Moments - March/April 2015

March | April 2015

Katie Mowery

a MOM on the

MOVE

MORE ATHLETES WHO TAKE ONE FOR THE TEAM

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Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

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Moments Magazine

is published bimonthly by the Forsyth County News Co., 302 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30040.

Advertising rates and deadlines available upon request.

Contact Ryan Garmon at (770) 205-8960 or rgarmon@forsythnews.com.

Katie Mowery and husband Dan are a team at home and work.

8 moments mom Vince Johnson Publisher Kevin Atwill Editor Adlen Robinson Director of Content Ryan Garmon Advertising Director Micah Green Photographer Chris Campbell Graphic Design

contents

12

12 moms at work

18 spring

16 community

26 gifts

Mom of two Beth Fasnacht has operated a pet-sitting business for 20 years.

Whispering Hope is a Christcentered, supportive ministry that helps women with unplanned pregnancies.

Don’t wait until warm weather arrives to prepare your garden for a bountiful season.

Mother’s Day always falls in May, but why not make this the year when you shop ahead that special mom. .

education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4

Facebook.com/ForsythMoments

dinner matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Twitter.com/ForsythMoments

wine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

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Welcome to.....

W

hile I realize we still have some cool days ahead in March and April, I am thrilled the worst of winter is likely behind us. I just don’t think I can handle one more icicle, snowflake or thermometer saying reading near 30 degrees.

Spring will officially arrive soon and I have planned my garden and can’t wait to plant it at the end of April.

I know you’ll enjoy meeting this issue’s Moments Mom, Katie Mowery. This mother of three has a booming career with Synergy Financial Partners.

Another inspirational mom is Beth Fasnacht. When Beth had her two boys some two decades ago, she decided she wanted more flexibility with employment.

Instead of just complaining about her working situation, she started a professional pet-sitting business that is still going strong. I know who I am going to be calling when I need a pet sitter.

Welcome to.....

I also hope you enjoy learning more about Whispering Hope. Our community is lucky to have an organization that cares so much about helping women in crisis due to an unplanned pregnancy.

There is much more in this packed issue as we look forward to warmer months ahead. Happy spring!

Best,

Adlen W. Robinson is a longtime resident of Forsyth County and mother of four. A contributor to the Forsyth County News for more than 10 years, Adlen is the author of “Home Matters: The Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home.”

E-mail her at contact@adlenrobinson.com.

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Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

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Moments Magazine | March-April 2015 Moments Magazine | July-August 2012

7

2

Katie Mowery

A team with husband, at home and office

photos by Micah Green

photos by Micah Green

Katie Mowery seems to have figured out how to have it all. She’s a busy mother to three young children — ages 2, 6 and 8 years old — devoted wife and director of operations and annuity business for Cumming-based Synergy Financial Partners.

8

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

Katie and Dan Mowery relax in her office on a recent afternoon. The Mowerys are the parents of three children under age 8 and also work together at Cumming-based Synergy Financial Partners.

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

9

Forsyth County resident Kristi Baggarly, inset, is the mother of three daughters, including Annie Lynn, 6, and Kimber, 1, above.

Katie Mowery credits her small town upbringing with keeping her grounded during hectic times. She is pictured above with children Maddie and Jackson, and below with them and husband Dan and their youngest child Shelby

Mowery was raised in the small town of Social Circle, east of Atlanta, an upbringing that proved influential in her life.

10

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

“Of course, it is much bigger now, but when I grew up it was a one-stoplight town,” Mowery said. “We lived in an 1800s craftsman-style farmhouse on acreage that backed up to a state park.

It was beautiful.” Mowery said she has incredibly fond memories of walking through creek beds barefoot, fishing and wandering through the woods.

“We were in church every Sunday morning and evening, and every Wednesday night — everybody was,” she said.

Growing up as a small town Southern girl helped shaped the woman she is now, Mowery said. And though she didn’t know it at the time, there is much to be said for being raised away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

“Especially after becoming a parent, you realize what things are important and what things really don’t matter,” she said. “We strive to provide that safe surrounding for our children, complete with all of the values we were both

raised with.”

Mowery said family life is busy — often crazy — with three children, but she wouldn’t change a thing. “[Husband] Dan and I are a great team,” she said. “I couldn’t do everything I do without his help.”

