Hometown Moments & Memories 2015

Hometown MOMENTS memories &

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BEATING SANTAPHOBIA

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GREAT GIFT IDEAS

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CRAFTY HOLIDAY PROJECTS

Guide to Joyous

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HOLIDAY PARTY IDEAS

HOLIDAYS

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Contents WHAT THE HOLIDAYS 6 THAT’S ARE ALL ABOUT

8 HOW TO GET A GOOD

SANTA PICTURE OR …

BEATING SANTAPHOBIA!

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RECIPE Red & Green Salad with Roasted Beets, Spiced Pecans, and Apple Cider Vinaigrette

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RECIPE Braised Brisket with Cranberries, Tasso Mashed Potatoes and Honey Glazed Carrots

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STOCKING STUFFER IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

10 GREAT GIFTS FOR HER 12 GREAT GIFTS FOR HIM

14 GREAT GIFTS FOR KIDS THE SEASON TO BE 16 ‘TIS CRAFTY 5 Simple DIY Projects

18 HOLIDAY PARTY IDEAS

RECIPE Gingerbread Cookies

PROOFING 20 HOLIDAY YOUR HOME

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FOR HOSTING 22 TIPS OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

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COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SHOPPING LIST Take this handy list with you!

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STAFF Executive Publisher H.G. FOX, SR. Editors MICHELE ROBERT POCHE CAITLIN WATZKE

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Creative Director JENNIFER CABALLERO Art Director PHAM QUYNH TRANG Graphic Design RACHEL LAMBERT

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THAT’S WHAT THE HOLIDAYS ARE ALL ABOUT Donate and Volunteer with Your Children

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3. Adopt a Family. Many businesses and charitable organizations coordinate giving opportunities every year. Adopt a family with children.Your children can help select clothes, toys, books and other gifts.

Here are a few suggestions:

4. Donate to a Food Bank. Grab a box and encourage your kids to pack it with food.

Invite family and neighbors to join you. Have your kids help load the donations and bring the children with you to make the gift.

here do you start? Take into account your children’s ages and interests. Where can their talents best be utilized?

You want this to be a positive experience for the giver and the receiver. Advance planning is always a good idea!

1. Visit a Nursing Home. Residents may not have family or friends nearby and don’t get many visitors. Children almost always bring immediate smiles to their faces. School age children can actually assist them with simple tasks like tidying their rooms, tying their shoes or even reading to them.

2. Play Secret Santa. Perhaps there’s someone at your church who’s struggling financially or an elderly neighbor who doesn’t have the physical means to get out independently. Surprise them with a thoughtful, anonymous gift. Teach your child that giving is not about receiving credit but a selfless act with nothing expected in return.

5. Feed the Homeless. Every community has a shelter that could use extra help at mealtime. Some can serve 300 people or more daily. Encourage your children to volunteer.

Teach them to greet every patron with a sincere smile and friendly conversation.

6. Support the Troops. The holidays are a time to show your appreciation for their sacrifice and commitment. Have your child create a special message to send to someone in the active service.You’ll warm a heart and maybe even find a new pen pal. For more information, contact the American Red Cross and ask about their Holiday Mail for Heroes Program.

“How can we expect our children to know and experience the joy of giving unless we teach them that the greater pleasure in life lies in the art of giving rather than receiving?”

- James Cash Penney (founder of J.C. Penney retail chain)

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How to Get a Good Santa Picture or . . .

Beating Santaphobia!

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Expect nothing. To your child, this man is a stranger. The fuzzy red suit, long white beard and booming voice makes him frightening.Your child would cry if suddenly handed off to any other stranger, right?

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Walk before you run. Visit the mall once or twice so your children can see how it all works. Maybe watch a friend talking to Santa and taking a picture.

Talk with the happy child afterwards. “See! Your cousin had a great time with Santa!”

3

Keep it light. Santa should bring happiness. Threats like “If you don’t do it, you won’t get any presents” can darken the whole experience. The Santa photo should be a fun outing replete with smiles, giggles and excitement.

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Slip Santa a little insider information. Another adult with you can distract your child while you share a few special nuggets of information with Santa that “only he would know.” Your child will be impressed with Santa’s “inside” knowledge.

Are you ready? Okay! Now … say cheeeeeese!!!

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Great Gifts

forHer

THI S H O L ID A Y SEA SO N

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ives, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends…there sure are a lot of important women on our holiday shopping lists. But gift giving doesn’t have to be hard. It’s really a matter of knowing what makes these special people tick. Oh, and speaking of ticking…

How about that Apple Watch? It works seamlessly with your iPhone. With new, never-before-seen methods to select, navigate and input information (such as Digital Crown and Force Touch), the always user-friendly, intuitive device is activated by simply raising your wrist. Because you’ll want to use it all day, the Apple Watch battery lasts 18 hours to keep you connected with everything and everyone. Apple Ever heard her wish for a personal assistant? How about the next best thing: the Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot. We already use machines to wash our clothes and dishes, so why not to clean our floors? Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart Does she love to cook? Get her a Le Creuset Dutch Oven. Made from enameled cast iron, this beloved kitchen classic absorbs and spreads heat evenly, and its smooth surface prevents sticking. It is available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any kitchen or personality. Le Creuset Outlet,Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel Is she into yoga? Upgrade her old, boring yoga mat with a colorful, patterned one.

She’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd with the vibrant Neo-Baroque Yoga Mat from Gaiam. Target

Does she maybe need a little down time to herself? Pamper her with Philosophy’s “I Think You Are Wonderful” gift set, which includes shampoo, a shower gel/ bubble bath combo and body lotion, all in a fresh cream scent. This is the perfect gift to show her you appreciate all the hard work she does. Ulta, Macy’s Is she a health fanatic? With the NutriBullet, she can make delicious smoothies and beverages in no time. The NutriBullet is easy to use and features extractor technology that breaks down tough ingredients for maximum absorption of nutrients. Wal-Mart, Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney Do you often hear her say she’s tired?

Help her get the best sleep of her life with a new set of stylish pajamas. Lauren Ralph Lauren’s Short Sleeve Notch Collar Top and Pajama Shorts Set comes in a variety of patterns. She will drift off to sleep peacefully in these comfortable cotton pajamas. Macy’s

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Great Gifts

forHim

THI S H O L ID A Y SEA SO N

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hether he’s a techie or a foodie, a gentleman or an athlete, an outdoorsman or a do-it-yourselfer, a homebody or a world traveler, we’ve got all the men in your life covered.

Trust me. He wants one. I can feel it in my drones! (Pardon the pun.) Drones, or more specifically drone cameras, allow you to capture landmark footage the likes of which was previously only possible with a Hollywood film crew. Prices range from $50 to well into the thousands. For a drone you can operate with a smartphone, try the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Quadricopter. Best Buy Indulge your drill seeker. Compact and lightweight, the Dewalt DC970K-2 18Volt Drill/Driver Kit offers a powerful, high-performance motor tucked into a compact design to improve user comfort, especially when working in tight spaces over long run times. Lowes, Ace Hardware Help him channel his inner couch potato.

Roku offers a series of set-top boxes for streaming online content, including movies, music and news, onto your television via a wired or Wi-Fi connection. The latest model even comes with games to play using the motion-control remote. Wal-Mart,Target Get him something that will really fire him up. The Coghlans Magnesium Fire Starter’s simple design allows you to create fuel and light hundreds of fires in two easy steps. It’s the outdoorsman’s lifesaver. Wal-Mart Cushion the blow of all that air travel. The versatile Ostrich Pillow Light can be used

as a neck support or a sleep mask. Its ability to reduce sound will help him sleep soundly during long flights. It is lightweight and has an elastic drawstring that will allow him to adjust the pillow to his liking. Brookstone Expand his cooking repertoire with Esquire’s Eat Like a Man: The Only Cookbook a Man Will Ever Need.

Featuring recipes and interviews from famous chefs such as Mario Batali and Tom Colicchio, this is the perfect gift for the guy who already knows the basics of cooking but is looking for recipes he’ll love. Barnes & Noble Help him keep his fitness goals on track with the Fitbit Charge Wireless Activity Tracker + Sleep Wristband.

This comfortable wristband can be worn all day and monitors everything from eating and sleeping habits to steps, distance and calories burned. Fitbit syncs with his smartphone to track his activity, shows progress toward his goals, and even shows incoming calls with caller ID. Wal-Mart, Best Buy

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Great Gifts

forKids

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e’s making his list, he’s checking it twice… There’s nothing like waking up as a kid on Christmas morning and seeing whether Santa has left presents for you under the tree or coal in your stocking. Spread cheer this holiday season with our selection of gifts sure to please every kid on your holiday shopping list.

