Your Lunch is on the House from Italianni's!

YEAH!! FREEBIES!! ^_^ I just received an email from Yehey! Dispatch today announcing Italianni's latest promo. And yep, there's a FREE meal to be had! If you buy one of their "Small Price for a Big Lunch" meals and get a second one of same or lesser value, it's for FREE! So whoever said "There's no such thing as a free lunch." haven't been to Italianni's! LOL! =) This promo is valid until May 31, 2009 so hurry -- you only have 45 days to enjoy it! 

eat vegetables! some are aphrodisiacs ;-)

I know Valentines Say is over and there's no use for aphrodisiacs anymore. But hey, who said you can't be libidinous on other days? LOL! And eating healthy veggies at that! So, without further ado, here are the surprising vegetables "slash" aphrodisiacs:

Asparagus boosts histamine production, helping both sexes to achieve orgasm. The spears are also rich in folic acid and vitamin B6, which can boost arousal and orgasm.

Celery contains the male hormone androsterone that stimulates sexual arousal. The Romans were hip to celery’s sensual side: They dedicated it to Pluto, the god of sex.

Chilies contain capsaicin, a chemical that can induce the release of endorphins to create a temporary euphoria. Capsaicin also increases circulation and sensation in the genital area.

Licorice is potent in taste and smell. Black licorice was also shown to increase blood flow to the genitals, leading to improved erection in men. 

Tex Mex Salmon!

Love Mexican food but is now trying to eat healthy? Good news! Today we have a recipe guaranteed to squash your Mexican food cravings but won't make your cholesterol and fat blood levels soar ;-) Presenting to you -- Tex Mex Salmon! Yup, salmon as in fish. That's what make this "Mexican" recipe healthy. Plus the fact we won't be frying anything in oil or lard. But, don't push it and eat as much as you can -- that's still unhealthy! :p Anyway, happy cooking and always, always eat moderately!

Ingredients (6 servings)

1 7 oz. package of Ortega taco chips/shells

2 lbs. salmon fillets in pieces (you can actually use any fish you want)

1/2 cup olive oil (or any healthy oil you want)

Taco sauce (optional)

Instructions

Heat taco shells/chips according to package directions.

In food processor or blender, finely crush shells. Blend in Taco seasoning.

Dip fish in olive oil. Coat with crumbs.

Arrange in shallow baking dish.

Bake in preheated 425 degrees F oven for half hour or until fish flakes easily when macerated with a fork.

Serve with Taco sauce (optional).

eat healthy - GRILL FOOD!

And the best food to grill? Vegetables! Now that's doubly healthy eh? =) A word of warning though, GRILL LIGHTLY -- don't char the food being grilled. If ever charred, remove the blackened portion (don't eat!) coz that's carcinogenic =( Also, use OLIVE OIL and other healthy oils to toss your veggies. Anyway here are tips for grilling vegetables. Stay healthy and always, always eat moderately!

GREEN BEANS OR HARICOTS VERTS

Trim the ends and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill over direct high heat 3 to 5 minutes.

SWEET POTATOES

Peel and slice into 1/2" thick wedges before tossing with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill over direct medium heat, turning often 15 to 20 minutes.

SUMMER SQUASH

Bias slice into 1/2" thick planks, then toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill over direct high heat 5 to 7 minutes.

WHOLE BABY ZUCCHINI

Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper then grill over direct high heat 7 to 10 minutes.

ASPARAGUS

Trim off woody ends then toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill over direct high heat 3 to 5 minutes.

CORN ON THE COB

Shuck ears, trim ends and halve crosswise. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill over direst high heat 10 to 15 minutes turning often.

GRILLED BAKED POTATOES

Wash and dry russet potatoes (8-10 oz. each) then rub with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill over indirect heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

tips in using chicken

We all know that when improperly handled and cooked, chicken dishes can give us a bad case of food poisoning. Often the culprit is Salmonella, which is also prevalent in improperly cooked dairy products and eggs. To prevent food poisoning from chicken, simply follow the tips below PRIOR to cooking. Learn it, don't forget it, always SAFE FOOD first!

- Refrigerate raw chicken promptly. Never leave it on countertop at room temperature.

- Freeze uncooked chicken if it is not to be used within 2 days.

- If properly packaged, frozen chicken will maintain top quality in a home freezer for up to 1 year.

- Thaw chicken in the refrigerator -- not on the countertop -- or in cold water. It takes about 24 hours to thaw a 4-pound chicken in the refrigerator. Cut-up parts, 3 to 9 hours.

- Always wash hands, countertops, cutting boards, knives and other utensils used in preparing raw chicken with soapy water before they come in contact with other raw or cooked foods.

- When shopping, buy groceries last. Never leave chicken in a hot car. Refrigerate immediately on reaching home.