Açaí (ah-sigh-ee)-(Count Down To Christmas Recipe Of Sweets-21)
Have you head or read anything about the Brazilian fruit açaí. Ever wonder what it is? Grown in the Amazon, açaí tastes like a combination of rich dark chocolate and blackberries. This nutritious berry has antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It has been said its healing properties are some of the greatest and have been used in the Amazoine for centuries.
Due to its delicate texture and nature, whole açaí are unavailable in the United States. Instead, flash frozen pulp, which provides the same nutrients and great flavor as fresh, is available year round in your grocer’s freezer. The fruit comes into season September through January.
With ten times the amount of antioxidants found in grapes, açaí berries are a rich source of disease fighting anthocyanins, which are the antioxidants that give purple foods their color. They also provide protein, fiber and essential omega fatty acids.
You can add the fruit to smoothies and juice blends. Or make traditional açaí bowls with a purée of açaí pulp, banans and apple juice topped with granola. Look for açaí pulp in the grocer’s freezer Try a brand called Sambazon.
**Heather Scoville has the Seven Ages of Rock over at Watching VH1. Read her whole story here.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe- Count Down To Christmas Recipe Of Sweets
Ginger Drizzle Cookies
Serves: Makes 3 dozen cookies
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
2 tbs. ground flaxseed
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
1. Whisk the all-purpose flour, whole wheat four, ground flaxseed, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon and salt in a bowl.
2. In a seperate bowl, combine the sugar and canola oil and beat on medium speed until well blended, about 1 minute. Add the gg and molasses and continue to beat until smooth, about 1 minute.
3. On low speed, gradually beat in the dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill until firm, at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F.
6. Lightly oil or coat two large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
7. Roll the dough into 1 1/4″ balls and place on a prepared baking sheet, leaving a 2″ space in between.
8. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer tem to a wire rack and cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.
10. When cookies have cooled completely, drizzle glaze over each cookie in a lattice or squiggle shaped design. For added fun, drizzle your initials, your children’s initials on top of the cookies.
Sugar Glaze:
1 cup confestioners’ sugar
2 1/2 tsp. 1% lowfat milk
1. Place sugar and milk in a bowl and stir until mixed throughly.
2. If the glaze is too thick, add a few drops of milk as needed.
Happy Eating!
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