Category Archives: dairy

gluten free pancakes

The Joy Of Pancakes: 5 Gluten-Free Delights

by dairy, gluten free, pancake,

There’s nothing quite like pancakes. Just about every culture I can think of has some sort of a recipe for them.  And many people enjoy them, not just for breakfast, but sometimes even dinner.  This can sometimes be a challenge for those who are dealing with gluten-sensitivity issues.

Whether it’s full-on celiac disease, an allergy to one or more grains, or digestive issues that simply don’t agree with consuming grain products, it can be somewhat difficult when you want to enjoy a pancake.

  1. Gluten-Free Berry Cheese Pancakes

This is a wonderful alternative to traditional pancakes. High in protein and very delicious, it’s easy to make, and you won’t miss the flour.  Obviously, if you’re sensitive to dairy you’ll need to substitute your favorite non-dairy cream cheese instead.  

Gluten Free Berry Cheese Pancakes

Start your day on a delightful note with these gluten-free berry cheese pancakes. Made with a combination of gluten-free flour, creamy cheese, and fresh berries, these pancakes are both nutritious and indulgent.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, brought to room temperature and cut into cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons organic butter, divided
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 strawberries fresh strawberries, sliced
  • Maple syrup, optional

Instructions
 

  • Add cream cheese, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to a food processor or blender
  • Blend on high until completely smooth
  • Heat a large pan (or griddle) to medium heat
  • When hot add ½ tablespoon butter to the pan, spreading to cover
  • Pour small pancakes onto the pan (approximately 3) — leave space in between so they don’t run together
  • Cook until the edges just begin to turn brown and the pancakes are set, about 3 minutes. 
  • Carefully flip each pancake and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until bottom is golden brown on the bottom
  • Transfer cooked pancakes wire rack and keep warm (I like to use my microwave oven for this.  It’s over the cooktop and it’s an insulated box. Don’t put pancakes on a plate as the bottom ones get soggy if you do)
  • Repeat until all the pancakes are made
  • Serve pancakes topped with berries and maple syrup, if using
    Enjoy!

2. Banana Oat Pancakes

This recipe is simple and delicious. One of the things that my family likes so much about it is that the pancakes are very fluffy.  You don't realize that these are whole-grain oat pancakes they are that light and airy.  The bananas combined with the cinnamon and nutmeg make it a delicious way to start your day.  I also like having another great recipe that allows me to use up any almost over-ripe bananas.

banana oat pancakes

King Arthur Flour's Banana-Oat Pancakes

Try these banana oat pancakes for a wholesome twist on a breakfast classic. Packed with fiber-rich oats and sweetened naturally with ripe bananas, these pancakes are as nutritious as they are delicious!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 3 small bananas mashed
  • 2 T. unsalted butter melted (use organic)
  • 1 T. lemon juice
  • 1 T. sugar (I reduce this to 1 t. as the bananas when they are this ripe have a lot of natural sugars)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 C. oat flour
  • 1/2 t. baking soda
  • 1/2 t. salt
  • 1/2 t. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 t. ground nutmeg

Instructions
 

  • Stir together the mashed bananas, butter, lemon juice and sugar in a medium bowl.
  • Beat in the eggs.
  • Whisk together the oat flour, baking soda, salt and spices in a small bowl.
  • Form a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients.
  • Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are thoroughly moistened.
  • Check to be sure the batter is thin enough for your pancakes; you may need to add a touch of milk or water (I never do)
  • Let the batter sit 10 minutes before using.
  • Heat a nonstick griddle or heavy skillet.
  • If your surface is not non-stick brush it lightly with vegetable oil.
  • When the surface is ready spoon batter 1/4 C. at a time into the pan.
  • Let the pancakes cook on the first side until bubbles begin to for around the edges, 3-4 minutes.
  • When the pancakes are just beginning to set flip then and let them cook on the second side, about 1 1/2 minutes more.
  • You can sprinkle toasted walnuts over the batter just before cooking as an extra treat.

 

3. Ricotta Pancakes with Honey-Glazed Plums

The inspiration for this was a click-through Twitter post that brought me to Almost Bourdain's (AB's) blog, which I recently discovered and like. He credits his inspiration for this recipe to Bill Granger, I credit my inspiration to him. It's kind of neat how that works, we're all connected by this idea of ricotta in pancakes, but we each put a slightly different twist to it; all of them, I'm sure, are very delicious.

