Selling Tips November 15, 2023

Open House Food To Impress Buyers

If you’re hosting an open house, you’ll want to ensure you have some food available. Here are ten open-house food ideas that will make your open-house a success:

1. Finger foods. Finger foods are always a hit at any party, and an open house is no exception. Consider offering some bite-sized appetizers that your guests can quickly grab and go.

2. Fresh fruit. Fresh fruit is a great way to ensure your guests have something healthy to nibble on.

3. Veggies and dip. Veggies and dip are another healthy option that your guests will love. Offer a variety of chopped veggies, along with a variety of dips.

4. Cheese and crackers. Cheese and crackers is another classic open-house food option your guests will love. Be sure to offer a variety of cheeses, as well as some gluten-free crackers for those with dietary restrictions.

5. Sandwiches. Sandwiches are always a good option if you want to offer something a little more substantial. You can make them beforehand or set everything up so your guests can build their own.

6. Soup. Soup is another excellent option for an open house, especially if it’s chilly outside. Set up a crockpot with your favorite soup and let your guests help themselves.

7. Chili. Chili is another great option for an open house, especially if you’re expecting many people. Set up a crockpot with your chili and let your guests help themselves.

8. Dessert. No open house is complete without some dessert! Offer your guests a variety of cookies, brownies, or other sweets.

9. Coffee and tea. Make sure you have coffee and tea and some sugar and milk available for your guests if they want it.

10. Water. Remember the most important beverage of all: water! Be sure to have plenty of water for your guests to stay hydrated.

By following these open-house food ideas, you’re sure to make your open-house a success!

Selling homes is my specialty! When you are ready to sell, call me, and together, we can make your home sale a smooth and successful process!

Better Homes and Gardens is a fantastic resource for recipes. Use these articles to inspire you for creative food for you next open-house.

 


Sugared Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

BHG Recipe

These bacon-wrapped smokies will disappear from your party spread in a flash. A coating of brown sugar before baking ensures that each of these little smokies has the perfect sweet and savory flavor combo.

Ingredients

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 16 ounce package small cooked smoked sausage links
  • 15 slices bacon, each cut crosswise into thirds
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil; lightly coat with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Wrap each sausage link with a bacon piece, overlapping the bacon piece at the end. Press the end of the bacon piece to seal or secure it with a wooden toothpick.
  3. Place brown sugar in a large plastic storage bag. Add several bacon-wrapped sausages to bag and seal. Shake bag gently to coat sausages with brown sugar; place sausages in prepared pan. Repeat with remaining bacon-wrapped sausages and brown sugar.
  4. Bake about 30 minutes or until the bacon is browned. Serve immediately. Makes about 45 appetizers.

Tips

Prepare as directed through step 3. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To serve, uncover and bake as directed in step 4.


(928) 443-8800

Recipes October 31, 2023

Soups to Warm Your Stomach this Fall Season!

Fall weather is here! Bring on cozy blankets, apple cider, fuzzy socks, and . . . . soup! Here are a few of our favorite soup recipes that will make your mouth water this fall and winter season. Enjoy!

Recipe Source: Bhg.com


Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Ingredients

  • ½ cup each chopped carrot and celery
  • ⅓ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
  • 2 cup dried medium egg noodles
  • ½ teaspoon each seasoned salt, dry mustard, chili powder, and ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 cup half-and-half or light cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli
  • ⅓ cup frozen peas
  • 1 recipe Quick Biscuits

Quick Biscuits

  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ½ cup butter
  • ⅔ cup milk

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan cook carrot, celery, onion, and garlic in hot butter about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in broth, chicken, noodles, and seasonings. Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes or until noodles are tender.
  2. In a small bowl whisk together half-and-half and flour; add to pot. Add broccoli and peas. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Spoon into bowls; top with Quick Biscuits.

Quick Biscuits

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and cream of tartar. Cut in butter to make coarse crumbs. Make a well in center; add milk. Using a fork, stir just until moistened. On a lightly floured surface gently knead dough until it holds together. Pat into an 8-inch square. Cut into 12 rectangles; place 1-inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden.

