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Fall for Food
We’re excited to share with you this year’s "Fall Food" issue of West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle. This is always one of our most enjoyable editions to put together because it highlights one of my favorite things—food!
When I was young, I thought of mealtime as just a way to nourish my body—something I had to do so my stomach wouldn’t grumble and my mom wouldn’t nag me. But as I’ve aged, I’ve come to see meals as an experience to be savored and a way to connect with loved ones. I now thoroughly enjoy the experience of experimenting with flavors and ingredients to create a dinner from scratch. There is great joy in sharing a meal I craft with family or friends as we tell stories from our day and enjoy each delectable bite. (My kids may debate the “delectable” part, but I happen to think I’m an amazing cook!)
Inside this issue you’ll find a collection of delicious recipes that will warm your body as we head into the chilly fall weather. We shine a spotlight on Lakota tailgate traditions, meet a local pair who launched their own water company and explore the ideal uses for different types of onions. This is just a small taste of what we have in store for you in our October issue.
We encourage you to support the advertisers who make this magazine possible. This month, we especially urge you to try one of our food-related partners: The Learning Kitchen, Clean Eatz, The Coach House, King Corona, Sonora Grill and El Rancho Grande. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just someone who enjoys a good bite, there’s something here for everyone.
Happy cooking and happy eating!
MICHELLE MOODY, PUBLISHER MICHELLE.MOODY@CITYLIFESTYLE.COM
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
A.J. Lape
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Bill Furbee, Rhiannon Johnson, Pamela McWhorter
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Ted Wilson
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Branden Cooper
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Chris Ferneding, Keith Taylor, Rich Davey + Alex Tamanko at the Vince Munafo Memorial Golf Outing benefiting Companions on a Journey Grief Support. 2: The Boys & Girls Club helped Fitton Center celebrate the grand opening of Fitton at the Foundry. 3: The ground-breaking for the USS Cincinnati Submarine Memorial-Peace Pavilion, being built at VOA. 4: Power of the Purse members gathered to hear presentations from grant finalists. NorthernCincinnati.Foundation/grants-and-scholarships/power-of-the-purse-women-s-giving-circle 5: Larry Burks presented retired WCPD Chief Joel Herzog with the Rotary Club of West Chester/Liberty “Service Above Self” award. 6: UCBMA donated $13,000 to Safe Haven Farms, the beneficiary of the 2024 Food Truck Rally. 7: Close to 100,000 came to West Chester during the 4-day Voices of America Country Music Fest.
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business monthly
Fitton Center Expands to Satellite Location at Liberty Center
This fall, the Fitton Center is expanding to a satellite spot in Liberty Township. The new Fitton Center at the Foundry is conveniently located in Liberty Center’s storefront 208, 7100 Foundry Row. The branch of the main campus in Hamilton brings the arts to the area with educational classes and workshops for a variety of ages. Register online for the Fall II session by October 21 to save $5 on each class and workshop. FittonCenter.org/fitton-foundry
CTI Restaurants Inc. Gives $167,000 to Support Local Youth Organizations
West Chester-owned CTI Restaurants Inc., representing Taco Bell Foundation’s Round-Up program, donated $167,000 thanks to local patrons rounding up their orders. CTI gave:
• $55,000 - Girls & Boys Club of Greater Cincinnati
• $25,000 - Edge Teen Center
• $20,000 - Focus on Youth
• $40,000 - Girls & Boys Club of West Chester/Liberty
• $27,000 - 1N5
CTI founders Rebecca and Todd Wilber make it their mission to put people before profits. TacoBellFoundation.org
New Amenities Renew + Connect Two Liberty Township Parks
Enjoy the recent refresh of two local parks in Liberty Township this fall. Liberty Park, located off Yankee Road, now features a new, boundless playground. The stegosaurus, a community favorite, is still available for play. A new 10-footwide, hike and bike path opened last spring, connecting Liberty Park to nearby Wilhelmina Park, increasing accessibility to the 54-acre park located in the Dutchland Woods subdivision. Reserve a spot at the new Wilhelmina Park shelter online. Liberty-Township.com
Get to Know Your Onions
PEEL BACK THE LAYERS ON COOKING WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF ONIONS
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The onion is a flavor superstar. Sometimes sweet, sometimes savory, onions are a versatile and essential ingredient, adding depth and richness to a variety of recipes. No matter how you chop, dice or slice it, the onion is a culinary staple in almost every culture.
