Austin, TX

If you’re just getting around to taking the kids to see Santa and get pictures, you’re in luck, you still have just a couple of more opportunities:

Santa at Barton Creek Square
When: Daily 11/7/08 - 12/24/08
Where: Barton Creek Square, 2901 South Capital of Texas Highway
$$$: Free

Santa at Lakeline Mall
When: Daily 11/8/08 - 12/24/08
Where: Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park
$$$: Free

Santa at Highland Mall
When: Daily 11/22/08 - 12/24/08
Where: Highland Mall, 6001 Airport Boulevard, Austin
$$$: Free

Kids can visit with Santa in his village on the lower level near Men’s Dillard’s. Photo packages available for sale.

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Cowboy Christmas at Enchanted Springs Ranch
When: 20 - 21 Dec 2008
Where: Enchanted Springs Ranch, 242 Hwy 46 W, Boerne, TX. 830-249-8222
$$$: $12 adults, $6 kids (ages 3-12), Kids under 3 are free

An active western town and movie set Shows, hayrides, caroling, petting zoo and a Cowboy Santa highlight this fun event!

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Christmas Tidings at the French Legion
When: December 20, 2008, 10am-1pm
Where: The French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos Street, Austin, TX
$$$: Free

The day will kick off with a visit from Pere Noel himself! Children of all ages are invited to visit from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Professional pictures from SMB Photography (www.smbphotography.biz) will be available for purchase on site. Time with Pere Noel will be FREE of charge.

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Free Photos with Santa
When: Dec. 20-21, Saturday 12-6p& Sunday 12-5p
Where: Mitchie Gallery, Lincoln Village Shopping Center, IH 35 N @ 290 Hwy W
$$$: FREE

Story Time for Kids, Refreshments & FREE Gift, Saturday, 1-2p. Mitchie’s Gallery specializes in
African & African American Fine Arts, Books, Cards, Calendars, Collectibles & Custom Framing

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>>>>>Page 3 - Stuff for Big Kids (Adults) to do. Yeah, that means you…

Last weekend before Christmas. I am almost done with my shopping. Finally! If you still have shopping to do you might want to know that there are still a few holiday bazaars going on:

8th Annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar
When: December 3rd through December 24th, 2008
Open at 10:00am Daily
• Sunday through Thursday 10am to 10pm
• Friday through Saturday 10am to Midnight
• Sunday December 24th 10am to 6pm
Where: Monarch Events Center, 6406 North IH–35, Suite 3100
$$$: Free

Featuring over 80 artists and artisans, and running for 22 consecutive days, this year’s Art Bazaar will offer Holiday shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind gifts in time for Christmas.

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Armadillo Christmas Bazaar –
When: Dec. 12-24, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Where: Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 2, 500 E. César Chávez St. Enter on Trinity near 2nd Street. 512-447-1605
$$$: $3 weekdays before 7 p.m., $6 evenings and weekends

The 33rd annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will once again be at the Austin Convention Center. It remains the same truly Austin honky-tonk bar shopping experience that has made the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions - just a bigger venue.

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Keep Austin Bizarre
When: Dec. 12-23, 11am-11pm
Where: Palmer Event Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
$$$: Adults $5, 12 Day pass $25, Children under 12 Free

With an atmosphere true to Austin, the holiday shopping event will feature over 100 local artists and small businesses selling unique gifts and fine, hand crafted items at affordable prices. In addition, there will be tribal, improvisational and yogic dance performances, capoeira, circus acts, and resident musicians who play while patrons shop. This year more of the community has joined hands with Keep Austin Bizarre and will include performances by groups such as the JCC (Jewish Community Center), Girls School of Austin Orchestra, Mexican American Cultural Center, Amala Foundation, Lululemon Athletica, Crossfit Central Kids, and the Zilker Elementary School kid’s choir. In addition, the bazaar is supporting the non-profit Africa Bound Corporation. Food and drink, including a full bar, will be available.

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Etsy Holiday Bazaar
When: Fri.-Sun., Dec. 19-21
Where: Broken Neck, 4701 Red Bluff Ste. B.
$$$: $5 ($3, children)

Local bands all weekend, a skate demo on Saturday, and handmade items perfect for gifting as far as the eye can see. Everyone likes something handmade under the tree, especially when your hands were spared the work.

These are all great craft shows and bazaars that you won’t want to miss.

>>>>>Page 2 - Last chances to see Santa in 2008
>>>>>Page 3 - Stuff for Big Kids (Adults) to do. Yeah, that means you…

I don’t think there is anything nicer than homemade gifts. A homemade gift says that a person has spent more than money on you, they’ve spent time and we all know how precious time can be these days.

It’s easy these days to either shove money in your child’s hands and let them buy gifts for family members but it’s a lot more rewarding to help them make something. Here is one suggestion that will bring joy for years to come. Make a set of these fragrant ornaments and give them to Grandma’s and Auntie’s who will be sure to treasure them. Of course you don’t need a child to make these ornaments, they also make lovely hostess gifts and they look great tied to the front of your wrapped packages!

Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments (NOT edible!!)

