FitSugar

Healthy Recipe: Banana Apple Cranberry Muffins

FitSugar — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 04:00:00 PDT

I grew up loving Banana Nut Bread, and here's a twist on my mom's famous recipe. Since it includes additional fruit besides bananas I can use less sugar, so not only is it naturally sweet and flavorful but it's also full of fiber.

Check out the recipe after the break.

Leggo the Eggos: Vegan Egg Substitutes

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:43:06 PDT

If you're avoiding eggs because you eat a plant-based diet or simply to limit your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, you have several options. Some substitutions work better than others depending on the recipe, but a little trial and error will help you determine which one works best with each dish. See the list below to learn which option I used in the vegan Chocolate Cranberry Zucchini Bread pictured here.

EnerG Egg Replacer: This gluten-, dairy-, and nut-free product is made with potato and tapioca starch flour. Replace each egg in a baked good recipe with one and a half teaspoons of powder mixed with two tablespoons of water.
Banana: A half a mashed banana replaces one egg in a recipe for baking. This substitution works best in sweet muffins and yeast-free breads since the banana flavor is so strong. Aside from adding moisture to baked goods, using a banana adds potassium to the final product.
Canned pumpkin: Use a quarter cup per egg when making baked goods. Since it has a distinct flavor, it's best used in recipes that have other stronger flavors such as cinnamon or chocolate, or with ingredients that complement it like apples or carrots.

Continue reading for more ways to replace eggs in vegan recipes.

Reasons to Say Yes to Your Neighbor's Summer Squash

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:43:36 PDT

All the blood, sweat, and tears you poured into your garden is beginning to pay off, as strawberries, sugar snap peas, and tomatoes become harvest ready. If you decided not to plant zucchini, because people are always trying to give them away, make sure you take your neighbor up on their offer if they try to give you some zukes. That firm and flavorful squash isn't just a delicious side dish to enjoy with your hamburger. This veggie is full of health benefits as well.

One small zucchini is only 19 calories, so it will fill you up without adding inches to your waist. This green veggie is a decent source of fiber and protein too, and also contains a fair amount of potassium, which is necessary for normal muscle growth and a healthy nervous system. I was surprised to hear the slender squash is also high in vitamin C - one cup provides 30 percent of your recommended daily intake. Zucchini offers your body even more since it's also a source of iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc. The peel of the green squash contains most of the vitamins and nutrients, so leave the skin on when you prepare it.

I like to shred raw zucchini into my salad, but grilling zucchini is one of my favorite ways to enjoy this veggie in the Summer. If you're looking for more creative recipe ideas keep reading.