Better Living and Marketplace December '22/January '23 Holiday Edition

LETTER FROM the publisher

As we celebrate this glorious time, keep in mind that this month can also be a difficult time for many in our community. To anyone that needs a little help coping this holiday season, be sure to reach out for help. There are many organizations that are here for you. If you need someone to talk to immediately, call (800) 273-TALK. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor.

Greetings Readers,

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We have cookies to bake and presents to wrap and holiday movies to watch! Maybe I’m late to the party but I’ve recently discovered that I love the Hallmark Channel Christmas movies! So sweet, family-friendly and full of cheer. So from spending quality time with the entire family to reaching out to those in need, the time of the year when we spread the most love is here.

While December is the time that we receive gifts, it is also the month of giving to others. There are so many ways that we can do this whether it be volunteering, making monetary donations to various charities, or donating Christmas toys to local organizations like the ones listed on our Community Angels section of this issue.  The organizations listed serve our community all year round but need your help during the holiday season to make special wishes come true.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

The Treasure Coast has so many wonderful family-friendly events going on during the months of December and January. Check out the events section for a list of free or low cost events happening near us.

So as this year ends and the New Year approaches, I like to reflect on the events and accomplishments of the past year and set my intentions for the next year.  A dream board is a wonderful way to do this and to “dream out loud” for the New Year. See our “Dream Board” section for inspiration. Get your scissors and glue ready!

No matter how you spend the holidays, use this time as an opportunity to reflect on what you’re grateful for and think of ways that you can help others.

May God Bless you. May this new year bring joy, prosperity, and happiness to you and your family.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

– Indira

Ceville-Borgella

If you do not receive or have the time to pick up our magazine please log onto betterlivingandmarketplace.com or email us at contact@betterlivingmarketplace.com for convenient home delivery.

If you are involved in a community program that is making a positive difference, please contact me at contact@betterlivingmarketplace.com. You just might be the next story.

TREASURE COAST

WINTER ISSUE DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023

Publisher/Editor

Indira Ceville-Borgella

Assistant Editor

Margie Ceville-Rogers

Creative/Graphic Designer SC Design

Web Creative Direction

Treasure Coast Communications & Marketing Inc.

Feature Writers

Roberta Kay Indira Ceville-Borgella Dr. Marie M. Remy-Dubois

Contributing Writers

Indira Ceville-Borgella Joanne Augusto Joanna Johnson Chef Mark Phillips

Cover & Contributing Photography whatthomassays media

Advertising Department

Indira Ceville-Borgella Joel Borgella Valerie Calabrese

Dr. Jack Mitchell

Better Living & Marketplace Magazine 540 NW University Blvd, Suite 202, Port St Lucie, FL 34986 (772) 245-3036

E-mail contact@betterlivingmarketplace.com Visit us at betterlivingandmarketplace.com facebook.com/ BetterLivingandMarketplace

Better Living & Marketplace Magazine is published seasonally by Treasure Coast Communications and Marketing, Inc. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by express written permission of the publisher. All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Better Living & Marketplace Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Better Living & Marketplace Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability. Letters from our readers are not only welcome but encouraged.

Chuck’s Seafood

BY JOANNA JOHNSON

hat a relaxing experience it was to sit in the Guitar Room at Chuck’s Seafood, enjoying a delightful meal and stimulating conversation. The walls are covered with photos and autographed musical instruments donated by past entertainers at Fort Pierce’s own Sunrise Theater. Charlie Daniels even signed a fiddle for the Angelos family a mere week before he passed. Notice the stars on the generous tabletop. They have been inlaid to recognize the celebrities who have actually dined at that exact spot. (With the likes of Kevin Costner, Shania Twain, The Beach Boys and many more). Think about reserving the room for your next special event. Truly, the energy in this cozy alcove is like the energy felt at a concert.

Georgette Angelos celebrated her One Year anniversary of owning the Fort Pierce landmark this past April 19th. She eagerly stepped into the role after her father Peter Angelos’ retirement. And in typical Georgette style, she took off running. Recently, Peter circulated throughout the dining room, greeting patrons, and shaking hands. When one said “Oh, you’re Georgette’s dad”, he walked over to her beaming, slapped her on the back and said “It’s YOUR place now. I’m the Dad.” As hard as she has worked, she is the first to admit she could not have reached this milestone without the loyal support of her managers, and the whole teams’ commitment to the legacy of exclusively offering Quality with a View.

