Here is a simple cranberry sauce that is quick and simple just in the nick of time for Thanksgiving dinner. Southeast Florida is very well known for its abundance of citrus groves. This cranberry sauce has a unique citrus zest.  Just simmer fresh cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and a cinnamon stick together until slightly thickened.

Ingredients:

- Two 8-ounce packages of cranberries, fresh or frozen

- 1 orange, zest cut into strips, and juiced

- 1/2 cup sugar

 - 1 cinnamon stick

Directions:

Put all the ingredients into a saucepan over medium heat and simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve at room temperature or cool and refrigerate. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.

 

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Like most modern-day holidays, Thanksgiving has changed and developed into the uniquely American tradition that we all love and enjoy so much today. There is a lot about Thanksgiving that you probably don’t know. Here are a few interesting facts to either intrigue or annoy your relatives on Turkey Day in Palm Beach County.

The first Thanksgiving was held in the autumn of 1621 and included 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians and lasted three days. Also, did you know that turkey wasn't even served at the first Thanksgiving — and that the Pilgrims didn’t use forks because they weren’t invented yet? Impress your kids (and the in-laws!) with these crazy, yet true, fun facts about Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving was a presidential decision.  President Abe…

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The weather in Southeast Florida during the Thanksgiving holiday is so beautiful that keeping time spent in the kitchen down to a minimal amount is imperative.  Here is a simple appetizer to prepare for your guests to enjoy while the turkey cooks. 

Cranberry Brie Bites

Ingredients:

1 (8-oz.) tube crescent dough

Cooking spray, for pan

Flour, for surface

1 (8-oz.) wheel of brie

1/2 c. whole berry cranberry sauce

1/4 c. chopped pecans

6 sprigs of rosemary, cut into 1" pieces.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375° and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll out crescent dough, and pinch together seams. Cut into 24 squares. Place squares into muffin tin slots.

Cut brie into small pieces…

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Southeast Florida has a fun tradition called DrinksGiving.  DrinksGiving is celebrated the night before Thanksgiving.  It falls on November 24 this year.  DrinksGiving is the ultimate homecoming celebration. Local bars are packed as adults returning home for Thanksgiving weekend meet up with friends and family and catch up over drinks and laughter.  

Thanksgiving is for remembering to have gratitude.  DrinksGiving is just a fun night.  Remember, drink responsibly and assign someone to be designated driver. If the designated driver is drinking, be grateful for Lyft and Uber!

We can never get enough holiday cheer, especially when there is a day specifically meant for us to have fun with our friends. Get out there and embrace the holiday spirit!

 

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As temperatures cool in Palm Beach County, it provides the ultimate opportunity to meet one of our most-loved residents, the Florida manatee. Our beloved “sea cows” are massive marine mammals that live in the coastal waters of Florida.

Manatees have earned the reputation as gentle giants.  They are large, slow-moving marine mammal with an elongated, round body and paddle-shaped flippers and tail. Manatees are herbivores, feeding solely on seagrass, algae, and other vegetation in freshwater and estuarine systems in the southeastern United States.  Manatees on the average weigh up to 1,000 pounds and up to ten feet in length.

From mid-November through late March, these sweet creatures migrate from the cold ocean waters and seek refuge in warmer…

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Peaceful Mind, Peaceful Life Wellness Series is dedicated to fostering inner peace and wellness by educating and inspiring individuals.  Additionally, establishing community through mindfulness practices, online resources, and programs. Barb Schmidt is renowned practitioner, here in the Boca Raton area, of mindfulness and meditation for over 30 years. The soothing sounds of the Atlantic Ocean and seagulls can only do so much.  Add some guidance and foster greater inner peace and well being with the Peaceful Mind series.

In 2011, she founded the nonprofit organization Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life. She has taught meditation workshops at Nova Southeastern University and at Florida Atlantic University as part of the Peace, Justice & Human Rights…

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West Palm Beach has a bustling nightlife which, of course, includes some great live music. Here’s our guide to a few of the best bars and restaurants in West Palm Beach where you can catch some live tunes.

Blue Martini

Blue Martini in West Palm Beach has live music and entertainment nightly. Click here for event schedule.

Where: 550 S Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach

The Blind Monk

From Sunday brunch tunes to Live Tunes Tuesdays, The Blind Monk offers live music multiple times during the week. Click here for event schedule.

Where: 410 Evernia Street, West Palm Beach

Respectable Street

Enjoy a combination of music by DJs and performances by local and national talent (targeting the alternative crowd) at this Clematis Street…

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Thanksgiving gatherings in Palm Beach County may be different than in other parts of the United States just in part due to the glorious weather!  Bright skies, pleasant climate, and cool breezes are easy justifications to stay out of the kitchen and go outside with visiting family and friends.

Make time for a round of golf at one of the many signature golf courses in the Jupiter area. Have a smashing tennis match or a leisurely day at the beach with guests by simplifying the Thanksgiving menu just a smidge. Merely prepare some things in advance.  While the turkey is roasting away in the oven, nibble on a couple of The Food Network elegant light bites and reminisce on all things for which you are grateful.

Prosciutto and Cheddar Fig Slices

…

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Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Has Four continuous beachfront lots on Jupiter Island’s North Beach Road, in Hobe Sound.  They were donated by the Coast Guard, increasing the federally protected sea turtle nesting habitat. The beach is one of the most productive sea turtle nesting habitats in the U.S., the refuge's website says.

The 1,095-acre sanctuary’s natural habitat — sand pine scrub, mangrove forests, and miles of coastal dunes — supports about 40 plant and animal species listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern.

To expand the refuge, the U.S. House passed the Jupiter Island Land Transfer Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Brian Mast.

Palm Beach County has become a haven for turtles and Loggerheads especially due to local…

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The holidays are here!  Planning a holiday meal is a lot of work. Some years, it just makes sense to skip the hard work and go straight to the part where you are enjoying a delicious dinner, a glass or two of wine, and a relaxing day with your loved ones.  Whole Foods in Palm Beach Gardens is offering plenty of complete holiday meal packages.  There are so many options one is sure to be perfect for your feast.

Order your Whole Foods holiday meal at least 48 hours before you plan to pick it up.  The Classic Roast Turkey Dinner for 8 is $140.  A paleo-friendly turkey dinner for 4 people at $90.  You can get the classic dinner for 4 people or 12 people at different price points.  They are also offering a Festive Feast for 12 people is $299. There is…

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