Lifestyle Magazine December 2023 by Lifestyle Magazine

Inspiring Life In Our Community

Dec 2023

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What’s Inside

The Gather Issue

Gather Whether embracing every bit of winter's wonders, or beautifully wrapping gifts for loved ones, may your holidays be merry and bright, shared with those you care about most.

Features

In Every Issue

Christmas Gift Wrap

Editor’s Note

Holiday Craft

Contributors

At Home: The Andersons

Interest

Q&A: Bread Savage

Holiday Traditions

Food: Grandma Helen's Butterhorns

Festive Cider Bar

History: Ag in Tulare County

Mental Health Awareness

Calendar of Events

From the Team

13 On the Cover: Photo by Dakota Jacobi. Story on page 22.

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Anderson RE Group

Karol Anderson

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559.679.2997 | 559.697.5277 karol@theandersonregroup.com BRE 01719850, 02083834

Erik Anderson

Broker / Owner 559.731.3815 | 559.697.5277 erik@theandersonregroup.com BRE 01853488, 02083834

The Gather Issue

Thoughts from the Editor

few years ago, our family had recently moved into our new home, and as the festive season approached, I wanted to make our house shimmer. I

went out and purchased new strands of colorful lights to add a little nostalgia and was set to bring some merry to our neighborhood. Picture this: a charming house with steep, only slightly daunting, rooflines, practically begging for some cheer. Now, I’m no stranger to holiday decorations. (I had just pulled down 12 fully loaded storage tubs brimming with Christmas goodies.) But this house posed a unique challenge. Eager to impress my family, I embarked on the ambitious task of hanging the exterior Christmas lights. Hoping for some moral support from my wife and a hand from my kids, I pulled out the ladder and the required gear. Within moments, my daughters both rode off on their bikes to play, and my wife was jumping in a car to go shopping with a friend. Her departing words were something along the lines of “that roof looks really steep” and that I should be careful, as she tossed me a bike helmet “just in case.” The first attempt was, in the words of the Fantastic Mr. Fox, a cluster-cuss. I clambered up the ladder, lights in hand, full of determination. The first issue was that my shoelaces were untied. If you’ve never tried to tie your shoes on a steep ledge, then you don’t know how to live. The second issue was that the newly acquired lights had yet to be unpackaged. So there I was, teeth bared to chew through plastic safety packing material, shoe untied, bike helmet on, and starting to get frustrated as my neighbors walked past to watch the spectacle and wave a holiday hello. After some time, and definitely no help from my wife and kids, I was finally ready to make it happen. It all started going well as I got into a rhythm, but as I reached the first pitch of the roofline, reality struck—there was no way I was getting up there without risking a headline in the local newspaper. A fall from this height was a double-wrist-break kind of event, at minimum. Attempting to scale the steepest part of the roof would take a feat of great skill and courage, particularly for this self-diagnosed semi-acrophobic (someone who’s afraid of heights) gentleman. So, I did what any self-respecting person would do. I decorated just half the roof. Each evening, as I drove home, the sight of our half-lit house greeted me. It looked as though our home was frozen, mid-blink, in a festive wink to the world. In a desperate attempt to compensate, I bought some ground lights, shining them up on the house in hopes of creating an illusion of completeness. Spoiler alert: it didn't. It looked like our house was signaling for extraterrestrial help. I spent that Christmas feeling a tad embarrassed every time the sun set, but here’s the twist: despite the incomplete decorations, that Christmas was still

Eric Riley

beautiful. Our family found joy in imperfection. The half-lit house became a

Executive Editor Lifestyle Magazine

unpredictability of life. So when my wife asked me the other day if I wanted

President / Owner Topograph

symbol of our first holiday in the new home, a humorous testament to the to put some lights up outside, I quickly responded with a whole-hearted “No, thank you.” Holidays don't have to be perfect to be wonderful. Sometimes, it's the imperfections that make the best memories. They remind us to focus on what truly matters: Being fully present with our loved ones. So, if this holiday season doesn't go as planned, just remember: a half-lit house can still be completely full of light and laughter.