Ingredients

1 cup ground cinnamon
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup craft glue
1 drinking straw

Directions

In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup applesauce using a rubber spatula.

Stir in 1/2 cup craft glue. Stir the dough until consistency is smooth and dry. Let stand 1 hour. Applesauce gives the dough pliability, glue makes it firm, and cinnamon imparts a lovely fragrance and a gingerbread color.

Turn out one-quarter of dough onto a cool, flat surface; flatten with your hands.

Flatten with a rolling pin to 1/4 inch thick. If dough becomes too dry, spritz with water. If it sticks to rolling pin or work surface, sprinkle with additional cinnamon.

Cut shapes out with cookie cutters, templates or a butter knife.

With a straw, poke a hole in dough (for hanging). Air-dry ornaments on a wire rack lined with paper towels for 24 hours, turning them over every 6 hours or so to keep them flat. Alternatively, preheat oven to 200 degrees. Transfer ornaments to a baking sheet; bake, flipping once, until dry, about 2 hours. Once the dough has dried completely, you can decorate the finest embellishment to the coarsest, adding glitter, sequins, beads or whatever else you like. Or you can leave them naked and simply thread some red or green ribbon through the holes.

Of course, if you’re the Martha Stewart type you can make beautiful elaborate birds.

This is the last weekend for:

Pioneer Farm’s Candlelight Christmas Tours
When: December 5, 6, 12, and 13 6pm-10pm
Where: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, Austin, Texas
$$$: Tickets $10 (over the age of 2)

Time travel to the 19th century. Hayrides will transport visitors to each of the historic home sites for an evening of entertainment, crafts, and games. At the German Immigrant’s cabin you’ll hear stories around the fire, sing carols around the pump organ in the Homestead parlor and string popcorn around the kitchen table, by the warmth of the wood stove, and enjoy the ambiance and hospitality of the Commercial Cotton Farm as the ladies welcome visitors to play parlor games as was the custom during holidays in the 1880’s.

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Luminations: A Winter Celebration
When: Sat.-Sun., Dec. 13-14
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse
$$$: Bring two canned goods for the Capital Area Food Bank or a gift for Blue Santa

Enjoy gardens lighted with more than 3,000 luminarias, 5,000 twinkle lights and hammered copper torches and to listen to music of the season from local bands, quarters and choirs. Admission is free with two canned food items for the Capital Area Food Bank or a gift for Blue Santa.

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TCA Gingerbread House Competition
When: Saturday, December 13, 2008, Noon – 3:00 p.m.
Where:Texas Culinary Academy, 11400 Burnet Road, Ste. 2100
$$$: Free

TCA will host its seventh annual Gingerbread House Competition and Open House on Saturday, December 13. Everyone, from children to seasoned chefs, is encouraged to participate in both the Open House and the competition.

Judging will be based on overall appearance, creativity, difficulty, execution and consistency of theme. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place as well as “Favorite in Show.” Winners of the Gingerbread House Contest will be announced during the Open House. Winning entries will be on display through December 19 at TCA.

The Open House will include caroling, holiday cookie decorating for kids, holiday dessert demonstrations, a life size Gingerbread Santa House where visitors can have their photo taken with “Chef Santa,” and much more.

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Want something worthwhile to do this weekend? Here ya go:

Stuff Stockings with Elgin’s Angels
When: Sunday, Dec. 14th, 2-5pm.
Where: Elgin Public Library, 404 N. Main, Elgin, Tx

Volunteer to help fill stockings for abandoned, neglected, or abused children. Stocking stuff will be supplied, all they need are some holiday helping hands.

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Wassail Event
When: Sunday, December 14th, 6pm
Where: Sri Atmananda Memorial School, 4100 Red River, Austin, 78751
$$$: Donation: $10. Children 12 and under, free

Enjoy a magic evening of stories, carols, magic, mummers and morris dancing. Wassail 2008 1.pdf. Performers: Pratts Bottom Mummers, Thom the World Poet, magician John Maverick, Chuck Freeman, Rita Ricardo, Jenifer Thyssen, Jim Carpetas, Occasional Terpsichore Morris Dancers, Bucolics Anonymous Christmastyme Band, Jacobs IV and Aimee Zivin.

There is so much going on this weekend I barely no where to start. First off a couple of big holiday markets kick off this weekend. One of my faves:

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar –
When: Dec. 12-24, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Where: Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 2, 500 E. César Chávez St. Enter on Trinity near 2nd Street. 512-447-1605
$$$: $3 weekdays before 7 p.m., $6 evenings and weekends

The 33rd annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will once again be at the Austin Convention Center. It remains the same truly Austin honky-tonk bar shopping experience that has made the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions - just a bigger venue.

Keep Austin Bizarre
When: Dec. 12-23, 11am-11pm
Where: Palmer Event Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
$$$: Adults $5, 12 Day pass $25, Children under 12 Free

With an atmosphere true to Austin, the holiday shopping event will feature over 100 local artists and small businesses selling unique gifts and fine, hand crafted items at affordable prices. In addition, there will be tribal, improvisational and yogic dance performances, capoeira, circus acts, and resident musicians who play while patrons shop. This year more of the community has joined hands with Keep Austin Bizarre and will include performances by groups such as the JCC (Jewish Community Center), Girls School of Austin Orchestra, Mexican American Cultural Center, Amala Foundation, Lululemon Athletica, Crossfit Central Kids, and the Zilker Elementary School kid’s choir. In addition, the bazaar is supporting the non-profit Africa Bound Corporation. Food and drink, including a full bar, will be available.

