Social Support--What does it do?

Social Support -- What the heck is it?  Why is it so important?  Social Support refers to the family and friends who are close to you in times of need or just everyday events.  Psychologist in recent years are telling us our close circle of friends is getting smaller.  Ten to Twenty years ago we had about 5 people we could call close friends.  The numbers nowadays show that to be one and if your lucky two.  Why is Social Support important?  People are more healthy, when they can talk to people about there problems.  They know someone is there and they're not alone.  Statistics show heart patients, who have had surgery increase their survival rate when friends and family are around.  Don't worry their are ways to increase your Social Support.

1.  Volunteer- a lot of agencies need help.  Pick one where you have an interest and call them.  You will meet people who share a similar interest.

2.  Take a class- Find a class at the local community college or community center.  It's something that interest you.  You will find like minded people there.

3.  Join a club- Find a club that shares your interest or hobby and you will find other people who share an interest.

What I'm saying is find something you like and the friendships will follow.  But once you meet all these people be sure to keep in touch.  If you have not kept in touch with all your friends.  Now would be the time to have a Party to reconnect.  Also when your making friends get a nice address book to fill up with names and have it handy when you go out.

Here's a little cookie recipe for any party you might have in the future:

                                    Semi-Homemade Chocolate Cookies

                                   1 Box Devils Food Cake Mix
                                   2 Large Eggs
                                   1 Teaspoon Vanilla
                                  1/2 cup (1 stick) butter softened
                                   1 12oz. package white chocolate or peanut butter chips

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or use ungreased cookie sheets.

Mix first 4 ingredients until moistened.  Cookie dough will be thick. Fold in chips until well distributed.

Drop heaping teaspoons of the dough 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies have set but are still soft in the center. Remove pans from the oven.  Let cookies rest on cookie sheets for about a minute. Remove cookies with a metal spatula and transfer to wire racks to cool.(looking for more cookie recipes try "The Christmas Cookie Club" book.

Here's a bit of fun.  The foodnetwork.com  is having a sweepstakes for "The Lost Art of Getting Together
prize is $25,000 for the ultimate block party hurray it ends on 6/28/2013.

Until next time keep your ovens warm for our cooking segment.