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December 6, 2019
Weather folklore is a favorite among Almanac readers, and no more so than when it comes to the prognostics of the wintery season. Here are some of our favorite proverbs—including Christmas lore!
When it comes to winter and snow, weather folklore abounds! Look to nature for signs of a cold winter or possibly a very snowy Christmas! Here are some age-old proverbs and adages. Do any of these proverbs ring true to you? Please share observations or questions in the comments below.
Christmas Lore
We’... more
December 5, 2019
Was Saint Nicholas a real person? Is he the true Santa Claus and Father Christmas? Find out about the history of St. Nicholas Day as well as (leave out those shoes!).
Saint Nicholas Day: The Feast of Sinterklaas
At the beginning of the Advent season is St. Nicholas Day (December 6 or December 19 on the Julian calendar).
St. Nicholas was a bishop who was known for his good deeds, especially for the needy and children. He often gave generously and anonymously (without anyone knowing the gifts... more
November 25, 2019
When you think of Thanksgiving, what foods come to mind? Turkey? Sweet potatoes? Cranberries? Pumpkin? Brussel sprouts? All of these colorful foods, in moderation, are not only delicious, but healthy and nutritious! Here are the top Thanksgiving picks …
Thanksgiving gets a bad rap because most people overindulge. Truth is, many traditional Thanksgiving Day foods are really good for you, as well as good-tasting. Think of the deeply-hued fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, Brussels... more
November 17, 2019
When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, a traditional pie is a sure bet for us. But which pie? Here are 8 delicious pie recipes made with seasonal ingredients—pumpkin, apple, pecans, sweet potato, cranberry, and more. Plus, we’ve included two delicious Thanksgiving puddings and a seasonal pound cake!
Sour Cream Apple Pie
One of the editors’ grandmothers made this pie every Thanksgiving and it was always a hit. Add a scoop of ice cream for pie à la mode!
Cranberry Dream Pie
This icy-cold... more
November 4, 2019
Twenty years ago, our Almanac declared sweet potatoes to be the “healthiest vegetable of them all.” This fleshy root vegetable is indeed highly nutritional, low in calories, and, for the chef, it is easier than pie to use.
Sweet Potato Facts and Health Benefits
Did you know that before George Washington became a general and the first U.S. President, he was a sweet potato farmer? These tasty tuberous vegetables are native to the Americas and are a great addition to your diet. Here are just a few... more
October 31, 2019
Bats, spiders, and snakes, oh my! It turns out that there are some garden “pests” that you should actually welcome with open arms. Some creepy creatures can be great garden helpers. So you may want to think again before sending ill-will towards them!
Praise Snakes:
Garter snakes are most common in North America and are no threat at all to humans, though they will bite if they feel threatened.
Their backyard prey include slugs, grasshoppers, and small rodents, including the voles that chew bark... more
October 30, 2019
Ever noticed that Halloween pictures always show a full Moon? But how often does the full Moon actually fall on Halloween? And is there anything special about the first full Moon after Halloween?
All Hallows’ Eve
Of course, Halloween—also known as All Hallows’ Eve—always occurs on October 31; it’s only the day of the week that changes from year to year.
The origin of Halloween can be traced back to Samhain (pronounced SOW-in, which rhymes with COW-in), which was an ancient Celtic festival that... more
October 25, 2019
Why does Halloween make us think of trick-or-treating, witches on broomsticks, bobbing for apples, and carved pumpkins? Here’s a look back at the origins of Halloween traditions and why we celebrate Halloween the way we do today.
Why is it Called “Halloween”?
As with many holidays, Halloween is rooted in our agricultural past, marking the end of harvesttime and the beginning of the new year.
The origin of Halloween and many of its customs can be traced to Samhain, an ancient pagan Celtic... more
October 25, 2019
Need last-minute Halloween makeup to greet trick-or-treaters? Here are simple recipes for face paint and fake blood using items right from the pantry. No need to run any errands!
Wearing makeup is great for kids who hate wearing masks on their heads, too. Plus, some schools do not allow kids to wear masks to school for safety reasons.
Make Your Own White Makeup Base
A white makeup base is what you need to make a ghost face or a skeleton or a creepy clown.
2 tablespoons white shortening
5... more
October 25, 2019
Cook up a Halloween dinner for something fun! Here is an easy Halloween menu with three recipes for a main dish, scary punch drink, and creepy dessert!
Jack-O’-Lantern Hamburger Pie
This hearty main meal is easy because you use prepared refrigerator pie crusts. Just make a meatloaf mix such as our Bonnie’s Meatloaf recipe but instead of shaping it into a loaf, put the mix into a pie crust. Take a second pie crust, cut out a jack-o’-lantern’s face, and place the crust top of meat mix. Bake at... more
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