Esplanade Lifestyle - The Heights | Sep/Oct 2023

LIFESTYLE

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Hayley Smith Lifestyle Manager 813-778-5554

Hayley.Smith@TeamEsplanade.com

Jacquelyn Hannan Community Association Manager 941-281-4996

Jacquelyn.Hannan@TeamEsplanade.com

COMMUNITY INFO

Esplanade at The Heights Community Association 6130 Grandview Hill Ct. Bradenton, FL 34207 941-761-4170

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TAYLOR MORRISON Sales Gallery Hours

Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun, 12 - 6 p.m.

Teresa Vaal Community Sales Manager 941-217-8838

TVaal@TaylorMorrison.com

Lisa Van Dillen

Community Sales Manager 941-504-4937

LVanDillen@TaylorMorrison.com

MEMBER SERVICE

EsplanadeHeightsLifestyle.com 800-720-0028

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Letter From the Lifestyle Team

HAYLEY SMITH YOUR LIFESTYLE MANAGER

Happy Fall!

We are falling into autumn and staying busy with a full calendar. The Cooking & Cocktail Series continues with the next installment, The Perfect Pasta. National Manager of Food, Beverage & Culinary Experience, Patrick Scully, will be on site here at The Heights to lead an engaging demonstration on how to prepare a homemade fettuccine with two accompanying sauce recipes.

Do you prefer the courts over the kitchen? Join us for Dink & Drink, our pickleball social with our Pro, Brad Chase. All levels are welcome to this laid back social, so come learn the basics or polish your technique all while having fun with friends and raising a glass to living in paradise!

In October, we will welcome Chef Frank Imbarlina to our kitchen for a charcuterie board class. Learn all the tips and tricks to make your charcuterie board stand out from the rest. Join us for Bingo, Trivia Night, Bocce & Brews, and the Monster Mash, where you can dress up and have a scary good time with neighbors.

Meet Kris Lane

YOUR MASSAGE THERAPIST

We are pleased to introduce you to Kris Lane, our newest Massage Therapist at Esplanade at The Heights! Kris attended Dr. Welbes’ Midwest College of Massage Therapy where she was required to complete 1,000 hours of training. During her externship, she worked for a team of doctors to assist over 70 women in their last trimester of pregnancy to relieve them of muscle fatigue and tension and to promote a healthy labor and delivery. She graduated with a 4.0 and second in her class.

In 1997, Kris was in a near fatal accident resulting in years of recovery including learning how to walk again. She was unsure if she would be able to return to her career as a massage therapist until she met Dr. Bill Bruer, a sports medicine doctor and chiropractor. Not only did he assist her with gaining her strength back, but he also took her on as a medical massage therapist and taught her valuable techniques in handling her own pain as well as the pain of his patients. She was able to gain a vast education from him on many subjects including anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, which she later went on to teach to aspiring massage therapists in graduate school.

In 2014, Kris moved to Sarasota where she worked at the RitzCarlton, during which time she won a prestigious and competitive 5-star employee award. Kris is very excited to establish working relationships here at Esplanade at The Heights, with the goal of helping Members enhance their quality of life and enjoy day to day activities to their full capacity. Kris is equally skilled in relieving pain and trauma and simply helping the mind and muscles relax for a total Zen experience.

Spa hours are Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To book an appointment, please call 941-567-4183.

Swimming

Splash into a healthier lifestyle and enjoy the Resort Pool! Did you know that regular swimming can lower your systolic blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health? It is an excellent addition to your fitness regimen no matter your age, size, or fitness level. Swimming is a low-impact workout suitable for the majority of people including those with arthritis, osteoporosis, and joint issues. Swimming doesn’t require any expensive equipment to start and you have access to a pool without leaving your neighborhood. Best of all, you get to beat the Florida heat! Please speak to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about how swimming may impact your body.

