Michiana House and Homes - December 2023

Complimentary December 2023

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PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796 Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2328

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

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PUBLISHER Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com BUSINESS MANAGER Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

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contents

FEATURE WRITERS BethAnne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young

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Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

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Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $47.00 for one year; and $79.00 for two years. Mail the order form, along with your check to Michiana House and Home, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.

Member of:

Needing New Windows?

Any Time is a Great Time to Have Them Installed Add These Holiday Hosting Tasks To Your To-Do List

No reproduction of Michiana House and Home is allowed without express written permission.

Copyright © Michiana House and Home All rights reserved, 2023

Holiday Hazard Prevention: Steps to a Safe and Accident-Free Season Around Michiana

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MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

NO. 8

A Dog-Gone Cat-Astrophe: Keeping Your Pet Out of the Christmas Tree

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kimberly Zellers

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

VOLUME 20

The Family Tree: Christmas Tree Trends for 2023

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

MARKETING ASSISTANTS Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com Taelynne Ousley tousley@the-papers.com

December 2023

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Servin’ Up Good Eats

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Did You Know?

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Business Gallery

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| Michiana House and Home | December 2023 | 3

editor’s note... month’s editor ’s As I sit down to write this Thanksgiving for note, we are prepping son goes into sea as istm and then the Chr full swing.

ich will go I have an artificial tree wh This is my al. usu up a tad earlier than , Ace and duo ne feli h first Christmas wit they will how a ide no e hav I Bromley and will go it So e. react to the Christmas tre week or a for ed rat up and remain undeco used to get to e tim m the so. This will give e it wir to need it and me time to see if I n. dow it ck to the wall so they can’t kno e you want to Not sure what kind of tre Julie Young’s have this year? Check out Christmas on piece on what’s trending

holidays that And with the arrival of the away. One way means Winter isn’t too far s reasonable is by to keep those heating bill nt windows. Beth icie having good energy eff on what’s new ce pie a Anne Brink-Cox did best time to in windows and when is the install them. on how to prep Dani Messick did a piece ing your mind in for the holidays without los all the details. nth’s Did You And Beth Anne did this mo through p rom d wil a is Know? which to celebrate. ys December and different wa I chose two baked For this month’s recipes, d Network chanitems that I saw on the Foo Both are extremenel on a recent Saturday. sound great to and l ly easy, a little unusua for a holiday gift s tes hos bring along as a

party or serve as a holiday dessert. I definiteLauren Zeugner, Editor ly plan Email: on makom r@ Lzeugne the-papers.c ing the cookies, although p Ace out of we’ll have to see if I can kee who loves ne feli one is the kitchen. He y supervising to be in the kitchen, literall baking and kes from underfoot, which ma . cooking an adventure celebrate the So regardless of how you filled with be upcoming season, may it . fun of family, food and lots Merry Christmas,

Lauren

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Mon - Fri 9-5 Saturday 9-4 260.768.7730

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s is for the enOne of my family tradition ther’s truck bro my o int tire family to pile m in Galien, and head up to the tree far Christmas Mich. to find the perfect day after the s tree. We usually do thi Thanksgiving.

an article on trees this year. She also has out of the ies bab fur se tho how to keep Christmas tree.

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| Michiana House and Home | December 2023 | 5

the fam family ily tree 3 2 0 2

Christmas tree trends for THE REAL THING

Of course, for some families, nothing beats the real thing and getting one is all part of the holiday festivities. Those looking for a sustainable option can consider a potted evergreen, which are fairly easy to handle and can be replanted in the yard.

These trees are not designed to be in the home for long periods of time and are best kept for 10-14 days before replanting (ask your nursery for specific details) but they can be a living reminder of Christmas Past for years to come!

As for cut trees, Jeff Alexander at Eby Evergreen Plantation in Bristol, the most popular live tree choice is the Fraser fir. Known for its strong branches that curve upward as well as its scent, shape, and excellent needle retention, this tree can handle any ornament that you may have.

The Scots pine is another popular choice. Not only does it have widely spaced branches for display purposes, but it also holds its needles well and does not dry out very quickly. The White pine is another option and while it is a dense tree that looks great, its soft needles require light-weight ornaments. Alexander said folks can expect to pay $40 and up for a live tree and with proper care, it should last throughout the holiday season.

