Mission Hills Mag (1)

MISSION HILLS localumbrellamedia.com MagazineDECEMBER 2020 Vol.1 Issue 1 HOMfor thEe Holidays GS KT T Gina Barnes Your Real Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 | Page 1 Estate Expert in REALTOR® | DRE# 01075249 Mission Hills [email protected] 655 W Broadway STE 1650, CA 92101 kengina.com | Cell: 619.347.4415

MMAAMRRAKKAReEERseTTaKrchERRToToEEd PPPRroOOEvidePRRd ObTTy thRe GT||rea|tOOerNSCCaOn DTTiVeOOgoEABBsMsoEEcBiaRRtioEn22Rof00RE2A22L0T00OR2S®0 MISSION HILLS, HILLCRESTMMMIIISSSSSSIIIOOONNN HHH99IIILLL22LLL11SSS00,,,33HHHIIILLLLLLCCCRRREEESSSTTTMARKET REPORT | OCTOBER 2020 9210392103* Detached homes only * Detached homes only *Detached homes only * Detached homes only MARKET REPORT | OCTOBER 2020 M IISSMMSSMMMAeeeeIIRdOO%ddd%%%iKaiiipaaaECnppCCCrNNnnnTrrehShhheevSSSaaaaavvRiaaanoiinnnlEHHooelllgueeegggPuusessseeessO99IIPfPPPYLLfffyyrRrrrreorrr22ieeooociiiTaLLcccmaammme11eeerrrSS00| ,,O33CHHTOIILLB+$ELL$$+$++11R1111888,4,,,CC%55500026777...00005555RR%%%2,,,,00000EE00000000SSTT M SSSaaalelleesss tttopoorLeLLivsii**sstiottDDPeeuPPttrsaarriciiccccyhheeeeeedd%a%%rhhoommeess only 1099660...993%%% only SMMaleee%dds%%%iiaatCppNoCCCnnNNNrrhehhheeLeeeSSawaaavviwwwaansiinnnootllgLeegggLLLuuPeisseeesiiissrssstfiPPttticfffyyrniiirrrornnneeeooogiiccmgggaammms%eesssrr 1+7-339-3$+$633116118.,,..311.5509%%%77.%055%,,000000 T AAvveerraaggee DD%%aappppCCyyrrrresshheeevaaoovvvioiiinnnnooougguuuMMseesssaaYffyyyrrrreeeeookkaaaaeemmrrrrtt -+38.10%.0% T AAvveerraaSSggaaeelleeD%Dss%%%%%aapttCpppppyooCCCCCyrHNNsrrrrrehsHHHhhhhheeeeeLLoeevaoaaaaaoooovvvvviiwwminssnoiiiiinnnnnmmmnooooottgeugggggLLMuuuuueeePPMesseeeeeiissssssssrrssaafiiSYttccfffffyyyyyrrSSSiirrrrrreooknneeeeeeeooooooookeamlggaaaaaemmmmmllld%%dddrtssrrrrrt 2244 1-131711--3912--93-99939939456611.....11..555.993%%%%%%%% Ta TTDDa Average Days on Market 24Information provided by the San Diego Associaton of Realtors as of June 2020. This information has not be verified by the broker. All information should be aG independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties represent a complation of listings from various brokerages. DhG ht Average Days on Market 24Information provided by the San Diego Association of Realtors as of June 2020. This information has not been verified by the broker. All information Gt HilssIhlnshhafMoovoeuuarmgllbddaaezbbtienieeoennii|lnniDpsddetreeecodeppvmeeiodbnnreeddsrdeeo2nnbl0dtty2llyy0bthyrreeeMvvSiieeeawwrnceeeDddrieGaagnnroodduAvvpeessRrroiieffiicaeeilddaEtffisoootanrr taaoeccfoccRuuferrKaaaeccltlyyole..rrPPsWrraoosipploleeiafrrmJttuiieenssseRrre2eeapp0ltrr2yee0ssL.eeaTnnJhott iaalslaccin.oofommrppmiillaaatttiiiooonnnhooaffslliissnttoiinntggbssefferroonmmvevvraaifrrieiiooduubss ybbtrrhooekkeebrrraaoggkeeessr.aaAnnddll immnfaaoyyrmoorratmmioaanyy not hwG Page 2 | Mission not tbw Gb

