Sweet Potato Souffle
Contributed by: News Canada
Health Matters: Why your heart has a thing for olives
(NC) - Lifestyle diets that are rich in olives and olive oil have been credited for lowering cholesterol and restoring better heart health.
"The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and also to its high content of antioxidants like vitamin E," says Peter Carter of Olive Lea, the leading olive oil spread alternative to butter and margarine. "Studies, posted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, while raising HDL ("good") cholesterol. Nutritionists tell us that olive oil may be the best oil source of health promoting, oleic acid."
Olives are the fruit of the olive tree and are a well-respected source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. Here, courtesy of the Olive Lea line of four gourmet spreads, are some of the discussion points surrounding the health benefits of high quality olive oil, many of which are posted by the International Olive Oil Council website.
Olive oil is thought to:
- reduce bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol
- deliver antioxidants, cancer-fighting elements
- promote good digestion and relieve some stomach disorders
- stimulate the metabolism
- moisturize skin and strengthen fingernails
- promote healthy nervous system development
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, pared and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup melted Olive Lea Spread
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- Miniature marshmallows
Directions:
Place the potatoes in a pot and add enough salted water to cover. Cook until tender. Drain.
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Mash and whip the potatoes. Add the sugar, eggs, raisins, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, evaporated milk, chopped pecans, shredded coconuts and melted Olive Lea Spread. Mix well.
Pour into a greased casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cover with marshmallows. Return to the oven and continue cooking until brown.
Serving Size: Makes 8 Servings
