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florida state university creative writing mfa

greek yogurt

Christmas Yogurt Bark

Christmas Yogurt Bark

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I make no apologies for spreading a bit of Christmas cheer whenever I can and food is no exception. I created this having some food which needed using (ever the food waste fairy!) and as it looked so jewelled and festive, I just had to give it this name.

‘Barks’ are traditionally made with chocolate (nothing wrong with a bit of what you fancy) but I wanted to create something that looked special enough to share at Christmas yet a lot less stodge and sugar.
Enjoy

Nutritional Benefits:
These decadent morsels are a great change from the richness of many foods at Christmas but come with many nutritional benefits:
Dairy foods in the form of yogurt DO contain saturated fats but these have been found to have a neutral effect on the cardiovascular system (not like previously thought). In fact, there is much evidence that the saturated fats in dairy foods may reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes but like all fats, should still be eaten in moderation.

They contain fat soluble vitamin A and vitamin D as well as calcium; all important for good bone and tooth health and offer vitamin B12 and are a source of protein.

The bark contains a lot less sugar than other treats A high sugar intake is associated with not only tooth decay, an increased risk of heart disease, can raise bad LDL cholesterol and stimulate the liver to dump harmful fats into the bloodstream.

Pistachio nuts are rich in plant sterols and soluble fibre which can lower bad ‘LDL cholesterol and may protect against certain cancers as well as a good source of potassium to help lower blood pressure and eliminate fluid.

I created this because I had these foods to hand but feel free to use fresh fruit in the bark.

The recipes are free to everyone to use (please give credits to us if you choose to use them), and always will be, but our website (and non-profit organisation) incurs costs to keep it running. If you would like to help keep it going, please consider giving a donation.
Thank you

davKofta Patties

Kofta Patties

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This recipe includes hidden veggies so great to help those reluctant vegetable eaters.

Nutritional Benefits:

Red meat offers a valuable source of iron (iron found in meat – haem iron, is more easily absorbed by the body than plant foods) which prevents anaemia, improves concentration and boosts immunity . Like all meat, it is a source of protein, which is important in order to help build, repair and renew all cells in the body. It also supplies many B vitamins and zinc (also important for immunity).

Carrots are full of alpha and beta carotenes (antioxidants which help prevent heart disease, reduce the risk of certain cancers, lower the risk of infections and mop up free radicals; unstable molecules produced by the body in response to the environment, stress etc. which can cause harm to the body and cell malformation). Beta carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A; essential for growth, boosting immunity and healthy eyesight. As vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, cooking with a little oil helps the body to absorb more of this nutrient.

Courgettes offer vitamin C (immunity), K (wound healing, blood clotting and bone health) and potassium (helping water balance, prevention of strokes, high blood pressure, heart and kidney disease). Like all vegetables, they contain soluble fibre essential for good digestive health and the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Cucumber contains vitamin C, A, K, magnesium, potassium and soluble fibre. Its high water content helps promote hydration and electrolyte balance in the body.

Garlic has a long history of being used as medicine and rightly so. Its various sulphur compounds (which gives garlic its strong odour) offers many benefits including being anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, supporting the immune system and helping to keep the circulatory system healthy by lowering blood pressure, preventing blood clots and heart disease. It can also help to prevent stomach ulcers.

Various spices offer an array of health benefits including being anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial as well as aiding digestion.

The recipes are free to everyone to use (please give credits to us if you choose to use them), and always will be, but our website (and non-profit organisation) incurs costs to keep it running. If you would like to help keep it going, please consider giving a donation.
Thank you