Monday, October 26, 2009

Pomegranate Sorbet


Not so long ago, pomegranates were virtually unknown.But with all the intrest in anti-aging, superfoods, and exotic ingredients, they have become a common addition to many food products from juices all the way to desserts.There are two kinds of pomegranates.There is the "sour" kind that is used in many Middle Eastern products like pomegranate syrup to add a souring element to foods.Then there is the "sweet"kind which is the one that is most readily avaailable in the U.S..


Pomegranates mature in the fall which is about the time that you start seeing them in the produce section.They are extremely rich in antioxidants especially in Vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and potassium.Pomegranates are believed to cool and cleanse the system and aid in digestion and as such are eaten in a variety of ways throughout the world.Whether just as-is or in rice dishes, stews, and stuffings just to name a few.Below is a simple sorbet using this extremely versatile fruit.Hope you enjoy it.




Makes 1 quart


Ingredients:


3 c pomegranate juice


1/2 c sugar


2 Tbsp.pomegranate syrup/molasses


2 tsp.fresh lemon juice






  1. Put all ingredients into a large saucepan,set over medium heat, and warm, stirring till the sugar dissolves.


  2. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and refrigerate till completely cold.


  3. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturers instructions.


  4. When finished enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Brazil Nut Burgers


Brazil nuts are the product of a tree called "Bertholica Excelsa" which is native to the Brazilian Amazon.This tree has been known to grow up to upwards of 200ft. . It bears a fruit called ourico, in which nestled inside are about 20-24 brazil nuts.Brazil nuts are rich in antoxidants and contain an abundance of minerals such as selenium, magnesium, and potassium just to name a few.They have been used as a food source by indigenous tribes for centuries.




Brazil nuts are characterized by a smooth somewhat oily nut protected by a thick, hard dark brown shell.Brazil nuts are available in the produce section of most major markets or they can almost always be found already shelled and chopped in the baking goods section.Brazil nuts are best eaten as a snack or they can be added to any number of recipes from salads to desserts.Because most of us are familiar with brazil nuts as just being part of a holiday nut mix, I decided to try and use them in a new way.Below is a raw food recipe featuring this versatile nut.Hope you enjoy it.


4 Servings

Ingredients:

2 celery sticks, chopped

1 carrots, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

bunch fresh cilantro

4 oz. Brazil nuts

1 oz. flaxseeds, ground

1 Tbsp. nutritional yeast flakes (optional)

1/2 Tbsp.tamari



  1. Put the celery, carrots, onion, cilantro, and brazil nuts in a food processor and process until all ingredients are blended together.

  2. Add the remaining ingredients and continue processing for another 30 seconds.

  3. Shape puree into 4 equal size burger patties.

  4. Dehydrate for 5 hours.