Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire . . . .

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season continues, we want to take a moment to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We have enjoyed the opportunity to share photos, recipes, stories and more with you on our Sauder Village blog and look forward to even more unique opportunities to share our stories in 2011.

During this week before Christmas, we hope you'll take time to step back and appreciate the simple things in life during the holiday season. Read a special story with a child or grandchild. String popcorn or make a gingerbread house. Take time to visit a neighbor or even just call a long-lost friend. Enjoy the sites, sounds and smells of the holiday season as you make special memories that will last a lifetime.

Perhaps you can even experience some of the holiday songs you hear this time of the year . . . try roasting some chestnuts with our recipe below, make your own snowman, deck the halls and be sure to enjoy and celebrate a silent night. Merry Christmas to all from the staff at Sauder Village.

Oven Roasted Chestnuts
Things You'll Need:
Chestnuts & Salt
Baking Sheets, Paring Knives

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Clean off chestnuts. Use a sharp paring knife to cut an X into one side of each chestnut, or prick chestnuts with a fork to allow steam to escape. Arrange chestnuts on a baking sheet or in a shallow pan, with the cut or pricked sides up. Roast in oven for 15 to 25 minutes, or until chestnuts are tender and easy to peel. Peel the nuts when they are cool enough to handle, and enjoy.