Cullman, AL December 2022

F O O D + B E V E R AG E

A WELL-DO N E CH ARCUTERIE B OARD LO C A L S E RV I C E S

SERVI CE WITH A PU RPOSE AT TH E LIN K O F CU LLM AN COU NT Y SHOPPING

H O LIDAY GIFT GU I DE A R T S + C U LTU R E

TH E ART O F BALLET WITH BRO O KE DESN O ËS

Home for the holidays D E C E M B E R 2 022

Jeff Roberts ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®, CKA®, BFA™, APMA®, AEP®

Private Wealth Advisor | Founder and President MavenCross Wealth Advisors®, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC (205) 313-9150 * jeff.roberts@ampf.com * mavencrosswealth.com

Financial Planning for 30 Years

Ranks Among Alabama's Top Leaders in Financial Planning

Dedicated to being "the obvious choice for guiding clients to joyfully steward their resources."

Barron's® Top 1,000 Advisors, 2009-2011 Barron's® Top 1,200 Advisors, 2014-2022 CA Insurance #0G34699 Barron's® generates its rankings from a formulaic analysis of surveys answered by candidates regarding assets, revenue, and quality of practice, including an advisor's regulatory and compliance record. Barron's® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones, L.P.; all rights reserved. This award is not indicative of this advisor's future performance. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to Barron's in exchange for the ranking. The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

December 2022 PUBLISHER

Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Wendy Sack | wendy.sack@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Enjoying Christmastime Christmas is my favorite holiday. Since I was a small child, my parents and grandparents always made sure Christmas was a big celebration. From church plays and hymns, visiting family and celebrating with cousins and the classic “Christmas Story" movie, I am filled with Christmas memories like one morning when Santa actually stopped by our home and my first major role as an angel in the church play.

Now as a mom, Christmas has a different feel, and it is just as meaningful.

I love preparing food and our home for the holidays. Our elf shenanigans were always fun when our three were younger. Now that they are older, they help decorate and prepare for the holidays. We are continuing to make memories that I hope they will always remember.

And I cannot think of a better place to spend Christmas - Cullman is like our very own little Hallmark town. The storefronts are decorated, lights are all aglow and there is a happiness in the air that you can just feel. Our Christmas parade is the best around and our Weihnachtspyramide (Christmas pyramid) is literally one of a kind - it is the largest in the United States!

We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Cullman City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cullman area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Cullman City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

DECEMBER 2022

inside the issue The Holiday & Giving Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Art of ballet

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Local Limelight

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Travel Journal

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Giving Back

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Gift Guide

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Chef ’s Selection

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Our Town

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Events

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Culinary Creations

‘If ‘all the world’s a stage,’ my dancers are ready to play their parts’

18 Service with a purpose The Link of Cullman County

22 Our local gift guide

Let us help you complete your Christmas list

26 Decadent holiday dessert Gingerbread cake with hot butter rum sauce

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Cullman Furniture Market The cover image was styled by Cullman Furniture Market. Be sure to check them out. The store is the reigning winner of the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Storefront Contest.

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A RTS + C U LTU R E

T R AV EL

LO CA L S ERV I C ES

S HO PPI NG FO O D + B EV E R AG E

LI FE + C U LT U R E

FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Treating yourself is only natural.

Total on 1st takes a unique approach to skin care, elevating the natural beauty of every individual through a purely personal experience.

Immerse yourself in a sanctuary of self-care.

TOTA LON1ST.COM

D OW N TOW N B I R M I NGH A M

DECEMBER 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: Keaton Watson, Jack Doyle, Walker Williams and Tee Foster enjoy Spook the Lake after party. 2: Marc Lalonde and Sarah Lalonde sport the cutest costumes at Trident Marina. 3: The “Clue” family - J, John and Rhonda Riley - made an appearance. 4: Thank you to Trident Marina for hosting the Spook the Lake after party! 5: Danielle Harper, Elle Harper and Selena Skipper pose for a photo at Trident Marina. 6: Niki and Corie Marsh smile for the camera after Spook the Lake at Trident Marina. 7: These two fellas came disguised as David Dempsey and Brian Czup.

