Issuu

Guide

MICHAEL A. RUPOLO

S p a E x p e r i e n c e

Relax and Rejuvenate in Bay

Shore

Richard Byrnes, MD, is a member of the American College of Aesthetic

Physicians He regularly attends professional development courses and receives certifications to remain current in the evolving field of Aesthetic Medicine All injectables (Liquid Facelift), Botox, Juvederm, as well as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments are completed by Dr Byrnes “My goal is to restore a natural, youthful appearance ”

- Richard Byrnes, MD

TTreat yourself and your loved ones to a relaxing and rejuvenating experience right here in Bay Shore. Make Drew Patrick your gift destination this holiday season The gift of stress relief is a gift everyone wants Whether you enjoy day spa services, advanced medical spa treatments, browsing around the Home Store for holiday gifts, or working out in the fitness center, Drew Patrick offers a unique experience for all A full range of treatments and services are available right here on Main Street

Throughout Drew Patrick’s eleven years of operation, the spa has rapidly become a destination for many Long Islanders, as well as those visiting the area The spa has an impressive service menu which includes an array of high performance facials and skincare treatments, makeup and waxing services, as well as a broad range of massage and body treatments Ayurvedic massage and facials are also available Ayurvedic treatments are profoundly relaxing; it is truly unique in our area to find spa therapists trained in these ancient therapies which balance the mind, body and soul

In addition to the menu of day spa services, the latest medical spa treatments are available in the same serene environment Drew Patrick’s medical spa is led by Medical Director, Richard Byrnes, MD, who is also a partner in the business He personally administers all of the injectables and Platelet Rich Plasma Plasma (PRP) treatments He meets regularly with his highly trained and certified esthetic staff to review clients’ medical grade treatments, which include Ultherapy, microneedling, IPL, LHR, Radio Frequency, HydraFacials, Oxygen Facials, microdermabrasion and peels

Upon check in, Drew Patrick clients are escorted into beautifully appointed locker rooms where they change into comfortable robes and slippers This begins the transition into a state of relaxation even before heading upstairs for treatments. The locker room is quiet and peaceful - both the men’s and women’s locker rooms have private lockers and steam showers for client’s exclusive use Upon arrival to the 2nd floor and prior to their spa services, clients are transported from their everyday life to a beautiful, quiet, relaxing area complete with tea and healthy snacks Drew Patrick clients are encouraged to relax in the quiet area again after their spa treatments before returning to reality.

Located on the main level, the Home Store is full of thoughtfully curated retail merchandise from a variety of different sources Visitors will find Drew Patrick is constantly

Rain Showers

introducing new and interesting items into the store The Home Store has become a gift destination for our area Jewelry, women’s wear, accessories, candles, body lotions and home decor are always available and ever changing

Recently, the Home Store has expanded to include a men’s department that showcases clothing, shoes, gifts and skincare for the gentlemen clients, as well as for those looking to purchase gifts for the men in their lives Drew Patrick is thrilled to carry shoes by Riomar, clothing from Fish Hippie and Johnnie-O, Jack Black skincare and fragrance, along with many other unique and interesting men’s items.

Rounding out Drew Patrick’s day spa, medical spa and retail boutique, is the fitness center The center is open seven days a week and staffed with personal trainers and group fitness instructors who are in tune with their client’s fitness goals Personal and group training, along with yoga, Boot Camp and a wide range of group classes, make this specialty fitness center another different and exciting option within our wellness center A comprehensive center, nutrition services are also available at Drew Patrick

The history of Drew Patrick Spa helps to explain its uniqueness On July 14, 2007, Drew Patrick Spa opened its doors as a wellness spa destination in the heart of downtown Bay Shore This grand opening happened relatively quickly after the owners, Drew Allt and Richard Byrnes, had a vision for the beautiful, but abandoned, limestone, art deco building right on Main Street As a former bank, the 10,000 square foot building was larger than they needed, but their vision grew and expanded their concept for their business After a six month $2 million renovation, the high ceilings and wide open expanse of the bank’s former teller area transformed into a beautiful retail space; the former mortgage office area became the locker rooms, yoga studio and personal training gym After the installation of an elevator, the second floor now houses a quiet relaxation area and ten treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite and a serene environment for medical spa treatments

“My passion for wellness, along with my desire to do something special in a beautiful landmark building, was the driving force for creating this unique space I am so happy to be part of this community and providing a special environment for all to pursue relaxation and wellness right here in Bay Shore” states Drew Allt, Founder and President of Drew Patrick.

We are fortunate to have Drew Patrick Spa as an anchor for our community Treat everyone on your holiday list to something special with Drew Patrick gift cards, available at the spa or online, and for use anywhere within the facility When it’s time to relax and rejuvenate, or find unique gifts, this luxury destination is on the top of the list! u

Drew Patrick Spa, located at 128 West Main Street in Bay Shore, 631-206-3739, open seven days a week for spa, retail and fitness Visit drewpatrickspa com to view service menu & fitness schedules, book appointments, or purchase e-gift certificates.

10 Luxury Treatment Rooms

Mens & Womens Clothing Boutique Gym

SHOP, DINE AND CELEBRATE

Our Local Coastal Towns

Our Holiday Guide is your concierge to the holidays at home. All along the Great South Bay, our adjoining coastal communities are full of Christmas Spirit and invite you to come join in all the celebrations.

Skip the stress of crowded malls…opt for a memorable visit to one of our friendly small towns. You’ll be greeted with a festive atmosphere, complete with all the bright and colorful sights and sounds of the holidays, and excellent pubs & restaurants.

The magic of Christmas is upon us Its greatest of gifts is Love Love is the thread that weaves us together. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Faiths.

The List Magazine

know a

to suggest, want to submit an editorial, or have other inquiries, email us at connect@thelistmagazine.com

all issues of The List Magazine online at issuu.com/thelistmagazine.com

mailed from Babylon to Great River, south of Montauk Highway and all of Brightwaters. In addition, our magazines are available for pick up in shops along Montauk highway and in our coastal towns.

Enjoy Greater Bay Shore

In addition to its nautical amenities, this bayside community boasts a steadily expanding restaurant scene as well as diverse professional services. Specialty shops, such as Frank and Maria's Pork Store, Drew Patrick Home, and Willy Nilly Trading, are anchor stores on Main Street, delightful for holiday shopping. New to Main Street is Breathe, a unique gift shop, which carries a collection of wonderful soul-awakening and healing items. Check out Nalu Dry Goods apparel and accessories for the skate, surf, and snow enthusiasts.

An essential part of Greater Bay Shore is the picturesque, mile-square Incorporated Village of Brightwaters. This charming village is home to some of my favorite shops, like Gemaginations, where Raymond Mazza designs beautiful pieces of fine jewelry. His partner and wife, Vita, will warm your heart and guide you through your purchase. Sea Levels and Henley’s Tavern are also a must-visit for fabulous food and cocktails.

Riding with Santa

By Annie Niland

It was a December night in NYC. By the end of the month, the 80’s would be nothing but a memory. I was ready to move on from a bad hair decade and the foam shoulder pads that would have served me better tucked into my sports bra.

As I was getting ready to dash out of the trendy gym I worked at on the Upper East Side, Rosa, the locker room attendant, insisted I take inventory of the lost in the lost and found. She predicted many items were mine. She was right. I was delighted to be reunited with pairs of much missed pink slouch socks and several neon sweatshirts, especially my favorite one with Blondie’s face on the front and the words, Call Me.

“Wear them all!” demanded Rosa, “It’s cold outside, and where is your coat?” Hmmm, good question. She tossed me a pair of unclaimed men’s sweat pants. She promised they were clean as she pinned the tear

at the knee with her endless supply of safety pins. Rosa never failed to scold me about riding the subway in “aerobic” clothes, always with the same warning, “Don’t look good, stay covered! You have to dress like a persona loca, so the locos won’t bother you”.

I piled on the clothes as directed, and placed the ski cap Rosa had given me the week before over my tangled wet hair. I left the smudged mascara under my eyes for full effect. My reflection in the mirror assured me I’d be safe on the subway. I blew Rosa a kiss and braved the night. Home was hours away. Two trains later, I was on the local heading towards Penn

Station. Seats were available…a miracle on the way to 34th Street. My exhausted body was grateful for the mercy.

And, there she was. Directly across from me sat a weathered woman in a torn, dirty Santa suit. She wore a trapper hat that lived up to its name; her feet encased in oversized construction boots. The crumpled newspaper insulation pierced my heart. Subway Santa.

A bulging Hefty bag took up the seat next to her, and though the train started filling, people were careful to keep their distance. No one took a seat next to her, but she flashed everyone a tooth challenged smile. I made it a point to smile back. The dirty Nike gym bag clutched protectively to her chest, like a mother would hold a child told a story. The irony wasn’t lost on me that I also held an overstuffed gym bag in a similar fashion. The Rebook logo on my bag and the Nike logo on Subway Santa’s gym bag squared off. In an upside down world, we were

brand ambassadors for the sneaker companies that defined the 80’s.

She intrigued me. I couldn’t help but wonder what her back-story was. I started writing versions in my head. She caught me studying her and when her eyes met mine she shrilled, “Hey Girlie”! I didn’t know where to look and didn’t want to be rude, but it’s always questionable to engage strangers on the subway, even if they’re dressed as Santa. “Yoo-hoo, I’m talking to you Girlie.” And with that lead in, she gathered up her belongings and parked herself next to me.

I couldn’t bring myself to get up and move. Maybe I needed to prove to myself that I was kind, but I’ll admit to feeling uncomfortable. There were no shortages of alarming stories about incidents on the subway and Rosa never missed an opportunity to share them with me in the locker room.

“You hungry?” she asked as she leaned in. When she inched closer, I froze. My humanity was

tested. I caught the scent of misfortune on her breath as she whispered words that would both haunt me and make me smile for years to come.

“Follow me Girlie, I know a place that leaves bread in the back for the likes of us”. Touché. As a new year approaches, I’m hoping for a kinder and more equitable world for all. Especially…“for the likes of us”.

About Annie. If you spend any amount of time with Annie, it's likely that you’ll walk away with a chuckle or two, on her best days maybe three. But underneath her comedic one-liners lies astute social commentary. She started writing her column, Raging Gracefully, because she’s committed to the idea that regardless of how old one becomes, raging as opposed to simply aging, is the new paradigm for stalling Father Time. If we all get behind her ideology maybe Mother Nature will agree. We are counting on that.

What's Happening AROUND TOWN

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1ST • 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Snowflake Sale and Visit from Saint Nicholas Bay Shore Historical Society’s Gibson-Mack-Holt House, 22 Maple Ave., Bay Shore

Visit St. Nicholas at the annual Snowflake and Bake Sale.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9TH

Bay Shore-Brightwaters Light the Night

The beautiful Bay Shore-Brightwaters community will be shining with the lights of the season.

Personal Pharmacy Service Has Returned To Babylon Village!

At Village Pharmacy, we can easily transfer your prescriptions with just one phone call. You pay the exact same insurance co-pay as you would at any of the big chain drugstores.

TO PAMPER

Gift certificates for one of our world class therapeutic services as facials, massage and reflexology.

Tribute pieces for the

or that special person with inspirational words.

FOR KIDS

Children gifts to encourage self-expression. All of our toys and gifts for children (of all ages!) are clean, green, safe and best of all, no batteries required!

Many

Need a gift in a hurry? Our grab and go gifts are a big hit every year. Find a gift that is wrapped and ready to go for anyone on your list, for any budget!

MOLTO PIZZA

A COAL FIRED PIZZERIA

What's Happening AROUND TOWN

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH • 4:00-6:00PM

Nathanial Conklin Holiday Cookie Contest

280 Deer Park Ave. Babylon Village.

Cookies will be judged in four categories: 5th grade and under with supervision, Grades 6,7 and 8, High School Students, Adults (over 18 years old)

To Enter: Bring 2 dozen cookies on a non-returnable plate.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1ST • 4:15PM

Belmont Lake State Park's Holiday Tree Lighting

Enjoy holiday music, ice sculpturing, refreshments,

A Place for Families and Friends to Enjoy

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2019 • 12:00-3:00PM

Holiday Model Train Exhibit

Town of Babylon History Museum, 47 W. Main Street, Babylon, 631-587-3750

On the Argyle Theatre Stage

NOVEMBER 8TH- DECEMBER 30TH

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Thursday-Sunday & select Wednesdays • Tickets $49-$79

JANUARY 17TH- FEBRUARY 24TH, 2019

Spring Awakening

Thursday-Sunday & select Wednesdays • Tickets $49-$79

ARGYLE CHILDRENS THEATRE

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 fulfilled, use our Check List for all the very special people on your Holiday Shopping List. (Some even come with a special bonus gift card for you!)

RESTAURANTS

☐ Argyle Grill & Tavern, Babylon P14

☐ Barn Door 49, Bay Shore P9

☐ Babylon Village Restaurants, Bay Shore P10

☐ Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar, Babylon P14

☐ Bay Shore Bean, Bay Shore P19

☐ Babylon Bean, Babylon P19

☐ The Bean in Patchogue, Patchogure P19

☐ Del Fuego, Babylon P19

☐ The Greek Garden, Babylon P13

☐ Henley's Village Tavern, Brightwaters P9

☐ Juice N Blendz, Babylon P10

☐ La Tavola, Sayville P19

☐ Any Lessing's Restaurant, lessings.com P16-17

☐ Mary Carroll's, Babylon P14

☐ Molto Pizza, Babylon P12

☐ Salt & Barrel, Bay Shore P9

RETAIL

☐ Drew Patrick Home, Bay Shore P2-3

☐ F&M Goods Vintage, Babylon P13

☐ Gemaginations, Brightwaters P6

☐ Healthy Alternatives, Babylon P11

☐ Realm Home Furnishings, Babylon P32

☐ The Boutique, Babylon P13

☐ Willy Nilly Trading, Bay Shore P5

HAIR, BEAUTY & SPA

☐ Drew Patrick Spa, Bay Shore P2-3

☐ Hairstories, Babylon P13

☐ Village Salon & Spa, West Islip P15

SPECIALTY MARKETS

☐ Caroline's Flower Shoppe, Islip P21

☐ Crushed Olive, Babylon P13

☐ Village Art & Frame, Babylon P13

☐ Manhattan Sweets, Islip P21

☐ White Cap Fish Market, Islip P20

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

☐ Anderson Travel, Babylon P12

☐ Doggie U K9 Academy, Bay Shore P23

☐ Eyes on Main, Islip P21

☐ Healthcare Wellness, Bay Shore P8

☐ Positions Dance Studio, Babylon P10

☐ The Argyle Theater, Babylon P11, 13

☐ Village Pharmacy, Babylon P11

FILL IN YOUR OWN!

3 Special Splurge-Worthy Corks to Give or Enjoy this Holiday Season

Holidays are a perfect time to indulge and celebrate with a good bottle of wine. Wine specialist, Mike Douglass, founder of Post Wines & Spirits, shares some fine wines to celebrate with or give to the wine enthusiast on your list:

Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 • $55

A wine with elegance, refinement, and plenty of intensity. Its perfume of blackberries and black cherries mingles with a backdrop of subtle oak notes. The palate has a velvety richness that coats the mouth in concentrated flavors of blackberries and cassis, laced with fine tannins from seamlessly integrated, new French oak. Enticing flavors of chocolate, violets and dark fruits linger on the long finish.

REGION: CALIFORNIA

Chateau Gloria 2015 Bordeaux • $50

A deep red - violet color. A jammy nose of red fruits. Notes of licorice and vanilla. On entering the mouth it is silky with an exceptional melting quality. Highly precise tannins with exceptional elegance and length.

REGION: FRANCE

What's Happening IN ISLIP

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1ST • 5:00PM

Islip Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

Parade begins at Ocean Avenue and travels to Town Hall. Tree lighting ceremony immediately follows

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2ND

Historical Society of Islip’s 25th Annual Holiday Homes Tour

Several historically and architecturally interesting houses will be decorated for the holidays as tour guides in Victorian dress greet you. www.isliphamlethistory.org

Paumanok 2014 Assemblage Red • $50

This composed Bordeaux blend offers invigorating bursts of blackberry and plum flavors nuanced with spice, vanilla and fur. It's full bodied and texturally quite satisfying, yet stately, framed by crisp cranberry acidity and penetrating tannins. It's delicious now, but should gain further complexity and depth from 2020–2030.

REGION: NORTH FORK OF LONG ISLAND

Could That Be Mine?

