Special Features - Tis the Season

Christmas cookies and holiday hearts ... this is where the holiday starts.Christmas cookies and holiday hearts ... this is where the holiday starts.

A Supplement to the

‘Tis theSSeasoneason

’Tis the Season 2012

May your holiday come alive with beautiful moments and

memories. We really appreciate your making this past year a truly

memorable one for us.

MMerry erry CChristmas!hristmas!Monteray Jack’s Monteray Jack’s

Family RestaurantFamily Restaurant

From all of us to all of you From all of us to all of you Best Wishes for a happy Best Wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.and healthy holiday season.We look forward to We look forward to seeing you in 2013.seeing you in 2013.

Rimbey Eye Centre

Thank you for your continued support

and wishing everyone much joy throughout

the season.

From all of us atFrom all of us atDelbrook MechanicalDelbrook Mechanical

You make doing business a pleasure for us.Action Autobody 403-843-3030

With best wishes & thanks to all our valued customers at the holidays.

Page 2

Don’t let dinner be a budget-busterMany people worry about the expenses of the holi-

days. Those who are already pinching pennies and putting as much toward gifts as possible may want to keep holiday entertaining costs low. It’s possible to do so without sacrificing quality.

Christmas dinner is something families look for-ward to each year. Some enjoy a roasted turkey; oth-ers turn to cultural foods. Others may eat a big meal both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The hosts and hostesses who serve Christmas dinner often open their homes up to a number of guests to enjoy the meal. It’s not uncommon to find 10 to 12 friends or family members gathered around the dining table — and feeding all those people can get expensive.

You can expect to spend $100 or more on holiday foods depending on the menu items chosen; a large turkey alone can cost $25. If cocktails are part of the holiday equation, premium alcohol can run $20 to $30 per bottle. If finances are tight, a big Christmas dinner can certainly put a strain on the budget. To cut costs, consider these frugal tips.• Shop the sales. Plan the menu in advance and comparison shop the non-perishable items. Stock up on the foods needed that can be stored in the pantry until preparation time. The closer a person shops to Christ-mas, the higher the prices on certain items may be.• Choose lower-priced foods. Who says filet mi-gnon has to be served on Christmas? As long as the food is tasty, guests will enjoy it. Consider menu items that can be bought in bulk (less expensive) and turned into delicious meals. A platter of chicken with lemon-butter sauce could win rave reviews over the tired turkey anyway.

Continued on page 3Trim expenses before you trim the turkey this holiday season. There are ways to enjoy a delicious meal on a budget.

’Tis the Season 2012 Page 3

Continued from page 2• Don’t overdo it. Party hosts often over-buy food thinking there will not be enough. After crackers and cheese, salad, appetizers, and some other courses, guests may be stuffed to the gills and only pick at the main meal. Scale back the courses and focus on one or two things.• Fill guests up with vegetables. Starches, such as potatoes and rice, and many vegetables are

inexpensive and filling. Serve a higher ratio of these foods to meats and poultry.• Have a holiday pot luck. Hosts can ask guests to bring one food item with them to lessen the financial burden. Friends and family will be more than happy to pitch in.• Consider store brands. Many store brand foods are equal in taste and quality to the brand name items — but at lower costs. This

is because store brands are not advertised and don’t have to pay for public-ity. This can help budget-conscious shoppers save a little at the check-out.• Avoid pre-made foods. Convenience foods, like frozen appetizers or dips, often cost more per serv-ing than if they are made at home from scratch. Scratch-cooking takes a

little more time, but it is often more economical.• Skip the meal, alto-gether. If conversation and mingling are more the speed of the gathering, host a cocktail party in-stead. Serve finger foods and one or two signature drinks. Less time around the table means more mo-ments for merrymaking anyway.

Trim expenses before you trim the turkey

Christmas tops for cardsSending out Christmas greetings is a tradition that

is still common today. Have you ever wondered just how many cards are sent across North America?

According to Hallmark, 1.5 billion Christmas cards, including boxed and individual cards, are purchased and then sent every year in the U.S. and Canada.

This makes Christmas the number 1 holiday for sending greetings, followed by Valentine’s Day (144 million) and Mother’s Day (133 million).

The Mayor, Council and Staff wish you & your family a Very Joyous Christmas Holiday and

All the Best for 2012

Town of Rimbey

Happy Holidays!

...Oh what fun it is for usto wish all of you a happy holiday!

With warm wishes & heartfelt thanks toeveryone from all of us at Christmas.

Town of Bentley403-748-4044


Season’sGreetingsGreetings

The Magic of Christmas brings peace and happiness.May you be surrounded by those you love this holiday season.

Thank you foryour patronage.

Allen B. OlsonAuction Service Ltd.

Rimbey403-843-2747

Rimstone Ridge

Your business is greatly appreciatedOur family to yours wishing you

Happy Holidays!

LICENSED RESTAURANT

403.843.2999

Page 4

Parties are an integral part of the holiday season, when friends and fam-ily gather to celebrate and give thanks. For holiday hosts, parties are a great opportunity to make the season even more festive with an event that guests won’t soon forget.

The following are just a few themes to make your holiday party as memo-rable as it is merry.• Christmas sweater party: Christmas sweat-er parties have grown in popularity over the last de-cade, when revelers have tried to outdo one another with the most outrageous holiday-themed sweater. Give prizes for the most outlandish sweater and let guests know early on so they can begin their hunt for a holiday sweater that’s so ugly or outrageous you can’t help but love it.

• Christmas costume party: Costume parties aren’t just for Halloween. This holiday season, con-sider making your holiday bash a costume party, en-couraging guests to dress up as their favorite charac-ters from holiday tales like “Frosty the Snowman,” “A Christmas Carol” or any of the host of beloved holiday legends.

• Caribbean Christ-mas: The weather come the holiday season may be the one thing to put a damper on the festivities. To combat blue feelings from potentially inclem-ent weather, consider a Caribbean theme for your holiday party this sea-son. Rather than wearing sweaters and long pants, wear beach attire and give the party a touch of the Caribbean. Outfit your home in beach decor and

serve food and drinks rem-iniscent of the Caribbean instead of more traditional holiday fare like eggnog and gingerbread cookies.• Film festival: Holiday movies are another tradi-tion of the season, so why not invite friends and fam-ily over for a holiday film marathon? Include classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story” and encourage guests to submit their own favorites

for consideration. • Christmas karaoke: For those who love to belt out their favorite holiday tunes, consider throwing a Christmas karaoke party that allows guests to per-form their own renditions of their favorite Christmas carols. Purchase a home karaoke set and ask guests in advance of the party if there are any particular songs they’d like to per-form.

