Cooking Up Holiday Spirit

WVLC hopes that everyone had a joyful and tasty Thanksgiving. Now it is time to start baking for the December holiday season!

This week's cookbook is Damon Lee Fowler's New Southern Baking: Classic Flavors for Today's Cooks

Southern Shortbread

From France to Scotland, England to America, everyone loves these buttery-rich and yet delicate cookies -- and everyone seems to have a favorite variation. Perhaps its popularity is due in part to the fact that it is an easy, artless confection, made up of little more than softened butter, flour, and sugar rubbed together with no particular care or technique -- as easy to make as they are to gobble down by the handful. In the South, many cooks give the crumb a toothsome crunch by adding a handful of stone-ground cornmeal. For a more delicate cookie, you can substitute an equal volume of corn flour or cornstarch for the cornmeal.

Makes about 2 to 3 dozen cookies, depending on the chosen size and shape

1/2 cup sugar
Salt
12 ounces (about 2 1/4 cups) Southern soft-wheat flour or soft-wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup fine stone-ground white cornmeal
8 ounces (1 cup or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1. Whisk together the sugar, a small pinch of salt, the flour, and the cornmeal. With your fingers or a pastry blender , work the butter into the flour until the mixture has the texture of coarse meal. Keep blending with your hands until it is smooth. Gather it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it for at least 30 minutes -- until it is firm but not hard.

2. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. To shape the cookies you may simply pat the dough flat on a cookie sheet in large rounds or rectangles a little less than 1/4 inch thick and prick the dough at regular intervals with a fork; or pinch off small (1-inch diameter) lumps, roll them between your hands into a tight ball, then press each one float on a cookie sheet with a cookie stamp or the palm of your hand; or lightly flour a flat work surface, dust the dough with flour, roll it out just under 1/4 inch thick, and cut it with a cookie cutter. Transfer the cut cookies to a cookie sheet with a spatula, spacing them about an inch apart.

3. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Let the shortbread cool on the cookie sheet. If you have baked it in one large piece, while it is still warm and soft cut it into pieces about 1 inch wide by 2 to 2 1/2 inches long, or, if in rounds, into wedges, Scottish Style. Let the cut cookie cool before removing them from the baking sheet.

Archives & History Monthly Lecture Series

Jaime Simmons, research specialist at West Virginia Archives and History, will speak about "Digging into the Draper Collection: Researching the Settlement of Western Virginia" at the monthly Tuesday evening lecture in the Archives and History Library on December 7, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. Simmons will provide information on the contents of the Draper Collection but will focus on the process of researching in the collection, how to use the indices and press-marks to access the collection, and how to use what is found in the collection to locate additional information.

Time to file FY2011 Form 470

It is now time to file your Form 470 for FY 2011. Due to recent changes in the E-rate program and the Form 470 you will need to certify the form as soon as you submit. Please contact Jennifer Johnson if you need any assistance in completing the form. For more information on completing the Form 470 visit: http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step03/ 

Staff Pick of the Week

Heather's Pick

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen

I picked this book up a few years ago because of the title. I hated high school history. The dates. The people who had no faults. This book changed history for me and made historic individuals in American history real people who struggled in their decision making and fought to do the right thing, even if they didn't completely believe it themselves. It also introduce ideas that were foreign to me, like the plague that afflicted many Native Americans before and during the first settlements. Mostly this book got me interested in learning about the events and people who forged the nation.

Interlibrary Loan Clarification

There seems to be some confusion about interlibrary loan services. Section 3.18 of the Library Commission Administrative Rule requires libraries receiving state aid (GIA) to share resources with other libraries in the state according to local interlibrary loan policy and guidelines endorsed by the Library Commission.

The requirement is in place so patrons can receive this basic service at every public library in the state. The local interlibrary code may specify local procedures for interlibrary loan but the service must be available. If you have any questions about interlibrary loan practices, contact Karen Goff.

Joyful Night event at Capitol Complex Dec. 2

Joyful Night, the state's annual tree-lighting holiday celebration will be on Thursday, December 2, beginning at 6 p.m.  All activities are free and open to the public.

