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Gathering outdoors: Fewer guests Your home: Little changes Married again: New bliss with better ways to eat and enjoy that make a big difference brings important business 2 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020 Christmas in July (and all year through) In his 1843 tale “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens “It’s amazing that so many of the ways we celebrate this wrote that we should “honor Christmas” in our hearts and holiday — Christmas trees, Christmas cards, Christmas car- “keep it all the year.” In that spirit, author Mark Voger brings ols, the prototype for Santa Claus — date back to as early as us “Holly Jolly,” his latest volume on pop-culture history, the 1600s,” Voger says. “The evolution of the Santa character subtitled “Celebrating Christmas Past in is a fascinating journey, mixing reli- Pop Culture.” giosity with folklore.” “Of course, the subtitle is a Dickensian The book covers the religious reference,” says Voger, who conceived the origins of Christmas as well as the profusely illustrated, 192-page hardback cultural notion of the “Christmas to be enjoyed 365 days a year. miracle.” Dickens’ story of Scrooge, “The idea that we should be charitable the miserly curmudgeon who is toward our fellow man all year, not just redeemed by three Christmas spirits, on Dec. 25, is prevalent in Christmas is a running theme throughout. culture, from the ancient carols to ‘The “At heart, I’m a South Jersey Honeymooners’ Christmas episode.” Catholic-school boy,” says the “Holly Jolly” explores movies (“Miracle Camden-born resident of Ocean on 34th Street,” “It’s a Wonderful Life”); Township. “In my childhood home, music (“White Christmas,” “Little St. the Nativity set was never far from Nick”); TV (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed the Santa Claus doll. Reindeer,” “How the Grinch Stole Christ- “I do love Christmas,” adds Voger mas”); books (“Babar,” “Madeline”); decor (who is At Home New Jersey’s design (lights, ornaments, 1950s silver trees); and director). “I left my decorations up comics (super-heroes meet Santa). for two years to stay in the spirit while The book, from TwoMorrows Publish- working on ‘Holly Jolly.’ I have one of ing, presents Voger’s interviews with creators of Christmas those vintage aluminum trees — super-fake, super-sparkly. culture such as Charles M. Schulz (“A Charlie Brown Christ- I’ve grown so accustomed to it, I might leave it up for good.” mas”), Andy Williams (TV’s “Mr. Christmas”), Darlene Love “Holly Jolly” (shipping Nov. 4) can be pre-ordered online Courtesy TwoMorrows Publishing (“Christmas, Baby Please Come Home”), Antony Peters (the and at book stores. Mark Voger’s previous books include Vintage Christmas cards and other holiday ephemera are character designer for TV’s “Rudolph”) and others. “Monster Mash” and “Groovy.” Excerpts at MarkVoger.com. among topics in the forthcoming book “Holly Jolly.” INSANE SHAKES & PANCAKES

Come enjoy our outdoor dining area! “Cake Shake 109 North Ave. West, Cranford • (908) 272-7016 Explosion” Updated breakfast, lunch & dinner menus Open daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m. • Delivery via Uber Eats & Grubhub July-August 2020 AtHomeNJ.com 3 NEW JERSEY How the garden recovers Zucchini and zinnia. Two of the easiest, most reliable plants for any gardener. Unless your garden has hungry visitors. Deer actually inhabit my heavily shaded backyard, and I already know the AT HOME futility of planting certain vegetables and flowers there. So we decided to set up a research garden in containers at our design director’s Monmouth County home. THE BEST OF LIFE WHERE YOU LIVE We were testing container gardening as well as the viability of older seeds. The 2017 ‘Spanish Musica’ beans, and seeds for other pole and bush beans, were soaked in warm water overnight and planted. Most sprouted in a day. They grew quickly into a lush, seedling-filled container too lovely to thin out. CONTENTS Zucchini met an early challenge. Chipmunks would dig up and eat the seeds, often leaving an imprint of their small bodies in the soil. The solution: protect the seed trays inside clamshell packages that had previously held a pound of salad greens, and move them to a table with a central base wildlife can’t climb. PETS That worked. The seedlings were planted in a wooden bin, and after a few Brain health 4 weeks, the young garden was photographed. The next day, it was nearly gone.

A few plants from HOME the early garden. Happy places 6

GARDEN 9 Plant now 9

HEALTH Breath in 10

FOOD Cooking out 12 Every leaf was devoured from the squash and cucumber plants, the beans and the zinnias. Only the okra seedlings (not shown) and a poblano pepper plant were left untouched. Deer wouldn’t risk jumping a 5-foot wooden fence into a CRAFT small, contained yard. What had dined there so fully? It had happened within a Beach blend 18 three-hour window one afternoon. The heartbreaking destruction was too much for chipmunks or squirrels. A rabbit, maybe? Rabbits had never been seen, but what might have been their squeaking could be heard in the woods beyond. ENTERTAINMENT In response, the larger planters were more closely monitored and protected at Batter up 13 22 night under mesh domes made to keep bugs away from outdoor plates. Surpris- ingly, it took only a few weeks for the fast-growing beans and squash to recover. Then the mystery muncher returned. This time caught in the act, stepping into a noisy ring of clear plastic take-out containers, open and placed around the FAMILY planters as a deterrent. It was more of a crude alarm system, alerting the 11:40 Job worries 23 a.m. presence of a fat groundhog dining merrily on squash leaves. It was perched on top of the same empty container that had protected the seeds from chip- munks. Detected, the groundhog dashed, squeezing its pudgy form beneath an impossibly small opening under the fence. About 30 minutes later, it was back. AT HOME NEW JERSEY This time sitting inside the pot of fragile okra seedlings to chew off their tops. Mail: P.O. Box 193 The plants were now too tall for the plate covers, so we moved them all from Fanwood, NJ 07023 the yard’s sunniest spot to the table, already safekeeping beets and leafy greens. 14 The upside of this story is that the groundhog did the plant thinning I had (908) 656-0385 waited to do. Some of the chomped okra stems have sprouted new leaves. A AtHomeNJ.com chewed cucumber plant has its first yellow flower, and the grazed ‘Royal Burgun- To advertise, call us or email: [email protected] dy’ beans are budding. The zinnias aren’t doing as well, but more seeds will be Prizes are the full responsibility of winners, who in accepting acknowledge that publisher can- planted with visions of fall flowers (see Page 9). The tabletop garden is a pleasure not be held liable for defects or misuse. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; the publisher to view despite the setbacks, and we’ll have more to share. Happy growing! cannot be held liable for omissions or errors of fact. Consult a competent professional before adopting any suggestion, health-related or otherwise. Articles and advertisements reflect opin- Kimberly L. Jackson, [email protected] ions of the producer and not necessarily those of the publisher. © 2020 All rights reserved. On the cover: Pure water infused with the flavor of watermelon balls and fresh blueberries. To our readers We regret having to forego our Page 3 giveaway, which will resume in September. Congratulations to May-June winners: H. Hylan, Westfield, wins Thank you for telling our advertisers you read about them “1,000 Places to See Before You Die;” S. McGrory, Rahway, wins “Rika’s Modern Japanese.” in At Home New Jersey. You make all the difference! 4 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020

Brain health for Pet friendly dogs and man By Elizabeth Head, Ph.D some showed changes in their ability to be “flexible” in changing behaviors. Old dogs may teach us a great deal about This is very similar to people. Not every- aging. As dogs get older, some develop learn- one ages in the same way — some people ing and memory problems, much like we do. remain sharp as tacks well into their older And like people, not all old dogs become im- years. After measuring learning and memory paired. Indeed, some old dogs remain bright changes in dogs, we next studied the brain and able to learn just as well as younger dogs, changes that were most strongly linked to although they may be a little slower in reach- these cognitive losses. ing high levels of performance. We found that senile plaques in the brains When an older dog has cognitive prob- of old dogs were more frequent in the ani- lems, we may see them as changes in behav- mals that had learning and memory prob- ior that can be disruptive to the relationship lems. In our more recent studies, we have between owners and pets. For example, an been seeking ways to improve brain health in old dog with cognitive problems may forget old dogs with the hope that these approaches to signal to go outside, may be up at night can translate to healthy aging in people. and sleep all day, or have trouble recogniz- In several studies of aging in beagles, we ing people or other pets in the family. This is found that a diet rich in antioxidants that similar to a person with Alzheimer’s disease includes vitamins E and C, and importantly, who may have difficulty communicating, fruits and vegetables, can lead to wonderful disrupted sleep/wake cycles and trouble benefits in learning and memory ability that remembering family and friends. can be maintained for years. When aged dogs show cognitive changes For example, dogs that had trouble not caused by other systemic illnesses, they remembering where they had seen a are related to brain changes that are striking- food reward (this is an example of spatial ly similar to people. For example, old dogs memory) showed significant improvements develop senile plaques in their brains that are in their memory over time. Also, old dogs made of a protein that is identical to one that showed rapid improvements in their ability humans produce. This protein, called beta- to modify their behaviors when the rules had amyloid, is toxic to cells in the brain. changed in the task they were learning (an Unlike mice and rats, old dogs naturally Nick English example of enhanced executive function). develop significant brain pathology like we Exercise, games and social engagement support healthy aging in dogs (and humans). In addition, providing dogs with physi- see in people. Thus, aging dogs may resemble cal exercise, social enrichment and “brain aging humans in a more natural or realistic games” (like the food reward game) can also brains as we get older. Our lab initially began block or a toy truck) and learn that one of way than mice with genetic mutations. significantly improve cognition as they age. studying beagles in the early 1990s, as there the two always hid a food reward. When we Taking these factors into account, we may was interest in developing a drug to treat switched the food reward to the object that Beagles and the brain be able to engage in strategies and lifestyle “dog dementia” based on pet owners obser- was previously not rewarded, older dogs kept changes that will be good for both species. There are many other changes in the brains vations of changes in behavior in their older choosing the wrong object. Young dogs very Exercise, social interaction, learning new of people with Alzheimer’s disease that are dogs. At that time, little was known about quickly switched over to the new object. tricks — participating in the same activities similar in aging dogs. These include changes learning and memory changes in aging dogs When we counted the number of errors with our aged companion animals, the ben- in the blood vessels of the brain, the accu- (beagles over eight years of age), and our dogs make to learn the problem, old dogs efits will be twofold: for them and for us. mulation of damaged proteins and losses in earliest research was designed to find ways to made many more errors overall. Interesting- cells, and chemicals that support cells in the systematically measure these changes. ly, not all old dogs were impaired. Another Elizabeth Head is an associate professor brain. These changes may be modified by The first step was to teach dogs to look subset of old dogs showed significant losses in the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at the lifestyle factors. at different objects (for example, a Lego in their ability to remember information and University of Kentucky. There are many reports of how our lifestyle can be good or bad for aging. The food we eat can be a potent contributor to how our brains age. For example, several studies in people show that antioxidant-enriched diets An illustrated look at pets and fame (including lots of fruits and vegetables) and “Pets and their Famous Humans” Society critic Dorothy Parker once kept the Mediterranean diet are associated with (Prestel, $17.95) isn’t the first book on the two crocodiles in her bathtub, and Charles healthier brain aging. relationships artists, writers, composers Dickens had a pet bird, Grip, who inspired Physical exercise and good cardiovascular and other celebrated people shared with Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven.” Dickens health also appear to be associated with a beloved animals, but this take is illustrated wrote of a clever raven in “Barnaby Rudge.” lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and written for young readers. Mathematician Sir Isaac Newton is said and cerebrovascular disease, which is a cause French painter Henri Matisse was com- to have been a loner child. (A timely dis- of dementia. Keeping your brain active and forted in illness by his cat Puce (shown) cussion point: Newton abandoned univer- challenged with puzzles, brain games and and two others as he worked from his bed. sity studies in 1665 to escape the plague.) an engaging social life is linked to better Matisse is one of 20 subjects author Ana His dog, Diamond, joined him later in memory and less risk of disease. Studies are Gallo includes. Artist Katherine Quinn life, and is known to have knocked over a ongoing in people to measure the effects portrays Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, candle that sent years of Newton’s research systematically. Andy Warhol, Virginia Woolf and others up in smoke ­— a lesson in loving animals Dogs may be well suited to help us un- with large, soft eyes likely to appeal to kids. despite the destruction they can cause. derstand how these lifestyle factors help our July-August 2020 AtHomeNJ.com 5