Cherrywood Art Fair
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 13, noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 14;
Where: Maplewood Elementary School, 3808 Maplewood Ave. (at East 38th Street)
$$$: Free

This totally groovy, totally cool holiday art event gathers some of the best local artisans, jewelry- and handbag-makers, ceramists and artists. All-day live music, children’s activities, food and nonstop fun. Free.

>>>>>>>Page 2: Even more things to do!

Looking for places offering breakfast with Santa? Here are a few I’ve found:

The Driskill
604 Brazos
Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, 9-11 am
Where: Victorian Room
$$$: $16 Children; parents accompanying a child, $8
Reservations Required: 512-391-7121

Children, and their parents, enjoy an exciting buffet breakfast with Santa himself! (Santa will arrive aboard a vintage fire truck). Storytelling and games will be provided, as well as decorating a gingerbread house. (Service will be provided by the Banquets Department.) Menu includes:

Fresh fruit display

Blueberry French toast

Ham, mac & cheese breakfast casserole

Christmas breakfast sausage & potato casserole

Glazed ham

Sweet Treats from 1886 Bakery & Cafe

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Georgetown Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday, December 13 2008, 8:00am - 11:00am
Where: New Central Fire Station 1, 301 Industrial Ave., Georgetown, TX
$$$: $6 (Free for disadvantaged families)
Contact: 930-3473

Enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast prepared and served by Firefighters and Rotarians. Children explore fire trucks, visit with firefighters, and have their pictures taken with Santa. This event benefits the disadvantaged children in our community.

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Lakeway Resort & Spa, Brunch with Santa
When: Sunday, December 7th, 2008 from10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Where: Travis Restaurant, 101 Lakeway Dr, Lakeway, TX 78734
$$$: $29 per person (adults), $14 per person (kids 6-11), Kids under 6 free
Reservations: 512.261.7323

A bit pricier than the others but the menu looks fabulous.

Live Music, Welcome Mimosas, Make your own Gingerbread House, and kids entertainment

fresh fruit and berries, assorted yogurts
granolas and assorted cereals
smoked salmon display with cream cheese
breakfast breads, bagels and pastries with flavored jams and preserves
oatmeal with condiments of brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins
plain scrambled eggs and scrambled eggs with sausage and potatoes
hickory bacon, sausage and breakfast potatoes
silver dollar pancakes and syrup

Carving Station

roasted prime rib with natural jus and creamy horseradish

Omelet Station

fresh eggs made to order
Condiments to Include:
diced ham, apple smoked bacon, chorizo sausage, sliced mushrooms, red and green peppers, baby spinach, shrimp,
diced tomatoes, diced jalapeños, diced sweet yellow onions, cheddar cheese, pepperjack cheese, freshly made salsa

Fried French Toast and Donut Bar

fried french toast stuffed with peanut butter and jelly with banana
chocolate and vanilla donut bar
Condiments to Include:
powder sugar, mixed berry compote, cinnamon sugar, sugar glaze, vanilla custard, little sprinkles

In Austin, Santa seems to come in a variety of colors. Blue, Brown and Orange, at least! If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities this Christmas you might just lend Santa a hand. Here are two ways you can help:

Orange Santa

Orange Santa began in 1994 as a program designed to foster a more caring university environment by providing help for members of the university community who have special needs during the holiday season. In December 2007 Orange Santa served 485 families, including 1,750 children.

We’re a bit too late to get involved with Orange Santa this year but please do keep them in mind for next year!

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Operation Blue Santa
4101 S. Industrial Blvd, Suite 260
Phone: 220-BLUE (220-2583)

Established in 1972 by the Austin Police Department, Blue Santa started small, helping about 20 people and distributing gifts from the trunk of a patrol car. That program now serves thousands and has grown to include the Texas National Guard, the Austin Fire Department, the Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Energy.

Of course an operation of that scale needs plenty of elves!

All deliveries for 2008 will be made on December 20th. Starting at 8am volunteers from the Austin Police Dept, the Austin Fire Dept, Austin Parks & Recreation Dept, the Texas National Guard and the local community transform into elves and deliver to the families.

Click here for locations to drop off toys.

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Brown Santa
15400 Long Vista Drive, Suite 101
Phone: 247-2682

Like it’s predecessor, Blue Santa, Brown Santa started small with 25 families back in 1981. This year the operation hopes to serve 1200 families.

Brown Santa will need help wrapping presents, sorting food, making food boxes and loading our trucks for delivery. Loading of the trucks will be on Thursday December 18 from 2pm until done, and also loading on Friday December 19, after 5pm until done, we need adults for this task.

Brown Santa will be open thru December 20th, 2008.

