Healing with Food

Over the years I've noticed more achy joints and am always on the search for anything that can either help or worsen this condition. I've never been formally diagnosed with arthritis although I was sure I had some in my hip but the recent x ray didn't show anything. Most of us are familiar with the more well known kinds; osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Especially my husband who developed osteoarthritis in his 40s and especially feels pain and stiffness in his hands and feet. He especially swears by handfuls of sour dried cherries he consumes daily and can definitely feel it when he isn't able to get his hands on them.
 I was shocked to learn there are many more types, over 100 different kinds are know to affect so many, up to 50 million adults, according to the Arthritis Foundation. That's a lot of us looking for relief beyond pain medication that have their own side effects. It's all about managing it as there is no cure.
 Foods can make a difference in reducing inflammation which damages joints. Good oils such as extra virgin olive oil, salmon, cherries, most berries, beans, green tea, broccoli and nuts; walnuts, almonds and pine nuts are great sources of antioxidants. One of my favorite vegetables the tomato, of the nightshade family along with eggplants and potatoes has gotten a bad rap from someone who claimed it contributes to inflammation, swelling and pain. Apparently it got started because the leaves of the tomato plants are poisonous. The Arthritis Foundation hasn't found any substantial evidence through research to support this. They encourage more consumption of fruits and vegetables packed with nutrients and vitamins, including the nightshade veggies. It reminds me of the butter vs margarine debate back in the 50s when suddenly butter was the enemy because it clogged your arteries, according to one doctor's recommendation. We've since turned that on its head.
I didn't worry when I enjoyed my caprese salad from the bounty of tomatoes found everywhere in summer. The orange ones are less acidic and had a very sweet taste which went well with the thick slices of mozzarella cheese from Wegmans. All you need is some seasoning, a drizzle of good olive oil and balsamic, topped off with sweet leaves of basil. It's a nice accompaniment to any dish or by itself with some toasted sour dough bread. Don't forget to top it off with a glass or two of dry Finger Lakes Riesling when you salute to summer!

               

Those Charming Country Farm Stands and a Great Peach Bellini.

                                                                                                                                
                       One of the best parts of summer is the abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and the discovery along country roads those unadvertised farm stands. Housed in cute sheds with names like Snuffys, on flat bed trucks or just a simple table, they fill a need. Because sometimes the last place you want to go is the supermarket, after a long day.
 The wagon comes to mind on the road we live off of where you will find all kinds of produce, home grown honey and arranged flower bouquets, that come in handy, especially when you need a bunch in a hurry for those special occasions. Such as last year when we picked up a half a dozen to decorate tables for my mother in law's 96th birthday party.
This week the peaches finally came out. My husband came  home his arms brimming with tomatoes and the long awaited peaches. "Here, I know you'll think of something to do with all these." he said as they scattered onto the counter top, the floral fragrance of the peaches filling the air. My eyes scanned the produce and I immediately thought of using the large heirloom tomatoes for a caprese salad that would be perfect for a mid week get together at my friend's home on the lake. They would also be great for those California BLT's that make a simple summer super. As far as the peaches go, my husband was hinting about some peach cobbler that would go with the vanilla ice cream. But what I really had my heart set on was a fruity, refreshing peach bellini. I went about making my simple sugar with equal parts white sugar and water that equaled a cup,boiled it for a few minutes and then set it in the fridge to cool. By the way did you know Wegman's sells simple sugar now? Honestly I can't imagine anyone buying it, it's so easy and cheap to make yourself. But then they think of everything, knowing someone out there will buy it. Then I pealed 5 ripe peaches and blended them in the blender and set it to cool in the fridge. Time to run out and buy some bottles of Finger Lakes Swedish Hill Sparkling Riesling for the alcohol. This house serves nothing but Finger Lakes wines, although some recipes call for Prosecco. Then it was time to blend together the simple sugar and peach puree, which was a thing of beauty. Get your mason jars, tumblers or wine glasses out to pour the peach concoction into followed by the sparkling wine, then top off with some crushed ice. A thing of beauty as well as well as being dam delicious!
                                                     

      

Summer in the Finger Lakes

                      

 

There aren't many places left on Canandaigua Lake to enjoy the beautiful lake views. There's Kershaw park a great spot for picnics and swimming but if you want to eat out by the lake and have an experience, there's nothing like Canandaigua Inn On The Lake. You can go down to the Sand Bar where the atmosphere is super casual and watch the boaters come in, with drink or two and order some bar type food. On Wednesdays and Fridays you'll catch some local talent and get to enjoy live music. Sometimes you'll find people just sitting on the grass, taking it all in. Then there's the patio up above that offers up delicious main entrees where I've celebrated many events over the years. I really love that the Inn offers Finger Lakes wines to choose from, a focus of mine who as a lover of the amazing wines we have here, am disappointed many local establishments don't show case them. After dinner you can stroll by the lake where you'll find plenty of comfortable redwood Adirondack chairs, strategically placed along side the lake in front of the Inn, to take in the sunset during the long, dog days of summer. The Inn has also added a popular Finger Lakes wine and beer tasting event under the tent on Wednesdays during July and August. I'm already freaking about the Inn's closure next year to begin their huge project to update the facility through 2020.This has always been my go to place to bring friends from out of town or just to kick back with my husband. There really is no place like it. The Inn On The Lake represents the best of summer in Canandaigua. So better get down to the Inn on the Lake and make the most of it. After all summer is fleeting in Western New York.