Monday, August 30, 2010
Sesame Fruit-and-Nut Bars
Recipe created by Frances Boswell
When you're traveling out of your time zone, stash several of these addictive bars in your bag; they're made with sesame seeds, dried cherries, and walnuts. The last two ingredients are a natural source of melatonin, which can help fight jet lag, and they're high in antioxidants to combat stale, dirty air.
Servings: Makes 16 2-inch squares
Ingredients:
2 cups raw walnut pieces
1 cup raw white sesame seeds
1 cup dried tart cherries
1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt , such as Maldon or Celtic
4 Tbsp. raw coconut butter
3 Tbsp. agave nectar or dark honey
Directions:
Active time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Note: For long-term storage, these bars should be kept refrigerated. That said, a few will keep perfectly well at room temperature during a day on the go.
Preheat oven to 325°. Line an 8" square baking pan with parchment paper.
Spread walnut pieces on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven, shaking pan frequently, until walnuts just start to turn golden brown and smell slightly fragrant, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven, set aside in a bowl, and let stand until cool to the touch.
Repeat process with sesame seeds, toasting about 10 minutes and watching carefully so seeds do not burn. Remove from oven and let stand until cool to the touch. Transfer to a medium bowl.
Place walnuts and cherries in a food processor or blender. Process until nuts and fruit come together, coarsely chopped, to form a sticky ball.
Add nut and fruit mixture to sesame seeds. Add salt, coconut butter, and agave nectar or honey and mix, using hands, until well combined. The mixture should easily stay together when squeezed.
Press into prepared baking pan, forming a layer approximately 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate until completely cool, about 1 hour. Cut into squares and serve.
From Oprah.com
Greek Goddess Smoothie
Favorite lunch smoothie. It is designed for those with hypoglycemia and diabetes, as it is extremely low in sugar and high in protein. Cottage cheese hides nicely in smoothies because it blends instantly into a creamy delight. Enjoy this tart and tangy cucumber blend with hints of mint, hues of green/spring onion, and crisp green apple. You may feel inclined to put this one in a bowl.
Servings: Serves 2 (makes about 2 1/2 cups)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
1 cup roughly chopped seeded organic or English/hothouse cucumber (seeded and peeled if necessary)
1/2 cup frozen green grapes
1/4 cup chopped green/spring onions , tender green parts only
10 medium fresh mint leaves , plus more to taste
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice , plus more to taste
1/4 tsp. sea salt , plus more to taste
1/2 cup filtered water
1 cup chopped green apple
1/2 cup cottage cheese
Directions:
Combine the yogurt, cucumber, grapes, green/spring onions, 10 mint leaves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a blender. Add water, up to 1/2 cup, if necessary. Blend until smooth. Add the apple and cottage cheese and pulse a few times, just until incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with mint, lemon juice, and salt.
From Oprah.Com
Watermelon Agua Fresca Smoothie
Traditionally, authentic agua frescas are made without blenders by simply mashing fruit with a fork or masher before adding water. We've taken the liberty of using a blender for an ultra-light, refreshing rendition of this traditional Mexican drink. In the spring and summer, we use fresh strawberries and a few ice cubes in lieu of the frozen ones for ultimate freshness.
Servings: Serves 2 (makes about 2 1/2 cups)
Ingredients:
3 cups diced seeded watermelon , chilled
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Pinch of sea salt
Agave nectar (optional)
Directions:
Combine the watermelon, strawberries, lemon juice, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Sweeten with agave nectar, if you like.
From Oprah.Com
Blueberry Brain Boost Smoothie
Recent studies show that the powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals in blueberries may improve cognitive function. Paired with walnuts, they make a blueberry smoothie that tops the antioxidant chart. The rich nuttiness of the walnuts complements the berries, and they may work a little magic on your memory. Word has it that walnuts contain essential fatty acids that support the development of brain cells and neurotransmitters, so sip this unforgettable smoothie and you may just forget less!
Servings: Serves 2 (makes about 2 1/2 cups)
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh-pressed apple juice
1 fresh ripe banana
1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 cup raw walnuts , preferably soaked and drained
Directions:
Combine the apple juice and banana in a blender. Add the blueberries, raspberries, and walnuts. Blend until smooth.
From Oprah.Com
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