A Taste for All Seasons

A Taste for All Seasons

by | Nov 29, 2021 | Asheville, Cooking, Holidays

Collectively all over the globe we start to ponder the holiday season. 

Should you have a moment in this hectic time, to look back a few centuries, several of the customs we’ve come to associate with Christmas actually evolved from pagan traditions celebrating the winter solstice. The Pagan origins come from the idea of bringing the evergreen into the house to represent fertility and new life in the darkness of winter. It borrows from the pagan holiday called Yule, which Europeans observed during the winter solstice as a way of ringing in the new year and the promise of its crops.

What a beautiful acknowledgment it is to commemorate the abundance nature brings, then with the harvest of the season to our table.

Whether you celebrate the winter solstice, or the birth of Christ, it is a time of re-rebirth gratitude, and celebration; What better way to salute this auspicious time than with the gift of food. There is something alluring about the universality of a language and an entire culture that comes from the belly rather than the brain.

In this very literal way Christmas is about food…

As families come together to exchange gifts, and gather around the table, the holidays are also a perfect time to celebrate good tidings and the many blessings of the past year.  

Let the stream of culinary adventures flow, with the pure love of cooking, and giving, however humble or grand.  Bake some cookies, wrap them in parchment paper, tied with twine, and a twig of rosemary or pin. For this will surely bring a smile of joy.

To Your Good Health

A Holiday Healthy Indulgence ~ Grain-Free Gingersnap Cookies

If you are a curious cook, join me on my Podcast  ~ A taste for All Seasons ~

It is a cooking, cultural, and inspirational way for us to explore the world of food. And… as always, l will share a seasonal recipe, cooking tips, and kitchen essentials that will make your life easier in the kitchen. 

You can now listen to all the shows, @ laurierichardone.com/podcast or on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast.  

We talk to local farmers, where you can learn how to cook your way through the seasons. This Podcast is in conjunction with WPVM FM 103.7 in Asheville, NC.   

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

To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com

Women Making Music – A nod to the past year and a look ahead to 2022

Women Making Music – A nod to the past year and a look ahead to 2022

by | Nov 29, 2021 | Asheville, Music, Musician, Vocal Coach, Women

2021 has been another extraordinary year for Women Making Music in WNC. From my interview with soulful Rhythm and Blues singer/songwriter, Nicole lúnd back in January to catching up with the queen of her heathens, Ashley Heath in our November issue, it hasn’t escaped anybody in the past 22 months, just how incredibly fragile life can be. But more importantly, just how incredibly innovative, tenacious and inspiring the female and identifying female musicians in WNC are!

Funk, hip-hop and soul guitarist April Bennett experienced an opportunity of a lifetime this past summer when she was cast in a dual role to be a boat crew member and a rhythm guitarist in a 4 pc band on a new reality TV show called Yacht Stops. The Amazon Prime network show premiered in May of 2021 and is described as a combination between “Below Deck” and “The Voice.”  The premise of the series brings musicians together who’ve never played or lived or worked together before and gives viewers a chance to watch them navigate the high seas and the music business as they sail from port to port, rehearsing together and then playing shows for vacationers and locals up and down the eastern seaboard. You can see excerpts from several episodes on their facebook page here: facebook.com/YachtStops. April’s music page on facebook is here: facebook.com/ AprilBandTheCool 

Not only is Caitlin Krisko one of the most phenomenal vocalists among us, she’s also a third-generation tarot card reader who has, since April of 2020, amassed over 2000 clients and acquired over 42,000 followers on social media. Caitlin’s style of practice is “rooted in intuitive communication with spirit guides” through tarot. A Detroit native and WNC transplant by way of Manhattan, Krisko’s 6 piece original Rock and Blues band, The Broadcast is back to touring and releasing new music. To connect with Caitlin for a reading, visit candleinthecave.com and to keep up with her music go to thebroadcastmusic.com 

Caromia Humphrey unveiled 3 releases in 2020-21, 2 of them musical and one of them was just a few weeks ago when she gave birth to her beautiful baby daughter with Rock guitarist and songwriter, Ram Mandelkorn. D’Orsi Bosca Tula Lee is destined for a beautiful, harmonious life with these two tuneful minstrels as parents. Check out my interview with Caromia from June where we discuss her self-produced all original EP releases, “Green” and “Sunday Land.” These records are ethereal, rhythmic and healing. www.thesofiamagazine.com/spotlight-on-caromia-humphrey-and-her-beautiful-and-intimate-ep-releases-green-and-sunday-land/ 

