I hadn’t had any Mary’s Crackers in ages but in doing some cupboard re-organization, I found a buried box of M.C.
They are so good.
But I think they are almost too fiber-rific for me.
Flax seeds = Little fiber bombs
Flax seeds and fiber are great and all. Just not when you eat a half of a box of Mary’s in a sitting.
For some reason though, my homemade Mary’s Crackers don’t seem to give me any issues.
They have flax in them, too. Who knows. I guess I need to make my own recipe and not buy any more Mary’s, huh.I also have these No Bake Vegan Flaxseed & Maple Cookies
3 ingredients in them. Maple syrup drizzle & raisins optional. Easily portable if you skip the maple drizzle.
Sometimes I add flax seeds to my Vegan GF Granola
I usually add flax seeds to my No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bars
There are flax seeds in my Vegan GF Pancakes
So there you have it, lots of flaxing going on in my recipes.
From my last post, I am so glad you like the looks of the No Bake Nutter Butter Special K Bars.
And it sounds like there are lots of PB fans in the house, too. Surprise, surprise. Blog readers love our nut butters.
Thanks for also giving me suggestions on what kinds of desserts you’d like to see me make next. Direction can be a beautiful thing.
Snack/Dessert Idea: 1 Minute Apple Crumble (Vegan, GF, microwave-friendly)
Sprinkle some flax on top for extra fiber and healthy fat if you’re so inclined.Questions:
1. Best thing you’ve done or eaten this weekend?
Best thing I ate were the No Bake Nutter Butter Special K Bars.
Best thing I did was spend time with Skylar and do a little window shopping in my neighborhood.
2. Here’s some Flax Seed info (paraphrased from here):
Flax seed is high in most of the B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese
Flax Seed is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids which reduces inflammation
Most of the oil in flax seeds is alpha linolenic acid (ALA)
Flax Seed is High in Fiber: You’d be hard-pressed to find a food higher in fiber — both soluble and insoluble — than flax. This fiber is probably mainly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax. Fiber in the diet also helps stabilize blood sugar, and, of course, promotes proper functioning of the intestines.
Flax seed is high in phytochemicals, including many antioxidants. It is perhaps our best source of lignans, which convert in our intestines to substances that tend to balance female hormones. There is evidence that lignans may promote fertility, reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, and possibly help prevent breast cancer. In addition, lignans may help prevent Type 2 diabetes.
Big fiber load
Trace Cyanide. Like many other foods (cashews, some beans, and others), flax contains very small amounts of cyanide compounds, especially when consumed raw. Heat, especially on dry flax seeds, breaks these compounds down.
Contains phytoestrogens
Oxidation/Rancidity: The oil in flax is highly unsaturated. This means that it is very prone to oxidation (rancidity) unless it is stored correctly. The very best way is nature’s own storage system –- within the seed. Flax seeds not exposed to large amounts of heat stay safe to eat for at least a year. However, flax meal, and especially flax oil, are a different story. The meal, stored away from heat and light, will keep fresh for a few months, and the oil must be protected by refrigeration in dark containers, preferably being consumed within a few weeks of opening.
I’ve read many times in the past that:
flax seeds should be ground (preferably) right before ingesting them. A cheapie coffee grinder can do the trick. Or you do run the risk of pre-ground flax meal going rancid, despite what some sources say.
And that flax seeds to need to be ground for us to derive benefit from them because unground flax just passes through us, whole. If you know what I mean.
And flax oil needs to be stored in the fridge.
Do you have any flax info?
3. Do you eat flax seeds? Flax oil? Favorite recipes or ways to incorporate them into your diet?
I showed you some of mine. And you could also add a tablespoon or two to any of my muffins or microwave oat cake recipes
P.S. If you’re just catching up on Weekend Posts, here are mine since Friday:
- No-Bake Nutter Butter Special K Bars
- A Zoo Out There & Recipe Fails
- What Caught My Eye This Week
- Big Produce & Being Flexible
- The Best Things In Life Are Free
- Photo Editing: Before & After, Truths & Trickery
Have a great week!
Hi Averie, flax seeds sure do have amazing health benefits. :) Those healthy recipes are awesome, thanks for posting them. Window shopping will always be one way to spend the weekend, right?:D
Averie, will you please just come to my house and cook for me 24/7? I will provide child care for Skylar and all the flax seeds in the world with which you can make those amazing crackers. I am SO grateful for your blog during my pre-treatment diet since I have to make everything myself. Your recipes are quick, delicious and healthy. Love, love, and gratitude to you!
what i wouldnt give to have free childcare in exchange for a few goodies…it would be a win-win!
I love flax.. I’ll throw some into recipes here and there to up the fiber content. That’s some interesting information about it though — yikes! I need to be careful. Those no bakes look delicious! Best thing I did this weekend was hang out with my husband. :)
When I’m home and have access to a blender, I add ground flax to things like oatmeal and toast.
I agree with Marla, your crackers look far better than Mary’s (and that’s sayin’ something because hers are gooood!).
I hear you on the Mary’s Crackers. They’re good on occasion, but I definitely have a love/hate relationship with all that fiber and seedy goodness. I haven’t seen your recipe for homemade crackers before… checking it out now! :)
I like flax seeds. I use them sometimes in my recipes ;) btw, your photos look amazing :D
I sprinkle flax into about everything. ;) I love it!
Gotta say, your crackers look way better than the Mary’s. Gotta get on some of these. Great for my kids lunch boxes too :) xo
your chocolate crackers is where it’s at my friend! :)
I eat flax, chia, or wheat germ on almost every meal! I missed your post about nutter butter something or other? I can’t get there fast enough….!!!!
I love those crackers (just not the price). I use ground flax as often as I can. I add it to my pizza dough, to bread dough, oatmeal, veggie/bean burgers.
Love the microwave crumble! I love anything easy like that! Gonna try that later today! Yum!
I love Mary’s Crackers! So packed with flavor and nutrients.
We go back and forth between using chia seeds/ground chia and flax. I use it mainly in smoothies. I just get tired of the “gel” type chia texture and switch to ground flax.
Best thing about this weekend — baking banana bread yesterday and having the house smell phenomenal!
I use flax seeds all the time for added fiber, especially in my gluten free baked goods. I actually made some crackers last night in my pizzelle maker for our appetizer dinner. That and the Korean sweet potatoes I had this weekend were my favorites from the weekend.
I’m going to have to try those flax seeds cookies – sweet and healthy? Check, check! In the meantime, I can’t get enough “raw” cookie dough ice cream (with banana soft serve). It’s so simple, and reminds me of summer.
https://bread-n-chocolate.blogspot.com/2011/03/sunday-sundae.html