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PANDEMIC
UPDATES
Virtual Adventures
Our ACTIVITIES 4 U link and our COMMUNITY RESOURCES link are two places to find important information. You can always access them here on our PANDEMIC UPDATES PAGE
and on the HOME PAGE of our website. We add information regularly and welcome your ideas.
Monday, November 2, 2020
A Message from Kathleen Stauffer,
CEO of The Arc Eastern Connecticut
Happy November Everyone!
Thanks to each one of you for everything you are doing to walk In Partnership for Full Equality with the people we serve and to stay healthy.
PLEASE . . . Remember to VOTE tomorrow! We are living in unprecedented times and your vote matters now more than ever. Every vote is important — MAKE your voice heard! Check out our Voter Guide for assistance and to find candidates in your region.
It is important that you and your family stay safe this holiday season! COVID cases continue to rise in Eastern Connecticut, with both New London and Windham Counties seeing around a 10% increase positive in COVID-19 cases since last week — this means the virus is considered uncontrolled in this area. The combination of cold weather keeping people indoors and students and relatives traveling home makes it especially important to wear masks and continue to practice social distancing — especially with loved ones who aren’t currently living with you.
DISCOVER ADP!
To all our Team Members: Please begin using ADP as soon as possible — it’s the system we use to track all your payroll and benefits. We will be moving to a completely online Open Enrollment platform in December, and ADP is where you must go to sign up for/change/edit your health insurance preferences and personal/beneficiary information.
Giving Tuesday is December 1: Help us spread the word!
Share our message — and your support — on social media using the hashtag(s) #GivingTuesday and #InPartnershipForFullEquality to join millions of global givers on December 1 by donating at TheArcECT.org/donate.
Please keep safe, everyone!
Sincerely,
This Month's Recipe
Stuffed Acorn Squash
with Wild Rice and Mushrooms
This stuffed acorn squash recipe is perfect for a Thanksgiving side. Stuffed with a wild rice and
mushroom pilaf, it is perfect for a vegetarian main dish as well!
Ingredients
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2 acorn squashes
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Salt and pepper
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Olive oil
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5 cloves minced garlic
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1 medium yellow onion
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme,
or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme -
1 1/2 cups wild rice blend
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8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups)
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3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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1/4 cup white wine (or water)
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1/2 cup sliced almonds, crushed
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1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
Directions
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
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Cut each acorn squash in half (widthwise; creating a semi flat surface). Then cut a small flat surface at the bottom of each half, so that the squash can stand on its own. Scoop seeds out.
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Drizzle and brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast on a sheet pan, flat side down, for about 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and tender. Remove from oven, flip, and let it cool.
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While the squash is roasting, prepare the rice pilaf. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil and butter to medium heat. Add onions, and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Then add garlic and thyme, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring.
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Add wine and cook until reduced. Add rice and cook, stirring, for about 2-3 minutes until its nutty fragrance is released. Add chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Then simmer, covered, on low for about 45-50 minutes, or until rice is cooked to your liking. Remove from heat and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Stir in almonds and parsley.
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Fill each acorn squash with the rice pilaf. Top with more parsley and almonds, if desired. Enjoy!
