2011 Christmas Book for Web - Sumter County Supervisor of Elections

2011
Sumter County
Holiday Booklet
1
SUMTER COUNTY
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICES
Main Office
900 N Main Street
Bushnell, FL 33513
(352) 569-1540 / (352) 569-1541 - fax
8:30 am - 5:00 pm (Monday - Friday)
Wildwood Annex - Service Center
7375 Powell Road, Suite #145
Wildwood, FL 34785
(352) 689-4530
8:00 am - 5:00 pm (Monday - Friday)
Closed Noon-1pm
The Villages
8033 E C-466, Suite 401
Lady Lake, FL 32162
(352) 689-4660
9:15 am - 5:00 pm (Monday - Friday)
Closed Noon-1pm
2
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
from
Karen S. Krauss and Staff
May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;
The Spirit of Christmas which is peace;
The heart of Christmas which is love.
Ada V. Hendricks
3
CONTENTS
About Absentee Ballots ............................................... Seats Up For Election .................................................. Sumter County Precincts ............................................. Order of Succession .................................................... 6 7 8 9 RECIPES SNACKS / SALADS Lowfat Spinach Dip ................................................ Taco Dip ................................................................. Broccoli Slaw .......................................................... Pretzel Salad ........................................................... MAIN DISH / CASSEROLES Breakfast Casserole ................................................ Christine’s Hot Pepper Rice Casserole ................... Craig’s Stuffed Shells .............................................. Cream Soup (replaces canned soup) ...................... Easy Turkey Tetrazzini ............................................ Hodge Podge Soup ................................................. Savory Herb‐Crusted Turkey Pot Pie ...................... DESSERTS Apple Dumplings .................................................... Aunt Sunny’s Wedding Cookies ............................. Banana Pudding ..................................................... Dump Cake ............................................................. Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk ............... Ice Box Cookies ...................................................... Iron Skillet Pineapple Upside‐Down Cake .............. Italian Cream Cake ................................................. Lighter Cheesecake ................................................ Oatmeal Cake ......................................................... Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip & Pecan Cookies ............ Peach Cobbler ........................................................ Peanut Butter Pie ................................................... Pecan Halves .......................................................... Perfectly Peanutty Cookies .................................... Potato Chip Crunchies ............................................ Spirited Raisin Cookies ........................................... Gluhein (mulled wine) ............................................ Wreath Cookies (Berliner Kranser) ........................ 4
11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 22 23 24 25 26 26 28 28 29 29 30 30 31
2012
ELECTION DATES
Presidential Preference Election: January 31, 2012 Registrationbooksclose:January3rd
EarlyVoting:January21‐28th
_____________________________________________________________ Primary Election: August 14, 2012 Registrationbooksclose:July16th
EarlyVoting:August4‐11th
_____________________________________________________________
General Election: November 6, 2012 Registrationbooksclose:October9th
EarlyVoting:October27‐November3rd
SUMTER COUNTY EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS FOR PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY 9am‐5pm Bushnell Main Office 900 N Main Street Bushnell, FL Supervisor of Elections Office Village Annex 8033 E C‐466, Suite #401 Lady Lake, FL 32162 The Villages Library (Belvedere Location) 325 Belvedere Blvd. The Villages, FL 32162 Supervisor of Elections Office The Villages Sumter Co. Svc. Ctr. 7375 Powell Road, Suite 145 Wildwood, FL 34785 Pleasevisitourwebsiteformoreinformation:
