I've WHEYed the options

In a previous post I shared a recipe for soaked oatmeal. Part of the process was soaking the oats in whey overnight to maximize the nutritional benefits. There are many sites that I have read about why we should include this process in our baking and you can read more on this topic at Nourished Magazine & health banquet. Many different types of acid solutions are used for soaking (buttermilk, kefir, apple cider vinegar, whey, lemon juice, etc.) but I like to use whey. I start with yogurt and separate it into whey and yogurt cheese. By using this method I get 3 different foods to use. Here is step by step instructions on making whey.

Items needed: bowl, small strainer, cheese cloth or flour sack, plain yogurt (I use organic but any will work)

• Place the strainer over the bowl and lay the cloth over the strainer. I have found that if you wet the cloth it won't soak up the whey as easily.

• Pour the yogurt into the cloth up to the rim of the strainer. The whey almost instantly starts dripping out.
  

• Twist the cloth and lay to one side. Leave on the counter overnight. Mine usually is done separating within 24 hours. You can test by lifting up the cloth from the strainer and feel the bottom. If it feels slightly dry then it's ready.
  

• You will have whey (a yellowish liquid) in the bowl and yogurt cheese (like cream cheese) in the cloth. I put my whey into a mason jar and use the cheese for spreads (add garlic and other fresh herbs) or add to recipes calling for cheese (mac & cheese, lasagna, etc.)

Happy soaking!

Freshness

I came home yesterday with fresh brown eggs (co-wokers farm), fresh raw honey (another co-workers F-I-L) and fresh cinnamon apple walnut bread (famers marker). YUMMY! I found a recipe for the bread and will be adapting it to my liking. When I get it just right I will share with all of you. I love buying from locals. Knowing that I could go see where my food was grown (or layed♥) is just...neat!!!

Back to basics

Over the last several months I have been trying to get back to the basics in life. Things like making my own bread so that my family is getting more of the natural nutrients, canning food from my own garden, mixing up batches of laundry soap, etc. So when I arrived at church last Wednesday my dear Aunt Amy gave me a copy of The Backyard Homestead.

I have to say that I LOVE this book. I doesn't go into too much detail but gives you a little information on many different topics so you will know whether it's something you might want to try. The book is helpful in explaining the practicality of growing certain things as oppose to buying them, the space needed for vegetation and livestock, and how to preserve the fruits of your labor.

The first thing on my list is to make a bigger garden for next year. I would also like to plant the cold and flu herb garden. I already have many of the herbs needed in my current herb garden. Hopefully one day I will be able to put to use the chapter on chickens (yes, I really want chickens).

What are some ways you are going "back to basics" on?

Forget it all!!!

Forget the words of slander heard; forget the harsh, the cruel word; forget the strife, the bitter test; forget it all, in Him find rest. Forget the storms of yesteryear; forget the rocks, the days so drear; forget the clouds you must pass through; forget it all, for He loves you. Forget the foe, the wounds we've had; forget the rain, the weather bad; forget the snow, the days so cold; forget it all as time grows old. Remember this- His sovereign grace, is all sufficient every place; we'll overcome, the victory win; Over every foe when Christ's within. Ernest O. Sellers

Soaked Oatmeal

I have recently been reading on how to soak my grains. I have some digestive problems that have been decreased by eating more naturally. This is one of the many food that is simple to incorporate into your diet with the added benefits of soaking. This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare at night and very little effort in the morning. So here it goes...



1/2 cup of oats (I use 7 grain for variety)
1/2 cup of water
1 T. whey
1 T. whole wheat flour (optional for a creamier oatmeal)
flax seed mill, wheat germ, or wheat bran (optional)


Add all of the ingredients into a mason jar and shake. Let sit overnight (at least 12 hrs). Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to a small pot and bring to a boil. Add the oats to the water and stir until smooth. It doesn't take long at all to cook. You can eat plain or add some yummy mix-ins. I like to add some natural sugar and white raisins.

I will explain about whey and the benefits in a later post. (click here to read about whey)

Smile you might make someone's day

CLOSED FINALLY!!! This afternoon Aaron and I went to the lawyers to close on our refinance. We took advantage of the low rates like many homeowners. It has been such a long and exhausting process. The people we have had to deal with were not the best but I would like to point out one thing that I was reminded of-NICE MATTERS!! The lady who did our closing was wonderful. She was friendly and pleasant. Although she had to wait for all the documents to come through, 3 separate emails to be exact she was patient, respectful of the bank and didn't let it get the best of her. If she had been like the rest of the people we came in contact with I think I would have gone crazy. So remember the next time you are dealing with someone or something frustrating, be nice and "smile you might make someone's day"

Ok, so it's been 2 months since I have made a post. That is pretty sad in blogger world. It's not that I haven't wanted to but I have been busy with my daily schedule as well as adding the new business stuff. That being said, I am starting fresh. It's fathers day and I want to let you know about the fathers in my life.

My Daddy: My Dad wasn't around much during my younger years but I grew to know him shortly before my daughter was born. He always called to check on her progress and to make sure his little girl was doing ok. I came across a card after both of my parents death that was written by my father to my mother when I was born. His words let me know that just because he wasn't the best father and wasn't there to watch me grow up, he still loved my more that I will ever know. I thank God that I was able to read his words and fill a void in my heart that I had my whole life.

My oldest brother-James: James isn't very emotional or at least he doesn't show it; it just means you have to look past the armor. He has a wonderful wife and son with a baby on the way. He is a strong military man but loving and gentle at the same time. I am glad that he has become such a devoted father.

My youngest older brother- Eric: I can't tell you how much I care for Eric. Although he is not a father yet, I look forward to the day that a little boy or girl calls him Dad. He will be one of the best Dads I know. He is patient and full of wisdom. He sees Gods earth and wants to teach everyone he meets about it. When I am racing through life he tells me to stop and look at what is around me. He is so good to Haily and has filled in so many times that she needed a father. I was thinking about all the times that he has traveled up here and it just happened that Haily had something special going on-preschool graduation, dance recitals, singing in church. God knew when she needed him to be here.

My father-in-law- Bob: WOW, what a father to have. He has been there for me even before he was officially my FIL. Haily adores him and her "Big G". He is understanding in every situation and full of advise every time we need it. He has raised 2 wonderful children and I am blessed to have him in my life.

My husband-Aaron: God has truly given me a gift when Aaron came into my life. He knew that I needed a Godly husband and father for Haily. He has strengths where I am weak, he gives support and is a perfect helper. He stepped up to the plate and became the father to Haily. She loves him so much and I love him for loving her like his own. Thank you Aaron for being the leader of this family.

My Heavenly father: He gave the most precious gift by sending his Son to save all of his children here on earth. He loves unconditionally and provides all of our needs. He is there each and every time I call on his name to comfort me. I find myself talking to him more each day. When driving in the car people must think I'm crazy cause I am talking and no one is in the car with me. I am grateful to call him Abba!!