The Celiathlete

January 28, 2016

Product Review: Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix

Product: Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix – $3.99+

Who doesn’t love sprinkles?!

I mean, be honest here! Who in the world doesn’t love sprinkles?!

Sprinkles make the world go ’round. Sprinkles bring happiness and joy. Sprinkles are what smiles are made of. Sprinkles…totally rule!

And pancakes…who doesn’t love an amazing, buttery, soft, amazing pancake?!

Pancakes are awesome.

I mean…seriously…they are one of life’s most perfect food. Don’t argue this with me. It’s true.

So…imagine my glee…my elation…my “I MUST BUY THIS NOW AND EAT THIS” attitude when one day, while in Louisville and shopping the aisles of the Walmart Neighborhood Market (because, hey, it’s less skeevy than the regular Walmart), I spotted a gluten free mix that involved both sprinkles…and…pancakes.

It wasn’t a dream. Nope. It was a reality. And this very special (and happiness-inducing) product is brought to your grocery store shelves by the one and only…Hungry Jack. Yes…the Hungry Jack known for potatoes and syrup and regular amazing pancake mixes. That Hungry Jack.

Turns out they now offer a Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix.

Yep…you read that right…Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix. How many different ways can you say, “Get in my belly!”?

I purchased this box of pancake and waffle mix back in…October. I had every intention of making them while my parents were visiting, but, instead, my dad requested lemon poppyseed muffins…so this had to wait. However…good things come to those who wait. And patience is a virtue. One I don’t normally have when pancakes and sprinkles are involved, but, hey, I can be an adult.

I ended up bringing the mix with me to Columbus, Ohio, over the New Year weekend. It’s tradition to spend said holiday with my friend Jenn…and Jenn is quite open to gluten-free foods. She even has gluten free foods stashed in her kitchen for my visits. She eats said gluten free foods with me. Well, since Sunday we traditionally cook the breakfast, I told her I’d bring the mix and we could have some pancakes that morning. She upped the carb-fest with the promise of using up some more of the Magners Syrup we made when we made boozy waffles the last time I visited.

And so…game on.

The pancakes are super easy to mix up. The box says that 1 cup of the mix and 3/4 cup of water will make enough batter for 6-8 pancakes. This is false. Since there were 3 of us, this is what I made, thinking we all could have 2 pancakes, but I ended up adding more mix and water just to get the last necessary pancake for 6 pancakes each made from about 1/4 cup of the batter. So…trust me, you’ll need a slight bit more for those 6 pancakes. 8 isn’t happening.

All that being said, when these were browning on the skillet, they not only puffed up beautifully, but they got that rich, golden color too. The pancakes had that nice crisp outside, but were cake-y and soft and fluffy on the inside. And…they had sprinkles. Seriously…so, so, so good. Kind of like eating a slice of cake for breakfast, because…sprinkles!

All that being said, I am only now getting around to typing up this review. But in that time, I have also decided to give the waffle recipe a try. This just involved 2 cups of the mix (lots of sprinkles), 1-1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup vegetable oil (I substituted unsweetened applesauce), and 1 egg (or egg replacer). Just stir it up until you get rid of any large lumps…pour into the waffle iron…and let them cook to that perfect golden brown. This made 6 large Mickey Mouse waffles…but the box claims it will make 12 (4×4-inch) waffles.

The waffles were even better than the pancakes. And for the first time, my gluten free waffles got to a perfect golden brown on the outside. I was so impressed. And when I served them up (with a splash of real raspberry maple syrup from Michigan), it was like…a food epiphany. I mean…cake. Cake all over the breakfast plate. Not only were my waffles Mickey Mouse shaped, but they had sprinkles in them…and looked and tasted like an indulgent treat. Oh yeah.

So…I had the mix as pancakes…and then as waffles…so…how was it?

The product that the Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix produces is fantastic in either form. From the splattering of rainbow sprinkles to the rich, buttery flavor that comes from the buttermilk base…it’s pancake perfection. A rainbow of pancake perfection. These are the unicorns of gluten free pancakes. The pancakes and waffles are soft and fluffy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside. And that…it pancake and waffle perfection if you ask me. In addition, this mix actually is a good source of calcium. And a nice way of having candy (or sprinkles) for breakfast.

I might still be a little (or a lot) excited about these.

Anyway, as always, let’s take a look at what goes into the Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix. This mix is made from rice flour, sugar, dextrose, leavening (baking soda, calcium phosphate, sodium aluminum phosphate, candy bits (sugar, vegetable oil [palm and palm kernel], modified corn starch, confectioners glaze, soy lecithin, colored with [yellow 5, red 40, blue 1, yellow 6]), potato starch, pea fiber, buttermilk, tapioca starch, canola oil, and contains 2% of less of: salt, potassium bicarbonate, hydroxypropyl, methycellulose, xanthan gum, calcium carbonate, eggs, artificial flavor, cellulose gum, yellow 5, and red 5. Yeah…not a very clean eat, but nice for a treat every now and again.

As far as nutrition goes, the mix isn’t too bad. The serving size is 1/3 cup of the dry mix (or about 3 4-inch pancakes) and the box contains about 11 servings. This serving will dish up 190 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, less than 5 mg cholesterol, 540 mg sodium, 40 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 10 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. Despite being a pancake and waffle mix with sprinkles in it…the fiber and protein is higher than most to make you feel full longer. So, there is that. There is also 15% calcium and 4% iron in each serving.

So, yeah…delicious, amazing, fun, and fluffy…it’s everything pancakes should be. It’s everything waffles should be. And it is what so many gluten-free pancake mixes fail at being. I loved these. I have no shame in admitting it. It’s nice to change things up and have a bit of a treat every now and again. This mix was a fun, and also delicious way of brightening my breakfast plate…and my morning.

January 24, 2016

The Not-So-Fun Ice Capades at Home

icypavement_zpscieiceo4 First of all, yesterday’s post was my 1500th post on this blog. That’s pretty awesome, yes? YES!?

I think so!

I was still on a high this morning from my first pain-free day in almost a year…and when I did my core work and PT stretches, the trend continued. A twinge here or there…but no pain. I got through all of the stretches and exercises without wincing once. Not once.

Two days in a row. WOOT!

So, I happily made gluten-free funfetti Mickey Mouse waffles for breakfast this morning and prepped to head to the gym for a bit of cross-training. No swimming currently due to sinus issues…but at least do a little something today. I ate, did dishes, got stuff ready for the gym and headed out.

With freezing fog, 10 degree temps, and cold air that made me cough just inhaling it, it was no surprise that there was frost all over my car windows. My roommate started up the car and I grabbed the scraper and went to work. As I finished up the passenger side of the car, I crossed behind to hit up the drivers side…and my foot found black ice.

BLACK FREAKIN’ ICE!

So…I slipped. I immediately countered in an attempt to find balance again. The shift through my balance off as my foot just moved with it…and…

BOOM!

Down I went. Hard. I sat there for a moment, every bone in my body having been jarred by the fall…but I felt fine. My roommate got out and helped me up and I moved away from the black ice. I was now…hurting.

SUCK!

I finished scraping the windows and got into the car to go to the gym. Now, being more cautious due to the fall.

So, the day started off really well…but one little slip on black ice sort of brought that happy, healing feeling to a crashing halt. I know people love to run in snow, but this is one reason I don’t anymore. I sprained my ankle a little over a year ago on ice…and that made it clear I needed to stay in on these days. With that being said, I did get my workout in at the gym, then went and got coffee and finished up grocery shopping.

And…I’m sporting a bit of a bruise…but at least a bruise is all I ended up with.

Be safe out there. Black ice is hard to see…and you may not see it until you’re on the ground.

Stay safe!

January 23, 2016

Six Things Saturday

I’m having a good day today. Seriously. I woke up, did my core work and PT hip strengthening stretches without any serious pain. I went and did some grocery shopping, then did some dynamic warmups, a 2+ mile treadmill run with a friend, and followed that up with my plyometrics for my hip…and I still do NOT hurt. At all. So it’s a good day. So I want to share some good stuff…

Because sometimes I just want to talk about random…stuff.

1. Lush’s 93,000 Miles Shower Jelly

Lately, I’ve been working on finding Celiac-friendly, non-chemical shampoos, body washes, lotions, etc. And while on this hunt, I was introduced to the 93,000 Miles Shower Jelly by Lush.

thatsmyjelly_zpsfhjyokq3 The description on Lush’s page reads:

Cool down and refresh

If you’ve been giving your muscles the runaround, plan a showertime run-in with this invigorating eucalyptus and mint jelly. Whether you’ve run a marathon or walked a mile this bright wobbly jelly will soothe aches and pains and send lingering cramps on their way. Take it straight out of the freezer and into the shower to enjoy the energizing power of invigorating peppermint and warming cinnamon leaf oils.

Let me just say, this stuff is amazing. Shower jellies are a little strange at first, but once you get used to them…yeah. And if you’re a runner like me with tired muscles at the end of a long run or hard push, then this jelly is for you. It is warm and soothing, with a strong scent of eucalyptus, mint, and cinnamon. And it feels wonderful to lather up, especially on those tired and sore muscles. I’m hooked.

2. Running Hills

Hills make you stronger, right? Right. Well, it just so happens that my physical therapist wants me running hills. Lots of hills. Because it actually works the adductor and hip flexor muscles which are causing me fits right now. Go figure.

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This past Tuesday, I was out at Cherokee Park, doing hill repeats. 4 miles worth of hill repeats. You ever want to be humbled and made to feel both strong and weak at the same time…run hills. Really long hills. And them repeat. Six times. It was also super cold and I froze my face off. Guess that makes me stronger too…

3. Treadmill Running

It is no secret that I am not the biggest fan of treadmills. Guess what…neither is my physical therapist. That being said, sometimes it’s all you have as an option. Like…when weather gets bad…or ice, snow, sleet, lightning…something hits. I don’t own a treadmill…I probably never will, but I’ve had to make use of the one at the gym due to weather conditions here.

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Today, I was invited out by my friend Amber to be treadmill buddies and fit in our runs today. A lot of our running peeps were out running in the snow, but with the two of us being out with hip labrum issues, we are treadmill bound. But the time flew as we just sort of chatted and talked and I can’t wait to do it again. I forgot I was on a treadmill for some of it.

4. Snowmageddon, Snow Days, Snow…

It is no secret…I am not big on winter. As a SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) sufferer, winter months are hard on me. Winter weather is hard on me too. My body hurts more, I slow down, it’s hard for me to breathe…and let’s not even get started on what it does to the skin on my hands. Cracking, peeling…it’s just not my favorite time of year.

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That being said, we got about 4-6 inches of snow yesterday and, after being sent home early from work, I snuggled in, watched Disney movies, had a Girls Night In with my roomie and downstairs neighbor, and just made the most of it. Wine might have been involved. Italian Nachos too. And homemade macaroons. All the things. It was fun. It was just what I needed to chase away some lingering winter blues.

Is it summer yet? Because I do so much better in heat than in the tundra of winter. Seriously…I can sweat out any run, but my body reacts poorly to cold air. So…seriously…is it summer yet? I need a beach. Stat.

