Anyone who’s watched“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”knows there is a lot that can go wrong over the holidays. While they may not always reach the level of mayhem the Griswold family deals with, real world accidents are no laughing matter. So, here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones in comfort and joy this season. Watch out for festive fires. Candles, Christmas lights, and holiday hams may fill our hearts with warmth, but if you aren’t careful, they might make your house even hotter. Consider using battery-operated candles to avoid the hazard of open flames. Before putting up electric decorations like lights, check cords and bulbs for damage. Furthermore, avoid overloading your outlets with too many of these decorations because they can blow a fuse or even spark an electrical fire. Finally, always remain in the kitchen while cooking your feast. A burning roast can leave you without Christmas dinner at best, and without a dining room at worst. Deck the halls with a sense of caution. Decorating is a timeless holiday tradition, but it’s also one that warrants precaution. For instance, did you know that many of our favorite holiday plants like mistletoe and holly berries are poisonous? Be sure to keep these away from children and animals if you plan to put them in your home. If you plan on running lights outside of your home, be sure to use a sturdy ladder and have a partner to help keep you steady. As for the tree itself, ensure its base is large enough to support it, and avoid putting glass ornaments on the lower branches where small children might grab at them. Make it home for the holidays. The roads may be the most dangerous place of all this season. Sadly, drunk- driving-related accidents skyrocket this time of year, particularly around Christmas and NewYear’s Eve. If you plan on having a merry time at a holiday party, then it’s best to go with a designated driver or use a ride-share service. Even if you are sober, be sure to drive defensively — especially at night.
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Gingerbread is a holiday classic of the very first order, but it’s often a construction material rather than a treat. This recipe, on the contrary, is purely for eating.
There can be many risks this time of year, but with a little caution, your holidays should be merry and bright!
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup canola oil, plus more for greasing 3/4 cup unsulphured molasses 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
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1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped 2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda
2 large eggs
1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Grease a loaf pan with canola oil. 3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together 1/2 cup canola oil, molasses, brown sugar, eggs, ginger, and cranberries. In a separate bowl, sift and combine flour with baking powder, baking
soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until blended. 4. Scrape batter into loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes. 5. Transfer to a rack, let cool for 20 minutes, slice, and serve. Inspired by Food &Wine Magazine.
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