Did you know that Father's Day did not become an official national holiday until 1972?!  In contrast, Mother's Day has been in official existance since 1914, though the first Father's Day in the country was actually celebrated before that.  According to the History Channel, Sonora Scott Dodd of Spokane, Washington is considered the founder of Father's Day after she successfully established it as a holiday in her state in 1910 in honor of her own father, a widow who raised her and her 5 siblings.

Eventually the holiday spread, but why such a long delay in being recognized nationally? Well, most likely it was because the idea wasn't considered commercially marketable; after all, men aren't as 'sentimental' as women and weren't, historically speaking, given gifts to demonstrate affection in the same way that women were.  In fact, it was the fathers, themselves, who slowed the spread, complaining of commercialism and, after all, it was "their money" that paid for the gifts.  My, how times have changed.

If you have a father to celebrate in your life on Father's Day, you'll want to do it locally, of course, and we can help you with that!  Read on for the more traditional, and not so traditional, gift-giving ideas for dad available in Oz.

For the Golfer

Let's face it, there are a good number of dads who like to golf. Luckily, there are a good number of places in Oz to do that and gift certificates or a tee time make a worthy present for the father who loves this particular hobby.  Ozaukee's own county courses, Hawthorne Hills and Mee-Kwon Park, are worthy spots, but you can also try Missing Links in Mequon, The Bog in Saukville, and Edgewater Golf Club or Fire Ridge Golf Club in Grafton.  Speaking of Fire Ridge, their Flannery's Restaurant offers a special Father's Day Breakfast with Dad from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 18th with a chance to win a foursome on the course!

Traditional golfing is great, but some dads go for Disc Golf and Oz has two great courses, including Tendick Park in Saukville and Stoney Creek Disc Golf Course in Fredonia.  Looking for a new disc for dad?  Try Cedarburg Toy Co.!

For the Outdoorsman

For the father who is into hunting, fishing, camping or kayaking, look no further than Sherper's in Port Washington!  From knives to boots and tents to decoys, Sherper's has what the outdoorsman in your life is looking for.  

For the Handyman or Gardener

A new tool or a gift certificate for dad to pick out his own is a great idea!  Try Drew's True Value in Port Washington, Hahn Ace Hardware in Mequon, the Grafton Ace Hardware, or Beyer's True Value in Cedarburg.  For the dad who can't get enough plants, try Heyden's Garden Center or Groth's Country Gardens in Cedarburg, Frenz Garden Center in Thiensville, or Gene Fransee & Son/Kletzien Garden Center in Port Washington

For the Craft Beer Aficionado

One thing Oz really has going on is a lot of local breweries, so take dad there or bring some to him, but keep it local!  Try Rebellion Brewing or The Fermentorium in Cedarburg, Sahale Ale Works in Grafton, Inventors Brewpub in Port Washington, or Foxtown Brewing in Mequon.  For the dad who is looking for a different drink, try The Shinery, The Cedarburg Winery or Handen Distillery in Cedarburg, or Vines to Cellar in Port Washington

For the Birder

For the birding dad in your life, a new birdfeeder, seed, or a gift certificate for those might be just the ticket.  Try Wild Birds Unlimited or The Feed Bag Pet Supply in Mequon, Landmark Feed, Seed & Supply in Cedarburg, or Saukville Feed Supplies or Pet Supply Port in Saukville. For an added gift, consider spending some time at Riveredge Nature Center, Mequon Nature Preserve, or one of the many Treasures of Oz natural areas to do some bird watching!

For the Father's Day Cookout

A Father's Day cookout is the tradition for many families. Looking for the perfect cut of meat for the grill?  Try Bernie's Fine Meats in Port Washington, The Creamy Pig in Cedarburg, Blau's Saukville Meats, Foxtown Heritage Meats in Mequon, or Schwai's Meat & Sausage in Fredonia.  For the perfect charcuterie board for the party, or ham & rolls for a Sunday Father's Day brunch, hit up Frannie's Market in Cedarburg.  Don't feel like hosting the event at your place?  The Port Washington Beer Garden at Upper Lake Park opens for the season with their Cheers to Dad event from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., featuring live music, food, and beer, of course!

Shopping for Father's Day Gifts

Sometimes you just need to wander around the right shop to find the perfect gift and Oz has several that appeal to the menfolk.  The Cedar Creek Apothecary, located in the Cedar Creek Settlement, is offering 20% off all male grooming products through Father's Day weekend.  While in Cedarburg, you might also try Weeds or The Irish Boutique for the Irish father in your life.  In Port Washington, Locally Inspired or Eclectic Avenue are good bets.

Whatever you decide to get the fathers in your life for Father's Day, shopping locally makes it a win-win.  That being said, don't underestimate the value of your time; sharing it with the people you love is one of the very best gifts you can give.  Happy Father's Day, dads of Oz!

One of the best parts of summertime in Ozaukee County is the plethora of outdoor concerts to attend.  From Summer Sounds to Gathering on the Green, there's something for everyone.  Here's the 2023 lineup:

Belgium Summer Nights LIVE  Beginning Friday, June 2nd from 6-9 p.m., Belgium's Community Park will feature live music and family fun for all.  Food and drinks are available for purchase, and sign up for a cornhole tournament!  Join them again on Friday, July 21st.

Summer Sounds in Cedarburg  The 20th Season of Summer Sounds kicks off Friday, June 16th, at Cedar Creek Park with Yam Haus and special guest, Bellends, and continues every Friday through August 18th.  Each concert begins 6:30 p.m. and there is plenty of food and drink available on site, as well as a playground for the kids nearby. Bring a blanket or chairs, find your spot, and plan on an evening of fun!

GALA in the Park: Bollywood Nights in Thiensville  On Saturday, June 3rd, GALA in the Park returns as part of its fundraising efforts to complete funding for the splash pad inside Village Park with a special evening of Indian-inspired food and entertainment.

Mequon Public Market 2023 Music Series The Mequon Public Market hosts concerts on their outdoor patio on mostly Friday evenings or in their indoor mezzanine on mostly Tuesday evenings from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Shully's River Sounds in Thiensville will have free concerts on the first Thursday of each month, except July, from 5:30-9 p.m., rain or shine, with some delicious food available, made (of course!) by Shully's.  June 8th is Random Maxx, August 3rd is Eddie Butts, and September 7th is Five Card Studs.  RSVP at https://www.shullyscuisine.com/specia​

Live at the Triangle in Saukville's Veteran's Park will return with 6 free concerts this summer on every other Wednesday evening from 7-9:30 p.m., beginning with Tangle Foot on June 14th and ending with Bad Habitz on August 23rd.  Food and beverages are available for purchase on site.

Gathering on the Green at Mequon's Rotary Park returns on Friday, July 15th with Ann Wilson of Heart and special guest Starship featuring Mickey Thomas.  On Saturday, July 16th, Rise & Shine in the Park, a Christian music concert, features CAIN with special guest Franki Moscato.

The Shipyard Bar in Port Washington has an impressive Summer Lineup of Live Music, beginning with their Outdoor Patio Grand Opening on June 17th with Tanglefoot and running through the ShadLads on September 3rd.

Climb the hill to the iconic St. Mary's church on Fridays from noon to 12:30 for the 7th Season of their St. John XXIII Summer Music Series: Music on the Hill!  The perfect accompaniment to your lunch break, with an eclectic mix of music from June 16th to August 18th.  

The Port Washington City Band Concerts happen four times over the summer, all at 6:30 p.m. in the bandshell at Veterans Park in Port.  Join them June 11th and 25th and July 16th and 23rd.

Cedarburg Art Museum Beer Garden will have live music and food trucks Thursday evenings from 5:30-8:30 p.m. beginning on June 8th with January Autumn and through September 14th with Roxie Beane, as well on Saturday afternoons from noon-4 p.m. with live music and artist booths beginning June 10th and running through September 9th.

the baaree  in Thiensville, the outdoor beer garden of the cheel Nepalese restaurant, which is in the process of being rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire, is located at 105 S. Main St. and has live music all summer long.  For up to date listings, see their facebook page.

