Olive Oil: Important Part Of Mediterranean Diet

(NAPSI)-The Mediterranean diet is not a prescribed eating program. Rather, it is a set of eating habits that has been linked to reducing heart disease, cancer and mortality rates.

Also, there is a general consensus among health professionals that the Mediterranean diet is healthier than the North European and American diets because of the higher consumption of grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and olive oil. Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats, doesn't raise blood cholesterol and is a good source of antioxidants. Using an oil such as Iliada Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil, produced in the Kalamata region of Greece, can add a boost of flavor and health benefits to your meals.

Try this quick, one-dish meal full of distinctive Mediterranean flavors:

Garlic Stuffed Olive & Tomato Bruschetta with Arugula

Serves 6

1 loaf fresh Ciabatta bread

¼ cup Iliada Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 cups chopped and de-seeded vine-ripe tomatoes

½ jar Iliada garlic-stuffed green olives, chopped roughly

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 bag washed baby arugula leaves

A few leaves of fresh basil, ripped

Preheat oven to 350º F. Slice bread into 2-inch-thick pieces. Brush with oil. Place on baking tray; bake until slightly brown around edges, about 8 minutes.

Mix tomatoes, olives, salt and pepper. Toss in arugula just before serving to avoid getting soggy.

Top warm bread slices with tomato mixture. Garnish with basil.

For more information about Iliada Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil, visit www.agrovim.gr.

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Arts Across Georgia

Shrimp Platters: A Popular Holiday Appetizer

(NAPSI)-The holidays are always a good time for shrimp lovers to come out of their shells. For large gatherings or small family entertaining, wonderful appetizers using shrimp are sure to be the first off the plate. Shrimp is delicious and popular. It's the No. 1-selling seafood in America, and for good reason: Everyone loves it, it's a great addition to hundreds of great recipes and it always wows a crowd.

"I've never hosted a party when my shrimp appetizer platter wasn't the first one I had to restock," said Jenna Guthrie, recipe director and marketing manager for SeaPak Shrimp Company. "Shrimp is a perfect appetizer and I feel good about serving my guests something special. Here's a recipe you may want to try":

Butterfly Shrimp Bruschetta

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Makes: 6 appetizer servings

1 package (9 ounces) SeaPak® Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp (frozen)

2 medium-sized Roma tomatoes, seeded and finely diced

¼ small onion, finely diced

1 clove fresh garlic, finely diced

⅛ cup lime juice

Salt and pepper

PREHEAT oven to 425°. Arrange shrimp on baking sheet in a single layer so that the shrimp are not touching each other.

BAKE shrimp for 10 minutes.

PLACE tomato, onion and garlic into small bowl. Pour lime juice over vegetable mixture and gently toss until well mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside until shrimp finish baking.

REMOVE shrimp from oven but leave them on the baking sheet. Spoon tomato mixture onto each shrimp.

RETURN baking sheet with shrimp to the oven and continue baking for 5 minutes.

PLATE and serve hot.

Secret Tip: Want to spice it up for your holiday party? Try adding a dash or two of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture before you spoon it onto the shrimp.

For news about a shrimp recipe contest, visit www.SeaPak.com.

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