SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
D E C E M B E R 2 02 0/JA N UA RY 2 0 2 1
ISSUE 68
THRILL OF HOPE do you see what I see?
www.enjoysouthvalley.com
Enjoy the magazine It’s on the house
contents San Joaquin Valley Living
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 /J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // I S S U E 6 8
crafting 28 | DIY: Holiday Decor Tips
good finds 14 | Fresno-Based Scent & Fire Candle Company
20
inspiration R E J O I C E I N H O PE
inspiration 8 | The Beauty of Pruning to Let the Light in
interest 6 | Shop Local 18 | Balance Treatment Center In Visalia
Living with Expectancy in 2021
on the map 10 | Enjoy A Cup At One Eleven in Hanford
in every issue 24 | Enjoy the View—Bradley Spuhler 26 | What’s Cookin’— Homemade Peppermint Patties 31 | Giving Back—Visalia Gleaning Seniors
DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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Beef Jerky Made Fresh Daily Local & California Items Gift Baskets Nuts, Dried Fruits, Olives, Sweets & More
Est. 1979, 2nd Generation
Two Porterville locations: 764 N. Prospect St. (559) 781-6328 697 S. Plano St. (559) 781-3487
A trusted, locally owned business in downtown Selma since 1954.
MAKE THIS A CHRISTMAS
TO REMEMBER.
Visit our store and let us design a piece that is uniquely you! • Custom engagement rings • Men’s and women’s watches • One-of-a-kind pieces Monday - By Appointment Only Tue - Fri - 9:30 - 3:30pm
Martin Jewelers
Harold M. Phillips,G.G 1921 High Street • Selma, CA 93662 559.896.1930 • martinjewelrystore.com
editor’s note
on the cover
DEC 2020/JAN 2021 THE HOLIDAY SEASON is upon us, and our weary world is indeed rejoicing in the thrill of hope. While our traditions look different this year, we embrace this season of love with open arms. Warm yourself up from the inside out with a stop at One Eleven Coffee, a space where people feel included while they create a stronger community in revitalized downtown Hanford. The coffeehouse’s tasty treats are sourced from local shops and neighborhood bakers, and they’re happy to accommodate diverse dietary needs. Shorter days and colder weather can weigh heavily on one’s mood, even around the holidays. A local entrepreneur found a remedy through her Scent & Fire Candle Company. The scent of her candles, coupled with the warm glow of a candle flame, brightens people’s spirits – and they’re eco-friendly at the same time. For those who might need a deeper look into their struggles with anxiety or depression, the Balance Treatment Center has opened a Visalia location to help people cope when life’s stressors become too heavy to handle alone. Then, meet the Visalia Gleaning Seniors, who collect donated fruits, vegetables, baked goods, breads and more to provide nourishment to struggling older adults. Please take some time to patronize our local businesses this season, either in person or online. It’s an easy way to show our appreciation for those who have weathered an exceptionally difficult storm this year. We wish you a bright and beautiful holiday season. Enjoy!
Cover models: Mark, Megan, Lola and Hazel VeldKamp by Dakota Lynn Photography
Enjoy Magazine YVONNE MAZZOTTA publisher MICHELLE ADAMS publisher RONDA ALVEY editor in chief KERRI REGAN copy editor MONICA FATICA creative & managing editor EMILY MIRANDA marketing & sales assistant/ social media manager KENDRA KAISERMAN advertising sales representative DANIELLE COLESBERRY CAMERON FATICA ANGEL CAMPOS deliveries
www.enjoysouthvalley.com Enjoy Magazine (559) 804-7411 • (530) 246-4687 Email General: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net Sales and Advertising information: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net ©2020 by Enjoy Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproductions without permission are strictly prohibited. Articles and advertisements in Enjoy Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management, employees, or freelance writers. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake. The businesses, locations and people mentioned in our articles are solely determined by the editorial staff and are not influenced by advertising. Enjoy and Enjoy the Store are trademarks of Enjoy, Inc.
DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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THRILL OF HOPE
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BY LYNN BLACKWELL
1
s$68 By supporting local businesses, you are putting money back into your local economy. According to the Small Business Administration,
approx.
BUYING FROM LOCAL, independently owned businesses will help the places you frequent stay afloat. Many small businesses are also operating online and are happy to ship your orders. Ordering carryout from your favorite local restaurants, giving gift cards and larger tips than usual can make a big difference. Did you know that a higher percentage of the dollars spent in locally owned business versus chain retailers stay in the community? This brings about economic activity that supports parks, schools and necessary community services such as first responders.
l a c o l p o spent at a sh s ’ t e l
of every $100
5 Owners
LOCAL BUSINESS
STAYS IN OUR
ECONOMY Compare that to $43 when you spend the same amount at a large company.
and employees of local small businesses are generally more interested in
3
Supporting our local businesses means good things: more employment opportunities in our community.
UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESSES
SHOPPING
59.9 MILLION PEOPLE
they tend to
EMPLOYED EXPERIENCE
OR 47.3% OF THE PRIVATE 2
WORKFORCE (IN 2016)
small
4 local business
When you shop locally, you are helping give back to the community.
BUSINESSES
owners
MONEY TO LOCAL
TIES TO THE COMMUNITY
DONATE MORE
nonprofit
TYPICALLY HAVE
organizations 6
|
creating a PLEASURABLE
www.EnjoySouthValley.com DEC 2020/JAN 2021
VALUE & APPRECIATE
THEIR CUSTOMERS
in ways that do not come across with larger companies.
Shopping local benefits everyone. Entrepreneurs, small businesses and start-up companies are the driving force behind the growth of this country. When you shop locally, you put money directly back into our local economy and you help establish a sense of community pride. Show some love for your community and shop local. •
“A THRILL OF HOPE, THE WEARY WORLD REJOICES. FOR YONDER BREAKS A NEW AND GLORIOUS MORN.”
-Adolphe Adam
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INSPIRATION
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BY RACHEL TRIGUEIRO
fresstar T H E B E AU T Y O F P R U N I N G TO L E T T H E L I G H T I N
AS 2020 COMES to a close and we awaken to the fresh start of 2021, we are keenly aware of the pain we’ve each endured this past year, many of us still walking through difficult losses. Similar to trees, our surroundings directly affect our lives. The air we breathe, the warm vitamin-rich sun, the water we drink and the pain we endure shape us. Like trees, pruning brings suffering and discomfort but with it, also health and longevity to our lives. Every branch cut off of a tree halts the growth in one direction and encourages growth in another. A wise farmer not only removes dead, damaged and diseased branches, he also prunes branches that bear fruit. He knows a tree overfilled with heavy branches produces numerous problems. Overcrowded trees block light to their lower branches and in order to thrive, the entirety of a tree must see the light. Contrary to how the cut feels, the blunt force of the vinedresser makes way for a thriving tree. Letting the light in is a solemn invitation to the cutting off of fruitful branches so that we can grow into our fullest potential. The pain of the process leaves scars, but like trees, those times of severing bring new life and an abundance of hope. It is important to note that embracing the pruning process isn’t just about bouncing back, but more about understanding and accepting that the challenges we face actually help us grow.
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When we grasp this counterintuitive practice, it strengthens our courage and belief, that regardless of what happens, we will not only be okay, we will emerge a more fully embodied version of ourselves; one that didn’t exist prior to the loss. Transformation births itself through pain. The transition between these difficult and unexpected periods of change is challenging. We are no longer who we once were and are not quite yet who we will become. Like a branch that wears the deepest cut, we must remain connected to the life source. As we gather around our tables this holiday season, let us encourage one another to embrace the pruning. May we accept the tender changes and loss and celebrate the growth, soon ready to birth lasting fruit. •
Rachel Trigueiro, twin mom of four, loves adventuring with her family, especially near the beach. She holds a degree in business, but believes living in other countries and cultures offered her the greatest education. She dreamed of being a talk-show host; now, she enjoys story telling and drinking blonde coffee.
DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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ON THE MAP
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BY NATALIE CAUDLE
Photos courtesy of One Eleven
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coffee for cause E N J OY A C U P AT ONE ELEVEN IN HANFORD THE RELAXING VIBES of peace and coffee fill the One Eleven coffeehouse, leaving patrons warm and filled when popping in for a cup of joe. A project of Koinonia Church, One Eleven began in 2016 in an effort to pour into the downtown community of Hanford. After purchasing office space on Seventh Street, Koinonia Church decided to expand its thriving campus cafe by opening a storefront. The goal was to create a space where people would gather and feel loved, resulting in a stronger community and a greater revitalization of downtown. Leslie Martinez has managed One Eleven for four years and finds great enjoyment in her position. With 13 employees, the shop is bustling from 7am to 7pm six days a week. Martinez is passionate about creating quality products in addition to giving back to the community. “We locally source any products we can so we can support small businesses,” Martinez says. “We’re all in this together. An important part of who we are is partnering with and supporting other businesses.” Yummy pastries and desserts come from local shops and neighborhood bakers. Dana’s Cookies, Max’s Cookie Company and Bombshell Bakes serve up tasty treats, the latter providing vegan and gluten-free options. One Eleven has partnered with Lanna Coffee Co., a Fresno roaster that offers direct trade coffee purchased straight from farmers. The practice of direct trade creates an ethically sourced product as well as specialty grade coffee. Additionally, One Eleven serves Wild Goose Coffee, a “cause” company that gives back 15 percent of proceeds to local food pantry needs in the community. Not only does One Eleven find it important to better the local neighborhood and businesses through the actions of the back office, the coffee shop seeks to shower patrons with good customer service. Coffee drinkers of all types quickly find a favorite at One Eleven. From dark, rich roasts served both hot and cold to sweet frappes, the coffee list is full of enticing beverages. The menu changes three times a year with specialty drinks debuting each fall, winter and summer. A patron go-to during the winter months is the Cup of Cheer, a drink served warm and inspired by the holiday hints of eggnog. The skilled team of baristas carefully crafts new beverages upon each changing season with a unique style and homemade flair. Every detail is considered: syrups are made in-shop, cinnamon is made from scratch and cold beverages are shaken, not stirred. Each beverage is a work of art. Dietary needs and preferences haven’t been forgotten; customers can find various milks (oat, almond and soy) as well as vegan selections. Sizes are available in large and small with a perfect kid option for child-sized hands. Even the tiniest tot can find a beverage of choice with creamy hot chocolate and apple juice always available. 4 continued on page 12
”We locally source any products we can so we can support small businesses,”
Martinez says.
”We’re all in this together. An
important part
of who we are is partnering with and supporting
other businesses.”
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For the tea connoisseur or non-coffee drinker, One Eleven provides an assortment of teas from the local L.T. Sue Tea Co. as well as specialty concoctions. The Great Expectations Blend combines the flavorful notes of lemon peel, raspberry and lavender into a tea that is guaranteed to refresh. A menu veteran and daring combination of chai tea and apple cider, known as The Chaider, is an edgy twist on an original that leaves your tastebuds dancing. Old standards of hot black coffee and espresso are always available for the cafephile as well as new options. One Eleven keeps its finger on the pulse of coffee trends, offering fresh takes on java such as the nitro cold brew, a nitrogen-infused coffee packed with caffeine and a velvety flavor. Patrons quickly find a favorite, always returning to the cozy cafe. Haley Highfill has been a regular patron since the shop opened. She often enjoys a morning stroll to One Eleven, spending time at the coffeehouse with friends or savoring a creamy iced horchata while finishing schoolwork. Highfill especially enjoys the “open and welcoming” feel. Bright colored walls and comfy leather couches aid in the hospitable atmosphere. Sunlight streams in through a wall of windows as coffee drinkers sit both inside and out, gazing onto Seventh Street, an avenue where nostalgia and modern collide. Due to current restrictions, food and beverages are only available for curbside pickup and outdoor dining enjoyment. But customers still leave feeling valued. The motto of One Eleven is simple, yet strong. “We love coffee and we love people,” says Martinez. “It’s embedded in who we are.” Management and baristas go above and beyond to provide a welcoming atmosphere and a quality brew.