COOKING & COCKTAIL SERIES

The Perfect Pasta

Wednesday, September 13 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

$25 Per Member | Lifestyle Room

Your National Director of Food, Beverage & Culinary Experience, Patrick Scully, along with your local Lifestyle team invite you to join us for our next installment of the Cooking and Cocktail Series: The Perfect Pasta

This tasting experience will last approximately 1.5 hours and will include an engaging demonstration on how to prepare a homemade fettuccine with two accompanying sauce recipes. You will also learn tips and tricks on the culinary art of creating and rolling homemade dough into pastanoodle perfection and alternative ways to make pasta if you prefer a simpler approach! During the demonstration, you will enjoy samples of the featured items and volunteers may be requested. Take your newly acquired skills and try them at home for the perfect dinnertime (or breakfast, or lunch, we don’t judge!) delicacy.

Furry Friends Meet Emmett

LOVED BY THE GOODING FAMILY

Emmett is a 2-year-old Havanese that lives with Richard and Samantha Gooding. Emmett joined the Gooding family in a very special way. The Goodings lost their 13-year-old Havanese, Oliver, in November of 2021. They shared their loss with a Havanese group and it caught the attention of a breeder they had long admired. She reached out to offer condolences and to let us know that she had a litter of pups with one named Oliver!

This breeder had a long waiting list but felt in her heart that she could help the Goodings in their healing process by offering them one of the pups. They felt it was meant to be knowing that Emmett was born on the exact day as their previous fur baby took his last breath and that the breeder had named one Oliver. Emmett has given his family so much joy and they can’t imagine their lives without him.

Emmett has many friends in the Esplanade neighborhood and is looking forward to cooler days when he can take up pickleball! He loves car rides (especially to Starbucks), having friends and family visit, and snacking on bell peppers and Whimzee’s. Be sure to say hello next time you see Emmett in the neighborhood!

Trip Spotlight: Wildlife & Frontier Seattle to Seattle

Embark on an 11-day voyage to the heart of the last frontier—Alaska. From forested mountains to glacial bays, prepare to witness the majesty of nature. Watch out for bald eagles, breaching whales, and brown bears as you sail the tranquil waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Visit DestinationsByEsplanade.com and view “The Americas” on the Partner Trips tab to learn more. Don’t forget, you will need password “esplanade2023” to log in. Direct Link: journeys360travel. com/ere-member/wildlife-frontier-seattle-to-seattle

Exclusive Concierge Offerings

Part of the Esplanade Lifestyle is rolling out the red carpet and giving our Members VIP access to exclusive offers and services! We are excited to continue to build and foster these relationships with local organizations and businesses to offer special rates for our community. If you know of a business or organization that would like to partner with Esplanade at The Heights, please contact your Lifestyle Manager. As a part of our concierge offerings, Members can take advantage of special rates at the following establishments below. Contact your Lifestyle Manager for more details!

THE TROON CARD

As a benefit of living in an Esplanade community, we are excited to share that current Esplanade Members receive 25% off standard Troon Card prices. Now in its 25th year, the Troon Card is the ultimate way for golfers to experience the World of Troon at the best rates. In 2023, more than 150 courses are participating in the program. Members can reserve tee times within three-days of their desired date of play and enjoy savings up to 50% off golf fees. Choose from state, region-specific, or national Troon Cards to unlock preferred rates at more than 150 golf courses worldwide. For a complete list of benefits, courses and rates, and to purchase your Troon Card today, visit www.troon.com/product/troon-card-esplanade

PET SERVICES

DOGPERFECT

$40 off Perfect Club Membership (contact Lifestyle Manager for coupon) dogperfect.com

LUXURY PET SPA

Mobile Pet Grooming 10% off services.

Stanley: 941-330-3414

FOOD & BEVERAGE

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK

10% off order at the Bradenton location by mentioning Esplanade at checkout in store!

LAIRD SUPERFOOD PRODUCTS

Contact your Lifestyle Manager for a discount!

SIMPLY COFFEE

Cold brew delivery to your door! 20% off first month of a subscription. coldbrewdelivered.com

TWO CHEFS ON HILLVIEW

Local Gastronomy shop 20% off orders $40+ with code Esplanade twochefsonhillview.com

HOME SERVICES

ANT-SER PEST CONTROL

Members will receive 10% off initial services using the code: antserman. 941-877-0329 ant-ser.com

CUSTOM SMART HOME SERVICES

10% off orders under $2,000 and 5% off orders above $2,000. Fransua: 813-446 1979 or fransua@sjfcinemas.com

KINETIC KRAFTSMEN

Custom Outdoor Kitchens

10% off outdoor kitchens under 8 feet & 15% off over 8 feet trent@kinetickraftsmen.com

ZINGA’S

Blinds, Shutters, Shades, Outdoor Screen Shades and Awnings. 20% off your minimum purchase of $2500. Kathy Foddrill, 941-254-6514 kathyfoddrill@zingashome.com

STOP SLIP SOLUTIONS

Fix your slippery floors and patios with a 10% discount for Members!

