Craving More Cranberries. And Xagave N Cookbook Giveaway

If the previous post wasn't enough ,here are some more of the appetizing dishes with the phenomenal cranberries, that always crave me for more.Why not ,these are incredibly healthy and cheapest this season.Make the most of their abundance in the markets,devour them in sweet or savory ,the berry is very adaptable in everyday cooking.The recipes are also part of Health Nut challenge: Healing foods.

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Cranberries have long been valued for their ability to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections. Now, recent studies suggest that this native American berry may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health, prevent the formation of kidney stones, lower LDL and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, aid in recovery from stroke, and even help prevent cancer..Read more about its health benefits at whfoods.org

Cranberry Salsa with Baked Sweet Potatoes

Serves 3-4
Both Recipes adapted from My Own Sweet Thyme
1 cup cranberries,chopped
1 small tomato,finely chopped
1/2 a medium onion,finely chopped
1-2 jalapeno or any other hot peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 Tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon orange zest
1 Tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Method
mix all the ingredients and let sit for an hour for flavors to infuse.Serve with any baked chips or as a relish.

Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients
1 large sweet potato (approximately 8 ounces)
1 table spoon of extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Method
Peel the sweet potato and slice crosswise into 1/8 inch slices using a very sharp knife or other vegetable slicer.
In a mixing bowl mix the slices with salt ,oil and chili powder.Use hands to rub oil in to each one of the slices.Arrange the sweet potato slices on 2 baking sheets in a single layer.
Bake at 375 degrees ,while turning once ,for about 18-20 minutes.Cool and immediately transfer in air tight containers.Chips tasted best on the same day,if store properly are good for a week or two.

Cranberry Lentils

Recipe adapted from Cham's Cranberry Dhal(lentil)
Ingredients
1 cup split yellow Moong lentil
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon Salt
Tempering(tadka)
1/2 cup Fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 a medium onion,finely chopped(about 2 tablespoon)
2 dry red chillies
2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
1/2 teaspoon each of Mustard seeds and Cumin seeds
few Curry leaves
Method
Cook the lentils in a 2 cups of water ,turmeric,chili powder and salt until lentils are soft. May take 8-10 minutes in a pressure cooker or 25-30 minutes in a covered skillet. Now mash the cooked lentil mixture.
To prepare the tempering, heat oil in a smallest pan in the kitchen. Add the berries,onions,dry chillies,mustard seeds ,garlic and curry leaves and chillies. Turn off the heat when the mustard seeds start to splutter and berries start to pop.Mix this in to the lentil mixture.Serve with any kind of bread.


Cranberry Vegetables

Include cranberries with any kind of spicy sauteed vegetables,I add the berries towards the end of the cooking process and cook for another 5-6 minutes.

Spicy Cranberry sauce Chicken

The tangy cranberries with spices and herbs enhance the flavor of chicken.I remember tasting this dish with turkey at one of my friends place,the recipe also worked perfectly with chicken.

Recipe
Ingredients
2 pounds Skinless Free range chicken,whole or cut in medium pieces
1 teaspoon spice mix(I used Shan Tikka masala or use any other chicken seasoning)
1 teaspoon salt
for the sauce
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 teaspoon each of cumin and coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder
1/2 cup fresh herbs,cilantro or mint or parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
Method
Marinate the chicken in the spice mix and salt for an hour.
Prepare the sauce,blend all the ingredients under sauce in a food processor or blender.Cook the mixture on medium heat for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Preheat oven to 325F.T
Transfer the chicken in an baking dish.Bake for about 35 minutes. Get the dish out of the oven and pour the sauce all over the chicken.Cook for another 25-30 minutes until tender and cooked through.Serve warm as a side dish.


Xagave(Agave Nectar) and Delicious Meet Nutritious Cook book give away!

I've tried and loved the wonder product,now is a chance to win this awesome package of Xagave and the Delicious Meet Nutritious Cook book :
*Leave a comment on this post about the favorite agave recipe from the list I tried or from the Xagave blog.
*Spread the word ,if you own a blog ,mention about the giveaway or tweet about it.
You have until next Monday(30th November) to enter.One lucky winner will be announced on next day.Good luck!

Updated:The lucky winner is tasteofbeirut.Congrats!Please claim your prize by December 5th.Drop me your address at YasmeenHealthnut@gmail.com.