Give a gift the whole family can enjoy.

Classic board games such as Monopoly, Life, Scrabble, Candy Land, and Chutes and Ladders will be sure to please family members of all ages and interests. Family game night just may become your new holiday tradition! Wal-Mart,Target,Toys R Us

in the living room. The tent can be used indoors or outdoors, is easy to set up and fits up to three kids at a time. Sears

The movie theater experience isn’t complete without hot, buttered popcorn.Your kids will want to have movie nights at home with the Presto Orville Redenbacher’s Stirring Popcorn Popper. It even has a built-in butter melter, so each kernel will have that buttery flavor kids love. Kohl’s

Bring it back to the classics with the Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696. This building set will provide hours of entertainment as your children use their imaginations to construct anything they come up with and create vehicles using the wheel and tire pieces. Target

Help your child be the most stylish kid in school with a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse All Star sneakers. The shoe comes in a wide variety of colors of patterns, and you can even custom design a pair to fit your child’s personality. Foot Locker, Journey’s, Shoe Carnival

Your toddler will be a rock star with the VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set. The toy features three drum pads and a cymbal, each with its own sound. Kids can use their drumsticks and play along to nine melodies in various styles while learning numbers, letters and music. Toys R Us,Wal-Mart

Take your kids back in time with the VW Campervan Children’s Pop-Up Play Tent. This miniature version of the 1965 VW camper van is a stylish way for your kids to camp out in the backyard or play make believe

Bring out your preschooler’s inner artist with the Crayola Magnetic DoubleSided Easel. With a chalkboard, dry erase board and a clip to hold paper, your child will be a miniature Picasso in no time! Toys R Us

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‘TIS THE SEASON

to be crafty!

5 SIMPLE DIY PROJECTS !

MELISSA A. BUGAJ

Cinnamon Ornaments If the salt dough ornaments aren’t easy enough, these are even easier. Plus they smell AMAZING! SUPPLIES: • 1 c. applesauce • 1¼ c. (130 grams) ground cinnamon • 1 Tbsp. ground cloves • string, ribbon or decorative cord 1. Preheat oven to 200°.

2. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

3. Blend applesauce, cinnamon and cloves in large bowl.

4. Dust clean surface with cinnamon, then roll out dough to ¼ inch thick.

5. Add cinnamon liberally to prevent sticking.

6. Use cookie cutters to make shapes, then place 1 inch apart on cookie sheet.

7. Punch hole in top for string.

8. Bake in preheated oven for 1½-2 hours or until rock hard.

9. Insert string, ribbon or decorative cord through hole and hang on tree.

Salt Dough Ornaments A simple recipe to make creative and colorful custom ornaments for your tree.

SUPPLIES: • 2 c. flour • 1 c. salt • 1 c. warm water • parchment paper • rolling pin • assorted holiday cookie cutters • toothpicks • tempera paint • glitter 1. Mix flour, salt and water.

2. Cover work area with parchment paper and dust with flour.

3. Use rolling pin to roll out dough to ¼ inch thick. (Best if done in small batches.)

4. Use cookie cutters to create shapes, keeping flour on hand to prevent sticking.

5. Punch hole in top for string.

6. Create designs on the dough shapes with toothpicks, paint and glitter.

7. Place shapes on parchment-lined cookie sheet and let dry overnight.

8. Insert string, ribbon or decorative cord through hole and hang on tree.

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Toilet Paper Snowman

Beaded Candy Cane

SUPPLIES: • 3 rolls of solid white toilet paper • 1 12” long piece of ribbon (approx. 2” wide is best) • orange felt • 8” x 11” sheet of black construction paper • 2 brown pipe cleaners • black marker 1. Stack the 3 rolls of toilet paper on top of one another.

2. Wrap the 12” piece of ribbon around seam of top and middle rolls to make scarf.

3. Cut out triangle “carrot nose” from orange felt.

4. Glue in middle of the first roll to make nose.

5. Cut out hat shape from construction paper.

6. Glue down on the top of the first roll.

7. Stick brown pipe cleaners in sides of second roll to make arms.

8. Use black marker to create eyes, mouth and buttons.

9. Display ... in bathroom or otherwise!

SUPPLIES: • 1 bag red pony beads • 1 bag white pony beads • white pipe cleaners 1. Twist a white pony bead on the end of the pipe cleaner for your anchor bead.

