Dessert: Spice Cake with Cranberry Filling

Pipe a ring of frosting around the cake layer, just inside the top edge, to keep filling from oozing out.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon, Cranberries

Health benefits of Spice Cake with Cranberry Filling

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).

Researchers believe that cranberries contain substances that prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. However, store-bought cranberry juice is typically all sugar - so make sure to stick with straight cranberries.

Cranberries: The Unsung Hero in PCOS Management

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) stands as one of the predominant hormonal disorders affecting many women across the globe. Finding effective and holistic methods to manage its array of symptoms is often a journey filled with trials and experiments. Amidst the vast spectrum of dietary recommendations, a certain ruby-red fruit emerges as a potential powerhouse: the humble cranberry.

Understanding Cranberries:

Native to North America, cranberries are tiny, tart berries packed with nutrients. They are most commonly known for their ability to support urinary tract health. However, their benefits extend far beyond that, making them a valuable addition to the diet of those managing PCOS.

• 1. Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries boast a high concentration of antioxidants, especially proanthocyanidins. These compounds can combat oxidative stress, which has been linked to insulin resistance, a common concern for those with PCOS.
• 2. Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Inflammation is often silently associated with PCOS. The anti-inflammatory properties of cranberries can potentially aid in reducing systemic inflammation, indirectly supporting hormonal balance.
• 3. Supports Gut Health: A healthy gut can influence hormonal balance. The fibers and phytonutrients in cranberries promote a balanced gut microbiome, fostering good digestive health.
• 4. Low Glycemic Fruit: Dietary recommendations for PCOS often stress the importance of low glycemic index (GI) foods to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Cranberries fit the bill perfectly, allowing for a sweet treat without the blood sugar spike.

Incorporating Cranberries into Your Diet:

While cranberry juice is widely available, it's essential to opt for unsweetened versions to avoid added sugars. Fresh cranberries can be added to salads, smoothies, or baked goods. Dried cranberries, preferably unsweetened or minimally sweetened, can be a delicious addition to oatmeal, granolas, or as a simple snack.

PCOS management requires a multifaceted approach, and nutrition stands as one of its cornerstones. By integrating cranberries into a balanced diet, individuals with PCOS can harness their benefits, taking a flavorful step towards better health. As with all dietary changes, it's always a good practice to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to ensure the best choices for individual health needs.

Ingredients

Cranberry Filling
2 cups fresh or frozen whole cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
2 tablespoons butter
Cake Layers
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Shortening
4 (8 1/2-inch) round disposable foil pans
Apple Cider Frosting
1 cup apple cider
1 cup butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1 (32-oz.) package powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 to 5 Tbsp. whole milk

Instructions

Prepare Filling: Stir together first 3 ingredients in a small saucepan. Whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir cornstarch mixture into cranberry mixture, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, 4 to 5 minutes or until cranberries begin to pop and mixture comes to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 more minute or until thickened and translucent. Stir in chopped cranberries and 2 Tbsp. butter, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute or until butter is melted. Remove from heat, and cool completely (about 30 minutes). Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours.
Prepare Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350 °. Beat 1 cup butter at medium speed with a heavy- duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
Whisk together flour and next 6 ingredients until well blended. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in 2 tsp. vanilla extract. Pour batter into 4 greased (with shortening) and floured 8 1/2-inch round disposable cake pans.
Bake at 350 ° for 18 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire racks (about 1 hour).
Meanwhile, prepare Frosting: Cook cider in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, 10 to 15 minutes or until reduced to 1/4 cup. Cool completely (about 20 minutes).
Beat 1 cup butter and 1/4 tsp. salt at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternately with reduced apple cider, 2 tsp. vanilla, and 4 Tbsp. milk, beating well after each addition. If needed, add up to 1 Tbsp. milk, 1 tsp. at a time, and beat until desired consistency is reached.
Place 1 cake layer on a cake plate or platter. Spoon 1 cup Apple Cider Frosting into a zip-top plastic freezer bag. Snip 1 corner of bag to make a small hole. Pipe a ring of frosting around cake layer just inside the top edge. Spread cake layer with about 2/3 cup chilled Cranberry Filling, spreading to edge of piped frosting. Repeat with 2 more layers. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Garnish with decorated sugar cones (instructions below), if desired.
Cake Garnish How-to: 1. Let 6 to 10 sugar cones stand at room temperature, uncovered, 24 hours. Cut bottom from several cones to make trees of varying heights. 2. Prepare an extra batch of Apple Cider Frosting. Using 1 cup at a time, place frosting in a zip-top plastic freezer bag. Snip 1 corner of bag to make a 1/4-inch hole. Pipe small dots of frosting onto each cone, starting at bottom and lifting up to create a snowy branch effect. Cover cones completely with frosting. 3. Carefully press silver dragees into wet frosting. Let cones dry 24 hours. Place around edge and on top of cake.