8 Friday, April 10, 2020 brooklintowncrier.com Plant-Based Eating by Sheree Nicholson When nutrition matters most, like now During this pandemic, you need to keep your immune system healthy. But, I caution you always to check your source: information is free and often wrong in this digital age. Hucksters have been selling magic potions for years and social media have made it easier for them. Follow the recommendations of reputable doctors and scientists. Try to reduce your stress. Drink plenty of water. Get enough sleep Exercise and eat right. Reducing your junk food intake will go a long way in supporting your immune system. Remember that leafy greens are one of the most nutrient-dense foods. Add them to your soups, stews, smoothies, and salads. The following salad will be on my menu. It's fantastic and a powerhouse of nutrition. Spicy Peanut Ginger Kale Salad Source: https://keeprecipes.com/ 2 large bunches of *kale (or 3 small) 1 cup red onion, chopped 1/2 cup peanuts 1 Tbsp pickled ginger, chopped Spicy Ginger Peanut Sauce 2 Tbsp creamy salted peanut butter (unsweetened preferably) 1/2 cup water 1 Tbsp tahini 1 tsp sesame oil 1 Tbsp pickled ginger, chopped 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled/chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2-3 tsp tamari (or light soy sauce) 2 Tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp lemon juice 2 tsp agave syrup (or maple syrup) 5 pinches cayenne Fine black pepper to taste Directions: 1. Place a large soup pot over med/high heat on your stove top. Add all the sauce ingredients and stir briskly until they melt and blend together. Reduce heat to medium and simmer/stir for about two minutes. Turn heat to low. 2. Pull the leaves in bits from the thick stalks of your kale. Add the kale leaves - add kale to the pot until filled to the brim. Fold the kale into the hot sauce. The hot sauce will wilt the kale. 3. Turn off heat and add the remaining amount of kale. Also add in the pickled ginger, peanuts and red onion. Fold the kale salad well for about a minute, until all the kale has wilted and the leaves and onion mixed with the sauce. 4. Serve warm or place in fridge (covered) to chill and serve cold. Will keep well for up to a few days. * Washed kale should be dried well before adding to pot as wet kale will water down your sauce significantly. Sheree`s hack: You can reduce the work by using pre-washed and bagged baby kale in this recipe. A personal note: I thank you for reading my column and wish everyone good health. The Brooklin community has always been one of my favourites, and seeing how so many of you have pulled together to support others during this time of crisis is a reminder of the charm that Brooklin holds. DRPS: Reporting processes The DRPS continues to adapt during this difficult time. In terms of the overall effect of COVID-19 on reported crime, some calls are up and some are down. However, there has been a significant reduction in roadway collisions. We have received over 210 complaints from citizens related to violations of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Most have been about non-essential business openings, but the warmer weather has sparked an increase in social-gathering complaints. The DRPS reminds citizens that there are support services available and ready to help them during this difficult time. Please visit the Region of Durham's website for a comprehensive list of community services: https://www.durham.ca/ en/regional-government/covid-19-community-resources.aspx For information about support for victims of crime, please visit https:// victimservicesdurham.ca/ for Victim Services of Durham Region. Youth who need support or assistance can use Kids Help Home by visiting https://kidshelpphone.ca/ or calling 1-800-668-6868. In emergencies, call 9-1-1. If you want to contact us about a non- emergency, call 1-888-579-1520. You can report less serious crimes on our website www.drps.ca under Online Services. Citizens can report a gathering of more than 5 people or a non-compliant business on www.drps. ca under Online Services - Community Concerns. As a secondary option, citizens can call the DRPS non-emergency line at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5802 and leave a message. The DRPS will endeavor to respond to these calls in a timely manner, however, our focus continues to be on emergency calls for service. Call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659 for clarification whether a situation falls under the non-compliance orders. Assistance is available Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information visit: ontario.ca/stopthespread. For the most up-to-date public information about COVID-19 in Durham Region, refer to www.durham.ca/ NovelCoronavirus. Citizens can contact Durham Public Health via email at health@durham.ca, or by phone at 1-800-841-2729 or 905- 668-2020. Reports regarding price gouging must go directly to the Province of Ontario. File a complaint at 1-800- 889-9768 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, or file a report online at www.ontario.ca DRPS officers continue to patrol your communities. Like the rest of the community, we are practicing social distancing and following personal protective protocols.