Food Lush

Gogo Quinoa Pasta

by Sarah Anne

I have a bit of a love/hate kind of thing going with pasta. I LOVE the delicate bite of a fresh pasta. The chew. The way the sauce clings to it. However, when I'm really trying to watch what I eat, a pasta dinner really takes up a good portion of my intake for the day. For a girl who loves to eat, this is super frustrating. 

Last night I had pasta planned and thought I'd peruse the natural foods store for any alternatives that might be worth trying. I'm SO glad I did, because I discovered something that I think I love more than regular, dry white pasta. 

Quinoa pasta!

Less calories and more protein than conventional pasta, and a far better texture than whole wheat spaghetti, this was certainly a winner in this house.  I tossed it with a simple fresh tomato and garlic sauce which clung nicely to each strand like I would expect with regular wheat pasta. I've tried rice pasta, kamut pasta and corn pasta - none of which stood up to my stringent pasta standards. This quinoa version by Gogo, had a nice bite to it, sauce held and it was easy to prepare. Word to the wise, however? Do NOT overcook it, or it will go to mush very, very quickly. 

I'm anxious to try Gogo's other varieties. Perhaps macaroni and cheese or a baked pasta dish next? I bet a fusili variety would make a great greek pasta salad as Elsha helped us out with a week or two ago. While a bit more pricey, this product will definitely become a staple in my house!

Have you ever tried quinoa pasta or any other 'alternative' flour product and been pleasantly surprised? 


 

Soy Sauce Substitute: Coconut Aminos

By Caitlin

How is my crazy diet going, you (don't) ask? It's going great! As of yesterday I am....officially....halfway THRROO-OUGGHHH my...WHOOOLE THIRRTAYYYY! (Oprah voice) 

It's...going well. I feel pretty great (except for what I expect is HA HAAA another sinus infection), I have more energy, I am getting more sleep and better sleep and am just more clear-headed in general. I am beginning to tire of the relentless cooking and meal planning, yet it is also becoming easier in the sense that it's more routine now. Zach and I have found things we like, and some great new foods we'd probably never have tried otherwise. I think ghee (clarified butter) is going to be a routine part of my diet now. All the delicious butter with out all the mucus-causing dairy component! Delightful!

One problem you have when eliminating all soy, sugars, legumes, and the like is that it can be hard to find a product that lends umami to your cooking. Soy sauce, worcestershire, and most other sauces and seasonings are out. Enter coconut aminos. This soy, nut, dairy, gluten, everything free, raw, vegan liquid gold is shockingly good inspite what all those hippie adjectives might imply, and tastes like a sweet soy sauce. It has been a delightful addition to our diet. Use in stir fries, dressings, marinades, soups, or for dipping sashimi; basically anywhere you'd use soy sauce.  

Photo from http://www.vitacost.com

I've read about coconut aminos before on paleo and healthy living blogs but as I have a rather large cabinet chock full of seasonings, sauces, and spices (such is the fate of being married to a chef), I had little impetus to actually try it. Until now. I scavenged my local Whole Foods, missed the first time, and found it the second. It was in the asian section, near the mirin and soy sauces. (You can also find it on Amazon.) When I got it home Zach opened it up to taste it and it fizzed everywhere. We were disappointed and were going to take it back to exchange it for a fresh one when I had an epiphany: I think it's fermented? A few google searches later and we learned that it's normal for it to fizz when you open it: It's made from the fermented sap of the coconut tree. It sounds like I made that up, but I sure didn't.

Have you tried coconut aminos? And tell me, how is candy? Is candy still as good as I remember? Tell it I said hi.

Pantry Staple: Canned (and Dried) Lentils

Editor's note: Welcome to the lovely Sarah Anne, who is joining Food Lush's ranks. You can learn more about her at Fear No Food and on Twitter, too. 

***

by Sarah Anne

Hey folks! I'm Sarah, a new addition to Food Lush, and I'm pretty excited to be able to talk to yet MORE people about food. Consider yourself warned!

As someone really keyed into not only the enjoyment of food, but also true nourishment, I tend to be a bit obsessive about making sure that we eat a well-rounded diet with plenty of fiber, protein, and other nutrients. It helps that I am constantly looking up nutritional stats of most foods, but it also helps that I keep my pantry and freezer well-stocked. Out of the many foods I keep on hand, which hopefully I'll go through in time, one of my most favourite pantry staples is a can or bag of lentils.

They are a great source of cholesterol-reducing fiber, vegetarian protein along with a couple B vitamins, folate, iron, manganese and a host of other vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, lentils are low calorie and nearly free of fat. As a vegetarian, I'd say they're a pretty good staple to have on hand, and we eat them a few times a week. 

There are several different types of lentils – brown/green, french or puy lentils, split red lentils, each of which has their use; I use brown or green lentils most often, with split red lentils coming a close second in the wintertime.

Canned lentils can be a great quick fix, and are wonderful in the summertime when you don't want to heat up the kitchen, as I rarely do in my 500sq ft apartment. Toss the rinsed lentils with chopped veggies and prepared vinaigrette for a nutritious and filling salad. Add a whole grain for even more oomph. Do the same in the fall or winter, but saute the vegetables and add the rinsed lentils toward the end, toss with dressing or sauce and you have a hearty, belly-warming meal. Our favourite this past summer was to add quinoa and canned lentils to Greek salad for a complete and super easy meal.

A bag of dried lentils can be just as useful, and even less expensive, but requires a bit more planning and prep time just to rinse and cook. It's still worth the effort to me! Here are a few of my recent favourites that used dried lentils. I've made each of these and have LOVED them. As an aside – so has my husband who is usually the test of a good, people-pleasing recipe.

Dreena Burton's “No-Fu” Love Loaf

(Source: Hannah Kaminsky & Plant Powered Kitchen)

Veggie Balls from Huffington Post

(Source) 

 

French Lentils with Walnuts and Goat Cheese from Laura Calder, Food Network Canada

(Source)

Lentils are such a versatile ingredient and a great option for meat eaters and vegetarians alike and are cheap to boot! From lentil loaves to indian style curries, everyone can get on board with something about lentils. Do you cook with lentils often? What kind? Do you have a favourite recipe that uses them? I'd love to find some new ones!

Reader Help: Grocery Shopping

By Julie

I’ve been thinking a lot about how I grocery shop. It may not be the most efficient way, but it works for me and for us as a family. I clip coupons when I can, and read the circulars so I can get the most bang for my bucks. Every two weeks I go through my kitchen, make a list of the things I need, and head out to Walmart. As much as I generally dislike having to shop at Walmart, the low prices are a siren song to my frugal little heart. Plus, I can take all those circulars there and they will price match, so I don’t have to run all over town.

Recently, I’ve added a pre-Walmart trip to Aldi, because if anyone is going to beat a Walmart price, it’s Aldi. Their selection isn’t as vast as the behemoth box store, so I can’t get everything I need, but I can get quite a bit. This is good on many levels, including that my time in Walmart is greatly reduced.

Of course, I fill in during the week as I need milk, eggs, and bananas. These are the things we always seem to use up in seconds (either that, or my son is hoarding fruit under his bed and I’m too scared to look). And because it is fun for me, I like to go to Sprouts on Wednesdays because they let their circulars overlap and so there are double the items on sale that day. They also have free coffee samples. Oh, and their produce just seems fresher and is often cheaper that the aforementioned behemoth.

I don’t meal plan because it feels constrictive and I prefer to figure out dinner on a day to day basis. I keep staples around the house (I have a refrigerator and a deep freeze) so I can have the freedom to change my mind. I like to think I have enough cooking know how to make substitutions for ingredients I don’t have on hand, or I just don’t make that recipe until do.

So that’s what I do. I reserve the right to amend my process at any given time, especially given that I’m about to ask: How do you grocery shop? Have you developed any tricks to make it easier/faster/cheaper?

Kitchen Trick: An Easy Way To Store Rice, Quinoa, and Other Grains with Instructions

by Caitlin

You cut open the bag of rice and as you scramble with your other hand to grab the measuring cup you stupidly left just out of reach, you try to keep the bag level but it starts wobbling and some spills out. You finally get the cup and try to pour the rice into it without it sprinkling all over the counter and floor. Which is silly, really, as you know you'll inevitably be sweeping up rice later, after it's stabbed the bottom of your feet on the way to the stove. When it's all over you're left with an open, partially used bag that you stuff into a ziploc, or tie a rubber band around, only to repeat the whole process next time. 

Sound familiar?

Allow me to help. 

I would also like to state for the record that I did not even get this idea from Pinterest, the appeal of which I'm still uncertain about. I'm pretty sure I got it from my Mom. You can be certain I didn't get it from Pinterest because it doesn't involve any chalkboard paint or burlap, although it does involve a mason jar, though that's not strictly necessary.

