Simple Ways To Eat More Whole Grains And Fiber

(NAPSI)-When it comes to packing a nutritional punch, whole grains are tough to top.

The United States Department of Agriculture says whole grains--which are loaded with fiber and other nutrients--may offer benefits ranging from a reduced risk of coronary disease to better weight management.

According to the International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC), more than half of consumers are now looking at fiber content on the nutrition facts panel when they shop for food. Yet despite an increased interest in whole grains and fiber, people are still having a tough time incorporating them into their diets. Americans consume only one serving of whole grains daily, compared to the three to five that are recommended.

So why the disconnect? It may be a matter of taste.

"Most Americans aren't willing to sacrifice taste, appearance and flavor to get whole grain nutrition," said Phil Lempert, food trends expert and Supermarket Guru. "Today's consumers want whole grain and fiber products to taste as good as the refined white flour they know and love."

Lempert suggests using new Ultragrain White Whole Wheat Flour from Eagle Mills. It's all-natural, 100 percent whole wheat and delivers 30 grams of whole grains per serving and more than 4½ times the fiber of refined white flours. It's made from specially selected white wheat that is milled with a patented process to produce the fine texture, appearance and taste that consumers prefer.

For those who want to make a gradual transition to whole grains, Eagle Mills All-Purpose Flour made with Ultragrain is a good choice. It is a blend of 30 percent Ultragrain and 70 percent all-natural refined flour, and works as a cup-for-cup replacement for other all-purpose flours.

Both products can be found under the Eagle Mills brand and are great for adding fiber and whole grains to your favorite recipes. Ultragrain Whole Wheat Flour is also used in many popular consumer products, making it more available than ever.

Use these whole grain flours in your favorite recipes or try this recipe for delicate fruit-filled scones.

Apricot Pecan Scones

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Makes: 8 servings (1 scone each)

½ cup chopped dried apricots

2 tablespoons water

2 cups Eagle Mills All-Purpose Unbleached Flour made with Ultragrain

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

⅓ cup margarine

¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted

¾ cup heavy (whipping) cream

1 egg, beaten

1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Combine apricots and water in small bowl; let stand 15 minutes.

2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Cut in margarine with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts.

3. Add cream, egg and apricots with water to dry mixture; stir just until moistened. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 10 times or until nearly smooth. Place onto ungreased baking sheet. Pat or roll to a 9-inch circle, ½-inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges, but do not separate. Brush with additional milk; sprinkle with sugar.

4. Bake 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Immediately remove from baking sheet; carefully separate into wedges.

For more information and recipes, visit www.Ultragrain.com.

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Vote for the Dessert You Want to See for the Holidays

The aroma of freshly baked pumpkin pie fills the air today. Now that the dessert is taken care of, do you need help with the turkey?

There are many sites available to assist you with those last minute questions about how to cook a turkey. Pick one and enjoy the reading.

Just remember to make sure the bird is cooked thoroughly and that it has a chance to rest after it comes out of the oven.

Happy Thanksgiving from the staff and friends of the Fayette Front Page. Guess it's time to dig into the turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. Save room for the dessert.

Do you want a recipe for some out of this world bread pudding or a chocolate mock pecan pie? Send us an email with your vote. We've sampled both of these recipes and they are both worthy of preparing over the holidays.

Send your vote to: editor@fayettefrontpage.com

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Harry and David Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans in Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate Gingerbread

Harry and David, of Medford, Oregon, is voluntarily recalling approximately 400 1 lb. 4 oz. boxes labeled Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate Gingerbread because the package may contain a different Moose Munch product which contains pecans not declared on the ingredient statement. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pecans run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Affected product was distributed throughout the United States under the Harry & David brand only in Harry and David stores.

Harry and David is recalling 1 lb. 4 oz. boxes of Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate with a "Best if used by" date of 06/28/09. The "Best if used by" date is located on a sticker on the bottom of the box. The bottom of the box also has the stock identifying number RSD142014 printed on it. This lot of product was sold beginning 10/09/08. The popcorn-based confection is packaged in 1 lb. 4 oz. brown and white paperboard boxes. The boxes have a slight wedge shape and feature a large white moose image on the front. Inside the boxes are clear plastic bags of the confection.

There have been no illnesses or injuries reported to date. Anyone concerned about an illness/injury should contact a physician immediately.

This problem, which was discovered on October 21st, 2008, occurred because Dark Chocolate Butter Pecan Moose Munch® Confection was inadvertently packed in a Milk Chocolate Gingerbread outer box. It is estimated that fewer than 60 such boxes were produced.

Consumers with product may return it to any Harry and David retail store for a full refund. Consumers with questions about the recalled product may phone the Harry and David Customer Service division at 800-233-1101, 24 hours a day.

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Breakfast Gets Fit with Pecans

(ARA) – Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day. Studies show that eating a balanced breakfast increases energy levels and prevents unhealthy snacking when cravings take over. Georgia pecans fit right in as part of a healthy breakfast. Not only are pecans rich and crunchy, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals, making them the ultimate health nut.

A handful of Georgia pecans, chopped up on top of yogurt or even thrown in with muffin, pancake or waffle batter, is a nutritious and delicious breakfast addition. A 1-ounce serving of pecans contains only 196 calories and pecans have more antioxidants than any other nut, making them a healthy immunity-boosting ingredient. Pecans also contain oleic acid, which can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels, keeping the heart fit.

Scott Peacock, executive chef of Watershed Restaurant in Decatur, Ga., promotes using the multi-beneficial pecan to complement a balanced daily breakfast. "I love the fresh, rich, wholesome flavor of pecans from Georgia," says Peacock. "It's familiar and comforting to incorporate the distinctive, crunchy texture of Georgia pecans into homemade meals -- especially breakfast."

Peacock, who was recognized with the James Beard Foundation award for "Best Chef in the Southeast," shares a favorite breakfast recipe, Georgia Pecan Muesli, which was adapted from a signature dish at Watershed restaurant. This cereal provides plenty of nutrients and energy, while enhancing the sweet, toasty, tender flavor of Georgia pecans.

Georgia Pecan Muesli
Serves 6

Ingredients:
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup oat bran
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup diced dried figs
1/4 cup diced dates
1/4 tsp. salt
Yogurt or milk to serve
Fresh fruit and honey (optional)

Directions:
Combine all measured ingredients and mix well. Serve with yogurt or milk and fresh fruit, such as a banana, if desired.

For a softer, creamier texture, yogurt or milk may be stirred into the muesli and refrigerated overnight before serving. If desired, drizzle with a little honey before eating.

Nutrition information per serving of muesli without yogurt, milk, fresh fruit or honey. Calories: 360; protein: 9g; carbohydrates: 54g; saturated fat: 1g; monounsaturated fat: 9g; polyunsaturated fat: 4g; cholesterol: 0 mg; sodium: 93 mg; fiber: 7g.

To download the Georgia Pecan Commission’s breakfast brochure or for more recipes and additional information about Georgia pecans, visit www.GeorgiaPecansFit.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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