HOLIDAY Guide our
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/ PUBLISHER
Joanne Lifavi
ART DIRECTOR
Jennie Alberto CO-EDITOR
Michaela Connors
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Annie Niland
Millie D. Yorkie, PHD
Rosemarie Kluepfel
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Stephanie Vazquez
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY Molto Vino, page 13
ON THE FRONT COVER
Very special thanks to the wonderful family whose beautiful home in Babylon Village graced our holiday cover.
Advertising Inquiries 917.559.7821
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The List Magazine is a community life style magazine of the Great South Bay area. It is published six times a year. Most of our distribution is 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.
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.
This holiday season we 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 the sense of community.
From our families to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Faiths Let’s Bring Joy to the World Wishing You Peace, Love and Kindness
The List Magazine
Must Go SHOP DINE CELEBRATE BABYLON 2-14 BAY SHORE 14-18, BC THE ISLIPS 20, 21, 23, 26, 28
on Kelly Pecholdt of Positions Dance
Treats that Bring Joy to the World
Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Parfaits
Estate IFC, 28-31
SHOP • DINE
CELEBRATE BABYLON
This quaint, historic village, brimming with inviting retail shops, excellent pubs & restaurants, and plenty of festive family events make this friendly town a great place to visit this holiday season. You’ll find something for everyone in Babylon and can easily spend the day finishing up your shopping list.
NOVEMBER 14 - DECEMBER 29
Miracle on 34th Street, The Musical The Argyle Theatre, Babylon Village. Filled with humor, beloved songs, and Christmas magic this joyous, heartwarming musical is the perfect holiday treat for any family! argyletheatre.com
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Babylon Village Small Business Saturday Shop small and support the community!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 • 4:00-6:00PM
Nathanial Conklin Holiday Cookie Contest Nathanial Conklin House, 280 Deer Park Ave., Babylon. Categories are: Buddy & Me (4th gr. and under), 5th & 6th grades, 7th - 9th grades, 10th -12th grades, and adults (18 and older). Bring 2 dozen cookies on a non-returnable plate. Winners will be posted during "Christmas at The Conklin House" on Friday, December 6th.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 • 5:00-9:00PM
Babylon Village Old Fashioned
Christmas Shopping Event Stroll through the village while Deer Park Avenue is closed to street traffic. Many holiday specials offered by shops and eateries. Visit with Santa as he rides through the Village on a horse drawn carriage. Enjoy holiday treats and entertainment.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 • 4:00-6:00PM
Belmont Lake State Park Holiday Tree
Lighting Belmont Lake State Park, North Babylon. Walk through a winter wonderland to the tree lighting on the front lawn of the Headquarters Building. Enjoy holiday music, ice sculpturing, refreshments, fireworks, and of course, a visit from Santa Clause.
EVERY FRIDAY-SUNDAY
DECEMBER 6 - JANUARY 5 • 12:00-3:00PM
Holiday Model Train Exhibit Town of Babylon History Museum, 47 W. Main Street, Babylon. 631-587-3750
Night Life
HAPPY HOUR
Dining
Classic American Cuisine
Steaks • Seafood
FRIDAY PRIX FIXE $27.95 5-10PM (dining only)
Now Taking Reservations for Christmas Eve Dinner New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dancing Catering
Catering is Our Specialty Holiday Parties • Corporate Functions Bridal & Baby Showers • Weddings All Occasions
PRIVATE COCKTAIL PARTIES
of Sugar Plums
Dreams of Sugar Plums have been dancing in the heads of ballerinas everywhereand for many more nights than just the night before Christmas. Whether it’s the moment a little girl puts on her first pair of ballet slippers, or watches the Sugar Plum Fairy perform her magic onstage, a small spark ignites, fueling aspirations of one day dancing this pas de deux at Christmastime.
In 1991, a young mother took her daughter to Positions Dance Studio for her first ballet lesson. The little girl was timid in class at first, but so excited to put on her tutu and ballet slippers. She absolutely loved dance class, and through the years began to train in more dance disciplines. Ballet, however, was her true love. She continued to dance at Positions until she graduated high school, and by then had made several lifelong friends in the process. Her college did not have a dance program, but as soon as she was allowed a car on campus she enrolled in a local ballet school to keep up with her passion.
A few years later, with a bachelor’s degree under her belt, Kelly Peckholdt returned to her childhood dance studio as an instructor. It was there, in June of 2012, as the staff was practicing for the teacher’s recital, when she had her life-changing moment. The owner pulled Peckholdt aside and asked her if she wanted to be the next owner of Positions
Dance Studio. She immediately began to cry. It was a situation she frequently dreamed about, but never expected to happen. She still gets emotional thinking about that moment. After some careful consideration, in July of 2012, Peckholdt bought her childhood dance studio and became the fourth owner of Positions Dance Studio, originally established back in 1971.
At first, Peckholdt was still working as a high school social studies teacher while managing her new business. Balancing two full-time jobs began to take their toll. Knowing that the only way she could earn a living from the studio would be to expand the business, Peckholdt began looking for a new, bigger location. She wanted to stay in Babylon Village where, for decades, people had come to know her business.
In August 2014, Positions Dance Studio’s new location opened its doors, offering a wide
array of children’s and teen’s dance classes, as well as a variety of adult dance and fitness programs. The studio is nicely decorated, warm, and inviting. The staff, comprised of people Peckholdt has known in the dance industry for many years, is professional and friendly. Each staff member is highly trained and educated in dance. They focus on strong dance technique while keeping the environment relaxed and fun. The instructors who teach the adult classes also hold multiple fitness certifications.
Positions offers classes for all ages, and a wide range of dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, hip hop and contemporary. They can even choreograph your wedding dance.
Dreams of Sugar Plums really can come true, and you’re never too old to dream.
Sugar Plums are ageless…whether you are 2 or 82, it is never too late to start dancing!
Prescriptions in minutes, not hours!
Children
Millie D. Yorkie, PHD
Our advice offering, wet nosed resident expert
Help From Above
One day, a particularly curious little pup stuck her nose in where it didn’t belong and fell into a deep ditch. The weather turned. The pup’s howls for help were no match for the mighty wind. Fueled by hope, she barked until the steely light of winter’s sky turned black. Finally, exhausted from her efforts, she curled herself into a ball and fell into a deep sleep.
Word got out in the canine community about the missing pup and a search party formed. When the rescue dogs came upon the ditch, they barked in chorus hoping to rouse the pup, but the bluster stole the sound and the coiled little body remained still. The well-meaning pack took the pup for dead and pushed dirt into the ditch to blanket the pup. With heads hung and ears flattened, they wished the tiny soul a safe return to Mother Earth.
she barked into the gale until a numbing slumber provided cold comfort.
Dear Readers,
Some time ago, at a particularly ruff time in my life, I wrote this folk tail. Sniff out the moral, roll it around your tongue, and hopefully find a bit of nourishment.
With gratitude, Dr. Mil
A swirling callous dawn woke the pup and she was dismayed to find herself covered in dirt. She pleaded with the heavens to show her a way out. In response to her despair a voice floated down from above and whispered in her ear, “When you’ve hit bottom little one, the only path to take is up”. Her heart recognized this truth and with new resolve, she dug herself out from under and stood on the pile of dirt. Again,
After a while, a gaggle of geese, grounded until further notice because of bad weather, stumbled upon the ditch with the sleeping pup. They were overcome with compassion for the little one even though pups and geese have bad history. In unison they honked hoping the din would rouse the pup. When there was no response, they also assumed the worst and pushed a blanket of dirt onto the pup. Then, with heavy hearts, the gaggle waddled away in respectful V formation.
When the pup woke, she was still frightened, but she didn’t panic. She knew to dig herself out from under and stand on a mound of dirt. The pup made gains toward the top of the ditch and when she howled for help, faith lifted the sound. But the wind continued its rampage and swallowed
the pup’s cries. Defeated, she surrendered to sleep once again.
The weather turned even more severe. A lone wolf on his last legs stumbled upon the ditch while searching for food. When the wolf saw the still pup, his first thought was a meal. Looking closer, he recognized the ancestral link and mourned the loss. With waning strength, he pushed a huge mound of dirt into the ditch to cover the poor little pup. Then, he fell to the unyielding ground. His old bones howled in protest.
In time the wind let up, and the sleeping pup was awakened by the wolf’s whimpers. Realizing she was no longer alone, the pup dug herself out from under even faster and stood on the growing pile of dirt. She would make it to higher ground! The pup barked with a mighty wind of her own. The old wolf lifted his weary head and peered into the ditch. The sight quieted his nagging heart and breathed new life into his spent body.
With the pup cheering him on, the old wolf mustered up the energy to push piles of dirt into the ditch so the little one could stand on them and climb up. Soon the gloomy ditch was ablaze with the glow of salvation. The air was cold, but they were warmed by each other’s presence and a force greater than themselves. Eventually, through sheer determination that knows no age, the young pup climbed out of the ditch and onto the old wolf’s back. One step at a time they moved forward and faced winter. The plucky pup couldn’t resist turning her head to spit into the wind. The wise old wolf knew better, but smiled at the audacity of youth. Mother Nature winked and the wind switched direction. Together they found shelter in each other.
#gimmeshelter #stormyweather #hungrylikethewolf #allyouneedisLOVE
SHOP • DINE • CELEBRATE 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. 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 favorite shops, like Gemaginations, where Raymond Mazza designs beautiful pieces of fine jewelry. Sea Levels and Henley’s Tavern are also a must-visit for fabulous food and cocktails.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 • 10:00AM-2:30PM
Photos with Santa & Holiday
Wreath & Plant Sale Wohseepee Park Cabin, North Windsor Ave., Brightwaters.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 • 5:00PM
Brightwaters Village Tree Lighting Ceremony Santa & Mrs. Claus will travel up the Brightwaters canal on a FI water taxi! Music will be provided by the HS students and hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 • 3:30PM
Small Business Saturday/Winter
Festival Bay Shore Historical Society, 22 Maple Ave., Bay Shore. An old-fashioned holiday tradition on Main Street featuring the
Tree and Menorah lighting, strolling Charles Dickens-era characters, caroling, music, treats, and visits from Santa and Frosty.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 • 10:00AM – 3:00PM
FI Lighthouse Tree Trimming
Kick off the holiday season by decorating the lighthouse tree! Bring a homemade ornament relating to the sea or nature to hang on the tree. Free hot cocoa and cookies.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 • 4:00PM
FI Lighthouse Thanksgiving Weekend Tower Tour
Burn off some calories while experiencing the lighthouse at night. Bring a flashlight for the walk back to the parking field. Reservations required. 631.661.4876
At Frank and Maria’s, we know that family traditions, good friends and exceptional food are what make the holidays special. Our family business takes pride in offering the most delicious, authentic Italian cuisine available. For over a decade, we’ve been curating a menu of house-made specialties and stocking our shelves full of the very best products imported straight from Italy. Stop by for a taste of our homemade sausage, bring home our imported olive oil, or have us cater your holiday party. Authentic, hand-crafted recipes were meant to be shared, and we couldn’t ask for a better community to share ours with.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7-8
10:00AM-2:30PM
Christmas at Sagtikos Manor Holiday House Tour Presented by Sagtikos Manor Historical Society. Tour the manor house decorated for a holiday celebration while listening to stories of the past. Browse the Holiday Gift Shop and Yuletide Greenery Sale, or just enjoy a warm beverage by the fire pit. Visit events@sagtikosmanor.org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 • 10:00AM-4:00PM
Snowflake Sale and Visit from St. 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 8
Light the Night The beautiful Bay Shore-Brightwaters community will be shining with the lights of the season.
MON-FRI, DECEMBER 9-13 • 3:30–6:30PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 • 10:00AM-2:00PM
Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe Second Ave Firehouse, 17 Second Ave., Bay Shore. Presented by the WOW Program at Bay Shore High School.
Michael David FreakShow Cabernet 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi Region, California
Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon From Sonoma and Napa
Josh Cellars North Coast Reserve Cabernet 2015 Northern California
Fontodi Chianti Classico 2015 Tuscany
Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret 2016 Bordeaux Red Blends from California
The Season of Love
If the moment you have been waiting for happens this holiday season, the first thing to do is break out the bubbly and celebrate! The second thing to do is get a manicure. Then just relax with your fiancé and savor your magic moment.
