Canton, OH April 2026

The Investment Issue

CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL A TRADITION

OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1905

17:1 Small Class Sizes

100% Graduation Rates

99% Student Involvement

85% of Students Play a Sport

100% Participation in Service

Test Scores Above State & County Averages

DISCOVER THE CENTRAL CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE! CALL 330.478.2131 TO SCHEDULE A TOUR! SCAN THE QR CODE TO HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS.

100% of families are eligible for EdChoice Scholarships. 100% of families receive grants, discounts, & scholarships.

LETTER

Investing in What Matters Most

Investment. By definition, it’s the act of dedicating time, energy, or resources toward something with the hope of a worthwhile return. But in practice, it’s so much more. Whether it’s our community, relationships, finances, or personal growth, the things we invest in shape our futures and the lives of those around us.

We can invest in our community by supporting local businesses, schools, and organizations. Volunteering and mentoring are powerful ways to contribute to future generations. On a broader scale, participating in public surveys and staying informed about city planning are investments in the places we call home. Financial investments help us build security and achieve long-term goals, while personal investments—spending quality time with loved ones or fostering deeper connections—bring immeasurable rewards to both ourselves and the people we care about.

I often reflect on the wisdom passed down from my grandparents to my parents and in turn, me. Wisdom shaped by experience and poured intentionally into my life. It’s an investment of time, care, and presence that I hope to honor with my own children, one that will shape future generations in the best possible way.

While the ways we choose to invest may look different for everyone, the common thread is the hope of making a positive impact. This month’s issue explores various ways we can invest in our lives—whether by nurturing our community, planning for our financial future, or prioritizing the relationships that matter most.

Every investment we make is an act of hope and commitment. As you read this issue, we hope you’ll feel inspired to invest in the people, places, and dreams that matter most to you.

Here’s to a month full of growth, connection, and meaningful returns.

Happy April!

DANIELLE BURKE, EDITOR @CANTONLIFESTYLE

PUBLISHER

Michael Cooney | michael.cooney@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Danielle Burke | danielle.burke@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Anita Tulodzieski | anitaephoto@gmail.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

April 2026 Visit our Instagram

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn

Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: Olinda is Gervasi Destination’s newest dining concept, introducing a modern take on American cuisine in a stylish, social setting designed for gathering. Named in honor of Gervasi matriarch Linda Swaldo, the restaurant blends bold flavors, craft cocktails, and an award-winning wine selection with an energetic atmosphere that celebrates connection, family, and the continued legacy of community.

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Best Bank/Credit Union

CSC Federal Credit Union Lake Cable

330.452.9801

Woodforest National Bank

234.360.0571

Keybank

330.499.2566

Chase Bank

330.499.4024

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Art Gallery

Journey Studios https://journeystudios.com/

Studio Arts & Glass https://studioartsandglass.com/ | 330.494.9779

Canton Museum of Art https://www.cantonart.org/ | 330.453.7666

Second April Studios https://www.secondaprilstudios.org/

INVESTING IN WHAT

outlives us

Tina Garver's rare expertise in arboriculture is shaping healthier trees, preserving landscapes, and our community's legacy.

Tina L. Garver’s expertise in arboriculture is shaping healthier trees and protecting the long term legacy of our community. One of only 49 Board Certified Master Arborists in Ohio and fewer than 1,300 worldwide, she operates within a rare tier of her profession. Specializing in tree health, pest and disease management, and risk assessment, Garver approaches every landscape with scientific precision and a vision for what will endure.

Garver’s connection to trees began early. Raised by a single father, she spent much of her childhood outdoors, tending her first garden at fourteen and wandering the woods she recalls as “just my world.” Though she entered college studying microbiology, an early morning Botany course quietly redirected her path. From greenhouse work to graduate studies in Environmental Science, her fascination with plant life only deepened. She still carries the words of a professor who once told her, “If rocks could grow, Tina could get them to do it.”

