The Sober Kitchen
Resiliency often Depends upon Nurturing

by Chef Liz Scott

As I look out my window here in New Jersey there is no doubt that autumn has finally arrived! The leaves are beginning their transformation from green to golden and there is a definite nip in the air. With the change of seasons we are always reminded of the amazing resiliency of nature as she adapts to weather extremes in an attempt to protect her precious trees, shrubs, and flowers so they may rejuvenate and bloom once again when spring arrives. The renewal of life is her goal.

A few years ago, I was privileged to be one of the eight Americans honored by the Johnson Institute in Washington DC at their annual “America Honors Recovery” luncheon and noticed that among all the introductions, speeches, and words of thanks, one word was consistently used to describe all people in recovery – resiliency. Specifically it means “the ability to recover after being bent, stretched or deformed…,” – a pretty accurate definition for all of us, I would say. And, like nature, the goal is always renewal of life, as many of us can probably attest – recovery has given us our lives back.

Why the analogy this month? Well, just as in nature, our resiliency often depends upon the nurturing and caring we receive from others, as well as our own utilizing of helpful and healthy tools that are available to us. I’m thinking how I need to mulch my perennials next week because this little bit of attention will make them stronger next year and help assist Mother Nature in her renewal process. In recovery, comparable attention can make a significant difference in the quality and time required for us to heal and renew ourselves. And one of the best ways we can do this is through food.

When temperatures drop and we begin to spend more time indoors, where germs and viruses flourish, strengthening our immune systems is of utmost importance, particularly if we are newly sober and have yet to regain our stamina. The better we feel on a physical level the easier it will be to work our recovery program on a psychological and spiritual level. So keeping healthy, warding off potential illnesses, and concentrating on self-care is a definite priority. And, thanks to Mother Nature, there are some wonderful ingredients available to us for just that purpose. Let’s look at a few…
Ginger: Enough can’t be said about the healing benefits of this amazing plant known for centuries to provide relief for everything from nausea to fatigue. There are many forms in which we can enjoy ginger – but one of my favorite immune boosting remedies is Sweet Ginger Tea, a wonderful and warming alternative to those “hot toddies” we once thought resolved all ailments.

Apples: The season is certainly right for these powerhouses of health which offer terrific amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as phytonutrients, natural protective elements provided by nature to ward off disease. They are particularly effective against respiratory ailments and can add a great boost to our bodies’ natural defenses.
Winter Squash: At their best beginning in early Fall, these wonderful, vitamin-rich vegetables which are deep yellow to orange colored inside, have a hard skin that protects them from the cold (Mother Nature again!) and allows them to be stored in a cool, dry place for a month or more. Familiar varieties include Acorn, Butternut, Hubbard, Spaghetti, and Turban. Although technically a member of the gourd family, pumpkin has all the same benefits and characteristics we find in winter squash varieties.

With each season comes a variety of ingredients that reach their peak of perfection so do some browsing at your local market and marvel at the variety of fruits and vegetables that arrive this time of year. From apples and pears to parsnips and Brussels sprouts, they are all there to be appreciated and enjoyed, and to remind us of the resiliency of nature. And, while you’re at it, give yourself a big pat on the back and celebrate your own resiliency – embarking on a new sober life is no easy task, but with the help of those who love us and a nod from Mother Nature, we know we are well on our way to living the happy and healthy life we were meant to live.

Sweet Ginger Tea

1 cup water
One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into 4 slices
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 cinnamon stick
1 heaping tablespoon light brown sugar
1. Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Allow to simmer for 1 minute and remove from the heat. Let the ingredients infuse for 5 minutes.
2. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a drinking mug and serve.
Makes 1 serving