Ricotta Pancakes with Honey Glazed Plums

Indulge your taste buds with these luxurious ricotta pancakes topped with honey-glazed plums. The creamy texture of ricotta cheese combined with the sweetness of honey-glazed plums creates a decadent breakfast treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • For the pancakes:

    1 1/3 C. ricotta cheese

    3/4 C. buttermilk (for a little tang to offset the honey glazed plums)

    4 eggs separated

    1/2 C. fresh ground oat flour

    1/2 C. fresh ground brown rice flour

    1 t. baking powder

    1 t. vanilla

    pinch salt

  • For honey-glazed plums:

    2 plums

    2 T. honey

    1/2 t. cinnamon

    2 t. butter

Instructions
 

  • Pancake instructions:
    Beat egg whites until peaks form, set aside
    Mix ricotta, egg yolks, vanilla, and buttermilk together until well blended
    Mix together flours, baking powder and salt
    Gently add flours into ricotta mixture
    Gently fold egg whites into mixture until just blended
    Grop by 1/4 C. measure into medium hot, greased pan
    After 2 minutes flip to cook other side
  • Instructions for plums:
    Cut plums into bite sized pieces
    Toss with honey and cinnamon
    In a medium-hot pan melt butter
    Add plum mixture and stir until plums begin to soften just a little (about 7 minutes)
    Serve pancakes with plums on top

4. Classic Pancakes

These pancakes are very fluffy, combining the oat flour and the buttermilk.  The whole grains soften a bit by letting the batter rest for a few minutes and soaking up some of that buttermilk to help make the pancakes fluffy and delicious.

Tip: The batter for this recipe does tend to be somewhat thin. It’s best to make smaller pancakes so you can flip them easily.  Or thin the batter out a tiny bit more with some coconut milk and make a crepe-style pancake instead.   so you may find smaller pancakes easier to flip.

Buttermilk Oat Pancakes

Buttermilk Oat Pancakes

Sometimes, nothing beats the simplicity of classic pancakes. These pancakes are a timeless favorite, Whether fluffy or thin, topped with maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 C. oat flour
  • 1/2 C. brown rice flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 T. melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 t. baking powder
  • 1/2 t. baking soda
  • 1 t. vanilla
  • 1 T. sucanat

Instructions
 

  • Mix the dry ingredients together
  • Beat the egg
  • Add beaten egg and other liquid ingredients to the dry mixture
  • Let mixture sit for 5 minutes
  • Cook in pan lightly greased with coconut oil
    Enjoy!

 

5. Strawberry Sheet Pan Cakes

Hosting a brunch or feeding a crowd? These strawberry sheet pan cakes are the perfect solution. Baked to golden perfection in a sheet pan and topped with fresh strawberries, these pancakes are as convenient as they are delicious. Get the recipe here: Strawberry Sheet Pan Cakes.

 

benefits and uses of coconut

The Many Health Benefits And Uses Of Coconut

by dairy

After being vilified for many years, coconut oil is making a comeback.  The oils have a wide variety of uses beyond cooking and can be used as a moisturizer, as a makeup remover, even to help prevent hairballs in cats (seriously).  

There are also emerging studies that appear to indicate that the oil can be highly beneficial for brain health, helping with neurophysiological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease. 

It turns out the oil may be beneficial for a wide range of health issues.  Dr. Bruce Fife, author of The Coconut Oil Miracle, has a number of articles about this at the Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine.  

Discover how this tropical treasure can enhance your well-being and revolutionize your everyday life.

Health Benefits of Coconutbenefits of coconut

This remarkable plant offers a treasure trove of resources with numerous uses. Let's explore the health advantages it brings to the table.

  1. Hydration and electrolyte balance: Coconut water is a natural, hydrating beverage rich in electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which help replenish fluids and maintain proper hydration levels.
  2. Heart health: Despite being high in saturated fats, coconut products have been associated with increased levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol, which can support heart health and improve overall cholesterol profile.
  3. Digestive health: The fiber content in coconut meat and coconut flour promotes healthy digestion, aids in regular bowel movements, and may support gut health by acting as a prebiotic.
  4. Weight management: Coconut products, particularly coconut oil and coconut milk, contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can increase feelings of fullness and potentially boost energy expenditure, aiding in weight management.
  5. Brain health: Emerging research suggests that the MCTs found in coconut oil may have neuroprotective properties, potentially benefiting brain health and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
  6. Immune system support: The lauric acid in coconut products exhibits antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which can support immune function by fighting against harmful pathogens.
  7. Skin and hair health: Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in skincare and haircare products due to its moisturizing properties. It can help hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and improve hair condition and shine.
  8. Nutrient absorption: The fat content in coconut oil can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, from other foods.

Ways to Use Coconut

  • Coconut meat: Coconut meat is not only a tasty treat that can be enjoyed fresh or dried, but it has also gained significant popularity in baking and among those who follow a paleo lifestyle.
  • Coconut flour: the dried ground meat can be used in baking and is especially popular for gluten free baking.  It's also a good source of protein with 100 g of coconut flour containing just over 19 g of protein.
  • Coconut water: It is a fairly balanced electrolyte fluid; far tastier and is a far better beverage than the sports drinks which are touted for that purpose.
  • Coconut milk: made from the ground meat this is a tasty dairy substitute that many people enjoy.
  • Coconut cream: the solid section of the coconut milk which rises to the top; this can be skimmed off and used the same as whipping cream.
  • Coconut oil: made from the meat, this is a healthy source of medium chain fatty acids and can be used in baking and cooking.  It even makes a great facial moisturizer. 
  • Coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is even gaining in popularity as a healthier choice for a sweetener. The list goes on.
Note: coconut flour, milk and water all substitute fairly well at a one-for-one ratio for their conventional counterparts.  Coconut oil substitutes one-for-one although I have found that because it melts differently it sometimes gives a different texture to baked goods.  

The infographic below shows a number of ways in which it can be useful.

coconut uses infographic

Health questions about coconuts

Are coconuts a nut? 

No.  Although they contain the word nut in their name coconuts are not a nut, they are a drupe. It should be safe for those with nut allergies to consume coconut products.  A drupe is the seed of a palm tree and is not botanically related to nuts or peanuts.  However, if there is an allergy it would still be prudent to test in order to verify the absence of a coconut specific allergy.

It's saturated, I thought saturated fats were bad for you? 

Coconut oil is indeed naturally saturated, however it got it's bad rap when scientists who were studying fats used hydrogenated coconut oil.  Coconut oil is a nourishing fat, high in lauric acid (also found in mother's milk) which appears to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.  2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil per day is a healthy addition to your nutritional plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, coconut oil is making a remarkable comeback, offering versatile uses beyond cooking. From its potential benefits for brain health to its nourishing properties for the skin and hair, coconuts provide a lot of health advantages. Incorporating coconut products, such as coconut water, milk, oil, and flour, can diversify your culinary experiences while supporting hydration, heart health, digestion, and more.

 

should you drink raw milk

Should You Drink Raw Milk?: Benefits, Risks, And Regulations

by dairy,

I've previously written about how raw milk regularly crops up in the news. There are many people who prefer it to pasturized and/or homogenized milk.  Both the Raw Milk Institute and the Weston A. Price Foundations Campaign for Real Milk support those consumers who want raw milk and those farmers who want to provide it.  

What’s the deal with raw milk?

Every now and again the issue of consuming raw milk seems to get more attention in the news and in legislative prospects. Each state has their own laws on subject and are divided in to four categories for the sale of raw milk for human consumption: Farm legal, Retail Legal, Cow Share Legal, and Illegal. 

Currently there are 44 states that allow distribution or sale of raw milk, of these 44 states - 38 allow the sale or distribution for human consumption and the other six states allow for animal consumption. Some states make decisions regarding raw milk specifically but will allow the grocery store sale of and consumption of raw milk cheeses. If you’re interested in consuming raw milk you’ll need to look into the guidelines for your particular state.

Raw milk nutritionraw milk

The battle for the right to purchase raw milk has been going on for over 100 years. Milk pasteurization became a common practice in the 1920s and was considered “one of the major breakthroughs in public health.” Yet many believe that the pasteurization of the milk destroys or hinders the health benefits of the milk.

  • Proponents of raw milk believe it provides more nutrition. It is noticeably higher in Vitamin C than pasteurized milk
  • A study in 2009 found that all of the DHA (dehydroascorbic acid) and 20% of the ascorbic acid disappeared in pasturized milk due to the processing
  • When milk is heated there is also a reduction in calcium available for your body to use. 
  • Raw milk contains high levels of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid – an essential fatty acid which can help fight cancer). 
  • More than half of the Vitamin D in raw milk is destroyed in processing which is why commercial milk is fortified.
Additional benefits of raw milk include:
  • A 2006 study from England showed that raw milk consumption substantially reduced allergies and asthma in children
  • Pasteurization of milk destroys a lot of the enzymes and good bacteria in the milk. These are beneficial to our health and the only way we can get them is through raw dairy
  • Homogenizing milk forces the fat globules into small particles and prevents the cream from rising to the top. This process heats the milk for a second time and many folks feel it changes the flavor and the nutritional value
  • Because unheated milk has all the enzymes and bacteria (important for lactase to break down the milk sugar), many people who think they are lactose intolerant can actually drink raw milk without a problem

The dangers of raw milk

The other side of the debate claims that raw milk is too dangerous to be sold for human consumption. 

There are risks with raw milk as it can harbor microorganisms that can pose a serious health risk such as salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and other foodborne illnesses. There is a risk of these pathogens in many other foods too. This is why it is extremely important to know your farmer, the cleanliness of the farm and milking process, and confirm that the farm does regular testing for pathogens.

When considering purchasing raw milk from a farm, do your research on the farm, ask questions about the milking process, and maybe even ask to do a farm visit to see for yourself how clean the operation is. I cannot stress enough to do your research about the farm and their practices.

In conclusion

There are a wide range of documented health benefits to be had from consuming raw dairy products. However there are also some risks. The consumption of raw dairy is a personal one and may or may not be available depending on the laws in your area. If you do choose to consume raw dairy it is vital that you know where it comes from and verify that the dairy is taking appropriate measures to provide the cleanest, best quality raw milk products.

[expand title="Sources"]

  • "Raw Milk Institute". Raw Milk Institute, 2023, https://www.rawmilkinstitute.org/

  • "Home - Real Milk". Real Milk, 2023, https://www.realmilk.com/. 

  • CDC Raw Milk Q&A - 

  • https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-questions-and-answers.html.