SHOP • DINE • CELEBRATE THE ISLIPS!
As its name implies, West Islip is furthest west of the Islips. This coastal town is family oriented and has the best of both worlds as it’s situated in between Babylon Village and West Bay Shore. West Islip has two main roads for shopping and dining: Higbie Lane, which runs north/ south, offers many stores and pubs; and Montauk Highway, which connects all of our coastal towns, is also home to local shops and two awesome restaurants: Primi Italian Steakhouse and Besito Mexican Restaurant.
Islip’s Main Street is home to a variety of retail stores, from fine jewelry and gift shops to butchers, bakers, and florists, making it perfect for holiday strolling and shopping…and parking is always easy to find. As for eats, there are plenty of pubs and great restaurants to satisfy every craving, from Japanese to Italian, and familycasual to fine dining. Don’t leave Main Street without browsing the beautiful desserts and delicious holiday treats at the bakeries!
Head east a few miles to visit the close-knit community of East Islip. Pubs, cafes, retail shops, and specialty stores are scattered the length of Main Street; it may require some driving to go from place to place, but they have it all.
NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 22
A Christmas Story, The Musical
The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale.
NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 26
Disney Frozen Jr.
The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 • 10:00AM
West Islip Beautification Society
Lamppost Decorating Dorothea Karwowski Memorial Garden, Higbie Lane and Udall Rd. (across from Best Market) Check-in for wreath distribution. Please bring your own ladder. Help decorate the town with wreaths and bows! Supplied by WI Beautification Society. Email westislipbeaautification@gmail.com or call Ellen Bolin 631.839.1248
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Connetquot River Christmas Boat Parade & Fireworks View Restaurant, 3 Consuelo Place, Oakdale. Parade starts 4:45; Grucci Fireworks at 7:15pm.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 • 5:00PM
Islip Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting What better way to welcome Santa! Brightly lit with holiday spirit, the parade begins at Ocean Ave. and travels to Town Hall.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 • 7:00-8:30PM
Islip Arts Council Annual Orphans Tree Lighting Islip Art Museum, 50 Irish Lane, East Islip. Islip Arts Council and East Islip Historical Society celebrate the Orphans of Brookwood Hall. Caroling and musical performances by local school students with presentations by many other community groups.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
Historical Society of Islip’s Annual Holiday Homes
Tour Several historically and architecturally interesting houses will be decorated for the holidays as tour guides in Victorian dress greet you. isliphamlethistory.org.
631.650.6777
the Neighborhood
Re-gift!
BY ANNIE NILAND
I’m not sure I learned everything I need to know in kindergarten……no one taught me how to organize a closet, or stack a dishwasher, which never ceases to irritate my congenial husband, Ralph, who can stack a rack like nobody’s business.
He does everything with care and precision. His side of the closet stands at monochromatic attention. My side is a riot of colors with clothes, scarfs, leopard everything, and sparkly accessories dangling on hangers for dear life, waiting for the other shoe to fall…which it does.
They say opposites attract…. who are they??? Did they mean opposites attack? So the best gift I could give my husband this Holiday Season is to stop leaving a trail of breadcrumbs everywhere I go, and learn to be as organized as he is.
This year, I wrapped his gift with love (and a little peanut butter) on my hands. Despite the crumbly edged outcome, which looked like a child wrapped the present, it’s bound to score big points when I punt it to him from across the room. I can’t wait to see his face when he opens an over-sized, tissue-paper-filled Harley Davidson box with a card on the bottom boldly displaying a picture of a bent over biker
chick. Using a magic marker that lived up to its name, I wrote across her bottom: Hey Big Daddy, this little girl promises to pick up her toys and put them where they belong. xoxoxoo
The best gift he could give me in return is for him to act like this scene hasn’t played out time and time again….
This year I’m honoring myself by not angsting over the fact I can’t always live up to his organizational gold standards. I’ll shoot for the bronze, but bow gracefully and accept the steel in Brillo.
It’s likely that Hurricane Annie will strike again. When it makes landfall and he says to me, “Looks like a tornado hit this room! Hon, why is it so difficult for you to put things away?”
With the wind at my back, and the hard won self-acceptance that comes with age, I’ll respond crisply,
“Hon, why is it so difficult for you to write a column?” Bam!
