What's Up? Georgian Bay - December 2022

What’s Up? Georgian Bay FREE

Make the Ultimate Holiday Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic for a reason – they are fun to make and decorate, and even more fun to eat.

T

ry out Chef Anna Olson’s Classic Gingerbread Cookies recipe below.

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Makes: Approximately 2 dozen

Ingredients

Gingerbread

Directions

Cookies:

1. For the gingerbread, use an electric beater or a stand mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar together at medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the molasses and maple syrup until smooth. Add the egg and beat in the ginger.

2. In a separate bowl, sift the flour with the ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, allspice and cloves. Add these dry ingredients all at once to the butter mixture and mix at low speed until combined. Wrap the dough in two discs and chill for at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.

3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to just under 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) thick.

4. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and sizes and transfer these to the baking trays, 1-inch (2.5 cm) apart.

5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned at the edges. Transfer to a wire rack to cool before decorating.

Royal Icing:

1. Place the icing sugar, meringue powder and water into a bowl. Beat on low speed until the icing sugar is incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the icing comes together and is fluffy, about 5 minutes. Set aside some of the icing in a bowl with plastic wrap.

2. To make a “flood” style of icing that spreads over the cookie, add just a little more water to the bowl of icing until it spreads on its own but will completely cover a cookie. Add food colouring in small amounts until you reach the colour intensity you want.

3. Spoon the “flood” style icing into a piping bag fitted with a small, plain tip. Pipe an outline on the cookie and then fill it in with icing, or pipe dots and use a toothpick to swirl the colours. Allow 4 to 6 hours for the icing to dry.

4. After drying, use the reserved icing to pipe additional details on top of the flooded layer then sprinkle with coloured sugars. Dry for an additional 4 hours.

Publisher’s Welcome

It is an absolute pleasure to welcome you to What’s Up? Georgian Bay - the very first issue of our brand new monthly publication! The first issue may be starting at the end of the year, but for us, it’s the start of something big – and 2023 is looking brighter than ever. Before this issue even hits the stands, we can barely contain our excitement about both the magazine and all the wonderful things happening in Georgian Bay.

We are thrilled to become a part of your celebrations, part of your events, part of your daily lives and part of helping you to broadcast your important news. We look forward to becoming part of the fabric of your life in this amazing community we call home.

The origin behind our name is simple, What’s up? Georgian Bay is grounded in sharing the views, perspectives, stories and events in Georgian Bay. We are excited to grow and expand as time goes on and are interested in hearing more from you… Let us know what you’re interested in, what you want to see more of, what interests you and what inspires your passion! There’s so much to love about life in Georgian Bay and our aim is to celebrate everything Georgian Bay and helping to shine a spotlight on What’s Up?

I would like to take a moment to thank our team for the hard work to launch this magazine. As you open your first issue, it is our sincere hope that you are inspired and enjoy this issue created just for you.

Merry Christmas and may 2023 bring you happiness, peace and prosperity!

Victoria Ledden Publisher

Start a New Tradition this Holiday Season

(NC) It’s that time of the year again: we pick out greeting cards, maybe take a family photo, and open up that box of unique decorations and ornaments.

Other favourite traditions may include putting lights on the house or a fresh tree, or perhaps a reusable one. And, of course, we make plans to visit friends and family to celebrate the holidays and see in the New Year.

This year, why not consider getting to know other traditions, or even creating a new tradition with your family or friends?

Here are three idea starters:

1. Host a holiday dessert party – invite colleagues, friends or neighbours to a sweet potluck where they share and describe their favourite traditional desserts that all can enjoy with a cup of egg nog or mulled cider – and be ready to share the recipes digitally, too!

2. Host a holiday story evening – guests bring a craft, ornament, decoration or photo if it’s too large to bring – and share its story. How did they acquire it, why did they buy it and what does it mean to them?

3. Create a new giving tradition – charity gift catalogues like World Vision Canada’s offer a unique opportunity for children to pick a family gift like goats or chickens, or to gift a teacher or grandparent with a meaningful gift like school essentials, crop seeds for farmers, a scarf or jewellery – or a special angel ornament for the tree! Ask children, or help them, to write in the gift cards why they chose that specific gift.