The evening's event will include the Posting of the Colors by the George Washington High School Junior ROTC; the tree lighting by the Governor and First Lady; and musical selections by the Cabell Midland High School Marching Band, Rhonda Smalley, director; and the Appalachian Children’s Chorus Cantare Choir of Southern West Virginia, Krista Brown-Trogdon, director; on the North Plaza Fountain Circle of the State Capitol Building. The holiday tree at the North Plaza was donated by Mrs. Helen Herring of Elkview.

Cooking Up Holiday Spirit

This week's cookbook is Thanksgiving 101 by Rick Rodgers

Mason-Dixon Corn Bread Dressing 101

Moist, golden brown corn bread dressing has as many variations as there are Southern cooks. This basic corn bread dressing recipe uses two equally popular Southern ingredients, ham and pecans.

-This dressing is best made with homemade corn bread. Southern Corn Bread has the proper firm texture. While corn bread stuffing mix is an acceptable substitute, don't use corn bread baked from packaged mixes--these are usually very sweet and make okay muffins but lousy dressing.

-Bake the corn bread a day or two ahead, crumble it, and let it stand at room temperature to dry out. The corn bread can also be dried in the oven. Crumble the corn bread onto baking sheets and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven, stirring occasionally, until dried out but not toasted, 20 to 30 minutes.

-As with Bread Stuffing 101, use homemade turkey stock for the best flavor, and be flexible about the amount of stock used to moisten the stuffing. Be sure the stock is cold (or at least cooled to lukewarm), as hot stock could scramble the eggs.

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
8 ounces smoked ham, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 medium celery ribs with leaves, chopped
1 cup chopped scallions (white and green parts)
10 cups coarsely crumbled Southern Corn Bread, dried overnight or in the oven
1 cup toasted and coarsely chopped pecans
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, preferably homemade
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly milled black pepper
2 1/2 cups homemade turkey stock or canned reduced-sodium chicken broth, or as needed

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ham and celery and cook until the celery softens, about 5 minutes. Add the scallions and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.

2. Scrape the ham, vegetables, and butter into large bowl. Stir in the corn bread, pecans, eggs, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in enough of the stock to moisten the stuffing, about 2 cups. Use to stuff the bird, or place in a buttered baking dish, drizzle with an additional 1/2 cup stock, cover, and bake as a side dish.

View the Book Discussion collection online

Just a reminder that the book discussion collection is available online. The Collection uses Shelfari software and can be easily accessed here.

For more information, contact Susan Hayden or Sharon White by e-mail or telephone, 304-558-3978.

Cooking Up Holiday Spirit

This week's cookbook is Thanksgiving 101 by Rick Rodgers

Autumn Glow Punch

Makes 12 to 16 servings

Make Ahead: The punch can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead.

There are two kitchen aromas guaranteed to make your guests feel all warm and fuzzy. One belongs to a roasting turkey, and the other comes from a simmering pot of mulled cider. So your friends don't get too warm and fuzzy, make the punch without any alcohol, but have a bottle of dark rum available for those who wish to spike their cup.

1 teaspoon allspice berries
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
Two 3- to 4- inch cinnamon sticks, broken
2 quarts apple juice
One 32-ounce bottle cranberry juice cocktail
2 large oranges, sliced into rounds
Dark rum, optional

1. Place the allspice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a tea ball, or tie into a bundle with cheesecloth and kitchen string. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the apple juice, cranberry juice, orange slices, and spices until simmering. (The punch can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead of serving and kept at room temperature. Reheat gently before serving.)

2. To keep punch warm, transfer to a slow cooker or place the saucepan on a hot plate. Serve hot, allowing each guest to add rum as desired.

Staff Pick of the Week

LeAna's Pick

Back Roads by Tawni O'Dell

Though set in Pennsylvania, West Virginia natives will recognize the rural coal-mining mountain town setting and hard-working townsfolk. The story centers on Harley Altmyer, who finds himself the guardian and sole parent of his three younger sisters after his mother is sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his father. Overburdened and barely managing to suppress feelings of anger and helplessness, he finds an escape in an obsessive passion for his middle aged neighbor, which stirs up family secrets and leads to an unforgettable ending. Few female authors can write a novel from a young male perspective this believably.

