Check out my progress on Foodie Obsessions: November/December 2009
Although I typically devote a video post to my foodie obsessions, I am afraid that my holiday schedule does not allow for one today. Instead, I present my recent foodie obsessions in a text and photo format. I hope you enjoy…
Emerald Cocoa-Roasted Almonds
So one day, I went strolling into Publix for a few Broccoli Hut essentials (e.g., tofu and peanut butter), and I stumble across the day’s BOGO item: Emerald nuts. After a little digging, I found this little gem:
Chocolate and almonds? Glorious.
Each 1/4 cup serving provides:
150 Calories, 13 grams of fat, 3 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of protein. You’ll also get a bit of potassium (210 mg) and 6% of the RDA for calcium.
PROS:
-They’re damn tasty.
-Low in sugar (just 1 gram)
-Boast all the antioxidant properties (in the form of vitamin E) that regular almonds do.
CONS:
-They’re expensive little boogers: $5.79 per container.
-They contain a small amount of sucralose (aka Splenda).
Serving Suggestions
Acorn Squash
Ever since I first discovered acorn squash at a vegetarian restaurant in Atlanta, I have been totally hooked on this vibrant veggie.
Each cup of acorn squash contains:
56 Calories, trace amounts of fat, and 2 grams of fiber. Plenty of potassium here too (486 mg), plus a smattering of vitamin A (10% RDA) and vitamin C (26% RDA).
PROS:
-In season now!
-Generally inexpensive (Trader Joe’s often has them on sale for a dollar apiece)
-Satisfy the sweet tooth (due to natural sugar content, of course)
-Make for one excellent soup.
CONS:
-Some may consider their preparation to be too time-consuming.
-Excess consumption may turn your hands a lovely shade of yellow (like mine).
Serving Suggestions
Raisin Bran
Last month, in honor of National Raisin Bran Day, Post was kind enough to send me a box of their raisin bran so that I could celebrate. Little did they know that they would be rekindling a love affair with their cereal. While I love all raisin bran, I must admit that I prefer Total’s version. My preference is not because of all the extra vitamin-and-mineral fortification (in fact, that is a drawback in my opinion) but rather because the Total brand seems to have a greater abundance of sugar-coated raisins:)
Each cup of Total’s version contains:
160 Calories, 1 gram of fat, 5 grams of fiber, 19 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of fiber. As mentioned above, there are also significant amounts (i.e., 100% RDA) of a vast array of vitamins and minerals.
PROS:
-Makes for an easy and tasty breakfast.
-Raisins are just crazy-delicious.
-Relatively nutritious and fibrous breakfast option.
CONS:
-Mucho sugar action—19 grams!
-Far too easy to overeat—they bring out the raisin-snatcher in me.
Serving Suggestions
Wheat Germ
Alright, so I’ve professed my love for wheat germ before, but I’ve been really digging its crunchy goodness lately. If you’re a texture junky like me and want something a little more nutritious than granola, check out the wonders of wheat germ.
Each two tablespoon serving contains:
50 Calories, 1 gram of fat, and 4 grams of protein. In addition, you’ll get hefty doses of vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant), folic acid (necessary for preventing birth defects), zinc (crucial to a healthy immune system), plus magnesium, thiamin, and phosphorous. Ah-may-zing.
PROS:
-Incredibly nutritious.
-Enhances texture.
-Also works well for making homemade dog treats;)
CONS:
-Due to the essential oils present in the germ part of the wheat plant, the jar must be stored in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
What have been your foodie obsessions lately?
Filed under: Feature Post
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
Love me some (butternut) squash!
Kabocha squash should be hidden from me …
And precooked chestnuts (I’m lazy) for snacking – also great as an oat bran topping!
Oh, I tried the lentil loaf yesterday and like it a lot! The only con is that it takes toooo long in the oven (okay, I’m imparient). Thanks for making me notice the recipe!
ezekiel english muffins.
blue diamond almond butter.
roasted brussels sprouts!
LoYO!
I used to love those almonds! I wish they didn’t have sucralose. I just need to build up the motivation to make them myself.
Great call on the acorn squash. I think that’s been an obsession of mine.
I’ve been loving Silk Nog in greek yogurt–to die for!
Hmm… foodie obsessions as of late have been pumpkin, apples, oatmeal, coconut butter, and cinnamon…
Haven’t gone a day without all of those in quite some time…
Awesome!
I love the way you used those cocoa roasted almonds (love the word ‘waffle enhancers’!)
Acorn squash fries…:D
Wheat germ, I need to get my hands on that! I didn’t know it was crunchy! Great!
My foodie obsession: Carob chips
…it taste like coffee!
Happy holidays!
I recently discovered wheat germ and I love it! I also found sunflower seed butter and I’m addicted.
Right now I’ve been obsessed with butterscotch chips!
ah my total recent foodie obsession is so those cocoa roasted almonds too! i just can’t get enough.
and for sure b sprouts and lately oddly cauliflower
mm
I’ve been on such a squash kick lately – and the time it takes to prepare them is SO worth it
Hope you’re having a beautiful weekend, and keeping warm
Meg
I bought those Emerald Cocoa Almonds from Super Target last week because they were on sale. Super Tasty!
I also love acorn squash, try roasting it with an apple and make soup with them both, it is delicious! I also love it cubbed and roasted with apple cubes, seasoned with salt, pepper, olive oil and a touch of curry powder, the apples and acorn squash go really well together and the apples seasoned with curry are incredibly delicious!
I always had wheat germ in the freezer to use in recipes and after I started reading your blog I just became addicted to the stuff on my smoothies and oatmeal, it is really as good as you make it sound! Now, do you like the raw or the toasted wheat germ Caroline? I actually prefer the toasted, it is crunchier and nuttier, sooo good! (and it is easy to toast yourself – but need to watch cause it burns easily, lesson learned by trial and error!)
Love your blog, now I have to find me some cocoa almonds, gotta try that one too!
Ana
We LOVE those cocoa roasted almonds at my house, but they are not sold in Canada. BOO! Can’t even get them shipped here.
Acorn squash and wheat germ are also great items.
I’ve been using alot of kamut and spelt flakes this year!
LOVe this!! and wheat germ is soemthing I rarely think about but I used to eat it all the time, mixed in yog and what not
thanks for remidning me!
current foodie obsession would have to be cottage cheese (well thats always acutally!)
oatbran, alfalfa sprouts, cocoa powder mmm
Hey Caroline!
I finally tried the cocoa almonds today and they are really tasty! My 7 year old son loved them as well, he even asked if he could get almonds sometime for school snack! How cool is that?!
I love roasted almonds and the amazing almond butter and enjoyed the cocoa ones. My only wish would be that they were more “coco-y” and had none or at least a little less splenda – I had the aftertaste in my mouth for quite a while after eating the almonds (I ate it by themselves), and I think a more cocoa/chocolatey aftertaste would have been nicer.
But still, we loved them and I am sure they will appear as yogurt and oatmeal toppings at our house as well!
Thanks again for another yummy inspiration!
Ana