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Show Davis County Clipper Tuesday, January 14, 0(0 QZ? hats the latest good-for-yo- u People who cook at home and chefs alike are turning to fruits and vegetables grown right here in the United States for exceptional quality and extraordinary variety. Coast to coast, kitchens are being stocked with the bounty of American fields, orchards and groves while top restaurants highlight American produce on their menus. Virtually every state has a crop or two to call its pride and joy. Theres nothing finer than a fluffy baked potato from Idaho or a plate of sliced juicy red tomatoes from Florida. Of course, nothing can beat Californias sunshine and d warmth to produce naturally sweet dates and the best fresh carrots. Now is a great time to make your next meal a la Americana with these fresh vegetable salads. Lush tomatoes from Florida add zest to Idahos famous potatoes in a salad dressed with pesto. California dates, with their natural caramel-lik- e flavor, are a in the classic California carrot perfect ingredient salad a great way to get your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A and fiber. Florida Tomato and Pesto Salad 2 U.S.A. Produce Facts & Dates are often called natures candy because flavor that melts in they have a sweet, caramel-lik- e 23 calories each and have Dates mouth. only your contain no fat, sodium or cholesterol. 3 3 Figures thick cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves cup grated Parmesan cheese cup walnut pieces large cloves garlic, minced teaspoon salt tablespoons olive oil fully ripened fresh Florida tomatoes, cut in half and sliced In a large pot, bring 2 inches water to a California produces the majority of the nation's about 75 percent. The increasingly carrot supply carrot now accounts for popular baby-cu- t 20 percent of Californias carrot output. Carrots are an excellent source of an important natural element that may reduce the risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer. beta-caroten- e, boil. Add potatoes; cover and cook over medium heat until tender. Drain and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, in food processor combine basil, cheese, nuts, garlic and salt; process until very finely chopped. With processor running, slowly pour in oil. Pour pesto over warm potatoes; cover and chill. Just before serving, add tomatoes; toss gently. Makes 4 servings. Variation: A pesto, available fresh or frozen, may be used. For a loss er-fversion, replace the olive oil with Vi cup nonfat ricotta cheese. store-boug- The Russet Burbank potato originated from a seed ball accidentally discovered 100 years ago in New England by Luther Burbank. Scientists experimented with it in California and Colorado, but Idaho perfected it and made it famous. d Idaho grows roughly of the U.S. fall potato crop. Idahos unique climate and growing conditions warm days and cool nights, rich volcanic soil and fresh mountain water produce a potato that is fluffy in texture and pleasing in taste. one-thir- California Date and Carrot Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Orange Vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice Vi 1 1 nmnnnmmmnnnnnnmnnn Vi Vi cup cider vinegar teaspoon grated orange zest small clove garlic teaspoon salt cup extra virgin olive oil Salad cup California dates, pitted and coarsely chopped Vi red onion, thinly sliced 1 Vi pounds California carrots, peeled (about 7 medium carrots) Vs cup walnuts, coarsely chopped 8 large mint leaves, chopped Freshly ground black pepper In a small jar, combine orange juice, 3A PRODUCE POINTERS Buying, Storing and Caring for Famous State Fruits and Vegetables To ripen Florida tomatoes, place in a brown paper bag or in a fruit ripening bowl. Tomatoes should not be refrigerated below 55 degrees until fully ripe refrigeration kills flavor in fresh tomatoes. d in the Look for good aisle. or baking produce department quality, plump, moist California dates. Dates can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one year. If they dry out, simply steam them in a little water or fruit juice to restore the moisture. Youll Find California dates Genuine Idaho Potatoes have a rounded, elongated skin and shape, few and shallow eyes, a deep brown color. The Grown in Idaho seal ensures Idaho quality. Dont buy potatoes that are soft or have excessive cuts, cracks or bruises. year-roun- Look for carrots that are smooth, firm and wellin color. To shaped, bright orange to orange-re- d store, remove any leafy tops and place in a plastic carrots appear bag before refrigerating. If baby-cbath to restore dry, refresh them with a cold-wattheir bright orange color. ut er Ideas 3 Idaho russet potatoes, peeled and sliced Vi A PRODUCE PRIMER More Great Recipe Idaho Potato Vi Dates may be the worlds oldest cultivated food, dating back to Egypt in the fifth century. They were brought to America by Spanish missionaries. The Coachella Valley in California, with its abundant sunshine and perfect weather conditions, is ideal for growing the fresh, naturally dehydrated fruit. California produces the best quality dates in the world. Cl year-roun- Vi Virtually all tomatoes grown in the United States between October and June are grown in Florida. Overall, the Sunshine State accounts for 45 percent of tomatoes consumed in the United States. page food trend for the nineties? 2 One of the first Americans to grow tomatoes was Thomas Jefferson, who had a crop in 1781. 1997 vinegar, zest, garlic and salt; stir. Add oil; seal tightly and shake well. In small bowl, spoon Vi cup dressing over dates and onion; set aside. Into a large bowl, use a vegetable peeler to make long, thin strips of the carrots (nibble on carrot cores that cant be made into strips or use them diced in a soup, salad or a vegetable medley.) Just before serving, toss together carrots, walnuts, mint and date mixture. Add dressing and pepper to taste. Save leftover dressing for green salads. Makes 4 servings. Variation: Use shredded carrots. DILLED HONEY-MUSTAR- D FRESH CARROTS 1 Vi 2 1 1 pound baby cut California carrots cup water tablespoons honey tablespoon Dijon mustard teaspoon chopped fresh dill or Vi teaspoon dried dill -- Combine carrots and water. Simmer, covered, until carrots arejust tender, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining ingredients, reserve. When carrots arejust tender, remove cover. Cook over high heat until almost all water evaporates. Stir in reserved honey mixture. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until carrots are hot and with sauce. Makes 4 servings. well-coale- d TOMATOES OVEN-DRIE- D Cut fresh, ripe Florida tomatoes in hall Gently squeeze each hall to extinct seeds and juice, open them up and place on baking sheet. Season to taste. Bake in slow oven 225 F for V: hour. Reduce temperature to 2(XF F for approximately 2 Vi hours, depending on desned texture. OVEN-WEDG- FRIES E 2 Idaho russet potatoes, cut into wedges 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped Chopped Italian seasonings Lay potato wedges on greased cookie sheet, one side down. Bake for 7 minutes in a 400 F oven or until bottom and edges start browning. Flip wedges over to their other side and sprinkle garlic and Italian seasonings over the top. Bake for another 7 minutes or until the wedges are nicely brown and cooked throughout. Makes 2 servings. LOW-FA- T DATE YOGURT SHAKE Vi Vi Vi Vi Vi cup pitted California dates medium banana cup orange juice cup plain nonfat yogurt cup crushed ice Combine dates, banana and orange juice in blender and puree until dates are finely chopped. Add yogurt and ice; blend until just combined. Makes 2 servings. BROCHURE OFFER Want free recipe brochures from Amenta's finest produce growers Just send a Recipes, stamped envelope to. co Creamer Dickson Basford. 1633 Broadway. 27th Floor, New York, NY 1(X)19. |
