The Inclusive Leader Book Review

BOOK REVIEW

Diversity, equity and inclusion ignite innovation and change. These are Dr. Artika R. Tyner's guiding principles to help leaders create and sustain a strong inclusive workplace culture to affect social change. Her newest book draws upon her two decades of experiences working for racial justice initiatives as well as her work as a civil rights attorney.

The book is divided into four chapters each with a theme, relevant quotes, anecdotes, a stop and think section, discussion prompts, short summary and impressive well researched footnote list to back up her research. I liked the inclusion throughout the book highlighting strong leaders, both men and women, who have been champions for advancing justice becoming change makers. Tools to build a leadership framework that will transform organization workplace culture and improve performances are accessible in each chapter. The author addresses the issues of bias, whether implicit or explicit, stereotypes, threats and the mindset of white privilege. It is noted all or any of these perspectives challenge leaders as change makers working for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. Dr. Artika R. Tyner highlights how differences can be considered an asset as well as a strength affecting team building efforts in the workplace environment. Her writing is concise and straightforward. Leadership instructions are laid out clearly outlining all the tools and strategies their organizations will need to implement a call to action and ultimately make a difference to strengthen the workplace environment. This book is a valuable resource for anyone in a leadership role who hopes to lead more effectively and promote change.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Artika R. Tyner is a passionate educator, author, sought after speaker, and advocate for justice. Dr. Tyner is a law professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. She is committed to training students to serve as social engineers who create new inroads to justice and freedom.

Dr. Tyner is committed to empowering others to lead within their respective spheres of influence. She provides leadership development and career coaching for young professionals. She has also developed leadership educational materials for K-12 students, college/graduate students, faith communities and nonprofits. Additionally, Dr. Tyner teaches leadership coursework on ethics, critical reflection, and organizational development. Her research focuses on diversity/inclusion, community development, and civil rights. She has presented her research and conducted leadership training programs both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Tyner leads by example by organizing policy campaigns, fostering restorative justice practices, developing social entrepreneurship initiatives, and promoting assets-based community development. She serves as a global citizen by supporting education, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership initiatives in Africa.

To learn more about the author, other books she has authored and availability for presentations check out her website https://www.artikatyner.com/

Last Minute New Years's Eve Party Ideas

Last minute craft idea New Year Wishes-Midnight Kisses. These party favors were made for an upcoming New Years brunch.

You will need

• Silver wrapped Hershey Kisses
• Small plastic gift bags (Michaels)
• Decorative sparkly embellishment (Michaels)
• Gift tags with strings (Michaels)
• Printable writing for the tag was reduced several times from original one using this link https://www.pinkwhen.com/new-years-wishes-and-midnight-kisses-printable/

Tags and bags can be found at a craft store 

Customized Charcuterie Board

Some ideas to get you started creating your own customized Charcuterie Board

• Cranberry Glazed Holiday Meatballs
• Smash Mallow Toasted Marshmallows with Gold Star Sprinkles
• Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Milk Chocolates
• Fresh Blackberries
• Fresh Jumbo Shrimp
• Tequila Lime Cocktail Sauce
• Italian Salami
• Stonewall Kitchen Cheddar Asiago Cheese Sticks
• Fresh Blueberries
• Hershey Kisses (silver wrapped)
• Laughing Cow Creamy Cheese Wedges (Swiss, Cheddar Bacon & Garlic & Herb)
• Provolone Cheese (one thick, perfectly round slice)
• Buttercrisp Crackers
• Savory Onion Crackers
• Harvest Wheat Crackers
• Ferrero Rocher Rondnoir (Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut)
• Cheddar Cheese “Stars”
• Swiss Cheese “Stars”
• Creamy Havarti Cheese
• Fresh Blueberries
• Dark Chocolate Salted Caramels
• Rolo Caramel Candies
• Gold Foil Wrapped Milk Chocolate Coins
• Trader Joes Champagne Gummy Candies (Brut & Rose)
• Rainbow Milk Chocolate Nonpareils
• Fresh Red Seedless Grapes

Kid-Friendly New Year's Eve Celebrations 

Ring in the new year with a family-friendly milk-and-cookies toast. Prepare the glasses in advance by dipping the rims of cocktail or champagne glasses (or buy some inexpensive ones from Dollar store) in melted chocolate, then cover with colorful sprinkles. At midnight (or whenever you decide "midnight" is), serve the milk and the fortune cookies. Toast to the new year and read your fortune!

