Category: Clean Eating

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Product Review: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread

Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread
Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread

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

A little while ago, I was introduced to a couple of new breads on the market.  While the brand name has been producing gluten-free breads for awhile now, it wasn’t a brand that I actively sought out.  Yes, I saw it all the time in the freezer section of Whole Foods and other natural food stores, but I had grown accustomed to snagging Rudi’s or Udi’s or (now) the Aldi liveGfree brand or Canyon Bakehouse.  Food For Life was there…I just always overlooked it.

And why?

Who knows?  As an active (even now, with an injury) athlete, it’s important to properly fuel my body and eat wholesome foods.  Most products on the market for the gluten-free diet happen to be junk food.  It drives me nuts.  I hit that gluten-free section of a store and I can find a vast array of cookies, crackers, chips, pretzels, and the like.  It is one of the biggest pet peeves of the grocery store.  Yes, a lot of people with Celiac and gluten intolerance do miss out on some of the finer treats like Oreos and the like, but the shelves are literally overrun with products that aren’t going to feed your body right and healthy.

But Food For Life set out to change that.  Through a lot of research and development, Food For Life released the first ever gluten free breads made from sprouted grains, such as quinoa, millet and chia.  A majority of gluten-free breads, while satisfying the “gluten free” bread requirement, don’t address the overall health needs of consumers.  Without the gluten to give bread the soft, elasticity of regular breads, most manufacturers choose alternative ingredients that mimic the feel of gluten, using egg, milk, and refined starches in order to achieve a softer and chewier texture.  But these breads are created from ingredients that you wouldn’t expect to find in natural breads, many of which are devoid of nutrients.

Food For Life stepped up and decided to start a line with four varieties of completely gluten-free breads that were specifically created with the health of consumers in mind.  Not only are they gluten free, but they are also vegan and made from nutrition packed ingredients that have been sprouted to maximize nutrition and digestibility.

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.

The hardest part, for me, was choosing where to begin.  It had been a long and tiring week and I was looking for a nutritious, but filling dinner.  And, as breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day, I decided to hit up one of my favorite recipes and have breakfast for dinner.  Hence, it was time to bust out a very British, and all-time favorite in my book, breakfast recipe – Mushrooms On Toast.

And I had the perfect vehicle for the toast portion in my kitchen freezer. I consulted with my roommate and we decided to start with the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread.

I thawed out four slices of the bread and then prepped them to toast in the oven while I prepared the rest of the meal.  This involved sauteing up mushrooms, red onion, garlic, seasoning, and some of my homegrown fresh thyme.  I made it creamier with rice milk.  And then poached some eggs to top off the entire dish.

Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread turned out to be the perfect vehicle for Mushrooms On Toast.  The bread is firmer, and stands up a bit more to toppings and the like.  I was a bit worried when I thawed it out, as it seemed really dense and heavy, but that was ideal.  That was, actually, a good thing in this case.  The Flax variety of the Sprouted For Life line of gluten-free breads is amazing.  It is dense and has this rich nutty flavor to it.  The texture, if made into a sandwich might be a bit dry and heafty, but in a dish like this, where a sturdy bread is needed, it is ideal.  In fact, this bread was almost like a sourdough, and that was where the magic was with this bread.

I loved the crunchy, sturdy nature of the bread when topped off with the creamy garlic and mushroom sauce.  It held up to the runny middle of the poached egg and even a smattering of hot sauce.  It was crispy, and delightful with each spoonful.  Seriously, any other bread would have gotten damp and soggy, but this…this held up and stayed a piece of toast throughout the entire eating process.

Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread is rich in essential fatty acids and was developed specifically to help you perform at your best.  With a great balance in the nutritional aspect, this bread is quite appealing.  Made with sprouted chia, sprouted quinoa, and sprouted millet, this bread is a trio of health.  And the flax is an added bonus for sure.

Let’s talk about ingredients.  Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread is made from organic sprouted quinoa (red and/or white), filtered water, organic arrowroot, organic potato starch, organic sprouted millet, organic tapioca, organic sprouted flax, organic applesauce, fresh yeast, organic safflower oil, organic cactus, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic agave, organic vanilla, sea salt, vegetable gum (xanthan and cellulose), and organic psyllium.  It is gluten-free, vegan, high in fiber, cholesterol free, and free of added sugars.

So, let’s talk nutrition.  Since starting my nutrition course (oh…did I not mention that yet?), I have learned that there is more to counting calories.  Sure, it is important, but it shouldn’t be the focus.  It’s all about the nutritional aspects of the food.  Avocados are high in fat and calories…but SO much better for you than that chocolate bar with the same amount of fat and calories.  See what I mean?  So, a serving of Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread is one slice of bread.  This slice of bread will give you 110 calories and 2.5 grams of fat.  This bread is free of saturated fat and trans fat (YAY!).  The Flax Bread also will provide 115 mg sodium per slice, 0 mg cholesterol, 21 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.  I was freaked out at first with the high calories per slice, but, again, not all calories are created equal and there is nothing fake going into this bread.  It’s all healthy, all good, all nutritious.  Making this a fantastic choice.

