Tuesday, October 20, 2009

These Things I Hold Dear



Recently, I have added two new ingredients to my baking ventures and I must say I have never baked anything so delicious in all my homemaking years. Never did I think that changing to a purer milk or a better oil would make such a difference and I must share with you my newfound culinary wisdom. The first ingredient is (get ready for a long title!): All Natural Farmers' Creamery Organic 2% Reduced Fat Milk. It is non-homogenized and low-temperature pasteurized thereby producing a creamy, nutritious milk that is simply amazing in coffee, baked goods, and homemade yogurt. Originally I purchased this milk to use in my yogurt making per request of yogurt makers worldwide. Supposedly ultra-pasteurized milk is not preferred because it is basically "dead" culture wise. This milk was the only option as all the other organic milks I have come across are ultra-pasteurized. Anyway, I used this milk in my pancakes one morning and I almost passed out, the pancakes were THAT good. I've also used the milk in bread and rolls which produced a smooth and fluffy product. I highly suggest you try it, or something similar. It is only found in natural food markets and it is worth the search.


The second ingredient that has made me one happy homemaker is organic extra virgin coconut oil. I bought this in order to make some homemade toiletry concoctions as well as for baking due to its high ranking in nutritious value and flavor. According to organicfacts.net, coconut oil has quite an array of benefits to the body including "hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc.". My first attempt at using coconut oil was actually in my stove-top popcorn popper. I read this is a wonderful combination and it really does give popcorn a delicious flavor. My second attempt was to use it in place of butter or margarine in a cinnamon roll recipe. Let me just tell you, I think my husband ate four cinnamon rolls over the course of one night! I think that speaks for itself. My third attempt was last night, and my knees buckled when I tasted of its scrumptiousness. I used coconut oil in place of shortening in my tortilla recipe and it made the perfect tortilla. The dough did not stick to the parchment paper like usual, it held its shape, and the final product was soft and delicious. If you are interested in trying coconut oil in your baking or personal care, vitacost.com has the best price that I've found.



I am so excited about these two products and I have a feeling I will have much more to say about them in the coming months. I must warn you that if you do try them, you just might end up baking much more than you thought was capable, you just might have a house full of delectables, and you just might have one happy husband (and children!). Let me know if you try either ingredients and if there are any leftovers!

*The first picture is the milk, the second is a picture of hamburger buns made with said milk and the third picture is of my Noah with the pancakes.*

3 comments:

  1. Ok, I just wrote a long comment about your blog, but it wouldn't let me post it. I think I've figured the problem out, but as for my lost comment, I'll just sum it up by saying, "coconut oil rocks."

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  2. I hate when that happens, Ellany. I usually try to type blogs and longer comments on Word then paste them onto the site. Saves much frustration. So, you've tried coconut oil? I even have a recipe for deodorant that calls for it. I'll let you know how it turns out (or smells...).

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  3. Brenden eating 4 cinnamon rolls in one night is no surprise!! HA! If your baked goods are that good, which I know they are because they were that good before you used coconut oil, then maybe I will need to try it. :)

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