Back in October, I had read this "New York Times" article about Kretschmer Wheat Germ and its campaign to introduce its product to a new generation of customers.
Wheat germ and I go way back.
My mom was always reading Prevention magazine, visiting the local health food store and reading Adelle Davis' books. Wheat germ was a frequent ingredient in a lot of Davis' recipes and I remember making wheat germ muffins as a teenager.
I've bought it on and off through the years but that "Times" article made me smile.
Then, I got a PR pitch about Kretschmer Wheat Germ. (Guess I'm part of their social media campaign.)
That was a few months ago and I've frankly been swamped with new products, books, DVDs and all sorts of "New You 2013" pitches.
But I haven't forgotten you, wheat germ!
Here's something that I've been making for years -- I call 'em Nutty Banana Wraps. It's a low-carb tortilla spread with a tablespoon of nut butter into which you place a small banana and sprinkle a tablespoon of wheat germ on top, and perhaps a sprinkle of cinnamon. Then you roll the whole shebang up and eat it, or cut it into little rounds, like I did this morning for breakfast. Depending on your tortilla, the whole thing is 250 calories or less, which makes a light meal or substantial snack.
I also used it in Devin Alexander's recipe for Pumped-Up Pumpkin Pie Bites from her "Biggest Loser Dessert Cookbook" (Rodale, $14.95). She uses crushed Kashi Nuggets cereal, but the wheat germ worked great. (Here's the recipe, which I now make every Thanksgiving.) By the way, Devin is going to be featured on this coming Monday's episode of "The Biggest Loser."
At only 25 calories a tablespoon, it's great sprinkled into yogurt, over fro-yo or ice cream, over applesauce, mixed into burgers or meatloaf instead of bread crumbs, and offers a decent source of folic acid, vitamin E and B vitamins.
So, want a free coupon?
Let me know what your favorite "old school health food" is in the comments by NOON ET, FRIDAY, FEB. 8, 2013, and I'll randomly choose a reader to get that free jar of wheat germ (the Honey Crunch version is super delish).
