"I think Nature's Blend would be an ideal product to use in my operation to help meet the nutritional guidelines that are set under the new School Meals Initiative."


Ying Sirisambland, Director of Food Services
Earlimart School District, Earlimart, CA

Nature’s Blend™ is an exciting new California fig-based fat substitute that performs. Nature's Blend can be used to reduce or replace butter, margarine and shortening in pastries, breads, cakes, fillings, and confectionery items. Nature's Blend can also be used to extend ground beef to lower the fat content and serves as a binder to retain moistness in the final cooked product.

Increased concerns for the nutritional values in foods, combined with an escalating demand for reduced calorie, fat and cholesterol intake, has created a huge push for nutritious, "good for you" foods. As a fat substitute, Nature's Blend reduces calories, fat and cholesterol levels while maintaining appearance, taste and texture in your favorite food products.

California figs have been known for their nutritional value for centuries. Dried figs have a dietary fiber content unequaled by other common fresh and dried fruits, the highest overall mineral content of all common fruits, and a high quantity of polyphenol antioxidants.

Click here for recipe ideas using Nature's Blend to reduce and replace fat in your baked products, and some novel recipes using Nature's Blend to extend and replace meat.


How to use Nature's Blend to Reduce Fat in your Own Favorite Baked Dessert Recipes

1. Start with your favorite recipe such as chocolate chip cookies, cakes, muffins or brownies.
   
2. Use only 1/2 of the normal amount of shortening, margarine, butter or oil. For example, if 10 lbs of margarine is called for , use only 5 lbs.
   
3. Replace the fat omitted with 1/2 that amount of Nature’s Blend. For example, in this case, 5 lbs. of margarine was left out of the recipe, and would be replaced with 2 1/2 lbs of Nature’s Blend. Add the Nature’s Blend at the same stage as you would have added the fat.
   Note: Nature’s Blend is not to be used in frying.
4. Proceed with the recipe as usual. Be careful not to over-mix or over-bake. This may cause toughness or dryness.
   
   Note: If oil is replaced, the dough or batter may be too thick when following the above procedure. If so, add water until the desired consistency is achieved.