Try themes for your holiday party


The Staff from Rimbey and Rocky would like to send

out warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year! Thank you Rimbey for your

generous support and look forward to serving you in the future.

HOURS:Mon to Fri: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sat 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

4905-50th Ave. Rimbey, AB. T0C 2J0 • 403-843-8473Page 5

Christmas decorations can range from grandiose lighting displays to more subtle adornments. Some families may prefer more traditional holiday decor, while others might like the look of modern trimmings.

For those who prefer a rustic look reminiscent of a country Christmas, con-sider the following tips.• Start with the tree. The Christmas tree is the centre of many a home’s holiday decor, and those who want to create a coun-try Christmas can start with their tree. Instead of traditional holiday lights, choose lights that look like candles while adorn-ing the tree with wooden ornaments and strands of popcorn. • Forgo traditional wrapping paper. Instead of flashy, store-bought

wrapping paper, wrap presents in brown paper and put presents under the tree as early as possible. Instead of store-bought gift tags, create your own and attach a candy cane or an-other candy to the gift.• Think nature with decorations. Items gath-ered from nature can give a home a rustic appeal during the holidays. Hang a homemade wreath on the front door and include pine cones and clippings from evergreen trees when adding decorative accents around the house. • Create homemade or-naments. Homemade or-naments can also give a home a more rustic look come the holiday season. Spend an afternoon cre-ating holiday crafts with the kids and use these in-stead of store-bought orna-

ments. For those who are especially gifted craftsmen, put your woodworking skills to the test to create decorative wooden stock-ings that, if not functional, can be replaced with more traditional stockings come Christmas Eve.• Don’t forget the mu-sic. Another way to cre-ate a country Christmas is to play country Christmas

albums instead of classical or more traditional Christ-mas records. Nearly every country music star of the past and present has re-corded a Christmas song or album, so create a master playlist of country Christ-mas songs on your digital music player and play it throughout the season to set the holiday mood in your household.

Give your Christmas a country feel


MERRY CHRISTMAS

“We take pride in a job well done”“We take pride in a job well done”

• Boarding • Taping • Custom Ceilings403.843.2336403.843.2336

We would like to thank our customers past and present, and look forward to serving you in the future.

~ Mario & Katherine

Page 6

APPETIZERSBacon-Crab Mushroom Caps1 can (120 g) crabmeat, drained, flaked½ cup Kraft Old Cheddar Shredded Cheese½ cup Kraft Mayo Real Mayonnaise6 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled1 Tbsp. parsley flakes36 medium mushroom capsHeat oven to 350°F.Mix all ingredients except mushroom caps.Fill mushroom caps with crabmeat mixture. Place on baking sheet.Bake 8 to 10 min. or until cheese is melted.Cover and refrigerate until ready.Makes 36.

Cream Cheese Hummus1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans, drained (reserve liquid) and rinsed3 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature1 tbsp. lemon juice¼ cup minced green onions (white and pale green parts only)1 to 2 tsp. prepared horseradish (optional)½ tsp. saltIn a food processor or blender, whirl garbanzo beans, ¼ cup reserved liquid, cream cheese, lemon juice, green onions, 1 tsp. horseradish, and ½ tsp. salt until smooth.Taste, and add more horseradish and salt if desired. Serve immediately or chill up to one day.

Warm Chai ToddyBoil 2 cups water with 1 cinnamon stick.Remove from heat and add 2 chai tea bags and 1 orange pekoe tea bag.Let steep 5 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick and tea bags. Add juice of 2 oranges and 1 tbsp. honey.Divide tea mixture among 4 mugs & top each with 1 tbsp. of dark rum.Garnish with cinnamon sticks and a twist of orange rind.

Chocolate Orange 2 Minute FonduePlace 1 pkg. (175 g) choco-late orange, broken into seg-ments and ¼ cup milk in a microwaveable bowl. Microwave on medium for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute.Remove from micro-wave and stir until completely melted. Transfer mixture to heat proof serving dish or small fondue pot; serve warm with fresh fruit and as-sorted cookies, such as graham wafers and shortcake cookies.


December 7, 10 & 20!Late Night Shopping Until 8 PM

– Christine Plumb –

4817 - 51 St. Unit B403-843-6768

www.bodyconnectionsab.com

– Gift Certifi cates Available –

Fitness Centre

Season’s GreetingsSeason’s GreetingsFrom All of Us to All of YouFrom All of Us to All of You

In the spirit of community, In the spirit of community, we’d like to wish everyone a we’d like to wish everyone a memorable Christmas with memorable Christmas with

those you hold dear and may you those you hold dear and may you enjoy a prosperous new year.enjoy a prosperous new year.

Merry Christmas & Merry Christmas & Happy New YearHappy New Year

Our offi ce will be closedOur offi ce will be closedDec. 24, 25, 26, 31 & Jan. 1Dec. 24, 25, 26, 31 & Jan. 1

From Council & Sta ofFrom Council & Sta of

Ponoka CountyPonoka CountyPage 7

Quick Cheese Fondue1 cup dry white wine2 tsp. cornstarch2 tsp. dry mustard1 pkg. (450 g) Velveeta Process Cheese Product, cut into ½ -inch cubes1 cup Kraft Mozza-Cheddar Shredded CheeseMix first 3 ingredients in medium saucepan. Add Velveeta; cook on medium heat 5 min. or until Velveeta is melted and mixture is well blended, stir-ring frequently.Add shredded cheese; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until melted. Transfer to fondue pot or small slow cooker set on low heat.Serving suggestionServe with sliced apples, broccoli florets and French bread cubes.Non-alcoholic versionSubstitute 25% less sodium chicken broth for the wine.Makes 24 servings.

Mini Swiss Cheese TartletsCombine 1/3 cup milk with 3 eggs and a handful of grated Kraft Swiss Cheese. Set aside.Fill unbaked mini tart shells with a few spoonfuls each of chopped ham and tomatoes.Fill each shell to the top with egg mixture. Bake at 400° F for 20 minutes.

Mango-Ginger Punch1 piece (¾ -in.-square) fresh ginger1 qt. canned pineapple juiceAbout ¼ cup sugar1 cup frozen MangoIn a blender, whirl gin-ger and 1 cup water until puréed. Pour mixture into a medium saucepan with pineapple juice and ¼ cup sugar. Stir often over high heat until simmering, 6 to 8 minutes.Ladle about 1 cup juice mixture into a blender. Add mango and whirl until pureed. Return to pan. Set a fine strainer over a heatproof pitcher. Ladle punch mixture into strainer, stirring to press out liquid. Discard pulp.Taste punch; add more sugar if you like. Serve hot or cold in mugs or glasses.

