Come Tuesday, the doors of Forever, the home of Brent and Becky Heath at Flat Iron, will open for the 35th Annual Christmas Open House, sponsored by the Ware River Circle of The King’s Daughters and Sons.

At $35 per ticket, you can enjoy the grounds, interior Christmas decoration and the gourmet pleasure of the day’s menu: ham biscuits, salmon and crackers, chicken salad croissant sandwiches, pickles and olives, pineapple cheese spread, crackers, veggie platter with dill dip, Christmas cookies and mulled cider, all created by circle members.

Festivities are held in four sessions beginning with noon to 1 p.m., followed by 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3 to 4 p.m., and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Pianist John Peabody will be tickling the ivories with festive music.

For the hour you visit Forever, once you have enjoyed the food, you can see the Christmas decorations all done by circle members and tour the home that was designed with the living space on one floor for their forever home. “Built for entertaining, it was designed with enough space where everyone could enjoy a party, including the person in the kitchen,” the circle said. Give yourself enough time to enjoy viewing the surrounding plantings and the Heaths’ collection of wood, shells and rocks. Above all, don’t miss the fantastic view of Back Creek. “Brent was raised in the house that was on this same site and wanted the view of Back Creek that he enjoyed as a child to be part of his everyday life,” the circle said.

Since 1896 the Ware River Circle of The King’s Daughters and Sons has been a vital support to many local and state philanthropic projects. The members have set a goal for this year’s celebration $35,000. These proceeds are given to CHKD, Abingdon and Gloucester fire departments, Samaritan Group, Care Clinic, GUEST, and other local charities.

Tickets are available at the Silver Box on Main Street, Gloucester. Visitors are encouraged to carpool to make parking more manageable, especially if it’s rainy. Parking will be at the side parking lot at Brent and Becky’s Bulbs.

“We are privileged and honored to not only help the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and our community but to set the stage for a joyous holiday season for our friends and community,” said the Heaths.

PARTY CHEESE BALL

2 8-oz. packages cream cheese, softened
2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese, softened
1 8-oz. can crushed pineapple, very well drained
1 Tbs. onion finely chopped
1 Tbs. green pepper, finely minced
1 tsp. seasoned salt
Dash Worcestershire sauce
1 c. finely chopped pecans

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined (a fork works well). Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes to firm up the cheese mixture. Scoop the chilled mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Wrap tightly, and return to the refrigerator to chill for at least 6 hours to be firm (or up to one week). Before serving, unwrap and let stand about 20 minutes. Roll in chopped pecans to coat. Serve with crackers.

DILL DIP

1 c. mayonnaise
1 c. sour cream
2 Tbs. onion flakes
3 Tbs. fresh dill 
1 Tbs. fresh parsley
1 tsp. seasoned salt 

In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise, sour cream, onion flakes, dill, parsley, and seasoned salt. Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight.
 

HEATH BITS PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

½ c. shortening
¾ c. peanut butter
1¼ c. packed light brown sugar
3 Tbs. whole milk
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
1 large egg
1½ c. all-purpose flour
¾ tsp. baking soda
¾ tsp. salt
8-oz. pkg. Heath Bits

Heat oven to 375°F. Beat shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla and egg in large bowl until well blended. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture. Stir in the Heath Bits. Drop by heaping teaspoons about 2 inches apart onto sheet pans lined with parchment paper. Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until set. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Cool 2 minutes, then remove to wire racks. Cool completely. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

HOT MULLED CIDER

1 gal. fresh apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
1 medium orange
5 3-inch cinnamon sticks
1 Tbs. whole cloves
Orange slices, optional, for serving

Pour apple cider or juice into a slow cooker, 5-quart size or larger. Cut orange into ¼-inch thick rounds and add to the cooker. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and optional other spices. It’s easier to serve if you tie the spices in a double layer of cheese cloth or paper coffee filter. Cover the cooker and cook for four hours on low. Strain the cider, keep warm, and serve in mugs which may be garnished with more orange slices.