2020 Celebrate the Holidays

the

Holiday Puzzles Recipes Shopping Local Gifts

Celebrate The Holidays

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2020

Wishing You Peace & Joy This Holiday Season and a New Year filled with Health, Happiness & Prosperity

A WALKING HOLIDAY EVENT

November 19, 2020 - January 2, 2021 Wednesday through Sunday Nights 5:30pm – 9:30pm

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Please practice physical distancing; Bring mask for indoor Santa photos and event retail area Additional Event Information: Go to OCocean.com or OceanCityMD.gov Event is subject to weather Mobility Devices available for rent on site

Ocean City Today P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511

EDITOR .......................................................... Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR.............................................. Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS ................................ Greg Ellison, Ally Lanasa ASSISTANT PUBLISHER ........................................ Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS ...................... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER.................. Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER .............................................. Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................................. Kelly Brown PUBLISHER .................................................... Christine Brown

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Celebrate The Holidays

2020

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Celebrate The Holidays

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2020

The history of Black Friday Black Friday reinvented

The retail industry started using the term “Black Friday” in the late 1980s.

Spin doctors turned previously negative connotations into positive ones by associating the phrase with stores turning a profit and moving accounting ledgers from “red to black” thanks to big year-end sales. Retailers and consumers rallied around low-cost “doorbusters” and other discounted prices.

Interestingly enough, according to the National Retail Federation, Black Friday really hasn’t been the most lucrative day for retailers over the years. In fact, greater profits and larger crowds are often seen on the last Saturday preceeding Christmas.

Shopping weekend evolves

Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.

Come Black Friday, shoppers strive to get the lowest prices on gifts for their loved ones.

Much of the focus of Black Friday is on finding the best deals, but it can be interesting to take a breath and learn how this phenomenon developed and how it has evolved over the years.

“Black Friday”

The term “black Friday” was originally associated with gold prices and manipulation on the part of speculators Jay Gould and James Fisk. This scandal occurred in September 1869. Commodity prices plummeted 50 percent as a result, and the term “black Friday” was coined to refer to that drop.

The phrase “black Friday” also became famous for all the wrong rea-

sons in 1966. Philadelphia police used it to refer to the Friday traffic jams and crowding in downtown stores from tourists and shoppers who flooded into the city in advance of the Army-Navy football game held the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. Bigger crowds and rowdiness contributed to long hours and stressful shifts for local police.

While Black Friday may have been the catalyst, in recent years shoppers have made the entire weekend of Black Friday a lucrative one for retailers. Many stores now open on Thanksgiving and extend sales through the entire weekend. Small Business Saturday and Sunday promote patronizing mom-and-pop stores. Cyber Monday emerged when online shopping became a popular way to grab deals, and it marks the close of the opening weekend of the holiday shopping season. In 2017, Black Friday weekend attracted 174 million shoppers who spent an average of $335.47, according to the NRF.

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Celebrate The Holidays

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Celebrate The Holidays

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2020

It’s always the right time of year for fresh apple pie • 1⁄4 cup brown sugar • 1⁄2 cup sugar • 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cornstarch

Icing

• cup confectioners’ sugar • 2 tablespoons water • 1 tablespoon butter, softened

Certain foods are synonymous with particular holidays or times of year. For example, few people can imagine celebrating Valentine’s Day without ample supplies of chocolate on hand. And what summer barbecue is complete without grilled hot dogs and hamburgers? While these foods and others are must-haves during certain times of the year, that doesn’t mean they cannot be enjoyed whenever a craving arises.

Apples, and particularly apple pie, are a staple of many holiday season celebrations. But apple pie is just as delicious in March, April, May, etc., as it is during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s especially true when the apples are fresh. Whether yours is a

seasonal or non-seasonal craving for apple pie, be sure to satisfy it with this recipe for “French Apple Pie” from Mollie Cox Bryan’s “Mrs. Rowe’s Little Book of Southern Pies” (Ten Speed Press).

