Recipe: Honey candied pecans

After a visit to Trader Joes last week I became inspired to make my own candy coated pecans. I've always loved the stuff in salads, especially around the holidays.

Only problem was I wasn't into the sugar content in the pre-made ones. So I decided that I would try to make my own.

I was planning to use agave, but on Saturday morning I woke up with a scratchy throat. And I can't think of a better food to eat in that situation than honey. So I pulled out my favorite raw honey and got to work.

I simply mixed together some pecans with honey and coconut oil. Then placed them in the toaster oven for 8 minutes. And voila! I had freshly candied pecans. I put them on a plate with some cut up apple, and a few minutes later they were all gone. And guess what, my achy throat was gone too!

Honey is known for having antibacterial properties. Especially when eaten in its raw, unprocessed state. I swear buy the stuff made by Y.S. Organic Bee Farms. They make a high quality product that I am sure you will love.

Here's the recipe to make some for yourself:

1/2 cup pecans (halves or whole)
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon raw honey

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a bowl mix all ingredients together. Place coated nuts on a toaster oven tray or baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Enjoy!

Popcorn, revisited

I found these colorful kernels of popcorn quietly tucked away in the bulk foods aisle of the East 4th Street Co-op today. The kid in me lit up - imagining a bowl full of popped red, yellow and purple goodness. To my dismay this was not the case, yet freshly made popcorn is still a treat.

I didn't have much a thing for popcorn until the last year. That's when my lovely partner, Swati, introduced me to making it on the stovetop. I was amazed at how light and perfect this snack can be.

It is so naturally easy and convenient - makes you wonder why we settled for the microwavable kind. All you need is an a medium sized pot (with lid), olive oil and salt.

Instructions:

Take your pot. Place it over high heat with a little bit of olive oil and ONE popcorn kernel. Cover your pot. Now wait until you hear the kernel pop. This means the pot is hot enough.

Open lid and remove kernel carefully. Then immediately place as much as 1/2 cup popcorn kernels in the pot (no more or the pot will overflow). Cover pot and shake kernels vigorously every 5 seconds or so (to prevent burning). You'll then start to hear kernels popping. Continue shaking until popping sound dissipates. Remove from heat.

Transfer popped kernels to bowl. Add olive oil and salt to taste.

Now perhaps I should suggest a movie....

Nuts: nature's perfect food

Are you nuts about nuts? I am.

And fortunately, as a health counselor, I can disclose my consumption of these guilt-free. [You should see the messages from my advisers after yesterday's ice cream disclosure.]

Nuts are nature's perfect food: a healthy balance of fat, carbohydrate and protein. Which makes sense if you consider that a nut is basically a seed and contains everything necessary for a plant to create life.

Nuts are extremely compact and durable, which make them very convenient for modern life. It is no wonder they are so prevalent in trail mixes and energy bars.

Fellow nut lovers can rejoice when they visit the Tierra Farm booth at the Park Slope Farmers Market (Sunday @ 5th Avenue and 4th Street). Tierra Farm is a small, privately-owned producer of organic nuts based in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. My current favorite is the Organic Dry Roasted Sea Salt & Onion Cashews. Very addictive! Other favorites include Garam Masala Cashews, Roasted Pistachios, and Tamari Roasted Almonds.

Nuts are one of the few sources of healthy, plant-based fats. They are high in desired monounsaturated fats and essential fatty acids. All of which are important for healthy skin, hair and nails. As well as memory and cognitive function.

However, like all foods, nuts should be eaten in moderation. The foods are rather calorie dense. I recommend just a few at a time. You'll find yourself satiated surprisingly faster than most snack foods.