Hickory Living October 2022

Complimentary October 2022

On the Cover

page 12

Celebrating

Our Pets pages 23–27

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THE LAST MONTH TO VOTE! HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2022

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contents OCTOBER 2022 FEATURES 12 •

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COVER STORY Physician’s Plan Weight Loss + Wellness Improving Your Health And Appearance

MacAdam Smith Publisher mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445

18 • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Whitley Mortgage Associates, Inc. Helping You Finance Your Dreams

CELEBRATING OUR PETS 24 • It Started With A Facebook Post

IN THIS ISSUE

Kathy Wheeler Design & Advertising Sales kathylivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 238-3224

6 • Welcome To The October Issue 11 • October Events & Festivals 28 • What’s Cooking?

Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie

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Sharon Simpson Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159 HickoryLIVING

THE LAST MONTH TO VOTE!

Hickory

LIVING 10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave., Unit A Huntersville, NC 28078 (484) 769-7445 HickoryLiving@gmail.com

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2022

See our special advertising section starting on page 31.

Hickory Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Hickory Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

contributors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kathy Wheeler Kathy Dicken

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

by Shane Greene Photography

HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2022

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Welcome to the

October Issue

©iStockphoto.com | FamVeld

T

he North Carolina mountains and foothills are such gorgeous places to be in the fall. The colors the season provides is breath taking! You will find plenty to do in this issue of Hickory Living that will get you outdoors, enjoying the scenery and the mild temperatures. October is a popular month for festivals, so check out our events and festivals on pages 10 and 11.

We encourage you to support the many artisans that participate in these events.

They offer their craft and creativity to you as one-of-a-kind gifts and decor!

Halloween is so much fun for kids and adults alike. From haunted houses, making costumes and jack ’o lanterns, to corn mazes and trick-or-treating, the holiday doesn’t disappoint. Visit some of the local pumpkin patches like Johnny Wilson Farm in Granite Falls, Red Wolf Farm in Maiden, and Devine Farms in Newton. If you are looking for a local haunted house, you’ll want to get tickets for Lake Hickory Haunts in Connelly Springs. Shop owners in downtown 6

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Hickory will host trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 29th from 11AM until 2PM, and there will be a scavenger hunt, costume contest, and Halloween crafts and activities. In your neighborhood, keep an eye out for children in their costumes. They get excited, so let’s keep them safe.

Our pet section this month features a beautiful story about how Melanie Wilder, a Claremont resident, is making a difference in animals’ lives. It’s a good example of how we can all use our talents and passions to help the world we live in. Also, if you are looking to get a new pet, the Humane Society of Catawba County has some adorable rescues–some are featured in this issue!

With the holidays right around the corner, now is a good time to lose weight and make personal improvements. Our cover story is a great place to start! Physician’s Weight Loss + Wellness looks forward to partnering with you on your weight loss journey and your personal

appearance goals. Their article starts on page 12.

Interest rates may be on the rise, but the world doesn’t stop! If you are planning to purchase a home or do a renovation, it is more important than ever to find a good mortgage company and loan officer. Trevor Witherspoon with Whitley Mortgage Associates is featured in our business spotlight on page 18. He is a Hickory resident and can help you navigate the process.

This is the last month to vote for your favorite business in Hickory Living’s Best of the Foothills Reader’s Choice Awards!

Visit Hickory Living’s website or Facebook page to find a link where you can support your local businesses by voting!

Whether you take a scenic drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains or enjoy the fall season around a fire pit in your own backyard, savor the season and all it has to offer. Thank you for reading the October issue of Hickory Living!

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Join Us Downtown Hickory!

October 7-9

Friday: 5PM –7PM (Food vendors open at noon!)

