Prime

PRim ime e Swim coaches test the water P. 4

Couples enjoy romantic journey P. 16

Sweetheart Issue

Flowers say love power P. 6

Sweet getaways for Valentine’s Day P. 8

Granbury, Texas February 2016

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2 | Prime | February 2016

CONTENTS 4 Newlywed coaches work side by side

14 Calendar

6 Roses still No. 1 for Valentine’s Day

16 Sweethearts then and now

8 Popular romantic getaways

18 Valentine treats

10 Theater fuels man’s passion

20 Trim wedding costs without sacrifice

12 Brick by brick – vintage photos

Granbury’s own Brian Lawson is at home in the historic Granbury Opera House, where he has performed numerous shows, along with recently making his directorial debut with “Sweeney Todd.” P. 10.

February 2016 | Prime | 3

prime | travel

Pooling resources They gave all of their Facebook friends fits of jealousy with photos they posted of an obviously fun-filled honeymoon trip to Cancun, Mexico.

COURTESY

Romance culminated in marriage a few months before Valentine’s Day as Jason and Jennifer became Mr. and Mrs. Pullano during the Granbury ISD Thanksgiving holiday break. They flew to Cancun, Mexico, and enjoyed a six-day stay at a gorgeous resort hotel.

Newlywed swim coaches work side by side for GISD TEXT BY MARK WILSON

G

ranbury High School swim coach Jason Pullano is counting on having his assistant coach, Jennifer Steele, around from now on.

She’s that good. Besides, they’re newlyweds.

Jason and Jennifer, both 23, married during GISD’s Thanksgiving break.

They gave all of their Facebook friends fits of jealousy with photos they posted of an obviously fun-filled honeymoon trip to Cancun, Mexico.

Then it was back to work – but finally as husband and wife, completing a courtship that began in earnest 4-1/2 years ago.

The two swim coaches were “testing the waters” when they first began to date, in the summer of 2011.

They planned the honeymoon trip to have six days in Cancun so they didn’t have to rush back.

“It was great,” Jason said. “We stayed at the resort most of the days because it was all-inclusive. It had been a really good week, and we were pretty upset when we had to go back to work.”

4 | Prime | February 2016

COURTESY

Granbury High School swim coach Jason Pullano romps on the beach with his new wife, Jennifer (background), during their recent trip to Cancun, Mexico.

By the scruff of the neck Jennifer’s club swim coach introduced them at a swim meet in Keller in 2010.

Jennifer had earned a scholarship to NCAA Div. II Ouachita Baptist University (OBU), and Jason was headed there as well, as a walk-on who later earned a scholarship of his own.

Jennifer’s coach noticed Jason was wearing an OBU shirt.

“So he put two and two together,” Jennifer said.

Jason said the coach “grabbed” him “by the back of the neck” and introduced him to Jennifer.

“It was really awkward,” Jason said. “I had a girlfriend at the time. We started to date about a year later.”

Jennifer said she immediately connected with Jason. The foundation was first built on friendship, she said.

“Before we had decided to date, it was a friendship that drew us together first,” Jason said of the love that bloomed at college. “We were forced to spend 20 hours a week together in a pool, so we got to know each other pretty quickly.

“I pretty much knew when we met that it wasn’t like another friendship. But we built that friendship first.”

Jennifer said they would sit together when the OBU swim team took trips to various meets. Their dating began in the summer after their freshman year of college.

“That’s when she fell head over heels in love,” Jason said with a smile. “It was not a coincidence that my grades went up. I think she brings out the best in me.”

Together again Jennifer said Jason’s fun-loving personality brought out a more relaxed feeling in her.

COURTESY

Granbury High School swim coach Jason Pullano and his bride, Jennifer, got married during the GISD Thanksgiving holiday. Part of their amazing six-day honeymoon trip to a resort hotel in Cancun, Mexico, involved spending some quality time with one of the friendly dolphins at a popular tourist stop on Isla Mujeres, a nearby offshore island.