BY JANE BAVOSO

Iremember being awakened one Christmas morning by my brother, who was always up first. “Come on, come on, it’s Christmas, get up NOW!!” Being the youngest, I sleepily rubbed my eyes, then roused myself to the occasion. After all, Santa had come…or so I hoped.

I stealthily walked into the living room, looking around, quickly taking inventory of how generous Santa had been. At first glance, something caught my eye, something amazing; something I thought I must be imagining. It was a bicycle! Better yet, it was a girl’s bicycle! I had just learned how to ride a twowheeler on the bike owned by the

boy downstairs. I longed for one of my own, but knowing it was such a far-fetched request, I didn’t dare ask Santa. Bikes were a big item in our family; something that expensive was never an option for Christmas. My brother, four years older than me, rode a second-hand bike that he fixed up himself. My sister, eight years older, didn’t even own a bike and never learned to ride one. So, I thought, as I rolled my eyes over this brand new, blue, three speed beauty…could it possibly be for me? I cautiously walked by, lightly touching it with my fingers. Oh, if only it were mine, I would never, ever ask Santa for anything again in my whole life!

My parents, now fully awake, entered

the room. “Well…what do you think?” they asked in unison. “About what?” I answered innocently. “Why your new bike of course!” “My new bike?? It’s mine?!” I squealed. I could hardly believe this was happening, this beautiful, shiny, new two-wheeler was mine, all mine!! “Why of course it’s yours,” mom answered, “Now hop on and see how it feels.”

It felt wonderful! It was a perfect fit! In my mind I was already tooling around the neighborhood, the envy of all. Ever since that day, so many years ago, I have always believed in Christmas miracles.

Jane, who discovered her love of writing after retirement, is a member of several creative writing groups, has had her heartwarming stories published in Newsday, and is grandmother to six very active grandchildren who keep her busy and always laughing.

Doggie U’s Holiday Classes NOW Forming!

Ask about our Puppy Manners classes for dogs under 20 weeks old Puppy Kindergarten for socialization and obedience skills Brush up on your older dog’s Household and Leash manners with us

Dear Dr. Mil,

My humans stop me from chasing birds, they do it on a regular basis, and yet their hunting skills are questionable. Although they always return victorious with oversized, decapitated birds, it begs the question: Where’s the sport in catching the ones too fat to fly? And if humans get really hungry will our own necks be put on the line?

-Worried in West Islip

Dear Worried,

Humans will never resort to eating the ones who love them best, and the best of them will only swallow their pride.

It’s true that humans are only skilled at catching birds too fat to fly. The decapitation is unsettling, and throwing them to the fire seems excessive. But, however barbaric it seems, a chunk of roasted bird from a human’s hand is definitely worth two in the bush. And, more than a mouthful is never wasted!

- Dr. Mil

Millie D. Yorkie, PHD

Our advice offering, wet nosed resident expert on human behavior.

HOLIDAY Cookie Recipes

Fabulous Christmas Cookies from "Dishing with Diane" Diane Kantor!

Whether you are looking for a special cookie recipe for a house party, cocktail party, dessert for a holiday dinner or cookie swap you’ll definitely find the perfect cookie.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease three 9”x 13” quarter sheet pans with cooking spray and flour, then line each with parchment.

2. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the sugar, almond paste and 1 stick of butter. Mix until smooth and lump free, being sure to break down the almond paste as best you can. Add the remaining 2 sticks of butter and continue to mix until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Gradually add the egg yolks, followed by the milk and almond extract. Mix until combined. Add the flour and slowly mix until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once the flour is combined, set aside.

Rainbow Cookies

A classic favorite and crowd pleaser. Always the first cookie to be chosen on any cookie tray. It’s a time-consuming cookie to make, but so worth it once you take your first bite.

3. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until they form stiff, fluffy peaks. Fold the whipped egg whites into the flour mixture to form a smooth batter. Divide the batter equally between 3 bowls (approx. 1 ½ cups of batter in each). Stir the red food coloring into the first bowl of batter until evenly pink colored; then stir the green color into the second bowl of batter until evenly green colored; leave the third bowl untouched. Keeping the batters separate, evenly spread them into the greased and parchment-lined quarter sheet pans (9”x 13”), and bake about 10 to 12 minutes until set, rotating pan halfway through.

INGREDIENTS:

• nonstick cooking spray

• 1 cup sugar

• one 8 oz. can almond paste (not marzipan)

• 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened and divided

• 4 eggs, separated

• ¼ cup milk

• 2 tsp. almond extract

• ½ tsp. kosher salt

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp. red food coloring (gel or paste preferred)

• 1 tsp. green food coloring (gel or paste preferred)

• one 15 oz. jar smooth (not chunky) apricot jam

• one 15 oz. jar smooth seedless raspberry jam

• 1 ½ lbs. bittersweet chocolate, chopped

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Three quarter sheet pans (9”x 13”)

4. Remove from oven, and let cakes cool completely on wire racks before removing from pans.

5. Once cooled, trim each of the layers to even out the thickness of the cakes. Put the green cake layer, cut side up, into one of the lined pans. Spread 1 jar of raspberry jam over the cake, almost all the way to the edges. Place the undyed layer, making sure the parchment is discarded, directly on top, sandwiching the jam. Repeat this step by spreading the remaining apricot jam on top of the undyed layer and placing the pink layer directly on top of it, discarding the parchment.

6. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and top with another sheet pan. Weigh down the layers with heavy plates or cans, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

7. Melt chocolate in a double boiler. Remove the weights and plastic wrap, and place cake on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Spread half of the melted chocolate over the top and sides of the cake and refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. Once solid, flip the cake onto a cutting board, discarding the bottom layer of parchment, and spread the remaining melted chocolate in an even layer over the surface. Return to the refrigerator and chill until set, about 30 minutes.

8. Once set, trim the cake into a 7½” x 10½” rectangle. Using a serrated knife, cut the cake into 1½-inch squares, then serve.

Amaretto Raspberry Shortbread Cookies

The perfect addition to any cookie tray. Absolutely delicious.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups plus 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour*

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced into 1 Tbsp. pieces

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 tsp. almond extract (Amaretto can be substituted for the almond extract; 2 Tbsp. of Amaretto for every ½ tsp. of extract)

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam, seedless if preferred

*To measure flour, scoop with measuring cup and level with a butter knife. Don’t whisk or sift first and don’t spoon into the measuring cup.

FOR GLAZE (optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp. almond extract

• 2 – 4 tsp. water

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt, set aside.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend together butter and sugar until combined (it will take a minute or two since the butter is cold). If you don’t have a paddle attachment that constantly scrapes bowl, then occasionally stop mixer and scrape down sides and bottom of bowl. Mix in almond extract, then add flour. Blend until mixture comes together (it will take a bit of mixing since the butter is cold, so be patient, it will seem really dry at first).

Shape dough into 1” balls, about 1 Tbsp. each, and place 2” apart on ungreased baking sheets. Make a small indentation in each cookie with thumb or forefinger (large enough to fit ¼ - ½ tsp. of jam). Fill each center with ¼ - ½ tsp. jam. Chill in refrigerator 20 minutes (or freezer for 10 minutes). Bake in preheated oven 14 – 18 minutes. Cool several minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool (at this point you can add a little more jam if you’d like to, it just won’t be set like the other is). Drizzle cookies with glaze when cool. Store cookies in an airtight container.

GLAZE: Whisk all glaze ingredients together in a small mixing bowl, adding enough water to reach desired consistency. Pour or spoon mixture into a sandwich size resealable bag, cut a small tip from one corner and drizzle over cookies.

Cranberry Toffee Crisps

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup butter, softened

• ¾ cup sugar

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups flour

• 1 ½ cups quick-cooking oats

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• ¼ tsp. salt

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup milk chocolate English toffee bits

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, oats, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the cranberries, chocolate chips, and toffee bits.

Shape into three 12” logs and wrap each log in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap logs and cut into ½” slices. Place 2” apart on lightly greased baking sheets or parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8 – 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Rum Balls

These are a nice change from cookies and look so festive on a cookie tray. They are the trifecta of a perfect dessert…easy to make, delicious, and the recipe makes a large quantity (about six dozen). This is my go-to recipe whenever I attend a “Cookie Swap” party for Christmas. Best to make a few weeks in advance and place in an air tight container in the refrigerator to “marinate” and bring the flavors together.

