I’m currently munching on a delicious coconut ube macaroon made by Christine Hermosisima whose voice you normally hear daily, except she’s residually raspy right now — good thing her recent cold didn’t affect her baking! I also have near me a lovely Peruvian alfajor made by the membership department's Enrique del Castillo’s wifie. Our prez, Jennifer Ferro, made mini cookie buckets with peanut butter cups baked into the middle. Me? I made a mad dash to Santa Monica's local staple Thyme Cafe and Market for some chunky, salty, dark chocolate chip cookies to share with all the people who baked and bought (no judgement zone). Because no way was I going to miss...
KCRW’S GRAND ANNUAL HOLIDAY COOKIE EXCHANGE!
(The hand and super cute cookie belong to promo master Adria Kloke)
It started with some of the producers of Press Play and Greater LA, shout out to OG founders Sarah Sweeny and Michell Eloy. They were a tight crew who worked so hard that to save time, and no doubt avoid lunch food boredom, decided to take turns making a group lunch — how cool is that? Then they had a cookie exchange one holiday and well…who could resist creeping nearby to crash the cookie party and nab a treat or two? Fast forward a few years to our new tradition. I highly recommend that you get some friends, family, or coworkers together and do the same. The main dish is taking the time to connect with a nice side of cookies!
Connie
Your KCRW Insider since 2001
P.S. Thank you to reader Michelle Hayes for reminding me about Le Pen. I now have five gorgeous colors! And remember I mentioned I wanted to use cursive again? Well so does California. Find out why the state is going to reintroduce it in elementary schools next year and whether it’s really necessary. What do you think?
There are so many things to bake and so many ways to bake them, especially at this time of year. Whether you need a recipe for a cookie exchange or you want a dessert to wow your family, or you just want to stretch your skills and try something new, the Good Food team has recipes for all the cookies, brownies, bars, tarts, and other treats for the season. I’m intrigued by a recipe for deep-fried dessert dumplings with rum and poppy seeds. Check out more of Good Food’s favorites of 2023!
Join KCRW at the 3rd Annual International Tamales Festival for a delicious journey through the diverse world of tamales, and celebrate the holiday season in true Latin American style! Tamales representing various regions and countries, each with its unique flavor profile and preparation techniques await you — along with more delectable Latin-inspired dishes and beverages, plus tequila tastings for that extra kick! Live music, vibrant cultural performances, art workshops, and games round out the fun. Kids 12 and under are Free!
We've got five pairs of VIP tickets just for KCRW Members! Be one of the first five members to reply to this email with your favorite type of tamal and we'll hook you up with the VIP experience including a tequila tasting, food and drink, and access to exclusive seating. Not a member? Get to it and never miss out on exclusives like this!
The holidays call for connection through stories and KCRW is proud to present the ultimate storytelling showdown from the masters at The Moth. The GrandSLAM invites winners from The Moth’s open-mic shows back to the stage to compete for the title of LA storytelling champion. The theme for the evening is OUT ON A LIMB. Listen to ten StorySLAM champs tell tales of taking chances — shots in the dark, going straight for the high dive…sense-defying risks, and heartbeat-skipping moments. They’ll be aiming for the moon, crashing and burning, or sticking the landing.
Holiday shows are a tradition on stages across the country and KCRW theater critic Anthony Byrnes has your season’s show plans covered with a Los Angeles holiday theater roundup. From the sacred spectacle of La Virgen de Guadalupe, Dios Inantzin to which of the many A Christmas Carol versions to see — classic or hip? — to a bawdy production in the Valley, let him be your guide. Sign up for the Theater Insider newsletter to get Anthony’s take and theater industry observations year-round.
See what's new at the shimmering nocturnal wonderland, Descanso’s Enchanted Forest of Light. You've never seen Enchanted like this: golden grass made of light will grace the Heritage oaks, and you will control the light show on the Main Lawn. This interactive art experience is unlike anything else in Southern California. The new one-mile route takes you through some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens.
Don’t miss popular returning illuminated favorites, including an entire town of magical “stained glass” creations on the Main Lawn by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin; sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO in the Rose Garden; Flower Power on the Promenade; and exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest. This after-hours event runs nightly from November 19- January 7 from 5:50 -10 pm.
Three women over age 75 are topping the Billboard charts — Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton, and Cher. They’ve been making music for decades. In Lee’s case, her No. 1 song — “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” — is celebrating its 65th anniversary. It’s a timeless classic and Universal Music Group Nashville has strongly promoted it this season, says Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment at Middle Tennessee State University. “It feels so good in Nashville right now — with Brenda Lee, who's 78; Dolly Parton, 77; and all of America claims Cher. It’s wonderful that these icons are getting the respect they deserve.” She adds, “It's inspiring several generations of women to not give up on their dreams — that we still have something to say, and there are still men and women who want to hear what women have to say.”
"KCRW is a sanctuary for me. There’s a program and host for every moment of the day and night. You are a constant source of fuel for my imagination, education, and good vibes. Thank you!" – Elaine (Redondo Beach)
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