Food and Beverage

Bring On Dessert with Better-for-You Sweets

Published

2 years ago

March 8, 2023

Rebecca Washington

(Family Features) If healthier eating holds a prominent spot on your list of goals, you may feel it’s necessary to eliminate some of your sweetest favorites. However, committing to a nutritionally friendly way of life doesn’t have to leave desserts by the wayside.

Instead, rethinking nighttime treats with better-for-you ingredients like California Prunes as a quick substitution can make healthier eating easy. As a versatile ingredient that can replace added sugar, fats and eggs in all kinds of recipes, prunes can also add nutrients important for bone and gut health.

Plus, the copper in prunes inhibits bone breakdown, while boron plays a role in calcium metabolism and polyphenols can help decrease bone breakdown through their antioxidant power. As a fruit that’s high in vitamin K, which helps improve calcium balance and promotes bone mineralization, prunes are also a “good gut food,” meaning a single serving (roughly 4-6 prunes) can help support a healthy microbiome.

They’re easy to use in recipes that can become favorites in your household such as these Chocolate Energy Balls. Enjoyed as an easy, on-the-go snack, they’re a perfect way to refuel for an adventure, recharge after a workout or to simply savor as a healthy snack.

Chocolate lovers rejoice: This rich, delicious, gluten-free, grain-free Chocolate Covered Prune Fudge Cake is naturally sweetened using prunes instead of added sugar. If brownies are more your style, prunes can also take the place of eggs in these Vegan Brownies for a family-friendly treat that won’t wreck your eating plan.

To find more better-for-you desserts, visit californiaprunes.org.

Vegan Brownies

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 9

Prune Puree:

16 ounces pitted California prunes
1/2 cup hot water

Brownies:

nonstick cooking spray
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup California extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups light brown sugar
10 ounces California prune puree
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
flaky sea salt, for garnish

To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.
Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.
To make brownies: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper then lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray.
Using double boiler, melt chocolate and olive oil. Whisk in sugar and prune puree; mix until dissolved.
Into large bowl, sift flour, baking powder and cocoa powder. Gently fold in chocolate and prune mixture then add vanilla.
Spread batter in prepared pan, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake 20-25 minutes, or until top starts to look dry and brownies are just beginning to pull away from sides of pan.
Cool in pan. Remove then cut brownies into 3-inch squares.

Chocolate Covered Prune Fudge Cake

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 cake (8 inches)

Cake:

Coconut oil spray
14 tablespoons butter, chopped
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup cocoa powder
10 soft, pitted prunes, chopped small
1/3 cup maple syrup
6 eggs
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 cup almond meal

Ganache:

1 cup full-fat coconut milk
1 1/3 cups dark chocolate morsels

To make cake: Preheat oven to 300 F. Lightly spray bottom and sides of 8-inch springform pan with coconut oil spray. Place round piece of parchment paper in bottom of pan and lightly spray with coconut oil spray.
In small saucepan over low heat, place butter and vanilla. Use sieve to sift cocoa into saucepan. Stir with spatula until completely smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
In bowl of food processor fitted with “S” blade, place prunes and syrup. Top with cooled butter mixture then process until smooth. Transfer to large mixing bowl, scraping all chocolate mixture from food processor with spatula.
In bowl of stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip eggs and coconut sugar on high speed 7 minutes, or until tripled in volume.
Add one-third of egg mixture to bowl with chocolate mixture. Using spatula, gently fold together until completely combined. Add almond meal and remaining egg mixture to bowl and gently fold to combine.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 55 minutes, or until set. Once cooked through, transfer cake to cooling rack and cool completely in pan.
To make ganache: In top of double boiler, melt coconut milk and dark chocolate until completely smooth. Pour prepared ganache over cake. Serve immediately for molten fudge effect or allow to completely set.