5. Disney/Pixar Animated Movies in Order

With the onslaught of the snowfall yesterday, and the better part of the day left with me and my roommate sitting on the couch at home, we made the most of it by squeezing in two of the next films in our quest to watch the Disney Animated Movies In Order™. We are polishing off 2008 with Pixar’s WALL-E and Disney’s Bolt.

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I forgot how much I loved both of those movies. Seriously. That’s one thing this cinematic animated journey has taught me. Well…that and I really would have probably loved being a Disney animator, which was my very first dream job. Yep…I’m not just a runner, chef, and blogger…I can draw too.

6. Adagio Teas

Get used to hearing a lot about my favorite teas and tea companies. That’s going to be vastly featured in my blog…because my roommate really stocked me up on some local stuff, some new stuff, some fun stuff, and some of my favorites.

One tea that I discovered while in Chicago for the U2 concert was Adagio Tea. And my favorite is the Citron Green.

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For starters, I love green tea. And this smells like Sprite. No, it really does. Their Web site describes it as:

Citron Green tea combines green tea from China with delicate flavors of lemon and orange. The clean vegetal notes of the green tea blend seamlessly with the citrus crispness. Delightfully sweet, lifted by the freshness of the lemon-orange. Not too dry or too citrusy. Citrus Green is an Adagio customer favorite, perfect hot or iced.

Yeah…it’s pretty amazing. I had it last night while watching Kingsman: The Secret Service and loved every sip of it. I remembered why it was one of my favorite teas of all time (and I drink a whole heap of a lot of tea!). Adagio Tea is based out of Illinois. Interested in trying some of their unique and fun teas…check out that link above!

There you go…six things…on a Saturday. ENJOY!

January 19, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels – $7.25

It’s no secret. Not anymore. When it comes to gluten-free bagels, my mind has been blown by the amazing ladies (or the crazy bagel ladies, as they dub themselves), at Sweet Note Bakery, based out of Bensalem, Pa.

Seriously, I had loved Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels…and Canyon Bakehouse’s Gluten Free Bagels…and I had been less excited about other brands…but it was the pioneering spirit of the Sweet Note Bakery ladies that really got me to step outside of the commercially known product line and try something…different.

And after a little prodding on Twitter…I took the leap and ordered their standard bagel offerings (Plain, Sesame, Everything, and Cinnamon Raisin). I fell in love with the very first bite of the very first kind I tried. And my appreciation has only since grown. During the fall and winter, two seasonal flavors are introduced to the line-up…Pumpkin Spice and Snickerdoodle.

HELLO SNICKERDOODLE!

But…before I digress on how Sweet Note Bakery took my favorite cookie and turned it into my favorite breakfast (I’m a New Yorker…of course I love bagels!)..let me introduce you to Sweet Note Bakery…that is, if you don’t know anything about them.

Sweet Note began in 2012, when founder and president, Michelle MacDonald, stepped up to a challenge. She had been baking ever since she was a child and was very passionate about it. When her grandfather and sister were diagnosed with Celiac Disease, she took the first steps on her entrepreneurial journey. Her family really missed a good New York Style bagel. (Hey…I can’t blame them…I know this feeling all too well). So with a lot of experimentation and trial and error, MacDonald perfected the recipe, getting huge approval from her family (also bagel lovers). Gluten-free bagels that taste good?! It was a reality. Sweet Note Bakery’s vision is to make gluten-free options more readily accessible. Those of us who live with Celiac understand how isolating this disease can be, when you can’t have a meal while out with friends and family, be it at a restaurant or a ballpark, or wherever your adventures take you. MacDonald wanted to change that…one gluten-free bagel at a time.

This is truly a love story between me and these bagels. Every single flavor has been outstanding. No joke. You know, I’m very blunt about things I eat and if I don’t like them, you know it. There is nothing NOT to like about the bagels that Sweet Note Bakery puts out there. Fantastic quality…fantastic flavor. Never once have they let me down. And that’s why all other bagels stay in the freezer section now…and Sweet Note is the only one that actually makes the journey home to my own freezer.

So…Snickerdoodle Bagels.

Yes…they really are as epic as they sound. Yes…they really do taste like a snickerdoodle. YES…this is coming from a cookie monster who just happens to call the snickerdoodle her favorite cookie. Ever. In the history of cookies. Seriously.

This morning, I returned to my apartment after my 5:30 am spin class (yeah…you read that time right), ready to have something substantial for my post-workout breakfast. I pulled out a package of the Sweet Note Bakery Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels and tore them open. I had been waiting a long time to try these. I pulled out two (1 for my roommate and 1 for me) and gave them the standard 1 minute defrost in the microwave before slicing each one in half and placing them on a baking sheet to toast up in the oven while I took a shower and got cleaned up for work. Don’t worry, the roomie was awake and in the vicinity of the kitchen, so I wasn’t leaving anything unattended. That’s a no-no. I love my home too much to burn it down. When I emerged…the apartment was smelling like…warm cinnamon and sugar. I might have said, “Mmmmmmm!” as I strode toward the kitchen to check on the bagels. Toasted to perfection. I removed them from the oven, I knew these would not disappoint me. They smelled like perfection. If perfection had an aroma…it would be warm cinnamon and sugar. For sure.

I went to get my vegan cream cheese out of the fridge, but, alas…I had used it up and failed to put it back on the grocery list. It was also 4 degrees out this morning, so I wasn’t going to just pop on down to the car (wet hair and all) to scoot down the street to my grocery store to pick some up. Instead…I used peanut butter. Delicious, amazing, delightfully yummy peanut butter. Natural. No added sugars, salts or any of that craziness. This required a good amount of stirring, but I got the peanut butter right to the creamy consistency that signifies a perfectly stirred peanut butter…and then…slathered a healthy schmear on each bagel half. I served my roommate hers, went to pour my coffee, then sat down on the couch with the morning news on and a delicious bagel on my plate.

