Charlotte goes Patriotic

1 (7-ounce) package ladyfingers

1 (1/2-pint) container raspberries

Bavarian Cream

4 cups whole milk

1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise

1 tablespoon powdered gelatin

2 tablespoons cold water

12 large egg yolks

1 1/3 cups granulated sugar

Topping

1 (1/2-pint) container raspberries

1 (1/2-pint) container blueberries

Whipped topping

Coat an 8-inch spring-form pan with nonstick spray. Line bottom and sides with parchment paper then spray paper with cooking spray before standing ladyfingers up around the inside of the outer edge of the pan.

Fill a large bowl with ice water and set aside. In a 2-quart heavy saucepan, over medium-high heat, bring milk and vanilla bean to a boil. As soon as it comes to a boil, turn off heat and let the covered pot steep for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over2 tablespoons of cold water and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar until well blended then while continuously whisking, slowly pour in hot milk. Return mixture to saucepan and, over medium heat, cook until sauce has thickened and reaches 180 degrees, be careful not to overcook or you will end up with scrambled eggs! Remove from heat, stir in gelatin then remove vanilla bean. Place custard pot into the bowl of ice water and stir frequently until custard starts to cool and thicken. Once cooled and thickened, fold in 1 container of raspberries then pour into the ladyfingerlined pan. Smooth top of custard and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. To serve, arrange remaining berries and whipped topping across the top.

Midwest Morsels

Celebrating the return of summer by grooming her plants that wintered in her greenhouse, Kurella is also celebrating life and the release of her new culinary memoir, MIDWEST MORSELS (and it being nominated for a special award) by making some special appearances at summer events that may bring her (and prizes) to a town near you!

The aroma of fresh coffee and home baked cookies fills the air, a cozy and relaxed atmosphere and the sounds of a community enjoying conversation is the vibe at the new SHALOM Coffee Connection.

SHALOM Coffee Connection is a unique coffee shop that offers another opportunity for SHALOM Participants (adults with developmental, physical, emotional and mental disabilities in our community) to engage in meaningful work, serve others and integrate into the community.

SHALOM Coffee Connection partners with Foster Coffee Co., whose mission aligns with their own, fostering community and providing excellent coffee, which is the base of their delicious coffee drinks. They serve espresso, cappuccino, latte, mocha, iced coffee and drip pour (available in light or dark roast and decaf). Be sure to try the Maple Cinnamon Latte that uses the maple syrup processed at the SHALOM Farm.

Decadent hot chocolate is on the menu and is served with your choice of complimentary whipped cream, sprinkles and chocolate or caramel drizzle, which is included with any drink purchase. Milk alternatives such as oat and almond milks are available for a nominal upcharge.

If tea is your drink of choice, they offer a wide variety of flavors, including chai tea latte. Iced tea and lemonade are served during the summer months. Fresh Strawberry Banana and Tropical Green smooth ies are served yearround.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat to go along with your drink of choice, you’re in luck! SHALOM Coffee Connection serves Karen’s Wonderful Cookies. The secret-recipe cookies include her signature flavor Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, Monster Cookies & more (all are only $1 and available in regular or gluten free).

Order some for your next party or event; your guests will surely be impressed!

The vision for the coffee shop began over six years ago, with the intent of offering additional opportunities of meaningful work for SHALOM Participants to learn and grow. The Participants have been an integral part of the planning and preparation process. Whether they are baking cookies, wood burning signs, or designing the logo, Participants have taken ownership of this project.

The vision became a reality on March 24th-25th, when SHALOM Coffee Connection celebrated their grand opening. The coffee shop is located in the Shepherd’s Barn at 6276 N. Riverview Drive, just north of Parchment. Groups are welcome to meet at the coffee shop – advanced notice is appreciated. They are open the same days and hours as The Connection Depot Thrift Store, which is located within the same building, Fridays and Saturdays from 9-3, closed on major holiday weekends. Thrift store donations are accepted Thurs. – Sat. 9am-3pm.

As with every facet of SHALOM, they could not do what they do without their wonderful volunteers.

SHALOM Coffee Connection is looking for volunteers to help in the coffee shop for a 3-½ hour shift on a Friday or Saturday once or twice a month. If interested please contact the SHALOM Coffee Connection manager, Kelly Lewis at klewis@ shalomkazoo.org or (269) 382-3840. Stop in this weekend and enjoy a delicious coffee, tea or specialty drink and a cookie and support this sweet mission.

About SHALOM

SHALOM has 53 active Participants at this time. The SHALOM Network includes 8 homes, serving 40 residents, plus care providers and their families. Three homes are licensed AFC (Adult Foster Care) homes and four are self-determined, supported living homes. The homes are each managed by Christian care providers and operate as an extended family, giving residents a place to call home with the support they need. They envision adding to the network as like-minded homes and individuals connect.

The SHALOM Farm is a busy place where Participants help with animal care, gardening, maple syrup and fruit. The farm has sheep, chickens, ducks, goats, rabbits and alpaca.

The Connection Depot Thrift Store enables many network residents, friends and community folks to work together and become friends – which is entirely the point! The store is also a place to sell the goods they produce through the SHALOM Woolery and farm products, including farm fresh eggs and homemade maples syrup.

For more information visit the SHALOM website at shalomkazoo. org, stop into the SHALOM office and Woolery weekdays between 10am-2pm at 3191 Van Buren St. in Kalamazoo, Call (269) 382-3840 or email shalomkazoo@aol.com.

Jackie Merriam