🤝Pikes Peak United Way needs help, Discover local flavors, 📆 Local events & More

Issue #010

Author

Sandy Zuniga
20 Oct • Reading Time: 15 minutes

Inside COS Town Tidings Issue #010

🤣 Today’s Chuckle

🌞 Weather, still unseasonably 🔥

🍴✈️ Local Flavors Take Flight: Exciting Culinary Delights at COS Airport!‍

🤝 Your Support Needed: Volunteer with Pikes Peak United Way!

💧 Rising Costs, Silent Dangers: Navigating PFAS Contamination in Local Water

📆 Upcoming Events - updated daily

🤶 Holiday Craft Fairs

🥕 Nutrition on the Go: Healthy Eating Tips for a Busy Lifestyle: Part 2 of 3

🥘 Recipe of the Week: Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta (Modified with healthier options)

❓ How did we do on this issue?

Why did the scarecrow win an award?

Answer: Because he was outstanding in his corn field! 🤣

wizard of oz scarecrow GIF

Our hope is that we made you smile today…pass it on.

🍴✈️ Local Flavors Take Flight: Exciting Culinary Delights at COS Airport!

Prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey at Colorado Springs Airport!

SSP America, in collaboration with local talents, is introducing nine new dining concepts that celebrate the vibrant culinary scene of Colorado. From Atrevida Beer Co.’s craft brews by the first Latina Brew Master, Jess Fierro, to Colorado Craft’s locally sourced creations by celebrated restaurateurs Bryan Bradigan and Dylan Currier, and Pizzeria Rustica's award-winning Neapolitan pizzas by local chef Jay Gust, these eateries promise an authentic taste of the region.

Don’t miss Street Eats by Chef Brother Luck, featuring artisanal delights by the critically acclaimed Chef Brother Luck, renowned for his appearances on national competitions and shows.

With options ranging from fresh salads and artisan wraps to gourmet sandwiches and responsibly sourced coffee at Peet’s, there’s something to delight every traveler's taste buds. The airport is set to become a hub of local flavors, offering passengers a true taste of Colorado's diverse food culture.

Check out the local chef’s and their restaurants around Colorado Springs and delight in their unique cuisine.

🤝 Your Support Needed: Volunteer with Pikes Peak United Way!

Get Involved: Support Our Community with Pikes Peak United Way!

Pikes Peak United Way needs your support! They're reaching out to our community, urging individuals, families, and businesses to join hands for a vital cause. Workplace campaigns play a pivotal role in their mission, where businesses raise funds for United Way programs and contribute volunteer hours to community projects.

By participating, businesses not only help in raising essential funds but also foster team spirit and strengthen community bonds. The impact of these campaigns resonates far and wide, supporting diverse programs aimed at enhancing the lives of those in need in the Colorado Springs area.

Join In Making a Difference:

  • Businesses: If your company isn't already involved, consider initiating a workplace campaign. Your support can transform lives and strengthen the community fabric.

  • Individuals and Families: Even if your workplace isn't participating, you can make a difference. Volunteer your time, skills, or resources. Every effort counts!

Let's come together, show our community's strength, and make a lasting impact. Reach out to Pikes Peak United Way today and be a part of the change our community needs!

💧 Rising Costs, Silent Dangers: Navigating PFAS Contamination in Local Water  

a woman drinking a glass of fresh water

The EPA plans to impose restrictions on harmful "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in drinking water, impacting communities like Colorado Springs where contamination originated from nearby sources, such as Peterson Air Force Base.

Despite being undetectable, these chemicals have concerning health effects. The cleanup, expected to cost billions, poses challenges, especially for smaller communities, leading to increased water treatment expenses and potential tradeoffs in addressing other essential needs.

We will just have to wait and see as the EPA starts rolling out their future plans all across the U.S. Stay tuned as we keep our ears open to how this will impact us in the Colorado Springs area.

Upcoming COS Area Events

🧵🍂 Upcoming Holiday Craft Fairs 🤶🧶

Have an upcoming event you want us to share?

🥕 Nutrition on the Go: Healthy Eating Tips for a Busy Lifestyle: Part 2 of 3

Meal Planning Made Easy: Nourish Your Body, Save Time!

Welcome back! Yesterday, we explored the power of nutrient-dense snacks. Today, we take it a step further by delving into the world of meal planning and prepping. Get ready to save time, reduce stress, and enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout your busy week.