It's right up there with my saute pan draining tip, which is another trick I didn't come up with on my own. And as with that previous tip, it's not rocket science, and I feel certain others must know about it, yet I feel I'd be doing a disservice not to share it with you.

So:

Photo by me. I hope you appreciate the time I took to Pinterest-up this picture, what with the clutter of a mixing bowl, Lowe's coupon, mesh bag of limes, and the hand lotion lurking in the distance. 

Tear, cut, or otherwise remove the instructions from your bag of rice/quinoa/whatever. Pour contents of the bag into a handy container (I always have extra mason jars lying around my house leftover from canning, but you can use whatever you've got. Tupperware works.), and throw in the instructions. Voila. Display on your counter for that extra Pinterest-y touch. 

Next time you go to cook your grains, you can dip your measuring cup right in the container, while performing nary a circus act. Victory!

How do you store your grains? Are you obsessed with Pinterest? If so, please help me understand why. 

Aldi Markets

By Julie

Do you have an Aldi market in your area? They have just begun to pop up in my neck of the woods. Aldi prides itself on providing the lowest prices possible, which is a sentiment that goes straight to my heart. And wallet.

There are a couple of things you need to know about Aldi before making a trip. It costs a quarter to free a cart from their chained pen, but you get your coin back when you return the cart and lock it back up again. The point is to cut down on missing carts and parking lot damage. They don’t take credit cards, only cash and debit. Bring your own bags or pay for paper or plastic, and you’ll be bagging your own purchases. You won’t recognize most of the brand names. But it’s all part of their master plan to save customers moulah.

Knowing all this, I went in, armed with my mental database of food prices from every other store I shop. Well, well. You really can save here, even over Walmart costs. Produce is a big area to save, as long as the quality looks good on any given day (it can vary). Generics don’t bother me, so I have no problem picking up the Aldi-offered brands. Their inventory isn’t as large as most other grocery stores, but what they do carry almost always will cost less than comparable products elsewhere. For a breakdown of some specific savings, check out this post by Erica.

They also have seasonal merchandise which runs the gamut from toys at Christmas to patio furniture in the summer. You never know what you might find.

If you have Aldi nearby, check it out. It might be just want your grocery budget needs.

(Photo Credit: aldi.us)

Sugar Free Dressings

By Natalie

My Aunt texted me today and asked if I knew of any sugar free dressings. I decided to compile a list for her. In selecting some recipes, my main criteria was ingredients they can find in a very small east Texas town and VERY EASY. She does not love cooking, that's her husband. Hope this helps Aunt B!

Off the cuff, I would say use vinegar & oil.

Citrius Cumin Dressing basically oranges, lemon, oil, and cumin

Buttermilk Salad Dressing, it can be sugar free depending on what mayo you use. I believe that the mayo with olive oil is sugar free!

Vegan Ranch Dressing- This one is a bit better for you, and you don't necessarily have to use soy milk, I'm sure cow's milk will work just fine.

Lemon Garlic Dressing A few ingredients of lemon, garlic, oil, and Dijon mustard

Homemade Ranch- always a favorite, higher in fat with the mayo and buttermilk

Sweet Poppyseed Dressing- This sounds simliar to one of my favorite dressings that I buy at Central Market. Hopefully she'll be able to find Stevia powder....

Read the comments section of this reader help post to discover some recipes that are favorites of our readers!

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

P.S. I have the above oil dispenser, and I love it! Thank you Jennie for this lovely birthday present!

Dinner in a Pinch: Rao's Vodka Sauce and Cut 'N Clean Kale

by Caitlin

Weeknight dinners are hard, aren't they? There's always a push-pull struggle with how much time they take, whether they're planned in advance, what's on hand, what might need to be picked up from the store. I love a meal that can be thrown together with what you have in the pantry, and with the help of Rao's, I have an easy and delicious way of doing just that. 

I'm picky about my shelf-stable, pre-fab pasta sauces. It's hard to find one that doesn't have high-fructose corn syrup or a bunch of artificial ingredients. Harder still to find one with basic, whole ingredients that actually tastes good. But never fear, Rao's to the rescue. 

 

Photo from raos.com. 

This sauce is creamy, dreamy, and tastes like it should have far more than 80 calories a serving.

There's always a box of pasta in my pantry, but those of you living without gluten may also be glad to know that it's equally delicious over polenta (I also like it over quinoa). And for my vegan friends, Rao's other variations without cheese (such as marinara, or tomato and basil) are also delicious.

There's almost always a green vegetable in my fridge, but my favorite, bar none, is a tub of trimed, chopped, pre-washed organic kale from Cut 'n Clean.

Picture from kelli-abrahamian.blogspot.com.

Sautee some garlic, throw in your ready-to-go greens, squeeze a lemon over it (ala this post):

Then toss your pasta in the Rao's, and you've got yourself a cheap, tasty, healthy weeknight meal. 

Voilà!

What's your favorite weeknight meal in a pinch?

Reader Question: Costco?

By Jessica

 

We recently received the following, via twitter, from Katie Mae:

@foodlush Can y'all do a post on Costco? Is it worth it to join? What are the best things to get there?

I practically live at Costco, having a teenaged son that never stops eating, but quite a few of our writers also have a love of Costco. Many heads are better than one (in this case anyway) so to best answer your questions, we have a writer round-up!

Me:

There are several different levels of membership so you should be able to find one that fits into your budget. We have an executive membership because of the cash back rewards and how much I shop there instead of other stores (I have HUGELY reduced all other grocery shopping) which we tied into an American Express account that gives us cash back on restaurants, travel, grocery and gas, so all that combined, the account pays for itself.

I buy so many things in bulk it might be easier to list what I don't buy but I think some of the best "deals" are on things like their generic benedryl or other medications, saline solution and Oil of Olay Regenerist beauty products which are hugely cheaper. I also recently purchased two small kitchen appliances for way cheaper than I found them anywhere else. I even find that the milk/half-n-half/heavy cream is less expensive here than at my local grocery store. Plus, my boys will regularly snag a lunch combo: large drink+polish sausage for $1.50, which is just unheard of cheap. I LOVE Costco.

Kristie:

The things I almost always buy is the huge bag of organic frozen broccoli, the variety pack of kid's Clif Bars, fresh organic fruits, organic bread and their organic strawberry jelly. I LOVE that there are so many organic options, that's why I go there as often as I do.

Jennie:

Our best Costco get is the spinach ravioli that comes in the freezer section. It's a hit with anyone we make it for. We use any sauce we have on hand.

Elissa:

Food staples that I like to get at Costco include extra virgin olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Greek yogurt, frozen shrimp, and meat (the meat isn't much cheaper than a regular grocery store but the
quality is generally really good, also love the ready to freeze packs of organic chicken breasts and thighs). Sometimes there are great deals on fruit, especially big containers of blueberries or raspberries. And I love their chocolate chip cookies (although if I buy them I end up consuming way too many!)

Laurie:

I never go there, but my aunt buys me cream puffs for holidays and parties. Best processed cream puffs EVER. ;)

Erica:

My 4 year old routinely asks if we can go have "snack lunch" at Costco. She loves her some free samples and a churro. (My comment: These ARE THE BEST CHURROS)

Jen L:

I make my in-laws take me there every single time we visit them! I buy gigantic packages of batteries, razor cartridges for my Venus, snack packs of pretzels, vats of Jelly Bellies, kegs of vinegar and a million juice boxes.  I also eat my way through the store because OMG free samples. They also have the best beef in the world.

Elisabeth:

Costco can give me a good assortment of healthy snacks for school and after quiet time/nap time. Note: you can check out a post she recently did on this subject here

 

{photo credit: Costco.com, addictedtocostco.com, Mai Likes Nice Things}

What Do I Need To Stock My Cubicle?

By Kristin 

I usually bring my lunch and breakfast to work with me. One, it helps me save some money and it also helps me save my waistline from growing and growing until I’m stuck wearing muumuus like Homer in that one episode of The Simpsons. 

I can easily pack a breakfast and a lunch. My problem is when a) I’m too lazy to pack a lunch and b) I seem to have acquired a tape worm and am in need of some filling snacks to get me through until I get home for dinner. 

I work in downtown Chicago. There is a 7-11 IN our building. This has become the best thing and the absolute worst thing ever for me. On one hand, it’s awesome to not even have to go outside to get all sorts of snacks. On the other, my wallet and pants disagree with this ever present snacking option. Because let’s face the facts, if I’m going down to 7-11, I’m not getting something healthy to snack on like nuts or string cheese, I’m usually getting something that is filled with sugar and will pull my tooth loose. 

I now realize I need to have things on hand in my cube so that I can snack healthily AND inexpensively. There was an article in the Chicago Tribune today on some cubicle staples to have on hand. But I need some other options since I do not like tuna.

What do you keep on hand in the office to help with snacking?