Food for Thought : National Dairy Month

                             June is National Dairy Month
Dairy foods provide a delicious source of protein , calcium and essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy diet. Consuming low-fat and fat-free milk , yogurt or cheese with meals and snacks can help you get the recommended 3 servings of dairy each day. Here are a few tips  and a recipe to help you get more dairy in your diet :
1 . Use low fat or fat free milk  when cooking instead of water for foods  like oatmeal and soups.
2 . Combine yogurt and fruit for a quick parfait . Top with low fat granola and /or fruit.
3 . Top baked potatoes  with low fat cheese or yogurt.
Those with trouble digesting lactose (lactose intolerant) can try yogurt , lactose free milk and enjoy cheeses such as cheddar , Swiss , Monterey Jack  , which is national low in lactose.
  
               Recipe for Stawberry Yogurt Parfait
3     pts. strawberries, plus 3 halved berries for garnish
2     tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1     teaspoon lemon zest, divided
1     cup heavy whipping cream
3     tablespoons powdered sugar
1     cup plain low-fat Greek-style yogurt
1. Slice tops off 3 pts. strawberries and cut lengthwise into wedges. Toss with brown sugar and 1/2 tsp. lemon zest in a medium bowl. Let sit at room temperature until juicy, about 20 minutes, or chill 2 hours.
2. Meanwhile, whisk cream and powdered sugar in a bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold in remaining 1/2 tsp. zest and the yogurt. Cover and chill until used, up to 2 hours.
3. Divide half of strawberry mixture among 6 parfait glasses. Top with half of cream mixture, dividing equally. Repeat layering and garnish with strawberry halves.
                             Words of Wisdom:
It has been proven that if you can not take a joke , you will have to take medicine.
A merry heart does good like a medicine , so when you laugh , it does your heart good . That is why humor is good just for the health of it .