“Dissolve yeast in lukewarm liquid as directed in the following recipes. When yeast is dissolved, it becomes active.”
The Joy of Cooking, 1949
The conversations I have had with women during this experiment are priceless. I have never chatted about cooking so much in my life. Before this project, when women started talking about cooking, I’d quickly change the subject because:
- I knew I would say something to reveal my utter lack of kitchen skillz.
- I never thought I had any advice or recipe worthy of mentioning.
- I was bored by recipe talk.
- I was jealous of the men who got to talk about cool things like investments or sports.
Now, I am just the opposite! I can’t get enough kitchen talk. I am absolutely fascintated by the great tips I have received lately, and I’ve realized that I have one tiny cooking tip that is actually worth mentioning. Here it is… Are you ready???
Try grinding your own wheat.
There.
That’s my advice.
Are you shocked that I even own a wheat mill? I am.
Five years ago, Clay bought me a “Wonder Mill” for Christmas (yes, I asked for it!) Since then, our basement looks like we are storing up for a nuclear war. We have huge containers of Red Wheat, Hard White Wheat, Honey, Oats, Flax Seed, and Sucanat (sugar substitute). I can’t say that I grind wheat every single time I need flour, but I try to use it to make bread, cookies, waffles, etc… Thankfully, we just got a new load of wheat, so that is why I’m awake at midnight, baking sweet bread.
Apparantly, not everyone does this.
However, during this kitchen talk I’ve had with ladies lately, I’ve realized that a lot of people are interested in it. They have heard about it through the grapevine, and they are wondering what it’s all about. Usually, most people start out as skeptics when it comes to grinding wheat. It sounds primitive, like something a pioneer woman would do. It would be too outdated for even a 1950′s wife. But when I explain the health benefits, they become slightly more open. FYI… there are about a million benefits, including better digestion, clearer skin, weight loss, shinier hair, and everything else that comes from eating “good carbs” instead of “bad carbs.”
Once they see how easy it is, the only question is, “How much does this thing cost?” The mill itself costs about $250.00. After that, everything is cheap! Wheat barrels cost $45.00 (that lasts me all year) and the extra ingredients like honey, yeast, and lucetin are very inexpensive. In the long run, it will certainly save money.
I have not ventured into the world of making my own pasta or tortillas, but that is the next step. It is a slippery slope, my friends. If you try the wheat grinder, it is a gateway to a whole new world!
I am honestly not writing a commercial for Bread Beckers, but if you are interested in trying it, and you live in the Atlanta Area, the only place I know to go is 305 Bell Park Drive – Woodstock, GA – 30188. Check it out! Below are pictures from my midnight cooking session. The bread is still baking now. I need to go to sleep.
Week 5 Menu
Monday
Breakfast – Homemade Granola with milk and blueberries, chai latte
Lunch – Turkey and Cheese Sandwich with chips and salsa
Snack – Texas Caviar Appetizer
Dinner – Fourth of July Cookout with friends (hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans)
Dessert – Blueberry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Tuesday
Breakfast – Homemade granola with milk and blueberries, coffee
Lunch – Homemade Hawaiian bread with almond butter and jam, chips, Texas Caviar, cookies
Snack – Turkey and cheese with pretzel sticks and mustard
Dinner – Pork Chops with rice, tomato, and bell pepper, green bean casserole and wheat rolls
Dessert – Ranger Cookies
Wednesday
Breakfast – Wheat pancakes and blackberry syrup
Lunch – pork chop sandwich and green bean casserole
Dinner – Out to eat
Thursday
Breakfast – Peach and blueberry smoothie
Lunch – Turkey sandwich, pretzels, and chocolate covered pecans
Snack – Fresh tomatoes with mozzarella and fresh basil
Dinner – Grill out steak, asparagus, and potatoes
Dessert – Lemon squares
Friday
Breakfast – Spinach and mozzarella quiche
Lunch – Out to Eat
Dinner – Out to eat
Saturday
Breakfast – Blueberry and Blackberry smoothie
Lunch – Quiche and Side Salad
Dinner – Leftovers
Sunday – rest, no cooking