2. String alternating white and red beads to make a candy cane pattern on the entire pipe cleaner.

3. Twist a final bead to the opposite end of the pipe cleaner when complete.

4. Bend the top portion of the beaded pipe cleaner into a hook shape.

5. Hang the beaded candy cane on your mantle, stocking or Christmas tree.

Memories of Christmas Photo Frame SUPPLIES: • 5x7 cardboard square • holiday cards (only the ones you’re willing to cut up!)

• scissors • glue 1. Cut a 3x5 square in the middle of the cardboard to create the frame.

2. Crop favorite pictures, words or drawings, from past holiday greeting cards.

3. Glue clippings to the outer cardboard frame, leaving center hole open, until covered.

4. Take new holiday photo and secure in place by taping the back of the picture to the back of the collage frame.

5. Display your nostalgic creation.

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HOLIDAY Party Ideas

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oliday parties are perfect occasions to reconnect with friends and family. Make your party memorable by giving it a fun theme.

Ugly Sweater Party. If it’s the old sweater from 15 years ago or the latest fashion, finding the perfect sweater can be as much fun as wearing it. Take it up a notch by having your guests pick a winner.

Wrap Party. Guests bring their unwrapped presents and a roll of wrapping paper. You supply ribbons, scissors, tape, gift tags and yummy snacks. In just a few hours, everyone will get all the wrapping done and have lots of fun.

Movie Marathon. There are many holiday movie titles, but keep it simple and just pick two or three.Your party spread will include popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, pizza and candy galore, from Sno-Caps to Mike and Ike’s.

Dirty White Santa Elephant. Mash up the Dirty Santa and White Elephant. Each guest brings a dirty Santa gift. All guests draw numbers to determine which gift they open. There’ll be many more laughs when it’s white elephant gag gifts.

Tree Trimming Party. Invite your guests over to decorate your tree. Mount and light it in advance, then just put out the ornaments.You’ll have a beautiful tree reflecting everyone’s personal touches.

Serve holiday goodies everyone loves.

Christmas Cookie Swap. Have guests bring a dozen cookies. Provide bags for each person to take home an assortment of the goodies. It’s a great way to share recipes and take away a piece of the party.

Have fun, and remember … you can never have too much ice!

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Holiday Proofing Y O UR HOME

Shining lights, colorful decorations and seasonal delicacies … it’s easy to get caught up in the merriment of the holidays. We need to be aware of the hazards around us to keep our children, families, guests and pets safe this time of year.

Trees

Secure your tree. Prevent animals and curious children from knocking down the tree and injuring themselves and others. Be sure to keep up with fallen pine needles.

Ornaments

Hang breakable ornaments near the top of the tree at the trunk. As the limbs droop, the ornaments won’t drop and hit the floor.

Skip the tinsel! If ingested, it can become entangled in the intestines.

Plants

Many plants associated with the holidays are toxic to humans and animals. It’s best to keep all holiday plants beyond the reach of curious fingers and paws.

Fire

From fireplaces to candles to golden menorahs, there are flames all around us.

Keep curtains, rugs and other flammables clear of the fire. And never leave anything burning unattended.

Please stay safe this holiday season!

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TIPS FOR HOSTING OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS for the holidays

So you invited Mom, Dad, Aunt Edna, Uncle Walter and Cousin Henry plus his wife and three kids over for the holidays.You’re in for some fun times in the weeks ahead. A few guidelines can help make your full house happy and relaxed.

1. When you say “make yourself at home,” mean it. For a guest to feel truly welcome, he should be entitled to treat the refrigerator, pantry, thermostat and remote control as though they were his own.

2. Stock the kitchen accordingly. If your guest is vegan, you might not want your freezer to look like a steakhouse. Conversely, if your household is vegetarian, you’ll need to respect that not everyone subscribes to your beliefs.

Consider serving food everyone can enjoy: fruit, nuts, hummus, veggie trays and salads.

3. Enroll them in Your House 101. Every household has important details to remember.

What is the alarm code? Is the cat allowed outside? Where do you keep a spare key? Give guests a crash course with all the basics.

4. Plan a few outings around town. Every community offers a selection of holiday events.

Research what works for the age, interest and activity level of your guests.

