Rolled Oats vs Quick Oats

The Question: I have a recipe that calls for rolled oats. Can I use quick oats instead? And, what's the difference anyway?

The Answer: It is possible to substitute quick oats for rolled oats. In baked goods, this substitution seems to work fine, and doesn't sacrifice much. However, rolled oats have a slightly more nutty and complex flavor, and a chewier texture than quick oats.

Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are oat groats (a part of the plant) that are steamed and flaked. They are treated in order to reduce the overall cooking time. Quick oats, are further cooked and flaked to reduce cooking time even more. This process also slightly reduces the nutrient value, the taste, and the texture of the quick oats, when compared to rolled oats.

Oats on a whole are very good for you! They are powerful cholesterol reducers and pack a bunch of healthy fiber.

Decaf Coffee

The Question: Why is my decaf coffee so bitter?

The Answer: Ok, so I always thought this was the case too...decaf coffee couldn't possibly taste as good as the decaffeinated stuff, right? And, it just has to be more bitter...right? Actually, I was as surprised as the asker to learn that this doesn't have to be the case! In fact, often times decaf coffee should be milder and less bitter than it's caffeinated counterpart!

After doing some research on the subject, caffeine is what often lends the bitter flavor to coffee, so theoretically, removing the caffeine should result in a less-bitter taste!

There are 2 main methods of removing caffeine from coffee beans. The first is the "organic" method, and this involves soaking the un-roasted/raw beans in very hot water. This leaches out almost all of the caffeine, and should preserve the coffee's robust flavors. This method should result in a rich tasting coffee that is a bit less bitter than the caffeinated cousin.

The second method of removing the caffeine consists of using a chemical solvent. This method most certainly affects the taste, and depending on the chemicals involved can lead to the bitter coffee that was asked about.

To find the best decaf beans, try high-end coffee establishments that roast their beans on site, and stick to organic coffee beans. This should pretty much ensure that the coffee beans are being treated without chemicals and thus the taste should remain intact! Good luck, and good coffee hunting:)

Apples!

First of all, let me start this post by apologizing for my absence these last few weeks...the questions have been slowly trickling in, but life has been keeping me too busy to have enough time to sit down and answer them! I will try to do a better job.


The Question: How long can apples keep? Is is best to store them in the refrigerator?

The Answer: It is definitely apple season, so I hope everyone is out picking at their local orchards. This is a great way to get a lot of apples and have some fun doing it! Plus, then you have an instant excuse for apple pie...

Apples can be stored for up to a few weeks. They are best kept in a cool, dry, and dark environment. They will stay if left out on a counter, placed in a paper bag and kept away from a window or a heating source. However, there is no harm in storing your apples in the fridge. Refrigeration certainly extends the shelf life of apples, and doesn't harm the taste, as it can with some other fruits. The major limiting factor on storage will be space of course...with the 15+ lbs of apples I acquired on my last picking adventure, there's definitely no room in my fridge!