50+Living October 2022

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Think Inside the Box

Wine in boxes? Not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a well-set table. But is that really its purpose? While early versions of boxed wine suffered from fledgling technology, the future is here! Boxed wine is aimed at the “drink now” wine market, as opposed to wines for cellaring, while also offering environmental benefits, quality, and value.

At Metro Wines, while we have many boxed wines, one of my favorite bottled wines, Chateau Coupe Roses from Minervois, just hit the shelf – in a box!

Minervois, located in Languedoc, France, takes its name from Minerve, a village 25 miles from the Mediterranean. The village is named after the Greek goddess Minerva. Local cave paintings tell us the area was inhabited more than 8000 years ago and archaeological evidence shows that wine making here dates back to early Roman times.

By Gina Trippi

Don’t assume that boxed wines are less expensive because of lower quality. The fact is that there is less overhead. Bottling wine is an archaic process with glass, corks and foils making bottles costly. And packaging materials to prevent breakage, make bottles heavy to ship. With glass being a victim of the current supply chain snafu, becoming less available and more expensive, there is no time like now to buy the box!

How is the wine “boxed?” The wine is contained, like most foods you buy, in a food-grade plastic bag. This safe, non-toxic bag does not influence the flavor of the wine. In fact, this method may actually insure quality. Leak proof, air tight packaging instead of a cork avoids a bottle becoming “corked’’, a problem that affects 10% of all bottles. And, you don’t need a corkscrew!

The convenient, unbreakable box is perfect for hiking, travel, parties or single servings. And, once opened, the wine has a longer lifespan than a bottle. In most cases, a bottle, even with a screw top to avoid the effects of air, lasts about 5 days in the refrigerator. A boxed wine can last a good six weeks.

The vineyards are sited in a climate zone similar to the Mediterranean. The main varietals grown are Carignan, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Minervois produces red wines with good aging potential generally defined by a soft and velvety palate with silky tannins and ripe fruit aromas.

Chateau Coupe Roses has been in the Le Calvez family since 1614. Situated on the high plateau around Minerve, the estate is managed by Francoise Le Calvez and her husband, oenologist Pascal Fissant. They farm their 16 acres according to ecological principles and all vineyards are hand-harvested.

This wine is 60% Carignan and 40% Grenache from highaltitude sites rich in limestone and garrigue, low growing herbal vegetation including juniper, thyme, rosemary and lavender. These flavors are captured in the glass together with blueberry notes underpinned by Carignan’s tarry black fruit.

So many reasons to buy the box but my favorite is that swinging pet tails can do no harm!

Metro Wines Asheville

Charlotte Street! It’s the Next BIG Thing! “Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service” 828-575-9525 | metrowinesasheville.com

Are you looking for Luxury Living just outside the bustle of city life? The sellers are pleased to present this well appointed custom built home on 1.7 acres in a park-like meticulously landscaped setting - it is a must see! Just 3.5 miles from Omni Grove Park and up the drive from Beaver Lake and Asheville Country Club this beautiful home is well planned with many desired upgrades including a porch natural gas fireplace, touch faucet in kitchen, hot tub hookup on lower porch, and full house Generac Generator. $1,499,000

How CBD Oil Can Help Older Adults

Aging can present certain problems as the body changes. You may find that you have more aches and pains than you did when you were younger or that you are unable to do certain things that you once found easy. If you are having physical or mental health issues as you get older, CBD oil may be a tool you can use to solve those problems. CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant, but it does not include the psychoactive properties of marijuana. Many people have found that this oil makes them feel better physically and mentally. Here are some ways CBD oil may be able to help you as you age.

Better Sleep

Good sleep is essential to health, and many people find that they have trouble sleeping as they get older. Taking CBD oil before bed may be able to calm your mind and help you get a good night’s rest.

Reduced Pain

Many people have found success in using CBD oil as a treatment for painful joints and other pain in the body. Whether you deal with arthritis, back pain, or some other kind of pain, you may find that taking this oil will help reduce or eliminate it.

Less Anxiety

CBD oil can also help with mental health problems like anxiety. Taking this oil can help keep you calm and relaxed at times when you feel overwhelmed by stress.

Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be a health problem for older adults, and many seniors are on medication to treat this condition. For many patients, CBD oil is a natural treatment that can lower blood pressure. It can be used with traditional medication or on its own.

Fewer Cancer Treatment Side Effects

CBD oil has been found to be especially beneficial to people who suffer from cancer and have side effects due to chemotherapy and other treatments. Using this oil can help eliminate side effects as well as reduce their severity.

If you find that you are having problems with your physical or mental health as you age, CBD oil may be the right answer for you. Consult your healthcare provider prior use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have any medical conditions.

How to Channel ANGER into Productivity

If you’ve ever experienced anger, you know how overwhelming the feeling can be. The rage builds inside you until you feel like you will burst! Anger is a powerful emotion, but also a positive one if you know how to manage it. But what you may not know is that anger can be a valuable tool that can help you take action towards a goal and even inspire you to make the world a better place.

Turn Anger into Positive Action

Anger has gotten a bad rap over the years, and for good reason. It’s hard to feel comfortable with something so negative. But contrary to popular belief, feeling angry can be a good thing. You feel angry when something impedes your progress or when there’s social injustice. It could be something as minor as being stuck in traffic or observing someone mistreated through no fault of their own. You think it isn’t fair. That’s not a bad thing; it shows you care. It also means you’re not indifferent to what goes on around you, and are concerned about making things better, rather than merely accepting the injustices that you see around you.

Some of the greatest changes in the world have come from people who were overcome with anger by an injustice they witnessed. Rather than simply being angry, they channeled it into action that led to positive change. Without anger or another strong emotion, there might not be an overwhelming motivation to take action. You can’t have action without anger, but you certainly can have anger without action. So, one way to turn anger into productivity is to turn anger into energy, vitality, and passion. Is there a way to take something that angers you and turn it into something positive that benefits you and others?

Find the Root Cause of Your Anger

To turn anger into productivity and action, you have to get to the root cause of your anger. If you don’t, you won’t know what action to take. Does your anger stem from a work-related problem, or is it something someone did at home? If a specific person triggered the anger, talking about it is the next step. Face the person and make them aware of your anger.

The worst thing you can do is hide your anger and pretend everything is fine. That only makes things worse in the long run, because you internalize your rage and anger, and that can lead to resentment and future health problems. Talk to the other person and explain what you’re frustrated with. Don’t blame it on them, but open up a line of conversation. It’s amazing how productive talking can be once you sit down and agree to communicate. Issues are easier to deal with once you get them out in the open. Expose them to the light of day.

Now Take Action

At this point, you should have a clear idea of exactly what you can do to fix the situation that you’re angry about. The only thing left to do now is act. This is where productive anger comes in. Taking action towards a goal will help you channel your anger into something productive, rather than feeling frustrated and helpless. Achieving this one goal will empower you, and it will urge you forward on a new path for future goals.

Don’t let yourself get stuck in a rut and drown in anger and negativity, because once you do that, you’re halfway to giving up. Even worse, the anger you feel will smolder inside you and resurface at a future time. The sooner you address your anger, the better it is for your mental health. Make a plan on how to handle your anger. If it involves talking to the party or parties you’re angry with, do it. If it’s a social injustice, is there a way to make positive change?

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is powerful! It can save you from expensive healthcare. Minding your health in small ways will help you support your mind and body when you’re angry or frustrated. When you’re enraged or stressed, quality sleep and stress management are even more important. Anger activates stress hormones that cause a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. In fact, studies show anger increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, and there’s scientific proof of that.

Anger isn’t healthy for your heart or your brain. Getting adequate sleep helps lower the stress hormone cortisol. Studies also show that stress management techniques like mindfulness meditation and yoga can lower stress hormones too. Walking outdoors in nature also has a calming effect on your mind and body. Don’t neglect self-care practices when you’re angry. That’s when you need them most!

The Bottom Line

Anger is a universal emotion; everyone feels it at some time or another, whether it’s directed toward colleagues, family members, or injustices in the world. The key is to channel it into productivity, but also take care of yourself and your own needs.

References:

“Anger | Psychology Today.” psychologytoday.com/us/basics/anger.

“Anger management: 10 tips to tame your temper - Mayo Clinic.” 29 Feb. 2020, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20045434.

“Controlling Anger -- Before It Controls You.” apa.org/topics/anger/control.

“Anger: Heartbreaking at any age - Harvard Health.” 01 Sept. 2006, health.harvard.edu/heart-health/anger-heartbreaking-at-any-age.

Fun Fall Bucket List

that time of year again. The leaves are turning brilliant colors, the air is getting cooler, and people are preparing for bonfires and apple butter. What better way to enjoy the fall than with a bucket list of fun activities? So grab your spouse, kids, or friends and check out fun ideas that should be on your fall bucket list. Which will you try first?

It’s

Apple picking

Apple picking is a great activity for the whole family. Bite into some right away and store the rest for later for apple pie or apple cider. Apple picking is also a satisfying way for kids to get outside and for the whole family to get some exercise.

The younger set will have fun exploring the tree farm and playing in their hay wagon while also learning about different types of trees and plants. Plus, apples are a nutrient-dense, high-fiber snack for all ages.

Go pumpkin picking and carving

Fall is pumpkin time! So, pick up some pumpkins from the pumpkin patch. If you’re feeling ambitious, carve your own jack-o’-lanterns and use them for Halloween decorations. Carving pumpkins is a Halloween tradition and an easy, fun activity for the whole family. All you need is a pumpkin, a sharp knife, and a little creativity.

If you don’t feel comfortable free-handing the carving, tape a stencil to the top of your pumpkin and use it as a guide as you cut. You can also make your own stencil by drawing a design on paper with a pencil or pen, then tracing over it with a black marker, so that the lines are visible when they transfer onto the surface of your pumpkin.

If you don’t want to spend time creating elaborate designs by yourself, use a pumpkin carving kit. These kits come with templates for all kinds of cute shapes

(like pumpkins), as well as step-by-step instructions on how to use them.

You could also make pumpkin lanterns by painting pumpkins with white paint, letting them dry, and sealing them with a clear coat. Don’t forget that unpainted pumpkins are a healthy food, rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant. So, celebrate the nutritional benefit of pumpkin by making a batch of pumpkin soup!

Throw a fall-themed party

Autumn can also be party time. Decorate your home with fall decorations such as gourds, corn stalks, and pumpkins, and invite friends or family over for a fall party complete with a fall-themed menu (pumpkin pie, anyone?), games, and crafts. Play Halloween music while decorating cookies or make a batch of apple cider donuts. Bonus points if you have an outdoor fire pit where everyone can gather for s’mores.

Take a hayride

Hayrides are a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, get exercise and fresh air, soak up vitamin D, and obtain all the other benefits of spending time in nature. They’re also a great way to bond with family and friends while enjoying an outdoor activity that can take place almost anywhere. Bring Fido, too!

Visit a corn maze

A corn maze is a field of corn modified to form a puzzle. To solve the puzzle, you must find your way through the maze to the end. Usually, there are signs along the way that will help you decide which paths to take.

Navigating through a corn maze is fun for all ages. The whole family can enjoy getting lost in a corn maze together. Finding your way out of a corn maze is a great bonding experience. You can also compete or try to beat your best time.

Online, you can find websites dedicated to helping people find local attractions such as corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and more.

Go on a nature walk

Nature walks can boost the mental and physical health of your entire family. What are the benefits of a fall nature walk?

• The fresh air can help you breathe better, sleep better, and reduce stress.

• They’re a fun way to exercise while enjoying your surroundings.

