NEW & NOTEWORTHY.

A BIT OF GOLD: Del Monte just introduced its new Hawaii Gold pineapple in supermarkets. We liked the idea that the pineapple is ripe, juicy and ready to eat when purchased - and it tastes great. The flavor is sweeter than traditional pineapple with a mix of tropical overtones including coconut and mango.

The exterior shell is bright golden, as is the interior flesh. This pineapple is plumper and heavier than traditional varieties. If you don't plan to eat it immediately, you can stash the pineapple in the fridge and use within a week.

Suggested retail is $1.29 to $1.59 per pound. For ideas on how this new pineapple can add new flavor to dishes like Pineapple Chicken Salad, Pineapple Amaretto Trifle and Pineapple Pecan Sticky Buns, request a colorful brochure that also includes pineapple preparation tips. For a free copy, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Del Monte Fresh Produce, c/o Del Monte Hawaii Gold, PO Box 149222, Coral Gables, FL 33114-9222. Or call [phone].

- Natalie Haughton

COOKBOOK: Pull out the herbs and spices and let chef Jimmy Bannos give you a lesson in Louisiana cooking with ``The Heaven on Seven Cookbook'' (Ten Speed Press; $24.95), co-written with John Demers and named after Bannos' popular Chicago restaurants (three locations). If you don't mind recipes with lots of ingredients - typical of Creole and Cajun cooking - you'll be in hog heaven. Chicken Creole penne, for instance, uses 26 ingredients. Some other mouth-watering options: Jamaican red bean soup, Creole-spiced tilapia, steak gumbo, and chicory coffee creme brulee.

- Chicago Tribune

TWISTED CRUST PIZZA: Pizza Hut just unveiled its latest innovation - the Twisted Crust pizza - that boasts a seasoned bread-stick crust surrounding a hot pizza. The company is touting it as a two-in-one combination. You can pull off the bread-stick crust and dip it into one of two sauces - marinara or ranch. Tasters gave this new rendition thumbs-up approval. The crust was delicious and light. This new pizza is pleasing to the eye as well as the palate. The Twisted Crust is priced at $10.99 for a large one-topping pizza. Have one delivered soon - and give it a try.

- N.H.

NEW

The Dannon Co. just introduced ready-to-drink fruit 'n' yogurt smoothies - Dannon Frusion. Available in three flavors - peach passion fruit, wild berries and banana berry - the drinks, which contain fruit, fruit juices and lowfat yogurt - are packaged in 10-ounce recyclable bottles. Our tasters preferred the peach and wild berries varieties and liked the convenience they offered. They were easy to drink for those on the go - and delicious. Each bottle has 270 calories and about 3.5 grams of fat. Available in selected convenience stores, suggested retail price is $1.49 each.

- N.H.

BUILD A HEALTHIER YOU: The American Dietetic Association has designated March as National Nutrition Month with this year's theme, ``Food & Fitness: Build a Healthy Lifestyle.''

Connie Diekman, registered dietitian and spokeswoman, says the group's aim is to promote healthy behaviors all year long.

Here are some ABCs to consider:

Aim for fitness: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine by thinking of simple ways to increase exercise. Some suggestions: Take the stairs, walk the dog, park in a space farther away.

Build a healthy base: Reach for healthy alternatives to high-calorie foods with little nutritional value. Choose dried fruits and nuts instead of chips or other salty snacks.

Choose sensibly: Develop a healthy lifestyle by eating appropriate portions and focus on why you are eating. In other words, eat because you're hungry - not out of boredom or anxiety. A hint: Don't go longer than three to four hours between meals as you're more likely to overindulge.

For recorded nutrition tips or to find a registered dietitian in your area, call [phone].

- Wire Services

DINING OUT: Philly steak sandwich fanciers can now indulge in their favorite food at a new Encino cafe called Philadelphia Kitchen, 15928 Ventura Blvd.

Philly cheese steak (or chicken) is available in regular and large sizes five different ways priced from $4.95 to $9.85.

That other Philadelphia fave, the hoagie, comes in 11 styles, also in regular and large sizes, priced from $4.55 to $6.55.

Also available are Philly-style burgers, double steak sandwiches, teriyaki-sauced salmon, steak or chicken plates, numerous salads, three types of fries, a number of house-cooked side dishes, cake (chocolate, cheese or carrot) and a variety of soft drinks and coffees. All items are under $12. Information: [phone].

- Larry Lipson

CAPTION(S):

4 photos

Photo: (1) no caption (``The Heaven on Seven'')

(2) no caption (Del Monte Hawaii Gold pineapple)

(3) no caption (Pizza Hut Twisted Crust pizza)

(4) no caption (Dannon fruit and yogurt smoothie)