Food Websites: The A to Z Quick Reference Guide
Many readers have asked for a list of the food websites I rely on so when I found myself e-mailing numerous links, I realized I needed to make a quick reference guide. No pretty pictures or descriptive write-ups, just the links. All of the foods listed below have been written about on this website (and more than likely, photographed also) so if you want detailed information on a specific product, utilize the search function on the cover page or use the category bars, which are also on the cover page of this website to find detailed product information and photographs. Read more 
Farro: An Ancient Grain in Modern Times
Whole grains seem to be a big topic of discussion these days in the two camps who tend to be the most boisterous in the foodie world. On one side are those who extol the nutritious benefits of eating a diet rich in whole grains and on the other side, a group who insists they don’t know what to do with whole grains and that grains take too much time to cook. All good points but at the end of the day it’s the whole grain proponents who have the winning argument because whole grains really are better for our bodies and the latter arguments can be overcome with education and careful planning. But, the most important reason to eat whole grains is the taste which can be nutty, buttery, slightly sweet, or earthy, depending on the grain. Read more
Chukar Cherries
More than 25 years ago, Pam Montgomery bought a 100 acre, 8,000-tree cherry orchard in Washington’s Yakima Valley (in the south-central part of the state). After the first harvest, Pam noticed that many cherries went unpicked which allowed the natural sugars to develop while the fruit dried on the branches. Read more
Whole Spice
Grocery store-bought spices were always a staple in my cabinet until I discovered Whole Spice – a California company that offers a wide selection of very fresh, all-natural herbs and spices without artificial colors, flavors or additives. Whole Spice offers more than 400 herbs, spices, seeds, blends, mixes, rubs, nuts, teas, fruits, vegetables, sugars, and seasonings in a variety of ways: whole, ground, powder, seed, granules, flakes, nibs, diced, sliced, granulated, crushed and more. Read more
Snapz
Snapz are an award-winning (Best New British Product), great tasting snack made from slices of fruit and vegetables with no added salt, sugar, or fat and no artificial colorings, flavorings, or additives. Gluten-free, made from non-GMO ingredients in a nut-free facility, Snapz are also low-calorie (30-50 calories per single serving packet), a good source of fiber (1-2 grams of fiber per single serving packet), and suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone who wants a healthy snack. Read more
The Taco Bowl Reconsidered
Taco night has always been a family favorite but every once in a while, the menu needs to be shaken up a bit which is how I came to add Taco Bowl night to mealtime. When I first decided to try taco bowls, the pre-made shells were on my shopping list but after reading labels and not caring for some of the ingredients, I decided to try to make my own. Organic corn tortillas usually contain corn, water, and a trace of lime but finding 9-10 inch organic corn tortillas (most grocery stores carry the 6-7 inch size) is very difficult unless there is a Latin market close by. So, I started thinking about alternatives which is how I considered Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Tortillas. Read more
Fruit Vinegars by Mangé
For years, people have expounded on the health benefits of vinegar and although I was never able to bring myself to drink vinegar straight up, I often used vinegar to dress foods and make salad dressings. Balsamic vinegar has been front and center on my counter top but there’s a new vinegar that now warrants counter top space: Fruit Vinegars by Mangé. Different from balsamic, rice, apple cider, and white vinegar, Mangé fruit vinegars are smooth (really), slightly sweet vinegars that have been flavored with natural fresh fruits. Each vinegar is special in its own way and conducive to making sauces, marinades and dressings more flavorful. Read more
The Vegan S’More
July 4th is right around the corner and for most people the celebration will include a barbecue, fireworks, and hopefully, a campfire. Traditionally, we sit around the campfire, roast marshmallows and either eat the gooey mess au natural or pile the partially burned white blobs on graham crackers with chocolate bars to make the classic campfire treat: the S’More. But, when you have a vegan in the family, making a S’More is a challenge. Read more
FoMu Alternative Ice Cream
FoMu is not an alternative to ice cream – but instead, an alternative ice cream or what the company describes as “a new take on a traditional favorite.” Dairy-free and vegan certified, FoMu is a hard ice cream made from either a coconut or nut blend base. The coconut base flavors are made with coconut milk – a creamy, natural and nutritious base that is sweetened with agave and unrefined cane sugar along with a trace amount of plant-based stabilizers (guar and xantham gum) whereas the nut blend base is made with almonds and cashews. Read more
Mom’s Organic Munchies
Mom’s Organic Munchies – Krunch Bars, Choco Fit Bars, On The Go Bars, and the Cookies – will make you stop in your tracks, pause, and grin with delight because Mom’s Organic Munchies are the best tasting new snack bars on the market – not an easy award to achieve in a society where everyone seems to be packing a bar. I don’t just like these bars; I love them. And, I’m a bit ashamed to admit that I hide them in the refrigerator so no one else finds them. Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free, Mom’s Organic Munchies are a healthy but decadent snack bar. Read more
Paddock Post 