Fort Collins, CO April 2026

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banking on Elevations member since 1996

Investment Issue

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.

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!

BROOKSMITH, PUBLISHER

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Amanda Brooksmith amanda.brooksmith@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Jennifer Starbuck

jennifer.starbuck@citylifestyle.com

Andrew Mosier andrew.mosier@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dana Olson, Coast to Coast & Co.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nick Searle with Searle Photography, Garland Green, Ivan Diaz Photography, Taryn Ashley Photography, Kristen Evans Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Learn

Proverbs 3:5-6

Wellness

The Road to Opportunity

Taylor’s

The Business of Meaningful Connection

Andrew Johnson’s Relationship-first Approach Helps Business Owners Grow Through Trust, Collaboration, and Meaningful Connections

DESTINATION WELLNESS

ARTICLE BY COAST TO COAST & CO.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW NEWMAN-DAILEY’S DEEP ROOTS IN DESTIN CRAFT THE PERFECT WELLNESS RETREAT

In a world that moves at an exhausting pace, taking intentional time for yourself has become more than a luxury; it’s a vital part of whole-person wellness. Surrounding yourself with the right people plays a powerful role in that well-being. Close friends who uplift, encourage, and ground you can help restore emotional balance, reignite joy, and strengthen the sense of connection that many of us lose in the rush of daily life. This is why planning a retreat with the right support system, in the right environment, can be truly transformative. And when it comes to crafting a wellness-focused escape in beautiful Destin, Florida, NewmanDailey stands as the ultimate concierge.

CONTINUED >

Wellness isn’t just about spa days and quiet mornings. It’s about aligning every element of your environment and your relationships to support your best self. Newman-Daily understands this holistic approach. Their concierge service is designed to remove stress, create intentional experiences, and curate moments that allow you and your friends to reconnect, replenish, and realign. From the first planning call to the final sunset, they focus on crafting a retreat that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit. Their deep connections within the Destin community elevate every aspect of your stay. One of the most enriching experiences they offer is the opportunity to enjoy the culinary mastery of

personal chef David Cunningham. Sharing a fresh, thoughtfully prepared meal with friends isn’t just delicious; it’s a form of relational and nutritional wellness, bringing everyone together in a way that feels grounding and joyful.

To support emotional and social wellbeing, Newman-Dailey can put you in touch with the right people to coordinate a Dinner Cruise. Enjoy an incredible experience with Solaris’ newest vessel, Sol y Luna, where breathtaking views and gentle ocean breezes set the tone for meaningful conversations and moments of pure calm. These serene experiences help quiet the mind and allow you to be fully present with the people who matter most.

WHOLEWELLNESSSTARTS WITH

Evenings spent at The Edge, one of Destin’s local favorites, add an additional layer of connection and enjoyment. With stunning waterfront dining and a lively yet relaxing atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind, celebrate friendship, and savor the coastal lifestyle. During dinner, enjoy live music and an incredible customer experience from the staff. While enjoying the enchanting scenery during sunset at the Destin Harbor, savor their signature Southern Muscles, craft cocktails, and incredible dishes. www.edgeseafood.com

For the foundation of your retreat, Newman-Dailey’s valued clients enjoy access to their turnkey rental, Blessings by the

Beach. Designed with comfort and ease in mind, this home creates the ideal space for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. It’s where mornings begin peacefully, laughter echoes through shared spaces, and the simple act of slowing down becomes a gift in itself.

Whole wellness starts with the choice to prioritize yourself and surround yourself with people who elevate your life. With Newman-Dailey guiding the journey, your Destin retreat becomes a meaningful, restorative experience, one that nurtures relationships, renews your spirit, and brings you back to center.

Taylor’s CDL Training Offers More than Certification, Empowering Students with Opportunity, Stability, and a Path Toward Financial Independence

The Road to Opportunity

Blu works alongside a student during hands-on training, part of the practical learning experience that

Northern Colorado native, Mark Taylor invests in our community in a unique and innovative way. As the CEO of Taylor’s CDL Training, he creates realistic, accessible pathways for individuals to transform their financial future in a matter of weeks, without the burden of overwhelming debt.

Mark recognizes trucking as a crucial pillar of the blue-collar industries that are the backbone of our country. Nearly everything we rely on in our day-to-day lives was transported by truck during some point along its journey. His respect for this sector of the workforce fueled his passion to create a more personal, and intentional space for people to invest in their future. With small class sizes, real hands-on training, and an exceptionally personalized approach, Mark prioritizes the relationships that are built along the way over the price tag. By cultivating confidence and stability in his students as they earn their CDL, he helps create a stronger future for them and their families right here in our community.

The personalization that Mark brings to each teaching experience sets Taylor’s CDL Training apart from other CDL programs. By providing each student with his personal phone number, they are equipped with a professional driver literally in their back pocket - Mark is only a phone call or text message away. If questions arise related to a job they are on, Mark invites them to reach out and provides on-thespot guidance.

“Drive Your Future Forward,” words that headline his website, serve as both his guiding principle and an invitation for students. They represent momentum, accountability, and ownership as Mark moves forward alongside his students, going beyond just earning a CDL and into reshaping their trajectory to help them step into a future they choose.

CONTINUED >

Many are unaware of the doors that are opened with a CDL certification that go beyond driving alone, with varied avenues across agricultural, energy, and construction to name a few. Mark notes that linemen apprentices, in particular, are often not even considered for hire without a Class A CDL.

Taylor’s CDL Training offers courses up to four weeks in length, but it is also the only school in Colorado approved by the Department of Private Occupational Schools and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer a one-week program. Mark fought for and ultimately pioneered this accelerated option for individuals who already possess hands-on driving experience but need formal certification to expand their opportunities.

For example, many in agriculture operate trucks and trailers under specialized vehicle registrations known as farm plates, allowing them to drive for farm-related work without a CDL. Because these individuals often bring years of real-world experience maneuvering large equipment, a traditional four-week course may exceed what they need.

The one-week program is designed with that reality in mind. Students must meet specific prerequisites, including holding a CDL learner’s permit for at least 30 days and completing 40 hours of supervised driving with a licensed CDL holder. With those foundational skills already in place, Mark focuses on refining technique, preparing students for inspection standards, and guiding them toward successful certification.

Mark is grateful to be part of the Northern Colorado community. As a business owner, he appreciates the growth this region is experiencing and is thankful for the trust placed in his school by students. As a thank-you - and as a testament to Mark’s desire to help - Taylor’s CDL Training is offering a coupon for $500 off any course to those who mention seeing their ad in City Lifestyle magazine, just another way Taylor’s CDL Training continues to invest in our thriving community.

To “unlock your road to success" be sure to check out all that Taylor’s CDL Training has to offer at www.taylorscdltraining.com , call 720340-9386, or email info@taylorscdltraining.com Mark, along with his expert instructors Blu Cantu, and Chris Wombolt, will be happy to support you every step of the way.

The Business of Meaningful Connection

trusted relationships and referrals.

Andrew Johnson’s Relationship-first Approach Helps Business Owners Grow Through Trust, Collaboration, and Meaningful Connections

ARTICLE BY DANA OLSON

“When a business owner decides to invest in networking, they’re choosing to be intentional about who they are looking to meet and the potential relationships they build.”

Small business owners understand the realities that come with entrepreneurship. Often wearing many hats, they juggle the day-to-day responsibilities of business ownership and are met with the added challenge of scaling their business. How does one go about getting seen and growing their client base?

With a love and appreciation for the small business owner and the experience of growing his own personal business through digital means (which, while effective, admittedly is a great deal of work), Andrew Johnson, owner of Business Networking Done Right, began to see the value in building genuine relationships with people who were truly in his corner. As he became more intentional about surrounding himself with people who wanted to see him succeed, he realized he never wanted to do business any other way. That realization gave life to his vision of creating a distinct brand of networking, one that feels different from anything else being offered. Andrew understands how valuable each relationship and client is to the small business owner and is grateful to be the person who is a champion of that excellence.

