Food for Thought: It’s Pumpkin Time Again

Doug Reynics

Pumpkins have long been a staple of American fall cuisine, synonymous with Thanksgiving dinner. One of the earliest pumpkin recipes was included in a 1670 cookbook, and was for a side dish made from diced ripe pumpkin that had been cooked down in a pot over the course of a day, then seasoned with butter and spices. Today, the most popular way to prepare pumpkins is undoubtedly pumpkin pie. This trend first began during the 1800s when it became stylish to serve sweetened pumpkin dishes during the holiday meal.

Eighty percent of the pumpkin crop in the U.S. is available during October. (That is roughly 800 million pumpkins out of the 1 billion pumpkins grown in the U.S. each year.) Pumpkins are a member of the gourd family, which includes cucumbers, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, watermelons and zucchini. These plants are native to Central America and Mexico, but are now grown on six continents—all but Antarctica.

I love pumpkins and winter squash. Pumpkins have many forms; I love the shapes, the colors and the many flavors they offer. The common kind you see in the stores is the bright, round, orange type. They are great for displays and for carving, but are not the most flavorful for eating, tending to be a bit bland. Pie pumpkins can often be white or grayish in color, with flesh that is more intensely flavorful. Varieties include fairytale and kabocha. They can be baked or roasted and turned into pies, soups, stews, breads, even as a dog food digestive aid.

Butternut squash is a winter squash that grows on a vine, and has a sweet, nutty taste like that of a pumpkin. It has tan-yellow skin and orange fleshy pulp with a compartment of seeds in the blossom end. I use them all year long for roasting, soups and incorporated in a chilled rice dish. Delicata squashes are often what you see when you purchase small table gourds for fall displays. Acorn squash are also included in the pumpkin types; I love them halved and roasted with cinnamon, clove and maple syrup. They have a distinctly different flavor than other varieties.

I hope you’ll try out a pumpkin or two this fall season. Have a great recipe? I’d love to be able to share it in a future issue!

Here’s my go-to pumpkin soup recipe, courtesy of cookieandkate.com:

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

One 4-pound sugar pie pumpkin 1 large yellow onion, chopped 4 large or 6 medium garlic cloves, pressed or minced ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ⅛teaspoon cloves

Tiny dash of cayenne pepper (optional, if you like spice)

Freshly ground black pepper 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable broth ½ cup full fat coconut milk or heavy cream 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey ¼ cup pepitas (green pumpkin seeds) Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Carefully halve the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds (you can roast the seeds if you’d like—but you won’t need them for this recipe). 2. Slice each pumpkin halve in half to make quarters. Brush or rub 1 tablespoon olive oil over the flesh of the pumpkin and place the quarters, cut sides down, onto the baking sheet. Roast for 35 minutes or longer, until the orange flesh is easily pierced through with a fork. Set it aside to cool for a few minutes. 3. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add onion, garlic and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. In the meantime, peel the pumpkin skin off the pumpkins and discard the skin. 4. Add the pumpkin flesh, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cayenne pepper (if using), and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. Use your stirring spoon to break up the pumpkin a bit. Pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, to give the flavors time to meld. 5. While the soup is cooking, toast the pepitas in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant, golden and making little popping noises. You want them to be nice and toasty, but not burnt. Transfer pepitas to a bowl to cool. 6. Once the pumpkin mixture is done cooking, stir in the coconut milk and maple syrup. Remove the soup from heat and let it cool slightly. You can use an immersion blender to blend this soup in the pot. I prefer to use my stand blender, which yields the creamiest results—working in batches, transfer the contents of the pan to a blender (do not fill your blender past the maximum fill line!). Securely fasten the blender’s lid and use a kitchen towel to protect your hand from steam escaping from the top of the blender as you purée the mixture until smooth. Transfer the puréed soup to a serving bowl and repeat with the remaining batches. 7. Taste and adjust if necessary (I thought the soup was just right as is, but you might want to add more coconut milk for extra creaminess/milder flavor, or maple syrup to make it a little sweeter). 8. Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Sprinkle pepitas over the soup and serve. Let leftover soup cool completely before transferring it to a proper storage container and refrigerating it for up to 4 days (leftovers taste even better the next day!). Or, freeze this soup for up to 3 months.