1. Choosing Simple and Healthy Recipes:
Start your meal planning journey by selecting simple, healthy recipes that you enjoy. (Try the Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta recipe below with the healthy substitutions.) Look for dishes that incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Websites and apps offer a plethora of easy-to-follow, nutritious recipes tailored to various dietary preferences.

2. Create a Weekly Meal Plan:
Plan your meals for the week ahead. This step not only saves you time but also helps you make healthier choices. Outline your breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks for each day. Make sure to include a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in each meal to keep you energized throughout the day.

3. Pre-Cutting Veggies and Fruits:
On a designated prep day, wash, peel, and chop vegetables and fruits for the week. Store them in airtight containers or resealable bags. Having pre-cut veggies and fruits readily available makes it convenient to add them to salads, stir-fries, or as healthy snacks.

4. Marinate Lean Proteins:
Marinating proteins like chicken, tofu, or fish in your favorite herbs and spices adds flavor and reduces cooking time during the week. Store marinated proteins in the fridge or freezer, ready to be cooked whenever you need a quick and nutritious meal.

5. Bulk Cooking and Portioning:
Dedicate some time to bulk cooking. Prepare larger quantities of soups, stews, or casseroles that can be portioned and frozen. Label these meals with dates to keep track of freshness. When you're short on time, simply reheat and enjoy a homemade, healthy meal.

6. Utilize Reusable Meal Prep Containers:
Invest in a variety of reusable meal prep containers in different sizes. These containers are ideal for storing prepped ingredients, cooked meals, and snacks. Opt for eco-friendly materials to contribute to both your health and the environment.

7. Plan for Grab-and-Go Options:
Prepare grab-and-go options like overnight oats, yogurt parfaits, or pre-made smoothie packs. These items are perfect for busy mornings or as snacks between meals. Having healthy options readily available reduces the temptation to opt for less nutritious choices.

By incorporating these meal planning and prepping techniques into your routine, you'll find it easier to maintain a balanced, nourishing diet, even on the busiest of days. Remember, consistency is key to achieving your nutritional goals.

But hold on, we're not done just yet! Join us in our next issue as we uncover the secrets of making smart choices when dining out or ordering food on the go.

**Information in this newsletter is NOT meant to diagnose or treat any condition nor is it medical advise. Please consult your physician before making any changes to your current lifestyle. 

🥘 Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

Recipe provided by TheViewFromGreatIsland.com - *COS Town Tidings editor has modified to add healthier options if you wish without sacrificing taste

Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is made with just 6 simple ingredients in 15 minutes! It's a Fall comfort food powerhouse just waiting to happen in your kitchen.

Prep Time 5 mins | Cook Time 10 mins | Total Time 15 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pasta (Any shape or substitute lentil or garbanzo bean pasta)

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter* (or substitute 3 Tbs of healthy oil such as olive, avocado or unrefined coconut)

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or substitute cashew cream - add 1 cup soaked cashews, drained then add to a blender with 2 cups of water, whip until cream forms)

  • 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (about one 15-ounce can)

  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

  • salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste

  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg, optional

  • 2 Tbsp fried sage leaves, for topping, optional (see how in the notes below)

  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted, for topping, optional (see how in the notes below)

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions, and reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.

  • Melt the butter* in a large pan big enough to hold your pasta, and add the minced garlic. Sauté for just a minute or two until the garlic is fragrant, but don't let it brown.

  • Add the cream*, the pumpkin puree, and nutmeg (if using) and whisk gently until everything is well combined.

  • Heat the mixture until just simmering, and then, off the heat, add the shredded cheese, and salt to taste. Stir to melt the cheese thoroughly into the sauce, and then put back on low heat.

  • Use your 1 cup of reserved pasta water to thin down the sauce as much as you'd like. I used about 1/2 cup of my pasta water.

  • Toss the cooked pasta into the alfredo sauce, and serve topped with the fried sage leaves, pine nuts, and extra parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • To fry sage leaves, just heat a little olive oil in a pan until hot and drop them in. They'll sizzle and curl up in just seconds. Remove to a paper towel to drain. You can fry whole leaves, or stack them and roll up like a cigar, then slice your roll into thin slices. You'll get fine shreds which are fabulous to fry.

  • To toast pine nuts start with a dry pan and heat over medium. Add the pine nuts and stir or shake the pan until they start to turn golden and fragrant. I will sometimes start with a little oil, which toasts them faster and adds a lovely sheen to the nuts.

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