HOW TO...BAKE WITH LESS GUILT

HAVE YOUR CAKE, EAT IT AND STILL STAY HEALTHY


PORTION CONTROL is one important factor. 

Lower-guilt Blueberry, Almond & Maple Cakes

The difference in calories and sugar intake between a normal sized portion and a mini-portion can be significant. 

But REPLACING SOME PRODUCTS WITH OTHERS can also make a big difference:

• WHOLEMEAL FLOUR adds fibre and slows down the absorption of sugar.  Replace one quarter to one-third of the total flour recommended

• SPELT FLOUR adds protein instead of carbs and can be served to the common-wheat-phobic.  It is not gluten-free.  It's more expensive than plain flour but can be blended with wheat flour. (Major supermarkets incl. Waitrose does its own brand)

• A couple of tablespoons of OATMEAL can improve bread, biscuits and muffins

• DRIED UNSWEETENED COCONUT adds sweetness and can replace a portion of a recipe's sugar in crumbles and some biscuits

• THE DARKER A SUGAR IS, the more vitamins and minerals it has. The whiter, the less the food value.

• MILK THAT'S GONE OFF adds a buttery taste, and allows the baker to replace some or all butter with vegetable oil

• GROUND ALMONDS are heart-friendly and add sweetness, allowing sugar to be reduced

• GLAZES (icing sugar mixed with liquid to a dripping consistency) can be drizzled over items instead of covering them, reducing sugar 

• FRUIT is naturally sweet; baked or poached with spices and orange juice - no added sugar -- makes a guilt-free dessert 

• Baked goods containing FRESH FRUIT & VEG are healthier than conventional baked goods

• Good quality CHOCOLATE (at least 70% cocoa) contains health-giving antioxidants and can replace buttercream icing 

Vegan Chocolate Cake
 using spelt flour & 70% chocolate frosting without icing sugar

For an example of how one recipe was altered to increase healthiness, go to A guide to adapting baking for healthier, lower sugar lifestyles

Caution: 

It's easier to make substitutions in some biscuits, muffins, traybakes, pastry and crumbles.  Recipes for delicate items should never be altered.  

Always have one day a week when anything goes where treats are concerned.  

                                                         

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B Lee/Bright Sun Enterprises accept no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.