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Prickly Pear Fest – A Celebration of Desert Delights!�Join us for the Annual Prickly Pear Festival at the Holland Center on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM!

Location: Holland Center, 34250 N 60th St., Scottsdale, AZ
Discover the incredible versatility of the Prickly Pear cactus, from its delicious fruit to its nutrient-packed pads. Not just for eating, this desert gem also boasts medicinal properties!
The Desert Awareness Committee is proud to host this family-friendly event, featuring:
• Art Exhibits: Explore stunning artwork that celebrates the beauty of our desert landscape.
• Live Demonstrations: Watch as experts showcase the many uses of the prickly pear cactus, and learn something new!
• Tastings: Sample flavorful, nutritious treats made from the prickly pear cactus – a true desert superfood!
• Enjoy Native American Flute:  Our local friend Ron Bonnstetter will be joining us this year playing Native American flute music

Want to bring the taste of the desert home? Try this easy and delicious recipe from “Our Tastes of the Desert” cookbook:
Prickly Pear Nut Bread�Recipe by Brenda Olive
• 2 ½ cups flour
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ¼ cups prickly pear juice
• 1 egg
• ½ cup pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease the bottom of a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and beat for 30 seconds.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
4. Bake in the center of the oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the bread cool slightly, then loosen the sides and remove from the pan. Enjoy!
Come celebrate the wonders of the Prickly Pear and all things desert at this fun, educational, and flavorful festival!