Recipes compiled by Monika Joshi courtesy of www.bettycrocker.com. Photo Courtesy of Flickr user wfabry.

Walking into the warm kitchen in your pajamas and taking in the sweet aroma that fills the air is one of the signature moments of the holiday season. To kick off your baking this year, here are some recipes that are simple, but at the same time so delicious that they will leave you, and your family and friends, wanting a second helping.

Christmas Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies are simple to make, but they have a very elegant appearance. They’re perfect to serve with a sizzling hot cup of hot chocolate. Makes about four-dozen cookies.

By Connect2Mason Writer Matthew Todd. Photo courtesy of Flickr user William Hook.

In the flood of sensationalized pop-R&B and hip-hop albums this year, here are 10 of the best, truer soul CDs you’ve missed and NEED to buy.

What is true R&B and hip-hop? Lil’ Wayne’s “Tha Carter III” was okay, but it was strictly for the mainstream once “Lollipop” began to catapult its way to #1 in the Hot 100 Singles. After selling 1-million copies its first week and despite mostly great reviews, “Tha Carter III” was not the top of my personal best list this year in rap. T.I. and Young Jeezy’s new CDs also ruled the roost as well, while Usher, Mariah Carey, Fergie, and Beyonce continued dominating in R&B, but for those looking to burst their conventional pop bubble and exploring stronger modern soul recapturing Motown, old school blues and jazz, and the 70s soul sound, here are the 10 CDs you need to add to your collection.

By Simone Gaulman. Photo courtesy of Flickr user mysza831.

It is that time of year again, folks! There is a month left before the big sha-bang [also known as Christmas] and many have already begun their preparations. Christmas lights are being set up, tickets are being bought for those going out of town, and mall Santas [along with parents] are now being accosted by thousands of children presenting their Christmas lists hoping to get what they have asked for. Unknown to them, it is rare to get everything you ask for; a lesson us older kids had to learn. Thinking back on this time when I was a kid, I remember that there was some stuff that I had asked for but never got.

Thanks a lot, Santa!

By Broadside Student Media Photography Manager Courtney Erland. Photo courtesy of Flickr user LabyrinthX.

Do you want some extra holiday cheer this season? Try these drinks with a twist, and enjoy the holidays!

Courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com

Candy Cane Cocktail

Ingredients

Directions
Add all liquid ingredients to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into martini glass. Garnish with candy cane.

By Connect2Mason Information Director Miguel Perez

Looking for some entertainment before your final exams? The Program Board has something for everyone this week.

Movies

Tomorrow, the Johnson Center will be playing American Teen, a documentary focusing on the lives of five graduating seniors. The film follows seniors at Warsaw Community High school who fit the classic nerd, jock, loner, princess stereotypes for a year. The film will be shown at 6 p.m. and at 9 p.m.

Check out the new DVD releases that will make the perfect gift for anyone on your shopping list!

Check out this season's hot CD releases right in time for the holidays.

Dec. 2 CD Releases
Britney Spears, Circus
Akon, Freedom
Ricky Martin, 17
Scarface, Emeritus
50 Cent, Before I Self Destruct
Avant, Avant