It’s back! Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Church, 38 Mayflower Ave., Smithtown will hold their annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser in the church’s Social Hall on Sunday, Feb. 2 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children and includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, dessert and coffee. Cash bar. Sit down or take out. For reservations, please call 631-332-1449 by Jan. 29.
Port Jefferson Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 6th annual Port Jefferson Ice Festival scheduled for Jan. 18 and Jan. 19 has been postponed due to the weather.
“While trying to hold off and pray as much as possible, the weather just isn’t looking great for this weekend. The extended weather forecast looks much better for next weekend. We have decided to activate the rain date,” said James Luciano, BID President.
The new dates will be Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 from noon to 5 p.m. All events and times as scheduled in the programs will remain the same. The event will feature ice carving demonstrations by renowned ice sculptor and Guinness Book of World Records holder Richard Daly of Ice Memories, Inc. along with fun, interactive ice displays, free tractor rides and new this year, Rolling Raoke’s Karaoke Bus.
Please note that the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber will still continue as planned with the Mac & Cheese crawl this weekend.
For more information, call 631-473-1414 or click here.
By Heidi Sutton
As the temperature drops and the snow falls, warm up with a creamy butternut squash soup or a comforting bowl of roasted vegetable soup, courtesy of McCormick Spices.
YIELD: Makes 6 one cup servings
INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
4 cups peeled butternut squash chunks, (1-inch pieces)
1 medium green apple, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1/3 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup chicken stock
1 can (13.66 ounces) lite coconut milk
DIRECTIONS:
Heat oil in large saucepan on medium-low heat. Add onion; cook and stir 3 minutes or until slightly softened. Add squash, apple and pecans. Cook on medium heat 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Stir in orange juice, turmeric, nutmeg and stock. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 25 minutes or until squash is tender, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.
With center part of cover removed to let steam escape, puree soup in batches in blender on high speed until smooth. Return pureed mixture to saucepan. Stir in coconut milk. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Ladle into soup bowls. Garnish with additional turmeric and finely chopped apples, if desired.
YIELD: Makes 6 one cup servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound (about 5 large) plum tomatoes, quartered
1 pound (about 6 cups) fresh oyster or portobello mushrooms, trimmed
1 medium sweet onion, quartered
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
2 medium avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 1/2 cups unsalted vegetable stock
1 cup water
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place tomatoes, mushrooms and onion in large bowl. Add 3 teaspoons of the olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the sea salt, thyme, sage and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper; toss to coat well. In separate small bowl, gently toss avocado with remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place tomato and mushroom mixture on one side of foil-lined shallow baking pan. Place avocado on other side of pan. Roast 35 to 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender and golden brown.
Meanwhile, bring stock and water to boil in small saucepan on medium heat. Cover. Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to use. Add the warm stock mixture and roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and onion into blender container, while keeping the roasted avocados on the baking pan. With center part of blender cover removed to let steam escape, puree on high speed until smooth. Pour soup into serving bowls or mugs and top with roasted avocado. Drizzle with additional olive oil before serving.
First Steps in Nature
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Jan. 10 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344
Adaptations, Hibernation, and Migration
Children ages 7 to 12 are invited to join The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability for Adaptations, Hibernations and Migration, at the Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville on Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will learn about the incredible adaptations animals use to find food, protect themselves, and endure seasonal changes while observing a variety of species like lemurs, zebras, capybaras, and playful goats. $40 per child. To register, visit www.longislandgamefarm.com. 631-878-6644
My Grown Up and Me
Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntington & PJ Library present My Grown Up & Me, a program for ages 18 months to 4 years, on Jan. 12 from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Children and a parent or caregiver will enjoy a craft, snacks and storytime. $20 per child. For more info or to RSVP, email: [email protected]. 631-425-5835
Storytime Under the Stars
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Storytime Under the Stars series on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. A live narrator at the front of the theater will bring selected picture books to life, with pages projected onto the Planetarium dome so families can enjoy the illustrations and follow along. Between stories, an astronomy educator will explore seasonal constellations visible from here on Long Island. All children are invited to wear their comfiest pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Admission is $8 per person, $6 members. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Story & Craft with Nana Carol
The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008
Amazing Amphibians
As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Amazing Amphibians on Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an indoor activity, craft, story and then head outside (weather permitting) to feed trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768
Moon Myths
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Moon Myths, on Jan. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 will enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts with a parent/caregiver. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
‘Frozen Jr’
Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Hansel and Gretel’
Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off the new year with Hansel and Gretel from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8 with a sensory friendly performance on Jan. 26. Go into the woods for an outrageous adventure with the world’s most famous brother-and-sister team, Hansel and Gretel. A feeble father, a wicked stepmother, and a well-meaning if misguided witch add up to hilarious hijinx. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Frozen Jr’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
FILM
‘Jumanji’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Jumanji on Jan. 12 at noon. When young Alan Parrish discovers a mysterious board game, he doesn’t realize its unimaginable powers, until he is magically transported before the startled eyes of his friend, Sarah, into the untamed jungles of Jumanji! Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children. www.cinemaartscentre.org
Send your calendar events to [email protected]
MEET GOLDIE AND KATE!
This week’s featured shelter pets are a bonded mother/daughter duo, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson, available for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. These sweet and stunning ladies both have FIV and Goldie is diabetic. Goldie is beyond affectionate with everyone she meets while Kate takes a little time to warm up to new people, but follows mom’s lead in all things.
If you are interested in meeting these two dolls, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with them in the shelter’s Meet and Greet room.
The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only).
For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.
Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station kicks off 2025 with a Movie Night featuring a screening of Dead Poet’s Society on Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Bring your own blankets. Popcorn and hot cocoa will be served. This is the perfect event for poetry lovers, movie buffs and anyone looking to unwind with a great film. Come embrace the spirit of “Carpe Diem”!
Free admission, $10 suggested donation. To RSVP, visit www.waltwhitman.org. For more information, call 631-427-5240.
Crafts & Cocktails
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor continues its Crafts & Cocktails series with Tranquili-TEA at 6:30 p.m. Cozy up with us this winter to explore the thrilling history and surprising uses of tea! Discover how this drink changed the world and learn how drinking — or bathing — in tea may offer surprising benefits. Enjoy a Hot Toddy as you create your own tea-infused bath salts and body scrub to take home with you. $35 per person, $25 member. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Inside the CIA
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station presents Inside the CIA from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s not like the movies! Join former CIA officer Lester Paldy to learn about the Central Intelligence Agency’s mission, organization, and more. Open to all. To register, call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org.
Michael Serraino in concert
Northport Arts Coalition presents Michael Serraino in concert at the Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport at 7 p.m. The pianist and vocalist trained in jazz, pop, and blues stylings will present his musical interpretations of the Great American Songbook as well as pop artists and singer-songwriter greats like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Barry Manilow. To register, call 631-261-6930.
HAC Art Reception – This event has been rescheduled to Jan. 17.
Huntington Arts Council invites the community to its Master’s Showcase artist reception at the Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 631-271-8423.
Adult Game Night
Celebrate St. James hosts a game night for adults at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy a fun night out with board games, card games, pizza, light refreshments and a hot chocolate bar. $15 donation. For tickets and more information, visit www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201
Grounds and Sounds Concert
Grounds and Sounds Cafe at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket welcomes singer-songwriter Sam Robbins in concert at 8:15 p.m. Sam Robbins is often described as an “old soul singer-songwriter,” adding a modern, upbeat edge to the troubadour persona. Doors open at 7 p.m. with an open mic at 7:30 p.m. Open mic starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person in advance at www.groundsandsounds.org, by calling 631-751-0297. Tickets are also available at the door on the evening of the event. Snacks and soft drinks available for purchase; please bring your own wine for uncorking at the snack bar.
An Evening of Opera
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport hosts a concert by Opera Night Long Island at 7:30 p.m. followed by a reception in the Fireside Lounge. $10 donation, students free. 631-261-8808
Winter Wonderland Walks
It doesn’t have to be summer to enjoy the beach! The Town of Brookhaven will hold a Winter Wonderland Walk at the West Meadow Beach Pavilion in Stony Brook at 10 a.m. and at the Cedar Beach Nature Center in Mount Sinai at 2 p.m. Participants will discuss and observe the stark beauty of the beach and salt marsh in the cold season, discuss wildlife adaptations, identify plants and observe active winter wetlands. Free but registration is required by emailing [email protected].