Son Jackson, 8, loves football and all outdoor activities.

“He has such a sweet disposition and is also truly helpful and patient with his younger sisters,” she said.

Six-year-old daughter Maddie is an exceptional student and already an above average reader and a budding writer.

“Shelby is our baby and she is a little fireball, literally, with flaming red hair and a personality to match,” Mowery said.

Despite her busy career, Mowery still tries to prepare dinner for her family every night.

“That daily connection is so important, especially when we are all so busy,” she said.

When not helping the children with homework or shuttling them to after-school activities, Mowery is busy with Synergy.

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“Laws change all of the time, and we make sure our clients have the latest information they need when it comes to their investments,” she said.

In addition, Mowery said the company’s team is committed to ensuring clients have peace of mind about their financial future, whether that’s planning for college or retirement.

“Our vision is to empower our clients with the best possible financial advice and guidance,” she said. “Our team is committed to truly change the way people plan for their financial future.”

Her husband, Dan, is the firm’s director of technology - All Major Insurances, Including Kaiser and training development. While many people wouldn’t - All Major Insurances, Including Kaiser think of working with their spouses, the Mowerys enjoy it.

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After getting to know each other, the Mowerys eventually became clients of Huggins.

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Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

7866_1_millfordTeam071314Moments

11

Beth Fasnacht of Forsyth County owns and operates Pet Watch Professional Pet Sitting, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.

Beth Fasnacht

Mom of two started business 20 years ago

Watching pets was an ideal fit

12

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

Twenty years ago, Forsyth County resident Beth Fasnacht was a busy mother of two babies with a bustling career as a ranger with the National Park Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Lanier.

While she loved her career, she longed to spend more time with her sons, who at that time were 3 months and 25 months old.

“I decided to take a class about starting your own business,” she remembered. “The instructor talked about business trends and once he mentioned pet sitting that was all I could think of.”

photos by Micah Green photos by Micah Green

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The instructor also talked about the importance of choosing a name that clearly indicated what the business was all about.

“The name ‘Pet Watch’ just popped into my head, and I just knew it was what I was supposed to do,” Fasnacht said.

A lifelong animal lover, she had grown up on a small farm and felt working with animals was a natural fit.

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13

Startup tips ...............

Thinking of starting a business? Here are some tips from Beth Fasnacht with Pet Watch Professional Pet Sitting in Forsyth County: • Do research. What are current business trends and what are the needs of people in the area?

• Choose your company name carefully. Make sure people know what the business is when they hear the name.

• Choose a business that fits your lifestyle. If you have young children, can you operate it while they are home or at school?

• Research your product and or service based on the demographics of customers.

• Know your competition and see what sort of a difference you can offer to stand out.

• Be honest with yourself. Are you really willing to sacrifice your time to run the business? If so, be prepared for naysayers who will try to discourage you.

• Set goals. Where do you want to be in five, 10 or 20 years?

• Speak to an accountant about what type of business you want to set up.

• Be prepared for downturns in the economy that will affect the business.

In these family photos, Beth Fasnacht is shown taking care of a client’s pet. The Forsyth County resident and mother of two started her pet-sitting business 20 years ago this month.

14

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

launched Pet Watch Professional Pet Sitting on March 1, 1995.

“I knew I needed references, so I offered a new customer my services for a deep discount in exchange for her reference,” she said. “After that, I began getting business mainly from word of mouth.”

For the first few years, she was pretty much a one-woman show. She’d load her young boys into the mini-van and drive up to 200 miles a day to walk dogs, feed cats and check on the homes of clients.

“I knew I needed help, so that is when I began hiring other pet sitters,” she said.

To this day, Fasnacht still uses the same system for screening the sitters. Extensive background checks and thorough training is all part of the program.

All employees are bonded and insured.

The result is a highly skilled team whose members have one main thing in common — a genuine love of animals.

“We strive to provide the very best care

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Cumming resident Maggie Jones was a Pet Watch customer for many years before retiring and deciding to become a pet sitter for the company.

“It was always such a great comfort knowing Pet Watch was walking my dog, checking on my home,” she said. “I always knew when I retired I wanted to do something with animals.”

