Moments - May/June 2015 by Forsyth County News

May | June 2015

Ciara Rubin

BACK

to her

ROOTS

Inside: Perfect wines for summer | Mom gets people moving | Tutor prepares the next generation | and so much more

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Moments Magazine | March-April 2015

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Moments Magazine

is published bimonthly by the Forsyth County News Co., 302 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30040. Advertising rates and deadlines available upon request. Contact Ryan Garmon at (770) 205-8960 or rgarmon@forsythnews.com.

Ciara Rubin and husband Zach juggle city jobs with country living.

8 moments mom Vince Johnson Publisher Kevin Atwill Editor Adlen Robinson Director of Content Ryan Garmon Advertising Director Micah Green Photographer Steven Welch Graphic Design

contents

12 moms at work

16 camping

14 community

18 summer

Alecia Warneke of Forsyth County owns a personal training business and teaches cooking.

Amy Sol founded a nonprofit that tutors and helps kids, for whom many English is not their first language.

Don’t be afraid to camp out with kids — in the back yard or elsewhere.

How to keep yourself and your family safe this summer.

wine ��20 health ��22 snack ��24

Facebook.com/ForsythMoments

home ��26

Twitter.com/ForsythMoments

dinner matters ��28

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

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Welcome to..... I

love the next two months. May is awesome because the weather is pretty much perfect — sunshine, gentle breezes, low humidity and just enough rain to keep the garden growing. Also, the anticipation of school letting out is exciting. June is great for the kids and teachers, who are always ready for a break. Plus, the humidity and heat of our Southern summer often hasn’t quite kicked in. I am happy for you to meet Ciara Rubin, who has accomplished so much in her 26 years. The Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce is lucky to have such an articulate and lively official. I also had fun meeting Alecia Warneke, whose radiant smile and energetic spirit are truly infectious. Who wouldn’t want her as a personal trainer? In 2008, Amy Sol started Next Generation Focus to help serve youth in our community. With teenage tutors and certified teachers, Amy’s organization is helping make

Welcome to.....

a difference. There is much more in this packed issue of Moments. Ever want to know about juicing versus smoothies? Did you know you can make your own fruit leathers? Want to know how to start your own garden — in containers? Let’s get started! Best,

Adlen W. Robinson is a longtime resident of Forsyth County and mother of four. A contributor to the Forsyth County News for more than 10 years, Adlen is the author of “Home Matters: The Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home.” E-mail her at contact@adlenrobinson.com.

Introducing ...Regal Maid Service in Cumming. Owners, Jane & Michael Bush moved from England to start up a new location in Forsyth County. “We like to customize your clean by giving you a free estimate at your home, there you can tell us exactly how you want your clean, if you want to concentrate on certain rooms or if you want something left alone, we adapt to whatever the customer wants”

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Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

Ciara Rubin

BLENDING livesTOGETHER

Newlywed mixes city job with home in country

t age 26, Forsyth County resident Ciara Rubin seems completely at home feeding her chickens or strolling on the gravel road that leads to the beautifully renovated home she shares with husband Zach. The couple loves their 1.5-acre property, which is complete with a stocked fish pond and plenty of room for the large garden he is preparing for her to plant. While Rubin considers herself passionate about animals and all things outdoors, her job is much more about business than country living.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

Ciara Rubin and husband Zach have settled down on a 1.5-acre property in Forsyth County, where she attended middle and high school. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Rubin is employed as director of operations for the chamber of commerce in nearby Alpharetta.

photos by Micah Green Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

Forsyth County resident Kristi Baggarly, inset, is the mother of three daughters, including Annie Lynn, 6, and Kimber, 1, above.

Ciara and Zach Rubin, who got married in November, relax by the pond of their home in Forsyth County.

Rubin is the director of operations for the chamber of commerce in nearby Alpharetta. It’s a career path she did not envision but which she has found truly rewarding. Rubin’s time in Georgia began at age 12 when she moved with her family to Forsyth County from San Jose, Calif., after her father, an engineer, found a job with a firm in Atlanta. She readily acknowledged experiencing a culture shock as an incoming seventh-grader at Otwell Middle School, though she found that her love of music and drama were a big help. “Music was a great outlet for me,” she said. “My love of music started early, according to my mother, when I was just a toddler. I discovered early on that there was a song out there for

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

whatever emotion I was having. And as a teenager, it was a way for me to express my angst.” Rubin was in chorus all through middle and high school, performing in numerous musicals and plays. After graduating from high school, she attended Savannah College of Art and Design, where she was a member and soloist for an auditioned performance ensemble that entertained special guests, incoming students, parents and other Savannah community organizations. To say Rubin has a strong work ethic would be an understatement. “Even in middle school, I baby-sat all the time and continued through high school,” she said. In college, Rubin found work in restaurants, something she did for

a time even after graduating from college. “My work ethic comes from an intense desire for independence both financially and figuratively,” she said. Even though there were difficult times in college, juggling school and work, Rubin wouldn’t change a thing. “It showed me my strength and ability to survive and thrive no matter how tough things were,” she said. “I am driven to prove my worth to myself and reach personal goals.” After earning a degree in performing arts, Rubin worked in the restaurant industry for a few years. It was during that time she met her future husband. “He actually met my father before he met me,” Rubin said. “Zach responded to an ad for a television I was selling while I was living at home

after college.” Zach, who was getting his master’s degree at Georgia Delivering Compreh Tech and lived in the Atlanta, made a good impression on her father. OB and GYN Se Delivering Comprehensive Rubin said at the time, she was just looking for a Exclusively at Northside Hospital OB and GYN Services friend, but the two quickly fell in love. After a whirlwind Any day and every day... never an Delivering Comprehensive Exclusively at Hospital Exclusively at Northside Northside Hospital Forsyth... Forsyth... romance, they got married last November. Any day day... never Any day and and every every day...Services never any any exceptions exceptions OB and GYN Exclusively at Northside Hospital Forsyth... Although she was not looking to leave the restaurant Exclusively at Northside Hospital Forsyth... day andnever every day... any exceptions Any day and everyAnyday... anynever exceptions business, another opportunity presented itself when Rubin interviewed for a position at the newly formed Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce. She accepted the position as director of communications and member services in April 2014 and was promoted to director of operations in January. The chamber opened in November 2013 with 77 members and has since grown to more than 250 members, making it the seventh largest municipal chamber in Georgia. “Alpharetta is really booming right now and it is exciting to be a part of the chamber as they partner with so many local businesses,” Rubin said. - All Major Insurances, Including Kaiser --All AllMajor MajorInsurances, Insurances,Including IncludingKaiser Kaiser-As director of operations, she is responsible for all of 1800 Northside Forsyth Dr.,Open: Our New 2nd Location Is Now the administrative functions of the chamber and also for 91Suite Nordson Overlook, Suite 305 | Dawsonville, GA 30534 350 | Location Cumming, GA 30041 Our New 2nd Is Now Open: Our New 2nd Location Is Now Open: recruiting new members as well as planning events. Our 2nd Location 91 Suite 305 | Dawsonville, GA 30534 91Nordson NordsonOverlook, Overlook, Suite 305 | Dawsonville, GA 30534- All Major Insurances, Including Kaiser 1505Northside Northside Blvd, Suite 3500 Dr., | Cumming, 30041 81 Dawson SuiteGA305 “We are so excited about our growth,” she said. “We are (770) 886 - 3555 | www.npobgyn.com Dawsonville, Ga||Cumming, 30534 1505 Blvd, 1505 Northside Northside Blvd, Suite Suite 3500 3500 Cumming,GA GA 30041 30041 really looking forward to all of the things we have planned 3555 | www.npobgyn.com 3555 | www.npobgyn.com Our New 2nd Location Is Now Open: (770) (770) 886 886 for the future.” 91 Nordson Overlook, Suite 305 | Dawsonville, GA 30534 A natural people person, Rubin said she loves interacting with business owners and 6262_1_northPointeOBGYN0011115_Moments 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 3500 | Cumming, GA 30041 helping them connect with each other as (770) 886 - 3555 | www.npobgyn.com well as reach more potential customers. - All Major Insurances, Including Kaiser When not busy with work, Rubin is happiest at the home she and her Welcoming Smiles and Compassionate Care husband have created and share with Our New 2nd Location Is Now Open: two cats, a dog, pond full of fish and, so 91 Nordson Overlook, Suite 305 | Dawsonville, GA 30534 far, six chickens. “Zach had already renovated a 1924 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 3500 | Cumming, GA 30041 home in east Atlanta and sold it,” she said. “He did most of the work himself. When we found this property, we knew With Adult Exam and Cleaning we wanted it to be our home.” (Please call for more information & to see if you qualify) Zach Rubin has gutted the entire house and his wife helped as much as she could, even working out with • Most Insurances Accepted weights to increase her strength for • Emergencies & Dental Anxious patients welcomed heavy lifting jobs. The kitchen is beautiful with • Full Dental Services provided custom-built cabinets and a charming • Weekend & Evening Appointments island that Rubin said she designed • We Accept Kids & Adults Medicaid Insurances based on a magazine photo. Rubin loves to cook and can’t wait New Patients Welcome to harvest vegetables from that new garden. 1715 Friendship Circle | Suite 100 | Cumming, GA 30028

