INTERNATIONAL: ARGENTINIAN HISTORY & RECIPES:

Argentina's political history is somewhat complicated. It is relatively young, only coming into being as an independent country in the early 19th Century. However as with most countries, its history has had a direct effect on its culinary culture.

Before the arrival of the Europeans, there were two main indigenous groups: the Diaguita in the northwest and the Guarani further south. When the Spanish arrived in 1502 they noted that the southern inhabitants were primarily nomadic hunter gatherers, whilst the northwestern Incas were agricultural and cultivated maize. Cattle was introduced to the pampas in the 1550's which would have a profound affect on the cuisine of Argentina.

By the late 18th century Argentina was part of a new Viceroyalty, an area which included Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. The local Indians had introduced the use of foods such as mangoes, squash, sweet potatoes and coconuts, however the declining and scattered Indian population made it difficult to employ them as labour. One effect of this led to the creation of huge cattle ranches, known as haciendas and the beginnings of the gaucho (cowboy) who were the decedents of early Spanish (Andalusian) settlers who had mixed with local Indian women.

The second effect was huge immigration. Enter The Europeans en masse. Italians, French, Germans, British, Eastern Europeans... you name it, they came to take advantage of a country which held the promise of a better life and riches and with them they brought their culinary habits and tastes. They introduced foods such as Italian Pasta, French style bread instead of tortillas and seasonings such as parsley, fresh oregano, paprika, thyme and bay leaves.

If you're a vegetarian, then I'm afraid most Argentine cuisine is not for you. Beef reigns supreme in Argentina, with some people eating it more than once a day EVERY day. A favourite way of consuming beef is the asado or barbecue. The strong European influence is still evident as the cooking terms criollo (creole) and Porteņo imply.

Chicken, Lamb, pork and offal are also popular and the use of fresh locally grown produce is still preferred. Argentine cooking is, on the whole, less fiery than that of its South American neighbours, with sweet peppers, tomatoes, herbs and onions being widely used as flavourings rather than chilies. There are some regional differences. For example, the cuisine in the north has a middle eastern spiciness to it whilst in the south especially along the costal regions, seafood and fish are often cooked European style with garlic, olive oil, herbs and white wine as the main flavourings.

Bizcochuelo (Sweet Bread)

Ingredients:

1 cup of Self-Rising Flour

1 cup of white sugar

1 cup of powdered chocolate (or vanilla)

3 eggs

Small portion of cream

Directions:

1. Mix all the dry ingredients

2. Add the eggs and last the cream

3. Mix very well!

4. Cook in the oven in a bread pan at 350 degrees for 40 min.

5. Check the bread often, poking it with a knife.

6. The Bizcochuelo will be ready when the knife comes out dry.

You can replace the chocolate for vanilla to make a vanilla bizcochuelo.

Loneliness and isolation often dramatically affect older adults. Debilitating illnesses, giving up the car keys and surviving the death of a spouse after a long-standing marriage all contribute to these feelings.

The less mobile older adults become—whether because of chronic or sudden illness—the more isolated they feel. Access to all the routines that helped them feel engaged becomes more limited: they find it harder to socialize, to go to the library or the grocery store, or to attend religious services. Without the stimulation of human company, older adults can shut down and become depressed.

Giving up driving, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, is especially isolating and difficult. It strips people of the independence they have enjoyed since the first day they got behind the wheel of a car. Most of us get frustrated when our car is in the shop for the day and we have to depend on someone to pick us up: we immediately think of at least ten places we need to go. Can you imagine what it feels like to suddenly realize that you can't get in the car and run errands anymore? Without car keys, older adults can feel imprisoned—unless we begin to think of ways to help them.

Suggest A Move You may want to suggest that your elderly relative move either closer to other family members or to an independent living facility where she can enjoy activities and social events, or perhaps to an assisted living facility. Most likely, the older adult needs the equity from his or her home to finance long-term care. The current housing crunch we are experiencing may well impact your decision as to whether such a move is advisable.

Pets Can Help Pets can become wonderful companions for older people. Animals have amazing healing powers; they are soothing and comforting. Caring for a pet makes us feel wanted. Many seniors love to experience the closeness of a pet that responds so positively to human touch.

This solution isn't for everyone, and many factors need to be taken into account, including the type of pet best suited for the individual, and having back-up care for the pet if its owner becomes ill or goes out of town. Some organizations cater to older pet owners, helping them pay for the cost of keeping the animal current with vaccinations and vet visits.

Consider A Companion It may be financially and emotionally beneficial to have someone move in with your older relative. Some non-profit organizations dedicated to community service sponsor programs that match older adults looking for companionship with those who need a home. College undergraduates and graduate students may also be looking for quiet places to live. Normally, the person moving into the home does not have any responsibility to take care of the older adult, but relationships often develop based upon trust and comfort levels. The monthly rent can help financially, and having another person in the house can help older adults feel less isolated. Of course the renter needs to be thoroughly vetted, but the rewards can be manifold.

Encourage Older Adults To Volunteer And Join Programs Many volunteer programs welcome older adults. Seniors appreciate feeling responsible to others; they experience themselves as engaged and productive. RSVP, a national volunteer network for adults aged 55 and over, offers a full range of opportunities. Any local United Way office also offers a multitude of volunteer opportunities through the agencies they support.

Willing seniors can attend an array of social programs. Many local and non-profit organizations often sponsor a wide range of classes—from tai chi to crafts to swimming—all of which stimulate older adults. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find the social and recreational programs nearest to your aging relative. Also consider senior centers: call your County Office on Aging to find nearby locations.

If the older adult in your life needs a more supportive environment during the day, consider an adult day program which offers a supervised, safe day-time environment. If you need supplemental help at night, contact a home healthcare agency to find an aide.

Ensure Mobility Even if a senior can no longer drive, she can still feel as if she has the power to leave home when she wants to if you provide appropriate options. Research various transportation services, or enlist the aid of a neighbor or a member of her religious community who would like to earn some extra money as a driver. Some families establish relationships with a specific cab driver who becomes a "personal driver" for the older person.

By thinking creatively, you can help ease the isolation and loneliness that afflict so many older Americans. Although they may experience themselves as more dependent, they don't have to necessarily feel more depressed. If we help them to keep their spirits up, we'll feel better as well.

I'm trying to catch up on some new and renewals that may have been missed. I hope this takes care of it all.

Wabash Valley Art Guild: New: Susan Keneipp, Debbie Miller; Renewal: Marsha Robinson

Wabash Wellness Diabetes: New: Neil Earnest; John & Kathy Hohn;

Renewal: Jeanne & James Thread, Galen & Virginia Williamson

Country Neighbors: New: Bonnie Simmons

Quilts & More: New: Beverly Brown

COMMUNITY OUTREACH/CVU HOURS: LAVERNE SHERMAN

We had a great turnout for the banquet. I enjoyed the program done by Esther Duncan, who really knew quite a bit about aprons. I heard a lot of positive feedback about the program and I think everyone had an enjoyable day. The food was great!

We had Safety days on April 16 & 17. It was well attended by 4th graders from different schools in the area. It's a nice program and the students get to do lots of different things. I helped Jennifer with the Extension program which covered "poison control".

REMINDER: We still have some of our HCE units who have not yet adopted volunteer projects. There is definitely no lack of needs out there. We are very proud of the great project that the Wabash unit has adopted: Sending Bibles to soldiers in Iraq.

Remember to keep track of your volunteer hours for anything that is done in any capacity except if you get paid or it's done for a family member. If you need a CVU sheet, see me.

I want to thank the HCE for the beautiful volunteer plaque I received. It was great! Thanks!

On Apr. 16th, some of the members of the Quilts and More group went on their annual day out. Our trip this year took us to The Village Merchantile in Boonville, IN. We touched, we oohed and then we bought. So many pretty patterns and fabrics, what to choose; which ones should we take home? We left there with full hands and hearts and a hearty appetite; it was a good thing there was a restaurant near. After lunch, it was time to hit the road. Since we were so-o-o close to Evansville, the anchors were dropped at Jo-Ann Fabrics and the shopping began again. I can hardly wait to see what becomes of our treasures.

May is the last month we meet until September rolls around. Remember we are not just a quilting group, If you like any yarn, fabric or needlework, we may be the group for you. Please join us Thursday mornings, 9:00AM at the 4H Conference room.

If you have a donation for haircuts at Oakview, please give the money to LaVerne Sherman; she has been doing a great job. Thanks LaVerne.

We were hoping with the warm weather upon us that we could move to the Annex Bldg. so we could bring anything that we wanted to do, such as oil, watercolor, acrylic, etc. But, I was told that there's a lot of bookings over there at the Annex on Fridays, so we'll either have to move our time or our place if we want to expand our media. Velma offered her place if needed, so we'll keep you posted. If you know any non-members out there who are interested in art, please let them know about the guild. We're hoping to see good things in the future and we're learning new things all the time. We welcome pros, hobbyists or those that just want to learn. We do have some great talent there who are willing to teach the rest of us. I, for one, truly appreciate that!