“You can buy a live tree any time after Thanksgiving and it will keep, provided that you have water in the bowl,” he said. n

REALISTIC AND REUSABLE

When it comes to artificial trees, there is a model for everyone depending on space and budget such as a Douglas Fir LED pre-lit tree by the National Tree Company which offers a realistic look in a variety of sizes for your home. Its 7.5 -foot model comes with 750 built-in LED bulbs that can be set for all white, multicolor or a mixture of the two and while it is nearly 5-feet wide, they do offer a slimmer model for smaller spaces.

Those who fancy a bit of whimsy should consider a fiber optic tree which not only offers an ethereal motif but saves energy as well. The look is less traditional than other tree types but is the perfect option for those who like to play with their style.

Although they are not as popular as their traditional green and snow topped counterparts, metallic trees are also having a moment. Whether pre-lit, hand strung, or left to glimmer on their own, these shiny specimens offer a unique holiday glow.

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

As the central symbol of the holiday season and the item around which all of the magic unfolds, the Christmas tree is an important part of your celebration and it’s important to find the perfect one to reflect your style! While some prefer an artificial tree that can be reused year after year, others can’t get enough of that fresh pine scent and have incorporated a trip to the tree farm as part of their holiday traditions. Experts say there is no right or wrong way to deck the halls, but here’s what we can expect in terms of tree trends for 2023.

6 | Michiana House and Home | December 2023 |

Call me today to see how I can help you promote your business!

To advertise in our monthly magazine, contact Karen Johnson at 574.596.0169 kjohnson@the-papers.com

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574-773-7311

598 Shawnee Drive, Nappanee, IN 46550 shutterstock.com

| Michiana House and Home | December 2023 | 7

A DOG-GONE CAT-ASTROPHE

Keeping your pet out of the Christmas tree It’s no secret pets are fascinated by Christmas trees. For some, the shiny, sparkly decorations and festive presents resemble toys that must be played with, while others see the evergreen as a home intruder that must be conquered. For pet owners, the holiday season can be a hectic one, but we’ve got some tips to keep your tree from toppling!

8 | Michiana House and Home | December 2023 |

According to Melissa Rone, owner of Paws and Claws and Company in Warsaw, there are a number of reasons why pets can’t resist the Christmas tree – it’s new, it may carry the scent of other animals as well as the outdoors or unfamiliar areas of the home such as the basement or attic. On top of that, it is a great place to hide and full of shiny toys!

“Something new and big in the house that is full of lights, smells and sparkly things is exciting for our pet children as much as our human children,” she said. “It’s also a big temptation. I think the key is to train your pet on the skill of ‘Leave It’ before the tree comes out for the holiday season and if that isn’t possible, then it’s a good time to start.”

To keep your tree from becoming a feline free-forall, add aluminum foil to the trunk and tree skirt. Most cats hate the look, feel and sound of foil and will avoid it. They also abhor citrus scents so spray pinecones with apple cider vinegar to ward off your cat while giving the tree some rustic décor.

Rambunctious canines can’t get enough of textures on the tree, and they can wreak havoc on your holiday decorations with a simple wag of the tail. Avoid putting any edible decorations on the tree and place fragile (and toxic) items out of Fido’s reach. You can also opt for a tabletop tree if you are concerned your dog will do damage to a larger one and of course you can erect a visible or invisible fence in your home to help pets steer clear of the tree.

“Patience and empathy go a long way. Every pet is different and will react differently (to the tree) Knowing that a tree looks like a lot of fun to our pets can help us plan on how we decorate and where we place our tree in the home,” Rone said.

CHRISTMAS CAUTIONS In addition to the Christmas tree, it is important to keep your pets away from the various toxins that can endanger their health during the holiday season. Poinsettias and amaryllis are poisonous to pets as well as some of the foods that are common around the holidays. Chocolate, onion, xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in some sweets or peanut butters) raw or green potatoes, grapes and raisins are all toxic to our dogs.

For more information, follow Paws and Claws and Company on Instagram or Facebook. n

| Michiana House and Home | December 2023 | 9

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By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

Holiday Hazard Prevention:

Steps to a Safe and Accident-Free (StatePoint) As the holidays approach, you might be hosting guests, shopping for gifts and decorating your home. While all these activities can bring a lot of joy into the season, they can also bring an increase in risks. Prepare by following these six tips to prevent damage.

