Baked Goods – Page 3 – The Celiathlete

May 21, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagels – $9.99

You didn’t think they existed…but they do. You thought they were a myth…but they are not. Yes…the infamous Rainbow Bagel gets a gluten-free makeover thanks to the crazy bagelers at Sweet Note Bakery.

God, I love them!

Just before…and I mean…right before…as in DAYS before I went to New York City back in March, the big article about the Rainbow Bagel that The Bagel Store in NYC was offering hit the mass media…and it was…insane. I felt a little pang of judgement (okay…okay…resentment) because I, myself, could not have one. And they looked so, so pretty! And delicious. Pretty delicious too!

So, my bagel experience in NYC was left up to the gluten free offerings at Tompkins Square Bagels…which was fine…but it wasn’t a true NY-style bagel…and it just didn’t seem perfect to me. And…the Rainbow Bagel was out there. Sometimes schmeared with birthday cake cream cheese.

Life wasn’t fair.

But then the rain lifted and the sun came out, and the amazing ladies over at Sweet Note Bakery said, “You know what? Celiacs shouldn’t have to miss out on tasting the rainbow. Skittles got nothing on us.” And so, a little while after my return from NYC…I saw a prototype of their own rainbow bagel on their Instagram feed.

And I coveted it. I said if they put it out on the market, I’d buy it. I needed it. No, I wanted it! They had asked if people would be interested in buying it…and that they were going to look into more natural food dyes as well (although their first attempt was with natural food dye and it baked out)…before offering it on the Web site. I immediately chimed in with my calm, cool and collected, “I would buy them”…which…the more times the Rainbow Bagel appeared on their feed…the more this became…”OMG I NEED THESE IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW!”

Well, last week…it happened. They aren’t using natural food dies yet…but those crazy baglers have made their version of the Rainbow Bagel…called the Unicorn Bagel (don’t you love it??!) available as an Online Exclusive purchase in their store. So…yes…for now, you can only order these online.

So…I threw more money at these wonderful people and put in my order.

Here’s the thing…I have been a collector of unicorn things since I was a child. No joke. Then, when I became a runner and qualified for the Boston Marathon…unicorns returned to the forefront of my obsessions. So…you give me a swirly breakfast bread of wonderment in fun colors and call it a “Unicorn Bagel”…my money is coming at you and these are finding a way into my life. No doubt about it. And that, my friends, is how I wound up with the new Unicorn Bagel in my freezer…which lasted all but 15 hours before they were out and being thawed in the microwave and toasted in my oven.

It’s important. Because…NEW GLUTEN FREE BAGEL. Because…COLORS! Because…UNICORN. And because it’s a RACE WEEKEND. So the unicorn theme should be good luck, yes? Good omen, yes? Oh…I hope so.

I think I’ve told you enough about Sweet Note Bakery…their origins and the like in all the past blogs I’ve done about them. If you are just now tuning in…you can read about their history here. If you want to know why size always matters, especially in certain important matters like…bagel size…read all about it here. Seriously…if you want authentic New York-style bagels…that are both vegan and gluten-free…NOTHING beats Sweet Note Bakery! Their bagels are phenomenal. Feel free to go back to all the past entries (and I still have 1 more of their new flavors to review!) and see what every flavor is like. Trust me…I grew up in New York. Bagels and I are BFFs.

Just really quickly though, I will revisit the proper way (or at least the best way) to evenly thaw out the frozen bagels. DO NOT thaw these on the counter. It’s easy. It only takes 60 seconds out of your daily routine. Simply place a bagel on a plate and place in the microwave. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. Then, flip the bagel completely over and turn it about 180°. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Let it sit for a few seconds and then slice in half. Place each half in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet and in the oven and let it toast up for about 15-20 minutes. This is normally about the time I leave the kitchen to shower and let my roommate make sure that if she smells smoke to shut off the oven. But I’m always done before anything gets burned.

Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagel with a schmear of Kite Hill vegan cream cheese and rainbow sprinkles

I can’t even begin to tell you how giddy these bagels made me. Seriously. They were swirly and rainbow-y and just plain fun! I pulled them out of the oven when they reached that perfect level of toasty. I mean…perfect crispy outer crust with the dense and chewy dough in the middle. Bagel perfection. I gave each half a schmear of vegan cream cheese from Kite Hill. And then, because, I’m eating the rainbow here…I gave the cream cheese a smattering of rainbow sprinkles.

DUH! You can’t eat a Unicorn Bagel without rainbow sprinkles. And with that…breakfast was served.

Who doesn’t love fun food, right? The more fun, the more exciting breakfast is. I loved eating a colorful breakfast. They say to eat the rainbow…well…they may not have had a Unicorn Bagel in mind when they said that…but…I successfully ate the rainbow today. HAHA! And it was tasty. I get it…it’s a plain bagel with all the dressings of a sparkly soul, but it somehow makes it fabulous, you know? It tasted sweet, but I don’t know how much of that was the bagel and how much of that was the little sprinkles of rainbow goodness I topped the cream cheese with. Nevertheless…this bagel is made of complete awesomeness. You can top it off without whatever floats your boat. Frosting would have been pretty epic. I mean, you’re devouring a breakfast bread that is dyed to every amazing color in the color spectrum…have frosting and sprinkless…or whatever…whatever makes you feel like a kid at heart. Or a Boston Marathoner. Or a lover of unicorns. Or just…a lover of bagels. Or rainbows. Or all of the above.

So, let’s discuss what goes into each of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagels. Each bagel is made from love (because all rainbow-type food is made with love…and unicorn tears), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flower, sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, salt, food coloring (red 40, red 3, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1, blue 1, titanium dioxide, modified corn starch, vegetable gum, citric acid, and less than 1/10 of 1% sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate). They are still experimenting with natural food dyes that won’t fade…and I have every faith that they will find something that works. But…for now…if food dyes don’t bother you, these are totally epic and worth a try. As always when it comes to Sweet Note’s bagels, these bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. Made with love, indeed!!

As far as nutrition goes for the Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagels…well…here are the magical facts. A serving size is one (1) bagel, which is about 4.5 oz (128 grams). There are 4 servings per package. Each bagel will deliver 280 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 320 mg sodium, 60 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 4 grams protein. The mythical morning hunger pangs remained at bay…this was delicious and filling. Loving the rainbow.

Breakfast should be fun. After all, it is the most important meal of the day. You might as well color it up, top it off, and eat it with a smile. That’s the magic that is inside the Unicorn Bagels. They are simple…but simply wonderful. Just because you have to eat gluten-free doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun bagels for breakfast. Sweet Note Bakery is taking the standard bagel and making it for the gluten-free and vegan bagel lovers. No limits. No boundaries. Anything goes. Like rainbow unicorn bagels. The Unicorn Bagel will totally win you over.

Maybe it will make me run faster.

Maybe.

I’ll go for my run…and you go ahead and run over to the Sweet Note Bakery online store and purchase a pack or five of the Gluten Free Unicorn Bagel!

May 17, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels – $9.99

To a former New Yorker…love is a good gluten-free bagel. And when I say good, I mean that it has to actually be NY-style bagel quality. For the longest time, this is exactly what every single gluten-free bagel I tried wasn’t. Not to say the big corporation names that have placed gluten-free bagels in the freezers of grocery stores and natural food stores didn’t put out a quality product. In fact, I’ve been smitten by both Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels and the Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free Bagels (EVERY. SINGLE. VARIETY). But then…

…the ultimate gluten-free bagel tweeted its way into my life. This is not a joke. It literally tweeted its way into my life.

