2{December 2009} Williams Pioneer revieW: a colusa county christmas

From here at the Williams Pioneer Review we extend our warmest wishes to you this holiday season. For many this is a magical time of year, the wonder and joy of the season filling us with a sense of peace and well-being.

The past couple of years have been tough for a lot of families, with the struggling economy and dismal financial futures, it’s hard to always keep a sunny attitude. But, on the other hand, it has made us take a step back from the rat race and postpone the “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality, to take stock of the things that truly matter in our lives. Do we really need the latest, greatest gadgets? The groovy new fashions? The importance of family and friends has come back to the fore of our lives, the people whom we love and who care about us and share the feelings in return. That is what is important. It doesn’t matter where you are or where you go, what matters is who is with you. This year I am very thankful for my husband and children, truly the lights of my life. They matter most. They fulfill my needs. It may seem a cliché, but it’s the truth. Step back to take a look at the people in your life. Are they supportive and positive? Do they truly care about you for who you are? Surround yourself by the people who have been there for you through thick and thin. They are the ones who are important. It’s the greatest gift you can ever receive. Material things come and go, but friends and family are the mainstays in life. I thank all the advertisers and readers for your support over the last two years. It’s been your support that has made it possible for the WPR to achieve our present status and for us to grow in the future. We look forward to serving you long into the future. Merry Christmas, and may you have a positive and prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

Andrea Moore

A Colusa County Christmas is an annual publication of the Williams Pioneer Review. The Williams Pioneer Review can be contacted at 317 Fifth Street, Colusa, California or by emailing publisher@williamspioneerreview.com

From the Publisher

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Table of Contents

Handmade Christmas ............4

Costa’s Cookies ......................5

A Tale of the Poinsetta ...........6

Christmas Carols ...................8

Seasonal Recipes ....................11

Community Events ................13

Christmas Services .................14

Kids Corner ..........................16

Welcome

special to the WPr

by Kim Giffin

There are many reasons to give handmade gifts this Christmas.

Handmade gifts come from the heart. They can be personalized or practical, sentimental or economical. I find great joy in creating something special for someone I love. Here are some ideas you might enjoy creating and giving this year, some may be ideas you have heard before, and some may be new, but every handmade gift is one that is sure to please! A collection of favorite recipes, hand-printed on matching recipe cards or compiled in a small binder, is a gift that will keep on giving. If you are skilled at painting, you might paint signs for the home with welcoming sayings or family names on them. Hand knit scarves, mittens, dish rags and pot holders are easy to make, even for beginning knitters. Mason jars, decorative tins and reusable plastic containers are attractive and deliciously filled with candied nuts, hot chocolate mix, cookies, fudge and nut brittles. You might dress up the containers with a simple ribbon and a card with the recipe of the treat you are giving. Scrap books or photo books filled with memories from the past year make a great gift for family members. Children’s handprints can adorn handmade wall hangings, ornaments or even wrapping paper. Sentimental items are

gifts that are sure to last. A few years ago I made my mom a miniature model of her cabin, and she was delighted with the little house. Handmade gifts can be made by every member of the family, even Dad! If you are skilled at woodworking you can make maple cutting boards or bird feeders. Practical gifts are fun to make and usually appreciated by the recipient. One year I made my dad a homemade

stationery set. I purchased a set of plain envelopes, labels and lightly textured paper. I printed the stationery from my home computer. I made note-sized and letter-sized stationery and printed his return address directly on the envelopes. I also made several sheets of return address labels. The set was attractively arranged in a binder with plastic sleeves. Dad really appreciated his gift. My mom had a great idea of printing coupons from your

home computer and organizing them in a handmade coupon organizer. There are many websites that offer printable coupons, and this would make a great gift for a young family. Coupons add up fast and your handmade coupon holder could easily hold several hundred dollars of coupons. If you have access to a sewing machine, there is no end to the gifts you can make. This year I am sewing dolls, aprons, pillowcases, and purses to give. Hand-sewn stockings are simple to make and fun to fill with special gifts. There’s no reason every gift has to be handmade. You might consider incorporating a handmade gift into one you have purchased. For example, a beautiful stoneware mixing bowl makes a good gift, but, filled with homemade jams, treats and recipe cards, it will make a great gift! A hand-sewn apron makes a beautiful gift, but, if you include a copy of your favorite cook book and a new whisk, you will have an even better gift! Handmade gifts are gifts from the heart. They can be customized and personalized with the recipient in mind. They can be simple or extravagant, costly or not, but either way they will be appreciated and loved by the recipient. Kim Giffin owns Maxwell General in Maxwell and writes about her experiences crafting, cooking and homemaking at www.campwhimsy.com

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Handmade Christmasfrom the heart to home...

