Michiana House and Home December 2021

Complimentary December 2021

Designing Your Dream Closet Home Library Holiday Lights Caring for your Live Tree

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There’s No Limit When Designing Your Dream Closet

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Ways To Reduce Your Heating Bill Visit Copshaholm To Experience a Victorian Christmas

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Ruthmere To Celebrate In Style The Ultimate — Check It Out! The Evolution Of The Home Library

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NO. 8

Warm Greetings Highlight Your Home For Holiday Guests

FEATURE WRITERS Bethany Beebe, Beth Anne Brink-Cox, Mary Jane Bogle, Julie Young

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

December 2021 VOLUME 18

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Servin’ Up Good Eats Around Michiana

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Year-Round Gardening: Caring For Your Live Tree

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| Michiana House and Home | December 2021 | 3

editor’s note...

With Christmas not too far away, how are you doing on your holiday shopping? Party plans? Decorating?

Be sure to make your self a warm beverage and take a few minutes to flip through this month’s issue of Michiana House and Home. This month’s issue is jammed packed with ideas on how to create that dream closet and finding ways to cut down on those energy bills now that the weather has turned colder. We also take a look at home libraries. le with features on spark y holida some d adde And we’ve Bend, two historic South Ruthmere in Elkhart and Copshaholm in for the holidays. dor splen their all in homes that will be decked out early. So with way down ing shopp mas Christ This year I got the of the baseout tree that chore out of the way, I just have to pull the be superviswill oise Turqu e ment and start decorating. And of cours few days a for up tree the put ly ing. If my schedule permits, I usual out. it check can she so and just leave it bare tends to be a bit While Turq. has attempted to climb the tree, she fun starts when The her. hold chunky and isn’t sure the branches will l eye while recritica a with ing watch the tree is decorated, with Turq box. ent ornam posing in an empty st too much for The bright lights and pretty ornaments are almo She has tried her. for just Turq as she assumes it’s a huge cat toy ents there ornam shiny to get to tree to climb up the middle of the them have to only ents, ornam tible collec off or successfully batted

break. Interestingly, she seems to leave the tree alone until I come home from work. Then it’s game on.

The ornaments on my tree are a wonderful eclectic collection representing various I moved out into an aspects of my life as well as those I love. When ents I had received over apartment my mom gave me a bunch of ornam had been on the famthat tree the years as gifts for my own Christmas ents from Pier 1. ornam Bein Li ting collec d ily Christmas tree. I also starte I’d usually purchase one or two each year. an ornament of a When I moved into my house, a friend sent me year I moved in. the and ss decorated front door with my street addre he loved guisince , guitar blue a by d My godson, Miles, is represente tars as a little boy. packages of goodies There is also holiday baking to do. I’ll ship care for my mother’s es cooki to family on the East Coast as well as make Christmas Open House. rugelach, a Jewish Over the years, I’ve become known for making consuming time holiday cookie. While not complicated, these are y. Check out yumm are they as you have to chill the dough twice. But with one that’s along , recipe the ed includ “Servin’ Up Good Eats,” as I’ve r’s night. n winte cold a on great that’s stew beef for a great alternative

Lauren

Lauren Zeugner, Editor

Email: Lzeugner@the-papers.com

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warm greetings HIGHLIGHT YOUR HOME

FOR HOLIDAY GUESTS

by julie young, house & home feature writer

When it comes to welcoming your guests this holiday season, your exterior lights can set a beautiful scene that will beckon everyone to your door. No matter if you opt for simple elegance or install an airstrip fit for eight tiny reindeer, we’ve got the tips you need to wrap your home in a seasonal glow!

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

KEEP IT CLASSIC

There are several aesthetic and practical benefits to outdoor lighting throughout the year. It not only helps revitalize exterior spaces so that they can be used beyond sunset, but also adds a measure of security that helps keep you and your loved ones safe. However, during the holiday season, your outdoor lights can help focal points pop and offer some eye-catching details that folks can’t see during the day!

