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WHY CHOOSE AMY?

Serve Up This Classic Christmas Cocktail

The holiday season is often characterized as the most festive time of year, and for good reason. Social schedules tend to be especially busy come the holiday season, when friends gather for nights out on the town and families reunite in the homes of welcoming hosts. Celebrations are certainly on the mind between late November and early January, and many people like to toast this festive time of year with a cocktail. Perhaps no cocktail is a bigger part of holiday celebrations than eggnog, which is quite popular come December but not typically consumed throughout the rest of the year. This season’s celebrations might not be the same without eggnog, and amateur mixologists can keep that in mind and whip up this recipe for “Eggnog Christmas Milk Cocktail With Cinnamon” courtesy of Lines+Angles.

Eggnog Christmas Milk Cocktail

With Cinnamon

Makes 2 servings

2 ounces dark rum

2 ounces brandy

1 cup eggnog

1⁄8

teaspoon nutmeg

teaspoon cinnamon

1⁄8 teaspoon ground star anise

1⁄2 teaspoon demerara sugar

2 sticks cinnamon, for garnish

2 pods star anise, for garnish

Shortbread cookies, for garnish and to serve (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix the rum, brandy and eggnog in a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon, ground star anise and sugar to a small plate. Wet the rim of a glass with rum. Roll the rim of the glass in the spices.

3. Strain the eggnog mixture between the two glasses. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, star anise pods and festive shortbread cookies if desired.

Classic Tossed Salad

PASTA

Mixed Greens Topped With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Carrots, Roasted Peppers & Black Olives

Baked Ziti with Ricotta .........

Caesar Salad...................................$40.00 .. $70.00

Penne Alla Vodka

Lasagna - OR -

$50.00..... $90.00

VEAL

$65.00 $120.00

Mixed Greens Topped With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, & Carrots

Greek Salad ....................................$45.00 .. $80.00

Veal & Peppers - OR -

Vegetable Lasagna ...............

$60.00... $110.00

Veal Parmigiana ....................... $85.00 .... $160.00

Mixed Greens Topped With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Black Olives & Feta Cheese

Mangia Salad ..................................$55.00 $100.00

$100.00 Mangia’s Famous Meatballs On Garlic Knots Buffalo Wings .............................

Linguine With Clam Sauce $60.00 $110.00 (Red Or White)

PORK & BEEF

Sausage & Peppers .............. $60.00... $110.00 Red Or White

Pepper Steak ....................... $70.00... $130.00 With Peppers & Onions In A Brown Sauce Meatballs............................. $60.00... $110.00

CHICKEN

Chicken Parmigiana .............

Veal Marsala

$65.00... $120.00

Chicken Francese ................. $70.00... $130.00

Veal & Mushrooms ................... $70.00 .... $130.00

Stew Sautéed With Onions, Garlic & Peppers Or Mushrooms In A Red Sauce

SEAFOOD

$85.00 $160.00

Sautéed With Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic, Marsala Wine

Shrimp Marinara - ORFra Diavolo ................................. $85.00 .... $160.00 Sweet Or Spicy Marinara Sauce Shrimp Parmigiana

EGGPLANT

Lightly Fried, Sautéed In Lemon, Butter, Garlic & White Wine Sauce

Baked Clams $60.00 $110.00

Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Tomato Sauce...............

Shrimp Cocktail ......................... $85.00 .. $160.00 Fried Calamari $75.00 $140.00

$110.00 Eggplant Rollatini With Ham .......

Hawaiian Chicken .................

$70.00... $130.00

Sweet & Sour Sauce With Pineapples & Cherries

Chicken Florentine

Chicken Fingers ...................

