2 Food Companies Who Use Real Jars!

While making chili today, I was overcome with joy because the salsa I was using came in a pint mason jar I can reuse! I know that this seems like a small thing but I have always been moved by the little things. Anyway back to the salsa, the company is Green Mountain Gringo and their salsa is FABULOUS. It is made with ingredients that I would use with no added crap. It is available in a variety of heat levels as well. However, I was very touched by the fact that I will be able to reuse the jar when summer rolls around to can my own vegetables. I will only need to purchase new lids and rings. One more thought-the labels come off with no trouble.

The other company I use at times is Classico Pasta Sauce. I always use the tomato basil flavor and my family seems to enjoy it. It is great for when I am unable to make homemade. It comes in a large 24 ounce jar that I am able reuse as well.

Just wanted to make you aware that some companies do a great job helping us now and later. Please let me know of other companies you know who use reusable jars.

Whole Wheat Bread

My family loves fresh bread and I just now seem to have time to bake it. Gardening is almost over (only kale and broccoli remain) and I am ready to make winter food. This recipe for bread is one of the easiest I've ever encountered. It comes out perfectly every time. I always feel like a hero while it bakes because my house smells absolutely wonderful.

Whole Wheat Bread

1 Tbsp or 1 package of yeast
1 1/3 cup of water
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup of honey, molasses, maple syrup or brown sugar
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp salt

Mix all ingredients together, stir until dough starts to leave the sides of the bowl. Transfer dough to a lightly greased surface and with greased hands, knead for about 6 minutes. Let rise in a covered, greased bowl for about an hour or until double in bulk.

Transfer dough to a lightly greased surface and shape into a log. Place dough log in a lightly greased loaf pan, cover and let rise again (30 minutes to an hour)..

Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 40 minutes, tenting with aluminum foil after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning. Turn loaf out of pan onto cooling rack to cool. Don't slice until cool. Bread freezes well so do yourself a favor and double recipe to make 2 loaves.

Homemade Granola

Granola is one of God's most perfect foods. The cost of it is appalling in the grocery store. I was feeling lazy last week and actually thought I'd buy some. I quickly changed my mind when I looked at the price. Today I made it and decided that you would love to have this low fat recipe too.

Granola

2 tbsp of canola oil
1/2 cup hulled sunflower seeds
1/2 cup honey
2 cups of old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds
zest from 1/2 of an orange
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
1 tbsp cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together except cinnamon until thoroughly coated. Turn out onto a greased baking pan with a rim, and spread out the ingredients. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake on 350 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring a couple of times until evenly browned. Let cool. Store granola in a well sealed container. It will keep for a couple of weeks.

Typically I double this recipe. It is terrific as a cereal or a topping for yogurt or ice cream. Fresh fruit or dried both taste great on this granola.