Wildgrain Blog
What’s Better for You: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies or Chocolate Chip Cookies?
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Most everyone loves the sometimes crunchy, often chewy treat known as the cookie. Everyone has a favorite, be it the classic chocolate chip or the less loved (but still delicious) oatmeal raisin. Just like other sweet treats, cookies are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. What’s in an oatmeal raisin cookie? What are the advantages and disadvantages of oatmeal raisin cookies? Like most cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies are made with flour, butter, baking soda, and eggs. However, oatmeal raisin cookies also contain oats and raisins, as the name implies. The oats in oatmeal raisin cookies are whole grains that provide complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Both of these categories of carbohydrates provide long-lasting energy and keep you full for long periods of time. Additionally, raisins are a good source of fiber and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals play a role in strengthening our immune systems. However, these ingredients are not present in high enough amounts in an oatmeal raisin cookie to make much of a difference. That said, oatmeal raisin cookies are a healthier choice than other types but sugar and butter are ingredients in general that should be eaten in moderation. Is an oatmeal raisin cookie healthier than a chocolate chip cookie? Oatmeal raisin cookies are a healthier choice in comparison to chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate chip cookies have less protein and fiber, and more fat, than oatmeal raisin cookies. Although both types of cookies should be enjoyed in moderation, oatmeal raisin cookies do provide more health benefits than chocolate chip cookies. Are oatmeal raisin cookies a healthy snack? Oatmeal raisin cookies are a healthier snack choice than other cookies because they contain whole grain oats and raisins. Both whole grain oats and raisins are a good source of fiber. The presence of whole grain oats will also help you stay fuller longer. That said, oatmeal raisin cookies are still cookies with higher butter and sugar content than other snacks, so they should only be considered a healthy snack in moderation. Are oatmeal raisin cookies good for weight loss? The oats in oatmeal raisin cookies are whole grains that provide complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Both of these categories of carbohydrates provide long-lasting energy keeping you full for long periods of time. Feeling fuller for longer is an important part of losing weight. Additionally, fiber may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease, and fiber is also important for proper bowel function. That said, oatmeal raisin cookies are still cookies with butter and sugar, which contribute to weight gain, so they should be eaten in moderation. Do oatmeal raisin cookies raise blood sugar? Oatmeal raisin cookies are still sweets, so they will still have an effect on blood sugar. However, due to the added fiber, oatmeal raisin cookies have a lower glycemic index than other cookies. For those with diabetes, whole grains are more optimal for controlling blood sugars. High-glycemic index (GI) foods lead to rapid blood sugar spikes, whereas low-GI foods, such as oatmeal raisin cookies, absorb more slowly and prevent blood sugar spikes. Are oatmeal raisin cookies good for diabetics? Oatmeal raisin cookies contain whole grain oats with complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. These carbohydrates provide long-lasting energy keeping you full for long periods of time. This slow-burning type of energy in oatmeal raisin cookies prevents spikes in blood sugar which is important for diabetics. Where can I buy oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate chip cookies online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, baked goods, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular cookies include oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate chunk cookies. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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What’s Better: Biscuit vs. Scone vs. English Muffins vs. Cookies
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. When the word biscuit is brought up, most people think about Southern food and cooking. Light and fluffy biscuits, smothered in butter, usually come as a side dish and are served with a variety of things from sausage gravy to homemade jam. However, biscuits like we eat today in the U.S. evolved from a hard, thin, and durable version without fat or leavening agent and were meant to be used as rations. Read on to learn more about biscuits! What is a biscuit? What are biscuits made of? A biscuit in the United States is a small type of bread made of flour, salt, and butter or a type of solid shortening. Baking powder is used as the leavening agent eliminating the need to wait for biscuits to rise (such as with bread when yeast is