I’m talking about Sweet Note Bakery and their amazing, gluten-free, vegan, delicious NY-style bagels! Sweet Note saw my link to my blog on the Canyon Bakehouse bagels and challenged me to try their bagels. While I was hesitant at first, I finally decided that it was actually worth a try. Their Web site intrigued me. The bagels looked phenomenal…and they made traditional NY-style bagels. Not these giant monstrosities the other gluten-free bagel manufacturers were producing…but dense, thick, and perfect NY-style bagels. Size does matter when it comes to bagels. An authentic bagel should be about 3 inches in diameter, have a crunchy crust and a chewy, dense center. And this…this is what Sweet Note recreated to perfection.

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.

And she did…and now she’s delivering these bagels, one step at a time, to the gluten-free (and even the non-gluten-free community). Seriously, purchasing (and continuing to purchase so that my freezer is never without bagels) bagels from Sweet Note was one of the best gluten-free food decisions I have made…in the history of ever!

I know that I recently reported on the latest four flavors (three of which were online exclusive), but Sweet Note has been busy prepping new flavors and have released three more!! YES!! And, for the record…YES…I bought them. Like…the day that they were announced. I am not ashamed. I proudly wave my gluten-free bagel lovin’ flag. A happy freezer contains a package of some sort of Sweet Note’s amazing bagels.

Well, the three new flavors are actually quite playful and fun. They introduced the French Toast Bagel, the Sunrise Swirl Bagel, and the Unicorn Bagel (aka: Rainbow Bagel). My Unicorn Bagels are on the way, but the freezer has been happily cradling my packages of the French Toast Bagel and Sunrise Swirl Bagel…up until yesterday when breakfast rolled around.

I came home from spin class that morning and asked my roommate, who had emerged from her room and was shambling toward the couch, which bagel she’d like to try today. I won’t lie…I also have the Tomato Basil in the freezer…as they make amazing Bagel Pizzas. HA! She immediately said, “Sunrise Swirl.” Okay…it might have been sort of sleepily slurred (she hadn’t had coffee yet), but I pulled out the bagels that were beautifully swirled with reds and oranges and yellows and set about the usual prep on a Sweet Note Bagel.

My current thawing method seems to be perfect. So, you can always give this a go too, because I expect you to order at least ONE variety of their bagels. You won’t be disappointed. Anyway…my currrent method for perfect defrosting in the microwave…30 seconds on one side, then flip it over for another 30 seconds. Let it sit for a moment and then slice in half. If you’re not into toasting (like a true New Yorker), then go ahead and schmear this bagel up with whatever goodness you like. If you are a true New Yorker (or not) but love a toasted bagel (like me!)…toast it up. If you have a toaster…go to town. If you, like me, don’t own a toaster, simply put these beauties on a baking sheet and into an oven heated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. I left them to toast while I showered and changed…and emerged in enough time to get my breakfast chef skills on.

An Egg & "Cheese" Bagel Sammie made with the Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels — An Egg & “Cheese” Bagel Sammie made with the Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels

Deciding to do something a little different, I (*GASP*) skipped the cream cheese schmearing this particular morning and instead, dug out my little egg pan and cracked an egg into it, frying it to perfection. While the egg was working, I pulled some Daiya Cheddar-Style Slices out of the fridge and placed them on the bottom half of the bagels as they finished up their toasting time in the oven. This gave the cheese some time to melt (as well as vegan cheese melts). Afterwards, I placed fried eggs on each bagel and topped it off with the top half. Breakfast sammies…DONE!

Even better…gorgeous breakfast sammies at that. The colors were amazing and bright and just…beautiful in the Sunrise Swirl Bagels. What makes that even better is that the colors (that smattering of sunshine) are added naturally to their original plain bagel recipe by using spices such as paprika, annatto, and turmeric. Yep. No fake chemicals, dyes, or bad stuff. Don’t you love it?

Needless to say…the bagels are not only colorful and uplifting to your spirit on an early morning…but they taste good too. This was the first time I stuck a fried egg between a Sweet Note bagel…but it certainly won’t be the last. The Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels taste like an ordinary bagel, but they are extraordinary. You’ll love how it will perk up your breakfast, whether you schmear it with butter, cream cheese, jam, nut butter…whatever floats your breakfast boat, right? OR…go ahead and use it as a vehicle for a fried egg, or some (vegan) bacon or (vegan) sausage…layer it with (vegan) mayo and stick some tomato and greens in there. The gorgeously swirled carb-loaded disk of goodness is your canvas…so accessorize it however you want.

Let’s discuss what goes into Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels, shall we? These bagels are made from love (yep…actual ingredient that is…and one that makes ALL the difference), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, salt, paprika coloring, annatto coloring, and turmeric coloring. As with all of Sweet Note’s bagel offerings, these are completely gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free.

As for nutritional information, Sweet Note really stacks up when it comes to fueling and providing for your body. These stats are equal to if not better than standard bagels out on the market. A serving size of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels is 4.5 ounces (128 grams) and there are four (4) servings per package. One bagel will provide you with 290 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 320 mg sodium, 170 mg potassium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 8 grams sugars, and 5 grams of protein. The higher protein and fiber definitely helps keep you feeling full throughout the day.

Here’s something all those big corporation gluten-free bagel producers aren’t doing…they aren’t stepping outside of the box when it comes to bagels. But Sweet Note is not only thinking outside the box, but they are stepping up and really taking charge of the gluten-free bagel market out there. Where else will you be able to find a gluten-free bagel that is gorgeously swirled with colors…no where. While they do offer the standards as well, Sweet Note has really stepped up and created bagels that you normally could only get in a glutenous form at a bagel shop, probably in New York City. The Sunrise Swirl Bagel is a definite example of that. And it is not only a joy to look at, but also to eat. It will brighten up your morning for sure.

The Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagel is an Online Exclusive offering, so hop on over to their Bagel Shop and place and order ASAP. While you’re at it, try out a few of their other flavors, standard, or artisan…it doesn’t matter. I swear, you won’t be disappointed.

May 9, 2016

Weekly Wrap-Up

I know, I have been horrible about these weekly posts about good, shiny things with rainbows and sprinkles and all that lot.

But the truth is…

…I’ve been busy.

Like…very busy. On the road, racing, cooking, baking, seeing friends, living life…

That sort of busy. The kind of busy when I get home on Sunday from finishing up any and/or all grocery shopping and errands that were ignored Friday night and Saturday due to time constraints or whatnot…and I really don’t want to do anything except sit and veg, foam roll, and watch Game of Thrones.

And there’s nothing wrong with that.

But…I do like my little roundups of what has been going on…so here’s one for this week. I’ll try to be a bit more consistent…

So, what have I been doing? Well…where to start?

