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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-12-21, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21,1994. Family has bittersweet memory of Christmas By Mary Sanderson, Blyth When Dec. 5 arrives at our house we remember that day very well, for it was that day in 1985 we were told our four-year-old son had leukemia. He was considered high risk because the cancer was in 95 per cent of his body; his survival was 50/50. Well, our world was surely changed from that moment on. DEAR SANTA, I wish that other people have toys. Adam McClure Grade 1, Walton P.S. A light recipe for holidays bowl and sprinkle with ground nutmeg. Fun for all The season's gaiety was in the air following the lighting of the Christmas tree at The Ark on Sunday night, as young and old delighted in a wagon ride through the village. Two decorated wagons loaded with young and old singing festive tunes made the rounds of the village spreading good fun and cheer. The event was sponsored by the Optimist. After the rides were over, participants were invited to enjoy hot chocolate and apple cider at The Ark. Christmas would not be the same without rich and creamy eggnog. But, fat and calories can soon add up if you have more than one glass of this festive treat! Commercial eggnog can contain about 10 grams of fat and 170 calories in just one four ounce serving (and more calories, if you add alcohol). So, the Ontario Egg Producers' Marketing Board has developed a lightened-up version of home-made eggnog that tastes as rich and creamy as the traditional one. This low-fat version of eggnog contains about 1/10 the fat of commercial eggnog. It's thickened by first cooking egg yolks and one per cent milk to make a custard base; then, just before serving, whisking the custard into egg whites which have been whipped to puffy peaks. According to Clare Jones, nutritionist with the Egg Board, it is perfectly safe to make homemade eggnog that contains raw eggs. "When preparing homemade eggnog, remember to use only Canada Grade A eggs with clean, uncracked shells that have been kept refrigerated," she says. Serve eggnog chilled. Set the bowl in a bed of ice to help keep it cold. If entertaining for more than a two hour time period, set out smaller amounts of the eggnog and replenish as needed. For a quick holiday brunch idea, Ms Jones suggests you can use up any let over eggnog as a ready­ made dip for making French toast. Simply pour eggnog into a pic plate, melt butter or margarine in a skillet; dip both sides of thick, day- old bread slices in eggnog; place in skillet; cook until lightly browned; turn and brown other side; and serve with warmed syrup or fresh fruit. That day we took our little boy to Sick Children's Hospital in London. We were not prepared for what was ahead of us. He received his first of many chemo treatments the next day. From there on he seemed to go downhill. We were not sure if he would see Christmas. He became very ill with pneumonia and was on intravenous antibiotics. Dec. 24 was now upon us and LUSCIOUS LIGHT EGGNOG Preparation Time: 12 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes 7 eggs 1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar 8 cups (2 L) 1% milk 1 tbsp. (15 mL) vanilla extract ground nutmeg 1 cup (250 mL) rum (optional) 1. Separate eggs; refrigerate whites. In a heavy, medium-size saucepan, blend egg yolks with 1/2 cup (125 mL) sugar. Stir in 4 cups (1 L) milk. 2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until custard mixture evenly coats a metal spoon, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and blend in vanilla and 1/4 tsp. (1 mL) nutmeg. Transfer mixture to a large container; cool quickly by setting container in ice water and stirring for a few minutes. Then stir in remaining milk; cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but not more than 2 days. 3. When almost ready to serve, beat the 7 reserved egg whites in a large bowl on high speed of an electric mixer, until frothy. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup (125 mL) sugar about a tablespoon (15 mL) at a time; continue to beat until whites hold stiff, glossy peaks. 4. Add rum, as desired, to chilled custard; stir to mix in any spices that may have settled. With a whisk, gently blend the custard into whipped whites, about 1 cup (250 mL) at a time. Transfer to a punch Closed for tfe fiotidays The Citizen will be closed for the holi­ days. In 'Blyth the office will be closed from 5p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20 unld Jan. 2. The ‘Brussels office will be closed from 2 p.m. Dec. 19 until Jan. 2. ‘There will be no issue of The Citizen on Dec. 28. this year we were not ready for Christmas. We had been living out of a suitcase for the past three weeks. My husband and I and our younger son had been staying at a nearby motel. Would we be home for the holidays? As we glanced down the hall from our hospital room, we noticed a whole team of doctors were huddled together in discussion. One MICROWAVE METHOD: In a medium-sized glass bowl, microwave 4 cups (1 L) of milk on full power 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 minutes or until hot. In a large glass bowl, beat together egg yolks and 1/2 cup (125 mL) sugar. Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture, stirring constantly. Microwave, uncovered, on full power for 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 minutes, stirring four times with a wire whisk. When cooked, custard will be smooth and somewhat thickened. Blend in vanilla and nutmeg and continue as above. Makes about 16 cups (4 L) Nutrition information per serving: Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125 mL) Luscious Light Eggnog 96 Calories 1 gram fat 4 grams protein 13 grams carbohydrate Commercial Eggnog 170 Calories 10 grams fat 4 grams protein 14 grams carbohydrate of them was our doctors, head of Oncology. Could we go home? Yes, Yes, Yes. However, it was necessary for us to carry on with the medication at home. No problem. After gathering everything and everyone together, we made a final stop at the hospital pharmacy to pick up our antibiotics - $500 worth, wow! With that and every­ thing else we had accumulated over the past weeks, we were heading for home. What a wonderful feeling it was! Home for Christmas! There was some last minute, and I do mean last minute, shopping to take care of. Christmas Eve was full of mixed emotions.We put up our tree and the boys hung up their ornaments as they always did. Only this time as we watched, we wondered if we would see this same picture the next year? Now, having three years of chemo behind him and six years in remission, our son still hangs his ornaments on the tree with his brother and little sister, every Christmas is special. Walton PS letters DEAR SANTA, I wish others have food to eat. Maria Wall Grade 1, Walton P.S.