IN THE KITCHEN

WHAT’S TRENDING in the Kitchen

TABLE TOP GAS PIZZA OVEN

A great addition to any patio, RV or Camp site. It’s elegant and functional and gets to heat in no time. homeflamestore.com

PHILIPS COMPACT PASTA MAKER

This fully automated machine makes perfect pasta from scratch in just a few minutes and comes with three discs for shaping spaghetti, fettuccine and penne. Williams-sonoma.com Winter is all about staying home with loved ones. What better way to spend time with your family than in the kitchen? Cook up some love with these easy and fun kitchen gadgets!

ELECTRIC STAINLESS STEEL S'MORES MAKER

Bring S'mores fun indoors and roast marshmallows to perfection over the tabletop electric flameless heater. Amazon.com

White Christmas Margarita

INGREDIENTS

• 18 oz. coconut milk (in can) • 6 oz. coconut water • 6 oz. grand marnier • 9 oz. silver tequila • 1/2 cup lime juice • 3 tablespoons agave syrup • Garnish: fresh or frozen cranberries, lime slices and rosemary sprigs

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To a large pitcher add full fat coconut milk, coconut water, grand marnier, silver tequila, lime juice and agave syrup. Using a whisk stir everything together until coconut milk no longer separates. 2. Serve over ice. 3. Garnish with fresh cranberries, lime slices and rosemary sprig.

Pomegranate Maple Glazed Baked Ham

INGREDIENTS

• 10 lb. fulled cooked spiral bone-in ham

Pomegranate Maple Glaze:

• 1/3 cup pomegranate juice • 1/2 cup maple syrup • 1/3 cup coconut sugar • 1 1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon ground clove • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. 2. Tightly wrap the entire ham with tin foil and place on a rack, fat side down, in a roasting pan. Fill roasting pan with 2-3 cups of water. 3. Bake on middle rack of oven for 1 1/2 hours or until internal temperature is 120°F. 4. In the meantime, to a small sauce pan add pomegranate juice, maple syrup, coconut sugar, dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground clove and ground allspice. Whisk together and bring to a slow boil, stirring throughout. Once sauce has thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. 5. Remove ham from oven and open the top part of the tin foil so ham is exposed. Liberally apply pomegranate maple glaze to the ham. (I use about half) Return ham the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 30 minutes. 6. Remove ham from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. 7. Slice and serve with glaze on the side. By Krista Rollins @joyfulhealthyeats

5IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTERS

By Lisa Kirk DO, ABAARM, Brazos Integrative Medicine

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Vitamins and minerals work to boost your overall immune system and body functions, preparing it so when your body comes under attack it is better able to fight off a virus.

It's important to work with your healthcare provider. For my patients, we look at lab values and determine what they need most. Then work down a list to optimize their levels. We focus on levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, B Vitamins, Glutathione, Magnesium, and Zinc, among others. One of the easiest ways my patients will get the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals is through IV Therapy. Oral supplements are great as a secondary option and it's important to make sure the brand and quality are a physician grade.

FOOD

Eating a low-fat, plant-based diet may help give the immune system a boost. Research shows that oil may impair white blood cell function and that high-fat diets may alter the gut microbiota that aid in immunity.

Fuel your body as there is truth in“you are what you eat”. Your body will take the fuel you give it to fight off viruses, so feed it well! I recommend fueling it with veggies, fruits, lean meats and limited fats. Adding red bell peppers, turmeric, broccoli, sunflower seeds and garlic can all supercharge your immune system. A small change of ingredients can have a lasting impact on your immune system.

LOWER YOUR STRESS

When your mind is stressed the feeling can carry over to your immune system. Stress is directly linked to your immune system; higher stress levels have a direct link to lower immune system. It's also important to speak up. In our world things are scary and ever changing, specifically, in our community we have seen a drastic increase in clinical anxiety and depression. Discussing how you are feeling with your healthcare provider is so important to finding a solution that will work for you. Finding ways to boost your mental health will also boost your physical and immune health. I recommend a nightly 30-minute walk outside to get things rolling. My patients have seen a positive effect for a quick walk. Be ever mindful of your “self-talk.” Focus on what you CAN control. Pay attention to your breathing – short, fast breaths beget anxiety. Instead, breathe deeply from your abdomen.

