Wednesday, October 20, 2010

12 Grain Bread (Grain Nutritional Facts)


This recipe was given to me by my brother when I started doing baking classes. I altered the recipe and added few more grains. My family loves this recipe and I hope you do to.

Health Information about Whole Grains:

A diet high in fiber such as whole grains can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, reduce constipation, and help with weight management.

These are the 12 grains used in this bread and their benefits:



















This is 9 Grain Cereal which contains the grains listed:

Red Wheat and White Wheat: Protein, Fiber, Magnesium, Riboflavin, Zinc, Iron, and Niacin. Nutritional facts:
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/5744/2

Corn: phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin. Nutritional facts: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/5687/2

Hulled Barley and Pearl Barley: protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium
Pearl nutritional facts: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/5680/2

Millet: low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol and sodium, and a good source of manganese. For nutritional facts:
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/5702/2

Oat Groats: Has cholesterol lowering properties, phosphorus, and thiamin. For more information:
http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-arrowhead-mills-oat-groats-i82899

Flax Seed: There are so many health benefits to this little seed. "They call it the most powerful plant foods on the planet." Here is a link with more information:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed



















We added an extra 1/3 cup of Millet to this recipe.



















We added more Flax Seed because of the fiber content.



















Sesame Seeds: magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and selenium. Nutritional facts: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3157/2



















Sunflower Seeds: thiamin, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and selenium. Nutritional facts:
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3076/2




Sunday, October 10, 2010

Homemade Applesauce

Canning reminds me a lot of my Mother. I grew up in a large family. Providing for and feeding my family was a big job for my parents. We lived a on a farm and Dad didn't make a lot of money. Canning fruit and vegetables was one way we could help. I have a lot of fond memories with my Mom because of the time we spent together canning.Today I thought back on our experiences as I helped my daughter can her own fruit.



















I got these apples from a neighbor that doesn't spray her trees. She didn't use them all so she offered me what was left. I have tried a lot of different varieties and the Red Delicious seem to be the sweetest, but you can use whatever apple you prefer.



















I cut the apples into quarters. There is no need to core them but cut away any blemishes. I had to remove a few worm holes from my apples. Fill a large pan with apples and cover them with water. Bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes or until tender. You will know they are ready when they begin to change in color.




















Use a slotted spoon or colander to remove the apples from the pan. Save the water the apples have boiled in. We will need it at a later time.

























I am using two Bosch attachments to grind the apples. The Berry Press and the Meat Grinder. The Berry Press will attach to the end of the meat grinder and that whole assembly will then attach to the Bosch. Once the attachment is in place put the apples in the square dish and push them into the grinder with the plunger. It is so easy that you can have your grandchildren help, little children will think that they amazing because they can make applesauce.

A less expensive option is the Norpro Strainer which is manual. (Make sure if you use this you cook you apples longer to make the process easier)




















The peels and cores will be emptied out the end of the grinder, and the apple sauce will come out of the underside of it. The Norpro Food strainer empties in a similar manner.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Homemade Applesauce (continued)



















The Applesauce will come out very thick. In order to moisten it and give it a better flavor we add the apple water which you have set aside previously.




















Pour the liquid into the applesauce. Make sure you use a strainer to remove any peel or seeds the apples have left behind. Here is where I leave it up to you. Some of my family like thick applesauce and some like a thinner consistency. Add water until the applesauce is to the consistency you prefer.




















This is the finished product. I don't add any sugar to my applesauce. If you used an apple that wasn't sweet enough you may want to add some sugar. Taste it as you add to make sure that you don't over sweeten it.




















Use a large mouthed funnel to pour applesauce into jars. Put the lids on and place them into your water bath canner. I bring them to a full boil and then time them for 15 minutes. After they come to a boil you can turn down the temperature just slightly but make sure it boils all 15 minutes. When the 15 minutes are over use a gripper to take the bottles out and place them on a towel until cooled.


















After they have cooled enough that you can touch them push on the top of the lid to make sure they have sealed. They should all be sealed but if you push down on the lid and it makes a popping noise turn the bottle upside down for a few hours. If you check it later and it still pops make sure you put it in the fridge for breakfast!

Serve at any time of day and enjoy!

If you have any questions please make sure to leave a comment and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Friday, October 8, 2010

About Me

I'm a Mom to 9 great kids and a wife to an amazing husband. I have been cooking all my life. What I have learned about cooking has come from my mom, my grandmother, books, and my own experience. I did baking classes for many years at a local kitchen store where I got to know a lot of women who had a desire to feed their families healthy meals made at home. I too have struggled over the years to provide my family with a healthy diet and through my experience I have learned a lot.
We only get one body and I believe that we should take care of it. You shouldn't start taking care of it when your older or even tomorrow. Let's make a start to a healthier lifestyle today, and let's start with what we eat.
People think that eating healthier takes more time. I will be honest and tell you that it does, but what is an hour compared to 8 hours of work or that 2 hours of television. There is always time, besides what's your life worth anyway?
I promise we can do it together. I will do my best to share my knowledge and make it as easy as possible with step by step instructions. If you don't understand something please never hesitate to leave a comment under the post you are confused about.
You will find that making homemade meals is very rewarding.

Happy Cooking,
Liz