THIS…my friends…is the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Perfect. I loved how the cinnamon sugar coating hits your tongue first, and then it melts into that classic, bready, bagel flavor. The peanut butter really tamped down on the sweetness, and really kicked up that savory level, making a perfect balance between both worlds. I am certain I would have loved this just as much with my usual schmear of vegan cream cheese, but the peanut butter was the perfect match, in my opinion. The bagel is all kinds of amazing. I love how the focus of the bagels by Sweet Note is not so much as the “bigger is better” but the quality and taste. In fact, they take it back to the classic New York-style bagel…smaller, denser, and perfect. PERFECT. Every single flavor has been perfect. When toasted, the outside gets that perfect golden crust and the inside remains chewy. It’s dense, and flavorful, and just…awesome. It’s awesome. There. And the snickerdoodle flavoring kicks this bagel up to iconic status. It’s the Freddie Mercury of bagels. They will rock you. They are the champions. You’ll want them all. Yep. Freddie Mercury of bagels.

What I love about Sweet Note Bagels is there is nothing artificial in their recipes. In fact, the Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels are made from LOVE (yes…that is a true ingredient and one that is in every variety of their bagels), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. All of this…makes one hell of a bagel. Because…hello…SNICKERDOODLE = BEST THING EVER!

Let’s discuss nutrition now, shall we? A serving of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels is 1 bagel (128 grams) and there are 4 servings per package. One bagel will provide you with 310 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 65 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 14 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. These bagels are a bit higher in sugar due to their snickerdoodliness. But that’s okay. They are filling and amazing and one of the best bagels ever created. These bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, vegan, peanut-free, tree nut-free, kosher and non-GMO.

Snickerdoodle Bagels are real and they are taking on the classic snickerdoodle cookie for sure. I can’t thank Sweet Note Bakery enough for their innovative thinking and coming up with a merger of the best cookie ever with the best bagel ever. If you can’t find the Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagel in stores…order those puppies on line. They will rock your world. But act now…as they are only available for a limited time.

I also encourage you to order from their regular menu as well…get a taste for their amazing New York-style bagels and fall in love like I did. But first…order the Snickerdoodle.

Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels with a schmear of Peanut Butter — Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels with a schmear of Organic Peanut Butter

January 19, 2016

Product Review: Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger

Product: Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger – $5.99+

Veggie burgers are one of my current favorite treats. I just find something so amazingly comforting and…yes…crave-worthy…about burgers. Since I gave up meat and then had to give up gluten…really good and different veggie burgers have been hard to come by.

Thankfully, there seems to have been a lot of growth in the market. Some have been outstanding; others have been truly outshined by their competitors.

With growth comes flavor variations, and one of the first to really move beyond the classic or black bean varieties has been Qrunch.

Qrunch Foods was created by Jim Adams (a former restaurant marketing executive) and Brad Holley (a classically trained chef). Adams’ wife and Holley’s daughter were both gluten intolerant, and both knew from experience that finding delicious, but also convenient gluten-free products could be hard. That and the “good for you” products on the market were tasteless or…just disgusting. Gluten free had become associated with “anything free of good flavors” and vegan was simply thought of as “yuck.”

Knowing there were better things out there in the vegan and gluten-free world, Adams and Holley began tasting and experimenting with organic grains, produce, spices and other ingredients, having a goal to incorporate them into something that they would want to eat themselves – but more importantly, be able to offer to their loved ones. They didn’t want to use soy, so they looked into some lesser-used, unique ingredients that could meet the requirements of their gluten-free family members. It was from this idea and these trials that the Qrunch Burger was born. One of the main ingredients and flavors in all of their products is quinoa, hence the “Q” in Qrunch. With health in mind, millet and organic vegetables were added to each burger base…and they nailed it. With a goal to create great-tasting, gluten free foods…they have certainly exceeded all expectations.

I have eaten quite a few of Qrunch’s products…the Original Qrunch Burger and the Spicy Italian Burger for starters…and also their Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastables. So, when I spotted one of their Qrunch Burger varieties with the word Curry in it…the Indian food lover in me jumped at the chance to stuff my face with it. I purchased the box and rushed it home to my freezer. Then started on a meal plan where most processed and packaged foods aren’t used…and they were forgotten.

Except with the passing of the holidays…I’m on a tight budget so now is the “survive off your pantry/freezer/fridge” days. And thank goodness I stocked up on some things…like veggie burgers…because I’ve been coming up with new and fun ways to eat these foods that I have hunted and gathered at various grocery stores…and incorporated them into my meals.

This weekend, instead of taking the easy (and more expensive route) for lunch on Sunday, I decided to get a little creative. I knew I had the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burgers in my freezer…and I had some salad fixings from the previous night’s dinner (I made homemade dolmades with a Greek side salad)…so I thought…a salad would be good, but I wanted it to be more substantial. The answer…Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger. No bun needed…just flavor.

I simply got out my skillet and toasted these up on each side, about five minutes per side, and while they were browning, I got out the greens, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and the tzatziki. When the burgers were done, I chipped them up, scattered them over the salad and topped it off with the cucumber and dill dip. One amazing salad…ready to devour.