A common fear around networking is the misconception that joining a group creates pressure to refer or use people you don’t know yet. But the starting point is connection. When connection exists, relationships begin to evolve toward the exchange of business. A conscious decision is made to support and help the other person, becoming a “top-of-mind” referral partner.

Suggested ways to deepen the relationship include becoming each other’s client to understand the experience, sending referrals to test the process, and gathering testimonials or feedback. Over time, the referral handoff is refined. Trust is earned through consistency and experience.

When a business owner decides to invest in networking, they are choosing to be intentional about who they are looking to meet and the potential relationships they build. Networking provides opportunities to be surrounded by people who have the same mindset around networking - collaboration and the building of relationships. Conversations start with the intention of the relationship leading somewhere. What you put into that relationship determines what you get out of it. Very rarely do people land a “big deal" at a networking event; rather relationships are being built in a space where the know, like, and trust factors can grow. Networking is an evolving

process rather than an immediate exchange. Being in a group with a networking professional like Andrew provides the opportunity for engagement in a system that delivers the evolution of the networking experience, providing the results people are looking for.

It’s this level of engagement that sets Business Networking Done Right apart from more informal and open networking settings. Business Networking Done Right makes the most efficient use of members’ time with a concierge-level connector who facilitates professionally-run meetings and professionally-recruited membership. Not only are members being developed, along with their networking skills, but so are fellow members.

Benefits of Business Networking Done Right include meeting agendas specifically designed to help members with their business. They’re called 2K agendas due to the $2,000 value they bring. Topics like goal setting, tax preparation, and saving money on business expenses are discussed, and members are invited to bring their life experiences to that space.

Also included is private coaching with a professional networker who makes sure members’ relationship development is on track.

In addition, there is an application that helps generate five-star Google reviews and facilitate the referral process.

Andrew’s role as the members’ “full-time hype man,”  promoting their businesses and acting as a third-party testimonial, is yet another standout feature that sets Business Networking Done Right apart.

Entrepreneurs gather for a BNDR meeting, where structured agendas and meaningful conversations help relationships grow. Ivan Diaz Photography

Longevity

It’s not just about adding years to your life, it’s about adding life to your years.

Our Longevity Program is rooted in advanced diagnostics and personalized care, aiming to help you look, feel, and function at your highest potential.

We start with in-depth lab testing to uncover your body's unique needs, then create a personalized plan using peptides, hormone optimization, and targeted supplements.

Because aging well is an art we specialize in.

Step into a new era of wellness with personalized Functional Medicine at ME Wellness & MedSpa. Our 5-month Hormone Optimization Package includes one-on-one care and a continuous glucose monitor to connect your diet, activity, and symptoms.

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.

Plant You r Kitchen Garden

A quick guide for simple ideas to start off your backyard kitchen garden. With endless health and medicinal benefits, combined with the beauty and enjoyment to be found, gardening is endlessly rewarding.

GETTING STARTED

• Plant your vegetable options right into your beds with flowers, the pollinators (bees, butterflies and more) are attracted to the beautiful flowers and your veggies will easily and abundantly go-to-fruit, living harmoniously in one bed.

• Every garden needs a rain gauge - you’ll be surprised at how fun it is to check. There is nothing like rain water for your garden. (This is optional, but definitely fun).

• Get your family involved. It’s never too late!

• Just go for it, our local climate can be weird and often extreme but don’t let it stop you- the most success and fun I’ve had was just going for it. Experiment and see what you love and what works best for you!

• In most cases, when watering, don’t water the petals and leaves, (especially when they’re in direct sunlight) try to water straight to the soil. All they need is water, nutrients and light to thrive! (and maybe a little love helps too!)

