The Benjamin Franklin Diet September 22, 2014
Posted by nrhatch in Books & Movies, Food & Drink, Vegetarian Recipes.comments closed
While scouting the library stacks for inspiration, I stumbled upon an interesting diet book . . .
I added it to the stack of books in my arms, ignoring the oft quoted adage and admonition . . . “neither a borrower nor a lender be.”
At home, I settled down to learn about Ben’s diet.
* At a young age, Ben swore off meat and quaffing pints of ale so as to have more money to spend on books.
* In so doing, he noted that he felt better and had greater mental clarity after meals consisting of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
* He also noticed that he felt better when he exercised for 15 minutes before each meal. If the weather wasn’t being cooperative, he spent his 15 minutes leaping inside the house ~ forward and back or side to side.
In addition to the fascinating narrative of Ben’s life philosophy, the author, Kelly Wright, collected and shared a number of colonial recipes for grains, soups, stews, game, and sweet fare, including: Hasty Pudding, Dauphiny Soup, Oatcakes, Classic Colonial Bread, Hoecakes, Tavern Bread, and Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Spread.
Inspired, I whipped up a loaf of Mrs. Wright’s Beer Bread in minutes.
Combine 3 cups whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup raw sugar, 1 Tbsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. salt. Stir in a bottle (12 ounces) of beer or ale.
Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 5 loaf pan.
Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes.
“Hunger never saw bad bread.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
Delighted with the result, I followed Ben’s lead and leaped and leapt about.
Aah . . . that’s better!
To learn more: The Benjamin Franklin Diet (Book) * The Benjamin Franklin Diet (Website)
Spirit Lights The Way 