No matter the season or choice of beverage, One Eleven always has a perfect cup waiting. • One Eleven • (559) 670-3969 111 W. 7th St. #103, Hanford store.oneeleven.coffee Find them on Facebook and Instagram
Homegrown in the Valley, Natalie Caudle finds beauty in the mundane and is ever on the hunt for the perfect salsa recipe. A mother of four, this minivan chauffeur is passionate about adoption and strives to perfect the art of balancing grace and grit.
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GOOD FINDS
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BY MELISSA MENDONCA
Photos courtesy of Scent & Fire Candle Company
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All
i
Bright FRESNO-BASED SCENT & FIRE C A N D L E C O M PA N Y THERE’S A PARADOX to this festive time of year, and it’s that the shorter days and colder weather can turn some from cheerful to blue, despite the joy of holiday activity. Fresno-based entrepreneur Monisha Edwards knows the realities of seasonal depression disorder and anxiety well enough that she went searching for a solution and emerged with a business: Scent & Fire Candle Company. “I love the holidays, but for some reason, those are the times when I do get depressed,” she says. “I just started feeling down. I didn’t want to get out of bed. I didn’t want to go to work. I was tired all the time,” she says of her initial diagnosis. “I didn’t want to go the medical route at first so I started researching holistic options. I didn’t want to run from it.” What she found was that certain scents and the warm glow of a candle flame helped her immensely. “When I’m smelling my scents, they really brighten my day,” she says. “A really great scent will put me in a better mood. It helps keep depression at bay. The illuminating flame is really relaxing. Light can be used to soothe and calm you in certain situations. The illumination of the flame and the disbursement of scent from the candle is really mood enhancing.” Edwards turned to YouTube videos to learn candle making and committed herself immediately to developing them in the most eco-friendly and sustainable way. “I have asthma so I’m very conscious of the air,” she says of her desire to create only a clean-burning candle. Her candles are 100 percent soy, with no additives or paraffin. They are poured into sustainable amber jars which can be recycled or repurposed, and all packaging is recyclable. “I’m very big on doing my part to keep the earth clean and sourcing sustainable materials to create an eco-friendly product,” she says. Her company is certified with the California Green Business Network, and is part of the Made in California manufacturing program. Scent & Fire products are available online and should be finding their way into local retail outlets soon.4 continued on page 16
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“When I’m smelling my scents, they really brighten my day,” she says. “A really great scent will put me in a better mood.”