• It’s a way to meet new people and socialize with friends or family members.

• If you’re feeling down, spending time outside can lift your mood.

Try taking a nature walk with the whole family first thing in the morning and watch the sun come up as you stroll. In the fall, the main benefit, of course, is viewing the beautiful changing leaves.

Visit a haunted house

Haunted houses offer a chance to get scared and scream, but it’s also an opportunity to test your bravery, which is something everyone should do at least once in their lives. Even if you don’t like horror movies and think they’re too scary, haunted houses are more fun than frightening.

How can you find one? Search for haunted houses on Google or Bing. Type in “haunted tours” and “haunted houses” and see what comes up. Also, look for events that include haunted attractions. If you live near an amusement park, check their website for Halloween events.

Take advantage of local resources too. This is a great way to find out about private homes offering tours for the night of Halloween.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these ideas give you inspiration for your fall bucket list. Whether you want to spend time with loved ones or just need a change of pace, there are plenty of exciting ways to have fun this autumn. There’s nothing like enjoying fun seasonal activities with friends and family. What is your favorite activity to do in the fall?

It takes the Strength of aWoman...

Homemade Pumpkin Spice

Combine

For a taste of Fall flavors, this fragrant pies, pancakes, roasted fall veggies, lattes, your carved pumpkin!

Local Music Makers

Spotlight on Kim Butler: The Little Woman with the Big Bass

By Peggy Ratusz

Imet Kim Butler serendipitously to say the least, just before lockdown 2020. We were randomly selected by the organizers of a fundraiser for Girls Rock Asheville, to be in an all-female band together. We were into the 4th or 5th week of rehearsals which was to culminate into a huge concert featuring 5 or 6 other all-female bands (that were also randomly thrown together and rehearsing), when corona came to town. Though the concert never happened, my acquaintance and friendship with multi-instrumentalist, go-getter and talented one, Kim Butler did.

I’ve welcomed my share of newcomer musicians to this town over the past 20 years, but I’ve not witnessed anyone quite as tenacious as Butler. A cool demeanor on the outside but underneath is a fiery feline fretless bass player who simmers on stage. She’s admired for always being prepared, rehearsed and on time.

In just a few truly ‘short’ years Kim is leader of or acting member of three major music groups in the area: The Lads, Municipal Surf Group and Blueridge Jazzway. I sent her a series of questions she answers that will help us learn more

about these groups and this Phenom they call “the little woman with the big bass.”

You moved to Asheville from where & why & with who? I spent the majority of my life in what Philly peeps call the “Tri-State” area.

I was disillusioned with the direction of my musical life and at the same time I was struggling with alcohol addiction. I made the decision to get sober in February of 2019. I also made the decision to leave the longtime musical ensemble I was playing lead guitar for, to romance my first love: the bass guitar.

It was during this time that I met my partner Heather Schalk. She accepted an offer to become HR director at Warren Wilson College and so we began the next chapter of our lives, moving here to Asheville in December, 2019.

How did you infiltrate the music community once you got here?

Oddly, I have a friend in Rehoboth, DE, Bunky Markert, who is friends with Asheville musical luminaries,

© Elliot Schwartz Photography

Sally Sparks and Al Schlimm. They introduced me to a few peeps and I started going to the Sunday jam at Asheville Guitar Bar. There I met Mr. Jimmy, Linda Mitchell and Tim Williams.

In order to get noticed, I would bring my 1976 Fender fretless Precision. I loved watching people’s faces when they realized that, yes I could actually play it.

Tell us about The Lads style of music & how that band was born?

July 2020 I received a message on Facebook from David Irvine who had been following me on Facebook. He invited me to come hear his duo “The Lads” which also featured guitarist extraordinaire David Tarpley. I liked what I heard; we jammed a few times and -voila! The Lads became a trio. Then we added drummer, Stephanie Irvine and we now come in 3 sizes: duo, trio or full band. We play a wide variety of material from classic rock, to country, blues, pop. We cover artists like The Allman Bros, David Bowie, The BeeGees, Bonnie Raitt, John Prine, Linda Ronstadt and Tom Petty.

