Written by Brandy Centolanza
A glass of wine a day may keep heart disease at bay.
“Red wine contains certain plant compounds called antioxidants, which may…help to protect the heart and the lining of the blood vessels in the heart, thus potentially reducing the risk of heart disease,” explains Jennifer Shea, a registered dietitian with Farm Fresh Supermarkets.
The antioxidants in red wine, particularly resveratrol (found in the skin of grapes), may also help with cholesterol levels.
Shea suggests drinking wine in moderation, meaning one drink per day for women and two for men.
“The potential heart health benefits of red wine may also be due to lifestyle factors of those drinking … including physical activity, stress management and a healthy diet,” Shea adds.
Spice-Crusted Tuna with Thai Snow Pea Salad
Courtesy of New Kent Winery (makes four servings)
Ingredients
Four 6-oz. tuna steaks, about 1 in. thick
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, extra for brushing
2 tsp. cracked coriander seeds
2 tsp. cracked black peppercorns
1/4 c. fresh lime juice
Salt
2 fresh lemongrass stalks (bottom 2/3 of inner bulbs only), thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. Asian fish sauce
1 Tbsp. finely chopped cilantro
1 red chili pepper, such as de arbol or cayenne, halved, seeded and thinly sliced
1/2 lb. snow peas
Directions
Light a grill. Brush the tuna steaks with oil and season with salt. Mix the coriander seeds and peppercorns and press onto both sides of the tuna. In a small bowl, combine the vegetable oil with the lime juice, lemongrass, fish sauce, cilantro and chili. In a medium saucepan, steam the snow peas over 1/2 in. of boiling water, covered, until bright green and crisp-tender, about two minutes. Drain the snow peas and pat dry. Transfer to a bowl. Grill the tuna steaks until lightly charred outside and rare in the center, about two minutes per side. Cut the tuna into thick slices and arrange on four plates. Toss the snow peas with 2 Tbsp. of the dressing and spoon alongside the tuna. Pass the extra dressing at the table to drizzle on the fish. The dressing can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving. Pairs well with a Meritage wine.