Second Saturdays Poetry Reading
The Second Saturdays poetry series returns to historic All Souls Church in Stony Brook via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Jay Jii will be the featured poet followed by an open reading; all are welcome to read one of their own poems. For more information, please call 631-655-7798. Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/
Wilderness Survival Workshop
The Vanderbilt Museum 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport kicks off a 7-part Wilderness Survival Series with Ranger Eric Powers and Mike Evans today at 2 p.m. and runs once a month through July 12. Each workshop focuses on specific skills such as making cordage, shelter building, purifying water, and toolmaking. Perfect for those starting their survival skills journey or looking to deepen existing skills, these workshops offer a platform to learn, share experiences, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. $50 per person, $45 members. To reserve your spot, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Saturdays at Six Concert
All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six concert series with Stony Brook University doctorate alumnus Kathryn Vetter (clarinet/bass clarinet) at 6 p.m. The concert will feature works by living composers with a variety of musical styles, ranging from traditional classical music to contemporary classical works. Free. Please bring a can of food to donate if you want to help feed the hungry in our community. Call 631-655-7798 for more information.
Homegrown String Band Concert
The Homegrown String Band will be celebrating their 28th anniversary performing as a family with a concert on Sunday, Jan. 12 at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main Street, Setauket at 2 p.m. Enjoy songs by the likes of the Carter Family, the Delmore Brothers, and Jimmie Rodgers, along with a tasty sprinkling of original material inspired by the rural American string band and folk traditions of the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries. Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To register, please call 631-941-4080.
Hokis Pokis in concert
The magic’s in the music! Long Island recording artists Hokis Pokis hit the stage with their incredible live performances of doo-wop, disco, Motown, and soul at Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station from 1:30 p.m to 3 p.m. Seating is limited. To register, call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org.
Take 2 in concert
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook presents a concert by Take 2 from 3 to 4 p.m. Candice Baranello and James O’Malley present contemporary acoustic, originals and folk music. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org
Astronomy Night at Avalon
Avalon Nature Preserve in Stony Brook will host an Astronomy Night at its Skylab at Avalon Barn off Shep Jones Lane (Access is only available from 25A / North Country due to the Harbor Road closure) from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy a live observing session (weather permitting) focusing on the Moon, Jupiter, Mars, and many wintertime nebulae . Free. No registration necessary. 631-689-0619
Book Launch Party
The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills will host a book launch event with author Yakov Saacks at 7 p.m. Join them for an insightful conversation with the author on his new book, Prescription for the Peace of Mind and enjoy a dessert bar. Autographed books will be available for sale. The event is free. RSVP requested here.
No events listed for this day.
Lonesome Traveler Musical
Lonesome Traveler, a narrative musical about legendary folk groups The Weavers and The Almanac Singers and featuring the songs of iconic folk singers Lee Hays, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger will be performed by Ira Perlman and Denise Romas during the monthly Hard Luck Café concert series co-presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington in the Cinema’s Sky Room from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Singer and guitarist Bill Lauter will open for the show. An open mic, for which sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m., precedes the 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $20, $15 for Cinema Arts Centre/FMSH members and may be purchased online at cinemaartscentre.org or at the box office.
Lunch & Learn
Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch & Learn series with A 1920’s “Evening at the Theatre” with Marsha Collock, curator at the Village of Babylon Historical Society at Red Restaurant, 417 New York Ave., Huntington from noon to 2 p.m. Attention all flappers and sheiks! Travel back in time to 1923 for a night out at the theatre in Huntington. Gentlemen, grab your fedora and ladies, straighten your seams for a little history, a little vaudeville, a few films and a grand afternoon out. It will be the cat’s meow! Tickets are $55, $45 members and includes a gourmet two-course meal and dessert. Cash bar available. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
James Cagney Lecture
Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport presents The Versatile James Cagney at 2 p.m. James Cagney is best remembered as a tough guy and gangster in films such as The Public Enemy and Angels with Dirty Faces. Critics and audiences alike have considered his Academy Award-winning performance as George M. Cohan in Yankee Doodle Dandy to be his best film. His career spanned from vaudeville, musicals, and revues on Broadway in the 1920s, to a forty-year career in films. Join lecturer Marc Courtade for a special remembrance of this unique and versatile performer. To register, call 631-261-6930.