used). The biscuit dough is briefly kneaded and rolled out, and a round or square cutter is often used. Can biscuits be healthy? Though biscuits are not particularly healthy, biscuits can fit into a healthy diet in moderation. One of the main health issues with biscuits is the high level of butter and therefore saturated fat. Saturated fats should be limited to 5% to 6% of daily caloric intake, according to the American Heart Association. To make a healthier biscuit, try substituting butter with plant-based butter to decrease the amount of saturated fats in the recipe. Plant-based butters also contain higher levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can lower risk of heart disease and stroke when eaten in moderation. Is biscuit the same as scone? Is a scone a biscuit or muffin? A biscuit is not exactly the same as a scone, although both biscuits and scones use baking powder as a leavening agent instead of yeast. However, scones are made with cream and eggs, whereas biscuits do not contain eggs. Scones are often sweetened slightly, and glazed with an egg wash or frosting, and biscuits are traditionally not sweet (although they can be). A biscuit is also not the same as a muffin. Muffins are more similar to cake than scones or biscuits. Each of the three should be considered their own unique category of treat. Is a British biscuit a cookie or a cracker? A British biscuit is what Americans know as a cookie or a cracker. In the United Kingdom, the word biscuit refers to any hard, thin, bread-like product. A distinguishing factor between an American cookie and a British biscuit is that a British biscuit must always have a “snap” because it is crispy. In the UK, if a biscuit does not snap, or is soft, it is considered to have gone bad. What’s the difference between biscuit vs. cookie vs. English muffins vs. scone? Cookies are heavier in texture than biscuits, and cookies are often loaded with additional ingredients such as nuts, chocolate, oats, or raisins. Additionally, cookies have a much higher sugar content than biscuits, making cookies crispier and chewier than biscuits. English muffins are typically made with bread flour, referred to as “strong flour” in the UK. Bread flour has a high protein and gluten content, allowing for a soft, chewy texture that is essential for English muffins. The open structure present in English muffins distinguishes them from biscuits. Though both scones and biscuits use baking powder as a leavening agent, a scone is not the same as a biscuit. Biscuits do not contain any eggs, while scones are made with eggs and cream. Though biscuits are not typically sweet, scones are sweetened and often glazed with frosting or an egg wash. Which is healthier: biscuit or scone? Biscuits are often slightly healthier than scones because they use less butter and sugar than scones. Both biscuits and scones contain flour, fat, dairy, and baking powder. Both of these treats fit into a healthy diet in moderation. Which is healthier: biscuit or English muffins? Compared to biscuits, English muffins have more health benefits.The higher protein content of bread flour that is used in English muffins is an easy way to sneak extra protein into your diet. Compared to all purpose flour, bread flour has around three more grams of protein per cup. Where can I buy biscuits, scones, English muffins, or cookies? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular baked goods include English muffins, sweet biscuits (raspberry lemon, orange cranberry, and blueberry), savory biscuits, and chocolate chunk cookies. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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What’s the difference between Belgian waffles and regular waffles?
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Waffles come in all types of shapes, sizes, textures, and thickness. If you are a waffle lover, you have probably heard of Belgian waffles. But what is a Belgian waffle and how is it different from the regular waffle we all know? What makes a Belgian waffle so unique? What is a Belgian waffle? A Belgian waffle is similar to the regular waffles we are used to eating in the U.S. in that both types of waffles are made by pouring batter into a hot waffle iron, making unique pockets that soak up butter and syrup. However, Belgian waffles are heavier and thicker than a regular waffle. The recipe for Belgian waffles also contains yeast and egg whites, which gives them a fluffy texture on the inside and crispy texture on the outside. Are Belgian waffles healthy? It is important to remember that defining food in terms of absolutes such as “healthy” and “unhealthy” should be avoided, as it adds morality to food. Belgian waffles are a food that you may choose to enjoy on occasion, instead of every day, since they have a high carb and fat content. Belgian waffles are delicious and by no means should be avoided, just eaten in moderation. What’s the difference between a regular waffle vs. a Belgian waffle? Are Belgian waffles better than regular waffles? One of the main differences between a regular