5. But don’t plan too much! Unless your guests want to hit the ground running, don’t overschedule their visit. Imagine if you were the houseguest.Traveling itself is draining and many people want time to relax and catch up.

“The art of hospitality is to make guests feel at home when you wish they were.”

- Donald Coggan

Bake! Bake! As fast as you can!

It’s the cookie we love! It’s the Gingerbread Man! Whether you’re baking for a class party, a family function or even the jolly man himself, the gingerbread man cookie is the quintessential holiday treat. Not only are they delicious, the amazing aroma they leave behind in your home after making them is well worth the effort!

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ c. margarine • ½ c. sugar • ½ c. molasses • 1 egg yolk • 2 c. all-purpose flour • ½ tsp. salt

• ½ tsp. baking powder • ½ tsp. baking soda • ½ tsp. cinnamon • 1 tsp. ground cloves • 1 tsp. ginger • ½ tsp. nutmeg

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350°. 2. Blend margarine and sugar in large bowl until smooth. 3. Add molasses and egg yolk to mixture. 4. Combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg in separate bowl, then blend into molasses mixture until smooth.

5. Cover and chill one hour. 6. Using rolling pin, roll out dough on lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thick. 7. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes from the dough. 8. Place shapes two inches apart on nonstick cookie sheet.

9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until firm.

10. Cool completely on wire racks.

And now decorate them with your favorite icing!

“Today me will live in the moment Unless it’s unpleasant In which case me will eat a cookie”

- Cookie Monster

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Salad, Anyone?

A holiday-colored offering sure to impress at every occasion

Roasted Beets INGREDIENTS:

• 10 fresh beets, greens trimmed • ½ c. + 2 Tbsp. water

Red & Green Salad INGREDIENTS:

(8 servings)

• 2 large heads of leaf lettuce (Bibb, Boston, etc.)

• 10 Roasted Beets (recipe at right) • Blue cheese crumbles (12 oz.)

• Spiced Pecans (recipe at right) • Apple Cider vinaigrette (recipe below)

1. Preheat oven to 400°. 2. Wash beets and wrap individually with one tablespoon water each in aluminum foil.

3. Place on cookie sheet or shallow baking dish. 4. Roast for 50 minutes and check moisture level. If done, remove from oven. If drying out, add another Tbsp. of water to each and roast an additional 10 minutes. 5. Remove from oven and let cool in foil packets for 10 minutes. 6. Remove from foil and rub off skin with paper towel. Skin should be easy to remove. 7. Slice or cube.

1. Arrange lettuce on each plate. 2. Top with beets, cheese and pecans. 3. Drizzle with dressing.

Spiced Pecans INGREDIENTS:

Apple Cider Vinaigrette INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ c. olive oil • 6 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar • ½ c. water • ½ c. honey • ¼ c. Dijon mustard • salt and pepper to taste

1. Pour oil, vinegar, water, honey, mustard, salt and pepper into bowl. 2. Whisk until fully blended.

• ½ c. sugar • 2 Tbsp. water • 1 tsp. cayenne (red) pepper • 3 c. pecan halves • sea salt to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350°. 2. In small saucepan, mix sugar, water and pepper and heat to boil. 3. Boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. 4. Remove from heat.

5. Add nuts to pan, stirring constantly, to coat evenly before glaze sets. 6.

Transfer nuts to cookie sheet covered with parchment paper and sprinkle with sea salt. 7. Bake for 15 minutes, cool and store in airtight container.

NOTE: For faster par ty assembly, beets, nuts and dressing can be prepared days in advance.

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The Main Event

Don’t Discount the Sidekicks!

Braised Brisket with Cranberries

Robin, Chewbacca, Patrick Star, Barney Rubble, Ed Norton,Tonto, Dr.Watson, Igor…the list goes on and on. Sidekicks have been around for a long time.

Whether it be superheroes, cartoon characters or a great meal, sidekicks complete the equation by filling in the gaps and bringing out the best in the main character…or, well, main dish.

