This year, Easter happens to fall on April Fools’ Day, and it’s right around the corner — no joke. If you’re still trying to figure out your Easter plans, mark your calendars for a few Easter-themed events happening in York.

Spring Mani Mixer: Friday, March 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Need a new manicure for Easter? Want to have a girls’ night out? How about some mommy and daughter time? Allow yourself to be pampered with nail wraps, lacquers, indulgent hand care and JamBeauty. Get the ideal Mani from the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the price of a salon manicure.

Leg Up Farmers Market | 3100 N. George St. | York, PA 17406

717.893.5998 | Share the Facebook event

Flashlight Egg Hunt: Friday, March 30, 7-8 p.m.

Bring your flashlight and basket. The eggs will be hidden around the buildings, playground, and edges of the woods. This egg hunt is a free event, but for ages 10-18 only. Sign up at DoverTwpRec.com.

Brookside Park | 4054 Fox Run Rd. | Dover, PA 17135

717.292.3634 | Share the Facebook event

Easter at Miller Plant Farm: Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hop into Miller Plant Farm’s Garden Center for everything Easter. Take home a beautiful mixed pot of flowers or an Easter basket featuring the farm’s own homegrown flowers, traditional Easter flowers, homemade candy, and Easter decorations. Lastly, take advantage of the free photo op with the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Miller Plant Farm | 430 Indian Rock Dam Rd. | York, PA 17403

717.741.2631 | Share the Facebook event

Downtown Bunny Hop: Saturday, March 31, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Come down to Central Market and take part in a day of Easter festivities. Enjoy prize eggs, free kids craft, and vendor specials. Bring the whole family to the Capitol Theatre after you’re done having fun in the Market to see the movie HOP, an Easter movie about E.B. the Easter Bunny’s son who’d rather drum out in a band than be like his father, at 1 p.m. It’s free for kids 12 and younger to attend.

Central Market | 34 W. Philadelphia St. | York, PA 17401

717.848.2243 | Share the Facebook event

 Easter at the Accomac: Sunday, April 1, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Join the Accomac for Easter dinner on April 1. Chef Jordan Crews has created a special menu that will have you hopping for joy. Be sure to call the restaurant at 717.252.1521 to make reservations for this egg-cellent dinner.

The Accomac | 6330 River Dr. | York, PA 17406

717.252.1521 | Share the Facebook event

Be safe and enjoy your Easter fun. Don’t forget to keep your eye out for the Easter Bunny at some of the above events.

The artists and the artistry, the rockin’ and the rhythms, the sounds from the sax and soul: Discover the ultimate live music experience in Central Pennsylvania with the Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival, March 9–11. More than a music festival, this event brings together more than 60 artists from across the world for a celebration of music culture and community. Where else can you hear a fusion of music genres performed in one setting?

“Music fans are excited for this year’s schedule with 60 great bands over three days on 10 stages,” says Rich Ruoff, director of the Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival. “This is the Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival’s fifth year, and 10,000 attendees from all over Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic region will enjoy the best in blues, jazz, rock, reggae, funk, soul, Americana, Celtic, bluegrass music, and more.”

Eclectic Array of Musical Genres Emerge at the Fifth Annual Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival

With several dynamic venues in downtown Lancaster playing host to the performances, you won’t have to go far to get your fill of music:

• 26 East at Altana (26 E. King St.)
• Main Stage at Lancaster County Convention Center (25 S. Queen St.)
• Tellus 360 (24 E. King St.)
• The Chameleon Club (223 N. Water St.)
• The Federal Taphouse (201 N. Queen St.)
• The Elks Lodge (219 N. Duke St.)
• The SugarTank (252 N. Queen St.)
• The Village Nightclub (205 N. Christian St.)
• Zoetropolis (114 N. Water St.)

