Sneaky Nutrition - Wheat Germ

So , do I have any sneaky moms out there who are ready to serve some more underhanded vitamins and minerals to their unsuspecting husbands and children? Here's another nutritive powerhouse for you. We're long overdue, because I've been too busy serving up birthday cakes and the like and I'm finally ready to get back to being a scoundrel. I really intend to crack down on this household and get back to more healthful eating!

Wheat germ is great for these purposes. For best results, you should keep it CONCEALED. Don't let the people in your household see the label on the jar. I repeat, it is important that you do not allow them to see the nutrition facts! Seeing the percentages of Vitamin E, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Thiamin, phosphorus, and zinc may have negative effects on their enjoyment of the finished product. I don't know how they would feel about the fact that the same two tablespoons of this ingredient also would give them some potassium and fiber. They probably won't care that there is very little fat in it, and no saturated fat, but I wouldn't take the chance. JUST SLIP IT IN WHEN THEY'RE NOT LOOKING and they'll never suspect. Sneak a few tablespoons in pancakes, muffins, oatmeal, meatloaf and whatever else your deceiving imagination can think of.

I recently saw a smoothie which might make a refreshing beverage or snack for this time of year. You can find it here. I don't know if you can get any of your folks to drink it, but it's worth a try. The rascals who put it together have included bananas, yogurt, and orange juice, adding even MORE potassium and magnesium, as well as calcium, no less. What nerve! I don't know if you can pull it off, but I'm not too hopeful about it working here for several reasons.

Anyway, here is this entry's recipe, for you, my dear partners in the crime of trying to nurture our families. In all seriousness, this dish is really scrumptious. We like it best for breakfast, but it also can be served as a dessert:

Applesauce Bread Pudding

1. 7 to 8 slices bread, white or whole wheat, or some of both. (Number of slices may vary, depending on size of slices.)

2. 3 eggs

3. 2 cups canned skim milk, undiluted

4. 2 cups unsweetened applesauce

5. 1/2 cup sugar (or less)

6. 1 tsp. vanilla

7. 3/4 tsp. cinnamon

8. 1/2 tsp. salt

9. nutmeg

10. wheat germ (about 1/4 cup)

11. raisins, if desired

a. Spray a shallow baking dish and break up the bread into it.

b. In a bowl, mix eggs, add milk, then stir in applesauce.

c. Add sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt to egg mixture.

d. Stir in wheat germ and raisins, if desied.

e. Pour the mixture over the bread pieces.

f. Sprinkle nutmeg over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees until set, about 35-45 minutes.

I hope you try it and like it. We sure do!