Yesterday I was on the phone with my friend Jack, who wanted to know when I was going to be back in New York. Unfortunately for me it’s going to be much too soon. By Wednesday morning I should be on the road headed back to the cold spring weather in Long Island.

But on the good news front I got Jack to agree to help me with some heart healthy recipes. Jack is a chef who knows how to “throw down” as they say on the Food Network. And he agreed to start supplying me with easy to make, heart healthy recipes that I can pass along to you.

You’ll probably want to print this out and save it. I’ve had many meals at Jack’s and I keep coming back.

One thing that always seems to be in season is cucumber, so here’s Jack’s recipe that uses them.

Cucumber Salad – serves 2

1 English Cucumber (the long ones) peeled, and diced, large 1/4 cup red bell pepper, small diced, 1/4 cup green bell pepper, small diced, 1/4 cup red onion, small diced, 1 tsp jalapeno pepper, small diced, 1/2 cup plain white vinegar, 1 Tbsp good olive oil, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, Sea salt, Black pepper

Peel the cucumber, and slice in half the long way. Then slice in half the same way again. Dice the cucumber in 1/2 inch pieces and put in a bowl. Dice the peppers and onions, and add to the bowl. Dice the jalapeno, add to the bowl, and wash your hands to make sure you aren’t carrying any juice from the jalapeno. Mix the vinegar, olive oil, and sugar together. Pour this over the cucumbers, peppers, and onions. Season with sea salt, and black pepper.

You can serve this immediately, but it will be better if it sits for an hour or so. It can be served cold, or at room temperature.

It’s great as a snack, and even better with something grilled.

This recipe can be made into a dinner salad with just a few more heart healthy ingredients. I’ll have to ask Jack for the rest of the story.

I’ve read studies showing the mediterranean diet can help with heart health, especially olive oil.

We can’t pick up and move to Europe, and why would we? But we can eat in that style without tearing up the foundation of how we live, and the food can taste wonderful.

Also make sure that you’re getting your daily omega 3 fatty acids. Your brain will function like a well oiled machine, your joints will feel better, and your heart will run smoother.