If you know a business to suggest, want to submit an editorial, or have other inquiries, email us at connect@thelistmagazine.com
REPRINTED ARTICLES
John Kehoe learningpower.com/articles
Cesar Milan cesarsway.com/dog-care/first-aid/top-holiday-tips
The List Magazine is a local life style magazine that is published every other month. Inside each issue of The List Magazine you will find our endorsed restaurants, businesses and professionals as well as informative, seasonal and inspirational editorials. Our mission is to be your source for The Must Have, Must Go, Must Know
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All artwork, design, stock images and layout by The LIST magazine is the sole property of the publisher and may not be reproduced in whole or part. All recommendations and information in The LIST Magazine are our assessment based on our own market research and evaluation. We cannot be held responsible for individual differences of opinion. The publisher will not be responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, and such responsibility, if any, shall be limited to the first use of advertising in the case of repeated use. The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising at its sole discretion. The advertiser shall represent that all art work and copy provided by the advertiser is owned by the advertiser and it has the right to utilize such in this publication.
MUST KNOW
12 Scents for the Holiday
14 Shop Babylon Shop, Dine, Celebrate
20 Good Reads
22 What's Happening
25 Gift Card Checklist
26 Tips & Tricks
What to Do About a Slip & Spill
MUST GO
10 The Nut Cracker
WISE WORDS BY REAL PEOPLE
13 Be a Good Receiver
21 AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
OUR DOG STARS & COMPANY
30 The Biggest Gift We Can Give To Our Dog and Ourselves
RECIPES
28 Braised Osso Bucco & Roasted Vegetable Rose
29 Holiday Cookie Swap
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...
LIST PICKS
AUTO 3, 31
PET CARE 30
HEALTH & WELLNESS 12, 15, 16
HOME & GARDEN
26, 27, BC
HAIR & BEAUTY 10, 18, 24
REAL ESTATE 4, 5, 6
RESTAURANT / CAFE / NIGHTLIFE
7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
19, 21, 24, 26, 30
SHOPPING & GIFTS
10, 11, 14, 15, 19, 23
TRAVEL 8
*The cover shot is a photograph of Argyle Grill & Tavern in Babylon Village, taken by the very talented local photographer, Vicki Jauron. We are proud to showcase Vicki’s work in our magazine which depicts the beauty of South Shore Long Island, and particularly the Great South Bay area. Her work can be viewed and is available for purchase on her website www.babylonandbeyond.com
IN PREPARATION FOR OUR HOLIDAY ISSUE OF THE LIST, I did what I love to do, discover new finds by exploring new places and meeting the owners and people who run them. You heard the saying don't judge a book by its cover. Sometimes because a place doesn't look shiny and new on the outside you hesitate to go in, but much to your surprise, you discover the merchant inside is a master of their trade and their knowledge, values and quality makes you an instant admirer. On the other hand, there are times when a larger, more extravagant store looks fabulous on the outside, but lacks the personal service that is so important. Here at The List Magazine, I think we did a pretty good job gathering some gems to share with you.
In this special issue, we created a guide for holiday gift shopping and restaurants to go to and celebrate this joyous season. Most of the places we highlight are in our local communities, from Babylon to Great River. We are fortunate to live in a coastal area in which all the communities are wonderful and complement each other. It's so easy to drive along Montauk Hwy or Sunrise and interchange between communities.
Gift cards these days are more popular than ever for stocking stuffers or more extravagant gifts. Use our Gift Card Check off list on page 25. We’ve put together a list of some favorite restaurants, retailers and service professionals that sell Gift Cards and some that you buy have a gift for you too. It’s a perfect tool to help you check gifts off your shopping list.
This holiday season I hope you get to explore each of our neighboring towns as there is nothing quite like the warm feeling and special energy of shopping and celebrating the season where you feel that sense of community.
I hope you and your family have a blessed and wonderful holiday season, and as the publisher of the list magazine I am overjoyed to say Merry Christmas!!
And a Happy New Year to all.
xo
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Escape from winter weather by enjoying tropical, blue skies, white sand beaches, and crystal clear waters, while enjoying the festivities of the holiday season together as a family.
Find Out How You Can Pick A Perk For Your Next Holiday Cruise?