or consider a Hot Cocoa Bar with all the trimmings

Maple Dijon Sausage Bites

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2020/12/2020-return-of-reindeer-bar.html

Roast Beef Roll-Ups 

a quick and easy recipe

substituting roast beef for salmon

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/12/2022-reindeer-bar-returns-day-one.html

https://howdoesshe.com/15-fun-new-years-eve-activities-for-kids-or-adults/

A Year in Review

A YEAR IN REVIEW

As the old year comes to a close I really enjoy looking back at which recipes on sockfairies.blogpsot.com really resonated with you. I also have some of my own favorites I discovered along the way too. See if any of your favorites made the list. Be sure to leave your comments in the box.

January-Spinach Artichoke Bites

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/01/game-day-snacks.html

February-Buttermilk Red Velvet Cake

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/02/red-velvet-buttermilk-cake.html

March-Mint Oreo Pie

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/03/happy-national-pi-day.html

April-Cinnamon Rolls

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/04/a-sweet-sunday-treat.html

May- Wild Rice with Sausage and Potato Bake

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/05/wild-rice-with-sausage-and-potato.html

June-Watermelon and Strawberry Salad 

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/06/watermelon-and-strawberry-salad-with.html

July- Cherry Almond Cake

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/07/cherry-almond-cake.html

August-Mangoritas
https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/08/weekend-recipe-round-up.html

September-Cheesy Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/09/cheesy-spaghetti-pie-with-meat-sauce.html

October- Cranberry Almond Coffeecake

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/10/cranberry-coffeecake-with-almond-icing.html

November-Panzanella Salad

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/11/a-panzanella-salad-for-fall.html

Blessings of the Season

 

Wishing all of the joys of the season 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christmas Eve Greetings

 Don't forgot cookie and milk for Santa as it will be an especially cold ride this year. 

We saved one of his favorite M &M cookies to share. 

And we wil start our Christmas morning with

Eggnog French Toast puts a festive twist on classic french toast for a simple, yet decadent holiday breakfast.

Eggnog French Toast
Cook's Notes: Be sure to use a hearty bread like sourdough, challah or brioche as it soaks up the eggnog batter without falling apart.
Recipe adapted from ourlifetastesgood.com and makes 6 large slices or 8-10 smaller sized pieces. It can easily be doubled. Be sure to use real warmed maple syrup as it makes a difference in the flavor. Add fresh fruit with a meat side and you'll be off to a great start for the day.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf hearty bread
• 3 eggs
• ¾ cups eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon Saigon Cinnamon or 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Dash of nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Real maple syrup

Directions:

• Cut loaf into thick slices.
• Preheat griddle and grease with butter or PAM.
• Beat eggs, eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon until well combined. Place eggnog mixture in a shallow bowl. Soak each bread slice and toast on the griddle until golden brown on both sides.

Holiday Brunch

Seasons Greetings to All

Here's to the blessing of the year.

Here's to the friends we hold so dear,

To peace on earth, both far and near.

A toast to the old year as we welcome in the new with a festive Poinsettia Cocktail, and a delicious Cheesy Bacon Croissant Breakfast Casserole served with a Clementine Arugula Salad as a side. And who can resist another holiday cookie, a traditional Russian Teacake aka Snowball to top off the meal.

Seasonal Plate-Food Column

Poinsettia Cocktail 

The recipe serves four.
Ingredients:
2-1/2 cups Cran-Pomegranate juice (cold)
1 cup vodka
¼ cup Cointreau
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Frozen cranberries

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker except cranberries. Add crushed ice and reshake.
Divide among four glasses and top each serving with a few frozen cranberries.

Overnight Cheesy Bacon Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Cooking Tips: For best results toast the croissants as it gives more stability to the recipe and avoids it being soggy. Use freshly grated cheese as opposed to shredded cheese in a bag as will melt better and the casserole will be creamier and cheesier. Prep ahead makes assembling go faster by dicing onions and peppers and frying bacon. Use a 8 x 8 pan that has been greased on sides and bottom to avoid casserole sticking.

