2015 Wishbook

Wish Book Birmingham 2015

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

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Christmas Gift Ideas

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

OVER 75 OUTLETS & FACTORY STORES. American Eagle Outfitters Auntie Anne’s Banana Republic Factory Store Bass – G.H. Bass & Co. Bose Factory Store Brooks Brothers Factory Store Burger King carter’s babies and kids Charley’s Grilled Subs Charlotte Russe Outlet Charming Charlie Chicken Now Chico’s Outlet China Max Christopher & Banks | CJ Banks Claire’s Coach Outlet Collegiate Warehouse crewcuts Factory dressbarn Eddie Bauer Outlet Famous Footwear Outlet FOSSIL

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DOORS OPEN at 9PM THANKSGIVING DAY FOR MOONLIGHT MADNESS The first 500 in line at 8:30pm receive (1) Moonlight Swag Bag Ticket redeemable for (1) Moonlight Swag Bag – full of additional savings and more!* THANKSGIVING wEEKEND HOURS Thanksgiving: Open at 9pm | Friday, November 27: Open til 9pm Saturday, November 28: 9am-9pm | Sunday, November 29: 12pm-6pm

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Joe O’Donnell Editor/Publisher joe@b-metro.com

Gail Kidd Marketing Specialist gail@b-metro.com

Cathy Fingerman Assoc. Publisher cathy@b-metro.com

Laura Fash Marketing Specialist laura@b-metro.com

Robin Colter Creative Director robin@b-metro.com

Russell Hooks Marketing Specialist russell@b-metro.com

Lindsey Osborne Associate Editor lindsey@b-metro.com

Lauren Lockhart Marketing Director lauren@b-metro.com

Joni Ayers Marketing Specialist joni@b-metro.com

Katie Turpen Digital Editor katie@b-metro.com

contents 16. HOLIDAY EVENTS Your guide to all of the 2015 holiday festivities in the Birmingham metro area.

30. FOR THE LOVE OF CHRISTMAS Why I start listening to Christmas music in October.

Written by Lindsey Osborne

40. HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING WITH KATHY G

A few recipes to spice up your holiday party from Birmingham’s favorite host, Kathy G. B-Metro is published monthly by Fergus Media LLC 1314 Cobb Lane, Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 202-4182 Printed by American Printing Co., Birmingham, AL

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

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Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Crafted for New Heights In homage to the European explorer and his need for utmost precision, Montblanc pays special tribute with the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Quantième Complet Vasco da Gama Special Edition featuring a full calendar and a blue lacquered constellation around the moon phase, which shows the exact same night sky above the Cape of Good Hope as Vasco da Gama observed it in 1497 on his first journey to India.

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Illuminations Tree Display Children’s of Birmingham Nov. 2–Dec. 1

Christmas 2015 Events Illuminations Tree Display Children’s of Birmingham Nov. 2–Dec. 1 The Illuminations tree program includes a display of spectacular holiday trees throughout the lobbies of Children’s of Alabama. These trees are designed by individuals, companies, and organizations from throughout the Birmingham area as part of our Illuminations fundraiser, held each year in conjunction with the Children’s of Alabama Illuminations Ball. The

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

trees brighten the lives of patients, families, and visitors for three weeks prior to being delivered to each sponsor’s business, residence, or favorite charity.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Alabama Theatre Nov. 29, 3 p.m.

Moscow Ballet’s spectacular Great Russian Nutcracker is the must-see event this holiday season! Celebrate the beloved

Christmas tradition with the whole family as 40 world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life. Experience Tchaikovsky’s master score this Christmas with the magic of larger-thanlife puppets, growing Christmas trees, and life-sized Matrushka dolls!

Kitschmas Naked Art Gallery Nov. 20–Dec. 24 Shop gift-sized artwork and ornaments

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Winter Wonderland Exhibit McWane Science Center Nov. 21–Jan. 10

made with recycled materials by more than 60 artists. Kitschmas opening receptions take place on Friday, Nov. 20, from 5–9 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Market Noel

Presented by Junior League of Birmingham at Cahaba Grand Conference Center Nov. 18–21 The festivities begin Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. with a Preview Noel with hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and bourbon tastings. General admission shopping takes place November 19–21 from 9 a.m.–8 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m.– 9 p.m. on Friday, and 18

B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday. Highlights of the week include Market Bliss, a girls’ night with beauty and bubbles, Rock the Runway with Lily Pulitzer, and a wine tasting class presented by the United Johnson Brothers.

