Nature Addicts Fruit Sticks
Fruit Rollups have a special place in our hearts because back in the 1980’s when these sweet, chewy “fruit” treats hit supermarket shelves, there was nothing else like them. The only problem was that most of these “fruity snacks” contained very little fruit and a lot of undesirable ingredients including corn syrup, artificial flavors and colors, and additives with long names like acetylated monoglycerides (an emulsifier).
Flash forward a few decades and we now have healthier choices made with non-GMO fruit, fruit, and more fruit by Nature Addicts, a company that began in Belgium and whose products are now offered throughout Europe and North America. Read more 
Shiloh Farms Datelet Nut Rolls
Don’t eat anything your great-great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food. ~Michael Pollan
Craving something sweet without added sugar or sweeteners? Shiloh Farms Datelet Nut Rolls – non-GMO all natural ground Deglet Noor dates rolled in shredded unsweetened coconut and then topped with a single California almond – are the answer.
A trio of flavors and textures that complement each other and make for one delicious snack, Shiloh Farms Datelet Nut Rolls are sweet, chewy, and crunchy which makes them one satisfying treat. No added sugar, flavors, or preservatives; just 3 natural ingredients that your great-great grandmother would recognize: dates, coconut, and almonds. Read more
3 Easy Steps to Make a Fruit Berry Coulis
Coulis is just a fancy word for “sauce” made primarily from fruit (or vegetables). In the summertime when farmer’s markets and grocery shelves are overflowing with fresh produce, consider making a fruit berry coulis to use as a side sauce for desserts, to top your favorite ice cream, or as part of a parfait. Read more
Blueberry Crisp
This is a blueberry crisp for those who don’t want a lot of added sugar in their desserts and prefer the sweet taste of ripe berries with a whole grain crunchy topping.
Fresh summer blueberries have a distinctly sweeter flavor than the year-round blueberries available in most grocery stores which makes them an ideal ingredient to use in a fruit crisp: plump whole blueberries baked with a crunchy, oat topping.
When fruit is naturally sweet, very little sugar is needed to make a summer crisp, which makes for a healthier dessert but do taste the blueberries first because you can’t determine the sweetness by looking at them. If there is no tanginess to them, use the lower amount of sugar (2 tablespoons). For more tangy blueberries, increase the sugar to 1/4 cup. Read more
Angelcots®
Mother Nature’s juiciest apricot.
Angelcots® are a new variety of apricots that are juicier, sweeter, and more flavorful than the traditional apricot. Grown in northern California, Angelcots® are an early season variety available from the end of June through July. What sets this new kid on the block apart from other apricots is the sugar content, which is 18-24% compared to regular apricots that have 12-14%, and a juicy texture that makes them positively addicting. Read more
Apricot Apple Crisp
When sweet, golden orange apricots start appearing at farmer’s markets and in supermarkets, it’s time to put away the dried apricots and take advantage of one of nature’s sweetest delicacies. Fragrant, juicy, and delicious, the apricot can be enjoyed fresh or in a summer crisp paired with apples. The combination of textures and flavors – soft, sweet, delicate apricots and firm, tangy apples with a crunchy whole grain oat topping – make for a perfect summer dessert. Read more
Sweet Freckles™
Sweet Freckles™ is the catchy name for one of summer’s newest delicacies: a northwest strawberry cherry that has the best attributes of a fruit (cherry) and a berry (strawberry). With the firm and juicy texture of a black or Rainier cherry and the delicate sweet flavor of a sun-kissed strawberry, the Sweet Freckle™ is a winning combination for those who love sweet summer fruit.
Grown in Washington, Sweet Freckles™ are exceptionally large, extremely firm, and delightfully juicy with a deep pink or red color speckled with slightly white to creamy beige undertones. Read more
Almond Cherry Chewy Bars
Making your own energy bars is simple and easy (and not nearly as difficult as it may seem) with the benefits (flavor, taste, freshness) greatly outweighing the convenience of buying them. All you need is a food processor, parchment paper, a pan (a 7 x 10 rectangle or 8 x 8 square or 9 x 9 square) and fresh wholesome ingredients that include nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, dried fruit, and a few other special ingredients from your pantry. Read more
Chocolate Covered Blood Orange Slices (DIY)
Necessity is the mother of invention.
EHChocolatier of Somerville, Massachusetts made a decadent treat called Blood Orange & Chocolate but ran out just before Valentine’s Day after being named one of the best chocolatiers in the country. Desperate for more of these treats, the only way was to make them myself.
I could have bought blood oranges, sliced and dehydrated the pieces but instead I placed an order with Simple & Crisp – a Seattle, Washington-based company that specializes in dried fruit crisps with a cracker-like texture – for a few boxes of their Blood Orange Dried Fruit Crisps. Read more
Golden Berries and Golden Berry Relish
Golden Berries are making an appearance in grocery stores nationwide. Native to high altitude tropical climates – and particularly Peru and Columbia – Golden Berries are small round berries that look like yellow cherry tomatoes but with a sweet and mild tart flavor.
Also known as Peruvian Ground Cherries, Cape Gooseberries, Uchuva, and Physalis (its scientific name), Golden Berries have traditionally been used to make jams, preserves, and as an exotic garnish on tarts. More recently, the berries are being enjoyed as is, chopped in a salad, or diced in a relish (see recipe below). Read more
Paddock Post 