Gift Guide

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Supplement of the

Elizabethton Star

2 - STAR - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com

Appetizers & Beverages Aunt Beryle’s Christmas Russian Tea Juice of 3 lemons Juice of 3 oranges 1 #2 can of pineapple juice 1 cup sugar 2 or 3 cinnamon sticks 1 tablespoon whole cloves 5 teabags 1 quart boiling water Put juices and sugar in crock pot and mix well.

Steep the tea bags, cloves and 1 cinnamon stick in the quart of hot water.

Pour off the tea into the juice mixture and discard cloves and cinnamon stick.

Cover and simmer.

I add a couple more cinnamon sticks to the tea mix for flavor.

This can simmer on low to medium all day if you’d like, but as soon as it’s warm it is ready to enjoy.

As a bonus.....This makes your house smell great!

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 cups 2% milk 1 cup heavy whipping cream White chocolate curls, optional In a small saucepan melt chocolate with corn syrup over low heat. Stir occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and cinnamon. Cover and set aside until cool. In a large saucepan heat milk until small bubbles form around edge (do not boil).

In a small bowl, beat cream and cooled hot chocolate mixture on medium-low speed until soft peaks form.

To serve, spoon into mugs.

Add hot milk and stir.

4-6 servings.

Submitted by Jan Malone In memory of Beryle Laws

So Simple Eggnog 1/2 gallon milk, divided 3 (4-ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix 1/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg In large pitcher, whisk together pudding mix and 3/4 cup milk until smooth.

Whisk in sugar, vanilla and spices until sugar dissolves.

Stir in rest of milk. Chill.

Serves 16.

Cranberry-Lime Cooler 6 ounces frozen limeade concentrate, thawed 4 cups cold water 16 ounces cranberry juice cocktail 1/4 cup orange drink mix Ice cubes Garnis: Fresh mint Prepare limeade and water in large pitcher. Stir in cranberry juice and orange drink mix. Pour over ice.

Serves 8.

Janet Isaacs Elizabethton Winter’s Warm Hot Chocolate 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 1/4 cup light corn syrup

Janet Isaacs Elizabethton

Janet Isaacs Elizabethton Grinch Punch (Green) or Santa Punch (Red) 1 carton of Lime Sherbert for Grinch (OR) Punch Sherbert for Santa

1 (2 liter) of Sierra Mist 1 (half gallon jug) of Green Hawaiian Punch for Grinch (OR) Red for Santa 1 half gallon vanilla ice cream Mix all together in large punch bowl! You can also dip the rims of you punch cups in green sugar or red sugar for extra detail.

Tammie Cole Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug.

Stir in 1 cup of hot water or milk.

Sit back and enjoy!!!

Tammie Cole Fake Champagne 1 bottle white grape juice 1 can pineapple juice 1 bottle ginger ale (Optional) pineapple sherbet Mix all liquids together in punch bowl and chill. Can add sherbet if desired.

Alana Chance Rogers

APPETIZERS Brown Sugar Sriracha Bacon Bites 1/4 cup Sriracha chili sauce 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 10 thick bacon slices, cut into 4 pieces 1-1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds 1-1/2 tablespoons back sesame seeds Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine the Sriracha and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Stir together. Add bacon. Set aside.

Line baking sheet with

foil. Place wire rack over foil.

Spray with cooking spray.

Place bacon in a single layer on rack.

Bake bacon until crisp, about 45 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, sprinkle bacon evenly with toasted sesame seeds and black sesame seeds. Remove from oven. Cool. Move bacon slightly on rack every 2 minutes to prevent sticking.

Will crisp up.

Serves 10.

Janet Isaacs Elizabethton Kale Chips 3 tablespoons oil 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 pound washed kale, de-stemmed, chopped into 1-inch pieces Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, salt, sugar, cayenne pepper and garlic powder until blended. Add kale. Coat well. Place on baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn once.

Makes 2 cups.

Janet Isaacs Elizabethton Easy Nacho Dip Ingredients: 1-1/2 pounds ground chuck 1 package taco seasoning mix (dry) 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese Any kind of Nacho Chips Brown and drain ground chuck. In separate bowl, place cream cheese and microwave for 30 seconds to melt. Stir and cook additional 30 seconds.

Remove and add taco seasoning (dry) and blend well.

Add ground beef and stir well. Keep refrigerated and microwave when ready to serve.

Serve with any kind of nacho chips.

Alana Chance Rogers Human Puppy Chow Ingredients: One paper bag (this makes mixing better) 4 squares of white chocolate or almond bark 1 cup of peanut butter 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal 1-pound box of powdered sugar Melt white chocolate or almond bark in microwave, then mix in peanut butter. Add Rice Chex cereal and mix until cereal is covered well. Take paper bag and pour in powdered sugar, then pour cereal mixture into bag, shake well.

Pour into bowl. Keep covered for freshness.

Alana Chance Rogers Sweet Party Mix 4 cups bite-size corn square cereal 4 cups bite-size rice square cereal 2 cups pretzel knots 1 cup sliced almonds 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 6 tablespoon butter 3 tablespoon light-colored corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup dried cranberries, blueberries, or cherries In a large roasting pan combine corn and rice cereals, pretzels and almonds, set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils.

Continue boiling at a moderate, steady rate without stirring, for 5 minutes more. Remove from heat, stir in baking soda. Pour over cereal mixture, stir to coat.

Pour on baking sheet.

Bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Stir and bake 5 more minutes. Remove and add fruit. Spread out on buttered foil to cool. Break into pieces and enjoy.

Alana Chance Rogers Sausage Balls Ingredients:

1 pound hot sausage 1 pound mild sausage 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese 2 cups Bisquick 1/2 cup warm water Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix all ingredients and roll into balls.

Bake for 45 minutes or until brown.

Cane Cannon Philadelphia Cream Spinach Dip 1 (8-ounce) package Philadelphia Cream Cheese 1 cup Breakstone sour cream 1 (1-ounce) envelope Ranch salad dressing mix 1 (9-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed, well drained 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped 1/2 cup red pepper.

Mix all together and refrigerate 2 to 4 hours.

Southern Sassy Girl Feta-Stuffed Strawberries 8 large strawberries 3 tablespoons reduced fat Feta cheese Slice stem ends off strawberries. Use a narrow spoon to remove about half of flesh inside the berries, allowing room for filling.

Full with Feta cheese.

Southern Sassy Girl Homemade Baked Banana Chips 10 ripe firm bananas, sliced thin 1 lemon Juice from lemon Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

Grease sheet pan. Toss bananas in lemon juice; toss onto pan. Bake for 1 hour. Check for firm and changing color.

Flip, bake 1 hour longer til crisp. Remove.

Place on wire rack to cool.

Store in airtight container.

Sassy Southern Girl

Breads & Pastries French Toast Croissants 1/3 cup milk 4 croissants - lengthwise 2 eggs, beaten 1 tablespoon orange juice Garnish: Powdered sugar Stir milk, eggs and orange juice in bowl. Dip croissants into mixture. Coat both sides. Place in greased skillet over medium heat. Cook 2 to 3 minutes on both sides. Dust with powdered sugar.

Janet Isaacs Elizabethton 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins 1 package spice cake mix 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin, not pumpkin pie Mix together. Will be a little dry at this point. You may add nuts.

Spoon into paper-lined muffin pan. Batter will be thick (no worries).

Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes.

Southern Sassy Girl

Chocolate Chip Muffins 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 3/4 cup milk • 1/3 cup vegetable oil • 1 egg • 3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips • 3 tablespoons white sugar • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Grease bottoms only of 12 muffin cups or line with baking cups.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking

powder, chocolate chips, and salt; mix well. In a small bowl, combine milk, oil and egg; blend well. Add dry ingredients all at once; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened (batter will be lumpy.)

Fill cups 2/3 full. Sprinkle tops of muffins before baking with a combination of 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoon brown sugar.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 1 minute before removing from pan. Serve warm.

Janie McKinney

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 - STAR - 3

(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com

Cakes & Pies

Aunt Sue’s Christmas Fruit Cake

1 cup sugar 1/2 cup oil 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup self-rising flour 2 cups whole pecans 1 (8-ounce) container candied red cherries 1 (8-ounce) container candied green cherries 1 (8-ounce) box of chopped dates Combine eggs, oil, and sugar. Beat well using a mixer.

Add the flour.

Next fold in nuts, cherries and dates using a spatula or spoon.

Start in a cold oven with temperature set at 300 degrees.

Bake for 1-1/2 hours. Test center for doneness.

Cut when completely cool.

Makes 1 three-pound loaf or 2 small loaves.

Submitted by Jan Malone in memory of Sue Howard

Tammie Cole

Apple Dapple Cake 1-1/3 cups Wesson Oil 3 eggs 3 cups plain flour 1 teaspoon soda 2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla 3 cups chopped apples 1 cup nuts Combine all but apples and nuts. Beat well; then add nuts and apples.

Bake for 1-1/2 hours at 325 degrees in tube pan.

GLAZE: 1 cup brown sugar 1 stick butter 1/4 cup sweet milk 1 teaspoon vanilla Cook 5 minutes. Pour over cake in pan. Let stand 1 hour.

