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Nutmeg....
A Wonder Spice!
Most of us are aware of cinnamon's many health benefits. Although nutmeg is not as common, it is a powerhouse of a spice. Fiona uses nutmeg in her Cinnamon Spice Granola. In addition to warming our senses and our tastebuds, nutmeg increase circulation, which helps warm our bodies in the winter. Here are some of the other health benefits related to this wonderful and delicious spice. NUTMEG...
~ Has strong antibacterial properties. It is effective in killing a number of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. For this reason, it is a common ingredient in many toothpastes.
~ Contains eugenol, a compound that may benefit the heart.
~ Contains myristicin, which has been shown to inhibit an enzyme in the brain that contributes to Alzheimer's disease.
~ Has been shown to improve memory.
~ Aids digestion and improves appetite.
~Can help to combat asthma.
~ Is used to relax muscles.
~ Nutmeg oil is used to treat toothaches and to control bad breath.
~ Drops of nutmeg oil can also be mixed with honey to treat nausea, gastroenteritis, chronic diarrhea, and indigestion.
~ In homoeopathy, nutmeg is used to treat anxiety and depression.
~ In Chinese medicine, it is used to treat impotence and liver disease.
~ In Arab countries, it is valued as an aphrodisiac.
~ As a tonic, nutmeg helps clean the liver and kidney to remove toxins. It is also effective in preventing and dissolving kidney stones. Information extracted from completewellbeing.com
and fitday.com. |
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In the True Spirit of Giving... | |
Not only does Fiona love to support local, she loves to donate product to local events and charities. Below are just a few of the groups she donated product to in 2011.
EFAA - Emergency Family Assistance Association. She donated over 700 energy bars to needy families.
CULTIVA YOUTH PROJECT
Cultiva works to create positive change for youth through hands-on organic gardening, community service, and leadership training. Through Cultiva, young people in Boulder County learn to work for the planet, their community, and themselves.
COTTONWOOD INSTITUTE
This group connects diverse students to the outdoors and also empowers them to improve their schools, their communities, and their environment.
IMPACT ON EDUCATION
This group funds programs and initiatives to support teachers and students of the Boulder Valley School District.
SAFEHOUSE PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE FOR NONVIOLENCE
This group provides safety and support for victims of domestic violence and works toward justice and equity. Services include a crisis hot line, emergency shelter, counseling, transitional housing, legal and financial assistance, and education.
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Welcome to Fiona's Granola
Happy Holidays everyone! As winter approaches, it is a time for reflection, sharing, and supporting causes that mean the most to us. Introspection, re-evaluating our goals, and making resolutions are high on our minds. Giving and receiving go hand-in-hand, as does the pure enjoyment of reaching out to people and having them reciprocate our good will. What do the holidays mean to you? Do you light candles in your Menorah, go to Christmas Eve service, or celebrate Kwanzaa? Do you have special holiday traditions that bring you special enjoyment? Read on, because we'll be asking you to share them with us! This month, discover some of the many benefits that come with buying locally, learn about the wonders of nutmeg, and bake up some rich and festive raspberry granola squares for your cookie exchange or to share with family and friends. |
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This Season, Let's Go Local!
Eat Local, Buy Local, Be Local!
We all understand the importance of buying locally. By supporting local businesses this season, you contribute to your community in these wonderful ways:
* It stimulates the local economy.
* It helps locals keep their jobs.
* Local businesses give back locally.
* It's good for the environment.
* It promotes a sense of community.
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THE PERFECT GIFT:
FIONA'S NEW SNACK PACK!
The gift of health is always a perfect gift, and buying locally makes it even more perfect! When you purchase a Snack Pack, you get to choose two varieties of cereal and one variety of energy bar, and we add a small bag of Jungle Blend Trail Mix. The gift packs come in an attractive white box, and we will even include a customized gift card by request. Just let us know what it should say. Fiona's Snack Pack makes the perfect gift any time of year, and Fiona's product line includes something for everyone.
Check out her wonderful goodies at www.fionasgranola.com.
 | | Fiona's Snack Pack Gift Box |
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Tradition, Tradition!
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
One thing we all look forward to during the holidays is gathering together with friends and family to celebrate our favorite meals, games, and other pasttimes. We'd love for you to share your favorite traditions with us! Feel free to go our FaceBook page and share away! Perhaps one of your traditions will become a new tradition for someone else. Since Fiona can remember, her family has eaten stollen during the holidays. From an old-world recipe passed down from her Jewish grandmother, this holiday treat is a true labor of love, and well worth the hours in the kitchen. The stollen is supposed to sit for 6 weeks after baking so that all the butter can work its magic. |
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Raspberry Granola Squares
Quick and easy, but rich and 
satisfying, these buttery morsels are both festive and delicious! Made with Fiona's Cinnamon Spice Granola, you'll also reap the health benefits of cinnamon and nutmeg.
RASPBERRY GRANOLA SQUARES
3/4 butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 cups Fiona's Cinnamon Spice Granola
1 cup raspberry preserves
In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. In medium bowl, stir together flour and baking soda. Add granola and stir until well blended. Add dry ingredients to butter and sugar and mix together to form a crumbly consistency. Pat 2/3 of the mixture into an ungreased 9" x 9" baking pan. Heat the preserves just until soft enough to spread (either on the stove or in microwave). Spread preserves evenly onto dry mixture, making sure to reach the edges, then top preserves with remaining dry mixture, spreading evenly. Pat gently. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until nicely golden brown. Cool and cut into bars.
Fiona's Favorite: Cinnamon Spice
Note: Other preserves may be substituted or combined with the raspberry. Try apricot, pomegranate, boysenberry, and/or strawberry.
To make a wheat-free version, substitute barley flour for the wheat flour, and add 1/4 tsp. xanthan gum to the dry mix.
(Xanthan gum is a plant-derived powder that can be found in the baking aisle of your grocery store. It helps hold together baked goods containing little or no gluten). |
www.fionasgranola.com
info@fionasgranola.com
303-415-1121
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