"American" Cheese!?!

One night earlier this week I was watching OnDemand television and they kept airing a Kraft American Cheese commercial. As you might guess I'm not a big fan of Kraft or their supposed "Cheese" but I have never been infuriated over one of their commercials before. This commercial revolved around how their cheese is the only true "American" cheese, their product logo was fashioned to resemble the American flag, and patriotic music played in the background. Seriously! How are we as "American" consumers okay with this? It isn't even cheese! (I am making the gross assumption that we as consumers are okay with this because big business continues to promote in this fashion without negative consequence.) Have you recently looked at the ingredient list on a package of Kraft American Singles? For those of you who don't have a package in your refrigerator allow me to provide the information for you. (I Googled it, I do not feed this stuff to my family!)

American Cheese (Milk Cheese Culture Salt Enzymes)*had they stopped here they would actually have made cheese!, Water, Milkfat, Sodium Citrate, Calcium Phosphate, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Sorbic Acid as a Preservative, Oleoresin, Paprika (Color), Annatto (Color), Vitamin D3 with Starch Added for Slice Separation.

Now the ingredient list of the cheddar cheese I do have in my refrigerator.

CULTURED PASTEURIZED ORGANIC MILK, SALT, ENZYMES, NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS, NO PRESERVATIVES.

It was bought at Costco, 16oz for $6 and some odd cents. Yes, I do have to cut it myself into slices, but I own a knife and typically have at least 20 seconds during my day when I can do this.

I know we live in a world of convenience. Packaged meals, sliced bread, food that can sit in our pantry for over a year and still be "good" to eat. This stuff is inexpensive and easy, but what is the real cost of convenience?

I was visiting with some family this past week. My aunt and uncle were telling me that my cousin who is in her early 20's will most likely require a kidney transplant in the next few years. She has a rare form of diabetes. My aunt, uncle, and cousin (her brother) recently went for physicals to see if they would be able to donate one of their kidneys when the time came. Much to their disbelief all of them had extensive kidney damage! They are not over weight or plagued with blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar problems. What they told me next definitely surprised me. The doctor asked them how much soda they drank. Their answer - about 24 cans a day between the three of them! When asked how much water they drink in a day, they couldn't remember the last time they drank a glass of water! They had no idea how their eating/drinking habits were affecting their health. They assumed that if it was on the shelves at the supermarket it must be okay to consume, right? If you have watched Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution you know how possible it is for the majority of a community to have the same food mindset as my family. It is scary, but I am thankful that individuals, such as Jamie Oliver, who have the resources and notoriety, are working to change this nation.

I can hardly wait until the day that "American" cheese no longer means "processed" cheese(or something that at least is meant to resemble it)!

Dishwasher Detergent

Update on the homemade Dishwasher Detergent. The Borax, Washing Soda, and Vinegar recipe has not worked well for me. In fact I'll be going out today to get a box of Cascade to rewash all of my dishes! The recipe called for 2 tbs of the mixture. I tried more, I tried less, I think using none at all might have been my best option! It left a terrible film all over everything, not just the glasses. It is disgusting! I'll be giving a few other recipes a try, hopefully I can find something that works better than this. If you have any suggestions, let me know!