I am in the midst of trying to make more natural and organic food choices for our family. I like knowing what goes into our food, but I don't have all the time in the world to spend in the kitchen.
So, here are a few options that I am looking into. My kids LOVE peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and are quite content to eat them daily for lunch. So, as something that is eaten daily, I came across this peanut butter maker on Amazon.
In order to figure out if this would be more cost effective, I need to look into the cost of organic/natural shelled peanuts. I don't think I would take the time to shell the peanuts to make the butter... However, I think I could probably make up a jar so that I'm not making peanut butter every day. What do you think? Does anyone out there have one of these? Do you like it?
Another organic idea I've been wanting to do for over a year is to buy a wheat grinder and make our own flour for breads, muffins, pancakes, etc. It seems to be the rage in my friend-circle, and I love the "reviews" they've given me on the taste and health benefits it brings.
So, here's my top pick for a wheat grinder.
Yikes! Do you see the price?! I'll be saving for this for a while...
In order to figure out if this would be more cost effective, I need to look into the cost of organic/natural shelled peanuts. I don't think I would take the time to shell the peanuts to make the butter... However, I think I could probably make up a jar so that I'm not making peanut butter every day. What do you think? Does anyone out there have one of these? Do you like it?
Another organic idea I've been wanting to do for over a year is to buy a wheat grinder and make our own flour for breads, muffins, pancakes, etc. It seems to be the rage in my friend-circle, and I love the "reviews" they've given me on the taste and health benefits it brings.
So, here's my top pick for a wheat grinder.
Yikes! Do you see the price?! I'll be saving for this for a while...
And yet another great way to save on a family favorite snack is by making our own yogurt. I know there are different ways to go about this, but I came across this gadget that will make 8 jars of yogurt at a time. I love the ease of serving when ready. My kids will still feel like it's store-bought yogurt, but so much healthier!
Do you have organic/healthy goals for your family? I'd love to hear about them. Please share in a comment!
8 Comments:
I think the only one I would be brave enough to try would be the yogurt. I've read somewhere that you can just use your oven to make yogurt, or even your crockpot. So I would check that out first before investing in a yogurt maker.
Thanks for checking out my WW blog! :)
Hi Steph,
On my right side bar is a place called safely gathered in...her goal is to eat naturally but also to be prepared to make your own products. I just read last night about her using the wheat grinder and she took pictures to show you so hop over there to see if you like what you see. Its the same wheat grinder.
Wow, that yogurt maker does look great! I'm adding that to my wish-list ;)
Hello,
Instead of Yogurt and yogurt maker and all that fuss we use other cultured milk products. Kefir made with the kefir curds, or other "self starting cultures" such as these at gem cultures: http://www.gemcultures.com/dairy_cultures.htm
They take less prep and you do not need to keep the temperature even like yogurt. Once you purchase the culture you can keep making it for as long as you have it and keep it from getting 'old' (you need to add fresh milk every week or two to your starter)
I'm a new reader of your blog (which I like!) and if you don't mind a suggestion, I would suggest buying a Vitamix! They may be costly (I bought mine 2nd hand for $200) but it can do SO many things: it will mix and knead bread dough; you can make smoothies, salsa, soup, peanut butter, baby food, ice cream in it, you can grind grains in it...pretty much the only thing I say you can't do is make mashed potatoes...it's so powerful it would liquify them!
I love all of your comments and suggestions! Thank you so much for taking the time to share them. You're helping me get to a healthier lifestyle! :)
I'd hold off on the gadget purchases. Look at your diet and really look at how you eat and what you'd like to change. Natural peanut butter (just salt and peanuts) is easy to get the way you coupon, so that doesn't make sense unless you want to make other nut butters on a regular basis. The yogurt will taste different and not be as thick - make sure your family will like it that way before investing (like, go through the trouble of just using a jar in the oven first - it'll take some research). I have a salton yogurt maker, which I like by the way, but find it's easier to buy good raw yogurt locally and concentrate on spending my time on just making more fresh food at home.
I thought of a vitamix, too. I'm still longing for one, don't have one yet.
Anyway, before making purchases, decide first what changes is makes more sense to make in your family (increase fresh produce consumption? try to go organic on the "dirty dozen"?, concentrate on more whole foods? or it may be that making your own yogurt fits the bill?) that may reap more benefits for the same time/money investment.
I've been a reader for a while - I'd be intrigued to read someone who's trying to balance more healthful eating with frugality.
Oh Steph, you've opened my can of worms. We don't do organic. Go to my blog: thefarmertakesawife.blogspot.com
Don't buy into the marketing schemes!
OK, on another note: I just got a grain mill for my christmas present. You can get a very good mill called the VitalMill for around $160. This is the one I have from www.pleasanthillgrains.com It is a great first mill which I highly recommend. Now, about the peanuts. Since we are peanut farmers, I can tell you that organic peanuts will be VERY hard to come by, and therefore very pricey. Also, we have been eating the Smuckers brand natural peanut butter for almost 6 years. There is a coupon frequently for it, and Wal Mart has the best price on the big jars.
As far as healthy goes, we totally cut out high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, and we are now doing our own flours. Honestly, no one misses the junk. I read labels, and sometimes have to pay a little bit more on something because I just don't want to sacrifice the ingredients. But, I do like you do, and when there are BOGO's, I stock up and freeze if need be.
If you decide to do the mill, you will need to get in a grain co-op so you can get your wheat berries at a good price. I know of 1 co-op in Tally, and 1 in Monticello. People everywhere are grinding there own flour now! I can tell you more about it later.
PS Thank you so much for your hard work on the site- GREAT JOB!
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