Life And Leisure NJ

Words of wisdom for Alzheimer’s caregivers

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:43:46 +0000

More than five million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is growing. As a result, more Americans are becoming caregivers to a mother, father, sibling or spouse. In fact, almost 15 million family members and friends provided unpaid care for someone with AD or another dementia in 2010. For many, this responsibility is unexpected and life changing.

The role of caregiving and its highs and lows are something TV personality and Alzheimer’s advocate Leeza Gibbons knows well. Leeza cared for her mother Jean during her decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s. “I promised my mom before she passed that I would share her story and what I learned from our journey to help ease some of the emotional, physical and spiritual challenges that so many caregivers experience,” says Leeza. “In fulfilling this promise, I’ve seen how beneficial it can be for caregivers to connect, share and learn from each other.”

In partnership with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Leeza has launched the “Words of Wisdom” contest. The contest calls on Alzheimer’s caregivers to submit their advice about finding strength and support during their caregiving journey at AlzheimersDisease.com. A panel of judges including Leeza, an Alzheimer’s expert and a caregiver will review the entries. Ten winners who have the most positive, unique, useful and affordable advice will receive a $ 100 gift card and have their insights published on the Web site.

While caregiving can be rewarding, it may also come at the expense of a caregiver’s career, finances, relationships and health. Research shows AD caregivers are more likely to rate the stress of caregiving as high compared to caregivers of people with other diseases. Many have to reduce work hours or leave their jobs due to caregiving responsibilities.

“The responsibilities of caregiving are too great for one person to shoulder alone. Knowing your limits is a real sign of strength,” says Leeza. “When you seek support, stay positive and take care of yourself, you can not only survive, but thrive through the tough road ahead.”

Leeza offers this basic advice for Alzheimer’s caregivers:

Fuel Up. Make sure you eat healthy foods and watch the stress eating. Keep bags of sliced fruit and nuts in the fridge so you can go the distance and have the will power to stay away from the chips and cookies.

Keep moving. Physical exercise is important for overall health. It can be a great way to ward off negative emotions and make you feel more capable.

Be positive. Look forward to every day in a constructive way. Reframe the negative experiences and give up your need to answer “why.” You get to create your own experience by the way you frame it, so be an optimist.

Sleep soundly. Set a bedtime ritual and decompress, fully letting go of the day and forgive yourself and others for what may not have gone well. Take a nap during the day if you need to recharge your batteries. Never apologize when you are at your limit and need a break.

Laugh a lot. Laughter really IS the best medicine, so don’t isolate from your friends and don’t feel guilty for having a good time while someone you love is sick. If you feel better, your loved one will get better care from you.

Help support other Alzheimer’s caregivers by submitting your own caregiving advice at AlzheimersDisease.com. Entries will be accepted until Feb. 29, 2012.

Avoid these mistakes on your tax return

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:43:44 +0000

The average American spends approximately 12 hours preparing a Form 1040 income tax return, according to the Internal Revenue Service. With so much time invested, the last thing you want to do is make a mistake on your tax return – especially one that delays your refund.

Fortunately, several of the most common mistakes made on tax returns are simple in nature. For instance:

* Incorrect Social Security numbers. They must match perfectly with what’s on Social Security cards because the IRS compares tax return information with the Social Security Administration’s database.

* Misspelled names. All names on returns must also match Social Security cards. Pay special attention to dependents’ last names, as those tend to be misspelled.

* Filing status errors. If you’re not sure which of the five statuses you are, see IRS Publication 501.

* Miscalculations. In addition to math errors, taxpayers often miscalculate amounts related to their taxable income, withholding and estimated tax payments, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, the standard deduction for age 65 and older or blind, and taxable amounts of Social Security benefits.

* Incorrect bank account numbers for direct deposit or payments. Double check the routing and account numbers for your financial institution so that you either receive your refund in a timely fashion or pay your balance on time (thus avoiding penalties and interest).

You can prevent a lot of errors like these by simply not rushing, says TaxACT spokesperson Jessi Dolmage. “Prepare your return when you have the fewest distractions. If you’re interrupted, stop and come back to your return later, or even the next day. You don’t have to do your taxes in one fell swoop.

