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Cover photo by Art Nelson
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HelloFriendsandNeighbors!
PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher: Debby Daigle
Content Coordinator: Doreen Sargente
Designer: Jong Vang
Contributing Photographer: G. Frank Hart Photography
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Contact: Debby Daigle
Email: ddaigle@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: (910) 443-3199
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS:
Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 1st of each month. Email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: dsargente@bestversionmedia.com
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Are you on the communication committee for your neighborhood? Contact us for information on how you can submit articles, updates, reminders, events and more to your neighbors. Email dsargente@bestversionmedia.com
Content
January
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May is such a beautiful time in our coastal communities. The days are longer, the sun is warmer, and everything around us seems to be in full bloom. It’s the perfect season to get outside, reconnect with neighbors, and enjoy all that makes Magnolia Greens, Waterford, and Compass Pointe such special places to call home
As we welcome this vibrant time of year, we also celebrate Mother’s Day—a wonderful opportunity to recognize the incredible women in our lives who support, inspire, and shape our families and communities every day.
This month, I’m especially excited to introduce you to our featured family, the Nelsons of Waterford. Like so many who choose to call this area home, they describe their move here nearly three years ago as “the best decision they ever made.” Art Nelson’s journey is both impressive and inspiring. Stories like the Nelsons’ are exactly what Neighbors of Leland is all about—celebrating the people who make our communities so unique. Read the Nelsons story on page 10.
And speaking of special members of our community… we’re excited to bring back: Pet Corner!
Let Neighbors of Leland feature your BFF! We want to highlight your best furry friend.
Send us:
• A favorite photo of your pet
• 2–3 sentences telling us why they are special
Email submissions to: ddaigle@bestversionmedia.com
We can’t wait to meet the beloved pets who bring so much joy to your homes.
Thank you for being part of this growing and connected community. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning on your porch, meeting friends for a walk, or celebrating time with family, I hope this season brings you happiness and plenty of reasons to smile.
HelloNeighbors!
Happy May! There is a distinct energy that takes over our communities this time of year. As the spring blossoms fully mature and the afternoon breeze carries that familiar coastal warmth, it’s hard not to feel a renewed sense of appreciation for the beautiful surroundings we call home.
This month, our cover features a true “Renaissance man” from Waterford: Art Nelson. Art is a talented photographer, a gifted musician, and an all-around gogetter. His insights into his creative passions and active lifestyle are truly inspiring—it’s a feature you won’t want to miss.
If you’ve been dreaming of adventures beyond our borders, I have a special treat for you. I’ll be hosting a presentation on The Good Life Abroad, a topic that has proven to be incredibly popular for its unique take on international slow travel. Please join us on:
Date: May 19th Time/Location: 4-6 pm at the Community Commons in Brunswick Forest
Please Note Our Entry Policy: Due to building fire codes and room capacity limits, pre-registration is mandatory.
* Check-In: We will have individuals at the door checking names against the registration list.
• No Walk-ins: To ensure the comfort and safety of our guests, we cannot admit anyone who is not on the list or who is on the waitlist.
• To Register: Email me at dsargente@bestversionmedia.com.
We want everyone to have a seat and a great experience, so please secure your spot early!
I hope this month brings you plenty of sunshine, inspiration from Art’s story, and perhaps a new hobby or two.
As always, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay grateful!
Ciao, Debby Daigle Publisher Doreen Sargente Content Coordinator
MAYCALENDAROFEVENTS
Thursday–Saturday, May 7–9
⭐ BEST FOR FAMILIES
WILMA DASH & HEALTH FEST
@ Wilmington Riverfront 5K run/walk paired with a community wellness festival featuring vendors and activities.
Time: Race mornings; festival continues midday
Cost: Registration fee required
Friday–Sunday, May 8–10
⭐ BEST FOR FAMILIES
THE WIZARD OF OZ
@ Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Classic musical adventure following Dorothy down the yellow brick road.
Time: Evening performances at 7:30 PM; Sunday matinee at 2:00 PM
Cost: Ticketed; typically $25–$35
Saturday, May 9
⭐ BEST FOR FAMILIES
RIVERFRONT FARMERS MARKET
@ Downtown Wilmington Riverwalk
Fresh produce, local goods, live music, and kid-friendly browsing along the Cape Fear River.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Sunday, May 10
⭐ BEST FOR FAMILIES
MOTHER’S DAY AT THE GARDENS
@ Airlie Gardens
Stroll blooming gardens with familyfriendly activities and spring scenery.
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: Admission fee; children discounted
Wednesday, May 13
JAZZ AT CAM
@ Cameron Art Museum
Live jazz in an intimate gallery setting.
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Ticketed; typically $40–$60
Friday, May 15
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT IN THE PARK
@ Leland Municipal Park
Outdoor movie under the stars with space for blankets and lawn chairs.
Time: Movie begins at dusk (~8:15 PM)
Cost: Free
Saturday, May 16
⭐ BEST FOR FAMILIES
NORTH BRUNSWICK HERITAGE
FESTIVAL
@ Leland Municipal Park
Local vendors, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and community exhibits.
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Sunday, May 17
LIVE! AT CAM CAFÉ
@ Cameron Art Museum
Casual live music in a relaxed café environment.
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Saturday, May 23
⭐ BEST FOR FAMILIES
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CONCERT & FIREWORKS
@ Riverfront Park, Wilmington
Live music followed by a fireworks display along the river.
Time: Concert begins ~6:00 PM; fireworks at dusk
Cost: Free
Monday, May 25
⭐ BEST FOR FAMILIES
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
@ Veterans Park, Leland
Community gathering honoring service members with a respectful, familyappropriate program.
Time: 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Saturday, May 30
⭐BEST FOR FAMILIES
SUNSET BEACH SUMMER MARKET KICKOFF
@ Sunset Beach Town Park
Seasonal outdoor market with crafts, food vendors, and live entertainment.
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
JUNE 2026
Wednesday, June 3
JAZZ AT CAM
@ Cameron Art Museum
Evening jazz performance in a welcoming setting.
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Ticketed; typically $40–$60
Friday, June 5
⭐ BEST FOR FAMILIES
SOUNDS OF SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
@ Leland Municipal Park
Live outdoor concert with familyfriendly music and open lawn seating.
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Cost: Free
Saturday, June 6
⭐ BEST FOR FAMILIES
RIVERFRONT FARMERS MARKET
@ Downtown Wilmington Riverwalk
Local produce, artisan goods, and a lively weekend atmosphere.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Sunday, June 7
⭐ BEST FOR FAMILIES
FAMILY DAY AT THE MUSEUM
@ Cameron Art Museum
Hands-on art activities and interactive exhibits designed for children and families.
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: Included with admission; free for members
Tuesday–Sunday, June 9–14
SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL
@ Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Colorful, whimsical musical bringing Dr. Seuss characters to life — especially fun for younger audiences.
Time: Evening shows at 7:30 PM; select matinees at 2:00 PM
Cost: Ticketed; typically $20–$30
By Doreen Sargente
BY GRACE SCHULTE
Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) was established in 1949. Before it was designated for the month of May, it was a week-long event launched by Mental Health America’s founder, Clifford W. Beers, with the goal of destigmatizing mental illness. Organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have been recognizing MHAM every May for the past 20 years in order to increase awareness of the integral role our mental health plays in our overall health!
You might notice that there is a green ribbon often associated with MHAM. The green ribbon serves as a symbol of support for all of those living with mental health conditions, as well as promotes overall awareness.
Secrets, Lies, & Cheating
BY MARIANN KAYSER
Perhaps I should be clearer but let’s be honest, the provocative title certainly grabbed your interest. Now that I have it, let’s dive into our discussion and how this relates to home design and organizing.
Years ago, when my son was young, I went to pick him up from our babysitter’s house and she was busy cleaning the house but asked me to “walk and talk”. As I’m following her around, I noticed she was picking up dirty clothes and kept going back to the master bathroom and would open the sink cabinet and toss them in. I had never seen anyone do that before so I had to know why she would toss dirty clothes there. She laughed and said come here, let me show you my secret. When she opened the cabinet there was a huge hole cut in the bottom of the cabinet where she tossed the dirty clothes down into a large garbage bin in the basement. She had a one-story ranch, and her washer and dryer were in the basement and that was how she got all the dirty clothes to the basement without carrying laundry baskets. We then went to the basement, and she had laundry baskets set up to divide the dirty clothes into whites, towels, darks, etc. I thought that was genius! Fast forward a short time later and I too had a hole in one of my brand new expensive linen cabinets in my bathroom. We had to cut through the new tile flooring and frame it out professionally, but it was amazing. Changed my life for the better and I was forever grateful to Lori for sharing her “secret.”
being in perfect condition. My mother never felt the need to duplicate the behavior, but I think it may have been very tempting to her if not for the fact that her windows were too large, and any visitor would catch her in the act.
When I was younger, I remember my mom coming back from her friend’s house and she was commenting on how her friend told her she lies about how clean her house is when company stops by unexpectedly. Her friend said she runs around gathering items quickly and tosses them into a large garbage bag and then puts the bag in a closet before the doorbell rings. Seems a little extreme or unnecessary because she was a very tidy person, but she liked the “lie” of presenting her house as always
That leaves us with cheating. I think we can be honest, and we all can admit to cheating sometimes in our homes. Maybe we’re running late for dinner guests and buy a bakery cake and present it as homemade. We might need to vacuum the dog hair o our couch but toss a decorative blanket over it instead. Most of us love plants in our homes but not everyone can remember to take care of them. I recently did a job and the homeowner desperately wanted plants but with three small children, two large dogs and her and her husband both working they can’t even keep a cactus alive (true story)! So, I told her to not think twice about cheating. Do what you must do to fit your lifestyle and add a little design flare to your home. I took her shopping to several stores, and we scored some gorgeous faux plants and placed them in the appropriate spots. It changed the look of her home and gave her peace of mind that she didn’t have to set a weekly reminder with Alexa to take care of the plants. Men are great cheaters too. I’ve heard some amazing tricks from my contractor brother and my husband is pretty good at cheating when he does things too!
So, my advice is go ahead. It’s your home and if you can’t change your circumstances, change your attitude. Figure out your own secrets, tell some lies and start cheating. Then sit back and enjoy your home, your friends, and your family.
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A Milestone in Mo on
ARTICLE AND PHOTO(S) SUBMITTED BY DEBBY DAIGLE
A Milestone in Motion: My Visit to Brunswick Surgery Center’s Mako Milestone Day
On March 2nd, I had the pleasure of visiting Brunswick Surgery Center— located on the first floor of the EmergeOrtho Bldg. at Brunswick Forest—to celebrate a remarkable achievement: Mako Milestone Day, marking their 2,000th Mako roboticassisted surgery.
I was welcomed by Dr. Eric Lescault, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement and sports medicine and one of the founding physicians behind Brunswick Surgery Center.
Brunswick Surgery Center opened in September 2020 and is a physician owned ambulatory surgery center. Not only does it perform minimally invasive hip and knee robotic surgery but also o ers outpatient surgeries to include foot and ankle, hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder procedures. It has earned the prestigious DNV Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation—a top-tier accreditation that reflects rigorous standards set by DNV and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), with a focus on patient safety, quality outcomes, and clinical excellence.
“I believe that the DNV certification reflects our e orts to support the vision and mindset of Brunswick Surgery Center,” said Dr. Lescault. “That vision has always been to o er the most technologically advanced, a ordable orthopedic care to our region.”
In 2021, BSC introduced Mako robotic-assisted technology for hip and knee replacements—bringing cutting-edge innovation closer to home.
“We wanted to bring robotics here, so patients don’t have to travel for it,” Dr. Lescault shared. “There really is no reason to go outside the region.”