Mon-Thurs 10am-8pm
Fri- Sat 9am-6pm
Sundays 12pm-6pm

If you would like to volunteer you will need to call to see what dates/times through the week are still available.

For more information visit their website.

It’s at this time of year when we stop to give thanks for all we have and how very lucky we are to be warm and safe and have a roof over our heads that feel the need to give a little something back to those less fortunate.

There are many ways in which we can do just that but I personally think there are few quite as rewarding as reaching out directly to another family in your own backyard.

The Christmas Bureau works as intermediaries to hook you up with families who need your help. Here is how you can sponsor a family in need:

SPONSOR A FAMILY: Sponsoring a family means providing a suitable uncooked holiday meal and toys for the children. We ask for you to contact the family within 24-48 hours and share with them the date and time you plan on delivering during the week before Christmas. You can sponsor a family three ways:

1. Visit our office at 7301 Burnet Road #105 (Burnet Rd/Greenlawn Pkwy. Tuesday Morning is the anchor tenant) and select a family;
2. Call our office at 453-3950 and a volunteer will select a family for you; or
3. Register as a sponsor online! Any individual or group interested in sponsoring a family will be able to register themselves as a sponsor, and search through the families still needing sponsors by zip code, family size, language spoken, or a combination of the three. (Note: you won’t see the list of families in need until you’ve registered.)

Once you have decided on a family or families to sponsor, call them at 453-3950 with the family number(s), and they will immediately assign you as the sponsor for those families. At that time, you can click on “Families I’m Sponsoring” to see the detailed contact information in order to arrange for delivery of the food and gifts.

A few more ways you can help out The Christmas Bureau:

ANSWER TELEPHONE CALLS: The Bureau will receive many calls from people wanting to sponsor a family. You can assist in answering their basic questions and match them with a family in need.

FILE APPLICATIONS: You can assist in filing the application numerically and alphabetically at our office.

>>>>>Page 2, click here for more volunteer opportunities for 2008

Salado Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 10211 Sam Neil Road, Salado, TX 76571
Phone: (254) 947-4477
Email: info@saladochristmastreefarm.com
Opens: Thanksgiving Friday through December 23
Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM

DIRECTIONS:
IH35 to FM2484 in Salado (exit #286). West on FM 2484 two miles to Sam-Neil Lane. Turn right and follow signs one-half mile to the farm.

TYPES OF TREES:
Afghan Pines (Elderica Pine) a long-needled with a natural Christmas tree shape. It is especially suited to our high pH soils and drought conditions. Leyland Cypress, a new introduction to the Christmas tree industry. It has a non-traditional but luxurious appearance, with soft foliage instead of the needles of the pine tree. Leylands are reproduced by cuttings, so there is none of the pollen that may cause problems for allergic individuals. For lovers of short-needled trees, they offer hand-selected FRASER FIRS from North Carolina. These beautiful mountain-grown trees offer traditionalists both the farm experience and a very familiar tree.

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The Silo Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 7617 Mcgregor Park Road, Temple, TX 76502
Phone: 254.986.7988
Email: mrgarber@embarqmail.com
Opens: Christmas Tree Sales Open the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 22, 2008
Hours: Week Days - Noon until 5:30 PM, Week Ends - 10 AM until 5:30 PM

DIRECTIONS:


TYPES OF TREES:
Bring the family to “Choose and Cut” a 6ft-10ft Afghan pine for a traditional Christmas Tree.

All field trees are tagged with the prices starting at $36.00 and up according to the height of the trees. We furnish hand saws for you to cut the tree, or we can do it for you. Then we shake, bale and help you load the tree in to your vehicle. We also sell Christmas tree stands in several sizes.

You can also select a living Afghan pine tree that is potted in one or five gallon containers, and ready to plant in the yard after the holidays. Larger living trees are available sometimes; just call and ask.

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VOGELS TANNENBAUM FARM
Address: 2120 ss Hwy 46, New Braunfels Tx 78130
Email: steve-vogel@sbcglobal.net
Phone - 830-624-2773
Open: day after Thanksgiving through 12/23
Hours: 10:00 am until dark(approx. 5:30-6:00)

DIRECTIONS:
From San Antonio/Austin - Take I-35(north from San Antonio, South from Austin) to New Braunfels. From I-35 at New Braunfels take Hwy 46 East (to Seguin). Go 2.6 miles to Clear Springs. We are located 1 mile past Clear Springs on the right hand side of hwy 46.(total mileage from I-35 = 3.6 miles) A large water tower is visible from a distance with the initials CRWA on the side.

Tannebaum East Location
Address: 500 Tannenbaum lane, Seguin, Tx 78155
Phone: 830-372-4335

From Austin - Take I-35 South to San Marcos. From I-35 take Hwy 123 exit to Seguin. Turn left at Hwy 90A (Court Street) heading toward Gonzales. Follow the winding road 3 miles to the farm.

TYPES OF TREES:
Elderica Pine, Jerusalem Pine and Leyland Cypress. Also available are imported Fraser Firs from North Carolina(west location only). Other items available include small potted trees for planting, Holiday Delights(light art decoration), and Christmas tree stands.

PRICING:
All Elderica pine, Jerusalem pine, and Leyland Cypress are $6 per foot (up to 13 ft) 14 - 16 ft = $7 per ft & 17ft & up = $150. Prices vary on the imported Fraser Firs, but are generally more expensive due to freight and handling costs. Potted Trees - gallon container pine trees are $5 . Other varieties & sizes are limited and prices vary.

FREE STUFF - For every tree purchased you will receive an Elderica Seedling and Tannenbaum ballpoint pen free of charge. In addition, each child will receive a Christmas Tree coloring book at no cost.

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ABRAMEIT’S TREE FARM
US 183/I-10, Luling, TX (Farm location)
5700 FM 1063, Thrall, TX 76578 (mailing address)
Phone: (512) 898-5570
Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm weekends only, beginning the Saturday after Thanksgiving and continuing through the second weekend in December.
Email: ahabrameit@yahoo.com

(Farm in Caldwell Co., Luling, TX.) Tree Farm is located 1/4 mile south of US 183 and I-10 intersection on East side of US 183 - watch for signs. Located 3 miles from Palmetto State Park.

TYPES OF TREES:
Selling Virginia Pines up to 10 feet and pre-cut Frasier firs.

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Now that Thanksgiving is over many of you will begin preparing for Christmas. Big on the list of “things to do” is finding the perfect Christmas tree. As you know, I’m all about “real” Christmas trees. Don’t give me any of those plastic, ugly trees missing the fresh smell of pine. If you want to be earth-friendly, buy a potted tree and re-plant it after Christmas.

Here is a list of Christmas Tree farms in the area:

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EVERGREEN FARMS CHRISTMAS TREES
Address: 242 Monkey Road, Elgin, Texas
Phone: 512-281-4833
Email: evergreen@evergreen-farms.com

Opens: Friday after Thanksgiving through December 24 at 3pm
Hours: Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. until dark
Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. until dark

TYPES OF TREES:
Virginia pine and Leyland Cypress are grown in the fields. Pre- cut Fraser fir trees from North Carolina are available near the gift shoppe. Check prices here.

DAILY: Evergreen Farms furnishes all the tools for cutting and harvesting the perfect tree. Poles for measuring the tree and saws for cutting are all furnished free of charge as well as cleaning and shaking the tree and finally the netting and rope for ease in transporting the tree.
After cutting the tree there are many games to entertain, including tetherball, hopscotch, bean bag toss and horseshoes. There is also a nature trail, farm animals and the gift shop.

WEEKENDS: Families can enjoy several more activities. Evergreen Farms keeps a campfire burning with free marshmallows, cider and coffee. After you pick your Christmas tree, enjoy pine cone painting and food from the concession stand, including the famous Elgin sausage.

DIRECTIONS:

From Austin:

East on 290—8 miles past Manor (before you get into Elgin), turn right on County Line Road. There is a Valero Gas Station and Sac n Pac at the corner. Go 2 miles and turn left on Monkey Road. The farm will be 2 miles down Monkey Road

From Bastrop:

95N—Turn left on 290; The first stop light by the Antique Mall, McDonalds turn right on Loop 109. After two blocks the road splits, take a right onto 1704. After two miles turn right onto Monkey Road and the farm will be about 1 miles down Monkey Road.

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ELGIN CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Address: 120 Nature’s Way, off Roy Davis Rd., Elgin, TX
Phone: 512-281-5016
Open: Day after Thanksgiving through December 22nd
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10 am - 5:30 pm, Sunday: noon - 5:30 pm
Email: elginchristmas@sbcglobal.net

TYPES OF TREES:
Virginia pines, Loblolly pines, and Leyland Cypress. Pre-cut Frasier firs and potted Leyland Cypress Trees.

Organically grown trees. They claim to have the largest supply of Christmas trees in central Texas. They provide all the tools you’ll need to cut down your tree and they shake, clean and wrap it up to go. The selection of 9-12′ trees is limited so go early if you need a very tall tree. Christmas trees are half price for churches. They have a gift store.

DIRECTIONS:

From Austin

Take HWY 290 East from Austin - Through Elgin - Go approximately 1 mile past HWY 95 (Bastrop HWY) - Turn left on Roy Davis Rd. - Follow Signs

From Round Rock

Take HWY 79 East from Round Rock to HWY 95 South - Take 290 East through Elgin - Go approximately 1 mile past HWY 95 (Bastrop HWY) - Turn left on Roy Davis Rd. - Follow Signs

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LOMA ALTA CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Address: 214 Loma Alta Drive, Smithville, Texas, 78957
Phone: (512) 360-2005
Email: lomaalta@flash.net
Opens: Thanksgiving Day afternoon until a couple of days before Christmas

DIRECTIONS:
About 6 miles east of Bastrop, your first landmark will be Duke’s Country store (a Mobile station) on the right side of the highway. Approximately a block and a half past Dukes on your left, you will see their sign on the corner of the Hwy 71 and Alum Creek Road.

TYPES OF TREES:
Virginia pine and Loblolly pine. Potted Virginia pine and Leyland Cypress.

