• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content

Avamum

Home, Food, Family

  • Home
    • Knitting
    • Frugal Living
      • Our DIY Home
      • Reduce Reuse Recycle
      • Holistic
  • Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Salads
    • Yogurt
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Uncategorized
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Frugal Recipes
    • Gluten-Free
  • Family
    • Pregnancy & Childbirth
  • Off Grid Living
  • About

cookies

Blackstrap Molasses: A Healthy and Nutritious Addition to an Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookie Recipe

May 17, 2013


blackstrap molassesAs a child, my mother used to give us a spoon of molasses when we were feeling tired and rundown. I remember looking at the shiny black goo on the spoon and thinking that I was going to either vomit or die from it. Neither happened. Generally, I felt better. Whether this was due to the molasses, the threat of more molasses, or just time passing, my mother was on to something. High in mineral content, blackstrap molasses is enjoying renewed interest as a natural supplement, natural sweetener, as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments.

What is blackstrap molasses?

Blackstrap molasses definition – [blak-strap] – noun – molasses remaining after maximum extraction of sugar from the raw product, used chiefly as a constituent of cattle feed and as a source of ethyl alcohol. – from Random House Dictionary, 2011.

Molasses is the by-product that results from boiling down sugar cane to extract sugar. There are different types of molasses; the taste,consistency, and nutritional value differs depends on which “boiling” the molasses is from. Blackstrap molasses is from the third boiling of sugar cane,and is darker and has a stronger flavour than the molasses produced from the first and second boilings. Blackstrap molasses is also higher in vitamins and minerals than the lighter, sweeter molasses that is produced in the first two boilings. Popular in the 18th and 19th century as a more economical alternative to white sugar (more refined and therefore more expensive), molasses was first brought to western society from the Caribbean sugar plantations. The unusual flavour of blackstrap molasses gives cooking and baking a unique, rich taste.

Nutritional Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses

Molasses is a natural source of

  • iron
  • copper
  • manganese
  • magnesium
  • potassium
  • calcium
  • vitamin B6
  • selenium

One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses is packed with vitamins and minerals, and taking just one tablespoon each day will provide a good portion of the recommended daily value of each of them. In fact, one tablespoon has approximately 4 mg of iron and 47 calories, while a three ounce portion of beef has only 3.1 mg of iron and 215 calories. This makes blackstrap molasses an excellent choice for weight loss, for vegans and vegetarians, pregnant, nursing, or menopausal women, and for anemia sufferers. Molasses with milk is a good way to boost absorption of calcium as well. A tablespoon of blackstrap molasses each day will provide the following:

  • 27 percent of the daily recommended amount of manganese;
  • 21 percent of copper;
  • 20 percent of iron;
  • 18 percent of calcium;
  • 15 percent potassium;
  • 11 percent of magnesium.

The Great Molasses Flood of 1919

Perhaps one of the most unique stories about molasses is that of the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. It occurred when a very large vat of molasses exploded, sending over 2 million tons of molasses sliding through downtown Boston. Twenty-one people lost their lives in the disaster.

Blackstrap Molasses as a Remedy

Brimstone and treacle was a common remedy for stomach upsets and “spots” (acne) in Britain through the 1800s. Made famous in the Victorian novels of Charles Dickens, the term “brimstone and treacle” refers to sulfer and blackstrap molasses. A teaspoon a day of the mixture was said to “fix what ails ye.” Some of the other ailments blackstrap molasses is said to help include

  • arthritis
  • anemia
  • acne
  • anxiety
  • constipation
  • heart palpitations
  • joint pain
  • fatigue
  • high blood pressure
  • skin conditions
  • regulate menstrual cycles
  • fibroid tumours
  • edema

Today blackstrap molasses is used increasingly in Colon Cleansing or detoxifying programs. It is also rumoured to help reduce the appearance of white hair.

The Great Molasses Flood of 1919

Perhaps one of the most unique stories about molasses is that of the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. It occurred when a very large vat of molasses exploded, sending over 2 million tons of molasses sliding through downtown Boston. Twenty-one people lost their lives in the disaster.

Nutritional Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses

Molasses is a natural source of

  • iron
  • copper
  • manganese
  • magnesium
  • potassium
  • calcium
  • vitamin B6
  • selenium

One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses is packed with vitamins and minerals, and taking just one tablespoon each day will provide a good portion of the recommended daily value of each of them. In fact, one tablespoon has approximately 4 mg of iron and 47 calories, while a three ounce portion of beef has only 3.1 mg of iron and 215 calories. This makes blackstrap molasses an excellent choice for weight loss, for vegans and vegetarians, pregnant, nursing, or menopausal women, and for anemia sufferers. Molasses with milk is a good way to boost absorption of calcium as well. A tablespoon of blackstrap molasses each day will provide the following:

    • 27 percent of the daily recommended amount of manganese;
    • 21 percent of copper;
    • 20 percent of iron;
    • 18 percent of calcium;
    • 15 percent potassium;
    • 11 percent of magnesium.

Today blackstrap molasses is used increasingly in Colon Cleansing or detoxifying programs. It is also rumoured to help reduce the appearance of white hair.

Cooking and Baking with Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses can be eaten straight out of the carton, cooked, or baked. It is very good spread on homemade bread with a little butter, or added to a cup of hot soya milk, tea, coffee, or organic milk as an alternative sweetener to white sugar. It is most commonly used in recipes for baked beans, gingerbread, and cookies. When cooking or baking with blackstrap molasses, take care to avoid boiling it as it will lose some of it’s nutritional value in doing so.

Recipe for Blackstrap Molasses Cookies

blackstrap molasses cookiesSet oven temperature to 375 degrees.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup organic brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup organic vegetable shortening
  • 1/4 cup unsulfured organic blackstrap molasses
  • 1 organic egg
  • 2 1/4 cup sifted all-nature unbleached flour
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 2 level tsp baking soda
  • pinch of salt

Mix brown sugar, molasses, shortening and egg together in a large bowl.  Sift remaining ingredients together and add to molasses mixture. Mix gently, cover and chill dough in fridge for about 30 minutes.  Roll into small balls.  Dip tops of cookie balls in brown sugar.  Place sugar-side-up, three inches apart on a greased cookie sheet.  Sprinkle a couple of drops of water on the cookies to get a crackled effect during baking.  Bake 10-12 minutes just until set.  Makes about 4 dozen cookies and they freeze well!

Tip for Measuring Molasses

If you are cooking or baking with molasses, honey, or any other thick, sticky, syrup, swirl a little vegetable oil around the glass measuring cup prior to measuring the molasses. The oil will keep the molasses from sticking to the glass and speed up the pouring out process!

Tips & Tricks for Buying Blackstrap Molasses

Not all blackstrap molasses is created equal. Read the label on the jars or cartons and compare the percentages of vitamins and minerals per tablespoon. Look for unsulfered organic blackstrap molasses. Sulfers are additives that are used to preserve foods, and while only some people have noticeable physical reactions to sulfers, they aren’t good for anyone. Organic molasses has been produced from sugar cane that was grown in mineral-rich soil without the use of harmful chemicals and will be free of defoliant chemicals (used by sugar cane producers to make the leaves fall off the sugar cane more quickly). Once opened, store your molasses in the fridge or a cool dry place for up to six months, and be prepared, it will pour out even more slowly when it is cold!

Where Can I Find Blackstrap Molasses?

While molasses is commonly found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores and supermarkets, not all of them carry blackstrap molasses. Check your local natural foods or health foods store, or a bulk-bin style grocery store.

 

Filed Under: Dessert Recipes, Healthy Recipes, Holistic and Herbal Remedies, Recipes Tagged With: cookies, desserts, molasses, recipes

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

April 17, 2011

Are you looking for an easy recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies? Pumpkin is a delicious and healthy way to sneak some goodness into your family’s favorite snacks and dishes.  Although we associate pumpkin with autumn harvests and Halloween, canned pumpkin is available year round. If you have your own garden,  freeze cooked pumpkin for baking throughout the year – you will save money and enjoy the fresh flavor whenever you like.  Pumpkin is a good alternative to banana or zucchini muffins or quickbreads, and an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K, and E, and of the minerals magnesium, potassium, and iron.

Here are two pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipes. The first one is quick to make and quicker to eat! If you find them too spicy, leave out the pumpkin-pie spice. The second recipe makes healthy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with the addition of whole-wheat flour and oats.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 can (15 ounces) or 1/2 of a 28 ounce can of pumpkin puree
OR 2 cups cooked pumpkin
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract (try almond extract for a different flavor)
2 cups dark-chocolate chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts

Optional (Vanilla Glaze)

Method:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder,
baking soda and salt.  In a large bowl cream butter and sugar together. Add pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla.
Gradually mix in flour mixture, chocolate chips and nuts. Use a teaspoon to drop onto cookie sheets.
Bake for 15-17 minutes or until pumpkin cookies are lightly browned.  Cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes
then remove to wire rack to cool completely.  This recipe makes about 5 dozen small cookies.

To make this recipe extra special, add Vanilla Glaze icing. Simply add 1 tablespoon milk and /2 teaspoons vanilla extract to 1 cup powdered sugar. Mix well – add a few drops of milk if the icing is too stiff. Ice cookies while they are still a little warm.

Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cloves
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 cups cooked or canned pumpkin
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 cup rolled oats (NOT instant – they will make the cookies mushy)
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Method:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Use a large mixing bowl and combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves together.  In a separate bowl, cream butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla together.  Add pumpkin and stir gently.
Add flour mixture to liquid mixture and stir as you are adding it in.  Stir in oats, nuts, and chocolate chips.  Drop by teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet and bake for 12 minutes.  Let cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes then remove to cooling rack to cool.

Filed Under: Healthy Recipes, Pumpkin Recipes, Recipes Tagged With: cookies, pumpkin recipes

Copyright© 2023 · Brunch Pro Theme by Shay Bocks