Fall is f for
Discovering Fall Sales • Recipes • Events • And More A Marketing Supplement To Sauk Valley Media
September 25, 2015
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FALL is for DISCOVERING
Sauk Valley Media • September 25, 2015
702 W. 4th Street Sterling
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September 25, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
FALL is for DISCOVERING
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Plan a day to shop local fairs, shops and stands (MS)
Autumn is tailor-made for getting out of the house to enjoy the great outdoors. With crisp temperatures perfect for strolls or sightseeing and breathtaking scenery awash in bright autumnal hues, autumn landscapes make for the ideal backdrop for weekend plans, including shopping excursions. Fall is a great season to enjoy festivals, farmer’s markets and craft fairs, as merchants look to liquidate inventory before they prepare for the rush of the upcoming holiday season. Cities, towns, hamlets, and everything in between will host
their share of open markets and more with great deals to be had, and fall is an ideal time to visit local shops and stands. Fresh produce Farms big and small are bursting with produce come the fall. You can find the last vestiges of summer crops mingling with the first fruits of autumn. Grab the last of tomatoes and start thinking ahead to apples, squashes, lettuces, and grapes. You can even get an early start on pumpkin season — both for cooking and carving. Stock the car with reusable tote bags and scour the farmer’s markets for seasonal finds. Chances are you also might pick up some extra treats,
such as fresh honey or canned jams. Food finds As plants are harvested, many items are turned into delicious treats. No autumn shopping excursion is complete until you smell a freshbaked apple pie or some apple cider doughnuts. Corn breads and fritters, cranberry snacks and wines from nearby wineries also are easy to find in autumn. These items make welcome additions to your own pantry, or bring a freshly made treat to a friend or family member’s home when paying a visit. Also, don’t miss the food-related festivals that pop up on community calendars in the fall. From garlic to potatoes to pumpkins to cheeses, many seasonal items are on display. You also can sample these foods in interesting applications and make a day of gathering recipes and supplies to enjoy later. Crafts, jewelry and décor Include a trip to a craft fair, where local vendors come together to display and sell their wares, on your weekend schedule. Handcrafted items make thoughtful and unique gifts, which can be tucked away for giving later in the year.
Visit a local market this fall and you will likely go home with plenty of fresh foods and unique items.
Booths at these types of events tend to be diverse. Spend the day strolling town squares or closed-off city centers, and you may find some hand-fashioned jewelry or home-crafted artisanal soaps. Those eager to enhance their homes’ décor may find unique items like painted signs, knit afghans and much more. Shopping local shops, farms and fairs is a great way to enjoy the fresh autumn air while supporting local businesses.
FALL is for DISCOVERING
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Sauk Valley Media • September 25, 2015
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September 25, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
FALL is for DISCOVERING
PAGE 5
Safety tips for cyclists (MS)
Fall road trips might be most often associated with driving vehicles, but plenty of cyclists also take to the roads when the leaves begin to change colors. Fall weather is tailor-made for road trips, and cyclists often embark in droves to see beautiful fall foliage in accommodating weather. Though the majority of drivers respect cyclists’ right to occupy the same roads as cars and trucks, cyclists still must take steps to ensure their own safety when hitting the road this fall. • Learn local laws. When going on a cycling road trip, it’s important that cyclists learn the local laws of each town they plan to visit. Laws can vary from state to state, so it’s best that cyclists familiarize themselves with the laws so they know what motorists will be expecting of them in each town they ride through. Some towns may not allow cyclists to ride side by side, and drivers in such towns might not be accustomed to riders who aren’t riding single file. Protect yourself, your fellow riders and drivers by learning and adhering to local laws at all times. • Ride with traffic. Drivers in the United States will expect cyclists to be on the right side, traveling with traffic. In addition, laws typically mandate that cyclists do just that. If you must leave the right side of the road, whether it’s to make a left turn or pass another rider, only do so after confirming it’s safe. Use appropriate hand signals to alert motorists, and let riders in front of you know you plan to pass on their left as well. • Wear a helmet at all times. Wear a helmet all the time, regardless of how short a trip might be. A
cyclist can suffer severe head injury if they are involved in an accident and are not wearing a helmet. Make sure your helmet fits snugly and provides adequate protection. • Don’t wear earphones or earbuds. The popularity of portable music players and smartphones with Internet connectivity had led many cyclists to listen to music while riding. But cyclists should never wear earphones or earbuds while riding, as doing so can compromise your hearing and alertness. Some cities, including New York City, allow cyclists to wear a single earbud, but even the New York City Department of Transportation recommends riders avoid such devices as a safety measure. • Avoid sidewalks. Pedestrians have a right to walk on sidewalks, and cyclists over the age of 12 should stick to the roads. Kids riding smaller bikes may be safest riding on sidewalks, but parents should make sure youngsters never reach speeds that could pose a threat to their safety as well as that of the people walking on the sidewalks. • Be patient with motorists. Cyclists heading out on road trips should anticipate some traffic and build that into their riding schedules. Cyclists put their own safety at risk when they hurry through busy intersections and traffic jams. When approaching a crowded intersection, never pass a car on the right, as motorists might be on the verge of making a right turn and likely are not expecting to be passed on the right by a car, much less a bicycle. Be patient when riding in heavily trafficked areas, remembering to keep an eye out for aggressive, impatient drivers looking to get out of traffic as quickly as possible. Many cyclists love taking fall road trips just as
much as drivers, and it’s important that cyclists emphasize safety when hitting the open road.