Beef and Barley Stew with Roasted Winter Vegetables

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 – 2 ½ pound boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped onion (1 medium)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
  • 1 14.5 ounce can beef broth
  • 2 cup water
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 4 medium red or yellow potatoes and/or sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 medium carrots and/or parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • ½ cup regular barley
  • Beef broth (optional)
  • 2 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl combine flour, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Add meat; toss to coat. In a Dutch oven heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Add half of the meat; cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove meat from Dutch oven; set aside. Repeat with another 1 tablespoon of the oil and the remaining meat.

  2. Add onion, garlic, and thyme to Dutch oven. Cook and stir for 3 minutes. Add the one can broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from bottom of the Dutch oven. Add the water and wine. Bring to boiling; reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour.

  3. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F. In a shallow roasting pan combine potatoes and carrots and/or parsnips. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss to coat. Roast, uncovered, for 35 to 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender and lightly browned, stirring once or twice.

  4. Stir barley into beef mixture. Cook about 35 minutes more or until barley is tender. Stir in roasted vegetables. (To serve today, omit Steps 5 and 6 and continue as directed in Step 7.)

  5. Cool stew slightly and transfer to an airtight container. Cover and chill for up to 3 days. (Or transfer to freezer containers. Cover and freeze for up to 2 months.)

  6. To serve, if frozen, thaw mixture in refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Place thawed or chilled mixture in a Dutch oven and heat over medium heat until bubbly, stirring occasionally. Stir in additional beef broth, if necessary, to reach desired consistency.

  7. If desired, stir in fresh parsley.


Tortellini Florentine Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 9 ounce package refrigerated 3-cheese tortellini
  • 2 14 ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 10 ounce container refrigerated light Alfredo pasta sauce
  • 2 cup shredded deli-roasted chicken
  • ½ cup oil-packed dried tomato strips, drained
  • 3 cup lightly packed packaged fresh baby spinach
  • 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, shaved or shredded (optional)

Directions

  1. In 4-quart Dutch oven cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

  2. In the same Dutch oven combine broth and Alfredo sauce. Stir in chicken and tomato strips. Heat just to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

  3. Add cooked tortellini and spinach to chicken mixture. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to heat through and wilt spinach. To serve, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Makes 6 servings.


Butternut Squash Bisque

Ingredients

  • 1 2.5-3 pound butternut squash or 3, 12-oz. pkgs. frozen cooked winter squash, thawed
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, coarsely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large Braeburn or Gala apples, peeled, cored and chopped
  • 1 48 ounce box reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, coarsely chopped
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 3 ounce smoked Gouda or smoked cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • Crumbled cooked bacon, celery leaves, and/or shaved Gouda cheese (optional)

Directions

  1. Peel, seed, and cube butternut squash. In 6-qt. Dutch oven melt butter over medium-high heat. Add fresh squash (if using frozen squash add with apples and broth), onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add apples, broth, cider, and peppers. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer 25 minutes or until vegetables and apples are tender. Remove from heat; cool slightly.

  2. When slightly cooled, puree in pot using an immersion blender. (Or puree in batches in a blender; return soup to saucepan.) Blend in sour cream. Heat through. Remove from heat; stir in shredded Gouda until melted. Top with bacon, celery leaves, and/or Gouda cheese. Makes 8 servings.


Prescott Area October 9, 2023

Christmas in Prescott 2023

Here is the ‘Save the Date’ information you need to enjoy Christmas in Prescott. You can see by this impressive list of events why Prescott is the official “Arizona’s Christmas City.”

Festival of Trees

Wednesday, November 15, 6 – 9 PM
Thursday, November 16 – 18 10 AM – 8 PM
Sam Hill Warehouse, 232 N Granite Street, Prescott

The Festival of Trees Prescott is an annual holiday community event where local businesses celebrate Prescott’s heritage as Arizona’s Christmas City, by creating a beautifully decorated forest of Christmas trees and wreaths. You can shop the designer trees and wreaths, vote for your favorites, visit with Santa, and enjoy live entertainment, raffles, and craft ornaments.

Valley of Lights, Drive-Thru Holiday Display

Friday, November 24, 6 PM – Sunday, December 31, 9 PM
Fain Park, 2200 N. 5th Street, Prescott Valley

One mile drive through the beautiful lighted and animated displays.
Suggested Donation of $5.00 per car.

