Classic Cabbage Rolls Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Find the Bright Side It’s National Optimism Month
Ingredients
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1 medium head cabbage 1 1/2 cups chopped onion, divided
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2 tbsp brown sugar 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided 1 cup cooked rice 1/4 cup ketchup
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1 tbsp butter
2 14.5-oz cans Italian stewed tomatoes
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb lean (90%) ground beef
1/4 lb Italian sausage
Directions
1. In a Dutch oven, cook cabbage in boiling water for 10 minutes; drain. Rinse in cold water; drain. Remove 8 large outer leaves; set aside. 2. In a large saucepan, sauté 1 cup onion in butter. Add tomatoes, garlic, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. In a large bowl, combine rice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and remaining onion and salt. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture and mix. 4. Remove thick vein from cabbage leaves for easier rolling. Place 1/2 cup meat mixture on each leaf; fold in sides. Starting at an unfolded edge, roll leaf to completely enclose filling. Place rolls seam side down in a skillet. Top with sauce. 5. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low; cook 20 minutes longer or until a thermometer inserted reads 160 F.
Developing a positive outlook on life can bring many benefits. It can lower stress levels, increase productivity, and allow us to create more meaningful relationships with those around us. March gives us the perfect opportunity to flip our perspective and think more positively as we celebrate National Optimism Month. I’ve always had an optimistic view of life, so much so that some of my friends refer to me as Pollyanna. I like looking toward the bright side of every situation and expecting the best. In the grand scheme of things, life is good. Sure, we each have challenges in our lives, but those challenges are just growth opportunities. Sometimes, these challenges even give us a chance to appreciate all we have. A while back, when I was still driving my first car, I was on my way to work when one of my tires blew out. Initially, I worried about being late to work or what I would do with my car, but my thoughts quickly changed. I realized how fortunate I was to have a vehicle in the first place. What happened wasn’t fun, but it wasn’t the end of the world, either. I called a tow truck that took my car to the shop, and everything else was fine. Even my work was accommodating about the whole situation. I could have easily spiraled downward after that event, but I chose to look at the bright side instead. I enjoy being happy and joyful, so I’m often looking for things in my life that make me feel that way. However, that doesn’t mean everything is always sunshine and rainbows for me. I simply choose not to dwell on the bad and instead focus on the positives. Becoming more optimistic takes the same effort as building any other muscle in your body. You have to work at it. Writing in a gratitude journal is one way I practice my optimism skills. Once a week, I’ll take out my journal and write down a few things I’m grateful for. We all have something to be thankful for, even on the worst of days. Realizing you are in good health or have a bed to lie in can help you feel more optimistic about your situation. You’ll quickly notice improvements in your life after adopting an optimistic mindset.
TAKE A BREAK
–Andrea Shoup
e of mind tomorrow.
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