{December 2009} Williams Pioneer revieW: a colusa county christmas

5 {December 2009} Williams Pioneer revieW: a colusa county christmas

special to the WPr

by Elizabeth Kalfsbeek

‘Tis the season of giving, and for the Costa family – Laurie, George, Allison, 14, and Carli, 12 – they

mean business. “My husband and I wanted to teach our girls the importance of giving, especially during the holiday season, so each year through our Maxwell 4-H Club we donate Toys for Tots, canned food to the Food Basket and coats to Impact Thrift Shop,” says matriarch Laurie Costa of Maxwell. That’s all well and good, but it’s “Mrs. Costa’s Sugar Cookie Kits” that have made the family seasonal celebrities --- and friends, family and neighbors hungry for the holiday season. The tradition began many moons ago when Costa’s mother would bake cookies and have her children decorate the Christmas cutouts with frosting and colorful sprinkles. The family would give away the cookies on plates to family and friends at Christmastime. “We would spend an entire afternoon frosting and sprinkling to our hearts content,” Costa remembers. “She was so proud of us and how creative we were. Then she would rave about how wonderful the cookies looked when we were done. It was a tradition that I looked forward to and loved.” Costa refined her technique with the help of her grandmother. The pair found several recipes in magazines and tested them out together. “We were looking for that ‘perfect’ sugar cookie recipe,” Costa says. “We made a few alterations to the recipe so it would be soft and sweet and taste great with or without frosting. I have been making that same recipe since I was 12.” Costa continued baking sugar cookies at Christmas and giving them away to friends, but it wasn’t until 1994 that “Mrs. Costa’s

Sugar Cookie Kits” were born, just before the birth of her first daughter, Allison. Costa experienced terrible morning sickness that lasted the majority of the day during her pregnancy, leaving her with little free time. But her heart still wanted to make the cookies and give them away. “I found the perfect solution,” says Costa. “I baked and

bagged the cookies and placed them on a tray with canned frosting, sprinkles and candy canes with a tag attached that said, ‘frost, sprinkle, eat and enjoy!’ My friends

loved the idea because they didn’t have to bake the cookies but could still frost them and enjoy them with their children.” Costa’s sugar cookie recipe even made it into a cookbook several years ago, and her hobby has spawned a collection of hundreds of cookie cutters used for special occasions. “Traditions and family are very important to me,” Costa says. “The traditions, especially at the holidays, remind me of my childhood and the happy memories that I had growing up. I hope my girls will carry on the Costa cookie tradition.”

Costa’s Cookieswarming hearts of friends & family...

“I found the perfect solution,” { {

Laurie Costa's Special Sugar Cookie Recipe: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons margarine - not butter (I use Imperial margarine) 3/4 cup sugar 1/3 cup shortening 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon milk Duncan Hines cream cheese frosting (vanilla doesn't taste as good) Assorted sprinkles In a mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl beat margarine and shortening until fluffy, add sugar and mix well. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Slowly add flour mixture and beat until well mixed. Chill dough for at least one hour. Roll dough on floured surface to 1/8 inch thick. Cut with floured cookie cutters. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 6 1/2 to 7 minutes (I use airbake baking pans). Cookies will be light in color and soft. Cool on wire rack. Frost with cream cheese frosting and top with sprinkles. Allow cookies to sit out on your table overnight so the frosting has time to set. The next morning, you can place your cookies on a plate or in a storage container. Makes 18 to 24 cookies. Enjoy!

{December 2009} Williams Pioneer revieW: a colusa county christmas

A tale of the Poinsettiasometimes beauty is in the leaves...

6

special to the WPr Compiled By

Gretchen Howe

As the Christmas holiday quickly approaches, the familiar red-leafed

holiday plants begin to fill our homes and add a sense of warmth and friendship to the joyous season. The poinsettia has a long and interesting history far back from the plant we enjoy today.

Poinsettias, native to Mexico and Guatamala, are members

of the euphorbia family, although they do not look like typical euphorbia but have the same characteristics of sticky, somewhat noxious white sap that can be an irritant to the eyes or skin. The toxicity of this species has been much exaggerated, however, at its worst, it can cause some oral irritation or stomach ache if eaten. We call them poinsettias because they were introduced to the USA in 1828 by J. R. Poinsett, our first Minister to Mexico. They are known as Noche Buena, or Christmas

Eve, south of the border. Used as medicinal and ceremonial plants in the 1300s by the Aztecs, the poinsettia’s bounty of beauty was not widely recognized until about 100 years ago when the Ecke family of Encinatas, California, started to grow and sell these plants as outdoor landscaping elements and cut flowers. Soon they were being propagated in greenhouses. Although poinsettias have been commercially produced in many states, California, due to its mild winters, has been the greatest producer in the

United States. It is always recommended to obtain your poinsettias in advance of display in order to properly acclimate the plants to your home environment. The number one killer of poinsettias is extreme change in temperature. Below we have included some DOs and DON’Ts in caring for your poinsettia.

•DO place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. If direct sun can't be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain.•DO provide room temperatures between 68-70° F. Generally speaking, if you are comfortable, so is your poinsettia.•DO remove broken or wilted leaves or bracts as needed.•DO water your plant when the soil feels dry to the

touch.•DO use a large, roomy shopping bag to protect your plant when transporting it.•DO fertilize your plant after the blooming season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

•DON'T place plants near cold drafts or excessive heat. Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts.•DON’T expose plants to temperatures below 50° F. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months.•DON’T overwater your plant or allow it to sit in standing water. Always remove a plant from any decorative container before watering and allow the water to drain completely.•DON’T expose your plant to chilling winds when transporting it.•DON’T fertilize your plant when it is in bloom. How to re-bloom your poinsettia: As the poinsettia’s bracts age, they loose their aesthetic appeal. There is no reason to throw out a perfectly healthy plant. With proper care and a certain amount of luck, you can re-bloom your poinsettia! By the end of March or early April, cut your poinsettia back to about 8" in height. Continue a regular watering program, and fertilize your plant with a good, balanced all-purpose fertilizer. By the end of May, you should see vigorous new growth.

Once the spring and summer months come around and all chances of frost have passed and night temperatures average 55° F or above, place your plants outdoors, where they can bask in the warmth. Continue regular watering during the growth period, and fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks. June or early July is a good time to start pruning back your poinsettia. This may be required during the summer to keep plants bushy and compact. Be sure not to prune your plant later than September 1. Keep the plants in indirect sun and water regularly. During the summer months you may want to transplant your poinsettia into a larger pot. Choose an appropriate pot of no more than 4 inches larger than the original pot. In milder climates, you may transplant the plant into a well-prepared garden bed. Be sure the planting bed is rich in organic material and has good drainage. The poinsettia is a photoperiodic plant, meaning that it sets bud and produces flowers as the autumn nights lengthen. Poinsettias will naturally come into

bloom during November or December, depending on the flowering response time of the individual plant. Timing to produce blooms for the Christmas holiday can be difficult outside of the controlled environment of a greenhouse. Stray light of any kind, such as from a street light or household lamps, could delay or entirely halt the re-flowering process. Starting October 1, the plants must be kept in complete darkness for 14 continuous hours each night. Accomplish this by moving the plants to a totally dark room, or by covering them overnight with a large box. During October, November and early December, poinsettias require 6-8 hours of bright sunlight daily, with night temperatures between 60-70° F. Temperatures outside this range could also delay flowering. Continue the normal watering and fertilizer program. Carefully following this regime for 8 to 10 weeks should result in a colorful display of blooms for the holiday season! The Poinsettia is not poisonous! The old wives’ tale that poinsettias are poisonous is a complete misunderstanding. It

has been scientifically demonstrated that a poinsettia is a safe household plant. Studies conducted by Ohio State University in cooperation with the Society of American Florists concluded that no toxicity was evident at experimental ingestion levels far exceeding those likely to occur in a home environment. In fact, the POISINDEX® Information Service, the primary information resource used by most poison control centers, states that a 50-pound child would have to ingest over 500 poinsettia bracts to surpass experimental doses. Yet even at this high level, no toxicity was demonstrated. As with all ornamental plants, poinsettias are not intended for human or animal consumption, and certain individuals may experience an allergic reaction to poinsettias. However, the poinsettia has been demonstrated to be a safe plant. In fact, in 1992® the poinsettia was included on the list of houseplants most helpful in removing pollutants from indoor air. So, not only is the poinsettia a safe and beautiful addition to your holiday decor, it can even help keep your indoor air clean!

Winter WonderlandSleigh bells ring, are you listening,

In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight,

We’re happy tonight. Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird, Here to stay is a new bird

He sings a love song, As we go along,

Walking in a winter wonderland. In the meadow we can

build a snowman, Then pretend that he is Parson

Brown He’ll say: Are you married?

We’ll say: No man, But you can do the job When you’re in town.

Later on, we’ll conspire, As we dream by the fire

To face unafraid, The plans that we’ve made,

Walking in a winter wonderland. In the meadow we can

build a snowman,

And pretend that he’s a circus clown

We’ll have lots of fun with mister snowman,

Until the other kiddies knock him down.

When it snows, ain’t it thrilling, Though your nose gets a chilling We’ll frolic and play, the Eskimo

way, Walking in a winter wonderland. Walking in a winter wonderland, Walking in a winter wonderland.

8

Christmas CarolsJoy to the World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ;

while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow,

nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessing flow

far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found,

far as, far as the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and

grace, and makes the nations prove

the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love,

and wonders, wonders of His love.

Frosty the SnowmanFrosty the snowman was

a jolly happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose,

And two eyes made out of coal. Frosty the snowman is

a fairy tale, they say, He was made of snow but the children

know how he came to life one day. There must have been

some magic in that Old silk hat they found.

For when they placed it on his head, He began to dance around.

O, Frosty the snowman Was alive as he could be,

And the children say he could laugh And play just the same as you and me.

Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpety thump thump,

Look at Frosty go. Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpety thump thump,

Over the hills of snow.

Frosty the snowman knew The sun was hot that day, So he said, “Let’s run and

we’ll have some fun now before I melt away.”

Down to the village, With a broomstick in his hand,

Running here and there all Around the square saying,

Catch me if you can. He led them down the streets of town

Right to the traffic cop. And he only paused a moment when

He heard him holler “Stop!” For Frosty the snowman Had to hurry on his way,

But he waved goodbye saying, “Don’t you cry,

I’ll be back again some day.” Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpety thump thump,

Look at Frosty go. Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpety thump thump,

Over the hills of snow.

{December 2009} Williams Pioneer revieW: a colusa county christmas

9

Oh Come, All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him,

Born the King of angels; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O Come, let us adore him,

Christ the Lord. God of God,

Light of Light, Lo! he abhors not the Virgin’s womb:

Very God, Begotten, not created; Refrain

Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation,

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God

In the highest; Refrain See how the shepherds,

Summoned to his cradle, Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to

gaze; We too will thither

Bend our joyful footsteps; Refrain Child, for us sinners

Poor and in the manger, We would embrace thee,

with love and awe; Who would not live thee,

Loving us so dearly? Refrain Yea, Lord, we greet thee,

Born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory given;

Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing; Refrain

Oh Christmas TreeO Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

How are thy leaves so verdant! O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

How are thy leaves so verdant! Not only in the summertime,

But even in winter is thy prime. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

How are thy leaves so verdant! O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me! O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me! For every year the Christmas tree, Brings to us all both joy and glee.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me! O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

Thy candles shine out brightly! O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

Thy candles shine out brightly! Each bough doth hold its tiny light,

That makes each toy to sparkle bright. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

Thy candles shine out brightly!

Jingle Bell RockJingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring

Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun Now the jingle hop has begun.

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time

Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square In the frosty air.

What a bright time, it’s the right time To rock the night away

Jingle bell time is a swell time To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh

Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet Jingle around the clock

Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet That’s the jingle bell, That’s the jingle bell,

That’s the jingle bell rock.

