42 JUNE 2024 be used more often…effortless meals by way of ‘en papillote’ cooking – such an elegant word that simply means ‘the process of placing food in a package (parchment paper or aluminum foil) and baking or grilling it.’ Not only are the opportunities to use meat, chicken, sausage, and fish varieties endless – cleanup is virtually non-existent. I’ll never forget my first experience with this form of cooking. As a Brownie, one of our troop adventures led us to Encanto Park where we ‘oohed and aahed’ cooking over an open fire. What I recall was the aroma that escaped when the foil was unfolded. Using reliable aluminum foil captures the heat, allowing the flavors to meld and juices to be retained. Keep in mind that there are a few precautionary steps to take when using aluminum foil at high temperatures. It’s not the mindless action of placing ingredients in the Thyme in My Kitchen BY SHERRY KLUSMAN I f you garden, shade cloth or frost cloth has been purchased or pulled out of a plethora of containers from the garage and is ready to secure over pre-existing frameworks. Yes, the sun is vital to a plant’s existence, but it can also burn tender stems and leaves. I garden with frost cloth year round. Using this fabric establishes a ‘greenhouse’ environment which has had proven success over the years. Optimal growing attainment of roses, veggies and herbs alike have come from keeping them covered all summer. Don’t be surprised if you come across a bird or two seeking shade! Goodbyes have been waved to the asparagus and citrus season. The fragrant sweet peas are nothing more than seed pods drying on the vine, as are the cilantro, parsley and arugula plants which have flowered and are keeping the honey bees happy. Don’t despair, because we now have an abundance of zucchini and summer squashes, tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, bell peppers, apricots, figs and more. Marigolds, portulaca, zinnias, and sunflowers are brightening up even the dullest corner of our yards. Saving energy is foremost in our minds, so hopefully BBQs are up and ready to go. Our grills are begging to middle of the foil and drawing up the ends ‘hobo pack’ style. It’s knowing to stay away from acidic products (such as tomatoes and citrus) and foods with a high concentration of salt. Other than this, your imagination can wander. A basic timeframe for cooking is around 20-25 minutes, but a watchful eye is always prudent. Use olive oil, salt and pepper (and some favorite seasonings), and layer everything similar to how you fill a crockpot: veggies on the bottom, meat on top. Now is the time to enjoy being a scavenger by using disks of zucchini and carrots, fingerling potatoes, snap peas, mushrooms, onions, even corn off the cob. What’s nice about this method of cooking is that there is no need to flip the packet. A summertime meal can’t get much easier than this. Add a side salad and beverage of your choice and happiness reveals itself. Is this package for me? By Shi Bradley As the seniors of Xavier Prep prepared to graduate – writing their final essays, studying hard for finals and getting in those college applications – members of the National Honor Society, teachers and faculty decided to award the students with a little bit of fun… fun that included a whole lot of fur! The NHS program enlisted the help of Happy Puppy Parties to bring 15 dachshund puppies to class for the students to interact and play with throughout the day. “Our National Honor Society officers came up with the idea last year, as a de-stressor for seniors before exams,” Marketing Director Lisa Zuba said. “The students were excited to have a fun activity to look forward to.” Though normally puppies and other animals aren’t allowed on campus, an exception was made for the party, as students and faculty agreed puppies would provide students a bit of relief while they got ready to excel during finals week. NHS President Emily Alaimo said the puppy party was a way to acknowledge the accomplishments of the school’s graduating class and give them a moment to relax after experiencing what is – for many students – the busiest and most stressful part of the school year. “The students loved the puppies. It was a big hit,” Zuba said. “It normalizes talking about mental health and wellness – and provides them a relaxing activity.” The puppy party is just one of many events that National Honor Society has participated in. Over 400 members conduct various service projects throughout the year, including a food drive to benefit St. Vincent de Paul. This year, students contributed more than 500,000 cans to the nonprofit. Outside of NHS, Xavier and its other organizations put on a variety of events to provide ways to relieve stress during hectic moments of the year. These include the Senior Breakfast and Lunch, where the sophomore and freshman classes present meals for the seniors; “Mothers’ Guild has Senior Treats” where seniors are treated to meals from various food trucks; “Tour d’ Xavier,” which is an early morning bike ride down Central Avenue; and the Awards Assembly where seniors are recognized for their achievements throughout the year. Four-legged visitors make their way to Xavier Xavier Prep hosted its second annual puppy party for the senior class. PHOTOS COURTESY OF XAVIER PREP June’s book recommendation: “Adventures in Grilling” by Willie Cooper June’s novel recommendation: “Fellowship Point” by Alice Dark June’s recipe: ‘En papillote’ grilling Contact ads@arcadianews.com today to find out how you can save up to 46% on your ad investment! Reach 45,000 potential patients or clients... The Arcadia News Health & Wellness Guide is the perfect way to promote your practice or business to the affluent, educated and health-minded readers of the Arcadia News . A Directory of local providers JULY 2024 DEADLINE: FRIDAY 6/14 A Directory of local providers

43 JUNE 2024 By Mallory Gleich An interesting fact: 18 million people in the U.S. played mini golf an average of four times in 2022. Now that businesses are popping up nationwide – with courses that offer phone apps, drink services, and tracking technology – that number is expected to rise in 2024. Here are four Valley spots for those looking to up their mini-golf game:  9445 N. Metro Parkway East, Phoenix Price: $15 per person These courses offer a dose of nostalgia – especially for those who have lived in the Phoenix area for a while and went to Castles N’ Coasters for their school field trips. The amusement park offers four different mini-golf courses, each with 18 holes. Each course is unique and designed with colorful obstacles and challenging slopes. After mini-golf, patrons can check out the arcade and themed rides (roller coasters and bumper boats!) and head to one of five restaurants for a burger, pizza, hot dog, or ice cream cone. castlesncoasters.com  9245 E. Hummingbird Lane, Scottsdale Price: $35 for a day pass PopStroke’s first location opened in Port St. Lucie, Florida, in 2019. Golf champion Tiger Woods became a partner shortly after, and TaylorMade Golf Company signed on as a national sponsor. The Scottsdale location opened in October 2023 and boasts two 18-hole putting courses, jumbotrons, TVs, and a full-service restaurant and bar. There’s an ice cream parlor with craft milkshakes, an outdoor playground, and games like corn hole and foosball. PopStroke has 12 open venues across Florida, Texas, and Arizona, with seven more scheduled to open this year. The venues also feature an app so golfers can order drinks right where they’re playing. The two putting courses are built with synthetic turf and incorporate fairways, bunkers, and rough (areas on a golf course outside the fairway with higher, thicker grass or naturally growing vegetation), just like a traditional course. The Black Course is considered “easier” than the Red Course, and both are around 650 feet long. PopStroke’s bar and restaurant offers custom cocktails, craft beers, and a menu featuring made-from-scratch items like smash burgers, chicken tenders, seared ahi tuna salad and Korean steak tacos. Menu items range from $12 to $24. popstroke.com  15059 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Price: $9-$14 per one game Puttshack opened in June 2023. There are 14 locations countrywide and only one (so far!) in Arizona. Guests can find competitive, interactive putting holes like life-sized beer pong, trivial puttsuit, foosball, and Connect 4. Puttshack also offers Trackaball Technology. At the start of every game, guests receive a golf ball synced to their unique player profile. The ball tracks every stroke, hole completed, hazard, overall leaderboard, and bonus point earned for completing specific challenges. Trackaball Technology provides personalized feedback displayed on overhead screens at every hole – which means you can razz your golf partner with every putt! The courses incorporate interactive elements and obstacles that respond to players’ actions. For example, the True or False Hole asks players to correctly answer a pop culture question. Players receive or lose bonus points for answering correctly or incorrectly. The Prize Wheel hole gives players bonus points if they putt a hole-in- one after spinning the prize wheel. Each location has locally-inspired offerings and classic dishes on the menu. One dollar from every order of Arizona Tailpipes (spring rolls filled with chile lime chicken, cheese, sautéed veggies and refried beans, poblano cheese and enchilada dipping sauces) is donated to Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. They also have a signature cocktail menu that includes drinks with smoke- filled treasure chests and jalapeno-infused popsicle garnishes. Puttshack also offers vegan/vegetarian/gluten-friendly dishes and mocktails. puttshack.com  16259 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Price: $35-$40 for adults, $15-$20 for kids 6-12 With a short drive up to north Scottsdale, golfers will find Putting World – and, as the name indicates – this place is all about putting. Putting World opened in February 2023, and Scottsdale is the first and only location. Instead of a mini-golf experience, golfers will find an 18-hole indoor course where it is always 72 degrees. Golfers can check in with PGA/LPGA Performance Coaches, who will fit them with the proper putter and educate guests on the latest technology. The business also offers lessons, leagues, events and classes, memberships, and space for private parties. Bar19 is the on-site cocktail bar and restaurant led by Chef Michael Patton. Options include flatbreads, tacos, wings, sandwiches and desserts, cocktails, beer and wine. Happy Hour takes place every day from 3-6 p.m. puttingworld.com Mini golf, major fun! PopStroke Puttshack Putting World