Make plans now to attend 'Simply Christmas' event

Save the date now for a spectacular event that is set to take place in Ripley County November 8 - Taste of Home Cooking School-Made Easy "Simply Christmas".

At this event, you will learn how to make recipes that will make holiday entertainment easy and allow you to showcase your culinary talents.

Culinary Specialist, Dana Elliott, is coming to the South Ripley Elementary School Gymnasium on November 8 with tips on recipe selection for effortless holiday entertaining. Planning a menu that combines foods that keep well when prepared ahead of time with quick-to-fix last minute dishes leaves more time for the "cook" to have fun. Elliott will demonstrate timesaving preparation methods, as well as a variety of recipes sure to bring in rave reviews.

Tickets will go on sale at Ripley Publishing Company on Monday, October 8 at 8:00 a.m.

The show is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. and doors will open at 5:00 p.m. so attendees can visit booths and enjoy refreshments. Everyone in attendance will receive the new Taste of Home's Holiday Recipe Card Collection with the featured recipes plus many more delicious meal, party and gift giving solutions. Attendees will also have a chance to win festive door prizes and the foods prepared on stage.

"We have had Taste of Home events before, but never a holiday show," noted Publisher Linda Chandler, who said the staff, advertisers, and community are getting excited about the upcoming show. "We have had a lot of calls and excitement is starting to mount," she noted.

Elliott is one of nine territory managers for the Taste of Home Cooking School who present over 300 nation cooking events each year. She hosts events in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. She is a graduate of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, and holds a BS in Culinary Management. She is the recipient of the 2006 Outstanding Culinary Achievement Award.

"Most families have their traditional favorite holiday foods. I'll be bringing some memory-making meals to Versailles that I'm sure you will want to add to your holiday menus," invites Elliott. "I hope to make your season brighter with creative decorating ideas and tips for stress-free entertaining, too."

The cooking event is expected to last about one and a half hours with everyone taking home a "goody bag" filled with items from national and local sponsors. Watch for future announcements about the event and get your tickets early.