Hometown Moments & Memories 2019

Hometown

HOMETOWN

CELEBRATIONS

Hometown

Hometown

CELEBRATIONS

Hometown

HOMETOWN

CELEBRATIONS

Contents

6. HOMETOWN CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE NATION 8. CRANBERRY BARBECUE MINI MEATBALLS 10. WINE CORK HOLIDAY WREATH-DIY 12. GIFT IDEAS FOR HIM 14. GIFT IDEAS FOR HER 16. GIFTS FOR KIDS & TEENS 17. RUMCHATA EGGNOG 18. CINNAMON ORNAMENTS 20. H OLIDAY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS PROJECT: LIGHTS & ORNAMENTS IN GLASS BOWL 22. CRANBERRY APPLE STUFFED PORK 28. STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING 29. COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS 30. SHOPPING LIST

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SETTING THE TABLE FOR A HOMETOWN HOLIDAY

If 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.

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Hometown STAFF

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Executive Publishers Greg and Suzanne Polk Fox

Fox Print and Creative Publishing, LLC Managing Editor Suzanne Polk Fox

Writers

Amanda Bochain Emily Fox Ann Jarema Art Director

Dianne Waller Production

Claire Thomas Design

Tra Pham 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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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 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

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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.

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for GIFT IDEAS

C offee cl ub

Get your coffee lover a caffeine fix for the entire year.

Check out your local coffee shops, stock up on bags of local coffee and give him a new blend every month.

HIM THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX WITH THESE FUN AND FUNCTIONAL GIFTS. NO MATTER HIS INTERESTS OR LIFESTYLE, THERE’S A SPECIAL GIFT OUT THERE JUST FOR HIM!

By Emily Fox

Old -fas hio ne d sh av e kit The perfect gift for all bearded beaus: this old-fashioned kit will keep him looking sharp! As an added bonus, many of the blades in these kits are kinder to skin than disposable razors.

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Vi ny l re cord bo oken ds These vinyl record bookends will lend a cool new look to his bookshelves.To make it even more special, hit up your local thrift store and make them yourself!

Rev up game night with this fun new word game! This twisting alphabet game will test his creativity and competitiveness...and it’s perfect for traveling.

Grilli ng ca mp ing ba sket

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t get ready for warmer weather. Grill-loving guys will flip over this basket that can pull double-duty on the grill and over a campfire.

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If you haven’t seen the videos blasting all over social media of these FabFitFun boxes, rest assured that she probably has.The FabFitFun box creates an element of surprise and each package (arrives quarterly) is full of skin care items and make-up samples (and not just a tiny sample… these samples are large enough to offer multiple uses), fitness accessories, jewelry and more.To order, visit www.fabfitfun.com If she likes technology or is always leaving on the lights (or pestering you for leaving on the lights), get her an Amazon Echo Dot. This device is great for responding to even the most complex questions, reporting on the weather, providing a quick update on current events, controlling the temperature on the thermostat and turning off the lights. (HINT: Have her ask her new Echo Dot, “Why are fire engines red?”)

By Ann Jarema

Does she love to cook but not have time to shop? Why not try a Hello Fresh Meal Kit? Hello Fresh is a low-risk order as no subscription is required.

To order, visit www.hellofresh. com, and she will receive a one-time delivery of recipes, along with all of the necessary ingredients to create that night’s dinner masterpiece.

If she likes to read, likes a great coffee table book and conversation piece, or is one heck of a lady, pick up a copy of Ann Shen’s book, “Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World (Women in History Book, Book of Women Who Changed the World).”This book covers amazing women throughout history, inclusive of pirates, scientists, activists, and more.

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

HER Let’s face it, women can be hard to shop for. Whether buying for mom, a spouse or significant other, a daughter, a grandmother, or even an aunt, the entire act of purchasing a gift for a special woman in your life can be fraught with anxiety. And you might be scratching your head, or channeling Mel Gibson in his 2000 romance film, “What Women Want.” But, make it easy on yourself. Women want to know that you have taken the time to think about them… so if you are already trying to figure out what to do, you’ve already taken the first step, and she’ll be thankful knowing that you didn’t just run to the nearby convenience store, grabbing the first bottle of perfume you found on the shelf.

