Momaha Magazine - December 2016

momaha.com

VOLUME 7 · ISSUE 12

DECEMBER 2016

Santa’s new Christmas Eve favorite

GET ORGANIZED Legos and other toys contained

Boredom busting books

WALKING IN A

WINTER WONDERLAND

LIKE YOUR VERY OWN

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spent frolicking in the woods won’t you up on the Kardashians or help your kids

crush it on Call of Duty. But, it just might do a few other things for them. Like, boost Push pause on the texting, clicking, sharing, and streaming— just for a their immune system, lower their blood pressure, reduce their stress, improve their moment— and come out to the forest. Move your feet, breathe in the fresh mood, give them more energy, increase their ability to focus, improve their sleep, and air, explore. help them nurture creativity and social skills. Seriously, Google it. Push pause on the And watch what happens. texting, clicking, sharing, and streaming, just for a moment, and come out to the forest.

Move your feet, breathe in the fresh air, explore. And watch what happens.

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momaha where moms connect

VOLUME 7 . ISSUE 12 . DECEMBER 2016

Valid 12/2 12/26/16 - 1/4/17 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

FLASH LASH SALE

DEC.16TH&17TH Buy1Get150%off all Toys &

creative director + designer

1215 N 180th St kidtokid.com/omaha

HEIDI THoRSoN hthorson@owh.com 402-444-1351

assistant editor kIm CaRpENTER kim.carpenter@owh.com 402-444-1416

momaha.com editor aSHlEE CoffEy ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

production coordinator paT R I C I a “ m U R p H y ” B E N o I T

content contributors kIlEy CRUSE DEv HaNUmaRa amy TokoS H E aT H E R W I N k E l

account manager D E B C ava l I E R deb.cavalier@owh.com 402-444-1448

account executive SaRa BakER sara.baker@owh.com 402-444-1442

account executive G ay l I D D E l l gay.liddell@owh.com 402-444-1489

account executive E m I ly m a R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411 Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102.

Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2016 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

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CONTENTS

Real MoMs + advice 10 Editor’s Column 12 On Our Radar 14 Get Organized 16 Be Well 20 Winter Books

seasoNal

18 Mad For Plaid 26 Heavenly Holiday Sweets 30 Gift Guide 36 Santa Binoculars 38 Clementine Recipes 44 Little Revelers

oN THe coveR Photo: Heidi Thorson

24 Gingerbread Cookies Forget leaving Santa a plate of sugar cookies. Surprise him with magical gingerbread treats.

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THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Levi & Dylan, age 4 Pulmonary Atresia

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child.

For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

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MoMaha aSSiStaNt editor // KiM carPeNter Guest columnist while online editor Ashlee Coffey is on family leave with new baby Elliott Arthur. Mom to Annie, wife to John, owner of a dog that never comes when called and semi-talented multi-tasker.

EvErything mErry and bright

S

anta is going to be running a little behind on his rounds this year. We’ve been putting the same cookies out year after year for the good St. Nick, and we can understand if he’s gotten a little bored with the usual offerings. Enter baking whiz and Momaha’s creative director Heidi Thorson, who’s created some new Christmas Eve cookies that are almost too cute too eat. There’s no doubt Santa will linger a bit longer while his reindeer chomp on the bit to continue along their magical route - if, that is, your children don’t eat them all first.

Why should Santa get all the goodies? We give you a taste of the Omaha World-Herald’s new cookbook, “Cookies, Candies & Bars,” which features 59 recipes for sweet treats. These are updated holiday classics, so get those baking sheets ready!

Keep the wonder of the holidays alive once Christmas has come and gone with a sparkling New Year’s Eve celebration. Heather Winkel helps

kids welcome 2017 with a pint-sized party just for them. It’s Auld Lang Syne in a whole new way. As winter kicks in, she also makes us mad for plaid.

Not in the ‘90s grunge kind of way, but with a fresh look that reinvents this go-to cold weather staple.

In this issue, you’ll also find tips on how to store all the toys that will inevitably find their way under your tree. They’re tough to corral, but these creative solutions will keep the clutter at bay. Does some boredom creep into your house over winter break? We’ve reviewed some of the hottest titles that have made their way to Momaha’s bookshelf.