Parmesan PuffsHeat oven to 220° C.Mix 50g flour, 150 ml skimmed milk and 1 egg in a food processor or bowl until smooth, then stir in 85g grated parmesan. Can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Grease a 12-hole bun tin with a little oil, then heat in the oven for 2-3 min-utes. Pour a little batter into each hole and cook for 10-15 minutes until golden and puffed.

APPETIZERS


Come in and place your Come in and place your Christmas Wish on our Wishing Tree for Christmas Wish on our Wishing Tree for

a One Dollar Donation. All proceeds go to a One Dollar Donation. All proceeds go to the Rimbey Food Bank. Patrick and Heather the Rimbey Food Bank. Patrick and Heather

will match all donations received.will match all donations received.

RIMBEYRIMBEY• 403-843-2020• 403-843-2020

Check out our Christmas Catalogue Check out our Christmas Catalogue for fabulous gift giving ideas!for fabulous gift giving ideas!

And Remember our Photo Kiosik for capturing And Remember our Photo Kiosik for capturing all those Christmas Memories.all those Christmas Memories.

REGULAR STORE HOURS RESUME JAN. 2, 2013.REGULAR STORE HOURS RESUME JAN. 2, 2013.

Holiday Hours Holiday Hours OPEN:OPEN: Dec. 23 10 am – 4 pm Dec. 23 10 am – 4 pmOPEN:OPEN: Dec. 24 9 am – 4 pm Dec. 24 9 am – 4 pmCLOSED:CLOSED: Dec. 25 & 26 Dec. 25 & 26

OPEN:OPEN: Dec. 27 & 28 9 am – 6 pm Dec. 27 & 28 9 am – 6 pmOPEN:OPEN: Dec 29 & 31 9 am – 5 pm Dec 29 & 31 9 am – 5 pmCLOSED:CLOSED: Jan. 1 Jan. 1

Page 8

Holiday hosts and hostesses may want to put a storage freezer on their wish list this year. Having the ability to pre-pare meals in advance and store them easily for later use could prove in-valuable — especially for those who are opening their homes for the holi-days.

Food and celebrations are unequivocally inter-twined. While presents and decorations may be important parts of holi-day festivities, food is just as important for hosts who want to throw a successful holiday party. Those who are welcom-ing guests to their homes for the holidays may fret over what to serve and how long preparation will take, especially when they’re busy with other tasks. However, stretch-

ing out food shopping, preparation and cook-ing over a few weeks can make the process much more manageable.

A freezer can be a party host’s best friend come the holiday sea-son. Many foods can be prepared in advance and then frozen until the cel-ebration. Also, having small portions of pre-made foods can be help-ful when visitors pop in unexpectedly and may be hungry for a meal. Just take something out of the freezer and heat it.

Certain tips can en-sure foods made in ad-vance are stored properly and heat up quickly.• Casseroles, baked pasta dishes and vegetables can be prepared in advance and frozen. Be sure to consult with any recipes to see if items can indeed

be frozen if you are un-sure how they will fare in the freezer.• Instead of preparing food and storing it in one large container, separate it into two smaller con-tainers so dishes defrost quickly and dinnertime isn’t delayed.• Use packaging specifi-cally designed for use in the freezer. These prod-ucts will offer extra in-sulation against freezer burn, which dehydrates food. • Mark packages with the date the foods were pack-aged as well as what is inside. This makes it easy to keep inventory of what is in the freezer.• Defrost foods in the re-frigerator the night be-fore the holiday meal will be served. Heating foods that aren’t still frozen considerably cuts down

on cook times.• Many desserts also can be frozen. Freeze pies before they are cooked. Cakes can be frozen if you freeze the layers sep-arately. Then assemble and frost the cakes before serving. Cream pies can-not be frozen, but you can use pudding in place of cream in many reci-pes and be able to freeze them. Brownies and other “bar” recipes will freeze and carry well.• If you don’t want to have everything prepped in advance and enjoy the taste of a freshly cooked meal, consider preparing side dishes in advance and then leave the roast or turkey to cook. Any steps you can take ahead of time will dramatically cut out the time you have to spend in the kitchen while guests are around.

Cook ahead of Christmas to save time


EckRim Agencies

SPREAD JOY ALL AROUND!

With our best wishes for the season, goes our appreciation for your generous support.

We owe our success to you, our friends and neighbours and look forward to seeing you

again in the year ahead.

403.843.4546

Merry ChristmasMerry ChristmasWe all join in to wish you a We all join in to wish you a

Happy Holiday Season!Happy Holiday Season!

Have a wonderful and Have a wonderful and prosperous New Year!prosperous New Year!

Page 9

CASSEROLESMaple Mustard Cedar Plank SalmonSoak cedar plank, completely submerged in water overnight.Marinade:¼ cup maple syrup2 tbsp balsamic vinegar1 tsp salt½ tsp pepper¼ tsp cayenne pepper2 cloves of crushed garlic¾ cup olive oil3 tbsp of dried mustard seed (or 1 ½ tbsp whole-grain prepared mustard)1 to 2 ¼ pound side of salmon (washed under water and patted dry with paper towel)Sweet onion thinly sliced (purple)1 cedar plankVegetable oil to brush the cedar plank before grillingOptional: lemon juice or lemon wedge for garnishCombine first eight ingredients in a bowl and whisk together (becomes thick). Pour into a large zip-lock plastic bag with salmon and onions. Seal, pressing out the excess air and coating salmon with marinade. Let salmon marinade in fridge overnight, turning several times. Preheat grill to 400 degrees. Place salmon on cedar plank that was brushed with vegetable oil (not olive oil). Arrange onions over salmon. Grill for 30-45 minutes, depending on the thickness of salmon. May need a water bottle handy to spray at flames if needed.Cedar plank can be used only once.

Sweet Corn Casserole with Cornbread Crust1 tablespoon salted sweet cream butter1 cup finely crumbled cornbread1 cup refrigerated fresh diced yellow onions1 cup heavy whipping cream,½ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon pepper1 (1 pound) package frozen petite cut corn, Steams in the bag. In an 8- to 10-inch frying pan over high heat, melt butter. Add cornbread crumbs and stir often until they begin to lightly brown and toast, 4 to 6 min-utes. Remove from heat and stir several times dur-ing the next several minutes (hot pan keeps them toasting).Meanwhile, in another 3- to 4-quart saucepan over high heat, combine 1 tablespoon cream and onions, stir often until cream evaporates, about 3 minutes. Add remaining cream, salt, and pepper.At the same time, microwave corn in unopened pouch as directed for 5 minutes. Snip bag open and carefully pour hot corn into pan with cream. Stir and remove pan from heat.In a blender or food processor, purée 1 cup of the corn mixture; return to pan; mix, and spoon into a shallow 1-quart casserole. Sprinkle evenly with toasted cornbread crumbs. Bake in a 375° F oven until mixture is bubbling at edges, 8 to 10 minutes.


Sidestreet Liquor Store

In The Holiday Spirit here’s to our customers, for making our spirits bright this Christmas

Season. Thank you for choosing us.

To all of those who’ve stopped by here,

403-843-2228

Thanks to all our Thanks to all our customers and their pets.Wishing you the best for the holiday season & the new year!

Groomer: Neil Phillips PAWSITIVE GROOMING 403 -307 - 2446

We’re making a list of all the people we’d like to send a big thanks to this

year and your name is on it!With best wishes for a very joyous

and merry season from all of us to all of you.

Everything is possible when you have the support of good friends. Thank you for being ours.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Chris C. Simpson, BComm, CA403-843-4666

Wishing you with all sincerity, peace joy and prosperity along with

good tidings and gratitude too.Cause I couldn’t have done it without you!

(gift certificates available)

PAtty AlexandrePAtty Alexandre

Mystic Touch TherapyMystic Touch Therapy

403-843-6111403-843-6111

Wishing you a season of much happiness.

It’s always a pleasure doing business with friends like you.

THANKSJ.K.C. Meats

403-843-4383

Another holiday season is on the menu and we hope it’s satisfying in every way!

Thank you for dining with us this past year.

James Grill & Bar 403-843-3236 Rimbey

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Page 10


In the spirit of the season...In the spirit of the season...Without your support we wouldn’t be a part Without your support we wouldn’t be a part of this wonderful community nor have this of this wonderful community nor have this

opportunity to wish every one of you a happy, opportunity to wish every one of you a happy, healthy and memorable holiday season.healthy and memorable holiday season.

Season’s Greetingsfrom Management & staff from Management & staff

Rimbey ImplementsRimbey Implements403-843-3700403-843-3700

[email protected]@rimbeyimplements.ca

Page 11

The hol idays and fruitcake have long been intertwined. Fruitcakes are often mocked, detested and discarded. Few gifted foods create such strong deri-sion. However, fruitcake is tradition. And as most people know, Christmas is all about tradition.

Fruitcake is an en-during tradition, most simply because the food, well, endures. Most fruit-cakes will last eight to 12 months if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container. If frozen, their lifespan could be endless. Jokingly, many families have said fruitcake is the only food durable enough to become an heirloom.

Whi le mocked, i t may entice a few people to know just how fruitcake has become a holiday treat.

The oldest references to fruitcake date back to Roman times. Ancient crusaders and hunters consumed fruitcake made with preserved fruits , pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, raisins, and honey. Fruitcake was a durable

commodity that could per-severe on long trips. Be-cause of its combination of ingredients, fruitcake was also a good source of en-ergy, much the way a trail mix is good for today’s hikers.

In the 1700s, Europe-

ans baked a ceremonial fruitcake at the end of the nut harvest. It was saved and eaten the following year at the harvest, with the hopes it would spur another successful harvest. Fruitcake evolved to more of a delicacy in the 1800s, even being served with tea in high society. It is rumoured Queen Victoria waited a year to eat a gift-ed fruitcake as a show of restraint and moderation.

Fruitcake can be an integral part of a holi-day celebration, and not because it’s being used to block drafts from under a door. Instead of giving fruitcakes as gifts, they should be served as part of the holiday feast. In ad-dition to the sugar cookies and pies on the Christmas table, celebrants can serve slices of fruitcake featuring their favorite ingredients.

Devouring festive fruitcake facts


Whitgan Creations & Gifts4810 51 Street, Rimbey • 403-843-4474

Holiday Tic-Tac-ToeINSTRUCTIONS:

On the chart there is a game board with 9 options to receive great holiday sales. Pick 3 in a row to

receive an additional 10% off your total

purchase along with all the other great

savings you will make. You can use more than one row

but each coupon only once. Coupon expires

Dec. 15.

Buy Honey Blossom

Body Butter or 3 pack

of soap and get a Pure Honey or Honey Blossom

lip balm 50% OFF. (Great stocking stuff ers)

Buy two

metal signs,

get the third

HALF OFF.

USB SALT LAMPS

Buy one and get

a bag of polished

gemstones 50% OFF.(Great stocking stuff ers)

Buy one

hoodies, get

$5.00 OFF a second.

GET 50% OFFany regular

priced item!!

Buy a bag of

100g tea and get

the second one

25% OFF.

Buy a 500mL of

Lampe Berger

fragrance and get

15% OFF a second.

Buy a Pook Touque or

Hockey Sockey and get

initial embroidered FREE. (Depending on how busy we are, you may have to come in

another time)

PURSES, SCARVES

AND WALLETS

Buy one and receive

25% OFF an ear curl,

ear cuff or hair wrap.

Page 12

The holiday season is a festive time of year when opportunities to entertain abound. The search may be on for the ideal food and beverage recipes to tie into the holiday season.

White Christmas Hot Chocolate3 cups light cream or half-and-half¾ cup vanilla candy melts, chopped1 teaspoon vanillaPinch of ground cinnamon1 ounce Irish cream liqueurCombine 1 cup of the cream with the candy in a saucepan. Melt over low heat, being careful not to burn. Add the remaining cream, vanilla and cinnamon until everything is heated. Add the liqueur and stir. Garnish with more cinnamon. Serve warm.

The Candy Cane1 ounce vodka1 ounce peppermint schnapps½ ounce heavy creamDash of grenadine for color

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Pour into glasses filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a candy cane.

Sweet Santa Shots1 o u n c e Midori liqueur½ ounce grenadine syrupCarefully layer the grenadine syrup and the Midori liqueur in a shot glass to have red and green layers.

Holiday Sparkle2 ounces apple cider1 ounce club sodaCinnamon stickMix cider with club soda and serve in a tall glass with a cinnamon stick garnish. A refreshing and nonalcoholic drink option.

Although food and presents may be on the minds of holiday hosts and hostesses, they may want to give some consideration to beverages as well. To be accommodating to the most num-ber of guests, include sugar-free bever-ages when celebrating the season.According to a study by Tala Fak-houri, an epidemiologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diet drinks are overtak-ing sugary beverages among many health-conscious men and women. Diet drinks include calorie-free and low-calorie sodas, fruit drinks, energy drinks, carbonated waters, and sports beverages.When hosting guests for the holidays it is important to make available a wide variety of beverages. Put filtered water in a pitcher with some cucum-ber or apple slices for a refreshing fla-vor. For those serving soft drinks, have diet varieties on hand for people who are counting calories. All-natural fruit juices may be a wise choice for parties with children in attendance.

Think about diet drinks

Mix all ingredients ina cocktail shaker filled with ice. Pour into glasses filledwith crushed ice.Garnish with a candy cane.