French Apple Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie • 1 recipe Plain Pie Pastry (see below)

Raisin Filling

• 2⁄3 cup raisins • 6 tablespoons water • 1⁄2 teaspoon lemon juice • 1⁄4 cup light corn syrup • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons all-purpose flour • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons sugar • 2 apples (preferably a tart variety)

AR E Y 0 5 OVER

S!

To make the raisin filling, combine the raisins, water and lemon juice in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally until the raisins are plump, about 15 minutes.

Separately, combine the corn syrup, flour and sugar and mix well, then add to the raisins and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until thick and syrupy, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool until the mixture is just warm, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a 9inch pie plate with 1 rolled-out crust.

Peel the apples, cut them into thin wedges, and put them in a large bowl.

Separately, combine the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch, then add to the apples and gently stir until evenly mixed.

Spread the apple mixture in the crust in an even layer, then spread the raisin filling evenly over the apples. Brush the rim of the crust with water, cover with the second rolled-out crust, seal and flute or

crimp the edges, and cut a steam vent in the center.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours, until completely cool.

To make the icing, combine the sugar and water and mix well. Add the butter and mix until smooth. Brush over the top of the cooled pie before serving.

Plain Pie Pastry

Makes two 9-inch pie crusts

• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon salt • 2⁄3 cup vegetable shortening • 5 to 7 tablespoons cold milk Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until it is the size of small peas. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the milk over part of the flour mixture. Gently toss with a fork and push to the side of the bowl. Sprinkle another tablespoon of milk over another dry part, toss with a fork and push to the side of the bowl. Repeat with the remaining milk until all of the flour mixture is moistened.

Press the dough together to form 2 equal balls, then flatten into disks. Roll out the crusts right away, or wrap the dough tightly, smoothing out any little wrinkles or air pockets and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball to a thickness of 1⁄8 inch. Use a light touch and handle the dough as little as possible.

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Celebrate The Holidays

2020

Page 7

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Page 8

Celebrate The Holidays

2020

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Celebrate The Holidays

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Celebrate The Holidays

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2020

How to host virtual holiday celebrations computer in a bright area with a festive backdrop. You’ll want others who join the virtual hangout to be able to see you clearly. A Christmas tree or a decorated fireplace in the background can set the scene.

Choose the right conferencing app

Certain programs may work better than others depending on your needs.

For example, if everyone has the same operating system platform (iOS or Android), you may be able to use an app inherent to that system, which won’t require a separate download or login.

Apps also may be chosen depending on how many people can be invited in, as some set limits. Do your homework and conduct a test run prior to the holidays.

Keep props nearby The 2020 holiday season figures to be vastly different than seasons past. The novel coronavirus COVID19 has transformed daily life in many ways. The public has become accustomed to wearing masks while shopping, limiting the number of people in public venues and keeping their distance from friends and loved ones.

Many events have been reimagined as virtual celebrations because of social distancing protocols. For those

with large families or people with inherent risk factors that make them more susceptible to illness, sharing the holidays over video conferencing apps may be the safest way to go in 2020.

The following tips can help holiday hosts make the most of a virtual holiday experience.

Pick a bright, festive spot

Set up your tablet, smartphone or

Gift Cards Make Great Gifts!

If the goal is to open gifts virtually, be sure to have everyone gathered and gifts nearby so no one is scrambling in and out of view.

Position the camera at eye level

Try to set up the camera so you’re not looking up or down. Practice looking straight into the camera instead of at yourself in the minimized window or even others on the screen.

This way you’ll appear engaged.

Use mute when not speaking

Muting yourself (and encouraging others to do the same) when you are not speaking will limit the amount of background noise. As the host, serve as the moderator and encourage everyone to speak one at a time.

Choose a visual cue to signal when someone has the floor to speak, such as raising a hand or even showing a festive picture.

Tune into virtual worship

While some places of worship have reopened to some capacity, others may still be offering hybrid services. If your place of worship offers services via YouTube or another video platform, gather around and watch together and participate just as if you were there in person. Better yet, share the link with other family and friends so they can tune in as well.

Share dinner ‘together’

Set up your camera source so it captures the holiday table. All parties gathering virtually can then sit down to the holiday meal as one and enjoy one of the season’s more endearing traditions.

Virtual celebrations may continue through the holiday season. Adapting with some video conferencing tips can ensure everyone enjoys the festivities.

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Pets and holiday gifting Furry, finned and feathered friends help make a house a home.

These companions are more than just pets; they’re often cherished family members. So it should come as no surprise that, come the holidays, people want to lavish extra attention on their animals by way of presents.

The American Pet Products. Association says pet owners spend billions of dollars on their pets each year. The majority of pet owners plan to gift their pets on holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Christmas.

DogTime.com says that pet presents are not a North American phenomenon, either. Pet owners in the United Kingdom are expected to spend the equivalent of $46 U.S. per pet on gifts.

While dog owners are more likely to buy their pets gifts, cat owners

have been closing that gap over the years. Some pet parents even offer Christmas cards or hang Christmas stockings for their pets.

According to data from PricewaterhouseCoopers, shoppers between the ages of 17 and 21 are willing to spend more than anyone else ($70) on holiday gifts for their pets.

Gifting pets has become the norm, but various animal welfare organizations advise that giving companion animals as pets should be avoided.

Pets given as gifts may be at a higher risk for surrender to shelters by families who miscalculated the amount of time and money that’s necessary to care for pets. Welcoming a pet into the family is often a personal decision, and one that should be weighed carefully by all members of the household.

Page 11

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Celebrate The Holidays

2020

2020

Celebrate The Holidays

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Celebrate The Holidays

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2020

Gingerbread makes the perfect holiday treat to avoid baked treats come the holiday season. Perhaps no baked good is more closely linked to the holidays than gingerbread, an indulgence many people enjoy only around Christmastime. Holiday hosts or those who want to bring a dessert to their next holiday gathering can whip up this recipe for “Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread” from Maxine Clark’s “Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers” (Ryland, Peters & Small).

Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread

The holiday season is synonymous with many things, including family gatherings, shopping, elaborate lighting displays, and Santa Claus. For foodies, this

time of year is the perfect opportunity to indulge one’s love of baked goods.

Between office parties and gatherings with family and friends, it’s hard

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Makes an 8-inch cake • 2 1⁄3 cups dark molasses • 6 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 70 percent cocoa solids), grated • 1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons ground ginger • 5 ounces whole pieces preserved stem ginger, drained and roughly chopped • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened • 1⁄2 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, sifted (to remove lumps) • 2 medium eggs, beaten • 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda • 2 tablespoons milk, warmed • A pinch of salt • Extra-large crystallized ginger pieces, to scatter (optional) • A deep 8-inch square cake pan or 8 x 6 x 3-inch oval cake pan

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Grease and line the base and sides of the cake pan with nonstick parchment paper.

Put the molasses in a pan and heat gently until hot, but do not allow it to boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chocolate. Stir until melted.

Sift the flour, ground ginger and salt together in a bowl. Add the stem ginger and toss it around in the flour until every piece is coated.

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, then the molasses and chocolate mixture and finally the flour mixture. Dissolve the baking soda in the milk and gradually beat this into the batter.

Pour into the prepared cake pan, scatter with the crystallized ginger, if using, and bake for 45 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 F and bake for another 30 minutes. (If using the oval pan, cook for about 45 minutes at the higher temperature, then about one hour at the lower temperature, as it will be deeper.)

A metal skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. Let cool for five minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack and let cool completely. When cold, store in an airtight container for at least a couple of days to mature and become sticky.

Don’t worry if it sinks a bit in the middle — this is normal.

Celebrate The Holidays

2020

Page 15

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Celebrate The Holidays

2020

Warm up with a rich, chocolate beverage on when the moment is right. This recipe for “Real Hot Chocolate” from “Chocolate” (Parragon) by the editors of Love Food is sure to please.

Real Hot Chocolate Serves 1 to 2

• 1 1⁄2 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces • 1 1⁄4 cups milk Chocolate curls to decorate

Nothing beats sipping a hot, soothing beverage after a day of choosing the perfect Christmas tree or lobbing snowballs in the backyard. Teas, hot toddies, coffees, and mulled ciders certainly can fit the bill, but a mug of rich hot chocolate is a holiday season staple.

Hot chocolate can be whipped up quickly from premade packets, but many such packets are loaded with sugar. Chocolate lovers should have a reliable hot chocolate recipe to lean

Place the chocolate in a large, heatproof pitcher. Place the milk in a heavy-bottom saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour about one-quarter of the milk onto the chocolate and leave until the chocolate has softened.

Whisk the milk and chocolate mixture until smooth. Return the remaining milk to the heat and return to a boil, then pour onto the chocolate, whisking constantly.

Pour into warmed mugs or cups and top with the chocolate curls.

Serve immediately.

Chocolate lovers should have a reliable hot chocolate recipe to lean on when the moment is right. This recipe for “Real Hot Chocolate” from “Chocolate” (Parragon) by the editors of Love Food is sure to please.

Page 17

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Tradition is a hallmark of the holiday season. Religious services, family gatherings and trips to see Santa Claus are just a few of the many traditions people adhere to during the holiday season.

Many holiday shoppers also adhere to the time-honored tradition of lastminute shopping. The perfect gift can sometimes prove elusive, especially as the sand in the holiday hour glass keeps dwindling. These last-minute gift ideas may be just what shoppers need to put smiles on the faces of their loved ones this holiday season.

Books

Books are often overlooked, especially now that so many readers use e-readers.

But books can be an ideal gift and especially convenient for last-minute shoppers, who can even gift e-books. For example, Amazon, which has thousands of e-books in its online library, makes it easy for shoppers to gift e-books to Kindle users, who will simply receive an email on Christmas morning informing them that their books are ready to be downloaded to their devices.

Experiences

A 2017 survey by the global research

firm NPD Group found that roughly 40 percent of holiday shoppers planned to give experiences as gifts last year. Experience gifts open up a host of possibilities for last-minute shoppers stuck on what to give those loved ones who seemingly have it all.

Food/beverage

Television channels such as The Food Network have changed the way many people look at food. When gifting the family foodie, last-minute shoppers may not need to look further than the latest hotspot restaurant or specialty grocery store for the perfect gift. Take them out for a night on the town or give a gift card they can use at their convenience. The craft beer boom has created a host of devoted and knowledgeable beer drinkers, so a gift card or growler from a local craft brewery is sure to please people who love hoisting frosty pints.

Streaming service subscriptions

Many people are cutting the cord with their cable companies in favor of streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu.

Subscriptions to such services can make ideal and affordable holiday gifts. A sixmonth or yearlong subscription likely won’t break shoppers’ budgets and will provide months of entertainment to loved ones.

Last-minute holiday shopping is easier than ever, especially for shoppers willing to think outside the box.

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Celebrate The Holidays

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2020

Keep your natural tree fresh this Christmas Natural Christmas tree afficionados love the authenticity such trees provide during the holiday season. Natural trees also provide a unique aroma that can make holiday celebrations feel more homey.

When purchasing natural trees, holiday celebrants, especially those who like to buy their trees in early December, may be concerned about keeping their trees fresh throughout the holiday season. The following tips can help trees last until the final present is unwrapped and the last of the egg nog has been consumed.

• Buy a freshly cut tree. Whenever possible, celebrants should cut their own trees.

This ensures that the tree they bring home is fresh, increasing the chances it will remain so throughout the season. If it’s not possible to cut your own tree, the National Fire Protection Association notes that fresh trees should have green needles that do not come off when touched. Trees that appear to be dried out or those that shed needles when touched should be avoided.

• Protect trees on the way home. The Tree Care Industry Association advises consumers to protect their Christmas trees as they transport them home. Wrap the tree in a plastic wrap so it makes it home damage-free. A damaged tree might not make it through the holiday season.

• Cut pre-cut trees before leaving the lot.

Pre-cut trees can make it through the holiday season looking their best, but buyers

should request that employees cut as much as two inches off the bottom of the tree before leaving the lot. Once trees are cut, sap begins to seal their base, making it hard for them to absorb water. By requesting that between one and two inches be removed from the bottom of the tree at the time of purchase, buyers are ensuring their trees will be able to absorb the water they’ll need to make it through the season when they get home.

