Hometown Moments & Memories 2019

Hometown Holiday Recipes

Gift Ideas from Local Merchants

The Gingerbread Run Shopping Contest is HERE! Look inside for details on how you could win over

$500 in prizes.

HOMETOWN

CELEBRATIONS 2019

The Light and Champion

Contents 2019

4. HOMETOWN CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE NATION 6. CRANBERRY BARBECUE MINI MEATBALLS 8. WINE CORK HOLIDAY WREATH-DIY 10. LOCAL GIFT IDEAS FOR HIM 12. LOCAL GIFT IDEAS FOR HER 14. LOCAL GIFTS FOR KIDS & TEENS 16. LOCAL GIFTS FOR EVERYONE 18. CINNAMON ORNAMENTS 21. CRANBERRY APPLE STUFFED PORK 25. STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

29

GINGERBREAD RUN SHOPPING CONTEST!

Play while you shop local stores with the Gingerbread Man on their door and you could win a gift basket worth over $500 or a second gift basket worth over $250.

2

N

Hometown STAFF

Publisher

Stephanie Elswick

Fox Print and Creative Publishing, LLC The Light and Champion Managing Editors Suzanne Polk Fox Stephanie Elswick

Writers

Amanda Bochain Emily Fox Ann Jarema Stephanie Elswick Art Director

Dianne Waller Stephanie Elswick Production

Claire Thomas Ginia Hooper Susan Watkins Design

Tra Pham Ginia Hooper Susan Watkins

Shop, shop as fast as you can! Shop local at stores with the Gingerbread Man on their door!

You could win a gift basket worth over $500.

Or a second gift basket worth over $250.

Look on page 29-30 for contest details.

Š 2019 Fox Print & Creative Publishing, LLC, New Orleans, LA All rights reserved Printed in the USA by Fox Print Services (igofox.com) The information contained in Hometown Moments and Memories is intended for educational purposes only.

Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Hometown Moments and Memories, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Hometown Moments and Memories and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Hometown Moments and Memories. V5

All gift items not pictured.

1

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA –This lovely town, known

HOMETOWN

CELEBRATIONS Across the Nation

By Ann Jarema IF YOU LOVE TO TRAVEL AND LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT EVERY YEAR,WHY NOT COMBINE YOUR TWO PASSIONS? EVERY YEAR, SMALL TOWNS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES GET THEIR HOLIDAY ON WITH CELEBRATIONS THAT ARE SURE TO DELIGHT EVEN THE SCROOGES AMONG US. CHECK OUT THIS LIST FOR SOME OF OUR FAVORITE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE NATION.

2

DURANGO, COLORADO

–If you loved the 2004 film "The Polar Express" or the book that inspired it by Chris Van Allsburg, then this town will make you want to shout “All aboard!”

Durango provides you with your very own "Polar Express" experience complete with chefs, a hobo, the conductor, the Hero Boy, Billy, elves, and Santa himself. Enjoy hot chocolate while listening to the story on your way to North Pole.

And look forward to a personal visit to your train car from Santa!

4

3

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – While your

Christmas adventure may begin in Asheville, it certainly

to be the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in our country, is hands down our favorite holiday celebration. National Geographic magazine even revered St. Augustine as one of the 10 best places in the world to see holiday lights, and with their Nights of Lights celebration, it is no wonder. This light tradition usually commences the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs its course through late January.

won’t stop there. Several of the surrounding towns, all inspired

by Norman Rockwell, get into the spirit too. Plan to stop through Forest City, Bryson City, Hendersonville, Dillsboro, Beech Mountain and Banner Elk, Sylva, Saluda,Waynesville, Rutherfordton, Brevard, Morganton, and the Biltmore Village to take in the numerous charming streets, light displays and holiday shopping.