After years in the field, Garver became a certified arborist in 2013. A career setback later clarified her calling, and in 2024 she launched Trees and Gardens Consulting, forging her own path in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Today, Garver’s work serves as a thoughtful bridge between landscapers and tree companies, ensuring property owners protect both safety and long term value. When she walks onto a property, her first assessment is always the client: “It doesn’t matter what my goal is for the tree unless my customer and I are on the same page,” she explains. Healthy, well managed trees, Garver adds, are the foundation of meaningful landscape investment. Beyond property value, Garver’s work has generational impact. “My business model is immediately separate from typical tree services,” she says, coaching families to plant for the future, care for mature trees, and plan landscape succession. The benefits extend to stormwater management, wildlife, mental health, and safer, calmer neighborhoods.

For Garver, arboriculture is both science and art, and at its heart is service; ensuring her clients understand their options and the lasting impact of investing in the life of their land.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

Nicholas Landy, Financial Advisor

ASK THE EXPERTS

IN TODAY’S EVER-CHANGING MARKET, WHAT CONCERNS ARE YOU HEARING MOST FROM LOCAL INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES — AND HOW ARE YOU HELPING GUIDE THEM THROUGH UNCERTAINTY?

The biggest thing we hear is the “fear of the unknown.” In today's market with inflation, interest rates and ever changing headlines, people are scared of making the wrong move at the wrong time. We like to focus on education, perspective and planning. We remind our clients of the changing market cycles, and successful investing is paired with long term goals. We build diversified portfolios to weather different environments with constant communication to our clients on ‘WHY.”

AS A MULTI-GENERATIONAL ADVISORY TEAM, HOW DO YOUR PERSPECTIVES COMPLEMENT ONE ANOTHER WHEN BUILDING LONG-TERM INVESTMENT STRATEGIES FOR CLIENTS?

My dad, Steve Landy has been in the business 33 years. He has seen every market cycle, recession and major life transitions of his clients. In our industry I believe that wisdom is invaluable for long-term success. And at the same time young advisors like myself bring a fresh perspective with familiarity with new technology and understanding of current financial challenges, young families, and professionals face. We have advisors in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s with over 213 years of experience at our office. That creates modern thinking with wellrounded strategies to last generations.

HOW DO YOU HELP CLIENTS BALANCE ENJOYING THEIR LIVES TODAY WHILE STILL PLANNING RESPONSIBLY FOR RETIREMENT AND FUTURE FINANCIAL GOALS?

We like to try to enhance our clients' lives, not restrict them. We believe confident spending today relies on successful planning for the future. It all starts with your goals whether that be travel, family experiences, starting a business or leaving a legacy. We create custom financial plans that cater to short term needs and long term goals. When clients know they’re on track for their financial plan they can enjoy life without the guilt or anxiety of spending.

WHAT SETS TRUWEALTH PARTNERS APART WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING CLIENTS BUILD AND MANAGE THEIR WEALTH?

We’re not just focused on investments, you could go to any financial professional and get investments anywhere. We like to focus on our clients' needs when it comes to retirement planning, estate settlements, tax efficient strategies and preparing for life’s unknown moments. We’re very old school in our approach, we reach out to clients at least four times a year to touch base and answer any questions they have. We’re unique in our ability to collaborate as a large group of advisors that share ideas and perspectives rather than in isolation. This creates

better decision making which will likely lead to better outcomes.

IF READERS COULD TAKE ONE MEANINGFUL STEP THIS YEAR TO STRENGTHEN THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURE, WHAT WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE THEM TO DO FIRST?

Get a clear, organized picture of your financial life. Many people have bank accounts, investments, life insurance policies, with no clear strategy or organization. I would recommend getting a financial plan with goals and how to achieve long term success. Time can either be your biggest strength or your biggest limiter. So I would sit down with a financial professional to build a foundation because once you have that plan every financial decision becomes easier.

“WE LIKE TO ENHANCE OUR CLIENTS’ LIVES, NOT RESTRICT THEM. WE BELIEVE CONFIDENT SPENDING TODAY RELIES ON SUCCESSFUL PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE.”

Ohio Amish Country

As the countryside comes to life, explore exciting

destinations,

experiences, and renowned cultural attractions. From blooming landscapes and leisure shopping to seasonal flavors, local brews, and unique places to stay, springtime in Amish Country invites you to slow down, explore more, and find adventure at every turn. Visitamishcountry.com (330) 674-3975

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK

FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

habits morning for success

One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day.  Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.

