Trying Something New - Hemp Hearts!

I was able to try something really unique this week:  Hemp Hearts!  No it's not the bad stuff!  It is a cousin to marijuana, but hemp hearts have none of the unwanted side effects from its bad relative.  Instead, hemp hearts pack loads of good into tiny seeds!
Hemp Hearts are a simple power food with a whopping 181g of magnesium, 10g of omegas and 18g of protein per serving!  They are good for digestion, blood sugar control and hunger cravings.  This simple addition to your diet is a great way to include extra protein without adding dairy or meat.  All of this appeals to me because I have to eat a high protein diet to balance my blood sugar.
And they taste great!  The hearts are soft in texture and have a nutty, earthy taste that reminds me of pecans.   To me, this flavor would add great depth to simple foods like yogurt or smoothies and would work well with recipes that list nuts as an ingredient.  In fact, I'll be adding it to one of my favorite breakfast muffin recipes this week!

 
Hemp Hearts were new to me, and maybe to you, too, mainly because Industrial Hemp has been banned as a farm product in America by the DEA.  Until it can be fully grown and processed in America, we have to reach out to Canadian companies such as the Manitoba Harvest and purchase online. 
If you'd like to taste it for yourself, Manitoba Harvest offers a single serving bag on their website!
Maybe you eat Hemp Harts?  Do you have a favorite recipe?  Send me your suggestions at glistenwhileyourun@gmail.com
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 Disclosure statement: This challenge was sponsored by Manitoba Harvest through their partnership with Fit Approach. I was not compensated monetarily, but was provided a sample of hemp hearts. As always, all opinions are my own.

Pumped Up Pumpkin Pie

I love Pumpkin Pie this time of year:  it is one of the comfort foods of fall!  However, I really debate every year if I should eat it or not; because, well, it's pie.  And pie is bad for you, right?

So, In order to make me "feel" better about eating it, I decided to make it "heathlier".

Earlier this month, I was challenged to try Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts.  This unconventional ingredient is packed with protein and omegas and has a nutty taste, which seemed perfect for getting my pie into shape!

I started with my favorite recipe and added 2 Tablespoons of Hemp Hearts.

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1 Can Pumpkin Puree

1 Tablespoon of Pumpkin Spice

2 Large Eggs

1/4 Cup Heavy Cream

3/4 Cup Organic Brown Sugar

2 Tablespoon Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts

Mix all ingredients and pour into an uncooked 9 inch pie shell.  Cook in a 425 degree oven for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 325 degrees for 45 - 50 minutes.  The surface of the pie will "set" and crack when done.  Cover the edges of the pie to keep the crust from burning; and cool completely before serving.

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And you have successfully pumped up your pumpkin pie!

I would love to learn how you use hemp hearts to add extra nutrition to your family's favorites!  let me know at

kesselrunner77@gmail.com

 Disclosure statement: This challenge was sponsored by Manitoba Harvest through their partnership with Fit Approach. I was not compensated monetarily, but was provided a sample of hemp hearts. As always, all opinions are my own.