This time of year is so special for so many reasons. Take time to learn the stories behind treats or traditions, and see the holiday season in a new light.

Clean Smarter for the Holidays

(NC) The holiday season means a fresh list of to-dos: digging out your favourite warm sweaters, preparing festive meals and scheduling get-togethers with family and friends. Keeping on top of household tasks can seem challenging during this festive time. Below are a few tips to help streamline the cleaning process.

1. WORK TOGETHER – AND MAKE IT FESTIVE Assign each household member a task, whether that’s keeping your driveway free of snow, washing the holiday sweaters or making sure the kitchen is sparkly-clean for your holiday guests. Switch them up regularly, and make sure you have the holiday tunes playing to create a festive atmosphere.

2. DO DOUBLE DUTY With smart home technology you can start or check in on your household chores via your smartphone, which means you can start the laundry remotely while you’re out shoveling the snow or doing your holiday shopping.

3. WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER Try setting a timer and see how quickly you can complete your chores. Look at tools like new washing/drying technology that make each washing stage quicker. In general, make a plan, start at the top and work your way down and let the cleaning products and tools do the hard work.

Festive Charcuterie Wreath

What are the holidays without a Charcuterie platter? Make it festive by arranging antipasto skewers into a fun and easy Charcuterie Wreath then decorate with rosemary to make it a show stopper for parties and potlucks all season long! It’s sure to be the hit of the holidays.

This is less recipe and more instruction – simply gather all your favourite antipasto foods, skewer them on large toothpicks and arrange into a wreath shape. It makes a big impact on the appetizer table, plus it’s a great way to serve antipasto – just grab a couple of skewers - no muss, no fuss, no fingers touching everything on the platter (you know who you are!) It travels well, can be made well ahead of time and is easy on the budget.

Suggested items – or just use your favourites

Mixing white, red and green makes for a beautiful antipasto wreath.

• Mozzarella pearls

• Fontina

• Havarti

• Manchego

• Boursin cheese chunks

• Pepperoni

• Salami

• Ham

• Prosciutto

• Green and/or Black Olives

• Mini pickles or gherkins

• Artichoke Hearts (marinated)

• Roasted Red Pepper

• Grape tomatoes

• Cucumber slices

• Grapes

• Mini corn cobs

• Rosemary sprigs

• Thyme

• Basil

• Pea shoots or microgreens

• Large Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Gather your ingredients, prep any that need chopping, slicing or cubing.

2. Using large toothpicks, skewer ingredients and arrange in a wreath shape on a large serving board or round platter.

3. Transfer to refrigerator until ready to serve.

For travel, skewers may be placed into a container in rows and arranged on the board at your destination.

Have fun, make it your own and enjoy!

Welcome to What’s Up? Georgian Bay. Here’s the thing… I love Christmas! There, I said it, with an exclamation mark no less. I love the fairy lights, Christmas movies, decorated trees, holiday music and all the parades. Christmas, as corny and cheesy, as gluttonous and predictable as it can be, is perhaps the only time of year that the majority of us can come together on some core principles – as a time to have the family get together, as a celebration to break up the long cold winter months and as an excuse to indulge in great food! I love the opportunity to focus on what’s important: being with friends and family, watching TV specials, singing carols and sneaking the last of the chocolates.

It wouldn’t be the holidays without firing up Great-Granny’s stuffing mix… or indulging in brandy soaked fruitcake. The magic of holiday traditions are powerful. Within this issue, we hope you’ll find some new ideas to incorporate into your holiday tradition. Make a festive charcuterie wreath (pg 6), stump the family with some holiday trivia (pg 12) or try a new make ahead brunch (pg 18) so you can spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen.

The holidays help us nurture the values we hold dear – Goodwill to all, Peace on Earth – that sustain and guide us. With that in mind, we encourage you to enrich your community by shopping locally to support our neighbours and small businesses (pg 13), find some time to help out at a community event, and make a donation to a charity that helps others or discover a new way to make a lasting impact. Embrace the tradition. The things that matter endure. We make an effort to do better. We think of people less fortunate. We see the other fellow’s point of view. We offer the best of the season when greeting total strangers, and we mean it.

