Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 November 1999 — Page 27

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5,1999 ■ PAGE C7

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Festive treats for the holidays

* ' (NAPSA) - Office parties, 1 visiting neighbors and bevies of * roving carolers.. .the holidays are around the corner, and hosts are wondering what tasty treats to offer their guests. “Festive hors d’oeuvres are usually the inspiration for New Year’s resolutions, but they don’t have to be filled with fat and stuffed with salt,’’ says Carol Ritchie, spokesperson for the American Heart Association. “Hosts can serve delicious holiday treats that are easy to make and keep their guests’ health in mind.” The New American Heart Association Cookbook, 25th Anniversary Edition has lots of heart-healthy appetizers that will satisfy the holiday munchies. Try the Fire-and-Ice Cream Cheese Spread. This elegant, but easy, finger-food is perfect for the busy host and the hungry £ guest. - ^ . Fire-and-Ice Cream Cheese Spread (Serves 4; 3 tablespoons per serving) f 1/4 cup fat-free cream cheese

The New American Heart Association L, o ok bo ok

(in tub) 1/4 cup nonfat or light sour

1/4 cup apricot all-fruit spread 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons finely chopped red pepper In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream with an electric mixer until well blended. Spoon into a small

This is the twelfth in a series to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the American Heart Association Cookbook. bowl lined with plastic wrap or a 6-ounce ramekin. Press mixture slightly to get rid of any air pockets; smooth evenly with a rubber scraper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm slightly. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat fruit spread and red pepper flakes over medium heat until spread just begins to melt, abut 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in bell pepper. Let cool to room temperature. To serve, if using bowl, invert mixture onto a serving plate, remove plastic wrap, and spoon apricot mixture on top. If using ramekin, top cream cheese mixture with apricot mixture.

With Apples,, variety is the core

(NAPSA) - The Great Lakes surrounding Michigan provide the ideal growing environment for producing crisp, flavorful apples. In the apple industry, Michigan isknown as the “Variety State” for good reason. With over 20 varieties grown for commercial use, Michigan features traditional favorites like Jonathan, McIntosh, Red Delicious. Northern Spy, Ida Red, Rome and Golden Delicious as well as popular new varieties like Empire, Gala, Jonagold, Braebum, Spartan, Ginger Gold, Fuji, Jonamac and Honeycrisp. Michigan is not just a leader in producing fresh apples, but also for supplying the processed apple

industry with the best apples for juice, cider, sauce and pie filling. Processors in-state and around the U.S. know that making the best apple products means using the just-picked fresh taste of Michigan apples. Here’s a great recipe for you and your family to enjoy. Classic Michigan Apple Waldorf Salad (Low Fat, Cholesterol Free, Low Sbdium) 4 cups cubed red Michigan apples 1 cup halved seedless green grapes 2/3 cup sliced celery 1/2 cup broken walnuts,

optional 1/2 cup frozen reduced fat whipped topping, thawed 1/4 cup reduced fat mayonnaise Thoroughly combine all ingredients. Serve or chill for 1 hour. Yield: 6 servings, 2/3 cup each. Per serving, 2/3 cup: 100 calories, 3g Fat, 0 mg Cholesterol, 20 g Carbohydrates, 29 mg Sodium, 3 g Dietary Fiber. Suggested Michigan apple varieties to use: Empire, Gala, Ida Red, Jonagold, Jonathan, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Spartan, Jonamac, Braebum, Honeycrisp or Rome. For more information about Michigan Apples, visit the Michigan Apple Committee’s website at http://MichiganApples.com.

* 1 Window treatments

J Wide, long, narrow, wide wood trim, no trim, inset, bay, f~ picture, double sash, etc. J. These terms are used to J describe styles of windows. How f should your window be dressed? The answer depends on the p style of furniture, the architecJ tural period of your home, J personal life style or taste. Fabric \ design and color choices have T the same criteria as listed before. In this time of chemical technology, we are fortunate to - have choices of man-made fibers. Because of the new * generation of fabrics and their f durability, it is not necessary to P change window treatments as often as in the past. Conse- *, quently, be very sure about your > decision when selecting a window treatment. Mistakes are costly. Formal ; drapery has been replaced with i. vinyl mini blinds, wooden blinds, I soft pleated shades and verticals. \ All blinds and shades are durable " and economical, but can be viewed to make a room have a *- cold and sterile appearance. This J_ can be corrected by introducing 1 a fabric valance or swag. Sheer l fabric always gives ajight and

Budget Decorating By Doris J.DabiMr Interior Designer

airy feel to a room. Roman shades and balloon shades give a contemporary home additional soft curves and traditional and colonial homes a touch of today’s style. Most people need guidance with window treatments. Don’t get locked into the fourlayer look: drapery, sheers, swags and jabots because of two reasons: 1. Very costly 2. Not interesting It’s simple - “less is best.” Be adventurous and pull from the creative side of your brain to create a beautiful inside frame around our outside connection windows. For more tips: FAX Doris J. Dabner at 297 -1745

Diabetes: What to know head to toe

(NAPSA) - Research shows that good control of blood pressure levels can help delay or even prevent the complications associated with diabetes. Complications left untreated at an early stage often further lead to cases of blindness, lower-limb amputations and heart disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has designated November as American Diabetes Month to conduct an awareness campaign entitled, “What to Know-Head to Toe.” Free education materials are available to the public, and local ADA offices also sponsor free eye, foot and blood pressure screenings in conjunction with local hospitals and healthcare facilities. The American Diabetes Asso-

ciation would like to encourage all persons with diabetes to work with a health care team to establish a diabetes plan that suits one’s lifestyle. Individuals are also encouraged to fol low these easy steps on their own: • Keep your blood sugar level well controlled. • Ask your health care provider what your blood pressure goal should be. A blood pressure level under 130/85 mm Hg is the goal for most people with diabetes. • Lose weight, if you are overweight. • Eat a wide variety of foods each day. Choose low-fat foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. • Pick your favorite way to be more active and do it most days of

the week. Check with your health care provider before you begin any exercise program. • Wash your feet every day. Dry them, even between toes and check for cuts, blisters, redness and swelling. If you cannot see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help. • Don’t smoke. To find out more about the American Diabetes Month Program, call 1-800-DIABETES (3422383) for a packet of information that includes a free monofilament to help you check your feet for loss of feeling. The monofilament comes in a cardboard holder with simple instructions for its use. Information is also available on the association’s website at www.diabetes.org.

Choosing the right child-safety seat (NAPSA) - As any parent knows, keeping kids happy and safe during a drive is no easy feat. Although tears and tantrums can’t always be avoided, parents can follow some easy steps to make children safer while riding in the car. According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, child safety seats are extremely « effective when installed correctly and used in passenger cars, reducing the need for hospitalization by 69 percent for children ages 4 and under. Cars.com, an automotive website, is providing answers to parents’ questions such as what type of car seat they should use to secure their child, where to find out information on recalled safety seats, and how to properly secure a child into the seat. Always refer to the instructions that accompany a child seat. But here are a few suggestions from cars.com to assist parents who are shopping for and installing a car seat: • Check guidelines before purchasing: Does your child meet the appropriate manufacturer’s guidelines for age, weight and height? There are car seats that accommodate children of all sizes including rear-facing infant seats, convertible seats, and toddler/booster seats. And many retailers have a policy that allows you to test the seat to ensure compliance with your vehicle. • Be cautious when reusing a safety seat: It’s best to avoid relying on a used safety seat. Strict federal standards went into effect after Jan. 1,1981, so, older seats might not be as reliable. If you must use one, be sure that the seat was never involved in a crash. Child safety seats are built to withstand only one crash. Also know the make, model number and manufacturing date of the used seat. The information is needed for parents to be aware of any future recalls. Finally, make sure that the seat shows no signs of wear and tear. Some manufacturers offer replacement parts for particular models. • Be aware of recalls: Has a manufacturer recently recalled the safety seat you purchased? In some cases the manufacturer can correct the problem, other times the seats should be returned to the manufacturer and destroyed. For information on recalls, you can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Auto Safety Hotline, at 1-800-424-9393 or visit NHTSA’s website www.NHST A.dot.gov. • Follow proper installation procedures: Be sure to follow the basic guidelines for installing your child safety seat as outlined in the instruction manual. To ensure the tightest possible fit, experts suggest that two individuals install the seat with one person sitting or kneeling in it while the other person secures the seat tightly in the car. • Carefully secure your child in the seat: There are a few important steps you should follow to ensure that your child is properly fastened in a safety SmJADA, Page C8