Photography by Alabama Lakewide Charities

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C I T Y SC E N E

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8: Guests attend the Cynosure Open House and Fall Trunk Show at Boozer Eyecare Associates. 9: No open house is complete without a variety of snacks. 10: Boozer Eyecare team members gather at the Cynosure Open House. 11: Cynosure products were displayed at Boozer Eyecare.

12: The Cynosure Open House and Fall Trunk Show drew visitors to Boozer Eyecare Associates. 13: Boozer Eyecare has a wide selection of name brand eyewear and styles to choose from. 14: Different vendors were on-hand at the Cynosure Open House and Fall Trunk Show.

Photography by Boozer Eyecare Associates

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

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CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

JUSTIN HOGAN

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DARRYL HUTSON DARRYL HUTSON

MISSY GURLEY

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16 CULLMAN COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

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CULLMAN COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

CULLMAN COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

15: Justin Hogan and his son, Evan Hogan, after a hunt 16: Cullman’s Weihnachtspyramide (Christmas pyramid) is on display by the Cullman County Museum. 17: Good Samaritan Board Members T’aira Ugarkovich and Lindsay Rhodes 18: Robin O’Berry and Clara Kent from Cullman Saving Bank at the Caring for Cullman Concert 19: A fun event for everyone - snacks were provided by Flavors Bakery. 20: Dr. Jonathan Echols with a patient at the Cullman Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Invisalign event. 21: Cullman Cosmetic & Family Dentistry’s Dr. Perron Tucker talks with a patient.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @Cullman_CityLifestyle_

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C I T Y SC E N E

Luxury Performance Pontoons SERVING LAKES IN CENTRAL AND NORTHERN ALABAMA

21680 County Rd 222 Crane Hill, AL 35053

205-573-0222 www.tridentmarinas.com

& Authorized Dealer

DECEMBER 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Lake League Real Estate Lake League Real Estate is thrilled to announce its newest location in downtown Cullman’s Warehouse District! Our agents are eager to meet the people of Cullman, bring our sales and marketing talents and serve this beautiful community. Be our guest any day, any time. Come visit us at our new office; we look forward to meeting you! lakeleague.com - @lakeleaguerealestate - 256-708-4663 218 First Ave. SE, Cullman

Photography Lake League Real Estate

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

White Willow White Willow Owner Libby Crider’s clean and classic approach to design has attracted a large customer base not only in Alabama, but also spanning from Nashville to Florida. White Willow has found a niche specializing in design projects on Lewis Smith Lake by helping clients achieve a functional, inviting and memory-making space for years to come. whitewillow.com

Photography White Willow

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Cullman

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

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Dancer Marianna Willoughby is one of Brooke Desnoës' students.

Art of ballet Brooke Desnoës is pictured with her dancers backstage.

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

‘IF ‘ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE,’ MY DANCERS ARE READY TO PLAY THEIR PARTS’

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCENT DESNOËS

Cullman is home to world-class dancer and ballet instructor Brooke Desnoës, whose school, Brooke Desnoës Ballet Academy (BDBA), she said, “started years ago while I was still training with Dame Sonia Arova at the School of Fine Arts and later on when dancing professionally in Europe with Alexander Bennett.”

Said Desnoës, “Both were outstanding artists and amazing teachers. I was extremely lucky to work under their direction. They mentored me expertly in Russian, Vaganova and the British Checcetti methods, which prevail in the world of ballet. Later, while developing my school in Paris, I entered a close and long-term relationship with two great ballerinas and mentors, Violette Verdy and Suki Schorer, with whom I learned everything about the great George Balanchine and his technique. My school in Cullman is an extension of my career as an instructor at The Washington School of Ballet, my collaboration with the Royal Ballet and the Royal Academy and my successful career in Paris.”

BDBA is primarily a ballet school. Creative movement classes are offered for ages 3 up to the pre-professional level. Children 8 and older can take jazz.

“Indeed, it is important to let a child develop enough coordination, muscle strength and flexibility before attempting proper jazz steps. In addition, the technique and lexicon used in jazz comes from ballet and should be acquired by taking preparatory ballet classes.