Onions 52 knows onions. As a leading grower, packer and distributor of onions nationwide, they focus on one thing and do it well: they only do onions, fifty-two weeks a year. Starting in 1977 as a small group of Utah farmers, Onions 52 has blossomed into a successful coast-to-coast business, growing onions with farming partners in New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington. They opened Onions 52, Inc.-East in West Chester this year, a 60,000-square-foot distribution and packing facility and gateway to the East Coast. Onions 52 takes pride in supplying yellow, red, white, sweet, Smileys™ and certified organic onions to retail and food service suppliers across the country.
With all the options available to us, how do we know which onion is best to use for which dish? The experts at Onions 52 help us peel back the layers on cooking with different types of onions. Rule your recipes with this helpful guide.
YELLOW ONIONS
The most common in the onion family, yellows are full-flavored and well-rounded with a mild finish. The most subtle onion to the palate, yellow onions are at their best cooked in savory dishes. They help enhance other flavors in complex recipes—you may not be able to identify them, but you’d notice a blandness if they were not included in a dish. They are especially tasty with slow-cooked meats like roasted chicken, pot roast and rack of lamb and as an underlying base flavor in soups and stews.
RED ONIONS
Flavorful and colorful, reds steal the show when they are raw, adding a crisp bite and vivid magenta to burgers and salads. Reds are also the best in the onion family for pickling. Roasted or grilled red onions may have a sugary aftertaste, causing a lighter onion-flavored breath than its raw version. If the bite of a red is too strong, try soaking it in cold water for 30-60 minutes to tame its flavor.
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WHITE ONIONS
Salsa and tacos benefit most from the spicy kick of white onions, their sharp crunch a perfect match for Mexican recipes. Their high water content causes them to be larger and crisper than other varieties. Toss tangy whites in dishes where they can complement other ingredients, like stir fry, potato salad and chili.
SWEET ONIONS
If you are looking to add flavor without a sharp zing, sweets are the onion of choice. The thick layers of sweet onions are best for frying and make the best onion rings and onion blossoms. They also put the “ooh la la” in French onion soup. To maintain their sweetness, store sweets in the refrigerator, as they could spoil quicker than their onion cousins.
SMILEYS™
TEARLESS ONIONS
Called the “Happy-Go-Tearless” onions, Smileys™ were cultivated through three decades of farming to be naturally lower in the enzymes that cause eyes to burn and tear when exposed to freshly cut onions. If your eyes are especially sensitive, look for this mild brand that will make your mouth water without making your eyes water.
ORGANIC ONIONS
Onions 52 organics come in yellow, red, white and sweet varieties. Compliant with strict USDA standards, organic onions offer higher levels of antioxidants, increasing the health benefits of the popular root veggies. Studies show that onions are anti-inflammatory, aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar. Add a variety of onions to the top of your grocery shopping list. Transform your favorite dishes by using the right kinds of onions. Red, yellow or white, onions are the flavor kings of the kitchen.
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Use Smileys™ tearless onions to make this tasty omelet and greet the day with a smile instead of tears.
Serves 6
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 20 minutes
ingredients
• 8 large eggs
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 Tablespoons milk
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 Smileys™ onion, chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 ounces baby spinach
directions
1. In a medium bowl, add eggs, Parmesan cheese and milk. Whisk to combine and set aside.
2. Add olive oil to a large sauté pan and heat on medium-high for one minute. Then add onions and mushrooms and sauté for 3-5 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add garlic and stir to combine. Turn heat to medium and add spinach. Stir to combine and cover. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Spread mixture evenly on bottom of pan. Add prepared egg mixture from step 1, lower heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes; lifting edges to let uncooked eggs run underneath. To finish, cover for 2-3 minutes and the omelet will get puffy.
3. Cut into wedges and serve warm. Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Recipe + photo provided by Onions 52.
