Give your immune system a healthy kickstart with our autumn antioxidant toast topped with whipped farmer cheese, pomegranate seeds, and honey. Vibrant and creamy, let each mouthful of this powerhouse toast take you safely through cold and flu season.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school age years. In addition, kefir made from whole fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive system.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Farmer Cheese
- 1 – 2 Tbsp Lifeway Plain Lowfat Kefir
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, softened
- 1-2 Tbsp honey
- ¼ cup pomegranate arils, plus more for garnish
- 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Place baguette rounds on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush or spray the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the tray into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until slightly brown and crisp. When finished, remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add goat cheese to a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until it is creamy and smooth. Next, add the Farmer Cheese and one tablespoon of kefir. Continue to beat until mixture becomes light and fluffy, about two minutes. If the mixture has a hard time coming together, add additional kefir, but don’t worry if there are a few chunks. Add in honey and a pinch of salt. Continue whipping an additional 20-30 seconds. Gently fold in the pomegranate arils with a spatula.
- If serving immediately, transfer the mixture to a serving dish, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with pomegranate. Serve with warm crostini. If serving later, transfer mixture into a container with a lid. Store in the refrigerator.