Homeowners need not incorporate every color of the rainbow or create a synchronized light show to emphasize their holiday style. While there is nothing wrong with going all out on a winter wonderland, experts say simpler is better when it comes to outdoor holiday lights.

Traditional landscape lighting and a few wellplaced spotlights or filters can showcase your window wreaths as well as a festive front door!

For those who are keen to include twinkle lights and other seasonal accoutrements to their landscape, a few simple strands can turn your humble abode into a holiday masterpiece. When planning your overall look, strive for coordinated colors and a definite design rather than something random. Start with the roof and work with your architecture to add an aspect of elegance to your home.

STAY SAFE

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Although it may look like something out of a fairytale, your holiday lighting is not as harmless as a gingerbread house. Live electrical currents are always a concern, so it is important to observe safety measures when installing outdoor

lights. Take care to avoid overloading circuits by linking too many strands together, be mindful of any liquid present when installing lights near the ground, check your outdoor outlets to insure they are functioning properly, and turn off all lights when you are away from the house or sleeping. When in doubt, hire a professional to get the job done. They have the expertise to install a unique holiday look that will complement your home and can even take it away once the season is done!

A lighted home can be seen from far away and when done well, can make your residence a showstopper. Your guests will feel as if they are being guided by a star and will want to make your property their holiday home away from home! n

| Michiana House and Home | December 2021 | 5

there’s no limit when designing your

Dream Closet

By BethAnne Brink-Cox, house & home feature writer

We’re all being encouraged to shop for Christmas early, and maybe your closets, like mine, already have some gifts hidden. That could make you realize your closets aren’t big enough! Well, after Christmas they could seem even smaller, as you put away those new clothes or sheets and towels or toys, and you’ll think ‘where am I going to put all this stuff?’

Time to start planning your dream closet, whatever that might encompass. Rolando Ortiz and his niece Alaina Hawkins, of Closet Craft, Inc. in Goshen, are just the ones to help you do that. Alaina said,”The largest master closets we’ve done so far are around 300 square feet. As far as special requests, we’ve incorporated all sorts of things, from self-winding watch vaults in cabinets, hutches specially made for coffee makers, islands with wine fridges, makeup vanities, and lately we’ve even designed closets with rolling ladders to reach those high up items!” Hawkins went on to say that “Common things we are generally including lately are jewelry drawers or hidden jewelry pullout drawers with keypad locks. We’re also incorporating sleek laundry hampers, ironing board pullouts, and our favorite: LED lights to illuminate clothes softly while dressing, or to better see and display all wardrobe staples and mementos.”

There are certainly preferences as to the flooring, too, whether it be carpeting, rugs, or simple bare floors, and Hawkins explained, “We’ve worked with all types of flooring, but our highest recommendation when it comes to complete remodels or new builds is to include heated floors if it aligns well within your project budget. It’s also wise to bring flooring samples to your consultation or take home closet finish samples to ensure everything still ties together beautifully before you make a final decision.”

6 | Michiana House and Home | December 2021 |

Christmas notwithstanding, Hawkins said, “Quite frankly, it’s never too early to start designing your dream closet!

We get involved before you even break ground, because the closet experience has changed. We’re typically involved with other subs for electrical, windows, counters, etc. to help design the best details that make a long-term difference for the experience you seek. In the last five years, we’ve definitely seen a boom in closets becoming less of just storage and more of a hangout for homeowners as they’ve built and remodeled. For example, the term ‘cloffice’ is not foreign to us anymore, as more bloggers in the area are posting pictures and doing clothing try-on hauls in their closet space, so we’re designing luxury-like dressing rooms to create an experience tailored to the homeowner’s style. We start every project with the bare basics of great closet design for better organization: first we give as much hanging space as possible, add in adequate shelving or drawers and once those bones are solid we stylize with some flair.” Like what, I wondered? Hawkins said, “Like changing all the hardware to gold, black or the newest trend of slate metal for extra wow. And another recent trend is adding wallpaper accents to a wall or even the ceiling. Our favorite way to change style is by changing door and drawer profiles to Shaker fronts and glass accents with LED enhancements throughout.”