So to our community, we at What’s Up? Georgian Bay extends a glass of holiday cheer and wish you a very happy holiday season – it really is the best time of the year! (couldn’t resist!)

Joy Fleury Editor-in-chief

5 Ways to Support Mental Health this Season

(NC) Few things fill someone’s heart like the knowledge that someone cares about how they are feeling and doing.

But often our stress and anxiety intensify during the holiday season. Some Canadians have experienced loss that is magnified this time of year or come to this season exhausted or dreading the busyness ahead.

During this time of often added pressure, how can we guard our own mental health, while looking out for others?

Here are 5 suggestions:

Find the right support. 211 is the Government of Canada’s twenty-four-seven hotline that provides free access to a mental health professional. It can also connect you with resources in your community.

Confide in someone. Trust a friend, neighbour, coworker or family member with how you are doing. Let them know you would welcome an invite for coffee or a chat on Zoom, on the phone, or in person.

Get your steps in. While exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing, just 15 minutes of aerobic exercise can have a profound effect on your mood.

Help others. Relating to others and providing a gift of mental health support, like for children struggling in conflict zones or after climate

disasters, can help us feel part of a larger world family and that we are making a purposeful difference. The World Vision Gift Catalogue can provide children with access to safe spaces, psychosocial support and other resources to support their mental health.

Lean into gratitude. Even in the darkest times, we can find things and people to be thankful for. As Canadians, we can pause to appreciate peace and the freedoms and opportunities we have. Bringing loved ones and thanking them for kind gestures can improve mental health and wellbeing.

The need for a strong sense of community has become progressively more important in recent years. It strikes me that in our increasingly fractious world the need to identify the things that bind us together are being put aside in favour of the things that divide us and a pandemic has certainly not helped.

We are, here in fantastic Wasaga Beach and Clearview, part of an amazing and progressive community that has a lot going for it. Quiet, safe, stunningly beautiful surroundings, excellent services and most of all, a caring population.

As a local business owner, I have the opportunity to see a large percentage of the locals come through our doors and get to know them pretty well. It’s amazing what people will tell an almost complete stranger! From recent arrivals from war-torn Europe, who can’t believe how fortunate they are to have landed in “Paradise” to folks who have lived here their entire lives I can tell you we live in a place that truly cares.

The Food Bank does incredible work. The toy donation box fills up every December. Fundraising for families with sick or disabled children happen all the time, usually conducted by other than the family themselves. Families in need of support in many other ways get the help they need. We had a very successful fundraiser for JumpStart charities in September. I have witnessed countless acts of kindness from supporting local hospices, helping the homeless, supporting long-term care facilities and PTSD support groups. The list goes on and on. It gives me great pleasure to participate in as many of these causes as I can.

In my years with Canadian Tire, I have moved around to a number of towns and I can honestly say that Wasaga/Clearview is the kindest, most caring place I’ve ever been. We don’t agree on everything that goes on in our society, nor should we, but we always step up to the plate when it counts. We are entering into what may be, for some, a long, difficult winter. With the cost of everything going up we will see more folks in need of community support including food and warmth.

The importance of community support is extremely high right now. Let’s all help, however we can.

Kenn Voss – Owner

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from everyone at

How Rising Interest Rates Impact Borrowing Money

(NC) Research shows that more than half of all Canadians lack the numeracy skills needed to properly understand charts, numbers and documents that impact your level of debt or savings. With interest rates on the rise, it’s important to understand how interest works and how it will impact the cost of borrowing.

INTEREST BASICS

Interest is, simply put, the amount of money you must pay back for the privilege of borrowing money. The Bank of Canada sets a benchmark rate that it moves up or down in an effort to quell rising inflation and stabilize the economy. Other lenders set their rates based on the Bank of Canada’s figure.

CREDIT CARD INTEREST

The most common form of debt most of us face is from our credit cards. The interest rate credit cards charge is very high, often 20 per cent or more. These rates aren’t really impacted by changes to the federal bank rate, but if you use a line of credit to pay off your credit card bills, the interest rate on your credit line will go up if rates continue to rise.

