patrick.oconnor@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/ patrick.oconnor
A Thankful Heart, Gratitude Abound
November, for me, is a month filled with thoughts of family, friends, and being thankful for all that is around us. Thanksgiving itself has always been my favorite Holiday – filled with family, food, and football!!
Recently, when my second son went on a trip to visit his brother in Arizona, I was reminded why it is important to lean into gratitude. While my sons were camping, riding motorcycles, and enjoying outdoor life, I sat home wishing I was out there with them–sad that our schedules didn’t match up. One night, as they sat by the bonfire and I at home, I received a text that really exemplified the true rewards of parenthood, filling my heart with joy, thankful for the gift my sons have given me.
The text reads: “We are sitting around the fire listening to Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd) and talking about you. And we wish you were here. We love you, you’re an awesome dad. We both feel so lucky that we grew up with you in our corner teaching us right from wrong. We’ll all have to do a motorcycle trip soon!”
That simple text was a gift in itself. Gratitude swelled in me as I realized that all the years of showing up, teaching, and loving had taken root. To be seen that way by my own children is one of life’s most humbling blessings.
This month’s issue features a story that has been in the works for over a year with Operation Wild Horse in Bull Valley. The work they do and the people they help is nothing less than amazing. We’ll also introduce you to a local business owner, Scott Grafer of Redwire Electric, who is one of the most genuine people you ever want to know. Topping that off is a culinary delight as well as some ways you can give back in our community and beyond. I hope you enjoy it!
Be safe, reflect on all that is good in your life, and if you’re going through tough times know there is light on the horizon and we all can find something to be grateful for–even in the smallest of ways.
STEVE ROGERS, PUBLISHER
@CRYSTALLAKECITYLIFESTYLE
Crystal Lake City Lifestyle in the towns of Crystal Lake, Village of Lakewood, Prairie Grove, and Huntley.
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Steve Rogers | steve.rogers@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Patti Noble | patti.noble@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Katie Bobrow | katie.bobrow@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Klaudia Burian, Jamie Kayser
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sharmila Taylor, David Bradburn
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
city scene
WHERE
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN NOVEMBER 2025
1: Our Publisher, Steve Rogers, joins other area business owners hosting the McHenry County Brand Builders symposium. 2: Mrs. Illinois joined in the fun at the Clearbrook Step it Up 5k. 3: Running together and representing Clearbrook West in the Step it Up run/walk. 4: The Crystal Lake community came out to celebrate the new and improved Johnny Appleseed festival. 5: Senior Staff writer, Katie Bobrow, gets a little help from a friend. 6: Clear Cut Orthodontics participated in the Huntley Fall Fest. 7: Community members join the the CL Chamber to celebrate Coco’s Boutique ribbon cutting
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY KATIE SINDE
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Real Estate Report
8/6/2025
8/29/2025
8/29/2025
8/29/2025
7/18/2025
9/5/2025
8/14/2025
7/29/2025
8/29/2025
9/26/2025
7/1/2025
7/2/2025 8/25/2025
8/7/2025 7/10/2025
7/8/2025
7/24/2025
7/9/2025 8/19/2025 9/30/2025
NO IS JUST an option
HOW RESILIENCE TURNED SETBACKS INTO SPARKS OF INNOVATION
ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARMILA TAYLOR
Sharmila Taylor Photography
For some, the word “no” feels final—a slammed door, a dead end. For Scott Grafer, it has always been something else entirely. To him, “no” is simply a detour, a signal that the timing isn’t right just yet. His life and career are living proof that setbacks are often the first step to something greater.
Scott has always loved the problem-solving side of work and became known for asking sometimes uncomfortable questions that often led to solutions. That curiosity carried him through his life and career–which began in loss prevention where he worked with several corporations, and then moved on to engineering in a plastics molding company, designing products and managing teams.
In the early 2000s, that company shuttered their doors, but Scott wasn’t one to sit idle. He chose to pivot. He had always loved working with his hands and specifically, working on houses, so he launched a full-service remodeling business. At first it was an evenings and weekends gig, but soon it became a full-time venture.