While not necessarily concert series, there are a plethora of places in Oz to catch live music on a regular basis, including:

CEDARBURG
Art of Joy, Rebellion Brewing, Lime Cantina, Stagecoach Inn/Five20 Pub
​
MEQUON
The Annex at Foxtown, the Mequon Public Market, 

PORT WASHINGTON
Singing Salmon Saloon, Beanies Mexican Restaurant

If you don't mind the drive, Sheboygan has the amazing Levitt AMP Sheboygan Music Series kicks off on Thursday, June 22nd at 6 p.m. with The Periodicals, followed at 7 p.m. by Tami Neilson.  Most performances are Thursday evenings beginning at 6 on Sheboygan's City Green; however, the Series also incorporates the Midsummer Festival of the Arts on Saturday and Sunday, July 15th and 16th, on the JMK Arts Center Festival Green.

Also not too far from Oz, the Homegrown Music Festival returns to Regner Park in West Bend for its 8th year on Sunday, July 9th from noon-9 p.m.  Parking is free, and a $10 donation is recommended.  New is the Regnar Rocks Concert Series, which already kicked off on May 25th with the MilBillies, but continues each 4th Thursday of the month from 5-9 p.m.: June 22nd  is Betsy Ade & the Well-Known Strangers with Special Guest Ben Mulwana; July 27th is The WhiskeyBelles with Special Guest Jay Matthes; August 24th is Pat McCurdy with Special Guest Party Marty & the Dirt Bags.  Food and beverages are available for purchase on site, no dogs or carry-ins are allowed. 

To stay informed about all of the great live music happening in and around Oz, make sure to stay tuned to the Ozaukee Living Local Events Page, and subscribe to our Weekend Newsletter​!  Notice something we missed?  Let us know at [email protected].

By Mary Boyle

When Kevin was growing up in a small Wisconsin town, there weren't many resources for kids like him.  Kids who were gay.  He took refuge in his school's theatre program and discovered he fit in better there.  Theatre people are very accepting.

Fast forward many years later and Kevin and his husband, Steve, were looking for a home.  Steve brought Kevin to a little place in Port Washington called Smith Bros. Coffee House where Kevin was introduced to the most delicious fish sandwich he'd ever eaten.  While that was an excellent selling point for a quaint lakeside community, what really caught Kevin's eye as they drove about town was the number of pride flags he saw.

"That flag means so much more for our community," explained Kevin, "it's like Batman's signal; you know you're going to be safe."

In June of 2021, Kevin and Steve moved to Port and Kevin immediately set to work trying to find his community within the community.  He reached out to Port Washington's Mayor and joined the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, where he met Karl.  Kevin didn't want kids growing up without resources, like he did, and Karl was on the same page.  By January of 2022, the two of them launched PW Pride, a group that would work as a place for Port's LGBTQ community to find resources; a group that could "educate, advocate and celebrate," as their mission states.

Wanting to build their group, the two found a willing partner in the WJ Niederkorn library and set up their first Coffee Connection events, which were well received.  Ideas for more events, like the Pride Picnic and Game Night, made it clear that PW Pride needed to be more than just a group.  From that point on, both Kevin and Karl set out to create a non profit which, they hope, will one day grow into the actual resource center that Kevin wished he'd had when he was growing up.

Gaining non-profit status is not cheap, so the group began their first fundraising campaign by asking local businesses to sell pride flags in their shops.  "This is more than just a fundraiser, though," said Kevin.  "This shows the community that our local businesses support the LGBTQ community.  We started with 7 stores and this year we have 10."

With the June Pride Month approaching, the group has a number of events for people of all ages lined up, beginning with a special Coffee Connection on Saturday, May 20th at the WJ Niederkorn Library featuring Planting Hope, an LGBTQ non-profit that is helping families grow "one plant at a time."  In June at the library, there will be a Movie Screening  of "Love, Simon," on Monday, June 5th and a Book Talk and Signing on "The History of Drag in Milwaukee" on Wednesday, June 14th.  On Friday, June 23rd at Sir James Pub in Port Washington there will be a PW Pride Karaoke Fundraiser for the over 21 crowd, but family-friendly events are also in the works, such as a Pride Pool Party at Pirate's Hollow and a Pride Picnic at Upper Lake Park later in June.

"We want to be a group that is accepted in the community and that gives back to the community, no different from the Kiwanis or Lions Club," Kevin stressed.  "To have our voices heard and be included would be enough for us.  I didn't have this growing up, so this is maybe my legacy: I gave somebody the space to come out and the resources they needed.  I want to know I did something."

To learn more about PW Pride and their upcoming events, go to their Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/pwpride53074

​Over 100 years ago (in 1914, to be exact), President Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day an official holiday.  As one might guess, it didn't take long for restaurants, florists, and confectioners to get in on it.  In fact, the woman who campaigned for the holiday, Anna Jarvis, was so disgusted by the commercialization of the holiday that she spent the rest of her life fighting to remove it from the calendar.  Of course, Mother's Day is here to stay, so if you're going to spend your money, you may as well do it locally, and there are plenty of good restaurants, florists, and confectioners in Oz to choose from, as well as other special offers from local businesses and organizations!

Port Washington  
Moonlight Tavern is offering a special Mother's Day menu from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  with choices such as Prime Rib and Champagne Chicken.  Plier's Full Circle Pub & Restaurant will have Prime Rib and additional specials between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  

If you're looking for chocolates in Port, Chocolate Chisel has a wide variety of milk and dark chocolates to choose from, as well as chocolate dipped strawberries (pre-ordering is recommended).  Jewelry can be found at Sharbuno Jewelers.  Both Pear & Simple and Locally Inspired have great gifts and Locally Inspired is offering a Mother's Day Plant Bar the Saturday before Mother's Day, as well!

Saukville/Newburg
No No's has brunch from 11a.m. - 2:30.  For reservations, call (262)675-6960.

For flowers, try Lighthouse Florist in Saukville.

​Grafton 
Flannery's at Fire Ridge in Grafton offers a Mother's Day Brunch.  Reservations are required; call (262) 375-2977.  
​
The Bloomin Olive is where to go for flowers in the Grafton area, and Sweet Trio and Handmade With Love has all the sweet treats mom might want.

Mequon 
Mr. B's, A Bartolotta Steak House, has a Brunch Buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Call (262) 518-5500 to make reservations.  Cafe 1505 is serving brunch and reservations are required -- call (262) 241-7076).  

​La Terre at the Mequon Public Market is the place to go for blooms ​and Cocoa Tree Confectionery is the place to get chocolate and sweets.  Barthel's Fruit Farm is offering free tea or coffee to moms from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. while she shops for flowers and seedlings, as well as  

Cedarburg
The Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement are having a special Mother's Day Weekend, the 11th and 12th, featuring treats, prizes, specials, samples, wine tastings and live entertainment just for mom!

There's always a special caramel apple from Amy's Candy Kitchen or classic candies from Ashley's Confectionery to make mom's day, and flowers from  Rachel's Roses.  Armbruster Jewelers is, of course, a main stay for jewelry, but there are so many great jewelry and gift stores in Cedarburg, you could just take mom through them all and let her pick out just the right thing.

If Mom is an outdoorsy type, she may prefer a hike at Lion's Den Gorge in Grafton, Sauk Creek Nature Preserve in Port, Harrington Beach in Belgium, or a nature preserve such as Riveredge in Saukville or Mequon Nature Preserve.

Happy Mother's Day to all from Ozaukee Living Local!

By Sara Dahmen

Last year, we happened to be at Stonehenge on the day of Spring Equinox – that special
day when the sun’s zenith hits the big stone. It was a party atmosphere there, for sure. Being in the United Kingdom makes me think of a full monty breakfast and lots of pub chips, but they also do like their lettuces and cabbages, so I’m offering a Spring salad with a twist this month, since it's finally beginning to feel like Spring in Wisconsin! Plus, we’re nearing the season of shorts, and if you’re worrying at all about veins (even those tender varicose veins), I’ve a tea that can be made daily to help smooth them away (no surgery required). As always – consistency is key for results!

CABBAGE SALAD
This is a fresh salad that can be made on a Sunday and kept in the fridge all week to be a quick and easy lunch or dinner staple. I usually keep it in a big Tupperware with a cover, and the toppings totally make this one!  Makes 10 servings.