An entrée that’s sure to please your revelers

(8 servings)

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 lbs. beef brisket, fat trimmed to a ¼ layer • coarse salt and ground pepper • 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour • 1 can (14½ oz.) reduced-sodium chicken broth • 1 c. dry red wine • 1 bay leaf • 2 tbsp. unsulfured molasses • 1 bag (12 oz.) cranberries • 2 cups water • 1 bag (1 lb.) frozen pearl onions

Recipes for some great sides in your holiday meals

Tasso Mashed Potatoes INGREDIENTS:

(6 servings)

• 2 lbs. white potatoes • 1 white onion • 4 oz.Tasso pork (or other smoked pork) • 10 tbsp. butter • salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Make sure oven rack is in lowest position. 2. Season brisket with salt and pepper. 3. Place brisket, fat side down, in 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot and cook on mediumhigh 8-10 minutes, turning once, until browned on both sides. 4. Remove brisket from pot and set aside. 5. Add flour to pot and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. 6. Add broth, wine, bay leaf, molasses, half the cranberries and water to the pot and bring to a boil. 7. Return brisket to pot, cover and bake in oven for 3 hours. 8. Stir in onions, cover and return pot to oven. Cook 30 more minutes. 9. Stir in remaining cranberries, return pot to oven and cook uncovered until brisket is fork tender, approximately 30 minutes.

10. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Cranberry Fun Fact: Americans consume some 400 million pounds of cranberries each year.

About 80 million pounds--or 20 percent--are gobbled up during Thanksgiving week.

1. Boil, cool and peel potatoes. Then cut into chunks and pour into large bowl. 2. Sauté finely chopped onion and tasso in 2 Tbsp. butter until lightly browned. 3. Add onions and tasso to chopped potatoes. 4. Salt and pepper to taste. 5. Mash with electric blender or fork until desired consistency is reached. 6. Add 8 Tbsp. (one stick) butter and blend thoroughly.

7. Heat in microwave on low setting until desired serving temperature is reached.

Honey Glazed Carrots (8 servings) INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cans sliced carrots • salt and pepper to taste • 1 Tbsp. cinnamon • 1 c. honey • 2 Tbsp. butter

1. Open can and drain carrots. 2. Put carrots in large, shallow pan. 3. Add salt, pepper, cinnamon, honey and butter to pan. 4. Mix well so carrots are coated with all ingredients. 5. Heat on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bubbling.

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Stocking Stuffer Ideas

for the Whole Family Need a little help thinking outside the stocking? We’ve got enough ideas here to please everyone on your list.

Happy shopping!

0-2 years

• teething keys • gum massagers • pacifiers • diaper cream • mesh feeder • baby biter biscuits

3-4 years

5-6 years

7-8 years

9-11 years

12-14 years

15-18 years

Mom

Dad

• starter toothbrush • alphabet books • tub toys • character band-aids • temporary tattoos • Cheerios • artificial snow • nail polish • seed packets • magnetic travel games • bath bubbles • Skittles • scented body spray • bath soaps • quirky pens and pencils • manicure sets • earbuds/earphones • Junior Mints • scented candle • bath salts • gloves • phone charger • purse-size stain removing pen • high-end chocolate (the good stuff!)

• Silly Putty • Lego figures • milk straws • hair bows • sidewalk chalk • Goldfish crackers • tattoo sleeve • card games • origami kits • glow sticks • picture frame • M&Ms • giftcards • earrings • key chain • make-up • cell phone case • Altoids • cologne • disposable razors • bottle opener • flash drive • tins of shoe polish • gourmet coffee

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Community

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RESOURCE DIRECTORY

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Saturday

Bake cookies with a child.

Illuminate your front door and/ or yard.

Trim the tree.

Make a homemade gift for someone special.

Wave to Santa at the mall.

Sunday

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Sunday

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Send a holiday card to a service person away from home.

Hang your stockings by the chimney with care.

Pack lunch all week then donate saved money to charity.

Crank up the holiday tunes while you clean the house.

Hang a pine-scented air freshener in your car.

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Saturday

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Sunday

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Give someone a present anonymously.

Host a Christmas movie night with friends.

Paint your nails red and green!

Take in a Christmas performance, such as The Nutcracker.

Treat a teacher in your life to coffee one morning.

Saturday

Sunday

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Light the fireplace and enjoy it with loved ones.

Download a holiday ringtone.

Take an old friend out for lunch.

Care for an animal at home or elsewhere.

Display a poinsettia.

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Make homemade eggnog.

Create a Christmas centerpiece for your table.

Say a prayer or send positive vibes to a needy friend.

Thursday

24 Call your mother.

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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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