Wish Book 2016

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Wish Book Birmingham 2016

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2016

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Follow Clark the Reindeer on Facebook for great gift ideas!

Wish Book

Homeless for the

Holidays

Birmingham 2016

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

$60 can provide food, shelter & support for a mom and two kids for a day.

Cathy Fingerman Assoc. Publisher cathy@b-metro.com Robin Colter Creative Director robin@b-metro.com Madoline Markham Managing Editor madoline@b-metro.com

&

Joni Ayers Marketing Specialist joni@b-metro.com Holly Saar Marketing Specialist holly@b-metro.com Jessica Clement Marketing Director jessica@b-metro.com

Please Give Today

JimmieHaleMission.com Call (205) 323-5878 Mail PO Box 10472 • Birmingham, AL 35202 4

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Katie Turpen Digital Editor katie@b-metro.com

contents 6. HOLIDAY EVENTS Your guide to all of the 2015 holiday festivities in the Birmingham metro area.

20. 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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make the holidays

BRIGHT with events the whole family can enjoy together Illuminations Tree Display Children’s of Birmingham Nov. 7–Nov. 29 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 the Illuminations fund raiser, held each year in conjunction with the Children’s of Alabama Illuminations Ball. The 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.

Kitschmas Naked Art Gallery Nov. 18–Dec. 24 Shop gift-sized artwork and ornaments made with recycled materials by more than 60 artists.

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B-METRO WISHBOOK 2016

Kitschmas opening receptions take place on Friday, Nov. 18, from 5–8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Market Noel

Presented by Junior League of Birmingham at BJCC Nov. 30–Dec. 3 The festivities begin Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. with a Preview Noel with hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and bourbon tastings, and your chance to win a Diamonds Direct piece of jewelry. General admission shopping takes place Thursday, Dec. 1- Saturday, Dec. 3. Highlights of the week include Market Bliss, a girls’ night with beauty and bubbles featuring Tonya Jones beauty bar, and Rock the Runway featuring Lilly Pulitzer.

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Winter Wonderland Exhibit McWane Science Center Nov. 19–Dec. 31 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. 26–Dec. 17, 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 8

B-METRO WISHBOOK 2016

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 Church Nov. 20, 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. 20, 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.

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38th Annual Christmas Concert Presented by the Birmingham Boys Choir Canterbury United Methodist Church Dec. 11, 2:30 p.m.

The Birmingham Boys Choir will be presenting its 39th 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 afternoon.

A Christmas Carol Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Mainstage Production Nov. 14–Dec. 16 With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his past, present, and future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas.” Recommended or children ages 5 and older.

Twas The Night Birmingham Children’s Theatre, A Wee Folks Production Nov. 29 – Dec. 17 The classic story jumps to life on the Wee Folks stage as the Mouse Family tries to settle in “for a long Winter’s Night.” See this family discover the magic of Christmas as Santa Claus drops in for an unexpected visit at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Mouse and their other woodland friends. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Holiday Spectacular

Red Mountain Theatre Company Dec. 2–18 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.

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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!

Tannehill Christmas Village

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Dec. 7–9, 14–16 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 80th Annual Service of Lessons and Carols Birmingham-Southern College Dec. 2, 7:30 pm and Dec 4, 4:30 pm 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 must be reserved between Thanksgiving and Dec 1.

Christmas at Arlington

Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens Dec. 3–4 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.–4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 1–4 p.m.

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Christmas by Candlelight: Come and See Shades Mountain Baptist Church Dec. 4, 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.

A Colonial Christmas American Village, Dec. 6-9 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. 7–9, 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 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 the petting zoo. Won’t you join us this year?

Alabama School of Fine Arts’ Holiday Music Concert Dec. 8-10, 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.

A Christmas Story, The Musical Virginia Samford Theatre Dec. 2-18 The Tony Award nominated Broadway hit, based on the perennial holiday movie favorite, takes place in 14

B-METRO WISHBOOK 2016

1940s Indiana. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream.

Alabama Theatre’s Holiday Films White Christmas, Dec. 9, 18, 20 The Polar Express, Dec. 10 It’s A Wonderful Life, Dec. 12, 17, 19 Miracle on 34th Street, Dec. 11 Christmas Vacation, Dec. 10, 14, 19, 22 Home Alone, Dec. 13, 18 Elf, Dec. 15, 21 A Christmas Story, Dec. 16, 21 Meet Me in St. Louis, Dec. 20 A Christmas Carol, Dec. 23 George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker Presented by the Alabama Ballet The Wright Center, Samford University Dec. 9–11 and 16–18 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 theprofessional company of 39 dancers show you how spectacular The Nutcracker can be.

The Mutt-cracker Presented by Birmingham Ballet BJCC Concert Hall Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.

If you love dogs, you don’t want to miss The Muttcracker! Birmingham Ballet’s canine-filled version of this holiday favorite premiered in 2011 with tailwagging 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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The Nutcracker Presented by Birmingham Ballet BJCC Concert Hall Dec. 10–11 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.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Cathedral Church of the Advent Dec. 18, 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 2016

A Dickens Vest Pocket Christmas Carol Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center Dec. 17 Back by popular demand, A Dickens Vest Pocket Christmas Carol is sure to bring the Christmas spirit to everyone! Join the Cratchets, Tiny Tim, all the Spirits, and, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge in his journey toward redemption and enlightenment. This delightful play is adapted and directed by beloved ASC staff member and ArtPlay teaching artist Jerry Sims, whose popular original productions include Yuletide in Dogtown, Alice’s EVEN BIGGER Tea Party, and Down the Yellow Brick Road. Come early to enjoy holiday treats and more!

