Food and Your Mood: 9 Foods That Can Enhance Your Mood

Food and Your Mood: 9 Foods That Can Enhance Your Mood

by | Jan 15, 2022 | Food

Your food doesn’t just impact your waistline, it can also affect your mood. Consider that everything you eat is broken down and absorbed by your body. Of course, it can certainly have an effect on your mood. The food you eat impacts how you feel.

For example, consider how eating a piece of chocolate impacts your mood differently than consuming a plain baked potato.

See how what you put into your body matters to your body and your mind:

1. Fermented foods. Fermented foods are great for the health of the good bacteria in your gut. There is evidence that these bacteria play an important part in mental and physical health. Some examples of fermented foods include sauerkraut, yogurt, tempeh, and kombucha.

         ●  If none of those foods appeal to you, there are over-the-counter probiotic supplements that are likely to                 provide the  same benefit.

2. Salmon. Not just salmon, but other cold-water fatty fish including mackerel, herring, sardines, and tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown in some studies to boost health.

3. Chocolate. It only takes one bite of chocolate to know that it makes you feel better than you did right before eating it. Dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa (70% or higher) is actually quite healthy when eaten in moderation and can give your mood a great boost.

         ●  Chocolate reduces cortisol, too, which is a primary indicator of stress.

4. Leafy green vegetables. Those green leafy vegetables are high in magnesium, which has been shown to reduce anxiety. As a general rule, darker greens like spinach are healthier than lighter greens like lettuce. Try a mixture of greens to get the greatest benefit.

5. Nuts. Nuts are loaded with healthy fats, proteins, and even some fiber. The most important nutrient found in nuts regarding mood is tryptophan which is used to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is one of the positive-mood brain chemicals.

6. Fruit. Bananas in particular have been shown to boost mood, but all fruits are worth trying out as a mood enhancer. Fruits are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and can give your blood sugar a boost.

7. Coffee. Caffeine in moderation can certainly boost your mood, but there’s a lot more to coffee than just caffeine. Coffee is loaded with a variety of naturally occurring chemicals that are quite healthy and good for your mood.

         ● You can even skip the caffeine and consume decaf and get a similar mood-boosting effect.

8. Green Tea. Like coffee, green tea can be a healthy beverage that also boosts your mood. One of the chemicals found in green tea that induces calmness is EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate. The small amount of caffeine found in green tea is also good for your mood.

9. Oysters. Many people are low in zinc and oysters are loaded with zinc. There are a couple of studies that show eating oysters regularly reduces anxiety and depression. Oysters are also a source of omega-3 fatty acids and many vitamins.

If your mood is sourer than you’d like, changing your diet might have a positive impact. The foods you eat do have an effect on your mood, focus, and emotional health. Be sure to eat at least one food each day that is likely to have a positive impact on your mood.

Track how your mood is influenced by the foods you eat. It won’t take long before you know which foods to eat and which to avoid.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day From Your Kitchen!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day From Your Kitchen!

by | Feb 13, 2019 | Recipes

Skip the crowded restaurants and celebrate your sweetie with a few home-made treats of your own. We have selected three courses from some of our favorite brands in the hopes of inspiring a nice home cooked meal for the one you love.

Brunch

For brunch, surprise your sweetie with a delicious plate of crepes. This Crepe recipe by SubZero, Wolf, and Cove is a perfect display of how easy it is to make a restaurant quality breakfast from the comfort of your own kitchen. You can dress up this simple dish with this Fruit and Cream Filling recipe by Taste of Home:
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar, divided
4 teaspoons 2% milk
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup each fresh blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread 1 rounded tablespoon on each crepe; top with 1/4 cup fruit and roll up. Sprinkle with remaining confectioners’ sugar.

If you choose to have Mimosa’s with your brunch, try this Sparkling Raspberry Lemon Mimosa recipe by Aberdeen’s Kitchen.


Dinner

For dinner, we recommend treating your sweetheart (and yourself) with a perfectly cooked steak! If you haven’t quite mastered the art of the perfect steak, the Ultimate Steak by Frigidaire has a few expert tips, as well as a delicious rub recipe, to help prepare your meal. Pair your steak with a favorite vegetable and you have a hearty, home-cooked meal worthy of celebrating just about any occasion.

 

Dessert

 

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love but it is also ubiquitous with one thing…chocolate! Sure, you could go the traditional route with a store bought, heart shaped, box of chocolate confections. But why go traditional when you can have S’mores!? These treats have long been associated with being cooked on an open fire (very romantic). Still, the home appliance lovers in us can’t help but think of a way to incorporate a more domestic option to an open fire. So…enter the Lynx Napoli Oven!

 

Ingredients
8 graham crackers, broken in 1/2
2 milk chocolate bars, broken into squares
8 marshmallows, cut in halves

  1. Preheat Napoli Oven on Medium for 30 minutes with the door on.
  2. Lay 1/2 of the broken graham crackers on a cookie baking sheet. Place chocolate pieces on top and 2 marshmallow halves on top of that.
  3. Bake until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Remove from Napoli oven and top with the remaining graham crackers pressing down to make a sandwich. Serve while still warm

Have A Great Valentine’s Day Everyone!

 

Three Recipes to Make Your Super Bowl Super Delicious

Three Recipes to Make Your Super Bowl Super Delicious

by | Feb 1, 2019 | Recipes

There’s nothing wrong with chips, pizza or chicken wings, but sometimes you want to step up your “game” just a little bit.  So, whether you are tailgating at the game (lucky you) or having a party at your house like most of us, these grab-and-go recipes will make your Super Bowl super delicious.

Crockpot Tangy Cherry Chipotle Sausages

As many host and hostess know, the one place you don’t want to be during the Super Bowl is in the kitchen. This Tangy Cherry Barbeque Sausage crockpot recipe by EatingWell will cut back on kitchen time AND feed your guests! These sausages and their cherry and chipotle sauce are packed with tons of sweet and spicy flavor that is sure to become a favorite. You can serve these with toothpicks or they can be dressed up inside a hoagie roll or served with a side of rice.

Cornbread-Chili Casserole

Although this casserole recipe by the FoodNetwork takes a bit of prep time, the results are well worth your efforts in the kitchen. This dish is great to set out at halftime when your guests are getting hungry for something a little more comforting (and filling) than appetizers. It is also a great self-serve dish so the host can relax a little and enjoy the party.

Tequila Touchdown

What Super Bowl party would be complete without an aptly named drink to celebrate with? This Tequila Touchdown recipe by Martha Stewart is perfect for large batch pitchers and can be made as a mocktail by omitting the tequila.

And the winner is…

YOU!  Really, this yearly event isn’t about who wins or loses (can you tell the writer of this post is a Miami Dolphins fan? 😉). It is about having a great reason to gather with friends, family and frenemies (lol).  So eat, drink and enjoy spending time together during this year’s edition of the Super Bowl.

You can also find ALL of these recipes (and more) on the Milcarsky’s Appliance Centre’ recipe page.

Storing Your Appliances? Here’s What You Need to Know

Storing Your Appliances? Here’s What You Need to Know

by | Jan 21, 2019 | Appliances

There may be times during your life when you want to put your appliances in storage. You may be moving, but the new place is not ready yet. Alternatively, you may be doing a kitchen remodel, and you want to install the same appliances when you are done. Regardless of the reason that you are putting your appliances in storage, here are some tips you will want to remember.

The Oven

Viking Professional 7 Series
 VDR7364GSSLP

Start by washing your stove with dishwashing soap and hot water. Then, make a paste of baking soda and water. Scrub the stove with the paste until you have it clean. Pull out the racks and store them separately. Use some strong tape to keep the doors closed while transporting. If you have a gas stove, turn off the knob at the wall disconnecting the gas from the unit. If you have an electric one, then unplug it. Once the stove is in storage, use an old sheet and a tie-down strap to keep the stove covered and protected from insects while allowing air to circulate.

The Refrigerator

Sub-Zero 36″ Built-In

If you are going to store your refrigerator, then make sure that you clean it first. Then, defrost it. The trick to completely defrosting a refrigerator is to unplug the refrigerator and leave the door open. Completely defrosting a refrigerator takes about seven days. If your refrigerator has a drain plug, remove it and walk away for several hours. Come back and clean up any remaining water. Make sure that you do not leave any moisture inside because it can mold. Pull the fridge out from the wall and unhook the drain line. Let the water drain from the unit. Place a chain and lock around the refrigerator so that the door cannot be opened while the refrigerator is in storage.

The Microwave


Café™ 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Microwave

Cut a lemon into slices and put in a large bowl of water. Sit the bowl in the microwave, and turn it on long enough for the water to come to a boil. Carefully remove the bowl. Use a wet paper towel soaked in vinegar to wipe down the inside of the microwave. Remove the glass turntable, wrap it in bubble wrap and store it separately in a box. Always keep the microwave right side up and do not put anything heavy on top of it.

The Dishwasher

LG Signature LUDP8908SN Left Angle Open Racks Out
LG Signature Dishwasher

Bacteria, fungi, and mold can easily grow inside an unclean dishwasher. That’s why it’s so important to clean your dishwasher before storing it by putting one cup of vinegar in a bowl on the top rack. Then, run it through a cycle using hot water. Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the trays and the inside of the unit. The most important part of storing a dishwasher is to remove the water lines. Leaving even a little bit of water in them can eventually ruin the dishwasher.


Cleaning your kitchen appliances before moving them has them ready to be reinstalled when you are ready. Then, make sure that they are dry. Finally, store shelves, racks and other parts separately.

Functionality Meets Style with Signature Kitchen Suite’s New 30″ Column

Functionality Meets Style with Signature Kitchen Suite’s New 30″ Column

by | Aug 28, 2018 | Appliances

Sleek & Compact Performance

30″ Refrigerator Column SKSCR3001P

When it comes to refrigeration, a 30″ column may not seem like it would offer a lot of space. But when you consider Signature Kitchen Suite’s advanced engineering, focused design, and amazing 18.0 cu.ft of capacity, you gain a better understanding of this functional piece of art. Innovative features like a linear compressor and engineered all-metal interior battle temperature fluctuations, keeping your food fresh for as long as possible. The three soft-closing Lift and Go storage drawers provide versatility while the movable snack drawer gives you the extra space for the things that need it most. The Lift and Go design element of this impressive 30″ refrigerator column extends to the four aluminum framed door bins.  These door bins come with removable inserts for easy cleaning while offering extra storage space for taller items like 2-liter drinks (or maybe a chilled bottle of wine).

SKSCR3001P / SKSCF1801P

Late night snacking has never been better (or easier) with Signature Kitchen Suites’ soft LED True-View lights which are positioned specifically to illuminate the food. So, you can be sure you are reaching for that healthy snack 😉 . The 30″ Refrigerator column can be paired with an 18″ Freezer column to fit any 48″ opening for new construction or can cleanly fit in a 47.5″ opening for your kitchen appliance upgrade. For those of you looking to create the ultimate connected kitchen, the 30″ column refrigerator is Energy Star Certified, WiFi enabled with the SmartThinQ app for iPhone/Android, and features Sabbath Mode/Smart Diagnosis. The TrueFit Integrated design features an intelligent, symmetrical fit that allows for proud or flush installation, along with an easy door reversal feature for a truly customizable piece.

Another one of our favorite features is the space-saving internal water dispenser that delivers cold, fresh, filtered water with a simple touch. The water dispenser is conveniently located on the interior of the refrigerator wall and the water filter lasts for six months. The unique design of the internal water dispenser allows enough room to fill a variety of glass sizes and can even accommodate tall water bottles/carafes. This is just one small step in the fight against single-use plastic waste while providing quality filtered water for you and your loved ones. Signature Kitchen Suite also took the extra consideration and engineered it’s 30″ column refrigerator (as well as many other of its appliances) as Eco-Friendly as possible and reduced their environmental impact with HFC /HCFC free refrigerant, insulation, and recyclable materials.

Signature Kitchen Suite and their leading appliances are still fairly exclusive but can be found at Milcarsky’s Appliance Centre’ here in Longwood, Florida. Our talented design and sales team can answer any questions and help you find the perfect appliance(s) to fit your specific needs.

Summer Kitchen Recipes: Enjoy Your Outdoor Space

Summer Kitchen Recipes: Enjoy Your Outdoor Space

by | Aug 23, 2018 | Outdoor Cooking, Recipes

Labor Day is around the corner, camps and vacations are coming to an end and families are slowly getting prepared for a new school year. So, what does one do to savor these waning days of summer here in the sunshine state? Well, Milcarsky’s Appliance Centre’ has a tried and true suggestion…Grill out! Whether you have a full outdoor kitchen or a standard grill, cooking outdoors can produce mouthwatering results as well as bring an extra ambiance to your meal’s setting when enjoyed outside. It is a great way for family and friends to gather around to enjoy a delicious meal as well as each other’s company, Al Fresco style.

A Quick Word On Marinades:
Marinating your meats ensures a delicious flavor, just be extra careful not to use an aluminum pan to store your meat and marinade in because it reacts to acids and can leave a metallic taste. Also, do not use any leftover marinade on your meat unless it is boiled for at least 3 consecutive minutes, it can contain harmful bacteria and no one wants to get food poisoning!

 

Rosemary Chicken Recipe: From Capital Grills

Ingredients (Serves Four)
  • 3 1/2 lbs whole chicken, cut into parts (6-8 pieces)
  • 4 plump garlic cloves
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
  1. In a food processor or blender, mix the garlic, oil, and lemon juice/peel until smooth. Pour into a bowl.
  2. Add seasonings and stir to make a paste. Brush over chicken pieces, cover, and chill 6 hours or overnight; discard any excess marinade.
  3. Preheat the barbecue to medium heat. Grill chicken 15 minutes; turn over and cook another 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.

 

Spicy Grilled Shrimp: From Subzero/Wolf

Ingredients
  • 36 large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (2 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation Method

Create marinade by combining olive oil, basil, cloves, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, salt and pepper in bowl.

Thread 6 shrimp, evenly spaced, onto 12-inch metal skewers. Place shrimp skewers in 15×10 glass baking dish. Pour all but 1/4 cup marinade over shrimp; turn skewers to coat shrimp fully. Cover and chill the skewers and the remaining marinade for one hour.

Bring grill to medium-high heat. Grill shrimp until approximately 2 1/2 minutes per side – or until just opaque in center. When done, place skewers on a platter and spoon the remaining marinade on the shrimp. Serve immediately.

 

Grilled Zucchini and Leeks (with Walnuts): By Capital Grills

Grilled vegetables are a summertime must have and make great side dishes to compliment any meal or can be enjoyed all on their own.

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 large leeks, halved lengthwise with root attached, rinsed
  • 2 large zucchini, halved lengthwise
  • 1/4 cup parsley leaves (salt and ground pepper, to taste)
Instructions
  1. Preheat Lynx Grill to medium-high heat, or 550 F
  2. Toss walnuts with garlic, lemon juice, and 3 tbsp oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Brush leeks and zucchini with the remaining 2 tbs olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill vegetables for around 6 minutes on each side
  4. Transfer vegetables to a cutting board and cut leeks and zucchini into bite-size pieces. Combine vegetables and parsley with walnuts in a bowl. Season with more salt and lemon juice as desired. Serve while warm.

Something A Little Different

 

OK, so this next recipe doesn’t involve a grill but was too delicious not to include with the others. Broccoli Salad is a summertime favorite and can be made ahead of time, its quick, easy and packed with flavor.

Alabama Broccoli Salad by American Range

Ingredients:
Salad
  • 5-6 cups broccoli florets 1 lb, this was about 2 1/2 heads of broccoli for me (450g)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese thicker, not finely shredded (115g)
  • 2/3 cup dried cranberries (85g)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (60g)
  • 1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds (60g)
  • 1/3 cup red onion diced into small pieces (50g)

Dressing

  • 3/4 cup mayo I use olive oil mayo (175g)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (70g)
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 3 Tablespoons sugar (40g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and onion in a large bowl.
  2. In a separate, small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Pour dressing over broccoli combination and toss or stir well.
  4. Keep refrigerated if not consuming right away.

Living and working here in beautiful Central Florida certainty offers many chances for us to enjoy our outdoor spaces. If you would like to see more recipes like these as well as others, please visit the recipes tab on Milcarsky’s Appliance Centre’s website or use (this) link.