I love hearing from my readers! Questions, requests for a certain topic, and advertising pitches are all welcome. Just remember that if something isn’t too personal, it might be better asked in a “comment” at the related post so that others can benefit from the answer.
Email me at
kitchenstew at gmail dot com
If you see a topic referenced or on the “upcoming” list that you’d like to hear more about, sooner rather than later, please email your request. I have so much I want to share, it’s awfully hard to decide what to throw out there first, so requests will be taken very seriously!
Advertisers:
I offer 125×125 ads as well as a new “stripe” ad at the top of the page. Email me for details, availability and pricing as well as a full media kit with stats. See what Kitchen Stewardship is all about here.
Hi there!
I just found your blog! You and your family are so cute and this is such a great idea for a blog. I have been trying to transition to eating and serving more nourishing meals, but have struggled with getting there. I love that you incorporate baby steps – it helps me to get over my “all-or-nothing” attitude. Anyways – just wanted to say hi and express my gratitude for your lovely blog!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie,
This is brilliant!!
I can’t wait to share your site with my mom and sisters and other family members! Leave it to you to do something so awesome.
You have always been such an inspiration to me. You go girl!! I am so excited for you about this endeavor!
[Reply to this comment]
Love your site: practical, faithful, healthful. So happy you followed the Holy Spirit’s inspiration and decided to share with others. Our family has had great success living as you do.
[Reply to this comment]
I have been trying to incorporate all of the things you talk about into a crazy last minute everything lifestyle, and this is exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you so much for your brilliant ideas as well as your approach in making change with baby steps! The one thing I have desperately been trying to work on is meal planning (this is my start for a LOT of changes in the kitchen), but I fail every time. I think it’s because I think to big… I’m going to try working on these baby step approaches. I also love the step by step instructions (like yogurt and beans). I have been doing a lot of Googling, and it is just exhausting and overwhelming to say the least. Your site is so refreshing!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
June 5th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
You made my day – thank you!!
[Reply to this comment]
Hi again! I just wanted to let you know that some of your newsletter links don’t work. For instance, this one:
10 Easy Prep Foods You’ll Always Find in my Freezer
Maybe it’s just me?
Thanks!
Kristin
[Reply to this comment]
Katie-
Hi from Ohio! Nick and I were looking for instructions on freezing Zucchini (we have about 12 GIANT ones from our garden)…after perusing google, I came across your article on the “10 foods” in your freezer…I said to Nick- this is a great article- I’m going to add it to my “favorites”…then as I scrolled down and saw your family picture, I said “Nick- it’s your cousing Katie!” Small world!! Great website- good for you. We’ll look forward to catching up in Roger’s City Next week- and we’ll have our newest addition-8 month old Abraham with us! Take Care!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
July 27th, 2009 at 12:09 am
That’s crazy fun. I can’t believe people can find my stuff on Google.
See you ALL next week! Congrats!
[Reply to this comment]
Was just forwarded your site by my cousin…love it! I haven’t explored it fully yet but I have a suggestion for a Monday Mission…BAN POTATOES! Check them out…not really a veggie (but they are listed as such on the food pyramid) only a major sourse of no-fiber carbohydrate. Research has shown that they do the same thing to your insulin levels as pure sugar!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
August 7th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Thanks for visiting! I happen to LOVE potatoes, so this would be a very sad, sad mission for me. But I know you’re right about the starchiness. Pure sugar? That is a bummer. I’ll certainly put this on my list to research. Thanks for being an active participant! I look forward to hearing more from you…
[Reply to this comment]
I am loving your blog. It is one of my favorites for sure. I found a recipe that I would like to try today and there is corn syrup in it. I would really like to try it but we are trying to get rid of the really yucky stuff and for me one of those is corn syrup. Here is the recipe-http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cranberry-Fudge/Detail.aspx
Do you have any ideas on how I could modify it and have it still taste that good? Is honey something I can substitute?
Thanks.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
August 8th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Tanya,
I haven’t tried subbing stuff for corn syrup yet, but here’s what I found after a quick Google search:
“Corn syrup is a longer-chain sugar, so it prevents crystalization when you’re melting sugar or making fudge.” That may mean making substitutions will mess up your recipe? My mom makes a good fudge, and she says hers doesn’t have corn syrup, so it’s not necessary for all fudges… If you’re willing to sub something on a new recipe, here are some options for a healthier (?) substitute for corn syrup:
1. honey, 1 for 1 ratio
2. half honey half water (b/c honey is sweeter than corn syrup)
3. 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup liquid,(water)
1 cup honey mix well in sauce pan and heat over low flame until all is mixed well and allow to cool before using.
4. 1 cup corn syrup can be replaced by 1 1/4 granulated sugar (or light brown sugar) plus 1/4 c. of liquid (use water or whatever liquid is specified in the recipe you’re using).
5. Brown rice syrup
6. Glucose syrup
7. Agave nectar
(those last three are supposed to be healthier…?…but I’ve never bought them)
8. A simple syrup recipe:
2 c. white sugar
3/4 c. water
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
Dash of salt
Combine all ingredients in a heavy, large pan. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and put cover on it for 3 minutes to get sugar crystals off the sides of the pan. Uncover and cook until it reaches soft ball stage. Stir often.
Cool syrup and store in a covered container at room temperature. It will keep for about 2 months. Makes almost 2 cups. from http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1823,147170-227206,00.html
Remember that in cooking your honey, you’ll loose the benefits of “raw” honey, but that’s still better than sugar. White sugar is probably better than corn syrup…but not necessarily, according to many sources. So I wouldn’t do anything heroic to get the corn syrup out of a recipe that still used white sugar.
My sources: http://askville.amazon.com/substitute-corn-syrup-recipes-people-allergies/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=4971827 and http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21362042.tip.html
[Reply to this comment]
I just came across your website last night and I wanted to thank you for all the information that you take the time to share with everyone.
Last Feburary me and my family made the change to a more natural way of living. I just woke up one day and realized everything we were putting into our bodies and the effects it was having on us. But at times I felt very alone. I think my family thought I was crazy when I would start rambling about MSG’s and High Fructose Corn Syrup.
But I can feel the difference in my body. I have more energy, my mind is clearer and I have even lost some weight. So I know what we have been doing is the right thing.
I spent our first summer shopping at the local Farmers Market and it was awesome. It is so rewarding to buy local and get healthy food at the same time.
I am still learning every day. Learning to cook, about the nutritional values of our food, the list could go on and on.
Thank you again and I look forward to reading more on your site.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Shawna,
That is one awesome story. It’s so encouraging to hear people who really FEEL better after changing the way they eat. I still don’t take care of myself and get enough sleep, so I don’t reap those benefits, unfortunately.
I sure hope the baby steps method at Kitchen Stewardship fits you well! Welcome!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Hey Katie,
I love your blog. We share so much of the same passions: God, our family, healthy food and lifestyle, etc. I ran across this great website for Bento box lunchboxes, and thought you’d love it (if you hadn’t seen it already. http://goodbyn.com/goodbyn/buy.aspx Sorry about putting this in your comment section. I wasn’t sure how to email you directly.
[Reply to this comment]
HI there, I am not sure where to link my blog for the Make it from scratch carnival. Sorry if its obvious and I dont see it.
[Reply to this comment]
Hi!
I just stumbled over from the Heavenly Homemaker’s Fall Giveaway, and can I just say, I might just be in love. I not so intentionally just spent quite awhile reading through your archives … mostly in a “I’m so stoked to find someone else so similarly minded who has more practical skill that I can learn from” way. You’re a green kitchen blogging rockstar! And, you’re in Michigan (as am I)! And, I think you’re from a part of MI that is geographically near the part I’m from (from your apple orchard pictures) … even better! And, I obviously lose all ability to be grammatically correct when I’m excited … haha.
Anyway, you’re in my reader now for sure. I’m so stoked to have stumbled over here. The internet is so fun sometimes. <3
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
October 10th, 2009 at 2:21 am
Em,
What fun! Are you saying that you’ve BEEN to the apple orchard we go to? I’m from Grand Rapids, a big enough place that I don’t feel I have to be so careful about it on the ol’ Internet. Sorry I sucked you into the computer…but I’m glad you enjoyed my stuff!!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Katie! I am wondering if you have written about cleaning mold in the bathtub caulking? I have a problem, and after reading your natural cleaners post and talking about bleach, I REALLY don’t want to use it, especially since I am pregnant and there are no windows in the bathroom. I didn’t think the bleach fumes would be that bad, and then I read your post
If you can help, I’d be eternally grateful!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Mary,
Arg, I have the same problem. I never found bleach to actually take away the mold completely anyway, but I haven’t found anything else that does the job 100% either. Try straight vinegar and hydrogen peroxide and scrub hard! I am recaulking to get rid of mine, but you may want to delegate that when you’re pregnant w/o ventilation, anyway.
As a preventative measure, wipe down the problem areas with a microfiber cloth after every bath/shower and spray full-strength vinegar on the walls. That has helped my tub stay pretty clean, except for the doggone caulk. I’m afraid it’s a signifier of a greater problem (under the caulk) but I don’t really want to think about that!
I hope this helps – I wish I had the perfect answer for you… Thanks for the good question!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Kristin Reply:
December 16th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Young Living has essential oils that have been proven to kill the mold! If you google “young living essential oils mold” you should be able to track it down. If not give me an email and I can get the info for you.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Mary – an update! I JUST saw a tweet about using tea tree oil mixed with water to spray down showers as a great mold killer. This may be my solution! It said 2 Tbs oil in a spray bottle of water, but that seems like a LOT for an ingredient that is usually measured in drops…so I’ll look into amounts. I’m def. trying it though.
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Mary C. Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 9:24 am
I tried that the other day. It didn’t work super well, but maybe because I hadn’t tried cleaning the mold in awhile? My hubby wants me to use bleach, but I am not comfortable doing that. And he doesn’t believe that tto can work as well as bleach or that bleach doesn’t actually kill all the mold.
I did 2TBSP TTO in a half/half vinegar water solution, it was almost two cups. I sprayed it on, let it sit for several hours, then tried scrubbing. It got some off. I think I am going to try the wipe down with a microfiber, then spray the TTO spray.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Mary,
I have never seen anything make mold/mildew DISappear completely. You have to manually scrape it off, I’m certain of it. If you resort to bleach, at least make hubby do it and stay away for a few hours! It won’t kill ya to use it once…
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Kristin Reply:
December 16th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
you need to make sure the essential oil has all of its constituents intact. Young Living is the only company I am aware of that tests every…yes, every batch of oil for all possible constituents to be able to “heal” or kill mold in this case.
[Reply to this comment]
Hey Katie! I love your blog. I know you have a ton of things that you would like to share with us and I was wondering if you are planning on or could share with us storage tips for different foods. This is a post I could really use. I never know which produce goes in the fridge, which stays on the countertop, are there grains that should be stored in the fridge/freezer, where should nuts be stored, etc. I hate wasting food (I know you do also) so I want to make sure food is stored where it should be so a) it isn’t wasted and b) it is healthiest for my family.
Also, would you mind sharing your meatloaf/meatball recipe? I’m looking for a recipe that I can make and freeze. Thanks for all the hard work you do with your blog helping us to be better stewards of the resources God gave us.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Awesome post ideas! If any of the foods you’re wondering about are “super foods”, the storage instructions should be in that Food for Thought. I don’t have anything planned after mid-November, so maybe I can get these in soon! I have photos of making meatloaf/meatballs already, so I’m ready to type that one up!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
I just found your site and made some of your granola bars. The kids (and I) LOVED them. I’ve enjoyed reading previous posts, but have to admit I’m a little overwhelmed.
We are on a pretty strict budget, and live in an area that has a rather high cost of living. We use white sugar, white flour, bleach and other cleaners, highly processed foods, anti-bacterial soap and a lot of other things that I’m sure we shouldn’t be using. Just begining to be introduced to the idea of “real foods” and avoiding other things. I mean I try to push veggies/fruits and a “well-balanced” diet, but a lot of your site is news to me. I was just wondering where is the best place to start? If you had to start from the beginning, in what order would you take your “baby steps”
I know that, for monetary reasons, I can’t make all the changes you suggest, nor do I have the energy to implement all of them at once. That’s why I need direction….where to go first, second, third, etc. Thanks and God bless!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 9th, 2009 at 12:42 am
Alex,
Someday I hope to be able to offer my posts, one email at a time, starting from the beginning. Try clicking “Missions Checklist” at the top of this screen to see all the Monday Missions, one at a time. Just go in order and pat yourself on the back for each little change. Wheat flour costs more than white flour, but my safe cleaners don’t cost more than bleach, so it can even out. The other way to do it is to choose things that make the most impact: make your own chicken stock, yogurt and cleaning supplies would be my top 3. Thank you for the comment – please stick around! I wish you the very best,
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Hello Katie,
Stumbled on to your blog this morning. I love that you are Catholic and into nourishing, traditional food. These are traits that I find far and few in between. God bless your blog!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 1:30 am
Amy,
Katie
It’s wonderful to discover like-minded people – welcome to KS!
