Holiday Highlights #4

Holiday Highlight Safety Tip #4

As a family-owned business, the team at Triangle Electrical Services knows that cooking a delicious meal together is just as fun as gathering around the table to enjoy it. However, a celebration is only joyful when everyone is safe – so here are few reminders for staying safe in the kitchen this holiday season.

Holiday meal preparations can be an all-day event, so make sure someone is in the kitchen at all times while the stove is on. Accidents can happen in a matter of seconds, so keep an eye on kids, dogs, and flammable items like grocery bags that might make their way onto the counter. If you’re using a slow cooker or an instant pot to keep food warm, don’t forget to unplug everything at the end of the evening. We suggest setting a reminder in your phone to be sure you’ve turned all appliances off before you sit down to eat.

Holiday Highlights is presented by Triangle Electrical Services: keeping your holidays merry & bright – and safe – since 1995!

Holiday Highlights Recipe #4: Beef Tenderloin With Horseradish Cream

So you’ve spent a nice chunk of change on this very nice chunk of meat. Whole beef tenderloin is the priciest cut of beef on the market, how can you ensure that it’s cooked to perfection? There is only one foolproof way: a meat thermometer. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if you’re relying on an oven setting and a timer, you’re just guessing. If you’re using a meat thermometer, you can guarantee the results you want.

Ali's Crush-Worthy Gift Guide, Volume 4

As the member of the WCHL staff who does the most shopping (this is a self-appointed title) I know it can be difficult to find the perfect gift. In 2020 especially, we’re going to be sending gifts to friends and family that we might have given them in person in years past, so it’s important that our loved ones know that their gifts were picked with care. As the host of Woman Crush Wednesday, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing small business owners, crafters, and creators. That combined with my trusted “one-for-them, one-for-me” holiday shopping method hopefully means you’ll find some solid local gift options.

Who's Ali Evans?

Hollywood Feed

If you have someone in your life who is as obsessed with their dogs as I am, Hollywood Feed should be on your holiday shopping list. Christmastime or not, there is nothing more adorable than remembering the family pet in your gift-giving. In fact, I wouldn’t even notice if someone only gave me gifts for my dogs and forgot to buy anything for me. When you stop by Hollywood Feed, be sure to meet Butcher, or as I call him, the “employee of every single month, forever.” He might even help you pick something out, as long as you ask nicely.

Click here to check it out

Ali Cat Toys in Carr Mill Mall

My family has been shopping at Ali Cat Toys for over 20 years, but I still feel the same excitement in my thirties that I did at 9 years old when I used to beg my mom to take me to check for the newest Beanie Baby. Ali Cat is full of toys, games, puzzles, stuffed animals and more, so there is something for everyone. While you’re there, be sure to browse through the whole space – Carr Mill Mall is full of locally owned shops and boutiques full of unique gifts. I’m very partial to this “Butterball Tabby” so if you go to Ali Cat and it’s gone, it might mean I purchased it for myself.

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Wine and Design Chapel Hill

The theme of this week’s gift guide (and the theme of my whole life) is obviously “animal-lover!” Wine and Design of Chapel Hill has several different nature-themed paintings to choose from, but you can also paint your own pet! All of Wine and Design’s classes are currently offered via Zoom, and they sell gift certificates on their website. You could cross someone off your shopping list and even paint your own piece of art without ever changing out of your PJ’s your “work from home clothes.” Please assure your loved ones that their painting won’t be any worse than this tragic masterpiece I created of my dog Cooper.

Click here to check it out

Museum of Life and Science

If you grew up around here, you most likely went to the Museum of Life and Science on a field-trip every year from 2^nd grade through 8^th grade. If you had the cool science teacher, you even got to have a sleep over there. (I never had the cool science teacher and I’m still jealous.) Luckily, it’s even more awesome as an adult! “Holidays in the Park” is a holiday lights experience that is fun for grown-ups and little ones alike, so grab your mask and bundle up to walk through the beautiful shimmering pathways, and even take a festive trip on the train!

Click here to check it out

Holiday Cocktail Recipes from Carrie Brogren

Get a little fancy with this classic Gimlet by serving it in a fabulous Coupe glass. I prefer to make my own Rosemary Simple Syrup, but you can use store bought if you you’d like.

“Rose-merry Gimlet”

2 Ounces Gin
¾ Ounce Fresh Lime Juice
¾ Ounce Rosemary Simple Syrup
Fresh Rosemary (for garnish)

For the Rosemary Simple Syrup:

Add one cup of white sugar and one cup of water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil and add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool, and strain the syrup into an airtight container. You can store your Simple Syrup in the refrigerator, where it should last for about a month.

For the cocktail:

Add a handful of ice, Gin, Lime Juice, and Rosemary Simple Syrup to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh Rosemary.