Kiki’s Corner: Helping to make it look a lot like Christmas
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I had a very busy week. Really I'm not complaining, because my three children told me to do my usual activities and community involvement and not to stay home. I do agree with them, although at times it's hard to do so.
Another reason I got motivated this year was that I received many calls, texts and emails from friends and people when they saw me out to make sure I decorate my trees. That encouraged me, because they look forward every year to seeing them
I spent last Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Blennerhassett Hotel decorating the annual United Way Christmas trees. I was there from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. decorating as fast as I could to be able to finish and do a good job for my dear sponsors and our lovely community. I decorated four trees like I do every year - two for Jan Dils and Chuck Hughes, one for United Bank and one for Der Dog Haus owner Stephanie Epling.
I want to thank Dan Marshall for his yearly support and generosity. The trees are all unique, and I put all my energy and creativity into them, like I always do every year. But when I arrived at the hotel I discovered that there were three more trees with the same theme as one of mine. I felt so bad, especially for the others. They were new to the contest, and here I was, decorating for the past 35 years. I had everything ready to start my tree, but I didn't mind. I went and bought a new tree, all new decorations, tree skirt, etc., and created a new theme. That made me feel much better, and I thought that it would be a nice thing to do for the others, although it threw me behind a lot.
I know it's going to put you in a Christmas spirit to go to the hotel and see those beautiful trees. I think everyone did an excellent job. I call them beautiful, gorgeous, different, unique and amazing. Every decorator used their imagination and their creativity, and I'm sure you will feel the same way.
This year, we have 72 entries. When you walk in, the hotel is going to remind you of a winter wonderland. I'm not joking. I know all the United Way employees were exhausted, and I can understand why. It is a lot of work by them, a huge expense for the sponsors and also a lot of work for the decorators. Community involvement like this is what makes our town great, and I love when we all get together to volunteer and make Parkersburg a better place to live!
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If you haven't had a chance to see the renovation of the Grand Central Mall, you will be impressed even when you turn in from Grand Central Avenue with all the freshly paved roads and a huge parking lot. Then you go and see the change with new entrances and all the new bright lights and new floors. The food court looks amazing, with new tables and chairs and fresh colors on the walls. You feel like you're in another town, just in time for the holidays.
I'm so proud of our new mall owners, that they're doing the huge renovation. This weekend is the grand opening, so make sure to take the time and check the place out. You will be so impressed.
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Don't forget on Sunday to come and attend the first West Virginia Symphony concert of the year. I know it's going to be amazing, and bring your students. I know I keep reminding everyone that there is no charge for students, so what a great way to educate our youth with some good classical music.
I'm very humbled and very emotional that this concert is dedicated in memory of my dear husband, Francis George Angelos. He was a band director for 34 years at Federal Hocking High School in Stewart. He loved classical music, and he loved and was very good at playing the violin.
Francis, may your memory be eternal! You are missed sooo much by all your family.
A thank you and gratitude to my special friends Becky McGinnis and Senta Goudy and all the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Parkersburg board of directors that I belong to as well. It is truly greatly appreciated by me, my children and grandchildren.
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Macaroonies
2 eggs
1/8 tsp salt
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 tbsp butter, melted
2 cups flaked coconut
1 6 oz. package of chocolate chips
1 tsp of lemon or orange rind, grated
1 tsp vanilla
Beat eggs and salt until foamy. Add sugar, beat until thick, 5 minutes. Fold in flour and butter; stir coconut, chocolate chips, rind and vanilla. Drop off by rounded teaspoon on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 325 for 12 minutes or until delicately browned. Cool for 1 minute. Remove from cookie sheet .
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Blarney Stones
3 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup cake flour, sifted
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 1/2 tbsp water
1/2 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
1/2 lb peanuts
1 1/2 lb powdered sugar
Beat egg yolks; add sugar, water, vanilla, flour and baking powder. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Pour in pan about 7-by-11-inch. Bake 35 minutes at 350. Cut in squares and dip in powdered sugar icing. Roll in ground salted peanuts.
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Zucchini bars
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup oil
1/2 onion, chopped
4 cups zucchini, grated
1 tsp garlic, flakes
1/8 tsp thyme
1/8 tsp oregano
1 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup, Bisquick
Grease a 9-by-13-inch pan. Set aside. Combine eggs, oil, onion, zucchini, garlic flakes, thyme, oregano, seasoned salt, parmesan cheese and Bisquick. Mix well, pour into prepared pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes at 350. Cool and cut into squares.
Enjoy.