Mount Vernon Town Money Saver | December FOM 2021

Mount Vernon Community Band offers place for making music and fun

Comprised of local individuals of all skill levels and backgrounds, this small but mighty group of instrumentalists seeks to rekindle friendships and love of music.

AnyoneI have met who was in the band or marching band in school, has only EVER had fond memories to share. In many instances, their “lifetime friendships” started in the band in high school! Though I enjoy sports, I have always encouraged my children to pursue something artistic first. My case being, that besides the fun you have now, you will be able to enjoy your artistic pursuits your entire life! How many sports can be enjoyed throughout life?

I frequently have conversations with adults who just aren’t having fun in life, and I encourage them — ”do something artistic.” I think it helps us all find balance in a world full of stress

and chaos. Many of those people then remind themselves of what fun band was in school! Mount Vernon and Knox County provide many artistic directions, and one that is growing now welcomes you to visit those great times you experienced making music and making friends in the high school band.

Started by Karen McClellan in 2015, the Mount Vernon Community Band began as quite a small group of about only ten players and no percussion. Today, the band is a group of dedicated friends and musicians of all types and skill levels. The whole focus is to get together and have a place to make music and fun!

The Mount Vernon Band frequently performs in parades, nursing homes, churches, picnics, concerts at the Children’s Garden, and at the Ariel Park’s Fourth of July celebration.

Learn more about the band or playing in the band on Facebook

HOLIDAY baking!

Salted Caramel Nuts

Makes 8 cups

1 cup each whole roasted salted cashews, whole large pecan halves, whole unsalted almonds, and whole walnut halves (4 cups total)

1½ cups sugar

2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp fleur de sel 2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine nuts & spread them on a sheet pan, roast for 7 minutes, until they become fragrant. Set aside to cool. Place sugar & ¼ cup of water in a medium (10”) sauté pan and mix with a fork until the sugar is moistened. Cook over medium-high heat until the sugar melts—from this point on, don’t stir the caramel, swirl the pan! Don’t worry—the mixture may look as though it’s crystallizing. Continue to cook 5-10 min., until mixture becomes clear golden brown, swirling the pan constantly at the end. (Careful—the caramel is very hot!) Off the heat, quickly add the vanilla (it will bubble up!) and swirl the pan to combine. Working quickly (the caramel will continue to cook in the pan), add the nuts and the kosher salt and toss with 2 large spoons until the nuts are coated.

Home Made Hot Cocoa

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup white sugar

1 pinch salt

½ cup boiling water

3 ½ cups milk

¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup half-and-half cream

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa and salt. Add water; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in milk; heat to serving temperature (do not boil). Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Whisk until frothy. If desired, garnish with marshmallows, cream or cinnamon sticks.

Rum Cake

Preparation

Ingredients

CAKE

• 1 cup chopped roasted pecans or walnuts

• 1 yellow cake mix

• 1 1-3/4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix

• 4 eggs

• ½ cup cold milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• ½ cup Bacardi dark rum

GLAZE

• ½ cup butter

• ¼ cup water

• 1 cup sugar

• ½ cup Bacardi light rum

CAKE: Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease & flour 12 cup bunt pan. Sprinkle nuts on bottom of pan. Combine all ingredients. Beat for 2 minutes on high with electric mixer. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool in pan. Invert on serving plate. Prick top with fork. Drizzle glaze over top of cake. Use brush or spoon to put extra dripping back on cake.

GLAZE: Melt butter in saucepan. Stir in water & sugar. Boil 5 minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat & stir in rum. Note: This rum will cause steam. Be careful not to burn yourself.