For Christmas Activities & Caroling OpportunitiesSee Page 13 for Details...

We’re easy to find! • Just 3 miles North of Colusa on Hwy 45 • 530-458-8844 • www.colusacasino.comsacasino com

Gift Certificates Available...

We’re easy to

11 {December 2009} Williams Pioneer revieW: a colusa county christmas

SPICY SOUTHWEST CHOWDER

1 (14.5oz.) can chopped tomatoes8 oz. corn, frozen1 (10.5 oz.) can chicken broth1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed1 (4.5 oz.) can diced chilies1 (6 oz.) bag popcorn shrimp, frozen½ cup salsa¼ cup tequila1 tsp. cumin½ tsp. garlic powder¼ tsp. white pepperGarnish: chopped cilantro, grated cheese

•Mix all ingredients together in a 3 qt. saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Serve with garnish as desired.

ROCKY ROAD BROWNIES½ cup butter or margarine½ cup unsweetened cocoa1 cup sugar1 egg½ cup all-purpose flour¼ cup buttermilk1 tsp. vanilla1 cup miniature marshmallows1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts1 cup (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips

•Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 8-inch square pan. Combine butter and cocoa in medium, heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in sugar, egg, flour, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Spread batter

evenly in prepared pan.•Bake 25 minutes or until center feels dry. Do not over-bake or brownies will be dry. Remove from oven; sprinkle marshmallows, walnuts, and chocolate chips over top. Return to oven for 3 to 5 minutes or just until topping is melted. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into 2-inch squares.

MOCHA-RUM CHEESECAKE1-1/2 cups finely crushed crisp oatmeal cookies (12 to 14 cookies)¼ cup margarine or butter¼ cup rum1 tbls. instant coffee crystals3 8-oz. packages cream cheese, softened1 cup sugar4 squares (4 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled2 tbls. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. vanilla3 eggsWhipped cream (optional)Chocolate curls (optional)Fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed (optional)Fresh mint leaves (optional)

•In a mixing bowl toss together crushed cookies and margarine till combined. Press onto bottom and 1-1/2 inches up sides of a 9-inch springform pan. •Stir together rum and coffee crystals. In a large mixer bowl beat cream cheese, sugar, chocolate, flour and vanilla just ‘til combined. Add eggs all at once. Beat on low speed 30 seconds or just ‘til combined. Do not overbeat. Stir in rum mixture. Pour mixture into crumb crust.

•Bake in a 350°F oven for 50 to 60 minutes or ‘til center appears set; cool for 10 minutes. With a knife or small metal spatula loosen sides of cheesecake from pan; remove sides of pan. Let cheesecake cool for about 2 hours. Cover and chill ‘til serving time. •Or freeze, uncovered, about an hour or until firm. Remove bottom of pan. Transfer cheesecake to a large freezer bag or container. Seal, label, and freeze. Thaw cheesecakes, loosely covered for 24 hours, in the refrigerator before serving. •At serving time, garnish with whipped cream, chocolate curls, raspberries, and mint leaves if desired.

MASHED POTATO CASSEROLE

8 cups (2 ½ lbs.) peeled, quartered potatoes½ cup mayonnaise1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened1 tsp. onion powderPaprika to taste

•Mix potatoes and enough water to cover in a 4-qt. saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook 25 to 30 minutes or until tender. Drain well. Mash potatoes, gradually stirring in salad dressing, cream cheese, onion powder, ¾ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper until light and fluffy. •Spoon into 1 ½ qt. casserole dish. Sprinkle with paprika.•Heat oven to 350°F. Bake 45 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Continued on next page

Seasonal Recipesa taste of home from the backyard chef...

From My Grill to Yours....It’s the time of year, a time of family, friends and the comfort and joy of each other’s company as we gather around the fire, enjoying the year’s best. The nights are colder and the days shorter, making the outdoor grill not the place to be, although I enjoy the flavors of the grill as I find myself pulling out the dessert cookbooks and put a new twist on some of the season’s favorites. From my kitchen to yours I hope you find these recipes a delicious retreat and possibly add them to your holiday tradition.

