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The Citizen, 2003-02-12, Page 17THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2003. PAGE 17. Tips to help ease your way down the aisle Here comes the bride ... the groom, and their children from the previous marriage. The fact of the matter is, close to 50 percent of all marriages today involve someone tying the knot for at least a second time. Blended families are far more commonplace than ever before and second marriages are now often treated with the same enthusiasm as the first. While it’s easy to find plenty of information available for first-time newlyweds, it can be a little trickier to find resources for couples who are heading down the aisle for another try. That’s why MetLife Consumer Education Centre has developed a brochure called, Getting Remarried as a helpful companion to their brochure for first-time newlyweds, “Getting Married." Produced in conjunction with the International Association of Marriage and Family counselors, those taking the plunge for a second time can learn a wealth of information about getting married, or re-married, as the case may be. • The first important issue a couple should consider before remarriage is finances. Many believe that discussing money can put a damper on romance. However, studies indicate that money-related issues have a way of destroying marriages. Unlike first-time newlyweds, people who remarry are usually more established and bring diverse assets to the union. For a stronger, happier relationship, partners in first- and second-time marriages need to be open and honest with their assets, debts and attitudes toward money before deciding to marry. • Children are another topic of discussion that should be addressed immediately. After the wedding, you and your new spouse may enjoy bliss, but things often do not go as smoothly for children involved in this new union — particularly if the remarriage follows a divorce. Roles, issues of authority and expectations need to be clearly and realistically discussed to help bring the new family together. • As with any first-time marriage, you may be considering a ceremony and reception to celebrate your new commitment to become husband and wife. While women who are remarrying usually do not wear as elaborate a dress as they did for their first marriage, there are still plenty of styles from which to choose. Consult bridal magazines for the options available. • Budgeting is also a major concern. More and more qouples are paying for their own weddings. Discuss with your future spouse the amount you are able to spend on all of the festivities and stick to your budget. Don't forget that the little things really have a way of adding up. Preparing the bridal resigistry can be a snap The guests you invite to your wedding have it so easy. While you’re making phone calls to reception halls, caterers, florists and musicians, running from one appointment to the next for fittings, photographers, videographers and entertainers, your guests barely have to lift a finger other than to mail back their response cards, write the date on their calendars and check to see where you’ve registered for gifts. That’s the beauty of a gift registry: guests simply choose a gift that falls within their price range and their work is done. As a bride- or groom-to-be, however, choosing the items to include on a registry can be quite an ordeal. Often, newlyweds don’t realize all the household items they’ll need until they really need them. With so many different models on the market, even choosing an appliance as basic as a toaster can be confusing. Then, there are the luxury items — like breadmakers, ice-cream machines and pasta makers. And this only is the kitchen! To help make the task a little easier for the bride- and groom-to- be, following is a checklist of cooking tools, from basic necessities to beyond, that every kitchen should have. UTENSILS AND MORE • Bowls, nested set in tempered glass or stainless steel • Brush, pastry • Can/bottle opener • Colander, stainless steel • Corkscrew • Cutting board, of thick hardwood or acrylic • Garlic press • Grater, four-sided stainless steel • Juicer, citrus and/or all-purpose • Kitchen timer • Ladle, eight-ounce • Measuring cups, one-cup and two-cup, Pyrex glass • Pepper grinder, adjustable • Potholders • Salad bowl and serving implements • Salad spinner • Salad tongs • Spatula, slotted stainless-steel blade • Spoons, mixing, wood and stainless steel • Spoons, measuring, heavy-gauge stainless steel • Spoon, slotted • Whisk, stainless steel BAKING • Baking sheets, 18 inches by 12 inches by 1/2 inch • Bowls, nested set in tempered glass • Loaf pan, eight-inch • Measuring cups, stainless steel • Measuring spoons, stainless steel • Rectangular pan, nine inches by 12 inches • Rolling pin • Rubber spatula • Square pan, eight-inch • Whisk, electric beater or standing mixer KNIVES AND BLADES • Bread knife, serrated eight-inch • Carving set • Chef’s knife, eight-inch • Food processor or blender • Grapefruit knife • Paring knife, four-inch • Poultry shears • Scissors, utility • Vegetable peeler POTS AND FRYING PANS • Ceramic casserole, with glass lid • Dutch oven • Kettle • Roasting pan, 15 inches by 10 inches by two inches Country Magic Pentals & Sales V Twig Furniture V Trellis V Grapevine Trees V Arbours V Grapevine Garlands V Benches V Wreaths V Planters V Rustic Accessories V Wheelbarrows for weddings, graduations and anniversary parties Debbie Campbell • Roasting rack, flat, stainless steel • Saucepan, two-quart, with lid • Skillet or saute pan, nonstick, eight-inch with lid • Skillet or saute pan, nonstick, 13- inch with lid • Stockpot, eight-quart, heavy- bottomed, with lid Tantalizing truffles make a romantic treat There is no mistaking the decadent power of chocolate. Though true chocolate connoisseurs may indulge in a daily bite, this tasty dessert usually is reserved for special occasions — like a romantic evening spent with your intended. Try spoiling your sweetie to show your love with a sinful chocolate masterpiece — these truffles are sure to please. False Truffles are balls of premium chocolate ice cream, dressed with rich chocolate ganache and dusted with cocoa powder. Enjoy the following recipe, courtesy of “Le Cordon Bleu Home Collection: Chocolate” (Periplus Editions). False Truffles Preparation time: 30 minutes and one hour freezing Total cooking time: 5 minutes Makes 12 1 Clip best-quality chocolate ice cream Unsweetened cocoa, to dust Ganache 8ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 cup heavy cream 3 tablespoons sugar 1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Scoop 12 small balls from the ice cream using a melon bailer or a teaspoon. Place on the baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour. 2. To make the ganache, put the chocolate in a bowl. Put the cream and sugar in a medium saucepan, and stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the cream mixture over the chocolate and leave it to melt for a few minutes, then gently stir until smooth. Keep stirring every 10 minutes for about one hour, or until cool. 3. Sift the cocoa into a shallow bowl. Once the balls of ice cream are frozen solid, remove a few at a time. Dip into the cooled ganache and immediately roll in the cocoa powder. Return the finished truffles to the freezer and repeat with the remaining balls. Chef’s tips: Ganache — a superbly rich chocolate icing — must not be warm or it will melt the ice cream, nor must it be too cold or it will be too thick to coat the ice cream properly. Once they are frozen, the finished truffles may be kept in an airtight freezer bag for up to one month. Roll again in cocoa before serving, if necessary. ilfau’’te adwiiyy rC welcome at JlitcAeU’& fBed <£ R.R. #3 Walton 887-6697 ~ F K F K F K F K Your One Stop WEDDING STORE ' Small town personalized service." * We welcome guests to our 1889 4 bedroom home. Experience a full country breakfast. Open year ‘round - Reservations Preferred Wedding Invitations & Accessories Wedding Programs, Cake Tops Attendant Gifts, Candles Favour Ideas - Ceramics, Chocolates, Bubbles Cello Wrap, Ribbons, Bows Decorations & Tableware Balloons Rentals: A’ches, Pillars, Table Centrepieces & More Hall Decorating w/ceiling centrepieces Linens & Wine Glasses Wheelchair accessible, JX reasonable rates ------------------------ J J J N J J 1 J A _ ^F XF XF 'IF XF XF XF XF XF XF XF XF XF XF XF XF XF XF XF SHIR-TIME PARTIES 308 Main St. E., Listowel 291-5555 www.shirtimeparties.ca K F K F K F K F K F K