1. Back-To-Back Weekend Half Marathons

Me running toward the finish line of the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon (in the rain, but still smiling) – Louisville, KY

Okay…I know, when coming back from a year off of injury, the last thing I should be doing is racing back-to-back long distances, right?! Well…technically…not in my case. My PT and I have discussed the importance of mileage as I attempt to build myself back up to a marathon distances. I already transferred my bib for the spring one that I signed up for, and have made someone a very happy racer to have that bib and chance to be part of a marathon I have been dying to turn. That being said, my training continues and last weekend, I was scheduled for a 16 miler…and this past weekend 13 miles. It just so happened that last weekend was the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon & Mini Marathon race. I signed up because my friend, Deana, encouraged me to do so. With 16 miles on the docket, I got up and ran 3 ahead of the race and then completed the last 13.1 miles in the rain…with lots of people and a medal at the end. A couple of months ago, I signed up for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon up in Indianapolis. I ran this one back in 2012, and this year, Meb Keflezighi was not only sending off every wave of the race, but he was running from the back of the pack to the front. HOW COOL!! So, I signed up and went up to Indy this past Friday night to race on Saturday morning in the humidity. That being said, I had my first completely pain-free race and came within 1:06 of matching my PR time for a half. I never did get to meet Meb though. He started just after I finished…and I beat his time. Something tells me that he wasn’t here to all-out run this one, though, LOL! So, I’d say my return to running has been smart, slow, and steady. It’s been fun having races on the schedule again. I am not running any races this year for time or for PRs…just for fun. And that’s making a big difference in how I approach going into them. But it is nice to see that my fitness and strength haven’t gone to hell in the forced year off.

2. Captain America: Civil War

I am totally #TeamIronMan. My roommate is totally #TeamCap. So, we have our own little Civil War as it is. That being said, today we went to the movie theater and saw Captain America: Civil War and it was everything I expected and more. I hate seeing a divided Avengers…but I love where they took this movie. I loved how everything played out and how they are setting up for future films on the way. If you haven’t seen it yet…GO. Do not hesitate. Do not pass GO or collect $200. (Monopoly reference there, LOL!) Buy a movie ticket (I know they are expensive…but OMG…WORTH IT) and sit your butt down in a movie theater seat with popcorn and a drink and just…ENJOY IT!

#TeamStark forever!

3. The AlterG Treadmill

Welcome to the spaceship!! That’s what AlterG tweeted back to me after I blogged about my experience running on an AlterG Treadmill. First of all, this is forever happening. Seriously, I am going to pay for package minutes to run on this thing because it is going to mean I can train like I need to and take all the pounding off my body and come out of it faster, stronger, and injury free. It’s totally worth it. After getting to take a spin, as it were, and test it out…I can see why so many elite runners make use of the AlterG when recovering from hard races and/or from injury. This machine has forever changed my way of training and recovering. I am very fortunate that my physical therapist office has one to use. Seriously…life changing. Regular treadmills tear me up. This one…I could fly…so fast…and when I was finished…nothing even twinged at me. LIFE CHANGING!

4. NuttZo

I posted week or so ago about the Spring Sale going on with NuttZo. I’m a #NuttZoAmbassador and decided I would take advantage of said sale. If you missed out, I even offered my ambassador code for a 20% discount. Stay tuned, as I am certain more sales will be headed this way. That being said…I purchased the big jar of the Chocolate Power Fuel and then one of each of their available varieties: Original Peanut (Smooth), Original Peanut (Crunchy), Chocolate Original Peanut (Smooth), Chocolate Original Peanut (Crunchy), Power Fuel (Smooth), and (my personal favorite) Power Fuel (Crunchy). If you are unfamiliar with NuttZo…you’re missing out. Nuttzo is a medley of seven organic nuts and seeds…all combined to make a healthy, omega-rich, organic nut butter. I love being a product ambassador for this amazing nut butter. It’s pricey…but it’s worth it. Take a chance and try it out! You can find it in local stores or find buy it in their online store. #NuttZoFanatic #NuttZoLove #EatNuttZo

5. Re-reading the Harry Potter Books

I blame the upcoming release of a movie, the new book coming out, and the fact that the best time I had in Universal Studios a few weeks back was at both Harry Potter Worlds. All of that has spawned me to revisit the entire book series. In fact, I just wrapped up the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and will be starting Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets this week. SO looking forward to it. This re-read was a long time coming. Been meaning to do this for awhile.

6. The new Goo Goo Dolls album, “Boxes”

I have been a fan of the Goo Goo Dolls since…well…forever. No joke. I was with them in their punk music days, and then stuck with them when they went mainstream rock. I love their music. And, somehow, they sneaked an album out on me. Seriously. But after my race on Saturday, I went and picked it up. This album is AMAZING. I have listened to it all the way through at least 4 times this weekend. If you haven’t heard it yet…listen to it…purchase it…enjoy it. Nice to have some new material from them.

7. Repaying an Act of Kindness

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So, just before the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon…like…Thursday morning (the race was Saturday), my Garmin 620…died. It refused to charge, hold a charge, or turn on. I was not a happy runner. I posted about it on Facebook and had a lot of beautiful souls offer to let me borrow their watches for the race. But, one of the race ambassadors, and a lady I came to know and count as a friend during the whole Norton Training Program for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon & Mini Marathon, Melissa, offered just to give me one. It was a no-frills watch. In fact, it was the original Garmin I had before I got the 620, so I even knew how to work it. She didn’t ask for me to pay for it, she just said she’d give it to me. So, in order to repay her, I do what I do best…I made her Lemon Blossoms, picked up a soft pretzel from Annie May’s Sweet Cafe, and delivered them to her that Wednesday around lunch. It was nice to talk for a moment about our upcoming plans, and she and I are going to take a run together soon. I love having someone join me on my morning runs. We’ll have a good time. This woman has a big heart and a beautiful soul. I am so happy I got to know her.

8. The Return of Sweet ‘N Savory Food Truck
sweetnsavory
So…a month or so ago, I went online to find out when Sweet ‘N Savory would be returning to Louisville to serve up their amazing gluten-free crepes. I know they had mentioned they had their first event planned for April, so I wanted to be in on it. But, what I found instead was a message that the owners were pursuing their first love…training horses, and would not be returning. I was happy for them, that they were making a good living and doing what they love…but selfishly, I was sad because their crepes and their gelato were like none other. Well, this weekend while I was on the road, I saw messages about them being in Louisville and serving. Turns out, they are under new ownership. The new owner is Brandon Lutsch, who is very familiar with the importance of gluten-free foods as his wife is a Celiac. I am going to go and introduce myself once they have their May calendar up. I hope to become as good friends with them as I was with the original owners, Richard and Ashley! I can’t wait to get my hands on a crepe!! I’ve been crazing!!

And that’s a wrap for these past few weeks. Logging off for some decaf coffee and some Game of Thrones.

Have you eaten anything fun, new, and exciting? Do you have a favorite food truck? Have you ever done or been a recipient of a random act of kindness?

May 2, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagels

005 — Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagels – $7.25

Oh yeah…Sweet Note Bakery is back with some brand new flavors in their online store…and this just means morning are bagelicous again. Bagelicious is a word, for the record. I used it in a sentence. HA!

The moment the announcement of the store carrying their new Online Exclusive flavor on Sweet Note Bakery’s social media sights, I was heading over there to make a purchase? Because…that is how much I love these bagels. No other gluten-free bagels live up to the amazing flavor, texture, taste, and size of these bagels. And I don’t mean bagels as big as your head, either.

If you have looked at past reviews of other Sweet Note Gluten Free Bagels that I have written, you will know that they developed a gluten-free (and vegan) New York-style bagel for all of us to enjoy. There is no law that says you have to be on a gluten-free or vegan diet to want to devour these at each setting. My roommate is neither of those things, and she eats these faster than I do at times. Anyway, what sets the Crazy Bagelers at Sweet Note apart from the other gluten-free bagels on the market is that they are true to New York-style, creating a smaller, thicker, denser bagel. When toasted, it has this amazing crunchy crust and a chewy center. That’s bagel perfection. BAGEL PERFECTION. Other gluten-free bagels on the market are light as air, packed with chemicals, and gigantic. They aren’t as filling and they just don’t have that true bagel mouthfeel. This is where Sweet Note hits the sweet spot. Authentic bagels are made with real ingredients and in real size…not super-mega-jumbo. And I’m okay with that. I love a good authentic bagel…size, texture, feel…the whole carby package.

Those Crazy Bagel Ladies sure do make this former New York-er, who had to go gluten-free after a Celiac diagnosis 5 years ago, one happy girl. But I am not alone. There is an entire community…nationwide…of crazy bagelers who are also in love with ALL THE BAGELS!! Sweet Note has definitely hit a sweet note with those who are daring enough to try.

So, they have released a few new flavors…at a variety of times, these past few weeks. But the first of these was none other than…ONION!

Yes…the ever popular, Onion Bagel! The Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagel is amazing. Seriously. I prepared this as I normally do any Sweet Note Bagel. I pulled it out of the freezer this morning after a short run and a spin class and microwaved two bagels…one at a time…for 30 seconds. Then, flipped it over and hit it up for another 30 seconds. I then sliced each bagel in half and placed it on a baking sheet. You all know by now that I don’t own a toaster or a toaster oven, so I put these into the oven and left them in the mindful watch of my roommate while I went to shower off and get ready for work. About 15-20 minutes later, the amazing aroma of roasted onion wafted through the apartment and I was pulling the baking sheet out of the oven and making goo-goo eyes at the golden bagels that now awaited a schmear of some sort of topping.

Today…Daiya Vegan Cream Cheese.

006 — Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagel with a schmear of Daiya Cream Cheese

It just made sense. And, technically…was all I had in my fridge for this bagel. Although…mashed avocado…ooooh…I know what I’m doing on Wednesday…

So, now properly schmeared with some cream cheese, I delivered one bagel to my roommate and went to pour myself some (very important) coffee before settling in with my own bagel while the news droned on over the presidential campaign and such nonsense. Ignoring the news, I turned my full attention to my bagel. My roommate had already devoured one of her halves…so I had a good feeling about this. I drew in a breath…inhaled that sweet onion smell…and took a bite.

OH YES! Layers (onions…layers…get it?) of flavor. Seriously. I thought that this bagel might have reached bagel perfection. You have that bitter/sweet/caramelized flavor of the bagels that sit atop the upper half of the bagel. You have this flavor penetrating all the way through the dough, the chewy center, the crisp crust…all of it…infused with this great, but not overpowering, onion flavor. The flakes of onion on the surface were a nice touch. I saw my roommate making sure she swiped up any bit of onion that might have fallen away from the bagel itself. Nothing goes to waste. That is the sign of a winner-winner-bagel dinner! If you’re an onion lover, these are sure to make you tear up (I did it again…onions…tears…HA! I’m punny!). With joy. Tear up with joy.

So, let’s discuss what goes into each Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagel, shall we? These bagels are made from: Love (yes, that is an ingredient!), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, brown sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, onion, and salt. As with all their bagels, the Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. Made with love, indeed!!

As for nutritional information for the Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagels…you’ll eat this up! They really do stack up to the competition. Since they are made with real ingredients, every bite of these bagels are better for you and your body. A serving size is 4.5 ounces (128 grams), or one (1) bagel. ONE FULL ONION-Y BAGEL! One bagel will serve you up 290 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 320 mg sodium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 8 grams sugars, and 5 grams of protein. With the higher fiber and protein counts, these bagels will keep you feeling full all morning. Gotta love that!

Your search for the perfect bagel has come to an end. Sweet Note Bakery definitely has the top of the line bagels…and you would never guess that these are vegan and gluten-free…unless you were told or read their packaging. That being said, they really nail the bagel…and make it for everyone to love and enjoy. The new Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagel packs a great onion flavor, but won’t overwhelm your palate either. Top these off however you like…and feast on them often. They would make the perfect vehicle for a burger or sandwich as well. So. Much. Love.

I urge you to check your local stores for Sweet Note Bagels as soon as you can. Their products are carried here at Whole Foods and in CVS stores. But their online exclusive flavors are NOT to be missed.

Go on…place an order. You’ll thank me!

April 10, 2016

Winding Up A Windy Week

Whew.

Anyone else out there have to contend with stupid strong winds this week? I swear, it was strong winds all week. You know…those types of winds that, when you head out for a run, you are running into the wind…and when you turn around to come back…you are still running into the wind.

That being said, the cold temperatures have really wreaked havoc on my body. At least, I hope it’s the cold weather…hard to say when spring weather has all but disappeared…despite being mid-April-ish! UGH!

But that being said, there has been some amazing stuff going on this week for me too. Sometimes it might seem mundane, but, you know…simple things make me happy, and there is nothing wrong with that.

1. My new favorite piece of kitchen gear
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This…is a cutting board. This is a cutting board made by my super speedy, awesome, super-talented friend and running buddy, Dennis!! How amazing is this?! I love it. I tried it out all this week, and it seriously makes me happy just to chop up my vegetables and fruits and tofu…and whatever else needed a happy bit of chopping.

Dennis, you’re super talented and I thank you so much for this gift. Seriously, my favorite thing in the kitchen.

2. Game of Thrones

Okay, so, I don’t have cable. Nor do I have anything Apple that I could get HBO Go or whatever it was so I could watch Game of Thrones Season 5 while it was airing. This meant, I was dodging spoilers (and still am whenever an actor from the show starts trending). But, I purchased the Blu-Rays the other day, and have dived headlong into the season. I’ve gotten through half of the season so far and am eager to wrap it up. And then I need to figure out how to watch Season 6 as it airs…if possible. Shhh…no spoilers!

3. Cupcake of the Week

12957428_997472472111_3257918093010946888_o — Annie May’s Sweet Café Cupcake of the Week – Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake (vanilla cupcake filled with strawberry jam and topped with vanilla frosting and a fresh strawberry)

I have never been a cupcake person, but lately, Annie May’s Sweet Cafe, has been putting out a new weekly special…CUPCAKE OF THE WEEK! And they always just sound so amazing. I think I’ve only missed out on 2 of the weeks (once because I got a cookie, and the other because they were sold out). But it has been my favorite thing to check out when I go in for Soft Pretzel Wednesday. It’s usually the dessert I split with my roomie that night. A nice mid-week treat for sure. Anyway, some of the standouts have been the “Unicorn Cupcake,” the “Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake” and the “Hot Fudge Sunday Cupcake.” I missed the Cookie Dough one so maybe they’ll bring that one back sometime. All allergen-free…and all have been totally yummy!!

4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Are you aware that the new Star Wars came out on Blu-Ray and DVD this week? I got the special edition at Walmart…because it had BB-8 on the cover. Dammit, I’m such a BB-8 fangirl. Regardless, I LOVED this movie. And I love the new characters. And I really love BB-8. So, yeah, I braved Walmart and bought the Blu-Ray this past week. I hear my Sphero BB-8 droid will react to the movie if I have him turned on and watching it when I am. So, yeah…that’s happening.

5. PB&J Breakfast Bowls

Want to know what my latest obsession is? Parfait bowls. Now, I’m not new to breakfast parfaits, but this is a brand new, and SUPER good way to eat them. And I have the Chobani Cafe in SoHo, NYC, to thank for it. I eat this every morning after the gym. And this coming week, with me heading out of town, this is breakfast all week. Super easy to make:

1 cup yogurt (vegan, Greek, etc.)
1/4 cup grapes, sliced
2 tablespoons natural grape jelly
2 tablespoons peanut butter (I use NuttZo!!) #NuttZoAmbassador #NuttZoFanatic #NuttZoLove #NuttZo
1 tablespoon peanuts

Place yogurt in a bowl. Scatter grapes over yogurt. Place the grape jelly in the center. Place the peanut butter around the edge of the bowl. Top off with nuts. Enjoy!

I have done variations on this, using orange marmalade and either Smudge, Nutella, or the NuttZo chocolate versions. Also strawberry with the chocolate Smudge, Nutella, or NuttZo is also delicious. Want a healthy but delicious breakfast? Make this. You’ll thank me for it!

6. I HAVE A ROAD BIKE!!

It finally happened. After years of talking about it. And over a year of trying to get one for myself, but always having medical bills (hello, MRIs) to cover instead…the perfect bike finally came into my life. Someone was selling their road bike that they hardly rode for a really good price. Way less than what the bike was originally purchased for. It had been sitting in her storage room. It came with all the gadgets and gizmos. And it is BB-8 colors, so it was truly meant to be. I’m taking it to get fitted properly for me so I don’t do any hip damage or get injured…and then…I’m road ready. FINALLY!! I love this bike. And, yes, I did name it BB-8.

How was your week? Has the wind in your area been crazy-strong and gusty too? What fun and exciting things do you have coming up? Buy anything fun this week?

April 6, 2016

Product Review: Better Way Gluten Free Hamburger Buns

Product: Better Way Gluten Free Hamburger Buns – $6.69+

Two ladies in my running group have mentioned Better Way Gluten Free Bread to me on various occasions. They said they could find it at their Kroger in the regular bread aisle. I admit, I haven’t visited the regular bread aisle…in five (5) years. My roommate doesn’t eat regular bread these days unless we’re out or visiting someone…because we keep cross-contamination out of the kitchen.

Needless to say, after putting in miles with these ladies, I ultimately forgot, time-and-again, about the bread discussion. Despite usually going grocery shopping directly after running and breakfast. Go figure. That being said, they both posted friendly reminders and rave reviews on my Facebook page that, ultimately, I remembered while at a Kroger in Louisville. The one on my side of the river, near my home…does not carry too much in the line of gluten-free bread, save for the standards in the frozen natural food area (Udi’s and Rudi’s).

The brand I was seeking…Better Way.

I was so happy to find a loaf of their white bread (although I have heard I need to definitely seek out and devour the 7 Grains), which I have already used up an entire package. I haven’t blogged, because I forgot…so with the new one sitting in my pantry…I’ll be sure to do that.

That being said, I had a meal (or 2) on the menu this week that would require hamburger buns. Because when you’re making Pizza Joe’s (plantbased…made with lentils and lots of delicious stuff to make it taste like pizza)…the bread is highly important. Normally, I would pick up sandwich buns from my local allergen-free bakery (Annie May’s Sweet Café), but I forgot. Whoops! So, while I was out running, my roommate took it upon herself to surprise me…by going to a different Kroger than we normally hit up while in Louisville and returning with…Better Way Gluten Free Hamburger Buns!!

They were a part of lunch today!

This morning, I opened up the orange bag and sliced through the freshness seal that the four (4) hamburger buns were placed in. I pulled out two of the buns, noting how soft and squishy they were. That was exciting. Needless to say, I chose my bun for this afternoon and ripped off a small bit to try right then and there.

That was all it took for me to fall absolutely in love with Better Way’s Gluten Free Hamburger Buns. If you have ever been able to eat those hamburger buns you had at picnics and at home as a kid (and perhaps an adult)…this is exactly what this bread tastes like. It is very, very reminiscent of those classic white hamburger buns, which is definitely to be applauded when talking about gluten free bread. Happiness with just one bite. The test would be to see how it held up with the Pizza Joe’s filling heaped all over it.

Pizza Joes topping off the Better Way Gluten Free Hamburger Buns

The great thing about these buns is while they taste and feel like those classic hamburger buns of my pre-Celiac diagnosis state…they have a somewhat stiffer crumb to them. But this is a good thing. This meant that the buns themselves did not fall apart nor become mush under whatever (in this case saucy lentils that taste like pizza) you top it off with or sandwich between. That’s a rare thing with gluten-free buns. Most often I have to toast them and they still fall apart. Not these. Nope. These held up without toasting or warming…it was pure perfection. And I became smitten. Enough that I have already picked up another package of the Better Way Bread and Hamburger Buns when I made my Star Wars run. HA!

Let’s talk about what goes into Better Way’s Gluten Free Hamburger Buns, shall we? These buns are made from water, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, tapioca syrup, corn starch, xanthan gum, potato starch, cultured rice flour, and contains 2% or less of each of the following: whole eggs, extra virgin olive oil, salt, yeast, and enzymes. These amazing gluten-free hamburger buns are made in a gluten-free facility, are dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, contain no high fructose corn syrup (YAY!), and use non-GMO ingredients.

As far as nutritional information goes, these really look good, especially when compared to other gluten-free store-bought brands on the market. A serving size of the Better Way Gluten Free Hamburger Buns is 1 roll (85 grams), and there are 4 servings per package. One roll will deliver you 180 calories, 2.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 270 mg sodium, 36 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 4 grams sugars, and 2 grams protein. That’s relatively close to the same nutrition data on regular white hamburger buns. Totally winning.

I am so glad that I was told (numerous times) and reminded (numerous times) to pick up and try Better Way Gluten Free Bread. I’m addicted. It’s the closest thing I have had to regular bread outside of a gluten free bakery. Having this bread and these hamburger buns on hand is a definite must these days. Totally surprised…totally wowed. Totally in love. If you’ve been searching for the best gluten-free bread in grocery stores…seek out and find Better Way. Check with your grocery stores and see if they can order it if you can’t seem to find it.

Veggie burgers are a must in the very near future…now that I have a bun that will hold up to all the fillings!!

April 4, 2016April 4, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic Bagels – $7.25

I. LOVE. BAGELS.

I come by it honestly. As I’ve stated before, I was raised in New York. New York is the birthplace of the bagel, I’m pretty certain. New York is the land of these carby rounds of delicious bread-y goodness. I have loved them for as long as I can remember being alive. And that’s a damn long time.

One of the hardest things for me when I was diagnosed with Celiac was to say goodbye to my bagels. Sure, there were plenty of gluten-free versions out there…but nothing like a classic New York bagel. Some were small like a doughnut. Some were light and fluffy. Some were just…wrong. All wrong. Some were close or came close…close enough at least in flavor. But what I truly missed was that dense, small round that was schmeared with some variety of cream cheese and devoured while on-the-go or at the table or wherever.

That is…until Sweet Note Bakery found me.

Yes…they found me. Through Twitter. And they told me I needed to try their bagels. I shrugged it off the first time, but they came back…and so…I decided to blindly place an order.

It was the best decision of my life.

And today…until they release a new flavor or put that Gluten Free Rainbow Bagel up in their online store…I devoured the last of their four (4) new flavors they released earlier last month. Hey…new bagels means I get out my credit card and buy, buy, buy. With all that being said, I sense that it’s time to place a new order. I don’t like my freezer to be empty of these. It’s nice to have some on hand. So, the four flavors that they released were Tomato Basil, Garlic & Herbs, Salt and Garlic.

Today…was all about Garlic!

I grew up in a family of garlic lovers. Perhaps that’s why we always seem to carry mints with us. Like…all of us. HAHA! Anyway, if my mom was making garlic bread…it was butter and garlic for days. Just heaped on there. And we loved it that way. There is no such thing as too much garlic. So…garlic bagels…right up my alley.

I was both excited and sad to return from spin class this morning and pull the last package of bagels out of my freezer. Sweet Note…be forewarned…an order is coming your way. *cough* Anyway…

GARLIC!!

ALL THE GARLIC!! These bagels have a nice coating of garlic right on top of it, so be cautious of the bagels beneath the one you are removing…and be sure to leave some garlic on them. Mine pulled apart just fine, without stealing any of the garlic-y goodness. I used my current method for perfect defrosting in the microwave…30 seconds on one side, then flip it over for another 30 seconds. Let it sit for a moment and then slice in half. If you’re not into toasting (like a true New Yorker), then go ahead and schmear this bagel up with whatever goodness you like. If you are a true New Yorker (or not) but love a toasted bagel (like me!)…toast it up. If you have a toaster…go to town. If you, like me, don’t own a toaster, simply put these beauties on a baking sheet and into an oven heated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Since my roomie was awake at this point, I went to shower while our breakfast was toasting up. By the time I was dressed and out of the bathroom…it was time to pull them out.

The apartment smelled SO GOOD!! I was practically drooling as I pulled the pan out of the oven and then schmeared some vegan cream cheese over the tops of each half. I served one bagel to my (gluten-eating) roommate and I took the other one. And grabbed coffee…because…I need to be human. HA!

Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic Bagels with a schmear of Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese and Coffee!!

My roomie was already digging in, so I asked what she thought. She muttered something incoherent as she took another bite. So, I took that as a good thing. This was the flavor she had been waiting for…and somehow managed to save for last. I think she was beyond happy with it. And with that…I took a bite.

Oh…yes. Even with the nice coating of garlic on the top of the bagel, this does not overwhelm or overpower. It is a nice balance, especially with the dense bread of the bagel. This would totally make a great base for a bagel pizza…but it’s all about breakfast for me this time. And this…was heaven. I’m contemplating a bagel sammie with the other ones in the freezer…a nice fried egg on the inside…mmmm…

When I’m daydreaming about the next time I eat a product, you know it’s a winner. I loved the crispy crust and soft insides of this bagel. The bread is chewy and perfect, right at that perfect bagel consistancy. This isn’t your average gluten-free bagel. This feels and tastes just like a “normal” bagel…a “regular” bagel. You know…the kind you buy from a corner bagel shop in NYC. There are plenty to choose from. No other bagels on the market live up to that…and I don’t think any others will. Sweet Note Bakery has the magic touch…and the perfect recipe for the ultimate Garlic Bagel. I might have devoured this faster than I intended today.

Record time. The coffee had to wait.

One of the things that sets Sweet Note Gluten Free Bagels apart from others on them market is the old-school style that these gluten-free bagels are produced in. They hit that traditional New York Style, not only in size, but in texture too! And, yes, I am 100% certain these are gluten free!! You wouldn’t believe it to taste it for yourself, but it’s on the packaging and a big part of the business. The authentic nature of all of the gluten-free bagels from Sweet Note Bakery is that they take you back to the classic 3-inch size of the traditional bagel. No mega-bagel here. You don’t need it. Instead of a 6-inch monstrosity, you’re chowing down on real, natural ingredients that will leave you feeling full and content. Trust me. And, with the way these are constructed, you get an amazing crispy outer crust and that warm, chewy middle that New York bagels are known for. Bagel perfection.

In this case…Garlic Bagel perfection. HA!

Let’s talk about what goes into Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic Bagels, shall we? These bagels are made with love (yep…real ingredient!), white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, brown sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, garlic, and salt. As always when it comes to Sweet Note’s bagels, these bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. Made with love, indeed!!

As far as the nutritional information goes, these bagels really do stack up to the competition. In fact, with real ingredients, it makes every bit of these even better for you. A serving size is 4.5 ounces (128 grams), or one bagel!! Yep…one full bagel. YAY! This one bagel will serve up 280 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 330 mg sodium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 4 grams of protein. This bagel kept me full all morning, thanks to that high protein and fiber count. YES! Loving it.

If you have been hunting for the perfect gluten-free bagel…or just bagel…you need to turn your attention to Sweet Note Bakery. Their bagels (every single flavor…and I have tried them all) has been amazing. They all are packed with flavor, taste amazing, and give you a true texture and mouthfeel of an authentic bagel. Life is so good…thanks to Sweet Note. Don’t just read my blog though…try it for yourself. If your local natural food stores don’t carry Sweet Note Gluten Free Bagels…hop over to their Web site and order from the shop. Keep in mind that the Garlic Bagels, as well as the Garlic and Herb, and the Salt are online exclusive…so get them while you can.

And love breakfast again!

April 3, 2016

These Are A Few of my Favorite Things

Happy Sunday, everyone!!

I have made it through a very tiring, very busy, very hectic week. But, I got a lot accomplished and even made it out for a pre-wedding 5K for two of my favorite peeps from my running group this morning. Their wedding was this afternoon…so I hope all in attendance had a fantastic time!!

But I’ll get to that some more in a moment.

This week, I’ve learned a lot about…patience. I’m Irish. Patience is not a virtue that I really have. Not much, anyway. But if there is one thing this hip labrum tear recovery period has taught me it’s that…I have to be patient. With myself. With my body. With my running. With vast changes in weather this week, my hip has been screaming at me. Everything is day-to-day…which is frustrating, but, it’s how it has to be. That being said, getting out this week in the various weather conditions and with a variety of people for various things has been…good for my soul.

So, with that in mind, here are some things that I found good for my soul this week…

1. Laura & Mike’s Wedding 5K

When I first started running consistently with the Blue Mile group (which has sort of stayed together despite the store no longer being there…although no more Monday fun runs), I got to know both Laura and Mike rather well. They are both fantastically bright, fun, and amazing people. And a perfect match for each other. When they (finally) got engaged, it was something to be celebrated. And then, today, Laura & Mike invited everyone out for a special running of the Breakfast Club, for a pre-wedding 5K and then breakfast. They surprised us all with finisher’s medals that commemorate the event and their special day. Runners are the best people. I wish both of my dear friends (both of whom I have had the honor of running with for short and long distances) much luck and love in their future! CHEERS!!

2. Louisville City FC First Kick @ Home

Well, the winds were insane. That’s about all I can say. Nothing like seeing the guys out on the pitch kick a ball high, have it spin in place and then come right back to them. We had some crazy strong winds yesterday for the first home match for Louisville City FC. I (FINALLY) got to hang out with Natalie again, as she took up the third seat in the Season Tickets that we have kept from last year. Same row. Same seats. Same awesome view. LOVED being there again, despite the cold. LOVED hanging with Cathy & Natalie, watching the guys take on the New York City Redbulls II. And…sadly…and very disappointingly…we lost. Bad. It felt like we just didn’t have any rhythm. And we sort of looked a bit like a squad of newbie kids out there just mucking about. I hope this doesn’t set the tone for the rest of the season because Louisville City FC was SO amazing last year. Crossing our fingers that Saturday’s match is better.

3. THESE LEGGINGS!!

A gift from my very own Sole Sister, Natalie…I love these leggings. They fit me perfectly, and they perfectly suit our friendship. Thank you, Natalie…for these. I have been sporting them all day and I really don’t want to take them off!!

4. A Run in the Rain

A lot of times, I stay out of the rain and opt for a treadmill run or a later run. But this past Thursday, the 5 miler I put in during the wee hours of the morning was both cleansing and rejuvenating. I had no pace goals nor expectations. Normally I don’t want to go out in the rain, but it was the only time that day I’d have to do it, with nasty storms brewing that evening (right about the time I left work). And I’ve found I hurt a little more after a treadmill run than I do after an outdoor run. Sometimes a lot more. So, I opted to throw on some old running shoes, suit up, and take in 5 very wet miles. And I loved every moment of it. It was like I was a kid again. Splashing through puddles (one was ankle deep…thankfully I found that one (accidentally) near the end of the run), hearing my feet against the wet pavement, wondering what the drivers in the few cars that passed thought as I was lighting up the dark with my reflective gear and blinkie lights. It wasn’t a perfect run, nor a fast run, but it was the run I needed that morning. And I take every good and enjoyably run I can find these days!

5. Dinner Rolls

It’s such a simple thing…and yet, after promising Cathy (the roomie) that I would make my gluten-free dinner rolls for over a month now, today, I finally set out to do it. And, yes, despite a very busy afternoon, much of it spent away from home…they are being made and I have one very happy roommate on my hands. Sometimes…it’s the simple things that bring the most joy! Gluten-free dinner rolls…oh yeah. As Oprah says…”I love bread.” HAHA!! And when I make it myself, I know exactly what is going into it!

6. Deciding To Run for a Charity

I can’t plug this enough. When you believe in something, you do something. So, when I found the opportunity to run the Lumiere’s Challenge (Disney Wine & Dine 10K on Saturday and Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon on Sunday) for Disney Wine & Dine weekend not just for myself, but for a charity, I couldn’t be happier. As I said in a previous post…I have wanted to run for charity again for awhile. My injury kept me out of the running circuit for a year…so…yes…this had to happen. I am going to be running for Alliance For A Healthier Generation. And if you would like to support me with a donation, I would be forever grateful! I love being able to support a cause and do something I love at the same time!

You can throw any donation my way at this link: http://giving.healthiergeneration.org/site/TR/TeamHealthierGeneration/TeamHealthierGeneration?px=1065517&pg=personal&fr_id=1271

So, that was some of the high points of my week. What brought you joy this week? What made you smile!!

April 1, 2016

Product Review: Van’s Gluten Free Banana Nut Granola Clusters

Product: Van’s Gluten Free Banana Nut Granola Clusters – $5.99+

One of my favorite, favorite, favorite things to have to eat before heading out to my morning spin class (like 5:30 a.m. start time for class) is something as simple as yogurt, fruit, and a little granola. It isn’t too heavy to make me feel…BLEH (technical term, yes!)…while spinning out to awesome music and getting my sweat on, but it does give me enough fuel in the tank to not pass out or run out of gas during the workout itself. And…it’s refreshing…and delicious.

So, when I randomly bought strawberries this past week at the grocery store (they looked good and I really wanted them), I randomly needed to get granola to go with it. I have an abundance of yogurts (vegan and otherwise) in my fridge for my roomie and I at all times. But granola…not so much anymore. I’ve just been trying other breakfast stuff…like Gluten Free NY-Style Bagels and all that.

That being said, this was necessary this week, for sure. And while out and about on Saturday doing our very random grocery shopping at at least 5 different stores (NO JOKE!), I was on the hunt for a granola that wasn’t too high in sugars and that would pair nicely with strawberries. I opted for one brand, and then quickly changed my mind when I spotted the Van’s Foods granola in the gluten-free section of said store.

I’ve only had one other version of the Van’s Gluten Free Granola Clusters, but what I loved about it was the soft and chewy nature of it. So, back went the original brand I had scooped up…hello to one of the newest additions to the Van’s Gluten Free Granola Clusters lineup. The flavor…Banana Nut.

I am a runner…a marathon runner. This means I have this special place in my heart for banana. Banana bread (gluten-free of course), banana cookies, bananas with peanut butter, banana chips…and yes…straight up banana. Banana is my pre-long run eats. So, anything banana makes me one happy girl. No question about it…I wanted to try this granola.

And I have been totally devouring it and enjoying it all weekend. Like the other granola clusters that they sell, Van’s Gluten Free Banana Nut Granola Clusters are…really more one large mass of granola, rather than individual clusters. But that’s fine. The massive chunk of granola does break apart easily, making for easy sprinkling over yogurt or whatever. It also makes for good pinching material for stealing snacks between meals, before eating, or just…because. I love the soft and chewy texture of this granola, because while I do love granola with a crunch, this texture just pairs well with…everything. And I can eat it quietly and not feel like I might wake up my roommate simply by chewing. What I do love about this granola is how the banana flavoring doesn’t overwhelm or overpower the actual granola itself. This makes it perfect for pairing with anything…oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, smoothies, ice cream, etc. Oh yeah…it’s amazing. There are bits of nuts included in the clusters as well. It’s a delicious way to start your day…or end your day…or to have throughout the day. And I don’t feel bad about snacking on this…because Van’s takes pride in the ingredients they use and the nutritional worth of their products. It’s a win either way. Definitely a win when banana is involved.

So, let’s take a look at the ingredients that are used in put together the Van’s Gluten Free Banana Nut Granola Clusters, shall we? As I stated, Van’s uses ingredients that they are proud of. For this variety of their Granola Clusters, Van’s includes gluten free whole oats, brown rice syrup, invert cane syrup, cane sugar, non-GMO expeller pressed canola oil, unsweetened coconut, pecans, honey, flax seed, gluten free oat bran, almonds, natural flavors, salt, walnuts, vitamin E tocopherols (for freshness). Gluten-free, vegan, and made with whole grains. Gotta love that.

Now let’s look at the nutritional information of the Van’s Gluten Free Banana Nut Granola Clusters. A serving of this granola is 1/3 cup (30 grams). This serving will provide you with 120 calories, 5 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 1 gram polyunsaturated fat, 1.5 grams monounsaturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 25 mg sodium, 19 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 6 grams sugars, and 2 grams protein. Deliciously well-rounded, balanced, and not too bad on the nutrition. I like that this brand keeps added sugar levels low. Some granola has double digit sugars in a serving.

Van’s Gluten Free products have always impressed me and been amazing. I love the soft and chewy texture of their granola clusters. And the Van’s Gluten Free Banana Nut Clusters is definitely a new favorite. This package is almost empty…so I think another trek out to purchase more is a must.

If you haven’t tried Van’s Gluten Free Granola Clusters…make a point to do so. It will change your granola-loving mind forever!!

April 1, 2016

Product Review: Dollop Gourmet All Natural Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Spread

Dollop Gourmet Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Frosting — Dollop Gourmet All Natural Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Frosting

Product: Dollop Gourmet All Natural Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Spread – $8.99+

Okay, let me start off this blog by saying…I do not like frosting. Well, I do, but in minimal amounts. In other words…usually…not at all. In fact, growing up, whenever birthdays happened in my family, my mom served me cake without the frosting…and gave my sister the frosting…because she didn’t want cake…she just wanted the frosting.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve either scraped off the frosting or just grin and bear it, making sure I have more cake on the fork than frosting. It’s a precise ratio. Trust me.

SCIENCE!

So, you might ask…what the HELL am I doing buying a frosting product??!!

You’d be totally in the right for inquiring, to be honest. With that kind of lead-in and a full product review for…FROSTING…pending…it’s a natural question to ask. The answer…I heard about Dollop Gourmet through Instagram…the pictures always looked so good, so I began following them…and my roommate was drunk when I went grocery shopping and spotted the jar on the shelf (first time seeing the product in the grocery store wild) and I get whatever I want when my roomie is tipsy and grocery shopping with me. So…gourmet frosting it was.

I’m a social media compulsive buyer. I can’t help myself.

Before I go much further, if you are unfamiliar with Dollop Gourmet…let’s change that. Dollop Gourmet All Natural Frosting was started by Heather Saffer, winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, and author of The Dollop Book of Frosting. She found herself regularly buying these amazing cookies from a little local bakery near the car dealership where she worked, but they were topped with “the most dreadful frosting.” Saffer is passionate about frosting, always fighting for a corner piece of the cake…and it was this artificial frosting at this little bakery that set Saffer on her new mission – to reinvent frosting (and life).

Saffer taught herself how to bake and opened up the first Cupcake Bar in her hometown of Rochester, NY. Dollop Gourmet Cupcake Creations became an award winning interactive bakery. In 2012, she took her cupcakes and frosting to Food Network, competing and winning the hit TV show, Cupcake Wars. As you can imagine, business boomed at Dollop Gourmet Cupcake Creations. But then, one day, Saffer realized that she wasn’t having fun anymore, so she sold her stores and began to focus on the part of the cupcake that she truly loved – the frosting. She wrote her first frosting cookbook and then set ou tto create a mindful product that would inspire unique and honest experiences, and to be living proof that you can turn nothing into something. In other words, proof that frosting isn’t just for cake and that you can pretty much spread some frosting love on just about anything. Saffer makes sure that Dollop Gourmet All Natural Frostings are made with premium ingredients, and all five (5) of the available flavors are gluten-free, non-GMO, and 100% junk-free. Gluten-free and vegan frosting that you can literally eat with a spoon, scoop up with pretzels, schmear on a bagel…or just top off those baked goods…I think she’s onto something.

So, with a tipsy roommate ready to spend money on whatever I point out, and my delightful shrieks that I have finally found Dollop Gourmet in stores (because…I have been stalking them on Instagram and I need it in my life now), I grabbed a jar (yes…a jar) of it off the shelf to bring home with me. Meijer, the store that made my night by carrying this product, only had 2 flavors, so I went with the most obvious one…Peanut Butter Cookie Dough. Everyone knows, when it comes to me, if it involves peanut butter…it’s going to win. And with that…it found a home in my pantry.

Fast forward to this morning. I’m rushing around, trying to get things prepared for when I get home from spin class, while trying to eat some fruit and yogurt and get out the door to get to spin class…obviously…I need to reevaluate my life choices at times (like not crawling back into bed for that 1 minute that turns into 30, HAHA!)…and realizing I didn’t have any more of the yogurt for a recipe I intended to finally make for breakfast when I got home. I was eating it…with my strawberries and granola. Because…this is my life. I knew I had jam, which was part of the recipe, but that yogurt…what to do?

After getting to spin with only 5 minutes to spare and sweating it out on the bike…I had one of those “A-HA” moments! I recalled the jar of Dollop Gourmet All Natural Peanut Butter Cookie Dough frosting in my pantry and figured…that should be tasty with my Downton Abbey Christmas Preserves and the Irish Soda Bread in a Mug (the recipe I was going to cook up…in the microwave). So…there it was. Inspiration at 5:30 a.m. And by 7 a.m…frosting with breakfast. Hey…it works on toaster pastries and cinnamon rolls, why not bread from a mug?

It took about 2 minutes to get the mixture of oats (that I turned into flour), sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and other goodies needed to make the bread ready, to cook up to a perfect consistency in the mugs in the microwave. But when they got there, they were turned out of the mug and onto a plate, where I ladled some of the fruit preserves on top, then followed it up with a ginormous scoop of Dollop Gourmet All Natural Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Frosting, and then more of the preserves. It looked fantastic, I won’t lie. I couldn’t wait to try it out.

I delivered one to my roomie and I took up the other one. She was already digging in by the time I got seated, as I had to pour my coffee and take pictures for the blog, you know? Priorities. But when I dug in…oh yeah!! GOOD!

So…here’s the deal. Dollop Gourmet All Natural Frosting is just that…amazing, sugary, delicious frosting. And how does someone who doesn’t like frosting like it? Well…for frosting, it’s pretty damn good. I took a little bit of it on its own to try, and yeah…it’s sweet and sugary and everything I don’t like about frosting, but I wasn’t offended by this at all. Would I eat it straight out of the jar…no. Would my roommate…yes. But she’s a frosting freak (she’s frosting freaky)…and that would totally be her thing. With all of that being said…let me tell you more about the Dollop Gourmet All Natural Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Frosting. It tastes…like sugary sweet peanut butter cookie dough. No false advertising there. What it is…is what it is. And while I’m a definite lover of peanut butter, this was almost too sweet for me. But…it’s not peanut butter…it’s peanut butter frosting. HA!! This would be fantastic sandwiched between cookes, stuffed into cupcakes, topping off brownies, as a dip for apples, pretzels, etc. It is a fresh palate, anyway you choose to consume it. Topping off an Irish Soda Bread (made GF) that I cooked up in a mug, pairing it with a sweet plumb jam…it was like the ultimate breakfast PB&J on raisin bread. Everything worked together, and that was the magic. Also, as the bread was hot from the mug, the dollop of Dollop Gourmet All Natural Peanut Butter Cooke Dough Frosting that I put on top…melted…like peanut butter…and was a delight to sponge up with the bread and jam.

IMG_20160401_071043[1] — Irish Soda Bread in a Mug (and then out of a mug) topped with Downton Abbey Christmas Preserves and Dollop Gourmet All Natural Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Frosting

This frosting didn’t change my life…but it did make me more aware of how frosting, when done right, can do magical things to simple recipes. Forget yogurt on this one…frosting!! It made for a nice Friday breakfast treat for sure.

Let’s discuss what ingredients go into the Dollop Gourmet All Natural Peanut Butter Cookie Dough frosting, shall we? This product is made from organic, sustainably-sourced palm shortening, powdered organic cane sugar, peanut butter (peanuts, cane sugar, palm fruit oil, salt), brown sugar (sugar, molasses), vanilla extract, salt, rice bran extract, and natural flavors. This product is 100% gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, soy-free, and has half the sugar of regular frosting (but is still sweet!)

As for nutritional information, well…it is frosting, so keep that in mind, HA! A serving of the Dollop Gourmet All Natural Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Frosting is 2 tablespoons (24 grams) an there are about 14 servings per jar. A serving will dish up 150 calories, 12 grams fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat, 35 mg sodium, 10 grams carbohydrates, 9 grams sugars, and 1 gram of protein.

If you love frosting, or are just looking for something new to dress up your baked goods, breakfast, or snacks…you should truly try Dollop Gourmet All Natural Frosting. I did enjoy this, even though I’m not big on frosting. It wasn’t bad at all. It did taste, dead up, like cookie dough, so there is that. We all know I’m a cookie monster…so offering a frosting that tastes like two of my favorite worldly things…peanut butter…and cookies…a definite win!

Dollop Gourmet All Natural Frosting is available in these flavors: Madagascar Vanilla, Hot Chocolate, Firebomb Cinnamon Spice, Peanut Butter Cookie Dough, and Sea Salted Caramel. If you can’t find them at any local stores, you can seek them out online here!

Love frosting or just have a passing acquaintance with it…you’ll find a reason to love Dollop Gourmet! That was unexpected.