Anderson Dental Care - January 2026

DON’T LET THE FIRE DIE MAKE WINTER BONFIRES YOUR NEW TRADITION

PROVIDE TOASTY TREATS. Sometimes, clothes alone are not enough to protect us from winter’s chill. During these moments, it can help to eat or drink something that fills your whole body with warmth. Thankfully, you’ll have a bonfire to help you toast and warm some delicious treats. S’mores are usually the go-to, but you can also warm up hot dogs, sausages, or even corn on the cob. And don’t forget the drinks! Hot chocolate, warm apple cider, or even tea can help everyone stay comfortable and in good spirits. ADD GAMES OR FUN ACTIVITIES. Some may grow bored with traditional bonfire activities, which is why you should have an extra activity or game up your sleeve. Depending on the lighting, you could play a card or board game. If the lighting is too dim, you can incorporate other activities requiring more movement and adventure. Kids and adults alike will have fun playing a game of flashlight tag or participating in a scavenger hunt. Plus, the extra movement will help everyone stay warm!

Many Americans invite their friends and family for a bonfire throughout the summer and fall. Nothing beats making s’mores, sharing stories, and enjoying the flickering flame under the moonlight. As temperatures drop and winter weather appears on the radar, some cover and ignore their bonfire area until after the cold and rainy seasons. However, you can still create an awe-inspiring bonfire during winter if you put together a plan. Winter bonfires can quickly become a regular part of your seasonal traditions, and these strategies will help ensure your bonfire is a hit with everyone who attends. HELP PEOPLE STAY WARM. Nobody wants to sit outside in the dark and freezing cold. Encourage everyone attending to dress in warm clothes appropriate for the frigid temperatures, but be prepared to help out if someone starts to feel chilly. Have extra blankets and coats within reach so you can easily pass them to anyone in need. YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS WHAT WAS THE FIRST CITY TO REACH A POPULATION OF ONE MILLION? In 133 BCE, Rome became the first city to have a population of one million inhabitants; however, this distinction didn’t last long after the fall of the Roman Empire. It wasn’t until 1800 that London became the first city to surpass that milestone, and it went on to reach a population of six million by 1810. WHEN WAS BRAILLE INVENTED? In 1824, Louis Braille entered the school for the blind in Paris and adapted a pre-existing military writing system that used dots, known as “night writing,” which was intended for nighttime battlefield communication. WHO HOLDS THE RECORD FOR STAYING AWAKE THE LONGEST? While the Guinness World Record no longer monitors this challenge due to the health risks involved since 1997, the record holder

SLOW COOKER BIRRIA TACOS

INGREDIENTS • 3 dried guajillo chiles • 2 dried ancho chiles • 1 medium onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes • 3 lbs beef chuck roast • 2 cups beef broth • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp dried oregano • 2 tsp ground cumin • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp salt • Pepper, to taste • Corn tortillas • Fresh cilantro and diced onion for garnish

DIRECTIONS 1. Soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes. 2. Process chiles, onion, garlic, and tomatoes in a blender until smooth. 3. Place beef in a slow cooker and pour the chili mixture over it. 4. Add beef broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. 5. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or until the beef is tender. 6. Shred the beef using forks, then mix back into the sauce. 7. Fry tortillas in oil until crispy, then assemble tacos as desired.

is Robert McDonald, who went 453 hours and 40 minutes (18 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes) without sleeping in 1986!

Inspired by SimpleWhisk.com

513-231-7755 • 3

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator