Soaked Pumpkin Muffins

from

http://www.butterbelle.ca/recipe/recipe-soaked-pumpkin-muffins/

Are you new to eating traditional? Wonder why I am soaking the batter for these muffins? Whole grains need to be fermented by the way of sour soaking, sourdough, or sprouting in order to improve digestion, and increase nutrient absorption. All grains contain anti-nutrients, and something called phytic acid. Phytic acid (or phytates) act as mineral blockers. Traditional people all over the world knew the importance of properly preparing their grains prior to ingesting them.

In Nourishing Traditions, Sally Fallon states:

All grains contain phytic acid (an organic acid in which phosphorus is bound) in the outer layer or bran. Untreated phytic acid can combine with calcium, magnesium, coper, iron and especially zinc in the intestinal tract and block their absorption. This is why a diet high in unfermented whole grains may lead to serious mineral deficiencies and bone loss… Soaking allows enzymes, lactobacilli and other helpful organisms to break down and neutralize phytic acid… Soaking in warm water also neutralizes enzyme inhibitors, present in all seeds, and encourages the production of numerous beneficial enzymes. The action of these enzymes also increases the amounts of many vitamins, especially B vitamins… During the process of soaking and fermenting, gluten and other difficult-to-digest proteins are partially broken down into simpler components that are more readily available for absorption.

Remember, you will need to plan ahead when making these soaked, and nutritious muffins. If you want to enjoy them for breakfast, start the batter soaking the day before.

On to the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups of whole grain flour, preferably freshly ground (I used whole wheat)
• 3/4 c. water plus 2 T raw apple cider vinegar, or 3/4 cup sour dairy, such as buttermilk, yogurt, kefir, or clabber (could also use water + 2 TBS lemon juice, whey)
• 1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil (lard or tallow might be ok too)
• I cup pureed pumpkin, squash, or sweet potato (could also use mashed banana or applesauce)
• 2/3 cup sucanat or granulated palm sugar or honey
• 2 eggs, pastured or free-range organic
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup raisons, dried cranberries, chopped dates, or crispy nuts

1. In a glass bowl, combine the flour, dairy, and melted butter together. Cover with a clean dish towel or plate and allow this mixture to soak at least 8 hours, or even better, 24. The longer it soaks, the greater the reduction of phytic acid. It is also important that you place this mixture somewhere warm. A good place is your oven with just the light on, or a dehydrator set on low. A cold counter top in the winter is not going to reduce any phytates. You need warmth.

2. Once the batter has had a good soak, add in the rest of the ingredients. You will have to give it all a very good stir. Forget what you have learned about making muffins in the past. It’s not going to work here… but it doesn’t matter, they’re still going to turn out fine! I think I may have even used my electric mixer to get everything incorporated really well, that’s ok! Fold in your add-ins at the end, if using.

3. Pour into greased muffin tins (preferably not aluminum or non-stick — stoneware is good). Bake in a 325 degree oven for about 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean and your house smelling wonderful. That’s how I know something is ready, it smells done! This recipe makes me about 16 regular sized muffins.

4. Allow to cool for a few minutes and be sure to serve with plenty of raw pastured butter. Cream cheese would be good too… Add a tall glass of cold raw milk and you’ve got yourself a decent breakfast or afternoon snack!

Soaked Pumpkin Muffins

from

http://www.butterbelle.ca/recipe/recipe-soaked-pumpkin-muffins/

Are you new to eating traditional? Wonder why I am soaking the batter for these muffins? Whole grains need to be fermented by the way of sour soaking, sourdough, or sprouting in order to improve digestion, and increase nutrient absorption. All grains contain anti-nutrients, and something called phytic acid. Phytic acid (or phytates) act as mineral blockers. Traditional people all over the world knew the importance of properly preparing their grains prior to ingesting them.

In Nourishing Traditions, Sally Fallon states:

All grains contain phytic acid (an organic acid in which phosphorus is bound) in the outer layer or bran. Untreated phytic acid can combine with calcium, magnesium, coper, iron and especially zinc in the intestinal tract and block their absorption. This is why a diet high in unfermented whole grains may lead to serious mineral deficiencies and bone loss… Soaking allows enzymes, lactobacilli and other helpful organisms to break down and neutralize phytic acid… Soaking in warm water also neutralizes enzyme inhibitors, present in all seeds, and encourages the production of numerous beneficial enzymes. The action of these enzymes also increases the amounts of many vitamins, especially B vitamins… During the process of soaking and fermenting, gluten and other difficult-to-digest proteins are partially broken down into simpler components that are more readily available for absorption.

Remember, you will need to plan ahead when making these soaked, and nutritious muffins. If you want to enjoy them for breakfast, start the batter soaking the day before.

On to the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups of whole grain flour, preferably freshly ground (I used whole wheat)
• 3/4 c. water plus 2 T raw apple cider vinegar, or 3/4 cup sour dairy, such as buttermilk, yogurt, kefir, or clabber (could also use water + 2 TBS lemon juice, whey)
• 1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil (lard or tallow might be ok too)
• I cup pureed pumpkin, squash, or sweet potato (could also use mashed banana or applesauce)
• 2/3 cup sucanat or granulated palm sugar or honey
• 2 eggs, pastured or free-range organic
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup raisons, dried cranberries, chopped dates, or crispy nuts

1. In a glass bowl, combine the flour, dairy, and melted butter together. Cover with a clean dish towel or plate and allow this mixture to soak at least 8 hours, or even better, 24. The longer it soaks, the greater the reduction of phytic acid. It is also important that you place this mixture somewhere warm. A good place is your oven with just the light on, or a dehydrator set on low. A cold counter top in the winter is not going to reduce any phytates. You need warmth.

