A roundup of the best holiday sweets and snacks for your festivities. by Martha Daghlian

Throughout centuries of human civilization, people have sought out ways to combat the darkness and cold temperatures of winter: from ancient temples that aligned with the rising solstice sun to the ceremonial burning of symbolic fir trees, we have devised many strategies to brighten up the longest season. But perhaps the best solution to the winter doldrums is to have a little treat? Cultures all around the world have invented their own special cookies, cakes, and sweets to be enjoyed at this time of year, and we’ve rounded up some of our faves that are available right here in Portland!

Fancy Cake Thinks it’s a Tree

Arguably the most iconic of Christmas desserts, the bûche de noël (or yule log) predates current “is it cake” fads by well over a century. Traditionally made with light sponge cake rolled around a rich filling and adorned with cute meringue mushrooms, this whimsical faux tree echoes the ancient Celtic tradition of burning a ceremonial log at Winter Solstice and really amps up the classic holiday aesthetic. Don’t have a spare 57 hours and a background in French pastry? Let the professionals at Pix Patisserie take care of all your bûche needs with one of their glossy high concept stumps, available to order through December. Pix Patisserie, 2225 E Burnside, pixpatisserie.com

Baklava Just Like
Grandma Used to Make

Within the Armenian-American side of my family, baklava—a buttery, syrupy nut-and-phyllo pastry popular across the Mediterranean, Central/West Asian, and North African regions—is a mandatory holiday treat. I grew up on my grandmother’s recipe, which calls for walnuts only (no pistachios, thank you), an entire pound of clarified butter, NO cinnamon (how dare you even suggest it!), and a sneaky splash of bourbon, presumably a modern twist added by grandma. But TBH, I haven’t met a baklava I didn’t love, and there are a few particularly strong ready-made contenders here in Portland: World Foods Market, with locations in the Pearl and on Barbur Boulevard, makes a few varieties of baklava and similar pastries, all of which are exquisite (even with pistachios). 

Sophisticated Citrus

It’s a serendipitous fact that winter is not only a season for feasting on rich foods, it’s also the time of year when bright, refreshing citrus is at its peak. Who doesn’t love a bowl of oranges at a holiday party? In addition to enjoying fresh citrus fruit straight up (my favorite is the dekopon or sumo mandarin), there are all sorts of fancy things you can make with the help of our zesty friends: fresh grapefruit mimosas, traditional pomander balls (that’s when you poke a ton of little holes in an orange and shove a whole dried clove in each one, creating a spicy little air freshener that also kind of looks like a medieval weapon as it slowly dries up throughout the winter), hot toddies with tons of lemon. If you really want to impress your friends, try making your own candied citrus peel—it’s like a grown up version of those fruit slice gummy candies! 

Candied Citrus Peel

Cut the peel from a bunch of citrus fruits (make sure not to include any of the white part!) into strips. Blanch them three times (that means placing them in a saucepan, covering with water, and boiling for five minutes, then you’ll drain and boil them for five more minutes in fresh water, then do the same thing one more time). Then, cover them with a 1:1 mixture of water and granulated sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 40-60 minutes over low heat. They should become soft and a little translucent at the edges. Drain and place on a drying rack until cool (put some foil or parchment underneath to catch any drips). Once they are dry, you can toss them in sugar for a sparkly and crunchy coating.

Candied citrus peel makes a super classy garnish for fancy desserts, and can also be used in cake and muffin recipes. Or just snack on them in between all the cookies for a “healthy” treat—it’s fruit, isn’t it??

Sticky Sweets for Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year may still be a little ways off, but I’m already planning what I’ll bring to the annual party our friends throw to celebrate this traditional East Asian holiday. A lot of the foods associated with Lunar New Year celebrations symbolize some specific kind of luck that one might hope to attract in the coming months. Noodles, dumplings, fish, and citrus all connect in some way to ideas including longevity, wealth, and unity. But in my humble opinion, treats featuring sticky rice are the star of the show. This time around, I plan to visit Li Min Bakery at 81st and SE Division, and Shop Halo Halo on 50th and SE Woodstock, for traditional nian gao (sticky rice cakes) and moon cakes filled with sweet bean paste. Lin Min’s Bakery & Bistro, 8615 SE Division; Shop Halo Halo, 4981 SE Woodstock, STE 2, shophalohalo.com

Rad Rugelach

My first encounter with rugelach was at an elementary-school friend’s house, where her mom taught us to make this classic holiday cookie, originally dreamed up hundreds of years ago by Jewish bakers in Poland. Wait, is it a cookie? Or is it a pastry? You know what, I don’t care… all I know is it comes in lots of different flavors (Apricot! Raspberry! Chocolate!) and its twisty little crescent-moon shape really spices up a cookie plate. Like many delicious wintertime snacks, they do take a bit of effort to make at home, so if you’re short on time you might want to check out Henry Higgins Bagels, which contrary to their name, also serves up rugelach, babka, and challah on the regular. Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels, multiple locations, hhboiledbagels.com

