NOV 28 Clayton Pioneer 2014

Last weekend, while manyof us were curled up in frontof a fire enjoying the first realrain of the season, the CBCAElves were hard at work ready-ing the town for the holidays.

By Sunday night, Santa andthe reindeer were flying highover The Grove, red bows andgreen garland adorned everyupright post and flat surface,the street lights will glowedwith a warm halo and the tallstately tree in the gazebo glit-tered in full LED glory.

At the other end of MainStreet, a menorah waits for thefirst night of Hanukkah onDec. 16, the manger scene isready for Christmas Eve andthe official town tree staysdark…waiting for Santa’sarrival.

On Dec. 6, the city’s holi-day festivities begin at 4:30with the clip-clop sound of thetwo horse drawn carriages thatwill carry merry-makersaround town. This will be thefifth year that RealtorsStephanie Lopez and LeighKlock, the Moresi Family andP2C Foundation have spon-sored the carriages.

“This is our favorite time ofyear,” says Stephanie. “We lovethe rides, the lights and thekids’ faces.” She urges peopleto line up early. But, they won’tbe bored while they wait, sheassures. Clayton’s singinggroup “Vintage” will be onhand to entertain.

At 6 p.m. the Tree Lightingparty sponsored by the ClaytonBusiness and CommunityAssociation, begins at the

Gazebo with seasons greetingsfrom the mayor and the tradi-tional appearance by the Mt.Diablo Elementary SchoolChorus.

Be sure to bring anunwrapped toy for the Toys forTots barrel.

Santa will then lead theshort parade down Main Streetwhere he will flip the switch onthe city’s tree and the holidaysin Clayton officially begin.

Then it’s a quick stop at theClayton Community Church

for hot cider and donutsbefore heading home.

The following Saturday,Dec. 13, the CBCA Elves willagain be hard at work whenClayton kids are invited forDessert with Mrs. Claus andphotos with Santa at EndeavorHall. The event is free forchildren under 12 (whenaccompanied by an adult)although donations are appre-ciated.

Later that day, Vintage willcelebrate the season with a free

concert at St. Bonaventure’s at7:30. To learn more about thisgroup, go towww.vintagetrio.com.

The CBCA sponsors the Artand Wine Festival in the spring, theClayton Classic Golf Tournamentin June, The Oktoberfest in the falland the Clayton Bocce Leagues.Funds raised are donated back intothe community in the form of gifts,grants and scholarships.

For membership information, goto claytoncbca.org.

Sometimes, a bad thing canlead to good things. And that’swhat Haley Morucci realizedwhen, four years ago, a favoriteuncle contracted lung cancer.

The prognosis wasn’t good,until the family turned to theLazarex Cancer Foundation,which helped her uncle get alter-native treatment in the Philip-pines. The treatments “helpedUncle Dan tremendously,”Haley says, “and gave him a fewmore years with us.”

See Concert, page 2

See Light Show, page 2

IT’S YOUR PAPER

www.claytonpioneer.com November 28, 2014 925.672.0500

TAMARA STEINER

Clayton Pioneer

PRSRTSTD

US POSTAGE

PAID

CLAYTON, CA94517

PERMIT190

Postal Customer

ECRWSS

HAILEY AND BRAD MORUCCI

Clayton teenorganizesbenefit concertto fight cancer

PEGGY SPEAR

Clayton Pioneer

Jules Bianchi Photo

More than 60,000 lights will combine with the genius and skill of Clayton light meister, Jeffrey Holmes in a dramatic musical light show on his parent’sestate on Pine Lane. Holmes describes ‘A Heart for Christmas’ as original, but inspired by Disney’s ‘Frozen.’ Holmes has been lighting up for the holi-days since 2007 when he won the Clayton Pioneer Home Decorating Contest at age 15. Many will remember when the Clayton Community Churchglowed with his lighting in 2008 and 09. This year’s show opens Nov. 28. There is no admission, however donations will benefit Clayton transplantpatient Katie Grace Groebner and the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. For the full story see page 2.

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

The horse drawn carriages, sponsored by the Dynamic Real Estate Group, the Ed Moresi Family and P2C Foundation start theTree Lighting festivities off at 4:30 on Dec. 6.

Rochelle Douglass

Downtown all dressed up and waiting for Santa

Extra Special Holiday editon

When Jeff Holmes flips theswitch on “A Heart for Christ-mas” Friday night, it will be thelargest light show in the BayArea, bringing together thevision of a teen-aged “tekkie, adecade of training and a burn-ing desire to help a friend.

Jeff was only 13 when hesaw the now legendary Budweis-er commercial with thousandsof lights flashing and dancingacross the screen in synch withthe TransSiberian Orchestra’s“Wizards of Winter.”

At that moment, Jeff knew.“I want to do that,” he said. Thefire was lit.

“No one was doing lightshows back then,” he explains.“It was hidden from the worlduntil You Tube.”

He nurtured the idea for acouple of years, watchingvideos, experimenting with hiscomputer and learning what hecould.

When the Clayton Pioneerhome decorating contest rolledaround in 2007, Jeff seized themoment and entered the con-test.

He and his dad rummagedthrough their basement, drag-ging out whatever they couldfind that looked Christmas-syand had a plug on the end..

“The lights were old andshoddy,” Jeff recalls. “Theywere unstable, but theyworked.” With those lights, alaptop and his dad’s help, Jeff

produced his first sequencedmusical light show and won theHome Decorating contest thatyear, hands down.

The next year, he moved theshow downtown to the ClaytonCommunity Church. With dou-ble the lights and more music,the show was a popular holidayattraction for two years.

When the church decidednot to do the show in 2010, Jef-frey made contact with a com-pany that manufactured com-mercial Christmas products.And in a “one thing led toanother” chain of events, Jefffound himself shipped off toGuatemala to work on whatwould be the biggest musicalChristmas tree in the world.

Last year, Clayton’s KatieGrace Groebner, a close familyfriend, was in the last stages ofpulmonary hypertension and ingrave need of a transplant. Jeffsaw a way to help Katie Graceand brought his lights and musichome again to produce a bigger-than-ever musical light show tobenefit his friend. Last year, “AHeart for Christmas” was freeto the public, but donations

amounted to over $3000 forKatie Grace and the Children’sOrgan Transplant Association.

Katie Grace received hernew heart and lungs last June,but the family’s need for help isstill great. He hopes the dona-tions from this year’s show willdouble last year’s and help thefamily retire some of their hugemedical bills.

Jeff describes “A Heart forChristmas” as loosely inspiredby Disney’s “Frozen,” – a lowbudget ‘fantasmic.’

“We may not have a 50 footdragon, but we have lights,music and magic,” Jeff says.

The 30-minute show starstwo lovable animated snow-peeps — wannabe-superheroSnowball and the lovely Flur-ry— who share the “stage” with60,000 lights and 15 songs allsequenced and projected on thefront of the Holmes’ two-storycolonial home.

The magic begins at irongates on Pine Lane. A 400-ftwalk through the multi coloredlight tunnel opens into a“snowy” world of white lightsand glitter. The entire two acres

of the estate have been trans-formed into a walk-through dis-play with falling “snow,” coloredfountains, a nativity scene andgift shop.

The shows run from Nov. 28at 6 p.m. with a short concertbefore Snowball and Flurry takethe stage for a 20-minute showthat will leave everyone feelin’the love.

“A Heart for Christmas” dis-play is at 1195 Pine Lane, Clay-ton. Follow Clayton Road eastthrough the town of Clayton. Atthe Middle School, it becomesMarsh Creek Road. Continuepast the Middle School for lessthan a mile and Pine Lane is onthe right. For additional dates

and a calendar of events, seesidebar. For more informationgo to aheartforchristmas.com.

Cl

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Wishing you a Joyous HolidaySeason and a

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Show director, Jeffrey Holmes,gives direction to a volunteerduring installation.of the 60,000LED lights in the show.

Denise Farar

The gates to ‘A Heart For Christmas’ musical light show at1195 Pine Lane open Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.

A Heart for ChristmasMusical Light ShowSchedule of EventsNNoovv.. 2288,, 6 p.m.LIGHTS ON – Opening NightTodd Morgan from Todd Morgan and the EmblemsDDeecc.. 1100,, 7 p.m. 30 Minute Concert Ladies First - Concord HS Women’s EnsembleDDeecc.. 1122,, 7 p.m.Grammy-Nominated Artist Judy PancoastDDeecc.. 1177,, 7-8 p.m., Christmas Concert

Savanha’s Singing ElvesPerforming in-between scheduled shows onNNoovv.. 2288,, DDeecc 33,, 1111,, 1133,, 1144,, 1199,, 2211Visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus DDeecc 1133 aanndd 2200

OOppeenn WWeedd.. –– SSuunn.. ffrroomm NNoovv.. 2288 –– DDeecc.. 2200 OOppeenn eevveerryy ddaayy ffrroomm DDeecc.. 2211--DDeecc.. 2288Unless otherwise indicated,show times are every 30minutes from 6-8:30 p.m.11119955 PPiinnee LLaannee,, CCllaayyttoonnAheartforchristmas.com

That prompted Haley, just amiddle schooler at the time, tohelp raise funds for Lazarex anyway she could.

This year, the Carondeletgraduate is doing that by organiz-ing a grand benefit concert fea-turing local performers as well asAmerican Idol Top 20 finalistBrianna Oakley — anotherCarondelet graduate and friendof Haley’s. The concert is sched-uled for 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Clay-ton’s Endeavor Hall.

Haley is being aided in organ-izing the show by her brotherBrad, 15, as well as NoahWilliams. There will be dessertsand drinks for purchase, as wellas raffle prizes. Tickets are $10and she expects the concert tosell out. Proceeds will benefitLazarex.

“I have been astounded bythe community support,” Haleysays, who will attend USC in thespring. Besides the City of Clay-ton, other sponsors include

Skipolini’s Pizza, Safeway, theDefying Gravity Foundation, andthe Clayton Pioneer.

This is the second year in arow that Haley and Brad puttogether a benefit concert forLazarex. Last year they raised$4,000, and this year they hopeto double that, she says.

Haley talks about raisingmoney as if it’s second nature toher, and in many ways, it is. “I amvery lucky to have grown up in acommunity that values givingback,” she says. “It’s always beensomething that’s important tome.”

Haley says she loves to beinvolved in the community, andhelping others. While in middle

school she helped organize acreek clean-up in Clayton, “and itfelt really good,” she says. “Giv-ing back is what makes this com-munity work.”

It’s a sentiment shared by hermom, Kimberly. “Kids in thiscommunity have been blessed bygood role models,” she says.“They’ve grown up with a phil-anthropic attitude. I think kidslike Haley are just wired thatway.”

The Lazarex Cancer founda-tion, formed in 2006, is basedout of Danville. According toKim Morucci, the foundation“has quadrupled their patients inthe last eight months. They arenow assisting nearly 400patients.”

One of the Lazarex patients,a 4-year-old girl being treated atUCSF, may perform at the bene-fit concert.

“Her dream is to performonstage, so we’re really hopingwe can make this happen forher.”

Tickets for the benefit concert at 7p.m. Dec. 20 at Clayton’s EndeavorHall are available athttps://lazarex.ejoinme.org/hope.

Concert, from page 1

BRIANNA OAKLEY

Light Show, from page 1

Ah, the day after Thanksgiv-ing. Not only are you stuffed likeyesterday’s bird, but the refriger-ator is also still full of food.What will you do with all thoseplastic-wrapped bowls full ofleftovers, not to mention the

remains of the magnificentturkey that was the showpieceof the day?

First things first — get themeat off that turkey right nowbefore the whole thing becomesa Petri dish.

Use the carcass to make asoup stock. I roast the bones forabout 30 minutes in a 400-degree oven until they are nicelybrowned, then immerse thebones in water along with a fewcelery and carrot sticks and a

chopped onion. Simmering foran hour or two will give you arich turkey-infused stock. Juststrain it well and put it to gooduse. If you just can’t find theenergy to do much more cook-ing this weekend, portion it outin freezer Ziploc bags and usethroughout the year for soupsand stews.

I love the Pilgrim’s Pie (myown seasonal version of Shep-herd’s Pie) I make with the left-over turkey, gravy, mashed sweet

potatoes and any steamed,roasted or boiled veggies servedwith the holiday feast. It’s fast,easy to make yet elegant in itsown way.

PILGRIM’S PIE

Serves 4-61 to 1 ½ cup leftover

mashed sweet potatoes1 to 1 ½ cup minced

turkey1 Tbsp. butter¼ cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped cooked

veggies ½ cup turkey gravy Dash each allspice, ground

cinnamon and nutmeg Salt and pepper to tastePreheat oven to 350 degrees.

Coat individual serving-sizeramekins with cooking sprayand set aside.

In a large skillet, sauté theonion until tender, about 4-6minutes. Add the veggies, gravy,turkey and spices and heatthrough. Taste and adjust sea-soning if needed.

Transfer the filling to pre-pared ramekins and top with agenerous ¼ cup of mashedsweet potatoes.

Bake, uncovered, for 25-30minutes or until heated through.

IF YOUR LEFTOVERS ARE

SLIM-PICKINGS

No leftover sweet potatoes?You could use leftover mashedpotatoes but I like the sweetpotatoes with this recipe, soscrub and pierce one large sweetpotato and microwave it on a

plate, uncovered, on high for10-12 minutes or until tender,turning once. When coolenough to handle, cut potato inhalf; scoop out the pulp andplace in a small bowl. Mash with1 Tbsp. butter, 1-2 Tbsp. milk,and salt and pepper.

No leftover turkey? Use ½lb. ground turkey and brown themeat with the onion.

No leftover veggies? Substi-tute 1 cup frozen mixed veggies(defrosted).

No leftover turkey gravy?There are some very good qual-ity packaged turkey gravies avail-able these days. I recently usedPacific brand and really enjoyedthe meaty flavor.

LEFTOVER CRANBERRY SAUCE

Here’s a suggestion for allthat leftover cranberrysauce/jelly you have. Add anequal amount of a sweet BBQsauce and use it as a dip forturkey, pork or beef meatballsyou might enjoy while watching

more football over the weekend.And for those leftover

pumpkin, apple or pecan pies,my only advice is to whip upsome more cream and indulgein yet another serving, or two, orthree.

Every year I let my Pans onFire customers know they cancall with questions while they’reworking on their meal. Thesame invitation goes out to you.Let me be your resource if youhave any questions on TurkeyDay — just call 925-200-6622from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and I’ll domy best to help you solve yourdilemma. Please note, however,if you call to tell me you forgotto defrost your turkey, myadvice is to quickly make a reser-vation somewhere or order inpizza.

Cheers, and have a blessedholiday.

Sponsored by the Clayton Business & Community Association

Go to claytoncbca.org or call (925) 672-2272 for membership information,

Visit with Mrs. Claus andSanta at the historic

Endeavor HallCenter St., Clayton

Children 12 & under: FREE,

if accompanied by adult

Donations appreciated

Prizes

Party favors

Bring your

camera

Saturday, Dec. 13 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 13 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday Dec. 6, 6 p.m.You’re invited

Clayton TreeLighting

Saturday Dec. 6, 6 p.m.You’re invited

Clayton TreeLighting

Sponsored by the

Clayton Business & Community AssociationGo to claytoncbca.org or call (925) 672-2272 for membership information,

Follow Santa down Main Street for thecountdown

Follow Santa down Main Street for thecountdown

Meet at the Gazebo for Christmas Music

by MDE School Choir

Meet at the Gazebo for Christmas Music

by MDE School Choir

Join friends and neighbors for hot cider and donuts atClayton Community Church

Join friends and neighbors for hot cider and donuts atClayton Community Church

Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots drive

LINDA WYNER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Linda Wyner owns Pans on Fire, agourmet cookware store and cookingschool in Pleasanton. Send suggestions orquestions to [email protected]

A beloved Christmastradition will come to anend this year when BruceMertz flips the switch onhis “Mr. Christmas” lightdisplay for the last time.

Every year for 35 years,

Mertz would add lightsand imagination to hisConcord home to create adisplay that drew hun-dreds from all over theBay Area and became thesubject of a short docu-

mentary. His home was a“must see” on any family’sChristmas lights tour.

Sadly, declining healthhas prevented Mertz frommaintaining his displayand he is unsure of howmuch will actually light upwhen he flips the switchon Thanksgiving night. Atthe end of the season, afriend will help him dis-mantle and put away the5,000 lights for the lasttime.

To see the documen-tary, go to www.mrchrist-mas.com. Or, better yet,stop by one last time at5208 Olive Dr. inConcord before Dec. 31.

Lights out for Mr. Christmas

Turkey Day Redux

Cl

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STEPHANIE LOPEZRealtor®, DRE#01370548

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Join The Dynamic Realtor Group,

The Moresi Family Restaurants, and the

P2C Foundation for the 5th Annual

““HHoolliiddaayy HHoorrssee aannddCCaarrrriiaaggee RRiiddee””

Saturday, Dec. 6, Lines form 4:30-6 (Downtown Grove Park)

Enjoy Music and Caroling by “Vintage”

Five beautifully decoratedholiday homes will be on displayfor the Clayton Historical Soci-ety’s fifth annual Christmas Touron Dec. 14.

One of the homes is ownedby a Pottery Barn designer,another is designed by a profes-sional decorator for specialevents such as Halloween andChristmas. Holiday decorationswill include Santa figures, elvesand fairies and brightly coloredornaments, complemented bypoinsettias and cyclamen.

Still another homeowner isan artist who designs her ownChristmas cards and will have

past years’ cards displayed onher hall walls.