If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.

Be Your Own Barista:

One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drivethru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.

Get Your Steps In:

An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.

Enjoy Some Breakfast:

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.

Read A Book:

Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.

ROOTED AND RISING

EMILY AND PATRICK HICKS ARE STEWARDING THEIR TALENTS AND PASSIONS TO NOURISH FAMILY, HOME, AND COMMUNITY.

In a world that cannot seem to slow down, where convenience often replaces care and speed outpaces intention, Emily and Patrick Hicks are choosing a different rhythm; one rooted in craftsmanship, nourishment, and community investment. This Canton couple embodies what it means to live with passion and to extend it outward in a way that meaningfully serves others, in this case, an entire community.

For Emily, what began as a creative outlet after stepping away from her career in higher education to stay home with her two boys, Oliver and Wes, gradually unfolded into something far more significant. Life at home created the margin to explore her love for food. In that quieter season, she found herself not simply baking bread, but embracing the art of homemaking in its fullest expression.

“I will never forget baking bread for the first time,” Emily shared. Raised by an Italian mother who instilled both a heart for cooking and a deep sense of warmth around the table, Emily connects thoughtfully curated meals to some of the most formative moments of her childhood. When bread entered the picture, something awakened internally.

“My creativity just started flowing,” she said. “People kept encouraging me, saying I could and should sell this bread. The Lord woke me up out of a dream and said, ‘You need to reach out to Carol and Katy to sell bread at the shop.’”

At the time, the women owned a boutique, and the opportunity would become Emily’s very first pop up. Unsure of what to expect, she prepared multiple loaves of her rustic homemade bread. Meanwhile, Patrick, drawing on his innate gifts, worked late into the night crafting beautiful wooden crates to hold her first offerings.

“I sold out that day,” Emily said. “And the rest was truly history.”

Today, Emily carries forward the same spirit of nourishment she received growing up, now expressed through her business, ‘Harvest Artisan Bread + Home Goods.’ After years spent refining her craft, she has thoughtfully created a menu centered on wholesome, handcrafted bread, providing fresh goods to local individuals and families out of her stunning backyard ‘Harvest Retail Cottage’ that Patrick custom built.

Recently, the venture has deepened through partnership with her husband.

To unite their individual callings, Emily envisioned incorporating Patrick’s custom woodworking alongside her bread shop. Patrick is the owner of Harvest Home Restorations, a business blending custom woodworking, home goods, landscape design, and home restoration.

“I have always had a fascination with building,” Patrick said. “It has been an artistic and creative outlet for me. I love caring for homes because I recognize how meaningful they are. I am committed to people having a positive experience in the spaces where they live.”

From handcrafted serving pieces and custom cutting boards to the wooden crates that display Emily’s bread, their work now intersects in a way that feels seamless.

“Neither of us can shake the feeling that we are being called to operate at our highest capacity through our passions,” Emily added.

Together, the Hicks are devoted to restoring what they describe as the lost art of slowing down, savoring, gathering, and living well. Whether through the food people eat, the homes they cultivate, or the relationships they nurture, the couple is committed to creating environments where peace can be felt and experienced.

Each Friday, the bake shop hosts Free Nourishment Friday, an initiative where Emily prepares loaves of bread for community members to pick up at no cost, with the encouragement to pass along kindness to someone in need. It is a simple yet powerful extension of their mission, to walk alongside people locally and bring beauty into lives that may need it most.

For Emily and Patrick, investment extends beyond business. It is woven into their home life and the legacy they hope to leave their sons.

“I want our boys to see that anything worthwhile, anything of true value, requires courage, perseverance, and resilience,” Patrick shared. “I want them to be men of honor who understand that the most meaningful things in life demand a long road of commitment.”

The Hicks family is modeling a life poured out with intention, rooted in purpose, and richly invested in the community they call home.

To stay connected and for additional information follow The Hick's on Instagram  (harvestartisanbread_homehoods) and Facebook Harvest Home Restorations & Design.

