Another Holiday Open House is now a part of the history of the Hormel Historic Home.

We welcomed more than 160 guests last weekend for tours of the beautifully decorated home. We served a traditional English tea complete with cucumber sandwiches, scones and clotted cream. Music from area musicians such as the Austinaires, Frequency, Sue Radloff and Sonia Larson, Peter Jacobs and Reminisce filled the whole facility. It was a wonderful kick off to the holiday season and plans are already underway for next years’ event.

A spoof of the holiday classic, “The Christmas Carol,” was also a part of our seasonal event. We hosted a Murder Mystery Dinner for nearly 50 people who had to solve the mystery of who killed Jacob Marley. I won’t tell you who the culprit was, but if you get the chance to attend a production by the 17th St. Players, I would highly recommend you do so. Those attending were able to tour the Home in the evening light and were enchanted by the fabulous décor.

Thank you to our guests, to the more than 40 volunteers who gave of their time, and to our community partners (Brick’s Furniture, Hy-Vee Grocery and Floral, and Belles and Beaus) who contributed items to the event. You helped make another holiday come alive at the HHH.

The Home will be decorated for the holidays through Jan. 1, so if you missed the open house but would like to see how our creative decorating team adorned every nook and cranny, you are welcome to tour during regular hours, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday, for $3 per person.

On another note, I wanted to give you a great idea for your leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Following is a recipe that is attributed to Lillian Hormel. With one minor revision, you will be able to stretch those leftovers a little further.

 Hot Chicken (Turkey) Loaf

•4-5 pounds cut up chicken-substitute leftover Turkey

•2 cups bread crumbs

•1 cup rice, cooked measurement

•2 tablespoons pimento

•3 cups chicken broth

•5 eggs, beaten

Combine meat and other ingredients and add more salt if necessary. Place in a greased baking pan so that mixture is about two inches deep. Bake at 350 degrees until firm, about one hour. Cut into squares and serve with mushroom sauce. Serves 8.

Champagne Brunch

11 a.m., Dec. 6

A Saturday brunch is planned for all to attend. More than 20 items will be on the buffet and mimosas will be served. More than 50 auction items will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event support the Historic Paramount Theatre and the Hormel Historic Home. If attending the Veldman Matinee, a free shuttle will be provided between the HHH and the Paramount before and after the show.

Tickets are $50 for the show and brunch and may be purchased at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Tickets for brunch only are $35 and may be purchased at the HHH.

History Happy Hour

5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8

Happy Hour-Museum Style. The Mower County Historical Society, the HHH and the Austin Public Library present a time for history lovers to socialize and learn in a historic setting. December’s presentation will take a look at Mower County’s big band history. Peter Jacobs will also play Christmas carols and share the history of traditional music of the season.

Free for members, $5 for non-members. Cash bar and light snacks available.