Don’t be surprised if eyes stray from screens and instead become firmly planted between the pages of these new great reads.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from all of us at Momaha Magazine. We have some wonderful things planned for 2017 and we can’t wait to start sharing them with you next month!

Get Social Facebook /momahacom TwiTTer @momaha_owh PinTeresT /momahaowh

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END CHILD ABUSE BE SOMEONE SO O

Meet your kid’s new teacher.

Send your child on a fascinating Ed-Venture at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Before you know it, your kids will be teaching you all sorts of fun facts about life’s best things.

Classes range from preschool to teens to classes you can take as a family. Subjects range from butteries to rhinos.

Visit OmahaZoo.com/education to enroll your child in their next Ed-venture today.

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On OUR RADAR // EDITOR’S PICKS

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

LeT THeRe Be LIGHT

The Do-It-Yourself Oil Lamp Mosaic Kit lets kids get crafty during the Festival of Lights while also helping them explore the deeper meaning behind the celebration. Plus, this new decoration is sure to be displayed during Hanukkah for years to come. Judaica Web Store, $12.99

HOLIdaY kISSeS

You never know where a sprig of mistletoe might be hanging, so make sure your lips are soft, smooth and ready. This 2016 limited edition EOS holiday pack includes vanilla bean and organic wildberry. Additional bonus: You’re ready for the traditional smooch on New Year’s Eve. Eos Evolution of Smooth, $5.99

Make a dIffeReNce, STaY TOaSTY

Made at the Kumbeshwar Technical School in Nepal, which provides education and vocational training to women, these crocheted fair trade Himalayan fingerless mittens make it possible to stay warm, be fashionable and help those in need, all at the same time. Complete the look with a matching Himalayan hat and infinity scarf. The Hunger Site, $22

dOING YULeTIde GOOd

The holidays are the perfect time to give back, and the delightful new book North Pole Ninjas: Mission Christmas keeps kids on Santa’s nice list. 50 cards with top secret missions such as baking cookies for neighbors or donating outgrown toys to a local charity put the focus on being kind to others. A plush sensei accompanies young recruits on their stealthy tasks. Penguin Random House, $29.99

SpRead cHRISTMaS cHeeR

Add a retro touch to your holiday spirits with these reproductions of vintage drawstring wine sacks. Recipients will be charmed, and the price is perfect for gift givers on a budget. Lillian Vernon, $9.99.

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How do I get started?

Getting started is easy.

Set up a free appointment with a Certified Application Counselor.

They will explain your coverage options, answer any questions, help you enroll and see if you qualify for financial assistance.

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Open Enrollment is November 1st – January 31st 13

Get ORGanized // amy tOkOs Amy Tokos is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Freshly Organized. You can find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.

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Piano, Guitar, Violin, Drums, Mariachi, Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop, Cartooning, Painting, Ceramics, Voice, Acting, and More!

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402.556.7821 Keep toys tidy with these easy tips Kids love toys. They ask for and get a lot of them when they’re little, especially this time of year. Big toys, small toys and those in between can all be organized with the help of some creative storage solutions.

General tips Keep toys at the point of use. If you have a toddler who likes to play near you, then that’s where the toys need to be. If you put them in the playroom, the toys will migrate to your space. Don’t fight it; plan for it. Have a spot to contain toys in the main living area. As your child grows, move toys to a playroom.

Pick up is not going to happen without parental initiation and supervision. It would be nice, but it just doesn’t happen. Small pickups during the day help with maintenance. At the end of play dates allow 5 minutes for friends to help pick up. Before dinner or at the end of each day, have the whole family do a 5-minute pick up.

Don’t have so many toys that your kids get overwhelmed with keeping their spaces tidy. You know that feeling you get when the playroom is a disaster? Kids feel the same way but multiplied. They don’t mind creating the mess, but when they know it’s time to clean it up, it can be challenging to face the huge task. Less is definitely more when it comes to kids’ toys.

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Two t n Co venien s Location

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TO ENROLL OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ENROLLMENT @SMALLMIRACLECHILDCARE.COM

www.smallmiraclechildcare.com

How do you contain clutter?

Legos are always a challenge. Some parents organize by kits, others by color, still others by size. Most kids don’t really care for Lego organization systems because part of the fun is the dig. If this is your child, don’t fight the fun. Let children decide how they want their Legos organized. They may want the sets together and everything else in one big bin, or they might want them all combined. Follow their lead. One helpful tip: If you don’t like stepping on Legos, designate an area on the floor (painters tape works well) as the Lego zone.