Winter Wonderland Exhibit McWane Science Center Nov. 21–Jan. 10 Bring your family to the most magical place around this holiday season. Laughter is in the air as children coast down the Ice Slide and take a whirl across the room on the extended zip line. Climb aboard the McWane Train and go for a ride or try your luck at ice fishing. The always-popular Zip Line will be even longer this year

as visitors fly through the air on 70 feet of suspended wire.

Santa Special Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Saturdays, Nov. 28–Dec. 19, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Take a special train ride with Santa! Each child will receive a special treat and have the opportunity to tell Santa what he or she would like for Christmas, as well as to take a photo with him. Rides last around one hour.

Handel’s MESSIAH Presented by Alabama Civic Chorale Riverchase United Methodist

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Church Nov. 22, 3 p.m.

The Alabama Civic Chorale will present their 68th annual performance of Handel’s MESSIAH with professional soloists and members of the Alabama Symphony on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. The chorus is comprised of approximately 100 people from churches in our area and throughout the state. The performance is free.

38th Annual Christmas Concert Presented by the Birmingham Boys Choir Canterbury United Methodist Church Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.

The Birmingham Boys Choir will be presenting its 38th Annual Christmas Concert, featuring the voices of some of the most talented boys in Birmingham. This is your chance to hear our choir celebrating the holiday season and filling the air with beautiful music! Please join us for an unforgettable evening.

Celebrate the Presence Birmingham First Baptist Church Dec. 3, 1:30 or 6:30 p.m.

This concert is a new event from Frank Jones Ministries and Bob Smith Ministries. The show will feature Voices of Mobile, a choral ensemble from University of Mobile, Geraldine and Ricky, a ventriloquist from Birmingham, Bob Smith, and Frank Jones.

Dear Santa Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Wee Folks Production Dec. 5, 12 Poor Santa is just too tired from all the hard work of Christmas and thinks he’s getting too old for this job. Last year, he even got stuck in the Merrywood Mega Mall on Christmas Eve. Santa is convinced it is time to retire—but what will the world do without Santa Claus? Join Mrs. Claus, Prancer, Billy Blizzard, and special guest, Dottie, on this adventure to convince Santa to stay!

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

Holiday Spectacular

Gardens Dec. 4–6 Celebrate with Arlington’s staff at Birmingham’s historic house museum. There will be entertainment, Santa, children’s activities, and refreshments. What a festive and perfect way to begin the holiday season! Visit Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1–4 p.m.

ZooLight Safari Birmingham Zoo Every Weekend in December, 5–9 p.m.

Be amazed by more than one million lights, holiday music, and plenty of festive activities as the Zoo comes alive for 18 nights of holiday-centric fun!

Christmas by Candlelight: Come and See Shades Mountain Baptist Church Dec. 6, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Singers, dancers, artists, and storytellers recall this ageless story of hope, inviting all to Come and See the message of Christmas and experience the Gift firsthand: “Come and see the glory of the Lord, come behold the Lamb / Come and know the mercy of the King, bowing down before Him / Come and give thanks unto the Lord, come behold the Lamb / Come and sing the praises of the King, bowing down before Him / For He is Lord above the heavens, Lord in all the earth / Lord of all the angels, worthy to be served.”

Red Mountain Theatre Company Dec. 3–20 Celebrate the holidays with a spectacular display of all your favorite music of the season! RMTC Youth Programs perform alongside professional actors to warm your heart and set the stage for a magical holiday season.

Tannehill Christmas Village

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Dec. 2–4, 9–11 Students at Christmas Village catch a glimpse into the days of Christmas past and experience what life would have been like during the Civil War era at Christmas time. Staged in the park’s historic cabins, costumed demonstrators engage students with period music, parlor games and toys, period Christmas decorations, camp life for Civil War soldiers in the field, and other topics that vary annually. The program is best suited for grades K–5, but all grades are welcome.

The 79th Annual Service of Lessons and Carols Birmingham-Southern College Dec. 4 and 6 The BSC Concert Choir, Southern Chorale, and Alumni Choir will ring in the season in the college’s beloved annual service featuring the music of the holiday season. Childcare is available for the Dec. 6 service by reservation.

Christmas at Arlington

Arlington Antebellum Home and

A Colonial Christmas American Village Dec. 1–15 Highlights of this annual holiday lunch and tour include meeting figures from the past such as Dolley Madison, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson; touring the American Village campus decked out in Christmas finery; and enjoying a catered lunch. Perfect for your church group, garden club, or other organization’s holiday calendar.

