Yuka’s Guide to Ultraprocessed Food
This guide is first-rate. Of special interest, I think (if you want a shortcut), are pages 9-23 and 21-24 — but if you’re new to this discussion the whole thing is important.
For example: You might think the difference between bread made with “freshly ground whole grain” and bread made with “local wheat flour” is minimal, but it’s the difference between real and ultraprocessed food. – Mark
The New Cookie: Creative Takes on the Classics You Love
If you were to tell me there was a new cookbook dedicated to cookies, my eyes would glaze over. And, let’s keep things honest, that’s how I felt when I got this book in the mail. Our apartment is a thousand square feet; I need to be ruthless when it comes to deciding what to keep and what to give away. And a cookie book? There are so many, and if I were to keep just one, it would probably be a Dorie Greenspan (well, wait: I also really like Italian Cookies, but that feels different, more niche). But my god, this book is terrific. I just looked through it again and there are more than ten recipes I want to make immediately, and many more than that that I want to make at some point in the future. On the immediate list are Dragon Fruit Mochi-Stuffed Lime Cookies, Sticky Toffee Date Cookies, Oat Guava Cookies, Black and Pink Cookies, and Thai Tea Crisps. Recipes for you here (Black and Pink Cookies) and here (Deepest, Darkest, Fudgiest Flourless Chocolate Brownies). – Kate
Flax Hacks
I have been adding flaxseed meal to smoothies for the omega-3 fatty acids. What are some other good ways to use it? – David
(The below answer is courtesy of our friend—and fantastic cook—Sarena, from Bob’s Red Mill.)
Flaxseed meal has a mild, nutty flavor and is naturally rich in, yes, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and other beneficial nutrients. While it’s a popular addition to smoothies, there are many ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into everyday cooking and baking.
One of the most common uses for flaxseed meal is as a vegan egg replacement in baked goods. To make one “flax egg,” simply combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. A side note to this one is that it only works where egg is used as a binder and not as a lifting agent in your baked goods (for example: it won’t work for meringue).
Flaxseed meal can also be added to bread, muffin, and quick bread recipes to boost nutrition while helping retain moisture. Just a few tablespoons can enhance both the texture and nutrient content of your baked goods.
In homemade salad dressings, flaxseed meal acts as an emulsifier, helping to create a smoother, creamier consistency. Its subtle flavor blends well with a variety of dressings without overpowering other ingredients.
For breakfast or snacks, try adding flaxseed meal to homemade granola. It adds a delicious nutty flavor and a crunch while increasing the nutritional value of the recipe.
Flaxseed meal is also an excellent addition to veggie and bean burgers. Not only does it enhance flavor, but it also serves as a binder, helping burgers hold their shape during cooking.
Let us know how it works out for you! – Sarena (Marketing Community Engagement Strategist, Bob’s Red Mill)
Dandelion Chocolate Raven Collection
“The haunting work of Edgar Allan Poe in confectionery form,” indeed. I had this written up as a recommendation for you, but our friends at Dandelion just told me this collection is sold out. I’m sharing anyway, because it’s good to know what our favorite chocolate maker is up to — and there are tons of other things to choose from on their site. (Their crazy popular, crazy beautiful advent calendar is now ready for you to preorder.)
I’m not one of those fanatical Halloween people (winky wink to my beloved brother-in-law), but I think Halloween is awesome. This year, Nick and I were going to dress up as Dr. Evil and Mini Me (our height discrepancy: 16 inches), but I got a little lazy and now it just feels late — holding out hope for next year. I love scary movies, I love bats, I love little kids dressed up in costumes. I also love chocolate, both cheap (swooning over you, 100 Grand) and fancy (Dandelion).
Dandelion’s Halloween treats — one of which is pear-licorice flavored; I just ate one and it was outstanding — would have been be so much fun to give to someone, like, again, my brother-in-law (who, during Covid, when he and my sister couldn’t have a regular party, hosted a socially distanced party around a solo stove and made everyone two Zombies — one to drink there and one to take home. Part two of the party was a distanced viewing of Poltergeist).
You can sign up to be notified when these chocolates are available again, but in the meantime, you can’t go wrong with the Dragée Trio. – Kate
$30 off your next 2 orders at Thrive Market
Thrive Market is a convenient way to stock up on all your staples. Kate loves it for coconut milk and coconut oil, sea salt, canned tomatoes, crackers, sponges, cleaning supplies—and coffee! (Their coffee is really good.) The (small) membership fee is more than made up for with the discounts you’ll receive on every order. Try Thrive Market today and receive $30 off your next 2 orders, plus a free gift!
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