The tour runs from noonuntil 7 p.m. (tickets sold onlyuntil 6 p.m.), and takes abouttwo hours. Tickets are $30 andare on sale via PayPal, R&MPool, Patio, Gifts and Gardens,the Royal Rooster downtownand on the day of the event atthe Clayton Museum, 6101Main St., Clayton. Proceedsbenefit the historical society.

For additional information call925-672-7680 or [email protected].

Holiday home tour Dec. 14

See a collection of originalgreeting cards during theClayton Historical SocietyHome Tour, Dec. 14.

Almost before the sun set onthe last day of Breast CancerMonth in October, the barkeep-ers of Moresi’s Chophouse putaway their razors and channeledtheir best Tom Selleck.

The six men, Moresi Mo’s,would let their mustaches grow allmonth in support of the Movem-ber Foundation Mens’ Health Ini-tiative. The ‘staches would help toraise awareness and money forresearch for prostate cancer, tes-ticular cancer and men’s mentalhealth programs.

During Movember, Moresi’screated a special cocktail menuwith such macho names asStraight Razor Shave, Internation-al Spy and Bare Knuckles Pugilistand donated $1 for each cocktailsold to the Foundation.

“When you start growing amustache, it gets attention. Peoplecomment and it gives us a chanceto tell them about the MovemberFoundation,” Moresi explained.

“Unlike the the womanly partsfor October, mustaches are mucheasier to parade around in publicand talk about.

There are still two days left in

November. So, belly up to the barwith a Granddad’s Coffee andhelp support the MovemberMovement.


There are no more manly men than Moresi’s Chophouse bar-tenders who each grew a mustache, the icon of macho-ness,in support of men’s health initiatives. (Back row) Mark Misippo,Dominic Moresi, Andrew Francis, Greg Neely; (front) AntonioTapia and Sean White

It’s Movember and all aboutthe mustache at Moresi’s

Help fill Santa’s bag with books and gamesThe Monument Crisis Center in Concord is seeking an assortment

of new games appropriate for children ages: 4-16. (Please no elec-tronic games.) Some great games for kids include Apples to Apples,Scrabble, Scrabble Junior, Jenga, Sequence, Qwirkle, Candyland,Monopoly, Clue, Chess for Juniors, and Chutes and Ladders. Alsoneeded are new children’s books: appropriate for ages 2-14.

Drop off donations at the Monument Crisis Center, 1990 MarketSt., Concord (behind Park and Shop, Mondays, Wednesdays andThursdays: 9 a.m.-noon and 1:30 – 4 p.m.; Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-noon and1:30-6 p.m. Drop off donations by Dec. 9.

For more information, email [email protected] Monument Crisis Center provides nutritious food, education, general assistance and referrals through dynam-

ic service programs to low income families and individuals with the goal of independence and sustainability. To learnmore, go to www.monumentcrisiscenter.org

P.O. Box 1246

6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517

TAMARA AND ROBERT STEINER, PublishersTAMARA STEINER, EditorPETE CRUZ, Graphic DesignPEGGY SPEAR, Copy Editor JAY BEDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA WIESENDANGER, Administration, Calendar Editor

STAFF WRITERS: Peggy Spear, Pam Wiesendanger, John Jackson, Jay BedecarreWe remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

Tel: (925) 672-0500Fax: (925) 672-6580

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CONTACT THE PIONEER

Judging Party is Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. in the Clayton Library Community Room.Be there for live music and caroling led by Vintage, games and crafts for the little ones and

photos with Santa. Recipes and photos of winners will appear on Facebook.

Clayton Pioneer’s

2014 CHRISTMAS COOKIE CONTEST

ENTRY FORM

Please fill out a separate form for each entry.

Name (Please print)

Address (Must reside in the Pioneer Distribution area 94517)

Phone Number

Email address

Name of

Recipe

� Master Baker (16+)

� Junior Baker (Ages 6-15)

Your age____

Parent's Signature (for Junior Bakers)

Contestant agrees to being photographed at thecompetition. Recipes used from published books mustidentify source.

Signature

Mail your entry to: the Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246,

Clayton, CA 94517; or drop off at our office at 6200 H

Center Street, Clayton. If the office is closed, slip it

through the mail slot.

Deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9

Deadline for entry is Dec. 9

This year will be oureleventh annual

Christmas CookieContest & your chance to

stir, bake and taste up astorm of those sweetsthat bust the diet and

send us over the moon.

So, dust off the cookbooks and dig out Uncle Bud’s sugar

cookie recipe, bake a few prac-tice rounds & enter our contest.

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‘Tis the season to mix up abatch of that favorite cookiedough or experiment with a newrecipe for the 11th Annual Clay-ton Pioneer Cookie Contest at6:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Clay-ton Library.

Rivaling scenes from a Nor-man Rockwell holiday illustra-tion, the night is full of old-fashioned charm. Clayton’s Vin-tage Trio leads the carolingwhile judges nibble sugary con-fections until their teeth hurt.Crafts and face painting enter-tain the children as their antici-pation for Santa’s arrival builds.

Bring the camera; Santamakes an appearance in all hisrosy-cheeked glory with a bag

full of goodies for those on theNice list.

After the judges tally theirvotes, winners are announcedand guests get to gobble thecontest entries. Reindeer-shapedsugar cookies, chocolate drops,peppermint patties, pumpkinbars and other treats fly fast andfurious until not a crumb is left,just a puff of powdered sugarhovering in the air.

Here are a few of ourfavorites from past years.

Master Baker Tamara Aszk-lar walked away with the topprize three years in a row. Thisyear, she will serve as headjudge.

From 2011,

RASPBERRY SHORTBREAD

YUM YUMS

1 c sugar1 c butter1 c shortening2 tsp baking powder4 ½ c flour, sifted2 eggs, well beaten1 tsp vanilla extractRaspberry jam

(homemade is best)Pinch of saltCream butter, shortening

and sugar until creamy. Add theeggs and vanilla. Add siftedflour, salt and baking powder.

Refrigerate dough for ½hour before rolling and cutting.

Preheat oven to 350 °F.Roll out dough on a floured

board to desired thickness. Cutout with a cookie cutter. On halfof the cookies, cut a smallermiddle hole with a smaller cook-ie cutter. Bake until goldenbrown, about 10-15 minutes

In 2009 Junior BakerGrayson Wright easily scoredfirst place with these ChocolateMint Dreams

¾ c butter, softened1 c powdered sugar 2 squares (1oz. each)

unsweetened chocolate,melted and cooled

¼ tsp peppermint extract1-1 ½ c all-purpose flour1 c miniature semisweet

chocolate chipsICING2 Tbsp butter, softened1 c powdered sugar¼ tsp peppermint extract1 to 2 drops green food

coloring1 to 2 Tbsp milkDRIZZLE½ c semisweet chocolate

chips ½ tsp shorteningPreheat oven to 375 degrees.In a large bowl, cream butter

and powdered sugar until lightand fluffy. Beat in chocolate andextract. Gradually add flour andmix well. Stir in chocolate chips.(Dough will be soft).

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2”apart on an ungreased bakingsheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes oruntil firm. Cool for 2 minutesbefore removing to wire racks tocool completely.

Meanwhile, combine thebutter, powdered sugar, extract,food coloring and enough milkto achieve the desired consisten-cy; spread over cooled cookies.Let set. In a microwave, meltchocolate chips and shortening;stir until smooth. Drizzle overcookies.

From 2005, our first placewinner was Cindy Pearsall’sChewy Gingerbread Cookies,still one of our favorites.

2 ½ cups flour¼ cup sugar¼ cup brown sugar½ cup butter-flavored

shortening½ cup mild molasses1 egg½ tsp. baking soda1 tsp. baking powder1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon1 tsp. ground ginger1 tsp. ground cloves½ tsp. ground nutmeg½ tsp. salt

Measure all ingredients intoa large mixing bowl. Start at lowspeed, mixing ingredients untilwell blended. Then, at mediumspeed, beat ingredients until softdough forms, adding more flourby teaspoons if dough is toosticky. Roll into a ball, wrap inplastic wrap and refrigerate forone hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Then, roll out dough on lightlyfloured pastry cloth. Roll to1/8-1/4 inch thick. Cut outcookies using cooled andfloured cutters and place oncookie sheet lined with parch-ment paper. Bake 8 minutes forsofter cookies, 10 minutes forcrunchier cookies. Removefrom oven, place cookies onwire racks to cool. When cooledcompletely, decorate with RoyalFrosting, red hots, sprinkles, etc.

ROYAL FROSTING

1 ¼ cups powdered sugar1 egg white1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

Sift sugar and cream of tar-tar through fine sieve into asmall, deep bowl. Add eggwhite. Beat mixture at highspeed for several minutes. It’sready when a knife drawnthrough the frosting leaves aclean path. Fill a pastry bag anddecorate. Be creative, have fun!

Through the years, the Pioneer CookieContest is part of Clayton’s holiday tradition

Judges for the first Pioneer Christmas Cookie Contest held in2004 at Endeavor Hall were Sweet Bakery owner Tevy Sun,Pioneer food writer Linda Wyner, Councilwoman Julie Pierce,Zoe Managuerro and Clayton Community Church PastorShawn Robinson.

As the holidays streaktowards us faster than Rudolphcan fly Santa’s present-ladensleigh, local theaters begin tooffer tried and true holiday fareas well as a few surprises.

While theaters on the otherside of the Caldecott Tunneloffer some adult versions ofholiday shows, Contra CostaCounty companies prefer morefamily-friendly fare. Often a sea-sonal treat during Novemberand December is a young per-

son’s first experience with liveperformance – hopefully, anexperience that will be repeatedthroughout the years.

The story of a young girl’scourage heralds in the holidaysfor Pittsburg Community The-atre as they present Disney’s“Mulan, Jr.” Set in China, theheartwarming musical celebratesculture and honor as Mulan andher mischievous sidekick Mushubattle to save the Emperor.Concord’s Steen Mergogey-Conti directs more than 40young performers includingConcord residents TaylorKnecht (Zhang) and BrynnBannan (son/soldier).

In addition, PCT presents anoriginal one-act play written by10-year-old Ricky Tiongson ofPittsburg with contributionsfrom Christina, Faith and Caleb

Gella of Antioch. “Operation:Coming Home!” shows howkids deal with a parent beingdeployed, the excitement of ahomecoming, and the despairwhen a parent doesn’t comeback.

The shows run at 7 p.m.Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 and at2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14 at the Cal-ifornia Theatre, 351 RailroadAve., in Pittsburg. Tickets are$10 (children), $15 (seniors/stu-dents), and $25 (adults). Call925-427-1611 or go towww.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.

What would the holidays bewithout a performance of “AChristmas Carol?” CenterREP presents its annual adapta-tion of the Charles Dickens’classic Dec. 11 – 21 at WalnutCreek’s Lesher Center for theArts. Directed by Scott Deni-son, the large cast includes Con-cord residents Michael Berg,Marty Newton and Scott Strain.Denison promises even moremusic, colorful costumes, spec-tacular sets and awe-inspiringspecial effects. Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherarts-center.org.

And what holiday would becomplete without a production

of “The Nutcracker?” Localaudiences can enjoy this favoriteballet close to home thanks tothe Ballet Company of EastCounty. The group presents thestory of Clara and her belovednutcracker . Visit the El Cam-panil Theatre, 602 W. SecondStreet in Antioch. Priced $16-20,times and tickets can bereserved by calling 925-757-9500 or going to www.elcam-paniltheatre.com.

The younger theater crowdwill also enjoy Fantasy ForumActors Ensemble’s annual pro-duction of “The BiggestGift.” Now in its 43rd season,the company specializes in inter-active fun production foryoungsters from kindergartenthrough fifth grade. Some luckyaudience members even get tosit on stage with the performers.Full of fun and laughter, “TheBiggest Gift” tells of a crisis inToyland. Santa hasn’t receivedany letters from the children andTucker the elf and the toys mustfind the letters and save Christ-mas. The show runs Dec. 18 –21 at Walnut Creek’s LesherCenter for the Arts, 1601 CivicDr. Priced at $14, tickets can bereserved by calling 925-943-

SHOW or going to www.lesher-artscenter.org.

Solo Opera finishes off theholiday season with a festiveproduction of “Hansel andGretel.” This more light-heart-ed version compared to theoriginal Grimm’s fairytale fea-tures professional singers in thelead roles and the Contra CostaChildren’s Chorus as the Gin-gerbread Children Chorus andLori Buffalow’s The Next StepDancers in the Fourteen AngelBallet. Complete with beautifulsets and costumes, the operaperforms at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19and at 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at DelValle Theatre, 1963 Tice ValleyBlvd., in Walnut Creek. Ticketsare $25 (youth 17 and under),$35 (seniors) and $40 (adults).For reservations, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherarts-center.org.

It may not be visions of sug-arplums dancing in their heads,but youngsters will find SoloOpera’s production of “Hanseland Gretel” just as sweet as thefamiliar Christmas poem. Espe-cially designed for younger the-atergoers, the opera performs at7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and at 2 p.m.Dec. 20 at the Del Valle Theatre,1963 Tice Valley Blvd, in WalnutCreek.

“I’m so excited to put thisopera on,” says artistic director

Sylvia Amorino. “It was one ofthe first operas I saw as a childand has always been in myheart,” adds the Concord resi-dent.

Amorino has done morethan make her dream come true,she has transformed it into acommunity collaboration withthe Contra Costa Children’sChorus performing the Ginger-bread Children Chorus and LoriBuffalow’s The Next StepDancers appearing as the Four-teen Angel Ballet.

“We are honored to collabo-rate with Solo Opera,” says Chil-dren’s Chorus artistic directorAndrew Brown. “We have 14young singers playing the role ofthe children captured by thewitch and held captive under herspell. They are enthralled by thestory and love being a part ofthis show.” The lucky 14 securedtheir roles through a summeraudition. More than 125 singerscurrently participate in the cho-rus with several from Concordand Clayton.

The performance not onlyincludes local community mem-bers but it also benefits otherresidents through the FoodBank of Contra Costa andSolano. “We’re asking patrons tobring non-perishable food itemsto the show,” says Amorino,whose husband volunteers atthe Food Bank. “With theshow’s themes of hunger andpoverty, it’s a good match. Theshow also features strong chil-dren’s characters who save thetown in the end. We thoughthaving children bring cannedgoods to the show would alsoempower them. They might not

be saving a town, but they arehelping and giving back to theircommunity.”

Audience members attend-ing “Hansel and Gretel” willreceive lots in return, includinggorgeous music sung by profes-sional singers, exciting dancingand an elaborate set by award-winning designer Peter Cromp-ton. “Peter is a phenomenal setdesigner,” Amorino says. “Hisdesign for our show is very col-orful and bright, exactly what Iwanted. This show is extremelyvisual. We need to see trees, agingerbread house and lotsmore.”

Amorino notes that Engel-bert Humperdinck’s opera dif-fers greatly from the storyfound in Grimm’s Fairytales.“Our mother isn’t the awfulcharacter in Grimm’s version.

She’s a good mother who’s justhaving a bad day,” Amorinoexplains. “Our witch isn’t scaryeither, and we have fun charac-ters like the Sandman and theDew Fairy.”

According to Amorino, chil-dren as young as preschool willenjoy the opera, which lastsapproximately two hours includ-ing a 15-minute intermission.“As long as the children can sitfor 45 minutes at a time, theyshould be fine. And for inter-mission, Safeway and otherstores have donated cookies,”she adds.

Tickets to “Hansel and Gretel”are $25 (youth 17 and under), $35(seniors) and $40 (adults). For reser-vations, call 925-943-SHOW or goto www.lesherartscenter.org.

SALLY HOGARTY

Clayton Pioneer

Concord United Methodist Church1645 West St., Concord – 925-685-5260www.concordumc.org Saturday, December 6

10:00 a.m. H.O.G.S. bringing Toys for Tots.

3:30 p.m. Carol Sing #1, with Santa!

6:00 p.m. Bring new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots, bring your camera to take pictures with Santa.

7:00 p.m. Carol Sing #2, with CVCHS andCHS choruses, CUMC Chancel andCommunity Orchestra and HouseBlend!

Free nursery care provided

These are FREE events, but you are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Kick-off your Christmas Seasonwith song and laughter at

Knife Works

Louie GalvinClayton Resident

925-304-2200

Custom Sharpening Services

1030 Diablo St., Clayton. Next to the Royal Rooster.

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Cutting EdgeReopened in time for the holidays

Contra Costa County Animal Services

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Website: ccasd.org Facebook: facebook.com/ccasd

Fely Fajardo

East County Ballet brings the beloved ‘Nutcracker’ to the ElCampanil Theatre in Antioch Dec. 19-21.

Holiday shows brighten the East BayPerforming Arts

SALLY HOGARTY

STAGE STRUCK

Sally Hogarty is well knownaround the Bay Area as a newspapercolumnist, theatre critic and workingactress. She is also the editor of theOrinda News. Send comments [email protected]

Scroogeis back in town

Center REP presents their annual production of AChristmas Carol, running in the Hofmann Theatre at theLesher Center for the Arts Dec. 11-21. Brimming withmusic and dance, love and laughter, spectacular specialeffects and scary ghosts, critics have called it “THEChristmas Carol to see in the Bay Area.”

All performances are at the Lesher Center for theArts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Formore information or to purchase tickets, call (925)943-SHOW or visit www.centerrep.org.

Fantasy Forum’s ‘The BiggestGift,’ a kid-friendly productionthat sets about finding the ‘lost’letters of Christmas, plays at theLesher Center Dec. 18-20.

Photo by John Buyer

Deborah Rosengaus (witch), Megan Stetson (Hansel) andDiane Squires (Gretel).

‘Hansel and Gretel’ delights young audiences

High school campuses usu-ally have lots of signs around.If you were to go onto ourcampus as I write this youwould see a lot of signs. Thereis an announcement for girl’ssoccer tryouts. There are acouple signs for a campusclean-up day coming up soon,one to sign up for PowderPuff, and there are usuallysigns of support for our sportsteams.

But what you would alsosee are signs announcing theannual Red Cross blood drive.For us, this one is a bit person-al. Right around this time lastyear, one of our teachersbecame seriously ill andrequired life-saving emergencysurgery. In a little more than aweek’s time, he received 20units of whole blood and plas-ma and would not have sur-vived without the blood pro-vided by community donorslike our students and staff.Over the course of two daysthis year, 97 students and staff– the maximum capacity theblood drive truck could handle– signed up, gave blood, and,like the example of one of ourteachers, literally saved lives.

You would also see signs

for Cookie for a Can, a stu-dent-run project to supportthe Food Bank of ContraCosta and Solano where stu-dents and staff bring cannedgoods for the hungry inexchange for a cookie. Youwould also see signs promot-ing the California ScholarshipFederation Coat Drive, askingstudents and staff to drop offwarm winter coats for thoseneeding extra protection inwhat the experts say will be anextra cold winter.

This is the season we givethanks for the blessings in ourlives. For family, health, home,and food we are indeed grate-ful.

However, there are some

within the CVCHS family thatmay be struggling at any onetime and we want to help.Clayton Valley Cares, a volun-teer-led effort, endorsed andadministered by our GuidanceDepartment, is a programdesigned to help our studentsand their families in need.Hardship can hit a family with-out warning, and we want tohelp. Students who may have aneed for a warm coat, a giftcard for necessities/food ormaybe a bus/BART ticket canreceive help by speaking firstto their guidance counselorwho will, in turn, reach out toClayton Valley Cares for thehelp that they need. All servic-es and inquiries are strictlyconfidential.

But we don’t just “care”during the holidays. Part ofwhat it means to produce “firstclass citizens with a world classeducation” is that we “care”year-round. It is simply a partof who we truly are. So we alsowork with the Clayton Busi-ness & Community Associa-tion to provide backpacksfilled with school supplies forthose in need. We raise moneyto fight breast cancer, andmore charitable causes. The

list goes on and on.For more information on

how you can help, please seeour website at www.claytonval-ley.org or call our office at 925-682-7474. Clayton Valley Caresand we know you do, too.

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When I was nine, I movedfrom my hometown of Mar-tinez to Clayton. I had attendedthe same school for five years,going on six, and had lived inMartinez for my entire life. Iwasn’t ready to leave my won-derful house, my fruit trees andvegetable garden, or my schooland all of my friends. My grand-ma lived right down the street.My new house didn’t have anyof those things I loved.

When we first got into ournew house in Clayton, every-thing went wrong. The windowsleaked, standing water stoodunder the house, the heater andthe air-conditioning were notworking, and the kitchen appli-ances were about to die on us;one of the ovens wouldn’t even

open! For those few months, wehad lots of trouble. My momand dad had to fix, not to men-tion pay for, all of these errors.We had to really budget ourmoney.

However, my parents weren’tthe only ones having trouble. Atschool, I had trouble makingfriends and some girls and boyswere not being nice to me. Somewere making fun of me. Notonly was that hard for me, it washard for me and my parents toget to different locations andnot know the town of Clayton.We learned about the area bytalking to people and exploring,and of course, Google.

In the outcome, things havegotten much better than theyused to be. Currently, we still

have to budget with things stillneed fixing. We are still havingproblems with our house andthe backyard is still a bunch ofdirt piles due to a drainage prob-lem, but we are managing. I’mnot made fun of anymore,though everyone has friendproblems once in a while. I’vegotten use to Clayton and I feellike I’ve been here my entire life.Even the worst of the worst canget better.

So here I am, Thanksgiving,two years after moving to Clay-ton from my beloved Martinezhome and I am so grateful to bein Clayton. I love living underMt. Diablo and hiking on theweekends. I love taking longwalks with my family in thegreenbelt and watching the birds

fly. I could not have wished tobe in a better place playing, hav-ing fun and getting to knowmore friends.

For all of that and more I amgrateful.

Adorning entry ways andpatio areas during the holidayseason is a welcoming sight forfamily, friends and those thatpass by. Use botanical displaysof poinsettias, pinecones,spruce, cedar wreaths and gar-lands to create these inspira-tional vignettes.

Poinsettia plants are a flow-ering favorite this time of theyear. Their traditional flowers ofred, white, pink and speckledlend themselves to several desir-able color schemes. Poinsettiascan be finicky when it comes totemperature. Outdoors, be wary

once temperatures dip below 30degrees, and don’t allow rain toland on the flowers for thedrops discolor the petals. Whendisplayed indoors kept out ofrooms that can be too warm.Plants will wilt and dehydrate inthe cold, and lose their leaves ifthe rooms are too warm.

Pinecones are falling inabundance this time of year. Aplanter or basket filled withpinecones is a lovely touch. Fora bit more dazzle, considerspray-painting your pineconessilver, or gold. Pinecones canalso be added at the foot of urnsto lengthen the visual in the dis-play.

Spruce has always been ingreat demand this time of year.Dwarf Alberta Spruce naturallyhas a Christmas tree shape.Plant or stage Dwarf AlbertaSpruce in a container, and sur-round with white cyclamen orpansies for additional intereston a porch or patio. A string oflights would also all additionalambience. Bring Dwarf AlbertaSpruce inside and place in a

cache pot and display in thevestibule or bathroom.

Fresh cut cedar garlandscreate a perfect winter feel whendraped over an arched entry, ortwisted along balustrades. Theirwoodsy fragrance is an addedbonus. If you plan on usingfresh cut wreaths and gardensfor decorating this holiday sea-son, apply a dose of Wilt Stopto the pieces. An anti-transpi-rant spray will help keep thefoliage fresh for longer.

Colorful berries can also addto holiday botanical displays.

Consider using artificial berriesfor indoor decorations. Howev-er, the berries of Toyon andPyracantha are toxic if ingested.

Take the joy of your garden— indoor or out — into the sea-son this year. Enjoy yourself ,decorate, sing, bake and share.Spend time with those you love.Be kind. Greet people, say helloand smile.

Design • InstallationMaintenance

License # 958849

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRLNicole is the Garden Girl at R&M

Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contacther with questions or comments [email protected]

Plant displays add panache to holiday décor

A grateful teen gives thanksafter weathering difficult years

NATALIE PURSCHE

DVMS CORRESPONDENT

Natalie Pursche is in the sixthgrade at Diablo View Middle School.She is an avid reader, enjoys writing,and loves to spend time with herfriends and family. Send comments [email protected].

Caring for others is a CVCHS tradition

David Linzey is executive directorof CVCHS. Contact [email protected]

DAVID LINZEY

VOYAGE OF THE EAGLE

Commercial & Residential

IN CLAYTONNNoovv.. 2288 –– DDeecc.. 2288AA HHeeaarrtt ffoorr CChhrriissttmmaassWalk-through Christmas musical light show to raise funds for Katie-Grace Groebner fund of the Children’s Organ TransplantAssociation. 1185 Pine Lane, Clayton. Free admission. aheart-forchristmas.com.

DDeecc.. 66AAnnnnuuaall CCaarroolliinngg aanndd TTrreeee LLiigghhttiinnggDowntown festivities. Toys for Tots collection. Carriage rides; line upstarts at 4:30 p.m. Caroling, followed by Santa, tree lighting andrefreshments starting at 6 p.m. Grove Park to Main and Oak Streets,Clayton. Free. Clayton Business and Community Association 672-2272.

DDeecc.. 1111CCooookkiiee CCoonntteessttBake a batch of your best Christmas cookies. Live music by Vintage;Santa at the judging party. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Clayton Library, 6125Clayton Road. Free. Register by Dec. 9. Clayton Pioneer 672-0500.

DDeecc.. 1133DDeesssseerrtt wwiitthh MMrrss.. CCllaauussPrizes, party favors. Visit with Santa. Bring camera. Children must beaccompanied by an adult. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008Center St., Clayton. Donations appreciated. Clayton Business andCommunity Association 672-2272.

DDeecc.. 1144CChhrriissttmmaass HHoommee TToouurrSelf-guided tour of five homes in Clayton beautifully decorated forthe holidays. 12 – 7 p.m. Rain or shine. Starts at Clayton Museum,6101 Main St. $30. Proceeds benefit the Clayton Historical Society.claytonhistory.org. Call 672-7680 or [email protected].

