Blood Orange Curd
I realized yesterday that our living room is just about about the size of the island in Chris’s aunt’s kitchen. Granted, her kitchen is super-sized, but that still tells you something, doesn’t it?
Currently, a huge piece of surface material is taking up about a quarter of the total space, smack in the middle of it all. It makes getting around the apartment challenging. You have to shimmy around it, but mind the wires!, because you might trip like I did this morning, knocking over a speaker that had been playing Lykke Li. (I don’t think it’s broken.)
Chris likes to joke that the entire apartment has become my studio, and he’s not kidding. Lining one wall are foamboards and reflectors and all kinds of surfaces. Lining the opposite wall are stacks of bowls, plates, jars, glassware, silverware, pots, pans, and other props. It’s a delicate situation.
The kitchen is no exception, both in the fact that it’s tiny (I’ve touched on this before), and that I treat it as an extension of my studio. Open any drawer and you’ll discover the tricks of my trade: a rolling pin balanced precariously atop a couple mortars, pestles off to the side, an entire drawerful of random shiny gizmo-gadgets: biscuit cutters, the candy thermometer, a milk frother. And watch out if you want to grab a baking sheet: you’ll have to dig through a mountain of metallica, maneuvering your hand through tiny crevices and odd corners.
Oh, the life of a food blogger.
The truth is, despite having all this stuff lying around, I still find myself gravitating towards simple recipes, today’s being no exception. I like using ingredients that are in season (well, I guess that’s true of many of us), and I like being able to really taste their essence.
Maybe that makes me lazy. Or maybe it makes me a faux-Alice Waters in training? I’ll let you decide.
To tell you the truth, being newly open to baking with citruses and all, I had planned on preparing something a little more ambitious for today. In my head, I envisioned perfect mini tarts filled with silky caramel and topped with this blood orange curd, glistening of course. I really intended to stun you all away with my baking prowess.
But: a) and mostly importantly, I have no baking prowess, and b) there are bills to pay (also very important, come to think of it), so I let my intentions dwindle into this blood orange curd, which ended up being a real treat.
I’m with Kate on this one. The word ‘curd’ just doesn’t do it for me. It rhymes with ‘turd’ for one thing, and ugh, the tongue seems to linger on that ‘r,’ drawing it out so it sounds like you’re insulting someone.
Anyway, as you can see, the citrus obsession continues. (Amy! I’m filling your plate with more citrus!) Please don’t let its name detract from what it is, because that would be doing a great disservice to this recipe.
Though the butter and egg yolk have the effect of mellowing out the acidity of the orange, the citrus flavor really comes through. I like how blood oranges aren’t super sweet; it really helps keep the sweetness factor in check. And I like how the curd is creamy, like a buttery jam. It tastes really good on plain toast (in particular, it pairs really well with this poppy seed bread we have in the house).
I was surprised with how the color turned out, because the juice was such a vivid coral, but again, mellowing occurred and the pinkish-red turned into a pretty pastel orange. Don’t you love lovely-looking food?
Other ways in which to use your curd (ugh, that sounds so dirty):
These shortcakes via Bon Appétit
This chiffon cake via Eat the Love (gorgeous photos!)
These bars via White on Rice Couple (with a brown butter crust, yum)
In other words, you can pretty much do whatever you feel like with the stuff. So go, go and make your blood orange caramel tarts, see if I care!
BLOOD ORANGE CURD
Makes about 1 pint
Ingredients:
- 12 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup freshly-squeezed blood orange juice (from around 3 blood oranges)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (8 Tbsp), cut into Tbsp pieces
Directions:
Place the egg yolks, sugar, blood orange juice, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan and turn the heat on to low. Whisk constantly (or the yolks will curdle), for about 10 minutes. At this point, the curd should become really foamy, then thicken up. When it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, run the ingredients through a sieve into a medium bowl. Immediately stir in the butter a little at a time until it all melts and becomes incorporated. Let cool and refrigerate.
Are Honey Bunches of Oats Healthy? Truth Revealed!
Nothing compares to a bowl of cereal and a glass of milk for a quick breakfast.
Many kids and adults frequently eat breakfast cereal. One choice that has gained popularity over the past 30 years is Honey Bunches of Oats.
The advantages and disadvantages of consuming morning cereals are hotly debated.
So, are honey bunches of oats healthy?
Honey bunches of oats are undesirable due to their extreme unhealthiness. These goods are very calorically and carbohydrate dense. Sugars and lipids are also abundant in them. These goods are not healthy for us. Additionally, they hurt our teeth. They are also recognized for causing heart conditions.
I’ve covered the benefits, side effects, and nutritional value of honey bunches of oats in this article.
Are Honey Bunches of Oats Healthy?
No, honey bunches of oats does not consider a healthy breakfast. Because of its nutritional value, it is good as a dessert item.
Honey bunches of oats have high levels of sugar that can cause many severe diseases. Such as type 2 diabetes, and a higher risk of heart disease.
Despite the fact that fortification included vitamins and minerals, they are nonetheless unhealthy. Adding nutrients to food during processing is known as fortification.
Honey Bunches of Oats Nutrition Value
Corn, whole wheat, and whole oats are three types of whole grains. These are combined in Honey Bunches of Oats.
It also includes some processed carbs in addition to other organic and synthetic substances.
Like most morning cereals, it is high in carbohydrates and low in fiber, protein, and fats.
The following nutrients are contained in a 3/4-cup (30-gram) portion of the cereal’s original flavor:
| Calories | 120 |
| Carbs | 23 grams |
| Fat | 2 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Protein | 2 grams |
| Sugar | 6 grams |
| Vitamin A | 16% of the DV (Daily Value) |
| Iron | 60% of the DV |
| Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 | 25% of the DV |
| Folic Acid | 50% of the DV |
However, adding milk alters the cereal’s nutritional profile. Adding 40–60 extra calories to the overall calorie can change the number of carbs, protein, and fat.
According to experts, breakfast should contain 20–25% of your daily caloric intake. Primarily from dairy, cereals, and fruit.
You can simply add milk and fruit to your portion of Honey Bunches of Oats.
Benefits of Honey Bunches of Oats
Many of the health advantages of breakfast cereals are attributed to their high vitamin and mineral content.
To ensure greater quantities, nutrients are added during processing. Therefore, most of the vitamins and minerals in Honey Bunches of Oats come from fortification.
However, research suggests that folic acid and iron supplementation have significantly reduced the frequency of anemia. Also, defective neural tube development, respectively.
Additionally, studies on kids and teenagers have connected regular cereal consumption with more milk drinking. It helps to support higher calcium and vitamin B2 intakes.
Honey Bunches of Oats is Fortified
The FDA has mandated that breakfast cereals, especially Honey Bunches of Oats, be fortified with vital vitamins and minerals. This is excellent news if you are even remotely concerned about your health.
It is specifically fortified with the B complex vitamins. It is beneficial for hemopoiesis, or the production of blood in your body.
However, you may experience the negative effects of hypervitaminosis if you take unprescribed vitamin supplements.
Low in Calories
A calorie has both good and bad effects. The availability of low-calorie versions of everyone’s favorite foods today has thrown the planet into an unending pit. Honey Bunches of Oats brings you the good news in this case.
This cereal only contains 120 calories per 30 grams. However, it will also sate your hunger and calm your appetite. It will become nothing less than a delectable indulgence if you add some fruits and nuts.
Good For the Women
Women who are sexually active are more likely to experience iron and folic acid deficits. Anemia, neural tube defects, and infant mortality rate all rise as a result of this.
Iron and folic acid can both be found in abundance in Honey Bunches of Oats. The protein level will improve the meal’s nutritious worth because milk is typically served with it.
Adequate Amount of Whole Grain
Honey Bunches of Oats contains more entire grains, such as whole wheat, bran, rice, corn, etc. Both preventing obesity and lowering cholesterol are advantages of grains.
Grains that have not been processed will keep you fuller for longer. It will provide you roughage, which you will like in the bathroom because it facilitates bowel movement.
Related Post: Are Fish Sticks Healthy – 10 Healthy And Unhealthy Facts
Potential Downsides of Honey Bunches of Oats
Honey Bunches of Oats might not offer a well-balanced breakfast because of its nutritional profile. It has some downsides too that need to be considered.
High Level of Added Sugar
Every breakfast cereal, including honey bunches of oats, has a ton of extra sugar. High sugar consumption when paired with refined carbohydrates is equivalent to poison.
They have the effect of a slow poison. It can raise your risk of being overweight or obese, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
From a young age, children are given extra sugars, making them a dangerous issue for everyone, not just adults. Their preference for sugar and sweets grows as a result.
These dietary habits persist into later life, eventually causing the development of chronic medical disorders.