Self-described “Singer of stories, massager of hearts, teller of the truth in all its jagged and sparkly forms and a rabble-rousin’, mountain songstress” Jane Kramer and her husband, Ashevegas editor and founder Jason Sandford gave birth to their first child, Marigold True Kramer-Sandford (aka, Goldie) this past August. We’ll circle back around to find out how motherhood and music are going for Jane in 2022! But in the meantime, I invite you to visit her website for upcoming performance dates: janekramermusic.com/ 

Winner of Best vocalist in Asheville, Classic Soul, Motown, R&B singer Rhoda Weaver has been entertaining locals and tourists for over a decade. I think of her as the Queen of the Pivot. From move to move and change to change, her grace, humor and candid demeanor helps us all stay motivated when navigating our own lives. Her facebook posts read like a modern day Ann Landers column. From administrative assistant to Uber and Uber eats driver to her own taxi business, Weaver’s tenacity and heart inspires everyone she meets. A wife, mother and grandmother she walks the talk, encouraging us to mirror her random acts of kindness. She’s one of our all around finest women making music. 

A true survivor is none other than Hendersonville’s sweetheart, Ellen Trnka. Before being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in the autumn of 2019, Trnka feasted our ears with Blues, Jazz, Folk and Americana classics and originals on a more regular basis. Throughout the pandemic she’s faced her treatments with the kind of courage we all hope we could muster given such shocking news. Her fans will be delighted to learn that Ellen is currently preparing material for one-set gigs. Her post diagnosis debut showcase was this past October at Southern Appalachian Brewing. I was there and to hear her sing again with such power, panache and elegance was utterly inspiring.  If that sell-out crowd is any indication, her full-fledged comeback will be epic!

The trio I co-founded called Love Bubble released a debut record in July and we call it “Love Revolution.” The harmony driven group has a bubble gum psychedelic 60’s throwback sound and consists of Paula Hanke on vocals, flute, banjolele, and uke. Hank Bones, who plays nearly all the instruments on our debut, wrote 9 of the 13 songs on it, plays guitar and sings at our live shows. Yours truly on vocals, cajon, hand percussion and harmonica. Paula and Hank wrote a romantic poem set to the most beautiful melody called “Warm and Cozy” and Hank and I wrote a song we dedicate to everyone, titled “Beautiful Soul.” All the songs are uplifting with hook lines, verses and choruses guaranteed to turn any frown upside down. Links to all the platforms we’re on can be found here: lovebubblewnc.hearnow.com/love-revolution

One of our newest transplants, is one helluva songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and singer, Abby Bryant. Fresh from her sold out record release show at Asheville Music Hall in October, this powerhouse mama with a message graces stages all over the country with her fantastic outfit, The Echos. “Not Your Little Girl” is her first full length album that dropped last month. Link here spoti.fi/2ZzEyu0 to listen on Spotify and add to your favorite playlists. Visit the band’s online store to pre-order the double vinyl album coming in early 2022: abbybryantandtheechoes.com/store 

Abby is just one of the many phenomenal artists I aim to interview in 2022. Alex Krug is another gifted songwriter and it will be my pleasure to feature them as well as singer Marsha Morgan, the aforementioned rock guitar goddess, April Bennett, multi-instrumentalist Melissa Hyman, saxophonist Ashley Hammer Prichard and others TBA.

Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach, song interpreter, and songwriter.
For vocal coaching email her at [email protected]

Holiday Date Ideas

Holiday Date Ideas

by | Nov 29, 2021 | Asheville, Dating, Holidays, relationships

Christmas is the perfect time for romantic dates whether they’re with your long-time partner or a new beau. Love is in the air already and there are plenty of twinkly lights and seasonal attractions to explore, so what are you waiting for? Here are some ways to turn the Christmas atmosphere intoa perfect date.

