Amidst a sea of ingredients, sometimes fishing out the healthiest pick is daunting. Here is my take on oils. I should put a disclaimer...whenever I post it is to the best of my knowledge. However, I am never afraid to be wrong or to change when presented with new or more accurate information. In fact I love learning new things.
Case in point...Five years ago you would have found me using soy 3-5 times a week. After being presented with new information I now use zero soy in our house (excluding the raw soybean, edamame). I will post on that journey another time...
I cook exclusively with 2 oils. Olive oil and Coconut oil.
Olive Oil-Whenever possible I used cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. It has a dark green color and a rich flavor. It cooks well, but adds a distinct flavor. If the flavor is too strong for my recipe I use an extra-light olive oil. This is a more refined oil, which means it has lost a lot of its nutritive value, but I feel it is still a better alternative than most.
Coconut Oil-This is a little known extremely healthy oil. Look for virgin, organic varieties. The oil should have a nice coconut aroma. It is solid at room temperature. Although it is a saturated fat, which we have been trained to avoid, it's nutritive qualities are myriad. The chemical structure is slightly different than other oils which results in some very positive benefits. These include lowering cholesterol, weight loss, and anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is worth doing some research on if you are skeptical. Coconut oil is great for sauteing, granola*, pancakes, waffles and as lotion. In fact it makes the best baby oil. Little Emmett has enjoyed plenty of tropical scented massages!
(*Note to readers: If you have not made the multigrain granola you have got to try it. I just made it again yesterday. It is sensational. A must-have-on-hand item. It is worth searching out the ingredients even if they seem obscure!)
I am not converted to using coconut oil in baking. I have not had a good deal of success in substitution. But some recipes work. I purchase my coconut oil online from
Mountain Rose Herbs. I have also used
Nutiva. The Nutiva is slightly superior, in my opinion, but also a bit more expensive. I am always looking for other sources, when I find them I will let you know. The other great benefit of coconut oil is it will keep indeterminately. I have 6 gallons stored away in my basement for a rainy day.
I stay away from all other oils, including canola, soy, vegetable, corn, and any hydrogenated or partly hydrogenated oils.
I also use an oil sprayer for all my non-stick cooking needs. Brands in the grocery store may say they are pure olive oil, but they contain harmful accelerants. Purchase one you pump yourself. These are available at any kitchen supply store or online for under $20.
There are also oils like flax, hemp and others that are great, but I don't use too much in my daily cooking.
The following scenario has played out at about 3 month intervals for the past 18 months.
Way to go Ellery!
Yesterday Ellery was begging for pumpkin cookies. They are by far her favorite. We had a few minutes so we decided to whip them up. In my freezer I only had about 2 1/2 cups of flour left over. I didn't have time to grind any so improvisation took over. To replace 1 1/2 cups of whole grain flour I pulled out some wheat germ, oat bran, and white bean flour.
It was the amaranth that was the killer. I have added this whole and popped and it is great. Grinding it into a flour was far to over powering, even when combined with 12 cups of other grain flours. Oh well. Now I know!
Really, I rarely make bread without either converting 2 loaves into cinnamon rolls or raisin "snail bread." Here are the specifics on the cinnamon rolls.
Separate 2 loaves worth of dough from your regular 6 loaves, to use as your rolls.
The retail website for Gossners milk is Milk on the Move. I am horrified though at the price. You will see the case I paid $8 for is $36 and the whipping cream is $57 instead of $21. Brutal! Thank Goodness for the outlet store. Maybe I will buy a bunch and start selling them! I did notice they are selling them on amazon for $50.
What happens when Ellery snitches my camera without my knowledge.
Brimmy is the best dog in the whole world. Especially since he is our own Doggy for Hire! Read the post all about Brim.
Although he insists on scrambled eggs and salmon, turning up his doggy nose at all dog food, especially dry (I mean how could we?), we love him like crazy!
In fact, I amazed the little guy has any whiskers left, after how many Emmett has yanked out.
Chocolate Sweetheart Valentines Day Cookies with Agave Whip Cream
Callista was going a bit crazy with the dough. She got quite a bit on herself, but some made it into the oven. 
Ellery and Aunt Amy...notice we didn't butter the pan...opps. Don't forget!
Zucchini Muffins Scroll down for recipe and Variations Galore!
Olive Oil-Whenever possible I used cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. It has a dark green color and a rich flavor. It cooks well, but adds a distinct flavor. If the flavor is too strong for my recipe I use an extra-light olive oil. This is a more refined oil, which means it has lost a lot of its nutritive value, but I feel it is still a better alternative than most.
