Thanks to my love of apples and our friends at Central Market, I've become somewhat of an apple connoisseur.
They've got more organic apples than you can name - Piñata, McIntosh, Winesap, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and - my fave - Honeycrisp. I thought I pretty much had the apple situation covered until I discovered my NEW favorite apple: SweeTango.
SweeTango is a new apple variety grown and marketed by Next Big Thing, A Growers' Cooperative of some of the most respected family-owned orchards in North America. It took them more than a decade in development to come up with the SweeTango and - gotta tell you - it was worth it.
The apple's crispy crunch and complex flavor deliver a superior apple-eating experience. Both sweet and tart with hints of fall spices, SweeTango's flavor, balanced by vibrant acidity makes it a great complement to sandwiches, salads or a cheese plate.
They're in limited distribution, but you can find a full list of locations at SweeTango.com.The Boomer Brief gives 'em two enthusiastic Thumbs Up.
Apples are one of the healthiest snacks, with benefits ranging from helping control cholesterol, prevent heart disease and manage weight. If you're like Charlotte and prefer your apples in pies, tarts and cobblers, then check out this recipe with your SweeTango apples.
Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa's Recipe for Baked Apples
Serves 6
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Core apples to ½ inch of the bottom of the apples. It helps if you have an apple corer. If not, simply use a paring knife. Cut out the stem area first, then the core. Use a spoon to dig out the seeds. Make the holes about ¾-inch wide.
Mix apple juice concentrate and vanilla. Pour into cored center of each apple.
Place a cinnamon stick in the center of each apple. Place apples on nonstick baking sheet and bake in oven for 20 minutes.
If desired, serve garnished with raspberries and fresh mint leaves.
Nutrition Information (per serving):30 calories, 0.5g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 1g protein, 5g fiber, 15mg sodium.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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