Below is a brief list of some of the more than 60 artists scheduled to appear at the Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival:

• Shemekia Copeland: Blues-rocker, soul-shouter, and gospel-fueled songstress, Shemekia Copeland showcases her lyrical prowess in blues, roots and soul. (Performing Sunday, March 11, 3:30 p.m., at the Main Stage, Lancaster County Convention Center)
• Eric Johnson: This Grammy Award–winning artist entered the contemporary music scene more than 20 years ago with the release of his landmark album Ah Via Musicom. Today, he continues to command accolades from fans within the guitar community. (Performing Sunday, March 11, 6 p.m., at the Main Stage, Lancaster County Convention Center)
• The Big Takeover: Hailing from New York City, this six-piece band led by singer-songwriter NeeNee Rushie blends Jamaican pop music with the uptown energy and soul of American Motown. (Performing Friday, March 9, 11:15 p.m., at The Chameleon Club)
• JJ Grey & Mofro: Fearless and unfettered in his soul-bent style, JJ Grey & and his band Mofro bring raw, honest emotions to a soundtrack that blends blues and soul with overtones of inspiration from country-rock legends such as Jerry Reed and Otis Redding. (Performing Friday, March 9, 9:30 p.m. at the Main Stage, Lancaster County Convention Center)
• Morgan James: With her powerhouse voice and dynamic performance style, New York–based songwriter and soul singer Morgan James captivates audiences with her diverse vocal range and genres covering a fusions of funk, pop and rhythm and blues. (Performing Saturday, March 11, 1 p.m. at the Main Stage, Lancaster County Convention Center)
• Tommy Z: As a Top 10 Billboard Blues, iTunes Blues and No. 1 charting blues artist, Tommy Z delivers a mix of classic and contemporary blues with influences of funk, jazz and rock. (Performing Saturday, March 10, 7 p.m. at The Village Nightclub)

If you want to get in on all the good music over these three days, you better get your tickets now. Ticket offerings include three-day ($150), two-day ($105) and single-day ($59) general admission tickets as well as a preferred three-day and one-day VIP ticket.

This celebration of the roots of American music is only a short drive across the Susquehanna River. Immerse yourself in the Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival experience March 9–11.

Photography provided by Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival

YRK Creative, YRK Magazine’s parent company, is a sponsor of the 2018 Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival.

Foodies and savory seekers alike, you’ll be in for a treat. Satisfy your taste buds with a variety of flavors that downtown York restaurants have to offer during the 8th Annual Restaurant Week. Between February 24 and March 3, you have the opportunity to visit York’s best restaurants, market stands, bars, cafes, and pop-ups, and choose from prix-fixe menus that include chef-selected exclusive dishes for the week.

Breakfast and lunch prices range from $5 to $15, and dinner prices range from $20 to $40. As an added bonus, Collusion Tap Works is brewing up a special beer for this week which will be available at participating downtown bars: a #RWBEER 5.5 percent blonde ale hopped with citra and rakau hops. Be on the lookout for that.

This celebration of cuisine is the perfect opportunity to try a dish that’s out of your comfort zone or make a break from your usual food spot in York. Restaurant Week is a showcase of food innovation at its best in the heart of the city.

Restaurant Week’s Impact on Downtown York

In addition to your stomach benefiting from the great food and drink, York’s economy gains from all this activity as well. Supporting your local food places during Restaurant Week greatly impacts York’s economy in a positive way.

According to the York County Economic Alliance, this week yields a minimum of a 100 percent increase in sales for most of the restaurants. It was reported that over $300,000 in sales were generated during this week in 2017. Restaurant Week also supports the downtown economic surge. This past July, the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau recorded $217.6 million spent on the food and beverage industry, second only to transportation.

Make Your Reservations Early

To take part in this week, no tickets are needed: Just visit any participating restaurant. You might want to plan ahead, though, as reservations are highly encouraged given that this week is one of the busiest of the year for York City dining. Below you can find all the participating restaurants that are accepting reservations.

Coomb’s Tavern | 717.854.8146

Hamir’s Indian Fusion | 717.430.4173

Iron Horse York | 717.846.4766

Mudhook Brewing Co. | 717.747.3605

Revival Social Club | 717.430.2981

Rockfish Public House | 717.893.5928

Roosevelt Tavern | 717.854.7725

The Handsome Cab | 717.793.2413

The Left Bank Restaurant & Bar | 717.843.8010

Tutoni’s | 717.873.0270

World Grills | 717.650.2886

Explore Distinct Dining Options

Carryout will be available depending on the restaurant. Along with the prix-fixe menus, participating restaurants will continue to offer their daily menus. Many will offer a vegetarian feature during the week as well. Vegans, don’t think you’re forgotten about. Zwild Vegans in Penn Market (380 W. Market St.) has an entire menu that will meet your needs.

