Achiote, Spanish for annatto - have you tried lookin in Latin markets- they should have annatto seeds and you can grind your own into powder.
I agree with you about MSG!
This is from my blog:
Think you're not eating MSG? Many foods at Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and McDonald's have it.
Wonder what the Colonel's secret ingredient was? MSG.
Oh, you don't eat fast food? Even classy restaurants throw in some.
Oh, you don't eat out? Sorry, your grocery is loaded with MSG to, and school cafeterias are just as loaded.
Well, at least your baby's safe. Guess again, almost all infant formulas are packed with it.
the government currently has no restrictions or warnings on MSG
Sources of MSG: The Seven Primary Sources
1. Aspartame: Has the aspartic acid form of MSG as well as toxic methanol/formaldehyde.
2. Casein: Processed milk protein high in MSG - such as calcium caseinate
3. Gelatin: Processed proteins give gelatin its structure, hence it has MSG.
4. Glutamate: Monosodium glutamate or any ingredient including the word glutamate.
5. Hydrolyzed: Any time you see this word, it's a processed protein - such as hydrolyzed corn, hydrolyzed wheat, hydrolyzed soy.
6. Protein: Most processed or hydrolyzed protein - such as textured protein.
7. Yeast: Problematic when it is yeast extract, autolyzed yeast, or yeast food, but NOT plain yeast.
Sources of MSG: The Twenty Secondary Sources
Note: These may, and generally do, contain some MSG. Especially in combination, they can give doses as high or higher than the primary sources above. Most are ingredient names, a few are processing methods.
1. Barley malt
2. Bouillon
3. Broth
4. Carrageenan
5. Citric acid
6. Disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate (These are not MSG, but make it more potent.)
7. Enzymes: containing, or called enzyme modified
8. Fermented: This process can generate MSG
9. Flavoring and flavor
10. Malt extract, malt flavoring
11. Maltodextrin
12. Natural beef flavoring, natural chicken flavoring, natural pork flavoring, et cetera
13. Pectin
14. Protease, Protease enzymes: These substances can produce MSG in processing
15. Protein fortified
16. Seasonings: listed as seasonings
17. Soy: Soy protein, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, soy sauce, soy sauce extract
18. Stock
19. Ultra-pasteurized
20. Whey: whey protein, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate
yes it is in your bouillon, Campbell's soups, Knorr dry soup mixes, etc. You need to read the labels and look for all these terms!
If you do find the annatto - can I share this with you too?
Annatto Oil
Combine 1/2 cup olive oil with 2 Tablespoons annatto seeds in a small skillet. Heat over medium- high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until the oil takes on a deep golden color. (Watch for spattering as the oil heats.) Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain and use as desired.
Golden New Potatoes
Heat 1 Tablespoon of annatto oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 to 8 sliced new potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Saute for about 5 minutes, reduce heat and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper again and serve. Makes 2 servings.
A Golden Chicken
In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Rinse a 4 lb. roasting chicken and pat dry. Sprinkle the spice mixture into the breast cavity and add 2 small bay leaves. Place the bird on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush skin well with annatto oil.
Roast the chicken in a preheated 375 degree oven for 45-50 minutes or until juices run clear when pricked.
Makes about 4 servings with tasty leftovers.
