Nikki's portfolio

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Nicole Dusanek 2014 Portfolio

Self Analytical Essay Journalism is the connection between information and the people. Without honest and reliable reporting the truth is blurred. People rely on the information presented by the press, and they believe what the journalists give them. When writing a story, I do my best to consistently provide the students with truthful articles that have all the necessary facts. Embellishments and opinion do nothing but cloud the readers mind, unless I am writing for the opinion page, and that is not the goal of journalism. I am a creative writer at heart, but Newspaper class has allowed me to separate creative writing from journalistic writing.

When I write creatively, my goal is to effect the way the reader feels, I use my words to manipulate emotion. In journalism, I use my words to provide the reader with all the necessary facts for them to come to their own opinion. This was difficult for me when I first started newspaper three years ago. All my past writing experience, outside of an English class, revolved around creative writing. Newspaper was definitely a shock to my system because of all the rules and guidelines set up for journalism. In the beginning, I resented the rules for limiting my creativity, I saw them as boundaries; but not only have I grown as a writer but I have grown as a journalist. I now understand that journalism calls for a different kind of creatively, and I see it as a challenge to see how far the boundaries can be pushed.

Looking back at my beginnings, I am sometimes shocked by the growth I, myself, have witnessed.

Rereading some of my first articles has me wincing at the poorly written and rule breaking writing. I resented the journalistic rules so much in the beginning, and now I see every mistake. Back then, I was not ready to break the rules. I did not understand them enough to begin to tear them apart. But now I see that I had to learn them before I could break them. I had to understand the necessity of these rules, before I could decide where they were no longer necessary. After three years of being in newspaper, I am finally very comfortable with my ability to decide when it is okay to break rules. Not only in the writing, but also in design.

I found places where it was okay to word wrap, or box text. I found places where rule breaking made for unique and intriguing pages.

All the other classes in high school educate students on how to do something, where as Newspaper makes you do something. I am not being taught how to create a spread, I am creating spread. Furthermore, our reputation as an award winning paper puts pressure on all of us to do our best. We are not learning how to be editors, we are editors. We are encouraged to not rely too heavily on our teacher, while teachers are their to guide us and help us if necessary, we are responsible for the creation of the paper. I always knew I was doing something difference in school, but I finally struct by the importance of it. Also, through the process of creating a paper I have learned the true importance of deadlines. In my English and math classes I can turn an assignment in late and there are no major reprisals. Deadlines are of the greatest importance in Newspaper. Missing one deadline can throw off the production of the paper. If someone misses the first deadline for their first draft of an article chances are the article will not go through enough editing to make it flawless, and we aim for flawless articles. Not only are article deadlines of great importance, but spread deadlines are greatly necessary. As an editor, I know the lengths we go to to create an aesthetic and understandable spread. If the articles and photos are not in on time, the pressure on us doubles. While writers may be responsible for their writing, we are responsible for the page. Our name is beside their name. This semester I found myself following deadlines more closely, and taking advantage of the time Adamson offered us during production week. While staying late at school is not particularly exciting, it is definitely worth it.

Our future is made up of our past. Currently, I am working to make sure my past is complete with enough experience that I understand how to proceed and reason in my future. This class has provided me with the knowledge of leadership, deadline importance, and breaking away from my comfort zone. These lessons are interchangeable with many future opportunities, not just journalism. No matter what I decide to pursue in my future, I can carry the lessons from this class with me. Whenever someone who is looking to do newspaper asks me what I think of it, my response is always the same, “It is the most stressful class, but it is also the most rewarding.” And it’s true. Even now, while I am trying to finish this portfolio, I am stressing out. But when everything is over and through, I will see something that I am responsible for creating, and somehow it makes it all worth it.

Reflection 1 Personally, I beleive that my best work I did this semester is my “‘Me’ Generation” article. i wrote it for the December opinion page and it was never published; however, since it was a topic I was excited to write I beleive it was the most intersestion article. I included many facts that I believe backed up my opinion and portrayed my information in a way that would draw in readers. Also, I spent a good amount of time writing and editing this article on my own. i was careful to use reliable sources that would be familiar to the reader, such as Time Magazine. In the end, iwas very proud of my final product and it reinforced my dea that you should always write things that you are passionate about because that is when you get the best articles.The purpose of this article was to share my opinion that the ‘Me” Generation, our generation, does not deserve how bad of a reputation, we have been getting. I discussed how we have a reputation for being lazy, entitled and rud, but how maybe we are confident, hopeful and living life to the fullest. Since I was so interested in the topic, it was pretty easy to complete.

The first outing was very rough and mostly consisted of my actual thoughts. it was very informal, but by my rought draftm i had turned the bullet points into sentences, but the orgainization was rough. I reorganized the paper by my second draft, and by then I only had a fewgrammatical errors to fix. It realy taught me how an article develops through the draft process, Specifically, I am proud of how I was able to remain respectful to the other generation throughout the article, which was a bit difficult to do. It was tempting to say, “but who raised us?” or “Who gave us those participation trophies?” but I refrained and was able to raise up my gneration without bringing any others down.

After being assigned the article, I dove right into the research. I am definitely not a fan of research, but since the topic was so interesting I didn’t mind doing it. Also, by starting off working hard on this article I seemed to carry it through the rest of the writing period. This was one of the first articles that I did not procrastinate on.

Throughout the editing process, I kept up with every edit.

If I had a peer edit, I fixed my article, if I had an editor edit, I fixed my article. Overall, the final article I was very proud of.

I had gone over the word count before the edits and ended with an article that matched the word count and had almost no errors. This habit I did continue to keep. I found that editing right away was much more helpful then putting it off and losing papers or forgetting to edit something important.

In the end, this article was not published, not do tue lack of quality but due to lack of space on the pages. I am hopeful that it will be included in a future issue.

Reflection 2

In the end of the school year, I allowed myself to drop my standards on an article. I choose to write a news piece on a topic I was intersted and passionate about. The article that could use the most work would be my “Million Masked March” articlethat was never published. It is a very interesting topic and if I had gone more in depth it could have been so much better.

While it was signed off by the editor and was well organized with no grammatical errors, it had could have included much more information.

THe biggest mistake I made while writing the article was not giving myself enough time for research. I only looked at the top and easiest websites, when I could have looked more into the other sites that could have given me more in-depth information. WHat disappointed me the most w=about this article is that it had so much potential that I didn’t

Look at the news for a minute, the missing children in Mexico, the beheadings, the global protests; there is a lot happening in the world today.

However, social media, which has the power to globally connect and instantly inform, is being used to globally blind people.

On November 5 there was a global protest that occurred to protest government interference and invasion of privacy.

Anonymous supporters chant "remember remember the fifth of November" for the day that they peacefully protested. And people do remember the fifth of November, but not for the million masked March.

It was around November 5 that Alex from target went viral. Social media all but ignored the global protest and focused on the viral target worker who even earned a spot on Ellen for bagging groceries.

"Alex from target shouldn't be famous, I dont know what that says about society," Lexi Covelli, a senior, said.

A couple weeks later, 'anonymous' acted again and hacked the KKK website in order to protest their actions in Ferguson. Of course, this was around the time that Kim Kardashian posed for a magazine, the photos of which "broke the Internet."

Social media has the power to draw viewers interest away from other more important news stories. People are drawn to viral videos of cats and music, that they do not always notice the news happening behind the scenes The protests occurred in Europe, Asia, and America including in Washington, DC. Protesters wore masks in the the second annual "million masked March." This year the protest drew in thousands of protesters, a big jump from last years protest with only a couple hundred protesters. A common poster showed said "we are the 99 percent" to state that they are the ones fighting for the rights that 1 percent of the population is willingly ignoring.

The Million Masked March was put on by a movement that goes by 'Anonymous' and are the number one protest movement at the current moment according to RT. .