Brenda Gail Berry Elizabethton Easy Pineapple Bundt Cake 1 box Duncan Hines Pineapple Cake Mix 1 box of vanilla instant pudding 1 stick of butter (melted) 3 eggs 1 can of crushed pineapples or pineapple chunks (drained) 1/2 cup of pineapple juice For the Glaze: 1/2 cup of pineapple juice 1 cup powdered sugar 1/4 cup of butter Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease and flour your Bundt Pan. In mixing bowl combine cake mix, pudding mix, melted butter, eggs, 1 can pineapples and pineapple juice.

Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Leave cake in pan and allow to cool.

Mix together your glaze in small saucepan until butter is melted. Using the end of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes throughout the bottom of the cake. Pour 1/3 of the glaze into the holes, thene let cool 15 minutes. Flip the cake onto you serving platter or cake taker.

Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to remaining glaze and mix well, then glaze the top of the cake. Serve and enjoy!

Tammie Cole

and nutmeg.

Serves 5.

Granny’s Fresh Apple Cake 3 cups self-rising flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 3/4 cup Wesson Oil 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 cup buttermilk 1 cup chopped Pecans (or you can use black walnuts) 3 cups chopped Apples (I use Granny Smith, but you can use any kind) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch cake pan.

In mixing bowl add first 3 ingredients, flour, cinnamon and sugar, and stir dry, blending well.

Add next 4 ingredients, eggs, oil, vanilla and buttermilk.

Mix well, while chopping nuts and apples. Add nuts and let blend, then fold in apples. Pour into prepared cake pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, until cake is brown.

Leave cake in the pan!

Topping: 1 stick of butter 1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup evaporated milk or cream 1 teaspoon vanilla 2-1/2 cups of powdered sugar In saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Add milk and vanilla, mix well and remove from heat. Add powdered sugar and beat with a whisk until no lumps. Poke holes into cake with end of a wooden spoon or straw, then pour topping on top of cake. Let set about 30 minutes.

Easy Rum Cake 1 cup chopped pecans 1 package yellow cake mix 1/2 cup softened butter or 1 stick 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix 2 tablespoons rum extract 4 eggs 1 cup water Butter Rum Glaze: 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons water 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter 1/2 teaspoon rum extract For Cake: Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Sprinkle pecans evenly in bottom of greased and floured 12-cup Bundt pan. Mix cake mix, pudding mix, water, eggs and 2 tablespoons rum extract in large bowl with mixer, low speed, for 30 seconds. Beat medium speed 4 minutes. Pour into pan.

Bake 1 hour. Cool 15 minutes.

For Glaze: Mix sugar, water and butter in saucepan. Stir constantly and bring to boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon rum extract. Invert cake onto serving platter. Pierce cake with fork. Spoon glaze over warm cake.

2 pie crusts already baked or 2 graham crusts (I like the baked ones) Combine all ingredients, except the half container of Cool Whip, into mixing bowl and beat until well blended. Pour into pie shells. Top with Cool Whip and if you want to you can swirl chocolate syrup on the top.

Tammie Cole Classic Key Lime Pie Ingredients: 2 graham cracker pie shells 2 (14-ounce) cans of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk 2/3 cup of lime juice (you can add 1/4 cup more if you like it tangy) 1/3 cup of sour cream 2 teaspoons of grated lime peel (Optional) Cool Whip for topping Whisk sweetened condensed milk, lime juice and sour cream in large bowl until blended. Stir in lime peel. Pour filling into crust.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Bake 7 to 10 minutes or until tiny bubbles begin to form on surface of pie. Cool completely.

You may top with Cool Whip if you prefer.

Chill at least 1 hour before serving. Best if served the same day.

Cane Cannon Rancher’s Pie 1-1/2 cups sugar 1 cup crushed pineapple (do not drain) 3 lightly beaten eggs 3 tablespoons flour 1 cup flaked coconut 3/4 stick butter or margarine 1 unbaked pie shell Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Stir together sugar, pineapple, eggs, flour and coconut in a bowl.

Melt butter and add to other ingredients. Pour filling into pie shell.

Bake one hour until filling is set and browned.

Brenda Gail Berry Elizabethton

Southern Sassy Girl

Pies Cha-Cha’s Tang Pie

1/2 cup Tang 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 tub Cool Whip, thawed 1 graham cracker pie shell Combine and blend until smooth. Spoon into pie shell and chill 2 hours.

Top with Cool Whip or fruit.

Serves 8.

Janet Isaacs Elizabethton Peanut Butter Pie 1-1/2 cups of peanut butter 8 ounces whipped cream cheese 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar 2 (8 ounce) containers Cool Whip (save half of one for the top of the pies)

Individual Pecan Pies FILLING: 1 cup pecans 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup Karo syrup 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon melted margarine Dash salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla CRUST: 1 stick margarine 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese 1 cup flour Mix together margarine, cream cheese and flour. Press into muffin tins to form crusts.

