Cooking with Food Storage

Every week I'll be featuring in detail an ingredient from food storage.  Since I'm so excited about the new buckets being sold by Shelf Reliance, I couldn't resist beginning with Spelt!  You'll know why when you watch this video.  Not only did I drool, but I'm ready to get online and order some now!

Spelt is highly nutritious and is an EXCELLENT source of manganese. It is also a good source of niacin, copper, phosphorus, protein, and fiber.  It is very similar to wheat, but is in fact higher in protein than wheat and has a nutty and slightly sweeter flavor.  It is a common wheat replacement and DOES contain gluten.  Grind it as flour, toss in a salad, or cook in soups and hot cereal.

The video below highlights some of the awesome things you can make with Spelt:

Watch Chef Brad cook with Spelt on BYUtv

Spelt can be purchased in a variety of sizes from Shelf Reliance.  The largest bucket contains 42 pounds!  For information, go here.

Freeze Dried Foods

I recently found several articles focusing on the health effects of freeze dried foods -- this is really amazing!  Many of the benefits I already listed in my previous post, but here are some others:

• concentrated antioxidants
• high in fiber 
• color, shape, flavor and nutrients are maintained
• diets high in fruit and vegetables reduce risk of disease
• long shelf life
• convenient for backpacking, camping and traveling
• a healthy, fun and nutritional snack for kids
• no extra flavors, additives or sugars -- ALL Natural!!

For an interesting read on Freeze-dried foods:

1. Nutritional Effects of Freeze-Drying Foods
2. Health Effects of Freeze-Dried Food 
3. Ever wonder how Freeze-Dried Ice Cream is made?