Best Restaurants in 2017

If you’ve never experienced Restaurant Week, and you’re not quite sure where to start your food quest in the city, no worries. Start your exploration with the previous Restaurant Week award winners of 2017, listed below.

Best Breakfast – York City Pretzel Company

Best Lunch – Roost Uncommon Kitchen

Best Dinner – Roosevelt Tavern

Most Bang for Your Buck – Granfalloons

Best Dessert – Revival Social Club

Best Place for a Quick Bite – York City Pretzel Company

Best First Experience – Forno Bova

Best Ethnic Option – Essan Thai Restaurant & Mi Caldero Restaurante

Best Vegetarian Option – LettUsKnow

New to Restaurant Week in 2018

Hamir’s Indian Fusion

Hamir Patel debuted his Indian Fusion cuisine in the Taste Test restaurant incubator series. In response to the overwhelming success and his growing popularity within the community, he opened a permanent restaurant at 24 S. George St.

Herb & Herd

Herb & Herd provides authentic Italian flavors in York’s Central Market with cheeses that are imported and domestic, freshly sliced charcuterie, and scratch-made pasta.

Isaac’s on the Fly

This restaurant is a fast and casual version of current Issac’s Restauants and features many of the chain’s famous grilled sandwiches and signature menu items in an express format.

The SteakOut

The SteakOut is home to authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks. Here you can also order burgers, fries, breakfast meals, and other delicious comfort foods.

Zwild Vegans

Zwild Vegans is an all-vegan, fresh, organic, non-GMO cafe that offers fresh exotic smoothies, nourishing juices, fair-trade coffee and teas, and an array of healthy vegan treats.

Full Restaurant Lineup

Bair’s Chicken

brewvino

The Busy Bee

Central Family Restaurant

Collusion Tap Works

Coomb’s Tavern

Esaan Thai Restaurant

Granfalloons

Hamir’s Indian Fusion

The Handsome Cab

 Herb & Herd

Holy Hound Taproom

Iron Horse York

i-ron-ic

Issac’s on the Fly

J.R.’s Fries at Central Market

The Left Bank Restaurant & Bar

LettUsKnow

Mezzogiorno

Mi Caldero Restaurant

Mudhook Brewing Co.

Pepper’s Grille at Central Market

Revival Social Club

Rockfish Public House

Roosevelt Tavern

Roost Uncommon Kitchen

Saucy Girls

Taste Test Restaurant Incubator

The SteakOut

Tutoni’s

White Rose Bar & Grill

World Grills

York City Pretzel Company

Zanelli’s

Zwild Vegans

You have eight days to explore the most popular restaurants in York and try their exclusive menus for Restaurant Week. You may find your new regular go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner or happy hour. Don’t forget to share your tasty findings on social media using the hashtag #RWYORK.

Story by Kirsten McWilliams

Photography provided by YRK Magazine

A certain amount of sweetness reigns during the month of February. Next to jewelry-store surprises and long-stemmed roses, what could be more special than an expression of love of the edible kind? Cookies, it seems, are a way to reach anyone’s heart — a task easily achieved with Valentine Heart Sandwich Cookies. These cookies are inspired by the famous Linzer torte named after the Austrian town of Linz where the torte originated.

Valentine Heart Sandwich Cookies

Makes approximately 12 filled sandwich cookies

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out dough
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup blanched almonds
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons seedless black raspberry jam
• 3 tablespoons seedless strawberry jam
• 3 tablespoons apricot jam
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

1. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch and cinnamon. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse almonds until finely ground. Whisk almonds into flour mixture; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 4 minutes. Add egg, vanilla and lemon zest; beat to combine, scraping down sides of bowl. With mixer on low, add almond-flour mixture; beat just until flour has been incorporated.
3. Turn out dough onto a work surface; divide dough in half and shape each half into flat rounds. Wrap each round in plastic wrap; chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
4. Remove one round of dough from refrigerator and let stand until slightly soft. On a large piece of parchment paper dusted with flour, roll dough out to 1/8-inch thickness. Transfer parchment paper and dough to a baking sheet; refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove one sheet of dough and parchment from refrigerator; working quickly, cut into heart shapes with a 3-inch heart cookie cutter. Cut out center from half the shapes with a 2-inch heart cookie cutter. Transfer hearts to prepared baking sheets spacing them about 1 inch apart; refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. (Either bake the cutout centers of the hearts or reroll them to make the larger hearts.)
6. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until cookies are crisp and lightly golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Spread a third of the uncut cookies with one flavor of each of the jams. Sift confectioners’ sugar over cutout hearts. Just before serving, place cookies with cutout middles on top of uncut cookies, so that jam shows through the cutout.