Ingredients:

• 5 large croissants, halved
• ¾ lb. bacon, fried, drained on a paper towel and diced
• 1-1/2 cups white cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup diced sweet onions
• 1 cup diced mini sweet peppers red and yellow
• 6 large eggs
• 1-1/2 cups half and half
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon each parsley flakes and Italian seasoning

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread halved croissants on a baking sheet and toast 11 minutes. Check often so they don't burn. Let them cool.
• In a fry pan cook bacon, drain grease and crumble bacon. In same fry pan saute onions and peppers.
• In a blender mix eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and spices.
• Tear croissants into large bite sized pieces and place evenly into prepared dish.
• Sprinkle evenly cooked bacon bits, onions and peppers over the torn croissants.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese over bacon onion mixture.
• Pour egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
• Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours. Any longer and the croissants can start to break down and disintegrate.
• Remove cover from casserole and bring to room temperature. Bake 35 minutes until casserole is golden and puffy and firm to the touch. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Clementine Arugula Salad
Cook's Notes: Ingredients are listed and amounts will vary depending on how many servings needed.

Salad Ingredients:

• Arugula
• Clementines peeled (can be halved)
• Pomegranate arils
• Crumbled goat cheese or white cheddar cubes
• Toasted walnuts or pecans
• Diced red onions
• Dried Cranberries

Maple Balsamic Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

• Mix in blender. Taste taste to balance ingredients.

Mexican Wedding Cakes aka Snowball Cookies

https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/mexican-wedding-cookies/

Ravioli Meets Lasagna

 

Celebrating the Season 

Looking for a holiday brunch idea? Here's one of the most unusual ideas surely to dazzle your guests. Try a champagne toast with Wild Hibiscus Flower Syrup. This product can be found at Total Wine. The jar contains a syrup with 11 hibiscus flowers. Place one flower in the bottom of a flute glass and then fill with champagne. Not only was this a wonderful added flavor but also a festive looking addition to the brunch table.

Ravioli Meets Lasagna=The Perfect Holiday Casserole

This make ahead Italian Chicken Sausage Ravioli Lasagna is bursting with Italian flavors. It's a hearty delicious casserole that makes a sizeable pan. With leftovers for the week leaves you more time for other holiday things.

Cook's Notes: I suggest you make the easy marinara sauce the day before for flavors to meld. I used a 11 x 8 size pan but a 13x 9 pan works too. 

Marinara Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 jar (24 oz.) good quality marinara sauce 
• 1 can (14. oz.) basil garlic diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon each Italian seasoning and parsley flakes
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Directions: 

• Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.
• Simmer on low for 45 minutes. 
• Cool and refrigerate until needed.

Ravioli Lasagna Ingredients:

• 1 package of Italian Chicken Sausage (fully cooked)
• 20 ounces fresh cheese and spinach ravioli (deli section and I used Butoni product) use uncooked 
• 12 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1-1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

• Bring marinara sauce to room temperature. Mix in 1/2 cup water to thin the sauce.  
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Slice each sausage lengthwise and then cut into 1/2 inch slices.
• Spread 1-1/4 cups of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. 
• Spread 1/2 of ravioli over marinara sauce, then top with 1/2 of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 Parmesan cheese.  To the remaining marinara sauce add cut sausages.  
• Spread rest of ravioli over the cheese mixture. Top with rest of marinara/sausage mixture and top with remaining cheeses.
• Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 minutes longer. 
  
  
  
  

Reindeer Bar Day Three

 

For some good news. Each week I post my recipes on a link called

Traffic Jam Weekend found at https://beingawordsmith.org/ and link up with other food bloggers. What a surprise when they notified me with the following message...

The post with the most views last week was Peanut Butter Blossoms Day 5 Cookie Blitz from Ever Ready.

LAST CALL-REINDEER BAR WRAP-UP
Enjoy one more bite

Maple Dijon Sausage Bites
Cook's Note:The combinations of sweet and savory with an unusual pairing of ingredients bring flavors together in one simple bite. These mini bites taste great as a breakfast item or as an appetizer. Taste test before increasing Dijon mustard. Shells can be filled ahead, refrigerated, and baked later in the day. The recipe makes 15 shells.

Ingredients:

• 1 package mini phyllo appetizer shells
• 1 lb. Italian sausage or breakfast sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1-1/2 -2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/3-1/2 cup green onions, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1-1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese or shredded 4 cheeses

Directions:

• Brown sausage in olive oil with green onions. Drain grease, crumble meat, and return back to the pan. Add syrup, mustard, and seasoning to the meat. Mix well, and cook on medium-low for about 8 minutes. Add in cheese and stir until it melts.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Fill each fillo shell (no need to thaw) with 1 tablespoon of filling. Place each fillo shell in a small appetizer muffin tin for stability during baking.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes.