Saturday: 10AM–11PM Sunday: Noon–5PM

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• LIVE MUSIC • • KIDSFEST • • BEER TENTS • • FOOD & CRAFT VENDORS • • CASTLE OF CANS • The Main Stage is located in the Lowes Foods City Park parking lot.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS Oktoberfest • October 7-9 Downtown Hickory • Friday 5PM–7PM (Food vendors open at noon) • Saturday 10AM-11PM • Sunday Noon–5PM Food & craft vendors • Live Music Stages • Beer Tents • Kidsfest downtownhickory.com/oktoberfest

Wood, Fire, & Smoke Festival October 8 11AM–8PM • Downtown Lenoir • 902 Harper Ave, Lenoir Artisans • Craftsmen • Music • Food • Beer • Tickets on sale for BBQ and Bourbon themed dinner at www.wfsfestival.com

Carolina Balloon Festival October 14–16 260 Hangar Drive • Statesville • Friday 3PM–8:30PM Saturday 7AM–8:30PM • Sunday 7AM–6PM AM & PM Balloon Launches • Live Music • Artisan Village • Kids Zone NC Wine and Beer Garden • Festival Food • Tethered Balloon Rides • No pets, coolers, weapons, drones, and pop-up canopies. • Ticket prices vary, visit: carolinaballoonfest.com

Taylorsville Apple Festival • October 15 9AM–5PM • 107 Main Avenue Drive, Taylorsville Craft and Food Vendors • Kid’s Korner • Entertainment www.alexandercountyonline.com/applefestival

Music On Main • October 20 6PM–8PM • Frank & Sue Jones Amphitheatre 16 N Main Ave, Newton • Bring a lawn chair Band: Liquid Pleasure • www.downtownnewton.org

Autumn in the Park, Baird Park • October 22 11AM–6PM • 4038 Baird Drive, Hudson, NC • Vendors • Food Trucks • Inflatables • Car Show • Kids’ Halloween Costume Contest • www.intheparkeventsnc.com/autumninthepark

Settlemyre Nursery Fall Festival • October 22 8AM–2PM • 1387 Drexel Road, Valdese • Craft Vendors • Photo Booth & More! • www.settlemyrenursery.com

Autumn Artisan Market October 22–23 Mulberry Creek Farm • 10AM–5PM • 4777 Old Catawba Rd., Catawba • Craftsmen and Artisan Vendors • Food • Music Outdoor Event • Free Parking • Friendly Leashed Pets Welcome. $5 at gate. Children under 12 free. mulberrycreekfarmnc.com

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on the cover

Improving Your Health and Appearance

By Kathy Wheeler

An estimated 69% of people in the United States struggle with either obesity or being overweight. Although many people want to lose weight for aesthetic reasons, the health advantages are astounding. Being overweight increases your risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and many types of cancer. Add to that list stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and in general, a low quality of life, and you have a long list of reasons to reach a healthy goal. The fact that you look and feel better about yourself is an added bonus, and that can be a tremendous motivator.

We are blasted with so much misinformation and fad diets that may cause short-term weight loss, but most aren’t healthy 12

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or sustainable. It can be confusing for people wanting to lose weight to know where to begin. That’s where Physician’s Plan Weight Loss + Wellness comes in. They have been helping people lose weight the healthy way for 26 years with individualized plans tailored to fit your lifestyle.

Physician’s Plan Weight Loss + Wellness is a locally owned practice with seven locations across North and South Carolina. Dr. Christopher DiOrio, owner and medical director, along with the dedicated teams at Physician’s Plan Weight Loss + Wellness, are committed to helping their patients learn how to live and be healthier. Since 2009, when the Hickory location opened, they have helped thousands of patients

Photos:

On the cover and opposite page, Left to right– Britney Ayers, medical esthetician; Shaffney Beaver, clinical director; Heather Cody, medical esthetician; Jill Cline, clinical coordinator (Not Shown Thaedra Robinson) (Photos by Shane Greene Photography) Left–Hickory patient–down 27 pounds so far! (Photos provided) Below–Clients receive one-on-one nutritional counseling. (Photo by Shane Greene Photography)

Together with you, they develop your own individualized plan to fit within your lifestyle, eating habits, and taste preferences. You will work with your counselor each week to take manageable steps toward your long-term goals.

There is no magic window to begin your weight loss journey. You will always have social events, birthday parties, and daily hurdles to learn how to navigate. With Physician’s Plan, you and your counselor will devise strategies to help you make the best choice in any situation. They offer many tools, tips, and tricks to help you through the tough spots so you can stick to your plan. Tools include prescription appetite suppressants, Lipotropic Vitamin B-12 injections, nutritional products and supplements, journaling, and weigh-ins for accountability.

reach and maintain their weight loss goals. “Taking each step one step at a time, right beside our patients along their wellness journey, is our focus and mission,” says Shaffney Beaver, clinical director of the Hickory office.

WEIGHT LOSS Your weight loss journey at Physician’s Plan Weight Loss + Wellness will start with a counseling appointment to as-

sess your goals, timeframe, strengths, weaknesses, and health issues in order to develop a plan for you. A health assessment will then begin by looking at body composition, measurements, and vital signs to determine your starting point. Weight loss is more than just a number on a scale, and it’s important to see a full picture of your progress to realize all the health improvements along your way.

“We explain everything we recommend and how it will make a difference,” said Shaffney. “We provide guidelines on grocery shopping, understanding nutritional labels, making good choices, menu ideas, recipes, supplements, and the convenient snacks, shakes, and meals we offer.

Buying our products is never mandatory, however, our food options really help some patients who struggle with sweets or salty snack cravings,” Shaffney continued. “They are low carb, low sugar, high protein, and convenient.”

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In addition to their Core Weight Loss Plan above, Physician’s Plan offers some quick options for fast results. The six-day Jump Start Plan delivers quick results safely, and the Fat Burner Plan concentrates on burning fat faster with the Lipotropic Vitamin-B-12 injections that contain fat burners to reduce fat storage and increase metabolism and energy.

Plans are individualized to fit your needs, with no contracts or obligations. They are convenient, flexible, and affordable to fit your life and budget. Results vary based by individual. “Our biggest losers may lose 15 to 20 pounds a month…our goal is to lose two to three pounds of body fat per week,” Shaffney explained. “We give you the tools you need to safely reach your goal, and we’re here for you while you’re making important changes to improve your looks and health—even after you reach your weight goal.”

MED SPA AND AESTHETICS The aesthetics part of Physician’s Plan Weight Loss + Wellness was a natural expansion of the practice. “As patients succeed in their weight loss journey, they feel better and want to continue to improve,” said Shaffney. “Taking care of your skin by adding medical-grade skin care and med spa treatments was a natural addition to help our patients look and feel their best.” The growth of the Hickory location allowed them to expand in 2021 to double the size of their office and increase the availability of their Med Spa services with medical aestheticians Heather Cody and Britney Ayers. Their Med Spa treatments are results-driven to achieve the goals of their patients. The medical aestheticians seek to understand your skin concerns and develop a treatment plan to improve the health and wellness of your skin.

Photos, Above, top to bottom:

• Britney, performing one of her favorite services––tattoo removal • Heather, medical esthetician and licensed phlebotomist, is completing a blood draw for PRP Microneedling treatment.

(Photos by Shane Greene Photography)

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Aesthetics services include dermal fillers and neurotoxin injections to help patients age gracefully. Understanding the natural aging process, facial anatomy, contouring, as well as many years of experience, are what make their master injectors Leah Fleming, PA-C and Jennifer Berube, NP-C the absolute best. They take the time to understand your concerns and then develop a treatment plan to address those concerns. Their focus is to provide correction that is both natural and subtle. Restoring facial volume can result in a brighter, more refreshed appearance. Their injectors utilize Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Juvederm, Revanesse Versa, and other products. Med spa and aesthetic consultations are always available.

“We strive to bring in the best medical-grade products and services for our patients,” Shaffney said. “With services like Clear + Brilliant, IPL, Laser Hair Reduction, HydraFacial, CO2 Laser Resurfacing, Tattoo Removal, and Microneedling with PRP, we have the resources to treat your skin concerns. Your home skin care routine is important to maximize your treatment results. We are proud to offer Obagi, Colorescience, Revision, and Skin Medica. We also offer spray tanning, Upneeq for low-lying lids, and DaVinci all-natural, plant-based teeth whitening system.”

ADVICE FOR THE HOLIDAYS With the holidays just around the corner, we will be attending a lot of parties and family get-togethers where high calorie food and drink will be part of the celebration. I asked Shaffney if she has any advice for people who are trying to ward off the dreaded holiday weight gain. “Whether it’s the holidays or going on vacation, we want you to enjoy the occasion,” said Shaffney. “Just practice moderation. Maybe have just a bite or two of those sweets and eat small portions. Use your cheat days for the parties and go right back to eating healthy. Don’t continue eating high calorie foods. If you plan on cocktails, stay away from the high sugar cocktails and hydrate with water. Consider bringing a dish that is a healthier option. Don’t attend a party hungry. Eat a little something before you go. Most importantly, don’t wait to start your plan until after the holidays.”

When preparing for the holidays, Physician’s Weight Loss + Wellness will have holiday packages and specials through the end of the year. One of the most popular specials is their Twelve Days of Giftmas when they will offer discounts for 12 days straight in December.

Whether you are interested in losing weight or purchasing spa treatments and services for yourself or as a gift, Physician’s Plan is a great place to visit. Their professional team of providers, counselors, and medical aestheticians and master injectors are always there to help you. Visit their website at www.physiciansplan.com , follow them on Instagram @hickory_physiciansplan, and see their monthly ad in Hickory Living magazine. Contact them today to learn more about how they can help you be your own success story.

Physician’s Plan Weight Loss + Wellness 1706 US Hwy 70 SE • Hickory, NC 828-485-2833 www.physiciansplan.com

Photo:

Shaffney, clinical director, preparing a patient for teeth whitening with DaVinci’s AllNatural Teeth Whitening System. (Photo by Shane Greene) Left–Before and after one treatment of DaVinci Teeth Whitening. (Photo provided.)

Photos:

Above– Jennifer Berube, NP-C, and Leah Fleming, PA-C, weight loss providers and master esthetic injectors (Photos provided.)

Follow Us On Instagram hickory_physiciansplan HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2022

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business spotlight

Photos:

Left–Whitley Mortgage is a family-owned business. Pictured is CEO, David Whitley, Jr.; Sarah Whitley Rynne, loan officer; and Hickory’s own, Trevor Witherspoon.

Opposite page, left to right– • David and Trevor in downtown Hickory.

• Trevor and a client at the closing table.

• Trevor and Sarah discuss loan options for a new client.

wife, Debbie, are the founders of Whitley Mortgage Associates. Their son, David Whitley, Jr., is CEO, and daughter, Sarah Rynne, is a mortgage loan originator. As a family, they understand the importance of a home purchase and want to help navigate you to the right product that will benefit your family and your circumstances the most. “There is more to consider than just interest rates,” said David, Jr, “and our loan originators are trained to direct you and educate you about your best options.”

Helping You Finance Your Dreams

By Kathy Wheeler | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

With soaring rent costs and real estate prices fluctuating, it may be time to look at building or buying a new home or your first home. Maybe you want to invest in a vacation home or rental properties. Whatever your goals, Whitley Mortgage Associates wants to help. They are the oldest licensed mortgage broker/ banker in North Carolina and have been family-owned and operated for more than 38 years.

“Being an independent broker allows us the freedom to shop for the best interest rates and products to save you money,” said David Whitley, Sr. He and his 18

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Trevor Witherspoon is one of Whitley’s mortgage loan experts and works with applicants in the Hickory area. “To those who qualify, we offer options for 100% financing, first-time homebuyers, VA loans, FHA loans, down-payment assistance, one-time construction/permanent loans, and more,” said Trevor. “Does your credit score need help? We can help you repair your credit in as little as 35 days,” Trevor continued.

“It all makes a difference in what you will actually pay for your home.”

The company also offers jumbo loan options for financing properties over $647,200. They also offer loans for vacation and investment properties. Maybe you want to pull some equity out of your home for a renovation; Whitley Mortgage has a loan for that. Imagine owning a nice lot in the Blue Ridge Mountains or at the beach.

You could build a home there or even put a

manufactured home on it for 3% down!

“We are able to do what a lot of other lenders can’t,” said Trevor.

“The online application will allow us to evaluate your financial situation and direct you to the right products. With the right information and guidance, you The first step is to get pre-qualified. That can confidently make the best decisions process will provide you with informafor your family.” tion about what you can afford. Whitley Mortgage makes it as easy as possible.

Education is a part of what each loan Their online application can be comoriginator does. Their knowledge can pleted in less than 10 minutes. Visit help your loan processing go smoothly. https://whitleymortgage.zipforhome.

Whitley Mortgage Associates employs com to start your application. “We want state-of-the-art technology and works to be a part of your goals,” said Trevor. tirelessly and efficiently to help you turn

your dreams into reality. Give Trevor a call or visit him online and start your loan application today.

Whitley Mortgage Associates, Inc. www.whitleymortgage.com

Trevor Witherspoon Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS#1958377

828.270.4878 twitherspoon@whitleymortgage.com

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Celebrating

Our Pets

For many of us, our families wouldn’t be complete without our beloved pets. We care for them just as we would any other family member. However, there are many lovable creatures in our shelters who have a lot of love to offer, but no home. Shelters are struggling to keep up with overpopulation, and there are so many ways we can help. The story on the following pages is an inspiring example of how one person made a difference.

In honor of our pets, I encourage our readers to get involved.

Donations, volunteering, adoption, and foster care for animals are all opportunities for us to make our own difference.

©iStockphoto.com |sanjagrujic

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It Started with a Facebook Post

By Kathy Wheeler | Photos provided by Melanie Wilder

Photos:

Left–Melanie Wilder unloads donated

supplies for flood victims in Kentucky.

Below–Melanie loving on Pepper.

The end of July brought floods and devastation to eastern Kentucky. 1,300 people were air-lifted to safety, 39 died, and families were left without homes and the essentials they needed. With this much human devastation, there are always pets and animals who suffer that we never hear about. Out of all the destruction, there are people who rise up and become unsung heroes in helping those in great need. One of those heroes is Claremont resident, Melanie Wilder, a dental hygienist, an animal-lover, and dedicated advocate. She was raised in Hazard, Kentucky and has family members who still live in Perry County. Locally, Melanie collects pet donations for the recipients of Catawba County and Alexander County Meals on Wheels, and she volunteers with EPIC Animal Recovery, an organization that helps catch and track lost or stray cats and dogs.

Recently, she decided to take a trip to Perry County to help the victims and pets of the flood.

“It started with a Facebook post for donations,” said Melanie. “We never know if we will get a carload full of supplies or more.” In this case, that Facebook 24

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post generated monetary and supply donations for both humans and animal shelters.

The carload became a rented U-Haul filled with socks, clothes, bleach, toothpaste, baby items, and more for the residents of Perry County and an estimated 4,000 pounds of dog food and other pet supplies for the local animal shelter. The post also spurred several other organizations, including the Humane Society of Catawba County and Charlotte-based Forgotten, Now Family Rescue to get on board and take vans and U-Hauls of their own. It’s amazing what one person’s passion and a Facebook post can do to inspire others and create such an outpouring of support.

When I interviewed Melanie, she was quick to say that she really didn’t want any recognition. Her only goal in agreeing to the interview was to bring awareness to the animals and shelters in need. (She is going to hate the unsung hero title I gave her.)

Once she reached Kentucky, the first stop was to drop off the human supplies before heading over to the local animal shelter where she dropped off the pet supplies

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and then volunteered for the day. While she was there, she met a Border Collie mix named Pepper who had been in one of the shelters hit by the flood. “She just looked very traumatized,” said Melanie. “I brought her back with me and placed her with the Humane Society of Catawba County where she has already been adopted.” Less than a week later, Melanie made another trip to the Kentucky animal shelter with the founder of EPIC Animal Recovery and brought two other dogs back to Catawba County. “Animal shelters around the country are in dire need of volunteers, donations, and adoptive or foster parents,” said Melanie. “With so much overcrowding in our shelters, anything I can do to bring awareness to these animals, I will do. They deserve it, and we have to pick up where other people have failed them. We all can do something to help.”

To support our animals, contact: Catawba County Animal Shelter 201 Government Services Dr, Newton, NC 28658 (828) 466-6812 or email animalservices@catawbacountync.gov www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/emergency-services/ animal-services/adopt-foster/ Humane Society of Catawba County 828-464-8878 3224 20th Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602 www.catawbahumane.org info@catawbahumane.org To donate pet food for Melanie’s Meals on Wheels project, email her at sunnydog91@gmail.com Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter is trying to help displaced people keep their pets by providing dog houses, outdoor kennels, and food. Contact them to see how you can help!

Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter 194 Animal Shelter Lane • Hazard, KY 41701 (606) 439-4064 • https://krras-fund.org/

Photos, above:

• A volunteer from IFAW (International Fund for

Animal Welfare) comforts Pepper at the shelter in Kentucky.

• Pepper on her freedom ride to North Carolina.

Meet LeRoy! LeRoy is a rescue from the flood in Kentucky. This handsome, approximately 2-year-old German Shepherd is happy to have landed with all four paws at HSCC. He has been through a lot and is looking for that special family that will work with him to become the best dog he can be! He’s been neutered and microchipped, up-to-date on all his vaccinations, and is ready to start his new life here in North Carolina!

Adopt a New Furry Friend Today at Humane Society of Catawba County

Fill out an application at www.catawbahumane.org 26

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Meet Tuesday!

We know not to judge a book by its cover, so don’t let this grumpy face fool you. Tuesday is more than just a moody look. Seriously, she is one of the sweetest cats here!

Tuesday is a 2-yearold girl that is easily amused; she doesn’t need much to make her happy. She is more of a sit back and watch the world turn kind of cat, rather than explore and instigate. Her favorite spot is in a windowsill. She isn’t much into toys and excitement, but she loves to perch on things. A cat tree or tower would make this kitty happy! If you’re looking for a reading companion or somebody who is as much of a homebody as you - Tuesday is your girl!

Adopt a new furry friend today by filling out an application at www.catawbahumane.org.

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What’s Cooking?

Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie Servings: 6 Prep time: 15 minutes • Cooking time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 oz. finely diced pancetta (or bacon) 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 large shallots - diced 2 medium carrots - peeled/diced fine 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning ¼ cup flour 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth ¼ cup heavy cream 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (such as rotisserie) 1 (12 oz.) pkg. frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, corn and beans) 1 sheet frozen Puff Pastry 1 egg DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Remove frozen mixed vegetables and Puff Pastry from the freezer to thaw while preparing the filling.

Kathy Dicken lives in Huntersville and is the author of the food blog, The Tasty Bits. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits.

Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie

Just the words, “Chicken Pot Pie” always give me a warm comforting vibe. However, it can be quite laborious to assemble, which may cause many people to opt for a storebought pie. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are my tips to make a “homemade” pie that the whole family will love!

I eliminated the need for a top & bottom crust in this recipe, by just 28

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using a sheet of perfect-every-time Puff Pastry. Next, remember rotisserie chicken is your friend. Not only does it add that slow roasted flavor, it’s ready when you are! And finally, skip the chopping, and grab a bag of frozen mixed vegetables. Frozen at their peak of freshness, they couldn’t make this pie any easier!

Once you have those ingredients assembled, it’s time to bring out the secret ingredient - Pancetta! Simply brown the pancetta (or diced bacon) in a large saucepan. Once the browning is done, leave those tasty pork juices in the pan, to marry with the veggie & chicken filling. The addition of that bit of salty pork flavor really adds loads of flavor to this pie!

This recipe makes the perfect dish for Sunday Supper, or anytime you feel like a comforting homemade dish.

For the filling: heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan, and add the pancetta. Cook over Medium heat, stirring occasionally until brown and crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove pancetta and set aside, leaving the cooking juices in the pan. Next, add butter, shallots, and carrots to the pan. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook over Medium heat until carrots are tender, about 5-6 minutes. While vegetables cook, roll out puff pastry and cut to fit your baking dish. Set aside.

When carrots are tender, stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Increase heat to Medium High, and add the chicken broth. Stir and scrape up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Cook and stir frequently until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Then add the cooked pancetta, heavy cream, chicken, frozen vegetables and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, and simmer for 3 minutes until heated through.

Finally, transfer pot pie filling to a pie or casserole dish and roll 1 sheet of puff pastry over the top, cut to fit the dish. Brush puff pastry with beaten egg, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until puff pastry is golden.

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HICKORY LIVING'S READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

2022 Best of the FOOTHILLS

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