E-rate Training Highlighting Recent Changes to the Program

Web training focusing on recent changes, including revisions to the Forms 470 and 471, to the E-rate program will be held on November 22, 2010 at 1:30 pm. If you would like to participate contact Jennifer Johnson at jennifer.l.johnson2@wv.gov for the log-on information.

Cooking Up Holiday Spirit

This week's cookbook is The Foxfire Book of Appalachian Cookery edited by Linda Garland Page and Eliot Wigginton

Squash Relish


Chop very fine by hand or in the blender the following ingredients:
12 cups squash (6 to 8 medium sized squash)
4 cups onion (6 to 8 large onions)
1 sweet green pepper
1 sweet red pepper
5 pounds salt

Mix and let set overnight. In the morning put in a colander and run water over it. In a large saucepan mix the following:
2 1/2 cups vinegar
6 cups sugar
1 tablespoon dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 tablespoon flour or cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons celery seed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Let this cook until it begins to thicken, then add the squash mixture and let boil slowly for 30 minutes. Put in jars and seal. Process 10 minutes in boiling water bath.

YIELD: 8 pints

Join Us for the Annual Meeting of the West Virginia Historical Society on December 4, 2010

The Annual Meeting of the West Virginia Historical Society will be held at the West Virginia Library Commission Reference Library on Saturday, December 4 at noon.   The event will feature author Garland S. Tucker III speaking on his recent book The High Tide of American Conservatism: Davis, Colidge, and the 1924 Election.

Cooking Up Holiday Spirit

This week's cookbook is The Foxfire Book of Appalachian Cookery edited by Linda Garland Page and Eliot Wigginton

Pumpkin Bread


4 cups cooked mashed pumpkin
4 cups sugar
1 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 eggs, beaten
5 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cloves
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup raisins

In a large mixing bowl, using a wooden spoon to mix with, combine pumpkin, sugar, oil, vanilla, and beaten eggs. Mix well. Sift together dry ingredients and add to pumpkin mixture. Stir until well blended. Fold in the nuts and raisins. Pour into 3 or 4 greased loaf pans or, for a moister bread, use several coffee or bean cans, ungreased. If using cans, pour each can half full of batter. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour.

CE Opportunities Available from University of Wisconsin Madison

The University of Wisconsin Madison School of Library and Information Studies, Continuing Education Services has released its schedule for winter/spring 2011 online courses.  For more information, see their website at http://www.slis.wisc.edu/continueed.

Staff Pick of the Week

Suzy's Pick

The Good Rat: A True Story by Jimmy Breslin (audiobook)

If you are a Law and Order fan you want to listen to the audio version of The Good Rat: A True Story by Jimmy Breslin. Using the testimony of turncoat mob associate Burton Kaplan as the foundation, Breslin gives a commentary on the decline and fall of the Mafia and his coverage of organized crime in New York City over the past 40 years. The three narrators make the story come alive for the listener. Richard M. Davidson reads most of the text, creating voices for such note worthies as John Gotti, Sammy “the Bull” Gravano and Gaspipe Casso (so called because a piece of gas pipe was his favorite method of dispatching annoyances). When he is reading Breslin’s first person prose you imagine you are hearing Jimmy reading his own words. Kaipo Schwab performs as U.S. Attorney Robert Henoch and Richard Mover portrays Kaplan in a manner that makes you think you are listening to a transcript of Kaplan’s 2006 testimony against killer cops Stephen Caracappa and Louis Eppolito. A diehard L & O fan will recognize some plots from the show that were inspired by events that are occurred during the timeframe of this story.

RB Shorts: Short Stories for Quick Listening

Like listening to audiobooks but don't want to commit several hours of listening time?  Try RB Shorts, short stories by your favorite authors.  Each short story is about an hour long.  Perfect for a commute or a relaxing break.  Check out the Library Commission Reference Library short story collection here.

MP3 CDs Now Available!

WHAT IS AN MP3 CD?
An MP3 CD is a disc that contains compressed audio files. Because the files are compressed, more audio can fit on an MP3 CD than on a standard compact disc. The average audiobook is usually recorded on about eight compact discs. This same audiobook may be contained within one MP3 CD. Generally, an audiobook of 10 compact discs can be stored on one MP3 CD.

