Lunch: Caramel Apples

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey, Apples, Nuts

Health benefits of Caramel Apples

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.

Apples will improve your body's sensitivity to insulin (Reference: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.full) Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup corn syrup
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 small apples
1/2 cup crushed salted peanuts, optional

Instructions

To make the caramel apples:Prepare a cookie sheet with a lightly buttered sheet of parchment, set aside. In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter, then add the brown sugar, corn syrup, honey and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture starts to boil. This can take about 10 minutes. Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 238 degrees F on a candy thermometer . Once the caramel reaches the right temperature, remove from the heat and allow it to cool to about 200 degrees F. It will begin to thicken as it cools. It should be thin enough to coat the apple, but thick enough to cling to the fruit. While the caramel is cooling, stick the lollipop or popsicle sticks into the apple. Make sure they are deep enough that they won't fall out while you are dipping the apples in the caramel. Dip the apples into the caramel. I like how they look when some of the apple is still showing, but you can completely cover them if you prefer. Hold the apple over the pot of caramel and allow some of the excess to drip off before placing them on the sheet of buttered parchment. If you want, dip the bottom in the crushed peanuts. Keep the apples in a cool, dry place and they will last for a few days, loosely covered with plastic.