2. Once the batter has had a good soak, add in the rest of the ingredients. You will have to give it all a very good stir. Forget what you have learned about making muffins in the past. It’s not going to work here… but it doesn’t matter, they’re still going to turn out fine! I think I may have even used my electric mixer to get everything incorporated really well, that’s ok! Fold in your add-ins at the end, if using.

3. Pour into greased muffin tins (preferably not aluminum or non-stick — stoneware is good). Bake in a 325 degree oven for about 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean and your house smelling wonderful. That’s how I know something is ready, it smells done! This recipe makes me about 16 regular sized muffins.

4. Allow to cool for a few minutes and be sure to serve with plenty of raw pastured butter. Cream cheese would be good too… Add a tall glass of cold raw milk and you’ve got yourself a decent breakfast or afternoon snack!

sourdough stuffing

Just in time for thanksgiving.. This recipe is a Knock-Out!! Impress the socks off everyone on thursday.. ;)

From the food network:

• 1-pound loaf sourdough bread
• 8 tablespoons butter
• 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced 1/2-inch thick in both directions
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 to 4 stalks celery with leaves, halved lengthwise and sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• About 10 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped from the stems
• 10 to 12 fresh sage leaves, chopped
• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley leaves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart baking dishand set aside.

Cut or tear the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread it evenly on 2 baking sheets. Toast the bread in the oven until completely dry and beginning to crisp and brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and a few pinches of salt and saute, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add celery,onion, 2 tablespoons butter, and thyme. Once the butter has melted, cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Add sage and remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Add chicken broth to skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl. Pour the chicken broth mixture over the bread cubes and toss to combine until the bread cubes absorb the liquid. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, and sprinkle with parsley. Bake in the center of the oven until heated through and the top is golden brown, about 40 minutes. Remove the stuffing from the oven and allow to cool about 15 minutes before serving.

pumpkin pancakes

1 1/2 cups rice milk

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 egg

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 cups whole wheat flour

3 tablespoons maple syrup

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt in a separate bowl. Stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Quinoa with Moroccan Winter Squash and Carrot Stew

This Epicurious.com recipe: Quinoa with Moroccan Winter Squash and Carrot Stew Stew 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 3 garlic cloves, chopped 2 teaspoons Hungarian sweet paprika 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Pinch of saffron 1 cup water 1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 3 cups 1-inch cubes peeled butternut squash (from 1 1/2-pound squash) 2 cups 3/4-inch cubes peeled carrots Quinoa 1 cup quinoa* 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1/4 cup finely chopped peeled carrot 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 2 cups water 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided 2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint, divided For stew: Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; sauté until soft, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; stir 1 minute. Mix in paprika and next 8 ingredients. Add 1 cup water, tomatoes, and lemon juice. Bring to boil. Add squash and carrots. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.) For quinoa: Rinse quinoa; drain. Melt butter with oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and carrot. Cover; cook until vegetables begin to brown, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, salt, and turmeric; sauté 1 minute. Add quinoa; stir 1 minute. Add 2 cups water. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; simmer until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Rewarm stew. Stir in half of cilantro and half of mint. Spoon quinoa onto platter, forming well in center. Spoon stew into well. Sprinkle remaining herbs over. *A grain with a delicate flavor and a texture similar to couscous; available at natural foods stores. Bon Appétit January 2006 by Bruce Aidells and Nancy Oakes 2007-01-18 15:41:02.0 Want to see how other cooks rated and reviewed this recipe? Go to http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/233714 Sign up for the Recipe Flash newsletter from Epicurious.com to get new recipes, menus, and cooking ideas delivered to your inbox each week: http://www.epicurious.com/services/newsletters

Banana Peanut Butter Granola

In honor of dearest Andrea I decided to create some granola with her two favorite things. Banana's and Peanut Butter ... ( correct me if I am wrong)

I didn't measure anything, (very bad habit, don't start, its addicting) so here are my estimations of what I did.

Puree in blender:

1 stick melted butter

1/2 cup olive oil

3 bananas

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 cup sweetener (I did maple syrup)

vanilla (2 t.)

Pour this over 11-13 cups (and any nuts, seeds or other things you like in your granola)

add some all spice, cloves, and LOTS of cinnamon

Stir well. Cook at 325 stirring after 20 minutes, and then every 10 after that, until it is as crunchy as you desire (about an hour)

Stir in 2 cups of raisins afterward if you like them

Tomatillo Salsa

This is a combination of the USU Extension Service's recipe and one I found online. Since I've tweaked the recipe, I'm not guaranteeing its safety...

6 cups tomatillos, chopped
3 cups onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups mild peppers, chopped (bell, wax, banana, etc.)
3 jalapenos, chopped (I used 2 because they were red and pretty hot)
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2-1 cup lemon juice (USU says 1 full cup for the acidity, so I think I went closer to that)
2 tsp cumin
1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Combine over high heat until boiling. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ladle hot salsa into hot pint jars (by the way, you can NOT can salsa in anything larger than a pint as it is too thick to process properly), leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Process in boiling water bath 20 minutes. ENJOY!!