Find the Best Hot Chocolate

What’s better than sharing a warm mug of cocoa when it’s chilly outside? Spend the afternoon searching for the best cup of hot chocolate in your town – you could even create a ranking system (“Most Chocolatey”, “Best Marshmallows”, and so on!).

Christmas Movie Marathon

Pick some of your favorite holiday movies – Elf, Die Hard, and Home Alone are all great choices – and snuggle under a blanket together while you marathon them. This is a great excuse to cozy up to your date
on chilly winter nights.

Ice Skate

Ice skating is a fun, adventurous, and romantic date to enjoy when it’s snowy outside. Take the chance to hold hands as you whiz around the ice rink, and don’t forget to laugh at yourself if you fall over a couple of times!

Visit the Christmas Lights

Every town puts up Christmas lights in December and there might even be some residents who go all out decorating their houses. Take the chance to wander around these hometown winter wonderlands and don’t forget to kiss if you find yourselves under the mistletoe.

Bake Christmas Treats

Christmas cookies are easy to bake and delicious to eat so look up a recipe and get your hands messy decorating them with red and green icing. You could even try putting together a gingerbread house if you or your date are particularly artistic!

Wintery Walk

The long winter evenings create some beautifully romantic views so invite your beau on a starlit walk. Whether it’s a snowy hike or a simple wander through town, you’ll find some perfect photo opportunities and have the chance to
enjoy each other’s company.

Christmas Caroling

If you and your date are super musical or just interested in some tongue in cheek fun, Christmas caroling is a great way to spend a few hours. Find a choir that performs in your area or grab some friends to go singing with you for a unique group date.

Take A Carriage Ride

Many cities offer horses and drivers to take you and your beloved on a spin around the snowy streets, so find one and give your sweetheart a rose as you enjoy a cozy ride around town. End the date with some mulled wine on a pretty street corner.

Last Minute Gift Shopping

Set a mini-budget and try to find the funniest gifts that you can on a last-minute Christmas shopping spree amongst the mad consumer crowds. Your gifts could be silly or sweet but they’ll certainly become treasured memories for many years to come.

Snowball Fight

If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with a decent covering of snow, wrap up warm and take your date out for a snowball fight. You can run around enjoying the winter landscape before sharing a kiss in the snow when you’ve finished battling.

The holiday season offers plenty of romantic date ideas so try some of these out and you’ll be feeling merry in no time at all!

Ayelet Marom – Shopping Locally Never Looked So Good

Ayelet Marom – Shopping Locally Never Looked So Good

by | Nov 29, 2021 | Asheville, Business, Consignment, Fashion

By Jacqui Castle

Supply chain issues. Shipping delays. Production bottlenecks. With the myriad of issues surrounding the eCommerce industry right now, shopping locally never looked so good. The holidays are coming up quickly, and supporting WNC’s consignment businesses offers a way to stretch your money further and scout out
one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list, including yourself!

“I think the store offers a lot of inspiration, delight, and fun for anyone who loves to treasure hunt,” says Ayelet Marom, owner of Clothes Encounters on Merrimon Avenue.

Clothes Encounters has been a staple in the community for decades. Since Marom took over as owner in January 2020, she has been working to put her own spin on the shop. She strives to cultivate a place where locals feel at home, and visitors feel invited to come in, browse, and get a taste of Asheville. Customers have remarked to Marom that shopping at her store feels like going to their best friend’s closet. 

“It’s a place where people come on their lunch break just to walk around and think,” Marom says, expressing how honored she felt when locals choose to spend their downtime with her. Marom remembers what it was like to have young kids and have those places she would go just to get some time to herself. She loves that for some people, Clothes Encounters provides that. 

The connections that Marom has formed with her customers, and the interactions that come with running Clothes Encounters, have been her favorite parts of the job. “I love seeing the joy on people’s faces when they find something truly special.”

Marom has noticed that when her customers can get out and safely shop, they embrace the opportunity to do things in person again. “People are looking more to actually feel and try on clothes, as opposed to ordering online.” 

Customers can always expect to find fresh treasures at Clothes Encounters, with the inventory changing regularly. “I really take pride in fashion, and I have past experience in the fashion world as a makeup artist,” Marom said. “I grew up in Toronto, and I worked with a lot of designers.”

