This bread has a slightly sweet and slightly sour taste with the combination of lemon and honey. The yeast gives this a fluffy texture while the oats give it a chewy one. This bread is great served toasted with soup.
I love fresh beets! Many people have only tried them canned. I suggest going half way between raw and boiled. Roast beets in their own juices to keep a crunchy consistency while enhancing the sweetness. Use these in soups, salads or in a puree with feta or cream cheese.
Chia, or Salvia hispanica, is a plant known for its health and wellness properties. It is widely used in Mexico and Guatemala as a valuable food source for its high nutritional value. Relatively new to America as a food, Americans are more familiar with the visual effects of chia sprouts as seen in the widely advertised "chia pet" plant. A small serving of chia provides a substantial amount of nutrients which may contribute to weight loss.
Chia seeds can be eaten raw or prepared by heating. The Aztecs used chia as a food source to increase energy without eating large quantities of food. In Mexico, chia is often ground and mixed with toasted corn flour. Ground chia can also be added to breads and cakes to increase the nutrient content. As a meal replacement chia may be mixed with fruit juices to form a gelatinous drink. Raw sprouts can be used to add texture and nutrients to salads and sandwiches (See References 3).
Chia has three to 10 times the oil concentrations of other grains and is comprised high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. According to Spiridon Kintzios, assistant professor for cell and tissue culture at the Agricultural University of Athens, Greece, chia is primarily linoleic and linolenic acid. These fatty acids are beneficial fats and may help control weight gain. Fatty acids may also help reduce blood cholesterol levels.
According to Food Matters.com, chia seeds have more antioxidants than blueberries and has been called a "superfood" because of its high levels and variety of antioxidants. Antioxidants provide many health benefits by removing free radicals which can damage cells.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Chia has nearly twice the protein content per serving than other grain sources, is easily digested by the body and can replenish protein needs. Dietary protein can decrease appetite by making you feel fuller longer. Chia may help limit your cravings and help reduce caloric intake.
According the Chiaseed.com, chia seeds have more fiber than bran flakes per serving. The Worlds Healthiest Foods cites one oz. of chia as having 10.7 g of fiber, while flaxseed, another "superfood," only contains 5.5 g of fiber. Chia seeds provide both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber helps the digestive system stay regular and assists the body in eliminating excess fluid.
Chia seeds may also help endurance athletes. Chia is also believed to decrease recovery time and fatigue in cardiovascular workouts. Chia seeds have shown positive effects on muscle tissue repair.
I don't usually buy donuts because they are never as good as they look. However, homemade donuts are amazing, and don't have to leave you feeling guilty. These are baked, so they omit the deep frying and excess oil that donuts have. Think of these as as the elephant ears of the carnival or the chinese donuts without the fried aspect. The melted butter helps the sugar stick and gives these a bit more indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups warm vanilla soy milk, 95 to 105 degrees
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 5 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For topping:
Directions:
- melted butter
- sugar
- cinnamon
- Use bread maker and put in ingredients, allow to rise and be punched down (mine has a 1 hour 30 minute rise time)
- Flour area and roll out dough
- Shape into desired pattern, twist, braid, circle, etc
- Bake at 375 until done
- Lightly coat with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top
Enjoy!
