Kokova Magazine

A knob of butter slowly melting into a slice of hot toast... sounds delicious, doesn't it? Unless you are watching your waistline and trying to eat a more balanced diet.

While we may be encouraged to ditch the butter and buttery spreads in an effort to maintain a healthy diet, for some, going without is not an easy option. A dry slice of toast or baked potato just doesn't excite enough to give up on butter altogether but in order to stay on the good side of healthy, while still having our 'toast' and eating it, we can make a conscious decision to opt for a healthier alternative.

Now Clover have launched a range of spreads that offer a new way to help keep you and your family a little healthier every day - while still tasting buttery, to satisfy those cravings.

All three members of the new Clover Additions range contain 70% less saturated fat than butter and are made with naturally low fat buttermilk, skimmed from the churn. Each also offers its own dietary benefits when eaten as part of a varied balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Containing seven essential vitamins, Daily Boost is perfect for those looking to inject an extra boost of goodness into the family meal plan. Vitamin A helps iron absorption from food; B vitamins help turn food into energy and Vitamin D supports healthy teeth and bones.

Rich in Vitamin A and a source of Folic Acid, Immunity Support helps support a healthy immune system whilst its Vitamin E content also helps protect the body's cells from oxidative stress.

Finally, Strong Bones will do exactly what it says on the tub. Rich in Vitamin D and a source of Calcium, this spread will assist in building and maintaining healthy bones.

"When the cold weather sets in, it becomes just that little bit more difficult to eat well and keep our families healthy and happy. Making small, subtle changes to your meal plan - like using Clover Additions - can help to give you a quick, healthy top-up of daily goodness, but still with the delicious buttery taste that all the family will love."

Jeannette Jackson, celebrity nutritionist

There are many opportunities to incorporate Clover Additions into your daily diet with all three Additions being suitable for spreading, cooking or baking.

For more information visit www.cloverfamily.co.uk

Pumpkin, Walnut & Poppy Seed Muffins with Cheddar Cheese

These savoury muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, supper or to accompany soups and stews - as well as being a great addition to the school or office lunch box. This recipe was developed for Clover and their new Additions range, which is made with buttermilk and has 70% less saturated fat than butter.

Makes 10 to 12 muffins
Prep time - 10 minutes
Cook time - 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 375g self-raising flour
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• 75g Clover Additions
• 1 large free-range egg, beaten
• 300mls milk
• 75g grated mature Cheddar cheese
• 25g grated Parmesan cheese
• 225g roasted, cooked pumpkin (cut into small pieces, or frozen/tinned cooked pumpkin pieces)
• 50g chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 25g grated Cheddar cheese (for the topping)

Procedure

1. Pre-heat oven to 200C/400F/Gas mark 6 and grease a 12 hole muffin tin with Clover (or line them with paper).
2. Add about 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper to the flour and then rub in the Clover until it is well blended.
3. Stir in the rest of the ingredients (except the cheese topping) and mix.
4. Spoon the muffin mixture into the prepared muffin tin and scatter the grated cheddar cheese over them as a cheesy topping.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the muffins have risen and are firm to the touch and golden brown in colour - with a melted cheese topping.
6. Allow them to cool for 2 - 3 minutes in the tin before gently turning them out and allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Muffins can be frozen once cooled. Allow to thaw again at room temperature and 'freshen' up in a warm oven.