SVM_Home for the Holidays_111519

holidays for the

Pet Friendly Holiday Entertaining

Twelve Days Christmas Caroling

Holiday Brunch Incorporating Eggnog

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PUBLICATION

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019

Sauk Valley Media • November 15, 2019

| HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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INSIDE 3

The origins of Christmas caroling

4

Tips for safe holiday entertaining in

Pet-Friendly households

5

Hearty lasagna can feed holiday crowds

6-7

Incorporate eggnog into your holiday brunch

8-9

Give the gift of good manners

10-11 Twelve Days of Christmas 12-13 Tips for baking better Christmas cookies 14

Christmas Carol Spotlight

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Christmas Carol Spotlight

16

Christmas Carol Spotlight

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The festive nature of the holiday season makes it an ideal time to sing, especially in groups. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that caroling, a tradition that dates back many centuries, ultimately collided with Christmas.

Caroling and Christmas caroling are two different things. According to History.org, the origins of modern Christmas caroling can be traced to wassailing, a term that has evolved for more than a millenium. What started as a simple greeting gradually became part of a toast made during ritualized drinking.

Time magazine notes that the word “wassail,” which appeared in English literature as early as the eighth century, eventually came to mean the wishing of good fortune on one’s neighbors, though no one can say for certain when this particular development occurred.

During this period, wassailing had nothing to do with Christ-

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Christmas caroling as Victorian Englanders knew it might have fallen by the wayside. But while carolers may no longer go door-to-door singing Christmas songs and wishing their neighbors good fortune, those intent on seeing the modern manifestation of this tradition that dates back more than a millenium may be able to find some carolers at their local mall or church.

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• November 15, 2019

During medieval times, farmers in certain parts of Britain would drink a beverage to toast the health of their crops and encourage the fertility of their animals. By 1600, farmers in some parts of Britain were still engaging in this ritual, and some were by now taking a wassail bowl filled with a toasting beverage around the streets. These wassailers would stop by neighboring homes and offer a warm drink, all the while wishing good fortune on their neighbors.

mas, but that began to change in Victorian England, when Christmas became more commercialized and popular. It was during this time when publishers began circulating carols, forever linking the tradition of wassailing with Christmas.

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The origins of Christmas caroling

Sauk Valley Media • November 15, 2019

| HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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Tips for safe holiday entertaining in PET-FRIENDLY households The holidays are a time to spend with friends and family. Celebrating and entertaining are large components of what makes Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, and New Years festivities so enjoyable. Holiday hosts with pets must consider companion animals when planning the festivities.

The holiday season brings added dangers for pets. The American Veterinary Association notes that, by keeping hazards in mind, pet owners can ensure their four-legged friends enjoy the season as much as everyone else.

• Secure the tree. Securely anchor the Christmas tree so that it won’t tip over on anyone, including rambunctious pets. Also, stagnant tree stand water can grow bacteria. If a pet should drink the water, it may end up with nausea or diarrhea. Replenish the tree basin with fresh water daily.

• Skip the candles. When creating mood lighting, opt for electronic or battery-powered lights instead of open flames. Pets may knock over candles, and that can be an instant fire hazard.

• Keep food out of reach. Situate food buffets beyond the reach of hungry and curious animals. Warn guests to promptly throw out their leftovers so that dogs and cats do not sneak away with scraps that may cause stomach upset or worse. Real Simple magazine warns that fatty foods can promote pancreatitis — a potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas that produces toxic enzymes and causes illness and dehydration. Small bones can get lodged in a pet’s throat or intestines as well.

• Avoid artificial sweeteners. Exercise caution when baking sugar-free desserts. The artificial sweetener xylitol can cause dogs’ blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels. Xylitol is found in some toothpastes and gum, so tell overnight guests to keep their toiletries secure to avoid accidental exposure.

