I weigh more now than I ever have in my life. That's about to change. My doctor told me to reduce my starch intake as it is converted to sugar by the body.
I had already given up all refined sugar (haven't had any in the house for two years), and now I hear this. I guess when I was eating a whole pan of biscuits, it was the equivalent of eating a cup or two of sugar.
So, I stopped making biscuits. I've even eaten biscuits with apples, that's just how much I like them (especially if I made them). Now, I feel thoroughly deprived and a thought comes to mind. Many times I read articles about dieting for weight loss and they say it's best to treat yourself once in a while. And I will.
I plan to make a pan of biscuits once a week. And if I exercise more to compensate, all should be well. The scales will tell the story.
For a long time now, I have concentrated on finding ways to make biscuits as quickly and as efficiently (less mess) as possible. My 'mix' of flour, salt, baking soda, and shortening (cut in finely) is kept in a canister in the freezer.
When I make biscuits, I just take out a cup of mix, put it into a bowl, add buttermilk, stir just til everything is blended, form my biscuits with my hand and put them into a ready pan, and bake. (Around 5 min. prep time).
We all know buttermilk will keep longer than whole. And if you buy it, you know it costs a lot more, too. If I make biscuits just once a week, the milk might go bad before I use it all. And I'm a little tired of my late night snack of cornbread and buttermilk.
I have used powdered buttermilk. It is rather expensive. And as for taste, it ain't worth a fiddlers farthing. An idea came to mind and I think I'm on the right track.
I put a large dinner plate in the refrigerator and poured a quarter inch (1/2 cup?) buttermilk into it. It took several days, but the buttermilk did dry and turned into flakes. Perfect for adding to my freezer mix. That would leave only water to be added when making a pan of bread. Yeah!
Now, as good as this works, I don't like the time it takes nor the space it takes in the fridge. Here's my question everyone was wondering if I'd ever get around to (grammar, Doug).
To those of you who have knowledge of dehydrators use: Have you ever heard of, or do you think it would be practical, to dehydrate liquids, particularly buttermilk in them. If you say yes, I'll get one. They don't cost much. And if it's not a good idea, maybe you have a better way than using a fridge.
Thanks a bunch.
I just heard one of you say, 'Why don't you just use Bisquik instead of going to all that trouble'. My answer is: I have used Bisquik and it does make a fair/good biscuit, but they're not half as good as mine.
As Granny Rollins would say if she tasted a Bisquik biscuit, 'Why, thay hain't got no lard in 'em!
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First, biscuits and apples sound divine! I never tried it and now I want to. Do you make the apples like you would for pie?
Second, weight loss is challenging, so I feel your pain. I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I hope your doctor is working with you to find the best program that will not make you feel deprived. Deprivation is the bane of every weight loss program.
As for your question, I would be one to do the math to figure out the prices of the dehydrator (you would just need a basic one) and the milk vs. the powered buttermilk you can buy on Amazon (or in some better grocery stores). I would think in the long run the dehydrator would pay for itself after a short while, but I would want to factor in electricity, time, and storage containers.
If you think you will get tired of the process (I get that way), then simplicity says buy it powered and bake on! Then there is no storage of a bulky dehydrator in your future. Of course, if you are like me, you could sell it at the flea or yard sale and recoup a few dollars.
Post back what you decide. Sending blessings and all good wishes!
PS...if you think you would like other dehydrated products, like fruits, and meats, that would help with your diet, you would need to add that in to your ciphering.
Apple question. No. I meant a bite of apple with a bite of biscuit. But sometimes if on sale, I get Stouffers frozen harvest apples, cook them a few minutes in a saucepan with a pat of butter, a tiny pinch of allspice and a heaping tablespoon of brown sugar. I eat them hot over a fresh open face biscuit. To me, better than apple pie.
I haven't decided on a dehydrator just yet. Maybe somebody else will chime in with some more info. I do know I wont be using powdered buttermilk. It costs too much to taste no better than it does, plus it takes a lot to simulate buttermilk.
If I do get the dehydrator, I can use it for fruits, too. Something I've been wanting to do.
I would just buy dehydrated buttermilk, if you have no intention of dehydrating anything else.
I got a dehydrator used. It took a long time to dehydrate, and we have an all-electric home. I gave it away.
I've never tried to do anything that liquidy in my dehydrator but the internet seems to think it will work. If your oven can be set to a very low temperature (135 degrees F), you could try doing in there.
Dehydrators are often available for checkout at local libraries. You might check to see if your library offers this. I've seen other kitchen appliances for check out, like an air fryer or pressure cooker for canning.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
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