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FALL is for DISCOVERING
Sauk Valley Media • September 25, 2015
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September 25, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
FALL is for DISCOVERING
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How to store fresh apples
Apple fast facts
(MS)
Autumn is a time of year when homes get dressed up with scarecrows and jack-o-lanterns as kids plan their perfect Halloween costumes and seemingly every recipe has a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg added in for good measure. Apples also experience a surge in visibility come the fall.
Apples are a popular fruit that are grown in different places around the world. Come autumn, apples can be seen filling farm stands and supermarkets all over North America.
Apples are one of the most widely-grown tree fruits and become available for picking in early fall. They can be put to use in all different types of food applications — from desserts to sauces to beverages. As a stand-alone snack, apples are a healthy source of antioxidants and fiber. Apples have many other qualities and an interesting history. Consider these facts about apples.
Apples are available year-round, but many apple lovers insist there’s nothing better than plucking an apple directly off the tree in the fall. Apple orchards and pick-your-own farms are visited each autumn by apple lovers anxious for apples’ tart and juicy taste. Many people pick more apples than they can eat in a few days, so it pays to learn how to store apples properly so none of them go to waste. Start by picking a variety of apple that won’t go bad too quickly. Apple growers can make suggestions, but Jonathan, Rome, Fuji, and Granny Smith varieties tend to last longer than other varieties. Choose apples that are free of blemishes or soft spots. The adage that “one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch” bears some truth. Apples give off ethylene gas as they decay, and a rotting apple can quickly affect nearby apples. A good place to store apples in the short-term is in the refrigerator where it is cool. Put the apples in the crisper drawer. Do not store them with vegetables, as the apples may cause the veggies to ripen or rot prematurely. If you plan on longterm storage, a few extra steps are necessary. Apples need to be individually wrapped so they will not come in contact with other apples. Newsprint works great; just be sure to pick the pages that are done in black ink because colored ink may contain heavy metals. Once wrapped, place each apple in a container padded with more newspaper. Store this container in a cool place, such as a garage, root cellar or screened-in porch. Apples can last a couple of months if stored in this manner. Keep apples
(MS)
• The term “apple” comes from the Olde English word, “aeppel.” • Apples are believed to have originated somewhere between the Caspian and Black Seas, but now they are grown all over the world. A few tricks of the trade can be employed to prevent apples from decaying.
away from potatoes, as potatoes can cause the fruit to prematurely decay. Another way to store apples is to turn them into preserves or apple sauce. By boiling the apples and sealing them shut in canning jars, that fresh apple taste can be enjoyed long after the apples are picked. Consult with a canning expert about the right way to begin the process. Fruits are generally canned using a boiling-water canner. However, some fruits, like apples, can be canned with a pressure canner. Because apples tend to discolor when the flesh meets the air, use a little lemon juice to prevent this while canning. Turning apples into candied apples also can help them keep longer. Apples can be dipped into a sugary coating, caramel or toffee to be enjoyed later on. Of course, you always can bake apples into a pie as well, then freeze the pie for another day. Autumn would be incomplete without apples. Get ready for apple season by developing a storage plan before you visit the orchard.
• The main producers of apples in the United States include the states of Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, and Virginia. • There are thousands of different apple varieties. • Apples were taken to North America by European settlers. • Honeybees are a popular pollinator of apple trees. • Apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide compound. They’re not harmful if eaten in small quantities. • Many apple harvests are still picked by hand. • Fifteen types of apples account for 90 percent of total production. Red Delicious, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Fuji lead the way. • A bushel of apples weighs 42 pounds while a peck weighs approximately 10.5 pounds. • The crabapple is the only apple native to North America. • Apple trees won’t bear their first fruits until they have matured four to five years. • The largest apple picked weighed three pounds. • Apples are good Halloween bounty to receive in lieu of candy. The nutritional benefits of apples spurred the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” • It’s fun to go apple-picking, and many people flock to orchards in September and October to pick their own apples.
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FALL is for DISCOVERING
Sauk Valley Media • September 25, 2015
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September 25, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
FALL is for DISCOVERING
PAGE 9
Fall and winter style trends to add to your wardrobe (MS)
As days grow shorter and cooler, the unstructured ensembles of shorts and tanks make way for the sweaters, boots, tweeds, and wool of autumn attire. Whether you’re ready to head back to the office or the classroom, you may want to include cozy ribbed knits, pantsuits and some other trendsetting items in your autumn wardrobe. • Duster coats: Duster coats and ponchos could be seen at all the major runway shows. These coats are equally comfortable tossed over casual wear, such as a sweater and jeans, or worn over business attire. The longer length keeps legs and torsos warm on chilly days. Play with patterns and colors, such as animal print or pale pink, for extra flair. • Turtlenecks: Put away your t-shirts for the season and use turtlenecks as your next musthave layering piece. In the past, turtlenecks have fallen in and out of favor. But now they’re back again in high demand. Turtlenecks keep you warm, and they’re also quite fashionable. Turtlenecks can even be worn in nontraditional ways, such as under a dress with straps. • Skirt belts: Mini skirts can be paired with longer dresses as a waist cincher or to add a bit of texture. This creates a focal point and can break up the monotony of a long, single-colored dress.
