By: Jenna Anding, Associate Professor and Extension Nutrition Specialist, The Texas A&M System
Raisins are grapes that have been dried. They are a low-fat source of energy.
A serving size is ¼ cup. This is about the size of a large egg.
Uses
Raisins are a great-tasting fruit snack. Add them to cooked oatmeal, cookies, breads and cakes for added flavor and nutrition.
Note: Young children easily choke on raisins. Do not to give raisins to children who are younger than 3 years.
How to store
For best quality, store unopened boxes of raisins in a cool, dry place. Once opened, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent moisture from spoiling the raisins. Use raisins within 6 months.
Easy Carrot and Raisin Salad (makes 6 servings)
What you need
2 cups grated carrots
½ cup raisins
⅓ cup mayonnaise-type salad dressing
Salt and pepper (if you like)
How to make it
- Wash your hands; make sure your cooking area is clean.
- Place the raisins in a bowl of hot water for 15 minutes to soften them.
- Drain the raisins.
- Stir together the carrots, raisins, salad dressing, salt and pepper.
- Chill it about 15 minutes before serving
Oatmeal Raisin Muffins (makes 12 muffins)
What you need
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup uncooked oatmeal
1 cup skim milk
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
¼ cup vegetable oil
⅓ cup applesauce
1¼ cup raisins, unpacked
How to make it
- Wash your hands; make sure the cooking area is clean.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Set it aside.
- Stir in the oatmeal, milk, sugar, egg, oil, applesauce and raisins; mix it until the ingredients are moist.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin until it is ⅔ full.
- Bake the muffins at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.
Download a printer-friendly version of this publication: Cooking with Raisins
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