Newtown Real Estate
LETTER
Lettuce Romaine Friends Forever
Welcome fall!
With the changing seasons comes a change in what we're craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable edition of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and drinks around town. We had the pleasure of checking in with Chef Fami at Piccolo Trattoria restaurant, and learned about his signature fall dish. We also have some other suggested beverages and foods to get your taste buds ready.
The smells of fall bring memories to my mind of sitting in my family's kitchen, and the aroma of cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, chili and soups of any kind brings me right back to that table.
There's definitely an art to creating a flavorful dish that not only satisfies us, but evokes memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we're sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.
It was an honor to be a sponsor of this year's Friends For Heroes golf fundraiser. I had the pleasure of discussing matters with Jeffrey Liebmann, partner at Curtin & Hefner LLP law firm. He's one of the founding members and co-chairman of The Friends for Heroes Foundation, a local nonprofit that raises money for local veterans and their families through a golf outing every August.
Another good initiative to consider participating in is the Newtown Library Company's Annual 5K Run/Walk for Reading on Oct. 5. Proceeds raise funds for our historic library's programs, initiatives, operations and maintenance. That's the same date that kicks off the 48th Annual Newtown Market Day.
As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you nibbling and noshing around town!
DANA WEISSENBERG, PUBLISHER @NEWTOWNCITYLIFESTYLE
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Dana Weissenberg | Dana.Weissenberg@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Catrina Tier | catrina.tier@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Brian Wagner
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Hayley Weltz
MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR
Heather Lazar
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
John Fiduccia, Madeline Marriott, Julie Brown Patton, Angela Broockerd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brian Wagner, Frank Pronesti/Heirloom Studio, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Branden Cooper
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
inside the issue
Eat This, Not That
Piccolo Trattoria Chef's Signature Dish Perfect
Starting young: Newtown City Lifestyle asked local expert, Meg Zakarewicz, D.O., medical director of weight management at The Well Lounge, for guidance regarding how to balance food and drinks to achieve healthier, sustainable lifestyles.
Paths To Personal Growth Discover
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Attendees at Newtown Business Association's annual Classic/Antique Car Show had a dog-gone good time. 2: Wine On The Waterfront was hosted on the banks of the Delaware River. 3: Proceeds from Wine On Waterfront help Friends provide educational and historical programming at the park. 4: Wine On The Waterfront 2024 with Jazz event at Washington Crossing Historic Park. 5: This year’s NBA Newtown Antique & Classic Auto Show was held on historic State Street. 6: This Studebaker Golden Hawk won best in show in the 2024 NBA Newtown Auto Show. 7: Newtown Business Association members hosted a ribbon cutting for Oil Divine, 2859 S. Eagle Road.
BRIAN WAGNER / BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY
BRIAN WAGNER / BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY NBA
BRIAN WAGNER / BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY
BRIAN WAGNER / BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY
BRIAN WAGNER / BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN WAGNER / BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY
Want to be seen in the magazine? TAG YOUR INSTAGRAM PHOTOS WITH @NEWTOWNCITYLIFESTYLE
8-10: Newtown City Lifestyle was proud sponsor of Friends For Heroes golf tournament fundraiser for veterans.
business monthly
School Of Rock 20th Anniversary
The crew at School of Rock Newtown, formerly known as School of Rock Bucks County, this year has been observing their 20th anniversary. Music programs provided there combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices. Paul Pollock is owner and general manager of this local business whose performance-based music school is designed to inspire kids to rock on stage and in life with motto: "We believe the best way to learn music is to play music."
Marcolla Realty Adds New Realtors
Dave Marcolla, Marcolla Realty founder, welcomed three new Realtors: Anthony Fani, Antonio Siravo and Travus Gehret. Anthony is a Bucks County native, former AP U.S. history teacher and George Washington University/LaSalle University graduate. Antonio is a lifelong Bucks County resident, and Council Rock/Loyola University graduate who also works as a Chubb Insurance risk underwriter. Travus previously worked as a Compass Realtor after Redfin as an agent and escrow manager, and is a Newtown resident.