“Another easy way to avoid these types of errors is to use a tax preparation solution,” states Dolmage. “Online and download solutions like TaxACT allow you to import information from last year’s return, which reduces the chance of mistyping key information. The programs also provide step-by-step guidance while completing the forms and math for you, and they check your return for errors and missed opportunities.”

Regardless of how you prepare your taxes, print and review the information on your return before filing. When you’re ready to file, e-file your return. Unlike paper filers, you’ll receive confirmation when the IRS receives and processes your return. Combined with direct deposit, you can have your refund in as few as seven days.

Dolmage adds that the IRS won’t send you a notice for overlooked tax breaks. Software solutions like TaxACT help you take advantage of all your tax breaks. If you’re not using software, watch out for these tax credits (a direct reduction of your tax liability): the Child Tax Credit; the Child and Dependent Care Credit; higher education credits; the Saver’s Credit; and energy-saving credits.

For tax return information, visit www.irs.gov. Learn about TaxACT products, including its Free Edition that allows everyone to prepare and e-file their federal return free at www.taxact.com.

Tips for a secure home and peace of mind

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:43:42 +0000

Homeowners often worry about keeping their homes safe and secure for their families. And it’s no wonder: nearly 70 percent of home break-ins are in the form of kick-ins to a door, according to the U. S. Department of Justice.

You have many easy and affordable options for ensuring a safer home, and ultimately, greater peace of mind. Here’s a home security checklist to get you started.

Assess the perimeter. Walk around your yard at different times of the day to judge lighting and shadows. Think about how family members enter and exit the home from different doorways. Do you have sufficient exterior lighting to ensure that they can enter your home, can see and can be seen? Install better lighting near every entrance. Take a look at your landscaping from an intruder’s point of view. Plant some thorny or prickly shrubbery below the windows and next to entrances so there’s no place for someone to hide in waiting.

Add an alarmed lock. Most alarm systems trigger after a door has already been opened. However, if you don’t have an alarm system, an alarmed lock is a great alternative, and will allow you to instantly hear what’s happening at your door. For example, Schlage, a leader in home security, offers a first-of-its-kind Keyed Entry With Built-In Alarm. It’s an alarmed lock with the added safeguard of a sensor alarm that lets you know when it is being tampered with. It has three alarm modes, which can be set to alert you to different types of activity at the door – when it’s been open and closed, when it’s been tampered with and when there’s been a forced entry.

“An alarmed lock provides an added layer of security that many homeowners’ are looking for and can put their minds at ease,” says Chris DeSchamp, Schlage portfolio leader, electronic security.

The battery-operated units, which can be seen at www.alarm.schlage.com, costs around $ 99 and are easy to install and are available at select The Home Depot stores, homedepot.com, lowes.com, amazon.com and build.com.

Safeguard the windows. Make sure your windows are also set up for security. Install quality window locks that keep windows in a closed position, to avoid giving criminals an open invitation to enter. Manufacturers offer a variety of options to safeguard different types of windows including double-hung and casement windows.

Enhance security of glass and wooden doors. Make sure all your sliding glass and patio doors have at least one of the following to prevent them from being opened: a track lock, a hinged door bar, an insertion pin lock or a metal or wood dowel inserted into the track that allows it to be opened only when you wish. It’s also a good idea to equip each wooden door with a wide-angle eye viewer so you can identify who may be at the door before opening it.

Monitor home security while you’re away. With today’s technologies, it’s easier and more affordable than ever to monitor and control your home’s security even if you’re not home. For example, the Schlage LiNK System lets you use any computer connected to the Internet or Web-enabled cell phone to turn lights on and off, check the status of the door, grant entry into the home, open and close blinds, and many more functions.

By making these easy steps to upgrade your home’s security, you’ll not only gain more protection for your family, but you’ll also gain the best security of all – total peace of mind. For more home security ideas, visit www.schlage.com.

Lumens, CFLs and LEDs: A light bulb guide for new regulations

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:43:40 +0000

You’ve probably been hearing the talk of federal light bulb regulations for years, but in January 2012, the talk will become reality, and these regulations will begin to take effect. While California residents began the transition in January 2011, the federally mandated phase-out of less efficient incandescent light bulbs begins with the 100-watt light bulb on Jan. 1, 2012, so now is the time for the rest of the country to make the switch to more efficient bulbs.

