1. Classic Beef Stew
   A healthy stew filled with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots.
   
   Ingredients:
   
   2 lbs beef, cut into small pieces
   
   2 tbsp olive oil
   
   1 onion, chopped
   
   3 cloves garlic, minced
   
   4 cups beef broth
   
   3 carrots, sliced
   
   2 potatoes, diced
   
   2 tbsp tomato paste
   
   1 tsp thyme
   
   1 bay leaf
   
   Salt and pepper to taste
   
   Instructions:
   
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef pieces, then remove and set aside.
   
   In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add tomato paste and stir.
   
   Pour in beef broth and then add the beef back in.
   
   Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
   
   Simmer for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender. Serve hot!
   
   2. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
   A sweet, and savory soup to keep you warm.
   
   Ingredients:
   
   1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
   
   1 onion, chopped
   
   3 cloves garlic, minced
   
   4 cups vegetable broth
   
   1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
   
   1 tsp cinnamon
   
   Salt and pepper to taste
   
   2 tbsp butter or olive oil
   
   Instructions:
   
   Heat butter in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until they are soft.
   
   Add butternut squash and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
   
   Blend until smooth, then stir in heavy cream, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
   
   Serve hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top!
   
   3. Homemade Hot Chocolate
   Rich, creamy, and homemade
   
   Ingredients:
   
   2 cups milk
   
   ½ cup heavy cream
   
   ½ cup chocolate chips (dark or milk)
   
   2 tbsp cocoa powder
   
   2 tbsp sugar
   
   ½ tsp vanilla extract
   
   Pinch of salt
   
   Whipped cream & marshmallows (optional)
   
   Instructions:
   
   In a saucepan over medium heat, warm milk and heavy cream.
   
   Stir in chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
   
   Whisk continuously until smooth and creamy.
   
   Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Enjoy with whipped cream and marshmallows!
   
   4. Spiced Apple Cider
   A classic drink that you can enjoy all winter.
   
   Ingredients:
   
   4 cups apple cider
   
   1 cinnamon stick
   
   3 cloves
   
   1-star anise
   
   1 orange, sliced
   
   1 tbsp. honey or brown sugar
   
   Instructions:
   
   Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
   
   Let it cook for 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
   
   Strain out the spices and serve warm!
   
   5. Warm Apple Crisp
   A warm and comforting, apple dessert with a crunchy oat topping.
   
   Ingredients:
   For the apple filling:
   
   4 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
   
   ¼ cup brown sugar
   
   1 tsp cinnamon
   
   ½ tsp nutmeg
   
   1 tbsp lemon juice
   
   1 tsp vanilla extract
   
   For the crisp topping:
   
   ½ cup all-purpose flour
   
   ½ cup rolled oats
   
   ⅓ cup brown sugar
   
   ½ tsp cinnamon
   
   ¼ tsp salt
   
   ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
   
   Instructions:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
   
   In a bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Spread evenly in the dish.
   
   In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix until it feels crumbly.
   
   Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
   
   Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
   
   Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
   
   
   Winter is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the warmth of delicious homemade meals. So gather your loved ones, and let the winter season be filled with good food, health, warmth, and joy. Stay warm and happy cooking.

Red Velvet with White chocolate
According to Nadia, known as a travel and munchie on TikTok, this cookie recipe is simple.
Their taste is chocolate and tart turning the color red when baked. She added red drops to the tart.
She also put small pieces of white chocolate. Nadia scoops the trait of red velvet with white chocolate. She put on a cookie pad. These cookies look nice and good. They make the person’s mouth watery.

Festive Chex Mix
Put melted chocolate and mix peanut butter with it.
That is pour Cheerios and Chex mix on a blow.
Next, pour stick pretzels.
Then, pour green and red M&Ms.
After, pour the chocolate chips that look like small Reese’s cups.
Pour powdered white sugar into the shape of pretzels.
This looks sweet and good.

Grinch Cocoa Bombs
Put four and water. Wait for it creamery.
After, putting the green color, mix it with a spoon.
Then, put yellow icing on the Grinch’s face and pour a spoonful of green icing into the dish.
Pour sugar on the top green icing.
Pour small marshmallows on top of the sugar, green icing, and a heart marshmallow.
Pour green icing and wait to cool down.
Then serve the cupcake paper to people.
This looks like a great Grinch party idea.