TBKaTKTaTBGGnneeaaaaiieennddbbaarrnnnnmmaallaaeennssgg Tierra Willis Gina Barnes Ken Tablang Sabine Steck TTriaernrsaacWtioillnisCoordinator TGeinaamBLaerandes KTeeanmTaLbelaadng BSauybeinr’se SSpteecckialist TarnadnsAascstisiotannCt oordinator TDeRaEm# L0e10a7d5249 DTeRaEm# L0e10a6d3993 BDuRyEe#r’s0S13p6e1c3i6a0list aDnRdE#As0s1i9st5a0n6t80 DRE# 01075249 DRE# 01063993 DRE# 01361360 DRE# 01950680 GtGoiinnmaaahGGdBkeeaeiinnrrsnsaaicguelnBBrsieesaahnnarratnnnosseedidsmsspuephhepvoaareesrsslrotoabnddpnaeeestledvvldyeereavillmtooiascppmpileeelfaeaddalmlllnsbaaedutnhsstttrmmsdooeauaamndglllliahc‘bbaaktcuuhtetetteiodsddncuteererpaeddaclaiimkccnnsaao’t.ottfoeeimarddsepsttaoeeiscraathtammhoenfrtthooidneaaergtssciavssliiiienssl nttgfathhshl,eeleswrrrthiichnnilcrieogghnuiiivvtsgsiinnshsuggupppeorbrtesderbvyicea and teamhtahesersicstrlaiaencntk,tsa.sbuupsienrebsssedrevviecleopamnednttommemakbeer,suarbeunyeorismppeociratlaisnt tanddetpariol ffeaslslsiotnharloaufgfilhiated services. tGhienacrdaecskigs.ns and personally implements an ‘action plan’ for each of her clients, wbwGuihhnyiiaccehhrdsiiesspsessiguucnppiasppliooastrrn,ttdeeaddnpdebbryypsoraaonfttaeelsaalysmmioimnaapasslssleiiassmttfaafekilnnnieattt,,nsteaagadbbninsuu‘eassariicnn.vcteeicioossessnmsdd.peelavvnee’lloofopprmmeeeannctthmmoeefmmhbbeeerrrc,, laaients, buyer specialist, and professional affiliated services. Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 | Page 3

New Listing In North Mission Hills! 4240 Arista Street | 92103 5 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 3,832 SF | $2,495,000 Gina Barnes 655 W Broadway STE 1650, CA 92101 kengina.com | Cell: 619.347.4415 REALTOR® | DRE# 01075249 [email protected] Page 4 | Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020

Located in the prime location of North Mission Hills, this home sits on an oversized 10,500-foot lot with views to the west. Full bedroom and bath on the main level, upstairs master suite with terrace and views, and great separation to the other 3 upstairs bed- rooms. The spacious kitchen in the middle of the home with adjacent family room, 4 sets of French doors leading you to the back yard, deck and fire pit area. Multiple fruit trees & built-in BBQ area off the kitchen. This spacious home features high ceilings, Paid solar system, Newer dual zoned HVAC systems, tankless water heater, 3 fireplaces and fire pit on rear deck that is 20x30. Beau- tiful landscape with multiple fruit trees and an avocado tree. Enjoy outdoor dining with built-in BBQ, flagstone patio and low maintenance turf. Ideal floor plan with a full bed and bath on main level, master suite and 3 additional bedrooms upstairs, the master bath is spacious with separate tub and shower, and large walk-in closet. Access to back yard from living room, Dining room, kitchen and family room. Western views from the yard and master bedroom terrace. Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 | Page 5

Beautiful Listing in Escondido Wine Country 16044 Highland Valley Road | 92025 3+ Bed | 3.5 Bath | 3,475 SF | $1,625,000 Gina BarnesREALTOR® | DRE# 01075249 655 W Broadway STE 1650, CA 92101 [email protected] kengina.com | Cell: 619.347.4415 Page 6 | Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020

Modern design combines with a country aesthetic, creating a fresh take on luxurious, rural living. This thoughtfully designed, open floor plan is complete with high ceilings bathed in ample natural light from 14ft sliding glass doors allowing for a wonderful indoor, outdoor ambience. The main living space has 12-foot ceilings, a fireplace, a large kitchen island, and concrete floors. Live green with the solar system, energy-efficient windows and doors, and the exterior made up of insulated concrete forms. With 17 acres and zoned agricultural, this site is ideal for the wine enthusiast and equestri- ans. The salt-water pool is inviting and is located off the main living area. This spectacular loft design in the Highland Valley Wine Country combines clean space with a lot that will support an additional house up to 1400 square feet. Don’t delay! Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 | Page 7

New Listing in Point Loma 3857 Groton Unit 2 | 92110 3 BED | 2 Bath | 1,200 SF | $495,000 This rare 3 bedroom, 2 bath with over 1200 feet located in Bay Crest is ready for your buyer to customize. Very original condition but well maintained by long term owner. Front and rear patios, middle bedroom with access to the patio, good storage, stacked washer/ drier, and fireplace. Located within minutes to major shopping Barrons Market, bus lines and freeways. This is a great opportunity. Complex features pool and spa. Gina Barnes 655 W Broadway STE 1650, CA 92101 kengina.com | Cell: 619.347.4415 REALTOR® | DRE# 01075249 [email protected] Page 8 | Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020

4 units One- of-a-kind Opportunity in Bankers Hill 3629 Front Street | 92103 | $2,675,000 Price Reduced! Located in San Diego’s best neighborhood of Bankers Hill. All the units have special features, with fireplaces and built-ins. The top floor unit has a chefs kitchen, the other units have updated kitchen & baths. Ideal for long or short term rental. Enjoy the lifestyle and income potential. A true one-of-a-kind building overlooking a canyon and on a cul-de-sac. Wonderful grounds w/4 storage garages. Just designated Historical. Mill act tax savings in process effective 2022. Walking distance to the heart of Hillcrest and Balboa Park. With over 5,100 square feet of living space, these units are layered in light from the numer- ous windows. The South west exposure fills the room with sunshine and highlights the sumptuous textures of this classic and elegant property. The canyon views take a back seat to something that elevates this residence to one-of-a-kind status. Step into the beautiful formal shared entryway with an elegant wood staircase leading to the upstairs residence, with entry to the other residences. All of the residences are special, with fireplaces, built in bookcases, and delightful window seats to take in the views from the ex- pansive windows. The abundant wood trim, moldings and hardwood floors create a special warmth and ambiance from an earlier era. This 1913 vintage property has been meticulously and lovingly restored to maintain the historic ambiance, yet has numerous upgrades assure modern convenience. Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 | Page 9

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Join us for coffee, tea, pastries, & peace. Find thoughtful gifts & artifacts. Kettle & Stone 1619 W. Lewis St. | San Diego 619.326.8505 Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 | Page 13

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“We Are All In This Together!” This holiday season, please consider a locally owned business for your gift purchases. Every dollar that’s spent locally helps drive our economy, and helps keep our businesses thriving. LIVE LOCAL. • SHOP LOCAL • IT STAYS LOCAL Page 22 | Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020

Lewis Fay Gift Concierge is our main focus that whereby we help customers remotely shop and put together gift bundles on budget, wrap and deliver. Our gift Selections revolve around entertaining. Essentials for elevated everyday living. Lewis Fay is an employee owned company. A collective of sorts and these are the businesses that are helping pay the rent. Oliver & Rose Cooking Classes featuring local chefs, meal prep kits and subscription boxes. Design Inplace Award winning kitchen design, interior design, rugs, lighting and furniture. TammySpencerDesigns Local artisan jewelry that evokes the feeling of traveling. Snake Oil Cocktail. Local handcrafted Mixers fir mocktails and Cocktails. Life’s Concierge A service for all of life’s tasks, business and otherwise. MHYC- Community Gatherings A Local Community Club resource for connecting people through Art and Education. Book clubs, Cooking, Health and Wellness. Women-Owned Collective 1620 West Lewis St. | San Diego | 619.298.7983 www.lewisfay.com Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 | Page 23

