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Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Bob's Red Mill

This probably should have been one of my first posts, being it has been through this company's products that many of my friends and family have discovered how good and easy whole grain foods could be. Bob's Red Mill is a company that sales whole grain products at retail stores (grocery, health, ect.) and online from their website. If you're into healthy eating, I'm probably not telling you anything new b/c you've probably tried Bobs products already.

I've gotten into making my own bread (in a breadmachine) and I order my whole wheat flour and various other grains from Bob's. They have a great selection, including organic and gluten free products. Not only do they have a good range of products, I know when I order from them my grains will be fresh. Whole grain products have a much shorter expiration date than refined grains and flours. This is because the natural oils found in the germ are still present in whole grain products. This can cause the grain product to go rancid after a time period. Their shelf life varies due to storage conditions. It is optimal to store grains in the refrigerator or freezer. The package of the product should say how long they'll last in cold storage. Here's a good info guide about grain storage, I'm sure there's plenty more information out there.

Although I really have enjoyed the loose grains, and fresh flour I've bought from Bobs, I think the best products they sale are the mixes. Know someone that likes pancakes, cornbread, scones, hot cereal, granola? Who doesn't. I've started using Bobs pancake and cornbread mix mostly out of convenience. Sure I could buy the cornmeal, flour, ect and mix my own, but it is alot easier to use the mixes. And the whole I forgot the baking soda problem (one I have sometimes) is eliminated. The pricing is pretty good. And best of all Bobs mixes are whole grain, they're good for you. Pancakes and cornbread that are quick, easy, and good for you. What more could you want? Check out their site, I'm sure you'll find something you like there.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

The Deal with Grits...

This is a follow up post to my previous post about grits. I'm sorry it's taken me awhile to post this. We received our stone ground grits from Anson Mills about a month ago. They are awesome! According to their website, www.Ansonmills.com , they cold mill their corn and ship immediately. I didn't understand the importance of this till I recieved my grits. When I cook them it smells like fresh corn cooking, and the flavor was phenomenal. Butter and cheese are really not necessary, the flavor of the grits stands by itself. My husband absolutely love the grits, I think we'll be ordering all our grits from Anson mills. Even though they're pricier, their grits are worth every penny. I really can't convince you by typing up this blog, really you'll have to try them to be convinced, just like I did.