Walk through Valley of Lights on Tuesday, November 28th 6-9 PM. More information at 928-772-8857 or www.pvchamber.org

Holiday Light Parade and Bonfire Festival

Saturday, November 25th, 6 PM

The Holiday Light Parade in downtown Prescott will be led by Santa and feature music from area school marching bands. The parade ends on the field at Mile High Middle School, where there will be a Bonfire 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 2, 1 – 3 PM
The 41st Annual Christmas parade fills downtown Precott with floats, bands, and music.

Courthouse Lighting

Saturday, December 2, 6:00 – 6:30 PM
The 69th Annual Courthouse Lighting begins with live music at 5 PM. Between 6 PM – 6:30 PM more than 80 trees and the Courthouse come to life with brilliant lights.

Acker Night

Friday, December 8, 5 PM
The 35th Annual Acker Night fills downtown Prescott with live music. Over 500 performers fill over 100 businesses with music. A free shuttle service is provided from Frontier Village Shopping Center off of Highway 69.

New Year’s Eve Boot Drop

Sunday, December 31, 7:30 PM – 12:30 AM
13th Annual celebration starts at 7:30 PM with the boot drop at two times, 10 PM and mid-night. The crowd counts down as the 6-foot tall, lighted cowboy boot is lowered from the Palace Building.


If you are in the downtown area, would love to visit with you! Stop by the BloomTree Real Estate office on the northwest corner of Gurley and Cortez – we would love to visit with you!  (928) 443-8800

Arizona EventsPrescott Area September 28, 2023

Fall Fun in Prescott, AZ!

The first day of fall has arrived in Prescott, AZ, and with it comes changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and plenty of fall fun. Whether you’re a nature lover looking to explore the great outdoors or someone who enjoys cozy indoor activities, Prescott has something for everyone to enjoy this season.

Hiking

One of the best ways to experience fall in Prescott is by exploring its beautiful outdoor spaces. Here are a few moderate to challenging hikes in the Prescott area:

  • Thumb Butte:  At an elevation of over 6,318 feet, Thumb Butte is one of the most popular trails in Prescott. The hike takes roughly 1-2 hours to complete. LEARN MORE.
  • Granite Mountain Trail #261: This moderate to challenging 7+ mile hike will take you through some of Prescott’s most scenic terrain. The hike takes roughly 4-5 hours to complete. LEARN MORE. 
  • Iron King Trail: This 4-mile hike in Prescott Valley, AZ, is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. LEARN MORE.
  • Peavine Trail: Located in Prescott Valley, AZ, the Peavine is a 6-mile hike with breathtaking views of Watson Lake and the Granite Dells. LEARN MORE

Upcoming Area Fall Events

Looking for something to do this fall in Prescott? Here are some upcoming events that you won’t want to miss:

  • FallFest in the Park Arts & Craft Show | October 7-8
    Enjoy FallFest in the Park Arts & Craft Show with the whole family under the fall leaf canopy at Prescott’s Historic Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza with over 100 unique vendor booths to enjoy.” LEARN MORE.
  • Prescott Vintage Fall Market |  October 7-8
    “Prescott Vintage Market is a one of a kind vintage and vintage influenced outdoor market in the heart of Prescott, Arizona. This is not your typical antique show, but rather an upscale market featuring vintage collectors, original art, local handmade artisans, jewelry and much more!” LEARN MORE.
  • Prescott Valley Harvest Festival 2023 | October 7
    “Come celebrate the welcome of the Fall season with us at Prescott Valley’s newest special event, The Harvest Festival. Make your way over to the Prescott Valley Civic Center in your best costume to partake in all of the activities being offered. There will be a costume contest, carnival rides, face painting, inflatables, a haunted house, food vendors, plenty of candy, and more! This is a FREE event for all ages! We hope to see you there!” LEARN MORE.
  • Fall ZOOFest | October 28-29
    “Come Celebrate Fall at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary’s ZOOFest! Bounce House * Maze * Concessions * Animal feedings * NEW-BooZone.” LEARN MORE.
  • Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze | Sept. 29 – Oct. 29
    “Join us this fall for Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze – the grandest, most exciting, and incredibly fun event of the entire year. The Mortimer Farms Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze is a celebration for all ages, offering a delightful array of activities that promise unforgettable memories.” LEARN MORE.
  • Calvary Chapel of Prescott Community Fest | October 31
    “Join us for our 13th Annual Community Fest at the Washington Elementary School on October 31. It is a family-friendly, FREE event, so bring the whole family!” LEARN MORE.