www.sumterelections.org
5
~ About Absentee Ballots ~
*
When marking your ballot, you do not have to vote in
every race for your ballot to count.
*
If you requested an absentee ballot and decide to vote in
person during early voting or on Election Day, you can as
long as you have not mailed in your absentee ballot to our
office. Take your ballot to the polls where it will be
cancelled then you will be allowed to vote in person.
*
Do NOT drop off your voted ballot at the polls!
*
Absentee ballots are counted in each election.
*
Absentee ballots have to be physically in our office by 7:00
pm on Election Night in order for them to be counted.
*
If you are a Sumter County registered voter and you have
moved, changed your name and/or your signature has
changed since you registered, your information needs to be
updated with our office.
Call us if you have any questions
(352) 569-1540
6
~ Seats Up For Election ~
COUNTY
COUNTY COMMISSIONER: Districts 1, 3 & 5
SCHOOL BOARD: Districts 2 & 4
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
Sheriff
Clerk of Court
Tax Collector
Property Appraiser
Supervisor of Elections
Superintendent of Schools
COUNTY JUDGE
SPECIAL DISTRICTS
SUMTER SOIL & WATER: All 5 Seats
NO. SUMTER CO. UTL DIST.: Seats 1 & 2
VILLAGE CDD
Dist 1: Seats 1, 3 & 5
Dist. 2: Seats 4 & 5
Dist. 3: Seats 3 & 5
Dist. 5: Seats 1, 3 & 4
Dist. 6: Seats 2 & 3
Dist. 7: Seats 2 & 4
Dist. 8: Seats 1 & 2
CITIES
BUSHNELL: Seat 2, 4 and City Clerk
CENTER HILL: Mayor and Seat 2 & 4
WILDWOOD: Seat 3 & 5
QUALIFYING INFORMATION Sumter County Judge Candidates: Qualifying Week: Noon, April 16‐Noon, April 20th Petition Due Date: Noon, March 19th
Sumter County Candidates: Qualifying Week: Noon, June 4‐Noon, June 8th Petition Due Date: Noon, May 7th 7
Sumter County Precincts
101 - Savannah Center / Rhett Butler Room (2012 only)
102 - Hope Lutheran Church
103 - Savannah Center / Rhett Butler Room
104 - Villages Annex / Conference Room
105 - Coconut Cove Recreation Center / Mai Tai Room
106 - Canal St Recreation Center / Cheshire Room
107 - Laurel Manor Recreation Center / Grant Room
108 - Allamanda Recreation Center / Gardenia Room
109 - Odell Recreation Center / Tanzania Room
110 - Wildwood Community Building / Jefferson Room (South Room)
111 - Colony Cottage Recreation Center / Study Room
112 - Truman Recreation Center / Edsel Room
113 - Coconut Cove Recreation Center / Singapore Sling Room
114 - Sterling Heights Recreation Center / Torch Lake Room
115 - Fish Hawk Recreation Center / Hook, Line & Sinker Room
201 - Rutland 1st Baptist Church
202 - Royal Community Building
203 - N. Panasoffkee Recreation Building (first door)
204 - Coleman Community Building
205 - Wildwood Community Building / Washington Room (Center)
206 - S. Panasoffkee Recreation Building (far door)
301 - Oxford Community Building (front door)
302 - Savannah Center / Charleston Room
303 - Savannah Center / Atlanta Room
304 - El Santiago Recreation Center
305 - Tierra Del Sol Recreation Center
306 - Saddlebrook Recreation Center / Fox Grove Room
307 - Pimlico Recreation Center / Church Hill Downs Room
308 - Oxford Comm. Building (side door)
309 - Churchill Street Recreation Center / Lindsey Paddock Room
401 - Wahoo Community Building
402 - Indian Hill Baptist Church
403 - VFW - #10137 (right side of building)
404 - 1st United Methodist Church
405 - Bushnell Community Building (side door)
406 - 1st United Methodist Church
407 - Croom Fire Station (St. Catherine)
408 - Gant Lake Baptist Church
501 - Continental Country Club / Magnolia Room
502 - Trinity Baptist Church
503 - Sumterville Community Building
504 - Center Hill Community Building
505 - Bushnell Community Building (front door)
506 - Webster Community Building
507 - Linden Community Building
508 - Colony Cottage Recreation Center / Tea Room (2012 only)
509 - Captiva Village Center / Starfish Room
8
~ Order of Succession ~
ORDER OF SUCCESSION

The President Barack Obama (D)

The Vice President Joe Biden (D)

Speaker of the House John Boehner (R)

President pro tempore of the Senate Daniel Inouye (D)

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner (I)

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta (D)

Attorney General Eric Holder (D)

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar (D)

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack (D)

Secretary of Commerce John Bryson (D)

Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis (D)

Secretary of Health & Human Services Kathleen Sebelius (D)

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan (D)

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood (R)

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu (D)

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (D)

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki *

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano (D)
"OrderofPresidentialSuccession."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
United_States_presidential_line_of_succession
9
10
Low Fat Spinach Dip
Ingredients:
1 cup cottage cheese, lowfat
8 oz nonfat yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 pkg Knorr vegetable soup mix
1 pkg frozen spinach (thawed and chopped)
Directions:



Blend all ingredients in blender or food processor
Thin with nonfat milk, if needed
Prepare 8 hours ahead and chill
Serve with pita bread or reduced fat crackers or veggies
Taco Dip
Ingredients:
1 can of refried beans
1 lg container of sour cream
2 lbs of hamburger, fried 7 seasoned with taco seasoning
2 lg pkgs of Mexican shredded cheeses, 4 kinds
Directions:




Spread 1 can of refried beans in bottom of 13 x 9 pan.
Layer with hamburger meat, sour cream and cheeses.
Bake in 350° oven until cheese is melted (30 minutes).
Serve hot with chips.
11
Broccoli Slaw
Ingredients:
2 pkgs of broccoli slaw (12 oz each)
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup toasted slivered almonds
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1 cup craisins
1 large red pepper, chopped
Dressing:
3/4 cup of canola oil
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
Directions:
Prepare the dressing first to allow sugar to dissolve while
assembling the rest of the ingredients. Add the dressing and
toss thoroughly.
Pretzel Salad
Ingredients:
2-2/3 cups chopped pretzels
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 lg pkg frozen strawberries
1 lg pkg strawberry Jell-O
1-1/2 cubes of butter
12 oz pkg cream cheese
1 lg carton Cool Whip
2 cups pineapple juice
Directions:









12
Cream cheese and sugar.
Stir in Cool Whip and set aside.
Mix pretzels and butter; press into a 9 x 13
dish.
Bake at 400° for 10 minutes.
Spread cheese mixture over pretzels. Chill.
Dissolve Jell-O in hot pineapple juice.
Add the strawberries.
Allow mixture to semi-set in refrigerator.
Pour over top of pretzels and refrigerate.
Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
2 cups (3 slices) bread cubes, crusts trimmed
1/2 lb sharp Cheddar cheese, cubed
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled (or ham or sausage)
1/2 cup butter melted
1/2 lb whole fresh mushrooms
3 lg eggs
2 cups milk
1tsp prepared mustard
1/4 tsp salt
Directions:




Place half the bread cubes in a 1-1/2 qt casserole
Layer half the cheese, meat and butter
Repeat layers and arrange mushrooms on top
Beat eggs, milk, mustard and salt and pour over the
layered mixture.
 Set casserole in pan of hot water.
 Bake uncovered at 300° for 1-1/2 hours.
 Makes 6 servings.
Best if prepared in advanced and refrigerated overnight
until baking time.
Christine’s Hot Pepper Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 - 2 green peppers (boiled and chopped)
1 can HOT Ro-Tel tomatoes and peppers
2 pkgs Knorr / Lipton Spanish Rice box mix
Swanson chicken stock
Directions:




Brown beef and drain excess fat.
Add peppers and Ro-Tel.
Add prepared Spanish rice into mixture using chicken
stock instead of water.
Bake at 325° until bubbly.
Optional:
Add shredded cheese prior to baking
13
Craig’s Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ingredients:
I-1/2 lb hamburger
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt, pepper and garlic salt
15 oz Ricotta cheese
2 beaten eggs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 (12 oz) box jumbo shells
1 lb Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions:








Brown hamburger and onion.
Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and garlic salt; drain
well.
In a bowl, mix hamburger, cheeses and eggs.
Cook shells until almost done (about 13 minutes).
Drain and cover with cold water.
When shells are cool, stuff with mixture.
Heat spaghetti sauce on stove for approx. 10 minutes,
then pour over the top of stuffed shells.
Bake at 350° for 45-60 minutes or until bubbly.
Cream Soup
Ingredients:
1 cup nonfat dried milk powder
1 tbsp dried onion flakes
2 tablespoons cornstarch and chicken bouillon powder
1/2 tsp dried basil and thyme, crushed
1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions:





14
Mix these ingredients together and store in an airtight
container. Then, when you want to make your soup, you
will add:
2 cups cold water
1/2 cup of the main ingredient (ex: mushroom, celery)
In a large saucepan over medium heat, place the water
and pre-made mix, heating until it is thick.
Add the main ingredients and cook until done.
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients:
Breast meat (can use turkey)
1 lg can mushrooms
1/2 pint sour cream
12 oz spaghetti
1/2 c chopped onion
slivered almonds
1/2 stick of butter
1 tbsp parsley flakes
salt/pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese
2 cans cream of chicken soup
Directions:








Boil meat in seasoned water.
Cool and cut into bite size pieces.
Melt butter in large skillet; add onions and drained
mushrooms; sauté 10 minutes.
Add parsley flakes and meat; cover and let sit for 10
minutes.
Add soup and sour cream.
Break spaghetti into pieces and cook as directed.
Drain water from noodles and combine with chicken
mixture into a buttered casserole.
Sprinkle with cheese and bake uncovered in 300° oven
until hot.
Hodge Podge Soup
Ingredients:
1-1/2 lbs lean Italian sausage 3/4 c chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cans minestrone soup
1 31-oz can pork & beans
1-1/2 c chopped celery
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp crushed oregano
Directions:




