Protect Yourself from the "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!"

Are you missing that great tomato taste in your summer recipes, but you're still wondering if you might be felled by the "attack of the killer tomatoes" (salmonella)? Try canned tomatoes. Companies (e.g. Del Monte) offer lots of canned tomato options, including Organic, Diced, Stewed and No Salt Added. They're safe, convenient, and a great choice while salmonella still threatens tomato crops.

Tomatoes contain lycopene – a leading ingredient in fighting cardiovascular disease. Antioxidant properties of lycopene are resistant to heat and cooking and of course, if you love the taste, you can't do without! The Just One More for Healthy Living campaign encourages Americans to add an additional serving of fruits and vegetables (including tomatoes) to their diets. Two easy recipes to help you think about healthy eating and that include tomatoes, follow (you can get more on the web site) featuring canned tomatoes:

Thai Chicken & Vegetable Curry Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients: 12oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves or thighs
1 tsp. curry powder 2 tbsp. oil
1 can (14-1/2oz.) Del Monte Organic Diced Tomatoes
1 can (14-1/2oz.) Del Monte Organic Cut Green Beans, drained
1 can (14-1/2oz.) Del Monte Organic Sliced Carrots, drained
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
2 cups hot cooked rice

Directions: Cut chicken into three-quarter inch cubes; toss chicken evenly with curry powder Heat oil in large skillet; add chicken. Cook and stir over medium-high heat for 3 minutes Add undrained tomatoes, beans, carrots and crushed red pepper. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes Serve over rice and sprinkle with 1/4 cup peanuts or toasted coconut, if desired
...how easy!


Santa Fe Wraps Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients: 12 oz. ground beef
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Del Monte Diced Tomatoes
1 Tbsp. chili powder ½ tsp. ground cumin
1 can (15-1/4 oz.) Del Monte Whole Kernel Corn, drained
1 pkg. (3 oz.) cream cheese, cut up
1 jalapeno pepper (optional), finely chopped
6 (8-inch) flour tortillas

Directions: Brown meat in large skillet, drain. Stir in undrained tomatoes, chili powder and cumin. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes Stir in corn, cheese and jalapenos; stir until cheese melts Spoon mixture onto tortillas and roll up or fold Serve with shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and salsa, if desired


Alison's Note: A quick check of the US FDA website says that types of tomatoes not linked to any illnesses are cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and tomatoes with the vine still attached...Since mid April, there have been 652 reported cases of salmonellosis nationwide caused by Salmonella Saintpaul, an uncommon form of Salmonella. At least 71 hospitalizations have been reported. For more information, visit the FDA Web Site: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html