• Place the tree in water the moment you get home. To prevent the base of the tree from drying out, place it in water the moment you get home. Freshly cut trees may initially need the water in their tree stands filled in the morning and then again in the evening. As the season progresses, trees likely won’t need their stands filled more than once per day.

• Place the tree away from heat sources.

Placing trees away from heat sources, such as radiators, fireplaces, heating vents, and lights, reduces the likelihood that trees will dry out and also reduces the risk of fire.

A few simple strategies can help holiday revelers ensure their Christmas trees make it through the holiday season unscathed.

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Celebrate The Holidays

Page 21

Holiday baking gets even sweeter with brownies Obsession” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) by Michael Recchiuti and Fran Gage yields rich and chewy brownies that no holiday celebrant will be able to resist.

Rocky Recchiuti Brownies

What would the holidays be without delicious foods to share with loved ones? In fact, crafting elaborate meals and baking goodies is par for the course once the weather begins to cool and decorations turn up on businesses and homes.

Many people have tried-and-true recipes they rely on each year, but there’s always the possibility to give new tasty tidbits a try. There are so many tantalizing desserts to tickle the tongue, but this recipe for “Rocky Recchiuti Brownies” from “Chocolate

Makes 16 brownies • 5 1⁄2 ounces 100 percent unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped, divided • 10 tablespoons (5 ounces) unsalted butter with 82 percent butterfat, cut into 1-inch slices.

• 2⁄3 cup (31⁄2 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour • 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt • 3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, preferably Madagascar Bourbon • 1 1⁄3 cups granulated cane sugar • 1⁄3 cup walnut halves, roasted and roughly chopped • 6 Tahitian Vanilla Bean Marshmallows, each 11⁄2 inches square, cut into quarters (see recipe below) Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and liberally coat the paper and the pan sides with flavorless vegetable oil.

Put 3 ounces of the chocolate and the butter in a medium stainless-steel bowl and set over a pot of simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally,

until the chocolate and butter melt and are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Lift the bowl from the pot. Set aside.

Sift the flour and salt together into a bowl. In another bowl, combine the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk together by hand until blended. Whisk in the sugar.

Whisk the egg mixture into the chocolate. Add the flour and the remaining 21⁄2 ounces chocolate to the batter and, using a rubber spatula, mix well. Then mix in the walnuts.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a small offset spatula. Scatter the marshmallow pieces evenly over the surface and push them halfway into the batter.

The tops should remain uncovered.

Bake on the middle shelf of the oven until the marshmallows are browned and a skewer inserted into the center of the brownie sheet comes out with some batter clinging to it, about 45 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold.

Run a table knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the sides of the brownie, and then slide the brownie, still on the paper, onto a work surface. Using a ruler to guide you and a sharp knife, cut into sixteen 2-inch squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