Walk Through Nativity

Briarwood Presbyterian Church Dec. 9–11, 6:45 p.m.

Each year Briarwood presents a gift to our community with the Walk Through Nativity. More than 800 Briarwood members will come together to depict the birth

The Mutt-cracker Presented by Birmingham Ballet BJCC Concert Hall Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.

and life of our Lord in 13 live scenes with narrated drama and more than 20 live animals (including a camel!) At the conclusion of the Walk, you’re invited to coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies while the children visit our petting zoo. Won’t you join us this year?

Alabama School of Fine Arts’ Holiday Music Concert Dec. 11, 1 and 7:30 p.m.

Get in the spirit at this family-friendly concert in the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater.

It features ASFA’s Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Choir, and Concerto delle Donne.

Virginia Samford Theatre presents Holiday Seasonings Dec. 16-20

Join us for our brand new fun-filled revue that will make your holidays bright! Featuring the Birmingham Sugar Babies, the Holiday Hyjinx girls, our STARS performers, and more of Birmingham’s favorite performers.

Alabama Theatre’s Holiday Films White Christmas, Dec. 11, 19 The Polar Express, Dec. 12 It’s A Wonderful Life, Dec. 12, 20 Miracle on 34th Street, Dec. 13 Christmas Vacation, Dec. 14, 16 Home Alone, Dec. 15 Cartoon Matinee, Dec. 19 Elf, Dec. 17 A Christmas Story, Dec. 18

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker Presented by the Alabama Ballet The Wright Center, Samford University Dec. 11–13 and 18–20 The Alabama Ballet remains one of only seven companies in the world granted the right to perform this holiday classic by the Balanchine Trust. Performed to Balanchine’s exacting specifications, dazzling choreography, opulent costumes, and extravagant sets make this production unlike any other. Let our professional company of 39 dancers show you how spectacular The Nutcracker can be.

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Holiday Spectacular

Red Mountain Theatre Company Dec. 3–20

The Mutt-cracker Presented by Birmingham Ballet BJCC Concert Hall Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.

If you love dogs, you don’t want to miss The Mutt-cracker! Birmingham Ballet’s caninefilled version of this holiday favorite premiered in 2011 with tail-wagging reviews.

The production includes beautiful dancing found in Birmingham Ballet’s traditional The Nutcracker along with something special brought to the stage by the dogs.

The performance benefits the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

The Nutcracker Presented by Birmingham Ballet BJCC Concert Hall Dec. 12–13 It’s classic entertainment your whole family will enjoy! Birmingham Ballet’s innovative version of The Nutcracker brings the holiday season to life with storytelling, exciting dancing, aerial ballet, whimsical characters, and magical surprises.

With delights for all ages, this production sparks the imagination and creates beloved memories that last a lifetime.

The Decked Out Dash and One Mile Fun Run Presented by The Arc of Jefferson County Oak Mountain State Park Dec. 12, 8 a.m.

Don your Santa suits, elf shoes, jingle bells, blink lights, and tacky holiday sweaters! This year’s Decked Out Dash will include the 5K/1 mile fun run you love, plus tents filled with holiday activities for children and families to enjoy. Santa will return for pictures, you will be able to play even more reindeer games, have your face painted, make a special ornament to hang on your tree at home, jump in a holiday inflatable, sing karaoke from the main (continued on page 28)

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The Nutcracker Presented by Birmingham Ballet BJCC Concert Hall Dec. 12–13

stage, and play in the snow. All proceeds will benefit children and adults with intellectual disabilities served by The Arc of Jefferson County.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Cathedral Church of the Advent Dec. 20, 3 p.m.

The Cathedral Choir sings the traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols celebrating the birth of Jesus, modeled after the famous service held annually at King’s College, Cambridge.

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

All My Heart This Night Rejoices!

Presented by the Magic City Chorale Society Dec. 17–20 There is always something magical about the holiday season. This performance centers around a choral triptych by three living composers: All My Heart This Night Rejoices by Z. Randall Stroope; There Will Be Rest by Frank Ticheli; and Alleluia by Ralph Manuel.