4

BETHLEHEM, CONNECTICUT – This small town has a population of under 4,000, but celebrates Christmas in a big way! With craft sales, hayrides, Christmas train rides, pictures with Santa, and plenty of food, this town will keep you entertained for hours. And when done with all of those fun festive activities, you’ll find plenty of other ways to stay entertained with a trip to the local indoor flea market or vineyard. And of course, shopping at The Christmas Shop is a must.

s S a nta C lau a c h nds to e o p s e r y ll a u a ct , w it h t h e r e t t le y r e v and e w s p e c ia l h e lp o f a fe s r e lf v o lu nt ee

5

SANTA CLAUS, INDIANA – This tiny town proudly boasts a population of under 3,000 and each year, the town post office receives thousands of letters addressed to the city namesake. And what’s even more special? Santa Claus actually responds to each and every letter, with the help of a few special elf volunteers. Additionally, the town’s celebration spans three weeks and includes a Christmas parade, 5k, festival of lights and even chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

AD

CRANBERRY

BARBECUE MINI MEATBALLS

By Amanda Bochain INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds lean ground beef • 1 cup panko bread crumbs • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 large eggs • ½ cup ketchup • 1 can cranberry sauce (16 ounces) • 1 cup fresh cranberries (optional) • 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce • ¼ cup brown sugar • 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp pepper • ½ tsp dried parsley

6

 Add the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, cranberries (if using) and barbecue sauce to a slow cooker. Stir well.  In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and mix well, ensuring that everything is fully blended together.  Roll the beef mixture into small, one inch meatballs.

You can use a tablespoon to scoop the meat and then roll it into a ball so that all of

your meatballs are uniform in size. As you roll, place the meatballs directly into the slow cooker with the barbecue cranberry sauce.  Once all the meatballs are rolled, cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours.  Serve the meatballs directly out of the slow cooker or place on a plate with toothpicks for people to enjoy as a delicious holiday appetizer!

Active Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 4 hours Yield: 8 Servings

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure!

811 Nacogdoches St. Center, TX 75935 936-598-4987

centerhealthandharmony.com

Hours: M-F 9:30a - 5:30p Sat 9a - 2p

•Homeopathic •Natural Foods & Drinks •Vitamins • Herbs •Supplements •Body Building •Weight Management •Skin Care Ca

Beth Borders Brown, Owner Certified Natural Health Professional

Wine A Little CORK HOLIDAY WREATH DIY

By Ann Jarema

W

ith the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how to adorn your home to help you celebrate. If you have used the same old decorations year after year, now is the time to make something new! And if you have enjoyed a bottle of wine over the past few months or years, you may have corks sitting around. Of course, if you don’t have any spare corks lying around, you can make a trip to your nearby restaurant and ask them if they can hold any corks for you over the coming weeks.You might even get lucky and they’ll have some sitting around for you. If this doesn’t work for you, most craft stores carry cork by the bag, which makes it easy to make a large project like this one.

In just a few hours, you can have your very own wine cork wreath ready to hang over the mantle, on the front door or anywhere in your home. And not only do these wreaths look great on display, they make great gifts too.

To get started, collect the following supplies and ensure they are within arm’s reach in your crafting corner. If you don’t have a favorite crafting place, you can easily set up shop in your kitchen, laundry room, garage or anywhere that provides you the space to work easily.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

• 14" Styrofoam wreath • 20 mini glue sticks and a mini hot glue gun • 6 to 7 yards of ribbon (color of your choice–we suggest red) • 2 ft ribbon for bow (color of your choice – we suggest red) • X-ACTO knife or similar craft-type cutting device (a straight chef’s knife will also suffice) • 4 ft brown craft paper • 1 bottle tacky glue • 100 satin crafting pins (to adhere the thin ribbon for decoration) • 100-140 wine corks

DIRECTIONS:  Cover your foam wreath with the craft paper using tacky glue.Think of this in the same way you wrap a wrist or ankle with an Ace bandage. Continue until the entire wreath is covered with craft paper. One layer of craft paper will suffice.  Taking your X-ACTO knife, clip the ends of each cork at a small angle. Perfection isn’t necessary here.

In fact, the variability will create some interesting dimension for your wreath. Note, if you are going for a red wreath or want to create a unique look, consider inconsistency on which end of the cork to snip.You may want to showcase the natural red from a red wine on some of the cork ends, and then have a more cork-look to the others.  Laying your wrapped wreath flat on your work space, and using your hot glue, start gluing the corks around the middle of the spine of the wreath. (The glue goes on the angled portion of the cork). Keep adding rows until you have worked all the way around your wreath, in multiple rows.  Add your embellishments and other desired decorations with the craft pins.Twisted bows or bursts of ribbon bundles coming from in between the corks create a lovely look and help to break up the monotony of the corks.  Add your ribbon to the top or bottom front of the wreath (this is truly up to personal preference).  Allow your wreath to dry overnight. Once dry, add a hook or an additional segment of looped ribbon to the top back of the wreath, to create ease in hanging.This is a personal preference as well, as some prefer to hang the wreath simply by the wreath itself, without using a hook.

One of a kind gifts for everyone on your Christmas list!

• Barefoot Dreams Clothing • LeCreuset Cookwear • Melissa & Doug Toys, Games and Crafts • Niven Morgan Bath, Canyon Accessories for men, and home decor galore!

105 San Augustine Street Center • 936-598-3382 Come see us today!

for GIFT IDEAS

HIM

The men on your Christmas list will love food items from Southern Seasons. Choose from spices, rubs, pickles, olives, pretzels and other scrumptious delights delights.

He'll love you forever!

Mens socks and Saxx underwear are always a hit for the men in your life. Deb's lingerie boutique carries unique designs in both!

Does a guy in your life love to grill?

This gift basket of excellent Cypress Creek beef coupled with a selection of seasonings will be his favorite gift. All basket items available at Mooney's Emporium.

D uke C a nn on

Canyon bags and wallets are perfect for the guy that appreciates 100% leather accessories. This exclusive line is available only at Payne & Payne Home 'N' Suchlike..

The men in your life will love Duke Cannon travel kits, skincare and hair care products. White Cottage Mercantile can help you pick out products for a gift basket, for his stocking, or for a "Just Because" gift.

10

for GIFT IDEAS

HIM Encourage the man in your life to work on projects around the house. The variety of tools, cook ware, and various accessories from Covington's will keep him busy all year long

Shop, shop as fast as you can! Shop local at stores with the Gingerbread Man on their door!

You could win a gift basket worth over $500.

Or a second gift basket worth over $250.

Look on pages 29-30 for contest details.

All gift items not pictured.

A Barefoot Dreams robe will keep her warm and snuggly. Choose from several colors at Payne & Payne Home 'N' Sucklike.

It's hard to beat a great seasonal outfit at a great price. But Hissy Fit took on the challenge and won! Whether you are buying for yourself or others, the selection to choose from will keep you in the Christmas spirit.

for GIFT IDEAS

HER Every woman loves a pair of comfy yet fashionable slippers. This cute pair will do just fine.

Hughes Florist carries a versatile line of sleep wear, gloves and shawls.

Nothing says Christmas like a Consuela bag. Unique designs coupled with incredible craftsmanship make these bags a must have gift!

Consuela line available at Mooney's Emporium in Center.

Pajamas that are comfortable yet fashionable and soft will make the lady in your life give you Christmas hugs. Deb's lingerie boutique offers a wide selection of pajamas, robes and other items that the women on your list will love.

12

Every woman loves a skin care line that's both good for her skin as well as economical.

The Skin Drink line at Center Health & Harmony is the perfect match for most skin care needs. Center Health & Harmony also carries a variety of organic essential oils and accessories.

Pamper the ladies on your list with this luxurious line of soap products by Dallas Soap Company. She'll love the dreamy scents almost as much as she loves you. Only at Southern Seasons..

As long as you take some time to think abou t HER and HER inter ests, you’l l be sure to select a gift that will light up her face , and that will make her feel spec ial. Hap py shop ping !

for GIFT IDEAS

The ladies in your life that enjoy fishing will love the selection of fishing tackle at Covington Lumber. Her stocking could be filled with a selection of weights and other supplies.

HER You can't go wrong by giving this cute sweater and jean combo to a lucky lady on your Christmas list.

Exclusively at Vintage Junkie.

Someone on your Christmas list would love a beautiful A stylish t-shirt with cute accessories? soft sweater. Or maybe you Yes, please! Southern Lemonade would like a new addition to plays host to fashions that are perfect for your wardrobe. Either way, the the ladies on your Christmas list. selection of sweaters at Sumthing to Crow About will make you sing "Let it Snow!".

Say "Yes!" to these bracelets for yourself and others on your Christmas list. COR Boutique's designs are one of a kind pieces that will never go out of style.

Redken hair products in a Christmas stocking spell AWESOME! Primp Salon carries the entire line.

The kiddos in your life will look cute as bugs with outfits from Hissy Fit .They carry a variety of ages, sizes and designs to suit everyone's tastes.

Gifts

FOR KIDS & TEENS Melissa & Doug toys and crafts always make excellent gift for kids. Payne & Payne Home 'N' Suchlike has plenty of gift choices for under the tree in all age categories..