We hope you enjoy all the fall fun that Prescott, AZ offers. Remember to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces and attend some exciting events this season. Happy Fall! 

 

Prescott Area September 7, 2023

Learn about the Prescott Quad-Cities

The Prescott Area is a diverse area that offers a variety of housing options. You will often hear the Prescott Area referred to as the Quad-Cities. But what are the Prescott Quad-Cities?

Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt comprise the Quad-Cities. The Quad-Cities in northern Arizona has approximately 105,000 people. Here is a little information on each town in the Prescott Quad City area.

Chino Valley, Arizona

Chino Valley, Arizona, offers a rural lifestyle with shopping, dining, and recreation. Approximately 10,000 people live in the 63-square-mile town of Chino Valley. Chino is conveniently located 35 miles south of Interstate 40 and the town of Ash Fork, and 15 miles from Prescott and Prescott Valley, making commuting a breeze. Families can enjoy ball fields, skate parks, and horseback riding trails. The town has four schools operated by the Town of Chino Valley: Del Rio Elementary, Territorial Elementary, Heritage Middle School, and Chino Valley High School. 

Homes For Sale in Chino Valley

Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona

Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona, is known as “Arizona’s Country Town .”It is a rural area with a spread-out feel. With just under 4,000 people, residents enjoy the small-town feel but have shopping, dining, and entertainment only a few miles away in Prescott Valley. The Prescott Country Club and Golf Course, the 55+ Villages at Lynx Creek, and the Quailwood subdivision are popular housing communities in Dewey-Humboldt. They offer a perfect setting for retirement or a quiet place to raise a family. 

Homes For Sale in Dewey-Humboldt

Prescott, Arizona

Prescott, Arizona, is dubbed as “Everyone’s Hometown.” Prescott has a perfect climate with four distinct but gentle seasons. It is located in the mountains of north-central Arizona in Yavapai County, surrounded by National Forest, and at a mile-high elevation. 

Prescott’s charming downtown centers on an old-fashioned town square with a historic courthouse, but what surrounds it is anything but old-fashioned. Upscale shops and restaurants, art and antiques, and just about everything in between make Prescott’s historic downtown the place to be. 

Prescott is an excellent place for an active lifestyle, too. You can kayak at Watson Lake, hike, bike, ride horses or quads in the National Forest, or play one of our many signature golf courses. Although Prescott consistently ranks as one of the best places to retire, there are plenty of activities for all ages. We’re a very dog-friendly community with a very vibrant downtown nightlife and fabulous shopping with boutiques, antique shops, artisans, and more. 

Homes For Sale in Prescott

Prescott Valley, Arizona

Prescott Valley, Arizona, is a thriving town just a few minutes east of historic Prescott. Prescott Valley was the seventh fastest-growing place among all cities and towns in Arizona between 1990 and 2000 and has approximately 45,000 people calling it home. Located at 5,000 feet, many retirees live in Prescott Valley due to the relatively inexpensive housing and the mild climate. Prescott Valley has a large retail center, an indoor Event Center, and Yavapai Regional Medical Center Hospital. The mild climate, convenient location of 85 miles north of Phoenix, and surrounding lakes, fishing, and hiking trails make Prescott Valley attractive for families and retirees. 

Homes For Sale in Prescott Valley

If you would like information on what each of our towns have to offer, the agents at BloomTree Realty in downtown Prescott would love to help you out! 

BloomTree
928-443-8800

Explore Arizona August 30, 2023

Prescott Area Farmers Markets

Farm Freshness at the Prescott Area Farmers Markets 

Ready to get immersed in farm-freshness? Look no further than the wonderful Prescott Area Farmers Markets located in Arizona. From fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and jellies, or handcrafted art, the farmers markets are a great way to support local!