The Nut Cracker Performances on Long Island
Nut Cracker Ballet
MADISON THEATRE AT MOLLOY COLLEGE
December 11th, 12th, 13th
Rockville Center, 516.323.4444
MadisonTheatreNY.org
The Nut Cracker Suite
PERFORMED
Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
December 11th, 12th, 13th
Patchogue, 631.201.1313
PatchogueTheatre.org
The Nut Cracker NEW YORK DANCE THEATER
Presented at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse (Campus of Hofstra University)
December 18th, 19th, 20th
Hempstead, 516.463.6644
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN & CRAFT COCKTAILS
GIVE THE GIFT OF VERDE THIS YEAR WITH A HOLIDAY GIFT CARD AND RECEIVE A COUPON FOR 10% OFF YOUR NEXT VISIT.
happy hour
EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY 3PM-7PM
1/2 price tacos & quesadillas, $5 margaritas, $4 beers, $2 off all wines
lunch specials
EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT $13 featuring 4 tacos with soup, salad or side take out included
taco tuesdays
EVERY WEEK
ALL DAY AND NIGHT
1/2 price tacos, $5 margaritas & $4 Mexican beers
sunday brunch
EVERY WEEK FROM 11AM-4PM with $5 bloody mary’s and mimosas
Scents for the Holiday
Make your home smell like Christmas with simmering stovetop potpourri
A simmering pot on your stove filled with a bit of water and inviting aromatics like cinnamon sticks and apple slices is a great way to make your home smell wonderful. As the mixture heats, it will fill your home with happy, nostalgic scents.
For a less sweet take on the simmer pot, try one with pine branches as the main ingredient. To make a holiday blend that's exactly to your liking, experiment with your own recipe of dried fruit and spices or try one of our recipes below.
CHRISTMAS TIME SIMMERING POTPOURRI RECIPE
• ¾ cups water
• 5-6 cinnamon sticks, broken
• 1 tbsp. lemon peel
• 1 tbsp. orange peel
• ½ cup whole cloves
• 1 tbsp. nutmeg
• ¼ whole allspice
• 1 tbsp. bay leaf spices
Mix all of the ingredients in a small pan. Simmer for 1-2 hours. Refrigerate when done. Reheat the next day, adding more water each time it is reheated. Keep refrigerated!
• 2 slices of dried or fresh apples, optional
Add some essential oils to this recipe: Fill a small saucepan on your stove top 3/4 way with water & bring to a simmer
Cut up 1 orange into slices and add to simmering water
Add a tablespoon of fresh cloves
Add 30 drops of cinnamon essential oil
Add 30 drops of ginger essential oil
Simmer on the stove top until water is down to 1/4 of the pot.
Cinnamon and ginger essential oils are available at Specialty Lotions and Potions in Bay Shore.
Are you a good receiver? It might sound like a funny question but it is an important one that each of us should ask ourselves.
Be a Good Receiver
Written by John Kehoe
Strangely, most of us are better givers than we are receivers. We give to our children, our spouses, our friends, charities and, contrary to what we might think, most of us are actually very good at giving. But receiving, now that is another matter. We often feel subtly uncomfortable when receiving. Even compliments get deflected when they come our way. Someone pays us a compliment for helping them move or clean up the house and we say, “Ah, it was nothing.” Or someone compliments us on an outfit we are wearing and we feel inclined to mention how we bought it at a discount instead of simply enjoying the compliment and letting it nourish us. The compliment is a gift to us, and when we don’t receive it properly we are dishonoring the giver. Receiving is actually harder to do than giving. Giving is easy, as there is much pleasure in giving, but receiving is an art that takes practice. To be a good receiver requires intimacy, allowing others in our life, however momentarily. It is always a pleasure to be in the presence of a good receiver, to enjoy the way they receive. Being a good receiver is honoring the giver and giving them back something.
Many relationships are suffering not because people are not giving to each other, but because they are not receiving from each other. We should receive the love, respect compliments, and acknowledge one another every time giving occurs. We should practice receiving all the pleasures that happen to us daily, not take anything for granted. Think of how many
simple everyday gifts from life we are constantly being given: the beauty of nature, the sound of children playing, art, and stimulating conversations. Are we truly receiving them when they happen to us, or are we busy, preoccupied with other matters, not noticing? We should master the art of receiving, be a good receiver and accept the gifts life offers us.
