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80,000 POINSETTIAS CHRISTMAS TREES FRESH WREATHS AND GREENS ORNAMENTS
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Thousands to Choose From!
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80,000 POINSETTIAS CHRISTMAS TREES FRESH WREATHS AND GREENS ORNAMENTS
Thousands to Choose From! O Th Thou o
80,000 POINSETTIAS CHRISTMAS TREES FRESH WREATHS AND GREENS ORNAMENTS
Thousands to Choose From!
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80,000 POINSETTIAS CHRISTMAS TREES FRESH WREATHS AND GREENS ORNAMENTS
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Featuring an Interactive Scavenger Hunt with FREE TOYS for Girls & Boys! HOLIDAY FUN FOR WHOLE FAMILY!
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Featuring an Interactive Scavenger Hunt with FREE PRIZES for Girls & Boys!
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RAILWAY DISPLAY
Interactive Scavenger Hunt with TOYS for Girls & Boys!
HOLIDAY GARDEN RAILWAY DISPLAY
Featuring an Interactive Scavenger Hunt with FREE TOYS for Girls & Boys!
HOLIDAY GARDEN RAILWAY DISPLAY
Featuring an Interactive Scavenger Hunt with FREE TOYS for Girls & Boys! THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Featuring an Interactive Scavenger Hunt with FREE TOYS for Girls & Boys!
Featuring an Interactive Scavenger Hunt with FREE TOYS for Girls & Boys!
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Gifts From the Hands andHeart
Local artisans funnel their passion into creating unique goods
BY ANN MEAD ASH
Finding holiday gifts that convey the thought and love you feel for the receiver can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the special gift you're looking for can often be found locally. Many area crafters have turned their creative passions into small businesses that give them the opportunity to provide items that will light up the recipient's face.
Linda Binder of Ephrata began sewing as a child as part of 4-H, but she hung up her needle in adulthood to pursue other interests. Seven years ago, Binder was inspired to begin making tote bags, pillows, and a few pieces of clothing, along with accessories. Marketing under the name WhimzeGal, Binder said her brand is "about having fun with color and style." "My motto is ‘unique creations to make U smile,’" shared Binder, who especially likes doing custom orders. "When someone ... has an idea for a color or theme, I will help put fabrics together ... to create a style that works for them." Once Binder starts on a project, she "envisions the end result." "I tend to work on a project from beginning to end because I'm excited about it," she explained. Handing over the completed item is also a source of joy for Binder. "My sewing ... allows my creativity to come to life in style, color, and trend," she said. "It gives me a sense of satisfaction when I see someone use and enjoy what I made for them."
Binder sells her wares at Artisan Mill Company at The Shops @ Rockvale, Artisan Mill Company in Lititz, "WhimzeGal" on Facebook and at @WhimzeGal on Instagram.
Like Binder, Robin Timson has been sewing since she was young, but about 15 years ago, she "took the plunge and decided to share her craft with others." "I have a passion for sewing, design, and recycling, so I combined them all into my designs," said Timson, who started by upcycling existing garments. With experience, she expanded into creating her own patterns and designs and selling scarves at local craft fairs and boutiques. Timson noted that her pieces combine
Binder
Linda
Kalon Herbals
Robin Timson
Knots by Annushka
uniqueness with a sense of nostalgia. "Because I use vintage linens, many people will touch them," Timson pointed out, adding that this often leads to a discussion of a grandmother or aunt who owned a similar item. "I get to hear so many wonderful stories," she shared, noting that when she chooses fabrics, she can often relate to their history. "Many times I will pick them up, and I can envision what they will become," she said. "When I am crafting, I get to lose myself in the process."
Timson's one-of-a-kind garments can be found by searching for "Recreations by Robin" on Facebook.
Lisa Gough started Lambs Ear Mercantile, which makes “fabric-inspired treasures," more than three decades ago. "I started with craft shows," recalled Gough, who also sold her handcrafted items at group shops and eventually in her own shop. "My journey began with a love of crafts and hobbies," stated Gough. "I enjoy taking classes and being creative." Because she knows her products are often given as gifts, Gough stated that each item receives her "full attention and care." "Each piece I make is a little part of my crafting journey," she pointed out. "Each item is unique, fun, and affordable." Gough makes sure her pieces are one of a kind so that the giver and receiver both see how special the gift is. "No two items are exactly alike, just like the person (receiving the gift) - handmade gifts are made with heart," she said. With that in mind, Gough admits she finds happiness in seeing her work appreciated. "It's very rewarding, when someone thinks enough of the item to want take it home or gift it," she said.
Gough's creations may be found at The Oasis at Welcome Home Thrift in Adamstown.
Christine Weaver, owner of HF&S Leather, sewed special-order quilts for years before a relative asked if she could make a letter wallet. Intrigued, Weaver purchased a piece of leather and the necessary tools. By Christmas 2019, she was selling handmade leather goods, ranging from wallets and bags to keychains, journal covers, and briefcases. "You can't go wrong with leather (because) it gets better with age," noted Weaver, who added that a wide variety of recipients appreciate a hand-stitched leather gift that can be used for years to come. Weaver said that there is an excitement in creating customized pieces. "The challenge of designing and then seeing a happy customer (is rewarding)," Weaver shared, adding that she offers repair service for all her products.
More information about Weaver's creations may be found by searching for "Leather by Christine Weaver" on Facebook. Her products may also be found at The Oasis. Another vendor who markets items at The Oasis is Anne Dingeldein, whose business is called Knots by Annushka. Dingeldein creates handmade crocheted plushies, including snugglers, fidget plushies, and keychains. "I started to crochet two years ago after falling in love with crocheted plushies I saw on social media," shared Dingeldein, adding that family members encouraged her to sell her creations at Welcome Home. "All my crocheted plushies are handmade with love and quality," she pointed out. They're unique." Her plushies come in a variety of styles and colors, but Dingeldein also takes custom orders.
More information may be found by searching for "Knots by Annushka" on Facebook.
The artwork of Ann Ferencz can also be found at The Oasis. Ferencz credits Bob Ross, the host of "The Joy of Painting," for helping her to hone her artistic skills. "I love his reruns," confessed Ferencz, who markets her hand-painted cards, bookmarks, magnets, and small paintings under the moniker Annie's Anomalies. She notes that her items make great gifts because they are unique and created with intention. "(They) are not cookie cutter," Ferencz noted. "I really think about what I am painting." Ferencz added that she is always humbled and grateful when her items are purchased. "I really appreciate that customers enjoy my work."
Elaina Overdorf said she has always been a crafter, but it wasn't until August of 2020 that she began working with clay to make earrings, bracelets, necklaces, keychains, bookmarks, and rings. Overdorf, who calls her business The Little Bean and Co., began marketing jewelry on Etsy almost immediately after she began fashioning the items. She has noticed that young ladies especially appreciate her earrings, but she pointed out that the creations make great gifts for "anyone who loves dainty, highquality earrings." For Overdorf, there is an intrinsic reward when a customer finds just
The Little Bean and Co. Milk & Honey Co.
the right pair. "I love being able to see the joy spark in my customers' eyes when they find a pair of earrings that screams them," she said. "It feels like I created something special and unique for them." Making the pieces of jewelry and other items is more than a business for Overdorf; it is a labor of love. "I pour my heart into my business," she shared, adding that inspiration for products is found in colors, shapes, and textures she experiences. More information can be found by searching for "The Little Bean and Co." on Etsy and Facebook.
When receiving a personal care item, the recipient often gets that chance to experience a few moments of indulgence and pampering. Carisa Newswanger, a busy mom and the owner of Milk and Honey Co., likes knowing she is creating times of comfort and peace for users of her products. "I love having a part in creating calm and relaxing space through a bath," Newswanger shared. Among Newswanger's products are bath bombs, bath salts, bar soap, body butter, and lip balm. Newswanger added that her products can stand alone as gifts, but they also make a great addition to a gift bag or basket. "Being able to create these products that help people relax or help them feel put together is such an honor," she stated. Newswanger sells her products through The Oasis.
Hannah Stoltzfus' adventure in creating botanical skin care products, along with loose-leaf herbal tea blends and other wellness-related items, began with her own health needs. "I am very sensitive to fragrance and other ingredients, and I was frustrated with the lack of high-quality products that didn't trigger a negative response in my health, so I created my own," explained Stoltzfus. In 2021, she started marketing Kalon Herbals on Etsy and through local shops. She now sells items at The Oasis and on her own website, https://kalonherbals.com.
Rebekah Gundrum's business, Triggered 22, is her passion. A disabled combat veteran who served 20 years in the Navy, Gundrum was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while on active duty. "After I retired in 2021, I knew I wanted to help veterans with PTSD and bring awareness to veteran suicide," said Gundrum, who now designs T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other apparel to help support veterans with PTSD. Each garment is designed by Gundrum and made of high-quality material. Gundrum named the business after her trained service dog, Trigger, who was gifted to her by Northwest Battle Buddies while she was still on active duty, and after the number of estimated veteran suicides that occur each day. Gundrum believes that each piece of apparel she sells - whether it is purchased for personal use or as a gift - is a chance to connect with a veteran. "Each person that purchases our merchandise has a story to tell," stated Gundrum, who noted she hopes the products bring peace, inspiration, and hope to the wearer. "It is my ultimate goal to help others like me," she said. "(I want to) help them see light in darkness and get their life back." Triggered 22 products may be found at The Oasis and at www.triggered22.com.
Robin Timson
Linda Binder R122331
A glimpse of the holiday lights on display at Penn Square from Lancaster Central Market.
Explore One-of-a-Kind Businesses This Season Explore One-of-a-Kind Businesses This Season
Lancaster County’s economy is driven by small, local businesses. According to data from EDC Lancaster County, the county is home to more than 13,000 businesses, 97% of which have fewer than 100 employees. And the majority of Chester County’s more than 15,000 businesses qualify as small businesses, as well.
Truly, local businesses are at the heart of local communities. What better way to celebrate the diversity, uniqueness, and creativity of independent, local businesses than by supporting them during the busiest shopping season of the year?
Before making holiday shopping lists, visit local stores and base gift ideas on items they have in stock. Chances are those gifts will be one-of-a-kind. Gifts purchased from local stores are also likely to feature a local flair, as independent businesses tend to offer products and services that are reflective of the customers and the community they serve.
As Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday approach, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, keep an eye out for sales on local social media. Research sales and inventories of local businesses you want to support so you're ready to go once the sales launch.
One great way to experience local retailers is to shop in person. This allows shoppers to get a feel for an item, size it up, and even inspect its quality prior to purchasing it. And, as they browse, shoppers may uncover hidden gems that would be perfect for people on their list.
Not sure what to buy? Consider a gift card to a local business, restaurant, or smaller food merchant so your loved ones can splurge on themselves and possibly discover a new favorite location. Additionally, subscriptions to small businesses such as health clubs and massage therapy services can be the gift that keeps on giving for recipients, providing ongoing benefits to the business, as well.
Purchasing gifts and gift cards isn’t the only way to provide support to local businesses during this festive season. While you’re shopping retailers, consider dining out at local eateries, whether that means trying a new venue or patronizing an old favorite. Holiday meals and gatherings can also be catered by area restaurants, which provides the double benefit of simplifying the hosts’ to-do lists while supporting the local economy.
Check in with your local Chamber for ideas of where to start when shopping small and shopping local this holiday season. With the impressive range of small busi nesses abounding in the local area, you’re bound to find something special and unique for everyone on your list!
The Lancaster city tree lighting will kick off the biggest holiday shopping weekend of the year on Nov. 28.
Unique gifts can always be found from eclectic vendors at Building Character and its sister shop, MadCap, on the 300 block of Queen Street.
A handmade wooden wind chime in the form of a dragon as seen among the collection for sale at The Gem Den.
Get crafty and DIY your one-of-a-kind gifts at The Pottery Works on Orange Street.
New and vintage housewares curated by a vendor at Building Character
Don’t miss the Gilded Lily’s holiday displays in windows around Lancaster city like this scene from the window at the Fulton Theatre.
Painted by Dawn Friedrich
Spread the
Word Support Local Through Online Reviews
Patronizing a business and thanking its staff on your way out can help business owners and their employees feel good about the work they're doing. Though such gestures will never go out of style, customers can do even more to help the small businesses in their communities.
When you find the perfect holiday gift at a locally owned store or experienced top-notch customer service at a small business, take a few minutes to leave an online review! Online reviews have become increasingly important for small businesses. According to BrightLocal's Local Consumer Review Survey 2022, 78% of consumers use the internet more than once a week to learn about local businesses. What's more, the survey found that 99% of consumers have used the internet to find information about a local business in the last year.
The BrightLocal survey also found that written reviews describing a positive experience and reviews with a high star rating were the most significant review factors to make consumers feel confident about a local business.
The value of positive reviews for local businesses in undeniable. Consumers who want to help the small businesses in their communities can consider these tips to ensure their reviews are the gifts that keep on giving for local businesses.
Go
to
the
right place A review is only helpful if it's seen. The BrightLocal survey found that, in 2021, Google (81%), Yelp (53%) and Facebook (48%) were the three most utilized sites or apps to evaluate local businesses, suggesting that consumers can do the most good by leaving positive reviews on these sites.
Recognize that recency matters
BrightLocal notes that the number of consumers willing to trust reviews left as long as year ago is on the rise. However, only 7% of consumers feel that recency of review does not affect their decision. Consumers who really to want to help a local business they've already reviewed can leave a new review if their previous one was posted more than a year ago.
Leave a review even if the business already has plenty The BrightLocal survey found that 39% of consumers indicated that they may be more likely to patronize a business that has more reviews posted. So even if a business already has lots of positive reviews, one more positive review can still prove beneficial.
Emphasize
being informative
The more informative a review is, the more likely prospective customers are to gain a greater understanding of what separates a given business from the competition. An informative review need not be a lengthy screed, but reviewers can try to write as much for a positive review as they would a negative one.
Be truthful An authentic rendering of your experience with a company will be recognized as such by savvy consumers and thus more likely to compel others to patronize a business. Share details of your experience with the company and emphasize accuracy. If part of the experience was negative but the overall encounter was positive, note both aspects. Pulling back and offering an overly glowing review might backfire, as other consumers might question its authenticity and wonder if the business is really worthy of a positive review.
Write well
Writing is not everyone's forte, but it's still important for online review writers to try to write as well as possible. Poor grammar can be distracting, and that can affect how people perceive a review. Some may be too distracted by poor grammar to recognize the reviewer had a positive experience with a given company. Review writers need not sweat over their grammar as if they were writing a term paper, but the review could be most beneficial to local businesses if the grammar does not draw attention away from their experiences.
Avoid social or political commentary
Online reviews are not appropriate forums to foster or engage in political or social commentary. Consumers who want to help local businesses should refrain from discussing anything other than their experiences with a company and its products in an online review.
Consumers can tailor their online reviews so they're as beneficial as possible for the local businesses that help their communities thrive.
Expressing Gratitude Ways To Bless a Holiday Host
Millions of people open their homes to relatives and friends each holiday season. Taking on the task of holiday host can be a labor of love, as it involves not only a commitment of time, but also a financial investment.
Guests benefiting from holiday hosts' hospitality can offer tokens of their appreciation upon arrival. The following are some great gifts to offer hosts this holiday season.
Beverage of choice
A bottle of wine or another spirit can be a great gift for holiday gatherings. Let hosts decide if they want to serve it with the meal or save it to enjoy at a later time.
Curated food basket
A guest can put together a basket of different foods, including crackers, cheeses, jams, breadsticks, and other items that can be enjoyed as snacks or appetizers.
Holiday plant
A poinsettia or Christmas cactus may be fitting this time of year, and a holiday host can enjoy seeing it grow during the season.
Kitchen tools or serving items
A beautiful olive wood serving platter or cutting board might be appreciated, particularly if guests arrive with it covered in a charcuterie spread.
Scented candle
Hosts can set the mood and add to the ambiance of an entertaining space with lit, scented candles, which make great gifts. Guests can inquire as to the hosts' preferred aromas or stick with safe seasonal bets like vanilla or cinnamon.
Holiday ornament or decorative piece
Guests can gift ornaments for the tree or another decorative item for hosts who are repeat entertainers. Dating the decoration or having it engraved can transform it into a memento hosts can relish through the years.
Comfort and care a ssortment
Hosting takes effort, so a box of items to pamper holiday hosts can be a great gift. Fill the box with a loofah, bath bombs, shower gel, moisturizing cream, and massage oil.
Holiday hosts invest time and money into making their homes welcoming spaces to spend the holidays. Guests can treat these hosts with gifts to show how much their efforts and hospitality are appreciated.
•
Small Business Two-Day Event with 20+ Vendors
Opening Black Friday 5-9pm and Saturday, Nov. 29 10am-5pm
Saturday Dec. 6 - Line Dancing 6-10pm
Live Music in our Tasting Room Fridays from 6-9pm December 5, 12 & 19
Dec. 13 - Disco Dance Party with the 45 Guy 5-10pm
Bros and Brews Men’s Night
Wednesday, December 17th 6-9pm
Complimentary gift wrapping and chili
Midnight Madness Shopping Event Tuesday, December 23rd 12pm - midnight
Holiday Shopping Tips You Can't afford to Miss
The festive and fun nature of the holiday season can make it easy to forget the benefits of being frugal. Many people go overboard on Christmas spending, making this time of year costly for consumers.
Sales between the beginning of November 2023 and Christmas Eve 2023 climbed 3.1% from the previous year, according to the Mastercard SpendingPulse. The National Retail Federation reported in November 2023 that holiday spending was expected to reach between $957 billion and $966 billion. Trading Economics, a financial market indicator and forecast provider, said personal spending in the United States only rose 0.2% in May 2024 from the previous month, which marked the lowest increase since January 2024.
Shoppers who want to spend less and stick to a budget for holiday entertaining and gifting can keep these budgeting tips in mind.
Set a value to gift recipients
It may sound harsh, but certain people on holiday shopping lists may be assigned a higher value than others. For example, you wouldn't necessarily spend the same amount on a gift for a child's teacher as you would for a grandmother. Putting a dollar figure next to each name on the shopping list can help you identify your expected spending and where you can cut back, if necessary.
Establish your overall budget
Once you have an idea of your potential holiday expenditures, set a firm budget. Avoid the temptation of impulse buys, which can make it easy to go over budget.
Begin shopping early
Start scouring ads and looking for deals prior to Thanksgiving or Black Friday. Keep a running list of gift ideas; when the price is right, purchase those items.
Price check "perfect gifts"
If you've spotted the perfect gift for someone but it's beyond budget, see if you can find a better price elsewhere, says Better Money Habits. There are apps that allow users to scan barcodes and check items across various retailers. Stores may also have price-match policies that can save shoppers money.
Look for deals all the time
Many people get hung up on perceived deep discounts from Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers. However, industry experts say there often isn't a huge difference in markdowns between these promotions and those during other sales. Only by knowing the average price for items can you know if a sale is legitimate.
Sign up for store rewards
If you don't want your regular email inbox inundated with offers, set up a separate email account for in-store and online shopping. Then you can sign up for the rewards programs at checkout. Utilize the coupon codes and advertisements for sales to save money without having your primary email data shared with other marketers.
Track spending carefully
If you don't know how much you're spending, then you cannot possibly stick to a budget. After each purchase, keep a running tally of all holiday spending to see how far you are from the finish line.
The holidays can be expensive, but with smart budgeting and dedication to savvy shopping, it's possible to stay out of financial trouble.
At Go ‘N Bananas, Fun Is Delicious, Nutritious Fruit
Life is short. You work hard. You need to play hard. It’s OK to go bananas.
“We go bananas every day,” said Andrew Karasik, who, along with his wife, Amber, owns and operates Go ‘N Bananas. “You’ll see it with our staff. You’ll see it with us. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. You can’t be in the business of fun without having fun yourselves. People are spending their hard-earned money to come here and have fun.”
Go ‘N Bananas, which is located at 1170 Garfield Ave., Lancaster, is the county’s premier indoor family fun center. The 23,000-square-foot facility is jammed full of attractions, games and entertainment – if they could’ve packed more fun into the space, they would have. “Amber and I as a family enjoy moments when we can take a step back,” said Andrew. “It’s about building those memories. It’s those experiences that get us through the work week. Our hope is that opportunity for community connection can be right around the corner. Even if it’s to get your mind off mundanity for a few minutes, it’s worth it. Why work if you’re not going to have some fun? I look forward to the things I’m going to do with my kids.”
Admission to Go ‘N Bananas is based on a pay-to-play basis. The indoor family fun center offers different levels of play passes, including annual passes, but spectators are admitted for free.
Giving a Go ‘N Bananas gift card is gifting experience, family togetherness and time. Periodic sales allow visitors to choose offers that best suit their recreational needs.
“What we’re about is wholesome family fun in an indoor, safe environment,” said Andrew. “It’s a place where kids can play. We want to create a place where everyone can be themselves. People are taking photos and living out different experiences and dreams.”
“It’s like a party environment with a lot of energy,” said Amber.
There are just so many things to see and do at Go ‘N Bananas. The fun facility features a state-of-the-art arcade with 55 brand-new games, a two-story laser tag area, a full-service restaurant, an interactive threestory climbing and sliding area, a toddler area, an interactive theater, mini bowling, bumper cars, party rooms, a motion simulator and a redemption center where players can cash in electronic tickets to receive prizes.
Go ‘N Bananas’ slogan is “Where the fun never ends.”
Noa Grago of York enjoys an afternoon outing at Go ‘N Bananas.
“What sets us apart is our team and how we do things,” said Andrew. “What we want to provide is an amazing guest experience. We’re really focused on our guests through the lens of a parent, just like ourselves. It has a magical feel that takes you away, and we have a staff who is as passionate as we are.”
Go ‘No Bananas is visited by 125,000 guests each year. In addition to families, Go ‘N Bananas caters to sports teams, school groups, gamers, Scouting troops, church groups, field trips, homeschool outings and partygoers.
“I think we have a fantastic reputation in the area,” said Andrew, “but there are more opportunities for people to learn about us. Being part of the community, we give large donations to organizations like the United Way. Giving back to the community is just as important to us as hosting it.”
In April of this year, the Karasiks purchased Go ‘N Bananas from the Legenstein family. The original owners established the business in 2015, and a sentimental exchange of a card marking a special occasion sparked the idea for the name.
Since then, others have entered the market. We’re not a chain. There’s one location. It’s here, and it’s owned by a single family. We’re continuing that decade of fun and investing in that legacy. We’re dedicated to being a pillar of this community for at least a decade to come.”
The Karasiks have both long-term and short-term plans for the future of Go ‘N Bananas, including a sensory-sensitive room and a proliferation of interactive experiences.
For additional information, go to https://gonbananas.com.
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Fun Present Exchange Ideas 5
Gift giving is a significant component of the holiday season. Families can embrace traditional gift giving, but those who want to add a touch of whimsy to gatherings with loved ones can consider these five creative and fun ways to exchange gifts.
Play the plastic wrap game
To exchange small stocking-stuffer gifts, compile gift cards, cash, small toys, candy, and even some larger gifts; all participants can chip in, and one person shops for the gifts. The designated person in charge rolls up the gifts in the plastic, adding one every few rolls. Turning the ball 90 degrees while wrapping helps make a rounder, more finished gift ball. To play, the person with the ball puts on oven mitts and tries to unwrap as much as they can to access the gifts, while the person to the left is attempting to roll doubles on dice. When doubles are made, that person passes the dice to the left and starts his or her own attempts to get at the gifts in the plastic ball. The game ends when all the gifts are revealed, whether everyone has had a chance to unwrap or not.
Plan a white elephant gift exchange
A white elephant exchange is like a secret grab bag. Everyone brings a wrapped gift and then takes turns choosing a gift based on the number he or she has been given. When the gift is chosen, the person opens it. The next player can select a fresh, still-wrapped gift or steal one of the presents that's already been opened.
Host a make-and-take craft party
With this type of exchange, participants will engage in some form of crafting for the duration of the event, whether it's pottery, painting, epoxy resin pouring, or even knit crafts. At the end of the night, those in attendance can swap their creations with someone else or keep their own crafts as gifts.
Give the gift of a group outing
Instead of exchanging material gifts, focus on sharing experiences with friends and family. A trip to watch a sports game or a theater performance can be an excellent way to spend time together, and it may be something a person may not be inclined to do on his or her own. Certain venues will offer discounts on group tickets, so everyone can pool their resources.
Host a DIY cookie and cocoa exchange
Cookies, cocoa, and the holidays are a perfect combination. A gift exchange where participants supply ingredients for these sweet treats, share their favorite recipes, and then put together the finished products can make for an entertaining and festive afternoon. Each person can fill a cookie tin with baked cookies to take home, and mason jars filled with homemade hot cocoa mix and marshmallows can be an additional gift to enjoy later on a chilly evening.
There are plenty of fun ways to exchange gifts during the holiday season.
Cheese is beloved all over the world. That popularity is something hosts can keep in mind as they plan to welcome loved ones into their homes during the holiday season. Couple the popularity of cheese with a little spice, as this recipe for "Baked Brie With Blackberry Compote and Spicy Candied Pecans" from Lines+Angles does, and hosts are sure to have a crowd pleaser on their hands.
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients:
For the compote:
3 cups blackberries
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the pecans:
½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 pinch chili powder
1 small egg white
1 tablespoon water
2 cups pecans
For the cheese:
2 Brie wheels
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pomegranate, seeded
Fresh thyme sprigs
Multigrain crackers
Directions:
1. For the compote: Combine blackberries, sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a heavy-based saucepan.
2. Cover and cook over a medium heat, stirring from time to time, until the blackberries are soft and jammy, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to one side.
3. For the spicy candied pecans: Preheat the oven to 250 F. Stir together sugar and spices in a large mixing bowl.
4. Whisk egg white with water in a separate bowl until frothy. Toss pecans in egg white mixture before removing and tossing in the spiced sugar to coat.
5. Spread out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 1 hour, turning over every 15 mi nutes, until dry and crisp.
6 Remove from the oven and let cool to one side. Increase oven to 350 F.
7. For the cheese: Remove the tops of the rinds from the Brie wheels. Place the Brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Drizzle with olive oil before baking for 25 to 30 minutes until melted and bubbling.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool briefly before topping with the blackberry compote, spiced pecans, pomegranate seeds, and thyme sprigs.
10. Serve with the multigrain crackers and any remaining compote and pecans on the side.
So many thoughtful gifts!
So many thoughtful gifts!
So many thoughtful gifts!
Your loved one will enjoy something practical, comfortable and fun. Here are a few choices, but we have lots more.
Your loved one will enjoy something practical, comfortable and fun. Here are a few choices, but we have lots more.
Your loved one will enjoy something practical, comfortable and fun. Here are a few choices, but we have lots more.
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Christmas Tree Cake Pops
COURTESY OF LINES+ANGLES
There's no denying Christmas Eve is a special time. And kids' joy and enthusiasm helps to make the holiday season such a special time of year.
Since kids add so much to the holidays, it makes sense to prepare something special for youngsters. Of course, treats such as these "Christmas Tree Cake Pops" from Lines+Angles also may appeal to festive adults.
1. Prepare cake according to package instructions, adding ¾ cup canola oil to the cake mix before baking.
2. Once cake is cool to the touch, transfer to a large mixing bowl and break up into crumbs. Allow to cool completely.
3. In a medium bowl, add the butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk. Use an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add ¾ of the frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until mixture can hold together well. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
5. Using your hands, shape the cake pop mixture into 24 conical shapes.
6. Melt the green candy melts. Dip one end of each of the cake pop sticks into the melted chocolate before inserting into the bottom of the cake pops. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, making sure to cover completely, allowing excess to drip back into bowl.
7. Use a toothpick to create the textured look of the tree and decorate with the icing dots and stars before standing upright to dry completely.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS
Featuring one of life’s most savory and delicious comfort foods, join with those who have discovered the “from-scratch” meat pies that are made at Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies. Surrounded by Amish farmlands in the heart of the PA Dutch countryside, this family owned and operated business uses special mouth-watering recipes that are making their beef, chicken, and sausage pies more famous with each passing year.
From the humble beginnings in their Amish farmhouse kitchen to a USDA inspected commercial enterprise, the quality and taste of their pies remains the same, even as the distribution has increased from one market stand to multiple stores and farm markets throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
You are always invited to stop by the Zook’s retail store to stock up on these quick and easy meals that are tasty and nutritious too! In addition to meat pies. Zook’s has a nice selection of specialty food items, including homemade soups, bake-at-home meals and fresh bakery items.
Fresh Baked Goods
Fresh Made Meat Pies!
Gift Baskets!
• A GREAT way to express appreciation to the special people in your life.
• PERFECT as teacher gifts, personal gifts and corporate gifts.
• Our Garden Center is bursting In fall with mums, pumpkins & more - and seasonal favorites throughtout the year.
• Shelves filled with mouth-watering jarred goods, salsas, jams & jellies, butters, preserves and honey
• Baked good treats include scrumptious cookies, whoopie pies, fruit pies & more!
(and More) are Here!
• Many varieties of delicious tree-ripened apples for Fall & Winter
• Delicious & healthy fall crop vegetables available
• Fresh-baked apple cider donuts, fresh-pressed apple cider, apple pies, dumplings and lots more!
Snow Much to Do This Winter!
Ski, hike, and explore your way through PA’s most thrilling destinations
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