A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS

I was talking to one of our clients the other day and she expressed her dislike of whole wheat pasta.  She said it was too chewy and did not taste good.  This reminded me that it took a lot of trial and error to find pasta that I like.  It also reminded me that a lot of healthy things I've bought do not taste great.  I get frustrated when I spend money on something and it goes to waste because no one likes it.  All of this lead me to this post.  The following are a few of my favorite things.  Not all whole wheat pasta tastes good and not all organic peanut butter is delicious, but some of them are.  I hope my experimenting and wasting my money will help you find something delicious for your home - without waste.  This is a small sample of the items in my house right now.

Fage Yogurt and Agave Syrup: 

I love these mixed together with cinnamon.  Great to satisfy a sweets craving and the Fage yogurt is packed with protein. 

Pacific Foods Hemp Milk:

I do not do well with milk so I have to find alternatives to cook with and put in protein shakes.  Hemp milk is great in protein shakes and for baking.  I like original flavor best.   It comes in chocolate and vanilla too.

 MaraNatha Peanut Butter:

I've tried them all and this is the best one.  Crunch and creamy are both delicious.  I use one for toast and the other for protein shakes.  It's worth the extra money.  Look for the large containers at Whole Foods - they are a better deal.  

Alexia Spicy Sweet Potatoes:

These are a great substitute for french fries.  They are delicious and addictive.  I would chose these over regular french fries 100% of the time. 

Kodiak Cakes Pancake Mix:

It was incredibly difficult to find a whole grain pancake mix that tasted good and was kid approved.  I mix with hemp milk, eggs, agave syrup, cinnamon, olive oil and vanilla to make pancakes.  They are yummy.  I make extra we eat them with peanut butter.  

  
365 Organic Long Grain Rice:


Rice is another one that I hear people say they cannot find a brown rice that they like.  I always choose long grain.  I just have better luck with texture after cooking it.  I have found a few I like and this is one of them.   I use double water to rice (e.g. 1 C. rice and 2 C. water) a little salt and a splash of olive oil.  I combine everything together, bring to a good boil, stir and cover tightly for 45 minute over low heat.  After 45 minutes, remove from heat, without opening lid, and let sit for 15 minutes.  If you measured carefully, it should come out perfect every time.  You can also add chicken broth to the water for flavor before you cook. 

Classico Tomato & Basil Spaghetti Sauce:

This is a great basic sauce.  I add grilled turkey to it for extra protein.  I use this in lasagna and anything that calls for marinara sauce.  Price is usually best at Costco.

Frontera Enchilada Sauce:

I love enchiladas and this is the best sauce.  It is made with quality ingredients and beats the competition hands down.   Just as an FYI - I tried the Taco packet by same company and was not as impressed.

Annies BBQ Sauce:

Love Annie's stuff and the BBQ sauce is great.  There are three different flavors and they are all delicious.  My favorite is the maple one and I use it for BBQ chicken pizza as well as dipping sauce and marinades.

O Brand Whole Wheat Rotini Pasta (from Von's or Safeway):

I am leery of store brands, but the O line has not disappointed me.  This pasta is the favorite at our house.  I like the rotini best because when cooked a little longer than recommended - it becomes less chewy and more like the pasta that we all grew up with.  I cook it at least 15 minutes in plenty of water with a generous sprinkle of salt.    I've tested it on our neighbor girl who hates all things nutritious and she loves it too. 

Rudy's Honey Wheat Bread (not pictured):

Best whole grain bread I've ever found.  They also have a double fiber bread that is good.  It's worth the extra money.  Delicious!  Keeps well in the freezer too.