I was so excited to receive the loaves of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads.  And if they are all as amazing and delicious as the Flax variety, then I am in for a treat for sure.  My hat is off to the nutritional value, the top-notch ingredients, and the amazing taste of the new Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread from Food For Life.  My only complaint, as with most gluten-free breads out there, is the small size of the loaf.  Aside from that…amazed.  Happy to have been given the opportunity to really try it out.  I am beyond impressed.

Garlic Mushrooms on Toast made with Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread
Garlic Mushrooms on Toast made with Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Brea
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Recipe: Double Corn Cakes with Black Beans

I have been a reader of Vegetarian Times since before I went full-on vegetarian.  No joke.  And after I took the step toward eating a plant-based diet, I became a subscriber.  It’s one of the magazines I just can’t live without each month.  Well, back in the April/May 2015 issue, they had an amazing recipe that involved polenta and corn, and black beans, and some other easy to find, or already have on-hand, items.  And I had it in my head to make it.

This happens every month when I get my magazine subscriptions.  But this time, it was different.  Instead of just saying I would one day make that recipe.  This time I did.

The recipe is for Double Corn Cakes with Black Beans…and the flavors, textures and just presentation are all fabulous.  It’s a healthy and plenty filling meal.  Having a hard time with your protein?  Make this and you’ll be getting 19 grams in one serving.  YES!

Recipe: Double Corn Cakes with Black Beans

Double Corn Cakes with Black Beans
Double Corn Cakes with Black Beans

Servings: 4
Time: Prep 5 minutes; Cook 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (1-½ cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 tablespoon)
  • 1 jalapeño chile, seeded and diced (¼ cup)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 (15-oz) cans no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1-½ cups fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels, divided
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 (18-oz) tube pre-cooked polenta
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions:

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, and cumin, and sauté 5 minutes.

Stir in beans, tomatoes, 1 cup corn, and lime juice; season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Cook 5 minutes, or until heated through. Transfer mixture to covered container, and keep warm.

Wipe out skillet.

Meanwhile, crumble polenta into microwave-safe bowl, and mash with fork until nearly smooth. Add remaining 1/2 cup corn kernels. Microwave 1 minute to soften polenta. Stir, then add beaten egg, and fold into polenta mixture until smooth.

Coat skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium-high heat. Shape polenta into 8 1/3-cup cakes, gently flattening with palm. Cook corn cakes in two batches in skillet 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Serve corn cakes over black bean mixture.

~*~*~

There is something amazing about transforming corn kernels and polenta into savory fritters.  I served mine with a side of sliced avocado, but salsa would be a great touch as well.  These fritters have this nice crispy outside and soft inside.  Fantastic flavor.  Healthy.  Delicious!!  I need to really make more recipes from my magazine subscriptions in the future!

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Product Review: Eden Foods Caribbean Rice and Black Beans

Eden Foods Organic Caribbean Rice and Black Beans
Eden Foods Organic Caribbean Rice and Black Beans

Product: Eden Foods Caribbean Rice and Black Beans – $2.50+

Sometimes life gets a little crazy.  Sometimes life gets a lot crazy.  And sometimes, life just gets too busy to really plan ahead efficiently.  That has been my life as of late.  With the tedious and long hours spent doing my physical therapy stretches, and being in enough pain that it hurts to stand for long periods of time (sitting down isn’t always better), sometimes simple and hands off is what you need.

Thank goodness while out at Earth Fare one day, I snagged a can of Eden Foods cans of rice and beans.  It was on sale, as I recall, and I figured it was never a bad thing to have some sort of canned meal or side on hand…just in case.

Last week, it sure was a lifesaver when it came to lunch one day.  My weeks have been stressful and I’ve been battling my own little injured runner demons.  Sometimes, motivation to really do anything is lacking.  Sometimes, when I get home from work, all I want to do is collapse and not move for awhile.  But, usually, I have lunches and snacks to prepare for the following day, and then dinner for that evening to get going on top of it all.

I reached a breaking point last week and I was so happy to find this can of rice and beans in my pantry.  Like…seriously happy.  Who knew a canned good could bring so much relief and joy?

Eden Foods Caribbean Rice and Black Beans is a really simple food to prepare.  Simply, open the can, and heat.  I used the stove top method, which involved putting it into a saucepan and warming it through.  I stirred it throughout the cooking period, and then dished it up into two (one for me and one for my roommate) Pyrex containers for the following day.  While it was warming, I was working on dinner.  It was the best feeling ever to accomplish two things at once without any additional stress or steps.

The next day, I small reheat in the microwave was all that was needed.  Lunch…was served.

The Eden Foods Caribbean Rice and Black Beans was decent enough.  While I appreciate the BPA-free can and the low sodium, this dish was actually under-seasoned.  I had my roommate take a taste before I packed it up for lunch and she said it needed a hit of salt.  She’s a sodium-scardy-cat, so this was quite the surprise to hear.  I took a pinch of salt from my dish and added it, giving it another stir.  And she was happy enough with that.  It still was bland on it’s own, however, we both concluded that this would be the ultimate vegetarian burrito/taco filler.  In fact, I sort of want to buy another can and have taco night.  There wasn’t much heat in the spices, despite including cayenne pepper in the seasonings that go into this particular blend of rice and beans.  But, this meant that we could season and add as much spice/heat as we wanted individually.  I left it as it was, as I didn’t have my bottle of Cholula with me that day, nor any bereber or red pepper flakes.  So, yeah, on its own it was more than a little disappointing.  If it had been part of Taco Tuesday or something…it would be amazing.  While I was expecting a little more heat, it was very mild on the palate.  Not great, but not bad either.  I’d purchase it again for tacos…but not to have on its own.

Let’s talk about what goes into the Eden Foods Caribbean Rice and Black Beans, shall we?  This product is made up of water, organic Lundberg short grain brown rice, organic black turtle beans, organic onion flakes, organic paprika, organic garlic powder, sea salt, organic cumin powder, organic cayenne powder, and organic cinnamon powder.  This product is gluten free, kosher, and cholesterol free.

Nutritionally speaking, however, you’ll love the facts on the Eden Foods Caribbean Rice and Black Beans.  One serving is 1/2 cup and there are 3.5 servings in a can.  A serving will provide you with 120 calories, 1 gram fat, 100 mg sodium, 230 mg potassium, 23 grams carbohydrates, less than 1 gram sugars, 4 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein.  It is filling and healthy for you.  It will definitely do your body good.  I just wish it had a bit more…flavor to it.

JUST THINK TACOS!

Anyway, while not wowed by the product, as stated, I would probably purchase another can of the Eden Foods Caribbean Rice and Black Beans for other purposes, aside from being eaten straight as my roommate and I did.  Decent food, that will keep for awhile, at a good price…sometimes that’s good enough.

If you do try these out…check the seasoning and spice levels.  You might want to add to it.

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Recipe: Charleston Ice Cream

This might surprise you if you are unfamiliar with Carolina Gold Rice and/or Chef Sean Brock (owner of Husk in Charleston, SC and Nashville, TN)…but this isn’t really ice cream.  Not at all.  It’s a rice dish.

*SHOCK! GASP! DISBELIEF!*

But ever since I watched Sean Brock make this dish on Mind of a Chef, and really go in depth into how amazing Carolina Gold Rice really is…I not only wanted to try the rice, but I wanted to make this recipe as well.  Back in January, I went to Charleston, SC to run the Charleston Marathon, and while I was there, I hit up the market and purchased (for a hefty price…but worth it!) a sack of Carolina Gold Rice.  The actual phrase “ice cream” in this particular recipe refers more to the preparation, which involves a boil-and-strain initial cooking of the rice, and then the process of oven drying it to give it a better texture.  each grain is a distinct bit of food…no clumping.  As the rice dries and the butter is added, the rice simply becomes the star.  And that’s why it makes a simple, but perfect meal all on its own.

Since I had a bit of time yesterday, and since I wasn’t screamingly hungry, I went ahead and decided to use some of the field greens I got in my CSA bin as the topper for this dish and prepare it for dinner, using some of the Carolina Gold Rice I brought back from Charleston, SC.  It takes a little bit of time and patience, but the end result…is amazing, simple, and delicious.  A little elegant touch of the South right in your own home.  Trust me, you’ll rethink the way you prepare rice in the future.

Recipe: Charleston Ice Cream

Charleston Ice Cream
Charleston Ice Cream

Servings: 4
Time: Prep 5 minutes; Cook 45 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup Carolina gold rice
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
  • Baby lettuces (or some julienned greens) (for serving)

 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 300°F.

In a heavy stockpot, bring the water, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, add the rice, stir once, and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the rice is al dente, about 15 minutes. Drain the rice.

Spread the rice onto a sheet tray.

Dry the rice in the oven, mixing occasionally. After 10 minutes, spread the butter evenly over the rice. Continue stirring every few minutes. The rice should be dry in about 15 minutes, and the grains should separate.

Serve by plating the Rice in a bowl and garnishing with the baby lettuces.

~*~*~

This recipe is super easy and really simple to prepare.  I was most concerned about the flavor being bland, but I promise, it’s not.  The simple addition of salt and white pepper to cook the rice in, not to mention the bay leaf, brings in a huge amount of flavor.  And don’t skip the greens.  They are refreshing and add a great texture and flavor to the finished dish.  It’s an unconventional way of cooking rice, yes.  But, damn…it’s amazing!

I am definitely hooked on Charleston Ice Cream.  And…will want to keep Carolina Gold Rice in my pantry forever from now on.  If you don’t have Carolina Gold Rice, any long grain rice will substitute for it.  But, if at all possible, order some in, get your hands on some, and try it.  You’ll be amazed.

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Recipe: Gluten Free Penne with Kale in a White Wine Sauce

I’m getting back into the swing of using up everything that comes in my CSA bin before the next one arrives.  Sometimes, it’s hard…but this past week, I have literally used up every bit of produce that came to me last Friday in my green bin of happiness.  Ah, I love Friday because it is BIN DAY!

So, after using up the cucumber (I made a childhood favorite…cucumbers in vinegar), zucchini, squash, blueberries, apples, green beans, broccoli, watermelon, and onion, all that remained was the kale.  And, I do love cooking with kale.  Usually I make kale chips or use it in a breakfast egg scramble of sorts.  But I wanted to get a little more creative than that this time around.  So…with just enough white wine remaining in the bottle in the fridge, I set out to master…pasta and kale…with white wine.

The premise of the recipe was skimmed over while reading through the Funny Love blog.  And from there, I tweaked it to fit my dietary needs.  What emerged was a healthy, delicious, and runner-friendly (non-runner friendly too!) meal this evening that both my roommate and I sat down and devoured while watching Friends on Netflix.  Life…can be good and delicious all at once.

Recipe: Gluten Free Penne with Kale and a White Wine Sauce

Gluten Free Penne with Kale in a White Wine Sauce
Gluten Free Penne with Kale in a White Wine Sauce

Servings: 4-6
Time: Prep 10 minutes; Cook 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 8-12 ounces Gluten Free Penne (I used Aldi’s liveGfree brand)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt
  • Crushed red pepper
  • Olive oil
  • 4 cups kale
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 cup pasta water (reserve right before you drain the pasta)

Directions:

Cook the pasta per the package instructions.

While the pasta is cooking, pull out a pan I used the one I was using to make the sauce) and add about an inch or two of water with about a teaspoon of salt.  Place pan on stove and bring water to a boil.

Cut the kale into large strips and remove the stems.

Put the kale into the boiling water for about a minute.  Drain the kale and set it aside.

In the same pan, prepare the sauce.  Add a drizzle of olive oil, the red pepper flakes, and the minced garlic and cook over medium heat, for about 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is soft and golden.  Do not burn the garlic.  It will make everything bitter.
Stir in the wine.  Allow the wine to come up to a boil and reduce for about a minute.  Then, add some of the starchy pasta water, if you’d like a bit more liquid in the dish.  Stir in the drained pasta, the kale, and some Parmesan cheese (as much as you’d like).  Season with salt, more cheese, red pepper, or pasta water as you deem necessary.

Serve.

~*~*~

This turned out to be a light dish, despite having the pasta integrated into the rest of it.  I found it a great way to use of a bottle of white wine from the fridge so that it didn’t go wasted.  And…I love finding new ways to enjoy kale!  Packed with nutrients, light, delicious…yeah…it’s a perfect meal.  And one I might consider the night before a long run…should this hip ever improve enough to get me back out onto the roads.

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Product Review: Laughing Giraffe Organics Cherry Ginger Snakarola

Laughing Giraffe Organics Cherry Ginger Snakarola
Laughing Giraffe Organics Cherry Ginger Snakarola

Product: Laughing Giraffe Organics Cherry Ginger Snakarola – $7.99+

When a product goes by the name “Laughing Giraffe” I take notice.  Funny thing though…I’d never heard of this brand before.  Trust me…if I had, it would probably have already been a staple in my pantry.

This brand and product came to me courtesy of my monthly subscription to Cuisine Cube.  I know most of you, by now, are familiar with this service, but let me give you a quick rundown.  For as little as $29.99/month, you can have Cuisine Cube delivered to your door . What this service provides is 5-6 gluten-free, full-size products that are made by local and smaller, artisan companies, rather than those that you can find at the average grocery store.  It has introduced me to so many new and delightful products.  Each box contains a breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert product…and then, sometimes, an extra bonus item.  Who doesn’t love a little something extra, right?

So, April 2015’s Cuisine Cube featured Laughing Giraffe Organics Cherry Ginger Snakarola for the Breakfast/Snack item.  I was immediately intrigued.  Loved the name of the company and the name of the product.  And I love a good granola…and this looked like it was quality in a little pouch.  So, yeah…excitement.

Laughing Giraffe Organics is a family run business owned by the Gilmour family, based out of the San Francisco Bay Area.  They entered the health food business out of a desire to learn about healthy eating and how it could improve their own well-being.  Laughing Giraffe Organics mission is to provide quality nutritional snack foods that taste great and only use the purest organic ingredients that are nutrient dense and minimally processed.  I am loving this already.  Basically, they make foods that they believe will satisfy hunger without detracting from quality of life.  This is a company that truly wants you to eat well and live better.

Who can’t get on board with that, right?