Prescott Farmer’s Market 

The Prescott Farmers Market started in 1997 with a few farmers and lots of energy and enthusiasm. Today, we have over 60 vendors at the Prescott summer and winter markets. In 2014, the Prescott market expanded to a year-round schedule. Thousands of customers visit our markets weekly for fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, and locally crafted artisan foods grown and prepared here in Yavapai County. We are proud to support local agriculture by bringing you the highest quality locally grown food – sold directly by the growers.

The PFM is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization operating year-round markets in Prescott. These markets are producer-only, meaning that vendors must grow or raise everything within Arizona or, in the instance of processed foods and crafts, must make everything they sell at the market using a percentage of AZ-grown ingredients. Preference is given to farmers and ranchers operating within Yavapai County. By maintaining these strict standards, the PFM supports local agriculture by providing a market through which small-scale farmers can sell their goods. LEARN MORE

Prescott Valley Farmer’s Market 

Prescott Valley Community Market is a year-round outdoor Pop -Up ‘Boho Style’ Market, on Sunday, comprised of local independent small business owners, artisans, craft persons, gardeners, & more. 

We have an eclectic blend of vendors each week, featuring unique handmade items and food products. LEARN MORE

  • Location: 7210 E Pav Way, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
  • Hours: April thru October 9 am to 1 pm | November thru March 10 am to 2 pm

Importance of Farmer’s Markets

 Farmer’s Markets are an essential part of a vibrant and healthy community. They help local farmers stay in business while bringing fresh, locally-grown produce to our tables. In addition, they foster relationships between consumers and the people who grow their food, creating a connection that strengthens communities and the local economy. Shopping at Farmers Markets not only supports small businesses but helps to reduce the environmental impacts associated with transporting food over long distances.

So please support your local farmers and crafters at our Prescott Area Farmers Markets! You won’t be disappointed! And you will help keep these markets alive for years to come. Visit their websites to learn more about them, vendors, and special events. Each week, you will find something new and exciting at the farmer’s markets. So come out and explore them! You won’t regret it. From farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and jellies, to handcrafted art, there’s something for everyone at the Prescott Area Farmers Markets! Shop local and support our community today!

Prescott Area August 9, 2023

Hope Fest 2023

Hope Fest returns to Prescott’s downtown square on August 18th!  This year’s HOPE FEST AZ theme is “Love First!”

What is Hope Fest?

A community outreach event on August 19th at Prescott’s beautiful Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza.  The downtown square will once again come alive as thousands will enjoy music, guest speakers, a multitude of connections and community services, as part of the HOPE Serves Family Resource Fair, the FREE amusements in the Family Fun Zone, and a bright-n-shiny Car & Motorcycle Show!

Mission of Hope Fest

The mission of Hope Fest is to Serve Veterans, Active Military, First Responders, their Families, and the Vulnerable of Yavapai County.

Through the HOPE Serves Family Resource Fair – guests will find numerous family services, connections and solutions. For the 11th Year, local businesses, organizations, churches, and groups will impact lives by meeting the needs of our neighbors in the areas of :

  • Education
  • Housing
  • Recovery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Mental
  • Social & Health Care
  • Veteran Family Services
  • First Responder Family Services
  • Youth Advocacy
  • Adoption
  • Foster & Elder Care
  • Employment Services

Donations Accepted

Once again we will be collecting donations of canned food and new cold weather gear, such as coats, socks, sleeping bags…bring your’s so ALL our neighbors will be Warm for Winter.

Evening Entertainment

HOPE FEST Arizona is excited to announce that BUILDING 429, a GRAMMY® nominated Christian Rock band from Fayetteville, North Carolina, will perform at the 10 Annual HOPE FEST AZ in Prescott, Arizona on Saturday, August 19 at 8PM.

Arizona Events July 25, 2023

Educational Speaker Coming to Prescott

About the Signature Series

A new series of speakers are coming to the Prescott area. The Signature Series has quarterly speakers planned for the Prescott area. According to their website, the Signature Series is a platform “where business leaders and industry experts come together to share their knowledge, insights, and perspectives on the most pressing topics impacting businesses today.”

