HandH december issue

December 2013

This special publication brought to you by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate

Great Holiday Recipes andOur Last-Minute Gift Guide Inside!

2 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

www.STLHandHMag.com

[email protected]

WEBSITE & FEEDBACK

EDITOR IN CHIEFWade Brewer

DESIGNJosh West

FEATURES EDITORAndrew Brewer

Self published by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate. All material herein is copyrighted and all rights are reserved.

It’s that time of year again, time for the hustle and bustle of the Holi-day season. In this issue, we have included a last minute gift guide to help with any of those people that you may be having trouble trying to figure out what to buy. We also have some great recipes for all of your holiday entertaining with everything form amazing appetizers and drinks to delicious cinnamon rolls.

As with every issue, we have also included a list of some wonderful activities that you can do in and around the St. Louis area. There are some great New Year’s Eve events that you can attend and even a birthday party for Raja at the St. Louis Zoo.

All of us at St. Louis Home and Happenings magazine would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best during this holiday sea-son and want to remind you that if you have a great idea for a story or would like for us to include an event in an upcoming issue please contact me at [email protected].

A note from the editor...

Wade BrewerEditor-in-chief

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 3

4Last Minute Gift Guide

CONTENTS5

6

7

8

10

12

14

15

16

18

Very Merry Gifts for Everyone

Great Gifts for Your Favorite Foodie

Gifts for Guys

Kitchen Must Haves

HOLIDAY RECIPE GUIDE

Ho Ho Holiday Treats

Holiday Cocktails

Easy Cinnamon Rolls

A New Twist on a Holiday SnackTradition

Happenings


Last MinuteGift Guide

Great Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your Holiday Shopping List


Holidays are always more festive and fun once you’ve bought a sleigh

full of gifts for everyone on your list. Make all of your family and friends merry this year with great gift ideas, like a classic toy. Stuffi ng their stocking with the gift of good vision and eye health is also a wonderful way to put a smile on anyone’s face. Perhaps, you need a gift for the music lover in the family. Tails will be wag ging when you give a snuggly gift to your favorite furry com panion. And, there’s nothing more thoughtful than a beautiful, customized photo scrapbook created by you. After all, nothing makes the holidays happier than knowing your gifts will bring joy to all the special people on your list.

Enjoy the Beauty of the Holiday Season with the Gift of Sight Give the gift of good vision to someone you care about this holiday season. With afford able individual and family vision benefits available directly to consumers from VSP Direct™, you can affordably give the same high-quality vision cover age many employers offer. Benefits include an eye exam with a low copay and an allowance for glasses or contacts. VSP® offers the lowest out-of-pocket costs in individual vision care with typical annual savings of $227. Visit www.givevsp.com for more details.

Presents for Your Pet Here’s a cute gift for your pet or any pet lover that also helps save homeless pets. The Luv-A-Pet™ Chance and Lucky plush dog toys, available exclusively at PetSmart, make great snuggling companions for your pet and each has a squeaker inside for play time fun. And this year, Superman Chance, Mrs. Chance and Bret Michaels Chance join the family. Priced from $5.99 to $8.99, 10 percent of the pur chase price is donated to PetSmart Charities, which provides funding and programs that save the lives of homeless pets across North America. The toys are available in all PetSmart stores or online at www.petsmart.com.

This Season’s Most Thoughtful Gift: A Beautiful Blurb Book, Made by You Blurb’s creative publishing platform is simple and smart enough to help anyone make a beautiful book — every blogger, cook, photographer, parent, traveler, poet, architect, business owner, you name it. And Blurb books make perfect one-of-a-kind gifts. Not cookie-cutter, drag-and-drop photo scrapbooks, but personalized bookstore-quality books that come in a variety of sizes. With a variety of cover options and photo-quality paper choices, Blurb offers the perfect solution for holiday gifting: Truly unique and beautiful books. Visit www.blurb.com. $12.99 to $69.99

For the Music Lover Everyone on your list will love the Samsung Galaxy S4 Android smartphone from Cricket. With a large, vibrant 5-inch screen, excellent camera quality and Cricket’s exclusive Muve Music service, you might even sneak one for yourself. The GS4 with Muve Music is great for the music lover who doesn’t want to spend a fortune. Cricket has unlimited music downloads, talk, text and data start ing at $45 a month ... even Santa is a little jealous. Visit www.mycricket.com.Samsung Galaxy S4 — As low as $25 down

Adorable Toys for Little GirlsCalico Critters, like the Hopscotch Rabbit Family shown here, make an ideal gift for imaginative little girls. If you are looking for a timeless, classic toy that promotes wholesome family values and stimulates imaginative play, there is no better choice than Calico Critters of Cloverleaf Corners. These award-winning critters are just adorable. Choose from rabbits, dogs, cats, bears and many other animal families plus a wide range of accessories. Find out more atwww.calicocritters.com.


