Ingredient of the Week

raisin the bar :) 

 so i’m all about cheap alternatives that are still really good, just a little different.....and after going through a whole lot of organic dried cranberries (the cheaper sugary ones just didn’t measure up, though i did end up finding some at least partially local that were pretty good) i tried using raisins instead, and by jove they aren’t the same of course but they certainly serve the same purpose in salads and whatnot.  and i say “whatnot” because i’ve been using them in all sorts of other things too...... they’re really good with any kind of rice or grain dish, and are sooooooo delicious to snack on!  (especially with spoonfuls of almond or peanut butter......)  plus you can put them with hot or cold cereal, or, of course, be crazy and experiment like me :)  even the organic ones are only about $3 pr lb.

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i know, i'm like the mustard queen by now!  but really it's super useful, a little goes a long way, and it costs, like, $2 a jar (even the organic stuff!  :)  so far, in our short time together, i have used it (several times!) in pizza, pasta, and mashed potatoes, and could have used it in several other things as well, but i don't want will to get tired of it (though sometimes he still can't quite put his finger on the flavor... :)  

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for as much as i use this, a bag has still lasted me a looooooong time!  i find i don't use the oil that much (and it's a little pricey, though i think flax is worth it!)  this is an easy alternative that just gets sprinkled on things at the end.  it's a little bit sweet, and gives an interesting texture and a little more uumph to a finished product.  i've been putting it on our salads with oil and vinegar and it's super duper good!  (also it helps the good stuff stick to the greens :)  just one more detail to make something a little more special.  i'm all about that :)