What do sucanat, brown rice and cottage cheese have in common? Not a whole lot, except that they were hot topics last week during the Recipe and Cooking Tips Parade. There were so many questions in each comment section that I will admit to being overwhelmed and after just a tiny bit of panic on my part because of my lack of time and ability to keep up, I decided just to try to answer the most frequently asked questions here. I’m still not answering every question, and for that I apologize. If I missed your question in those posts, please feel free to ask  it here and maybe, just maybe I will actually get to it!

So, for no reason at all, let’s begin with Cottage Cheese. I loved all of the ideas you mentioned about ways you eat cottage cheese! Who knew there were so many great ways to eat the cute little curds. There were two questions that were asked several times in that post:

1. What kind of cottage cheese do you buy? I’m afraid of the cottage cheese in my store because it has all kinds of added ingredients!

Ah, indeed. All the yucky additives and whatnots that we can’t pronounce on the label. If I can, I like to buy Organic Valley Cottage Cheese from my health food co-op. But, I have found that at my Walmart, I can get Nordica brand, which is not organic, but is at least without hormones. It has a very good taste, unlike the cheaper brands that really freak me out.

2. Do you make your own cottage cheese? Will you tell us how to do that?

I have made cottage cheese a few times, but I’ve never been pleased with the results. If I ever get a good cottage cheese thing going on, you’ll be the first to know. (Second, actually, because I’ll be standing on my porch yelling, “WAHOOO! I just made cottage cheese that tastes good!” It’s okay, my neighbors already know I’m weird.)

Okay…now Sucanat questions:

1. What is sucanat? Is it healthier than other sugars?

I’ve addressed sucanat and other natural sweeteners here.

2. Where do you buy sucanat?

I try to order it through my health food co-op, Azure Standard. It’s much less expensive there. Otherwise I save my swagbucks and buy it through Amazon. If at all possible, buy it in bulk…it’s much less expensive! The best price I’ve found is just over $2/pound. Sounds expensive, but that’s a great deal for what you’re getting!

Last but not least…Brown Rice:

1. Where do you buy brown rice?

Again, Azure Standard or Amazon. I always buy organic, but that’s just me.

2. Is Minute Brown Rice healthy and okay to eat?

I’ve never used the Minute brand of brown rice and because it’s processed, I guess my OPINION is that I’d prefer to avoid it. However, at the store the other day, I peeked at the box and the ingredients only list “brown rice” as an ingredient. Can’t be that bad, I guess. :)  If the choice is white rice or Minute Brown Rice…I say go with Minute Brown Rice if it helps you transition to this whole ingredient. In fact, here’s a coupon:  $0.50 off any one (1) Minute Rice Product

3. I cooked my brown rice for over 45 minutes but it still isn’t cooked all the way. What am I doing wrong?

Altitude and who knows what can make a difference in your rice being cooked the way you want it. I found this article at Pinch My Salt. Interesting and helpful!

4. Have you ever tried soaking your rice, Nourishing Traditions style?

No, and I don’t know why. I should add that to my list. Do you ever get tired of hearing me say that? Do you ever wonder what “my list” looks like?

I don’t think you really want to know. ;)