And this is a busy business! “A majority of our work is through new construction homes where we’re providing all the closets: pantry, linens, bedrooms. Remodel projects often just ask for help in the master or pantry. Some fun projects lately have been designing more garages to maximize storage space for outdoor supplies and gear,” said Hawkins. “Our business never stopped during the quarantine and in fact increased, as many homeowners wanted to maximize their spaces because they could finally focus on building their dream closets! We haven’t felt the effects of material shortages as strongly as others have, which would slow down installs. But being a small team does provide its challenges, pushing through our busy seasons that have almost doubled in volume and size. We take a lot of pride in the craftsmanship we provide and we always ensure it’s done well. Our team’s great efforts have created some beautiful closets in the last few years and our clients are still loving them to this day.”

Photos courtesy of Closet Craft, Goshen

Just as it is with your children, you can’t really pick a favorite, but Hawkins said, “Each one of our top closets has something special which makes it a favorite. But our whole team loves a closet we completed last fall in Michigan, with a darker grey wood-grain finish with Shaker glass doors, LED lights and just the right amount of space for everything you need. Most importantly though, we always remind our clients that closets can be simple or glamorous, but clothes don’t care where or how they hang, and at the end of the day it will always be just a closet that helps you stay organized!’ n

Ways to reduce your heating bill

By Julie Young, house & home feature writer

Winter in Indiana can be stressful. Aside from the treacherous icy roads and shoveling the driveway, there’s always the looming threat that the chill will reach inside our homes, causing us to crank the heat and costing us more in the long run, all for a few degrees of warmth.

We may not have much control over the snowfall or the roads, but there are proactive and preventative measures you can take to help keep that heating bill inside the home low.

Operations Manager for Element Masters in Middlebury Dan Godfrey says that homeowners can save roughly one percent of energy cost per degree when they set their thermostat back.

“If you can get acclimated to a cooler temperature in your home like 68 degrees instead of 70 degrees that also obviously will help save on the cost of fuel or electric,” he added. While you’re away, or during the nighttime hours, are especially good times to make use of a lowered temperature.

In addition to this, there are many things that could go wrong with your furnace and lower the effectiveness of your unit, forcing you to use extra energy to get your home up to a comfortable temperature.

Godfrey says furnaces should be checked once a year to ensure efficiency.

If your furnace maintenance is up-to-date, and you’ve acclimated yourself to a lower temperature, or even if you can’t, there are still measures you can take to ensure that your home maintains a comfortable temperature.

There are also other potential energy skyrocketing fixtures in homes- windows! Windows that are older, single panel, or not properly sealed can contribute to heat loss within a home. Any home with poor insulation will also suffer from higher energy bills due to loss of heat.

“Addressing both of these items can make a difference on energy costs,” Godfrey said.

Homes with fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are particularly beneficial when it comes to the cold winter months in Indiana, helping to offset some of the heating cost. Some homes may even be able to rely solely on those for most if not all of the season.

If you don’t have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you can still create an environment that feels warmer using a humidifier. It’s true that humidifiers help to make a home feel warmer.

“Higher humidity makes it feel warmer,” Godfrey said. “Just like an 80-degree day in the summer feels a lot hotter when the humidity is higher. Adding some humidity to the home may even help you keep the thermostat cooler by a degree or two.” n Photos: Shutterstock.com

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| Michiana House and Home | December 2021 | 7

Visit Copshaholm to Experience a

Victorian Christmas The Oliver Mansion’s Dining Room is one of many rooms where visitors can enjoy Christmas decorations. The mansion is part of The History Museum.

8 | Michiana House and Home | December 2021 |

Festooned fireplace mantels and stairways are a highlight of the Oliver Mansion’s Main Hall at the holidays. The mansion is part of The History Museum.

By BethAnne Brink-Cox, house & home feature writer

There is nothing like a beautifully decorated home to warm the spirit at Christmas, and when it is a historic home the pleasure is multiplied giving a peek into bygone days and traditions, wonder and delight.