Holiday Soul Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

The Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center presents Holiday Soul featuring UAB artist-in-residence Eric Essix, performing with Atlanta super group 5 Men On A Stool. For the first time ever, Essix performs a soulful collection of “songs of the season” with bandmates Hank Stewart, Antonio Allen, Melvin Miller, and Leonard Julien III, as well as favorites from the group’s time-tested set list. No strangers to the Alys Stephens Center and Birmingham, 5 Men On A Stool shared the stage with Essix in 2013 as part of his “Evolution” concert and together they have played venues throughout the U.S. performing their own unique blend of jazz, gospel, R&B, and spoken word.

ArtPlay presents Yuletide in Dogtown Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center Dec. 20-21 The dogs are back in town and waiting eagerly for the holiday season in this original interactive, musical adventure for children and families. Created by local playwright and the ASC’s very own Jerry Sims, the show offers families a delightful time at the theater and a fun, fulfilling educational experience. Sims has a talent for making interesting characters come to life. He has written a number of “ArtPlay Presents” productions, with original takes on classics such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and A Christmas Carol.

New Year’s Eve: A Viennese Celebration Alabama Theatre Dec. 31, 2015, 6 p.m.

Ring in 2016 with waltzes, operatic selections, a glass of bubbly, and Soprano Sherri Seiden at the historic Alabama Theatre.

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For the Love of Christmas

Why I start listening to Christmas music in October.

Written by Lindsey Osborne

It’s Oct. 29, and my husband gave me the look again this morning.

See, I’ve always loved Christmas, and I come by it honest. My mom’s mom, my nana, hosted Christmas cookie decorating parties and used the entire attic for Christmas decoration storage. My papa had to get his own shed, which he put in the backyard, to store anything else. My mom wrapped anything that didn’t breathe in garland and lights, and she even believed in sprinkling that 30

B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

fake snow on most every surface. Now that I’m an adult, it hurts me to imagine how much she vacuumed the house every December.

My childhood, especially the early years, wasn’t the most stable, but many of my most solid memories happened in the winter, with twinkling lights in the background and wrapping paper on the floor. Both my nana and my mom have passed now, but their deep-rooted rooted love of the most magical season

lives on still.

In any case, that’s what I tell my husband, Caleb, when he gives me the look—he has a special look reserved for late October when I just can’t hold out anymore and start playing my “Classic Christmas” Pandora station as I get ready in the morning. He’s a firm believer in Christmas music from Black Friday until Dec. 25—not a minute before and not a day after. It’s still baffling to me how we ended up together with such opposing beliefs, but I suppose the Lord works in mysterious ways. Anyway, we have an ongoing “discussion” that ramps up every year a few days before Halloween and lasts until after the turkey is carved: When is it OK to start listening to Christmas music?

His argument is that Christmas is special. Lengthening the season—something both I and Target have been accused of doing—cheapens it. What makes it so special, he says, is that it only lasts for a month. He also points out that I have been known to get sick of Christmas music by the first week of December (only certain songs—I’m looking at you, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”) He insists that he is not a Scrooge, but that he loves to immerse himself in the magic—so long as we give the pumpkins and the Pilgrims their due and wait like reasonable people.

But me? I can’t wait. As soon as I see those shelves being stocked (admittedly earlier and earlier every year), my heartrate goes up and I start to sweat. You know— in a good way. When the weather starts to get chilly in the mornings, I pull out my snowman socks. I start Christmas shopping in mid-September “so we don’t have to spend so much at one time.” I don’t

His argument is that Christmas is special. Lengthening the season— something both I and Target have been accused of doing—cheapens it.

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On these pages is a history of Lindsey’s Christmas memories, captured by the standard Christmas card photo.

dream of sugarplum fairies, but of twinkle lights, my sister-in-law’s butterscotch haystacks, and my 10-year-old Christmas sweatshirt (even Caleb admits that it’s very cozy.)

Now, part of what I love about it is all of the stuff—I’ve never met a Christmas decoration I didn’t like, and I love to “win” at present-giving.

I can watch Prancer and Elf no less than 28 times before it starts to feel redundant. And more than almost anything in the world, I love twinkling lights.

But it’s so much more than that. It’s walking in downtown Homewood with a cup of O’Henry’s hot chocolate and rosy cheeks, with that great big star gleaming. It’s my family’s Black Friday tradition, where we can spend a good 12 hours straight with each other and love each other

even more after the fact. It’s the anticipation of seeing a 3-year-old’s face when you set up the Christmas tree, since she doesn’t remember last year. It’s singing with my church family on Christmas Eve—singing the same songs alongside my husband that I sang as a little girl.