Contributors

Contributors December 2023

Monica Fatica

Rylie Fox

MANAGING EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNER / PHOTOGRAPHER

Willemina Brazeal WRITER

Terry Ommen HISTORIAN

Dakota Jacobi PHOTOGRAPHER / SALES

Lea Veiss MARKETING INTERN

Sue Burns WRITER

Natalie Caudle WRITER

Scan here to read more about our monthly contributors, see a list of rack locations, or to sign up for a monthly subscription.

Pacific Treasures

Holiday Traditions

EMBRACING THE

HOLIDAY SPIRIT Words by Lifestyle Staff

athering during the holidays is a cherished tradition for many people, rooted in preserving

MARK THE OCCASION

cultural or religious practices. It can be a joyous time

Traditions can be a wide range of activities or

of anticipation when extended family and friends come

celebrations. For example:

together to spend time with each other. Creating traditions can be a wonderful way to make the season more special and meaningful. They can also help lift spirits and encourage kindness and gratitude. Here are some ways to create or add to your own traditions:

Special meals or recipes | Cook a traditional holiday meal together or try a new recipe every year. Decorations | Create handmade decorations or ornaments that you put up each year.

REASON FOR THE SEASON

Gift exchanges | Develop unique gift-giving traditions, such as secret Santa or homemade gifts.

Before creating a new tradition, think about the significance and purpose of the holiday. What

Community service | Spend part of the

does the holiday mean to you and your loved ones?

holiday giving back to the community

Understanding the essence of the holiday will help

through volunteering.

you come up with traditions that align with its spirit.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT Traditions are most meaningful when they involve and are enjoyed by your family and friends. Discuss with your loved ones about what traditions they would like to start or continue. Consider their ideas and preferences.

Outdoor activities | Plan outdoor adventures like hiking, sledding, or a family walk. Storytelling | Share stories, legends, or family history around the fireplace. Movie night | Watch a specific holiday movie or set of movies together. Crafting or games | Engage in arts and crafts activities, like making wreaths or ornaments. Playing games or putting a puzzle together creates time for bonding. Music | Put on a favorite Christmas song or album—or play a few cheery tunes on your own instruments. The holiday spirit shines through music shared by all.

The Gather Issue

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

KEEP IT SIMPLE Traditions don't have to be elaborate or

Traditions thrive when they are consistent.

expensive. Simple, heartfelt traditions can

Set a date and time for your traditions, so

often be the most meaningful.

they become anticipated annual events. This predictability can create a sense of comfort and excitement.

PASS IT ON Traditions are made to be shared and documenting them through photos, videos,

EMBRACE SPONTANEITY While traditions are usually planned and predictable, leave room for spontaneous moments and surprises. These can add extra joy to your holiday experiences.

This will allow you to reminisce about

ENJOY THE PROCESS

the past and share the memories with

Creating holiday traditions is about building

future generations.

lasting memories and fostering a sense of

or journals, will ensure they are preserved.

ADAPT AND EVOLVE

togetherness. Enjoy the process and the time spent with your loved ones as much as the traditions themselves.

Over time, your family might change, and circumstances might evolve. Be open to adapting your traditions to accommodate

Remember: The most important aspect

new family members or friends, changing

of holiday traditions is the love and

preferences, or logistical challenges.

connection they foster among family and

BE CULTURALLY SENSITIVE

friends. Whether it's a long-standing family

If you're celebrating a holiday that has cultural or religious significance, be mindful of the cultural and religious backgrounds of your loved ones. Ensure that your traditions are respectful and inclusive to all extended family members too.

tradition or a new one you create, it's the shared moments and feelings of joy that truly matter.

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The Gather Issue

That's a Wrap Words and Gift Wrap by Willemina Brazeal | Photos by Dakota Jacobi

rapping gifts all pretty-like for Christmas? It's not just about making things look good—it's about sprinkling a

little bit of Christmas magic onto the gifts you give others.

Sure, it's fun to have beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree, but there's more to it. Beautifully wrapped gifts can show someone you care, thought of them specifically, and that you want them to feel special when they open it.