Install a smart doorbell. Whether you want to see who just arrived or help keep packages secure, a smart doorbell will keep you updated on all activities in front of your home. From package deliveries to carolers, you can easily view (and communicate) with your visitors, even if you aren’t home.

Decorate carefully. As pretty as those lights might be, they can be a tripping hazard. What’s more, overheating lights can trigger a fire in seconds, especially in a dry environment, such as near a parched tree. On Erie Insurance’s YouTube channel, they show how fast a Christmas tree goes up in flames and have tips on how to avoid fires, including to check string lights for any frayed wires and to always turn off lights when you aren’t home.

Whether you are having a party or going on a shopping spree, being safe and prepared for the holidays is key to avoiding any accidents, injuries and incidents.

Prepare for the unexpected. As temperatures drop, prepare your home for potential damage. Bad weather can trigger a weak tree to fall, potentially on your house, while cold temperatures can cause frozen pipes, which could cost thousands of dollars in water damage if the pipes burst. Be sure to keep your homeowners insurance up to date so you are prepared should any seasonal damage occur. To prevent that damage and a costly claim, survey your property and even call-in experts to check trees, pipes and other possible hazards.

Stay safe on the road. The winter season carries driving risks. Not only may roads be slick and icy, but holiday shoppers are often stressed and frazzled. On roads, and particularly in shopping centers and mall parking lots, slow down and stay alert to avoid a fender-bender. As an added precaution, be sure to keep your auto insurance up to date in case of damage. Your insurance company might offer options to help you tighten your wallet during an expensive season. For example, Erie Insurance offers convenient bundling of car and home insurance to potentially save you money.

photos: shutterstock.com

10 | Michiana House and Home | December 2023 |

SEASON Mingle merry--and safely. Holiday parties can be fun, but make sure you have a plan for getting home safely.

And if you’re hosting the party, be aware that in most states party hosts can be held liable for their guests’ actions behind the wheel. So be sure your guests have a safe ride home.

Be smart online. If you’d rather keep your comfy pants on and do your holiday shopping online, be aware of where your data might be susceptible and only shop on reputable sites. An ERIE’s homeowner policy includes identity recovery coverage that can help you if you are the unfortunate victim of identity fraud. n

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© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. | Michiana House and Home | December 2023 | 11

michiana

around

FARMERS MARKET

Indoor market featuring home-grown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, more.

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Free admission 1105 Northside Blvd.

(574) 282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com

DEC. 9 | ELKHART

HOLIDAY HOORAH 10 a.m. to noon Elkhart Environmental Center 1717 E. Lusher Ave., Elkhart Advanced registration required by Dec. 6 Make upcycled wildlife-friendly ornaments, create holiday cards, listen to stories or participate in a winter nature scavenger hunt. https://elkhartenvirofest.com DEC. 12 | MISHAWAKA

DEC. 1-17 | WARSAW

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL

Show times 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays: 2 p.m. Sundays Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts 2515 E. Center st., Warsaw Tickets are $50 for adults; $45 for seniors; $30 student; $20 for children.

(574) 267-8041 DEC. 3 - JAN. 6 | NILES, MICH.

LIGHTS AT FERNWOOD

6-9 p.m.

Fernwood Botanical Garden 13988 Rangel Line Road, Niles, Mich.

Tickets: Thursday night, $10 for adult; $5 for youth ages 3-12; Friday through Sunday, $15 for adults; $8 for youth.

DEC. 7 | GOSHEN

A CHANTICLEER CHRISTMAS Goshen College 2023-24 Performing Arts Series Sauder Concert Hall Show time is 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35-$45 Tickets available at goshen.universitytickets.com or (574) 535-7566

12 | Michiana House and Home | December 2023 |

ANNUAL RUNNING OF THE LIGHTS 6:30-8 p.m.

