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Gryphon Coffee Co. Unites the Community

F E B R UA RY 2 02 4

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

West Chester's Local Love

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Douglas Mcdermott douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Jamie Agamalian | jamie.agamalian@citylifestyle.com

Welcome to our Love Local issue! There is so much to love about our West Chester community. We can highlight how much we love our local businesses and community organizations, which we recently did in our December Readers’ Choice issue, but what we really want to highlight this month is the people who make up our community. We live in a thriving community not only because of the industry and businesses surrounding it but from the people who live in it. We are a community of kindness and love. We share this when we pass each other on the street, when we volunteer our time to countless organizations collecting supplies and helping those less fortunate, and when we show up to volunteer and help in our schools and sports organizations. In West Chester, we show our love by building up others. In this month of “love” think of how you give back to our West Chester community. How do you show your local love? Speaking of love, for those of you looking for a romantic Valentine's Day, check out 'The City List' to see who we think are some of the top local businesses for a perfect date night or Valentine's gift. We cover restaurants, day spas, jewelers, wineries and florists. We have all of your Valentine's needs covered within the community. If you are popping 'The Question" to your special someone or just going out with your spouse for a nice evening and use our recommendations, let us know! We will feature your story in a future issue! Enjoy the month!

C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Zach Agamalian, Cornerstone Mechanical

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Laura Williams LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

D O U G L A S M C D E R M O T T, P U B L I S H E R @WEST_CHESTER_LIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 West Chester Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Chester area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / W E S T C H E S T E R PA

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Chester Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

12 20

Featured

20 32 6

Gryphon Coffee Company

Locally-loved cafe unites the community one cup at a time.

Cornerstone Mechanical - the Trustworthy HVAC Company Built on honesty and trust, this new locally-loved business is growing rapidly in West Chester!

DIY Valentines

On the Cover

Departments

Gryphon Coffee Co. offers pour-over coffee drinks in addition to traditional European favorites like latte, cappuccino, and more. You can also purchase reusable merchandise to show your Gryphon love for your on-the-go needs.

Lifestyle Letter

City List

Must See FOOD + BEVERAGE

Home Update HOME SERVICES

Travel Journal TRAVEL

Maker’s Studio LIFE + CULTURE

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Simple Projects to Celebrate at Home Photography: Zach Agamalian

NOW OPEN LOCH AERIE MANSION

Campli Photography

610.640.2836

WWW.SEROCKCATERING.COM WEST CHESTER, PA

HEME B USI N ES

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.

P T

CITY LIST

PICKS

the

OUR

Winery The Inn at Grace Winery https://gracewinery.com/ | 610.459.4711 Chaddsford Winery https://www.chaddsford.com/ | 610.388.6221 Penns Woods Winery https://www.pennswoodswinery.com/ | 610.459.0808 Va La Vineyards http://www.valavineyards.com/vala_wines.html | 610.268.2702 Paradocx Vineyard https://www.paradocx.com/ | 610.255.5684

Florist Matlack Florist https://matlackflorist.com/ | 610.431.3077 Kati Mac Floral Designs https://katimacfloraldesigns.com/ | 610.431.9414

Want to suggest a monthly pick? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y LI F E S T Y LE .CO M / W E S TC H E S T E R PA

C I T Y LIST

flowers by the greenery https://www.flowersbythegreenery.com/ | 610.692.7758 Lorgus Flower Shop https://www.lorgusflowers.com/ | 610.696.5080 Green Meadows Florist https://www.greenmeadowsflorist.com/ | 215.634.9028

Day Spa Peter's Salon & European Spa https://www.peterssalonandspa.com/ | 610.436.6464 La Difference Salon & Day Spa https://ladifferencesalon.com/ | 610.429.1808 Calista Salon & Spa https://www.calistasalonandspa.com/ | 610.399.6677 Avante Salon & Spa https://www.avantesalon.com/ | 610.429.1800 Remedi Wellness & Spa https://www.remediwellnessandspawc.com/ | 610.436.7546

Restaurants Limoncello Ristorante https://www.limoncellorestaurant.com/west-chester | 610.436.6230 Mercato Ristorante & Bar https://mercato-wc.com/ | 610.701.6326 Pietro's Prime https://www.pietrosprime.com/ | 484.760.6100 Andiario https://andiario.com/ | 484.887.0919 Bar Avalon https://www.avalonrestaurant.net/ | 610.436.4100

Jeweler Sunset Hill Jewelers https://www.sunsethilljewelers.com/ | 610.692.0374 Kaplans Fine Jewelry https://kaplansfinejewelry.com/ | 610.431.4640 Benari Jewelers https://www.benarijewelers.com/ | 610.638.6753 Warwick Jewelers https://www.warwickjewelers.com/ | 610.594.2441 Dan Doubet Jewelers https://www.dandoubetjewelers.net/ | 610.358.8989

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7/31/24

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC HE ST E R PA

LOCALLY-LOVED CAFE UNITES THE COMMUNITY ONE CUP AT A TIME.

Gryphon Cof fee Company ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZACH AGAMALIAN

M UST SE E | F OOD + B E VERAGE

“

“At G r y p h o n’s , we a re we lc o m i n g t o eve r yo n e ! ”

Imagine a place where you can sit down with a stranger and strike up a conversation over a cup of hand-crafted coffee; a place where friends and colleagues can gather to catch up in a warm and welcoming atmosphere while enjoying a delicious sandwich or baked treat. Picture a place so loved by locals that it’s part of their daily routine. Seems too good to be true, right? It’s not! All of this and more can be found at Gryphon Coffee Co., located at 111 W. Gay St. in the heart of West Chester. Owner Len Mojzes says that his vision for the cafe is to be a traditional European-style cafe that is both coffee-centered and has great food. He admits that usually this is a hard balance to find and either the coffee outweighs the food or vice-versa, but Gryphon's has found the balance. Len states that this is due to keeping the menu small enough that they can be good at everything. “If we try to put it out there for our customers, we want to be great at it,” stated Len. Their menu is on the smaller side but contains all the heavy hitters you would expect in a traditional European cafe. You can choose from their standard drink menu of latte, cappuccino, espresso, Americano, cortado, flat white, matcha, and loose-leaf tea to name a few, as well as their seasonal drinks. Some favorite seasonal flavors are Gingerbread Latte, Brown Sugar Latte, Chai, Hot Apple Cider, seasonal lemonades, and more. You will also find sandwiches and pastries to choose from. The employees at Gryphon’s do their best to make what they can themselves, including the delicious syrups that the cafe is known for. When it comes to these in-house syrups, the goal is to add to the coffee, not to mask the overall coffee flavor. This is what makes Gryphon coffee so great! This “be great” mentality is found throughout the cafe. From their coffee to their food, to their customer interaction, Gryphon’s truly excels at it all. In fact, Len says this natural and friendly interaction is what really sets Gryphon apart from other cafes and coffee shops in the area. The employees take the time to get to know you, have a conversation with you, and make you feel like part of their community. At Gryphon’s, the coffee acts as a way to unite everyone to a common interest in one spot.

“Gathering together in our cafe, it shows that there is something human about us; we are all just people and we have something in common for the moment,” said Len. “At Gryphon’s, we are welcoming to everyone!” The coffee isn’t only uniting our immediate community, but it is also bringing the world into West Chester. On top of being a cafe, Gryphon’s is also a roaster, importing beans from all over the world. Most of their coffees are medium to light roast and it can take a while to find the perfect blend. They want their customers to be as excited about the coffee as they are. Len and his team carefully choose their coffee by what is in season. It is not uncommon for them to try 15-18 blends from the same country to find the most exciting and affordable brews to use in the cafe. They also like to find coffees that make an impact on the global community. Coffees roasted in the past include those made by women-owned businesses in areas such as Honduras and Columbia. It’s a great opportunity for Gryphon’s to give back globally as well. In addition to being a central part of the West Chester community, Gryphons is now expanding its roasts to be available commercially. Recently, they launched a line of bird-friendly coffees that can be found not only in the cafe but in places throughout the area such as Kimberton Whole Foods. To be considered bird-friendly, coffee producers must provide 40 percent shade coverage over the crop, have at least 11 species of birds on their land, and maintain a 12-meter tree canopy. Choosing ecologically responsible roasts is equally as important as taste to Gryphon Coffee Co. While visiting Gryphon’s take a moment to look around the cafe. The artwork that adorns the walls is all created by local artists and is for purchase. It changes regularly, so make sure to check the walls often to support local artists as they grow. If you’re a local artist and interested in having your artwork on display, reach out to Len through the website and start the conversation. Make sure to include photos of your work as well. This program offers a great avenue for local artists to get their start in the community. CONTINUED >

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“

“ G at h e r i n g t o ge t h e r i n ou r c a fe , it s h ows t h at t h e re i s s o m e t h i n g hu m a n a b out u s ; we a re a l l j u s t p e o p le a n d we h ave s o m e t h i n g i n c o m m o n fo r t h e m o m e nt .”