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— Adlen W. Robinson

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Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

Finding a healthy

balance Alecia Warneke owns TruGrit Fitness, through which she helps clients get in shape and learn how to prepare healthy meals.

photo by Micah Green

When Alecia Warneke is not working with her clients on their form and helping them get in shape, she is teaching others how to cook delicious and healthy meals that will fuel their bodies to function at peak ability. The owner of TruGrit Fitness in Forsyth County, Warneke provides personal training, as well as group classes for her clients. Because fitness goes hand in hand with nutrition, Warneke feels strongly about helping her clients learn what to put in the bodies and how to prepare food to ensure optimal results. Warneke has always been athletic, excelling first in gymnastics and later swimming. “I am 5 feet 9 [inches tall], so my height pretty much stopped my hope for a future in gymnastics,” she said with a laugh. The loss of her grandfather to cancer when she was 15 had a profound impact on her and propelled her to think about her future. “My mom and I lived with my

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

grandparents, so we were very close,” she said. “I was devastated … I knew I wanted to go into something that helped people and that involved health and fitness.” Volunteering at a hospital confirmed her belief she would one day have a career helping others. And while she had planned to go to school to become a physical therapist, her life took a different direction. Warneke graduated from high school and married her boyfriend, Jeff, who had recently enlisted in the U.S. Army and was heading to Germany. The couple started a family right away, despite Jeff’s orders for deployment in Operation Desert Storm. “I loved Europe,” she recalled. “I took classes at night and cared for [son] Andrew and ran a day care in our home during the day.” After their time in Germany, Jeff was stationed in Savannah where the couple welcomed a second son, Hunter, in 1995. Three years later, a third son, Spencer joined the family. All the while, fitness remained a constant passion for Warneke. She knew

one day she would have a business that emphasized her love of health and teaching others how to live a healthier life. In 2001, Warneke became certified in personal training. For several years, she combined her love of fitness with her people skills to sell sports equipment to health clubs. Still, she found herself continuing to gravitate back to personal training. A few years ago, while working in a gym, a client encouraged her to go out on her own. After much thought and prayer Warneke took a leap of faith and TruGrit Fitness was born in fall 2012. Warneke said her clients prefer the personal training aspect of her service for many reasons. “Unlike going to a gym, I come to you,” she said. “Of course, first and foremost, that is convenient.” Warneke said many of her clients are mothers who may not be able to get to the gym, but can find an hour during the day while a toddler is napping or playing nearby.

photos by Micah Green

Other clients may be corporate executives who travel extensively and find it difficult to get a workout in. She also offers group training, traveling to neighborhoods across Forsyth County. According to Warneke, working out in your own space allows you to push yourself, with nobody watching or judging. Besides, gyms can be intimidating. “There are all these machines and equipment you are not quite sure how to use, and all these people who seem to know what they are doing in their very svelte workout attire,” she said. The other component TruGrit Fitness offers clients is meal planning, nutrition tips and cooking classes. Warneke loves teaching her clients how healthy food can also taste amazing. To make things easier, she has created a 28-day TruGrit Challenge. It is a four-week program, complete with a detailed meal plan, easy recipes (most taking 30 minutes or less), weekly grocery lists, daily emails, as well as 15-minute exercise videos. Asked what she would say to a frazzled mom who may think she has zero time to exercise, Warneke offered herself as an example. “I’ve been where you are. I get it,” she said. “When my three boys were young, and I was frantically trying to find a balance between helping with Spanish homework, changing diapers and doing endless loads of laundry, I struggled to find time to take care of myself. I always seemed to be last on the list. “But here’s the thing. You do have the time. Don’t look for it, because you won’t find it. You have to make it, carve it out. Once you do that, partnering with someone who can show you how to get the results you want is an investment in yourself and your time. “It’s not rocket science, but it is science. Doing the right things at the right times makes all the difference in your results. And the healthier you are, the better you feel about yourself, and the better mother you are.” — Adlen W. Robinson For more information about TruGrit Fitness, contact (678) 571-9268 or go online at www.trugritfitness.com

The Cumming Playhouse presents... A Chorus Line (For Mature Audiences)

April 24 - May 17, 2015 T,F,S 8pm , Sun. 3pm Mat A CHORUS LINE is a stunning musical about a chorus audition for a Broadway musical. It tells of the achingly poignant ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies to land a job in the show, and is a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration. Memorable musical numbers include I Can Do That, At the Ballet, Dance: Ten; Looks: Three, The Music and the Mirror, What I Did for Love, One (Singular Sensation) and I Hope I Get It. It is a brilliantly complex fusion of dance, song and compellingly authentic drama. The show was instantly recognized as a classic. Destined to be another great musical presentation by BK Productions Spring 2015.

North Georgia Chamber Symphony May 19, 2015 -7:30pm Bring your family to hear this fantastic musical performance by the North Georgia Chamber Symphony. The following pieces will be performed March from Love for Three Oranges, Serge Prokofieff, Partita for Strings, Heinrich Biber, Piano Concerto #12 in A Major, W.A. Mozart, with soloist, Dr. Joanna Kim-Doyle, from UNG-Gainesville, Stretch Break, Ensemble(s), Four Short Pieces, Cesar Franck, Serenade for Strings, Edward Elgar, Blue Rhythmico, Kirt Mosier and Blue-Fire Fiddler, Soon Hee Newbold. North Georgia Chamber Symphony, Inc. is a 501 (c ) (3) community orchestra performing in the North Georgia area. www.northgeorgiachambersymphony.org

The Chuck Wagon May 30, 2015 - 3:00pm & 8pm The Chuck Wagon Gang has entered its 75th year of singing the old songs, and singing them the way ‘Dad Carter’ taught his kids. A simple style, yet distinctive sound, is credited with helping preserve the legacy of the music so many love. While time has brought much in the way progress and development in our time, the Chuck Wagon Gang has continued to strum and sing its way into the history books as being the oldest recording mixed quartet that has continuously recorded what has come to be known as ‘grass roots’ Gospel music. Over the years, the group has managed to record well over 800 songs, and sell 40 million records worldwide.

Upcoming Shows The Fly Cats ~ Great American Jazz ~ June 13, 2015 @ 8PM Blues for Dixie ~ A Celebration of Blues & Classic Rock of the 60’s & 70’s ~ June 20, 2015 @ 8PM Sounds of Sawnee ~ A Flag Waving Concert ~ June 27, 2015 @ 8PM

101 School Street Cumming, GA 30040

770-781-9178

www.playhousecumming.com Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

photo by Micah Green

Amy Sol is the founder of Next Generation Focus, which offers academic and enrichment programs beyond the traditional school day in south Forsyth.

Helping hand

Tutor focused on next generation of students

ommunity service has always been an important part of Amy Sol’s life. Born in South Korea, she came to America with her parents when she was 13 years old. “It was hard,” Sol recalled. “I didn’t speak any English and that is tough at any age, but especially when you are at that already difficult age.” Nonetheless, Sol adjusted to her new home, learned English, and excelled

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

academically. That soft spot for children whose first language is not English stayed with the now south Forsyth mother of two girls, ages 13 and 15. Sol said she grew up seeing her parents serve their community, so it was only natural that when she married her husband John, the couple sought ways they could assist others. “When our daughter started kindergarten at Shiloh Elementary, I

began volunteering in the classroom,” Sol said. “I was surprised to see that some of the children didn’t know how to write their name. It really made me want to help by tutoring.” Sol and her husband began helping out whenever they could, even buying back packs and school supplies for children they saw had a need. “We just kept praying and wondering what else we should be

doing,” she said. After listening to her pastor speak about serving others and the next generation of children in particular, Sol felt called to play a bigger role in the community. “I decided to form a nonprofit organization that could serve the next generation by providing educational, relational and financial resources,” she said. While she had no idea how to go about everything, she felt it was all meant to be when a large Atlanta law firm offered to set up the organization’s 501c3 status at no cost. Opened in 2008, Next Generation Focus offers academic and enrichment programs beyond the traditional school day. “We have amazing teenage volunteers who come and help mentor these children, as well as help them with academic activities,” Sol said. “So many of our kids really come because they love the teenage volunteers.” There are also certified teachers who offer their expertise and even have curriculums designed specifically to help children succeed. Their SmarterMe programs offer after-school programs, Saturday tutoring as well as summer help to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Sol is uniquely qualified to relate to so many of the children Next Generation Focus serves. “I remember what it was like to struggle with English and to have parents who also struggled to learn the language,” Sol said. “Many people don’t realize that students who read below grade level are much more likely to eventually drop out of school.” Sol pointed out that 22 states now calculate how many prison beds they will need based on the percentage of 8-year-olds who read below a third grade level. Next Generation Focus holds its after-school programs at a local church, but Sol said their vision is to one day have their own building. “We would love to have a place where children could come and learn, a safe place to serve these children in our community who have a real need.” Sol also said because their teenage volunteers eventually graduate from high school and are no longer available to help, the organization is always looking for student volunteers. Adults and teachers also are needed to volunteer. Sol also said Next Generation Focus welcomes support from the community to help continue on the mission to serve children. “United Way has always been supportive and for that we are so grateful,” Sol said.

