TODAY IN FOOD: It’s Oatmeal-Nut Waffles Day
| Who thought this one up, you might ask? Why not Blackberry Waffles Day, or Milk Chocolate Chip Waffles Day? We’re guessing that Oatmeal-Nut Waffles Day is the work of nutritionists at the Whole Grain Council or some other group supporting oats—and they’re not wrong. We need three portions of whole grains daily, and oatmeal waffles are a good start. As for the nuts, while they are high in calories and fat, they contain the good, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega-3s), which have all been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. Waffles are a great way to limit portions (unlike, say, eating an entire bowl of mixed nuts). Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, some pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts are approved by the FDA, since they contain less than 4g of saturated fats per 50g. Walnuts are your best bet—they are more heart-healthy than olive oil and have bone-healthy alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid). But if you must have pecan waffles, we understand. Here’s a recipe: |  You can serve your waffles with Equinox Maple Flakes, a NIBBLE Top Pick Of The Week. |
|
| Ingredients - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats (oatmeal) - 1/2 cup coarsely-chopped nuts - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 eggs, slightly beaten - 1-1/2 cups whole milk - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons brown sugar Preparation 1. In large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, nuts, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside. 2. In small mixing bowl, mix the eggs, milk, butter and brown sugar. Add this to the flour mixture, stirring until blended. |
||