• Luxury athletic wear: A trip to the gym or just lounging around at home can now be even more fashionable, as many brands are now offering luxury gym clothes. These clothes offer a greater attention to detail and more comfort than the usual gym attire and can be mixed and matched with other pieces you may already have in your closet. Slouchy hoods and free-flowing pieces garner all the right attention. • Chokers: Flash back to the 1990s and enjoy the nostalgia of choker necklaces. Black chokers can have a bewitching look and dress up evening wear or even a more casual button-down shirt. • Fringe: If you haven’t yet added something fringed to your wardrobe, now is the time. The trend is still prevailing with nearly every designer including some sort of fringe or frayed fabric in their collections. Fringed skirts, capes and vests are just a few looks to try. • Pantsuits: Pantsuits are back in a big way, but they’re edgier than in years past. Whether it’s tailored jackets paired with flowing pants, cigarette-style bottoms and cropped tops or a boxy blazer and suspenders, pantsuits are a chic and trendy look. The cooler temperatures of autumn mean wrapping yourself up in comfort and coziness without compromising on style. Stock your closet with the latest fashion trends this fall.
FALL is for DISCOVERING
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Sauk Valley Media • September 25, 2015
Homemade Hispanic cuisine made easy (MS)
Many dishes fall under the umbrella of “Hispanic cuisine,” which is popular all over the world. Dishes made in Spain may differ considerably from those prepared in Mexico, and that versatility, both in flavor and ingredients, helps make Hispanic food so popular. Chipotle peppers are smoked hot chili peppers used primarily in Mexican cuisine. These peppers can add some kick and some extra flavor to a meal, much like they do with the following recipe for “Chipotle Beef With Fresh Tomato Salsa” from Kathy Moore and Roxanne Wyss’ “Triple Slow Cooker Entertaining” (Robert Rose). Families celebrating their Hispanic heritage or those who simply want to enjoy a delicious meal won’t be disappointed by this easy-toprepare dish that makes use of a popular Mexican ingredient. Chipotle Beef With Fresh Tomato Salsa Makes 8 to 10 servings
1 onion, thinly sliced 2 to 21⁄2-lb. beef brisket, well trimmed 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped (see tip below) 1 tablespoon dry mined (granulated) garlic 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄2 cup tomato juice 1⁄4 cup minced fresh cilantro Tomato salsa (see below) Flour tortillas, warmed Arrange onion slices in bottom of one slow cooker stoneware, overlapping as necessary. Cut brisket in half and place on top of onions. Sprinkle with chipotle pepper, garlic, cumin, and salt. Pour tomato juice over top. Cover and cook on low for 9 to 11 hours or on high for 41⁄2 to 51⁄2 hours, until beef is very tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beef and onions to a tray. Pour liquid into a deep
bowl. Using two forks, shred beef. Return beef and onions to the stoneware. Skim fat from liquid and pour over beef mixture. Sprinkle with cilantro. Turn to warm for serving. To serve, spoon beef mixture and salsa into center of each warm tortilla, then fold tortilla over filling. Tip: Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeño peppers and are often found canned in adobo sauce. Use one for this recipe, then freeze the rest in an airtight container for up to 6 months. For even more convenience, separate the peppers and place in a single layer on a tray, topped with a little adobo sauce; freeze until firm, then transfer each pepper to a sealable freezer bag. You can then use just the amount you need for each recipe. Tomato Salsa-Makes 3 cups 3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped 2 green onions, sliced 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
Chipotle Beef With Fresh Tomato Salsa 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro Juice of 1 lime Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste In a bowl, combine tomatoes, green onions, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
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FALL is for DISCOVERING
September 25, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 11
Six innovative ways to indulge in ice cream crisp. Fill with your favorite ice cream for some frozen dessert tacos.
(MS)
Ice cream is a popular dessert that’s enjoyed across the globe. Blending the cold and the creamy, ice cream is an ideal treat on a hot day. According to IceCream.com, 87 percent of Americans have ice cream in their freezer at any given time. While Americans may enjoy their ice cream, New Zealand consumes more ice cream than any country in the world.