This gives them plenty of space to build – and your feet can be safe walking in the rest of the room. The same strategy can also be applied to Rainbow Loom bands, Littlest Pet Shop items, etc. You get the idea.

Stuffed animals are a kid’s best friend but they can take over a bedroom. Lots of times, plush buddies “live” on the bed. This is fun and cute, but the stuffed animals wind up in a jumble and end up all over the floor. One option is overthe-door hanging pockets. These can hold all sorts of stuffed animals, and the beloved buddies are also easy for kids to see, pull out and put away. Corner nets, cubbies and shelves also work well. The key is to keep the one or two most cherished plush toys on the bed and find another home for the rest.

Toys can be a constant challenge. I encourage you to embrace the fun and know the mess is temporary. Look forward five years, which isn’t that long, and know that the toys will no longer be a problem.

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ADVICE FOR A BETTER LIFE COMPILED by Momaha Magazine

HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAYS

The holidays are upon us. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, here are some tips for staying healthy during this festive season.

MAINTAIN HARMONY

I wonder what you will create...

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The holidays can be wonderful family time – or an occasion when old grievances and resentments bubble to the surface. Avoid disagreeable blow-outs by being realistic about relationships and avoiding triggers. Uncle Phil might love to hold forth on the latest political conspiracy theories, so steer the conversation toward more neutral topics like reminiscing about fun family memories. Now’s the time to bring up that second-grade play when you goofed up your lines and had everybody in stitches. Better Health Channel

TURN OFF THE OVEN

If managing your weight during the holidays is a struggle, remove temptation by skipping the annual baking. Most people eat what they bake, so if you forego whipping up a batch of Rugelach or Christmas cookies, you’ll remove at least one holiday temptation from your home. Plus, isn’t it nice to give yourself permission to remove something from your to-do list? Active.com

DECORATE WITH CARE

No matter what holiday you’re decorating for, keep size in mind. We tend to be terrific about monitoring choking hazards for our children throughout the year, but can forget when it comes to small items like Christmas ornaments, which can be especially attractive to small children. Remember, if it can fit through a toilet paper tube, keep it out of small arm’s reach. BBC

TAKE A BREAK

No matter what you celebrate, the holidays can be filled with stress. There’s plenty to do, plenty to buy and plenty to see.

Make sure you take some of the stress off your shoulders by taking time just for yourself. It will keep you in a healthier frame of mind. Remember, if mama ain’t happy, nobody’s happy. Mayo Clinic

GET OUTSIDE

November 25th through December 31st, 2016

The tradition continues this holiday season!

Visit DurhamMuseum.org for event details including times when Santa will visit the museum.

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Baby, it’s cold outside, but just a little time in the great outdoors can lift your spirits. This is the time of year when days are their shortest, and even people who don’t suffer from seasonal affective disorder might be feeling a little blue. Combat the slump by exposing yourself to more daylight. After all, ‘tis the season for ice skating, sledding and caroling. Healthy Kids

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TEXT Kim Carpenter STYLING Heather Winkel PHOTOGRAPHY Dev Hanumara

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This Tried and True PaTTern maKes iT hiP To be square

forget chevron. it’s so over. Plaid is back and in a big way. new patterns are bolder, cleaner and have more contemporary flair. blankets and scarves are usual places to find plaids, but add them to a pair of shoes or a pillow for a fresh update on this classic. bonus? no matter how low the temperatures dip this winter, plaid will always make you feel toasty and cozy.

TOP 5 PLAID MUST-HAVES

muK luK girl’s Plaid boW miTTens, $27 Hayneedle.com

buffalo Plaid vesT, $46

fourSiSTerSbouTique.com

Turbo bean bag Plaid chair $271.59 Hayneedle.com

Plaid Women’s Woven classics, $59 TomS.com

Timex originals WaTch, $54.99 TargeT.com

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Banish boredom and keep kids thinking over winter break with these 12 new reads, straight off the presses from the Momaha bookshelf.

Ages 4-8

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS

(Adam Rubin, Penguin Young Readers) Did you know dragons love tacos? Well, they do. And parties. Especially taco parties. They just hate spicy salsa. If you feed dragons spicy salsa during a taco party, the consequences will be dire. This amusing book will make kids want tacos - and a dragon. Fortunately. it comes with a miniature taco munching plush dragon, sure to become a new best friend.