It’s January, and we’re just now starting to feel the effects of winter and are bundling up in our coats and scarves to brace the cold. Many of us may not stop to think about those less fortunate who don’t own a coat or gloves to keep them warm and protected from the harsh cold. Not all heroes wear capes, and some aren’t even old enough to drive yet. One hero is here in York: 9-year-old Tristan Rankin.

Tristan is the CEO of Coats of Friendship, a nonprofit that collects coats and winter accessories for those who don’t have winter attire and outerwear. When Tristan was 6 years old, a YouTube video of a boy who didn’t have a coat for the winter inspired him to start a coat drive. The organization received its first coat donations in 2015 and placed coats throughout two parks in York. Three years later, Coats of Friendship continues to break its previous year’s record of coats distributed to those in need.

The Team Behind the Scenes

Tristan has a supportive team behind him including his board of directors — a marketing director, director of operations, production director and secretary, public relations director, and two co-directors of Coats of Friendship Accessories — which are positions all held by fellow classmates with age ranges from 9 to 11 years old. His mother Tracee handles the finances as CFO.

Tristan and his organization members thought about a variety of names when deciding upon a name for their organization. Coats of Friendship was the winning name — a fitting one since these children attend Friendship Elementary School in Glen Rock, York County.

It Takes a Village

When Tristan first started asking for coat donations in 2015, he was turned away and was initially discouraged to continue with his efforts, but his mother encouraged him to continue with his dream of helping others. Since that time, Coats of Friendship continues to reach and help more community members than the previous year. In recent years, those numbers have reached the thousands. Some local community organizations such as LifePath Christian Ministries and Family First Health have benefited from Coats of Friendship’s efforts and have received coat donations as well.

Since 2015, more community organizations have heard about Coats of Friendship’s cause and have reached out with an interest in getting involved. Many places such as Central Market in downtown York, the Markets of Hanover, and the Shrewsbury Wal-Mart have opened up their facilities as drop-off locations for coats and accessories. Although Tristan and his classmates ultimately run Coats of Friendship, adults do pitch in when it’s time to distribute the coats throughout the community, and they help pin a handwritten message on each coat distributed to let the new owner of the coat know that the individual is valued and loved.

Every Milestone Counts

Coats of Friendship has come a long way since its beginning three years ago, and it looks forward to getting more done for the community. Each year, Coats of Friendship reaches a new milestone. They’ve recently achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status thanks to the efforts of Tristan who completed the paperwork and took the necessary steps to receive the status. In its first year, the organization aimed to distribute 15 coats and distributed 85 instead. In 2016, 500 coats was the goal, and 705 coats were distributed. In 2017, it aimed for 1,000 and distributed 2,357 coats.

Moving Forward with a Plan

Even though Coats of Friendship distributed their collection of coats last Thanksgiving, they’re still on a roll and have already set goals for this year: “We want to collect and distribute 3,000 coats this year,” Tristan says. In addition, the organization has distributed about 500 coats to families in York and 75 coasts to families in Harrisburg who were victims of Hurricane Maria that devastated the island of Puerto Rico last October. The organization is currently collecting coats for Hurricane Maria victims in Hanover as well.

If you have any lightly used coats or winter accessories you’re not currently wearing, save them. Coats of Friendship will began collecting for its next Thanksgiving coat drive early this spring. Visit the Facebook page for Coats of Friendship to stay up-to-date with all the activities the organization is doing for the community.

