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. (For example, questions about homemade yogurt, chicken stock, or granola bars should land on those posts…)
Email Katie at
kitchenstew at gmail dot com
I honestly can’t promise I’ll answer. My three children, husband, and home have to come before personal email questions. I do, however, answer all questions in the comments section of blog posts (although sometimes it takes a week or so, see above excuse).
I’ve covered a great many topics here at KS, and you can check out my thoughts on them all by using one of the search bars to the righthand side there. There’s also an archives page for your convenience.
Businesses and advertisers, please see my media kit.
FAQs:
- What’s the best deal on coconut oil? See here.
- My homemade yogurt turned out ______. Can you help? Trouble shoot here.
- Where do you live? Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Do you have any good real food sources there? You bet – check this out.
- I am trying to feed my family better, but I’m just so overwhelmed with all this information. I don’t know where to start. Start here.
- How do I get my husband on board with all these changes? (Right here, plus an update coming in mid-2012 sometime)
- Do you accept guest posts? Click here to find out…
- Why do you include Catholic stuff on Kitchen Stewardship? My commitment to being a good steward is part of my call from God, so my faith is an integral part of my work in the kitchen.
- Do you know anything about grapeseed oil? Not much. Most real foodies don’t like it. See this chart for the scoop on all fats.
- How do I get started with a blog (or increase my readership on my current blog)? I love Amy Lynn Andrews for the basics – check out Blogging with Amy for brilliant step-by-step instructions about starting a blog. As for readership – be unique. Be yourself. Network with other bloggers politely. And work you patooty off.
Get on Twitter and Facebook, even though they’re time sucks. They’re worth it if you want to be serious about blogging. Go to conferences. If you’re in West Michigan, join us for a local West Michigan Blogs meeting.
Hey there! I’ve been really trying to read and learn more about the things that you have written about and I am so thankful for all of the information you provide. It truly IS baby steps. There is one thing that I have been wondering about and cannot find much information about, and that is about Stevia. Is it okay to use? I know it’s really a plant, but with all of the questionable sugars, I’m just not sure what to think. I would love to hear your input on this. Thank you!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 12:02 am
Thank you so much, Terah! I did write once about Stevia, here: http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/04/15/agave-and-stevia-all-natural-unsafe-or-unhealthy/
This summer I’m running a series called A Sweet, Sweet Summer with a different type of sweetener featured each week, so I’ll get more in depth then.
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
hi katie – i LOVE your site and have been soaking it all in as our newly grown family of 6 are making the transition to all real food. thank you for all your tips and help as we do this slowly on our very tight budget (just adopted 2 little ones). i recently purchased your e-cookbook for healthy snacks on 5-5-11 but never received an email or info on the download. is it still coming my way? i am eager to read it and get started! thanks so much! look forward to every post!
jen
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 10:28 am
Jen,
Katie
The download will come to your Paypal email, which isn’t always the primary. If you check there and don’t see it (it comes instantly), email me and we’ll take care of you! Thank you!!
[Reply to this comment]
Thanks for the book, can’t wait to get started!!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
May 27th, 2011 at 11:52 am
Pam,
Katie
Thanks for your purchase and enjoy the recipes!!
[Reply to this comment]
Baby snack questions:
Any quick and very portable snack recommendations for say outings, church, and even around the house?
We have a 9month old and my mom brought these evil gerber snacks into my house. Im sure they aren’t the best for our baby and they are pricey. I will admit, they are hard to pass up and are very convenient. I already try to use fresh fruit at home for snacks- but bananas, peaches, pears are messy for when we are away. We also use plain cherios.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 9:33 pm
Jenny,
Katie
Homemade crackers are one great option, and freeze dried fruit is easy for a babe to eat and zero mess. I don’t have much other than that, but hopefully after a year I’ll know more!
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Katie,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your site. I first heard of you several months ago when I read an article that you wrote for Family Foundations (CCLI magazine). At the time I wasn’t at all interested in “real” food, but you were from the Grand Rapids area (as am I) so I checked out your blog and “liked” you on Facebook. Fast forward a few months when my son’s teacher told my husband and I that she suspected he might have ADHD. Medication not being an option for us, I began reading every book I could find on treating ADHD naturally and diet seemed to be a key. So begins our family’s “food conversion” as my friend Kelly the Kitchen Kop calls it. I’ve really enjoyed all your posts and it was through your blog that I found Angelus Farms which is where we purchase one and a half cow shares. We LOVE our milk. I just bought the camping e-book. We love to camp (although not quite as hardcore as your family) and I am so excited about the camping recipes in it. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for your site and all your food encouragement.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 12:45 am
Kristin,
Katie
It’s so fun to hear from readers, especially local gals! Thanks for the encouraging note!
