Jaime L. Pula, PhD, RDN

Inspired by my beloved babes (pup included) NOT eating them apples.  One Tuesday night during the height of COVID-19 and rising national racial tensions, we turned to home baking – for comfort.  That night’s fall harvest in (soon-to-be) summer seemed to fit the theme that ‘anything is possible in 2020’.  If you’re looking for a way to calm the soul, try some timeless methods.  If you have any available, grab your QuaranTEENS to help – so, they can build baking skills too.  It’s never too early (or too late!) to hone in on the healthy science.

Healthy Fruit Bake

Ever wonder what to do with aging fruits?  How about a Healthy Fruit Bake (using apples, plums, peaches, cherries, or blackberries; or a combo of your choice)?  Give traditional recipes a quick makeover.  Hold the butter and oil (we won’t be using any, this time).  We’ll be using the natural water that’s found in the fruits for moisture.

Mindful Eating Experience Using a Simple Recipe

  1. First step, pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Next, cut the sugar by at least one-third (even for Grandmom’s recipes). You can use as little as ¼ cup, based on taste.
  3. Remove any pits and cut-up the fruits into bite-sized pieces. Just discard overly-bruised parts.  The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber found in ripened fruit help build-up immunity.  Depending on how much fruit you have available, use up to 4 cups chopped, if you can.
  4. For an extra kick of health, dig in your pantry for cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vanilla extract. Try using more than usual, for extra flavor and aroma.
  5. Combine and fold all the ingredients into an oven-safe dish. Divide into 2 dishes, if you have lots of extra fruits.  Or if you want different blends.
  6. Bake for 15-minutes.
  7. Drop oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for another 45-minutes.
  8. Let rest (if you can resist!) for 15-minutes – to set, before enjoying.
  9. While you wait, enjoy the splendid and soulful aromas that fill your home.
  10. Remember a fond memory – to maximize your mindful eating experience.

Bon Appetit – With less calories from sugar and fats, enjoy the fruit bake that’s packed with nutrition and healing.

Got Leftovers?

Our special QuaranTEEN (yes, my oldest son turned 13 this past April! and has greatly developed into a Junior Chef) gave us the fantastic idea of using the leftover healthy fruit bake and adding them to a whole wheat pancake mix the next morning.  Or try including them in a rye and oatmeal bread loaf – for even more inspiration.

Counting Blessings

Going beyond writing down what you’re grateful for, researchers and behavioral scientists suggest we NEED to share the experience with others – to gain benefits.  In other words, don’t keep your humble thoughts to yourself.  Share them with others (reach out to me, I’d love to know!), What Blessings Are You Counting?

Jaime L. Pula, PhD, RDN, can be reached at mvprdllc@yahoo.com or (732) 207-8819