Author: Mary Szakmeister
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Red Paper Envelopes
Don’t forget to get your gifts ready for Chinese New Year’s in red paper envelopes. Beautiful ones are available at the Far East Oriental store on Park Street in Whitehall. Just a few guidelines so you don’t bring on any bad luck. Put even numbered amounts of money in the envelope, avoiding any that include… Read more
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Won ton recipe
Pork Wontons 1 package wonton skins 1/2 pound ground pork 1 TBS soy sauce 1 scallion, minced 1 tsp cornstarch 1 tsp Sherry (You can add other ingredients to your own taste—ginger, minced water chestnuts, shrimp—whatever you like) Mix pork with soy sauce, scallion, cornstarch and Sherry. Saute in small amount of peanut oil until… Read more
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How the Buddha Named the Years
As you are no doubt aware, Chinese years are associated with animals, but you may not know how this tradition started. Many, many years ago on New Year’s Eve, the Buddha called together the animals and twelve of them attended. To reward them, the Buddha named a year after each one. The Buddha decided to… Read more
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Getting Ready for Chinese New Year’s Festival
Chinese New Year’s is right around the corner, and there are some things you might want to know before you start chilling the champagne again. Chinese New Year’s celebration is the longest festival of the year, lasting until the Lantern Festival begins on the 15th day of the following month. The New Year’s festival commemorates… Read more
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Spirit of Bethlehm Mugs
The official gluhwein mugs for the 2013 Christmas City Village are almost sold out! If you miss them, you can still get the Spirit of Bethlehem Mugs. The are on special through this weekend at $10. See our previous post for some delicious gluhwein recipes. Read more
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Let Yourself Glow
In case you haven’t been out recently—it’s cold outside! And since it is, Artists at Heart has the perfect remedy for the winter chill—gluhwein— or “glow wine” in English. It is a traditional mulled wine often associated with skiing and other outdoor activities. The tradition goes back over 500 years when people started adding spices… Read more
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Stone of the Month–Carnelian
Attention all those affected by fear of public speaking! Carnelian will give you the skill and confidence to address any group. From ancient times it is believed to bring eloquence and boldness to its wearers. It has also been worn for courage and physical power against enemies. With its bright orange red color, carnelian captivates… Read more
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Attracting Blue Birds to Your Home
Although the population of bluebirds has declined due to loss of habitat and introduction of predators, you can help to reverse this trend by giving them a safe nesting site. You can help save the species and add a beautiful, natural creature to your surroundings. Bluebirds need a specific house designed just for them. The… Read more
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Today is National Corn Fritter Day!
In honor of the day, here is a time-tested Pennsylvania Dutch recipe from the Lehigh Valley Emmy’s Corn Fritters 3 eggs, separated 1 2/3 cup fresh or canned whole kernel corn 1/2 tsp salt dash pepper 1/4 cup flour 6T oil for frying (if you like them a little sweeter, add 1-2 tablespoons sugar, otherwise,… Read more
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Mexican Red Snowflake Jasper
Mexican Red Snowflake Jasper comes from Mexico! It looks a lot like Orbicular Jasper, also known as Ocean or Fish Eye Jasper. It consists of warm contrasting dark reds, blacks, oranges and browns. Jasper has been a favorite stone since ancient times and is referred to in Greek, Hebrew, Assyrian and Latin literature. According to… Read more