News Taffy

It’s high time I redeem myself in the kitchen after last week’s disaster. And yes, the soup ended up in the trash in case you are wondering. But before I share a wonderful breakfast recipe with you, I’m wondering if anyone watched World News last night and caught the piece on the health benefits of growing up with animals? For those of you who are always worried about germs, dirt and their children, relax. A new study published in the Journal Of Allergy And Clinical Immunology shows that non-farm families are diagnosed with asthma nearly twice as much as farm families. Other studies have shown that babies raised around cats are 6 percent healthier and those raised with dogs 31 percent healthier than babies raised in households without pets! Apparently exposure to animals helps babies immune systems mature faster. No wonder my children have always been so healthy! They grew up with a house and barn full of animals.

In Africa, where people die of infectious diseases every day, you don’t find cases of asthma, obesity or allergies. Children in developing countries are more exposed to bacteria which ultimately helps protect them from certain health problems. So relax! Get your kids out of the house and let them play in the dirt instead of spending time in front of a screen. Have pets. They will always have a buddy and learn unconditional love. Your children just might be healthier if you do.

ack to the recipe. This is a real winner. I found this in the January issue of Better Homes And Gardens. I did substitute Kellogg's Special K Cinnamon Pecan cereal for the corn flakes. If you want to make it even healthier, look for some bran flakes or something with more fiber. I put this together in no time the night before so breakfast was a snap on a busy week day morning. If you use vanilla yogurt, just use a drizzle of honey and maybe a 1/2 tsp. of vanilla. The original recipe called for oranges and orange marmalade but I substituted dried cherries and cherry preserves. You can use any fruit and preserve combo you like.

Greek Yogurt and Cornflakes Tart

INGREDIENTS:
*1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes (about 5 cups whole flakes)
*1/3 cup butter, melted
*3 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
*1 envelope unflavored gelatin
*1/4 cup water
*1 1/4 cups plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
*1/2 cup milk
*1/4 cup honey
*1 tsp. vanilla fresh fruit
*1/4 cup preserves

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375. In a medium bowl crush cereal. Combine flakes, butter and brown sugar. Press mixture into the bottom and sides of a 11x8x1 inch baking dish. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle gelatin over water in a 1 cup glass measuring cup. Microwave for 20 seconds and stir until gelatin is dissolved. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, milk, honey and vanilla. Whisk in dissolved gelatin. Pour mixture into cooled crust. Chill at least 4 hours. Top with fruit and preserves. Slice and serve. Makes about 8 servings.