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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MAY 2024 | 47 Happy Cookers In May, as Mother's Day blooms, let the kitchen be your stage, and every dish a heartfelt ode to the one who nurtures with love. The Happy Cookers, a delightful community of culinary aficionados, mark their calendars for the fourth Friday of every month. Like clockwork, they gather at 11 am in the South Clubhouse, with May 24 being no exception. Prepare your taste buds and get ready to delve into the delightful world of homemade jams and jellies, as we welcome Royce Nelson (above) of Two Guys in a Jam as our guest speaker for May. Alongside his friend and partner Jay Pinz (who passed away in 2016), Royce embarked on a f lavorful journey, crafting artisanal preserves that have become a beloved staple in our community. Royce's passion for preserving the essence of seasonal fruits shines through in every jar of jam and jelly he creates. He proudly shares, "I still make homemade jams and jellies, picking the finest fruits from the local area of our community in Banning. Almost all of it is handpicked and handmade by me in my kitchen." For many of us, Two Guys in a Jam's delectable offerings have been a highlight of our annual Arts & Crafts Fair, where Royce and Jay always showcased their homemade preserves. Now, we have the exclusive opportunity to learn from the expert himself and uncover the secrets behind their mouthwatering recipes. Join us as we celebrate the artistry of homemade preserves with Royce Nelson from Two Guys in a Jam, and prepare to be inspired to create your own culinary masterpieces. As May unfolds, the cooking world welcomes the vibrant hues and fragrant blooms of spring, ushering in a season of renewal and celebration. With Mother's Day just around the corner, it's the perfect time to honor the maternal figures in our lives with a heartfelt homemade meal. One delightful recipe to share with Mom is a classic Strawberry Spinach Salad. Toss together fresh baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This light and refreshing salad celebrates the f lavors of the season while offering a colorful and nutritious tribute to the special women who fill our lives with love and warmth. As we gather around the table to celebrate Mother's Day and the joys of spring, let us savor each moment and express gratitude for the simple pleasures found in sharing delicious food with the ones we cherish most. Bon Appétit! If you love to cook, or just love to eat, this is the club for you! Cooking with love provides food for the soul. For more information, contact, President, Pat Coie (909) 262-5005. For membership info, contact Barbara Elness at (407) 432-8363 or barbed1951@aol.com. ~ Raelene Kretchman, Publicity