In season... WATERMELON!

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Cold, crisp, drippy and just a little sweet, it is exactly as refreshing as its name suggests.

So you decided to buy a whole melon at $.XX/ lb instead of a cut portion for a little bit more per pound (well, you did if you were me), and while it really never does get old on its own, what can you do to dress up this lovely little summer staple?  

I skewered little wedges with slivers of hard ricotta cheese and topped each pair with a mint leaf.  A beautiful, mild hors d'oeuvre to add to a light summer dinner.

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Pair it with a GOOD rosé.  I'm a fan of Castello di Ama Rosato,(2011) which is fuller-bodied and fragrant, with a long finish and not quite as minerally as some other roses come.  

While you're at it, surf around Castello di Ama's website.  Some cool art and education.  Another reason to appreciate the wine!

CHEERS!

In season...AVOCADO

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Yeah, they're high in fat, but it's heart-healthy unsaturated fat in this nutrient-dense, delicious little "alligator fruit."  Diced up in my salad, ripe avocados create a creamy dressing all their own, and when I'm not worried about the fat at all, I throw slices on a baguette and melt some brie on top.  REALLY delish!


But what makes a party a fiesta - guacamole!  There are as many recipes as their are avocado varieties (actually, there are way more recipes), but my favorite is totally simple:

- finely diced white or Vidalia onion (about 1/2 cup)
- juice of 2 limes
- cilantro (if you so enjoy)
mash up with 2 diced avocados and voila!  


And if you want a little pop of color and heat, mix in finely diced red chiles and green onion.


I'm partial to baked-only chips, but this recipe is pretty darn good on the indulgent chili lime chip varieties too.

Want more info, recipes and beautiful images?  Check out these commissions:

http://www.avocado.org/

http://www.avocadocentral.com/

News/ Updates - Iron Matt

Matthew Inhaled Life and Exhaled Joy

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Doctors know very little about childhood brain cancer today. The Iron Matt foundation was created by Kelly Larson in memory of her son, Matthew, a boy who loved to go to school, play baseball and soccer, work in the yard, cook, fish, swim, and ride his bike. 

The goal of Iron Matt is to raise awareness and funds needed to overcome pediatric brain tumors and to help the families and children affected by it. You can also read more about the Larsons' story in Woman's World Magazine this week.

Learn More about IronMatt & Contribute 

In season... SPROUTS

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Line the bottom of your favorite salad concoction - like this one topped with pumpkin seeds, coconut, roasted peppers and goat cheese - with a fistful of sprouts for an antioxidant boast and a crispy little pop.

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Find out the benefits of all the popular sprouts, from alfalfa to sunflower: 

http://www.isga-sprouts.org/nutritio.htm

News / Updates - Swinging at CF

25 Years - And hopefully the LAST

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Recognize that southpaw swing?  It's none other than football great Boomer Esiason, knocking it home in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at Monday's 25th Annual Wall Street Charity Golf Classic at Winged Foot Country Club.  Esiason, a long time supporter of the fight to cure Cystic Fibrosis, even before his own son's diagnosis, finished handsomely with his foursome, including co-host Craig Carton

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That stifling heat finally broke giving way to a perfect day on the turf.  The course was in great shape and the delicate balance of moisture was well managed by the crew.  (Golfers: always be kind to your groundkeepers!)

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SWAG, prizes and really delicious meals aside, participants went home with hearts full.  Moving and informative speakers rallied incredible support, adding more and more tomorrows.  Event Founder Tom Hughes was proud to see the tournament flourish in its 25 years, but shared the hope that next year, there won't be a need for such a fundraiser... when CF just stands for Cure Found.

For more photos of the event, visit: http://www.megbaggott.com/cff/golf2012

News/Updates - Staying Healthy in Summer

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I photographed personal trainer and nutritionist Ariane Hundt for the eating well feature in Woman's World Magazine.  Pick it up on stands today.

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Ariane eats lots of fresh veggies and kicks butts at her Brooklyn Bridge Bootcamp. 

photo from Ariane Hundt

See Ariane's blog http://www.slimandstrongblog.com, which includes some helpful tips on staying fit. Her recent post entitled Leftover Love (left) accompanies a wonderful recipe of leftovers heated up on bell peppers.

Have you ever been to...

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY ?

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Hurry to get this really great TravelZoo deal:
  Hamptons Beachfront Hotel through Summer
http://www.travelzoo.com/local-deals/New-York-City/Getaway/20056

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It was pretty windy at the Westhampton Bath & Tennis Hotel & Marina, but it was a welcome retreat from the sweltering temps westward.  The resort is really lovely and the staff was gracious and helpful. A brief shoot with tennis pro Doug Dean was great fun as he told me tales of his travels with Kenny Rogers and a few pointers on my backswing. 

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Picture-perfect Main Street Westhampton offered a lot of inspiration, with shops like Silver Spoons and Rags, to plug a few friendly folks, reflecting awesome colors and culture.   

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Make SURE you stop at the Beach Bakery Cafe for a sensory delight where young Europeans serve up endless offerings of housemade pastries, cakes, breads and refreshments.  Try the raspberry mint iced tea and a sugar-topped apple dumpling - a whole baked apple inside a perfect pastry orb! - or, the gigantic macaroons.  Worth every calorie!

Have you ever been?  Share your tales...