PROPOSITION 19 TPhRe OHoPmOe PSroItTeIcOtioNn fo1r 9Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, aTnhde HViocmtime sPoroftWecitldiofinrefoorrSNeantiourrsa,l SDeisvaesrteelyrsDAiscatbled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act EXPANDED SPECIAL RULES FOR ELIGIBLE HOMEOWNERS Effective April 1, 2021: Homeowners 55 years of age and older, severely disabled, or whose property was extensively EdeXstProAyeNd DbyEwDildfSirePoErCotIhAerLnaRtuUraLl EdiSsasFteOrs RmaEy LbeI GelIigBibLleEtoHtrOanMsfeEr OtheWtaNxaEblRe Svalue of their primary residence to a rEefpfelaccteivmeeAnpt rpilri1m,ia2r0y2r1e:siHdoemnceeo:wners 55 years of age and older, severely disabled, or whose property was extensively de„stroAyendywbhyewreildinfiCreaolifroornthiaer natural disasters may be eligible to transfer the taxable value of their primary residence to a rep„lacOemf aennyt pvarilmueia,rbyurteswiditehnucpew: ard adjustments if replacement is of greater value „„ PAunrycwhhaseered ionrCnaelwifolyrncioanstructed within two years of sale If eligible, these changes may affect your title „„ UOpf atonythvraelueet,imbuets w(pitrhevuiopuwsalyrdoandejutismtme)e, nbtustifwriethpolauctelmimeitnattiios noffogrreparoteprevratileuse Iafnedligeisbclreo,wthterasnescahcatinogne. s „ dPuersctrhoayseedd boyr nfierewly constructed within two years of sale mAdadyiatifofencatl yfoorumr stitmleay be „ Up to three times (previously one time), but without limitation for properties arenqdueirsecdrotwhrotruagnhsaecstcioronw. TA X AdeTstIrOoyNed ObyFfireI N H E R I T E D P R O P E RT Y T R A N S F E R S iAf dyoduitiopnlaanl ftortmrasnmsfaeyr tbhee creuqrrueinretdtatxharobulegvhaelusecrofw Effective February 16, 2021: Prop 19 narrows the rules allowing properties to pass yifoyuorupprolapnerttoy.trCaonnsfseurltthyeour ctauxrraednvt itsaoxr,abanledv/oarluceoonftact TfroAmXpAarTeInOt toNchOildFanIdNgHraEndRpIaTreEnDt toPgRraOndPchEildRwTiYthoTutRaAn NincSreFaEseRinSthe property Etafxfebcitlli.vTehFeetbarxuaabrlye 1v6al,u2e0c2a1n: bPerotpra1n9sfnearrrerodw: s the rules allowing properties to pass your lporcoapletartxy.aCssoensssuolrt’syour fro„m pTaoreonntlytothcohsiledparnodpegrrtaiensdpuaserednat stoa gprraimndacryhihldomwiethooruftaarmn ibnycrtehaesechinildthoer property otafxficaedtvoisoler,aranndm/orecoabnotauctt Pyoroupr oloscitaiol nta1x9a’ssspersosvoisr’isons tax bilgl.rTahnedctahxiladble value can be transferred: „ ITfohoonmlyeothwonseersp’reoxpeemrtpietsiounseifdfialesdawpirtihminaroynheoymeaeroorfftarramnsbfeyrthe child or aonffdiceltigoibleilaitryn rmuloerse. about „ Igfrtahnedvcahliulde of the property is less than $1M over the original tax basis. If the PwaWnrwoadnpweto.lbstigiootiiebole.inlcaita1ry.n9gr’usomlvpeo/rsrpo.erv?oispVio1isn9ist „ pIfrhoopmeretyowvanleures,’ aetxtehmepttimioen oifffitlreadnswfeitrh, iins monoereyethaarnof$1trManosfveerr the original tax „ bIfatshies,vsaolmueeoufptwhearpdroapdejurstytmiselnetsisnthasasne$ss1eMd ovavleurethweoourldigoincaclutra.x basis. If the Want to learn more? Visit www.boe.ca.gov/prop19 property value, at the time of transfer, is more than $1M over the original tax basis, some upward adjustment in assessed value would occur. First American Title Insurance Company, and the operating divisions thereof, make no express or implied warranty respecting the information presented and assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. ©2020 First American Financial Corporation and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. NCYoSpEy:rFigAhFt FDiirssctlaAimerican, the eagle logo, First American Title, and firstam.com are registered trademarks or trademarks of First American Financial Corporation and/or its affiliates. ©2020 First American Financial Corporation and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. NCYoSpEy:rFigAhFt 07244981220 Page 24 | Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 First American Title Insurance Company, and the operating divisions thereof, make no express or implied warranty respecting the information presented and assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. FDiirssctlaAimerican, the eagle logo, First American Title, and firstam.com are registered trademarks or trademarks of First American Financial Corporation and/or its affiliates.

