As a health-conscious gardener who enjoys growing my own food, I understand the importance of making wise choices regarding the foods I consume. I remember a day last summer when I was feeling a bit down and wanting to lean into a quick, easy, sweet snack. I remembered the sleeve of Twinkies® I won in the White Elephant swap at Christmas, and knowing they probably have a 50-year shelf life, I figured, what the heck?

But then I remembered the abundance of fresh, juicy blackberries I had just picked with my own hands. That’s when I decided to make a blackberry cobbler instead, and I even modified it to be a single serving that I could microwave for a minute (oven folks – yes you can bake it at 350F for 15, it’s just not a fast alternative).

Twinkies: A Processed and Artificial Treat

Calories: 280 | Fat: 9g | Cholesterol 35g | Sodium 370mg | Carbohydrates: 47g | Sugar: 32g | Protein 2g | Serving: 2 cakes

Twinkies are a well-known processed snack cake consisting of a sponge cake filled with a creamy, sweet filling. While they may be tasty, Twinkies are far from a healthy choice.

Health concerns associated with Twinkies:

• Highly processed: Twinkies contain numerous artificial ingredients, preservatives, and additives, which have been linked to various health issues.
• High in sugar: A single Twinkie contains about 17 grams of sugar, which can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and blood sugar imbalances.
• Low in nutrients: Twinkies provide little to no nutritional value, lacking the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber found in whole foods like fruits.

Fruit Cobbler: A Nutritious and Delicious Choice

Calories: 194 | Fat: 9g | Cholesterol 22g | Sodium 172mg | Carbohydrates: 25g | Sugar: 3.8g | Protein 4.4g | Serving: 1 cobbler

Fruit cobbler is a classic dessert that combines fresh, seasonal fruits with a crumbly, biscuit-like topping. Using the blackberries I had grown myself ensured the highest quality and freshness; blackberries are one of the lowest-sugar fruits! The aroma of the cobbler baking in the oven filled my kitchen with the sweet scent of summer, and if you do want to make it a little sweeter, you can add a little honey or a teaspoon of sugar.

Health benefits of fruit cobbler:

Rich in nutrients: The blackberries I used were packed with vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants that support overall health.
Fiber content: The fruits in my cobbler provided dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.
Customizable: I controlled the amount of sugar by adding none, and used gluten-free flour for the topping. You can also add a little honey for sweetness.

• 1/4 cup flour or gluten-free flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp almond milk (or the milk you like)
• 2 tsp unsalted butter melted
• 1/2 cup fresh blackberries (or any fresh fruit!)
• See the full recipe.

The Choice is Clear

When I took my first bite of the warm, gooey cobbler, I realized that it was just as satisfying as any Twinkie could ever be—save those for the apocalypse!

The natural sweetness of the blackberries, combined with the comforting texture of the topping, created a truly enjoyable dessert experience.

By choosing to make fruit cobbler using what I’m growing in my garden (or in the produce aisle) I can indulge in a sweet treat while still taking care of my health, and you can too! The next time you’re craving a dessert, I encourage you to reach for a serving of homemade fruit cobbler instead of processed snacks like Twinkies. Your taste buds will appreciate the better flavor, and your body will calm and thank you for making a healthier choice.

Do you want to grow your own blackberries? Blackberries are so easy to grow, they grow wild all over the country. But in case you don’t have access to a convenient wild bush, in the Blackberry Heaven: The All-in-One Guide to Choosing, Growing, Harvesting and Cooking Blackberries you get everything you need to know about growing your own!

What do you eat or make when you have a craving for something not so… fresh?