Growing together and depending on each other.

— Adlen W. Robinson For more information on Next Generation Focus, contact (678) 807-9643 or www.nextgenerationfocus. org. Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

Camping with kids Preparation can ease challenges

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

Even those who know me pretty well are sometimes surprised to learn how much I love camping. While I may not seem like the sort of gal who likes to “rough it,” I truly love tent camping at our beautiful and wellmaintained parks, especially the ones that dot the shorelines of Lake Lanier. Few activities unite a family as much as camping. My husband grew up camping with his grandparents in northern Maine. Their brand of camping involved much more crude conditions than I could handle. But even so, his fondest childhood memories are of those camping experiences. Sitting around a campfire telling and re-telling stories always reminds him of listening to the stories his grandfather told. Except for a few “camp-outs” with friends or at a camp, I did not grow up camping. Even so, I knew camping was definitely something I wanted my children to experience. Our first attempts at camping as a family involved more calamities than positive memories. But now that the years have passed, even those mishaps translate into humorous memories. One of my close friends came right out and said I was crazy to enjoy camping. She said it was way too much work, citing everything from the packing and actual work involved to the breaking down of camp, unpacking and putting everything away at home. Yes, it does take some work, and I will be the first to admit that pretty much every time we go camping I think of something we have forgotten, or a way I should have packed to make the process easier. But for me, that is part of the fun of it: figuring out ways to make each camping trip easier and more efficient and enjoyable. In my mind, enjoying camping comes down to one main ingredient: comfort. The more comfortable the camping trip, the more enjoyable the experience. We are not minimalists when it comes to camping. This fact drives my

husband crazy and he is known as the “grumbler” when he loads and unloads the car. But he does not grumble when he is enjoying a delicious meal, or asks for the first aid kit (or cards, etc.) and is quickly handed the needed item. Here are some tips to make the family’s car camping trip the best ever: n Pack most of the gear in mediumsized clear, plastic containers. It may seem to make more sense to have one big one, but we found that those are difficult to carry, find space for and rummage through. I have one container that holds all my pots, cutting board, coffee cups, anything I use for cooking. Another container holds all paper and plastic products such as paper towels, napkins, plastic cutlery, plastic wrap, and trash bags. I also keep dish-washing soap and a scrub brush inside a ziplock bag inside a plastic tub for washing dishes here. One container I use for dry food goods like cereal, grits, crackers, bread, cookies, chips, etc. The container keeps the chips from being crushed as well as making it easier for me to see what we have. Another container, smaller, houses all kitchen knives, spatulas, measuring cups, scissors, can openers, etc. n Plan out meals on paper before the trip. Write out what you will have at each meal, and do not forget snacks. Keep the menu list handy when packing the cooler and the dry goods. I have one cooler (a five-day type) for food and another one for drinks. n Pray for sunshine, but plan for rain. No matter what the weather people say, plan for the worst. Bring ponchos and fishing poles for sure. Children do not mind a little rain at all. In fact, the younger ones think it’s a blast to go fishing in the rain. Pack cards, games, art supplies and do not forget to bring a box of toys for young children. n Keep your sense of humor. Children take their cues from you. No matter what is happening, even if you forget the marshmallows, how you react

will set the mood for the rest of the family. Your children are not going to remember the mistakes you make, but they probably will remember if you lose your temper and ruin the trip. Besides, s’mores taste almost as good with just the chocolate and maybe some peanut butter to sub for the marshmallows. Can you tell that has happened to us? n Count your blessings. Camping offers an incredible opportunity to spend quality as well as quantity time

with the family. No television, no computers, no cell phones (well, two out of three is not too bad). I love the fact that we are all “forced” to be together without these outside influences that often separate us during the week. Even if you think you are not the camping type, give it a try. If nothing else, there is nothing like a weekend of Mother Nature to make you appreciate a hot bath and cozy bed. — Adlen W. Robinson

Thank You for voting us #1 in Forsyth! A proud supporter of Forsyth County Schools.

Call to schedule your complimentary vein screening

Most major insurances accepted for Vein procedures.

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www.NorthGeorgiaVein.com Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

ummer is nearly here and that means children will be out of school and, for the most part, on a less structured schedule.

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

Lanier Place While that means fun, it can also mean more time for accidents and other calamities. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind. n Everybody loves fireworks, but they also cause hundreds of accidents every year. Some can be deadly. Even innocent-looking sparklers can get really hot and cause burns. Instead of shooting off fireworks at home, head to a professional show such as the big July Fourth celebration at the Cumming Fairgrounds. It is a great family event. n Don’t leave containers full of stagnant water outside in the back yard. That goes for plant saucers, which when full of water attract mosquitoes. And that’s something nobody wants. n Don’t use scented soaps or perfumes on children since these products attract mosquitoes. n Don’t use combination sun screen/insect repellant on children or yourself. While it may seem like a convenience, sun screen needs to be reapplied often and insect repellant should not be. n Check out playground equipment before children start climbing on it. The metal bars and slides can heat up in the summer sun. n Black pavement also gets quite hot. Be careful children don’t walk on it with bare feet. Also, remember that pets’ paws can burn too. n Make sure children wear helmets at all times when riding bicycles, skateboards or scooters. Also ensure the helmet is level and not leaning too far in any direction. n Supervise children at all times when it comes to water, even when it is just a baby pool. Accidents happen. Even a child who knows how to swim can drown in only a few inches of water. n Stay hydrated. Remember to take water along everywhere. Children especially need to be reminded to drink up.

Lanier Place, our senior living community, is known for being warm, inviting, and active. We develop individual care plans to meet the needs of each resident, and a full-time registered nurse is available 24 hours a day to provide clinical oversight and coordination of care. Our residents engage in a variety of activities, such as tai chi, bingo, pool, cards and board games, and yoga. We also offer four church services per week, weekly performances by musical groups, and shopping, dining, and entertainment outings. For senior living in Cumming, Georgia, schedule a visit at Lanier Place today.

Care Levels • Personal Care • Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory care • Respite Care • Short-Term Stay • Urgent Placement 440 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming,GA30040 (770) 888-1114 • www.enlivant.com

Call (770) 888-1114 for more information or to schedule a tour

— Adlen W. Robinson Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

WHITE WINE this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s divine star 20

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

Summer is upon us and for many wine sippers, your humble frugal-amateur-winetaster included, that means drinking more white wine than red. This is my favorite time of the year to enjoy a glass of white wine while sitting on the deck. The birds are chirping, music is playing and I’m surrounded by green trees and flowers. I only recently discovered Vinho Verde, a popular Portugal wine that is incredibly affordable and delicious. I tried JM Fonseca’s Twin Vines, which is widely available. Vinho Verde is described as “lively, zingy, and zesty.” I like its crispness and the notes of citrus and flowers. It is the perfect wine to sip while admiring the flowers in the garden. This is considered a sipping wine. You can enjoy a glass before dinner, or after it while sitting on the deck or patio. I found it for less than $8. Now that’s a real bargain. Another wonderful white wine is an Albarino. This grape, from northwestern Spain, is known as “the wine of the sea.” Albarino got that name partly because it grows in vineyards close to the Atlantic Ocean, and also it pairs so well with foods that come from the ocean. Definitely serve this wine with seafood. Think grilled shrimp, oysters on the half shell, steamed clams or lobster. Albarinos cost a few dollars more, but I still found several really good ones for $12 a bottle. When on restaurant menus, they’re usually two or three times that price. — Adlen W. Robinson Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

JUICING VERSUS SMOOTHIE

Both full of fruit, but which is better? It seems like smoothies are everywhere. There are even smoothie “bars” in many health clubs and food stores. Smoothies have been around for a long time, but seem to have gotten healthier in the past few years. Another somewhat recent trend is juicing. So what are the differences between smoothies and juicing, and which one is better? Instead of thinking one must be better than the other, let’s talk about the unique health benefits of each. Juicing is the process of extracting water and nutrients from the entire fruit and vegetable and discarding the fiber. When consuming the juice, the digestive system doesn’t have to do much work, since the juice goes right into the blood stream. The powerful nutrients are immediately available for the body to use. Fans of juicing (and I’m a big one) say juice is restorative on a cellular level. The first time I tried juicing, I was amazed by the almost instant burst of energy I had. Experts stress that juicing should not be in place of a meal, but rather an added boost of nutrition. Consuming the juice immediately is best. But if you can’t drink it all, put the juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume as soon as possible. Smoothies, or blending, is when you blend the entire fruit and/or vegetable, skin and all. That means they pack a serious serving of fiber along with the juice. By adding a scoop of protein (I like the organic plant variety), along with some flax oil, a yummy smoothie can be turned into something loaded with nutrition. Smoothies such as that one can easily replace a meal. Try having one for breakfast to really get that metabolism going. So are there any downsides? When it comes to juicing, the main downside is that it takes a lot of vegetables to make a small amount of juice.

