Sweetness

Yesterday, for the first time, I tried Sweetleaf Stevia Vanilla Creme (liquid) in my coffee, as well as my oatmeal.  I loved it in both!  The Vanilla Creme flavoring gave my coffee just enough flavoring and sweetness I had missed since being gluten-free (flavored coffees contain wheat or "natural flavors").  My oatmeal tasted sweet, but without the extra calories and sugar.

Stevia is a sweetener extracted from a sweet herb grown in Paraguay and Brazil.  It is 100% natural, zero-calorie, zero-carbohydrate, zero-alcohol and zero-chemical.  It is proven to be a healthy sugar alternative for diabetics with some studies showing it may even lower blood sugar levels.  It is sweeter than sugar and only requires a few drops (approximately three drops for one cup of coffee) if using the liquid form.

Explore and try all the different flavors on the market to discover your favorite. The available flavors are the following: apricot nectar, chocolate raspberry, cinnamon, chocolate, english toffee, grape, lemon, peppermint, root beer, valencia orange, vanilla creme or plain.

If you want to explore baking with it, then try this recipe below.

Monster Cookie Balls 2 Cups Rolled Oats
1 Large Apple, Finely-Diced
3/4 Cup of Raisins or Currants
1 Cup of Nut Butter (Your Choice) (peanut, almond, cashew etc)
1/4-1/2 Lb. Whole Pecans
1/2 Stick of Butter or Non-Hydrogenated Margarine
1/2 Cup Carob Chips (Optional) (or semisweet chocolate chips)
2 Whole Eggs
1 Cup of Spring or Filtered Water
2 tsp. STEVIA Herbal Powder or l/2 tsp STEVIA Powdered Extract
Combine rolled oats, eggs, water and butter in a mixing bowl. Stir in nut butter and remaining ingredients (except the pecans). Form into balls and place onto an oiled cookie sheet. Place a whole pecan on top of each ball. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Recipe by David Richard
www.stevia.com