The History of Christmas Cards

In the late 1830s and Englishman named Joshn Calcott Horsley helped to popularize the holiday tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards. Horsley would produce small cars featuring festive scenes of the season with a pre-written holiday greeting on them that he would then send out. Due to the recent efficiency of the newly established post offices in the United States and England, they cards because popular overnight. While Horsley was the first to come up with the idea to send Christmas cads, an American card maker, R.H. Pease began following suit in New York shortly after.

How to Make Delicious Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs, lightly beaten  
• 1/3 cup white sugar 
• salt to taste  
• 2 1/2 cups milk 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract  
• 1 cup heavy cream 
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar  
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 2 drops yellow food coloring (optional) 
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg 

Directions: 

1. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, combine eggs, white sugar, and salt while gradually stirring in milk. Be sure to consistently stir the ingredients while the eggnog cooks for about 10-15 minutes. 
2. When the mixture can thickly coat a metal spoon, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 
3. Place saucepan over ice water until custard cools, and then refrigerate until chilled.
4. Now, in a chilled bowl, combine heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat together until stiff peaks form. 
5. Stir in yellow food coloring and fold in whipped cream mixture into the cooled custard. Pour into serving bowl, and sprinkle with nutmeg. Serve immediately.

Recipe Courtesy of Allrecipes.com
 

Christmas Treats: What's Your Favorite to Eat?

Long before the first snow of the season begins to fall, sugary confections decorated and cut into the shapes of your favorite Christmas figures start making their rounds. From gingerbread men to brightly decorated sugar cookies, these holiday treats are just as beloved by children as presents.  These iced treats, usually made from sugar cookie dough, can come in the shapes of stockings, reindeer, snowman, candy canes, Santa's, Christmas trees. While all different types of sweet delights are consumed on Christmas including Candy Canes, Hot Chocolate, and gingerbread, every person has their own personal favorite. So tell us fans, what's your favorite Christmas time treat?

What's your favorite Christmas time treat?
	Candy Canes
	Sugar Cookies
	Ginger Bread House
	Hot Chocolate
	Chocolate
pollcode.com free polls

The Birth of Mistletoe

Mistletoe didn't get it's start as the "kissing" plant we all know it to be today. Back in the olden times, the Celtic and Teutonic Peoples considered mistletoe to have magical powers that could heal wounds and increase fertility. The Celts would also hang the mistletoe in their homes to ward off evil spirits and ring themselves good luck. In England, during the holidays, they would hang up sprigs of mistletoe from their doorways and ceilings and if someone was found standing under it they would have to be kissed by someone else in the room.

America's Most Deadly Roads: California's Highway 138

California's Highway 138 isn't quite as dangerous as Bolivia's "Death Road" yet it has been given the nickname, "California's death-way" and "Blood Alley" due to the amounts of fatalities reported. In 2000, the Los Angeles Times reported that there were 56 fatalities and 875 injuries on the road over the past five years due to its steep and twisty two-lane road. While improvements have reduced the death toll, it's still not wise to travel "Blood Alley" at night.

Winter Car Care Tip: Getting Unstuck

With winter right around the corner, it's important to have a few winter car care tips handy in case of any weather related mishaps. Many unexpected things can happen to a vehicle while it is out on the road, including getting stuck in the snow, ice, mud, or sand. Since getting stuck makes many people panic, and feel like they are in a sticky situation, we thought we'd share a few tips on how to unstuck your vehicle from the elements.

Patience: Most peoples first reaction to getting their vehicle stuck is panic. Instead of worrying and having your mind race a-mile-a-minute, take a deep breath and try to analyze the situation.

Take your Time: You may  not be in as big of a bind as you think. If your vehicle's wheels aren't buried to the hubs, you may be able to drive out. Turn off your radio and open a window on side to listen for any form of wheel spin. With the engine idling gently apply a little power and see if you can hear the tires move.