Doug Reynics is a longtime Tucker resident and self-described “foodie.” Many know him as “Doug the Driver,” who provides rides to and from both the domestic and international airport terminals. (To date, his service has provided 1,650 airport rides!) If you have a food story or question you would like to see him write about, email him at dougthedriver1@gmail.com.

Sanah Sayani

The temperatures are dropping and I’m ready for my favorite time of the year! Fall is my season. I love a cool breeze, sweater weather, and hot showers. Oh, how much I love a good, hot, steamy shower, but this time around, I’ll be cutting them out - for my skin’s sake.

Earlier this year, there was some back and forth among celebrities on how often one should shower. Some said they wait till there’s a stink before bathing while others need to rinse off multiple times a day. I don’t really look at celebrities as experts on anything so I did my own research. A few Google clicks suggested at least showering every other day, but keep in mind, everyone’s body is different and has different needs.

Most doctors suggest showering two to three times a week to maintain basic physical health. Daily showers could strip your body of necessary essential oils and dry you out, but waiting too long to clean yourself can cause a build-up of bacteria and lead to health problems. The bottom line is, if you are dirty or you sweat a lot, wash yourself.

It’s important to note how often you shower but more important to identify how you shower. The number one mistake most people make is taking steaming hot showers. This strips your body of natural oils, dries you out, and increases blood circulation which could lead to itching. The water should be body temperature and showers should last no more than five to ten minutes. If you are using soap, only use it in the areas where there is a buildup of dirt, not all over. Antibacterial or deodorant soaps strip the moisture out of your skin so look for a moisturizing cleanser instead of soap.

Change your loofah! Experts suggest replacing the loofah every four weeks because it is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. This could lead to an infection in the hair follicles. Replace your loofah with an array of fresh washcloths to clean with. Keep in mind your skin will change as you age, getting thinner and drier. You have three minutes after showering to lock in the moisture. Dermatologists say after stepping out of the shower, pat excess water from your skin and immediately lather on a moisturizer that contains ceramide, a natural oil found in skin. I never skip this step. I started a few years ago with my heels because they were always dry and cracked. I now spend at least five minutes moisturizing my full body - Vaseline on my feet and oils mixed with lotion for the rest of the body (stomach, arms, legs, chest, and buttocks). My skin loves me for it.

With winter around the corner, it is very important to listen to your skin and give it the right products. In my September column, I went on and on about how amazing Eminence Organic Skin Care is for my face, but they also have body products. I just started using their Stone Crop Body Scrub and Stone Crop Soothing Oil and I’m already noticing changes to my strawberry skin. What is strawberry skin you ask? I’ll let you know in my November column! Sanah Sayani is a master cosmetologist and owner of Thread Beauty Spa (4426 Hugh Howell Road in the Tucker Publix shopping center). Her monthly column seeks to answer readers’ beauty concerns; write to her at threadbeautyspa@gmail.com or drop by the shop to ask her in person!

Bob Smith

Medicare riddle: What do Annual Open Enrollment and Halloween have in common? Each year they seem to start earlier and earlier. Halloween candy appears on store shelves in September along with health plan solicitations in mailboxes and on TV and radio.

