30 Days to More Satisfying Sex

Is your sex life grand or bland? Try these tips for a more fulfilling experience

Day 1
Sure, long and slow is lovely, but there’s something to be said for the five-minute romp. When time is scarce, shoot for an unusual location, like the shower or kitchen, and you may find yourself more turned on than usual.

Day 2
Obesity can alter your hormonal balance, possibly dampening desire. And clogged arteries contribute to conditions like erectile dysfunction.
Arteries clogged with saturated fat don't bring as much blood to the genital area for arousal purposes. Hence the correlation between heart disease and erectile dysfunction.

But excess weight also messes with your hormones. "Obesity can shift the balance between estrogen and testosterone," says Michael Krychman, MD, executive director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine in Newport Beach, Calif. And low testosterone can bring down your sex drive.
Nutrition counts too. For example, an iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, which in turn can lead to low libido. (Eat your broccoli!)

Day 3

Run with it
Cardiovascular activity—whether it’s a jog or an aerobics class—increases circulation, and therefore blood flow to the genitals, making sex more pleasurable for you and your mate.

1. Get plenty of exercise

If you want to be "hot-blooded," then improve your circulation. Physical fitness can increase blood flow, which in theory can make sex more pleasurable since sexual arousal for both men and women involves increased blood flow to the genital area. And that can increase desire itself—if it feels great, you tend to want to do it more.
Exercise boosts endorphins, which lift your mood, and it can increase your energy. Not to mention that being toned makes some people feel sexier.

Day 4

Phone it in
Traveling for work? Phone sex is a great way to keep things steamy, even if you’re miles apart.
Sure, it sounds NC-17, but phone sex can be a great way for couples to bond when apart. You don’t need to turn into a phone-sex operator. Your man just wants to feel connected to you like he does when you’re actually in bed.
First, dim the lights and slip into something sexy. Start by telling your husband what you’re wearing, where you are, etc. Talk about the last time you had sex or what you would be doing to him if you were home. If the goal is an orgasm, describe what you’re doing to yourself, and ask him to do the same. Just relax and have fun!

Day 5

Stay fun
If you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s easy to forget that sex wasn’t always so much work. Doing everything but—giving a massage, focusing on touch—can help make it fun again.

When sex becomes more about peeing on sticks than pleasure, try these tricks.
Forget your cycle. That magic window of ovulation can also be a desire-stifling trap. Remember, your sex drive isn’t completely linked to your egg release, so don’t cut off the action when your fertility ebbs. Having sex when you want to all month long will take some of the pressure off.
Do everything but. Give each other a massage, and have intimate contact beyond the bedroom. Long, strong hugs daily will make a difference.
Embrace your imagination. Fantasizing about someone else isn’t a form of cheating. If it spices things up—and it usuallydoes—it’s perfectly OK.

 Day 6

Relax
Overworked, exhausted—and that’s before you leave the house in the morning. Setting aside just a little bit of relaxation time with your partner can bring back the fireworks.
"How about a simple vacation? How about communicating with your partner?" suggests Irwin Goldstein, MD, director of San Diego Sexual Medicine and editor in chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine. "People are overworked and stressed, and they translate their overworked, stressed lives to a lousy sex life."

Day 7

Ditch routine
What do a towel, phone messages, and a fantasy jar have in common? They can all help you spice up an otherwise lackluster love life.

Day 8



Understand your orgasm
Find out the different ways you and your partner can climax, and why the G-spot may be hot—or not.
An orgasm is a rush of pleasure that usually comes from contractions of the muscles in the vagina, anus, and abdomen. It can feel like light pops, waves, vibrations, an explosion, or anything in between.

During an orgasm, several areas in your brain are active, leading to the release of the hormones serotonin and oxytocin. Experts believe this could lead to a boost in happiness, bonding with your partner, or a reduction in stress.
Orgasm intensity varies from time to time and from person to person. Hormones may play a role, sexologists say. Some women report feeling more desire at certain points in their cycle, which could make an especially satisfying orgasm more likely.
The difference between clitoral and vaginal orgasms is where you are being stimulated. These orgasms may feel very different to some women—fuller and deeper during intercourse, say, but more focused on your genitals if you masturbate by touching your clitoris. But experts say what’s going on in your body is about the same. It’s all caused by clitoral stimulation.
“Though the tip is usually the most sensitive part by far, research shows that most of the clitoris is erectile tissue inside a woman’s body,” explains sex educator Dorian Solot. “So when internal stimulation feels good, it’s the nerves and erectile tissue of the clitoris that are being stimulated. Now that we understand this, we realize there’s really only one kind of orgasm.” (A man, by the way, can have an orgasm if his penis or his prostate is stimulated. The sensation is usually, but not always, strongest in the genital area. “Men are more similar that way than women,” says sex researcher Beverly Whipple, PhD, professor emerita at Rutgers University.)
The G-spot may be a hot spot—or not. Also known as the urethral sponge, the G-spot is an area about 2 inches inside the vagina toward the belly side. It wraps around the urethra, swelling with fluid during arousal. If sufficiently stimulated, it can be felt through the vaginal wall. But it doesn’t always feel good. (The G-spot got its name from American gynecologist Ernst Grafenberg.)
Multiple orgasms are two or more in a row before a woman returns to her pre-orgasmic state. But each one has its own buildup, Solot says. “It’s not the same as one big orgasm with a bunch of after-shocks.” Plenty of women say they’re blissfully satisfied with a single good one. Others may find that they’re too sensitive to have more than one in a short period.
(By Kara Jesella:: sources: www.health.com)

Be continued next blog, stay tune!

Italian Pizza

Shrimp Alfredo Pizza

Ingredients

• 1  (1.6-ounce) package dry Alfredo sauce mix
• 1  pound  unpeeled medium-size fresh shrimp
• 3  bacon slices
• 1  medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  teaspoon  dried oregano
• 1/4  teaspoon  pepper
• 1  (16-ounce) package prebaked Italian pizza crust
• 1/3  cup  shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1  (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2  plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1  teaspoon  dried parsley

 

Preparation

Prepare Alfredo sauce according to package directions. Set aside.
Peel shrimp, and devein, if desired. Set aside.
Cook bacon in a nonstick skillet until crisp; remove bacon, reserving drippings in skillet. Drain bacon on paper towels; crumble and set aside.
Add onion and garlic to skillet, and sauté over medium-high heat 3 minutes or until tender. Add shrimp, and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in oregano and pepper. Remove from heat.
Place crust on a baking sheet; spread with Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle evenly with shrimp mixture, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and remaining ingredients.
Bake at 400° for 12 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Note: For testing purposes only, we used Boboli for prebaked Italian pizza crust.

Delfina's Carbonara Pizza

Ingredients

• Dough
• 1  teaspoon  (slightly rounded) fresh yeast
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  extra-virgin olive oil
• 30  ounces  (about 6 cups) "00" flour, preferably Caputo*, or all-purpose flour
• 3  tablespoons  kosher salt
• Carbonara Topping
• 8  or 9 green onions
• 9  ounces  coarsely chopped guanciale (cured pork cheek) or pancetta
• 1 1/2  cups  coarsely grated pecorino romano
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 9  tablespoons  heavy cream
• 3  eggs

Preparation

1. Make dough: Put yeast, oil, and 2 cups plus 1 tbsp. cold tap water in bowl of a stand mixer and mix, using dough hook, on lowest speed, 5 minutes or until yeast has completely dissolved. Add flour and mix another 8 minutes.
2. Cover bowl loosely with a dampened towel and let dough rise 20 minutes.
3. Add salt and mix on low speed until incorporated and dissolved, about 7 minutes.
4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured work surface and cut into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion with a circular pressing motion into a tight ball. Place on a lightly floured baking sheet.
5. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise at least 4 hours at warm room temperature. Dough balls have risen properly when they are soft, pillowy, and full of air.
6. Heat a pizza stone or baking sheet on lowest rack of oven at 550° (or as high as oven will go), at least 30 minutes.
7. Make toppings: Cut green onions into long slivers, soak in cold water for 20 minutes, and drain in a colander. Set aside.
8. Bring a small pot of water to a boil, add guanciale, and boil until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
9. Working with 1 dough ball at a time (keep the rest tightly covered), set on a well-floured pizza peel or baking sheet. To stretch into an 11- to 12-in. circle, first tap down the center of the ball with your fingertips to gently deflate it. Next, push it outward from the center with your fingertips. Then pick up the dough circle and, holding it under the rim, turn it like a steering wheel, letting the gravity of the dough help it stretch. Drape the dough over the backs of your hands and gently stretch outward, rotating periodically. Flop the stretched dough down onto the pizza peel.
10. Spread about 1/2 cup pecorino evenly over dough. Top with a third of green onions, then a third of guanciale. Grind on some pepper and drizzle with 3 tbsp. cream. Give the peel a good shake every few seconds to keep dough from sticking.
11. Plant tip of pizza peel (or long edge of baking sheet) on pizza stone and shove pizza quickly onto stone (or preheated sheet). Bake 2 minutes, then remove from oven with pizza peel or baking sheet, crack an egg onto center, gently push back into oven from peel with your fingers, and bake 3 minutes more. Just before serving, drag a knife through the egg to spread it around.
12. Repeat with 2 dough balls and remaining toppings (top remaining 3 dough balls differently or freeze).
Make ahead: Form dough into balls (through step 4) and chill overnight, tightly covered with plastic wrap, instead of letting rise on counter (it will rise slowly in the fridge). You can also freeze dough for up to 2 weeks (let chilled or frozen dough come to room temperature before stretching).
*Find at well-stocked grocery stores and Italian markets.
Note: Nutritional analysis is per slice.

Nutritional Information

Calories:160 (46% from fat)

Protein:6.5g

Fat:8.2g (sat 4)

Carbohydrate:14g

Fiber:0.6g

Sodium:680mg

Cholesterol: 48mg

 

 

Clam Pizza with Salad Topping

Ingredients

• 20  ounces  store-bought pizza dough
• 1  pound  chopped clams, drained well (about 2 cups), or 4 dozen littlenecks, shucked and drained well
• 4  cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4  teaspoon  dried red-pepper flakes
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 4  tablespoons  olive oil
• 2  quarts mixed salad greens (about 6 ounces)
• 3/4  cup  halved cherry tomatoes (about 1/4 pound)
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  wine vinegar
• 1/4  teaspoon  fresh-ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Heat the oven to 425°. Oil two 12-inch pizza pans or large baking sheets. Press the pizza dough into an approximately 12-inch round, or 9-by-13-inch rectangle, on each prepared pan. Bake until the dough begins to brown, about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, line a strainer with several paper towels. Put the drained clams in the strainer and press gently to remove excess moisture.
3. Spread the clams on the partially baked pizza crusts, sprinkle with the garlic, red-pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of the oil. Bake the pizzas for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overcook or the clams will toughen.
4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the greens with the cherry tomatoes, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, the vinegar, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Remove the pizzas from the oven and top with the salad.
Plenty of Dough: If you're unable to find pizza dough in the refrigerator section of your supermarket, pizza places will often sell it to you by the pound. Just ask.
Wine Recommendation: Pinot grigio outsells other white wines in Italian restaurants by more than two to one, and this is the kind of dish that really shows why. Crisp, clean, and light, a good pinot grigio will nicely highlight the clams and tomatoes.

Italian-Style Pizza Pot Pie

Ingredients

• 3/4  pound  ground round
• 1/4  pound  mild Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1  small onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  (8-oz.) package sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1  (26-oz.) jar tomato-and-basil pasta sauce
• 1/2  teaspoon  dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1  (13.8-oz.) package refrigerated pizza crust dough
• Parchment paper
• 1  cup  (4 oz.) shredded Italian five-cheese blend

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450°. Cook ground round and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 8 to 10 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain beef mixture, reserving 1 tsp. drippings in skillet. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Sauté onion in hot drippings 2 minutes. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute or until tender. Add mushrooms, and sauté 8 to 10 minutes or until most of liquid has evaporated. Stir in beef mixture, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to a light boil, and simmer 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, unroll dough on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper. Invert 1 (9-inch) round baking dish or pie plate onto center of dough. Cut dough around edge of baking dish, making a 9-inch circle. Remove excess dough around baking dish; cover and chill, reserving for another use, such as Cinnamon Nuggets. Remove baking dish.
4. Pour beef mixture into baking dish, and sprinkle with cheese. Immediately top with dough circle. Cut an "X" in top of dough for steam to escape. Place baking dish on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake at 450° for 16 to 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Note: For testing purposes only, we used Pillsbury Classic Pizza Crust.
Piecrust-Topped Pizza Pot Pie: Substitute 1/2 (15-oz.) package refrigerated piecrusts for pizza dough. Proceed with recipe as directed, omitting Step 3. (Place entire piecrust over filling in baking dish in Step 4; press crust onto edge of dish to secure. Edges of crust will hang over sides of dish. Tuck excess crust under sides of dish, if desired.)

Mushroom, Zucchini, and Swiss-Cheese Pizza

Ingredients

• 2  pounds  store-bought or homemade pizza dough
• 3  tablespoons  olive oil
• 1  zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into thin slices
• 1  pound  mushrooms, sliced thin
• 1  teaspoon  salt
• 1/2  teaspoon  fresh-ground black pepper
• 1  teaspoon  dried thyme
• 1/2  cup  dry white wine
• 1/2  pound  Swiss cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
• 1/4  cup  grated Parmesan

Preparation

1. Heat the oven to 425°. Oil two 12-inch pizza pans or large baking sheets. Press the dough into a 12-inch round, or 9-by-13-inch rectangle, on each prepared pan. Bake until the dough begins to brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately high heat. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the same pan. Add the mushrooms, salt, pepper, and thyme and cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Return the zucchini to the pan, add the wine, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and all the wine has evaporated, about 5 minutes more.
4. Spread the vegetable mixture on the partially baked pizza crusts. Sprinkle each with Swiss cheese and Parmesan and bake until the cheese melts, about 10 minutes.
Wine Recommendation: Nebbiolo is the grape of great Italian wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. You can enjoy its complex mushroom, spice, rose-petal, and strawberry flavors in a much less expensive Nebbiolo delle Langhe or Nebbiolo d'Alba.
Notes: If you prefer to use store-bought pizza shells, such as Boboli, simply start this recipe with Step 2. Spread the topping directly onto the shells in Step 4, no prebaking required.

Pizza al Forno

Ingredients

• 1/2  cup  Bertolli® Creamy Alfredo Sauce
• 1/2  cup  ricotta cheese
• 1  (12-in.) prebaked pizza crust
• 2  plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 4  ounces  fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°.

Combine Sauce with ricotta in medium bowl.

Arrange pizza crust on ungreased pizza pan or baking sheet. Evenly spread with ricotta mixture, then top with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

Bake 15 minutes or until ricotta mixture is bubbling. Garnish, if desired, with Parmesan cheese curls and fresh basil leaves.

VARIATIONS: Before baking, try topping with sauteed spinach, bell peppers, broccoli or mushrooms, olives, cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni.

Cost per recipe*: $9.36
Cost per serving*: $2.34
*Based on average retail prices at national supermarkets.

Pizza Sticks

Ingredients

• 1  (12-oz.) refrigerated thin pizza crust
• 1  (10.5-oz.) container tomato bruschetta topping
• 1  cup  (4 oz.) shredded Italian cheese blend

Preparation

Top 1 (12-oz.) refrigerated thin pizza crust with 1 (10.5-oz.) container tomato bruschetta topping. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Italian cheese blend. Bake at 450°, directly on oven rack, 12 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Cut pizza in half, and cut each half lengthwise into 2-inch strips.
Note: For testing purposes only, we used Buitoni Classic Bruschetta.

Italian Bread

Ingredients

• 1  (1/4-ounce) envelope active dry yeast
• 1  teaspoon  sugar
• 1  cup  warm water (100° to 110°)
• 2  to 3 cups bread flour
• 2  tablespoons  olive oil
• 1  teaspoon  salt

Preparation

Combine yeast, sugar, and 1 cup warm water in bowl of a heavy-duty electric stand mixer; let stand 5 minutes. Add 2 cups flour, oil, and salt to bowl, and beat at low speed, using dough hook attachment, 1 minute. Gradually add additional flour until dough begins to leave the sides of the bowl and pull together. (Note: The dough will take on a "shaggy" appearance as the flour is being added. When enough flour has been added, the dough will look soft and smooth, not wet and sticky or overly dry with a rough surface.)
Increase speed to medium, and beat 5 minutes. Cover bowl of dough with plastic wrap, and let stand in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down, and let stand 10 minutes.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; shape dough into a 12-inch loaf, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cut 3 (1/4-inch deep) slits across top of dough with a sharp paring knife. (The slits release interior steam and prevent the loaf from blowing apart at the side.)
Bake at 400° for 16 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Herbed Focaccia: Proceed with recipe as directed, shaping dough into a ball instead of a loaf. Roll dough into an 11- x 14-inch rectangle on a lightly greased baking sheet. Press handle of a wooden spoon into dough to make indentations at 1-inch intervals. Drizzle dough evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil; sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Bake at 475° for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Pizza Crust: Proceed with recipe as directed, shaping dough into a ball instead of a loaf. Roll dough into an 11- x 14-inch rectangle on a lightly greased baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, or spread with pesto or pizza sauce, and sprinkle with desired toppings. Bake at 475° for 20 to 25 minutes.

Sausage Italian Bread Pizza

Ingredients

• 1  pound  mild or hot Italian sausage
• 2  tablespoons  olive oil, divided
• 1  onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  cup  pizza or pasta sauce
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  dried oregano
• 1/4  teaspoon  dried crushed red pepper
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1  (1-lb.) loaf semolina bread (about 14" long)
• 2/3  cup  ricotta cheese, divided
• 2  cups  (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4  cup  grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Preparation

Remove and discard casings from sausage. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat 8 minutes, stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Push meat to outer edges of pan; add 1 Tbsp. oil. Add onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes or until onion is softened. Remove from heat; stir in pizza sauce and next 3 ingredients.
Cut bread in half lengthwise using a serrated knife, and scoop out center of each bread half, leaving a 1/2" border; discard scooped-out bread or reserve for making breadcrumbs.
Spread 1/3 cup ricotta down center of each bread half. Top each evenly with sausage mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle pizzas evenly with remaining 1 Tbsp. oil. Place pizzas on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Bake at 425° for 6 minutes or until cheese is melted and pizzas are thoroughly heated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Italian food recipes

Pan-Seared Chicken with Italian Salsa Verde

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  all-purpose flour
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 4  (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 5  teaspoons  olive oil, divided
• 3/4  cup  fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 2  tablespoons  water
• 2  tablespoons  red wine vinegar
• 1  teaspoon  bottled minced garlic
• 1  teaspoon  capers, rinsed and drained
• 4  (2-inch) fresh mint sprigs
• 1  (2-ounce) slice peasant bread, crust removed

 Preparation

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and shake well to coat. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done.
Place the remaining 2 teaspoons oil, parsley, and remaining ingredients except bread in a food processor; process 10 seconds or until finely chopped. Tear peasant bread into pieces; add to the processor, and process 4 seconds or until well blended. Thinly slice each chicken breast half, and serve topped with salsa verde.