New Hope-Solebury Sophomore Is Junior National Jump Rope Champion
Zach Peckman, New Hope-Solebury sophomore, earned the title of Junior National Champion at the 2024 U.S. National Jump Rope Championships, winning gold in the Speed Endurance event in the junior male (under 16) division. In the same event, Zach earned a silver medal with a second place finish in Grand Nationals, which combines both junior and senior divisions. In the Speed Sprint event, he won his third medal, earning silver in the junior male division.
Photography Courtesy of School of Rock Newtown
Photography by Brian Wagner
Photography by NHSD
New Eastern EuropeanInspired Restaurant, Bakery Coming To Newtown Township?
The Flourish Cafe team, which has a location at the nearby Village Shires Shopping Center on Buck Road, hopes to open a second location at the Village at Newtown Shopping Center. At press time, the conditional use process was underway for the proposed “European Style” restaurant to occupy approximately 3,210 square feet inside the former KO Modern Asian Cuisine Restaurant. Flourish Cafe is known for it madefrom-scratch food and baked goods.
Photography by Courtesy of Flourish Cafe
Eat This, Not That
ARTICLE BY MADELINE MARRIOTT
Dietitians and nutritionists typically consider many factors when deciding what to eat, including mood, day of week, an approach of 'moderation' (no bad foods, only bad quantities) and overall balance, meaning consuming a variety of foods from each of the five food groups daily, in the recommended amounts.
Then, there's the question of how 'intuitive eaters' choose what to eat without a strict meal plan or diet rules to follow.
Newtown City Lifestyle turned to a local expert, Meg Zakarewicz, D.O., medical director of weight management at The Well Lounge, to ask her advice and guidance regarding how to navigate the food and drink maze when healthier, sustainable lifestyles are the goal.
THE WELL LOUNGE'S DR. MEGAN ZAKAREWICZ ON
BEST WAYS TO FUEL YOUR BODY
"OUR HEALTH JOURNEY IS DICTATED BY WHAT WE EAT CONSISTENTLY, NOT WHAT WE DO EVERY NOW AND THEN," SAYS DR. MEG ZAKAREWICZ, THE WELL LOUNGE.
COMPLETE LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN BE DIFFICULT. WHAT’S ONE SMALL CHANGE SOMEONE CAN MAKE TO THEIR DIET TO PRIORITIZE THEIR HEALTH?
"I find that when people are planning to make healthy changes, they usually start with what they need to cut out. This mentality can be very stressful! I find it is much more helpful to begin by focusing on what’s missing. This small shift creates a healthy foundation that is much more manageable for most people. My suggestion is always to start small and build the positive. The most helpful small adjustment someone can make as they are learning to prioritize their health should be to focus on making one positive healthy addition consistently instead of restricting or subtracting."
HOW CAN PEOPLE STILL ENJOY THE FUN OF GOING OUT TO EAT WHILE KEEPING NUTRITION IN MIND?
"It is totally possible to enjoy a healthy social life and practice healthy nutrition. It’s all about balance! A great strategy is to decide ahead of time. Looking at the menu ahead of time can allow you to make the choice that’s right for you. My suggestion is always to focus on what you need to get in, instead of what you should avoid. A great example of this would be to look at the menu ahead of time to find an item that is appealing to you and includes lean protein and vegetables. If you can find an item that checks the boxes of 1) being appealing to you and 2) meeting your body’s nutritional needs, that’s an ideal selection! Of course, the follow up to this is that sometimes you just need to live in the moment! It’s OK to go off-plan sometimes. Our health journey is dictated by what we do consistently, not what we do every now and then."
CONTINUED >
Meg Zakarewicz, D.O.
Meg Zakarewicz, D.O. AOBFP, Dipl. A.B.O.M., a double board-certified physician who practiced family medicine for a decade-plus before shifting her focus to weight management in 2019, provides her passion for healthy weight loss and composition via The Well Lounge in Newtown. Newtown City Lifestyle asked Dr. Meg about what to consider with important decisions about food intake and how to make positive differences.
"My years of experience as a physician taught me to value health promotion over disease management," she says.
The Well Lounge team says they provide 'Whole Person Care' by uniting inner health with outer beauty through the art of medicine plus aesthetics.
