Sumptuous Squash and Chickpea Moroccan Stew
It may be strawberry season, but I am here to see you get your fruits AND vegetables—not to mention protein! Enjoy this vegetarian delight from my buddies at Newark Natural Foods.
Sumptuous Squash
and Chickpea Moroccan Stew
(Serves 6 to 8)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, small dice
4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1-pound butternut squash, large dice

¾-pound red potatoes, large dice

2 vegetable broth
2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained

1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices

Pinch saffron threads (optional)

1 cup brined green olives

Steamed couscous, for serving (directions here and elsewhere on the web)

Fresh cilantro leaves, or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Toasted slivered almonds, for garnish

Plain yogurt, for garnish

Hot sauce of your choice (for serving)
Heat butter and olive oil in a 3- to 4-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight fitting lid over medium heat. When oil shimmers, add onion, garlic, cumin, and cinnamon, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spices are aromatic and onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add squash and potatoes, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, stir to coat, and cook until just tender, about 3 minutes. Add broth, chickpeas, tomatoes and their juices, and saffron, if using. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until squash is fork tender, about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in olives. Serve over couscous garnished with cilantro, almonds, and yogurt.
(Adapted from a recipe at smittenkitchen.com)
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Silver Strand Founda​tion
Take a run or walk for your country.
You never know what two brothers from Smyrna can do when they put their mind to it. Jon and Rob Workman have always been fascinated by the bravery and history of the Navy SEALs. As they learned more about the men who serve our country in this capacity, they also learned a great deal about their personal stories and the challenges that face these men and their families upon their return from combat.
For those who do return home, depression and suicide risk is a growing mental health concern and for those who do not return, the implications for their families need to be addressed. In response, the Workman brothers formed the Silver Strand Foundation to build awareness and resources to help the Navy SEAL community overcome significant obstacles back home.
“We are here for families of fallen Navy SEALs and transitioning SEALs with PTSD issues,” says Jon Workman, CEO and co-founder of the Silver Strand Foundation. “The Veterans Medical Centers can get backed up. Our foundation can help so these guys don’t have to wait.”
Jon Workman, a graduate of the University of Delaware, hopes the foundation can partner with services designed to help those with post traumatic stress disorder and depression in innovative ways such as pet companionship.
“There are organizations such as Hounds for Heroes,” says Workman, “They rescue dogs from kill shelters and place them in homes of veterans where both the veteran and dog can benefit from one another’s company. We hope to bring opportunities like these to the Navy SEALs. We are also currently working with the Delaware Military Academy to move our efforts forward.”
Efforts such as these require fundraising and in turn, the Silver Strand Foundation is holding its inaugural Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield 5K Walk/Run in June to benefit the foundation.
In my humble opinion, I like the idea of using health and fitness to raise awareness of a cause that is fueled by strength and courage of soldiers. The Silver Strand Foundation is determined to honor those who fought for our country, but also nurture them upon their return. If they can do that, I can take a walk for my country.
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Bridal Boot Camp
Hey readers, do you remember Gaby? Last time we checked in, she was down 12 pounds. Now she is happy to report she has lost 21 pounds and is engaged! In an effort to keep the weight down yet tone up, Gaby has enlisted herself in a self-made Bridal Boot Camp.
GHD: How did you come up with your Bridal Boot Camp regimen? What resources are you using to change it up?
Gaby: Like all good brides, I saw it on Pinterest! The pin I saw pointed to a Cross Fit at home workout site. I didn’t really like any of the other workouts on there, so that’s the only one I picked out. I felt like it was a good jumping off point. There’s a great site (theworkoutgirl.com). She does home gym workouts that she demonstrates with an ’80s Barbie Doll in neon workout clothes. It’s hilarious. I’m set to go, gym-free!
I love that Barbie is your guide. Jane Fonda would be so proud. What is your Bridal Boot Camp goal?
It’s funny, I never actually came up with a goal. The goal has always been just overall health. The first goal is to not look gross in my engagement pictures at the end of June. Although I’m down 21 pounds, I haven’t actually really toned anything. So that’s been the goal, I guess: Get toned. Ideally, the boot camp will last right up until the wedding. I’d like to see my flabby arms get toned up for a wedding dress. I don’t think arm Spanx are a good look.
Arm Spanx could make millions! You are onto something, Gaby! You mentioned a tight budget—can you tell me more about the professional guidance you are getting on this journey?
I see a really fantastic nurse practitioner at Progressive Health of Delaware. They have a fantastic weight-loss program. She’s always encouraging and let’s me know how well I’m doing. I think that’s really important. We talk about how much I’m exercising and what I’m doing. She just pointed out that my boot camp has a total lack of cardio. Oops! So now aggressive walks with the dog are in order a few times a week.
It’s really that combination, isn’t it? Through your website, have you met other brides to be with the same goal?
I actually haven’t. There’s been a great support system on the site and on my Facebook—but no other brides-to-be, yet. There’s a link on the blog for you to get a pdf of the UFG Bridal Boot-Camp tracker, so feel free to follow along, brides-to-be!
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Healthy Events
Thursday, May 16
Go Red for Women Luncheon, Fashion Show & Health Expo
Location John H. Ammon Medical Education Center, Christiana Hospital campus, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark
Time 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More info. heart.org/wilmingtondegoredluncheon.
Friday, May 17
Milford Hospital Fair 5K Run/Walk
Location Milford Middle School, 612 Lakeview Ave., Milford
Time Registration begins at 5:30 p.m, race begins at 6:30 p.m.
More info. lindy_scott@bayhealth.org, or 430-5738
Saturday, May 18
56th Annual Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital Fair
Location Milford Middle School, 612 Lakeview Ave., Milford
Time 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More info. 422-3311
To submit your health-related event, email shari@shortanswerconsulting.com.