Sweet Santa Shots1 o u n c e

Althon thosteconsbe aber oagesAccohouU.S. Preving heal

Boost holiday spirits Boost holiday spirits with holiday “spirits”with holiday “spirits”


Eamon, Carla & Staff403-843-3322

Your friends at

Gull Lake Golf Course

For your business, we are truly grateful and for your friendship we feel

doubly blessed

Seasons GreetingsSeasons Greetingsfrom from

GULL LAKE GULL LAKE GOLF COURSE GOLF COURSE

There’s so much to be thankful for at this splendid time of year, including the friendship of people like you.

Please accept our gratitude and warm wishes for a beautiful and joyous holiday season.

5043 - 50 Avenue, Rimbey403.843.4999

Hunting • Fishing • Camping SuppliesHA

PP

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IDA

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AT

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Page 13

Have we become a society too busy for gift wrap? When a birthday ar-rives or the holidays come around in full force, where do most people turn? To the ultra-convenient gift bag, that’s where.

It’s true that wrap-ping paper seems to make a rebound come Christ-mas, when stores begin to devote aisles of space to holiday supplies. But even when shiny foils and smil-ing Santas beckon custom-ers from the tightly packed rolls, many people still choose gift bags.

Gift bags do have many advantages. They are easily portable, gener-ally inexpensive and come in some very clever de-signs. They’re also touted as a “green” product be-cause they can be reused.

But there are plenty of people who feel the elimination of intricately

wrapped presents takes some of the magic out of the holidays. Carefully wrapped gifts show that a person put in time and effort to present a gift in a way that is sentimental and personal. Although it may take mere minutes to pry away the paper and find a treasure inside, there’s something to be said for paper-wrapped

gifts. It means the gift-giv-er sat down, pondered the paper design and carefully chose the bow or ribbon with the recipient in mind.

Here are some reasons to save the gift bag for an-other time.• Wrapping can be green, too. Wrapping paper can be reused if it is carefully removed from a gift. You also can create your own

wrapping paper by deco-rating brown postal pa-per with a rubber stamp or having children color their own special murals. Don’t overlook newsprint as wrapping as well.• Paper is more cost-effec-tive. You are bound to get more bang for your wrap-ping buck by choosing wrapping paper. • Wrapped gifts travel bet-ter. No one wants to re-ceive a gift bag that has been wrinkled and crushed into some amorphous shape.• There’s something magi-cal about wrapping paper. The anticipation, the dra-ma, the build-up to peel-ing aside wrapping paper and revealing the gift has brought smiles to chil-dren’s (and adults’) faces for generations. It is hard to improve on something that has been successful for years and years.

Has gift wrapping become a lost art?


RIMBEY HEATING LTD.RIMBEY HEATING LTD.* Heating * Cooling * Custom Sheet Metal *

Phone: 403-843-3997 • Fax 403-843-3960

RIMBEY HEATING & STAFF ARE PAUSING FOR A MOMENT

TO LET YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR BUSINESS

AND FRIENDSHIP MEANS TO US THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

Merry ChristmasMerry Christmas

Furnace Replacement Program For Low Income Seniors

Page 14

Decorating is a big part of Christmas. Bins are taken out of the at-tic or garage, and deco-rations are once again given their opportunity to shine for several weeks before being packed away again.

Among the many decorations families use to deck the halls are orna-ments that were made by hand. This year creating homemade ornaments can be a crafty project that helps families make new holiday memories.Photo ornaments

Fun photo ornaments showcase how a family has changed and grown over the years. Experi-ment with different ways to create these ornaments. You can glue a photo to a ceramic ornament and cover it with decoupage glaze to set it permanent-ly. Try purchasing clear,

glass ornaments, then re-move the top of the or-nament, which is usually spring-loaded, before slip-ping a photo inside and replacing the top. You al-so can laminate a photo, punch a hole in the top and affix a ribbon.Ceramic ornaments

The popularity of paint-it-yourself pottery has led to an increase in ceramic and crafts shops

across the country. Dur-ing the holiday season such shops offer many holiday items that can be painted. Often the store will then fire the pieces after they are painted so that they are shiny and hardened for display.

Those who want to do their painting at home can visit their local craft or hobby shop, where typically there are unfin-

ished ceramic ornaments that can be painted with acrylic paints found right in the next aisle. A fin-ishing coat of clear glaze will help protect the orna-ments from year to year.Wood crafts

Many of today’s craft centres have expanded to include sections devoted to unfinished wood items. Everything from letters to animal cutouts to boxes and rocking horses can be purchased and finished. Turn keepsake boxes into painted and ribbon-adorned gift boxes. Turn small decorative pieces in-to ornaments for the tree. Paint and affix wood ini-tials onto stocking holders to identify to whom each stocking belongs. Crafty individuals also can turn plain wood plaques into signs with clever sayings, such as “Park your sleigh here.”

Make your own Christmas ornaments


All the best to you and All the best to you and yours this holiday season. yours this holiday season.

Thank you for your Thank you for your continued patronage. continued patronage.

From the management & staff at

RimbeyRimbey

We want to offer you our best wishes and sincere gratitude this holiday season. It’s been a privilege and

a pleasure serving you.

Happy HolidaysHappy HolidaysJack’s Auto Repair

403-843-4005

Season’s BestSeason’s BestThe Board of Directors & Staff wish The Board of Directors & Staff wish you and your family all the best for a you and your family all the best for a

safe & happy holiday season.safe & happy holiday season.

From ALL of us at From ALL of us at GLDC Gas Co-op Ltd.GLDC Gas Co-op Ltd.

Thank you for your loyal business and Thank you for your loyal business and hope you enjoy the merriest holiday ever!hope you enjoy the merriest holiday ever!

Franz’s Tire Service Inc.Selling most popular brands of car & truck tires!

Mobile Service Available403.843.3929 • Franz Hunkeler

From: Kelly & Theresa GiesbrechtJay & Darla Hohn

Cast-a-Waste Inc.Cast-a-Waste Inc.403-704-0469403-704-0469

All the best to our customers & friends this holiday season.

Wishing you the very best during the holiday season. Our staffwould like to thank you for all your

business in 2012 and hope to see you in the new year.

Bluffton Veterinary ServicesBluffton, AB

Tel: 403-843-8463 Fax: 403-843-8465

Here Comes Christmas... and that means our warmest

wishes can’t be far behind. Happy Holidays and Heartfelt

Thanks to ALL our Neighbours, Customers and

Friends this Holiday Season.

Aspenworks Mechanical

Thank you for your continued support

and wishing everyone much joy throughout

the season.

