Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread pretzels evenly on parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch border between pretzels and edge of pan. Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals until smooth. Spoon or pour chocolate over pretzels. Press in candy eyes and M&Ms. Lightly sprinkle with sea salt. Let chocolate set 2-3 hours and cut into serving size pieces.
Columbia County Ballet will help the Imperial Theatre celebrate its 100th anniversary with a performance of “Cinderella.”
No one needs a fairy godmother to have a ball at Columbia County Ballet’s new, original production of “Cinderella,” at the Imperial Theatre.
This production, which features about 65 dancers ranging in age from 10 to 20, is choreographed by Columbia County Ballet alumnus Michael Viator.
“Michael has taken his trademark approach of presenting this classic story in a non-traditional way. He brings his main concentration to the power of the music, which is not the traditional Prokofiev, and the power of the movement he creates for the dancers,” says Ron Jones, Columbia County Ballet artistic director.
Jones and Renee Toole, Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School fine arts director, are weaving together the scenes to connect the details of the story. Lia Daniele, dance instructor at SAIL, is joining them to rehearse the dancers and prepare for curtain.
“We decided to bring a new story ballet each fall to the Imperial stage and donate the proceeds from ticket sales to the theater,” Jones says. “The ballet has thus far raised $29,000 on behalf of the Imperial, and with this final presentation to support the 100th, we are looking forward to adding to that figure.”
If You Go:
What: Columbia County Ballet’s “Cinderella”
When: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, September 21
Where: Imperial Theatre
How Much: $14 – $30
More Info: (706) 860-1852 or columbiacountyballet.com; (706) 722-8341 or imperialtheatre.com
Augusta Symphony’s 2018-19 season includes traditional favorites as well as a new series in Columbia County.
Augusta Symphony kicks off its 64th season this month with a theme of New Horizons, and the performance series will offer broad appeal for all ages.
“We are embracing the future at the Augusta Symphony,” says Dirk Meyer, music director. “We have a new hall, a new brand and look, a new music director – yours truly, and the orchestra is performing at an all-time artistic high.”
At the same time, the symphony is diversifying its audience, he says. “This upcoming season features several concerts that will certainly speak to our loyal patrons but, at the same time, appeal to newcomers to the symphony. Our opening performance, for example, features a world-class soloist and repertoire that is hugely popular. But it also features a new composition by American composer Michael Daugherty that revolves around the famous comic book hero, Superman.”
The Symphony Series, which includes six concerts at Miller Theater, will showcase the orchestra performing masterworks by some of the greatest composers from history through today. The first concert of this series and of the season, Obsession, featuring 23-year-old Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki, will be Friday, September 28.
In addition to Daugherty’s Red Cape Tango, the concert will include Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. During the second half of the performance, audience members can download EnCue app to receive real-time program notes as the orchestra performs.
The Pops! Series, also at Miller Theater, will feature four concerts this season that include a tribute to the Eagles, a Holiday Spectacular, The Wizard of Oz and a performance by magician Michael Grandinetti. The orchestra will perform Harold Arlen’s musical score live during the screening of The Wizard of Oz.
This year Augusta Symphony also debuts its Family Concerts at Columbia County at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. This series, which features the Holiday Spectacular in December and “Peter & the Wolf” in March, is ideal for introducing children to the symphony.
“These hour-long concerts are specifically designed for young concertgoers and will be fun for the entire family,” says Meyer.
The music director also is happy to be able to call the Miller Theater home. “The acoustics at the Miller are wonderful. Everyone on stage can hear each other, and that makes performing there a real pleasure,” he says.
Meyer believes it is crucial for Augusta Symphony to be an integral part of the community, and it needs to adapt to changing times to have success.
“We constantly need to evolve and keep up with new developments. To make orchestral music relevant to a large section of our community, we need to ensure that our performances have relevance to the people in Augusta. We hope to provide just that in the upcoming season,” says Meyer. “Augusta Symphony is embracing its past and its community and, at the same time, heads towards its future. A wider offering and more diverse programming are our first steps towards new artistic horizons.”
If You Go:
What: Augusta Symphony’s Obsession
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 28
Where: Miller Theater
How Much: $22 – $67; season tickets are also available
Make zucchini noodles with a vegetable peeler or spiralizer. Place in a large bowl and add tomatoes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss until combined. Garnish with crushed walnuts and serve. Makes 3-4 servings.