waffle versus a Belgian waffle is that a regular waffle usually has a denser texture (more similar to cake) than Belgian waffles. Regular waffles are also often made with buttermilk, which gives them a richer, denser texture than Belgian waffles, which are light and airy. Additionally, regular waffles are made in a smaller waffle iron than Belgian waffles; this means their pockets are not as thick and they are thinner (and therefore cook faster). Can you make Belgian waffles in a regular waffle maker? No, you cannot make Belgian waffles in a regular waffle maker. It is necessary to have a special Belgian-style waffle iron to make authentic Belgian waffles. These Belgian waffle irons have a deeper grid pattern than a regular waffle maker. In a regular waffle maker, the batter is poured in and the hinged lid is closed. However, in a Belgian waffle maker, the batter is poured in, the lid is closed, and the waffle maker is flipped over so the waffle can cook. For these reasons, a Belgian-style waffle maker is needed to make Belgian waffles. Is Belgian waffle mix the same as waffle mix? The ingredients for both regular waffles and Belgian waffles are similar and include flour, milk, eggs, and butter or oil. However, Belgian waffles use egg whites to give a fluffier texture. Additionally, Belgian waffles have yeast in their recipe while regular waffles use baking powder. Another difference between Belgian waffle mix and regular waffle mix is that regular waffles are often made with buttermilk and Belgian waffles are not. Belgian waffles also have more sugar in their batter than regular waffles (almost twice as much!), which makes them sweeter. What’s the difference between a Belgian waffle vs. pancake? Is Belgian waffle batter the same as pancake batter? Belgian waffles and pancakes are made with mostly the same ingredients including flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. However, Belgian waffles use yeast and egg whites in the recipe, whereas pancakes use baking powder. Additionally, similar to the difference between Belgian waffles and regular waffles, Belgian waffles have more sugar in their recipe than pancakes. Besides the ingredients, the main difference between Belgian waffles and pancakes is in the cooking method. Belgian waffles are made in a special waffle iron that creates a fluffy interior and crunchy exterior, with deep pockets to soak up butter and syrup. On the other hand, pancakes are poured into a pan or onto a griddle. Once bubbles pop up, they are flipped to cook the other side. Where can I buy Belgian waffles online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breakfast items include artisanal Belgian waffles, English muffins and slow fermented bagels. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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What’s Better: Croissant vs. Bagel vs. Donut vs. Muffin?
By Rikki Hoffman, RDN, CDN Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Croissants, bagels, donuts, and muffins are popular and delicious breakfast options. When picking one of these items, it’s important to know what makes one option healthier - or less healthy - than the others. In this article, we compare the relative nutritional elements of croissants, bagels, donuts, and muffins. What is a croissant? What are croissants made of? Croissants are French pastries, made with yeast, flour, salt, sugar, milk, water, eggs, and a lot of butter. Croissants get their signature airy and flaky texture through a process called laminating, in which the dough is folded into butter many times before being cut and shaped. Is a croissant just bread? Are croissants bread or pastry? While bread and pastries contain many of the same core ingredients, such as flour and yeast, the fat content is what distinguishes bread from pastry. Bread dough tends to contain less oil, shortening, or butter, and therefore has a lower fat content. The dough used to make pastries usually contains much more butter, shortening, or oil, and has a higher fat content as a result. Because of this distinction, a croissant is not just bread. A croissant is considered a pastry. What’s the difference between croissant vs. bagel vs. donut vs. muffin? There are several differences between croissants, bagels, donuts, and muffins. Technically, bagels and muffins are considered types of bread. Bagels are a type of bread that are boiled before being baked, which creates the distinct bagel texture. Muffins are what is called a “quick bread,” meaning that muffin batter contains baking soda or baking powder as opposed to yeast, and doesn’t need a separate rise time. Muffin recipes vary greatly, so fat and sugar content depend on the type of muffin. Croissants and donuts, on the other hand, are considered pastries, which means that although croissants and donuts are made with yeast (like bread), they have a higher fat content and usually sugar content, as well. Both bagels and muffins can be made with whole grains, providing additional nutritional value. Croissants and donuts are most often made with refined white flour, which