Last Minute Gift Guide 2011 | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

8/3/2019 Last Minute Gift Guide 2011 | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

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Special Section to: Greenwich Post I The Darien Times I New Canaan Advertiser I The Ridgefield Press I The Wilton Bulletin I The Redding Pilot I The Weston Forum I The Lewisboro Ledger

HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

For more than a century, the Chiappetta

family has produced first cold-pressed,

extra virgin olive oil in the Calabria

region of southern Italy. About a year

ago, family members living in Fairfield

County decided to bring their tasty,

homemade olive oil to the United States.

Tall, elegant, long-necked bottles bearing

the Chiappetta name can now be pur-

chased in 21 specialty grocery stores and

markets in Connecticut.

Made from 100 percent organically

grown caroleo olives, Chiappettas olive

oil is best used on salads, with fresh

Italian bread for dipping and in sauces

and soups, said Pat Chiappetta, a resi-

dent of Norwalk. He and his brother,

Frank, of Stamford, were instrumental in

launching the new business, which they

both define as a labor of love.

In 2009, the brothers celebrated the

80th birthday of their father, Vito, by

traveling with him to Italy. While they

were sharing photos of the trip with Pats

two daughters, Leslie (of Milford) and

Lori (of Trumbull), and Franks daughter,

Ashley (of Stamford), the cousins were

impressed with their relatives lush olive

groves and asked why they couldnt

distribute the exquisite olive oil in the

United States. It all started as a trib-

ute to their grandfather and the idea of

wanting to keep the family name going,

Pat explained.

Pats twin sons, James (of Wilton) and

John (of Norwalk), were also enthusiastic

and offered to spearhead the companys

Web and digital presence. The girls are

primarily responsible for the gift bas-

kets, Pat said.

Though Chiappettas Olive Oil had only

been available for a few months by the

time the holiday season rolled around,

its gift baskets were extremely popular

last year.

DELECTABLE OLIVE OIL IN ELEGANT BOTTLES

by Karen Kovacs Dydzuhn

Gift baskets are always a pleasure to receive, especially ones wit h Chiapetta Olive Oil.

Olive oil continued on page 8

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2/12

2 Last Minute Gift Guide Hersam Acorn Newspapers December 15, 2011

One of the most memorable gifts Ive ever

received was from a neighbor, who, to

thank me for helping her out of a tough

spot, gave me a boxed set of Penzeys

Spices baking extracts. The neighbor and

I, both avid cooks and bakers, usually end

up talking about food over our split-rail

fence, and we often share recipes, as well

as the fruits of our labors. It was the per-

fect gift for me, and showed just how well

she knew me.

To be perfectly honest, however, when

Penzeys Spices first opened in Norwalk

in 1999, I was a little skeptical. An entire

store devoted to spices? Dont most people

buy their spices in the supermarket? How

are they going to stay in business? I won-

dered, and gave them six months.

Well, its been 12 years, and not only have

I been proven completely wrong (the store

has continued to thrive), but Penzeys has

become one of my very favorite places to

shop. In fact, the phrase like a kid in a

candy store could be applied to me and

anyone else who loves to cook and bake

and who eschews the supermarket baking

aisle for Penzeys Spices.

Cooks Wanted!

Headquartered in suburban Milwaukee

County, Wis., the business actually began

as a mail-order company, with people pur-

chasing their spices out of catalogs.

Owner Bill Penzey, who grew up in his

parents spice business, followed the tradi-

tion of their lifes work when he launched

Penzeys Spices 25 years ago, first from

a warehouse and then the companys

first retail store. Today, Penzeys boasts

63 stores, with two more scheduled

to open soon. The Norwalk store,

the companys fourth, is convenient-

ly located at 197 Westport Ave., a

stones throw from Stew Leonards

and just minutes away from I-95 and

the Merritt Parkway.

Our principal focus is the home cook

and baker, explains Margie Gibbons,

spokesperson for the company. There

is something kind, generous and wonder-

ful in the notion of going into the kitchen

and making something to share with your

family and friends. We want to make it

easy for people, from beginner to expert,

to prepare the meal they have planned,

whether they are following a cookbook

recipe to the letter or improvising on an

old family favorite.

Shoppers who visit the retail stores are

encouraged to ask questions of the knowl-

edgeable staff, who tend to be self-pro-

claimed foodies themselves. Customers

can come in and chat with us about what

theyre planning to make, and we can help

them find what they need to make every

meal special, Margie says. People dont

need to wait for the weekend ... why not

make Tuesday evening a little more inter-

esting?

Penzeys products run the gamut from both

whole and ground spices, dried herbs, rubs,

custom and salt-free seasoning blends to a

variety of cinnamons (four different types,

to be specific), vanillas and cocoas, to

name just a few. Arbol chili peppers, Cajun-

style seasoning, Garam Masala (a salt-

free all purpose blend called for in many

Indian dishes), Penzeys

minced garlic, lemon

peel, mulling spices,

pizza seasoning,

poppy seeds, saffron,

sausage seasonings,

Trinidad lemon & gar-

lic marinade and whole

pink, green, black and white pep-

percorns are just some of the offerings that

home cooks can find at Penzeys to create

memorable family favorites.

We try and meet every baking and cook-

ing need, and offer a wide variety and

type of products, Margie explains. These

ingredients can be used to make an Indian-

or Mexican-inspired meal, for example,

and we encourage cooks to experiment,

perhaps trying a spice or seasoning blend

on something theyre used to cooking, like

chicken or beef, and then if the dish is

a hit, they can take it a little further and

make something more layered, using addi-

tional spices or seasonings.

Its Beginning To Smell

A Lot Like Christmas

While the retail stores offer a veritable feast

for the eyes, nose and mouth and comprise

a large segment of the companys business,

The Kind Heart Gift Box features four

jars of seasonings, all salt-free.

Courtesy of Penzeys Spices

Penzeys Spices continued on page 8

You're sure to find somethingfor everyone on your list at Stewarts!

Spread some holiday cheer with our gourmet gift baskets, made-to-order from

our produce team! And if you cant make up your mind why not give the gift

of Stewarts Gift Cards (available in our Market and our wine shop in any denomination).

From simple stocking stuffers to thoughtful gifts, Stewarts haseverything to spread holiday cheer! Shop Stewarts for a delightful

assortment of handcrafted and festively-packaged holiday treats.

Imported Belgian chocolates from Neuhaus; classic foil milk chocolate

Santas, Snowmen & Sleighs from Madelaine and Thompson; and Vermonts

finest chocolate Santas, Pralines, and stocking stuffers from Lake Champlain.

Tis the Season

for Gift Giving

Walter Stewarts MarketYour One Stop HOLIDAY Shop Since 1907

* 2 0 3 . 9 6 6 . 4 8 4 8 * 2 2 9 E l m S t r e e t * N e w C a n a a n * S t e w a r t s M a r k e t . c o m *


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December 15, 2011 Last Minute Gift Guide Hersam Acorn Newspapers 3


4/12


Its a question parents and grand-

parents ask themselves regularly:

What to give eight-year-old Lucyor six-year-old Kevin or the 11-

year-old twins? There are proba-

bly a dozen or so new versions of

original electronic games, some

of them boasting about their edu-

cational benefits, but they dont

really satisfy the need to give

something meaningful ... some-

thing more than another form of

plastic entertainment.

This year, especially, it seems like

a good idea to find something

different, something significant.

Then how about giving children

something they can give to otherchildren? A goat or a flock of

chickens or a share of a cow?

These are the living gifts avail-

able through Heifer International,

which has been sending animals

to needy families around the

world for years. Their mission is

to Pass on the gift to help poor

families receive nutrition, achieve

self-sufficiency and share their

new-found prosperity with oth-

ers. Sending a goat to a family

in Peru, Honduras or Haiti, for

LLAMAS, CHICKENS, GOATS

by Lois Alcosser

The smiling faces of these Vietnamese children express their delight in a gift of rabbits, which are easy to care for and mul-

tiply rapidly. Courtesy of Heifer International

Y.Z. Jewelry Mfg.

We cut diamonds and manufacture one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry...

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Come visit us, we will giveyou a complete education

about Diamonds and Gems.

Holiday Hours:Monday-Saturday 10-6 PM OPEN SUNDAYS 11-4 PM

(203) 222-1894

Handcrafted 18 kt. sapphire and diamond necklaceset with gem quality cornflower blue oval sapphires

50 cts. total weight and 22.10 cts. total weight indiamonds. (A piece to cherish for generations.)

Crafted in platinum, GIA-certified natural,

unheated cushion-cut sapphire, 2.7 cts.

Adorned with diamonds,

0.85 cts total weight.

Crafted in

18 kt. white

gold. Set with

gem-quality

emerald-cut

pink/red

tourmaline,

17.83 cts.Adorned with

diamonds, 1.20 cts total weight.

Large selection ofGIA-certified

diamonds in allshapes and sizes at

huge savings.

Crafted in platinum.GIA-certified

radient-cut diamond,5.58 cts. Color F.

Clarity VS 2. Adornedwith two trapezoiddiamonds, 1.63 cts

total weight.

Acclaimed for our incomparable craftsmanship, we continue to lead the way in styling &luxury. Consumate skill & uncompromising attention to detail are given to every piece.

Large selection of certified unheatedsapphires, all shapes and sizes.

Crafted in 18 kt. Sapphire diamondearrings, set with fine cornflower

blue color sapphires 6.00 cts. totalweight. Adorned with diamonds,

3.00 cts. total weight.

Give the Gift of Light

Bedford Lighting & Home

ChandeliersCrystalsTiffanysMirrors

LampshadesRepairsTable LampsFloor Lamps

MedallionsAccent FurnitureOutdoor LightingLight Bulbs

HOLIDA

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5/12


example, gives the family milk

and cheese to eat and sell, pro-

viding economic strength as well

as nutrition. Sending a flock of

chickens provides eggs and more

chickens that can be passed on to

a neighbor.

I began to give these kinds of gifts

to my grandchildren several years

ago.

They were disappointed at first.

They wanted a doll or a robot kit.

But with a brief explanation and

a small wooden plaque, on which

I painted: For her sixth birthday,

Jody sent a llama to a family in

Peru, their expectations changed

and they actually started looking

forward to guessing what animal

theyd be sending to what place. I

also noticed that the little decora-

tive plaques were on the walls of

their rooms.

Ending hunger and poverty is

Heifers goal, and it has beenachieving that for women in Nepal,

small farmers in Zambia, Mexico,

Cameroon and Tanzania. From

their catalog, for instance, heres a

vote for goats: The goats temper-

ament and size make it ideal for

families with limited resources. It

doesnt compete with humans for

food and it can thrive and repro-

duce in all climates. Goats are low

maintenance in terms of handling,

housing and health care. A goat is

$120. Share of a goat is $10.

A Flock of Hope may contain

chicks, ducks and goslings. In

almost no time, egg production

begins. Eggs are a life-saving gift

for a hungry child and by regularly

selling eggs, families can generate

income to afford food, clothes,

medicines and school fees. A Flock

of Hope is $60.

A gift of a beehive can double fruit

and vegetables yields. Income

from the sale of honey, wax and

pollen can make a big difference

in a familys life. A gift of honey-

bees is $30.

There are sheep, pigs, camels,

donkeys, rabbits, cows, geese,

oxen and more. And if youre still

wondering whether a living gift

can replace a toy, this is what Jean

Mudenda of Zambia says: These

cows have removed us from hun-

ger. Before, we were even fail-

ing to have two meals in a day.

We couldnt even have a cup of

tea. Now we drink tea anytimewe feel like, with milk. Theres

no malnutrition. Our children are

very happy and healthy because

of Heifer. She also said that

the first night the family received

a dairy cow, her family couldnt

sleep a wink but just stared at the

cow to convince themselves that

it was real.

See heifer.org or call 877-448-6437.

Sheep, which can graze in even t he hilliest, rockiest pastures of Peru, provide wool for clothing and food for sustenance.

Courtesy of Heifer International

,

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312 ROOSEVELT DR.

SEYMOUR, CT 06483

203-735-4883

WWW.VILLABIANCA.COM

[email protected]

Tickets must be

purchased in advance.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31ST 2011 7PM - 1:30AM

LIVE PERFORMANCES BY - DARIK AND THE FUNBAGS & UNZIPPED

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CHAMPAGNE TOAST - PARTY FAVORS ASSORTED DESSERTS


6/12


With Christmas fast approaching, parents

will begin the scramble to find the right

toys for their children, though they may

find its not quite as simple as loading up

a shopping cart. As you shop, remember

that children of all ages need a well-bal-

anced assortment of toys to contribute to

their development and pleasure ones for

active play, make-believe play and creative

play. Also, most everyone is looking for

ways to save money these days, but, are

those cheaper choices safe for children?

The importance of play influences every

aspect of a childs development devel-

oping motor skills, critical thinking, lan-

guage skills, self-esteem and social skills.

When children pretend to be firefighters,

astronauts or teachers, they begin to see

life is full of possibilities and opportuni-

ties. Overall, play is fun. When we recall

our childhood, its the happy times spent

playing with special people we remember

most fondly.

For infants between six and 12 months,

beginning to master motor skills helps

them see toys in a new and exciting way.

Push-pull toys, busy boxes, cloth card-

board picture books and squeaky toys are

wonderful choices, for they begin to show

cause and effect.

Children become explorers in their second

year of life as they start to master the physi-

cal skills that make it easier to play and learn.

Feet-propelled toys, puzzles with knobs and

playhouses encourage experimentation.

This is also the age children begin to mimic

adults, so kitchen toys and household items,

such as play telephones or shopping carts,

make a child feel important.

Older toddlers love trying out their newly

acquired physical skills jumping, climb-

ing and throwing toys for active play

are now in the spotlight. Larger balls, small

slides and climbing apparatus help put

those skills to work.

Social activity after the age of three leads

to sharing and a combined creativity. Pre-

schoolers and kindergartners can spend

most of their time in a make-believe world.

They enjoy role playing and dressing up as

well as expressing themselves through arts

and crafts. This is the perfect age for non-

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toxic art supplies, simple board games

and props for that imaginary world.

When it comes to choosing toys for chil-

dren with special needs, the Toy Industry

Foundation publishes a guide especially

for them. There are profiles for toys

appropriate for children with visual, phys-

ical and hearing impairments, as well

as developmental disabilities including

Down Syndrome and Autism. These toys

have been tested, reviewed and recom-

mended by the Alliance for Technology

Access and the American Foundation for

the Blind. For more information or to

order a copy of Lets Play visit toyindus-

tryfoundation.org.

As you shop, keep in mind the interests

and abilities of the children you are buy-

ing gifts for and read the labels to help

you make the right choices.

Toys are labeled based on four crite-

ria: the safety aspects of the toy, the

physical capabilities of the child (ability

to manipulate the toy), their cognitive

abilities, as well as a childs interests.The most common safety labels warn

against choking, and any toy or game

directed at children ages three to six is

required to carry this warning if the toy

contains small parts, marbles or bal-

loons. On electrically operated toys, other

labels to look for are Adult Assembly

Required, Flame Retardant/Flame

Resistant and Laboratory Certification or

UL (Underwriters Laboratories).

Cautionary labels may be added by the

manufacturer advising parents when spe-

cial care is appropriate. Science sets with

toxic chemicals, craft kits with sharp or

breakable items and mobiles which hang

over an infants crib should be supervised

and removed if any danger is suspected.

Its a competitive world out there, and as

tempting as it might be to give a young

child a toy labeled and intended for an

older one, its not advisable. The age

labels address not only safety factors,

for if children are given toys that are too

advanced for them, they may become

frustrated.

Once the toys are home and opened,

parents still need to insure safety pre-

vails. Toys for older children should be

kept away from the younger ones, as

well as small visitors. Its best to throw

out or repair broken toys. Checking to

make sure all parts are accounted for is

well worth the time. Avoid any toy boxes

with heavy lids that can fall on heads and

fingers. Its best to stow toys in a low spot

so a child isnt tempted to climb to get

one. And always make sure there is a safe

area for play.

While labels help consumers with their

choices, no manufacturer can tell you

what is right for your child. Patronize a

reliable retail store where careful consid-

eration is given when stocking merchan-

dise. If buying online, make sure you

can return the toy if it doesnt meet your

standards. Dont go for the knock-off,

its not worth the safety risk. Its better

to move on to something else, which

will benefit and enhance your childs

development.

Guidebook

by NRWA Board Member David Park

Both the map and the book are available

through the NRWA website at norwalkriv-

er.org/docs.htm. They make great holiday

gifts, and proceeds from each purchase

go toward funding NRWA efforts to pro-

tect the Norwalk River watershed. The

map is available in paper for $5 and in

water-resistant outdoor quality for $8

(100% of proceeds support NRWA). The

book is available for $10 (40% of pro-

ceeds go to NRWA).

The maps were produced by NRWA and

printed with funds from a grant from

Norwalk outdoor gear and apparel storeREI. The map charts existing and pro-

posed trails from Calf Pasture Beach in

Norwalk north to Danbury and throughout

the watershed and surrounding vicinity.

Kayaking in and around

the Norwalk Islands

Kayaking in and around the Norwalk

Islands by David Park, NRWA board

member and kayak enthusiast, is packed

with excellent information on kayaking

the Norwalk area. The Norwalk Islands,

which are one mile off shore, include

islands open to the public for camping

and exploring, a few being part of the

Stewart McKinney Wildlife Refuge. The

guidebook, complete with color photos,

includes information on three local rivers,

complete descriptions of all the islands

including local wildlife, history and such

points of interest as the historic Sheffield

Island Lighthouse and other Norwalk

lighthouses, as well as other useful tid-

bits, such as where to launch, coastal and

off-shore paddling information and safety

guidelines.

The Norwalk River Watershed Association,

incorporated in 1996, is a not-for-profit

membership organization whose missionis to improve the water quality and aes-

thetic value of the 40,000-acre Norwalk

River watershed; to encourage recreational

use of the existing trails and open space;

and to promote research, education, coop-

eration and action by the stakeholders in

the seven watershed towns (Ridgefield,

Redding, Wilton, New Canaan, Weston,

Norwalk and Lewisboro, N.Y.

For information on free programs, research,

volunteer opportunities, and membership,

contact norwalkriver.org.

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8/12


The Maglie basket ($34.95) which

contains a 250 ml. bottle of olive oil,

crostini, organic garlic spread and

organic sun-dried tomatoes is a per-

fect alternative to bringing a hostess or

a client a fine bottle of wine.

Its much healthier, Pat remarked. In

fact, at many of our tastings, which we

sponsor at local markets every week-

end, people tell us that theyre into the

Mediterranean diet and that good olive

oil is at the heart of healthy living.

Chiappettas Dinner for Two Gift Basket

($59.95) is filled with a nice variety of

Italian specialty food items, including

extra virgin olive oil, so that you could

make yourself a good meal, Pat said.

The basket has a package of pasta,

fresh organic tomato sauce, an aged

balsamic vinegar to go on a salad, sea

salt, garlic paste and two Italian wafer

cookies for dessert.

Pat describes his wife, Jean, an elemen-

tary school teacher in Westport, as one

of his top sales people because her

praise draws others to the product.

Shes a very good cook and she loves

to use our oil, he said.

Pat and Frank own and operate Point

and Click, a training and development

service company in Westchester County.

However, their weekends are spent

talking about their olive oil at Wiltons

Village Market and the Rowayton

Market. Were doing very well, Pat

said. After our tastings, I have to

go into these stores and restock their

shelves. Its hard for us to believe that

weve only been doing this for a little

more than a year.

For more information: go to chiappettaoli-

veoil.com. Gift baskets may be ordered

online at olio2go.com or by e-mailing

[email protected].

Olive oilcontinued from page 1

a big portion of Penzeys sales also comes

from catalog and on-line orders, particu-

larly at holiday time, when people looking

for gifts can just pick up the phone or visit

the companys Web site.

Both the catalog, which is published eight

times a year, and the Web site feature

recipes that customers have submitted.

Our catalog is very home-focused, and

includes wonderful stories and recipes

that our own customers wanted to share,

Margie says. They like to tell us about

their families favorite meals and where

some of their recipes originated. Their

input has helped us learn more about

who is buying our products, how they are

cooking and baking and what they would

like from us.

From gift boxes and crates, peppermills

and salt shakers to glass jars for storing

spices and gift certificates, there is likely

to be just the right item for the cook or

baker on anyones holiday gift list.

My principal recommendation for gifts

this season would be our Kind Heart Gift

Box, which includes a 1/4 cup jar Penzeys

Forward!, 1/4 cup jar 33rd & Galena, 1/4

cup jar Arizona Dreaming and 1/4 cup

jar Mural of Flavor ... all are salt-free,

and were offering an introductory price

of $7.95 per box through the holidays,

Margie says.

Gift sets come in a range of prices and

include Some Like It Hot 4 Jar, Ethnic

Milwaukee, Cheese Seasonings, Taste of

Mexico, Grill and Broil 8 Jar, Kitchen of

Provence Gift Crate and the Bakers Gift

Crate, among others. There is literally

something for everyone, Margie con-

cludes. Simply stop by the store, pick up

the phone or visit the Web site.

For further information: 203-840-9088, or

penzeys.com.

Penzeys Spicescontinued from page 2

CAPPY & SON and DAUGHTER INC.


9/12


As you jot down ideas on your Christmas list, be sure to include a visit to the Glass

House Design Store in New Canaan, where youll find a diversity of intriguinggifts for adults and children. The store is within the Philip Johnson Glass House

Visitor Center at 199 Elm St., directly across from the New Canaan train station.

Holiday shopping hours are 11 to 4 on Thursday, Dec. 15; Friday, Dec. 16;

Saturday Dec. 17; 203-594-9884 ext. 0; [email protected]. Sales support gen-

eral operations, educational programs and the preservation of the site.

Govino Wine Glasses (set of 4 $12). Re-

usable, shatterproof, recyclable, Go-

vino is the ultimate go-anywhere wine

glass that was originally created as a

trade tool to help wine salespeople

showcase their wines whenever and

wherever proper stemware wasnt ac-

cessible. They would eventually see a

bigger need in the consumer market

and voila, you have Govino.

Wasara Tableware (compote $12; coffee cup $10; tray $14; medium square $12; large square $12.). Sustainable,

disposable tableware made from sugar-cane fiber, bamboo and reed pulp designed by Shinichiro Ogata, an

award-winning designer based in Tokyo, Japan.

Chilewich Raytray ($125). First in-

troduced in 1997, the RAYTray is

back! The design, which features a

metal frame covered with stretch

netting typically used in lingerie,

incorporates a simple, inventive

mechanism to hold the fabric in a

concave plane. The open, breath-

able mesh makes the RAYTray ideal

for storing fruit and vegetables. The

covers come off easily and are ma-

chine washable. In addition to func-

tioning as storage in the kitchen or

on a buffet, the RAYTray makes a

dramatic modern statement in any

area of your home.

Up to 70% Off!

MANUFACTURERS

CLEARANCE SALE

1 WEEK ONLY


10/12


Every holiday season I take down a

small, slightly battered black box from

my bookshelf and gently dust it off.

Opening it, I pull out a small pile ofrecipe cards. I smile as I look at the famil-

iar handwriting, the spindly, shaky hand

of my grandmother, and the perfectly

formed letters that my mother so care-

fully inscribed. These precious pieces of

paper, now slightly faded and beginning

to fray at the corners, are part of my own

personal history and a loving reminder of

gentler, sweeter, more simple days.

I love the ritual of baking for the holidays.

As I lay out the recipes on my kitchen

table, I reach for paper and pen to make

my shopping list. Flour, sugar, fresh bak-

ing powder and baking soda. Must be

sure to have plenty of confectionerssugar, butter and both dark- and light-

brown sugar. Oranges and lemons, dark

chocolate and, of course, several dozen

eggs.

Soon my kitchen will be filled with the

fabulous fragrance of cinnamon and

spices, and my heart will be full with the

memories of being in my grandmothers

kitchen. I was given free (little girl) rein in

her kitchen to use the vast selection of tin

cookie cutters to cut out stars, trees, orna-

ments and Santa Claus cookies. Onto the

baking sheets they would go, emerging

light golden brown, and I could scarcely

wait for them to cool so the ultimate funof decoration could begin.

Our Santa Claus cookies were so beauti-

ful. We would spread freshly made white

icing, brightened up with a touch of fresh

lemon zest over the beard and cap. The

beard would then receive a shower of

coconut flakes and the cap, sparkly red

sugar crystals. A little dab of icing would

secure small pieces of raisins for the

eyes, and a dab on the nose would get

a red cinnamon candy. This was one of

the most delicious combinations of sug-

ary, crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie

experiences.

Once all the sugar cookies were baked

and decorated, we would start in on the

gingerbread men. The scent of ginger

and cloves was so intoxicating. My grand-

mother would mix up a dozen different

colors of icing, and there were just as

many different sugars to embellish with,

including the very regal silver and gold

shots and little white pearls. Many joy-

ous hours were spent together, our heads

bent to our task. She would set out a glass

of milk for me and a cup of tea for herself

when it was time to sample our efforts,

and we would happily crunch away.

My mother would prepare many tins ofcookies and confections to present to

friends for holiday gifts. Haystacks were

a marvelously simple treat made from

pretzel sticks, red-skinned peanuts and

white chocolate. Once she had slowly

melted the chocolate and stirred in the

pretzels and peanuts, I would scoop up

spoonfuls and drop them on to wax

paper to harden as they cooled. The sub-

lime mingling of sugar and salt makes

Haystacks one of my favorite holiday

indulgences to this day.

Mrs. Beaulys Snowballs were always

on the must-make list. I have no recol-

lections of who Mrs. Beauly was, butthese tender little balls of buttery rich-

ness dusted in confectioners sugar were

superb. As I grew older and discovered

recipes on my own, I came to realize that

Mrs. Beauly was making her own version

of the widely popular Mexican tea cake,

also known as a Russian tea cake in some

circles.

The true gift of Christmas is love, found

in treasured memories and in the sweet-

ness of sharing time together.

Holiday Haystacks

12 oz. white or dark chocolate, chopped

1-1/2 cups salted Spanish peanuts withskins

1-1/2 cups thin pretzel sticks, broken into

half-inch pieces

Melt chocolate in a double boiler, stirring

until smooth. Stir in nuts and pretzels. Drop

by tablespoonfuls onto a waxed-paper-lined

cookie sheet. Refrigerate until solid. Will

keep in refrigerator for several weeks.

Mrs. Beaulys Snowballs

2 cups flour

2/3 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup soft butter

1/2 cup shortening

2 tablespoons sugar2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup chopped pecans

Mix ingredients together until dough holds

together. Roll dough into small balls. Bake at

325 for about 20 minutes, until just turning

golden. Do not overbake! Remove from oven

and when slightly cool, roll in confectioners

sugar.

GET A GRIPIN RECORD TIME

Shippan Racquet Club Stamford

Trumbull Racquet Club Trumbull

Google us or call 203.655.2852

Kings Highway Tennis Darien

Fairfield Indoor Tennis Fairfield

Milford Indoor Tennis Milford

Six 1-hour tennis lessons for just $150.Includes new racquet for beginners and former players!

WESTPORT

CONVENIENT HOURS | OPEN 7 DAYS:M-F 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm

Richard and Wendy

Just In Time For Those Last Minute Gifts!

Going Out ofBusiness Sale

12 Belden Ave. Norwalk, CT 203-838-9966

EVERYTHING MUST BE SOLD!

Monday - Saturday 9:30 am - 5:15 pmOpen Sunday, Dec. 18 from 10 am - 3 pm


11/12


Santa and his live reindeer are back in

town. Prancer, Comet, Donner and Blitzen

have happily settled in at Santas Workshop

at McArdles Florist & Garden Center, 48

Arch Street, now through Christmas Eve.

McArdles has been transformed into a

winter wonderland of trees and seasonal

decor, an inviting setting for the reindeer

and Santa.

Hours for Santas Workshop are Monday

through Friday, noon to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday,

9 to 5:30; and Sunday, 9 to 4. Reindeer feed-

ing times will take place daily at 9 and 4.

SANTA AND HIS REINDEER ARE BACK IN TOWN!

1063 Hope Street

Stamford, CT 06907

(203) 968-9000

Daily Public Skang Sessions - Friday Night Teen DJ Skate

Learn to Skate Programs All Year

Youth and Adult Hockey Leagues, Clinics and Camps

4 Private Birthday Party Rooms

Large Video Arcade

Legends Caf and Ice View Sports Bar and Grill

Ballet and Dance Academy

New York Sports Club

Call Now For Details or

visit us online!

Full secon of top-of-the-line hockey and figure skates

-Riedell, Reebok, Bauer, CCM

Variety of full hockey packages for adult and youth

at 15% discount

Expert fing on all hockey protecve wear and

figure skang apparel

Professional skate sharpening performed 7 days

per week

Special team discounts on hockey apparel and jerseys

Extensive hockey sck selecon

We accept skate trade-ins towards any new

skate purchase

We provide 5 free hockey skate sharpenings and a

free pair of skate protectors with the purchase of

any of our top-of-the Line hockey skates

GIFT CARDS ARE AVAILABLE - Great for the Holidays!

FromTh

e

Afford

able

ClosetExperts

Your Ultimate Gift

Destination

Great Client and Teacher Gifts

Also providing everything

you need for

backyard bird watching

FeedersHouses

Baths

SeedSuet

Nuts

532 Bedford Road

Bedford Hills, NY 10507

914-241-0721

www.wbu.com/bedfordhills

Your Ultimate Gift

Destination

Great Client and Teacher Gifts

Also providing everything

you need forbackyard bird watching

Feeders

Houses

Baths

Seed

Suet

Nuts

532 Bedford RoadBedford Hills, NY 10507

914-241-0721

www.wbu.com/bedfordhills

356 Heights RoadDarien CT, 06820

203-202-2669

www.wbu.com/darien

FREEGift Wrapping

Glass Ornaments, Shell Ornaments,

Cloth Ornaments,

Sparkling Stars, Iridescent Birds,

Snowflakes, Snowmen,

Santas of Every Shape and Size,

Angels, Angels and More Angels,

Icicles, Chandeliers,

Bird Feathers, Birds Nests,

Wood Shaving Wreaths,

Kissing Balls, Seed Ornaments,

Rugs, Pillows, Place Mats,

Napkins, Aprons, Table Runners,Wind Chimes, Moose Munch,

Lumps of Coal (Chocolate),

Tapestry Bags and Wallets,

Forever Candles, Tea Lights,

Scented Wax Accessories, Hot Pads,

Scented Soap, Soap Dishes,

Coffee Mugs, Hostess Trays,

Weather Vanes, Rain Chains,

Hand Carved and Painted Birds,

ItsNot

Just Ab

out

Bird

Watchin

g


12/12


Last Minute Gift Guide 2011 | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

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Transcript of Last Minute Gift Guide 2011 | North/South Edition | Hersam Acorn Newspapers