Many Meals Come From Your Donations
In Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George and Mary Bailey celebrate a new house for the Martini family in Bailey Park.
“Bread - that this house may never know hunger,” says Mary Bailey, as she gives the couple a loaf of freshly baked bread.
“Salt - that life may always have flavor,” she says, handing them a box of salt.
George Bailey presents a bottle of wine. “And wine - that joy and prosperity may reign forever,” he says.
In the movie, food is symbolic of hope for the future. But in real life, food simply means sustenance and survival for many people.
That’s where The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund steps in. During the holiday season your contributions of money can translate to a loaf of bread on someone’s table.
The fund not only helps with toys for children but provides food vouchers. And this year it’s joined by the Spokane Food Bank, which will give a full bag of items to recipients.
“We’re busy packing 16,000 bags,” says Nancy Lindberg, the food bank’s development director.
Each bag is worth $50, estimates executive director Al Brislain. And they’re not just bags of candy and boxes of snack crackers; bags also include books, puzzles, wrapping paper, holiday ribbons, a Christmas ornament and bottles of hair spray. Families need help with stocking stuffers, Brislain says.
Here’s a creamy rice recipe that requires little attention while it cooks. And here’s to all those who help others find the holiday spirit.
Seafood Risotto
From “Dinner Made Easy With Birds Eye” (Publications International, 1997).
1 (5.2-ounce) package rice in creamy sauce (Risotto Milanese flavor)
1 (14- to 16-ounce) package frozen fully cooked shrimp
1 (10-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
In a 4-quart saucepan, prepare rice according to package directions. Add frozen shrimp and vegetables during last 10 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese just before serving.
Yield: 4 servings.
Nutrition information per serving: 303 calories, 2 grams fat (7 percent fat calories), 39 grams carbohydrate, 28 grams protein, 175 milligrams cholesterol, 3 grams dietary fiber, 866 milligrams sodium.