Chocolate Energy Balls

Recipe courtesy of Meg van der Kruik on behalf of California Prunes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 pieces

Prune Puree:

16 ounces pitted California prunes
1/2 cup hot water

Energy Balls:

1 cup old-fashioned or gluten-free oats
2/3 cup toasted, unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup creamy natural nut butter (peanut or almond)
1/2 cup pecan meal
1/2 cup prune puree
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.
Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.
To make energy balls: In mixing bowl, stir oats, coconut, nut butter, pecan meal, prune puree, cocoa powder and vanilla until completely combined.
Cover and chill in refrigerator 30 minutes. Once chilled, use small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to measure equal-sized amounts of mixture then form into balls by applying gentle pressure to dough using palms. Do not roll as balls will break apart.
Store covered in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week.

SOURCE:
California Prunes

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Author

Rebecca Washington

Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington View all posts

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Lifestyle

Mac and Cheese Recall: Potential Spoilage Concerns Affect Products at Major Retailers

Published

12 hours ago

September 14, 2024

Rod Washington

Mac and Cheese Recall

In a recent announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), two types of macaroni and cheese products sold at major retailers have been recalled due to concerns over potential spoilage. The recall affects Reser’s American Classics Macaroni & Cheese and Reser’s American Classics Macaroni & Cheese White Cheddar, as part of a broader recall of Reser’s Fine Foods deli salads and refrigerated items.

Scope of the Recall

The affected macaroni and cheese varieties were distributed across five states: California, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The specific “use by” dates for the recalled products are as follows:

Reser’s American Classics Macaroni & Cheese: Use by dates of September 14 and September 16, 2024.
Reser’s American Classics Macaroni & Cheese White Cheddar: Use by date of September 11, 2024.

In addition to the macaroni and cheese products, the recall includes a variety of other items such as potato salad, scalloped potatoes, pasta salad, corn, egg salad, spinach dip, gravy, and various desserts.

Cause of the Recall

According to the FDA, the potential spoilage was linked to “temperature abuse” during transportation, specifically due to a malfunctioning refrigeration unit on a trailer. A representative from Reser’s Fine Foods confirmed to FOX Business that the issue was isolated to a single truckload of product delivered to only one distributor location.

“The recall was initiated on July 29, 2024, and no affected products ever made it to the store shelves,” the representative stated. They further reassured consumers that any items purchased from stores are safe to consume.

Retailer Responses

Major retailers, including Safeway, Stop & Shop, and Walmart, which stock Reser’s macaroni and cheese products, have stated that their stores were not impacted by the recall. However, Target, another retailer selling the products, did not provide a comment when contacted by FOX Business.

Consumer Safety First

The FDA and Reser’s Fine Foods have stressed the importance of consumer safety in this situation. While the affected products have not reached store shelves, customers who may have purchased any items from the recalled batch are encouraged to check the packaging for the specified “use by” dates.

As always, consumers are advised to be vigilant about food safety and to report any concerns to their local health department or the FDA. For those who may have questions or require further information regarding this recall, contacting Reser’s Fine Foods directly or checking the FDA’s website can provide additional clarity.

In conclusion, while the recent recall raises concerns over food safety, companies and regulatory agencies are working diligently to ensure that consumers remain informed and protected. As the situation develops, staying updated through reliable sources is essential for maintaining food safety standards in your household.

Read the story on Fox Business.com: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/mac-cheese-sold-major-retailers-recalled-potential-spoiling

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Food and Drink

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Author

Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

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Food and Beverage

Find Comfort in Food with Crispy Chicken Strips

Published

19 hours ago

September 14, 2024

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Cooler weather brings the joy of comfort food, and it’s hard to find a dish more comforting than fried chicken. This Fried Chicken Tenders recipe makes it easy to cook tasty strips to golden perfection – just pair with your favorite dipping sauce (or none at all) for a classic weeknight meal.

Find more fall meal ideas at Culinary.net.

Fried Chicken Tenders

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Oil of choice, for frying
1/2 stick butter
2 eggs
2 cups milk
3 pounds chicken breast, cut into strips
2 cups flour
1/4 cup barbecue seasoning of choice
1/4 cup mesquite seasoning
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
dipping sauce of choice (optional)

Fill Dutch oven or large frying pan halfway with oil and butter; heat over medium heat.
In large bowl, mix eggs and milk then place chicken strips in mixture.
In separate bowl, mix flour, barbecue seasoning and mesquite seasoning. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Remove 4-6 chicken strips from milk mixture and cover completely in flour mixture.
Drop pinch of flour in hot oil; if it crackles, it’s hot enough. Once hot, fry battered chicken 4 minutes then, using tongs or fork, turn over and fry 4 minutes. When done, chicken will be golden and almost float. Remove from frying pan and repeat with remaining chicken.
Serve with dipping sauce of choice, if desired.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

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Food and Beverage

McDonald’s USA Launches Another Season of Savings this Fall

McDonald’s extended the $5 Meal Deal into December, along with new fall promotions on the McDonald’s App, to offer more savings and local deals.

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2024

Daily News Staff

Fans can continue to cash in on the $5 Meal Deal, plus even more local and App-exclusive offers

CHICAGO, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Summer might be over, but the savings are here to stay at the Golden Arches.

This past June, we kicked off the Summer of Value, promising you more deals and even more ways to save. From the highly popular $5 Meal Deal to National French Fry Day, to many other promotions available in local markets and on the McDonald’s App, this summer was all about helping you take your dollar further.

And as it turns out, we’ve got a lot more in store for fans.

The Deal that Keeps on Going AND Giving

It’s official – the $5 Meal Deal is sticking around, with a majority of local markets extending it into December. Featuring your choice of a McDouble® or McChicken® sandwich, small fries, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets® and a small soft drink – all for just $5* – it’s just too good of a deal to let go.

So, whether you’re part of team McDouble or team McChicken – you’ve got more time to treat yourself.

“This summer, tens of millions of fans went to their local McDonald’s to enjoy our $5 Meal Deal, and it was so great to welcome them,” said Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA. “Together with our franchisees, we’re committed to keeping our prices as affordable as possible, which is why we’re doubling down with even more ways to save. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night snack, we want everyone to find the food they love at a price that hits the spot. The extension of the $5 Meal Deal, and the other offerings we’re announcing for our fall line-up, are just a few of the ways we’re working hard to offer great meals at a fair price.”

Raking in the Fall Deals

More than 1 million of you celebrated National French Fry Day this July with free any-size Fries, and now fans have even more to look forward to this fall when they order on the McDonald’s App:

Double the fun with $0.50 Double Cheeseburgers on National Cheeseburger Day (Sept. 18)
Grab a $2 McCrispy sandwich in honor of National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day (Nov. 9)
Enjoy $1 10-pc Chicken McNuggets between Nov. 4 – Dec. 2 – valid 1x/week and perfect for sharing with a friend (or not)
Continue to celebrate Free Fries Fridays – where customers can get free medium Fries with any $1 minimum purchase
- With more than 20 million redemptions so far this year, this is a fan-favorite and will remain available Every. Single. Friday. through the end of 2024

Plus, even more local deals are available at your neighborhood McDonald’s**. You might be starting the day off right in Southern California with a 2 for $3.99 choice of Chicken or Sausage McGriddle, Sausage Biscuit or Any Size Iced Coffee, or splitting a $5 20 pc McNuggets with friends in Dallas. Or you may be adding a $1.99 Any Size Frozen Carbonated Beverage to your favorite McDonald’s meal in New England. No matter where you are, franchisees across the U.S. are offering local deals both in-restaurant and on the McDonald’s App.

We know you know… but we have to say it anyways… download the McDonald’s App and sign up for MyMcDonald’s Rewards for all the latest and greatest deals in your area. The more you spend, the more you earn in redeemable points – giving you even more chances to save on the food you love.

‘Tis (another) season of value at McDonald’s.

*The McDouble meal may be priced at $6 in some markets.

**Local deals and offers will vary, as McDonald’s franchisees are independent business owners who set their own pricing.

McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, and follow us on social: X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

SOURCE McDonald’s USA, LLC

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