SW Lake, IL May 2024

ANNUAL WOM EN'S ISSUE

“Renee was fantastic! In selling my in-law’s house, she helped with problems that arose during the preparation process, was highly communicative, created the most beautiful selling package, and even hired stagers. On top of it all, Renee got us a purchase price we never thought possible! I can’t recommend her more highly. It was a dream to have her as our selling agent.” - Robin M.

This Month the Focus is on Women

There is a debt I’ll never be able to repay to my mom, Jo Ann. We joke that her place on the express elevator to heaven is secure because she raised four sons in a household where our father climbed the corporate ladder to eventually become an entrepreneur. His career (and sacrifice) necessitated many days on the road every month. Mom, you did a great job bringing us up right.

My wife, Cassidy, continually rounds out my education and removes the rough edges in my personality. Together we are blessed with four kids, including two daughters. I am proudly a girl dad to Jenny and Katy. And now with daughter-in-law Laura and granddaughter Ivy, I feel like the luckiest guy ever.

Mother’s Day is May 12, so all eyes are on moms. And not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, clergy, friends, bosses and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives — making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

While it’s always important to shop local and support area companies, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women. That’s one of the favorite parts of my job — connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to the women of SW Lake County. They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

Please take a few minutes this month to send a text, make a phone call or drop a note in the mail to the women in your life. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much they mean to you.

MICHAEL BEIGHTOL, PUBLISHER @SWLAKELIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Michael Beightol | michael.beightol@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Stephen Neilson | stephen.neilson@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Christina Sikorski

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michael Beightol, Angela Broockerd, Stephen Neilson, Christina Sikorski

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Beightol, Leo Heinz, Janie Jones, Stephen Neilson, Kasia Vetter

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Laura Paige

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Pathways to

Financial Security

By Rosemarie Madulara

Life in southwest Lake County (IL) has its own rhythm. Between school runs, business meetups, and community events, our days are full—so is managing our finances. As a woman deeply rooted in this community and your bank manager, I’m living this reality alongside you. Saving for college or retirement, planning family vacations, or just making it through the month, I face the same challenges, too.

It’s in the everyday moments that our true financial journey unfolds. It’s not about grand plans or complex strategies; it’s about the small, consistent steps we take towards our goals and the way we lift each other up along the way.

This understanding shapes how we approach financial education here. It’s not just numbers and charts; it’s about real-life stories and practical advice. Think of it like gathering in a neighbor’s living room, where the conversation flows freely, and we can talk about money matters without any pressure or pretense.

What makes our community special is this spirit of togetherness. It’s seeing a familiar face at the bank and knowing you can share your financial dreams and worries, just like you would with a friend. Here, advice comes from a place of understanding and shared experiences.

I’m here, not just as a bank manager but as a part of the community for 13 years, committed to walking this path with you. Together, we can navigate the complexities of personal finance, armed with knowledge, supported by our community, and inspired by each other’s successes. Let’s make those everyday financial discussions a bit less daunting and a lot more empowering.

Rosemarie Madulara Branch Manager

Wedding Dress Giveaway

Journey to Healthy Living

Picture me young, well fed, and often filled with Mom’s pies. In college, I pack on the freshman 15+ that was not muscle weight.

Fast forward, and I’m sedentary at a desk job. I try Weight Watchers and group exercise classes. I lose 10 to 15 pounds. I change unhealthy habits little-by-little. Fast forward again, I’m in Maui with a physically fit friend. I view her example as motivation to do better. I start using MyFitnessPal for food portion control. I increase exercise and snack less. I have a wedding dress to wear.

Years later – here’s baby one. I continue working out while gaining baby weight, but it’s hard. After Noah, a baby girl, Mary. I now work out harder than ever. Currently, I’m 43 (??!), and I feel the effects of overtraining. Body pains that I’m praying won’t progress.

Can you relate to my story? A paradigm shift has occurred. I know I don’t need to overwork my body. I can do a 20-minute workout a few times a week - more effective then all of the exercising I was doing in the past. I am no longer injuring myself. I can see measurable results with regular, monthly body scans. I am no longer injuring myself.

We want you to have quality of life as you age, not just quantity. We exist to help others fully enjoy the people and places around them, pain-free and with renewed energy. I invite you come join us. Let our trainers help you - and our community - grow stronger together, for the good of all.

smartfitmethod.com • 847.443.3911 20771 N. Rand Rd., Suite B4-B, Kildeer, Illinois 60047

Jennine Gere, Co-Owner, The Smart Fit Method, Kildeer

city scene

WHERE

1: Michael Talbett, Valerie Stern, Robert Boyce and Kent Smith at the 2024 Lake Zurich Chamber Annual Event. 2: 2024 Chamber President Bruce Wittmeyer welcomes guests to the Wild Onion Pub & Brewery. 3: An impressive collection of former chamber presidents were thanked for their leadership. 4: Ambassadors are instrumental in recruiting and nurturing new members 5: Introducing the 2024 Board of Directors, including Directors-at-Large. 6: Michael Beightol and Augie Conte celebrate Robert Boyce (center) and his longevity award. 7: Immediate Past President Kent Smith and Executive Director Claire Slattery congratulate Bruce Wittmeyer, 2024 President. Photography by Michael Beightol

Drip-Drip Your Way to Feeling Better

It is estimated that up to  92% of the U.S. population is either chronically dehydrated or vitamin deficient. Importantly, most people don’t know they are living with either condition. Enter Prime IV Hydration & Wellness in Kildeer. Clients are administered by a nurse an IV (intravenous) "cocktail" that addresses hydration and includes a variety of supplements for targeted issues. Owner Angelique Puchacz welcomed business leaders to her recent grand opening in the Quentin Collection mall.

Photography: Michael Beightol

Banking Now in Hawthorn Woods

The much-anticipated opening of Hawthorn Woods Community Bank happened earlier this year, and it appears the wait was worthwhile. Located in an underserved banking area — where Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich and Kildeer converge at Route 22 and Quentin Road — the newest branch of Barrington Bank & Trust is a full service facility, says Rosemarie Madulara, bank manager. Coin counting, safe deposit boxes, wealth management and a range of other banking services are available.

Photography: Michael Beightol

The Smart Fit Method Opens in Kildeer

Trevor and Jeanine Gere and family were joined by Kildeer Village President Nandia Black, Lake Zurich Chamber President Bruce Wittmeyer and Michael Talbett, Kildeer Chief Village Officer, at the Grand Opening of The Smart-Fit Method, a new fitness studio at 20771 N. Rand Rd., Suite B4B. Trevor says he opened Smart Fit because it's a science-based program combining exercise robotics and Artificial Intelligence for a personalized training session. This approach produces maximum results in just 20-minute sessions.

Photography: Michael Beightol

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Boutique Shopping

Threads Boutique shopwauconda.com | 847.526.2058

Tattered Tiques tatteredtiques.com | 224.633.9750

Timothy Grant Jewelry timothygrants.com | 847.726.1556

French N.75 Maison instagram.com/french75maison | 847.542.1481

Absurd Art Gallery theabsurdartgallery.com | 224.662.4817

Women's Health

Electrology and Skincare by Janet ElectrologyAndSkinCare.com | 847.804.0649

Avalon Salon-Spa avalonsalonspas.com | 847.726.8855

VIBE Salon vibesalon.com | 847.726.8855

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Prime IV Hydration & Wellness primeivhydration.com/locations/illinois/kildeer-60047 | 847.807.1895

Diva Nails booking.gocheckin.net/v2/12428 | 847.438.2807

SEEKING sustainability

THE WOMAN WHO HELPED LAUNCH LAKE ZURICH’S INNOVATIVE NEW GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BEIGHTOL

Mayor Tom Poynton with Erin Rauscher. Locals dropping off styrofoam to be recycled.

The Village of Lake Zurich has launched a comprehensive Green Business Program that encourages companies to take more sustainable actions. And according to Mayor Tom Poyton and Village Manager Ray Keller the woman behind the scenes who was instrumental in the launch of the program is Erin Rauscher, assistant to the village manager.

Keller adds, “Erin really was key to helping pull together all of the details.” The program is described as empowering environmentally friendly practices that reduce a company’s carbon footprint to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Rauscher pointed out many types of businesses in Lake Zurich are eligible to show their environmental stewardship, adding that in 2023 residents and businesses diverted nearly four tons of recyclables from the wastestream. Rauscher emphasized that total does not include curbside recycling.  Adds Poynton: “This new Green Business Program reflects Lake Zurich’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and its continued dedication to driving positive change in the business landscape.”

“All credit goes to Erin and the team of Mike Brown, Director of Public Works, and Kyle Kordell, Management Services Director, for pulling together all of the details on this program,” Poynton said.

After implementing sustainable practices, Lake Zurich businesses will earn points for demonstrating climate-friendly action items. Those demonstrating the highest commitment will be awarded the Lake Zurich Green Business Award at a live-broadcast Village Board meeting. Businesses will also receive official recognition in social media, the community newsletter, from the Lake Zurich Area Chamber and will be featured with coverage in SW Lake.

Wedding Dress Giveaway

LAKE ZURICH SHOP SUPPORTS MILITARY AND FIRST-RESPONDER BRIDES.

ARTICLE BY MICHAEL BEIGHTOL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Thanks to the generosity of a long-time local business – Volle’s Bridal & Boutique – military members and first responders are supported on their wedding day by Brides Across America, a non-profit organization committed to loving one another by gifting weddings and wedding gowns to military & first responders.

“We love thanking our military or first responders with a free wedding dress,” says Susanne Dershaw, who with her husband, Chad, are the owners of Volle’s, a Lake Zurich shop that’s been serving Chicago-area families since 1974.

In 2008 Brides Across America was started to give military or first responder brides a free wedding gown during an “Operation Wedding Gown Event.” Since then, nearly 30,000 wedding dresses have been provided through this program that qualifies brides and assigns them to a local shop in a national network of bridal boutiques. Each year BAA hosts dozens of Operation Wedding Gown giveaway days at participating bridal salons at events held in July (around Independence Day) and November (around Veterans Day; this is when Volle’s holds its event).

Volle’s participates because it believes that providing a free wedding gown is a great way to thank couples for their service and sacrifices, according to Dershaw.

Heidi Janson founded Brides Across America after being inspired to do something special to express gratitude for the dedicated men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Brides Across America began its work with a small network of salons that donated time and resources to head up the inaugural program. In its first year, 50 gowns were given away to military brides. In 2016, the organization expanded its mission to include first responders that put themselves in harm’s way daily.

Brides Across America has garnered the attention of ABC’s Nightly News, People Magazine, HGTV, Steve Harvey and locally, WGN Morning News and Fox 32 Chicago Today. The highest honor, however, was received from the “Joining Forces Community Challenge” at the White House hosted by Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. The event recognized 20 organizations for their contributions to improving the lives of military families. Brides Across America continues to also support wounded warriors, patients living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and post-military employment for veterans.

“For me as a business owner it’s an honor to help those who are helping us,” Dershaw said. “Volle’s Bridal is honored to be a part of Brides Across America. We stand behind BAA in supporting each other and paying tribute to our troops.”

To learn more about the 2024 Operation Wedding Gown Event, be sure to follow Volle’s on Social Media (@VollesBridal) and visit BridesAcrossAmerica.com. The BAA website has information on who may qualify and how to register. Basically, the wedding gown giveaway is open to a bride who is in the military or is a first responder, or to the fiancée of a military member or first responder. If a bride has a wedding planned in the next 18 months, and she can provide a valid military ID or official letter of service (proof of deployment), she may pre-register on the website and choose a salon (such as Volle’s). Note that there is a $99 tax-deductible donation required when registering for the event. The donation covers administrative costs associated with running the event. Brides Across America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Qualified brides who pre-register will find a wide variety of gowns donated by designers, salons, and individuals. Each salon has a different number of gowns and sizes available for giveaway.

From Small Town to the Big Time

ARTICLE BY STEPHEN NEILSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEO HEINZ AND STEPHEN NEILSON

ENCHANTED BY MUSIC AT AN EARLY AGE, GINA GONZALEZ TRAVELS THE WORLD NOW WITH THE LT. DAN BAND.

Born in a small Wisconsin town as the youngest of nine in a musical family, singer/songwriter Gina Gonzalez became transfixed by music at an early age. At the age of four, she was often placed on top of the piano at family gatherings to sing while her mother or aunts would accompany, and her vocal talent over time became widely recognized. Eventually, she caught the ear of award-winning actor/musician Gary Sinise (who played Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the film Forrest Gump), and from that moment on her life changed. In the years since she’s built quite a musical resume, performing all over the world for enthusiastic audiences from military personnel to famous actors and respected fellow artists, earning honors from the U.S. Congress and the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.

Gina continues to spread her musical wings, performing locally at many popular venues. She recently released her third self-titled EP incorporating rock, blues and folk influences, with new original music planned for release this fall.

Gina (at left below) with the Lt. Dan Band performing in Highland Park for the Gary Sinise Foundation. Photo: Leo Heinz

SW LAKE (SWL): YOU’VE PLAYED WITH GARY SINISE AND THE LT. DAN BAND FOR MANY YEARS NOW; HOW DID YOU FIRST MEET AND CONNECT MUSICALLY?

Gina Gonzalez (GG): In 1997 I was involved at the Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chicago where my aunt, Sondra Varco, was executive director. One of the Vietnam vets, Kimo Williams, had worked with Gary on “A Streetcar Named Desire” at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre. Gary was in town, and Kimo invited him to his condo to hang out and play some music; afterwards Gary asked if Kimo could get a group of musicians together next time he was in town. I was invited to join them for a jam session at the museum that year, and things grew from there.

By February 2004, Gary was doing “celebrity handshake” tours for the USO and he suggested they send him out with a band; our first official tour was to Singapore, Diego Garcia, and Korea. From there we started traveling all over. Wherever we have military around the world, that’s where I’ve been.

SWL: YOU’RE A SOLO PERFORMER WITH OVER 1000 COVER SONGS IN YOUR REPERTOIRE, BUT YOU’RE ALSO A RECOGNIZED SONGWRITER. YOU COMPOSED A SONG TITLED “A LETTER HOME” FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE THAT WAS INCLUDED IN A FULL-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY FILM THAT CONTINUES TO GAIN RECOGNITION FOR ITS HONEST, EMOTIONAL PORTRAYAL OF THOSE IN SERVICE. CAN YOU SHARE THE SONG’S ORIGIN STORY?

GG: When the band started, we gave a show around Thanksgiving at Great Lakes Naval Base for young sailors who were a few weeks into boot camp as they started their military careers. They were so appreciative, even though in those early days we weren’t all that great of a band yet; we were good musicians separately but still learning as a band, just jamming together, but to that crowd, we might as well have been the Beatles. Their response was amazing; their appreciation for us blew my mind. It sparked me to write “A Letter Home,” trying to express the feelings of what it must be like for them. I struggled with the song because I’ve never been in the military, I’ve never served, and I was trying to capture that feeling from the amazing young men and women who go anywhere to protect us, doing what they want to do for their country. I wrote that song to honor them.

SWL: YOUR WEEKLY PERFORMANCES ONLINE HELPED MANY OF US IN THAT FIRST YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC. TELL US ABOUT THOSE DAYS.

GG: During the pandemic, I did Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows every week from my home, on Facebook Live. It was… unusual. For me as a musician, I wanted to keep making music and just had to figure out how to do that. There was a group of us who brainstormed how to

keep things going while we were all stuck inside, leading to our online performances.

SWL: YOU’VE BEEN PERFORMING AT THE LIFE TIME FITNESS LOUNGE IN LAKE ZURICH TWICE EACH MONTH FOR A LONG TIME; HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?

GG: I joined Life Time Fitness when they were still in construction. In September 2022 I walked in, and the first thing I saw was the lounge, which looked comfortable, like someone’s living room, and I thought, “Wow, that looks like a really great place to play music”. So, I asked if they were thinking about that; I was referred to the right person, and I’ve been a part of the Life Time family since. It’s very inviting for the style of music I do; people can enjoy some food and a drink, relax and reward themselves with a mental break.

SWL: RECENTLY YOU SHARED YOUR NEW VENTURE OF BECOMING A CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT JOURNEY?

GG: It ties back to Life Time. The great community there inspired me to try to achieve my own optimal health. I did that: I felt better, got in shape, lost weight, and as that

Live at Mount Prospect's Red Barn, in late March 2024. Photo: Stephen Neilson.

progressed so did my interest in fitness and well-being, so I decided to do the work to become a Certified Health Coach. Music is definitely a part of self-care and “mental health breaks,” and so I’m just bringing it all together; it’s all about the four pillars of life and keeping everything stable, and staying involved. I really enjoy talking about being at your best, as it’s what we all are really striving for. I ask people, “We all just want to be our best: what does that look like for you?” And that’s where the health coaching comes in.

SWL: WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT YOUR MUSIC TODAY?

GG: I’m always writing new songs; I’m putting together a batch that I plan to release as singles by this fall. I’m looking forward to

our current tour with the Lt. Dan Band and also performing here at home bringing music to all who want to enjoy it. I just want to bring a little joy to anyone who’s listening. Come and visit me at Life Time; it’s a great opportunity to do something local in a great atmosphere, enjoy some music, and maybe get in a workout, too.

Hear Gina Gonzalez perform at Life Time Fitness, 400 N. Rand Road in Lake Zurich, on the first and third Wednesdays each month (7 to 9 p.m.; note, you do not need to be a member to hear Gina — just check in at the front desk). Check out her other local performance info (and browse GG’s Closet for her branded merch) at GinaGonzalez.com. Visit RandTWellness.com for more information about Gina’s wellness coaching sessions.

Gina (circa 2020) at Mundelein Community Days. Photo: Leo Heinz.

With Gary Sinese and the Lt. Dan Band, ca. 2014. Photo: Leo Heinz.

Exams & Cleanings / Oral Cancer Screenings

Placing & Restoring Implants / Whitening

LANAP LAPIP (Laser Dentistry) / Veneers

Extractions including Wisdom Teeth

Crowns & Bridges / Fillings & Bondings

Dentures / Root Canals / Fluoride Treatments

regencydentalcare.com

(847) 776 - 8700

1332 W. Northwest Highway (Entrance 5)

Palatine, IL 60067

V regencydentalcare

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party

Your next event, served alfresco

Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. For this alfresco dinner party, Chef Kyle draws on his favorite recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast.

Insider Tips for Hosting:

• Build a menu around the season. Start with what produce is available locally based on the season for the most authentic meal experience. For instance, Chef Kyle says “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” but that meal served in the heat of Summer wouldn’t hit the same. In-season fruits and vegetables will always be of highest quality and best taste.

• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.

• Draw inspiration from the season’s colors and temperatures. For Spring and Summer, think flowers, fresh herbs and linens. For Fall, think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer. For Winter, head indoors to create a cozy environment for guests to connect.

• “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match and keep whimsical. I vary glass vases with bur - nished brass for warm fall vibes.”

• An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”

• Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are pre-made, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.”

• To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have confidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!”

• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.”

Insider Tips for Hosting: “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”

Fresh Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Hardwood Smoked Bacon

Yield: 6 servings

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, raw, halved

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ cup yellow onion, sliced

• 1 tablespoon garlic, sliced thin

• 1-2 cups bacon, smoked, thick cut, large dice

• Salt, pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons real butter, unsalted

• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F for convection setting, (425 °F conventional).

2. In mixing bowl, add oil and cut raw Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Place seasoned sprouts on baking sheet and bake in oven until done, about 20-40 minutes (soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some dark brown color). Remove from oven.

4. Place large sauté pan on medium heat and render bacon. Add a splash of olive oil to get it going, if needed. Cook until bacon is crispy and golden brown, 5-10 minutes.

5. Add onions to pan and cook until soft, 5-8 minutes.

6. Turn heat to high and add garlic and butter and cook for 1 minute.

7. Add roasted Brussels sprouts to pan and toss all together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

8. For optional garnishes, add fresh chopped parsley.

9. Serve and enjoy!

CHEF NOTES:

• If Brussels sprouts are large, cut in quarters.

• Rendering bacon means extracting the bacon fat which adds a lot of flavor to the dish.

Heirloom Root Vegetable Hash

Yield: 6-10 servings

• 2 cups heirloom carrot, cubed

• 2 cups heirloom rutabaga, peeled, cubed

• 2 cups heirloom parsnip, cubed

• 1 cup heirloom turnip, cubed

• 2 cups heirloom marble potatoes, halved

• 3 tablespoons rosemary, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped

• 1 tablespoon thyme, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Salt – to taste

• Pepper – to taste

• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F on convection setting (425°F conventional).

2. In mixing bowl, add oil and raw cut vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Place seasoned vegetables on oiled baking sheet and bake in oven until they are caramelized and tender, about 30-60 minutes. Will be soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some lightly charred areas.

4. Remove from oven once finished cooking.

5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

6. Enjoy.

Cranberry Orange Zest Sauce

Yields 4 cups

• 3 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen

• 1 cup cranberry juice, sweetened

• 1 piece orange peel

• 1 each orange for zesting

• ½ cup orange juice, freshly juiced

• 3 each cinnamon stick

• ¼ teaspoon clove, ground

• ¼ teaspoon allspice, ground

• ½ cup sugar

• Pinch salt

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

1. In medium saucepot on high heat, add everything except orange peel and orange zest. Bring ingredients to boil, then reduce to a simmer with lid.

2. While simmering, stir occasionally with rubber spatula ensuring bottom does not burn. Simmer for 30 minutes or until sauce thickens.

3. Remove lid and add orange peel and season to taste. Can add more sugar or spice if needed.

4. Once sauce is thickened and most liquid has evaporated, remove orange peel and cinnamon sticks and remove pot from heat.

5. With hand-held blender, puree sauce, keeping some texture.

6. Freshly grate in orange zest, stir and season to taste.

7. Transfer sauce to jar and place in refrigerator to cool overnight.

8. Enjoy!

CHEF NOTES:

• Enjoy with all types of poultry and game birds.

• Do not use ground cinnamon.

• Can puree with blender if you do not have hand-held blender.

• Consistency should be thick sauce and not a jelly.

ARTICLE

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily avail able, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. These easy-to-follow recipes are exploding with flavor and are simple to make.

LEMON ALMOND LOAF

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ cups flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ¾ cup milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

LEMON GLAZE ICING:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest and lightly mix. Stir in flour mixture and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix oil, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes and then carefully remove from the pan. Next, make the lemon glaze by combining all of the icing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze all over the loaf and sprinkle with almond slices. Enjoy!

VIBESALON.COM

320-0011 1217

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

MAY 2ND

Growing a Culinary and Medicinal Herb Garden

145 W. Main Street, Barrington | 11:30 AM

Ready. Set. GROW! Presented in partnership with Good Shepherd Smart Farm, come to this lunch-and-learn at Barrington's White House and leave with ideas on how to create your own culinary and medicinal herb garden. Register at BarringtonsWhiteHouse.com

MAY 7TH

The Many Lives of Kal Penn

Online event | 7:00 PM

Learn more about this actor, writer, producer and President Obama's Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. You may remember Kal Penn from the movies, now learn the rest of his story in an engaging game show format. Presented through Illinois Libraries by the Barrington Public Library. Register at BALibrary.org

MAY 8TH

Growing Mushrooms at Home

275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich | 7:00 PM

Love mushrooms (the non-magic kind)? Garden coach Mark Lyons will teach you how to grow mushrooms at home and achieve mouth-watering results. Presented at the Ela Area Public Library. Sign-up online at EAPL.org.

MAY 17TH - 19TH

Coo-Coo for Chocolate Fest

Downtown Long Grove

Celebrate chocolate creations and drinks with live music and family fun in the Historic Village of Long Grove. Check online for dates and times of your favorite local bands. Learn more at LongGrove.org.

MAY 18TH

Astronomy Day

275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich | 10:00 AM

Touch a telescope, create a mini comet with dry ice, and look at the sun in a specially designed solar lens at this “totality awesome” event put on by the Lake County Astronomical Society. Event is from 10 AM - 4 PM, and all ages are welcome at the Ela Area Public Library. Learn more at EAPL.org.

MAY 19TH

Dash for the Dogs

511 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington | 6:30 AM

This 11th annual event, presented by and benefiting the no-kill Animal House Shelter, is a fun 5k run or walk. Grab your pooch and a leash and head over to Citizens Park’s Jewel Tea Pavilion. On-site registration starts at 6:30 AM; the hounds and runners will start running (or strolling) at 8 AM. There is also a 1 Mile Family Fun Walk directly after the 5K. Register for either event in advance at Runsignup.com/ Race/IL/Barrington/DashfortheDogs5KRunWalk