PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS: Foods, gadgets and such that fit with the S.H.E. lifestyle!

[SSKatie]

Feel free to share the foods, gadgets, etc. you've found/used that you'd recommend to other SHE's! :D

[CordyC]

1. A good computer, for researching information, ordering on-line, etc. :angel

2. Decent knives, for all the chopping of veggies that eating healthily entails.
3. Bulgar! My fave grain, and so versatile.
4. An oil mister. Real olive oil is so much healthier than the stuff in the cans! Plus, it doubles for salads as well as de-sticking cooking surfaces.
5. A non-stick wok.

[SSKatie]

Cordy, being the (poverty-stricken) gadget girl that I am :D, I have the wunerful, wunerful Turbo Cooker, that I was thinking about using the bottom of as a wok substitute. I don't have a wok, and I was thinking about the big veggie stir frys that I make that hardly fit in my fry-pan. So I'm gonna try the Turbo and see if it works OK for that. Thanks for the reminder about the wonder of woks! :bcbsalute

[luvsrabbits]

A really good balsamic vinegar, aged a long time. I get mine at a food co-op and use it very sparingly on everything from salads to portebello mushroom burgers.
Also olive oil pressed with lemon. What a wonderful flavor for again anything from fish to salads.
Both of these are pricey but using them sparingly the bottles have lasted for months.

[luvsrabbits]

I am looking for a good small mandoline. Any suggestions out there?

[goldens4]

If we are going to be healthy, start the day off right. Optimum cereal is wonderful. It is made by Natures Path, and I have found two kinds so far.

We have tried "The Power breakfast" with blueberries and bought a second box today. It has 500 mg Omega-3's, 25 %calcium,8 protein and other good things.

The other is "Zen" with cranberries and ginger. Sounds yummy. They are organic with 10 grams of fiber and no additives, preservatives,and taste good!

[Paris Madeleine]

Oil mister --- ditto Cordy for all reasons!
Non-stick grill pan; Le Crueset or other quality brand
Quality knives that you *like* to use --- I love my Santoku!
Coffee grinder for nuts, spices and flax seeds

Cod live oil --- good source of omega-3
Macadamia nut oil --- 1:1 ratio of mega-3 to omega-6; cooks at high-heat
Flax seeds --- chockfull of fiber and omega-3!

Organic foods --- ok, we know that right? Try to get your fats organic as pesticides and other yuckies love to live in fat cells
Yogurt --- need I say more? Good bacteria!
Spinach --- all ways, all the time. :D I like mine creamed or shredded into salads
Berries --- full of antioxidents, low-cal, low-carb, sweet, colorful
Cabot extra sharp cheddar cheese --- huh, what? Hear me out; if you're gonna eat cheese, I say get the real creamy goodness and get it strong so you use less; less additives, less processing & more taste

[SSKatie]

Paris, I agree with you about the cheese! Some of the fat-free cheeses don't taste so much bad, as they taste..... :sleep: OH, sorry...fell asleep just TALKING about it!

Sue, I really like that Optimum cereal with the flax seed. Speaking of flax seeds, I found a flax seed bread that is SOOO good, but it's 3 points per slice---healthy points, but 3 nonetheless! I've decided today not to use it for sandwiches but as one of my 2-3 point snacks during the day, so I don't have to deprive myself of that delicacy!

[CordyC]

I grew up enjoying strong cheddar, so it's worth the points for the real thing IMHO. But a very nice surprise was the Dairyland RF Medium-Strong Cheddar, which I got at Wal-Mart. Not only is it tasty and texturally correct, but it's so much less expensive than even the No-Name cheese at the supermarkets.

[SSKatie]

Cordy, I'll try that cheese you metioned if I can find it. You know, I've decided to eat very little full fat dairy because of the saturated fat. But sometimes you just really want a GOOD piece of cheese! :bcbsalute

[I'mdoingit]

I agree with the cheese!

I'm not so much of a gadget-gal, but I love my:

good quality, sharp knives
good quality pots & pans
organic all the way in our household (well, at least 90%)

and my very new favorite:

Hulled Barley

Last go-round I was eating barley, pearled barley. Last week, I found HB at Whole Foods. I know I am getting much more beneficial whole-grain goodness from eating HB rather than PB. Ya gotta try it!

