Paulasbread.com
  May 2010
Your source for fine kitchen equipment from Bosch, L'Equip, and more...
Welcome to Paula's Bread
Dear Fellow Breadlovers,

Hurray for the May and the beautiful budding of all God's creation!  May includes the Mother's Day Specials which ends May 9th!  The Bosch Universal Mixer and Nutri  Grain Grinder are the perfect tools for your kitchen and the price is right!  If you have been waiting for a great sale, here it is! 

This issue includes a look at Quinoa a protein packed, gluten-free grain.  Also, read about the 3 myths concerning agave sweetener! 

You might be interested in becoming a follower of my blog as I post multiple recipes. Click here

Let me know how I can help you enhance your cooking and kitchen!

God bless you,
paula :)

www.paulasbread.com

Will the real agave please stand up!Xagave - Premium Agave Nectar
There have been several articles circulating about Agave Nectar lately that put it in a negative light. Unfortunately, they are based on incorrect information that has been floating around the internet for several years.  This information is not new and it is no more accurate today than it was a year ago.

So let's delve into the myths....

Myth #1  Agave nectar is not made from the sap of the plant but from the starch of the root bulb.

The Facts: The main constituent of the
agave root is starch or the "pina".  The process is nothing like the process used to derive High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) from corn starch as agave nectar is derived from the fructans of the agave plant.  There are two processes utilized, one is simply heating the nectar to break the fructans down into sugars (fructose and glucose) and the other is to introduce organic certified enzymes to break the fructans down into sugars (fructose and glucose).

Xagave uses the organic enzymes process due to the fact that it eliminates the need to heat the nectar and permits us to retain a "raw" status. 
Xagave is a USDA certified organic product and is certified to contain no genetically modified organisms (GMOs).



Myth #2  Agave contains the same fructose content as High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). 

The Facts: Agave is composed more of fructose than glucose but is lower in total sugars than the other natural options and is lower in fructose than HFCS and regular table sugar.  For a comparison of your sweetener options, comparing total sugars (fructose and glucose), calories, and glycemic index, please review the chart below and decide for yourself.  You will note that Xagave's total sugars are lower than table sugar, honey or date paste. It also provides calorie savings and is significantly lower on the glycemic index.

Sweetener Comparison Chart

ItemFructoseGlucoseTotal Sugar***Calories per 100 gramsGlycemic Index

Table Sugar*

50%

50%

97%

500

58-65

Honey

38 to 42%

35 to 40%

80 to 84%

304

46-83

Date Paste**

32%

34%

70 to 80%

270

103

HFCS

55 to 90%

45 to 10%

100%

370

62

Xagave

47%

17%

64%

308

30     



Blue agave has a higher fructose and the fructose content will depend on how long it has been processed.  The above fructose content is based on Xagave which is a WHITE agave based product.
 

Myth #3  Agave is not low glycemic and therefore just as bad for diabetics as regular processed sugars.

The Facts: Xagave is a low Glycemic Index Food
. Xagave is between 30 and 35 which places it in the "low" category. The glycemic test on Xagave was conducted by an independent laboratory.


  • High fructose Corn Syrup: 62
  • Table Sugar (Sucrose): 58-65
  • Honey: 46 to 83
  • Xagave: 30 to 35

Xagave brand agave nectar is a great alternative that can help you reduce your total sugar intake by as much as 50%.  It tastes delicious and can be used to cook, can and bake and can be utilized to also reduce the fats in your diet while improving the taste and texture of you foods.  It is a low glycemic food that does not spike your blood sugar levels and it contains fiber, which studies have shown improve digestive health.  Look at the facts and we are sure that you will come to the same conclusion that we have. Enjoy in moderation!

 *For Xagave Independent Lab Results Click Here

Glycemic Values obtained from "International table of glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) values"

Click  here to purchase your organic Xagave Sweetener today!
New Grains In Our Diet!
This continuing series features a gluten free grain: Quinoa! This is not only becoming popular due to its gluten free label but many are using it to replace rice and add new zest to their food dishes.  So let's delve into the benefits and ways to use this 'new' grain on the block!

Nutritionally, quinoa is an excellent grain. It is loaded with protein and the amino acid lysine. It contains about 17% protein, which is more than any other grain. Quinoa is also very high in iron, and it is an important source of calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.

To prepare quinoa for cooking:
Rinse the quinoa in a strainer until the saponins* are removed. Add one part of the grain to two parts liquid in a saucepan. After the mixture is brought to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer and cover. Cook for 15-18 minutes.


One cup of quinoa cooked in this method usually takes 15 minutes to prepare. When cooking is complete, you will notice that the grains have become translucent, and the white germ has partially detached itself, appearing like a white-spiraled tail.

You can enhance the flavor of the quinoa by using chicken broth or beef broth instead of water. This makes a great side dish for your meal. You would serve this much as you would serve rice as a side dish!

Quinoa can be served cold or warm and even frozen and reheated for later use!

Based on 1/4 cup of dry Quinoa Grain:
  • Total Fat = 2.5 g
  • Saturated Fat = 0.25 g
  • Cholesterol = 0 mg
  • Sodium = 9 mg
  • Carbohydrate = 29.25 g
  • Dietary Fiber = 2.5 g
  • Protein = 5.5 g
  • Gluten Free

This grain will mill very quickly in your Nutri Mill Grain Grinder! The quinoa flour can be used with your wheat flour and as a base for gluten-free baking. For gluten-free, it would be combined with sorghum flour, tapioca and potato starch to create a gluten-free baking mix. See recipe below for baking mix!