Reflection Reflection 3 3

The photo I am most proud of taking this year would be a photograph of the GeoBee. I should have put more effort into taking photographs this semester so that I can improve as a well-rounded journalist. The GeoBee photograph was for an online article I was writing, and I was not expecting to take a photograph. I jumped right into it and took a lot of photographs, knowing that one of them would turn out good. I believe that if I work harder I could actually become a decent photographer. I enjoy art, and have been good at drawing or painting, but I never could get the handle on photography. I think if I am able to train my eye to see through the lens of a camera like I do when looking at a blank canvas, I could see ways to take good photographs. The reason I like this photograph would be because I used rule of thirds to make the back of the jacket that says ‘Cactus Shadows High School” stand out and then I have the GeoBee in the background. The stairs in the background of the phot could also be leading lines to point toward the kid’s jackets.

This makes the center of visual interest the kid in the Cactus Shadows jacket.

Reflection Reflection 44 Newspaper is a team effort. Everyone relies and trusts each other. I try my best to add to the team in any way I can. I believe that I add to the class by getting my work done. To efficiently run the class, articles need to be turned in on time so photographers know what to photograph and editors can receive their work on time to put it all together. I know that I procrastinate, but I never turn in a late assignment.

Also, I do my best as an editor to be supportive but strict. I know that writing can be difficult and I understand procrastination, so while I am a bit lenient my writers always get my final drafts in on time. I do my best to make sure my page always look good and I make sure I learn from my mistakes. When we finish the monthly paper, it all goes together. I do my best to make it so that my page deserves to be in our award winning paper.

Furthermore, I am always willing to do more. For the online issue I went to write an article but last minute, I found out I needed to take picture also. I did not have a second though, and I grabbed a camera and got it all done. Overall, both the article and the picture turned out good.

I also learned to be inspired. It sounds odd, because most people do not think of inspiration as a thing to be taught, but I learned to be inspired daily by anything, and as an editor in my third year of newspaper,I try my hardest to teach my writers to be inspired as well. Seeing a cool spread in a magazine is not the only way to be inspired, but the way someone wrote in chalk on the pavement, or how someone put something up on a bulletin board can inspire someone. By opening my eyes to the world around me, I can be a benefit to the staff by providing creative and useful ideas.

In our class, we all have our own weight to pull. We work every year to not only make a great paper for the student, but for awards. I believe that we all pull our weights, and so far, we have been awarded for our paper. We would not have these awards if it was not for the great writers, photographers and editors of the CSPress.

Reflection 55 Reflection Reflection #5 This year, I was faced with the challenge of rearranging much of a spread. When I began the December issue of the paper,one of my articles had not interviews by production day.I had to work with what I had, and had to rewrite much of an article. Also, on my November page I had two articles that did not meet the word count requirements and they were the only articles I had turned in that were not a sidebar. I put the articles together and rewrote and added much to both so that they would flow together. This way, I was able to fill up a whole page with one long article instead of two short articles that had similar topics. Most of the difficulties were self-inflicted, such as because of my own procrastination or not pestering a writer enough about an article.

I had an issue that when production week came, I found myself with one missing usable photograph for a gingerbread house, which made the page bare. In the end, it was necessary to use a picture from an yearbook that Madison Schwab had taken last year. I work my hardest to avoid missing photos by constantly talking to my writers and photographers. By having open communication with the staff working on my page, I am mostly able to avoid an emergency about an empty page.

Overall, the situations leading up to the December issue taught me that I should take the initiative to think of unique and creative ideas that will intrigue readers. Furthermore, I should do everything I can prior to production day. If I am not happy with my articles, chances are the readers will not be pleased with them either. I am the editor, I am in control of what goes on my page, and I realize this now. If a situation such as this arises again, I will know how to handle it. But rather than ever need to face this problem again when it arose, I prevented it from happening again.

Also, I learned that my page is my responsibility and I should never leave my page when it is “good enough.� I should persevere and make my page the best it could be instead of leaving it up to Mr. Adamson. And while I tried to do more work on my pages

September, September, Life, Life, 15 15

October, October, Features, Features, 17 17 FEATURES

WHAT YOU BELIEVE

Life

For the love of money 19%

C

THE MALASIAN AIRLINER WAS DESTROYED

BY THE GOVERMENT

SHAKESPEARE TOOK CREDIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK

Nikki dusaNek determines if experiences are more meaningful than material possessions ontrary to popular belief, it

is possible to buy happiness. At least for some people. Research has shown that while some people believe purchasing items will bring them happiness, others prefer paying for experiences over items.

“It’s hard to put a value on memories, at least things have a specific price tag,” Ryan Boyd, a senior, said. Many people are aware that life experiences might make them happier, but will still choose an item over an experience because they believe it makes better financial sense.

According to sciencedaily, people are aware and can predict that paying for an experience will make them happier, but people do not understand the monetary value that can be put to an experience.

For example, if someone came into money and had two options: to either buy a car or go on vacation, evidence from science daily suggests they would buy a car. People believe that following a vacation, they would have nothing to show for the money they spent. However, with the purchase of a car, it is an item they get to keep and relate to its cost.

Of course, happiness is relative. While it may be seen as something felt in a moment it is also important to realize happiness could be a general feeling of positive wellbeing.

“If you don’t spend money or save it for a specific

reason, it does little good just sitting around.

Without something to buy, money is just paper,” Boyd said.

Having fun is a way to achieve happiness, choosing to spend money on a concert, activity or vacation will provide a person with positive memories, whereas material things may not always be so sought after. The newest computer or next generation iPhone will not always be the newest, and the want for these specific items will fade.

San Francisco State University conducted a study that revealed that people are aware that experiences make them happier, however they still believe that items have a better value. Furthermore, another Cornell study shows that when we buy something related to experience, we remain happy for longer periods of time, whereas the happiness from buying material items will fade quickly.

Also, it is possible to have the same material items as other people, but experiences belong to individuals alone. “I went to California this summer, and even though a lot of people went to California this summer, nobody did the same things or has the same memories as me,” Lexi Covelli, a senior, said.

18%

44%

TAKEN ON OCTOBER 4TH, 2014.

42% ~ BIANCA DYDYK

that they really thought it was a UFO in the moment," IXTEEN years ago, a bright formation of Emily Thomas, a senior, said. lights appeared over the Phoenix night Others believed that the lights were part of a sky, raising concern and fright as to what government ship being tested. was happening overhead.

"Every "There were lights coming down par4Sierra gaLiNDOtime I hear or see something like that I think it's government weapons, like working on some type allel of South Mountain, and I didn't see them in the of new airplane," O'Bryan said. beginning but someone called me and told me to go More controversy ensued two days after the inciout and check it out," Mark O'Bryan, math teacher dent as an anonymous hoaxer told a local television and believer in conspiracies, said. station that he created the lights. The man said he The silent red lights appeared in a diagonal forformed them with road flares and helium balloons. mation, and much closer to the ground than a typical texting and driving, four states ban texting for novice drivWith lights motorwere vehicles collisions stillout theofnumber cause of people settled for this explanation, other While some aircraft. These bright, big, and this one ers. Arizona and Montana are the only states who do notworld. According death for to twenty olds, it of is important tobelievers take into were angered and did not agree.

UFO to fifteen local Fox News, year thousands have a specific ban on texting and driving. account certain universal when going wheel for is into conspiracy theories and alien cousin people reported seeing these lightsrules in the same way.behind the"My According to distraction.gov, the official U.S. thePhoenix first time. things and if you bring this up he will tell you how Today, the Lights is still an unsolved mysGovernment Website on Distracted Driving, an esticertain he is of it being a UFO and that the governtery. However, for many of the Phoenicians who witKeep your foot on the braKe whenever shifting gears. mated 421,000 people have been injured in motor-vehiclenessed this deemed it as an alien spaceship. ment is hiding something," Bailey Gear, a senior, said.