2. Create your own ice cream sandwiches from any firm cookies or dessert bars you have on hand. For example, cut two thin slices of fudge brownies. Spread softened ice cream in a complementary flavor, such as peanut butter or black cherry vanilla, in between
Historians and foodies believe Ancient Greeks enjoyed a dessert similar to ice cream as early as the 5th century B.C. Considering ice cream has been around so long, and that many cultures have created their own take on frozen treats, from gelato to sorbet to frozen yogurts, one may think there aren’t many new ways to indulge in this beloved dessert. But with a little creativity, anyone can come up with innovative ways to serve ice cream or any of its frozen cousins. The following are just a few different recipe inspirations. 1. Lightly butter flour tortillas and sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar. Drape the tortillas over the rungs of the shelves in an oven, placing a cookie sheet underneath to catch any drips. Bake at 300 F until just
4. Ice cream and frozen waffles make a quick dessert in a pinch. Raid the freezer for the ingredients, toast the waffles and then sandwich with ice cream. Top with fresh fruit and whipped cream, if desired. 5. Spoon your favorite cookie dough into a muffin tin and mold the dough so it lines the individual cups of the tin. Bake until firm and let cool. Use the cookie cups to make little ice cream sundae holders for parties. Their diminutive size makes them ideal for kids.
the brownie sandwich pieces. Freeze to firm everything up and make it easier to eat. 3. Fried ice cream pairs the seemingly incompatible frozen dessert with heat. Freeze scoops of ice cream
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6. Whip up your own ice cream cake. Place a thin layer of any flavor cake on the bottom of a dish or pan that can be placed into the freezer. Scoop softened ice cream on top, then continue to layer as desired, finishing with ice cream as the final layer. Let freeze several hours until firmed up, then enjoy. Ice cream can be enjoyed in cones, cups, a la mode or as part of soda floats. There is really no limit to what can be created with this popular dessert treat.
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Sauk Valley Media • September 25, 2015
Gifts no food fanatic should go without (MS)
Food plays a big role come the holiday season, when friends and family tend to gather around the dinner table to share good meals and catch up on the year’s happenings. But while food plays an integral role at holiday gatherings, food also makes a great gift for that friend or family member on your holiday list who loves to savor a good meal no matter the time of year. Thanks in part to celebrity chefs and television shows that teach viewers how to make gourmet meals at home, it’s now easier than ever before for food lovers to expand their culinary horizons. Gifting such food fanatics can be fun and may even inspire a love of unique cuisine in holiday shoppers, especially those who consider the following gift ideas. • Cooking kit: Ingredients and other essential elements of good meals were once taken for granted. But more and more foodies are now creating their own foods from scratch. Bacon fans may fall in love with a kit that helps them cure and smoke their own bacon, while those who love fresh, homemade bread may appreciate a bread-making kit that includes flour, a pan, some recipes, and other items necessary
to make the perfect homemade loaf of bread. Cooking kit options are vast, so find a food your loved one can’t go without and purchase the appropriate kit. • Gardening tools: While the holiday season might not seem like the ideal time to buy your favorite foodie some gardening tools, such items make the perfect gift for your loved one who wants to grow his or her own fruits and vegetables. Locally grown produce has become increasingly popular among foodies focused on eco-conscious cooking
FALL is for DISCOVERING
September 25, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
practices, and it does not get much more local than home cooks’ own backyards. • Cutlery set: Though it’s easy to overlook, cutlery goes a long way toward making home cooks’ jobs easier. The right cutlery set, which may include one or two chef’s knives, a vegetable knife, a santoku knife, a bread knife, and other knives home cooks will appreciate, can make preparing a meal easier and more efficient than cooking without a set. High-end cutlery sets can cost several hundred dollars, but shoppers on more limited budgets can still find quality cutlery sets for less money. • Food getaway: Many foodies love to travel so they can experience
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cuisines popular overseas or in different regions of the country. Men and women whose spouses love food can plan a food-themed getaway weekend to a locale that specializes in a type of food their significant others enjoy or have always wanted to try. For example, men and women who love lobster may enjoy a trip to Maine’s annual Lobster Festival, while those who can’t get enough barbecue may appreciate a trip to one of the country’s more notable barbecue spots, such as Memphis, Kansas City, North Carolina or Texas. Food-themed gifts make the perfect holiday present for food fanatics, and shoppers have an endless array of options to satisfy their favorite foodies’ appetites.
Murder Mystery Dinner 2015 Friday, October 16 • Doors open at 5:30pm • Dinner & Entertainment 6:30 Dixon Elks Lodge 1279 Franklin Grove Road, Dixon • $55 per person
Price includes entertainment, and dinner with lemonade, coffee and water. Cash bar available. Dress is ocean cruise casual. Guests examine clues, question suspects, and follow hunches, laugh after hilarious laugh proves that crime really CAN be this FUNNY!
All proceeds benefit the Ronald Reagan Home Preservation Foundation.
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FALL is for DISCOVERING
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Sauk Valley Media • September 25, 2015
Safe costumes can Cinnamon, spice & prevent Halloween everything nice! mishaps (MS)
Millions of people celebrate Halloween every year. Borrowed or adapted from a few different festivals that once took place in Europe, Halloween has origins in the Roman Feralia festival, the Celtic summer’s end festival Samhain, and the Catholic All Saints Day. Trick-or-treating is a significant part of the Halloween festivities, but for many people, the real delight is choosing a costume. The right costume is not only one that suits the spirit of Halloween, but also one that’s safe. The Prevention First Organization says that collisions with cars, eye injuries from sharp objects and burns from flammable costumes account
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for the most youth emergency room visits on Halloween. Just how does one create a safe costume? Consider these pointers when preparing for the arrival of October 31. • Rely on flashlights and reflective tape to make trick-or-treaters more visible during evening walks. The reflective tape can be incorporated right into the costume design.
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• Have children wear comfortable, flat shoes to reduce the risk of tripping or falls. • Make sure children walk on sidewalks and well-lit paths. They also should avoid darting out into the street to run to another home. • Choose soft, flexible costume props whenever possible. Make sure the props, such as swords, are not sharp or too long.
September 25, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
FALL is for DISCOVERING
PAGE 15
• Rely on flashlights and reflective tape to make trick-or-treaters more visible during evening walks. The reflective tape can be incorporated right into the costume design. • Choose hats and face paints in lieu of masks. Masks can block a child’s vision and impede a youngster’s ability to check for traffic. • Ensure that costumes do not drag on the floor, as costumes that are too long can pose a tripping hazard. • Have children wear comfortable, flat shoes to reduce the risk of tripping or falls. • Make sure children walk on sidewalks and well-lit paths. They also should avoid darting out into the street to run to another home. • Choose soft, flexible costume props whenever possible. Make sure the props, such as swords, are not sharp or too long. • Make sure costumes and accessories are made with flame-resistant materials. • Use glow sticks or battery-powered LED lights instead of lit candles for costumes and decorations. • Trick-or-treat in groups with other parent chaperones so the adults can be extra diligent in their efforts to keep children safe.
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Using face paints instead of masks so kids’ visibility is not compromised when trick-or-treating.
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Sauk Valley Media • September 25, 2015
Various ways you can put pumpkins to use (MS)
Few items signal the fall harvest season more than the bright, orange pumpkins that dot fields and liven up displays outside of homes and businesses. Come fall, many pumpkins are turned into grinning jack-o-lanterns just in time for Halloween. But there are many other uses for pumpkins as well. Pumpkins are believed to have originated in North America. Early Native Americans relied on pumpkins as a source of food that helped them survive long winters. Pumpkins could be roasted, baked, boiled, and dried, and they were eaten and used as medicine. Pumpkin blossoms were added to stews. The shells of the pumpkins could be dried and used as eating and storage
vessels. While pumpkins may now be symbolic of Halloween, the following are a handful of additional ways this versatile fruit can be put to use. Beauty regimen Pumpkins contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals that can help replenish the skin. Pumpkin purée can be mixed with honey, aloe vera gel, olive oil, and a bit of cornmeal to create an exfoliating mask for the face or body. Pumpkin also can be used to rejuvenate dry or tired skin from cold weather. Honey, pumpkin and yogurt can be mixed together and used to condition hair. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash it out and shampoo.
Pumpkins can be used as more than just tasty pie fillings.
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September 25, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
Foods and beverages Pumpkin purée is the basis for many tasty, pumpkin-infused treats. Purée can be used in pies, cakes, muffins, breads, and many additional foods. Pumpkin purée also may be found in certain beverages, such as smoothies and shakes. A bit of spiced purée may appear as flavoring in teas and coffees. Roasted pumpkin seeds make a healthy treat. Foodies suggest using the seeds from “sugar pumpkins” or the ones best for making pies. Boil the seeds for a few minutes before draining. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray and put the seeds in a single layer. Bake at 400 F for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and serve. Pumpkin wines and beers are popular as well. There are many recipes for developing sweet, fermented beverages, which tend to be especially popular in the fall. The “guts” of the pumpkin can be simmered
PAGE 17
along with aromatics and other vegetables to create a vegetable stock perfect for soups and broths. Decorations Pumpkins can also add to one’s home décor during the fall. Pumpkins can be carved for Halloween displays, hollowed-out to hold tealights or simply left on tables and used as centerpieces.
beeswax candle in the bottom of the pumpkin and let it send inviting aromas into the air. Pumpkins are a versatile fruit that can serve many purposes beyond just jack-o-lanterns and pies.
Larger pumpkins may be used as natural flower pots for mums or other seasonal floral displays. As the Native Americans once did, pumpkins can be hollowed-out and used as bowls to serve favorite soups and dips. Use a hollowed, small pumpkin as a natural aromatic candle holder. Cut holes in the sides to vent the exhaust. Rub aromatic spices, such as cloves, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and vanilla bean, on the inside of the pumpkin. Insert a
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Sauk Valley Media • September 25, 2015
Highest-grossing horror films perfect for Halloween (MS)
Are you a scary movie buff? Do you relish in the building music and the jump-out-of-yourseat moments that unleash from you a primal scream? Many people share a love of scary movies and have made the horror genre one of the most popular.
Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and Gaston Leroux. Horror films often incorporate mystery, suspense, supernatural elements, and fantasy in addition to themes that play on viewers’ fears. Evil creatures, witches, zombies, serial killers, and many additional nasty characters may
No month of the year celebrates horror movies
appear in horror films.
more than October. Each October, movie the-
Horror film fans can trace scary movies’ origins
aters, television stations and viewers count down
back to the late 19th century. Some credit
to Halloween with flick after flick featuring gore,
silent film pioneer George Méliés with creating
suspense and pure horror.
the first horror movie, which was titled “La Manoir du Diable (The Manor of the Devil).”