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

”

As a lifelong resident of West Chester, Len says that there is something truly unique about the blend of the university and the community. As a father of college-aged young adults, he and his wife toured many college towns with their daughters to find the right school. He said his impression was always how unique the blend of college and community is in West Chester. In their travels, they often saw universities that seemed to be in a bubble away from the community, but in West Chester the two co-exist and it creates a wonderfully unique community. They see students and residents interacting throughout the day in their cafe, which shows how united West Chester truly is in comparison to other communities. Whether young or old, a seasoned regular or your first time as a customer - this

unique blend of people truly reinforces the point that “all are welcome” at Gryphon’s. If you haven’t had the chance to visit Gryphon Coffee Co. yet, now is the perfect time to check them out. If you are a regular, you already know how special and loved Gryphon’s is to the West Chester community. If you’re not sure what to order, just ask the barista! They will guide you to find the perfect drink for your taste. Gryphon Coffee Co. also accepts online orders for drinks, sandwiches and pastries. Gryphon’s opens daily at 7 am and closes at 5 pm on weekdays and 6 pm on the weekends. Visit gryphoncoffee. com/west-chester for more information. You can also contact them by phone at (484) 983-3909.

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC HE ST E R PA

At G r y p h o n’s , t h e c o f fe e a c t s a s a way t o u n it e eve r yo n e t o a c o m m o n i n t e re s t i n o n e s p ot .

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

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Jeff Kitchen, AAMS® Edward Jones Financial Advisor 535 North Church Street, Ste 275 West Chester, PA 19380 (610) 430-1320 jeff.kitchen@edwardjones.com Ranking Methodology: Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Data as of 6/30/21. Source: Forbes.com (April 2022). Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com.SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC HE ST E R PA

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CORNERSTONE MECHANICAL

C OR N E R S T ON E M E C H A N IC A L T HE T R U S T W OR T H Y H VA C C OMPA N Y BUILT ON HONESTY AND TRUST, THIS NEW LOCALLY-LOVED BUSINESS IS GROWING RAPIDLY IN THE WEST CHESTER COMMUNITY!

H OM E U P DAT E | HO ME SE RVICE S

Starting a business is often thought to be a labor of love, but for the Annan family, it’s been a wonderful experience for the whole family. In a little over a year, family-owned Cornerstone Mechanical has become a very loved local HVAC business in the West Chester community. Owned by Tim and Meg Annan, Cornerstone Mechanical provides a personalized approach to HVAC systems. After years of working for a large HVAC company in the area, in early 2023 Tim felt it was time to branch out on his own to begin an independent business built on trust. He wanted the ability to develop real relationships with his customers. “We meet so many people who feel they’ve been taken advantage of in the past by home contractors and are never sure if someone is telling them the truth or just trying to make a sale,” said Tim. “We treat our customers like they are family and we will only recommend something that’s in their best interest.” It is this honesty that is taking the area by storm. As a smaller operation, Tim gets to know his customers and takes the time to explain their HVAC system to them. He says maintenance is the biggest issue they see time and time again. “Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive parts of your home and you want to make sure it’s being maintained properly,” said Tim. “Maintenance is one thing we take very seriously, and that’s why we spend a full hour looking at every component to make sure it’s working properly.” It is during this inspection that Cornerstone will let you know if they see any parts that are beginning to have issues that could impact your system, eventually causing a breakdown. They will make a recommendation but they will never pressure the customer into anything. They give customers all their options instead of trying to push a new unneeded system on them. “Another huge issue we see is a homeowner replacing their system too early. If you’re feeling pressured to replace a system that is under 10 years old, get a second opinion,” said Tim. “Repairs to a system that is 7 years or older are very normal and are to be expected. We’ve even seen systems 20 years old or more that are running just fine. If they don’t want to replace a system that’s older but still working well, that’s completely fine. We will help keep it going as long as we can.” CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC HE ST E R PA

About 80% of the work Cornerstone Mechanical currently does is in residential settings, but they are seeing their commercial jobs steadily growing as well. Before he opened Cornerstone, Tim was working strictly in commercial HVAC, so he is well-versed in all types of HVAC needs. They are a full-service company offering residential maintenance, repair and system replacements, and ductwork needs in new and older homes that do not have central HVAC yet. Cornerstone can also handle water heater installations and odd jobs involving gas piping, such as new lines for patio fireplaces. For commercial needs, Cornerstone Mechanical works with large office buildings and warehouses to offer maintenance contracts. They work directly with the property managers to alleviate the middleman. They are comfortable handling big jobs, such as the swapping-out of rooftop package units. Growing their commercial sector is a priority for 2024. Working primarily in residential now has been very rewarding for Tim though. He likes meeting neighbors and new people daily as well as the younger family members too! “I’ll often have someone’s young child following me around and asking me about different tools, which is entertaining. As a father of four, this doesn’t bother me at all and I’m thrilled that kids are fascinated by what I’m doing,” said Tim. “There is going to likely be a shortage of skilled laborers in the near future so we need more young people who grow up and want to fix things and work with their hands.” Tim and Meg’s kids are no strangers to the business. Their older son, who is now 12, has had the chance to go with his dad on a few jobs and lend a hand testing thermostats and tightening up screws. Their two daughters help mom out with the marketing side of the business by handing out business cards whenever they get a chance. All joking aside, it’s this family-focused approach to business that has been a breath of fresh air for many residents in the West Chester community. Not being the typical large HVAC company has helped grow trust and support for their new business. When you call to make a new appointment with Cornerstone Mechanical you will speak directly to Tim. Even as Cornerstone Mechanical continues to grow, the same family-owned feeling will remain the same. This personalized experience is the foundation of their business model and it is what makes Cornerstone so unique. For more information on Cornerstone Mechanical visit their website at csmhvac.com or reach them by phone at (484) 266-9077.

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E SE RVICE S

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ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Reservations For Two Dreamy destinations for couples looking to get away.

Finding a life partner just might be easier than finding someone you can travel with. Pace, patience and priorities all matter when organizing itineraries, straddling time zones and navigating new places. Do you like languid mornings with room service, wide sandy beaches and white-glove service? Or, do you prefer watching the sunrise in hiking boots, launching into eye-opening excursions and digging to find that hidden gem of a restaurant that serves local food to locals? When the stars align, both partners have an affinity for generally the same kind of vacation, or are willing to compromise. Enjoying travel with your mate is the icing on the (wedding) cake. Here are a few ideas for fabulously romantic getaways. Bon Voyage!

Traveling can be as stressful as it is sublime. Exhausting as it is inspiring. Traveling as a couple requires additional planning and communication with a healthy dose of patience. Much like marriage! But, waking up in a faraway place, exploring unknown terrain together and leaving your routine and all its trappings behind can be therapeutic. You both can take on new roles and release tired habits.

Write new vows over lunch or take a random nap because you can.

Share planning and talk about your goals for the trip. Do you want to completely unplug or will one of you need excellent wifi to call into a few meetings?

If you’re parents, consider setting boundaries for texting and phone calls so you can put the phone away and immerse in one another. Let the kids know you will be checking your phone at a certain time each day (and stick to that). Let the grandparents or caregivers handle the day to day drama.

Take turns charting a course for the day. On day one, you check museum opening times, get the timed tickets and find a nearby spot for a healthy lunch. On day two, you sit back and let your partner call the Uber and source out the perfect shopping district, walking distance to a park. Enjoy the ride, either way.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

Four Seasons Bora Bora FourSeasons.com/BoraBora

Privacy and so much blue water. Bora Bora, French Polynesia At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, bucket list overwater bungalows line a glassy lagoon, inviting early-morning swims off your own private dock with a bright breakfast table set on your patio overlooking Mount Otemanu. The morning air is like silk, with a lithe breeze promising more of the same. Later, meander down the shady paths of the resort to the Te Mahana Spa. With breathtaking lagoon and Pacific Ocean views from twin infinity pools, the treatment begins with local juices and fruit, a foot massage, and then continues with rebalancing rituals starring indigenous ingredients like skin-smoothing, Tahitian-black-pearl powder and detoxifying algae sourced from the ocean. A full body scrub, massage, and hour-long soak in a coconut bath will leave you thankful and grounded. You can connect with the underwater world by snorkeling with a resident marine biologist and leave a legacy by grafting coral to repopulate the sun bleached lagoon. Dinners at the Four Seasons Bora Bora offer the ultimate date night experience, and a private moonlit swim is the perfect nightcap.

