Christmas

Celebrants and shoppers annually spend billions of dollars during the holiday season. With so much money exchanging hands, it is imperative for shoppers and revelers to use caution to avoid incidents that can put a damper on such a festive time of year.

Lighting a Christmas tree may seem like child’s play, but time and again people struggle with the task. Untangling wires and wrapping them around boughs can be nerve wracking, but lighting a tree doesn’t have to be a chore when you follow some tips from the professionals.

By LeAnn R. Ralph COLFAX — After living in California for 30 years, Eileen Hoton, former co-owner of Hoton’s Bakery in Colfax, has returned. Eileen and her late husband, Bob, operated Hoton’s Bakery in Colfax for about 20 years during the late 1950s, 1960s and much of the 1970s. The Hotons took a job in…

Eggnog Cream Cheese Cups By Chef Gale Gand Servings: 2 dozen Ingredients:  Dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/2 cup sour cream 1 egg yolk   Filling: 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temp. 1 egg 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2…

What would the holidays be without snowflakes falling outside, a mug of hot cocoa in hand and a favorite Christmas movie on television? Television is full of feel-good movies come the holiday season. Choose from among classic flicks you have watched year after year or new movies vying for spots as soon-to-be favorites.

By Kelsie Hoitomt BOYCEVILLE – “As I remember Christmas as a youth, many things come to mind,” shared long time Boyceville native Ted Bissell, “the first I recall was going to church Christmas Eve and performing in a Christmas pageant. After the pageant and services we were each given a bag which held an orange,…

By LeAnn R. Ralph TOWN OF OTTER CREEK — For nearly 20 years in the late 1970s, the 1980s, and early 1990s, Town of Otter Creek resident Anita Rundle and her late husband, Doug, put up a display of Christmas lights at their home. They called it Santa Land. The display included a church that…

By Marlys Kruger When families begin to expand as we grow older, getting together and shopping for everyone at Christmas seems to become harder and harder to do. One family in the Colfax-Bloomer area decided it was time to change their yearly tradition of buying gifts for everyone and look for a new way to…

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. Although just about any drink can be given a holiday spin with the right name (think Merry Martinis), you may want to come…

Flourless Mint Chocolate Cake