The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1295359
POTATO AND CHORIZO CASSEROLE MEALS IN Monica's MINUTES By Monica Sinclair If you have never had chorizo, you are missing out. It is a spicier sausage than most but it is so full of fla- vor and adds a kick to your dishes. This week, I found a very hearty casserole that uses chorizo. If you are ready to take your taste buds on a trip, you must try this rec- ipe. Enjoy! INGREDIENTS • 8 ounces fresh chorizo or bulk spicy pork sausage • 1 package (32 ounces) frozen cubed hash brown po- tatoes, thawed • 1 can (10 -1/2 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 small sweet red pepper, chopped • 1 small green pepper, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs • Chopped fresh parsley and cilantro DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375°. In a small skillet, cook chorizo over medium heat until cooked through, breaking into crumbles, 5 -7 minutes; drain. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the hash browns, soup, cheeses, onion, peppers and pepper flakes. Transfer to a greased 13x9 -in. bak- ing dish. Sprinkle with panko. 2. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown and bubbly, 40 - 45 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and cilantro be- fore serving. Source: tasteof home.com YOUTH FIRST TODAY SELF-CARE By Shannon Loehrlein Youth First, Inc. This time last year, no one dreamed 2020 would bring a worldwide pandemic. We were forced to adjust very quickly to quarantines, stay-at-home orders, social distancing, travel restrictions, working remotely and masks. Who knew a year ago we would be using terms like "social distancing" and "face masks" in our ev- eryday conversations? Anxiety, depression, and suicide have all been on the rise. Unemployment and economic numbers are worse than during the Great Depression. Everyone is on edge. As adults the coronavirus pandemic is scary enough, but what if we are also par- ents? How do we take care of ourselves while also providing comfort and stabil- ity to our children? As a parent of two young children my- self, working from home at the start of the pandemic was a challenge. Parents have always struggled with work/home life balance, but stay-at-home orders and working remotely were something new. We also had the challenge of not only be- ing a parent but also our child's teacher. I think all of us now have a greater appreci- ation for teachers and the work they do. Stay-at-home orders have ended, and many of us are gradually returning to work and school. As we adjust to a new normal, however, many parents are strug- gling to find time for their own self-care. Self-care is the practice of intention- ally taking care of your own needs. Self- care is important for everyone, especial- ly parents and caregivers. Some may find that certain activities they used to enjoy as part of their own self-care, such as go- ing to the gym, vacationing, going to the movies, and eating out may be more dif- ficult with COVID-19 restrictions or clo- sures. Here are some practical self-care ideas for parents: Avoid overexposure to the news. I per- sonally found that when I was watching the national news I was more anxious and worried. Spend time watching television that is enjoyable and gives you an escape from reality for a bit. Spend quiet time alone. It could be on your commute to work or after your children go to bed. It's important to have time to process the day and enjoy calm. Spend time enjoying hobbies. Some pandemic-friendly ideas include listening to podcasts, reading, going for a drive or talking to friends or family on the phone. I've recently discovered audio books and love being able to "read" while driving to work or taking a walk outside. Exercise. Maybe you still feel un- comfortable going to the gym, but fall is a beautiful time for the family to enjoy outdoor walks. Exercise is also a natural stress reliever. Practice mindfulness or medita- tion. There are several apps you can download for free mindfulness exercise, such as CALM, Stop Breathe and Think, and Headspace. Some of the apps have both a free and paid version with addi- tional content. Research links meditation to increased levels of happiness. Find a babysitter for the night and enjoy some time with friends or your significant other. It is important to have adult time away from your children. Spend time planning upcoming ex- periences. Dr. Laura Santo from Yale University's work on the secret of hap- piness has found that spending money on experiences is linked to increased lev- els of happiness versus spending money on material possessions. For many, this could be planning a trip. I was reading in a travel magazine that the act of planning a vacation can actually lead to more hap- piness than the vacation itself. If you had a trip canceled this year, plan for some- thing exciting in 2021. You don't neces- sarily have to leave town; you could plan a local experience such as a trip to the zoo or a walk by the river. Enjoy time together as a family. Have a game night or order carry-out and have a backyard picnic. Socialize. I think one of the trage- dies of COVID-19 is the loss of human connection. Isolation can lead to depres- sion. People have been told to stay away from others and maintain distance, but this does not mean we have to isolate. Plan to FaceTime a friend or have an out- door get-together with chairs spaced 6 feet apart. Order carry-out food (or dine in if you feel comfortable) and support a lo- cal business. If you're a parent or caregiver, be sure to make self-care a priority during the pandemic. Taking care of yourself en- sures that you will be able to give your best when taking care of others. Shannon Loehrlein, LCSW, is the Youth First Social Worker at Plaza Park Middle School in the EVSC. Youth First, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families, provides 64 Master's level so- cial workers to 90 schools in 11 Indiana counties. Over 60,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth First's school social work and after school programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336. Parental self-care during a pandemic The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, October 7, 2020 D-1 HOME LIFE TO ADVERTISE: Call: 812-354-8500 Email: ads@pressdispatch.net Visit: 820 E. Poplar Street, Petersburg Deadline: 5 p.m. on Monday 4502 N SR 61, Petersburg – 812.354.8350 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm • Saturday 8am-5pm. www.PetersburgHardware.com Willowstone 7 pc. 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