Glister is great for all ages of kids who like to sparkle. This glitter with confetti concoction can be used to turn little girls into princesses.

Or, put on faces and hands for a pep rally, parade, or just because!

Southern Seasons offers Glister in several colors.

This adorable kids table will look perfect in your home or a child's room.

The craftsmanship of this table guarantees years of play and laughter. Table and benches designed and built

by White Cottage Mercantile.

14

Look no further for stocking stuffers!

Choose from a giant rocket pen to glitter putty. And from lip gloss to dinosaur bath confetti and more! Hughes Florist has your stockings covered.

Gifts

FOR KIDS & TEENS

Make sure the kids in your life are Christmas pic ready with outfits from Southern Lemonade.

You will not be disappointed with their cute collection of clothing styles and sizes.

The special little girl in your life will feel grown-up with this darling necklace. COR Boutique has created a line of necklaces that young ladies will be thrilled to wear. Available in a cactus, rainbow and circle.

Monogramming kids backpacks and lunch kits revv up their level of cuteness!

Vintage Junkie is ready to monogram most anything you can imagine.

The outfits at Dazzle Me Pink & Blue are unique in every way. Their selections of clothing, shoes and accessories range from babies to tweens.

Tweens and teens will love seeing these hair products from Primp Salon in their stocking.

The bright colored packaging will help wake up their eyes in the morning!

for GIFT IDEAS

Handcrafted soaps in beautiful packaging are perfect gifts for teachers, girlfriends, co-workers, and most anyone else on your list. Deb's lingerie boutique offers an exclusive line of soaps just waiting to fit into someone's stocking.

EVERYONE You cannot go wrong with a basket full of goodies and mixes from White Cottage Mercantile. Their variety of pecans, sweets, mixes and canned items lets you customize a basket for that special someone on your list.

Keep the canines on your list and in your family calm and comfortable with natural supplements from Center Health & Harmony.There are several categories to choose from including a calming formula.

Everyone loves a great t-shirt. Mooney's Emporium creates t-shirts for all ages and stages of everyone on your Christmas list.

Whether you choose to give a pie as a gift, or purchase a pie for a meal, Sassy Red's Bakery is the place to go. Choose from an endless menu of pies, cakes, cupcakes, cookies and much more..

16

You can't go wrong with giving a great wreath as a gift. Hughes Florist will design a wreath for you or a loved one using any design or style you wish.

Wreaths look great on doors of businesses too!

A great piece of furniture makes a great gift for anyone on your list. Or, perhaps you would like Santa to bring you a couch set! Either way, Blake Furniture has you covered.

for GIFT IDEAS

Look no further for personalized items than Tomlin Insurance Group. These talented ladies can monogram Christmas stockings, blankets, baby items and much more.

EVERYONE Make things personal this Christmas! Get your gifts monogrammed at Hissy Fit. They are experts at monogramming everything from baby clothing to blankets.

The gift of Christmas decorations always make folks smile.Vintage Junkie offers an array of seasonal home decor. This cute wreath will cheer up any door!

This small oscillating heater is just the right gift for those on your list that stay chilly. Available at Covington Lumber.

If you have a hard to buy for person on your gift list make sure you head to Sumthing to Crow About. They carry women's clothing, jewelry and one of a kind home decor items such as this unique chair.

You absolutely can't go wrong with a good candle as a Christmas gift. These candles at Southern Lemonade even offer a calming message on the package.

If you are strapped for time or just don't feel like cooking Darrell's BBQ may be your best friend this season. Their menu offers a range of items including this loaded baked potato and the chicken bacon wrap.

CINNAMON ORNAMENTS Two Ways

By Emily Fox

WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN HANDMADE ORNAMENTS THAT MAKE YOUR HOME SMELL LIKE CHRISTMAS? KIDS WILL LOVE GETTING TO CUT OUT FESTIVE SHAPES FOR CINNAMON APPLESAUCE ORNAMENTS AND CHOOSING RIBBON PATTERNS AND COLORS FOR CINNAMON STICK CHRISTMAS TREES. PERFECT CHRISTMAS SCENT, PERFECT CHRISTMAS CHARM. 18

CINNAMON APPLESAUCE ORNAMENTS

Supplies needed:

 ½ cup applesauce  ½ cup ground cinnamon, plus some for dusting  1 tsp school glue  Rolling pin  Festive cookie cutters  Spatula  Baking sheet  Twine or ribbon

Mix the applesauce, ground cinnamon and glue.The dough will be very sticky!