Georgette Angelos’ inaugural project of opening the raw bar, the beautiful terrace with cornhole games and a music stage is

Wdoing well. Music is now offered EVERY evening, not just the previous Thursday through Sunday schedule. Year Two will see the installation on the patio of an overhang, making outside dining available rain or shine. She envisions not only an elaborate trellis, creating an ecosystem for butterflies, but has already added a floating dock specifically for the locals, with dockside take-out available for your favorite Chuck’s specialty drinks and food To-Go.

Notice the new drink menu, featuring Chuck’s Painkiller and Rum Buckets. I personally can highly recommend the appetizers of lobster bites and the Lobster/Crab Delight, with Uncle Nicky’s savory secret recipe calypso sauce (locals will remember Crazy Nick’s). Chuck’s is the only place in town with fresh grouper (which I had – lightly blackened – excellent) and the best stuffed lobster in season. In her own words, Georgette says “I did what I came to do – building off what was already good and making it better.” We agree.

Now that Chuck’s ownership transition has stabilized, Georgette has the time and the energy to expand her community philanthropy efforts. She is putting together a fundraising gala with Lori Murphy of Rising Tides, a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to quarterly fundraising events will continue for Rising Tides at Chuck’s, as the family passionately supports this environmental initiative.

Her commitment to the Highwaymen Museum continues, and she is assisting in their upcoming Silent and Live fundraising Auction. The community has come forward with many, many donations. Tickets are reasonably priced but limited.

“My main focus is to keep our little slice of paradise intact, for our children, the next generation, that will be taking care of the rest of us pretty soon. Making the world a better place.”

Congratulations on your first anniversary, Georgette. You are indeed living your vision, constantly putting yourself out there for the community and for the children, the future generation of Fort Pierce. You are an ongoing inspiration.

empowerment for today

BY ROBERTA KAY

As we come into the wonderful season of Christmas and the New Year, I want to encourage you, above all else, to enjoy yourself and those you love. We can become so wrapped up in all the “to do’’ that we forget about the things that really matter. Our focus shifts away from the real reason for the season. We have been given the gift of love, life and forgiveness.

For some, this time of year can create a feeling of loneliness, despair and even de pression. However, there is HOPE. The Lord is with you. He said He would never leave you nor forsake you.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

As hard as it may be at times, we need to continue to thank Him for what He has already done. Your gratitude alone will begin to bring life into your soul. I myself continue to thank the Lord each and every day for the breath He has given me and what He did for us over 2,000 years ago.

Psalms 42:11, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

You and I must continue to, yet, praise Him

Even a professional therapist will tell you to begin to say or write at least three things that you are grateful for each day. As you be gin to praise and thank Him, you will find more things to be grateful for. One way to do this is to keep a gratitude journal, or a praise journal. Write down anything and everything that you are grateful for. Write down all the wonderful things the Lord has done for you. Allow your self to release that thankfulness by speaking it out and joy will fill your spirit. The loneliness will begin to subside and hope will arise.

I challenge you to pass it on and give someone a reason to be hopeful. In your home, at work, or while you are out and about, begin by giving someone a smile. A polite gesture of opening up a door for them, or letting them take the last parking spot. I have found that even giving a simple compliment to someone can change their entire day and mine. Believe in the hope and joy that is found in this holiday season and rejoice in the love that is found in Christ.

WIshing you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

– Roberta Kay

Roberta Kay

“We can become so wrapped up in all the ‘to do’ that we forget about the things that really matter.”

Lots of Holiday “Dates”!

Are you craving something sweet but don’t want to wreak havoc on your body? Try a date!

Dates are considered to be the oldest cultivated fruit in the world. Evidence of their cultivation as early as 4000BC was found in ancient Mesopotamia.

During World War II when sugar rationing was employed, dates became a replacement for candy. In the United States there are two common varieties of dates to choose from: Medjool dates or Deglet Noor. Both dates have a similar nutrition profile. Their sugar content is 16 grams, the fiber is approximately 2 grams, and they contain vitamins and minerals.

Some can argue that the sugar is too high but unlike most of our favorite holiday desserts, dates are not processed and usually can’t be “binged” on due to its fiber content. If you are looking for a healthier sweetener it is also available in powder and syrup form.

Through the years many recipes have been created using dates such as the Date Brownies recipe here. My easy-to-make favorite is stuffing them with cream cheese with a sliver of a pecan. Enjoy!