Staging yourShAomLeEfor By Michele Robert Poche There’s a whole lot more to selling a house than simply putting a sign in the yard. Whether you choose to work with a realtor or list by owner, there are many ways you can increase your home’s selling potential and decrease all that waiting until the act of sale. • CLEAN Seems like a no- brainer, right? But it’s surprising how much is overlooked by the person actually living there day-to-day. Grime Remove personal items and organize for a neat, clean look. in the bathrooms and kitchen and dust everywhere else should be addressed before every showing. Store a bottle of the refrigerator and disposal for food • LANDSCAPE Trim the all-purpose cleaner in each room for easy odors and, if you have pets, hiding all access. And dust rags? You just can’t have evidence. Create pleasant smells by bushes back from the house. Pressure too many. burning scented candles or, according to wash the sidewalks and bricks. Freshen legend, baking cookies. the lawn, garden, annuals and mulch. • DECLUTTER Counters, As the old saying goes, you only get one • REPAIR Address things that chance to make a first impression. When shelving, tabletops, closets, hallways, the prospective buyers drive by the house, garage … the more clear and sparsely- need repair. If a door sticks when closed, you want so much curb appeal that decorated, the more spacious that area fix it. If the cabinet handle is loose, they can’t help but pull over to dial the will appear. Before showings begin, pack tighten it. Now is the time to get to all number on the sign. away all mementos, snapshots and those little jobs you’ve been putting off. assorted personal effects. Then label the So break out your tools, light bulbs, filters If all else fails, hire a stager. Yes, boxes. You’ll be thrilled when the movers and WD-40 and get to work. You don’t there are people who are actually paid come. want a leaky toilet costing you a house to handle all of this work for you! sale! • PURGE Boxing up everything is helpful but do you really still need those old • NEUTRALIZE Yes, it was fun Happy bowling shoes from college? Paring down Selling! your belongings is helpful at selling and painting stars on your son’s ceiling and moving time. Consider having a yard sale, the princess mural on your daughter’s listing a few things on eBay or donating to a wall. But now it’s time to get back to local charity to lighten your family’s load. basics. Nobody wants to buy a house filled with immediate projects. Invest in some • INHALE Every house has a good, white paint (or go crazy and get smell. Ensure yours is a good one by off-white) and start “everyman-ing” that emptying all trash receptacles, checking house. Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 | Page 25