Gift wrap custom designed by Willemina Brazeal @willemina_typography willeminatypography.com

Christmas Gift Wrap

Wrapping your gifts aesthetically is a chance to get creative and show off your style. Think of it like an art project you can share with your loved ones. Go with colorful paper, ribbons, and bows, or keep it simple with brown paper and twine. You can even tailor the wrapping to their interests: if they're into sports, find a football ribbon; if they love dogs, dig up some cute puppy gift tags. Make your gifts uniquely “them.” Whether you're a wrapping pro or just starting out with some crinkled paper and too much tape, remember that it's all in good fun. Wrapping gifts beautifully adds a sprinkle of holiday charm, sparks joy, and brings everyone a little closer during this festive season. It's a simple, yet meaningful way to share the warmth and joy of Christmas with your family and friends. So, go ahead and get your creative juices flowing. Throw on some Michael Bublé or Mariah Carey, and let the gift-wrapping begin!

The Gather Issue

tips to gift wrap THEME-BASED WRAPPING Choosing a holiday or a hobby-related theme can make your gifts look cohesive and visually appealing.

MONOCHROME MAGIC Go with a color theme and experiment with different shades and textures within the chosen palette.

LAYERED TEXTURES Combine different textures like velvet ribbon, satin bows, and textured paper to add depth and visual interest.

STAMPED OR STENCILED PATTERNS Try stamping or stenciling patterns onto plain wrapping paper like polka dots or simple geometric shapes.

DIY GIFT TAGS Create your own gift tags and add a personal message, a joke, or a quote that relates to the recipient.

NATURAL ELEMENTS Incorporate natural winter elements like pinecones, twigs, or small flowers into your gift wrapping.

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Festive Cider Bar

The Gather Issue

TOP IT OFF, SPIKE IT UP A HOLIDAY CIDER COCKTAIL BAR Words by Lifestyle Staff | Photo by Topograph

reate a festival of delights with a tantalizing cider bar. Whether you're a cider connoisseur or a social sipper,

these ideas offer a perfect blend of flavors for your next gathering. Your guests will enjoy a spice-soaked holiday that's sure to tickle their taste buds and elevate their spirits!

TO START

SOME SPICE

Apple cider Ice Optional: hot cider

Bitters Star anise Cinnamon sticks Optional: cayenne, ginger

SPIRITS Champagne Optional: tequila, bourbon

TOUCH OF SWEET Brown sugar cubes Maple syrup Optional: honey

GARNISH IT Dried orange slices Fresh sage sprigs Fresh rosemary sprigs Optional: whole nutmeg, allspice

DIRECTIONS Combine 3 parts cider, 1 part spirits. Sweeten and spice to taste.

HOW TO ELEVATE THE COCKTAIL BAR EXPERIENCE: Make it festive by creating a theme like Winter Wonderland, Christmas Classics, or New Year's Glam. Use seasonal ingredients like pomegranates, figs, and persimmons to add to cocktails. Use ice cube trays to create unique sizes and shapes. Offer a selection of warm cocktails, such as hot toddies. Don’t forget the music! Create a holiday-themed playlist to create a festive ambiance.

You’re made for embracing the joy of the holiday season with family and friends. Don’t let cold and flu symptoms slow you down. The experts at Quick Care of Visalia Medical Clinic are ready to treat your family’s minor emergencies, from a fever and chills, to burns, falls and sprains. We make it easy to get quick, convenient care when and where you need it. No appointments necessary. Walk-ins welcome. Great health is the best gift you can give yourself throughout the holidays.

Visalia Medical Clinic Quick Care Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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At Home

HOLIDAY HOME The Anderson family soaks in the magic of the holidays Words by Natalie Caudle Photos by Dakota Jacobi

