Clean Eating – Page 13 – The Celiathlete

March 9, 2015

Product Review: Nature’s Earthly Choice Roasted Garlic Falafel with Quinoa

Product: Nature’s Earthly Choice Roasted Garlic Falafel with Quinoa – $2.99+

One of the healthiest and best diets out there these days is the Mediterranean diet. There is little question as to why. Largely plant-based and focused on seafood and lean proteins, the Mediterranean diet offers a whole lot of health benefits without giving up delicious tasting foods.

But I am no Greek and the Mediterranean diet seems almost Greek to me when it comes to figuring out foods to prepare and the best way to do it. That being said…thankfully there are shortcuts out there. One such shortcut is to pick up a box of Nature’s Earthly Choice falafel varieties. I have previously tried some quinoa products from Nature’s Eartlhy Choice, so trying out falafel (which I love and ate a whole hell of a lot of before going gluten-free) seemed like the next step. I purchased a box of Nature’s Earthly Choice Roasted Garlic Falafel from The Raisin Rack in Columbus, Ohio…quite a bit ago. This once again fell prey to my use of my fresh produce rather than processed and packaged goods…which is not a bad thing. But this past week and this week ahead, I have no CSA bin for my fresh produce, and trying to keep the budget in check, I am using up foods that I have in my fridge, freezer, and pantry. Out with the old…and hopefully not replacing the highly processed foods with more in the future.

That being said, Nature’s Earthly Choice is not a bad option when it comes to foods that come packaged. In fact, Nature’s Earthly Choice was created in 2005 and founded on the principles of creating healthy products. Originally, this company launched products that were made of quinoa (for the gluten-free), farro and wheat berries, with the expectation of living up to their mission to provide healthy and wholesome products to the public and consumers. Since then, they have added wild rice, chia, hemp, basmati rice, a continent grain blend, and other grains to their list of products, continuing to maintain the healthy aspect of their foods and expand their line to allow for new and delicious items. Their products are easy to prepare and hassle free as far as cooking. No matter the dietary needs (they offer products that are gluten-free, rich in omega 3’s, high in protein, offering alternative grains), Nature’s Earthly Choice is passionate about the products they create and are committed to delivering the best tasting and highest quality products to support everyone’s unique healthy lifestyle.

So with my past love of falafel, I decided finding a mix for a gluten-free falafel, a flavered one at that, would be something worth checking out. It takes time for me to get around to these things at times…but I do get there. And tonight, after yesterday’s long ride home from Birmingham, Alabama, and my upcoming trip on Thursday to New York City…I needed something easy and something delicious to cook up for dinner. This week was going to be a short, but busy one. My meals needed to fit into my time…I didn’t have time to linger in the kitchen over a hot stove, babysitting something that needed constant stirring and such.

Nature’s Earthly Choice Roasted Garlic Falafel was so easy for me to make after a long day of physical therapy appointments and work. Seriously. I came home, poured the mix into a bowl, mixed it with 3/4 cup water and let it sit for 10 minutes. After it has sit (make sure not to let it sit too long), I formed it into 10 patties and set it in a skillet with 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Giving each patty a chance to cook for about 4 minutes on each side, letting it brown up evenly and beautifully and get crispy on the outside. I served mine with lemon hummus…because I had it in my fridge, believe it or not.

As for how it tasted…well…I’m ambivalent. On its own, I wasn’t impressed. It was bland and a little…dry(?), I suppose. There was a small hint of garlic flavor, but nothing that really stood out. Now, when I paired the Nature’s Earthly Choice Roasted Garlic Falafel with the lemon hummus…magic. It worked. The hummus brought it out. True falafel…nope. Nowhere near it. A passing acquaintance…definitely. Would I purchase it again…eh…probably not. It wasn’t bad…it just didn’t blow me away. It didn’t make me reminisce about the days of falafel from the nearby Mediterranean restaurant. It just made me long for those days all over again. It just wasn’t everything I hoped it would be.

Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? The Nature’s Earthly Choice Roasted Garlic Falafel is made from fava beans, chickpeas, quinoa, potato starch, garlic powder, spices, onion powder, and salt. This mix is gluten-free, cholesterol free, and dairy-free. There is also an option for baking the falafel, but I always find a pan fry seems to work best on such products.

A serving of Nature’s Earthly Choice Roasted Garlic Falafel is 1/4 cup dry mix, or about 2.5 small falafel patties. As I was making a dinner out of this, my roommate and I split the entire box, making 5 falafel patties for each of us. One serving, however, would give you 150 calories and 1 gram of fat. A serving will also provide you with 150 mg sodium and only 1 gram of sugar. Loving that. One serving will give you 8 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein, making this a very filling and long-lasting meal choice. You won’t be hungry immediately following your meal. Trust me.

While this ended up being quite a filling meal, the lack of taste and proper texture just sort of left me half empty. When paired with a dipping sauce or spread…this was amazing. But on it’s own, there was nothing that stood out or made me wish I had more boxes of this in my pantry. Decent…but not a favorite.

March 8, 2015March 8, 2015

Product Review: So Delicious Dairy Free Cococcino Latte Chilled Coconut Milk Coffee Beverage

So Delicious Dairy Free Cococcino Latte Chilled Coconut Milk Beverage — So Delicious Dairy Free Cococcino Latte Chilled Coconut Milk Coffee Beverage

Product: So Delicious Dairy Free Cococcino Latte Chilled Coconut Milk Coffee Beverage – $9.99+ (4 pack)

Dairy-free (and gluten-free) coffee lovers…REJOICE!! So Delicious has done it again. No surprise…because they are awesome. Now…this is not new news to any of my fellow So Delicious and coffee lovers…but back in mid-2014, So Delicious Dairy Free put out a small line of shelf-stable coconut milk coffee beverages that are intended to be chilled and then enjoyed by the vegan and lactose intolerant (and even those dairy-lovers) alike.

And, my friends over at So Delicious were kind enough to send me a 4 pack of one of these new coffee beverages! I. LOVE. THEM.

Anyone who sends me a dairy-free coffee beverages (especially a latte) WINS in my book. So…even more love to So Delicious!

With every intention of devouring them around the time I got them…life happened. And when life happens, the best laid plans often don’t happen. So, this amazing pack of four sat in my pantry…and sat…and I’d think, “I’m traveling this weekend, I need to bring those…” And then I didn’t.

BUT NO MORE!

For the first time in forever, I took steps to remember to bring these little gems on the road with me, by setting them aside with other items I knew I needed to pack up for the journey from Indiana down to Birmingham, Alabama to visit my family. They made the trip with me (finally) and I put them in my parent’s fridge that evening so they could chill, and the four ladies who were venturing out that morning for some shopping could have a caffeine hit before facing that challenge.

The plan worked like a charm. That morning, after a good breakfast, my mom, my sister, my roommate and I each grabbed one of the So Delicious Dairy Free Cococcino Latte Chilled Coconut Milk Coffee Beverages from the fridge, gave them a shake to mix, and were on our way.

I was the first to crack mine open.

I was the first to down a bit of it.

I was the first to say, “Holy crap, that’s amazing! So good!”

I should have said, “So delicious!” HAHAHA! (Oh, the ways I amuse myself).

So, here is the lowdown. I have grown to love coffee ever since I was a Starbucks barista. When I started at Starbucks, I hated coffee. Everything about it. But suddenly…I it was my world. I smelled it. People asked my opinion on it. So…slowly…I grew more accustomed to it. First…the frou-frou blended drinks…then the mochas…then the lattes…then coffee. Now, I brew a cup for myself at home…no cream…no sugar. It took YEARS to get there…but that’s where I am. But when I’m away from home…café au laits and lattes are all that I want from the local and chain shops I find along the way.

