Brain food? The science of brain-healthy living is not (yet) definitive, but the dishes featured here use ingredients that, research shows, could boost your brain power. From AARP's new book, ThinkFood: Recipes for Brain Fitness, these delicious recipes were submitted by food bloggers in conjunction with Posit Science, the leading provider of clinically proven brain fitness exercises and information.
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In the mood for a healthy treat? Try a pecan, cranberry and orange muffin. — Jason Whalen
Pecan, Cranberry and Orange Muffins
Makes 12 muffins
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup superfine sugar (also known as castor sugar)
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- Zest of 1/2 orange
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 stick butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons orange juice
- 1/2 cup cranberries
1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
2. Sift the two flours and baking powder into a large mixing bowl, then stir in sugar, pecans and orange zest.
3. In a small mixing bowl, beat together the egg, milk, melted butter and orange juice.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and beat with a wooden spoon until just combined.
5. Add the cranberries and stir briefly. (Do not overmix or the muffins will be tough.)
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling to around 2/3 full. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the domes are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
7. Remove muffins from oven. Allow to cool slightly and serve while still warm.
Get a dose of fiber with fruited granola. — Jason Whalen
Fruited Granola
From: ThinkFood: Recipes for Brain Fitness
Serves 8
- 5 1/2 cups traditional rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 1/2 cups almonds, chopped
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, cinnamon, ginger and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, applesauce and honey until thoroughly combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, along with the chopped almonds. Mix well, until all of the oats are moistened. Spread on prepared pan in an even layer.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and turn the granola over very carefully using a wide spatula. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
6. Cool completely on the baking sheet.
7. Break up the granola into chunks and stir in the dried fruit. Store in an airtight container.
Next page: Amy's cinnamon almonds. »
13 RECIPES FOR BRAIN HEALTH
- Pecan, Cranberry and Orange Muffins
- Fruited Granola
- Amy's Cinnamon Almonds
- Asparagus and Fennel Salad
- Grown Up Fruit Salad
- Spinach Dhal
- Eggs Baked in Cream
- Asparagus, Mushroom and Ham Quiche With a Potato Crust
- Orecchiette With Spinach, Shrimp and Garlic Chips
- Chicken and Pecan Enchiladas
- Slow Roast Stuffed Chicken
- Chocolate Banana Milkshake
- Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry Tart
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