  • Lucey JA. Raw Milk Consumption: Risks and Benefits. Nutr Today. 2015 Jul;50(4):189-193. doi: 10.1097/NT.0000000000000108. Epub 2015 Jun 27. PMID: 27340300; PMCID: PMC4890836.

  • "Raw Milk: Discussing It’S Merits And Safety - The Nourishing Gourmet". The Nourishing Gourmet - Nourishing. Satisfying. Gourmet., 2009, https://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/raw-milk-discussing-its-merits-and-safety/.

  • Yoon, Yohan et al. "Microbial Benefits And Risks Of Raw Milk Cheese". Food Control, vol 63, 2016, pp. 201-215. Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.11.013. 

  • Cardin, Guillaume et al. "A Mechanistic Study Of The Antiaging Effect Of Raw-Milk Cheese Extracts". Nutrients, vol 13, no. 3, 2021, p. 897. MDPI AG, doi:10.3390/nu13030897. Foundation, The. "Real Milk Campaign". The Weston A. Price Foundation, 2018, https://www.westonaprice.org/real-milk-campaign/#gsc.tab=0. 

[/expand]

Organic Vs. Conventional Dairy

Organic Dairy Products Vs. Conventional Dairy

by dairy, gmo, health, organic

Recently I had a conversation with my friend Kay about dairy products which mostly centered on our family's decision to purchase organic milk products.

We choose to purchase organic milk, butter, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt. Organic sliced cheese isn't easily available in our area so we have to bend there but we try to buy brands that at least promote that they do not use recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH).

Supporting Organic Farming
The conversation centered around the reasons for consuming organic dairy.  
 
The first is that it supports organic farming which means no genetically modified organisms are fed to the cows, they are not given antibiotics or hormones and no pesticides are used in their environment.  
 
Kay countered with the thought that it was cruel to not give antibiotics to a cow who has an infection.  That is certainly true and I would not expect a sick cow to be denied antibiotics. 
 
In organic farming the practice is that if a cow requires antibiotics that animal is removed from the organic herd and treated.  The cow is then sold to a conventional dairy operation.
Artificial Hormones and the Risks Involved
Having said that, research shows that organic cows, because they are not milked as heavily, suffer much less often from mastitis than conventional cows.  Canadian scientists (Canada has banned this substance) reported a 25% increased risk in mastitis in cows treated with rBGH.
 
I don't believe that drinking artificial hormones is good for anyone but I especially do not want to expose my daughters, to extra hormones if I can control it.  In an effort to make dairy operations more "efficient" Monsanto developed rBHG.  This tremendously increased production by as much as 50% and there are reports of  farms where cows need to be milked three times per day; this was touted as a great success.  
Genetic Effects of Hormones in Dairy
But success comes with a price. According to this article referencing the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, twinning rates have tripled in this country since the introduction of rBGH/rBST. It makes you wonder what the continued genetic effect of these hormones will be on children that were conceived while their mothers consumed these hormones.
 
Leaving the hormone and chemical issues aside, organic farming methods are more humane for the cows.  Organic farms house their cows in less crowded conditions and the cows get more fresh air, and tend to be pastured, meaning they eat grass.  
Health Benefits of Organic Dairy
A recent European-wide, QLIF study, published in the Journal of Food of Science and Agriculture, showed that cows who eat grass produce milk that is higher in Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLA's) which are beneficial for heart health and decreasing diabetes risk.  They also reported higher omega-3 levels in milk from organically raised cows.
Is Organic Dairy Worth the Extra Cost?

Is organic dairy more expensive?  Yes. It is worth it? Absolutely. If you cannot make your budget stretch to cover organic dairy, I strongly urge you to not consume products tainted by rBGH.  This website will give you a list of producers in your state who are artificial hormone free.

Guide To Freezing Food: What You Can And Can’t Put In The Freezer

by bread, dairy, drinks, eggs, food storage, food waste, fruit, herbs and spices, jelly/jam, left overs, meat, nuts

Did you know that the United States is the global leader in food waste? In fact, nearly 40% of the US food supply is wasted each year. That’s approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food.

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), food spoilage is one of the main reasons why Americans throw out food. So how do we tackle food waste? The USDA suggests improving labeling, food storage, cooking methods, among others. 

To help with the movement against food waste, let’s talk about one of the greatest inventions that can help avoid spoilage– the freezer!

Here’s some food for thought: freezing is one of the oldest and safest methods to preserve food, with no chemical preservatives needed. However, many of us are not sure how to properly freeze food.

Which food is safe to freeze? How long can you freeze food? Is it okay to refreeze thawed meat?

Print and stick these guidelines on your fridge door for every family member’s reference: 

Food you can freeze

 

Truthfully, You can freeze almost any food, except for canned food or eggs in shells . Canned foods may be frozen once the food is out of the can. 