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Celebrate The Holidays

Index of Advertisers AERUS Eugene Abbott ...................................................18 Aromatic Essentials by Joy!............................................20 Beach Memories.............................................................7 Bishop’s Stock..............................................................13 Buzz Meadery .................................................................9 Carpets by the Ocean....................................................11 Children’s Book Garden .................................................10 Corddry Company Model Railroad Club ...........................13 Country House..............................................................14 D.A. Kozma Ltd. Fine Jewelers .........................................5 Daily Brew Coffeehouse.................................................12 Delmarva Coins ............................................................12 Delmarva Health thru CBD.............................................16 DelVecchio Bakery ........................................................12 Dennis’ Treasure House ................................................16 DeNovo’s Trattoria.........................................................16 Downunder ..................................................................13 Elliott’s Tavern ..............................................................12 Flawless Dry Cleaners ...................................................12 Healing Arts Center.......................................................23 Jerry’s Toys & Wood Craft ..............................................12 Julia A. Purnell Museum ................................................12 Kendall Furniture ..........................................................19 Ken-Do RV Repair..........................................................16 Kitty’s Flowers ..............................................................14 Malibus Surf Shop ........................................................21 Mark Showell Interiors.....................................................8 Mattress Masters .........................................................11 Mikes Flooring & Design Ctr. ...........................................2 Mirror Salon .................................................................13 My Backyard .................................................................10 Nori Sushi Restaurant ...................................................24 Oaked 110 Whiskey & Wine Bar.....................................12 OC Hair & Nail Studio....................................................17 Ocean City Florist..........................................................18 Okiaya Fishing Rods .......................................................4 Old Pro Golf....................................................................6 Paws and Claws, etc. ....................................................19 Pocomoke River Canoe Co. ............................................13 Pop’s Kitchen .................................................................9 Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain & Grill...................................7 Residence Inn by Marriott ..............................................17 Royal Port Candy Co......................................................12 Salon 16 ........................................................................9 Salon by the Bay ...........................................................18 Sassy Girl Boutique.......................................................12 Sleep City.....................................................................15 The Corner Shoppe .......................................................13 The Flower Shop in Snow Hill .........................................12 The Regal Beast ...........................................................13 The View at Cropper’s Island............................................3 Toy Town.......................................................................13 The Treasure Chest Jewelers............................................8 Una Bella Salute.............................................................9 World of Toys ..................................................................7

2020

Holiday baking pointers

The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Baking is one tradition that comes with the holiday territory.

Many people may only bake in November and December, so it’s understandable if they’re a little rusty come the holiday season. These baking tips can lead to successful yields of cookies, cakes and other holiday treats.

Follow the recipe carefully

When cooking, it is easy to add an extra dash of this or a pinch of that.

But baking is a science and the ingredients are used in a ratio to produce a desired chemical reaction while cooking. To ensure success, do not substitute ingredients unless the recipe tells you how to do so, and measure each addition carefully.

Spoon out your measurements

It can be tempting to dig a measuring cup right into a bag of flour, but scooping packs the ingredients down — potentially causing you to use more than the recipe calls for. Instead, spoon the flour into your measuring cup gently and use a straight edge to level it out. Even better, use a scale and metric measurements to ensure exact amounts of wet and dry ingredients.

Read up on temperature

Certain ingredients, like butter and eggs, are temperature-dependent. Cold butter in biscuits helps them to rise up flaky and delicious.

Eggs brought to room temperature enable the emulsification process to work more readily. The difference in

temperature can mean a completely different chemical reaction, so follow the recipe accordingly.

Calibrate the oven

Purchase an oven thermometer, set your oven to 350 F, the standard baking temperature, and see what the thermometer reads. If it is different, adjust cooking times accordingly or have the oven repaired. Cooking at the wrong temperature might mean the recipe doesn’t turn out right.

Use unsalted butter

Most recipes will call for unsalted butter so you aren’t adding unwanted sodium to the recipe, affecting dough consistency and flavor.

Position pans centrally

Pans should be on the center rack of the oven. If the oven isn’t wide enough to put multiple pans side by side, place them on different racks and slightly offset them to enable air circulation.

Use parchment paper

This unsung hero of baking can keep cookies from spreading out on baking sheets, prevent cakes from sticking to pans and may even help batter and dough bake evenly.

Flip cakes

Cool cakes upside down on a cooling rack. This will help flatten out the tops, which makes it easier to stack and level cakes for layered cakes.

A few tips can go a long way to helping holiday baking go more smoothly.

Celebrate The Holidays

2020

Page 23

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Celebrate The Holidays

Page 24

Happy Holidays from All of Us at Nori Sushi Bar & Grill in Uptown Ocean City MD

Voted by Coastal Style 2020 in Worcester County

NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL

In The Gold Coast Mall Open 7 Days a Week All Year 11:30am-9pm We Are Open for Dining Inside & Outside, Takeout, Delivery & Catering “Voted 2020’s Best Sushi in Worcester County” OUR MENU

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Sunday - Thursday @ 4pm Check our Facebook Page for Specials & Like Our Page Reservations are Recommended - Walk-Ins Welcome.

11403 Coastal Hwy • Gold Coast Mall Ocean City, MD • 443-880-6258

2020