Fasnacht said she is currently hiring pet sitters.

“It is a great job for someone who maybe works part time or is a stay-at-home mom, or even for retired people. I have some couples who work together,” she said.

Fasnacht said Pet Watch offers a plethora of services — everything from walking dogs and feeding pets to getting the mail and checking on a home. Pet Watch is not a service just for cats and dogs either.

“We offer services for horses, birds, just about any animal, even for those who might have a small farm,” she said.

Growing together and depending on each other.

— Adlen W. Robinson For more information on Pet Watch Professional Pet Sitting, go online at www.petwatchtoday.com.

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

15

photos by Micah Green

Rebecca Powell is manager of the Whispering Hope Bargain Boutique in Tri County Plaza on Atlanta Road (Hwy. 9) in Cumming.

The store aids the efforts of the Christ-centered, supportive ministry in Cumming where women who find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy can go for help.

HOPE

& HELP:

Whispering Hope is a Christ-centered, supportive ministry in Cumming where women who find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy can go for help.

The staff and volunteers offer pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, as well as a plethora of other services.

Jackie Batson, executive director, said the organization’s mission is close to her heart, as she is the product of an unplanned pregnancy. “My mother was in college and getting pregnant was not part of her plan,” Batson said.

“But she had me and then worked tirelessly to raise me and went on to have a very successful career.”

Batson was volunteering at the center long before she became its leader.

“God truly has a plan for all of us, even though we often don’t know what that plan is,” she said.

According to Batson, Whispering Hope is a place that offers women hope and grace, while at the same time providing guidance and love from the staff and volunteers.

Batson explained that if a woman between the ages of

Ministry serves as refuge for area women in need

12 and 42 thinks she may be pregnant, and it is unplanned, she is usually in chaos mode.

“Sometimes a woman already has other children and doesn’t think she can handle another baby,” Batson said.

“She might even be married, but afraid they cannot afford another child.”

The trained staff and volunteers offer a supportive environment where a woman can learn about her options.

In addition, a medical doctor and a radiologist, both volunteers, are on hand at the center on Samaritan Drive to answer medical questions and read ultrasounds. Whispering Hope also offers clients free diapers, formula and numerous other baby products.

“We have so many classes we encourage our clients to take — parenting classes, classes that teach life skills, classes about healthy relationships, etc.,” said Batson, who praised the team at Whispering Hope. “We all work really well together and are committed to our mission.”

Batson is also quick to add that Whispering Hope

Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I Cor. 13:7

16

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

would not be possible without volunteers and generous donors.

“We want to continue to grow to reach as many women and families as possible. We are always looking for more volunteers,” she said.

And there’s no shortage of ways volunteers can contribute, from working with clients in a support role, to packing diaper bags or organizing the “Mommy Closet.”

The Whispering Hope Bargain Boutique, which is located in Tri County Plaza on Atlanta Road (Hwy. 9) in Cumming, offers bargains to the community and provides much needed funds to assist the organization.

Rebecca Powell, manager, said she has been busy organizing the boutique since joining the team in June.

Furniture and other household furnishings, along with clothing, accessories and toys are always big sellers.

Powell said they are always thrilled to receive donations, which are of course tax deductible.

“We are so much more than just a thrift store,” Powell said. “We are all about helping local women transform their lives. Supporting the thrift store is just another way you can help these women and their babies.”

Like the center, Powell said the boutique also always needs volunteer help, whether it is sorting through donations, answering the phone or working as a cashier.

Another way people can help is by donating a car.

“Many of the clients from Whispering Hope need transportation, so by donating a car, that could really make a difference in a mother’s life,” Powell said.

— Adlen W. Robinson For more information on Whispering Hope, go online at www.whisperinghope.org.

Furniture and other household furnishings, along with clothing, accessories and toys are soughtafter items at the Whispering Hope Bargain Boutique.

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17

SPRING into action to prepare for season

This is the perfect time to get your garden plot ready for planting.

Even if you only have a small patch of earth to work with, you can still grow a surprising amount in a little space.

If you are new to gardening, you may want to contact the local University of Georgia Extension office and inquire about classes.

Also, its staff can help determine if your particular soil is deficient in something and could benefit with some supplementation.