It was my 5:30 a.m. spin class day at the gym yesterday.  I love my class, but it’s an hour long, and I have to go home, shower, and get everything together to get out the door to work.  It makes for a huge time crunch.  SO…in order to have something my roommate can eat and that I can take with me to work, it is often something like a Greek yogurt parfait or something of the sort.  This was the case this past Wednesday, and so, before heading off to the gym, I made up two bowls of my infamous breakfast parfaits…Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries.

I try to keep healthy (ie: low sugar) granola in the house, and since Cuisine Cube had provided me with some, I figured I’d take full advantage on such a chaotic morning.  I washed the berries and prepped the to-go bowl and the nice bowl (for the roomie to eat at home) for the actual assembly of the parfaits.  I put a small handful of the granola in each bowl, then spooned over the Greek yogurt, then added the berries.  Repeat.  Then finish off with another handful of granola.  It’s a filling, amazing, delicious and nutritious way to start the morning.  Of course, I had to try this granola on it’s own, as well as as a mixer with the parfait.

The Laughing Giraffe Organics Cherry Ginger Snakarola is a better granola.  It’s soft (like Van’s Granola), and packed with nuts and and tons of flavor.  I was a bit concerned with the ginger in the name of the product, but the ginger that is included in the mix isn’t candied or overwhelming.  It’s blended in perfectly and offset by the salty-crunchy nuts.  Then…to add to the decadence…dried cherries.  Honestly, it was a perfect blend for me.  Almost like a muesli while still being a granola.  It was amazing.  And it could be used over dairy-free (or regular) ice cream, in cookies, or eaten straight out of the bag…among other tings.  That’s the great thing about a fantastic granola…it can be so versatile.  The Laughing Giraffe Cherry Ginger Snakarola is all of that.  And…it’s addictive…in a good, healthy, and delicious way.

So, let’s take a look at the simple, basic, organic ingredients that go into each pouch of Laughing Giraffe Cherry Ginger Snakarola, shall we?  This granola is made up of organic walnuts, organic pecans, organic agave nectar, organic dried cherries, organic ginger powder, organic vanilla extract (gluten-free) and Himalayan pink salt.  This product compliments a Paleo diet, has a low glycemic point, is nutrient-rich and power-packed, is a fantastic source of healthy fats, and is packed with fiber to keep you feeling full.  This product is gluten-free, certified organic, raw, vegan and non-GMO.

As for nutrition information, don’t be frightened.  Remember much of this granola is made up of healthy nuts, which, are higher in calories and fats (but healthy…just keep to the serving size or below!).  A serving of the Laughing Giraffe Cherry Ginger Snakarola is 1/2 cup.  This serving will give you 290 calories and 25 grams of fat.  You will also be taking in 50 mg sodium, 13 grams carbohydrates, 8 grams of sugars, 3 grams of fiber, and 8 grams of protein.  This granola is cholesterol free.

It was definitely love at first bite with this granola.  It wasn’t too sweet, nor was it spicy.  It was crunchy without being over toasted.  And it was soft and delicious.  Filled with the best sort of foods for healthy and fitness…yeah…this was a definite win.  Now to get more for my pantry.  Perhaps in another flavor.  Thanks to both Laughing Giraffe Organics and Cuisine Cube for this fantastic product!

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Product Review: Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting

Grandpa's Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting
Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting

Product: Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting – $5.00+

Okay…I know what you’re thinking.  You’re thinking…what is the gluten-free vegetarian doing with a breadcrumb coating that is meant for making fried chicken?

Well…it all starts with Cuisine Cube.

I signed up for Cuisine Cube back in May 2014…and for a year have been receiving a monthly subscription box of full-size products from artisan and smaller gluten-free companies.  I love it.  You can subscribe for as little as $29.99/month.  While you might be uncertain about the quality of the service, let me tell you…you will receive products you may never have heard of and are definitely not readily available stores.  You will receive 5-6 products (full-size) each month, each one representing a time when you’d eat: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert.  And…sometimes…a bonus!  For me, some some products get used faster than others…and some sort of linger in my pantry until I can figure out something to do with them.

That was the case when, in my July 2014 Cuisine Cube, I received a 6 ounce package of Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting.  Upon first opening the box, I thought…”I’m a vegetarian…what am I going to do with this?”  But, as most of you are well aware, I do love to coat some of my fresh vegetables in different breading (some made out of re-purposed items, and some…from actual gluten-free breadcrumbs) and bake them up in the oven to serve for dinner.  And, after almost a year of procrastinating on this product, I thought it was time to move the last of the 2014 products out.

That honor…went to Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting.  Grandpa’s Gourmet was founded by a couple – he is a Celiac and she can’t have sugar, making meal planning quite a task.  One night, while she was preparing her grandfather’s old recipe for oven fried chicken, her husband gave into the craving and devoured all the fried chicken he could get his hands on.  He, of course, braced for the inevitable reaction – which never came.  Could it be…they had stumbled upon a recipe that would mean – “One Meal for Everyone!”?