From all of us atFrom all of us atDelbrook MechanicalDelbrook Mechanical

Page 15


To our valued customers who have helped us along the way...

The very best to you and yours this Holiday Season.

Thank You For Your Continued Patronage.

SILVERBELT SEPTIC SERVICE– Les, Barb & Megan Belt –

403-843-2840

Need a unique Christmas gift Need a unique Christmas gift or Shopping trip with a or Shopping trip with a sistersister??

Come and enjoy the season Come and enjoy the season at our store!at our store!

We have a beautiful selection of We have a beautiful selection of Christmas Gift IdeasChristmas Gift Ideas Antiques & Furniture Antiques & Furniture

Jewelry Jewelry Glassware Glassware

Furs Furs Bird Feeders Bird Feeders

Garden and Home Décor Garden and Home Décor Handcrafted Art Handcrafted Art Quilts & Knitting Quilts & Knitting

Thursday - SundayThursday - Sunday10:00 am - 5:00 pm10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Rge.Rd. 23 & Hwy 53Rge.Rd. 23 & Hwy 53403.843.7743403.843.7743www.sisters6.comwww.sisters6.com

Gift Cards AvailableGift Cards AvailableClosing for the Season Dec. 23 Closing for the Season Dec. 23 Reopening May 2013 Reopening May 2013

Page 16

DESSERTSCookie Fudge1 pkg. (8 squares) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate1 can (300 ml) sweetened condensed milk2 tsp. vanilla10 Oreo Cookies, choppedLine 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extend-ing over sides. Microwave chocolate and milk in large microwaveable bowl on medium 2 to 3 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after each minute. Stir until completely melted.Add vanilla; mix well. Stir in chopped cookies; spread onto bottom of prepared pan.Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm. Use foil handles to lift fudge from pan before cutting into 1-inch squares. Makes 25 servings.

Creamy Lemon Pudding Cheesecake1-½ cups crushed Nilla Vanilla Wafers (about 40 wafers)¾ cup plus 1 Tbsp. sugar, divided3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted4 pkg. (250g each) Philadelphia Brick Cream Cheese, softened2 Tbsp. flour2 Tbsp. milk1 cup sour cream4 eggs2 pkg. (4-serving size ea.) Jell-O Lemon Instant Pudding1 cup thawed Cool Whip Whipped ToppingLemon slices (optional)Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix wafer crumbs, 1 tbsp. of the sugar and butter; press firmly onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 minutes.Beat cream cheese, remaining ¾ cup sugar, flour and milk in large bowl with electric mixer on me-dium speed until well blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed af-ter each addition just until blended. Add dry pudding mixes; mix well.Bake 65 to 75 minutes or until centre is almost set. Run knife or metal spatula around side of pan to loosen cake; cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Remove side of pan. Top cheesecake with whipped topping and lemon slices, if desired, just be-fore serving. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.Makes 16.

Easy Tiramisu2 Tbsp. Maxwell House Instant Coffee Original Roast¼ cup boiling water18 Honey Maid Graham Wafers, divided1 tub (250 g) Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese Spread¼ cup icing sugar3 cups thawed Cool Whip Light Whipped Topping1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powderDissolve coffee granules in boiling water. Arrange 9 wafers in single layer on bottom of 8-inch square dish; drizzle with 1 tbsp. coffee.Beat cream cheese spread and 2 Tbsp. of the remaining coffee in medium bowl with whisk until well blended. Add sugar; mix well. Stir in Cool Whip; spoon half over wafers in dish. Repeat layers of wafers, coffee and cream cheese mixture.Refrigerate 4 hours.Makes 16 servings.


With best wishes to you and yours for a season that’s fi lled with delights.

It’s been a real treat serving you this year and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Be safe this holiday season. Please don’t drink & drive.From the Management & StaffFrom the Management & Staff

Wi h b i h d

Merry ChristmasMerry Christmas As we ring in the new year, we also celebrate your friendship and support.

It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.

403-343-1672

Page 17

DESSERTSFlourless Chocolate Snow Cookies½ cup ground almonds½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder1 tsp baking powder1/8 tsp salt¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature2/3 cup brown sugar1 egg½ tsp vanilla112 g dark chocolate, about 4 squares, chopped, melted and cooled¼ cup granulated sugar¼ cup icing sugarWhisk almonds with cocoa, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Beat butter with brown sugar in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, until light and fluffy, about 3 min. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in cooled chocolate. Fold in almond mixture until combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until dough is firm enough to roll, about 10 min. Position oven racks in top and bottom thirds of oven. Preheat oven to 350F. Line 2 baking sheets with parch-ment paper. Place granulated and icing sugars in 2 sepa-rate small bowls. Scoop dough and roll into tbsp-sized balls. Coat with granulated sugar, then icing sugar. Place on prepared sheets 1 in. apart. Bake in top and bottom thirds of oven, switching and rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies crack, 12 to 14 min. Remove sheets to a rack and leave for 2 minutes. Cookies will look undercooked but will continue to bake as they sit. Remove to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.Makes 26 cookies.

Double Fudge Irish Cream Cookies1 cup butter, softened1½ cups sugar2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla2 2/3 cups flour½ cup cocoa powder1¼ teaspoon baking soda¼ teaspoon salt1 teaspoon instant coffee powder8 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream liquor1 cup white chocolate chips½ cup chocolate chipsCream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until fluffy. Add in Bailey’s one tablespoon at a time. Add flour, co-coa powder, instant coffee, baking soda and salt and mix until combined. Fold in all choco-late chips.Refrigerate dough 4 - 6 hrs. Makes 30 - 40 cookies.Roll into balls and set on baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 8 -10 minutes.


Wishing you all things merry and

bright at this festive time of year.

Thank you for warming up our year with your friendship

and support.Happy Holiday’s,

everyone!

Clayton Cole403-845-8655 cell

403-845-4042

Farm & Real Estate a Specialty

We hope that you will take the opportunity over the holidays

to enjoy the love and fellowship of both your family and friends and to

reflect on the true meaning of the Christmas season.on.

ChristmasChristmas Greetings GreetingsJOE ANGLIN, M.L.A.Rimbey, Rocky Mountain

House, Sundre Constituency

Page 18

DESSERTSGingerbread Cheesecake18 Ginger Crisps (cookies), crushed (about 1-¼ cups)¼ cup butter, melted3 pkg. (250 g each) Cream Cheese, softened¾ cup sugar¼ cup molasses1 Tbsp. vanilla1 tsp. ground cinnamon1 tsp. ground nutmeg½ tsp. ground ginger¼ tsp. ground cloves3 eggs4 squares Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate, chopped½ cup whipping creamHeat oven to 350°F.Mix crumbs and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add molasses, vanilla and spices; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until centre is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool completely before removing rim. Refrigerate 4 hours.Microwave chocolate and whipping cream in micro-waveable bowl on high 1 min; stir. Microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring every 30 seconds Pour over cheesecake.Makes 16 servings.

