Raisins are not as appealing to children as chocolate chips are. But these treats are actually a healthy sweetener alternative that parents can use to prepare healthier dishes and snacks.
“California Raisins are fat and cholesterol free, low in sodium, and naturally sweet with no added sugar,” said Richard Lieu, Trade Promotions director (Southeast Asia) of the Raisin Administrative Committee.
He added, “California Raisins are versatile enough to be added as natural sweeteners to various recipes that children can take as baons for school.”
Lieu suggested combining raisins with fruits, nuts, and cereals to make quick trail mixes or energy bars; mix them with chopped chicken, ham, or tuna for sandwich spreads they can enjoy with wheat bread, bagels, or pita; or toss them with vegetable or fruit salads, beef stews, menudo, meatloaves, tacos or burritos.
Here’s a recipe by Chef Jackie Ang Po of Fleur de Lys Patisserie that parents can whip up for their children’s baon or snack.
California Raisins Light Cheesecake Almond Tart
Crust
Ingredients:
110g butter
60g powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
170g all purpose flour
Procedure:
Cream butter and sugar until light.
Add egg yolk and flour. Divide into nine.
Shape into rings.
Bake at 180c (25 minutes)
Cheesecake Layer
Ingredients:
135g California Raisins (soak in hot water for 10 minutes and drain)
2pcs egg yolk
35g sugar
60ml heavy cream
30ml milk
1tsp vanilla
30g cream cheese
Procedure:
Make a crème anglaise.
Pour over cream cheese and blend.
Pour into crust with raisins (2 tbsp per tart).
Bake until set at 180 C. (10 minutes).
Enjoy this dessert warm or cold.
Sprinkle a very small amount of sugar and place inside the oven toaster with top heat open for brulee effect (or use a torch if available).
Serving: 9 pieces, 40 grams each
California Raisins are available in leading supermarkets nationwide. To know more about California Raisins, visit http://calraisins.org/ and www.caraisins.com or like them at Facebook at www.facebook.com/RACASEAN/.