December 2020

Holiday Popcorn Snowmen

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Yield: 5 snowmen

1 package (1 pound) large marshmallows

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, plus additional for greasing hands

1 teaspoon vanilla

10 cups popped popcorn

sprinkles (optional)

licorice (optional)

gum drops (optional)

cinnamon candies (optional)

In large saucepan, melt marshmallows and 1/4 cup butter. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let stand 5 minutes.

Coconut Popcorn Snowballs

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Yield: 8 balls (4 inches)

2 cups shredded or flaked sweetened coconut nonstick cooking spray

nonstick cooking spray

3 quarts popped popcorn

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine

3 cups miniature marshmallows

1 teaspoon coconut or vanilla extract

8 candy canes or candy cane sticks (about 3-4 inches)

Place large sheet wax or parchment paper over work surface. Spread coconut on paper.

POPPING UP Festive Holiday Fun

During a holiday season that may not quite feel the same for many families, you can add a magic touch to at-home festivities with activities and treats that get everyone involved. Creating decorative holiday sweets allows little ones and grown-ups alike to take part in the fun, and the end result is delicious desserts for all to enjoy.

BBB: Beware of delivery scams during holiday season

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in Lake Charles, some consumers have recently been getting text messages stating a major delivery carrier needs them to “update delivery preferences” on a package by clicking on a link. The problem? The text is a scam, and the link results in theft of personal information.

Delivery scams and theft are particularly prevalent at the holidays, when more packages are being shipped, but they can happen year round. Scammers are hoping shoppers are busy or distracted and will act without thinking.

Chocolate Popcorn Reindeer

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Servings: 8

8 cups unsalted, unbuttered, popped popcorn

2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips

2 tablespoons butter or light olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

16 pretzel sticks

16 eyeball candies

8 red candy-coated chocolate candies Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.

Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.

Jennings vs. Madison Prep

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Foo Fact of the Game: Despite both Jennings and Madison Prep having highscoring offenses, the game was a defensive struggle with only 3 offensive plays of 40 or more yards.

Get in the habit of saving more each month

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Saving is a vital component of financial planning. However, more than half of Americans are saving too little and do not have an accurate grasp of their spending habits.

Watching Bob

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remember the day Madeline said to me, “I like watching the squirrels scurry ing around in my backyard, looking for acorns or stopping to eat one. I wonder what they’re thinking …” she said with her perfect diction and uplifting voice, as if she were telling the story to a gaggle of fourth graders gathered around her feet. I

Return to the gym safely

Gyms have begun to reopen in parts of the United States and Canada after being shuttered to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It may have been several months since members have stepped foot in these facilities. That means not only will fitness enthusiasts need to be smart about COVID-19 precautions, they also will need to reacclimate their bodies to routine exercise.

Elton working to clean up park

ELTON — Council members here are working on cleaning up the town park.