Yay for minerals!

In honor of nutrients, here are a few nutrient-rich recipes. There is nothing like enjoying good food, knowing the wonderful stuff it's doing for your body. Double enjoyment!

Our first recipe is brought to us by the mineral Manganese. Manganese is found in whole grains and is involved in the formation of bone and is part of many enzymes that contribute to protein, cholesterol, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Cranberry-Almond Granola
2/3 cup frozen unsweetened apple juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup almond oil, or canola oil
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
5 cups rolled oats, (not quick-cooking)
1 cup toasted wheat germ
1 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup dried cranberries, divided

Directions
1. Position racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven; preheat to 325 degrees F. Coat 2 large baking sheets with sides with cooking spray.
2. Whisk apple juice concentrate, maple syrup, oil and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in cinnamon and salt.
3. Mix oats, wheat germ, almonds and sunflower seeds in a large bowl. Stir in the juice mixture; toss to coat. Spread the granola evenly on the prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake the granola for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. Reverse sheets top to bottom and back to front. Continue baking until lightly browned and aromatic, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes more. Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks; stir 1/2 cup dried cranberries into the granola on each sheet. Let cool completely.


Recipe #2 features the mineral phosphorus. Phosphorus is a major component of bones and teeth (2nd only to calcium), helps maintain a normal pH balance, and is crucial in the generation and utilization of energy.

So nearly all food products contain phosphorus, but dairy products are particularly rich sources.

Pina-Colada Yogurt Parfait (warning: this is a pretty complex recipe so be sure to do your Betty Crocker warm-ups before attempting . . . )

1/3 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup crushed canned pineapple, or canned mandarin oranges
1 tablespoon toasted coconut

Directions
Top yogurt with pineapple (or canned mandarin oranges) and coconut.