Watermelon Tip

If you're anything like me, you love cold watermelon, especially after mowing the lawn or jogging for a half hour.

Unfortunately, watermelon is most nutritious at room temperature.

No kidding.

You see, watermelon ripens and continues to build up healthy antioxidants after it's picked.

And cold temperatures put an end to that process.

So keep your watermelon on the kitchen counter until you're ready for that first great big serving. At that point, slice that melon open and dig in with both hands.

Or use a spoon if you're dining with the Queen or descendants of the Vanderbilts.

After everyone in the family has had their fill, if there's any left, store your newly cut watermelon in the refrigerator.

Whoa, I want some right now. How about you? :)

Chet "Watermelon Lover" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com/blog

Apricot Pecan Cookies

Today I'd like to share a recipe from Sheryl, one of my newsletter subscribers, who learned it from a friend.

This excellent recipe for a healthy raw cookie was first published in February of 2005 in my Amazing Cookies newsletter, so it's a classic:

Apricot Pecan Cookies

2 1/2 cups chopped dried apricots
4 cups muesli
2 cups coarsely chopped raw pecans
3/4 cup honey
1 Tbs vanilla
1 3/4 cup raw organic almond butter
1/2 cup chopped dates
Dash of salt (optional)

Stir all ingredients together. Shape into flat round cookies about 1/2 inch think. Makes 4 dozen cookies. Refrigerate or freeze these cookies immediately. You can vary the dried fruit to change flavor.

Hint from Sheryl

Rinse hands often and keep them moist while forming the cookies. The dough won't stick as much.

Comment from Chet

Yes, you'll have to get your hands messy to make this recipe, but, believe me, the results are worth it. You're not going to find a healthy cookie like this at your local supermarket!

Chet "Healthy Cookie" Day
Editor, The Natural Health Circus
http://chetday.com/blog