Fried "Apples"

This tastes great by itself, on top of a "healthified" ice cream or on top of a pork loin!

1 zucchini or jicama
2 TBS coconut oil OR butter
3 TBS Just Like Brown Sugar
1 TBS lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Peel the jicama or zucchini, cut lengthwise into quarters (if using zucchini remove the seeds). Slice into "apple" slices or cubes.

Heat the butter over high heat in a medium skillet. When the butter has melted and has turned brown (not black). Stir in all the ingredients and cook on medium heat until the veggie is to desired consistency (the longer you cook it the softer it will be). Adjust the sweetener and cinnamon, if needed. Makes 4 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Fried Apples = 111 calories, 5.9g fat, 0.2g protein, 14 carbs, 1 fiber
"Healthified" Fried Zucchini = 67 calories, 5.9g fat, 0.7g protein, 2.7 carbs, 1 fiber
"Healthified" Fried Jicama = 71 calories, 5.9g fat, 0.3g protein, 3.7g carbs, 1.8g fiber

(adapted from Linda's Low Carb Genaw.com)

"Apple" Dippers

Do you make your kids get the Apple Dippers at McDonald’s instead of the french fries? I would choose a different battle for the day. The Apple Dippers seem like a good option, but have you ever noticed that the apples never turn brown? This is because of all the preservatives they use. Check out the McDonald’s ingredients:

-Apple Dippers: Apples, calcium ascorbate (a blend of calcium and vitamin C added to maintain natural color), ascorbic acid, calcium chloride.

-Low Fat Caramel Dip: Corn syrup, sweetened condensed whole milk, high fructose corn syrup, water, butter, sugar, salt, disodium phosphate, artificial flavors (ethyl vanillin, vanillin), caramel color, pectin, potassium sorbate as a preservative.

...I think I will stick with my 4-ingredient dip recipe:)

Jicama is very low calorie and low carbohydrate root vegetable. It contains only 35 calories per 100 g. It is also very high in quality phyto-nutrition profile comprises of dietary fiber, and anti-oxidant. It is one of the best sources for dietary fiber and excellent source of oligofructose inulin, a soluble dietary fiber. The root pulp is 13% of fiber. Inulin is a zero calorie, sweet inert carbohydrate and does not metabolize in the human body, which make the root an ideal sweet snack for diabetics and dieters.



8 oz cream cheese or coconut cream, softened
1 cup peanut or almond butter
1/4 cup Just Like Brown Sugar (or stevia glycerite to taste)
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
Jicama slices

In a mixing bowl, combine the first four ingredients; mix well. Serve with apples. Store in refrigerator.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per cup):
Apple = 21 carbs, 4 grams fiber and 95 calories
Jicama = 11 carbs, 6 grams fiber, and 46 calories