The Nutcracker invites audiences into a dazzling holiday world where imagination, music, and movement come to life. Experience The Nutcracker at its most enchanting.
Tickets on sale now.
Or…win with Sammy in the noon hour all this week!
Fun Zone: Win Tickets to Ed Sheeran!
Your Ed Sheeran NIGHT starts in the MORNING, only on 96.1 BBB! Wake up with Madison, listen to the Fun Zone just after 7 and get your chance to win tickets to see Ed Sheeran live at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Friday, October 17th. You can sing along to every unforgettable lyric, feel the emotion in every song, and experience the magic that only Ed can bring. Listen, play along, and win when you start your day with Madison every morning…this is your shot to experience a night full of stories, songs, and memories you’ll never forget. With 96.1 BBB, Variety is everything!
Win this week with Madison in the Fun Zone just after 7 a.m.!
Baked Soft Pretzels
This warm, chewy baked soft pretzel recipe is quick, easy, and the perfect salty snack.
Ingredients
- For the Dough
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for bowl)
- For the Baking Soda Bath
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- For the Topping
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse salt (pretzel salt or sea salt)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
Add salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
3. Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 450°F.
4. Shape the pretzels
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20–22 inch rope and twist into pretzel shapes.
5. Baking soda bath
Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a gentle boil. Drop each pretzel into the water for 20–30 seconds, then remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Egg wash and salt
Brush each pretzel with beaten egg. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
7. Bake and enjoy
Bake for 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown. Brush with butter right out of the oven and enjoy!
December 5th 2025
Thought of the Day
You are never too old to reinvent yourself.
Homemade Hot Cocoa
This classic hot cocoa is a decadent way to warm up as it gets cold outside.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (any kind works)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Candy cane crumbles
Instructions
1. Make the base
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and about 2 tablespoons of the milk to form a smooth paste.
2. Add the milk
Slowly whisk in the rest of the milk, then heat just until steaming.
3. Add the chocolate
Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
4. Finishing touches
Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla, and pour into mugs. Then, top with your choice of whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy cane crumbles and enjoy!
December 4th 2025
Thought of the Day
The show must go on.
Easy Tomato Soup
It’s time for some warm comfort food this season. Enjoy this super easy, cozy tomato soup that will keep you warm on chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded mozzarella or parmesan, fresh basil, red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Build the base
In a large pot, combine tomato sauce and broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
2. Add cream and seasoning
Lower heat and stir in the cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Warm for 2-3 minutes.
3. Serve and enjoy
And just like that, you’ve made a delicious, creamy tomato soup! Enjoy with crackers or a grilled cheese for the ultimate cozy meal.
December 3rd 2025
Thought of the Day
Sometimes, the wrong train takes you to the right station.
Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Arizona and Anne!
🚨 ALL DONATIONS MATCHED—Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $150,000) so it has 2x the impact. Head to the site to donate now to make sure your donation is doubled 🚨
Hey there, I’m Arizona – your future pop culture sidekick! Think of me as the Tony Stark of cats: charismatic, clever, and ready to steal the show. I’ve got that blockbuster star quality that means I’ll be the main character in your life’s adventure. My personality is basically a mix between a witty sitcom lead and a superhero – always ready with a charming moment or a playful pounce. Let’s make some magic happen! How did I get here? Transferred from Craven Pamlico Animal Services. ~My adoption fee is $65.00.~
Hey there, world travelers! I’m Anne, your potential new adventure buddy ready to join your journey of life. As an easygoing gal who loves exploring, I’m dreaming of hitting the road with my perfect human companion and seeing all the amazing sights this world has to offer. My adaptable personality means I’m just as comfortable chilling in the passenger seat as I am checking out a new hiking trail or lounging at a roadside café. So, are you ready to map out our next exciting expedition together? I am full grown at ~54lbs. How did I get here? Transferred from Harnett County Animal Shelter where I came in as a stray. **I have been diagnosed with heartworm disease and will begin treatment soon – please speak with an adoption specialist for details.** ~My adoption fee is $120.00.~
Gingerbread Cookies
‘Tis the season to start enjoying some winter favorites! These gingerbread cookies are classic, fun, and the perfect way to start off the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- gingerbread person cookie cutters (optional)
- Icing ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of lemon juice (optional, helps balance sweetness)
Instructions
1. Make the base mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla and mix until smooth. Then, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, stirring until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat and prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Create the cookies
Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, then cut out the gingerbread people shapes and transfer them to the sheets.
4. Bake
Bake 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how soft or crisp you prefer. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a rack.
5. Make the icing
Stir together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, vanilla, and lemon juice. Add more milk in tiny amounts until the icing reaches a smooth, pipe-able consistency. Then, put the icing into a plastic bag and cut off the corner when you’re ready to decorate.
6. Decorate your gingerbread
Now for the fun part! Let the gingerbread cool, then decorate them with the icing however you’d like.
7. Enjoy!
Let the icing set, then enjoy this tasty wintry treat.