We are taught that it is better to give than receive, but this is wrong. It is better to give and receive. Give and receive. If we think it is better to give than receive, this suggests that there is something wrong with receiving. There is nothing wrong with receiving; in fact we want to receive more, let life shower us with gifts, pleasures, joys, surprises, both large and small, and we want to show our appreciation for all these things. The more we can receive, the more we can give back, but the reverse it not true. Giving more does not necessarily mean we can receive more. We must remember that it is harder to receive than give, and work on this part of ourselves so that we become good receivers and givers, with both in balance.
Be a good receiver and let life’s many blessings nourish you deeply. Notice how much there is to receive and don’t be selfish or distracted; receive it generously and abundantly, showing your appreciation every opportunity you can. This gratitude will send out vibrations of energy that will attract even more blessings to you. This is the alchemy of mastering the art of receiving. This practice will nourish you well.
The above is a reprint of an article written by John Kehoe, author of #1 best seller, "Mind Power".
SHOP DINE CELEBRATE in Babylon Village
Friday, December 4th
5:00 -9:00 pm
Enjoy lots of holiday treats and entertainment, courtesy of your local merchants. Santa arrives on a horse-drawn carriage. Listen to holiday music as you stroll through the village. Child activities and Holiday shopping specials make it a fun night for all.
Dickens Night of Fun & Activities
Friday, December 11th
A great evening for the entire family
Kids Night Out
Bubble Learning Center's ANNUAL GINGERBREAD DECORATING December 18th
7:00-9:00pm
15 East Main Street, Babylon
YOU’LL FIND IT ALL IN BABYLON VILLAGE! Distinctive retail shops, specialty stores, restaurants and pubs. The quaintness of this historic village setting, welcoming merchants and things to do, make this friendly town the perfect place to be this holiday season.
PADDLEBOARD SHOP ON LONG ISLAND
While shopping in Babylon Village stop at the Greek Garden restaurant, I love to pick up a tray of their kourabiedes, Greek Butter cookies for the holidays. Brought in daily from Astoria, these powdered butter cookies with fine almonds are delightful. They also make Baklava on premises and delicious Greek cuisine.
The Greek Garden 6 Grove Place, Babylon 631-422-4722
With the Great South Bay just a stone's throw away, Stand Up Paddleboarding has become the new rage in our coastal community. A new paddleboard for Christmas will make someone very happy! (HINT HINT) South Shore Paddleboards is right here in Babylon, and they have it all!! Lots of accessories for gifts and stocking stuffers for the paddleboarder in your house too.
SUP PADDLEBOARD
East Main St, Babylon
80 Deer Park Ave, Babylon 631.669.0824 tortafina.com
Torta Fina has been serving Long Island with fine cakes and pastries since 1998. They use only fresh, all-natural ingredients combined with passion and artistry to create beautiful and delicious desserts for all occasions, or no occasion.
Bubble Learning Center
15 East Main St, Babylon 631.587.0050
Looking for a creative holiday gift that will keep the kids in your life excited, thinking outside the box and using their imagination? Shop local and go to Bubble in Babylon Village. A store favorite for this holiday season is Seedling. Seedling creates really cool project kits for kids — the kind of kits you’d totally want in the cupboard when school's out, boredom kicks in, or just a winter's day. There are tons of themed kits to choose from..
Famous Brunch Served Daily Tuesday-Sunday Dinner Tuesday-Saturday New American with a twist. Now taking Holiday Party Reservations.
One Main Restaurant & Bar 1 W Main St, Babylon 631.620.3444 onemainrestaurant.com
The most delightful candy store, Roe Roe's Sweet Street, is located on Main Street Babylon. I love ordering and customizing candy baskets for gifts or to bring a platter of assorted Gourmet chocolates to a holiday party. Their truffles, butter crunch and fresh fudge are also favorites. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Roe Roe's Sweet Street
68 W Main St, Babylon 631.661.8261
Their specialty store carries products
Healthy Alternatives
79 Deer Park Ave, Babylon 631.587.4629
La Famiglia
Voluspa candles are some of the most sought after luxury candles on the market today. With their coconut wax blend, they are ultra clean burning with excellent fragrance throw.
