This Summer, I attempted to conquer my aversion to pie dough. Now that it's Fall, I'm contemplating facing another fear: homemade bread. Besides your simple banana bread loaf, I've never made homemade bread. For some reason, I'm afraid of yeast! I've always wanted to try the no-knead bread recipe but have yet to get around to it. How about you?
While in Seattle for a hot minute during Starbucks Coffee College, I stopped into The Crumpet Shop in Seattle's Pike Place Market, where I tried Marmite for the first time on top of a crumpet. Marmite, a savory spread made from yeast extract, is famous for its polarizing flavor; in fact, its marketing slogan is "Love it or hate it." Although I was told I'd have a strong reaction after trying the English export, I was left feeling surprisingly ambivalent. Marmite has an extremely concentrated umami flavor reminiscent of an ultra thick soy sauce, with the pronounced aftertaste of a really stinky cheese. I'm not particularly fond of the aftertaste, but otherwise find it pretty palatable. If you've tried it, what do you think of it?
I said it before, and I'll say it again. One can never have too much corned beef — especially if that corned beef is almost laughably easy to make in the slow cooker, and you can use the leftovers for craveworthy corned beef and fontina grilled cheeses. Yet as good as the corned beef is alone and in a toasted sandwich, I think I've found its best application yet: as the costar of corned-beef-and-cabbage pizza.
I began by making a basic pizza dough from scratch, then I loaded it with crisp slivers of potato, savory corned beef, sweet cabbage, and three types of cheese, for a sensory trip that was exotic, yet familiar at the same time. Trust me, this pizza wound up being my bona fide pot o' gold at the end of the corned beef rainbow! For the easy recipe, read more.
DrSugar is in the house, and she's answering your health-related questions.
Dear DrSugar,
I have been experiencing severe stomach pains for about four months, as well as other lesser symptoms like fatigue and skin breakouts. So far, my doctor is leaning toward the all-encompassing diagnosis of IBS, which obviously can only be "managed" (so far unsuccessfully) with lifestyle changes. I have tried eliminating gluten and dairy, which helped at first, but the pain has flared up again. Somebody at work suggested my problem might be candida. Is candida a "real" medical problem? And if so, are there diagnostic tests or medicinal treatments available? Any information about the causes, symptoms, and remedies for candida would be much appreciated. Thank you!
— Tender Tummy
To see DrSugar's response continue reading.
Ugh, a yeast infection has to be one of the worst things a woman has to deal with. If you've ever had one, you'll do anything to prevent it from happening again. Although a yeast infection vaccine is in the works, it's not yet available, so here are some ways to prevent this irritating problem before it starts.
Leavener
Leaveners (or leavening agents) are substances used to produce air bubbles that cause baked goods to rise. Baking powder, baking soda and yeast are the most common forms of leaveners.
If you've ever had a yeast infection then you know how horribly uncomfortable they are. Since warm weather sends us flocking to the beach or the pool, you should know that hanging out in your wet bathing suit could cause major problems "down south."
Here's the deal. Yeast are tiny organisms that naturally grow in your vagina (in small numbers), and the acidic environment there helps to keep the yeast from overpopulating. If your vagina becomes less acidic, the yeast can multiply and cause an itchy and burning yeast infection. Not fun. The precious acidic balance of your vagina can be changed when you have your period, if you go on or off birth control, or if you take certain medications like antibiotics.
However, excess moisture or irritation can also encourage yeast to grow. That's why it is so important NOT to hang out in a wet bathing suit. If you won't be drying off quickly in the sun, make sure to change into a pair of dry underwear soon after you're done swimming. A pair that has a cotton crotch is best.
Along the same lines, as soon as you're done exercising, get out of those sweaty clothes. Take a shower if you can, and be sure to wash your clothes after each use. To be extra careful, think about getting some wicking undies to wear while exercising.
Fit's Tips: If you suspect you have a yeast infection, you can test yourself using Fem-V, or call your gyno just to make sure. You don't want to use an OTC medicine like Monistat if you don't have a yeast infection.
Making your own pizza is one of the most satisfying things a person can do. A lot of time, effort, and love goes into a homemade pizza, and it tastes like nothing else.
Now I don't mean buying a ready-made crust like Boboli - I mean making the pizza dough. Once you know how, it's really quite easy, and healthier too. It'll take some time to let the dough rise, so that's why making pizza is great for the weekend.
Want to see my recipe for Homemade Pizza? Then read more