Many horror movies were inspired by classic
Japanese filmmakers also were instrumental in
literature, including works from Edgar Allan
popularizing the horror genre.
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September 25, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 19
Popular literary characters, from Dracula to
• “What Lies Beneath” ($155 million): A woman
of a classic Japanese ghost story and made many
Dr. Frankenstein’s monster to Mr. Hyde to
believes her Vermont home is haunted by a
viewers want to avoid their televisions after
Quasimodo, have appeared in horror movies.
ghost.
watching it.
Many horror movies have focused on the end of the world and the occult. Psychological
• “Gremlins” ($148 million): This tale of pets that
horror movies also have proven quite popular
boast some unusual qualities became a cultural
with audiences, as have slasher movies, which
phenomenon in the 1980s.
became quite popular in the 1980s and 1990s. • “The Blair Witch Project” ($141 million): When Many horror movie fans have a favorite sub-
three film students disappear after investigating
genre, but many also will gladly watch any flick
the legend of the Blair Witch, their documented
that puts a scare in them. Some horror movies
footage sheds light on their fate.
have had more box office success than others, and the following are some notable horror mov-
• “The Silence of the Lambs” ($131 million): Few
ies that put a scare in viewers and some dollars
filmgoers can forget Anthony Hopkins’ Oscar-
in their producers’ pockets (figures courtesy of
winning turn as Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter,
the Internet Movie Database).
who works in conjunction with naive FBI cadet Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) to catch a vicious
• “World War Z” ($202 million): A zombie pan-
killer on the loose.
demic is set to cripple the world, and one man • “The Ring” ($129 million): This film is a remake
races against time to stop it.
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Simple rules for wine and food pairings (MS)
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Walk into many wine and spirits stores, and you will likely encounter a dizzying array of selections. While wine selections at such stores were once limited to a few well-known brands, many niche and private wineries have begun to make their vintages available to a wider clientele, so now shoppers are treated to both familiar and less well-known options. To novice dinner party hosts, the vast array of wines and flavors can make selecting a bottle or two to accompany a meal a bit more challenging. But one need not be a master sommelier to find the right pairing. The following tips can help anyone select wines to go with their menu or the type of occasion. * Work from light to dark. Just as you begin a dinner service with some appetizers and salad before moving to heavier courses, the wine should follow suit. Select lighter wines to accompany the earlier course before opting for deeper, richer wines as the meal progresses. * Consider champagne to accompany appetizers and opening courses. Champagne works particularly well with salty foods, which is why it is often a good match for hors d’oeuvres. If your’s is a cocktail party only,
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FALL is for DISCOVERING
you may want to exclusively serve champagne, which typically pairs well with passed finger foods and even bite-sized desserts.
CARROLL COUNTY EVENTS
* Opt for sauvignon blanc when you do not want the flavor of the wine to be overwhelmed by the food. Sauvignon blanc works with early courses that pack a flavorful punch.
Oct. 24 Pumpkinfest and Ghoulish Gallop; Mount Carroll; 2- and 5-mile runs, pumpkin street drags and showing of “Rocky Horror Picture Show”; www. mtcarrollil.org, 815-244-4424 or 800244-9594
Sauvignon blanc can be grassy or tropical in flavoring, depending on the region in which the grapes were grown.
Oct. 10 Migratory Bird Walk; Sloane Marsh Overlook, across from Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 9 a.m.; stewardsumrr. org, or 815-273-2732
Pairing wine with food is not always so easy. When in doubt, ask an employee at the spirits store for a suggestion.
It is commonly describedas crisp and fresh in flavor and is often recommended with sushi. * Match delicate seafood dishes with a light wine. Pinot grigio or chablis are delicately flavored and will pair well with seafood. Fish that is served in a rich sauce may be better matched with a heartier chardonnay. * Make rose your go-to wine when serving cheese. Although some cheeses work great with white or red, rose is typically a safe bet when serving cheese because of its acidity and fruity character, offering the best of both worlds. * Hearty meats, such as steaks and chops, pair well with rich reds. Cabernet sauvignon and bordeaux are great when paired with meat. Malbec and shiraz can hold their own if meats are spiced and extremely flavorful. * Rustic wines will work best with rustic recipes. Try to find a wine from the same region from which the meal originated. Pinot noir is a lightbodied red wine that has full flavor and can work with many pasta dishes as well as earthy ingredients, such as mushrooms. Though some people follow a strict personal code regarding wine pairings, your personal tastes should dictate what you ultimately serve. Experimentation can yield an unexpected flavor combination that complements the nuances of both the food and the wine.