Walt Disney Elementary School 4015 Filbert Road, Mishawaka More info at www.bikesignup.com/ Race/155540/PrivacyPolicy DEC. 13 | SHIPSHEWANA

CELTIC ANGELS CHRISTMAS

Blue Gate Performing Arts Center 760 S. Van Buren St. Shipshewana Tickets $19.95-$54.95 Tickets available at events@ riegsecker.com or (888) 447- 4725 DEC. 14 | ELKHART

SANTA’S ELF WORKSHOP Elkhart Public Library - Osolo Branch 3429 E. Bristol St., Elkhart Come create holiday decorations Dress as an elf if you want.

3:30-5 p.m.

DEC. 15 | GOSHEN

GOSHEN THEATER DRAMA CLUB SHOWCASE Showtime 6 p.m.

Goshen Theater 216 S. Main St., Goshen General Admission Tickets $5 Tickets available at ourshow/ gtdc2023 or at the Goshen Theater Box office open noon to 4 p.m.

DEC. 16 | BREMEN

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA & SANTA VISIT 2-3 p.m.

Bremen Public Library 304 N. Jackson St., Bremen bremen.lib.in.us DEC. 17 | SOUTH BEND

BRUNCH WITH SANTA & THE SYMPHONY 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Palais Royale 105 W. Colfax Ave., South Bend Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.

Tickets may be purchase through Etix.com DEC. 17 | WARSAW

CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH MICHAEL WAYNE SMITH 6 p.m.

Warsaw Family Worship Center 1250 Husky Trail DEC. 18 | ELKHART

CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS 4-6 p.m.

Elkhart Public Library 300 S. 2nd St., Elkhart DEC. 1-27 | ELKHART

WINTER WONDERLAND HOLIDAY LIGHTS Wellfield Botanic Gardens 5:30-8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 1 - Wednesday, Dec. 27; Closed Dec. 24 and 25.

1011 N. Main St., Elkhart Featuring professional light displays accentuating the natural beauty of Wellfield Tickets: $15 for adults/ $10 for members; $10 for children; $5 for children of members. Children under age 3 are admitted free. n

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DEC. 1-31 (SELECTED DATES) | SOUTH BEND

Needing new windows?

Any time is a great time to have them installed

You probably don’t think much about your windows, unless they need cleaning or they’re cracked or otherwise damaged. Their history is long and varied–ancient China, Korea and Japan used paper windows, and the Romans were first known to use glass around 100 A.D.

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer If you have an old house, you may have a style not seen much these days–many small panes, usually with some bubbles or other distortions in the glass itself. Our old house has windows upstairs that still have ropes and pulleys, popular between 1850 and 1945; the window was reinvented, so to speak, after World War II. You don’t really see windows propped open with a stick these days, right?

And many of us remember a big chore twice a year in bygone days: taking down the storm windows every spring, and replacing them with screens, only to reverse the process as the colder weather of winter beckoned. Air conditioning is much more common these days, and so are double paned windows.

Progress never really stops, does it?

Bonnie Weldy, the design gallery assistant at Quality Window and Door, who, in her own words, is the first person a customer sees before she directs them on to the more knowledgeable sales staff, said “Marvin Windows are the things most people are asking for these days. They are not only classic in design, but we also have a modern style, and those two choices seem to please most people.”

A little more research on that name and it’s easy to see why: the windows are beautiful, and a lot of builders prefer them.

Kevin Park, sales manager at Leatherman Supply, said what their customers want is “More glass! Ever since COVID, people

are trying to bring the outside in, so they want bigger windows, more glass. They’re wanting contemporary styles and dark, bold colors.” Page through any magazine or website and you’ll see exactly that.

When is the best time to install new windows? Both were quick to answer. Park said, “The best time is anytime! As installers, we work around the calendar year. Someone might be nervous about an install in the winter, but the house is really only open for 5-6 minutes. You prep everything and when it’s ready to go, you pop out the old and install the new and it happens just about that fast.”

And Weldy agreed. “That is exactly what we do here. It doesn’t matter what time of

year, unless the temperature is extreme, and then we would delay. We are busy from January through early summer months for ordering. For installation this is a really busy time of year, because people are looking ahead to the holidays and wanting everything to look just right. We have a wonderful crew, a pretty good sized one, and they are always busy.”

If you’re thinking about any kind of renovation, freshening up a tired room, maybe it’s not new paint or wallpaper you need, but windows. Nothing like a beautiful big picture window where you can watch the snow fall, right?

