The holidays are a time for family gatherings, but let’s face it – sometimes dealing with Awkward Uncle Andrew is best done with something sweet in-hand. The Sacramento Press talked to local bloggers and pastry chefs about their favorite holiday desserts and compiled the following recipes. Ginger Elizabeth Fudge Brownies – Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates “It’s one of the first recipes I learned to make in restaurants when I was younger, and throughout all the different bakeries and schools and everywhere I’ve been, it’s still my favorite brownie recipe,” said Ginger Elizabeth, owner of the Midtown chocolate shop. “I think it’s the perfect blend of cakiness and fudginess.” The following r

More residential waste is created during the holiday season than any other time of the year, so the cities and counties in the Sacramento area are encouraging residents to recycle as much as possible. Americans throw away 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday period, the California Department of Resources Recovery and Recycling (CalRecycle) reports. This extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage, or about 1 million extra tons, per week nationwide. With this in mind, local governments are urging residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle during this holiday season. "The amount of garbage sent to the landfill increases dramatically during the holiday season," sa

As always, Sacramento steps up to the plate with holiday events of all sorts. At Sacramento365.com, we see a lot of events come through the site every day. Though there are myriad options in our Holiday Event section, we've narrowed down the list to 10 to get help you pick your Christmas Eve & Christmas Day festivities. Christmas Eve Events: Sure, the night before Christmas should be spent snuggled in bed waiting for Santa Claus, but why not get out and about during the day. Here are some options to keep you entertained around town: 1. Free Admission at Fairytale Town & Sacramento Zoo: FTT 10am-2pm; Zoo 10am-1:30pm Treat the kiddies to a day out while both Fairytale Town & the Sacramento

Christmas is a time of giving and receiving, but the former may prove challenging – especially when you need financially friendly ideas. Even when it’s the thought that counts behind a gift, you still need to look like you’ve thought about it, and socks don’t always leave that impression. To make this Christmas challenge a bit easier, The Sacramento Press looked at local stores in Midtown that have some fun options, each of them under $20. The Beat Location: 1700 J St. Store hours: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. The Beat is an independent music store that sells all genres, new and old. Here, a unique gift can be bou

With the overwhelming pressure of making sure everyone gets the right present, the holidays can be a little hectic. And the arctic chill of the winter season does not make this any easier. But, with a little bit of liquor and holiday joy poured into the glass, these holiday drinks can make the season bearable. BARWEST: 2724 J Street, Ste. A Sacramento, CA 95816 Mon – Fri: 11 am – 2 am Sat – Sun: 9 am – 2 am Klondike Bar $7 ½ oz. of Rumplemintz or any peppermint schnapps ½ oz. of Baileys ½ oz. of Godiva/ chocolate liqueur ½ oz. of cream Shake, strain over 6 oz. glass of ice, rim with chopped peppermint “It’s Christmas in a glass,” said Bartender Bobby Hodson. “If Santa let you down, th

It’s that time of the year again and the question remains the same, “What are you doing for the holidays?” While some people maintain the same traditions they were raised with, some have welcomed new traditions and some just plain don’t celebrate at all. The Sacramento Press asked locals what their holiday plans were for this year.Alley Katz cook, Felipe Olivares, 39, said he was born in California but his parents moved here from Mexico and while he has become accustomed to the new lifestyle, he has maintained the Spanish holiday tradition throughout the years. “When I grew up, I went to a school that was literally named ‘White School,’ I was one of two Mexicans in the school,” Olivares s

For anyone who is still looking for unique holiday gift ideas, the Northern California nonprofit INALLIANCE may have just the solution- tickets to the "Sacramento Chef Challenge" at 4:00 p.m. Saturday Friday , June 23, 2012. The well known culinary extravaganza features two live culinary competitions, food sampling, wine and beer tasting, live music, raffle prizes and more! But, the best part is-100% of proceeds go to programs that support people with developmental disabilities! "2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the Sacramento Chef Challenge, which means we will be pulling out all the stops and slashing ticket prices,” says INALLIANCE Executive Director Diana DeRodeff. INALLIANCE prov

Show the NBA you don't need their back-to-back B-ball to enjoy the holiday spirit. During those lulls in family "How have you been?" catching up, endless high calorie snacking, and playing (breaking?) the kid's brand new toys, enjoy local holiday programming made by your neighbors right here in Sacramento County. Here's the schedule of special events - a "snapshot" of our Christmas weekend programming on Channel 17 and streamed on our web site at www.AccessSacramento.org - ENJOY - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Saturday, December 24, 2011 “Celebration Of Lights” – 9:00am “Kid’s Corp Christmas Special” – 11:30am “Giving – Winter Wonderland & Raley Field” – 12:00Noon “Terry Moore

Light up Midtown – the second annual event designed to bring holiday cheer to Midtown storefronts – crowned a winner on Dec. 14. Tres Chic Boutique, a dress store on J Street, claimed first prize for the second consecutive year. The runner-up was French Cuff Consignment, a secondhand store also on J Street, and third place was awarded to Cheap Thrills Costumes and Party Clothes, a vintage clothing and costume shop on L Street. Fifty participants competed in the contest to create “the most whimsical storefront,” which is three fewer than last year, said Heather Philpott, events and communications manager with the Midtown Business Association. For winning, Tres Chic Boutique has $1000 in

Sacramento International Airport’s new Terminal B echoes with the sounds of local musicians this holiday season, with airport officials saying they want to add to the flying experience, especially since travelers are recommended to arrive earlier. “Under normal circumstances, we advise them to get here 90 minutes earlier,” said airport spokeswoman Laurie Slothower. “For the holidays, we’re saying two to two and a half hours early because there are so many little stresses that can be alleviated if you get here early.” Travelers who haven’t been to the new terminal – which opened in October – should check the airport website to be sure they know where their airline is located. Anyone trav

For those whose Christmas season isn't complete without watching Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed stroll through Bedford Falls warbling "Buffalo Gals," Sacramento's Crest Theatre is bringing director-screenwriter Frank Capra's 1946 Liberty Films classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," back to the big screen for nine holiday screenings Dec. 22-24. It's just one of three yuletide-themed events scheduled for the 975-seat art deco movie palace during the week leading up to Christmas. Also on tap: the G-rated "Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival" (Dec. 17 and 18), a syndicated package of "Greetings from the Theater Management" trailers, vintage TV segments, cartoons and the so-bad-it's-good 1964 theatri

As the song goes, Santa’s making his list, checking it twice and deciding who gets cool goodies and who gets lumps of coal. Between the budget, redistricting and facing dissatisfied citizens who took over a city park in protest, the City Council has been busy this year, so The Sacramento Press made its own “naughty or nice” list. If you were Santa, how would City Council fare? Here’s our list for 2011. Mayor Kevin Johnson: NAUGHTY Sure, he led the way to advancing green technology in the city and supported a citizens advisory committee’s effort to redistrict the city. But being absent for 10 City Council meetings in a single year? Tsk, tsk, Mr. Mayor. (And we’re not bitter about not b

People will go through a lot to hear beautiful music. Each December, the line of people snaking around St. Francis Church grows. People arrive up to 90 minutes before curtain for the annual holiday performance of the Sacramento Master Singers. Many clutch their seat cushions as they chat with friends and friendly strangers waiting to enter the chilly church. They have braved rain, wind, and cold in years past; this year the autumnal weather lingering on into mid-December was a blessing. Sunday’s matinee performance of “Glory to the Newborn King” once again hosted a near-capacity crowd. People came in groups and alone; multigenerational families crowded into the hard wooden pews. There we