Booty shaking and proper jazz technique are two very different things,” Desnoës smiled.

Each November, BDBA and Ballet South, BDBA’s official pre-professional company, stage a production of a holiday classic. “‘The Nutcracker’ is a wonderful tradition that brings family together and I love to choreograph it every year.

For about two decades I staged it for a very large audience

at the beautiful Palais des Congres de Paris, so when I came back to Cullman my goal was to perpetuate the legacy and offer ‘The Nutcracker’ to our community,” said Desnoës.

She continued, “True preparation happens during class, where technique and musicality are perfected. When we start working on a performance the dancers have been selected for roles that fit their levels and personalities. Rehearsals are mostly about learning choreography and becoming a character; the technique must already be there. A performance should never require infinite hours of rehearsals if dancers are properly trained. I keep my rehearsals organized and fun.

My role as artistic director is to get dancers ready, happy and healthy so they can give the best of themselves to the audience. All my students, even the youngest, are treated like they would be in a professional company. It is about focus, respect and hard work. Drama must take place onstage, never backstage.”

Desnoës said proceeds from “The Nutcracker” are used for scholarships for children of disadvantaged families.

In the next few months Ballet South will be performing “Coppelia” in a variety of community outreach events.

Ballet South is regulated by Friends of Ballet South, a registered nonprofit.

“During my long career I have judged many competitions and taught master classes from Sweden to China and all over Europe. Many of my students now dance in celebrated dance companies. Behind their success is work, dedication and respect,” said Desnoës. “My objective is to teach my students the joy of dance and pass on to them the great knowledge I was fortunate to learn firsthand from some of the world’s most accomplished ballerinas. Ballet is a combination of strength, balance and generosity. What students learn in the dance studio they carry with them for the rest of their lives.” brookedesnoes.org — ballet-south.org — 256-338-6401

“Today, our children seem to have less access to the arts than we did when I was growing up. It is a shame and we can change that for our community.”

- Brooke Desnoës D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

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H AV E A B AVA R I A N CHR ISTM AS

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

Christmas in Helen, Georgia

DISCOVER ALPINE HELEN, GEORGIA ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALPINE HELEN/WHITE COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Alpine Helen in snowfall

Instead of staying home for the holidays, many friends and families say a vacation getaway during the season is a perfect way to experience gratitude, joy and magic while creating lifetime memories. The Southeast is full of driving-distance destinations that are legendary for their holiday vibes, lavish or quirky décor, family-friendly events and warm hospitality.

One such destination is Alpine Helen-White County, Georgia.

Have a Bavarian Christmas without leaving the Southeast in Alpine Helen, Georgia, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta in the northeast Georgia mountains. The town’s alpine architecture and festive holiday décor, with cobblestone alleyways and buildings laced in elaborate trim, are so delightful that Lifetime Films’ Christmas movies “Christmas Love Letter” and “A Taste of Christmas” were filmed there.

The Village in Edelweiss River Park is decorated with 8,000 lights and 800-plus ornaments, and the 20-foot tall tree and the entire town are dressed up and illuminated every night until Feb. 20. Visitors from all over flock to Alpine Helen to see the festive shop windows and streets, savor authentic German beer and cuisine and buy German Christmas tree ornaments.

The town's 14th annual Christkindlmarkt at the Marktplatz will continue Dec. 3-4. This traditional German event offers everything from unique gifts and decorations to an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks and candied treats.

Join in a Victorian Christmas in the historic settlements of Sautee-Nacoochee at two events. At the Hardman Farm State Historic Site see the manor dressed in period holiday décor while learning about traditions from docents in their finest 1870s garb. This open house takes place Dec. 2-17, on Fridays and Saturdays from 4-7 p.m. and is highlighted by twinkling candlelight and live music.

The Sautee-Nacoochee Cultural Center hosts its Victorian Christmas Dec. 3-10, with carriage rides, carolers, dining and shopping in unique original cabins.

Learn more about this holiday destination at helenga.org.

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Executive Director Meliissa Betts, center in red, accepts a State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant on behalf of the nonprofit in June 2022.