Mary Ann Hollander stopslipsolutionsinc@gmail.com

WATER ACTIVITIES

BOAT TOURS SARASOTA

Use code Esplanade for 10% off your private, customizable, chartered pontoon boat to explore. 941-799-1863 boattourssarasota.com

KAYAKING SRQ

Enjoy 10% off everything (except private tours and paddle boarding) with our special code, “Esplanade.” kayakingsrq@gmail.com

kayakingsrq.com

MUSIC

FLETCHER MUSIC STUDIO

50% off of 6 weeks of music programs. 941-960-7486

TRAVEL

HEATHER ROEMBKE - YOUR PERSONAL TRAVEL ADVISOR

Contact Heather to find out the latest travel discounts! This month’s deal is aboard ICON of the Sea.

hroembke@gosmart.travel

Eileen & Arnie Fellman

The Members of our community are truly what make this a wonderful place to live. In each edition, we will spotlight a Member, couple or family to showcase the amazing people who call our community home. If you would like to be featured or want to nominate another Member, please contact your Lifestyle Manager.

Eileen and Arnie are newlyweds of two and a half years. They’ve lived in The Heights community for one and a half years and love the Lifestyle and camaraderie!

Arnie is a retired dermatologist and finds it challenging to disengage himself completely from medicine! His activities include playing pool with his new friends, lap swimming (good exercise for an octogenarian), playing flamenco guitar, piano (even teaching others how to play by ear), and is deep into digital painting with a side of acrylics.

Eileen is an accomplished artist working with watercolor and acrylics, a first-rate gardener doing great things with their Villa home and its berm surrounds, has great interior design skills, and enjoys cooking innovative and flavorful meals. They are both animal lovers, but without furry friends at this time of their lives. They belong to Art Centers Manatee and Sarasota, and are often featured in their exhibits. Check out some of their artwork below!

Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so join us in the campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer. Did you know one in eight women will develop breast cancer? While it is a much less common diagnosis in men, there are still around 2,400 cases every year.

While maintaining an overall healthy life can reduce risk of cancers, it is recommended to perform self-examinations monthly as well as keeping up-to-date with yearly exams with your doctor. Don’t put that mammogram off, it may save your life!

Recent Events

Bocce & BREWS

Our first Bocce & Brews event was a hit! Members were invited to bring their favorite suds and come for an evening of bocce, snacks, and friendship.

Memorial Day EVENT

Esplanade at The Heights honored fallen heroes with Taps played on Mt. Tumalo. Following Taps, Members were invited to join together at The Venue for food, music, and socializing.

Ice Cream SOCIAL

There’s nothing quite as sweet as an ice cream social! Members came together for ice cream cones with all the fixings, popsicles by Siesta Pop, and good old-fashioned root beer floats. It was the perfect way to beat the heat.

Upcoming Events

All activities and events are subject to change. For the full details, please visit esplanadeheightslifestyle.com/events.

COOKING & COCKTAIL SERIES: THE PERFECT PASTA

Wednesday, September 13 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | $25

Lifestyle Room

This tasting experience will last approximately 1.5 hours and will include an engaging demonstration on how to prepare a homemade fettuccine with two accompanying sauce recipes. You will also learn tips and tricks on the culinary art of creating and rolling homemade dough into pasta-noodle perfection and alternative ways to make pasta if you prefer a simpler approach! During the demonstration, you will enjoy samples of the featured items and volunteers may be requested.

DINK & DRINK PICKLEBALL SOCIAL

Wednesdays, September 20 & October 25 | 6 p.m.

Pickleball Courts

SEPTEMBER’S FIRST FRIDAY

Friday, September 1 | 6 - 8 p.m.

The Venue

Let’s welcome fall and the start of Labor Day weekend with this First Friday party! Bring a dish to share and your favorite beverage to enjoy live music, food, and games. Please register on the community website if you plan to attend.

