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Learn to Love: Peas

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I am a person who firmly believes that fresh green peas got a bad rap. Often over cooked, their texture can be a serious turn off. I am here to say though there are so many reasons to learn to love peas.

These little legumes are naturally tender since they are protected by their shell we call a pod. They can be eaten raw – I like to toss them on a salad – but cooking them will only make them sweeter. Just don't over do it.

It must be their sweet taste that helps malign the pea with all those anti carb types. While a cup of peas contains 21 grams of carbs, it also contains 7 grams of fiber. These little green gems are also high in vitamins K and C, magnesium, folate and thiamin (vitamin B1).

Pea season is peaking right now! So now is the time to experiment with peas. YumSugar has a great Spring Pea Salad for you to try. They are also great puréed as a side dish too.

At my house we refer to peas as "nature's candy." Tell me how you feel about peas on the comment section below.

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Garden Peas, Please

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Peas...you either love 'em or hate 'em. But have you ever had FRESH peas? As in not frozen and not canned? Peas that you shell yourself, in the privacy of your own kitchen?

Known as English Peas or Garden Peas, these little legumes are a sweet treat and are in season now through about May. Seems that peas don't do well when it gets too hot. Their arrival is a sure sign that Spring is here. Plus, when veggies are in season they cost considerably less than their off season prices.

While peas might be time consuming to shell, their candy like flavor is sure to please your palate. While naturally low fat good, peas got a bad rap from all those low carb diets since they are naturally high in sugars and carbohydrates. A one cup serving contains 8 grams of sugars and 21 grams of carbs. On the other hand peas are high in vitamins K and C, magnesium, folate and thiamin (vitamin B1).

Peas are great in pasta and risotto. Since peas pair well with mint, they would be a great addition to PartySugar's Lemon Mint Risotto.

Eat 'em fresh while you can!!!!

Kashi Entrées: Pesto Pasta Primavera

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 02:34:17 -0700

I've just recently tried a new product from Kashi (the company who makes those chewy granola bars I love). They are broadening their scope and have just introduced some frozen entrées to their Kashi brand, look for them in the freezer at your local health food or grocery store.

I was very excited to try one because I already have the utmost respect for anything with the Kashi name. When I looked at the back of the Pesto Pasta Primavera package, the ingredients were just what I would use if I were to make it myself: whole wheat pasta, basil, Parmesan cheese, peas, yellow carrots (yup), sweet red peppers and garlic. There wasn't anything on that list I didn't recognize, and that made me feel good.

The serving size was very filling, but because there were so many veggies, it was only 330 calories for the entire meal. Speaking of the veggies - they were actually very fresh tasting and even had a little crisp to them, so I know they weren't overcooked.

For a pasta dish, I was surprised to find out it has 12 grams of protein. It also has 7g of fiber. Out of the 11g of fat, only 2g are saturated, and there are NO trans fats. The sodium level was a little high - 790mg - but not over the top high considering you can have 2,300mg a day.

Another great thing? Since it has as many veggies as noodles, I felt energized after eating it, not exhausted like you can get with most pasta dishes.

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