That includes when putting the key in ignition.

Military officials said that these were flares being crashes due to distracted driving which includes texting.

The conspiracy is that the The United States dropped by an A-10 Warthog. After seventeen years, Docovered noT have a “DeaTh on The Wheel.

Keep your At any given daylight moment in the U.S., 660,000 driversgovernment up this incidentgrip” and ignored a UFO positioned semi-loosely at nine o’clock and Threeresearcher, o’clock whose name is disclosed, and was use their cellphones while driving. most of itshands happenings.

This also lead conspiracy investigating the wheel the steering as a clock with the the Phoenix Lights went to court to disthat(imagine the government waswheel in conIn a recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation theorists toonbelieve proveother the military officials statement. topextraterrestrials. being 12 and 11 other hour marking representing Institute, engaging in texting, dialing or calling on a cell tact with the As the lights went away, they did not fly swiftly like remember bringing up a UFO and my places on the wheel). phone while driving increases your chances of getting into "I actually an aircraft, but one by one drifted off. parents began talking about these Phoenix lights. a crash by three times.

Keep your eyes locKed on where you want the car saw them and was startled and “I think that in order for teens to not be tempted to textThey said everyone ~ WADE JOHNSON to go, scanning ahead for any pedestrians or other obstacles. while driving~ they should JACOB EMNETTput their phone on silent and out easiest way to tell if a car on the side of the road is of sight,” Abbey Roberts, a senior, said. to move is by checking if the tires are rotating.

However, earlier this year in July, the city of Flagstaff OCTOBER 17,planning 2014 banned texting while driving and cycling. Coconino the faster the car is going, the longer it will take to brake County has also issued a similar ban on texting while to a complete stop. driving.

tips for new drivers

always remember to wear your seatbelt.

~RyAn DEnSOn

~rachel webb

JFK’S ASSASSINATION John F. Kennedy was assassinated November 22, 1963. He was shot twice, and Lee Harvey Oswald was found guilty of his assassination. There is some speculation about Oswald not being the only shooter, or that the whole thing was put together by the CIA. AIDS ORIGIN In 1981, center for disease control reported and classified AID’s/HIV. Since its official discovery, there has been talk of it being created by the US government to wipe out African Americans and gay men.

LIGHTS OVER AZ

S

SOME IDEAS MAY HAVE AN OUNCE OF TRUTH, OTHERS ARE PROBABLY PURE BUNK PRINCESS DIANA’S DEATH When Princess Diana died in a car accident, some believed that it was staged so she would not spread information about her ex-husband, Prince Charles

MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE ALIEN SPACE CRAFT DRIVERS HAVE AN INTEREST IN FLYING AROUND THE NIGHT SKY OF ARIZONA

Take heed when TexTing while driving Texting and driving has become frequent in the lives of teenagers and even adults. Many people have done it, some of whom aren’t willing to admit it. However, many have taken the pledge to not text and drive.

“I feel like even though we know the consequences of texting and driving, we still choose to do it. It’s not intentional, it’s just habit at this point for all of us unfortunately,” said Talia Ortiz, a senior.

In their annual study, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 31 percent of U.S. drivers aged 18-64 reported that they sent, read, or looked at text messages/ emails while driving at least once within 30 days of the CDC poll alone.

"I rear-ended someone once because I was distracted by my cellphone. Luckily, no one was injured and their car wasn't damaged, but my car had $1500 in damage.

I learned my lesson after that," said Molly Gum, English teacher.

The CDC also reports that drivers under the age of 20, who are generally the most inexperienced, have the highest proportion of texting-related fatal crashes at 27 percent.

With material items, it is easier to second guess the purchase. Someone could buy a new computer and for weeks wonder if they should have gotten the smaller one, or the one with retina display, or the one that was purple.

These thoughts do not make people happy, whereas memories are not so easy to second LIVING guess. People know what bands they want to AREA 51 see live, or whereCREATURES they want to go for vacation.

EXISTS ON MARS Material items are more easily compared than experiences, and it is human nature to compare. If one person has a new TV and they see another person just purchased a newer TV with a larger screen, their purchase no longer seems as exciting. However, if two people go on vacation to the same place, it is difficult to compare because each person has their own and unique memories. FROM A POLL OF 100 CSHS STUDENTS

CONSPIRACY THEORY FOR DUMMIES

MALAYSIAN AIRLINES Ever since its disappearance, many people have come out with theories from it being shot down accidentally to Pitbull predicting its disappearance in a song.

One thing in common, most theorists do not believe the plane could have just disappeared and not have been found.

AREA 51 One of the most widely known conspiracy theories is Area 51. It is believed that crashed alien spaceships are kept by the government at this location and the technology is taken apart for the government to learn from.

MOON LANDING While millions watched the moon landing from their TV screens, some truly believed that they were watching a movie. It is questioned if anyone ever really went to the moon, or if it was just created on a film set so the US could beat Russia in the space race.

ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO In 1947 there was a press release stating that a flying disc and bodies were recovered from a sight of a crash on Roswell, New Mexico, but the press release was later recalled and stated that the disc was actually a weather balloon and the bodies were test dummies.

LIFE ON MARS Since the first images of Mars surface returned to earth, many believed their was life on mars due to what seemed to be a face built into Mars surface, and a building that resembled a spinx. Also, some of our history describes the Anunnaki, an alien species from mars, coming to earth to teach the Sumerians better technology.

GLOBAL WARMING While global warming is confirmed by most scientists, there are still some people who believe it is made up by the government for them to raise taxes and lead to a more tyrannical form of government.

FLUORIDATION Fluoride is put into the water supply of the United States to promote healthy teeth, but some theorists believe that it causes Alzheimer, cancer and other illnesses.

ELVIS Following Elvis’s death in 1977, there have been sightings of him, prompting theorists to believe that Elvis is not really dead.

SHAKESPEARE Since there is not a lot of historical information on Shakespeare, it is speculated that he is not the real author of his works, but rather a cover up for the real author. Many say that Shakespeare did not have enough education to create such beautiful poetry.

~ NIKKI DUSANEK

17

September

October, October, Features, Features, 17 17

free food

NIKKI DUSANEK examines the importance of gardening organically Biting into a store-bought vegetable could mean consuming poisons and pesticides; one way to avoid consuming these added chemicals is to begin an organic garden.

"Most of the foods you find in grocery stores have a lot of preservatives," Carlye Robertson, a senior, said. Preservatives are added to keep the food fresh throughout the shipping process, are supposed to prevent decay.

Being prepared is important to organic gardening. Taking a couple of seeds and dumping them in the dirt will produce vegetables. To make an organic garden there are steps that must be followed to be successful.

First, make a space for the garden, called a bed. Do this three weeks prior to planting the seeds, and make sure the soil is loose and dry in this area. To make the garden more successful, make a layer of compost over the soil. Throughout the next three weeks, be sure to remove any weeds that grow, and rake the soil to prevent it from clumping or to find any large rocks that could make it more difficult for the plants to grow.

Second, depending on the gardener’s preference, decide whether or not to dig a furrow. Furrows are shallow trenches where the plants will grow, if the gardener chooses to use furrows the plants will grow symmetrically, while some gardeners might prefer a more random spread of the plants.

Third, before planting the seeds, water the soil. Be sure not to soak it, the soil should only be lightly moistened.

This will protect any seeds planted from being swamped or washed out of the soil.

"It's important to check what kind of seeds you get, some of them have the Pinto beans, Cucumbers, pesticides in them," Robertson said.

Carrots Also, this is the time to plant the seeds.