Using the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Burger as the main protein source in the salad was genius. First of all, as the base of this burger is quinoa, it is a bit softer in texture and a little more…crumbly. So, not trying to stuff it between a gluten-free bun and not have it spill anywhere was PERFECTION! This is Qrunch’s newest flavor, and was created to sort of recreate the flavor of samosas, which are available at fine Indian restaurants. The lentils were added to give it a mild, earthy flavor, and the curry seasoning was a blend of both sweet and spicy. That is the perfect blend to create the perfect flavor in what might be the perfect burger. And serving it up with the raw veggies and topped with tzatziki was ideal. Seriously…it was a blend made in heaven. The burger had this nice crisp outside, but was flaky and soft on the inside. It was packed…packed…with fine flavors and just…really impressed me. I am already going to prepare the other two burgers the same way this coming Wednesday, per the request of my (carnivore) roommate…who absolutely fell head-over-heels for this combination. We were both very impressed.

So, let’s take a gander at the ingredients that go into the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Burgers, shall we? These burgers are made from organic millet, organic quinoa, organic lentils, organic coconut oil, organic onion, organic carrots, organic broccoli, organic spinach, organic arrowroot starch, organic apple cider vinegar, organic psyllium seed powder, sea salt, organic garlic, organic non-GMO canola oil, and organic spices. This is how you can still eat clean and do it out of your grocer’s freezer section. I know what all of those ingredients are and love that most of them are organic. Yep…happiness can be achieved through an amazing, healthy veggie burger. The Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger is gluten-free, wheat-free, corn-free, soy-free, animal-free, egg-free, nut-free, dairy-free, MSG-free, non-GMO, and low in sodium.

The nutritional information reflects a product that is made from wholesome grains and real food. A serving size of the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger is 1 burger (91 grams). There are 4 burgers in each box. A serving will provide you with 200 calories, 10 grams fat (health fat), 2.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 200 mg sodium, 25 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 0 grams sugars, and 4 grams of protein. It is a nutritional powerhouse to be certain. And filling. The lack of sugars and the higher fiber and protein ratio helps satiate any appetite.

I fell in love with the taste, texture and popping flavor of the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burgers. I am so excited that I am having them again so soon. Because…total yum. They were so good and amazing in this salad. I’m not sure how they would have been sandwiched between a bun, and I’m in no hurry to find out. I think I found my one true pairing with this salad. I’ve got a busy day planned on Wednesday, so this will be the ideal dinner to come home to. I can’t wait.

A delicious salad topped off with Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger

January 15, 2016

Product Review: Walkers Gluten Free Ginger and Lemon Shortbread

Product: Walkers Gluten Free Ginger and Lemon Shortbread – $4.99+

The great kitchen purge continues!! It started with my cookware…got rid of all my old pots and pans and utensils I haven’t looked at in years…replaced what needed to be replaced…and now working my way through the last of the holiday impulse sweets that I purchased.

Hey…it happens.

A lot.

When it involves me and…COOKIES!

While I love my healthy and fit lifestyle, I do have a very soft spot for cookies. I am a Cookie Monster through and through. No doubt about that. Not even a little bit. Cookies are my kryptonite. Offer me any sort of dessert item…and if there are cookies…that’s what I want. Nothing beats the perfect, buttery, soft, crumbly, cookie.

Kooky for cookies. That’s me.

So, imagine the grab-and-buy mentality I had when I stepped into my local World Market just before I left for home for the holidays and found those infamous plaid Walkers shortbread boxes…but two…yes…TWO of them were labeled…GLUTEN FREE. HELLO. GOODNIGHT. TAKE MY MONEY!

Seriously…that’s how it all went down. With the holidays over and me at home, my roommate and I are working through the plethora of impulse buys and purchased sweets that have accumulated in the pantry. And after revisiting the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s (a holiday favorite and one I never pass up!), this past week, tonight it was time to choose a new treat. My roommate made the choice to give one of the two (there are three varieties – Ginger and Lemon; Chocolate Chip; Original…our World Market didn’t have the Original) boxes of the Walkers Gluten Free Shortbreads a try. And, since it was on top…the Ginger and Lemon was up first (scientific approach to choosing dessert…mastered).

Walkers Gluten Free Shortbreads contain the same butter and sugar content as their regular versions, but the wheat flour is replaced by a blend of rice flour, maize flour, and potato starch. Keeping true to Walkers custom, these cookies contain no artificial flavoring, coloring, or preservatives. They are certified gluten-free by the UK Coeliac Association, and meet the FDA standard for gluten-free as well. Walkers promise is that the cookies have “all the pure-butter taste, aroma, and texture you love, but without the gluten.”

Now…keep in mind, I am the girl that shipped a large tin…YES…TIN…of Walkers shortbread cookies to myself when I was in Scotland. I love…love shortbread. A good shortbread is crispy, crumbly, and buttery. Smooth, delicious, and rich. That’s a good shortbread. And let’s face it…when it comes to shortbread…Walkers is one of the best.

One bite…and I knew that Walkers can do anything when it comes to shortbread. They can make perfect, gluten-free, shortbread rounds and make them taste exactly like “the real thing.” The Walkers Gluten Free Ginger and Lemon Shortbread was flaky and buttery and savory and sweet and melt-in-your-mouth amazing. I loved the refreshing hits of lemon that followed up each tasty bite. And the little nibs of candied ginger just spark that much more flavor in each bite. I totally loved this cookie. In unhealthy, but healthy, ways. You know? I wasn’t expecting this product to be so like their original recipe. But the nice, cry crumb that you expect to find in shortbread, with that rich buttery flavor…it’s all there. This particular variety just turns it up a notch with a little citrus and spice. So much love.