IN CONCORDDDeecc.. 55GGiifftt aanndd CCrraafftt FFaaiirrHandmade crafts, baked goods and holiday decorations. 9:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Drive. Freeadmission. 671-3320.

DDeecc.. 66TTrreeee LLiigghhttiinnggSanta, entertainment, Mayor’s sing along and tree lighting. 4 – 7:30p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo andGrant Streets, Concord. concordfirst.org. 671-3464.

DDeecc.. 77SSuuppeerr HHoolliiddaayy BBoouuttiiqquueeSpecial one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Holiday artsand crafts, entertainment, Santa photo opportunity. Benefiting FoodBank of Contra Costa and Thankfulness in California. 11 a.m. – 3p.m. Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. Free admission. super-holidayboutique.com.

DDeecc.. 88TTrreeee ooff LLiigghhttssFor Clayton and Concord by Hospice of the East Bay. 5:30 – 7:30p.m. John Muir Medical Center parking lot, East Street and AlmondAvenue, Concord. Donations accepted. 887-5678.

DDeecc.. 1133SSaannttaaCrafts and refreshments. Take your own pictures with Santa, music byDJ Lou, photo booth pictures $1. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ConcordSenior Center, 2727 Parkside Drive. $8 for children over 2 years old;adults are free. Registration required: concordsanta.eventbrite.com.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENTNNoovv.. 2288 –– 3300““TThhee NNuuttccrraacckkeerr””Performed by Contra Costa Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 22CCoonncceerrttThe Walnut Creek Concert Band presents “Anna’s Gift.” Includes hol-iday favorites. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr.,Walnut Creek. $14-$17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 55 –– 66““OOnnccee UUppoonn aa CChhrriissttmmaass””Presented by The Ballet Joyeux. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 55 –– 77,, 1122 –– 1144““TThhee 1122 DDaatteess ooff CChhrriissttmmaass””This heartwarming one-woman play offers a hilarious and modernalternative to the old standards of the holiday season. Delta Galleryof the Arts, 2485 Sand Creek Road, 128, Brentwood. $16-$20. the-brentwoodtheater.org.

DDeecc.. 55 –– 1144 NNoorrtthh PPoollee RReevvuueePresented by Center Stage Theatre of Diablo Valley. Lesher Center forthe Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15-$17.lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 66WWaallnnuutt CCrreeeekk CChhoorruussAn evening of caroling. 7 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 2317 BuenaVista Ave., Walnut Creek. $10-$12. [email protected].

DDeecc.. 66““WWiinntteerrggllooww””Vocal and handbell ensemble performance by Tapestry. 7:30 p.m.Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton.Free. tapestryringersandsingers.org.

DDeecc.. 77““AA VVeerryy EElleeccttrriicc CChhrriissttmmaass””Performed by Lightwire Theatre. 3 p.m. California Theatre, 351Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15-$30. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.427-1611.

DDeecc.. 1111 –– 2211““AA CChhrriissttmmaass CCaarrooll””Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter and scary ghosts.Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $27-$49.centerrep.org.

DDeecc.. 1122 –– 1133HHoolliiddaayy SSwweeeettDiablo Women’s Chorale serves up a delicious show. Mt. DiabloUnitarian Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. $10-$20. dia-blowomenschorale.com.

DDeecc.. 1122 –– 1133““HHoommee ffoorr tthhee HHoolliiddaayyss””Holiday concert performed by San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.Nourse Theatre, 275 Hayes St., San Francisco. $25-$65. sfgmc.org.

DDeecc.. 1122 –– 1144##NNEEWWMMAAGGIICCAnnual family-friendly holiday magic show by Alex Ramon. LesherCenter for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$25. lesher-artscenter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 1122 –– 1144““CChhrriissttmmaass aatt tthhee BBiillttmmoorree””Original play by Brentwood author Steve Kinsella. Edna Hill Theater,140 Birch St., Brentwood. thebrentwoodtheater.org.

DDeecc.. 1133HHaannddeell’’ss ““MMeessssiiaahh””With orchestra, community chorus and guest soloists under the direc-tion of Susan Stuart. 7:30 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. SecondSt., Antioch. $12. elcampaniltheatre.com.

DDeecc.. 1133VViinnttaaggeeConcert to celebrate the season. 7:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure, 5562Clayton Road, Concord. Free. vintagetrio.com.

DDeecc.. 1177SSttuuddeenntt AArrtt SShhoowwAnn Nakatani’s Annual Holiday Student Art Show. Refreshments. 6 –8 p.m. Concord Senior Center, Room A, 2727 Parkside Drive. Freeadmission. Contact Ann: 825-2453.

DDeecc.. 1188 –– 2211““TThhee BBiiggggeesstt GGiifftt””Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 1199 –– 2211““TThhee NNuuttccrraacckkeerr””Performed by the Brentwood Children’s Ballet Theater. El CampanilTheatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $16-$20.elcampaniltheatre.com.

DDeecc.. 2200‘‘TTwwaass tthhee IImmpprroovv BBeeffoorree CChhrriissttmmaassPresented by Trapped in a Rumo Improv. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center forthe Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$15.lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 2222HHoommee ffoorr tthhee HHoolliiddaayyssConcert performed by Diablo Symphony Orchestra and featuringThe Ashmolean Singers. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$28. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 2233HHoommee ffoorr tthhee HHoolliiddaayyssConcert performed by California Symphony and The Pacific Boychoir.3 and 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., WalnutCreek. $70. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

CHURCHES AND RELIGIONDDeecc.. 55AAddvveenntt//CChhrriissttmmaass CCoonncceerrttMusic of the season, including live tableaux scenes performed by theResurrection Choir and Friends. 7:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure, 5562Clayton Road, Concord. Free. 672-5800.

FUNDRAISERSDDeecc.. 66CCrraabb FFeeeeddCrab, pasta, salad and French bread. 6:30 p.m. Concord MooseFamily Center Lodge #567, 1805 Broadway St., Concord. $40; $10pasta only. 798-0887.

DDeecc.. 66HHoolliiddaayy TTeeaaTea, entertainment, raffle. Hosted by the Clayton Valley Charter HighSchool Choirs. Wear your favorite hat for a free raffle ticket. 1 and 3p.m. seatings. $30. [email protected].

DDeecc.. 77HHoolliiddaayy FFaaiirreeStudents and vendors selling items in large gym. Food and drink insmall gym. Raffle. Sponsored by Clayton Valley Charter High SchoolParent Faculty Club to benefit participating student groups. 11 a.m. –4 p.m. CVCHS, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. Free admission. cvch-spfc.com.

DDeecc.. 1133TTooyy DDrriivveeThe Clayton Valley Charter High School Men’s Lacrosse team is col-lecting new, unwrapped toys for children up to 11 years old todonate to Bay Area Crisis Nursery. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Grove ParkGazebo, Main Street, Clayton. Contact Tracey Morse: 207-0382.

DDeecc.. 2200 –– 2211CCoouunnttrryy KKiittcchheennBaked goods for your holiday feast. Some kitchen craft items.Proceeds benefit St. Bonaventure Food Pantry. Open to the publicapproximately one hour after service. Mass times: Sat. 5 p.m. Sun.7:30, 9 and 11 a.m.; 12:45 and 5 p.m. St. Bonaventure Foyer, 5562Clayton Road, Concord. 672-5800.

DDeecc.. 2200HHoolliiddaayy PPaarrttyyA night of dance led by ballerina Rosselyn Ramirez; food, wine,punch. Proceeds benefit Diablo Ballet and its Performing ArtsEducation and Enrichment for Kids Program. 7 – 9 p.m. SteinwayPiano Gallery, 1605 Broadway St., Walnut Creek. $50.diabloballet.org/events.

Clayton Community CalendarPLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. DEC. 3 FOR THE DEC. 12 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO [email protected]

Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organiza-tions are listed at claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’

Beauty and Pampering

Clayton Mind and Body Connections . . . . . . . . . .673-0686

Hair’s the Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6180

Clubs and Associations

Clayton Community Library Foundation . . . . . . . .673-0659

Clayton Historical Society and Museum . . . . . . .672-0240

Clayton Valley Garden Club . .claytonvalleygardenclub.org

Construction and Trades

Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519

Dining and Entertainment

Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440

El Molino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .963-7472

Los Rancheros Taqueria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-7110

Events

Christmas Boutique – Wood Rose Academy . . . .825-4644

Clayton Business and Community Association . .672-2272

Super Holiday Boutique . . . . . .superholidayboutique.com

Vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.vintagetrio.com

Financial, Insurance and Legal Services

Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-698-0000

Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . . .672-2300

Health

Dr. Iris Erdell - Orthodontist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946-1951

Home and Garden

Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299

Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757

R & M Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207

The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025

Mailing Services

The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245

Photography

Rochellez Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-677-4170

Real Estate and Mortgage Services

Booth, Angelique – Windermere Real Estate . . .672-8787

French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787

Gray, Heather – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .765-3822

Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593

Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329

Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757

Van Vaerenbergh, Carol –

Windermere Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1772

Recreation and Fitness

Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454

SNAP Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0110

Services, Other

A Floral Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705-3088

Clayton Valley Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6066

ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989

Contra Costa County Animal Services . . . . . . . . .335-8300

Cutting Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-2200

Diaz, Jim – Councilmember . . . . . [email protected]

Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029

Worship

Concord United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . .685-5260

Directory of Advertisers

The Diablo BalletHoliday Party, Dec. 20

Wood Rose Academy presents

TThhee SStt.. NNiicchhoollaass CChhrriissttmmaass BBoouuttiiqquueeSaturday, December 6, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Preview the event the day before with a few of the vendors:Friday, December 5, 3-5 p.m.

In the mood for some family fun?

Searching for

unique, handcrafted gifts

& beautiful jewelry?

Looking for handmade stocking stuffers?

Silpada, 31 Gifts, Pampered Chef and many more brands will be featuredLearning & living the gift of self

TTaakkee tteeaa wwiitthh CCVVCCHHSS CChhooiirrss

Christmas is a time for musicand beauty and…high tea. Takean afternoon off from thecharged pace of the holidaycountdown and start a new tra-dition. The CVCHS choirs arehosting an elegant high tea onDecember 6 with seatings at 1p.m. and 3 p.m. Both willinclude three courses of savoriesand sweets and entertainment bythe CVCHS choirs. And, ofcourse anyone who knows any-thing about high tea knows thatone is judged by what’s on one’shead. So, wear your fanciest hatto tea and be rewarded with afree raffle ticket. Tickets are $30.Table for eight is $220. For tick-ets, email Gabriela Rowland [email protected].

WWoooodd RRoossee AAccaaddeemmyy ttoo hhoolldd ffiirrsstt BBoouuttiiqquuee

Wood Rose Academy andPreschool will hold their firstannual St Nicholas ChristmasBoutique on Sat., Dec 6 from 10a.m. - 3 p.m. Browse the manyvendors and shop for gift items– many of them handcrafted-and enjoy home baked treats,warm apple cider and friendlyfolks. Hand knitted and cro-cheted hats and scarves, jewelryand housewares are just some ofthe items offered. Proceedsfrom the event are earmarkedfor playground equipment, cur-riculum materials and a holyfamily shrine on campus. WoodRose Academy is at 4347 CowellRoad, between Treat and Ygna-cio Valley Road. For moreinformation, please call 925-825-4644. See ad this page.

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Clayton Valley Charter HighSchool Parent Faculty Club iskicking off the holiday seasonby hosting its third annual Holi-day Faire from 11a.m. to 4p.m.on Sunday, Dec. 7 in the largegym on campus.

For those folks looking to fillstockings or put presents underthe tree, there will be studentbooths selling all kinds ofhome-made gifts, crafts, pet, and

food items. Some of the itemsinclude Scentsy, Origami OwlCustom Jewelry, Cookie LeeJewelry, knitted and crochetitems, Pampered Chef andmany more.

There will also be foodbooths selling burritos, nachos,and salads. Christmas music willbe provided by the CVCHSband and choir groups, andthere will be a raffle of all ven-dor items.

Funds raised at this eventbenefit the student clubs andgroups running their own boothget to keep 100 percent of theirprofits. This is a great way toget some holiday shopping doneand support CVCHS.

SSuuppeerr HHoolliiddaayy BBoouuttiiqquuee bbeenneeffiittssnneeww oorrggaanniizzaattiioonn

The holiday season’s largestlocal shopping extravaganza isthe fifth annual Super HolidayBoutique in Concord and Pleas-ant Hill.

The free holiday indoorevents allow shoppers to getthose special one-of-a-kind holi-day gifts and stocking stuffersfor family, friends and colleaguesfrom a variety of arts and craftsvendors, home-based businessesand commercial exhibitors.

The Super Holiday at CentreConcord, 5298 Clayton Rd. nextto Clayton Valley Bowl, is onSunday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. – 3p.m. The Friday evening, Dec. 5,Boutique is from 5 - 8 p.m. atPleasant Hill Senior Center, 233Gregory Lane near City Hall andBed, Bath and Beyond.

A raffle at each site benefitsThankfulness in California, anew organization raising aware-ness and respect for all militaryservice people.

Santa will be on hand to hearholiday wishes and pose for freephoto opportunities. There willbe free holiday arts and craftsactivities for kids to make keep-sake presents for their familyand friends.

Each attendee will receive afree raffle ticket. Bring cannedfood for the Food Bank andearn one raffle ticked for eachcan. The first 200 familiesthrough the door get a holidaygoody bag.

Super Holiday Boutique isfree to the public with free park-ing around each venue. Visitwww.superholidayboutique.comfor more information. See ad onpage 10.

CCoouunnttrryy KKiittcchheennssaalleess bbeenneeffiittFFoooodd PPaannttrryy

St. Bonaventure’s CountryKitchen will be open to the pub-lic on Dec. 20 and 21 with edi-bles and kitchen-related craftitems for those last minute host-ess gifts or stocking stuffers forthe holidays. All proceeds benefitthe St. Bonaventure Food Pantry.

The St. Bonaventure FoodPantry serves over 500 peopleeach week and over 700 peopleeach at Thanksgiving andChristmas. Their client listextends far beyond the parishboundaries and into the generalcommunities of Clayton andConcord. Food Pantry clientscan choose food items that bestfit their family’s dietary needsand taste buds.

The Food Pantry began in1979. Food bins in the churchfoyer each week collect stapleitems, such as canned meats andtuna, peanut butter, canned veg-etables, rice, pasta and cereal.The Knights of Columbus holdfood drives throughout the yearto replenish the stock.

Financial donations to theFood Pantry are used to pur-chase foods from the FoodBank of Contra Costa andSolano. To donate, send a checkto St. Bonaventure CatholicChurch, 5562 Clayton Road,Concord, CA 94521 and noteFood Pantry on the memo line.The Parish Food Pantry is man-aged and staffed solely by volun-teers. For more information, call672-5800 or go to stbonaven-ture.net.

BBooookk ccooooll hhoolliiddaayyggiiffttss ffrroomm tthheeCCllaayyttoonn lliibbrraarryy

If you love Clayton, holidaygift-giving just got a little bit eas-ier, thanks to the Clayton Com-munity Library Foundation.

This year, the foundation isfeaturing a set of five note cardsfor sale. Each card has a differ-ent photo of Clayton scenes orbuildings by Harvey R. Wall, aClayton resident. Each set offive cards is $5.But that’s not the only Santa sur-prise featured at the library thisseason. For the book hound onyour list, book bags are $10each.

Want to brighten up yourholiday decorating? Christmasornaments are $12 each (or twofor $20).

Locals of all ages will appre-ciate tee-shirts in red and bluethat sport the 94517 logo for$14 ($10 for children’s sizes).

For the culinary aficionadoson your list, “Clayton Cooks…”a collection of favorite recipesincluding some by local celebri-ties, are $5per book.

If none of these seem quiteright, historians and book loverson your list will appreciate amembership in the ClaytonCommunity Library Foundationat $10 for an individual and $15for a family. Membership formsare available online at www.clay-tonlibrary.org. and at the Clay-ton Library.

A gift with long-term value isa brick for the museum walkwayfor $55 Forms are available atthe library or downloadableonline at www.claytonlibrary.org.

Finally, gift cards and “Buy a

Book” forms are availableonline as well.

Items are available at thelibrary during business hours,Monday and Wednesday, 1 to 9p.m., Tuesday, Thursday andSaturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. andSunday 1 to 5 p.m. Proceedsbenefit the library.

TThhee RRoooosstteerr ccrroowwssffoorr aa hhoolliiddaayywwoonnddeerrllaanndd

For joyful shopping, visit theRoyal Rooster in downtownClayton. Walk through the doorsinto a holiday wonderland ofelegance, grace and fun. Everyinch of the store is decoratedwith themed Christmas trees,glittering table settings, shelfafter shelf of whimsical and funcharacters, ornaments, cards,jewelry and … well, simplyeverything Christmas. It tookowner Sara Skow and assistantLiz Gregerson six days to set upthe holiday displays. If youaren’t smiling when you getthere, you certainly will be whenyou leave. The Royal Rooster ison Mt. Diablo Street in down-town Clayton. See ad page 2.

IItt’’ss BBeeggiinnnniinngg ttoo LLooookk aa LLoott LLiikkee CChhrriissttmmaass .. .. ..


With a dozen themed Christmas trees, hundreds of ornaments, glittering table settings, jewelryand custom gift baskets, Royal Rooster in downtown is truly ‘destination’ shopping.

This time of year, in myopinion, has the best decora-tions, hands down. From win-ter wonderland trees and flow-ers, twinkling strings of lights

and elegantly lit candles, toboughs of holly and pine treebranch garlands — all of thisdécor is like a big warm andcozy holiday hug.

Our favorite retail cata-logues are mostly to blame forall of these wonderful holidaydécor ideas. Page after page,we are shown perfectly snow-capped pinecones in a dis-tressed woven metal basket bythe front door, a grouping ofperfectly placed ivory candlesof various heights lining thefamily room fireplace mantel,and an array of holiday pillowswith faux fur throws casually,but perfectly, laid out on a liv-ing room sofa.

So, how do we make ourhouses look like those cata-logue pages? How do we getall of those lovely holiday trin-kets and accents withoutspending a mint? Grab a mugof Egg Nog, and let’s discuss.

“PERFECT” HOLIDAY DÉCOR

Let’s just say it right now,there’s no such thing as perfectholiday décor. Instead of tryingto have a perfect page out of acatalogue, create holiday décorthat is appropriate to yourdesign aesthetic, your holidaytraditions, and your budget.

A holiday pillow that usedto belong to your great grand-mother, a toilet paper roll SantaClaus that your child made atschool, or a series of beer mugsthat you only bring out duringthe holidays to share withfriends and family are all deco-rations that are perfectly per-fect.

But if you’re looking tohave some holiday retail thera-py, buy decorative items thatwill stand the test of time —timeless, classic and always chic.

WHAT’S HIDING AROUND

YOUR HOUSE?Before a single penny is

spent, I like to see what myclients have hidden away intheir closets and cabinets. So,consider the same idea foryour holiday décor. Before youspend a cent, see what youhave hidden away that could beused as-is, or repurposed intosomething holiday décor-ish.For example, get our your clearglass punch bowl and fill itwith shiny baubles or a stringof lights. The plain wood traythat hasn’t been used for years,consider painting it gold andfilling it up with candles orseveral potted poinsettias.

And if you’re looking forgreenery and even containersfor your greenery, you proba-bly have more things at yourfingertips than you realize.Consider using spray paint toembellish a few empty ceramicpots red, green, gold or silver.Trimmings from trees or bush-es in your backyard can be thefiller.

MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN

Senior Discounts6200 Center Street, Suite B

Village Oaks Center (downstairs)

Clayton • (925) 672-6180

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Sat 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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Galindo Houseand Gardens

Visit Concord’s GalindoHouse during the holidays andtake a few minutes with ourneighboring city’s history.

The gracious Victorianhome was built in 1856 forDon Francisco Galindo andhis wife, Maria DeloresManuela Pacheco. The homewas in the family until RuthGalindo’s death in 1999. Thehome and gardens have beenrestored by the Concord His-torical Society.

The home will be lovinglydecorated for the holidayswith cookies and cider for vis-itors. The house will open oneweekend before Thanksgivingfor tours 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov.15 and 16. Tours will resumeafter Thanksgiving on week-ends and Wednesdays throughDec. 21. Weekend hours are 1-4 p.m. Sat. and Sun and 7-9p.m. Wednesdays. The Galin-do House is at 1721 AmadorAve., in Concord just oneblock off Galindo St. Call(925) 685-8203 for moreinformation.

Historic Home Tour

Sparkling tips for dressing your home

JENNIFER LEISCHER

DESIGN & DÉCOR

Jennifer Leischer is the owner ofJ. Designs Interior Design based inClayton. Contact her with questions,comments and suggestions [email protected].

A FloralExperience

Mitzie Richardson [email protected] Facebook/afloralexperience.biz

Mitzie Richardson [email protected] Facebook/afloralexperience.biz

Flowers

for all

occasions

Tortas Tacos and burritosPupusasQuesadillas

SopasJuicesSaladsShakes & smoothies

Tortas Tacos and burritosPupusasQuesadillas

SopasJuicesSaladsShakes & smoothies

Los Rancheros Taqueria1099 Reganti Drive, ConcordAt the corner of Reganti Dr. and Monument Blvd.

Phone orders welcome. (925) 685-7110 or fax (925) 685-7108

Open every day 6 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Family owned and operated Concord residents

We use only the freshest fruits and vegetablesOur tortillas are fresh and homemadeOur breads are freshly baked every morning in our bakery

WORLD FAMOUS TAMALES –

Order now for your holiday dinners• Our traditional recipe• Made with fresh masa • Chicken in green sauce or pork in red sauce

• Sweet corn tamales

Full service catering for holiday events

Service with a smile!

Fresh, QualityMexican Food

Restaurant and Catering

Let us cater your holiday event

Party Trays/Charolas$6.50 per person includes two entrees,rice, beans, fresh tortillas, chips & salsa

Full Service Taco Bar/Taquiza a Domicillo• Fresh homemade tortillas, grilled

steak, marinated pork, fried pork,

chicken, rice, beans and chips.

• Easy set up and cleanup

• No hassles…Just GREAT FOOD

Let us cater your holiday event

Party Trays/Charolas$6.50 per person includes two entrees,rice, beans, fresh tortillas, chips & salsa

Full Service Taco Bar/Taquiza a Domicillo• Fresh homemade tortillas, grilled

steak, marinated pork, fried pork,

chicken, rice, beans and chips.

• Easy set up and cleanup

• No hassles…Just GREAT FOOD

Open for breakfast 7 – 11 a.m.$5.50 for breakfast plate or burrito

Open 7 days a week; Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

1500 Monument Blvd. Ste F1 (Monument Plaza), Concord(925) 963-7472

Tortillaselmolino.com

“If it isn’t fresh, we don’t sell it”- Santiago MoralesOwner & Concord resident

Mon

umen

t B

lvd.

Reganti

Oak Grove

Tamales• Quality, fresh

tamales from our tamale factory

• Or, make your ownusing our fresh masa

A few years ago at a Cinco deMayo event, President Obamajoked about his wife that, “Youdo not want to be betweenMichelle and a tamale,” whichelicited hoots and cheers fromthe crowd.

Most of us either feel thesame way Mrs. Obama doesabout our tamales, or have atleast one friend or relative towhom that depiction applies.Tamales, everyone knows, arethe quintessential Mexican food.And Californians are seriousabout their Mexican food. Soserious it certainly surprised noBay Area resident when anationwide contest in search of“America’s Best Burrito” was

won by aM i s s i o nS t r e e ttaqueria inSan Fran-cisco.

S t i l l ,e v e r y o n eknows thatif you want

to judgeM e x i c a n

food, it’s the tamales you have tocheck out.

Californians know thisbecause we’re serious enough tohave established a museumcalled “Museum Tamal,” whichhas a permanent exhibit entitled,“Tamale Technology.” We’reserious.

And with the holiday seasonfast approaching, everyoneknows not to get between thatfriend or relative, and thetamales you’re certain toencounter during holiday festivi-ties.

For those poor souls whohave never tried them, tamalesare like large dumplings madewith corn-based dough (masa).The dough is stuffed with meator poultry, wrapped in a cornhusk to resemble a tiny package,then steamed or boiled until fullycooked. The outer leaf is dis-carded before the tamale iseaten, unless you’re Gerald Ford.

Yes, in San Antonio circa1976, former president Fordinfamously bit into a tamalewhich was still wrapped. Hemust have been seriously hungry.That, or he’d never attended atamalada — the gathering wheretamales are made. You can be

sure that aforementioned friendor relative, whose path you mustnot block, will attend at least onetamalada. Experienced aficiona-dos will strategically plan theirentire holiday season so as toattend every one.

Because Tamaladas are anenormous amount of work, andmany people live far from theirextended families, getting theperfect tamale can mean goingto the pros. And we’re luckyenough to have many authenticMexican food restaurants veryclose by.

Los Rancheros Taqueria,owned and operated by theBarajas family is located at 1099Reganti Dr., just off MonumentBlvd. in Concord. LosRancheros makes up to 500tamales per day during the holi-

day season.A c r o s s

the street,Torti l leriaEl Molino,at 1500MonumentDr. in theMonumentPlaza, has atortilla fac-tory on site

and also makes the masa in-house. El Molino prides itself onusing only fresh ingredients.Luckily, this makes it easy forany of us to add tamales to ourholiday celebrations.

In fact, tamales may be theideal food to add to any Thanks-giving gathering, since few dish-es may be more native to theAmericas than tamales, whosehistory can be traced back toaround 7,000 B.C. The Aztecsmade tamales to keep their war-riors fed on the battle field, andthey were famously consumedby the long-distance messengersin the Empire.

Did I mention tamales comein a dessert version, too? Tradi-tional sweet tamales have a littlesugar added to the masa and arestuffed with fruit, raisins andnuts. For these, however, you’regoing to have to get yourselfinvited to a tamalada or hold oneof your own.SANTIAGO MORALES

TORTILLERIA EL MOLINOSILVIA BARAJASLOS RANCHEROS

TAQUERIA

Tamales! A Christmas

tradition that’sgood all year PATRICIA ROMERO

Correspondent

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NOV 28 Clayton Pioneer 2014

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