Located in the beautiful Lost Pines region in Bastrop County, this farm is approximately 35 to 40 miles SE of Austin just off highway 71. Turn left on Alum Creek Road, and proceed 1 mile to the Loma Alta gate on your left. There are ducks and geese to feed, pine cones to collect, a picnic area to enjoy and you can even purchase wreaths made fresh daily. Trees are $4.75 per foot up to 12 feet. The cost above 12 feet is $5 per each additional foot. Trees are shaken, cleaned and for $1 baled.

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8th Annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar
When: December 3rd through December 24th, 2008
Open at 10:00am Daily
• Sunday through Thursday 10am to 10pm
• Friday through Saturday 10am to Midnight
• Sunday December 24th 10am to 6pm
Where: Monarch Events Center, 6406 North IH–35, Suite 3100
$$$: Free

Featuring over 80 artists and artisans, and running for 22 consecutive days, this year’s Art Bazaar will offer Holiday shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind gifts in time for Christmas.

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18th Annual Wild Ideas Holiday Event
When: Friday-Sunday: Dec 5, 6, 7
Friday and Saturday: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Sunday: Noon to 5 pm
Where: LBJ Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, texas
$$$: Free

The LBJ Wildflower Center offers eco-friendly shopping opportunities, along with a brush with some of the area’s premier artists at their Holiday Shopping Event. Enjoy free admission and special discounts on paintings, jewelry, apparel, wood products, and more.

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Peace In The Hood’ Outdoor Holiday Market
When: Saturday, December 6, 2008, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: South of Wm. Cannon and Westgate, 2831 Gettysburg Drive
$$$: Free Admission

Have a Relaxing Shopping Experience to great 60’s and 70’s peace music and enjoy a complimentary cup of kindness (hot wassail) to get you in the ”Peace on Earth’ mood!

See Made in the U.S.A. Artisan-made gifts : Peace jewelry, peace windchimes and garden stakes, stained glass peace signs, guitar hero player longsleeve tiedye guitar t-shirts in youth sizes, peace bracelets, peace suncatchers, peace bumper stickers, auto emblems, peace pins, peace buttons, embossed peace totes and t-shirts, dogs for peace and cats for peace t-shirts and MORE!

2831 Gettysburg Drive in South Austin-Directions below:

Just a few minutes south on Westgate from Wm.Cannon-Turn Left at 4-Way stop sign at Cameron Loop. Take your first left immediately after the speed hump at top of hill onto Gettysburg Drive. Go down Gettysburg 1.5 blocks and See Peace In The Hood Market on right at 2831 Gettysburg DR. 9am to 3pm - Y’all Come and help create some peace on earth!

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Weihnachtsmarkt in Austin
When: Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: German Free School, 507 East Tenth Street
$$$:

Invite your friends and join with GTHS members for our annual Weihnachtsmarkt at the German Free School, 507 East Tenth Street, in Austin. We will be selling a large selection of handcrafted wooden items imported from the Erzgebirge region of Germany – pyramids, nutcrackers, smokers etc. – and blown-glass ornaments, embroidered linens and much, much more, not to mention baked goods. Enjoy live performances of traditional German Christmas music and songs throughout the day and a special visit by Sankt Nikolaus. All sales on December 6 are tax-free! Extra Market Days will be Dec. 9, 10 & 11 from noon to 4 pm.and sales tax will be charged on these days.

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29th Annual Budafest
When: Saturday, Dec. 6th, 2008, 6pm
Where: Greenbelt and City Park, Buda, Tx
$$$: Free

Parade, Santa Claus, booths, entertainment, children’s rides and more. Parage at 9am; tree lighting at 6pm. Parking is plentiful in the lot behind the park pavilion, just follow the signs and pay a small fee to Project Graduation. For more information call (512) 295-1559.

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18th Annual St. Thomas Moore Christmas Bazaar
When: December 6th from 10:00am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, December 7th from 8:30 am – 2:00 PM
Where: St. Thomas Moore Parish Activity Center
$$$: Free

The show features a wide variety of arts and crafts by local artists. A silent auction is also featured. Bazaar proceeds are donated to Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center. For more information or if you are interested in participating as a vendor, please contact Beth Albee at beth@albees.com or (512)218-4587.

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Wheatsville Arts Festival
When: December 6-7, 10am-5:30pm
Where: Adams Park, 300 W. 30th Street
$$$: Free

The Wheatsville Arts Festival includes 75 artists and craftsmen with original work on display. Pick up a one-of-a-kind gift, or enjoy the live music and incredible food at this holiday event destination. Great fun and entertainment for the whole family!

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Acknowledge Me - DIY Crafts Market
When: Saturday, December 6, 8 to late
Where: Mohawk
$$$: $5 w/ Donation, $6 Without

A fest of people and things that deserve your attention, appreciation and…ahem…acknowledgment. Acknowledge Me is a D.I.Y Fest that brings together Austin’s Indie Crafters, Artists, Makers, Community Organizations, Social Justice Groups, and up-and-coming Local Bands.

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Holiday By The Tracks
When: Saturday, December 6, 10am-5:00pm
Where: 114 Central Ave, Elgin, Tx

An afternoon of art and artisans, shopping, music and photos with Santa, followed by a lighted Christmas parade at dusk.