In a large saucepan cook meat, onion and garlic until
meat is browned and onion is tender.
Stir in the soup, beans and 1 to 3 cups of water.
Add celery, Worcestershire sauce and oregano.
Simmer covered for 15 to 20 minutes.
15
Savory Herb-Crusted Turkey Pot Pie
Ingredients:
1 egg
1 tbsp water
6 c diced cooked turkey
5 c frozen mixed veggies
2 tbsp butter
1/2 c all-purpose flour
2 c Swanson chicken stock
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 of a 17.3-oz pkg Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheet
2 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme & oregano)
Directions:












16
Heat oven to 400°.
Beat egg and water in small bowl with fork.
Stir turkey and veggies in 13 x 9 baking dish.
Heat butter in 2-qt saucepan over medium heat.
Add flour and cook and stir 3 minutes. Gradually stir
stock into saucepan.
Cook and stir 5 minutes or until mixture boils and
thickens. Stir in pepper.
Pour stock mixture over turkey mixture.
Unfold thawed pastry sheet on lightly floured surface.
Roll pastry sheet into 13 x 9 rectangle and place pastry
over filling.
Press pastry to rim to seal.
Brush pastry with egg mixture and sprinkle with herbs.
Bake 25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
Apple Dumplings
Ingredients:
1 8-oz can crescent rolls
1 cup orange juice
2/3 c sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 lg Granny Smith apple, peeled and quartered
Directions:







Unroll rolls and separate.
Wrap each quarter apple with roll dough.
Place in a 13 x 9 lightly greased baking dish.
In a sauce pan, bring orange juice, 2/3 cup sugar and
butter to a boil.
Pour over dumplings.
Stir together 2 tsp sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle
over dumplings.
Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until brown.
Aunt Sunny’s Wedding Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 c butter
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c shortening
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c powdered sugar
1 c chopped pecans
2-1/2 c flour
Directions:




Mix all ingredients together.
Form into one-inch balls.
Cook in oven for 15 minutes at 400 °.
Roll in powdered sugar and cool.
17
Banana Pudding
Ingredients:
3 (3.5 oz) boxes of instant vanilla pudding
4 c milk
8 oz sour cream
8 oz Cool Whip
6 - 8 bananas (sliced)
1 box Nilla wafers
Directions:




Mix pudding mix with milk about 2 minutes with electric
mixer.
Fold in sour cream and Cool Whip.
Layer your wafers, bananas and pudding mixture in a
large bowl.
Set overnight.
Dump Cake
Ingredients:
Butter recipe cake mix
1-15 1/2 oz can pie filling
1 stick melted butter
chopped nuts
1-15 1/2 oz can crushed pineapple
Directions:






18
Dump pineapple with juice in 9 x 13 baking pan.
Dump pie filing on top of pineapple. DO NOT MIX
Dump cake mix on top of this.
Pour melted butter on top of the cake mix.
Sprinkle nuts on top of this.
Bake in 350° for about 25 minutes or until top is brown.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (Homemade)
Ingredients:
1 c powdered milk
2/3 c granulated sugar
1/3 c boiling water
3 tbsp butter
Directions:





Mix all the ingredients in a blender.
Start mixing on low speed for a minute or two.
Increase the speed and continue to blend until smooth,
with no obvious sugar granules.
You can take a drop or two and rub it between your
fingers to feel if there are sugar granules.
This will make enough milk to equal a can, but be aware
that the consistency will not be what you are used to with
the store-bought version.
Ice Box Cookies
Ingredients:
1-1/2 c butter
2 eggs well-beaten
2 tsp baking powder
2 c sugar
3 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla
Directions:









Cream butter and sugar together.
Add eggs to this mixture and mix well.
Add flour, baking powder and vanilla.
Mix to a dough.
Put in refrigerator for an hour or so until you can handle
then shape dough into rolls.
Chill over night.
Slice about 1/4 inch thick and place on ungreased cookie
sheet.
Sprinkle with favorite decorations before baking.
Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes (depending on your oven).
19
FLORIDA IS A “CLOSED
Voter registration books are officially closed 29 days before all elections. REPUBLICANS IfyouchosetheREPUBLICANparty,youare
allowedtovoteonlyforREPUBLICANcandidates,
NON‐PARTISANcandidates,andREFERENDUMSin
primaryelections.
DEMOCRATS IfyouchosetheDEMOCRATparty,youare
allowedtovoteonlyforDEMOCRATICcandidates,
NON‐PARTISANcandidates,andREFERENDUMSin
primaryelections.
NO PARTY AFFILIATION Ifyouchosethenoparty‐affiliationyouareallowed
tovoteforNON‐PARTISANcandidates,and
REFERENDUMSinprimaryelections.
20
PRIMARY” STATE
If you want to change your party to vote in the primary, the change must be made 29 days before that election. MINOR PARTY IfaminorpartyisregisteredwiththeStateofFlorida
andhascandidatesinaprimaryrace,votersregistered
inthatminorpartywillbeallowedtovoteinthat
party’sprimary,NON‐PARTISANcandidates,and
REFERENDUMSinprimaryelections.
ALLVOTERSREGARDLESSOFPARTYWOULDVOTEin
anyparty’sprimaryelectionifthewinnerwouldhaveno
generalelectionopposition.
REGISTERING TO VOTE OR CHANGING PARTY CHOICE Theregistrationbookswillbeclosedonthe29thday
beforeeachelectionandwillremaincloseduntilafterthe
election.Duringthistimepartychangesareaccepted,but
onlyforthepurposeoffutureelections.
21
Iron Skillet Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients:
1-1/3 c butter
1 c brown sugar
1 20 oz can pineapples slices maraschino cherries
1/2 c chopped pecans
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 c all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 c buttermilk
1/2 tsp each of: baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg
Directions:










