Upper Westchester, NY November 2025

Brook Road Photography

C o n n e c t i c u t i n t e r i o r , l i f e s t y l e , & b r a n d i n g p h o t o g r a p h e r

K a t i e T u z m e n i s a G r e e n w i c h - b a s e d p h o t o g r a p h e r s p e c i a l i z i n g i n

i n t e r i o r s , b r a n d i n g , p r o d u c t , a n d l i f e s t y l e . S h e u s e s a c o l l a b o r a t i v e

a p p r o a c h t o c r e a t e p o w e r f u l i m a g e s t h a t b r i n g y o u r v i s i o n t o l i f e .

DESIGN + PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Gathering in Gratitude

November is a season of reflection, gratitude, and community. As the crisp autumn air sets in and families prepare for the holidays, we’re excited to bring you an issue filled with stories that celebrate the heart of Upper Westchester.

This month, we’re sharing a roundup of the best places to source your Thanksgiving turkey because the centerpiece of the holiday table deserves nothing less than the finest. We also spot light a new must-try restaurant that’s quickly becoming a local favorite to gather with friends this season.

In addition, thought leader Katya Libin offers a powerful piece on earth-powered leadership, reminding us of the importance of grounding ourselves while pursuing growth, purpose, and impact.

We hope this issue inspires you to celebrate not just the season, but the people, places, and flavors that make our community so special. May your holiday be filled with connection, gratitude, and joy.

LAURA SABIA, PUBLISHER

Our magazine serves the communities of Armonk, Bedford, Bedford Hills, Chappaqua, Katonah, Mount Kisco, Pound Ridge and Valhalla.

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Adam Vohra | adam.vohra@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christina Weiss, Anna Barnes, Alyssa Lavy, Dana Cifone, Katya Libin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Angelique Cifone, K Russo Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

RESIDENTIAL + COMMERCIAL

Restoration, Cleaning & Reconstruction

+ Mold Damage

As industry leaders in Restoration, Reconstruction and Cleaning– our vision is to continue providing strategic Consumer & Business Solutions while upholding our commitment to exemplary customer service and white glove workmanship. We work alongside our insurance partners as well as in the private sector to handle claims and home improvement projects. With our exclusive use of cutting-edge equipment and technology, our fully certified staff is capable of handling projects of any magnitude or complexity. (914) 787-9559 office@rainbowwestchester.com www.RBWWestchester.com

business monthly

Penny Lick Ice Cream Celebrates 10 Sweet Years in Hastings

Penny Lick Ice Cream, the beloved local scoop shop renowned for its all-natural, nut-free ice cream, announced its 10th anniversary in Hastings on Hudson. To commemorate this milestone anniversary, Penny Lick Ice Cream hosted a celebratory event for the community at its original Hastings on Hudson location (580 Warburton Avenue) September 20th . The event also served as a scoopa-thon to benefit the Hastings on Hudson Union Free School District's Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA).

2025 Impact Golf Outing Raises $56,000 for Blythedale Children's Hospital

Blythedale Children's Hospital extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported their 2025 Impact Golf Outing on June 26th. The generosity of businesses and individuals helped raise over $56,000 to benefit vital programs like the Day Hospital. Special thanks go to Y Not You Media for bringing the community together and introducing Blythedale to new friends. Each day the hospital transforms the lives of children, from fragile newborns to thriving teens.

PRACTICING GRATITUDE

In The Month of November

Simple Practices To Cultivate A Grateful Mindset

ARTICLE BY ANNA BARNES

Anna Barnes

Anna is a luxury PR pro, journalist, and the voice behind Bliss & Bellinis, where she shares her passion for travel, unique experiences, and curating a life filled with style and adventure. When she’s not crafting stories for brands or planning her next getaway, she’s usually on a plane and always ready for a Bellini.

As autumn settles in, November arrives with a quiet reminder: to slow down, look around, and give thanks. The air turns crisper, the leaves finish their colorful transformation, and the pace of life seems to gently nudge us toward reflection. With the holiday season fast approaching, November provides a natural pause—a moment to notice the abundance we often overlook.

Gratitude, after all, is more than a seasonal sentiment. It’s a mindset that has the power to shift perspective and bring more joy to the everyday. November encourages us to refocus, to see not just what we strive for, but all that we already have. From the comfort of a warm home to the support of friends and family, or simply the beauty of a golden autumn afternoon, this month offers endless opportunities to be present and appreciative.

Practicing gratitude is more than a feel-good habit—it’s scientifically linked to better health and longevity. Studies show that regular gratitude can improve sleep quality, lower blood pressure, boost energy levels, and reduce stress. Together, these benefits promote overall well-being and may even help us live longer, healthier lives.

Gratitude can also be shared and strengthened through connection. Simple practices—like swapping daily moments of appreciation with a friend, sending a heartfelt note, or expressing thanks out loud—remind us that gratitude is not only personal but also relational. By including others in our practice, we cultivate deeper bonds, spread positivity, and create a ripple effect that enriches both our lives and the community around us.

Thankfulness doesn’t require grand gestures—it can flourish in simple acts. A note of appreciation, a shared meal, or even a mindful moment to acknowledge the good in our day can be transformative. In doing so, we carry the warmth of gratitude far beyond November, turning it into a daily practice that enriches our lives year-round.

This November, may we not only count our blessings, but also embody them—living with greater awareness, kindness, and a renewed sense of gratitude for the season we’re in. Besides, practicing gratitude throughout the month will inevitably pay off when asked, “What are you thankful for this year?” around the Thanksgiving table.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteering is a powerful way to express gratitude as it turns appreciation into action. By giving time, skills, or support to others, we acknowledge our own blessings, foster connection, and make a positive impact, showing thankfulness through meaningful contribution and generosity. There are a myriad of wonderful causes in Fairfield County to dedicate your time; another way to deepen your ties in our community.

TAKE A GRATITUDE WALK

A gratitude walk combines movement with mindfulness, making it a powerful practice. By noticing nature, reflecting on blessings, and appreciating the present moment, it shifts focus away from stress. And we all know taking a walk is a great way to get our bodies and minds moving. This simple habit boosts mood, deepens gratitude, and strengthens both mental and physical well-being. Plus a fall walk in Fairfield County with the deep, rich tones of the changing leaves is also a mood booster.

KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL

Keeping a gratitude journal helps shift focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in life. By regularly recording moments of appreciation, it boosts mood, reduces stress, and cultivates mindfulness, making it easier to notice everyday joys and strengthen overall happiness and well-being. Some days may be easier than others but some day it’s okay to acknowledge your appreciation for a hot cup of coffee.

SAY ‘THANK YOU’ MORE OFTEN

Needless to say, saying “thank you” more often is a simple yet powerful way to practice gratitude. It acknowledges kindness, strengthens relationships, and fosters positivity. Regularly expressing appreciation not only uplifts others but also deepens your own sense of thankfulness. You just might inspire someone else’s gratitude journey!

WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW FOR A LOCAL BUSINESS

Have you been meaning to write a kind review about that new place you loved? If it’s been on your to-do list, make it a priority. Writing a positive review for a local business is a simple way to practice gratitude. It acknowledges the hard work behind the service, supports the community, and spreads positivity—helping both the business thrive and you feel more connected to the place we call home.

HAVE A GRATITUDE “BUDDY”

Pair up with a friend this month! Having a gratitude buddy is a great way to create connection while reinforcing thankfulness. By sharing what you appreciate with a friend or partner, you gain fresh perspective, deepen relationships, and stay accountable—making gratitude a consistent, shared, and uplifting part of everyday life.

CRISPY CRANBERRY CAULIFLOWER

This Crispy Cranberry Cauliflower dish highlights the season’s fresh produce with cozy flavors, such as maple, cranberries and walnuts. It is warm, nutty and slightly sweet – and perfect for your

Thanksgiving table or as a simple weeknight side dish that your whole family will devour. It’s also a versatile dish that can accommodate many dietary restrictions, as it is gluten free and dairy free – and

PHOTOGRAPHY

the walnuts can easily be swapped for seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, to accommodate a tree nut allergy while keeping in theme with the season and maintaining a similar texture and taste. While this dish was created as a side dish to serve

during the upcoming holiday season (or to enjoy throughout the cold winter months), you may find yourself piling a plate high with this warm, maple flavored cauliflower goodness because it’s so delicious!

CRISPY CRANBERRY CAULIFLOWER

SERVES

4 - 6 people

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower (approximately 2 lbs.)

• ¼ C avocado oil  or other cooking oil

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 ½ tsp dried parsley flakes

• 3 ½ Tbsp pure maple syrup

• ¾ C walnuts, unsalted (can chop coarsely or use walnut halves and pieces)

• ½ C dried cranberries, unsweetened

• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice (can give a gentle squeeze to half a lemon)

• Nonstick cooking oil spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Line a baking sheet (9 x 13 inches or similar works well) with parchment paper. Spray with nonstick cooking oil spray and set aside.

3. Chop cauliflower into medium sized florets and place in strainer. Rinse cauliflower and use a paper towel to thoroughly dry cauliflower. It is important that the cauliflower is as dry as possible so it gets crispy in the oven – if the cauliflower is wet it will be mushy and fail to crisp.

4. Transfer cauliflower florets to parchment paper lined baking sheet. Drizzle oil over cauliflower and evenly distribute spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, parsley flakes). Drizzle lemon juice over cauliflower. Use a large spoon to gently mix the cauliflower on the baking sheet so the oil, spices and lemon juice evenly coat the cauliflower.

CONTINUED >

5. Bake cauliflower in oven for 25-30 minutes – the cauliflower should be cooked but not quite crispy and browned yet. Remove from oven, add walnuts and drizzle maple syrup so it is evenly distributed over the cauliflower.

6. Return cauliflower to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cauliflower is crispy and browned. Remove cauliflower from oven, add dried cranberries and use a large spoon or spatula to gently mix the cauliflower, walnuts and cranberries. Transfer to a medium sized serving bowl and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Note: Individual oven times may vary, so keep an eye on your cauliflower to make sure that it does not burn. This Crispy Cranberry Cauliflower is best served immediately, when crispy and warm out of the oven. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoyed once warmed in the oven or toaster oven to preserve the texture of the cauliflower and walnuts. Please enjoy leftovers within 3 days.

Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.

Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd

THERAPY FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

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203-228-2264

rlacoste@houlihanlawrence.com

RachelLacoste.HoulihanLawrence.com

Turkey Time Traditions

From farm-fresh birds to chef-prepared feasts, here’s where to find your perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece in Westchester.

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA WEISS

Whether you’re planning to cook from scratch or prefer a fully prepared feast this Thanksgiving these local farms and markets have you covered with options to fit every table and tradition.

Pound Ridge Organics sources heritage-breed and broad-breasted turkeys from Heermance Farm, raised on 60 acres of open land. Stock up on fresh eggs, veggies, breads, and desserts to round out your holiday spread.

CONTINUED >

Purdy’s Farm and Fish offers both fully cooked options ready to heat and serve. Add classic sides, farmers’ salads, and pies for a complete family meal.

Hemlock Hill Farm & Market features pasture-raised turkeys along with beef, geese, ham, and even rabbit, all hormone and antibiotic free for a wholesome centerpiece.

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard partners with Goffle Road Poultry Farm to provide 100% pasture-raised turkeys in two size ranges, with convenient local pickup before the big day.

Susan Lawrence serves an elevated pre-cooked holiday menu with roast turkey breast, stuffed turkey, country ham, salmon, casseroles, potatoes, and more. Everything you need for a decadent and stress-free celebration.

From pasture-raised heritage birds to chef-prepared feasts, these Westchester favorites ensure your Thanksgiving centerpiece (and sides) are as memorable as the gathering itself.

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The divine feminine formula for leadership.

JADEVA is more than a membership - it’s a global sisterhood where strategy meets soul and leadership flows with purpose Together, visionary women rise into alignment, amplify their impact, and create a new paradigm of prosperity SOUL. SISTERHOOD.

jadeva.us Apply now to join our Westchester chapter

CIFONE’S: REDEFINING ITALIAN DINING WITH HEART IN IRVINGTON

Michael Cifone and Matt Kay bring community together with elevated Italian dishes and timeless hospitality.

At the heart of Cifone’s, which opened its doors in September, is a belief in community. Owners Michael Cifone and Matt Kay, lifelong friends and seasoned hospitality professionals, envisioned a restaurant that would be more than simply a place to dine. Their shared goal was to create a welcoming destination in Irvington where guests from all around Westchester could gather, celebrate, and savor the joy of good food and company.

For Michael and Matt, hospitality has always been about connection. Both honed their skills in culinary school, building a strong foundation that would shape their futures in the industry. Cifone’s is not just a restaurant—it is an extension of their belief that a shared meal has the power to bring people closer. By fostering warmth, care, and genuine hospitality, they’ve created a space where neighbors and visitors can come together to share meals and create lasting memories.