Place crêpe ingredients (excluding melted butter for crêpe pan) in a blender and pulse about 10 seconds. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. (You can make batter ahead of time and refrigerate up to 48 hours.) Heat a nine-inch crêpe pan on medium-high heat and brush with melted butter. Pour about an ounce of batter into center of pan and immediately swirl batter so it covers bottom of pan in a thin layer. Cook about 30 seconds until bubbles appear and bottom of crêpe is golden brown. Flip and cook another 10 seconds until blonde but not as dark as the first side. Remove to a sheet of parchment paper and repeat with rest of batter. In small bowl, beat sour cream, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice and pudding mix with whisk or fork until blended. Spoon filling down middle of crêpes and roll up. Garnish with powdered sugar and lemon slices. Makes 10-12 crepes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare brownies according to directions for fudgy brownies; let cool completely. Remove brownies from pan and cut off edges. Mix brownies together with softened cream cheese. Using a cookie dough scoop, scoop into balls and roll with hands. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a bowl. Microwave 45 seconds, then stir until smooth. (If not fully melted, microwave an additional 10 seconds.) Insert cake pop sticks and dip brownie balls into white chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint pieces. Let sit until chocolate is set.
1 1/2 cups (1 1/2 sleeves) chocolate graham crackers
1/4 cup sugar
8 tablespoons melted butter, divided
3 Braeburn or Honey Crisp apples
2 packages cream cheese, softened at room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
2 cans apple pie filling, chopped into small pieces
1 (8-ounce) carton Cool Whip
1/2 cup caramel sauce
Ground cinnamon for garnish
Place graham crackers in a food processor and process until fine crumbs. Empty into a medium bowl; add sugar and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Mix well. Press crumb mixture onto bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan. Chill 5 to 10 minutes in the freezer until set.
Peel, core and slice apples. Sauté in 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat 4-5 minutes until cooked through; set aside to cool. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Gently stir in the apple pie filling and whipped topping. Spread over the prepared crust. Spoon caramel sauce evenly over top of cheesecake. Garnish with cooked apple slices in a pinwheel pattern. Refrigerate 4 hours or until set. Lightly garnish with cinnamon before serving.
Remove husks and silk from corn. Prepare grill to medium high heat. Brush corn lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill 6-7 minutes until charred in spots but still slightly crisp. Remove from grill and let cool slightly before cutting kernels from the cobs. Scrape kernels off, rows at a time, with a sharp kitchen knife and set on plates. Place tomatoes and onion in a bowl and set aside. In a separate small bowl, mix together the vinegar, mustard, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper. Pour dressing over tomatoes and onion and toss to thoroughly coat. Spoon tomatoes and onions over corn. Garnish with almond slivers and serve. Makes 6 servings.
1/2 pound andouille sausage, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup heavy cream
3 green onions, sliced
Cook grits per package instructions until tender. Stir in butter and cheese; set aside. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook sausage about 3 minutes and set aside. Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning and add to pan. Cook about 2-3 minutes and set aside. Add broth and tomato paste and simmer 3-5 minutes. Add sausage and shrimp, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in cream and remove from heat. Place grits in individual bowls and top with shrimp and sausage mixture. Garnish with green onions and serve. Makes 4 servings.
This brown soda bread is full of fiber, yeast-free and so simple to prepare. If you can find Irish imported brown whole wheat flour, you’ll get the best results.
3 cups coarse whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cup flour
1 1/4 cup oats
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup wheat germ
3/8 cup sugar
3 ounces butter or margarine
1 egg, beaten
3 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon honey
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease and flour three 8-by-4-by-2-inch loaf pans. Measure all dry ingredients in large bowl. Rub in butter with your fingertips and create a well in center of mix. Beat egg in small bowl and mix with buttermilk and honey. Add to dry ingredients and mix well with large spoon. Transfer dough to floured surface and knead gently with floured hands. Divide dough into loaves and place each loaf into a pan. Using knife, cut line down center of each loaf. Bake for 40 minutes to deep golden brown color, or until base of loaf sounds hollow when lightly tapped. Makes 3 loaves.
Cook fettuccine according to package directions; drain and lightly toss with a dash of olive oil to prevent noodles from sticking together; set aside. Dissolve bouillon cubes in chicken broth and set aside. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and most of the green onion (save a little for garnish) and cook 3-5 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally. Add clams and mussels; cover and cook for another 5 minutes. Add white wine and bouillon cubes with chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce to a rolling simmer. Add shrimp, cover and cook 3-5 more minutes or until the clams have opened and shrimp is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Stir in remaining tablespoon of butter and the cream. Add cooked fettuccine and toss to combine. Remove to plates and garnish with remaining green onion.
Score points with these soup, stew and chowder recipes that aren’t too tough to tackle.
Sirloin Steak Soup
2 pounds boneless beef sirloin steak
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped onions
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 pounds small red potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
3 cups carrots, diced
1 (1-pound) bag frozen peas or cut green beans
2 tablespoons chopped dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
10 1/2 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons steak sauce
Cut beef into 1/4-inch strips; cut strips into 1-inch pieces. Heat oil in stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook beef in oil 4-5 minutes or until brown. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until meat and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Serves 6.
Get ready for a whirlwind of entertainment as the 51st Columbia County Fair kicks off November 3 for ten days of pulse-pounding midway rides, outlandish stunt shows and wacky fair food.
