Page 3 - Holiday Showcase 2016

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016 3

Cheesecake squares make an easy treat
Certain desserts that
Metro Creative Connection families love can be 2 8-oz. packages cream Add the egg, vanilla and Bake 22 to 24 minutes,
Making this time-honored treat doesn’t have to be difficult. labor-intensive to cheese 1/2 cup of the sugar to the until golden brown.
make. Cheesecake is an bowl. Whisk until smooth.
example of such a dessert 1 egg Spread over the crescent Combine the remaining
that, due to the time it takes 2 tsps. vanilla extract dough. 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon
to create and the richness of 3/4 cup sugar, divided in a small bowl. Place the
the dessert itself, is not Flour for dusting Lightly sprinkle the flat caramel topping in a 1-cup
something many people eat 1 Tbsp. cinnamon side of a cutting board with measuring cup.
on a regular basis. However, 1/2 cup caramel topping flour. Unroll the second
with this time-saving recipe Preheat oven to 350 package of crescent dough Remove the pan from the
from “Pampered Chef Sea- degrees Fahrenheit. Unroll and roll it into a 13- by-12- oven. Immediately pour the
son’s Best, Fast, Fun & one package of crescent inch rectangle. caramel topping over the
Fabulous” by Pampered dough into a shallow bak- cheesecake and spread to
Chef Test Kitchens, makes ing pan. Roll out the dough Fold the dough in half the edges of the crust.
the task easier. to edges. from the short end; gently Sprinkle with the cinna-
Heat the cream cheese in lift and place in the pan. mon-sugar mixture; let
Cinnamon Caramel a microwave-safe bowl, Unfold and gently stretch stand for 10 minutes.
Cheesecake Squares uncovered, on high for 30 the dough over the cream
to 40 seconds, or until cheese layer; press the Using a utility knife, cut
2 8-oz. packages seamless softened. Whisk until al- edges to seal. Cut off cor- into 4-by-6 rows to make
crescent dough most smooth. ners of dough hanging over 24 squares.
and discard.
Metro Creative
Connection

Films inspire traditions (and great gifts)
The tradition of watch-
ing holiday films Sleigh Bell Gift Set (https:// “National Lampoon’s never been born. Holiday A sleigh-bell gift set is
together as a family is www.etsy.com/shop/Lily- Christmas Vacation” shoppers looking for some- a ringing endorsement
one custom that has endured Deal), providing their young- (1989) thing special for a parent or for the fun found in
for generations. Grand- sters with the same sense of grandparent who loves the watching ‘The Polar
parents may have their favor- magic and wonderment the A holiday favorite among story of George Bailey can Express.’
ite films, while moms and boy feels when Santa gives a slightly older crowd, “Na- go to Etsy.com to find a host
dads no doubt have their own him the sleigh bell in the tional Lampoon’s Christmas of items and replicas that Metro Creative
must-see holiday movies as film. The set includes a large Vacation” continues the tale recall some of the film’s Connection
well. And no holiday film sleigh bell, a red- and snow of lovable family man Clark most memorable scenes.
session is complete without white-striped gift box, forest Griswold (Chevy Chase).
including at least one movie green ribbon, and large bow. Clark is determined to pro- Metro Creative
that celebrates the magical A leather strap connected to vide a traditional family Connection
impact that this time of year each bell allows kids to hang Christmas for his wife, chil-
can have on youngsters. This the bell to include as part of dren, and their large ex-
year, holiday shoppers can their home holiday decor, or tended family, only to have
even draw some gift-giving kids can carry the bell with his dream holiday derailed
inspiration from some classic them during the holiday by a stingy boss.
holiday films that appeal to season and show it off to
family members of all ages. friends and family alike. When shopping for gifts
“The Polar Express” for fans of this holiday clas-
(2004) Each bell comes in a vel- sic, shoppers can scour an
vet gift bag, making the set array of homemade items on
Children love this tale of a an ideal memento for shop- Etsy.com, from coffee mugs
young boy who lives out pers who want to give kids to T-shirts to home furnish-
many kids’ holiday fantasies something they can unwrap ings and more, celebrating
by embarking on a magical, and enjoy each Christmas for Clark Griswold and all the
unpredictable journey to the years to come. Also, each mayhem his family endures
North Pole. Along the way, bell comes with a Certificate en route to enjoying a merry
the boy becomes a true be- of Authenticity that is signed Christmas together.
liever in the spirit of Christ- by Santa and lists the name “It’s a Wonderful Life”
mas when he picks up a loose of the elf who inspected the (1946)
sleigh bell that falls off of bell, the reindeer name and
Santa’s sleigh. Santa ulti- the location of the bell on the Grandparents are no doubt
mately entrusts the bell to the reindeer’s harness. very familiar with this belov-
boy, referring to the bell as ed holiday classic, which
“the first gift of Christmas.” Shoppers looking for tells the tale of frustrated
stocking stuffers for young businessman George Bailey
Parents who want to make fans of the film can opt for (Jimmy Stewart). Contem-
the tradition of watching the Polar Express Round plating suicide on Christmas
holiday films together with Trip Train Ticket. At 8-by-3 Eve, George is saved when
their children even more inches, the ticket fits easily his guardian angel, Clarence
special for kids can give the into standard Christmas (Henry Travers), intervenes
First Gift of Christmas stockings and can be custom- and shows him what life
ized to say “BELIEVE” or would have been like for
any word up to eight letters. George’s loved ones had he

think different this holiday season

free gift wrapping gift certificates

check website for specials cleosgallery.com
21 e. third st. bethlehem PA 18015