Pelosi Team - Your source for local community events and real estate expertise. 
In this issue...
  • Christmas Light Displays in the East Bay
  • Did You Know?
  • Mike Hess Brewing
  • Torsap Thai Kitchen
  • Recipe of the Month
  • Real Estate News
Christmas Light Displays in the East Bay
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There are an incredible number of well decorated homes in the East Bay this season. Every year, more than 160 homes on 15 streets in the Vista San Ramon neighborhood participate in the San Ramon Festival of Lights! This has been running for 30+ years now and is a favorite of mine as they use their draw of an audience to collect canned good donations for the less fortunate. Here is a great list of local light displays to “get your lights on” this year! 

 Did you know?
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What is the origin of electric Christmas lights? 

Before electric Christmas lights, families would use candles to light up their Christmas trees. This practice was often dangerous and  led to many home fires. Edward H. Johnson put the very first string of electric Christmas tree lights together in 1882.

Mike Hess Brewing
There seem to be more and more small craft breweries popping up in the east bay (no complains here!). The latest installment is Mike Hess Brewing located in the Orchards shopping center at the corner of Oak Grove and Ygnacio. Technically Mike Hess Brewery is a San Diego brewery that has just recently started to branch out from the SoCal scene with beer available in Colorado, Arizona, Tahoe, Fresno and others in addition to the Orchards location. The beer is great…especially if you’re an IPA fan. While it is clearly adult focused (It’s beer after all), you would be surprised by the number of families who frequent the establishment mostly due to its policy of allowing 3rd party food on premises. With Jack’s Urban Eats, Mod Pizza, California Fish Grill, Gourmet Burger, etc., there’s something for everyone! Add that to the outdoor patio and corn hole and it’s the perfect spot for our family. 

Torsap Thai Kitchen
Sunol Ridge in Walnut Creek has been closed for quite some time and that spot has been very quiet....UNTIL NOW! Beyond the Creek reports that Torsap Thai Kitchen will be the new restaurant in that location. I am so excited because I love thai food!! Stay Tuned...I will definitely be checking out this place!
Recipe of the Month
Holiday Recipes: Cookies and Cocktails
Holiday Blossom Cookies

Makes: 36 servings
Prep: 60 mins
Total: 60 mins

Ingredients
  • 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker™ sugar cookie mix or any flavor ingredients called for on cookie mix pouch
  • 4 tablespoons colored sugar
  • 36 Hershey's® Kisses® Brand chocolates, (any variety) unwrapped

Instructions
  • Heat oven to 375°F. In medium bowl, make dough as directed on pouch for drop cookies.
  • Shape dough into 36 (1-inch) balls; roll in colored sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
  • Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately press 1 chocolate candy in center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely, about 20 minutes. Store cookies in tightly covered container.





Egg Nog Recipe

If cookies doesn’t do it for you, how about a cocktail!?! This year I’ve decided to try my hand at a good old fashioned Egg Nog recipe. Feel free to try it “Uncle Eddie” style…complete in a reindeer glass (see below). ’Tis the Season. 

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 8 mins
Ready In: 6 hrs 28 mins

Ingredients
  • 4 cups milk
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 12 egg yolks
  • 1 & 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 & 1/2 cups light rum
  • 4 cups light cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions
  • Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan, and heat over lowest setting for 5 minutes. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil.
  • In a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy. Whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until thick. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain to remove cloves, and let cool for about an hour.
  • Stir in rum, cream, 2 teaspoon vanilla, and nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Real Estate News
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Popular Front Door Colors
I’ve seen many clients quickly bump the value of their house by focusing on the curb appeal of their home prior to listing. One quick and easy project to set your house apart is to find an accent color to paint your front door. My Sister-in-Law just painted her front door a pretty, deep blue that really stands out from their otherwise gray house. 

Here is a list of really cool colors to consider for your home:
- Cool Turquoise
- Burst of Sunshine (Yellow)
- A Slice of Lime (Lime Green)
- Powder Blue - this one is a favorite! 

You can find others for inspiration in this article from the DIYNetwork: 

If you have topics about our local East Bay scene that you would like to see covered in Beyond the Fence, please send me an email at janel@pelositeam.com and I'll do my best to include your suggestions. 
Janel Pelosi |  Pelosi Team | 925.408.8990 | janel@pelositeam.com