IS IT SAFE TO EAT TOMATOES NOW?

Are tomatoes safe to eat now? Chef Hugo has been hearing this question alot lately and has been working with several sources to get the most accurate answers. The recent salmonella outbreak linked to tomatoes has many consumers and health officials concerned. Chef Hugo states that there are 3 ways to avoid the salmonella outbreak.

1. Avoid tomatoes altogether.

2. Eat only home grown tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or tomatoes attached to the vine, which have not been linked to this outbreak.

3. Ask the management at your local grocery store or restaurant where they purchased their tomatoes and if they are deemed safe by health officials.

Keep in mind that you should always thoroughly wash and scrub all of your produce to keep yourself and your family safe in every season.

Here's a delicious salsa salad recipe Chef Hugo created. It does contain tomatoes but you can substitute with red pepper if you are leery of the tomatoes available in your area. It's a delicious and healthy summer salad! Enjoy!

Hugo's Salsa Salad Solace

8 ounces whole kernel corn
1/4 cup cucumber, chopped
1/2 cup tomato, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon jalapeno chili pepper, seeded and minced
2 teaspoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced

1. In large bowl, combine corn, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions and jalapeno.

2. In small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin and cilantro/

3. Pour lime juice mixture over corn mixture. Toss well. Cover and chill for at least three hours. Serve.

Yield: 2 servings

Per Serving : 124 Calories; 2g Fat (13.8%calories from fat); 4g Protein; 27g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 0mgCholesterol; 9mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1/2Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 0 Fat.