Food, Recipe, and Activity of the Week - July 29, 2007
This week's features include:
Food - Tomatillos
Recipe - Roast chicken with tomatillo sauce
Activity - Washing the dog
History
The Aztecs domesticated the tomatillo first growing them as far back as 800 B.C. In pre-Hispanic times in Mexico, the tomatillo was preferred far more than the tomato but this preference has not been maintained except in some rural areas. The tomatillo has been a constant component in the Mexican and Guatemalan diet for many years. Tomatillos have become more common in the US as the Hispanic population has increased and are mainly grown in Texas.
Facts
Tomatillos, also referred to as husk-tomatoes, are small fruits, but are used as vegetables. They belong to the same family as tomatoes, hence the fact that they resemble a small, unripe tomato enclosed in a husk, and are usually yellow or green. They are most often used when they are green because they are firmer and easier to slice.
Tomatillos are available year round in supermarkets and specialty food stores. Domestically grown ones are available from May through November. The husk is a good indication of the quality of the tomatillo and should be looked at when purchasing them. Choose tomatillos with intact, tight-fitting, light brown husks. Husks that are dry or shriveled can indicate a fruit that is probably not in good condition.
Fresh tomatillos with the husk still intact can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They are best stored in a paper bag. If the husks are removed and the tomatillos are kept in a sealed plastic bag they will last a week longer in the refrigerator.
When using tomatillos, remove the husk and wash with soap and water to remove the film left by the husk. Tomatillos can be sliced and put into salads and other dishes. They can also be cooked and used in sauces. Cooking enhances their flavor but the result is a soupy consistency.
Nutritional Information (per 1 medium):
10 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrate, 0 g protein, 1 g dietary fiber, 4 mg vitamin C
Makes 4 servings; each equals one 5-A-Day serving
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound fresh tomatillos, husks removed and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ounces diced green chilies
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 whole chicken breasts, halved, skin and fat removed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into rings
Directions:
Puree the first six ingredients. Place in a 9 inch quiche pan or pie plate, cover with microwave plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 5 minutes. To cook on top of stove, place pureed ingredients in a saucepan and simmer 20 minutes.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken, cover, and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 112, Fat 1g, Calories from Fat 12%, Protein 15g, Carbohydrates 10g, Fiber 3g, Cholesterol 34mg, Sodium 72mg.
Recipe courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more recipes and other information about fruits and vegetables visit: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/5aday/index.htm
You may not have thought of dog washing as a physical activity. For some it is more like a work out, especially if you have to chase your dog around the yard until you finally can clean it. Washing the dog can be a fun, frustrating, or pleasing experience where your whole family can be involved. To properly wash your dog and for your and the dog's comfort please pay attention to the following recommendations:
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Choose a soap that is made for dogs. Human shampoos or soaps are not made for dogs and can cause skin irritation.
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Make sure that the footing of your dog is secure. If washing the dog outside this is less of a problem then when washing it in a bathtub. The key is to prevent the dog from slipping.
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Prepare your dog by combing out tangles before washing it. Doing it later makes it worse. You can put cotton balls in its ears and a drop of mineral oil in each eye to protect them from soap and water.
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Prepare a bucket with warm and soapy water. Also provide a spray nozzle with clean water that you can rinse the dog with. You may need 2-3 buckets of water depending on the size of your dog. Have treats and possibly the dog's favorite toy to provide comfort. You also need a grooming brush, a few towels, and pet shampoo.
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First wet your dog with warm water then shampoo it working up lather. Make sure to rinse well since leftover shampoo may create itchy skin and dull and flaky fur. A detangler is to recommend to facilitate brushing.
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Let the dog shake off the water and then towel dry it. It is important to get the dog dry since on a hot day, the dog would be even hotter if it were wet. Try to avoid washing the dog when it is hot outside, warm climates are preferred.
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Pay attention to the paws and make them clean and make sure that there is no “stinky dirt” on the ground that the dog may step into after the wash.
Enjoy a cleaner dog and a great day outdoors!