Grandpa’s Gourmet calls their line of products “Encrustings” because they are breading taken to the next level.  Typical store-bought breading (or breadcrumbs) you get are genetically modified, unnatural wheat-based products that contain high amounts of sodium, sugar and preservatives.  Even most gluten-free breadings are loaded with fat because they are nut based or have a gritty texture as they are rice based.  But that’s what sets Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Encrustings apart.  Not only are their products all natural and healthy…but they taste great.  These encrustings have a non-GMO corn base, instead of rice or potato, giving it a fantastic texture.  They are sweetened with natural fruit juice…no artificial flavorings here.  And then, they fold in their own custom blend of spices and seasonings that smell amazing as they cook.

Roasted Broccoli over a Wild Rice Blend using Grandpa's Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting
Roasted Broccoli over a Wild Rice Blend using Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting

I don’t eat chicken…nor do I cook meat…but I do a lot with vegetables.  Had I thought about it before, the Grandpa’s Gourmet even suggests putting it on vegetables on the front of their pouch.  It says, “Also great on: pork, fish, pasta, and vegetables.”  VEGETABLES!  DUH!  So, last night and tonight, it was all about the Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting.

Last night, I roasted up some broccoli that I coated with some olive oil and the encrusting mix.  I did the same tonight with green beans, which I toasted up in the oven to get them nice and crispy and good.  Let me tell you, Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting is phenomenal.  While I liked it well enough on the oven roasted broccoli, it really shined tonight when I put it on the green beans and toasted those up for dinner.  WOW.  This breading is anything but bland.  In fact, it is a fantastic seasoning that would work well even in scrambled eggs.  Honestly…I am beyond impressed with this amazing product.  And to think, I never would have thought about this product otherwise.  It is versatile and amazing.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that go into a pouch of Grandpas Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting.  This breading is made from organic corn meal (organic corn meal, organic grape and/or pear juice concentrate, sea salt), cashews, almonds, spices, salt, and orange peel.  This encrusting is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, MSG free, and non-GMO.

As far as nutrition goes, I am totally impressed with how this all adds up.  A serving of Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting is 1/4 cup.  There are about 6 servings per container.  One serving will provide 120 calories and 6 grams of fat.  This serving will also dish up 0 mg cholesterol, 220 mg sodium, 14 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams sugars, 2 grams fiber, and 3 grams of protein.

Honestly, I never would have given Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting a second glance, but thanks to Cuisine Cube, I now have a product I can actively seek out (and order) and indulge in and include in so many dishes.  This is one versatile breading…so even if you’re like me and don’t eat meat…you can still enjoy this product.  I am definitely in love.  Enough that I even ate the breading that flaked off my green beans tonight.  A nice salty-sweet treat at the end of a meal.  Definitely a new favorite.

Crispy Green Beans made with Grandpa's Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting
Crispy Green Beans made with Grandpa’s Gourmet Gluten Free Citrus Herb Chicken Encrusting
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Recipe: Brussels Sprouts in a Gluten Free White Wine Sauce

So…I’m totally addicted to Brussels sprouts.  You may or may not be aware of this.  The first time I ever cooked them up, I made them in a casserole.  And then…it was all about the roasting.  With olive oil and seasoning…or maple syrup and nuts…the possibilities were endless.

But…I have a lot of wine in my apartment.  A LOT.  And with a fresh bottle of white wine now open and in the fridge…I am coming up with clever ways of using it that doesn’t involve drinking it night after night after night.  Not that there is anything wrong with that…but the medication I’m on for my hip sort of doesn’t mix well with alcohol.  So…yeah…

With Brussels sprouts in my bin this past week and wine in the fridge, I went on a small hunt for recipe ideas.  Because I was just going to roast them up…but that didn’t use any wine…

What I found was a recipe from Taste of Home, which I modified slightly to fit the ingredients I had on hand and to fit my dietary needs.  And what emerged…was a nice twist on Brussels sprouts.

Recipe: Brussels Sprouts in a Gluten Free White Wine Sauce

Brussels Sprouts in a Gluten Free White Wine Sauce
Brussels Sprouts in a Gluten Free White Wine Sauce

Servings: 4-6
Time: Prep 20 minutes; Bake 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts
  • 1/4 cup Earth Balance vegan buttery sticks, cubed
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (I used Cup4Cup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk (I used unsweetened cashew milk)
  • 2/3 cup white wine
  • 1 cup white onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons raw whole almonds
  • 1 tablespoons sliced almonds

Directions:

Place Brussels sprouts and a small amount of water in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir; microwave 1-2 minutes longer or until partially cooked. Let stand 5 minutes; drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Combine cream and wine. Gradually whisk into flour mixture. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the onions, chopped almonds, and reserved Brussels sprouts.

Transfer to a greased 1-1/2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with sliced almonds. Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and Brussels sprouts are tender.  Season with salt and pepper.

~*~*~

This was definitely a change from the oven roasted version, but it was good to step outside the box and do a little cooking with wine.  And it was full of flavor and cooked up really well.  Everything went together.  I added a few red pepper flakes to my own bowl just to take it up a notch.

