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Summertime Camp Cooking

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For a quick and easy dessert, a favorite family memory is making Tortilla S’mores. They are super easy and yummy.

There is no better time than camping in the tall pines or near a lake during the summertime. How wonderful it is to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily activities and select your favorite camping spot under the stars. Whether you are camping with the family, friends, church group or going on a solo trip, food is often the best part of the journey.

I recall great memories of camping with my family during summertime. We traveled a lot to Lake Shafer in Monticello Indiana, which is outside of the Chicagoland area. My father had a bass boat and we all enjoyed fishing and swimming. At nighttime, we would go to the carnival off the beach. When it came to mealtimes, we always had plenty of grilled Italian sausage, burgers, hotdogs, steak and ribs. Side dishes were macaroni salad, potato salad, mostaccioli, chips, pickles and lots of watermelon. Breakfast was eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, fresh tortillas, donuts and cereal for those who couldn’t wait to enjoy what came off the grill.

Preparing for a summer campout can be a lot of work to ensure you have all your supplies, groceries, cooking gear, water, sanitizing products and tabletop. I always recommend bringing a fire extinguisher just in case of an emergency.

Camping food doesn’t necessarily need to come from a can. You can bring prepped fresh vegetables and fruits, marinated meats, precooked baked potatoes or rice and your favorite oil with butter, herbs and spices. A lemon always comes in handy if you are going to be cooking up your fresh catch of the day! A cast iron skillet is a great addition to have in your culinary equipment.

Whether you are cooking out in the open or in an RV, camp cooking is always a great time.

For a quick and easy dessert, a favorite family memory is making Tortilla S’mores. They are super easy and yummy. QCBN

By Debbie Maranville

Debbie Maranville, Co-owner of Goods from the Garden Catering & Events

Tortilla S’mores:

Makes 6 portions

  • 6 Flour or Corn Tortillas
  • 6 square pieces of foil – a few inches larger than your tortilla
  • Peanut Butter or Sunflower Butter
  • Mini Marshmallows
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Lay the tortilla on a piece of foil.
  • Spread peanut butter on half of the tortilla.
  • Sprinkle marshmallow on the peanut butter.
  • Add chocolate chips. Fold over the tortilla into a half-moon shape.  ***For an added bonus, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top before your fold over.
  • Wrap in foil and place in the fire for 45 seconds to a minute.

Enjoy!

You can also make these at home in your own oven any time you want a treat! 350 degrees for 5 minutes. QCBN

Preparing a Joyful, Immune-Boosting Cup

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This year, I want to share how a joyful cup of vegetable broth can help your immune system.

Who doesn’t feel warm and peaceful while sipping a cup of steaming hot cocoa with marshmallows on top, or a double espresso peppermint latte made with almond milk, extra froth and a candy cane, or smelling the sweet scent of an herbal tea with a drizzle of honey added to it?

Recently, we celebrated my friend, Melanie, and had a fundraiser to help her with her wellness and medical needs, for she has cancer. It was a lovely event where her family, friends, community members and perfect strangers came together at the Garden Event Center. I share this story because Melanie has been an amazing inspiration to me throughout my career and has changed my life.

She once reminded me at a cooking class where she was the only participant to show up, as she said, “No matter what, Debbie, keep telling your story!” My story demonstrates my passion for my family and food. The simplest recipe can be so heartwarming and good for you. My mother, Lynda, assisted and prepared a recipe of the Immune Boosting Broth for our friend Melanie. As she was cutting the produce and herbs, she added a positive affirmation with every cut. The finished product was brought to Melanie for her to enjoy a joyful cup.

This year, I want to share how a joyful cup of vegetable broth can help your immune system.  Whether you have the sniffles, flu or autoimmune disease/deficiency, this broth can boost your immune system. It is good for you. We can all use as many healthy options to keep our immune systems in tip-top shape.

Enjoy the following herbal broth recipe as you move throughout your day. Gift a neighbor or a coworker with a jar of the broth. Feel free to add your favorite protein and make it a meal.

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas. May the joyful season greet you with health and happiness. Happy Holidays to all.

By Debbie Maranville

Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events and The Natural Healing Garden.