Before you begin considering your options, here’s a quick review of how the new regulations will work:

* Incandescent, or traditional, 100-watt light bulbs for general purpose, household shape lamps will no longer be available in stores beginning January 2012. Retailers will be able to sell-through any existing inventory, but the traditional 100-watt incandescent bulbs will not be replaced on the shelf.

* Incandescent 75-watt light bulbs will be unavailable in 2013.

* Incandescent 40-watt and 60-watt light bulbs will be phased out in 2014.

As these rules phase in gradually, it’s a great time to educate yourself on the different types of energy-efficient light bulbs available. Lowe’s is joining the effort to advise consumers on the types of options available. In addition to offering a comprehensive light bulb buying guide on its website, Lowe’s offers the following tips as you bring your lighting into the future.

Learning about lumens

As we transition away from incandescent bulbs, the lingo used to describe the brightness of the light bulbs is changing. We’ve become accustomed to identifying the brightness of a light bulb by the amount of power – watts – that it uses. However, more efficient light bulbs emit the same amount of light – measured in lumens – while using less electricity.

For example, the following light bulbs all produce roughly the same amount of light (450 lumens): 40-watt incandescent, 29-watt halogen, 11-watt compact fluorescent (CFL) and 9-watt LED. It’s still important to pay attention to wattage to make sure you don’t exceed the recommended level for your lamp, but it’s increasingly unlikely that you’ll exceed that level as you purchase more efficient bulbs.

Types of bulbs available

As you move on from incandescent bulbs, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the different types of more energy-efficient bulbs available. These bulbs will consume less energy and last longer, saving you money on monthly utility bills.

Compact fluorescent: CFL bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but use up to 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times as long, making it easy for you to quickly recoup the money you spend on them. You can save up to $ 70 per year by placing CFLs in your five most commonly used lamps, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. You’ve likely seen them in spiral or tube-like shapes, but CFLs also come in the A-line form common in most incandescent bulbs.

Halogen: These bulbs use the same technology as incandescent bulbs but last up to three times longer and are about 50 percent more efficient. Halogens are known for producing the highest quality light but aren’t as efficient as CFLs. When changing halogens, you’ll want to make sure you use a rag because oil from your skin can reduce the bulb’s longevity.

LED: Lowe’s began offering the industry’s first Energy Star-qualified LED bulb this year – the GE Energy Smart 9-watt LED light bulb. LED bulbs take the efficiency and durability of CFLs even further, as this bulb is rated to last more than 22 years and uses slightly less energy than a CFL bulb that also produces 450 lumens.

For more information on what the light bulb legislation means for you, visit the Lowe’s YouTube channel for a light bulb tutorial.

College credit but no degree: The focus is on working adults

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:43:39 +0000

If you are a working adult who has accumulated some college credit but haven’t earned enough to be awarded a degree, you are not alone. There are at least 54 million people in the nation who fall into this category. To once again put the United States among world leaders whose citizens have college degrees, these “near completers” are receiving increased attention.

During the fall of 2011, the Institute for Higher Education Policy led the first National Summit on Near Completion in Washington D.C., to draw attention to the needs of those with some college, but no degree. These are people for whom life circumstances have prevented them from finishing what they started, even if they are only a year’s worth of credit – or less – from completion. Working adults often find that finances, family and work obligations are the main obstacles they face. Another major hurdle is the willingness of colleges to accept transfer credit from other institutions and recognized sources that provide equivalent college-level learning.

Greater acceptance of prior earned credit can result in significant savings for students, their families and benefactors – including federal- and state-sponsored grant and scholarship programs.

Yet, many colleges have limits on the amount of transfer credit they will accept even though the credits may come from other accredited schools. Some colleges may even require at least a year’s worth of credit to be earned at their school which can result in students repeating courses they have already completed.

Other colleges, however, are more flexible in this regard. One example is Excelsior College, a 40-year old private, nonprofit, accredited institution that is among the nation’s leaders in online and distance education. Excelsior reported that during the 2010-2011 academic year, it accepted in transfer more than 618,000 hours of undergraduate credit presented by newly enrolled students at an estimated savings to them of $ 207 million – what the college calls its Knowledge Value Index.

Recognition of transfer credit is one means business leaders across the U.S. agree can reduce the cost of a college education. A recent survey among corporate executives and small business owners conducted by IBOPE Zogby, one of the nation’s most respected polling organizations, found that 74 percent of those surveyed believe the acceptance of credit transferred from one institution to another is an important way to make a college education more affordable. They also stated that the recognition of credit by examination (69 percent), credit earned through evaluated military training programs (65 percent) and evaluated corporate or industry training programs (63 percent) are other significant ways to lower the cost of a degree.

Which credits will be accepted in transfer from another college or university is up to the receiving institution. Recommending college-level equivalency from noncollegiate sources is a program that the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service provides. These sources include programs offered by industry, the professions and the military, as well as college-level examination programs.

Earning a college degree can carry many benefits including higher wages. It can also provide a degree of security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 4.7 percent of those with a bachelor’s degree are unemployed today. So if you are among the millions of working adults who have some college credit but no degree, you owe it to yourself and your family to take the credits you do have – those nonworking assets on your resume – and turn them into working assets toward achieving your educational goals.

It’s never too early or too late to take control of your finances

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:43:38 +0000

“Silly season” – the months of campaigning that lead up to a presidential election – is well under way, and it’s a sure bet the country’s money, finances and spending habits will be favorite issues for politicos of all persuasions. But while the debate and rhetoric is sure to be heated on both sides of the political fence, taking control of finances – specifically, your personal ones – is something worth considering this year.

“It’s never too early or too late to educate yourself about your finances and to take control of your spending and saving,” says Dr. Willie White, program chair and accounting instructor at Everest College in Aurora, Colo. White offers four tips to help get you started:

1. Assess your finances

Make a list of all sources of income and expenses, including: mortgage payments, rent, utilities, car payments and insurance and credit card payments.

If you recently experienced a significant change in your personal or financial life, then you may also benefit from consulting a financial professional. Even if you have to pay some money up front, a professional financial manager can help you identify possible tax breaks, or advise you on possible debt management strategies.

Dr. White also advises you to get a copy of your credit report; you can access it for free by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

2. Organize your finances

After you’ve assessed your situation, make a monthly budget with concrete, manageable goals. Set aside a certain time each week devoted to managing your finances, and automate as many of your payments as possible.

If you are not sure how much you currently spend, then you should keep a “financial log” for one month, in which you record all expenses on discretionary items such as food, gas, clothing, etc. Transition to online payments. “Paying your bills on time not only will save you money by helping you avoid late payments, but it is a crucial first step to building your credit score,” says White. Moving to automatic deductions not only makes sure your bills are paid on time, but can also save you time and hassle.

3. Start saving

“There is only one rule to saving – spend less than you earn,” says White. The key to saving is to create and commit to a reasonable budget that includes manageable savings goals. If possible, have a set amount go directly to your savings account by automatic deposit.

To make the most of your saving, White suggests you see if your employer offers a 401k as part of your benefit package, which allows you to deduct savings automatically and actually reduces your taxable income. If your employer offers a matching 401k option, maximize your savings to take full benefit of the matched amount.

4. Deal with your debt

For many, credit card debt can seem overwhelming, but there are a number of steps you can take to feel in control of your payments again. “Your first step can be to cancel credit cards with annual fees,” advises White.

Dr. White also urges you to consult debt consolidation companies, which gather debt from various credit cards under one umbrella account, and help you reduce monthly payments.

However, the most important piece of advice Dr. White offers is to get informed. “The more you know about your finances and your options, the better consumer and investor you will be,” says Dr. White.

Lunardi: Michigan lifts Spartans to top line

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:22:34 +0000

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ESPN.com

Save money with an ‘enlightened’ roof – and decorate too

admin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 02:07:00 +0000

Enlightenment isn’t just a state of mind – it can also be an important energy-saving state of being for your home’s roof. By “enlightening” your roof, you can use less energy, save money, and dress up the interior of your home at the same time.

All roofs protect us, and the interiors of our homes, but they can do so much more. They can be the collection and distribution point for an inexhaustible supply of free natural light and energy.

A roof that uses Energy Star qualified venting skylights, for instance, admits healthful natural light while providing passive ventilation through the natural “chimney effect” of rising air. This is not an insignificant consideration especially in kitchens and baths that have higher moisture and humidity levels than other areas of the home.

