Question: So what am I doing during this work hiatus?
Answer: All the things I love!
I’ve mostly been watching Netflix DVD’s, catching up with my favorite tv shows, exercising, baking, cooking, reading, and eating chocolate.
Speaking of chocolate, did you know that Ghirardelli has trans fat?
It’s true. The proof is in the label. I don’t even check labels for trans fat any more, since most companies have removed it from their products, but this proves that I should be! There are plenty of chocolates to choose from, so from now on I’ll be choosing a variety that is trans fat-free.
The Great Grain Request
This past weekend, Stephen said to me, “You know, I’d really like to stop by Whole Foods later, so that I can pick up some alternative grains.” When I heard this, I had to hold back my shock. I kept a very calm exterior but inside I was singing! This person requesting a trip to Whole Foods is the same person who crinkles his nose when I try to substitute brown rice for white rice.
At Whole Foods, we made a beeline for the bulk section.
Have you ever seen such a beautiful sight? I <3 bulk bins! [And I think Stephen is starting to like them too. 
]
Here’s what we ended up with (from left to right): spelt berries, rye berries, wheat berries, quinoa, and bulgar wheat. The spelt berries and rye berries were actually purchased by myself. I’ve never used them before, but I’m excited to try them out!
Cajun Shrimp and Rice Bulgar
I decided to try out a new recipe with Stephen’s grains. This cajun shrimp and bulgar was very tasty, very flavorful, and very healthy! YUM. The original recipe called for rice, but I subbed bulgar wheat for an added nutritional boost. Bulgar is a great rice substitute as the texture is similar and the flavor is mild.
Check out this nutritional comparison bulgar and brown rice!
Bulgar Wheat Nutrition Data
(1 cup cooked)
Calories- 151
Protein- 6 grams
Carbohydrates- 34 grams
Fiber- 8 grams
Iron- 10% RDA
Brown Rice Nutrition Data
(1 cup cooked)
Calories- 218
Protein- 5 grams
Carbohydrates- 46 grams
Fiber- 4 grams
Iron- 6% RDA
So, Bulgar has more protein, fiber, and iron. And it has less calories than it’s more commonly eaten counterpart!
Have I convinced you to give bulgar a try?
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What’s your favorite grain? I like them all, but right now the chewiness of wheat berries is probably my favorite.
Omg luvvvv that Stephen wanted to go to our Mecca: whole foods! Makes life easier when your significant other wants the same things! I need to be more adventurous with grains… My “grain” of the moment is wheat bran… Does that count!?
Ah…bulgar…a good grain but it isn’t gluten-free. So brown rice it is for me!
That’s awesome! I wish Jason would request to go to whole foods! I like bulgur. I keep getting it confused with barley, which I also like.
love bulgar one of my new fav grains……i am with you-i am enjoying my work hiatus too-yay!
Gosh, I need to take a trip to Whole Foods, STAT! I’m so upset about this trans fat thing, though, because they make the best raspberry filled chocolates
Maybe I should go to Whole Foods just to stock up on non-trans fat chocolates and crazy grains?! Bulgur is my favorite, though I’ve only used it in one recipe… on the back of some box I bought.
Speaking of which… where’s the recipe for this shrimp goodness?
I am so intimidated by cooking my own grains from raw up. The bins at Whole Food are the ultimate culprits. I am awed at your knowledge haha
I don’t think I used awe correctly there; sorry!!!
Wheatberries! Oh what I would do to try some :’(
My favourite grain…probably durum wheat, I LOVE that stuff!
I’d have to say oats are my favorite grain! Quinoa is in second
I was also surprised when I saw that Ghirardelli chocolate bars have trans fat! Because their chocolate chips don’t and I use them all the time
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