Jennifer was a graduate of Chapel Hill High School, but nearby Tyler was her hometown. She returned to Tyler after college and was teaching first grade there.

“We were three hours apart,” Jason said.

“She was back in Tyler. We would talk every day. We would text throughout the day.

“She would make a lot more weekend trips than I would. It was just a lot easier.”

Jennifer moved to Granbury last June after she was hired to be the assistant to Jason. She teaches at Acton Middle School.

Jason said it was GISD Athletic Director Dwight Butler’s idea to hire Jennifer.

COURTESY

Newlyweds Jason and Jennifer Pullano of Granbury pose in front of a fascinating shoreline near Cancun, in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

“He knew we would be able to work together,” Jason said. “I think he probably knew that even before we did. He’s pretty relaxed about it, and he trusts us.”

Jennifer said, “Nobody thought this would work. He does what he needs to do, and I just push that. I work more with the kids just starting out.”

People who thought it wouldn’t be good for a husband and wife to work together were looking at a worst-case scenario, Jason said.

“We’re not going to be that couple that allows things to get in the way of what we want to achieve,” said Jason, who teaches biology at Crossland Ninth Grade Center.

“The kids (swimmers) were worried in the beginning, but once they saw the dynamic they changed their tune.

“We could work together 20 years. It runs smoothly. I think having a young female coach helps some of the girls on the team.”

Pullano was swimmer of the year in 2010 for the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. He graduated from OBU, where he earned honors as all-conference swimmer and diver.

Jason was quick to note that Jennifer’s swimming career reached greater heights than his.

While in high school, Jennifer set a regional record in the 200-meter freestyle and reached the state meet all four years.

At OBU, she was all-conference four times (including academically).

Jennifer earned all-America status in 2011 and competed at the NCAA Div. II national championships twice. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Q February 2016 | Prime | 5

prime | tradition Flower Power

S

ending flowers on Valentine’s Day? It’s no surprise that roses are the most popular choice.

“Red roses are most popular – with red representing love, next would be pink roses and then you’ve got the yellow rose of Texas,” Linda Dugan said with a smile.

Dugan is a designer at Granbury Flower Shop.

When sending roses, some customers pay extra to include chocolate or balloons with the delivery.

“Men make most of the Valentine purchases,” Dugan said. “Not only for their wives or sweethearts, but men also send flowers to their moms and their daughters.”

Are the roses more grand for Valentine’s Day? The roses really are better for Valentine’s Day. The stems are longer, and some specialty roses are promoted, like the Latin Lady, a two-toned flower with red and pink.

Why do roses cost so much?

Rose prices start to climb about three weeks ahead of Valentine’s Day. “I have to go up, because the suppliers go up on their prices to me,” explained Debbie Brown, manager at Granbury Flower Shop for 26 years.

Business is busiest on a week day Floral deliveries will be slower this year, Brown noted, since Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday. Most everyone wants their flowers to be delivered to work.

“Men want others in the office to see the flowers they are sending,” Dugan noted.

And the recipients like to enjoy their flowers all day – at work – where everyone can see their flowers.

Special delivery drivers Some folks place their flower order weeks before Valentine’s Day. Some wait until the day before.

Regardless of when the orders come in, extra drivers are always needed for Valentine deliveries.

“At one time we hired off-duty sheriff deputies,” Brown said. “They are the best, because they know all the roads!”

Through rain, sleet, etc.

Brown remembers one year when deliveries had to wait until the snow melted off the roads.

Valentine traditions are here to stay Wedding trends change, Valentine’s Day is more steady.

Whites and creams are the trend for weddings. “It’s gone from big flowing bouquets to smaller handheld bouquets with a more natural look,” Brown said.

Where does Valentine’s Day rank?

Mother’s Day is the busiest. Next comes Valentine’s Day. Designer Paula Walker said spring flowers continue to be most popular for Mother’s Day. Q --Debbie Schneider The flower shop is a beehive of activity when Valentine’s Day rolls around. Some customers place their flower orders in advance, others wait until the day before. Linda Dugan, a designer at Granbury Flower Shop, makes notes as flowers are sorted and arranged.

