The Country Pantry is the little Mennonite store in Guthrie, KY that we went to on Monday, and I think it's my new favorite store. Not only does it remind me of the commissary we had in Peru, but it is just crammed full of good things, and good deals! I went specifically to get the wheat I need (to grind in my new grain mill), and I came home with a load of hard-to-find goodies.In addition to the 50 pound bag of wheat, I got a jar of local raw honey, wheat gluten, Real Salt, alphabet noodles, arrowroot powder, unsweetened carob chips, roasted peas, and whole, hormone/antibiotic free, non-homogenized milk. When I got home and did a little research, I discovered that they also have grass-fed beef, which is hard enough for me to find that it would be worth going back just for that! (They also have farm fresh eggs, but I'm getting those for free from a friend.) After a little more research, I figured out that buying milk from them, I will save $3/gallon over buying from Walmart, and save $4/gallon over buying from the commissary (factoring in the $2 glass milk bottle deposit, of course). That's a huge savings, AND the best milk I can find! What a deal!
Are you wondering why all these things have me so excited? It's partly because of what I've learned lately about food (Have you read that book I recommended yet?), and it's partly because, well, this is my life! I am a wife and a mom. I have two adults (usually) and four growing kids to feed. A large portion of my time is spent in the kitchen cooking the healthiest food I know how. When I'm not in the kitchen I'm probably thinking about making tasty, healthy food, and sometimes (because there are four of these growing kids!) my time is spent finding the absolute best deal I can find on good, healthy food. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by my new choices, I have decided to enjoy the adventure and tackle the challenges. Mary Poppins sums it up well, I think; "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun!"
Yes, I did just quote Mary Poppins. (What is wrong with me?!?) And yes, I am having fun! :)
