Calling Hallmark: We have perfect Christmas town

By Peggy Walker, R.D.

It’s Christmas time in the City of Batesville again.   Thankfully most of the rush of preparation is over and now the holiday hustle and bustle fills the air and is literally on every corner.  And once again the downtown square looks like a set from a Hallmark movie.  If there’s a movie here I think it should be called “The Day Christmas came to Town.”   Because, that’s what has happened!
A friend recently summed it up well when she said that Batesville is now a Christmas town.  And so we are! Thousands of people drive hundreds of miles to our sweet little town with their families in tow for a 10 mile roundtrip train ride that takes them thousands of miles away.  And the city’s snowflakes guide them all the way to their downtown destination.  I love it!
But, aren’t we the lucky ones!  Santa is coming back to town with presents in his big red bag and they’re for us… shoppers, diners, overnighters, sightseers, potential businesses and newcomers, seasonal jobs, sales, tax revenue plus a big spot on the map!  There’s no doubt that Santa will have any problem finding us because we believe!  But I think the very best present out of all of this is our wonderful downtown square.  And it’s ours to keep…forever.   It’s real, unlike a movie set.
So have you been to Christmas town yet!  You must.  Wait until the lights come on, bundle up with your boots, hat, scarves, and gloves and come to town.  DW and I did just that last Saturday and took a stroll around the square.  It was magical and there’s no ticket required to come and enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of the holiday going on.
The city sidewalks are nice and smooth and accessible for all.  Storefronts and businesses are dressed in their finest holiday style and strings of street lights outline the buildings and wrap the trees.  I wish they were up and on all year!  And the new lamp poles fill the night sky with soft, safe light for all to see and be seen!
And, in the air there’s a feeling of Christmas.  I do believe that “children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile,” was written for such a night.  If you want to put a smile on your own face just walk through the crowds and see all the children and their parents dressed in their pajamas.  Adorable and sometimes hysterical!  Where else but in a Christmas town!  And, that would be here… Batesville!
Stroll past the train as it loads and look at the faces of the passengers, young and old, through the windows.  Pure joy and excitement.   You might even recognize someone!  You’ll see the crew of locals in their costumes and hear the conductor yell “all aboooooard!”  You might even catch a glimpse of the hobo as he jumps on board with his bag on a stick hung over his shoulder.  Cover your ears when the train whistle blows and wave as it heads on to the North Pole from the vantage point of the bandstand.  Don’t miss it!  Experience it.
Window shop.  Browse the train station, snap a selfie by the Polar Express backdrop or have your picture made with the cutest little horse you’ve ever seen.  You will most likely see some old friends also enjoying the night, so visit a while, don’t rush on by!
Then eat for goodness sake!   Order a walking taco or a slice of freshly made pizza.  And there’s tasty organic fare, soups and salads too!  By all means eat a delectable homemade fried pie – apple, peach or chocolate!  You’ll also find cold drinks and warm cocoa and coffee for a cold winter’s night.  We walked, talked and ate ourselves around the square thanks to all these enterprising entrepreneurs!  (And to the City for letting them come to the square!)
And watch as the sleepy little passengers disembark after the express rolls back into the square. No doubt visions of Santa, the North Pole, and deeds of kindness dance in their heads.  They believe too!
Do not miss this opportunity to celebrate the season on the square!  In the turn of a head and a wink of an eye the last train will pull out of the station.  Let’s hope only until next year!
Recipe of the Week
Beef & Cheese Foldover
Ready in the wink of an eye, just needs a broccoli salad to go with it.

1 pound ground round
1 white onion, chopped
1 cup whole kernel corn
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons A.1 Original Sauce
½ cup hot water
2 cups all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick)
1 cup Mexican style finely shredded cheese (or similar)
½ teaspoon parsley flakes

Brown meat with onions in large skillet; drain.  Return to skillet.  Stir in corn, ketchup and A.1. Sauce.  Remove from heat.  Add water to baking mix; stir until mixture forms dough.  Shape into ball. Place on lightly floured surface; knead 5 times or until smooth and no longer sticky.  Roll into 12-inch circle; transfer to baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.  Spoon meat mixture onto center of dough circle; spread to within 2 inches of edge. Fold edge of dough over meat, leaving center uncovered.  Bake 20 minutes in 375 degree oven.  Top filling with cheese; bake additional 5 minutes or until melted.  Sprinkle with parsley. Makes 4 – 6 servings.