• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • Holiday Cooking Simplified: Recipes That Save Time and Add Flavor to Your Feast

Holiday Cooking Simplified: Recipes That Save Time and Add Flavor to Your Feast

Issue # 0298

Author

Joshua Tjia
26 Nov

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏙️💙 Irvine Comes Together: 650+ Volunteers Make Serve Day a Success

🎄❄️ Celebrate the Season: The Best of OC’s Holiday Arts, Culture, and Events

📄🏨 Irvine City Council Votes to Repeal Hotel Worker Compensation and Workload Regulations

🍪☕️ Cookies, Cocoa, and Santa! Don’t Miss Pretend City’s Holiday Kickoff

🥗🥘 Holiday Cooking Simplified: Recipes That Save Time and Add Flavor to Your Feast

🌳🥾 Join the After-Work Fitness Hike on Hicks Haul Road Every Wednesday

🎄🎁 Shop Local Treasures: Holiday Market Lands at Hangar 244

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🍂🐈‍⬛ Thanksgiving Tips from VCA Pets: What Not to Feed Your Furry Friends

🏐 UC Irvine Women’s Volleyball Defeats Hawaii 3-1, Advances to Big West Championship

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

📣⚽️⚾️ Irvine High Celebrates Five Seniors Advancing to Collegiate Sports

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Five Suspects Arrested in Tesla Dealership Burglary in Irvine

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

🌟🏪🎉Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

"Got any cornbread jokes?"

"I do, but they're corny."

We hope this joke brings some laughter to your day! 😁

Irvine Comes Together: 650+ Volunteers Make Serve Day a Success

More than 650 residents participated in Citywide Serve Day, organized by Love Irvine in partnership with the city. Volunteers gathered at Heritage Park Community Center before heading to nearly 30 service locations to support various local causes. Activities included making sandwiches for food-insecure families, crafting rice sock warmers for shelter animals, creating blankets for the city’s adopted 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, sorting donations at Families Forward and South County Outreach, assisting at Second Harvest Food Bank, and creating care cards for cancer patients. Love Irvine President Curtis Drever expressed gratitude, calling the event a privilege to offer the community.

Celebrate the Season: The Best of OC’s Holiday Arts, Culture, and Events

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Culture OC’s list of the best events across Orange County. From dazzling performances and festive visual arts to delicious dining and community celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Dance

  • UCI’s New Slate (Dec. 5-7, Claire Trevor Theatre, Irvine): Innovative choreography by graduate students.

  • CSUF’s Fall Dance Theatre (Dec. 5-14, Hallberg Theatre, Fullerton): Original works blending contemporary and classical styles.

  • Pilobolus’ re:CREATION (Dec. 7, Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Long Beach): Groundbreaking dance and visual art.

  • Derek Hough’s Dance for the Holidays (Dec. 21, Inglewood; Dec. 27, Riverside): Festive dance performance.

  • The Nutcracker: Multiple productions by Anaheim Ballet, Festival Ballet Theatre (Dec. 7-24, Irvine), and American Ballet Theatre (Dec. 12-22, Costa Mesa).

Theater

  • "Greetings!" (Through Dec. 8, Newport Theatre Arts Center): A family dramedy about love, faith, and miracles.

  • "Miracle on 34th Street" (Nov. 29-Dec. 22, Camino Real Playhouse, San Juan Capistrano): A holiday classic set in the 1970s.

  • "Jane Austen’s Emma, the Musical" (Dec. 7-22, Chance Theater, Anaheim Hills): A romantic comedy musical adaptation.

Visual Arts

  • Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy (Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 22, Laguna Beach): Handcrafted gifts, live music, snow flurries, and art demos.

  • Capistrano Lights (Dec. 7-29, Mission San Juan Capistrano): Holiday lights, carolers, and nativity scene.

  • The Muckenthaler Cultural Center (Dec. 12-22, Fullerton): Holiday Festival, The Tipsy Elf Returns, and the Darden Christmas Concert.

  • Bowers Museum (Dec. 1-15, Santa Ana): Winter Holiday event, clay ornament workshops, and exhibitions.

Food & Drinks

  • 1801 Private Events by Zov’s (Anaheim): Eastern Mediterranean-inspired private dining venue.

  • Darkroom & Radiant Brewery Dinner (Dec. 5, Santa Ana): A six-course beer-pairing dinner.

  • River Street Marketplace (San Juan Capistrano): New food hall featuring local dining options.

Culture

  • Winter Fest OC (Nov. 22-Jan. 5, OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa): Snow tubing, ice skating, carnival rides, and Santa photo-ops.

  • Hikari Festival of Lights (Nov. 29-Dec. 29, Tanaka Farms, Irvine): Light displays, wagon rides, crafts, and barnyard animals.

