Ashley Rosales, Registered Dietitian
Ashley Rosales
About me:
Ashley Rosales, registered dietitian, received her B.S. in Clinical Nutrition from UC Davis and completed the dietetic internship program at Napa State Hospital. She has a professional background in nutrition for the elderly and has worked in both the clinical and community setting. However, she has found her true calling working in the field of nutrition education where she can empower others to make the best food and lifestyle decisions for their own optimal health and wellness.
Ashley’s fondest childhood memories took place in the kitchen helping her mom and grandmother cook, or around the dinner table sharing laughs with family and friends. As a wife and new mom she loves keeping the family mealtime tradition alive by preparing delicious and nutritious meals at home and she is inspired to help others do the same. She strongly believes that no matter what challenges families are faced with, such as limited time, lack of skills or even economic resources, they can find unique ways to share in a home cooked meal and reap all of the wonderful benefits of family meal time.
Her favorite quote: “We are indeed more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us be much more than what we are.”
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This morning was one of those cold, California mornings when you realize that summer has passed and fall is officially in full swing. The morning started out like any other typical work day, my computer was up and running and after checking those first morning emails, I was ready to have my usual bowl of cereal with milk and a banana. Imagine my surprise when one of my colleagues hands me a delicious homemade bowl of chicken and rice soup still warm from his home. I could have waited until lunch to enjoy this meal, but who says breakfast has to consist of traditional breakfast foods?
I took my first bite and I was filled with warmth and contentment. It was hard to describe why this untypical breakfast made me feel this way. Maybe it was the kind gesture of something being shared, the satisfying feeling of eating something hot on a cold day, or the history behind how this friend learned to make this delicious soup.
Like most recipes, this chicken and rice soup has a history that’s personal to my colleague. As he told me the story of this recipe, I knew it meant more to him than just the simple ingredients used. He was a Sergeant in the Army stationed in Germany over 20 years ago. A typical evening would be hanging out grabbing a good meal and engaging in some conversation at the nearest restaurant or “guest house” as they refer to it in this small German town. Every evening the owners prepared a wonderful meal for the patrons, and this chicken and rice soup was always served as the pre-entrée. After finishing this piping hot bowl of goodness, he rarely had room for the main course, which is understandable considering how good this soup tastes. It is the
perfect blend of broth infused by herbs, chicken stock and vegetables, balanced with the heartiness of rice and chicken. He liked it so much he finally worked up the courage to ask for the recipe. Thankfully, the owners shared their generations-old recipe with him, knowing he would take it back home with him when he returned to the States.
Twenty years later, my colleague prepares this wonderful soup when he is in need of a little reminder of his time in Germany. I am sure that as he eats it he is filled with the warmth of both the memories and the tasty broth. I am excited to carry on this German tradition and prepare this soup for my husband and son to enjoy with me. It might not have the same history for us as it does for my colleague, but I am confident my family will create our own memories while enjoying this yummy soup.
Do you have a special soup recipe that conjures up wonderful memories and experiences around the table? If so, share it with all of us. After all, food is meant to be shared, to enjoy and to nourish.
Ashley Rosales, Rosales, R.D.
Project Manager