Last week, I used fresh dill weed in a recipe for the first time and was surprised how mild it was -- very different from the dried dill I normally use. I want to try using more fresh herbs. Any ideas on where I should start?
Sure. But you should know that the first rule of cooking with fresh herbs is this: There are no rules. Have fun and experiment, using small amounts at first as you figure out what you like.

Using herbs is a great way to add rich flavor to foods. They are often touted as alternatives to salt, which is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, but they can also add zest when you reduce sugar or fat in a recipe. 

Did you know that July is National Grilling Month? To celebrate, try this delicious and healthy recipe for grilled tuna with chickpea and spinach salad. http://bit.ly/qgotuo

Click here for more recipes.

And for safe grilling tips, visit:
http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/features-month/july/national-grilling-month

A challenging economy and growing interest in eating local is turning the art of preserving food at home into a popular food trend. Preserving food was a simple fact of life for many of our grandparents’ generation, but today’s home canners are often budget-savvy consumers who know the value of eating healthy, garden-fresh foods throughout the year.

No matter what your reason for canning, food safety is an essential part of the process, says Barbara Ingham, Cooperative Extension food safety specialist.

Nutrients in fruits and vegetables start to break down after harvest. This loss of nutrients can be minimized by proper storage or processing. Frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice products are processed just after harvesting to "lock in" the freshness of just-picked produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are picked, packed, and distributed to stores very quickly so that you get the freshest items available. After purchase, proper storage and handling of fruits and vegetables will help retain nutrients.

Want to add some adventure and nutrition to your grilled meals? Grill vegetables and fruits.

Here are some great facts and tips to motivate you to try grilled veggies and fruits:

Should you drink a sports drink if you engage in regular physical activity?

Sports drinks are popular, you see them at the gym, in vending machines, and at convenience stores. Sports drinks contain flavorings, carbohydrate (usually in the form of high fructose corn sweetener) and electrolytes. They are formulated to replace fluids, electrolytes and carbohydrates during times of intense activity. The carbohydrate in sports drinks provides energy to working muscles so that activity can continue. Sports drinks are flavored which encourages consumption so the athlete can fully rehydrate. There is ample research to suggest that athletes participating in competition, workouts or training for 60 minutes or longer and/or in hot climates or at high altitudes benefit from sports drinks.

What about after your nightly workout or afternoon mowing the grass? Do you need sports drinks to stay hydrated?

On hot, humid days nothing tastes better than an icy cold treat. And with all the fresh berries and other fruits available in summer, there's no need to grab a box of Popsicles from the supermarket freezer or order a fruit smoothie at a juice bar at the mall or local health food store. You can make your own healthy ice pops and smoothies at home.

Let's start with Popsicles, which have always been a favorite snack for kids. Not only are they fun to eat but they provide essential fluids during hot weather to replace liquids lost to perspiration.

Now that it’s outdoor grilling time again, many people are eager to fire up their grills and get cooking.

But before grilling those steaks, burgers, hot dogs or chicken breasts, remember to thoroughly clean the grill to make it safe for cooking, said Dr. Connie Sheppard, Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Whether it’s mowing the lawn, working in the garden or washing the car, we spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer months. When you're outside in the heat, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. We need fluids to keep our bodies properly cooled. Without ample water, you can experience muscle cramping, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.

Eating healthy and being physically active work together to promote good health. Both can be fun parts of celebrations and parties.

This guide provides tips that parents can use in planning celebrations for family, friends and children.