The So Delicious Dairy Free Cococcino Latte Chilled Coconut Milk Coffee Beverage has that pure coffee goodness that people who drink lattes want. You drink mochas if you don’t like the taste of coffee…you drink lattes if you do. I was, actually, the first in the car to polish mine off (my mom was done first, but I really don’t think she drank hers…just sayin’) because it was just that good. This bit of coconut milk based coffee goodness is not too sweet and not too overwhelming on the coffee flavor. My sister loved hers as well. My roommate said that it was alright, but she’s not a fan of cold coffee (which she says…then orders cold coffee at times…so…yeah…). It was convenient to have, amazing to try, and delicious in the end. Totally would buy these and stock my pantry with them for those busy mornings where I just don’t have time to wait on my coffee to brew. Super tasty!

Now, let’s talk ingredients. The So Delicious Dairy Free Cococcino Latte Chilled Coconut Milk Coffee Beverage is made from organic fair trade coffee, organic coconut milk, organic dried cane syrup, organic vanilla extract, natural flavor, sea salt, potassium chloride, calcium phosphate, organic guar gum, xanthan gum, and monk fruit extract. True…there are some…not-so-natural sounding ingredients making these not-so-much a clean eating staple…but definitely a splurge every now and again. These coffee beverages of coconut milk awesomesauce are always certified dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

And now…nutrition. Hang onto your knickers, friends. Because these 11 ounces will fill you up with fewer calories than anything you could get at Starbucks that even remotely resembled this. A full serving is one single-serve (11 ounce) container. This serving will give you 130 calories and 4 grams of fat. This serving also provides 150 mg sodium and 22 grams of sugar. That…is high, I know. This drink is cholesterol free. And, finally, you’ll be consuming 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein.

Like I said…coffee lovers rejoice. You don’t have to be gluten-free or dairy-free to love these little boxes of coffee goodness. You just have to be someone who loves coffee and a little variety. As for me…I’m definitely smitten.

February 28, 2015

Product Review: Lotus Foods Heirloom Forbidden Rice

Product: Lotus Foods Heirloom Forbidden Rice – $4.69+

You know, it only seems appropriate that in the February Cuisine Cube (aka: Happy V-Day 2015), a package of Forbidden Black Rice was included. Nothing compliments the month of L-O-V-E like something that starts with the word forbidden. Sounds exotic and exciting and…tasty. Tasty because, well, it’s followed by the word rice!

February is all about love. And one thing that I love is receiving my Cuisine Cube each month. I mean, nothing says love quite like a box full of exciting, new, and enticing foods that are new to me and you. But that’s what Cuisine Cube is all about. This small group of foodies are searching high and low for gluten free products that aren’t highly processed, that are made by the smaller businesses and companies…and then…they ship these to you…each month. This subscription is one of the best things I have ever done. I mean…5-6 items for a month (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert…and sometimes an added bonus!)…that’s a fantastic deal. Seriously, you’ll fall in love with this service as quickly as I did. I certainly encourage you to give them a try. With subscriptions starting as low as $29.99…how can you turn that down?

Now, Lotus Foods is not a company that I am unfamiliar with anymore. A few Cuisine Cube boxes ago, I received two pouches of the Lotus Foods Rice Ramen…and I loved them. The products produced by Lotus Foods are recognized for their exceptional cooking quality, taste, texture, and superb nutritional value. The ancient and new rices that compose their products are grown on family farms in limited quantities, on healthy, chemical-free soils. The rice and rice products that are produced by Lotus Foods are found in specialty gourmet, natural food markets, grocery stores, white tablecloth restaurants throughout the United States, becoming a fast favorite of consumers who are seeking healthier options, as well as chefs and foodies across the country.

How’s that for a recommendation, eh? So, last time it was noodles…this time…

Lotus Foods Heirloom Forbidden Rice.

Legend has it that heirloom forbidden rice was once eaten exclusively by the Emporors of China. It is said to enrich health and ensuire longevity. Forbidden rice is known for it’s beautiful, rich, deep purple color. It has a soft texture and a slightly nutty taste. This rice is high in a class of flavonoid antioxidants called anthocyanins, which is rich in iron and considered to be a blood tonifier. A recent study also shows that a spoonful of black rice brown, or 10 spoonfuls of cooked black rice contains the same amount of antioxidants as a spoonful of fresh blueberries. How’s that for a healthy powerhouse? But, let’s not stop there…forbidden rice provides the richest nutritional value, providing higher levels of vitamins and minerals and fiber than any other bran rice, as well as a comprehensive range of amino acids, proteins, vegetable fats, and essential trace elements that are necessary for the body. It is called “tribute rice” or “longevity rice” and was reserved for the Emperors of the Ming Dynasty to ensure their good health and long life.

