How to use flax seed?

[jd]

I just bought some flax seed because I've heard it has excellent nutritional value. Does anyone have any suggestions for using it, or incorporating it into cooking or diet? Thanks in advance!

[Natasha]

Hi jd,
The May 2000 issue of Cooking Light has recipes for: lemon-flaxseed loaf cake, crusty whole-grain flaxseed rolls, flaxseed falafel sandwiches, and molasses crackle cookies. If any of these interest you, let me know. There are many delicious breads, muffins, etc. you can make using flaxseed, but this is a start!

[KimKelly]

JD, I regularly use flax seed meal when baking. I add a tablespoon or two to muffins, bread, pancakes... etc. I actually purchased it in meal form, but I read that you can make the meal by just grinding in the food processor or blender.

I've also read that you can just sprinkle it on anything... ie: cereal, yogurt, smoothies, etc. I haven't tried it that way yet though.
Hope this helps!
Kim

[mlou]

Flax seed is one of my latest health crazes also as it has many fantastic nutritonal qualities! You can sprinkle flax seed on just about anything-it has a very subtle nutty flavor. The main thing is to make sure that you grind it first, a coffee grinder works very well. You will find many recipes that call for whole seeds but you must grind them to get any value out of them. Whole flax will pass right through your system http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[AndreaU]

Does anyone know how much flax seed we SHOULD be getting on a daily basis? Is there a RDA? If so, please advise. I always see articles and recipes with flax seed (or flax seed oil) but they don't seem to mention a target amount. Thanks.

[RunnerKim]

I make the Crusty wholegrain flaxseed rolls regularly and highly recommend them! They keep very well in the freezer so I make a whole batch at once (there's only 2 in my family). I've also made the molasses crackle cookies and think they're fantastic as well - and how can you feel guilty about eating cookies when they have flax in them?!

AndreaU - I don't believe there's a recommended daily amount for flax seeds - it's the omega fatty acids in them that are what's recommended (along with the fiber).

I keep the seeds in my freezer and grind in my coffee grinder as needed.

Kim