Grove Life Winter 2020

Food for Thought By Carla Hull

plate Chef's

W e have all heard that the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I am pretty sure that goes for many ladies out there too. There is no denying that love and romance are intimately intertwined with the heat of the kitchen. You cannot deny the romanticism of Disney’s “Lady & the Tramp.” Now I’m not saying you guys should roll your meatball with your nose over to your honey at our next Italian buffet,

USING THE RIGHT KNIFE FOR THE JOB

Try choosing a knife that will give you the best control, you will avoid injuries caused by slipping or unnec- essary added pressure. Always keep knives sharp and clean Paring Knife A short knife, blade is 2-4 inches, good for small tasks like peeling or slicing small items like fruit Chef Knife Most common knife, blade is 8-12 inches. Good for most tasks, chop- ping, dicing and slicing Serrated Knife Most known as a bread knife, best for slicing bread and pastries. Items with crust or tomatoes with soft center are best cut with a serrated knife Boning Knife Blade can be 6-8 long, flexible or firm. Best for butchering of meat or filleting fish Slicer Blade can be 10-12 inches long. Used for slicing meat or poultry. Should not be confused with a serrated knife

but you have to admit, it’s a sweet scene! And I’m not saying a $5 milkshake will make you dance like Uma Thurman and John Travolta in “Pulp Fiction” but I bet Chef ’s delectable delights will add a pep to your step at our upcoming dinner dances. For those of you rolling your eyes at the thought of love and food, even sci- ence says that our brain reacts to the satisfaction from a good meal. They say it comes from the act of sharing the kill. How this was an act of love because if you weren’t included in the feast you would die, right? Science further supports that the dopamine system becomes active in people exactly the same whether they are looking at their favorite food or at someone they love. So, in our brains at least, food really is connected to love and a sense of well-being. There are so many foods that benefit our bodies in so many different ways. Are you looking for more energy? Then try eating bananas, fish, hummus or even dark chocolate. Chocolate has long been thought to be an aphrodisiac, remember the movie “Like Water for Chocolate?” Now those were some powerful emotions! Maybe you are looking to boost your immune system? Try turmeric, garlic, spinach. Use ginger and ginseng to increase circulation. What about heart health? Try blueberries, green tea, edamame, or my favorite, WINE!! You might try to find on a good bottle of wine with the hopes that it will make you more relaxed. Almonds also improve heart health with the added bonus that the mere scent of almonds is supposed to increase a woman's sex drive – just something I read Food makes you smiley, happy, joyful even jolly. Food enhances creativity. Food promotes camaraderie and friendship. The best way to make a new friend, mend a fence or fall in love is by breaking bread. Make your dining reservations today! 2020 is the year of fabulous food, friendships and fun … maybe you’ll even fall in love at first sight again the person you see most every day … you!

Vision Inspire and enable members to enjoy every day of their lives.

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