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MAPLE & WILLOW’S CHRISTMAS TREE

(Lori Nichols, Penguin Young Readers) The two young sisters love nature, and more than anything, they want a real Christmas tree. When they discover that Maple is allergic to it, they deal with the disappointment. Willow constructs a new Christmas tree to celebrate the season. This will get children thinking of creative ways to resolve challenges.

THE BIGGEST SMALLEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT

(Harriet Muncaster, Penguin Young Readers) Clementine is a tiny girl who sleeps in a matchbox and bathes in a teacup. Most of the time, it’s fun to be so wee and tiny, but Christmas presents are always too big.

Will Santa bring something more her size? Small – and bigger – kids will delight in this sweet tale.

THE GREAT SPRUCE

(John Duvall, G.P. Putnam’s Sons) Alec loves to climb the giant spruce his grandfather planted from a sapling. When city folk want to chop it down for the downtown Christmas tree, he suggests an ecologically friendly way to save it and still let it shine brightly for the holiday. Kids who love the environment will cheer his solution.

THE CHRISTMAS BOOT

(Lisa Wheeler, Penguin Young Readers) Hannah discovers a warm black boot as she gathers kindling in the forest. A poor woman, she doesn’t have shoes for her cold feet. “I only wish I had your mate,” she says to the boot, and the next morning, she finds not one boot but two by her bed. More wishes bring even greater gifts, especially one that brings Hannah the companionship she craves.

Utterly chaming and full of real Christmas spirit.

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Ages 6-9

Ages 12+

365 THINGS TO DO WITH LEGO BRICKS

(Simon Hugo, DK: A World of Ideas) You know all those Legos that arrive under the Christmas tree? What about the ones already littering the carpet? This book puts them to creative use with instructions for models ranging from star maps to working sundials. Kids can also press a button on the built-in activity panel to generate construction challenges or start the timer to beat the clock.

THE SIX OF CROWS DUOLOGY

Six dangerous outlaws join forces to pull off one daredevil heist. Magic and mayhem ensue. The story is so gripping, don’t be surprised if you don’t see your kids for a few days. This 2-book set is a real page turner.

Ages 8-12

MISSY PIGGLE-WIGGLE AND THE WHATEVER CURE

(Ann M. Martin, Feiwel and Friends) The titular heroine arrives at her great aunt’s upsidedown house to look after it. She soon shows the townsfolk that she has magical and practical solutions to children’s misbehaviors like greediness and, heaven forefend, gum smacking! This book will give kids something to chew on.

A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS

(Matt Haig, Random House Children’s Books) There once was a boy whose only toy was a doll carved out of a turnip and who did little with magic – except believe in it. Kids can join the future Santa Claus on his journey to the North Pole and the enchanted village of Elfhelm to see how one of the world’s most famous gift givers got his start.

TIME TRAVELING WITH A HAMSTER

(Ross Welford, Random House Children’s Books) Despite the whimsical title, this book tackles a tough subject. When Al turns 12 he receives a letter from his deceased father telling him how to travel back in time and rewrite history. Can Al save his father? Should he?

Stealing a moped, setting his school on fire and of course, keeping his pet hamster safe, all figure in the plot.

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THE LUNAR CHRONICLES

(Marissa Meyer, Feiwel and Friends) Once upon a time Cinderella was a cyborg and Little Red Riding Hood had to work alongside the wolf. This handsome boxed set combines the enchantment of a fairy tale with the full suspense that’s a hallmark of dystopian literature. The only problem is that teens will resent not being able to finish all 5 books over break.

THE TWELVE DAYS OF DASH & LILY

(Rachel Cohn & David Levithan, Alfred A. Knopf) This sequel to Dash & Lily’s “Book of Dares,” sees Lily struggling to regain her holiday spark, and Dash and friends uniting to help her reignite it. The Twelve Days of Christmas carol serves as the point of inspiration.

