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Many of my loyal readers have asked what type of stevia I use. I do not use the types that are mixed with other additives (dextrose, sugar, xylitol, etc) to make them into a powdered form. I use this stevia extract from Sweet Leaf. It is the best. The sampler is the best value if you want to have different flavors on hand. And it goes a REALLY long way! You only need one drop per two ounces of whatever you're putting it in.

Here's how I use the different flavors:

Vanilla Creme: Use three drops in 8 oz. of warm milk with 2 Tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa to make supreme hot chocolate. It comes out bittersweet like real dark chocolate. If you like it sweeter add a 4th drop, but be careful. It is very powerful stuff.

Chocolate Raspberry: Use one drop per two oz. of mascarpone, two tablespoons of milk and two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa to make chocolate mousse.

Lemon: Use two drops with 1 cup of plain yogurt (I like Stonyfield.)Stonyfield Farm Yogurt Cookbook
Then add 1 cup of frozen blueberries. Puree it all in the blender for a delicious breakfast.

Orange: Add two or three drops to my pumpkin/ricotta hot "cereal" recipe that I posted previously. Or add it to yogurt with some canned pumpkin or leftover butternut squash. (I know it sounds crazy, but it's good.)

My other new favorite "superfood" is cacoa nibs. but I get the 8 ounce package at A Market in Manchester and it is NOT this expensive. You can sprinkle them on yogurt or a smoothie (or a sundae, if you are feeling decadent), to add a little kick and a little crunch.

And for all you crazy, healthy people who have asked me about hemp hearts, which are fabulous to dress a salad or hot cereal....

Dese are dem. They pack quite a punch. They are so nutritionally dense, that they give you a kick without the normal accompanying crash later. Eat them early in the day. And not at all if you are sedentary. You won't know what to do with yourself.

I truly hope that someone nearby starts carrying more of these items (especially the Stevia sampler), but for now, I'll be doing more grocery shopping online....