• If it Moves: If you hear your tires spin, don't add any more power. Let the car continue as far as possible, using the throttle to avoid any wheel spin. Once your vehicles wheels are out of the hole, slowly bring your car to solid ground before speeding away.
• If it Doesn't Move: If you hear the wheels spin, try using the throttle to "rock" the car. Slowly push the throttle to the point of wheel spin and then let up on the gas the instant they spin. As your vehicle begins to roll back into the holes, press on the gas to coincide with the change in direction. Hopefully your vehicle will rock back and forth enough to regain traction. If you vehicle is automotive you will need to shift between forward and reverse, using the brakes to keep from slipped backwards.

Winter Car Care Tips: Use Winter Grade Oil

As the nights become longer and the days become shorter, it is important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the changes in weather. To make sure your vehicle is up to snuff once the temperature drops be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your vehicles owner manual. One item that may not be on that list is the importance of using winter grade oil instead of synthetic.


Winter grade oil has a different viscosity grade then regular synthetic oil. As the temperature drops, the colder the oil in your vehicle gets the thicker it will become. Using a thinner winter oil will circulate better at star-up and cause less potential for problems.

How to Eat your Jack-O'-Lantern

While raw pumpkins aren't the most appetizing squash, when cooked it can form an array of delectable dishes. So when you finish carving your pumpkin for Halloween, don't discard the guts and pieces just quite yet.

Eat the Seeds!

Toasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and nutritious fall treat. Not only are they filed with tons of protein and fiber, they are easy to make. Once obtained from your pumpkin, rinse and dry the seeds thoroughly and then toss them with a dash of vegetable oil and your favorite seasonings. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast them at 300 degrees, stirring them occasionally, until they're golden brown (about 30 minutes).

Eat the Guts!

Use the stringy slimy guts to make a delicious drink! Yes, we're serious. Put the pumpkin guts into a pot filled to the brim with water and bring to a boil. Strain the broth and then mix it with cinnamon, nutmeg, and mulled apple cider for a delicious hot apple-pumpkin cider drink.

Eat the Flesh!

Once your pumpkin is carved and has been sitting around a while, you can not safely eat it. But, you can save the carvings, the eyes, nose and other small pieces to make all sorts of treats. Plus, if you scrape the insides of your pumpkin well, and you'll have enough flesh to make plenty of delicacies.

One delicious recipe to try is pumpkin candy:

Ingredients:

• 3-lb whole pumpkin (2 lbs of pumpkin flesh)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1-inch section of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped into 3 or 4 pieces
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

 Directions:
1. Cut the pumpkin in half, and remove the seeds and as much stringy pulp as you can.
2. Remove the pumpkin’s skin. I have found that the easiest way to do this is to cut it into quarters and use a sharp vegetable peeler. If your peeler isn’t suited to the task, you can use a knife, being sure to remove as little flesh as possible.
3. Cut the pumpkin into 1-inch chunks, and place the chunks in a medium saucepan.
4. Pour water over the pumpkin until all pieces are covered. Cover, and bring to a boil for 15 minutes.
5. After 15 minutes, stir in the brown sugar, and add the cinnamon sticks, chopped ginger, and spices.
6. Cover again and boil for another 15 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat and let the pumpkin sit in the spiced syrup overnight. This step can be shortened or omitted, but it helps the pumpkin to retain as much flavor as possible.
8. After its overnight soak, remove the pumpkin from the liquid and place it on a drying rack set over waxed paper. Move the pieces so that none of them are touching.
9. Allow the pumpkin to dry for at least 12 hours—again, overnight is preferable. If you are in a hurry, you can turn your oven to its lowest setting and place the pumpkin in the oven with the door ajar for 3-4 hours.
10. After the pumpkin has dried, mix together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar and roll each piece in the mixture.

