A Year of Food Science in Review
The Best of the Pantry Paratus Blog, 2013
At Pantry Paratus, we find the answers to our own questions and share those findings with you. We jump head first into new skills and recipes, and we pass those along too. We know the craziness of life all-too-well and how difficult it is to get your hands on the valuable knowledge you need to make good decisions for your family.
We know that, along the way, you might have missed a blog here & there so we decided to compile the “best of” for you for 2013. I pulled up the numbers & found the top 10 blogs–the ones that had the most views and circulated through Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest the most. I was a bit surprised, only because I had guessed the lineup to be different than it really is (a momma isn’t supposed to pick favorites, right?). I probably aughtta mention that our social media buttons hiccupped a few times, restarting share counts to zero. Yeah, that hit my pride, but it hasn’t affected the quality or enjoyment of the blogs themselves. So, without further ado…
#10: 3 Healthy Meals
A guest post made our top ten list! Hannah Brock wrote a great meal plan for GAPS & Paleo diets. We loves these recipes ourselves and were glad to see that you do, too!
#9: Homemade Calzones
So it all started with a being yelled at in Russian & getting my hands slapped…but it ends with a delicious recipe for a meal that is convenient, portable, kid-friendly, delicious, healthy, freezable, and simple! I mean, really…it doesn’t get better than that.
#8: Wax on Fruit
Vegetarians, gluten-intolerant, and those with food allergies beware! Your grocery store does not need to tell you–nor is it likely they even know–what is on your fruit and vegetables. We cover the types of wax that the FDA has approved for both organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables, which foods are most commonly waxed, and what you can do about it.
#7: Creamed Soup Recipe
Never even turn down the soup aisle in the grocery store. Most of that stuff is as disgusting as the metal can they use. But what if you are making a recipe that calls for “a can of”? Well, I have this recipe on an index card taped to the inside of a cupboard. In only 5 minutes and 4 steps, you can have any “cream of” soup you need (mushroom, celery, chicken, etc)…fresh, flavorful, and healthy!
#6: A Mom’s Response to GMO
This was probably my favorite blog of the year. It took months to formulate, and the back of an airplane napkin to write. When the words came, they came honestly and succinctly. When you read this one, be sure to read the comments underneath as others also pour their hearts and ideas out to add to this discussion in a meaningful way.
#5: What Is Epsom Salt: Is It Really a Salt?
So among the list of things that you should have on hand around the old homestead, does Epsom salt appear on your list anywhere? Wilson explains why it should, what it is, and how to utilize it’s power! Oh, and if you’ve heard that it is good for your garden, you might want to read this.
#4: Winter Harvest: Food Preservation in the “Off” Season
Do you put the canner and dehydrator away when the garden is done? Here is a list of foods that you might be missing. They are listed by month. Help us out and leave a comment to add to our ever-growing list!
#3: Rhubarb Harvest: Dehydrate It!
Rhubarb is a natural spring-time treat. One that often overwhelms the plant’s owner, who is constantly trying to pawn it off on the neighbors. Well, if you are the neighbor, take it! Here are some great ways to preserve and to use that delicious sour-sweetness!
#2: Infograph: Food Security–Land, Water, & Energy
This is the most powerful information that I discovered during a year’s worth of research. Empower yourself and your children by knowing what is necessary to obtain food security. If you think that food insecurity cannot touch you, please take a look at this. The world’s history is a sordid one. Don’t let this iddy-biddy thumbnail fool you, this infograph is beautifully done and gives you what you need to know in a handy way.
#1: Home Economics: Deer Processing And the Value of a Buck, Part II
Wilson says it so eloquently and clearly: hunting is a matter of economics. And there is dignity to providing food and processing it ethically. This is a must read.
We have really enjoyed getting to know you guys throughout the last few years. You have provided encouragement and inspiration to us many times over. Please feel free to leave a comment, telling us which Pantry Paratus blog was your favorite (listed here or not). Did you find a great recipe through Pantry Paratus, learn about something on your food label, or gain a new perspective on food production, preservation, or preparation? Share that with us.
To a Healthy New Year,
Chaya & Wilson
Proviso:
Nothing in this blog constitutes medical or legal advice. You should consult your own physician before making any dietary changes. Statements in this blog may or may not be congruent with current USDA or FDA guidance.
Photo Credits: All photos used in this blog are the corresponding thumbnails to other blog postings. Please follow the hyperlink to those blog articles to see the appropriate credits.