Grocery shopping is a shocking experience. So many of the things that are good for us are more costly because of the processing required; foods such as yogurt, nut milk, kombucha or fermented vegetables. Did you know you can make these foods at home, out of whole ingredients? All it takes is some simple equipment, some patience, and an appetite to DIY.
First, yogurt or yoghurt. It’s simply cultured and fermented milk. Kilner is a UK based company that manufactures a lot of glassware, including canning jars with straight sides, and different sizes. Kilner also make kits for yogurt making. The kit includes 2 glass jars with lids, a thermometer, an insulated pouch and recipes. All you need is milk and some active yogurt to make your own easily and simply. To make in into Greek yogurt, use the Cuispro Yogurt Cheese Maker. This strains the liquids and leaves the yogurt thicker. Add fruits or nuts and make it a DIY breakfast.
Kilner also make a kit for fermenting vegetables. My gall bladder left me last year and I sometimes find it hard to keep my digestive system in order, especially after eating a fatty meal. Fermented foods are part of the answer as they add enzymes for better digestion. The Kilner kit has 2 1L jars with Silicone Air Lock valves, lids and rings, as well as glass weights and a recipe book. You can make small batches of sauerkraut, kimchi or pickled anything (I love pickled red onions!) And it is so easy. Thinly slice your vegetables, add them to the jar with salt and water which creates a brine. Add the glass weights to keep the food under the brine (that’s important). Set the jar aside to ferment with the Silicone Air Lock Valve in place. This allows gas to be released as fermentation takes place but keeps fresh air from coming in and ruining everything. There are different time lines for the vegetables you might like to try. It is so simple!
Still on fermenting, Davis & Waddell have a Kombucha kit. It includes a Brewing Jar, a thermometer that sticks to the jar, muslin cloths, string and recipes. You start by making a scoby, the basis for kombucha. It’s a happy harmony of bacteria and yeast, and it’s essential to successful brewing. The instructions on how to make a scoby are included in the kit. The recipes also include Ginger & Lemongrass, Apple Pie, Pina Colada and Berry Icy Poles kombucha, and a bonus of Sourdough Bread. Delicious!
Finally, also from Davis & Waddell, the Nut Mylk Kit has a bottle, a straining bag and recipes. All you need are nuts and a blender. Soak the nuts, drain, wash and blend, then strain. Now you can make your favourite flavors such as Chocolate Hazelnut, Golden Spiced, or Maple Pecan. And use the leftover pulp in granolas or smoothies.
And guess what? No recalls on factory made products!
This month is the perfect time to get control of your food. Start making your favourites from scratch and see just how much money you save, plus you control the ingredients. It’s a healthy habit.
*Did You Know?Kombucha is over 2000 years old and was known as the “Tea of Immortality” by both the Chinese and the Koreans.
Cathy
Absolutely Fabulous at Home
8927 Commercial St | New Minas NS | B4N 3E1
902-681-2284 www.absolutelyfab.ca