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At Home New Jersey photo Railside Cafe in Fanwood is being updated in a mission to aid those with disabilities. Dr. Eric Serving food for good Inroads to Opportunities, the nonprofit In what has been dubbed “a transforma- Whitehouse that owns and operates Railside Cafe in Fan- tion of inclusion,” part of the cafe will be wood, would like the local community to used for vocational, employment readiness better understand how the cafe and bakery and wellness classes. An Inroads Expression Family Chiropractor helps local people with disabilities. Wall will showcase more client artwork. All proceeds from the cafe support For customers, the cafe’s outdoor tables Inroads programs that facilitate employ- will be outfitted with umbrellas, and all 908-654-0500 ment of those with physical and mental dining areas will be socially distanced. New challenges. Inroads was founded in 1959, hours will be Wednesday through Sunday 649 Central Ave., Westfield and each year serves more than 400 clients, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an emphasis on (Central Square Mall) ranging in age from 16 through retirement. breakfast, lunch, catering and event space. Some clients work at the cafe on the corner The cafe also will offer meals to go, with of South and Martine avenues, while others some packaged for those who would like to are employed by a variety of area businesses. enjoy outdoor meals elsewhere. The Picnic “As a result of Covid-19, the disability Essentials Fundraiser will help fund voca- WE HANDLE WITH CARE community was profoundly and severely tional rehabilitation programs with a deli- l Arthritis and Chiropractic l impacted, as was the restaurant industry,” cious array of pre-packed picnic items. Bags Back and Disc Problems l l says Inroads Chief Executive Michele Ford. include imported Gouda cheese, crackers, Asthma and Chiropractic Headaches and Migraines “Having felt the significant effects on sparkling water, assorted cookies, fresh-cut l Blood Pressure and Chiropractic l Arm and Head Problems both these sectors, Railside Cafe will now fruit and potato chips. Get a $20 bag for l Ear Infections and Chiropractic l Shoulder Problems serve as even more of a conduit to return two, or a $35 bag for four people. l l the individuals Inroads serves back into the Order at TheRailsideCafe.com, or call Pregnancy and Chiropractic Allergies community post-pandemic.” 908-322-4422. More at InroadsTo.org. EVENING AND SATURDAY HOURS FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS AVAILABLE IN-STORE SHOPPING, Learn more at WestfieldChiro.com CURBSIDE PICK-UP & DELIVERY! This issue of At Home is now online Mon-Sat 9am-6pm AtHomeNJ.com is where everyone can find us. For one-year print Sun subscriptions (six issues), mail a $20 check payable to At Home 10am-2pm New Jersey to: At Home NJ, P.O. Box 193, Fanwood, NJ 07023

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Home is your haven Summer There’s Cranford calling: Portable garden: Plants in pots reimagined Married again: New bliss You can win: A diamond-tough so much good taste to enjoycan make everything just right You can win: The season’s A bestselling guide Your home: Little changes brings important business Spring things: skillet that previews a collection to fuel armchair travel adventures Your money: How to be sure Fewer guests that make a big difference crafts, cooking and cleaning your wishes will be honored Gathering outdoors: with better ways to eat and enjoy 6 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020

Courtesy WallSauce/Sir Edward Make a happy place Sometimes it just takes one thing to make a room more enjoyable. Custom shelving can bring storage and display space to an open area, and decorative woodwork adds charm to make a home uniquely yours. Installing a scenic wallpaper mural is like super-sizing a gorgeous painting to cover an entire wall. The Botanical Beauty mural (above) from the design brand Sir Edward is custom printed in dimensions to fit a specified wall. Three types of paper are available at WallSauce.com, including a textured peel-and-stick type that can be removed and repo- sitioned. Another easy-to-move option is shown on the opposite page in the Soleil pattern from Tempaper.com. On one wall, the exuberant graphic pattern makes a powder room more cheerful. It’s paired here with a chic, custom-built vanity and copper-toned accents. At right, three floating shelves make room for baskets and attrac- tive serving pieces. Imagine the same shelves filled with small artwork, framed pieces or the lush greenery of houseplants. If you are a fan of the perennially popular white kitchen, select a wall color like Pure White from Sherwin-Williams. The room shown here benefits from the added warmth of rustic wood accents. Faux ceiling beams or a fully paneled ceiling can completely change the look of a room. Joseph Augis, owner of Heavy J Construction, recently began renovating a Mountainside home with similar wooden beams framing doorways and accenting the kitchen ceiling. “For them, we did some floating box shelves, and I am building a cabinet for their laundry. It has two doors and room for six clothes baskets. We came up with the design. I want to do custom all the time.” Courtesy Sherwin Williams July-August 2020 AtHomeNJ.com 7 It’s in the details Custom woodwork accessorizes a room. Paint it white, and it uplifts with crisp character. Start at the top, adding the stately elegance of deep, layered crown molding at the ceiling line. Then move down with chair rail, which, as its name suggests, is placed at the height of chair backs. This thin line of trim can bring sleek contrast while protecting walls from damage by chairs, especially in a dining room. If your home needs a little magic, woodwork can easily refresh any setting with a clean, tailored look. In the master bedroom at right, paneling adds brightness that keeps dark blue paint from overwhelming the space. Sherwin-Williams named Naval Blue its 2020 Color of the Year, and the hue makes a dra- matic bedroom option, complemented by orderly dentil crown mold- ing, the white paneling and floor planks laid in a herringbone pattern. Joseph Augis of Heavy J Construction says detailed woodwork is trending, with homeowners requesting coffered ceilings and paneling. Thirty-six to 42 inches is standard height for paneling, he says, but homeowners in Mountainside wanted paneling on three-quarters of the wall. “That left 2 feet of wall above the paneling. There are different styles depending on the look you want,” says Augis, who specializes in custom woodwork. “Just show me a picture and we go from there.”

