Baked goods generally rely on a chemical leavener, baking soda, baking powder, or yeast for lift. Without some sort of leavener, most baked goods would be very dense and very flat. When shopping, make sure to check the expiration dates and be conscientious about how to store them in the kitchen. Baking Soda Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is an ALKALI used as a leavener in baked goods. When combined with an acid ingredient such as buttermilk, yogurt, or molasses, baking soda produces carbon dioxide gas bubbles, thereby, causing a dough or batter to rise. It also neutralizes acidity and produces tender baked goods. Because it reacts…
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Embracing Healthy Fats and Oils
Examining how we consume fats, our dietary needs, cooking, and digesting are key to recognizing healthy fats and oils. Not all dietary fats are created equal, but fat is one of the body’s basic nutrients providing energy by furnishing calories. Fat nutrients’ main roles are to provide storage fuel for the body, but they are also involved in the absorption of some vitamins, help to control inflammation, and also in blood clotting. You do not have to be afraid of “FATS,” it can be a superfood when used properly. It is the quality of the fat which matters. When shopping, can you pick out the healthy fats and oils? Types…
- Bread, Chicken, Edible Gardening, Food For Better Health, Healthy Eating, Main Course, Recipes, Vegetables
Growing or Buying Lettuce and Leafy Greens
Most of us do not eat as many vegetables as experts recommend, especially lettuce or leafy greens. But they are so important because they provide healthy fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other substances, many of which prevent disease. In my neck of the woods, (zone 8, maybe 7), it is time to plant leafy greens for a late fall, early winter harvest. Considering the prices and all the recent health recalls for leafy greens, I am looking forward to eating some specimens grown in my own backyard. Growing leafy greens It is not difficult to grow your own fresh, leafy greens if you pay attention to timing. These delicate vegetables do…
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Easy White Sandwich Bread Recipe
White sandwich bread is not the most healthy food, however, it is better when you can control the ingredients in the bread than buy a national brand full of chemicals. Why not try making your own sandwich bread? With just a few pantry staples, you can make it in under three hours. Subscribe to my blog and get access to a simple video demonstration of my white/wheat bread recipe. Receive a printable recipe card, which includes a BONUS CINNAMON BUTTER RECIPE. This butter is the perfect accompaniment to your bread! Click this link to get yours NOW!
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Health Benefits of Chocolate
Yes, it is true – certain kinds of chocolate actually have health benefits. Cocoa beans, like all seeds, are rich in nutrients that support the plant during development. They are especially rich in saturated fats, which contribute to high cholesterol levels and heart disease. However, cocoa butter contains a particular fatty acid, that our bodies immediately convert into unsaturated fat. Therefore, chocolate is NOT thought to pose a risk for heart disease, in fact, cocoa is very rich in antioxidant compounds, which accounts for about 8% of the weight of cocoa powder. The higher the cocoa solids content of chocolate, the higher the antioxidant content. Any added sugar, milk, or…
