DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

   Offbeat pumpkins are stealing the spotlight from ordinary varieties. Green Goblin Origin : An heirloom from Chioggia, Italy; also called sea pumpkin but most commonly sold as ‘Marina di Chioggia’. Design cred : Knobby blue-green skin has frosty highlights. Can you eat it? You definitely should! It’s delicious cut into wedges, drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with salt and herbs, and roasted until tender. Cinderella Origin : An heirloom from France; also sold as ‘Rouge Vif d’Etampes’. Design cred : It’s easy to see how the softly flattened top and ridged, deep orange skin could have inspired Cinderella’s carriage in Charles Perrault’s classic French fairy tale. Can you eat it? Yes, the rich orange flesh is tasty in pies. Mini Fairytale Origin : A miniature version of an heirloom fr...

   A number of symbols help us recognize St. Nicholas. They developed from his most popular stories and customs. Miter A special tall pointed hat worn by a bishop. The miter is a general symbol for bishops, but it is unique to St. Nicholas among holiday gift-givers. (also mitre) Crozier A hooked staff carried by a bishop; represents a shepherd's staff as the bishop is to be the shepherd of the people, as Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Again, a crozier is a general symbol for bishops, but unique to Nicholas among gift-givers. (also crosier) Three Gold Balls Represent the gold given to provide dowries for the impoverished maidens. Nicholas' gold balls became the pawnbroker's symbol. Sometimes oranges or apples are used to represent the gold. Gold Coins Another way of representing the gold given as dowries. Money Bags Usually three, but sometimes one, represent the gold thrown into the house to provide dowry money. Three Maidens The ...