Wheat Germ in the News

"Cold" does not even begin to describe the weather we've been experiencing here in the northeast. I feel like I'm on Survivor. I'm considering making t-shirts that say "I survived Winter 2013," if I indeed make it through. It's that bad. Just hearing the weatherman say it "feels like" -14F outside (yes, negative 14F, not just 14F) makes me want to hide under the covers. Like, all day. Unfortunately, we all typically can't enjoy such luxuries. So, naturally, we need something to coax us out of our warm hideaways and face the day.

When I was asked to try out Kretschmer Wheat Germ, I jumped at the chance to try something new. It also lines us with my resolution to eat healthier! Before some arrived on my doorstep, I really did not know what wheat germ was– I had heard of it before, but did not know much about it. There are tons of health benefits, and it’s tasty too! I haven’t been too adventurous with what I have put wheat germ on yet, but it’s been my staple for breakfast recently. My breakfast of choice is fruit on the bottom Greek yogurt with a heaping teaspoon of wheat germ mixed it. The wheat germ has a delicious nutty flavor to it– seriously delicious.

Well, it finally snowed here in Northern Virginia! My cozy little cottage looks so adorable spruced up with some fresh white powder. I just love it. I’ve been dying for a real winter since the snowpocalypse so this is quite refreshing. And, nothing goes better with snow (or brunch for that matter) than a big cup of French Toast Coffee (your life will forever changed) and a batch of these cherry chocolate chip wheat germ muffins!

I created this wonderful healthy banana bread just today to use up some things I had on hand. It is very moist and lightly sweetened. Find everything you need to make this at your local Meijer.

Today’s recipe is Toasted Chicken Salad Wraps. Lighten January menus with wraps and salads. This modern twist on a classic chicken salad gets a kick from Creole seasoning and nutty notes from toasted wheat germ.

Happy Friday all! Do you ever have mornings where you wake up starving in a way that you just need to have a real, hearty, breakfast? I think that is what happens to me whenever I have a light dinner the night before. Believe it or not, I actually didn’t feel like eggs or an egg roll…I am normally a savory breakfast eater, however, sometimes I just crave Flap Jacks.

Are you looking for ways to keep your family eating healthy and getting the vitamins and nutrients that they need? If your child is anything like mine, they're a picky eater. Baby A and I constantly battle on food, the healthier it is, the more he doesn't want to eat it and it drives me crazy. I try to feed my family as healthy as possible but at times it just doesn't happen. When Kretschmer's Wheat Germ offered to let me review their product, I jumped on the chance. I was excited to add this into Baby A's diet, and help me feel better about his picky choices of food!

I haven't used wheat germ since ... oh, it's been decades. Wheat germ is in whole wheat flour, of course. But it's been quite some time since I bought it separately. When the nice folks at Kretchmer's offered to send me some wheat germ to work with, I figured it was worth another try, and of course the first thing I used it for was bread. The wheat germ didn't change the color of the bread very much, and the flavor was subtle - not as strong as a whole wheat bread where the bran also adds its flavor. The beauty of bread machine loaves is that you just dump all the ingredients in and don't worry about it until the bread is done. Easy peasy. On the other hand, the shape is always the same.

Wheat germ’s claim to fame is 3 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 4 grams net carbs, and only 1 gram of fat per 2 Tbsp (13g) serving. It is also is a good source or iron, potassium, folic acid, magnesium, thiamin, phosphorus, and zinc as well as plant sterols. Some brands like Kretschmer Wheat Germ add vitamin E and extra folic acid for added benefit. This is all for only 50 calories.

Gingerbread people made with wheatgerm are a healthy alternative to other holiday treats. / Photo provided/mywheatgerm.com