Every year at Christmas time I look forward to the Cranberry Bliss Bars at Starbucks. This past Christmas I decided to recreate a version of them myself. How hard could it be anyways? The version I came up with is richer and denser than Starbucks but they still have the same great spicy flavour and sweet lemony frosting. I used sour cherries instead of cranberries, because I think they have a better flavour and texture. I also replaced the cream cheese in the frosting with mascarpone cheese because I like the richness it adds. Since these bars are no longer available at Starbuck’s it is great to be able to make them at home.
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Did you know that hot and sweet peppers contain substances that have been shown to increase a body’s heat production and oxygen consumption for about 20 minutes after eating? This means that your body is burning extra calories, which helps in weight loss and maintenance efforts.
Most people know that peppers are a great source of Vitamin A, C, and K and “Red” peppers in particular are full of them. Vitamin A and C are antioxidants which prevent cell damage and aging as well as supporting immune function. They also reduce inflammation associated with arthritis and asthma. Vitamin K promotes proper blood clotting, strengthens bones and protects cells from oxidative damage.
Here is something which may surprise you. It was once thought that peppers aggravated ulcers however they may help kill bacteria in the stomach that lead to the ulcers. The fire from” Hot ” peppers comes from capsaicin, which acts on the pain receptors in our mouths. Capsaicin has been shown to decrease blood cholesterol and triglycerides, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.
Clarified butter is used predominantly in French, Italian, and Indian cooking. It is ideal for frying, sautéing, adding to steamed vegetables, and as a spread or a substitute for oil in baking. It contains butyric acid, a fatty acid that has anti-aging, anti-cancer,and antiviral properties. It has been used to promote healing of gastrointestinal inflammations such as colitis and ulcers. Adding one teaspoon of clarified butter to a meal will improve breakdown and absorption of the nutrients in the food. You can make it or it can be purchased in health food stores. How do you make it you ask? Check out the recipe below.
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These scones are just the right texture, flaky and light with a small crumb. I find that store-bought scone are often too heavy and lack flavour. I filled them with apples, oats, raisins, and cinnamon. They are delicious for breakfast with butter and jam but would also make a great afternoon snack with a cup of Earl Grey tea.
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Recent studies suggest that blueberries may help reduce belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit. They promote immune functions by raising hemoglobin and oxygen in the blood. Quercetin is the powerful flavonoid which has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic activities, plus several population studies suggest it also offers significant protection against cardiovascular disease. It is hard to believe that these berries can even heal damaged brain cells, neuron tissue, and keep your memory sharp. Researchers found that diets high in blueberries significantly improve both learning capacity, motor skills, as well as preserve vision.
A study comparing frozen berries to fresh berries found that they do retain all of their vitamins and minerals, however see 18-25% less quercetin than fresh berries!
This is the perfect cookie to have with a cup of tea. It is slightly crispy with a chewy inside; the white chocolate adds just enough sweetness and the jam is delicious in the center. You can feel good about eating these cookies, since they have good for you rolled oats in them.
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