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Bonnee Klein Gilligan is a foodie who loves eating, cooking, and going to new and different restaurants in the Sedona-Verde Valley.

Bonnee's Food Corner: Sweet Jill's

Great places to eat and buy food in the Sedona-Verde Valley...and new recipes

The restaurant… a delectable hideaway!

Sweet Jill’s
1750 E. Villa Dr.
Cottonwood, AZ 86326 (just off Main St. behind Larry Green)
Phone: (928) 649-2779
Fax: (928) 649-9220
Website: http://www.sweetjillscafe.com

Slightly off the beaten path is a charming little café called Sweet Jill’s. The food is fresh and well prepared, and all the meat cured and smoked on premises without additives. Their slogan is “We’re Passionate About Food!” and their breakfasts are passionately good.

I looked over the menu…the Eggs Benedict caught my eye. While waiting for my meal I sipped a smooth, heady, strong cup of coffee and enjoyed looking at the various colorful vibrant paintings of food, which adorn the walls. The Benedict… mmmm… soft, crunchy and chewy, slightly smoky, tender, delicate, light and fluffy with overtones of lemon. Perfectly delicious! Served with seasoned homefried potatoes… crispy, savory and toothsome. One of my new favorite places for an extravagant, yet healthier breakfast.

Did I mention the homemade pastries? Jill makes all of the muffins, pastries and goodies fresh daily. I took a streusel home to savor later… it was glorious.

Breakfast or Lunch prices range from $4.50 to $8.95. I whole-heartedly recommend the Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine and Grandma Lillian’s Blintzes… yum!

Hours: Open daily for Breakfast and Lunch 8am – 3pm, Sunday breakfast only 8:30 – 1:30. Closed Tuesday.

Recipe… a breakfast treat!

Buckwheat, pecan pancakes with real maple syrup and yogurt

Making this recipe is one of the ways I treat myself on a lazy Sunday morning. It is moderately simple.

2/3 cup Buckwheat Pancake mix (like Arrowhead Mills)
1/3 cup ground flaxseed
1 egg, beaten
2 tsp. Safflower oil
2 tsp honey (I like pine flower)
¾ cup organic milk, soymilk or almond milk
¼ cup chopped pecans

By hand stir together all ingredients until lumps disappear. Don’t over mix. Lightly coat bottom of 12” skillet or griddle (375° - 400°F) with Safflower oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Pour 1 very large pancake in center of pan (about 2/3 cup) and cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges begin to dry. Flip and lightly brown other side. Repeat 2 more times. Makes 2 – 3 large pancakes.

Serve with blueberries, strawberries or any fresh fruit on top, real maple syrup, a dollop of full fat cream-top yoghurt (I like Horizon or Mountain High), a sprinkling of cinnamon and a great cup of coffee or tea. Awesome!

The good news… it's good for you! Buckwheat fruit is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. It acts as a prebiotic - that prompts the growth of "friendly" bacteria (probiotics) in the digestive tract. Flaxseed is the richest source of omega fatty acids and lignans (potent cancer fighters) known in nature. It also contains many vitamins and phytonutrients, protein and fiber. Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals – including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc and are high in fiber. They have the highest antioxidants of all nuts and contain plant sterols, which lower cholesterol. Real Maple Syrup contains about 217 calories per ¼ cup and provides 100% of the recommended daily allowance of manganese, 37% of riboflavin, 18% of zinc, 7% of magnesium and 5% of calcium and potassium. Eggs are high in protein and contain many vitamins and minerals, carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help prevent formation of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Eggs also contain choline that helps memory function. Yogurt contains more calcium then milk, strengthens bones, lowers cholesterol, guards against ulcers, supports the immune system and contains probiotics, which aid in digestion. Probiotic create healthy bacteria, which can be a powerful defense against asthma, eczema, and other allergic diseases. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, a very good source of vitamin C and E, manganese, and both soluble and insoluble fiber like pectin.

A great find… luscious NY style bagels

If you are looking for a great bagel Sedona has a wonderful little place with a nice selection. NY Bagels and Deli has over 16 varieties including whole wheat, pumpernickel, salt, everything, onion, plain and jalapeno. They have a lovely selection of baked goods such as pastries, croissants, muffins, bialy, scones, cookies, cupcakes, éclairs, cheesecake and more. Everything is made fresh daily in the store. They offer breakfast on a bagel and sandwiches for lunch on a Bagel, Rye, Focaccia or Sub rolls. Open daily 6am - 3 or 4pm. NY Bagels and Deli 1350 W. Hwy. 89A, Sedona, AZ. Phone: 928-204-1242 Fax: 928-203-0119.

Check out past editions of Bonnee's Food Corner!

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