Organic Fanatic Presents:The Maker's Diet and More

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Honey-Sweetened Whole Grain Banana Muffins

After much experimenting (and many batches of underdone or burnt banana bread/muffins), I have finally discovered how to successfully make banana muffins using no sugar—only honey as the sweetener. I began by using my great-grandmother’s banana bread recipe and substituting, replacing, removing and adding ingredients. Enjoy!

Honey-Sweetened Whole Grain Banana Muffins
By D. Nelson

Set oven to 325 degrees. Prepare muffin pans with paper muffin cups, or grease muffin pan with extra-virgin coconut oil.

Combine and set aside:
- 2 cups whole grain flour (I use spelt)
- 1½ tsp. baking soda
- dash of salt
- ½-1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

In separate bowl combine:
- 3 very ripe bananas (best if they are overripe and their skins are turning black)
- ½ cup softened butter (2 sticks)
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup plain whole milk yogurt (add to yogurt: a couple drops water and a couple drops vinegar to sour; try make the total about ¼ cup)

Add dry ingredients to wet ones. Stir.

Fill muffin cups ½-¾ of the way.

Bake for 40-45 minutes. Perfection!

Hidden Danger in Air Fresheners

Whether you know it or not, a dangerous group of chemicals is hiding in most of the fragranced products being sold on store shelves in America today. These are called phthalates. One especially dangerous one is known as DBP.

You may have heard of phthalates before. I’ve mentioned them in other posts on this site.

Read this important news article on the specific air fresheners that do and don’t contain these harmful chemicals.

Phthalates are also commonly found in nail polish, cologne, perfume, cosmetics of every kind, body care products (shampoos, lotions, oils), etc. Basically anything on the commercial market that is scented contains phthalates. Even candles. (See my blog called “Finding Safety: Body Care, Hair Care, Skin Care, and Cosmetics” for alternatives to these phthalate-filled products.)

You can find out more about these harmful effects at www.safecosmetics.org (click “Scientific Reports” on the left).

Use www.cosmeticsdatabase.com as another resource for safe alternatives to phthalate-filled products.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Link Between Cancer and Cell Phones?

Check out the research in this article.

Perhaps using an earpiece connection or the hands-free feature might be a healthy option.

Good Deal on Coconut Oil

I recently discovered that Vitamin Shoppe offers a good deal of Nutiva's Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Their 29 oz jar is only $14.99 compared to more than $16 through Organic Food Depot (OFD) and $18.99 through Quail Cove Farms (QCF). I made the discovery at the Vitamin Shoppe on Greenbrier Parkway in Chesapeake, Va., but I'd guess that other stores in the chain across the country offer similar pricing.

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Costco Eggs, Cheese, Beef, and Salmon

On a recent visit to Costco, I discovered that they carry Kerrygold's Dubliner cheese (2 lbs for about $5). It is not "raw" cheese, but is still from grass-fed cows (no antibiotics or hormones). Costco also carries very well-priced organic, grass-fed beef hamburger patties (8 per pack)in the freezer section. In addition, they carry organic, omega-3 eggs (packs of 2 dozen) for $5, that's $2.50 per doz--a very good deal; and they also carry frozen, wild Alaskan Salmon for a very good price.

Friday, August 3, 2007

Quail Cove Farms Price Comparison

Here is a spreadsheet listing a sampling of the products carried by Quail Cove Farms in comparison other local competitors.

My First Quail Cove Pick-up

I picked up my first Quail Cove Farms order this morning. I can't believe how much stuff I got for so little money! The smell of the fresh Amish butter was intoxicating as was the look of the cheese, chicken, eggs, juice, jam, spices, bread and veggies. I was even given a few Quail Cove Farms (QCF) fresh veggies "on the house!"

One of my secrets to figuring out what and how much I will need during the upcoming month was by planning out my family's meals for the next four weeks. I created a chart, decided on dinners and other meals/snacks (based on how much we've gone through per week in the past), and then made a list of all the items I'll need from Quail Cove to make it through the month. The items that I know I can purchase for less elsewhere I put on a seperate list and divided it into two-week columns. In this way, I'm hoping to lessen the amount of shopping trips I make in any given month. Up until now, on average, I have made grocery trips to 3-4 stores every week. This month, with my new monthly-food chart, I hope to only go to 3-4 stores once every two weeks. I may have to pick up produce weekly, but this will still be less shopping than I normally undertake. This will also save on gasoline.

Look for my Quail Cove Farms price comparison Excel chart in my next posting. I will also put together an electronic copy of my monthly menu/grocery list so that anyone interested can take a look.