New Find: Lemon Powder

I think I found a new kitchen staple - and it is called lemon powder. For me, kitchen staples normally need to be carefully contemplated, go through multiple rounds of tastings, and prove themselves to be a savior at any moment when lack of flavor could be the issue. I skipped a few steps, and just ordered a pound of it. #Worth it.

I went with Hoosier Hill Farm lemon powder this time.

How did I stumble upon this decision you ask? Well, I bought a new hummus from Whole Foods the other day and it had this undeniable lemony flavor. It wasn't the acidic lemon juice flavor, or even the bright pop of the zest...it was something different, it was almost sweet. Like a true detective, I scoured the ingredient label for anything I didn't recognize...and there it was. Lemon powder. Why hadn't I heard of this before?!

So the search started in that moment, and no stores in the area I was in had it, so I went to my next favorite, Amazon.com. And why start small with only a few ounces? Go big or go home!

After receiving it, I started with some hummus - because there was no better way to pay homage to my finding. And I can't just be normal, so I added a little unflavored egg white protein powder to the mix for a protein packed hummus.

Gather these things:

- 1 can garbanzo beans

- 1/2 scoop unflavored egg white protein powder - feel free to leave this out, I was just feeling fancy

- 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon powder

- Seasonings of your choice - I used salt and garlic powder

- Water, just enough to get the consistency you like

- A splash of lemon juice

Directions:
- Add all ingredients to your food processor or blender
- Blend until you like the taste and consistency
- Eat!!

I wouldn't recommend anything except an unflavored protein powder, I have tried vanilla before - not okay. It turned out way too sweet and I couldn't bear to eat it. I love Jay Robb's unflavored egg white protein powder. I got this 2 lb pack from Mike for Valentine's Day. He get's me :).

I like to add my spices little by little, and taste as I go. The worst is a ruined hummus, and having to sadly watch it get dumped down the drain.

Perfect snack to take to work. A little protein, some carbs, and definitely an amazing lemon flavor! Since this I have made homemade gummies, a lemon pie protein shake, and a lemon beet smoothie. At this rate, it probably won't last me long!

Protein Bar review: OhYeah Victory Bar

As you probably have guessed by now, I love a good protein bar in my life. Yes, I would rather be eating my own, knowing that every ingredient is Lindsey approved, but sometimes that just can't happen. 

And because of this, I still love to spend an laughable amount of time perusing the protein bars in grocery stores. Because I know you're wondering, my process is this:

- I start at one end of the aisle, and pick up the first protein bar that I would possibly consider purchasing.

- I read the ingredients and then pick up another protein bar to compare.

- I compare things like protein amounts (I prefer higher), calories (between 150-250), sugar (between 3-10 grams, depending on calories), fat (I prefer lower 3-7 grams), and then the specifics on things like protein sources, sugar sources, and overall ingredients.

- As I find the winner, I will put back the loser and then pick up another and start the process all over again. 

Sounds SO fun right?! Maybe you'll try it one day. But really, I can't attempt making protein bars without trying other ones - so I like to chalk it up to research and development.

Anyways, the other day I found the Victory bar by OhYeah! Nutrition at my local Vitamin Shoppe. I hated spending $2.60 on one protein bar, but I "needed" something before work and I was intrigued by the nutrition facts.

First, 200 calories. In my opinion this is the perfect size for a protein bar. That way I can enjoy it alone or pair it with some raw vegetables and call it a meal. 

Second, 21 grams of protein. That's quite a lot for a 200 calorie protein bar - so it caught my eye.

Third, 20 grams of dietary fiber. This was the biggest stand out, most protein bars aren't worried about fiber, and they usually don't have more that 4 or 5 grams. 

Fourth, 8 grams of sugar. Now, that's nearing the higher end of my standards, but I was willing to let it slide for all of the other things it had going on. I'm not sure why the fitness industry insists on thinking that all of these people who trying to be fit and watch what that eat need sugar in the protein bars. In my opinion, quit putting sugar in the bars and you will be in high demand. Do so see what these body builders, fitness competitors, and other health enthusiasts do to themselves as far as eating and discipline? I think we'd all be ok if it didn't taste like a piece of candy.

Fifth, the size! Most 200 calorie bars are smallish, and they don't feel like you're really eating anything portion wise. This one has at least a few inches on most other protein bars in the 200 calorie range - size does matter for protein bars, at least for me anyways. 