At the Signature Series, we believe that businesses are the foundation of community prosperity and growth. We are committed to supporting you and providing you with the information and tools you need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.

Upcoming Event: Rural Health Care

  • Date: August 3, 2023
  • Time: Doors open at 10 am, Speaker’s Presentation from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
  • Place: Embry Riddle: The Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium | 3700 Willow Creek Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301

As leaders of businesses and your families, “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything” as the saying goes— is not just on you, but is difficult to attain based on the system.

Today’s health care system is more challenging than ever. The obstacles faced by health care providers and their patients in rural areas are vastly different than those in urban areas. Diverse economic factors, lack of spousal employment, attainable housing, stable medical work force, cultural and social differences, lack of recognition by legislators, and the sheer distance and isolation of living in remote areas—all conspire to create health care disparities and impede rural Americans in their struggle to have accessible and timely health care. To recognize and understand these challenges is the first step in finding solutions for them.

This very thought provoking presentation and discussion with Dr. Galper will provide you with a deeper understanding of the health care obstacles in rural communities; ideas that can improve community options; how all members of the community can help; what innovative solutions could be created; and how you as a business leader can help build a healthy community in Northern Arizona.

About Dr. Carol Galper, EdD

Carol Q. Galper, EdD is a retired Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson. Dr. Galper served as Assistant Dean for Curricular Affairs and founded, developed, and oversaw the Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP), designed to foster interest in rural medical practice in Arizona among selected medical students. Initiated in 1997, the program has helped produce rural physicians throughout Arizona. Carol also was the chair of the Arizona Medical Student Loan program for nearly 10 years until it was “sunsetted” due to lack of state funds and has served as chair of the Rural Medical Educators group of the National Rural Health Association. Carol also oversaw the Commitment to Underserved People (CUP) program at UA, providing service-learning opportunities to medical students who provide supervised care and education to various communities in need. She also served on the team to develop and implement a rural family medicine residency program in Hilo, Hawaii. She was the Principal Investigator at UA for the Arizona AIDS Education and Training Center, a federally funded program to facilitate education for health professionals related to HIV and associated infectious diseases.

Dr. Galper received her BA, MEd and EdD degrees from the University of Arizona, and lived in Prescott for 3 years.  Carol continues to serve through volunteer work with the College of Medicine’s Admissions Committee, as a grant review member for the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) for the development of new rural residency programs and continues to serve as a Board member of Northland Cares in Prescott.

More Information Regarding The Signature Series

Recipes July 12, 2023

Creative Ways to Cook with Zucchini

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fresh and healthy produce, and zucchini is one of the most versatile vegetables. Whether you’ve got a backyard garden overflowing with zucchinis or picked some up from the grocery store, we’ve got some creative ideas for incorporating this nutritious veggie into your meals. From savory dinners to sweet treats, read on for our favorite things to make with zucchini.

Better Homes and Gardens has a great recipe section on its website. Check out this recipe for Zucchini-Sausage Casserole.

Zucchini-Sausage Casserole

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
12 ounce uncooked turkey sausage
4 medium zucchini (2 pounds total)
1 10.75 ounce can reduced-fat and reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
1 8 ounce carton light sour cream
4 cup herb-seasoned stuffing mix
½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. In a 12-inch skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until brown. Drain off fat. Return sausage to skillet.

Meanwhile, halve zucchini lengthwise; cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Add zucchini to sausage in skillet. Cover and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes; remove from heat. In a small bowl, combine soup and sour cream; stir into sausage mixture. In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix and broth to moisten.

Spoon half of the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread sausage mixture over stuffing in the dish. Spoon the remaining stuffing mixture evenly over the sausage mixture. Drizzle with butter. Bake, covered for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 20 minutes or until heated through and the top is golden.

5 Easy Recipes to Make with Zucchini

1) Zucchini Fritters – Zucchini fritters make for a satisfying and easy-to-make snack or side dish. You only need grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, eggs, and your favorite spices to create this delicious treat. Fry the bite-sized fritters in oil until golden brown and serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Zucchini fritters are a fun and crispy alternative to traditional potato pancakes. You can add chopped herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.

