This week, we are focusing on bold flavors and smart baking. Whether you are looking for a way to preserve citrus, a healthy breakfast, or a savory side that “disappears fast,” these three recipes have you covered!
1. Homemade Magic: DIY Intense Lemon Powder
“Just a pinch is enough to enhance your desserts and dishes!”
Why buy artificial extracts when you can make this vibrant, all-natural flavor booster at home? This powder packs a punch and keeps your kitchen smelling like a Mediterranean summer.
The Essentials
• Fresh Lemon Peels: Use organic lemons whenever possible since we are using the skin.
• A Dehydrator or Oven: To gently remove all moisture.
• A High-Speed Blender: To achieve that fine, golden dust.
Pro Tips
• Avoid the Pith: When peeling your lemons, try to get only the yellow zest. The white pith underneath is bitter and will dull the flavor.
• The “Snap” Test: Ensure the peels are brittle enough to snap before grinding; any remaining moisture will cause the powder to clump.
2. Weight Watchers Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
“0 Points. 100% Flavor. Grab one for breakfast on the run!”
These bars are a game-changer for anyone tracking points or just looking for a clean, sweet snack. They are dense, chewy, and bursting with fresh blueberries.
The Ingredients
• 2 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 2 Ripe Bananas (The riper they are, the sweeter the bars!)
• 1 cup Fresh Blueberries
• ½ cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract & 1 tsp Cinnamon
The Method
1. Mash & Mix: Mash the bananas until smooth, then stir in the applesauce, vanilla, and cinnamon.
2. Fold: Add the oats and gently fold in the blueberries.
3. Bake: Spread into a lined square pan. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 25–30 minutes until firm.
4. The Snack Rule: Cut them into bars for breakfast, or cut those pieces in half for a perfect 0-point sweet snack during the day.
3. Flaky Garlic & Herb Cheese Squares
“Whenever these are out on the kitchen table, they disappear so fast!”
These savory squares are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With visible layers of buttery dough and a golden cheese crust, they are as beautiful as they are delicious.
The Ingredients
• 2½ cups All-Purpose Flour & 1 tbsp Baking Powder
• ½ cup Cold Butter (Cubed)
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar (Freshly grated)
• 1 cup Cold Buttermilk
• Topping: Melted butter, fresh parsley, and garlic salt.
The Method
1. Cold is Key: Cut the cold butter into your flour until it looks like crumbs. Stir in the cheese and buttermilk.
2. The “Lift”: Gently fold the dough over itself 3–4 times on a floured surface. This creates the flaky layers you see in the photo!
3. Bake: Cut into even squares. Bake at 220°C (425°F) until they are tall, puffed, and golden brown.
4. The Finishing Touch: Brush with garlic butter the moment they come out of the oven.