The holiday choral music season is in full swing. On Saturday night, the Mondavi Center in Davis was host to the 15th annual “Home for the Holidays” concert presented by the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra. This festive event demonstrates the close community connection between SCSO and its many faithful friends, sponsors, and fans. It is eagerly anticipated by the throngs who come from as far away as Modesto, the San Francisco Bay area, and even neighboring states. They come to hear one of the largest choral groups in the United States, the only one to employ its own orchestra.They come to thrill at the harmony and majesty of the season’s most beautiful music performed with joy a

The holiday season is typically full of fun and festivities: work parties, family get-togethers, nights out with friends, and don't forget all the shopping! It is during this time of year that I find myself busy, tired and lacking in a little personal time. Don't get me wrong — I love the holidays, the parties, the decorations and all of it, but sometimes I get tired. The scheduling, the invitations and the cleaning followed by the cooking, shopping and general daily life are a lot! I feel like I always get sick shortly after New Years because my body just says, "Enough already." The solution: There isn't one. However, don't forget about yourself in the midst of all the fun. No, I am not

For ballet enthusiasts and those new to the experience, this is one presentation that should not be missed. Ron Cunningham’s “The Nutcracker” is a traditional interpretation of the ballet he’s been directing for 24 years in Sacramento. Visually stunning sets create the scene for a ballet performance that will delight young and old alike. Accompanied by the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, this holiday classic boasts performers of all ages, with over 500 children, including Molly O’Dell,10, playing Clara. O’Dell’s enthusiasm is infectious as she, along with her Nutcracker Prince, takes the journey from a joyous Christmas Eve into an enchanting dreamland. The first act is charming and

photographs by Barry Wisdom It wasn't the glitziest parade on the block, and more ads passed by than during a Talladega Superspeedway Nascar event, but the smiles that beamed from the shoulder-to-shoulder spectators at Sacramento's 2011 Santa Parade are the stuff that Christmas dreams are made of. Presented Dec. 9 by D&H Special Event Management, the capital city's 29th annual holiday tradition once again delighted young and old with an eclectic lineup of merry marching bands, a spate of sports cars, a bunch of Boy Scouts, a gaggle of Girl Scouts and a Santa in a pear tree. (OK – a Santa in a horse-drawn carriage.) Horses aside, chances are if it had an internal-combustion engine, it tr

“It’s getting cold out here.” Kelsey Cottle uttered this while ringing The Salvation Army bell outside Macy’s at Sunrise Mall.  Yet her fellow bell ringers did not care--they were having the time of their lives. “Yeah, they’re having fun,” Cottle said. Meet Carl Virgin and Eulogio Lizarraga--the jubilant bell ringers. Both have cerebral palsy and are confined to wheelchairs, but they do not let it deter their efforts to give back. “It just a good time for them to get out and people to see them,” said Cottle, who is Carl’s personal attendant through S.T.E.P. (Strategy To Empower People) services. “It’s great that they get to see them so happy and that they can do this (volunteer) like e

As temperatures dip with the approach of winter, Sacramentans are turning to their fireplaces for added warmth. The Sacramento Press checked out a number of vendors who sell and deliver firewood as well as the regulations and safety of burning in your home. Firewood is usually sold in cords or fractions of cords, and a single cord of wood is stacked 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet and can typically be held in two pickup truck beds. Firewood vendors and fire officials stressed the need to burn only seasoned wood in fireplaces so it burns at the correct temperature and doesn’t cause damage to chimneys or stoves. “Only burn approved products – no cardboard or paper products,” said Cal Fire Batt

The North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce may have thrown its annual holiday tree lighting a 21st birthday party Dec. 8, but even the adults who donned skates, munched cookies and quaffed hot chocolate eschewed the slightest trace of yuletide cynicism in favor of youthful Christmas-morning smiles. Hosted by Iceland, the men and women, boys and girls who laced up courtesy of the venerable Del Paso Boulevard ice rink, barely noticed when the switch was thrown, and pumped current through the strings of multicolored lights that formed the "tree." Those who didn't hit the ice themselves, found plenty of pre-Christmas cheer in picking out rinkside vantage points to watch singles, couples and en