Stretching hamburger
Rod
r.follmer@verizon.net
05/12/04 		Love the site Ellen! I am not a vegan by any stretch of the imagination, but I am organic and health concious. I grind my own hamburger for health/safety and budget reasons, and I was wondering what could be added to beef when grinding to stretch it, as well as add better/low fat protein. Also at what proportions? I am going to try your Un-Chuck, it sounds great!

Thanks in Advance
Rod

P.S. A great source for organic gardening info is www.DirtDoctor.com.

ellen

05/12/04 		Welcome and thanks. I grind or chop my beef, too. The unchuck makes a pretty good "grind with". I also vary my add-ins depending on what I am making. But one of my favorite basic "grind withs" is cooked barley. It has the right "chew", fair protein, soluble fiber and is very kind to blood sugar compared to other carbs. I freeze made up patties and meatballs from my mixes for the days I am too tired or busy to cope. Start with 1/4 add in, and work up depending on your budget and tolerance.

Buy your vital wheat gluten in bulk and check prices. It is under $2/pound at our least expensive bulk section, almost a dollar higher and often out at another.

Rod

05/12/04 		Thanks for the help Ellen. I will try it today. I will have to start looking for inexpensive places around DFW for these products.

BTW, I found another recipe for Honey Maple Nut cereal. Maybe I will have the kids try it tonight.

http://www.gentlespirit.com/gs6n01/v6n01f.htm, about halfway down the page.