This rice is super easy to prepare. As I was being a bit nontraditional (shocker, I know) with mine, I ended up soaking my rice for about 30 minutes in water. And then, I got to cooking it. I turned on the stove and brought it up to a boil. Once I had the rice rocking and rolling in the boiling water, I covered the pan and lowered the heat, letting the grain cook for 30 minutes. When the rice was done, I removed it from the heat and let it sit another 10 minutes.

From there…I fluffed it with a fork and gave it a try. Because, I had to taste it before it was messed with, yes? Yes. LOVE. I would eat this rice however it was prepared. On its own, even without any seasoning, it was honestly really good. There is this great flavor to it. Yes…the rich nuttiness that they mention above is there. The rice is soft and just has this great flavor to it. Don’t let the color dissuade you. It’s amazing.

So, once I knew what it tasted like, I went and added a bit of sugar, some rice vinegar, and salt. And BAMMO! SUSHI RICE! I let it sit while I was at work and then…tonight…dinner was vegetarian sushi! Vegetarian sushi made with the Lotus Food Heirloom Forbidden Rice. It was AMAZING! The forbidden rice actually did great as the sushi rice. It held together gorgeously and really made for a pretty sushi roll. It wasn’t your standard white or brown rice roll. This gave it, not only a great flavor, but also a fantastic look on the plate. It tasted amazing. I have enough to do another two rolls as well, so this makes me super happy!

The Lotus Foods Heirloom Forbidden Rice is simply made up of black rice. It is gluten-free and wheat-free, non-GMO and vegan. It is love.

As far as nutrition goes, the Lotus Foods Heirloom Forbidden Rice is a powerhouse of nutrients and a great addition to your diet. One serving is 1/3 cup dry rice. This serving will give you 200 calories and 2 grams of fat. A serving of this amazing rice will also give you 0 mg sodium, 175 mg potassium, and 1 gram of sugar. This rice also gives you 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. Filling, tasty, and delicious. What more could you want?

I was excited that I started seeing some of the Lotus Foods products in my local grocery store. I haven’t spotted the actual rices like the Lotus Foods Heirloom Forbidden Rice, but this was certainly a great introduction to this product. And, I have Cuisine Cube to thank for it!

Vegetarian Sushi made with Lotus Foods Heirloom Forbidden Rice

February 22, 2015

Product Review: CraveRight Gluten Free Jumbo Sesame Crunch Cookie

CraveRight Gluten Free Sesame Crunch Cookie

Product: CraveRight Gluten Free Jumbo Sesame Crunch Cookie – $3.99

I was so lucky this past Christmas, to be given one of my favorite gifts – a $50 Whole Foods Gift Card. I vowed to only purchase products I have been meaning to try and just haven’t been able to “justify” for my tight weekly budget. So, soon after the New Year passed, I decided to do a first round of product sweeping.

Now, naturally gluten free foods (fruits and veggies) I get delivered to my door. Unless I have cancelled my CSA bin that week, I am pretty set on those. And while I am doing much more clean eating these days, I decided to venture over to all those snack foods that are what all gluten-free people get stuck with. Cookies, chips, candy…

Whoever said eating gluten-free will make you lose weight has never walked through the gluten-free sections of their local grocery or natural food stores. Just sayin’.

And with that being said…we also know that the women in my family have quite the sweet tooth. Oh yes…we all do come by it honestly. And while for some people it’s cakes and cupcakes that they want…for me, it’s always been the simple, yet ultimately delicious…COOKIE. Call me cookie monster, because I love cookies. All types of cookies. I have my favorites, sure, but…cookies are my kryptonite.