Copshaholm museum curator Kristie Erickson said, “For me personally, my favorite is the traditional tree in the Den with its candles and toys all around. You can just imagine the Oliver family gathering around during the season!” Copshaholm, 808 W. Washington St., South Bend, was originally known as the Joseph D. Oliver House, and was built for the Oliver family, founders of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works. Copshaholm was the name of the Scottish village of the patriarch.

Erickson said, “The museum has always done some level of Christmas decorations for the public! In the 1990s we celebrated St. Nick’s Night, an old tradition in early December where children put their shoes out for St. Nicholas to leave gifts in them. For the mansion, this meant decorations and special Christmas tours. In 2003, we began Christmas at Copshaholm, where guests could see actors performing a play during their tour. Every year we try to do something a little different and special for people to see.

“We only know a few things about what the Olivers did historically for Christmas. James Oliver remarked in his diary once that his son J.D.’s home looked “like a toy store” when he visited

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A Christmas tree with Victorian-inspired decorations is shown in the Oliver Mansion’s Den, the room where the family placed their own Christmas tree for many years. The mansion is part of The History Museum.

near the holidays, and we know the family traditionally placed their tree in the Den. To honor that legacy, we decorate the Den as a traditional Victorian Christmas, something like the family might have seen. The tree is sparse, more like what the family would have had, and features electric candles and blown glass ornaments. You can also see toys all around the room, including Catherine Oliver’s doll from the early 1900s. In the rest of the home, we try to keep an aesthetic that is appropriate to the house and use vintage reproductions if possible,” said Erickson. “There are just a couple rooms that the public doesn’t see. But the house features decorations on all three floors, including 11 Christmas trees, garlands, lights, and lots of table decorations. Every room will be ready for the season!”

It is always a boon to the public when a historic home becomes a museum they can attend. Erickson said, “We began giving tours in 1990, which is an interesting time for how many families were celebrating Christmas.

There was a strong feeling of nostalgia, and people wanted the holiday to have the same sense it did for them as a child. But the increasingly busy lifestyles of the ‘80s and ‘90s made that impossible for many and spreadapart families made it hard for people to be “home for the holidays.... At the Oliver Mansion, ... I think the variety we provide is also a great feature – you’ll see dozens of different Santa Clauses, snowmen, angels, and vintage ornaments all around the home. Our staff works very hard to make each room different and appropriate for the space, and their attention to detail is just phenomenal.”

Another old time tradition that is always welcomed today is not just outdoor decorating but live displays. Erickson said, “We have certainly had carolers and even carriage rides in the past, both outside and inside the home. In the last few years newer lighting technologies have let us do a lot more outside, and now passers-by can enjoy beautiful lights in our gardens during the Christmas season.”

What would such a tour cost? “Tours of the Oliver Mansion are available daily.

The History Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum is $10/adults, $8.50/ seniors, $6/youth 6-17, and free/members. For an additional charge, visitors can visit the adjacent Studebaker National Museum. For our Christmas at Copshaholm program, regular admission is $20, and $15 for members.”

“Our best-selling item is our Copshaholm book that features photographs and stories of the Oliver Mansion and family. Also popular are items relating to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, (as immortalized in “A League of Their Own” where South Bend was represented by the Blue Sox)....” said Erickson. Definitely put a bug in Santa’s ear! n

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Photo courtesy of Matzke Florist, Elkhart

Ruthmere to celebrate in style

By BethAnne Brink-Cox, house & home feature writer

When you think of holiday decorations you’re probably thinking Santa, reindeer, flashing lights and glitz, inside and out. But in bygone days the look was much simpler, as well, originating from different countries and their traditions. That could mean strings of popcorn and candles on the tree, cookies, tinsel, all kinds of things you probably don’t see any more. Wouldn’t you love to step back in time and immerse yourself in history to see that?

Ruthmere Museum Campus invites you to do so!

Ruthmere House, formerly known as the Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley residence, a three story mansion, is the most prominent historic residence in Elkhart. It was built in 1910 by the Beardsleys, named in part for their daughter Ruth, and according to Bill Firstenberger, executive director, has been a house museum since 1973. He said Ruthmere Campus does a different decorating scheme every year, while the Havilah Beardsley House, down the street, sticks to traditional 19th century decorations, in keeping with its history.

Havilah Beardsley built the house in 1848, which was two stories at the time with one story wings added later. Beardsley was one of the founders of Elkhart, and the house is now operated as a museum, part of the Ruthmere Campus.

10 | Michiana House and Home | December 2021 |

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Obviously you can’t have lit candles on a Christmas tree any longer, but Firstenberger said,” But you can buy electric candles, and we do that wherever it makes sense to use them, as long as they’re realistic looking. For obvious reasons, no open flames are allowed in either house.”

Outside decorations are seasonal. Inside, Firstenberger said, “...

Any of the open spaces will be decorated. And you may or may not see docents and other staff in period costumes, according to their

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personal wishes. One or two of our docents are into first-person interpretation, and if that’s their thing, we are fine with that.

“When you come for tours, we have a basic structural frame or baseline to follow, and every tour guide is expected to develop their own personal take and story, as long as the facts are accurate. ”

Ruthmere Campus started decorating according to a theme some years back, Firstenberger said, using an overarching theme with individual components. “Two years ago, we did “Christmas by Design,” partnering with area designers, who could do pretty much whatever they wanted, while observing the necessary rules such as no Scotch tape on the walls.”

Every designer paired with a local nonprofit charity, using their contacts to invite guests to vote on the designs. At the end of December, the design with the most votes earned $1,000 for their charity. This year’s theme is ‘Hollywood Holiday,’ incorporating favorite Christmas movies, such as ‘A Christmas Story.’ Again, we have paired charities with Ruthmere staff members, volunteers or local designers and encourage help with social media promotion.”

Firstenberger said they did have tours last year, “Lower attendance, of course, reduced tour sizes. We’re still doing that as best practice, and masks are optional. Our policy is that our interpreters/ guides are encouraged to wear masks if that makes them more comfortable, although if a guide has not been vaccinated, they must wear an N-95 mask.”

The prices to attend these two beautiful homes are: Ruthmere Campus costs $10 for adults, and $5 for children, while Beardsley is $5 for adults and $2 for children. However, many people want to see both historic homes, and so a reduced campus price is available at $13 for adults and $5 for students. Even better, Wednesday is always Senior Discount Day, and seniors can visit both homes for just $10.

Any good museum has a gift shop which is always a delight to browse. In July, the Havilah Beardsley house featured an exhibit called “Beyond Wedgwood Blue,” more than 120 pieces encompassing ceramic plates and bowls, jewelry and more.

Firstenberger said the Wedgwood cameo in the gift shop is a big seller, and he is expecting good sales of a new book, “Robert Recalls, “ the recollections of Robert Beardsley, former president of the board of directors. He said the museum is known for teas, and so there are also items tea lovers will want. n

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| THE ULTIMATE |

Check it out!

THE EVOLUTION OF THE HOME LIBRARY

by julie young, house & home feature writer

Once upon a time (read: pre-Downton Abbey era) the home library was a formal space where the head of the household, usually a wealthy landowner in the European countryside, stored his cherished volumes, conducted his business, and received his most important guests.

Thanks to the influence of America, the traditional library evolved to become the “modern” family’s pre-Internet information superhighway. The Edwardians of the Gilded Age not only used the room as a reading nook, but it was also a place to conduct business, share news, socialize with their network of friends, play games, and listen to music. In short, it was the non-electric “smart room” of the house. Why not create one of your own?

BEYOND THE COVER According to Kristie Erickson, deputy executive director of The History Museum in South Bend, the traditional library was a family room that often doubled as a home office.

In time however, it was separated from the study, which was designated for business and academic pursuits.

“It had the most comfortable furniture and was meant to be shared with family and friends,” she said. “It was not a quiet room filled with books.”

Erickson said today’s home library can include anything that is important to the family that lives there. It may be a space to display a carefully curated collection, serve as a music hub, a book nook, a place to put together puzzles and so much more. The key is to create a comfortable place that you can share with others.