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

Ring in 2017 with waltzes, operatic selections, a glass of bubbly, and Soprano Sherri Seiden at the historic Alabama Theatre.

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HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING with kathy g Cranberry-Glazed Sweet Potatoes yield: 8 servings

Cranberries and sweet potatoes just shout fall! This recipe is adapted from my friend Olga, who uses it in her home cooking classes.

4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut crosswise in 1/4-inch slices 4 tablespoons butter, melted 2 tablespoons bourbon salt and pepper 3/ 4 cup cranberries 1/ 3 cup light brown sugar 1/ 8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/ 8 teaspoon cinnamon Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a large, shallow baking dish. Arrange sweet potatoes in concentric circles, overlapping slightly. Pour 1/2 cup of water over potatoes. In small bowl, mix melted butter with bourbon. Spoon mixture over sweet potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, cover with foil, and bake for about 25 minutes. Baste with liquid in pan and continue cooking until tender and liquid is gone.

Meanwhile, in saucepan, combine cranberries, 1/3 cup of water, and brown sugar and boil over moderately high heat until cranberries start to burst, about 10 minutes. Drain cranberries, reserving the liquid separately (if not much liquid remains, skip draining, and add cranberry sauce in its entirety over potatoes). Stir cayenne and cinnamon into cranberry liquid and spoon it over potatoes. Bake, basting well after 5 minutes, for 20 minutes longer, until potatoes are nicely glazed and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

During last 5 minutes of baking, scatter cranberries on top.

Serve warm.

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BASIL CHEESE TERRINE WITH SUNDRIED TOMATOES yield: 1 bundt pan or 1 loaf pan WHITE MIXTURE

16 ounces cream cheese, softened 8 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (can substitute blue cheese) In food processor, process until smooth and set aside.

GREEN MIXTURE (BASIL PESTO)

2 cups spinach leaves 4 cups basil leaves 4 cloves garlic 1/ 2 cup olive oil 2 cups fresh parmesan, grated In food processor, process spinach, basil, and garlic, and with processor running, slowly add oil. Pulse in parmesan and set aside. Mixture should be thick.

RED MIXTURE

2 cup sundried tomatoes 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1/ 2 cup olive oil 2 cups fresh parmesan, grated Soak sundried tomatoes for about 20 minutes and drain. In food processor, pulse sundried tomatoes with garlic, oil, and parmesan.

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Line a 2-quart bundt pan with plastic wrap, allowing edges to overhang. Put white, green, and red mixtures into separate dipping bags. Spread mixtures one at a time into bundt pan, making festive holiday layers: white, green, white, red, and white. Once layers are finished, wrap tight with plastic wrap and chill the mold for 24 hours. When ready to serve, carefully open plastic wrap to access the terrine. Quickly turn mold on top of serving platter, remove remaining plastic wrap. Garnish with additional sundried tomatoes and serve with your favorite crackers or flatbread.

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PUMPKIN SEED BRITTLE yield: 16 servings

non-stick vegetable oil spray 1 cup sugar 1/ 2 cup light corn syrup 3 tablespoons water 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), shelled 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3/ 4 teaspoon baking soda 1/ 8 teaspoon ground cinnamon Âź 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Spray a parchment-lined baking sheet or use Silpat and set aside. In medium saucepan over medium heat, bring sugar, corn syrup, and water to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Fit saucepan with candy thermometer and cook until thermometer registers 290 degrees, 3-4 minutes. Stir in pumpkin seeds, butter, and salt and cook, stirring often, until pale brown and thermometer registers 305 degrees, 3-4 minutes. Stir in baking soda and cinnamon (mixture will bubble vigorously), then immediately pour caramel onto prepared sheet. Using a heatproof spatula, quickly spread out and sprinkle with sea salt; let cool. Break brittle into pieces. Brittle can be made 1 week ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer.

In a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and mix until incorporated. Scrape sides of bowl. Slowly add powdered sugar and continue to mix until incorporated and smooth. Mix in walnuts. Cover until ready to use. If making ahead, keep covered and refrigerate. Before using, take out and let it come to room temperature or mix in mixer again until pliable.

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PUMPKIN ROULADE yield: 1 log (12 slices)

Such a beautiful autumn dessert! This roulade may be made ahead and frozen or kept in the fridge for 2-3 days before serving.

1 cup sugar ž 3/4 cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/ 2 teaspoon ginger 1/ 4 teaspoon cloves Salt, pinch 3 eggs 2/ 3 cup canned pumpkin Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 10.5 x 15.5 jelly roll pan with parchment and spray. In mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. In separate bowl, combine eggs with pumpkin and mix well. Then, add to dry mixture and mix until just combined. Pour in pre24

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pared pan, spread evenly, and bake until toothpick comes out clean, about15 minutes. Lay down kitchen towel, sprinkle powder sugar over towel. While cake is still hot, roll up in the towel and allow to cool. Once cool, fill with filling mixture and cover with filling mixture or dust with powdered sugar.

FILLING

8 ounces cream cheese 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/ 2 cup walnuts, finely chopped In a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and mix until incorporated. Scrape sides of bowl. Slowly add powdered sugar and continue to mix until incorporated and smooth. Mix in walnuts. Cover until ready to use. If making ahead, keep covered and refrigerate. Before using, take out and let it come to room temperature or mix in mixer again till pliable.

George Balanchine’s

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The Nutcracker®

December 9th-11th & 16th-18th, 2016 Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University

purchase tickets:

(205)202-8142

alabamaballet.org

Alabama Ballet is proud to present George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® as one of only eight companies in the world licensed by The Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday masterpiece. Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and young at heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers, and an on� stage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets.

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George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® Choreography by George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust

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Photo By: Arik Sokol

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