2006 Ezines...

Pepper for Healing Power?
Peppers rank surprisingly high on the list of healing foods. For instance, hot chile peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that acts as an anticoagulant and may help prevent heart attacks and strokes caused by blood clots. A half-cup of chopped red bell peppers provides 141mg of vitamin C and 4,250 IU of vitamin A -- more than an adult's daily needs for both. And whether they're mellow and sweet or fiery hot, all peppers are all good sources of potentially cancer-fighting antioxidants, especially vitamin C. Read more about Sweet Peppers!

Quip or Quote of the Week

Quote:
"Laughter is brightest where food is best." --Irish Proverb

Quick Recipe

Breakfast Wrap
Great Dessert!
Top a tortilla with Neufchatel Cheese and sliced banana. Roll up. Goes great with a cup of hot cocoa made with fat free milk for an added calcium boost.

Tidbit(s)

Picking that Perfect Citrus Gem
When selecting the best quality citrus, remember the "Three T's:"

• Touch: Always select citrus that feels firm and is heavy for its size -- that means it is juicy!
• Timing: Once citrus arrives at the supermarket, it is ready and ripe to eat. Although citrus is available all year, the best season for the fresh fruit is January - April.
• Texture: Look for marks on the peel. They are an indicator of juicy, sweet taste of citrus.

Enjoy cooking and/or baking? Check out the healthy, delicious Citrus Recipes!

Food Fixes

Use jams made with 100-percent fruit as opposed to varieties sweetened with sugar.

Toss one pound boiled, lightly buttered potatoes with one-half cup grated reduced-fat Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for a taste and nutrition boost.

To enhance the flavor of plain pasta add some sugar to the salted water when boiling.