Easy Healthy Recipes Using California Raisins

I've been trying to lose a few pounds and at least eat healthy for a week now since I want to look my best on my wedding day next year. The problem is, I really can't resist the temptation of munching on anything that's sweet. But who says you can't have cake and be well too?

California Raisins - beloved by many as Mother Nature’s candy - enable you to enjoy delicious dishes that nourish your soul and uplift your mood, while ensuring they still nourish your body and uplift your energy.

California Raisins are made for healthy eating and snacking. Dried in the warm California sunshine, they come by their sweetness naturally. This little fruit has many benefits that help to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

To educate and inspire Filipinos on how they can transform their favorite food items to delightful dishes, California Raisins partnered with Dr. Klaus Tenbergen, certified Master Baker, to showcase easy, exciting, and affordable recipes that families can easily recreate at home.

“Yummy snacks and desserts can still have a place on your table, even as you commit to a healthy lifestyle,” said Richard Lieu, Director of Trade Promotions. “Opting for natural ingredients like California Raisins, being more informed and intentional about your food choices and pursuing balance and moderation, can help make your wellness journey not just sustainable in the long-term, but even joyful and rewarding as well.”

To demonstrate how people can use California Raisins and cut down on sugar, Chef Tenbergen shares the following snack creations:

Easy Coconut California Raisin Bites

Ingredients:

California Natural Raisins 288 g

Shredded coconut (unsweetened) 72 g

Almonds 55 g

Coconut oil (melted) 100 g

Wheat germ (toasted) 100 g

Oats (toasted) 150 g

Raisin paste 150 g

Apricot jam 85 g

Method:

Place all the ingredients except the shredded coconut, wheat germ and oats in a food processor and pulse until the mixture becomes a paste. Add the wheat germ and oats to the paste and mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Form 12 g balls and roll them in shredded coconut. Place them in an airtight container and store under refrigeration for up to two weeks.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Mug Cake

Ingredients:

California Raisins 170 g

Almond milk (can be plant-based milk or cow’s milk) 340 g

Vegetable oil 100 g

Honey 180 g

Gluten-free flour (can be all-purpose flour) 300 g

Gluten-free oats (can be quick oats) 150 g

Baking powder 12 g

Salt 7.5 g

Cinnamon 3.3 g

Cinnamon/sugar mix as needed

Red berries coulis as needed

Method:

Whisk almond milk, oil and honey. In a separate bowl mix the flour, oats, baking powder, salt and cinnamon, and whisk again; stir in half the California Raisins. Mix all ingredients together.

Coat a coffee mug with cooking spray and flour. Add 125 g of the batter and add 1 tablespoon of red berries coulis. Sprinkle the top with some oats, the remaining California Raisins and cinnamon-sugar to taste. Cook in the microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, depending on your oven. The cake is ready when it has stopped rising and no longer looks wet around the sides. Let cool slightly before serving.

I never knew making healthy snacks is this easy! It's perfect for bride-to-be's like me who want to eat well yet still have the yummy taste we are longing for. Just remember not to eat too much because the amount of servings you consume still make or break your diet.

Also sharing with you what we had during the event. They used California Raisins on these dishes as well.

Buta Kakuni