Bake’s Place

4135 Providence Point Dr. S.E., Issaquah, 425-391-3335

2-03: Butch Harrison & Good Company

More: www.bakesplace.org

Benaroya Hall

200 University Street, Seattle, 206-215-4800

2-02/05: Bond and Beyond – 50 Years

2-11: Andre Feriante – In the Theater of Love

2-18/19: Seattle Women’s Chorus – Shot Through the Heart

2-22/23: Itzhak Perlman with Seattle Symphony

2-24: Celebrate Asia

More: www.seattlesymphony.org

Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley

Sixth Avenue & Lenora Street, Seattle, 206-441-9729

2-01: Kim Wilson’s Blues All Stars

2-0708: Bobby Broom and The Deep Blue Organ Trio

2-09/12: Tower of Power

2-23/26, 2-29: Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra

More: www.jazzalley.com

El Corazon Seattle

109 Eastlake Ave., E., Seattle, 206-381-3094

2-01: Evolove

2-04: The Toasters

2-18: Anvil

2-27: Every Avenue/We Are The In Crowd

More: www.elcorazonseattle.com

Emerald Queen Casino

5700 Pacific Highway East, Fife, 253-594-7777

2-03: Styx

2-17: Natalie Cole

More: www.emeraldqueen.com

Kirkland Performance Center

350 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland, 425-893-9900

2-11: Alpha Yaya Diallo

2-14: Jake Bergevin – My Funny Valentine

More: www.kpcenter.org

McCaw Hall

321 Mercer Street Seattle. 206-733-9725

2-07/08: Shen Yun Performing Arts 2012 Tour

More: www.seattlecenter.com/events

Neptune Theatre

1303 NE 45th Street, Seattle, 206-781-5755

2-04: Los Campesinos!

2-09: The Jayhawks

2-11: Stone In Love – Journey Tribute Band

2-17: Damien Jurado

More: www.stgpresents.org/neptune

Paramount Theatre

911 Pine Street, Seattle, 206-467-5510

2-10: 24th Annual On Wings of Hope Benefit

2-28: The Fray

More: www.stgpresents.org/paramount

Showbox SODO

1426 First Avenue, Seattle, 206-628-3151

2-02: Excision

2-10: Mutemath

2-25: Rebelution

More: www.showboxonline.com/events.php

Snoqualmie Casino

37500 SE North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, 425-888-1234

2-02: Herman’s Hermits

2-10: Tony Orlando

2-12: Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds

More: www.snocasino.com

Tacoma Dome

2727 East D Street Tacoma. 253-272-3663

2-11: Brad Paisley 2012 Camobunga World Tour

www.tacomadome.org

The Tractor Tavern

2-01: Graveyard Radio, Moscow & Sandrider

2-04: Grand Hallway, Laura Gibson & The Devil Whale

2-09: Blvd Park & Nettle Honey

2-13: The Tallboys

2-15: The Grizzled Mighty, Sundries & Mystery Ship

2-27: The Tallboys

Triple Door

216 Union Street, Seattle, 206-838-4333

2-01: Teitur with Aunt Martha

2-04: Soul Salvation, Ruthie Foster & Paul Thorn

2-05: John Cruz

2-10: John Gorka

2-14: Sinatra At The Sands

2-16: Andy McKee & Anthoine Dufour

2-22: Wonda Shepard w/Jill Cohn

2-23/24: Sandra Bernhard

2-25: Massy Ferguson with The BGP

More: www.tripledoor.com

Jacquelyn Jaech at the Fred Hutch Gala in December 2011. Duell fisher for Team Photogenic © 2012

Style Watch Column by Rose Dennis

It’s the time of year when calendars start to fill with fundraisers and galas to attend. Whether the attire is business, cocktail or black tie, we should plan ahead to find the perfect dress to wear.

Updating an outfit that we already have in our closet with new accessories always works. With “color” being one of the big trends for spring, purchasing brightly-hued shoes and handbags in pink or yellow (the new neutral) will make you look up-to-date.

Colorful prints are also in fashion, and will freshen up any look. Fortunately, in our area it’s acceptable to be seen in an outfit more than once, and it’s OK if it wasn’t just seen on the runway in Paris or New York.

Whether you decide to wear something new, vintage, or pre-existing in your closet, make sure that it fits properly and accentuates your body silhouette. As our body shape changes, it’s important to constructively look at yourself in front of a full-length mirror and see if you look the way that you want to.

Most events will have a professional photographer taking photos to document the event, which adds importance to looking great on the red carpet. Have your hair and makeup professionally done to accent your look.

Knowing how to pose is also important: If you decide to have one hand on your hip, be sure that all of your fingers are close together, with your other arm down. If you feel self-conscious about your arms, cover them with long sleeves or a shawl; if your thighs or calves bother you, by all means, wear a longer dress. Never hold a beverage glass; try to cross one leg in front of the other and smile!

Andrea Ward and Duell Fisher at the Fred Hutchinson Gala in December 2011. MICHAEL NAIMAN for Team Photogenic © 2012

Carla Murray at the Fred Hutchinson Gala in December 2011. Duell Fisher for Team Photogenic © 2012

Rose Dennis has been singled out by numerous publications as Best Dressed, a Signature Style Uptown Girl and as a reigning tastemaker. She lives in Bellevue.

Yuan Spa

By Tiffany Vu | Courtesy Photos

More than three years have now passed since the beginning of the economic recession — three years in which families and businesses throughout the region have found themselves cutting back in order to stay afloat.

Yet, at spas throughout the Puget Sound, customers keep coming, plunking down sometimes hundreds of dollars for a manicure, a facial or an aromatic message.

“Gosh, today it’s packed,” says Bill Schultheis, co-owner of Bellevue’s Yuan Spa, on a Saturday morning two months after its grand opening. “We’re seeing a ton of repeat guests. If we provide something that is needed in our society with an authentic energy, people will respond.”

To Sun Lee, owner of Olympus Spa in Lynnwood, it all makes perfect sense. Spa-going, he says, is an excellent way to maintain one’s health.

“The body has to stay healthy in order to do anything,” Lee says. “People are spending even $100 on vitamins … Despite the economy, you have to take care of your health.”

Most spas in the area focus on both beauty and relaxation, offering a bevy of facial and hair treatments, waxing, massages, manicures and pedicures. Chains such as Gene Juarez and Red Door may have more specialized offerings, such as reiki therapy, milk baths or shiatsu massages.

Both Yuan and Olympus market themselves a hybrid of Western technology and Eastern tradition — Chinese in Yuan’s case, Korean in Olympus’. Lee goes into great detail describing Olympus’ “radiant heat energy rooms” adapted from Korean tradition, while Yuan encourages its guests to go through its “hydrotherapy cycle.”

First-time goers may find the spa experience somewhat alien. Secluded in rooms of pools and indoor waterfalls, where the standard uniform is a spa-provided bathrobe (or, ahem, even less), one may feel vulnerable without their clothes, and without their cell phones (most businesses enforce strict policies against cell phone usage). Massages often require that the visitor remove all his or her clothing, though Gene Juarez says that “careful draping procedures are observed at all times.”

Olympus Spa

Whatever a new spa-goer has to get used to, Schultheis says the spa experience is tailored to the visitor’s comfort level.

“We’re just inviting them to participate and experience a comfort level that is right for them,” Schultheis says. “So many times I hear women say, ‘It’s such a comfortable feeling to be one with my body and with other people’s bodies and not have to be this certain image.’”

Lee says spas help maintain not only the visitors’ physical health, but also mental and emotional health by providing a place to relax alone or with their friends.

“Mentally and psychologically, it brings out unity” when clients visit in groups, Schultheis says. “It’s a special location where they can get together, where they find the space and time to enjoy their relationship.”

Sherry Quintal, business manager of Frenchy’s Day Spa and Beauty Boutique in Seattle, says people would be surprised how non-intimidating the spa experience is.

“I would say men [in particular] are apprehensive, then they come back,” she says. “They have a preconceived idea of what it’s like, and it isn’t that way; it’s comfortable, friendly.”

While Frenchy’s specializes in cosmetics and beauty treatments, Quintal added that the emphasis isn’t on trying to be beautiful. Customers experience beauty, but the caring, come-and-be-pampered atmosphere lets them know they don’t have to work hard at anything here, she says. Except, maybe, trying to relax.

Red Door

There are numerous spas in Bellevue and the surrounding area. Here is a sample:

Yuan Spa

1031 106th Ave.NE, Bellevue

425-449-8788

www.yuanspa.com

All day Thursday, women only
in bathing pools, steam and sauna
rooms; spa treatments open to co-ed

Red Door Spa

The Shops at The Bravern,
700 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue,

425-455-3700

www.reddoorspas.com

Sun | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
Mon | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
Tue-Wed | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.;
Thurs – Fri | 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
Sat | 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Gene Juarez

550 106th Ave, NE, Suite 105, Bellevue

425-455-5511

www.genejuarez.com/salons-and-spas/bellevue.aspx

Mon – Wed | 9 a.m.- 9:30 p.m.;
Thurs – Fri | 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.;
Sat | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
Sun | 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Olympus Spa

3815 196th St. SW, Suite 160, Lynnwood

425-697-3000

www.olympusspa.net

Women only spa

Mon – Thurs | 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
Fri – Sat | 9 a.m. to midnight;
closed Sundays

Frency’s Day Spa

3131 East Madison St., Suite 103, Seattle

206-325-9582

www.frenchysdayspa.com/index.php

Mon | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Tue | 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
Wed | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
Thurs | 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
Fri – Sat | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
Sun | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Olympus Spa

These beautiful and stylish ladies know how to look fabulous. They are my Top Five Ladies who always look like “A Lady.”

Style Watch Column by Rose Dennis

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Heidi Bretz

Heidi’s mother was a model, and her grandfather and great-grandfather were tailors, so she understands the art of good tailoring and fit.

She like cycling and skiing. This explains why she always looks great, especially on the red carpet.

Heather Baker

Heather has defined her own fashion style and knows how to pull together the designer looks that work for her. She is extremely fit, and whatever she decides to wear, her silhouette and attire are perfect for both her and the occasion.

Luly Yang

Luly Yang loves everything visual. Since opening her own couture boutique in downtown Seattle 10 years ago, she has been busy designing bridal gowns along with day and evening wear for her many clients. Her natural beauty and personal fashion style is sleek, feminine and classic.

Stacy Lill

Stacy loves fashion and her style of dress nicely accentuates her silhouette. Her style is often flirty, mysterious, and sometimes traditional, accented with bold accessories.

She enjoys working out, traveling, visiting museums, dancing, and spending time with friends. She takes the time to do all of these activities in style.

Darnell Sue

Darnell is the founder and CEO of Girl Power Hour, with the goal of striving to empower, celebrate and inspire women.

Whenever I see Darnell out and about in Bellevue, she is dressed in the newest fashion trends – young, feminine and chic. Hair, make-up and accessories all play an important role in completing her final look.

Rose Dennis is a Greater Seattle style icon. Singled out by numerous publications, such as Seattle Magazine, she’s been crowned as Seattle’s Best Dressed, a Signature Style Uptown Girl and as a reigning tastemaker.

Allen Stone with Seattle Rock Orchestra is coming to Neptune Theatre Jan. 14. Photo by Jason Tang.

Bake’s Place

4135 Providence Point Dr. S.E., Issaquah, 425-391-3335

1-28: The Halyards

1-29: Trish, Hans and Phil

More: www.bakesplace.org

Benaroya Hall

200 University Street, Seattle, 206-215-4800

1-26, 28: Hamelin performs Chopin

1-29/31: National Geographic Live! Brian Skerry – Ocean Soul

More: www.seattlesymphony.org

Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley

Sixth Avenue & Lenora Street, Seattle, 206-441-9729

1-11: Grafitti with special guests Dennis Chambers and Gary Grainger

1-12/15: Arturo Sandoval

1-26/29: War

1-31: Kim Wilson’s Blues All Stars

More: www.jazzalley.com

Emerald Queen Casino

5700 Pacific Highway East, Fife, 253-594-7777

1-14: Gabriel Iglesias

More: www.emeraldqueen.com

Kirkland Performance Center

350 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland, 425-893-9900

1-14: Astitva – A Tale of Two Queens with Srivani Jade & Dr. Ratna Roy

1-30: Foothills Brass – Time Machine

More: www.kpcenter.org

Meydenbauer Center

11100 NE Sixth Street, Bellevue, 425-637-1020

1-28/29: All Things Cheer

More: www.meydenbauer.com

Neptune Theatre

1303 NE 45th Street, Seattle, 206-781-5755

1-14: Allen Stone with Seattle Rock Orchestra

1-17: City and Colour

1-25: Concrete Blonde

1-27: Windowpane

1-28: Martin Sexton

More: www.stgpresents.org/neptune

Paramount Theatre

911 Pine Street, Seattle, 206-467-5510

1-22: David Garrett

1-25: Avicii – House for Hunger Tour

More: www.stgpresents.org/paramount

Showbox SODO

1426 First Avenue, Seattle, 206-628-3151

1-25: Wu-Tang Clan

More: www.showboxonline.com/events.php

Snoqualmie Casino

37500 SE North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, 425-888-1234

1-12/14: Beatlemania Live!

1-26: Tribute to Abba starring Arrival

1-29: The Righteous Brother Bill Medley

More: www.snocasino.com

Triple Door

216 Union Street, Seattle, 206-838-4333

1-14: Apple Jam’s Beatles & Solo Years
Retrospective

1-15: Frank Vignola

1-20: Left Hand Smoke

1-23: Geoffrey Castle and Lucy Wu

1-29: Lisa Koch Birthday Bash!

More: www.tripledoor.com

Tulalip Resort Casino

10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, 360-716-6000

1-01: Wings N Things – A Tribute to Paul McCartney

More: www.tulalipcasino.com

Want more? Check these out

Chop Suey,  www. chopsuey.com

ColumbiaCity, www.columbiacitytheater.com

Crocodile Cafe,  www.thecrocodile.com

El Corazon,  www. elcorazonseattle.com

Key Arena,  www. keyarena-wa.com

Moore Theatre,  www.stgpresents.org/moore

Nectar Lounge, www.nectarlounge.com

www.stgpresents.org/moore

Neumos,  www.neumos.com

Pantages Theatre, www.pantages-theater.com

The Tractor Tavern, www.tractortavern.com

By Nat Levy

The holidays have come and gone, and it’s time to hunker in for the rest of the winter. Between ski trips and Valentine’s Day there are still a lot of desserts to be had. But who can keep drinking all that coffee with every slice of cake? The new year is a time for resolutions, and this year it’s time to experiment with a new desert drink: port.

Originating in Portugal’s Douro Valley in the northern provinces, port wine is about as sweet as it gets. Typically red wines, port varieties are often high in alcohol content and residual sugars, with a lingering fruity flavor.

Technically, if what you are drinking isn’t from Portugal it’s not true port, much like it’s only champagne if made in the specific region of France. But numerous countries, including the United States have perfected the process. In fact, a number of Washington wineries turn out some delicious port-like wine flavors.

Knipprath Cellars, Spokane

knipprath-cellars.com

This relatively young winery, which began full-time operations in 1999, doesn’t lack for flavor and variety. Knipprath Cellars specializes in port offerings with seven different kinds. Check out their LaV port that features merlot aged with vanilla beans imported from Mexico and Madagascar. Yes, this bottle sounds too good to be true, but it’s all there, and you won’t even break the bank ordering one. A 375 ml bottle goes for $17.99 and a 750 ml liter bottle will cost you $29.99.

Eleven Winery, Bainbridge Island

elevenwinery.com

You don’t have to go all the way out to Eastern Washington to experience this fine winery. Eleven Winery is just a short ferry ride away and features port offerings for both the red and white wine aficionados. The owners speak highly of the Sweet Sarah, named for the owner Matt Albee’s wife Sarah, because as he says, “She is the sweetest of them all.” Eleven has been making port since 2004, and it features tasting rooms in both Bainbridge and Poulsbo.

Paradisos del Sol, Zillah

paradisosdelsol.com

This Yakima Valley winery is well-known for its “Zort” wine, a zinfandel-based port. This wine is a limited edition, and is meant for small groups. In an interview with Washington Magazine, Paradisos owner Paul Vandenberg admits to making ruby port-style wines so his wife has a drink to pair with her dark chocolate. Vandenberg characterizes his port as something to be enjoyed “in front of a fire on a howling winter night while releasing its captive sunshine. Its bramble fruit and spicy aromatics evoke summer in the berry patch with your lover.”