Nutritional Information

Calories:280 (27% from fat)

Fat: 8.3g (sat 1.5g,mono 4.7g,poly 1.3g)

Protein:40.9g

Carbohydrate:8.1g

Fiber:1g

Cholesterol: 99mg

Iron: 2.7mg

Sodium: 345mg

Calcium:51mg

 

Italian Combo Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Light Mayonnaise
• 2  slices multigrain bread
• 2  tablespoons  chopped marinated artichokes (optional)
• 2  tablespoons  sliced hot Italian peppers (optional)
• 2  ounces  thinly sliced deli ham
• 1  slice mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 1/4  cup  baby arugula or spinach leaves

Preparation

Light Mayonnaise on 1 bread slice, then top with artichokes and Italian peppers. Layer with remaining ingredients, then top with remaining bread.

Grilled Clams with Sambuca and Italian Sausage

Ingredients

• 4  ounces  hot turkey Italian sausage (about 1/2 link)
• 1/4  cup  finely chopped onion
• 1/4  cup  finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4  cup  finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2  teaspoon  butter
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1  (1-ounce) slice day-old white bread
• 2  tablespoons  Sambuca or Pernod (licorice-flavored liqueur)
• 1/2  teaspoon  Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8  teaspoon  black pepper
• Dash of salt
• 36  littleneck clams, cleaned
• 6  lemon wedges

Preparation

Remove casings from sausage. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sausage; cook until browned, stirring to crumble. Add onion, peppers, butter, and garlic to pan; cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Place bread in a food processor; pulse 5 times or until breadcrumbs form. Add breadcrumbs to sausage mixture; cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour Sambuca into one side of skillet. Ignite Sambuca with a long match, and let flames die down. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt.
Prepare grill to high heat.
Shuck clams; discard any broken shells or shells that remain open. Place 12 clam halves on shellfish grate; discard top halves of shells. Top each with about 1 teaspoon breadcrumb mixture. Place grate on grill. Cover and cook 4 minutes or until clam juice in shells boils. Remove clams from grate; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining clams and breadcrumbs. Serve with lemon wedges.

Italian Chocolate-Chestnut Torte 

Ingredients

• 2  ounces  bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 3/4  cup  mascarpone cheese
• 1/2  cup  whole-milk or part-skim ricotta cheese
• 6  tablespoons  granulated sugar
• 2  large eggs, separated
• 1  tablespoon  rum (optional)
• 1/4  cup  chestnut flour or all-purpose flour
• 1/3  cup  chopped chestnuts in syrup, drained, or marrons glacés (see notes)
• Cookie crust (recipe follows)
• Powdered sugar
• 8  to 10 whole chestnuts in syrup, drained, or marrons glacés (optional)
• Coffee ice cream

Preparation

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate in a microwave oven on full power (100%) until soft, about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
2. To chocolate, add mascarpone, ricotta, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, egg yolks, rum, flour, and chopped chestnuts; stir until well blended.
3. In a bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and continue to beat whites until they hold stiff peaks. Gently fold whites into cheese mixture; scrape into cookie crust and spread level.
4. Bake in a 350° oven until filling is firm when pan is gently shaken and springs back when lightly touched in the center, about 30 minutes (20 minutes in a convection oven).
5. Cool on a rack about 20 minutes. Run a knife between cake and pan rim; remove rim. Let torte cool to room temperature, about 45 minutes; proceed, or chill airtight up to 1 day.
6. Sift powdered sugar over torte. If desired, decorate top with whole chestnuts spaced evenly around rim. Cut into wedges and serve with ice cream.
Cookie crust. In a food processor or blender, whirl about 45 vanilla wafer cookies (6 oz. total) until finely ground. Pour crumbs into a 9-inch cake pan with removable rim. Add 3 tablespoons melted butter or margarine, 1 tablespoon each honey and rum, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; mix well and press evenly over bottom and 1 inch up sides of pan.

Shrimp Alfredo Pizza

Ingredients

• 1  (1.6-ounce) package dry Alfredo sauce mix
• 1  pound  unpeeled medium-size fresh shrimp
• 3  bacon slices
• 1  medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  teaspoon  dried oregano
• 1/4  teaspoon  pepper
• 1  (16-ounce) package prebaked Italian pizza crust
• 1/3  cup  shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1  (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2  plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1  teaspoon  dried parsley

Preparation

Prepare Alfredo sauce according to package directions. Set aside.
Peel shrimp, and devein, if desired. Set aside.
Cook bacon in a nonstick skillet until crisp; remove bacon, reserving drippings in skillet. Drain bacon on paper towels; crumble and set aside.
Add onion and garlic to skillet, and sauté over medium-high heat 3 minutes or until tender. Add shrimp, and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in oregano and pepper. Remove from heat.
Place crust on a baking sheet; spread with Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle evenly with shrimp mixture, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and remaining ingredients.
Bake at 400° for 12 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Note: For testing purposes only, we used Boboli for prebaked Italian pizza crust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bugil Untuk Amal Terkumpul Rp. 360 juta

Khasiat Asparagus Bagi Kesehatan

Asparagus bukan hanya sedap disantap, tapi juga memiliki banyak manfaat bagi kesehatan. Mulai dari mengatasi jerawat hingga menghambat pertumbuhan sel kanker.

Kandungan alkali tinggi dalam asparagus bahkan tak hanya mampu mengatasi masalah jerawat, tapi juga gangguan kulit lainnya seperti kudis, eksim. Sementara kandungan seratnya (dietary fiber) yang sangat tinggi mampu mengikat zat karsinogen penyebab kanker.

Seperti dikutip dari laman Good to Know, Direktur Departemen Nutrisi dari Brigham and Women’s Hospital di Boston, Kathy McManus, RD, mengatakan, asparagus merupakan diuretik alami yang dapat melepaskan cairan tak berguna dari dalam tubuh melalui urin.

Itulah mengapa, konsumsi sayuran dengan nama latin Asparagus officinalis ini sangat disarankan bagi mereka yang tengah menjalani  program diet penurunan berat badan. Apalagi asparagus merupakan sayur rendah kalori, tidak mengandung lemak atau kolesterol.

Sifat diuretiknya tak hanya membantu menurunkan berat badan, tetapi juga memperlancar metabolisme tubuh dan memperbaiki kerja ginjal. Asparagus membantu memperlancar saluran urin dan menghambat pembentukan batu ginjal.

Asparagus merupakan salah satu sayur rendah sodium, sumber potasium yang baik, sumber serat yang baik, sumber folasin yang baik, sumber signifikan thiamin, sumber penting vitamin B6, dan salah satu sumber terkaya rutin, suatu senyawa yang memperkuat dinding kapiler. Juga kaya kandungan mineral, dan vitamin A, D, dan E.

Secara klinis, asparagus juga terbukti mampu meningkatkan kesuburan pria. Sedangkan bagi wanita, konsumsi asparagus dapat mencegah kram saat menstruasi. Asparagus juga kaya asam folat yang baik bagi ibu hamil dan menyusui. Sedangan kandungan antioksidannya dapat mencegah penuaan dini.

Agar kandungan gizi di dalamnya tak hilang, sebaiknya olah asparagus dengan merebus selama 3-4 menit. Yang paling umum adalah mengolahnya menjadi sup, tapi banyak juga yang mengolahnya menjadi sajian jus asparagus. (sumber: vivanews.com)

Bugil Untuk Amal Swags Raih Rp. 360 juta.

BINTANG Calendar Girls selalu beraksi bugil untuk kegiatan amal. Kali ini, SWAGs -Service Wives And Girlfriends atau para istri dan kekasih tentara Amerika Serikat- melakukan aksi serupa.

Saat pasangannya tengah sibuk berurusan dengan serangan militer, SWAGs justru melakukan serangan frontal dengan menanggalkan pakaiannya dan berpose tanpa sehelai benang pun untuk kegiatan amal.

Dengan hanya bersenjata strategis dan berada di atas rongsokan tank, SWAGs berpose bugil untuk kalender yang membantu kegiatan amal. Penjualan kalender tersebut telah berhasil meraih 26 ribu poundsterling atau setara dengan Rp360 juta untuk membantu para prajurit yang terluka dan perempuan terluka di Afghanistan dan Irak. Demikian seperti okezone kutip dari Dailymail, Rabu (21/4/2010).

Sebanyak 50 relawan, yang terdiri dari istri dan kekasih dari tiga Angkatan Bersenjata, melepas pakaian mereka untuk difoto di markas dan pusat pelatihan di Hampshire. Tapi kerendahan hati mereka juga ditemani oleh beberapa peralatan militer.

Kelly glamor Monk (20), merupakan salah satu wanita dalam kalender tersebut. Kekasihnya Andrew Mason (21), yang melayani di Batalyon 2 Resimen Princess of Wales, yang memiliki ide untuk membiarkan Kelly berpose bugil dalam kegiatan amal tersebut.

Kelly, dari Botley, Hampshire, mengatakan, "Saya bersama dengan adik Andrew, Sam, untuk melakukan pemotretan dan telah memulainya dari sana. Pada awalnya kami gugup, tapi kemudian kita benar-benar mulai menikmatinya dan semua orang tertawa. Pacar saya baik-baik dengannya. Dia tahu bahwa itu untuk tujuan mulia."

Lisa-Fellows Patel (43), yang tinggal di dekat Bath berpose untuk kalender edisi April mengatakan, dia "bangga" sudah menanggalkan pakaiannya untuk mendukung pasukan di medan perang.

"Seorang teman sekolah di Angkatan Darat telah dikirim ke Afghanistan. Saya merasa ini merupakan satu-satunya cara untuk saya benar-benar bisa mendukung dia dari rumah, yaitu melakukan pekerjaan sosial untuk 'Help For Heroes' dan saat aku menjadi modelnya sangat menyenangkan. Pacar saya malah menyarankan untuk membantu dengan kalender," ungkapnya.

"Malam sebelumnya, saya sangat gugup, tapi meyakinkan diriku sendiri bahwa jika angkatan bersenjata berada di luar negeri berjuang atas nama saya, saya akan punya keberanian untuk telanjang dan melakukan sedikit hal yang berbeda dari diri saya. Kalender ini jadi luar biasa. Sangat vulgar, tetapi tidak menyinggung dan saya menyukainya," lanjutnya.

Fotografer Roy Goodwin yang membantu mengabadikan seluruh model dalam kalender tersebut menambahkan, "Sekira 50 anak terlibat dan mereka semua relawan. Mereka bekerja dan berdedikasi untuk membuat kalender ini selesai dan kami bahkan harus menyelundupkan mereka ke sebuah pangkalan militer untuk satu kesempatan pemotretan." (sumber: http://www.swagcalendar.co.uk)

10 Tipe wanita yang di hindari pria

Situs pria, askmen.com mengumpulkan 10 tipe wanita yang ditakuti oleh pria. Jika Anda ingin si dia yang Anda incar itu juga menyukai Anda, hindari bertingkah seperti tipe-tipe di bawah ini.

Sembrono

Tipe wanita yang sembrono yang semaunya saja. Tipe yang ingin kemauannya selalu dipenuhi, tak peduli tata krama, bahkan cenderung bertingkah seperti "preman". Tipe ini mudah ditemui, suaranya biasanya paling lantang bergema jika ada keberatan akan sesuatu atau tidak terpenuhi kemauannya.

Pencemburu

Pria takut dengan wanita yang sangat mudah cemburuan. Menurut askmen.com, tipe ini bisa tiba-tiba menuduh prianya sedang bermain mata dengan wanita yang duduk di belakangnya, atau dengan wanita di kasir yang menyerahkan uang kembalian kepada prianya. Tipe pencemburu ini tak akan sungkan menggunakan sebuah adegan yang kelihatan sepele untuk menuduh pasangannya sedang berselingkuh atau menggoda wanita lain.

Tergantung

Tipe yang sangat ketergantungan ini mirip ular boa di hutan. Konon, tipe ini akan mengeluarkan sisi terbaiknya untuk memikat si pria, dengan segala cara. Sesudah itu, ia akan sangat ketergantungan dengan prianya. Para pria yang sudah terjerat tipe ini akan sulit untuk melepaskan diri. Terlihat dari luar, tipe ini sangat posesif dan amat ingin mengkontrol penuh prianya. Ketika dikonfrontasi, ia akan kembali ke sifat manis, lalu menyerang kembali ketika ada kesempatan.

"Sangat Ramah" Pada Setiap Pria

Tipe ini juga amat ditakuti pria. Tipe ini biasanya memiliki penampilan fisik yang di atas rata-rata. Tak heran jika banyak pria yang berusaha mendekatinya. Yang jadi masalah, ia tak menolak pria-pria yang mencoba mendekatinya. Bahkan, ia akan dengan mudahnya memanipulasi para pria ini. Tak heran kalau ia punya "koleksi" pria yang amat banyak.The Control Freak

Tipe ini adalah tipe yang memang kurang menyenangkan. Sesama wanita pun akan segan untuk bisa dekat dengan tipe ini. Ia akan mencoba untuk mengkontrol segala hal, seakan ia yang tahu segalanya, dan semua orang harus patuh padanya. Tipe ini akan memulai dengan memberikan saran, ketika sarannya didengar dan terbukti benar, ia akan mulai memerintah dan mendiktekan segalanya.

Misionaris

Wanita semacam ini ingin pendapatnya didengar dan diikuti oleh banyak orang. Jika tipe Control Freak adalah tipe yang sangat lantang menyuarakan pendapatnya, tipe Misionaris lebih kalem, persisten, dan akan menghalalkan cara apa pun agar keinginannya terpenuhi. Ia akan mengajak Anda untuk bergabung dengan pilihannya, pola pikirnya, apa pun yang menurutnya terbaik.

Putus asa

Tipe seperti ini adalah tipe yang sangat menginginkan dirinya berada dalam sebuah hubungan. Namun, tak pernah bisa mengerti mengapa segala hubungan yang pernah ia jalani selalu gagal. Lalu, ketika ia putus asa, ia akan memberikan segalanya untuk si pria. Bahkan tak takut untuk mengambil sikap ekstrem, misal, bersedia untuk hamil meski belum menikah, demi menjerat prianya.

Matre

Nah, tipe ini sudah sangat jelas, hanya menginginkan uang. Wanita semacam ini juga akan menggunakan segala daya yang ia miliki untuk memancing pria yang ia inginkan untuk mengeluarkan uang untuknya.

Bermasalah dengan ayahnya

Tipe ini memiliki rasa marah terhadap ayahnya. Bisa karena pada saat kecil ia merasa kurang dimanja oleh ayahnya. Ada sesuatu dari ayahnya yang membuatnya marah, dan ia menemukan sesuatu di dalam diri pasangannya yang mengingatkan ia akan ayahnya. Tipe ini akan menunjukkan sifat seksual yang agresif dan suka bermain api dengan pria lain.

Si cantik yang gemar menyakiti

Tipe ini menyadari betul bahwa dirinya sangat cantik dan memiliki tubuh yang aduhai. Kecantikannya akan memukau semua pria, namun ia memiliki sifat yang membuat pria menjauhinya. Ketika si pria sudah ingin pisah darinya, biasanya wanita ini akan memancingnya kembali dengan daya tarik fisik. Tipe ini amat ditakuti pria karena segala hal yang disebutkan di atas ada di dalam tipe ini, tapi pria amat sulit keluar dari jerat kecantikannya. (sumber: kompas.com)

Lawan HIV dengan Pisang

VIVAnews - Penelitian mencari obat terbaik memerangi virus HIV tak pernah usai. Sebuah penelitian terbaru menemukan kimia alami dalam pisang dapat membantu melindungi wanita terhadap penularan seksual HIV.

Melalui tes laboratorium, peneliti AS menemukan sebuah senyawa kimia lektin yang diberi nama BanLec berpotensi menyamai dua obat HIV yang ada saat ini. Lektin, sebuah protein yang mengikat gula bisa mengidentifikasi dan menyerang virus dari luar. Cara kerjanya, lektin mengikat lapisan HIV-1 kaya gula gp120, dan Banlec memblok masuknya HIV ke dalam sel tubuh.

Para peneliti dari University of Michigan Medical School mengungkap hasil temuan BanLec bisa lebih murah dan sangat efektif sebagai komponen baru vagina mikrobisida. Laporan studi akan terbit dalam Journal of Biological Chemistry.

"Kendala obat HIV adalah virus bermutasi dan resisten, tapi hal itu lebih sulit terjadi saat virus HIV berhadapan dengan lektin," ungkap peneliti Michael D. Swanson seperti dikutip dari Healthday.

"Lektin mengikat gula di tempat berbeda pada lapisan HIV-1 dan diasumsikan akan bermutasi agar virus berada di sekitar mereka."

Sulit Orgasme? Coba Trik Ini!

KOMPAS.com — Sekitar 10 persen wanita yang aktif secara seksual tak pernah merasakan orgasme. Padahal, hal ini bisa dipelajari. Pelajaran terpenting dan terutama adalah untuk menyeimbangkan antara ketegangan dan relaksasi selama aktivitas seksual. Bagaimana caranya?

Langkah 1: kontraksi otot
Kebanyakan wanita sering kali terjebak dengan anggapan bahwa untuk mencapai ”puncak”, mereka harus rileks dan hanya berbaring. Biasanya anggapan ini didapat karena banyaknya literatur yang mengatakan bahwa relaksasi saat melakukan hubungan seksual sangat penting. Padahal, dibutuhkan tekanan otot (myotonia) di daerah intim untuk bisa mencapai orgasme. Tak sedikit wanita yang merasakan orgasme pertamanya banyak melakukan ketegangan pada otot di bagian kaki, perut, dan bokong secara bersamaan.

Banyak wanita juga melaporkan bahwa kebanyakan kontraksi saat orgasme terjadi di bagian pelvis bawah. Otot-otot di daerah ini adalah otot yang sama yang Anda gunakan untuk mengerem aliran urine (latihan kontraksi yang disengaja pada daerah ini disebut dengan gerakan kegel).

Hubungan antara orgasme dan ketegangan otot adalah kemampuan untuk merangsang. Melakukan kontraksi (menegangkan) otot-otot tertentu bisa menambah aliran darah di seluruh tubuh, termasuk area genital. Tentunya rangsangan adalah jalan menuju puncak untuk kebanyakan wanita.

Langkah 2: relaksasi
Lalu, di manakah fungsi relaksasi dalam hal ini? Di otak. Selama melakukan hubungan intim, wanita harus memfokuskan diri untuk merasakan sensasi stimulasi. Sulit untuk menenangkan diri? Coba ulangi ”mantra” menenangkan diri di dalam otak, misal, ”Sentuhan dia nyaman sekali” atau kata-kata apa pun untuk mengisi pikiran Anda dengan pikiran yang mendorong stimulasi seksual. Hindari pikiran negatif yang mengurangi rangsangan atau urusan pekerjaan yang belum kelar. Masih belum terasa nyaman dengan pikiran-pikiran tersebut? Coba buat pikiran Anda diam atau tidak memikirkan apa pun saat berhubungan intim sambil mengontraksikan otot-otot di bagian pelvis. Teknik ini butuh latihan, tetapi jika Anda berniat mempelajarinya, lama-kelamaan pasti bisa.

Tak bisa orgasme? Bisa jadi ada masalah medis
Terapi teknik di klinik seksual mungkin memang bisa membantu beberapa wanita untuk merasakan orgasme. Namun, tak tertutup kemungkinan pula ada masalah medis atau efek samping pengobatan yang menyebabkan masalah ini. Konsultasikan dengan dokter untuk mencari tahu penyebabnya dan mencari pengobatan yang terbaik.

Hobi Joging Lebih Doyan "Ngeseks"?

LONDON, KOMPASSearch Amazon.com Jewelry&Watches for - Satu dari sepuluh pelari atau mereka yang rutin melakukan  jogging mengaku berhubungan seks setidaknya sekali dalam sehari. Bahkan 3 persen dari para jogger  menyatakan berhubungan intim hingga dua kali dalam sehari.

Ini sungguh kontras dengan mereka yang tidak memiliki kebiasaan jogging, di mana satu di antara empat orang (25 persen) mengaku hanya melakukan seks sekali dalam sebulan atau bahkan tidak sama sekali.

Temuan ini adalah hasil suatu survei  terhadap 1.000 orang pelari dan 1.000 non-pelari di Inggris.  Studi juga menemukan bahwa satu di antara 10 orang pelari pria mengaku selalu berpikir tentang seks selama berolahraga.

Sementara itu, hanya seperlima saja dari perempuan yang hobi jogging mengaku memikirkan soal seks selama berlari, dan hampir setengahnya menghabiskan waktu untuk berpikir tentang bagaimana olahraga yang mereka jalani memberi manfaat buat mereka.

Studi yang dilakukan oleh lembaga amal kesehatan Sue Ryder Care itu juga mengungkapkan, seperempat dari para  jogger mengaku melakukan jogging sebagai sarana untuk malakukan pendekatan terhadap lawan jenis. Di Inggris, jogging sambil "merayu" sepertinya sedang menjadi sebuah tren baru yang disebut 'flunning' (singkatan dari flirting dan running).

Hampir sepertiga pelari mengaku mereka sengaja menyiapkan diri dan berinisiatif mengawali pembicaraan dengan lawan jenis selama berlari.

Sue Ryder Care adalah lembaga yang menyelenggarakan 24 event olahraga lari di Inggris sepanjang tahun ini. Acara penggalangan dana dari beragam event lari ini  ditujukan untuk membantu mereka yang mengalami beragam penyakit seperti kanker, stroke, cedera otak, multiple sclerosis, demensia, huntington's disease, parkinson dan gangguan saraf motorik.

Sumber: telegraph.co.uk

 

4 Teknik Penunda Ejakulasi

KOMPAS.com - Ejakulasi dini atau "junior" yang terlalu cepat "selesai" menempati urutan kedua setelah disfungsi ereksi sebagai gangguan seksual yang paling sering dialami pria. Masalah seksual ini juga mencemaskan para pria karena takut dibilang tidak perkasa.

Seorang pria disebut mengalami ejakulasi dini (ED) bila ia sudah ejakulasi kurang dari dua menit. Menurut dr.Andi Riyanto, Sp.RM, dari RS. Pantiwilasa Citarum, Semarang, pada kondisi normal, seseorang biasanya mampu ejakulasi dan penetrasi selama 5-10 menit.

Ejakulasi dini dibagi menjadi dua jenis, primer dan sekunder. "ED primer terjadi bila sejak awal ia berhubungan seks tidak dapat mengontrol ejakulasinya," katanya. Sedangkan ED sekunder terjadi bila dulunya orang tersebut bisa mengontrol ejakulasi tapi beberapa waktu terakhir ini tidak dapat mengontrolnya karena suatu sebab.

Salah satu cara yang efektif untuk mengatasi ejakulasi dini adalah dengan melakukan terapi seks. "Ini merupakan latihan untuk mengontrol ejakulasi yang dilakukan dengan bantuan istri," paparnya.

Pada dasarnya, terapi seks melibatkan dua teknik, yaitu teknik start and stop, serta teknik squeeze (penekanan), yakni istri menekan bagian pangkal atau ujung penis pada saat suami merasa akan ejakulasi.

Ada beberapa langkah yang bisa dipilih pasangan untuk melakukan terapi seks.
1. Suami berbaring telentang dan istri melakukan masturbasi dengan tangan. Saat suami akan ejakulasi, istri menekan penis (di bagian pangkal atau ujung) untuk menghambat ejakulasi selama 5-10 detik atau sampai rasa ingin ejakulasi reda.

2. Dengan posisi wanita di atas, suami melakukan penetrasi ke vagina. Namun suami tidak boleh melakukan gerakan apa pun. Bila merasa akan ejakulasi, segera cabut penis keluar dan istri melakukan penekanan pada penis. Lakukan beberapa kali.

3. Sama seperti langkah dua, namun suami boleh melakukan sedikit gerakan. Bila akan ejakulasi, segera cabut penis keluar dan istri melakukan penekanan untuk mempertahankan ereksi.

4. Bila suami sudah mulai bisa mengontrol ejakulasi, pasutri bisa melakukan hubungan seksual dengan posisi menyamping (depan atau belakang). Begitu suami merasa akan ejakulasi, coba untuk berhenti dan istri melakukan teknik penekanan. Lalu diulangi lagi.

Menurut dr.Andi, terapi seks harus dilakukan berulang-ulang, minimal selama enam bulan. Terapi ini juga membutuhkan komitmen dari dua belah pihak. "Keengganan dan malas latihan merupakan faktor penyebab kegagalan terapi ini," paparnya.

Untuk menunjang terapi seks, penderita ED disarankan untuk melakukan senam kegel untuk menguatkan otot-otot panggul. Caranya adalah dengan mengontraksikan otot-otot panggul, seperti saat ingin menahan pipis. Lakukan minimal 10 kali setiap hari, secara otomatis Anda akan terbiasa untuk menunda ejakulasi.

 

7 Lucky Irish Recipes

Cheddar-Ale Soup

You'll never guess that this creamy, calcium-packed soup—made with low-sodium chicken broth and 50% reduced-fat cheddar cheese—is healthy.

Ingredients: Olive oil, yellow onion, garlic, carrots, celery, flour, chicken broth, milk, bottle of beer, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, whole-wheat bread

Calories: 277

Eat, drink, and be merry

Known for its hearty fare, Irish cuisine also offers vitamin-packed cabbage and fiber-filled potatoes. If you make these seven recipes, you'll be lucky, because you'll get the savory flavors of Ireland without all the calories.

Potato-Cabbage Soup
Cabbage and scallions give this soup its green hue, plus a boost of vitamin C.

Ingredients: Olive oil, unsalted butter, savoy cabbage, scallions, garlic, chicken broth, potatoes

Calories: 207

Ploughman's Lunch Platter

Get your greens—literally—with this hearty salad. Save calories by going heavy on the lettuce and light on the sausage and cheese.

Ingredients: White balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, romaine lettuce, chicken apple sausage, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, brown soda bread, cornichons, tomato chutney

Calories: 440

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner

To save calories on this fatty fare, be sure to trim the beef, and flavor the potatoes with spices, not butter.

Ingredients: Corned beef brisket, onion, celery, carrots, pickling spice, garlic, caraway seeds, green cabbage, red potatoes, parsley, butter, lemon, breadcrumbs, horseradish, Dijon mustard

Calories: 321

Minted Sake and Pineapple Cooler

If you don't want to drink beer, try this festive drink instead. The green color and fruity flavor will win over the Irish and non-Irish alike.

Ingredients: Mint leaves, sake, sugar, pineapple juice, limes

Calories: 160

Shamrock and Gold Coin Cookies

Serve little leprechauns these simple butter cookies. They're simple to cook and make a great centerpiece.

Ingredients: Butter, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, green sprinkles, yellow-gold coarse sugar

Calories: 86


Chocolate for Every Personality

Which Sex and the City character are you?

By Frances Largeman-Roth, RD

Everyone who knows me is well aware that I’m an unabashed Sex and the City freak. I work the phrase, “It’s just like that time on Sex and the City when…” into nearly every conversation possible. I’m absolutely looking forward to the second movie, even if the trailers do leave something to be desired.

And to show my support for the girls this Valentine’s Day, I’ve decided to find a fabulous box of chocolate to go with each of the lovely ladies' personalities.

If she’s a Carrie

Part journalist, part fashion plate, part philosopher, Carrie is definitely the most eclectic girl of the bunch. She’s trendy yet sentimental, whimsical yet modern, so you need a chocolate box that caters to all facets of her personality.

Lucky for all the Carries out there, Charles Chocolates has a collection that includes their nut, praline, and caramel-filled chocolates. Inside the retro heart you’ll find peanut butter–filled butterflies, fleur de sel caramels, almond clusters, marzipans, and more. Find this 20-piece assortment ($36) at charleschocolates.com and select stores nationwide.

If she’s a Samantha

All the sex kittens out there finally have a chocolate collection to call their own. From the trendsetting Vosges chocolate company comes the Sweet Coquette. Before your lips touch the first truffle, you know you’re in for a titillating experience by the French tickler-esque leather whip and fishnet ribbon adorning the lid. And indeed, this is no ordinary Valentine’s Day selection.

All of the flavors are designed around an aphrodisiac ingredient, such as Kumamoto oysters, chiles, and pumpkin seeds (see me discuss natural libido boosters on the CBS Early Show). The whip box will run you a hefty $90, but the same chocolates without the sexy package (you still get a heart-shaped box) are just $45. Pick up a box for your naughty girl at vosgeschocolates.com

If she’s a Miranda

Fancy packaging and cute names don’t impress this gal. Mirandas just want no-nonsense, quality chocolate. And that’s exactly what Askinosie delivers. For a very reasonable $24, you can get your Miranda a Single Origin box with four chocolate bars. Three are dark chocolate (with at least 70% cocoa solids), and the fourth is my fave—the Dark Milk Chocolate Bar with fleur de sel. Order at askinosie.com.

If she’s a Charlotte

Traditional and kind-hearted, all the Charlottes out there will appreciate the Black Heart collection from Norman Love Confections. Each of the truffle hearts is made from single origin dark chocolate from the world’s premium growing regions: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Madagascar.

So even if you can’t take your Charlotte anywhere more exotic than your living room, she can still be transported to someplace exciting. A five-piece box runs $15, the 10-piece is $25, and the generous 15-piece box is $35. A portion of the sales from the Black Heart Limited Edition will be contributed via the Boston Red Sox Foundation to the American Heart Association.

(Source:Health.com)