Sprinkle some cinnamon on the

surface where you want to roll out your dough. Shake some cinnamon on the rolling pin, as well. Roll out dough until it’s about ½ inch thick.

Use festive cookie cutters to cut out ornaments. Make a hole near the top of the ornament.

A pen or a straw works great for this.

Make the hole a little bigger than you think it needs to be. It will

shrink in the oven.

Using the spatula, carefully transfer ornaments to the baking sheet (great time for grown-ups to help!). Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 minutes, or let air dry for several days...if you can wait!

Once completely set and cool, string twine or ribbon through the hole and hang on your tree!

CINNAMON STICK CHRISTMAS TREES Supplies needed:  Long cinnamon sticks  Assorted ribbon  Scissors  Glue gun and glue  Twine

Cut six pieces ribbon into lengths of 9-10 inches each.

Tie the six pieces of ribbon around a cinnamon stick, starting at the top and working towards the bottom. A simple knot will do. Leave a little room between each ribbon.

With scissors (grownups can help!), start at the top ribbon and cut down at an outward diagonal.

Your ribbon should be longest at the bottom. Repeat on the other side.

Cut desired length of twine for your hanger.

Make a loop with the twine and secure ends to the top of your “tree” with a drop of glue.Tie a small bow with a piece of extra ribbon and glue over the ends of your twine loop.

Let dr y an d ha ng on th e tr ee !

Order your Christmas sweets today!

•Pies •Cookies •Cupcakes •Chocolate covered pretzel rods •Breakfast items including scones

Sassy Red’s 1000 Tenaha St. Center, TX 936-598-2447

Our treats and eats are the perfect match to a busy holiday shopping season!

Take a break while shopping.

Or pick up food for a quick meal.

Gift cards are also available.

20

401 Tenaha St. Center, TX 936-598-5207 Jan & Terry Allen Owners

CRANBERRY APPLE STUFFED PORK

Active Time: 30 minutes Yield: 4 Servings

By Amanda Bochain INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup dried cranberries • ¼ cup red wine • 1 tsp butter • 1 cup chopped apple, peeled • ½ cup pearl onions, halved • ¼ tsp salt • ¼ tsp ground black pepper • 1 pound pork tenderloin • 1 tsp olive oil • ½ cup chicken stock DIRECTIONS

 Combine the dried cranberries and the wine in a small bowl and set aside to let the fruit absorb the liquid. Let sit for about an hour.  In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the chopped apples. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the pearl onions to the pan and cook

for another minute. If the pan gets too dry, add about a tablespoon of water at a time to prevent the fruit and onions from burning.  Strain the cranberries, saving the wine for later, then stir the cranberries into the apple and onion mix.Add the salt and pepper and stir.  Make a hole in the center of the pork tenderloin by pushing the handle of a wooden spoon through the center of the pork loin. Once the handle has gone all the way through, roll it around a little to widen the hole. Stuff the pork loin with half of the fruit and onion mixture, reserving the rest of the fruit to make a sauce.  Place the olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet and heat over medium high heat.

Sear the pork loin in the pan, cooking it for about 2 minutes on each side.

Transfer the skillet to a preheated 425 degree oven and bake for 14 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let the pork loin sit in the skillet for 5 minutes. Move to a cutting board and begin the sauce.  Pour the reserved wine in the skillet (no need to wash it, the cooked pieces left behind from the pork will add flavor!) and bring to a boil over medium heat.

Add the reserved fruit and onion mix and stir. Season with salt and pepper.  Slice the pork loin and serve with the red wine fruit sauce. Enjoy!

LOOK FOR THE PINK BUNNY!

Large selection of Gourmet Foods for the Holidays We custom design Gift Baskets for personal or corporate needs Handcrafted Furniture built personally for you right here in Center, Texas Complimentary Gift Bag Check out our facebook page White Cottage Mercantile

401 Hurst St. | Center, TX 75935 | (936) 598-7467

deb’s

22

S E TT IN G

THE TABLE FOR A HOMETOWN HOLIDAY

I

f you’re the lucky one taking a turn at hosting the big meal and family get-together this holiday season, you probably have a lot of things on your mind. From finding room for out-of-town relatives to sleep, to menu planning, to making sure you have time to clean the house (and keep it clean), and even arranging for the gift exchange, hosts and hostesses have a lot to consider. But that doesn’t mean that hosting can’t be fun, in fact, maybe you get energized by the idea of opening up your home to the family.