The Gather Issue

tanding tall in the heart of a stately neighborhood is a remarkable colonial-

style house that exudes classic beauty. Karol Anderson, real estate broker, wife to Erik, and devoted mother of five, has transformed her residence into a holiday masterpiece, blending classic Christmas charm with her home's rich architectural design. The Anderson family moved into the unique home in 2021, two decades after its construction. They'd fallen in love with the impressive Doric columns that radiate the grandeur of 18th-century architecture, a style more often found in the American South. Earlier this year, Karol partnered with Molly Sampietro to redesign the kitchen into a more functional space for their family. One of the main improvements included removing the wall between the kitchen and living room, and adding a second kitchen island in its place. They now have an open concept space with ample lighting and full views of Karol’s yearly infusion of Christmas spirit. The holiday season cannot come too early for Karol. As kids, still clad in masks and costumes, sort through their trick-or-treat candy, Erik brings down bins of holiday decor for Karol. The process is a team effort, and Erik is a huge supporter of Karol’s decking the halls each year. “I feel like I live for Christmas,” says Karol. “January through July are the longest months; nothing is as exciting as Christmas, and decorating the house is too much work to enjoy for only one month. It gets done earlier every year, but we get smarter with the process.”

At Home

FLORIST DESIGNER MATT AICKLEN CREATED A COLOR SCHEME WITH BOLD AND CLASSIC HUES. Upon entering the home, reminiscent of a favorite holiday movie, a sweeping staircase adorned with garland wrapped in twinkling lights, gold bells, and ribbon radiates a sense of enchantment and wonder. Designed by Matt Aicklen of Beard and Bloom (and florist designer at Sequoia Gathered and Grown) the holiday decor, floral arrangements, and wreaths nod to Karol's traditional holiday style while adding a modern twist with black textured accents. Extending into the heart of the home, Karol's love for traditional Christmas style is evident, with a color palette of rich red and deep green. Classically adorned twelve-foot trees twinkle throughout, while Christmas-themed pillows add a cozy touch. Karol steers away from trendy styles and Pinterest inspirations, creating a timeless ambiance. The Christmas spirit is tucked into every corner of the house with holiday soaps, towels, and mats trimming the guest bath with festive flair. Shelves are fixed with touches of Christmas, including a handful of nativity sets, giving a nod to the true meaning of the season. The nostalgic air of Christmas is perfectly captured with holiday mugs full of hot cocoa and marshmallows, paired perfectly with Karol's delectable Russian tea cookies. The Anderson family connects in the kitchen as they bake scrumptious delights for neighbors and family. The sweet scent of chocolate chip cookies with red and green M&M's often wafts through the home as Karol and her children create memories and continue cherished traditions. One of the Anderson's favorite recipes is the uncomplicated yet traditional Muddy Buddy mix. With instructions taken from the back of a cereal box, Karol whips up large batches of this holiday favorite as a treat for game nights and holiday snacking. “This is one of our favorite snacks while we check off our must-watch holiday movie list each year,” shares Karol.

The Gather Issue

At Home

“I FEEL LIKE I LIVE FOR CHRISTMAS.” -KAROL ANDERSON

The Gather Issue

At Home

In addition to the festive decorations throughout the main living areas of the house, Karol has thoughtfully brought holiday magic to her three children's rooms. Each boasts a unique Christmas tree glittering with sentimental ornaments reflecting their individual interests and styles. These trees, much like Karol, sparkle with the joy of Christmas. The rooms are a true testament to the love shared in this close-knit family and the joy Christmas brings to their home. During the holiday season, the Anderson home stands as a beacon of warmth, elegance, and tradition. The classic Christmas style captures the enduring beauty of the past and reminds everyone to savor laughter-filled moments before the season slips away. Karol and her family have created an enchanting home where every detail celebrates the most wonderful time of the year.

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The Gather Issue

One Pastry At A Time A Year-in-Review with Bread Savage Words by Lifestyle Staff Photos by Topograph

ast November, our community awaited, with great anticipation, the opening of

a French-inspired bakery in the heart of downtown Visalia. Fast forward a year later, and behind every flaky croissant and each loaf of meticulously handmade bread, is the unfolding story of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of perfection. Bread Savage isn’t just a bakery, it’s a testament to the magic that happens when a dream rises like dough, patiently waiting to be shaped into something extraordinary. Owners Chase and Brooke Darwin, share about their first year in business and how they continue to mold and create, fulfilling their vision, one pastry at a time.

Q&A: Bread Savage

Lifestyle: Can you share about how you began baking? Brooke: I come from generations of bakers. I grew up making

Lifestyle: What do you love most about French baked goods, and how do they inspire you?

simple things with my mom, like cookies and cinnamon rolls. When

Brooke: I love how old the recipes are; they go back hundreds

the film industry shut down during the pandemic, we had a lot of

of years. The process of French baking is about finesse and craft

time on our hands. I threw myself into learning more advanced

and feels like the highest art form. When we're developing a new

pastries like croissants, and Chase took over all the cooking. Last

item, the texture and flavors must be balanced and interesting.

year, we had the opportunity to move back here, to Chase's

Everything we do is intentional and like the art of French pastry,

hometown and open a bakery, and we said, “Why not?” I taught

the bakery itself is more than a business to us–it's a project. Before

Chase the basics, and his cooking background gave him the skills

we were bakers, we were writers and actors, and, in a way, Bread

to adapt. He's my favorite collaborator.

Savage is a big art piece that we are putting our souls into and seeing how far it can go. Like a hit show, we're hoping for six

Lifestyle: What were the first days like when you opened? Brooke: For the first seven months, we worked about 80 hours a week. In December, my mother-in-law helped up front, and we

seasons and a movie. (Any “Community” fans out there?) Lifestyle: Is there anything special you are making for the holidays?

hired another baker after the holidays, but we were still going from

Brooke: We're offering our signature pies and giftable cookie boxes.

4am straight through to 5 or 6pm, without a lunch break. We didn’t

As always, everything is made from scratch, and we're expecting

have any free time, survived on fast food, and would wake up to do

things to go much smoother this time around. Last year, we got our

it all over again. At that time, we couldn’t afford a bread oven so I

permit to open just days before Thanksgiving and worked for 36

would make baguettes in the convection oven, under a steam trap I

hours straight to fulfill 90 pie orders. I not so lovingly refer to that

created from a chafer dish on top of a Silpat. We made it work by

as “the 36-hour shift” and I'm really excited we have our amazing

being really scrappy and patient until we made enough to afford a

team by our side this time.

bread oven. We continue to invest as we grow. Lifestyle: How have things changed into what they are today? Brooke: Little by little, over the past six months, we’ve been able to hire and build a great team. The bakery's culture is very important to us. We like to say we hire on vibes and can usually tell within the

Lifestyle: Anything else you’d like to share? Brooke: It still blows me away to see people come in and spend their money here, eating the pastries we make, at the tables I built. It’s still so surreal to me. We are so grateful to be where we are a year later, and all because of the community’s support.

first few minutes if someone is the right fit. The ability to learn and work well with others is paramount to anything else, so we've taught them our techniques and they've done an excellent job. The pastries we make aren't simple, but the team is upholding the standard we set out to achieve. As the teams’ skills have grown, we've been able to step back a little bit and reclaim some of our personal time. We couldn't have grown to this point without them.

Bread Savage 110B W Main St, Visalia Tue-Sat 7:00am-3:00pm @breadsavagebakeshop

The Gather Issue

wintry mushroom tablescape DIY by Brooke Darwin | Photos by Topograph

ngaging in do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can offer a variety of benefits, both personal and practical. One can learn new skills, express creativity,

use critical thinking, be resourceful, and foster a sense of self-reliance and

accomplishment. Brooke from Bread Savage finds that engaging in hands-on projects provides a productive outlet and a way to relax and unwind from the day-to-day stress of owning and operating a business. Below, she shares one of her favorite projects where she creates mushrooms for an enchanting wintry tablescape.

Holiday Craft

WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Alluminum foil, hot glue gun, modeling clay, paints of your choice, paint brushes, technique tools, and a creative mind!

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

Create the foil stem by cutting the desired length, then folding in half and rolling.

Form the mushroom cap by cutting a square-shaped piece of foil and gently folding inward until the cap is formed.

Use a hot glue gun to attach the stem to the cap. You can add more foil to reinforce the stem if desired.

Roll a piece of modeling clay into a ball and then begin flattening into a round shape. Take the flattened piece and wrap it around the foil mushroom cap until covered.

