Discover 'Holiday Recipes From Under the Mistle-Toe'

Press Release

The 35th annual edition of "Holiday Recipes From Under the Mistle-Toe" has been published by the office of Dr. Richard L. Sawicki of Niagara Falls.

Every five years the office does a large edition that includes favorites from the past, with new recipes that have been submitted by patients, family members and friends from Lewiston, Niagara Falls and throughout the country. This year's book has over 150 recipes from 69 contributors. The book contains recipes for appetizers, main courses, breads, pastries, cookies and some miscellaneous items like candies, liquors, candied nuts and even dog biscuits. There are recipes from many different cultures and for many holidays. Also included are vegetarian, vegan, diabetic and gluten-free recipes.

As Mrs. Sawicki, the office nurse and book editor, says, "We try to have something which will appeal to everyone, especially with so many folks who are on special diets. We want everyone to feel like they can still enjoy food even if they have dietary restrictions."

While many of the recipes are traditional ethnic dishes that take time to prepare, like Polish pierogi and Italian gnocchi, there are also many modern, quick and easy recipes for busy working people to make, too. There are even recipes kids can make, so they feel like they are cooks. Some of the recipes are over 125 years old, and traditional family recipes that are passed on via the cookbook. Many people are excited to see grandma's or great-grandma's special recipes in the book, so they are able to share it with others. 

There is even a no-bake ice-box cake recipe from the 1940s that is delicious and great for days when it's too hot to turn on the oven! Those who remember John's Flaming Hearth's famous pumpkin ice cream pie can find the recipe in our cookbook. John himself would be proud so many remember this signature dessert from his restaurant.

Recipes have been gathered from all over the region and country, as patients who moved out of state and out-of-town friends and relatives send recipes to every year. In keeping with modern cooking techniques, we have bread machine, slow-cooker, instant pot and microwave recipes.

This year's book features many recipes that Dr. and Mrs. Sawicki made on the "Lori and Friends" TV show over the years and are quite popular. The book has endured through the years, even through the pandemic – probably because folks had more time to cook and bake.

The original book started from a cookie exchange Anne Sawicki did with 15 friends. She collected the recipes and printed them all so each person would have copies. Doc started telling patients and friends about all the cookies and how the recipes were printed up. Many asked for copies, so Anne made 25 copies, which disappeared immediately. She printed another 25 that went just as fast. The next year, in November, folks began asking if we were printing another cookbook and, 35 years later, the tradition continues.

If someone wants a copy of the book they can send a 6-by-9-inch, self-addressed, stamped envelope with $1.29 postage on it by Jan. 3, 2025, to our office at 8657 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14304, and we will send them one. There is no charge for the cookbooks we give away, we only ask that, if folks like it, they make a small donation to one of our local charities that helps people at the holidays.

We wish everyone a blessed holiday and healthy new year! Happy holidays and happy eating.