Many of us stepped into the new year with intentions for healthier lifestyles. But temptation is sometimes just around the corner, and always on the supermarket shelves. Fear not! The solution is simple: making snacks healthy with extra virgin Texas olive oil from the family-owned Texas Hill Country Olive Company.
In this article, we’ll unravel the secrets behind the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and explore delightful snack recipes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
What Makes Texas Olive Oil Healthy?
After years of studies, we now know without a shadow of a doubt that EVOO is the healthiest of all cooking oils. Its high content of monounsaturated fats has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. These heart-healthy fats help lower bad cholesterol levels while preserving the good cholesterol, contributing to a healthier cardiovascular system.
EVOO is a powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which play a crucial role in combating oxidative stress. These antioxidants protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases. And let’s not forget about the incredibly versatile taste of EVOO which makes it ideal for both savory and sweet snacks!
Healthy Savory Snack Recipes
Popcorn is a quick and easy snack to make at home. Yes, opening a store-bought bag is even quicker and easier, but you can’t control what ingredients are used to make and preserve the popcorn you find in that bag. With this recipe, you know exactly what you put in your body. In less than 5 minutes, you will have a bowl of delicious popcorn made with healthy ingredients – the definition of a great snack!
Grab 1/2 cup popcorn kernels and place them in a brown paper bag, folding over the top of the bag before placing it in your microwave oven. Microwave on a medium setting for a few minutes – listen for the pops and stop the oven when these are more than 1 minute apart. Alternatively, if you have an air popper, use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the kernels have popped, transfer the popcorn into a large bowl and drizzle over 3 tablespoons of EVOO (one at a time to allow the popcorn to absorb it). Season with sea salt to keep it simple, or experiment with different herbs and seasoning powders you have in your kitchen.
Crackers can be enjoyed plain or with toppings varying from cheese to fruit. Eat them fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for up to a week. These versatile snacks are fantastic to have at hand when you’re craving something savory but don’t want to make any compromises on the health front. Plus, using EVOO instead of oil makes them vegan.
Start by combining 1 2/3 cups of plain flour with 1 cup of fine oatmeal (alternatively, you can use whole oats and blitz them in a food processor) in a large bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix well.
In another bowl, combine 1 cup of water with 2 1/2 tablespoons of Texas olive oil. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and knead the dough for a couple of minutes, making sure all the ingredients are mixed. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to chill for half an hour. While the dough is in the fridge, heat the oven to 300℉ and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Grab the dough from the freezer and place it on a clean surface covered with flour, then roll it as thinly as possible. Use a pizza cutter or a knife to cut the dough into cracker-sized pieces. Put these on the baking tray you prepared and cook in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until your crackers turn golden and crispy.
Recipes For Healthy Sweet Snacks
Granola is a staple breakfast food but makes an excellent snack in the form of granola bars. When bought in a store, granola can contain various preservatives and often not the best quality ingredients. But set an hour aside and you can make your own granola with your favorite spices to enjoy anytime you have a sweet tooth.
Start by preheating your oven to 300℉ and lining a baking tray with bakery paper. While the oven heats up, mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. You will need 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of coarsely chopped raw pistachios, 1/3 cup of raw sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup of raw pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup of coconut flakes, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
Add your wet ingredients to the bowl – 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1/4 cup of Texas olive oil. Season with your preferred spices or start with a tried and tested version of this recipe which calls for 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
Once all the ingredients are mixed, transfer them to the baking tray and spread the mixture evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, making sure to stir every now and then, and remove from the oven when your granola turns golden brown. Let it cool down before trying it out. Now, the sky is the limit when it comes to enjoying your home-made granola with chopped fruit, nuts, yogurt, or cheese.
Bet you didn’t know you can make Rice Crispy Treats in your own kitchen, did you? Well, you can – and it’s easier than you think! By replacing the butter with EVOO, this recipe accomodates lactose intolerances. Plus, swapping normal marshmallows with plant-based ones will make the recipe vegan.
In a large pot, mix together 9 cups of mini marshmallows, 1/3 cup of Texas olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Melt on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. In the meantime, place 10 cups of crisp rice cereal in a heat resistant bowl. When the marshmallow mixture has melted, pour it over the cereal and keep stirring until all the ingredients have mixed together.
Grab a baking pan and line it with bakery paper, then transfer your mixture here, pressing it down lightly to create an even layer. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cutting your treats into squares.
