Delicious Desserts
What delicious dessert is categorized as baked or unbaked and has a graham cracker crust with cream cheese as the main ingredient?
Cheesecake. The Greeks created the first known cheesecake over 4,000 years ago.
Holly berries are known for being what color?
Red. However, they aren’t always red––some holly berries are black, green, or even yellow.
What is the striped, non-chocolate candy that is shaped like a hook?
Candy cane. Legend suggests that a choirmaster in Germany handed these out to the younger singers to keep them quiet during the holiday ceremony.
In what movie did George Bailey jump into icy water to save his brother, causing him to catch a bad cold and become deaf in his left ear?
It’s a Wonderful Life. James Stewart plays George Bailey in the 1947 film.
How many sides does a snowflake have?
Six. No two snowflakes are exactly alike.
What is the name of the Italian pudding-like dessert that consists of layers of ladyfingers or sponge cake?
Tiramisu. In Italian it means “carry me up,” and it was originally made with a loose custard.
What is the name of the carol with the lyrics, “City sidewalks, busy sidewalks/ dressed in holiday style/In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas”?
“Silver Bells.” The song was written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans for the 1951 film The Lemon Drop Kid, starring Bob Hope.
Peppermint oil aromatherapy is promoted for treating certain health problems. Can you name two of them?
Cough/cold, reducing pain, improving mental function, and reducing stress. Peppermint has also been used to help with irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems.
Who wrote the book on which the 1966 animated film How the Grinch Stole Christmas is based?
Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel). Boris Karloff narrates the 26-minute production.
What is the term for the shortest day of the year in December when Earth’s poles tilt farthest away from the sun?
Winter solstice. The winter solstice can fall anywhere between December 20 and 23.
What famous dessert is roasted over a flame and made of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows?
S’mores. Fun fact: Americans buy 90 million pounds of marshmallows each year.
What legumes are associated with the South on New Year’s Eve or Day?
Black-eyed peas. Sometimes they are incorporated with pork, onion, celery, and other ingredients into a dish called “Hoppin’ John.”
What is the name of the Hershey chocolate-coated peppermint candy?
York Peppermint Pattie. It gets its name from where it originated––in York, Pennsylvania.
In what Christmas film do four ghosts visit an elderly holiday curmudgeon?
A Christmas Carol. The four ghosts that visit Ebenezer Scrooge are Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
What is the process in winter wherein animals become inactive to save energy because food is in short supply?
Hibernation. During hibernation, an animal’s heart rate and breathing slow down and their body temperature drops.
What dessert was once considered a “healthy alternative” to traditional desserts? Hint: It has a vegetable in it.
Carrot cake. It’s thought to have originated from medieval carrot puddings.
What is the traditional metal color of Christmas?
Gold. It was one of the gifts brought by the three wise men.
What brand began using peppermint and spearmint oil to flavor its toothpaste in the late 1800s?
Colgate. Peppermint and menthol give the sensation of coolness and promote fresh breath.
What 1987 heartfelt holiday film stars Steve Martin and John Candy?
Planes, Trains & Automobiles. In three days, John Hughes wrote the first draft of the screenplay.
To what city would you travel to visit the Winter Palace?
St. Petersburg. In 1917, Lenin Bolsheviks stormed the palace during their seizure of power, and the clock was stopped in the room the moment the provisional government was arrested. It has remained frozen ever since.
What is the long French pastry dessert known for its cream or custard filling?
The éclair (e-CLAIR). The chocolate éclair is one of the most popular.
What festive color, also represented by Ag on the periodic table of elements, is associated with Hanukkah?
Silver. You will see a lot of blue, silver, and white during the season of Hanukkah.
What is the No. 1 song by Joey Dee and the Starlighters from 1961? Hint: It centers around a dance craze.
“Peppermint Twist.” The Twist dance craze was developed in New York City at the Peppermint Lounge.
What iconic 1947 holiday film stars Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood?
Miracle on 34th Street. The film writers came up with the idea while waiting in line at a department store.
In what country does the Winter Festival of Lights take place? Hint: It’s in Niagara Falls.
Canada. Most years, the festival runs from November to February and is the largest free outdoor festival in Canada.