Initially, her quest was simply to make candles for herself, but her entrepreneurial spirit, honed at Fresno State University and through self-education, had her putting a few of her new creations up on Facebook for family and friends.The response was immediate and positive. A small side business developed that has now become more critical as her main business, Truth Branding Agency, weathers COVID-19-related slowdowns. People are drawn to Edwards’ unique scent blends and creative naming, as well as the calm they can infuse into their personal spaces. Candles come richly scented with such names as Fireside Chat, Cashmere Sweater, and Edwards’ favorite, Spill the Tea, which blends white tea, peach nectar, bergamot, jasmine and ginger. For the literary minded, there’s Aged Books and Wisdom, and for those for whom a cashmere sweater may be too posh, there’s Hoodie Season. All are blended with pure essential oils and botanicals that meet Edwards’ discerning sniff test and desire to create a better mood. While Edwards emphasizes her DIY ability to find information she needs to build her businesses, whether learning candle making or Photoshop or web design on YouTube – “I have literally over the years started enhancing my skill set out of necessity,” she says – she is also quick to
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point to mentors who have helped her grow over the years. Back at Fresno State’s Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Nelson Sebra helped her launch a clothing company, PurpleJunkie, as an undergraduate. Sean Tambagahan at Butler Branding Brand Strategy has shared his wisdom freely with the 32-year-old, and Corey Jackson of ScrubCan, Inc., has actively supported her efforts. “Those three helped shape me into who I am now,” she says. “I reached out to some of them, but some of them reached out to me. When people see me doing great things, they just want to help.” That spirit of support is what’s motivating Edwards to develop Scent & Fire into a platform that promotes mental health and reduces stigma of disorders. “It’s beyond the scent and beyond the fire,” she says. “I want to create a culture where people seek help and resources if needed.” • Scent & Fire Candle Company www.scentandfire.com Find them on Facebook and Instagram
Melissa Mendonca is a graduate of San Francisco State and Tulane universities. She’s a lover of airports and road trips and believes in mentoring and service to create communities everyone can enjoy. Her favorite words are rebar, wanderlust and change.
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INTEREST
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BY RACHEL TRIGUEIRO
tidings of comfort B A L A N C E T R E AT M E N T CENTER IN VISALIA NEARLY ONE IN SIX adults in California has a mental health need. Around one in 20 adults suffer from a serious mental illness and the rate among children is even higher, with one in 13 who struggle to participate in simple daily activities. A recent statewide study shows the Central Valley has the highest rate of mental illness in California. Because of the vast need for mental health services, Balance Treatment Center, a mental health treatment program in Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo and Calabasas, opened a Visalia location to serve the greater Central Valley in November 2019, offering a unique Intensive Outpatient Program. The company believes in a personal approach to treatment, focusing on the emotional, social, educational and physical elements of a person by incorporating group therapy. “When people are isolated, group therapy is so effective. The group approach helps people more rapidly than standard one-to-one therapy,” says Clinical Director Gali Gill. “By providing our clients with the opportunity to operate in a group setting as they would in their daily lives, we reveal blind spots, which ultimately enables change, healthy social habits, opportunities to grow and to create and pursue goals.” Despite the pandemic shutdown, Balance Treatment Center has continued meeting with clients through teletherapy and hopes to reopen face to face in the near future. “We are seeing more calls related to isolation, hopelessness, depression and anxiety. There’s so much uncertainty with safety, elections and the pandemic. People are stretched with their coping,” Gill says.
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The number of people screening with moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety has continued to increase throughout 2020 and remains higher than before COVID-19. “There is such a need for mental health treatment,” Gill states. “Many mental health patients fall between the cracks because they don’t have substance abuse problems. Every single person on this earth is experiencing more stress than ever before. Our capacity to cope is much lower than normal. Things that maybe didn’t feel like a huge deal to some people a year ago are causing a bigger reaction because we’re so taxed. When our stressors outweigh our capacity, we really need help.” Worried about a friend or a neighbor this season? Check on them. Give them a call or stop by to say hello. Bring a coffee or baked good. “You’re never going to negatively impact someone by checking in on them,” Gill states. “Suicide was on the rise before this. From a public health perspective, there is treatment. Don’t be scared to check in with your friends or call us directly for them if you need to.” Though merry and bright, the holiday season often brings with it a multitude of colder emotions. Expectations for celebrations (or the lack thereof ) will affect many, while for others, being separated from or missing loved ones entirely will only serve to remind them of this painful year. Struggling through financial hardship, job losses and unknowns during the holidays causes angst. But help exists. “We’re all in this together. We’re here and we are so thankful to be a part of this community,” Gill says. Discussing mental health improves a community by making it more acceptable for those suffering to seek help and get on the road to recovery. Mental health isn’t just about mental illnesses. It’s about living in a positive state of wellbeing. This holiday season, practice unplugging, turning off the news, speaking kindness (even to yourself ), going for a cold walk and enjoying the smallest things of beauty along the way. • Balance Treatment Center • Gali Gill, Ph.D. www.balancetreatment.com Find them on Facebook and Instagram
Rachel Trigueiro, twin mom of four, loves adventuring with her family, especially near the beach. She holds a degree in business, but believes living in other countries and cultures offered her the greatest education. She dreamed of being a talk-show host; now, she enjoys story telling and drinking blonde coffee.