6 | Prime | February 2016

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2013 2012 2011 February 2016 | Prime | 7

prime | travel

MARY VINSON | HOOD COUNTY NEWS

San Antonio’s River Walk features boat tours.

Home V

Romantic getaways popular for Valentine’s Day TEXT BY KATHY CRUZ

is where the heart...

isn’t 8 | Prime | February 2016

alentine’s Day and romantic getaways aren’t just for the young – or even the middle-aged, for that matter.

A sentimental excursion can be the perfect way to celebrate a 50th anniversary.

And it doesn’t have to break the bank, either. Romantic getaways can range from a drive to Dallas to dine at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant in Reunion Tower to Lake Tahoe or Hawaii.

As a travel agent, Rita Paul knows plenty of great getaways to suit any budget.

Paul and her husband Tom know what they’re talking about. They went on a honeymoon cruise 36 years ago and “got hooked, totally.”

Two years later, they bought a travel agency.

“I was a teacher. He was a city manager. We never knew we’d be Mr. and Mrs. Cruise,” she said.

Paul said she consulted a travel agent when making her honeymoon plans. She advises others to do the same when planning a trip.

“Definitely see an agent, even if it’s not us,” she said. “We say our service is free, but priceless. We do not charge. All the major cruise lines and hotels – we’re paid by them, not by the customer.”

Below are Paul’s recommendations for Valentine weekend getaways, ranging from the Metroplex to Texas locales to the “ultimate” getaways.

CLOSE TO HOME Q Dallas Reunion Tower: Dine at Wolfgang Puck’s in the Reunion Tower, and stay overnight at the adjacent Hyatt Regency.

Q The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center: Located in Grapevine, it is a 4-star resort with spa and offers Valentine packages.

TEXAS GETAWAYS Q Salado: Stay at the Stagecoach Inn, built in 1852 as a stop for cattle drives and stagecoaches along the Chisholm Trail. Famous people such as Lyndon Johnson and General George Custer stayed there. The Stagecoach Kiss is the traditional dessert.

Q San Antonio: The Alamo city with its scenic River Walk, which features deluxe accommodations, is always a popular destination.

Eat a real Mexican dinner and take a romantic ride on a riverboat.

Q Galveston: There’s plenty to do while staying at the Moody Gardens Hotel - visit the aquarium and botanical gardens, or ride the Colonel Riverboat. Eat at Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant, or one of Galveston’s other famous restaurants.

And, of course, there are 4-, 5- and 7-day cruises that leave from Galveston. Ports of call vary by ship and length of cruise, but include Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize, Jamaica and Roatan.

ULTIMATE GETAWAYS Q Hawaii: a premier location for that special anniversary celebration.

Q Lake Tahoe: Ski – or don’t. You can always kick back in front of a fireplace and enjoy the snow, hot chocolate – and your honey.

Pauls Travel & Cruises can be reached at 817-589-7447, 1-800327-3533 or by email at Cruise@PaulsCruises.com. Q

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MYTH: Hospice is just for the patient.

FACT: Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity and emotional support. The quality of life for the patient, and also family members and other caregivers, is the highest priority.

MYTH: Hospice means that the patient will soon die.

FACT: Receiving hospice care does not mean giving up hope, or that death is imminent. The earlier an individual receives hospice care, the more opportunity there is to stabilize a patient’s medical condition and support those who love and care for the patient.

MYTH: You can’t keep your own doctor if you enter hospice.

FACT: Hospice physicians work closely with your doctor of choice to develop a plan of care. If the patient does not have a primary care physician, hospice can provide medical services.

MYTH: A hospice patient can’t go to the hospital.

FACT: A patient receiving hospice services may go to the hospital.

MYTH: To be eligible for hospice Hospice should be notified prior to care, a patient must already transport so that we can notify the be bedridden.