Stir together filling ingredients and pour into crust.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

Casseroles & Sides

Janet Isaacs Elizabethton Butternut Squash Holiday Potato 1 medium butternut Casserole squash 1 two-pound bag of fro1/4 cup butter, melted zen hash brown potatoes 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 eight-ounce container 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Cut squash in half.

Discard seeds. Place cut side down in a microwave safe dish. Add 1/2 inch water. Cover and microwave 15-20 minutes till tender.

Drain. When cool, scoop out pulp and mash. Store in butter, syrup, cinnamon

sour cream 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 can cream of chicken soup 1/2 cup chopped onion Salt and pepper to taste 1 stick of butter or margarine 2 cups of Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix Mix first 6 ingredients

and then put the two cups of stuffing mix on top.

Slice the butter and put on top of stuffing.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

If you want it festive for Christmas, put some green chives and red pimentos on top!

Submitted by Trilla Little

Brenda Gail Berry Elizabethton

4 - STAR - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com

Casseroles & Sides

Easy Creamed Corn 2 (16-ounce) packages frozen corn 1 (15-ounce) can cream corn 1-1/2 (8-ounce) bars of cream cheese or 12 ounces 1 stick butter 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt Add all of the ingredients to your crock pot and cook on

medium for 5 hours. Stirring occasionally.

Tammie Cole

Lemon Almond Asparagus 2 pounds fresh, trimmed asparagus 1/4 cup butter, cubed 5 teaspoons lemon juice 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds

Lemon peel strips In large skillet, bring asparagus and 1/2 inch water to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Next, melt butter, stir in lemon juice. Drain asparagus, top with butter and miniature almonds. Top with lemon peel. Serves 7.

Janet Isaacs Elizabethton

Cookies & Candy Sift together first 4 ingredients. Add other ingredients except oatmeal and beat until smooth. Stir in oatmeal.

Shape teaspoons of dough into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet; flatten.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool slightly before removing from pan.

Brenda Gail Berry Elizabethton Pineapple Drop Cookies 1/3 cup butter 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten 1 cup flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup crushed pineapple 1/4 teaspoon soda 2 tablespoons hot water Cream butter and sugar and add beaten egg. Sift flour and salt together. Alternately beat in flour and pineapple; then dissolve soda in hot water and mix thoroughly into batter.

Drop small spoonfuls well apart on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees about 10 minutes. While hot remove onto a wire rack.

Oatmeal Cookies 1 cup sifted flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup shortening (soft) 1 egg, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon water 1 cup oatmeal

Brenda Gail Berry Elizabethton

Cola-Glazed Ham 1 cup brown sugar 1 (8-pound) baked ham 2 (12-ounce) cans Cola flavored beverage Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place brown sugar in a bowl. Whisk in Cola. Dissolve sugar. Place ham in a 9x13-inch pan with

Cinnamon Butter 1/2 cup butter, room temperature 1/4 cup liquid honey 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 pinch salt In medium bowl beat butter, honey, sugar and cinnamon until smooth. Add salt. Beat til smooth. Serve on

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Gems 2 rolls sugar cookie dough 1/2 to 1 cup all purpose flour 12-ounce bag white chocolate chips 2 cups macadamia nut pieces Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Work flour into the cookie dough by hand. It should be smooth and not sticky or greasy. Add more flour if necessary. Add chips and nuts.

Using a small ice cream scoop, place dough on a cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 12 minutes or until just golden around the edges. Do not overbake.

Makes about 2 dozen.

Brenda Gail Berry Elizabethton Pappy’s Pinwheels 1 pound of powered sugar 3 tablespoons melted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 cup milk Peanut Butter Mix all together until able to roll out like pie dough. You may have to add more powdered sugar. Separate into two balls, so you can make two rolls. Sprinkle powdered sugar onto counter and roll out like pizza dough. Then spread peanut

Main Dishes & Entrees foil. Pour glaze over ham. Bake 2 hours.

Southern Sassy Girl Air Fryer Ranch Pork Chops 4 boneless, center-cut pork chops - 1-inch

thick Cooking spray 2 teaspoons dry Ranch dressing mix Aluminum Foil Place chops on plate and spray both sides with cooking spray. Sprinkle Ranch mix on both sides. Let sit 10 minutes.

Miscellaneous

5 cups sugar 2 ounces OR 50-60 Cinnamon Candy Dots 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Make sure apples are done if cooking your own apples. *Wolf River apples seem to be the best for this.

Then mash your apples. **(If using canned applesauce) START HERE:

rolls, bread.