No Reindeer Bar could be complete without some sweet treats
Chocolate Mousse Cups

Cook's Notes: Decadent Chocolate Mousse when one bite will do. The recipe makes 15 small appetizers.
Ingredients:

• 6 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate bar, chopped
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1-1/2 cups heavy cream, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Optional 1 tablespoon Amaretto
• 1 box Mini Phyllo Pastry Shells, appetizer size
• Fresh raspberries

Directions:

• Place beaters in the freezer to chill.
• In a microwavable bowl melt chocolate on 50% power for 50 seconds. Continue microwaving in 30-second increments until the chocolate melts, set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, whisk egg yolks and sugar. Whisk in ½ cup heavy cream. Cook over medium-low heat until the mixture coats the back of the spoon.
• Remove from heat and whisk in melted chocolate, vanilla, and Amaretto if using.
• In a large bowl whip cream until stiff peaks. Stir in 1/3 of the whipped cream into the cooled custard. Continue folding two mixtures together until incorporated.
• Spoon into shells and chill until serving.
• Top with a fresh raspberry right before serving.

GF Christmas Reindeer Munch

https://iowagirleats.com/christmas-crunch/

No need to be a Grinch this holiday season. Check out this link for some 

Healthy Holiday Food Swaps 
https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2015/12/healthy-options-to-holiday-eating.html

Hope you enjoyed the annual Reindeer Run 2022 see you in 2023

Reindeer Bar Day Two Drinks

 REINDEER BAR-DAY TWO FUN DRINKS 

 Be sure to order at the Reindeer Bar, a Santa Clausmopolitan.

It's a festive holiday drink specially made with Pomegranate-Cranberry juice, vodka, a touch of citrus, crushed ice, and a few frozen cranberries. Sip and enjoy your drink with an appetizer plate. The recipe makes 4 drinks.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Pomegranate-Cranberry juice or Cran-Raspberry juice
• 1 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• Crushed ice
• Frozen cranberries

Directions:

• Add juice, vodka, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a pitcher or large cocktail shaker. Shake. add crushed ice, and mix again.
• Pour into chilled martini glasses and add a few frozen cranberries to each glass.

                                      Warm White Russian           

Cook's Notes: An easy wintertime dessert cocktail you must try. This rich riff on the usually icy White Russian gets a bold java jolt and a warmup from hot coffee. Just drop in a chocolate truffle, cocoa-bomb style, for next-level lusciousness. Recipe from Allrecipes.com
Ingredients:

• 3 fluid ounces of hot strong coffee
• 1 fluid ounce coffee-flavored liqueur (such as Kahlua®)
• 1 fluid ounce of vodka
• 1 fluid ounce half-and-half
• 1 round chocolate truffle

Directions:

• Fill a heat-safe glass mug with boiling water; let stand a few minutes to warm the mug. Discard water.
• Add coffee, coffee liqueur, and vodka to the mug; stir gently to combine. Drizzle half-and-half over the drink. Place the truffle on a spoon or thread onto a decorative pick; balance on the glass rim.
• Tip truffle into the drink just before drinking.

Chocolate Blitzen

Ingredients;

• 2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
• 1/3 cup chocolate-flavored sprinkles
• 1 cup chocolate ice cream
• 2 oz. (1/4 cup) Irish cream liqueur
• 1 oz. (2TB.) dark cream de cacao
• 1 oz. (2 TB.) vodka
• Chocolate curls or grated chocolate

Directions:

• In a heavy small saucepan, heat chocolate over low heat until melted. Dip the rims of martini glasses in the melted chocolate and then dip in the sprinkles. Chill until serving time.
• In a blender, combine ice cream, Irish cream liqueur, cream de cacao, and vodka. Cover and blend until mixture is smooth.
• Pour into four prepared glasses. Garnish with chocolate curls.
• Serve immediately.

Cranberry Kir Royale

Cook' notes: Recipe from foodnetwork.com
For each drink combine 1 oz. cranberry juice and 1/2 oz. creme de cassis in a flute-type glass. Add a couple of frozen cranberries and top with champagne.

And let's not forget the kids serve a Milk and Cookie Toasting Bar 

Prepare the glasses in advance by dipping the rims of cocktail or champagne glasses (or buy some inexpensive ones from Dollar store) in melted chocolate, then cover them with colorful sprinkles. 

and serve a plate of sugar, M& M or chocolate chip cookies

Grinch Punch for Kids

https://crayonsandcravings.com/grinch-punch/