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Chef Lester's Sober Sideboard

"L" is for Laughter

Ha, ha, ha, and ho, ho, ho, merry friends! Laughter is great. We are at the letter "L" in our "alcronym" recipe for healthy recovery: N.A.L.E.S. (N-utrition, A-ttitude, L-aughter, E-xercise, S-leep.) A sense of humor is a gift from God. Being able to find humor in the gravest of situations can help pull us through them. The American Medical Association has acknowledged that laughter has healing properties. We are not promised a bed of roses on our roads of recovery. When bad times come, being able to laugh can help us get through them. Set aside time to read or watch something comical, or joke with friends. Norman Cousins, late editor of the Saturday Review laughed himself back to good health. He was hospitalized with a serious injury. He took charge of his recovery which included watching old Marx Brothers movies, and clips of Candid Camera. His recovery was remarkable.

Scientists think endorphins are very much like morphine. They believe we release endorphins into our bloodstream by positive emotions. Laughter is positive. Laughter batters the walls of melancholy. Laughing feels good. That alone is reason enough to indulge in it. We became addicted after we discovered a chemical that relieved our anxiety The drug was only a band-aid that covered up our anxiety. Laughter relieves anxiety.

In 1999 Universal Studios released a film starring Robin Williams in the role of "Patch Adams." The movie is based on the life of Dr. Hunter D. "Patch" Adams. "Patch" wears a clown costume when he works with his patients. He believes healing should be a loving, creative, humorous human interchange. Humor is an antidote in recovery. Laughing, hugging, and clowning around, can give us a sense of satisfaction. Laughter is therapeutic.

Sometimes when we are stressed out, making ourselves laugh is very difficult. Our family has two quickies that work for us. We took some ridiculous pictures of ourselves in silly poses while making goofy faces at one of those photo booths in the mall. Looking at them reminds us not to take ourselves so seriously. The other is doing the Booty Boogie. It's a silly little dance we made up. We start by rolling our head around. Next, we flap our hands and arms. Then we wiggle our feet and legs. Finally we put the back field in motion and pull it all together. Then we really swing it! Come on try it! Don't be shy. It works! We guarantee you will feel so silly you will start laughing. The next time you're disgusted, stuck in traffic or a board meeting gets stuffy…do your new dance. If it doesn't get you committed, everyone around will start laughing too and definitely give you some space. Laughter at the dinner table aids digestion. Laughing raises our spirits and can put us in a good mood, as much as a fine hearty meal does. Our recipe offering in this issue is an amusing little sandwich that is so simple and easy to make, you might laugh yourself silly. Especially, if you're doing the Booty Boogie! This is our version of a New Orleans chopped olive muffalatto chicken sandwich. So let's grab our funny bones, and chef's hats as we wiggle and giggle to the kitchen.

GRILLED CHICKEN AND TOMATO SANDWICHES

INGREDIENTS:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts pounded ¼ inch thick

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 French sandwich loaves, split open

2 cloves of peeled garlic

4 tablespoons basil pesto

4 tablespoons reduced fat mayo & 2 tablespoons grain mustard mixed

8 ¼ inch slices red ripe tomatoes

8 thin slices red onions

8 tablespoons bottled green salad olives (coarsely chopped)

Kosher or sea salt & fresh ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1.) Pre-heat grill to white-hot ash if using coals or hot on a gas grill. Lightly salt and pepper and brush each breast with oil. Grill 4 minutes on each side until done. Lightly toast bread cut side down 1 minute.

2.) Rub each piece of toasted bread with a clove of garlic. Spread pesto lightly on the bottom cut side of bread and mayo/mustard mix lightly on the top cut side of bread.

3.) Place chicken breast on bottom. Layer on the tomatoes, red onions, and green olive salad. Top with other half of bread.

SERVE:

Cut the sandwich loaves in half for easier eating. Team this with your favorite baked chips, coleslaw, and pickles. Pitchers of cold lemonade and sliced watermelon complete this summer fare. It's quick, easy and laughing fun to prepare. Your brood of hyenas will be snickering, "That's DEE-licious!"

"Try it…your tummy will be glad you did!"

--Chef Lester Chef Lester author, columnist, and television host chef is a graduate of the Culinary Arts Academy. Questions, comments, or suggestions?

cheflesterlee@yahoo.com

 

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