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Fully Insured License: #13VH08783200 HeavyJConstruction.com 8 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020 Making room to work from your home The Covid-19 pandemic has allowed nu- merous large and small businesses to test the waters of having employees work remotely. In an increasing number of cases, compa- nies have found that many duties can be ac- complished from a worker’s home, allowing employers to eliminate costs associated with outfitting, operating and maintaining office space. This means not having to pay for new furnishings, temperature control, cleaning and even bathroom tissue. To offset the added expenses of work- ing from your home, become familiar with requirements for tax deductions related to a home office. To be eligible, the Internal Revenue Service requires that you must “regularly use part of your home exclusively for conducting business.” “Generally, deductions for a home office are based on the percentage of your home devoted to business use,” according to IRS.gov. “So, if you use a whole room or part of a room for conducting your business, you need to figure out the percentage of your home devoted to your business activities.” If you make room in your home to work as someone’s employee, talk with a tax advi- sor to determine if furnishings, equipment and supplies can be deducted. The home office rules are different for business -own ers versus those working from home for an employer’s convenience. (If employee-related tax deductions seem insufficient, consider renegotiating your compensation or seeking reimbursement for some of the expenses that will come with working from your home.) For employees who learn they will be working from home permanently — or for those who decide to start a home-based business — long-term planning can develop Courtesy ClosetMaid a home workplace that allows one to work A filing cabinet that tucks under a desk when not in use, and wall-mounted shelving can help create a home office in a tight space. efficiently and maintain focus. Here are a few tips for outfitting and using a home office. Remember safety. This means factor- decorative objects. Think honestly about how Taking the dog for a morning walk is good Carve out a place. Whether you have ing in ergonomics, which guides in setting you work, then come up with a layout and exercise that will result in a calmer, more a dedicated home office or are simply setting up your office to maximize productivity storage solutions that will support efficiency cooperative pet. Regular walks can help save up shop at the kitchen table, establishing a while avoiding bodily stress and discomfort. and enduring focus. you from snacks, and your pup will be more designated work space tells your brain that Select a well-designed desk chair that sup- Enjoy benefits. If you are used to jug- likely to give you space during work hours. you’re in the place where you do work pro- ports good posture. Adjust your computer gling, working from home can mean taking a Cats sleep much of the day, and it’s easy to ductively. Think about whether you want to keyboard and monitor to avoid tension in break to load the washing machine, clear the work around their napping periods. If you be close to your family when you work or if wrists, shoulders, back and neck. A speaker dishwasher or run an errand. And there’s no close your office door, most cats will eventu- you need a quiet place away from living areas telephone can make it easier to manage calls, more stress in scheduling service calls! ally abandon any protests — if they have and kids’ bedrooms. If you’ve been work- and a desk that can be adjusted for sitting or Stay focused. For those who are easily ways to keep occupied until you are finished. ing in your living room, think of other areas standing use is an option many now prefer. distracted, working from home means the End work now. The daily routine of get- in your house that might be converted to a Stay organized. Do you like to have laundry, the dishes, the children, the cat and ting ready and commuting to an office helps home office: a spare bedroom, a little-used all your work supplies and equipment in the refrigerator may be calling in a way that prepare your brain for the work day. Work- dining room, an attic, a den, a basement clear view, or would you be distracted by makes it difficult to remain on task. ing from home requires devising a new way space or a backyard shed. the visual clutter? Think of everything you Try walking breaks to avoid the fridge. to signal the start — and end ­— of your work Assess the lighting. Light should be need to do your work and where it should be Children and pets aren’t as easy to manage, hours. Having a daily schedule that might diffused with fixtures well positioned to placed to make your work most convenient. but both can learn to respect work time and begin with exercise, showering and getting avoid creating computer screen glare and the If you like things tucked away, a large desk to limit interruptions. The key is communi- dressed can be part of the program that associated eye strain. Aim for layers of light with lots of drawers may be best to organize cation and fun activities. If younger children prepares you to tackle your daily to-do list. from multiple sources rather than a single your documents and supplies. If your work are at home, giving them educational and To maintain work-life balance, it helps to set light source. A space with abundant natural is more likely to involve a laptop and your creative projects can help them to under- regular work hours. A dedicated office helps light is ideal to help you feel happy and moti- phone, a small table might do the trick with stand work and to develop self discipline. A here, as you can leave the room and shut the vated in your new office. shelving nearby for a charging station and kid assistant might enjoy working with you. door, signaling the end of your work day. July-August 2020 AtHomeNJ.com 9 The seed-planting window is still open Home Garden Seed Association harvest in mild winter areas. In more north- ern regions, they tolerate some frost. Cover Seeds started in the heat of summer can carrots with a thick mulch of straw and yield a second fall crop of greens, roots, and harvest them until the ground freezes. Salad other tasty vegetables that will often outper- turnips are best when harvested young, up to form the spring crop. 2 inches in diameter. If the soil is too hot or the weather too Start broccoli, kale, dry for good seed germination outdoors, Broccoli and kale: and other brassicas indoors, with a goal of start your seeds on a sunny windowsill. To getting your seedlings in the ground about calculate your seed-sowing date, look at a va- 10 weeks before the first frost date. In cold riety’s “days to harvest” and count back from winter areas where the ground freezes hard, your area’s first frost date (Oct. 12 for Union that could mean starting them as early as County). Then start a week or two earlier. June. In mild winter areas, sow brassica seeds Choose fast-maturing varieties of broccoli, in mid August. For an extended fall harvest, cauliflower and other slow-growing crops. look for varieties with good cold tolerance. Take advantage of breaks in the weather to Kale can also be sown directly in the garden sow greens and root crops in garden soil. in late summer, and harvested as baby greens Zinnias and calendula can Flowers: for salads. be started in summer for a second round. Basil, dill, cilantro, oregano and As with vegetables, look for fast-maturing Wolfgang Eckert Dimitris Vetsikas Herbs: rosemary are among herbs that can grow varieties. Zinnias typically take 60 to 70 days Sage is a culinary herb with looks that Plant calendula seeds in summer for fall to bloom. Calendula is perfect for summer can compete with ornamental plants. flowers that can stand up to the chill. well in cool fall weather. In fall’s cooler planting, being frost-tolerant and somewhat temperatures, they are less likely to flower or cold-hardy. The blooms can add cheerful fall seedlings transplant best when they have just Beets, carrots and salad turnips: go to seed quickly. Plant seeds as late as six color to a garden bed or container. two true leaves; lettuce is generally ready for Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches weeks before the first frost date. With warm- er fall weather, it’s also worth taking the risk Salad greens: Germinating lettuce, aru- planting three to four weeks after sowing. for your fall root crop. Add compost so that gula and spinach outdoors in summer can be For an extended harvest, sow greens again the soil will retain moisture in the heat of to plant seeds for any herbs you enjoy. Grow a challenge. Try starting them indoors, or in directly in the garden when the weather late summer, and set up a soaker hose to give them in containers, and you can bring them a sheltered spot in your garden that does not cools. Arugula, like other mustard greens, your seedlings a good start. Thinning is a indoors to avoid the risk of frost damage. get hit with the heat of the afternoon sun. germinates well at a range of soil tempera- must for carrots and beets. Carrots should be To find more timely gardening tips, visit Sow seeds in August and transplant seedlings tures. Try sowing it in the shade of larger thinned to 2 inches apart, beets to 4 inches. HomeGardenSeedAssociation.com. Also visit into the garden when they’re ready. Spinach plants, such as tomatoes and peppers. Beets can be left in the ground for winter Garden.org for additional guidance.

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524 Springfield Ave., Westfield 908-232-4076 WilliamsNursery.com Open 10-5 daily 10 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020 Why science has focused on breath By Louis J. Ignarro, Ph.D/TheConversation.com Other types of cells, including circulating white blood cells and tissue mac- rophages, produce nitric oxide for antimicrobial purposes. The NO in these Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. It’s not just cells reacts with other molecules, produced by the same cells, to form anti- something you do in yoga class — breathing this way actually provides a microbial agents to destroy invading microorganisms including bacteria, powerful medical benefit that can help the body fight viral infections. parasites and viruses. As you can see, NO is quite an amazing molecule. The reason is that your nasal cavities produce the molecule nitric oxide, Inhaled NO dilates the constricted pulmonary arteries and increases which chemists abbreviate as “NO.” It increases blood flow through the blood flow in the lungs. As a result, the red blood cell hemoglobin can lungs and boosts oxygen levels in the blood. Breathing in through the nose extract more lifesaving oxygen and move it into the general circulation. delivers NO directly into the lungs, where it helps fight coronavirus infec- Inhaled NO is used clinically as a gas to selectively dilate the pulmo- tion by blocking replication of the virus in the lungs. nary arteries of infants born with persistent pulmonary hypertension, a Many people who exercise or engage in yoga also benefit from inhaling condition in which constricted pulmonary arteries limit blood flow and through the nose instead of the mouth. Higher oxygen saturation of the oxygen harvesting. Inhaled NO has literally turned blue babies pink and blood can make one feel more refreshed and provides greater endurance. allowed them to be cured and to go home with mom and dad. Before the I am one of three pharmacologists who won the Nobel Prize in 1998 for advent of inhaled NO, most of these babies died. discovering how nitric oxide is produced in the body and how it works. Since NO is a gas in its natural state, it can be administered to patients by How nitric oxide kills viruses inhalation as a therapy with the aid of specialized devices. Inhaled NO is cur- In a 2004 in-vitro study done during the last SARS outbreak, experi- rently in clinical trials to treat patients with moderate to severe Covid-19. mental compounds that release NO increased the survival rate of Researchers are hoping that three principal actions of NO may help nucleus-containing mammalian cells infected with SARS- fight covid: dilating the pulmonary arteries and increasing CoV. This suggested that NO had a direct antiviral blood flow through the lungs, dilating the airways and effect. In this study, published by the International increasing oxygen delivery to the lungs and blood, and Journal of Infectious Diseases, NO significantly directly killing and inhibiting the growth and spread inhibited the replication cycle of SARS-CoV by of the coronavirus in the lungs. Additionally, inhaled blocking production of viral proteins and its NO may prove to be an effective therapy and lessen genetic material, RNA. the need for ventilators and beds in the ICU. In a small clinical study in 2004, inhaled NO Nitric oxide in the body was effective against SARS-CoV in severely ill patients with pneumonia. SARS CoV, which Nitric oxide is a widespread signaling molecule caused the 2003/2004 outbreak, shares most of that triggers many different physiological effects. its genome with SARS CoV-2, the virus respon- NO is produced continuously by the 1 trillion cells sible for Covid-19. This suggests that inhaled that form the inner lining, or endothelium, of the NO therapy may be effective against Covid-19. 100,000 miles of arteries and veins in our bodies, Sinuses in the nasal cavity, but not the especially the lungs. Endothelium-derived NO mouth, continuously produce NO. This NO is acts to relax the smooth muscle of the arteries to chemically identical to the NO used clinically prevent high blood pressure and to promote blood by inhalation. So by inhaling through the nose, flow to all organs. Another vital role of NO is to you are delivering NO directly into your lungs, prevent blood clots in normal arteries. where it increases both airflow and blood flow In addition to relaxing vascular smooth mus- and keeps microorganisms and virus particles cle, NO relaxes smooth muscle in the airways, in check. While anxiously awaiting results of making it easier to breathe. Another type of clinical trials, and the development of an ef- NO-mediated smooth muscle relaxation fective Covid-19 vaccine, we should be on occurs in the erectile tissue (corpus guard and practice breathing properly to cavernosum), which results in penile maximize the inhalation of nitric oxide erection. In fact, NO is the into our lungs. Remember: inhale principal mediator of pe- through your nose; exhale through nile erection and sexual your mouth. arousal. This discovery Louis J. Ignarro is led to the development distinguished professor and marketing of emeritus of molecular sildenafil, trade name and medical pharmacol- Viagra, which works ogy, school of medicine, by enhancing the ac- University of California, tion of NO. Los Angeles. July-August 2020 AtHomeNJ.com 11

Jersey Fresh produce & much more!

Our personal trainers can now work with individuals, couples and families. Getting back to fitness Exercise and good nutrition remain your best defense against Covid-19 and a slew of other diseases. Obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are just some of the comorbidities that can Prince’s own gourmet foods cause complications when stricken (Many gluten-free and vegan options) with any virus. Do you want to improve your health 1123 Mountain Ave., Mountainside and your chances of survival but feel 908-228-3972 | PrincesFarmStand.com nervous about going to the gym? Open Mon through Sat 9-6, Sun 9-5 The personal trainers at Active Life Fitness in Garwood can help! Large gyms with lots of people can Serving local communities with fresh, local produce & goods be scary even without a pandemic going on. In fact, health clubs have still not been given the go-ahead to open in New Jersey, except to provide train- ing services on a limited basis. Due to these guidelines put forth by Jersey fresh baked goods Great bread is the foundation of a truly the State of New Jersey, we’ve had to Try a free week of personal training. adjust and we are now offering these delicious sandwich. It’s essential for the exciting new programs. We’ve put protocols in place to keep cheese plate, and can enhance any salad. Try any one program FREE for one clients safe and to deliver life-changing Baker’s Bounty in Linden is the latest week! Here are your options: workouts. artisan food maker to join the market mix • One-on-one training Spots are extremely limited, so don’t at Prince’s Farm Stand at 1123 Mountain • Training for couples delay! Call us today at 908-389-8009 or Ave., Mountainside. The 40-year-old bakery • Small group training for families email us at [email protected]! regularly delivers traditional baguettes, rye • Outdoor small group training To get our health and fitness emails, and peasant breads, all made with organic • Online training text ACTIVELIFE to 22828 or sign up at flour. Some loaves are stuffed with moz- • In-home training (we come to you) ActiveLifeFitness.net for our free book, zarella and garlic, pepperoni or spinach. • Online nutrition counseling “20 Tips for Fat Loss Over 40.” Others are studded with nuts and raisins to make peanut butter and jelly and French toast even yummier. The rotating options also include focaccia and bruschetta chips. “We’re happy to work with a bakery that shares our values,” says Heather Prince Murphy, whose family owns and operates the farm store across from Echo Lake Park. “Everything in their bread comes directly from small local farms.” Breads baked in Linden are the latest 94 North Ave., Garwood (Blue Ribbon Plaza) The baked goods round out a growing se- local offering at Prince’s Farm Stand. lection sourced from area farms and artisan (908) 389-8009 | ActiveLifeFitness.net kitchens. Cases hold milk and cheese, vegan duce, and July and August are peak season We help busy men and women aged 40+ lose weight, get and gourmet prepared meals, fresh pasta for corn, tomatoes, peaches and other and pierogies, pickles and many gluten-free Jersey-grown fruits and vegetables. stronger, and feel more energized — even when the gym is closed. treats. Prince’s also has its own branded Yoga sessions with appropriate social selection of preserves, condiments, snacks distancing have returned to the farm stand. We DELIVER life-changing personal training! and other packaged foods. Follow Prince’s Farm Stand on Facebook Naturally, a farm stand is all about pro- and Instagram to stay up on what’s in store. 12 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020 Backyard beauties

Courtesy Wisconsin Dairy Farmers

icnics or al fresco dining at home can be a great broccoli, cauliflower and greens such as arugula or spinach. Make it chic: Use small cookie cutters to press out way to get together with friends while social At the grill: Grilling hot dogs and hamburgers? Put out cheese shapes for the patriotic fruit salad shown above. Or distancing. You’ve likely been asked to “bring a a spread of fresh veggie toppings: sliced tomatoes, baby serve salad on a stick! Try the recipe at right, or simply cut dish” to an outdoor party or backyard barbecue. spinach leaves, sautéed onions, finely chopped bell peppers. romaine or iceberg lettuce into chunks. Cut cucumbers in Pasta salads are often in the line-up because Go beyond meat: Grill vegetables along with your half-inch slices, and bell peppers in 1-inch square pieces. they’re economical, fairly easy to prepare and travel well. steaks, burgers, chicken and fish. Cut eggplant or zucchini Present each salad on a long wooden skewer with alternat- PHow about boosting your pasta salad with some extra into 1/4-inch slices, or quarter bell peppers and remove the ing grape tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Offer a vari- veggies? And I mean, extra. Think about how you can add ribs and seeds. Brush vegetables with olive oil and grill over ety of dressing as a lovely summer side dish for grilled fare. more vegetables to nearly all of your classic picnic recipes. medium-high heat until tender. Turn them to grill evenly. Fruit is hot: Grill it for dessert. Pit peaches and place Make fruit a summer treat, too. Here are a few ideas to start. Char your salad: Grilled vegetables make a delicious cut side down on the grates. Grill over medium heat until Go with the grain: Add more veggies to salads made mixed vegetable salad when tossed with raw or steamed cut slightly charred. Also try pineapple and citrus fruit. with protein-rich quinoa, high-fiber barley, or other grains vegetables. Add your favorite salad dressing and crumbled ­— Rosanne Rust is the author of “Dash Diet for Dum- such as farrow and bulgur wheat. Try beans, peas, peppers, feta or a shredded cheese. Refrigerate until ready to serve. mies.” She is a contributor at FruitsAndVeggies.org. July-August 2020 AtHomeNJ.com 13

Unique options make it an event Salad on a stick is visually exciting, easier to serve, and just more fun to eat. Ideally, they are a balanced offering of vegetables, cheeses and meats. Add cubed bread to the skewers and they’ll be transformed to sandwiches on a stick. Be sure the bread only touches drier ingredients such as cheese or salad greens, and it won’t go soggy. When cheese and meats are involved, keep the skewers chilled in a covered server over ice ­— food safety meets grab-and- go convenience. Fruit is also an option for this flexible food-delivery system. Wooden skewers come in several lengths, allowing variations. Go shorter with long toothpicks to make them appetizers. These are easy-to-assemble meals to make with love, creativity and carefully cleansed hands.

Easy to eat: Your family and friends will love lettuce wraps filled with ginger chicken salad. To make them, wash, dry and chill 12 Boston (butter) lettuce leaves. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup ginger-flavored salad dressing with two cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1 cup rainbow coleslaw mix; 1 tart apple, in matchstick cuts; 1 large carrot, in matchstick cuts; and 3 thinly sliced scallions. Toss gently to combine. Divide mixture among lettuce leaves and serve wraps from a chilled platter. Also search for lettuce wraps recipes from Walnuts.org, which include vegetarian options and world flavors, such as the lamb and walnut kofta kebab wrap.

Avocado slaw: In addition to being a source of nutrients and heart- healthy monounsaturated fat, the richness of a soft avocado can ably stand in for mayo in coleslaw, Salad on a stick: For this spin on antipasti, cheese tortellini is marinated potato salads and salad dressings. in Italian dressing before being skewered with cheese cubes, spinach leaves, turkey For about 4 cups of coleslaw veg- pepperoni and cherry tomatoes. Make variations with cut romaine or iceberg lettuce, gies, blend until smooth 1/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts, cucumber slices, olives, cubed deli meat, egg halves, mashed ripe avocado, 2 teaspoons shrimp and any other salad ingredients that would work for this treatment. Add raw honey, 1 tablespoon apple cubed or sliced bread for sandwiches on a stick. Drizzle with a selected dressing or cider vinegar and a tablespoon serve with dressing or dip in small bowls on the side. Photo courtesy Midwest Dairy water. Experiment with your favorite seasonings (mustard, cumin, dill, on- ion powder) and add salt or more honey or vinegar to taste for the finished slaw. Need more ideas? LoveOneToday.com and CaliforniaAvocado.com have the recipes.

Have a ball: A kitchen tool called a melon baller cuts perfectly round shapes. It’s essential for the flavored watermelon shown, the infused water on our cover and the featured fruit salad. Each is enhanced by lime and mint, but try other herbs (and even booze) as alternative flavors. The salad and the infused water also use cookie cutters. (The water’s decorative stars are trimmed watermelon rind.) To make the salad, whisk 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1 tea- spoon lime zest in a small bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup minced fresh mint. Cut 15 ounces of Sartori fontina cheese (3 wedges) in half-inch slices. Use small, star cookie cutters for the cheese Fun fruit: Seedless grapes and banana slices become a dessert to anticipate when shapes. Use a spoon handle to push out cheese they’re skewered, drizzled with melted chocolate and frozen. In summer’s heat, offer at the points. In a large serving bowl, combine them from the tray to be consumed immediately. For different takes on this refresh- 3 cups each of watermelon balls and blueber- ing treat, swap in chilled strawberries, blueberries or raspberries and top the drizzled ries with a cup of blackberries. Top with fontina chocolate with finely chopped nuts. Make a speared fruit salad by using watermelon stars. Drizzle with dressing before serving and balls, colorful fruit cubes and berries. For grilling, skewer pineapple chunks, mango toss gently to coat. Garnish with fresh mint. cubes and sliced peaches. Photo by permission from GrapesFromCalifornia.com. 14 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020 Fruity treats from grill or freezer A full meal wrapped into a parchment-paper parcel is the cook’s ultimate time saver. Seafood, vegetables, meat, rice and even pasta are wrapped up in parchment, foil or oven bags in recipes from “Dinner’s in the Bag.” Author Louise Kenney offers 60 imaginative takes on the process, known formally as en papillote (the French term for food cooked in paper). Layered ingredients are typically oven-cooked, steaming in moisture-protecting parcels. Kenney’s recipes for this highly adaptable method can be easily adapted to the grill. Simply wrap parch- ment parcels in foil to protect from fire. Mixed vegetable dishes include classics like rata- touille and pasta e fagioli. Seafood simmers in lemony garlic butter or with Pernod anise liqueur and cream. Home-style bundles pair meats and potatoes. Kenney’s eye on flavor makes the book stand out, especially her final chapter’s 14 fruit-based desserts. Here, we’re encouraged to discover how spices and herbs like rosemary, ginger, star anise or sweet gera- nium can bring unexpected appeal to cooked fruits.

Slow-cooked summer peaches (4 servings) Photos by Ola Smit The banana is the “hot” part of this sundae that starts on the grill to stuff as desired. 4 ripe peaches, sliced in 1/2-inch wedges Zest from half lemon, cut in strips 3 tablespoons Amaretto 2 tablespoons honey Amaretti cookies, crushed Grilled banana ice cream sundae 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped (1 serving) parchment and foil to fully contain banana. Grill or bake 20 minutes. Créme fraîche 1 banana 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 1 tablespoon chocolate chips 3. Remove banana from grill or oven, baking dish with parchment or foil. Place 1 tablespoon crunchy peanut butter open parcel carefully to avoid hot steam. peach wedges in dish in a single layer. 1 large scoop (1/4 cup) vanilla ice cream Add ice cream, whipped cream and Tuck in the strips of lemon zest, then pour 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped cherries, Top with chocolate sprinkles and over the Amaretto and 3 tablespoons of 2 glacé cherries, halved eat immediately with childish abandon. water. Close parcel, bake 45 minutes. Chocolate sprinkles, to decorate Parchment paper and aluminum foil Note: For multiple servings, wrap each 2. Take parcel from oven and remove banana in a separate parcel. lemon zest. Stir in honey and serve 1. Preheat grill or oven 350 degrees. peaches warm, or at room temperature, Nutrition information (per serving): 231 Line a baking dish with foil and top with Nutrition information (per serving): 587 topped with crushed cookies, chopped calories, 8g fat (2g saturated), 13mg parchment. calories, 38g fat (19g saturated), 91mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 60g carbs, 6g pecans and a dollop of créme fraiche. cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 34g carbs, 3g 2. Leaving skin on, slit banana lengthwise, fiber, 30g sugars, 2g protein fiber, 42g sugars, 9g protein Note: Cooking time will vary depending deeply down the middle. Sit banana in on ripeness of peaches. The harder they — Adapted from “Dinner’s in the Bag” by pan and open gently to stuff in chocolate — Adapted from “Dinner’s in the Bag” by are, the more cooking time they will need. Louise Kenney (Quadrille, $22.99) chips and pile on peanut butter. Fold Louise Kenney (Quadrille, $22.99)

Strawberry-lime frozen Philadelphia cheesecake pops (12 pops) 2. Place remaining strawberries in food Note: Make these pops with other fruit processor. Add cream cheese, lime zest, such as blueberries, raspberries, peaches, 1-1/2 cups strawberries, divided juice and sugar; process until smooth. or a mix. Drop a few smaller berries or a 12 ounces Philadelphia-brand cream Spoon into medium bowl. Beat whipping fruit slice into each cup, and then puree the cheese, cubed, softened cream in medium bowl with mixer on high remaining fruit as in recipe. 1 tablespoon lime zest speed until stiff peaks form. Gently stir 2 tablespoons lime juice Nutrition information (per serving): 134 into cream cheese mixture. Spoon into 1/4 cup sugar calories, 12g fat (7g saturated), 38mg prepared cups. Tap cups on counter to 1/2 cup whipping cream cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 6g carbs, 0g remove any air bubbles. Insert wooden pop fiber, 6g sugars, 2g protein 1. Place a 3-ounce paper cup in each of stick at center of each cup. Freeze 4 hours 12 muffin pan cups. Cut 3 strawberries in 4 or until firm. Remove frozen pops from — Recipe, photo courtesy Kraft Foods. slices each, placing one slice in each cup. cups just before serving. More at MyFoodAndFamily.com July-August 2020 AtHomeNJ.com 15 Grab-and-go picnics

Nomahegan Park is just steps away from or a local loaf from Breadsmith. Smoked Dreyer Farms in Cranford, which got us salmon, spicy salami, hummus, pickled thinking about a lazy-day picnic spread. veggies and fresh fruit expand the choices. The farm store has 8 new cheese spreads. It’s even easier with the farm kitchen’s How about gorgonzola, or smoked gouda sandwiches and salads. They make potato and beer, or provolone and chianti? Blocks salads, green salads, pasta salads and more. of aged cheddar include blends like garlic For dessert, banana-chocolate chip bread and dill. New Jersey-made cheese curds or lemon cake would be perfect, or go light- pair wonderfully with Dreyer’s seedless er with a juicy, colorful fresh fruit salad. black raspberry preserves and crostini Get the newsletter at DreyerFarms.com.

Photos courtesy The Popcorn Board For gatherings, popcorn is an adaptable snack that can take on imaginative flavors.

JERSEY FRESH Farm-grown plants Corn pops for parties DREYER Open-air shopping Taste what our chefs Grilled corn on the cob is a natural for FARMS are making! outdoor feasts, and popcorn can join in as a fun snack that mixes well with others. “From Our Farms to Your Table” Light and fluffy popcorn is low in calories, a good source of fiber and accom- modating to any number of savory or sweet flavorings. Tossed with nuts and pretzels, and enhanced by your chosen seasonings, popcorn can be a dished into individual containers for the party, or wrapped in cel- lophane as party favors. Bamboo bowls or painted terra-cotta planting pots are among eco-friendly choices guests can take home. Popcorn.org has recipes for party snacks and ideas to present them attractively. The buttery seasoned cob corn sold by street vendors in Mexico is behind the site’s recipe Nacho party mix: In a bowl, mix in 1/3 for “elote-inspired popcorn,” shown above. cup powdered fresh Parmesan cheese, 1 In this recipe, popped corn is tossed with teaspoon paprika and 1/4 teaspoon salt. butter, Queso Fresco (also try Cotija cheese), In a large lidded pan with a heavy bottom, dried cilantro and hot sauce. warm over low heat 1/4 cup cooking oil, 1 Pies, Apple Cider Doughnuts, Dessert Breads We tested recipes with New Jersey-grown teaspoon cumin seeds, 3 dried chilies and and Cookies Made Daily at the Farm! popcorn from Dreyer Farms. The gorgeous 1 large, quartered garlic clove. Cook 3 min- l utes; remove from heat. Let stand 10 min- Weekly Farm Shares Program Ethically Raised Meats red kernels are dried from corn grown by l l Simonson Farms, which also grows wheat, utes. Strain oil, return 2 tablespoons to pan Glass-Bottled Milk Local Raw Honey Nursery Plants and mills flour in Cranbury. to pop 1/3 cup popcorn. Shake periodically. Want a vegan version of the featured Toss the 8 cups of popcorn in remaining 831 Springfield Ave., Cranford • (908) 276-1290 oil. Add seasoned cheese; toss again. Mix nacho mix? Another popcorn.org recipe Open daily 8am-5pm (8-10am seniors/immunocompromised only) @dreyerfarms swaps the Parmesan with nutritional yeast. popcorn with peanuts and pretzel sticks. 16 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020

Bar seating and tables ready for tents and umbrellas at Sheelen’s Crossing, Fanwood. A dining area was recently blocked off for Eastman Street restaurants in Cranford.

A fountain and elegant ambience await open-air diners at Romola’s Seafood, Cranford. Ten outdoor dining tables are set under a large tent at The Rustic Mill Diner, Cranford. Area restaurants ready to serve outdoors All over New Jersey, parking lots, sidewalks and streets are “That’s what we always did,” says Nick Siderias, the diner’s tables are shielded from the sun by the overhead shelter of being repurposed. Spaces intended for cars or strolling pe- owner. The biggest difference is in the kitchen, where the cloth-lined pergola. The small space is enlivened by flower- destrians have given way to socially distanced diners taking cooking surfaces are now sanitized after every use, he says. ing plants, and near the entry door, an assembly elevated on in a summer meal, mixed drinks, sunshine and fresh air. With the indoor dining room still closed, the diner is still do- a pedestal makes a fountain that spills water and relaxing In Union County, sections of streets in Cranford and West- ing a significant amount of takeout and deliver business. sounds into the pool of a stone bowl. field are among those that have been blocked off to make Diners have happily embraced this Covid-19 related Romola’s suggests reservations, and some restaurants have room for tables tucked under tents or umbrellas. expansion of outdoor seating, wearing masks as they wait for instituted seating time limits. Even without such restrictions, At Sheelen’s Crossing, 38 South Ave. in Fanwood, tents and their turn at limited seating. These expanded al fresco dining diners should not linger too long after a meal, in consider- umbrellas shade a dining area spanning the length of the res- experiences, which would not likely have happened under ation of others who may be waiting at busy times. taurant. There’s a long counter for outdoor bar seating, and a normal circumstances, present themselves when previously On a less-busy weekday, when most restaurants could cer- loose border of crafty planters made of joined wood pallets. homebound New Jerseyans were craving a taste of normalcy. tainly use the business, dining establishments and their staff The Rustic Mill Diner & Pancake House, at 109 North Ave. The owners of Romola’s Seafood & Grille in Cranford have can be more attentive and accommodating. Those doing the West in Cranford, has a chic tent tucked in back. Ten tables gone all out to make the most of a cozy outdoor space. A serving are now covering a lot more ground to manage new are spaced six feet apart in accordance with state regulations. mood-spoiling street view is blocked out by evergreen shrubs outdoor areas. It’s often in the heat without the luxury of air The wooden tables and chairs are sanitized after every use. and panels of a temporary faux-stone wall. White-clothed conditioning. Do remember their efforts when tipping. July-August 2020 AtHomeNJ.com 17 Ideas to make outdoor gatherings safer By Liz Weiss/FruitsAndVeggies.org hot soapy water for the recommended 20 seconds. Entertaining has become a new kind of Supply sanitizer. An outdoor sink for adventure. To reduce the spread of Covid-19, handwashing would be ideal, but it’s also a our new normal dictates that we distance good idea to put out bottles of hand sanitizer ourselves from our guests, limit the number or disinfectant wipes so everyone at your of them, and take precautions like wearing gathering can use them before eating. masks and frequently washing our hands. Try snack boards. This is where At cookouts, picnics and other summer everyone gets their own food-filled board gatherings, something as common as a plat- as a snack or appetizer. They include arrays ter piled high with veggies and dip, or a big of finger foods such as grapes, sliced apples, bowl of fruit salad with one serving utensil cheese and crackers, nuts and dried fruit, (“Jaws” theme music) has become a no-no. veggie sticks, hummus and sliced prepared How do we enjoy the company of family meats. They’re a fun way to punch up any and friends without the worry of inadver- outdoor spread, and they also can be served tently getting someone sick? What measures on sturdy paper plates. Outside of parties, can we take to prepare, serve and eat our these trendy “boards” (also know as grazing favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables in a boards, cheese boards and appetizer boards) safe and delicious way? can be served as a meal of many choices. What follows are six savvy summer strate- Pack it up. Food is precious, so the last gies that I have personally started to follow. thing we want to do is waste it. After your Try these tips for serving food safely. Karen Booth cookout or picnic, provide to-go containers Be individualistic. Line a pretty tray Party foods in individual containers avoid having too many hands in the serving dish. so guests can leave with leftovers. Reduce with salads in small Mason jars, or veggies food waste by making a way to package deli- and dip in individual cups. Instead of a big event at a park or beach. Ask guests to bring gathering to prevent everyone from touch- cious foods to be enjoyed later. platter that serves multiple people, come up their own food, and think of it as a kind of ing serving utensils. You can also designate Liz Weiss, MS, RDN is the voice behind with attractive ways to offer single servings. potluck where everyone eats what they bring. family members to serve various dishes. the food blog and podcast, Liz’s Healthy Bring your own picnic. Instead of Call in servers. Professionals can cater Of course, the server will wear a face mask Table, and author of several cookbooks. Get providing all the food yourself, host a BYOP and staff food stations at your outdoor and thoroughly wash his or her hands in recipes and more at FruitsAndVeggies.org. You Bring The Guests, We’ll Bring The Rest

BK Private Dining + Catering Call or Text 908.347.1759 See menus & prices at BKCaters.com House catering | BBQ & pig roasts | Meals to go CHEF-OWNER BRIAN KIRPAN 18 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020 Grind your own Supermarket shelves emptied of flour were these flours in 100 recipes. Included are yeast a familiar sight this past spring, as many and quick breads, cakes, pastries, cookies, sequestered Americans took to their mixing cooked cereals and more. Gluten-free flour bowls and ovens to bake up comfort in pans. blends and recipes are covered, and many Baking is typically less popular in sum- recipes can be adapted to dairy-free. mer’s heat, but those who went without flour In addition to grains, Becker notes that might spend the warmer days most legumes make good exploring the idea of grinding flour. “When combined with their own flour at home. grain flours, flour made from In “The Essential Home- legumes adds softness and Ground Flour Book,” author richness. Adding as little as Sue Becker discusses the 1 tablespoon of legume flour equipment and techniques for each cup of grain flour that can turn out flour from can improve nutritional value a variety of grains ­— wheats of the baked item without such as spelt, Kamut, emmer, altering its flavor or texture.” einkorn and durum, as well as rye, barley, corn and oats. Getting started To try out home-grinding, Oat flour is the easiest to she advises beginning with a start with, and Becker notes high-powered blender. that oat groats (which have “You can use this versatile kitchen tool for the inedible hull removed), steel-cut oats and grinding soft grains such as wheat, millet rolled “old-fashioned” oats all can be ground iStockphoto.com and quinoa, and even steel-cut oats and oat into flour in a blender. Rolled oats also can Rolled oats are among grains that can be ground to flour with a high-powered blender. groats,” she writes. Buckwheat, spelt, barley, be ground in a food processor. She uses oat rye and oats also are suggested for powerful flour to make quick breads, muffins, pan- blenders. “If you have a blender, you can try cakes, cookies or cakes. Low-sugar oat flour spice cake using it to make flour and see if you like the “We have known for thousands of years (15 servings) baking soda, salt and spices. Add hot results before investing in a grain mill.” that oats are extremely nutritious,” Becker mixture; mix well. Add eggs, buttermilk Becker notes that blenders are most ef- writes. “Oats are particularly high in the ami- 1 cup water and vanilla; mix until well combined. fective for coarsely grinding a small amount no acid glutamine, which has been shown to 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces (Batter will be thin; do not add more flour.) of grain or producing cracked grains and promote healing in the gastrointestinal tract 1/2 cup molasses or honey coarse cereals. “To make flour, most blenders and boost immune function,” she notes. 2-1/2 cups freshly milled oat flour 3. Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until top springs can grind only 1 to 2 cups of at a time and Because oats have a higher fat content, the 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt back when lightly touched. Serve warm or usually take 1 to 2 minutes to do the job,” she grain is more susceptible to rancidity. Pack- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon let cool completely before serving. Cake notes. “The resulting flour is slightly coarse.” aged oats go through a steam stabilization 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional) will keep 3 days at room temperature or This will translate into heavier cakes and and drying process to prevent rapid spoilage. 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional) for a week in the refrigerator. breads. (For our Jan-Feb 2017 issue, we used Home-ground oat flour can be used for 2 large eggs Tester’s note: A cup of rolled oats makes kitchen-ground einkorn flour to test a coco- gluten-free recipes if the oats used for the 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk a bit more than a cup of sifted flour. nut pound cake recipe. The cake was dense flour were processed in a dedicated gluten- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract textured, but quite flavorful.) free facility and labeled as such. Nutrition information (per serving): 200 “The Essential Home-Ground Flour Book” We include Becker’s recipe for spiced oat 1. Grease an 8-by-10-inch baking pan. calories, 9g fat (5g saturated), 41mg Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a saucepan (Robert Rose, $24.95) is thorough in discuss- flour cake as a good way to try flour milling. cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 27g carbs, 3g over high heat, bring water, butter and fiber, 9g sugars, 6g protein ing advantages and challenges of home mill- She recommends this moist, barely sweet molasses to a boil. Stir and set aside. ing, the various types of equipment that can cake for breakfast. For dessert, top slices with — From “The Essential Home-Ground be used, and the nutritional value of whole- fresh peaches and sweetened whipped cream 2. To a large bowl, add sifted oat flour, Flour Book” by Sue Becker; RobertRose.ca grain flour. Becker also advises on the use of or, in fall, with spiced apples and ice cream.

Sand is an excellent exfoliant that can rub away dry skin. A beach day beauty blend Ever used a file to smooth rough spots on centrating on heels and any problem areas. your heels? Some types work with the help Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. from the grainy texture of embedded sand. Purchase clean, light colored sand from a A similar treatment can have a moisturiz- craft store and it can be dyed by mixing in ing quality when loose sand is blended with a few drops of food color. CanolaInfo.org canola oil in a home-blended foot scrub. Add advises rinsing beach sand thoroughly with a few drops of scented essential oil to make it boiling water before using. smell pretty. In New Jersey, it is illegal to remove sand Here’s the recipe from CanolaInfo.org: In from any beach. Doing so risks fines and, if a bowl, combine 1/2 cup canola oil, 1/2 cup repeated, a month in the can. fine beach sand, 5 to 6 drops of rosemary oil Visit CanolaInfo.org for more “Good for and blend well. Store in sealable container. Every Body!” spa blends and many healthy To use, massage the scrub onto feet, con- cooking recipes. July-August 2020 AtHomeNJ.com 19 Zoodles! Now everyone wants zucchini Remember when you couldn’t give away all your home-grown zucchini? Now the tools that spin it into spirals dubbed “zoodles” have put zucchini in the same coveted class as cauliflower chopped into super-fine “rice.” Buy both precut, or make them yourself by using a hand-held spiralizer for the zucchini, and a box grater for the cauliflower. Grate zucchini for summer fritters held together with eggs and matzo meal or bread crumbs. Enjoy them with a salsa made from sweet little garden-grown tomatoes. Slice zucchini for a delicious roasted snack topped with Parmesan cheese.

Pesto zucchini noodles with burrata (8 servings) remaining olive oil over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until crisp-tender. 3/4 cup dry-roasted almonds, divided Transfer to a large bowl. 2 ounces Renard’s Gouda cheese, shredded 3. Add 3 tablespoons of reserved pesto; 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves toss to combine, adding more pesto as 1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves desired. Season with salt and pepper to 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves taste. Top servings with burrata. Garnish 1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped with chopped herbs and remaining 1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided almonds, chopped. 1/4 teaspoon salt Pepper to taste Notes: Gouda can be ordered online 8 slender medium zucchini from RenardsCheese.com. Freeze 8 ounces BelGioioso Burrata cheese any remaining pesto in ice cube trays. Transfer pesto cubes to a freezer 1. In a food processor, pulse 1/2 cup container. Use within six months. almonds, gouda, basil, mint, parsley and garlic until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle Nutrition information (per serving): 364 in 1/2 cup olive oil; process until smooth. calories, 34g fat (10g saturated), 40mg Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 1g carbs, 1g fiber, 0g sugars, 12g protein 2. Trim zucchini ends and use a spiralizer to produce long “noodles.” In a large — Recipe courtesy Dairy Farmers of

skillet, sauté zucchini in batches in Wisconsin; WisconsinCheese.com Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Zoodles with creamy burrata, almonds and fresh herbs make a light summer meal.

