiyan Shao, and grandson, Sean Pike, celebrate the new year.

(Photo courtesy of Linda Pike)

ested in learning about other cultures. She lived in Japan for four years before getting married, and as a family and consumer science teacher at Carmel High School from 1997 to 2010, she taught about the cultural histories of certain foods.

The multicultural celebration will continue into the New Year, which in China is celebrated at the end of January or beginning of February. The family plans to embrace several Chinese traditions, such as illuminating lanterns to symbolize good fortune.

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SOFT GINGERBREAD COOKIES WITH CHINESE FIVE-SPICE POWDER • • • • •

1 cup butter (softened) 1 cup light brown sugar 1 large egg 1 cup molasses 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 5 cups flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon ground ginger • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon Chinese 5-spice powder Make the cookie dough Place the sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until combined.

Add the egg, molasses, vinegar and vanilla extract and beat on medium-low speed until fully combined.

In a separate mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients and the spices until well

combined.

Add the dry ingredients to the molasses mix. Mix on low speed just until combined into a soft cookie dough.

Chill the dough Cover the bowl and chill the cookie dough for at least three hours up to overnight. If you chill it overnight, you may need to let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes so it’s easier to roll.

Cut out cookies Once ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Divide the dough in 2 and roll each half to 1/4 of an inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.

Cut out cookies and place them on lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Place similarly sized cookies on the same baking sheet!

Recipe adapted from savorynothings. com/soft-gingerbread-cookies.

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