[Reply to this comment]
Another question about homemade chicken stock: once I boil it down & freeze it, should I add water to it before adding it to a recipe? It seems that otherwise it’s too thick & I don’t want to waste it! What are your guidelines for rice & soup, for example?
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 3:09 am
Rebecca, If I specifically boil it down to condense, then I do add water back in when I use it. If it’s just thick because it’s thick, I don’t always. You can go either way – more or less gelatin in your meal, basically! For rice, if you’re trying to conserve, use a bit more water since the flavor isn’t as important as in the soup. A little trial and error (although it’s had to “error” on this since it always tastes good!) will get you super comfortable with all this stock stuff.
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
I have an allergy to salicylates, of any kind. You have the most complete guide on mineral based sunscreens I have found. I am hoping you can tell me if any of the first three reviews you have done (Kabana Green, Badger & Mexitan) have any type of salicylates. I have something called Triad Asthma.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
June 28th, 2011 at 3:12 am
Carla,
Katie
Happy to help! All 3 of the brands you mentioned have nothing but recognizable ingredients to me, so as long as your trigger ingredient wouldn’t be spelled any other way or hidden under another name (I’ve never really heard of salicylates myself), then you’re golden. I’m thinking all 3 list the ingredients at their individual website if you need to double check. I’m so glad you found my review helpful!
[Reply to this comment]
I just found your site and I’m in love!
I’m blogging about my own journey and being very realistic about the discouragements I face. I just launched a new get-on-track program for myself and your blog is helping immensly with it. Thanks so much!
Rose
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 1:02 am
Rose,
Katie
So glad to connect with a new blogger!
[Reply to this comment]
Hello,
I’m new to your site and I love it! I was looking for the free download but never knew how to get it. The everything beans book.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 1:46 am
Vero,
Welcome! The free download is the soaked grains ebook – just go here and put in your email address, then follow instructions to validate your subscription. The Everything Beans Book is another product of mine, available for $9.95: http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2011/03/01/now-available-the-everything-beans-book/
Happy to have you along for the ride!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Katie,
Thanks so much for inspiring us to bring more thoughtfulness and mindfulness to our everyday tasks, to do them better, to demonstrate respect for food, our families, our bodies, our environment, our responsibilities.
I’ve never been a magazine or blog reader, yet I am greatly enjoying and appreciating your site. There are so many thoughtful, practical ideas… which are already manifesting as changes in my familie’s lives. I’ve also resonated with your comment about ‘being stewards and not fanatics”… Thanks a lot for your work. Inspiring! Sending you best wishes for the baby!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
August 1st, 2011 at 4:44 am
Thanks, Irene, how sweet of you!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
hi Katie,
thank you!
I was wondering who you would recommend to have my broiler chickens slaughtered by. We have been given a few names in the Alto area. Our Jumbo Cornish’s (17) look fantastic and are about ready for my Sunday suppers
Solange
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Solange,
Katie
I haven’t a clue, but I envy your Sunday dinners! Awesome!
[Reply to this comment]
Congratulations on your new baby! I have a question about where you buy your mozzarella cheese? Or do you make it? Whenever I’ve seen a recipe you use it is always inexpensive. Its $5 a pound for fresh mozz where I have looked or more.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 2:52 am
Ashlee,
Katie
Thanks! I just buy store brand mozz at Meijer, usually, when it’s on sale. ??? Not fresh mozz; that would make a big price increase. I’ve made it a few times, but I didn’t think it was worth it (and I wasn’t all that good at it either!)
[Reply to this comment]
Katie,
Congratulations on your newest addition. What a beautiful family! Your website looks like it is has lots of useful and helpful information. I am a little concerned about your promotion of raw milk though. As a veterinarian we have been well-educated and informed about the potential transmission of disease through non-pasteurized products. Also, a family member of mine died from TB that was obtained from raw milk (she lived on a dairy farm). Just wanted to give you a health professional’s viewpoint. God Bless!
Meg
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
August 27th, 2011 at 11:48 am
Thanks, Meg! I do know there are risks, but I know my farmer and have seen the cleanliness procedures. I figure there are also risks to storebought spinach, peanut butter, etc. these days, so the benefits of organic/grassfed that’s hard/impossible to find elsewhere outweighs the risks for me. But I do appreciate your opinion and am always open to making changes in our lifestyle!