“NEITHER OF US CAN SHAKE THE FEELING THAT WE ARE BEING CALLED TO OPERATE AT OUR HIGHEST CAPACITY THROUGH OUR PASSIONS.”

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE N LIGHT

Brett Larkin, is the founder of Uplifted Yoga and teaches yoga designed to ignite a personal transformation. Her award-winning YouTube channel has over 500,000 subscribers. A trailblazer in the online yoga space, she started certifying yoga teachers virtually through her online yoga school in 2015. Brett shares five power poses to incorporate into your practice for a confident and powerful new year.

For more info about Brett and her online training options for all levels, go to BrettLarkin.com

POWER POSES

Low Lunge (Parsva Anjaneyasana) Stand taller and open your side body in this low lunge variation.

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) Project radiance up and out from your heart while strengthening your back body.

Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

Open your heart for increased confidence and counteract “text neck” while you’re at it.

Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)

Usher in a fresh perspective and new creative ideas. Also great for relieving low back pain.

CAN YOGA HELP BUILD SELF-ESTEEM?

Confidence is all about feeling good in your own skin, and practicing yoga makes you more aware of your body. You are tuning into your breath, your feelings, and your true vision. Physically it strengthens you. Mentally it helps you focus. With improved posture, you stand taller; and with a clear mind you are more prepared and confident to take on what comes your way.

Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)

Take up space. Get fierce. Practice stretching into the fullest expression of who you are.

APRIL 3RD

Canton's First Friday: Fire Up Downtown

Downtown Canton 330 Court Avenue Northwest Canton, Ohio 44702 | 5:00 PM

This is a vibrant, walkable celebration of the arts and businesses where galleries, shopping, dining and entertainment meet in Hall of Fame Centennial Plaza.

APRIL 4TH

720 Market Easter Shop Small 2026

Massillon Tremont Coffee Co. 215 Erie Street North Massillon, Ohio 44646 | 9:00 AM

A thoughtfully curated collective of beloved food artisans and makers will fill Tremont Coffee’s Massillon space, offering an inspired selection of locally crafted foods and distinctive gifts. Guests are invited to sip a freshly brewed coffee, enjoy a craft beer or signature market cocktail, and linger as they browse small business shops.

APRIL 18TH

Let's Grow Indoor Farmers Market

Canton Museum of Art 1001 Market Avenue North Canton , Ohio 44702 | 10:00 AM

Shop 35 local farmers, makers, and bakers, explore garden plants, family activities, enjoy a live demo, and pick up free seeds from Dumont’s Seed Co. Sip organic drinks, enjoy live music, and connect with community partners. A celebration of local food, small business, and the season ahead.

APRIL 19TH

Gervasi Vineyard's Scoops & Spirits

The Villa Grande Ballroom 1700 55th Street NE, Canton, OH 44721 | 2:00 PM

Indulge in a unique tasting experience as Gervasi Vineyard partners with Pav’s Creamery for Scoops & Spirits. This exclusive event pairs handcrafted ice cream flavors with Gervasi’s award-winning spirits, blending sweet indulgence with rich, refined notes. Expect creative pairings, local flavor, and a deliciously elevated afternoon experience.

APRIL 23RD

Speaking of Books Author Series 11th Season — Derek Hough

First Christian Church 6900 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44721 | 6:30 PM

Three time Emmy Award winner and Dancing with the Stars champion Derek Hough takes the stage at the historic Canton Palace Theatre for one unforgettable night. Known for his electrifying performances and magnetic stage presence, Hough brings the passion and precision that have made him a global sensation.

APRIL 25TH

John Waite Live

Lions Lincoln Theatre 156 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646 | 7:00 PM

Classic rock icon John Waite brings five decades of hits, including “Missing You” and “When I See You Smile,” plus favorites from The Babys and Bad English, to the Lions Lincoln Theatre. Experience an evening of timeless songs in the intimate setting of this historic venue. Reserved seating. Tickets available at sunny1017.com

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Inquiring Chef

START WITH A VEGETABLE

Jess Smith is the founder of the popular food blog InquiringChef.com, which she started in 2010 after moving to Thailand with her husband. She explored Thai cuisine, took cooking classes, and documented her experiences on the blog. Over time, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to focus on quick, easy meals for families. Today, Inquiring Chef receives over 5 million page views annually and supports a small team. She shares new recipes weekly through email, her blog, and social media, helping home cooks simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor.