  • Baked goods – Be sure to wrap it in parchment paper before you wrap it in plastic or foil. If possible, consider storing in glass containers.
  • Cheese – If it is brick or shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack
  • Dairy – Be aware that cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, etc. can be a little more liquidy after thawing.
  • Raw eggs – It is not safe to freeze raw eggs in the shell.  Eggs can be frozen either just the yolks beaten together, just the whites beaten together, or yolks and whites beaten together and then put in the freezer. Frozen whites will not loft after thawing. Be sure to label your package with the number of eggs. These are best for omelets, quiche, or baking.
  • Guacamole – Be prepared to eat it all when you thaw it because it turns brown pretty quickly (i.e., freeze in small containers).
  • Herbs (fresh) – Wash and dry thoroughly before freezing. You can also mince and put into an ice cube tray with some oil to make herbed oils for cooking or roll into butter and freeze this compound butter for cooking.
  • Honey – Theoretically, honey lasts a v-e-r-y long time, so there’s no need to do that.
  • Hummus – Fresh hummus is so much better.
  • Jam – Most jams are store-bought and shelf-stable. Otherwise, I’m assuming that you’re making your own and simply don’t want to process it. In that case, make sure there is some expansion room at the top of the container (this is called headspace).
  • Margarine – You can freeze it, but I DON’T recommend eating margarine! 
  • Cow milk – Pour a little out of the container to allow for freezer expansion
  • Nuts – A freezer is a perfect place to store them because they don’t go rancid quickly from all of their natural oils.
  • Orange juice – Although it freezes better (i.e., won’t separate as much) in smaller containers, it needs to be stirred to bring back together after thawing.
  • Salsa – You need to make sure there’s a little space at the top of the jar for the salsa to expand. Thaw fully and stir to combine before eating.
  • Wine – Technically yes, it supposedly does well in ice cube trays. I’ve had mixed success with this. My recommendation is to get a mother of vinegar, a vinegar crock, and use leftover wine for making vinegar instead.

Food you shouldn’t freeze

 

Some foods don't freeze well, such as mayonnaise, cream sauce, and lettuce. Cooked meat tends to dry out when frozen, so raw meat and poultry will maintain their quality longer in the freezer.

  • Almond milk – It separates, and the texture is pretty gross!
  • Coconut milk – It’s best for baking or including in something else. I don’t like the way it tastes/feels after it’s been frozen
  • Deep-fried food – You’ll lose that nice crisp and make them soggy
  • Cream-based products such as sour cream – The texture will change. Frozen sour cream is best used in cooked dishes
  • Mayonnaise – The texture can be a bit off after it’s frozen. But mayonnaise is so easy to make at home that I suggest having the ingredients on hand rather than freezing it.
  • Soft cheese – Brie and camembert can be technically frozen, but their consistency changes after thawing. Goat cheese seems to freeze okay, but the flavor may change slightly.
  • Cooked pasta – If it’s not al dente, it could become mushy and disintegrate when you reheat it
  • Gravy – As long as it is flour-based. Cream or milk-based gravies will not freeze well
  • Vegetables with high water content – These foods can become soggy and water-logged when thawed.
  • Salad – Does not freeze well

How long can you keep food in the freezer?

 

According to FoodSafety.gov, “frozen foods stored continuously at 0 °F or below can be kept indefinitely.” Note that the guidelines for freezer storage below are for quality only. 

  • Hotdogs, bacon, sausage – 1-2 months
  • Luncheon meat – 1-2 months
  • Hamburger and other ground meats – 3-4 months
  • Fresh beef, lamb, and pork – 4-12 months
  • Cooked, store-wrapped ham – 1-2 months
  • Fresh whole chicken –  One year
  • Raw eggs – One year
  • Soups and stews – 2-3 months
  • Leftovers, such as cooked meat and poultry – 2-6 months

Food Safety During Power Outage

 

During a power outage, the refrigerator can keep the food safe for up to 4 hours. It’s safe to discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours to avoid food poisoning. 

You may also want to keep a nickel in your freezer to let you know just how much the contents thawed during a power outage. Put a cup of water in the freezer. Once it’s frozen place a nickel on top of it.  If the power goes out the nickel let’s you know if your food stayed frozen. When you look at the cup after a power outage if the nickel is below the surface of the ice (or even, sadly, at the bottom of the cup) that let’s you know your freezer defrosted significantly and the items in it thawed and then refroze. They are most likely no longer safe to eat and should be thrown out. ⁠

Easy & healthy freezer meal recipes

 

If you’re looking for ideas on how to fill your freezer, refer to my Fast Fun Freezer Meals class. Get the information and recipes you need to prepare for a week’s worth of dinner — ready to put in the freezer in less than 90 minutes!

Do you have freezing or any food-related questions? Follow me on Instagram @theingredientguru; I’d be glad to reply to your comments! 

Sources:

  •  https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts
  • https://www.usda.gov/foodwaste/faqs
  • https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/freezing-and-food-safety

How To Make Non-Dairy Milk

by bread, breakfast, dairy, drinks, food intolerance, health, nuts, protein, vegan,

If you are one of the approximately 65% of all adult humans who have trouble with lactose, you may have considered switching to non-dairy milk products. If nothing else, simply because you're tired of always paying more for lactose-free [insert dairy product here], or because you keep forgetting to bring your lactase enzymes with you.

What is lactose intolerance?

For those that may be struggling with this issue and learning about this for the first time, allow me to explain. Lactose intolerance is where the body cannot properly break down lactose, milk sugar. This can cause a number of symptoms including diarrhea, cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and, although not frequent, vomiting.

Lactose, by the way, is why things like milk list 11g of sugar per cup on the label. There's no added sugar in the milk, it's part of the milk. Side note: if you're going to drink or consume milk, I strongly suggest that it be whole milk and organic, preferably pasture-raised. This also applies to or yogurt, or other dairy products. 

For those people who cannot tolerate lactose, most of the population, there is a solution. To purchase dairy products where the lactose has been split into it's component parts of galactose and glucose, making it easier to digest. Or taking lactase, an enzyme that their system lacks, which helps to break down the lactose.Other options

For those who would rather not deal with the issues around lactose intolerance there is another option. Plant-based milks. These are made by processing certain things like almonds, coconut, oats, rice, or hemp, and making a milk-like product. While it doesn't taste like milk, it's close enough that it's often an acceptable substitute.

Drinking plant-based milks can, however, come with it's own challenges. One is that because the plant-based options are thinner than milk, emulsifiers and thickeners are added. These are made from plant gums which can cause digestive upset if over consumed or for those with very sensitive digestive tracts.

Carrageenan in particular is strongly linked to digestive health issues and should be avoided in any product. Other plant gums can be just as overwhelming to the system, causing many of the problems that lactose does.

Making almond milk at home

Instead of buying plant milks at the store it is possible to make them at home. Almond and coconut are the easiest to make yourself. With just a little bit of time, a few healthy ingredients, and not a lot of equipment, you can enjoy your own delicious homemade milk.

Almond Milk

  • 2 cups almonds
  • 4 cups filtered water
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  1. Soak almonds in water overnight
  2. Discard soaking water and rinse almonds well
  3. Place almonds, salt, vanilla, and 4 cups of water in a high powered blender
  4. Blend on high speed for 2 minutes
  5. Strain through cheesecloth or a nut milk bag
  6. Solids can be refrigerated and used in baking within 4-5 days
  7. Refrigerate almond milk before serving

No Soy

You may be wondering why soy milk is not on my suggested list of plant-based milks. I don't recommend consuming it because soy tends to be one of the most highly genetically modified crops we have. Soy is also a phytoestrogen, meaning plant estrogen, and can disrupt hormones. Therefore it's best to avoid not only soy milk, but also the wide variety of soy-based products on the market.

[expand title="Sources"] 
Nardi, J. et al. Prepubertal subchronic exposure to soy milk and glyphosate leads to endocrine disruption. Food and Chemical Toxicology
Volume 100, February 2017, Pages 247-252. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691516304896 [/expand]

Who Put Beer In My Ice Cream?

by additives, dairy, FDA, ingredients

Ben & Jerry's New Flavor for Climate Advocacy

Who Put Beer In My Ice Cream?

Ben & Jerry's is concerned about climate change. So they've created a new flavor in partnership with New Belgium Brewing. Ice cream and beer. They're both called Salted Caramel Brown-ie (Brownie) Ale. Profits from the sales of these products will go to Protect Our Winters, a climate advocacy group in support of winter sports.

While I certainly support the idea of supporting efforts to educate people about climate change and to create positive ways to reverse it I'm not sure what beer and ice cream have to do with it. Just being honest on that point right up front.

Because these are products with a social message I imagine they'll sell pretty well. Truthfully it sounds like an interesting flavor and Ben & Jerry's is known for good ice cream. I don't drink beer so I can't speak about the ale. Ben & Jerry's has a great mission statement that supports GMO labeling, they do not use rBGH in their dairy products, and they are proponents of Fair Trade ingredients. New Belgium Brewing also believes in non-GMO sourcing for their products. All good things.

The Ingredients

So what's the one major thing that will keep me from eating this ice cream? * Carrageenan. This red seaweed has been linked with gastrointestinal inflammation, colon cancer, and it is very damaging to those with gastrointestinal disorders.

There is also a study, partially funded by the American Diabetes Association, looking at the relationship between consuming carrageenan and its impact on diabetes. Because carrageenan appears in so many products (primarily dairy, alternative dairy, and frozen confections) the amount of exposure can be significant.

Eating organic foods is no escape as carrageenan is approved for use in those foods as well. Which serves as an important reminder that just because something is organic doesn't mean it's good for you.

Many people who have bloating and digestive issues often find their symptoms significantly diminished or removed when they stop eating this ingredient. While low level inflammation and gastrointestinal distress are not always significant enough to be noticed (as opposed to conditions such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn's), when removing this ingredient from their diet for a period of time many people notice a difference. The science behind the negative impact of carrageenan is increasing.

The Cornucopia Institute has petitioned the FDA to remove carrageenan from the approved list (and is seeking input from consumers who have noticed changes to their health after eliminating carrageenan from their diet). The response of the FDA's Select Committee On GRAS Substances (SCOGS) from February of 2015 concludes, "uncertainties exist requiring that additional studies should be conducted."

