2007 Ezines...

Berries
All types of berries (strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries) are low in calories and rich in disease- fighting nutrients. For a quick health kick, add berries to yogurt, cereal, sorbet and smoothies. Fretting because you have to wait until they are in season? In the off-season, pick up unsweetened frozen berries to get the same nutrition benefits all year round!

Quip or Quote of the Week

Quip:
Florida avocados have half the fat of California avocados.

Quick Recipe

Baby Burrito
Between the fiber-filled bean dip and the corn tortilla, which contains more fiber than a flour tortilla, this is one filling snack. Spicy salsa adds extra flavor without extra calories. Swap the bean dip for a quarter-cup of light (but not fat-free) shredded cheddar, then heat it in the microwave, and you've got a mini quesadilla.
Ingredients:
6-inch corn tortilla
2 tablespoons bean dip
2 tablespoons salsa
Spread bean dip and salsa onto burriotos; heat and enjoy!
Calories per burrito: 140

Tidbit(s)

The Hot Dog Made Over
The traditional hot dog is getting a makeover! A company called Let's Be Frank has launched Omega Dogs, made from organic spices and grass-fed beef, which is low in saturated fat and high in cholesterol-lowering omega-3 fatty acids (one dog contains about the same amount as 3 ounces of wild salmon). So far, the hot dogs are available only in stands around San Francisco, but you might soon find them at natural food stores such as Trader Joe's. Let's Be Frank's next innovation is the Bird Dog, made from "heritage" turkey meat (traditional varieties of turkey that are more flavorful than average supermarket birds).

Food Fixes

Use a meat or instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat and poultry before the recommended cooking time is up.

Marinades: Always marinate in the refrigerator in a glass container or reusable plastic bag. In general, do not reuse marinades. If a marinade is also used as a basting or dipping sauce, reserve a portion before adding the uncooked foods or bring it to a rolling boil, if you must use it.

When grilling, use tongs to turn meat instead of a meat fork to avoid piercing and losing juices. Also, salting meats after cooking helps retain juices.