If you’re a Brussels sprouts fan…Try this!!

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Product Review: Don Tamal All Natural Veggie Vegan Gourmet Tamales

Don Tamal All Natural Veggie Vegan Gourmet Tamales
Don Tamal All Natural Veggie Vegan Gourmet Tamales

Product: Don Tamal All Natural Veggie Vegan Gourmet Tamales – $6.99+

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  Or I should probably say Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Either way…it’s May 5th…Return of the 5th…and yes…Cinco de Mayo.

And I felt the need to celebrate.  This time at home…not at Moe’s or Q’doba.  Home.  Because I have no money.  What I did have, however, was a local product in my freezer.  Yes.  Local.  Let me tell you the tale…

It was a few months ago.  I was wandering around Whole Foods, attempting to stick to my tight food budget and epically failing at it.  But…I was trying.  As I was making my way up to the registers, my roommate pointed out a table where a nice gentleman was handing out samples of vegan tamales.  Vegan.  Gluten Free.  Tamales.  I had to have this in my life, so I bee-bopped over that way and tried a sample.  Cathy was right behind me.  He was just removing some fresh tamales from his steamer.  He plated a few bits and one bite sold us both.  The nice man was actually the founder of the local Don Tamal…and pointed out that we could purchase them in the freezer section and directed us that way.  We were already a bit over budget, but we couldn’t pass this up. They were REALLY good.

So, the purchase was made.  I took the Don Tamal Veggie Vegan Tamales home and placed them in the freezer.  Where they have been ever since.

But…as I said…it’s Cinco de Mayo.  Time to get our tamales on.

Don Tamal is a local business based out of Louisville, Kentucky that specializes in…TAMALES.  This business strives to provide authentic, all natural, Mexican tamales for people on-the-go who love to eat healthy without sacrificing enticing flavors and textures.  Their philosophy is that all people should have the chance to eat delicious food that is free of additives, preservatives, chemicals, trans fats, growth hormones, and genetically engineered ingredients.  The reward…traditional food of better quality.  In fact, the wife of the founder, Marcela, pursued a PhD in Food Science and Engineering and came up with ways to make flavorful food without sacrificing the texture or flavor.  Same traditional fare…better ingredients.  A healthier choice.

Oh yeah…they had my attention.

There are two ways to cook up the frozen tamales.  You can use the preferred method of using a veggie steamer on the stove top.  Which, if I had a veggie steamer, I’d have done.  But…I don’t.  Luckily…it’s not required.  I used the microwave method, where in I wrap the two tamales that come in the package in a very tamp paper towel and place them in a microwave safe container with a lid.  I microwaved these for about 3 minutes and 15 seconds (the package says 2.5 minutes, but my microwave is old and not very powerful), and then let it stand and steam for about 1 minute.  Then, discard the husk and enjoy!

It really doesn’t get much easier than that.  I served mine up with some tortilla strips and salsa.  Yummy!

Let me tell you…these are fantastic.  I forgot what drove me right over to that freezer in the first place.  Holy cow, these were just amazing.  The masa was soft and creamy.  The veggies that were mixed in tasted so good.  And the different veggies stuffed inside…those were just…yummy.  Despite having habanero pepper in it, it wasn’t spicy.  Which is good, or my roommate (Cathy) would never have let me live it down.  Superb.  Not bad at all for reheating from frozen.  I was beyond impressed back at Whole Foods and tonight just re-introduced to me the reason why.  After one bite, I started pointing at it with my fork and finally managing a, “We’re getting more of these tamales” in between forkfuls.  It was gone way too soon.

Let’s look at the ingredients that go into the Don Tamal All Natural Veggie Vegan Gourmet Tamales, shall we?  These tamales are made from corn dough (corn with lime, vegetable base (organic carrots, organic celery, organic onion, organic tomato, salt, organic and gluten free soy sauce, organic cane sugar, organic maltodextrin, yeast extract, organic potato starch, organic onion powder, organic garlic powder, and organic spices), poblano pepper, organic carrots, organic corn, purple onion, yellow onion, olive oil, organic palm oil, cilantro, organic kale, fresh garlic, spices, aluminum free baking powder, habanero pepper and vinegar.  These tamales are made without hydrogenated oils or lard.  And, yes, they are certified vegan.

As this is a local business selling these, I don’t have the nutrition information…but…I can tell you…they are YUMMY!

Nutritious.  Delicious.  Tamales.  Happy Cinco de Mayo indeed!  Thanks, Don Tamal.  I’m heading to Whole Foods for more this weekend!

Don Tamal All Natural Veggie Vegan Gourmet Tamales (cooked)
Don Tamal All Natural Veggie Vegan Gourmet Tamales (cooked)
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Product Review: Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix

Pamela's Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix
Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix

Product: Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix – $5.99+

Back when I first went gluten-free, the receptionist at my office was on this diet kick.  And she brought in these muffins that were made with only two ingredients: spice cake and a can of pumpkin.  That’s it.  I didn’t get to try them, despite her asking me to at least take a bite…because I didn’t want to feel ill the rest of the day, or perhaps the week.  Everyone else who tried them though loved them.