There's also the matter of the "natural flavors." We don't really know what they are and there are a lot of things that can fall under that "natural" label that are less than desirable.

Surprisingly there is lactase in the ice cream. Not a negative, just interesting. This is the digestive enzyme that specifically helps to break down milk sugar. I haven't bought ice cream in a while so I haven't been looking at the label. This is something that could be a good idea to help digest the dairy products.

However please note that for those who are lactose intolerant this enzyme addition is not sufficient for them to be able to consume the ice cream without also taking some additional enzyme support. It will be fascinating to start reading ice cream labels and seeing if other manufacturers are following suit.

Conclusion

It's important to remember that no matter how good the social mission, no matter how well sourced some of the ingredients are, if there's something in a food that you can't eat, you simply shouldn't eat it. Remember to always read the label and eat well to be well.

*We're leaving out the fact that this does contain gluten (beer/malted barley, wheat flour, and malted barley flour)

Food Storage Tips

by dairy, eggs, food waste, produce

There's nothing worse than having to throw out food because it's gone fuzzy or mushy. It's even worse when it's something that you purchased organic because that means you paid an even higher price for it.  With proper food storage habits you can make sure that your food lasts as long as possible.

It's easy to wind up with an abundance of fresh produce for a number of reasons:

  • it was on sale
  • you've just visited the farmer's market and it looked inviting
  • you have a CSA share and have limited control over how many tomatoes they give you (when tomatoes are in season of course)
  • you have a home garden and discovered the awesome power of a single zucchini seed.  

Whatever the reason for having a bountiful supply of fresh food (or even dairy, eggs, and foods of that nature which can also spoil), it's important to know how long it can be stored for.  It's also a great idea to understand proper food storage.   After all, knowing which things go in the refrigerator, what has to be wrapped, and the best way to wrap it, can be the difference between eating what you paid for or creating expensive compost.

Buying organic

As you go through this infographic below keep in mind that there are a significant number of items which need to be purchased organically.

  • The Dirty Dozen:those 12 fruits and vegetables which need to be purchased organically in order to avoid pesticide residues) – This list changes annually, be sure to revisit it every year  
  • Dairy products: All dairy should be organic in order to avoid the artificial hormones (rBGH), antibiotics, and pesticide and GMO-laden feed that is part of conventional dairy  
  • Eggs:  Whenever possible eggs should be sourced from someone who has free range or pastured hens, in order to produce the healthiest egg.  Farmer's markets can be a great source for this, or ask around.  Many more people are beginning to raise chickens at home for the eggs.  When it's prime season, at one egg per chicken per day, they may have extras to sell

Storage

One final note, I really don't like to wrap food in plastic.  Plastics, containers and wraps, are comprised of chemical compounds that are hormone disrupting.  For more information about why plastic, and especially BPA, are harmful for you watch my interview with Lara Adler.  For storage if you must wrap use plastic, place wax paper over the food first and then wrap over that.  If at all possible try using glass or steel containers. 


Source: Fix.com

Coconut Milk — Not As Healthy As You’d Think

by dairy, drinks, gmo, ingredients,

Big news!  Yesterday, Wednesday, February 4 2015, Starbucks announced that they would start offering coconut milk as a non-dairy option. It's scheduled to appear at a Starbucks near you beginning on February 17, 2105. Normally that would be a great option, especially for someone like me who is currently dealing with food sensitivities and needs to avoid dairy.  It's also potentially better than their current non-dairy option, soymilk, which is quite possibly genetically modified.

While I don't drink coffee I do like an occasional green tea latte.  However, on closer inspection it turns out this isn't going to be an option for me either.  The ingredients panel shows several items that I can't consume and a couple more that I choose not to.

Carrageenan

Let's start with carrageenan.  It's a red seaweed which has been shown to be problematic for those with digestive issues.   Not just those who have serious bowel health issues such as crohn's or ulcerative colitis, carrageenan can also affect those who struggle with bloating or gas issue.  Many of them find that they do much better when they avoid carrageenan.  For more information check out this report by the Cornucopia Institute.  In fact many people who struggle with carrageenan also have issues with excessive amounts of gums in food products.  This coconut milk also contains gellan gum, xanthan gum, and guar gum.

"Natural" Flavors

For ingredients I choose not to consume, and which I advocate others avoid as well, we see "natural" flavors [quotes are mine] which could mean anything and sometimes is a code for monosodium glutamate.  There's also corn dextrin which, because it doesn't specifically say organic, could be genetically modified.  While coconut milk itself isn't genetically modified, corn is one of the most highly GMO crops we have and conventional corn products should be avoided as much as possible.   The vitamin A palmitate is most likely a synthetic form of palmitic acid; it's used to fortify dairy products.

Guar Gum

There are coconut milks that do not contain these products however some of them contain a gum, usually guar gum, to help with thickening the coconut milk.  Be sure to read the label to avoid ingredients you don't want to eat.

----------

Update:  A reader wrote in and told me that Starbucks was aligned with Monsanto and supported opposition to GMO labeling.  Research shows that Starbucks is not directly affiliated with Monsanto other than that they both belong to the Grocery Manufacturers Association which is vigorously opposed to GMO labeling.   Starbucks claims to be an "affiliate" member and in a direct quote from Starbuck's website:

Starbucks is not a part of any lawsuit pertaining to GMO labeling nor have we provided funding for any campaign. And Starbucks is not aligned with Monsanto to stop food labeling or block Vermont State law.

The petition claiming that Starbucks is part of this litigation is completely false and we have asked the petitioners to correct their description of our position.

Starbucks has not taken a position on the issue of GMO labeling. As a company with stores and a product presence in every state, we prefer a national solution.

 

Nordic Diet

by dairy, fats and oil, fruit, gluten free, gmo, grains, health, meat, probiotics, ,

There's a new diet trend that appears set to take the world by storm, the Nordic Diet. It appears to be a Scandinavian take on the concepts of the Mediterranean Diet.

According to a study published in The Journal of Internal Medicine, it lowered cholesterol and inflammation among study participants who followed the plan for 18 weeks.  Without a doubt, there will shortly be a book, a cookbook, several websites with recipes, and a new crowd of enthusiasts.  That's not necessarily a bad thing but it may not be the right thing for everyone.

The diet does allow for whole grains, primarily rye, barley, and oats, as well as low-fat dairy, fish, poultry, game meats (like moose), fruits, berries, vegetables, and canola oil. While new diet plans always garner a lot of excitement it's important to remember that there is no one size fits all diet. We are bio-individual creatures and what works for one person doesn't always work for another. If someone is gluten intolerant they need to avoid the rye and barley (and source gluten free oats) allowed in this nutritional plan. Just because it's part of the diet doesn't mean it's the right choice if your body can't handle it.

I do have a couple of thoughts about this diet and about food trends in general:

The Nordic Diet calls for canola oil.

In the United States this is not a good choice as the vast majority of it is contaminated by GMO. Some estimates of contamination and cross-contamination are so high that there are those who believe there is no unmodified canola to be found in the U.S.

The diet calls for low-fat dairy.

This is not a healthy option. Starting with the fact that dairy is one of our few food sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin (meaning it needs to be consumed with fat in order for the body to properly utilize it). Vitamin D is also important to help the body properly make use of calcium. When it comes to the old notion that high fat diets cause obesity, recent studies have shown that the opposite is true. In measured studies, those who consumed whole-milk dairy products had reduced risk for obesity.

The diet does not, as far as I've been able to find, specifically talk about sourcing of food.

While game meat is unlikely to be adulterated with added hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides, poultry and fish need to be sustainably sourced.  It's interesting to note that game meat in general may be gaining some prominence as people seek to avoid meat from animals raised in confined operations.

Vegetables and fruits still need to be sourced without pesticide residue and GMO contamination.

I imagine that there will be more of a call for root vegetables.  This is a good thing as root vegetables are high vitamins, beta-carotene, and fiber.  [side thought: I'm always surprised when I buy parsnips at the grocery store and the checkout clerk wants to know  what the "white carrots" are.]

Expectations

With food trends in general, I expect we'll face a year ahead with more, New, BETTER (read tongue in cheek) superfoods that convey all sorts of health benefits.  I'm not a huge fan of seeking those out and quite frankly we have superfoods that are local and easily accessible, there's no need to keep chasing the latest super ones.

I imagine there will still be some sort of push to get bugs onto the menu and into the grocery stores.  They're cheap and easy to raise, a quick, convenient source of protein.  I'm not a fan but that's a personal preference.  I also don't eat things like squid or eels that doesn't mean I think they're dangerous or bad for you.  With anything that we eat we have to look at how it's raised. Remember, you are what you eat includes whatever the animal you're eating ate.

I still believe there's not enough focus on fermented foods.  These are in a category referred to as functional foods, they have a specific health benefit.  In the case of fermented foods such as kefir, kombucha, and lacto-fermented vegetables they add beneficial probiotics to our intestinal tract, helping us to break down our food, boost our immune system and stay healthy.  While I see more and more evidence of some fermented foods I believe we would all benefit from eating more of them.  Ideally we'd learn how to make them at home.

I'd like to believe we'll continue to see a growing influence of tip-to-tail consumption that will encourage us to eat more fully from the whole animal.  Learning to eat organ meats again, consuming more bone broths, getting away from the white-meat-only-chicken-breast diet that so many of us have become accustomed to.

Whatever nutrition plan lies ahead, let's remember that we need to eat according to the needs of our bio-individual bodies.  Our dietary needs change over time.  We don't eat the same in our 40's as we did when we were a toddler or an adolescent.  But however we choose to eat, whatever we're eating, let's focus on clean, healthy, sustainably sourced foods rather than jumping from one popular diet plan to another.

Want to know more about food and what's in what you eat? Join The Ingredient Guru Community!