  • Menorah Lighting Ceremonies: Various locations, including Mission Viejo (Dec. 25-Jan. 2) and Fashion Island (Dec. 29).

Classical Music

  • Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 8, Costa Mesa): Pacific Symphony and Chorale perform this choral masterpiece.

  • Festival of Carols (Dec. 17, Musco Center, Orange): Traditional and contemporary holiday carols.

  • Pacific Chorale’s ’Tis the Season! (Dec. 22-23, Costa Mesa): Seasonal music with family-friendly performances.

Popular Music

  • Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve (Nov. 30, Honda Center, Anaheim): High-energy rock opera.

  • Big Band Holidays (Dec. 5, Irvine Barclay Theatre): Jazz interpretations of holiday classics.

  • Celtic Christmas (Dec. 7, Soka Performing Arts Center, Aliso Viejo): Traditional Irish and Scottish melodies.

  • Joss Stone: Merry Christmas, Love (Dec. 20-21, Costa Mesa): Holiday music with the Pacific Symphony.

  • California Country Christmas (Dec. 19, House of Blues Anaheim): Country Christmas concert benefiting Spark of Love toy drive.

Irvine City Council Votes to Repeal Hotel Worker Compensation and Workload Regulations

The Irvine City Council voted 3-2 to repeal significant provisions of a 2022 ordinance designed to protect hotel workers. The original legislation required hotels to provide panic buttons for worker safety—already implemented citywide—and limited the number of rooms employees could be required to clean per shift, with additional compensation for exceeding these thresholds. The council’s decision removes the workload limits and corresponding overtime pay requirements, as well as the waiver process for hotels citing economic hardship. Mayor Farrah Khan described the ordinance as overly burdensome for businesses and challenging to enforce, while Councilmembers Kathleen Treseder and Tammy Kim opposed the repeal, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding hotel workers’ rights. The rollback follows recommendations from a city subcommittee formed to evaluate the ordinance. Labor union Unite Here Local 11, which represents hotel workers, expressed disappointment, asserting the decision prioritizes business interests over worker protections.

Cookies, Cocoa, and Santa! Don’t Miss Pretend City’s Holiday Kickoff

Kick off the holiday season at Pretend City Children's Museum with their enchanting Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM! Enjoy festive cheer, cookies, hot cocoa, and a special visit from Santa. Create cherished memories with family and friends as you celebrate the magic of the holidays.

Holiday Cooking Simplified: Recipes That Save Time and Add Flavor to Your Feast

Prepare for the busy holiday season with vibrant, healthy, make-ahead recipes that save time, reduce stress, and offer nutritious alternatives to traditional high-calorie fare. Featured dishes include:

  • Baked Artichoke and Spinach Polenta with Gruyère: A creamy, nutrient-packed casserole using gluten-free polenta, artichokes, and spinach, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Prep spinach-artichoke mix in advance and assemble a day ahead for easy baking.

  • Roasted Garlic Ratatouille: A visually stunning vegetarian dish with layers of nutrient-rich vegetables (zucchini, squash, eggplant) and roasted garlic-tomato sauce. Prep sauce and veggies (excluding eggplant) up to three days early.

  • Tiramisu Trifle: A decadent yet lighter dessert made with silken tofu, cream cheese, and cocoa. Assemble up to three days in advance, refrigerate, and garnish with cocoa powder just before serving.

These recipes, created by UCI Health experts, are designed to nourish, impress, and simplify holiday meal prep.

Fine recipes here

Join the After-Work Fitness Hike on Hicks Haul Road Every Wednesday

Join a fitness-focused 3.5-mile hike every Wednesday night on the paved Hicks Haul Road in OC Parks' Irvine Ranch Open Space. Enjoy panoramic sunset views as you hike to Loma Ridge and back at your own pace (3-3.5 mph average). The hike takes about 1 hour, suitable for regular walking or running shoes. Next hike: November 27, 6:00–7:30 PM.

Shop Local Treasures: Holiday Market Lands at Hangar 244

Discover unique holiday gifts at the Holiday Market on December 7 (3–8 p.m.) and December 8 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) at Hangar 244 in Great Park. This two-day event features artisan vendors offering jewelry, ceramics, folk crafts, and more. Learn more: cityofirvine.org/irvine-fine-arts-center/special-events.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Wed, December 4-5, 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Instumental Music Winter Concert

  2. Fri, December 13, 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Winter Gala Concert

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://timbmusic.org/events/

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. Thu, December 5, 7:00 PM: A Winter Celebration at Big Theater.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2024-25-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. Thurs, December 12, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra

  2. Fri, December 13, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.whs-music.org/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. Fri, December 6, 7:00 PM: Winter Celebration Concert at WHS Performing Arts Center.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. Wed, December 18, 6:00-10:00 PM: IM Winter Concert

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.vimb.info/calendar

Thanksgiving Tips from VCA Pets: What Not to Feed Your Furry Friends

As you enjoy Thanksgiving, prioritize your pet's health by avoiding harmful foods that can cause anything from stomach upset to severe health risks.

  1. Raw Meat, Fish, or Eggs

    • Risk: Bacterial or parasitic infections.

  2. Yeast Dough

    • Risk: Can cause painful and dangerous bloating.

  3. Salt-Based Dough

    • Risk: Can lead to seizures and other serious health issues.

  4. Fatty Foods (e.g., Poultry Skin, Butter, Oils, Nuts)

    • Risk: Can cause life-threatening pancreatitis.

Keep your pets safe and healthy this Thanksgiving with these tips!

UC Irvine Women’s Volleyball Defeats Hawaii 3-1, Advances to Big West Championship

UC Irvine concluded the regular season with a 3-1 victory over Hawaii at the Bren Events Center, finishing with a 15-13 overall record and securing a spot in the Big West Championship. The Anteaters' win, coupled with a UC Santa Barbara loss, tied UCI and UCSB at 10-8 in conference play, with UCI advancing on tiebreakers. Highlights included strong performances by middle blocker Ofure Iselen (7 blocks, .417 hitting) and outside hitter Kendra MacDonald (13 kills, .303 hitting). UCI out-hit Hawaii (.190 to .169) and excelled in blocks (11-8) and aces (5-4). The Anteaters face third-seed UC Davis on Nov. 27 in the first round of the Big West Championship.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Volleyball

  1. Wed, Nov 27: vs First Round TBA (Big West Championship)

  2. Fri, Nov 29: vs Semifinals TBA (Big West Championship)

  3. Sat, Nov 30: vs Championship TBA (Big West Championship)

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Basketball

  1. Wed, Nov 27: vs El Camino, 5:00 PM

Irvine High Celebrates Five Seniors Advancing to Collegiate Sports

Five Irvine High School athletes have signed letters of intent to continue their sports careers in college. The signees are:

  • Drake Brito (baseball, Cal Baptist)

  • Joshua Campbell (soccer, Cal Poly Pomona)

  • Daphne Garcia (cheer, William Woods University)

  • Abigail Sasaki (softball, University of Hawaii)

  • Cooper Stearns (golf, Stanford), who also excels in basketball for the Vaqueros

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With November Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

November 2024  

Monday, December 2

  • 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys VR vs. El Modena at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 07:00 PM: Basketball, Boys VR vs. Santa Ana at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, December 4

  • 04:00 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Canyon (Anaheim) at Woolett Pool

Friday, December 6

  • 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys VR vs. Estancia at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, December 10

  • 04:00 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Portola at Woolett Pool

Five Suspects Arrested in Tesla Dealership Burglary in Irvine

Irvine Police swiftly responded to a burglary at the Tesla dealership on Jamboree early Sunday morning. Five suspects were arrested after fleeing the scene with ski masks, gloves, and $10,250 worth of stolen charging equipment. No vehicles were damaged during the incident. The suspects—Sherweden JeanBaptiste (20), Jamire Richardson (18), Louis Allen (20), Yguervens Chaleston (19), and Kody McNally (20)—were charged with burglary and conspiracy and booked at Orange County Jail.

Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! “Irvine Insider” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our city. Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special.

Click the link below and fill out the Local Business Spotlight Application Form to be featured and let’s celebrate the spirit of Irvine together!

Irvine Insider is sent to a local audience of Irvine residence Monday through Friday with 50% - 60% open rate. Our newsletter is a great way to reach Irvine residents.

  • Kaiser Permanente Irvine Farmers Market

  • Saturday Farmers Market at Mariners Church Irvine

    • When: Saturday, 8 AM - 12 PM

    • Where: 5428 Bonita Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA 92603

  • Great Park Certified Farmers Market

  • Manassero Farmers

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 4:30 PM

    • Where: 33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, CA 92604

  • Tanaka Farms

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM

    • Where: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

    • More Info:Tanaka Farms

November 1 - December 14 Annual Holiday Toy Drive

November 18 – December 13 Letters to Santa

November 29– December 29 Hikari Festival of Lights

December 5 - 7 Art of the Spanish Guitar 8 PM

December 7 - 8 Holiday Market 3 - 8 PM

December 7 - 15 Holiday Makers Mart 10 AM - 4 PM

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Irvine and surrounding areas and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Irvine Insider with them! It’s simple!