Zucchini fritters with tomato salsa Zucchini parmesan snacks (6 servings) (2 servings) 1 pound zucchini, shredded Non-stick cooking spray 1/2 pound carrots, shredded 2 medium zucchini (about 3/4 pound) 1 small red onion, shredded 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 large eggs, beaten 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup matzo meal, potato starch or bread (about 2 ounces) crumbs 1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon salt Vegetable oil for frying Freshly ground black pepper to taste Fresh tomato salsa (recipe follows) Smoked paprika to taste 1. In a large bowl, combine zucchini, 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly carrots, onions, eggs, matzo meal (or coat a baking sheet with non-stick potato starch) and salt, and mix to cooking spray. Slice zucchini into 1/4-inch combine. thick rounds. Place in a bowl with olive oil and toss to coat all sides. Combine 2. Heat a quarter-inch of oil in a large Parmesan, bread crumbs, salt, pepper sauté pan over medium-high heat. Drop and paprika in a small bowl. 2 tablespoonfuls of batter per pancake, and lightly press down to flatten. Fry for 2. Press each zucchini round into the about 3 minutes per side or until nicely Parmesan mixture, coating on both sides. with kosher salt and freshly cracked black browned. Remove and drain on paper Place in a single layer on prepared baking pepper. Serve with fritters. towels. Continue with remaining batter. sheet. Bake until browned and crisp, with seasoned bread crumbs. Nutrition information (per serving): 222 about 10 minutes. Remove with spatula. 3. Fresh tomato salsa: In a medium bowl, calories, 12g fat (2g saturated), 62mg Serve warm. Nutrition information (per serving): 287 combine 30 halved grape tomatoes (10 cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 23g carbs, 4g calories, 16g fat (7g saturated), 25mg red, 10 yellow and 10 orange), 2 minced Tester’s note: Powder-grated fresh fiber, 5g sugars, 8g protein cholesterol, 813mg sodium, 19g carbs, 2g cloves garlic, 1/4 cup fresh torn parsley Parmesan works best in this recipe. Finely fiber, 4g sugars, 12g protein leaves, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive — From Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller grated cheese is better when sprinkled oil and juice of 1 lemon. Season to taste Magazine; JamieGeller.com (Spring 2013) onto zucchini rounds instead of mixing it — Recipe, photo courtesy Midwest Dairy 20 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020 Historians chew on sandwich classics Food historians were invited to tell the story of a sandwich of their choosing. The A snack for elites responses included classics such as the club Unlike many American food trends of the sandwich and regional fare such as New 1890s, such as the Waldorf salad and chafing England’s chow mein sandwich. Three of the dishes, the club sandwich has endured, im- stories are reprinted here; for the rest, see mune to obsolescence. “In America’s Sandwiches, the Story of a The sandwich originated in the country’s Nation” at TheConversation.com. stuffy gentlemen’s clubs, which are known — to this day — for a conservatism that includes loyalty to outdated cuisine. (The For working women Wilmington Club in Delaware continues to The tuna salad sandwich originated from serve terrapin, while the Philadelphia Club’s an impulse to conserve, only to become a specialties include veal and ham pie.) So symbol of excess. the club sandwich’s spread to the rest of the In the 19th century — before the era of population, along with its lasting popularity, supermarkets and cheap groceries — most is a testament to its inventiveness and appeal. Americans avoided wasting food. Scraps A two-layer affair, the club sandwich calls of chicken, ham or fish from supper would for three pieces of toasted bread spread be mixed with mayonnaise and served on with mayonnaise and filled with chicken or lettuce for lunch. Leftovers of celery, pickles Alphonso Charles turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato. Usually and olives — served as supper “relishes” — Club sandwiches were conceived as a manly take on the dainty types served with tea. the sandwich is cut into triangles and held would also be folded into the mix. together with a toothpick. Salads that incorporated fish tended to use home cooks could skip the step of cooking ing School Magazine. Some believe it should be eaten with a salmon, white fish or trout. Most Americans a fish and go straight to the salad. But there “For variety,” author Julia Davis Chandler fork and knife, and its blend of elegance and didn’t cook (or even know of) tuna. was a downside: The immense popularity of wrote, “some day try making little sand- blandness make the club sandwich a perma- Around the end of the 19th century, canned tuna led to the growth of a global in- wiches, or bread fingers, of three very thin nent feature of country and city club cuisine. middle-class women began to spend more dustry that has severely depleted stocks, and layers of bread and two of filling, one of As far back as 1889, there are references time in public, patronizing department led to the unintended slaughter of millions of peanut paste, whatever brand you prefer, to a Union Club sandwich of turkey or stores, lectures and museums. Since social dolphins. A clever way to use dinner scraps and currant or crabapple jelly for the other. ham on toast. The Saratoga Club-House conventions kept these women out of the has become a global crisis of conscience and The combination is delicious, and so far as I offered a club sandwich on its menu be- saloons where men ate, lunch restaurants capitalism. I like mine on toasted rye. know original.” ginning in 1894. opened up to cater to this new clientele. They — Megan Elias, Boston University The sandwich moved from garden parties Interestingly, until the 1920s, sandwiches offered women exactly the kind of foods they to lunchboxes in the 1920s, when peanut were identified with ladies’ lunch places that had served each other at home: salads. While butter started to be mass produced with hy- served “dainty” food. salads made at home often were composed ‘Delicious & original’ drogenated vegetable oil and sugar. Market- The first club sandwich recipe comes from of leftovers, those at lunch restaurants were While the peanut butter and jelly sandwich ers of the Skippy brand targeted children as a an 1899 book of “salads, sandwiches and made from scratch. Fish and shellfish salads has become a staple of elementary school potential new audience, and thus the associa- chafing-dish dainties,” and its most famous were typical fare. cafeterias, it actually has upper-crust origins. tion with school lunches was forged. proponent was Wallis Simpson, the Ameri- When further social and economic In the late-19th century, at elegant ladies’ The classic version of the sandwich is can woman whom Edward VIII abdicated changes brought women into the public as luncheons, a popular snack was small, crust- made with soft, sliced white bread, creamy the throne of Great Britain to marry. office and department store workers, they less tea sandwiches with butter and cucum- or chunky peanut butter and jelly. Outside of Nonetheless, an 1889 article from the New found fish salads waiting for them at the ber, cold cuts or cheese. Around this time, the United States, the peanut butter and jelly York Sun entitled “An Appetizing Sandwich: affordable lunch counters patronized by busy health food advocates like John Harvey Kel- sandwich is rare — much of the world views A Dainty Treat That Has Made a New York urban workers. Unlike the ladies’ lunch, the logg started promoting peanut products as a the combination as repulsive. Chef Popular” describes the Union Club office lunch hour had time limits. So lunch replacement for animal-based foods (butter These days, many try to avoid white bread sandwich as appropriate for a post-theater counters came up with the idea of offer- included). So for a vegetarian option at these and hydrogenated fats. Nonetheless, the supper, or something light to be eaten before ing the salads between two pieces of bread, luncheons, peanut butter simply replaced sandwich has a nostalgic appeal for many a nightcap. This was one type of sandwich which sped up table turnover and encour- regular butter. Americans, and online recipes suggest high- that men could indulge in, the article seemed aged patrons to get lunch to go. One of the earliest known recipes that end versions — with freshly ground peanuts, to be saying — as long as it wasn’t eaten for When canned tuna was introduced in suggested including jelly with peanut butter artisanal bread or unusual jams. lunch. the early 20th century, lunch counters and appeared in a 1901 issue of the Boston Cook- — Ken Albala, University of the Pacific — Paul Freedman, Yale University

ielf si kiel a cnwhdais! thibr sa eno cslie, nad atedh sa het oreht. Unscramble the words at right from awth oyu tpu ni enbewet eht a motivational author and life coach. iscels si pu ot uyo. — lanla furus Solution on AtHomeNJ.com. July-August 2020 AtHomeNJ.com 21

ESTATE PLANNER Special planning for second marriages When two families link arms through Signing a new set of estate planning docu- dle real property and other assets. At times, a second marriage there is happiness all ments is very important. Individuals can we have to dash into court with a petition around. If disability sets in, those unified specify who has the decision-making author- for some emergency authority. In situations voices often become discordant. The rights, ity in the event of incapacity, and who will be where there is a second spouse and children expectations and obligations of the healthy the Executor of the Estate. Carefully written from a prior relationship, a Guardianship spouse often clash with the expectations and documents, including a Prenuptial Agree- action may become contested, leading to interests of the disabled spouse’s children. ment, a durable Power of Attorney, and a Will, extensive and expensive litigation over who We often we hear of situations in which a address any necessary interplay between the is entitled and best suited to be appointed as person passed away unexpectedly or had a second spouse and an individual’s children. the individual’s Guardian. catastrophic accident or stoke, and various Are adult children entitled to continue Also, keep in mind that if a disabled family members or good friends start trying to live in the marital home if their parent is spouse needs a nursing home, a Prenuptial to find out information or even to gain ac- incapacitated or deceased? Are they required Agreement or separated ownership of assets cess to assets without any authority to do so. to pay rent? If the incapacitated parent was will not shield the healthy spouse from the Oftentimes, energy is fruitlessly spent before supporting adult children, is the Agent under obligation to pay hundreds of thousands of legal advice is obtained. Sometimes, tremen- Power of Attorney obligated to continue this dollars for care. Sometimes a divorce is war- dous fights ensue. pattern? Many issues can be addressed with ranted to protect separated assets. In other These issues are bad enough when the in- planning and signed legal documents. cases, a Medicaid application will be needed. dividual has no spouse or no children — and A spoken statement doesn’t create a Will. other relatives claim to be the rightful heirs Documents for long-term care A spoken promise doesn’t create a Power of or decision-makers — but the issues can be A life-care document specifies how an Attorney. A person’s belief that they were LINDA ERSHOW-LEVENBERG, ESQ. magnified where there are children from a individual wants his or her Agent to arrange authorized to handle someone’s financial prior relationship as well as a current spouse. for disability care, and HIPAA releases can matters doesn’t translate into authority. Linda Ershow-Levenberg is a certified Elder Once a person is divorced, any prior des- authorize children to have access to protect- Thoughtful estate planning and updating of Law attorney and the managing partner at the ignation of their ex-spouse as a fiduciary in a ed health information. estate plans on a regular basis — especially af- Clark law firm Fink Rosner Ershow-Levenberg, Will or Power of Attorney is voided. In some As discussed in a previous column, if an ter a major life event such as marriage — can LLC. Call (732) 382-6070 for advice on power circumstances, that can leave the individual individual becomes incapacitated and never go a long way to prevent crises and litigation. of attorney, and estate and elder-care planning. without any fiduciary. Remarriage by itself signed any Power of Attorney, there may be a A carefully written plan, along with good More at LegalNewsYouCanUse.com. Consult doesn’t grant actual fiduciary authority to the need for someone to pursue Guardianship to communication, can help ensure that your an attorney for individual advice. This column new spouse. attain authority to make decisions and han- wishes will be carried out. is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.

TOON TIME Staying safe Summer sunshine and the restored op- portunity to host small gatherings may cause some of us to inadvertently let down our guard against Covid-19. By now, we all know to wash our hands frequently, wear face cov- ers in public and practice social distancing. As a refresher, the following information from the Centers for Disease Control may help avoid exposure to the virus. Avoid exposure: The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. It is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected per- son coughs, sneezes or talks. Studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms. Be clean: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Use detergent or soap and water to clean. Then, use a household disinfectant. See CDC.gov for a list of EPA- registered household disinfectants. Monitor your health: Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other Co- vid-19 symptoms. Take your temperature if you feel unwell. If you have trouble breath- ing, get immediate emergency medical care. 22 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020

HOME THEATER America’s pastime at the movies

‘42’ (2013) ‘Moneyball’ (2011) ‘The Natural’ (1984) The well-intentioned but plodding “42” is like any number A movie about the wealth gap among baseball teams? And Barry Levinson’s baseball-themed fantasy, “The Natural” of dramatic bios set in the not-too-distant past. The vintage how one woefully underfunded team used stats and science — too dreamlike to be called a straightforward drama — is cars are polished; the actors look like they’re playing dress- to number-crunch its way to a 20-game winning streak? That about the consequences of myth-making, about how baseball up; the inspirational music swells on cue. What’s different is could be dry. But right off the bat (pun intended), Bennett players can be idealized, idolized, coerced and corrupted. that this is a bio of Jackie Robinson, the first Black man to Miller’s based-on-truth “Moneyball” makes clear its agenda. Robert Redford clung to the leading-man looks that made play Major League Baseball. Much dialogue sounds like it In depicting a 2001 elimination game between our heroes, him a movie star in the late 1960s, which Levinson exploits was written in the 2010s, not spoken in the 1940s, but “42” the Oakland Athletics, and the New York Yankees, the fis- at every opportunity. Redford stars as Roy Hobbs, who learns can be heart-rending. As the story of Robinson — who faced cal disparity is spelled out in white type on a black screen: early that dangers come with being a great athlete; his attempt- many unimaginable trials — unfolds, tears will be coaxed. $114,457,768 (the Yanks) vs. $39,722,689 (the A’s). Just so ed murder by a disturbed woman (Barbara Hershey) stalls his Chadwick Boseman gives a praiseworthy performance as there’s no doubt where this movie is going. career. When Roy finally joins the New York Knights, he’s an Robinson, but physically, he is miscast. Boseman still has the Brad Pitt stars as real-life Oakland general manager Billy aging rookie out to prove he still has the heart of a ballplayer. gangliness of a kid, whereas Robinson had the look of a ma- Beane, who has anger issues; he hates, hates, hates to lose. In Our protagonist encounters characters who are shady ture man, even as a rookie. (Boseman later starred in “Black broad daylight, Beane poaches player analyst Peter Brand (menacing bookmaker Darren McGavin, on-the-payroll Panther.”) Harrison Ford plays the Dodgers honcho who (Jonah Hill in a standout role) from the Cleveland Indians. femme fatale Kim Basinger) as well as principled (hometown made the bold decision to sign Robinson. But in his false The film sidesteps sports-movie cliches. We can be grateful sweetheart Glenn Close, folksy Knights manager Wilfred nose, chin and wig, Ford resembles a “Dick Tracy” villain. “Moneyball” doesn’t end with the slow-motion win. Brimley), all the while staying true to his dream.