FIXED VERSUS VARIABLE

The biggest form of debt most Canadians have is a mortgage on their home or condo. There are two basic types of mortgages you can apply for: a fixed rate or a variable rate mortgage. Fixed rate mortgages, as the name suggests, are set at a fixed interest rate amount for the duration of the term, often five years.

VARIABLE RATE MORTGAGE

These mortgages start at a lower interest than fixed rates, but will rise as interest rates go up. However, if interest rates go down, the rate on your variableinterest mortgage will also go down.

Variable rates can offer savings, while fixed rates provide the security of knowing exactly how much you’ll owe.

CONSOLIDATED LOANS

If your debt has become unmanageable and is growing every month, speak to your lender about possible solutions, such as combining multiple debts into one lower-interest loan.

ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Money Matters program offers free workbooks, activities and workshops to help Canadians better manage their finances. Learn more at abcmoneymatters.ca. www.newscanada.com

How to Keep Pets Happy & Healthy this Holiday Season

(Family Features) The holiday season means fun and festivities for all, but getting wrapped up in all the excitement and celebrations can lead to forgetting about safety and precautions, especially for pets.

Consider these seven tips to help you spot potential hazards around the holidays and keep your pets healthy and happy.

Food for Thought:

Sweet treats and savory bites are treasured holiday pastimes for humans, but that can also mean things like chocolates, nuts and animal bones should be supervised carefully so your pets don’t ingest something toxic or harmful. Other human foods to put on the do-not-share list include garlic, onions and grapes. It’s also wise to keep your trash in a tightly sealed container or hidden somewhere your pet can’t access.

Keep Calm and Carry On:

The holiday season brings people together for milestones and celebrations, but all the hoopla can be stressful for pets. From the loud music and new visitors to kids running around or fireworks going off, some pets can become overwhelmed. To help keep your pets comfortable and calm, try turning on a TV or some soothing music in a quiet room away from the noises or let them curl up on their favourite bed with a toy or treat to distract them. You can also try introducing a calming supplement like Zesty Paws Calming Bites for Dogs that may help with normal stress, nervousness and hyperactivity during stressful situations.

Watch Out for Tree Trimmings and Poisonous Plants:

While poinsettias and festive fir trees are holiday classics, they can also be extremely hazardous to pets. It’s important to be careful about what you’re bringing inside your home. Many holiday plants like holly, lilies, amaryllis and even pine needles from trees can be toxic if ingested. If ingestion does occur, contact a pet poison hotline or your veterinarian. If it’s after hours or in the event of an emergency, find your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic.

Watch the Weather:

Changing temperatures and harsh conditions can wreak havoc on human skin, so it’s no surprise it can also affect pets’ skin and coats. You can try reducing their bathing frequency, keeping up with brushings and providing extra hydration to keep them feeling their best. Another way to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy is to add supplements that contain essential fatty acids. A fish oil, like Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, provides omega-3s for dogs to help nourish their skin and coats.

Stick to a Routine:

Pets thrive on routines for feeding, potty breaks and exercise, so be conscious of how your holiday plans may shake things up. Try to stick to your regular schedule as closely as possible or consider asking a friend or relative to help if you’ll be away during regular feeding or outdoor break times.

Spend Some Quality Time:

In addition to providing companionship and love, spending time with pets can also reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, and encourage exercise and playfulness. Even though you may be traveling or

partying with friends, be sure to spend some quality

For more information and ways to keep your pets happy and healthy, visit

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Christmas Trivia

Looking to make your family Christmas party a little more exciting this season? Test your knowledge of the most wonderful time of year with these fun trivia facts to make your holiday get together even more merry!

Which popular Christmas beverage is also called “milk punch?” Eggnog

How many ghosts show up in A Christmas Carol? Four

What did the other reindeer not let Rudolph do because of his shiny red nose? Join in any reindeer games

The movie Miracle on 34th Street is based on a real life department store. What is it?

Macy’s

Name two other popular names for Santa Claus? Kris Kringle and Saint Nick

Elvis isn’t going to have a white Christmas he’s going to have a ______ _______. Blue Christmas

What do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree? An angel

In the movie Home Alone, where are the McCallisters going on vacation when they leave Kevin behind?

Paris

In the classic movie How The Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch was described with three words. What are they? Stink, stank, stunk

In the movie It’s A Wonderful Life, what happened every time a bell rang? An angel got his wings

What words follow “Silent Night” in the song? Holy night

Which Hollywood actor played six different roles in The Polar Express? Tom Hanks

In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, what was the first name of Scrooge? Ebenezer

In which country did eggnog originate? England

What did Frosty The Snowman do when a magic hat was placed on his head? He began to dance around

Which Christmas song contains the lyric “Everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way?”

“Rocking Around The Christmas Tree”

What are you supposed to do when you find yourself under the mistletoe?

Kiss

Which one of Santa’s reindeer has the same name as another holiday mascot?

Cupid

Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?

Germany

In the song “Winter Wonderland,” what do we call the snowman? Parson Brown

What was the highest grossing Christmas movie of all time? Home Alone

In the Christmas song “The twelve days of Christmas”, how many gifts in total were given?

364

The first gingerbread houses were inspired by what 16th century fairy tale? Hansel and Gretel

How do you say Merry Christmas in Spanish? Feliz Navidad

In the poem ‘Twas the night before Christmas’. visions of which food danced in children’s heads as they slept?

Sugar plums

What is the best-selling Christmas song ever? White Christmas by Bing Crosby

Three of Santa’s reindeer’s names begin with the letter “D.” What are those names? Dancer, Dasher, and Donner

What is the name of George Bailey’s guardian angel in It’s A Wonderful Life?

Clarence Odbody

In the 1964 movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, what was the name of Rudolph’s elf friend? Hermey

What popular Christmas song was actually written for thanksgiving? “Jingle Bells”

What was the first company that used Santa Claus in advertising? Coca-Cola

In “The Christmas Song,” who was seen kissing Santa Claus under the mistletoe? Mommy

In the movie “Elf”. how does Buddy get to the North Pole? He hides in Santa’s sack

What’s Up?

What is Frosty the Snowman’s nose made out of?

SEASON TO SHOP LOCAL

Creative Ideas for Sending a Care Package

(NC) Sending a small something to family or friends in the mail is a time-honoured way to show your love and support – whether they live down the street, across the country or on the other side of the world. Here are some fresh themes and ideas for your next care package:

Practical and Pleasing

• Cell phone accessories like a charger or new case for the person who’s always on their phone

• Grocery delivery or gift card for the overworked student

• Postcards with stamps so they can write you back without gathering supplies

• Beautiful stationery they’ll remember you by when they pick up their pen or look at the calendar

Fun and Games

• A lively board game you can play together

over zoom or your latest tear-your-hair-out puzzle

• An exchange of favourite books from the past year for a long-distance book club

• Relaxation items like bath salts and a scented candle for a spa day

• Materials for a science experiment that the youngest generation can explore at home

• A story with clues for a whodunit murder mystery

Food and Drink

• Certificate for an on-line cooking class you can do together

• A gift card to a local winery

• Local snacks that are hard to find or afford like organic peanut butter, maple syrup or ketchup chips

• A copy of your favourite cookbook or a special recipe they can cook while thinking of you.

Ultimately, when it comes to the perfect care package, it’s not so much about what you give, as the fact that you gave something at all. If you do choose to send food, consider how long it will be in transit and what could happen to it on the way. Check the rules of the country to which you’re shipping to inform what you pack.

Most of all do your very best to shop local and support your community.

Driving in the winter comes with an increase in road hazards and poor driving conditions. While many of us know what to expect for the winter season ahead, there are many driving tips that could help you safely navigate the road and feel better behind the wheel in the face of such risks.

THE DREADED ICE AND SNOW

Move with ease in snowy or icy weather. Do not accelerate or brake too quickly. This can cause your vehicle to lose traction with the road

and create skidding, which can be extremely difficult to control. It is best to navigate the road slowly and use more time to get to your destination.

