December 16th is Chocolate Covered Anything Day!

December 16, 2014December 17, 2014 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Did you know that there is a day to celebrate covering foods with chocolate? This year December 16th is Chocolate Covered Anything Day! Now, with whispers of a chocolate shortage have been present in the news lately it is even more important to celebrate this day with some fantastic treats. Chocolate covered fruit such as strawberries, banana, and pineapple are well known and loves and less obvious treats like chocolate covered pretzels and more savory treats have become more popular in recent years, a day like today is just the inspiration you might need to explore other less obvious pairings, like chocolate and bacon.

So, in honor of today cover your food in chocolate or simply make something tasty with it. Like all good things chocolate is better when shared so, in spirit of the holiday season, share some of your chocolate treats with your friends and family. Here are some books to give you chocolate related inspiration:

1. Chocolate: From Simple Cookies to Extravagant Showstoppers by Nick Malgieri

2. Chocolate: 90 Sinful and Sumptuous Indulgences by Elisabeth Johansson

3. The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweets, Candy & Chocolates by Claire Ptak

4. The Essence of Chocolate: Recipes for Baking and Cooking with Fine Chocolate by John Scharffenberger and Robert Steinberg with Ann Krueger Spivack and Susie Heller

5. Chocolate and the Art of Low-Fat Desserts by Alice Medrich

6. Maida Heatter’s Book of Great Chocolate desserts by Maida Heatter

7. The Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookbook: Recipes and History from America’s Premier Chocolate Maker photography by Leigh Beisch

8. Chocolate Lover’s: From Hot Fudge Soufflé to Chilled Biscuit Cake by Chris and James Tanner

9. Bittersweet: Recipes and Tales from a Life in Chocolate by Alice Medrich

10. Seriously Bitter Sweet: The Ultimate Dessert Maker’s Guide to Chocolate by Alice Medrich

For even more chocolatey goodness and inspiration check out: Chocolate from the Cake Mix Doctor by Anne Byrn, Chocolate: A Sweet History by Sandra Markle, Chocolate: a Love Story: 65 Chocolate Dessert Recipes from Max Brenner’s Private Collection by Max Brenner, Pure Chocolate: Divine Desserts and Sweets from the Creator of Fran’s Chocolates by Fran Bigelow with Helene Siegel, Chocolate & Zucchini: Daily adventures in a Parisian Kitchen by Clotilde Dusoulier, 1000 Chocolate Baking & Dessert Recipes produced by the Bridgewater Book Company, Ltd, or Sweet Christmas: Homemade Peppermints, Sugar Cake, Chocolate-Almond Toffee, Eggnog Fudge, and other Sweet Treats and Decorations by Sharon Bowers.

10 Celebrity Books Worth Reading

December 9, 2014November 17, 2014 / Linda / Leave a comment

I admit it…..I don’t watch much television or go to movies, so I’m not into the celebrity thing. But a couple articles caught my eye about books written by celebrities that are considered to be quite good. Take a look:

Bossypants by Tina Fey (Biography) – From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon, comedian Tina Fey reveals all, and proves that you’re no one until someone calls you bossy.

Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi (Biography) – A wife of Ellen DeGeneres and actress best known for her roles in Ally McBeal and Arrested Development provides a searing account of the years she spent secretly suffering from anorexia and bulimia, and trying to hide her sexuality, all under the glare of Hollywood’s bright lights.

My Mother Was Nuts : A Memoir by Penny Marshall (Biography) – A Hollywood icon discusses her incredible life, from her starring role on the classic sitcom Laverne and Shirley to her trailblazing moment as the first woman to direct a movie grossing more than $100 million at the box office

Yes Please by Amy Poehler (Biography) – A first-person account by the Golden Globe-winning actress best known for her work on Parks and Recreation and Saturday Night Live includes coverage of such topics as her relationships with caregivers and her friendship with Tina Fey

Seriously……I’m Kidding by Ellen Degeneres (Biography) – The stand-up comedian, television host, bestselling author, and actress candidly discusses her personal life and professional career and describes what it was like to become a judge on “American Idol.”

Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She’s Learned by Lena Dunham (Biography) – The creator and star of HBO’s “Girls” documents her coming-of-age in and out of the spotlight, recounting her experiences with everything from dieting and embarrassing sex to dirty old men and performing in less-than-ideal conditions.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and other concerns) by Mindy Kaling (Non-Fiction) – The Emmy-nominated writer and actress best known as Kelly Kapoor on The Office shares her observations on a wide range of topics from favorite male archetypes and her hatred of dieting to her loving relationship with her mother and the haphazard creative process in the Office writers’ room.

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham (Fiction) – The stage and screen star best known for her work in such series as Gilmore Girls presents the story of a struggling actress in 1990s New York City who searches for work and the perfect hair product while befriending a rival and resisting her father’s pressure to get a “real” job.

The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin (Fiction) – Daniel, a troubled man who lives alone in a Santa Monica apartment, detached from the world, watching life go by, passes his time filling out contest applications, estimating the wattage of light bulbs, and counting ceiling tiles, until his grown attachment to Clarissa and Teddy helps him rediscover the outside world, as well as love and life in the process.

When It Happens to You by Molly Ringwald (Fiction) – A collection of interlinked stories follows a Los Angeles family and their friends and neighbors as they negotiate the deceptions and heartbreaks of everyday life.

(Source: collegecandy.com, Kirkus Reviews)

Getting Crafty With Children For the Holidays

December 7, 2014November 17, 2014 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Now that the holiday season is more than well underway, parents are being barraged with want lists from their children, buried in catalogs and flyers, and hounded by television and radio ads for the next big thing. My favorite way to combat all the commercial craziness is to set the kids to crafting. No matter what holidays you celebrate this season, or none at all, it is a great time to channel that energy and excitement into making gifts or doing good things for others. Here are some books to help channel the creative energy into gifts, decorations, or charitable donations from children and adults of all ages.

1. Crafts to Make in the Winter by Kathy Ross

2. Jewish Holiday Crafts for Little Hands by Ruth Esrig Brinn with Judyth Groner and Madeline Wikler

3. Crafts for Kwanzaa by Kathy Ross

4. The Greatest Cookies Ever: Dozens of Delicious, Chewy, Chunky, Fun & Foolproof Recipes by Rose Dunnington

5. Christmas Crafts From around the World by Judy Ann Sadler

6. Earth-Friendly Holidays: How to Make Fabulous Gifts and Decorations from Reusable Objects by George Pfiffner

7. The Jumbo Book of Needlecrafts by Judy Ann Sadler

8. Hanukkah Crafts by Karen E. Bledsoe

9. The Grolier Kidscrafts Craft Book by Cheryl Owen, Anna Murray

10. Swedish Christmas Crafts by Helene S. Lundberg

Looking for more inspiration and ideas to keep everyone busy? Here are some more books to create a spark of creativity, but if you are looking for a specific craft or type of activity do not be afraid to come on in and ask. We can find a book to help you out!

Find more inspiration here; Christmas Presents Kids Can Make by Kathy Ross, The Merry Christmas Activity Book by Jane Bull, Kids Knit!: Simple Steps to Nifty Projects by Sarah Bradberry, Fairy World Crafts by Kathy Ross, Kids Crochet: Projects for Kids of All Ages by Kelli Ronci, Holiday Crafts Kids Can Make edited by Gerald M. Knox, The Kids’ Winter Fun Book: Homespun Adventures for Family Fun by Claire Gillman & Sam Martin, Christmas Crafts: Things to Make the 24 Days Before Christmas by Carolyn Meyer, The Children’s Book of Kwanzaa: a Guide to Celebrating the Holiday by Dolores Johnson, Kids Knittingby Melanie Falick, EcoArt! : Earth-Friendly Art & Craft Experiences for 3- to 9-year-olds by Laurie Carlson, Festival Decorationsby Anne Civardi & Penny King, and Step-by-Step Crafts for Winter by Kathy Ross.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in December

December 2, 2014November 21, 2014 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

It may be cold outside, but we’ve got some hot programming at Cheshire Library this December. Mark your calendars for:

Personal Preparedness

Tuesday Dec 2, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Alicia Hanke of the Chesprocott Health District will provide residents with information and tips on how to prepare for potential emergencies. Hanke will focus on 3 components to living prepared: building a kit, making a plan, and staying informed. Register on our website.

The Ancient Art of Paper Cutting

Thursday Dec 4, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Martha Link Walsh, who has practiced the ancient art of paper cutting for over 40 years, will give a brief overview of its history, present a demonstration, share her “secrets” of the craft, and discuss her book, A Paper-cut Christmas – Legends of the Gift Giver. Register on our website.

A Seussified Christmas Carol, with Cheshire Community Theatre

Saturday Dec 6, 2014, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

A whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. With zoot fruited juices and binka bird geese, from Bed-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, this is a tale of glorious holiday cheer! Register on our website.

Jewelry Jam

Monday Dec 8, 2014, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

The holidays are right around the corner. Come in for a free, fun evening of jewelry making. Kim Larkin, a Cheshire resident and jewelry maven, will teach attendees how to create wonderful, unique necklaces. Attendance is limited, please register on our website.

Cheshire Cats Classics Club – The War of the Worlds

Monday Dec 8, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening. The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells will be discussed at the December meeting.

There is limited seating for this event. For more information regarding this program, contact Jenn Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org

Music Together Workshop

Wednesday Dec 10, 2014
2 sessions: 10:00 – 10:45 AM, and 11:00 – 11:45 AM

Music Together® s an internationally recognized early childhood music program for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, kindergartners, and the adults who love them. This research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum strongly encourages adult involvement and emphacizes actual music experiences rather than concepts about music. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Holiday Read-Aloud with FEA

Wednesday Dec 10, 2014, 3:30 – 4:15 PM

Come and read with the Future Educators of America (FEA) from Dodd Middle School. Dress in red or green to get in the holiday spirit! There will be stories, crafts, and a snack. For ages 3-6. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Holiday Silly Song Sing-a-long

Friday Dec 12, 2014, 10:30 – 11:30 AM

Silly Song Sing-a-long is a mix of popular children’s songs, musical games, dance movements, and rhythms. Children and adults will be encouraged to participate and act silly along with Edward Leonard and his guitars, drums, and maracas. This program is designed for children ages 5 and under, but all ages are welcome. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Fab Film Saturdays: Muppets Most Wanted

Saturday Dec 13, 2014, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

There’s plenty of fun for the whole family as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal and the entire Muppets gang head out on a world tour. But mayhem follows the Muppets, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper. Running Time 1 hour, 47 minutes. Rated PG. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

Maker Fun

Thursday Dec 18, 2014, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

We’ll have several seasonal crafting stations around the room and children will be able to make several art projects to take home with them at the end of the two hours. The framework of the program will be very loose, so children will be free to work at their own speeds and do only the crafting that interests them. For children ages 4 and up, [children must be accompanied by an adult]. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Joy to the World: Holiday Music for Classical Guitar & Mandolin

Saturday Dec 20, 2014, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Local audience favorites Judy Handler and Mark Levesque return to the Cheshire Library with a new concert for the holidays featuring traditional and contemporary holiday music with an international flavor. The audience will have a chance to join in at the end of the program on some rhythm instruments! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.