Well, there I was, perusing the aisles I had been skipping whenever in Whole Foods, when the giant cookies near the bottom shelf sort of just…sang to me. It was a brand I was unfamiliar with – CraveRight. So, I leaned down and picked one up…noting that these were not just gluten free, but also dairy free, soy free, egg free, nut free, and corn free. They used no flours or starches, and actually was billing itself as a “natural meal replacement.” Really? A cookie? There were three flavors of the jumbo cookies – Sesame Crunch, Chocolate Chunk, and Brownie Chocolate Chunk. Next to them were cookie packs of the same cookies, smaller scale, more inside. My roommate said, “get one of the big ones…just in case we don’t like them.” Okay…good point. I was all set for that Brownie Chocolate Chunk and I somehow let her talk me into the Sesame Crunch. “You don’t often see sesame cookies!” That was her thoughts on that matter. And…I went along with it. And this CraveRight Gluten Free Jumbo Sesame Crunch Cookie…made it home with me.

CraveRight was created in 2009, creating “crave-worthy cookies that don’t sabotage wellness goals but reinforce them.” Tired of seeing so-called “healthy snacks” that weren’t really that good for you being sold on the market – many of which could not be eaten by people with food allergies and intolerances, and the taste all wrong – Roya S. came up with the idea of creating delicious, healthy treats – specifically their specialty – their 100% vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free cookies. All of the cookies are baked and prepared in a dedicated gluten-free and nut-free facility so cross-contamination is not a problem. CraveRight cookies are baked up being packaed with antioxidants and essential amino acids. Not only that, they are proud that their cookies contain no empty-calorie ingredients – no flours, starches or fillers. The CraveRight cookies are rich in iron and calcium, and low in sodium as well. And, the company sources their ingredients from nearby, making sure that the ingredients are minimally processed (without chemicals) and made with only the finest of ingredients, free of contaminants.

Which, all sounds really good on paper, right? But how do they taste?

I can only vouch for the CraveRight Gluten Free Jumbo Sesame Crunch Cookie…which I split with my roommate last night for dessert. You know, I was having a bad day…I just ate an amazing comfort food dinner and was all set for dessert. I grabbed the CraveRight Gluten Free Jumbo Sesame Crunch Cookie off my counter and declared it to be dessert. If anything could make me feel better, it would be a cookie, right?

So, as is typical with huge cookies…I cut it in half and gave one side to my roommate while claiming the other for myself. I climbed back onto the couch, restarted the episode of Game of Thrones I was watching, and took my first bite.

And I think my nose wrinkled up a little bit. But it was only one bite. Maybe my palate just needed cleansing. So, I gave it another taste. Nope. This was not a cookie I was enjoying. The CraveRight Gluten Free Jumbo Sesame Crunch Cookie was everything I didn’t like about a cookie. The texture was crumbly. I’m fine with a bit of crunch on my cookie, but I don’t want it to crumble when I try to eat it. I have no kitchen or dining room table in my apartment, and I don’t want to have to vacuum my couch after dessert, thank you very much. The flavor lacked sweetness. I mean, regardless of whether a cookie is billed as a “healthy meal replacement” or not, I want it to taste like a cookie. And this didn’t. It tasted like…a snack. Like those savory sesame sticks that were put into snack mixes and most people skipped eating. I think I was expecting something like a sunbutter cookie…a little more richness and depth of flavor, but that’s not what I got at all. They were bland and rather…tasteless. That bit of sesame came through in the end, but that’s about all I can say about that. It was not a winning cookie in my book, and we know I eat lots of cookies. The part near the middle was slightly chewy, but everything else was just…wrong. I wasn’t a fan at all.

Neither was my roomie.

As far as what goes into the CraveRight Gluten Free Jumbo Sesame Crunch Cookies…it seems rather basic. So…that is good. These cookies are made from sesame seeds, palm shortening, demerara sugar, tahini, sesame powder, water, chicory extract, flax meal, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Not actually a bad list of ingredients.

It’s just too bad they didn’t come together to form a cohesively delicious cookie.

