foods can play a delicious role in building and maintaining your healthy family. The cheeses, yogurts, dips, puddings, drinks and more in the dairy group supply mostof the calcium you con- sume and help in increasing bone density, strengthening teeth and lowering blood pressure. Recent findings suggest dairy foods can even help in weightloss. Did you know: More than one-third of all milk produced each year in the U.S. is used to manufacture cheese. There are over 2,000 vari- eties of cheese. Opened cheese should be used within three to five days. Cheese can be frozen for up to two months. Here’s a family-pleasing recipe to try: SummerVegetable Pasta Salad 8 oz. multicolored rotini pasta, uncooked 1 cup cut fresh broccoli 1 cup cutfresh cauliflower 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into short, thin strips 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) 2 tsp. dried basil 2 Tbsp. minced sun-dried tomatoes % cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing Salt and pepperto taste Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli, cauliflower and bell pepper during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse with cold water in colander. In large bowl, mix the pasta and vegetables with dressing. Add 1% cups of cheese, tomatoes, basil and sundried tomatoes; toss. Serve on lettuce with remaining cheese. Sweepstakes News The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) celebrates Dairy Month in June with special prices and promotions and a National Park Family Vacation Sweepstakes. For contest dates, official rules and entry form, visit www.EasyHomeMeals.com.
