Make It From Scratch

Weekends are great for so many reasons.  One of my favorite aspects of the weekend is getting to have a large, family breakfast.  Last weekend, my husband opened the cupboard looking for Bisquick and a happy opportunity presented itself as we were out of that particular food item.  The waffles he ended up making from scratch tasted far better than any waffles we had made using the convenience of a packaged food. 

Packaged foods can be a time saver; Bisquick is a mix that makes it easy to prepare biscuits, pancakes, waffles and many other dishes.  It has been around since 1931, but it also contains preservatives to increase its shelf life.  Making biscuits, pancakes or waffles from scratch eliminates the need from preservatives and keeps you in control of the ingredients.  There are organic and natural versions of Bisquick like Arrowhead Mills and Bob’s Red Mill.  Those varieties do not contain Dextrose, Soybean Oil or Cottonseed Oil.  Or you could create your own Bisquick by searching the internet for recipes.  You could also try combining the dry ingredients of your favorite recipe and store in an airtight container.

One way to shop healthier at a grocery store/ super market is to shop the outer aisles.  Stick with the fresh foods in the produce section, buy fresh meat and avoid the freezer and packaged food aisles.  Making foods from scratch avoids the fillers and preservatives.  You can control the amount of sugar and fat in your diet.  You can eat healthier by making your favorite foods from scratch.  With a little proper planning, you can make large batches and freeze smaller portions for later. 

I have a friend who is eating Lean Cuisines daily in preparation for her upcoming wedding.  With all the stress that comes with a large wedding, I have decided to not share with her my concerns but it is not only a very expensive way to try to control portions, there are so many extra ingredients in those products.  One suggestion I came across while researching Lean Cuisine, “if you can’t pronounce it or don’t recognize it, don’t eat it!” (Goff, www.fitday.com/fitness-articles)

This is a great time of year to get amazing fresh produce.  Buy in bulk and put up the food.  Share your favorite methods of putting up food at sustainablysadie.blogspot.com.  Canning, freezing, drying…what is your favorite?  What local foods have you stored away for later?  Thanks for reading and sharing!

Twin Bits

Garage-A-Rama is Saturday June 8^th at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges, 9 am to 1 pm.  

 Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market begins Saturday May 18, 9 am!  First 2 Saturdays FREE for Vendors to set up booth.  Twin Bridges Main Street Park. 

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park. 

From TBS Calendar:

Wed May 22:  Kindergarten Celebration! 1:30 pm @ MP Gym

May 24-25:  State Track Meet @ Laurel

Friday May 24:  Last Day of School!  School out at 2 pm