An apple a day

Good news for those of us who are kosher - According to Mintel, a global consumer market research company, kosher is the most frequently used claim on food and beverage products that have been launched in 2008. There were 5,389 new kosher products launched this year, leading the list of top ten claims for new food and beverage products, followed by "all-natural," and "no additives/preservatives."

Why? Another report Mintel released earlier this year suggests that the popularity of kosher products is not necessarily because of religion, but because consumers of all different backgrounds trust kosher foods. They perceive them to be safer and can rely on their clearly-marked list of ingredients. It makes sense - for those of us who are lactose-intolerant, vegetarian, or just want to know what is in the products we're consuming, kosher labels make it easy. According to an article in Food Navigator, 4,477 new kosher-certified processed food products were launched in the US in 2007, compared to 1,491 in 2005 and 399 in 2003. I guess it's just one of those things we've had right all along that's just starting to catch on.

Although Judaism has many things right when it comes to wellness, I don't think Hanukkah is one of them. Let's face it - the only thing I can think of that's worse for you than potatoes fried in oil is possibly what's known as soofganiyot in Israel - donuts covered in sugar and jelly...you guessed it...fried in oil! But there is one overlooked side dish we can turn to when Hanukkah is looking anything but healthy - applesauce. Apples are a rich source of dietary fiber, and studies have shown that apples may even help lower blood cholesterol levels. This weekend I made homemade applesauce that was as easy as it was delicious. I kept the skin of the apples on, which meant that there was no peeling involved and the end result was an apple sauce full of the nutrients that are often cut out when the skin is removed. I added some pears to the mix for tartness and flavor.

B'Teavon, and Happy Hanukkah!

Treatment of the Week: Make applesauce.

8 cups coarsely chopped Fuji apples (about 2.5 pounds)

2 cups coarsely chopped Barltet pears

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup apple cider

Combine all of the ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the apples are soft. Stir occassionally. Drain the apple cider from the sauce and mash the apples sporadically with a large fork.

Question of the Week: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. What else are you doing this week to keep the doctor away?