LACK OF VISIBILITY

Winter can bring a number of scenarios that decrease your visibility on the road. There is the potential for heavy snowfall; the glare from the sun reflecting off the snow; or slush spraying from other vehicles onto your windshield. Before you start your next trip, ensure you have a pair of sunglasses, your windshield washer

fluid is filled, your headlights are working and your windshield wipers aren’t damaged from freezing.

SNOWBANKS

Although fun to play in, large snowbanks can create a major hazard while driving in the winter. They can result in blind spots and reduced visibility at intersections, which can put drivers at risk. After you come to a complete stop, it’s important to slowly approach the corner until your view of oncoming traffic is no longer blocked.

LOW TEMPERATURES

Colder temperatures in the winter typically result in a decrease in your tire pressure. Low tire pressure can result in damage to your tire and make your vehicle more difficult to control. Be sure to check your tire pressure frequently. Additionally, low temperatures can also make the rubber in your tires more rigid or brittle. Equip your vehicle with a quality winter tire to ensure longlasting performance in the winter. They’re designed for maximum mobility for seasons to come.

SNOW ON OTHER CARS

There’s nothing worse than clearing the snow and ice off your vehicle in -15-degree Celsius weather. However, not properly clearing your windshield can result in reduced visibility for others while on the road. Snow blowing off of vehicles can be a distraction or could even cause damage as it flies through the air at high speeds. Keep an eye out for snow-covered vehicles on the roadways and avoid them when possible.

(NC) Common Winter Road Hazards and What You Need to Know

Make the Holidays Magical with Hearty Meals

(Family Features) Capturing the magic of the holidays often happens at the dinner table as loved ones toast the season with stunning meals worth celebrating. This year, call the entire family together and make your festive feast truly memorable with pairings that offer favourite flavours for all.

Starting with tender cuts of meat hand-trimmed by master butchers at Omaha Steaks, these dishes from chef David Rose call to mind the extravagant holiday gatherings of yesteryear with modern twists you can claim as your own.

Roasted Chateaubriand with Red Wine Gravy and Lemon-Garlic Asparagus offers classic taste while Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib with Creamy Horseradish Sauce and Crushed Potatoes brings some zing to the kitchen. For seafood lovers looking to make a splash at this year’s gettogethers, Crab Stuffed Lobster Tails with Dirty Rice provide a savoury, succulent pairing worthy of the season.

Visit OmahaSteaks.com/Blog to find more recipes fit for the holidays.

Roasted Chateaubriand with Red Wine Gravy and Lemon-Garlic Asparagus

Recipe by Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: about 90 minutes

Chateaubriand:

1 Omaha Steaks Chateaubriand (2-4 pounds) kosher salt ground black pepper 1/4 cup grapeseed oil

Red Wine Gravy: Reserved Chateaubriand juices

1 medium shallot, small diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 cups red wine

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups water

2 beef bouillon cubes

1 tablespoon stone ground mustard kosher salt, to taste ground black pepper, to taste

Lemon-Garlic Asparagus: 1/4 cup olive oil

1 pound jumbo asparagus, stems trimmed and spears blanched in salted water

1 pinch kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided

1 pinch ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 lemon, juice only

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

To make Chateaubriand:

1. Pat Chateaubriand dry with paper towels. Season on all sides with salt and pepper; bring to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 250 F.

3. In large cast-iron pan, bring grapeseed oil to high heat.

4. Sear Chateaubriand on all sides until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side.

5. Remove Chateaubriand from pan, reserving pan drippings;

6. Place Chateaubriand on wire rack-lined baking sheet. Bake according to cooking chart for cook time and desired doneness. Use meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

7. Rest Chateaubriand 15-20 minutes. Slice to desired thickness.

To make red wine gravy:

1. Bring cast-iron pan with reserved Chateaubriand drippings to high heat then add shallots and minced garlic. Brown 30 seconds.

2. Add red wine and deglaze pan, cooking until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

3. Reduce heat to medium and whisk in 2 tablespoons butter and flour until all clumps have disappeared and mixture is well-incorporated, 3-4 minutes.

4. Add water and bouillon cubes; bring to boil then whisk in stone ground mustard.

5. Reduce to low heat and simmer until achieving sauce-like consistency, 7-8 minutes.

6. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Turn off heat and whisk in remaining butter until fully melted and emulsified into sauce.

To make lemon-garlic asparagus:

1. In large saucepan, bring olive oil to medium-high heat.

2. Add asparagus and season with salt, ground black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Sear undisturbed about 1 minute.

3. Turn asparagus and add minced garlic, sautéing about 10 seconds. Add lemon juice and continue sautéing until reduced by two-thirds, about 1 minute.

4. Turn off heat and add butter, stirring until emulsified into pan sauce. Season with salt and ground black pepper, to taste.

5. Serve Chateaubriand with lemon-garlic asparagus and red wine gravy.

Crab Stuffed Lobster Tails with Dirty Rice

6. Add sofrito and jasmine rice to pot; saute 1 minute. Add cooked ground beef and chicken stock; bring to boil. Once mixture boils, reduce heat to simmer 10 minutes. Turn off heat and leave lid on pot 5 minutes. Fluff rice with fork and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

To make crab stuffing:

1. In medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, seafood seasoning, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice.

2. Gently fold in crushed butter crackers and crab meat. Set aside.

To make crab stuffed lobster:

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.

2. Stir melted butter, salt and lemon juice. Brush lobster tails with butter mixture.

3. Divide crab stuffing into eight portions. Stuff each lobster tail half with crab stuffing, pressing stuffing into lobster. Place stuffed lobster tails on aluminum foil-lined sheet pan and bake 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with dirty rice.

Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib with Creamy Horseradish Sauce and Crushed Potatoes

Recipe by Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Dirty Rice:

2 cups jasmine rice water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 pound Omaha Steaks Ultra-Premium Ground Beef

1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided

1 teaspoon black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 medium red bell pepper, small diced

2 green onions, minced

1 cup small diced yellow onion

1/2 cup tomato-based sofrito

3 1/2 cups chicken broth

Crab Stuffing:

3/4 cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoons seafood seasoning

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 lemon, juice only

20 butter crackers, finely crushed

1 pound jumbo lump crab meat

Crab Stuffed Lobster:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

4 Omaha Steaks Cold Water Lobster Tails (5 ounces each), halved lengthwise

To make dirty rice:

1. Rinse jasmine rice with water until water is clear. Drain.

2. In large saucepot, bring vegetable oil to medium-high heat.

3. Add ground beef, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika; saute 5 minutes until browned.

4. Using slotted spoon, remove browned beef and set aside.

5. Add butter to pot then add red bell pepper, green onions and yellow onions. Saute 2 minutes until lightly caramelized.

Recipe by Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: about 2 1/2 hours

Servings: 4-6

Creamy Horseradish Sauce:

15 ounces crema or sour cream

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons horseradish

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons minced fresh chives

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pepper Rub:

3 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon ground peppercorn medley

2 teaspoons ground guajillo chili 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Prime Rib:

1 Omaha Steaks Boneless Heart of Prime Rib Roast (4 pounds) pepper rub 1/4 cup grapeseed oil

Crushed Potatoes:

1 pound baby red skin potatoes cold water

1 pinch kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1/4 cup olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons finely minced Italian parsley ground black pepper

To make creamy horseradish sauce: In medium bowl, whisk crema, mayonnaise, horseradish, vinegar, chives, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika until well-incorporated. Season with additional salt and white pepper, to taste.

To make pepper rub: In small bowl, stir salt, peppercorns, chili and thyme.

To make prime rib:

1. Pat prime rib dry with paper towels. Season on all sides with pepper rub and bring to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 250 F.

3. In large cast-iron pan, bring grapeseed oil to medium-high heat.

4. Sear prime rib on all sides until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side.

5. Place seared prime rib on wire rack-lined baking sheet. Bake according to cooking chart for cook time and desired doneness. Use meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Cook until internal temperature is 10 F below desired doneness.

