VEGETABLE BRUSH IS A MUST
Admittedly, I have lots of kitchen tools but the one I would never do without is a vegetable brush. Every kitchen sink should have one within arm's length. You'll never see me tasting a grape, cherry or strawberry without washing it. Also, I scrub the outside of melons before I cut them and wash a banana before it's peeled. Even though you don't eat the skin or peel, bacteria on the outside can be transferred to the inside via your knife or hands. Many of you buy pre-packaged greens because they're convenient but in this day and age, even though the package says they're ready to eat, it's advisable to wash them one more time.
PHYSICALLY FIT AT ANY WEIGHT
People with strong cardiovascular function, regardless of their size, are healthier and live longer than their sedentary counterparts. In a study of 2,603 people age 60 and older published last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association, physically fit individuals had roughly the same mortality rate whether they were underweight, normal weight or overweight. Being fit can even trump being thin: People who were fat but fit had a survival edge over those who were skinny and inactive.
The relative importance of exercise and weight, however, doesn't give you license to specialize in junk food. Study after study has found lower disease rates in people who eat healthfully, with an emphasis on a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and small amounts of unsaturated fat. That diet can lead to improved health even when it doesn't lead to substantial weight loss.
Source: Consumer Reports on Health, July 2008.
LIGHT EXERCISE BOOSTS ENERGY, REDUCES FATIGUE Researchers at the University of Georgia found that regular, low-intensity exercise can increase energy levels by 20 percent and decrease fatigue by as much as 65 percent. In the study, a group of chronically fatigued adults were randomly assigned to one of three groups: one that exercised moderately on an exercise bike 3 times a week for six weeks, another that did the same workout at a more leisurely pace, or one that did no exercise. Findings reported in the February issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics showed that those in the low/moderate intensity groups had a 20 percent increase in energy compared to those who did no exercise. Subjects in the low-intensity group reported up to 65 percent reduction of fatigue than those in the other two groups. Source: Duke University HealthNews, July 08.
SUMMER SALAD RECIPE GETS THUMBS UP
Crunchy Asian Salad appealed to Bryan Chief tasters earlier this summer. Make it for your next barbecue or take it to a potluck. It's a McCormick recipe and a winner! |
CRUNCHY ASIAN SLAW
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Ground Ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups sliced Napa cabbage (about a 1/2 head)
- 1 small red bell pepper, cut into thin 2-inch strips (1 cup)
- 3 ounces snow pea pods, cut in half (1 cup)
- 1 unpeeled firm pear, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (I used an Anjou)
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Sesame Seed, toasted
Whisk oil, orange juice, vinegar, ginger and salt in a small bowl until well blended. Combine Napa cabbage, bell pepper, snow peas and pears in large salad bowl. Add dressing; toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to serve. Sprinkle each serving with toasted sesame seed. Recipe makes 6 1-cup servings. To toast sesame seed, heat a small skillet on medium heat. Add sesame seed, cook and stir 2 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. Immediately pour out of hot pan to avoid over-toasting.
Source: McCormick recipe.
COOKIE JAR FAVORITE
Looking for a cookie recipe with a high yield? Everyday Molasses Cookies is a perfect choice because the recipe makes 6 to 8 dozen depending on size. Yummy with a glass of cold milk or lemonade on a hot summer day.
EVERYDAY MOLASSES COOKIES
- 3 1/2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 3 sticks butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 eggs Sugar for coating
Preheat oven to 375F. Mix dry ingredients together. Melt butter. Mix with sugar, molasses and eggs. Beat well. Blend in dry ingredients. Mix well. Chill dough for easier handling. Shape in to 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar. Bake on parchment lined cookie sheets for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on cookie rack. |