12 | Michiana House and Home | December 2021 |

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“How a homeowner uses the library is dependent on what they want to get out of their home,” Erickson said. “I love having a room full of books that I can share with family and friends. To me, the two go hand in hand.”

TABLE OF CONTENTS When creating your home library, it is important to have the proper storage for the items you plan to keep or display in the space. Shelving for books, games, music and collectibles will help keep your library organized while a gallery wall will enable you to display your favorite artworks no matter if they were created by Picasso or your preschooler. You’ll also want to outfit the room with comfortable furnishings that welcome guests and encourage them to stay a while.

Photo courtesy of Brandenberry

Janine Blosser, with Brandenberry Furniture, Shipshewana Furniture in Shipshewana said when it comes to the home library, customers can choose from a full line-up of Amish made, solid wood furniture in a variety of styles and finishes. She said most folks will want to outfit the space with seating that is appropriate to the task at hand as well as tables and cabinetry that will complement their activities.

“Comfortable chairs with a small table between them are always popular, but sometimes a desk or office chair is desired as well.

Above all, you want to make sure that you have appropriate lighting so that you can get the most out of your room,” she said.

No matter if it is a communal gathering area or a private sanctuary to curl up with your favorite volumes or journal, the home library is worth checking out. It can hold the chapters of your family’s story and can serve as the backdrop to many happy endings! n

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RESOURCES Brandenberry Furniture, Shipshewana, 855.786.3270

www.brandenberryamishfurniture.com The History Museum, South Bend, 574.235.9664

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| Michiana House and Home | December 2021 | 13

One of my favorite Food Network Chef’s is Ina Garten, the “Barefoot Contessa.”

This recipe for Beef Bourguignon is from her “Barefoot in Paris” cookbook. It’s her take on Julia Child’s (another cooking fave) recipe but takes considerably less time.

I decided to try this recipe after reading a review where the reviewer said the recipe was fairly easy to pull together. I made this on a cold rainy Saturday when I just didn’t have time to make my Grandma Zeugner’s beef stew.

Not only is this Beef Bourguignon delicious, but flaming the brandy, which I had never done before, is fun too.

Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon good olive oil 8 ounces of good bacon, diced 2 1/2 pounds of beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 pound carrots, sliced diagonally into 1-inch chunks 2 yellow onions sliced 2 teaspoons chopped garlic (2 cloves) 1/2 cup Cognac or good brandy 1 (750 mil) good dry red wine such as Burgundy - be sure to grab an extra bottle to drink with dinner 2-2 1/2 cups canned beef broth

1 Tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick ) unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 pound frozen small whole onions 1 pound mushrooms, stems discarded, caps thickly sliced.

For Serving: Country bread, toasted or grilled 1 garlic clove- cut in half 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley- optional

14 | Michiana House and Home | December 2021 |

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Beef Bourguignon

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occassionally, until the bacon is lightly browned.

Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a large plate.

Dry the beef cubes with paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper. In batches, in single layers, sear the beef in the hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove the seared beef cubes to the plate with the bacon and continue searing until all the beef is browned. Set aside.

Toss the carrots, onions, 1 Tablespoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of pepper into the fat in the pan and cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the Cognac, stand back and ignite with a match to burn off the alcohol. (Editor’s note- Turn the heat off before doing this! As soon as the flames are gone- turn the heat back on) Put the meat and bacon back into the pot with any juices that may have accumulated on the plate. Add the wine plus enough beef broth to almost cover the meat.

Add the tomato past and thyme. Bring to a boil, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place in the oven for 1 1/4 hours or until the meat and vegetables are very tender. Remove from the oven and place on top of the stove.

Combine 2 Tablespoons of butter and the flour with a fork and stir into the stew. Add the frozen onions. In a medium pan, sauté the mushrooms with the remaining two Tablespoons of butter over medium heat for 10 minutes or until lightly browned, and then add to the stew. Bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste.

Rub each slice of toasted or grilled bread with garlic and either serve on the side or spoon the stew over the bread. Sprinkle with parsley.

Rugelach I honestly don’t remember where I found this recipe, or what inspired me to even attempt it. But it’s become a favorite at my mom’s annual Christmas Open House.

The first year I made this, I made four batches of dough- each making four dozen. We had rugelach until Valentine’s Day.

DEC. 1-19 | SOUTH BEND

Ingredients: 8 Ounces Cream Cheese at room temperture 1/2 pound butter at room temperature 1/4 cup and 9 Tablespoons of sugar, divided 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 Cups flour

Shutterstock.com

michiana around

Gift of Lights – Potawatomi Zoo Community Christmas tree lighting at the Muensterberg Plaza and Clock 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 500 S. Greenlawn Ave. 574-235-9800 www.potawatomizoo.org

Filling: 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1 1/2 Teaspoons Cinnamon, divided 3/4 Cup raisins 1 Cup walnuts, finely chopped 1/2 Cup apricot preserves pureed in the food processor 1 egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon water

DEC. 3 | WABASH

First Friday

Alternate Filling: Replace the apricot preserves with raspberry preserves and the raisins with mini chocolate chips if you want.

Directions: Cream the cream cheese and butter together in a mixture until light and fluffy. Add 1/4 cup sugar, the salt and vanilla. Mix until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour and mix until combined.

Dump the dough out onto a well floured board and roll into a ball. Cut the ball into quarters, wrap each one in plastic wrap and chill one hour.

While the dough chills, make the filling by combining 6 Tablespoons of sugar, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, raisins and walnuts.

Once the dough is chilled, take a ball, and on a well floured ball, use a rolling pin and roll the ball of dough into 9 inch circle.

Spread the dough with 2 Tablespoons of preserves and sprinkle with a 1/2 cup of filling. Press the filling lightly into the dough with either clean hands or the rolling pin. Cut the circle into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece from the outside towards the center and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, points tucked under. Chill 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove cookies from the refrigerator, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with remaining sugar and cinnamon combined. Bake 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned.

Editor’s Note — Don’t worry if you have difficulty rolling the cookie dough into a circle. My rugelach usually looks very “rustic” and no one cares. I’ve also seen the dough rolled into a rectangle with strips cut and rolled up so the cookie is more log shaped. n

Theme: “Winter Wonderland” 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Free admission Downtown 260-563-0975 www.wabashmarketplace.org

DEC. 3 | WARSAW

First Friday

Festive block party atmosphere with food, nonprofit and business vendors, live entertainment 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Free admission Downtown around county courthouse 574-267-6311 www.warsawcdc.org/first-friday

DEC. 3-5, 10-12 | SOUTH BEND

Howard Holiday Market 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays 219 S. St. Louis Blvd.

574-299-4765 www.visithowardpark.com

DEC. 4 | WINONA LAKE

Tree Lighting Ceremony Christmas light displays with coordinating music, free hot chocolate, Toys for Tots drop box. Carolers from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Free admission Downtown Winona Lake 574-268-9888 www.villageatwinona.com

THE BARNS AT NAPPANEE | NAPPANEE • Dec. 18, Dinner with Dickens, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $99/adults, $49/children 12 and under • Dec. 31,A Musical Christmas Carol, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, call for pricing 1600 W. Market St., Nappanee, 574-773-4188 www.thebarnsatnappanee.com

MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | SOUTH BEND • Dec. 2-5, “Cats,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $38.50 to $113.50 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend, 574-235-9190 www.morriscenter.org

WAGON WHEEL THEATRE | WARSAW • Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, “Elf,” 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m.

Sundays, $40/adult, $35/senior (60+), $20/student (13 through college), $15/child (12 and under) Wagon Wheel Theatre, 2515 E. Center St., Warsaw.

866-823-2618 www.wagonwheelcenter.org

| Michiana House and Home | December 2021 | 15 Photos: Shutterstock.com

| YEAR-ROUND GARDENING |

e v i L Tree

Caring For Your

By Bethany Beebe

The average American family uses an artificial Christmas tree six to nine years and then sends it off to the landfill(1). Instead of this petroleum-based Yule experience, many enjoy a real tree. With some basic information, the tree used during classic Christmases past can thrive through Christmas present.