3 cups finely sliced green cabbage
3 cups finely sliced red cabbage
3 cups chopped fresh kale
3 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
¼ cup finely sliced green onions

Toppings:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Tri-color tortilla chips (you can find these in the salad dressing part of a grocery store)
Chipotle / Southwest Ranch dressing

After slicing and chopping the greens, toss together until mixed well. Keep cold until serving. To serve, put the greens in a bowl, then the dressing and, finally, sprinkle on the cheese and tortilla chips.

VEIN-AWAY TEA
I use this tea to try to smooth out a large painful varicose vein on my right leg, which I received curtesy of my pregnancy with my youngest child, who came out over 10lbs.
Did you know that goji berries actually grow really well in Wisconsin? I took a chance a few years ago planting a squiggly twig of a plant and every year it gets bigger and has oodles of berries to be picked and dried in the oven (or a dehydrator, if you have one). They’re pretty bitter when fresh, but they get sweet after drying. You will want to dry any harvest to use for this, as you need to make a tincture from the goji berries for the tea.
Yarrow also grows super here – I once transplanted a single bit of it from being a “weed” in the wrong place to a medicinal plant in my garden (it spreads fast, so be prepared to sort of keep it contained). Fun fact: fresh green yarrow leaves also work to clean and sanitize wounds and stop nosebleeds.

First: Make the goji berry tincture. Take 1 cup of dried goji berries and place in a canning jar with 1.5 cups of vodka. Let sit for at least 1 month. Strain the berries and keep the liquid.

For the tea:
½ tsp burdock root
½ tsp dandelion root
½ tsp dried yarrow (flowers/leaves)

Boil water and add the burdock, dandelion and yarrow. Steep for 10 minutes before removing the herbs. Add in 1 tsp of the goji berry tincture.  Drink daily for best results over time.

Why these herbs?
Dandelion is great for reducing swelling and fluid retention. It’s also required when using
burdock, as otherwise the body won’t manage the full effects of burdock root.
Burdock root (never use this herb alone – always use it with dandelion root or yellow dock) is the most detoxifying herb out there – it will aid with skin most of all as an anti-inflammatory herb. 
Yarrow is a mild diuretic and tones one's veins – even the varicose kind. It can lower blood pressure and is great in ointments for vein pain, too. Do not use yarrow if you are pregnant!
Goji Berries are great for fragile capillaries and varicose veins – it’s also an anti-aging herb!

​About the Author
Sara Dahmen is a coppersmith, award-winning author and novelist, and entrepreneur. Her expertise is of vintage and modern cookware; she manufactures pure metal kitchenware in her Port Washington, Wisconsin garage for her company, House Copper & Cookware. All of her current designs are based on American traditions and wares and are sourced in the USA. When unable to recreate traditional elements, she uses only small family owned and operated makers or Armed Forces veterans to help with the production of her cookware pieces. Her work also includes refurbishing and restoring old and damaged copper using vintage tools.  Learn more about Sara at: https://www.saradahmen.com/​  ​Order Sara's book! Full color, hard-cover COPPER IRON AND CLAY (Morrow/HarperCollins)

​Whether you're looking for a place for Easter Brunch, the best local places to fill your Easter Baskets, or for a chance to meet the Easter Bunny, we've got you covered!

Easter Events

Cedarburg hosts their annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids 10 and under at Cedar Creek Park on Saturday, April 1st from 10-11:30 a.m.  Bring your own basket and arrive early because this hunt goes fast!

Grafton Park & Rec has their Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park on Saturday, April 1st from 12:30-1:30. Pictures with the Easter Bunny will available between 12:30 and 1, and the hunt will begin at 1 p.m. sharp — don't forget your basket!

Port Washington has their annual Hippity Hop Easter Egg Hunt and Downtown Treat Hop on Saturday, April 8th from 10 a.m. -  11 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Kids 12 and under and their families can join in the egg hunt, get their photo taken with the Easter Bunny, and participate in a Story Walk, Sing Along, or an Easter Bonnet Contest at Upper Lake Park beginning at 10 a.m.  Then, "hop" to downtown Port, where many of the local businesses will be handing out additional treats between 11 and 1 p.m.

