Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 09:44 AM

Raspberry & Almond

Good morning! :mrgreen:

Thank you SO much for all of your supportive and sweet comments regarding my book deal. I still can’t believe it’s happening. I’m excited, but so nervous! I really hope I can do this! Ahh!

Breakfast

Breakfast was yummy this morning! :-D

I did some baking last night (recipe below), so I took a piece of my Raspberry Almond Quick Bread, cut it into small chunks, and cooked it right into my oatmeal. It made for a bread pudding-esque bowl of oats. I added a scoop of peanut butter too. Delish!

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My recipe for Raspberry Almond Quick Bread was inspired by Dede Wilson’s Blackberry Walnut Streusel Quick Bread. Did you know that National Homemade Bread Day is on November 17th? Sounds like a perfect reason to do some baking! ;-)

The fresh berries in my Raspberry Almond Quick Bread added a rich texture, full flavor, and kept the loaf nice and moist overnight.

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I actually had the opportunity to ask Dede a question about how to make delicious baked goods that are lower in calories and fat without comprising their taste. Her response is basically what I expected– it’s not easy! She also offered her advice on portion size and balance, which I absolutely loved!

Here’s what she said:

My forte is not low fat. That said, I have had success cutting back fat by as much as 1/4 in recipes and have them still work. Same could be said of sweeteners. However, the recipes will be different and I believe not as tasty or texturally satisfying as the originals. It’s a trade off. For each tablespoon of sugar you cut, you only save 48 calories. That’s it. So cutting 1/4 cup of sugar from a recipe would only save you total of 192 calories.

Personally I like to eat smaller quantities of classic desserts and recipes and save calories in that way – good old portion control! I find that if I have a small bit of something truly satisfying, it goes a longer way than eating more of something that is lacking in texture, flavor or mouthfeel.

I also like to look at calories and fat on a week to week basis, not a day to day basis. If I indulge in something higher in calories and fat on a particular day, I know I can save calories and fat on another day. By allowing oneself to have any foods, by keeping nothing off limits, I find I do not over indulge. My advice is to eat a small amount of the real thing. And enjoy it!!!

Raspberry Almond Quick Bread

Makes 1 9×5” loaf

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • ¼ cup agave nectar
  • ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ¼ sliced almonds

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350* F.
  • Coat a 9”x5” loaf pan with nonstick spray; thoroughly coat with flour, removing any excess.
  • Combine all ingredients and mix until smooth.
  • Add batter to prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.
  • Cool before serving.
  • Wrap in aluminum foil to store at room temperature for up to 4 days.

POM Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered the POM Giveaway. Here’s your random number: 130

Congrats to the winner!!! Please email me with your full name and mailing address.

Question of the Day

Do you have a 5-year plan? If so, what is it?

Posted by: Tina 66 comments

Posted in: Recipes

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