Butter Versus Margarine Debate

Greetings everyone! Apparently there is a heated debate over which is healthier - butter or margarine. At least, that's what the "health-oriented" emails are telling me. Anyways...I find that this is also a common topic in real life. So, I thought it would be fun to discuss it here....

I find it very interesting that when one is diagnosed with heart disease, or high levels of harmful cholesterol levels, that margarine is designated as being the preferred topping when compared to butter. Have you read the ingredients in margarine? I don't care how "healthy" this product is supposed to be...it's not. It contains so many additives, preservatives, chemicals and other nonsense that there is no way someone is going to convince me of its "health benefits". Also...trans fat is a huge NO NO for those afflicted with high LDL levels. Read the fine print on any of these "healthy" foods and notice that the ingredients usually contain the wording "partially hydrogenated vegetable oils". In other words....TRANS FATS.

Also, the FDA does not require a food manufacturer to label TRANS FATS as being a component of a product that contains less than .5mg per serving of this fat. Did you know that? Probably not...it's a well-hidden fact that I found out only upon doing an extensive research article for a notable publication. I'm certain other health-conscious individuals who are attuned to the food industry also know about this. And, yet....heart patients are told that margarine is "healthier" than butter. Spare me....

I firmly believe that the food manufacturers of margarine are funded by Conagra..or large food conglomerates functioning with profits as their main concern...not human health. Once again, read the label and find out who the food manufacturer is.

Read the ingredients of butter, in comparison. It contains cream, maybe salt. Unsalted varieties strictly contain cream. That is it. Yes, cream is high in saturated fat and calories. However, butter - like any food - is to be eaten in moderation. There is ZERO trans fat in butter.

So, as far as the butter versus margarine debate....there is none, in my opinion. I don't trust margarine. Never have, never will. I don't care how much the food industry promotes it as being healthy and good for me.

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Quick & Easy Veggie Soup

We're all pressed for time. Many times it's too easy to choose a processed meal. Instead, make your own batch of veggie soup. It's quick, easy and oh so cheap...

Cut up your favorite veggies. Include broccoli, carrots, onions, potatoes and a clove or two of fresh garlic. If you don't have fresh garlic, use bottled minced or garlic powder. Mix up all the veggies. Lightly coat with olive oil. Mix thoroughly to coat all veggies.

Place veggies into roasting pan. Lightly sprinkle with Italian seasoning or basil, rosemary, thyme. 

Place container into 350 oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until you can easily poke a fork in to the veggies. Refrigerate leftovers for future use....like the below veggie soup.

Either open a can of prepared veggie broth. Or, use your homemade variety. Add some roasted veggies. VIOLA! There you have a quick, easy and budget-friendly way to enjoy a healthy meal.

Serve with wholegrain crackers, bread or noodles.

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Pass The Quinoa!!

Quinoa is an old-world grain that has been around for centuries. My students always love seeing how it's used in dishes. It makes for a great side dish, a morning cereal, a main ingredient in stir frys and a variety of other delights. Plus, you can bake with the flour.

Quinoa contains numerous beneficial nutrients. Nutrients include fiber which aids cardiovascular and digestive health. It provides a natural appetite suppressant, to fill you up and cause you to eat less. Who can't use that?

Other nutrients include:

• Calcium helps maintain bone strength and density.
• Copper, which helps your body absorb iron.
• Zinc, which supports a healthy immune system. Do you take zinc supplements when you feel a cold coming on? Or take a hit when you have a cold to lessen symptoms? If not, you're missing out on a treasured nutrient.
• Iron, to keep your blood healthy and nourished

Quinoa contains rich amounts of potassium, the mineral needed to help regulate heart beats, maintain a healthy blood pressure level, lower anxiety levels, prevent muscle spasms and contractions, protect against stroke – wow. Who knew all this could come out of a grain?

Experiment with quinoa. When cooked, it resembles Saturn. You know, the planet with a ring around it? The texture is pleasant, also.

Go quinoa! Enjoy!

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Enough With Organic Hype

Hi my favorite readers! There has been so much hype lately about the pros and cons of eating organic food that I thought it would be wise to provide a first-hand account.

