February 26th is National Pistachio Day, so why not celebrate one of our state's best nut crops. Did you know that California produces 99% of our county's pistachios, with Arizona & New Mexico making up the final 1%?

If you want a cool pistachio photo-op, then drive down to Alamogordo to McGinn's Pistachioland. Their gift shop has every variety of pistachio you can imagine.

Pistachios are cholesterol-free and packed with vitamins and minerals including manganese, phosphorous, copper, vitamin B6, and potassium. The little green nut is a great source of fiber, protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory traits. The pistachio is rumored to be an aphrodisiac, as it stimulates better blood flow and helps

	We can't wait until spring to try this Minestrone Verde with Pistachio Pesto!

reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction! Yup . . . you heard it here first folks.

How about incorporating pistachios into your Valentine's Day dinner? We love Bon Appetit for delicious recipes that are elegant and easy to make. They have a great collection of 48 Pistachio Recipes for Every Occasion. This versatile little green nut tastes right at home on desserts and in crusts, salads, sauces and soups. Here's Lauren's favorite dessert recipe (to date) featuring pistachios. It takes enough time that she only made it once for her partner's birthday. He truly loved it. Pistachio Creme Brulee with Sour Cherry Sauce.

 

February is American Heart Month and Kitchen Angels prides itself on serving food that is heart-healthy. The leading cause of death in the United States, coronary heart disease, can be mitigated and even prevented with proper nutrition. And a heart-healthy diet can be quite tasty. Here's a list of 77 Delicious Heart-Healthy Dinner Ideas to Try Tonight.

New research keeps coming out about the health benefits of plant-based diets. Here's a new study that shows a 31% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease in people who eat fruit and vegetable dense diets. Replacing animal protein with plant protein also reduces the rates of certain cancers. There's not one diet that works for every person, but doubling up on your vegetable consumption is always a good idea! Click here for the article.

We always welcome new volunteers! Here are our current opportunities:

Delivery Drivers (4:30 - 6:30pm)

• Tuesday driver, route #17 (Sawmill Dr.)

• Kitchen Subs M-F (10-12) 
• Kitchen Subs M-F (1-3)
• Delivery Prep M-F (2pm - 3:30pm)
• Delivery Coordinators (3:30 - 5:30pm)
• Delivery Subs M-F (4:30-6:30pm)

Monday, February 17th from 11:30 - 1:00

Valentine's Day is thought to have evolved from a spring holiday celebrated in the days of ancient Rome. The feast of Lupercalia was actually celebrated on February 15 and honored the god Lupercus, who protected the people and their herds from wolves. On this day, dances were held for all the single young men and women. A man would draw his partner's name from a piece of papyrus placed in a bowl. The man not only danced with his partner but was also obligated to protect her throughout the new year, which began in March. In many cases, the partners became sweethearts and were soon married. When the tradition of these dances was later revived in the Middle Ages, a man would wear his sweetheart's name on his sleeve. Even today we refer to someone quick to show feeling as "wearing his heart on his sleeve."

                                                                                     ~ from Valentine's Day Legends

Volunteer delivery driver Tina Hille went above and beyond to make sure SL was aware her meal had arrived. She talked with the client for 15 minutes, fed her cat, sat her down and placed the meal in front of her. We think Tina should be commended for her kindness and care in helping this woman who is struggling with memory issues. Thank you Tina, for being such an kind and thoughtful angel.

Lyndi & Karen with a tray of expertly prepared client meals

We are very fortunate to have Karen Price-Coberly, who fills in for chef Joe when he is out of the kitchen. Karen has been working with us since 2014 and has seen the kitchen process change dramatically over those six years. 

Karen adapts well to the changing environment and  deals with challenging circumstances in a calm and accepting way. On Thursday, January 16th, we had a storm that delivered a fair amount of snow. We made the call to get meals out as quickly as possible so drivers wouldn't be delivering in the dark on icy roads. Karen didn't miss a beat - she rolled up her sleeves and worked tirelessly, getting the meals done early for the drivers and our clients. We rarely hear a negative word coming from Karen, and that is a rare quality.  

 

Thank you, Karen, for being such a reliable and positive force here in the kitchen!