Organic and/or health foods?

[ZipaDeeDooDah]

Hello I'm so ashamed that I didn't even know there was a cooking board on the DIS - I'm so glad I found you!

Is anyone here into organic or low-processed foods? Right now, we are not - but I am thinking of gradually trying to introduce a more simplistic, whole-food, low-processed diet into our household and would really love some tips and advice from those who have also done this. Could someone please point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance!

 

[porterbl1]

It would help to know what you are looking for. I believe a great quality food magazine and website like www.cooksillustrated.com would help you. They do not focus on organic, but they do focus on great quality ingredients that are not processed. They have a wonderful free forum as well. Great place to learn. If you ask me these are the most important staples if you do not go the processed route.

butter
unbleached all-purpose flour
granulated and brown sugars
table and kosher salt
eggs
whole milk, heavy cream, half&half
whloe wheat graham flour
chuck roasts, whole chickens, loin pork chops, pork shoulder,etc.
onions, carrots, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, shallots, blueberries, apples, bananas, lemons, sweet potatoes, potatoes, garlic, lettuce, etc
spices, (www.penzeys.com is fantastic)
cornmeal
vanilla
cheeses, parmigiana reggiana, sharp cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella
vinegars, white, apple cidar, balsamic, red and white wine, rice
rices and pastas, I love the barilla plus line, brown and white rice
chocolate, bittersweet, unsweetened, white, milk, chips
coffee, www.peets.com is my favorite
green and black teas Peets again
juices, pom is great

Anyway, you get the gist. I would be happy to answer any questions. I am a food enthusiast. I have stored alot of info over the years.
-Becca

 

[ZipaDeeDooDah]

Thank you Becca, I will check out the cooksillustrated site. Thanks also for the list of staples - may I ask what the whole wheat graham flour would be used for? I am guessing crackers/wafers, but what else?

 

[porterbl1]

Graham flour is just a coarse version of whole wheat flour. I like it better. I use it for breads or in any applications I might use whole wheat flour. The brand I use is in a brown flour bag. Hodgkins mill or something like that. Sorry I can't remember the exact name today. Good stuff.

If you do look into Cooks Illustrated, look into their Multi-grain bread recipe. It is fantastic, really light, and very good for you.
-Becca