Archives November 2009

November 5Health Nut Challenge 3 : Healing Foods. Beet Greens and Vegetable Soup

November 10 German Oven Pancakes

November 12 Health Nut Challenge 2 :Guilt-free Snacks Round up

November 16 Pomegranate Plunge and Acai Berry Boost,Super fruit smoothies

November 18Introducing Xagave,a complete replacement to sugar.Cranberry Sauce,Cranberry Walnut bread,Triple Berry topping and Chocolate Oat Protein Shake

November 23Craving More Cranberries :Cranberry Salsa with Sweet Potatoes,Cranberry Lentils,Cranberry vegetables,Spicy Cranberry sauce Chicken

November 27Daring Bakers :Crunchy Creamy Cannoli with Low fat Ricotta Cocoa Filling

November 30Walima Cooking Club Tour Lebanon : Ash el-Saraya(Bread pudding with Ricotta cream) and Sheesh Barak(Dumplings with Greek Yogurt sauce)

Introducing Xagave,complete replacement to sugar.Cranberry sauce,bread , topping and a Protein shake.

Xagave(pronounced za-gah-vay) ,an organically grown premium blend of nectars derived from Agave Tequiliana (Blue Agave) and Agave Salmiana (White Agave) plants ,is an answer to all the blood sugar woes.It has low glycemic index(30),that will not raise the blood sugar levels(also reduces risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes) unlike the sugar.Plus its sweeter than sugar that helps save calories ,as less is sufficient to sweeten.What more,its delicious and works well in everyday cooking ,has no after taste like some sugar substitutes.That's not all,its a good source of calcium ,iron,vitamins,minerals and inulin(a probiotic fiber essential for healthy immune system and even shown to reduce the risk of cancers).All these convincing reasons make Xagave a satisfying sugar substitute ,that gives you the best of both ,taste and health.
Learn more about the Xagave health benefits

The founder of Xagave,Stephen Richards and his Cookbook "Delicious Meets Nutritious"
Stephen Richards is a full-time business owner, husband and father and a part-time chef and health nut that loves to eat. He struggles with his weight like 67% of Americans. He comes from a family with a long history of diabetes and has always been concerned about his health, particularly as he ages. A couple of years ago, he was introduced to agave nectar and began to research it. He ultimately flew to the region in Mexico where it is grown and spent time with the growers and processors, learning about the product and its benefits. He engaged medical doctors to study the claims being made and he explored hundreds of recipes on his own. After several years, he developed Xagave, a blend of agave from several agave plants that incorporates the best taste, texture and health benefits that this wonderful plant has to offer.


The Delicious Meets Nutritious Cookbook guides through using Xagave,history of agave ,properties and health benefits.Includes beautifully presented breakfast recipes ,quick breads,appetizers,salads,side dishes,quick & easy gourmet meals,sauces and healthy desserts all using Xagave as replacement of sugar.

About 1/2 to 2/3 cup of Xagave is replaced for each cup of sugar needed.Refer to the Sugar Exchange Table for the quantity of Xagave versus sugar and the calorie comparison.Amazingly the Xagave also acts as a natural preservative with its ability to absorb moisture hence increasing the storage life.Completely soluble in hot or cold water, Xagave worked perfectly in all kinds of drinks,dressings and sauces.It also promotes rising in whole grain cooking resulting in light fluffy texture to the baked goods.Also note xagave will cook faster and at a lower temperature.Thanks to the representative of Xagave,I was offered a sample of this wonderful product along with the cookbook.Following are few of the delicious and easy recipes from the cookbook.

Classic Cranberry Sauce made with Agave(click for recipe)

An awesome tangy sweet side with turkey or chicken,this fresh homemade cranberry sauce is far better than the canned ones usually loaded with sugar.See other variations of the sauce with oranges ,lemons and pomegranates.

Citrus Cranberry Walnut Quick Bread

I use fresh cranberries that not only add the color but also the nice tang to the bread and the Xagave sweetens superbly.
Recipes from Delicious Meets Nutritious
Ingredients
2 cups whole wheat flour(fine ground)
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup Xagave(replacement for 1 cup of sugar)
1 teaspoon grated orange or lemon peel(zest)
3/4 cup orange juice or lemon juice
1 Organic egg
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries,coarsely chopped
3/4 cup walnuts,chopped(or use any other nuts desired)
Method
Heat Oven to 325F.Grease bottom of a 9x5 or 8x4 inch loaf pan.
In large bowl,combine first 4 ingredients(flour,baking powder,salt and soda).Whisk the eggs in a another mixing bowl,add the oil,Xagave,zest and juice.Mix this wet mixture gradually in to the flour mixture until well combined.Pour in the greased pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.Cool for 15-20 minutes before getting out of the pan and slicing.

Whole grain pancakes\waffles with Triple Berry Topping

For Pancakes\Waffles
Ingredients
2 cups whole wheat flour(fine ground)
2 cups reduced fat milk
2 tablespoon Xagave
3 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Method
Put all the wet ingredients in to a blender and blend.Add dry ingredient and blend until just slightly lumpy (about 30 seconds).Pour batter on to griddle about 1/4cup at a time when hot and cook until bubble form and edges dry.turn and cook on other side.

For triple berry topping

Ingredients
4 cups fresh or frozen berries
1 cup water
1/2 cup Xagave
2 tablespoon corn starch.
Method
Put berries and Xagave in a pot and bring to a boil.Reduce heat to simmer.Mix corn starch in 2 tablespoon water and stir until all lumps are gone.Pour corn starch mix in to berry mix while stirring slowly.Stir until topping thickens(1-2 minutes) and begins to bubble.Serve hot over pancakes and waffles.

Chocolate Protein Oat Shake with Agave(click for recipe)


I use skimmed milk for this quick and nutritious shake with anti-oxidant rich unsweetened cocoa.The Chocolate Agave Syrup also made with unsweetened cocoa makes this even more chocolicious.The syrup is also great for topping on any fresh fruit to add an extra touch of chocolate flavor.

The Delicious Meets Nutritious cookbook and Xagave can be bought from the official website.Or find the store near you.

Pomergrante Plunge and Acai Berry Boost, super fruit smoothies

In response to consumer demand for healthier beverages packed with powerful nutrients, Tropical Smoothie Café today introduces its new menu category of Supercharged Smoothies that contain pomegranate, goji and acai (pronounced AH-SAH-EE) at all 250-plus franchise locations. These super fruits, known for their exceptional antioxidant and nutrient-rich qualities, will be blended into six new smoothie offerings.
Tropical Smoothie Café’s new Supercharged Smoothies menu includes such fun-sounding and flavorful treats as Island Intensity, a combination of ripe blueberries, strawberries and bananas loaded with acai; Get-Up-and-Goji, ripe and juicy peaches, oranges, bananas, yogurt and goji; and Pomegranate Plunge a mix of ripe bananas, strawberries, and cranberry juice with pomegranate.

Super fruits such as pomegranate, goji and acai have their roots in ancient civilizations, typically eaten for their health and medicinal benefits.

* Acai – a berry from the rain forests of Brazil with an abundance of antioxidants. The fruit has been used for thousands of years to boost energy and vitality, strengthen the immune system and provide a host of vitamins.


* Goji – this tiny fruit from the Himalayan Mountains in Tibet has been used for centuries for its 18 amino acids, concentrated beta carotene and 21 trace minerals. It has 500 times the vitamin C of oranges and has been known to aid in weight loss.

* Pomegranate – native to the Mediterranean region, the fruit has been used for its antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial benefits as well as a great source of potassium, fiber, vitamin C and niacin. Regular consumption of pomegranate also has been known to lower blood pressure.

Recipe courtesy Tropical Smoothie Cafe`
Pomegranate Plunge

Serves 2
Ingredients
1 cup Pomegranate arils
1/2 cup fresh or frozen Cranberries
*2 tablespoon Turbinado Sugar
3/4 Cup Water
1 ripe Banana
4-5 Strawberries,hulled.


Acai Berry Boost
1/2 cup acai juice
1 ripe Banana
1/4 cup Pomegranate arils
1/4 cup blueberries
4-5 Strawberries,hulled.
*2 tablespoon Turbinado Sugar
3/4 Cup Water


*one can skip the sugar to keep the smoothie low in sugar or can also use other sweeteners like stevia(liquid 3-4 drops) or Agave nectar(1 tablespoon)

Method
Blend all the ingredients to a smooth consistency.Serve

The fruity delights are my entry for Sanghi's Fall in love food event,focusing on fruits this month.

About Tropical Smoothie Café
Established in Destin, Florida in 1997, Tropical Smoothie Café has taken the smoothie concept to the next level by offering diners a healthy alternative to typical fast food. The concept, which introduced food in 1999, provides consumers with a variety of high-quality real-fruit smoothies, toasted wraps, gourmet sandwiches and salads. The company also caters. Tropical Smoothie Café includes menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ranked 127 out 500 and rated one of the fastest growing franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine, the concept currently has over 270 locations in 33 states with four locations in India. Plans call for more than 300 locations by the end of 2008, and an additional 100 by the end of 2009. For more information, visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com or call 888-292-2522.

Guilt-free Snacks Round up

Thanks to all the creative foodies who sent in their guilt free snacks that satisfy cravings without compromising healthy diet.



Sweatha(India) of Tasty Curry Leafbaked these flourless Simply Oats Cookies with nourishing almonds,oats and honey.


Ivy(Greece) of Kopiaste contribuited the following 2 snacks

*Crusty Sesame rusks ,baked in attractive different shapes with variety of spice and seed toppings.


*Fruity Smoothie with hint of bee pollen that is great source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients.



Natasha(USA) of 5 star Culinary Adventures prepared this incredibly simple Apple Honey Sorbet with just 2 ingredients apples and honey.


Renu(USA) at Renu's Kitchen sent us these 2 entries:

*Another terrific oat meal recipe,the Classic Wheat-oat-date bars ,packed with energy ,perfect for snacking on those long distance travels.


*Baked Shakarpara [Sweet Dough Cookies] are healthier baked recreation of the famous sweet crunchies ,shakarpara.



Nandini(India) of Usha Nandini's recipes made a Oats Sweet Puttu sweetened with jaggery and flavored with coconut and cardamoms.



EC(India) at Simple Indian Food served a nutritious snack with the red kidney beans,Rajma Sundal


Priya Suresh(France) at Priya's Easy N Tasty Recipes sent following 6 entries :

*The Baked Oats Crusted Oats & Veggies Patties are one of kind snack made with lots of veggies ,oats, spices and crusted with more oats.


* Quick and scrumptious Eggless Oatmeal Cookies


* Godhuma (Wheat) Inipu Paniyaram is a popular South Indian snack.Priya gave a whole grain touch with wheat flour.Flavored with ripe bananas and cardamoms these are sure winners.


* The Eggless Oat flour & Sesame Cookies needs no butter,these are made with goodness of olive oil and sesame seeds.


* The Tapioca & Tutty Fruity Sweet Balls must taste as good as they look with fresh cooked tapioca,fruit bits and coconut.


* Oats Crackers are not any ordinary crackers,with multi grains ,olive oil and hint of pepper these are totally guilt-free.




Muskaan(USA) at A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine shared with us the energy boosting snack ,Healthy Peanut-Raisin Bars that takes just 10 minutes to prepare.



Sadhana(USA) at A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine made use of ripe bananas to bake these delectable Oat Banana Bars



Ricki(Canada) at Diet,Dessert and Dogs made an enjoyable treat, faux chocolate,using tofu and an uncommonly healthy ingredient carob,also known as a good substitute for chocolate.The treat is flavored heart healthy coconut oil and sweetened with one of the nature's best sweetener,Stevia.



Kamala(India) at Cook @ Ease suggests the sprouting beauties for wholesome snacking.The Sprouted Wheat berries Sundal is seasoned with coconut,dry chillies,curry leaves and mustard seeds.



Supriya(USA) at Queen of my kitchen put together this irresistible Vitamin Bhel with puffed rice,fresh fruits and veggies.



City Girl(USA) at City Girl Lifestyle baked wholesome Salty Almond Chocolate Oatmeal bars ,that are quite low in sugar and very high in fiber, and while they are not very low in fat, the fat is derived from the heart-healthy almonds.


Cool Lassi(e)[USA] at Pan Gravy Kadai Curry sent the following 2 snacks :

* No-eggs Oat, Fruit & Nut Bars that fulfills the craving for a sweet and healthy snack.

*All in one juicy,crunchy and cheesy Walnut and Cheese Coated Fruit Balls


Shifa Firoz(Singapore) at Sugar N Spice shared the following 2 snacks:
*Salads for snacking? why not ? try the mix and serve nutritiousGreen Salad with chickpeas,fresh greens ,cherry tomatoes,pumpkin seeds,olives and avocados

*An excellent way to get the kids eat tofu,Strawberry Tofu Banana Shake


Johanna(Australia) at Green Gourmet Giraffe baked impeccably tasty vegan Tofu and pesto crackers ,also perfect with a warm soup.


Sheetal & Rahul at Life is Beautiful... experimented successfully to create a healthy Carrot fudge with mixed nuts,ground flax seed and sweetened with more natural sugar- Jaggery.


Following were my contributions :

*Roasted Vegetable Wheat crackers


*Spicy Baked Plantain chips


*Spice Roasted Pumpkin seeds


*Silk Soy Banana Dates Smoothie

*And find more Healthy snacks posted on Health Nut



For the Health nut Challenge 3,cook with Healing foods.Check out the announcement page for more details.

German Oven Pancakes

When it comes to baking or cooking with apples,crisp tart Granny smith apples are my first preference.I loved them in the strudel,Spiced up Pie and the apple butter is another form to enjoy them.

The fluffy German style mix and bake pancakes recently became an instant hit at my breakfast\brunch table. Usually served with sprinkle of powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice,one can also serve them with fresh crisp fruit of the season.Apples and pomegranates happen to be the freshest of the season,and I recommend a generous topping of these for a hearty fulfilling pancakes.

Recipe adapted from Wandering Chopsticks
Serves 2-3
Ingredients
1/2 cup Whole Wheat flour(fine ground)
1/2 cup skimmed milk or soy milk
3 Organic eggs or Eggland's Best Eggs
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon Organic butter,melted
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract,optional

For cinnamon-sugar apple topping
2 Tart apples(I used Organic Granny smith),cored and thinly sliced with peel on
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon Organic butter

Fresh pomegranate arils for sprinkling on top.

Method
Melt butter in a pan and add the sliced apples,sugar and cinnamon.Stir occasionally and cook until slightly soften about 5-6 minutes.

Preheat Oven to 425F.
Melt the butter in a oven proof pan or cast iron pan about 9 inches wide.

Whisk eggs in a mixing bowl with salt,gradually mix in the flour,cinnamon ,vanilla and milk until batter is smooth.Pour the mixture in the pan and bake for 20 minutes.The pancakes will puff up and collapse after getting off the oven.slightly cool.cut in wedges and top with the cooked apples mixture and sprinkle with fresh pomegranates.



These are my entry for Meeta's Monthly Mingle : Brunch.

Health Nut Challenge 3:Healing Foods. Beet Greens and Vegetable Soup

"Healing is the act or process of curing or of restoring to health."
Why is good food diet recommended while recovering from a sickness, be it common cold or cancer? because good food heals,rejuvenates,comforts,helps the body regain its strength.

For the third Health Nut Challenge :

1.Cook with any one or more of the following or any other healing foods you know of.Create any meal course - Appetizer,Soup,salad,drink,main entree or dessert.Avoid any such cooking method as deep frying or over cooking that will kill the nutrients in the foods.And use only healthy cooking oils like Extra virgin olive oil,Virgin pressed coconut oil,canola oil or any vegetable oil.
* Acai berries ,goji berries ,blue berries ,Cranberries or any berries.
*Citrus fruits - Oranges,Lemons,Grape fruits etc.
* Apples
* Avocados
* Beets
* Broccoli
* Okra
* Cauliflower
* Mushrooms
* Dark Leafy Greens (Kale,Chard,Collards,Turnip greens,Mustard greens,Beet greens,radish greens,spinach and others)
* Beans,lentils and legumes[Red kidney beans,Soy beans etc]
* Tomatoes
* Whole grains(Barley,Oats,Brown rice,Buckwheat,Quinoa,Freekah or any other)
* Pomegranates
* Figs
* Turkey
* Salmon
* Sweet Potatoes
* Pumpkins and Squashes
* Carrots
* Almonds
* Flax seed
* Sesame Seeds
* Garlic
* Ginger
* Sprouts
* Chili peppers
* Turmeric

2.Write about the healing properties or the health benefits of the food.Also mention the source were you found the information about the food.

3.No limit to the number of entries.Link your post to this announcement page.Mail me the entries to YasmeenHealthnut@gmail.com by January 10 ,2010 with following details :
**Your Name and blog\Website(if you have one)
**Recipe link(Non-bloggers include the complete recipe)
**A Picture of the food(adjust to 300 pixels width)
**Your Location

Beet Greens and Vegetable Soup

For all the beets I eat the beet greens always have to be used.I like them in sambhar or just sauteed with other vegetables.Or a soup like this can be completely healing.

Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup chopped beet greens and stalks
2 cups chopped vegetables[Carrots,broccoli,beans or others]
1 teaspoon fresh ginger,minced
Sea Salt and pepper(freshly ground) as per your taste.
3 cups of water or vegetable broth or chicken broth

Method
In a pot with water or broth bring all the ingredients to a gentle boil,cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.Season with salt and pepper.Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

I'm recovering from a bad case of seasonal flu,that also kept me away from blogging for most of the week.Hope to post the round up of the Guilt free snacks by start of next week.So far so good,thanks for all your support and response to the Health Nut Challenges.

The previous Health nut Challenges :
* Well balanced 3 Course Meals
* Guilt-free Snacks