Let’s talk about the ingredients that go into the Walkers Gluten Free Ginger and Lemon Shortbread, shall we? These cookies are made from their own gluten free flour blend (rice, potato starch, maize, stabilizer: xanthan gum), butter, sugar, candied stem ginger (stem ginger, sugar), ground ginger, lemon oil, and salt. Notice how you recognize every ingredient listed. Sure, this may be all about cookies, but at least they are cookies laden in chemicals, fillers, and preservatives.

As for the nutritional information, Walkers Gluten Free Ginger and Lemon Shortbread are…well…just as you would expect for a treat of cookies. A serving size is two (2) cookies and there are five (5) servings per box. Your two cookies will dish up 16o calories, 8 grams of fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 25 mg cholesterol, 75 mg sodium, 21 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 9 grams sugars, and 1 gram of protein. These are cookies and they are not meant to be filling, so don’t expect them to fill you up.

I have fallen in love with a lot of cookies in my life. But Walkers really stepped up and created a fantastic line of gluten-free versions of their famous, sought-after, amazing shortbread cookies. I am never going to give these up…because this took me back to a memory…and that is worth every bite of those cookies. And another trip to World Market. For more, of course.

January 13, 2016January 13, 2016

Product Review: Bake Me Happy Blueberry, Goat Cheese & Basil Take & Bake Scones

Product: Bake Me Happy Blueberry, Goat Cheese & Basil Take & Bake Scones – $10/box

Scones. To quote the minds behind Thug Kitchen, “Scones are the bastard blend of a biscuit and muffin. They sound so wrong but taste so right.” HAHA!

YES!

I have a deep, passionate, never-ending love for scones. No joke. They were one of the first things I ate when I went to Europe…Ireland, to be exact, and I’ve been in love with them ever since. I’ve attempted to make gluten-free versions of scones in my own kitchen, but nothing has ever quite lived up to the crumbly, golden, amazing food profile of a scone.

Until…Bake Me Happy stepped up to the plate…and hit a home run…all the way over the center field wall. It’s true.

Bake Me Happy was started by the lovely Wendy and Letha, committing themselves to making each and every bite that you have from their products the most decadent thing you’ve had since sliced bread. Sliced bread, however, is not on their menu. After being self-diagnosed with gluten intolerance in 2006, Wendy immediately felt relieve from a life of digestive issues. The only problem was…the gluten-free food choices available lacked flavor and texture, seriously limiting what she would be willing to consume (and who can blame her!?). After many years of self-study, she decided to take the plunge and signed up for an immersion course at the Culinary Institute of America, experimenting with recipes and trying them out on unsuspecting friends. Soon, both friends and family began requesting her treats for parties, and none of them were gluten intolerant. From there, Wendy expanded and began offering her products to the public. And from the huge response she got from her goodies…Bake Me Happy, the bakery, was born. And because Wendy understands what it is like to have a food intolerance , you can guarantee that she takes great care and pride in the products that she puts out for the public. Not only does she understand the importance of what she does, she also knows that a perfect recipe cannot be rushed and that the best things in life are worth waiting for.

Perfection is key, and perfection is what they managed with their scones. The scones at Bake Me Happy are available to purchase already cooked and ready to eat…or in their Take & Bake versions. When I was up in Columbus, Ohio over Halloween, we dropped into the bakery and purchased one scone to devour on the go…and then my roommate promised I could select a Take & Bake variety to bring home. At the bakery, I chose the Almond, Coconut and Chocolate Chip Scone to devour on the way home. So, that being said, my roomie (who was paying) decided that she would choose the Take & Bake version…and as there was only one other vegetarian one…she lunged at the opportunity to try the Blueberry, Basil & Goat Cheese scones. Besides, she’s a happy girl whenever goat cheese is involved. Note…the Take & Bake Scones do contain butter, sour cream and 3 of the 4 flavors contain cheese. All of them contain egg. So…not vegan.

I am not (completely) vegan as of yet. Maybe one day. That being said, I do still eat eggs and use eggs in my own baking at home. I am, however, lactose intolerant, so I had to be sure to take something prior to consuming this delectable treat.

Let me start off by saying, I actually ate these before the holidays. Life has been insanely busy with me starting physical therapy again and…in general…the holiday madness that happens from Thanksgiving through the New Year. So, yeah, I am a bit delayed on getting this review up. But good things come to those who wait…

And I can’t say enough good things about these amazing scones. The Bake Me Happy Blueberry, Goat Cheese & Basil Scones are fantastic. I mean, they are just as good as the scones that hooked me on eating scones when I went overseas. And the Take & Bake versions are just as amazing as the ones they have ready at the bakery. And it’s not hard either.

Simply thaw the scones in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, or at room temperature for an hour. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the desired number of scones on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until baked through and golden brown on top. Allow to cool and enjoy! Yep…that easy. And they really are that easy to bake too. Mine came out of the oven smelling like blueberry heaven and all golden and crispy on the outside. I was impressed. It is SO rare that gluten-free baked goods get that amazing golden color. This was a nice treat.

Even more of a treat was what I discovered when I took a bite. The Bake Me Happy team made sure each scone (there are 5 per box) was loaded with plump blueberries, creamy goat cheese, and fresh basil. Each bite was a little savory and a little sweet. Each scone was crispy and golden on the outside and light and flaky on the inside. No gluten-free scone I have had before this or attempted to make myself has been anything like this. I was blown away. The sweetness of the berries paired amazingly well with the tangy goat cheese and the herby flavor of the basil. It was a flavor explosion in each bite…and I kept wanting to take more and more bites. And soon…my scones were gone. Not all in one sitting, but within 3 days. HA! Then I wish I had shelled out some money for more. I mean…HELLO!! It doesn’t get much better than this.

No other scone will ever come close to living up to the standard Bake Me Happy has set. I can pretty much guarantee that.

So, let’s talk about the ingredients that Bake Me Happy put into their Blueberry, Goat Cheese & Basil Take & Bake Scones, shall we? These delicious pastry hybrids are made with Bake Me Happy’s top-secret flour blend (sweet rice flour, brown rice flour, sorghum flour, tapioca starch, cornstarch, white rice flour), butter (sweet cream, natural flavoring), sour cream, blueberries (blueberries, sugar, sunflower oil), goat cheese (pasteurized goat milk, culture, vegetable rennet, salt), sugar, egg, basil, baking powder (cornstarch, bicarbonate of soda, sodium aluminum sulfate, monocalcium phosphate), xanthan gum, salt, and baking soda. These scones are completely gluten-free.

As for nutrition goes, well, butter, cheese, and sour cream are involved. You do the math! That being said, I have scones as a treat…like Sunday breakfast or something. Or…post-workout (you think I’m kidding, but I’m not). The Bake Me Happy Blueberry, Goat Cheese & Basil Take & Bake Scones serving size is one (1) scone and there are five (5) scones per box. One scone will fill you up with 390 calories, 20 grams fat, 12 grams saturated fat, 0.5 grams trans fat, 80 mg cholesterol, 430 mg sodium, 48 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 14 grams sugars, and 6 grams of protein. They are hockey-puck sized and…seriously…worth the calorie overload for breakfast every now and again. Trust me, I love to eat fresh and clean…but sometimes, you just need to have a treat.

This is one of my new favorite treats.

So, ladies of Bake Me Happy…I love you. I love your scones. I can’t wait to come back and buy out half your bakery again. Because…that’s what I do. That’s how I work. And with scones waiting for me to take and bake…well…it should be sooner rather than later.

Brilliantly done Bake Me Happy. You definitely have baked up one happy customer here!

January 12, 2016

Product Review: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread + Recipe Bonus

Product: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread – $5.99+

It has taken me way too long to review this product, for sure. Which is strange, because I am very enthusiastic and happy with the Sprouted For Life Gluten Free breads from Food For Life. In case you’re new to this blog, I have previously reviewed the other three varieties of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads: Original 3 Seed, Almond, and Flax.

I was fortunate enough to be sent one loaf of each of the Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads from Food For Life. These loaves come in Original 3 Seed, Almond, Cinnamon Raisin, and Flax.

But I think I was saving the Cinnamon Raisin version…because cinnamon raisin bread (or anything) has always been one of my greatest flavor loves in life. I was very fortunate to have a loaf of each of Food For Life’s Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads to try. I flew through the other three…but the Cinnamon Raisin version has waited a very long time for its turn to shine.

That being said, I am doing a lot of baking and cooking these days (okay…that’s not unusual for me…but I’m trying to create amazing foods with fresh, healthier ingredients). And I had a thought about a bread pudding that would incorporate some of my favorite things in life: cinnamon raisin bread, peanut butter, banana, and coconut.

How could this be a bad thing?

And, thankfully, I had saved the loaf of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread. I pulled it out of the freezer this past weekend and allowed it to come down to room temperature (and thaw beautifully) before getting to work in my kitchen. I pulled 12 slices of bread and cut them up into large cubes. This bread is absolutely perfect for a bread pudding recipe as it is not a soft bread. This bread is sturdy, and when eaten on its own, I prefer it toasted. Although, I nipped a few of the cubes of bread, just to get a taste for it as I knew I’d be blogging on it.

Guess what? Even not toasted, the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread is just layers of flavor. Not only is each slice loaded with plump, juicy, organic raisins, but it has this nutty flavor to it as well. It’s amazing. I couldn’t wait to taste it toasted and in my recipe I was working on.

The beginnings of a Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter Coconut Bread Pudding using Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread

After combining it with the other ingredients of the bread pudding, which also includes NuttZo Original Crunch 7 Nut and Seed Butter, a ripe banana, unsweetened coconut flakes, unsweetened cashew milk, Earth Balance, and 4 large eggs. All of this went into my (vintage) Pyrex bowl, and I gave it a good toss and tucked it into the liquid, allowing the bread to really absorb the liquid for about 5 minutes. Then…I loaded it into a baking pan and popped it into the oven. I then proceeded to clean up my apartment, stopping briefly to really admire and fully absorb the fantastic smell that was coming from my oven. Nutty and sweet…it smelled like heaven. I am assuming, of course, that heaven smells like a bakery…and peanut butter. And if so…I’m okay with that.

Once the bread pudding was set, I removed it from the oven, and barely allowed it to cool at all before cutting a small piece to give it a try.

OH…YEAH!! While the flavor profile mostly goes to the peanut butter and coconut, the bread is the main vehicle of any bread pudding…and the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread was ideal…no…it was perfect…absolutely perfect, for this recipe. The bread toasted up gorgeously, developing a richer, nuttier flavor to it after being toasted. The raisins remained plump and sweet. The edges of the bread…crispy…sweet…savory…and amazing. The flavor of this bread meshed SO well with the other ingredients. I fell in love with this cinnamon raisin bread…and that means it has to be good, due to my affinity for cinnamon raisin products. Just…YUM!!

Let’s discuss the ingredients that go into the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread, shall we? This particular type of bread is made from organic sprouted quinoa (red and/or white), filtered water, organic arrowroot, organic potato starch, organic raisins, organic sprouted millet, organic tapioca, organic applesauce, fresh yeast, organic safflower oil, organic cactus, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic agave, organic vanilla organic cinnamon, sea salt, vegetable gum (xanthan, cellulose), and organic psyllium. Made with sprouted chia, sprouted quinoa, and sprouted millet, this bread is a trio of health. Not only is it made with sprouted grains (which are SO good for you!), it is also vegan, gluten-free, and high in fiber. It is so rare for a gluten free bread to be high in fiber. This is a welcome addition to my freezer.