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THRILL OF HOPE
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BY KIMBERLY BONEY
www.EnjoySouthValley.com DEC 2020/JAN 2021
Rejoic in Hope
LIVING WITH E X P E C TA N C Y I N 2 0 2 1
WITH THE DAWN of every new year is a chance to leave the previous one behind in search of new horizons – opportunities to make better choices, to live more authentically, to do more of the things we love and less of the things we don’t. A new year presents a chance to do better than we did the year before. It goes without saying that 2020 was an extraordinarily long, strange, painful year – fraught with unprecedented circumstances and unimaginable struggle for families worldwide. More than any other year in recent history, this year – marred by a global pandemic, record-setting natural disasters, social and political unrest and an overwhelming sense of sadness for so many – has kicked the desire to start fresh into high gear. On the darkest night, it can be hard to remember that the sun will rise again. Our New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day traditions will, no doubt, look a bit different this year – but hope, the belief that something good is just around the corner, has not lost its wings. These residents are finding the thrill of hope in the little things and the big ones. We hope their messages encourage you to look forward to 2021 with expectancy. 4 continued on page 22
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W H AT
ARE
YO U R
2021?
“I hope 2021 is full of kindness, humanity, and much cheer! Good health and happiness for those I hold dear!” – Kathleen
“I hope to see my grandchildren lots more in 2021.” – Mollie
“Doing God’s work.” – Woody
“My hope for 2021 is peace, happiness, success and prosperity – not just for my family and myself, but for all of us.” – Cleveland
“I am hopeful for a more trustful and tolerant society. I am hopeful that we will learn to move as ‘one nation’ again.” – Greg
“Watching my daughters learn, explore, grow and strengthen their bond and friendship together fills me with optimism for 2021.” – Jenna
“In 2021, I will continue to believe in the goodness and kindness of people. I look forward to a new year and to having a new slate to write on. Our stories are filled with warmth and love and they deserve to continue as beautifully as they started.” – Michele
“I hope small businesses can get back to business and that there is a cure or vaccine for COVID-19.” – Sierra “I’m hopeful that 2021 will be the year we regain our respect as a nation of the world.” – Chelsea
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F OR
“I hope - with all my heart - to do my part to help create a kinder, more just, gentle and compassionate America.” – Erin
“I hope I get to see my big brother. I really miss him. Though we cannot visit my grandparents right now, I want to see them as soon as we can. And I want to take the family vacation we were supposed to take over the summer. I’m hopeful for that.” – Braxton
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HOPE S
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“My hope is to be able to give big hugs to my grandma who lives in memory care, and that social distancing is no longer a thing.” – Lynn “My hope is to travel more, work less and enjoy the little things more than ever.” – Donna • Kimberly N. Bonéy, proud wife and mom, is a freelance writer, designer, up-cycler and owner of Herstory Vintage. When she’s not working, she is joyfully wielding jewelry-making tools and paintbrushes in her studio. Antique shops, vintage boutiques, craft stores and bead shops are her happy place.