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TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson

Forget setting out a plate of a sugar cookies for Santa when he arrives at your house. Surprise him instead with a stunning gingerbread wonderland. Just make sure you still leave him a tall glass of milk!

gIngeRbReAd dOugh 1. Pour ¹/3 cup light molasses into a large saucepan

with 1 cup light brown sugar, 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons honey, zest of 1 lemon, 4 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. Stir frequently until the sugar has dissolved. 2. Increase the heat to bring mixture to boiling point. Remove from heat and beat in 1 teaspoon baking soda. Mix briefly until combined, then let cool for 15 minutes. 3. Sift 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt, then fold into the mixture in batches, using a stand mixer.

4. Add 1 lightly beaten large egg and mix until just combined. 5. Scrape out dough onto plastic wrap, cover and refrigerate for one hour.

TIP: Do not overwork the dough, or cookies will spread during baking.

RudOLph cOOkIes 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Roll out the gingerbread dough to ¼-inch thickness. Using a gingerbread man cutter, cut out pieces of dough and transfer them to the baking sheets. 3. Bake in the oven in batches for 10 minutes or until golden brown at the edges. 4. To decorate, pipe on royal icing. Add eye candies and a red M&M for nose.

TIP:

Recipes adapted from Mima Sinclair's "Gingerbread Wonderland."

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To make chocolate icing, substitute ¾ cup cocoa powder for powdered sugar.

LAYeRed snOwfLAke TRee cOOkIes 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Roll out the gingerbread

sTAndIng TRee cOOkIes 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Roll out the

dough to ¼-inch thickness. Using varied sizes of snowflake cookie cutters, cut out 12 snowflakes.

Using a small star cookie cutter, cut out 1 star. Transfer cutouts to the baking sheet and bake in batches for 10 minutes or until golden brown at the edges. 3. Once baked and cooled, pipe royal icing onto each cookie and stack together. Dust with powdered sugar.

gingerbread dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut out several trees and an equal number of 2-inch wide circles and transfer to baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown at the edges. 3.

Decorate trees with royal icing. 4. Spoon a small amount of icing onto the cookie bases and place trees on top so they stand upright. Hold in place until hardened. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or use M&Ms for ornaments.

TIP:

Prepare icing ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

ROYAL IcIng 1. To make the royal icing, add 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 lightly beaten large egg white, ½ teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon water into a bowl. Mix together until soft peaks form. 2. Use food coloring to create your desired colors. 3. Spoon into a piping bag for easy decorating.

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RECIPE EDITING & PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

Hot from the oven – and presses – from the Omaha World-Herald

W

e’ve been as busy as Santa’s elves this holiday season. But instead of making presents, we’ve been whipping up sweet treats in our test kitchen. The Omaha World-Herald issued a call for treasured family holiday recipes, and readers rose to the challenge with goodies that are nearly impossible to resist. The new cookbook “Cookies, Candies & Bars” features 59 recipes your family will demand you add to your holiday line-up. Here, we share three to get you started.

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PEPPERMINT MELTAWAYS

Makes 3½ dozen

“Nothing says Christmas like these delicious light peppermint melt-in-your-mouth cookies topped with peppermint butter cream frosting and crushed candy canes. I started making them a few years ago, and they soon became a favorite of friends and family.” – Kelly Crotty, Omaha COOKIES: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. In a small bowl, cream 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract (not imitation). Combine 1¼ cups all-purpose flour and ½ cup cornstarch; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. 3. Shape into 1-inch balls.

Place 2 inches apart on parchment-covered baking sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

FROSTING: 1. In a small bowl, beat 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature, until fluffy. Add 1½ cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract (not imitation) and 2 to 3 drops red or green food coloring (optional); beat until smooth. 2. Spread over cooled cookies; sprinkle with ½ cup crushed peppermint candies and lightly press into the frosting. 3. Store in an airtight container.

Tester’s notes:

The dough is very soft; we used a small cookie scoop to make it easier to handle. These cookies are delicate, so don’t make them too big or they will disintegrate when you try to frost them. When crushing peppermint candies for frosting, use a heavy-duty zip-top bag and crush with a mallet.

Leave some of the pieces a little bigger so they show up better on the frosted cookies.

