December 9, 2014 – Health and Wellness Associates

Ricotta Carnival Fritters

Who doesn’t remember going to the carnival and drooling over the intoxicating smell of Elephant Ears or Fried Dough? You couldn’t help but follow your nose only to see them being made and then laid out in front of you blanketed with an addicting glow of white confectioners sugar and others better yet smothered in tempting toppings from jams to fudge! We’re talkin’ real American comfort food here! And don’t get me started about how coming from an Italian family these fritters also taste like Zeppole another fried dough delicacy of a comfort confection!

Ingredients

2 cups canola oil
1 cup soy flour, recommend: Arrowhead Mills brand
½ cup sugar substitute, recommend: Splenda brand
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
3 large eggs
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: Portable deep-fryer recommended, sheet pan with paper towels.

Instructions

Fill and preheat a portable deep fryer to 350* F or place a heavy pot over medium-high heat with at least an inch of vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 350* F; it is important to monitor and maintain the temperature, or the fritters will burn before the inside is cooked. (Never overfill the fryer or pot with oil. You must leave room for it to bubble up when the fritters are added)
In a medium bowl, combine the soy flour, *all but 1 tablespoon of the sugar substitute and the baking powder. (*1 tablespoon sugar substitute is reserved for dusting the cooked fritters)
Next add the ricotta and eggs and mix well with a rubber spatula.
Using 2 regular tablespoons and working quickly carefully drop scant tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil using one spoon to scrape the batter off the other. Stop putting more into the oil when the first ones start to brown. Once they are a dark golden brown on the bottom side use a slotted metal spoon to turn each fritter over and continue to cook until dark golden brown on that side. Remove with the slotted spoon and drain on the paper lined sheet pan. Repeat process for remaining batter.
While hot, sprinkle the fritters with the reserved sugar substitute and serve. Fritters may also be served cold the same day, but do not refrigerate.

Try filling these fritters with fresh whipped cream (made without sugar, of course) to make little cream puffs! Or stuff them with just a tad of sugar free all natural jelly for delightfully decadent mini jelly donut!!! You may use low fat ricotta cheese to reduce the fats in this recipe and even egg beaters may replace fresh eggs to reduce cholesterol. Also the sugar substitute may be reduced by half if you desire.

Foods

Walnuts

December 9, 2014 HWA - Health and Wellness Associates

Walnuts are one of the most antioxidant rich foods and are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory properties and are known to help prevent strokes, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and colon, prostate, and breast cancers. Walnuts are also high in B-complex vitamins and minerals such as copper, iron, manganese, zinc, calcium, and selenium. Walnuts are particularly beneficial for cognitive health and are generally regarded as an excellent “brain food”. Walnuts can also calm the nervous system and increase your sense of well being and peace. They are known to satiate the appetite as well as aid in long term weight loss. Walnuts are high in vitamin E which helps to keeps cells protected from free radical damage. Walnuts are also very important for the neurological and circulatory systems and can help to benefit neuropathy, cerebral palsy, dementia, raynaud’s disease, and atherosclerosis. Walnut oil is a wonderful moisturizer for the skin and is regularly used in skin care products for its healing and protective benefits. Try mashing a few ripe bananas and sprinkling chopped walnuts on top for a energy and brain boosting breakfast. Only a handful of walnuts a day are needed to receive their powerful health benefits.