How did Jazzway & MSG bands get started & who are the members?

I was a “closet” jazz fan and loved to listen but always assumed it was beyond my ability. And then two things happened in 2021-2022:

#1-I began going to area jazz jams, met Jason DeCristofaro and Ray Ring, and actually started sitting in. In January of 2022, Jason & Ray asked me to join them in creating MSGMunicipal Surf Group, a trio that plays mostly original surf/jazz themed songs written by Ray, along with some covers of classic surf songs. #2-In the summer of 2021 I met Jim Fielder. Jim is the original bass player and a founding member of Blood Sweat and Tears. He’s become a great friend who has been instrumental (pun fully intended) in helping me find the confidence to play jazz.

In February of 2022, Mark & Julia Goldthwaite, owners of Asheville Guitar Bar, asked me to develop a jazz & swing night. I started the six-piece jazz band Blue Ridge Jazzway, featuring Linda Wolf & Gary Rodberg on saxes, Ron LaPointe on drums and Dan Newsom on keys. As much as I was enjoying playing jazz bass, I decided that we needed Fielder instead and thus I would play guitar.

When did you discover you wanted to play music?

My dad loved Frank Sinatra, Louie Armstrong, Count Basie, so there was always music in the home. My parents started me on a “beginner guitar” when I was 6 years old, which had plastic strings and a Bakelite body. They said that if I could play that guitar, then they would get me a real onewhich I did and subsequently, they did.

Who were your mentors & musical influences?

My first mentor was a neighbor who lived around the block from us back in PA, a guy named Ray Woolley. He was older

than me, and I used to go over to his house, watch him play guitar, and listen to Duane Eddy and Johnny Rivers records. A few years later I discovered Wes Montgomery, Walter Page, Carole Kaye, Duck Dunn, Paul McCartney, John Entwhistle, Larry Graham, Peter Frampton…and some guy from Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Who do you listen to for pleasure? For healing? For inspiration? For pleasure nothing beats Sinatra. Inspiration? I’ve always loved Carole King, especially the classic Goffin & King material from their days at Aldon Music. Joni Mitchell has been a big inspiration. For healing, I could listen to Court & Spark on an endless loop…

How do you approach choosing new & learning new songs?

In The Lads, we have a back & forth via email, everyone does their “homework” and we’ll do a trial run at sound checks. With MSG, it’s Ray who comes up with material. He and I will get together and hash out the basics. Then we’ll try it out at the next gig. As for BRJazzway, we actually DO rehearse a few hours every other week. Periodically, I play with bluesman Jim Anderson aka “Mr. Jimmy”-and we NEVER rehearse; just show up and play!

What is it about performing that keeps you pursuing opportunities to play?

There was a time in my life when I stopped playing completely-did not even touch a guitar or bass-for almost 10 years. At that time, my mom had Alzheimer’s and I was her primary caretaker. I became overwhelmed and I couldn’t find space to include music. It took me a while to get the chops back-and I vowed I’d never do that again. Now I can’t get enough playing time. I am forever indebted to audiences everywhere-as well as all of my bandmates-for making it easy for me to perform.

Upcoming shows:

Thurs Oct 6th

Asheville Guitar Bar, Blueridge Jazzway feat singer, Reggie Headen

Fri Oct 7th

Frog Level Brewing, Waynesville, The Lads

Fri Oct 28th

The Root Bar, Municipal Surf Group

Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach, song interpreter, and songwriter. For vocal coaching email her at peggymarie43@gmail.com

Benefits of Moving into a Planned Retirement Community

You have made many decisions during your life, from where to go to school and what career path to pursue to where to live and who to marry. You have also decided to work hard, to save your money, to invest well and finally to retire.

Now there is just one big decision left, and the choice you make now could have a profound impact on your life and how you live out your second act. Now that you are happily retired, you may be thinking about trading out of the home you know and love and trading into a planned retirement community.

So should you make the leap to a planned retirement living community, or should you stay where you are as you live out your golden years? As with so many previous

decisions, there are a number of factors to consider, and here are some things you will want to think about carefully.

Do You Want to Be Surrounded by Your Peers?

If you long to be surrounded by your similarly retired peers, moving into a planned retirement living community could be just the thing. When you make the move you will gain access to dozens of potential new friends, contemporaries who grew up in the same time periods and understand the unique challenges that help make life so special.

On the other hand, not all retirees are anxious to restrict their social circles in this way. Some elderly men and

women would rather surround themselves with people from all generations, reveling in their youthful energy while hopefully imparting some of their wisdom and life experience along the way.

In the end only you can make that decision. You will need to think carefully about what you want to do in retirement, how you plan to spend your days and what will await you when you either move to a retirement community or stay in your own home.

Have Maintenance Chores Become Too Taxing?

One of the most oft-touted benefits of living in a planned retirement living community is freedom from the maintenance that can make life in the suburbs so

difficult. Many retirees would rather spend their days on a perfectly manicured golf course than caring for their own lawn. They would rather spend their winters at a ski resort, rather than digging out their driveway after yet another snowstorm.

On the other hand some retirees find that they do not mind those household chores, especially now that they have so much extra time on their hands. Instead of avoiding the lawnmower, they may actually spend more time in the yard, planting a garden or creating amazing displays of wildflowers in an underutilized portion of the lawn.

Once again only you can make this decision. Before you move into a planned retirement living community, you might want to spend some time maintaining your property to see if it is indeed too taxing. If so, the choice will become clearer. If not, you might choose to stay right where you are.

Are You Comfortable with the Restrictions?

Last but certainly not least it is important to understand the restrictions you may face if you decide to move into a planned retirement community. While every community is different, some senior housing developments impose restrictions on what residents can do with their properties and even who is allowed to stay in their homes.

You may, for instance, not be allowed to have the grandkids stay all summer, especially if the development is designed exclusively for senior citizens. If you are comfortable with these kinds of restrictions, moving into a planned retirement living community could be perfect for your lifestyle. If not, you might want to consider your other options.

Deciding where you want to live in retirement is not always an easy thing to do, but it is nothing compared to the hard work you have put in to make it here. With decades of hard work and dedication behind you, now is the time to kick back and relax, and you can do just that once you have made this next critical life decision.

Colorful Fall Flavors For Brain Health

by Laurie Richardone

As much as I feel sadness to not have a perfectly vine ripened juicy tomato tart, until next summer, there is much to look forward to!

It’s time, once again, to discover all the delicious and creative ways to enhance cognitive health with the tastes of autumn.

You will find that fall flavors not only pack a lot of comfort, and infuse us with sweet smelling joyous memories, they also offer tremendous benefits for the brain and our overall well being. That’s reason enough to be excited about this season’s ingredients.

It’s not surprising that the wisdom of nature matches the colors of fall foods: Reds, oranges, tans, some yellow, and even green. How cool is that? So, get ready for some creative cooking as we meld into the harvest of the autumn season with nourishing ingredients. Eating with the seasons can be just the tonic we are looking for, to have us feel our best, in the cooler months to come.

Besides the tantalizing smell and marvelous tastes of roasted apples, baked pumpkins, and grilled brussel sprouts with fresh cranberries, another reason to enjoy them this fall is their contribution to brain health. One of the most important nutrients found in these delectable edibles is the omega-3 fatty acid which is known to improve memory.

Along with the years of study done to improve mental fitness, I wholeheartedly believe taking care of our brain health in our golden years is crucial to living a life of vitality. A wonderful reward to that is; it can be luscious and gratifying. All it takes is a little intention, the right nibbles, and the tenacity to get those hiking shoes on, wouldn’t hurt.

Reclaim Your Health With Nature’s Farmacy Seasonal Brain Foods To Boost Focus And Memory… Yes Please

• Apples: Did you know that research shows that the phytonutrients found in apples are primarily concentrated in the fruit’s skin, (which is another great reason to eat organically grown when you can). Avoid peeling your apples as the skin provides neurological benefits.

• Pumpkins: Pumpkins are probably the most popular fall flavor, with good reason, since it contains minerals that boost cognitive function. Who knew! Pumpkin contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are nutrients that are excellent at boosting memory recall. Plus, the seeds are proven to help boost your mood, something we could all use a dose of.

• Winter Squash: Fall is synonymous with squash. Acorn squash and butternut are two of the varieties with high amounts of antioxidants. All the winter squashes have health benefits.

• Brussels sprouts, apples, broccoli, winter squash, and dark green leafy vegetables, were most highly associated with cognitive support.

• Add Berries and Nuts to your favorite dishes, as they have high amounts of antioxidants which are known to improve your cognitive health. When roasted , they add a nice crunch and punch to a recipe.

Cooking Tips In The Kitchen

• Lightly steam your orange veggies to hold in the beneficial nutrients, and combine them with a healthy fat for optimal benefits. That could be olive, coconut, or avocado oil. Slice some avocados in at the end with a squeeze of lime, lemon or other citrus to marry contrasting flavors with the vegetables.

• Steam or roast broccoli, brussel sprouts, and kale, as they are all nourishing compounds considered to be neuroprotection. Drizzle with beneficial fats for extra flavor, like walnut oil, hazelnut oil,or Ghee (clarified butter).

• Sprinkle a handful of healthy fats for contrasting textures with toasted walnuts, almonds, pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Kick it up a notch by adding a good pinch of your favorite spices, like turmeric, ginger or cinnamon. Slice in some apples, dried cranberries, or creamy medjool dates. You are then ready for a delectable nutritious dish that will not disappoint. It will feel like autumn has arrived on your plate.

To your good health

If you are a curious cook or person, join me on my Podcast ~ A taste for All Seasons ~ Listen to the latest episode, A Word On Having Purpose In Life ~ Get tips in the kitchen. New Seasonal Recipes: https://www.laurierichardone.com/recipes All shows on LaurieRichardone.com ~ or wherever you listen to your podcasts. We talk to farmers, wellness experts, and artisans, where you learn how to cook and live within the wisdom of the seasons.

Learn how to make scrumptious dishes, with our online cooking class series ~ Gluten - Free Italian Cooking ~ @LaurieRichardone.com

Laurie Richardone is an inspirational seasonal chef and certified health coach. To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com

Hazelnut Stuffed Butternut Squash

The hazelnut stuffing adds a savory crunch to this dish. Pair it with a lovely Kale salad, for a complete meal.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

2 small/medium squash, cut lengthwise (in half) 1 tsp. sea salt olive oil, for roasting

HAZELNUT STUFFING

1/2 cup hazelnuts

1/4 cup pepita seeds

2 tbsp. Ghee, melted or olive oil

1 tsp. ginger, minced or grated sea salt, to taste

1 tbsp. maple syrup, or rice syrup 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 tbsp. lemon juice, fresh

Preheat oven to 375

Scoop out all the seeds from the squash. Place squash on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, then season with salt. Roast for 45 minutes, or until tender.

For the stuffing: place the nuts and seeds in a processor and pulse several times. In a bowl pour out the nuts. Then add ginger, maple syrup, salt to taste, cinnamon, melted ghee or olive oil, and lemon juice. Hand mix.You want a combined consistency.

ASSEMBLY

When squash is just about finished, take it out of the oven. Fill each one with the stuffing. Drizzle with a bit more maple syrup for a golden crunch. Set the oven on a low broil. Place squash back in the oven for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye as to not over cook.

Garnish with chopped parsley. Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Laurie Richardone is a seasonal gluten free chef and certified health coach.

To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com