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Angie’s Table: “Me Do Wo”VBy Angie Bridgesalentine’s Day is celebrated in thename of Saint, but this day isn’tall about chocolate and flowers around the world. Different countries and cultures celebrate it in many ways. For example, Argentina celebrates a “Week of Sweetness” in July and in Wales in January they celebrate its love on the “day of San Dwynwen.” Wales celebrates its day of love on Jan 25.All this love talk reminds me of the viral recipe called “Marry me Chicken” that declares that if you make this for the person you have eyes for, a “yes” will be sure to follow a marriage request. Here is my version of this dish and anytime I make it for my husband or guests, I do feel the love back. I call my version “Me Do Wo” aka “I love you”chicken. (btw me do wo is in Ghanaian).I Love You ChickenYou’ll need: 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cut thin, 2 TBS. ea. butter and olive oil, salt & pepper to taste, 1/3 C. all purpose flour, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp. chili flakes, 1 C. chicken broth, 1 C. cream, 1/2 C. grated parmesan, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, 1/3 C. chopped sundried tomatoes, (1 TBS. of olive oil that comes with the tomatoes if applicable) small handful fresh basil, torn.Directions: Season chicken with salt & pepper then dredge in flour and shake off excess. Set it aside. In a large skillet over medium high heat butter and olive oil and brown chicken in batches until golden . Set it aside. In same pan add a little more olive oil and sauté the garlic for one minute, add chicken broth, deglaze pan and scrape anybits stuck to the pan (that’s flavor!) Turn heat to medium low, add the cream and the parmesan cheese and cook for two minutes. Season with chili flakes and Italian seasoning. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and the oil they come in, simmer the sauce for two minutes and then add chicken and warm through. Serve over favorite pasta or rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh basil.Angie Bridges is ownerof Copa Wine Bar inStone Oak along withher husband, Jeff Bridges. Angie is also the founder of the Taste of the Northside Fiesta event and is the original Queen of the Vine.By Sally KalosLocal Author of Misplaced Childhood: A True Story of Resiliency and Child AdvocacyServes As An Inspiration For Others To Support Children In Foster CareJoan Ulsher and her have been living in Helotes since 2005. This move coincided with Joan’s retirement from the US Army at Fort Sam Houston and her husband’s deployment to the Gulf.In September 2023, after dedicating nearly two and a half years to writing, research, and editing, Joan published her memoir. Titled “Misplaced Childhood: A True Story of Resiliency and Child Advocacy,” her book serves as an inspiration for the community to explore ways to support children in foster care. In her narrative, Joan takes readers through her life journey, beginning with a traumatic and abusive childhood, her experiences in the military, and ultimately her volunteer role as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) at Child Advocates San Antonio. Her motivation comes from the children she represents in Bexar County, as she aims to show them that hope, and resilience can prevail despite challenging pasts. Joan believes that one’s past should not define them, but rather, it’s how they use those experiences that matters. Her goal is for every child in foster care to have their “best interests” represented by a CASA or GAL advocate, as she herself lacked this support duringSelf Care - continued from page 7and mental health, and the ASN notes agrowing body of research suggests a strong connection between a healthy diet and mental health. A 2019 review published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables positively affects psychological health. That same reviewJoan Ulsher, Authorher teenage years in Western New York. By sharing her journey, she hopes to spread the mission of CASA far and wide.Joan donates 100% of her net authoralso indicated daily vegetable consumption provides a therapeutic effect that can help to reduce symptoms among people with clinical depression.• Resolve to read more. Much like exercise, reading has been linked to a host of positive health outcomes, including mental health benefits. A 2009 study from researchers at the University of Sussex found that readingroyalties to her local CASA program, highlighting her strong commitment to the cause.In 2018, Joan and her husband became CASA volunteers, often serving jointly on multiple cases, advocating as a team for several children or youths. Their teamwork has enriched their lives both individually and as a couple. They find immense satisfaction in knowing that their efforts, advocacy, communication, involvement, and love for children contribute to successful outcomes for cases and bring happiness to children, sibling groups, and families. Every positive outcome is a testament to their extra efforts. This experience has transformed how they view their community, recognizing that every child or family they interact with represents the future of the community. By making a difference in their lives today, they believe they are positively shaping the future of their community. This hope and the success stories drive them to challenge the status quo of the child welfare system. They aim to model clean living, healthy relationships, and resilience, often mentoring children, youths, parents, or guardians to do the same. Witnessing positive change in those they serve hascan reduce stress by as much as 68 percent. Escapism is another potentially potent benefit of reading, as a recent report in Psychology Today noted that researchers believe narrative absorption, which refers to the experience of being immersed or engaged while reading a story, provides an escape or opportunity for mental reflection. Self-care can go a long way towardchanged their lives profoundly.To learn more about Joan’s advocacyexperience, you can visit her website at www.joanulsher.com. Additionally, if you want information CASA, visitwww.casa- satx.orgpromoting long-term mental health. Various strategies and activities fall under the umbrella of self-care, and each can have a profound and lasting effect on mental health.10www.alamoranchhighlights.comFebruary 2024