This year’s lineup includes returning favorites such as the Sea Lion Splash, Galaxy Girl Aerial Motorcycle Stunt Show, demolition derbies and petting zoo.
New attractions include Chase’s Racing Pigs, Farmily Feud Agricultural Game Show and sanctioned bull riding with the top 25 bull riders in the Southeast.
The Merchants Association of Columbia County, a non-profit organization of local business volunteers, presents the fair each year at its fairgrounds on Columbia Road across from Patriots Park. Special amenities include free parking with security, free golf cart shuttles, free nightly entertainment and free admission for kids 3 and under.
Proceeds from the fair benefit many local charities and provide scholarships to seniors from each Columbia County public high school. For more information, visit columbiacountyfair.net.
2016 Fair Schedule:
Thursday, November 3 Hours: 4-11 p.m. Admission: $7; free admission 4-5 p.m. Unlimited Ride Special: $15 FFA Judging: 6 p.m. Musical Entertainment: Donna Jo Bull Riding: 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 4 Hours: 5 p.m. – midnight Admission: $7 Unlimited Ride Special: $20 from 9:30 p.m.-midnight Musical Entertainment: Tony Howard Motown Review Bull Riding: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 5 Hours: Noon – midnight Admission Special: $7 Kids’ Day Special: Kids ride free noon – 1 p.m. Musical Entertainment: Will McCranie Trio
Sunday, November 6 Hours: 1 – 11 p.m. Admission Special: $7; $1 off with church bulletin Unlimited Ride Special: $20 Musical Entertainment: Little Roy and Lizzie, 5-7 p.m.
Tuesday, November 8 Hours: 5 – 11 p.m. Admission: $7 or free admission with 5 non-perishable items per person for the food bank Unlimited Ride Special: $18 Apollo Talent Night: Ages 1-12
Wednesday, November 9 Hours: 5 – 11 p.m. Admission: $7 Unlimited Ride Special: $20 Musical Entertainment: Ippie Music UGA Georgettes Dance Team: 6 p.m. Student Appreciation Night
Thursday, November 10 Hours: 5 – 11 p.m. Admission: $7 Senior Night: $3 admission for adults 55 and older with ID card Military Appreciation Night: $3 admission with military ID Unlimited Ride Special: $20 Apollo Talent Night: Ages 13 and up
Friday, November 11 Hours: 5 p.m. – midnight Admission: $7 Musical Entertainment: Tim Cardiere Demolition Derby: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 12 Hours: Noon – midnight Admission: $7 Kids’ Day Special: Kids ride free noon – 1 p.m. Unlimited Ride Special: Buy unlimited ride stamp between noon-3 p.m. for $25 and come back later Musical Entertainment: The BTUs Chainsaw Carving Auction: 9 p.m.
It’s not the same old song and dance with the variety of shows that Augusta Amusements is bringing to the area for the holidays.
On Monday, November 14 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the Annie Moses Band pays tribute to the most treasured love songs of the last century in “The Art of the Love Song.” The epitome of old-school elegance, the band — which scores an impressive double chart entry on Amazon’s Classics chart and Billboard’s Classics/Crossover chart — performs music that is reminiscent of the Great American Songbook of the 1940s and 1950s and borrows from artists of the ’60s and ’70s such as Don McLean, Paul Williams and John Lennon.
The concert is a memorable collection of some of the greatest love songs written, including “Evergreen,” “And I Love You So,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “And I Love Her,” among many others. The band’s corresponding 60-minute PBS Special has been airing on PBS stations across the country since early 2016. Tickets are $39 for the matinee and $49 for the evening performance.
The holiday season kicks off with “A Very Electric Christmas” by Lightwire Theater on Thursday, December 1. Performed in complete darkness, the show tells the story of a young bird named Max who tries to get home for Christmas after being separated from his parents while flying South for the winter.
The storyline features Nutcracker soldiers with candy canes, naughty rats, an electric Christmas tree surrounded by presents, glow worms, dancing flowers and other creatures that light up the stage. Audiences of all ages will enjoy timeless Christmas songs from Nat King Cole, Tchaikovsky, Mariah Carey and others. Shows start at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $28.50 for adults and $14.50 for children under age 12.
“Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas,” starring Michelle Berting Brett, celebrates the biggest hits of one of the most successful recording duos of all time. The performance, a natural offshoot of the “We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered” show, features a full complement of Karen and Richard Carpenter’s classic repertoire.
Brett takes center stage accompanied by her 7-piece Nashville band and performs songs like “Close to You,” Yesterday Once More” and “We’ve only Just Begun” along with holiday favorites. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 8. Tickets are $39.50.
All performances will take place at Jabez S. Harden Performing Arts Center. For more information, call (706) 726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.
Columbia County Ballet will help the Imperial Theatre celebrate its 100th anniversary with a performance of “Cinderella.”
4 cups cubed, seedless watermelon
Crêpes:
1 box brownie mix
6 ears sweet corn