WHERE CAN I PLAY AN MP3 CD?
MP3 CDs are played in the same way as standard CDs. In computers the CD/DVD drive is already set to accept MP3 CDs. Newer home and automobile CD/DVD players also have the hardware needed to read MP3 CDs. Since most new cars since 2006 are equipped with players that are MP3 compatible, that’s about 20–25% of the cars currently on the road.

WHY WOULD I WANT MP3 CDS?
You will love having only one disc to handle, rather than 8, 9, or 10! There’s no need to switch discs while driving. You will have a more enjoyable listening experience and a much safer trip.
 
To view a complete list of current titles, click here.  New titles are added monthly.

Congratulations Leaf Peeper Festival library racers!

Six libraries were out in full force to raise money for their libraries during the Annual Leaf Peepers Festival held in September. Congratulations to the following teams/libraries for their outstanding efforts.
Belington Public Library Team for Belington Public Library-$12,813.28.
Mountaintop Readers for Mountaintop Library-$4,971.00.
Harman Community Alliance for Harman School Band and Pioneer Memorial Public Library-$4,877.00.
Five Rivers Friends for Five Rivers Library-$2,235.00
Dewey Dashers for Tygart Valley Community Library-$310.00
Philippi Public for Library Operational Support-$282.00

Cooking Up Holiday Spirit

Over the next few weeks as we gear up for visits with family and friends our minds turn, naturally, to food. Twice a week we will feature recipes from cookbooks we have available at the West Virginia Library Commission Reference Library. Enjoy!

This week's cookbook: The Leftover Gourmet by Jessica L. Weiss and Patricia Rosier

Broccoli Souffle

3 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoons flour
1 cup milk, scalded
3 eggs, separated
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
6 oz. cooked broccoli, chopped
a few grinds of nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 4 cup souffle dish with butter or margarine. Coat the bottom and sides of the dish with part of the parmesan cheese and refrigerate. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir until a smooth roux is formed. Cook the roux over a very low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Do not allow it to brown. Add the scalded milk to the roux in a steady stream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Cook the sauce for a few minutes over a low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon.

Beat the yolks until light and lemon colored. Add the yolks to the sauce and stir until the mixture is well combined. Add cheese, broccoli, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the sauce, stirring well. Beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry. Whisk about 1/4 of the egg whites into the broccoli mixture. Fold the rest of the egg whites in very gently, but thoroughly. Pour the mixture into the prepared souffle dish. Wipe the edges of the dish clean. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Thank you!

A sincere thank you to all those public libraries who took the time to complete the 2010-2011 Public Library Funding and Technology Access (PLFTAS) survey. The response from West Virginia public libraries exceeded the national average. If you have not yet submitted the survey form, there is still time. The deadline has been extended to Nov. 14th.

College of Dupage Webinar- Library Futures: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Redesigning Today's Public Services: Focus on Reference


Date: Friday, November 12, 2010
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Presenter: Marie Radford

The second program in Library Futures: Staying Ahead of the Curve teleconference series is pre-approved for 1.5 hours of WVLC CE credit—with submission of the evaluation form as proof of attendance.


Satellite Coordinates and webcast info
Evaluation forms

West Virginia Children's Book Week materials in the mail

Celebrate West Virginia Children’s Book Week November 14 to 20 by inviting your local military members to be volunteer readers for Read to Me Day, Thursday, November 18th. 


This year’s poster features CPL Joshua H. Allen of the U.S. Army as he celebrates our freedom to read by engaging children of West Virginia military personnel in story time. During his deployment to Iraq, CPL Allen served as a line medic. As a result of his service, Allen was awarded the Combat Action Badge, Army commendation medal for meritorious service and professionalism and the Good Conduct Medal.


Enclosed in the mailing are:
1) WV Children’s Book Week Poster
2) Read to Me Day Reader’s Tips
3) Reproducible Read to Me sticker sheets
4) Read To Me Day evaluation
5) List of books and other resources on coping with military deployment
6) Contact information

Make sure West Virginia has a Voice!

Important: Collaborative Summer Library Program needs your reply to On-line survey.

The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Board of Directors is asking for your opinion regarding the option of having the summer reading program manual on-line. In order to determine if there is a desire and the ability to use an online manual, by you, the person who actually plans and carries out the summer reading program in your library CSLP needs your help.

