WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2008 THE DRYDEN OBSERVER - GIFT GUIDE PAGE FIVE 6 eggs 1 cup milk shire sauce Ham and Cheese Strata Muffins 8 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread 4 slices Cheddar cheese 4 slices Black Forest ham 1/4 cup Imperial Margarine 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper 1/4 tsp each dry mustard and Worcester- Preheat the oven to 350 F (18000 C). Top 4 slices of bread with cheese and ham, Breakfast on the go Here's a delicious treat to have at the ready during the busy holiday season. Instead of the classic sit-down brunch dish, this strata is transformed into a portable and microwaveable treat. then crown with the remaining slices of bread to make 4 sandwiches. Spread the margarine evenly over the outside of each sandwich. Using a serrated knife, cut each sandwich into 12 cubes. Lightly pack 4 cubes into each of 12 greased muffin cups. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Spoon the egg mix- ture over the cubes. Let stand for 10 min- utes. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and set. Let stand for 15 minutes and then remove the muffins from their cups. Serve immediately or wrap individually and refrig- erate. May be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve warm or at room tempera- ture. Makes 12 muffins. - News Canada Toys you'll feel good about giving children (MS) -- In the race to find the ultimate holiday. gifts for our children, sometimes we the "oohs and aahs" into ideration more than we do seeking out presents that will allow for truly redeeming qual- ities to come to life in chil dren. Gift-giving shouldn't be about being the "best" in the eyes of our kids and submit- ting to all of their holiday wants. It should be more about finding treats that will bring out the best in kids. As our children become somewhat brainwashed by the toy commercials this time of year, it's easy to head to the store and buy the latest craze ar video game installment that they're promoting on TV. But for those who are looking for something more uplifting and meaningful in terms of toys, it poe to work a little harder to ind the right gifts. + Toys that evoke compas- sion: There's much to be said about a toy or game that will bring out the compassionate side of a child. A baby doll for 'whom a child has to care and nurture is a good example. Playsets that enable children to dress up as their unsung heroes, such as doctors, police officers, and firefighters, are another example of toys that instill compassion in a child. Toys that encourage physi- cal activity: Exercise is a known mood-booster, and every opportunity to get kids up and moving is good for their physical and mental health. What about a gift of a sled or snow shoes so that he or she can hit the fresh powder on a snow day? How about a mem- bership to a swim club, so that your child can enjoy the joys of swimming year-round? Who knows, you might inspire the next Michael Phelps. Toys that boost mental acu- ter. ity: Making learning fun is one way to help children enjoy learning in and out of school. Hands-on experiences can make that learning even bet- Consider constellation cards or books that help chil- dren identify those star clus- ters in the night sky, promot- ing an interest in astronomy. Puzzles and trivia games target different areas of the brain -- ones responsible for problem- solving and fact recollection. For the young bookworm, a new library of books will keep reading comprehension and vocabulary building going even over holiday breaks. Toys and other gifts that enable families to have fun together: Choosing gifts that are not bound by age restric- tions can foster growth and closeness among the entire family. Games like Twister(R) remain family favorites for the fun factor and the opportunity to play together. For those thinking of investing in a Nin- Enriching Gifts Tashi Jewellery, Pottery Silk Scarves, Native Crafts Lo LIT EVAR REX) (0 Jo Crafts and (0 Studie. 49 King St. Everything in the store is Thursday, December 4 *® tendo Wii console, now may be the time to foster some healthy competition among family members, and boost some physical activity as well. New board games are always being released in time for the holidays, Choose games that enable the family to sit around the table with snacks, conver- sation and good times. When you're scouring the aisles of the toy store this hol- iday season, put more time and consideration into choosing redeeming children's toys. 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