Available at Realm Home Furnishing 116 Main St, Babylon
A thumbs up for Argyle Jewelers in Babylon Village for their versatile selection of both fine jewelry, as they are Jewelry designers and their selection of designer and fashion Jewelry. We spotted a new line they carry, Endless Jewelry that we really like. designed by Jennifer Lopez herself to be fun, festive and elegant. You can mix and match colorful leather wrap bracelets and necklaces with a
going on right now. You get a free charm with your
Snuggle up by the fire and enjoy some family time together as you read these beautifully designed books with your children. Published by Barefoot Books, they combine engaging artwork with captivating storytelling. Each book captures the imagination, sparks curiosity, inspires creativity and instills a respect for cultural, social and ecological diversity.
Magic Hoofbeats
by Josepha Sherman
Lose yourself in the world of the equestrian with this unique, beautifully illustrated anthology of stories about magical, mystical and memorable horses. Bringing together stories from many different traditions and containing fascinating notes about the different breeds, this book is guaranteed to become a much treasured volume in any child's collection. A must for horse lovers everywhere, the book is written by horse whisperer Josepha Sherman and illustrated in radiant hues by artist Linda Wingerter.
Fireside Stories: Tales for a Winter's Eve
by
Caitlin Matthews & Helen Cann
Create an instant family tradition! Each story in this lovingly crafted anthology is meant to be read at a certain time between Halloween and spring. Mark the time through the winter months by sharing and discussing these stories as a family during the dark, cozy months of the year when everyone is getting restless inside the house. It's the perfect cabin fever buster!
The Barefoot Book of Jewish Tales
by Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand
This engaging collection includes eight delightful tales from the Jewish tradition. Each story has been chosen for its appeal to families and each has a simple — yet powerful — message. Written by Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand, herself a mother of three, this is a fantastic set of stories to share and to treasure. Includes two story CDs narrated by Debra Messing.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
by Rachel
Griffin
The classic Christmas song is presented as a beautiful hardcover picture book with hand-sewn fabric collage illustrations by Barefoot favorite Rachel Griffin. Unlike most print versions of Twelve Days, which are traditionally Anglo-saxon and somewhat old-fashioned, this version incorporates imagery from various cultures, like pipers from India and drummers from Africa.
Add new adventures and a love for literacy to your childs library visit barefootbookslongisland.com or contact your Barefoot Books Ambassador, Jennifer, directly at 631.306.4515 or jennifer@booknookcenter.com
Photo
an Attitude of Gratitude
It’s the time of year when we all have too much to do; too much cooking, shopping, wrapping. Too many parties to attend and family to entertain. Whew! It’s a whirlwind of activity from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. We know it is coming, it happens every year at the same time, yet, there are those of us that procrastinate and those that organize every little detail.
Many years ago, when I was engaged to be married, my fiancé and I would drive from Massapequa to Brooklyn for Thanksgiving “brunch” at my parents’ house and then later on for dinner at his parents’ house in North Babylon. On Christmas Eve, we would drive to his parents’ house and then on Christmas
by Patricia Thomas
Day we would drive into Brooklyn to my see family. It was a lot of driving, but being with family during the holidays is magical, or if you’re in my family, it is downright madness.
As the food was being passed around the table, someone always missed their chance as the bowl of mashed potatoes went by, someone else took an extra helping of stuffing and the last one to the table had barely a morsel of food on their plate. Biscuits were actually tossed to whoever yelled out for one, and if you could not catch it, the dog was happily eating your biscuit. My mother would have slaved over the meal for hours and the 6 or 10 of us, depending on spouses, and such, would
consume it all in roughly 12 minutes, give or take a minute. We ate as if it were our last meal. Mom always really had more than enough food for everyone, and anyone else who wanted to take their life in their hands and join us. We were blessed and grateful. Only your family knows the inside “jokes” and stories that you’ve shared with one another, over and over. For about 5 years in a row, all the siblings bought my brother, Kevin, a sweater for Christmas. The first year it was just a coincidence, but we decided to do it again the following year, and then it became our family joke.
Over the years, after having children and our parents getting older, we started to take turns hosting the holidays, but then whoever was hosting was doing too much. So we decided to “break it up a little” and had the host and hostess cook the main meal and everyone else brought side dishes and desserts. That made it a little easier for everyone, procrastinator and organized alike.
Those of us who like to procrastinate, work better under pressure. They have gotten last minute sales and bought the best gifts ever for their loved ones. Those of us who like to organize everything, feel a sense of accomplishment when they check all they have done off their to-do list. Doesn’t Santa do that? Whichever personality trait you and your loved ones have, embrace it and them and all that comes your way. So my brother turned 50 a couple of years ago, and his wife had a big party for him. He opened my sister’s gift to him, it was a sweater. Then he opened my gift to him, another sweater. He finally got to my mother’s gift and as he holds up yet another sweater, he says to our mom, “It’s just what I wanted!” It is always the right time to have an attitude of gratitude.
Have a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Catering for All Events
Presents HOLIDAY PARADE & TREE LIGHTING
Saturday, December 5th • 5:00pm Main Street in Islip
Historical Society of Islip Hamlet presents 22ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR
December 6th • 12:00-5:00pm
Homes will be decorated for the Holidays as tour guides in Victorian dress greet you at each home
Tickets available at: NOOK & CRANNY - 469 Main Street, Islip
Baked Clams Rice Balls
Stuffed Mushrooms
Antipasti Platters
Cold Seafood Salad
Zuppa De Pesce shrimp, clams, calamari, scungilli & mussels
Shrimp or Scallops wrapped in bacon
Stuffed Flounder with spinach, crabmeat risotto topped with a caper dijon sauce
Eggplant Rollatini
Eggplant Parmesan
Homemade Lasagna
SNOWFLAKE SALE AND VISIT FROM SAINT NICHOLAS
Saturday, December 5th • 10:00am - 4:00pm BAY SHORE HISTORICAL SOCIETY - 22 Maple Avenue
LIGHT THE NIGHT
Sunday, December 13th • 5:00pm
The Bay Shore - Brightwaters community will be aglow with luminaries.
Sponsored by: BEAUTIFICATION SOCIETY
OPEN MIC’S AROUND TOWN
Mondays
Shandon Court, East Islip Ki Farrell’s, Bellmore
Tuesdays
One Main, Babylon Katie’s, Smithtown
Wednesdays
Brickhouse Brewery, Patchogue The Village Lantern, Lindenhurst
Thursdays
The Carriage House, Babylon Village
Call venue for specifics and any schedule changes
Check
Make Holiday Shopping Easier With Our GIFT CARD CHECK LIST!
We've put together a list of some favorite restaurants, retailers and service professionals that sell Gift Cards or Certificates! From stocking stuffers and "think outside the box " ideas to big wishes fufilled, use our list to Check off gift giving for all the very special people on your holiday Shopping List (and some even come with a special bonus gift card for you!)
RESTAURANTS
☐ Argyle Grill & Tavern, Babylon Village p20
☐ Bay Shore Bean, Bay Shore p10
☐ Babylon Bean, Babylon
☐ Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar, Babylon Village p20
☐ Changing Times, Bay Shore p13
☐ Francesco's Trattoria, East Islip p22
☐ Frank and Marias, Bay Shore p13
☐ Juice N Blendz, Babylon Village p16
☐ La Famiglia, Babylon Village p16
☐ Any Lessing's Restaurant, lessings.com p9
☐ Maxwell's, Islip
☐ Molto Vino Wine & Cheese Osteria, Babylon p19
☐ Nickys on the Bay, Bay Shore p6
☐ One Main Street, Babylon Village
☐ Post Office Café, Babylon Village
☐ Roots Bistro Gourmand, West Islip p22
☐ Strip Steak, Great River p23
☐ Southside Hotel, Bay Shore
☐ The Carriage House, Babylon Village p17
☐ Verde Kitchen & Cocktails, Bay Shore p12
☐ View Restaurant, Bay Shore
RETAILERS
☐ Argyle Jewelers, Babylon
☐ Bubble Boutique & Learning Center, Babylon p19
☐ Eyes on Main, Islip p24 (fashion frames & lenses)
☐ Realm Home Furnishings and Design Studio, Babylon BC
☐ S & S Interiors, Commack p27
☐ Shabby to Chic Romantic Décor, Babylon
☐ Village Framing, Babylon Village, Babylon p19
☐ Willy Nilly @ Home, Bay Shore p11
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
☐ Healthy Alternatives, Babylon p15 (therapeutic)
☐ Salon Eden, Bay Shore p10
☐ The Beehive Salon, Islip p24
☐ The Make Up Studio, Babylon p18
☐ Zoom Whitening John T McLoughlin DDS, Bay Shore p24
OUTSIDE THE BOX
☐ Anderson Travel, Babylon p8 (a travel gift certificate towards that vacation!)
☐ Doggie U K9 Academy, Bay Shore p30 (classes & events for you and your dog)
☐ Islip Cleaners, Islip p26 (for the business professional or a new brides gown preservation)
☐ White Cap Fish, Islip p23 Gift
☐ Village Pharmacy, Babylon p16 (perfect gift for an older relative!)
FILL IN YOUR OWN!
What To Do About a Slip and Spill
It’s almost inevitable. No matter how careful your guests may try to be, someone is going to spill something on your table linens. Don’t despair; the trick is what you do AFTER it happens.
BLOT the stain, DO NOT RUB IT. Rubbing will abrade the fibers and that is something that
be corrected.
Always use a clean cloth to blot and keep moving it to a clean area as you blot.
After you THOROUGHLY blot, it’s okay to dab (do not douse, you could cause it to spread) with water as long as it is not a ‘greasy’ (ex: gravy, butter sauces, etc.) type stain.
NEVER treat it with bleach. Bleach will remove the optical brighteners and that will leave behind a YELLOW STAIN that will be impossible to remove.
When it comes to stain removal, LESS do-it-yourself is MORE likely to give you the result you want. Simply blot the stain, and bring it in to your local cleaners for prompt treatment and processing. Fresh stains are always more likely to be successfully removed.
Pirouette PowerView™
Braised Osso Bucco
A Holiday Favorite by
Stephanie Racanelli
Your friends and family will be very satisfied, not to mention impressed. This method can be completed on the stove top in a heavy cast-iron casserole. I prefer my 3 ½ quart Le Creuset Dutch oven.
INGREDIENTS
• 4 veal shanks, 1 ½-2 inches thick. (Try to purchase the same size shanks with equal size marrow bones and meat density surrounding them. Ask your butcher to tie the pieces with string. I opt not to and just remove them very carefully when done)
• 1 large (29 oz.) can chopped tomatoes in their juice.
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 cup dry white wine
• Freshly ground pepper, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and chopped parsley
• 1lb. wide pappardelle pasta. Risotto and Polenta are just as fabulous! Keep in mind that you will want whatever you choose to be ready when the meat is done.
Roasted Vegetable Rose
Recipe by Rich Fisher
INGREDIENTS
For the Pastry Shell:
• 1 package “Dufour” brand all butter Puff Pastry (available at Wild by Nature and other specialty stores)
For the Filling:
• 1/2 cup fresh Mozzarella
• 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese, slightly drained and squeezed in cheesecloth
• 1 tsp Sea salt, and fresh ground pepper to taste
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon mixed Herbs de Provence (2 tsps. if using fresh Herbs instead of dry)
For the Vegetable Roses:
• 1-2 medium Zucchinis
• 1-2 medium Yellow Squash's
• 2-4 Carrots (purple and other carrot colors if available)
• Quality Olive Oil
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme and parsley, finely chopped
• Sea salt and Pepper to tast
DIRECTIONS
1. Put the flour in a large plastic bag. Rinse and dry the shanks, salt the meat and place in the bag. Gently toss the shanks from side to side lightly dusting them with the flour.
2. Heat the oil in the casserole on medium-high and brown the shanks on both sides (use tongs so you can carefully turn them over without breaking up the meat or marrow). Remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. In the casserole, add the onion, carrot and celery mixture and sauté for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened and onion is transparent.
4. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the white wine and simmer for 3 minutes.
6. Add the milk and simmer 3 minutes.
7. While the sauce is simmering, return the shanks to the sauce and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper and ½ teaspoon dried sage around the pot.
