According to tradition, St. John the Baptist existed on them in the wilderness. Along with the carob, he wore clothing woven from camel’s hair and ate locusts and wild honey.

Carob is a healthy chocolate substitute, though to my palate it’s not intensively chocolate in flavor. The pods are sometimes roasted before they are ground to give the carob a more “chocolaty” taste. Carob powder is very similar to cocoa powder and can be substituted in most recipes with excellent results. Carob contains no caffeine.
It contains protein and vitamin A and some B vitamins, along with D. It has calcium, iron and other nutrients. And it won’t trigger migraines or allergic reactions, like some chocolates do.

 

NO BAKE GRANOLA 

Use this as a fasting meal for breakfast during Lent.  For a full meal, sprinkle over Greek yogurt, add fresh fruit, and drizzle with honey.  Or just have on hand for snacking during the day or when the kids are in the car going to a sports event.  This contains protein, carbs, iron and calcium so they will get a good energy boost. This is my latest version of a listener favorite!

Mix together:

• 2 cups whole grain Kashi cereal ( I like Go Lean Crunch) or your favorite healthy granola type cereal
• Sprinkle of cinnamon – toss with cereal before adding anything else  (optional)
• 1/2 cup dried fruit
• 1/2 cup toasted nuts (walnuts are good for immune system; almonds have calcium so either are good, or your favorite)
• 1/2 cup Carob chips (OK so if you can’t find carob chips, go ahead and use your favorite)