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Liz Scott Recovery Cooking

In the Sober Kitchen by Liz Scott

So, what exactly do we mean by a “sober kitchen?”  Although it means much more than merely removing alcohol containing ingredients from our cupboards and fridge, striving for an alcohol-free kitchen is definitely a good place to start.

Why is this important?  Because contrary to the old wives’ tale, alcohol does not burn off in the cooking process.

In 1989 a USDA study proved that between 5% and 85% of the alcohol added to a dish is retained depending upon the cooking method, type of alcohol used, and the amount of time it is exposed to heat.

Indeed, the act of flambéing, or setting a pan alight, actually retains a whopping 75%!  Surprised?  I was too, but even more surprising was that addiction researchers discovered the mere smell or taste of alcohol could spark unwanted cravings in the addicted brain.

Consequently, although small amounts of alcohol would seem to be unimportant, our brain cells never forget and are particularly receptive in the early stages of recovery.

But isn’t there more to sober cooking than just preparing food without alcohol? Most certainly!

Just as there is more to recovery than mere abstinence, there are important ways in which what we choose to eat, how we prepare it, and how we relate to food and share it with others can impact our short and long term recovery goals. Maybe you are early to recovery and are just learning to make healthy eating a part of your new life. A neglected body is usually in need of nourishment which only good food can provide.

The idea for these books arose through my own battle with alcohol which forced me to take a long, hard look at my chosen career as a gourmet chef. Among other dangerous triggers I was exposed to in the culinary world, alcohol was a staple ingredient in the professional kitchen and always within arms reach.  I knew the booze had to go!

Full story at Recovery Today

See also;

• Alcohol in Food can get you Drunk
• Overeaters Anonymous

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