The menu at Cifone’s highlights modern Italian cuisine that balances tradition with creativity. Standout dishes include Shrimp Sambuca, with pan-seared shrimp, garlic, shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich sambuca cream; Carciofi alla Giudia, crisp pan-roasted artichokes finished with lemon and parmesan; and Tuna

Caponata, featuring seared sushi-grade tuna paired with eggplant agrodolce and vin cotto. Each dish is crafted to showcase freshness and refinement while honoring Italian traditions. And of course, guests can always find beloved classics—Parmesan, Piccata, and Francese— prepared with care and timeless appeal. Each dish captures the essence of Italian cooking— simple, vibrant, and designed to be shared.

Cifone’s is also a family affair. Michael’s wife, Danielle, may be spotted moving gracefully through the restaurant, welcoming tables with grace, or baking her creativity into rotating dessert specials. Currently, her signature tortoni, a chilled Italian classic, perfectly rounds out the Cifone’s experience and reflects the restaurant’s balance of tradition. Adding to this sense of family, Michael’s daughter Angelique is often found greeting guests with a contagious smile while capturing the spirit of the restaurant through her photography, with her images featured in this article.

The design itself was a deeply personal collaboration—I worked alongside my brother and Matt to bring the vision of the restaurant to life, ensuring the space reflected not only their hospitality philosophy but also the warmth of family and community that anchors the restaurant. Crisp white walls form a clean backdrop, accented by deep green upholstery and rich wood finishes that nod to the Italian countryside. Classic white tablecloths and striped napkins reinforce tradition, while polished glassware, silverware, and brass table lamps add elegance. By day, natural light floods the dining room; by night, soft lighting creates intimacy and warmth.

The bar serves as both centerpiece and destination, defined by a sleek concrete countertop, patterned green tile backsplash, and walnut shelving that displays a curated spirit selection. With its moody, speakeasy-inspired feel, it contrasts beautifully with the dining room’s freshness and invites guests to linger over an aperitivo, one of Cifone’s signature cocktails, or glass of wine.

At Cifone’s, every element—culinary, design, and service—comes together to create more than a meal. It is an invitation to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food, good company, and a community brought closer through the experience of dining.

cifones.com | @cifonesitalian

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H O P E

with YOU

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

THE WILD PATH TO POWER

The most beautiful things are born from the soil. When we have fertile ground, we can plant anything and watch it grow. The same is true for leadership, community, and the dreams we dare to name. On the day of our Wild Path to Powergathering, thirty of us came together here in Westchester not just to talk about change but to plant it—literally and symbolically—into the earth.

We came with a shared knowing: that the old ways of extraction and separation don’t work anymore, and that a new way forward must be dreamed, embodied, and built together. What if leadership looked more like collaboration with the land than control over it? What if our businesses, our families, and our communities were guided by the same intelligence that governs the natural world? Those questions shaped our day.

The moment that moved me most was when we each wrote down our dreams—not just for ourselves, but for the collective future we long for. We folded those dreams carefully and placed them in the soil at the base of a peach tree. That tree became our Community Dream Tree—a living reminder that the seeds we

plant today, both literal and metaphorical, will bear fruit for years to come. Each note held visions of abundance, creativity, connection, and belonging. By planting them together, we honored the truth that no dream grows in isolation. It takes soil, water, sunlight—and community—to flourish.

This simple act sparked something I hope spreads far beyond us: what if every neighborhood, school, or organization had a community tree where dreams could be planted and revisited each year? Imagine the possibilities if we each had a place to anchor our hopes, and to watch them blossom alongside one another’s.

The day was also full of beauty and play. Around a long wooden table covered in fresh blooms, we made flower crowns. Mothers, daughters, and neighbors wove stems into circles of color, laughing as petals scattered across the table. Crowning one another became its own quiet ceremony—a reminder that leadership doesn’t have to feel heavy. It can be light, joyful, and adorned with beauty. Power doesn’t have to look like hierarchy; it can look like lineage, with wisdom flowing across generations.

CONTINUED >

A FIN -

“THE WILD PATH TO POWER IS NOT ABOUT REACHING

IS A PRACTICE OF LISTENING DEEPLY, CHOOSING PRESENCE OVER PRESSURE, AND ROOTING LEADERSHIP IN VALUES THAT ACTUALLY SUSTAIN US.”