#rockmelikeahurricane #hotmess #pastandpresents
Annie 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.
An American Holiday Portrait
BY ROSEMARIE KLUEPFEL
Born to Italian immigrants, I grew up in a small apartment in Brooklyn during the 1960s, yearning for the holidays that were portrayed in Norman Rockwell paintings. I envisioned platters of turkey with all the trimmings served on crisp white linen, children gathered around presents stacked high under a tall pine tree, stockings hung from the fire place mantle as the fire roared, and carolers spreading holiday cheer.
Having migrated to the states, my parents were not versed in American holiday traditions. What they learned came mostly from department store advertisements and television holiday specials featuring crooners like Perry Como and Bing Cosby. We had no fireplace or dining room, and gifts were scarce under our small artificial tree. Still, Christmas was my favorite holiday as three generations of extended family gathered tightly in those cramped quarters.
Our apartment-sized oven would not accommodate a huge turkey so my mother stuffed small Cornish hens instead. My father used a 4-by- 8 foot plywood board to construct a makeshift dining room table. We sang along to songs like “White Christmas” on the radio, and watched the Yule Log on our black and white television. Occasionally blankets of snow would help create the winter wonderland I longed for.
In my late teens, my father
moved us to a house in the suburbs which had a formal dining room and a real wood burning fireplace. As years went on, the holidays began to look more and more like those Norman Rockwell paintings. Garland and bright glass ornaments came to decorate the sprawling pine that nearly touched the ceiling of our new home. My father hung lights around our windows and my mother perfected the art of basting a turkey, as my parents continued to embrace the traditions from their beloved America. It was a testament to their ability to live the American dream.
When I got married and had children of my own, I worked to keep up those new traditions. Decorations filled nearly every room of my house and my three young children were dressed in coordinating outfits to recreate those picture perfect scenes that I longed for as a child. Family would gather around my dining room table to devour holiday feasts, but less in
numbers, as my brothers and cousins had also married and started traditions of their own. The presents were plentiful and the house looked warm and inviting, yet there was little joy in my home during those years. My marriage was deteriorating and the holidays made the tears flow more. We separated, and eventually divorced.
Our middle class lifestyle was uprooted and I struggled to juggle work with raising my young children. Money grew scarce. Holidays became especially stressful. The mountains of toys were replaced with functional presents like pajamas and snow boots. Worse yet, joint custody meant the children had alternating holidays with their father. My Norman Rockwell painting was fading.
As the years passed, my children and I had to make adjustments and new traditions were formed. My oldest daughter married a wonderful man from the Midwest, so now
her holidays are also divided amongst in-laws across state lines. Just as my parents’ beloved America accepted a melting pot of immigrants, and with it new cultures and traditions, so did my ever changing family dynamics require me to adjust and reflect on my own holiday rituals.
Today, American family portraits have changed to include single parents, stepfamilies and an assorted combination of households. I traded in my Norman Rockwell vision of the holidays for one that is more eclectic; a combination of old, new and improvised. I have learned to accept the adjustments needed to make way for new traditions as my holiday plans now involve coordinating with ex-spouses, in-laws and out-of-state relatives. I’ve come to realize that the only tradition that matters is spending time with family.
Make Holiday Shopping Easier With Our GIFT CARD CHECKLIST!
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 list to check off gift ideas for all the very special people on your Holiday Shopping List.