• Be cautious with cocktails. If the celebration will include alcoholic beverages, the ASPCA says to place unattended adult beverages where pets cannot reach them. Ingested alcohol can make pets ill, weak and even induce comas.

• Be picky about plants. Mistletoe, holly and poinsettias can be dangerous in pet-friendly households. These plants can cause gastrointestinal upset and may lead to other problems if ingested. Opt for artificial replicas instead. If guests bring flowers, confirm they are nontoxic to pets before putting them on display.

• Watch the door.

Guests going in and out may inadvertently leave doors open.

In such instances, pets who get scared or are door dashers may be able to escape the house. Put a note by the door to watch for escaping pets.

• Designate a safe space for pets. If the holiday hustle proves too much for cats, dogs, birds, and more, give the pet a safe, quiet spot away from the crowds.

Holiday hosts should factor in pet safety when they open their homes to guests.

Millions of people take to the roads, rails and skies to make it home for the holidays. Plenty of hosts and hostesses open their homes to well-traveled relatives and close friends during the holiday season, sometimes providing accommodations for several days. During this season of entertaining, it is helpful to have several go-to recipes that can feed a houseful of guests on hand.

The recipe for “Lasagna With Broccoli

and Three Cheeses” from “Real Simple: Dinner Tonight, Done!” (Time Home Entertainment) from the editors of Real Simple is sure to stick to guests’ ribs on wintry nights. With only 15 minutes of preparation time, this dish gets popped in the oven and can be enjoyed an hour later.

Lasagna With Broccoli and Three Cheeses, Serves 4

Spoon a thin layer of the sauce into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish.

Top with 2 noodles, a quarter of the remaining sauce, and a third of the broccoli mixture; repeat twice. Top with the remaining 2 noodles and sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining 1⁄4 cup of mozzarella and 1⁄4 cup of Parmesan.

Cover the lasagna tightly with an oiled piece of foil and bake until the noodles are tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Uncover and bake until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more.

Toss the greens with the oil, lemon juice, and 1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Serve with the lasagna.

• November 15, 2019

• 1-15-ounce container ricotta • 1 pound frozen broccoli florets — thawed, patted dry, and chopped • 2 1⁄4 cups grated mozzarella • 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan Kosher salt and black pepper • 1-6-ounce jar marinara sauce • 1⁄2 cup heavy cream • 8 no-boil lasagna noodles • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the foil • 4 cups mixed greens • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Heat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, broccoli, 2 cups of the mozzarella, 1⁄4 cup of the Parmesan, 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper.

In a small bowl, combine the marinara sauce and cream.

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Hearty lasagna can feed holiday crowds

Sauk Valley Media • November 15, 2019

| HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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Incorporate eggnog into your holiday brunch Food is a big part of the holiday season. Big meals are typically the focal point of holiday gatherings with family and friends.

Seasonal beverages also have a special place at holiday dinner tables and parties. This holiday season, hosts can incorporate a beloved beverage into their holiday brunches by whipping up the following recipe for “Baked Eggnog French Toast with Cranberries and Apples,” courtesy of Betty Rosbottom’s “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books).

Baked Eggnog French Toast with Cranberries and Apples Serves 6

Eggnog French Toast 12 thick (3⁄4-inch) bread slices, cut on a sharp diagonal from a day-old baguette (see note 2) 21⁄2 cups purchased eggnog (see cooking tip)

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teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Pinch of ground cinnamon tablespoons melted unsalted butter

Confectioners’ sugar

1. For the Glazed Cranberries and Apples: Whisk together the apple cider, corn syrup and brown sugar in a large, heavy saucepan over high heat. Boil until reduced to 1 cup, about 15 minutes. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of the butter until melted.

Remove from the heat and set aside.

2. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy frying pan over medium heat until hot. Add the apples and sauté, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the cranberries and granulated sugar, and stir until cranberries begin to pop, about 2 minutes. Stir in the reduce cider mixture and cook until the mixture has reduced to a syrup-like consistency, about 6 minutes.

Taste and stir in more sugar, if desired. (The cranberries and apples can be prepared 1 day ahead; cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.)

3. For the Eggnog French Toast: Arrange the bread slices in a 9-by-13-inch shallow baking dish. Whisk together the eggnog, nutmeg and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Pour the mixture over the bread. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 hours, or overnight.

4. Arrange a rack at center position and preheat the oven to 450 F. Butter a large, rimmed baking sheet with some of the melted

5. Bake for 10 minutes, and then turn and bake until golden brown on the outside and still soft inside, 5 to 6 minutes more. Watch carefully so they do not burn.

6. Arrange 2 slices on each of six dinner plates and mound the warm fruits on top. Dust generously with confectioners’ sugar and serve.

Note 1: If using frozen cranberries, defrost and pat dry.

Cooking tip: If eggnog is not available at the supermarket, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 1⁄2 cup sugar and 2 cups light cream to blend. Then proceed with the recipe.

Glazed Cranberries and Apples 2 6

2

8

3

2

1⁄2

cups apple cider tablespoons light corn syrup tablespoons light brown sugar tablespoons unsalted butter, diced Golden Delicious apples (about 11⁄4 lb.), peeled, cored and cut into 1⁄2-inch cubes cups fresh or frozen cranberries (see note 1) cup granulated sugar, plus more if needed

• November 15, 2019

Note 2: You also can use a good, crusty sourdough bread; cut 3⁄4-inch slices from it, and if they are large, cut them in half.

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butter. Using a metal spatula, transfer the bread slices to the baking sheet. Brush the bread with the remaining melted butter.

Sauk Valley Media • November 15, 2019

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Give the gift of good manners The holidays are a time for giving and gathering with loved ones. Because the holiday season is such a social time of year, it can be wise for celebrants to revisit social manners in the days ahead before the holiday party season hits full swing.

Practicing good manners is especially poignant during the holidays to keep the spirit of compassion and goodwill alive.

Host/hostess gifts A gift is a great way for holiday celebrants to express their appreciation to holiday hosts. It doesn’t have to be a lavish gift; a

bottle of wine, baked goods or a decorative trinket each make for thoughtful gifts.

RSVP Promptly RSVP so hosts can plan accordingly. A text, phone call or quick email will suffice.

Accept gifts with grace Whether you planned to exchange gifts or not, if someone gives you a gift, accept it with a smile and express your appreciation. It may not be what you need or desire, but do not let the gift-giver think you are unhappy with the gift. It’s alright if you have nothing to give in return. Don’t feel as though you have to rush out and get a reciprocal gift.

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The 12 days of Christmas

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and extends until the evening of January 5th, the day before

tridge in a pear tree.”

the Epiphany, known as Twelfth Night. Each day corresponds to a remembrance of different religious events or people.

The familiar lyrics of this tune are sung as part of Christmas caroling and holiday celebrations, reaching a crescendo each time singers belt out “five golden rings.” The song is an English Christmas carol that was written in 1720. While it references plenty of gift-giving, it’s easy to assume the song is about giving Christmas gifts. However, the 12 days in the song actually refer

Commemorating the 12 days of Christmas can include small festivities from December 25 to January 5. On Twelfth Night, historically known for parties, modern-day fanfare can mark the culmination of the Christmas season — with the last of gift-giving occurring on the Epiphany.

Gifting, hosting friends and family, attending religious services,

The 12 days of Christmas, also known as the Twelvetide, refers

participating in charitable events, or opening one’s home to

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Jesus. In fact, the start of these days occurs on December 25

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to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas celebrants can celebrate well into the new year.

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Tips for baking better Christmas cookies

Sauk Valley Media • November 15, 2019

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Cookies and other baked treats are everywhere come the holi-

Handle butter with care

day season. It’s not uncommon to give cookies as gifts or arrive

Butter can make or break a cookie recipe, as butter is often the

at holiday gatherings with cakes and other decadent desserts.

glue that holds the cookie together. Therefore, it is key to follow

Cookies are a classic holiday treat, and some families even

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out and flatten.

