BEAUTY WITH NICOLE - DE-STRESS FOR BEAUTY

Did you know that stress can age you? I figure I must be 726 years old by now. (Don’t believe me? You obviously haven’t read Assault With a Deadly Glue Gun and Death By Killer Mop Doll.) Today, beauty editor Nicole Emmerling offers a simple beauty tip for de-stressing. -- AP

That’s right, Anastasia. When we’re stressed, we tend to clench our jaw and grind our teeth. Not only does this tension cause jaw pain, tooth pain, and headaches, it can also cause wrinkles. Here’s a two minute beauty treatment to help you relax those tense muscles.

Cut two slices of cold cucumber. Lie down and place the slices on your eyes. The cold will help soothe your strained eye and face muscles, thus relaxing your face. It also fights puffiness and inflammation.

While you’re lying with the cucumbers on your eyes, use your index fingers to press down firmly and make circular motions up and down your jaw between your ear and chin.

COOKING WITH CLORIS --CHICKEN PANZANELLA

Cloris has another super hot weather meal for us today, a twist on the traditional Panzanella. Trust me, this is as delicious as it sounds! Cloris tells me the recipe serves 6, but she doesn’t have to feed two growing (and growing and growing) teenage boys. If you have a couple of those in your house, the recipe only serves 4. -- AP

CHICKEN PANZANELLA
(serves 4-6)
Ingredients:
3 cups cubed sourdough bread
2 lg. ripe tomatoes cut in chunks
1 med. onion, chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 T. red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 med. zucchini
1/2 seedless cucumber
1 cup mini-mozzarella balls
2 cups cut up cooked chicken

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a jelly-roll pan with foil. Arrange bread in single layer. Toast 10 minutes or until evenly browned. (Toss once.)

Combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, oil, vinegar, and salt in bowl. Let stand at room temperature 45 minutes, tossing occasionally.

Quarter zucchini and cucumber lengthwise. Cut into 3/4” pieces. Add zucchini and cucumber to bowl. Add mozzarella and chicken. Let stand at least 15 minutes before serving.

Add bread just before serving, tossing to blend all ingredients.

Another winning dinner recipe from Cloris! Isn't she fabulous? Let's hear from you. Anyone who posts a comment this week is entered into the drawing for a free book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP