Welcome to Food Science Gal

My crumb, first 100% whole wheat sourdough attempt.  By using only %100 white whole wheat and making my own wild starter, I have created something healthful, delish and wondrous.  Click here to learn more about white whole wheat.

get ready for a messy kitchen

                                             
                                                   Here you can see what I saw under my microscope when I cultured store bought yeast - Saccharomyces cerevisiae - the one and only species found at your average grocery store.  It has been bred for centuries for its consistent fast rising time but not taste. The yeast is the very large black microorganism on the top left corner.  Now compare that to below.

Here you see wild yeasts that I fermented in my home kitchen but also bacilli.  Lactobacilli give authentic sourdough taste and texture.  They may even help with digestion.  Click here to learn more about the science of sourdough.  

Many people have eaten in my kitchen and gone on to live healthy productive lives! We did this for fun and for educational purposes (mostly fun).  However, choosing to incorporate whole wheat in your diet is no joke - an exceptional choice. High intake of whole grains is generally associated with long life because it significantly lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and obesity.  By the way, you do not have to make it yourself to get the benefits!  Click here to learn how to incorporate more whole grains.

Worst helper ever.

This growing food science gal helped teach her girl scout troop how to knead the dough.  

   

 Homegrown tomatoes are heavenly.  I am super looking forward to summer!  As my grandmother used to say, "Live, Live Live!"

Eat your fruits and vegetables.

 Plus homegrown basil and fresh mozzarella (from store).

Certain smells like cilantro and basil bring back summer memories for me.  One of the first things I ever taught my girls about gardening is how to identify the herbs and bring them to me.  I can only pray that they use this important life skill one day when they raise their own gardens.

Now add balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil = caprese salad.

This is so much cheaper and more fun than a restaurant.  If you are lactose intolerant then think about subbing in soybeans or tofu for protein as opposed to cheese.  Don't feel left out!  Over 70% of the world's population is lactose intolerant.  The genetic profile required for continuing to produce lactase after infancy is actually the exception not the rule.   If you cut out dairy, don't forget your calcium and protein from lactose free sources. Click here to learn more about food intolerances.