Apr 13 2009
Better sweetener ideas….swap out sugar for these!
1. Maple Syrup - Look for grade B syrup, which has the strongest flavor- so that you can use less of it - and contains trace minerals, such as zinc and magnesium. Perfect for pancakes, it an also be drizzled over roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, oatmeal, or yogurt.
2. Agave Nectar - Made from the cactus-like agave plant, this syrup is gaining popularity because of its low ranking on the glycemic index scale. Use it as you would sugar; for baking, substitute two-thirds of a cup for 1 cup of sugar and reduce oven temp. by 25 degrees.
3. Molasses - Just 1 tbsp. of the superthick blackstrap version fulfills 20 percent of your daily calcium and iron requirements! You’ll also get 8 percent of the potassium you need in a day. Use it to top plain yogurt, oatmeal, or waffles.
4. Honey Powder- While honey provides B vitamins and promotes the growth of “good” bacteria in your stomach, it can leave a sticky residue on shelves and make a mess! Enter the powdered form, it dissolves in iced tea and can be used instead of sugar in a 1-to-1 ratio. YUM!
I’ll have to try the honey powder. I sometimes use honey instead of sugar, but as you pointed out, it can be messy. Great tips.