Recipe Courtesy of About.com

How to Make Spooky Halloween Spider Clusters

Enjoy these creepy crawly treats at a Halloween party or just for fun. While they may look frightful, these red-eyed spiders are the perfect ghoulish delight, they'll make your taste buds scream in delight.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup package semisweet chocolate chips 
• 1/2 cup package peanut butter chips
• 2 cups chow mien noodles
• 1/4 cup  red mini M&Ms

Directions:

1. Line 2 baking sheets with wax paper or parchment paper and set aside.
2. Put the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips in a microwave-safe bowl, and melt in the microwave: Heat on high for 60 seconds, and then stir well. If the chocolate isn't smooth enough, continue to heat in two or three 10-second bursts, stirring well after each burst
3. Stir the chow mien noodles into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture and place tablespoon sized dollops onto the prepared baking sheets.
4. Press 2 red M&Ms onto one edge of each cluster to make eyes and lift a few chow mien legs up to give them a spidery feel.
5. Refrigerate to cool and harden for about 20 minutes, and serve chilled. 
6. For further effect, place spiders on top of spider web cotton candy to look like they are sitting in a web. 

Win an all-new 2013 Subaru Impreza!

Visit John Hine Temecula Mazda Subaru now through Monday, October 21st for a chance to win a 2013 Subaru Impreza! Just submit a guess for how many balls the Subaru Impreza is filled with and the correct or closest answer will be invited back down on the day of John Hine Temecula Subaru's grand opening for a chance to win an all-new Subaru Impreza with a dice roll. Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. 

The Mercedes Moore Band- Live and in Person Sunday

This Sunday enjoy the soulful vocal styling of Mercedes Moore and her band as they bring their powerful and sizzling music to Temecula's Lorimar Winery. Perfect for the entire family, this foot tapping band will have everyone dancing and moving to the beat. Nominee at the 2012 San Diego Music Awards for Best Blues, this bands harmonious vibe will give everyone good vibrations for the entire day. For more information, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/19ZmZgo

Event: Mercedes Moore Band
Date: Sunday, October 6th
Time: 5:00pm
Price: Free
Location: Lorimar Winery at 3990 Anza Road, Temecula

Join us in Unveiling the all-new 2014 Mazda3

John Hine Temecula Mazda cordially invites all of our esteemed patrons to join us in celebrating the unveiling of the all-new 2014 Mazda3. With gourmet food trucks, refreshments, and live remote KATY radio, this will be one party you'll never forget! So join us Saturday, October 26th from 11:00am- 3:00pm to get your first glimpse of the highly anticipated, game changing 2014 Mazda3.

The 2nd Annual Lucas Oil Pro Motocross National is Coming to Town!

Fans, this Saturday, August 24th marks the 2nd annual Lucas Oil Pro Motocross National at the Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park! Not only does this race mark the season finale of a competition that has been touring the country throughout the year, but it will feature some of the sports top riders. Don't miss out on your chance to watch this action packed event live! Get your tickets at the park or visit this website for more information: http://bit.ly/1bTxcOO

 

 

Good Eats: Temecula's Best Sushi/Japanese Restaurant- The Sushi Boat

Located outside the Promenade's main entrance, the Sushi Boat provides a fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with artfully delicious sushi rolls and nigiri. With delicious lunch-box's and decadent sushi at unbeatable prices, this place can't be beat. No matter if your in the mood for a decadent Crunchy Lobster Roll or a simple Spicy Dragon Roll, The Sushi Boat will curb your appetite. So next time you stop by for a service visit at John Hine Temecula Mazda, be sure to ask for a courteous shuttle to the Promenade. Your stomach will thank you for it later.

For more information on The Sushi Boat, visit their listing on Temecula's Patch here: http://bit.ly/13NRDaD

America's Greatest Family Drives- Michigan's Tunnel of Trees

Take your family on a road trip to the Lake Michigan Shoreline and drive along the M-119, also known as "The Tunnel of Trees". Starting at Harbor Springs and continuing to Cross Village, this 21-mile maze of dense foliage provides a rare, unadulterated glimpse at Michigan's forestry. As the trees grow along the border of the road, their branches intertwine, forming an arch in the middle. So next time you decide to take a drive through Northern Michigan, make sure to mark this stretch of road on your map!