‘The Winning Team’ (1952) ‘Pride of the Yankees’ (1942) ‘Elmer, the Great’ (1933) Ronald Reagan and Doris Day — it’s a pairing that doesn’t You don’t have to be a baseball nerd to know Lou Gehrig. Rubber-faced Joe E. Brown had something in common exactly promise dramatic fireworks. Still, Lewis Seiler’s “The The Hall-of-Famer is the informal namesake of ALS, the with a predecessor in screen comedy. Like Buster Keaton, Winning Team” is a watchable baseball drama based on a disease that felled him in 1941 at 37. Hollywood wisely chose Brown was an athlete as much as a clown. Many of Brown’s true story, with echoes of another baseball-themed biopic Gary Cooper, an actor adept at projecting quiet heroism, to films centered on sports, including his quintessential vehicle made 10 years earlier, “Pride of the Yankees.” portray this beloved athlete who faced the end with grace. — if you ask me — “Elmer, the Great” (1933). Day is top-billed as Aimee Alexander, devoted wife of The story follows Gehrig’s obsession with baseball as a “Elmer” has everything you could want in a Joe E. Brown Grover Cleveland Alexander (Reagan), a pitcher whose liveli- youth (played by Douglas Croft) … his strong-willed im- movie. He plays a country bumpkin — a specialty of Brown’s hood is affected by two injuries. As a young man, Alexander migrant mother (Elsa Janssen) pushing him to become an — who fancies himself the best hitter in the game of baseball. was beaned in the head during a game, triggering a lengthy engineer … a sportswriter (Walter Brennan) spotting his The Chicago Cubs must agree; they sign Elmer, and then do bout of double-vision. As a World War I gunnery sergeant, talents at the plate … and Gehrig’s bumpy “meet cute” with a everything in their power to keep him happy. his eardrums were rattled by constant bombardment. glamorous socialite (Teresa Wright) who he later marries. Touching scene: In a hotel room, Elmer’s teammates fool Later in life, when these injuries catch up with Alexander Several athletes play themselves, such as Babe Ruth (dis- him into thinking he is talking on the radio. (The “micro- and begin to affect his pitching, he takes to the bottle, drifting playing a knack for humor), Bill Dickey and Mark Koenig. phone” is actually a lamp.) When trusting Elmer makes a away from baseball … and his wife. Hokiness alert: This is Touching scene: Gehrig, his days numbered, comes face- heartfelt speech to his dear old Maw back home, the guys lose the kind of movie in which the pitcher miraculously throws to-face with a teen (David Holt) who was inspired by the their smirks and look at the floor in regret. better whenever his sweetheart is present in the stadium. athlete to defy doctors’ gloomy predictions and walk again. — Mark Voger, MarkVoger.com July-August 2020 AtHomeNJ.com 23

ASK DR. BARB How to manage job security worries Dear Dr. Barb: on a daily basis, and it becomes easy to fear can come and go if you don’t engage them. I am a regular reader of your column. that you could lose your job, and your career Add positive to negative. You don’t You often advise against worrying about will end. However, imagining the worst-case necessarily have to bury your negative feel- the worst-case scenario (catastrophizing) scenario is a self-defeating way to address the ings, but you can try letting the positive ones in a given situation. I’ve found this hard to problem. Here are a few healthier ideas to sit alongside them. For example, remind do. I am 42, and I work in retail market- cope with your fears: yourself how well you coped with challenges ing. My company has suffered huge losses Envision different outcomes. As an in the past. Remember how responsible and with the months-long closure of our stores example, your present job may be eliminated reliable you have been to get where you are nationwide. I have been working from but there are other career opportunities that today in your career. After all, you still are home, but I have found it hard to remain will require marketing experience. You can employed remotely in a company that has optimistic even with decent online revenue always upgrade your skills without having to suffered huge losses but yet has decent online and plans to reopen our physical locations. totally reinvent yourself. Additionally, you do revenue and plans to reopen its stores. By be- I am worried that I might be a layoff tar- not have to be so afraid of reinventing your- ing optimistic, you can give yourself permis- get. The idea that I might lose my job and self. At 42, you are young enough to make sion to remain hopeful, even if from time to need to reinvent myself to compete for an changes in your career. However, this strategy time you feel anxious and fearful. already limited number of “career” jobs would also be effective for older readers. To Care for yourself. Self-care such as exer- is honestly distressing. I would appreciate anyone facing a similar challenge, regardless cising regularly, eating nutritiously, sleeping any ideas you can offer on staying positive of age: Remind yourself that while it might be restfully and maintaining social interactions, and moving ahead effectively. challenging, you have done difficult things in even if just by phone or video. is another way the past, and you can do so again. to manage your anxiety. Consider having a Dear Reader: Distance yourself from negativity. If conversation with someone you trust in order Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many you are unable to avoid catastrophic think- to get a more optimistic perspective. individuals are facing real threats to their sur- ing, and the anxiety becomes overwhelming, Volunteer. Productively refocus and make vival both health-wise and financially. Being try limiting your worries to 15 minutes daily a positive contribution to social causes by concerned about the future is a very human by writing them down. Then put the list in a getting involved with a volunteer organiza- response. Yet in these times of unprecedented drawer to be renewed for 15 minutes the fol- tion. Such work can give you a renewed sense uncertainty, catastrophizing can be the least lowing day and as needed. of purpose while reducing stress and feelings BARBARA ROSENBERG effective way to regain control. Try humor. Think of your negative of powerlessness. Also, volunteer work some- This pattern of thinking that jumps to thoughts as impositions by a humorous times leads to other job opportunities. family. You will be better equipped to main- the most negative possible outcomes usu- character like Hopeless Henry, who thinks Use social media wisely. It may be wise tain hopefulness and confidently face the ally leads to feelings of powerlessness with the world is going to end. Remain aware that to limit news and social media, as the mes- difficult challenges ahead. relentless worry that we will not be able to he cannot forecast the future, and he doesn’t sages can become quite nerve-racking, mak- Barbara L. Rosenberg, Ph.D, is a licensed cope with whatever may happen. The over- really know what he’s talking about. ing it difficult to separate fact from fiction. psychologist whose Summit practice serves whelming fear of catastrophic outcome can Don’t worry about worrying. Some- However, using social media (or phone calls) individuals of all ages, as well as couples sometimes create a self-fulfilling prophecy times the belief that you cannot stop worrying to network with friends and former cowork- and families. She previously chaired educa- whereby the person, feeling so powerless, can cause you to worry more. Remember that ers might create future job opportunities. tional and social programs for the Essex- actually gives up trying. your thoughts are only thoughts. Just because Managing anxiety with compassion for Union County Association of Psychologists. In this pandemic, news and facts about you think something might happen, it won’t yourself and others will help you make the Contact her through BarbaraRosenberg.com unemployment numbers change negatively necessarily happen. Worrisome thoughts easily best decisions you can for yourself and your or call her office at (908) 277-4206.

Survive a divorce and you might find positives Being in the midst of a messy, painful di- a divorce,” she told Medium.com. “My own you can make it through just about anything. vorce or separation can feel like life is over. research was a major part of what got me ■ You may get more quality time with your Especially for a woman whose identity is through and beyond the crisis. I became children. If you have sole custody of your built around her home, husband and chil- determined not to let divorce define my life kids, you will be fully immersed in their lives. dren. Her family is her safe place, and when and the lives of my children (who were 1 and In most cases, with shared or joint custody, it’s turned upside down, she is usually thrown 3 at the start) ­and to pay it forward by helping you will get specified amounts of time with completely off balance. other women triumph over trauma.” them. In this scenario, you will plan for your But what if there is an upside to divorce? She would later tap her undergraduate time with your children. It ends up being Nikki Bruno was a high-achieving entre- degree from Princeton and a graduate degree quality more than quantity. You also appreci- preneur in the book-publishing industry. from Harvard to start The Epic Comeback, ate having “alone time” every now and then! With an accomplished husband and two a Los Angeles company that helps women ■ After divorce, many individuals become beautiful young children, she had it all — rebuild a joyful life after divorce. themselves again. Once the stress and tension until she realized she had lost herself in her Below are some of her insights for others are over, they learn how to relax and become marriage. Bruno became intimately familiar facing a similar challenge who might not the person they want to be. Individuals are with the highs and lows of divorce and its realize there’s an upside to their situation. able to pursue their goals without the guilt of aftermath. The divorce took three years, and ■ Divorce can actually build your confi- taking time away from somebody else. it nearly broke her. But it also set the scene dence and inner strength. Once you realize ■ You can decide how to spend your free for her life’s next chapter. you’ve made it through the process without time. You don’t have to answer to anybody NIKKI BRUNO “I had to learn about how and why to get falling apart, you will feel a sense of pride that else or worry about upsetting them. 24 AtHomeNJ.com July-August 2020 Making your home manageable

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