I was too quick to eat it and didn't snap a pic - I borrowed this from Moms RUN this town. If you don't like my review, you can hop over there and see what they think too!

Now, the texture was interesting - something I wasn't expecting. The bar is bendy, like a thick playdoh, and it doesn't have a crunch or crumbly aspect to it at all. I actually don't mind that - if I want crunch I can eat some celery. Post eating, I felt full and satisfied, and I stayed that way for about 3 hours (not that I would wait more than 3 hours to eat again, that's just silly).

I won't pay over $2.50 for the bar again though, so off I scurried to Amazon for better deals. And there it was! A box of 12 chocolate chip cookie dough Victory bars for only $18.28 -- that's only $1.53 per bar! Not too shabby, plus I have Amazon Prime so it was free 2-day shipping. Winning.

They have 4 flavors: almond vanilla, chocolate chip cookie dough, fudge brownie, and peanut butter chip. I have tried chocolate chip cookie dough and peanut butter chip so far... and so far so good!

Homemade Gummies

Sour patch kids, gummy bears, swedish fish, sour gummy worms. Sometimes I just need a little gummy love in my life. A few years ago I tried making homemade gummies, but that was before I liked to take pictures of my food and then share it with the internet world. And this is one that definitely needs to be shared!

It only takes about 5 minutes to prep and as little as 3 ingredients to whip up - then about within 20 minutes you have your very own gummies!

Homemade Gummies
If made according to my recipe, these treats are gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo. Feel free to use a vegetarian friendly gelatin - and then let me know how it goes!

Gather these things:
    Dry
- 5 T of of Knox gelatin, or 6 packets
   Wet
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup of fruit - I used a frozen berry blend from Trader Joe's, but any raw or frozen fruit will do.

Directions:
- Combine fruit and lemon juice in a saucepan, turn heat to medium-high and simmer until fruit is soft and can be easily blended.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Or don't today I was eager and skipped this step, but I know my Vitamix can handle it.
- Dump mixture in blender, turn on low.
- Add gelatin 1 Tbsp or 1 packet at a time. Allow it to blend until smooth before adding next one.
- Once all gelatin is added, blend until smooth.
- Immediately pour mixture into a pan to cool, you can speed up the process by sticking it in the fridge or freezer (if you haven't let the mixture cool and you stick it in the freezer, you could have condensation build up on top...it won't hurt it, it will just freeze your gummies and then you will have to let them thaw before cutting - all prolonging the process of eating them. Not a best practice in my book).
- Cut into shapes of your choice - I almost did hearts in the spirit of Valentine's Day, but didn't have the patience :).
- Eat!!



As I was making, I got to thinking - there are so many things you can add to this recipe to take it to a whole new level! I included a few things I would consider adding in my pictures, and here are some more:

1. Add a caffeine AND flavor kick with some Mio Energy, and with no added calories....which led me to number 2...
2. Add your favorite pre-workout powder to the mix and then you don't have to carry a big shaker bottle without - just bag of gummies that are easy to eat on the go/in the car
3. Add a flavor punch with some herbs - I added basil to one of my recipes today, but couldn't really taste it - I think I needed more than 4 leaves.
4. Crystal Light packets anyone? Aren't there alcoholic beverage flavored ones now? It could be like you're drinking a mojito at work! I wonder if I could add alcohol to these. Oh man back to the kitchen for me.

Anyone else have any suggestions? I love gummies enough that I would probably try them all :).

Combine your lemon juice and fruit of choice in a small saucepan.

Then blend away! Can you tell I didn't wait for it to cool? Still steaming!

Prep your gelatin for easy and continuous pouring - I dumped the 6 packets into a bowl that I could easily hold.

Then slowly pour.

Once you have poured - give it a little time to blend together. I'm not sure what a mouthful of Knox gelatin would taste like, but I would hate for you to find out the hard way.

Have that pan ready and waiting, the gelatin will start to congeal fairly quick.

Throw it in the fridge or freezer and then take it out when it feels stiff to the touch. I would say it probably feels like a fake boob, but I'm not sure what those feel like.

I sliced mine into 13 rows and 13 columns, but feel free to get creative with shapes and sizes!

Yum! Gummies make me happy - it feels like I'm indulging, but it's actually a pretty balanced snack when you look at the numbers - 45 calories, 8g protein, 7g carbs, 4g sugar for about 30 pieces.

Candy for those who don't want to cut out the candy :). Enjoy!

Homemade Gummies

Servings: about 6 - this is for 30 pieces per serving (about 170 pieces, mine were cut 13 x 13 )

Ingredients	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Knox Original - Gelatin, Unflavored, 6 Envelope	120	0	0	48	0	0
Trader Joe's - Very Cherry Berry Blend Frozen Fruit, 1 cup	90	22	0	1	5	16
Lemon juice - Raw, 1 cup	61	21	0	1	2	6

Total:	271	43	0	50	7	22
Per Serving:	45	7	0	8	1	4

Rising Star Coffee Workshop

Last Saturday, I was lucky enough to have a spot in a coffee workshop held at The Brew Mentor. I had long been awaiting this moment - for about 5 weeks to be exact. I had a countdown on my calendar and every night before I went to bed I would tell Mike how many days left until the day. Some people say "I love you", my night time ritual went more like this: "Ahhh 17 more days until our coffee workshop! I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm so excited!" Poor Mike.

Our spoils from the day. 1/2 pound of each green coffee bean they had to offer!

So the day finally came and off we went to learn for the best, Rising Star of course! The owner, Kim Jenkins, was there to go over any and all things that related to getting to know coffee on a more intimate level. He described his trips to the coffee farms all over the world, where they sourced their coffee from, and the amount of care and specifics that go into choosing a coffee that fit their needs. No wonder the stuff is so damn good.

Here are all the different beans. Each on has a different size, shape, and smell - so much discovering to be done!

See! Look at the tiny Ethiopian Yirgacheffe beans on the far left...and then check out the size of the Panamanian ones in the upper center. Whoa.

There was tons that I learned in the 2 hour session, but I put together the top 3 things that can change your home coffee experience. Now sit patiently while I tell you.

Darwin's ready! Gosh he's handsome.

1. Your grinder matters.
       A good grinder is key to a good cup of coffee. Your grinder gives your coffee grounds their unique particle size, and consistency is what you want. A mill grinder chops the beans with a spinning blade, and just can't produce the consistency needed for extraction (pour overs, drip coffee, etc). A burr grinder has two metal plates that grind the coffee, the blades can move closer or farther depending on the size of grind you want, and it excels at a uniform grind.

Here is a semi-exaggerated visual on the difference the two: A mill grinder = dropping a hershey's chocolate bar on the ground and looking at the pieces, a burr grinder = breaking the little individual squares of a hershey's chocolate bar and looking at the pieces. Which will be more consistent? Burr grinder for the win! 

As I was whispering to Mike that we needed to buy the burr grinder immediately, he whispered back "beat ya to it" and showed me the checkout screen at amazon. Love that man. He picked the one they were using, the Baratza Encore Burr Grinder.

What a beaut'. . You set the grind by turning the top so the plastic notch aligns with a tick mark (you can see ours is set to 20 if you look real close). The higher the number, the larger the grind.

The inside of the grinder - looks smashing! Hah, pun.

And here you can see how it works; the blades will spin and the beans fall in, and then they are crushed to the indicated size.

And you only have to worry about an on and off switch, couldn't get much easier!

2. Roasting at home can be as easy as turning on an air popcorn popper.
    Literally. That's it! The general criteria is you want a air popcorn popper that has air vents in the base. The vents will shoot hot air out and push the beans around. High heat and constant movement are how you get roasted coffee. The amount of heat your air popcorn popped puts out will matter, which Mike and I found out after a few failed attempts. The one I have here is not one I would recommend because we had multiple failed attempts. But we found a better one the other day that has worked - called the Nostalgia. We found it at a Big Lots for $20...not too shabby!

Here is the first air popcorn popper we tried, the Salton. I wouldn't recommend it, we haven't been able to get anything to roast in this one. We think it doesn't get hot enough, because we never can reach first crack in it.

What you want to look for are those little vents near the bottom. The vents push the hot air out and help the beans spin, which help them roast evenly. Each air popcorn popper will be different, so definitely open it up before you buy it!

3. You are the biggest variable in every cup of coffee.
    Yep, you read that right. How are you feeling? When did you brush your teeth? What toothpaste did you use? What did you do last night? And so on. All of these things will make your cup of coffee taste different, so cut yourself some slack when roasting. You can make it as simple or as scientifically focused as you want, but just keep in mind that there are endless variables that can be altered, and it's supposed to be fun! Find what taste you like best and stay true to that! It's not worth it if you don't enjoy it :).


Here's the grinder in action!

 

And the final result looks like this! Evenly ground coffee, at last!