 

Story by Kirsten McWilliams

Photos courtesy of Tracee Rankin

Where can you participate in a silent disco scene, witness a mighty Wurlitzer organ demonstration, break out some hip-hop dance moves, and explore some wizardry and history? It all happens in York for CelebrateARTS Week, Jan. 13–20, a free community cultural celebration presented by the Cultural Alliance of York County. Through the generosity of sponsors and Cultural Alliance community partners, these free events enable all members of the community to discover York County’s arts, music, dance, history and cultural experiences.

CelebrateARTS events begin Saturday, Jan. 13 and continue through Jan. 20. Preview the offerings for the week below.

Silent Disco and Performance by Greater York Dance

Saturday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m., Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 50 N. George St.

Don your wireless headphones and get ready to experience live music like York has never seen. Featuring the audio-visual work of artists Aortic Valve and dance performances from the Greater York Dance and Midstate Ballet, you’ll find yourself moving to the music in your ears as you take in the immersive video projections for a spectacle premiering in York only during CelebrateARTS.

Three Generations of Creativity at York Art Association

Sunday, Jan. 14, 2 p.m., York Art Association, 221 S. Marshall St.

Meet the people behind the work of the York artist family of Gloria Oldenburg, Carol Oldenburg and Kara Oldenburg-Gonzales at this three-generation exhibition presented by the York Art Association.

MLK Day Celebration

Monday, Jan. 15, 6–8 p.m., Union Lutheran Church, 408 W. Market St.

Celebrating the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this community event will feature displays of fine art, interactive children’s crafts and games, spoken-word performances and soul food specialties presented by York restaurants. This event is presented by Gusa by Victoria, the Cultural Alliance, Community Arts Ink and Union Lutheran Church.

Silent Film & Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Demonstration

Wednesday, Jan. 17, Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 6 p.m., Capitol Theatre at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 50 N. George St.

Organ master Don Kinnier invites you to experience what the mighty Wurlitzer organ can do as it accompanies the 1924 Buster Keaton silent film classic Sherlock Jr. Kinnier will present a 10- to 15-minute demo of the organ before the film begins.

Free Hip-Hop Dance Class at Greater York Dance

Friday, Jan. 19, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Greater York Dance, 3524 E. Market St.

Children ages 8 and older are invited to get their groove on with this hip-hop dance class for kids. This class is limited to 30 participants, and registration is required.

Free Dress Rehearsal Performance with the York Symphony Orchestra – “When in Rome” Concert

Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 50 N. George St.

The York Symphony Orchestra invites you to an open dress rehearsal of the “When in Rome” classical concert performance Saturday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m., featuring the work of award-winning pianist Roberto Plano.

“Magic at the Museum” Harry Potter–Themed Family Day

Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Agricultural & Industrial Museum, 217 W. Princess St.

Bring your little magicians and muggles for a magic-themed family day with the York County History Center. Take your turns at the sorting hat, immerse yourself in some interactive magical activities, learn the Patronus charm from Professor Lupin, pose in an Azkaban photo booth and pick up a mini marauder’s map as you travel from station to station seeking official acceptance into the Hogwarts.

CelebrateARTS serves as the official public launch of the Cultural Alliance 2018 annual campaign with a goal of raising $1 million in contributions to make high-quality cultural arts experiences available throughout the year to members of the York County community. For more information or to contribute to the Cultural Alliance, visit culturalyork.org. 

Story and photography by Tonisha Price and Kirsten McWilliams for YRK Magazine

Christmas Eve is almost here. For those procrastinators who still have last-minute Christmas shopping to do, don’t stress. If you find yourself stumped about what to get for a family member or friend in these remaining days to Christmas, discover some last-minute gift ideas to help you make your last-minute Christmas shopping a little less hectic.

Kimman’s

57 N. Beaver St., York

717.854.0440

kimmans.com

Know a foodie or someone who likes to pamper themselves with lotions, essential oils, or bath scrubs? You’ll find the gifts they’ll appreciate at Kimman’s on North Beaver Street.

For the foodies in your friend group and family, you’ll discover different sauces and jams of the sweet and spicy kind, plus bread mixes with accompanying recipes for pesto and cinnamon bread. The Nora Fleming collection of serving ware also provides special pieces for entertaining.

Shoppers like you can find an electronic kiosk where they can customize a mug for any coffee love. Much of the merchandise at Kimman’s is produced in the United States, and shopping local in downtown York gives back to the downtown economy. Below are some of Kimman’s shower bombs, also known as shower fizzies, which could be a great gift idea for anyone already a fan of bath essentials.