Gingerbread Tres Leches
Pour box cake on a dish, pour milk, and mix two eggs with cake powder, and milk.
Put the cake for eight in the oven and after cool down the milk on top.
Put chocolate snickers into a dish, pour flour and sugar, and mix it.
Wait to cool down and put it on top of the cake.
This idea looks like a delicious Christmas idea.
The cake gives a sweet taste.

A Christmas Tree as Salad Appetite
For the guests who have eaten anything and good food. This holiday creation brings a Christmas treat and a delightful look that makes the mouth water.
First, grab some lettuce and cut it. Make like green branches and separate the lettuce pieces.
To make it look like a green Christmas tree.
Second, put small slides of tomatoes that look like ornaments for the tree creating a healthy festive snack.

Grinch Big Toothpicks With Fruits and Sweet Look
Put small marshmallows last, a whole strawberry, half a Banana, and a green grape on a toothpick stick and repeat the process until you get your desired amount.

Christmas Trees a Sandwiches
Lay down the pizza crust.
Then lay down the small pieces of cheese and put ham on top.
On top of the ham put pizza crust.
Then cut the whole and make rectangle shapes
After it squiggly looks and put tooth stick.
Set oven for 14 minutes.
Cook the butter, add a small amount of salt and Garlic, and mix it all.
Use a brush to put the spread of salt and garlic that is mixed.
Wait for the bread to be done and then add all the ingredients you want for a prefect sandwich.

A Christmas Wreath Rice Krispies
A cute treat that sounds delicious.
Make it for three minutes.
Cook for five minutes.
What you need:
One stick of butter.
16 oz. Mini Marshmallows
8 cups Rice Crispy Cereal
3 Twizzlers Cherry Pull-N-Peel Candy
¼ cup White Frosting (or red and/or green)
6 oz. Red and Green M&Ms that are different colors.
How to make it:
In a large pot melt butter.
Add the entire bag of mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir constantly so that it does not burn.
Remove from the heat and add cereal. Stir until cereal and marshmallows are mixed thoroughly.
Flatten the rice crispy treats into a 13″x9″ pan and let them set up.
Cut with an oval cookie cutter.
Unwrap Twizzler ropes into single ropes. Those will be what will allow the ornaments to hang.
Push a dowel through the top portion of the rice-crispy ornament to form a hole. Push a piece of the rope candy through the hole. Tie it off with a knot.
Using some white (or red and/or green) frosting, dot the rice crispy ornament in the pattern you would like to attach the M&Ms. Press the M&Ms onto the frosting. Allow to set for 1 hour
Wait until finished and enjoy a festive sweet treat.

Butter cookie with Horchata
A butter taste and a crunchy taste. Ice Above put a floating on top of the drink.
Put a cup of horchata.
Whipped cream and Biscoff cookies cut the cookies.
Put the Biscoff on top of the whipped cream.
The drink has a yummy taste and is sweet. It tastes like butter cookies. The cookie gives a crunchy taste.

Grinch Hot Chocolate
A drink that green color. This hot chocolate has a minty flavor. This drink is famous for Ice Above. The drink has Christmas sprinkles on the cup and icing too. The hot chocolate sprinkles on top of the whipped cream and has a Grinch cup that says “ Drink with the Grinch.”
Most people order the drink for Christmas when they go to Ice Above.
Put a cup of 2% milk.
Use a blend to blend the milk and chocolate.
Put syrup mint on whipped cream and small marshmallows.
After that a small Grinch on top and a small candy cane on the side of the cup. This a good drink for a cold day. The drink feels warm and nice. A lot of people love this drink.

These treats feel like the Holidays and are guaranteed to be a hit at any party bringing the taste of the holidays with each bite.

1. Carve a pumpkin! 

Carving a pumpkin is one of the most classic – and cheapest – ways to celebrate Halloween. A decent-sized pumpkin only costs a couple of bucks at the grocery store, making it both easy to obtain and really affordable. All the tools you need are a carving knife, a sharpie, and a spoon – which can all be found in the comfort of your own home! Make sure to check for sales and compare prices between stores in order to get the most bang for your buck. 

2. DIY decorations!

In the same vein as carving pumpkins, creating your own decorations instead of buying them can help save money. Search for free tutorials online and get the supplies you need at the grocery store! Make sure to avoid craft stores, as they’re often much more expensive. You can also save these decorations for future years, saving you both time and money! 

3. Make your own costume!

This is where your creativity can really shine! Making your own costume means you get to show off your holiday spirit and save money. You can buy some cheap supplies at the dollar store to help you with your new creation, or you can make it entirely with stuff you already own! Whether it be created with clothes you already own or just an old bed sheet, it’s incredibly easy to make your own costume. 

4. Look out for free events in your area!

Many Halloween attractions cost ridiculous entrance fees, but there certainly isn’t a shortage of free events to take advantage of! Local organizations often put on their own celebrations for the community. Research online for free haunted houses and hikes, hayrides and pumpkin patches in your area and go with friends or family to really get into the holiday spirit. 

5. Get a head start on next year’s Halloween prep!

One Halloween constant is the inevitable clearance sale of leftover Halloween costumes and decorations, usually at least 50% off. When you see these sales, make sure to take advantage of them! You save both time and money by planning ahead for next year’s celebrations. 

As the spooky season draws near, it’s necessary to plan ahead and make the most out of your money. With these tips, your bank account balance will be the least frightening part of the holiday!  

In recent years, Valentine’s Day has evolved from a traditional romantic holiday to a day to express affection for someone other than a romantic partner. Friends or family members are the most common choice for those who are single and wish to celebrate love on a national holiday. 

What happens if you’re single?

In the event that you don’t have a significant other, you have two options: either you don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day or you find a unique way to commemorate it with the people you care about most. For some men, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity for them to meet women and, more particularly, single women with whom to begin a discussion and who knows what else. It’s not difficult to locate Single Women these days, thanks to the proliferation of dating apps and websites devoted to helping people find their true love, but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll come across one on Valentine’s Day. It’s just a matter of testing! 

Last but not least, there are others who opt to avoid Valentine’s Day celebrations altogether, yet many of them spend the day at home, glued to their PC, browsing photographs of Valentine’s Day. 

With a companion… 

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, the most romantic people know exactly what to present their each other or what gifts for their partners will be most successful. 

The most typical method is to make a reservation at a romantic restaurant and request a menu tailored to the occasion. A gem, a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, or that special attention that your lover has been wanting so much for a long time, is the most conventional gift to go along with this. 

On Valentine’s Day, the most creative people aren’t content with a simple dinner date. If they really want to go all out, they’ll book a romantic getaway at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, complete with a candlelit dinner for two, a spa day to unwind together, or even a special massage just for the occasion. After dinner, there are a wide range of possibilities, but those who want something a little less traditional choose other ways that their romantic night concludes! 

Valentine’s Day excursions are likewise becoming increasingly popular. While juggling work and personal life can be challenging, nothing is impossible in this world. When Valentine’s Day happens on a weekday, it’s more common for people to book a trip for the weekend immediately following the holiday, rather than waiting until the weekend after Valentine’s Day. 

Among the great variety of Valentine’s Day getaways, hotels and places that incorporate romantic parks are the most popular choices for couples looking to spend time together. Ski slopes are also popular destinations for daring and sporty couples, as February is still a good time to enjoy this winter sport that can leave a couple in love with so many laughter and memories. 

To summarize, there are various methods to commemorate Valentine’s Day, and it currently doesn’t matter if you have a romantic relationship or not. You can spend Valentine’s Day with anyone and however you choose, but if you don’t want to celebrate it, all you have to do is enjoy the day as a normal day and forget about the hearts and commercialization typical of this day.

The 29^th Annual WRAL First Night Raleigh is taking place on Tuesday December 31^stand will encompass over twenty blocks throughout downtown. This celebration will have something for everyone with children’s activities during the day, and music and entertainment throughout the evening hours leading up to the new year. 

The festivities begin with the Daytime Children’s Celebration from 2:00 to 6:00PM with hands-on workshops and performances from rising stars within the Triangle. The performances and activities run through Bicentennial Plaza, inside the North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Activities and workshops for children include Free Spirited Artistry face painting, Bingo, DIY henna, firework wands, resolution frames, New Year’s castle construction, New Year’s hats, stained glass art, origami stars, and midnight murals. Plus, children 5 years old and under are allowed in for free when accompanied by a pass-wearing adult! 

Once the daytime activities and entertainment for the children begins to die-down, it is time for the People’s Procession and the Early Countdown. This is a perfect way to ensure that children, and parents, get to enjoy the fun of ringing in the New Year without dealing with tired children the next day. At 6:00PM, children can join Barefoot Movement for a wonderful performance as the famous acorn is dropped and fireworks are set off at 7:00PM. 

For those without children, or those slightly older children, the First Night does not disappoint with things to do. There are over 20 blocks of art, music, comedy, theater, and more in multiple venues throughout the Downtown Raleigh area. Throughout the evening you can enjoy the view from the Fantastical First Night Ferris Wheel or scream your heart out on the Alien Abduction gravitron. Spend the night strolling through the Astro Botanicals Garden of Light or be enthralled at Maximum Magic. From sleigh rides to ballroom lessons, the night is jam-packed with events that’ll have everyone ringing in the New Year with a smile. 

As the night draws to a close, you can begin the countdown to midnight with some local media celebrities and stellar performances by Illiterate Light and Caleb Johnson & The Ramblin Saints. All of this leads up to the acorn drop and a spectacle of fireworks at midnight as you say goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020. 

If you are feeling in the giving mood as the New Year looms before us, First Night Raleigh could always use volunteers to help with the event. In fact, it takes over 300 dedicated volunteers to get the event going without a hitch. To find out more about volunteering, or the event and all of its sponsors and events, visit https://firstnightraleigh.com

What a better way to bring in the New Year and to say goodbye to the past decade than a town-encompassing party with your community! 

Oh, the holidays. They are filled with love, joy, smiles, laughter, and an endless amount of memories that you will carry with you until the end of time. Of course, we cannot forget the stress, worry, and exhaustion of it all. It can be hard to find the motivation to get ready for it too; between the parties, the running around, and pictures, you have to make sure your makeup is still perfect after a long day.

There are a few go-to makeup looks for the holidays, but there is one that is my favorite that will help you during New Year’s Eve parties.

Important Tips

My first tip, do not wear eyeliner. After a long day of running around or partying, eyeliner doesn’t always hold up. It might crease on your lid or smudge on your lower lash line. It isn’t a risk I take, but hey, if you like a little risk, maybe you’ll get a reward! Go get’em, Tiger.

You want your makeup to last? You have to make sure you cover your bases. Follow these steps to have a flawless look all day. All makeup products will have links attached at the bottom of the article. I have included best drugstore makeup options if you are on a budget and I have included my favorites to use.

Breaking Down The Process

• Moisturize − I know what you’re going to say, “Oh, but I have oily skin, and it makes it worse.” It makes it worse because 1.) don’t moisturize your face enough or 2.) do not have the right moisturizer. My favorite moisturizer is by Origins. When it comes to moisturizers, it’s a hit and miss. Your best bet is getting free samples from Sephora and trying them out to see how they do on your skin. Some won’t like the moisturizer I use. You have to test the waters.
• Makeup Primer − For me, this is an essential part of my makeup routine. If you want your makeup to last all day, you have to prime your face. I recommend a silicone−based primer for those with oily skin. I use Tarte Poreless Makeup Primer, and it is fantastic for those who have acne prone skin. My makeup does not move, crease, or cake!
• Eye Primer − You can use concealer, or there is one by E.L.F cosmetics that I love. Don’t forget this step. It’s how your eye makeup will stay on all day.
• Eyeshadow − The end all. You can do this first or last. Most of the time, artists do first just in case there is any fallout, they can sweep it away without ruining the foundation because they haven’t applied it yet. Let’s make this easy! Get a golden shimmer eyeshadow and a matte brown base to swipe in the crease and BLEND with an eyeshadow brush. Use the gold shimmer on your entire lid and apply with your finger. It makes it more pigmented. My favorite eyeshadows in that color are from a brand named Juvia’s Place. They are PHENOMENAL.
• Foundation − Fenty by Rihanna. It is by far one of the best foundations I have used. It leaves my skin with a powder finish, and it is lightweight. But for an affordable foundation, E.L.F has an amazing one too. Apply with a damp beauty blender for a beautiful airbrush finish and apply down your neck.
• Concealer − Colourpop Cosmetics has a fantastic, inexpensive concealer or age rewind by Maybelline. Remember to blend! – This brand has amazing shadows, highlighters, lipsticks, everything! And they are so affordable. The perfect solution for a holiday budget!
• Brows − Fill them in with a brown shadow, or whatever matches your hair color (or not, whatever you prefer) with an angled brush. Eyebrows are the frame of the face. Fill them in; you won’t regret it.
• A little shine − Who doesn’t like a touch of glitter? Now, glitter is messy, but before you say no, I’m not suggesting loose glitter. It can be messy and impossible to get off. I use Heavy Metal glitter by Urban Decay Cosmetics. You swipe it on with their brush and boom, no fallout.
• Contour − get a matte bronzer from the drugstore or use the Kat Von D contour palette. If you don’t know how to contour, take an angled face brush, suck your cheeks together to make a fish face and follow the lines of your cheeks. BLEND. Hard lines aren’t cute!
• Mascara − I love when mascara is pitch black. It gives a more dramatic look. I use Tarte’s Maneater mascara. It is by far my favorite. Use the ‘jiggle’ method when applying. It gets the bristles of the brush between your lashes helping separate and lift.
• Highlighter – You have to glow on New Year’s Day. You can either use a finger to apply it on the top of your cheekbones or a highlighting brush. I’ll link the brush I use. My favorite highlighter for an amazing glow would be Jeffree Star’s Peach Goddess. BLEND.
• Lipstick − The classic red lipstick. Make sure to get a red lip liner. It helps the lipstick not feather out onto your skin. If you want a more, long lasting, I suggest a liquid lip. Jeffree Star’s RedRum is terrific.
• Setting powder − It helps everything stay in place. KAT VON D Lock-It is my favorite.
• Setting spray − use this last. It helps to give your face another shield. I like Colourpop’s setting spray. It’s affordable and amazing.

I know it seems like a lot of steps, but your makeup will look amazing throughout the entire day. Throw your setting powder in your purse and dab it on the oily spots throughout the day – if you see yourself getting shiny.

Don’t forget to throw your lipstick in your purse too.

Maybe you’ll enjoy the look so much; you’ll have a makeup−resolution!

Happy Holidays!

EDITOR’S NOTE: I love having conversations with my son, and I thought I would share our latest conversation because I love the way he thinks. However that conversation turned into something else that was simply impressive. He wanted me to write his words down into an article for “Daddy’s magazine.” These are his own words about Christmas, and this is his first article titled “Christmas Through Innocent Eyes.” Harvey is autistic, has sensory processing disorder, and is only four-years-old. It also makes this honor so very special to be named the youngest journalist at The City Insight Magazine. I hope this warms your heart as much as it did mine. Seeing Christmas through such young and truly innocent eyes makes the holiday season even more magical. It taught me one important lesson – you are never too old to believe.

Welcome to my home, and come inside. You can play with anything you want but don’t touch the breakable stuff.

I want to tell a story about what Christmas means to me, and to children, and puppies and grown-ups and everyone in the world.

The first thing I think of is of Santa Claus. Santa looks like he has big whiskers and if you’re naughty, then he will give you a card to tell you to try to be good. He has a belt to hold his trousers up and he has a coat and a hat so he can look like Santa and he can stay warm.

I think Santa has a Christmas rocket or a Christmas plane so he can fly all around the world to give present. The sled is not fast enough. I also think Santa has a puppy and he is taking him out right now for a walk. He has the puppy because he got him from the North Pole General Store. He likes puppies and dogs and he can take care of them and keep them safe. The puppy’s name is Henry because I dream of Santa and I heard Santa say that to me in the dream.

Mrs. Claus is cooking some breakfast for Santa and her. I think she is making Christmas Tree Soup. It’s called Christmas Tree Soup because it’s like Spaghetti Christmas Tree soup which is super, super hot. So we need to cool it a little bit and you need spaghetti, meatballs, bananas, oranges, apples, and pumpkins to make it.

I think of the elves too. They help Santa make toys and fix toys. They have jingly bells on their hats. They check the list of naughty and nice children twice. I think they do this for Santa because the paper is too long with all the children’s’ names on it and it’s rolled up and it goes down to the floor when it’s not rolled. That’s too much for Santa to read.

Snow on Christmas is so cold and chilly and fun to play with. I like sledding and snowball fights. I think the snow comes from the clouds or the rain. Snow is important for children on Christmas to play with.

The reindeer are good and they are super, super special. They have antlers and they can guide Santa’s sleigh. They are nice to look at and Rudolph was not the favorite but he came to be the favorite.

I think the kids in the world like Christmas and other Christmas stuff like trees, decorations, pots to hold the trees, turkey, soup, chocolate, cookies, and milk, which Santa loves! You bake some cookies like sugar or chocolate chip and we get some milk. We put the milk and cookies on my learning desk and I do it to say thank you to Santa for the presents. I think he enjoys the cookies and milk because they are always gone in the morning.

I wish I can work with Santa in the Workshop so I can make toys for all the children in the world like trains, planes, snakes, globes that have snow in them with Santa and the Christmas tree… snow globes. I think I need to help sick children and go with them to the Doctor’s so that I can help them feel less sick and ask the Doctor what’s happening inside of them. Then I can get the supplies with the tools to help them so they can have a happy Christmas.

I want everyone to enjoy Christmas and be happy, safe, and sound.

In modern times, technology offers a wide variety of artificial choices for trees, which in some cases if just from appearance only, will require a double tack. Artificial trees can come either pre-lit or not. Some maybe frosted or in different color and different materials. They come in varying heights and shapes, and they can be stored and maintained for years to come. They can also be passed down to future generations as a memento or heirloom.

Storing Your Artificial Tree

By purchasing tree wraps or tree containers for your tree, it will protect and maintain it from the elements such as bugs, dust, etc. If you do not have a wrap or storage box, place the tree as it comes in different

sections, in heavy duty black trash bags to protect from dust and damage. Avoid storing tree in attic spaces where there is exposed insulation. Also avoid storing your tree near open flames or water. You may also want to gently brush your tree to remove dust, etc., before you begin to decorate it.

The “Real” Christmas Tree

Live trees, on the other hand, can come potted or as we know it to be most frequently, cut. Live trees come in a variety of species and produce the smell of “Christmas” in your home. One of the best parts of a potted tree is that with proper care, you can recycle those trees for future use. Live trees are usually grown and transported locally from Christmas tree farms, therefore supporting your local economy and local farmers. Cut real trees require care and attention, most importantly, remembering to water them. There are more variety of live trees in terms of shape and size for you to choose from and to customize the fit in your room(s). Trees varieties that make great Christmas trees are Balsam fir, Colorado blue spruce, Douglas fir, Frazier fir, Scotch pine and White fir.

Maintaining Your Fresh Tree

When you are looking for a tree to choose, one usually looks for one that has little to no brown needles or dried out bark. Be sure to gently shake your live tree and look for pests. When looking for pests, you are searching out for spiders and eggs sacs in particular. Inspect the tree trunk for small holes and lines of sawdust as well. Finally, be sure to remove bird nests which may contain mites and more. Remember, you are bringing this into your home so whatever is on your tree will also be inside with your family.

Another important tip is to be sure to trim the trunk of the tree. Bounce or shake the tree once again before carrying it inside of your home. Fill the stand with water immediately after it is cut but no later than 24 hours after being trimmed. There should be quart of water for every inch of the tree’s diameter.

Place your tree away from heat sources like the fireplace, radiators, direct sunlight, space heaters, heat vents, etc. Keep water in the base it should be above the base of the tree trunk.

Just before you decorate your tree, and this pertains to both live and artificial trees, consider the size of your ornaments and the size of the branches when decorating.

For live trees, be sure to take your tree down before it dries out.

Whether you choose the real or artificial tree, proper care will ensure a magical and safe holiday season for all.

But have you ever wondered how the turkey became such a huge Thanksgiving staple? Why not pork, or roast beef?  A common misconception is that turkey was served at the first Thanksgiving with the Plymouth Colonists and Wampanoag Indians back in the 1600s and the tradition has been passed down through many generations until present day. With the availability of wild fowl in the new Plymouth colony, birds were probably part of the meal, but historians have no clear indication that turkey was specifically a main course at this gathering.

However, as time progressed, and turkey was more readily available in Europe and in the New World, it became more of a household staple for larger meals. In the 1500s and 1600s, Europeans ate all types of fowl, including geese, peacocks, swans, and herons. Turkey was a huge game changer. This was partially due to the fact that other fowl, like geese, was less substantial for feeding bigger crowds. Some birds were also tough to eat, or had a fishy taste based off of their diet before they were prepared. Another perk to serving turkey during the holiday was turkeys had a tendency to be bigger during the fall. During the spring and summer, turkeys were not as plumb because they had less to eat, but gained significant weight by feasting off of nuts and seeds from the fall harvest.

So now that we know about the origins, what about the way a turkey is prepared? During the medieval ages, a common way to prep meat was by boiling or preserving it and then seasoning with herbs and spices. Could you imagine serving a whole preserved turkey to your family and friends for Thanksgiving? Fortunately, an alternative option was to roast the meat. This was typically done only if the meat had plenty of fat, which was the perfect cooking technique for a turkey during the fall.

Sometimes, turkeys were stuffed as well. This is no new concept. Food historians tie stuffing meat back to the Romans and it was commonly practiced during the Medieval Ages. Stuffing, or dressing, depending on where you are from, has the ability to enhance the turkey’s flavor, and could include a variety of food items. During the time of the pilgrims and Indians, fowl was most likely stuffed with whatever they had available, which could include wild grains and nuts. Early Europeans stuffed their birds with a variety of items, including herbs, spices, chopped chestnuts, beef marrow, turkey innards, and bread rolls.

As far as keeping the tradition today, one of the reasons is a health advantage. Turkey not only has a lot of protein, but is also quite lean compared to ham or certain cuts of red meat. Now, throw in all of your sides and your healthy main course option might not make a huge difference, but it’s the thought that counts, right?

Serving turkey for Thanksgiving is also reinforced by pop culture. When you see a movie involving this holiday, what do you see served a majority of the time? Turkey. You can also walk by any magazine food stand during November and you’ll more than likely see a delicious roasted turkey there too. No matter the reason for how the turkey became a fan favorite, I’m glad this big bird made it to our top Thanksgiving staples.

By: Ga Ming Gao

As Thanksgiving approaches, cooking the traditional turkey dinner gives rise to anxieties and questions. What kind of turkey should I buy? Should I buy a frozen turkey or a fresh one? How do I store my turkey?

A few simple steps will not only ease your holiday fears, but will ensure a delicious and a safe meal for you, your family, and your friends. The following information may help you prepare your special Thanksgiving meal and help you countdown to the holiday.

Plan Ahead

Plan your menu several weeks before the holiday. Shopping early will ease the countdown tension for your Thanksgiving meal. Ask these questions to help plan your meal. Do you want a fresh or frozen turkey? Do you have enough space to store a frozen bird if purchased in advance; if not, when should you purchase a turkey? What size bird do you need to buy?

Fresh or Frozen

If you choose to buy a frozen bird you may do so at any time, but make sure you have adequate storage space in your freezer. If you buy a fresh turkey, be sure you purchase it only 1-2 days before cooking. Do not buy a prestuffed fresh turkey.

Use the following chart as a helpful guide:

 What Size Turkey to Purchase

Thawing

In the refrigerator

Place frozen bird in original wrapper in the refrigerator (40 °F or below). Allow approximately 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Thawing Time in the Refrigerator

 In cold water

If you forget to thaw the turkey or don’t have room in the refrigerator for thawing, don’t panic. You can submerge the turkey in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes defrosting time per pound of turkey. The following times are suggested for thawing turkey in water. Cook immediately after thawing.

Thawing Time in Cold Water

In the microwave

Microwave thawing is safe if the turkey is not too large. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the size turkey that will fit into your oven, the minutes per pound, and the power level to use for thawing. Cook immediately after thawing.

Preparation

The day before Thanksgiving

Make sure you have all the ingredients you need to prepare your holiday meal. Check to make sure you have all the equipment you will need, including a roasting pan large enough to hold your turkey and a food thermometer. Wet and dry stuffing ingredients can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated separately. This may also be done on Thanksgiving Day. Mix ingredients just before placing the stuffing inside the turkey cavity or into a casserole dish.

Thanksgiving Day

If you choose to stuff your turkey, stuff loosely. The stuffing should be moist, not dry, since heat destroys bacteria more rapidly in a moist environment. Place stuffed turkey in oven immediately. You may also cook the stuffing outside the bird in a casserole. Judging cooking time for your turkey will be easier if the following chart is used. The times listed are for a fresh or thawed turkey in an oven at 325 °F. These times are approximate.

Timetables for Turkey Roasting

(325 °F oven temperature)

Cooking Time — Unstuffed

Cooking Time — Stuffed

 Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.

A whole turkey is safe cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F throughout the bird. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. All turkey meat, including any that remains pink, is safe to eat as soon as all parts reach at least 165 °F. The stuffing should reach 165 °F, whether cooked inside the bird or in a separate dish.

When turkey is removed from the oven, let it stand 20 minutes. Remove stuffing and carve turkey.

Storing Leftovers

Cut the turkey into small pieces; refrigerate stuffing and turkey separately in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking. Use leftover turkey and stuffing within 3-4 days or freeze these foods. Reheat thoroughly to a temperature of 165 °F or until hot and steaming.

Information Provided by the USDA