Amazing Date Brownies

Coconut oil , for greasing

dates, pitted (6 ounces)

cup water 1/2 cup cashew butter (or nut butter of choice) 1 tablespoon golden flax seed , ground 5 tablespoons cacao powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar Pinch of salt 1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and grease a mini muffin tin with coconut oil to help prevent sticking. 2.In a food processor fitted with an "S" blade, combine the dates and water and process until the dates have broken down into a paste. (They may turn into a ball in the processor, which is also okay.)

3.Add in the cashew butter, ground flax, cacao powder, baking soda, vanilla, and vinegar and process again until a sticky, uniform dough is created. (If you need to add 1 more tablespoon of water to help it blend smoothly, that's okay.) The batter will be thick and sticky.

4.Use a cookie scooper to help you scoop the dough into the greased mini muffin tin. (Roughly using 1 tablespoon of dough per slot.) Use your fingers to gently flatten each mound of dough. Because the dough is very sticky, it helps to get your fingers wet with water before pressing each mound down so your fingers won't stick to the dough.

5.Bake until the tops look dry, about 12 to 15 minutes. (The centers will still feel slightly soft to the touch.) Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely, at least 30 minutes, before attempting to remove them from the pan. They firm up as they cool, but are very fragile when warm. Run a knife around the edge of each brownie to help loosen them to be removed, then serve immediately or store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. https://detoxinista.com/date-sweetened-flourless-brownie-recipe/

Giving Love This Holiday Season

The holidays are here and many Treasure Coast families will not be able to celebrate without a little help from the community. So this holiday season, I encourage you to pick up an extra toy to make a child’s holiday a little brighter. There are several organizations on the Treasure Coast whose mission is to improve the lives of our youngest residents and their families.

You have the power to make a child’s holiday much brighter. Just think about how happy a child will be after receiving your wonderful gift. From national efforts like Toys for Tots, to more local efforts, like the ones included below, there are many ways to give the gift of love this Christmas.

I challenge you to donate what you can in an effort to bring a smile and love to a child in need.

Delivering Hope to Less Fortunate Children

This is a very exciting year for the Toys for Tots program. This year marks the 75th anniversary since its inception! Happy Anniversary Toys for Tots! Link to view drop off locations near you: https://bit.ly/toysfortotsslc

Our mission is to enhance the safety, permanency and wellbeing of all children in Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast through a community network of family support services. www.cckids.net (772) 873-7800

Love Beyond Christmas. Most people know The Salvation Army for our Red Kettles, our Angel Trees, and our strong presence during the holiday season, but we support local families all throughout the year.

Adopt an Angel Online

Over 1700 children are registered to receive toys and clothes for Christmas and we need the public’s help! Visit this link to choose a child to “adopt” and purchase three toys and an outfit for them. Gifts should be delivered to one of the following locations by December 12th:

H Treasure Coast Square Mall beginning Nov. 14th (Angel Tree table located by Santa) in Jensen Beach

H Salvation Army Administrative Offices 821 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Stuart

H Salvation Army St. Lucie Social Services Office 3629 S US Hwy 1 in Fort Pierce

H Salvation Army Okeechobee Service Center 1600 SW 2nd Ave, Unit B, in Okeechobee https://salvationarmyflorida.org/martincounty

We are a Community-based Outreach Center with a mission of following Jesus Christ’s example by offering charitable services and testing services to the community, treating all people with dignity and respect, and striving to create a place that is free of stigma, shame, and fear. We dedicate ourselves to working In the Image of Christ a non profit organization. Currently accepting toy donations. https://intheimageofchrist.org/ (772) 461-7788

Guardians For New Futures

GFNF supports the unfunded needs of maltreated and under-served youth, while increasing community awareness and education to further protect children. www.gfnf4kids.org/ 772-807-3868

16th Annual Saint Lucie County Sheriffs Office Police Athletic League Biker Toy Run 2022!

Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 8 AM. Start location 3525 South US#1, Fort Pierce FL Line up at 9:00am, Kickstands up at 11:00am. Don’t forget your unwrapped new toy! Live music, food trucks, vendors, drinks at final destination –the Saint Lucie County Fair Grounds. Additional Toy Drop off Location for St Lucie County Toy Run: American Legion Post #358 - 4350 Oleander Ave Fort Pierce, FL

Mental Health Corner

WITH DR REMY “D”

Mental Health vs Mental Illness

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the first issue of the Mental Health and Wellness Connection. In this issue we will define “Mental Health vs Mental Illness.” We will also take at a look at how your mental health and your physical health are interconnected. Per the World health Organization, mental health is defined as a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well and contribute to their community. Mental illness or disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior. It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning.

It is important to recognize that we can’t separate someone's mental health from their physical health as they are interconnected. For example, someone who recently lost their jobs may feel stressed out to the point that their physical health is affected. He or she may be having difficulty sleeping, complaining of headache, having difficulty concentrating, and other physical symptoms. Now, that you are able to differentiate between mental health and mental illness, please consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms and ask about a mental health and wellness screening.

Dr Marie M.Remy-Dubois

DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

CONNECT HEALTHCARE SERVICES, LLC

540 NW University Blvd, Unit 201-Suite #1 Port St Lucie, FL 34986 772-204-1930 Myconnect.health info@myconnect.health

Write The Vision, Make It Plain

Creating a

Vision Board

BY INDIRA CEVILLE-BORGELLA

Vision boards give you a clear direction for where you want to go in any area of your life. Having a vision board allows you to visualize what goals you want to achieve. Sometimes also known as a dream board, a vision board is a collage of images, graphics, quotes, etc, that helps bring clarity and focus about what you really want to achieve.

Traditional vision boards are made by cutting out images, quotes, etc, from magazines and gluing them onto a poster, or in a picture frame. A digital vision board created on our computers or in apps are a super practical solution to try as well. You can keep it front of you and access it anytime you need inspiration. Some of the top apps for this are Canva, MindMovies, Udreamr, PicMonkey, Visuapp, Corkulous Professional and my favorite, Pintrest.

Let’s Get Started

Step 1: List your goals. I like to start with categories i.e. Family goals, Professional, Relationships, Bucket list, etc… Think about short term goals and long term goals. Where possible, put goal dates or deadlines. Make them realistic and attainable.

Step 2: Find the most inspiring images that represent your dream. Try your best to find pictures, words or even print out images that work for you. You want the imagery to represent your goals and inspire you. If you are using an app, look through their library and choose the ones that really speak to you.

Step 3: Lay out the photographs. If you are using one of the apps, there are numerous “vision board” templates to choose from. Pick one that works for your goals and captures what you would like to put out there.

Step 4: Add inspiring words. The top apps have built-in motivational quotes or affirmations. You can also add your own favorite quotes. Look through magazines or even print your favorites to add if you are using a traditional board.

Step 5: Placement of your Vision Board. So now that you have put the work in and put your vision down “on paper,” keeping these dreams in front of you is of the utmost importance. If you opted for an app, a great idea would be to make it your screen saver. Hang your board where you feel comfortable and where you will be able to appreciate it.

Get Inspiration, Give Inspiration

Consider hosting a Vision Board Party. Don’t over think it. Tell everyone to bring some magazines, poster board, scissors, glue, and make it an evening. Have your children create their dream boards. Have them think about their goals for school, athletics, personal… Above all have fun with it. A vision board gives you the focus and clarity to define your goals and keep them top of mind all year round.

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Pet’s Nook

A Safe & Happy Holiday Season

By Indira Ceville-Borgella

’Tis the season of merriness and making mem ories! The season of family and friends, special gatherings celebrating life together with those you love. Let’s chat about some tips to make the holidays just as merry for our furry family.

Tips to keep your dog safe and happy when people come home to visit

If you have a shy or a nervous dog, make sure to provide a safe space for your dog to go when they are uncomfortable. Make sure no guests or kids are follow ing your dog into their “safe space”.

Ensure comfort and safety for everyone. Yes, it is your dog’s home and they have every right to be a part of social gatherings in your house. However, do respect boundaries of dog-fearing people and make sure that they are as com fortable around your dog as everyone else.

In a house full of people, you dog may easily sneak some holiday treats off the table. Super vise your dog and keep them away from human foods that may be toxic to them. Make sure you have some holiday treats prepared for your dog well in advance so they are not left out.

Tips to remember when you leave your dog home alone to visit friends and family

If your dog is not used to staying alone at home, start training immediately. Start by leaving your dog home alone for a few minutes and train your way up.

Avoid giving your dog free range of the house during the Holiday season when they are home alone as they may very well find some human treats lying around the house that might be highly toxic or dangerous to them.

Leave them with some interactive puzzles and toys so that they can self-engage. However, avoid leaving edible chews and shred-worthy toys with them when they’re home alone. It puts them at the risk of choking and ingesting inedible toy-parts.

Invest in a good in-home security camera to keep an eye and maybe even talk to your dog when you’re away from them.

Make sure your dog is well exercised (physically and mentally) before leaving them alone for several hours as it will make it easier for them to settle down quickly. Avoid leaving them alone during the New Years fireworks as they may already be in distress. Your absence will only make it worse.

If you are able to, consider a “doggy hotel” if you are unable to travel with your pet for extended time away. Be sure to book them well in advance. The holidays are busy times for them.

Above all, have a wonderful holiday season with all of your loved ones, furry and otherwise. Adopt

Dec 2022/Jan 2023 community events

Wednesday Green Market

Every Wednesday, 12P-6P 101 Melody Ln Fort Pierce, FL 34950

The Wednesday Green Market is located in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce every Wednesday from 12pm until 6pm. It’s a tradition for residents and tourists alike with live entertainment & delicious food options!

Free Admission Day

Manatee Observation & Education Center

480 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 10am-4:30pm

The Manatee Observation and Education Center is offering a free admission day on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. This is a fun, inexpensive way to spend time with family and friends and learn all about the Indian River Lagoon and of course, manatees.

Jammin Jensen

Every Thursday, 6 – 9:30 PM Downtown Jensen Beach (on Jensen Beach Boulevard) Jammin Jensen offers a mini-festival of local artists’ displays, music, vendors and family entertainment! There is no admission fee — it’s FREE!

Lunch & Learn Lecture Series at the Manatee Observation and Education Ctr. 480 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Join us the second Friday of each month at 12pm for informative lunch lectures by guest speakers that vary from biologists to writers & scientists to artists. This free lecture begins at noon. Bring a lunch, bring a friend, and discover something new!

Friday Fest

5pm - 8pm Marina Square, Historic Downtown Ft. Pierce on Indian River Dr “The longest running street party on the Treasure Coast is BACK with food, friends & fun and more arts, crafts & music than ever before. Fairy hair, face-painting and activities for all ages will be on hand with new vendors and old favorites.”

Tradition Neighborhood Market

Every Saturday

Tradition Square, SW Meeting Street, Port Saint Lucie Enjoy the Tradition Neighborhood Market, every Saturday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Tradition Square.

Historic Downtown Fort Pierce Art Walk

Downtown Fort Pierce becomes magical! Join us for Art Walk taking place Every Third Friday from 5 to 8 PM. Artists, musicians, and other live performers will line up alongside this historic area to invite you to visit art galleries and businesses to purchase authentic masterpieces from St. Lucie’s extraordinary local talent. Visit artstlucie.org/art-walk to download the map.

ROCK’N RIVERWALK 2022!

Every Sunday from 1-4pm at the Riverwalk

Stage in Downtown Stuart

The Real Deal Band: Classic Rock 201 SW St Lucie Ave Stuart, FL

Holiday Lights at the Gardens

2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, 30th 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port St. Lucie

On select Fridays and Saturdays, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens will be illuminated with over 2500 LED lights, adorned with ice sculptures and holiday displays and multiple holiday photo spots for the family.

Dec 3

Science Saturdays at FAU Harbor Branch

10 am to 4 pm

5600 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce

Join the community at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center on the first Saturday of every month for hands-on activities led by researchers from the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. The free event is open to the public.

Dec 3

Annual Festival of Lights!

MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 S.E. Event Center Place, Port Saint Lucie

This year’s theme is Frost ‘n’ Flannel! Festival of Lights is presented by PLM Construction. The annual Parade of Lights starts at 6 p.m., which will be followed immediately by the lighting of the holiday tree, which is being sponsored this year by The Atlantic Palms at Tradition.

Enjoy fireworks, a carnival, holiday shopping, arts and crafts vendors and don’t forget to dance the night away with music from Burnt Biscuit and Randall Crawford Band! Parking and admission to Festival of Lights are free! Ride bands will be available for purchase at the carnival.

Dec 4

The 34th Annual Sights and Sounds Festival & Parade – “Country Christmas”

122 A E Backus Ave, Fort Pierce

There will be magic in the air and music all around as Main Street Fort Pierce and the Sunrise Kiwanis kick off the 34th Annual Sights & Sounds on Second Festival and Parade in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce. Theme: “Country Christmas” The festival begins at 1:00 pm and then we welcome Santa at 1:30. Local shops and restaurants will be open for your shopping and dining experience, along with food vendors, arts and crafts. Christmas parade at 4:00 pm. After the tree lighting, stay around for the “The Holiday Lights Spectacular” in Marina Square on Melody Lane. “The Holiday Lights Spectacular” is presented by the City of Fort Pierce. The lights and music will run from 6:00 - 9:00 pm daily.

Events listed here, are only partial listing of events in the area. Better Living & Marketplace Inc. is not responsible for any typos, copy errors, omissions or cancellations of any listed events. Please contact the facilities directly for any question regarding these events.

Dec 7th

Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society

Jazz Jams at The Gardens

($7.00 Donation / $6.00 Members / All Welcome) 6:30pm - 9:30pm

A

Dec 11

JAZZY BIG BAND CHRISTMAS

with the Ft Pierce Jazz Society!

1pm - 4pm Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery, 4200 Johnston Rd, Fort Pierce An annual Holiday Tradition! Come experience a true Big Band playing all your favorite Holiday hits of your youth! It is sure to get you in the spirit!

Dec 10-11

We’ve Made Room at the Inn Mary’s Home of the Treasure Coast invites you to tour The Old Colorado Inn’s Historic Guest Houses decked in Christmas decor! Sat. 12/10, 11am - 8pm; Sun. 12/11, 12pm - 5pm The houses line Seminole Street and Colorado Avenue in Stuart. Christmas Treats • Ticket Raffle • Entertainment Tickets: $50 per person. Purchase tickets online or in person during the event. Proceeds benefit Mary's Home, a 501(c) (3). Visit www.maryshome.org

Dec 10

One St. Lucie YouthCon - Drug-Free St. Lucie

10am - 3pm

IRSC Campus 500 NW California Blvd. Port St Lucie Free Event for Middle & High School Students. Lunch will be provided. Cultivating Conversations about Important Topics. Youth Voices and Choices to impact tomorrows world. There will be Giveaways & More.

Dec 2, 16

Chow Down & Shop Around

Tradition Square

SW Meeting Street, Port St. Lucie Join us on the first and third Friday of the Month as we kick off the weekend with a variety of tasty food truck options. You can also enjoy shopping around and supporting local vendors.

Dec 19 Hanukkah (1st day)

Dec 24 Christmas Eve

Dec 25 Christmas Day

Dec 26 Kwanzaa

Dec 31

WE’RE ROLLING IN 2023

Tradition Square’s NYE Celebration!

Featuring the one and only “Start me up” Rolling Stones Tribute band at 6 pm. Amazing Drone Show 9 pm. Food Trucks, live music, and more!

Dec 31

Winter Wonderland Light Show

6pm - 9pm

Community Center, 2195 S.E. Airoso Blvd. Port St. Lucie

With even more lights, the PSL Community Center is taking the lights to the street for this year’s Winter Wonderland Light Show. Synchronized to holiday music, six leaping arches provide a kaleidoscope of color, while ten oaks trees and ten palm trees are adorned with festive lights. It’s a free one-of-a-kind light and sound experience for all ages.

Dec 31 New Year’s Eve

Jan 1 New Year’s Day

Jan 13-15

49th Annual Stuart Boat Show

The largest boat show on Florida’s Treasure Coast featuring over 205 local, national and international exhibitors displaying hundreds of boats in-water and on land.

Jan 22

Port St. Lucie Home Show

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center

9221 S.E. Event Center Place Port St. Lucie 10:00am - 6:00pm

Turn your dream home or other home improvement project into a reality! Here you will find professional exhibitors with fabulous ideas for consumers and information about the latest in products and services for home improvement.

Jan 28-29

Port St. Lucie Seafood Festival

Saturday, January 28, 2023 11 AM - 7 PM Sunday, January 29, 2023 11 AM - 6 PM

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center 9221 S.E. Event Center Place Port St. Lucie

The Premier Seafood Festival on the Treasure Coast! Enjoy a delicious variety of seafoods and tropical drinks while you browse amazing craft vendors, exhibitors and artists. Visit www.portsaintlucieseafoodfestival.com for tickets.

https://visitstlucie.com/events/ www.eventbrite.com/ fortpiercefarmersmarket.com www.discovermartin.com artstlucie.org/ ww.irsc.edu/community/planetarium.html https://mainstreetfortpierce.org/ summercrushwine.com

Taste

A Taste of Cocoa Beach… Sea Bass with a Lemon Caper Wine Sauce

This month is a taste of Cocoa Beach Florida. We’re making sea bass; pan seared in sunflower oil and finished off in a 450 degree oven, topped with a lemon caper wine sauce. We’ll serve it with garlic mashed potatoes made with butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream, and we’ll plate it with fresh spinach that’s sauteed in olive oil and lemon juice.

Our Mise En Place for This Dish is:

Sea Bass

1 Sea Bass Filet

3 Tablespoons of Sunflower Oil

Salt & Pepper

Pinch of Dry Parsley Flakes

Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds of Yukon Gold Potatoes

½ Stick Unsalted Butter

4 oz Cream Cheese

4 oz Heavy Cream

2 to 4 Cloves of Minced Garlic (or 1 to 2 cubes of garlic puree)

Salt & Pepper

Spinach

1 Bag of Fresh Spinach

3 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 oz of Natalie’s Lemon Juice

1 Lemon (Zest)

Salt & Pepper

Lemon Caper Wine Sauce

1 Cup of Dry White Wine

2 to 3 oz of Natalie’s Lemon Juice

2 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Cup Chicken Stock

Salt & Pepper

2 Chopped & Minced Shallots

2 Tablespoons of Capers

4 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter

Zest of 1 Lemon

We start with the potatoes because they take the longest to prepare.

Cut and dice the potatoes and put them into a bowl of cold water. The reason that we put them in the water is to keep them from turning brown while we cut the other potatoes. Try to cut the pieces so that they are the same size; this will ensure that all the potatoes are cooked evenly and thor oughly. Drain the potatoes from the cold water and put them into a pot of salted boiling water for 30 minutes.

To get the garlic butter ready, put the butter into a small pot on low heat, and whisk it until it is all melted. Then put the garlic puree into the pot and whisk it in too. To learn how to make the garlic puree, go to link below right. Also, garlic can be strong and overpowering; if you really love the flavor of garlic, then put in two garlic puree pieces; if you like a milder garlic flavor, then only put in one. If you don’t like garlic in your potatoes at all, then you can leave the garlic out. Cook the garlic on low heat in the butter for about two minutes.

Drain the potatoes and put them back on the stove with the heat on low. Then add in the garlic butter, the cream cheese, the heavy cream, the salt & pepper, and mash them using a hand masher. If you like lumps in your pota toes, then the hand masher is best. If you use an electric mixer, the potatoes will be smoother without the lumps.

Next, prepare the sea bass. Pour some sunflower oil into a non-stick pan and turn the heat up to medium high. We’re using sunflow er oil instead of olive oil because sunflower oil has a higher smoke point, and we will be put ting the sea bass under high heat. Season the sea bass with salt & pepper; make sure that you season it on all sides. Using tongs, put the sea bass into the hot pan and cook it for 3 ½ minutes. Pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees. Using a fish spatula, turn the sea bass filet over and cook it for another 3 ½ minutes. Then place the pan into the 450 degree oven for five minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, and place the sea bass into a sheet of aluminum foil and wrap it. Turn the oven down to 170 degrees, which is the optimum heat to

keep food warm, and place the cooked sea bass into the oven so that it will stay warm. The foil will help keep the sea bass moist too; you don’t want it too dry.

Using a Microplane zester, zest your lemon. This will be used in the spinach and in our sauce. To get the spinach ready, pour some extra virgin olive oil into a pan and turn the heat on medium low. Add in half of the bag of spinach and add in the lemon juice and bring it to a simmer. Salt & pepper to taste, give it a stir, cover the pan, and put it in the oven to stay warm.

Using the same pan that the sea bass was cooked in, remove the excess oil from the pan and add in the butter on medium heat. Add in the shallots, give it a quick stir, bring it to a simmer and cook for four minutes. Add in the capers, lemon juice, white wine, chicken stock, and the lemon zest, bring it up to a simmer, and let it reduce by half until it thickens. The sauce is what really makes this dish stand out.

And there it is! A Taste of Cocoa Beach. Sea bass pan seared in sunflower oil, topped with a lemon caper wine sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes, and sauteed spinach.

Delicious !

Watch the Video @ www.bit.ly/chefmarkoct22 Visit: www.thekitchenofchefmark.com www.youtube.com/c/thekitchenofchefmark

Chef Mark Phillips

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