FACT: Hospice care is appropriate hospital billing office of the correct at the time of the terminal prognosis, way to submit the bill. This eliminates regardless of the patient’s physical the possibility of losing the hospice condition. Many of the patients benefit and allows hospice to served through hospice continue to determine if hospitalization is related lead productive and rewarding lives. to the terminal illness. However, Together, the patient, family and hospice care is directed toward physician determine when hospice maintaining the patient and keeping services should begin. them comfortable in his or her usual living arrangement.

COURTESY

Fun in the sun can be a treat for Valentine’s Day.

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February 2016 | Prime | 9

prime | community

Nothing staged about this romance

Brian Lawson has entertained folks throughout the North Texas area, but perhaps his favorite place to perform is at Granbury Opera House, here in his hometown.

Theater fuels Brian Lawson’s passion TEXT BY RICK MAUCH

PHOTOS BY MARY VINSON

Oh, the irony.

Brian Lawson wasn’t impatiently waiting for this chance, but when fate tossed it his way, he was happy to grab hold.

In his recent directorial debut, “Sweeney Todd,” Lawson got to direct two men who helped start his theater career, current Granbury High School Choir Director Greg Doss and former GHS Choir Director Duncan McMahan.

It was Doss, then at Acton Middle School, who convinced Lawson into his first audition.

It was 2001, and Lawson, only 14, was more nervous than if he had been asking the prettiest girl in school for a dance.

10 | Prime | February 2016

And, just as a young man might develop a crush on that same girl, Lawson fell in love with theater that day.

He’s been in love ever since.

And now was the chance to share another special moment with his two mentors.

For the first time, Lawson would be calling the shots and making the major decisions – a choice that worked out well as “Sweeney Todd” was a big hit with Granbury Opera House audiences.

Lawson cast Doss as the evil Judge Turpin. McMahan directed music for the show.

Lawson called working alongside McMahan and Doss “such a surreal experience.

Helping him (Doss) portray a pious and sinister man on stage was so rewarding

because anyone who knows Greg can tell you, those traits are the antithesis of who he is in real life.”

Along with working alongside his two mentors, Lawson said the experience of directing is one he can’t wait to repeat – and he won’t have to wait long.

“Not only was it fun, but eye-opening as well. I got to sit on the other side of the table and help friends and colleagues find and grow their roles,” said Lawson.

Lawson will be directing again soon as he is at the helm of the Granbury Theatre Company’s “Marvelous Wonderettes,” which opens April 1.

A local favorite “A great friend of mine, Jake Shanahan, created this toast, ‘Here’s to being your-

self, by playing someone else ... cheers,’” said Lawson.

“It seems to be the best way to describe my feelings towards my passion of the theater. I simply could not be myself if I didn’t have this creative outlet.”

Lawson is best-known locally for his work with the Granbury Theatre Company, including shows at the Granbury Opera House and Granbury Live. He’s also performed in Cleburne with the Plaza Theater and was in The Promise in Glen Rose for several years.

He may be best remembered for his role as Tevye, the dairyman in “Fiddler On The Roof,” or perhaps as King Arthur in “Spamalot.” Some might recall him as Boolie, Miss Daisy’s son in “Driving Miss Daisy.”

And it all began for the now 28-year-old veteran on the stage at Granbury High as a freshman. He was cast in the ensemble of “Lil’ Abner,” and again as a sophomore in the ensemble of “Bye Bye Birdie.”

“It wasn’t until my junior year that I earned a heavy supporting role as Thenardier in ‘Les Miserables.’ I was hooked on acting from then on,” he said.

And, of course, he subsequently fell in love with music, something he’d actually been involved with before he discovered theater.

“It is the voice that speaks directly to my soul. I would sing all the time as a child.

When I got older I joined the band and choir, and that helped me appreciate music even more,” he said.

However, when music and theater are combined, he prefers the acting first.

“My favorite part of theater would be the acting, because without it, lyrics be-

Brian Lawson performs a musical number from the Granbury Theatre Company’s production of “Spamalot.”

