Phil Tibi - Newsletter December 2020

LIFESTYLE BILTMORE ESTATES

December 2020

GIVE BETTER

Rethinking Fruitcake A Modern Fruitcake

Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area​ Phoenix, AZ

Potatoes Au Gratin GoodNes

Presented By Phil Tibi

LOCAL VENUE Audubon Society Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area Phoenix, AZ

FOREVER FRUITCAKE As part of Audubon Arizona’s mission to protect birds and their habitats, this five-mile stretch of the Salt River has undergone a massive transformation. What was once a dry riverbed used as a dumping ground is now a thriving home to more than 200 species of birds and desert animals. Paved and dirt trails take you through scenes of wetland ponds to cottonwood forests, with unique user features along the way. Whether on foot, bike or horse, visitors are welcome to explore from dawn to dusk. *Please note that while trails are open for use, the Rio Salado Audubon Center is currently closed.

Source: RioSalado.Audubon.org

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hat is unnaturally red and green, way heavier than it should be, and hanging around long after the holidays are over? Fruitcake, of course!

We’ve all seen these colorful confections during the holidays, but what exactly is fruitcake, why do people like to give them as gifts, and has anyone actually eaten one?

Fruitcake first became “a thing” back in ancient Rome, when soldiers relied on this high-calorie dense cake during war campaigns. It was made from pomegranate seeds, raisins, and ancient grains and actually served as a sort of energy bar sustaining the soldiers as they traveled from battle to battle.

Spices, honey, and other preserved fruits were added into the mix during the Middle Ages. Fast forward to Europe in the 1700s to find a fruitcake that more resembles the kind we often see at the holidays. These sweet treats were made at the end of the nut harvest but weren’t eaten until the following year as a way to ensure yet another good harvest. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, fruitcake became popular once again, with Queen Victoria herself saving a slice from her birthday for a year before eating the decadent dessert saying it showed moderation and restraint. In England, carolers were given slices after singing during Christmas and the two entities became forevermore intertwined.

Eventually, fruitcake made its way to the American colonies where it was often gifted in traditional tins. Since then, fruitcake has evolved into a dense sweet cake often filled with candied nuts and pieces of colorful dried fruits. And it has become a bit of a love it or hate it treat, inspiring such events as the National Fruitcake Month (December, no surprise) followed with the Great Fruitcake Toss day on January 3. See what we mean? There are even two towns vying for the title of Fruitcake Capital of the World (Claxton, Georgia, and Corsicana, Texas). No need to fight, guys.

One more unusual aspect of the fruitcake? It can be “aged” by drenching it in alcohol to preserve it to eat later on. Some enthusiasts use rum, brandy, or whiskey to preserve their fruitcakes for months or even years. The alcohol also lends flavor and moistness to the cake.

Of course, this part is optional. Perhaps serve the alcohol on the side … and maybe eat your fruitcake before 2022.

LIFEWISE

where you can choose from T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other clothing items emblazoned with words tied to different social justice issues (Phenomenal Woman, Ambitious, Phenomenal Farmworker, to name just a few). Not only will proceeds support the social cause of your choice but the clothing will continue to spread the message every time the recipient wears the item.

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oliday gift giving in 2020 seems much more challenging. We all want more meaning behind things we give to others. It’s obvious that some of us need less, while others need much more. And we all want to make a positive change in the world.

Suddenly, a sweater or a trinket just won’t do. Rather than returning to the tired traditions of meaningless gift exchanges, try finding gifts that actually do some good.

For a friend or family member who doesn’t really need anything, head over to donate.worldvision.org, where you can give the gift of medicine, food, or even heat and clean water. Simply make a donation in a loved one’s name and a card will be sent explaining the gift that was given in their name. Interested in giving a more tangible gift? Every purchase at giftsforgood.com—a cutting board, a stuffed elephant, a blanket—includes a donation to an important cause. What’s unique here is that you can choose a cause that’s important to you (empowering women, helping children, the environment) and then choose a gift that will give back to these specific initiatives.

Want your gift to do double duty? Check out phenomenalwoman. us, inspired by Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” poem,

Or maybe you’re looking for something more practical. One thing we can all use is hand soap, right? Why not give the gift of Love Heals Thistle Farms (thistlefarms.org) soaps, essential oils, candles, and other natural home and personal care products. This nonprofit helps women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction by providing housing, a job, and support.

Some 75 percent of the women they have helped are now living healthy, independent lives.

Maybe you have a female friend or family member on your list?

Head over to feedprojects.com and check out the cool bags. Each purchase sends a gift of meals to hungry schoolchildren around the world. (The company has donated more 117 million meals to date!) Shopping for a coffee lover who also digs dogs? With each purchase of fair trade coffee at groundsandhoundscoffee.com a donation will be made to an animal rescue organization (their tagline is “Every cup helps a pup”). Have a sweet tooth on your list? Look no farther than cookiesforkidscancer.org. All profits of these cookies go toward seven of the nation’s leading pediatric cancer centers. Seems like a win-win to us. Here’s to a better, healthier 2021!

FLAVORFUL

Potatoes Au Gratin INGREDIENTS ½ cup

Gruyère cheese

1 cup

Low-fat 2% milk

1 cup

Cheddar cheese

3 tbs

All-purpose flour

½ tsp

Ground black pepper

3 tbs

Unsalted butter

1 tsp

Salt

2 lbs.

Red potatoes

1 tsp

Dijon mustard

1

Large onion

1 can

Media crema (7.6 oz)

DIRECTIONS Alternately stack potato and onion slices in 9-inch-square baking dish. Cook butter and flour in small saucepan over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Whisk in milk, media crema, mustard, salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

Stir in cheddar cheese and Gruyère cheese until completely melted. Pour cheese sauce over potatoes and onions. Cover with foil. Bake at 400° F for 60 minutes. Remove foil; bake for an additional 20 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and potatoes are tender.

GoodNes.com

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ArizonaBiltmoreRealty.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

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