Marom frequently travels throughout the state to find unique items to bring to the store. Through her past experience in fashion, she will sometimes have people send her clothing and accessories that they think would be a good fit. “I have consigners that have been around for years and years that actually send me packages from New York and Los Angeles,” says Marom.

When asked if she noticed any fashion trends in the consignment world, Marom mentioned that sequins and sparkles are big again! She also sees a lot of faux furs, vintage wool, unique jackets, and maxi dresses this time of year.

Unique Topical Uses of Olive Oil

Unique Topical Uses of Olive Oil

by | Oct 28, 2021 | Asheville, Beauty, DIY, Women

Olive oil is a staple in cooking and in many dishes and marinades. And for good reason! In recent years, more and more research has demonstrated the health benefits of olive oil. But what about using it in ways that don’t involve cooking and eating? Here are 7 unique — but very effective — ways to use olive oil on your body.

As a moisturizer. Whether you’re prone to dry skin year round or the weather has you reaching for an extra-strength moisturizer, olive oil can help. Just a small amount on your dry areas (and even in your nail beds!) will act as a deep moisturizer.

To reduce frizziness and split ends. We’ve all had those days: you’re put together in every other way, but the weather or a busy schedule rendered your hair a little (or a lot) frizzier than you’d like. A little olive oil over your ends and throughout your hair will help de-frizz and give it a healthy gloss.

As chapstick. To make a soothing lip balm, simply mix olive oil with a little sugar. Olive oil is hydrating — and it might not taste like the artificial candy chapsticks you can buy in stores, but it doesn’t taste bad, either!

As a shaving cream substitute. Not only does olive oil double as a chemical-free shaving cream, it will also moisturize your skin and allow for a close, precise shave.

As a makeup remover. Out of makeup remover? No problem. Use a cotton pad dipped in olive oil to remove your eye and face makeup.

To remove chewing gum or paint from hair. Don’t chop off your beautiful locks just yet! If you got something like chewing gum or paint in your hair, massage the area with olive oil, wait a few minutes, and then gently remove the substance.

As a face or hair mask. Goodbye, expensive treatments! You can easily make face or hair masks at home, using olive oil and other ingredients you probably already have on hand! Not only are these easy on the wallet, they’re also hydrating and cleansing, without all the weird ingredients you can’t pronounce.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

by | Oct 28, 2021 | Asheville, Cooking, Recipes, Women

 Serves 6

2 large butternut squash

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. sea salt, or to taste 

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper 

2 sprigs thyme tucked into squash when roasting

1/2 cup carrots, small chop

1/2 cup celery, small chop

1/2 cup onions, small chop 

2 garlic cloves, smashed 

2 tbsp.raw honey 

6 cups vegetable stock, or Pacific organic vegetable stock

4 tbsp. unsalted butter, optional

1/4 cup plain yogurt

1/8 tsp.freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

1 granny smith apple, cut into small cubes

A squeeze of fresh lemon

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Squash can be roasted a day ahead, to cut down on cook time.

Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut both ends of the squash off. Cut squash in half and scoop out and discard seeds. Brush each half inside with about 1 tsp. of the oil. Sprinkle the cavities with salt and pepper and tuck a sprig of thyme into each. Place cut-side-down on a baking sheet and roast until tender, about 45 minutes. 

Remove and let cool, then scoop out and reserve the flesh.

Put the remaining oil in a stockpot over low-medium heat. Add the carrots, celery and onions and cook, stirring often, for 6 minutes. Add the cooked squash, garlic, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper and cook gently for 3 minutes. Stir in the honey and cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

Remove from the heat and discard the thyme. Transfer the soup to a blender, in batches, and puree. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning.

Let the soup cool, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Stores up to 4 days.

Gently reheat the soup until just hot. If it is too thick, add more stock, or water. Heat a  skillet over high heat. If using, when the pan is hot, add the butter.  Rotate the skillet over the heat as necessary to brown the butter evenly. As soon as the butter is a hazelnut brown, pour it into the pot of soup, and stir.

To Finish, ladle the soup into six serving bowls. Top each with a dollop of yogurt, cubes of granny smith apple, and toasted walnuts. Grate nutmeg on top, with a drizzle of fresh lemon.

For scheduled Cooking Classes in Asheville, Visit: LaurieRichardone.com

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