FENNEL GRATIN
A GIFT FOR YOUR MIND Prioritizing Mental Health This Season Although a classic song suggests we’re now in “the most wonderful time of the year,” winter’s cold air and dim skies — and the hustle and bustle of the holidays — can leave many folks feeling low. Here are three suggestions to boost your mental state in the weeks and months ahead. BREAK FREE FROM THE PERFECTION TRAP. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every wintertime family gathering was as festive and perfect as those depicted on holiday cards? In the real world, meals get overcooked, people get snowed in, and arguments arise over the dinner table. Life rarely goes according to plan, so keeping expectations realistic — and going with the flow more frequently when things go awry — will help you maintain a positive mindset. We all want the very best holiday experience possible, but not every inconvenience or minor crisis should be considered a catastrophe. CHART A PATH TO CALM. Although the holidays often bring joy, they also come with heavy commitments and added activities that can test our patience and peace of mind. If you typically experience increased stress this time of year, create a self-care plan to help alleviate the strain. If weather permits, a nice walk around the neighborhood can help clear your mind. When venturing outside isn’t an option, indoor exercises can do the trick instead. Or something as simple as putting your tasks aside and inviting a friend over to chat will help you feel better. Regardless of your go-to activity, having it ready is the key to tackling negative triggers. THRIVE THROUGH HELPING OTHERS. Bonding with family and friends is a holiday staple, but loneliness can set in for those who live too far away to join their loved ones this year. If you’re dreading solitude this season, consider engaging in local volunteer activities that will help you connect with and serve your community. There are always people doing great things for others who could use an extra pair of hands and would love to have your company.
Ingredients
• 2 cups heavy cream • 2 shallots, roughly chopped • 4 garlic cloves, smashed • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper • 3 large fennel bulbs, cored and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F with one rack in the center and one about 4 inches from the heat. 2. In a small saucepan, bring cream, shallots, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often, for another 15–20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. 3. Arrange fennel wedges, slightly overlapping, in a large cast-iron skillet or broiler-safe 2-quart baking dish. Pour cream mixture over fennel. Roast on center rack until fennel is tender, about 40–50 minutes. 4. Remove skillet and increase oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over fennel. Broil on upper rack until top is browned, 1–4 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
WORD SEARCH
APPLE BASKETBALL BLACK FRIDAY
FIREPLACE GRATITUDE LEAVES NAP PARADE PIE STUFFING TURKEY VETERAN
DRSLADIC.COM
3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator