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Hi, Let's talk for a few about fresh baking. If you love to cook and/or bake then you realize the freshness of the ingredients is the key. When cooking I tend to use fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme. I even have a little herb garden in my kitchen window. It is alot of fun and convenient too! Now when it comes to baking desserts I go for organic ingredients. Instead of using sugar, I opt for the sugar that hasn't been processed into white powder, I love sugar in the raw. There are a couple of varities out there and they are labled what their use is for (i.e baking). I have also stumbled upon a little secret. I use coconut oil for everything. It is a little expensive but very healthy. Google it.....you will see. As an avid olive oil user for years, I have now made the switch. When I use it for a salad I will scoop some into a microwavable ramakin and in 30 seconds it is melted. It is excellent in brownies and cakes also. Just remember to melt it first. Coconut oil has is virtually no taste, nope thats right no coconut taste. That is what makes it so appealing, well except the fact that it's one of the heathiest oils out there.

Ok, so we want to keep items at their freshest, I would put everything in tight lid containers and stored in a dark area (cupboards) not kitchen counters. I would say if your flour has sat for 6 months then it is time to replenish with new. Again, we are talking fresh baking so we don't want ingredients that have been sitting in the back of the cupboard for a year. Be sure to check your expiration dates on your bottled herbs. Remember the longer they sit they loose that pungency.

Let's talk a second on fruits and veggies. Use fruits that are ripe. Bananas are one of those fruits that if they sit too long and turn yuky and brown on the outside, they can be used making banana muffins, banana bread or even banana pancakes. Use your imagination.......Now when it comes to veggies, I always say the same ole' thing....fresh fresh fresh. Now with that said let me also say that when I am in a pinch or fresh isn't available I will choose frozen. Frozen is the next best thing. I never eat canned veggies. Never have, never will.....If you have a farmers market in your area, check it out if you haven't done so already. It can be a great way to get fresh veggies and usually at a great cost.