SEPT 2023 | Culinary Lifestyle Round-Up
Nut + Seed Butter, Baking Sheets, and MORE...
Each month, I gather a variety of tidbits to share with you relating to food, wine, kitchen tools, tips, articles, books, music, and more as part of a broader culinary lifestyle. I hope you find them interesting, helpful, and maybe even inspiring. Feel free to add to the experience by sharing some of your own!
I currently receive no compensation for any products or brands listed here. I simply enjoy sharing the information.
FOOD
Nut and Seed Butter
Nut and seed butters are super popular with many choices available in grocery stores, specialty food stores, and at farmers markets. I look for products that are made with nuts or seeds, salt (or no salt), and a healthy oil if used. I avoid products that have fillers and use unhealthy oils, large amounts of added sugar, and other additives.
Here are three brands that I enjoy:
Wegmans Organic Stir Creamy Peanut Butter, Organic Creamy Unsalted Cashew Butter, and Organic Smooth Unsalted Almond Butter
Wegmans is one of my favorite grocery stores and their nut butters are a regular purchase for me. They have no added sugar, little or no salt, and are very tasty.
SunButter No Sugar Added Sunflower Butter
For those with nut allergies, having a seed butter option is a game-changer. In fact, it’s delicious for anyone - with or without a nut allergy. Use it the same as you would normally use peanut butter - in sandwiches, on crackers, with sliced apples or veggies, and in sauces.
This North Carolina-based company creates many fun nut and seed butter flavors. How about Fig Ginger Almond Butter or Bourbon Pecan Peanut Butter? Some of these products contain added sugar yet the amount is very low.
BEVERAGES
Wine:
This is a wine to enjoy any time of year with its flavors of ripe peaches and passionfruit, with a touch of lime and herbs. It pairs well with fish, shellfish, poultry, salads, fruit (particularly citrus), and vegetables. Look for it at your local wine shop or online.
Non-Alcoholic Beverage:
Berry Balsamic Spritz
This is one of my “go-to” fruity, bubbly beverages. Stir together, serve it in a fun-looking tall glass over ice, and enjoy it with appetizers or a meal. Use a good quality berry balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
1 tablespoon raspberry or blackberry balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
8 ounces of sparkling mineral water
mint leaves, and fresh raspberries or blackberries for garnish, optional
EQUIPMENT
Nordic Ware Baking Sheets
These pans are true workhorses in my kitchen! I use them so often, yet they continue to hold up like new. I like that they don’t warp or rust and that they conduct heat evenly and well. There are several options available - single baking sheets in various sizes with or without covers and grids, and several bundle choices.
RESOURCE
Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch - Pocket Guides
Making sustainable seafood purchases is a goal of many LCK Cooking Well readers. To help with this endeavor, check out the pocket guides created by the Seafood Watch group at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Choose one specific to the area in which you live, or one that fits a location you may be traveling to.
MUSIC
Are you familiar with NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts? These are “intimate video performances, recorded live at the desk of Bob Boilen” that encompass a wide range of music. To get you started, tune into this one from Indigo Girls.
Hi Susan, I always look forward to your emails! Thanks so much for the great culinary tips and for the Tiny Desk Concert link. I love the Indigo Girls!