Best Holiday Wishes, The Backyard Chef

HOT AND SPICY ARTICHOKE DIP

1 cup of mayonnaise1 cup of grated parmesan cheese1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained, chopped1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies, drained1 garlic clove, minced2 tbls. sliced green onion2 tbls. chopped tomato

•Heat oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients except onion and tomato. Spoon into 9-inch pie plate. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Sprinkle with onion and tomatoes. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers or pita bread wedges.

TRADITIONAL EGGNOG RECIPE

12 eggs, separated

6 cups milk2 cups heavy/ thickened cream1 3/4 cups bourbon1 ½ cups sugar1 cup brandy2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

•In a large bowl and using a mixer, beat the egg yolks together with the sugar for approx 10 minutes (you want the mixture to be firm and the color of butter).•Very slowly, add in the bourbon and brandy - just a little at a time.•When bourbon and brandy have been added, allow the mixture to cool in the fridge (for up to 6 hours, depending on how long before your party you’re making the eggnog).•30 minutes before your guests arrive, stir the milk into the chilled yolk mixture.•Stir in 1½ teaspoons ground nutmeg.•In a separate bowl, beat the cream with a mixer on high speed until the cream forms stiff peaks.•In yet another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

•Gently fold the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture.•Gently fold the cream into the egg mixture.•After ladling into cups, garnish with the remainder of the ground nutmeg.

HOT BUTTERED RUM MIX1 pound butter 1 pound brown sugar 1 pound confectioners’ sugar 1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

•Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Blend in brown sugar and confectioners’ sugar. Remove from heat, and whisk in the ice cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour mixture into a plastic container, seal, and freeze. •In a coffee mug, measure 1 tablespoon Hot Buttered Rum Batter and 1 fluid ounce of rum, then fill cup with boiling water. Stir and sprinkle top of drink with nutmeg. For a non-alcohol version you may also use a dash of rum extract/flavoring.

13 {December 2009} Williams Pioneer revieW: a colusa county christmas

Olde Tyme Christmas (Colusa)December 4, 6-8 p.m. Market Street

Call Santa! (sponsored by the Colusa Lions Club)December 10-11, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. call 458-XMAS (9627)

Stardust Dance Christmas recital at Pierce High School (Arbuckle)December 11, doors open at 6:15 p.m. performance at 7 p.m.

Festival of Lights (Williams)December 12, Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. festivities, including a dance performance by Stardust Dance studio, to follow at the Sacramento Valley Museum.

Santa to make the rounds in town with Colusa City Fire (Colusa)December 14-18, evenings (times and locations pending)

Annual Firemen’s Ball (Williams)December 19, for tickets call 473-2269

Santa visits Williams Fire Hall (Williams)December 24, 3 p.m.

Santa to visit Arbuckle (Arbuckle)December 20, starting at 6:30 p.m. Santa will be making the rounds in the town of arbuckle

Submit your community event to submissions@williamspioneerreview.com and we will include it in our next issue.

Community Eventsour family, our friends, our community...

(Staff Photo)

(Courtesy of Dick Lau)

(Staff Photo)

14{December 2009} Williams Pioneer revieW: a colusa county christmas

Christmas Servicesrejoice during the holiday season with friends and family...

Arbuckle Methodist Church will have a Christmas performance by the community choir Dec. 13th at 7pm. It will be at the church.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Colusa Dec. 20th at 6pm there will be a Christmas (organ concert) event benefiting the Colusa Christian As-sistance Fund.

Trinity United Methodist Church in Colusa will be hosting a Children’s Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 20, 2009 which will be during the regular church

service at 10:00 am. There will also be a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. The ancient story of Christ’s birth is retold through traditional carols and Scripture. This will be held December 24, 2009 at 5:30 pm.

Our Lady of Lourdes mass schedule. Dec. 24th at 5:30pm will be a vigil mass (English). Dec. 24th at midnight will be the midnight mass (English). Dec. 25th 8am mass (Spanish)

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maxwell. Dec. 24th midnight mass

First Presbyterian Church (Colusa) will be hosting Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, December 24th, 7:30 p.m. and at 11:00 p.m.

Church of the Annunciation in Williams (Catholic) Dec. 25th 9am mass

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Princeton. Dec. 25th 8am mass (English)

Submit your Christmas service to submissions@williamspioneerreview.com and we will include it in our next regular issue.

Kids Corner