artificial sweetners

I was thinking about trying that out actually ... can you use it in baking?

Yes, you can (but I haven't as I don't bake anything other than doggie biscuits  ).

Here is a site that explains it all a bit more:
http://www.shakeoffthesugar.net/article1042.html

I've used the agave nectar in baking and in my tea and I don't really care for it. It has an odd taste to me and in baking it really effects the texture... not in a good way.

Yes, you can (but I haven't as I don't bake anything other than doggie biscuits  ).

Here is a site that explains it all a bit more:
http://www.shakeoffthesugar.net/article1042.html

Thank you!

I've used the agave nectar in baking and in my tea and I don't really care for it. It has an odd taste to me and in baking it really effects the texture... not in a good way.

hmmn, what sort of taste?

hmmn, what sort of taste?

It's syrup-y but dull tasting to me. Not rich and organic like honey or maple syrup. I can't describe it, but it reminds me of something but I can't put my finger on it.

I've only put in tea and smoothies and I like it because it is a bit lighter tasting.  But, I am not particularly a fan of sugar either.  Though, I do like honey!  Just bought some cranberry infused honey that is fantastic!

I've used the agave nectar in baking and in my tea and I don't really care for it. It has an odd taste to me and in baking it really effects the texture... not in a good way.

You have to do a bit of tweaking to make a recipe work with agave.  This is from my new favorite baking book, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World:

Generally, 3/4 cups of agave nectar equals one cup of sugar in sweetness, along with reducing the total liquid by one-third to account for the additional liquid content from the nectar.

It is something you have to play with a bit to make it work, but I think it does a great job of sweetening.

has anyone else noticed the increase of labels claiming no artificial sweetners or colours?

its is amazing the stuff they can getting away calling not 'artificial'!

Speaking (sort of) of honey, it's not the easiest website to work with, but beedata.com has a database to help find local honey producers. I'm trying the local honey = more manageable allergies theory (jury's still out as I'm still sneezing, but I haven't been eating very much honey) and the bonus is that the honey I bought from a local beekeeper is the most amazing stuff I've ever tasted - totally pure and unprocessed and a very subtle flavour - it's absolutely gorgeous!

has anyone else noticed the increase of labels claiming no artificial sweetners or colours?

its is amazing the stuff they can getting away calling not 'artificial'!

It's the ones that say "no added sugar" that get me because when you look at the label you find sure there is no sugar but there's a load of artifical falvourings, sweetners and other additives. Happens a lot with food & drinks marketed for kids.

Happens a lot with food & drinks marketed for kids.

I find that infuriating!!!

Slightly off-topic.. when we wanted sweets as kids, mom would hand us a chunk of raw sugar cane to chew on.  I haven't seen that sold in shops for ages, can you still buy it?  I imagine a few thin slices in water (with lemon or w.h.y.) would sweeten it enough for most.  Must be better than processed sugar, but I know nothing.

I saw sugar cane at Whole Foods when I was there!

I got the odd piece as a kid when we lived in Louisiana.

Slightly off-topic.. when we wanted sweets as kids, mom would hand us a chunk of raw sugar cane to chew on.  I haven't seen that sold in shops for ages, can you still buy it? 

Yum!! I lived in Mauritius when I was a child, and we just used to go and play in the cane fields until one of the workmen there would cut us off a hunk! There's nothing like it, is there!!? 

Slightly off-topic.. when we wanted sweets as kids, mom would hand us a chunk of raw sugar cane to chew on.  I haven't seen that sold in shops for ages, can you still buy it?  I imagine a few thin slices in water (with lemon or w.h.y.) would sweeten it enough for most.  Must be better than processed sugar, but I know nothing.

Asian grocers sell the raw sugar cane, my hubs pointed it out to me recently. Well, the ones WE shop at do!

Speaking (sort of) of honey, it's not the easiest website to work with, but beedata.com has a database to help find local honey producers. I'm trying the local honey = more manageable allergies theory (jury's still out as I'm still sneezing, but I haven't been eating very much honey) and the bonus is that the honey I bought from a local beekeeper is the most amazing stuff I've ever tasted - totally pure and unprocessed and a very subtle flavour - it's absolutely gorgeous!

Yes!  That is where I got my cranberry infused honey! So lovely!  Had it on a homemade scone this morning.  YUM!!!