ISH LINE. IT

This is the essence of JADEVA, the women’s leadership movement I co-founded. JADEVA is a global membership community for women who are reimagining what leadership looks like now. We bring together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, artists, healers, and changemakers who are ready to lead with both strategy and soul. Our approach is rooted in what we call earth-aligned leadership: building businesses and communities that regenerate rather than deplete, creating impact that sustains both people and planet.

Here in Westchester, we’ve built a vibrant “hive” of women entrepreneurs, conscious corporate leaders, and creatives who are as passionate about community

as they are about success. Our gatherings are part mastermind, part ritual, part networking—but with a deeper intention: to create spaces where women feel seen, supported, and inspired to bring their visions to life. The Wild Path to Power was one of those gatherings, and it reminded me how much possibility lives right here, in our own backyard.

The Wild Path to Power is not about reaching a finish line. It is a practice of listening deeply, choosing presence over pressure, and rooting leadership in values that actually sustain us. It is “wild” because it asks us to leave the paved road of conventional success and instead walk barefoot into the unknown, guided by

trust in ourselves, in each other, and in the earth beneath our feet. It is a path to power, but not power as control. Power as reciprocity. Power as the ability to create new worlds by how we live, lead, and care for one another.

Looking around that day at the faces in the circle—crowned, grounded, radiant—I knew we weren’t just holding an event. We were practicing a way of being that I believe is essential for these times. Each person left carrying a seed: a new idea, a new friendship, a new sense of what leadership can feel like when it is rooted in authenticity and community.

For me, it was both a mirror and a reminder. A mirror reflecting back my

deepest hope—that leadership and business can be forces for beauty, renewal, and meaningful impact. And a reminder that I am not alone in that hope. My prayer is that more communities embrace the idea of planting their own Dream Trees, places where collective imagination can take root.

Because the truth is simple: the most beautiful things are born from the soil. When we tend the ground together, there is nothing we cannot grow. And so, the Wild Path to Power is not just an event we attended. It is a seed planted in each of us—a seed of earth-aligned leadership that will grow into forests of possibility for generations to come.

SEASONAL

a simpler

RECIPES BY BRITTANY MEADTH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MERRILL

HONEY ROASTED CARROTS WITH LABNEH AND FRESH DILL

Ingredients: 10 carrots, ½ cup fresh dill, 3 sprigs of thyme, 1 cup labneh, 2 tablespoons honey, 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. Wash, peel, and prep your carrots. If carrots are skinny, you can peel them and place them onto a cookie sheet. If the carrots are thicker in diameter you can cut them lengthwise into halves.

3. Drizzle honey and olive oil over carrots on baking sheet. Use your hands to make sure the carrots are properly coated on all sides.

4. Add salt and pepper

5. Bake in the oven at 400° F for about 25-30 minutes

6. Take them out of the oven and set aside

CRISPY POTATOES

7. On a large serving plate add about a cup (or more) of labneh. My favorite is called Luretik (you can but it locally at Macher in Goleta).

8. Add your carrots then freshly chopped dill and thyme to the top

9. Drizzle a good olive oil over the whole thing

Hosting Tip: “Ask for help from the right people. Some people aren’t going to be comfortable making bread rolls or a dessert, but maybe they’re great at making salad. Others can be asked to bring drinks or clean afterward. Nobody is a mindreader—don’t be afraid to set up a spreadsheet where they can sign up!”

Ingredients: 10 small yellow gold potatoes, 1/2 tablespoon baking soda, olive oil, salt, rosemary, garlic, chives (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. In a large Dutch oven, bring water, baking soda, and salt to a boil. Place unpeeled potatoes into the water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Once the potatoes are soft to touch (20-25 min), drain and let sit for 10 minutes.

3. On a cutting board, grab a potato and use any large object (wine bottle, glass jar) and smash down the potato. Do this gently and have a spatula close by to transfer to

HONEYNUT SQUASH

a baking dish. Once you have smashed all the potatoes, add salt and olive oil.

4. Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes or until crispy

5. Top with the garlic, rosemary, and fresh chives

Cooking tip: “I don’t peel my potatoes because who really has time for that? The secret to this recipe: baking soda. The baking soda makes the water alkaline which helps break down the surface of the potatoes, making them very crispy and very delicious.”

Ingredients: 3 honeynut squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, pomegranates

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. Slice the squashes in half, remove all the seeds

3. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 minutes

4. Add smoked paprika and pomegranates to serve

Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”

FLAVORS

FLAVORS

Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”

CARAMEL CHEESECAKE

Ingredients

Crust

• 12 graham crackers

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar

Filling

• 4 sticks of cream cheese (room temp)

• 1-1⁄2 cup sugar

• 5 large eggs (room temp)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F

Crust

• 2-1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

• zest of whole lemon

Caramel

• 1-1⁄4 cup sugar

• 1-1⁄3 cup water

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 cup unsalted or salted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a food processor, add the graham crackers, butter, and brown sugar. Blend until sand-like texture.

2. In a springform pan, add parchment paper and butter the sides

3. Place crust into the pan and pat down to form a smooth base

4. Set in the fridge and chill for 15 minutes

Filling

1. Add the cream cheese to a standing mixer. Make sure it’s room temperature—this is an important step!

2. With your whisk attachment on medium speed, mix the cream cheese. Once it becomes fluffy, add the sugar and one egg at a time. Scrape down sides as needed.

3. Remove the pan with the crust from the fridge, add the batter to the pan, and place into your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

4. Remove from the oven and let sit. Once cool, cover and place in the fridge.

Caramel

1. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Keep heat on medium. Watch the sugar water—it will slowly go from a light brown to a rich amber color.

2 . Once it turns amber in color, add the heavy whipping cream and butter and whisk

3. Turn the heat off and let sit for 5 minutes

4. Remove cheesecake from the fridge and add the caramel to the top

Lighting Is Everything

• Installing indoor and outdoor lighting for over 55 years.

• Mark Mosello is a leading design expert in the field.

• Professionally light your art, home and landscaping with customized service.

• Smart & eco-friendly options.

• Certified generator dealer + installation.

• Our style illuminates dark spaces, creating a more enjoyable and luxurious atmosphere.

NOVEMBER 1ST - 2ND

Evnin Rising Stars

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts | 3:00 PM

Young artists from Caramoor’s Evnin Rising Stars mentoring program take the stage in two afternoon concerts, guided by Artistic Director and cellist Marcy Rosen alongside acclaimed artists Ani Kavafian, violin, and Becca Albers, viola. The performances conclude a weeklong residency of workshops, rehearsals, and collaborations, offering audiences a glimpse into the artistry these musicians have developed with their mentors.

NOVEMBER 8TH

Westchester Book Festival

Katonah, NY | 10:00 AM

Celebrate books, writers, and readers! By featuring some of their most beloved authors of contemporary fiction and non-fiction, the Westchester Book Festival will enable readers to encounter ideas from multiple perspectives as well as to share common ground. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Katonah Village Library, Bedford, Free Library, and Bedford Hills Library.

NOVEMBER 16TH - JANUARY 4TH

The Great Holiday Train Show

Horace Greeley House | 10:00 AM

This beloved annual tradition returns to the Horace Greeley House for its fourth year with three new train displays, including an expanded LEGO layout and village. But don’t miss the classic family favorites: the Polar Express, Santa’s Double Track Holiday Train, and more! Plus, stop by their Holiday Gift Shop for a curated selection of items that delight all ages.

NOVEMBER 16TH

Mt. Kisco Farmer's Market

S. Moger Avenue, Mt. Kisco NY | 11:00 AM

Don't miss out on the last day of the Mt. Kisco Farmer's Market! Discover fresh, locally sourced produce, artisanal goods, and community connections. Open seasonally, this vibrant market brings together farmers, food vendors, and makers to offer the best in organic fruits and vegetables, baked goods, handcrafted items, and more. Experience farm-to-table freshness and a thriving local marketplace.

NOVEMBER 27TH

Westchester Turkey Trot

Valhalla, New York | 8:45 AM

Make this Thanksgiving unforgettable by participating in the Westchester Turkey Trot! Presented by Northwell Orthopedics, this event will feature 10K & 5K race. This spirited event invites runners and walkers of all ages to take part in a beloved holiday tradition that combines fitness with fun.

NOVEMBER 30TH

Annual Frosty Day

Downtown Armonk | 12:00 PM

Welcome Frosty home! Enjoy a day of various family-friendly activities, a parade, and a tree lighting! More than 40 local groups and organizations will participate with lit up floats, decorated vehicles, costumed characters and marching bands to welcome Frosty home.

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