LAST MILE FOOD RESCUE WORKS TO END FOOD INSECURITY IN GREATER CINCINNATI
Feeding the Community
Top: Aaron Moore of Last Mile Food Rescue with Lorena Rull of food donor company Caruso USA. Bottom left: Cincinnati Public Schools Athletics receiving Apples for Athletes. | Bottom right: Donated fresh produce.
“Last Mile Food Rescue has redirected over 10 million pounds of unused food from more than 200 donors.”
While food waste and food insecurity might not be top-of-mind for most individuals, Last Mile Food Rescue is working to change that. By addressing both crises with a singular mission for food equity, the local nonprofit is significantly impacting countless lives in Greater Cincinnati.
Since its creation in October of 2020, Last Mile Food Rescue has redirected over 10 million pounds of unused food from more than 200 donors, which equates to 8.3 million meals provided to the food-insecure. In doing so, its efforts have also prevented an estimated 29 million pounds of CO2 emissions from occurring at local landfills.
“As a society, we waste an astounding amount of food–up to 40% of all food produced in the U.S. ends up in landfills,” reports Jocelyn Henderson, marketing manager for Last Mile Food Rescue. “It’s more than just wasted food,” she says, “it’s also a massive waste of resources such as water, energy and labor.”
Henderson explains that one out of five individuals today are facing food insecurity, uncertain where their next meal might come from.
“If we rescued just 25% of this wasted food, we could end food insecurity,” she reports.
These aren’t undesirable or expired food items. The food is fresh, nutritious and perfectly good to eat.
“It’s surplus that otherwise would just be tossed,” Henderson stresses.
The Last Mile Food Rescue mission was inspired by similar programs operating in other cities, like Pittsburgh. While studying community food insecurity in 2018, Tom Fernandez, co-founder of Last Mile, learned of these other large-scale food rescue operations; his fellow co-founder Julie Shifman, meanwhile, had become inspired by her sister’s work with a successful food rescue operation in Atlanta.
Fernandez and Shifman were then introduced to each other by Kurt Reiber, CEO of The Freestore Foodbank–an organization also dedicated to eliminating hunger in the Cincinnati community–and Last Mile Food Rescue was born.
Here’s how it works: Volunteers log into a mobile phone app–Henderson describes it as simple to use, like an “Uber-style” app–to pick up excess food from places like local grocery stores, restaurants, stadiums, hospitals and cafeterias. After picking it up from these locations, the volunteers can then deliver that excess food to nearly 100 partner agencies in Greater Cincinnati, including Hope House Mission, Matthew 25 Ministries, Ronald McDonald House, St. Vincent de Paul and many, many more. The agencies, in turn, are able to provide it to clients, at no cost to them.
Last Mile Food Rescue accomplishes all of this with a network of over 750 dedicated volunteers.
“We call them Food Rescue Heroes,” Henderson explains.
These Food Rescue Heroes utilize a logistics solution to connect excess food with those who need it the most.
Lakota East and Lakota West High Schools are two of many donor schools from the area that have supplied food that otherwise would have gone to waste.
“Last Mile is helping people in very real ways,” attests John Sinclair, Outreach & Pastoral Manager of Impacting Tomorrow, one of Last Mile Food Rescue’s many food distributors. “We had a woman that came in,” he says, “and she grabbed my face with her hands, and she looked at me and she said, ‘Now, I want you to hear this; if we were not able to get this food, my family would not be eating.’”
Henderson passionately explains how vital the work that Last Mile Food Rescue carries out can be.
“Our efforts foster a stronger, more resilient community where resources are used wisely, and everyone has a chance to thrive,” she says. “Last Mile Food Rescue is not only ensuring that people have access to fresh, healthy meals, but also promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
Still, Henderson points out, many incorrectly believe food rescue is merely a small-scale solution to address food waste. That’s just not true, she says, adding that food rescue programs absolutely can
have a large-scale impact on reducing food insecurity and waste.
“The impact of food rescue goes beyond numbers— it’s about connecting with our neighbors, supporting families and building a community that cares for one another,” Henderson says. “Every small action, whether it’s volunteering an hour of time or spreading the word about our mission, can have a direct impact.”
Visit LastMileFood.org to learn more about how to download the app and get involved.
Peppers + pears find a new home via Last Mile Food Rescue.
3 Unique Dining Experiences
Pregame Touchdown
Friday
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE MOODY + TERA MICHELSON
Night Football’s Tailgate Parties Score Big
Athletic Booster Volunteers Arin + Jason Bonk at the Lakota West Firebirds Tailgate event.
Around our community, fall’s Friday nights are reserved for high school football. Whether we are cheering for one side of town or the other, West Chester and Liberty Township fans get behind our high school teams one hundred and ten percent. Long before kickoff, the celebration begins in the high school parking lots, where the Lakota East and Lakota West tailgate parties are a big win for everyone.
Although game time isn’t until 7 p.m., Athletic Booster volunteers and parents to a football player, Jason Bonk and Arin Singer-Bonk are dressed in spirit wear and in the Lakota West High School parking lot before 5 p.m. at each home game.
When their football player son was a freshman, the proud parents bought a reserved parking spot as a part of an Athletic Boosters’ fundraiser. The reserved parking spots are adjacent to the tailgate area, where fans put up canopies, games and tables of food.
The Bonks were quickly welcomed into the fun.
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Top: Lakota West football fans bring the school spirit.
Middle: Firebirds from a variety of school clubs and organizations set up spots at the football tailgate.
Bottom: West tailgaters gather around sliders from Dave’s Quality Meats, Raymond’s Pizza, Wings and Rings appetizers and Delicious Designs Cookies.
“One of the junior moms invited us in and introduced us to the bigger group,” Arin says. “We met so many nice people. When your kid’s in a sport, you’re going to be spending a lot of time together in the stands and getting ready for the games. Tailgating is a nice way to get to know other people and hang out for ten weeks.”
Now, as junior parents, Arin helps set up the eats and treats while Jason is a part of the Athletic Boosters parking team. He assists another junior parent, Greg Skelton and works with two seasoned senior parent volunteers, Ron Beerman and Dave Gray with getting cars in position each Friday. Funds raised from the reserved tailgate parking spots go directly to the football program.
It’s not just football families—the whole community is involved. Other West teams and their families join the pregame party, too. There’s even a DJ, spinning tunes.
Athletic Booster Volunteers, Lakota High School alum + football parents Steve + Tricia Chaney host the Lakota East Thunderhawks Tailgate event with their RV.
“Tailgating is a great community event. It brings people together and creates a lot of new friendships, as well as a lot of school spirit,” Jason shares. “I really want to encourage more of the freshmen and sophomore parents to jump in and get involved because it’s just a lot of fun.”
On the other side of town, Steve and Tricia Chaney are parking their mammoth fifth wheel camper in the VIP corner of the East parking lot right after school gets out. As Lakota alumni and parents to a Lakota East freshman football player, they were invited by Ed and Amy Reip, parking fundraiser organizers, to host the tailgate party for the East Athletic Boosters this season. Like the Bonks, the Chaneys were invited in by other football parents, continuing a long tradition of Athletic Booster involvement on game nights.
Long before the Thunderhawks take the field, the parking lot fills with excited fans, all headed toward the music that streams from the RV, and all with a dish to share. The tailgate snacks do not disappoint.
“We’ve got pulled pork sliders, Skyline dip, sausage dip, pasta salad, meatballs and cheesy bread,” Tricia says, with a wide and welcoming gesture to the spread. “Fill a plate!”
Our local Friday night lights are less about winning and losing, and more about being together, teamwork, community support and cheering on our kids.
“At the end of the day, we just want to bring pride to the East program,” says Steve. “Getting together with everybody and experiencing the community is what it’s all about.”
“Having that strong connection and seeing the teams and families build a camaraderie is why we’re here,” adds Tricia.
Join the tailgate parties on either side of town in your spirit wear on fall Fridays. Check the game schedules online. And come hungry. GoWestFirebirds.com | GoHawksGo.com
Thunderhawks fans get fired up at the football tailgate party before the varsity game.
Sweet + savory snacks to share and Putter's catering fill the tailgate buffet at the Chaney's RV.
Fans of all ages gather to play games, eat and cheer on the Thunderhawks football team before each home game.
ARTICLE BY PAMELA MCWHORTER
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Nothing’s In The Water
IT’S ALL NATURAL FOR THESE LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS + THEIR BOTTLED WATER
How can you take some of the world’s best water and make it even better? Former Procter & Gamble colleagues Satinder Bharaj, PhD, a Liberty Township resident, and Erik Loomis of Loveland, say they’ve found a way, and it’s called Pahhni® Premium Alkaline Water.
Their startup business—which springs from the award-winning waters of the Great Miami Buried Valley Aquifer in Hamilton, Ohio—has been making a splash around town, where it’s sold at select local businesses and is a sponsor at popular community events throughout the year.
Pahhni is also making waves among a number of social media influencers, including former World Boxing Organization heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster, San Diego State swimmer Avery Turney,
“Fans see something— or more likely, taste something—different in Pahhni. According to Bharaj and Loomis, it’s what’s not in Pahhni that accounts for its appeal.”
popular local band Naked Karate Girls and Nashville recording artist Michelle Robinson.
That’s quite a roster, right? Especially considering bottles of Pahhni just started flowing off the production line in July 2022. However, these fans see something—or more likely, taste something—different in Pahhni. According to Bharaj and Loomis, it’s what’s not in Pahhni that accounts for its appeal.
“Our water goes through natural limestone filtration,” explains Loomis. “The majority of other alkaline waters are made artificially.”
With artificially made alkaline water, electrolytes (aka salt) are used during the production process. Pahhni is naturally alkaline, so there’s no salty aftertaste—just a hint of sweetness with a crisp, refreshing finish. Maybe that’s what inspired Loomis and Bharaj to come up with the name Pahhni, which is the Punjabi word for water “pani” with an “ahh” added in. It’s water—that’s extra refreshing.
Alkaline water, which has a higher pH level than typical water, has been rapidly rising in popularity in recent years due to its perceived health benefits, which range from better rehydration to cancer prevention.
Owners Erik Loomis + Satinder Bharaj
“We like to say increasing the alkalinity lets your body work on other things–other than trying to maintain its proper pH,” says Loomis.
Bharaj and Loomis are not only the founders of Pahhni; they’re also the production line staff. A day or two a week, they process and bottle Pahhni in a clean room that’s adjacent to their office space. The other days, they’re out making deliveries. Weekends? Well, those are made for sponsoring events, which Marsha Loomis, Pahhni’s executive director of public relations, arranges. And she’s been busy. If you ran a race or attended a sporting event around town, chances are you were handed a free bottle of Pahhni.
You may have tried Pahhni at the Liberty Township Fall Festival or seen Pahhni as the hydration sponsor for many golf outings around West Chester, including David Fulcher’s Putt for Penguins Celebrity Golf Outing and the West Chester/Liberty Rotary Club Charity Golf Outing.
“We also do a lot with the schools,” says Marsha, a P&G alum herself. “We’ve been the hydration sponsor for athletic boosters, music boosters, homecoming parades, cross country and girls’ volleyball teams.”
“We’re getting a lot of positive support,” says Bharaj, who spent 27 years at P&G before becoming an entrepreneur. “I have people asking me, ‘What is retirement?’ and I laugh, ‘I don’t know.’ This is my phase-two career.”
When it comes to quenching the growing thirst for alkaline water, the crew at Pahhni is always ready to dive right in.
Want to order your own Pahhni, see more about upcoming events or just follow this amazing hydration journey? Find Pahhni at Liberty Farm Market in Liberty Township, follow their socials and check out their website.
PahhniWater.com | @pahhniwater
Cozy Autumn Cookbooks
After a sizzling summer, when the last thing we wanted to do was turn on our ovens or stovetops, autumn has finally arrived. Shorter days and cooler temperatures draw us back into our kitchens to create our favorite comfort foods, but we often find ourselves stuck when it comes to new ideas. Whether you’re the family chef, an entertainer who loves to feed a crowd or a solo cook, you’re likely looking for some seasonal cooking and baking inspiration.
Filled with perfectly curated recipes, mouth-watering photos, cooking tips, and personal insights, the following four new releases are here to help. They offer solutions to your daily dinner dilemmas, celebrate our nation’s vast culinary history, teach you how to bake the best biscuits and satisfy your sweet tooth. Add these amazing cookbooks to your personal collection and you will add hundreds of new recipes to your repertoire, creating an endless array of delicious dinners and desserts. Spend a chilly night expanding your cooking talents or learning a few new baking tricks and watch how a quiet evening at home can quickly transform into something truly special. It’s time to celebrate the season, so put down that delivery app and pick up these tasty new cookbook releases, filled with recipes to keep you happy and cozy all season long.
Warm up your kitchen and celebrate the season
ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON
Still We Rise: A Love Letter to the Southern Biscuit with Over 70 Sweet and Savory Recipes
BY ERIKA COUNCIL
Bomb Biscuit Company’s founder and head baker Erika Council pairs her heritage (she’s the granddaughter of legendary soul food chef Mildred Council aka “Mama Dip”) and immense skill set to deliver a heartfelt and tasty tribute to the Southern biscuit. Featuring classics and new favorites, this recipe collection is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Sweet Little Cakes from Mrs. Zabar’s Bakeshop: Perfect Desserts for Sharing
BY TRACEY ZABAR
Smaller size, same big flavor! Tracey Zabar has edited her famous recipes to allow home bakers the opportunity to create their own smaller versions of her famous cakes in the comfort of their own kitchens. Each seasonally organized recipe serves two to six people—perfect for creating a tiny treat to share or to satisfy your own sweet tooth.
The Great American Recipe Cookbook Season 2 Edition:
100 Memorable Recipes to Celebrate the Diversity and Flavors of American Food
There’s something for everyone in this companion cookbook to the second season of The Great American Recipe . The fun, feel-good cooking competition highlights some of our country’s most talented home cooks and captures the rich culinary history of America. From generational family treasures to regional cuisines, this recipe collection exemplifies how food represents and unifies our communities and cultures.
Skinnytaste
Simple: Easy, Healthy Recipes with 7 Ingredients or Fewer
BY GINA HOMOLKA, HEATHER K. JONES, R.D.
Streamline your dinnertime routine with these easy, delicious, and healthy recipes, each requiring seven ingredients or fewer. Featuring 105 original recipes plus 15 beloved fan-favorites from the website, Skinnytaste Simple focuses on using minimum ingredients while delivering maximum flavor and nutrition.
SER VI NG UP S OUP
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.
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ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
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.
CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
For a healthy dose of vitamin A, enjoy this creamy soup that boasts a robust, rich butternut flavor. For an easier assembly buy pre-cut butternut squash.
INGREDIENTS:
• 6 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups water
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the chopped squash, onion, garlic and red pepper, and place in a large pot. Add water, and bring to a boil. Add salt and simmer for about 30 minutes. Cool and blend mixture in a blender until smooth. Transfer mixture back to pot and add heavy whipping cream and fresh thyme. Pepper to taste. Garnish with pepitas and fresh herbs.
OCTOBER 3RD
Bling, Botox + Bourbon
Welling & Co. + West Chester Family Dentistry, 8992 + 9000 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester | 5:00 PM
Join West Chester Family Dentistry and Welling & Co. for the second annual Bling, Botox and Bourbon event, 5-8 p.m. Indulge in complimentary wine, appetizers and bourbon at this evening of luxury and relaxation. Special pricing on Botox will be offered all day, call in advance to book your time. Guests will have a chance to win a Gabriel & Co. bracelet or a Botox treatment. 513-755-2118 WCFamilyDentistry.com | WellingAndCo.com
OCTOBER 5TH
The Great Pumpkin Fest
Keehner Park, 7411 Barret Road, West Chester | 2:00 PM
The community is invited to Great Pumpkin Fest, West Chester’s free, family-friendly festival celebrating all things fall at Keehner Park on October 5, 2-6 p.m. Enjoy a puppet show, petting zoo, costume contest for kids, hay bale maze, games and crafts. Bring your own bag to collect candy. WestChesterOH.org
OCTOBER 5TH + 6TH
Lakota West Craft Show
Lakota West High School, 8940 Union Centre Boulevard, West Chester | 9:00 AM
Visit the Lakota West Craft Show, Saturday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Booths fill the school for a shopping extravaganza of handmade goods that supports Lakota West students and staff. Enjoy a snack at the food trucks (new this year), raffles and the Stuff the Bus canned food drive—one donated can equals one raffle ticket! WestHigh.LakotaOnline.com
OCTOBER 6TH
Spot-A-Truck
Liberty Center, Parking lot next to Taylor Garage, 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township | 10:00 AM
Join Liberty Township in the parking lot next to Liberty Center’s Taylor Garage for Spot-A-Truck, an exclusive look at some of your favorite community vehicles. Gather from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for a hands-on view of the township’s snow plows, emergency vehicles, dump trucks and more. Be forewarned that emergency vehicles may be required to leave in response to calls. Liberty-Township.com
OCTOBER 10TH
10 Years of Cheers Celebration + Open House
Boys & Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty, 8749 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester | 6:00 PM
Boys & Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty first opened its door to serve youth and families across our community ten years ago. Join them to celebrate their growth and impact at the 10 Years of Cheers Celebration + Open House, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Club. RSVP to CEO Damon Knoche at dknoche@bgcwcl.org. BGCWCL.org
OCTOBER 12TH + 13TH
October Warehouse Shopping Event
Bliss Home Market, 9415 Meridian Way, West Chester | 8:00 AM
Don’t miss this once-a-month sale weekend for affordable brand-name furniture. Bliss Home Market stocks up on unique, high-quality goods from big name manufacturers and your favorite stores for one weekend each month. Style your home with everything you need, from rugs to lamps. Shop Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Cincy.BlissHomeMarket.com
OCTOBER 16TH
Empowered Parenting Course
Virtual or Countryside YMCA—Lebanon, 1699 Deerfield Road, Lebanon | 6:00 PM
Learn the importance of empowered parenting throughout the lifespan from expert Tracy Cummings, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Clinical Excellence and Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Lindner Center of HOPE. Discuss ways to implement positive change within the parent-child relationship in this free community event. Register online. LindnerCenterofHOPE.org
OCTOBER 26TH
Spooky in the Sticks
Horsepower Farm, 2227 Trinity Drive, Middletown | 6:00 PM
Summoning all spirits to give teens the EDGE at this Halloween fundraiser for EDGE Teen Center. This adults-only costume party features food, drinks, live music by Cassette Junkies and frightful fun from 6-10 p.m., all in the name of empowering teens to impact the world. Contact Julie Abrams with questions: abramsfpc@gmail.com. Purchase tickets online. EDGETeenCenter.com
OCTOBER 28TH
Spooktacular Concert
Muhlhauser Barn, 8558 Beckett Road, West Chester | 7:00 PM
This fun, free, not-so-spooky concert by the West Chester Symphony at the Muhlhauser Barn is an annual treat to kick off the Halloween season. Kids are invited to wear costumes to win prizes in a contest. Snacks will be served. WestChesterSymphony.org
REALTOR®
Realtor® of the Year/Sales
Excellent condition ranch in desirable Summerlin. Open floor plan with the kitchen overlooking the great room. 10’ ceilings on 1st floor. Kitchen with maple, 42” cabinets. Gas range in kitchen. All kitchen appliances and the washer/dryer included with sale. Plantation shutters on patio door. Rear patio with pergola. Lots of lush landscaping throughout the yard. Finished lower level with huge rec room plus lots of storage and workshop. Summerlin community offers a pool.
Thoughtfully updated, first-floor primary suite with 2 walk-in closets. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout the first floor. Gourmet kitchen equipped with a gas range and a butler’s pantry. The two-story great room. Second-floor primary suite with a luxurious bathroom, and additional Jack and Jill bathrooms plus a bonus room. Finished, walkout lower level with a large bar, expansive recreation space, exercise room, full bath, and ample storage. Fenced backyard, lined with trees.
SCAN TO FIND
“Tiffany was very knowledgeable and understood our needs and what we wanted from her as a realtor! She was well prepared to get our house on the market and she used all her avenues to showcase our house. It was everywhere in the community and media! She is very passionate about her job and worked hard until our property was sold. She constantly kept us abreast of everything going on. We would recommend her to all our friends as she is the number 1 sales person in our area and it shows!“
~ Amy Boes (Liberty Township)