 

Redeux Vintage

113 S. Duke St., York

717.850.8063

redeuxyork.com

This vintage and handmade marketplace hasall types of eclectic clothing, accessories, and furniture. For anyone in your family who’s an old soul and loves the musical tunes of yesteryear, you can find vinyls by Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, and the Temptations.

Seek out the little trunk to find some beautiful winter sweaters. For any hipster in your family who’s a fan of old-school fashion, you can also find a variety of vintage graphic tees from the ’80s and ’90s at great prices.

 

Christmas Tree Hill

Locations throughout York County
Christmas Tree Hill in the Mansion, 2840 Whiteford Road, York | 717.755.9290

Christmas Tree Hill Garden and Gift Shop, 2801 S. George St., York | 717.741.2296

Christmas Tree Hill at Westgate, 4000 W. Market St., York | 717.792.1370

A Christmas and gift wonderland is the best way to describe the Christmas Tree Hill experience. Don’t be fooled by the name; there’s more than Christmas-themed items only. You can find handbags, scarves, and wristlets for any woman in your life.

At each Christmas Tree Hill location, you’ll discover specific sections dedicated to items related to the Christmas season, including a variety of Christmas ornaments for any family member or friend who enjoys diversifying their Christmas tree decorations and receiving a new ornament each year. Along with Christmas items, you can browse the selection of adult coloring books, and artists’ markers, as well as cool and funky graphic socks such as those pictured below.

Time may be running out, but the gift ideas don’t have to. We hope this post got your creative gift ideas flowing. Now get out there and wrap up that shopping. Merry Christmas!

The Fall Harvest Trifle is a neat spin on the traditional cake recipe. Its soft layers of fluffy pumpkin cake, sweet vanilla custard, and cinnamon sautéed apples topped with whipped cream would be the perfect treat to make for family and friends this holiday season.

In honor of National Cake Day this Nov. 26, give this sweet and simple cake recipe from the Red Brick Bakery a try.

Harvest Fall Trifle

Pumpkin Cake

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup salad oil

1 cup pumpkin purée

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1. Combine sugar, eggs, salad oil and pumpkin in one bowl.
2. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl.
3. Sift your dry ingredients into your wet mixture and mix thoroughly.
4. Pour mixture into a greased 8-inch square pan.
5. Bake at 350° for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Vanilla Custard

2 cups whole milk

2 ounces sugar

1 egg

2 yolks

2 ounces sugar

1 ounce cornstarch

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ounce butter

1. Combine milk and 2 ounces sugar in a small saucepan.
2. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In a separate bowl, with a whisk, combine the yolks, egg, 2 ounces of sugar and cornstarch.
3. While continually whisking, gradually pour the warm milk mixture over the egg and cornstarch blend.
4. Once combined, pour the entire mix back into the saucepan and cook while continually stirring over medium heat until thickened.
5. Transfer to a bowl and add vanilla and butter.
6. Place plastic wrap on the surface of the custard and allow to cool to room temperature, then chill for further use.

Cinnamon Sautéed Apples

2 tablespoons butter

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and medium diced

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1. In a medium sauté pan, melt butter, and then add the apples and cinnamon to pan. Sauté over medium heat until fork tender.
2. Remove from heat and cool for future use.

To Assemble:

Layer cubes of pumpkin cake, cinnamon apples and pastry cream in a glass of your choice. Top with whipped cream, cinnamon and fresh mint.

 

#GivingTuesday is a nationwide event that encourages people around the country to give back on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Founded in 2012 by the people at 92^nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City, #GivingTuesday is a day that has brought people together around the value of making a return for all that we have been given. Five years later, this initiative has become a global movement that has helped connect individuals, communities and organizations.

A large majority of the nonprofits participating in #GivingTuesday receive their largest donations on this day. According to wholewale.com, more than 40,000 nonprofits around the world raised over $168 million on #GivingTuesday in 2016 compared to the $116.7 million raised in 2015, a growth of 44 percent. Each year, the amount raised exceeds the previous year’s amount by double digits. This day has been a great success since its founding with the help of people spreading the word about #GivingTuesday and advocating giving back to our communities by word of mouth and via social media.