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 cups Nilla Wafers, crushed to bread crumb consistency

• 2 cups finely chopped walnuts

• 2 cups chocolate chips, melted

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 cup rum

• 6 Tbsp. light corn syrup

• sugar for rolling

Finely chop wafers and nuts, add to large bowl. In a separate microwave safe bowl, or over a double-boiler, melt the chocolate chips, stirring occasionally. Add corn syrup and rum to the melted chocolate. Mix well, then add to the dry mix.

Roll into balls then roll in sugar. Let sit on parchment before packing in air tight container. Don’t let them sit out too long or the alcohol will evaporate.

Chocolate Nut Roll Cookies

If time isn’t on your side, this cookie can be baked ahead of time and frozen.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 sticks margarine or unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, at room temperature

• 3 cups flour

• ½ tsp. salt

For more baking and cookie recipes, visit Diane's blog,

DIRECTIONS:

Heat the chocolate chips, butter, and condensed milk until chips are melted. Add chopped walnuts and remove from heat to cool. Mix the butter, cream cheese, flour and salt together. Divide dough in half and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

• 1 package (12 oz.) chocolate chips

• 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

• 2 Tbsp. butter

• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Raspberry Nut Pinwheels

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tsp. baking powder

• ¼ cup seedless raspberry jam

• ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Roll out dough between waxed paper into a 12” square. Remove top piece of waxed paper. Spread jam over dough and sprinkle with nuts. Roll tightly into a jelly-roll; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Unwrap dough and cut into ¼” slices. Place 2” apart on ungreased baking sheets or parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake for 9 – 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Limoncello Ricotta Cookies

This cookie is cake-like, moist, light and delicate with a hint of lemon. Not too sweet, they pair perfectly with espresso.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tsp. baking powder

• ½ tsp. baking soda

• ½ tsp. salt

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

FOR GLAZE FILLING

• ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar

• 2 Tbsp. Limoncello liqueur

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ tsp. vanilla extract

• ½ tsp. lemon extract

• 1 Tbsp. Limoncello liqueur

• 1 tsp. lemon zest

• grated lemon zest (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg and beat until mixture becomes light and fluffy. Beat in the ricotta, vanilla and lemon extracts, Limoncello liqueur and lemon zest. Add in the flour mixture and beat until well combined. Don’t over mix.

Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, drop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 - 13 minutes until cookies appear set and edges turn a pale golden brown. Let cool

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough into a large rectangle (approximately 10” x 14”). Spread on half of chocolate nut filling and roll lengthwise into a jellyroll. Repeat. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Be careful not to over bake dough. Cool, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, and slice.

Italian Pignoli Cookie

This cookie is also a favorite on many Christmas cookie trays. It has become a staple of Christmas baking; soft and chewy almond flavored with pignoli (pine) nuts.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb. almond paste

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 3 large egg whites

DIRECTIONS:

• 2 lemons, zest only

• ¼ lb. pine nuts

• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar, or as needed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Crumble almond paste in bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix until finely crumbled. Sprinkle sugar and lemon zest over the almond paste and continue to beat until incorporated. Beat in the egg whites, one at a time, and continue beating until the batter is smooth (not too wet or loose).

Spread pine nuts on a plate. Break off a tablespoon size piece of dough and roll to form a ball. Roll the ball in the pine nuts and place on baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned.

Remove and cool completely on wire racks. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

for 2 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before glazing.

GLAZE: In small bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar with 1 Tbsp. of the Limoncello. Slowly add up to 1 more Tbsp. of the liqueur until the glaze reaches a spreading consistency. You may need to add a drop of water. Spread the glaze on the cookies using a butter knife. If desired, sprinkle with a bit of lemon zest while glaze is still moist. Arrange in a single layer and allow glaze to dry completely before covering. Store in refrigerator, serve at room temperature.

New Year's?

Many local restaurants are featuring special New Year’s Eve menus. Whether you are looking for an early seating, or a full-tilt party, the south shore has it all!

Henley’s Village Tavern

Southside Bar & Restaurant 5 Third Avenue, Bay Shore NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 9:00pm-1:00am / $50pp, gratuity not included Open Bar / Champagne Toast at Midnight Reservations: 631-665-9596

With

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