No. 032 | December 2025

DIGEST

DRAX ISSUE 32

DECEMBER 2025

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE A MRS. INSPIRED GIFT GUIDE // PORK CHOPS WITH CARAMELIZED APPLES

DIGEST

DRAX CONTENTS

ISSUE 32

DECEMBER 2025

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FROM THE EDITOR

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STORIES

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A Mrs. Inspired Gift Guide

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The Businesses

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PORK CHOPS WITH CARAMELIZED APPLES

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FROM THE EDITOR So, be sure to get your hands on some of Burr Hall Farm’s honey to gift your loved ones with something luxuriously sweet. Oh, and don’t forget to load up on bread and goodies from Bread Story to round out your holiday table and festive meals! After all, when it’s the holiday season the calories don’t count ;).

I hope you enjoy this issue, which offers gift ideas and holiday inspiration, all inspired by Mrs. As we navigate the transition following Mrs. von Liebig’s recent passing, we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love and support we received during this hard time. For her, for us, for the Drax businesses, and our mission.

We look forward to using the momentum of the New Year to start anew and build something bigger, greater, and more impactful than before.

Thank you for being here and being a part of our story. Until next month!

With love, light, and gratitude, One of my favorite things about living in New York City is the annual winter markets that pop up in Union Square, Herald Square, and Bryant Park (among others). But then again, I am a sucker for the winter holidays and anything that conveys the contagious feeling of generosity, giving, family, joy, and holiday spirit. There is truly something unique, different, and special about this time of year. All you have to do is step outside and breathe in the air to feel it.

As we breathe in the holiday air, we feel Mrs.’s presence with us more than ever before. All the more reason to do everything we can to honor her in everything we do.

Eleonora Fogg EDITOR-IN-CHIEF eleonora@svvl.net

Burr Hall Farm is participating in some small markets similar to the bustling ones here in the city.

Our honey is flying off the shelves! Or out of booths, I should say.

Publisher

Editor-In-Chief

Michael Ennis

Eleonora Fogg

Drax Digest is published monthly by Drax Publishing, LLC. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your ideas for future issues at eleonora@svvl.net!

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A MRS. INSPIRED GIFT GUIDE A Luxurious Gift Guide Inspired by Mrs. von Liebig to Elevate Your Life and Self-Care Routine This Holiday Season Hermès Rouge Amazone Nail Polish Rouge Amazone, a warm-toned, almost brick red inspired by the ceremonial harnesses created by Hermès in 1894 for the white horses of the Chinese Empress Cixi. Hermès' nail polish is available in 24 shades inspired by the colors of Hermès enamel.

The nail polish provides radiant color and a long-lasting lacquered shine.

Its fluid texture leaves a fine, smooth film on the nail.

Crane Custom Stationary Crane combines time-honored traditions and meticulous craftsmanship to create products ranging from premium business papers to high-end stationery. Their signature paper is crafted from 100 percent cotton for softness and texture, making it the perfect canvas for a variety of printing techniques—or your own handwriting.

Chanel No. 5 Perfume Since its creation in 1921, N°5 has exuded the very essence of femininity. The abstract, mysterious scent—alive with countless subtle facets—radiates an extravagant floral richness. In 1986, Jacques Polge reinterpreted his predecessor Ernest Beaux’s composition to create a fuller, more voluminous version of the now and forever fragrance: the Eau de Parfum.

Restorative Hand Cream by Sisley Paris The combination of an intensely moisturizing and nourishing cream and a skin care treatment that supports more beautiful nails. Its complete formula acts on all fronts to moisturize, nourish, and restore.