Nov. 6-7, 13-14 The Great Route 64/84 Holiday Shop Hop; Fulton, Thomson, Savanna, Mount Carroll and Lanark; more than 30 shops offer holiday decor and unique gifts; map with detailed listings available in late September; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; www. cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545 Nov. 14 Migratory Bird Walk; Sloane Marsh Overlook, across from Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 9 a.m.; stewardsumrr. org, or 815-273-2732 Dec. 5 Christmas Walk; Mount Carroll; photos with Santa, strolling carolers, Festival of Trees, Tour of Homes, and more; www. mtcarrollil.org, 815-244-4424 or 800244-9594 Dec. 12 Migratory Bird Walk; Sloane Marsh Overlook, across from Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 9 a.m.; stewardsumrr. org, or 815-273-2732 CLINTON COUNTY EVENTS Sept. 27 Live music at Wide River Winery, 1776 East Deer Creek Road, Clinton; Pieces of Candy performing 2-5 p.m. More info: http://wideriverwinery.com/ or 563-519WINE (9463) Oct. 24 Halloween House of Wonders; lodge at Eagle Point Park, 3900 N. Third St., Clinton; trick-or-treating in a kid-friendly, activity-themed environment to benefit the YWCA and the Make-A-Wish Foundation; $2 per person; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; www. ywcaclinton.org or Roxanne Eversoll at 563-244-8340
Oct. 26 Mardi Gras Halloween Parade; 343 Fourth Ave. South, Clinton, Iowa; A parade to keep would-be mischief makers busy in positive, wholesome ways. Marching bands, creative floats and a different theme each year. More info: 563-242-1025 Nov. 25 Symphony of Lights Family Walk, Eagle Point Park, 3999 North Third St., Clinton, Iowa, One-mile course over the rolling, paved park roads lighted by the spectacular Symphony of Lights display. More info: 563-243-3442 Nov. 26-Dec. 30 Symphony of Lights; Eagle Point Park, 3900 N. Third St., Clinton; Christmas light display and holiday celebration (special events on specific dates); $7 per carload; 6-9 p.m.; www.symphonyoflights.org or Facebook LEE COUNTY EVENTS Sept. 26 Scarecrow Festival; downtown Dixon; scarecrow decorating contest and other fall fun; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dixon Main Street, www.dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 Oct. 10 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; www.second-saturdays.com or Facebook Oct. 10 West End Fest; west end of First Street, downtown Dixon; rock ‘n’ roll festival; www.dixonmainstreet.com or 815-2882308 Oct. 11 Tales From Beyond the Grave; Oakwood Cemetery, 416 S. Dement Ave., Dixon; 1-hour guided cemetery walk with characters in period costumes who give live accounts of people who contributed to the early days of Dixon; 1-4 p.m.; Carol Ortgiesen Wadsworth at 815-652-3775 Oct. 16 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; www.franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030 Oct. 18 Ultimate Tailgate; Beanblossom parking lot, River Street, Dixon; chili cook-off, bags tournament, and football games on outdoor television; admission is $5; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308
PAGE 21 Oct. 30 Fifth Friday music; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; admission is $10; shows at 7 and 9 p.m.; 815456-3030 Oct. 31 Halloween Parade; Haymarket Square, West Third Street, Dixon; costume judging at 9:30 a.m. and parade at 10 a.m.; Jason Nelson at 815-284-8845 Nov. 14 Dixon Lioness Christmas Craft and Vendor Show; Illinois National Guard Armory, 412 W. Everett St., Dixon; crafters and vendors, bake sale and raffles; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Jean Millar at 815-288-2246 Nov. 14 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; www.second-saturdays.com or Facebook Nov. 20 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; www.franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030 Nov. 29 Amboy Christmas Walk; Amboy; coloring contest, reindeer games, wreath auction, music, and more; noon-3 p.m.; Colin Baker at 815-857-2458 Dec. 4 Dixon Christmas Walk; downtown Dixon; Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa, and more; 6-9 p.m.; www. dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 Dec. 4 Christmas in the Village; Ellice Dinges Center, 202 West St., Sublette; Christmas music, crafts, gingerbread house contest, Santa and more; 6-9 p.m.; www. subletteweb.com or call 815-713-5675 Dec. 5 Santa’s Workshop; Post House Ballroom, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; breakfast, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children’s Dec. 11 Christmas in the Grove; Franklin Grove; horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, door prizes and a visit from Santa; 5-8 p.m.; www.franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030
Continued on page 23
FALL is for DISCOVERING
PAGE 22
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Sauk Valley Media • September 25, 2015
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September 25, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media Continued from page 21
