5 Corners Blog

While the holiday season is a very busy time of year, its sometimes nice to take a step back and enjoy a quick drive to see some local lighting displays.  Here’s a quick list of some local displays that are FREE (or close to free):

Downtown Amherst:  On Friday, December 3, Main Street Amherst lights up the front yard of Town Hall with lights.  Enjoy a parade down Park Avenue along with caroling by members of the Amherst High School choir.  Many of the businesses and restaurants stay open to welcome you.  Starts at 6pm.  www.mainstreetamherst.org

Christmas in the Village (Amherst Historical Society) – Enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of Christmas past.  At 4pm join visitors for carols in St. George’s Chapel.  2-5pm on Sunday, December 5.  www.amhersthistoricalsociety.org

Light Up Lorain:  Thousands of lights strung along Broadway.  Enjoy a display timed to music in front of City Hall.  Stop by 637 Broadway for pictures with Santa and a holiday craft.  Visit www.downtownlorainchristmas.com for more information and hours.

Lakeview Beach (Lorain County Metroparks) – Drive thru this lighted display along Lake Erie.  Free and open every night from November 28 till December 30.  www.metroparks.cc

Carlisle Visitors Center (Lorain County Metroparks) – Walk the short loop trail at the Visitor’s Center and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holiday Season!  Light refreshments available for a small fee.  Please bring one non-perishable food item for donation.  Sunday – Thursday 6-9pm and Friday & Saturday 6-10pm.  www.metroparks.cc

Have a wonderful, and bright, Holiday Season!

If you are like me, you probably have leftover canned pumpkin from your Thanksgiving feast after making pie, muffins or pumpkin roll.  Try this delicious recipe for Sunday morning breakfast.

Crock Pot Pumpkin Oatmeal

2 cups steel cut oats
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
6 cups water
1 cup fat-free half and half
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1 teaspoon vanilla
Additional Brown Sugar
Walnuts

Lightly spray 3 1/2-4 quart crock pot with cooking spray.  In a large bowl, combine oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg.  Stir in pumpkin.  Gradually stir in the water and half and half.  Add raisins and vanilla.

Ladle the mixture into the slow cooker.  Cook, covered, for 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 hours on low.  In the morning, top with extra brown sugar and walnuts.