WINTER
2019
|
ISSUE
NO.
1
THE GR GUIDE
WINTER ESCAPE TAKE
A
ROAD
TRIP
GETAWAY
PLUS,
THE
GIFT
GUIDE
HEADED IN
NORTH
PETOSKEY,
ISSUE!
FIND
YOUR
GIFT
LIST.
FOR
A
WEEKEND
MICHIGAN
IDEAS
FOR
EVERYONE
ON
Inside YOUR GUIDE TO ISSUE NO.01
6 Holiday Sugar Cookies Get the recipe for my favorite holiday sugar cookies! I've been making these cookies since I was little, and trust me they're a must this season.
8 Cacio e Pepe If you haven't tried cacio e pepe you're missing out. I perfected the recipe for this simple pasta dish that we absolutely loved in Rome. It's great for a chilly winter night!
10 Greek Yogurt Banana Bread If you love banana bread you're going to love this recipe for greek yogurt banana bread. It's a must for the cold winter months.
12 Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail Cheers to the new year! If you're hosting a holiday party this season this bourbon apple cider cocktail is perfect for your guests. Get all the details on how to make this drink from Cory!
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14 Gift Guides Struggling to find gifts for people on your list? Don't miss these gift guides featuring products from Michigan boutiques.
22 Winter Bucket List Start checking things off this winter bucket list! I rounded up some fun activities to make the most of the winter season in Grand Rapids.
24 Winter Date Ideas Need some ideas for your next date night in Grand Rapids? I've got you covered with some date night activities that Cory and I love in GR.
26 A Winter Escape Take a drive north for a magical weekend getaway this winter in Petoskey, Michigan.
28 Holiday Playlist + Movies I'm sharing my favorite holiday playlist and movies to enjoy this season.
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HELLO FRIENDS Welcome to December! Can you believe 2019 is almost over? Looking back on this year I'm so grateful for your kind words, support and well wishes. THANK YOU! This idea of putting together a "mini magazine" has been a goal of mine for a long time. To be honest I absolutely LOVE magazines. I've had a subscription to InStyle since I was in 7th grade (no joke). I also told my best friend in college that my dream job was working for a magazine. So, creating this digital project was really fun. I'm excited to share these recipes, gift guides and travel ideas with you. I hope you enjoy flipping through the pages, and become inspired this holiday season. Thank you for all your love this year. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year ahead! Cheers!
Sara Visser o4 | www.thegrguide.com EDITOR, SAVORY MAG
From the Editor
Holiday Recipes
Easy recipes guaranteed to spread some cheer!
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Holiday Sugar Cookies These sugar cookies are a holiday staple in our family. This recipe has been passed down from my mom, and we love making these together as a family before Christmas. Also, this is an easy recipe to get the kids involved! INGREDIENTS Cookies: 2/3 cup butter
DIRECTIONS In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla to the creamed mixture and beat until you have a smooth yellow batter. In a separate bowl measure the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg into a sifter and sift into a bowl. Pour half the sifted ingredients into the yellow batter. Stir with a spoon until the flour is blended into the batter. Add the rest of the sifted ingredients and mix until you have a stiff, lightyellow dough.
1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 3/4 teaspoon vanilla 2 1/4 cup flour 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
Pat the dough down tightly into the bowl. Cover the bowl with a plate, and put it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Roll out the batter and use your favorite Christmas cookie cutters for the cookies.
1/4 teaspoon salt
Bake the cookies at 400 degrees for about 8
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
minutes and allow at least 15 minutes for the cookies to cool before decorating.
Icing: 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk
Measure the powdered sugar and milk and mix until the icing is stiff. If it is thin and runny, stir in a little more powdered sugar. Use food coloring to color the frosting however you like.
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Tips for Decorating Your Cookies GET SOME IDEAS FOR HOW TO DECORATE YOUR HOLIDAY SUGAR COOKIES.
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Ready to decorate your cookies? Make sure your cookies are cool before you begin decorating (this is very important). The icing recipe is just powedered sugar and milk. You can also add a little vanilla extract if you want some extra flavor. Create different colored icing with gel food coloring. I love doing white, green and red for Christmas, but you can create any color of the rainbow that you love. Ok now that you have your cookies and frosting the fun begins. Grab your friends and family and turn on the Holiday Playlist (see page 28). Also, this is obviously a great activity to get the kids involved in!