Smith is now an author. Her debut cookbook,  Start with a Vegetable, published in 2025 reimagines meal planning by putting vegetables at the center of the plate.

“Start with a Vegetable was the result of a natural transition in the way I started thinking about preparing dinner for my family. At the end of a busy day, I often didn't have the energy to think about dinner in parts by preparing a separate protein, vegetable, and starch,” says Smith. “I realized that if I put a vegetable at the center of the dish, the rest was easy to fill in.”

The book features 100 flexible recipes proving vegetables aren’t just a side—they’re key to simple, satisfying meals.

As chief recipe developer for the Cook Smarts meal-planning app, Smith worked closely with families struggling to get dinner on the table. She noticed a common challenge: people wanted to eat more vegetables but didn’t know how to build meals around them.

“As I started planning and testing recipes for the book, I just loved how easy it made dinnertime feel. Are there carrots in the fridge? Here are a bunch of ways to turn them into dinner. Nearly all of the 100 recipes are complete meals and include easy swaps to make them vegetarian. The book is truly flexitarian, with vegetable-forward recipes for all types of eaters.”

Unlike most cookbooks,  Start with a Vegetable is organized by ingredient. Each chapter focuses on a different vegetable, offering multiple ways to turn it into a meal.

“The concept is resonating with many readers who tell me they love that the chapters are organized by vegetable, making it easy to use whatever they have on hand.”

Smith went through a rigorous testing process, starting with over 300 ideas before narrowing them down to 100.

“I always have running lists of recipe ideas. I started sorting recipes into categories, making sure there was variety for each vegetable. I wanted different cooking methods and types of dishes, so each chapter might have a soup, a salad, a roasted dish, a stove-top dish, and a sandwich or pasta.”

After perfecting the recipes in her own kitchen, she passed them to a trusted friend, an everyday home cook, to ensure they worked under realworld conditions.

“I want to know how these recipes worked for a home cook who was shopping at regular grocery stores and trying to make dinner for a family on a weeknight. She sends me feedback on any ingredients that are hard to find, anything that is unclear in the recipe, and tracks how long it takes her to make it with real-life interruptions.”

To further refine the book, Smith enlisted 30 volunteer home cooks through Instagram and her email list to test the recipes.

“My goal was to ensure that the recipes in this book are reliable, easy, and adaptable. I wanted this to be a cookbook for real home cooks. I'm so grateful to that team of volunteers for helping to ensure that it is.”

To order a copy of the cookbook visit:  InquiringChef.com

CITRUS, CARROT, AND CHICKPEA COUSCOUS

Sweet carrots and tart cranberries complement each other in every bite of this tangy couscous. It makes a light meal on its own but becomes a showstopper when spread on a platter and topped with braised meat, roasted cauliflower steaks, or seared tofu. If you want to add a little creaminess, serve the couscous with a spoonful of plain yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots

• one 15½-ounce can chickpeas

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling

• ½ cup orange juice

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup dry regular or whole wheat couscous

• ⅓ cup sliced almonds

• 1 lemon

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F

Step 2. Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into 1-inch ovals. Drain and rinse the chickpeas

Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots and chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, cumin, ginger, dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of the salt, coating evenly.

Step 4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned veggies and chickpeas on it in an even layer.

Step 5. Bake until the carrots become tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.

Step 6. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the orange juice, water, and ½ teaspoon of salt. When the mixture begins to boil, remove it from the heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.

Step 7. When the carrots become tender, sprinkle the almonds on them and continue baking until the almonds lightly toast, 4 to 5 more minutes.

Step 8. Juice the lemon for 1 tablespoon fresh juice.

Step 9. In the same mixing bowl used to season the veggies, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the cranberries.

Step 10. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the carrots, chickpeas, and almonds. Stir well to combine.

Step 11. Serve warm or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled. Just before serving, stir in the parsley.