By Christine Galeone

As we approach the end of winter, many of us continue to crave comfort food. We may also have a tendency to want to satisfy our cravings for comfort food right away. Both desires can lead us to pick up fast food snacks or over-processed sweets that taste as good as they look – because they’re frequently loaded with sugar, saturated fat, artificial colors, artificial flavors and preservatives.

But over-processed sweets and fast food snacks can only satisfy us temporarily. In the long term, they can lead to the horrible diseases and conditions that we all dread. So, why not try a quick healthy snack, instead? Quick Microwave Blueberry Crisp could be exactly what you’re looking for.  

Blueberry crisp is probably one of the healthiest desserts you can make. It’s overflowing with heart-healthy ingredients, including blueberries, oats and walnuts. Cinnamon also has antioxidant properties. And blueberries are considered to be a superfood for many reasons. They are certified by the American Heart Association to be a heart-healthy food. Loaded with antioxidants, they are believed to be beneficial in fighting cancer and in improving brain health. Additionally, the anthocyanins – which give the fruit its deep color – may have antidiabetic effects. 

Quick Microwave 

Blueberry Crisp

Ingredients:

½ Cup of Blueberries 

¼ Cup of Rolled Oats

2 Tbsp. Chopped Walnuts

1 tsp. of Brown Sugar*

Generous Sprinkling of.Cinnamon

1 tsp. of Olive Oil

Directions:

• Rinse the blueberries.

• In a microwave-safe dish, mix together all the dry ingredients and the blueberries.

• Add the olive oil to the mixture.

• Cover with a paper towel.

• Microwave for approximately one minute. Let it cool a little, but serve it warm. Makes one serving.

*Brown sugar can easily be omitted from this recipe. 

Is comfort food really comforting if it could lead to disease? The answer is clear. This blueberry crisp is delicious, quick and healthy. It’s a snack or dessert that can bring us comfort in more ways than one. Happy (healthier) baking!