When individuals “age into” Medicare, the plan selection process can be a daunting and challenging experience. When I initially meet prospective clients in their homes, it is not uncommon to see piles of solicitations strewn across tables where they have unsuccessfully tried to compare the multiple options available in their county of residence. The window of opportunity for selecting coverage begins three months prior to one’s 65th birth month while investigating options up to six months prior to the birth month is usually recommended. Each year, Annual Open Enrollment mirrors the “aging in” period, and over eight weeks offers the time to become knowledgeable of the changes in plan designs that have been approved by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). The period runs October 15 through December 7, while carriers can present their 2022 plans on October 1 but are restricted to process applications until October 15. Open Enrollment provides multiple opportunities to consider: switch from an Advantage plan to another; individuals with Medigap plans can consider another prescription drug plan (Part D), or terminate an Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (not recommended) and select a stand-alone Part D. If a beneficiary is happy with their existing coverage no decision is necessary as coverage will automatically roll over to their carrier’s 2022 plan design.

With each passing year, the competition for new members becomes more aggressive, prompting plans with enhanced benefits that can include home health care, hearing aids, eyewear, and transportation, just to name a few. When considering plan benefits, it is essential not to overlook plan Provider Networks and drug formularies (list of covered medicines). Participation in each can change and confirming the status of your doctors and drugs in the 2022 plan is important.

To aid in understanding changes, CMS requires each carrier to provide the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) document. This alerts clients of their benefit changes from year to year, i.e., copay, deductibles, etc. The ANOC is an important document to review; in my experience, clients can often overlook this document in their regular mail delivery.

Other than allowable Special Enrollment Periods (SEP), there are few exceptions to change coverage during a calendar year. It’s important to be aware of the available options to avoid costly errors. For example, when confirming drugs in the formulary, you may find one carrier categorizes a drug as a Tier 2, when the same drug is categorized a Tier 3 by another carrier. A carrier can also change the Tier designation of a drug from one year to the next. The difference may cost the patient significantly over the next year if not noticed when confirming plans.

My goal in writing this article is to provide insight to those looking at Medicare, as decisions can be complicated and once made, can’t be changed for the calendar year unless qualifying for an SEP designation. Take time to consider options; a licensed health agent, certified annually to represent plans with Medicare contracts, can be a vital part of a risk adverse strategy. The role of an agent is to represent their client with no monetary incentive to favor one carrier over another, as their compensation is the same for each plan and regulated by CMS.

Since 2009, Licensed Health and Life Insurance Agent (and Tucker resident) Bob Smith has represented major health insurance carriers for the ACA Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, Ancillary Plans and life insurance. For a free no-obligation quote and review of your health coverage programs call Bob at 404.593.9663 or email Bob@BobCaresForYou.com. For additional insight, visit BobCaresForYou.com. From Obamacare to Bidencare to Bobcares SM - Helping Families Protect Their Health, Wealth and Assets.

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Our Town DeKalb Staff

Kroger and Instacart launched “Kroger Delivery Now” nationwide in September – a new service which provides its customers fresh groceries and household essentials in thirty minutes or less. Shoppers can choose among 25,000 items for meals, snacks, last-minute ingredients, over-the-counter medications, diapers and more – all delivered straight to their doorstep. The new service delivers from early in the morning to late at night.

The service is available to all customers in Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina. Participating Kroger stores in Tucker include Kroger Northlake (3959 Lavista Road), Kroger Embry Hills (3559 Chamblee Tucker Road) and Kroger Cofer Crossing (4357 Lawrenceville Highway). To learn more about the Kroger Delivery Now service, visit Kroger.com/deliverynow or Instacart.com/kroger-delivery-now.

Main Street Theatre Returns in October with Comedy “Things My Mother Taught Me”

Our Town DeKalb Staff

Main Street Theater is back in October after an eighteen-month interruption, with a lighthearted look at the relationship between grown children and their parents. “Things My Mother Taught Me” will run for three consecutive weekends in October (October 8-10, October 15-17 and October 22-23) at the Tucker Recreation Center.

The full-length comedy was written by Katherine Disavino, author of “Nana’s Naughty Knickers.” The play’s main characters, Olivia and Gabe, are a young couple who have recently moved to Chicago, where they share an apartment as they start new jobs and a new life together far from their native New York City. Move-in day in the Windy City doesn’t go exactly as planned, however, when both sets of parents show up unexpectedly to “help” them settle in. Can a two- bedroom apartment contain all of the love, laughs, worry and wisdom that’s about to happen?

“I first read this play nearly two years ago, and I loved that it made me smile and laugh out loud and visualize every bit of physical comedy possible with it,” says Main Street Theatre veteran Carrie Harris, who is directing the production. “It is a great look into the realities of family dynamics, how our parents influence our decisions and personalities, and how we understand life’s stepping stones.”

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. for the Friday and Saturday performances and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $10 for children. Tucker Rec is requiring temperature checks upon entry and masks will be required for all patrons while in the building. Seating capacity has been reduced to seventy-five audience members per show to facilitate social distancing. Concessions that can be consumed outside the theatre will be available for purchase. For tickets and more information, please visit mainstreettheatre.org.

these IEP include Henderson Middle School and Briarlake Elementary.) The organization also works with the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, a K-12 day school in Clarkston, to help prep students for the workplace.

GCDHH provides ASL training for businesses, as well as assistance in ADA compliance and making sure the workplace accommodates deaf and hard of hearing employees. Each year, GCDHH helps place thirty to forty people in meaningful jobs, which boosts these employees’ confidence and leads them to greater self-sufficiency.

Interpreting Services

GCDHH has a list of certified and experienced interpreters who bridge the communication gap between people who use a signed language and a spoken language, and provide complete and accurate information both to Deaf and hearing people. (Tactile Interpretation is a method of interpreting used for Deaf-Blind.) Interpreters can serve in any situation or setting, including education (K-12, college, conference, workshop and training); employment (job interview, orientation, meetings and trainings); legal; local, state and federal government; medical (doctor, dental, hospital, or mental health); special events (church, wedding, family gathering, or funeral); sporting events; and live theatre or performances. The office offers ASL classes to anyone wanting to learn and saw an uptick in registration during COVID. Classes were offered online during the past year, but recently returned to inperson held at the corporate office.

Youth programs

Founded in 1992, Camp Juliena is a week-long summer camp for children ages 6-13 who are deaf or hard of hearing, and was the first summer camp program to promote meaningful social interaction among deaf children. While supportive of mainstream education for students with hearing loss, the founders felt strongly about giving these students the opportunity to socialize exclusively with their deaf and hard of hearing peers. Today, Camp Juliena continues to inspire hundreds of campers each year with positive deaf and hard of hearing role models (counselors) and equip them with valuable leadership, communication and social skills. GCDHH manages Camp Juliena, and works with corporate and agency sponsors to provide scholarships for at-need campers. The camp went to a virtual format for 2020 and 2021, but plans to return to an in-person camp for 2022.

GCDHH, partnered with Georgia State University, sponsors a STEM program for deaf and hard of hearing students 14-18 years of age through Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. Students in this program learn more than science and mathematics concepts; the hands-on learning with real-world applications helps develop a variety of skill sets, including creativity and 21st-century skills. The students are also partnered with a mentor who will help them develop job skills and explore possible careers.

Peterson hopes that the move to Tucker will help GCDHH engage more with the community, and looks forward to meeting residents at events like Tucker Day and through organizations like Tucker Business Association and the Rotary Club of Tucker. In the meantime, he welcomes guests to visit their offices, meet the staff, and learn more about their services and programs.

Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GCDHH) is located in Tucker at 2296 Henderson Mill Road, NE, Suite 115. Learn more about the organization or their services at gcdhh.org, by visiting them at the office, or following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn. Peterson poses with an early TTY machine displayed in the office lobby.

Headed by Executive Director Jimmy Peterson, the GCDHH team includes (left to right) Community Coordinator Andrea Alston, EDP Specialist Andrea Kemp, Office Clerk Lara Garfinkel, EDP Assistant Jennifer Frew, EDP Coordinator Alexis Kennedy, and Program Support Assistant Ericka Lipscomb.