Scandinavian-Style Snacks

If this list of festive treats still isn’t enough for you, mark your calendars for the 40th annual Scan Fair! This massive event, hosted by Nordic Northwest at the Oregon Convention Center December 7 and 8, is inspired by traditional Scandinavian Christmas markets. Think traditional singing and dancing, cozy knitwear, and tons of delicious sweets, snacks, and drinks–basically a massive party to brighten up the dark wintertime with some serious hygge. My most trusted Scandinavian treat advisor suggests loading up on Æbleskiver (little round pancakes, often served with lingonberry jam), pickled herring, and glögg (spiced wine punch). Scan Fair runs Dec. 7-8 at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Jr, get your tickets and find more info at nordicnorthwest.org/scanfair 

Recent advances in bladder cancer treatments may offer hope of curative care to more patients, including those with high-risk localized, muscle-invasive disease, according to a New England Journal of Medicine editorial published by Matthew Milowsky, MD, FASCO, a bladder cancer expert at UNC School of Medicine and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at McMaster University have identified a potential treatment for Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases--two rare, often fatal lysosomal storage disorders that cause progressive damage to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. After years of investigating the diseases' underlying mechanisms, the research team has identified an existing FDA-approved drug that could significantly improve quality of life for affected patients and their families.

Recent advances in bladder cancer treatments may offer hope of curative care to more patients, including those with high-risk localized, muscle-invasive disease, according to a New England Journal of Medicine editorial published by Matthew Milowsky, MD, FASCO, a bladder cancer expert at UNC School of Medicine and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at McMaster University have identified a potential treatment for Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases--two rare, often fatal lysosomal storage disorders that cause progressive damage to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. After years of investigating the diseases' underlying mechanisms, the research team has identified an existing FDA-approved drug that could significantly improve quality of life for affected patients and their families.

apZme's Dr. David Isaacs Joins National Group of Elite Providers to Offer Oral Appliance Therapy to Veterans Through the VA Community Care Network

A lot to look forward to in 2017. How did 2016 treat you: ???? or ????? (at San Francisco, California)

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/13/opinion/climate-change-politics-trump-cop29.html By David Wallace-Wells When the COP29 climate conference comes to an end next week, it will have concluded without an appearance by President Biden. This is not because Donald Trump just won the election, supplanting the outgoing American head of state on the world stage. The president-elect isn’t attending, either. Neither is Vice President […]

Best Buy's elaborate Black Friday plans involve lots of early deals, revolving holiday doorbusters, and an official Black Friday sale that's ten days long.

Injured Gazan children brought to Lebanon for treatment are again caught up in war

Sharp rise in cases over 30 years compounded by millions of people lacking access to medication, Lancet study finds

More than 800 million adults around the world now have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, a global analysis has estimated—more than four times the number in 1990.Almost six in 10 adults aged over 30 with diabetes, equal to around 445 million people, did not receive treatment in 2022, three and a half times as many as in 1990, research in the Lancet found.1 The study found that while treatment rates had improved in many high income and industrialised nations and some emerging economies, treatment had stagnated at low levels in many low income countries where diabetes has drastically increased.Majid Ezzati, senior author and a professor of global environmental health at Imperial College London, said that the results highlighted “widening global inequalities” in diabetes treatment. “This is especially concerning as people with diabetes tend to be younger in low income countries and, in the absence of effective treatment, are at...

As some politicians across the province show support for a forced treatment model for people struggling with mental health and addictions, the CEO of Windsor's leading treatment centre says he doesn't support that.

Sarah Palin was very nervous before her VP debate with Biden in 2008 and then she realized she just had to memorize the talking points on each issue and give that answer no matter what the specific question was. Are we sure that's not what Kamala Harris did this entire campaign?

ESPN NBA writer Brian Windhorst criticized the Los Angeles Lakers' plan for Bronny James, who won't be heading on the road with the G League South Bay Lakers.

1. 800 million diabetics worldwide and most aren't getting treatment, finds study  The Times of India
2. India has the highest number of diabetic people in the world, even more than China: Report  The Economic Times
3. Indians account for quarter of world’s adult diabetes patients: Lancet study  Hindustan Times
4. Why have diabetes rates doubled over the past 30 years – and what can be done about it?  The Guardian
5. One-fourth of people living with diabetes globally are in India, study estimates  The Hindu

When Ontario Premier Doug Ford was compelled to abandon his attempt to use the notwithstanding clause to end a labour dispute in 2022, it was possible to believe the tide had turned against the Charter’s escape clause. But the political temptation to override legal rights is apparently still strong.

Highlights: BHB-Phe, a newly discovered molecule, suppresses hunger by activating specific neurons in the brain

Can a new molecule help regulate hunger and body weight? Researchers have discovered BHB-Phe, which targets neurons to suppress appetite and reduce weight!

A drug used for treating breast cancer, known as exemestane, is more effective than a common breast cancer prevention drug, tamoxifen, in preventing breast cancer recurrence in young women who also receive post-surgical treatment to suppress ovarian function. The combined results of the Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial and Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial were presented at the 2014 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s remarks that the IWT hinders J&K’s power capacity spark row; the focus should be the return of power projects from National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, says former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti

States being given funds on time, and the total funds given under each head was far higher than what the states received earlier, she said

Guess who won't pee his pants anymore? You guessed right!

Meet one woman who serves God as the only community health worker for over 2,000 people in six remote villages of Zambia.

Lawrence and Susan Tong encourage the OM Switzerland team during their annual retreat.

1. Oncologist stabbed at Chennai govt hospital ‘by 26-year-old whose mother is undergoing cancer treatment’  The Indian Express
2. Video: Chennai man calmly walks away after stabbing doctor, wipes knife  India Today
3. Indian Medical Association condemns brutal attack on doctor in Chennai  The New Indian Express
4. Daylight assault on doctor inside Chennai hospital leaves medical fraternity in shock  The Hindu
5. 'No law and order': BJP, AIADMK attack ruling DMK after government doctor stabbed in Chennai  The Times of India

Acousia Therapeutics GmbH, a Tübingen-based clinical stage biotech company focused on the enhancement and preservation of natural hearing, will be presenting the ACOU085 Phase 2 PROHEAR clinical study at the HansonWade 4th Inner Ear Disorders Therapeutics Summit in Boston (MA) from August 20–22, and at the 36th World Congress of Audiology from September 19–22, 2024.

The Gaffney House, a historic property on River Road at 4515 Upper River Road that features the designs of famous Louisville architect James J. Gaffney, has been renovated and restored as of 2023. The house is now listed for short-term rentals, hourly rentals, weddings, corporate retreats, and boat or boat slip rentals.

Title: How Is Substance-Induced Psychosis Treated?
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 4/1/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/1/2022 12:00:00 AM

This is another installment of research into the biochemistry of HIV and Aids by Cal Crilly, an Australian who finds himself fascinated with the intricacies of biology. Crilly analyzes the seemingly unconnected studies that show the biochemical changes that accompany the presence of numerous retroviruses - one of them called HIV - in humans. The mechanism that makes retroviruses appear is hypomethylation, and it is the same mechanism that accompanies pregnancy and inflammation. Those retroviruses are produced in the course of normal biological activity and they are not infectious. There are many different types (ever heard of HIV 'mutating'?). As an aside, we declare pregnant mothers to be "HIV positive" as pregnancy causes the presence of retroviruses in the course of normal biological activity, and those harmless endogenous retroviruses react with what's generally called an "HIV" test. Certain basic nutrients - Selenium, Folate, B12, B6, Choline are the most important - counteract hypomethylation of the cells and thereby calm the production of human endogenous retroviruses. The toxic Aids drug AZT causes hypermethylation but it is so destructive of normal cell processes that most patients die. The 'life prolonging' effect of HAART, the drug cocktail that is prescribed to Aids patients today is due to a sharp decrease in the dosage of deadly AZT in the cocktail. Cal demonstrates those facts and more with reference to studies you can find as well, if you're interested in the details. Meanwhile we continue to treat immune compromised people with drugs that further compromise the immune system and - in many cases - kill the patient. When is medicine going to start treating those people by insisting on better eating and supplementation supplying the correct nutrients? How long will it take until the toxic drugs are phased out in favor of real prevention?...

Yellow Bird, Man in the Can and the creatures in the park all decide to escape the overhaul of the park by escaping into the sewers. But will they be able to pull off their exit plan in time?

Find out in this episode of The Man in the Can.



MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast




GREAT DEALS FOR LISTENERS! CLICK BELOW!


Save 10% on all your pet's needs at PetMeds.com
Up to 20% off on great athletic gear at Eastbay.com
Save 15% on your favorite stuff at Footlocker.com
Save 20% on your flower order with FTD Fluerop.com
Save $10 off your next order from PetCareRX.com

Futures Fantasy Baseball ? a new fantasy baseball site for the minor leagues ? aims to grow the business of Minor League Baseball while capitalizing on the interest of fans in baseball?s next generation of superstars.

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease using foods, supplements and other natural cures, including alpha lipoic acid.

Provides various natural means of controlling cholesterol, including exercise, blood sugar control and consuming food that lowers cholesterol.

Christian Smith - Ekspozicija 05: Tronic Treatment

by: Darin IngelsMen with prostate cancer who take supplemental lycopene in addition to surgical removal of the testicles may experience less active disease, less bone pain, and live longer than those who only have surgical removal of the testicles, according to a new study in British Journal of Urology International (2003;92:375–8). This is exciting news for millions of men who have to undergo

Article about how to treat and cure elbow pain with my how to video.

About osteoporosis and the risk factors factors, bone scans for detection and treatments for osteoporosis.