Happy Holidays!

Wishing you the best in the New Year!

Get a headstart on Thanksgiving!

"Living Today" host Mario Bosquez (left) and Chef Sean Woods (right)

Thanksgiving is Thursday, but there are a few items you can prepare in advance. For example, check out this recipe for Apple Strudel courtesy of Sean Woods, Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Chef Woods recently shared recipes, along with tips for cooking an organic Thanksgiving, with Mario Bosquez during an interview on Martha Stewart Living Radio. The "Living Today" show airs on Sirius Satellite Network.

For more recipes, email LivingToday@marthastewart.com and request Chef Woods' Thanksgiving recipes. For more information about Grande Lakes Orlando, visit www.grandelakes.com

Apple Strudel
1 pound Gala Apples (peeled, cored and chopped in small cubes)
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup simple syrup (1 part sugar, 2 part water)
1 table spoon of dark rum
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 dash of Ginger
½ vanila bean (just use the seeds scraped form the pod)
4 tablespoons white sugar
2 slices brown bread, crumbled
¼ cup toasted almond flour
1/2 (16 ounce) package phyllo dough
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg (egg wash)

Directions
1. Boil the syrup, add rum and let soak the cranberries and the raisins ( if you can try to let soak for at least 24 hours)
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
3. In a bowl, combine apples, raisins, cranberries, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of sugar and the bread crumbs. Stir well.
4. Spread several sheets of pastry slightly with melted butter and lay them on atop the other on a baking sheet, sprinkle a little sugar in between as well. Spread the fruit mixture evenly over the top sheet, then roll the sheets up to form a log shape. Brush with melted butter again. Brush some egg wash for color and Sprinkle a nice line of sugar on top for decoration.
5. Bake in preheated oven 30 minutes, until pastry is golden brown and fruit is tender. Sprinkle a little snow sugar, decorate the tray with cinnamon sticks, fresh apples and spices.

Love, elope, escape, renew and save!

CELEBRATE ROMANCE THIS WINTER
AT THE LANDINGS ST. LUCIA, A ROCKRESORT

** Deals for Lovebirds Planning to Elope, Escape or Renew**

Love is in the air! Just in time for JetBlue’s launch of direct flights from JFK airport to St. Lucia, The Landings St. Lucia, A RockResort, invites couples to celebrate their relationships…whether it means eloping on the beach, whisking away on a honeymoon adventure or renewing wedding vows under the stars. Each package offers a savings of 25 percent!

To find out more, click here

For more information about The Landings St. Lucia, please visit WWW.ROCKRESORTS.COM or call 877-657-ROCK (7625).

Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy Launches New Website

"It began with a commitment to preserve whatever we found, wherever we went." Thus begins the introduction to a new Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy Web site (www.akphilanthropy.org), which showcases opportunities for travellers to become involved with 50 pioneering projects worldwide.

Working through A&K's offices around the world, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy identifies and supports proven grassroots organizations. Guests who want to give something back can contribute to one of these local projects with a tax-deductible donation which can be made directly through the secure AKP web site. 100% of all donations go directly to the chosen project. Guests traveling on many of A&K's small group escorted journeys, private Signature itineraries or Tailor Made programs can visit projects in person, learning more about their destination through the work of its most dedicated people.

Visit the new site at www.akphilanthropy.org to learn more.

a hoLIFTic ski experience...

Go from the slopes to the spa all in one day! After riding Jackson Hole’s famous terrain – and new Aerial Tram – treat yourself to a calming massage in the 17,000 square foot Avanyu Spa at Snake River Lodge & Spa. This winter, the “HoLIFTic Ski Package” combines adrenaline, relaxation and value for an unforgettable ski experience.
The new “HoLIFTic Ski Package” is available November 27, 2009 through April 5, 2010 and includes:
· Four nights accommodations
· Three full-day adult lift tickets for two people at Jackson Hole Mountain
· One 50-minute custom massage per adult per day at the Avanyu Spa (reservations must be made for before 2pm)
· Daily breakfast for two at gamefish restaurant

Visit www.snakeriverlodge.rockresorts.com

Microphone check...

The holidays are around the corner and you can bet Guitar Hero and Rock Band will be on everyone’s lists. If you dismissed these games in the past, you can’t deny a little bit of curiosity when the new Guitar Hero, Beatles edition was announced.

But before you turn your living room into the second coming of the Ed Sullivan Show, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is letting you take today’s hottest game for a test drive. Vue (virtual user experience) is the new sleek lounge at the resort where guests can kick back with the latest in technology and entertainment. Vue offers Mac stations, iPod docks, Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Nintendo Wii, Playstation and more. And for guests who are new to this world, on-staff gamers act as your “roadies” as you discover your inner rock star.

Lay down your demo at the resort before splurging on the actual game. But keep in mind, if Guitar Hero is good enough for Yoko…

Click here for more info!

Edinburgh Scotland's deepest secret...

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret: a warren of hidden ‘closes’ where real people lived, worked and died. For centuries they have lain forgotten and abandoned. Called Mary King's Close, the underground area is thought to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland. On Supernatural History Tour, urban myths and legends are examined, from the famous documented 'Satan's Invisible World' written in 1685, right through to sightings since its opening in 2003. Many have felt ghosts brush past their back in the close and during the tour you'll hear first hand evidence of alleged ghostly communications on the Close: www.realmarykingsclose.com