DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

The Lost Art of Hollerin’     Hollerin’ is considered by some to be the earliest form of communication between humans. It is a traditional form of communication used in rural areas before the days of telecommunications to convey long-distance messages. Evidence of hollerin’, or derivations thereof such as yodeling or hunting cries, exists worldwide among many early peoples and is still be practiced in certain societies of the modern world. In one form or another, the holler has been found to exist in Europe, Africa and Asia as well as the US. Each culture used or uses hollers differently, although almost all cultures have specific hollers meant to convey warning or distress. Otherwise hollers exist for virtually any communicative purpose imaginable -- greetings, general information, pleasure, work, etc. The hollers featured at the National Hollerin’ Contest typically fall into one of four categories: distress, functional, communicative or pleasure.     Within the US

     The Royal Highland Show  is Scotland’s leading outdoor event showcasing all that’s best in farming, food and countryside.     The show will be the 172nd and the 52nd to be held at Ingliston, near Edinburgh. It regularly attracts over 175,000 visitors with the 2010 attendance breaking all records at 187,644.     Sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, the show is one of the country’s most iconic and historic brands, mixing serious agri-business with fun, music and entertainment. For 2011, host area the Borders will feature food, textiles, heritage, countryside and visitor attractions from the region.     Look out too for the Countryside Area, Forestry Arena, Agri-Trade Area, Children’s Discovery Centre, Outdoor Living Area, Motor Zone, Equestrian Village, Renewables Section, Food and Drink Hall, Shopping Arcade, Honey Marquee and Handcrafts Pavilion...not to mention 5000 of the UK’s finest cattle, sheep, goats and horses plus competitions, demonstrations and loa

Nope, this is  not a joke. There are actual, real-life pieces of bacon on those cupcakes. It seems bacon has crossed some culinary lines into dessertland.I like bacon. I use it quite a bit. I didn’t realize how much I used it until a friend gave me this recently: She said she saw it and it reminded her of me. It makes me smile every time I see it. It got me thinking though. . . do I really talk about bacon that much? I don’t think I’m  obsessed  or anything. (If you are, you’ll enjoy that link. I thought it was hilarious, so I guess that means I am  obsessed.) OK, back to the subject at hand. I found the recipe for these cupcakes in a Food Network Magazine several months ago. I made them for a little get together, and I’m pretty sure they were a hit. Even one of my Celiac friends ate a couple, knowing full-well she’d probably be sick later. They were that good.I actually made them in my mini muffin pan so I’d have more to go around — abou