In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

Five Decadent Cookbooks for the 2011 Holiday Season

Before you dive right into planning your big soiree or family gathering, take a bite out of this year’s most popular holiday cookbooks, all of which can be found on Amazon.com.

Debbie Macomber’s Christmas Cookbook: Favorite Recipes and Holiday Traditions from My Home to Yours, by Debbie Macomber

$19.38 (hardcover) $9.99 (Kindle)

Debbie Macomber loves the holidays, and it’s quite evident in this book. In it, the “Official Storyteller of Christmas” shares more than 100 of her famous recipes as well as easy-to-follow instructions for crafts, decorations and gift wrapping. Recipes include dishes like Five-Minute Cranberry Walnut Cobbler, Zucchini Ribbon Frittata with Cheese, Cider Glazed Roast Turkey, Warm German Potato Salad and Triple Ginger Chocolate Chunk Cookies. The recipes are scrumptious, but what really warms the heart of this book are Debbie’s personal memories and observations about traditions past and present that are peppered throughout.

Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 13: Recipes, Projects and Gift Ideas, by Gooseberry Patch

$13.01 (paperback) $19.77 (hardcover)

The 13^th installment in the much-anticipated annual series, Gooseberry Patch features over 65 mouth-watering recipes and 100-plus all new ideas for handcrafted decorations, projects and gifts. In the inspiring world of the Gooseberry Patch, you can impress friends and family with giftable goodies like Cranberry Scones and Marshmallow Popcorn; Autumn Pork Chops, Chocolate Egg Nog and other five-ingredient wonders; and Christmas dinner classics like Roast Turkey with Sage Butter and Maple Pecan Pie. Plenty of beautiful photos and step-by-step instructions make this a great, holiday go-to for all your entertaining needs.

Christmas with Southern Living 2011: Savor, Entertain, Decorate, Share, by the editors of Southern Living Magazine

$18.21 (hardcover)

Perfect for those domestic divas who love to plan ahead and keep everything ultra organized, this 2011 installment is touted as the largest, most up-to-date and complete guide to the holidays available. Over 100 all new recipes and dozens of decorating and entertainment ideas are just the start. There’s also a 16-page holiday planner with calendars and charts that you can write on. Filled with quick entertaining and cooking tips and spaces to make holiday card and gift lists, organize menu plans and more, it’s certainly one of the most all-inclusive party planning tools out there. You’ll also find photos of homes for creative, yet inexpensive decorating ideas, holiday table setting and centerpiece ideas, and a source list for where to find props and accessories pictured throughout the book.

Vegan Holiday Kitchen: More than 200 Delicious, Festive Recipes for Special Occasions, by Nava Atlas and Susan Voisin

$15.40 (hardcover)

From one of the most respected names in vegetarian and vegan cooking, Nava Atlas, along with Fat Free Vegan extraordinaire Susan Voisin comes this vegetarian delight for all occasions. In it, they address all the celebratory events that surround Thanksgiving, Hannukah and Christmas, including brunches, lunches, dinners, potlucks and buffets. With recipes that include Coconut Butternut Squash Soup, Hearty Vegetable Pot Pie, Ravioli with Sweet Potatoes and Sage and Cashew Chocolate Mousse Pie, this dynamic duo proves that vegan eating can be just as tasteful and amazing as the stuff of carnivores…if not better!

Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations, by Martha Stewart

$43.42 (hardcover)

Martha Stewart whisks curious readers into her world of divine entertainment in this, one of her most intimate books to date. Featured in its pages are stories from some of Martha’s most memorable affairs with family and friends, from a simple blueberry breakfast to a lavish holiday dinner. Of course, approachable recipes abound, including Tomato and Guyere Toasts, Mini Crab Cakes, Tiny Tuna Burgers, Wild Mushroom Lasagna, Braised Short Ribs and more, as well as some of Martha’s favorite drinks. Can you say Pomegranate Cosmopolitan or Honeydew Mojitos? We’ll drink to that! 

