Asparagus is an excellent source of folic acid and a fairly significant source of vitamin C, thiamine and vitamin B6. as well as naturally low in calories, fax, cholesterol and sodium. It is also high in rutin that is thought to strengthen blood vessels and is an important source of potassium and many micronutrients.

Select asparagus that has compact and closed tips and have a diameter that will cook evenly. A pound of asparagus contains 12 to 15 spears and serves 2 to 4 people.

After purchasing, fresh asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, trim the butt end of the spears, then refrigerate, upright standing in an inch of water. Cover loosely with plastic. Or, wrap the cut ends in a wet paper towel and store in a plastic bag with the top left open. Once cooked, asparagus can be stored for about three days.

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2. NEW PRODUCTS-Drink Up With 2 New Health Offerings

PROPEL CALCIUM from Gatorade

Seems like everyone is getting on the healthy water wagon. Gatorade, known for it energy producing nutrient drink has introduced PROPEL CALCIUM fitness water in 7 fruit flavors and 2 different sized bottles. The company's is aiming the drink for active people who typically drink plain water during their workouts. With only 10 calories per 8-oz. serving, the flavored water helps people drink more and stay better hydrated. It is sweetened with sucrose syrup and has some sodium in it. Tasters in my household reported that they tasted more "sweet" than flavor and we had three different flavors to try. Give it a chance at only .99 per 17 oz bottle, or 23.7 oz. for 1.09 to $1.39 per bottle I've already seen the easily identifiable blue bottle stacked up in the grocery store. www.propelwater.com.

V8 V-Fusion from CAMPBELL Soup Co.

Here's a new product for people who don't get their recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. Campbell Soup Co. has squeezed the juices from 1/2 cup of mixed fruits and 1/2 cup mixed vegetables into a jar for their newest drink aimed at making the nation healthier. We tried the strawberry banan flavor and it was really tasty. It's not a low calorie drink but it is nutritious.

It also comes in peach-mango and tropical orange. Watch for the roll out and ads this month. A 12-oz bottle is 1.79 and a 46 oz. bottle will be 3.89. See more about it at www.foodmall.org/entry/ v8-v-fusion-campbell-soup-offers-a-fruit-and-vegetable-punch.

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3. RECIPES IN SEASON

FRESH CALIFORNIA ASPARAGUS AND SMOKED SALMON SANDWICH

In peak season right now, markets are stocking plenty of crisp California Asparagus for consumers to enjoy. This recipe provides big flavors and satisfying crunch and can be prepared in 10-15 minutes.

8 ounces cream cheese (light or regular), softened

½ teaspoon lemon zest

½ teaspoon freshly ground coarse black pepper or to taste

24 large California Asparagus spears, trimmed

6 oblong sandwich rolls, lightly toasted

12 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon

½ medium red onion, thinly sliced, separated in to rings

Thoroughly mix cream cheese, lemon zest and black pepper; reserve. Put asparagus into a large skillet of boiling, salted water. Return to a boil; boil until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. Drain well; spread on paper towel to cool. To assemble sandwiches, spread 1 generous tablespoon of reserved cream cheese mixture on sliced rolls. Divide salmon in 6 portions. Layer onion rings on bottom of roll, then 1 portion salmon and 4 asparagus spears, interspersing asparagus between slices of salmon. Cover sandwiches with tops; cut in half at a diagonal.

Makes 6 servings

Veal Piccata

Here's a Weight Watcher's recipe that's perfect with an asparagus side dish.

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 pound lean veal sirloin, four 4 oz cutlets
2 tsp olive oil
1/3 cup canned chicken broth
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp wine, white
1 Tbsp light butter
2 tsp parsley, fresh, chopped

Mix flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper together in a small, shallow bowl; coat veal cutlets with flour mixture. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet and cook cutlets until just cooked through and golden, about 2 minutes a side; set aside and keep warm.

Deglaze skillet (add liquid to remove remaining pieces of food) with broth, lemon juice and wine. Reduce heat to medium and reduce mixture by half. Swirl in butter, then parsley and pour over cutlets.

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4. OLLA PODRIDA

Bloody Mary Recipe Contest

"The recipes for a Bloody Mary cocktail are like snowflakes - no two are alike," said Jennie Meador, a spokesperson for Finlandia Vodka and judge for the brand's annual Bloody Mary recipe contest. "Everyone thinks their recipe is the best, so the company has a n annual contest to learn about different approaches to this popular cocktail.

Finlandia is looking for recipes that have unique ingredients that make your Bloody Mary a one-of-a-kind cocktail. The grand-prize winner will receive $1,000 and special recognition when Finlandia attempts to create the world's largest Bloody Mary cocktail.

The Bloody Mary cocktail has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Once thought of as only for brunch, it is now served throughout the day at bars, restaurants and in people's homes. It's the second-most consumed drink besides beer at tailgates and sports gatherings today, making vodka a popular spirit for entertaining or celebrating.

To enter the contest, send your recipe, and the story behind it, to Finlandia Bloody Mary Contest; Kim Charney; 850 Dixie Highway; Louisville, KY 40222. To enter online and for more information and contest rules, visit www.finlandia.com. The deadline for entries is April 1, 2006.

5. BOOKS by Dona Z. Meilach for Yourself - For Gifts

Dona's Kitchen Kapers is an associate of Amazon Books. Using the link provided to one book, will take you to others when you request it by title or author. You will be returned to this page after checking their listings. There's a 20% to 30% saving per book for the following books or those mentioned in book reviews.

www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=1558672095/donaskitchenkapeA/

THE BEST 50 PUDDINGS & SOUFFLES $5.95

THE BEST 50 MARGARITAS $5.95

THE BEST 50 BAR DRINKS $5.95

WRAPS AND ROLL-UPS $8.95

THE BEST 50 BRUSCHETTA $5.95

INCREDIBLE EDIBLES $8.95

THE BEST BAGELS ARE MADE AT HOME $8.95

THE BEST 50 MARINADES $5.95

THE BEST 50 HOMEMADE LIQUEURS $5.95

And…

IRONWORK TODAY, INSIDE & OUT

TEAPOTS, MAKERS & COLLECTORS $49.95

WOOD ART TODAY $59.95

ART JEWELRY TODAY $49.95

ARCHITECTURAL IRONWORK $49.95

The CONTEMPORARY BLACKSMITH 255 pages, 550 photos, $49.95

DECORATIVE & SCULPTURAL IRONWORK 2^nd edition. 300 pages, over 700 photos. $34.95

DIRECT METAL SCULPTURE – Revised Edition. Over 350 pages, 425 photos. $39.95

CONTEMPORARY STONE SCULPTURE 2^nd Edition.. 224 page, over 350 photos. $24.95

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6. Subscribe-Unsubscribe

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