Purdue Extension writes that if freshly cut at the time of purchase, a tree can last from about Thanksgiving to just after Christmas(1). Whether buying from a big-box retailer or heading to the tree farm, armed with some basic information, you can welcome Santa with style!

Keeping the tree healthy after cutting is largely dependent on water. Once inside, a tree

16 | Michiana House and Home | December 2021 |

stand will be needed. Many varieties exist, but for a medium-grade, reusable stand, one might pay $15-25. The reservoir in the stand ought to hold at least one quart of water for each inch in diameter of the tree’s trunk. That may sound like a great deal of water, but the first week it is with you, a cut Christmas tree that is seven feet tall could use two quarts each day! To address this need, be sure to check the supply daily, and don’t forget pets may be partaking of your parchedness prevention(1).

If allowed to dry out, the process of preparing the base will need to be redone. To prepare the base, whether at initial set up or later in the process should it dry, cut ½ inch off the bottom of the trunk. When the ability to take up water is lost, so is the tree’s ability to stay green.

Relatedly, if you purchase a tree and decide to wait for set up, keeping it in a bucket of water will prevent drying(1).

Temperature is another factor that can extend or shorten the life of a tree. In the house, keeping the tree away from heat vents, operational stoves, or direct sunlight will aid in moisture retention. If you purchase the tree but plan to wait for setup, keeping it somewhere like a garage or shed will protect it, but keep it cool.

The garage or shed will not only act as large refrigeration, but such structures will also block the moisture-stealing wind(1).

When the season is done, you can let your tree, which took an average seven years to grow, live on. Take the tree to a local facility for recycling, where valuable mulch is often created(2).

Some of that mulch might go to the planting of new trees. According to Old Farmers Almanac, one to three seedlings are planted for each tree harvested(2). While it is not legal in all areas, some sink the spent trees in bodies of water so that aquatic life might seek shelter(1,2).

For even more information on Christmas trees, including how to select your preferred variety, check out Purdue Extension’s publication FNR-422-W(3). n (1) https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-423-W.pdf (2) https://www.almanac.com/how-do-christmas-trees-grow#h (3) https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-422-w.pdf

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| Michiana House and Home | December 2021 | 17

Mistletoe istletoe is a parasitic plant that is often used as a symbol M of renewal because it stays green all winter.

• There are 1,300 mistletoe species world wide. The continental US and Canada are home to 30 species while Hawaii is home to another six.

Did You Know?

Poinsettia

• As they mature, mistletoes grow into thick often rounded masses of branches until they look like baskets, sometimes called “witches brooms” measuring 5 feet wide and weighing 50 pounds.

• A variety of birds including owls and Cooper’s hawks are known to nest in mistletoe “witches brooms.”

o flower says Christmas more like a N poinsettia. Joel Roberts Poinsett, introduced the plant to the United States from Mexico.

Poinsett, was a botanist, physician and first United States Ambassador to Mexico.

• The showy colored parts of poinsettias that most people thing of as flowers are actually colored bracts. The flower part is in the middle of the brachts.

• There are more than 100 varieties of poinsettias today. They come in colors like red, white, pink, burgundy, marbled and speckled.

• In Mexico, the Poinsettia is a perennial shrub that will grow 10-15 feel tall.

Christmas Tree T he first decorated Christmas tree was in Riga, Latvia, in 1510.

• Thomas Edison’s assistant, Edward Johnson, came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees in 1882. Christmas tree lights were first mass-produced in 1890.

• The tradition of an official Chicago Christmas tree was initiated in 1913 when one was first lit

by Mayor Carter H. Harrison in Grant Park.

• Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was the first President to place a Christmas tree in the White House.

• President Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the White House Lawn in 1923. n

... and now you know!

18 | Michiana House and Home | December 2021 |

Photos: Shutterstock.com

Information provided by the University of Illinois Extension and the National Wildlife Federation.

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