HOTLINE: Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

RECIPE #4741 / ANN COX EASTES / KROGER:  Ann made Strawberry Meringue Bars. You can find this recipe on our website, www.newschannel5.com. Just click on the "Talk of the Town" section, then "Recipes by Date" and look for Recipe #4741. Ann is doing a cooking class at the Tennessee Beef Council office in Murfreesboro tomorrow from 11:00am – 1:00pm. The cost for the class it $10, and includes all the food! To register, call the Beef Council Office at (615) 896-5811.

GIFT IDEAS / LINDY MULLEN / THE AVENUE:  Lindy showed us holiday gift ideas for the men, women and children on your list.  All of the items can be found at various stores at The Avenue, located at 2615 Medical Center Parkway in Murfreesboro. You could win an iPad or a $1000 Shopping Spree to The Avenue! For details, check out www.avenuegiveaway.com or text AveMB to 88500. There are other fun events taking place at The Avenue this month, they will have photos with Santa every Saturday and Sunday at Murfreesboro Toy Company, and the Live Reindeer Experience is December 20th & 21st from 12 noon – 6pm at Camp Avenue near Stride Rite. Visit www.shoptheavenue.com for event details, holiday hours and more gift ideas.

GIFTS IDEAS / JULIE CRAGON / ST. MARY'S BOOKSTORE:  Julie showed us religious gift ideas for the holidays. St. Mary's Bookstore is located 1909 West End Avenue in Nashville. For more information call (615) 329-1835 or visit www.stmarysbookstore.com.

GIVEAWAY / ESSEX BARGAIN HUNT: We gave away a beautiful designer 7 ½ foot Kennedy Fir Christmas Tree, pre-lit with clear lights. The tree comes with a stand and a storage bag. The original retail price was $449, but Essex Bargain Hunt has been selling them for $199.99 - and now it's half off THAT price!  All the stores have a big selection of trees.  There are great deals at all 13 locations around our area, especially if you're looking for Christmas trees and holiday decor, which are now an extra 50 percent off the discount price! To find the nearest Essex Bargain Hunt location to you, visit www.bargainhunt.com. For more information call 615-834-7497.