RESTAURANTS & CAFES
☐ Argyle Grill & Tavern, Babylon Village p8
$10 OFF EVERY $50
☐ The Babylon Bean, Babylon Village p10
☐ Babylon Carriage House, Babylon Village p9
☐ Barrique Kitchen& Wine Bar, Babylon Village p8
$10 OFF EVERY $50
☐ Captain Bill's, Bay Shore p18
☐ Changing Times, Bay Shore p17
RECEIVE $10 GIFT GARD WITH EVERY $50 PURCHASE
☐ The Greek Garden, Babylon p8
☐ La Famiglia, Babylon p8
$10 WILL BE ADDED TO CARD WITH EVERY $50 SPENT
☐ Mary Carroll's, Babylon p12
☐ Molto Vino, Babylon p13
☐ Salt & Barrel, Bay Shore p17
☐ Strip Steak, Great River p17
PURCHASE $100 GIFT CARD, RECEIVE $20 GIFT CARD
☐ Lessing's 9 Restaurants WITH EVERY $100 GIFT CARD PURCHASE, RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY $20 GIFT CARD
☐ Post Office, Babylon
☐ Southside Restaurant, Bay Shore
☐ Maxwell’s, Islip
☐ View, Oakdale
☐ Library Café, Farmingdale
☐ Mirabelle Tavern, Stony Brook
☐ Restaurant Mirabelle, Stony Brook
☐ Sandbar, Cold Spring Harbor
☐ Finnegan’s, Huntington PURCHASE AT RESTAURANTS OR LESSINGS.COM
ENTERTAINMENT
☐ Argyle Theatre, Babylon Village p6
$10 OFF WITH LIST CODE
GIFTS & RETAIL
☐ Drew Patrick Spa, Bay Shore back cover
☐ Healthy Alternatives, Babylon p11
☐ Willy Nilly, Bay Shore p15
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
☐ Affordable Adventures Travel, Bay Shore p18
☐ Doggie U, Bay Shore p13
☐ RSVP Tuxedos, Bay Shore p18
FITNESS
☐ Fitness Incentive, Babylon p6
☐ Positions Dance, Babylon p11
RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL $15 WITH PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE
☐ The Welcome Mat Yoga and Wellness, Islip p21
BUY $100 GIFT CARD, GET $20 OFF
SPECIALTY STORE
☐ Eyes on Main, Islip p6
☐ Frank & Maria's, Bay Shore p14
☐ White Cap Fish Market, Islip p20
HEALTH & WELLNESS
☐ Healthcare Wellness Center, Bay Shore p16
☐ Drew Patrick Spa, Bay Shore back cover
☐ Healthy Alternatives, Babylon p11
SPA & BEAUTY
☐ Drew Patrick Spa, Bay Shore back cover
☐ Healthy Alternatives, Babylon p11
☐ The Makeup Studio, Babylon p7
☐ Village Salon & Spa, Babylon p5
These restaurants are offering special promotions on gift card purchases. Expiration and offers vary for each restaurant, please check with individual business for details.
Chocolate Peppermint Martini
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups skim milk
• 6 Tbsp. peppermint hot chocolate powder mix
• 1/2 cup RumChata Liqueur
DIRECTIONS
• 3 oz. good quality vodka
• Ice
• Chocolate syrup
• Crushed candy canes
Heat milk, hot chocolate mix, and Rumchata in a sauce pan over medium heat, stirring until chocolate is blended. Continue stirring until mixed well. Remove from heat and cool for 5-10 minutes. When cool, pour into ice-filled cocktail shaker with vodka. Cover and shake well; pour into martini glasses that have been dipped in chocolate syrup and crushed candy canes.
The Snow Cap Martini
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ oz. Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 oz. vodka
• 1 ½ oz. coconut cream
• Ice
DIRECTIONS
• Chocolate syrup
• Oreo dust (finely crushed Oreos) or flaked coconut
Pour a ring of chocolate syrup on a plate; dip martini glass in syrup and then in Oreo dust or coconut flakes. Add Baileys, vodka, coconut cream and ice to cocktail shaker; cover and shake well. Strain into rimmed martini glass.
Espresso Martini
INGREDIENTS
• 2 oz. vodka
• 2 oz. Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
• 1 oz. crème de cacao
• Splash of Baileys Irish cream (optional but delish)
DIRECTIONS
• 1 oz. freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee
• Ice
• Coffee beans for garnish
Pour all ingredients into ice-filled cocktail shaker. Cover and shake well. Pour into martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.
Mistletoe Martini
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ oz. vodka
• 1/2 oz. elderflower liqueur
• 1 ½ oz. cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup (recipe below)
DIRECTIONS
• Ice
• Cranberries & mint leaves for garnish
HOLIDAY
Pour in the vodka, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice and simple syrup into ice-filled cocktail shaker. Cover and shake well. Strain into a martini or ice-filled cocktail glass. Garnish with a few cranberries and mint leaves on top.
