January 31 Pinch Super1

JANUARY 31, 2024

Get a Boost With NoBake Peanut Butter Protein Energy Balls

BY DONNA ERICKSON

Solve Dinnertime Dilemmas with Speedy, Nutritious Whole Grains FAMILY FEATURES Putting dinner on the table quickly seems to be a goal more often than not, particularly in today’s sped-up world. However, spending less time cooking doesn’t have to mean sacrificing nutrition or taste.

To enjoy better-for-you meals in the blink of an eye, lean into versatile ingredients prepared without the hassle like Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa Cups. In just 1 minute, you can savor a blend of two 100% whole grains with the crunchiness of red quinoa and chewy texture of brown rice that total 55 grams of whole grains and provide a good source of fiber in each serving.

Packed in single-serve portions, you can eat right out of the BPA-free cup or serve the whole grains as the base of this speedy Sweet Chili Shrimp with Quinoa mixed with succulent shrimp, umami-like flavors from sweet chili sauce and the satisfying flavor and crunch of green onions and chopped peanuts. A delicious dish that’s filling without the fuss, this recipe is ready in less than 5 minutes to save time without relying on takeout.

Switch up your family’s stirfry routine with this savory version of Whole Grain Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry made with rice, quinoa, vegetables, rotisserie chicken and a blend of soy sauce and sesame oil. This simple meal is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to save time without skimping on taste.

Ready to complement the succulent chicken and sesameinfused veggies, Minute Instant Rice & Quinoa offers a blend of

WHOLE GRAIN SESAME CHICKEN STIR-FRY

four whole-grain ingredients: brown rice, red rice, wild rice

Prep time: 3 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes Servings: 3-4

and quinoa. Available in four convenient, pre-portioned, twoserving bags, it cooks in just 10 minutes for light, fluffy and

1

bag Minute Instant Rice & Quinoa 1 cup vegetable broth 1 tablespoon sesame oil, divided 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion 2 garlic cloves, minced

delicious nutty flavor for recipe versatility from breakfast to dessert so you can rely on it as a family favorite for less time cooking and more time enjoying meals and moments together.

To find more quick, nutritious dinner solutions, visit MinuteRice.com.

SWEET CHILI SHRIMP WITH QUINOA Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 2 minutes Servings: 1 1

Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa Cup

4

ounces (1/2 cup) cooked shrimp, peeled

2

cups rotisserie cooked chicken, shredded 1/2 cup frozen Asian-style 2 cups frozen, Asian-style mixed vegetables, mixed vegetables, thawed thawed 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons sweet chili Prepare rice and quinoa sauce according to package directions, 2 tablespoons thinly substituting broth for water. sliced green onions In medium wok or skillet 1 tablespoon chopped over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil. Add peanuts eggs and, using spatula, quickly Heat rice and quinoa cup soft scramble. Continue stirring according to package directions. eggs until light and fluffy.

In small, microwave-safe bowl, Remove from pan and reserve. combine shrimp and vegetables.

Add remaining sesame oil to Microwave on high 30 seconds. wok or skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add onion and Stir in sweet chili sauce. garlic; stir-fry 2 minutes.

Blend well.

Add chicken and vegetables; Serve shrimp mixture over stir-fry 2 minutes, or until rice topped with green onions heated through. Fold in rice and quinoa, eggs and soy sauce. and peanuts. and deveined

Kids just know how to have fun, especially on those mornings when they wake up to news of school closing due to extreme weather conditions. A day without a rushed agenda is completely theirs to create, play, read and cook!

On a recent subzero snow day, sisters Mary and Izzy Toth discovered the magical time of a free day by building a basement fort over tables and furniture and reading stories with flashlights in their cozy spaces. When time came to crawl out of their imaginative “far away” world for a snack upstairs, they decided to create their own treat.

With Grandma Mary on the sidelines, they rummaged through her kitchen and scooped uncooked oatmeal into a bowl, stirred in peanut butter until it was at a “just right consistency,” added a dash of cinnamon spice, then rolled the concoction into bite-sized balls.

After chilling them for a few minutes to firm them up, the girls poked toothpicks in each one and arranged them with mandarin oranges on plates. “They came up with a pretty healthy snack without any coaching from me,” said Mary.

As the girls discovered, when good peanut butter is the base, the options are endless for no-bake snacks that come together in minutes.

Here’s a more complex, yet easy-to-make combination of ingredients for protein energy balls with peanut butter that my friend Mary Clapp, certified nutrition coach and personal trainer, came up with for on-the-go snacking and an extra boost during her day.

I make mine with natural or vanilla whey protein powder and add unsweetened cocoa powder. She uses natural, chocolate-flavored whey protein powder. Either way, after you mix and roll them in coconut, you’ll discover a tasty cookie-like treat that is full of energyboosting ingredients.

NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN ENERGY BALLS Makes 20-22 energy balls 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup uncooked steel cut oats 3/4 cup natural or vanilla whey protein powder 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder 3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut Mix all ingredients except the coconut in a bowl. Spoon coconut in a separate bowl.

Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Gently roll the ball in the coconut and set in a storage container. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, then serve.

Store in refrigerator. Freezes well.

Alternative Idea: Use 3/4 cup chocolateflavored whey protein powder in lieu of plain or vanilla and omit cocoa powder.

Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun.

Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com. © 2024 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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Page M2 • January 31, 2024 • Wednesday

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Celebrity Extra

By Cindy Elavsky

Q:

is “Law and Order.” Does he have another show on the horizon?

- Janet Y., via email

A: Jeremy has a new show premiering this Federal Bureau of Investigation. The series

Mr. Wolf has the procedural magic touch).

Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki also star.

Q: find it anywhere. Is it still on? And can you refresh my memory of what it’s called and where I can see it? - Paul T., via Facebook

A: You are referring toSPORTS “StartUp,” a drama

QUIZ

series on Crackle (which is a free online

it). It follows “the emergence of GenCoin, a

BY RYAN A. BERENZ

American tennis on digital currency – 1. anWhat idea that gets

player beat France’s Nicolas Mahut in the longest match ever mold of ‘tech entrepreneurs.’” played -- lasting 11 hours and five minutes third season, which should premiere this and played over three September. days -- at Wimbledon in Eric Berger, GM of Crackle 2010? and chief digital 2. What award, presented annually since 2009, honors the male or female soccer player judged to have scored the most “aesthetically significant” goal?

Jeremy Sisto Depositphotos

3. What American track and field athlete -- who appeared on Season 17 of the CBS reality series “Survivor” -- was stripped of her 2004 Athens Summer Olympics gold medal after admitting to using anabolic steroids?

4. Name the Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher -- regarded as the best knuckleballer in Major League Baseball history -- who played 24 seasons from 1964-87.

5. In April 2001, Australia defeated what national soccer team 31-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match?

6. In the 1973 season, what NFL team activated offensive coordinator Zeke Bratkowski to be the emergency backup quarterback (though he did not play)?

7. Who did boxer Chuck “The Bayonne Bleeder” Wepner fight in a boxing/ wrestling match at Shea Stadium in 1976? © 2024 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

5. American Samoa.

4. Phil Niekro.

BY JOANN DERSON

6. The Chicago Bears.

A TIP

7. Andre the Giant.

Now Here’s

3. Crystal Cox. 2. The FIFA Puskas Award.

1. John Isner.

• “I used to struggle with plastic wrap every time I tried to use it. But now, it’s a breeze since I learned to do these two things: One, keep plastic wrap in the freezer. It unrolls evenly, not one side or the other. Two, use a serrated knife to cut it instead of relying on the metal strip down the side of the box.

You lay it out on the counter, and just run the knife down the edge you want to cut. Works like magic, and it’s no longer frustrating.” -- G.S. in Georgia • Store an apple or two with your potatoes to keep them from sprouting. Be sure to check them often.

• Cut cotton pads in half to double your supply. They are typically big enough for two uses, and you can always use two halves if you need a whole.

• “Make a cream lipstick last longer and stay cleaner by using a makeup brush to apply. Your skin picks up more of the lipstick than necessary, one reason why we blot our lips afterward. But the brush uses only what you need. And there’s less bacteria transfer.” -- Y.R. in Massachusetts • Studies have shown that you spend more and make worse decisions when grocery shopping at peak hours. To be a saver on the family food bill, pick a time to shop when you’re not rushed; have a list; know the sales ahead of time; and eat before you go.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers

• File this one under safety AND energy smarts: Clean the dryer vent after every load. Clean the dryer vent screen monthly with a gentle soap and water bath. Rinse well and dry thoroughly before inserting back into your dryer.

