In anticipation of a healthy start to the new year for your family and friends, choose holiday gifts that promote a healthy lifestyle instead of stuff that will sit on a shelf and collect dust or have to be put in storage after the holidays are over.

Also, try the healthy recipe, seen to the right, during an upcoming holiday get together.

For cooks:

• Healthy cooking

magazine subscription or cookbook

• Nonstick cookware

• Electric countertop grill for meat

• Vegetable or rice steamer

• Gravy skimmer (a small pitcher that separates the fat from the broth)

• Chef's knife

• Knife sharpener

• Food processor

• Mini chopper

• Kitchen scale

• Cutting boards or mats

• Flavored vinegar assortment

• Bottled herbs and spices

• Kit for growing herbs on the windowsill

• Book on growing your own vegetables

For food lovers:

• Flavored teas and teapot

• Coffee beans and coffee grinder

• Fruit basket

• Nuts in the shell with a nutcracker

• Individually wrapped dark chocolates

• Low sugar jams and jellies

To encourage physical activity

• Interactive exercise video or DVD

• Membership to gym or sports facility

• Gift certificate for dance classes

• Pedometer

• Treadmill or other indoor exercise equipment

• Exercise ball or bands

• Workout clothing

• Mittens, gloves, sweatbands

• Water bottle and gym towel

To make the gift more special, include a card with the offer to cook or exercise with someone who is working toward a healthier lifestyle. Happy gift giving.

Christine Gutelius, MA, RD, CDN, is a nutrition resource educator with the Eat Smart NY program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.

Confetti Veggies

Makes 4 servings

1 cup cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen)

1 cup cut broccoli (fresh or frozen)

1 carrot, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup low fat chicken broth

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

2 tablespoons sliced green onions

1 teaspoon dill

Steam cauliflower, broccoli and carrot,

covered, for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside. Combine chicken stock and cornstarch in measuring cup; pour into a medium nonstick skillet and heat over medium-high heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add red pepper, green onions and dill and cook for 2 minutes or until tender. Stir in cauliflower, broccoli and

carrots and cook briefly.