Give a Toast to Wine EnthusiastsNeed the perfect hostess gift or something special for the wine enthusiast in your life? Wines crafted with grapes grown in single vineyard offer enhanced aromas and flavors in the glass. Consider Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay which comes from San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey. This elegant wine offers enticing aromas golden delicious apples, pineapple and apricots. Medium-bodied with a creamy mid-palate, 446 Chardonnay exhibits flavors of peach and hints of toasty vanilla spice. Enjoy this delightful wine on its own or with soft cheeses, roasted fowl and baked yams. A suggested retail price of $12.99 makes it perfectly priced for any gift occasion. Find out more about 446 Chardonnay or Noble Vines at www.noblevines.com.

Gift Savory Grain-Fed BeefMake everyone on your list happy with The Ideal Gift Assortment from Omaha Steaks. This assort ment features everyone’s favorites, including two filet mignons, two beefy top sirloins, four bone less pork chops and eight juicy Omaha Steaks burgers. The value combo also includes four stuffed baked potatoes and a 6-inch chocolate lover’s cake to complete any meal. For more flavorful grain-fed beef and gourmet gift ideas, visit www.omahasteaks.com/holiday2013.

Go Gourmet with Non-Stick CookwareWant a special gift for your favorite cook? This cookware set, available in copper or bronze colored nonstick interior, features a black high-fired porcelain enamel exterior. Learn more at www.NothingMessesWithIt.com. Made in USA, the premium DuPont™ Teflon® Platinum nonstick interior coating provides easy cooking and cleanup. The cook ware is also compatible with gas, electric and ceramic glass cook-tops and oven safe up to 350°F.

Electric Kettle Elevates Tea MakingThe KitchenAid Pro Line® Series Electric Kettle quietly boils water in minutes and has variable temperature settings for more delicate drinks, such as green and white teas. Easily set precise temperatures with an external lever and get a true reading from the built-in gauge. Dual wall construction helps keep the water temperature hotter, longer while keeping the outside of the kettle cool to the touch. The electric kettle is available in candy apple red, frosted pearl white and onyx black. Visit www.KitchenAid.com.

Great GiftsFor Your Favorite FoodieWant to give that special someone the trendiest gifts and gadgets of the sea-son? Head over to the nearest kitchen store or gourmet grocer. The hottest gifts this year are for foodies. From the ultimate electric kettle to premium cookware to a delightful wine for any occasion, this gift guide has everything you need to make someone’s holiday very merry.


Having trouble picking the perfect holiday gift for that special guy in your life? Check out these unique gift ideas even the most finicky of men would love to get. Whether he digs the decadence of robust red wines, useful techie toys, the speed of a radio controlled ride or the thrill of an outdoor adventure, use this guide to take the guess work out of holiday shopping and give him what he really wants. After all, every man deserves something special under the tree.

Gifts for the Guys

Great Gifts

Go for a Drivewww.RadioShack.com$14.99 to $59.99XMODs are back by popular demand. These versatile, fully customiz able RC cars and kits are fun for men of any age. Begin with a XMODs starter kit then build and change your RC toy with any of our accessory expansion kits. Exclusively at RadioShack, your RC Headquarters since 1981.

Boatloads of Joy www.takemefishing.orgPrices varyPut together a gift that can be enjoyed all year long with a fishing and boating package for your outdoor adventurer. Creatively wrap a new rod and reel, add a fishing license to his stocking or spoil him even further with a charter boat trip. He’ll be glad for the fishing package instead of the mug when spring arrives. For details on purchasing a fishing license, how to fish and where to fish, visitwww.takemefishing.org.

For Guys Who Love Gadgetswww.zBoost.comAvailable for under $200 at most e-tailersNothing is more annoying than dropping or missing a call because of a weak signal. The zBoost SOHO cell phone signal booster kit increases signals up to 2500 square feet, making it perfect for your man cave or home office. Readily available at most e-tailers for under $200, the device supports multiple users simultaneously with increased voice and data transmission. This holiday, give him the gift of reliability with this helpful tool.

Intense and Elegant, Just Like Himwww.gasconwine.com$13.99 to $21.99A gift says a lot. Some just say it better. For that special man in your life, Don Miguel Gascón offers three unique wines, each with its own distinct personality and a distinguished Argentine heritage. For complex but confident men on your list, go for the bold with the Colosal Red Blend. A guy who’s nothing short of a classic? Make it Malbec. And for that elegant gent with signature style, reserve the Malbec Reserva.


In the Kitchen, the Little Things Matter facebook.com/olivarioliveoil $6.00 to $12.00Great dishes start with the finest ingredients, such as the superior quality of Olivari olive oil. The people at Olivari believe it’s the little things that help make great olive oil. From harvesting olives so they never touch the ground to staying eco-friendly by making sure nothing goes to waste. This holiday, give the thoughtful cook in your life a gift that embodies care, quality and excellence.

A Great Find for Foodies snacksthebook.com $19.99Should you take a bath with your strawberries or blow dry your chicken? Clever culinary insights are offered in small bites in “Snacks: Adventures in Food, Aisle by isle,” a book by food adventurer Marcy Smothers. The perfect gift for the foodies on your list, the book takes the reader on a grocery store journey, revealing Smothers’ know ledge, quirky fun facts, and great passion for exploring food.

A Sharp Gift www.cutco.com$241.00Whether you’re a master cook or you aspire to be one, every-one needs a good set of high-quality kitchen knives. CUTCO Cutlery’s Kitchen Classics Set is the perfect foundation to build on for any home cook. The Petite Chef Knife, Trimmer and 2 3/4-inch Paring Knife will have you chopping, slicing and dicing like your favorite food celebrity. American made and carrying a Forever Guarantee, they’ll quickly become kitchen favorites.

A Better Brewwww.keurig.com$179.00Create the perfect cup of coffee every time with the Keurig K-Cup Platinum Brewing System. This single cup brewer allows you to choose between five different cup sizes to brew your favor ite coffee, tea, hot cocoa or specialty beverage with the simple touch of a button. With a sleek design and avail-ability in three colors, your favorite foodie will love add ing it to their kitchen or office.

Kitchen Must Haves


To view all of our current listings or to try our Lifestyle Search, please visitwww.Service1stHomes.com


Holiday Recipe GuideFast and Easy Treats to Make You Holidays a Little Tastier


ter or cutting board. Accessorize by adding fruits, nuts, olives, grapes and honey for dipping. Be sure to offer tex-tural contrasts with dippers, such as whole grain crackers, crusted breads, breadsticks and crostini.

•Cheers to your success: Pair a great wine or beer with your choice of meat and cheese. For example, a Cabernet Sauvignon goes great with a dry salami, while dark beers pair perfectly with aged Gouda.

So, get your party started right with a delicious assortment of appetizers and just relax. As long as the drinks and deli-cious foods are flowing, the good times will as well.

Sweet Slice® Ham SlidersServes: 8Cooking time: 10 minutes

8 appetizer size rolls1/2 cup apple butter4 slices Sweet Slice Boneless Smoked Ham, sliced thick4 slices Whole Milk Low Moisture Mozzarella Cheese, sliced thick

Slice rolls and spread with apple butter. Cut ham and cheese slices in half to fit on roll. Add one slice each of ham and cheese to roll. Arrange on dish and serve.

Kick off your holiday parties in style with flavorful appetiz-ers every guest will enjoy.Whether you’re a seasoned holiday host or a first-timer, throwing a holiday party can be a bit overwhelming. But with the proper tools, such as a great sampling of easy-to-make appetizers and delicious beverage pairings, you and your guests will get in the festive mood in no time. Simple startersWhen planning your appetizer fare, go with casual selec-tions that require little to no clean-up. Finger foods, like this recipe for Sweet Slice® Ham Sliders, require just a few sa-vory, mouth-watering ingredients and minimal time in the kitchen. Or, take some inspiration from the menus of Italian restaurants and wine bars and create an old world-inspired charcuterie board composed of Boar’s Head Brand® artisan meats and cheeses. Here are a few tips to create your own:

•Delight and prime guests’ palates: Use one to two ounces of cheese and three slices of meat per person. This will give your guests a mix of salty and savory items to delight their palates but not overwhelm them before the main course.

•Arm independent snackers: Don’t fully pre-cut your cheese choices. To give guests the most interaction with the delicacies, slice a few pieces and then pair a knife with each selection.

•Choose the cheese: The cheese selection should also be diverse and include a minimum of a fresh, semi-soft, firm and hard cheese. Try Boar’s Head Asiago Vecchio Cheese, Picante Sharp Provolone Cheese and Aged Gouda. For more tasty ideas, visit www.boarshead.com.

•Match your meat: You’ll want to display a variety of charcuterie including cured, smoked and preserved meats. Boar’s Head Bianco D’Oro® Italian Dry Salame, Italian Dry Sausage and Prosciutto Di Parma® are robust and delicious.

•Add the finishing touches: Recreate the artisan culinary experience by placing meats and cheeses on a wood plat-

Simple Appetizers for Your Holiday Gathering


Nothing says home for the holidays like the smell of treats baking in the oven and a crowded kitchen filled with loved ones. Whether making decades-old family favorites or starting new holiday baking traditions, you can create home-made holiday goodies in a (ginger) snap. “The holidays are a time when families are in the kitchen at record rates to bake cookies, build gingerbread houses and create a wide variety of sweet treats,” says Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton. “The good news is, even if you only have 30 minutes to spare during this hectic time, you can make amazing desserts for gatherings or gifting.” Try these easy treat ideas from Wilton to spread holiday cheer:

Holiday Helpers: Invite family and friends for a cookie decorating day to help prepare gifts for upcoming events. You provide the Sparkling Sugars and Sprinkles, Peppermint Twisted Sticks and red and green icing ... every-one else provides the creativity.Miracle on Your Street: Crunched for time with a party to attend? Pick up ready-to-eat cookies and artfully dip them in red and green Candy Melts candy for an elegant upgrade. No one has to know how simple it was to create a customized dessert.Instant Snowman: Coat peanut butter sandwich cookies in white Candy Melts candy to create instant snowmen. Decorate with hats, scarves and, of course, carrot noses.It’s a Wrap: Turn your homemade treats into gourmet gifts. Stock up on holiday-themed gift bags and boxes, colorful tissue paper, ribbons and tags to transform made-from-the-heart goodies into extra special gifts. For more holiday ideas and inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.

Festive Peppermint TwistsDark Cocoa, Light Cocoa, Green or

White Candy Melts CandyPeppermint Twisted Sticks CandyAssorted Holiday Sprinkles, including

Holiday Nonpareils, Confetti and Jimmies, Red and Green Colored Sugars

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In Disposable Dipping Container or bowl, separately melt Candy Melts candy in microwave following package instructions.

Dip peppermint sticks into melted candy; tap stick lightly to smooth surface. Immedi ately add sprinkles. Set on prepared cookie sheet; chill until set, 5 to 10 minutes.

Cheery Cereal Tree Treats Makes about 12 treats 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 4 cups mini marshmallows Juniper or Leaf Green Icing Color 6 cups crisp rice cereal White Cookie Icing Jumbo Rainbow Nonpareils, Sprinkles or Sugars, as desiredPrepare 3D Silicone Tree Mold and silicone spatula or wooden spoon with vegetable pan spray.

In large saucepan, melt butter. Add marsh-mallows; cook and stir until melted. Tint with icing color. Remove from heat and add cereal; mix well. Press into prepared mold. When cool to touch, remove from mold. (If mixture becomes hard to work with, microwave at 50 percent power for 30 to 60 seconds to soften.)

Heat Cookie Icing following label direc-tions. Squeeze snow and garlands on trees; add sprinkles and sugars as desired. Let dry.

Christmas Candy Swirl CookiesMakes about 2 dozen cookies.2-3/4 cupsall-purposeflour 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened


1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 egg 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) Red and Green Sparkle GelPreheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray Easy Decorate Swirl Cookie Pan with vegetable pan spray.

In small bowl, combine flour and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer at medium speed until well blended. Beat in egg and extracts; mix well. Add flour mixture; beat until well blended. Press dough into pan cavities, filling 2/3 full.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown around edges. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn pan over; lightly tap pan to remove cookies. Cool cookies completely.

Decorate cooled cookies with Sparkle Gel. Let set, at least 30 minutes.

Jolly Santa’s Treat CookiesMakes about 3 dozen cookies2-3/4 cupsall-purposeflour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 egg 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Red, Green and White Cookie Icing Red and Dark Green Colored Sugars White Sparkling or Pearlized Sugar White Sugar PearlsPreheat oven to 350°F.

In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and extracts; mix well. Add flour mixture, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Do not chill dough. Divide dough into 2 balls.

On floured surface, roll each ball into a circle approximately 12 inches diameter and 1/8 inch thick. Dip Cookie Hugger or “Ho-Ho” Word cookie cutters in flour before each use.

Bake cookies on ungreased cookie sheet 8 to 11 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool cookies completely.

Outline and fill-in cooled cookies with Cookie Icing. For “Ho-Ho” cookies, sprinkle with sugars; let set until icing is completely dry. For snowflake cookie, add white Cookie Icing detail to dried cookie; attach Sugar Pearls with dots of icing.

Merry Marshmallow SticksWhite, Red, Green and Dark Cocoa

Candy Melts candyLarge MarshmallowsHoliday Confetti, Nonpareils and

Colored SugarsIn Disposable Dipping Container or bowl, melt Candy Melts candy separately follow ing package instructions. Dip marshmallows in melted candy and place on cooling grid positioned over parchment-lined cookie sheet. If desired,

sprinkle with sugars and sprinkles. Chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set.

Using candy decorating bag or disposable decorating bag, drizzle melted candy or pipe outlines, if desired; immediately sprinkle with sugars or nonpareils. Attach confetti with dots of melted candy. Chill 2 to 3 minutes or until set.

With point of sharp knife, carefully cut through candy on the marshmallow where stick will be inserted. Insert three marshmallows onto each Colored Lollipop Stick, securing with melted candy.

Fast and Festive Christmas Cookies

Green, Red, White, Light and Dark Cocoa Candy Melts Candy

Assorted purchased ready-to-eat cookies

Holiday Confetti, Nonpareils, Holly Mix, Colored Sugars and Sprinkles

In Disposable Dipping Container or bowl, melt Candy Melts candy separately follow ing package instructions. Partially or completely dip cookies in melted candy. Place cookies on cooling grid posi tioned over parchment-lined cookie sheet. If desired, sprinkle with sugars and sprinkles. Chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set. Additional decorating ideas: Drizzle with melted candy in a

contrasting color. Chill 3 to 5 minutes or until set.

Attach sprinkles with dots of melted candy. Chill 3 to 5 minutes or until set.

Sweet Snowmen CookiesWhite, Red, Green, Black and Orange

Candy Melts CandyPeanut butter sandwich cookiesHoliday Confetti, Holiday and SnowflakeMixSprinkles

Cinnamon DropsBlack Sugar PearlsSilver Pearlized Sugar

Melt white Candy Melts candy following package instruc tions. Place cookies on cooling grid positioned over parchment-lined cookie sheet. Spoon melted candy over top surface of cookie; chill 5 to 10

minutes or until set. Turn cookies over, candy side down, on cooling grid. Com-pletely cover cookies with melted candy; chill 5 to 10 min utes or until set. Repeat, if needed, to completely cover cookie.

To decorate snowmen, melt Candy Melts candy follow ing package instructions as needed. Using red, green and white candy in candy or disposable decorating bag, pipe hats, ear muff band and scarves, adding colored sugar trim to candy before it sets. For ball cap, cut a Candy Melt candy wafer in half; attach with melted candy. Attach sprinkles for buttons, ear muffs and decorative accents using dots of melted candy. Using melted black candy and decorating bag, pipe facial features. Using melted orange candy and decorating bag, pipe nose.


‘Tis the season for entertaining, and fes-tive cocktails are in fashion for gather-ings large and small. This season, shake things up a bit. Trade in the punch bowl for a cocktail shaker and serve up some easy, fun and delicious egg-based cocktails for guests. But, if you’re asking if raw eggs are safe to use, the answer is “yes as long as you’re using pasteurized eggs.” Safest Choice Eggs are pasteur-ized in their shells using a warm water bath which eliminates the risk of salmo-nella. A red circle “P” stamped on the eggs lets you know they are safe.

Simple, sensational cocktailsEggnog is a must-have for the season, and most everyone agrees that home-made tastes best. So start with the basics to make a perfect Shaken Eggnog Cocktail. A whole egg, cream, brandy or bourbon, some simple syrup and you’re on your way to cocktail bliss. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice and it’s time for a toast with this creamy, slightly spicy take on eggnog. As a nod to another seasonal favorite, the cranberry, a Cranberry Fizz is just what the mixologist ordered. It’s an ethereal combination of orange liqueur, vodka and cranberry juice, accented with hints of lime and bitters. Add an egg white and give it a few shakes; the egg white provides a layer of foamy, frothy fizz. Egg whites have been used to give a “fizz” to cocktails since the late 1800s, so clink your glasses together to celebrate

this tradition, which can be enjoyed once again, thanks to pasteurized eggs.

Cocktails – and more Pasteurized eggs aren’t just for cocktails. To insure safety, they should be used to make any recipe that calls for raw or gen-tly cooked eggs – such as mayonnaise, chocolate mousse, Caesar salad dress-ing, sunny-side-up and poached eggs. So, cheers to happy sipping and remem-ber: pasteurized = peace of mind.For recipes and more, please visit www.safeeggs.com.

Shaken Eggnog CocktailPreparation Time: 10 minutesMakes: 2 servings

1/4 cup heavy cream2 tablespoons milk1-1/2 ounces brandy, bourbon or dark rum1-12 tablespoons simple syrup or agave nectar (see note)1 Safest Choice Pasteurized Egg, slightly beaten1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Ice Pumpkin pie spice

Place cream, milk, brandy, simple syrup, egg, vanilla and ice in cocktail shaker. Shake until well blended. Pour into 2 glasses rimmed with pumpkin pie spice, if desired. Dust with additional pumpkin pie spice.Note: Simple syrup can be purchased in

beverage section of some supermarkets or specialty stores. To prepare at home, combine equal parts water and sugar in saucepan. Bring to boil and cook until sugar dissolves; cool. Store in refrigera-tor.To add pumpkin pie spice rim to glasses, dip rim of glass into simple syrup or agave, then into shallow layer of pump-kin pie spice. Allow to dry.

Cranberry FizzPreparation Time: 10 minutesMakes: 2 servings

1 1/2 ounces orange liqueur1 1/2 ounces vodka3/4 cup cranberry juice 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice1 Safest Choice Pasteurized Egg white, slightly beaten Dash citrus bitters Ice

Place orange liqueur, vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, egg white, dash of bitters and ice in cocktail shaker. Shake until ingredients are blended. Pour into 2 glasses rimmed with sugar, if desired.To add sugar rim to glasses, dip rim of glass into citrus juice (orange, lemon or lime) then into shallow layer of colored sugars. Allow to dry.Note: Recipe may be doubled.

HOLIDAYCOCKTAILS


EASY CINNAMON ROLLS

From cinnamon rolls to decadent desserts, baked goods have been at the heart of every holiday for generations. Of course, creating bakery-quality breads, pastries and holiday treats that look as delicious as they taste can be an intimidating task for home bakers. However, thanks to cookbook author and profes-sional baker Gesine Bullock-Prado and premium ingredients, such as Red Star® Platinum Superior Baking Yeast®, it’s now easier than ever to create baked goods that are light, airy and look like they were purchased from a boutique bakery.

Gesine recommends the following tips to achieve bakery-quality results:

•Use the best quality ingredients you can find. Fresh yeast, bak-ing powder or baking soda will give a tender, airy texture to your baked goods. Cakes and breads made with ingredients that are too old fall flat. Great flavorings, butter and eggs are also essential.

•A premium yeast with dough enhancers, like Red Star Platinum Yeast, builds dough strength and toler-ance. Using this type of product, which was previ-ously unavailable to home bakers, means dough will be very forgiving should there be any variance in flour quality, kneading or rising time. The end result is increased “oven spring” and finished volume.

Expect everyone to flock to your kitchen once the enticing smell of baked goods begins to fill your home. Your guests won’t be disappointed; Red Star guarantees it. For this recipe and more, visit www.redstaryeast.com.

Easy Cinnamon RollsDough 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 package Red Star® Platinum Superior Baking Yeast®, 1/4 oz. 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup milk 2 1/2 Tablespoons unsalted butter 1 large eggFilling 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 1 1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon 1/4 cup granulated sugarGlaze 1 cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 Tablespoons milk/cream

Directions:Make the dough: Set aside 1/2 cup of flour. In a large bowl, toss 2 and 1/4 cups flour, the sugar, salt, and yeast together until evenly

dispersed. Set aside.

Heat the water, milk, and butter together in the microwave until the mixture is very warm, but not too hot to touch, about 125-130°F. Stir the butter mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and only enough of the reserved flour to make a soft dough. Dough will be ready when it gently pulls away from the side of the bowl and has an elastic consistency.

On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 3-5 min-utes. Place in a lightly greased bowl and let rest for 10 minutes.

Make the filling: After 10 minutes, roll the dough out in a 14x8 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter on top. Mix together the cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle it over the dough. Roll up the dough tightly. Cut into 11 even pieces and place in a lightly greased 9-inch round pan or pie dish. Loosely cover the rolls with aluminum foil and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-90 minutes.

After the rolls have doubled in size, preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly browned. Cover the rolls with aluminum foil after 15 minutes to avoid heavy browning, if you prefer.

Make the glaze. Top the cinnamon rolls with glaze right before serving.


A NewTwist on a Holiday Snack Tradition

The holiday season is filled with family food traditions, from stuffing and pumpkin pie, to festive cakes and frosted sugar cookies. This year, wow your family, guests and friends with a fun, crunchy twist on the great tastes of holiday favorites.

No one can replace grandma’s classic pie recipe, but have a little fun and surprise your family and friends. With creative takes on traditional dishes, Chex® Party Mix will help you wow your guests with familiar flavors and aromas, served up in a playful way that’s sure to impress.

It’s easy to re-create the taste of each of these treats in a quick, delicious party mix.Visit www.ChexPartyMix.com for more than 150 party mix recipes that can be made in the microwave in just 15 minutes.


Peppermint andChocolate Chex® Mix

Featuring melted white choco-late, crushed candy canes and a dark chocolate drizzle, it’s easy to add holiday cheer with this festive mix.

Prep Time: 10 MinutesStart to Finish: 15 MinutesMakes: 16 servings (1/2 cup each)

3 cups Rice Chex® cereal3 cups Chocolate Chex® cereal1 bag (12 ounces) white vanilla baking chips (2 cups)1/2 cup coarsely crushed peppermint candy canes (16 mini, unwrapped)1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Mix cereals in large microwav-able bowl. Line cookie sheet with foil or waxed paper.

In microwavable bowl, mi-crowave white vanilla bak-ing chips uncovered on High about 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips can be stirred smooth. Stir in half the crushed pep-permint candy.

Pour over cereal; toss to evenly coat. Spread mixture in single layer on cookie sheet. Immediately sprinkle with remaining candy.

Melt dark chocolate chips in microwave on High 50 to 60 seconds or until chips can be stirred smooth; drizzle over

top. Let stand in refrigerator until set, about 5 minutes. Gently break into clusters. Store in airtight container.

Chex® Pumpkin Pie Crunch

This recipe is great served in your favorite colorful pie plate. Set the pie plate out on the table with the other dishes, and put a scooper out so guests can help themselves. For party favors, leave small bags next to the pie plate and ask guests to take a bag home for an extra treat later.

Prep Time: 15 MinutesStart to Finish: 15 MinutesMakes: 16 servings (1/2 cup each)

1/4 cup brown sugar1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice1/4 cup butter2 teaspoons vanilla2 cups Cinnamon Chex® cereal

2 cups Wheat Chex® cereal2 cups Honey Nut Chex® cereal8 ounces pecans

In small bowl, mix brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; set aside. In small microwave-safe dish, microwave butter on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in vanilla. In large microwavable bowl, mix all cereals and pecans. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly distributed. Add sugar and spice mixture and stir until coated.

Microwave uncovered on High 5 minutes or until mix-ture begins to brown, stirring every minute. Spread on wax paper or a cookie sheet to cool. Store in airtight con-tainer. Note: Make mix up to two weeks ahead and store in airtight container.


HAPPENINGSSAINT LOUIS

DECEMBER 2013

Trans-Siberian Orchestra ”The Lost Christmas Eve” - The Encore and Final Performance!December 23Scottrade Centerwww.scottradecenter.comFor one final year, audiences will get to experience the modern Charles Dickens-like classic, “The Lost Christ-mas Eve.” Performances are at 3:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Raja’s 21st Birthday CelebrationDecember 27Saint Louis Zoowww.stlzoo.orgWeather permitting, zookeepers and volunteers will host a birthday party for Raja, the first Asian elephant born at the zoo, at his habitat in River’s Edge. They have constructed giant presents for the party, filled with some of the elephant’s favorite things, including cereal, melons, bananas, popcorn and more. Visitors are invited to sing “Happy Birthday” and cheer for Raja when he comes out to “open” his gifts. There will also be activities at Lakeside Cafe, including keeper chats and elephant activities.

First Night-St. LouisDecember 31Grand Center Districtwww.firstnightstl.orgA winter celebration featuring visual and perform-ing arts, musicians, storytellers, dancers, magicians, actors, puppeteers and visual and media artists. The opening ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. on the Main Stage at Grand and Lindell. Children’s fireworks at 9:00 p.m. and Grand Finale Fireworks at midnight.

Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove HouseNow through January 5Missouri Botanical Gardenwww.mobot.orgSee the Victorian country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw decked for the holidays in true Victorian style. Open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Enjoy storytelling on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. Don’t miss the special activities for children!

Owl ProwlsSelect Days Now through March 8World Bird Sanctuaryhttp://www.worldbirdsanctuary.orgCome over to the Dark Side and meet those amazing birds that exist by moonlight. Owl Prowls offer an excit-

ing opportunity to learn more about the amazing life of Owls. Spend an evening with a WBS naturalist who will introduce you to live owls and their unique calls. Then, take an easy night hike through our grounds to try and call in a wild owl.

Christmas TraditionsNow-December 22Main Street, Saint Charleswww.stcharleschristmas.comThe celebration is staged in a charming village on the Missouri River know as Saint Charles. Close your eyes and listen to the sound of horses’ hooves on the brick street, and the sweet holiday music of the fife. Cap-ture in your mind the essence, that time in America when life was simpler, and Christmas was elegant and magical. Regardless of the evening or weekend you choose to visit Christmas Traditions, we promise you will find the genuine, warm tradition of a Saint Charles welcome. The hospitality of Christmas Traditions is ex-ceeded only by the very magical Spirit of Christmas.


Gateway Arch Riverboats New Year’s Eve CruiseDecember 31Gateway Arch Riverboatswww.gatewayarch.comRing in 2014 on a three-and-a-half hour cruise on the Mississippi River on a replica of a 19th century steam-boat. The evening includes dinner featuring filet mi-gnon and jumbo shrimp, open bar, music by a live DJ and a champagne toast when the clock strikes mid-night. 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Must be 21 and older. Reservations required.

The Wedding ShowJanuary 4-5America’s Centerwww.stlbrideandgroom.comThe Wedding Show takes the stress out of your wed-ding planning. In just one afternoon you will see more wedding businesses than you could visit in a month on your own. We bring you a face-to-face sampling of virtually everything you’ll need to make your wedding day perfect with over 200 wedding exhibits!

Soulard Mardi Gras-Twelfth NightJanuary 6Johnny’s in Soulardwww.stlmardigras.orgThe traditional beginning of Mardi Gras, twelve nights after Christmas. Hear the reading of the proclamation on the steps of Johnny’s followed by a musical proces-sion ending at the corner of 7th & Soulard where the Soulard Mardi Gras flag will rise and fireworks signal the official start of the Mardi Gras season in Soulard.

Soulard Mardi Gras-Twelfth NightJanuary 6Johnny’s in Soulardwww.stlmardigras.orgThe traditional beginning of Mardi Gras, twelve nights after Christmas. Hear the reading of the proclamation on the steps of Johnny’s followed by a musical proces-sion ending at the corner of 7th & Soulard where the Soulard Mardi Gras flag will rise and fireworks signal the official start of the Mardi Gras season in Soulard.

Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge January 18-19Old Chain of Rocks Bridgemdc.mo.gov/events/eagledaysWatch eagles fishing, riding ice floes, soaring over-head and roosting in nearby tree while having access to an educational program featuring a live eagle and warming tent activities. Lewis and Clark history dem-onstrations will also be held on both Bridge entranc-es. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display atWestport PlazaDecember 31Wesport Plazawww.westportstl.comEnjoy the New Year at Westport Plaza with a spectacu-lar fireworks display at 6:00 p.m. and complimentary carriage rides from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Noontime New Year’s EveDecember 31The Magic Housewww.magichouse.orgHappy New Year! Ring in the new year a little bit early with a Noontime New Year celebration at The Magic House. New Year’s revelers of all ages (even those with a bedtime!) are invited to strike a pose in a photo booth with fun 2014-themed props, dance the day away to some rockin’ tunes and even participate in a special countdown to noon, complete with the drop-ping of a sparkly New Year’s Eve ball! Noontime New Year’s Eve activities are free with Museum admission, reservations are not required.

Susan Brewer314.540.0734

[email protected]

Diane Huesgen636.936.8600

[email protected]

Wade Brewer636.936.8600

[email protected]

Lori Pisani636.578.7781

[email protected]

Stacy Iffrig636.734.1364

[email protected]

Ashley Bahr636.373.0194

[email protected]

Tammie Meyer636.578.4399

[email protected]

Sally Lee314.520.3331

[email protected]

Andrew Brewer636.288.4604

[email protected]

Debbie Sigler314.973.0195

[email protected]

Janice Smith314.277.2785

[email protected]

Lisa Samuels636.484.0633

[email protected]

Wendy Halamicek636.634.1152

[email protected]

Mike Lampe636.751.4442

[email protected]

Julie Alsup314.378.5146

[email protected]

Tom Budde636.734.4414

[email protected]

Steve Savory314.604.3999

[email protected]

Fred Figura314.277.1925

[email protected]

Our team of Independent Realtors is ready to help you achieve your Real Estate dreams!

At Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate, our goal is to help you realize your real estate goals while giving you the highest level of service possible. Our office utilizes the very latest in technology and by using our proven marketing strategies and unique concepts, we

can sell our listings for higher dol-lar and in a shorter amount of time than our competitors - no matter what their size. Give us a call today

and let us show you the

Service First Difference!

MEET OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED AGENTS

Documents

HandH december issue