Flax seeds are a super-duper food, they contain a ton of Omega 3 fatty acid, are packed with fiber and have been shown to reduce a plethora of diseases to include, heart attacks, diabetes, and certain cancers.
The first time I used flax-seed was in my hair….
I would go to the local health food store, buy whole flax seeds and cook them on the stove to make an all natural hair gel.
One day, busy mixing my “hair potion”, I tried tasting them and they weren’t too bad so then I ate a handful, lets not get into details but they are helpful.
I had to get my family in on this healthy seed mainly my hubby due to his lifelong G.I issues, so I started “hiding” flax seed in their food. They add a nice nutty flavor so they’re perfect for your baked breakfast bites.
They come in different colors gold and brown, I’ve heard gold is healthier, but don’t hold me to that, I’m no nutritionist. They come in ground and whole, but best grounded when using as a substitute.
Here’s 4 ways you can bake with flax seeds!
1. Egg Substitute
This is perfect for egg allergic or vegan bakers.
If you’ve ever eaten flax seeds or ground flax-seed by itself you know it has a real slimy texture when it gets wet, just like an egg. Well the slime lends for a perfect egg replacement in your baked treats. The flaxseed ends up mimicking an egg and helps to bind the baked goods together.
Mix 1 Tablespoon of ground Flax Seed and 2 Tablespoons of Hot water. Mix it up and let it cool to room temperature before adding to batter.
2.Oil Replacement
Did you know you can replace oil called for in everything from muffins to my favorite red velvet cake recipe with flax seeds?
Well ½ cup of cooking oil is equal to about 1 ½ cups of ground flax-seed. When mixed with your wet ingredients it acts as oil, and with all the health benefits makes you feel a little less guilty about enjoying one too many!
3.Thickener/Corn Starch Substitute
If you didn’t know there is an increase in corn allergies going around. Many experts suggest this is due to corn being in almost everything we eat!
I know a lot of us use corn starch when needing added body to our recipes, well flax seeds can handle those jobs too!
All you do is mix water and ground flaxseed to your desired thickness and add to sauce, casseroles, etc.
The consistency will have a softer and less structure building consistency but you have to figure the right mix for the texture you are trying to reach.
4. Just Add It
Flax seeds are such a powerful and healthy seed you can simply add it in your normal recipes for its health benefits, to the get full advantage use ground flax seeds. If using whole flax-seed simply add it at the end of mixing batter or, sprinkle the flax-seed onto treats when you’re ready to eat!
I’m not saying it’s just as tasty as an egg but when you consider all of the health benefits of the flax-seed you can certainly make room for some on your shelves and tummy.
If you have your own tips, techniques or questions about cooking with flax seeds please leave them in the comment section, maybe there’s a treat you want to make egg free. I’d love to hear from you!
Here’s a recipe I love using which comes with another super healthy food, the sweet potato.
The flax seeds give bake goods a soft and gooey texture!
- 2 cups cooked mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons hot water
- 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup all purpose flour/ all purpose whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tablespoon quality vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
- Mix together hot water, and ground flax seed. Set aside until it thickens.
- Sift together flour and baking soda.
- With an electric mixer, beat the flax seed paste, brown sugar, oil, and sweet potatoes.
- Beat until it is smooth.
- Add flour.
- Continue to mix with electric mixer.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Beat it.
- Add milk and vinegar.
- Beat everything for a quick minute.
- Pour in paper muffin tin.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Oh this looks wonderful. I love the addition of flaxseed to these!
Thank you, its a different texture but really nice and soft so it works.
I needed these tips!! Because Caleb cannot have eggs, I’ve been using Energy-egg replacer for baked good. Sometimes it seems like it works and other time it doesn’t. I’m going to try these muffins with the flax! I too used to make the hair get with the flax seeds!
Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Zahra, my bookie won’t stop eating them, let me know how they work out for you!
Ooh, I love this idea! I used to use flax seeds and chia seeds so often, I’m not sure why I stopped, because they are excellent! I love that you can use the flax seeds as a thickener because I hate using cornstarch. Those muffins also look very yummy!
Thank you Jessica, I’m not fond of cornstarch myself, I love the texture I get with the flax seeds, they go really good in brownies, they get all soft and gooey, in a good way
Gotta try this at home.
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It’s worth the trouble they are delicious, plus packed with protein and fiber!
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Damn, thanks very much for posting this! It is going to be so helpful when I buy Chia Seeds at the market! Very Great!
Chia seeds and flax seed are very much alike but even better than flax seed you don’t need to grind Chia seeds to get all of the health benefits! Thanks for stopping by.