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Remembering “Boy” Ruben Lopez, a holiday special story of shared memories and a new tradition.
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Delicious Recipes right from our test kitchen. Cookies, Deserts, and More!
www.WilliamsPioneerReview.com • 2011 Special Holiday Issue Supplement
Remembering Ruben ‘Boy’ Lopez By: Lloyd Green Jr.
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s the youngest of five children, and the only boy, PFC Rueben ‘Boy’ Lopez was full of life. Being raised by a single mother who loved all of her children and taught the valuable lesson of helping others in need and honoring patriotism. His four sisters Leticia, Monica, Reneè, and Kelly couldn’t help but tease their only brother by calling him “sister”; however, everyone knew him as “Boy”. With a deep military background, Lopez had a grandfather, who was in the Korean War, uncles who served in Vietnam and a Great-Uncle who was stationed at Fort Ord, in Monterey, California. “He always wanted to be in Law enforcement,” said Lopez’s mother Gloria Estrada, “ he wanted to be a server of the people, to protect and save them.” One of Lopez’s favorite past times was participating in ‘Ride-alongs’ with the California Highway Patrol and responding to calls he would hear broadcasted over his police scanner. Lopez was an active member
of the Williams Community, and attended the Williams Unified School District. When Ruben wasn’t helping his mother with her various humanitarian efforts, he was an active member in 4H, and FFA where he raised a market swine. “Boy could play music by ear, just give him a tune and within a few minutes he would figure it out.” Said Monica Palmer Rueben’s older sister. “He played at my wedding.”
Rueben loved his sisters, always hanging out and sometimes participating in their activities. “He would even watch us during cheerleader practice,” said Palmer, “and joked about joining the squad.” His patriotism gave him the courage to join the United States Army in August of 2010. His older sister Kelly Lopez was currently on active duty in the U.S. Army at Fort
Lewis in Washington State. “He used to sing the national anthem before bed,” said Estrada. Lopez was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Ford Drum, N.Y.; lost his life on August 11, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. “I can remember that day vividly,” said Palmer, “My husband and I were watching CNN and they were broadcasting a story about the Trucks to Troops Program. It wasn’t shortly after I got the call. I think ‘Boy’ meant for me to see it.” The Trucks to Troops program was developed as a way to help soldiers with one of their most dangerous jobs – looking closer at anything suspicious that looks like a roadside bomb or IED. The Lopez family began fundraising for the cause and has raised over $1500 towards the program. “Rueben was always helpful,” said Estrada, “he was so caring even as a young boy. I think he would have wanted us to help out his fellow troop members.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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Williams Pioneer Review
December 2011
C 89th Annual Williams Firefighters Ball Top 10 Common Christmas Accidents
Pictured: Keenan and (Photo By: Lauren Miller)
Michelle
Jorge
By: Lauen Miller
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he 89th Annual Williams Firemen’s Dance was held Saturday Night, December 10th, after the Williams’ Festival of Lights Parade. The crowd was light, but the drinks were strong in
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the beautifully made up Old High School Gym. Patrons were welcomed into a “Black & White” winter wonderland of soft lights and a live rock and roll band, The Fabulous DeVilles, playing hits from the fifties, sixties, seventies and the present hits. The music kept all ages on their feet dancing the night away.
The Citizens for a Better Williams assisted in creating a wonderful atmosphere where the nostalgia of the season was embraced and uplifted. Showing their continued support for the Williams Volunteer Firefighters association the community group spent several hours decorating the Williams High School Old Gym from a rock to a gem. The Williams Volunteer Firefighters sold tickets for the event at just $10 per couple. As one of their most popular fundraisers, the funding raised helps support the local fire department with training and equipment. The Gentlemen Fire Fighters in their dress uniforms, the ladies in their smart tops and dress shoes, all coalesced into a wonderful evening.
Christmas Shopping Spree
Victor Matamoros and Jonathan at the Williams Elementary School Walmart Christmas Shopping Spree. Submitted Photo
community,” said Victor Matamoros of Brady Insurance. Everyone enjoyed the trip and the time with the children. Their smiles of pure joy were thanks enough for all who participated, but the many children said thank you time and time again. At school the following day all of the children game dressed in their new apparel and were full of confidence. “I thank everyone for organizing this occasion,” said Mrs. Ogaz “I really appreciate it.” Walmart joined in the kindness by donating an additional $10 per child through individual gift cards. The people at Walmart were a great help in organizing the trip for the students and helped in any way possible.
By: Sherrie Taylor Vann
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he generosity of the community is once again shining through during this holiday season. On Wednesday, December 7th students and chaperones loaded up the bus after school was released for the day, and headed up to the newly renovated Walmart in Willows for a shopping spree. Teachers, secretaries, bus drivers, administrators, and a local business sponsored 32 students by giving their time and hard earned cash to buy these lucky children a winter coat, new shoes, clothes, and one toy to bring a little cheer to their lives. Brady Myers Insurance Company and many family members of people on staff joined in the shopping fun by sponsoring children. Williams Teachers Association and CSCA donated funds to sponsor additional students as well. Everyone likes to get into the spirit of giving! “It feels good to support the children right here in our
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t wasn't a silent night. A Georgia man preparing for the Christmas season spent a night in jail after he was arrested for shooting at mistletoe outside a Decatur shopping mall. William E. Robinson, 66, was charged with reckless conduct and discharging a firearm on someone else's property after he opened fire on a tree that held a sprig of the plant, which is commonly used as a Christmas decoration. Robinson told CBS Atlanta that he was merely following a holiday tradition when he used his double-
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well as upgrading the fire station. As always this popular event includes a full breakfast menu consisting of Ham, Sausage, Bacon, Eggs, Hash browns, Pancakes, Biscuits and Gravy and our popular Breakfast Burrito Station. All drinks are provided. There is no cost for this event but donations are gratefully accepted at the door. For any questions or more information please contact Lance Swift 530-520-1311.
barrel 12-gauge shotgun to knock the plant out of a tree outside the North DeKalb Mall. "Every year I go somewhere to get some mistletoe to decorate the house," Robinson told the station. "I get some for my friends that can't get mistletoe. The best way to get it is with a shotgun." Most people simply purchase mistletoe. But in some parts of the country, it's a tradition to shoot first and decorate later.
his is supposed to be Santa's busy season, but from the looks of it, he gets around. Whether he's posing with gun lovers in Arizona, swimming with whale sharks in Japan or being a zombie in Mexico City, Santa has been spotted in some strange places this year -- like the optometrist's
office? No word on when he goes back to the North Pole, but if the reindeer see those pictures of him hanging around sheep in South Korea, they might be a little jealous.
ome health department workers in southern Illinois think they may have discovered some contaminated food — at their own office Christmas gathering. After the Lawrence County Health Department had a buffet for 72 people at a restaurant last week, 42 of the attendees suffered stomach problems, including the head of the department, Phyllis Wells. "I'm telling you, it got me down. I about passed out and everything else,"
Wells said Monday. "It's not been funny. It's taken the punch out of my whole Christmas." Wells says the cause of the outbreak hasn't been pinpointed. But she suspects the culprit was a norovirus — something people get from contact with those infected, ingesting contaminated food or drink, or by touching contaminated items and then their mouths. For now, Wells says the common denominator appears to be cold diced ham served in the salad bar.
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Joan Anderson and Nicole Ibarra at the Williams Elementary School Walmart Christmas Shopping Spree. Submitted Photo
thought were chocolates. Since 1997 26 people have died watering Christmas trees with the the Christmas lights on. In 2007 12 people sustained burns when trying on a new sweater with a cigarette in their mouth. Last year 52 children were admitted to hospital after swallowing the contents of perfume and cologne bottles. 5 People suffered 3rd degree burns last year when trying to flame torch their Christmas pudding. Every year hundreds of people fall off ladders and break bones while hanging Christmas decorations.
Even Weird News Happens at Christmas
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olice say two South Florida women are accused of stealing Christmas decorations from their neighbor's yard and putting them in a yard less than a block away. Police in the Miami suburb of Sweetwater say about $500 of items were taken, including Mickey Mouse on a horse, hugging penguins, Snoopy on a doghouse and Santa on a sled. Miami television station WSVN
New Years Day Breakfast
acramento River Fire District, Grand Island Station in Grimes CA will be having their Annual New Years Day Breakfast on Jan 1 2012 at the Grand Island Fire Dept. 345 Main Street in Grimes CA. This is the 15th anniversary of the event which is the major fundraiser for the station. Proceeds from the breakfast go towards Scholarships, funding of local school and library projects as
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housands of people end up in the emergency room every Christmas. Here is a list of the Ten most common Christmas accidents. Every year at least 3 people are reported with broken arms due to pulling Christmas crackers. Over 200 people are admitted to hospital after not removing all the pins from new shirts Over the last 10 years 27 people have died testing batteries on their tongue. Hundreds of people cut themselves with knives and scissors they are using to open presents. Last year 2 people died eating Christmas decorations they
reports surveillance camera video captured the two thieves taking the decorations from the lawn of Inrid Alemendarez's home. She called police Thursday after spotting the decorations on a lawn less than a block away. The women were arrested on charges of grand theft. Their names were not released.
Publisher & Editor in Chief:
Lloyd Green Jr.
Contributors: Pat Ash • Blanca Dahlstrom Denise Denton-Rinzler
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December 2011
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Williams Pioneer Review
December 2011
E Revenge of the Gingerbread Man!
The Pierce High School Drama Class produced ‘The Elf Rebellion’ by Dan Zolidis. Pictured is Andres Mendez, Christopher Sumner, dustin Hetherington, Aaron Rene Villanuevea, Drama Instructor Valerie Vandre and Brian Busath. (Staff Photo)
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n Wednesday, December 7th the Pierce High School Drama Class performed a pair of light hearted
Christmas humor themed plays. “The Revenge of the Gingerbread Man” a tale of a Gingerbread Boy, son of the late Gingerbread Man,
(sadly eaten by children) seeks to discover the truth about his cursed father and finds himself mixed up in a tale of murder and intrigue involving Santa himself. The cast included: Gingerbread Man – Christopher Sumner, Gingerbread Boy – Brian Busath, Kid – Dustin Heatherington, Old Man – Leobardo Lomeli, Santa – Dustin Hetherington, Santa’s Assistant – Leobardo Lomeli. “The Elf Rebellion” Three of Santa's elves are fed up with what they consider poor treatment: payment in candy canes, forced labor, and no breaks. After threatening the "big man," they decide to revolt and go on strike. But Santa plays hardball, bringing in midget scabs and other dirty tricks to break their strike. The cast included: Dipsy – Christopher Sumner, Doodle – Andres Mendez, Sid – Dustin Heatherington, Santa – Aaron Rene Villanueva, Girl – Megan Mann, Oompa Loompas
Great Recipes!
Christmas In The Air Christmas In The Air
Robin Gabbard
FOR MORE SEE PAGE 4 Big Soft Ginger Cookies from the WPR Test Kitchen
Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • •
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup margarine, softened 1 cup white sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon water 1/4 cup molasses 2 tablespoons white sugar
Pumpkin Rum Cake from Blanca Dahlstrom
Ingredients • • • • • • • •
2-16 oz. packages pound cake mix 1-16 oz can pumpkin 1 1/2 tsps pumpkin pie spice For the glaze: 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup orange juice 1 2-inch cinnamon stick 1/4 cup rum
Directions
Prepare pound cake mixes together according to package directions, decreasing
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container. water to 2/3 cup and adding the pumpkin and pie spice. Turn into well greased and floured 10-inch fluted tube pan or bundt pan. Bake in 325* oven 1 hour and 20 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Place on serving plate. Using a wooden skewer, punch holes in top of cake at 1-inch intervals. For the Glaze: In saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice and cinnamon stick; bring to boiling. Remove cinnamon stick and stir in rum. Spoon orange glaze very slowly over cake, a small amount at a time allowing cake to absorb sauce. Continue until glaze is used. Spoon any glaze that runs onto plate back over cake.
– Brian Busaith and Instructor Valerie Vandre. The production cast included all actors, Max Hansen in Lights and Sound, Morgan Diaz in set design and costumes, and Trinica Sampson as the Prompter. The Pierce High School Drama class would like to extend a special thanks to mr. George Griffin, PHS Principal for his support in the drama program. Mr. Blake Kitchen, Duffy Bailey, and Marti for their help in setting up the lights. El Jaliscience, the 99 Cents or More Store, the US Post Offices of Grimes and Arbuckle, ACE Hardware, Arbuckle Food Center, J&J Gas Station, and Save Mor Market for their continued support. Future performances include: “The Odd Couple” (Female Version), February 23, and 24, 2012 at 7:00PM; and “The Cell Phone Rings for Three” April 26, and27, at 7:00PM.
Answers Published in December 21, 2011 A
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angels baking bells bows candles candy christmas tree caroling cookies chestnuts children christmas tree cookies crafts December decorations egg nog angels baking bells bows candles candy caroling chestnuts children
crafts December decorations egg nog faith family friends fun gatherings generosity giving gifts
good cheer faith holiday holly family home friends hope Jesus Christ fun joy gatherings lights love generosity mistletoe giving gifts music good cheer holiday holly home hope Jesus Christ joy lights
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sleigh wrapping paper love snowmen snowmen wreath star Xmas star mistletoe stockings yuletide festivities music tape stockings The Nutcracker nativity scenes tape tinsel nostalgia The Nutcracker toys winter solstice ornaments tinsel sharing wisemen pies toys shopping worship praise winter solstice presents wisemen reindeer worship ribbons wrapping paper Santa Claus wreath sharing Xmas shopping yuletide festivities sleigh
nativity scenes nostalgia ornaments pies praise presents reindeer ribbons Santa Claus
A Letter to the Christmas Editor
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CHRISTMAS 2011 – BIRTH OF A NEW TRADITION
s the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is! It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Purchase a BEEF gift certificate from you state beef council and your gift recipient will get a tasty treat and great nutrition. Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about
some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin's on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city - send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about? Carol Abrahamzon
Caledonia, MN
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December 2011
Williams Pioneer Review
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Williams Hosts “Festival of Lights”
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n Saturday, December 10th, “E’ Street between the Williams arch and Old Hwy 99 was transformed into a holiday variety emporium of gifts, goodies and lots of food. Starting at 3:00 pm the Festival of Lights festivities began with the Downtown Holiday Stroll, a first for this event of four years. “I wanted to bring back the more traditional holiday celebration,” said Lloyd Green Jr, the coordinator for the Downtown Holiday Stroll, “Other area holiday street fairs have become commercialized and overpriced for vendor spaces. This is all about the community, the mom-and-pop shops, charities, and local organizations." With 30 vendors, the event was considered a success by the Citizens for a Better Williams Committee. The vendors were primarily locals that included the Colusa County Boy Scouts, Williams Catholic Church, Williams High School Classes. Vendor spaces were provided at no charge.
The weather was brisk; yet everyone appeared to be having a great time with nothing negative to say. “Everyone just strolled and browsed through the vendors and mingled, the way it was intended.” Said vendor Polly Seaver-Codorniz, “this event was way better than Colusa’s event.” Codorniz was referring to the Hometown Christmas Celebration hosted in Downtown Colusa which has recently been criticized for being handed over to a professional marketing firm after the city declined the volunteers of the ‘Olde Tyme Christmas” to host the event that was successfully held for over 15 years. Cordoniz said sales were steady and although their product was not flying off the tables it was well worth the exposure and atmosphere. “I was surprised at the amount of out-oftowners who stopped to check out our town.” Said Cordoniz D.J. “Rufy” entertained guests with a wide range of Christmas music that appealed to all
PG&E Helps Customers Save this Winter
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acific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced the launch of its annual Winter Gas Savings program, which gives eligible residential and business customers an automatic bill credit when they reduce their natural gas usage over the next two months compared to the previous three winters. Last winter, some 2.7 million customers earned bill credits totaling $70 million. Customers who conserve up to 10 percent will receive an equal percentage credit on
their February or March gas bills. Customers who conserve 10 percent or more will receive a 20 percent credit. To make the baseline comparison valid, usage data will be adjusted for weather. “Our customers have shown their commitment to using energy efficiently time and again,” said Steven Malnight, PG&E’s vice president of Customer Energy Solutions. “We are excited to offer the Winter Gas Savings program, which rewards customers who conserve and helps them to lower their bill.”
Customers can take simple steps to reduce their gas consumption and save money: • Lower the thermostat to 68 degrees during the daytime (health permitting) • Set the water heater to 120 degrees or the "normal" setting • Wash clothes in cold water instead of hot • Open blinds and drapes on sunny days • Microwave small amounts of food instead of heating them up in the oven
ages. The music was sponsored by the Williams Pioneer Review. “I had lots of people come up and thank me for playing the holiday music,” said D.J. Rufy, “at first I thought I was going to get a complaint about the volume, but there were compliments instead. I was glad to be playing holiday favorites.” “I love the Christmas music, it helps with the atmosphere” said a shopper as she browsed through a booth. A short time after dark, the attention moved towards the Christmas tree that is residing in the newly developed Town Square. As the lights came alive as the Williams Elementary Third Grade Classes sang traditional Christmas carols. As quickly as the tree was lit, the Festival of Lights parade began. Local businesses and organizations spent several hours preparing for their floats placing over 1000 twinkle lights on each ride. With 17 entries the parade provided enough entertainment to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Even Santa Clause took some time out of his busy schedule to ride along on the fire truck and check in on the children. The Festival of lights parade winners for 2011 are: First place, Colusa County Young Farmers and Ranchers. Second place, Morning Star Packing Company. Third place, Eleanor Azevedo Memorial Fund Youth Empowerment Program. Honorable mentions include the Williams Hardware, Williams Cub Scout Pack 1122 and Williams Community Church who all tied for fourth place. Overall the 4th annual Festival of Lights celebration was a success and brought the community together during the holiday season. The Festival of Lights Celebration is always held the 2nd Saturday in December. Mark your calendars for Saturday December 8th, 2012. For more information about the Citizens for a Better Williams visit their website at www.citizensforabetterwilliams.com or their Facebook page. (Photos by: Richard Lau)
Help Support the Williams Pioneer Review! Call (530) 473-2686 and start your voluntary subscription today! We would like to extend a sincere thanks to the following subscribers. Joyce Dawley - Arbuckle Eleanor Temel - Maxwell
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December 2011
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December 2011
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Recipes!
Holiday Ribbon Gelatin
Christmas Morning Pie
from the WPR Test Kitchen
Ingredients
from the WPR Test Kitchen
Ingredients
• 1 pound bulk pork sausage with sage, cooked and crumbled • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese • 2 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shells • 6 eggs, lightly beaten • 1 cup milk • 1/2 cup chopped onion • 1/3 cup chopped sweet red pepper • 1/3 cup chopped green pepper
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2 (3 ounce) packages lime gelatin 5 cups boiling water, divided 4 cups cold water, divided 1 (3 ounce) package lemon gelatin 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened • 1 cup mayonnaise • 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained • 2 (3 ounce) packages cherry gelatin
Directions
Directions
In a bowl, dissolve lime gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Add 2 cups cold water; stir. Pour into a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. dish; refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. In a bowl, dissolve lemon gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in marshmallows until melted. Cool for 20 minutes. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Gradually beat in lemon gelatin. Stir in pineapple. Carefully spoon over the lime layer. Chill until set. Dissolve cherry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Add the remaining cold water; stir. Spoon over the lemon layer. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into squares.
In a bowl, combine sausage and cheese. Place half of mixture in each pastry shell. Combine eggs, milk, onion and peppers. Pour half over sausage in each shell. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-60 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.
Cranberry Salad from the WPR Test Kitchen
Ingredients
Seven Layer Taco Dip from the WPR Test Kitchen
Ingredients
• 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix • 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened • 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream • 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa • 1 large tomato, chopped • 1 green bell pepper, chopped • 1 bunch chopped green onions • 1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded • 1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 (16 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce • 1 (16.5 ounce) can pitted dark sweet cherries, drained • 10 1/2 ounces crushed pineapple with juice • 1 (6 ounce) package cherry gelatin • 2 cups boiling water • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Directions
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the cranberry sauce. Cut the cherries into pieces and add them to the melted sauce. Stir in the pineapple with its juice. Remove mixture from heat.
In a medium bowl pour the boiling water over the gelatin. And stir until all the gelatin has dissolved. Add the gelatin mixture to the cranberry mixture and stir. Stir in the optional nuts. Pour into a 9x13 inch pan and chill until set.
Cream Cheese Topping Ingredients • • • • •
8oz cream cheese 1 cup sour cream 1 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla
Directions
Blend Cream Cheese & Sugar till soft and fluffy. Add sour cream mix until a whipped cream texture, add vanilla finish mixing.
Directions
In a medium bowl, blend the taco seasoning mix and refried beans. Spread the mixture onto a large serving platter. Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Spread over the refried beans. Top the layers with salsa. Place a layer of tomato, green bell pepper, green onions and lettuce over the salsa, and top with Cheddar cheese. Garnish with black olives.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
• • • • • • • • •
1 tablespoon margarine 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle light beer 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth 3 tablespoons cornstarch 2 cups half-and-half 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Directions
Melt the butter or margarine in a 4 1/2 quart soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and Worcestershire sauce and stir well. Add the beer and raise the heat to high and boil for 3 minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Add the chicken broth and bring the soup back to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer. Combine the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water and stir until smooth. Set aside. Add the half-and-half and shredded cheese to the soup. Stir constantly until the cheese melts. Then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Stir constantly until the soup is thick, about 2 minutes. Serve garnished with bacon bits.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Directions
Ingredients
from the WPR Test Kitchen
from the WPR Test Kitchen
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup margarine, softened 1 cup white sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon water 1/4 cup molasses 2 tablespoons white sugar
from the WPR Test Kitchen
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Big Soft Ginger Cookies • • • • • • • • • • • •
Beer Cheese Soup
Coconut Macaroons from the WPR Test Kitchen
Ingredients • • • •
2/3 cup all-purpose flour 5 1/2 cups flaked coconut 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Easy Lemon Cookies from the WPR Test Kitchen
Ingredients
• 1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix • 2 eggs • 1/3 cup vegetable oil • 1 teaspoon lemon extract • 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar for decoration
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, coconut and salt. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla using your hands until well blended. Use an ice cream scoop to drop dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about golf ball size. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until coconut is toasted.
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Pour cake mix into a large bowl. Stir in eggs, oil, and lemon extract until well blended. Drop teaspoonfuls of dough into a bowl of confectioners’ sugar. Roll them around until they’re lightly covered. Once sugared, put them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 6 to 9 minutes in the preheated oven. The bottoms will be light brown, and the insides chewy.
• • • • • • • • • • •
1 cup butter, softened 1 cup white sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons hot water 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.
www.WilliamsPioneerReview.com
December 2011
Williams Pioneer Review
I
Remembering Ruben ‘Boy’ Lopez The family also embarked on a joint effort mission with Capt. Marie on spreading the message of peace with the Peace Pole Project. A Peace Pole is a handcrafted monument that displays the message and prayer “May Peace Prevail on Earth”, on each of its four or six sides, usually in different languages. There are tens of thousands of Peace Poles in 180 countries all over the world dedicated as monuments to peace. They serve as constant reminders for us to visualize and pray for world peace. Capt. Marie donated a Peace Pole that was installed at the Williams Elementary School several weeks ago. “We have one planned for Roseville,” said Palmer. “We’d love to see this project take off!” If any interested party would like to donate to either cause, the family asks that you inscribe your
donation in memory of Ruben ‘Boy’ Lopez. Since Lopez’s death, the community has been very supportive said Estrada. “The support has been unbelievable, the honor, the letters, and gifts coming from all over the country.” Lopez has r e c e i v e d s e v e r a l letters from legislators, commanders and generals who sent hand written notes. Many personalized giving their honor and condolences to the Lopez family. “One of Lopez’s troop members had a large memorial tattoo of Lopez on the side of his chest.” said Palmer; “they only knew each other for a year. Its was amazing that my brother had that big of an impact on someone’s life.” Estrada shared a story of Lopez, it was of a time when she went into her computer room, to find her chair missing. Thinking that Lopez
had taken it into his room she asked him if he could put it back. Unfortunately, to her discovery, Boy had already gave the chair to the church as the church needed and extra chair. “ H e would give anyone the shirt off his back, if they needed it” said Estrada, “He loved people, especially his family and friends.” “It was very difficult at Thanksgiving this year.” said Estrada. Traditionally, Lopez gives the grace before meals. This Christmas will be ever so difficult as Lopez’s chair will remain empty, and his Christmas decorating duties will have gone undone. “He loved his Christmas tree.” Said Palmer, “he was really happy of his fiber-optic tree.” “Rueben will still have his place setting at the table” said Estrada. With his memory in thought, and his love in their hearts the
family recalls that he always tried to keep things light hearted and always wanted to cheer people up. “Stop being a downer, snap out of it!” was Lopez’s favorite motto said Palmer. “He wanted to make people proud of him.” said Estrada, “He felt so good and proud that people respected him and was always so thankful for what he had, and genuinely humbled.” Lopez was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the NATO metal. Editors Note: I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the Lopez Family for their loss of their son and brother an American Hero and star citizen. It was a great honor to sit down with the Lopez Family as they shared stories and memoirs of, PFC Rueben ‘Boy’ Lopez. Thank you for the opportunity.
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