6 servings (Copycat Texas Roadhouse).

Janet Isaacs Elizabethton Tammie’s Crock Pot Apple Butter 8 cups of cooked Apples OR Applesauce

Put applesauce, sugar, cinnamon candy and vinegar into crock pot and cook for 2-3 hours. If you like a lot of cinnamon you can add a few drops of cinnamon oil.

I like to water bath my canned food, so if you want put jars into a large pot of water and boil — 5 minutes for pints or 10 minutes for quarts.

butter over the entire circle. Roll back up into a log. Place onto a plate and put into refrigerator until it hardens or gets cold. Then slice and place on plate. Keep refrigerated.

Ava Rogers Pumpkin Blondies 1 box Blondie mix 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In bowl mix together Blondie mix and pumpkin puree until well blended (this will be thick).

Line an 8x8-inch pan with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.

Serves 9 Southern Sassy Girl Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup maple syrup 2 sheets parchment paper Whisk butter and syrup together in bowl.

Pour onto 1 sheet parchment paper. Cover peanut butter mixture with second sheet.

Flatten. Place in freezer about 10 minutes.

Southern Sassy Girl

Spray basket of air fryer and preheat fryer to 390 degrees. Place chops in fryer.

Cook 5 minutes. Flip chops and cook 5 minutes more. Let rest on foil-covered plate 5 minutes.

Sassy Southern Girl

Put into hot jars and heat lids and place on top.

Let cool.

Make a pan of biscuits, say the “blessing” and enjoy!

Tammie Cole Sissy’s Herb Seasoning 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons dried parsley 2 tablespoons pepper

Soups & Salads

Stuffed Green Pepper Soup 1-1/2 pounds ground chuck (browned and chopped) 1 or 2 green peppers

(chopped fine, can sauté with meat) 1 onion (chopped fine, can sauté with meat) 2 cans beef broth 1/2 cup Minute Rice 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes 1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce

Brown and drain, meat, peppers and onion.

In crock pot add remaining ingredients, then add meat, peppers and onions.

Cook on high for 1 hour, then reduce heat, stirring occasionally.

Serve with crackers or cornbread.

Tammie Cole

Pappy’s Vegetable Soup Ingredients: 2 pounds ground chuck (brown and drain) 1 onion (chopped, sauté with ground chuck) 1 green pepper (chopped, sauté with meat) In crock pot add: 1 can tomato juice 1 can diced OR whole tomatoes 1/2 can tomato paste 1 small bag of frozen corn 1/2 bag of frozen diced carrots Add: 4 cubed potatoes about an hour before serving Cook in crock pot about 2-4 hours on low. Then add potatoes the last hour or an hour before serving.

Mike Cole

Broccoli Salad With Cranberries Recipe 3-4 cups chopped broccoli (usually 2 heads) 1/3 cup of bacon bits Red onion or Vidalia onion, chopped fine 1 cup Craisins Brand dried cranberries or can use raisins 1/4 cup shredded cheese, reserve a little to sprinkle on top 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 red wine vinegar 2 cups mayonnaise (use 1st cup, then add as needed, not too wet or dry) 1/21 cup cashews or peanuts, chopped fine (optional) Mix all together and sprinkle cheese on top.

Refrigerate and serve.

Say the blessing and enjoy!!!

Tammie Cole

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Ingredients: For Crust: 1 small bag of pretzels (crushed) 1 stick melted butter 3 tablespoons sugar For Filling: 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese 1 (16-ounce) tub Cool Whip 1 cup sugar For Topping: 2 small packages strawberry jello 2 cups boiling water 2 small packages of frozen strawberries or 1 small carton fresh strawberries For Crust: In bowl take crushed pretzels and stir in the melted butter and sugar until all pretzels are coated.

Pat down flat into a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes or until

2 tablespoons garlic powder 5 teaspoons dried basil 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano 1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme Combine, mix well. Place in air tight bowl. Makes 3/4 cup.

Southern Sassy Girl

pretzels are browned. Let it completely cool before putting filling on top. You can put into the freezer to speed up the cooling.

For Filling: Mix together cream cheese and sugar. Add Cool Whip and blend. Pour over the cool crust.

For Topping: Dissolve jello in boiling water then add frozen strawberries until thickens a little. If using fresh strawberries, add about 6 ice cubes to help thicken jello. Gradually pour over filling, refrigerate until jello sets.

Tammie Cole

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 - STAR - 5

(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com

How to make the most of Small Business Saturday METRO - Gifts and gatherings take center stage come the holiday season.

The holiday season begins on Thanksgiving and continues until New Year’s Day. During that time, families gather to exchange gifts, break bread, celebrate their faith, and toast the year to come.

The good times and gatherings that are such a big part of the holiday season were absent from many celebrations in 2020.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, the successful rollout of various vaccines should make the coming holiday season feel more normal. That means gift exchanges and gatherings are back in play.

Savvy celebrants recognize the benefits of shopping early, and Small Business Saturday is a great chance

to get back in the holiday swing of things while supporting the local businesses that make communities so unique.

• Plan ahead. Small Business Saturday takes place each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States.

Since its inception in 2010, Small Business Saturday has grown in popularity.

American Express estimates that 110 million people participated in Small Business Saturday in 2019, which underscores how shoppers can benefit from planning ahead. Research sales and inventories of local businesses you want to support so you’re ready to go come Saturday morning. Doing your homework can make it easier to navigate the crowds.

• Reserve a table at

your favorite restaurant. A great meal with friends and family can be an ideal way to cap off a day of shopping, and it’s a great way to support a local restaurant.

It’s worth noting that a National Today survey of 1,000 shoppers that focused on Small Business Saturday shopping habits found that food and groceries were the most popular things to buy local. Saturday is traditionally a popular night to dine out, and that popularity is even greater on Small Business Saturday. Shoppers can ensure they aren’t waiting for a table by booking a reservation in advance.

• Check your social media feeds. Many small businesses have recognized the value of communicating directly with consumers through their social media feeds. Throughout the day,

Metro Photo

Small Business Saturday is a great chance to get back in the holiday swing of things while supporting the local businesses that make communities so unique.

shoppers can keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn about special sales or events. In addition, shoppers can share their shopping expe-

riences via their own feeds.

Many small businesses rely on word-of-mouth from existing customers, so this can be another way to show your support for the

establishments that call your community home.

Small Business Saturday is a great way to begin the holiday shopping season on the right foot.

5 ways to make gift cards more personal

Metro Photo

Gift givers can explore these ways to add a personal touch to the gift card.

METRO - When in doubt while holiday shopping, go with a gift card. Gift cards provide a convenient way to ensure people of all ages ultimately get something special.

According to a 2016 survey by the gift card sales tool CardCash, gift cards are a $127 billion market that keeps growing.

Physical gift cards have been growing at an annual rate of 6 percent, but digital gift cards are growing at an annual rate of 200 percent. The financial resource The Motley Fool indicates that, during the 2018 holiday shopping season, people buying gift cards purchased roughly four cards each, with an average value of $45 per card.

Many people enjoy the convenience of storing digital gift card information on their phones. Even though gift cards are any easy option, like giving cash, they may seem like impersonal gifts. However, gift givers can explore these ways to add a personal touch to the gift card.

• Make your own gift card. Companies including Visa® and Mastercard® enable gift-givers to personalize cards with their own photos. Shoppers also can choose from predesign galleries to present a card that has a little more flair. The gift cards can then be tied to specific occasions or holidays.

• Choose a popular store. Rather than buying the first gift card you see, iselect

a card for a specific store your loved one likes. For example, if the person is an outdoors enthusiast, a gift card to L.L. Bean may be perfect. If he or she wants to be the next top chef, money toward Sur La Table or Williams Sonoma is fitting.

• Wrap it in a unique way. Don’t just give the gift card in an envelope; find a unique way to wrap it. After all, that will make the gift card a gift within a gift. Find a small gift box and wrap the gift card as you would any other gift. Or make it even more exciting by designing a scavenger hunt with clues on where to find the hidden gift card.

• Assemble a gift basket. Add a few extra treats to a basket with the gift card that ties into a theme. If the gift card is for a boating or fishing retailer, place tackle, a floating key ring or a dry storage bag in the gift basket.

• Add a sweet message. Attach a greeting card and share a few sentiments about why the gift card was chosen. This will help make the gift more personal and show that time was taken to select the item.

The National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics reassures that gift cards are one of the most popular entries on holiday wish lists each year.

Making the gift a bit more personal can increase the enjoyment factor even further.

Why small businesses should participate in holiday events reap the rewards of working alongside one another in an intimate setting by sharing tips for success with one another. Holiday fairs put you in close company with other entrepreneurs. During lag times, walk around and see their set-ups and sales tactics so you can learn how to boost your own sales. You also can offer advice to others about what works for you.

The holiday season is a busy time of year. From on or about Halloween through New Year’s Day, calendars are filled with social engagements and other obligations.

Local bazaars, craft fairs and gift auctions are a hallmark of the holiday season.

Participating in bazaars, fair and shows can help generate revenue for local businesses and provides a host of additional benefits as well.