Keeping Traditions Alive During an Unusual Holiday Season This holiday season may look a bit • Share traditional foods: The sensory to account for busy schedules and con- different due to social distancing. memories that good food creates are gested delivery services to ensure all your But just because everyone is not powerful. In fact, 44 percent of people say goodies arrive on time. Take note of ship- physically together, doesn’t mean your the holiday spirit wouldn’t be the same if ping times and policies, as well as ordering family can’t share its favorite traditions. they didn’t have their traditional holiday deadlines for each company. For example, The Olesen family of O&H Danish Bakery dessert. O&H allows customers to pre-order Krin- knows how important holiday traditions If you are like many families, that fa- gle and schedule a preferred delivery date are to feeling connected to loved ones. vorite dessert is Kringle, a traditional in the future. Now in its fourth generation, the family- Danish treat made of 36 layers of butter • Create hygge: Evoking the sights, sounds owned and operated bakery is sharing its and pastry. Among O&H’s special holi- and aromas of a typical holiday season best tips for creating holiday cheer from day offerings are Thanksgiving Stuffed will help make this year feel more cheer- anywhere: Kringle, A Very Danish Christmas Kringle ful. Take a cue from Danish culture and • Celebrate virtually: In a survey com- and the classic Pecan Kringle. Over the embrace hygge. Pronounced “hoo-ga,” it missioned by O&H Danish Bakery and past 70 years, the award-winning bakery means creating a cozy atmosphere and conducted by SWNS Media Group and has shipped to more than 100 countries, enjoying the good things in life, such as OnePoll, nearly 80 percent of respondents making landfall in all seven continents, the warm glow of candlelight or a steam- say time with family is their favorite part including Antarctica. This year, doorstep ing cup of cocoa -- and there is no bet- of the holiday season. Whether your delivery makes it easy to order a tradi- ter time of year to do it than the holiday tradition is a Christmas movie marathon, tional favorite for your own household or season. a caroling session around the piano or send a gift to family members near and This year might be especially difficult for eating certain foods and baked treats, you far. Visit ohdanishbakery.com. families who are physically separated, but can enjoy these activities together over • Plan ahead: When it comes to ordering there are many ways to spread cheer and video chat this year. gifts and specially baked treats, make sure keep traditions alive. (StatePoint) Page 26 | Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020

Gina’s Classic Eggnog Ingredients 6 Large Eggs, Separated 1/2 C Bourbon 3/4 C Superfine Sugar 1/4 C Dark Rum 2 C Whole Milk 1/4 C Cognac 3 C Heavy Cream, Plus More for Garnish Freshly Grated Nutmeg for Sprinkling Directions Beat yolks in a very large bowl until thick and pale. Slowly beat in sugar. Whisk in milk and 2 cups cream. Mix in bourbon, rum and cognac. Cover and refrigerate for up to one day. Just before serving, beat whites until stiff peaks form. Fold whites into eggnog. Whisk remaining one cup cream until stiff peaks form, and fold into eggnog. Alternatively, you can fold half of the whipped cream into eggnog and top with remaining half. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Enjoy! Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 | Page 27