Service with a purpose THE LINK OF CULLMAN COUNTY The Link of Cullman County is a beacon of hope in the Cullman community. It exists “to build empowering and supportive relationships on the journey toward personal and relational wholeness. We began with a vision to inspire our Cullman County neighbors living in poverty to dream. We want to encourage the homeless, the struggling single mom, the addict and the under-employed that God has more for them.”

“We believe we have two purposes,” said Executive Director Melissa Betts. “The first is to meet our neighbors right where they are and

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE LINK OF CULLMAN COUNTY

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G IV IN G BAC K | LOCA L SERVI CE S

The Link's Brittany Clements and Heather Eddy unbox fresh produce for the Master's Hand food pantry.

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help them make a plan to walk toward their goals. The second is to be a ‘link’ between needs and resources.”

This year, The Link is on track to respond to more than 20,000 requests for assistance.

“There is no way we could possibly serve that many requests on our own,” said Betts.

“We have worked to develop a large network of individuals, organizations, churches, groups and agencies that have their own resources and focuses.”

THE LINK’S FOUR SERVICE AREAS ARE: • Neighbor Services: Food, housing, resource referrals, showers, laundry • Renewal Services: Re-entry therapy, Anger Management & Boundaries course, 12-step meetings • Family Services: Parenting course, 24/7 Fatherhood course, Nurturing Families Initiative and supervised visitation • Educational Services: Adult & Child Literacy tutoring, student tutoring, English as a second language, volunteers in public schools and summer camps (Summer Enrichment & Kindergarten Readiness) “If a neighbor's need does not fall within the realm of our four service areas, we refer that neighbor to someone who can assist them, but we go beyond the referral,” said Betts. “If we refer you to one of our community partners for assistance, we are going to check back in with you or often go with you to that appointment. Our goal is to offer supportive and empowering Christ-like relationships to our neighbors on the journey toward personal and relational wholeness.”

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G IV IN G BAC K | LOCA L SERVI CE S

2022 HIGHLIGHTS AND MEMORABLE MOMENTS (SO FAR!) • 5,500 neighbors assisted • 29,250 calls received (more than 600 per week) • 25,000-plus volunteer hours • Offering cycle of housing/rental assistance • New staff members so we can focus on walk-in needs • Community meals served in-person • New weekly volunteers The Link holds a year-end giving campaign November-December. The 2022 campaign is titled “Legacy.”

“We are focused on the impact made in the hearts of our neighbors,” Betts said. “Did they find strength to take a next step? Were they empowered to make choices that changed things for them? Giving your time, talents, gifts and experiences is what helps make this big impact.”

The community can be a part of the campaign in several ways. Volunteering time and talents can mean facilitating a class, bagging in the food pantry, helping serve the Thanksgiving community meal or providing office assistance, for example.

Monetary support or tangible goods are always needed. “We work to ensure money and goods go right back into our community in meaningful ways,” said Betts. And don’t forget experiences.

“Each of us has a different shape – things that have shaped us, shaped our outlooks, shaped our hearts. You have something to share that no one else in the world has to offer in the same way. Bring those to the table! Your heart and shape might be the difference maker for someone else.”

Find out more about The Link, its services, how to volunteer or becoming a connected organization at linkingcullman.org.

There’s more than meets the eye/ The TempSure® eyeEnvi treatment can be used on any skin type, any time of year to help restore your youthful glow by revitalizing the skin around the eyes with little to no downtime.

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(256) 739-4000 BOOZEREYECARE.COM 1639 FIELD OF MIRACLES DRIVE SW CULLMAN, AL 35055

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

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OUR LOCAL GIFT GUIDE Let us help you complete your Christmas list

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ARTICLE BY MISSY GURLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

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G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPIN G

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1. Diamond bands - Doug Doggett Jewelers 2. Enewton jewelry - Three Pears 3. Perfect bag and throws for mom - Ashley Mercantile 4. Forage Farmstead products are locally madeAshley Mercantile 5. Beautiful Energy by Cynosure dematologist-curated skincare products - Boozer Eyecare 6. Oakley sunglasses - Boozer Eyecare 7. Stocking stuffers for everyone - Ashley Mercantile 8. Costa sunglasses for men and women - Boozer Eyecare 9. Chef’s cutlery - Mavens & Makers 10. Relaxation in a gift bag - Total on 1st 11. New furniture - Cullman Furniture Market

Are you still searching for the perfect gifts for everyone on your Christmas list? You can find great items right here in Cullman from many local businesses, from small gifts like ornaments from Leldon’s to large gifts like a boat from Trident Marina. We created a list from just a few of our favorite local businesses. Here are some of our favorite finds this season.