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CINNAMON SQUARES

Makes 12 servings

“I love making this recipe because it reminds me of a dessert my mother made years ago using her leftover pie dough. This modern version is much simpler because you can use refrigerated crescent roll dough instead.” – Lois Chapman Bentz, Omaha INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Unroll one package of refrigerator crescent rolls and line the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. 3. Cream together 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and 1 cup sugar. Spread over the top of rolls. (If desired, fruit filling can be added at this time.) 4. Unroll another package of crescent rolls and place on top of the cream cheese mixture. 5. In a medium bowl, cream together ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, ¾ cups sugar and 11 tablespoons cinnamon, more or less to taste.

Crumble this mixture over the top of the crescent rolls. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cut into squares when cool.

Tester’s notes:

The aroma of this baking in the oven was heavenly ... If I were to make these again, I would use half the cream cheese and about one-third the sugar. I’d probably add dark chocolate (instead of the suggested fruit filling) to give it an edge. I experienced uneven baking, perhaps because I’m using an oven that I’m still getting used to. The top turned out a dark golden color, while the bottom seemed undercooked and a little doughy.

28

CHERRY MASH

“I made this the first Christmas I was married (43 years ago). My father-in-law loved it so much it became a family tradition (and remains so even after his passing)." – Rhonda King, Kearney, Nebraska INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine 2 cups sugar, ½ cup (1 stick) butter, 2/3 cup evaporated milk and 12 large marshmallows in a heavy-duty pot. Boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 6-ounce package cherry chips. Let cool. 2. Melt 11.5-ounce package milk chocolate chips and add ¾ cup peanut butter and 16-ounce package salted peanuts, crushed. 3. Put half of chocolate mixture in the bottom of a greased 9-by-13-inch pan. Freeze. 4. Add top layer of cooled cherry mixture followed by remaining chocolate mixture.

Refrigerate until well-chilled.

Tester’s notes:

We used a food chopper to chop the peanuts. We also had plenty of mini marshmallows on hand, so we used a conversion of 10 minis to one large marshmallow.

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Create your own special binoculars to find jolly old St. Nick Santa BinocularS

Instructions: 1. Cut a strip of red paper to the width of 1 toilet paper roll. Use tape to secure the paper to toilet paper roll.

Repeat this step for the second toilet paper roll. 2. Cut two 1-inch strips of faux white fur, long enough to cover the circumference of the roll, and use glue gun to secure. 3. Add black electrical tape above the white fur on both rolls and a small square of gold washi tape on top of that to make it look like Santa’s belt. 4. Hot glue the two rolls together. 5. Take a piece of red ribbon and cut it to the desired length as a strap. Glue each end into the insides of the toilet paper rolls.

Project adapted from mericherry.com

36

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Simple, savory and sweet clementine recipes to try TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson

38

SNACK

Festive Fruit salad with CraCker snaps

For the cracker snaps 1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and grease two baking trays with butter. 2. Melt 2¼ ounces butter with 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 heaping tablespoons apple syrup in a saucepan. As soon as mixture starts to bubble, add 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 2 tablespoons chopped almonds and stir until well combined. 3. Using a teaspoon, place six walnut-sized scoops of the mixture onto the buttered baking tray. No need to flatten, as they will spread while baking. 4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden-brown. Leave to cool on the baking tray for five minutes, and then lift off with a palette knife. Lay them on a rolling pin to set.

For the fruit salad 1. Combine the juice of 1 orange, 1 lime and 1 lemon in a large bowl. 2. Add 1 mango, cut into cubes and 4 clementines, peeled and separated into segments.

Mix together with the seeds of 1 pomegranate and serve with the cracker snaps.

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Recipe adapted from bbc.com

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December is a prime month for clementines.

Here’s a handful of tidbits on this fruit: 1. Clementines are succulent fruits with a smooth and shiny appearance. Generally seedless, they are a cross between a sweet orange and mandarin orange. organicfacts.net 2. Major production of clementines happens in Morocco and Spain where they flourish due to their hot and dry climates. organicfacts.net 3. They take their name from Father Clement Rodier, a French missionary, who is said to have created the hybrid in 1902. However, some people claim the clementine originated in China. healthdiaries.com 4. They’re slightly sweeter than oranges, but lower in sugar. allwomenstalk.com 5. Clementines are high in potassium, which is essential for healthy blood pressure, and are known for aiding digestion, alleviating inflammation and preventing headaches. allwomenstalk.com

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SWEET

CLEMENTINE SYLLABUB

Makes 2 1. Whisk 9 ounces mascarpone and 1 heaping tablespoon powdered sugar together in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually pour in 1ž-cup heavy whipping cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is pale and thick. 2. Fold in the juice of 1 clementine and 7 ounces orange curd to create a ripple effect. 3. To serve, spoon the syllabub mixture into a piping bag and pipe it into a glass.

