November is peak pear season. So, for this week’s toast creation, we’re laying sweet, succulent slices of baked pear atop a bed of tart and tangy Lifeway Farmer Cheese. We decorate this duo with cinnamon, coconut sugar, and roasted almonds, raising the recipe’s flavor profile to perfection. Served on a slice of toasted bread, this snack will delight your body and soul. That’s because pears are full of fiber, vitamin C, and copper, and Lifeway Farmer Cheese is packed with protein and probiotics.
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 almonds
- 2 tbsp. coconut sugar
- 1 tsp. coconut oil
- 1 tsp. Plain Lowfat Kefir
- 2 pears
- 1 cup Farmer Cheese
- 1/2 tsp. almond extract
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions
- On a baking sheet, add almonds and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.
- In a pan, melt down the sugar on medium low heat. Add a tsp of coconut oil and tsp of LF plain kefir. Keep stirring with a spatula until it becomes a think caramel sauce.
- Add pears and stir for about 5 minutes.
- Blend together Farmer cheese, almond extract, cinnamon, powdered sugar in a food processor until smooth.
- Toast your bread, top with farmer cheese mixture, caramelized pears, and roasted almonds.