Dec. 12 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; www.second-saturdays.com or Facebook Dec. 18 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; www.franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030 OGLE COUNTY EVENTS Sept. 25-27 Stillman Valley Fall Festival; carnival, craft show, quilt show, car show, tractor show and food; parade at 1 p.m. Sunday; www.stillmanvalleyfallfestival.com or Facebook Sept. 26 Chili Cook-Off; Polo; chili cook-off, annual Larry Lannen blood drive and all-town rummage sales; blood drive at 9 a.m., chili tasting at noon; www.poloil.org or 815-946-3131 Oct. 3-4 Autumn on Parade; Oregon; farmers market, arts and crafts fair, live entertainment, Olde English Faire, car show, tractor show, 5K run/ walk, parade, food, and more; parade at 1 p.m. Sunday; www.autumnonparade.org or 815-7323465 Nov. 28 Candlelight Walk; downtown Oregon; horsedrawn carriage rides, reindeer, visits with Santa, holiday gift fair, and more; 4-8 p.m.; www. oregonil.com or 815-732-2100 Dec. 4 Christmas Walk and Lighted Parade; downtown Rochelle; www.enjoyrochelle.com, www.cityofrochelle.net, 815-562-6161 Dec. 5 Christmas on the Village Square; downtown Mount Morris; pancake breakfast, craft fair and holiday bake sale, children’s Christmas party, story time with Mrs. Claus, and lighting of the village square; www.mtmorrisil.net or Brenda Hayden at 815-734-6335 WHITESIDE COUNTY EVENTS Sept. 26 Fall Festival; downtown Fulton; pumpkin painting, gunny sack races, straw bale maze, arts and crafts show, petting zoo, music and food; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545 Oct. 10 Harvest Moon Festival; downtown Sterling; United Way Chili Cook-Off, farmers market, arts and crafts, children’s activities and more; www. sterlingmainstreet.org, Facebook or 815-6268610
FALL is for DISCOVERING Oct. 10-11 Fulton Fall Festival; Early American crafters and other historical groups at Heritage Canyon take us back in time as they re-create history in the mid-1800’s. Visit Historic Downtown Fulton to enjoy pumpkin painting, grilled food, alpacas, buggy rides, windmill tours and a scavenger hunt. Oct. 17 Beggar’s Night; Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St., Fulton; trick-or-treat in a historic 1800s village; 4-8 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-5893925 Oct. 18 Coon Creek Men’s Club Farm Toy Show; Prophetstown High School, 310 W. Riverside Drive, Prophetstown; farm toys, construction toys, collectibles, antique tractor display, and food; admission is $2 for adults and children 13 and older; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.prophetstownil. com, 815-537-5139 or Jerry Halpin at 815-5372631 Oct. 31 Halloween parade; downtown Morrison; children in costume parade down Main Street; 1:30 p.m., lineup at 12:45 p.m.; 815-772-3757 Nov. 6-7, 13-14 The Great Route 64/84 Holiday Shop Hop; Fulton, Thomson, Savanna, Mount Carroll and Lanark; more than 30 shops offer holiday decor and unique gifts; map with detailed listings available in late September; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; 815589-4545
PAGE 23
ling; music, Christmas Walk, visits with Santa, children’s activities, and more; www.sterlingmainstreet.org, 815-626-8610 or 815-625-2400 Dec. 4 Christmas Walk; downtown Fulton; 2-mile run/ walk, arts and craft show, ice carving, live nativity, puppet show, children’s activities, music and food; 5-7:30 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545 Dec. 4 Fulton Home Town Christmas; Fulton Windmill, downtown Fulton; featuring window displays, windmill tours, caroling, Santa Claus, live Nativity, shopping, 2 mile run/walk, horse and wagon rides and Christmas crafts for kids. Dec. 4-6 Dillon Home Christmas Walk; Dillon Home Museum, 1005 E. Third St., Sterling; tours of the home, which is decorated for the holidays, “Christmas Past” open house by the SterlingRock Falls Historical Society Museum in the carriage house; admission (to home) is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $6 for a family; tours on the hour 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (except noon) Friday and Saturday, walk-through tours 7-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; 815622-6202 Dec. 5 Christmas at Heritage Canyon; Heritage
Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St., Fulton; crafters in period clothing give demonstrations of pioneer living; noon-7 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815589-3925 Dec. 5 Morrison Christmas Walk; downtown Morrison; craft fair, lighted parade, visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more; morrisonchamber.com or 815772-3757 Dec. 5 Taste of Prophetstown; Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, 320 LaFayette St., Prophetstown; charity auction, wine and beer tasting, appetizers and live music; tickets are $20, which includes a souvenir glass and six samples; 6 p.m.; www. prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139 Dec. 5 Christmas in the Country; downtown Tampico; visits with Santa, lighting of the Christmas tree, children’s royalty contest and more; 4:30 p.m.; www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com or Joan Johnson at 815-622-8705 Dec. 5 Christmas Walk, downtown Fulton; Featuring Santa Claus, The Grinch, live nativity, holiday music, train rides, 2-mile run/walk, arts and crafts show, soup and sandwich supper, and holiday shopping. More info: 815-589-4545
Nov. 14 Festival of Trees gala dinner; The Brandywine. 441 state Route 2, Dixon; event benefits Hospice of the Rock River Valley; 5:30 p.m.; www.hospicerockriver.org or 815-288-3673 Nov. 19-22 Hometown Holidays; downtown Rock Falls; Christmas walk, craft show, parade, live reindeer, children’s party, and more; www.rockfallschamber.com or 815-625-4500 Nov. 21 Twin Cities Holiday Parade; parade spans Sterling and Rock Falls; www.rockfallschamber. com, www.saukvalleyareachamber.com or www.sterlingmainstreet.org Nov. 28 Christmas in Prophetstown and lighted parade; downtown Prophetstown; Small Business Saturday, visits with Santa, soup supper, lighting of the Love Light Tree, and parade; lighting of the tree at 5:30 p.m., parade at 6:30 p.m.; www. prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139 Dec. 1-6 Seasonal Sights and Sounds; downtown Ster-
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Sauk Valley Media • September 25, 2015
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