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7th Annual Yule Fest Arts & Crafts Fair
When: December 6, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
December 7, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Where: Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church, 3315 El Salido Parkway, Cedar Park
$$$: FREE

This eclectic holiday event includes artwork, jewelry, knitwear, pottery and more. There will also be a Silent Auction, Bake Sale, and Concessions. Proceeds benefit Hope Alliance and childcare for the Women of LOUU Church.

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Armadillo Christmas Bazaar –
When: Dec. 12-24, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Where: Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 2, 500 E. César Chávez St. Enter on Trinity near 2nd Street. 512-447-1605
$$$: $3 weekdays before 7 p.m., $6 evenings and weekends

The 33rd annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will once again be at the Austin Convention Center. It remains the same truly Austin honky-tonk bar shopping experience that has made the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions - just a bigger venue.

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Keep Austin Bizarre
When: Dec. 12-23, 11am-11pm
Where: Palmer Event Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
$$$: Adults $5, 12 Day pass $25, Children under 12 Free

With an atmosphere true to Austin, the holiday shopping event will feature over 100 local artists and small businesses selling unique gifts and fine, hand crafted items at affordable prices. In addition, there will be tribal, improvisational and yogic dance performances, capoeira, circus acts, and resident musicians who play while patrons shop. This year more of the community has joined hands with Keep Austin Bizarre and will include performances by groups such as the JCC (Jewish Community Center), Girls School of Austin Orchestra, Mexican American Cultural Center, Amala Foundation, Lululemon Athletica, Crossfit Central Kids, and the Zilker Elementary School kid’s choir. In addition, the bazaar is supporting the non-profit Africa Bound Corporation. Food and drink, including a full bar, will be available.

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Laguna Gloria Holiday Art Festival
When: Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 12-13th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Austin Museum of Art-Laguna Gloria, 3806 W. 35th St.
$$$: $7. 495-9224

More than 60 regional artists set up booths around the grounds in front of the historic 1916 Driscoll Villa and sell ceramics, wood, paintings, fiber, sculpture, photography, jewelry and glass, including the Driscoll Villa Christmas Ornament. Food, music and refreshments.

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Cherrywood Art Fair
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 13, noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 14;
Where: Maplewood Elementary School, 3808 Maplewood Ave. (at East 38th Street)
$$$: Free

This totally groovy, totally cool holiday art event gathers some of the best local artisans, jewelry- and handbag-makers, ceramists and artists. All-day live music, children’s activities, food and nonstop fun. Free.

In yesterday’s post I talked about British fruitcakes and showed you how to properly line the pan.

Once your fruitcake is cooked and cooled you can douse it in brandy, wrap it up in wax paper and then foil. I then store it in a metal tin and douse it with more brandy about once a week until you’re ready to ice it. Yes, I said ice it. It’s traditional to ice a fruitcake for Christmas.

To do this you’ll need apricot jam, marzipan and either royal icing or fondant. Strain your apricot jam and warm it on your stovetop. Peel your foil and wax paper from your fruitcake and set it, flat side up on your cake board and brush it down lightly with your warmed apricot jam.

Knead your marzipan until it’s soft and easy to work with. Tear off a chunk and begin filling in along the bottom edge of your fruitcake so that you have nice smooth sides, pressing it in as you go. Check your fruitcake for any holes and fill those also, pressing it in for a smooth, flat surface.

Brush your marzipan patches with jam. Roll our your remaining marzipan. You can either ice the top and sides separately or all at once. For the novice, icing it separately may be easier. I like a fairly think layer of marzipan, perhaps a quarter inch thick or so but you can roll yours as thick or as thin as you like. I generally would cut the circle for the top first, using the base of your cake tin as a guide. after you place the top roll out the side piece and wrap it around the cake, cutting it even with the top where necessary. Brush again with a light coating of jam and set aside.

Next you’ll need to knead your fondant until it’s soft and easy to work with and then roll it out large enough to cover your cake. I fold mine over my rolling pin to help lift and place it. Smooth the top down and then begin smoothing the sides a small section at a time. Pull the fondant out to work out buckles. Trim the fondant at the base with a knife or rolling pizza cutter, being careful not to cut it too short. You can also cover your marzipan layer with royal icing, if you prefer. When I use royal icing, I like to spike it out to look like snow. Careful pulling your spikes out too far though, they can be quite lethal when dry.

Now you’re ready to decorate. Any easy way to decorate the sides is to simply wrap it in a big ribbon. I chose wrap mine in a wide band of red velvet ribbon, using a bit of royal icing as my “glue”. You can decorate the top any way you like. I made some darling little pinecones by making a cone of marzipan and sticking almond slivers in the side then coating the whole thing with chocolate. To make it extra pretty I tipped the edges in edible gold paint. For another I molded a Santa medallion out of gumpaste using a chocolate mold. I then hand painted it using luster dusts. Be creative and have some fun!

I’m particularly pleased with the way the Santa medallion turned out though I wish I could say the same for the photo. I apologize for the blurriness!

That’s it for today’s lesson on icing fruitcakes. If you have questions feel free to ask me!

