Bob’s Red Mill

It’s always a good sign when I want to take a photograph of something, even if it is only my breakfast, and even better when I want to write about it. Still fighting some persistent flu or virus, I have been using all my energy these last 6 days to keep up with my workload. Creativity on my own behalf has hardly been an issue. Most days, just getting up and moving has been my primary focus. I’m sure you’ve been there.

But this morning I planned on making a hot breakfast and including the most luscious organic strawberries folded in and on top. What you see is a delicious brown rice farina. Yum! I’m not a shill for Bob’s Red Mill, really I’m not, but I do love many of their products, all of which are whole grain. If not organic, they are all non-GMO, and knowing my food is safe and not gene-spliced makes me a happy camper. As for the yes, pricey, organic strawberries, I look at it this way. Although I am all for cooking with produce in season, I’ve come to the conclusion that, as is often true in life, exceptions can be made. On the plus side, berries are phenomenally rich in anti-oxidants. I recently read about a study where women who faithfully ate strawberries 2 times a week actually reduced their risk of cancer. (Blueberries are another powerful anti-oxidant fruit.) The other plus is that because mainstream strawberries are the most heavily pesticide-sprayed fruit in existence, buying organic also buys me peace of mind.

Now before I sign off, take a look at that bowl. It was given to me as a gift by a friend about 14 years ago and is my favorite bowl for hot cereal all fall and winter. It’s the perfect size, has a handle, but most importantly, features the artwork of the so very talented wildlife artist, Marjolein Bastin. I know for some time she had an arrangement with Hallmark, and it was fairly easy to find her wonderful work, now a little harder. I’ve bought her calendars in the past, from which I’ve plucked a print to mat and frame in my kitchen. Her work is so lovely, why not toddle over and take a look? Bastin is a modern day artist whose work is something to emulate.

And so I’ve mused. Isn’t it wonderful how some of the simplest things in life can brighten our day? Good food, friends, inspiring art … it needn’t take much to bring us a bit of happiness and gratitude. Thanks for stopping by and sharing breakfast with me, and may your day be warm and bright!

In my search for healthier, lower fat/cholesterol, non-animal based and still tasty food, I continue to come across new items which have proven quite good. For those of you who also want to eat healthier, I’m sharing some great finds.

Vegenaise – giving up mayonnaise is pretty difficult. It makes something as simple as a fresh tomato sandwich sing. I was very happy to find that Vegenaise from Follow Your Heart was, as the label states, “better than mayonnaise.” I say this as someone who had been consuming the number one brand all my life, although for years, I had been buying the “light” version. Well, Vegenaise actually does taste better than “Number One”, in my opinion, and without the suffering of egg-laying chickens and without the animal-based fat, (a major source of cholesterol.) This product is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO. Coming from a smaller manufacturer, it is pricier than standard mayo for the cost-conscious. Follow Your Heart also has a line of salad dressings and cheeses that are not animal-derived.

Better than Bouillon is an organic vegan base to use in soups and stews, which is offered in a variety of flavors. It was called for in a recent recipe I made, and worked perfectly. I just whisked the base up with the stated amount of water and voila! Delicious. It’s manufacturer, Superior Touch, also makes a variety of other soup and gravy bases, many organic, both vegan and vegetarian options.

Bob’s Red Mill makes a host of grain products, all non-GMO, and many organic. I’ve purchased flour and rolled oats from them before, but recently tried their granola – very good – and their Organic High Fiber Cereal. This is a vegan hot cereal made with a blend of stone ground oatmeal, nutrient rich flaxseed, wheat germ, high fiber oat bran, and wheat bran. There are plenty of vitamins, minerals, fiber and 1000 mg. of Omega-3! Check out the Bob’s Red Mill website for all products, including gluten-free.

And last but not least … a snack …. from Food Should Taste Good. I agree! My local supermarket is now carrying a variety of these non-GMO, mostly vegan, some organic, snacks – crackers, kettle-cooked chips, and tortilla chips. I bought the lime tortilla chips, and they are truly tasty and not too heavy on the lime. FSTG has a great line of products in a nice variety of flavors.

So there you have it – some delicious, wholesome, non-animal derived foods to try out. Enjoy!

* Post updated: 8/7/2026