Apple, Onion And Prune Aspic

This is a delicious aspic that pair well with so many meats. It is beautiful with roast beef, hamburgers, pork roast, moose, venison, chicken and turkey. Serve it as a condiment. There are so many health benefits in this sweet and savory aspic. The first one is collagen in the gelatin, which is a protein rich in glycine and proline. Collagen in the diet is needed for joints, skin elasticity and hydration, and intestinal membrane gut health.

Onions are a great source of the nutrient quercetin, and the good news is that cooked onions retain this beneficial nutrient, undamaged by the heat, and cooked onions are easier on the breath than raw onions. Quercetin is a flavonoid that may inhibit the growth of certain cancers. Quercetin has been shown to lower bad cholesterol, raise good cholesterol and to be protective of the cardio-vascular system. Onions are a natural source of both quercetin and chromium, which both assist in blood sugar control. Onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that work to detox our bodies by binding to heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium and then escorting them out of the body.

Apples are an excellent source of flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants. Cornell University researcher, Professor Chong Yong Lee has said this of the natural chemicals in apples “Some of the chemicals are known to be anti-allergenic; some are anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral. Now we know the reason behind the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples contain malic acid and tartaric acid which is known to help cleanse the liver of toxins, and pectin which also aids in the removal of toxins from our bodies. One apple supplies 30% of the daily recommend amount of fiber. Apples are shown to help regulate blood sugar, and to reduce fat in the blood. Regular intake of apples has shown to reduce both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Researchers have also found a link in the consumption of apples and the protection of the lungs, particularly from lung cancer and asthma.

Prune juice is famous for its ability to improve digestive health, due to the high content of fiber and the natural sorbitol sugar that works like a laxative. Prunes are high in antioxidants which help keep our cells healthy, and reduce inflammation. These specific antioxidants are beneficial for bone health, helping to prevent bone loss, may even assist in reversing it. This bone protective property is thought to be because of the vitamin and mineral profile that include those that are known to be bone protective. Prunes help to balance blood sugar, even though they are sweet. This is because they also contain nutrients that raise the hormone adiponectin, which in turns regulated blood sugar. Prunes are considered to be heart healthy, because of studies that have shown a reduction in bad cholesterol and raised blood pressure with regular consumption. Prunes promote hair growth by reducing adrenal gland fatigue, and thereby reducing hair loss. Prunes are a source of iron, needed for our cells. Prunes have also been found to enhance mind clarity and reduce brain fog. That’s a lot of nutrition in a single condiment.

Apple, Onion and Prune Aspic

1 cup apple, chopped small

1/2 cup onion, chopped small

1 glove garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon butter, salted

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 package gelatin powder

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup water, hot

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1 cup prune juice

In a heavy bottomed fry pan, sauté the onion, garlic and apple in the butter, until the onion is softened. In a small bowl, add the gelatin powder, and 1/4 cup room temp water. Stir the mixture and after a few minutes, add the hot water, and stir until the gelatin is dissolved. Stir in the prune juice, salt and the sautéed onion mixture. Refrigerate until completely gelled. Use up within 1 week.