Who needs flowers and candy? Try luscious dried fruits!

When my husband asked me what I wanted for Valentine's Day this year (he asks so he doesn't end up buying me something I don't want...say for example, jewelry) I told him I had been craving dried fruits from this company called Meduri World Delights (www.meduriworlddelights.com).

I've received their catalog several times and truly the pictures of the fruits (see the photo from their website of the pink lady apples at left) make your mouth water. Since they aren't inexpensive like the kind you buy at the supermarket, it was worth saving these for a special occasion. And, I am truly amazed at the quality and flavor of each of the ones I've received.

The dried berries mix is delightful in my morning oatmeal. And, the apple slices are so addicting, I may never eat a fresh apple again! The peaches, which I crave but can't appreciate during the winter months, are so sweet, you'd think it was summer.

I've only had a chance to eat them out the package, but I'm imagining all the possibilities of recipes with these delectable fruits. There is a crostata I am dreaming of, where you would soak the apple slices in an almond flavored liqueur to give them some moisture for baking (however, please let me tell you that these dried fruits are far from dried out! They are so moist and chewy...they don't need too much liquid to make them bakable.

I also envision a wonderful fruit compote that I can serve over grilled fish or chicken. Or how about a dried fruit stuffing for that roast pork tenderloin. The options are overwhelming and if only I had more time to play today, I would be making one of these dishes now! And, I can't wait until I run out as I will be ordering from them again.

So go ahead and treat yourself. You won't be sorry!

Flat Belly Diet - for real?

I recently read an article in Prevention Magazine that there are 5 foods that you can eat, that will help to flatten your belly. It also stated that there would be no exercise involved and that in the first week alone, you can dramatically lose inches and pounds. Well, my interest was peaked since a flat belly was never something I've had.

To net it out, here is a summary from flatbellydiet.com. MUFA (MOO-fah) is a term that nutritionists have been using for years. It stands for monounsaturated fatty acid, a type of heart-healthy, disease-fighting, "good" fat found in foods like almonds, peanut butter, olive oil, avocado, even chocolate. MUFAs are an unsaturated fat, and have the exact opposite effect of the unhealthy saturated and trans fats you've heard about in the news. According to exciting new research, MUFAs can actually help you lose weight, specifically around your middle.

Nuts, chocolate, olive oil, avocados, and olives...what's not to love! Ever since I read this article, I have been spreading olive tapenade on everything I can think of, pita chips, english muffins, sandwiches (instead of mayo, yum!). Avocados are showing up more in my salads and a handful of nuts is always in reach. I'm in heaven since these foods are very meditteranean and I love that style of food.

After reviewing the diet book, I realized that the program is not that different than others I've perused over the years. You still have to limit the number of calories you consume in a day, cut out coffee (no can do!) and other non-essential treats, and exercise (at least a bit) to really see results. You also have to change your eating habits and attitude about dieting and making healthy choices. However, it does take the mystery out of being able to include foods that you really love that you thought were not good for you or too fattening. Yes, there's yet another spin on healthy eating as we enter another dieting season.

To learn more visit flatbellydiet.com