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

STEP 8

Grab another piece and do the same for the stem, wrapping until covered, and joined with the cap. Use your spatula tool to drag some clay from the base of the cap down, creating the skirt.

Take a tool with a pointed end, and begin creating lines beneath the mushroom cap. Let dry for 24 hours.

Apply the yellow paint to the edges of the mushroom. When dry, apply the red paint to the entire cap, leaving some of the yellow peeking through.

Once dry, apply the creamy white paint to the stem, and then create dots all over the top.

tips

Create an assembly line. For example, if you plan on making 10 mushrooms, form the foil base for all 10 at the same time, moving through each step the same way. You can add hooks during the clay application if hanging the mushrooms is desired. Note: Each mushroom should be unique and not exactly the same. The project should be enjoyable and gratifying; there’s no perfect line or shape required when molding the clay.

Scan for a step-by-step video of the mushroom making process

Lechtman

Mental Health Awareness

COPING WITH THE HOLIDAY BLUES Words by Lifestyle Staff

his time of year can be stressful and emotionally

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS

challenging for many, taking a toll on mental health.

Learn about common mental health issues like

Follow these tips to help raise awareness and support

depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective

mental well being during the holiday season.

disorder (SAD) to better understand the challenges people may face.

DESTIGMATIZE MENTAL HEALTH Encourage open and non-judgmental conversations about mental health. Let people know that it's okay to seek help and talk about their feelings. Checking in with others about their mental health can be simple—connect with someone to help them feel supported and less isolated.

SHARE RESOURCES Share information about local mental health resources; crisis hotlines including 988, a 24/7 crisis hotline providing free and confidential support via call, text, or chat; and support groups. Let people know where they can turn if they need help. A great local resource is the Visalia Wellness Center. They offer a wide range of resiliency -focused services, including group sessions, gardening, and cooking classes.

The Gather Issue

REDUCE FINANCIAL STRESS

ADVOCATE FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Suggest budget-friendly gift exchanges or

Support mental health advocacy organizations and

alternatives to gift-giving that can help alleviate

initiatives in your community. Attend or organize

financial strain.

events that raise awareness.

OFFER SUPPORT WITHOUT PRESSURE

KNOW WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

Let your loved ones know you're there to support

If you or someone you know is struggling with severe mental health issues, encourage seeking

them, but avoid pushing them to participate in holiday events if they're not feeling up to it.

professional help. Mental health professionals can

CHECK-IN REGULARLY

line is a resource that can connect you to a peer

provide guidance and support. The CalHOPE warm

Reach out to friends and family with a simple text or call to check in on how they're doing, especially if you know they're going through a challenging time.

PROMOTE VOLUNTEERING Encourage volunteering or acts of kindness as they can boost one's own mental health and create a sense of purpose during the holiday season.

counselor who has persevered through struggles with stress, anxiety, depression, and emotions triggered by everyday situations and stress. Call 1-833-317-HOPE (4673) for help. By following these tips and fostering a supportive and understanding environment, you can contribute to greater mental health awareness and help make the holiday season a more positive and inclusive time for everyone.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE Be mindful of your own mental health and set an example by seeking help or talking about your feelings when needed. This can reduce the stigma around mental health issues.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Depression: Feelings of severe despondency and dejection Anxiety: Intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations Seasonal Affective Disorder: A type of depression that has a seasonal pattern. Also known as SAD.

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The Gather Issue

Grandma Helen’s

BUTTERHORNS Recipe by Sue Burns | Photos by Topograph

very holiday season, my Grandma Helen would make the most delicious baked

goods: flaky, rolled crescents filled with sugar and walnuts that she rolled in more sugar and cinnamon while they were still warm from the oven. Although they are more commonly identified as “rugelach,” she called them butterhorns, and no one expressed any objection as they savored each one. Old family recipes are special treasures, and even more so during the holidays. The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes transport us through time to celebrations of seasons past, as they keep traditions and the memories of our loved ones alive. I have Grandma’s handwritten index card that lists most of the ingredients and basic steps: “Work butter into flour with pastry mixer. Add egg yolk and sour cream. Work in with meat fork. Mix well. Do not overmix.” This, along with my memories of being in her kitchen while she made them (without ever looking at said recipe card) and a little research, helped me fill in the blanks to create cookies that taste just like hers did. Over time, I’ve taken a little culinary liberty and made batches using updated ingredients, like homemade fig jam and chai-spiced sugar. Whenever I make these mouthwatering morsels, I’m in two worlds at once—back in my childhood with Grandma Helen, and a grandmother myself in the present day, baking with my granddaughters. I love thinking that someday they’ll know the joy of sharing flavors and memories as they make them with their grandchildren, too.

