Hi.
While I was struggling with how to open this blog, my best friend suggested I simply reveal some things you should know about me, and why I am writing this blog, so that we can actually move on to the good stuff already!
If you want to learn even more, check out My Story and My Philosophy. And while this blog starts fresh from today, I still added some of my favorite posts from my Facebook Page in order to give you guys an idea of what I was up to prior to creating this site. Thanks for reading and WELCOME! -Maxine
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My wonderful Aunt and Uncle from LaLaLand gifted me some lychees from Chinatown, so I decided to do some research into these juicy sweet treats. This fiber filled heart healthy nature's candy contains B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, and more, and helps the immune system with antioxidant and anti-flu actions! Just in time for this bitter cold season! This year, I've just fallen so in love with pomegranates (maybe it's because they remind me of one of my best friends who introduced me to the fruit and who sadly for me is temporarily living overseas). I keep using the arils in my smoothies and to top my yogurt, oatmeal or salads, but I really wanted to try them differently - more of a dessert way. So, I broke out the mini muffin tins, melted down some dark chocolate, and began layering chocolate, almonds, coconut and pomegranates until the tins were leveled off. After they chilled, I popped them out, took a bite, and WOW!!! Each bite just bursts with fresh and sweet goodness! These little taste satisfying, stress reducing homemade treats are full of antioxidants, flavanols, protein, fiber, 'healthy fats,' and believe it or not may even help reduce the risk of heart disease. But while healthier than a store bought processed candy bar, always remember: moderation is key and a little goes a long way!! Chocolate Pomegranate Coconut Almond Cups
Start with a layer of chocolate and alternate the ingredients until the tins are leveled off. Chill at least 1 hour. Pop out of molds and enjoy! :D Yields: 20 mini cups This month my friends and I went apple and pumpkin picking at Riamede Farms in New Jersey. I made loads of treats with the pumpkin meat, but what did I do with all the pumpkin seeds? I certainly wouldn’t discard those little nutrition packed crunchy bites containing phytosterols to help reduce your ‘bad’ cholesterol, protein such as the amino acid tryptophan that will help you get a good night’s rest, and many other vitamins and minerals (vitamin E, vitamin K, B-complex vitamins, potassium, zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, copper and manganese) that act as antioxidants, build up your immune system, produce energy, maintain the nervous system, brain, heart and cells, and promote teeth and bone health! Check out my recipes for Roasted & Seasoned Pumpkin Seeds. These are just a few ways to prepare them. Toss onto your salads, soups, pastas, yogurt, porridge...basically anything and enjoy! |
Maxine Yeung
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