Beware of Castoreum

Yesterday while watching The Dr. Oz Show I was surprised to learn some very disturbing information from the segment "What's Hidden In Your Food?"  Guest Bruce Bradley revealed hidden ingredients that could be in our foods unbeknownst to us but allowed by the FDA. Bruce exposed that the FDA allows up to 20 maggots in a 3.5 oz of canned mushroom, fruit flies can be cooked into your tomato sauce, and raspberry-flavored hard candy contains castoreum which is juice from the anal glands of beavers.  Yes, you read that correctly.

The FDA allows this because by definition these are natural ingredients.

The term "natural" applies broadly to foods that are minimally processed and free of synthetic preservatives; artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors and other artificial additives; growth hormones; antibiotics; hydrogenated oils; stabilizers; and emulsifiers. Most foods labeled natural are not subject to government controls beyond the regulations and heath codes that apply to all foods.  http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/06p0094/06p-0094-cp00001-05-Tab-04-Food-Marketing-Institute-vol1.pdf

Obviously, the FDA and I have different definitions of the word natural when it comes to food.  My point of view is just because an ingredient is not processed doesn't necessarily mean it's a natural food.

I can almost understand why there are maggots and fruit flies with the mushrooms and tomatoes because bugs  live in the garden.  I'm just wondering what genius said, "By jove! I got a great idea! Let's take the juice from the anal glands of beavers and put it in candy to enhance the flavor."

I got a better idea - how about actually putting raspberry in raspberry candy to enhance the flavor?
I also want to know where the manufacturers are getting the anal juice now that skinning beavers isn't common practice.

Yummy!  Contains natural ingredients from beaver anal glands.

Leftover Peeps

Peeps...they're not just for eating anymore.  These colorful, animal-shaped marshmallows have become an endearing craft embellishment. Crafters are using Peeps in creative ways that I would have never thought of myself.  They are using them in wreaths, in flower arrangements, and making awesome dioramas in very hilarious settings.  But I do not have the time or patience to do any of those crafts.

There's only one thing my son and I like to do with Peeps.

BLOW them up in the microwave!  
This activity take less than 1 minute in the microwave and it's also healthier to nuke the Peeps in the microwave rather than eating them. The pictures do not do this justice. It really is fun and the kids get a good kick out of seeing the Peeps blow up to 4 times their original size.  FYI the snowman Peeps get really big.

Chick Peeps

Pumpkin Peeps

 

 

More Chick Peeps

Snowman Peeps

Other ideas for Peeps

 

   

http://www.facebook.com/gatewaypeople

These ads are on my church's facebook page and in our local newspaper.

I had to show this pic because I'm a nerd and it cracks me up.  

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Gooey Rice Krispies Treats

I love it when Homer Simpson finds goo and says, "Mmmm....free goo."

For the last few weeks the topic of conversation with my youngest son has been the STAAR test (public school state test).  We've been stressing how important it is for him to pay attention and stop daydreaming.
In order to help with his ADHD I banned junk food and foods with red, blue and yellow dyes and made sure he was taking his fish oils.  It was hard.
Now that 2 of the 4 tests are over I  decided to make a treat for my boys.  Something quick and easy that they both liked.  Gooey Rice Krispies Treats.  My son always asks "Are you going to put the extra marshmallows in?"  Why YES of course, dearie.

For the most part I follow the regular recipe except I add an extra tablespoon of butter and add extra marshmallows at the end.

GOOEY RICE KRISPIES TREATS

4 Tablespoons of Butter (NEVER margarine)

1 Package 10 oz marshmallows or 4 cups AND an extra 1-3 cups marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add 4 cups or 10 oz marshmallows and stir until completely melted.  Remove from heat. Mix in cereal. Stir until well coated.  Add 1 to 3 cups marshmallows and stir again.  Spread the mixture using a buttered spatula or waxed paper evenly into a 13x9x2 inch pan coated with cooking spray or butter. Allow to cool 10 minutes before cutting the squares.

I normally add more marshmallows that this but this is all I had.  The amount of extra marshmallows you put in is entirely up to personal taste.

Yummy, gooey.