Once you get your soil ready, then the fun really begins — planning your garden. Check out some books at the library for ideas, and definitely consult with your friends who have green thumbs.

The Forsyth County Master Gardeners are all amazingly smart and never cease to amaze me with their plant (and pest) knowledge.

18

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

YARD WORK

No matter what you decide to plant, be sure to not do so too early. How many times have I been too eager and planted things even just a week or so early, only to have torrential rains and/or frost ruin my efforts.

Just be patient and wait until around April 22 to plant.

This is also a really good time to clear away dead branches, trim things that need to be trimmed, mend fences, etc.

While my yard may look quite dead and ugly, winter is the only time you can really see what is there, before the glorious greenery comes back.

I’m not the one who takes care of the yard at our house, but I do know this is a good time to do your preliminary re-seeding, fertilizing, etc.

SPRING CLEANING

GARDENING

March and April. The two months that trick you into thinking spring is here one day, and the next you are scrambling to turn your heat back on. No matter, I’m always so thrilled to say goodbye to January and February that I tend to overlook the cold days and just dream of springtime.

Speaking of that, there are a lot of things you can be doing to prepare for glorious spring and early summer.

Here are some ideas to help satiate your spring fever.

I have always used the coming of spring as an excuse to get my family to help with bigger projects.

Tasks such as cleaning out the garage or storage room, organizing the attic or laundry room and

clearing out closets can be too overwhelming for one person. It is best to solicit help. Bribery is sometimes necessary, but often effective.

Just make sure you have a solid game plan and use your helpers as quickly as possible.

I don’t know about your people, but mine have short attention spans when it comes to any sort of cleaning or organizing project.

Plan outdoor projects for fair weather days and have supplies on hand. As mentioned previously, the weather during March and April is volatile.

We may have a glorious day, filled with sunshine and a gentle breeze, or it could be rainy and bitter cold. It has certainly snowed here in March before.

The best defense is a good offense! So, if you have projects such as painting the house, pressure cleaning and staining the deck, cleaning the windows, just make sure you have all of the necessary supplies.

Lanier Place Lanier Place, our senior living community, is known for being warm, inviting, and active. We develop individual care plans to meet the needs of each resident, and a full-time registered nurse is available 24 hours a day to provide clinical oversight and coordination of care.

Our residents engage in a variety of activities, such as tai chi, bingo, pool, cards and board games, and yoga.

We also offer four church services per week, weekly performances by musical groups, and shopping, dining, and entertainment outings. For senior living in Cumming, Georgia, schedule a visit at Lanier Place today.

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I recently redid an upstairs bedroom that had become sort of a hodge-podge of all things one of our daughters didn’t take with her when she moved out.

I painted the bed, the walls, the trim (OK, husband Paul did the painting), a dresser, and got all new linens and window treatments.

The results? It looks beautiful and really lifted my spirits for not much money.

I always say the least expensive way to transform a room is with a gallon of paint.

Lastly, this is a great time to plan a summer vacation and/or go ahead and register the children for summer camps.

Nothing lifts my spirits than dreaming of the warmer months to come.

— Adlen W. Robinson Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

19

Combat that

mid-year school rut

Tips for enlivening routine, keeping children engaged Scenes such as these from August seem a distant memory now that the 2014-15 school year is entering its eighth month.

But there are steps parents can take to guard against a mid-year school rut.

20

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

I well remember when our four children were young at this time of year, they occasionally would experience a little bit of a school rut. The weather had been so cold and rainy, and then a few hints of spring began showing up.

Adults may call this “spring fever.”

Whatever you call it, it can interfere with a child’s school performance.

So what is a mom to do?

Here are some tips for helping children get out of this rut: • Buy some new school supplies.

Especially for younger children, getting some new notebooks, markers, or crayons is always exciting.

Maybe a new back pack or lunch box is also in order. Go shopping together

so your child can pick out his/her own special supplies.

• Start a rewards program.

Come up with a way to keep track of your children’s weekly assignments and have an award ceremony complete with prizes each week.

Make sure you have a calendar handy so that even young children can see the countdown to the end of the school year.

• Talk to your child’s teacher, especially if her or she seems to be struggling. The teacher can suggest how best to help.

Perhaps your child needs some extra help either with the teacher or a tutor.

• Take some fun but educational field trips. Living so close to Atlanta has its perks.

There are numerous fun and educational outlets for children to visit to reinforce what they are studying in school. Among them are the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta and many museums.

• Shop for spring/summer clothes.

Nothing gets you more excited for warm weather like buying new flip flops and shorts. This goes for adults as well. * When there are nice days, take advantage of them by heading outdoors. Go for a hike or take a picnic lunch to Lake Lanier and soak up some natural Vitamin D. Children need lots of physical activity so they are able to settle down and focus on their studies.

— Adlen W. Robinson

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21

Coconut oil Not just for tropical getaways You would have to have been living under a rock not to have heard about coconut oil and all things coconut. So are you wondering what all the hype is and if, in fact, there is hype involved?

I began studying coconut oil a few years ago, and have since become quite a fan.

I don’t use it for all of my cooking, but it definitely has a place in the kitchen, as well as other places, particularly as part of a beauty routine.

First, let’s talk about the health benefits of coconut oil. If you haven’t yet jumped on the coconut oil 22

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

bandwagon, it is likely because you remember hearing about coconut oil being saturated fat, which we all associate with high cholesterol and obesity.

While that may be true when eating a lot of cheese and red meat, coconut oil is made up of fatty acids with a medium length.

Without using too much science-speak, suffice it to say that coconut oil is metabolized differently in the body. Studies show it actually boosts energy as it’s digested.

There are actually numerous studies out there that show the

benefits of coconut oil. From helping with weight loss (many studies show it naturally suppresses the appetite) to actually killing bad bacteria and other viruses, coconut oil is an ingredient to consider incorporating into a diet.

Studies show it can improve cholesterol level, which of course lowers the risk for heart disease.

There also is evidence that it increases fat-burning abilities, especially abdominal fat, which is the worst kind.

In addition to all of the health advantages from ingesting coconut oil, plenty of studies suggest it is

also an amazing beauty product.

From personal experience, I can say it is a fantastic moisturizer, especially during these colder months when skin can get so dry.

It is also great for removing makeup and also makes an awesome lip balm.

I haven’t tried this yet, but many people mix it with sea salt and use it as a body scrub. I have used it to dilute essential oils when applying to skin.

As far as how to get coconut oil into a diet, first make sure to purchase the right kind. Look for organic, virgin coconut oil and make sure it is raw and not refined.

I use coconut oil to cook many things, ranging from eggs and vegetables to chicken breasts and pancakes.

One of my favorite ways to use it is to take a plain brown paper lunch bag, add ¼ cup or so of popcorn kernels, a spoon full of coconut oil, and then microwave until the popping slows down.

Sprinkle with some fine sea salt and, voila, you’ve got healthy popcorn that tastes delicious.

Coconut oil is solid unless it is warm, then it liquefies. It can be refrigerated, but that’s not necessary.

When it is solid, it can be used

like vegetable shortening. I made some of the best flour tortillas ever using chilled solid coconut oil. Experiment.

Of course, I still use extra virgin olive oil. It’s hard to beat good quality olive oil for so many dishes, including salad dressing or for dipping Italian bread in.

One last thing. Many may have heard of “oil pulling.”

This is when coconut oil is used to coat your teeth and throat.

It is supposed to be good for oral health, but I am just not sure I could handle this trendy technique.

Please check out coconut oil and let me know how the experimenting goes.

— Adlen W. Robinson

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Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

23

The most

FAMOUS

in SICILY

dish worth trying Caponata

Caponata: (Sicilian: capunata) is a Sicilian eggplant (aubergine) dish consisting of a

cooked vegetable salad made from chopped fried eggplant and celery seasoned with sweetened vinegar, with capers in a sweet and sour sauce

Caponata is the most famous dish in Sicily.

This eggplant relish of sorts has been around at least since the early 16th century, although today’s version is quite different from the one first documented in 1709.

Some food historians say early caponata was mariner’s food since the heavy vinegar in the dish acted as a preservative.

There are still many versions of caponata, but most contain eggplant, celery, peppers, some type of vinegar, garlic, and olive oil.

This is the kind of dish that gets better with time, so it is good to make it a day or so before you plan on serving it.

You can serve it alongside an antipasto platter as an appetizer, or as a side dish. You can also use it as a relish on top of fish or a steak.

I love it on top of toasted Italian bread or when tossed with pasta.

Be sure to taste for seasoning as you might prefer more vinegar or garlic.

Sicilian Caponata No. 1 1/2 cup virgin olive oil 1 large Spanish onion, chopped 3 tablespoons pine nuts 3 tablespoons currants or raisins that have been chopped 1 tablespoon hot chili flakes, plus extra for garnish 2 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (to yield 4 cups) 2 tablespoons honey ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder 2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried 1/4 cup basic tomato sauce 1/3 cup sherry vinegar (or red wine) Salt and freshly ground pepper 24

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

5 sprigs mint, chopped 1 baguette, sliced into 3/4-inch rounds and toasted on grill or in oven • In a large saute pan, over medium heat, heat the olive oil until hot but not smoking.

• Add the onions, pine nuts, currants and chili flakes and saute for four to five minutes until softened.

• Add the eggplant, honey, cinnamon, and cocoa and continue to cook for five more minutes.

• Add the thyme, tomato sauce, and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil.

• Lower the heat and simmer the mixture for five minutes.

• Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature, garnish with mint and chili flakes.

Sicilian Caponata No. 2 1 large eggplant, peeled, alternating with 1-inch strips of skin left on, cut into 1-inch dice Extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt 1 large red onion, chopped Pinch crushed red pepper flakes 1 fennel bulb, chopped (save fronds for garnish) 3 ribs celery, chopped 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped 2 zucchini, chopped 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup tomato paste 2 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup golden raisins 1/4 cup capers 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

1/2 bunch mint, cut into slivers • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

• In a large bowl, toss the eggplant generously with olive oil and salt, to taste.

• Spread out on a baking sheet and roast until the eggplant is soft and mushy, about 15 to 20 minutes.

• Coat a deep pot with olive oil.

• Add onion and crushed red pepper and season with salt, to taste.

• Cook over medium-high heat until the onions are soft and aromatic, about 8 to 10 minutes.

• Add the fennel, celery and garlic and cook for another five to six minutes.

• Stir in the peppers and cook for another five to six minutes.

• Add the zucchini, season with salt, to taste, and cook until the zucchini and all the veggies are soft, about five to six minutes.

• Toss in the eggplant, 1/2 cup of water and the tomato paste.

• Cook until the water has evaporated.

• Add honey and vinegar.

• Stir in the raisins, capers, pine nuts and mint.

• Cook for another five to six minutes.

• Taste for seasoning.

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25

Don’t delay, shop for Mother’s Day

26

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

Even though Mother’s Day is not until May 10, it will be here before we know it.

Flowers are nice, but what do most mothers want most on their special day?

What you get your mother, or what you want for yourself, has a lot to do with where you are in regards to motherhood.

Thinking back to when our four children were quite young, the best gift for me was always a day of shopping, eating lunch out — pretty much anything as long as it was sans children.

Many moms, regardless of their ages, enjoy a day of pampering. That could include a massage, manicure or facial.

Though I am not a grandmother, I can only imagine the best gift for grandma is a visit from her grandchildren.

Even if you’re not particularly gifted with words, all mothers regardless of age would love a note or letter thanking her for all she has done.

Here are some other suggestions to get mom the perfect gift. And perhaps you can circle some of them and leave this article in a strategic location for your husband and children to see.: * A gift basket filled with things mom loves. Maybe a gardening basket with seed packets, trowel, gardening gloves/shoes and a watering can. A food-lovers basket could be filled with artisanal and specialty products, a new chef ’s knife and cookbook. * Take mom on a winery tour in north Georgia. May is a great time of year to go see the wineries and sample their products. Bring a picnic basket filled with various gourmet

cheeses, French bread, and some fruit. * Give mom a gift certificate for a day of pampering at a local spa, along with some special bath products. * Buy tickets to a live show and give her a card explaining the special night — dinner, drinks and a show. * Offer to take mom on a day trip to a nearby city — Canton, Roswell, Dahlonega or Helen, to name a few.

Try out a new restaurant and check out the local shops.

* Give mom coupons for various services — cleaning the house or organizing the pantry. * Instead of a bouquet of flowers that will die in a few days, why not give mom a living plant or some flowers you can offer to plant in her garden? Get perennials so that every year when they bloom, she will think of you!

— Adlen W. Robinson

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27

AN ICY EXPERIMENT

Try some tasty Italian gelato tonight 28

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

G

elato is Italian ice cream. Perhaps the most familiar difference between them is that gelato has less butterfat.

It is less solidly frozen, so it is richer and creamier. It gives you a real “melt-in-your-mouth” feeling.

In the northern part of Italy, the gelato emphasizes fresh milk, cream and sugar.

In the southern part, such as Sicily, the gelato often features fruit, but also uses corn starch or arrowroot powder as a stabilizer.

Both are equally delicious.

Northern Italy’s citrus gelato 3/4 cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon fine salt 6 large eggs yolks 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 1/2 cup whole milk 1/4 cup buttermilk 1 orange, zested, orange reserved Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lime 1 tablespoon vodka (optional but helps with frozen consistency) Whisk the sugar, salt and yolks in a heavy medium stainless steel or enamel saucepan.

Gradually whisk in the cream.

Then whisk in the milk, buttermilk and citrus zests.

Using a wooden spoon, stir the custard constantly over medium heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon and a thermometer registers between 180 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit, eight to 10 minutes.

Immediately scrape the custard into a four-cup measuring cup.

Mix in the rum.

Refrigerate uncovered until cold, about three hours, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

Cover until ready to freeze (can be made one day in advance).

Freeze the custard in an ice cream machine according to manufacturer’s

instructions.

While the custard is freezing in the ice cream machine, peel and trim the ends from the zested orange.

Using a paring knife, cut along the membrane on both sides of each segment.

Free the segments onto a cutting board.

Cut the segments into 1/2-inch pieces.

During the last 10 minutes of freezing time, add the orange segments.

Transfer to a container Cover and freeze until ready to serve. *** Experiment with this recipe by adding flavors such as chocolate chips, fresh mint, chopped frozen fruit, etc. Just look at the ice cream maker’s instructions for when to add them.

Southern Italy’s vanilla gelato

3 cups whole milk ½ cup sugar 3 ½ tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder Pinch of sea salt 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise Whisk together small amount of milk with cornstarch or arrowroot.

Blend remaining milk, salt, vanilla bean (scrape out seeds) and then put the beans and the whole pod in a sauce pan.

Warm until mixture is hot but not boiling.

Whisk in dissolved cornstarch or arrowroot mixture and cook five minutes, whisking frequently.

Remove and allow mixture to cool.

Refrigerate until cold.

Remove the vanilla pod and discard.

Freeze mixture according to the manufacturer directions.

After churning, place in freezer.

— Adlen W. Robinson

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Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

29

Uncork the flavor of Italy look for a Sicilian wine that is from the nero d’avola grape Following our food theme in this issue, (the caponata and gelata), I thought it would be interesting to learn more about wines from Sicily.

I discovered that the most popular — and arguably important — grape in Sicily is called nero d’avola. The bottle of wine I tried was Maretima, made with the nero d’avola grape.

At about $15 a bottle, this was a little on the more pricey side for me, so I made sure it was a special occasion. Valentine’s Day did the trick.

30

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

The wine was smooth and luscious. And it definitely was full bodied, a term that would surely come to mind after tasting it, even if you’re not a big wine connoisseur.

The name means “Black of Avola” and is named after Avola, a town in the far south of Sicily. Wine experts compare it to “New World Shirazes,” and use words such as “plum” and “peppery” to describe its flavor.

The grape likes a hot and arid climate, something the southern part of Sicily delivers. Apparently, the grape is also cultivated in Australia

and Turkey.

If you cannot find the exact bottle of wine I tried, just look for a Sicilian wine that is from the nero d’avola grape. It is perfect with any type of red sauce-based Italian food. Think spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, baked ziti and even pizza.

Because it has such bold flavors, the wine would also be delicious with a steak or pot roast. It is also yummy with some gorgonzola cheese. Enjoy!

— Adlen W. Robinson

Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

31

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Moments Magazine | March-April 2015