New Life Church will host the 2nd Annual Airplane Easter Egg Drop at Grafton High School on Saturday, April 8th from 10 a.m. - noon with fun for the whole family.

Kids 10 and under can participate in the Spring Egg Hunt at Riveredge Nature Center in Saukville.  There are several sessions to choose from but you must register in advance.

Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson are having an Easter Egg Hunt in Thiensville on Saturday, April 8th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Belgium will have their Easter Egg Hunt at Heritage Park, 11 a.m. sharp, on Saturday, April 8th for children 10 and under.  Bring your Easter Baskets and meet the Easter Bunny!

Saukville will have their annual Easter Egg Hunt at Grady Park on Saturday, April 8th from 10 a.m. - noon.

Easter Brunch 
Easter Brunch is a time-honored tradition and there are several great places to find them in Oz. 
Saukville 
The Bog is having an Easter Brunch in The Barn between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Port Washington
Moonlight Tavern in Port Washington offers an Easter Brunch from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Mequon
Foxtown Brewing offers an Easter Brunch Buffet from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Mr. B's - a Bartolotta Steak House has a Buffet and Dinner from 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
​Thiensville
The Prime Minister offers an Easter Brunch Buffet from 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Easter Candy
If you're in need of Easter Candy, you're in luck!  Amy's Candy Kitchen and Ashley's Confectionary in Cedarburg have great selections.  Sweet Trio or Handmade With Love in Grafton and The Chocolate Chisel in Port have plenty of chocolate bunnies to go around, as well.  In Mequon, you want to check out the Cocoa Tree Confectionary.

Happy Easter from Ozaukee Living Local!



​

By Sara Dahmen
 
To celebrate the coming of the spring it’s time to bake bread (I think every season needs some sort of bread!) but, when it’s coming on the equinox, you can “spice” it up a little bit with some spring-time flavors and adornments to make it truly special using early spring flowers made extra special by sugaring.

Spring Equinox Bread Recipe
           
            6 Tbsp unsalted butter (leave out half a day so it’s room temp)
            1 cup white sugar
            2 eggs (room temp)
            2 cups all-purpose flour
            1 ½ tsp baking powder
            ¼ tsp salt
            ¾ cup whole milk
            2 tsp finely chopped freeze dried strawberries

1. Preheat oven to 350°F Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or coat with nonstick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well.
4. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Add by alternating the milk and flour mixture to the sugar/butter mix slowly.
6. Once the dough is smooth, fold in the strawberries.
7. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.  Bake for about 45mins or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.  
8. Allow to cool before removing from the pan.  

Happy baking!

Sara

About the Author

​Sara Dahmen is a coppersmith, award-winning author and novelist, and entrepreneur. Her expertise is of vintage and modern cookware; she manufactures pure metal kitchenware in her Fredonia, Wisconsin workshop for her company, House Copper & Cookware. All of her current designs are based on American traditions and wares and are sourced in the USA. When unable to recreate traditional elements, she uses only small family owned and operated makers or Armed Forces veterans to help with the production of her cookware pieces. Her work also includes refurbishing and restoring old and damaged copper using vintage tools.  Learn more about Sara at: https://www.saradahmen.com/​  ​

By Sara Dahmen

In a Wisconsin January, the sun doesn’t show up often, we have nothing growing in our
gardens, and we all want to get our systems clear of the rough weeks of eating and
drinking…maybe not our best. These vitamin bowls are filled with all kinds of colorful fruits and vegetables. If you prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, you can get several meals out of this recipe – perfect for a week of lunches! This is an explosion of divine flavors that all work together; they can be eaten just like the recipe states below, or you can add some lean roasted, skinless chicken breast on top at the end.

For the bowl:
4 cups cooked and drained red quinoa
1 large sweet potato – peeled and chopped into 1” squares and roasted (see directions
below)
1 can black beans tossed with ½ each of salt, cumin, chili powder and smoked paprika
1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
1 blood orange, peeled and sliced into round circles
4 cups fresh spinach
4 Tbsp pickled red onion
For the slaw topping:
1 cup finely sliced green cabbage
1 cup finely sliced purple cabbage
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:
1 clove garlic, finely minced
½ cup tahini
1/3 cup warm water
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

To prepare:
Heat oven to 425°. Toss the chopped sweet potato with some oil or water and lightly dust with salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes.  While the sweet potatoes roast, mix the seasonings with the black beans and set aside. Mix all the slaw ingredients and set aside.
Toss the cauliflower with oil, salt and pepper and add to the pan with the sweet potato in the oven. Bake together another 15 minutes.  While the cauliflower and potatoes roast together, mix the sauce.

When the oven items are done, assemble the bowls. Start with the quinoa on the bottom,
followed by a bed of spinach, then the black beans followed by the cauliflower and sweet
potatoes. From there, add the slaw, then the blood oranges and top with the tahini sauce and then the pickled onions. If you’re using chicken, add on top or right after you place the beans.

​

​About the Author
Sara Dahmen is a coppersmith, award-winning author and novelist, and entrepreneur. Her expertise is of vintage and modern cookware; she manufactures pure metal kitchenware in her Fredonia, Wisconsin workshop for her company, House Copper & Cookware. All of her current designs are based on American traditions and wares and are sourced in the USA. When unable to recreate traditional elements, she uses only small family owned and operated makers or Armed Forces veterans to help with the production of her cookware pieces. Her work also includes refurbishing and restoring old and damaged copper using vintage tools.  Learn more about Sara at: https://www.saradahmen.com/​  

By Mary Boyle

​We've all been there: the panic that sets in when the clock is running out and you still haven't found the right gift, realized you forgot someone on your list, or just couldn't get a moment to get out and shop until the bitter end.  Heading to a big box store may seem like the most convenient option, but there are so many amazing local and independent businesses in Oz just waiting to help you!  Supporting local businesses and organizations is the gift that keeps on giving: the money you spend at these places not only stays in our community, but oftentimes helps to support important organizations that make Ozaukee and the greater Ozaukee area so unique and wonderful.  Read on, and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list!

For the Foodies

Oz is home to some really great restaurants, and a special dinner out could be a lovely gift.  Try Fork & Tap, The Steerage, Plier's Full Circle Pub & Restaurant, or Twisted Willow in Port; Cedarburg has Brandywine, The Stilt House, The Anvil Pub or The Farmstead.  Messina's in Saukville is a good bet, or try No No's in Newburg.  The Stillery in Grafton is a brand new option this year, or head down to Mequon and check out The Highland House, the St. Paul Fish Company, or Cafe 1505. A CSA Subscription is another great idea!

For the Nature Lovers

Oz is home to two amazing nature preserves:  Riveredge in Newburg in the north and Mequon Nature Preserve in the south.  Memberships to both offer access to trails and programming, but also help support environmental restoration and education in Oz.  Besides memberships, Riveredge has a Visitor's Center full of great gifts for the Outdoorsy person in your life, including the syrup they make onsite each spring.

For the Art Lovers

The art community is strong in Oz, and there are a variety of places where original artwork of all kinds can be purchased.  In Cedarburg, try the Cedarburg Art Museum, Cedarburg Cultural Center, or the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts gift shops, but memberships to these organizations also make great gifts. In downtown Cedarburg, you can find local art in many of the gift shops, including Bohemia, the Pink Llama Gallery, and within the Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement.  In Grafton, look no further than the NSAA Arts Mill, where a wide variety of treasures await.  

For the Coffee Lovers

If there is one thing the Land of Oz has aplenty, it's good coffee shops.  Gift Certificates are great, of course, but most also offer t-shirts, mugs, and other fun items to show your coffee shop pride.  In Port, there's Java Dock Cafe or the new Banjole's Brews inside of Lakeside Music & Naturals; in Grafton, we have AM Coffee, NSeven, and Colectivo (also in Mequon); in Cedarburg, there's the Cedarburg Coffee Roastery and Java House.  You can find a Fiddleheads in Cedarburg, Grafton, Thiensville, and Mequon.  There is no lack of caffeine in Oz, people.

For the Pet Lovers (and pets!!)

