Lunch: Mini Corn Dogs with Honey-Mustard Sauce

Cocktail-size franks are perfect for little hands — and small appetites. We baked them in homemade cornmeal biscuit "blankets.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Mini Corn Dogs with Honey-Mustard Sauce

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

1.67 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. yellow cornmeal
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. cold margarine or butter
1 tbsp. shortening
3/4 c. milk
24 miniature hot dogs
Honey-Mustard Sauce (see below)

Instructions

In large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. With pastry blender or two knives used scissor-fashion, cut in margarine or butter, and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. With spoon, stir in milk until mixture forms a soft dough that leaves side of bowl.
Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead gently to mix thoroughly. With floured hands, pat dough into 7" by 5" rectangle. With floured rolling pin, roll dough into 14" by 9" rectangle.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. With floured 2 1/4-inch round biscuit cutter, cut out 24 dough rounds, rerolling trimmings.
Place 1 hot dog on a dough round. Bring sides of dough up around hot dog; pinch in center to seal. Place wrapped hot dog, seam side up, on cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough rounds and hot dogs. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until biscuits are golden.
Meanwhile, prepare Honey-Mustard Sauce: In small bowl, with spoon, stir 1/3 cup honey, 1/3 cup prepared mustard, and 1 tablespoon light molasses until blended. Makes about 2/3 cup sauce.
Serve corn dogs with sauce. Each corn dog without sauce: About 105 calories, 3 g protein, 9 g carbohydrate, 6 g total fat (2 g saturated), 8 mg cholesterol, 315 mg sodium. Each teaspoon sauce: About 15 calories, 0 g protein, 3 g carbohydrate, 0 g total fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 30 mg sodium.

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