Create a gift from the heart for the holidays

In a year when many of us are seeking a more meaningful way to give, why not share your artistic talents with the special people in your life? A small painting, water colour, mixed media collage, drawing or card gives the gift of your imagination.
Artist and educator Krista Barnett is offering Gift-Making Weekend Workshops for all ages at the new Artscape Wychwood Barns.

"I've had parents ask if they could take the workshops along with their children. I tell them it's a great way to spend quality time together. Artists of all ages find that creating a gift can be an exciting way to experiment with new ideas and techniques," explains Krista.
Register now for Art Classes at the Barns™
Weekend workshops:

Sundays 6 - 8 pm November 8 to December 6
and again Sundays 3 - 5 pm November 15 - December 13.
Studio 155 Artscape Wychwood Barns
601 Christie Street Toronto.

We welcome your comments and feedback!

Perfecting the thanksgiving turkey

There may be a thanksgiving dinner in your future and you may be the one having to prepare the turkey dinner.

Here are the essentials I learned from Mario at The Healthy Butcher earlier this week.

Five tips to turkey perfection:

1. Start with a turkey that has been raised with no growth hormones or antibiotics
   
2. Give your bird a nice salt water night overnight
   
3. Rub butter all over the bird and under the skin
4. Cook in the oven at 350 degrees celcius. It's ready when the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 165C
   
5. Let stand for 20-30 minutes covered in aluminium foil before serving.

Now that you've got the turkey covered, fresh and simple works for the rest of dinner. Here's my
Thanksgiving Dinner Main Course Menu:

Turkey

• Bread, celery and onion stuffing

Serve with

• cranberry/orange relish
  

• Mashed potatoes prepared with milk and unsalted butter  served with gravy on the side

• Green beans or Peas 
• Boiled carrot coins 
• Nips  (turnip) or brocolli
• Sweet potato or yam mashed with lime and butter.
  

Appetizers and desserts to your delight!

I welcome your comments, tips, additions.

photo above Aimee Hopton Thanksgving 2009

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