Atelier Art Reception
The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James invites the community to an opening reception for its limited Artist Studio Clean-Out Exhibition from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This show will include accessible artworks by the Atelier & students and instructors. All pieces on display will be priced under $500 and sized 18×24 or smaller. Coffee, cupcakes and cookies will be served. The show runs through Feb. 6. For more information, call 631-250-9009.
Audubon Society Lecture
Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for its winter presentation, Birding to Change the World, via Zoom at 7 p.m. Guest speaker Trish O’Kane, author of Birding to Change the World: A Memoir, will share what birds can teach us about life, social change, and protecting the environment. To register, visit www.4has.org.
All Night Horror Marathon
The CAC Screen Society presents a new all-night horror movie marathon at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Jan. 11 starting at 9:30 p.m. The marathon will feature screenings of 5 horror classics: The Toxic Avenger (1984), Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979), Society (1989), Phantasm (1979) & a bonus mystery film. Tickets are $50, $40 members. To order in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
‘Dead Poet’s Society’
Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station kicks off 2025 with a Movie Night featuring a screening of Dead Poet’s Society on Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own blankets. Popcorn and hot cocoa will be served. Free admission, $10 suggested donation. To RSVP, visit www.waltwhitman.org.
‘The Sixth Sense’
“I see dead people!” Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a screening of The Sixth Sense on Jan. 17 at 9:30 p.m. When Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a distinguished child psychologist, meets Cole Sear, a frightened, confused, eight-year-old, Dr. Crowe is completely unprepared to face the truth of what haunts Cole. Dr. Crowe soon discovers that Cole has incredible sixth, he is visited by ghosts. The breakout film from director M. Night Shyamalan earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Tickets are $16, $10 members. To purchase in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
‘Forbidden Broadway’
Productions Over the Rainbow presents a mainstage production of Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits at Seneca Middle School, 850 Main At., Holbrook on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and includes coffee, tea and dessert during intermission. To order, visit https://potr.ludus.com.
‘Crossing Delancey’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its 54th season with Susan Sandler’s Crossing Delancey from Jan. 18 to Feb. 9. Isabel is an independent young woman living alone and working in a book shop. When not pining after a handsome author, she visits her grandmother in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This spunky granny and her friend the matchmaker have found a “good catch” for Izzy, whose initial reluctance gives way to a blossoming romance when she finally meets Sam, the pickle vendor. A sincere, delightful, and loving comedy — fresh, timeless, and heart-warming. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, and $25 for children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Heartbreak Hotel’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Heartbreak Hotel from Jan. 16 to March 2. The tribute to Elvis takes a closer look at the musical icon whose impact shaped the history of rock and roll as well as popular culture following him from his early days to his rise to become “The King of Rock and Roll.” Featuring over 40 Elvis hits and iconic songs including “That’s All Right,” “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jail- house Rock,” “Are You Lonesome,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” Tickets start at $80. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Festival of One Act Plays
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 26th annual Festival of One-Act Plays at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre on the Second Stage from March 8 to April 5. Featuring the world premieres of 7 one act plays. Tickets are $25. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘(Mostly) True Things’
(Mostly) True Things Storytelling show kicks off Valentine’s Day month with an all-comedy line-up of storytellers sharing true tales on the theme Bad Romance at The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St., Port Jefferson on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. Featuring Ivy Eisenberg, Bryan Berlin, Brian Grossi, Sean Brown, and host Jude Treder-Wolff. Tickets are $20 online at www.mostlytruethings.com, $25 at the door (cash only).
Huntington Farmers Market
Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Jan. 5 through April 27. 631-470-9620
Port Jefferson Farmers Market
The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market returns to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Jan. 12 to the end of April. 631-802-216
CALENDAR DEADLINE is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Email your information about community events to [email protected]. Calendar listings are for not-for-profit organizations (nonsectarian, nonpartisan events) only, on a space-available basis. Please include a phone number that can be printed.
Cookies are a treat any time of the day, and many find biscotti particularly appealing. These crunchy cookies are equally at home with a morning cup of coffee as they are with an evening mug of hot cocoa. Biscotti are hard, crunchy, Italian cookies that are baked twice. In fact, their name comes from the Latin “bis,” meaning “twice,” and “coctus,” meaning “cooked.”