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Unforgettable dining experience and wedding/event venue in Middlebury, Connecticut www.vynerestaurant.com (203) 518-4000 1365 Whittemore Road Middlebury, CT 06762

THE BUSINESSES In November, The Drax Group celebrated the incredible life of Founder and Principal, Mrs. Suzanne von Liebig, by honoring her memory with two memorial services. The first was hosted at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel, where friends, staff, and beneficiaries of her generosity acknowledged Mrs. and her incredible contributions to her community. Opera singers performed beautifully and intentionally selected pieces curated by Daniel Biaggi, Mrs. von Liebig’s long-time friend, previously the Director of the Palm Beach Opera, and currently the General Manager of Drax Productions, while a slideshow of photos from Mrs. von Liebig’s life played in the background. There couldn’t be a better way to honor Mrs. The second service was much more intimate. Held in Connecticut at Mrs. von Liebig’s farm, her closest staff gathered one last time to be with her on her favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. The team reminisced, sharing stories, memories, and anecdotes after a beautiful ceremony of placing flowers on a magnolia tree, planted in honor of Mrs., while a bagpiper played in accompaniment.

Now, with her memory honored, Mrs. would want us to carry on and ensure that her businesses, and therefore her legacy, will thrive. In the spirit of this, please enjoy a few updates from the Drax businesses amidst these big changes.

Burr Hall Farm The farm is slowly and intentionally building its presence in the Connecticut community. Our honey will soon be available in nearby stores and even local coffee shops! A market in Hartford, returning to the Bethlehem market next season, as well as appearances in pop-ups with bakeries, coffee shops, and holiday markets, are all in the works. If you want to give the gift of exceptional honey this holiday season, be sure to stop by if you are in the Middlebury area, or contact us for more details!

Drax Productions Something Dreadful may be coming to the cinema screens in February, perhaps even around a romantic holiday. But you didn’t hear it from us; shhh.

Wellness+ Studio Wellness+ Studio is so excited to once again participate in Madison Avenue’s annual holiday event, Miracle on Madison Avenue, on Saturday, December 6, 2025, where 20% of every purchase made at participating boutiques, restaurants, and galleries (including Wellness+ Studio) will benefit The Society of MSK’s pediatric programs at MSK Kids.

Do you still need to get someone a gift? Feeling inspired to complete your holiday shopping? Why not do so on Saturday on Madison Avenue to give a beautiful gift while also giving to a meaningful cause?! We’d love to see you there.

The William J. von Liebig Foundation The William J. von Liebig Foundation has selected its fifth winner of the von Liebig Prize! Congratulations to Kelly Sutliff, Founder of Kelly’s K9s, for her incredible work breeding and training protection dogs and pairing them with victims of domestic violence to help them reclaim their power and safety. Kelly will be honored at the annual von Liebig Prize Reception on December 10th at the Carlyle.

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Denisa’s Desserts B Y

D E N I S A

B A T I S T A

High-end floral designs in Sandy Hook, Connecticut info@floraldesignsbymelissa.com |203.994.3571

THE RECIPE Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples Recipe by Christopher Varroux-Renaud Makes 4 Servings

Ingrédients: 3 small Fuji apples 4 bone-in rib-cut pork chops (about 1-inch thick) 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped 1 tsp. black pepper 2 ½ tsp. kosher salt, divided (plus more to taste) 2 TB canola oil 2 sprigs sage 2 large shallots, sliced (about 1 cup) 2 tsp. all purpose flour 1 cup apple cider 2 TB Dijon mustard

Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut two apples in half; set aside. Cut the remaining apple into thin slices.

Season pork chops evenly with pepper and 2 1/4 teaspoons salt—heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over high heat until smoking. Cook porkchops until browned on one side, 3 to 4 minutes.

Transfer pork chops, browned side up, to a large plate; set aside.

2. Wipe the skillet clean, and add bacon. Cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until rendered and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, reserving drippings in skillet; set aside.

3. Return skillet with drippings to medium-high.

Add sage and halved apples, cut sides down; cook until sage is crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the sage to a plate with bacon. Add sliced apples and shallots to the skillet with the halved apples. Cook, stirring often, until shallots are softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in flour; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add apple cider and mustard. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened and smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt. Remove from heat.

4. Place pork chops, browned side up, in skillet, nestling apple halves between pork chops.

Sprinkle with bacon. Transfer skillet to preheated oven; bake until a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of pork registers 140°F, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven; season to taste with salt. Garnish with crisped sage.

5. Enjoy :)

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