• Don’t forget herbs: Lavender, Mint, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, Basil, Cilantro, Parsley and more. Don’t be afraid to skip the spice rack and grab your seasoning from the garden.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN

BACKYARD GARDENS OFFER FRESH VEGGIES AND FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL

What to Plant

Whether starting from seed or seedlings, you can’t go wrong with these options. Start with foods you know you like to eat.

TOMATOES:

They’re delicious, money-saving, good for eating fresh and for preserving. Tomatoes come in endless colors, shapes and sizes. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, and ensure they receive consistent moisture, supporting them with cages or stakes as they grow.

EGGPLANT:

Eggplant is a short season vegetable and a relative of peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco. It thrives in heat and full sun and can be deliciously made into baba ganoush and many other delicious dishes.

OKRA:

Okra loves our hot summers and full sun. Don’t wait too long to pick your okra, ideally harvesting them when they are 2 to 4 inches long. Can be eaten raw on a salad or best served deep fried. (The flower that turns into the okra itself is uniquely beautiful as well!)

PEPPERS:

Like tomatoes, peppers have many purposes and variations. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil after the last frost, spacing them 18 inches apart, and provide consistent watering while ensuring the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.

Flowers Bring Pollinators

Flowers bring joy to all five of our senses, but they also bring pollinators to our garden in order to ensure your backyard kitchen will produce lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not to mention they also contain health and even medicinal properties.

HIBISCUS:

Make sure your hibiscus plants, whether tropical or hardy, get at least 6 hours of sun per day in order to achieve optimum blooming. Hibiscus flowers can be made into a delicious tea that can be served hot or ice cold (and is a good source of Vitamin C). With over 200 varieties of hibiscus world wide, their blooms only last a day or two! Stunning in all shapes, sizes and colors.

MARIGOLDS:

To the surprise of most people, marigold flowers are edible. Whether used fresh, dried, or infused into various beverages, Marigolds have a multitude of uses in the kitchen. An added benefit of planting these bright and low maintenance flowers next to tomatoes– they help keep pests away from devouring your tomatoes while also encouraging pollinators.

ZINNIAS: PLUMBAGO:

These bright, colorful garden gems have many benefits beyond their beauty and ease of care. Along with attracting pollinators, and being low maintenance they also have medicinal properties. Zinnias have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, they’re rich in antioxidants, and the natural compounds in zinnias can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Plumbago is thought to have many health benefits, such as its anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties, resulting from its principal chemical components, which are concentrated in the roots, leaves, and stems of plants. This attractive light purple flowering plant thrives in the sun, and has moderate watering needs. Trim and prune to suit your own preferences of growth and it’s a welcome, abundantly beautiful member of any garden.

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.

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

I N V E S T I N C O M F O R T

T H A T L A S T S

W h e n i t c o m e s t o y o u r h o m e ,

e v e r y d e c i s i o n i s a n i n v e s t m e n t .

A t C h r i s t o p h e r s H e a t i n g &

C o o l i n g , w e ’ v e b e e n k e e p i n g

f a m i l i e s l i k e y o u r s c o m f o r t a b l e

f o r g e n e r a t i o n s w i t h H V A C

s o l u t i o n s b u i l t t o l a s t .

A s a f a m i l y - o w n e d a n d o p e r a t e d

b u s i n e s s , w e u n d e r s t a n d t h e

v a l u e o f t r u s t , q u a l i t y , a n d c a r e .

O u r e x p e r t t e a m d e l i v e r s

e n e r g y - e f f i c i e n t s y s t e m s , r e l i a b l e

r e p a i r s , a n d p e r s o n a l i z e d s e r v i c e

– e n s u r i n g y o u r i n v e s t m e n t p a y s

o f f i n c o m f o r t a n d s a v i n g s f o r

y e a r s t o c o m e .

P r o t e c t y o u r h o m e ’ s f u t u r e w i t h

t h e n a m e f a m i l i e s r e l y o n .

www.christophersheating.com 970-482-7520

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.

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