When it comes time to cream the butter with sugar, be sure to

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do so thoroughly to incorporate air into the butter and remove

Measure flour properly Measuring flour the right way can ensure cookies come out right. The Cooking Channel says to spoon the flour lightly into a dry measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. Do not dip the measuring cup into the flour or tap the knife against the cup. This will pack too much flour into the measuring cup and result in dry, tough cookies.

Slow down the eggs Add eggs one at a time to make sure each will emulsify properly with the fat in the butter. Adding eggs en masse may cause the emulsification to fail.

Follow recipes that call for chilling cookie dough carefully. This process is important for making sliced and shaped cookies. By chilling, the dough becomes more malleable for rolling and even slicing.

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English lyrics written by Thomas Oliphant Lyrics courtesy of Digital Music News

Jingle Bells

“Jingle Bells” (Extended version) Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bobtail ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight! Oh, Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. Hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.

A day or two ago I thought I’d take a ride And soon, Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side, The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot He got into a drifted bank And then we got upsot.

Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. Hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.

A day or two ago, The story I must tell I went out on the snow, And on my back I fell; A gent was riding by In a one-horse open sleigh, He laughed as there I sprawling lie, But quickly drove away.

Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.

Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.

Now the ground is white Go it while you’re young, Take the girls tonight and sing this sleighing song; Just get a bobtailed Two forty as his speed Hitch him to an open sleigh And crack! you’ll take the lead.

Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.

Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.

Lyrics written by James Lord Pierpont, Lyrics courtesy of Digital Music News

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• November 15, 2019

Holiday cheer is front and center in communities across the globe during the holiday season. This year, celebrants can make this joyous season even more special by singing some of their favorite holiday songs.

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Christmas Carol Spotlight

Let It Snow Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Holiday cheer is front and center in communities across the globe during the holiday season. This year, celebrants can make this joyous season even more special by singing some of their favorite holiday songs.

“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” is a beloved holiday tune with an interesting history. Despite it now being instantly associated with the holiday season, the song does not actually allude to any holiday. Perhaps even more amusing is the fact that the song was written in California during a heat wave!

Oh the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we’ve no place to go, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn’t show signs of stopping, And I’ve bought some corn for popping, The lights are turned way down low, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight, How I’ll hate going out in the storm!

But if you’ll really hold me tight, All the way home I’ll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying, And, my dear, we’re still good-bying, But as long as you love me so, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Written by Julie Styne and Sammy Cahn Lyrics courtesy of Carols.org

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Certificates Phone: 815-622-0258 Available 1501 W. 4th St., Sterling

Furniture Mart 20% Off all new Furniture, Mattress and Foundation sets and Lamps.

Gift Certificates available We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, check, and, of course, cash.

We also offer a 60 and a 90 day layaway!

2400 West 4th Street Dixon, IL 815-288-2488 | Mon. thru Fri. 10-4 & Sat 10-3

POINSETTIAS 1709 E. 3rd St., Sterling

815-625-0080

• Fresh and Silk • Gifts • Poinsettias • Wreaths • Grave Blankets

8 Colors Grown in our Greenhouse!

Fresh Wreaths, Fresh Garland, and Grave Blankets Holiday Gifts, Unique Indoor Plantss Terrariums & Miniature (Fairy) Gardens dens ns Amaryllis Bulbs

K&R Greenhouse see OPEN EVERY DAY! 9AM -5PM 15543 BISHOP RD., MORRISON

815-772-4595

WE DELIVER

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

NOVEMBER 29, 30 AND DEC.1ST DOOR PRIZES REFRESHMENTS

Gift Gift CCertificates ertifificcates ffor or tthe he GGardener! ardener!