Having A Ball This Holiday Season
Red and green bell peppers add a bright holiday color theme to dishes and are a good addition to your diet, to help achieve new year health and fitness goals DIANA HELFAND PHOTO
The new year is just one week away, and with a new year comes those resolutions that usually include getting healthier and staying active.
Nick Taylor, new general manager at Honolulu Club, is passionate about helping people realize their potential and achieve what they aspire to in life.
Originally from Los Angeles, Nick is a 30-year veteran with experience in all aspects of the fitness industry and former vice president of operations and strategy at the highly esteemed Sports Club Company of Los Angeles. He has been a leader in the growth and development of three major fitness chains, and has provided coaching and real-world business solutions to his clients in industries such as fitness, insurance, food and beverage, retail and the service sector.
Nick also is an avid runner, completing a 10K every day (or at least six days per week) and is relearning how to surf, which he hasn’t done in years. He says the water in Hawaii, along with the amazingly friendly people, are his favorite things about his new home. Nick says: “I am excited to be a part of the new Honolulu Club, helping people realize and achieve their fitness goals — all against the spectacular backdrop that is Hawaii.”
If you are entertaining New Year’s Eve, this is a popular cheese ball and a festive-looking addition to your table — the red and green peppers give it a holiday color theme.
There is evidence that bell peppers have been cultivated for 9,000 years, with early cultivation in South and Central America. It was discovered by early colonizers of North America from the 1500s to 1600s.
When purchasing, look for good color, firm skin and no soft spots or dark areas. They should be heavy for their size, and have stems that are green and fresh looking.
Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, and a good source of vitamins B6 and A. They also contain B vitamins, vitamin E, folate, potassium, vitamin K, magnesium, pantothenic acid and phosphorus.
Serve with carrot sticks or baby carrots, celery, cauliflower florets, broccoli florets or a combination of preferred veggies. You also can include your favorite crackers on the platter.
Happy New Year!
COLORFUL MAC NUT CHEESE NIBBLE
• 2 (8 ounce) packages light cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup each finely chopped red and green bell pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• dash salt
• 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
• 3/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
In mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, red and green pepper, cayenne and salt until blended. Add crushed pineapple and mix until evenly distributed. Divide the mixture in half and form two balls. Roll each ball in nuts until coated. Chill for about an hour before serving.
Makes about 12 servings
heartychef@hotmail.com