And with the improvements made these days, you can have an entire wall of windows and not end up with a cold room! n

| Michiana House and Home | December 2023 | 13

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Add these

HOLIDAY

hosting tasks to your to-do list

By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer

Hosting the holidays this year? You can’t revamp your entire house for a short party, but there are some simple things you can do ahead of time to ensure the process is as painless as possible.

Don’t put off these preparatory tasks until the last minute.

“Your house guests will likely gather in a few rooms in your home, not all of them,” cleaning pro Kathy Cohoon of Two Maids & a Mop told The Spruce website. “That means you should focus your cleaning efforts on where they will be, like the dining room, the kitchen and the bathrooms. Don’t waste time worrying about your own bedroom or the laundry room if your guests won’t ever be in them.”

While you’re cleaning, you should ensure you have enough dishes, silverware, cookware, chairs and tables.

“Make your guest list and check it twice,” Real Simple magazine suggests in its article 5 Ways To Get Your Home Ready For The Holidays Starting Now. “While it’s perfectly acceptable to use a chair from your home office at the dining table or drag in that accent chair from the living room— you may need more than that this year.

After all, the holidays are stressful enough. So don’t wait until the last minute to nail your seating arrangement.”

The same goes for dishes and other wares.

They don’t have to match.

They just have to be there.

Did you break a serving dish last year? Make sure you know what you need ahead of prep day.

The publication from October also notes thrift store purchases, folding chairs, 14 | Michiana House and Home | December 2023 |

plastic plates, or even paper can be perfectly acceptable depending on the situation. You can also check with guests to see if they can bring any to the location. Just make sure seating has arrived before the party! Tableware can also be rented if you absolutely need them to match.

You may also consider doing some rearranging in your kitchen, dining room and entryway for effective flow. Ensure cookware, special dishes and utensils that are rarely used are cleaned and ready to go. Regardless, ensure countertops are cleared for cooking and dirty dishes are cleaned.

Of course, meal planning and preparation is always a strong burden for the host or hostess, but cooking isn’t the only aspect of this process.

“Have you been ignoring that burner that has been on the fritz since last spring? If you’re planning on cooking—take care of this now,” Real Simple says.

You’re going to need every single burner on that stove, and a working oven, too. Also, confirm that small appliances you’ll need are in working order.

If you have unfinished projects, make every effort to finish them now.

“If you’re in the middle of a bathroom remodel or living room makeover, for example, do what you can to expedite the process so guests can experience the final result instead of a rough draft,” Better Homes & Gardens suggests.

If there are minor imperfections you’d like to hide, there’s a trick for that, too.

“The oldest trick in the book is to cover up any lingering messes with something else,” Cohoon said. “Kids took a crayon to the wall?

Cover it with a decorative sign. Stain on the counter? Cover it with a coaster.”

It’s also the time to confirm if guests will be spending the night that you have quality linens in sleeping quarters. n

H o m e b e l l ’ I

for Christmas

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www.dutchmanlogfurniture.com | Michiana House and Home | December 2023 | 15

Rosemary Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe by Mary Berg; Mary Makes It Easy; Foodnetwork.com

INGREDIENTS Cake: Nonstick cooking spray 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup almond flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary 1 orange zested and juiced 1/2 cup olive oil 2 eggs 1 cup plain yogurt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS

1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9-inch pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the almond flour and shake the pan to evenly coat the bottom and sides, tapping out any excess.

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, rosemary and the zest of the orange. Using your hands, rub the zest and rosemary into the sugar until it smells fragrant and the sugar picks up a little color. Add in the oil and eggs and beat until well combined. Stir in the yogurt and vanilla as well as the juice from the orange and set aside.

In a separate bowl whisk the remaining 1/2 cup almond flour with the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Set the batter aside for 20 minutes to hydrate.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the center is springy and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes before turning it

Garnish: 1/2 cup plus 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/2 cup water 1 orange 2 tablespoons rosemary tips 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar 3 tablespoons orange juice

out onto the cooling rack to cool completely.

