Lunch: Cream Cheese Stuffed Monkey Bread

A twist on the classic monkey bread recipe--cream cheese-stuffed Pillsbury® crescent dough oozing with warm caramel and cinnamon.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon, Honey

Health benefits of Cream Cheese Stuffed Monkey Bread

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 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 container (8 oz) honey-nut cream cheese
2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury™ refrigerated Crescent Dough Sheet
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 °F. Grease 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with shortening or cooking spray. In small shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Unroll each can of dough into 1 large rectangle; if using crescent roll dough, press perforations to seal. Cut each rectangle into 8 rows by 3 rows, to make 24 pieces per rectangle (48 pieces of dough total).
Place about 1/2 teaspoon cream cheese on center of dough piece. Fold dough over cream cheese, and gently crimp it around cream cheese; roll in sugar-cinnamon mixture. Repeat with remaining dough pieces.
Place cream cheese-filled dough balls in pan. Sprinkle with remaining sugar-cinnamon mixture. In small bowl, mix brown sugar and melted butter; pour over crescent pieces.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan 10 minutes; run knife around edge of pan to loosen. Place heatproof serving plate over pan; carefully turn plate and pan over. Remove pan. Cool 10 minutes longer. Cover and refrigerate any remaining bread.

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