Where Can You Cut Your Own Christmas Tree?

The National Christmas Tree Association, based in West County, offers advice for families cutting their own trees from local farms.

For the freshest Christmas tree possible, cut your own at a local tree farm. The National Christmas Tree Association in Chesterfield offers tips on how to find the perfect tree: And if you’ve never cut down a tree, here are some guidelines from Chesterfield’s National Christmas Tree Association: Try one of these nearby farms for your tree: Heritage Valley Tree Farm The 75-acre family farm only accepts cash and checks. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday after Thanksgiving and weekends until Christmas Address: 1668 Four Mile Road, Washington MO Phone: 636-239-7479 Trees: Canaan Fir, White Pine Directions: Take I-44 west to exit 251/Washington (MO-HWY 100 West). Proceed 10 miles on MO-100 to Washington. From Washington, turn south (left at …

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Culinary Corner

Aztec Tropical Fruit Salsa and More

Salsas are a great way to add flavor and moisture to foods without adding lots of fat and calories.

To make a chicken breast juicier, give a salmon more tang, or complete a Mexican dish—salsa is often the answer. Although salsa, by other names in other countries is similar, the variation that includes tomatoes, chilies and other spices or ingredients can be traced to the Ancient Aztecs, Mayans and Incas. In fact, the name "tomato" is derived from the Nahuatl word "tomatl," the language of the Aztecs. The tomato, as well as the chile pepper, were cultivated by the Mayans and Aztecs to create the beautiful fruits we have today. Many different varieties of salsa can be found on the Mexican table at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Salsa can be blended, cooked and served hot for dishes such as enchiladas, or served as accompaniment at room …

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