BINGO NIGHT

Wednesday, September 6 & Monday, October 9 | 6 p.m.

The Venue

Feeling lucky? Plan a night with friends playing bingo. This is a fun filled event with low stakes and high excitement. No need to buy cards or daubers, just bring your lucky charms and play for fun prizes. Register early, as this event fills up fast!

YAPPY HOUR

Sundays, September 17 & October 22 | 5 p.m.

Sales Gallery Lanai

Wag your way down to the Sales Gallery Lanai for this dog-friendly social hour. Let those pups socialize while you do the same. Snacks for dogs and their humans will be provided. For the October Yappy Hour, feel free to show us your pet’s adorable Halloween costume! Please register so we know how many treats to bring!

What better way to cool off after an evening of pickleball than grabbing a cold drink? Pickleball Pro, Brad Chase will be on the courts to teach the basics for beginners or more advanced skills for our experienced players. All levels are welcome for this fun social. It’s a great way to check out why pickleball is so popular! The cost is $10 per participant. Registration is required.

BOCCE NIGHT

Mondays, September 25 & October 23 | 7 p.m. Bocce Courts

Grab a six pack of your favorite suds and come to the Bocce Courts for some friendly competition. Meet new friends, have a tasty beverage, and play some bocce. Space is limited, so teams may have to be rotated. Cornhole will be set up as well to keep everyone having a blast. Coolers, ice, bug spray, water, and snacks will be provided.

Upcoming Events

All activities and events are subject to change. For the full details, please visit esplanadeheightslifestyle.com/events.

TRIVIA NIGHT

Friday, September 29 | 6 p.m.

The Venue

Put on your thinking cap, grab your favorite drink, and come to The Venue for Trivia Night! Feel free to assemble your own team of 8 or less, or we are happy to make teams for you.

SIGNATURE EVENT: ESPLANADE IN COLOR

Friday, October 6 | 6 - 9 p.m.

The Venue

Register for The Height’s next Signature Event: Esplanade in Color. Peer through the kaleidoscopic lens of life in vivid color! Flashy entertainment, splashy drinks and rich flavors are sure to make this event POP!

DIY CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Monday, October 16 | 7 p.m.

The Venue

Join local chef Frank Imbarlina from Two Chefs on Hillview for a class on how to build an amazing charcuterie board. No need to bring supplies, just bring your favorite drink! Please see your community website for ticket prices and registration.

Monthly Member Meetings

MONSTER MASH

Tuesday, October 31 | 6 - 8 p.m.

The Venue

Let’s do the monster mash! Join us at The Venue on Halloween night to have some fun and hang with friends. Bring a Halloween themed dish and your favorite drink. Costumes are highly encouraged but not required. This event will take the place of November’s First Friday, but don’t worry, First Friday will return after the New Year!

ESPLANADE 101

Tuesdays, September 12 & October 10 10 a.m. | Go-To Virtual Meeting

Join your Community Association Manager and your Lifestyle Manager every second Tuesday of the month for a New Homeowner informational meeting.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Sep 19 at 10 a.m. | Oct 17 at 6 p.m. Lifestyle Room

Join your Community Association Manager every third Tuesday of the month to discuss community specific updates and items regarding your HOA.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION

Thursdays, September 21 & October 19 10 a.m. | Lifestyle Room

Join your Lifestyle Manager every third Thursday for Coffee and Conversation to discuss the unique programming of your Esplanade at The Heights Lifestyle.

Interest Groups & Social Clubs

Doing more of what makes us happy is called the key to life by many. Share your passion and take the first step by attending or creating a club/group today.

Meet fellow Members with similar interests by creating or joining an interest group or club! Your Lifestyle Manager will assist in coordinating the available times and locations available for your club or interest group to meet at the Resort Amenity. All groups and clubs must be open to any Member of the community who is interested in joining. To receive an application or for more information about creating a club or interest group, please contact your Lifestyle Manager. Check out the current clubs below!

BUNCO

Thursdays, September 28 & October 26 | 6:30 p.m.