Immune Boosting Broth

  • 2 quarts of water or vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 cloves /chopped garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of thyme
  • 3 stalks of celery – cut in bite-size pieces
  • 3 scallions cut – ¼ inch pieces
  • 2 cups chopped kale – ribs removed
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
  • *Squeeze of fresh lemon or lime

Heat the olive oil in a stock pot on medium heat.

Sauté the celery for 4 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Transfer to a soup cup, mug or bowl. Squeeze the fresh citrus and enjoy! QCBN

Celebrate Celery

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Celery contains vitamin C, beta carotene and flavonoids, but there are at least 12 additional kinds of antioxidant nutrients found in a single stalk.

While growing up, my best memories of celery were spread with cream cheese on a veggie platter. Peanut butter and raisins on top of celery was always a fun treat. That would be called “Ants on a Log.”  My mother would also attach the food grinder to the table and begin placing multiple stalks of celery into the unit grinder for our Thanksgiving stuffing. I loved helping her with this project.

As an adult and culinary specialist, I include celery in many of our recipes. I especially like celery chopped and tossed into a salad. I also love a few stalks in my Bloody Mary.

Celery is Very Healthy

Celery contains vitamin C, beta carotene and flavonoids, but there are at least 12 additional kinds of antioxidant nutrients found in a single stalk. It’s also a wonderful source of phytonutrients, which have been shown to reduce instances of inflammation in the digestive tract, cells, blood vessels and organs.

Chronic inflammation has been linked to many illnesses, including arthritis and osteoporosis. Celery and celery seeds have approximately 25 anti-inflammatory compounds that can offer protection against inflammation in the body.

And then there’s the high-water content of celery, almost 95 percent, plus generous amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber. All of those support a healthy digestive tract and keep you regular. One cup of celery sticks has 5 grams of dietary fiber.

With minerals like magnesium, iron and sodium, celery can have a neutralizing effect on acidic foods – not to mention the fact that these minerals are necessary for essential bodily functions.

Tips for Buying and Storing Celery

Sturdy stalks. Look for celery that has sturdy, upright stalks. They should snap easily when you pull them, not bend.

Crisp leaves. Leaves should be crisp and fresh, ranging in color from pale to bright green. Avoid celery with yellow or brown patches.

Wait to chop. Chop celery just before cooking or serving to maintain nutrients. Even celery that has been chopped and stored for just a few hours will lose
nutrients.

Steam it. Steamed celery will retain flavor and almost all of its nutrients.

Eat in five to seven days. Eat fresh celery within five to seven days to
enjoy its maximum nutritional benefits.

Eat the leaves. Don’t discard the leaves — that’s where celery has the most calcium, potassium and vitamin C. But because they don’t store well, consume celery leaves within a day or two of purchase.

In addition to its many health benefits, celery is a versatile veggie. You can eat it raw or cooked, and it makes a great addition to smoothies, stir-fries, soups and juices. Celery can also be steamed or baked.

I asked one of our team members, Chef Charles Kelly, on what he loves about celery and he said, Celery Root, another root vegetable that is high in fiber. He enjoys making a puree with sun dried tomatoes. The puree can be lathered on top of seafood, chicken, pork, baked potatoes and pasta. QCBN

By Debbie Maranville

At Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events, we are passionate about creating the culinary experience for our customers. Consider our company for your next event. We have a venue, conveniently located at the Prescott Gateway Mall.  We can accommodate up to 100 guests. Contact us at 928-237-4116 or goodsfromthegarden@gmail.com.

Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden and The Natural Healing Garden.

Eating During Stressful Times

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During stressful periods, food may be overlooked.

Stress can be found in the faces of family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. I have seen perfect strangers with frantic looks on their faces. My heart goes out to them.

I can share that I, too, have experienced forms of stress. As a local business owner, wife, mother and grandmother, I have stress points throughout the day. My overall health has been affected. You may have read in the past two articles that I have Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune disease that specifically attacks my thyroid gland. This has a great effect on my body’s natural hormone levels. I need to reduce stress and get more rest and exercise, along with shifting to a healthier diet.

During stressful periods, food may be overlooked. My daughter, Lindsay, states that when she is having a stressful day, she may find herself in the drive-thru lane of Taco Bell, eating a bean burrito. Of course, she also knows that making her own burrito is much healthier.

What foods trigger stress and anxiety?
If you eat lots of fried foods, processed meat, pastries, refined cereals, candy and high-fat dairy products, you’re more likely to be anxious and depressed. A diet full of whole fiber-rich grains, fruits, vegetables and fish can help keep you on a more even path.

When experiencing a stressful day, eat small meals and healthy snacks throughout the day.  This will keep your metabolism ticking over all day and you will minimize the ups and downs of energy levels. Eat breakfast, even if you may not feel hungry or seem to be running out of time. By doing so, you will kickstart your metabolism for the day and also help to level out your blood sugar levels, which will, in turn, reduce stress.

Healthy Go-To Foods

Avocado – Avocados are a creamy and versatile fruit that can be eaten in a range of different ways, whether you enjoy them raw in guacamole, dressing, dips or made into sauces and smoothies. These nutrient-dense fruits have the properties to stress-proof your body, thanks to their high glutathione content, which specifically blocks the intestinal absorption of certain fats which cause oxidative damage. Avocados also contain higher levels of vitamin E, folate and beta-carotene than any other fruit, which boosts their stress-busting properties. However, be careful with portion control when eating the avocado, as it is high in fat.

Blueberries – If you’re feeling stressed out and reaching for the snacks, swapping candy and chips for one of the best superfoods is a great way to help you deal with your stress levels and achieve a higher level of calm. Blueberries have some of the highest levels of antioxidants, especially anthocyanin, which means that this berry has been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including sharper cognition, better focus and a clearer mind – all of which can help you to better deal with stress. When in doubt, add them to your smoothie.

Sweet Potatoes – These are a whole food that make an excellent carb choice. They’re packed with nutrients that are important for stress response, such as vitamin C and potassium. Sweet potatoes can be steamed, baked, sauteed and air fried. Sweet potato salad is also a great side dish.

Being aware of how your body works and deals with stress can help you to manage stress and stressful situations. After a stressful period, the human body can go into a recovery mode where increased appetite and food cravings become more prevalent. At the same time, metabolic rates drop to conserve energy. Being aware of these patterns can help you manage your stress levels, and through nutrition and diet, you can help your body recover from stressful periods more rapidly and minimize negative effects such as weight gain.

If you are experiencing a lot of stress over a long period of time or are at all worried about how stress is affecting you, then seek help. See your doctor or call a local mental health agency that may recommend a counselor or some alternative stress relief techniques such as massage, acupuncture or alternative medicine.

I am grateful that our team of “essential” workers have the ability and passion to create delicious and fresh foods that the Quad Cities community can enjoy. QCBN

By Debbie Maranville

“I think people should maybe just go out into the garden and watch a ladybug crawl across a flower and relax their mind. That’s about all you need to know about life, I think.” –  Harland Williams

Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden and The Natural Healing Garden.

Debbie can be reached at 928-237-3214/ goodsfromthegarden@gmail.com

Catering kitchen and event venue conveniently located at the Prescott Gateway Mall, 3250 Gateway Blvd., #516, Prescott, AZ 86301

Eating Lighter in the Summertime

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I wanted to share this Zucchini Pizza recipe with you. It’s light, full of veggies and can be eaten cold.

Do you naturally shift your mindset to lighter and cooler meals during the summertime?

During the heat of the summer, our bodies are geared to receive lighter meals. In turn, this allows us the energy needed to move through a hot day. Hiking, gardening, outside chores and sharing backyard get-togethers are shifting to lighter, cooler and refreshing foods and beverages.

When it is hot outside, give your body a break by replacing your meat dishes with delectable vegetables. Meat is heavy and will make you drowsy, as it takes a while for it to digest. According to the Mayo Clinic, it takes six to eight hours for food to pass through the stomach and through the small intestine. Digestibility refers to how much of a food can be broken down into fundamental nutrients used by the body. It regularly takes up to 72 hours to digest red meat.

“That’s because fats are more difficult for the body to break down and require a more elaborate process than other nutrients,” said Dr. Pamela Peeke in HuffPost. “Because of this, your body sends more energy to the source of digestion, leaving you feeling zapped.”

If you do eat meat from the grill, avoid using heavy sauces that are cream-based or barbecue sauces that are full of sugar. Alternatively, you can grill a veggie burger and have it with stir-fried vegetables for a healthier option.

Our catering company sees a big shift in the menus chosen by our clients for weddings, showers, open houses and special events. There are more entrees and appetizers made with fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and grilled meats.

Recently, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disease in which my body makes antibodies that attack the cells in my thyroid. Some of my symptoms have been tiredness, weight gain, muscle weakness and difficulty concentrating. My doctor, Dr. Rebecca Chatfield at the Mobile Health Doc, looked deep into my eyes and said I should eliminate gluten and dairy immediately. Of course, I was stunned; however, after several weeks of changing my diet, especially during the warmer months, I have started to feel so much better.

I love to cook! Recently, I have played around with my creativity and foods that I love. I wanted to share this Zucchini Pizza recipe with you. It’s light, full of veggies and can be eaten cold. I have even served it to children and they loved it. Perfect for summer meals or any season, actually.

May your summer be cool and refreshing! QCBN

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Zucchini Crust Pizza

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded zucchini (1 to 1-1/2 medium), squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup egg substitute or 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup Gluten free flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
  • 2 cups shredded Daiya Mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Vegan Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 small tomatoes, halved and sliced
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup julienned red or green bell pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Chopped fresh basil and arugula for garnish.
  • Drizzle of Olive Oil
  1. Preheat oven to 450°. In a large bowl, combine first five ingredients; stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Transfer to a 12-in. pizza pan or pizza stone, lightly coated with cooking spray; spread to an 11-in. circle.
  2. Bake until golden brown, 13-16 minutes. Reduce oven setting to 400°. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese; top with tomatoes, onion, pepper, herbs and remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake until edge is golden brown and cheese is melted, 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and arugula. Drizzle olive oil over pizza. QCBN

By Debbie Maranville

Debbie Maranville is co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events.

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

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“Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food,” is still one of the greatest medical prescriptions ever offered to human populations.

I was feeling a bit fatigued, sluggish, perimenopausal and experiencing some stress. My adrenals were in overload. I believed these feelings were caused by a busy catering season and some of life’s stresses.

I knew I needed some guidance and nurturing.  I scheduled an appointment at the Mobile Health Doc with Dr. Rebecca Chatfield. I went in for a consultation and exam. My next step was bloodwork. I sat relaxed, squeezing a little stress ball and the medical staff member drew five vials of blood. I was instructed to come back in two weeks and the doctor would review my results.

Fast forward, I arrived at the office to meet with the doctor and she began reviewing my labs. There were not too many major concerns, until she stated I had Hashimoto’s disease.

Hashimoto’s disease, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease that damages the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s disease affects more women than men. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Hypothyroidism is treatable with medicine. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause problems getting pregnant and problems during pregnancy. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, depression and joint pain.

The first thing she stated was that I would need to shift to a gluten-free and dairy-free diet. I sat back for a moment and said, “I have replaced half and half in my coffee for coconut milk.” I chuckled for about 30 seconds. This was the real deal, how the heck can I do this? I love cheese, pasta and fresh breads. They are my comfort foods. This new information has me looking at more gluten- and dairy-free recipes. I believe these foods will assist with decreased inflammation and assist with a healthier lifestyle. Time to walk my walk and talk my talk.

As an herbalist, I feel educated on herbs that are good for my health. Now I needed a bit more knowledge and support. Dr. Chatfield ordered a prescription from the Ave Maria Compound Pharmacy in Prescott, recommended some additional supplements and vitamins, and suggested more exercise and less stress.

We all need to take our health seriously. I do not want to have symptoms where I feel rundown. I want to love life and live it.

The statement, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food,” is still one of the greatest medical prescriptions ever offered to human populations. This medical marvel was coined by Hippocrates, almost 2,500 years ago.

We are what we eat. As a caterer and culinary specialist, I love making a difference with the food that our team prepares for events. We use fresh ingredients, focus on dietary needs and create the culinary experience with pride and enthusiasm.

I look forward to my new and continued journey of healthy living. QCBN

By Debbie Maranville

Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events.

Spring Up with Culinary Herbs

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The smell of herbs such as basil, rosemary, oregano, chives, mint and parsley are so uplifting to me.

Spring is near and it is time to celebrate the season. I recall when I lived in Phoenix, springtime memories were the desert blooming with magical colors of wildflowers and cactus bearing fruit. We would attend Spring Training baseball games and celebrate with the fans and players.

Spring Break was also a time for celebration when our children would be off from school and we would take road trips.

For many of us, we do spring cleaning in our homes, closets and office spaces. Perhaps your kitchen or backyard are sacred spaces where you may want to begin creating a fresh new look and prepare for cooking and planting.

Today, I was walking through our commercial kitchen, where Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events creates the magic. Chef Charles was preparing a tomato basil soup. The aroma was so invigorating. The basil surrounded me with love and happiness. The smell of herbs such as basil, rosemary, oregano, chives, mint and parsley are so uplifting to me.

I knew I needed to share this recipe with you. In fact, this recipe will make a gallon and a half of soup. Keep some for yourself of course, however, I invite you to put together Ziploc quart-sized bags or jars of the fresh soup. This will then be available for you to enjoy as well as gift some to a friend, co worker or neighbor. They will be so appreciative to receive something so heartfelt that celebrates spring and kindness.  Enjoy! QCBN

By Debbie Maranville

Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering and Events and The Natural Healing Garden Massage and Wellness Center.

Where There is Love, There is Food

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Psalm 136:25 – He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.

It is no surprise that through the years of my culinary journey, I have thrived to share food in multiple ways. Food has always been a tool to express my love and compassion. As a local caterer, we create menus for some of the most amazing clients and guests.

A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with another like-minded female friend.  The topic came up that we are both nurturers. We love sharing and celebrating with food. We are passionate about gathering around the table with family and friends. Often, we both are involved with celebrating weddings, showers and family retreats. We both shared how important food is for our souls. At that moment, I was prompted to remember an amazing food story.

Client Kathryn calls a couple weeks after Christmas. She calls to thank me for the love and special details that our company created for her family’s Thanksgiving meal. I remember driving out to the home on the back side of Prescott Valley through the rolling hills and came upon the long driveway to the home. I was greeted by a couple of family members who assisted me with “schlepping” all the catering equipment and food containers into the beautiful kitchen. I was present with family members from California, Arizona and Texas. I witnessed one of the young ladies being coached by her grandmother on the specific way of whipping the potatoes and just the right amount butter and seasoning to add. This young woman was so attentive with receiving the loving directions. It was time to gather my tools and head out so that the family could enjoy their meal. Kathryn stated that shortly after Thanksgiving, her father had a stroke and unfortunately passed away on Christmas Eve. The meal that our team prepared was a “culinary memory!” She was so grateful for the opportunity for her family members to be together for the very last time with her father, who was also a husband, grandfather and uncle. I have never received such gratitude from a guest.

In the past several weeks, our company has been called by friends and clients that have been ill and or lost friends and loved ones. Imagine being on the other end of the call when a client reaches out and asks for your meal suggestions and preparations when an inoperable diagnosis was given to her spouse. What did we do, you ask? Chef Paul prepared a vegan soup that not only nourished the client but there was plenty to share with another family dealing with COVID.

A 92-year-old community hero and her daughter are sick with COVID and would love some soup. “Debbie, can you please make some matzah ball soup and deliver?” she asked. “I believe that the love from you and your team will be soulful and help with the healing process.” I was moved and inspired. I immediately requested that our team prepare the soup, which was fabulous. The wonderful broth and the soft and delicious matzah balls were fabulous. We were reminded that the soup tasted better than her recipe.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”- Hippocrates

I am always honored when our team creates the culinary experience and prepares the  amazing food that we are proud to share. I am bound to continue with precision and love, the sharing of recipes, seasonal goods, tantalizing sweet treats and more.

Psalm 136:25 – He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. QCBN

By Debbie Maranville

Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering and Events and The Natural Healing Garden Massage and Wellness Center.

Eating Healthy Food is Part of Self-Care

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Self-care is about honoring your body and respecting yourself.

When you hear the term “self-care,” what comes to mind? For many years, I have thought that self-care involved getting a massage, receiving a luxurious facial, hiking in our beautiful forests, attending a fancy retreat, relaxing in a bubble bath, reading a good book and listening to jazz music with some lighted candles.

Through the years, I have found that self-care was holding my grandsons and rocking them to sleep after storytime or sitting on the porch and watching deer walk through the yard and gaze into our eyes.

I became an herbalist in 2017 and learned the power of plants and herbs. The education I received has allowed my company to include wholesome ingredients in the meals we cook and cater for our clients. Fresh and dried herbs added to the recipe brings out an essence that is so amazing with every bite. Not only good for you, it tastes so fresh.

We need self-care all the time. Self-care practices are activities we engage in on a regular basis to reduce stress and maintain well-being. My chiropractor, Dr. Robert Boehland, has been essential in the care of my neurological system. I could not function as I do without his care.

Eating food you enjoy is self-care. I also use cooking as a form of relaxation and nurturing. Meal planning to save you time later in the week is also a tool of self-care. Eating ice cream to make you feel better can be self-care. Baking can also be a form of self-care.

Working through struggles with food and challenging eating disorders is self-care. We have some wonderful professionals in our community who can assist. I would be happy to connect anyone in the community with local professionals.

Self-care is about honoring your body and respecting yourself.

In 2022, we will continue to focus on education to promote healthy food and healthy living. We want to create the opportunity for everyone to be able to make great choices when it comes to food and self-care.

May 2022 bring prosperity, love and wonderful self-care to all. QCBN

By Debbie Maranville, QCBN

Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering and Events and The Natural Healing Garden Massage and Wellness Center.

Savoring Holiday Traditions

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Wishing you all the amazing family traditions in your homes.

We all celebrate our individual cultures and family food traditions as a major part of the holidays.

Growing up, Grandma Scardine would prepare fresh pasta and Brajoile (pronounced Brajole) with the Thanksgiving bird. The tenderness and flavor of the meat with the fresh sauce was amazing! Garlic and parsley would get stuck in our teeth. At Christmastime, we would have fried calamari and the sauce would include “the rings of calamari also.” I remember watching  Grandma while the onion and garlic cooked, she would place the squid bodies on a cutting board and cut across each squid to make rings. The aroma in her home lingered throughout. Such a feeling of comfort and family!

My mom would prepare green bean casserole with small, cubed pieces of sharp cheddar cheese and toasted slivered almonds. The stuffing would have fresh giblets, celery and onions, where she would attach that hand-turned grinder to the kitchen table and the goodies would fall into this beautiful yellow bowl, before it was mixed together with fresh dried bread, broth and herbs.

Now, for dessert: Fresh pie and raspberry pretzel salad. Oh my goodness, the thought of another bite would take me to another level. However, one could not miss out on dessert. We would have homemade pumpkin pie with whipped topping, strawberry-rhubarb and cherry pie with vanilla ice cream. Now that was a culinary experience.

Goods from the Garden is gearing up to offer another food concept: “Amazing Pies,” celebrating all things pie. Chef Justin leads our baking department. He brings a whole new level of taste, presentation and the wow factor. Amazing Pies will feature sweet, savory, deconstructed pizza, hand pies and many other great varieties along with fresh ice cream.

Located directly across our Garden Event Center at the Prescott Gateway Mall, you will be able to enjoy amazing pie throughout your day. We will be focusing on retail sales during the holidays and then after the start of the New Year, we will open up for lunch, take-out meals, retail items, pop-up dinners and special events.

The address is: Amazing Pies, 3250 Gateway Blvd. #424, Prescott, Arizona 86301. The phone number is 928-237-3214.

We look forward to our continued growth as we prepare for the next culinary adventure. Wishing you all the amazing family traditions in your homes.

Happy, healthy holidays to all! QCBN

By Debbie Maranville

Contact us at 928-237-3214 or email us: GoodsfromtheGarden@gmail.com.

Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering and Events and The Natural Healing Garden Massage and Wellness Center.