December 2021 E-News

December has arrived and most of us will be preparing another big meal! Getting Ahead of the Holiday Meal Cost can help you plan in advance to better manage the cost of a holiday meal and to spread out that cost over time. If you have seen the movie, Christmas with the Kranks you may recall the frantic hunt for the Hills Hickory Honey Ham that each year was the centerpiece of the Krank holiday party. The Kranks got a late start and there are hilarious scenes of the pursuit of the one ham left in the market.

We hope that the Getting Ahead of the Holiday Meal Cost series will help you avoid your own version of the pursuit of a Hill ham. You will find a series of factsheets that may help you with your holiday cooking/planning HERE. Each factsheet covers pulling out recipes, examining kitchen staples and utensils, shopping bargains, canned goods, dry ingredients, spices, and filling the freezer! Of course, fresh fruits and vegetables and dairy products are perishable items and will need to be purchased fresh close to the time of meal preparation.

Many thanks to Dr. Carolyn Bird, Professor, Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences, NC State University, and her staff for these resources!

Christmas Tree selection is approaching quickly and hopefully you will purchase a quality locally grown N.C. Fraser Fir. A sound decision for a few of the following reasons, the biggest is supporting our local farmers which puts dollars back into the local economy. The Fraser is also superior in needle retention and offers the buyer less clean up versus other tree varieties. Another physical feature that makes our local fir stand apart is the ability to withstand an indoor environment without drying out rapidly. Smell, yes smell after COVID what better way to celebrate the holidays than by filling the home with that soothing fir smell. These trees are available and in stock, no problems with logistics or the supply chain.

Frasers like all trees live or artificial require attention. The Fraser benefits from having a fresh cut made to the base of the trunk which exposes fresh tissue that allows for better water uptake. Do not add anything to the water and remember to water frequently to prevent drying out. Also, keep the tree away from heat sources which could cause problems and yes this could happen with an artificial tree as well. Please make sure that lights and cords are in good working order and free of damage. So go purchase a local Fraser Fir and make a holiday memory.

What to Bring to a Holiday Party?

The holidays are fast approaching and this means food and gatherings. The question is what should I bring? 4-H has excellent recipe books filled with simple recipes that can be made with youth. Cooking is an essential life skill that can be taught right at home. Below you will find a recipe for a simple dessert that would be perfect for the holiday season.

Baked Apples
Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:
4 apples
¼ cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons butter or margarine
Cinnamon
1 cup water

Equipment:
Apple Corer
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoons
Covered baking dish
Hot pads

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Rinse in cold water and remove the cores. This a perfect time to show how to core an apple.
Place cored apples in a baking dish. Fill holes with brown sugar and butter or margarine. Pour water around the apples. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Place cover on dish or aluminum.
Bake about 40 to 50 minutes. Applies that are small or that have been stored for several months may bake in about 30 minutes. Apples that are very large or hard or that have been stored only a short time may take an hour to bake. Apples are done when they can be pierced easily with the tip of a paring knife. Be sure to use hot pads when you remove the cover, and tip the cover toward you so the steam will escape away from you. If apples are not done, bake them longer.

Suggestion:

You can also fill the holes with raisins, chopped dates, nuts, or a combination of these. If you like apples that are sweet, add ¼ cup of sugar to the water.

You can find more 4-H recipes on this website: 45 Recipes We Learned as 4-H Kids | Taste of Home

Our Empowering Youth and Families Program (EYFP) team is expanding! We're looking for dedicated volunteers to help facilitate the program. North Carolina State University's 4-H and Youth Development Department developed the curriculum for families with middle school youth. As 4-H professionals, we focus on building a strong sense of community and overall health and wellbeing - especially in families. EYFP facilitators will work with youth and adult participants one night a week for ten weeks. Our training team from Raleigh will be in Mitchell County on December 15th and 16th to work with new volunteers. For more information about the program or signing up to be a facilitator, contact Niki Maness at 828.688.4811.

With winter comes cold temperatures and damp weather, both being undesirable for small animals and poultry. Efforts need to be made to ensure the best possible care for outdoor small animals (rabbits) and poultry. Below are some easy methods of preventing sickness, frostbite, and other conditions that commonly accompany winter weather.

Shelter is essential for any animal, especially small animals and poultry. Without shelter, the animals are exposed to the elements and will have to utilize all their energy to stay warm and functional. Animals without shelter will become frostbite and sick. This can result in production loss or even death. The shelter needs to have at least three walls and a space where the animal can escape the wind and moisture. A shelter can be anything from a plastic container with a cut opening to a dog house.

Footing for small animals and poultry is important for health and production. Often small animals and poultry are housed on wire, which can cause injury or death when exposed to the elements and water. Provide each animal with a solid, non-metal surface to remove themselves from the wire at their leisure. This allows the animals to limit their exposure and limit the chance of injury. Solid surfaces such as a hard wood board, blanket, box with bedding, or plastic box top will work.

One of the five required nutrients for any animal is water. This is required for the animal to remain healthy. During winter, water can freeze, limiting the animal’s access and ability to consume adequate amounts. Ensure that all animals and poultry have access to water that is replenished daily and is clean and clear of ice. Heating methods are available and highly suggested. Heaters come in many forms and prevent freezing but can evaporate water quickly. To avoid a dry trough and freezing, provide animals and poultry with bulk waterers that have the ability to be heated safely.

For more information, please contact Michelle South at the Mitchell County Cooperative Extension Center at 828.688.4811.