Whats for breakfast....

So I'm hungry this morning, and I am craving something...oat-y, and slightly sweet. I found a granny smith apple and cored it.

I grabbed about a scant half cup of old fashioned oats. Oh, and by the way, old fashioned oats are a whole grain food that are high in fiber, which of course is great for you daily diet, and has been linked to a reduced risk diabetes, heart disease, and so on. So anyway you can incorporate them into your normal eating habits, get them in! 

I added 1 Tsp  of dark brown sugar  and 1 TBSP Agave Nectar (known for its low glycemic index) and mix them together.

I then put the apple in a large muffin liner, and stuffed it with the oat mixture, and let the excess drop around the apple,







Now, I suggest wrapping it up lightly in foil to give it somewhat of a steam effect. Pop it in the oven about 350 for 20-30 minutes depending on how soft you like your apple.

After baking, open it up.....grab a fork.....









                                                           
And dig in!!!







It really is a yummy treat, but next time I will probably use a Gala apple, or honey crisp. The Granny smith apple was a little too tart for me with this particular mixture. But try it out, play with flavors, add some cinnamon or nutmeg. I love playing with my food, ya never know what you might come up with!

Yep, it's Flax time again!

So, during this holiday season, we can still eat healthy, and it can still taste great! Again, I use my favorite substitute of ground flax for my eggs, and then substituted applesauce for the butter.

**Reminder: 1 egg=  1 TBSP of ground flax mixed w/3 TBSP water


                                         


I took my whole wheat chocolate chip muffin recipe and substituted the eggs with flax, and the butter with applesauce, added DARK CHOCOLATE chips, and cranberries (even better!....and even more antioxidants!) Oh and of course sprinkle with extra whole flax seeds, giving it a nuttier flavor. They were delicious, and popped with even more flavor as you bit into one and got the mixture of dark chocolate and cranberry......YUMMMM......and guilt free!



                                  

A cup of Hot apple cider a day....keeps the doctor away??

So that saying " an apple a day keep's the doctor away" made me look at my cup of Hot Apple Cider, that I absolutely love to indulge in this time of year, and got me thinking..........those of you struggling with a cold, bronchitis, the flu, etc, lets think about this:

Hot Apple Cider has quite a few benefits if you consider what comes in that little package called an apple.:

 It's Hot! (great for anyone with a nasty cold)

Apples are high in vitamins C (great for boosting your immune system!)

Apples are rich in flavanoid (known for their antioxidant effects)

Apples are low in calories (contains natural sugars so it can help curb sugar cravings)

Apples help prevent cancers, and contain phenols which help reduce bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.

Apples are high in fiber.

Apples prevent tooth decay- the juice from apples have properties that can kill up to 80% of bacteria

Apples can help protect your brain from brain disease, as they contain phytonutrients which help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinsons.

Don't forget to throw in a cinnamon stick or sprinkle a little cinnamon on top,which adds antibacterial and anti-oxidant properties.

Sick or not, enjoy a cup of guiltless Hot Apple Cider this season!