What are you wearing?

Me — I’m rocking a red dress to participate in National Wear Red Day ® .    The American Heart Association ® created “Go Red for Women”.  The goal is to raise awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women and to explain that there are real, tangible things that you can do to
help prevent this problem.  Today, I’m wearing red, but I am going to eat something orange. And I don’t even care if it clashes with my out
fit.

“Food is love”

I really enjoy cooking and baking and sharing recipes.  I grew up in a family of foodies before foodie was even a “thing”.  For us, food equated to love. And hey – you can never have too much love!  From my mother to my grandmothers and onto foodie friends, everyone had different recipes and their own cooking style.

Naturally when I make up someone’s specialty dish, I think of them.  And well, for me Mary and Irene and Celia and everyone is forever connected with their kitchen creation.  And so  “Grandmom Mary’s egg salad” is part of how I thought of her when she was alive and is part of how I think of her with affection and a smile now that she has passed on.  Any meal with an honored recipe becomes a time remembered; a memory tied together with love for the person and enjoyment of the dish.

I learned so much from all of the cooks and bakers in my life.  My love of sharing food became a personal passion and a way for me to show others how much I care.  It is also a way to have their legacy of love live on with my family and friends with each tasty bite.  Today I would like to offer you a recipe from a woman who inspired me.  Her love and deep devotion to her family lives on through her children and grandchildren and, of course, her wonderful recipes.

A heart-healthy recipe you’re sure to love —

There are lots of cooked carrot salad recipes out there, and many share similar ingredients.  What I love so much about Simone’s is the use of fresh lemon juice and fresh parsley.  These ingredients really bring out the carrot’s natural heart-healthy goodness.

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Simone’s Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Ingredients:

1 pound of carrots

5 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of a lemon

1 tablespoon paprika (smoked is preferable)

1 teaspoon cumin

1-2 cloves of fresh minced garlic

1 cup of fresh chopped parsley

½ teaspoon pepper

Salt to taste

Peel and boil carrots until tender but not mushy: about 7 minutes. Drain and leave in colander to cool.  When cool, slice to your desired thickness.

In a separate bowl, add all the other ingredients and mix well. Salt to taste. Add the cooled, sliced carrots and cover bowl.  Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours before serving.  This makes a nice side salad for a main meal and is delish served with hummus and/or other Mediterranean meals.

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Happy eating and Happy American Heart Month!

 

Blog contributor: 

Lisa Pettinati is Senior Director of Clinical Services for both Friends Life Care and Intervention Associates.  She has over 30 years of experience in behavioral health and case management; helping people with mental health issues and needs for care.  Prior to joining Friends Life Care Partners, Lisa fulfilled different roles in her field of social work and has presented at both local and national conferences.  She earned a MS degree in Administration of Human Services from Chestnut Hill College and a BSW from Temple University.  In the past, Lisa was a consignment baker.  While not working, you can find her in the kitchen making special meals for family and friends and in the dining room as the “hostess with the most-ess”. 

As a member of Friends Life Care, you’ll enjoy individual attention provided to you by your designated Care Coordinator.  In addition, you’ll benefit from the fact that the care coordinators collaborate as a team.  The Friends Life Care team of Care Coordinators is comprised of highly trained professionals with years of health and wellness industry experience.  Many hold master’s degrees in disciplines such as nursing, social work, occupational therapy or other related fields. They take great pride in providing individualized care based on a collaborative care model.