Here are some quick suggestions to help you make her gift special.

Does she have a great soaking tub and like to relax after a long day at work or a visit to the gym?

The LifeAround2Angels Bath Bombs Gift Set is made in the USA, and is truly the bomb (times 12)! The bombs will create a delightful fizz in the tub, and will not leave a stain or ugly residue.

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Buying for a child that is a bit more laid back that likes to hang out and read? This versatile Floor Pillow Fold Out Lounger retails for under $30 and is super soft and comfortable.

Gifts

By Emily Fox

FOR KIDS & TEENS

It’s not easy to find the right gift for a young child or for a teenager. Any gift-giver fears giving the gift that the youngster will set aside after opening because it didn’t interest them, causing them to move on to the next package in the hope of finding something better. Or what about that teenager and the rolling of the eyes when they receive something “uncool” are behind the times?

It’s no wonder that gift giving can cause stress and anxiety for any well-intentioned gift giver. So, this quick list is intended to take some of the pressure off.

Check out this Boogie Board 8.5-Inch LCD Writing Tablet. All kids inevitably want what mom and dad or big brother and sister have, and this unique take on the Etch a Sketch of yesteryear will be sure to delight any budding artist.

Perhaps one of the latest crazes of the year has been the Nintendo Switch.This item is easy to use and popular for kids of all ages, plus it is the gift that keeps on giving as you can gift new games for future gifting holidays.

If your gift recipient is more into science and could be the future Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, this Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit provides over 100 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) projects that are sure to delight (and educate) that budding entrepreneur.

With one of th e u ar e afor ementio ne d gifts , yo ient su re to de lig ht yo ur re cip ow nie an d yo u’l l ea rn so me br po ints in th e proc ess.

What about your child with tons of energy to burn and the need to get outside and ride? The EzyRoller Classic Ride On is great for children ages 4 to 14.This unique take on a sidewinder crossed with big wheel doesn’t use pedals, and instead uses a foot bar that leverages easy alternating leg movements to get you rolling.

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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 !

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LOCAL STORY

HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS PROJECT

LIGHTS & ORNAMENTS IN GLASS BOWL

By Ann Jarema

CHRISTMAS SEASON TENDS TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN MOST OF US, AND IN MANY CASES, GETS US IN THE MOOD TO DECORATE AND CREATE NEW WAYS TO SHOWCASE THE BEAUTY OF THE SEASON. IF YOU WANT TO CREATE A GREAT COUNTERTOP OR MANTLE PIECE FOR THE HOLIDAYS, USING ITEMS YOU LIKELY HAVE READILY AVAILABLE AT HOME, LOOK NO FURTHER. THIS ELEGANT AND FUN CHRISTMAS LIGHT ORNAMENT BOWL IS EASY TO PUT TOGETHER, AND EVEN MORE FUN TO ARRANGE.

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WHAT YOU WILL NEED:  A string of Christmas lights (color of your choice). If you plan to put your project within the vicinity of an outlet and your cord will be discreet, electrical lights are just fine. But, if you will not be able to access an outlet or if you want to keep your cord more hidden, head to your local home improvement store to pick up a string or two of batteryoperated lights.  A large glass bowl.  Ornaments – those with shiny or reflective metallic surfaces are recommended. DO NOT use cloth or flammable ornaments for this project.  Snow fluff (optional)  Craft paper roll (optional)

NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR SUPPLIES READY TO GO,THE NEXT PART IS FUN AND EASY.

• Arrange your bowl at its intended destination.

If you will be using snow fluff, you may wish to lay down a few sheets of crafting paper underneath.

• Place one end of your Christmas lights at the bottom of the bowl (make sure that the plug or the battery mechanism are not placed in the bowl… keep that end out).

• Start positioning your ornaments inside the bowl, one by one, making sure to adjust the Christmas light strand within the bowl (but not necessarily around each ornament

as the goal is to keep the cord from being visible).

• Sprinkle snow fluff around the bowl and place a few ornaments haphazardly on the snow fluff, to create the look of a bowl spilling over.

• Position the rest of your lights so that the cord comes out the back side, or wherever it will be least visible.

• Test your lighting to ensure that your ornaments reflect when the lights are turned on. Reposition your ornaments if needed, to create the maximum effect.

Now , step ba ck and take a look at you r pro ject , and sm ile.

Yo u did it!

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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 24

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!

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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.

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Determine the number 26

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.

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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. inevitabl y make their way to your holid ay

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

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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.

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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.

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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).

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

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!

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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

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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

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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!

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RUMCHATA EGGNOG

By Amanda Bochain Active Time: 15 minutes Yield: 6 Servings

INGREDIENTS • 4 eggs, separated • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 3 tsp granulated sugar • 3 cups whole milk • 6 ounces Rumchata • 1 tsp nutmeg • 1 tsp vanilla extract • ½ tsp cinnamon

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DIRECTIONS

 I n a stand mixer fitted with a whisk

attachment, whip the egg whites with the granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Set the whipped whites aside.  I n a clean bowl, whip the egg yolks until they are light and fluffy. Add the brown sugar to the mix and continue to whip until the sugar has dissolved (about 3 minutes).  I n a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.

Bring to a boil then remove from the heat.

W ith the mixer on low speed, whipping the egg yolks and brown sugar, slowly stream in the hot milk mixture. Continue to whip for about 2-3 minutes to let the milk incorporate fully into the eggs and also to cook the yolks. A dd the Rumchata to the milk mixture and stir well.  F old the whipped egg whites into the milk mix gently so as not to knock all of the air out of the whipped whites. D ivide into glasses, garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve!

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Shopping List  Spouse ______________________ ______________________  Children ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________  Mother ______________________ ______________________  Father ______________________ ______________________

 Sisters ______________________ ______________________ ______________________  Brothers ______________________ ______________________ ______________________  In-Laws ______________________ ______________________  Grandmothers ______________________ ______________________  Grandfathers ______________________ ______________________

 Aunts ______________________ ______________________  Uncles ______________________ ______________________  Cousins ______________________ ______________________ ______________________  Nieces ______________________ ______________________  Nephews ______________________ ______________________  Friends ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________  Neighbors ______________________ ______________________  Bosses ______________________ ______________________

 Co-Workers ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________  Teachers ______________________ ______________________  School Staff (cafeteria, bus, etc.) ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________  Household Helpers (housekeeper, babysitter, etc.) ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________  Service Workers (mailmen, garbage collectors, etc.) ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________  Clergy ______________________  Pets ______________________

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Countdown to

CHRISTMAS Sunday

1 Take Vintage Photos For Christmas Cards

6 Make Your Salt Dough Ornaments

2

3

Make Hand Stamped Christmas Cards

Make Your Own Christmas Potpourri

4

5

Make Your Own Hand Stamped Wrapping Paper

Make Divinity

Saturday

Sunday

7

8

9

10

Mail Your Christmas Cards

Decorate Your Christmas Tree

Bring Flowers to Your Church

Take Gifts To Teachers

Saturday

Sunday

11

12

13

Make Your Christmas Centerpiece

Write Letters To Santa

Hang Some Christmas Lights

Go Christmas Caroling

16

17

18

19

20

Make Christmas Candy

Do Your Make Ahead and Freeze Prep for Christmas Dinner

Host an Ice Cream Social at a Nursing Home

Decorate a Gingerbread House

Saturday

Sunday

Watch a Christmas Movie

21

22

23

Host A Christmas Get Together

Do Final Touches to Decorations

Have Friends Over to Bake Cookies

14

15

Visit Santa and Take a Picture

Tuesday

24 Watch “A Christmas Story” and drink some hot chocolate

Community

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

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Consumers love the Gingerbread Man! 200 Greenleaves Blvd. • Ste. 4 Mandeville, LA 70448 www.igofox.com • 877.329.0571

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