Or, maybe you just love to decorate, and this is just one more opportunity to show off those skills that show you should have been an interior designer?

Okay, maybe you will never be an interior designer, and maybe you think you don’t have a creative bone in your body, but you really want to create a statement and decorate your home, and table for this special event.

1

Determine the number

By Ann Jarema

IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF SOME IDEAS AND INSPIRATION TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY TABLESCAPE,THEN LOOK NO FURTHER. HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED:

of place settings you will need, and then determine your theme and color palette. If decorating for Christmas, your generic theme is easy. But, think deeper than that… is your theme Kris Kringle?

Maybe you are looking for an elegant and classy look? Maybe you are a gum-drop fan and want to create a theme around gum drops and gingerbread. Whatever it is you are looking to

do, get your thoughts in mind and lock them down.

2

Select your tablecloth and ensure it is designed to fit your table (round, square or rectangular).

A white tablecloth is always a go-to, but this will depend on your theme. A red tablecloth is a perfect fit for the Christmas season, and will also help to hide any spills or other

stma s seas on, A red tabl eclot h is a perfect fit for the Chri r oops ies that will and will also help to hide any spill s or othe mea l. holid inevitabl y make their way to your ay

oopsies that will inevitably make their way to your holiday meal.

3

Determine your centerpiece.

Poinsettias, red and white roses or even a glass or crystal vase filled with red and gold Christmas ornaments, perhaps adorned with a thick ribbon tied around the base, are all easy go-tos and often items that you already have on hand or are easy to find during the days leading up to the big day.

4

Gather (or purchase) your placemats. While you can stick to the same color as your tablecloth, adding a pop of color to the mats can create dimension.

5

Gather (or purchase) your cloth napkins (if going for a more elegant look). Often times, it is easy to select tablecloths, placemats and cloth napkins at the same department store, making it easy to grab and go and stick to your planned theme. Don’t forget a fun napkin ring to help tie in your theme.

If you are using sprigs of evergreen in your centerpiece, consider attaching a small sprig to the napkin holders. Or, if going for the ornament centerpiece, look for small ornaments that can be affixed in some way to those napkin holders (if you can’t find something small enough, check in the earring section as many stores have holiday earrings that could be repurposed).

6

Determine your dinnerware, glassware and serving ware. Will it all match or will it 24

be eclectic? Have fun with this… if you don’t have enough pieces of any one setting, consider switching it up with an “every other” place setting approach.

Consider if you will use chargers or not.

white spaces that you prefer to avoid.

Whatever approach you take to setting your tablescape, have fun with it.You don’t have to have the absolute best in fabrics or china to create a

great tablescape that your guests will ooh and aah about. Use what you have unless you are prepared to make an investment (and if you do decide to go out and buy, remember that you’ll be able to reuse these pieces for years and years to come). But again, let this be a fun activity for you as you work your way towards the holiday season… creating your tablescape is a great way to exhibit some holiday cheer!

7

Set the table and don’t forget your table setting training. If using a 6-piece setting, your first and second course forks will be placed to the left, and your first and second course knives will be placed to the right.

Your dessert fork and coffee spoon are placed above the setting. Next, take your napkin (in napkin holder) and set at a 45-degree angle on top of the plate.Then, consider a small candy (Christmas colored Hershey Kisses are always a win) or two on either side of the napkin holder.You can also sprinkle some candies throughout the table to dress it up and fill in any

AD

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

By Amanda Bochain

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream • ¾ cup butter • ½ cup corn syrup • 6 dates, pitted, chopped • 1 cup granulated white sugar • ¾ cup brown sugar • ¾ cup warm water • ¼ tsp baking soda • ¼ tsp salt • ¾ cup flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 large egg • 1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Place ½ cup of the butter, corn syrup, white granulated sugar and 1 ¼ cup of the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan and bring to a boil over low heat. Cook for about 40 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is golden brown. Remove from the heat and pour through a strainer to remove any pieces that formed during cooking. Set the sauce aside to cool.

Active Time: 30 minutes Yield: 6 Servings

2. Add the dates and water to a separate small saucepan and cook over low heat, simmering for about 15 minutes. During this time, the dates will absorb most of the water.