A Free Weekly for Spokane

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Sudoku Answers

Pinch

January 31, 2024 • Wednesday • Page M3

BY DANA JACKSON

Demi Moore (Upcoming in “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans”) Depositphotos

Q: Is that Demi Moore I see in the new “Feud” series? Is this her first acting role since she deserted Hollywood a few years ago? -- K.H. A: When Demi Moore (“Indecent Proposal”) and her husband at the time, actor Bruce Willis (“Die Hard”), started their family in the late 1980s, they would eventually escape Los Angeles for the peaceful mountain town of Hailey, Idaho. They had three daughters, but ended up splitting a decade later.

Moore stayed in Idaho and took a break from acting, especially after starring in back-to-back box-office disappointments -- “Striptease” and “G.I. Jane.”

When Moore tried to ease back into acting, the roles were few and far between. In an interview with Red

Trivia Test

BY FIFI RODRIGUEZ

7. MATH: In Roman numerals, what is XLVIII divided by XII?

1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the last name of Ken, who was Barbie’s boyfriend?

8. MEDICAL: What is a common name for polythelia?

2. TELEVISION: In the sitcom “The Office,” the company is in which U.S. city?

9. CHEMISTRY: How many elements are listed on the Periodic Table?

3. GEOGRAPHY: In which country is The Matterhorn located?

10. MOVIES: What is the year of the Olympics 4. MUSIC: Which 1990s in the movie “Chariots of Fire”? group was the singer Beyonce a part of? © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

5. U.S. STATES: In which state is Monument Valley located?

1. His full name is Kenneth Sean Carson.

2. Scranton, Pennsylvania.

3. Switzerland.

4. Destiny’s Child.

5. Arizona.

6. “Through the Looking-Glass.”

7. IV (Four).

8. Having an extra nipple, which affects about 1%-5% of the population.

9. 118.

10. 1924.

6. LITERATURE: In which children’s book do the characters Tweedledee and Tweedledum appear?

magazine back in 2007, Moore said that “there aren’t that many good roles for women over 40. A lot of them don’t have much substance, other than being someone’s mother or wife.”

But if you look at Moore’s list of credits, there really isn’t that much of a gap between projects. She has had numerous roles over the past two decades; it’s just that they’re not very high-profile.

Her autobiography, “Inside Out,” was published in 2019. During the pandemic, she quarantined in Idaho with her girls and Willis. It was eventually revealed that Willis was suffering from a neurological disorder. He and Moore remain close, along with Willis’ current wife, Emma.

Now Moore is part of a terrific ensemble group of women over 40 in the new FX series “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,” based on a true story set in the 1960s. Moore plays one of the socialites that author Truman Capote (“In Cold Blood”) betrayed in a tellall book. Molly Ringwald (“Sixteen Candles”), Naomi Watts and Calista Flockhart co-star, with Tom Hollander playing Capote. *** Q: Where have I seen football commentator Kyle Brandt before? I read that he was on the MTV reality show “The Real World,” but I didn’t watch that. He looks familiar to me. -- Z.I.

BY FREDDY GROVES

WHOM TO TRUST? Wouldn’t you get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach if you wondered whether your treatment nurse had obtained a fake diploma?

Three owners of nursing schools in two states were found guilty, as well as several of their pals (for a total of 27 scammers), for a scheme that involved selling fake nursing diplomas they apparently got from two formerly genuine schools. Students who wanted to take the national nursing board exam could purchase from the scammers diplomas that would allow them to take the tests. The genuine schools were eventually closed because of their test failure rate. However, some applicants managed to pass the exam and used the fake documents to get jobs everywhere in the country. Over 7,000 fake diplomas were handed out.

What happens now, one wonders? Assuming there were records, will anyone go after any of the faux nurses and at least let their new employers (such as the Department of Veterans Affairs) know about the fake diplomas?

In another case, a man was sent to prison (not for long enough) for distributing over $16 million in adulterated HIV drugs, as well as other medications, all around the country. The scammer and his pals actually set up businesses in multiple states from which they sold the corrupted drugs to wholesale drug suppliers, which then sold them to pharmacies, ensuring that the drugs were spread far and wide. The criminals had on hand enough drugs to net them at least $25 million when sold.

In one gut-wrenching case, two nurses lied to investigators after a patient died at a VA hospital. They claimed they hadn’t “paused” the patient’s medication. They actually had. The patient died.

Curiously, one nurse was given only three months in the federal slammer, and the other one got six months. Even more curious, the judge gave them both until January to turn themselves in at the prison, noting the “circumstances of the offense.” What on earth does that mean? © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

SENIOR NEWS LINE

By Matilda Charles

Answers

Daily Step Counting

• Ever wonder why your kitty tries to play or even fight with its own reflection in a mirror? Animal specialists believe felines don’t realize that their image isn’t another animal because it has no scent.

• And speaking of scent, the Odeuropa research project has created an online encyclopedia dedicated to the history of smells.

• Vomitoriums in ancient Rome weren’t actually spaces for gastronomic feasting and purging, but an architectural feature in stadiums that allowed for more efficient crowd exits.

• Null Island gets its curious moniker from its coordinates: zero degrees latitude and zero degrees longitude. It also doesn’t exist, but is the result of a common error in GIS data.

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. ©2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

PAW’S CORNER

How many daily steps do we really need for optimum health?

Ten thousand steps seems to be the gold standard in most of what we read to keep diabetes and high blood pressure (as well as several other conditions) at bay. And how do we keep track of all our steps?

BY LUCIE WINBOURNE

A: Kyle Brandt, one of the hosts of “Good Morning Football” on the NFL Network, was part of “The Real World: Chicago” on MTV in 2001. My guess is that you recognize him from his brief acting career where he played Philip Kiriakis on “Days of Our Lives” from 2003-06.

He’s definitely found what he’s good at, which is talking about football. His high-energy, hilarious segment called “Angry Runs,” in particular, will definitely jolt you awake on “Good Morning Football” weekday mornings. *** Q: Is “Bridgerton” returning to Netflix anytime soon?

I’ve read all the books, so I know there is more story to tell. -- B.P. A: Yes, “Bridgerton” will be back on Netflix on May 16 with part 1 of the third season. The second part of the season will premiere on June 13.

New cast members include Daniel Francis (“Once Upon a Time”) and Sam Phillips (“The Crown”).

Phoebe Dynevor, who starred as Daphne in the first two seasons, will be sitting this one out, but hopes that her character will return in the future.

steps; they also keep tabs on your location with GPS, your pace and how far you’ve walked, your sleep profile, your heart rate and your stress level. They can be pricey, especially if you want to unlock all the features and sign up for Fitbit Premium to see all your data on the dashboard.

Your best bet is to Google “best Before you decide on a target step counters for seniors” and number of steps per day, call wade through a few dozen your medical provider and ask how many you should be doing. choices. You’ll find Apple Watch, 3DTriSport Walking 3D You might learn that with an Pedometer, Garmin Vivofit 4 otherwise active, healthy life, several thousand steps per day activity tracker and so many might be enough, rather than the more. If you have a subscription to Consumer Reports, check whole 10,000. their reviews on activity trackers How to count those steps is for seniors. the tricky part. I have several of those little clip-on step counters, Before you opt for an expensive and unfortunately, they all come tracker, visit a store where they are sold and try them out. A up with different results. I have watch font might be too tiny to no way of knowing which are read, or a clip-on might not stay accurate. clipped on.

There is a popular tracker called Bonus: Several Medicare Fitbit, a fancy step counter Advantage plans provide either that looks like a watch. Each free or reduced-cost Fitbit model has pros and cons, per devices. thousands of online reviews.

Some do more than just count © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

DOES PET INSURANCE EXTEND TO PET SITTERS? DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I left my dog Shep in the care of a pet sitter for a week while I was away on business. The sitter texted me that Shep cut his paw during a walk in the nearby woods, and they took him to my veterinarian for care. Shep is doing fine now. I have pet insurance, but I don’t think it’s my responsibility to pay for this. The injury occurred while the sitter was walking him. The sitter says that injury and illness are my responsibility to cover. Who should pay? -- Bill in Chicago DEAR BILL: Did the sitter give any details of how Shep was injured? The circumstances are important. For example, if Shep was on-leash and stepped on an unexpected piece of debris in the path, that’s different than if Shep was let off-leash and was running free in the woods. But, if you normally let him off-leash in the woods and instructed the sitter that it was OK to do that, then that’s another consideration.

Talk more with the sitter to get more details. In the meantime, pay the vet and submit the reimbursement claim to the pet insurance company.

Professional sitters routinely include a statement in their contract with clients that any illness or injury is the responsibility of the client. This protects them from financial loss if something does happen. However, if they are accused of deliberately neglecting or abusing a pet in their care, that statement won’t protect them.

On this note, I’ll add that sitters should purchase liability insurance that specifically covers them and their business in case a claim is made against them -- or worse, if they’re injured while caring for someone else’s pet.