He is playing the role of King Arthur, and in this scene he is singing along with the Laker Girls. come dull and expressionless,” he said.

“Music accentuates the emotion, but without acting out the song, it can become quite boring.”

Combining work and theater It’s hard to imagine any facet of Lawson’s life to be boring. He’s doing something he loves, even incorporating into his “paying” job.

Many actors, while trying to climb the career ladder, work a variety of jobs. Lawson has found a way to work on his passion while he works with customers.

| ABOUT BRIAN LAWSON AGE: 28 EDUCATION: Graduated Granbury High in 2005. Attended Baylor University for two years.

What’s ahead?

CAREER: Actor, singer, director.

WHERE: Granbury Theatre Company mostly, with additional performances in other places such as Cleburne and Glen Rose.

BEGAN: As a freshman at Granbury High when he was cast in “Lil’ Abner.”

HIGHLIGHTS: He is best known for the lead role of Tevye the Dairyman in the Granbury Theatre Company production of “Fiddler On The Roof.”...Other career highlights include the roles of Edward Rutledge in “1776,” Boolie Werthan in “Driving Miss Daisy” and King Arthur in “Spamalot.”...He recently made his directing debut with the Granbury Theatre Company’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

“As many people in Granbury can tell you, I spend my early mornings goofing around and having fun at the drive-thru of Starbucks,” he said. “I enjoy making people’s mornings with my silly impressions, and use the time to work on my accents, such as Australian, Irish, Russian.”

And he’s currently prepping for another of his dream roles. He will play Beast in the Cleburne Plaza Theatre’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” in February.

“Brian is simply one of the most talented individuals I’ve ever met,” said Granbury Theatre Company President Micky Shearon, who has shared the stage numerous times with Lawson.

“Brian has that rare quality for an actor of making everyone else around him better at what they’re doing. When he walks on a stage, the talent level of everyone else on that stage rises.”

Granbury’s own Brian Lawson is at home in the historic Granbury Opera House, where he has performed numerous shows, along with recently making his directorial debut with “Sweeney Todd.” P. 10.

To be the best he can be onstage, Lawson has done plenty backstage.

“Being backstage helping with the crew helps one learn a respect for the moving cogs of a production, which, if done right, usually go unseen,” he said.

“Helping to make the props and sets will cause an actor to realize just how much time and energy others are putting in to create the world that you, as an actor, live in.”

It’s a world Lawson would love to live in until he takes his last breath. He also realizes that doing so at the highest level possible means he will have to leave his beloved hometown someday.

“I do know that my journey will ultimately lead me away from Granbury.

Wherever it leads me, I know that my passion for theater will never fade, and Granbury will always be home.” Q February 2016 | Prime | 11

prime | history

One brick at a time An empire is built one brick at a time.

Acme Brick in Fort Worth, an industry leader, dates back to the 1880s, when founder George Bennett bought a 160-acre tract of land in Parker County and built a brickmaking plant.

Hood County resident Cindy Dennis’ great-grandfather, Griff Bean, a relative of Judge Roy Bean, was an engineer at that plant.

He designed a machine that made two bricks at a time. Later, he designed a machine that made six bricks at a time.

Dennis shared these photos of her great-grandfather. They provide a glimpse into an industry that began more than 130 years ago, and still thrives today. Q

COURTESY OF CINDY DENNIS

COURTESY OF CINDY DENNIS

Above, Engineer Griff Bean (center, sporting a hat and moustache) poses with another worker in front a brick-making machine used by the Bennett Brick Company. Bean’s great-granddaughter, Hood County resident Cindy Dennis, said he was a descendent of Judge Roy Bean, the legendary saloon-keeper and justice of the peace who called himself “The Law West of the Pecos.”

Dennis figures the man in the background in a suit and hat was probably the owner of the brick company. Pictured at left, Griff Bean, an engineer who set up the first two brick-making machines for the Bennett Brick Company back in the 1800s, is pictured here with workers in front of a towering wall of bricks. Bean is in front, with his hand resting on a cart. He is dressed in a light-colored shirt, and has a moustache.