To make an appointment or inquire about Dr. Kirk's services contact 254.776.8008 or email info@brazosmed.com 318 Richland West Circle Waco, TX 76712

SLEEP

Sleep is regenerative in nature. It allows the body to rest and heal. With a lack of sleep, your body cannot recover you are in essence running on empty. When our sleep is disrupted, our body will go into a survival mode, this means that it will be unable to defend itself against possible attacks such as a virus.

Don't forget to sleep. Get your body rested and calm 30 minutes before bedtime. I recommend for my patients to get 8 hours nightly of sleep. Find the routine that works best for you, tea and meditation are 2 things highly encouraged for my patients as it relaxes your body and allows you to prepare your body for sleep. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping, consider talking to your healthcare provider to explore other options to get the rest your body deserves.

REGULAR CHECK-UPS

Having regular scheduled care with your healthcare provider is vital to ensuring your immune system is prepped and ready to go. Your provider can outline a plan of action to optimize your health and get your body prepared for cold and flu season. Further, establishing the care and relationship early is needed should you become ill.

Call your healthcare provider today, schedule an appointment to discuss options that are appropriate for you and your medical conditions. I recommend yearly testing for my patients to make sure your body is functioning at the highest level possible. Yearly physicals and preventative screenings are an excellent way to find areas for improvement in your overall health which will then affect your immune health.

Every day we can make small impactful changes to give our immune system the boost it needs this fall season. Take care and stay well!

Crispy Healthy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

INGREDIENTS

• 2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise • 1/4 cup egg white • 1/2 cup almond flour • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon basil • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika • salt to season • avocado cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut zucchini into fries: slice zucchini in half, then slice in half again and then slice into quarters. You should get about 16 fries per zucchini. 2. To a small bowl add egg whites. Scramble and set aside. 3. For the dry dredge, add almond flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika and basil to a large flat plate. Stir to combine everything together and set aside. 4. Dredge each zucchini fry in the egg mixture first, then in the almond flour mixture. Be sure both sides are evenly coated and shake off any excess coating. 5. Place prepared zucchini fries on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Generously spray zucchini with avocado cooking spray. 6. Heat air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes. Spray air fryer rack with cooking spray and gently place zucchini fries in air fryer. Be sure they are not touching or crowding, as this will cause them not to brown. (I was able to fit 8-10 slices per batch) 7. Air fry for 6-8 minutes until breading is slightly browned. 8. Remove zucchini fries from air fryer and immediately season with salt. 9. Place on a serving dish. 10. Optional: serve with sauce

The Crispiest Honey BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Wings

INGREDIENTS Air Fryer Chicken Wings:

• 1 lb. chicken wings • 1 tablespoon avocado oil • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup of your favorite bbq sauce (I used Stubbs original BBQ) • 1/4 cup honey • 2 tablespoon dijon mustard • 2 teaspoon sriracha sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To a small bowl add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. 2. Pat chicken wings dry and place in a large bowl. Season with avocado oil and spice rub. Toss to coat. Set aside. 3. Preheat air fryer basket to 400°F for 2 minutes. 4. While air fryer is heating make BBQ Sauce. To a small sauce pan add BBQ sauce, honey, dijon mustard and sriracha. Stir and bring to a low simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. 5. Place chicken wings on air fryer basket, evenly spaced so they aren’t crowded. Cook for 8 minutes. Flip then cook an additional 8 minutes of the other side. (or until chicken wings are crispy and golden) 6. Once chicken wings are done place in a large bowl. Cover with Honey BBQ Sauce and toss to coat. 7. Serve with carrots and celery sticks if desired. By Krista Rollins @joyfulhealthyeats

The Most Flavorful Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

INGREDIENTS Skirt Steak:

• 1 lb. skirt steak • salt & pepper to season

Fresh Chimichurri Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped • 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped • 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar • 3/4 tsp. red pepper flakes • juice of 1 lime • 1/2 cup olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Chop up flat leaf parsley, cilantro, oregano, and garlic cloves. 2. Put this in a food processor. Add red wine vinegar, juice of 1 lime, red pepper flakes, and salt & pepper. Pulse a couple of times to roughly chop. 3. Slowly add olive oil and pulse a few more times. 4. Put chimichurri in a bowl and set aside. 5. Next, generously season both sides of skirt steak with salt, & pepper. 6. Place on a medium-high grill and grill each side for 3-4 minutes. {these cook fast so keep an eye on them} 7. Once done, let sit for 5 minutes before cutting. 8. Serve steak with chimichurri sauce.

