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Health April 2012

Food Ventures

New Food Adventures in the New Year

By Ann Hattes

According to a recent study in the September 2011 Advances in Nutrition, research summarized the beneficial effect of apples and apple products on weight management, bone health and digestive health. In addition, the antioxidants found in apples may have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes.

Greet the New Year with adventure, trying new beverages and new easy recipes that will keep you energized throughout the day.

From Honest Tea comes Honest Cocoa Nova, a low-calorie cocoa brewed beverage that is light and refreshing in three flavors, mint, mocha and cherry. Also for those on the go is the 35- calorie energy drink developed by nutritionists targeting specific benefits, like NeuroBliss to help eliminate stress, NeuroSonic to help increase mental alertness, and NeuroTrim to help lose weight.

Enjoy quinoa, “the mother of all grains,” by itself or as a side dish in flavorful combinations from Roland foods such as Mediterranean, black bean, garden vegetable and toasted sesame ginger.

Ready in 15 minutes, simply add water, heat and serve.

For easy, high-fiber, flavorful meals, be creative with La Tortilla Factory’s 100-calorie tortillas. For example, jump-start your day with an egg, tomato and caramelized onion burrito, and for an afternoon snack or on-the-go wrap, put together a banana and raisin wrap. At www.latortillafactory.com you’ll discover appetizers and snacks, favorite entrees, global cuisine, meal recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and recipes for special diets from carb-conscious and low-fat to gluten-free and protein-plus.

For an entertaining twist in the New Year, treat family, friends and guests to an apple pairing party. According to a recent study in the September 2011 Advances in Nutrition, research summarized the beneficial effect of apples and apple products on weight management, bone health and digestive health. In addition, the antioxidants found in apples may have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes.

Invite guests to sample a variety of fresh apple slices, selecting 3–6 varieties, from sweet to tart. Slice, dip in vitamin C-fortified apple juice to prevent browning, and fan on a large slab or cheese board. Provide apple tasting note cards so guests can record skin and flesh color, aroma, texture, flavor and overall perception. Serve cold hard cider and hot mulled cider with cinnamon.

Keeping the mulled cider on the stove top perfumes the house.

Try different pairing combinations such as a creamy-crumbly aged cheddar with a sweet-tart apple, a robust blue cheese with a tart apple, and a rich triple-crème cheese with a sweet apple. Or make an apple pesto to serve with a variety of fresh apple slices, favorite crackers and a variety of cheeses. Braeburn, Ginger Gold and Honey Crisp are sweet/tart; Granny Smith is tart; Crispin, Gala, Red Delicious and Rome are all sweet. At www.usapple.org discover an extensive collection of apple recipes from soups, side dishes and salads, to main dishes, burgers, breads, beverages and desserts.


Breakfast Burrito

Serves 2

2 La Tortilla Factory 100-calorie tortillas

1 teaspoon olive or canola oil

2 tablespoons chopped onion

2 medium eggs, lightly beaten with a fork

1 large tomato, medium diced

¼ cup low fat cottage cheese


Preheat the oil in a sauté pan, cook the onion over medium heat for 1 minute or until soft.

In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, diced tomatoes, and cottage cheese. Mix well with a fork or whisk.

Add the egg mixture into the browned onion and cook to scramble for 1 minute over medium-low or until the egg is set. Divide into two portions.

Warm each tortilla in a skillet for 1 – 2 minutes. Divide mixture into 2 portions and spoon mixture into each tortilla. Fold the sides over the filling and roll-up into a wrap.


Banana & Raisin Wrap

1 La Tortilla Factory 100-calorie whole wheat tortilla

1 small banana, sliced

2 tablespoons raisins

4 tablespoons fat free whipped cream cheese spread

½ teaspoon cinnamon powder


Lay the tortilla on a plate. Spread cream cheese evenly.

Along center of tortilla, layer banana slices. Sprinkle raisins over bananas. Sprinkle cinnamon powder over the layered bananas and raisins.

Fold in the ends of the tortilla, then take one side and roll away from your body in a tight jelly-roll fashion forming a tight roll. Enjoy.


Apple Pesto

Prep time: 15 minutes


1 & ½ cups fresh basil leaves, cleaned and dried

1 cup fresh parsley leaves

1 cup chopped apple, cored (1 small)

¼ cup blanched, salted almonds

1 tablespoon apple cider

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

½ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons vegetable oil


In bowl of food processor or blender container, place all dip ingredients except vegetable oil.

Process on high speed just until ingredients are well mixed (1 minute). While food processor is running, add vegetable oil, one tablespoon at a time, until texture is smooth (1 to 2 minutes).

To serve, place dip in a bowl, and surround with favorite apples, crackers or serve on top of softened Brie cheese.

Cover; refrigerate leftovers.


Ann Hattes travels far and wide in search of interesting food adventures.


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