Eating Healthier in Today's World

HEALTHY GIFTS FROM THE KITCHEN

Inevitably, as the holidays approach, we rack our brains trying to think or something thoughtful to give as gifts to the many people we are in contact daily, and/or provide service for us.  Your neighbours, the school teacher, the mailman, friends you know and love, your co-workers----all come into this catagory.  May we suggest a special gift from your kitchen to their's, that is not only tasty but healthy, yet can be presented with some flare.

Merry Muesli -from Style at Home          Click here for printable recipe

Breakfast is important, and how much more wonderful can it be than for your giftee to have some wonderful homemade muesli.  We roll our own flakes through our Flake Roller attachment (either hand or machine operated)  and then mix in the remaining ingredients and bake for 30 min.   I went to a workshop where we learned how to etch glass so I etched the words muesli on the jars being given away.      

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

In the Bosch Universal Plus bowl equipped with the dough hook, combine everything from the rye down to the cinnamon and mix lightly and set aside.  Meanwhile, place the oil, vanilla bean seeds and honey in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat gently, stirring constantly until the honey oris dissolved.  

Pour the liquid coating over the dry ingredients and turn on speed one for about 20 sec. to coat. Spread the mixture onto a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake 30 min. at 300 degrees F. stirring frequently to ensure that the granola bakes evenly. Remove the granola from the oven and sprinkle with raisins and cranberries. Stir to mix and let cool completely before packaging and giving.

Also try these Oatmeal Protein Snacks and Protein Snack Bites that are made with lots of good seeds, nuts, dried fruits and grains and easily keep in the freezer or fridge until it is time to give them as gifts  Place some in a nice Holiday tin and take to someone's home as a hostess gift.

Herbed Rice Mix    This homemade rice mix is easy to cook and versatile enough to complement just about any main dish, making it an appealing gift for busy families. It looks especially nice (and keeps well) in a glass jar accompanied by a tag with the following instructions: For 4 servings, combine 2 1/2 cups of water and 1 cup of rice mix in a medium saucepan and bring them to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot with salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dried mushrooms, chopped
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 3 cups long-grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the dried mushrooms, onion flakes, garlic powder, dried thyme, and parsley and mix well. Add the rice and toss, making sure all of the ingredients are evenly combined. Pour the rice into a jar and seal tightly. Makes enough for 12 servings. 

Click here for printable recipe

Oat Bran Mufffins in a Jar  -  Back in the 1990s, oat bran was briefly considered a food that would help lower cholesterol levels. It still is, but the trend has passed. This muffin mix recipe is a great gift (and inexpensive too) to give to health conscious friends, along with a muffin tin, measuring cups, a timer, and some decorative plates in a basket.

Ingredients:

• 4-3/4 cups flour
• 4 cups oat bran
• 3 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 Tbsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. salt

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in large bowl and store in airtight container. For gift giving, place 4 cups of this mix in a decorative jar and attach the following instructions:

Oat Bran Muffins Recipe

3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
1 egg
1/2 cup chopped nuts, if desired
1/2 cup currants or raisins
2 cups Oat Bran Muffin Mix

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners and set aside. Combine milk, oil, egg, and nuts and raisins in large bowl and mix well. Then stir in the Muffin Mix and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened; the batter will be lumpy. Spoon into prepared pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 13-15 minutes until muffins are golden brown. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. 12 muffins.  Click here for printable recipe.

 We hope you try some of the wonderful recipes for gifting to your friends and love ones and join in the spirit of the season.