The link provided will take you to a twelve (12) question survey. CSLP needs to hear your opinions and understanding of the manuals and DVDs. This survey is due by Friday, November 19, 2010.http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KLM9TC2

Thank you for your help with this project. Your answers will be tabulated with those from the forty nine member states of CSLP.

Cooking Up Holiday Spirit

Over the next few weeks as we gear up for visits with family and friends our minds turn, naturally, to food. Twice a week we will feature recipes from cookbooks we have available at the West Virginia Library Commission Reference Library. Enjoy!

This week's cookbook: The Leftover Gourmet by Jessica L. Weiss and Patricia Rosier

Turkey Hash

6 to 8 Tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
2 small potatoes, peeled, boiled and diced
2 cups cooked turkey, diced
3 slices crisp, cooked bacon, crumbled
salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup gruyere cheese, grated

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large heavy skillet. Over medium heat, saute onions and green pepper until soft. Add potatoes to skillet. Cook until lightly brown. Add diced turkey and bacon to the vegetables and add more butter if needed to prevent mixture from sticking. Press down with spatula. Add salt and pepper to taste. Allow the hash to cook for about 10 minutes and then break up with a spatula. Combine egg, heavy cream and the cheeses in a bowl, then pour over the hash. Mix a bit and then cover and cook until the egg is set, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn out onto heated platter and serve immediately. Serve with spinach, sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese.

Community Partnership Participation Grants

The Library Commission hass received the CPPG Intent list from the House of Delegates but, some problems with the list still need to be resolved. As soon as WVLC works through the final issues, the paperwork for the CPP grants will be sent. If questions arise from letters or calls initiated by local Delegates, contact Administrative Services Director Denise Seabolt.

Children's Book Week / Read-to-Me Day

Children's Book Week
November 14-20, 2010
Watch the mail the first week of November for West Virginia Children's Book Week posters. The 2010 poster theme is Free to Read and it features local military families.


Read to Me Day
Plan now for your Read to Me Day events on November 18th. Please be sure to share your photographs so we may post them on the flickr page. Contact Suzy McGinley for more information.

Staff Pick of the Week

Megan's Pick

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

This book is deeper than the action/adventure story it appears to be. Not unlike the book's inhabitors, especially the thief, Gen.

The thief is released from prison because the Magus, on behalf of the King, needs something that only Gen has the skills to steal. As their journey progresses and the band of travelers tell stories of their gods and homelands around the campfires at night we see how the stories they tell weave into their own stories and bind them together in ways strange and permanent.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Living the Dream Awards Twenty-five Years: Reflections and Renewal

The West Virginia Library Commission and the West Virginia Center for the Book are proud participants of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission's activities. The libraries in West Virginia are involved with persons who best exemplify, through action or personal traits, the principles and ideals characterizing Dr. King in his pursuit of social change. Any person regardless of race, color, or creed may be nominated o Reflect upon your fellow library colleagues and community leaders. Please consider nominating a person or organization you believe is deserving of a particular Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission Award.

Friends,

Each year during the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and works the Martin Luther King, Jr. West Virginia Holiday Commission hosts an Annual Awards Luncheon - to be held in Charleston January 15, 2011. This being the twenty-fifth year of the Commission, an anniversary theme will blanket the event, which seeks to reflect upon the accomplishments of the Martin Luther King, Jr. West Virginia Holiday Commission and renew the dream!


Included as part of this event is a presentation of the Commission’s Living the Dream Awards. The Commission’s Award Committee is seeking nominations of individuals and service organizations for the awards from persons and organizations throughout West Virginia.


Please consider nominating a person or organization you believe is deserving of a particular Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission Award. If you are a member of a listserv or have access to an e-mail blast, please forward this to those you feel would be interested. Electronic forms can be found at the website: www.jrclifford.org


The deadline for nominations is November 30, 2010. You may either mail your nomination directly to the WV Division of Culture and History, or send it by e-mail to Bethany.K.Cline@wv.gov. Questions should be directed to Nick Eaton at (304) 345-7663 or info@jrclifford.org Thank you!

 Sincerely,

Larry V. Starcher
MLK Commission Awards Committee Chair
Nick Eaton
J.R. Clifford Project Outreach Assistant