Food

BUTTERHORN PASTRIES Makes 48-64 pastries

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS To make the dough 1.

mixture looks like coarse meal. Add the egg yolks and sour cream

Dough 4 cups sifted flour

Place flour and butter in a food processor and pulse until the and pulse again, until the dough just starts to come together.

2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into

1 lb. (4 sticks) sweet butter,

4 pieces. Shape each piece into a disc, wrap individually in

cut into pieces

plastic wrap and place in an airtight bag. Refrigerate several

2 egg yolks

hours or overnight.

1½ cups sour cream

Filling 3/4 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon or 3/4 cup chai-spiced sugar (recipe below) 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Coating 1 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon or 1 cup chai-spiced sugar

To make the pastries 1.

Preheat the oven to 375F. Line 2-4 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix the sugar/chai-spiced sugar (recipe follows) and walnuts together; set aside. 3. Working with one dough disc at a time, turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into an 8” circle. Sprinkle the filling mixture over the surface of the dough. 4. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the circle into 12-16 wedges (depending on how large you want the butterhorns). Starting at the wide end, roll each wedge up to the point, place on the cookie sheet with the point on the bottom. 5. Repeat with remaining dough discs until all are rolled, filled, cut, and placed on parchment-lined baking sheets. Each disc makes 12-16 cookies. 6. Bake 14-17 minutes, until golden and just firm to the touch. 7. Remove from the oven and allow the butterhorns to cool on the baking sheet for 4-5 minutes, then roll in the topping mixture twice and cool completely on a rack.

SUE’S CHAI-SPICED SUGAR (adapted from Taste of the South magazine, 2014) 4 cups sugar

In a medium bowl or zip-top

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

bag combine sugar, cinnamon,

2½ teaspoons ground cardamom

cardamom, ginger, cloves,

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

pepper, and vanilla powder.

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Cover or seal bag, and let

1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

stand at least 1 week or up

1 teaspoon vanilla powder

to 6 months. To give as gifts, transfer sugar mixture to glass spice jars, small tins, or airtight bags.

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The Gather Issue

The Checkered Past of Tulare County Agriculture Words & Photos provided by Terry Ommen

ecently it was announced that Tulare County was the top

Some events are still talked about today. One such event involved

agricultural producer in the nation, producing over $8.6 billion

crop farmers and cattlemen.

worth of products for 2022, beating out neighboring Fresno and Kern counties for the honor. The holder of the number one position changes from year to year, but the three San Joaquin Valley counties are generally at the top of the list. For the last year, statistics show that the big three contributed an amazing 44% of California’s total ag production.

Tulare County has been cattle country since it was established. As early as 1853, cattle were driven into the county, lured by expansive open grazing land. During the same time, farmers were beginning to plant crops, especially wheat, in the fertile soil, all helped by plenty of water and a climate that allowed all-year planting and harvesting. Early on, the farmers and cattlemen co-existed with relatively small

Based on these numbers, agriculture clearly plays a huge role in

herds and crops. But as both increased in size, so did the conflicts.

present-day Tulare County, but this is not just a recent phenomenon.

More and more range animals were devouring the farmers’ crops.

Agronomy (or soil management and crop production) and all things related, have been part of Tulare County history since around the time the county began, in 1852. In 1854, for example, San Francisco’s Daily Alta California newspaper reported that farmers were flocking to Tulare County, and added that according to their sources, the county was “one of the best agricultural and grazing counties in the state.” Besides having historically high production numbers, the county boasts many farm-related achievements as well, including the invention of the steam harvester by Lindsay area farmer, George Stockton Berry. But the county’s agricultural history has had dark times too, with fights, trespassing, and killings—and plenty of unwanted attention.

