(NC)—Summer is often a time of unabashed enjoyment, when sitting on a patio soaking up the sun makes us forget our long, cold winter. But for some, summer can also be a time of watching waistlines and getting into shape. What may come as a surprise to many is that enjoying a beer this summer can be part of both agendas – and might actually be good for you.

It's a common misconception that beer is fattening and unhealthy. The reality is that beer, enjoyed in moderation, can provide a myriad of health benefits.

Most Canadian beers, from nationally available brands like Labatt Blue Pilsener to smaller micro-brews, are made from only the finest natural ingredients – water, grains, hops and yeast — and do not contain any preservatives. Beer is an Sit Back, Relax And Enjoy A Beer – It's Good For You! Recipe

.............................................................................

Cracking Down on Cigar Counterfeiters

by Tynan Szvetecz

In the most rewarding new industries, there is often a convergence of factors that make them lucrative and sustainable. Factors like the emergence of new technologies, a ripening of the consumer market, or a political climate that spawns laws and regulations that give a particular business model oomph can revolutionize an industry. Over the last two decades, the counterfeit cigar industry in the United States saw all three of these factors converge to create the perfect storm of the illicit trades market.

It began in the 1960's as the trade of authentic Cuban cigars was banned in the United States. This immediately created a situation in which there was a consumer demand for a product that was all but inaccessible through conventional retail Cracking Down on Cigar Counterfeiters Recipe

.............................................................................

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Sandwich: Chunky Peanut Butter Twisters

by News Canada

1/2 cup Smooth peanut butter 125 mL

4 tbsp Maple syrup 60 mL

2 tbsp Each dried figs, dried apricots, 25 mL dried cranberries, chopped finely in food processor

1/4 cup Shredded sweetened coconut 50 mL

1/8 tsp Ground cinnamon 0.5 mL

3 10-inch soft whole-wheat tortillas 3

3 tbsp Finely chopped toasted 45 mL pecan pieces

Mix peanut butter, maple syrup, dried fruit, coconut and cinnamon in a bowl – makes approximately 1 cup. Spread 1/3 cup of peanut mixture evenly over one tortilla shell. Sprinkle 1 tbsp of pecans on tortilla. Start at one end of the tortilla and roll the tortilla like a jelly roll. Repeat steps 2 to 4 with the two other tortillas. The tortillas can be wrapped in Saran Wrap and refrigerated at this point. Serv The Ultimate Peanut Butter Sandwich: Chunky Peanut Butter Twisters Recipe

.............................................................................