Fruitcake, Christmas, Cakes, English, British, Marzipan, Apricot Jam, Lining pans, Decorating

Fruitcake, that is. Yes, I know the saying, “Friends don’t give friends, fruitcake.” However, this year I had an order for three fruitcakes. I made four, as my mother loves fruitcake. The request was for British style “christmas cakes”, not just the standard packaged American fruitcake. Besides, if you’ve never tasted fruitcake batter, you’re missing out!

There was a time when I made these cakes regularly. Once upon a time, many years ago, I was a professional cake decorator living and working in England. In England, wedding cakes are traditionally fruitcakes and I made a lot of wedding cakes. Having said that, it’s been a number of years since I made one. I had completely forgotten how much work they are to make!

When asked what the difference is between and American fruitcake and a British fruitcake, my standard answer is, “A British fruitcake is richer, darker and drunker” than is American counterpart. In general I would make my fruitcakes a few months in advance but unfortunately I wasn’t given sufficient notice to do so in this case. No matter, they came out moist and beautiful. I used Pauline’s Christmas Cake Recipe

When making a fruitcake, it’s important to properly line your pans. To do that you first cut a length of greaseproof paper twice the width of your pan plus 4 inches. So, for an 8″ pan, cut your paper twenty inches. Fold your paper in half lengthwise, set your pan in the middle and trace it onto the paper. Cut approximately one inch outside of your circle.

Next measure the circumference of your pan and cut a length of wax paper the length plus about half an inch. Fold the wax paper over and cut it in half so that you have two pieces measuring the length of your pan.

Set those aside and take your circles. Keeping them pressed together, make slits up to your traced line at approximately one inch intervals. These slits will allow your liner to turn up the sides of your pan and keep the batter from seeping underneath.

Grease your pan and then starting with a circle begin lining your pan. Place a circle in the bottom of your pan and move it until your line hits the edges and your cuts flute upward. Press it in place, making sure push into the crease of the pan. Grease the liner and then take a one of your long pieces and roll it up loosely lengthwise and place it in your pan. Starting at one end, begin to press the wax paper into the side of the pan, working your way around. This method will prevent air bubbles from forming.

Grease the sides but don’t worry about the paper above the pan. Take your next circle and repeat the process making sure your final lining is greased.

You’re now ready to add your batter!

Once your fruitcake is cooled, take it out of the pan and pour brandy over it. I’ll let you be the judge of how much but I put at least 3 big tablespoons. Pleat your wax paper over the top, cover it with foil and set it aside. If you’re not going to be using it for a while then open it up once a week or so and add a bit more brandy. This will prevent it from drying out.

Tune in tomorrow to learn how to ice your fruitcake like a traditional British Christmas cake.

For another traditional British Christmas recipe, check out Gillian’s posts on Christmas Pudding.

Christmas, cake, British, Fruit, fruitcake, lining, pan, wax, paper, greaseproof, traditional, brandy

ARABIC CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
The Arabic Bazaar & Zein’s Dance Studio, 51st & Duval, 533-9227. Free.
Dec. 2-23. Sundays, 11am-6pm
Belly-dancing performances and classes, henna tattoos, free Arabic coffees and desserts, and Middle Eastern music. Oh yeah, and shopping! Get your handmade gifts imported straight from Syria, Egypt, and Morocco.

32nd ANNUAL ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR (One of my favorites!)
Austin Convention Center; 500 East First Street
December 14-24
Featuring 24 musical performances on the Capital Metro Music Stage, a full bar, good food, local and regional fine artists & craftspeople plus that special Austin feeling that can only be found here.

KEEP AUSTIN BIZARRE
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, 404-4500. $5.
Dec. 14-23.
Billed as “not your typical quilt and wind chime show,” this 10-day holiday market brings you shopping from artists and crafters all over the Southwest along with live music, avant garde dance, magic shows, and a sprinkling of keep-it-weird personalities like Congress Avenue’s 7-foot-tall banjo player.

GÜERO’S HOLIDAY MARKET
Güero’s Taco Bar, 1412 S. Congress, 447-7688.
Fri.-Sun., Dec. 21-23, noon-6pm.
A SoCo artists market for the chicest people on your holiday gift list.

BLUE GENIE ART BAZAAR
Through Dec. 24. Sun.-Thu., 10am-10pm; Fri.-Sat., 10am-12mid (Sun., Dec. 24, 10am-6pm).
Monarch Event Center, 6406 N. I-35 #3100, 371-3711. Free.
Runs right up through Christmas Eve, featuring 80 different artists and artisans. You can visit each artist’s website to check out the goodies you can expect to find.

JERRY’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVENT & MARKET
Jerry’s Artarama, 420-9508
Sat., Dec. 22, 12-5pm.
Watch artists at work and enjoy live music, art demonstrations, kids activities, and more while you shop for original artwork, art supplies, and other gifts for the creatives on your list.

For a look at other activities happening this weekend, check here.

Austin, Texas, Holiday, Christmas, Bazaars, Markets, crafts, Fair, Jerry’s Artorama, Event, Arabic, Armadillo, Keep Austin Bizarre, Blue Genie, Artisan, Artists, GÜERO’S