Are You Interested in Grains?

A little bit about grains. Extracted from “Baking Management” article “Understanding alternative grains” .  See the entire article at: http://bakingmanagement.com/ingredients/understanding_alternative_grains_1108/

To offer a brief summary, it tells us not all grains are created equal. Some have more minerals and antioxidants than others. The grains often referred to as “ancient grains” (spelt, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, sorghum and teff) are a great alternative to wheat.

We need different grains in the same way as we need a variety of veggies. Eating a variety has been documented to reduce heart disease, reduce diabetes risk, and reduce the risk of certain cancers. The different grains offer different beneficial properties. Some are closer to complete proteins than others, e.g Quinoa. Some have more calcium and magnesium.  Different grains are better suited for different things. As per the article referenced, Amaranth and quinoa are not the best choice for baking, but would be wonderful in a more “savory” dish.

The article also refers to a “World of Grains” cookie by Mars Co. which contains whole oats, amaranth, quinoa, rye, brown rice, barley, millet and buckwheat. There’s a load!   The article should be of interest if you try to make flour substitutions in your baked products.

 

 

What’s for lunch?

Oh you know what lunch was.   Spinach salad with all the fixin’s. 1/4 cup of Chickpeas (garbanzos), couple of slices of defrosted Tofurky found in the freezer.  Glazed the salad with the Maple Fig dressing from Maple Grove Farms.

Tofurky and Garbanzos

A Bump By Big Foot

I was on my way back to work today and stopped while waiting for a truck to find parking. As I was waiting, I was looking around, taking in all the whiteness around me… and BOOM! My foot slid from the brake and caught the accelerator. I had my wide Merrells on and the snow had collected on the bottom. I hit the guy in front.  I was SO nervous. He got out, inspected his truck … muttered “I only have 1500 miles on it”.  long pause…… “Looks like you put a little dent in it”.  I felt awful and was thinking “no – no – please. I’m late…where’s my insurance card… oh NO!”  He then so kindly said, “why don’t we forget about it”.  Oh my dear sweet man!  Thank you – a thousand times over.  I offered to buy him lunch. No, he wouldn’t take it. I even pulled up after he parked his truck and offered again… No – he insisted, let it go.  Thank goodness for angels!

Tonight we will be going to one of our favorite dining places just down the road, Valley View.  Will offer up the goodies tomorrow. TGIF!

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