Not Your Father’s Steakhouse – Embers Steaks Ribs & Spirits

 By Aly Wagonseller

Sometimes a restaurant, especially one that’s only been open a little over a month, isn’t quite sure what it wants to be when it grows up.  On one hand, a name and concept has painstakingly been chosen; an experienced chef (ala Becker’s Steakhouse) capably creates respectable dishes in the kitchen; and a good amount of cash has been pumped into sleek and inviting décor.  On the other hand, though, is what people actually perceive the place to be.   Is it a date night restaurant where you’d order $30+ steaks while sipping hand crafted martinis in a secluded and romantic setting? Or are the vibe and decidedly bar-centric surroundings more conducive to appies, casual fare and cocktails? For me, Embers Steaks Ribs & Spirits was most certainly the latter, and judging by the crowd on a somewhat lively Thursday evening, I’m not alone in my thinking.

I will admit that I may be old fashioned when it comes to steakhouses, and maybe the younger crowd doesn’t have the same expectations I do. All I know is that I can grill a pretty darn good steak on my backyard barbecue, so intimate ambiance and some extra TLC by experienced staff is paramount when I’m dropping 100+ bucks on dinner for two. I also want an ample tabletop that doesn’t require a plan-o-gram to simultaneously support a cocktail glass, salad and entrée plate without fear of it toppling to the floor with one wrong move of my fork.  Not being able to hear your neighbor’s conversation because the tables aren’t right on top of each other is also a plus.  These are the little details that would keep me from revisiting Embers for a quiet steakhouse experience. Thankfully, it has so much more to offer the casual diner.  

We started with cocktails and appetizers–a delicious Dirty Girl Martini made from Pear Vodka, St. Germaine, fresh pear and lime juice, and a kind of bruschetta known as the Eggplant and Fresh Mozzarella Melt.  The cocktail was slightly sweet, yet surprisingly refreshing, balanced with delicate floral undertones of elderflower liqueur and a somewhat fibrous texture from the macerated pear.  The melt was one of those dishes that, while simplistic, capitalized on clean and pure flavor combination. Crispy, buttery crostini topped with smokey, wood grilled eggplant provided heft, while the soft, mellow cheese and fresh tomato relish served to brighten the heavier elements on the plate.  A must try, eggplant lover or not.

We opted to forego the typical steak entrées, partially because of the price tag, but also because the more modest food we saw being served to the majority of patrons looked so incredibly delicious.  I literally wanted to steal the gargantuan hamburger out from under our neighboring diner’s nose, his unabashed devouring of it a testament to its appeal.  Instead, I chose the Short Rib sliders, which satisfied my craving for a sumptuous homey dish while keeping the portion to a minimum.  Served on two exceptionally fresh buns and spiced up by a dollop of horseradish that did well to tame the richness of the meat, this was glammed up bar food at its best.  Next up, the tri tip and baby back rib combo. While the meat was tender, flavorful and properly prepared, it was the side of cream corn that made the biggest impact.  Why it took a chef so long to create creamed corn that’s sweet and earthy, yet maintains that fresh-from-the-cob crunch, I’ll never know. Kudos to Chef Brett.    

The service at Embers was quite friendly, and I’ll definitely be back for inspired selections that include a California Guacamole and Brie Melt, Rock Shrimp Tacos with Corn Salsa, or a Mahi Mahi Panini with grilled pineapple and chipotle mayo.  It may not be the steakhouse experience of times gone by, but it is the perfect place for a fun, lively dinner or happy hour spent in a hip, neighborhood restaurant that’s close to home. Embers is located in Boca Park at 740 So. Rampart Blvd. Call 778-2160 for info or reservations.

Holiday Houseguests – A Survival Checklist

Holiday Houseguests – A Survival Checklist

Prelude to Drama in the Desert – The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

It’s official: come spring of 2012, Vegas will be Broadway-bound, and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts will make history as the city’s first state-of-the-art venue dedicated primarily to performance art. Subscriptions to the center’s first Broadway series, featuring The Color Purple, Mary Poppins, Million Dollar Quartet and Memphis, have been on sale since summer, but with the recent announcement of their Design Your Own series, audiences have so much more to cheer about.