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7 Tips for Hosting a Virtual Holiday Cookie Exchange It may take a little extra time and creativity, the virtual get-together, set up a table outside, in but a holiday cookie exchange can be held a cul-de-sac or school parking lot. Everyone can virtually and it’s worth the effort according take turns grabbing their cookies quickly and to experts. safely. Or, arrange no contact porch drop-offs “There’s a famous quote, ‘If you do what you during a set time. love, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ It’s so Holiday Meringue Cookies – These deliciously true for me as I find great joy in developing easy, airy, light, and low-fat meringue cookies are flavorful recipes,” says Cindy Gilbert, McCormick the perfect confection for any holiday celebra- Test Kitchen chef. “My friends have come to me tion. Add your favorite food coloring for a festive for years requesting tips and tricks, and over 20 twist. years ago, they anointed me the annual holiday 5. Request the recipes. Ask guests to provide a cookie exchange leader. This past year has been recipe card in their individual packages, or as challenging, but I knew I wanted to keep the the host, you can compile the recipes and share tradition alive while following social distancing through email. guidelines.” Double Ginger Gingersnaps – A personal favor- Here are Gilbert’s top seven tips on hosting your ite of Gilbert’s, these are a ginger lover’s dream! own virtual cookie exchange, along with her Ground ginger and crystallized ginger make the favorite delicious McCormick cookie picks. flavor pop on these cookies, which are crispy on 1. Keep the virtual guest list small and local. Your the outside and chewy inside. family and friends’ safety is the most important 6. Share stories via video conference. Many thing, and no one wants to bake a ton of cookies. guests like to tell the stories behind their cook- Aim for five to 10 people. ies. By scheduling time to connect, you’ll likely Gingerbread Men Cookies – No winter holiday hear some heartwarming or hilarious anecdotes is complete without gingerbread men. They’re and maybe even some helpful tidbits. cute and can be decorated with raisins, cinna- Sugar Cookie Thumbprints with Spiced Jam – mon red-hot candies or royal icing. Inspired by a bakery treat, this holiday twist on 2. Invite cookie enthusiasts. Invite people who a classic uses cinnamon or ginger-spiced jam. enjoy being in the kitchen and welcome sharing 7. Have fun. Take time to ask how everyone has their recipe secrets! Tell them they’re going to been and give them a chance to share what be sharing the story behind their choice. other traditions they’re planning this year. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – This tasty recipe While the party is about cookies, it’s also about crinkles from the confectioners’ sugar, and the connecting, having fun and picking up a few new deep chocolate red color and taste add up to a recipes to try. cookie you’ll be proud to share. Pecan Cookie Balls – These buttery melt-in- 3. Package cookies in separate portions. Ask your-mouth cookies, also known as Mexican participants to package each serving in individ- Wedding Cakes, make a great addition to any ual containers or resealable bags of six cookies holiday cookie exchange. per serving. Find these recipes and more by visiting McCor- Easy Lemon Cookie Truffles – This is a perfect mick.com/CookieExchange. no-bake option. Lemon extract adds a bright With a little creativity and the perfect cookie citrus flavor to this easy four-ingredient treat recipe, you can reinvent your favorite baking that starts with store-bought sugar cookies. traditions for a safe and festive holiday season. 4. Arrange the exchange. About an hour before Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 | Page 29

Christmas Cookies Page 30 | Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020

BOTTOMS UP! THREE KINDS OF BEVERAGES FOR THREE KINDS OF PARTIES Holiday Tea Frozen Hot Champagne Chocolate Punch INGREDIENTS: • 12 c. water INGREDIENTS: INGREDIENTS: • 12 whole allspice • 6 half-ounce pieces of your favorite chocolate • 1 12-oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate, • 3 cinnamon sticks • 2 tsp. of your favorite hot cocoa mix • 2 tsp. whole cloves • 1 ½ tbsp. sugar thawed • 12 tea bags (unflavored or complementary, • 1 ½ cups milk • 1 12-oz. can frozen orange juice • 3 cups ice e.g., orange or cinnamon) • whipped cream concentrate, thawed • 1 c. sugar • chocolate shavings • 1 12-oz. can frozen limeade concentrate, • 1 c. cranberry juice • ½ c. orange juice DIRECTIONS: thawed • ¼ c. lemon juice • C hop chocolate into small pieces and melt in • 1 2-liter bottle ginger ale, chilled • 12 orange slices • 1 2-liter bottle champagne, chilled * double boiler. DIRECTIONS: • A dd cocoa mix and sugar, stirring constantly DIRECTIONS: • Pour water, allspice, cinnamon and cloves • M ix juice concentrates in large punch until blended. Remove from heat. into pot and bring to a boil. • Slowly add ½ c. milk, stir until smooth, then bowl. • R emove from heat, add tea bags and steep • Add ginger ale and champagne. Stir cool to room temperature. for 5 minutes. • Pour chocolate mixture, remaining milk gently. • Use strainer to remove all contents from • Chill with frozen plastic ice cubes. and ice into blender and blend on high until water. smooth. (Regular ice waters • Add juices and sugar and stir until sugar is • Serve in large glass, and garnish with it down.) dissolved. whipped cream and chocolate shavings. • G arnish with floating orange, lemon and • Serve hot, garnished with orange slice. lime slices. Mission Hills Magazine | December 2020 | Page 31