Lunch: Piggies

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon, Honey

Health benefits of Piggies

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060).

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

1/4 teaspoon salt
4 1/4 cups all purpose flour, may need a bit more, plus 2 to 3 tablespoons to roll out the dough
12 oz. piloncillo, chopped or grated, or substitute for 1 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 stick true or ceylon cinnamon, of 2" to 3" length
2 sticks or 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda
2 eggs at room temperature, lightly beaten
2 3 tablespoons to all purpose flour, a bit more or less, to roll out the dough
1 egg, lightly beaten to be used as glaze

Instructions

In a saucepan, combine the grated piloncillo or dark brown sugar with the water and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat and once it simmers, adjust and lower heat to keep it at a low-medium simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it thickens to a light syrup consistency. Turn off the heat and remove the cinnamon stick. You should have now about 1 1/4 cups piloncillo liquid. Add the butter and the honey into the hot liquid, and stir until it dissolves.
In a mixing bowl mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make a whole in the center and pour the piloncillo mixture. With a spatula mix it all together in an evolving motion until it is well incorporated. Lightly beat 2 eggs and incorporate into the dough. The dough will be sticky and gooey.
Place enough plastic wrap in the bottom of a mixing bowl to have wings on the sides. With a spatula, push the dough onto the plastic wrap, wrap the dough, and refrigerate anywhere from 3 hrs to overnight.
When ready to make the cookies, preheat oven to 375. Grease a couple cookie/baking sheets with butter. If using one sheet you may need to do a couple batches.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator. In a countertop, sprinkle a couple tablespoons of flour. Rub a bit of flour on the rolling pin as well. Roll dough until you have about 1/4"€ thickness. Using piggie cookie cutters (or other animals or shapes, but then you may need to change the name!), press down on dough, moving a bit on countertop, to make it easier to lift the shaped dough up.
Place the Piggies on the baking sheet as you shape them along. Gently brush cookie tops with lightly beaten egg. Roll the extra already used dough, wrap with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before using again, or it will be too soft and sticky. Repeat to make remaining cookies.
Bake cookies in middle rack of the oven anywhere from 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on cooling rack. You may sprinkle with confectioners sugar on top. Enjoy with a glass of milk.

Share Piggies