And be sure to check out gift cards at these local spots; they make great stocking stuffers.

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12. Lush reading chair - Cullman Furniture Market 13. Floor cushion - Cullman Furniture Market 14. Bedroom suite, bedding, lamps - Cullman Furniture Market 15. Poofs - Cullman Furniture Market 16. Professional cookware - Mavens & Makers 17. Sectional, art, chair, table and lamp - Cullman Furniture Market 18. Home artwork - Cullman Furniture Market 19. Ornaments and glass trees - White Willow 20. Fun locally made mugs - Leldon’s 21. Soaps and beard balms - Leldon’s 22. Handcrafted ornaments and tea towels - Leldon’s

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23. For the children on your list - Books, handsewn stuffed animals and a wooden paint set - Leldon’s 24. Adorable crocheted stuffed animals and a log cabin bank - Leldon’s 25. Jewelry and a hand-painted nativity scene - Leldon’s 26. Traditional shaving kit - Ashley Mercantile 27. BrüMate drinkware - Mavens & Makers 28. White distressed reindeer with a festive votive candle - White Willow 29. Gilded tree wth reindeer- White Willow 30. Black velvet suit - Three Pears 31. Golden nutcrackers and festive boards - White Willow 32. Textured maxi skirt paired with peasant blouse and Chanel inspired tweed jacket - Three Pears 33. Embellished collar - Three Pears

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GINGERBREAD CAKE WITH HOT BUTTER RUM SAUCE

Decadent holiday dessert

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA WEBB LANN

Gingerbread is a classic Christmas treat, and this cake is perfect for parties or "just because." The butter rum sauce is excellent with the cake. For a fun twist, top it with fresh whipped cream and a small chocolate gingerbread man.

GINGERBREAD CAKE Ingredients • 1/2 cup boiling water • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/2 cup molasses • 1 egg • 1/2 tsp. nutmeg • 1 tsp. cinnamon

• 1 1/2 cups flour or gluten-free baking mix • 1/2 tsp. salt • 1/2 tsp. baking powder • 1/2 tsp. baking soda • 3/4 tsp. ginger

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350F. 2. Grease 8” x 8” baking pan.

3. In large bowl, pour boiling water over shortening.

4. Add brown sugar, molasses and egg and beat until smooth.

5. Add remaining ingredients and beat or stir until just incorporated.

6. Pour into pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.

HOT BUTTER RUM SAUCE Ingredients • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 cup brown sugar • 1 tsp. vanilla • 1/4 cup half and half (or any milk) • 1/4 cup spiced rum • 2 tsp. cornstarch Directions 1. In small saucepan, melt butter.

2. Add sugars and milk or half and half and boil until all are incorporated into the butter, whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes.

3. Whisk the rum with the cornstarch and add to sauce, along with vanilla. Boil for another minute.

4. Sauce should be creamy with no lumps.

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C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign Now in its third year, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign will give away $300,000 this holiday season to help individual community members who would benefit from a helping hand during their time of need. But they need YOUR HELP to make it happen! Maybe you know of a single parent struggling to provide, an elderly person who has experienced loss, a child enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need—even if nobody else does.

To preserve and protect the dignity of every recipient, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized in ANY way. (Even those who nominate others may remain anonymous if they choose.)

Last year, City Lifestyle was able to give to more than 70 recipients all over the country by sending checks in the mail through New Year’s Eve. (This year, the goal is to double that number with checks ranging in amount up to $3,000 each.)

With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Together with Matthew Perry, Chief Sales Officer, Steven adds that the outpouring and gratitude from the recipients was overwhelming and affirmed that this is a tradition they want to continue.

“We believe God has blessed our company with continued success,” Matthew adds, “so we in turn want to be a blessing to others.”

