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Chef Steph came in 2nd place in the semi-finals round of the Sears Chef Challenge.  For her efforts she won A HUGE Kenmore Elite refrigerator.  Thanks again to everyone who voted and to Sears for the opportunity!!!

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I want to tell you all about an amazing organization - Camphill Village Kimberton Hills.    The mission at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, located in Kimberton, Pa., is to encourage individuals, especially those with special needs, to discover and fulfill their greatest developmental and creative potential within a farming and handcrafting community. In valuing persons of all abilities, Kimberton Hills seeks to foster a living and working environment that is sustainable, productive and beautiful. Residents and volunteers uniquely contribute to the community through meaningful vocations such as gardening, dairy farming, and working in the café, bakery and handicraft workshops. As the community cares for one another, it also nurtures and improves the land by practicing biodynamic agriculture and raising environmental awareness.  Check them out at www.camphillkimberton.org. 

Being a chef is a lot of hard work and very time intensive.  While I am always around great, healthy foods, I am not always eating and execising properly.  To help keep me on track, I use a fantastic online product - Tanya Stroh Training Solutions.  This interactive, intuitive online fitness and wellness program is unbelievable.  I encourage everyone to check it out and sign up - www.tanyastroh.com. 

I love farmers markets, and I think we have one of the best in my town - Phoenixville, PA!  If you are in the area, check out the market every Saturday from 9 to 1 under the "high bridge".  There are some many great vendors at the Market.  You can get anything you need including veal, chicken, cheese, raw milk, veggies, fruits, bread, baked goods, etc.  There is always live entertainment and lots of activities for the kids and well.  Check them out at www.phoenixvillefarmersmarket.org. 

Whenever I am stuck while menu planning I head to www.Epicurious.com, this sight always helps me with a little inspiration!

I just love VaLa Vineyards in Avondale, PA. They produce great wines, using mostly Italian grapes, and it is one of the best tasting room experiences you will ever have. If you are local to PA you have to go for a visit. If not, check out their site, it is a lot of fun! www.valavineyards.com

If you love the smell of a wood fire and delicious food, then definitely head to Restaurant Alba in Malvern, PA, which is owned by the husband and wife team of Sean and Kelly Weinberg. Sean’s menu is inspired by Northern Italy and features a wood fire grill and local seasonal produce and meats. Definitely get the antipasto selection which changes daily and my most favorite dish, Mozzarella Burratta, which can only be explained as a heaven. Alba recently obtained a liquor license and features an all-Italian wine list, creative cocktails and great microbrew beers. www.restaurantalba.com

If you live in Philadelphia region and are a Foodie, then you have definitely heard of The Birchrunville Store Café located in, you guessed it, Birchrunville, PA. Chef Francis Trzeciak never disappoints with his contemporary French-Italian cuisine and inventive nightly specials. The quiet country setting cannot be beat. I could eat here every night, but I settle for once a month. Plan ahead if you want to dine here on a weekend, seats fill up fast! www.birchrunvillestorecafe.com