Equal play

The repeating Iron Chef America episode this week is from a couple years back, and I have to say, is now (I'd never seen it before) one of my all-time favorites. Each of the chefs get their own mixologist who created a cocktail for each course. And they looked yummy! Anyway, the reason I bring this up now, is that Iron Chef Batali's mixologist was Tony Abou-Ganim, who I interviewed a couple years back — probably right around the taping of this episode, and I didn't even know about it! Tony, among owning his own bar and touring the world teaching his skills, is also the mixologist for Equal, which is how I came to interview him. You're probably wondering why Equal has a "modern mixologist" on payroll, as did I, but surprisingly, you can make a lot of great cocktails using the powder filled packets. My favorite, and the one Tony made for me:

MIXED BERRY MOJITO
Ingredients:
8-12 fresh mint leaves
3-4 fresh blackberries
3-4 fresh blueberries
3-4 fresh red raspberries
1/8 cup lime juice
2-4 teaspons Equal Spoonful or 1-2 packets Equal sweetener
1/4 cup soda water
1/4 cup light rum
1 mint sprig

Directions:
1. Carefully press mint leaves into the bottom of the glass with the back of a wooden spoon to release their oils (do not tear leaves).
2. Mix mint, crushed wild berries, lime juice and Equal in a highball glass.
3. Fill glass with crushed ice (cubed ice will not work).
4. Stir well until the ice is reduced by 1/3 and then top with more crushed ice, stirring until the glass begins to frost on the outside.
5. Pour in rum and soda water and stir again. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Healthy recipe of the week

VALENTINE'S CHOCOLATE CAPPUCCINOS
Makes 4 servings

For a sexy desert to share with your special someone, try this luscious dark mocha desert that's as as easy to make as any instant pudding mix. This recipe makes four small servings at less than 100 calories each, or two very generous helpings at still less than 190 calories. Dust the whipped topping with cocoa, cinnamon or nutmeg for a special final touch.

Ingredients:
1 box Sugar-Free Fat-Free Instant Pudding Mix - Chocolate Fudge flavor
1 tablespoon Instant Espresso Powder
1 1/2 cups Fat Free Milk*
1/2 cup Fat free whipped topping

*Note: The amount of milk called for differs from the amount called for on the box. This is not an oversight, but makes for a richer thicker desert.

Directions:
1. Whisk together the pudding mix and the instant espresso powder in a medium sized bowl. Add the 1 1/2 Cups milk and whisk until well mixed. (You can also use a blender.)
2. Pour the pudding into individual dishes. Chill for at least one hour.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of whipped topping to each dish and garnish as desired.

We always liked Ginger better

Of course we all know that one of the best things you can do for your looks is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Sometimes it's hard to get down the eight glass a day recommendation, and very easy to reach for a less healthy and sugar-filled alternative.

» Try this recipe to spice up your every day water:
Place one and a half cups of ginger root, sliced but unpeeled, into a pot filled with one and a half cups of water. Add one and a half cups of sugar. Simmer about 20 minutes until the mixture has thickened into a syrup. Add the juice of one lemon and let cool. Mix two tablespoons of ginger mixture into plain or flavored club soda. Let the hydration begin.

Fit to a tea

Beauty starts from the inside out, so the Republic of Tea's line of Be Well Red Teas help you achieve everything from a healthy glow to a good night's sleep to reduced PMS/bloating. Try the Get Gorgeous tea, which promotes clear skin with antioxidants derived from its blend of chamomile and hibiscus, among other flavors. Cheers to a clearer complexion.