DECEMBER 2023
Rich Bassford Are you thinking of selling your home? I give sellers options. I can buy your home for CASH at a very fair price with no repairs, no showings, no commission and no stress! If you’re in a hurry, I can close in as little as 5 days or you can take as long as you need. I have bought and sold over 3000 homes in the Quad Cities and yours could be next. Call, text or email me today for a FAST response.
309-292-3681 www.RichBassford.com
Located in Bettendorf, Davenport and Moline 4555 Utica Ridge Road, Bettendorf, IA, 52722 Licensed in IA and IL
309-292-3681 2 December 2023 • Mature Focus
December • 2023
features 5 6 10 38 42
Game changer What does ‘next’ look like? Magic of the bride doll Why Christmas trees aren’t perfect Savor precious moments
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favorites 4 12 16 20 24 28 32
From The Desk Tinseltown Talks Humor Hotel Savvy Senior The History of Ordinary Things Midnight Gardener Talking Digital
health 18 30 36
JAK3 inhibition Do you hear what I hear? Signs of stomach cancer
finance 14 34
The ‘Desiderata’ of estate planning Consider these year-end moves
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recipes 8 40
Festive holiday flavor The perfect mashed potatoes
games 22 23 28
Mind Gym Super Crossword Trivia Test
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extras 19 21 29 31 35
Moments in Time Now Here’s a Tip Strange But True All the News That’s Fit Mature Focus Volunteer Spotlight
Our Cover: “A Present for Peanut” by Susan Brabeau, see page 15 for more information.
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Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Prep time: 12 minutes Cook time: 90 minutes Servings: 32 1 fully cooked smoked bone-in spiral ham (7-9 pounds) 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Preheat oven to 325 F.
Remove ham from packaging and place in roasting pan with flat side down. Bake ham about 1 hour until heated through to internal temperature of 130 F with meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of ham. In medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and cloves. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until butter is melted and ingredients are well combined. Brush about half of glaze over ham, making sure to fill crevices or scored cuts. Return ham to oven and bake 3045 minutes, or until glaze is bubbly and caramelized with internal temperature of 145 F. Baste ham with pan juices and glaze every 10-15 minutes while baking. Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Perfect Roasted Little Potatoes Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 6 1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Preheat oven to 400 F. In large bowl, toss little potatoes with oil, salt and pepper until coated. Spread potatoes in single layer on rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 30 minutes, or until tender. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Tip: For extra holiday flavor, add paprika, garlic and fresh herbs.
Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs Cook time: 50 minutes Servings: 6 8 ounces cavatappi pasta 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional for salting pasta water, to taste 1 tablespoon butter 1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces 15 ounces part-skim ricotta
• Tree Trimming
• Tree Removal
Call: 563-396-3894 Walk-in clinic to review Medicare plans & LIS/MSP screenings on December 5, 9-11 am. Bring Medicare card & current meds list.
8 December 2023 • Mature Focus
Come see what makes us special!
Breakfast served all day
IOWA LOCATIONS: 5151 Competition Dr., Bettendorf 3595 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf 4751 Progress Dr, Davenport
• Specialty Pancakes • Waffles • Crepes • Burgers • Sandwiches • Mimosas & Bloody Marys • Fresh espresso & coffee
cheese 4 tablespoons sour cream 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper 1 large egg, lightly beaten Preheat oven to 375 F. Cook cavatappi in salted boiling water. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pot and stir in butter. Using box grater, shred cheddar cheese. Using food processor, combine 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese with pecans. Process to coarse breadcrumb consistency. Add remaining cheddar cheese, ricotta, sour cream, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to warm pasta. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add egg; stir. Add 2-4 tablespoons reserved pasta water to loosen mixture; stir until smooth. Pour into buttered 9-inch square or round casserole dish and top evenly with pecan topping. Bake 30 minutes. Ornament Cookies Prep time: 25 minutes plus 1 hour to decorate Cook time: 20 minutes Yield: 2 dozen cookies Cookies: 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 large egg 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt Royal Icing: 4 cups powdered sugar 3 tablespoons meringue powder
ILLINOIS LOCATIONS: 4100 27th St., Moline Two Sisters Restaurant 522 1st St., Milan HOURS: M-Sunday • 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. 1/3
cup, plus 2-3 tablespoons, warm water, divided desired food coloring To prepare cookies: In large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg; beat until well combined. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Add flour and salt; beat until just combined. Dump mixture onto lightly floured surface and divide in half. Shape each half into disks and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Working on lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thick. Cut cookies using ornament-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on prepared pans and bake 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from
oven and cool at room temperature. To make royal icing: In large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder and 1/3 cup water. Beat on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and beat 8-10 minutes, adding 2-3 tablespoons warm water, as necessary. Icing should be stiff enough to hold peak when tested. Color royal icing with food coloring and decorate cookies.
When you or a loved one needs special care. Help At Home, Inc. is a home care agency committed to enhancing the quality of life for our clients and providing a viable alternative to living in a nursing home or long-term care facility. Our services include: • Housework • Shopping/Errands • Meal Preparation • Personal Care and more 2000 52nd Ave. Moline, Il 61265 309-764-7700 moline@helpathome.com Mature Focus • December 2023
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