Pet sitters and owners, what’s your take on this situation? Tell me at ask@pawscorner.com.

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE HISTORY CHANNEL

Time

• On Feb. 5, 1922, DeWitt and Lila Wallace self-published and marketed the first Reader’s Digest magazine, designed to provide abridged articles on a wide variety of subjects for easy reading. It eventually gained a circulation of more than 10 million copies in the U.S. and is still believed to be the best-selling consumer magazine in the country.

• On Feb. 6, 1911, Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois.

Reagan spent 30 years as an entertainer in radio, film and television before winning the California governor’s seat in 1966.

Elected as America’s 40th president in 1980, he survived an assassination attempt and became the most popular president since Franklin D. Roosevelt.

• On Feb. 7, 1301, King Edward I of England gave his son Edward (later King Edward II) the title of Prince of Wales. Edward I had conquered Wales and ordered the execution of David III, the last native Prince of Wales, in 1283. To this day the title “Prince of Wales” is reserved exclusively for the heir apparent to the British throne.

• On Feb. 8, 1983, a 5-year-old thoroughbred stallion named Shergar was stolen from a stud farm owned by the Aga Khan in County Kildare, Ireland. Worth a stunning $13.5 million and commanding stud fees of approximately $100,000, the animal was never seen again. No ransom was paid and the case was never solved.

• On Feb. 9, 2008, Turkey’s parliament approved two constitutional amendments easing the ban on women wearing Islamic headscarves in universities. While the government claimed the ban would result in many girls being denied an education, the secular establishment saw it as a step in allowing a more prominent Islamic influence on the state.

• On Feb. 10, 1942, Glenn Miller became the first artist to win a gold record award, for his single “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” The tune was featured in the 1941 movie “Sun Valley Serenade” and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1996.

• On Feb. 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from a South African prison after serving 27 years of a life sentence on charges of attempting to overthrow the apartheid government. Four years later, he was elected president in the country’s first all-race elections. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

• ChatGPT can easily be convinced it’s wrong, even when it’s right.

• Irving Berlin dedicated all royalties from “God Bless America” to a fund of the same name, specifically for the benefit of such youth organizations as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in New York City. To date, more than $10 million has been raised.

• Researchers at Dublin City University found that soccer goalkeepers process both visual and auditory cues more efficiently than other players, as well as non-players, which could be the clue to their speedy reactions during games.

• By 2027, Sweden plans to boast a city made entirely of wood.

• The last U.S. conviction for blasphemy went to atheist activist Charles Lee Smith in 1928, after he rented a Little Rock, Arkansas, storefront and put a sign in the window reading: “Evolution Is True.

The Bible’s a Lie. God’s a Ghost.” Because, as an atheist, he couldn’t swear the court’s usual oath to tell the truth, he also couldn’t testify in his own defense.

••• Thought for the Day: “If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.” --Michele Ruiz © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

EST. MAY 19, 1883

EARN EX TRA MONE Y BY DELIVERING Only a Few Hours Each Morning

www.spokesman.com/carriers 509.927.2150

BY SAM MAZOTTA

Spokane, Washington

Page M4 • January 31, 2024 • Wednesday

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The film captures the voices of Steve Carell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Maya Rudolph, Jon Stewart, Sam Rockwell, Sebastian Maniscalco, Christopher Meloni, Richard Jenkins, Awkwafina and Vince Vaughn.

Paramount Pictures will release it in theaters on May 17. *** From seeing imaginary friends to seeing aliens! Writer/director and veteran cinematographer Richard Bakewell has rounded up some great veteran actors from the ‘80s to costar in “Roswell Delirium.” Based in 1986, the screenplay is about a young woman who believes she can contact aliens that can help cure the after-effects of a nuclear disaster.

To get you in the ‘80s mood, Bakewell has cast Anthony Michael Hall (“The Breakfast Club”), Dee Wallace (“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”), Sam J. Jones (“Flash Gordon”), Reginald VelJohnson (“Family Matters”) and Lisa Whelchel (“The Facts of Life”) to support the film’s young star, Kylee Levien (“Emily Ever After”). It drops on Netflix on March 15. *** Tom Cruise, 61, is reportedly dating Russian model Elsina Khayrova, 36. Khayrova is a mother of two who was formally married to a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin for a decade. Now a British citizen living in London, she and Cruise have been seen around Blighty, but somehow, she doesn’t seem to fit the love profile of our “Top Gun!”

Hollywood

BY TONY RIZZO

Jamie Dornan in “Fifty Shades Darker” (2017) Courtesy of Universal Pictures

HOLLYWOOD -- Becoming famous has its drawbacks. Two-time Irish Film and Television Award winner Jamie Dornan became a fan favorite as Christian Grey in “Fifty Shades of Grey” (2015), “Fifty Shades Darker” (2017) and “Fifty Shades Freed” (2018). But with that kind of adoration can come unexpected problems.

Dornan told The Independent, “I had a situation ... a stalker-type situation before COVID. ...

Someone turned up at my house when my kids were there.”

The incident scared him so much that he became secretive and withdrew in many ways.

“The more I can block that out,” he confessed, “the better it is for me and the family!” It forced him to pull back and change up his approach with his career by slowing things down and becoming more guarded and selective. The notoriety and serial implications that went with the “Fifty Shades” trilogy attracted some savory, obsessed fans.

Since “Fifty Shades,” he’s scored with “Belfast” (2021) and his last film, “A Haunting in Venice” (2023). He will soon be seen in season two of the British series “The Tourist,” which will drop on Feb. 29 on Netflix. No word yet on season three. *** Ryan Reynolds is starring in the live-action/ animated fantasy-comedy “IF,” produced by John Krasinski, who also wrote, directed and starred in the film. It follows a young girl who has the ability to see people’s imaginary friends, referred to as “IFs.”

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Delicious Simplicity for Winter Nights - Butternut Squash Barley Soup: A Family Favorite!

PATTI DIAMOND

DIVAS ON A DIME Photo credit: www.JasonCoblentz.com As winter wraps its chilly arms around us, what better way to embrace the season than with a steaming bowl of Butternut Squash Barley Soup?

Bursting with flavor and versatility, this family favorite promises a cozy experience in every spoonful.

The humble butternut squash takes center stage, joined by vibrant veggies, hearty barley and the protein of your choice -- whether it’s succulent chicken, tender turkey or satisfying sausage. My family especially enjoys turkey Italian sausage in this recipe. For a vegetarian version, white beans, like great northern or cannellini beans, bring protein and fiber to the party.

In your bowl of winter comfort, each ingredient plays a vital role in not just tantalizing your taste buds but also nurturing your well-being.

Butternut squash and carrots, both bursting with beta-carotene, are rich sources of vitamin A and C, promoting healthy skin and vision while contributing to immune support. Refreshing celery, a hydrating hero, provides antioxidants and vital minerals. Enter barley, a fiber-packed grain that supports digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Together, they not only satisfy the palate but also nourish your body, making your winter evenings both delicious and nutritious.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BARLEY SOUP Yield: 12 cups Total Time: 60 minutes 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 3 celery ribs, chopped 3 medium carrots, chopped 1 butternut squash (2 to 3 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups) 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic) 1 teaspoon rubbed sage or poultry seasoning 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup pearl barley 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups water 2 cups (one pound) cooked chicken, turkey or sausage

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BARLEY SOUP, WHERE WARMTH MEETS FLAVOR, AND EVERY SPOONFUL IS A SIP OF COZINESS.

Kosher salt and fresh-cracked pepper, to taste Stovetop Instructions: In a large soup pot, over medium-low heat, cook chopped onion in olive oil for one minute. Add celery, carrots and squash, and saute for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the seasonings and barley, and give it a good stir to combine.

Pour in the broth and water, bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 40 minutes. Add your cooked protein of choice and heat through; add salt and pepper to taste.

Slow Cooker Instructions: Place all ingredients (except your chosen protein) in a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-7 hours or until squash and barley are tender. Stir in cooked chicken, turkey or sausage; cook covered for an additional 15 minutes or until heated through.

Instant Pot Instructions: Set your Instant Pot to the “Saute” function. Heat the olive oil and saute the onion, celery and carrots until they begin to soften, taking about 3-4 minutes. Add butternut squash, seasonings and pearl barley, and continue to saute for an additional 2 minutes. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, water, and mix well.

Cancel the “Saute” function and secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is in the sealed position.

Set the Instant Pot manually to cook for 15-20 minutes at high pressure.

Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Stir in cooked chicken, turkey or sausage and heat through. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

In the spirit of my frugal ethos, this Butternut Squash Barley Soup not only nourishes the soul but also respects your hard-earned dollars. Here’s to frugality, flavor and fabulous meals! Until next time, stay warm and savor the savings.

Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime -- Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.,

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