Some claim that the foods "cost too much". It is true that organically grown foods can cost a few dollars more to buy than the nonorganic versions. However, what is the standard of measurement? What are you basing the cost on? What are you comparing it to? What does "too much" mean, anyways? "Too much" compared to what? 

You can buy organically grown produce at your local farmer's markets. The cost is extremely comparable to the nonorganic versions of the same foods found at your local supermarket. Understand that your supermarket - to matter what type of food is sells - has to pay for its shipping, storage, worker salaries, and building overhead and a plethora of other retail-oriented costs. All these expenses are reflected in higher food prices. Take that into consideration. This means that even the cheapest or organic foods can cost higher when purchased at a commercial supermarket.

NOTE: There is something "fishy" about a large supermarket chain getting into organic foods. How do we really know these foods are grown this way? Do we really know the types of fertilizers used? That entire field just does not settle correctly with me. I do not trust big supermarket chains, I don't care how "consumer friendly" they claim to be. Profit is their bottom line, no matter how they try to get around it.

Is a better tasting food worth the so-called extra price? You bet it is. Organically grown food, most notably from farmer's markets, simply tastes better than nonorganic varieties. There is no way someone is going to convince me otherwise. I know this for a fact. Pick a carrot from you or your friend's garden, clean it up and taste it.  Now....peel that store bought, nonorganic carrot and taste it. The non-organic variety will be tasteless. There simply is no comparison.

Getting back to eating true organic foods is really tasting food as originally intended. There are no artificial pesticides, sweeteners, additives or other signs of processing found.

Get your organic items from farmer's markets, food co-ops, local organic gardens or grow your own   for the best deals around. It's easier than you think.

It is sad to hear and read about "experts" claiming that these foods cost too much as a way to justify whatever point they are trying to make. Who are these "experts" anyways? Check your sources.

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Tasty & Fiberful French Toast

Hi my favorite readers! Who does not enjoy some delicious French toast every now and then? Did you know that you can add some pizzazz by having some wholegrain fiber? The whole grain not only adds some extra texture, but tastes good. How do you do this, you ask? I'm glad you asked...

Here's one of my newest recipes. It's quick, cheap and easy. Enjoy! I call it....

Oatilicious French Toast

serves 2

You will need:

2 aluminum pie pans

1 mixing utensil

1 frying pan

1 spatula

4-6 pieces of your favorite bread

1-2 eggs, depending upon your taste

cinnamon

¼ cup lowfat or fat-free milk, dairy or soy

¼ cup oat bran

Place the milk, eggs and cinnamon in one pie pan. Beat thoroughly. For extra taste, add in some nutmeg.

Place the oat bran in the other pie pan.

Heat the skillet until a drop of water starts bouncing. Add a little oil, if needed. You don't need the oil if you are using a nonstick skillet.

Dip the bread into the milk mixture.

Then, dip the bread slice into the oat bran. Turn and coat other side of bread.

Place bread into skillet and cook until lightly browned. Flip over when needed.

Remove and serve with fresh fruit, syrup, jam or any other favorite topping.

Leftovers can be kept in fridge for a couple of days.

This recipe is particularly delicious with pumpernickel bread. Experiment with your favorites!

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Quick Grain Cereal

Instead of buying instant commercially-made whole grain cereal, here is an easy and convenient way to make your own heart healthy delight. And...it's cheaper than the store-bought variety.

Buy some oat bran in your bulk food section of your local supermarket or online whole foods store.

Put 1/2 cup oat bran into your cereal bowl.
To add variety, add some dried cranberries, dates, raisins and cinnamon.

Bring 1 cup water to boil in either the microwave or on your stovetop.

Pour a little of the water onto the cereal. Stir and keep adding water until you reach your desired consistency.

You can add milk, if desired.

Viola! There it is. You have your own healthy version of a quick and instant whole grain cereal within two minutes. And, you didn't have to open any paper envelopes or boxes to do it. :)

When traveling, simply put the dried cereal mixture in a ziploc bag or other portable container. Take out your desired portion and add water. This is great for hikes and outdoor outings, also.

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Happy Valentine's Day!

To all my U.S. readers, Happy Valentine's Day! Remember to share smiles, laughter, conversation and love on this special day.

Everyone deserves decadent treats every now and then. Here are some homemade chocolate covered cherries to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Chocolate Covered Cherries

Cover a cookie sheet with waxed paper.

Melt 2-3 squares of unsweetened chocolate in a double boiler.
Dip the cherries into the chocolate.
Place the cherries onto the cookie sheet.
Put cookie sheet into refrigerator.
Cool until chocolate hardens.

For extra taste and crunchiness, roll the cherries in crushed nuts after dipping in chocolate.

Enjoy!

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Are Diet Programs Necessary?

OK, like millions of people, you have made your New Year's resolution to lose weight and get in shape. A multitude of diet programs are bombarding our airwaves claiming to do everything they can to help you achieve your goals. All involve a cost, though. What a surprise.

Why is it that we have convinced ourselves that weight loss involves a group effort? I understand how some may believe they cannot lose weight without the support of a group. Whatever it takes, but why do so many people believe we need to purchase prepared foods from a “weight loss expert”? I find it perplexing. It's a form of brainwashing.

There is no miracle formula for losing weight and eating healthy. You do not have to belong to a diet program and take part in a commercially-prepared food program to succeed.

First of all, remove the word “diet” from your vocabulary. It signifies scarcity and leaves you feeling deprived. Instead, use “meal plan”.

Follow healthy eating rules and you can do it. The drawback....it takes more work than that needed to succeed in a commercially-operated program. You have to take control over your eating habits...not someone else (who charges a fee).

Fresh fruits and vegetables are low calorie, highly nutritious foods. Eat more of them. They fill you up, causing you to eat less of other foods. It's surprising how many folk do not like veggies and/or fruit. Look at these people and you will probably see someone who is overweight.

Learn to appreciate the true flavors of food instead of having them covered in high-fat sauces and other goop.

Mainly....stop eating so many processed foods. Do you realize how many calories you will save by simply doing this? And...you'll still get good taste. That is, if you get away from those “healthy” processed foods that are included in many diet programs.

Stay tuned for suggestions on how to take control of and change your eating habits...

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No Time for Hot Cereal?

Sometimes we either oversleep and miss the alarm or simply don't want to take the time to eat hot cereal in the morning. Either way, there is a quick and easy solution to fuel yourself for the day ahead.

Take some time the next before to make a couple batches of your hot cereal. Add dried raisins, dates, nuts or sliced fresh apples to your favorite whole grain cereal. A good combination is some oats, quinoa and flaxseeds for your whole grain cereal base.

Cook up your cereal over medium heat until done. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Place into airtight containers. Put into the refrigerator.

When you start your next day, simply take out the prepared cereal mixture and scoop your portion into a cereal bowl.

Heat in a microwave for two minutes to warm thoroughly.

Serve with soy or dairy milk and sweetener, if needed. Or, you can skip the milk. Sprinkle with some cinnamon for extra sweetness and nutrition.

How easy and convenient is this?

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A Change of Pace

Hi my favorite readers!

The holiday season is upon us and I thought it would be fun to share a nontraditional recipe (for most folks, anyways). How about making a pot of some nutritious, easy to make and tasty black beans and rice? Let's go for it...

Cuban Black Beans & Rice

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1/4c olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

3 garlic cloves

1/2t cumin

2 bay leaves, crumbled

2 15-oz cans black beans, drained

1c water

1c rice

2T olive oil

2t vinegar

Heat 1/4c oil in large saucepan over medium heat

Add onions, pepper and garlic

Cook until onions are translucent and soft

Stir in cumin and bay leaves

Add beans and water

Bring to boil

Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally

In separate saucepan, bring 2c water to boil. Add rice.

Cover, reduce heat and cook until rice is done.

Set aside.

Remove bay leaves from beans

Stir in 2T oil and vinegar

Season to taste

Serve beans over rice

Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge. Or, freeze for later use.

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Holiday Carrot Salad

Here's a twist on a traditional carrot salad recipe that I came up with for a recent potluck. I didn't have any raisins, so substituted with a holiday favorite...

3 large carrots, peeled and grated

1 slice pineapple, or 1/8c diced pineapple

handful dried cranberries, sweetened and dried

handful dates, cut into small pieces

2-3 T plain yogurt

pineapple juice to taste

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Place in refrigerator and chill for an hour.

Store unused portions in airtight container in the fridge.

That's it!

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Natural Uses for Honey and Cinnamon

Here's an article I found interesting on using honey and cinnamon for dealing with pesky health ailments:

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. What it will do is what some call 'turning to sugar'. In reality, honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will "crystallize". When this happens loosen the lid, boil some water and sit the honey container in the hot water, but turn off the heat and let it liquefy naturally. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. This will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Cinnamon and Honey
Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:

It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects for any kind of diseases.
Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon, as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply it on bread instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, when they do this process daily, they decrease chances of another attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder..

CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS:
According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old..

RASPY OR SORE THROAT:

When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month .

FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH:
People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

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Enjoying Succulent Winter Squash

It's that time of year again..the time for tasty, succulent winter squash. Winter squash can be so versatile, nutritious and easy to prepare..it can fit into any meal plan. Plus, it fits easily into food budgets.

Do you ever get tired of potatoes and need a healthy alternative? Or...just want to experience a new taste sensation? Turn to winter squash..

Winter squash are nutritional powerhouses that contain minimal calories and large amounts of vitamin A, folate, magnesium, potassium, Omega-3s and B vitamins...among other nutrients. So, not only are you adding variety to your meal plan, you are nutritiously feeding your body!

Plus, if you're watching your weight....viola! This is the food for you! Winter squash contain rich amounts of dietary fiber that fills you up with few calories. :)

Winter squash fall under the 'Red and Orange Vegetable' category on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPlate website. Check here for more nutritional information. You will be impressed by all this vegetable group has to offer:

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/vegetables_why.html

Here's a recipe that I enjoy instead of..or in addition to..mashed potatoes. It is a hit with my students and friends, as well..

Quick & Easy Mashed Butternut Squash

3-4 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced

¼ cup onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, chopped

¼ t Italian seasoning

dab of butter or dash of olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Place raw squash and onion into steamer, or dutch oven with steaming basket. Cover tightly. Bring to boil over medium heat. Steam until you can poke a fork easily through the squash. It takes only about 5-8 minutes to cook.

Remove veggies and place into serving dish.

Add a dab of butter or dash of olive oil, just enough to add extra volume.

Sprinkle on garlic, Italian seasoning plus salt and pepper.

Mash ingredients thoroughly together with a fork or potato masher.

Add more seasoning, as needed.

Store any unused portion in airtight container in the refrigerator.

If you're wanting to cut back on fat, prepare recipe without using butter or oil. It takes just as good...

Butternut squash has a sweet, light taste all its own.

Enjoy!

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Easy Teriyaki Sauce

After running out of a bottled version of teriyaki sauce recently, I improvised and came up with a tasty...if I say so myself...version that costs pennies.

Thought I'd share so others can enjoy, as well...

Prepare your plate of food and sprinkle on as much soy sauce (low-sodium version preferred) on as you want. Take a pinchful of brown sugar and sprinkle on top of the food.

Mix all together. Viola! How simple is that?! Enjoy!!

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Cooking With Fruit Purees

I recently came in contact with a new entrepreneur who opened a fun-filled bakery. We got to chatting about using fruit sweeteners in cookies and the creativity ensued. So, I thought I'd write about the topic here to provide more insight...

Using fruit purees instead of refined sugars in your baked goods and other recipes provides a natural way to obtain more nutrients and taste. I've written previously about how to make your own puree, but do you know how to use it? One of my natural foods cookbooks, Cooking With Fruit Sweeteners, concentrates of using fruit sweeteners instead of refined sugars in everything from baked goods to dinner dishes. So, sharing information is a fun way to get you on the road to experimentation. Here's some info that may help...

Whenever a recipe calls for refined sugar, substitute your dried fruit puree for about 1/2-3/4 the amount of refined sugar. Dried fruits contain much higher levels of sugar than fresh fruit does.

If using fruit purees made from fresh fruit (such as apples, peaches and/or apricots), recipes need less adjusting. Usually, a cup-for-cup substitute works well.

Refined sugar consists of white, brown or powdered varieties. While using fruit purees instead of refined sugars, you usually need to make slight adjustments to the amount of flour in your recipes, especially if using whole grains. That's due to the fact that the fiber found in whole grains soaks up more moisture than refined flours do. I find that adding a little less liquid works well.

When using fruit purees, expect a denser, chewier product than those containing refined sugars. Whenever you see those fluffy, airy baked goods...know that they usually contain refined sugars. Do a test yourself. Find two containers. Fill one container with refined sugar and the other container with fruit puree. Place your hand into the refined sugar and notice how lightweight the granules are. Now, place your hand into the fruit puree and notice how much denser it is. There is substance. Depending upon the extent of processing, some fruit purees contain fiber (small chunks of the fruit still in the mixture). There's no fluffiness or lightness about it.

To find your exact measurements, make a small batch of your favorite recipe while using fruit puree instead of refined sugars. Notice the difference and how you like it. Play around until you find your perfect mixture.

Have fun!

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Happy July 4th Weekend!

Wishing everyone a joyous, festive and safe July 4th weekend. Happy Independence Day to all my U.S. readers. :) Enjoy the barbeques, good food and...if you have a chance...watch the holiday classic with James Cagney playing George M. Cohan..."Yankee Doodle Dandy". It's the best!

Be grateful for our freedoms, that we sometimes take for granted.

Be safe while using or watching fireworks.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all my fathering readers, of all creatures.
Take the day to spoil yourself and enjoy. :)

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A Tasty Vegetarian Food Combo

Adding variety to our meal plan plays a role in avoiding boredom and spicing up our eating habits. Here's a fun way to start using soup. Instead of simply eating it out of a bowl, try using it as a potato topping.

Make a pot of split pea soup by combining six cups water with two cups dried split peas. Add some carrots, onions and broccoli. Cook until all are done. I prefer putting all ingredients into a crockpot and letting cook on high until veggies are done and split peas form a creamy consistency. Refrigerate unused portions.

Make a batch of mashed potatoes. I find the easiest to be steaming up the potatoes and mashing with a fork while combining minimal amounts of milk and either olive oil or a dash of butter. Mix until desired consistency is reached and stir in some pepper, salt and garlic powder.

Place potatoes onto serving plate. Make an indentation with your fork. Scoop one cup heated split pea soup onto the top of your mashed potato pile. Add extra spices, if needed.

Serve warm and you have a protein-rich, high-fiber meatless meal. Enjoy!

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Making A Healthy Stuffed Burger

Have a taste for a juicy, cheese-stuffed burger but think it's off-limits due to being too fatty or unhealthy? Think again. Here's a quick and easy way to enjoy this tasty delight...This recipe makes two burgers.

Stuffed Burgers
8 ounces, 93% or 97% lean ground sirloin
2 T red onion, thinly chopped
1 t fresh basil, finely chopped or ½ t dried
½ t mustard
½ ounce low-fat mozzarella

Place first four ingredients into mixing bowl. Thoroughly mix with wooden spoon or hands. Divide the mixture into half.

Divide the cheese into two portions.

Shape each meat portion into a thin patty. Place cheese into the center. Roll up the meat mixture and form a thick patty.

Depending on what you desire, either place the burgers onto a heated grill or place them underneath an oven broiler. Cook until done to your liking and cheese has melted.

Serve on whole grain buns with fresh salsa or tomato, lettuce and sliced avocado.

If cheese is not to your liking, substitute avocado for a tasty alternative.

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Don't Like Oatmeal? Try This...

Want to eat heart-healthy oatmeal but don't like its taste or texture? Here's an alternative....oat bran.

Oat bran comes from the center portion of the oat grain. The taste is much sweeter than oatmeal itself. The texture is, for lack of a better word, less gummy. I, personally, find it much more enjoyable than oatmeal. When you look at oat bran, it looks like a very course flour. Here's how to enjoy a bowl for your morning breakfast...

Fruity Oat Bran
1 cup water
½ cup oat bran
2 T raisins, or adjust to taste
1-2 apple slices, peeled and diced
cinnamon
brown sugar
soy or dairy milk

Place water into small saucepan over medium meat. Bring to the bubbling point and add oat bran and fruit. Stir thoroughly to prevent stirring. Cook until done, about one or two minutes. Remove from heat.

Place oat mixture into serving bowl. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Top with brown sugar, if desired. Pour milk over top. Serve immediately.

Makes one serving.

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