Katie
Good to hear from you!!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie, I was wondering your thoughts in relation to soaking grains vs. avoiding grains. It has been recommended that my daughter go gluten free, but I am having conflict with it. Especially spiritually. I am thinking that soaked grains are better then gluten free. Just need some advice. Thanks for your help. Love your blog. Keep up the great work.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
September 13th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Linda, I’m all over the place on this one! If someone rec’d that your daughter go gluten free, I’d do it. We found amazing results with my husband – and I don’t think everyone needs to be GF, but I bet most Americans would benefit from at least “low gluten.” Yes, soaked grains are *probably* better than not, but if someone has a gluten issue, they’re still no good.
Spirituality is tricky – Jesus is the Bread of Life, so how can bread be bad? But we fallen humans have manipulated wheat so much that we’re causing our own problems.
Here’s everything on soaking grains: http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/seriescarnivals/soaking-grains-an-exploration/
And our experiences with gluten-free: http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/tag/gluten-free/ and http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/tag/grain-free-lifestyle/
Hope that helps!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Hi,
Do you need “Guest Bloggers” for your blog? I represent a large community of writers who are trying to get their unique family friendly content published on sites such as yours. My writers are just looking for exposure so there is no charge to you for the content.
The writers I represent are professionals and are not churning out garbage content that reads like a sales ads. Each piece takes time to create and is usually 700 words or more in length. We hope to establish a long term relationship with you. You can also feel free to monetize the articles with banners ads or Google Adsense etc.
PS. I am sure you will want to see some writing samples so just let me know and I can show you several.
Thanks,
Paul White
Inventory Manager
(913) 837-3055
pwhite.blogger@gmail.com
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Paul,
In the small and very defined niche that I write in, it’s unlikely your writers would know enough about the subjects at hand to be helpful, but thanks anyway.
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Hi, I’m trying to take baby steps to feeding my family better. Have a question. We love making the homemade granola and bars, and I would like to step it up and go with organic granola. We have very little access to organic where I live. Wondering if you have any recommendations of places to buy organic oatmeal from? I’m looking for cheapest I can find, of course! Love your blog.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Heidi,
Katie
Personally I get it from clnf.org, but they’re only in the Midwest. I’d try Amazon, Azure Standard, maybe Mountain Rose herbs. Good luck!
[Reply to this comment]
I am looking for a buckwheat pancake recipe that is for just making the mix in a large quantity and then storing in the freezer and you can take out as much as you need as needed and then add the milk and eggs. I can’t remember if it was on your blog or not.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 10:23 pm
sorry Danielle, not mine – sounds great though!
[Reply to this comment]
I have been soaking my grains for the past couple months (since I read Nourishing Traditions and also since I got your soaked grain ebook–thanks!), but I’ve just heard that the calcium in milk products used for soaking actually inhibits phytic acid breakdown. I know you are a well-researched person, so I was wondering if you knew anything about this. Is it true? If so, how much calcium is actually retained in the whey? Whey is what I use most frequently. Thanks for your blog!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
October 10th, 2011 at 12:54 am
Danielle,
Yes, I’ve seen that Amanda Rose is now saying to simply soak oatmeal in warm water because of this. I kind of throw my hands up! My hunch is that there is so little calcium in the 1 Tbs. of whey that it probably doesn’t matter, but I’m just guessing. I’ve seen anecdotal evidence that whey works best, plus it makes sense to lacto-ferment things a bit. I’m going to add milk to my oatmeal anyway, so I can’t worry about a little whey!
Maybe go every other day, whey and just water, and see if you can feel a difference after morning oatmeal. ???
Good luck! Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Danielle Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Thanks for your reply! I have another question about this soaking oatmeal thing. I have recently ventured into making sourdough. Thanks for all the tips on your site. Could some sourdough starter be used with the soaking water in my oatmeal? That would add the whole wheat needed for phytase, but does the starter provide the acidic environment needed? OR, we regularly drink water kefir each morning (I just make it with sucanat, no flavors added, and the kids actually like it!)–would water kefir work in place of whey in a soaking medium?
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 22nd, 2011 at 2:39 am
Danielle,
Katie
I had the same thought and tried sourdough starter with oatmeal – scientifically, it meets all the requirements perfectly! My husband wouldn’t eat it, so we’re back to whey, but yes, technically, both your ideas are sound.
[Reply to this comment]
I’ve been hanging around your “house” for a while now and have really enjoyed sitting in your kitchen.
As I was reading over the Thanksgiving info you’ve posted, with my mind ever on my church’s upcoming craft and bake sale, I thought wouldn’t it be nice to have all this information in a fundraiser-type book to offer – so appropriate for such a time as this. What do you think?
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
November 26th, 2011 at 1:53 am
Donna,
I do have a couple themed recipe books, but nothing for the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving! 
Katie
What a nice compliment, thank you! I’m not sure I know what you mean though – which info? There are over 1000 posts on KS, so surely not everything?
[Reply to this comment]
can you use store bought plain organic yogurt with the cultures in it, to make your counter top yogurt,? or does it have to be the powdered culture?
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
December 6th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
Patty,
Katie
Store yogurt incubates between 90-110F, so unless you live in a very warm climate, that won’t be countertop stuff. You’ll need to buy a special culture just for room temp culturing, but then you can use a bit from your old batch for each new batch.
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Katie,
I work with at Redmond Inc. aka: Real Salt and I wanted to chat with you about some ideas I have about working together on a project.
Please email or give me a call and we can discuss. Thanks,
Leslie
[Reply to this comment]
Could you call me about our product and what you’ve accomplished with all the other products.
Thanks in advance,
Guerry Grune -757-486-2088 office
757-570-1921 cell
[Reply to this comment]
Katie,
love your site.
Been seeing some old mason/ball jars on your site with the screw on, tin?, caps.
I’ve been going to Antique shops and seeing a lot of these around. Are these good to store seeds/beans/misc things in to keep them fresh?
Thank you
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 10:42 pm
Adam,
Katie
I looooooove glass jars of all kinds! yes, grab those jars up if they’re 50c or less each. I store everything from soup in the freezer to beans on the shelf in them.
[Reply to this comment]
I bought 2 of your e-books tonight and I was able to get one of them (Healthy Snacks To Go) but when I tried to download the other book (The Everything Beans Book) the book would not come up. At the bottom left hand of the screen above the “start” button, there is a message that says “Error on page.” I am not very good with the computer, so could you tell me what I need to do? Thanks!
[Reply to this comment]
Jan Inman Reply:
January 1st, 2012 at 7:38 pm
Everything is good. The books have been copied. I can’t wait to try the recipes!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
January 2nd, 2012 at 11:46 pm
Jan,
Katie
Thanks so much for your purchase! I don’t understand it, but a number of people get stuck on a second download. Just email me (kitchenstew at gmail.com) and we’ll get the copy of the beans book to you! Thanks!
[Reply to this comment]
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS – I wanted to let you know that I have a new email address: talk2me@bak.rr.com (the old one was talk2me@bak.rr.com – I just added another 2 at the end). I hope this doesn’t cause any problems with getting all the wonderful information from you that I’ve been enjoying so much.
[Reply to this comment]
Uh-Oh – made a mistake… the NEW one is talk2me2@bak.rr.com – I left off that second 2. Have I totally confused the issue?
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Katie – I’m so freaked about this:
http://insightfulnana.com/home-garden/housekeeping-home-garden/lead-poisoning-and-crock-pots
Other than buying a lead test kit how do we know which pieces of our ceramic ware is lead-free? I use ceramic because plastic is unsafe, but now I feel like a duped idiot.
ARGH!!!!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
January 19th, 2012 at 11:38 am
Kellie,
Oh, man. Super bummer. I will keep that tab open and look into it more, but here’s what I would/will do if I were you: call the manufacturer of YOUR crockpot and ask the questions, mention the study. Find other references to the study online, too, b/c this is just one small blogger. You need more info. Let me know if you find anything different – I smell a post coming!
TU! Katie
[Reply to this comment]
I recently purchased your ebook “Healthy Snacks to Go”. How long does it usually take to get the download for it?
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Kathy,
Ack! So sorry I took so long to reply; my comments got out of hand as I finished up the second edition of my snacks book! the download comes immediately – please email me at kitchenstew at gmail.com if you haven’t gotten it yet and we’ll make it right.
Katie
Thank you!
[Reply to this comment]
Hello Ann! I couldn’t find your email anywhere so I apologize for “advertising” in your comment space. I noticed on your latest post that you talk about using a dehydrator. I think that’s great and if I have a large amount of food that I want to preserve from my garden I use mine as well, BUT I wanted to tell you that there’s a better way.
Freeze dried foods. I’m a consultant with Shelf Reliance and their food line, THRIVE is amazing! Their fruits and veggies plus so many grains would be a great addition to your snacks. I’m loving your website and I appreciate the information you share with us. Nutrition is so important!! 
Anyways, I wanted to invite you to my blog that a friend of mine and I share. http://www.thrivequickdish.com. We’re new to the blogosphere, but are working hard to add new recipes and tips each week. Thank you!!
[Reply to this comment]
Sorry I called you Ann! I meant Katie! oops.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
February 18th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Joyce,My email is kitchenstew at gmail.com – thanks for the note! I’m working with another Thrive consultant and just incorporated Thrive in a giveaway…
) Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Just wondering- do you know anything about protein powder/shakes? Are they good or bad for you? What’s the value to them?
Thanks!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship Reply:
March 13th, 2012 at 1:33 am
Kate,
So sorry it took me so long to respond…I got absolutely behind on comments when I released the second edition of the snacks book and truly have never caught up.
I generally don’t trust things that are powders unless the company can prove that they didn’t have to do anything high-powered or unnatural (beyond “dried out”) to get it there. People use protein shakes to build muscle when they’re working out. Sun Warrior may be a good real food brand, but I’ve only seen it, not looked deeply into it.
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Katie! I bought your Healthy Snacks to Go book today, and I have a question. Can I buy To Your Health brand sprouted oats and use them for the no bake granola bars? I am guessing they would be healthy and digestible. Am I right? Thank you!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship Reply:
March 12th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Kristie,
So sorry it took me so long to respond…I got absolutely behind on comments when I released the second edition of the snacks book and truly have never caught up.
I am not familiar with the brand you mentioned, but I’m sure they would be a perfect fit from what I know of sprouted grains. Enjoy!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Have you ever done research on safe rice cookers? We have one that I’ve used for years. I’ve felt uneasy about it for some reason. Tonight I asked my husband if he thought it was made from aluminum. He replied yes. Well, now I need to find a new one. Any recommendations?
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship Reply:
March 12th, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Paula,
Katie
A rice cooker in one appliance I’ve never owned or researched. Does the aluminum touch the food? I’d check Amazon reviews and call the manufacturer to ask about the material; check on lead if it’s coated like most I have seen. Good luck!
[Reply to this comment]
Hi there, I ordered all four of your ebooks last week and still haven’t received them via email. Not sure if you have my correct email ,but my paypal account did get charged. REALLY looking foward to my books, so please let me know if there is anything else you need from me or when I should expect to recieve them in my inbox. Thanks!
Cathy
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship Reply:
March 30th, 2012 at 11:30 pm
Cathy,
Katie
I emailed you!
[Reply to this comment]
enjoyed reading todays egg receipes–I am a widower now but when my wife was living we had gone to different B&B and enjoyed their meals–one was an Inn in northern Wisconsin that served an egg ala creme that was wonderful–we did our own home cooking on this almost duplicating your eggs with cottage cheese but using creme cheese added diced just as the eggs are finished–about 1/2 oz. per serving–the cheese melts and covers the eggs-=delicious!!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie- I have the first healthy snacks to go but never received a email to update my copy. I think you said if this happens then to list the first word on page 33? Or 38? Either way the first word on 33 is Katie’s and on 38 it is NO. Thanks in advance.
[Reply to this comment]
Hi,
I’m an independent online travel consultant looking to find out whether or not you accept either guest post or advertorials on your website at http://www.kitchenstewardship.com. If you are interested, the content provided will be unique, fresh and written as a general advice/ tips piece closely relating to travel and the theme of your site. The copy will always be over 500 words in length and professionally written by an ex-journalist, who is also an English graduate.
We have included a sample of past content so you can review.
http://everythingfinanceblog.com/exotic-places-you-can-travel-to-on-a-budget.html
http://jackandjilltravel.com/are-jobs-that-let-you-travel-better/
How much would it cost for a similar article written by us and placed on your site?
Kind Regards
Tara Watson
[Reply to this comment]
Hi, I stumbled on this website while looking for recipes to use with my new beef bone stock. I was getting sick of just adding veges and ultimately getting the seasoning wrong. I’m struggling to cook in my tiny 1brm studio in Wellington, New Zealand. But your recipes look so amazing I can’t wait to try them. Some home I’ll get around my 3 foot kitchen. Anyway just wanted to say thanks for helping motivate a young lad trying to be motivated to eat properly.
[Reply to this comment]