Regards to Broadway…Hello DYO

Despite the city’s penchant for bringing big budget entertainment to the masses, the bright lights, drama and action of Broadway have been a long time coming. Yet, as wonderful as it is to have Broadway caliber shows grace the center’s stage, the Design Your Own series is perhaps the most exciting revelation for both avid theater goers and tepid fans alike. Traditionally, in places like New York where theater reigns supreme, DYO tickets are generally only sold within a specific genre, be it all dance or all music, and there isn’t much crossover. The Smith Center is breaking the mold with their own offerings, which gives guests the opportunity to sample genres that span from comedy to music to spoken word performances.

“We plan to bring the community a wide variety of shows in order to provide cultural diversity for all,” said Myron Martin, president and CEO of the Smith Center. “The Design Your Own series has something for everyone and will allow people to customize a package that fits their interests, while allowing them to explore new acts they may not have otherwise sought out.”

With more than 20 shows to choose from, the series offers visitors a taste of everything, including up to 15% savings on individual ticket prices. It breaks down like this: purchase tickets for three different shows, receive a 5% total discount; purchase five shows, receive a 10% discount; purchase seven shows, receive a 15% discount. Individual ticket prices for DYO productions start as low as $24, and by packaging three or more shows into a custom series, patrons can save even more.

What’s On

Titles available for the Design Your Own series are a blend of dance, music and special attractions featuring some of the best entertainment acts out there. The series kicks off with a performance by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones on March 12^th. Fronted by master-banjoist Bela Fleck, this Grammy award-winning quartet covers it all from classical and jazz to bluegrass and electric blues, with a touch of Eastern European folk thrown in for good measure. The hits just keep on coming with performances that include Disney’s Imagination Movers, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Pink Floyd Experience, The Cleveland Orchestra and Yo-Yo Ma. Even David Sedaris, one of America’s preeminent humor writers, will take the stage to share his sardonic wit with audiences. Lily Tomlin will make an appearance on May 13^th, followed by Buddy Guy with Quinn Sullivan on May 19^th.

Indeed, there is something here for everyone’s enjoyment. And from the looks of it, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts will make a renowned cultural destination out of Vegas yet! Purchase tickets and scout out shows at www.thesmithcenter.com.

Breck Naylor

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2012

In the words of Palo Verde High School senior Breck Naylor, “There is power in just one,” and her accomplishments thus far can certainly attest to that truth. Already a small business owner, she’s provided youth in her Pee Wee Cheerleading and Craft Camp the opportunity to inch a little closer to their aspirations. All the while, she’s acted as a tireless volunteer, donating time to assist those in need. For her desire to be that one person who makes a positive impact on the lives of others, while finding the courage to stand behind her convictions and reach for the stars, Breck Naylor is – A Step Above. 

 G.P.A.: 4.1

Sports/Activities/Clubs:

• Freshman Cheer Squad, 2008-09; JV Cheer Squad, 2009-10, Co-Captain
• Varsity Cheer Squad, 2010-12; Captain, 2011-12
• Summerlin Dance Academy Team, 2008
• Church Youth Choir, 2008-Present
• Youth Dance Festival, 2008
• National Honor Society, 2008
• Nevada State Student Council Representative, 2009-11
• Church Youth Group Member and Leader, 2008-Present
• Freshman Class VP, 2008-09; Sophomore Class VP, 2009-10; Student Body 1^st VP, 2011-12
• Student Body Historian, 2010-11

Awards/Community Service:

• National Junior Leader Award Recipient, 2008
• Cheerleading Competition Champion, 2009-Present
• UCA All American Cheerleading Team, 2009-Present
• LDS Young Women’s Recognition Award, 2008
• State Student Government Conference, 2009-11
• Volunteer Work: Opportunity Village, Three Square, Fight for Diabetes Walk, Salvation Army Food Drive, Toys for Tots, Little Sisters
• Hats for ICU Infant Care, 2008-09
• Prom Dresses for the Needy Fashion Show, 2011
• Ronald McDonald House Quilts, 2008
• Hygiene Kits for Tsunami Victims, 2010
• Church Youth Camp Leader, 2010-11
• Lupus Walk for a Cure, 2009

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Ten years really isn’t that long from now, so I hope to be working in a successful career, but more importantly, supporting my husband and caring for my family. I would also like to be involved in some type of community service so that I can make a difference in others’ lives.”

