ALWAYZFUN: 06/01/2008

Monday, June 30, 2008

Berries

Berries top the list for 10 most healthiest foods.

All fruits are stellar sources of nutrients, but strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries stand out from the pack.

They're high in vitamin and fiber content.

They're an excellent source of antioxidants, compounds that protect our bodies from the stress of day to day living. The antioxidant anthocyanin has triple the stress-fighting power of vitamin C and is known to block cancer-causing damage as well as the effects of many age-related diseases.

They give your memory a boost. The antioxidants in berries are believed to enhance brain function.

Fresh berries are kind to the waistline; they are naturally high in water and low in calories. Dried berries also provide excellent nutrition, but since most of the water is missing, their calories are more concentrated and you’ll usually wind up eating more of them. Stock up on fresh berries in the summer, when they’re plentiful and inexpensive. Freeze them in small plastic bags to get an antioxidant blast year round. Stir berries into yogurt, sprinkle them on cereal or blend them in smoothies.

Oven Sweet Potato Fries

Making oven fries out of sweet potatoes brings out their inherent sweetness.

1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into wedges 2 teaspoons canola oil 1/4 teaspoon salt Pinch of cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss sweet potato wedges with oil, salt and pepper. Spread the wedges out on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until browned and tender, turning once, about 20 minutes total.

Sweet Potato Fries

Extra-virgin olive oil, for lightly coating 6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced like steak fries

2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/4 packet taco seasoning mix

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle oil over the potatoes and toss to coat. Add salt and taco seasoning mix and toss. Place sweet potato fries in one even layer onto a baking sheet.

Keep space between them so they get crispy on all sides. Bake in batches. Place into the oven for 10 minutes, then flip them over. Place back in for 10 more minutes. They should be soft on the inside and browned on the outside. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.

* You may substitute baking potatoes for sweet potatoes. However, when placing back into the oven change cooking time to 5 minutes instead of 10.

Cindy McCain's Oatmeal-Butterscotch Cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups rolled oats
1-2/3 cups butterscotch chips

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375F.
2. In a large bowl beat the butter or margarine, granulated sugar and brown sugar together. Add the eggs and vanilla, beating well.
3. In a medium-size bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture; stir until blended. Stir in oats and butterscotch chips. Drop by tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
4. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Mood for Independence Day

To put you in the mood for Independence Day, here's an idea for a sweet red, white, and blue treat!

Buy the ingredients in advance, so you can whip them up in no time on the fourth!

You'll need:1 cup of fresh raspberries 1 cup of fresh blueberries1 container of fat-free, sugar-free, frozen nondairy whipped topping2 tall clear glasses (champagne flutes are perfect!)

Here's what to do: Layer each glass with 1/4 cup raspberries, 1 tablespoon of nondairy whipped topping, 1/4 cup blueberries, and another tablespoon of whipped topping.

Repeat the layers a second time and top with a raspberry and blueberry for garnish. Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve. Each festive parfait contains just 103 calories and is loaded with fiber and vitamins A and C!

Yum!

Happy Fourth of July!

Deuteronomy 5:33

Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.

Deuteronomy 5:33

Commentary God's people have three responsibilities when it comes to His commandments: hear them, learn them, and do them (v. 1). When we read the Word of God, we should hear the voice of God as the Spirit speaks to us personally. We must allow the Spirit to teach us God's truth and then empower us to obey it. The blessing comes in the living of the Word and not in the learning (James 1:21-25).