City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep doing it on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is so rewarding that it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster that culture of generosity.”

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O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

“This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

W here ha s t he c a mpa ig n g i f t e d?

Scan Code to

Nominate between Dec. 1 – 15, 2022

Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram for reminders!

To submit a nomination, follow @citylifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link.

All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once.

The amount given to each recipient will be based on need.

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DECEMBER 2022

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

DECEMBER 1ST

20th Annual Sportsman Lake Park Winter Wonderland Christmas Lights Display

S P O RTS MA N L A KE PA RK | 5 :0 0 P M Through Dec. 30, from 5-9 p.m. Admission is $10 cash per vehicle. See more than a million lights and new displays. We'll have the Christmas train, horse and carriage rides, snow machine, photo booth, hot chocolate and more. Make plans now to visit and enjoy this Cullman County Christmas tradition! Get more details at tinyurl. com/SLWinterWonderland.

DECEMBER 2ND

Christmas in Cullman Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

DOWNTOWN C UL L MA N | 6 :0 0 P M It's like stepping into our very own Hallmark Christmas movie! From the parade filled with hundreds of lights, to making crafts in Santa’s workshop, to lighting of the tree, to meeting Santa himself; this event is nothing short of magical! The parade begins at the Busy Bee Cafe and ends at Depot Park, where the tree will be lit. christmasincullman.com/events.

DECEMBER 3 R D

33rd Annual Cullman County Christmas Parade

DOWNTOWN H A NC E V I L L E | 1 2:0 0 P M The 33rd annual Cullman County Christmas Parade will begin promptly at noon on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Wal-

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lace State Community College and will end at Hanceville Fire Department station no. 1. This year's theme is "God's Gift of Salvation...Jesus!"

D E C E M BE R 4 T H

Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa Claus at Trident Marina

TRID ENT M ARIN A | 2:00 PM Come out to Trident Marina from 2-6 p.m. Bring the kids to see Santa!

Christmas tree lighting along with holiday fun and games for the entire family. There will be a charitable donation for children. Get more details on the Trident Marina and The Grille at Trident Marina Facebook and Instagram pages.

D E C E M BE R 9 T H- 1 1TH

Cullman Christkindlmarkt

CU LLM AN FE STHALLE | 11: 0 0 AM We’re excited about our first ever Cullman Christkindlmarkt! A host of vendors will be set up German-style in small wooden tents, and it’s a great opportunity to wrap up all of your Christmas shopping! Dec. 9-10, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 1-5 p.m. Find out more at christmasincullman.com/christkindlmarkt.

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The Nutcracker

WALLACE STATE COMMUN ITY CO LLE GE | 6: 0 0 PM Cullman Ballet Theatre School presents "The Nutcracker," Dec. 118-20, at 7 p.m., 7 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively, in the Wallace State Community College auditorium. Get ticket information at facebook.com/cullmanballettheatre.

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A charcuterie board is perfect for a holiday gathering or even a cozy dinner at home.

Holiday spread You can’t go wrong with a well-done charcuterie board ARTICLE BY ASHLEA CHANCE AND WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEA CHANCE

Charcuterie boards are a tasteful, space-saving way to present a variety of foods for guests at holiday gatherings. Select different tastes and textures and arrange them just so to fit with the aesthetic of your event.

Charcuterie boards are also excellent options when you're asked to bring a dish to someone else's party.

HERE'S ONE CHECKLIST FOR BUILDING YOUR OWN BOARD: • Plan for 2 oz. cheese and 2 oz. meat per person • Cheese: 2-3 varieties in different styles (hard, creamy, funky or aged)

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

• Meat: 2-3 varieties including flavorful deli meats, cured Italian salamis and spreadable styles like pâté or 'nduja • Salty palate cleansers: Nuts, olives or cornichons • Fruit: Dried fruits are perfect when quality, fresh fruit is hard to source • Condiments: Use small bowls to serve jams, chutneys or mustards • Crackers: Choose your favorites - buttery rounds, grissini or grilled french bread are great options • Garnishes: Add visual impact by incorporating rosemary, oregano or microgreens on your board