Salem Community Patriot December 23, 2010 - 7


Brunch: an elegant way to bring the family together for the holidays


Season’s Greetings Season’s Greetings


Holiday meals are special times to bring the family to- gether and entertain loved ones. While entertaining during the holidays is enjoyable, it requires meal planning and a lot of time in the kitchen - especially when hosting a large group. Serving brunch is a perfect way to cre- ate an elegant meal with ease. Adding slight touches to typical brunch dishes can turn a usual


weekend occurrence into a special holiday meal. For example, instead of omelets, make frittatas. Instead of bacon make praline bacon, or prepare latkes in place of breakfast potatoes. Little twists like these are creative ways to tell your guests that they are attending a special meal for a holiday occasion. “Entertaining holiday guests with brunch is a


great way to prepare a meal that really impresses your guests, without spending all day in the kitchen,” says celebrity chef Michael Symon. “And since there isn’t a ‘traditional’ holiday brunch menu, you can be super creative.” Preparation of these more unique dishes is easier than you may think. The right equipment is crucial to a success- ful, stress-free brunch. The Calphalon Unison Nonstick Frittata Pans are an easy-to-use nonstick cookware set that can help execute


that delectable Baked Polish Frittata. The two nonstick pans’ handles interlock and clamp together so you can flip frittatas on the stovetop. The Calphalon Unison Frittata Pan is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, for adding that crispy finish to egg dishes in the oven. And, it is also dishwasher-safe, so clean-up for your holiday brunch will be a breeze.


Finding the perfect gift for that special someone - you


The holiday season is a time to enjoy fam- ily and friends, but you probably have felt the stress that comes with preparing for guests, planning get-togethers and buying gifts. And in all of that commotion, you tend to forget about some of the most important people in your life - including yourself. When making your holiday shopping list


this year, why not reserve a little of the time, money and energy that you put into gift-giv- ing and add yourself to that list? Whether you have a passion for cooking, music or a little bit of everything, you deserve to spoil yourself this year. And you know that quality counts when buying gifts for others, so don’t skimp on your self-gifting. Bon appetit Many people enjoy creating and trying new recipes but are hesitant to purchase high-end kitchen appliances. So this holiday season, treat your inner chef to a machine found in professionals’ kitchens and restau- rants, like a Vitamix 5200. Hailed by profes- sional chefs as a favorite kitchen tool, these machines are widely known for top quality and versatility. A Vitamix is not a typical blender and can prepare a wide variety of foods including juice, ice cream and soup. You’ll be giving your body and palate a daily gift with the countless healthful and tasty combinations a Vitamix can create. Listen up


Music has greatly influenced people for centuries, and it may affect you more than you realize. To create the best soundtrack for your life, consider a full digital sound system for your home. Digital systems provide life- like sound whether the tunes are playing from a computer, iPod, CD or radio, and wireless packages give you total control from any room you choose. As any music lover knows, a quality sound system can make all the difference when listening to your favorite song or movie soundtrack. If you’d like to spoil your ears this year, give yourself the gift of crisp, clear, lifelike music with a digital home system. Nightly luxury You pay attention to the quality of your clothes. You spent time searching for a qual-


ity car. But what about something else you use every day - your bed sheets? Ask anyone who has upgraded to luxury sheets and you’ll likely hear they only wish they had done so sooner. Sleep affects all other aspects of your life, so spend- ing a little extra money on comfortable


sheets can have a bigger impact than you might think. Treating yourself to high-thread- count bed linens this holiday season is more than a material present; it is also the gift of restful nights and more positive mornings, and who can put a price on that? Capture the moment Vacations, birthdays, concerts, the list of fun-filled moments you enjoy throughout the year goes on indefinitely. You are constantly making new memories with the people you love, but the pictures you save in your mind can fade over time - and photos taken with old disposable cameras don’t fare much bet- ter. Keep your special times as clear as ever with a high-quality digital camera. Choose a model with at least 12 megapixels, built- in stabilization technology and HD video recording to capture your personal moments with professional quality. Also, look for mod- els that feature easy exporting and fun finish- ing effects, so you can revisit those memories any time and any way you like. This year, don’t forget to show apprecia- tion for yourself with the perfect gift. You’ve earned it.


- ARA Content


If you are cooking for a size- able crowd, you may want to invest in a nonstick griddle that fits over two burners so you can prepare several dishes all at once. Look for a nonstick griddle with a removable rack so you have the option of roast- ing foods as well as making delicate dishes like eggs and pancakes. And if you’re craving a menu with extra fun and dis- tinction, consider a kabob grill pan that spans two burners and features removable skewers. A grilled feast of fruit and break- fast meat kabobs will certainly make an impression. “Holiday visits and meals


are awesome opportunities to build memories,” Symon says. “And it’s important to treat your guests well by serving dishes made with useful cookware for a holiday brunch they’ll never forget.” To create Michael Symon’s unique frittata, follow his recipe for baked Polish frittata: Baked Polish Frittata Ingredients: 1 bunch scallions, sliced 1 clove minced garlic 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 tablespoons rye flour


1 1/2 ounces milk 2/3 cup sour cream 4 eggs, beaten 1 tablespoon chopped


cilantro


1 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley


2 tablespoons melted butter Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup cooked chopped


spinach


2 red peppers, diced small 6 ounces crumbled feta


cheese Directions: quality secondhand clothing, toys, baby gear and more


Preheat the oven to 350 de- grees. Saute scallions and garlic in oil and place on the bottom of an oiled Calphalon Unison Frittata Pan. In a mixing bowl, mix flour, milk, sour cream, eggs, herbs, butter and season- ing. Add vegetables to the scal- lions and garlic in the frittata pan. Pour the egg mixture on top and cover with crumbled feta. Bake in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes.


- ARA Content


603-952-4760


356 S. Broadway (Rte 28) Salem, NH


Centerpoint Community Church Christmas Celebrations


Dec. 17 & 18, 7 PM @ West Congregational Church, Haverhill MA Dec. 19, 7:00 PM @ Centerpoint


101 School St., Salem, NH www.centerpointsalem.org


Dec. 24, 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service All are welcome


603-893-9191 Wishing You a Happy & Safe Holiday!


Dec.19, 10:00 AM Christmas Sunday Worship Christmas Musical Journey to the Manger


Our team, working for you, 24/7


Centerpoint Community Church Christmas Celebrations


DiFruscia Law Offices 302 Broadway


Methuen, MA 01844 (978) 687-1777


www.difruscialaw.com email: adifruscia@aol.com


Holidays! Happy


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