The choice to what is planted is left up to the gardener, but before putting in the seeds be cautious of what you are Black Eyed Peas, Cantaloupe, planting. Some plants will overgrow into Squash other plants, and it is important to know which plants are going to be next to other plants. Do research before burying the seeds.

Fourth, it is important to be conscious Beets, Parsnips, Bulb Onions of how far apart the seeds are. If you put them too close they will fight for water and be croweded, repeated and the garden will seem thin.

Fifth, only bury the seeds as deep as Potatoes, Spinach, Watermelon their diameter. This may seem dangerous ~SAYGE BOLLI if you over water because the seeds may wash away, so be careful to only lightly moisten the soil. Then lightly sprinkle the soil over the seeds.

Whenever the soil is dry, sprinkle water on it to keep it moist until the seeds sprout.

"It tastes a lot fresher from the garden and doesn't have the chemical aftertaste from pesticides," Robertson said.

For the best results, add compost for the structure of the plants also, this will provide slow releasing nutrient for a healthy plant.

If you are planting an already grown plant, dig a hole in your garden that will perfectly fit the DO YOU HAVE potted soil that come with NO A GARDEN? the plant. % Also, water the plant 72 before you plant it in the S ground. Until the roots YE % begin to grow, the plant 28 will be unable to receive nutrients from the soil.

Be gentle while removing the plant from its pot. Hold it at the base of the stem, and tip the pot backwards. Squeeze it out, if you need to tug out the plant, tug it by the leaves. If a lead breaks the plant will survive, but if the stem is damaged the plant cannot survive.

WHALEY WEHNER

Spring

Summer Fall

Winter

From a survey of 100 Cactus Shadows students taken on November 3, 2014.

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Vegetables and chips take a delicious dip

FEATURES

Fishing through farmers markets Before the end of harvest season, farmers in Arizona travel to numerous markets in hopes to sell their freshly picked produce to consumers. Located here in Cave Creek and Carefree are some markets these farmers are willing to attend.

"I grow my own produce," John Zortman, 65, owner of John's Amish Country, said, "we do not use any pesticides whatsoever, we only use barrier protection." Growing up Amish, Zortman gained a sense of what it is like to produce his own goods. About six years ago, he was disappointed he could not find a good tomato in the store and decided to start his own company. Today, he comes prepared to markets with at least five pounds of each produce such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and more, and sells them off within a weekend.

"I think this farmers market is great. It gives everyone an opportunity to buy food with no pesticides and it is completely organic," Suzanna Gormley,

senior and avid organic eater, said. The produce located at these markets is homegrown as no farm mass produces their food. The average sale for a large farm like Zortman's is 12 dollars. Each week, there can be regulars or new consumers looking at what the farms have to offer. Farmers also take orders and can have food sent to the customer's house, or have it picked up at the nearest market.

“I have been going to these markets since summer. Normally, we buy enough food to prepare a meal for that night,” Gormley said. She attends the farmers market every Saturday morning at Saguaro Park whenever she does not work.

“I never really thought that I would like farmers markets as much as I do now,” Morgan Swanson, senior, said. “They grow some of the most delicious produce and it always looks beautiful. I really like that they have so many options of products.” Not only does she

buy produce, but she also buys some of the organic lotions and bath soaps they carry. Along with having produce, some markets also carry jewelry, toiletries, and recipes.

At each market, there are a variety of farmers. Some can sell any type of produce, others can sell one item such as wheatgrass, homemade honey, or their own recipe for salsa.

Each market typically has a variety to avoid too much competition, which aids the customers to buy their produce local and from different sources.

Weekly, one can find the market with John Zortman at Schoolhouse Road and Cave Creek every Thursday from 5:30-8:30PM, also Sunday mornings on Tatum and Dynamite. Other markets near to the Cave Creek area are El Encanto Dos, selling items on Saturday mornings from 8AM-3PM, and the market at the sundial in Cave Creek, selling every Friday morning.

is an important addition to the soil, for it adds organic nutrients to it and a good batch of soil should be “light, crumbly, and fluffy” according to eartheasy.com, a website that specializes in sustainable living.

Lastly, when growing vegetables or fruits, it is important to have the time to take care and watch over the produce, necessary watering and care is a large part of growing food.

“Basically all you have to do is clean their cage, feed them with food which was not expensive, and then collect the eggs, really simple,” Farren Flickinger, a senior and chicken owner, said.

When it comes to having animals, a more upkeep is needed.

“Basically all you have to do is clean their cage, feed them with food which was not expensive, and then collect the eggs, really simple.”

Farren Flickinger says about keeping chickens

CHAYCE BOLLI DIPS A CHIP IN A SPICY SALSA. THESE DIPS WERE HOME PREPARED AND INCLUDE VEGETABLE ALONG WITH CHIP DIP.

CHRISTINA HOLMES takes a dip into the different types of dips and the best time to bring them out to add a flavorable twist to any occasion.

Dips have brought excitement to everyday meals and appetizers at parties, where people are brought together for celebration or just for the fun of it.

Chip dips are a well known dish brought to the table everywhere from daily dinners to gatherings. Anywhere from stirring up a recipe at home to buying prepackaged containers already made, dips are a dish known across the country.

"I love dips, they are really convenient and you can almost dip anything into them. Chips, vegetables, fruits and even sometimes meats," Kameren Wilburn, a senior, said.

While one may sit down and consume numerous amounts of the dip provided, they may also be aware of the calorie intake. Different types of dips can range from one calorie all the way to over one hundred calories, it all is weighed on how much one intakes and what the ingredients may be. According to fatsecret.com, salsa has four calories in each tablespoon.

“Chips and dip is something extremely cheap that col-

~ JOANNE AIRE-OAIHIMIRE

Local produce hits the Creek

Farmers markets are a common sight in Cave Creek, but an uncommon sight would be to see food sold there that was not home or locally grown. With the price of farming ranging all over the charts, there can be many benefits to outweigh the costs.

According to Desert Roots farm, a local farm in Queen Creek, the top three reasons to eat locally are for “freshness, taste, and nutrition.” Buying locally grown food usually means that it was harvested in the last 24 hours and many farms, such as Desert Roots, pride themselves on their more “nutritiously complete” produce.

“I would like to know where my food is being grown, also having local grown food usually ensures freshness and that is always a good thing,” Jordan Tartaglia, senior and local food shopper, said.

There are many aspects to growing food and raising animals. First, an environment to do so.

For a garden with some fruits and vegetables, anywhere from a small area to grow a few tomatoes to a large area for an entire salads worth of food, what is important is the soil. A deep, organically rich soil encourages the growth of healthy, extensive roots that are able to reach more nutrients and water. To start, compost

FOODIE

When taking care of chickens, a chicken coop is a must have along with an area for the chickens to roam. Same with a goat or any other animal, a habitat is a necessity.

For example, here are the average costs of raising a chicken. All of the following information according to City Girl Farming, an organization which gives an urban guide to raising a backyard flock. The average cost of buying a baby chick is around three dollars.

For the first few weeks of their lives, they need a “brooder” or a place for them to live that is warm. A plastic bin will work fine and if needed, a brooder lamp can be bought for around 28 dollars.

After the price of a start up bag of food, water containers, and wood shavings for bedding, it should require no more than 75 dollars. The real costs come when having to buy or make a chicken coop, larger food containers, bedding, food, supplements, and more.

“I am a big proponent of supporting local businesses,” Danica Gianni, English teacher and health food enthusiast, said.

When buying food locally, it can help stimulate the local economy. More money going to local businesses rather than chains is “important for supporting the people in this community,” Gianni said.

lege students always bring over when there are football games or whenever we just want to hang around and snack on food. It’s convenient and college student affordable,” Rebecca Meshinsky, a Cactus Shadows alumni, said.

