Q: How can I find healthy recipes on the Internet?

A: Alice Hennaman, registered dietitian and educator with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Service, has provided some suggestions to get you started in finding recipes that both taste good and are good for you and your family.

Here are six sites that are simple to use and provide easy-to-prepare recipes made from ordinary ingredients you’re likely to have in your kitchen:

¢ www.intelihealth.com

¢ www.cookinglight.com.

¢ www.deliciousdecisions.org: This American Heart Association Web site offers a virtual cookbook.

¢ www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/syah/: Enjoy the “Stay Young at Heart Recipes.”

¢ www.allrecipes.com

¢ www.mealsforyou.com

Some other sites you may find helpful include:

¢ www.foodandhealth.com/recipes.php

Food and Health Communications Inc. offers easy-to-make recipes that are high in fiber, low in fat and sodium, and are based on whole grains, vegetables, beans and fruit. You also can access links to several food companies, associations, etc., through another link, www.foodandhealth. com/links/Food_Links on this Web site.

¢ www.quickandhealthy.net/recipes_to_try/index.html: Gives 12 quick and healthy recipes. While at the site, also visit the link for the Recipe and Healthy Tip of the Month at www.quickandhealthy. net/recipe_of_the_month. html.

¢ http://apps.nccd.cdc. gov/dnparecipe/recipesearch.aspx: Access tasty fruit and vegetable recipes at the Web site of the National Cancer Institute. Recipes include preparation time.

¢ www.mealtime.org: Many times canned food is as nutritious, and sometimes more so, than fresh and frozen food. Plus, it can be the basis of a quick and convenient meal. Check this site offered by the Canned Food Alliance for several canned food recipes.

¢ You may also type in the name of a food company in the “location” or “address” area on your web browser: www.company.com – many times, this will take you directly to their Web site.

Q: Is it too late to register a team for Walk Kansas?

A: Even though the Walk Kansas program begins Sunday, we will still accept Walk Kansas registrations through 1 p.m. March 16. Contact K-State Research & Extension-Douglas County at 843-7058, stop by at 2110 Harper St., go online to our Web site at www.oznet.ksu.edu/douglas/, or e-mail mkalb@ksu.edu and ask for a Captain’s Packet. The packet includes information about Walk Kansas and registration forms for each team member. The program runs through May 5.

Q: Does it cost anything to participate in Walk Kansas?

A: Walk Kansas is an inexpensive eight-week program. The program cost is $5 for each individual or $10 for each household (family). An optional “Walk Kansas” T-shirt in Irish green can be ordered for an additional $5 (or $7 for sizes 2X or 3X).

Each participant will receive a weekly newsletter via e-mail or postage-paid mail. In addition, we are planning to showcase the Walk Kansas program by walking in the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17, followed by a Walk Kansas Reception for participants and key leaders in the county and state. Please contact me at skrumm@ksu.edu or call for additional information on the parade and reception. It’s going to be fun.

Q: Is it safe to thaw meat on granite countertops?

A: Some manufacturers of granite countertops advertise the practice of thawing meat on granite countertops, claiming the stone pulls the cold temperature out of the meat. While this may be possible, it promotes an unsafe food handling practice.

Thawing meat at room temperature in general is not recommended, whether it is a granite countertop or not. The warm temperature encourages the potential growth of bacteria once the meat warms to between 40-140 degrees for a long period of time. The best methods to thaw meat are in the refrigerator, in the microwave or under cold running water.