While the cake cools, prepare the garnish: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar with the water. Using a vegetable peeler, peel large strips of orange zest off the orange, slice them into long, thin strips and add them to the syrup mixture. Place over low heat and bring to a simmer, gently stirring occasionally, until the zest is tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the rosemary tips and using a fork, remove the orange zest and rosemary from the syrup and transfer to a racklined sheet pan. Allow the zest and rosemary to dry until sticky but no longer wet, about 30 minutes. Then sprinkle with the remaining 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar When the cake is cooked, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice, adding more orange juice or sugar if needed to form a thick but pourable icing.

Pour the icing over the cake and garnish with the orange zest and rosemary. Serve and enjoy. n

White Pepper Cherry Cookies DIRECTIONS

By Valerie Bertinelli Valerie’s Kitchen FoodNetwork.com

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper, plus more for dusting 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1 large egg 3/4 cup dried cherries

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, pepper and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside Beat the butter and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat to combine. Add the flour mixture and beat on medium-low speed until just incorporated. Stir in the cherries.

Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap and scoop the dough on top. Using the plastic as an aide, form the dough into an even log, about 2 inches in diameter and 10 inches long. Refrigerate until very firm, at least 2 hours and up to overnight.

Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Upwrap the dough, place it on a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut it into 1/4 inch thick rounds.

Lay the rounds on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Dust very lightly with white pepper.

Bake the cookies until just golden on the bottom and edges, about 12 minutes. Cook on the baking sheets 5 minutes then carefully transfer to a rack and cool completely. Repeat with any remaining cookies, cooling the baking sheets between batches.

16 | Michiana House and Home | December 2023 |

Did You Know?

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

Are you a foodie? Dec. 1 is National Pie Day (although, actually, there is a more popular celebration of the very same thing on Jan. 23. What the heck.

Eat pie both days. And any day in between you care to.) If you’re into good health, though, Dec. 1 is also Eat a Red Apple Day, so go to it. (Although perhaps you could combine the two and have apple pie....I digress.)

If you’re all sugared out by Dec. 11, you can celebrate National Noodle Ring Day, as in the old jingle ‘Uh-oh, Spaghettios.’ If that makes you crave sugar again, Dec. 16 is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day. How adventurous can you get when it comes to anything?

It could be potato chips or crickets and everything in between.

Dec. 2 is also meant for foodies: National Fritters Day! And Dec. 4 is National Cookie Day (this is when you practice for Santa, and eat your less than perfect results.)

Dec. 7 is National Cotton Candy Day. Did you know cotton candy, or candyfloss, or fairy floss–so many names for this sweet treat–dates back to the 1400s?

There’s more than food, though.

Are you an animal lover? Dec. 2 (and July 31, for good measure) is National Mutt Day, meant to embrace, save and celebrate mixed breed dogs. And to be fair, Dec. 15 is National Cat Herders Day. But it’s not quite what you think. You’re thinking kitties that run amok and spill their milk, right? This day celebrates and recognizes those whose life and/or job is like herding cats (definitely a special set of skills.)

When the calendar rolls over to December you’re likely to think of Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah (or Chanuka, if you will) and New Year’s Eve. But there’s a lot more to celebrate, both serious and silly, throughout the month.

Jump into the bathtub on Dec. 5, enjoy the bubbles and any other little luxury you want for Bathtub Party Day. Then when you’re all clean, pick out your ugliest sweater to wear for the third Friday, which this year is the 15th, or National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. There’s some merit to it–in 2014 they partnered with Save the Children in a “Make the World Better With a Sweater” campaign. And for good measure, Dec. 15 is also National Wear Your Pearls Day.

And purely for fun, you can celebrate Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day on Dec. 8 (got a Tardis?) or Answer the Telephone Like Buddy the Elf Day, Dec. 18. (What IS your favorite color?) If Buddy is too cheery for you, Dec. 21 is Humbug Day, and National Whiners Day on Dec. 26 allows the chance to complain about oh, pretty much anything.

What is December without socks and mittens? Dec. 4 celebrates the marriage of matched socks, and Dec. 6 is Mitten Tree Day: buy or make mittens for those cold little hands in need.

And to finish with a smile, Dec. 25 is not just Christmas Day. It is also A’Phabet Day/No “L” Day. Bet you’ll never think of that date in quite the same way again!

... and now you know! | Michiana House and Home | December 2023 | 17

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