What Makes Mako Technology So Advanced?
The Mako system is far more than a robotic tool—it’s a highly sophisticated surgical platform that begins with a CT-based 3D model of the patient’s joint. This allows surgeons to plan every detail of the procedure in advance, from sizing to precise component placement
Dr. Lescault likens it to “a pilot flying with radar.” The technology provides real-time guidance, while the surgeon remains in full control of the robotic arm throughout the procedure.
The result is greater precision, less soft tissue damage, and more accurate implant placement—leading to less pain, faster recovery, and higher patient satisfaction.
Why It Matters for Patients
• The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery are significant:
• Less post-operative pain and reduced need for opioids
• Faster recovery and quicker return to daily activities
• Improved joint function and flexibility
• Greater implant stability and longevity
Care Close to Home
What stood out to me most wasn’t just the technology—it was the intention behind it. The investment in bringing this level of innovation to Brunswick Forest reflects a deep commitment to our community.
At the end of the day, when friends gather and the conversation turns to aches and pains, it’s reassuring to know that relief is right here—just down the street.
I’m grateful to Dr. Lescault and the entire Brunswick Surgery Center team for their dedication, compassion, and pursuit of excellence. It’s exactly the kind of care we hope for— and the kind we’re fortunate to have right here at home.
Who Speaks for You When You Can’t?
BY DOREEN SARGENTE
In the high-stakes environment of an ICU, seconds matter and emotions often cloud judgment. For 15 years, internal medicine physician Dr. Chris Sepich witnessed a recurring tragedy: families paralyzed by “decision fatigue” and patients left without a clear voice. He saw firsthand the chaos of hospital sta searching social media to find a next-of-kin, only for that person to be understandably unprepared for the medical complexities at hand.
Driven by these experiences, Chris and his wife, Dr. Jody Sepich—also a board-certified internist—launched Your HCPOA. It is the first service of its kind in North Carolina (and a pioneer nationally) where a physician serves as your legal Healthcare Power of Attorney agent.
Unlike traditional models that rely on well-meaning but often overwhelmed family members, Your HCPOA provides a professional medical advocate. Dr.
Chris Sepich transitioned from his long-standing primary care practice to fill this specific void, realizing that while many doctors can treat a patient, none are legally empowered to advocate for their patients once they lose decision-making capacity.
“I wanted to ease the burden on the daughter, sitting in the ICU beside her incapacitated mother, trying to do what’s right but simply not knowing what that is.,” says Dr. Sepich. “We provide an objective, clinically informed voice that ensures the patient’s lifestyle preferences—not guesswork—guide the care.”
Why a Physician Agent?
• Clinical Insight: Dr. Sepich understands medical terminology and prognoses in real-time, allowing for swift, informed decisions that can avoid unnecessary secondary surgeries or complications.
• Emotional Neutrality: In a crisis, loved ones may struggle to process information. As a physician agent, Dr. Sepich remains an objective advocate, asking the right questions of the medical team without the cloud of external pressures.
• A Solution for the “Solo Ager”: For Wilmington’s growing retiree population who may not have family nearby, Your HCPOA prevents the risks of hospitaldefault consent laws or courtordered guardianship.
Dr. Sepich doesn’t just manage documents; he builds relationships. He spends significant time with clients long before a crisis occurs, learning their health history and defining their specific values. Your HCPOA is also available 24/7 because medical emergencies don’t wait. Whether it’s authorizing an immediate procedure during surgery or navigating an end-of-life diagnosis, Your HCPOA ensures your wishes are carried out with clarity and respect.
Serving individuals and families across North Carolina, Your HCPOA o ers the ultimate security: the knowledge that when you cannot speak for yourself, a trusted physician who knows your heart and your history will speak for you.
REAL ESTATE STATISTICS - MARCH 2026
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MUSIC, MEDIA, ANDMARATHONS:
A Deep Dive with Art Nelson
By Doreen Sargente
It’s not every day you meet someone whose life story feels like a perfectly scripted movie, but for Waterford resident Art Nelson, the plot twists have a way of working out just right. If you’ve spent any time around the tennis courts, the clubhouse, or caught a local gig by the band Later Gator, you’ve likely run into him—probably with a camera in hand or a guitar strapped to his back.
A $200 Twist of Fate
The story of the Nelson family truly began with a stroke of serendipity at the University of Colorado Boulder. After completing a student teaching assignment back in New York, Art assumed he’d have to skip his own graduation ceremony; the funds just weren’t there for a crosscountry flight.
In a classic “meant-to-be” moment, his aunt sent him a graduation card with exactly $200 inside—the precise cost of a round-trip ticket. He hopped on the plane, and that very week, he met Dawn. Fast forward 38 years, and that graduation gift remains the best investment of his life. Together, they’ve built a life centered on family, adventure, and a shared love for staying active.
From Nike to the Classroom
Art’s professional journey is a blend of high-energy corporate work and dedicated public service. After graduating from UCB with a degree in Secondary Health
Education and later earning a Master’s in Health and Psychology from Lehman College, he spent six years in the athletic industry working for Nike and Asics.
However, his true calling was in the classroom. He spent 28 years teaching High School Health and AP Psychology in Scarsdale, New York. But Art did more than teach: he was the ultimate “involved” faculty member, serving as the Senior Class Advisor, Yearbook Advisor, and even running a recording studio for the students.
A Family of Athletes and High-Flyers
The Nelsons are a family that rarely sits still. Dawn is an avid pickleball and tennis player who has tackled two NYC Marathons—a feat Art himself has conquered six times.
• Their sons have inherited that competitive spark:
• Ryan, who lives in Pittsburgh, is a computer engineer currently working toward his pilot’s license. In his younger days, he was a standout in high school cross country and track.
Justin, a Wilmington local, was a varsity football and baseball player and now spends his free time as an avid fisherman.
Back at home, the “pack” is rounded out by two very di erent, but equally loved, pups. There’s Sammy, a 15-pound Havanese, and Shea, a 70-pound “mush” of a mixed breed rescued from a shelter in Georgia.
Photos submitted by Art Nelson
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The Creative Spark: Music and Media Retirement seven years ago didn’t mean slowing down; it just meant switching gears. Art has been playing music since he was 17, and these days, you can find him playing guitar, piano, drums, or bass. He’s a member of the Leland-based band Later Gator, often hosting rehearsals or recording sessions in his home studio.
If that’s not enough, Art has also been a professional photographer and videographer for 35 years, with a special passion for sports photography. Since moving to North Carolina, he’s become a vital volunteer for the community, providing media coverage for:
• North Brunswick High School sports
• The Waterford Social Committee
• Local political campaigns
• The Unitarian Universalist Church of Wilmington
In fact, if you’ve been to the Waterford clubhouse lately, you might have noticed two of his large-scale photos brightening up the walls.
Why Waterford?
For the Nelsons, the move to Waterford nearly three years ago was “the best decision they ever made.” They traded the hustle of New York for a brand-new home with stunning views of the canal and lake.
“We say almost every day that we’ve met another terrific person,” Art says. “Through our interests in sports and music, we’ve found a community of friends who enjoy living life to the fullest.”
The couple has even hosted two outdoor concerts right in their neighborhood, bringing the “Later Gator” sound directly to their friends and neighbors.
Resilience and New Horizons
Art attributes his ability to connect with such a wide variety of people to his upbringing. Raised by a single mother in New York, his family moved often and faced financial struggles. Those early challenges built a resilience that has served him well throughout his life.
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On the flip side, Dawn’s family history reaches for the skies—her father was an Air Force fighter pilot who later became a Captain for American Airlines. Perhaps that’s why the couple still has the travel bug. While they’ve explored England, France, and Italy in the past, they have their sights set on Portugal later this year, as well as exploring the hidden gems of North Carolina. Art still counts a photography trip to Death Valley, California, as one of his all-time favorite experiences.
A Final Note to the Neighbors
The Nelsons are clearly here to stay. They view North Carolina as their “forever home” and feel like they’re living in paradise. If you see them out walking the dogs or heading to the courts, be sure to say hello—and maybe ask when the next backyard concert is happening!
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Army Brigadier General (ret.)
Wayne W. Grigsby Jr.
Appointed President of the Veterans Crea ve Arts Program
ARTICLE AND PHOTO(S) PROVIDED BY GERALD DECKER,
COMMANDER
Army Brigadier General (ret.) Wayne W. Grigsby Jr. Appointed President of the Veterans Creative Arts Program**
Brunswick County, North Carolina — 6 April 2026 — The Veterans Creative Arts Program is proud to announce the appointment of Brigadier General (ret.) Wayne W Grigsby Jr as its new President. With a deep dedication to supporting veterans and first responders through arts and creative expression, General Grigsby brings 40 years of experience in the United States Army and working with Veterans and their family members, along with a passionate commitment to empowering our nation’s heroes.
General Grigsby received a Master of Strategic Studies from the National Defense University and a Master of Arts and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies in Kansas.
Since leaving the Army, General Grisby has served as the Dean of Academics at St. John’s Military School in Salina, Kansas. He was also an Associate Professor at the Georgia Military Academy in Milledgeville, Georgia, where he taught History and Homeland Security.
In this leadership role, General Grigsby will oversee the program’s strategic direction, foster collaborations with community partners, and continue to promote the transformative power of creative arts for veterans’ healing, reintegration, and quality of life.
“I am honored to serve as President of the Veterans Creative Arts Program,” said Wayne. “Our veterans have given so much for our country, and I believe that art can be a vital tool in their journey toward healing, selfexpression, and community connection. I look forward to working with our dedicated team and partners to expand our reach and impact.”
The Veterans Creative Arts Program will provide access to high-quality creative arts to Active Military, Veterans, First Responders, and their families experiencing servicerelated trauma to assist in improving their health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
The Veterans Creative Arts Program is dedicated to providing veterans with opportunities to participate in visual arts, music, dance, theater, and other expressive arts activities, fostering camaraderie, personal growth, and developing a network of health.
For more information about the Veterans Creative Arts Program or to get involved, please visit our website at info@veteranscreativearts.org or contact Wayne W. Grigsby Jr. at 910-317-6237
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MAKES: ONE 9-INCH BUCKLE
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup full-fat buttermilk
• ½ cup heavy cream, plus more (optional) for serving
Strawberries have symbolized purity, passion, and healing since ancient times. Their heart shape and red color associate them with Venus, the Goddess of Love. April marked the beginning of Strawberry Season, strawberries are ripe and plentiful.
STRAWBERRY BUCKLE
A traditional buckle is an e cient breakfast option, providing significant flavor with minimal e ort. The classic buckle is a cross between a light co ee cake and a cobbler, with fresh fruit gently pressed into a quickly made batter. A hefty scattering of turbinado sugar across the top adds a solid crunch, while it also protects the fruit from scorching.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan, pie pan, or cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil spray.
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1-pint (about 12 ounces) strawberries, hulled and rinsed (if large, cut into halves)
• Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, use a fork to stir the lemon zest into the granulated sugar until well mixed. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to infuse. Add the butter to the sugar mixture in the bowl. Using the paddle attachment, beat on medium speed until well combined and pale yellow, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle (where the zest may collect).
3. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt onto a sheet of parchment paper.
4.In a large liquid measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, heavy cream, and vanilla.
5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour and alternating with the buttermilk mixture; beat well on medium speed after each addition. The batter will be thick.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan all the way to the edges without smoothing the surface. Distribute the strawberries evenly on top, pressing them lightly into the batter, skinside up if cut. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar evenly across the top.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, rotating the pan from front to back halfway through, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly, then serve directly from the pan, pouring some heavy cream on each portion, if desired.
BY DEBBY DAIGLE