8. Reduce the heat to a low, cover the casserole and simmer for 1 to ½ hours. You will know it is ready when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
9. Check for seasoning and place osso buco atop the accompaniment of your choice. I personally like to serve my Osso Buco on a bed of pappardelle pasta, which can be found at many Italian markets, such as Frank and Maria’s in Bay Shore.
10. Generously spoon the sauce over top of dish, sprinkle with grated cheese, crushed pepper and chopped flat leaf parsley.
11. Enjoy !
This is a dish that is much simpler to make than it looks; the visual treat of color and design is a striking way of preparing and presenting roasted vegetables this Holiday Season. It’s a hit everytime. So stunning, so simple and oh so “Definitely Delish”
DIRECTIONS
For the Tart Shell
1. Lightly grease an 8-9 inch loose base tart tin.
2. Roll the pastry out until you have a circle approximately 11 inches and lay it over the tart tin and press into the sides. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Scrunch up a piece of baking parchment paper and open it back up. Place on the tart shell and fill with several handfuls of dried beans (dried beans are placed on top of the parchment paper to weight down the puff pastry in the center while initially cooking-after cooking they are discarded with the paper).
4. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 10-15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper filled with dried beans and cook for a further 5-10 minutes until the base is cooked through.
5. Set aside to cool.
For the Filling:
1. Chop or shred the fresh mozzarella into small pieces and place in a bowl.
2. Add the ricotta, garlic and mixed herbs then stir until combined.
3. Spread the filling over the base of the tart shell.
Rich Fisher is an avid home Chef whose love for cooking started long ago, in childhood, and it has only increased with his recent move to the southern shores of East Islip Long Island with his wife Nicole. You can follow his cooking and photographic adventures at DefinitelyDelish.com.
For the Vegetable Roses:
1. Using an offset vegetable peeler (also known as a Y peeler due to its offset shape), slice the vegetables into 1/8 inch or thinner slices (strips).
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. On a chopping board, start with a piece of carrot and begin rolling it into a tight curl. Then wrap the Carrot with a piece of Zucchini and then a piece of Yellow Squash. Roll together the 3 vegetables into a rose shape. Place into prepared Tart shell with filling.
4. Continue this process until you have filled the tart with vegetable roses of various sizes.
5. Drizzle the top lightly with olive oil (useful to have a spout or to pour the olive oil into a bowl and use a spoon to drizzle the oil evenly and lightly), sprinkle with the fresh chopped herbs, finely minced garlic, sea salt and pepper. (Can be prepared a day ahead up to this point and final baking done the day of, just be sure to cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate-then unwrap and remove from fridge a half hour before baking, to bring it back up to room temperature)
6. Transfer the tart into the oven and bake for 4050 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked and lightly golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly before slicing into pie shaped wedges with a knife and serving to your guests.
7. Serve as a main course or bring as a simple but stunning accompaniment to your next Holiday gathering. (Serves anywhere from 6 to 8 slices)
HOLIDAY COOKIE SWAP
Enjoy these favorite Christmas Baking Recipes that were contributed by Long Islanders
YIELDS ABOUT 48
Melt
• 2 (1 oz ) squares unsweetened chocolate*
Set aside.
Thoroughly cream
• ½ cup butter
• 1 -2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla
Beat in
• 2 eggs
Then add the unsweetened chocolate.
Stir in
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
Add to the chocolate mixture alternating with
• 1/3 cup of milk
Add
• ½ cup of chopped nuts (optional) Chill 3 hours. Form into 1” balls, roll in confectioners’ sugar. Place on greased cookie sheets 2 to 3 inches apart. Bake in moderate oven 350° for 15 minutes. Cool slightly, remove from pan.
*Note: You can substitute 6 tablespoons cocoa and 2 tablespoons margarine for the unsweetened chocolate.
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Recipe submitted by Doreen Taylor
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• Raspberry jam
• 2 and 1/8 cups of all-purpose flour
• Confectioners’ sugar
DIRECTIONS
1. Beat the butter in a large bowl or stand mixer until creamy (a minute or more). Mix in the sugar, vanilla and almond extracts. Add the flour and mix on low until a dough is formed. Take the mixture out of the bowl and form into a ball, then wrap with saran. Chill the dough for a minimum of 3 hours until hard.