SIMPLE SYRUP
Add equal parts sugar and water (e.g. 1 cup sugar + 1 cup water) to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Strain into a jar, seal tightly with a lid, and refrigerate. Refrigerated simple syrup will keep for about one month.
HOLIDAY TREATS THAT Bring Joy to the World
Pepparkakor are Swedish ginger cookies, very thin and gingerspicey, shaped like gingerbread men or Swedish Christmas goats at Christmastime. Christmas goats? Yes, every year in Gävle, Sweden, a giant straw goat is placed in the town center at Christmas as a symbol of the holiday. Maaaahry Christmas!
Vanillekipferl literally means “vanilla crescent (moon)”. These sugar-coated, crescent-shaped vanilla butter cookies originated in Austria, and are popular throughout Europe at Christmas. Legend has it that their shape was created to resemble the Turkish crescent moon during a victory celebration of the Hungarian army over the Turkish army.
Rainbow Cookies, also called Tri-color, Venetian, or Seven Layer Cookies, are said to have originated as an Italian-American recipe created to honor the Italian flag. Festive and delicious, they have become an American favorite all year long!
The Yule Log, made famous in France as Bûche de Noël, is crème-filled, rolled sponge cake frosted with chocolate buttercream to look like a tree trunk, complete with branches, leaves and berries. Originally a Nordic tradition, Yule is the name of the old Winter Solstice festivals held in Scandinavia and other parts of northern Europe. According to Yule-log lore, the “Yule Log” was an entire tree that was carefully chosen to be burned during Christmas, which symbolized the New Year to come, and bring good luck to the family.
Yule Logs, Rainbow Cookies, gingerbread and all the holiday classics are available at Manhattan Sweets Bakery. Their baked goods are not only delicious but look festive and beautiful!
Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Parfaits
Decadent and rich, these Mason jar parfaits will be the first things to disappear from any dessert table. They are almost too pretty to eat…almost. Allow plenty of time to prepare; they can be made and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance.
MAKES ABOUT 8 SERVINGS
Step 1: Brownies
INGREDIENTS
• 3/4 cup butter
• 4 oz. bittersweet dark chocolate baking bar, chopped
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing 2 -3 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil with non-stick vegetable cooking spray. Place butter and chopped chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, about 1 - 2 minutes. Stir every 30 seconds to blend. When melted, whisk in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking just until blended after each addition. Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk flour mixture into chocolate mixture until blended. Pour mixture into prepared baking pan and bake for 18 - 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Place pan on wire rack and cool for at least 1 hour. Lift brownies from pan, using foil sides as handles. Cut 8 circles the size of Mason jar opening (about 3 inches) and wrap in aluminum foil and store in refrigerator until needed. Save scraps.
Step 2: Chocolate Mousse
INGREDIENTS
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
DIRECTIONS
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Using mixer, beat eggs and sugar on medium speed for 2- 3 minutes. Heat 1 cup heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan until hot, not boiling. With mixer on low, pour the hot cream into the egg mixture slowly until combined. Then add the egg & cream mixture back into the saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. DO NOT BOIL. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, until chilled, stirring occasionally. When chilled and firm: whip the remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form then fold the whipped cream into the chilled chocolate until incorporated and smooth. Cover with wax paper and chill until ready to use.
Step 3: White Chocolate Mousse
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, divided
Microwave white chocolate and 1/4 cup heavy cream in a small microwave-safe glass bowl at medium power for 1 - 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Cool for 5 minutes. Beat remaining 1 cup heavy cream at medium speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form; fold into white chocolate mixture. Cover with wax paper and chill until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble Parfaits
DIRECTIONS
Chill 8 Mason jars in refrigerator for 15 minutes prior to assembling. Spoon chocolate mousse into a zip-top plastic freezer bag; do the same for white chocolate mousse (do not seal). Snip 1 corner of each bag to make a small opening (about 1/2 inch). When jars are chilled, press brownie circles into bottom of jar then pipe chocolate mousse onto brownies, filling half of jar. Lightly sprinkle left over brownie crumbs on top, then fill jar with white chocolate mousse. Use a small spoon to gently level. Cover surface with wax paper and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with raspberries, chocolate sprinkles, or dark chocolate shavings just prior to serving.
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