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Katie!
)
I have been reading your posts via email subscription for a month or so now… can’t even remember how I stumbled upon it. I’m just glad I did!
I’ll TRY to keep this as short as possible! I AM SO OVERWHELMED! Between your website, The Finer Things, Kingdom First Mom and Money Saving Mom… oh, and a book on CD that I am currently working my way through (Natural Cures “They” Don’t Want You to Know About by Kevin Trudeau)… my brain is spinning! It is so scary, frustrating, annoying, etc. that we are all so deceived about what is put into our food in this country!! I don’t even want to eat anything that is in my kitchen right now!!
Here’s my dilemma… I am just about convinced that all of the additives/chemicals in our food are causing all of the illness in our family (and everyone else’s too)… ADD, depression, sinus infections, ear infections… just to name the top ones that OUR family is dealing with. My oldest son is about to start medication for ADD and I am SO worried about the side effects, etc. But his teacher and our pediatrician recommend that he “needs” to be on medication.
I thought he did as well, but now I am wondering if that is really the answer. I am researching info. about changing his (and all of our) diet.
But, we are all so “used to” the taste of the garbage we have been raised on… my husband is not too thrilled about the changes I’m trying to make. And it is SO hard to keep kids from eating the things (or at least wanting them) that other kids eat.. and are served at school and church events.
I’m so sorry to be so overwhelming! HELP! I tried to pray about it this morning, and didn’t even know where to begin except to tell God how overwhelmed I am! I know He understands and I need to be patient… but I just feel like I need some guidance in where to go from here and how NOT to freak out! (and drive my hubby nuts in the process
How did you get started when you REALLY changed the way you cook and eat? I know there are some things you have always done b/c your mom taught you that way. Some of us aren’t so blessed!
(BTW, I DO already strive for healthy cooking and eating and I LOVE to cook, so I’m not “afraid of” spending lots of time in the kitchen. I just need a manageable plan to get it all done!
We don’t eat out a lot. The kids don’t get soda and candy (unless it’s from the grandparents!). They (we) are all pretty good eaters as far as vegetables, whole grains, things like that. But I am learning SO much about what all is really bad for our bodies!! The quote I heard in the book on CD I’m listening to was this.. “If man made it, don’t eat it!” WOW, that is SO hard to do!
And one other thing, I am a stay at home Mom of 3 kids (ages 9,5 & 10 months)… so I do have time to prepare “from scratch”, etc. I actually did a baking day earlier this week that was so much fun! (pumpkin puree, WW waffles, muffins and cookie dough)
THANK YOU for what you do! I don’t know HOW you have time to get it all done!!
Looking forward to your reply!
Blessings,
Tammy
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 15th, 2009 at 5:33 am
Tammy,
I’m so sorry to hear about your fears for your son and the medication; I would feel absolutely the same way if in your position. Meds are scary!
When I first read some of the traditional food books a year ago, I was totally overwhelmed, too, but to think about where I am now vs. 11 months ago is just amazing.
Here’s what I’m thinking – if you don’t mind, I’d like to write a whole post (or two) on “Where to Start when you feel Overwhelmed”. You are the third person in a few weeks to ask this question, so it’s time to address it (since I like to bill my blog as not overwhelming…ha. ha.). I will send you the text via email as soon as it’s finished so you don’t have to wait (but I’m hoping to fit it in this week).
Here’s a little teensy something for you to start with to address the infections issue: certain foods have natural antibiotic/antiviral properties. You can try to include more of these in your diet and see what happens! Coconut oil, garlic, and homemade stock all come to mind as first steps.
Are you using full-fat dairy and recipes? Those healthy fats are important for immunity as well as how you feel. That’s another switch that doesn’t take any time or effort – you just pick up a different color container next time you shop.
I wish I knew more about natural methods for dealing with ADD. I have seen research on both sides of the sugar issue (saying sugar causes ADD symptoms and sugar has zero impact). If you’re using bleach in your home, switching to vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil would be another simple change (and talk to the teacher about her cleaning supply choices). See this post: http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/09/15/natural-kitchen-cleaners-whats-under-my-sink/
Don’t worry about the meds, for now. They will at least show you if there is something treatable going on with your son, and as you change more in the diet, you can request to reduce the meds and see what happens. If the side effects are nasty, I
wouldn’t hesitate to put my foot down, though.
When you’re ready for one more (small) change — I can’t believe I’ve given you three already, Baby Steps Katie! — I would recommend taking note of what processed food (box or bottle) you use most often during the course of one week. That’s where you want to learn the “from-scratch” version, because it will affect your family the most frequently.
I’m excited to write this post now – I just hope I can keep it from being overwhelming in itself!
Thank you so much for the trust you show in sharing this struggle…
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Tammy Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Hi Katie,
Thank you so much for your reply! I was so excited to get it. Most of the time, I feel like I am swimming upstream with this quest to get us healthier by making better food choices. (Most ppl today won’t take the time or make the effort & think I am weird for doing so!) It is SO nice to have someone “partnering with me” to accomplish this goal!
As for your suggestions… I am happy to say that I already cook with tons of fresh garlic. I plan to purchase some coconut oil asap. And I will be making my own stock hopefully this week.
I’ve read that homogenization and pasteurization are bad for us! 
I have not used bleach in my home for probably over a year now. I already clean with vinegar , baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. (One little tip that I learned regarding the bottle… I bought a plain plastic spray bottle and the “sprayer” fits the small brown bottle of peroxide. So you can spray directly from that opaque bottle and not have to worry about it being exposed to light!)
I did switch to full fat dairy after reading about it on your posts. However, I don’t have a source for “raw” milk and I’m not sure I can afford it!
I also plan to start making my own yogurt as soon as I have some time to read up on it. I didn’t think I would ever try that, but after reading all of the benefits, I KNOW my children will benefit greatly! (Unfortunately, I DO NOT like yogurt!)
I can’t wait to read your posts for us!!
Thank you for all of your help!!
Blessings,
Tammy
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 25th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Tammy,
Here’s the top 10 Kitchen Stewardship Habits! http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/11/23/overwhelmed-start-here/
Hope it’s a good place for you to start…
Have a blessed Thanksgiving — Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Katie. I couldn’t find the place where you were talking about the frustration of cutting pumpkins for freezing but wanted to give you an easy solution so thought I would write it here. The easiest way to do that is to bake them first. Break off the stem. Take a large tonged fork such as the kind you would use to carve meat and plunge it several times around the top of the pumpkin near the stem making sure to go all the way through the flesh into the cavity. Place the pumpkin(s) on a baking sheet and bake them @ 350 degrees until you can pierce the pumpkin with the fork very easily. Take them out of the oven and cut them in half. They will be so tender that you can just use the fork to cut them. Let them cool completely then remove the seeds and string and then take out the pulp and continue with your recipe for making pumpkin puree. While you are making your puree you can roast the pumpkin seeds for yummy snacks or baking. I hope this will help you to give freezing your own pumpkin puree another chance. Oh, and BTW, this works great for other winter squash too!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Thanks, Cindy! Maybe I WILL give it a try next year!
[Reply to this comment]
To the woman who has ADD son…try the Feingold Assn. Keep out all artificial colors and MSG (try that one…..very hard) Be sure to research all the different names MSG is called, just google it. You’ll find them. I know this will help!!
[Reply to this comment]
I have several buttermilk bread dough recipes that you make the whole recipe and then let the dough sit in the fridge for 24-36 hours. Would this have the same effect on the wheat as the soaking process with just the grain?
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:31 am
Anita,
Very, very close. It would have to be at room temp, though, and the yeast could not be included yet. Could your recipe be adjusted to do that? I know it seems scary to leave a dairy product out of the fridge like that, but b/c it’s cultured, it’s okay.
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Anita Reply:
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:31 pm
So how does the yeast inhibit the soaking process or breaking down of the phytic acid?
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 2:46 am
Anita,
Katie
I don’t think the yeast would inhibit it, but it would be activated and your bread would overrise and then collapse! It’s pretty easy to adapt regular recipes to soaking, once you get the hang of the theory. Let me know if you have any more questions.
[Reply to this comment]
Are you still linked to Amazon.com? I’m planning to order at least one book, but I don’t see a link on your most recent posts. Does the item need to be something you’ve mentioned on your posts?
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
December 8th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Anne,
Katie
I will be posting a gadget wishlist today or tomorrow, and I think if you follow any link to Amazon and then order something, I’ll get credit. Thank you so much! You can find some sort of link to Amazon in the Gadget Wishlist at the top of the screen.
[Reply to this comment]
Try adding some citric acid to your dishwashing machine soap. I use equal amounts of borax, baking soda and citric acid.
[Reply to this comment]
Just want to say that I love your blog. Lots of practical helpful information!!
[Reply to this comment]
I just found your blog and am really excited to be able to share faith and nutrition! I have recently read Mastering Leptin by Byron Richards and am tellling everyone about it! It is amazing how God designed us to work…..anyway, amazing things are happening for us healthwise and wanted to share the book with people who are looking to glorify God with their bodies. Have a great night. p.s. we are from MI originally now in TN….always nice to have contact from the home state
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
December 16th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Kristin,
Katie
Welcome aboard! There’s another food book I haven’t heard of, but I’ll keep an eye out. Glad to have you here – thanks for the tip on the oils.
[Reply to this comment]
I love your site! Exactly what I have been looking for! I have looked over just about everything here and I have a few questions. I love the idea of freezing things for convenience and budget. Can I freeze these things (like if they are going bad and need to be dealt with?): carrots, broccoli stems, mushrooms, bread crumbs (homemade), spinach (whole not pureed). I am on a tight budget and can’t afford to throw things out but sometimes I just can’t use them up fast enough.
Also, I would like to see a post about how you manage to do all this. Like a play by play of your day
I have two little ones and although I have been surprised how much I can get done in the kitchen, it is nowhere near what you get done (or appear to get done).
Have a Merry Christmas!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Morgan,
I’m so tickled that you found me! What a sweet comment. Here’s my best shot at your items:
carrots – if blanched (blanched = lightly cooked/steamed. You can surely find a chart of how long to blanch each veggie with a quick Google search)
broccoli stems – yes, if blanched (http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/05/06/for-the-love-of-broccoli/)
mushrooms – Only if they’re in something like a casserole. I don’t think they lend themselves well to blanching and freezing.
bread crumbs – absolutely! Mine also stay fine forEVER in the fridge as long as they’re totally dry when I crumb them.
spinach – I think you’d have to blanch them, too, but you wouldn’t have to puree them. If I am losing my spinach, I just toss them in the steamer basket after I steam veggies for dinner, leave them a few minutes until just wilted, and pack the whole leaves into ice cube trays. They are ready for green smoothies after being frozen and dumped out into baggies (http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/05/07/recipe-connection-green-smoothies-with-kale/).
As far as how I manage to do everything, let me assure you that everyone thinks other people are doing more than they are! You can get a little glimpse of a crazy day in my life at this post: http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/11/05/baking-day-bedlam-my-day-in-bulleted-lists/ I hope it helps you feel better!
Merry Christmas to you — Katie
[Reply to this comment]
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/FreezerChart.htm
If you haven’t already seen this site, it’s a great reference for how long things keep in the freezer and how to make the most of them.
[Reply to this comment]
Have you seen Julie and Julia yet? I rented the video and watched it tonight. I couldn’t help think of you every time the scene switched to Julie and her blogging. I think my experience following your blog made the movie even more fun for me.
[Reply to this comment]
I don’t see a link in your side bar to the blog radio show that you were on. I’ve still been thinking about buying his book, but when I checked it out initially, I didn’t see a synopsis about it. Can you provide a short one?
[Reply to this comment]
Yay! Thanks for joining us!
[Reply to this comment]