Page 38 February 2012 Years later as an architect and commercial real estate agent, Libby said she debated whether she could stick with it for the long run. Five years ago, picking up a paintbrush and regaining the joy she felt as a high school student in art class, changed her life forever. Libby said she began painting still life and fi gurative work; eventually painting so much she needed a studio outside her home. The studio led to an art exhibit, where she sold a large number of paintings and even produced commissioned work for clients. Even as Libby speaks of her lack of ability in the kitchen, she mentions her favorite things to prepare for her family. Her talent with a canvas and paintbrush translates to the kitchen, even if she gives herself little credit. After visiting her daughter who was studying in Morocco, Libby said she fell in love with Moroccan cooking and spices. She learned to cook in a tagine, a North African pot formed entirely of heavy clay of two parts, a fl at and circular base and a large cone shaped cover that fi ts over the base during cooking. The tagine is ideal for cooking meats, couscous and a variety of African seasoning. Its design is made to purposely transport condensation to the base, leading to moist, fl avorful meals made entirely in one large pot. Apples, pears, prunes, dates, olives, lamb, chicken and spices such as cumin, turmeric, paprika and cinnamon are staples of the cuisine. Libby said her Sweet and Spicy nuts have been her go-to creation for years because of the simple, guaranteed recipe. “I give my father-in-law a large container each Christmas, thinking it will last him months. But he eats them all in no time,” Noble said. “They would be great for Super Bowl,” Noble said. “Men love them.” Libby and her husband Dean, an architect who owns Suite 6 Architecture and Planning, have lived in Arcadia since 1988. Libby continues to work in commercial real estate. You can see her artwork at elizabethnobleart.com. Cookbook Continued from page 36 The Friends of Crisis Nursery’s “We Are Family” bene fi t will be March 17 at the Arizona Biltmore. Crisis Nursery is the Valley’s longest-serving children’s shelter. The event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction. After the dinner, there will be a live auction and disco review. Tickets are $325 per person, $650 per couple. Sponsorships begin at $3,500. Call 480-861-0425 for more information. Jean-Georges Vongerichten Presents... Located at The Phoenician 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 214-8000 www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com “Juicy, flavorful and entirely satisfying.” – Howard Seftel, Arizona Republic 2011 Diners’ Choice Winner – Scenic View – OpenTable Allow J&G to customize your special event with Jean Georges’ cuisine and stunning views that capture the Sonoran Desert’s twilight glow, before breathtaking city lights take center stage. Intimate or spacious Private Dining Rooms are available for celebrations and corporate events. For more information contact 480-214-8000. “ ”

Page 39 February 2012 fruit, slicing vegetables and cooking a warm, wholesome meal each day. The food is not brought in from an outside company; the people who love the kids and want the best for them cook the meals, Kroener said. “St. Thomas the Apostle is a great community. I have a terri fi c staff that cares about the students and works hard to make the lunch experience happy and healthy each day,” she said. Add to the staff, the four parents volunteering each day. “We are lucky to have many great parent volunteers who so generously give of their time for lunch duty,” Kroener said. The fruit bar is a student favorite. Giant orange slices, strawberries and pears, which were washed and sliced that morning, are scooped onto plates as the children smile. The vegetable garden outside the school- cafeteria door is a major part of the St. Thomas experience. “The fi fth-grade students take care of the garden and we use vegetables for the salad bar and herbs for cooking,” Kroener said. Her crew is committed, she said, to following the school’s wellness policy that mandates promoting “children’s health, well-being and the ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activities.” The school follows guidelines, which comply with the Maricopa County health code and with the U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines, as well as Arizona nutritional standards. Gretchen Schilder is the school’s Café Baker and bakes brownies and bread for the kids on a regular basis. Anna Tigue, the cook, can be seen constantly removing food from the oven, making sure each child has a hot meal. “I’m a caterer” Tigue said. Chris Angulo, Joann Arvizu, Carlos Burgos and Sonny Tempelton lay out a spread comparable to a restaurant. Amanda Goossen is one of St. Thomas’ volunteer cafeteria parents. Her 6-year- old daughter Sophia is in kindergarten. Cafeteria Continued from page 37 The fi fth annual Singleton Moms “Lean on Me” 5k bene fi t walk will be March 4. The fundraiser helps support single parents with cancer and their minor children in Maricopa County. Activities include entertainment, complimentary refreshments and t-shirts for all participants, and prizes for top fundraisers. Registration opens at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. start at the Pera Club, 1 E. Continental Drive, Tempe. For more information, call 480-818-5285. Italian Restaurant $ 44 Italian Treat! Includes... 2 Soup or Salad + 2 Dinner Entrées + A Full Bottle of Wine *from Proprieter’s Selection Open Mon-Sun: 4:30-9:30pm Offer valid with payment in CASH ONLY. 3 couples per table maximum. Must bring this coupon. Offer NOT valid on Valentine’s Day or with other promotions or special events, Expires: February 29, 2012. 4231 E. Indian School Road • Phoenix 602.955.1213 Serving the Valley for over 27 years Make Make Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day Reservations Reservations Now! Now! THE GRADES ARE IN AND DELUX SCORES HIGHEST RATED BURGER A+ Phoenix Magazine’s 2012 Burger Wars! ALL-NATURAL NIMAN RANCH BEEF DELUX SCORES HIGHEST RATED BURGER A+ DELUX SCORES HIGHEST RATED BURGER A+ Hilton Village 6149 N Scottsdale Rd 480.556.9900 Desert Ridge 21050 N Tatum Blvd 480.502.2121 Central Phoenix 2333 N 7th St 602.229.1289 C 2 w w w . H U M B L E P I E U S A . c o m Kierland Village Opening Soon!