I've got a question:

In the "Artistic Combo" thread, WWCarol posted a recipe for Barley & Black Bean salad that needed to be put through MasterCook. Does anyone have a MC that they could put that recipe through? It sounds so yummy.

[Cee]

Cheese and bread mmmm... Two of my favorite foods. I like the Helluva Good Cheddar. It's only 2 pts. per ounce. I am constantly searching for a good, low point bread. I haven't tried flax seed bread yet, and Katie, I like your idea of just eating a piece for a snack if it has many points. I would really like to just get a loaf of good old fashioned, fresh-baked, white bread from a bakery, but I'm never sure of how many points to allow.
Cee

[kansaslaura]

Cee, do you have a bread machine? I love mine and it allows me the luxury of making homemade bread and knowing exactly what goes in it and the points per slice!

[sjc1228]

Great suggestions so far.

I have a question about the oil mister. I bought one years ago at bed Bath and Beyond and I find it a pain to use. It seems to send out such a scanty amount that I pump and mist over and over again. While I know that "sparingly" is the whole point.....this is crazy. Do I have a faulty mister, or is this how they all work? In fact, it's such a pain-in-the-butt that I've gone back to the nasty spray cans.

Any suggestions on a better type or brand?

[sjc1228]

I start each day with a 1/2 cup of blueberries, a high fiber cereal (usually Kashi, but I like Optimum too) and low fat yogurt. 3-4 points and a great source of antioxidents, calcium, and high quality carbs.

I couldn't survive without my grill. We use it all year long. I'm one of the rare folks around here who doesn't own a George Foreman grill, simply because we use our Weber outdoor grill year round.

And I second the vote for good quality balsamic vinegar, as well as some really good extra virgin olive oil. The quality is worth the price.

[CordyC]

Sue, have you tried taking a sewing needle and sticking it into the spray nozzle to make sure it's cleaned out? You may want to dissassemble it, wash it in hot, soapy water, reassemble and try again. Plan B is to get a small plant mister from the dollar store, fill it partially with oil and see if that gets you better results. :bcbsalute

[sjc1228]

Plan B is to get a small plant mister from the dollar store, fill it partially with oil and see if that gets you better results. :bcbsalute
Cordy, I had tried to clean it. It just seems to have an extremely fine spray. But WOW....a plant mister, what a good idea. I'll try that one for sure. Thanks.:cool:

[WWCarol]

Hi, Elle!

I just saw your request about Mastercook and my "Barley And Black Bean Salad"...So, like The Little Red Hen, I did it myself! ;) :D (And it wasn't that hard! I'm getting better!)

FOUR points, and worth every one!

I think I mentioned somewhere that a little bistro in town is serving this exact salad on their lunch menu~

[Cee]

kansaslaura, please tell me more about your bread machine. I've often thought about getting one. What brand do you have? Do you use a certain mix, or a recipe that came with the machine? Thanks!
Cee

[Paris Madeleine]

Hola SHE buddies!

I've been desperately seeking a ranch dressing that is not full of HFCS and fat! I am none too pleased with all of the light versions on the market and was feeling pretty daunted at the prospect of perfecting a homemade blend of spices. However, I was at my local Wild Oats (like Whole Foods) and I found a packet for ranch dip made by Simply Organic®. I bought a packet for a brief $1.35 and went home to work. I researched several ranch dressing recipes and came up with my own and darn if it is not delish! Here it is if you are interested:

½ cup (112 g) Hellmann’s light mayonnaise
½ cup (4 oz) 0% fat Greek yogurt*
1 cup (8 oz) low-fat buttermilk
1 packet Simply Organic® ranch dip
4 drops Tabasco

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and combine with a whisk. Store in a jar with a tight lid.

Yields 12 2-tbsp servings at 1 point each!

* = if you cannot find Greek yogurt, place 3/4 cup fat-free plain yogurt in a coffee filter over a bowl in the 'fridge overnight.

[Green Lady]

Paris,

I will have to try that Ranch dressing. I love the regular but have found that the low fat Ranch dressings often have a strong vinegar taste. I am sure your recipe will be wonderful.