Megan hilty played the role of Glinda in ‘Wicked’ the Broadway musical from 2006-2009. COURTESY PHOTO

By Gabrielle Nomura

Hanging out at Pike Place Market, shopping at Bellevue Square and eating at Wibbley’s Gourmet hamburgers – these are first on Megan Hilty’s to-do list whenever the Broadway star returns to her hometown.

“I loved growing up in Bellevue and I love even more that I get to come home there,” says Hilty, 30, who always sang and got her first taste for theater as a participant in Bellevue Youth Theatre programs. There, she got to do everything from learn choreography to help build sets.

“It gave me a purpose,” Hilty says. “It made me think, ‘I really want to do this.”

Surprisingly, Hilty never got parts at local venues such as Village Theatre, or Sammamish High School, where she attended for part of her secondary schooling. She was never the right age or quite what they were looking for.

Little did anyone know she would become a Broadway performer.

Hilty got her big break in 2006, replacing a role made famous by Kristin Chenoweth – Glinda the Good Witch, in the musical “Wicked.” In 2008, she would play another role pioneered by  another famous blonde bombshell –  Dolly Parton. The role was Doralee Rhodes in “9 to 5” the musical.

It was a daunting task – having to step into characters already established by these beloved women, Hilty says.

“I had to say, ‘I’m not Kristin Chenoweth. I can’t make A, B and C funny, but maybe I can make D, E and F funny. You have to step away from what others have done before and say, ‘I’m good enough to make this mine.’”

Since making her mark in the musical theater world, Hilty has been working on NBC’s new show about Broadway, “Smash,” which will premier this February, plus she’s also got an animated movie slated for 2012, “Dorothy of Oz” and a budding voice-over career with Nickelodeon and Disney.

Still though – there’s work to be done, opportunities to consider and a career to plan.

“I think if I ever get too comfortable and say, ‘I’ve arrived,’ I won’t be doing my job,’” she says.

Women across the nation are embracing their inner badass and dressing like Superheroes. For too long we’ve played down our super powers including strength, agility, multi-tasking superiority, and of course telepathy that allows us to deliver what everyone wants and needs even before they ask for it while remaining invisible to the untrained eye.

We are finally flaunting our super assets in super uniforms! Superheroes surround us, at the gym, in the boardroom, ahead of you in line at the grocery store and elbowing each other at official Superhero Fashion Suppliers like Nordstrom and Victoria’s Secret, because even Super heroines need suitable undergarments!

Fashionistas of every age and stage have decided to drop their disguises in favor of proper action figure garb. It’s as if there was a vote of the FLA (Fashion League of America) and everyone finally agreed that maintaining different secret identities and styles is inefficient and exhausting. Why bother hiding our truest selves behind fashionably schizophrenic facades? We’ve abandoned our individual quests for bohemian, tailored, urban, and minimalist, artsy, or glamorous style to collectively adopt Badass Chic.

We’ve adapted the clunky, garish and oh-so-chilly, superhero costumes of comic books past, to work for our everyday life. Batgirl had a mask; we have batwing eyeliner and giant dark sunglasses to hide behind. Sure, Wonder Woman had an awesome golden lasso, but we have scarves, multitasking scarves ready to hide a stain, catch a crumb, swaddle a baby and tie up bad guys (or good guys!) with a deft and dramatic hand. We wear capes, actual capes, and “fly away” cardigans without a shred of self-conscious irony as we zoom from place to place conquering to-do lists and workplace bad guys. And forget Lara Croft’s unwieldy gun belt used to manage unruly fabric-draped mummies; we rely on practical skinny belts and wide sashes to define and manage unruly volumes of drapey fabric.

Our secret weapon Spandex and its sidekick Spanx are artfully camouflaged in the high-tech and powerful construction of our leggings, jeans and tights. And with every weekday comes another Superhero parade, as moms escort their Super spawn safely into school shod in serious s***kickers; boots of all shapes and sizes. Boots made for stompin’ the enemy and walkin’ … the dog. If you examine thoroughly modern Super heroines closely, you will also note she carries a designer cross body bag of tricks that even her arch nemesis the Sticky Fingered Teen dares not approach. After all, today’s Badass Superwomen have the ultimate super power in common; eyes on the back of our heads.

I’m certain our superhero fashion moment will be as fascinating to future anthropologists as corsets, foot-binding, neck coils and arsenic powdered skin, are to us. Because anyone who has ever struggled to pull on a pair of Spanx knows sometimes the effort required to achieve Badass Chic is nothing less than heroic.

Wanna say Hiya to Heija? Follow her on Twitter (@Heija) Friend her on Facebook or relax, sit back, and silently judge her life in the flickering glow of your computer screen at her blog The Worst Mother in the World (www.Heija.com).

By Celeste Gracey

John Howie fans have cause to throw a dinner party this month, and it has nothing to do with successful weight-loss resolutions.

At least not if you’re a fan of Seastar Restaurant’s lobster mac and cheese.

Howie, Seastar chef and owner of a namesake steakhouse in Bellevue, published his first cookbook this winter, “Passion & Palate” ($42).

A 10-year itch satisfied, the book is a compilation of his eclectic obsession with gourmet food, he says.

It’s also a response to the daily requests he gets for recipes from guests, and it certainly catalogs his most popular creations.

The focus of the book is simple, what John Howie likes to eat best.

Seafood is his specialty, and the book’s gem is found in its fish section. The value isn’t in the ingredients list, which can be long where salsas and relishes are concerned, but it’s in his precise instructions for cooking fish.

His master recipe, Parmigiano-crusted Halibut, guides cooks through the precise methods for breading and frying to perfection. At Seastar, the fish is filleted thin and flash-seared, so it spends little time on the grill.

“The key is don’t overcook your fish,” he says. “You can always go back and add a little more heat.”

At times the ingredient lists, which include black truffles and quail eggs, can be intimidating, but he attempts to set the reader at ease with a glossary of the rarest ingredients and how to find them.

To make sure his recipe translates from a busy restaurant kitchen to a home kitchen, Howie assembled a team of about 350 testers.

Admittedly, most of the recipes in the book, including a whole section on ceviche and a recipe for ancho chili-rubbed salmon with a sweet chili hollandaise, are meant to challenge the average cook. But he also included a few simple recipes aimed to replace Taco Tuesday, including his Texas-style chili, made with pineapple juice.

He also brings readers back to the basics with several pages dedicated to homemade soup stocks and salad dressings.

A short autobiography recalls the tragic death of his father at a young age and how he ended up in foster care for a few weeks while his mother battled an alcohol addiction.

The rest of the story recalls how the self-taught chef learned from experience and succeeded through hard work.

By Nat Levy | Courtesy Photos

The temperature’s dropping, the sun’s going down earlier and the Christmas lights are peaking out. You know what that means, hot drinks season has come. Whether you’re huddling around a fire, or trying to just get through your office Christmas party, a good hot drink cures all. Here are a few of our faves, including recipes.

Hot Apple Pie

Apple cider in and of itself is iconic of the holidays. Add booze and even more sweet taste, and you’ve got a picture of perfection. To make this drink, boil a gallon of apple cider, and add cloves and an orange cut into quarters. Add 2 oz. of Tuaca, a brandy-based Italian liqueur. Fill the rest of your cup with the hot cider and toss in a Cinnamon stick or two. Top with whipped cream and dust with ground cinnamon.

Butter Baby

Who doesn’t love getting cozy by the fire and warming up with a nice hot chocolate? Now you can add a little pop to this classic drink. Drop an ounce of butterscotch schnapps into a coffee mug, and fill it with hot chocolate, homemade preferred. Next just top it off with some whip cream and sprinkle a few chocolate flakes on top.

Southern Egg Nog

This family classic varies not only from region to region, but from house to house. Heat milk in a saucepan over boiling water, but do not boil. Beat three eggs and one cup sugar well. Pour hot milk slowly over the egg mixture (will curdle if mixed too fast). Put back in saucepan and cook over hot water for a few minutes. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of vanilla and quarter teaspoons of cinnamon and nutmeg then beat occasionally while cooling. Drop in a shot or two of rum, brandy or bourbon as the mixture cools.

Hot buttered rum

This favorite is a challenging yet rewarding adventure. Bring two cups of water, half a stick of butter, a quarter-cup of brown sugar, a teaspoon of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, cloves, and salt to a boil in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart saucepan over moderately high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in rum.