2 Dehydrator
10 VitaMix/blender
21 Mixer
2 Food Saver/Seal-A-Meal
9 Grain Mill
3 I don't use any of these!
What would I have voted for? Probably my VitaMix. I must use this thing two times a day for smoothies, making mayo or ketchup, dressings, sauces, and hummus, just to name a few. But if I had to, I could use it for even more things. With the addition of a dry blade container, I could grind my wheat in it as well (although I love my grain mill for this). If I didn't have an immersion blender, it could be used in it's place to puree soups (which I've also done before). If you want to learn more about a VitaMix and what it can do, just visit the VitaMix website.
I must mention the Food Saver. I bought this for freezing fruit and peas last summer. And it works great for this kind of thing. Whenever I buy nuts or cheese in bulk, I use it to vacuum pack these items in smaller quantities as well. But I fell in love with this when I found the Jar Sealer which comes in two sizes and the meat marinator. You can read my previous post on this appliance here.
The poor dehydrator got the fewest votes. Such a shame! Once you own a dehydrator, and I mean a good one like an Excalibur, you will wonder what you did without it? I've used it for all kinds of fruits, drying herbs, and recently, making yogurt (more on that 'story' tomorrow!).
So, I hope you're curious about this weeks poll. It may prove to be controversial! But let's be nice... I do love a good debate as long as everyone is gracious.
In the context of a clean dairy, is raw milk safe?
See, I told you. You probably already know what I think, but I'd like to hear what YOU think! I hope to be writing some posts on this soon. There's lots to say about it no matter which camp you're in.
Go Vote!
I love my dehydrator, but it's such a seasonal appliance in our house. It runs non-stop from July to November and then gets put away until the following summer. Honestly, I could probably live without my mixer...but I couldn't function without a good set of kitchen knives. I'd choose them over an appliance any day.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, the kitchen knives are a great point (no pun intended!). And I am in desperate need of a good set. This will probably be my next major kitchen purchase. I've managed to get by with about three so-so knives, but I really need a decent set. And a good honing tool! Must have that to keep knives in tip top shape - sharper is always safer.
ReplyDeleteLately, I've been using my dehydrator for left over fresh herbs I get from the farmers and for yogurt making. Some people use it for a proofing oven as well. So it might graduate to year-round status for some folks.
I chose the grain mill because my husband has to be gluten free. We are also working on finding our if I have a gluten sensitivity and our youngest son too. Grinding our own gluten free flour has saved us a lot of money so far. For next weeks poll... I say it is safer BECAUSE... My husband (again!) is lactose intollerant. He gets horrible gas if he drinks milk from the store also a few other symptoms.. Not quite sure why but if we get raw milk from some friends he doesnt have near the problem with gas and his other symptoms. Works for us!! Plus.. I like getting the cream with the milk. YUMMY!! Our most recient move into health things has been to purchase a berkey water filtration system.. We live in town and have both flouride and chlorine added to our water. YUCK! We have LOVED our "new" water! Now to figure out how to get the chlorine out of our shower water...
ReplyDeleteAGG!! my post didnt go through! I chose a grain mill because my husband has to be gluten free. We are looking to see if our youngest has to be and also myself. It has saved us a lot of money to be able to grind our own grains.
ReplyDeleteNext weeks poll.. Raw milk is safer.. At least for our family.. Again, My husband has a lactose problem of some type. Store bought milk gives him problems but the whole raw stuff from friends gives him no problems at all.. Figure that out!
Our most recent health move was to get a Berkey system to filter our in town flouridated and chlorinated water.. YUCK! We have loved our "new" water! Next.. the shower water..
Actually, your post DID go through. Not sure why it didn't register for you. I posted both...
ReplyDeleteRaw milk has natural enzymes and lactase producing bacteria that help break down the lactose which allows those with sensitivities to digest it without an issue. Pasteurization destroys this enzyme and kills the bacteria and thus makes it hard for many to digest. My daughter is one of those who benefits from this as well.
I recently was able to receive my Big Berkey back from a friend (I had given it away and then thought better of it, so I was going to buy another. She put it in the Rummage Sale at the church recently and I was able to purchase it back!). I had bought it for Y2K (remember that?) but now I may start using it for every day. I want to research it more.
Nice blog! We have a lot in common I think! Glad to have found you today!
ReplyDeleteI just got a Kitchenaid mixer and it had saved my wrists from a lot of hurting! I also love my dehydrator, except we can eat things just as fast as they leave the dehydrator!
Have a wonderful day!
I would have to say my food processor, actually! I use the thing at least three times a week. That and my blender. I have a mixer, but I don't use it too often. I am a "by hand" kinda gal. I don't know why, but I just like doing things the old fashioned way. I don't yet have a dehydrator, or a vitamix, or a grinder for that matter. I need a grinder - but they're pricy. I do have a foodsaver, but dont use it as often as I should. Oh, did I mention I am wordy ;) That's ok, you'll get used to it :D
ReplyDeleteShellie
PS - really enjoying your blog.