Beverages
Winter Warm-Up
Hot chocolate, anyone? Or do you prefer hot cocoa? Although the terms are used interchangeably, there is a difference. Hot chocolate usually consists of shaved or chopped chocolate melted into hot water, milk, or cream. Hot cocoa often is made using cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. Sometimes, cinnamon or vanilla is added to both beverages. And, of course, they can be topped with marshmallows or whipped cream. Mmmmm. Regardless of the variations, a warm cup of chocolatey sweetness may be just the ticket after spending time in the cold.
Did you know that cocoa has some health benefits as well? Cocoa powder is a good source of fiber and iron. It also contains antioxidants known as flavonoids, which are known to reduce inflammation and boost immune systems. The American Heart Association says that cocoa is beneficial to cardiovascular health. And a medical study has suggested a correlation between hot chocolate and improved memory. Lastly, hot cocoa can improve one’s mood — literally. When one is drinking it, neurotransmitters that produce feelings of comfort and happiness are released, and they reduce stress and pain. Cocoa’s caffeine content provides an energy boost, and its tryptophan relaxes you.
Now, are you craving a cup of the warm stuff? Try this classic hot cocoa recipe we culled from an internet search (you can find many others, too):
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ¼-cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½-cup granulated sugar, and ⅛-teaspoon salt. Add ⅓-cup hot water. Cook, stirring constantly until smooth, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in 4 cups of milk. Heat until warm but do not boil. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Enjoy. Makes 4 cups.
App File
Coffee Klatches
It’s cold outside. What you need to warm up is an extra-large caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, peppermint, pumpkin spice, coconut, cinnamon mocha latte. Where can you go? These apps help you find the nearest coffee shop.
Source Coffee: This is the app for true coffee nerds. It not only digs into the types of coffee used at various artisanal cafes around the world (don’t go looking for a Starbucks here), but it even notes the types of espresso machines they use. The 3,000-plus shops listed and the accompanying reviews are user submitted. You can track the places you’ve been and save your favorites. Free on iOS; an early Android version is offered. www.getsourcecoffee.com
CoffeeHub: CoffeeHub is just that — a hub that connects thousands of local coffee shops throughout the United States. The relatively new app allows you to find local cafes, and it has a social-media-like page that lets you follow your favorite cafes or roasters so you’re always up on the latest blends. Only available on iOS for now; an Android version is in development. www.coffeehubapp.com
Beanhunter: The app offers maps and directions to local cafes and coffee shops, but coffee drinkers who have “bean there, sipped that” provide the heart of the app by sharing pictures and reviews of coffee shops in cities around the world. Free on iOS. www.beanhunter.com
Health/Wellness
Benefits Of Getting Outside In Winter
Mutt Mulligan, rescue pet and official “spokesdog” for the TurfMutt Foundation, loves the snow and encourages everyone to spend time outdoors, even in wintertime.
Mutt Mulligan, a rescue dog and the “spokesdog” of the TurfMutt Foundation, wants to spread the word that getting outside this winter is a key to health and well-being. For a decade, the TurfMutt environmental education and stewardship program has advocated the importance of managed landscapes and other green space as critical to human health and happiness. And nature escapes are just as important in the wintertime as they are when the weather is warmer.
“No one enjoys being outside as much as the family dog, though we all gained a new appreciation for our yards and community parks over the last year as we used the outdoors to get away from our screens and connect with one another and nature,” said Kris Kiser, president of the TurfMutt Foundation and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Getting outside in the winter takes a little more preparation and planning, but there is no reason to abandon it. In fact, there are many reasons why it is a good idea to continue going outside throughout the winter.”
Here are seven reasons why Mutt Mulligan (a.k.a. Mo-Mo) encourages you to bundle up in moisture-wicking layers and don your coat, hat, gloves, and snow boots to get outside for your health and well-being.
Outdoor time elevates moods. Exposure to natural light – even in the shorter days of winter – raises levels of serotonin, the body’s “happy chemical.” Sunlight is also a good way to get a natural dose of vitamin D, which is good for your bones and immune system.
Memories improve. Researchers at the University of Michigan conducted a study that revealed walking in a natural setting versus an urban one improved recall ability by nearly 20 percent.
Reconnecting and recharging outdoors is safe. Unplugging from your computer, smartphone, and television is important even when it’s cold out and can be accomplished simply by going outside. Epidemiologists agree outside is still the safest place to gather (socially distanced, of course). Add a patio heater or fire pit to make it even cozier.
Activity boosts immunity. According to MedlinePlus, exercise helps decrease your risk for heart disease, maintains bone health, and can help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways.
More calories are burned in the cold. Being outside in the wintertime requires your body to work harder to keep you warm. Consequently, you burn more calories. Engage in a friendly snowball fight with the kids or grandkids or take a walk with Fido to rev up your metabolism and have a little fun along the way.
It doesn’t take long to reap nature’s benefits. Here’s a bit of good news for cold days. A study from the University of Michigan concluded that spending just 20 minutes in a natural setting reduces the level of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Outdoor chores help to prepare for spring. For those spending the winter in sticks-and-bricks homes, taking care of your yard in the wintertime is a good way to log some time outside and to prep for spring. The OPEI reminds folks using outdoor power equipment such as snow throwers to read the owners manual first and to abide by all safety precautions.
For information about the TurfMutt Foundation and its educational resources, or to sign up for a monthly tips newsletter, visit TurfMutt.com.