Obama vows to improve the food

Excerpts from a New York Times article by Gardiner Harris on 3/15/09

The president says he'll toughen regulations and seek $1 billion for more inspectors and newer labs.

Describing government's failure to inspect 95 percent of food processing plants as "a hazard to the public health," President Obama promised Saturday to bolster and reorganize the nation's fractured food-safety system.

"In the end, food safety is something I take seriously, not just as your president, but as a parent," he said.

The call for fundamental changes in the nation's food-protection system follows a massive salmonella outbreak in peanut products that has sickened more than 700 people, killed nine -- including three Minnesotans -- and led to one of the largest recalls in U.S. history.

Juicing key limes

It's a new dance, the key lime squeeze. No but I've gone through contortions squeezing key limes that are reminescent of my dancing.

Avoid the key lime juice bottle - go fresh. It is worth the time and trouble.

Here are some tips to squeezing those little limes that don't seem to want to interact with regular juicers.

1. Let limes get to room temperature.

2. Zest first then cut to juice.

3. Use the right tool for the job.

4. Watch the seeds - they clog holes so the juice can't get through.