Melt 2/3 cup of butter; stir in brown sugar.
Spread in bottom of 12 inch iron skillet (do not grease).
Arrange pineapple slices over sugar mixture; place a
cherry in the center of each.
Sprinkle with pecans and set aside.
In large bowl cream sugar and remaining butter.
Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Combine all dry ingredients; add alternately with the
buttermilk, mixing well after each addition.
Pour carefully over sugar mixture.
Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes.
Immediately invert onto serving platter.
Club Soda Waffles
2 cups biscuit mix
1/2 c vegetable oil
1 egg
1-1/3 c club soda
Combine above ingredients with a large spoon, don’t over mix.
Use the batter immediately, since if it sits, it will go flat.
Add to a hot waffle iron and viola—light, fluffy, yummy waffles.
Freeze waffles for a quick, yummy breakfast later.
Since there isn’t any milk in batter, just club soda - they freeze
better and retain their taste.
22
Italian Cream Cake
Ingredients:
1/2 c butter, softened
2 c sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1 c flaked coconut
1/2 c shortening
5 lg eggs, separated
2 c all-purpose flour
1 c buttermilk
Directions:












Beat butter and shortening in a large mixing bowl at medium speed until creamy.
Gradually add sugar, beating well.
Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after
each addition.
Add vanilla.
Combine flour and soda; add to butter mixture alternately
with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
Beat at low speed until blended after each addition.
Stir in coconut.
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter.
Pour into 3 greased and floured 9 inch round cake pans.
Bake at 350° for 23 to 25 minutes.
Cool layers in pans on wire rack 10 minutes; remove
from pans, and cool layers completely on wire rack.
Spread with frosting.
23
Lighter Cheesecake
Ingredients:
6 whole graham crackers (ground into crumbs - 3/4 cup)
2 tsp butter, melted
1 tsp water
2 8-oz pkgs fat-free cream cheese, softened
2 8-oz pkgs reduced fat Neufchatel cream cheese, softened
2 tsp vanilla
1-1/4 c sugar
2 eggs
3 egg whites
1 c light sour cream
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:











24
Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking
spray.
Combine the cracker crumbs with the butter and water,
and pat into the bottom of the pan and 1/2 up the side.
Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheeses,, vanilla and
sugar.
Beat for 3 minutes on medium-high speed.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and egg whites until
fluffy, about 30 seconds.
Add to the cream-cheese mixture and beat for 2 minutes.
Add the sour cream, cornstarch, lemon zest and lemon
juice. Beat for another minute.
Pour the batter into the springform pan and smooth the
top
Place in the middle of the oven and bake for 1 hour.
Remove from the oven and run a knife around the edge
to loosen it from the pan while cooling.
Cool on the counter on a rack until it reaches room
temperature, about 2 hours, then wrap in plastic and
refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Oatmeal Cake
Ingredients:
1-1/4 c boiling water
1 stick of butter
1 c brown sugar
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs
1 c quick oats
1 c white sugar
1-1/3 c flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
Directions:



Mix oats into boiling water and butter; let stand 20
minutes.
Mix rest ingredients well then add oat mixture and blend.
Bake 35 minutes at 350°
Topping (Ingredients and Directions):



Mix and spread the following ingredients on hot cake:
6 tsp soft butter, 1/4 c brown sugar, 1 c nuts (pecans),
1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/4 c white sugar, 1/4 c cream, 1 c
coconut.
Put oven on broil and place cake on top shelf and brown
topping.
Walnut Pie by Dee 1 lg bowl of Cool Whip
1 lg can crushed pineapple (1lb 4 oz)
2 graham cracker pie crusts
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1 bag of chopped walnuts
Mix Cool Whip, Eagle Brand milk and walnuts. Drain pineapple and stir
into other mixture. Whip with wire whip until slightly thick. Pour into pie
crusts and then chill for one hour.
25
Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies
Ingredients:
1-1/4 c all-purpose flour
1 c regular oats
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 c granulated sugar
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1/3 c butter, softened
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 lg egg
1/4 c chopped pecans, toasted
1/4 c semisweet chocolate minichips
Directions:












Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups.
Combine flour and next 4 ingredients (through salt).
Stir with a whisk; set aside.
Place sugars and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer
at medium speed until well blended.
Add vanilla nd egg; beat until blended.
Gradually add flour mixture, beating at low speed just until
combined.
Stir in pecans and minichips.
Drop dough by tablespoonsfuls 2 inches apart onto baking
sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350° for 12 minutes or until edges of cookies are
lightly browned.
Cool on pans 2 minutes.
Remove cookies from pans; cool on wire racks.
Yield 3 dozen.
Peach Cobbler
Ingredients:
1 c flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 c butter
1/4-1/3 c peach juice
1 c sugar
2/3 c milk
2-1/2 c sliced peaches
1/2 tsp salt
Directions:





26
Melt butter in square glass pan over low heat.
Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and milk.
Stirring by hand until lumps are gone.
Pour batter over melted butter; dribble fruit over batter.
Bake 35-45 minutes at 350°.
DID YOU KNOW ?
The star symbolizes that great light which led
the wise men to the Christ child so many years
ago. Throughout much of the world, the
Christian holiday begins with the appearance of
the first star on Christmas Eve. The star also
symbolizes hope for peace and good fortune and
demonstrates the fact that all people, regardless
of their nationality, share the same universe.
Because it stays green all through the
year, the evergreen tree is symbolic of
the eternal life offered to Christians
through faith in Christ. The treetop points
heavenward. A star signifies the special star
which guided the wise men to Bethlehem. Lights
represent Christ, the “Light of the World.” Gifts
beneath the tree are representative of God’s gift
of His only begotten Son, who brings Hope,
Love, Joy, and Peace.
Before electric Christmas lights were
invented, candles adorned the
Christmas tree, sparkling like starlight
against the dark green boughs.
The
candle reminds us that Christ is the
light of the world. Many European families still
decorate their Christmas tree with candles which
are burned on Christmas eve.
27
Peanut Butter Pie by Walt
Ingredients:
4 oz cream cheese
1/3 c peanut butter
1 c powdered sugar
1/2 c milk
Directions:





Cream the cream cheese and sugar in a bowl until
smooth.
Add peanut butter and milk using a wire whisk until
smooth.
Fold in 8-9 oz Cool Whip with a spoon.
Pour into 9-inch graham cracker pie shell and put in
freezer.
Let it freeze and eat.
Pecan Halves
Ingredients:
1 egg
1-1/2 tbsp water
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3/4 c sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp all-spice
Directions:






28
Beat 1 egg until frothy with electric beater.
Add and stir rest of ingredients until smooth.
Add pecan halves to mixture.
Pour onto a cookie sheet.
Bake at 250° for 1 hour.
Turn every 15 minutes with egg turner during baking
time.
Perfectly Peanutty Cookies
Ingredients:
1 c peanut butter
1/2 c granulated sugar
1 egg
1/2 c finely chopped peanuts
4-oz Baker’s semi-sweet chocolate, melted
Directions:










Mix peanut butter, sugar and egg until well blended.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Remove and roll mixture into 18 balls.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball by using a fork to make a criss-cross
pattern.
Bake in oven at 325° for 18-20 minutes or until lightly
brown.
Cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheet and then cool
completely on a wire rack.
Melt chocolate.
Dip one end of cookie into melted chocolate and then dip
into chopped peanuts. Repeat with other side.
Place on wax paper covered cookie sheet and refrigerate
until chocolate hardens. Enjoy!
Potato Chip Crunchies
Ingredients:
2 c butter, softened
1 egg
4 c all-purpose flour
1 c chopped pecans
1-1/2 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 c crushed potato chips
Directions:







In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light
and fluffy.
Beat in egg and vanilla.
Gradually add flour and mix well.
Fold in the potato chips and pecans.
Drop by tablespoonfuls 1-1/2 inch apart onto ungreased
baking sheets; flatten with fork.
Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove to wire racks to cool.
29
Spirited Raisin Cookies
Ingredients:
1 c golden raisins
3 tbsp rum extract
1/2 c powdered sugar
2 c flour
1 c butter (softened)
1/2 c water
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
Directions:









Bring raisins to boil in rum and water.
Remove from heat; cover and let stand 30 minutes.
Drain liquid from raisins.
Cream butter and sugar.
Sift flour, salt and baking powder.
Gradually add to cream mixture; add raisins.
Roll out dough to 1/2 inch thickness on floured board.
Cut with cookie cutters.
Bake for 20 minutes at 375° - makes 12 cookies.
Gluhwein
Ingredients:
1 bottle of Merlot
1 pint of Brandy
3-4 whole cloves
Sugar to taste
1 bottle of Cabernet
2 cinnamon sticks
slices of any citrus fruit
Directions:


Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer on
low until hot.
Do not boil.
"Gluehwein is a German/Austrian winter-holiday drink that
most tourists know as an after-ski drink. After you come in
out of the snow, it is supposed to make you glow with warmth
again.
30
Berliner Kranser
Ingredients:
1 c butter
1/2 c sifted powdered sugar
1 hard cooked egg yolk, sieved 1 raw egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
2-1/4 c all-purpose flour
1 slightly beaten egg white
1/3 c granulated sugar
Directions:














Beat butter for 30 seconds with mixer.
Add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
Beat in egg yolk and vanilla.
Stir in the flour.
Cover and chill dough for one hour.
Preheat oven to 325°.
Work with a small amount of dough at a time and keep
the remainder chilled until needed.
Using one tablespoon of dough for each cookie, roll into
a 6 inch rope.
Shape each rope into a wreath, then overlap the dough
about 1 inch from the ends.
Brush with the egg white and then sprinkle with sugar.
Place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool cookies for a minute on the pan and then remove to
a wire rack.
Optional: Can use a candied fruit for decorations.
31
~ Legend Behind Mother Nature’s Creations ~
Ladybugs
Legend has it, that ladybugs are a European symbol of
good luck. They received their name centuries ago in
Europe when farmers found aphids invading their
grapevines. Prayers to the Virgin Mary for help was answered
when thousands of little red beetles appeared and ate the
aphids. The farmers named the helpful beetles in honor of
Mary, also known as “Our Lady.”
Mushrooms
Associated with nature and the beauty of the forest, finding a mushroom is considered to be very
lucky and to mean good fortune is at hand.
Mushroom ornaments are displayed on Christmas trees in Germany in honor of the people’s reverence for nature and in hope
of good luck in the New Year.
Poinsettia
Mexican legend tells of a boy who had no gift to put
by the figure of baby Jesus in church on Christmas
Eve. On his way to church, he heard an angel tell
him to pick some dried weeds for his gift. As he laid
them beside the other gifts, the weeds turned into beautiful
flowers. Dr. Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico,
brought the plant to the United States where it was named
“poinsettia.”
Holly
The bright red and green of holly make it a natural
symbol of rebirth. There are several legends regarding holly. According to one of these legends, holly
branches were woven into Christ’s crown of thorns.
Therefore, the once white berries were stained red by the blood
of Christ. Holly has also come to stand for peace and Joy
32
Sand Dollar
The Legend of the Sand Dollar or the Holy Ghost Shell is
one of the most unusual specimens of marine life. The
markings on the shell symbolize the Birth, Crucifixion,
and Resurrection of Christ. On the top side of the shell, an outline of the Easter Lily is clearly seen. At the center of the Lily, a
five pointed Star representing the Star of Bethlehem appears.
The five narrow openings are representative of the four nail
holes and the spear wound made in the body of Christ during
the Crucifixion. Reversing the shell, you will easily recognize
the outline of the Christmas Poinsettia and also the Bell. When
broken, inside the shell are five little birds called the Doves of
Peace. Some say they are the Angels that sang to the Shepherds the First Christmas Morning.
Pinecones
Pinecones symbolize eternity. Because of their
abundance in the forest, they are often used as
natural decorations. Molds were developed by
early European glass blowers to produce pinecones as glass Christmas tree ornaments.
Honey Bees
The honey bee is a symbol of industry, resourcefulness, and prosperity. These tiny creatures show us
there is a success and satisfaction in working together harmoniously while still enjoying the sweetness of life. British farmers believed the bee
hummed in honor of the Christ child on the first Christmas.
Butterfly
Symbolic of resurrection and eternal life, the butterfly emerging from its cocoon represents the
resurrection of Christ from the tomb. Just as the
butterfly comes forth with a new body, those who
trust in Christ come forth with new life
33
~ Last Minute Ideas ~
Reduced-fat Monkey Bread
Ingredients:
3/4 c sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 c wheat germ
1/2 c applesauce
1/4 c butter, melted
2 cans refrigerated reduced-fat, whole wheat biscuits
Directions:








Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a Bundt pan with non-stick cooking
spray; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon and wheat germ.
Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces.
Add the biscuits to the bowl and coat all the pieces. Place the
biscuits evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 30 minutes, then removed the pan from the oven and
cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
Return to the oven and continue to bake for about 15 minutes.
Remove again and loosen the sides with a knife.
Place a plat over the top and turn the pan over onto the plate.
HOW MUCH DO I NEED?
Below are some basics found in multivitamins and
minerals, along with their recommended daily
allowances, according to the National Instituted of
Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements:





34
Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits and broccoli
Adult Men: 90 mg Adult Women: 75 mg
Vitamin A: Found in beef and carrots
Adult Men: 900 IU Adult Women: 700 IU
Vitamin E: Found in safflower oil and nuts
Adults: 15 mg
Calcium: Found in kale and yogurt
Adults: 1000 mg
Vitamin D: Found in salmon and milk
Adults: 600 IU Adults Older Than 70: 800 IU
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
4 oz fine-qualify bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
3/4 c sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 c unsweetened cocoa powder plus extra for sprinkling
Whipped cream and berries (optional)
Directions:








Preheat oven to 375° and butter an 8-inch round baking pan. Line
bottom of pan with a round of wax paper; butter paper.
Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler or a metal
bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, melt chocolate with butter, stirring until smooth.
Remove from heat; add sugar, and whisk. Add eggs and whisk
again.
Sift 1/2 cup cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until
just combined.
Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven for 25 minutes, or
until top has formed a thin crust. Be careful not to over bake.
Cool cake in pan on a rack for 5 minutes.
Turn out onto a plate, then invent onto a serving plate.
If desired, dust cake with additional cocoa powder and serve with
sorbet.
Once it has cooled completely, the cake will keep in an airtight container for a week. You can also freeze it, sealed in freezer-quality
plastic wrap, for up to two months. Simply defrost overnight in the
fridge. Serve at room temperature.
The only blind person at
Christmas time is he who has not
Christmas in his heart.
Helen Keller
35
The Candy Cane
White - symbolizes the Virgin Birth and the
sinless nature of Jesus.
Hardness symbolizes the solid rock, the
foundation of the Church, and firmness of the
promises of God.
"J" represents the precious name of Jesus, who
came to earth as our Savior. It could also
represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd".
3 small red stripes show the stripes of the
scourging Jesus received by which we are
healed.
The large red stripe was for the blood shed by
Christ on the cross so that we could have the
promise of eternal life.
36
STORING YOUR CONDIMENTS
Ketchup
Ketchup can be stored either in the refrigerator or on
the shelf even after it’s been opened. If you don’t use
it regularly, however, opt for the fridge. Once opened,
it should be used within a month if stored in the
cabinet or within six months if in fridge.
Mayonnaise
Unopened use by the “best by” date on the package
(but in most case will still be good for up to four
months after that date). Must be refrigerated once it’s
been opened since it is made from eggs. Jar will last
up to three months in the fridge and should never be
left on the counter for more than an hour or two.
Mustard
Unopened can be still be used after two years on the
shelf. Once opened, a jar an be stored for up to two
months in the cabinet or one full year in the fridge.
Peanut Butter
Unopened jars can be stored in the cabinet for up to
nine months. Opened jars are fine for at least a
month on the shelf.
Jams, Jellies & Preserves
Unopened jars can be stored for at least a year on the
shelf - will taste better and last longer in fridge. Once
opened, they’ll last another year in the fridge.
Soy Sauce
Unopened bottle will last up to three years on the
shelf. Opened bottle up to two years in the fridge.
Barbeque Sauce
Unopened in cabinet for one year. Once opened,
bottles can be stored up to a month on the shelf and
four months in fridge.
37
Christmas First The world was but a cradle,
When the infant child was born.
Nothing but a manger,
For which to keep him warm.
The angels' chorus sang,
There was frankincense and myrrh.
But not a sound he made,
This child, with heart so pure.
No mortal man could see,
As the star shone down so bright.
How this small defenseless babe,
Would fill the world with light.
For on that peaceful night,
God sent his only son.
That one day he'd be a man,
Eternal life would come.
So let us now rejoice,
Our souls through him redeemed.
Remember not the presents,
But what Christmas truly means...
By Geoffrey Caldwell
(Used by permission)
38
The Christmas Gift Poem It isn’t the flowing ribbons,
draped and curled with extra care,
or the fine and fancy bows
ties with ornamental flair.
It isn’t the label on the box,
the sum of money spent,
or anything that shows the length
to which you obviously went.
The beauty of a Christmas gift
cannot be seen at all.
For the loveliness of giving
is a feeling, grand and tall.
It’s the genuine offer of love,
The yearning to make a connection,
a show of honest gratitude,
a display of sincere affection.
Created By: Jeannie Chesling
for Sumter County Supervisor Elections
39
40