COURTESY OF CINDY DENNIS

Griff Bean, an engineer who worked for the Bennett Brick Company, is shown here with four young women, at least one of whom was his daughter. Bean’s great-granddaughter, Hood County resident Cindy Dennis, said the woman on the far left is her grandmother, Ruby Long. She is unsure of the identity of the other three women, since she was told her great-grandfather had two daughters.

12 | Prime | February 2016

COURTESY OF CINDY DENNIS

In this photo, circa 1891, men work to get clay to use in making bricks for the Bennett Brick company. Brick-making became a major industry in the Thurber-Millsap area.

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prime | calendar

2016 February

5 Granbury Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, 6:15 p.m., Granbury Resort Conference Center, www.granburychamber.com 18 Handsome Hunks fundraiser for Ruth’s Place, Granbury Resort Conference Center, http://ruthsplace.wix.com

MARY VINSON | HOOD COUNTY NEWS

The annual Handsome Hunks fundraiser for Ruth’s Place is scheduled for Feb. 18 at Granbury Resort Conference Center, 621 E. Pearl St. At last year’s event, Mayor Nin Hulett was dressed as Elwood Blues of the Blues Brothers.

3 Awards presentation for Student History Fair sponsored by Texas Heroes Foundation, 6:30 p.m. at Acton Baptist Church, 3500 Fall Creek Highway. http://march2texas.com 19, 20 General Granbury’s Birthday Party, http://granburysquare.com

April

19 Opening night for Granbury Theatre Company ‘s “Little Shop of Horrors,” continues through March 20, Granbury Opera House, http://granburytheatrecompany.org

1 Opening night for Granbury Theatre Company ‘s “The Marvelous Wonderettes” continues through May 1 at Granbury Opera House, http://granburytheatrecompany.org

March

16 Hood County Relay for Life, Granbury Reunion Grounds, http://relay.acsevents.org

2 Student history fair and Elizabeth Crockett memorial program planned by Texas Heroes Foundation at Acton Baptist Church, 3500 Fall Creek Highway, and Acton Cemetery. http:// march2texas.com

23 Eighth annual Acton Nature Run at Revolver Brewing, 5650 Matlock Road, www.racedayeventservices.com

14 | Prime | February 2016

29-30 Granbury Wine Walk, http://granburywinewalk.com

May 13 Opening night for Granbury Theatre Company ‘s “Hello Dolly” continues through June 12, Granbury Opera House, http://granburytheatrecompany.org 27-30 Field of Flags: Remembrance and Honor, presented by Greater Granbury Military Officers Association of America. Purchase a flag and honor military and first responders, 4064 E. Highway 377 (near the Luton Ranch shopping area), 817-776-7766. Proceeds go to support Hood County veterans and their families, http:// granburyfieldofflags.com

June

10, 11, 12 Lone Star Street Rod Association State Run. Member activities at Granbury Resort Conference Center and public display of street rods at Hewlett Park. http://lssra.com

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4062 E. Highway 377 Granbury, TX 76049 February 2016 | Prime | 15

prime | community

Sweethearts

...then and now

Kennith and Esther Umphress tied the knot in Hood County in 1979. With Kennith’s two daughters and Esther’s three boys and two girls, the results were a blended family of nine. If Esther looks familiar it may be because she spent years volunteering and answering the phone at the Hood County Senior Center’s original location where the Shanley House Center for the Arts now stands. Kennith was a Hood County commissioner from 1991 to 1998.

Dr. Gary and Glenda Cooper were married April 4, 1964, at Greenwood Baptist Church in Weatherford. They were high school sweethearts at Brock High School, where they both graduated. Dr. Cooper is a graduate of Texas A&M University, School of Veterinary Medicine. He retired from Granbury Animal Clinic. Glenda is retired as an educational secretary for Granbury ISD. The Coopers own and operate Cooper Charolais Farm. They are the proud parents of four children and nine grandchildren who keep the Coopers busy.