Introduce your brand Holiday vendor events provide opportunities to introduce people to your products and services. These events tend to have rotating, captive audiences, and you can enjoy exposure to many different demographics all under one roof for a set period of time. Unlike in a retail situation, holiday bazaars may give you the chance to demonstrate your product or service and speak at length about its benefits.

Encourage customer feedback Business owners can con-

Contribute to community pride Businesses who participate in holiday bazaars are Metro Photo

Participating in bazaars, fair and shows can help generate revenue for local businesses and provides a host of additional benefits as well.

nect directly with customers and gauge in real time how consumers feel about their products. Chances are business owners will encounter repeat customers who can offer recommendations or provide some useful insights into their experiences. This valuable information can strengthen a business by allowing owners to fine-tune

their offerings and enhance the customer experience.

Explore possible opportunities Participating in holiday vendor nights gives you the chance to check out the competition. While many bazaars and fairs try to limit similar businesses to one or two per event, you can still

get a sense of which products move more readily. Also, if you have been pondering changing the scope of your business, a holiday bazaar can be a great place to conduct some free market research.

Network with others in the industry Business owners can

doing their part to build a community and may help foster a sense of pride within a community. These events also tend to celebrate things that make the town or city special and evoke good feelings, such as hometown foods or heritage crafts. Local customers may feel more inclined to interact with businesses that are contributing to the hometown feel.

Businesses can benefit in myriad ways from their involvement in holiday fairs and other seasonal, community-based events.

6 - STAR - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com

Great homemade food gifts METRO - Gifts from the heart are among the most coveted and appreciated come the holiday season.

Hobbyists from all walks of life can turn their passions into handmade gifts, but few gifts may be as welcomed as those that can be eaten.

Cooking and baking ramps up during the holiday season. People can turn extra time in the kitchen into opportunities to create festive treats that are ideal Metro Photo Stock up on food-related gifts now for those people on your holiday shopping list who for gifting. But which items love to cook. are the best of the best? Even though tastes are singular, these items will appeal to most foodies and others on your gift list.

• Jams and preserves: Fruit jams and preserves are versatile foods. They are as at 5. Serving board: The rise in cheese and METRO - Many people know someone home on toast and biscuits charcuterie boards means cooks will need who loves spending lots of time in the kitchas they are as fillings in en. Certain home cooks may enjoy whipping something attractive to serve their spreads. cookies and tarts. Jams and Wooden and stone boards are attractive when preserves can be made with up favorite recipes, while others might get excited about experimenting with new flavors serving sliced cheeses, crackers, chutneys, and relatively few ingredients other appetizer. and ingredients. and work well with seasonal 6. Electric wine opener: Wine is the perfect fruits.

A love of cooking paves the way for many complement to many dishes, and what easier different gifting opportunities. Food-related • Cinnamon rolls: Warm, way to open bottles than with an electric wine sticky and full of aromatic gifts also come in a wide variety of price opener? Many are compatible with almost points, making it easy for shoppers to spend spice, cinnamon rolls are the any bottleneck and can open several bottles as little or as much as they want. Check out perfect comfort foods. These on a single charge. these 10 gift ideas for the foodie on your rolls do not typically have 7. Spiralizer: The trend for pasta alterholiday shopping list. a long shelf life, so be sure natives continues, and having a spiralizer 1. Sheet pans: They may not seem like the to present them promptly that can turn vegetables like zucchini into most sexy or high-tech tools of the kitchen, before they get stale. but sheet pans are among the most versatile. spiraled “noodles” will be handy in most • Pancakes (or cookies) They can be used for cookies, sheet pan cakes, kitchens. in a jar: If you have a fan8. Apron and accessories: Home cooks oven-frying cutlets or fries, or even serving as tastic recipe that you can’t need to protect their clothing in the kitchen. resist sharing, try turning the perfect bases for candy brittles.

A fashionable apron and matching oven 2. Air fryer tool set: By now many people it into a gift. Measure and have hopped on the air fryer bandwagon, but mitts can make a statement and keep clothes package the ingredients into clean. they may not have all of the accessories to mason jars, tie with ribbons 9. Meat delivery: The number of directtake air frying to the next level. From spatuand include directions for to-home meat shipping providers continues las to tongs to silicone brushes, an air fryer preparation and cooking. tool set can make meals even more delicious. to grow. Have quality cuts of meat delivered • Mini bundt cakes: Fruit right to a home cook’s house so that he or 3. Dutch oven: You’d be hard-pressed to cakes may be a holiday stanfind a more hard-working tool in the kitchen she can cut back on trips to the store. dard, but bundt cakes make 10. New blender: Today’s blenders can than a Dutch oven. These heavy, often enamfor great and traditional crush ice, process foods, puree, and chop eled cast iron vessels come in various quart offerings as well. Miniature sizes. They can be used to cook stews, breads, foods. These versatile appliances make a bundts filled with chocolate welcome addition to any kitchen. cakes, and much more. chips, dried fruits or even Stock up on food-related gifts now for 4. Kitchen compost bin: Home cooks who those soaked in a favorite those people on your holiday shopping list want to cut down on waste will appreciate a boozy-butter glaze can be countertop compost bin to gather food scraps. who love to cook.

10 gift ideas for people who love to cook

Metro Photo

Food gifts are perfect for the holiday season. Handmade treats from the heart show loved ones how just much you care.

moist and delicious.

• Chocolate barks or fudges: Seasonal flavors can come to life in chocolate treats. White chocolate filled with peppermint pieces or dark chocolate and cherry chunks are tasty pairings.

Break apart portions of the bark or cut the fudge with cookie cutters and gift inside cello bags tied with ribbons or in cardboard candy boxes.

• Cocktail syrups: Create spicy or sweet syrups that are tailor-made for enhancing cocktails. Anyone on your gift list can then become a master mixologist.

• Shortbread cookie ornaments: Circular shortbread cookies can be decorated with royal icing to look like Christmas ornaments.

They can be eaten or even placed on trees to complete holiday decor.

• Festive cookie pops: Cookie pops can be made

by mixing homemade or prepurchased crumbled cake with frosting or softened cream cheese and formed into balls. Insert a lollipop stick and dip the balls into melted chocolate or candy melts. Sprinkles, nonpareils or luster dust can be used to enhance the covered pops.

Food gifts are perfect for the holiday season. Handmade treats from the heart show loved ones how just much you care.

Toy buying tips when shopping for kids METRO - Shopping for gifts for kids makes many shoppers nostalgic for their own childhoods. Few adults can forget the joy of finding the perfect gift under the tree on Christmas morning. Recreating that magic for a youngster can be as joyous for gift givers as it is for kids. That’s especially so when shoppers make it a point to give safe, ageappropriate gifts.

Whether shopping for their own children or their grandkids, nieces or nephews, shoppers can keep these tips in mind to ensure they give toys that are as safe as they are fun.

• Speak to Mom and Dad first. When buying for a grandchild, niece or nephew, shoppers should first ask Mom or Dad for suggestions. Parents will know which types of toys their children like, and they’ll also know the child’s level of maturity. Some kids may not be mature enough to play with otherwise age-appropriate toys, while others may be mature beyond their years and enjoy more complex toys than their age would suggest.

Parents will know what makes a good toy and what doesn’t.

• Learn what to look for on labels. Toy labels are great sources of information, but shoppers must know what to look for. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that toy labels include information about ageappropriateness (i.e., “Ages 3 & Up”) as well as directions regarding how to use the toy. If the instructions seem a bit complex for the child the item will be for, look for something else. Children’s toy labels also include additional information that consumers may not be familiar with. For example, toys labeled “ASTM F963” meet the latest safety standards from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. An “ASTM D4236” label indicates the materials associated with the art toy have been reviewed and deemed safe by a toxicologist. More information about toy label requirements can be found at cpsc.gov.

The AAP advises that electric toys should only be given to kids if they include the UL label.

That means the toy has been certified by the global safety certification company UL, LLC.

Food City has a gift card center in every store with a huge selection of gift cards to restaurants, department stores and specialty shops – even reloadable credit cards!

Fast, flexible, and convenient — that’s how we do holidays at Food City.

Metro photo

Shoppers must consider a host of factors when looking for safe toys for kids this holiday season.

• Avoid certain features. The AAP notes that toys that are loud, shoot objects into the air or contain small pieces pose a threat to children. Especially loud toys can damage children’s hearing, while projectiles can increase the risk of eye injuries or choking. Toys with small pieces also pose a choking risk to young children who may try to put the pieces into their mouths.

• Err on the side of caution. Consumers who are uncertain about the safety of a given toy, even after reading its label, should err on the side of caution and only give toys they’re confident won’t pose a safety risk. Even toys that may seem safe could be dangerous to kids who might otherwise seem old enough.

For example, the AAP advises against giving kids under 12 hobby kits and chemistry sets.

That’s because such kits may contain dangerous chemicals that even pre-adolescents are not old enough to handle safely.

Shoppers must consider a host of factors when looking for safe toys for kids this holiday season.

Plus, get 2x Fuel Bucks*

with the purchase of select shopping and dining cards every day at Food City. That is 2 Fuel Bucks for every dollar spent on $50 or more in qualifying gift cards purchased in a single transaction.

*Excludes Food City Store Gift Cards, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express gift cards, prepaid wireless phone cards and reloadable prepaid products.

ValuCard required. Limited time offer. Some restrictions apply.