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

I also feel strongly about using organic produce — for juicing and smoothies. Why go to all of that trouble to make a health drink and then just ingest a lot of pesticides? Because juicing is trendy, there are many juicers on the market. I had an old, bulky one for probably a decade and it finally died. I bought a new one on sale for about $60. It’s smaller, stronger and much easier to clean. That brings me to another downside of juicing — cleaning the juicer. Some are more difficult to clean than others, but none of them are a snap to clean. Still, the health benefits of juicing are big. As far as downsides when it comes to blending, there really aren’t any. Just get the best blender you can afford. Again, I recommend using organic ingredients. Definitely try adding leafy greens to smoothies. By adding an apple or other sweet fruit, you won’t taste the “green” at all, but still will get all of the benefits.

Favorite green smoothie 2 cups packed baby spinach leaves 2 cups unsweetened almond milk 1 cup ice Juice of 1 lemon ½ piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated 1 green apple, peeled and cored and chopped into small pieces 1 cup cold water 1 tablespoon flax oil (optional) 2 scoops protein powder (optional) Combine all ingredients in blender and

blend until smooth. Enjoy! Favorite green juice 1 English cucumber 1 bunch kale, washed 2 stalks celery 4 carrots, tops removed (unpeeled) 2 green apples, cores removed 1 lemon, peeled 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger Check the juicer for instructions on that particular model. Remember to use organic if possible. Juice and enjoy!

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Fruit Leathers

Classic snack makes for a healthy choice I loved fruit leathers when I was a little girl. I remember you could only get them at the health food store, so it was always a treat when my mom would buy them. Like so many things, they were probably a whole lot healthier back then than the present day. Loaded with preservatives and dyes, most fruit leathers really should not be considered food at all. Although it does take some time, you can make your own fruit leathers and create a healthy snack. Get the children or grandchildren in on the action and let them see how the pureed fruit magically becomes leatherlike. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easiest to just cut the leathers into strips. But if you want to get fancy, you could cut them into shapes with cookie cutters. I recommend using organic fruit. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Adlen W. Robinson Fruit leathers 1 1/4 pounds chopped fruit (see below for suggested flavors) 1/4 cup sugar 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice n Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. n Combine the fruit and sugar in a blender. n Add the lemon juice to taste (use 2 tablespoons for apples or bananas) and puree until smooth. n Transfer the pureed fruit to a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. n Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally at first and then more often toward the end, until

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

most of the liquid evaporates and the mixture is very thick, 35 to 45 minutes. Be careful: The mixture may splatter. n Taste for seasoning, adding more sugar if it is not sweet enough for your liking. n Line a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or nonstick foil. n The mixture needs to be spread out until it is quite thin, so use two baking sheets if necessary. n Use an offset spatula to spread the fruit on the mat or foil into a thin layer. Bake until barely tacky, three hours to three hours, 30 minutes. n Transfer the baking sheet to a rack and let the fruit leather cool completely. Peel off of the mat or foil.

n If the leather is still moist on the underside, return it to the oven, moist-side up, until dry, about 20 more minutes. n Lay the leather smooth-side down on a sheet of wax paper and use kitchen shears to cut it into strips on the paper. Roll up the strips and store in zip-top bags for up to a week. Suggested flavors Plum: 5 medium, unpeeled,

chopped Peach or nectarine: 5 medium, unpeeled, chopped Apple: 3 large (Gala or Granny Smith), peeled and chopped Strawberry: 4 cups, hulled and chopped Raspberry: 5 cups Grape: 3 1/2 cups, seeded if necessary Banana: 5 medium, peeled Mango: 2 large, peeled and chopped Raspberry-vanilla: 5 cups

raspberries plus the seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean Strawberry-banana: 3 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped, plus 2 medium bananas, peeled Apple-ginger: 3 large apples, peeled and chopped, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons grated ginger Spicy mango: 2 large mangoes, peeled and chopped, plus 1/8 teaspoon each salt and cayenne pepper

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GARDEN FUN Let interest in plants take root with containers

There are two types of people in the world â&#x20AC;&#x201D; those who love, love, love to garden, and those who loathe it.

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

While it’s no secret I happily fall into the first category, and may even be considered a bit of an extremist, I know plenty of people whose idea of gardening is watering a pot of flowers someone gave them. Still, who doesn’t love stepping outside and picking sweet cherry tomatoes off of a plant and gathering some fresh lettuce leaves that will go into a salad for dinner? If your thumb is not so green, read on. Why not try your hand at container gardening? Many plants are a cinch to grow, as long as a few basic things are kept in mind. First of all, most vegetables love the sun and need a good six to eight hours a day of sunshine to do well. Whether it is a sunny patch on the deck or a spot in the back yard, the first thing you need to do is find the right

place for a container garden. Next, you need containers with good drainage holes. You can use a lot of different types of containers as long as they have holes in the bottom so the water can drain. Soil is important, but it can be found at a home gardening store. Get some good organic fertilizer and/ or compost to mix in the soil for an added boost the plants will love. Choosing what to plant is important, especially with containers. While you may think that tiny little squash plant will fit perfectly in that tiny little clay pot, trust me when I say squash needs a lot of space. The same goes for many other vegetables. Do a little research to ensure you get a container that has enough room to accommodate the plants. Some sprawling plants,

such as cucumbers and cantaloupe, can be trained to grow up instead of out, so you can use a trellis of sorts inside a container. So just what vegetables should you grow? Some of the easiest ones to grow are lettuce (but plant soon before the heat of the summer disagrees with it) and radishes (same thing, plant now). Also consider growing cucumbers, pole beans, sweet bell peppers, squash, hot peppers and tomatoes. In addition, herbs are easy to grow and will improve your cooking immensely. Basil loves the heat and thrives in the summer months. Mint is the perfect herb for a container garden since it tends to spread quickly and take over a traditional garden. There are a lot of varieties of thyme, which is also easy to grow. Rosemary and sage

are great too. They often make it through the winter and continue to thrive for years. I once had a huge rosemary bush that resembled a shrub and lived for years. Lastly, check the container garden often, preferably every day. Don’t water too much or too little. Fertilize with a good organic fertilizer according to the package directions. Don’t use pesticides on vegetables. Remember, you’re going to consume these and don’t want to eat chemicals. Instead, opt for organic options, such as spraying plants with a garlic/water mixture or other natural bug repellant. Good luck with the garden and please let me know how it grows. — Adlen W. Robinson

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

After the cold, miserable winter we had, I don’t mind knowing how hot things are going to get in the next few months. I actually made a pact with my friends to never complain about the heat of summer this year. But that means I had better have plenty of recipes that will keep us cool. Here are some of my favorite noodle recipes. These are also great to take along to the lake, a pot luck or camping trip. Enjoy! — Adlen W. Robinson Sesame soba noodles Soba noodles are Japanese buckwheat noodles. They used to be difficult to find, but now are in most every grocery store. Just look on the international aisle. 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup soy sauce 4 teaspoons sesame oil 1 pound soba noodles, cooked until tender and refreshed in ice water 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions, cut on the bias 1/2 cup bean sprouts 1/2 cup thinly grated carrots 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced 1 cup lightly crushed toasted cashews 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce and sesame oil. To the noodles, add green onions, bean sprouts, carrots, cucumber, cashews, cilantro, sesame seeds and the soy mixture and mix thoroughly. Peanut sesame noodles Who doesn’t love peanut noodles? The kind you buy at the store contain all sorts of chemicals and preservatives. These are simple to

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

dinner time Cold noodle salads a refreshing delight

make and so much better than any storebought version. Perfect to serve alongside some grilled teriyaki skewers. Just make extra peanut sauce for dipping. 3 tablespoons sesame seeds 12 ounces linguine Peanut dressing 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon Sriracha 1 teaspoon sesame oil Zest and juice of 1/2 lime Salad 1/2 cup loosely-packed chopped fresh cilantro 2 green onions, sliced CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

1/2 head green or Napa cabbage, thinly sliced 1/3 red bell pepper, diced 1/4 cup roughly chopped roasted peanuts, for garnish

the dressing. Top with the chopped peanuts and toasted sesame seeds and serve.

Cook the pasta until al dente. Do not overcook. Drain, reserving some of the starchy pasta water, rinse and set aside. For the peanut dressing: Place the peanut butter in a large measuring cup and microwave to soften, 15 seconds. Whisk in with the soy sauce, vinegar, oil, ginger, honey, Sriracha, sesame oil and lime zest and juice in a small bowl. Thin with the starchy pasta water if needed, 1 tablespoon at a time. Dressing should be thick, but pourable. For the salad: Place the pasta in a large mixing bowl and add the cilantro and vegetables and toss with

This is the perfect pasta salad to take to Lake Lanier, especially since there is no mayonnaise. It can also be a great side dish for your next hamburger cookout.

Moments Magazine | May-June 2015

Italian pasta salad

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon honey 1 clove garlic, grated 1 lemon, zested and juiced Salt and freshly cracked black pepper Pasta: 12 ounces bow tie (or other shape) pasta, cooked to package instructions and shocked under cold

water 4 ounces asparagus, blanched and thinly sliced on the bias 1 box frozen peas, defrosted One 12-ounce jar roasted peppers, chopped 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved 1 shallot, minced 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped Âź cup parmesan cheese, grated For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, lemon zest and juice, and season with salt and pepper. For the pasta: Toss the pasta with the asparagus, peas, roasted peppers, tomatoes, shallots and dill. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing to coat. Cover and allow to cool for at least an hour, or refrigerate until serving. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.