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ENJOY THE VIEW | BY BRADLEY SPUHLER
WINTER IN YOSEMITE
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Bradley Spuhler grew up in Lindsay and lives in Tulare with his wife and two children. He works as a senior front end developer for Accenture Interactive. He took up photography as a hobby to capture memories as the kids grew up and as a way to get out and enjoy nature more in his free time. Visit www.bradleyspuhler.com or Instagram @bradleyspuhler
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WHAT’S COOKIN’ | STORY AND PHOTOS BY: MACI MANTY
HOMEMADE PEPPERMINT PATTIES
DO YOU HAVE A RECIPE YOU’D LIKE LANA OR MACI TO MAKE? Please submit it to lana@enjoymagazine.net
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DECEMBER 2020 RECIPE
Peppermint is a classic holiday flavor for good reason: it’s sweet, refreshing, and when paired with dark chocolate, it makes the tastiest treat! These homemade peppermint patties fit right in with your favorite holiday treats and are the perfect way to share some Christmas cheer with those you love. Enjoy
FILLING INGREDIENTS: 3½ cups powdered sugar 3½ T heavy whipping cream 4 T coconut oil, softened 2¼ tsp. peppermint extract 2 T butter, softened SHELL INGREDIENTS: 2½ cups high-quality dark chocolate chips 2 tsp. coconut oil
PREP: 35 MINUTES TOTAL: 50 MINUTES MAKES: ABOUT 40 SMALL PATTIES
LOVE OUR RECIPES? Come into Enjoy the Store in Redding each month and ask for your FREE recipe card.
Maci Manty is a self-taught baker, wife, mother and animal lover. Some of her favorite things include baking, taking pictures, hiking, paddle boarding at Whiskeytown Lake, bike rides and spending time with her family and pets. Follow her feed on Instagram @lovely_baking_co to see what she’s baking.
DIRECTIONS: STEP 1: Combine whipping cream, coconut oil, peppermint extract and butter in a bowl with an electric hand mixer. Slowly add the powdered sugar mixing until combined. Once combined, use a rubber spatula to push the filling toward the middle of the bowl to form a round ball shape (it will have a tacky or sticky consistency) and chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. STEP 2: Once chilled, place the filling ball between two sheets of wax paper and gently roll out with a rolling pin until it’s about a third of an inch thick. Keeping the rolled-out filling between the wax paper, carefully transfer to a cookie sheet and freeze for 5-10 minutes. STEP 3: Once the filling is hardened, peel back the top layer of wax paper and work quickly to cut out patties with a small (1½-inch diameter) round cookie cutter. Place patties on a wax-paperlined baking sheet. (If you don’t have a cookie cutter, skip Step 2 and roll filling into 1-tsp.-sized balls and place on a wax-paper-lined baking sheet, then flatten each ball with the bottom of a greased glass cup.) Return patties to the freezer to chill for 10 minutes. STEP 4: While the patties are freezing, prepare the chocolate shell. Melt chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring well after each increment until chocolate is smooth and completely melted. STEP 5: Remove chilled patties from the freezer and use a fork to dip patties in melted chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off before carefully placing the patty on a waxpaper-lined baking sheet. Feel free to drizzle extra chocolate over the top or add sprinkles before the chocolate dries to achieve a different look. Place in the refrigerator to set. Once set, peppermint patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. •
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CRAFTING
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BY KAYLA VAN GROUW
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PHOTOS: DAKOTA MENDIVIL
Fresh & Festive D I Y : H O L I D AY D E C O R T I P S
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www.EnjoySouthValley.com DEC 2020/JAN 2021
FRONT DOOR SWAG swag or wreath fresh greens + layered front door mat festive planter A great wreath alternative is a winter swag for your front door. Create your own using a holiday or alternative greenery stem such as eucalyptus for the base and layer in berries or kumquats for additional color. Tie it all together at the top with wire and ribbon and hang. Another idea to spruce up your front door is trade your poinsettia for an alternative red flower such as a red Cyclamen that will last well into the new year. Layer front door mats to welcome guests by adding a holiday themed mat on top of a larger woven one. For January, keep the woven mat underneath and switch out the top one to a year round welcome greeting. (see winter swag on left page) EDIBLE ADORNMENTS fresh greens, decorative and edible + cranberries, sliced oranges festive pitcher + trays/ bowls Cozy up your gatherings with fresh and edible decor around your entertaining buffet or bar area. Bring in holiday staples such as cranberries, oranges and pears that guests can use to garnish festive drinks. Layer items in with trays and bowls of mixed materials such as wood, glass or metal.
