Elkins Dental - February 2024

Puff Pastry Berry Hearts Inspired by Weelicious.com

Ingredients

MOUNTAIN RANGES Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we don’t have to go far to find mountaintop winter activities. If skiing or tubing is your idea of winter fun, Bogus Basin is just a short drive away, and heading to McCall makes a fun weekend getaway. ... AND RIVERS Not only are we surrounded by the Payette and Boise rivers, Idaho is also home to the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. Take that, Arizona! • 1 tsp powdered sugar • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or berries of your choice)

GOOD CHEER Beer lovers, rejoice! Idaho is the world’s largest hop producer, and more and more people are taking advantage of our agricultural bounty by opening breweries in the Treasure Valley. Share a few of these treasures with visiting family members and their only question will be “How did we not come here sooner?”

Out-of-town relatives who are visiting for the holidays might wonder what makes Emmett so special. But we already know the Treasure Valley is full of gems — and we don’t just mean the rocks. Here are some additional reasons Emmett and The Gem State are great. WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE On average, we have 210 sunny days per year. Compare that to 144 rainy days in Portland and we can feel pretty happy about all our free vitamin D. Directions • 1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted • 1 cup heavy cream

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 4. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich.

JOKES DAD

What is a ghost’s favorite month? Feb-BOO-uary.

What do you call sweets that can keep a beat? Candy rappers.

Do you have a date for Valentine’s Day? Yes, February 14th.

Facts Tooth Fun The Sneaky Culprit: How Acidity in Foods Damages Tooth Enamel The impact of acidity in our diet goes beyond digestive discomfort; it significantly affects oral health, particularly the erosion of tooth enamel, a crucial protective layer. Enamel shields teeth from decay and sensitivity, but when exposed to acidic foods and drinks, it undergoes demineralization, weakening its structure. Many popular items in our daily consumption, such as citrus fruits, sodas, wines, and certain types of candies, are highly acidic. Frequent exposure to these substances erodes enamel over time, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. As enamel wears away, the underlying dentin becomes more exposed, leading to heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. To mitigate these effects, moderation and preventive measures are key. Limiting the intake of highly acidic foods and beverages reduces the frequency of enamel exposure to these harmful acids!

DID YOU KNOW?

Valentine’s Day Fun Facts

Valentine's Day, celebrated on Feb. 14, is full of history and fun traditions. Here are some engaging tidbits about this romantic holiday. Ancient Roman Origins The origins of Valentine's Day can be traced to ancient Rome, where the festival of Lupercalia was celebrated in mid-February. This fertility festival included rituals and games to celebrate spring's arrival. Saint Valentine The holiday is named after St.Valentine, a Christian martyr. However, there were multiple martyrs named Valentine, so the true identity behind the holiday's namesake remains ambiguous. The Rise of Gifting The tradition of exchanging cards became popular in the 18th century in England. Handwritten notes and cards grew in popularity, evolving into the elaborate cards we see today. Global Celebrations Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but traditions can vary widely. In Japan, for instance, women give chocolates to men, while men reciprocate on White Day, a month later.

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