The business thrived for years until another economic downturn. When he and his partner began to realize they were losing money, down to one employee, and his partner subsequently underwent a major medical emergency, Scott reimagined his path yet again. While building their remodeling company, he had gone to trade school to earn his electrician’s license to be able to add that specialty to the services they provided. So, he leaned into that experience and began seeking clients as an electrician. What began as neighbors calling him for small fixes—replacing switches, repairing lights—gradually grew into a new business.
He didn’t stay a one-man shop for long. Scott’s (now) son-in-law joined him, trading his job at a video game retailer for a career in the trades. Scott trained him up, helped him earn his license, and eventually trusted him to run daily field operations. After years of developing the company, Red Wire Electric was officially born in 2016 and today is a family-driven business that thrives on both expertise and trust.
The family aspect extends beyond blood ties. Over the years, Scott has opened doors for countless young people who wanted to test the trades. He’s invited students and aspiring electricians to shadow, learn, and get their hands dirty. Several discovered a passion that could shape their careers while others walked away knowing it wasn’t for them. But each grew from the experience.
Scott has a compassionate heart and is drawn to be of service to others. That instinct led him to Habitat for Humanity after reading a simple church bulletin announcement seeking a project manager. He assumed someone else would step up, but no one did, so he raised his hand. For three years, he led volunteer crews to build homes, often bringing his own remodeling team along.
As Red Wire grew, he committed to donating one full electrical project to Habitat each year. No invoices, no stress, no strings attached—just service. Habitat supplies the materials; Scott and his crew donate their time. The model is sustainable, rewarding, and purposeful.
But Scott’s journey doesn’t stop at building and wiring homes. A natural problem solver, frustrated with the antiquated system for storing and transporting spools of electrical wire, he dreamed up a tool–a wire management system for electricians. While many of us have ideas and concepts, not everyone has the talent, experience, and drive to bring that idea to life. Enter Scott Grafer. He designed, wrote a business plan, obtained a patent, and created a prototype. For years, he pitched manufacturers, invested personal and company monies, and sought additional funding, but hit dead ends and wondered if it was the end of the road.
Sharmila Taylor Photography
Through every pivot and challenge, Scott has leaned on the steady support of his wife, Diane. Married 38 years, she has been his sounding board, cheerleader, and partner through every leap of faith. Their marriage has been his foundation, and it was her quiet confidence that ultimately gave him the nudge to launch what is now Stak Max.
After being turned down or over priced by nearly every plastic molding manufacturer, on a flight, Scott opened an airline magazine and spotted an ad for a plastics company in Wisconsin. He took a chance and gave them a call. To his surprise, their quote was affordable, their facility impressive, and within months Stak Max went from idea to reality.
This new partnership led retailers who once ignored him to began calling. Today, Stak Max is sold in nearly 100 electrical supply stores nationwide–proof that persistence matters as much as invention.
For Scott, life has been a series of pivots and pauses, each one leading to something greater than he first imagined. His story isn’t just about business or innovation—it’s about resilience, faith, and family. He has built his life on the belief that ‘no’ simply means ‘not right now’—a mantra that echoes through his journey. “Everything happens when it’s supposed to,” he says. “You can’t force it. You just have to be open.”
That openness has given Scott not only a successful business, Red Wire Electric, and an innovative product, Stak Max, but also a legacy of community service and mentorship. He’s grateful for the detours, the lessons, and even the hard stops. He continues to prove that persistence, patience, and purpose can turn setbacks into stepping stones and ideas into legacies.
KINDRED SPIRITS
Veterans and Wild Mustangs Rebuilding Together
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARMILA TAYLOR
Marty and Jelly
Some people, some places, you just know are special. It’s in the way they speak with sincerity, the way they make you feel the moment you arrive. There’s a place like this in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Operation Wild Horse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run by Patti Gruber and her assistant director, Megan Townsend. On a blazing August day, I had the opportunity to visit. The winding, tree-lined drive gave way to open pastures where mustangs grazed lazily in the sun. As I pulled in, the sound of crunching gravel mingled with the soft nickers of horses who had gathered along the fence line.
By the time I parked and stepped out, Patti was already walking toward me, greeting me with a warm smile and a firm handshake. Her dusty jeans and worn boots painted a picture of a woman who works hard and leads with heart. As we exchanged pleasantries, a loud voice rang out from a passing car. Patti laughed, “We get that all the time, either a veteran shouting a greeting to their horse, or a neighbor just saying hi.” It was a small moment, but it told me everything I needed to know, this was a place built on connection, belonging, and love.
Operation Wild Horse pairs U.S. military veterans with wild mustangs, creating a space where trust is rebuilt, one quiet moment at a time. The program operates out of the Bull Valley Equestrian Center on 10 acres of leased land, and since its founding in 2017, it has grown into a lifeline for hundreds of veterans. Patti’s vision stems from the belief that veterans and mustangs share something profound, both are resilient, misunderstood survivors who have endured harsh conditions and carried scars, visible or not.
Many of the horses that arrive here were considered “throwaway” animals, destined for holding pens or worse. Most come from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages wild horse populations across the American West. For decades, the BLM has rounded up mustangs from public rangelands when herds grow too large for the available resources, placing them in holding facilities and up for adoption. “That’s where we step in,” Patti explained. In addition to BLM adoptions, many horses are donated by veterans or the families of veterans, each animal carrying its own legacy of resilience.
When a new veteran joins the program, there’s no assignment or pressure. Instead, they’re invited to spend time with every horse in the herd, walking quietly through the pastures, letting instinct and emotion lead the way. “They usually bond quickly,” Megan said. “It’s almost like the horse picks them.” These initial meetings often mark the start of a partnership that becomes deeply personal, built on patience, trust, and mutual respect.
“They’re literally changing lives,” Megan says, “both the horses’ and the veterans’.” That truth becomes clear in every story shared, every quiet interaction between horse and rider.
Take Valor, for example. Once a band stallion in the wild, he bears the scars of years spent fighting to protect his herd. He’s not rideable and remains wary, but Patti says he’s one of their best teachers. “Valor physically shows the invisible scars of our veterans,” she explained. His reactions mirror the emotions of those around him, tense when they are anxious, calm when they
Keith and Bango. Photo generously provided by Gregorio Photography
are grounded. In that way, Valor helps veterans see their inner state reflected back at them, offering lessons no words could teach.
Throughout my visit, I met veterans who brought the program’s mission to life. Marty, a 77-year-old Marine, rides Jelly, a mustang donated by a Marine sniper’s father. Patti fussed over him like family, teasing him about the candy she knows he keeps in his car and adjusting his hat so the pins from his service could be seen. Their affection was genuine, and it was clear this wasn’t just a program; it was a community.
Then there was Rich, a legally blind Air Force veteran, who rides Firefly. His wife, Mary Ann, drives him from Milwaukee each week. “He never asks for anything,” she says. “But when he saw a documentary about Operation Wild Horse, he said, ‘I’d like to meet those horses.’ I knew then I’d make it happen.” For the past year, the two have come together. She rides alongside him, both finding peace and purpose in the barn.
Dan and Bango
Megan and Little Man
Patti with Pearl Snap and Finley
“Healing here isn’t loud or linear. It happens in small gestures, in the patience, gentleness, and presence.
Sometimes it’s a light returning to someone’s eyes, a horse finally relaxing under a gentle hand, or a quiet realization: I am not alone.”
Dan, a first responder with the sheriff’s department, began attending after a particularly traumatic call. A veteran friend suggested he give it a try. He’s been riding Bango for three months now. On my second visit, he stopped by just to see “his” horse. The way Bango nuzzled him and the quiet pride in Dan’s expression painted a picture of mutual healing.
Two Army veterans, Susan and Meg, showed off their horses’ skills on the obstacle course, guiding them through patterns of trust and cooperation. Both women exuding a calm, quiet strength. They shared that equal to the healing the horses provide, is Patti’s ability to create a welcoming environment.
Susan and Pearl Snap
Meg and Finley
While there’s structure to the program - veterans are assigned times so Patti and Megan can check in if someone misses - the doors are always open. “If a veteran needs us, they can come anytime,” Patti said. They conduct 80–100 sessions each month, sometimes with one veteran, sometimes with twenty, equating to more than 10,000 sessions since opening their gates. Wednesdays are reserved for women veterans, and though it’s scheduled time is 7–9 p.m., Patti laughs that it usually runs closer to 6–10. “If there’s a need,” one veteran told me, “Patti will do her best to fill it.”
The herd itself is a colorful collection of personalities, consisting of 16 mustangs, 2 mini horses, 7 burros, 1 mini donkey, a goat named Muffin, and two ducks, Coaster and Becky, who no longer lay eggs but are loved (and teased) just the same. Each animal carries a story. There’s Pearl Snap, a striking black-and-white paint who knows he’s beautiful; Ranger and Twenty-Two, the youngsters of the group; and Jack, the oldest mustang, now retired but constantly doted on. Megan’s horse, Little Man, is one she trained herself, a testament to patience and persistence.
Patti’s own journey with mustangs began decades ago. She grew up in the saddle, and in her late twenties brought home her first wild mustang. Later, she adopted a stallion named Padré, who went on to make history as the first wild horse to qualify for Dressage at Devon, one of the most prestigious horse shows in the country. That experience inspired her to give back and to use the power of horses to help others heal.
What is most striking at Operation Wild Horse isn’t the impressive numbers or accomplishments, but the still moments: a veteran brushing a mustang’s neck, the quiet rhythm of breathing in sync, a horse resting its head on a shoulder. Healing here isn’t loud or linear. It happens in small gestures, it’s in the patience, gentleness, and presence.
The mustangs are honest teachers. They don’t speak, but they respond. Veterans learn to quiet their thoughts, steady their emotions, and communicate through calm confidence.
In return, the horses offer trust, a gift that must be earned. Over time, the relationship becomes a mirror, with each reflecting strength, vulnerability, and resilience back to the other.
Some veterans describe the mustangs as “listening.” Patti shared stories of men and women arriving unannounced, unsure where else to turn, finding solace in the barn. She has watched conversations between veterans, and sometimes just the silent company of horses, save lives. “We’ve had veterans call us in the middle of the night or just show up when they didn’t know where else to go,” she said. “Sometimes the difference between life and death is knowing someone will answer.”
Operation Wild Horse doesn’t strive to be the biggest program, only the best. Their attention is deeply personal. If someone doesn’t show up, they go looking. If someone calls at 3 a.m., they answer. And that care goes both ways, the veterans show up for each other, and for the horses. Week after week, they return to this place of dust and sunlight, of trust and forgiveness.
The transformations aren’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s a light returning to someone’s eyes. Sometimes it’s a horse finally relaxing under a gentle hand. Sometimes it’s a quiet realization: “I am not alone.” Patti and Megan serve as stewards, keeping watch over the herd and the humans alike, creating a safe, steady space where both can heal.
Operation Wild Horse isn’t just a program; it’s a sanctuary of second chances. The mustangs and veterans arrive carrying weight, scars, stories, and uncertainty, and through patience and connection, they learn to stand taller. A weight that may be too heavy to carry alone suddenly feels a little bit lighter with a partner.
I came to write a story, but I left with something deeper: a reminder that healing doesn’t always come from words. Sometimes it’s found in a soft breath, a lowered guard, a gentle touch. From the first step on that gravel drive, I knew that this place is special. And by the time I left, I understood why.
SUPPORT HEALING THROUGH HORSEMANSHIP.
Operation Wild Horse relies on community donations and sponsorships to continue its mission. The program’s mustangs and veterans inspired Gregorio Photography’s book Wild Heart, a beautiful tribute to their relationships. Learn more, donate, or get involved at veteransrandr.org or Facebook atfacebook.com/operationwildhorse. Every contribution helps transform lives, one veteran, one horse at a time.
Comfort Outside, No Compromises
Transform your backyard into the perfect retreat with a brand new deck and custom screened porch from TL Decks. Whether you’re hosting fall gatherings or enjoying quiet mornings with a cup of coffee, our expertly built outdoor living spaces are designed for comfort, style, and functionality. A screened porch offers the best of both worlds—fresh air and outdoor views without the hassle of bugs, harsh sun, or unpredictable weather. Combined with a beautiful, durable deck, you’ll gain an inviting extension of your home where memories are made all year round.
• Keep bugs and the elements at bay
• Create a cozy, protected space for relaxing and entertaining
• Increase your home’s value and curb appeal
• Enjoy low-maintenance, high-quality craftsmanship built to last
Rockin’ Around the Giving Trees
Reach out a helping hand in the community during this season of giving
With Thanksgiving around the corner and the ‘Season of Giving’ to follow, there couldn’t be a better time to both be thankful for what we have AND give back to those who may have less. We can make a profound difference in our own community by helping, one neighbor at a time. Here are a few ways to make a difference and put smiles on faces.
The Salvation Army has their well-known Red Kettle bells that collect donations for families in need, specifically children, Veterans, and seniors. These funds also support natural disaster victims and other programs including homelessness relief. Millions of people have been aided through the Salvation Army and their programs. Your spare change can make an astronomical impact for the less fortunate. Their Angel Tree program partners with Walmart to allow you to shop from the convenience of your home using the Walmart.com website and shipping directly to the closest Salvation Army. Veterans Path to Hope right here in Crystal Lake has a similar concept that helps not only McHenry County, but also Lake and Winnebago counties. They provide military families with meals, counseling, shelter, and
more. You may see boxes around the Crystal Lake area to benefit this cause, making it easier to give back to those who gave so much for us. Immediate needs include clothing, food, and monetary donations, which can also be brought to their location on McHenry Avenue. You will find the full wishlist at: veteranspathtohope.org
Home of the Sparrow provides support for women and children struggling with homelessness by providing shelter and protection. HOS has nearly 25 locations in and around Crystal Lake that participate in a Giving Tree program, including their Sparrow’s Nest Thrift Store locations, local libraries, restaurants, and more. Each tree is decorated with tags listing a gift need. Simply choose a tag, purchase the item, and return it under the tree or to the main office in Woodstock. A full list of participating locations can be found at: hosparrow.org
ARTICLE BY JAMIE KAYSER
Simply going to the doctor can be healing for you while helping others at the same time. At Mission 516 Chiropractic in Lakewood, Dr. Ron and his team use curated techniques to get you feeling your best. They help families not only feel good physically, but also offer the opportunity to give back. Right after Thanksgiving, Giving Trees with between 75 and 125 tags are set up in their reception area. These tags describe specific gift needs for foster and adopted children and their caretakers through Kids in Need McHenry County. Dr. Ron and his wife Dana’s mission to make the biggest impact possible expands globally as they bring care and support to others in need. Learn more on their website at: mission516chiro.com
Giving back just a few hours of your time in the form of volunteering can help hundreds of those in need. One amazing way to volunteer is with The Rotary Club of Woodstock Christmas Clearing House. For over 50 years, thousands of families have been served by this program which distributes gifts to families in need and works with Toys for Tots around the Woodstock area to support their local school district families with low-income assistance. Residents and businesses donate toys and gifts towards this production which uses a warehouse to store and sort the donations. Even local stores and restaurants participate in aiding the cause by donating a portion of their sales to the Clearing House. Sometimes simply going out to eat can make an impact.
Volunteers (including school children) work together to sort toys–from toddler to teen–as well as gift cards for the older adolescents in the program. On a Saturday in December, volunteers deliver the bags of toys, along with food boxes from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, to neighbors in need in our county. Volunteers are treated to a breakfast provided by the local Moose Lodge. This well-oiled machine can only improve with your help. Learn more on the Woodstock Rotary website: rotaryclubofwoodstock.com
The Crystal Lake Food Pantry’s demand has continued to rise, making community involvement more vital than ever. Whether it’s donating canned or boxed goods at collection sites or giving an hour of your time to help pack food boxes, every contribution makes a difference. For the many families living on fixed incomes, the pantry offers more than groceries—it provides dignity, creating the feeling of shopping in a welcoming, high-quality market. You can check out their wish list on the Food Pantry website: clfoodpantry.org
Every donation—whether food, funds, gifts, or volunteer hours—creates a ripple of kindness that extends across many corners of our community. Each act of generosity helps lift up neighbors in ways big and small. Together, we can ensure the spirit of compassion carries well beyond the holiday season, reminding us that we’re strongest when we show up for one another.
All the Reasons to be
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
ARTICLE BY KLAUDIA BURIAN NBC-HWC PHOTOGRAPHY BY KLAUDIA BURIAN
With a sweet dish to pass here, and savory dish to pass there, the potluck creates a fun way to gather friends, family, and community.
A Crowded
Table
“I want a house with a crowded table, and a place by the fire for everyone. Let us take on the world while we're young and able, and bring us back together when the day is done.” These are lyrics from a song by The Highwomen, and when the later November wind invites children, friends and family to gather around tables big and small, there's great opportunity for everyone to shine, with shared cherished dishes and flavors while giving thanks.
November is one of those funny months that seems to hold its breath a bit. There’s a reluctant anticipation and inquiry each morning for midwesterners, after the blanket is pulled up higher and tighter, that asks if this is the day when the weather turns.
Luckily and in perfect time, the local communities and villages have the antidote figured out. The approaching parade of holidays, and their festive decor, explode on front porches and store windows. The embers of bright orange and fiery reds make the transition into the grey blanket sky, whistling wind, and short daylight hours feel a little more tolerable, and one can almost feel the warmth from the holiday glow.
This collaboration, and balance of acceptance and gentle resistance, resembles the tried and true potluck. This practice of each person offering a dish that is meaningful, resonates with them in a soulful way, or is simply within reach, began humbly in 16th century England. It was coined as such for unexpected guests to simply eat whatever they were lucky enough to find in the family pot. In the states, in the later 19th century, it gained popularity as a meal where everyone brings a prepared dish to share. During the great depression and World War II, where uncertainly and unpredictable resources became the grey blanket of the country, potluck meals became an important way for communities to share what they individually had, and women would gather at community spaces to share food and rationed resources. People could
gather, and together in gratitude, connect and be nourished by whatever was available. Today, this becomes a more laid back way to celebrate, and make a meal of many hands, and hearts, light work.
Wondering what to bring to a potluck? There are no rules here. Anything made with fresh, high quality ingredients, love, and maybe some warming comfort spices (the kind that relax the nervous system as soon as their scent is detected) will suffice as a welcome addition to a well-adorned and joyfully crowded table. This November’s recipe was inspired by, adapted, and crafted from a similar recipe in Love and Lemons . When this offering arrives at an event, it brings a warm and whimsical feel, especially when carried in a flowery and charming story book basket. Loved ones will feel lucky to share in this irresistible nibble.
CONTINUED >
Simon and Garfunkel Herbed Savory Muffins
This recipe makes 18 regular sized muffins
INGREDIENTS
• 3 cups cubed butternut or other sweet squash, roasted
• 1/3 cup avocado oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk, or unsweetened plant milk
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1T apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup crumbled white cheese (like feta, goat, or queso fresco)
• 2 sprigs green onion, chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 ¾ cup all purpose or gluten free flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking salt
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch black pepper
• 1 ½ T combo of fresh parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme chopped fine
TOPPING INGREDIENTS
• 1T fresh rosemary roughly chopped
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup of the cranberries
• Some of the chopped green onion
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
1. Massage the cubed squash with some olive oil (don’t season), and roast on a baking sheet for 25 minutes. Remove and lower oven temperature to 350. Allow squash to cool.
2. Mash 2 ½ cups of the squash, reserving ½ cup to fold in at the end. Add the oil/butter, eggs, milk, maple syrup, vinegar, cheese, and ¾ of the chopped scallion. Blend well with a whisk.
3. In another bowl, gently stir to combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking salt, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper and herbs).
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and fold in reserved squash. Stir just enough to combine.
5. Line muffin tins with pretty pointy tulip muffin papers (these can be made at home too), lightly spray with cooking spray and fill each muffin cup ¾ of the way. Top each one with a blend of the rosemary, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and green onion. Bake muffins at 350 degrees for 22 minutes.
6. Check for doneness with a toothpick. If still sticky, bake a few minutes more. Remove and allow to cool.
7. Gently and slowly arrange each one on a beautiful napkin in your favorite basket, and decorate the basket with pretty flowers or fresh herbs. Serve with high quality butter and you’ll have friends for life. The people you share them with will feel the love and gratitude in every bite.