Dr. Meg says The Well's medical weight loss program differs from other weight loss approaches in that it's completely personalized and comprehensive. "I meet each patient exactly where they are on their journey. Weight issues are often multifactorial and can include nutrition, physical activity challenges, lifestyle incongruencies, behavioral struggles and hormonal and metabolic inefficiencies."
She says she applies her knowledge of nutrition science, exercise physiology, psychology, metabolism and pharmacology to help patients overcome their unique challenges.
215.360.3940
TheWellNewtown.com
WHAT’S ONE MISCONCEPTION ABOUT HEALTHY EATING THAT YOU’D LIKE TO CORRECT?
"That eating healthy must be hard or sacrificial. Eating healthy can be simple and desirable! It’s all about setting yourself up for success. Most people struggle because they don’t know what to do. Working with a knowledgeable professional can help you create a system that works for you. You can eat healthy and still enjoy eating. Whether you travel for work or spend 16 hours per weekend on a ball field with your kids, there are strategies that can leave you satisfied and successful in reaching your health goals."
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO STRUCTURE YOUR DIET TO KEEP UP YOUR ENERGY THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND AVOID THE MID-AFTERNOON SLUMP?
"I am probably starting to sound like a broken record here, but it’s all about balance! A great way to maintain energy throughout the day is making sure to take time to eat and making sure that your meals are balanced. Often, we get caught up in tasks or hit the ground running and realize we’ve missed a meal. This will set you up for low energy and cravings. Instead, eat at scheduled times and make sure that each meal includes protein, fiber and veggies. This will help to balance blood sugars, which will improve energy and reduce cravings."
WHAT WOULD BE IN YOUR BAG FOR A HEALTHY DAY OF SNACKING?
"I get asked questions about snacking a lot. My answer is often unpopular. I don’t really snack. I believe the healthiest way to eat is by meeting your body’s nutritional needs at mealtime. Most people feel hungry between meals because they are improperly nourished at mealtime. I encourage my patients to increase the nutritional value of their meals and usually their hunger between meals decreases.
Of course, if you are hungry between meals, you should never deprive yourself!
The goal is to eat high quality, satisfying meals so that hunger decreases between mealtimes. Our bodies work most efficiently when they have periods of rest between digestion. Grazing throughout the day can lead to metabolic inefficiency and decrease gut health, especially if our snacks are processed or sugary. Many people who are accustomed to snacking can’t imagine not feeling hungry between meals, but honestly, with proper meal time fuel, hunger and cravings almost always decrease."
Piccolo Trattoria Chef's Signature Dish
PERFECT FOR FALL: HOUSE-MADE GNOCCHI, A NOD TO TRADITION WITH A MODERN TWIST
ARTICLE BY JOHN FIDUCCIA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN WAGNER
He uses this special dish to present the warmth and richness for which autumn is known. It’s his way of sharing his passion for authentic Italian cuisine with a modern, seasonal twist. “Our pumpkin gnocchi is like a cozy sweater for your taste buds. It’s the dish that makes you fall in love with fall all over again," says Amali Elabed, Fami’s wife and partner in the business.
The story of this signature dish goes beyond their kitchen. In 2016, the couple embarked on a culinary journey across Italy, a trip that influenced their recipes. In these travels, they say they had the incredible opportunity to meet and work with chefs who define Italian cuisine. These chefs, keepers of culinary traditions, learned their craft in their mothers' kitchens, with generational flair. "Cooking alongside them in their actual home kitchens was a thrilling experience," Fami assures.
At Piccolo Trattoria, with the original and recently expanded flagship restaurant being located in Newtown, pumpkin gnocchi is more than just a seasonal dish. It's a heartfelt celebration of culinary craftsmanship and fall flavors. For Fami Elabed, the founder and chef behind this beloved dish, creating this autumntime favorite is a labor of love that blends simple, fresh ingredients to create something extraordinary.
“The process of crafting pumpkin gnocchi is much more than cooking; it's a connection to the season and a way to honor tradition,” says Fami.
When presenting the pumpkin gnocchi recipe to these chefs, Fami received the nod of approval verifying the authenticity of his hit dish. The Elabeds take great pride in this validation.
Piccolo Trattoria serves up fresh made gnocchi daily. The pumpkin limited-edition is rolled out annually in season, and is much-anticipated by the restaurant's core customers. The signature dish blends their passion for
using seasonal ingredients with the authenticity and tradition of Italian home cooking.
"Each time we prepare and serve this dish, we're reminded of those home kitchens in Italy, the warmth of the chefs we met, and the inspiration around bringing the dish home," Fami says.
215.860.4247 PiccoloTrattoria.com
Paths To Personal Growth
Discover Balance Within Mental, Emotional, Physical, Spiritual Fulfillment Via LifeSight Coaching Professional
Many people find themselves wanting to live life more passionately but feel unaware or lost about how to improve their well-being, careers, relationships or self-care. Oftentimes, it takes an objective, caring listener who can provide honest feedback and also become a personal cheerleader. LifeSight Coaching founder Jeff Friedman says he works with clients to reach these types of customized goals by using what he calls "outside-in" and "insideout" perspective models.
As a Newtown-based, certified wellness life coach who guides individuals toward more self-fulfillment, Jeff explains he specializes in helping clients regain control over their lives and make meaningful, lasting changes they desire.
By using both outside-in and inside-out approaches, Jeff states LifeSight Coaching can assist clients with moving forward on their wants, needs and goals, while also shedding light on any inner obstacles that could subconsciously show up in the form of blocks, fears, procrastination or self-sabotage.
"I bring a unique blend of wisdom, compassion and expertise to my coaching practice, and can help by being a trusted tour guide who suggests a range of options and opportunities that others may not be seeing themselves," he adds.
Jeff says integrative wellness coaching can help with a variety of life's situations:
• Eating more healthfully and being more physically fit.
• Having enhanced, fulfilling relationships.
• Successfully balancing career and personal lives.
• Feeling more self-confident.
• Navigating through important life transitions.
• Experiencing greater inner peace.
• Discovering, or re-discovering, hobbies and passions.
• Taking more time for oneself.
He offers a complimentary, 30-minute exploratory coaching session for potential clients to experience how his approaches work.
"We all want happy, healthy lives, but sometimes we’re so focused on careers, family and life obligations we don't give ourselves the fulfillment we deserve. By developing doable plans, we can be clear about why we want what we do in life, how to lovingly hold ourselves accountable and then build momentum," Jeff suggests. "Action is a great healer."
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK
PRONESTI/HEIRLOOM STUDIO
Entertaining Eateries: Let Us Eat Cake, Italian, Charcuterie, Steaks And Sip On Smoothies And Coffees
Fantastic Foodie Fare To Explore
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
CIBO ITALIANO PERFETTO AT RISTORANTE LUCCA & PIANO LOUNGE
Sharing the heart of Tuscany locally: Fine Italian cuisine and elegant, exceptional dining is promised at nearby Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge, 144 US-130, Bordentown, New Jersey. Renowned worldwide Executive Chef Maurizio Peccolo creates truly authentic Italian options as well as a vegan plant-based menu. Coupled with world-class music, Dean Schneider, musical and entertainment director, says the ambiance makes unique dining memories. Guests indicate stepping into the Piano Lounge’s cabaret dining experiences means leaving the ordinary world behind. Visit RistoranteLucca.com for elite menu selections; call 609.262.0110 for reservations or use OpenTable.
DELECTABLE DESSERTS: NOTHING BUNDT CAKES NEWTOWN
Party-perfect Bundtinis, Bundt cakes, Bundtlets and Bundlet towers with standout quality, flavor and moistness can be secured at Nothing Bundt Cakes Newtown, 2838 S. Eagle Road. Owner Roxanne Fitzgerald says they use real butter/cream cheese frosting combined with more than a dozen cake flavors, including beloved pumpkin spice, chocolate chocolate chip, white chocolate raspberry lemon and red velvet, plus frequent pop-up flavors. They also sell party supplies and decor. Show sweet gratitude through corporate gifting with cakes for all occasions. Ask Roxanne about fundraising opportunities, too. Order: call 215.944.8491 or visit NothingBundtCakes.com/Bakery/PA/Newtown
PERFECT BLEND OF ELEGANT, FLAVORFUL CATERING FROM CHRISTOU CATERING CO.
Secure exquisite appetizer platters, hors d'oeuvres, salads, sandwiches, pastas, entrées, proteins and side selections for any special event or momentous occasions through the detailed and flexible Newtown-based professional team dedicated to providing unforgettable food experiences at Christou Catering Co. View the varied menu options at ChristouCatering.com . To book events handled by this organized, courteous team or to request their Árdana Pizza Company truck with popular pizzas, hummus, Greek salad and frozen custard options, contact Melissa Sullivan at events@christoucatering.com or by phone at 267.374.9283.
Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge
Christou Catering Co.
Nothing Bundt Cakes Newtown
DIVE INTO DELICIOUS SELECTIONS OF SMOOTHIES AND JUICES AT PLAYA BOWLS NEWTOWN
Rotate among about 15 smoothie and nearly 10 juice flavors from the community-minded team at Playa Bowls Newtown. Owner Bronwyn Bergen says Playa’s sustainability commitment has been an important pillar of the brand, and "it’s also super important to our family." Customers can even snag a free reusable color changing cup. Playa Bowls can be found in Newtown at 2913 S. Eagle Road and in Fairless Hills at 110 Lincoln Highway. Visit PlayaBowls.com/Location/Newtown-PA to view seasonal juice and smoothie offerings plus their bowls selections, or call 215.550.6472 with questions.
LOVE COFFEE, YOURSELF, LOVE OTHERS AT CALM WATERS COFFEE ROASTERS
Take a second to pause and smell the coffee at Calm Waters Coffee Roasters, a specialty coffee shop and roaster in Newtown at 15 S. State St. While there, be sure to peruse copies of Newtown City Lifestyle The shop's friendly staff offers a selection of local baked goods, a variety of bottled beverages and traditional, hot or cold coffee or non-coffee beverages. Calm Waters was born along the Flambeau River as founders Andrew and Jodi sipped campfire coffee in the quiet predawn hours. They say they find a lot of power in the space and moments a coffee shop creates for people. Phone 215.550.6130 or email jodi@calmwaterscoffee.com regarding online orders.
NEW, UPSCALE STEAKHOUSE COMES TO BUCKS COUNTY
At press time, managers of The Capital Grille were slated to open the company's first Bucks County location, adding at least 90 new jobs to the local area. The fine dining restaurant and upscale steakhouse is located in the Village at Newtown shopping center in Newtown Township at 2807 S. Eagle Road. This restaurant is known for its dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and fine wines. It includes a lounge and three private spaces for events. Managing partner is Michael Callahan who grew up in Bucks County and is celebrating 14 years with The Capital Grille, originally starting as a server.
Playa Bowls Newtown
Calm Waters Cofee Roasters
The Capital Grille Newtown
Dr. Joseph Brogan Orthodontist
Dr. Matthew Heine General and Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Roshni Dhruva Pediatric Dentist
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY COUNCIL ROCK NEWTOWN BASEBALL
winner, winner, BASEBALL DINNER
Little League's Council Rock Newtown Teams Rock 2024 Season
Being in the Bigs: Three CRNAA teams made it to state playoffs this year in the Little League tournament:
• 8-10 year-olds: Finished third in Pennsylvania
• 9-11 year-olds: Finished second in Pennsylvania
• 10-12 year-olds: State Champs; represented Pennsylvania in the Mid-Atlantic Regionals.
"It's been almost 20 years since Newtown had a team make it to the LLWS, so this is a big deal. It's also the first time the organization had all three age groups win District 30, Section 6 and make it to PA States at the same time," says George McCafferty Jr. "A three age group Sweep of the District and Sections in itself is an impressive accomplishment."
The 12 and under team from Newtown entered the Little League World Series with an 18-0 record and a state and regional championship in their win column. The team from Bucks County won the MidAtlantic Region in Bristol, Conn., defeating Washington, D.C., 5-1, to go to South Williamsport for the first time since 2005.
COUNCIL ROCK NEWTOWN LITTLE LEAGUE 12U ALL-STARS
Brayden Peiffer, #8
Brody Gage, #22
Dean Hamilton, #10
Gavin Caudill, #6
Greyson Gage, #5
Nick Schiller, #17
Rocco DaBronzo, #99
Ryan Uhl, #12
Saverio Longo, #20
Tyler Neeld, #11
Tyler Wexler, #30
Wes Esteves, #3
Will Siveter, #1
The Little League Baseball World Series was played in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, from Aug. 14-25, with 20 teams competing for this year's title. It was covered by ESPN and ESPN+.
Council Rock/Newtown 12U players held longest-winning streak in country prior to LLWS, where they as Mid-Atlantic representatives opened play against Southwest Region champion, Texas West.
In 2024 LLWS play, the Texas Boerne team handed undefeated CR Newtown their first loss, 9-0. CR Newtown then defeated New Hampshire, 5-0; followed by scoring another W from Washington with the mercy rule, 12-2. On Aug. 20, CR Newtown fell 3-1 to East Maui, Hawaii, in the consolation bracket.
Courtesy of Lauren Wexler
8-10 yr team, District 30/Section 6 Champions/Finished 3rd in PA
Courtesy of Council Rock Newtown Baseball
OCTOBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 2ND - 30TH
FallFest
Shady Brook Farm | 11:00 AM
Experience the magic of the season in Yardley. Navigate through a 4-acre corn maze, hand-pick that perfect pumpkin, and immerse in the beauty of sunflower fields. Keep the fun rolling with whimsical wagon rides, live, toe-tapping tunes and apple picking straight from the tree (while supplies last). Be part of the ultimate fall celebration; 25 attractions included in admission price.
OCTOBER 19TH
Newtown Haunted Hustle
5K Run/Walk
30 N. Chancellor St., Newtown | 7:30 AM
This scenic run/walk (rain or shine) begins and ends at the Chancellor Building parking lot. Participants encouraged to wear best, spookiest costumes and festive Halloween gear. The first 100 registered guaranteed the official Haunted Hustle T-shirt. All participants receive finisher medal; costume prizes, too. Race is USATF-certified. Proceeds from this event will benefit the NR2F1 Foundation (see NR2F1.org). Register: RunSignUp.com/Race/PA/Newtown/ NewtownHauntedHustle5K.
OCTOBER 31ST
Spooky
Halloween Trivia
Newtown Brewing Company | 7:30 PM
For those whose hearts beat black and orange, there will be no tricks at this event, just some spooky Halloween trivia about scary movies, history, pop culture and more fun topics. Attendees will receive bonus points for costumes!! Trivia is scheduled to be run through 8 p.m.
SER VI NG UP SOUP
Fall’s most notable comfort meal
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
This hearty chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food that is packed with nutritious goodness. This pairs perfectly with homemade beer bread or a sourdough loaf.
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 cups chicken broth (add more if desired)
• Whole fryer chicken, cut in chunks or shredded
• 5 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 carrots, sliced
• ½ onion diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• ¼ cup half and half (optional)
• 1 package egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• DIRECTIONS:
In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of chicken broth. Dice carrots, celery and onion and add to the broth. Bring to a boil, and reduce to medium heat until the vegetables are soft. In the meantime, skin and cube 1 whole fryer chicken and add to the stock pot. Next, add egg noodles (frozen Reames homemade egg noodles are my favorite) and let boil until noodles are cooked. Add butter, half and half, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low until ready to serve.
TOMATO BASIL SOUP
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or alternatively, 1 stick butter)
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
This classic tomato basil soup is easy and quick to make and is the perfect way to get the rustic, tangy and savory flavors of this italian dish.
DIRECTIONS:
Toss the butter or olive oil in the pan. Add onion, and saute until the onion is translucent and soft. Add minced garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Next, add canned tomatoes and simmer. Transfer to a blender, and puree until smooth. Add the fresh basil and heavy cream. Transfer mixture back to the pan to thoroughly heat, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh parmesan and chopped basil, and serve with toasted italian bread.