3. Place the dates in a food processor along with any remaining liquid and blend until smooth.

4. Add the remaining ¼ cup butter and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on high speed until the butter is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl several times to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

5. Add the egg, date puree and vanilla extract to the bowl and blend until incorporated.

6. Add the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder and mix again until a smooth batter forms.

7. Grease 6 ramekins with butter or baking spray then scoop the batter into the ramekins. It is okay if the batter comes to the top of the cup!

8. Place the ramekins on a sheet tray and bake for 20 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. Once

baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

9. Use a small serrated knife to trim the top of each cake so that it is flat and level with the top of the ramekin.

Unmold the cakes gently then slice each cake in half horizontally.

10. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the sticky toffee sauce into the bottom of each ramekin then place the bottom halves of the cakes back in the ramekin. Scoop another tablespoon of the sauce on top of each cake then place the top halves of the cakes back in the ramekins as well. Pour another tablespoon of sauce over the ramekins and then return the cakes to the oven for another 10 minutes.

11. Once the toffee sauce is bubbling, remove from the oven, cool for about 5 minutes and then unmold (use a knife to go around the edges of the ramekin if needed).

Serve the toffee pudding with any remaining toffee sauce, whipped cream or ice cream. Enjoy!

•Contemporary Clothing •Gourment Foods •Bridgewater Candles

•Jewelry •Consuela Bags •Personalized Photo Gifts •And More!

Santa Shops at Mooney’s Emporium 107 San Augustine Street, Center 936-591-9798

Wrap up your Christmas shopping with Tomlin Insurance Group We offer professional gift wrapping & monogramming.

Conveniently located at: 102 Church Street, Center, TX 75935

(936)-598-6165 26

Mallory Snider, Agent

Holiday Room Savings Sale Store Wide Accessories Reduced to 50% off string tag.

Free turkey with a purchase of $100 or more!

936-598-3351

blakefurniture.com

Darrell’s Bar-B-Que Best BBQ

Best BBQ

Dine-In, Carry-Out & Catering

520 HURST STREET CENTER, TEXAS

936-590-9266

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR DAILY SPECIALS

www.facebook.com/darrellsbbq

Primp Salon and Spa

Jennifer Youngblood, Owner

Full Service Hair Salon • Color / Highlights • Perms • Extensions • Facials • Foot Detox • Mani/Pedicures, Adults & Children

936-598-5353 Walk-Ins Welcome

Located On the Center Square Open

Tues.-Fri.: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Let us help you FOCUS on the holidays!

We offer a number of cutting-edge vision care services and products at our optometrist office in Center.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Charles Collard at our optometry office on the Square and give your eyes the level of care and attention they deserve.

936-591-0808

106 Nacogdoches St. Center, TX 75935

Everything for the do-it-yourselfer!

Tool Sets, Drills, Chain Saws, Air Compressors, Generators, Case & Sog Knives & Much More!

Merry Christmas!

Covington Lumber & Construction 1595 Tenaha St., Center, TX 936-598-2907

Hometown

Gingerbread Shopping Run! NAME

ADDRESS CITY

STATE

PHONE EMAIL 1. Collect a sticker from each participating merchant listed on page 30.

2. Return completed form to any participating merchant for entry.

3. Deadline for entry is 12/20/19.

•This shopping contest is only for adults age 18 and over.

•No stickers will be given to children.

•Some local merchants may choose to require a minimum purchase for a sticker.

Official

STOP HERE

Gingerbread Run

Gingerbread Run Participants Blake Furniture

Center Health & Harmony

Center Motor Company

COR Boutique

Covington Lumber

Darrell's BBQ

Dazzle Me Pink & Blue

Deb's Boutique

Dairy Queen

Hissy Fit

Hughes Florist

Mooney's Emporium

Payne & Payne

Primp Salon

Sassy Red's

Sumthing to Crow About

Southern Lemonade

Southern Seasons

Vintage Junkie

Dr. Collard Vision Source

White Cottage

2019

30

902 Tenaha St Center, TX 936-427-5073 www.dazzlemepinkandblue.com

Local Holiday Events December 5th Taste of the Holidays 5-8 p.m. @ Windham Civic Center Tickets available at the Chamber December 7th Christmas Parade 6 p.m. Downtown Square December 7th Christmas at the Rio Immediately following the parade. Presented by the Center High School theatre students and Chris Watlington.

936-598-3682 www.shelbycountychamber.com