Edible Skin Care Recipes - Part IV

Hello everyone! Sorry I've been away so long! It's gardening season in coastal Maine and I've been busy planting my veggies in my smaller 25' x 55' organic garden and enjoying watching my husband create/construct a new, crescent-shaped, terraced, - much larger - garden outlined with native boulders. We live along the Penobscot River as it opens to the Atlantic and our property slopes down towards the water. The view from the new garden is spectacular. In this new garden, I plan on planting "things that vine & need space" such as winter squashes, pumpkins, black raspberries, blackberries, high-bush blueberries, strawberries, and corn. It's so exciting!

Today, I'll give you another recipe for "skin-beautifying food". These no-bake, semi-raw cookies are super yummy! Hope you give them a try.


APRICOT CHEWS

Each day, eat something that, if planted, would grow - such as the seeds in these no-bake cookies (if left untoasted). Apricots and raisins add iron, necessary for the hemoglobin that transports oxygen to cells, giving you a healthy glow. Lecithin granules, available in most health food stores, sharpen the mind and improve memory. Rosemary adds a peppy finish.

Ingredients:

12 dried, unsulfured apricots, chopped
1/2 cup raisins or currants
1 cup apple juice, natural or fresh squeezed
1 sprig or rosemary, minced or 1/2 teaspoon dried
3 tablespoons almonds, coarsely ground or slivered, raw or lightly toasted
3 tablespoons low-fat granola cereal
3 tablespoons lecithin granules
3 tablespoons raw or toasted wheatgerm
2 tablespoons bran cereal
1 tablespoon dry milk powder or soy milk powder
2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut, raw or toasted
2 tablespoons sunflower seed kernels, raw or lightly toasted
3 tablespoons sesame seeds, raw or lightly toasted
Raw or lightly toasted walnut halves for garnish

To Make:

1. In a small saucepan, pour apple juice over apricots and raisins. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Drain.
2. In a food processor, puree the fruit and rosemary.
3. In a separate bowl, blend puree with almonds, granola, lecithin, wheatgerm, bran, milk powder, coconut, sunflower kernels, and sesame seeds.
4. Place mixture on waxed or parchment paper or aluminum foil. Using sides of paper, form mixture into a 10-12" log. Wrap and refrigerate for an hour or longer until firm. Slice log into 12 pieces. Press a walnut into the center of each slice.

To Use: Wrap individually with plastic food wrap and refrigerate to keep firm. Enjoy!

Yield: 1 dozen, approximately 80 calories each


NOTE & Disclaimer: The above information has been adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. It is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on part of the author. Ms. Tourles disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. Please see a nutritionist or health professional should you have any medical questions or feel free to research this topic further on your own.