Orange Sorbet

Sorbet is a healthy low calorie, non fat replacement for Ice cream. Sorbet is usually made of fruit juices or water with fruit pulp making it healthy and colorful.

Summer is almost over. But the first rains usually calls for frozen desserts and Ice cream is the first thing that is usually chosen. Because of it's high fat, high sugar and high calorie content, Ice cream is not a good choice to serve as a dessert frequently. Store bought Ice creams are a "no no" if you are trying to keep the extra weight off. They add artificial flavors, sweeteners and thickening agents to make ice creams look creamy.

Home made ice creams are way better choices but good only when eaten once in a while. A good home made ice cream contains 11% of cholesterol, 35% fat and 25% sugar. Distressing isn't it? You can always look for good alternatives like homemade skim milk ice creams or sorbets.

You can make Sorbets with honey as a sweetener instead of sugar. Some fruit juices can be used without any sweeteners like Apples, oranges and melons.

I had a bottle of Fresh Orange juice (no added sugar) that I bought last weekend at a Farmers' market. I used that to make this Orange Sorbet and it came out as a refreshing dessert and just melted in our mouths. You can use any fruit juices of your choice.

Nutritional Information  (Approx)			(per serving)
Energy	45		Calories
Fat	0		%
Carbohydrates	3		%
Dietary Fiber	0		%
Sodium	0		%
Vitamin A	4		%
Vitamin C	83		%
Calcium	1		%
Iron	1		%
Protein	1		Grams
Sugar	8		Grams

Ingredients
Orange Juice	2 cups

In a plastic bowl, pour the Orange juice. Cover the bowl with the airtight lid or wrap it with a plastic cover and place it in the freezer. Take it out of the freezer after 40-45 minutes.

Blend it in a mixer for a minute and then pour the mixture back into the bowl. Place the bowl in freezer and freeze it for another 40-45 minutes.

Repeat the process 4 times and when the blended juice looks creamy and thick.

Transfer back the creamy sorbet into the bowl, cover it and place in the freezer till you are ready to serve.
Take out the bowl and let it rest for 2 minutes before you scoop out the sorbet to serve.

Green Soda

It's Friday already! The week is finally over after 5 days of hard work and Friday evening calls for some crisps, a drink and a movie. I was a little bored of the same Ginger Beer almost every Friday. I rummaged my fridge and found a box with the left out mint leaves. I knew just the thing to do with those Mint leaves.

I should also mention some of the health benefits of Mint and here it is. Mint helps in digestion, depression and fatigue. Grab a glass of Mint juice to get relieved from headache and nausea. There are a lot more benefits with which I can fill this whole page, but I will stop it at this.

Green Soda is a low calorie drink with health benefits and a very good replacement for Carbonated chemical drinks. Mint flavor with lemon and a hint of ginger is strong & fresh and a perfect flavored drink for a quiet evening. You will never feel like putting down the glass of this Green soda until you have finished it. Happy Friday :)

Nutritional Information  (Approx)			(per serving)
Energy	60		Calories
Fat	0		%
Carbohydrates	5		%
Dietary Fiber	2		%
Sodium	0		%
Vitamin A	1		%
Vitamin C	5		%
Calcium	0		%
Iron	0		%
Protein	0.1		Grams
Sugar	4		Grams

Ingredients
[Makes 4 servings]
Mint leaves	1/2 cup
Ginger sliced	4 to 5 small pieces
Brown sugar/Sugar	2 Teaspoons
Salt	a pinch
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon
Club soda/plain soda/Carbonated water	3 cups

Wash Mint leaves. In a mix, grind Mint leaves, ginger, brown sugar, lemon juice and a pinch of salt into a smooth paste.

Strain the ground paste and this thick concentrate is used as the base for this drink. Refrigerate it till it is time to serve.

In a serving glass, pour the concentrate and then add club soda and enjoy it with crisps.