Holidays in the kitchen mean baking. We love to bake and here in the Leishman Center a little something sweet is looked forward to by our students.
There are many alternatives to the traditional bleached white flour and bleached white sugar that offer not only nutritional benefits but more complex flavor leaving you more satisfied. When we eat more nutritionally we are more satisfied so it is easier to control portions.
This month we share information and recipes.
We offer descriptions of different natural sweeteners. This will help you understand what they are and the benefits they provide.
The cookies featured are so delicious and are gluten free so you can please those requiring diet restrictions but are a great addition to any cookie tray and enjoyed by all.
We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!
-
- Click for recipes
Natural Sweeteners
Raw Honey – Unpasteurized honey contains phytonutrients, antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant properties. It has a probiotic or friendly bacteria component that benefits our gut and boosts our immune system. When honey is heated the processing and heat destroys its beneficial properties.
Palm Sugar – Crystallized nectar of the coconut palm flower (from the coconut palm tree). Palm sugar is low on the glycemic index so does not spike high blood sugar. It provides potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, Vitamin C and many B vitamins.
Maple Syrup – From the sap of the maple tree, it is high in magnesium and zinc; these two minerals are beneficial to the immune system.
Sucanat – Sugar-cane juice that is clarified, filtered and evaporated. The syrup crystallizes retaining the vitamins and minerals. It is sweeter than sugar so less can be used.
Coconut Nectar – Low glycemic liquid sweetener. Rich in amino acids, B vitamins, Vitamin C and loaded with enzymes. Very sweet so wonderful replacement for caramel sauce, drizzle on fruit or ice cream.
Blackstrap Molasses – Thick syrup, a byproduct of sugar processing, as sugar cane is refined into table sugar. Super source of iron and calcium. Great for bones, nerve functions and regulates enzyme activity.
Stevia – Sweetener from the herb plant stevia that is calorie free.
Contains phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins and has no impact on blood sugar. Sometimes it can leave a bitter taste on the palate.