is less packed with nutrients than whole grains. Donuts are also fried in additional fat, adding to the total fat content. Which is healthier: bagel or croissant? In general, bagels are healthier than croissants. Compared ounce to ounce, butter croissants have less carbohydrates than a plain bagel, but more calories, more fat (much of which is saturated fat), slightly less protein, and similar amounts of fiber. If the bagel is made with whole grains, it will have even more fiber and protein compared to the croissant. Which is healthier: croissant or donut? Croissants and donuts are both tasty treat options, but neither would be considered “healthy.” They both contain large amounts of sugar and fat or saturated fat. Comparing a butter croissant to a glazed donut ounce-to-ounce, calories, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat are about the same. Croissants may have slightly more protein, but also contain more saturated fat than donuts. Which is healthier: croissant or muffin? The answer to which is healthier will depend on the type of muffin. Muffins vary greatly in flavor and nutrient composition. When comparing one ounce of a butter croissant to one ounce of a commercially-prepared blueberry muffin, both contain similar amounts of calories, total fat, carbohydrates, and fiber. The croissant contains slightly more protein but also more saturated fat. So neither one is significantly more or less healthy than the other. A whole grain muffin, on the other hand, such as bran muffin or a corn muffin containing oat bran or cornmeal, would likely contain more protein and fiber and would therefore be healthier than a croissant. What’s worse for you: bagel or donut? While bagels and donuts are shaped similarly and are both made from dough with yeast, their nutritional compositions are very different. Donuts contain a lot more sugar and fat than bagels, and bagels contain more protein and sometimes more fiber than donuts. Donuts are usually made with a white flour, while bagels can be made using whole grain flours, which would provide even more protein and fiber. Because of this, bagels are the healthier choice between the two. (Bonus points if you choose a whole wheat bagel!) Where can I buy croissants, bagels, donuts, or muffins? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular baked goods include croissants and bagels. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Rikki Hoffman, RDN, CDN has been a registered dietitian for ten years, working primarily with patients who have kidney disease. She also has a private practice which focuses on helping clients achieve lifestyle and weight loss goals. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Dietetics from Rutgers University and did her Dietetic Internship at Montclair State University. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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All About Rolls: Brioche Rolls vs. Regular Rolls vs. Sourdough Rolls
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Rolls are a small, often round, serving of bread that has a diverse array of uses. Rolls can be eaten plain, serve as an accompaniment to a meal, or cut in half and filled with whatever one pleases. There are many different types of rolls, some sweet, some savory, but each delicious in their own way. What are brioche rolls? What is a brioche roll made of? Brioche rolls are rolls made from a brioche bread dough, which is a rich dough made with yeast, flour, butter, and eggs. Although it has the same ingredients as regular buns, you need more eggs and butter to make brioche.To be characterized as brioche, a recipe typically contains 30% to 50% butter to total flour weight. In fact, brioche rolls are more similar to a croissant than to regular bread in terms of texture and structure. In order to make the perfect brioche rolls, the butter must be incorporated very slowly into the dough (mixing in the butter should take around 5 to 10 minutes). Brioche is time-consuming to make, but forming the dough into smaller rolls instead of a loaf will cut down on the time it will take. What’s the difference between a brioche roll and a regular roll? Are brioche rolls healthy? Brioche rolls and regular rolls are different in that brioche rolls require more eggs and butter in their recipe than regular rolls. Although both brioche rolls and regular rolls contain eggs and butter, the fact that brioche rolls contain more of these ingredients means that these rolls are higher in fat content. Brioche rolls should be enjoyed in moderation due to the higher fat content, because this fat content comes mostly from saturated fats. Saturated fats should be limited to 5% to 6% of daily caloric intake, according to the American Heart Association. What’s the difference between a brioche roll and an English muffin? English muffins and brioche rolls are similar in that they do include butter, but English muffins do not include eggs. Unlike brioche rolls, English muffins should not be intensely mixed because this would lead to a tight structure. Instead, the dough of English muffins should only be lightly mixed and handled prior to baking so that the English muffins have a more open structure, referred to as “nooks and crannies,” which soak up butter and other delicious spreads. What are sourdough rolls? Sourdough rolls are made from a “starter”, which contains fermented flour and water in place of yeast in the dough. The wild yeast and bacteria in the starter allows the bread to rise and creates the tangy flavor and chewy texture that sourdough is known for. Sourdough rolls also sometimes contain butter and milk, but do not contain eggs, which can make them more similar to English muffins than brioche. What’s the difference between brioche rolls and sourdough rolls? The main difference between brioche rolls and sourdough rolls is in a few key ingredients: butter and eggs. Brioche rolls contain lots of butter, whereas sourdough rolls often do not contain any butter (for instance, at Wildgrain we do not use any butter or milk in our sourdough rolls). Additionally, sourdough rolls do not contain eggs, unlike brioche rolls which do contain eggs. What are the healthiest bread rolls? Although all types of bread rolls have a role in our diet in moderation, sourdough bread rolls contain certain health benefits that other types of bread rolls do not. The fermented starter that sourdough originates from is beneficial for gut health. In addition, sourdough rolls contain less, or in some cases no, butter and saturated fats compared to other rolls like brioche rolls. As a result, sourdough rolls can be considered among the healthiest bread rolls. Where can I buy bread rolls, like sourdough rolls and brioche rolls, online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular bread rolls include sourdough rolls and brioche rolls. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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What’s Better: Sticky Bun vs. Cinnamon Rolls vs. Cinnamon Buns
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. People across the world love desserts that contain cinnamon, such as cinnamon buns, cinnamon rolls, and sticky buns. When sticky buns or cinnamon rolls are on the breakfast table, it may be hard to tell them apart, because you’re likely distracted by their delicious smell wafting up. Ever wonder what the difference is between the sticky buns and cinnamon rolls? Let’s find out! What is a sticky bun? Where do sticky buns originate from? Sticky buns (also referred to as honey buns or caramel buns) originated in Germany. Sticky buns were introduced to Americans by the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers as a sweet breakfast bread filled with brown sugar, nuts, and sometimes cinnamon. Sticky buns are made by first pouring a glaze into a baking dish and then placing the buns on top of the glaze. Once baked, the pan is inverted and the gooey delicious glaze is now on top of the sticky buns. What is a cinnamon roll? What is the inside of a cinnamon roll made of? Cinnamon rolls (also referred to as cinnamon buns and cinnamon swirls) are believed to have originated in Sweden and then made their way to the United States. To make cinnamon rolls, a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and butter is spread onto a flat sheet of sweet dough. The dough is then rolled up, making the classic cinnamon roll shape. The inside of a cinnamon roll is made of that mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and butter. After baking, cinnamon rolls are typically finished with a sweet glaze. Can cinnamon rolls be healthy? Though cinnamon rolls are not particularly healthy desserts, cinnamon rolls can be a sweet treat as part of a healthy diet. One of the main health issues with cinnamon rolls is the high level of butter and therefore saturated fat. Saturated fats should be limited to 5% to 6% of daily caloric intake, according to the American Heart Association. To make a healthier cinnamon roll, try substituting butter with plant-based butter to decrease the amount of saturated fats in the recipe. Plant-based butters also contain higher levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. which can lower risk of heart disease and stroke when eaten in moderation. Is a sticky bun the same as a cinnamon roll? What’s the difference between cinnamon rolls vs. sticky buns? A sticky bun and a cinnamon roll are not the same. First, the baking methods for sticky buns and cinnamon rolls are different. The dough used to bake sticky buns is filled with a mixture of butter and brown sugar, and then placed in a pan on top of a layer of a glaze and nuts. Once baked, the pan is inverted so the sticky glaze and nuts are on top of the sticky buns. In contrast, the glaze on cinnamon rolls is added only after the rolls are fully baked. In addition, two main ingredients are different between sticky buns and cinnamon rolls: nuts and cinnamon. Sticky buns traditionally include a nut topping, and cinnamon rolls do not have nuts. Though sticky buns may contain cinnamon, they do not always contain the spice, whereas cinnamon rolls always contain cinnamon (as the name implies). As a result, sticky buns have a more nutty and toffee-like taste compared to cinnamon rolls, which are more sugar-and-spice forward. What is the difference between cinnamon buns vs. cinnamon rolls vs. cinnamon swirls? Although cinnamon buns, rolls, and swirls all have very distinct names, there is no difference between cinnamon buns, cinnamon rolls, and cinnamon swirls. These three names are all used interchangeably referring to what we have described as cinnamon rolls in this article. Choose your favorite name, either way, it will be referring to a delicious treat! Where can I buy sticky buns or cinnamon rolls online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular baked goods include pecan sticky buns and cinnamon rolls. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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Tonnarelli vs. Fettuccine vs. Linguine Tortellini vs. Spaghetti
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Pasta comes in many forms and each pasta type is unique, varying in terms of width, length, and texture. Let’s learn about several classic pasta types, including tonnarelli, fettuccine, tortellini, and spaghetti. What is tonnarelli pasta? How is tonnarelli pasta made? Tonnarelli pasta is a long noodle similar to the classic spaghetti noodle. Traditionally, tonnarelli is made by a tool called a La Chitarra (which means guitar in Italian); it’s made from strings stretched across a wooden frame. A sheet of pasta is placed on top of the strings and a pin is then rolled over the pasta, creating the thin, long tonnarelli noodles with a square cross section. What popular dish can you make with tonnarelli pasta? Cacio e pepe, meaning “cheese and pepper,” is one of the most famous dishes in Roman culture. Traditionally, cacio e pepe involves just three ingredients: peppercorns, Pecorino Romano cheese, and tonnarelli. The thicker width and square shape of tonnarelli makes it perfect for this peppery cheese sauce. Tonnarelli pasta is easy to find in stores in Rome of course, but in the United States, tonnarelli is much easier to find online, especially from companies like Wildgrain. What is fettuccine? Pasta shapes were first made by hand in Italy, and fettuccine is one of the first types of those pasta shapes. To make fettuccine, flat sheets of pasta are cut into ribbon-shaped strands known as fettucce. Because fettuccine is thicker than other long noodles, it is great to pair with robust sauces, like the cream-based Alfredo sauce. What is tortellini? What is tortellini filled with? Tortellini is a filled pasta in a distinctive ring shape and is one of the more well-known Italian pastas. Tortellini can be filled with a variety of ingredients; traditionally it’s filled with cheese and meats, such as pork or beef, but tortellini can also be filled with vegetables, such as spinach, as well. Tortellini is often served in a broth, but also it pairs well with cream or tomato-based sauces. What is the difference between tonnarelli and spaghetti? The difference between tonnarelli and spaghetti is the thickness and cross section of the noodles. Tonnarelli is a thicker noodle than spaghetti. Additionally, the cross section of tonnarelli is square, instead of round like spaghetti. Spaghetti comes from the word spaghi, which means “lengths of a cord”. What is the difference between tonnarelli vs. bucatini? Bucatini is a long pasta that is similar to tonnarelli. The difference between bucatini and other long pasta shapes, such as tonnarelli, is that bucatini has a hollow center. Buco translates to “hole” in Italian. While tonnarelli is best paired with creamy sauces, tomato-based sauces work best with bucatini. What is the difference between spaghetti noodles and fettuccine? Whereas spaghetti is round and cylindrical (spaghi meaning length of a cord in italian), fettuccine is flat and wider, more similar to a ribbon shape. Although fettuccine pairs well with creamy sauces such as alfredo, the wide nature of the noodles allows it to also fit well in dishes that call for other types of robust sauces that include ingredients such as meat, seafood, or vegetables. Spaghetti and fettuccine are both very versatile in terms of the sauces that the noodles can handle. Fettuccine and spaghetti are interchangeable in most recipes depending on what you have on hand. What is the difference between tortellini and tortelloni? Both tortellini and tortelloni are stuffed Italian pastas in the shape of a ring. Tortelloni is a larger-sized pasta than tortellini. The main flavor difference between tortellini and tortelloni is the traditional stuffing used in each. Tortelloni is filled with a vegetarian mixture, often ricotta cheese mixed with vegetables or pumpkin. In contrast to tortelloni’s vegetarian stuffing, tortellini has a meat based filling. In addition, tortellini and tortelloni are often prepared differently. Tortellini is traditionally served in broth while tortelloni is typically served with melted butter, sage, or a ragu sauce. Where can I buy tonnarelli pasta? Fettuccine pasta? Tortellini pasta? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include cheese tortellini, fresh fettuccine, and fresh tonnarelli. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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Alternative Bread Flours: Wheat Flour vs. Oat Flour vs. Barley Flour vs. Rye Flour vs. Spelt Flour