Now let’s take a look at the nutritional information, because, honestly, in this day and age, it’s important to pay attention to those labels. A serving of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread is 1 slice of bread (43 grams). This serving will dish up 110 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 95 mg sodium, 22 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 5 grams sugars, 1 gram protein. When I was first introduced to this bread, the high calories on only one slice of bread really freaked me out. But, a good reminder is that not all calories are created equal and there is nothing fake…no colors, preservatives, or fillers…going into this bread. It’s all healthy, all good, all nutritious. It’s a great choice of bread for those of you who are (like me) really trying to eat clean.

Has this product sparked your interest? I really encourage you to give it a try. And…if you’re feeling saucy…you can always give the recipe for my bread pudding a go.

Recipe: Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter Coconut Bread Pudding

Servings: 12
Time: Prep 10 minutes; Bake 40 minutes

Ingredients:

12 slices Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
2 tablespoons Earth Balance vegan butter, melted
1/2 cup organic unsweetened coconut flakes
1 large ripe banana, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
4 large eggs
2 cups unsweetened cashew milk
1 cup NuttZo Crunchy Original 7 Nut & Seed Butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Prepare an 9×13 inch pan with nonstick baking spray.

Cut the cinnamon raisin bread into cubes and place in a large bowl.

Drizzle melted butter over bread.

Add shredded coconut, banana slices, eggs, cashew milk and peanut butter; gently toss to combine and lightly push down until bread is covered and soaks up the liquid.

Once liquid is absorbed, pour into the baking dish.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top springs back when tapped.

Serve warm with a drizzle of blueberry (or maple…or any flavor) syrup, or additional peanut butter.

~*~*~

I absolutely adore how amazing this bread is, not just in this recipe, but on its own as well. Depth of flavor is delicious. And it baked up so well in the recipe, I couldn’t imagine making this again without using the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread. I have a few extra slices left…so I can’t wait to toast them up next week, once I polish off this amazing bread pudding.

ENJOY!

January 4, 2016

Blogging 101: Introduce Yourself to the World

Hello world!!

While my blog and my blogging skills are nothing new, this year, I decided to put a little more thought, depth, and skill into each of my blogs. Why? Because I am seriously making a go at this. So, I signed up for the Blogging 101 thing that WordPress offered. I figured…what could it hurt?

So, my first assignment, despite having been a long-time blogger here…is to introduce myself to the world!

For those of you who have been with me…thank you for indulging me with this post.

My name is Karen, but I blog as The Celiathlete. The reason for this is pretty self-explanatory. I am an athlete…and a Celiac. I don’t think there is anyone in the world who is unfamiliar with Celiac Disease, but just in case…it simply means that I cannot eat gluten. While this can be a fairly simple task, I am also lactose intolerant (I try to avoid dairy, but sometimes…hello ice cream!), and I am also a vegetarian. I was a vegetarian before the Celiac diagnosis, and, while this can really limit my food at times, I don’t let it keep me down or slow me down. Adapt and overcome.

So, currently, I am making (another) comeback from injury. This means that a lot of my posts this year will focus on my recovery, my nutrition, my goals, my recipes, and the foods that I choose to consume. I love reviewing new products…and, even more, love to use products in new ways. So, if you happen to have a gluten-free product that suits my diet, I’d love to try it and tell the world about it.

My goal isn’t just to connect with other Celiacs…but to reach out to the Celiac community, the running community, the gluten-intolerant, the Couch25K-er, the weekend warrior, or just someone who is new at this whole gluten-free thing and needs some guidance into healthy, better choices.

It seems simple enough in writing, but actually implementing this can sometimes be hard. I gave up on some product reviews closer to the holidays due to lack of time to sit down and blog. By the time I would have had time to write about it…I had already forgotten about how they tasted and what I felt about them. So, my goal is to stay on top of this stuff. Write up my product reviews, my restaurant reviews, and my race reviews and/or recovery progress as I go.

I’ve been wanting to turn my blog into something else for awhile. Why not start afresh in the new year?

So, I hope you all stick with me…and tell your friends too!

January 1, 2016

A Happier, Healthier New Year

It’s almost 1 hour away from 2016. Usually around this time, I put up a blog listing off my goals for the new year.

Last year…I listed off 10 goals. Ten simple goals to work toward and achieve throughout 2015. They were:

Remain injury free
Run the hell out of the Boston Marathon
Try out a new distance
Travel far and run there
Eat better
Train harder, but smarter
Run with different people at different paces – challenge myself!
Remember that can’t run like anyone else but me…so stop comparing my speeds against my peers
Run a race on my birthday with some friends to celebrate going up an age division
Have more confidence

So, how many did I accomplish?

NONE OF THEM!! Not a single one. My year started off really well, with a great race at the Charleston Marathon. But then, the downward, and still ongoing spiral happened.

With the failures of last year weighing heavy on my heart and mind…I leave 2015 with one goal…one simple goal for 2016:

In 2016, I make only one promise to myself. I will leave the past in the past. All the heartbreak and disappointments I faced in 2015 will not define me this coming year. In 2016, I start over. Wipe the slate clean. A new year means a new start. I won’t dwell on anything except this one thing…

…to get better. To heal. To get stronger.

Yes…I am going to get better.

And that’s it. I will be healthier, happier, and stronger.

In 2015, the bad times outweighed the good. But…in less than an hour, everything changes. New year…new beginning…new outlook.

The journey begins…now.