That was over three years ago.  And despite there being at least one gluten-free spice cake mix out on the market (made by Namaste Foods)…I hadn’t really gotten around to purchasing the mix and then giving a gluten-free version of those muffins a try.

And then…this past fall as I was strolling down the back aisle of my Whole Foods Market…I saw a display of gluten free fall baking items, all by Pamela’s Products.  They were the new Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread Mix and the new Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix.  I had just recently gotten a gluten-free pumpkin bread mix from a different company, but the spice cake mix…that made me happy.  I turned to my roommate and asked if we could break the budget for this…because I had two ingredient muffins I wanted to make with it.  She agreed.  YAY!  Home came the cake mix.

However, with the busy, hectic holidays…my time for baking things for me (I baked a lot of gluten-free goodies for family/friends/special businesses) and the muffins got pushed to the back burner.  As a lot of my great ideas at the time…when I am purchasing something often do.  Sadness.  But sadness no more…because I needed some easy breakfast food this week…mostly because I’m attempting to get back into a workout routine, despite my injury, and have some early morning sessions at the gym planned out.  The easier something is to make afterwards, the better!

So, today, I got out a can of pumpkin (I keep cans of pumpkin on hand like they are going out of style!) from my pantry and snagged the bag of Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix from the baking shelf.  It was time to make those muffins as planned.

So, into a bowl went the cake mix and the can of pumpkin.  I beat it all together with an electric mixer and then folded in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.  So…I made mine with three ingredients.  I wasn’t sure how a gluten-free cake mix would take to this recipe (a lot of times you should follow instructions on the package exactly or face epic, massive, culinary fail!), and who doesn’t like a touch of sweet chocolate with their breakfast, right?  RIGHT!  I filled 18 muffin cups with the mix and popped it into a 350°F oven, allowing them to bake for around 24 minutes.  I removed them and let them cool before placing them in a container to keep for the upcoming week.

BUT…I can’t bake something and not try it, right?  If it was an epic fail…well…I didn’t want to find out tomorrow morning when there was nothing to do about it.

My worry was for naught.  I should have known.  Pamela’s Products has always been delicious, no matter if I’m using her flour blends, or product mixes, or feasting on cookies, figgies, or granola bars.  I have never met a Pamela’s Products product that I didn’t fall in love with or enjoy.  And that continues to hold true.

The Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix has this delicious fall spice flavor to it.  A hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, ginger and cardamom bring out that amazing taste of one of my favorite seasons!  Nothing like a taste of fall at the height of spring, right?  Maybe I was trying to forget that we were in the high 70s already this morning when I set out to make these.  The pumpkin added this great flavor and moistness as well.  And who doesn’t love a little touch of chocolate when all is said and done, right?  Because the addition of the chocolate chips made these a sweet enough treat, without all the guilt.  The muffins didn’t puff up, but that’s gluten-free mixes for you.  They did bake up gorgeously though…with a golden brown top and a moist, cake-y middle.  Loved it at the first bite and will truly enjoy devouring a couple of these each morning this week.  Super easy to make…and super delicious in the finished product.

So, let’s discuss the ingredients that go into Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix, shall we?  This mix is made from evaporated cane sugar, tapioca starch, white rice flour, potato starch, brown cane sugar, inulin, grainless & aluminum-free baking powder, rice bran, sea salt, cinnamon, gluten-free flavor, nutmeg, allspice, xanthan gum, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper.  This mix is certified gluten-free, non-dairy, and kosher.

Let’s discuss the nutrition information of Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix, shall we?  This mix makes 12 servings (I made 18 muffins though!), so it’s 1/12th of the dry mix or 1/12th of the finished cake that you bake.  In this serving, you will be consuming 150 calories and less than 1 gram of fat.  This mix will provide you with 340 mg sodium, 36 grams carbohydrates, 15 grams of sugar, 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein.  Not bad for a cake mix, right?  Normally, this mix is prepared using eggs, butter and milk, so your nutrition facts will change when it’s mixed with baking ingredients.

For those interested, the nutrition information for the Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Muffins that I made with this mix is that 1 muffin will give you 141 calories, 2 grams of fat, 228 mg sodium, 30 grams carbohydrates, 14 grams sugar, 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein.  Only three ingredients.  Easy to bake.  And…YUMMY!

I hope that the fall isn’t the only time I can find the Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix.  I haven’t looked recently at my natural foods stores…but if they have another package of it, I’ll be more than happy to pick it up and bake up another batch of these muffins.  Or, maybe next time, I’ll bake up the actual cake itself.  As always, Pamela’s Products impresses me beyond all expectations.  And this is why this is a big-name gluten-free brand I trust.

Gluten Free 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Muffins (made with Pamela's Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix)
Gluten Free 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Muffins (made with Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix)