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Beauty From the Inside Out

Kat James' Peach Ambrosia Radiance
Nectarine Melba Salad
(Family Features) - What makes someone beautiful on the outside is often reflective
of what they put in the inside. Fresh summer fruits such as
peaches, plums and nectarines are proven to be sources of
antioxidants and other phytonutrients. Research shows that
antioxidants can protect skin from damaging UV rays, and
antioxidants are more effective when more than one is present at
the same time, as in California peaches, plums and nectarines.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have found
that California peaches, plums and nectarines are good sources of
two groups of phytonutrients, the carotenoids and the
polyphenols, both powerful antioxidants that may hold the secret
to long life and vitality.
Beginning in June, consumers can access a personalized 90-Day
Challenge calendar on www.eatcaliforniafruit.com that will allow
them to check off how many servings of California peaches, plums
and nectarines they eat each day and provide them with:
- Exercise, nutrition and beauty tips;
- Healthy recipes that incorporate fresh California fruit; and
- At-home beauty recipes, including masks and moisturizers.
"The choice of fruit to incorporate in recipes, smoothies and
salads is crucial, if one wants to experience the body and beauty
rewards. The payoffs, I promise, will be tremendous," said beauty
expert and health advocate Kat James, author of The Truth About
Beauty and founder of www.informedbeauty.com. "Fresh peaches,
plums and nectarines can help you do this, because they are lower
on the glycemic index than most fruits and juices."
Kat James' Peach Ambrosia Radiance
This sweet treat can be a simple dessert or a sinful beauty
treatment.
Prep time: 20 minutes
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup plain whole milk yogurt or Greek-style yogurt
1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon coconut, almond or cherry flavoring
Touch of honey or sugar-free sweetener, to taste
2 large ripe peaches (or nectarines), cut in 1/4-inch wedges
2 large ripe plums, cut in 1/4-inch wedges
2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut, for garnish
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, for garnish
As a dessert: In bowl, combine first 6 ingredients and place
large dollop in center of 6 dessert plates, reserving about 3/4
cup. Arrange peach slices in flower petal formation on each
plate. Arrange plum slices face down between peach slices,
standing up so that the skin of the plum faces upward to create
color contrast. Place 1 smaller dollop of cream mixture in center
of each dish. Sprinkle coconut over each dish, extending beyond
the fruit pieces onto the plate. Finish by scattering walnut
pieces closer to center to garnish. Makes 6 servings
As a facial mask: Process all ingredients in blender until
smooth. Natural acids and antioxidants in fruit and yogurt will
nourish and lightly exfoliate skin, while oil released from
walnuts will lend softness and sheen.
Nectarine Melba Salad
Make salads sensational by adding fresh fruit to the salad and
the dressing.
Prep time: 15 minutes
1 (5-ounce) bag spring salad mix (such as Fresh Express Spring Salad Mix)
2 green onions, sliced
1 nectarine, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup toasted, chopped pecans
1 cup fresh raspberries
Nectarine Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup pureed or finely mashed nectarine (about 1 small nectarine)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey, or sugar-free sweetener
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Place salad mix, onions, nectarine slices and pecans in large
salad bowl. Whisk together vinaigrette ingredients and drizzle
over salad; toss well to coat. Top with raspberries and toss very
lightly. Makes 6 servings
It's Music to Your Ears
There's no time better than now to buy California peaches, plums
and nectarines. In fact, many retailers are offering free music
downloads from iTunes with the purchase of select Fresh Express
salads and fresh California peaches, plums and nectarines. Visit
your local retailer for more information.
SOURCE: California Tree Fruit Agreement
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