George Stockton Berry’s steam harvester was a major improvement over the horse or mule-drawn implement.

The conflicts were not just in Tulare County, so in 1874, California lawmakers created a law requiring cattlemen to confine their herds behind fences, allowing farmers to grow their crops undisturbed. Obviously, the farmers were happy with the legislation, but the stockmen were not. In Tulare County, enforcement of the new law was lax, and livestock continued to trample and eat crops. Farmers felt helpless. In one incident in 1878, some Tulare County farmers took drastic action. They herded about 70 trespassing cattle near the Tule River, and shot and killed them. No arrests were ever made. Tulare County survived the conflict, but it was painful. A good number of the stockmen moved their families and herds out of the

History

state. But for those that stayed, the range wars had left a deep and

During the 1920s and 1930s, unionization was popular among farm

lasting scar between the cattle ranchers and the farmers.

workers in Tulare County, but collective bargaining wasn’t always

A few years later, Tulare County farmers faced another challenge— this time, blood was shed over the Southern Pacific Railroad (SPRR). Many settlers in the Mussel Slough district near Grangeville (now in Kings County) farmed on rented railroad land and made improvements on it. They believed that they would eventually be able to buy the land from the railroad at a fair price. In the late 1870s, the SPRR decided to sell the land, and offered the farmers first option at $25 per acre. The farmers were outraged. It was ten times more than they expected to pay, based on an agreement they thought was in place. Faced with a decision, the farmers had a choice—pay what they believed was a grossly inflated price or leave the land they had improved. Some farmers paid the Southern Pacific’s price and stayed. Others stayed on the land and waited for the railroad to take action. On the morning of May 11, 1880, Deputy U.S. Marshal Alonzo Poole, along with several others, arrived at the Henry Brewer farm. As Marshal Poole served Brewer his eviction notice, a dozen or more armed settlers arrived and confronted the lawman. The situation was tense with angry words exchanged. Shouting turned to gunfire, and after the shooting stopped, five Mussel Slough farmers and two men in the marshal’s party were killed. The deadly confrontation became known as the Mussel Slough Tragedy, which reverberated

appreciated by the farmers. Unfortunately, tension and violence between the two sides sometimes flared up. One of the most serious incidents happened in the little southern Tulare County town of Pixley in 1933. The unionized cotton pickers had a pay dispute with the ranch owners and they were at an impasse. The pickers decided to strike, and on October 10, 1933, the workers stood in front of their union hall in Pixley listening to a union speaker. During the speech, several ranchers arrived at the union hall in their automobiles, allegedly to disrupt the meeting. A confrontation developed, shots were fired, and two union farm workers were killed and at least seven injured. Several strikers were arrested for disturbing the peace, and eventually eight ranchers were arrested for murder. The murder trial of the ranchers was held in Visalia and the jury found all of them not guilty. The incident left many angry on both sides and the case was reported on throughout the country. In 1936, John Steinbeck wrote “In Dubious Battle”—a novel loosely based on the Pixley cotton strike incident. With periods of violence among its proud moments, Tulare County’s agricultural history is rife with tension and tenacity. The county’s variety of crops feeds the world, and its inventions change the industry of farming—for 171 years, the county has led and continues to lead the nation in agriculture.

through the county and the nation. The reputation of Tulare County was damaged and hatred toward the railroad increased.

The two-story brick Allen Building served as the union hall for the cotton strikers in Pixley. Circa 1935

The Mussel Slough incident made news throughout the country. Shown here is a souvenir from the oak tree that stood on the site at the time of the shooting.

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Sun Gazette

The Gather Issue

Lifestyle Magazine December 2023

Articles inside

Top it Off, Spike it Up

Coping with the Holiday Blues

From the Team

The Checkered Past of Tulare County Agriculture

Grandma Helen’s Butterhorns

Wintry Mushroom Tablescape

One Pastry At A Time

HOLIDAY HOME

tips to gift wrap

That's a Wrap

EMBRACING THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Thoughts from the Editor