We at KUSHISM understand the periodic urge to “get the munchies” – but it does not mean that your cravings should constantly be fulfilled by store-bought, processed and packaged sweets!
So, before you reach for that greasy bag of chips, check out some easy alternatives which you can make at home, where a simple serving is sure to satisfy your snack cravings:
APRICOT, WALNUT AND MAPLE CRISP – 4 servings
1 lb. apricots, preferably organic, pitted and sliced (about 3 ½-cups)
¼-cup maple sugar, plus 3 tablespoons
¼-cup whole-wheat flour, plus 1 tablespoon, preferably organic
¼-cup chopped walnuts
1-tsp salt
2 ½-tbl walnut oil
Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush four custard cups very lightly with walnut oil. Combine apricots with 3 tablespoons of the maple sugar, and 1 tablespoon of the flour in a large bowl.
Mix remaining ¼-cup maple sugar, ¼-cup flour, walnuts and salt in a medium bowl. Pour 2 ½-tbl walnut oil over mixture and blend with fork until topping is moist and crumbly.
Divide apricots among the prepared custard cups. Sprinkle topping over apricots. Bake until topping is golden-brown and apricots bubble thickly, about 30 mins.
Cool slightly and serve with your favorite yogurt.
BANANA BERRY SMOOTHIE – 2 servings
1 banana, frozen and cut into chunks
¼-cup berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.) either fresh or frozen
1-cup orange juice
3-tbl low-fat vanilla yogurt
Blend ingredients together and enjoy.
BAKED APPLES
1 medium Granny Smith apple per serving
brown sugar
mixed dried fruit
cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Remove the core from the apples, leaving the skin on and hold through the middle. Place in baking dish and fill the holes with brown sugar, mixed fruit, and cinnamon to taste.
Pour a small amount of water in the bottom of dish and place in oven until apples are cooked through and the sugar in the filling has melted.
Cool slightly, slice, and indulge.
BLUEBERRY CRISP – 12 servings
5-cups fresh or frozen blueberries
½-cup packed brown sugar
¼-cup rolled oats, uncooked
¼-cup wheat germ
¼-tsp ground cinnamon
½-cup margarine, softened but not melted
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Place blueberries in a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Combine the brown sugar, oats, wheat germ, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut in the margarine with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the top of the blueberries. Bake for 25 minutes or until the blueberries are tender. Cool before serving.
