(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

How was your Thanksgiving? It was a day that all of us gave thanks for what we have and hopefully we shared and helped others. I know it is easier to say than do, especially when we have so much going on those days with the majority having family coming in or you went to their house, I don’t think anyone should be left alone on special days like that… but the word thanksgiving first is to give thanks but second is to give and share your time plus anything else to less fortunate that day!

And by watching the news we saw and heard so many people that left their families for a few hours to go and serve or deliver meals to others because for one reason or the other they were left alone at home…if you were one of those Individuals I want to congratulate you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness!

I’m also very proud of our Mid-Ohio Valley that gathered food and still do for the Christmas season, we know so many families struggling right now how to put food on the table, pay utilities, house payments, and so many other responsibilities that they have to face day in and day out, and unfortunately takes the excitement out of the holidays, but if all of us help someone in need,and of course some more than others. I’m sure they will appreciate it and at the same time it will make us feel good inside.

There is a lot that we can do and offer to others if we just stop and think and put ourselves in that situation and think carefully if that person was us?

Life has ups and downs, but as good citizens, we need to step in and help any time we can.

So proud of the Boys and Girls Clubs, Salvation Army and many other groups and organizations that continuously help. The more you give and share the more you receive and if you haven’t yet, you still have time to do so. From now on when you see the Salvation Army red kettles at the stores, there is a chance you can participate. You will be surprised at the difference you can make and if you have an hour or so to share and go ring the bells for them.

Our West Virginia Symphony League-Parkersburg members will ring bells again this year for the Salvation Army in front of Sam’s Club on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. What a way to bring and welcome the Christmas Season, also every year I offer in our three businesses to put several red kettles for people to drop off their change and we have a big angel Christmas tree for all of you to stop and adopt a family. What a blessing to be able to give and share!

As a board member of the Parkersburg High School Foundation, I look forward to go and support the lighting of the PHS Christmas tree and this year on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. What a great tradition and also the A Capella choir will be singing Christmas carols and I’m proud that my granddaughter Athena is a member of that group .

Christmas season is finally here and let’s not forget the true meaning and how we can make a difference to someone, family, child and our community. Spread love, compassion, concern for others. Life is not only what we can accumulate, but to share and give with others. For instance a small example, share your leftover food because someone else is going to bed hungry, so don’t waste it. Come out to see the Christmas trees if you haven’t seen them yet, they will be gone by Dec. 11. Make sure to take your family and go to see both of the Vienna and Parkersburg Christmas parades on Dec. 6. I will be supporting them by riding our business SUV with my granddaughters (family tradition) and our employees. I look forward every year to participating and helping them by dropping off canned goods for needy families.

Don’t forget to purchase a beautiful poinsettia that the West Virginia Symphony League-Parkersburg fundraiser is offering again as one of our fundraisers this year. Our next fundraiser for our WV Symphony League-Parkersburg is a beautiful silver necklace and earrings to match a heart shape with mini diamonds and rubies in the middle. We offer one ticket for $10 or three tickets for $25. Compliments of Kay’s Jewelry Store in Grand Central Mall. To purchase your tickets call Carol at 704-705-7182, or call me if you have any questions. Appreciate all your calls and text messages.

One thing for sure you don’t want to miss the most beautiful Christmas concert at the Blennerhassett Middle School on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2:30 p.m.

As a tradition the West Virginia Symphony League-Parkersburg members will provide complimentary homemade cookies for all of you to enjoy! And for so many of you that you miss my homemade baklava there is your chance to come and enjoy the concert and at intermission to have a piece of baklava. I will bake several dozen to share with all of you. Bring your children with you, all students enter at NO charge. What a way to introduce good classical music into their world. Come spend the afternoon with us, I guarantee you it will be very enjoyable. If you don’t have tickets, no worries you can purchase them that day at the school lobby. By the way, season tickets will make the perfect Christmas gift to someone in your family, friends, teachers, coworkers, etc.

Till next week.

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Cherries on a Cloud

3 egg whites

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

3/4 cup sugar

Filling

1 pkg (3oz) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup confectioners sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

1 can (21oz.) cherry pie filling

Place egg whites in a small bowl, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add cream of tartar, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved.

Spoon meringue onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Using the back of the spoon form meringue into a 9 inch circle, building up edges slightly. Bake at 275 degrees F for 2 1/2 hours. Turn oven off and do not open door. Leave meringue in oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven, cool completely. In a small bowl beat the cream cheese, confectioners sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream until mixture is well blended. To serve, place meringue on a serving platter, fill with cream cheese mixture and top with pie filling!

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Lemon and Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup of sugar

3 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

4 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary

1/4 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, cream butter, and sugar until light and fluffy, beat in the lemon juice, peel and vanilla. Combine the flour, rosemary, and salt gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Shape into two 12-in rolls. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Freeze for 30 minutes or until firm. Cut into 1/4-in slices. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Cool for two minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Store in airtight container.

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Chipotle Citrus-Glazed Turkey Tenderloins

4 turkey breast tenderloins

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon canola oil

3/4 cup orange juice

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon molasses

2 teaspoons minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

Sprinkle turkey with salt and pepper in a large skillet, brown turkey in oil on all sides. Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk the juices, brown sugar, molasses, chipotle peppers add to a skillet. Reduce heat and simmer for 12 to 16 minutes or until turkey reaches 165 degrees F. Transfer turkey to a cutting board. Let rest for 5 minutes. Simmer glaze until thickened about 4 minutes, slice turkey and serve with glaze. Top with cilantro.

PS: Use this recipe with leftover turkey breast that you have from Thanksgiving, just follow the steps, make the sauce and just put it over it.