Banana bread, s'mores, chocolate Oreo, cheesecake, and Nutella whip are all different types of dessert dips that can be made at home. According to a review by a woman named Charly on the Nutella Whip Dip, on Thisheartofmineblog.com, she said, “This was amazing!

The only recommendation I would make is to chill before serving. I fill dessert shells with it and topped them with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and bananas. Yum.” The chocolate oreo dip contains cream cheese, cocoa, powdered sugar, and crushed oreo cookies. whipped together in a bowl, and served cold with fruit, crackers, or cookies.

"If I had to choose between dessert dips and normal dips I don't think I would be able to make up my mind. Dessert dips are sweet and sugary when chip dips are savory and delicious. There is no way I could choose one over the

4 SAYGE BOLLI

other," Wilburn said.

Dips can also be served as meals. Such as; beef enchilada, chicken alfredo, pepperoni pizza dip, and seven layer Mexican dip. Savory is the key ingredient to these hunger killing dips.

"Dips are so great because they can be eaten at any time of the day and who doesn't like them? There are just so many to choose from," Talia Ortiz, a senior, said.

A recipe for a dip can be sour cream and onion soup dip mix, which creates onion dip. Cheap, and easy for anyone to do.

"Sweet dips are so good and don't even need to be used for desserts, you can eat them at any time of the day," Ortiz said.

No matter what kind, healthy, unhealthy, sweet or savory dips, they are always a popular party appetizer. Healthy recipes tend to use more vegetables and fruits. But when the dessert dips are brought out, they are filled with sugar and sweets.

GRACE ROWETT goes to Nekter Juice Bar, a health conscious restaurant that offers smoothies, juices and acai bowls. Rowett ordered a pink flamingo smoothie, which consists of pitaya, pineapple, strawberries, coconut water, and a small amount of agave.

4 GRACE ROWETT

There are vegetables in my smoothie: Nekter Juice Bar

S

ANDWICHED between Jimmy

Johns and Five Guys Burgers on Scottsdale road, Nekter is the hot new spot to go to for health fanatics all around the Scottsdale and Phoenix area. It is a little hard to find because it is a smaller location, but once found, it is definitely worth it.

When I walked into Nekter for the first time, the first thing I thought was that it looked clean and fresh. I got the swift scent of healthiness as soon as I walked in. I did not think it could be possible to make a place smell like pure health without smelling revolting, but they pulled it off somehow.

~SHELBY NICHOLS

Their acai bowls are great and I am a big fan of them, but it usually takes the staff an awkwardly long time to make them, so most of the time I go there I order a smoothie. My smoothie of choice would be the Pink Flamingo, not only is it refreshing and delicious but it also turns out to be this bright pink color and I am so in love with it. Even if it did not taste good, I would probably still order it because it is so nice to look at.

Nekter also offers juice cleanses that are relatively cheap. They have grab and go bags fresh pressed daily that contain the six juices that are needed. If one needed a cleanse on a whim and did not

want to wait or pre order they can just stop in and get their blue bag to go.

What the cleanse consists of is juice and that is it. People who are on the cleanse drink six juices a day, without eating any food. The only food that is acceptable to eat is raw almonds. I could never do something as extreme as that, and cleanses seem just a little too intense for me, but for people who are into that sort of stuff, Nekter is a great place to go.

The only thing that I would complain about is the wait once you order. I have ordered acai bowls a few times and every single time I have never waited less than fifteen minutes, even if the place is not that

busy. It is the same with the smoothies, although the wait is never as long. I have never figured out why it takes so long, but it is definitely something that they should work on because I know I can not be the only one who feels like the wait should cut in half.

Overall, I think Nekter is a brilliant idea for people who want to be healthy but who also enjoy indulging themselves, because it is the best of both worlds. They get the sweetness from their smoothie or acai bowl, without having the guilt that comes along with something that might not be as beneficial to their health.

by GRACE ROWETT Style Editor

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THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

November

October

FOODIE

RESTAURANT SMACKDOWN:

EL ENCANTO DOS VS. ASADÓ El Encanto Dos

After driving fifteen minutes on Carefree Highway from Scottsdale Road, El Encanto Dos is on the righthand side.

“It looks like a house. I actually thought we pulled into someone’s house, “ Katie Fricker, a senior, as we walked up the ramp to the entrance.

At 3:10 in the afternoon on a Tuesday, the entire restaurant was devoid of customers. We walked inside and sat ourselves in the very quaint restaurant with vibrant colors and wicker furniture. Our server then came immediately.

Her name was Tracy, and after bringing our chips and salsa, we told her I was doing a review and her face lit up with excitement. About two minutes later, she came back with her manager, Maria. Maria then told us about the history of all three El Encantos and what great food options they have. At this point, their hospitality was evident and made the restaurant feel very welcoming.

When Tracy came back, she recommended the South of the Border appetizer plate. Afterwards, Fricker and I noticed the aesthetic of El Encanto Dos, such as the vivid colors, rustic windows, great lighting, and tile flooring. It looked as though they FedExed a house from Mexico onto Carefree Highway.

After ten minutes, a different lady came in with our food and showed us that the meal included two of everything: Pollo Fundidos, chimichangas, taquitos, and tostadas. Katie and I thanked her and began to eat the meal. We tasted the delectable —Katie Fricker cheeses, the savory and mouth-watering chicken, the crisp lettuce; every taste on this plate was a savory wonderland. There was nothing burnt, too crispy, or with too much bean. Nothing in this dish could have been more authentic.

Tracy came and promised us free dessert. We ordered two Sopapillas, and when she brought them, we tasted the cinnamon dough with sweet honey and wholesome powdered sugar. The Sopapillas were original tasting and a great value for under six dollars.

Later, Tracy gave us our check which was 19.11 dollars for the meal and a diet coke. We thanked our server and the staff of El Encanto Dos for their exceptional service and hospitality.

“I’ve never had better Mexican food than this. I think I’m done now.,”

FOODIE

Pumpkin, please

JOANNE AIRE-OAIHIMIRE compares the food, enviroment and service at both Mexican restaraunts, El Encanto Dos and Asadó.

For a Mexican restaurant with excellent tastes and vibes, try El Encanto Dos for a positive experience.

Asadó

When we walked into Asadó on Tatum and Dynamite, the sports bar feel was what immediately stood out. Taking the place of Cocomo Joes, Asadó keeps the same vibes of a sporty-feel as well as being an upscale Mexican eatery. The amount of flat screen TVs, floor-length windows, wood fixtures, and dim lighting definitely gave it a newer and more sophisticated sensation.

Our server came twenty minutes later after we entered, looking as if in a haze. We kindly ordered our meals and she seemed like she was having a bad day. We then looked at the aesthetic and analyzed it even more.

“This looks interesting. This looks like they are trying to be Italian, upscale Mexican, and a nice burger sports bar in Scottsdale,” Riley complained.

Fifteen minutes later our server came in with our cheese dip appetizer that tasted like plain cheddar cheese with only some pepper added to it.

Twelve minutes later, a bus boy came in with our food on a tray and passed it out. He then left us to decide who owned each dish.

“This taco tastes like food I can make at home. There is nothing special at all to it,” said Bequet. Ladesma and I asked how much it was and gasped when she said 11 dollars for two street tacos and a side of rice.

The pollo fundido and chimichanga had too much cheese and not enough chicken. For around 25 dollars for both, they were sub par.

After we finished our asked for dessert. About ten minutes later, Becquet’s churro dessert came but she was not happy with it whatsoever. The ice cream not only tasted freezer burnt, but the churros lacked so much cinnamon it was almost dry.

After she finished half of her treat, Kolten and I asked for two to-go boxes. When the server came back with out bills we noticed there was a mistake and it took her three more times to correct it. We also noticed that all four tables that came in after us had already left, and that at no point did the manager greet —Riley Bequet us, let alone our server for two hours nor any other workers had told us their names.