Using your Nutri Mill Grain grinder will help you to frugally enhance your family's diet with this wonderful little grain! My grain grinder has helped to make all my baked goods taste so much better with the fresh flour. I would encourage you to begin today milling your own fresh flour! You will be amazed at how much better your baked goods will taste with all the great nutrition these grains add to your food.

*What are saponins?

Quinoa in its natural state has a coating of bitter-tasting saponins, making it unpalatable. 

The first step in preparing quinoa is to remove the saponins a process that requires soaking the grain in water for a few hours, then changing the water and resoaking, or rinsing it in ample running water either in a fine strainer or in cheesecloth. Removal of the saponin helps with digestion; the soapy nature of the compound makes it act as a laxative.
Most boxed quinoa has been pre-rinsed for convenience.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa
Quinoa Recipes :

Gluten-Free Baking Mix:

3 parts quinoa flour
3 parts sorghum flour
2 parts potato starch
1 part tapioca starch


Sesame Quinoa Crackers  

by Sensible Cooking Cookbook; click here

1 cup quinoa flour
3 tsp sesame seeds
1/2 tp salt
1/2 cup water
1 cup spelt flour
1 tsp baking powder
4 Tb sesame or garlic oil

For top of crackers:
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp. sesame or garlic oil

Place ingredients in Bosch bowl.  Using Bosch cookie paddles, whisk until well mixed.  Let rest for 10 minutes.  Roll out cracker dough to 1/16" thickness on a large, oiled cookie sheet (or use parchment paper).  Cut into 1 1/2" strips.  Cut strips on the diagonal to create diamond-shaped crackers.  Cookie cutters can also be used to cut shapes!

Combine soy sauce and sesame or garlic oil.  Brush on top of crackers.  Bake 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes.  Cool on rack. 
Click here for pics of the crackers! :)


Quinoa Currant Scones 

by Sensible Cooking Cookbook Click here
1 cup quinoa flour
1 cup spelt flour
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup buttermilk, plus some for brushing
2 tsp orange zest for tops of scones
1/2 cup yellow raisins

In Bosch mixer with cookie paddles, mix above ingredients until moistened.  Place dough on lightly floured board and roll to 3/4 " thick.  Using a 2" round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough.  Place on parchment paper.  Brush tops with buttermilk.  Bake 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Click here for pics and notes from paula about the scones!


Issue: 11
Your source for fine kitchen equipment from Bosch, L'Equip, and more...
In This Issue
Will the real agave please stand up!
New Grains for Our Diet
Quinoa Recipes
Customer Corner
Tips for the Harried Woman
Customer Corner


Bosch Universal Plus Mixer

Homemade - Nutritious - Tasty

This describes the foods you can prepare using the products and equipment from Paula's Bread. We really like ordering wheat for grinding and SAF yeast for baking bread as well as oatmeal, coconut, almonds and raisins for making granola. It is SO nice to have bulk foods on hand when we live out in the "country" like we do! The cookie hooks for the Universal Bosch have been a great addition to the use of our machine. We have a wish list for stainless steel pans and bakeware and look forward to adding to our kitchen equipment. Thanks, Paula, for your integrity and kindness.

Cindy A.

Big Cabin, OK




Have a customer comment you'd like to share? Click here to Email me!
Tips for the Harried Woman


Some people see spring as the time to do the deep cleaning of the house but I turn outside.  Not really a green thumb here but love flowers.  Kind of sad since I really don't have a green thumb.  I have found that petunias will survive me and our harsh Oklahoma wind and sun around our home.  

My love for flowers has almost killed me as I finished one flower bed to find that I have more aching muscles than I know I owned!  Humm...maybe I will start liking the fake flowers and just stick them in the pot. lol  Don't think I could and will plant every spring till my bones won't let me.

So how does this fit in the harried woman section?  Flowers are so therapeutic.  When I didn't have flower beds, I bought a few large pots to sit on my porch and planted my flowers.  The beauty of them growing, releasing their sweet scents simply brought calmness.  My favorite thing to do, is to sit on my front porch with flowers around me and relish the moments of quietness.  In the early baby years this would be early and usually with a toddler in my lap but still soothing.

Plant a flower pot today and enjoy God's fabulous work of art that declares His glory.

Forward this email to a Friend

 Encouraging Thoughts:

"A man (was) on an African safari deep in the jungle. The guide before him had a machete and was whacking away the tall weeds and thick underbrush. The traveler, wearied and hot, asked in frustration, "Where are we? Do you know where you are taking me? Where is the path?!" The seasoned guide....replied, "I am the path."

We ask (God) the same questions, don't we?....And He, like the guide, doesn't tell us....If He did, would we understand?...No, like the traveler, we are unacquainted with this jungle. So rather than give us an answer, Jesus gives us a far greater gift. He gives us Himself.

Traveling Light

!Mother's Day Special!

Bosch Universal Mixer & Nutrimill
only
$549.99! (save $120!!)

Profilter Dehydrator only$139.99
(save $20) andreceive FREE mini chopper ($39.99 value) with dehydrator purchase!!

Cookie Paddles w/ metal whip drive only $24.99 (save $5)

Cloer Barbecue Grill only $79.99 (save$90)

 !!Sales begin April 1st and end May 9th!!
 Click here for more details on specials!!