Friday, June 22, 2007
From Ethanol to Cookies
According to the US Department of Agriculture, ethanol production has grain byproducts. Researchers are trying to find ways of using this material to make the process more economically (and environmentally) efficient. One of the interesting uses could be to create cookies, breads, and pasta that are low in calories and carbohydrates. A couple of scientists have taken the remains, turned it into flour, and done some baking, replacing over half the wheat flour used in some recipes, like cookies:
The cookies are smaller than those made with all-wheat flour because the high-protein/low-starch combination keeps the cookie batter from spreading as easily as batter made with 100 percent wheat. But the batter bakes consistently.The products are more nutritious because ethanol processing concentrates the fiber and proteins in the byproduct materials. Unfortunately, to date the products have had a nasty taste - bitter, and with an off-putting odor. Who says that food that's good for you has to taste good? I'm sure it still beats castor oil.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Product Review: Clif Nectar Bars
Clif Bars sent samples of their new Organic Fruit & Nut Bar line. Each one offers "2 full servings of fruit and nuts," which does leave some question of interpretation. Do you get two servings of each? Two servings combined? There's no wheat, soy, or dairy, for the vegan or ingredient-sensitive, no processed sugars or artificial sweeteners or trans fats for everyone, and 5 to 7 grams of fiber. A bar is 150 to 170 calories, still lower than eating a candy bar, though the price is $1.49, not so cheap for 1.6 ounces (or a suggested price of $14.90 a pound).
As for the taste ... eh. I preferred the cranberry, apricot, and almond to the dark chocolate raspberry because the latter's taste just didn't come up to the standard depth you can fine in a good piece of chocolate. However, it's certainly a better nutritional choice than candy, and not so expensive as to discourage a bit of experimentation.
As for the taste ... eh. I preferred the cranberry, apricot, and almond to the dark chocolate raspberry because the latter's taste just didn't come up to the standard depth you can fine in a good piece of chocolate. However, it's certainly a better nutritional choice than candy, and not so expensive as to discourage a bit of experimentation.