Impact of Giving Tuesday in York

Donations allow nonprofits to continually serve the underserved members of our communities with medical, charitable, social, financial, educational and other services. What better way to help serve the organizations that serve our community by giving back to them? This November 28, you can join this charitable movement and take part in #GivingTuesday by giving back to a number of nonprofits in the York community. Every dollar counts and can make a change.

Many nonprofits have set a goal donation amount to achieve for #GivingTuesday. The nonprofit York County History Center (250 E. Market St.) is hoping to raise $2,000 on that day for the fund that will help schools bring their students to York County History Center museums for fun and educational field trips.

 

Other nonprofits use the occasion to make the public aware of how donors are the lifeblood to their mission and vision. Logos Academy (250 W. King St.) is a Christ-centered education option for children in the City of York. The annual budget is comprised of 90 percent donations. At Logos Academy, two-thirds of the students are in federal poverty, and by receiving an average scholarship of $7,500, students are able to achieve well above the national averages academically. The school can provide students with a meaningful education because of the generosity of donors.

LifePath Christian Ministries is challenging 10,000 donors to contribute $10 each to help the organization reach its goal of $100,000 in its efforts to transform lives in service to the York community.

How You Can Spread the Word about #GivingTuesday

Central Market will be hosting a #GivingTuesday event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help increase awareness of the day. Family First Health, Downtown Inc, Bell Socialization Services, Leg Up Farm and the York County Literacy Council are a few of the nonprofits that will be in the market that day to answer questions, spread awareness of services they provide to the community and share how your contributions make a positive impact on their organizations. The organizations will also be participating in the #GivingTuesday #UNSelfieYork Campaign encouraging social media followers to post photos and videos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to show support for the organizations and share why they donated.

Where You Can Donate

Visit the United Way of York County’s website to view a #GivingTuesdayYork page that lists all participating nonprofit organizations in York with direct links to their online donation pages.

Story contributed by Kirsten McWilliams for YRK Magazine

With Thanksgiving only two days away, you’re likely thinking about or are already well on your way to preparing your Thanksgiving dinner feast. And what could be more closely associated with Thanksgiving than stuffing? The National Day Calendar proudly proclaims Nov. 21 as National Stuffing Day. Although the origins of this holiday are obscure, the varieties of stuffing that you can find are almost endless.

In honor of National Stuffing Day, I’m sharing this recipe for a fruit-filled Spicy Pear Stuffing. This dish gets its spicy flair from the kick of cayenne pepper in the cornbread. You can substitute another type of bread for the cornbread base, but the cornbread plays off the sweetness of the pears and raisins.

Spicy Pear Stuffing

Makes about 10 cups

3/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
1 eight-inch square Sweet and Spicy Cornbread (recipe follows)
1 cup uncooked regular white rice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 medium pears, cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup homemade chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bunch fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, washed well, dried and roughly chopped
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast until golden brown and fragrant, about 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside. Cut the cornbread into 3/4-inch cubes and spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring bread occasionally, about 15 minutes, or until slightly brown on the edges. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Place the rice in a medium saucepan and add water to cover. Cook over medium heat until the rice is tender, about 30 to 35 minutes. Drain the rice and transfer to a small bowl; set aside.
3. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pears; cook until slightly soft, about 8 minutes. Add the scallions and raisins; cook until the scallions are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the reserved hazelnuts and rice; cook for 2 to 4 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the chicken stock or broth and cook until the broth is absorbed, about 4 to 6 minutes.
4. Pour the pear mixture over the cornbread in the mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Add the oil and chopped parsley; mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let the stuffing cool completely before stuffing turkey.

Note: If baking outside the turkey, heat oven to 350 degrees F. Add the remaining 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth, and bake in a buttered 9 by 13-inch baking dish until crusty and golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Sweet-and-Spicy Cornbread

Makes 1 eight-inch square

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup milk
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet green bell pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup sugar

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking pan. Set aside.
2. Combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together milk, bell peppers, cayenne pepper, eggs, sugar and 8 tablespoons melted butter. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove the cornbread from the pan; let cool completely on a wire rack.

Note: This cornbread, if used for stuffing, should be made one day ahead.