By Krista Rollins @joyfulhealthyeats

Fudgy Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup of dutch processed cocoa powder • 1/2 cup of coconut oil, melted • 4 eggs • 3/4 cup of sugar • 2 cups of 1:1 gluten free baking flour • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract • 2 teaspoons of baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon of salt • 1 cup of mint andes candies pieces • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To a stand mixer with the paddle brush, add cocoa powder, sugar, and coconut oil. Mix until it turns to a dark gritty texture. 2. Next add in eggs, one at a time followed by the vanilla extract. 3. Once combined slowly add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined, next add in andes candies. Mix until combined. 4. Place the dough in refrigerator and let sit for at least 3 hours. 5. Preheat oven to 350°F. 6. To a baking sheet, add a silicone mat or parchment paper. Set aside. 7. Remove dough from refrigerator and roll into 1" balls. Place each ball in a bowl of powdered sugar, roll around so that they are completely covered and then place on prepared baking sheet. Lightly press down on each cookie. 8. Bake for 10-12 minutes. 9. Remove from oven, let sit for a minute on baking sheet then place on cooling rack to cool.

QA& JUST JESSIE

She's as celebrated as a singer and entrepreneur as she is a relatable mom. Jessie James Decker

has been turning heads with her talent since she was a young girl growing up in Texas, and now, she's going back to her roots, opening up her first Texas KITTENISH boutique in Dallas. While Jessie has millions of followers online, fame has come at a high price. We got to learn how the star has learned to focus on the positive, put her family first and the advice she has for all women.

Words by Jessie James Decker Article by Julie Hays Photos by John Hillin, Diana King, and Images of Grace Photo

Q: Jessie, you really are a jack of all trades. You're known best as a singer, reality TV star, and entrepreneur. Which do you think best describes you and why?

A: I’m not sure what would best describe me since I think so many people embrace different aspects of my career. If I were to have to choose one, I will always identify myself as a singer first and foremost.

Q: How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn't know you?

A: I would say I’m honest, carefree, down to earth, funny, go with the flow, and always tell it like it is!

Q: You've got a huge online following in which you're pretty open with your fans. Is there anything about you fans would be surprised to know?

A: Maybe how athletic I am? I think because I’m on the smaller side it wouldn’t be an immediate thought, but I’ve always been very athletic and did sports in high school.

Q: How would you describe your style both in your home and with fashion?

A: The first word that comes to mind is comfortable. I hate to be uncomfortable or feel like clothes are pulling at me! I make sure that our pieces are comfortable and easy to wear, and I also would say my style is versatile. Things I can wear walking around the house, and I can easily throw on a pair of heels to dress it up.

Q:People see all the success and joy and beauty you have—but has it always been an easy road getting there?

A: It has certainly not been an easy road and I probably have been told "no" more than I’ve ever been told "yes." But for some reason I’m very resilient when it comes to that, and I’m not going anywhere, and I never give up.

Q: What's the hardest part about being in the public eye that you think people don't realize? Many young girls, for instance, would die to have as many followers as you. Talk about the good part of fame and the not-so-good.

A: I would say the hardest part about being in the public eye is sometimes people don’t view you as a real person and they think you are like a robot and don’t have emotions or a heart or feelings and can just say whatever they want and cut you down.

Q: Speaking of the tough parts, you recently shed tears online talking about a topic most women deal with—weight. You talked openly about how hurtful some comments were and how you were "ripped apart" for your body. How difficult is something like that to deal with in such a public way?

A: I do a pretty good job at not paying attention to negativity because I think it takes away from paying attention to the people who are good to you and kind and supportive. It’s really hard to read awful, horrible untrue things about you and to feel helpless in the matter.

To be honest with you, I can’t help but wonder how hurt these people must be who are posting these things and to have a desire to spread that kind of misery—let alone a platform that is able to operate under these premises. For anyone out there who’s going through a similar situation on social media or at school or wherever you are in your life, just remember to stay strong!

Q: Did you take your story public in hopes of inspiring other people to, as you said, "do better?"

A: I took my story public because I was so hurt, and I wanted to maybe share my situation in hopes other people could relate and know they weren’t alone by the constant bullying that happens online. Bullying hurts no matter who you are or what you do. It hurts.

Q: Let's talk about being a wife. Tell us about your relationship with your husband. Any advice you'd pass on to maybe those a few years behind you? How has your relationship evolved after adding three children?

A: Eric and I are very much in love just as much as we were in the beginning. We’ve been together for over 10 years, and I fall more in love with him every day. We love parenting together we just love living life together.

