Re: Maybe nutritional yeast?

....this looked good!

-- especially the "macaroni and "cheese"
and the "yeast pancakes" further down

Yeast Meets West


Yeast is considered by many to be the most valuable supplement available. It is a complete protein and contains more protein than meat. Yeast is an excellent source of B-vitamins including B12 and it contains the glucose tolerance factor that helps in the regulation of blood sugar. It is a single-celled fungi present in the air around us and on fruits and grains - it converts various types of Sugar to alcohol. The earliest recorded use was in 1550 BC in Egypt. But it is only during the last few decades that the outstanding health benefits of nutritional yeast have been researched.

Raised On Molasses
Nutritional yeast is grown on mineral enriched molasses and used as a food supplement. At the end of the growth period, the culture is pasteurized to kill the yeast. You never want to use a live yeast (i.e. baking yeast) as a food supplement because the live yeast continues to grow in the intestine and actually uses up the vitamin B in the body instead of replenishing the supply. (Brewer's yeast is nutritionally the same but as a by-product of the beer-brewing industry it has a characteristic bitter hops flavor.)

It's Good For Ya'
Nutritional yeast contains 18 amino acids (forming the complete protein) and 15 minerals. Being rich in the B-complex vitamins, it is vital in many ways and particularly good for stress reduction. The B-complex vitamins help make nutritional yeast such a valuable supplement, especially to the vegetarian. It is one of the rare vegetarian sources of B12.
One element of yeast is the trace mineral chromium, also known as the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF). This is necessary to regulate blood Sugar and is important for diabetics and people with a tendency toward low blood sugar.



So How Do You Use This Wonder Food?
The answer is that it is as versatile as it is beneficial.



* Use it as a condiment sprinkled on the evening meal of rice and vegetables, or on popcorn for snack time.
* Add 1/2 teaspoon per 1 cup liquid to gravies and sauces.
* Add a tablespoon per 2 cups mixture to vegetable, bean and grain burgers.
* Use 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast along with each cup of flour or meal in baked goods.
* Make a yeast "cheese" to adorn a vegan pizza or lasagna.
* Add it to your cat or dog's food to help eliminate fleas and promote a healthy coat and good general nutrition.



Try one of our recipes below and begin to enjoy the health benefits of this super food supplement.


Macaroni and "Cheese" Casserole

1. Cook 3 1/2 cups elbow macaroni. (or other better non-wheat pasta)

2. In a saucepan, warm 1/2 cup olive oil. Beat in 1/2 cup organic whole wheat flour with a wire whisk (or maybe spelt flour, or other, if wheat-intolerant)

and continue to beat over a medium flame until the mixture (called a roux) is smooth and bubbly.

Whip in 3 1/2 cups boiling water, 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 2 Tbs. soy sauce, 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder and a pinch of turmeric, beating well to dissolve the roux.

3. The sauce should cook until it thickens and bubbles. Then whip in 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 cup large flake nutritional yeast.

4. Mix part of the sauce with the noodles and put in casserole dish, and pour a generous amount of sauce on top. Sprinkle top with paprika and bake for 15 minutes in a 350° oven. Put under broiler for a few minutes until "cheese" sauce gets stretchy and crisp.


Yeast Pancakes

1. Combine 1/2 cup nutritional yeast, 3/4 cup organic whole wheat flour, and 3/4 cup water in a medium-size bowl, to form a loose flaky mixture.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the batter into the skillet and cook on each side for approximately 3 minutes, until the pancakes are golden brown and crispy.


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