FOOD FOR THOUGHT

I was reading a fun Substack article by the Mediocre Mother, Shannon Dale, on simplifying her life through applying organization skills.  She now makes a weekly menu for four people, to minimize stress, and waste from spoiled food in an over-stuffed fridge.  She reminded me, despite my compulsion not to waste, I also find the mold-topped chopped parsley in olive oil.

I hate hunting for the ingredients I need.  A tip I’d like to mention, instead of only labeling food I prepare for easy prep meals, like chopped herbs, garlic, etc., I now place one label on the jar front, and another on the lid, so I don’t have to move tons of food around to read the contents.  Ditto for jars stored in my pantry.  I often buy at Costco, which means buying in bulk.  Great quality and price, but then I have to split up the contents into numerous containers, usually glass, and legibly label them.

Despite all my good intentions, and being quite organized, because of a poor memory, I lose track of some of items.  Since oatmeal is supposed to give us excellent fiber, and be good for our health, (I’m always looking for a health-boost), I ground some oatmeal into oat flour; then forgot all about it.  It’s more nutritious, and less carby than regular flour, so I use it for gravies.  Months later, when I wanted to use it, I recalled grinding it, so began my search.  Our best intentions get stymied.

I even use oat flour when I make my Frappuccinos, to give it thickness, so I need a bit less half and half, and save some calories.  The first time I used it for our drink, I made a chocolate-coffee-banana smoothie for my husband, Herb, and me, and added a full tablespoon of oat flour.  It came out like gunk.  I had to double the volume to de-gooify it.  A shy teaspoon does the trick. 

I love trying to create new recipes; some are flops and some are winners.  I hope you come back here to read about more of my experiments.  See you soon,

Jane