How would you like to be able to cut out half the fat from your favorite recipes? And what if you could do it without altering the taste or baking method?
It would be a cook's dream! And now, the solution is finally within your grasp. One simple ingredient can cut half the butter/oil/shortening from your recipes. If you can use a measuring spoon, you can unlock all the delightful health and cooking secrets of the greatest new addition to baking.
What could be so amazing, and how does it work?
Please allow me to explain the Chia Seed to you. You may have already heard of Chia, in the form of a Chia Pet. Indeed, these are the very same seeds...only these seeds are 100% natural, selected and packaged for food grade consumption. Don't dismiss these as some novelty, though! Food-grade chia is serious business for your health and cooking. Carefully selected plants produce a mixture of black and white seeds for optimized nutrition. Every tiny seed is packed with fiber, omega-3 oil, anti-oxidants, complete protein, and so much more.
So you may be saying to yourself "Sure, these sound healthy, but what does this have to do with my most delicious brownie recipe?" That's the next step, and one of the unique features of Chia. When you mix the seeds with water or any other liquid, they hydrate. This means that each seed will form a big bead of gel around the outside; which is made of whatever liquid you hydrated them in. The gel has the consistency of a gelatin snack, and is not easily removed from the seed's surface. You can actually watch the process in action with the following recipe.
Stir together the Chia and water with a fork, to prevent clumping. Leave the mixture alone for 10-15 minutes on the counter top. When you return, the bowl or glass will not be full of water any more. Instead, you will see a thick gelatin, with the seeds suspended inside. It will slide, but not pour. You've turned 1 tablespoon of seeds into 9 tablespoons of useful gel. This is Chia Gel, and it can be used instead of butter or oil in recipes.
Chia gel is as easy to use as butter or oil. It will keep for 1 week in a covered container in the refrigerator. (if you don't cover it, it will dry up) Simply scoop the gel with a tablespoon measure, and add it to your recipes just as you would butter.
Why does it work so well?
Chia Seeds don't have any flavor of their own. Instead, they take on the taste of whatever you add them to, and distribute that flavor. In that way, they can actually amplify flavors, and make your cooking even MORE delicious! But, be sure to use filtered water when you hydrate the seeds, or any unsavory flavors in your tap-water will be magnified. The healthy omega-3 oils and soluble fiber gelling action go to work moistening and enhancing the tastes in your recipe.
Chia Seeds don't have any flavor of their own. Instead, they take on the taste of whatever you add them to, and distribute that flavor. In that way, they can actually amplify flavors, and make your cooking even MORE delicious! But, be sure to use filtered water when you hydrate the seeds, or any unsavory flavors in your tap-water will be magnified. The healthy omega-3 oils and soluble fiber gelling action go to work moistening and enhancing the tastes in your recipe.
For example:
If "Grandma's Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies" recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of butter, use 4 tablespoons of butter and 4 tablespoons of chia gel. Bake the cookies just as you normally would.
If "Grandma's Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies" recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of butter, use 4 tablespoons of butter and 4 tablespoons of chia gel. Bake the cookies just as you normally would.
Are there any side effects?
No, there are only side-benefits! The exterior of the Chia seed holds on to moisture, ensuring your baked goods don't dry out while cooking, and stay moist and rich-tasting for longer. These seeds also have high levels of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are more than good for your body, they're nature's healthy preservative. They are what allows the seed to be dry-stored safely for over 2 years, without ever going rancid, or decreasing in effectiveness. Don't try that with flax or millet, they'll go rancid as the oils inside spoil! It's these same anti-oxidants that keep food baked with chia fresh for longer periods.
No, there are only side-benefits! The exterior of the Chia seed holds on to moisture, ensuring your baked goods don't dry out while cooking, and stay moist and rich-tasting for longer. These seeds also have high levels of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are more than good for your body, they're nature's healthy preservative. They are what allows the seed to be dry-stored safely for over 2 years, without ever going rancid, or decreasing in effectiveness. Don't try that with flax or millet, they'll go rancid as the oils inside spoil! It's these same anti-oxidants that keep food baked with chia fresh for longer periods.
B-vitamins in my banana bread?
It's not as far-fetched as you'd think. Baked goods like muffins, cookies and breads are usually considered for dessert...and they're not considered to be loaded with nutrition. While Chia seeds can't turn your pancakes into the nutritional equivalent of broccoli, they can add extra nutrition to the things you already like to eat. You don't even have to cook with them, you can just sprinkle them onto any food that's 'wet' enough so that the seeds don't just bounce right off. What exactly do you add to foods when you add chia?
It's not as far-fetched as you'd think. Baked goods like muffins, cookies and breads are usually considered for dessert...and they're not considered to be loaded with nutrition. While Chia seeds can't turn your pancakes into the nutritional equivalent of broccoli, they can add extra nutrition to the things you already like to eat. You don't even have to cook with them, you can just sprinkle them onto any food that's 'wet' enough so that the seeds don't just bounce right off. What exactly do you add to foods when you add chia?
Anti-oxidants- for heart health and to combat inflammation
A full range of b-vitamins- necessary for energy
23% complete protein- to build strong bodies, and keep your energy up
6 times more calcium by weight than milk- for healthy bones in children & adults
Boron- a trace mineral your body needs to effectively absorb calcium
Soluble & Insoluble fiber- reduce the risk of colon cancer, and help clean up the intestines to avoid problems like diverticulitis
No ordinary baked good can pack in all of the above, but when you start using chia, you'll be able to add all that in, on top of cutting out half the fat. It's time to take your home-made foods to the next level with Chia Seeds. You can easily use them in your own recipes, or use easily available Chia Seed Recipes online too! You and your family deserve the best nutrition and the best flavor, and you can get it right now with Chia!
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You can learn much more about how the Chia Seed can help you with photos, videos facts and more at MySeeds Chia Seeds , plus, don't forget about our 2 free chia cook books and free shipping too!
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Word Count Appx. : 909 | Article Views 345 Published 19-12-2009