Low in Protein and Fiber
Despite being constructed of entire grains, honey bunches of oats are not regarded as healthy, high-fiber cereals. Because the recommended range does not include the necessary amounts of fiber to qualify as a healthy cereal.
A product is regarded as high fiber if it has at least 5 g of fiber per serving. A product is considered to be a good source of fiber if it contains at least 3 g of fiber per serving.
But there are only 2 grams of fiber in one serving of honey oat bunches. It is therefore a subpar source of fiber.
According to a study, those who consumed high-fiber breakfast cereal felt satisfied for up to 4 hours longer than those who received low-fiber fare. Protein and fiber-rich foods also discourage unhealthy snacking and lower daily calorie intake.
Low Amount of Honey
Honey Bunches of Oats just contains enough honey to support the packaging’s assertion that it does. You are merely feeding yourself a spoonful of sugar while raving about how amazing these taste.
High Level of Gluten
Gluten is present in Honey Bunches of Oats. A genetically inherited metabolic abnormality causes gluten sensitivity in a large number of people.
Even a small serving of this cereal will cause bloating, fatigue, and diarrhea if you are gluten intolerant. It doesn’t sound like something you would want to find yourself in.
Healthy Alternatives of Honey Bunches of Oats
According to research, eating breakfast dishes with whole grains and nutrient-dense ingredients may improve health outcomes. Such as eggs and other protein sources.
At least 3 servings of complete grains and 5.5 servings of protein should be consumed daily. It is according to the US Dietary Guidelines.
You can comply with this guideline by including some of these in your breakfast.
Here are some better breakfast options:
Over Night Oats
Raw oats should be combined with milk or water and refrigerated overnight. In the morning, garnish with fruits, unsweetened coconut, nut butter, or seeds.
Butter is a great source of protein. Per serving, butter has 7 grams of protein. You can have butter with your bread or toast.
| Quaker Old Fashioned Rolled Oats | Check Price here |
| BARNEY Almond Butter | Check Price here |
Make sure you’re not missing out on any protein from your breakfast.
Breakfast Burritos
Wrapped in a whole-wheat tortilla, scrambled eggs are packed with extra fiber-rich vegetables.
Related Article: Are Burritos Healthy? [Benefits and Risks]
Breakfast Smoothies
Blend your preferred milk with your favorite fruits, and for an added protein boost, stir in some Greek yogurt. Oats are another option for a high-fiber carbohydrate diet.
Avocado Toast
On a slice of whole-grain bread, spread 1-2 teaspoons of mashed avocado. For a source of superior protein, you may add some cheese, hard-boiled eggs, or salmon to the dish’s toppings.
Veggie Omelet
Two eggs should be beaten and taste-seasoned. Before flipping the omelet, cook the eggs in a pan and add as many vegetables as you’d like.
Oatmeal Pancakes
In a bowl, combine chia seeds, a banana, raw oats, and two eggs. Pour the pancake mixture into a pan and cook the pancakes after adding some cinnamon and vanilla essence for taste.
Chia Puddings
About two tablespoons of chia seeds and your preferred milk should be combined. Serve them with fresh fruit and nuts after letting them set for an hour or overnight.
FAQs
How Unhealthy is Honey Bunches of Oats?
Honey Bunches of Oats does not offer a balanced breakfast since, like most breakfast cereals. Despite being fortified with vitamins and minerals. It is heavy in added sugar and poor in fiber and protein. Dietary recommendations advise including a lot of protein and fiber in your morning routine.
Does Honey Bunches of Oats Make You Gain Weight?
Yes, Honey Bunches of Oats cause weight gain. Many morning cereals, like Honey Bunches of Oats, typically contain sugar among the top three components. Excessive amounts of processed carbs and added sugar have been linked to severe disease. Such as a higher risk of heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Can You Eat Honey Bunches of Oats on a Diet?
Honey Bunches of Oats is low in calories and devoid of additional vitamins or minerals. Rather, it has a high carbohydrate content and little protein and fiber. You can anticipate weight loss and improved health if you consume these items in moderation.
Conclusion
Still wondering, are honey bunches of oats healthy? While not precisely a healthy snack, Honey Bunches of Oats isn’t exactly considered junk food either. If you choose to, consume it in moderation, and everything will be OK.
Choose a more straightforward option for your typical breakfast, such as raw milled oats. Take it easy on your body and your wallet.