Oz is home to a bounty of wonderful, independent and local places to shop for the pet or pet lover in your life!  In Port Washington, check out One Wag on the corner of Franklin and Jackson St. downtown, which specializes in natural food and nutritional support for your pets.  In Saukville, there's Dawgs In Motion, which has day camp, training classes, a pool, a shop, grooming and more, or Pet Supply Port, which has been in Oz for over 25 years.  In Mequon, try the Feed Bag, which also offers a pool and grooming, as well as a selection for pets beyond dogs and cats.  In Cedarburg, try Landmark Supply, which has been serving the critters of Oz for over 150 years!

For the Beer & Wine Lovers 

Oz is home to a number of breweries, and there are a few winery options, as well.  In Cedarburg, of course, there is the award-winning Cedar Creek Winery and Chiselled Grape Winery, but Cedarburg has two breweries, as well: Rebellion Brewing and The Fermentorium.  In Port Washington, try Inventors Brewpub or Vines to Cellar.  In Grafton there's Sahale Ale Works, or check out Foxtown Brewing in Mequon.

​For those who love to wander through Gift Shops and be inspired...

Sometimes, you just want to wander around and see what might jump out at you, or have someone in the know who has the time to help you find the perfect gift.  If that's you, you could just start at one end of downtown Cedarburg and finish at the other, but Cedarburg isn't your only game!  In Port Washington, try Pear & Simple, Eclectic Avenue, Lakeside Music & Naturals (which has all types of goodies for the musicians in your life, too), The Shoppes of Port Washington, the brand new Purple Turtle Artisan Collective, Port's Cozy Corner, or Locally Inspired.

For the Jewelry Lover

Armbruster Jewelers in Cedarburg has been around since 1884, so you really can't go wrong, there; however, if you're lakeside, check out Sharbuno Jewelers in Port Washington, another family business that has been serving Oz since 1950.  Mequon's East Towne Jewelers boasts over 30 years of business, which is certainly an accomplishment, as well.  Cedarburg has several more unique and boutique shops that may also serve you well, such as Pagoda Fine Jewelry, Wyndrose Fine Jewelry or Jewelry Works.

For the Outdoor Sports Enthusiast

Snowboarding, skiing, cycling, kayaking, skateboarding, and more! Check out Sherper's in Port Washington, Cedar Creek Outdoors or Phase II Skate Shop in Cedarburg, Extreme Ski & Bike in Thiensville, or ERIK'S in Grafton.  Surfing on Lake Michigan?  You bet!  Try the Board Shack in Port.

Candy and other Sweet Treats 

On the lookout for candy, the perfect chocolate Santa, or maybe just something to satisfy your holiday sweet tooth?  Oz has you covered!  In Port Washington, you must visit The Chocolate Chisel for some of the best hot chocolate and ice cream in Oz, as well as amazing chocolates.  In Grafton, Sweettrio or Handmade with Love is the place to go for candy, chocolates or caramel apples.  In Cedarburg, you have your choice of Amy's Candy Kitchen, which is known for their caramel apples, or Ashley's Confectionery, which is a great place to find vintage candy and M&M's by the color, as well as chocolates.  In Mequon, you must visit the Cocoa Tree Confectionery (and, if you have a great sense of humor and aren't easily offended, follow them on Facebook for some weekly laughs;)! 

For the Kids (and Kids at Heart)

When you're shopping for children, to place to buy toys in Ozaukee County is the Cedarburg Toy Co.  Owners, Zach and Natasha Loos, will not only assist you in finding the right gift, they'll wrap it for you.  They are also experts at covert operations, if you happen to actually have your children with you and need to shop.  Wink, nudge, or pass them a note, and they'll have all the presents wrapped and ready for later pick up,  or whatever other crazy antics you can think of.  CTC truly has gifts for all ages, from blocks and rattles to puzzles and books, and things you didn't even know existed!  Don't miss this magical little store in the heart of downtown Cedarburg.

​The important thing to remember about gift giving, especially this time of year, is not to buy stuff just to buy stuff.  Slow down, really be present with people and, when you do want to give something, consider giving a gift that gives back to our community.  Happy Holidays, everyone.