To be honest there really isn't a right or wrong way to decorate your cookies. The most important thing is having FUN. I love an assortment of holiday sprinkles to decorate my cookies. You can find these sprinkles at your local grocery store. You'll know you had a great time decorating when you're cleaning up sprinkles on the floor and you've eaten at least two cookies. Share your decorated Christmas cookies with me on Instagram with #thegrguide!
Cacio e Pepe This dish was one of our all time favorites from our honeymoon in Rome. The best part is it's super easy to make, and great
DIRECTIONS Use a shallow pan that's wide enough to hold the pasta. Fill the pan with just enough water
for a cold Michigan winter night. Trust me
that it would cover the pasta. Add a few
the secret to this dish is freshly grated
dashes of salt so your water is salty like the
parmesan cheese. INGREDIENTS 12 oz bucatini pasta (you can also use linguine or spaghetti pasta)
ocean. Bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling add the pasta. Stir occasionally over medium-high heat so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom. Allow the water to absorb in the pasta and refrain from adding more water.
Salt Fresh ground black pepper 1/2 cup freshly grated parmessan cheese 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
When the pasta is al dente and the pasta water is almost all absorbed, turn off the heat. If you have too much water remove with a spoon but reserve the pasta water in a cup in case you need it.
Yield: 4 servings Prep: 5 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes
Add the freshly ground pepper (to your taste) and parmessan cheese. Stir until the pepper and the cheese are well combined. Toss in a little olive oil. Serve the pasta with a little more pepper,
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parmessan cheese and olive oil on top.
THE ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD PASTA AND CHEESE...YES PLEASE! THIS RECIPE IS A KEEPER FOR AN EASY WEEKNIGHT MEAL THIS WINTER.
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Greek Yogurt Banana Bread We’re big fans of banana bread in our house. Sometimes I think Cory lets the
DIRECTIONS
bananas go bad on purpose so that I’ll
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray your
make him banana bread. I think the Greek
9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or use
yogurt gives the banana bread some extra
parchment paper to line the pan.
moisture and flavor. INGREDIENTS
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
2 cups all-purpose flour
In a separate medium sized bowl mash your
1/2 cup sugar
bananas. Then add the Greek yogurt, eggs,
1/4 cup light brown sugar
vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Add your wet
1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until the ingredients are combined. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips fold them into the batter.
3 very ripe bananas 1/4 cup vanilla flavored Greek yogurt (you can also use regular Greek yogurt, but add more vanilla extract) 2 large eggs 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top (this is optional but I love the flavor and the crispy top). Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Cinnamon sugar (for the top) Optional: walnuts or chocolate chips
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Allow the bread to cool before serving. Enjoy!
EAT, DRINK, GO BANANAS WITH THIS BANANA BREAD
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Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail This Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail is Cory's signature drink during the holiday season. It's super easy to make and great to serve at your next dinner party.
INGREDIENTS 2 oz Bourbon 6 oz Fresh Apple Cider 1 Bar Spoon of Bourbon-Maple Syrup* 2 Apple Slices 1 Cinnamon Stick
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DIRECTIONS Combine the bourbon, apple cider and bourbon-maple syrup in shaker with ice. Shake for at least 30 seconds. Strain over ice in glass and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon stick. *To make the bourbon-maple syrup combine equal parts bourbon and maple syrup in a sauce pan and heat until mixture reduces.
CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR
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2019 Gift Guides FIND SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST FROM LOCAL MIDWEST ARTISTS & BOUTIQUES
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Paperdoll - Candle Leland Gal - Fishtown Platter
Adored Boutique Necklace
Goldluxe Earrings
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Poppy Things - Scarf
Gifts For Her
Brass Anchor Co. - Sea Bags Anchor Tote
Sparrow - Quay Sunglasses
Verbena - Ring
Talulah Belle - Anne Nielson Scripture Cards
Fustini's - Oil & Vinegar Sampler Gina's Boutique - Boots
Ferne Boutique - Belt
Threads - Kempton & Co. Luggage Tag
Lavender Life Co. - Soap
Frances Jaye - Beanie Caruso Caruso - DeLux Mittens
Shinola - Wallet
Bahle's - Barbour Jacket
Van Boven - Smathers and Branson Key Fob
H.C. Lather Co. - Beard Oil
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Gifts For Him
For the Love of Shoes - Vionic Slippers
Detroit Grooming Co. - Cork Dopp Bag
Midwest Supply Co. - Mug
Woosah - Tee
Gemini Handmade - Littlewings Designs Catch-All
M22 - Hat
Tweed - Long Johns
Bailey and James - Book Wildship -Blanket Tip Toes - Plus-Plus Bricks
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Hopscotch - JellyCat Octopus
James & Olive Musical Pull
Gifts For Kids
Modern Natural Baby Honeysticks Bath Crayons Ecobuns Baby + Co. Getting Sew Crafty Pacifier Clip
Apothecary Gift Shop - Book
Annie & Oliver Booties
Toyology Toys - Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty Thimble - Romper
Tootsie Pop - Sweater
Carlie B Designs Custom House Portrait
MVP Athletic Clubs Membership
Blustone Vineyard - Wine Club Membership
The Minted Grove - Doormat
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Gifts For Couples
Madcap Coffee - Six One Six Coffee Subscription
Landsharks - Yeti Cooler
Amy Carroll - Calendar
Harwood Gold - Weekend at the Lake Gift Bag Frederik Meijer
Gardens - Membership
Sweetland Candies Signature Box
Rock Paper Scissors - Mug
Simply Curated - Candle
Party of One Paper - Print
Dave's Sweet Tooth Toffee
Perennial Chocolate
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Reid's - Honey
Gifts $25 & Under
American Spoon Lemon Curd
BLiS - Sea Salt Koeze - Mixed Nuts
Finch & Fleur - Notebook
Amy Heitman - List Pad Grand Rapids Popcorn - Classic Tin
Kenna Nicole - Thyme LIEFdesign - Tea Towel Balm
City Bird - Mug
High Five Threads Bottle Opener
bundled - Winter Gift
Libby VanderPloeg - Michigan Map
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Peninsulas Tunnel of Trees Glass
Great Lakes Gifts
Shurms Candy - Gummies
Great Lakes Coffee Motor City Blend Lakes and Grapes - Hat Two Fish Gallery - Fishtown Water Bottle by Polka Dot Mitten
Homes Bracelets Wax Poetic Candle Bar Michigan Fresh Coast Candle
Carved Lake Art - Great Lakes Wood Chart Serving Tray
Kitchen Joy - Cookbook
Stoffer Home - Pillow
A.K. Rikk's - White & Warren Beanie
Feather and Birch Custom Handwritten Sign
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Baker Book House - Worthwhile Paper Jesus Calling Self Care Devotional Notepade
Gifts I Love
June & December - Napkins
Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Almond Bar
Cream Blends Holiday Soy Candle
Katherine Corden - M22 to Crystal Print
Amazin' Mitten Sagewood Soaps Grand Rapids Soap
Gazelle Sports Patagonia Jacket
A WINTER BUCKET LIST The snow is falling and the cold weather has set in... It's officially winter in Michigan! Some of you might really love the snow and chilly weather, but if you're like me I would rather have summer all year. Regardless winter is here and I'm just hoping we don't have another Polar Vortex or a crazy amount of snow this year. Agreed? When it's snowing and the wind chill is brutal it's challenging to even leave the house or find the motivation to do something. But, this year's Winter Bucket List is full of fun ideas to make the most of this winter season. Everything from decorating Christmas cookies, building a snowman, volunteering, visiting a museum, and going to a Griffins game is on the list. I've also left a couple of open spots so you can add your own winter activities to the list. Sounds like fun right?! I'll be sharing my progress on Instagram checking things off this list. I hope you join me!
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WINTER DATE IDEAS If you’re not a big fan of winter (I can totally relate). If you're having a hard time finding things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan this list will be super helpful for you. I’ve rounded up some fun date night ideas for this winter season in Grand Rapids. These are my top picks (all approved by Cory) for a winter date night.
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COFFEE IN AN IGLOO You guys know I love Outside Coffee Co. during the summer months, but enjoying coffee in an igloo might be my new favorite thing. Meet your date for some coffee and a light snack at Outside Coffee Co. for a perfect afternoon winter date..
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ICE SKATING DOWNTOWN Ice skating in Rosa Parks Circle is a must during the winter in Grand Rapids. It’s also the perfect activity for date night to enjoy some time outdoors and then grab dinner or a drink at a nearby bar/restaurant.
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STROLL FARMERS MARKET In case you didn’t know the Fulton Street Farmers Market offers a winter market during the winter months here in Grand Rapids. It’s a fun date idea for a Saturday morning to stroll the market, take a walk to Madcap for some coffee and then make your way to Van’s Pastry Shoppe for a donut.
GO TO MEIJER GARDENS One of my favorite things to do during the winter months is to walk through the Frederik Meijer Gardens. I could probably spend hours in the tropical conservatory soaking up the warm temperature and humidity. Walk around inside or outside and then check out Nonna's for a yummy Italian dinner. Cory and I did this for one of our first dates and it was one of our favorite dates.
SEE A MOVIE If you haven’t been to Wealthy Theatre this is the time to go. During the winter months when it’s super chilly outside it’s a great spot to catch a movie and enjoy dinner in the area.
GO FOWLING The Fowling Warehouse is a perfect date night activity during the winter months since it’s all indoors. The game is a mix of bowling, football, and corn hole and trust me it’s fun for a group of people or just two people.
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TRY A NEW RESTAURANT It's fun to try something new on date night. There are some great new restaurants like One Twenty Three Tavern or Max's South Seas Adventure that's perfect for a chilly winter evening.
WINTER
DATE NIGHT
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PACK YOUR BAGS FOR A
WINTER ESCAPE Are you ready for a winter getaway? I don't know about you, but I'm ready to pack my bags and enjoy some rest and relaxation. You might be looking to head someplace warm soon, but why not take a long weekend and head north? Obviously if you love skiing, snowboarding or any winter sports this type of weekend getaway is just perfect for you. With Boyne Mountain, Nubs Nob or cross-country skiing by Walloon Lake. But, even if winter sports isn't you're thing (I totally understand) there's so much to do in the area. You can find fabulous dining options, great shopping, wineries, breweries, a spa or even the casino. Trust me there's so much you can do with your significant other or with your family and friends in the area. Cory and I absolutely loved staying at Hotel Walloon in February and the Inn at Bay Harbor earlier this Fall. A huge thank you to these hotels for inviting us to experience why Harbor Springs, Walloon Lake, and Petoskey are such great destinations during the cooler months in Michigan.
Read more about my experience: Weekend Getaway: Inn at Bay Harbor Weekend Getaway: Hotel Walloon
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WINTER CHILL Enjoy a relaxing stay at The Inn at Bay Harbor!Â
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Northern Michigan is a great destination for a winter getaway!
MY TOP PICKS IN THE PETOSKEY AREA Here are some of my favorite things to do and best places to eat in the Petoskey area
SWEET TREAT Tom's Mom's Cookies Johans Pastry Shop Kilwin's
DINNER SPOTS Chandler's Barrel Back Restaurant Vintage Chophouse & WIne Bar Pallete Bistro
THINGS TO DO Wine Trail Ski at Nubs Nob
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Cross Country Skiing by Walloon Lake
MY FAVORITE
HOLIDAY PLAYLIST AULD LANG SYNE CHAPTRS
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR ANDY WILLIAMS
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COLDPLAY
THE CHRISTMAS WALTZ JOHNNYSWIM
WHITE CHRISTMAS
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
MICHAEL BUBLE
LAUREN DAIGLE
LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW
O COME LET US ADORE HIM
DEAN MARTIN MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS *NSYNC
RIVER SARAH MCLACHLAN THE CHRISTMAS SONG (MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU) NAT KING COLE WINTER WONDERLAND AMY GRANT SILENT NIGHT
HILLSONG UNITED
PHIL WICKHAM
HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
WHITE CHRISTMAS
JOHN LEGEND & ESPERANZA SPAULDING
YOU CAN LISTEN TO THIS ON SPOTIFY
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FRANK SINATRA
MUST WATCH
HOLIDAY MOVIES HOME ALONE
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
ELF
THE PREACHER'S WIFE
LOVE ACTUALLY RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
THE POLAR EXPRESS
CHRISTMAS VACATION
THE SANTA CLAUSE
THEÂ FAMILY STONE
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
WHITE CHRISTMAS
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING THE HOLIDAY IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET FOUR CHRISTMASES
A CHRISTMAS STORY HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK DIE HARD
CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS A CHRISTMAS PRINCE JINGLE ALL THE WAY THE PRINCESS SWITCH
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES
DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIES!
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Whatever this year held for you I hope you enter 2020 with open arms. It's never too late for a fresh start or new goals. Be brave, try something new, be kind, seek joy, and don't forget to be grateful for things both big and small. Cheers to 2020!
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Thank you for reading!