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC HE ST E R PA

Montage Palmetto Bluff Montage.com/PalmettoBluff

A sanctuary for you and nature alike. Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina

Tucked away on 20,000 acres of conservancy property in South Carolina’s low country, this classic resort delivers quintessential southern hospitality at every turn, whether you stay in one of the private cottages dotting the winding walkways along the May River or at the Main Inn with views of a maritime forest or inland waterway. Dramatic giant oaks dripping with Spanish moss line the miles of shady paths for meandering and biking around dreamy Palmetto Bluff. Golf with a caddy at May River Golf Course, a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Venture out by bike with a bottle of the finest Veuve Clicquot bubbly for a private picnic. Paddle, kayak or join an intimate cruise on a vintage

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

picnic boat along 32 miles of waterfront. Shoot clay targets on one of the elevated 5-Stands, or on the sporting clay courses winding through an expansive 120-acre facility. There’s tennis, pickleball, three pools, a fitness center or hikes with the in-house Naturalist to keep you busy. If being busy is not your idea of fun, spend a day in robes at Spa Montage. The May River Renewal is two and a half hour spa experience with exfoliation, a soak and Heart of the Bluff Massage. Dine at The River House, where charming wait staff from around the world serve elevated local fare, elegant cocktails and the most perfect bread service you’ll ever enjoy. It’s these thoughtful details at Montage Palmetto Bluff that make you feel like the day belongs to you both.

The Pendry Pendry.com

A perfect romantic getaway in a contemporary mountain enclave. Park City, Utah Create a perfect romantic getaway at Pendry Park City, a contemporary mountain enclave bringing the mastery of Utah’s awe-inspiring landscape to new heights. The ski-in / ski-out resort is nestled in the center of Canyons Village, with slopeside modernist design, luxury service and thoughtful amenities, ideal for a couple’s escape. With intimate and cozy après and evening settings by the fireplaces and firepits throughout the entire property and in-room, complete with live music, inviting meals and more. Book an extra special meal at KITA, the stunning Japanese

steakhouse and sushi restaurant, the ideal romantic setting. Pair with some pre or post dinner cocktails at one of the bars, or a relaxing couple’s massage post ski. Rejuvenate the body with Spa Pendry for a couples massage, a side-by-side personally tailored massages for two in the couple’s suite and enjoy the herbal steam room, relaxation spaces, complimentary refreshments, state-ofthe-art fitness center and access to the hotel rooftop pool and whirlpool, with stunning views of the mountains. A perfect place to unwind with a robe and glass of champagne. FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC HE ST E R PA

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC HE ST E R PA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

DIY VALENTINES

ARTS

ARTICLE BY CHERYL PARTON

1. Arts Create heart ornaments to hang on a Valentine’s Day tree. The ornaments can be used as clue cards for a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt. Participants find their picture on the tree and hunt for a hidden treasure.

2. Sweets A home-based holiday is made complete with a dessert table. Whether made from scratch or store bought, a collection of decorated confections is as beautiful as the treats are delectable to eat.

3. Sentiments Poetry is a most personal way to express your heart. No need to be intimidated by haiku, a short form of Japanese poetry. While there are several variations of the form, a traditional place to begin is with a seasonal word that divides 17 syllables into three lines of five/ seven/five. Simple and sweet.

M AK E R’S ST U D IO | L I FE + CU LT U RE

SENTIMENTS

The first Valentines were handmade in the 18th century, long before printing presses and mass-produced options. Today, handmade signifies the ultimate in personal mots d’amour. Enjoy these sweet projects as a couple, a family, or with friends.

SWEETS

Simple Projects to Celebrate at Home

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ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

When my kids were little, we would address valentines to classmates, deliver flowers to neighbors and decorate the house with hearts and snowflakes (cut from white coffee filters). For dinner, I would make their favorite meal: dessert! Why not? I'd melt chocolate (the good stuff) and let them line up their dippers. They thought dessert for dinner was magical. Of course, I'd fed them a protein-packed after-school snack and served "dinner" early so they could get their sugar wiggles out before bed. Delightful! Happy Valentine's Day!

Th e Spi ke d Jone s • • • •

1/2 cup milk 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup whole coffee beans 2 ounces semisweet chocolate (61% Valrhona), chopped • 2 tablespoons Kahlua • 1 teaspoon confectioner's sugar • 1 tablespoon dark chocolatecovered coffee beans, chopped

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, 1/2 cup cream, and whole coffee beans. Bring to a simmer, turn off heat, cover, and steep beans for 1 hour. Strain liquid and return to saucepan; discard beans. Bring the milk-and-cream mixture back to a simmer, add chocolate, and whisk until incorporated. Remove from heat; whisk in Kahlua. Whip remaining 1/2 cup cream and the confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Divide the hot chocolate between 2 cups and garnish each portion with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped chocolate-covered coffee beans.

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HOC

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