Daisy88's Profile

My physicist husband says cooking them slower (aka at a lower temperature for a longer time, or putting the potatoes in a cold oven and then turning the oven on) could help, as could "puncturing them smarter". Whatever that means. :)

@abcornwell technically you probably could, but I wouldn't recommend it. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, like shortening or butter. So if you must make a substitution for the coconut oil, use one of those (or lard. I'm thinking butter would be best and easily accessible) to preserve the flaky texture.

Looks fabulous! What size of a pot do you use (in quarts)?

I think we have to add BBC's Merlin to the list. I find myself completely invested in the characters and what happens to them, even though I kind of already know how it ends.

My family makes sourdough rolls. Here is our family recipe:

Set the starter (1 c. starter, 1 c. canned milk, 1 c. water, 2 c. flour). When bubbly, put a cup back and use the rest for the rolls.

In a separate bowl, sift:
-1 c. flour
-1 T sugar
-1 tsp salt
-1 tsp baking powder
-1/2 tsp baking soda

Stir it in gently, then turn it out onto a floured surface, and work flour into it until it feels like roll dough - kind of smooth and velvety, and not too stiff.

Shape it into rolls, roll each one in butter (or olive oil, if you prefer), and put it in your pan. You can let it rise 45 min and then bake at 350 for 30-35 min, or you can put another pan on top (upside down) and bake it that way for 20 min, then remove the top pan and bake another 20-30 min. (The second way is heavier, which is the way my family prefers it).

There you go! Really easy, really good.

I but quinoa and brown rice at Winco, and I buy most of my other whole grains from the bulk bins at Winco. I can find most things there, and the few things I can't I get at my monthly trip to a local health food store.

I used ground flax mixed with a little water until I discovered chia seeds. When soaked in water, they get this gel coating around them that is reminiscent of egg white. One tablespoon of chia seeds, whole or ground, to three tablespoons of water. Mix it up and let it sit a few minutes, and it will work great!

Chia also has some great health benefits like protein content and Omega-3s. In addition to baking, chia is really good to use as a binder (like in veggie burgers), and I've even used it to make a vegan pudding. It's also quicker to use than ground flax.

Supposing they haven't gone bad, a really great way to use them (after grinding them) is to put your daily tablespoon or two in your breakfast smoothie - taste gets covered up, and you get the health benefits.

I second the waffles idea :) Beating egg whites then folding into waffle batter is the best way to make them! Oh, and I'm pretty sure Alton Brown's coconut cake uses a bunch of egg whites. Yum. :)

I used Garam Masala for the first time a few weeks ago, in a roasted tomato, garlic and onion soup that was thickened with coconut milk - I am here to tell you, it was amazing. I also love it in butternut squash soup with a little bit of indian curry powder - it gives you a savory soup, instead of that usual nutmeg-y thing.