Q: You recently made an emotional post about your daughter going off to second grade. What's it been like for you parenting during a pandemic?

A: There are moments where it was a little hard to not have any separation or date nights during the pandemic, but all in all, we loved how much time we got to spend together as a family. We got into gardening, and we involved the kids and did a lot of cooking together and home games. We genuinely loved our alone time with the kids and created some really special memories that we will never forget.

Q: How do you juggle your uber-successful professional career and being a mom? Does your husband take on additional duties to help?

A: It can be hard to juggle everything, but I always tell everyone, put your kids and family first and let everything else follow. When you prioritize one thing, and it should be your family, everything else will balance out the way it supposed to, and you won’t feel any guilt or regret.

Q: In terms of being an entrepreneur, tell us about your new clothing line and why you decided to start it?

A: I’ve had KITTENISH for a few years now and it was something I had wanted to do since I was in middle school. I used to sketch outfits and swimsuits and things I wanted to wear when I probably should’ve been focusing on math class. It’s amazing to see what it has grown to be and I’m so proud of it and its continued success.

Q: What's your favorite part about the clothing line?

A: My favorite part of KITTENISH is seeing women in the clothes feeling confident and beautiful.

Q: Why did you pick Texas, and particularly Dallas, as one of your first locations?

A: I picked Texas because I love Texas, of course, but also they are trendsetters! The Texas girls care about fashion and trendsetting, and they like to push the envelope a little bit but also still have that southern flair which is what KITTENISH is all about—so I knew it would be the perfect place!

Q: How did it make you feel to see the turnout for the opening in Texas?

A: You never know what the turnout is going to be at concerts or meet and greets or openings, so I never have any sort of expectation, but my expectations are always exceeded every time and it makes me smile. The turnout was absolutely amazing, and we even had a rainstorm right in the middle of it and everyone had such a great attitude about it. They were all great sports! It was a day I will never forget!

Q: What are some other ties you have to Texas?

A: I actually went to elementary school in San Antonio Texas for a couple of years. We moved away but my parents ended up going back and living in New Braunfels. Texas has always felt like another home to me.

Q: You have new music hitting country radio. Is this a dream come true? Also tell us more about how this dream started for you? I understand Texan Jessica Simpson was a big influence.

A: I’ve been singing since I was nine years old. I got my first record deal right out of high school. This is my fourth record deal. I’ve been at this a really long time, and I’ve been really lucky, blessed and fortunate that other avenues of my career have really taken off, but this one in particular means the most. It feels really great to finally have music out that I’m proud of and be part of such an amazing record label. Yes, Jessica Simpson has always been a huge influence! She’s an incredible singer, performer, and businesswoman. I’ve always admired her and still do today.

Q: Do you have some new music coming out for Christmas this year? Tell us about that.

A: I do have a Christmas song coming out. It was thrown together last minute but it was just the perfect storm. I’m excited for everyone to hear it.

Q: Finally, with all your successes, how do you hope to inspire others, particularly other women?

A: I just hope I inspire women to know that you are important, special and strong. You shouldn't ever let anyone tear you down or tell you no. If you have a dream, go for it! I pride myself on being a solutionist. The answer is never "no." If you want something bad enough, it’s worth fighting for.

DIY RESIN AGATE COASTERS

1Apply gold glitter paint to edges of silicone mold. Blend 8 oz. resin and 8 oz. hardener in medium size bucket (following resin preparation directions) mix together with paint stir stick.

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By Kate Riley @centsationalstyle

Supplies

(Purchase from Amazon, Michaels or Hobby Lobby) • 16 oz. art resin • Coaster silicone molds • Stir sticks • Mini plastic cups • Medium size plastic bucket for mixing resin • Paint stir stick • Acrylic paint or resin tints • Tube of gold paint • Latex gloves

3Pour 2 oz. of resin into mini plastic cups, keeping one separate cup of clear resin for layering on top in the end. Mix ½ teaspoon of acrylic paint for every 2 oz. resin and blend paint colors into resin with stir stick. Colors used: dark navy, mid tone marine blue, lighter slate blue, and turquoise. Pour circles of resin in preferred colors working toward the middle until the molds are full. Using a clean stir stick, gently mix the colors together in a circular or swaying motion. Allow the mixed colors to set for about 15 minutes, then use the remainder of the clear resin to pour on top to thicken the coasters. Remove coasters from molds after 16 hours but allow 24 hours for resin to fully cure.

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