2. Preheat the oven to 350F. Take half of the dough out and leave the other half in the fridge to work later (the dough must be cold when put in the oven so the cookies don’t spread). Roll 1 TBLS of dough into same size balls, then press your thumb down in the middle to form a divot. You can smooth out any imperfections with your finger, though it’s not necessary. Fill each cookie with 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Bake on parchment lined cookie sheets for 13-15 minutes, when the edges get slightly brown. Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a baking rack. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar to your liking.
Chunky Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ cup of All Purpose Flour
• ½ tsp of Baking Soda
• ½ tsp of Salt
• ½ cup of Unsalted Butter at room temperature
• ½ cup of Granulated Sugar
• ½ cup of Brown Sugar
• ¾ cup of Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 Egg
• 1 tsp of Vanilla Extract
• 2 cups of Semisweet Chocolate Chips
• ½ cup of Peanuts, coarsely chopped
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine together the flour, salt and baking soda, set aide.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar, add the egg, peanut butter and vanilla and mix everything well.
4. Add the dry ingredients and mix just enough to incorporate all the ingredients together, add in the chocolate chips.
5. Using a small ice cream scoop, drop the dough onto the parchment lined baking sheet and flatten each one with either your fingers or a fork.
6. Bake for about 9 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, let them cool for 5 minutes on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool them completely.
Recipe submitted by Anna Espina
Anna's Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
Doggie U’s Holiday Classes NOW Forming!
Ask about our Puppy Manners Classes for dogs under 20 weeks old Start early with Puppy Socialization and Obedience Skills. Stop by to speak to our trainers and tour the facility.
BY CESAR MILLAN
As humans, we experience time differently than dogs do. We're constantly aware not only of the present, but of past and future. For many of us, that's where feelings like shame, guilt or regret (past) and fear or anxiety (future) arise.
Dogs, on the other paw, live only in the present. Living in the moment means dogs are only concerned with what's happening to them right now, not what happened to them last week or what's going to happen next Tuesday. It's a very simple, instinctual way to live and its part of what keeps dogs connected to Nature.
LIVE IN THE MOMENT! BE HAPPY! LAUGH! CELEBRATE!
Want to do something special for your dog for the holidays? Be balanced. Don’t be nervous. Don’t be fearful. Don’t be tense. Don’t think about anything that makes you sad, depressed, or angry. Really live in that moment. Believe it or not, that is one of the biggest gifts we can give to our dog--and ourselves! Everyone, rich or poor, can practice this simple activity. It has more meaning than any gift you can buy.
Live in the now, with your dog right next to you and your family around you. Your dog is going to get the benefit of it, particularly if you don’t have days like this on a regular basis. This special day will linger in his or her memory, and, hopefully, you can learn to practice these days more often, not just during the holiday season.
1. Exercise. Before company comes over or before leaving your dog at home while attending a holiday party, make sure he is well-exercised. Draining his energy is a good way to ensure he will rest, relax, and remain calm while you are away or entertaining guests.
2. Be mindful of tree ornaments and decorations. Your dog doesn’t know the difference between a toy and a decoration without you showing him. For complete peace of mind, consider crating your dog while you are away if decorations are in the reach of your dog.
3. Watch out for unexpected toxins around the house. With the holidays comes goodies, treats, and cheer, so be careful with chocolates, candies, and anything else that may be toxic or harmful to your dog.
4. Dogs can make wonderful gifts, but they aren’t as easily returnable if the fit isn’t just right. The new owner must be ready to make a commitment for the animal's entire lifetime and be prepared to accept the responsibilities that come with their new family member. For this kind of gift, a carefully wrapped IOU can be given in place of the animal itself, to let the person know that their gift is coming.
5. Practice good manners. When guests come to the door, use this as a training opportunity to encourage polite well-mannered greetings with both humans and dogs. Instruct your guests to practice no touch, no talk, no eye contact when they arrive and not to give affection until the dog is calm.
CESAR MILLAN is a self-taught dog behaviorist. He is widely known for his television series The Dog Whisperer, prior to series, Millan focused on rehabilitating severely aggressive dogs and founded the Dog Psychology Center. To read articles and learn more about Ceasar Millan visit: cesarsway.com