By Rikki Hoffman, RDN, CDN Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Bread is a staple in our diets. As people become more health conscious, we are always looking to find out more about the ingredients we use in our foods and to make sure they are the healthiest they can be. In this article, we discuss some healthy bread flours. What are alternative flours for baking bread? Are there healthy substitutes for all-purpose flour in bread? Some common flours that are used in baking bread include flours made from wheat, oat, barley, rye, and spelt. Any of these flours can be refined (e.g. white flour) or whole grain. Whole grain flour is made using the entire grain, which means the nutrients remain intact. White flour is stripped of the nutritious parts of the grain and is generally considered to be less healthy. All-purpose flour is made using wheat that has been refined and is considered to be white flour. When used in their whole grain form, wheat, oat, barley, rye, and spelt are all healthy substitutes for all-purpose flour in bread. What is the difference between wheat flour vs. oat flour vs. barley flour vs. rye flour vs. spelt flour? Each of these grains contain a different mix of nutrients. Whole grain rye flour contains the least calories and the most fiber of the above flours, but also contains more carbs, less protein, and less iron than the other flours.Whole grain oat, wheat, and spelt flours are the most similar flours and contain similar nutrient compositions. Whole grain barley is a lower-calorie flour, but also contains less protein, less iron, and less folate than the other flours. Despite their subtle differences, all of these grains contain a good amount of nutrients, and all are considered healthy flours. What’s the best substitute for regular white flour in bread: wheat flour or barley flour or oat flour or rye flour or spelt flour? Whole grain wheat, barley, oat, rye, and spelt flours are all wonderful substitutes for regular white flour. These whole grain flours all contain large amounts of antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals, and significant amounts of fiber and protein. Whole grain wheat flour, barley flour, oat flour, rye flour, and spelt flour have been shown in studies to help lower cholesterol, keep blood sugar more stable in diabetics, keep you feeling full longer, and aid in weight loss when compared with regular white flour. What is the healthiest bread flour for you: rye or barley or spelt or oat or wheat flour? The healthiest bread flour is 100% whole grain flour. Whole grain flour could be rye, barley, spelt, oat, or wheat flour - the key is that the flour is made from 100% whole grains. Whole grain breads provide essential nutrients that are lacking in bread made from white flour. To make sure your bread is made with mostly whole grains, look for “whole” in the first ingredient (or the second ingredient after water). Which substitute bread flour is best for diabetics and glycemic index? Oat flour may be the best bread flour for diabetics. Oats contain a type of fiber called beta glucans, which has been shown to help lower blood sugar in diabetics. The glycemic index rates foods that contain carbohydrates with a number corresponding to how that food affects a diabetic’s blood sugar. Oats have a low glycemic index, often making whole grain oat flour a good choice for diabetics. Can substitute bread flours help you lose weight or keep a diet? Choosing bread with whole grain flour instead of white (or refined) flour can be helpful when you are trying to lose weight or keep to a diet. Whether it is made from wheat, rye, barley, spelt, or oats, whole grain flour contains fiber. Fiber helps keep you full longer, which makes it easier to stick to a diet. Wildgrain: Try Healthy Breads Interested in trying new baked goods made with healthy wheat flours? Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries and fresh pastas. Some of our more popular breads include Whole Wheat Flour Sourdough, Sourdough Rye Loaf, and Sourdough 7-Grain Loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking methods. About the Author Rikki Hoffman, RDN, CDN has been a registered dietitian for ten years, working primarily with patients who have kidney disease. She also has a private practice which focuses on helping clients achieve lifestyle and weight loss goals. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Dietetics from Rutgers University and did her Dietetic Internship at Montclair State University. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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Frozen Bread vs. Fresh Bread vs. Par Baked Bread vs. Storebought Bread
