CHI Franciscan

chifranciscan.org /// CHI FRANCISCAN HEALTH 15 Did you know western Washington is home to 37 percent of the state's certified organic farms? Stued peppers on the grill add spice to your menu. ARE YOU A FAN of jalapeño poppers, but not of their fried coating? Get outside and throw this healthier, stuffed alternative on your grill for an eye-opening appetizer option. INGREDIENTS 2 center-cut bacon slices 1 cup fat-free cream cheese, softened 1 ounce extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded ¼ cup minced green onions 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1 small garlic clove, minced 14 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons seeded tomato, chopped INSTRUCTIONS 1. Coat grill rack with cooking spray and preheat grill to medium high. 2. In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and place on paper towel to remove excess grease. 3. Crumble bacon into a bowl with cheeses, green onions, lime juice, salt and garlic, mixing thoroughly. 4. Fill pepper halves, distributing mixture evenly. 5. Place peppers on the grill rack cheese side up. 6. Cover and grill for 8 minutes. Cheese should be slightly browned, with the bottom of the peppers charred. 7. Remove from grill and place on plate. Sprinkle cilantro and tomato on peppers. NUTRITION INFORMATION MAKES 14 SERVINGS Serving = 2 jalapeño halves Calories: 56 Fat: 4.1 grams Protein: 2.9 grams Carbohydrates: 2.1 grams Fiber: 0.5 grams Cholesterol: 13 milligrams Sodium: 157 milligrams Grilled, Stuffed FINDING THE PERFECT Organic Picks BUYING ORGANIC FOOD—that is, food grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and the use of genetic modification— is a great option for incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. Make sure you know how to find the best. RULES OF A GREEN THUMB You need to keep several things in mind when you shop for organic produce at a farmers market or your local grocery store. > Stick to your budget—Get the most for your money by purchasing produce that is in season, or buying in bulk and preparing food ahead of time. > Read the label—The "USDA Organic" seal indicates that food has been produced using certified organic methods. > Ask, ask, ask—At the farmers market, you'll often have the opportunity to talk to the farmer. Ask about organic certification and the methods used to grow your produce. Organic dairy products are also an option—with more than 30 certified organic dairies in Washington, where cows are given no antibiotics or growth hormones and eat organically grown feed. When you eat organic, you know your food was grown in a way that doesn't hurt the environment, and it's an opportunity to support your local economy— your neighbors! Fresh, organic foods can be a great way to kickstart a healthy lifestyle. To nd a registered dietician who can help you on that journey, visit chifranciscan.org/dietitians.

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