Asadó needs time to improve, as it is a newer restaurant.

If you would like a new restaurant experience and an upper-class feel, order from them.

However, if you are looking for consistency, El Encanto Dos provides an excellent experience.

by SHELBY NICHOLS news Editor

This looks like they are trying to be Italian, upscale Mexican, and a nice burger sports bar in Scottsdale”

Homemade Apple Cider

ERIKA SOLDERSTROM experimented with pumpkin in different snacks and desserts; From soft and fluffy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies to warm and fresh pumpkin bread. this fall food can make any snack an autumn snack.

4ERICKA SOLDERSTROM

by CAMRYN MAYER staff writer

BIANCA DYDYK discovers different uses for the versatile fall ingredient, pumpkin.

Pumpkin is sure to add some spice to many autumn meals, from pancakes to seeds.

INGREDIENTS gallon of apple juice 1/2 cups of brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon of all spice 1 teaspoons of cloves 4 cinnamon sticks 2 dashes of nutmeg 1 whole orange coffee filter or cheesecloth FIRST start off by putting the apple juice in a crock pot or in a large pot on the stove and stir in the brown sugar.

THEN in a coffee filter or cheesecloth place the allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Following, carefully fold it up and tie it so that none of the spices fall out.

NEXT, slice the orange in half and place the halves in the pot. After this, cover and heat on low for several hours or on high for one hour. Throughout, keep the spices and orange peels in the pot the entire time.

Best place to buy apple cider: Trader Joe’s OCTOBER 17, 2014

When most people think of pumpkins during the fall season the first ideas that pop in their minds are Jack O-lanterns for Halloween and pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. However, what they do not know is that pumpkins can be found in many other delicious recipes.

PUMPKIN CINNAMON STREUSEL PANCAKES: An easy Saturday morning breakfast for the fall season. Adding fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, and other spices to pancakes is common, and considering pumpkins are ripe and ready to be eaten during this time there is no reason to not give them a try. Key ingredients to the making of the pancakes are; brown sugar, a blend of white and wheat flour, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkins. Further ingredients and instructions for how to make this early morning meal can be found at Two Peas and Their Pod’s website.

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE: Local Starbucks coffee houses have jumped on the pumpkin bandwagon. Many students have been spotted sipping either the iced or hot Pumpkin Spiced Latte. It is one of the favorite Starbuck’s seasonal drinks. Various muffins and pastries in the bakery section also have been complemented with a pumpkin taste at the local coffee house. However, according to The Kitchen’s website that an even better Pumpkin Spiced Latte

CAMRYN MAYER discusses how to make homemade apple cider. This warm drink goes well with the cool autumn days. Unique from store bought apple cider, this one is made with cinnamon and oranges to give it a new taste.

4CAMRYN MAYER 19

Nature Box delivers healthy food right to the front door

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can be made at home. It takes five steps to make this October drink. First, heat up the pumpkin pulp and spices. Second, stir in the sugar. Third, warm the milk. Fourth, blend the milk. Fifth, mix the drinks.

PUMPKIN SEEDS: When carving pumpkins, the messy insides appear to be useless. Truth is, pumpkin seeds can be a simple and salty snack. When the carving fun is over, pull the seeds apart from the sticky fruit and rinse them in a strainer. Then, lay the seeds out on a pan and season them with salt, garlic powder, oil and pepper. The longer the seeds cook in the oven, the more toasted and crunchy they will turn out.

NUTELLA SWIRL PUMPKIN: Nutella has been a craze over the last few years that teens just cannot seem to get enough of. Adding this spread to recipes has been popular for a while, but the newest addition to the list of what goes good with Nutella would be pumpkin. Nutella swirl pumpkin bread is a warm dessert that is simple to make. Once all the necessary ingredients are blended together, the only work to be done is to pour the mixture into loaf pans and let them cook in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour. To learn more about how to create the perfect Nutella swirl pumpkin bread, go to Real Mom Kitchen’s website.

To avoid the hassle of grocey shopping, Nature Box allows for people to have healthy snacks delievered to their home.

Nature Box is a service that provides a wide range snacks that people pick out and then receive a month’s supply of it through the mail.

“It could be really useful for people with dietary restrictions with the huge variety of foods to accommodate them rather than that little section you find in the grocery store,” Alyssa Campbell, a junior, said.

To start, the program is 19.95 dollars when paying month to month, 17.95 dollars for three months, 16.95 dollars for six months, and 15.95 dollars a month for 12 months.

Then, choose from snacks that fall under any dietary restriction: gluten free, low carb, no sugar, vegan, soy free, dairy free, nut free, and genetically modified free. A limit of five snacks per month will then be sent directly to the address provided.

When ordering a box of snacks, either pick out specific snacks from the list or have a random box selected from the newest snack additions.

There are over 70 vegan snacks, 40 soy free snacks, 90 dairy free snacks, 70 gluten free snacks, 40 genetically modified free snacks, and 60 nut free snacks.

“It’s a smart idea and when we move into the future it will be more prominent, I just don’t know how comfortable people will be with it now; the concept of buying food on the internet is just so new,” Jamie Behymer, a senior, said.

According to Nature Box, all of their snacks have no high fructose corn syrup, 0 grams of trans fat, no partially hydrogenated oils, no artificial colors, no artificial sweeteners, and no artificial flavors.

Also, for every box donated, Nature Box donates one meal through Feeding America and are attempting to reach a goal of one million meals.

Feeding America is a United States-based non-profit organization that is a nationwide network of food banks that feeds more than 37 million people through food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

“If someone got a hold of your box and did something to it you wouldn’t know,” Behymer said, ”I wouldn't feel comfortable buying something off the internet because you never know what you are going to get even though they claim something about it online.”

To get ten dollars in credit, recommend Nature Box to a friend through their website, naturebox.com.

If one decides to sign up as a member, they will receive healthy living tips, recipes, and discounts on snacks.

The snacks that come in the box every month are enough to last a month. Nature Box also has a gift option, with a three month subscription for 59.95 dollars, a six month subscription for 99.95, and a 12 month supscription for 199.95 dollars.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

November

December Yummy Holiday Gifts

FOODIE ERIKA SODERSTROM PREPARES dessert as a practice run before Thanksgiving. She makes Crème Brûlée and Carmel Pie. 4ERIKA SODERSTROM

Too Much Turkey

T

years. Furthermore, the Huffington Post states that nearly 30 percent of the current population is gluten free. With this number of Americans avoiding gluten and meat, the usual Thanksgiving meal has changed for much of the population.

“Being a vegetarian on Thanksgiving just means more sides for me,” Amy Abel, a junior, said. A vegetarian substitute for the main meal, the turkey, could be tofurkey, a turkey flavored piece of tofu. For a less traditional substitute, there is also a vegan loaf maker, which is meat loaf without the meat. Start by choosing a protein, such as a nut or seed, and add vegetables, liquid, herbs, and some carbohydrates.

For healthier options that will cut down on the buttery and fatty meals often on the dinner table around this season is to roast potatoes instead of mash them. Cut the potatoes in thirds, add your favorite blend of spices and a little bit of olive oil and it is also a flavorful option.

Stuffing is also an item that can be unhealthy when gravy is added to the top of it.

A warm salad could be a perfect fit instead. Using ingredients such as butternut squash, brussel sprouts, edamame beans, black beans,and garlic can create the perfect fall inspired warm salad.

Along with turkey and family, Thanksgiving conjures images of the traditional pumpkin pie. “I think I miss pumpkin pie the most because of my allergies. It just tastes like fall,” Ferry said. While pumpkin pie may be a recognizable dessert option for thanksgiving, it is not the only option.

“Well I only started celebrating Thanksgiving four years ago. I didn’t really like the idea of pumpkin pie so my mom made me chocolate pie,” Sofia Ripa, Cactus Shadows Alumni, said.

"Pecan pie, ice cream, lemon bars, cookies, jello dish, cheesecake. In the Satran household we really love desserts," said Lizzy Satran, a senior.

Cherry Satran's favorite dessert is oatmeal cookies Apple Pie: 6% which includes various nuts and raisins as well as 20% apple gratings and coffee.

“Ever since I can remember we’ve made pumpPecan Blueberry kin and key lime pie. The recipe differs but we 7% 7% always make some version of it." Sydni Gist a senior said.

Some alternatives to otherwise ordinary desserts are caramel pumpkin cheesecake dip, baked Lemon apple brûlée, and peanut butter pumpkin pie.

Meringue “I don’t eat anything pumpkin,” said Johna 6% Chocolate Jacobson, a spanish teacher, said. However, 17% Jacobson does eat apple pie, coconut cream pie and cheesecake with her family during Other Thanksgiving.

13% Key Lime These dessert ideas create substitutes to the Pumpkin 6% familiar Thanksgiving dessert menu. The caramel 18% WCASEY WINDSOR pumpkin cheesecake dip provides a sweet rich, smooth dessert; a unique choice to pumpkin pie A survey conducted by Casey Windsor of 100 Cactus Shadows students. and cheesecake.

CAMRYN MAYER and ERIKA SODERSTROM switch up the traditional Thanksgiving Meal

HANKSGIVING, held on the last Thursday of

every November, will be celebrating its 151st birthday since becoming a national holiday in 1863.

151 years of turkeys, pumpkin pies, and mashed potatoes that are prepared for families sitting around the table for the typical holiday dinner. These recipes have been passed down and made a tradition by families, but some of the customs have begun to change and other items have become difficult to stomach.

“Because I’m allergic to gluten and dairy and I’m a vegetarian, Thanksgiving is kind of a difficult holiday because of all the food. I have learned to be really creative with what I make since I have been eating like this for three years, so instead of eating the turkey I substitute it with different types of beans or really tasty vegetables,” Sydney Ferry, a junior, said.

Adding bacon into the pot while you cook the green beans is an easy way to get some flavor without adding a large amount of salt or having to eat the bacon but still get the taste of it.

Green beans can be found in multiple Thanksgiving meals.

For people who want some spice on their plate they can try green bean casserole with red curry and peanuts, garlic potatoes with green beans and cauliflower, or brown rice salad with roasted green beans. “Green beans are great because most people actually eat those on Thanksgiving and my mom has a brussel sprout recipe where you roast them in balsamic vinegar and they are amazing,” Ferry said.

According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, in 2000 only about 2.5 percent of the population could be labeled as vegetarian. This number jumped to 3.4 percent within nine

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

FOODIE

HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES MASHED POTATOES ALTERNATIVE . MASHED CAULIFLOWER Mashed cauliflower is a better alternative because it is low in carbs, fat and cholesterol.

GRAVY ALTERNATIVE . CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP Cream of chicken soup is similar to gravy in taste and is low in sodium and calories.

STUFFING ALTERNATIVE . GRILLED SQUASH Grilled sauce is rich in vitamins and minerals and eliminated the need to add butter or other unhealthy oils.

CRANBERRY SAUCE ALTERNATIVE .CRANBERRY SALSA Cranberry salsa is a better alternative because the cranberries are not being drenched in a sugary juice.

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE ALTERNATIVE .GREEN BEANS. This alternative is healthier because all the extra cheese and other ingredients add more carbs and unnecessary fat.

~SIERRA GALINDO

The baked apple brûlée introduces a rich dessert to a tangy fruit.

The peanut butter pumpkin pie adds an uncommon ingredient to the usual pumpkin dessert. Also, the peanut butter pumpkin pie is a healthy alternative to an otherwise fluffy pie.

For those who dislike pumpkin or cannot eat pumpkin, there are also some unique alternatives including cinnamon filled apple cider floats, sweet potato cupcakes, and sweet caramelized apple spice cake.

The tinted brown and gold color coating the caramelized apple spice cake gives this dessert an autumn feel. Fall spices are easily added to this moist cake hidden beneath brown sugar butter cream frosting. This cake is easily added to any dessert table both as a treat and a center piece.

The tinted brown and gold color coating the caramelized apple spice cake gives this dessert an autumn feel. Fall spices are easily added to this moist cake hidden beneath brown sugar butter cream frosting. This cake is easily added to any dessert table both as a treat and a center piece.

7

Tis’ the season for getting and giving gifts.

Depending on the size of the friend group, getting everyone a gift can be expensive with the “average price of a Christmas gift being $12,” according to myfamilyfinances.net.

“I love buying gifts for my friends because it shows them how much I really love them, but I work a minimum wage job and have to pay for gas and other things so it’s hard to get everyone everything I want to get them,” Sydney Lee, a junior, said.

By making friends goodie bag gifts you can eliminate that problem.

“For a few years now I have just made little bags for people that have a nail polish, a couple homemade cookies, and maybe an ornament.

Each bag ends up being about five dollars,” Lee said.

Many stores such as Target and Ulta have dollar sections or holiday deals sections that sell small items for gifts like these. They tend to be sample sizes or holiday themed items that you can buy multiples of the same product.

“I found something on Pinterest last year that showed you how to make a sleigh out of candy bars and candy canes with just some ribbon and so I just make a bunch of those and give them to close friends,” Faith Dombroski, a sophomore, said.

To make those, you take a large sized candy bar, such as a Kit Kat, and glue two candy canes on either side of the bottom.

Then glue the miniature sized candies on top of the large bar to make a pyramid. Lastly, wrap thin ribbon around it to connect at the top with a small present bow.

Another simple gift to make for friends is a hot chocolate mix that can be put into a clear ornament. Just pour cocoa mix, marshmallows, and a little crushed peppermint into the ornament and then put the top on it. All your friend needs to do is pour the mixture into hot water or milk.

AT HOME WITH GINGERBREAD Whether making gingerbread houses in a competitive fashion or just for fun with family, these houses have been around since the early 1800s.

The process of making the actual house is: first, lay out all the pieces and use icing or hot glue to connect all the pieces to make the actual house with the roof. Most gingerbread sets come with a chimney that can be glued to the top of the house. Then, glue the house onto a piece of cardboard to create a yard and to have something stable for the house to sit on. Finally, begin decorating the house

using regular white icing or colored icing which will connect any candy desired.

The entire house can be finished off by sprinkling powdered sugar over it to create a snow-like look.

“I love making and decorating gingerbread houses with my family. Everyone’s look different and kind of show the person’s personality,” Taylor Pedersen, a junior, said.

Any candy can be used on the houses.

The roof can be dressed with Nerds to look like colored lights hung on the house. By using different sized marsh-

MADISON SCHWAB puts together a gingerbread house and decorates using gum drops and wheaties cereal. Gingerbread houses can be created from scratch, but are more likely to be bought in kits for the holidays 4 MADISON SCHWAB. mallows a snowman and snowballs can sit in the front yard. A walkway leading up to the house can be lined with mini candy canes or crushed up old candy canes from last year. Making gingerbread houses is a way to use any old Halloween candy.

“I like going with my friends to the Marriott with my friends when they have all the gingerbread houses because I get ideas for what I could do with my house at home,” Faith Dombroski, a sophomore, said.

~ CAMRYN MAYER

Take a bite from holiday-themed cookies CASEY WINDSOR examines different ways to make holiday cookies for the winter season.

Christmas time is just around the corner, and that means Christmas cookies and plenty of decorations.

One of the most special things about the holidays is family traditions, one of which is baking and decorating Christmas cookies to eat, and leave out for Santa.