Breck is Successful Because: “I think the self-worth my parents have instilled in me gives me the drive to be successful.  I also rely on good friends and my church to help me stay true to my moral values. In addition, I never forget that true success means setting goals, working hard, staying positive and never giving up!” 

Breck Looks Up To: “I look up to anyone who works hard at being successful, lives life to the fullest and doesn’t let others pressure them to be something or someone other than what they want to be. To me, that is true courage!” 

Madison Taylor Blau

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2012

Palo Verde High School senior Madison Blau is one busy young lady. Between studying hard to maintain excellent grades and running her own business, it’s a wonder she has time for anything else. But she does, and that time has been well-spent on her own creation: the What’s in Your Closet Project. Through the initiative, Madison helps collect lightly used shoes and handbags from women in the community to be sold on eBay. The profits are then shared between the nonprofits Best Buddies and Opportunity Village.  It’s not your average teenage activity, but we wouldn’t expect anything less from this above average achiever, whose commitment to helping others while staying true to her upstanding core values elevates her to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.74

Clubs/Activities/Awards:

• Best Buddies
• PVHS Yearbook
• National Honors Society
• 2011 Best Buddies Nevada Outstanding Chapter Award
• Best Buddies and Opportunity Village “What’s in Your Closet?” Project
• The One Yellow Rose eBay Business Founder

Goals & Aspirations: “I hope to attend a top university where I will major in marketing and communications design. I hope to develop my entrepreneurial skills and maybe someday run my own magazine.”

Madison is Successful Because: “I have an excellent work ethic and vision for perfection. My creative ability to think outside of the box and my unwavering dedication enable me to achieve my ultimate success.”

Madison Looks Up To: “I look up to my big brother and best friend, Justin. He epitomizes what it means to have ‘everything.’ Justin manages to balance his rigorous finance major at Washington University in St. Louis with his thriving music career as the mash-up artist 3LAU. Even with his busy schedule, he still makes it his priority to spend quality time with his family.”

Madison is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Through Best Buddies and Opportunity Village, working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has been an eye-opening experience for me. It has given me life perspective and has taught me to never take anything in life for granted.” 

Part of the Solution: “Young adults today sometimes have a hard time accepting people who are different. Whether it’s discrimination based on skin color, religion or an intellectual disability, young adults tend to see the world in a very narrow view. I hope to be a part of the solution by promoting inclusion and educating those around me.”

Megan Alexander

The Meadows School

Class of 2012

Meadows School senior Megan Alexander has a vision of the future; a place where success is not measured by awards and notoriety, but by how great it makes one feel. As an outstanding runner and student, she’s acting out that vision, showing all her peers the joy that comes from hard work and dedication. As the leader of her school’s Create a Change Now chapter, she’s also demonstrating that she isn’t afraid to get a little dirt under her nails to make the world a better place. For her philanthropic efforts, fortitude and positivity, Megan Alexander is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.75

Sports/Clubs/Community Service:

• Varsity Cross Country, 2010-Present; Team Captain, 2011/12
• Varsity Track, 2009-Present
• Volleyball, 2008; Captain, 2009
• Technical Theater, 2007-11
• Recycling Club–Meadows Environmental Consortium, 2008-Present
• Mock Trial, 2010-Present
• Create a Change Now, 2010-Present; President, 2011/12
• Club Cure, 2010-Present; President, 2011/12
• Rock the Walk Volunteer, 2008-10
• Relay for Life, 2011
• Youth Advisory Council, 2011
• St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Volunteer, 2008-11
• Catholic Charities Volunteer, 2009
• Three Square, 2009

Awards:

• Cum Laude Society, 2011/12
• National Honor Society & National Spanish Honor Society, 2010-12
• National Merit Semifinalist, 2011
• National Spanish Exam–Nevada Chapter 2^nd Place 4 OE, 2011
• Student of the Year, 2007/09/10
• MVP–Cross Country, 2011
• 1^st Place in Regional Competition & State Competition Medal–Cross Country, 2010
• 2^nd Place 800m–Cross Country Regional Competition
• Academic Awards: AP European History, 2011; Honors Algebra II/Trig, 2010; AP US History, 2010; Honors American Literature and Composition, 2010; Honors Intro to English Literature and Composition, 2009; Honors Spanish II, 2009; Honors Ancient History, 2009

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “My induction into the Cum Laude Society was an important moment for me. Knowing that many of my teachers had come together to choose me from among my entire grade was gratifying.”

Megan Looks Up To: “I recently read a book called Born to Run about a tribe of runners called the Tarahumaras. Their reason for running has nothing to do with competition; they push themselves solely for the pleasure. I have internalized this outlook, trying to always look past tangible payoffs and instead focus upon how much fun I have in the process.”

Part of the Solution: “Childhood obesity has become a matter of global concern. When one in three kids are considered obese within our own nation, I cannot help but feel impelled to act. It is this passion that has driven me to lead my school’s chapter of the club Create a Change Now.”

Gabriella Quarantello

Bishop Gorman High School                                                               

Class of 2012

What’s behind a beautiful smile? A lot more than teeth and gums, if you ask Bishop Gorman High School senior Gabriella Quarantello. There’s certainly much behind her own. Confidence, for one. Charisma, for another. Intelligence and talent are present and accounted for as well. But even more evident is a kind-hearted disposition; one rooted in a desire to achieve her highest potential while doing what she can to lift the spirits of others. Whether performing on the stage, speaking behind a podium, volunteering her time or working steadfastly toward her goals, she’s making the grade and making a difference, and for that, Gabriella Quarantello is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  3.98

Activities/Clubs:

• Worship Choir, 2009-Present
• Theatre, 2009-Present
• Dancer–Production of The Tree, 2009; Dancer, Speaker and Co-Dance Captain–The Reflections in the Mirror, 2010
• House Management/Guest Services–Peter Pan, The Importance of Being Earnest and Charley”s Aunt
• Gaels on Broadway JV, 2009-10; Varsity, 2010-11; Varsity w/ Directing Practicum, 2011-12
• ·       An Actor”s Ballet: Peter and the Wolf as the Duck, 2011
• National Honor Society Secretary and Member, 2011-Present
• International Thespian Society Troupe #4347, 2009-Present
• Spanish Honor Society, 2010-Present
• Mu Alpa Theta, 2011-Present
• Speech and Debate Team, 2009-Present; Secretary, 2010-11; Captain, 2011-Present
• BGHS Academic Society Secretary and Member, 2009-10
• Student Government, 2007-Present

Awards:

• Student of the Year: Forensics, 2011; Church History, 2010; New Testament, 2009; English I, 2009; Health, 2009
• Certificate of Honor: Chemistry, 2011; Biology, 2010; Algebra I Honors, 2009; Spanish I, 2009
• Speech and Debate: NV State Tournament 3^rdPlace Congressional Debate, 2011; Degree of Excellence, 2011; Rookie of the Year, 2010; Degree of Honor, 2010
  • Lion”s Club Student Speaker Contest–Club, Zone and District Level Winner, 2010; State Level Runner-Up  
  • Sunrise Hospital and Sunrise Children’s Hospital Junior Volunteer, 2009-Present 

Goals and Aspirations: “My goals are to graduate from high school and attend UNLV to obtain my bachelor’s degree in biology with a professional concept, then attend dental school. Eventually, I would love to become an oral surgeon, because when people feel good about their teeth, they will smile more, therefore, bringing happiness to all.”

Gabriella Looks Up To: “I look up to my parents because they are so strong in every aspect. I look up to them in so many ways, because I admire their love for their family so much. They will drop anything to spend time with me.”

Cause for Concern: “If I could, I would be president of the American Heart Association, because in 2010 my dad had six-coronary bypass open heart surgery. Two weeks later, he was discharged; truly one of the happiest days of my life. I want to help other families who are going through this situation, because having my dad’s life given back to me is priceless.”