| (ARA) - It’s easy to eat right during the | | | | chopped |
| summer months with an abundance of fresh | | | | 1 1/2 cups zucchini (1-2 medium), chopped |
| produce available from a wide variety of sources. | | | | 3 cans (14.5 ounces) chicken broth, reduced |
| But as winter rolls around, those juicy ears of | | | | sodium |
| corn is just a memory. That doesn’t mean, | | | | 1 16-ounce can tomatoes, diced, drained |
| however, that you drop your healthy eating habits | | | | 1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta shells |
| with the dropping temperatures. | | | | 3 cups kidney beans or black-eyed peas, drained |
| You still need to get your five servings a day of | | | | and rinsed (1 cup dry makes 3 cups cooked) or 2 |
| fruits and vegetables. Make an effort to include | | | | cans (15 ounces each) |
| fruits and vegetables at every meal. Since your | | | | 1 cup carrot (1 medium), sliced |
| options are more limited during the winter months, | | | | 1 cup onion (1 medium), chopped |
| now’s the time to get creative by trying new | | | | 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pesto) |
| recipes as well as sampling produce you | | | | 2 garlic cloves (for pesto) |
| haven’t eaten before. | | | | 1 cup basil leaves, fresh, loosely packed OR (for |
| Winter brings a bumper crop of root vegetables | | | | pesto) |
| like turnips, rutabagas and parsnips; squash; | | | | 1 cup Italian parsley plus 1 teaspoon dried basil |
| Brussels sprouts; and more. Apples and pumpkins | | | | leaves (for pesto) |
| are the foundation of a variety of comforting, | | | | 1 tablespoon water |
| homey desserts. Here are some tips to help you | | | | Directions |
| chase away the winter chill by adding the flavors | | | | In a 5 to 6 quart saucepan bring to boil 1/2 cup |
| and healthy benefits of winter produce. | | | | water, tomatoes, cauliflower, onion and carrots; |
| As always, the key to buying the best produce is | | | | reduce heat and simmer covered 10 minutes or |
| to know what you’re looking for. No matter | | | | until vegetables are tender. Add zucchini, beans, |
| what the season, look for fruits and vegetables | | | | broth and pasta. Return to a boil, reduce heat and |
| with good color; stay away from produce with | | | | simmer uncovered 10 minutes. Meanwhile put all |
| bruising, blemishes, soft spots or shriveling. | | | | pesto ingredients in food processor or blender and |
| For additional help in selecting produce, especially | | | | process until very finely chopped. Just before |
| items you haven’t tried before, visit This | | | | serving, remove soup from heat and stir in pesto. |
| easy-to-use Web site features an “A to | | | | Makes 8 servings. |
| Z” guide to produce that includes useful | | | | Golden Apple Oatmeal |
| information on the peak season for any given | | | | Start your day off right with a steaming bowl of |
| item, nutrition information and selection tips. You | | | | this hearty (and heart healthy) oatmeal. |
| can also “ask the experts” if you have a | | | | 1/2 cup Golden Delicious apples diced |
| question that isn’t answered on the site. Best | | | | 1/3 cup apple juice |
| of all, the site includes hundreds of recipes that | | | | 1/3 cup water |
| show you how to put the produce to work on | | | | 1/8 teaspoon salt |
| the dinner table. From asparagus to zucchini and | | | | Dash of cinnamon |
| everything in between, you’ll find it all here. | | | | Dash of nutmeg |
| Here are two delicious recipes sure to warm you | | | | 1/3 cup quick-cooking rolled oats, uncooked |
| up this winter: | | | | Directions |
| Pesto Minestrone | | | | Combine apples, apple juice, water and seasoning; |
| This full-flavored soup is also full of healthy | | | | bring to a boil. Stir in rolled oats; cook 1 minute. |
| vegetables. | | | | Cover and let stand several minutes before |
| 2 cups cauliflower (2 small heads), coarsely | | | | serving. Makes a 1-cup serving. |