“I decorate cookies for one reason, Christmas brings love to people and with decorating the cookies with people you love is relishing the memories you are making at that moment,” Mikey Kovacs, a sophomore, said. There are many traditions and activities that people can do when it comes to baking Christmas cookies. The amounts of

different flavors, shapes, frostings and toppings that can be put on the cookies are endless. From regular sugar to chocolate peppermint to gingerbread cookies, the extensive amounts of flavors will leave one begging for more.

Cookie cutters are a fun addition when it comes to baking Christmas cookies. There are many different shapes and sizes that people can use to get the perfect shape of cookie. Sets of cookie cutters are available for as cheap as $10 at places like Target and Walmart.

Cookie cutters come in various shapes for holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah. “I like the reindeer

shaped ones because they are just too cute,” Nicole Mclaughlin, a freshman, said. There are cookie cutters shaped like reindeer, Santa, Christmas trees, and snowflakes for Christmas. As well as things like the Star of David, dreidels, and menorahs for Hanukkah.

“My favorite cookie cutter is a Christmas tree because I can decorate it like my tree and it reminds me of how much I love waking up on Christmas morning,” Sara Jay, a sophomore, said.

“I decorate them with my kids or close friends and my tradition is to make the sugar dough every year from a recipe I got from a friend in

New York,” Karen Obrien, school lunch lady, said. For recipes for great rolled cookie dough and frosting check the following websites: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/ The-Best-Rolled-Sugar-Cookies/ http://allrecipes.com/recipes/ desserts/cookies/spice-cookies/ gingerbread-cookies/ http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/ Chocolate-Chip-PeppermintCookies/ http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/ Creamy-Chocolate-Frosting/ http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/ Quick-Vanilla-Frosting/ http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/ Gingerbread-Frosting-for-Cookies/

~CAMRYN MAYER DECEMBER 12, 2014

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December

Spice up hot chocolate FOODIE

Eggnog NICOLE NERI looks into the history of the eggnog.

ABBY CARDENAS tests out different ways to mix up the common hot chocolate recipe. From a spicy kick to a sweet and salty mix, there is a hot chocolate to please anybody’s taste buds.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: 6 (12 ounce) cans evaporated milk 4 tsps ground cinnamon 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1 tsps ground nutmeg Pinch cayenne pepper 2 (12 ounce) chocolate chip bags cocoa powder Directions: In a large pot mix milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg on medium heat. Slowly add chocolate chips stir until all of the chocolate is melted.

Once melted, cover and turn heat to low for five minutes. Take off cover and stir in cayenne pepper and cocoa powder. This rendition of hot chocolate is not spicy, despite having cayenne pepper in the recipe, it has more of a cinnamon flavoring than anything.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Ingredients: ½ cup whole milk ¼ cup heavy cream pinch of sea salt 5 ounces milk chocolate 3 tbsp caramel sauce Directions:

Mix the milk and cream in

a pan over medium heat for about four minutes.

Add chocolate and whisk until melted, for about two minutes. Whisk in caramel sauce until fully incorporated, then pour into mugs and sprinkle with sea salt. This hot chocolate has an added caramel flavor mixed with the chocolate and the salt adds a salty taste like a sweet and salty mixture.

White Chocolate Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: 1 cup white chocolate chips 1 cup heavy cream 4 cups half-and-half 1 tspn vanilla extract Directions: In a small saucepan, combine white chocolate chips and heavy cream over medium heat.

Stir continuously until chocolate melts and stir in the half-and-half. Stir occasionally until desired heat is acquired. Serve with whipped cream or mint leaf. White hot chocolate tastes almost exactly like white chocolate in a melted form, this recipe takes a complete opposite taste from the traditional milk chocolate.

1 peppermint-flavored

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 tsp. peppermint extract

1 cup whole milk

2 pumpkin spice

SYRUP 1 tsp. unsweetened dark cocoa

1 cup whole milk

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

3 lavender white

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1 cup whole milk

1 tsp. maple syrup

1/4 tsp. lavender buds

WHALEY WEHNER

Milk and cookies for Santa

T

BIANCA DYDYK takes a dip into where the Christmas tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa came from.

HE holiday season is approach-

ing, and with that comes the time-honored tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa Claus.

The history of where this custom comes from traces back centuries and has many popular theories behind it.

Class Brain tells us that the idea of leaving milk and cookies for Santa Claus is believed to have emerged around the time of the Great Depression. Parents used it as a way to persuade their children to share what they had with others since it was a time where no one had much of anything.

“When I think of Christmas, the first things that come to mind are spending time with my family and drooling over a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies,” Maria Caudillo, a senior, said.

Another theory as to why people began leaving treats for Saint Nicholas is derived from the 20

Christian religion. My News 13 explains that cookies were used as ornaments to decorate trees and children began to notice bites in the sweets, due to mice or other kids. The assumption was made that the gift giver must be eating the ornaments. As a way of giving back, a plate of cookies was set out by the tree as a way of saying thanks.

“My favorite thing about my church’s Christmas service is when the pastor calls up the children and reads the Christmas story.

The kids always like it because they get to choose one Christmas cookie for themselves and a family member once the story is done,” Stephanie Haan, a senior, said.

According to Wockenfuss Candies, the concept of leaving cookies and milk for Santa could be linked to Norse mythology. Odin’s eight legged horse named Sleipner was left hay and treats from villagers. This was done with the

hope that the god would pay them a visit after his yule hunting.

“When I was kid, we were told it was important to leave out milk and cookies so that Santa had something to eat,” Geoffrey Johnson, history teacher, said.

Now You Know claims that leaving milk and cookies originally started in the 1930s. Cookies left for Santa were used for two main reasons; as a bribe or a thank you. Naughty children would leave behind snacks to get on Santa’s good side, and therefore receive presents. Well behaved children left out cookies as a way of showing they appreciate the gifts, and the hardwork Santa put into delivering them.

“My little brother loves to leave cookies out for Santa because he hopes that one day he will hear him biting into one. He always tries to listen before he goes to bed on Christmas Eve, he thinks he can catch him,” Haan said.

At the start of the holiday season, eggnog makes its return to family fridges.

Eggnogg first made an appearance in medieval Britain as a ‘posset” which was a hot ale-like drink. By the 13th century the drink became associated with monks, who would often drink it with eggs and figs.

Eggs, sugar and alcohol where luxurious foods foods in that time which made eggnog a year-round drink for British elites, and often used to toast to prosperity and good health.

When eggnog arrived in America around the 1700s, it began to be associated with the holiday season.

Due to the high number of farms in America, the recipe of eggnog evolved and became less expensive. It is disputed how exactly eggnog got its name, however it is possible that ‘nog’ comes from ‘noggin’ which was a wooden cup, or possible it comes from ‘grog’ which was a strong beer. Wherever the origin, the name ‘eggnog’ stuck and is used to this day.

Around the 1800s, young people drinking alcoholic beverages was a source of debate, and this sparked the Great West Point Eggnog Riot. Cadets at the United States Military Academy in West Point snuck spiked eggnog into the barracks for a Christmas Day party. Three days of riots ensued, ending in the courtmartialing of 21 people.

Among the participants was future Confederate leader Jefferson Davis.

Currently, Starbucks announced that it would no longer be serving eggnog lattes this year, causing an explosion of passionate backlash across the Internet. Starbucks was also flooded with angry emails and phone calls.

According to USA Today, the response was so intense that the eggnog latte was brought back this year, along with public statement from Starbucks, “We made a mistake,” said spokeswoman Linda Mills,”We are very sorry.”

One person who is thrilled to see the eggnog chai latte come back is math teacher Carrie White. Eggnog Chai lattes are my favorite thing.

I check the dates, like when is it coming out?” White said, “I probably drink more Starbucks in these few months than I do all year” THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS