Tisthe Season

2019
 Put holiday spirit in
every room of your home
Why limit your decorations to the living
room when you can spread Yuletide
cheer throughout the house?
By Nancy Mattia
If you’ve been putting up a
Christmas tree in the family room
and a garland on the mantle in the
living room every year, consider
instilling some Christmas love in a
few other rooms too. It could be as
simple as metallic deer antlers on a
shelf in the kitchen.
To keep the look focused and not
over the top, follow this tip from
Kade Laws-Andrews, owner of Kade
Laws Interior Design (kadelaws.com)
in Magnolia Springs, Alabama:
Remove one everyday decor item for
every holiday item you add. “For
example, if you display Christmas
photos of your children and family
2 Tis the Season 2019 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Saturday, December 7, 2019
from years past,” says Laws-
Andrews, “remove one of your
everyday framed pictures of them.”
Below, more ideas on spreading
Christmas cheer:
Living room
zz Garland
It’s classic to drape the fireplace
mantle or a banister with a green
garland but what if you don’t have a
fireplace or banister? Drape it
around a door frame instead and
“This kind of thing works best by the using them as the dining décor.
you’ll be singing Christmas carols fireplace,” says Sandra Funk, “Stacked boxes may get in the way
every time you walk through the
founder and principal designer of of eye contact across the table—
doorway. House of Funk, an interior design then again, some may prefer less
zz Wrapped stacked boxes
firm in New York and New Jersey eye contact with certain family
Use your prettiest, most glittery (houseoffunk.com). She advises not members!”
wrapping paper to cover the boxes.

Dining room
zz Metallic accents
You could set the table with
metallic place mats or a
tablecloth, and the look will
instantly turn from practical to
posh. Or go big(ger) and hang
drapes that incorporate glittery
threads.
Hang ornaments from a crystal
chandelier.
Leftover ornaments will get their
time to shine when you hang them
up high from a crystal chandelier.
Make sure the ornaments don’t
clash with the colors in the
centerpiece or table linens, and for
the best look, pick ornaments in
the same color or shape.
Kitchen
zz Ceiling embellishment
While you may not want to do
much decorating in a room like the
kitchen where there’s so much
bustle and activity, use the ceiling
Saturday, December 7, 2019 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News -
Cadillac’s Most
— out of the way for kids and pets
— to hang paper snowflakes or
gingerbread houses.
zz Garland on the windows
Another kid- and pet-proof
Unique Market!
element, windows can be the
framework for garland swags.
Keep garland high enough so it
can’t be pulled off by little hands
or paws.
Bedroom
zz Flower arrangement Your
If you always display flowers in
the living room, think about
Holiday
another place to put them during Headquarters
the holidays like the master
bedroom. Laws suggests a small
fresh flower arrangement in a
mercury glass vase with red or
white roses and fresh Christmas
greens such as holly or ivy.  
zz A small decorated tree
A Christmas tree looks festive in
any room. But it takes on a special
significance when it’s your own
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Bathroom
zz Wreath
Gift
If your bathroom is small, keep
the decorations to a minimum, like Ce ficates
rti Stop In & Warm Up
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zz Scented candle our deli. We also offer
Your shower or bath will be a delectable snack trays to
fragrant Yuletide experience when help your holiday parties
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you light a pine- or Frasier-fir Early morning errands?
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Tis the Season 2019 3
 Let your home say ‘holiday’
without red or green
Other colors capture the magic of the Christmas season, too
By Nancy Mattia

There’s no dispute that red and green are the iconic colors of Christmas
décor — they’re as much a part of the holiday look as Douglas firs and
gingerbread houses. But who says you can’t change up the palette if you
want to? Maybe your style is more sparkly than standard. Or you just want
to try something new. Whichever colors you end up using, choose those that
work well with the existing feeling and design of your space, says Claire
Morgan, marketing coordinator for Baker Design Group (baker-designgroup.
com) in Carrolton, Texas. While there are no real rules, the following style
tips will help you pull the look together.

Metallics
Metallics (gold, silver, copper), whites, and creams make a beautiful
statement for the holidays, says Kade Laws-Andrews, owner of Kade Laws
Interior Design (kadelaws.com) in Magnolia Springs, Alabama. The
metallics add shimmer while the whites and creams exude sophistication.
Metallics go well with a rustic look too. “For a mantle or living room coffee
table, group two or three glass vases, fill halfway with metallic marbles or
clear iridescent beads, and add branches from your backyard, a few of
which you’ve spray-painted metallic or white,” Laws-Andrews says. Mix
metallics with rustic materials such as burlap and jute. “Just a few yards
of burlap material make the perfect Christmas tree skirt,” says Laws-
Andrews. Hang metallic ornaments to finish the look.

4 Tis the Season 2019 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Saturday, December 7, 2019
 and simple glass Christmas balls in shades of white, blue, or silver metallic.
Balls should vary in size from two or three inches to eight to 10 inches (the size
of the decorative balls and spheres depend on the size of your table and bowl).
Add a few fresh magnolia or pine leaves, cotton bolls, pinecones, and shells.
For extra seasonal flair, add battery-powered white twinkle lights.

Blue and gold
These colors are pretty when used alone but pretty amazing when paired
together. “The gold adds a pop of color,” says Morgan, who suggests silver
as an alternative to gold if you prefer.
The colors are so versatile, they work with any style from traditional to
modern, including glam and industrial.
Coastal colors
If you’re wanting a coastal Christmas theme, Laws-Andrews suggests using
driftwood, cotton, and other natural materials, which go well with whites and
shades of blue. To incorporate this look in a dining room centerpiece: Get a
large dough bowl or other oblong vessel for the base. Add driftwood spheres
White
Similar to how people love an all-white kitchen, there’s a lot of love for all-
white Christmas décor too. Set the table with white dishes, tablecloth,
napkins, and candles with a few gleaming hits of silver (flatware, napkin
holders, candle holders).
Pink and green
It’s not a look that only appeal to little girls. This colorful duo has lots of
fans who appreciate the fun, modern spirit that has none of the intensity or
boldness of red. Since artificial trees now come in many colors, including
pink, you can make a customized seasonal statement before even hanging
one ornament.
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 4 hot holiday
trends
Add sparkle, pastel colors
and back-to-nature pieces

By Erik J. Martin

Before long, it will be time to get in that attic or

crawlspace and pull out that box of beloved
Christmas decorations. Problem is, many of those
beloved baubles and adornments are worn,
weathered, and likely seriously outdated. They’ve
got you through many a Yuletide season, but it’s
probably time to deck the halls with something
different — a new approach that calls for fresh yet
festive décor.
“Upgrading your holiday décor is a fun way to
incorporate your current design style with a
holiday that is largely based on traditions,” says
Stephanie Purcell, interior designer and owner of
Redesigned Classics in Los Angeles. “I love my
grandmother’s handmade ornaments, but not Tender festivities clean lines, like tall vases and simple glassware.”
everything from the 1940s is going to look great This movement is meant to evoke a calm and
in my current home.” peaceful mood. Christmasworld’s website Essential ceremonies
Fawn Ostriak, vice president of concept and describes tender festivities as being inspired by Want to convey an authentic and natural look
development for Bristol, Pennsylvania-based “moon, moonlight, stars and stardust” and post-Thanksgiving? Invoke this design scheme.
Lenox Corporation, says it’s smart to stay current “moving structures, delicate transparency, “It’s all about a connection to nature. Essential
with Christmas decorating trends. amorphous forms and reductionist designs.” ceremonies is a great way to slow down and
“While it’s important to incorporate those family “This style uses delicate pastel colors and the appreciate the beauty around us and bring the
or sentimental items that are part of the yearly features of pool to convey a celestial, otherworldly outside into our homes,” explains Ostriak.
decorating tradition, it does tend to get stagnant feel — like how it feels walking into a fairy tale Jennifer Stagg, owner of Stagg Design in Salt
year after year. You want to keep things fresh and realm,” notes John Linden, a Los Angeles-based Lake City, envisions an essential ceremonies
create a new twist each year,” says Ostriak. interior designer. He recommends keeping your esthetic as “natural, rustic, raw and unfussy —
Curious what creative styles are in vogue this color scheme subdued and avoiding clutter to emphasizing materials in earth tones and
year? Christmasworld, the leading international incorporate this trend properly. unfinished edges like burlap and raw cut greens.”
trade fair for seasonal decorations, has identified Additionally, “choose light neutrals with To achieve this look, gather natural-found
four worthy trends to pursue this upcoming materials that shimmer,” recommends Purcell. objects like branches, pinecones, and berries to
holiday season: tender festivities; essential “Try white snowball ornaments, silver and gold use in table centerpieces, on your gift wrapping,
ceremonies; sweet traditions; and luminous garland, and soft shimmery fabrics for table and with simple white candles on a tray or bowl,
celebrations. runners and tree skirts. Stick to elements with Ostriak suggests.
6 Tis the Season 2019 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Saturday, December 7, 2019
 Sweet traditions mixing and matching of patterns, your home will “I love the sparkle and drama of this trend,
be anything but boring.” which is great for creating a sophisticated,
Christmasworld uses two words to best describe
One recipe for successfully implementing sweet memorable celebration. Think holiday cocktail
contemporary theme No. 3: effervescent and
traditions is to choose traditional Christmas parties and glitzy New Year’s celebrations,” says
joyful.
colors in a more vibrant hue. Ostriak, who advises pairing moody dramatic
“Sweet traditions focuses on the nostalgia of
“Instead of just green and red, think about a dinnerware with glittery linens, iridescent glass,
tradition and adds creative charm through cute
bright cherry red and a lime green. Mix Christmas and heavy cut crystal.
motifs and Norwegian patterns. It’s a new take on
plaid with festive polka dots. You can also line Additionally, “don’t be afraid to mix metals and
the old, using traditional colors and themes like
tree skirts with rickrack and pillows with pom- go for gold, copper, silver and any combination
red, green and gingerbread but implementing
poms,” adds Purcell. you can dream up,” adds Stagg.
them in new ways,” says Linden.
Lush fabrics like velvet, satin and jewel tones
Purcell appreciates this trend’s whimsical
appeal. Luminous celebrations such as royal blue, deep purple and emerald
If you crave a more unique and glamourous green can help top things off, Purcell notes.
“If you are into more eclectic Bohemian design
styles, then this is a great décor approach for esthetic that spotlights vibrant hues and elegant
you,” she says. “With lots of vibrant colors and surfaces, opt for the luminous celebration style. CTW Features

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Saturday, December 7, 2019 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News - Tis the Season 2019 7
 Don’t discard those old decorations
— repurpose them
Feel guilty about not using those old tried-and-true ornaments
and decorations?
Instead of tossing all of them out or relegating them to the eternal
dustbin, why not tastefully include some of those pieces in your
new holiday design scheme?
“Christmas is a perfect time to incorporate older décor, especially
that which holds meaning to you,” says Fawn Ostriak with Lenox
Corporation. “For example, mix old sentimental dinnerware pat-
terns with new pieces, such as chargers, accent plates, drinkware,
and linens, to blend the best of old and new.”
You can start small with this approach by keeping a favorite throw
pillow from the past, adding in a few cherished old ornaments to
the new tree, and tacking up a handful of classic decorations that
aren’t too timeworn.
“Don’t feel like you have to go all in with any one trend. You can
mix in a few classic elements from Christmases past and start
slowly to get a feel for what works in your home,” interior designer
Jennifer Stagg says.
Remember: “You can always repurpose certain items by changing
their color with some paint or adding some glitter to transform old
pieces into new,” notes Stephanie Purcell, interior designer.
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8 Tis the Season 2019 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Saturday, December 7, 2019
 How to pick a perfect
artificial Christmas tree
By Nancy Mattia
In some ways, buying an artificial Christmas tree is
similar to buying a real one: In both cases, you need to
find a tree that you love and will fit in the space you’ve
allotted it. But that’s where the similarities end. Unlike
live trees, the artificial variety never sheds needles,
needs to be watered, or dies. They can’t be beat for
reliability and convenience either: When you want to
decorate it, just pop into your attic or wherever it’s
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stored and there it is, ready to go! Many are now earth-
friendly too and have a more favorable effect on the
environment than real trees if reused for at least five
years, according to the American Christmas Tree
Association. Interested in buying one? The following
are pointers on what you need to know:
Decide where to put the tree.
First, you’ve got to pick a good spot. Is it in front of a
window, in the corner of a room, or in a place where it
can be seen from multiple rooms? Where not to put it:
in a well-traveled area where it could easily get
bumped and ornaments broken, Also avoid a spot
that’s less than three feet from a heating source, such
as vents, radiators, and fireplaces.
Figure out what size to get.
How tall a Christmas tree to buy is determined by
the ceiling height of the room you’ve chosen to display
it in. Get a tree that’s at least six inches lower than the
ceiling and whose tip doesn’t touch the ceiling.
According to Thomas Harman, founder and CEO of
Balsam Hill, an artificial tree manufacturer, if you have
a standard eight to nine foot ceiling, you should buy a
seven and a half foot tree. To figure out how wide a
tree to buy, measure the width of the available space
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then check it against the widths of the trees you’re
considering.
Determine the type of needle to get.
With so many needle varieties, how do you decide?
Many people buy the same type of tree they remember
from childhood. “If you grew up on the West Coast you
probably had a Douglas fir or Noble fir that was
trucked down from Oregon,” says Harman. “East Coast
families may have had a Balsam fir or a Norway
spruce.”
Consider the lighting.
If you find stringing lights a hassle, buy a pre-lit
artificial tree with clear or colored lights already
installed. All you have to do is plug the tree into an
electrical outlet and you’re done with lighting duty. Pre-
lits come in several lighting sizes: traditional mini
bulbs, LEDs (Balsam Hill ‘s LED lights can now be
synched with an app to control colors), and fiber
optics, which make the trees look like they’re decorated
with thousands of lights. Whether or not you choose
pre-lit, “the recommended number of lights [bulbs] per
foot of tree is 100. A standard seven and a half foot
tree should have at least 750 lights,” says Harman. 
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Tis the Season 2019 9
 Getting extra festive
with holiday lights
By Erik J. Martin Corporate Gifts That Everyone Loves
Is that a merry twinkle in your For Christmas or Anytime!
eye we see, or a shining reflection,
bouncing radiantly off your cornea,
of the ornate outdoor holiday
lights display you just put up with
pride? Chances are it’s both—
especially if you’ve taken the time,
like so many homeowners will this
Christmas season, to adorn your
property’s exterior with elaborate
electric luminance.
Indeed, a turkey and some
mistletoe may help to make the extension of their home. No longer
season bright, but they’re not does décor start after the Caramel Apples!
going to outshine a carefully threshold of the welcome mat. Get them while they last!
planned holiday light display Today, a homeowner’s sense of
designed to wow guests, style is exhibited long before a
neighbors and passersby alike. guest steps foot on the property.”
“Holiday lighting has become an That doesn’t mean you need a
Clark Griswold “Christmas
increasingly popular trend to help
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a true winter wonderland,” Missy
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10 Tis the Season 2019 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Saturday, December 7, 2019

Fortunately, technological
improvements have made it safer and
less expensive to achieve a showier
lights display — primarily thanks to the
increasing affordability of LED lights.
“LED technology is the biggest
influence on homeowners choosing to
put up larger quantities of lights
today,” notes Jennifer Petersen,
spokesperson for Balsam Hill, the
Redwood City, Calif.-based makers of
artificial Christmas trees. “LED colors
can be as soft and natural as
traditional incandescent lights, but
they use significantly less energy —
one kilowatt each hour per LED bulb
versus 12 kilowatts for each
incandescent bulb. And they can burn
up to 50,000 hours compared to
3,000 hours for an incandescent.
They are less likely to break and pose
less of a threat of fire because they
don’t heat up.”
LED innovations have made it
possible, too, to incorporate different
types of holiday lights with versatile
functions in your display, including
twinkly, fiber optic, and ultrabright
LED lights as well as programmable
units that change color — all designed
for outdoor use, Peterson adds.
“There are a variety of lighting
elements available nowadays for
creating a magical look — including
playful and whimsical lights, simple
spotlights that focus on a favorite
outside decoration, tree lighting that
intricately wraps around interior
branches, and creative elements like
mason jar lanterns and light-lined
porches,” says Henriksen.
Holiday light projectors are growing
in popularity, too.
“These provide a safe alternative
that allow you to project decorations
rather than installing them around
your home manually,” explains Docia
Boylen, co-owner of Handyman
Connection in Golden, Colorado.
The most important step in creating
a crowd-pleasing holiday light display
is ensuring safety. Boylen offers the
following tips:
Inspect the lights. “Evaluate light
strings for any frayed or exposed
cords. Check for empty slots or
burned-out bulbs,” she says.
Check the rating. Be sure the lights
and any extension cords you use are
rated for weather-resistant outdoor
use.
Know your power needs. “Most
outdoor displays that use blow-up
decorations exceed 100 watts. Before
you start plugging lights and
decorations into a single socket
outlet, be sure you’re not exceeding
that outlet’s safety threshold,”
cautions Boylen.
Stay away from staples or nails.
These could damage your light strings
and cut through the wire insulation,
creating a fire hazard. Instead, use
UL-approved light clips or hangers.
Use ladders safely. “Make sure your
ladder is stable. Get someone to
assist you while climbing the ladder.
And avoid climbing on a wet roof.”
Choose a good day. “It should be
sunny, dry and not windy when you
install your holiday lights.”
Remove the lights within 90 days.
“The longer they stay up, the more
likely it is that wires will fray and
critters can chew on the cords. Coil
each string loosely around stiff
cardboard and store the lights in a
sturdy container.”
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 A Full Menu for Fun-Filled
Holiday Festivities
When holiday gatherings turn into all-day events, having meals
ready from morning to night becomes an important part of sea-
sonal hosting. Starting with breakfast through the main course fol-
lowed by a savory dessert, a full day of celebration calls for a vari-
ety of dishes.
To help keep your crowd fueled for a wide range of activities,
consider these recipes for Hot Cocoa Pancakes to get your morn-
ing started, Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut
Squash to pair with a holiday ham and Black Forest Cake to end
the festivities on a high note.
Find more holiday recipe inspiration at Culinary.net.
Family Features

Begin the Holiday with a Family Breakfast

With so many activities scheduled and places to be during
the holidays, starting the morning with a filling breakfast
can help set your family on the path to enjoyable moments
with loved ones.
These Hot Cocoa Pancakes require little time in the
kitchen, leaving you more time to spend with the family
before hitting the road or working on decorations for
seasonal gatherings. Made with Aunt Jemima pancake mix,
containing no artificial coloring or flavors, this recipe makes
it simple to put breakfast on the table quickly while still
achieving a meal full of flavor.
Visit auntjemima.com for more family-friendly recipes.
Hot Cocoa Pancakes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes per pancake
Yield: 12 pancakes (3 per serving)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup 2% or non-fat milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups Aunt Jemima Original Complete or
Buttermilk Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix
1/4 cup water
marshmallow spread (optional)
chocolate syrup (optional)
Aunt Jemima Syrup (optional)
Heat skillet over medium-low heat or electric griddle to 375 F.
In microwave-safe bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar,
milk and vanilla until well combined. Heat in microwave
30 seconds, or until warm. Stir again to ensure mixture is
combined.
Combine cocoa mixture, pancake mix and water. Stir
until large lumps disappear (do not beat or overmix). If
batter is too thick, add additional 1-2 tablespoons water.
Pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto lightly greased
skillet or griddle. Cook 90 seconds, or until bubbles appear
on surface. Turn and cook additional 30 seconds. Repeat
with remaining batter.
Top pancakes with marshmallow spread and drizzle
chocolate syrup, or top with syrup. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Party-Perfect Potatoes
Almost every holiday meal calls for side dishes to
complement the main course, and as one of the most
versatile base ingredients available, potatoes often
provide home chefs with a multitude of options.
Served mashed, fried, scalloped, sliced, diced, boiled,
roasted or just about any style in-between, potatoes
are ideal for matching with the centerpiece of your
family meal. These Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes
with Butternut Squash call for Wisconsin yellow-flesh
potatoes to achieve a dense, creamy texture with their
just-buttered appearance.
Find more dishes for your holiday gatherings at
eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.
12 Tis the Season 2019 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Saturday, December 7, 2019
Browned Butter Smashed
Potatoes with Butternut Squash
Prep time: 25 minutes & Cook time: 15 minutes
1 pound (3 medium) Wisconsin yellow-flesh spoons butter and sage. Tilting pan and watching closely,
potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound),
peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
water
1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
3 tablespoons butter, divided
8-10 fresh (2-3-inch) sage leaves, stacked and cut
into 1/4-inch strips
1/2 cup 1% milk
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
In 3-quart saucepan, cover potatoes and squash with water;
add 1 teaspoon salt.
Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat, cover and
cook until tender, 12-15 minutes.
In small saucepan over medium heat, mix 2 table­
cook about 3 minutes, until butter foams and begins to
brown; keep warm.
Thoroughly drain potatoes and squash, return to
pan and shake 1-2 minutes over low heat. Using hand
masher, roughly mash to create chunky mixture.
Over low heat, gently mix in remaining butter and milk.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Spoon into serving bowl and drizzle with brown butter
and sage.
Serve Up a Savory Sweet
No holiday gathering is complete without dessert, and Stabilized Whipped Cream:
you can take your sweets to the next level with this rich, 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
creamy Black Forest Cake recipe. 2 tablespoons cold water
Tart cherries and whipped cream are combined 2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream
with Domino Golden Sugar – a less processed option 2 tablespoons Domino Golden Sugar
which is made from pure cane sugar and works cup-
for-cup just like white sugar, but with a golden color chocolate curls or shavings, for
and distinct hint of molasses flavor – for a contrasting garnish (optional)
profile to put a spin on a seasonal classic. To make cherry filling: In medium saucepot, whisk sugar
Find more holiday dessert ideas at dominosugar.com. and cornstarch with water or juice then bring to boil
over medium heat. Stir in cherries and cherry brandy, if
desired, and boil 2-3 minutes, stirring, until sauce is thick
Black Forest Cake Servings: 8 and translucent. Drain cherries from sauce and set both
Cherry Filling: aside.
1/2 cup Domino Golden Sugar To make cake layers: Heat oven to 350 F.
1 tablespoon cornstarch Line bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with
1/2 cup water or unsweetened cherry juice parchment paper. Grease and flour bottoms and sides.
2 cups fresh or frozen pitted tart In medium bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking
(Montmorency) cherries soda and salt.
In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar 2 minutes on
2 tablespoons cherry brandy (optional) medium speed. Add eggs and vanilla; beat 1 minute.
Stir in flour mixture and buttermilk.
Cake: Pour batter evenly among cake pans and bake 20-22
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out
2/3 cup cocoa powder clean. Prick tops of two bottom layers with fork and brush
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda Cool and remove layers from pans. cherry filling over layers. Sandwich bottom layers with
1 teaspoon salt To make stabilized whipped cream: In small pan or a 1/4-inch-thick spread of stabilized whipped cream.
1/2 cup butter, softened microwaveable bowl, combine gelatin and cold water; Sandwich second and top layer with same whipped
1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar allow gelatin to bloom. Heat until gelatin melts and cream. Spread remaining whipped cream over top layer
2 eggs dissolves; set aside. and sides.
1 teaspoon vanilla In chilled bowl, whip cream with chilled beaters until Garnish with shaved chocolate, if desired, and
1 1/2 cups buttermilk soft peaks form. Add sugar and gelatin; beat until stiff. decorate with any remaining whipped cream.

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Saturday, December 7, 2019 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News - Tis the Season 2019 13
 POP UP Holiday Traditions
New & Old
From decorating the tree to carving the turkey, there are many
time-honored holiday traditions observed by families around the
country. However, the holiday season is about more than just cele-
brating old traditions.
A perfect opportunity for creating new memories and, in turn, tra-
ditions, popcorn can serve as an ideal ingredient to bring family
time to life. Whether wrapping the tree with garland made from the
light and airy treat, filling clear ornaments with freshly popped ker-
nels or simply popping up a bowl as a nutritious alternative to
other holiday noshes, popcorn makes it easy to get hands-on while
you deck the halls.
These seasonal recipes for traditional treats like peppermint bark
and popcorn balls plus edible trees and a more elegant take on a
simple snack highlight low-fat, non-GMO, gluten-free whole-grain
popcorn as the main ingredient. Find more modern takes on tradi-
tional holiday recipes at popcorn.org.
Family Features

Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn

Cranberry Popcorn Balls

Yield: 18 balls
2 cups sugar
1 cup whole berry cranberry
sauce, slightly mashed
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 quarts unsalted, popped popcorn
butter
White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark
Yield: 1 pound In heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cran­
berry sauce, grated orange peel, cranberry
5 cups popped popcorn
12 ounces white chocolate baking chips juice, corn syrup, vinegar and salt.
1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints Bring to boil; lower heat and cook
until temperature reaches 250 F on candy
Cover baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside.
Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside. thermometer.
In double boiler over barely simmering water, melt Slowly pour cranberry mixture onto hot
chocolate, stirring until smooth. popcorn; mix until well-coated.
Stir in crushed peppermints. Let stand 5 minutes, or until mixture can
Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn and stir to coat. easily be formed into balls.
Spread onto prepared pan; cool completely. When Butter hands and form into 3-inch balls.
White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark
chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks.

14 Tis the Season 2019 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Saturday, December 7, 2019

Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn
Yield: 8 cups
8 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
candy sprinkles
Line baking sheet with wax paper.
Spread popcorn in thin layer on
prepared pan.
Place chocolate chips in microwave-
safe bowl. Microwave on medium 30
seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave in
additional 10-second increments, stirring
after each heating, until chips are melted
and smooth. Drizzle over popcorn.
Place white chocolate chips in
separate microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on medium 30 seconds; stir.
If necessary, microwave in additional
10-second increments, stirring after
each heating, until chips are melted and
smooth. Drizzle over popcorn.
Sprinkle desired amount of candy
sprinkles over warm chocolate-coated
popcorn.
Allow chocolate drizzles to set until
firm. Break popcorn into pieces.
Note: Chocolate chips can be replaced
with cut up chocolate bars.
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Makes and Models
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24 point
Festive Popcorn Trees Vehicle Inspection
Includes coolant & fluid check.
Yield: 10 trees Hose and belts checked.
10 cups air-popped popcorn Brakes checked as well.
1 bag (10 ounces) miniature Experienced and knowledgeable
marshmallows ASE-Certified technicians.
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract State of the art
nonstick cooking spray computerized
green decorating sugar
blue decorating sugar diagnostic capabilities
1 tube white frosting
small, colorful candies such as
no Job too Big
sprinkles and miniature or Small!
silver dragees
Place popcorn in large bowl.
In medium saucepan over medium- McBain Auto Service, Inc.
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Stir in vanilla extract.
Pour mixture over popcorn in bowl.
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Toss well to coat popcorn evenly.
Line baking sheet with foil.
Spray hands with nonstick cooking
spray then scoop about 1 cup popcorn
mixture.
CHRISTMAS IN CADILLAC
Shape mixture into cone, keeping
base flat to form tree.
Sprinkle tree with decorating sugars;
place tree on baking sheet.
Make nine additional trees.
Using decorating tip, pipe frosting on
trees to make garland then decorate with
sprinkles and silver dragees, as desired.
Serving suggestion: Place each tree
on sugar cookie and decorate serving
tray with shredded coconut to resemble
snow.
Notes: For best flavor and color, start
recipe with unflavored white popcorn. 1/4 Mile North Of Home Depot
3662 S. Mackinaw Trail, Cadillac North
You can make colored sugar by (231) 225-0104
adding food coloring to sugar then
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Tis the Season 2019 15
 3 Holiday Activities
to Engage with Loved Ones
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Any time can be the right time to enjoy
memorable moments with family members, but
the holidays present a special opportunity to
have meaningful conversations and interactions
with loved ones.
One of the best ways to spark creativity and
generate memories is through activities that get
the conversation started, whether it’s
remembering favorite moments from the past or
simply sharing notes of appreciation. This
holiday season, consider these activity ideas
from the Funeral and Memorial Information
Council, which created the “Have the Talk of a
Lifetime” initiative to encourage families to
facilitate conversations that become invaluable
when the time comes to honor a loved one.
While these conversations can be difficult to
engage in and even harder to begin, the natural
bonding moments that stem from activities like
these can help make the process easier.
Gratitude Tree
Start a new tradition by creating a gratitude
tree, a simple decoration you can look forward
to using each year as a reminder of what you
and your family are thankful for.
To make a gratitude tree, collect twigs or
branches, dry them out and cut them to the
16 Tis the Season 2019 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Saturday, December 7, 2019
desired lengths. Put the branches in a vase or
decorative container. Punch holes at the tops of
fall-colored paper to be used as tags then
instruct guests to write what they’re grateful for
on each tag.
Take turns reading the tags and tie them to the
branches then keep the handwritten tags in a
safe place until they can be read again each
holiday season. Over the years, as the tree fills
up, you’ll have a lifetime of memories to share.
Time Capsule
Making a holiday-inspired time capsule can
help strengthen family bonds while preserving
treasured memories and creating opportunities
for future holidays when it’s time to reopen the
contents.
Use a sealed container or plastic bag to
protect items from moisture and mold then
place the container in a box that can be
decorated and stored in a safe place with
related holiday decorations. Mark on the
container the date it was created for future
reference, and pack it with items like family-
favorite recipes; notes about significant events
from that year like births, weddings, graduations
and more; copies of newspapers detailing high-
profile happenings; and pictures, drawings and
notes from the year.
If you’re patient enough to wait, try leaving the
contents undisturbed at least five years to give
the memories even more meaning when the
time comes to relive those special moments.
Memories Tablecloth
To help keep important family footnotes front
and center during future celebrations, a
memorial tablecloth provides each person an
opportunity to personalize a piece of popular
decor. As you gather around the table for holiday
meals, ask each family member to jot down a
favorite memory or something he or she is
thankful for along with a signature and date.
You can make it an annual event by using the
same tablecloth each year and, before long, it
will be filled with personal memories as a way to
cherish relationships as time goes on. Just use
an appropriately sized, inexpensive white canvas
drop cloth. Place fabric markers in the center of
the table before inviting guests to participate,
and to help distinguish each year, try using
different colored markers.
Find more ways to celebrate the holidays with
your loved ones at talkofalifetime.org.
Family Features