Lifestyle Room

Bunco Club is a great way to meet Members of the community! Due to the game’s restrictions, new Members are added in increments of four to ensure that each game can be played correctly. This club is limited to a maximum of 20 people, so early, monthly registration is required. Once the monthly attendance limit is reached, the other registrants will be placed on a waiting list and will be contacted if an opening becomes available. Registration is handled directly through club leader, Janet Powell at powe6854@bellsouth.net or 407-4888270. If you are interested in joining or need to cancel your position for the month, please contact Janet as early as possible. (Registration closes September 22 and October 19.)

BOOK CLUB

Quarterly Meetings | Wednesday, October 11 | 6:30 p.m. Lifestyle Room

Do you have a passion for reading and a desire for stimulating discussion with neighbors? Join us at our next meeting. All are welcome! Our chosen books are Daughters of the Flower Fragrant Garden by Zhuging Li and Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy. Please register your interest with club leader Rose Arnone at rose@dellarosadesigns.com or 818-519-0211 (call/text).

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH CLUB

Fridays, September 22 & October 27 | 6:30 p.m.

Lifestyle Room

This club is a fun and easy way to get to know the Members of the community! Each month, a Member hosts the club at The Venue and provides that month’s featured cocktail! Contact Jacquie Smith at smithj2553@gmail.com if you would like to join. (Registration closes on September 15 and October 20.)

DINNER DIVAS

Thursdays, September 21 & October 19 | 6 p.m.

Drift Kitchen and Bar (September) | Swordfish Grill (October)

Open to all Esplanade ladies and a great way to meet people! Get to know the dinner scene of our Sarasota / Bradenton lifestyle. Contact Merry Mathes at merry.mathes@gmail.com to register. Registration will close one week prior to event (September 14 and October 12).

LADIES LUNCH BUNCH

Thursdays, September 14 & October 12 | 12 p.m. Tommy Bahamas | 300 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota (September) Dry Dock Waterfront Grill | 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Long Boat Key (October)

This club is open to all Esplanade ladies and is a great way to meet your neighbors and get a taste of the Sarasota/Bradenton cuisine! Please contact Nicole Bowman at bowmanic@gmail.com each month if you would like to join. *Reminder: If you do not register within the time frame, you will not be included within the reservation count (please register by Thursdays, September 7 and October 5).

WINE CLUB

Thursday, September 14 & Tuesday, October 24 | 6 p.m. Lifestyle Room

The Wine Club is a great way to learn more about wine in a social and fun way. Each month a different theme is selected by the group and Aaron, the club leader, coordinates the wine purchase. Tasting notes are compared and wines, grapes, and regions are explored. Contact club leader, Aaron Kerr, at ack162@gmail.com for more information. Registration will close one week prior to the meeting.

Giving Back

We know that the Members are passionate about connecting with the local community through philanthropic opportunities and charitable giving. Your Lifestyle team is continuously working to include and share volunteer and donation opportunities so you can give back to your community. If there are any special causes or charities you would like to support, please contact your Lifestyle Manager Hayley Smith at Hayley. Smith@TeamEsplanade.com so we can share it in an upcoming edition of the Lifestyle magazine.

July’s volunteer opportunity invited Members to clean up local beaches after Fourth of July celebrations as part of the Keep Sarasota Beautiful initiative. In August, Members came together to pack bags full of school supplies for local kids in need during the Backpack Brigade by the Tiny Hands Foundation.

Keep an eye on your inbox for future volunteer opportunities!

Around Town

“SHOUT IT OUT - CANCER-FREE!” BENEFIT CONCERT

Saturday, September 16 | 7 p.m.

SCF Neel Performing Arts Center | 5840 26th St W, Bradenton

This special night will feature Truality Gospel Band and Friends as we celebrate our Founder and Music Director, Dennis Clove’s, victory over prostate cancer and raise funds and awareness to aid in providing care, support and resources to cancer fighters and their families battling this disease, everyday, right here in our community. A portion of all proceeds from the concert will benefit Team Tony Cancer Foundation and Sarasota Prostate Initiative. For more information, visit onthestage.tickets/show/neel-performing-arts-center

MUSIC ON MAIN

Fridays, September 1 & October 6 | 6 - 9 p.m. Main Street | 8100 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton

Music on Main is a free concert series and block party with local food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids (presented by Grace Community Church). Proceeds from the event will benefit a different local non-profit organization each month. It’s a ton of fun, plus it’s all for a good cause! September features Taylor Opie Band with a soulful, funky, and engaging sound and October brings RJ Howson & Friends with groovin’ originals and classic sounds. For more information, visit lakewoodranch.com/ music-on-main

FALL FETE HOLIDAY MARKET

Saturday & Sunday, October 14 & 15 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Manatee County Fairgrounds | 1402 14th Ave. W, Palmetto

Join in a festive celebration of the season, inspired by Florida’s finest merchants, artists, and collectors. Scavengers Marketplace is pleased to present its second weekend indoor/outdoor market in Florida. You’ll find unique, hand-crafted, re-purposed, and re-imagined treasures. Enjoy live music, Food Truck fare while shopping 100+ vendors. This family-friendly event will have kids’ activities, a pumpkin patch, face painting, and a visit from Santa. For more information, visit fallfeteholidaymarket.com

The Spa Retreat

Organic. Artisanal. Inspired by You

Grounded in our approach to holistic wellness, Esplanade is delighted to introduce our new private label bath, body, and home collection, The Spa Retreat, featuring Esplanade’s signature Coconut, Lime, + Verbena scent, crafted exclusively for our Esplanade Members. From lotions, candles, reed diffusers, linen spray, aromatherapy, body washes, and scrubs, these artisanal products are natural, organic and vegan, and formulated without parabens, sulfates, harsh chemicals, or phthalates. Each blend has been created to nourish your mind, body, and spirit, restoring your balance and energy.

Our Signature Scent

A captivating fusion of fresh coconut, lime and invigorating verbena soothed by vanilla with sweet notes of citrus on a background of musk and sandalwood. Our scent creates an uplifting atmosphere, thanks to its naturally light and breezy notes. We hope Coconut, Lime + Verbena will become synonymous with bringing you a calm spirit and renewed energy. To browse the full collection, please contact your Lifestyle team or order online at ShopEsplanade.com

THE SPA

Creating a Bee Garden

Bees are pollinators and incredibly important wildlife. Bees visit flowers to feed on nectar and gather pollen to feed their young. In doing so bees spread some of that pollen and fertilize or “pollinate” the flowers, which then form seeds that become the next generation of plants. Those seeds are often packaged in fruits, berries and nuts that then become food for other animals, from birds to reptiles to mammals (including us). Those animals then disperse the seeds away from the parent plant in their droppings, which serve as fertilizer. Here are four things you can do in your own yard or other garden space to support native bees:

1) Plant Natives;

2) Reduce the Size of Your Lawn; 3) Stop Using Pesticides; and 4) Offer Nesting Habitat. To read the full article and learn more, visit blog.nwf.org/2023/06/creating-a-bee-garden

Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Soup with Thyme, Pecans, and Crème Fraîche

Culinary CreationsAT

HOME

Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 50 min |

Serving Size: 6 - 8

INGREDIENTS

» 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced

» 3 granny smith apples, peeled and diced

» 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

» Kosher salt

» 1 red onion, chopped

» 1 large shallot, chopped

» 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped, plus a few extra sprigs for garnish

» 4 cups good quality store-bought chicken stock

» 1 (8 ounce) container crème fraîche

» 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar

» Pinch cayenne pepper

» ½ cup pecans, ground fine in a food processor

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two large baking sheets and one small baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread chopped butternut squash in a single, even layer on the two large baking trays. Spread chopped apple in a single layer on the

small baking sheet. Drizzle squash and apples with 2-3 tablespoons olive oil. Season generously with Kosher salt and toss to coat. Roast squash in oven for 20-30 minutes, until tender. Roast apples for only 15-20 minutes, until tender.

2. In a large stockpot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add red onion and shallot, season with Kosher salt, and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes. Add roasted squash, roasted apple, thyme, and stock. Season with Kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

3. Using an immersion blender, blend soup until very smooth. Alternatively, place soup in a blender (in batches if necessary), and blend until smooth (just be sure to securely hold top on blender with hot soup in there).

4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine crème fraîche, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Season with Kosher salt.

5. When ready to serve, divide soup between bowls, top with a dollop of crème fraîche, and sprinkle with ground pecans. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired. Devour immediately.

EsplanadeHeightsLifestyle.com