Another kitchen- and bath-specific issue that skylights help address is the need for privacy. Many modern homes are built on small lots, in very close proximity to neighboring houses. “Light from windows is rarely enough, especially in places where lot sizes are small,” says Jennifer Powers of design firm Scott-Ulmann.

Areas of the home where traditional skylights with blinds might not work – such as hallways, closets and small, interior baths – can still admit natural light through less expensive Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. And optional light kits turn these units into 24-hour sources of light. Low-profile flat glass models that blend unobtrusively with the roof, and domed models, all offer a fast, easy, less expensive way to transform a home with natural light.

In addition to light and ventilation from above, if you add an Energy Star-qualified solar water heating system your roof will work even harder for you. And, in addition to monthly power bill savings, these solar thermal systems qualify for tax credits and other savings that significantly reduce the payback time it takes to recover the initial cost.

Solar power attic fans are also a cost-effective roof addition that helps to reduce mechanical cooling costs while removing damaging moisture from the home.

In addition to the functional qualities these and other roof improvements offer, there are also aesthetic considerations.

Skylights offer room-changing drama and decorating flair while adding natural light from above. And skylight blinds are now available in colors and pattern choices to mix and match with room decor giving homeowners another interior design tool. Blinds not only dress up a room but also provide light control while increasing the energy efficiency and usefulness of skylights.

According to skylight manufacturer, Velux America, the addition of blinds can increase the overall energy efficiency of the units by 37 percent. They recommend closing the blinds on high heat/sun days in the summer to reduce potential solar heat gain and, on cold winter nights, closing them to provide an extra layer of thermal insulation to keep warm air indoors. Skylight blinds, as well as the units themselves, can be controlled manually or with a remote.

Modern, low profile skylights are unobtrusive and as dependable as vertical windows. Information about units with a 10-year no-leak installation warranty, plus an installer locator, is available at veluxusa.com. There’s also a free mobile phone app there to help homeowners see how skylights and blinds would look in rooms in their own homes.

The Velux Skylight Planner App is available for iPhones, iPods, iPads and Android phones.

For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org. For remodeling information visit nahb.org/remodel or greenhomeguide.org.

Unscrambling the myths behind eggs and cholesterol

admin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 02:04:36 +0000

When it comes to eggs, dietary cholesterol and heart health, what you think you know may be a bit scrambled. Concerns over dietary cholesterol and its impact on heart disease keeps many people from eating eggs, despite their nutritional benefits. However, more than 40 years of research shows healthy adults can enjoy an egg every day without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease.

Cracking the cholesterol myth

Enjoying an egg a day as part of a healthy diet balanced with fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy, falls well within current cholesterol guidelines. In fact, according to USDA data, one large egg is 14 percent lower in cholesterol than previously recorded, down from 212 mg to 185 mg, and is also 64 percent higher in vitamin D, with 41 IU per large egg. Moreover, one large egg contains six grams of high-quality protein and 13 essential nutrients for 70 calories.

“Research shows that saturated fat may be more likely to raise a person’s blood cholesterol than dietary cholesterol,” says Neva Cochran, registered dietitian, nutrition writer and researcher for Woman’s World Magazine. “Eating a balanced breakfast with high-quality protein foods like eggs, along with other nutrient-rich foods like fruit and whole grains, is the best way to start the day. Unlike sugary foods, eggs have no simple sugars and contain no carbs, providing steady and sustained energy.”

Additionally, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognize eggs as a nutrient dense food and state that the consumption of one egg per day is not associated with risk of coronary heart disease or stroke in healthy adults. And, eggs provide high-quality protein that helps build muscles and increases satiety for all-day energy, which can help maintain a healthy weight, an important factor in promoting overall health.

Incredible egg benefits

Cochran also points out that at an average of 15 cents a piece, eggs are an affordable, versatile, nutrient powerhouse that contribute to a healthy diet in many ways:

* Breakfast boosters: Research shows that eating high-quality protein foods for breakfast, like eggs, can help increase satiety, maintain long-lasting energy and improve cognitive skills like memory recall time.

* Sunshine supplement: Eggs are one of the few foods that are a naturally good source of vitamin D, meaning that one egg provides at least 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance. Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption, helping to form and maintain strong bones.

* Weight-loss companion: Research shows that eating eggs for breakfast can help overweight dieters lose more weight, lower their body mass index and shrink their waist more than eating a bagel of equal calories for breakfast.

Eggs are easy

Adding eggs to your breakfast routine can be easy, even on busy weekday mornings. Whether you’re craving scrambled eggs, an omelet or an egg sandwich, microwaves can be an incredible time-saving tool, so you can start every day with a nutritious breakfast. Try this quick and easy recipe next time you’re in a rush:

Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burrito

Ingredients:

1 flour tortilla (6-inch)

1 egg

1 tablespoon shredded Mexican cheese blend

1 tablespoon salsa

Directions:

1. Line 2-cup microwave-safe cereal bowl with microwave-safe paper towel. Press tortilla into bowl. Break egg into center of tortilla. Beat egg gently with a fork until blended, being careful not to tear tortilla.

2. Microwave on high 30 seconds; stir. Microwave until egg is almost set, 15 to 30 seconds longer.

3. Remove tortilla with paper towel liner from bowl to flat surface. Top egg with cheese and salsa. Fold bottom of tortilla over egg, then fold in sides.

For more information on the nutrition benefits of eggs or recipe ideas, visit www.eggnutritioncenter.org or www.IncredibleEgg.org, “Like” the Incredible Edible Egg on Facebook or follow @IncredibleEggs on Twitter.

How to use Prosciutto di Parma to make holiday entertaining easy

admin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 02:03:07 +0000

When the holidays leave you short on time and high on stress, entertaining can be daunting. With the right ingredients and a little planning, you can reduce the work load and free up time to spend with loved ones.

Start with a tip from smart Italians – when they entertain at home, their guests are welcomed with a platter of Prosciutto di Parma. The sublime, salty-sweet, thinly sliced ham is often accompanied by crisp breadsticks and fruit. It’s an effortless but elegant crowd-pleaser that you can put together quickly.

If you’d like to try something even more impressive, but still surprisingly easy, consider a trio of simply elegant Parma-wrapped party bites. Each has a distinctive flavor profile, giving you ease and convenience and offering your guests a variety of tasty treats.

Prosciutto di Parma is readily available sliced-to-order in the deli department or pre-sliced in packages, at gourmet food stores and supermarkets. The Parma Crown, stamped on whole hams and on packages, is your guarantee of authenticity and quality. Only hams produced in the region around Parma, Italy, from specially bred Italian pigs, following a centuries old tradition of salt curing and passing quality tests by independent inspectors can bear the Parma Crown. In addition, Prosciutto di Parma belongs to an elite group of European products certified under the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) system, an extra guarantee of authenticity.

Keep some on hand for unexpected guests or to keep the family out of the kitchen as they wait for the big meal.

To learn more about Prosciutto di Parma visit www.prosciuttodiparma.com/usa and watch this short video that shows how the world’s most famous ham makes its way to your table. You can also join the conversation on the Prosciutto di Parma Facebook page for more ideas to make the holidays a little less stressful.

Trio of Parma-wrapped party bites

Parma-Wrapped Scallops

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil

4 ounces sea scallops, cut in 8 bite-sized pieces

4 slices Prosciutto di Parma, halved lengthwise

8 small arugula leaves

Directions:

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add oil. Saute scallops until opaque, turning once, about 5 minutes. Lay Prosciutto di Parma slices on flat surface; place an arugula leaf on each; top with a scallop. Roll and secure with picks.

Yield: 8 appetizers

Parma-Wrapped Avocado and Roasted Pepper

Ingredients:

4 slices Prosciutto di Parma

16 small slices jarred roasted red pepper, patted dry

1/2 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, cut into 8 pieces

Directions:

Lay Prosciutto di Parma slices on flat surface; top each with one red pepper slice; place avocado cubes on pepper slices; cover with remaining red pepper. Roll and secure with picks.

Yield: 8 appetizers

Parma-Wrapped Figs and Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

4 slices Prosciutto di Parma, halved lengthwise

8 small Belgian endive leaves

3 tablespoons goat cheese, room temperature2 large fresh figs, quartered or 1 small kiwi, peeled and quartered

Directions:

Lay Prosciutto di Parma slices on flat surface. Spread each endive leaf with generous teaspoon goat cheese. Nestle fig into leaf; place on Prosciutto slices. Roll and secure with picks. Garnish with chives, if desired.

Yield: 8 appetizers