Page 20 - Greet HWY 68 Loop Magazine September 2025

MEET OUR PARTNER TREATS!

HOT the softened cream cheese, Italian
seasoning, and garlic powder
PEPPERONI together until combined.
3. Using a spatula or butter knife, evenly
PIZZA DIP spread the cream cheese mixture on the
greased pie dish. It will slide around and
may be somewhat challenging to get
even but it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Just one bite and 4. To layer the dip, sprinkle 1 cup of
you’ll be hooked! the mozzarella cheese on top of the
cream cheese, then evenly spread the
BY KATHRYN DONANGELO, LAS PALMAS pizza sauce with a spatula or butter
knife. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella
Laura’s Barn Preschool Dive in and enjoy the savory gooey cheese and parmesan cheese evenly on
top. Add the pepperonis (or any of your
and Child Care Center Laura Hair flavors of this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza favorite pizza toppings) to the top.
Dip recipe made with cream cheese! My
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until
hot pizza dip is perfect as an appetizer or
snack whenever you’re craving flavors of cheese has melted and is bubbly. Let the
dip cool for a few minutes before serving.
A home away from home, rooted in love mozzarella, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and Serve with baguette slices, pretzels,
Italian seasoning. Just one bite and you’ll crackers or breadsticks and Enjoy!
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE, GREET WRITER be hooked! • 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 11-12 pepperoni slices; or
Prep Time: 10 minutes enough to cover the pie dish
“I wanted that family environment.” “Children can walk in and feel at County Families,” says Laura. “I wish Total Time: 25 minutes • pinch salt and pepper
That’s what Laura Hair envisioned when ease. They know where their things I could do more.” Servings: 8 servings • baguette slices; for dipping
she opened Laura’s Barn Preschool are. The snacks are out, and the chef is But she’s already done so much. Kathryn is our resident
and Child Care Center back in 2002. cooking. It’s just homey.” From watching former students go on INGREDIENTS INSTRUCTIONS foodie. She lives in
Originally in a cozy home on Highway As the school has grown—expanding to internships with the Jaguars and • 8 ounces cream cheese; softened 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Las Palmas with her
68 with a big sandbox and open space from a small private-pay program to graduate-level studies, Laura is reminded • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning F. Spray a 9 inch glass pie dish or husband and two
for kids to play, Laura’s Barn was born include Title 5 state-subsidized care— every day of the profound impact early • ½ teaspoon garlic powder baking dish with cooking spray. young daughters. For
out of one mother’s determination the mission has remained clear: create childhood educators can make. • 2 cups mozzarella cheese; shredded 2. In a medium bowl, with a fork more information about this recipe visit
to provide the kind of childhood a nurturing space where kids can “The teachers make Laura’s Barn • ¼ cup parmesan cheese; grated or electric mixer mash together kathrynskitchenblog.com
experience she treasured—one filled thrive, no matter what challenges their what it is. Education is important, but the
with warmth and joy. families may face. Laura and Evelyn, teacher is more important. You have to
After going through a divorce, Laura proud Salinas natives, understand those keep it engaging and keep learning fun.”
found herself in a situation she never struggles intimately. At Laura’s Barn, children flourish.
expected—having to place her young That drive to help others led to the And families find something priceless: September is
children in daycare. But what she found creation of Monterey County Families, peace of mind, belonging, and the
didn’t sit right. a nonprofit organization designed to comforting knowledge that their little Life Insurance
What she wanted was something support not only parents and children ones are being cared for with TLC.
more personal, more comforting, more but also small child care providers. As Laura puts it best: “I’m very Awareness Month
like the life she and her sister Evelyn “When you’re a private provider, you blessed. And my teachers feel the same
Weimer experienced growing up— don’t get the same benefits as when you way. To make an impression at a young Call or stop by for a free quote!
camping trips, summers filled with work for the state,” Laura says. age is huge. That growth is so much to
laughter, and a sense of security. Now they’re launching projects like watch.” And what a beautiful thing it is
That philosophy forms the heart the Community Garden Initiative, which to witness. Joe Stretch, Agent
of Laura’s Barn. It’s a place where the provides grant funding for providers to
furniture is thoughtfully chosen and start on-site gardens, turning learning For more information, check out their Auto | Home | Life | Commercial
the learning is hands-on, creative, into a nature-based experience. website, www.laurasbarn.com.
and always engaging. From science Monterey County Families also helps Serving the Hwy 68 Community and Beyond
experiments and gymnastics to distribute food boxes and is adding a
waterslides in the summer, everything counselor to assist families needing Joe Stretch | joestretch.com
is designed to keep children actively IEP support. “It’s an information-based (831) 783-1501 | CA-0M46383
involved and curious. program. That is our goal for Monterey 1165 S. Main St | Salinas

20 September 2025 Greet HWY 68 Loop 21