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Not much is better than the smell of bread baking in the oven, or the first bite into a warm slice. If a poll was taken between fresh baked bread or store bought bread, it is likely that fresh baked bread would win in a landslide! Luckily, due to the advent of freezers and other technologies, it is not necessary to go through the labor of making bread from scratch in order to enjoy delicious fresh bread. Par baked breads and frozen breads are great options that give the same satisfaction as homemade bread. What is par baked bread? What is the advantage of using par-baked bread? Par baked bread is also known as partially baked dough. As the name implies, par baked bread uses a shorter initial baking time than cooking bread all the way through. The bread is removed from the oven before the inside is fully baked and the crust has a chance to brown. The par baked bread can then be frozen and stored under freezing conditions, or can be immediately packaged in modified atmosphere packaging, making it shelf stable at room temperature. This is the same technique used for things like meats and vegetables at the grocery store. Once ready to consume, the par baked bread just needs to be put back in the oven to complete the baking process and achieve the crust that we all know and love. The advantage of par baked bread is that the time it takes to then finish the bake is much quicker than the time it takes for bread to bake from dough. Par baked breads are typically “finished off” by baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, though the exact time varies by product and home oven. For example, the par baked Wildgrain Slow-Fermented Ciabatta takes 20 to 22 minutes to bake while the Wildgrain Plain Sourdough Loaf takes 18 to 24 minutes. Par baked breads are sold in grocery stores and even online, then finished at home to have fresh made bread without the mess of making bread from scratch. What is frozen bread? Why should I use frozen bread? Bread is often frozen to preserve freshness or extend shelf life. Fresh bread loaves from a bakery or from home can particularly benefit from being frozen because they have little to no preservatives added, so they otherwise would have a very short shelf life. Frozen bread should not be defrosted before baking, as this can make it go stale. Instead, frozen bread should be placed directly in the oven from the freezer. What is the difference between frozen bread vs. fresh bread vs. par baked bread vs. store bought bread? Fresh bread is the gold standard when comparing breads. However, par baked and frozen breads are not far off. Once finished off with the rebaking step, par baked breads are very similar to freshly baked bread. Additionally, bread that has been frozen after it is fully baked in order to preserve freshness can also resemble fresh baked bread after rewarming. Once frozen bread is reheated at a low temperature to fully defrost, frozen bread regains much of the characteristics of fresh baked bread. Store bought bread is of course the easiest as it comes ready to eat - no need to knead, proof, bake, or re-bake. However, store bought bread has additional preservatives to increase shelf life and excessive amounts of yeast, which produces the soft, light texture characteristic of store bought bread. Although store bought bread is more convenient, it is not as satisfying as fresh bread, frozen par baked bread, or even frozen fully baked bread. What is the best bread: frozen bread vs. store bought bread vs. par baked bread vs. fresh bread? Depending on your needs and the amount of time you have, each type of bread has its pros and cons. Store bought bread is convenient as it is ready to consume. However, frozen par baked bread and frozen fully baked bread are close in terms of convenience, only taking an extra 15 to 25 minutes to get bread that is as similar to freshly baked bread as you can get without the work. Fresh bread is time consuming and labor intensive, but also rewarding and delicious. How long does par baked bread last in the freezer? Par baked bread is fresh bread that is partially baked then immediately frozen to finish baking later. The advantage of par baked bread is that it can last in the freezer for a long time and can be warmed when needed. Par baked bread can last up to 12 months in the freezer. Can you freeze par baked baguettes? Yes, you can freeze par baked baguettes, just like any other type of par baked bread. Par baked baguettes can stay in the freezer for up to 12 months. To prepare par baked baguettes, put the baguette directly into the oven at a low temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes without thawing first. Then enjoy! What is the best par baked bread? What is the best frozen bread? Interested in having fresh bread at home without the work of making bread from scratch? Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for par baked breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our more popular breads include Whole Wheat Sourdough Loaf and Sourdough 7-Grain Loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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