Applesauce

Long before ‘superfruits’ became part of our lexicon there was the humble apple. Well, apples stand up very well nutritionally to any of the new chic fruits on the market (yes, I’m talking to you Mr. Goji).

As the old saw goes: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” There are a lot of reasons why this could be true. Apples contain a healthy dose of fiber (particularly in the skin), vitamin C, potassium and polyphenol antioxidants including quercetin which appear to protect against a variety of cancers. One recent study suggests that quercetin could boost the immune system and protect us against the flu.

Come this time of year, nature explodes with a huge variety of apples for recession-friendly prices. And what better way to take advantage of the bounty than homemade applesauce like the one below which is much more flavorful than anything you’ll find in the megamart. McIntosh, Northern Spy, Macoun, Crispin and Cortland are among the best apples for applesauce because of their soft texture and sweetness.

Oven Baked Applesauce

















If you want to make a bigger batch just double the recipe.

5 apples, peeled, sliced thinly and cored.
2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
3 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon vanilla

Arrange apple slices in a baking dish. Drizzle maple syrup on top. Combine rest of the ingredients in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly on top of apples. Cover pan with foil and bake at 350 for about 40 minutes or until apples have softened considerably. With a potato masher, mash to desired consistency.

Amazing Grass
www.amazinggrass.com
















Eating grass has never tasted so good.

Wheat grass has been hailed as a superfood for years, due to its rich array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Finally, a company has delivered a product that does not taste like compost.

Amazing Grass superfood powders are cholk-full of crazy healthy greens, probiotics, berries and fiber. But here’s the kicker: it does not make you gag! The chocolate and berry flavors are particularly delicious. I admit that I was very skeptical at first but now I find myself thoroughly enjoying a planet-friendly scoop daily.

Best of all is that they mix almost effortlessly into water without any clumping. To up the health ante even more, try out my homemade Amazing Grass almond milk recipe that’s not just for granola types.

Chocolate Almond Milk













Makes about 4 servings

2 scoops chocolate Amazing Grass powder
1 cup almonds
4 cups water
4-6 dry dates, pitted and chopped

Place almonds in a bowl, cover with water and soak for several hours. Drain almonds and place in a blender along with water. Whirl for a minute or two. Strain the almond mixture into a bowl using a fine mesh sieve or a milk bag. You can keep the almond pulp in the fridge and add it to oatmeal. Place the almond liquid back into the blender along with dates and Amazing Grass powder. Mix until everything is combined well.

New Produce

Bored stiff of carrots and lettuce? Here's some new fruit and veggie ideas from an article I wrote in the November issue of Women's Health magazine.

New Produce Article