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, and TASTY Pistachio Shortbread

Who doesn't love pistachios? These versatile taste delights can be used in a number of nontraditional ways. Have you ever thought about expanding their usage to the cookie world? You can satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy kind of way. 

Make some pistachio shortbread cookies. My recipe is full of flavor and will have everyone reaching for more!

Here is a recipe I developed that is quick, easy, and oh..so tasty!

1.5 cups unbleached flour
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/8 cup pistachios, chopped

Preheat oven to 325 F. 
* Place butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. 
* Thoroughly mix until a puree consistency is reached. I like using a fork for this step.
* Add the flour and blend together. 
* Add the pistachios. (You can save time by chopping the pistachios in a food processor.)  
* Mix until the ingredients form a ball. You may need to use your hands to speed the process along.

* Divide the ball into halves.
* Roll each half into a tube, about 1" thick.
* Cut into 1/2 inch slices.
* Place slices onto ungreased cookie sheet.
* Bake until edges are lightly browned.
* Remove from cookie sheet and place onto paper towels.

Store cookies in airtight container. 

Find interesting? Kindly share...Thanks!

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Scottish Shortbread

Shortbread are popular cookies for everyone. They can be made into rolled, shaped cookies. Or, they can be made into pan cookies. The batter can be pressed into a baking pan and cut into squares or finger-shapes.

Shortbread are recommended for those who have to watch their sugar intake, and they are tasty for those just wanting a wonderful taste treat.

Here's a very simple and quick recipe for all to enjoy! Even though you can save calories and fat by using margaine, I wouldn't touch margarine with a ten-foot pole. The butter is just TOO delish!

Scottish Shortbread

wet ingredients:
1-1/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
Mix these two ingredients together until creamy.

dry ingredients:
2-1/2 cups unbleached flour
dash of salt
Stir these ingredients into the creamed mixture. Mix thoroughly.

Preheat oven to 350.
Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking pan.
Press mixture into pan and even it out. It'll be about 1/4" thick.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until edges are brown.
Remove from oven when done and cool prior to cutting.

Makes about 25 bars.