$55.00... $100.00

$75.00 $140.00

Sautéed Spinach, Slices Of Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella, Garlic White Wine Sauce

Lightly Fried, Sautéed In Lemon, Butter, Garlic & White Wine Sauce Seafood Combo (Choose 3) $95.00

VODKA

BREAD & BUTTER PINOT NOIR/CABERNET

HOLIDAY CATERING MENU

PASTA CHICKEN

Baked Cheese Ravioli .............................................$80..........$40

Baked Ziti with Meat

$80 $40

Cheese Manicotti ...................................................$80..........$40

Baked Stuffed Shells

$80 $40

Lasagna with Meat/Ricotta ....................................$95..........$55

Fettucine Alfredo

$85 $40

Tortellini Alfredo ....................................................$85..........$40

Linguine Clam Sauce (Red/White)

$85 $50

Pasta Primavera .....................................................$80..........$40

Rigatoni Ala Vodka .................................................$80..........$40

Gnocchi with Cream Pesto Sauce

$85 $50

Penne with Broccoli, Garlic & Oil ...........................$75..........$35

Lobster Ravioli with Ala Vodka

$105 $60

Spinach Ravioli with Cream Sauce .........................$90..........$45

Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Rabe & Sausage $90 $45

Farfalle Pasta with Grilled Chicken & Pesto ..........$85..........$45

Cheese Agnolotti with Pea & Prosciutto Cream Sauce $95 $55

Rigatoni Filetto Di Pomodoro ................................$75..........$35

Farfalle Pasta with Mushrooms/Pea/Prosciutto Cream Sauce $85 $45

VEAL

Veal Marsala .........................................................$140..........$75

Veal & Peppers

$140 $75

Veal Parmigiana ....................................................$140..........$75

Veal Rollatini

SEAFOOD

Scungilli In Sauce (Hot or Sweet)

Scungilli & Mussels (Hot or Sweet) ......................$140..........$75

Mussels Marinara .................................................$125..........$70

Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine .............................$125..........$70

Francese .................................................$120..........$60

Chicken Breast (Cordon Bleu)

Rollatini with Proscuitto & Mozzarella

Piccata

BEEF & PORK

& Olives)

VEGETABLES

SALAD

PLATTERS

PLACE YOUR ORDERS EARLY

AVENUE BAGELS

Kid-Crafted Holiday Decor Ideas

There are plenty of handmade holiday crafts to keep little ones happily occupied. Here are some ideas to spark imagination and hours of creative fun.

Easy snow globes

A visit to the craft store will uncover various items that can be turned into snow globes. Look for a plastic cookie jarlike container with a lid that screws on tightly; otherwise,

choose glass mason jars. Use a general ratio of one cup of water, three teaspoons of glycerine or an oil like baby oil or mineral oil, and a few teaspoons of glitter. Glue a plastic Christmas tree or snowman figurine to the underside of the lid of the jar with a rubberized adhesive or another glue that will hold up to wet conditions. When dry, replace the lid, invert the jar and watch the snow fall.

Salt dough ornaments

Salt dough is a modeling dough made from two cups of all-purpose flour, one cup of salt, and about 3⁄4 cup of water. Mix the ingredients together and knead until the dough is smooth and easy to work with. Add more flour if it’s too sticky; more water if it’s too dry. Kids can use cookie

cutters to cut shapes from the rolled-out dough, or sculpt freehand. Remember to poke a hole through the top of the ornament to thread through string or ribbon later on. While the dough can be dried out by air in about a week, a faster method is to bake in an oven at 250 F for 11⁄2 to two hours, or until the dough is dry and hard. Kids can then paint the dried creations.

Paper gingerbread figures

Children may delight in making life-sized gingerbread girls and boys they can decorate and then hang up on the wall. A roll of brown postal paper will work, as will other embellishments like markers, paints, crayons, or ribbon. Kids take turns being traced while lying down on a piece of rolled-out paper. Then the

general shape is cut out and decorated. Children can raise their arms, bend their legs, or vary their positions to give life to the gingerbread figures.

Winter wonderland

It can be fun to create a diorama or small winter landscape that can be set out with other decorations. Craft stores will likely sell small, plastic evergreen trees this time of year, or they may be available in the model train aisle of a local hobby shop. Trees can be given snowy boughs with a little acrylic paint. Include figures of bunnies, deer and whatever else kids can dream up. A strand of LED, batteryoperated lights can add some illumination to the scene. Secure items to cardboard or foam board.

SALADS

Learn To Decorate Like A Holiday Pro

Thesights and sounds of the holiday season help to make this a special time of year that people look forward to. With its magical moments and opportunities to gather with family and friends, the holiday season is a period to celebrate and, of course, decorate. According to an informal poll from the decorating, culture, and travel experts at Veranda, 65 percent of respondents said that the time to decorate for Christmas is right after Thanksgiving or the first week of December. Many stores now display holiday decorations and other wares concurrently with Halloween and fall items, so people can plan their decorating early if they expect to be adding to their holiday collections.

These tips can help with decorating and make anyone deck the halls like a professional.

• Choose your theme and color palette. Consider a specific style of decorating, whether it’s traditional, minimalist, country, or even winter wonderland. Then select a few coordinating colors to complement the theme and existing items in your home. Pick up these items as they become available in stores, as holiday merchandise often goes quickly.

• Focus on a few key areas. While it’s tempting to decorate an entire home, pros know to focus on key areas like tables, doorways, and mantels to create the most visual interest. This also makes decorating more manageable.

• Rely on the rule of thirds. Create balanced and visually pleasing arrangements by dividing the space visually into nine equal parts, symbolically drawing two equally spaced horizontal and two equally spaced vertical lines. Designers often place important elements along these lines or at their intersections to create a more visually balanced and appealing composition. When grouping decorative items on shelves and tables, threes often look best.

• Remove clutter. It’s important to declutter a space prior to introducing holiday elements in order to create a clean and organized look. Store additional decorations and knick-knacks until after the holiday season.

• Start with lights. It’s often easier to decorate by beginning with lights first, and then weaving additional decorations into the mix. Build on lights with garlands and accent items.

• Less is often more. Keep the decorating simple. A few elements here and there can have a much more effective impact than

several things that draw attention away from one another. When taking out holiday decorations this year, use it as an opportunity to assess and cull the collection, which will make things easier next year.

Homeowners can decorate their spaces for the holidays effectively with some guidelines professional designers often use.

at the Constantino Brumiddi Lodge where Style and Elegance is

❖ Full Open Bar

❖ Cocktail Hour

which includes; Hot and Cold Statio ns, Carving Station

❖ Elegant Gourmet Sit-Down Dinner

❖ Viennese Style Dessert Stations

❖ Champagne Toast

❖ Noise Makeers, Photo Station, (Bring your Camera/Phone), etc.

♫ LIVE Music & Entertainment by

♫ **LONG ISLAND'S ULTIMATE ENTERTAINER LOUIS DEL PRETE**

“The Ultimate Entertainer" Louis Del Prete is a throwback to an era when artists actually "entertained". He can sing, dance, and play an instrument.

♫ WIITH DAANCE HOSTS LOURDES & DANIEL WITH A DINNER SHOWCASE

Very excited to have Lourdes and Daniel, with guest host Mario, join us for New Years Eve for what is sure to be an amazing evening of cuisine, music and dance

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2025 ~ 8:00PM - 1:00AM $145.00/PP

For Tickets and More In formation : Linda 516.356.0949

Event Chairperson : Daniel 631.338.6357 2075 Deer Park Ave Deer Park, NY 11729

Stay connected to learn about future events: Face book: Brumidi Lodge Website: www.sonsofitalyli.com Email: lodge@sonsofitalyli.com

•

1155 Deer Park Avenue, North Babylon

Charitable Giving Spreads Joy

Charitable giving increases significantly in the months surrounding the holidays. Approximately one-third of annual giving happens in December, and 10 percent of all giving occurs in the last three days of the year, according to Charities Aid Foundation America. The surge in donations typically occurs with people’s desire to spread holiday cheer, enjoy tax advantages and help people in the community,

says Nonprofit Source.

Some people are compelled to donate in the name of another person. Here are some ideas for charitable holiday gifts that benefit many.

Donate in someone’s name

To honor a loved one who may be living or deceased, or who fought an illness and won, you can donate to a nonprofit in the name of that loved one. Many charities offer printable or physical cards to let the recipient know a donation has been made in his or her name.

Giving back through gifts

Certain products purchased feature proceeds that go toward a charitable cause. For example, every purchase of TOMS® shoes helps fund mental health access and community development,

while the body care products from Thistle Farms are made by women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Other products may help feed the hungry or support cancer patients.

Supporting animals

A symbolic animal adoption can support conservation efforts around the world. Making a donation to the World Wildlife Fund in someone’s name, for example, enables you to get a plushie, certificate and information on the animal the contribution will be helping.

Fair trade gifts

Making a purchase of fair trade items means you’re often buying handmade and ethically sourced goods. These gifts support artisans in developing countries and help

fund community projects. Gift recipients can feel pride in ownership of an item that was designed and purchased with the greater good in mind.

Charity gift cards

Charitable gift cards, like those available from TisBest Charity and CharityChoice, let the gift recipient choose which nonprofit will receive the funds.

Support special businesses

Offer gift cards or take people to dine or shop at businesses that support those with special needs. For example, No Limits Cafe in New Jersey is a full-service restaurant that trains and employs adults with intellectual disabilities. Dining there will help to continue to support these important efforts to give every employee a sense of pride and purpose.

Party Pointers For Holiday Hosts

Entertaining

is par for the course from November through the end of December. The holiday season is an especially festive time of year, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to celebrate. Holiday hosts may wonder where to get started in regard to planning their events. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the process, but with some pointers just about anyone can have a holiday gathering worth remembering.

• Don’t be scared off by social media. When Rebecca Jennings, Vox senior correspondent covering social platforms, was hosting Thanksgiving for the first time last year, she remarked that her social media feed was filled with tutorials that made her feel like everyone was doing it better than she. Although social media can be great for generating ideas, it also might put undue pressure on hosts who feel they need to measure up to the events being executed by professionals, or people with a lot more time on their hands. It’s fine if a host can’t make everything from scratch or doesn’t have a home that looks like something out of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Guests won’t be expecting perfection; they just want to have fun and spend time socializing.

• Plan around the guest experience. Instead of getting bogged down on details related to decor, holiday hosts should direct most of their attention to the guest experience. They can ask themselves if a guest will even care about something

they are considering having at the event. This can certainly save time and stress.

• Keep everyone full. Great food often is at the center of a holiday event, and the menu should be designed to be a crowd pleaser. Work with familiar ingredients that may be presented in unique ways. For example, a traditional caprese salad can be transformed into finger foods by alternating cherry tomatoes, chunks of mozzarella and leaves of basil on skewers. Don’t forget classics like roasted meats, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls and butter, and other hearty items. They will fill guests up and keep them happy.

• Lighten the hosting load. Hosts can identify ways

to alleviate stress and free up time to engage with guests. This may involve making the event a potluck where everyone is tasked with bringing a dish. Or, if budget allows, hire bartenders, caterers or a cleaning service to handle some jobs and free up time for hosts to mingle.

• Plan for some entertainment. Music and entertainment can set the tone of the party. Create a playlist that includes a mix of holiday favorites and other tunes. Hosts who want to go above and beyond may want to hire a DJ or live musicians, or enlist a karaoke company to get guests involved.

Entertaining during the holiday, can go smoothly with some simple planning.

A Brief History Of Christmas Trees

Towering evergreen trees adorned in lights and other trinkets are a focal point of the holiday season. Christmas trees are placed in prominent locations in homes, typically in front of a large picture window or in the corners of large entryways.

These awe-inspiring trees beckon people to inspect all the ornaments and are often the first things people envision when thinking of holiday decor. The tradition of the Christmas tree is believed to have begun in Germany in the sixteenth century. However, the National Christmas Tree Association says there may be earlier references to Christmas trees in other parts of the world as well.

The first written record of a decorated Christmas tree

comes from Riga, Latvia, in 1510. Men of a local merchant’s guild decorated the tree with roses and then set fire to it. The rose was considered a symbol of the Virgin Mary.

In the sixteenth century in Alsace, France, trees were sold in the marketplace and brought home and set up undecorated. Laws limited the size to “eight shoe lengths,” or slightly more than four feet. Early German Christmas trees were adorned with apples, a holdover from earlier traditions when evergreen boughs hung with apples were used as props in miracle plays. These plays took place in churches on December 24, which was Adam & Eve’s Day in the early Christian calendar. Evergreens have long been symbolic of life during the cold months

of winter, calling to mind the promise of spring to come. Various cultures, including early Christians, featured trees during winter solstice celebrations.

Some historians believe Martin Luther, a Protestant reformer who might have been inspired by stars in the night, was responsible for adding lighted

candles to the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was introduced to the United States by German settlers in the 1800s. Soon after those settlers’ arrival, trees began to be sold commercially. President Franklin Pierce is credited with being the first to have a Christmas tree at the White House.

Pino's FULLY COOKED

Hormone

ANTIPASTO (Choose one)

• Traditional Antipasto Platter

• Handmade Mozzarella Caprese Platter

• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Platter

FIRST COURSE (Choose one)

• Penne Alla Vodka

• Baked Ziti

• Stuffed Shells

SALAD (Choose one)

• Garden or Caesar

• Linguine Frutti di Mare

• Lasagna (Meat or Cheese)

• Baked Manicotti

• Baby Spinach & Goat Cheese with Fresh Seasonal Berries

MAIN COURSE (Choose one)

• USDA Prime Stuffed Flank Steak Roast (Raw)

• Boar’s Head Sweet Slice Ham (Brown Sugar Glaze)

• All Natural, Hormone Free Center-Cut Stuffed Boneless Pork Roast (Raw)

• Stuffed Flounder Filet

VEGETABLE (Choose two)

• String Bean Casserole

• Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Roasted Potato Wedges

DESSERT (Choose one)

• Apple Pie or Grain Pie

• Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl

• Sautéed Broccoli

• String Bean Almondine

• Eggplant Rollatine or Parmigiana

LONG ISLAND CAR HAPPY

Seasonal Sips

Craft A Cocktail With Seasonal Staples As The Star Ingredients

Holiday season parties are particularly festive affairs. The jovial spirt of the season lends itself to fun gatherings with family and friends. When welcoming loved ones at home this holiday season, hosts can consider some seasonal staples and craft a unique cocktail guests won’t soon forget. Pumpkin might be more synonymous with fall than winter, but cinnamon certainly has a place on holiday season dinner tables. This recipe for a “Pumpkin Martini Cocktail With Cinnamon” from Lines+Angles combines staple flavors of fall and winter into a delicious drink holiday celebrants will love.

Directions:

1. Pour the maple syrup in a saucer and put the graham cracker crumbs in a separate saucer. Dip the rims of 2 chilled martini glasses first into the simple syrup, then into the graham cracker crumbs.

2. Fill a shaker with ice and add the pumpkin spice liqueur, Baileys, vodka, and vanilla extract. Shake for 15 seconds and strain between the prepared glasses. Garnish each with a cinnamon stick.

Pumpkin Martini Cocktail With Cinnamon

Serves 2

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1⁄4 cup graham cracker crumbs

5 ounces pumpkin spice liqueur

2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream

2 ounces vodka

1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cinnamon sticks

Our Warrior Joseph Baggio and Deer Park Fire Department Presents:

We're honored to continue this meaningful tradition in partnership with Mangano Family Funeral Home and The Works Barbershop, bringing hope and comfort to children and families this holiday season.

Drop-off Locations: Deer Park Fire Department Headquarters Mangano Family Funeral Home The Works Barbershop

Arthritis Foundation To Host Jingle Bell Run

TheArthritis Foundation invites Long Islanders to lace up their sneakers, don their festive holiday gear and join the movement to conquer arthritis at the annual Jingle Bell Run, happening Saturday, December 6th at Hofstra University in Hempstead.

The Jingle Bell Run is a spirited, family-friendly 5K fundraising event that brings the community together to champion the Arthritis Foundation’s mission: fighting for a cure and championing the fight against the nation’s leading cause of disability. Participants are encouraged to wear holiday-themed costumes, tie jingle bells to their shoes and celebrate the season while supporting a meaningful cause. The run begins at 10:30 am!

“All proceeds from the Jingle Bell Run support cutting-edge research, advocacy, and life-changing resources for the more than 60 million Americans — including 300,000 children — living with arthritis,” said Alexis Stone, Executive Director, Arthritis Foundation, NYC.

“It’s a fun, festive way to make a difference in the lives of those affected by arthritis right here in our community.”

The event is locally presented by Northwell Orthopedics and it welcomes runners, walkers, teams and corporate sponsors. Participants can register individually or as part of a team, and fundraising incentives are available for top fundraisers. The morning will feature music, refreshments, awards and plenty of holiday cheer. To register, visit www. jbr.org/longisland.

Whether you run, walk or simply cheer, every step helps

make a difference for the millions battling arthritis pain. Let’s jingle all the way to a cure!

Simple Stuffed Shells To Please A Hungry Holiday Crowd

Holiday hosting is a fun way to welcome loved ones. Opportunities to host abound between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, and savvy hosts know how useful an expansive culinary repertoire can be during a time of year when it’s common to enjoy home cooked meals with loved ones. Simple but flavorful meals are a holiday host’s best friend. Such meals, which include the following recipe for “Stuffed Shells With Spinach and Ricotta” from Lines+Angles, give hosts more time to mingle but still ensure a delicious dish makes its way to the table come dinnertime.

Stuffed Shells With Spinach And Ricotta

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Salt, to taste

32 jumbo pasta shells

10 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed

2 cups ricotta, softened

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided), plus extra to serve

3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

2 eggs, lightly beaten

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

3 3⁄4 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook per package directions until al dente. Rinse pasta in cold water to stop cooking process and drain well.

2. Squeeze spinach dry. Transfer spinach to large bowl. Add ricotta, 1⁄2 cup Parmesan, garlic, and beaten eggs to bowl. Season mixture with salt and pepper, and mix to blend.

3. Preheat oven to 350 F.

4. Spoon 1⁄2 cup marinara sauce evenly over bottom of 9- x 13- x 2-inch baking dish. Fill each pasta shell with spinach mixture. Place shells, filling side up, in prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1⁄2 cup Parmesan. Cover loosely with foil and bake until heated through and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Spoon remaining sauce over shells.

Garnish with Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve.

Doughnuts Make A Great Hanukkah Treat

Hanukkahis a Jewish celebration also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the Temple menorah, during which a minimal supply of oil somehow lasted for eight days. As a result, oil features prominently in Hanukkah traditions, and many faithful Jewish people include foods fried in oil as part of their holiday dinners or desserts. This recipe for “Raspberry Jam Doughnuts” from BBC GoodFood produces a delicious treat for Hanukkah celebrations. This recipe features metric volumes and weights, so use the correct measuring conversion in countries where the metric system is not employed.

Raspberry Jam Doughnuts

Makes 20

130 ml whole milk

1 vanilla pod, split lengthwise

500 grams strong white bread flour

40 grams golden caster sugar

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

7 grams fast-action yeast

3 medium eggs, lightly beaten

120 grams unsalted butter, softened

Vegetable oil, for proving and deep-frying

350 grams raspberry jam

Directions:

For the icing

400 grams icing sugar, sieved

Pink food coloring

Freeze-dried raspberries, to decorate (optional)

Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the split vanilla pod. Slowly bring to a simmer and, once it begins to steam, remove from the heat and pour into a measuring jug. If it has reduced, top with up to 130 ml extra milk, then leave to cool until tepid.

Put the flour into the large bowl of a stand mixer. Stir through the sugar, salt and yeast. Using the hook attachment for your mixer, begin combining the dry ingredients, then add the vanilla-infused milk and eggs. Keep mixing for 10 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Scoop small spoonfuls of the softened butter and gradually add to the dough. When all the butter has been added, continue mixing for a further 5 to 6 minutes or until it is well incorporated and the dough is sticky and stretchy.

Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, put the dough in the bowl, cover and leave in a warm place for one hour or until doubled in size.

Divide the dough into 20 equal-sized pieces (if you want to weigh them, they should be around 45 grams each). Roll the dough into balls and place them, well spaced apart, on two lightly oiled baking sheets. Cover with lightly oiled baking parchment, or a light tea towel (if it’s too heavy it will keep the dough from rising) and leave for a further 1 hour, 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Fill a large heavy-based saucepan two-thirds full with oil and place over a low-medium heat, bringing the temperature up to 170 C. Use a cooking thermometer to check, then carefully lift each doughnut and gently lower into the oil to fry in batches of about five at a time. Cook each batch for 5 minutes, turning halfway, until the doughnuts are dark golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a baking tray lined with kitchen paper. Leave to cool completely. Spoon the raspberry jam into a piping bag without a nozzle and snip a very small hole in the end. Use a skewer to poke a hole in the side of each doughnut, then push the end of the piping bag into each hole and pipe in a little of the jam. Set aside. For the icing, mix together the icing sugar and 4 tablespoons water, then a drop or two of the food coloring to make it pale pink. Drop a dessert-spoonful of the icing on top of each doughnut, then use a palette knife to spread and even out the icing. Sprinkle each one with the freeze-dried raspberries, if you like.

The Perfect Treat To Indulge In This Holiday Season

There’smuch to look forward to come the holiday season. Celebrations with family and friends, awe-inspiring lighting displays and opportunities to see loved ones’ eyes light up after opening the perfect gift are just some of the many things that excite holiday celebrants. Foodies also have much to look forward to come the end of the year. Beginning on Thanksgiving and continuing through the new year, food figures prominently in holiday season celebrations. Indeed, everything from tasty appetizers to main courses to dessert excites holiday celebrants. Dessert is particularly appealing come the holiday season, when many people relax their dietary restrictions and indulge in some treats they tend to avoid during the rest of the year. Holiday hosts who want to ensure guests get as much indulgence as they can handle can try this recipe for “Chocolate Crumble Pie” courtesy of “Chocolate” (Love Food) by the editors at Parragon Books Ltd.

Chocolate Crumble Pie

Serves 8 for one 9-inch pie

Pie Dough

Scant 1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1⁄4 cup superfine sugar

1 egg yolk

1 to 2 teaspoons cold water

Filling

2⁄3 cup heavy cream

2⁄3 cup milk

8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

2 eggs

Crumble Topping

1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar

3⁄4 cup toasted pecans

4 ounces semisweet chocolate

3 ounces amaretti cookies

1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa

Directions:

To make the pie dough, sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl, rub in the butter, and stir in the sugar, then add the egg and a little water to bring the dough together. Turn the dough out, and knead briefly. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Roll out the pie dough and use to line a 9-inch loose-button tart pan. Prick the pastry shell with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or baking beans. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and take out the paper and beans. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 F.

To make the filling, bring the cream and milk to a boil in a saucepan, immediately remove from the heat, and add the chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. Beat the eggs and add to the chocolate mixture, mix thoroughly and pour into the shell. Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven, and let rest for 1 hour.

When you are ready to serve the pie, place the topping ingredients in a food processor and pulse to chop. (If you do not have a processor, place the sugar in a large bowl, chop the nuts and chocolate with a large knife, and crush the cookies, then add to the bowl with the cocoa and mix well.) Sprinkle over the pie, then serve it in slices.

BROADWAY FLOORING

Celebrating The New Year

Did You Know?

Celebrating the new year on January 1 is a relatively recent phenomenon. The calendar as we know it today has evolved several times and months have gone by different names. On the early Roman calendar, March was the first month of the 10-month calendar. That is why the last four months of the year have prefixes that coordinate with the seventh (September), eighth (October), ninth (November), and tenth (December) numerals. King Numa Pompilius reformed the calendar around 700 BCE by adding the months of January and February to the original 10 months. But the calendar still required some additional tweaking to be more aligned with the seasons. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar introduced a solar-based calendar that was an improvement on the ancient Roman one, which was lunarbased. During this time, the month of Quintilis was renamed July in honor of Julius Caesar and Sextilis was renamed August in honor of Augustus. Shortly after the introduction of the solar calendar, the beginning of the year was moved from March 1 to January 1.

Christmas

trees are a key component of many people's holiday season. It's a family tradition to choose (or take out) the tree each year and then adorn it with ornaments, tinsel, family mementos, and a beautiful tree topper. In regard to tree toppers, most people fasten the top bough with an angel or a star. The first tree toppers were the infant Jesus, but toppers are now available in other options symbolic of the Nativity of Jesus. The star refers to the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus. The angel represents the messengers of God as well as the Angel Gabriel, who visited Mary to share the news that she would be giving birth to the Son of God. People can choose whichever topper they prefer, but many refer to the religious significance of Christmas.

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Shining A Light On Hanukkah Celebrations

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) is a Jewish festival that lasts eight days. It starts on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, which usually falls within the month of December, and commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees. The Temple had been previously desecrated by the Syrians.

Why is Hanukkah eight days?

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After the Maccabees fended off the Syrian-Greeks and reclaimed their Temple, they sought to light the Temple's menorah. However, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination, according to Chabad. org. Miraculously, the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. Sages subsequently instituted the festival of Hanukkah to commemorate and publicize this miracle.

Menorah lighting

The menorah is the centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration. It holds nine flames, one of which is called the "shamash" (attendant). That candle is used to kindle the other eight lights. By the eighth night of Hanukkah, eight lights are lit and glowing. The menorah is placed in a doorway or window.

Oily foods

Since the Hanukkah miracle focuses on oil, it is customary to enjoy foods fried in oil. Potato latkes are commonly enjoyed, as are jelly-filled donuts called "sufganiyah."

Giving

Hanukkah really isn't about exchanging gifts. The tradition actually is to give out Hanukkah gelt, which is gifts of money to children. Also, individuals reward positive behavior and devotion to Torah study. The cash gifts enable kids to give to charity.

A Beginner’s Guide To Wreath-Making

Wreathsare popular decorative items that can be customized for any season or occasion. Wreaths are particularly popular during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially when adorned with evergreen boughs and berries. Learning how to make a wreath can be a handy skill.

Those new to wreath-making need not worry, as it’s relatively easy to learn the technique. Here are the basics to crafting a wreath, which can then be adorned as desired.

Materials needed

The first step to making a wreath is having the right tools and materials on hand.

• Wreath form: This is the frame upon which the materials will be attached. Choose a form diameter that matches the desired size for the center ring of the wreath, as longer flowers or branches can be attached to create a larger finished wreath. A 10-inch wreath form is good for getting started. The form can be made from metal or grapevine. For a foam form, you’ll be poking wire into the form instead of wrapping it around it to secure your greenery and decorations.

• Paddle wire: Choose 22to 24-gauge paddle wire to attach greenery and additional items onto the form.

• Clippers and wire cutters

• Craft scissors

• Foliage, flowers and boughs

• Decorative items and accessories

• Floral tape

• Door hanger

Prepare your work station

Once you have collected your supplies, it’s time to begin. Place all materials on a protected surface. Trim foliage into workable sizes that will fit neatly on the frame, and set aside.

Build bundles

The first step to making a wreath is to make small bouquets or bundles of greenery that look good in small bunches, suggests Homesteading Family. Hold the bundle tightly and use floral tape around the stems to keep each bundle together. Repeat this process until

you have several bundles to attach to the wreath form.

Start attaching the greenery

Begin by laying a bundle onto the form and using a piece of paddle wire to first wrap around the form, and then wrap around the bundle stems to hold in place. Experts suggest pointing the stems inward and arranging the leaves and greenery to point outwards to create a fan shape. Always place the next bundle slightly overlapping and on top of the previous bundle to cover the stems. Repeat this process all around the wreath form until you reach the starting point.

Add your embellishments

Fill in any sparse areas with some decorations, such as small ornaments, bows, pinecones, ribbons, or plastic gems. Simply wrap a piece of wire around the decoration

and attach it to the form as you did the bundles. When adding embellishments, work in odd-numbered groupings, as they look more aesthetically appealing on a circle, say the floral experts at Team Flower. Twist all wire ends tightly to avoid scratching your door or wall when the wreath is ready to hang.

Hang the wreath

Place the wreath holder on your door or in another spot. Determine what is the top of the wreath and twist two pieces of your paddle wire together to thicken it. Fashion the wire into a loop shape so you will have a “hook” for hanging the wreath onto the holder, which makes it more secure.

Making a homemade wreath is inexpensive and a perfect craft project for the holiday season.

Experience Home For The Holidays At Planting Fields

Planting Fields, a former Gold Coast estate that is preserved today as a celebration of art, architecture, landscape, and the people who resided on its land, will be holding its annual Home for the Holidays event next month. A heartwarming tradition that makes the spirit of the season come to life in one of Long Island’s most enchanting settings, Home for the Holidays is a one-of-a-kind festival.

Experience true holiday magic as you step inside the historic Main House, beautifully adorned in full holiday splendor with festive décor crafted from natural materials sourced right on its grounds – a signature Planting Fields touch you won’t find anywhere else. Attendees can also sip on hot cocoa, listen to the sounds of holiday music filling the halls, and craft their own seasonal keepsake. Plus, this year Santa Claus is joining in on the fun! Children of all ages can share their wishes, take photos, and soak in the joy of the season as Santa spreads cheer throughout the day.