We’ve got a fresh and invigorating recipe to help you enjoy your Toast Tuesday. Our Blackberry Lemon Dill Cheese Spread is a tantalizingly tart and citrusy delight. It’s made with a blend of succulent blackberries, sharp lemon, rich cream cheese, and our tangy Lifeway Farmer Cheese. Served atop a sweet and crunchy maple sourdough toast, and accented with a couple of sprigs of dill, the flavor combination is absolutely magnificent. And because it’s made with Lifeway, this lunchtime treat will fill your body with probiotics and protein.
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. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of fiber-rich plant foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotic fiber, but it’s 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 systems.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 lemon
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh dill
- 1/2 cup Farmer Cheese
- 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese
- a sprinkle each of sea salt and black pepper
- 4-6 pieces your favorite sourdough bread
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil or butter
- (optional): cinnamon for sprinkling, or honey for drizzle
Directions
- In a saucepan or skillet, add the extra-virgin olive oil or butter and maple syrup and let it cook down for a minute on medium heat, then add the sourdough toast a piece at a time to toast gently on each side and divide among your plates. Complete until all pieces of toast are done. You can also sprinkle cinnamon on top if you like. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, add the low-fat cream cheese, Lifeway Farmer cheese, fresh dill, and add the juice of a lemon. You can also add a bit of fresh lemon peel if you want, but it's not required. Sprinkle with a dash of salt and fresh black pepper. Then add the blackberries. Whip with an immersion blender or small hand mixer until smooth and creamy and the blackberries have released a bit of juice. Make sure everything is combined well.
- Now spread the blackberry whipped cheese mixture on top of each piece of toast, top with blackberries, honey drizzle, add any other seasonings you like. Serve and enjoy!
