I love Egg Nog but there are several problems; the calories, the quantity and the risk posed by consuming raw eggs. Let me introduce you to the Tom & Jerry! This one-mug wonder is a favorite at the Buffalo landmark restaurant Schnabbles. You can easily mix up two mugs as a special treat to share.
Beat 1 egg white until it forms soft peaks, combine this with 1/4 cup of confectioners sugar and 1 egg yolk.
Heat 2 cups of milk
Spoon one-half of the egg mixture into each mug, add a splash of rum or brandy if desired, then top each mug with the heated milk, stir and enjoy!
Bringing the Outdoor In
Baby it’s cold outside so instead bring the outdoors in this season! The obvious place to start is the Christmas tree. To choose a fresh cut tree, look for one with a healthy color and good fragrance. Run the tip of a branch between your thumb and forefinger, if no needles fall, you are in good shape. When you get the tree home, cut about 6” off the base of the trunk to allow it to ‘drink’ and get it into the stand where it can be watered. Don’t let it dry out! Some people swear by concoctions to keep the tree fresh longer such as watering it with “Sprite” or adding a cut flower food to the water. Finally, recycle your tree. Many townships offer collection and mulching, or place it outdoors to provide shelter for wildlife. (I'll try to offer some tips for bird feeding later this winter.)
A live trees should be kept indoors no longer than a week. Don’t let the root ball dry out when it is inside and water well when it goes out again. Before making the big climate change to the indoor or back outside, allow the tree a few days to adjust in a cool garage. Ideally you should plan ahead and have a planting hole dug for the tree before the ground freezes. Don’t forget other live tree options such as small holly trees and Dwarf Alberta Spruce to be used indoors or out.
Other ways to display your greens include wreaths, swags and garlands. We know to use traditional material such as evergreen boughs, holly, juniper berries and boxwood, but look around in your garden for other options such as magnolia leaves, ivy, red-twig dogwoods, winterberry and rose hips. These can be tucked into store bought wreaths or fashioned into your own swags. Even dried flowers, grasses and hydrangea blooms make seasonal additions to holiday arrangements.
If you are looking to give something other than a poinsetta consider Cyclamen, Orchids, fragrant Gardenia and Rosemary trees. Amaryllis is another traditional choice, but for the “Do-It-Yourself-Gardener” consider giving the bulb in a nice pot, perhaps with a pair of garden gloves and tied up with a holiday ribbon. There are also live arrangements done with ivy or small junipers. Already planted in a basket and garnished with a bow, they are a ready to go gift. Remember the ‘rules’ with any houseplant; keep the room at a consistent temperature, give them plenty of sunlight and water properly. I have found this particularly difficult to do with rosemary and gardenia so consider saving these for the advanced gardeners on your list!
What better way to bring the outdoors in for your favorite gardener than with a garden gift? This time of year a journal can inspire thoughts of the season to come and give a place to jot ideas when going through seed catalogs in early winter. A garden ornament, such as a statue, sundial or trellis can bring interest to a drab winter garden. Tuck a garden tool and gloves into a pair of clogs or give a gift of Burt’s Bees lotions and soaps that any garden weary hands would love.
Finally take time during the holiday season to not just bring the outdoors in, but to bring yourself outdoors! Most of all…Have a Happy Holiday.
-Sharon and Barry
Seasonal Tasks
- Lightly trim evergreens for use as holiday decorations.
- Spray broadleaf evergreens with anti-dessicant if not already treated.
- Remove snow fall from Arborvitea and other shrubs to prevent damage.
- Snow may be piled on perennial areas but avoid accumulation on shrub.
- Avoid using salt on on or near plants to prevent damage.
- Clean and prepare tools for winter storage. Prepare snowblower.
- Provide cover, seed and suet to attract a variety of birds.
- Additional information can be found on Our Blog and weekly tips on Facebook
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