My favorite kitchen "tool" is a small microwave black cooking pot I bought at a Pampered Chef party. It is perfect for cooking small servings of vegetables quickly in the microwave. It even comes with a cover that allows me to drain off the liquid before I open the pot. If I am cooking a serving of veggies just for me I actually just eat right out of the pot. :embarrass

[cheree]

Great suggestions so far.

I have a question about the oil mister. I bought one years ago at bed Bath and Beyond and I find it a pain to use. It seems to send out such a scanty amount that I pump and mist over and over again. While I know that "sparingly" is the whole point.....this is crazy. Do I have a faulty mister, or is this how they all work? In fact, it's such a pain-in-the-butt that I've gone back to the nasty spray cans.

Any suggestions on a better type or brand?

I have the same problems with the same oil mister that you have (I also got mine from Bed, Bath and Beyond)! So, you're not the only one!!!

[moonbow]

WONDERFUL RECOMENDATIONS ON THIS THREAD!!

I am a S.H.E. and just puchased a Misto oil mister at a nice kitchen store. I have had the same experience with my mister. Maybe it's an oil mister thing.

Other recommendations include: a really good crock pot with super healthy recipes. Tonight I made veggie paella from the WW book "In Good Time." I substituted quick brown rice for the white rice. Took the dish to dinner with 6 adults and 2 kids and got rave reviews!!

I love using many recipes in the cookbook, Saving Dinner, by Leanne Ely. She uses healthy ingredients and wonderful spices. The book gives seasonal weekly menu suggestions, the recipes and a grocery list...and lists the calores, fat, fiber, etc., for each serving. You'll find a crock pot recipe for each week.

Other recommendations: good herbs and spices and good quality olive oil. Although I have some container-grown fresh herbs, as it gets colder I find I often buy Melissa's fresh herbs from the supermarket and they delight the senses. I buy cold pressed olive oil from the health food store.

I love my garlic press. Nothing like pressed garlic to add zing!

Last, but not least, a pair of good kitchen scissors! I cannot believe how useful and handy the scissors are. I use them to cut everything from plastic bags, to corn tortillas and fresh herbs.

[arangel]

I was reading the response about the bread machine and thought to reply and ask a question.

I recently received a machine and have loved nearly everything I've made in it. Especially the white bread that is good for french toast the next day. The only concern I have is with the points. What I've done is listed out individual points for all of the ingredients and then after combining them to get a total, estimate how many slices I would get from each loaf. I have it down to 3pts for each slice which is still a lot. How on earth do they make lite bread at the store? Anyone who has a bread machine I'd love to hear from you.

I went to a bargain book store and bought a bread maker book with over 300 recipes in it. You can make--if your machines allows it--cakes, bread, pasta, pizza dough, and jams. I've only done simple breads so far. My family loves it and the smell of fresh bread is so wonderful! I just need to figure out how to get the points down!

I also love my crockpot and wish I used it more!

I also have a toaster oven (seems simple!) and I love using it to bake small things in. It's so much more convenient to bake chicken and fries in than turning on my oven.

-Ann

[WWCarol]

Ann~ Here's Charski's famous low-point Bran Bread recipe! (It can also be made on the "dough cycle" and used for pizza dough~ :) )

Well after weeks of experimenting I have finally gotten this down to a science. 2 nice 4"x8" loaves of Wheat Bran Bread that come out to 2 slices for 1 point!!

1 2/3 cups water
2 1/2 cups King Arthur Bread Machine unbleached flour
1 1/2 cups wheat bran
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or granules
2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
2 1/2 tablespoons vital wheat gluten

Heat the water in the microwave on high 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. You want it hot but not boiling. Pour heated water into ABM bread pan. Add the salt, sugar, and garlic granules to the water.

Add the unbleached flour, then the wheat bran, then the whole wheat flour; make a "trough" in the whole wheat flour with a knife blade and sprinkle the yeast into the trough. Spoon the vital wheat gluten over the yeast.

Set the ABM to the Dough cycle. When complete, remove dough from pan to lightly floured board and punch down. Cut dough in half and shape each half into a loaf; place in 4" x 8" bread pan which has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray (I use butter flavored).

While shaping loaves, place 2 cups of water in microwave and heat on High 5 minutes - just below the boiling point. Move to the back corner of the MW oven and place the two loaf pans with the bread dough inside the microwave to rise. Set a timer for about 20 minutes, and check every 10 minutes thereafter until the bread is risen over the top edge of the pans. Preheat oven to 350*. When it is preheated, place bread pans in oven and bake for 25 minutes. Turn loaves out onto rack to cool.