Maple and Pecan Baklava 500 ml (2 cups) maple syrup 250 ml (1 cup) sugar 250 ml (1 cup) corn syrup 250 ml (1 cup) water ½ box 250 g phyllo pastry, thawed 125 ml (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted1.5 litres (6 cups) toasted pecans, choppedPreheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F).Butter a 33 x 23-cm (13 x 9-inch) baking dish.In a saucepan, bring the maple syrup, sugar, corn syrup and water to a boil. Simmer until a candy thermometer reads 105 °C, about 30 minutes. Let the syrup cool.Cut the phyllo sheets in half to make rectangles of the same size as the baking dish.Place 5 sheets at the bottom of the pan, brushing with butter between each sheet. Sprinkle with about 250 ml (1 cup) of pecans. Cover with 3 more phyllo sheets brushed with butter. Sprinkle again with pecans. Continue to alternate layers of dough and pecans with the remaining ingredients.Do not fill the pan more than three-quarters of its capacity.Bake in the middle of the oven for about 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Right out of the oven, pour all the syrup over the baklava (for the sweet tooth), or about three quarters of the syrup if you want a slightly less sweet baklava. Let stand overnight be-fore cutting into pieces.


Come visit Napa’s Winter Tool LandGreat gift ideas for the tool enthusiast.

Season’s Greetings to One and AllFrom the Staff at

Take A Bough... It’s Christmas!Take A Bough... It’s Christmas!

As we prepare to As we prepare to ring in the holiday ring in the holiday season, we’d like to season, we’d like to

extend our gratitude extend our gratitude to all the kind people to all the kind people

who have called on us who have called on us this past year.With this past year.With

best wishes for a best wishes for a joyous and meaningful joyous and meaningful

holiday season.holiday season.

Midwest Propane 403-843-8430

Page 19

DESSERTSTriple-Layer Dessert¾ cup Oreo Baking Crumbs¼ cup non-hydrogenated margarine, melted3 squares Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted¼ cup canned sweetened condensed milk¼ cup chopped toasted pecans2 cups cold milk2 pkg. (4-serving size each) Chocolate Instant Pud-ding2 cups thawed Cool Whip Light Whipped Topping, dividedCombine baking crumbs and margarine in 8-inch square pan. Press firmly onto bottom and 1 inch up sides of pan; set aside. Mix chocolate and con-densed milk until well blended; pour into crust. Sprinkle with pecans; set aside.Pour 2 cups milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. (Mixture will be thick.) Spoon 1½ cups of the pudding over pecans in crust. Add 1 cup of the whipped topping to remaining pudding; stir with wire whisk until well blended. Spread over pud-ding layer in crust; top with the remaining 1 cup whipped topping.Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Store leftovers in re-frigerator.Makes enough for 12.

Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes12 Oreo Cookies, crushed2 Tbsp. non-hydrogenated margarine, melted1 pkg. (250 g) Philadelphia Light Brick Cream Cheese Spread, softened¼ cup Kraft Light Smooth Peanut Butter1/3 cup sugar1 egg1 square Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate, meltedHeat oven to 325º F. Mix cookie crumbs and mar-garine; press firmly onto bottom of 8-inch sq. pan. Set aside.Beat cream cheese spread, peanut butter and sugar with mixer until blended. Add egg; mix just until blended. Spoon over crust. Bake 18 to 20 min. or until centre is almost set; cool.Drizzle chocolate over cheesecake in criss-cross pat-tern. Refrigerate 5 min. before cutting to serve.Makes 16.


Holiday Greetings

RimbeyMedical Clinic

403-843-2256

Our wishes run as deep Our wishes run as deep as our gratitude for as our gratitude for you, our neighbours you, our neighbours

and friends.and friends.

Thank you from the Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.bottom of our hearts.Season’s Greetings!

With well wishesWith well wishesat Christmasat Christmas

RIMBEY

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Luscious low-fat Lemon CheesecakeCrust:2 cups ground Nilla cookies3 tablespoons melted butterFilling: 2 (8 ounce) packages light cream cheese1 cup sugar3 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 lemon, zested and juiced2 cups Greek yogurtTo prepare the crust, mix cookies and butter togeth-er. Gently press cookies into the bottom of a pie dish and around the edges. Chill crust in a refrigerator while you prepare the crustTo prepare the filling, put cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix until creamy. Gradually add sugar, (about ¼ cup at a time) and mix thor-oughly between each addition. Add eggs (one at a time) and scrape the sides of the bowl with a rub-ber spatula. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Add vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice and yogurt with a wooden spoon. Stir vigorously. Pour filling into the crust. Preheat oven to 350º F and bake cheesecake for at least 45 minutes. Once done, remove and let sit to cool, at least 5 minutes. Chill cheesecake for 5 to 6 hours. Serve with fresh whipped cream, if desired.Serves 8

DESSERTSPerfect Lemon Bars Crust 1 ½ cups all purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar ¼ tsp salt 1 tbsp lemon zest ½ cup butter, room temperatureFilling 4 large eggs 1 1/3 cups sugar 1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed and strainedPreheat oven to 350º F. Line 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Make the crust. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt and lemon zest. Cut butter into chunks and add to flour mix-ture. Blend in with an electric mixer at low speed until mixture forms coarse, sandy crumbs. Pour into pan and press mixture down (with your fingers or the back of a spoon) into an even layer. Bake for 16-19 minutes, until just lightly browned around the edges.While crust is baking, make filling. Whisk together all filling ingredients in a large bowl. When the crust comes out of the oven and is still hot, pour in filling mixture. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until filling is set and does not jiggle when the pan is gently shaken. Cool completely before slicing. Top slices with icing sugar to serve.Makes about 24 bars.


403-843-2622403-843-2622

With OUR GRATITUDEBecause you deserve it!

With OUR THANKS

Because you makeBecause you make it all worthwhile. it all worthwhile.

Glad tidings to you wherever

you travel this wonderful

holiday season and beyond.

With BEST WISHES for aMERRY CHRISTMAS!

Season’s Season’s GreetingsGreetings

BRIX CONSTRUCTION INC.403-704-3545

We’d like to deliver a load of best wishes to our customers

and friends along with a bundle

of thanks. Have a great

holiday!

