GrubBuzz

One of the latest trends in cooking is cast iron utensils.  There are many brands out there featuring

enameled cast iron pots, dutch ovens, pans and others.  My favorite new thing in my kitchen is my

cast iron grill pan.  It is such a great tool, especially in the winter when it is too cold to grill outside.

I use my cast iron grill pan to grill meats, fish, veggies, and my favorite, panini sandwiches.  To make

great paninis, I recommend purchasing a panini press.  Some grill pans come with one, and some come

separate.

If you find the name brand enamaled cast iron too expensive, just go for the non name brand, or non

enameled cast iron.  A lot of farm supply stores have a variety of cast iron products.

Cast iron cooking is just a nice step back in time.  Your cast iron will last your whole life.

Ok, so I know there are a lot of us out there who have to cut back on spending somewhere.

Some of us do this at the grocery store, some of us cut back on say cigarettes, drinking,

eating out and various other places.

I have to say, the other day I made a carrot cake for my dad’s birthday. I thought it was

pretty good, and then the next day my dad left me a message saying it was the best cake

he thinks he has ever had. I do admit, I relish in compliments. But then I got to thinking

what I put into that carrot cake. I used organic carrots, eggs, and flour and I used quality pecans

and spices. I truley believe that quality ingredients make quality food.

A friend of mine makes rice crispy treats for her daughter often. A sale at the store encouraged

her to buy name brand crisp rice cereal and quality marshmallows. She was so surprised that the

outcome of such ingredients made a better treat.

There are good and bad ways to cut back at the store. Often you will find bulk sections in your store.

Check these for your ingredients first. You will often find a same quality or better product for a much

cheaper price. Great things to buy in bulk are rice, beans, lentils, flours, nuts, honey, syrups, oils and

many many more.

The moral of the story is that it is very important to go for quality rather than price. You will be happier

with your product, and so will those around you.

Is your fruit on the verge of rotting?  Or do you have so much fruit that you know you can’t eat it all?

Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler.  Set aside in shallow dishes toppings such as nuts, coconut flakes,

sunflower seeds etc.  Dip your fruit in the chocolate, then in the topping, set on parchment and stick in the

freezer.  Great for a sweet and semi-healthy dessert all week long.