Greg and Tal Hogue met in 1976 at the School of the Ozarks outside of Branson, Missouri, now known as College of the Ozarks. They married in the chapel at the school on Oct. 14, 1978. With Greg having received his commission in the Navy, the Hogues began their 20-year adventure in the military starting in Pensacola, Florida, then Corpus Christi and on to Jacksonville, Florida, where Tal gave birth to their two sons. Many moves later the Hogues settled in Granbury. When Greg is not flying as a commercial pilot, he is on his Harley or playing golf. Tal teaches at the YMCA and Pecan Plantation in the summers and plays tennis any chance she gets.

16 | Prime | February 2016

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February 2016 | Prime | 17

prime | food

Low-cal or sinful?

Valentine treats Decadent treats have become a staple of Valentine’s Day. But not all Valentine’s celebrants want to indulge in high-calorie treats with their significant others. For those who want the decadence without

Makes 8 servings 1 2 1⁄2 1⁄2 1⁄4 1⁄2 4 2 mix 2 1⁄4 1 4

all those extra calories, try the following low-calorie recipe for “Rockin’ Red Velvet Trifle” from Lisa Lillien’s “Hungry Girl 200 Under 200: Just Desserts” (St. Martin’s Press). If your resolution was to endulge,

Rockin’ Red Velvet Trifle

packet hot cocoa mix with 20 to 25 calories tablespoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips cup moist-style devil’s food cake mix cup moist-style yellow cake mix cup fat-free liquid egg substitute tablespoon red food coloring Dash of salt ounces fat-free cream cheese tablespoons Jell-O Sugar-Free Fat-Free Vanilla Instant pudding tablespoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated) teaspoon vanilla extract 8-ounce container Cool Whip (thawed) cups chopped strawberries

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.

Place the cocoa mix and 1 tablespoon chocolate chips in a glass.

Add 1⁄4 cup very hot water, and stir until mostly dissolved. Add 1⁄3 cup 18 | Prime | February 2016

try combining blueberries and corn in this unique yet delicious recipe for “Sweet Corn Créme Brûlée With Blueberries” courtesy of Marguerite Marceau Henderson’s “Small Sweet Treats” (Gibbs Smith)

cold water.

In a large bowl, combine the cake mixes, egg substitute, food coloring, and salt. Add cocoa mixture, and whisk until smooth.

Pour batter into the baking pan, and sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon chocolate chips.

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, 26 to 28 minutes.

Let cool completely, about 30 minutes in the pan and 30 minutes out of the pan on a cooling rack.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir cream cheese until smooth. In another medium bowl, combine pudding mix with Splenda. Add vanilla extract and 1⁄4 cup cold water, and vigorously stir until mostly smooth and slightly thickened. Add cream cheese and 1 cup Cool Whip, and stir until uniform. Cover and refrigerate.

Cut cake into 1-inch cubes.

In a large glass bowl or trifle dish, evenly layer half of the cubed cake. Spread all of the pudding mixture over the cake layer. Evenly top with half of the strawberries.

Continue layering with remaining cubed cake, Cool Whip and strawberries.

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Sweet Corn CrĂŠme BrĂťlĂŠe With Blueberries

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Makes 8 servings

Custard 2 cups fresh corn kernels, scraped from 2 ears of corn 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 31â &#x201E;2 cups half-and-half 1â &#x201E;8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 8 large egg yolks 3â &#x201E;4 cup sugar Topping 1 cup fresh blueberries 1â &#x201E;4 cup sugar Place the corn in a saucepan with the butter; cook for 3 to 5 minutes until corn is softened and fragrant; set aside. Heat the half-and-half, nutmeg and vanilla in a saucepan until cream is bubbling slightly. Add the cooked corn to the half-and-half mixture and let steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Place the mixture in a blender or food processor and blend until the corn is slightly pureed but not completely liquified.

Beat the egg yolks and 3â &#x201E;4 cup sugar in a mixer until light yellow and thickened. Slowly add the corn mixture to the egg yolks, beating until completely mixed. Pour into eight 1-cup ramekins, filling each almost full. Place the ramekins in a baking pan. Pour hot water into the baking pan until it is halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake on the middle rack of the oven at 300 F for 35 to 40 minutes, until set. Cool in refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours, covered lightly with plastic wrap.

When ready to serve, lightly sprinkle the tops of the custard with the remaining sugar. Heat a broiler and brown the tops of the custard for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the sugar melts and is golden. Top each with 2 tablespoons of blueberries while the sugar is still warm. Chill again for a few hours, until the sugar hardens.

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February 2016 | Prime | 19

prime | weddings

20 | Prime | February 2016

’Til debt do you part Trim wedding costs without sacrifice

C

ouples planning their weddings realize pretty quickly just how expensive weddings can be. Depending on where couples tie the knot, the costs can stretch into the tens of thousands of dollars, leaving many young men and women to scramble to find ways to trim costs without trimming quality.

Many couples look for ways to cut wedding costs, and couples facing that very dilemma should know that there are several ways to save money but still host the wedding of their dreams.

Guest list Guest lists can consume a significant portion of couples’ wedding budgets. When compiling the guest list, couples should keep in mind that guests will need savethe-date cards, invitations, catered meals (including cocktail hour, dinner and dessert), drinks, and gifts (including hotel gift bags and wedding favors). So the cost per guest will be more than just the per person cost of the meal couples negotiate with their caterer. Couples who can pare their guests lists down to just family and close friends can save a substantial amount of money without affecting their ceremonies.

Reception A couple’s wedding reception also will chew up a lot of their wedding budgets. But there are ways to reduce the costs of receptions, too. Couples planning on having a morning wedding can shift their receptions from the evening to the afternoon, when the cost per meal will be considerably less.

February 2016 | Prime | 21

Afternoon receptions also can be alcoholfree, saving couples even more money.

If a nighttime reception is a must-have, choose a limited cash bar instead of an open bar.

Limited cash bars often provide guests with free beer and house wine while guests who prefer liquor or mixed drinks must pay for their own libations. If you are planning an outdoor wedding reception, you may even be able to provide your own alcohol, which can save considerable amounts of money.

Couples also can trim reception costs by choosing the least expensive meal package. Packages often differ greatly in price but are not always so different with regard to their menus. If you find the packages 22 | Prime | February 2016

offered by your venue are similar, choose the least expensive option.

Arrangements Floral arrangements are a big and potentially expensive part of many couples’ weddings. The bride needs her bouquet, as do her bridesmaids. In addition, many couples decorate their ceremony space with flowers, and of course reception table centerpieces typically include flowers as well. When working with your florist, request in-season flowers, which will cost considerably less than exotic flowers that are out of season. In addition, let your florist know your budget and ask that he or she recommend flowers that won’t break the bank.

Gifts While it’s become customary to prepare gift bags for guests staying in hotels, couples should not go overboard with such gifts.

Gift bags need not include more than a snack, a bottle of water and a homemade thank-you card.

Couples also should not break the bank with regard to reception gifts, which have also become a standard offering.

Keep such gifts simple and inexpensive, even opting for homemade gifts if you and your future spouse are skilled with crafts.

Wedding costs can be eye-opening for couples preparing to walk down the aisle.

Fortunately, there are many ways to cut costs without cutting quality. Q

Did you know?

Research indicates that people who laugh a lot are much healthier and may live longer than those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find time to chuckle. A good, deep belly laugh can provide your body and mind with a great workout. Dr. Lee Berk at the Loma Linda School of Public Health in California found that laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. The organization Laughter Works, which teaches people how and why to laugh, says laughter can cause blood pressure to drop, blood to become oxygenated and endorphins to kick in, which can improve mood. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the beginning. Laughing can help reduce stress and promote stronger relationships between people who laugh together. Data indicates children around the age of six laugh the most, laughing roughly 300 times per day, while adults average only 15 to 100 laughs per day.

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