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Briefs: Tending fresh herbs

As soon as you get home from the market, cut the bottom inch or so off parsley stems. Place the bunch in a glass tall and narrow enough to support the stems while permitting the leaves to be free above the rim. Fill the glass with enough cold water to cover the bottom third. Place a plastic bag loosely over the leaves and glass.

Change the water in the glass every two days or so, and your parsley should last longer than a week. This method also keeps cilantro and dill fresh.

If you'd like to eat more healthful food without compromising flavor, check out The New American Plate Cookbook by the American Institute for Cancer Research (University of California Press, $24.95). The book emphasizes a plant-based diet, with grains, fruits and vegetables in abundance, and meat occupying a smaller place on the plate. It's a good starting point if you're trying to follow new federal nutrition guidelines that encourage eating those foods and you need practical advice for working them into your diet.

Photos, nutrition information and clearly written directions make this a good resource for cooks of all abilities. Recipe notes often indicate a food's nutrition benefits or include suggestions for side dishes.

When time is crucial and you're on the go, flavored cheeses can be a huge asset. Recently, Sargento introduced Bistro Blends of cheeses and herbs and spices that can be added to many recipes. The Mozzarella & Asiago With Roasted Garlic hits the mark with a not-too-garlicky flavor or aroma. Other blends are Mozzarella With Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil, and Cheddar Salsa With Tomato and Jalapeno Peppers. A 7-ounce package costs $2.79-$2.99.

"In America, food isn't a priority. People learn how to play tennis. They learn how to jog. They don't think about how to prepare a nice meal, yet you must eat to live. Why not eat nice food?" - Cookbook author Marcella Hazan in the Palm Beach Post

If you're looking for a quick breakfast but are not sure what you should grab, here are some best and worst choices highlighted in the April Fitness magazine.

Starbucks. The best choice is a Tall Cafe au Lait with nonfat milk (60 calories, 0 grams fat, 6 grams protein), and the worst choice is a Grande Caramel Mocha with whole milk and whipped cream (470 calories, 12 grams fat, 13 grams protein).

McDonald's. An Egg McMuffin (300 calories, 12 grams fat, 18 grams protein) is best, and a Spanish Omelette Bagel (710 calories, 40 grams fat, 27 grams protein) is worst.

Dunkin Donuts. Go for a French Cruller (150 calories, 8 grams fat, 2 grams protein) and skip the Chocolate Frosted Cake Donut (360 calories, 20 grams fat, 4 grams protein).

[Last modified March 29, 2005, 10:30:05]