Although they can be enjoyed on their own, their dry, crunchy nature makes them hold up well when dunked into a beverage. Biscotti were even once commonly dipped into red wine. Though they might seem complicated, biscotti generally are easy to make. Try this recipe for “Semolina and Almond Biscotti” from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
YIELD: Makes 12 to 16 cookies
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup melted butter
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
2 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sliced almonds
1⁄2 cup semolina flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Optional: 10 ounces dark chocolate to melt for dipping
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 325 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a stand mixer, cream the sugar, butter and eggs until light and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the vanilla and salt. Mix to incorporate. Add the all-purpose flour, almonds, semolina flour, and baking powder. Mix until well combined, but don’t overmix. Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet. Pat gently to form one long loaf of dough roughly 14 to 16 inches long and 5 to 6 inches wide. Bake 30 minutes.
Remove the loaf from the oven and allow to cool 5 to 6 minutes before using a long knife to cut the loaf gently into 12 to 16 cookies. Lay each cookie on its side and bake another 20 minutes, flipping the cookies midway through. Cool completely to achieve that signature crunch. The centers will be a bit soft if eaten warm. These are perfect for dunking in coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
Optional: Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second bursts and gently dip half of each biscotti into it lengthwise. Flip the biscotti chocolate-side-up onto a sheet tray and allow the chocolate to set.
Holiday Break at the Hatchery
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Holiday Break on Jan. 2. Take part in hatchery tour at 11 a.m., trout feeding demonstrations at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and a live animal encounter at 2 p.m. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768
Festive Lighthouses
Did you know lighthouses were once lit with whale oil? The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Festive Lighthouses drop-in workshop on Jan. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Design and decorate a unique lighthouse of your own — complete with battery-powered tea light and mini wreath — to light up your home this winter. Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. No registration required. 631-367-3418
First Steps in Nature
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Jan. 3 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344
Snow Globe Workshop
Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor for a Snow Globe Workshop on Jan. 3 at noon or 2 p.m. Have you ever wondered how whales stay warm in freezing waters? Celebrate the wonder of whales and other arctic creatures and explore blubber and bones from our collection. Design and create a wintry whale scene inside of a shimmering snow globe-style craft to take home. Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. No registration required 631-367-3418
Trout Birthday Celebration
Join the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for a Trout Birthday Celebration on Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meet the hatchery’s baby trout and don’t forget to bring a birthday card! Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768
Story & Craft with Nana Carol
The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Jan. 6 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008
‘Frozen Jr’
Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Hansel and Gretel’
Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off the new year with Hansel and Gretel from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8 with a sensory friendly performance on Jan. 26. Go into the woods for an outrageous adventure with the world’s most famous brother-and-sister team, Hansel and Gretel. A feeble father, a wicked stepmother, and a well-meaning if misguided witch add up to hilarious hijinx. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Frozen Jr’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Spy Kids’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Spy Kids on Jan. 5 at noon. Nine years ago, top international spies Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez traded the excitement of espionage for the adventure of parenthood. But when they’re called out on a secret mission, the Cortezes are separated from their family and kidnapped by the evil Fegan Floop. Fortunately, there are two people who possess the skills and know-how to reunite the family: Carmen and Juni Cortez, their kids. Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children. www.cinemaartscentre.org.
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Delicious, colorful and versatile, smoked salmon can make it easy to elevate your New Year’s Eve menu. Whether you are hosting family or a small group of friends, you can feel good about serving sustainable smoked salmon to your guests. Highlight smoked salmon at socially distanced gatherings with these recipes and tips from chef Nora Pouillon, a James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and her daughter, Blue Circle Foods product director Nina Damato.
Smoked Salmon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Caper Filling
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Smoked Salmon Cucumber Boats
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DIRECTIONS:
Slice cucumber in half lengthwise and use spoon to scoop out seeds. If cucumber skin is too thick, peel before slicing, Gently mix tomato, scallions, 1 tablespoon dill, lemon juice and smoked salmon until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Fill cucumber halves with smoked salmon mixture. Slice cucumber boats into 1/2-3/4-inch pieces crosswise. To serve, place pieces on platter and garnish with additional dill, if desired.
To access more recipes and tips, visit bluecirclefoods.com.
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