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WHAT'S ALL THE HUBBUB THIS WEEK?

There are so many books to choose from when you're looking to get under a blanket and cozy up by a fire. One of Instagram's favorite "bookstagrammers," Grace Chlosta of @gracesreadingnook, says her must-reads for the winter season include everything from chilling thrills to love-at-first-sight novels. 

1. "Beartown," by Fredrik Backman

Genre: Fiction

This book follows a small hockey town and a group of high school players and their families. Chlosta says that, about halfway through the book, a traumatic twist happens that divides the town. Even if you're not a sports fan, the atmosphere of the town "sucks you into the winter vibes."

2. "Wahala," by Nikki May

Genre: Mystery Thriller

If you liked "Sex in the City," then this read is for you. The book follows three Nigerian women living in London who are all in different stages of their lives. But when a new woman tries to infiltrate their friend group, a lot of drama comes into the mix.

3. "The Great Alone," by Kristin Hannah

Genre: History/Fiction

If you're looking to introduce a bit of history into your reading repertoire, check out "The Great Alone." It's set back in the 1970s and follows a family that moves to Alaska to get off the grid, even though they aren't necessarily equipped to live the lifestyle. "I don't know anyone who reads this book that didn't like it," says Chlosta.

Click here to read the rest of Grace's book recommendations!

If I could only have one Christmas cookie all of the time, this would be it! Grandma’s Italian Cookies are simple enough for even the baking haters! These take me right back to the days of yore. These simple cookies have been around for generations and truly stand the test of time. Pillowy soft and not super sweet, they are great any time of day, but I love them most with coffee! 

ITALIAN LEMON COOKIES 

3 eggs, separated
½ cup white sugar
½ cup butter, melted and cooled to room temp
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
4 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add egg yolks and continue beating. Add sugar, butter, vanilla, lemon extract and lemon zest. Mix in baking powder. Then add flour a bit at a time until blended.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. (Use flour on your hands to keep the dough from sticking.) Place cookies 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until firm and golden on the bottom.

ITALIAN LEMON COOKIE GLAZE

3 cups confectioners’ sugar
4 tablespoons water
½ teaspoon lemon extract

1. Mix ingredients in a bowl until smooth. When the cookies are still warm, dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze and then let them cool.
2. If using, top with sprinkles and lemon zest while the glaze is still wet.

Maria’s Notes:

*If you don’t care for lemon, omit the lemon extract and zest and substitute with vanilla or even almond extract.

*If the dough feels sticky and is difficult to roll then add more flour.

THE HUB TODAY PRESENTS

Who doesn't love homemade lasagna? Well, Anna is making a beauty, but skipping the heavy red sauce and going with a creamy bechamel sauce instead. This family-friendly White Lasagna is cooked to perfection straight out of the oven, or Anna suggests freezing it for a homemade meal when you need it fast. She also shakes up an Espresso Martini with a surprising splash of rum instead of vodka for a refreshing holiday sip.

FIRST NIGHT BOSTON 2023: Since 1975, Boston’s First Night has been a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances, the wonders of the season and the beginning of a new year. Entertainment and special attractions will be focused on Copley Square and Back Bay. Many of the beloved traditions of First Night’s past will continue, including cultural and musical performances in various indoor venues around the Back Bay, fantastic ice sculptures and light displays. 

GRAB A COCKTAIL AT THE HANUKKAH POP-UP BAR: Starting in 2018, the Maccabee Bar was founded by award-winning bartender Naomi Levy. Designed for anyone and everyone who wants to experience a different side of the holiday, the Maccabbe Bar pop-up transforms its host locations into an immersive Hanukkah experience filled with festive décor, themed cocktails and traditional bites. 

FOR MORE HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS, GO TO AllInclusiveBos.com, YOUR HUB FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

THE HUB TODAY PRESENTS

She's a life coach, author, and mom of SEVEN...Hannah Keeley is a mom you want to know! With a background in behavioral therapy combined with her experience parenting, she is on a mission to help empower moms and rescue them from overwhelm. She has cracked the code on staying sane during the holidays by ditching unrealistic expectations, maximizing pockets of time, keeping our minds healthy, and more! Oh, and she has NEVER fought with her husband in their 30+ year marriage; she's sharing the secret!

Listen to the podcast here.

6th ANNUAL BUNDLE UP ANNUAL COAT DRIVE FROM NBCU BOSTON AND CRADLES TO CRAYONS

Please help keep families in your communities warm this winter. To donate a new or gently worn coat at any of the drop-off locations or to donate directly via the Amazon Wish List page, click the VIEW MORE button below or snap the QR code above. WE'VE ADDED DROP-OFF LOCATIONS. TAKE A LOOK!!

We are hoping to donate 2,000 coats for neighbors in need. We can do it together.

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