Page 21

DESSERTSCaramel-Pecan Brownies4 squares Baker’s Premium 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate¾ cup butter1-½ cups sugar4 eggs1 cup flour1-½ pkg. (269 g each) Kraft Caramels (51 caramels)1/3 cup whipping cream2 cups pecan halves, dividedHeat oven to 350°F.Line 13x9-inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Spray with cooking spray. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl on medium 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add sugar and eggs; mix well. Stir in flour until well blended. Spread half the batter into prepared pan.Bake 20 minutes or until top is firm to the touch. Meanwhile, microwave caramels and cream in medium microwaveable bowl on high 2 minutes or until caramels Spread caramel mixture over brownie layer in pan; cover with remaining brownie batter. (Some caramel mixture may peek through.) Sprinkle with remaining nuts. Bake 25 minutes or until top is firm to the touch. Cool in pan on wire rack. Use foil handles to lift brownies from pan before cutting to serve.

Chocolate Almond Tarts¾ cup unsalted butter, softened½ cup granulated sugar1 tsp vanilla1 ¾ all purpose flour¼ tsp saltFor Filling:¼ cup slivered almonds¾ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips1 eggs3 tbsp brown sugar2 tbsp corn syrupPreheat oven to 350° F. Spray 2 regular muffin pans. Set aside.Beat butter with granulated sugar and vanilla in a large bowl, with an electric mixer, until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes Stir in flour and salt until combined and dough comes together. Pat dough together and scoop about 1 tbsp into each muffin cup. Using fingers, press dough into the base of the cup and just up the sides, forming a slight lip about ¼ in. high. Set pans aside.Whirl almonds and chocolate chips in a food proces-sor until coarsely ground, about 1 min. Beat egg with brown sugar in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, until thick and pale, about 3 mins. Stir in corn syrup. Fold in chocolate-almond mixture. Scoop 1 tbsp of chocolate mixture into each dough-lined cup.Bake in centre of oven until chocolate melts and crust turns golden, about 12 min. Cool completely in pan on a rack. Carefully loosen edges and remove. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.


No matter how you say it, we

hope your holiday is perfect in every way.

Thank you for your loyal support

Good TidingsTo You!

PAUL MCLAUCHLIN

Division 4 Councillor

403-843-2675

Page 22

Chocolate Cookie Bark1 pkg. (8 squares) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate1 pkg. (6 squares) Baker’s White Chocolate2 Tbsp. Kraft Smooth Peanut Butter10 Oreo CookiesPlace semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate in separate medium microwaveable bowls. Microwave until completely melted, following directions on package. Add peanut butter to white chocolate; stir until well blended. Crumble half the cookies over chocolate in each bowl; mix well.Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate mixtures onto waxed paper-covered baking sheet, alternating the colours of the chocolates. Swirl gently with knife.Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break into 14 pieces. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Makes 14 servings.

DESSERTSChocolate Turtles430 ml (1 ¾ cups) lightly packed brown sugar60 ml (¼ cup) corn syrup60 ml (¼ cup) 35% whipping cream125 ml (½ cup) sweetened condensed milk30 ml (2 tablespoons) butter, salted500 ml (2 cups) pecan pieces, toasted454 g (1 lb) semisweet chocolate, choppedIn a saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Bring to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes or until a candy thermometer reads 240° F, stirring occasionally.Remove from the heat and let cool.Lightly butter a marble slab or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.For each turtle, place a few pieces of pecans, the equivalent of 1 whole nut, on the baking sheet.With two spoons, spread approximately 7.5 ml (1½ teaspoons) of caramel over each serving of pecans. Gently reheat the caramel along the way, if necessary. Let cool completely.In a double boiler, melt half the chocolate. Remove from the double boiler.Peel half of the turtles off the slab or parchment paper, then dip them, one by one, into the melted chocolate, holding them between two forks. Melt the remaining chocolate and repeat with the remaining turtles. Place on parchment paper and let stand overnight.Wrap ... and give as gifts!


Have a one of Have a one of a kind Christmas !a kind Christmas !They say that no two snowflakesThey say that no two snowflakes are alike, but one thing we know for sure are alike, but one thing we know for sure is friends like you are rare, indeed! is friends like you are rare, indeed! Many thanks and blizzard of best Many thanks and blizzard of best wishes to all of you this holiday season.wishes to all of you this holiday season.The Management & Staff The Management & Staff

Page 23

Many people have strong opinions regarding which type of Christmas tree they want to pur-chase. Some cannot live without a natural, freshly-cut Christmas tree, while others prefer the conve-nience of artificial trees.

Those who insist on a natural tree might want to consider the following tips when buying what’s likely their biggest deco-rative item of the holiday season.

• Ask when the tree was cut down. Precut trees may be cut down weeks before they’re sold. So if you’re buying a precut tree, chances are the tree was cut down much ear-lier than you think. This doesn’t mean the tree won’t make it through the holiday season, but a tree that was cut several weeks ago should have some of its bottom trunk removed

before it’s placed in the stand. This will make it easier for the tree to con-sume water.

• H a v e t h e t r e e w r a p p e d b e f o r e taking it home. A tree should also be wrapped in twine be-fore taking it home. The twine should be tight enough to keep the tree’s branches from blowing in the wind when you attach t h e t r e e to the top o f y o u r v e h i c l e . I f pos-s i b l e , keep the tree

wrapped in twine as you place it in the stand. This makes the tree easier to control.

• Choose the right location. When look-ing for the right place

to set up your natural tree, it’s best to choose

a spot that’s cool and free of drafts. The

tree should not be placed near heat sources, includ-

ing applianc-es, fireplaces or vents, be-cause such heat sources c r e a t e a safety haz-a r d a n d can make it difficult

f o r

the tree to retain moisture. • Place some covering

on the ground beneath the tree. Even a freshly cut natural tree will shed needles over the course of the holiday season. Before placing the stand in the location you’ve chosen, put some type of cover-ing, such as a tree bag, beneath the stand so it’s easier to gather all those needles once the holiday season has ended.

• Remember that natu-ral trees are thirsty. Peo-ple who have never had a natural Christmas tree in the past might be sur-prised at just how thirsty natural trees get. The stand’s reservoir should have lots of water, which should never dip below the stump. Be sure to check the water in the reservoir at least once per day to maintain adequate water levels.

Tips when buying a natural Christmas tree


Get all the best gifts Get all the best gifts at Rimbey TV at Rimbey TV & Electronics& Electronics

• Tablets • Net books • GPS• Xbox and xbox kinect/games• Wii systems and accessories• PS3 systems and accessories

• Gameboys • Sony PSP’s• Remote control toys

• Remote starts• Home theater systems

• Plasma LCD and LED tv’s

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS

TO ONE TO ONE AND ALL!AND ALL!

AND ALL THE KNICK NACKS AND

STOCKING STUFFERS YOU COULD NEED FOR CHRISTMAS MORNING

403-843-2460

Page 24

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