BATHROOM CHEER greens + candle + towel Bring some holiday cheer into your bathroom with a festive candle, towel and vase of greenery. Don’t be afraid to combine fresh geeenery with faux berries or holiday stems. •
MIXED MANTEL GREENS Mixed greenery garland + logs + basket + oranges Opt for alternative greenery on your mantel this year. Start with your favorite holiday variety of garland such as spruce, then layer in an alternative stem such as eucalyptus or olive greenery to create a fresh and wildly exciting mantel piece. If your space calls for extra color, top it off with real or faux fruit such as oranges. DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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local, curated, love
Special wedding issue coming February/March 2021 Contact us to promote your wedding business inside this special issue. info@enjoysouthvalley.com
In our community this Winter. Join us in celebrating the story of local food and drink.
Email info@ediblesanjoaquin.com for more information.
GIVING BACK
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BY RACHEL TRIGUEIRO
Seniors Helping Seniors VISALIA GLEANING SENIORS
Photos courtesy of Visalia Gleaning Seniors
WHAT STARTED AS a group of seniors gleaning fruit from the fields in 1976 has grown into daily drop offs of food for seniors in the Visalia area with Visalia Gleaning Seniors. Gleaning, the age-old agricultural tradition of collecting leftover crops from farmers’ fields after harvest, dates back to biblical times: “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner.” This ancient practice is still relevant today, reminding us to care for the poor or vulnerable in our communities. While Visalia Gleaning Seniors no longer collects food from orchards, their mission stands, ensuring seniors have enough food. Local farmers and packinghouses donate fresh fruits and vegetables year round. Nearby bakeries and grocery stores donate day-old baked goods, breads and other sweets. Visalia Gleaning collects the donated goods and sorts and delivers them daily to different drop points in the city. “Drop points consist of members who agree to have food delivered to their home and then are willing to call the other members in their area to pick up their food,” says President Judie Casey. This communal process, resembling a mobile food bank, meets people right in their neighborhoods, while building relational bonds. While the pandemic has affected everyone, Gleaning’s most vital operations continued amidst shutdowns. “We were very fortunate during COVID,” Casey says. “Though we were closed quite a while, our deliveries did not stop. Our drivers delivered all the way through and people still got their food.” An annual $60 membership with Visalia Gleaning allows members to collect groceries at least three times per week from their drop location. In an average daily pick up, seniors receive seasonal fruits and vegetables, sliced bread, organic bread, cookies, cakes or pies. “They get basically everything they’d need except for meat and they can come several times a week. The membership fee is paid for in just a couple weeks’ time and the rest of the year it’s like their food is free,” Casey says. Members must be at least 50 years of age and are asked to volunteer four hours monthly on site. Visalia Gleaning relies completely on donated items and fundraising events to keep the operation going. Unfortunately, statewide constraints have limited their 2020 opportunities. The team is continuously on the lookout for new grocery stores, bakeries or farmers to partner with, and they also accept gently used items for the four thrift shops on the premises. Their large annual fundraising yard sale and raffle will be safely hosted with precautions in place, open to the public on December 3-5. The concept of gleaning was to leave margin in the fields and expect strangers to show up in need. In other words, it was a call to unite and help one another, person to person, regardless of similarities or differences. Our lives would benefit greatly by leaving more margin in our days for each other and organizations like Visalia Gleaning Seniors in this season. • Visalia Gleaning Seniors • (559) 733-5352 Find them on Facebook
Rachel Trigueiro, twin mom of four, loves adventuring with her family, especially near the beach. She holds a degree in business, but believes living in other countries and cultures offered her the greatest education. She dreamed of being a talk-show host; now, she enjoys story telling and drinking blonde coffee.
Photos courtesy of Moose’s Meals DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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