Top each with a clementine peel and a sprig of mint. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

TIP: Prepare ahead of time. Keep covered in fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Recipe adapted from bbc.com

40

SAVORY

STICKY CRANBERRY SAUSAGES 1. Fry 2 red onions, sliced, in a

pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil for five minutes or until softened.

Add 14 ounces uncooked cocktail sausages to the pan.

2. As the sausages start to brown, add 1 heaping tablespoon cranberry jelly and 1 cup frozen cherries. 3. Cook on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and sticky.

4. Grate the zest of 1 clementine over dish and serve.

Recipe adapted from bbc.com

41

SIPS

CLEMENTINE CIDER

Serves 4 1. Heat Âź teaspoon ground cloves, 1 clementine, sliced into wedges, 6 cinnamon sticks, juice of 1 lemon, Âź teaspoon powdered ginger, 4 ounces orange juice, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 cups cider over a low heat until thoroughly warmed. 2. Pour the cider into a mug or a glass with a handle or stem. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a dash of freshly ground nutmeg.

Recipe adapted from bbc.com

42

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Festive hats, resolutions and confetti get the party started.

44

5 fun ways to include kids in the spirit of New Year’s Eve TEXT, CRAFTS + STYLING Heather Winkel PHOTOGRAPHY Dev Hanumara

TOAST WITH PARFAITS

Let kids indulge in the New Year’s toast. Try fancy champagne glass parfaits and replace bubbly with berries!

RaspbeRRy paRfaits 1. Mix 2 cups Dream Whip according to package directions.

2. Beat 8-ounce package softened cream cheese into Dream Whip, a bit at a time. 3. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and mix until blended. 4. Fill stems of plastic champagne glasses with raspberry pie filling. Add layer of Dream Whip filling followed by a layer of raspberry pie filling. 5. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

RESOLUTIONS ALL AROUND

Make sparkly resolution sticks and suggest goals such as eating more vegetables, spending less time with electronics (and more time outside!) or saving pennies for a family vacation or a special purchase.

spaRkly Resolution sticks 1. Cut strips of colored paper about 3 inches long and ½-inch wide. 2. Place a dot of glue on an end of each strip and attach a small sparkly pom pom. 3. Using a marker, write a kidfriendly resolution on each strip of paper.

45

PHOTO BOOTH 1. Set up a photo booth with a balloon backdrop. 2. Using

sheets of glitter foam, create mustaches, kissy lips, hair bows and even party hats. Glue to dowel rods for one-of-a-kind props. 3. Use your smart phone or download an app like Simple Booth and say “Cheese!”

PARTY HATS

What’s a party without fun hats?

Buy ready-made hats in festive colors or make your own from construction paper or foam.

Decorate each with pipe cleaners, ribbon, glitter tape and fringe.

Give out awards for the most festive creation.

PARTY TAble (page 44)

Even if you’re staying in with your kiddos, set up an over-the-top party table. It’ll make the night feel super special.

RING IN THe NeW YeAR

Hand out candy ring favors with an invitation to ring in 2017.

PoP WITH PoP

Embellish old-fashioned soda bottles with sparkly accoutrements. We used yarn pom poms and colorful tinsel streamers.

bAllooN SIGN (page 44)

Word and number balloons are all the rage, and for good reason.

They pack a punch. Try “party”, “NYE” or “yay” to complete your decor.

46

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COUNTDOWN TO The ball DrOp

The best part of New Year’s Eve is staying up late, but wee ones just can’t (or shouldn’t) make it to midnight. Try ringing in the “noon year,” celebrate at 12 p.m. rather than a.m., or pick an earlier time zone and celebrate alongside it. You can also change the clocks so that they strike midnight at 8 p.m. rather than midnight. Count down the new year with noisemakers and confetti rockets.

Confetti RoCkets 1. Fill Wilton Treat pops

containers with confetti discs and close top.

2. Embellish bottom of pop with sparkly washi tape.

3. Fashion cone shapes from colorful paper and attach to lids with clear tape. 4. When the clock strikes midnight, blast off!

48

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