I use an electric slicer and get 16 full slices from each loaf. I do slice off the heels thinly (and feed them to the bluejays!) so technically I suppose you could make a case for saying I get 17 slices from the loaf.

Calculated on 16 slices per loaf, the nutritional info is:

Per serving (1 slice) - 54 calories; trace fat; 2 g protein; 12 g carbohydrate; 2 g dietary fiber; 0 mg cholesterol; 127 mg sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 grain (starch)

NOTES: My ABM decided not to work on the full cycle any more, so I program it to knead for 15 minutes then 1 rise cycle for 40 minutes. At that point I turn the bread out, shape and rise in the pans.

When measuring flour for bread (or any other purpose) - stir or shake the flour first, then spoon it into the measuring cup, then use a straight edged knife to level the flour in the cup. This gives a more accurate measurement than simply dipping the measuring cup into the flour, which compacts the flour and may alter the flour/water ratio necessary for a good loaf. -Charski

[arangel]

Can you also make this so that the machine does the baking as well, or is it better to bake in the oven?

-Ann

[WWCarol]

Yes. It will cook in the bread machine. Just make sure the proportions are close to what your machine will handle.

You might need to halve the recipe.

I think the reason Charski doubled it was because her bread machine was broken and only did the "dough" cycle. She couldn't use her "bake" cycle, and had to finish in the oven.

Anyway, you can compare it to the recipes you use and make a comparable size loaf IN your machine~ :bcbsalute

[candlegranny]

Hi All, Being the garage sale lover that I am I bought a salad shooter about 2 yrs ago for 50 cents and I love it. I usally layer cut up lettue and then grate up carrots (via salad shooter) then an other layer lettuce carrots ect till the bowl is full. It's always ready for a quick salad. I also use it for grating zucchini & yellow squash, cabbage for cole slaw. it's so convenient and washs so easily if done right away. What a find for 50 cents so I decided I'd look for another to have as a spare and found another at a garage sale for 1.00 just incase this one cloncks out. I absolutely don't know how I survived without this gadget before. Then again I wasn't eating salads pre w/w that often. Also I bought a bread machine at garage sale and have yet to use that but will cause I just copied the bread recipe wwcarol posted of charskis. Thanks wwcarol for sharing , its rally good on points too. I also use a mister after reading about it on the board. I have a walmart cheepey but I like it. It's amazing how having the right tools makes the journey so enjoyable. Everyone have a wonderful day op. blessings Jane :angel

[Momma25]

My best "gadgets" are:



Automatic soymilk maker (SoyaPower or SoyQuick)
Spirooli (makes zoodles)
good set of knives (Wusthof)
Bosch Universal mixer (kneads 6 loaves of bread at once)
good set of SS cookware (All Clad)
good set of cast iron
Food processor

[Cowgirly]

Wow- whata bunch of great tips. I just put them all into a neat little word document so I can print them and stick them in my recipe book. I was once such a healthy eater, but strayed so far and this motivates me to not just stick to points but hopefully find healthy stuff I enjoy as well.


thanks!

[Donalee]

A pizza baking stone. I love mine. If you bake frozen french fries they crisp up! Melt some 2% cheese on them and dip em in ff ranch. yummie:exercise:

[remindsmeofmydog]

I think all of my favorite kitchen tools, gadgets and foods have been mentioned already, but I'd like to add Cuisinart Mini-Prep. I love mine. :)

[LilPup]

I got a new George Foreman Grilleration and I really like it. The removable grids are so much better. I also have a mini- food processor, I couldn't live without.

[123Read]

I never was a big fan of veggies until I got my steamer for Christmas. I use it all the time and I each so many more veggies.

[Musfusion]

I use a stovetop grill pan for almost everything!! (Living in NYC, I don't get to do outside grilling much.)

I also love having many fun spice combos and flavors around. Put curry or ghiram masala in something, and it tastes like a million points!

Tash

[dosbabe]

3. Bulgar! My fave grain, and so versatile..
Do you have a good online web site to buy the "organic" bulghur? My Health food store doesn't have organic.

[Niadance]

I have a really good omega juicer, and I also have two electric Easy sprouters which I use all of the time. I bought a magic bullet blender to make fresh fruit and veggie soups and am pleased with that also. The Boerner V-Slicer is the best mandonline I have found...I don't even know if they sell it any more, but there are several good ones on the market.

I also LOVE my Kitchenaid mixer! I use it for tons of stuff.

[lovingmy4]

Some things I couldn't do without in my quest to provide myself and my family with healthier food:

my grain mill, for milling whole grains into flour
My stand mixer (Electrolux) for making homemade whole wheat bread
my cusinart food processor
good quality (Henckles) knives
good quality set of measuring cups and spoons
my VitaMix

All of these were gifts at one time or another and I am so grateful for these kitchen "servants" to help me do my job much easier!

[momaste]

Great thread idea!

I used my Le Creuset dutch oven at least four times a week. Everything comes out so nicely in it. My good kitchen knives are another frequently used staple, and my food processor rocks. I use my rice cooker frequently, and my crockpot, each at least once a week.

I use TONS of fresh garlic, onions, and bell peppers sauteed in olive oil. They're my start for almost any meal. I frequently add carrot and celery to that mix as well. Whether it's for a sauce, a grain, beans, or a casserole, it starts with garlic, onions, bell peppers, and a bit of oil. We eat lentils maybe once a week these days, since they're high in protein and low in fat, so good for you, versatile, and tasty. Beans are another that make frequent appearances on our table. I used to think dry beans were a hassle, but then I learned how to soak them over night and freeze in small batches. Not a hassle anymore, and cheaper and lower in sodium than canned (with the added bonus of garlic, onion, and bell pepper flavor throughout!)

Good vegetable stock and a very well stocked spice cabinet are also used very frequently. Spices make all the difference between a bland dish and one that sings.

[Katsmutti]

I love to shop the farmers' markets in the summer months and that often dictates what I cook. I also like to grow herbs. I would have to say the cooking equipment I use a lot are my dutch ovens. I inherited one from each grandmother. I use them to bake, braise saute, they fill a variety of cooking needs. Also, try putting a scraped vanilla bean with it's seeds in a small pint sized jar of Splenda- excellent in coffee or any where you would like a pronounced vanilla flavor. Needs to sit for about a week before use to let the vanilla flavor permeate the Splenda. Can keep adding more Splenda to jar as used. One vanilla bean pod and seeds should last for about 6 mos. Can also be used to flavor sugar the same way.

[Katsmutti]

DOSBABE-
found this site the other day. They have a lot of organic items.
www.purcellmountainfarms.com (http://www.purcellmountainfarms.com/) Haven't used them yet, but I emailed them with a question about their products and they responded promptley.
katsmutti

[Lulu_CT]

One of my latest favorites is Yummy Earth lollipops. They have no artificial flavors or colors, no HFCS, and are super tasty! 3 pops are just 1 point. I keep a stash in my desk at work. When everyone else is chowing down on the neverending supply of junk food, I enjoy a guilt-free lollipop. They're also great to take to the movies, and kids love 'em too. They're available at many online stores, as well as Trader Joe's (under their own label), and natural food stores.

[NOGILLS2]

I found these today:

Sundried Tomato

Light Flat out Wraps

1 wrap = 1 point

90 cals, 2.5 fat, fib 9 grams

I used them as a Fajita wrapper, it is a little stiff for fajitas but great for a sandwich. The flavor is very good.

[jendear75]

I love the Misto oil mister. I use cold pressed organic olive oil.

I also eat wild game for most of my protein sources, which is great bc it's free range & horomone/steroid/food coloring free and lower in fat.

And because of some stomach problems, an accupuncturist recommended millet & amaranth (in addition to quinoa). I had never had millet or amaranth & they didn't sound that appealing but honestly, they're great! They're available in the bulk section of any decent natural foods store. They're both very versatile & they don't have that whole wheat kind of after taste.

I also love my fleur de sel - I haven't bought prepackaged salt since I saw dextrose in mine. :p I'm lucky - one of my local grocery stores has a salt bar & you can get all kinds of flavor infused salts or sea salts. And it's like a bulk section, so you can just take a little baggie of what you need or want to try.

I also love love LOVE Clean Eating magazine - full of easy whole food ideas.