Easy as A-B-C Monday: N is for nuts
Because I sometimes have the mentality of a 12 year old I keep giggling at the thought of the word nuts. Heh heh.
Nuts are either a seed or a fruit, except for the all-American favorite, the peanut, which is actually a legume. Seed, fruit, or legume, nuts are a great snack, they’re full of the “good for you” fat, and they have a number of health benefits. Studies have shown that eating nuts can lower your cholesterol and protect your heart. One study even suggests that people who eat nuts regularly may live 2 to 3 years longer than non nut-eaters. (heh heh)
Delicious on their own, nuts are also welcome additions to a number of baked goods, stir fries, casseroles and vegetables. One of the most kid friendly way to eat nuts is in butter form. Because of the high oil content in nuts, when ground they make a spreadable paste. Peanut butter is the classic nut butter, but cashew and almond butters are also widely available.
Unfortunately nuts are also highly allergenic, especially the nut that isn’t actually a nut, the peanut. Babies should avoid consuming all nuts during the first year of life or longer, depending on family history. Because I tend to err on the safe side, after I forgot to ask about peanuts at Sam’s 12 month appointment I held off. At his 15 month appointment his pediatrician recommended peanut butter to fatten him up. He likes it on crackers, but he loves it in a smoothie.
Peanut butter banana smoothie
1/2 cup milk (you can also use soy milk or yogurt)
1 frozen banana
2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
1 generous squirt of chocolate syrup
Blend all ingredients into a thick, liquidy puree.
This recipe makes 2 small smoothies. If you have leftovers freeze them in a popsicle mold.
nuts, peanut butter banana smoothie recipe,
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November 13th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
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