2) Zucchini Lasagna – For a filling and flavorful main course, try a veggie-packed zucchini lasagna. Layer thin slices of zucchini with ricotta cheese, tomato sauce, and your favorite herbs for an Italian-inspired dish that will wow the whole family.

3) Baked Zucchini Chips – Swap out greasy potato chips for healthier baked zucchini chips! All you need is zucchini, olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and an oven. Bake the chips at 375 degrees for approximately 20 minutes and enjoy a crunchy snack without all the added grease.

4) Stuffed Zucchini Boats – Zucchini boats are a fun and creative way to use your surplus of zucchini. Cut them in half lengthwise, scoop out the flesh, and then stuff them with a tasty filling like ground beef, rice, and cheese. Bake them in the oven until the cheese melts and is bubbly for a satisfying and comforting meal.

5) Zucchini Bread– Zucchini bread is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a healthy sweet treat. This moist and flavorful bread has a beautiful texture that will have you returning for more. Mix grated zucchini with flour, sugar, baking soda, and other seasonings to make it. Pour the batter into a bread pan and bake for 60 minutes or until fully cooked. Slice and enjoy as a healthy snack or dessert.

Better Homes and Gardens has a few Zucchini Bread recipes on its website.

These five zucchini recipes are just a few of the many delicious ways to use this versatile vegetable. With a bit of creativity and these helpful tips, you can create tasty dishes that satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy!

Better Homes and Gardens BloomTree Realty in downtown Prescott is the area expert on real estate. Call the office at 928-443-8800 for information on real estate in the Prescott, Arizona, area.

HOMES FOR SALE IN PRESCOTT, ARIZONA

Charity/Community ParticipationNon-Profits June 29, 2023

Non-Profit Spotlight: 100 Men Who Care

Who We Are: We Are You

100 Men Who Care, although not a nonprofit themselves, launched in 2019 to raise funds and awareness for local charities and nonprofits. To date, 100 Men Who Care has raised over $150,000 to help those in need.

Proceeds raised at each quarterly event are awarded to a charity voted on at that event. They promise to gift/donate $100 per participant to the winning group, whether present at the event or not!

How it Works

  • Structure: 100 men donate $100 each to a cause: $10,000 raised.
  • Frequency: Quarterly events, mid-week, 1 hour in length.
  • Beneficiary: Local organizations, 501C-3.
  • Presentations: Three groups present for 10 minutes each.
  • Vote: Paper ballot taken; highest votes received is awarded money raised for the evening.

Get Involved

If you would like to learn more about their events, including details about how your nonprofit may participate, RSVP for their next event or contact them here.

Recent Event

On May 18, 2023, 100 Men Who Care held a fundraiser for Brad Newman. For the past 46 years, Brad has been the Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI) director. In addition to helping people with disabilities and giving them opportunities to be productive members of the community, Brad is a talented performer, a real-life Prescott Troubadour.

In 2002, Brad suffered a severe stroke. He is fighting back and recovering in Phoenix. Prescott misses Brad. The community banned together to “Bring Back Brad.” 100 Men Who Care’s fundraiser gathered over $63,000 to help with Brad’s expenses so that he could rehabilitate in Prescott. Read the full Daily Courier story about Brad and his efforts to bring him back to Prescott.


BHGRE BloomTree Realty’s Charity/Community Participation

BHGRE BloomTree Realty has a couple simple goals; deliver the best service possible to our clients and be a supporter of important causes in the community in which we live. In short, we strive to be better and give back to our communities.

  • $710 raised for the 2021 Courthouse Lighting through our sale of raffle tickets for the Prescott Chamber
  • Joined Yavapai Broadcasting as a sponsor to the Radio-thon that raised $18,000 FOR PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL – Click here for the radio commercial.
  • Advertising Sponsor in the 2021 Verde Valley Visitors Guide
  • 1/25 Advertising sponsor of the Cottonwood Chamber Directory
  • 1/21 Sponsor of the Prescott Chamber State of the City Address with the Mayor
  • 1/10 Advertising sponsor of the Historic Walking Tour map of Downtown Prescott
  • 1/1 YMCA donation of $1500 to support youth development and the sponsor the Whiskey Row Marathon on 5/1

 

“We have roots in the community and community in
our roots at BloomTree Realty!”