6. Rest prime rib 15-20 minutes. Slice to desired thickness.

To make crushed potatoes:

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.

2. Add potatoes to stockpot. Cover with cold water by about 1 inch and add 1 pinch salt. Over high heat, boil 8-10 minutes, or until fork tender. Drain and completely cool with running cold water.

3. Once cool, carefully crush potatoes with palms until skin breaks and potatoes are slightly crushed.

4. In medium bowl, whisk olive oil, garlic and parsley.

5. Place crushed potatoes on aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and toss lightly with olive oil mixture. Season potatoes on both sides with kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste. Roast potatoes until crisped and golden brown, 15-17 minutes.

Serve prime rib with crushed potatoes and creamy horseradish sauce.

(NC) Whether you’re a French toast enthusiast or prefer bacon and eggs, it’s hard to beat this perfect, over-the-top version of the classic brunch recipe. Plus, since the hands-on time is the night before, you can still get your beauty sleep and wake up ready to tuck in. Try out the recipe:

OVERNIGHT BAKED FRENCH TOAST

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Serves: 6 - 8

Ingredients

French Toast

9 large eggs

1 loaf (675 g) Villaggio white bread

3 cups (750 ml) whole milk

3 cups (750 ml) whipping cream

3/4 cup (180 ml) white sugar

2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla

1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon

Zest of 1 orange

Pinch of kosher salt

Optional: 1 ½ oz Amaro or Luxardo

Sauce

- ½ cup (125 ml) butter

- 1 cup (250 ml) brown sugar

- Pinch of salt

- 2 tbsp (30 ml) whipping cream

Toppings

1/4 cup (60 ml) powdered sugar

Fresh blueberries, raspberries

2 cups (500 ml) whipped cream

1 cup (250 ml) maple syrup

Directions

1. Lightly grease a large 3-quart, 13 x 9 inch, baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Slice Villaggio white bread slices into halves. Leave crusts on and arrange in baking dish.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs then, add in milk, whipping cream, vanilla, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, salt and Italian liqueur, if using.

4. Gently pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over all of the bread slices, pressing down to submerge any floaters. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

5. The next morning, preheat oven to 375°F (190° C), and remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and set aside.

6. In a small saucepan, over medium high heat, melt butter, then, mix in brown sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt and the 2 tbsp cream. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, until butter and sugar mix melts and is incorporated.

7. Drizzle the brown sugar butter mixture evenly over the entire baking dish of soaked bread, bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes – longer for a browner and crunchier top.

8. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

9. Sprinkle with fresh berries, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with whipped cream and maple syrup.

(NC) When it comes to home improvement on a budget, the kitchen can feel like a non-starter. Appliances, flooring and countertops are all expensive to switch out, and the amount of work is basically a renovation. But take a second look—you have kitchen DIY options that won’t break your back or your budget. Try wallet- and work-friendly updates to these areas:

CABINET COLOUR

Replacing your cabinets is pricey and messy. But you’ll amaze yourself with how much personality a fresh coat of paint can add to your kitchen. Brighten up dark doors to create a bright, clean and airy feel. Take plain white cabinets and drawers, and paint on a layer of mahogany sophistication. Feeling bold? Paint with a bright accent colour like red or blue to really let that part of your kitchen pop. Switch out the hardware to a new metal and you’ll end up with completely new cabinetry.

THE LIGHTING

The great thing about swapping your lighting setup is that it will enhance all your other DIY choices. Go with a central hanging light for a classic feel, or a set of track lights to put the spotlight exactly where you want it. Many kitchens have an unused light fixture in the ceiling, so you can even add a second set of lights without having to worry about rewiring or tearing into the ceiling.

YOUR FAUCET

DIY that makes an impact doesn’t have to mean everything but the kitchen sink. A new faucet is easy to install, and it can make a surprising difference to the feel of your kitchen. Look for one that matches form with function: a pull-down faucet will let you more easily keep the sink pristine, and if you opt for a touch faucet, you can turn it on with a tap anywhere on the faucet and avoid messy handles during meal prep. A timeless design with a modern feel can fit into just about any kitchen.