A smorgasbord of holiday doings & a favourite recipe

There is sooo much to choose from in the Valley this month, we have to jump right in . . .

Craft Fairs

Don’t worry, there’s still time to hit some markets and get in some not-quite-last-minute shopping. Here are a few faves: 

• Touch of Class Christmas Market – Being held on December 10 and 11, this is a European-style artisan market. Located in the cozy Little Red Church on Comox Ave, you will find glass next to jewelry next to weaving next to pottery next to paintings next to baking… Admission is free and doors are open from 10 to 4 both days.

• Christmas Market at Crown Isle – Check out local artists and vendors on Sunday, December 11 from 12:00–8:00 pm in the clubhouse. Whether you need a stocking stuffer or one-of-a-kind gift, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

• Made with Love Christmas Market – On December 18, head down to the Native Sons Hall and support small businesses. Open from 10 to 4 (with the Big Guy showing up for pics between 1:30 and 2:30), admission is with a donation to the local food bank. Come for the fun and stay for the food trucks!

• And, as always, the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market runs on Saturday mornings right up to Christmas at the Native Sons Hall.

Christmas Music

Music makes the holidays merry and bright, so have a look at these fine options. Look online for information about tickets and times. 

• Strathcona Symphony Orchestra’s Opera Night – Like music at Christmas but not necessarily Christmas music? The SSO fits the bill. Featuring works by Mozart, Bizet and Rossini, you’ll love this showcase that also features Vancouver Island opera singers. Shows take place on December 10 and 11.

• Celebration Singers Choirs - The always-popular choirs flex their vocal muscles and range during two shows December 9th & 10^th at St. George’s United. Three choirs for the price of one!

• Holiday Horns with The Festive Brass – Love a little horn or a lot? This 12-piece Victoria-based ensemble will set the Christmas mood with some bouncy brass tunes. Check them out on December 16^th at Comox United Church.

Holiday Fun

Need to get out and move about? Bundle up for these festive activities.

• Holiday Resort Walk – Starting in early December the eighth annual walk begins and ends at the clubhouse. Enjoy thousands of lights then visit with Santa and have a look at the Gingerbread Village. Visit their website for dates and times.

• Kingfisher’s Serenity Gardens Winter Light Display – Even more illumination has been added to the hundreds of thousands of lights for their fourth annual show. Stand among glowing maple trees, weeping willows, shimmering tulips, illuminated grasses, mystical mushrooms and much more. The display runs from November to February.  

A Classic Family Recipe . . .

My mom used to make this recipe for Christmas morning from her favourite cookbook, The Best of Bridge. Called the “Christmas Morning Wife Saver,” it can be made ahead of time and baked the morning of. Or if you’re a breakfast-for-dinner kinda family, go for it! 

• 16 slices white bread, crusts removed
• 16 slices Canadian back bacon or ham
• 16 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 tsp. pepper (2 mL)
• 1/2-1 tsp. dry mustard (2-5 mL)
• 1/4 cup minced onion (60 mL)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper (60 mL)
• 1-2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (5-10 mL)
• 3 cups milk (750 mL)
• dash Tabasco sauce
• 1/2 cup butter (125 mL)
• Special K or crushed Corn Flakes

Method:

1. Set 8 pieces of bread into a 9″ x 13″ (23 x 33 cm) buttered, glass baking dish.
2. Cover bread with slices of back bacon. Lay slices of cheddar cheese on top of bacon and then cover with remaining slices of bread to make it like a sandwich.
3. In a bowl, beat eggs and pepper. To the egg mixture, add dry mustard, onion, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, milk and Tabasco. Pour over the sandwiches, cover and let stand in fridge overnight.
4. In the morning, melt butter and pour over top. Cover with Special K or crushed Corn Flakes.
5. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour at 350 deg. F (180 deg. C). Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Whatever your fancy, make sure to get out and enjoy all the Valley has to offer at this special time of year. Best wishes to all!

For more information about all aspects of living in the Comox Valley, visit my website or my Facebook page. And for specific real estate questions, please feel free to get in touch.