To me, lengthening the Christmas season—or, more appropriately, as I’ve explained to Caleb, pregaming for it—doesn’t cheapen it. Instead, it gives me more time. There’s more time to think about all of those Christmases I’ve loved in the past. There was the year our Christmas tree fell over. My mom and I had gone and picked it out—a real tree—and done our best to screw it in the tree stand without the help of my dad (it was a surprise while he was at work.) We’d just gotten it all decorated and gone in the kitchen, probably to do something festive like bake cookies, when we heard a great big crash. We rushed back to the living room to find our masterpiece lying sideways on the floor. One day, I’ll teach my kids the classic “you can laugh or cry” lesson about life’s curveballs It’s walking in downtown Home- not with parables about lemons and lemonade, but with wood with a cup one true story about a fallen of O’Henry’s hot Christmas tree—because chocolate and rosy that’s how my mom taught that lesson to me. cheeks, with that was the time that great big star gleam- my There 2-year-old niece accidening. It’s my family’s tally caught the bathroom Black Friday tradi- trash can on fire right betion, where we can fore we were about to head out on Christmas Eve for a spend a good 12 Christmas lights tour. We hours straight with laugh about it now. And each other and love there was the first year we made a “Happy Birthday, each other even cake, complete with more after the fact. Jesus” sprinkles and blue icing, just as I’m sure He would’ve

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My favorite Christmas of all: Christmas 2014, when Caleb and I got married

wanted. There was, of course, the first Christmas after my mom died—difficult, yes, but healing all the same. And there’s been every year for the last 14, when my family gathers after present-opening for the big Christmas breakfast, complete with cinnamon rolls and only-at-Christmas breakfast casserole. (I made breakfast casserole one other time this year and could barely eat it. It felt like a sin.) But my favorite Christmas season of all had to be last year. Last year, just a few days before Christmas, Caleb and I got married. I’d originally been disappointed to have a winter wedding (I’ve always dreamed of one in a wildflower field), but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was the most wonderful time of the year by far.

These are the reasons I feel like it’s not just OK to break out Nat King Cole’s “Oh, Holy Night” alongside the pumpkins and ghosts, but it’s good for the soul. The music reminds me of the magic that has been and the magic that will be. It brings to me memories of the past and inspires the traditions I’ll create for my own family. It whispers—well, sings—“It’s coming! It’s coming!” And I can’t help but smile.

I thought there was no hope for Caleb. That was until last week, when I heard him quietly humming “Silver Bells.” Ah. There must be something magical about it after all.

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George Balanchine’s

The Nutcracker™ SPONSORED BY:

USE CODE “WISHBOOK” FOR $5 OFF TICKETS!

DECEMBER 11-13 & 18-20, 2015 Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University

Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world licensed by The Balanchine Trust to perform George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™

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BUY TICKETS: WWW.ALABAMABALLET.ORG | 205.202.8142

B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

Models in Chanel, Etro, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Yves Saint Laurent

A DESIGNER LABEL O N LY C O N S I G N M E N T BOUTIQUE

Located in Mountain LO C AT E D I N M O U N TA I N B R O O K AT 2 3 6 C O U N T RY C L U B PA R K 3 5 2 1 3 2 0 5 - 4 2 3 - 5 8 5 5 Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lilla-400597696780366/?ref=tn_tnmn WWW.B-METRO.COM

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Visit us on Instagram @lilladesignerconsignment

Holiday Entertaining WithKathy G

Break out the festive chargers and color-coordinated linens.

Go crazy with sprigs of holiday greenery on the platters, tables, and everywhere else you can think of—it’s an easy touch that makes a huge impact in setting the holiday tone.

We love to do tons of cranberries. Think sprinkled around trays, topping appetizers, in clear vessels of every shape and size, floating in bowls, in trays of candles. And of course boiled, sweetened, and served with a very large spoon.

Cranberries and these other symbols of holiday cheer make you happy and that’s what the season’s all about.

Pots de Crème

1 cup half & half 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate 2 teaspoons sugar 3 egg yolks ½ teaspoon vanilla Bring half and half, chocolate, and sugar to full boil to thicken. Temper in yolks and cook on low about two minutes. Stir in vanilla. Strain. Fill cups and chill to set.

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

Ballroom • Swing • Latin • Private & Group Lessons

Dance WALK IN.

OUT.

2531 Rocky Ridge Road, Vestavia 205.994.6457

www.championlatin.com Like us on Facebook @ Champion Latin & Ballroom

SOCIAL DANCING • COUPLES & SINGLES WELCOME • ADULT & CHILDREN

Peppermint Meringue Twist

Yield: 32 (2-inch) meringues 3 egg whites ž cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon peppermint oil red gel food coloring as needed peppermint, chopped, for garnish

Heat egg whites and sugar over water bath until it reaches 110 degrees or hot to the touch. Whip until stiff peaks form and beat in peppermint oil.

Using a thin paintbrush, carefully paint two lines along the seams of the piping bag with the food coloring halfway up the bag. Fit bag with 1/4-inch round tip or star tip. Fill with meringue, trying not to smear the gel.

Line cookie pan with parchment paper, spraying the pan with pan spray. Pipe a full base in small circles, starting from the center and working out to make a 2-inch base. Pipe up the outsides of the base until it forms 3/4to 1-inch-tall cups. Bake in 200-degree oven for 20–30 minutes or until it easily comes off the parchment paper. Let cool completely and wrap tightly while still on the cookie sheet or store in airtight container. Fill with a chocolate ganache or a buttercream frosting of choice and add garnish.

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

So you’re shopping for that impossible to please person on your holiday shopping list. Your search is over with one trip to Scandinavian Design and Leather Gallery in Hoover.

You’ll shop through 25,000 square feet of unique home furnishings to fit any personality.

HIGHWAY 150 ACROSS FROM THE GALLERIA MONDAY-SATURDAY 10-6 • THURSDAY 10-8 SCANDESIGNGALLERY.COM (205) 985-4507

WWW.B-METRO.COM

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Sugared Cranberries on Brie and Crackers Yield: 16 servings You can make this dip a couple of hours ahead of time—just keep it in a thermos or crockpot so it’s warm when you’re ready to serve it.

2 cups fresh cranberries 1 cup maple syrup 1 cup granulated sugar 16 crackers 8 ounces Brie cranberry chutney or relish fresh mint for garnish

Rinse cranberries and place in medium bowl.

Heat syrup in a small saucepan until warm.

Pour over cranberries when syrup is warm, not hot! Cranberries may pop if syrup is too hot. In medium bowl, pour warm syrup over washed cranberries, cover, and let steep overnight. Drain cranberries in colander. Place sugar in large bowl or baking dish. Add cranberries in two batches and roll around until lightly coated in sugar.

Place on baking sheet until dry (about an hour).

Assemble crackers with one slice of brie, a light layer of cranberry chutney, and four to five candied cranberries. Garnish with fresh mint.

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

Not sure what your friend or loved one wants this holiday season?

GIVE THE GIFT OF

Science wonder

and

MAKE A DONATION

VISIT OUR MUSEUM STORE BUY A MEMBERSHIP WWW.MCWANE.ORG 45 200 19TH STREET NORTH — DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAMWWW.B-METRO.COM — (205) 714-8300

Eggnog Cheesecake Yield: 9-inch cheesecake Crust 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 3 ounces butter, melted ¼ cup brown sugar

In a bowl, mix ingredients. Press into sprayed pie pan.

Bake at 325 degrees for 8–12 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015

Filling 2 pounds cream cheese 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons flour 2 teaspoons nutmeg 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 tablespoons rum (bourbon or brandy) 1 cup heavy cream 2 eggs

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In mixer, cream together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and rum. Slowly stir in heavy cream, then eggs and egg yolks one at a time. Pour over crust and bake for 30–45 minutes.

www.shaysjewelers.com 3301 LORNA ROAD • HOOVER • 978-5880

WWW.B-METRO.COM

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Fruit-Infused Cocktails

Infused vodkas make a festive and colorful display on the bar. Guests can choose their favorite flavor and then you can shake it in an ice-filled martini shaker, strain, and serve.

A Fifth Smirnoff Vanilla 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced

Vanilla-flavored vodka and fresh pineapple are delicious together. Take a fifth of vanillaflavored vodka and pour in a sterilized jar.

Add two cups diced fresh pineapple (1/2 cup simple syrup is optional). Let it stand for two to three days, then serve. When using fresh fruit with peeling, such as pears or apples, be sure to wash fruit well and pat dry. Transfer fruit to a sterilized jar and pour vodka over the fruit. Simple syrup (1 cup boiling water combined with 1 cup sugar) may be added if a sweeter flavor is preferred. If you’re using cranberries, go with the simple syrup.

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2015