Here’s a unique recipe for your leftover Thanksgiving mashed potatoes called “Creamy Mashed Potato and Leek Soup.”
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 leeks, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 bulb fennel, cut into 1/4-inch pieces, plus 2 tablespoons fronds
• kosher salt
• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• crisps or crackers (optional)
Directions
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks, fennel pieces, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Add the mashed potatoes and broth and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 4 to 6 minutes.
3. Puree the soup in the pot using a hand-held immersion blender (or, working in batches, in a standard blender).
4. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the fennel fronds. Serve with the crisps (if desired).
To Flu Shot or Not To Flu Shot?
Doctors and friends have recommended that you get this shot for months now, but you are still hesitating. Is it worth it? Is it effective? Will it just make you sick?
The flu, or influenza, is very common in the winter months. It is a respiratory virus which generally causes conditions such as a cough, fever, body aches, sore throat, headaches, chills, fatigue, nausea/ vomiting and more unpleasant symptoms. The virus is usually transferred when touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth, but can also be spread through breathing in some cases as well.
The vaccine is easy to get, and is offered at every clinic and doctor’s office. Getting the shot can protect both you and the people around you from a real threat. True, the flu is normally harmless, but complications of this disease cause around 25,000 deaths every year. Most of these complications occur in people over 65, so if you spend a lot of time with an older relative or client you should consider getting the vaccine for his or her safety, and not just your own. You will also benefit from the shot, though. It will make your season more pleasant, lower your amount of sick days, and just keep you healthier.
Health care services recommend that everyone over 6 months of age get the vaccine. Pregnant women, people with young babies and people with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to getting or spreading the flu, which can be dangerous. If you are still unsure, consult with your doctor regarding your personal situation.
When to Visit the Pediatric Emergency Room
The pediatric emergency room is a place where dedicated medical team members use cutting-edge technology and hard-earned knowledge and medical experience to provide life-saving aid to your child.
You should bring your child to ER in case of an accident at home or in the car, a sports injury, after a fall, in case of burns or bleeding, if he/she has difficulty breathing or a high fever, for a severe allergic reaction to food, medication or an insect bite, for persistent vomiting or severe abdominal pain, in case of food poisoning, if he or she has fainted or is unconscious, for drug overdoses or ingestion of poisonous substances, and if your child expresses a suicidal or other dangerous thought.
Great Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers
Have you got some leftovers from Thanksgiving that you would hate to throw away? Here are some fast, easy and tasty ideas for your uneaten turkey, which, if you are anything like me, there is plenty of.
How about “Barbecue Turkey Sandwiches with Celery Salad?”
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (about 2 ounces)
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 bunch celery, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 pound cooked turkey, shredded (about 3 cups)
• 3/4 cup store-bought barbecue sauce
• 6 sandwich rolls, split and toasted
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, ¼ cup of the cheese, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper until smooth.
2. Add the celery, scallions, and parsley and toss to combine. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons cheese. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, combine the turkey and barbecue sauce and cook over medium heat until heated through, 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Sandwich the turkey mixture in the rolls and serve with the celery salad.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are microorganisms that are believed to be beneficial for our bodies. FAO/WHO defines them as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” Lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria are the most common microbes used in probiotic supplements, but there are various others that can be used for more specific things.
Lactic acid bacteria are believed to help the lactose intolerant convert lactose into lactic acid, thus relieving symptoms such as nausea, bloating and other forms of indigestion. These bacteria are also believed to lower the risk of colon cancer, lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and fight infections, improve digestive functions, and reduce inflammation. Probiotics also help the body absorb minerals, manage urogenital health and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria or fungus in the body.
Probiotics can be consumed as a daily supplement. There are also many foods which contain the strains as well, such as yogurt and certain soy products.