Since the CraveRight Gluten Free Sesame Crunch Cookie is billed as a “natural meal replacement” and carries the sentiment “Crave One. Eat Two.” on each package, let’s really focus for a moment on these nutritional facts. A serving size of the CraveRight Gluten Free Jumbo Sesame Crunch Cookie is 1/2 of the cookie. Yes…half. This half will deliver 170 calories and 13 grams of fat. These cookies are cholesterol free, have only 90 mg sodium per serving and only 5 grams of sugar. One serving will also give you 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. I still don’t think I’d eat a cookie instead of my dinner though. Just sayin’.

So, color me unimpressed and highly disappointed. I was not at all craving another bite of the CraveRight Gluten Free Sesame Crunch Cookie. In fact, it was a struggle just to get the half I had finished. It wasn’t what I wanted in a cookie at all, “healthy” or not. Beyond disappointed. I felt cheated out of my dessert last night.

You win some, you lose some.

CraveRight Gluten Free Jumbo Sesame Crunch Cookie

February 20, 2015

Product Review: Element Dark Chocolate Rice Cakes

Product: Element Dark Chocolate Rice Cakes – $1.99+

It came inside the New Year 2015 (aka: January Cube) Cuisine Cube. It is the height of New Year’s Resolutions and it seemed that that box, in particular, was aimed at new beginnings and healthier choices. God, I love that theme. Because I love making healthier decisions about things I do and what I eat. Granted, I do treat myself here and there, but that’s not only human…that’s normal. But with the theme of New Year Resolutions in January, a lot of what was inside was on the healthier side. Love it. Yes…even dessert.

But…I’m jumping ahead. Because first I need to tell you a thing of two about Cuisine Cube! Cuisine Cube is a subscription service that brings a surprise to your doorstep each month. This unassuming brown box arrives and is packed with an assortment of hand-picked gluten-free goodies, featuring imported and local goods, from smaller artisan companies…rather than the larger gluten-free corporations you find on every grocers shelves these days. You will receive treats for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert…and sometimes…an added bonus. Each month you receive a themed cube of some sort, with only gluten-free items inside. Love it! Subscriptions start as low as $29.99. And, trust me, you’ll wonder what you did before it was in your life.

January = Healthy Life Healthy You…New Year…New Start…so…let’s get healthy, yes? YES!! I stand 100% behind this theme.

Well, what says healthy dessert like…rice cakes? Right? Yes? Excited? No? Why not? You should be. Because in the January Cuisine Cube, I found my dessert choice to be Element Dark Chocolate Rice Cakes. Yep. Dark chocolate covered rice cakes. Now…does that sound a little more like dessert? Yeah…I thought so.

If not…stay with me…

Element Snacks was created by Nadia and Fred, both of whom hail from Europe (Nadia from Italy and Fred from Sweden). They both grew up on real food, no Twinkies or Kool-aid. They believe in feeling great and nurturing our bodies and minds at the same time. They also believe that food should be simple…yet flavorful. It doesn’t mean we have to be 100% all the time. We’re human. But, we can control what we splurge on, and if something tastes like a treat, but carries some healthy benefits with it…well…added bonus.

Enter…Element Dark Chocolate Rice Cakes. These are just what they sound like, rice cakes, made from non-GMO Italian rice, that are coated with premium Italian Chocolate. Everything in this treat is naturally nutritious and good for you. These chocolate coated snack cakes are gluten-free, vegan, contain no hydrogenated oils, no trans fats, no high fructose corn syrup, no yeast, no preservatives and are non-GMO. Oh yeah…loving every word of that, how about you?

So, it all sounds good in theory, yes? But how is it really?

AMAZING!! Yes…I know, I am the girl who gets excited about rice cakes…but even Cathy (the roomie!) liked this one. The rice cake tastes savory, without any salt. But it is that layer of chocolate that just makes these explode with flavor. Cathy said, “drizzle dark chocolate on anything…” HAHA!! Truth. These are so amazing. Delicious. Nutritious. And YUM!! Dark chocolate only sweetenes the deal. SOLD! I only wish I had more.

Let’s talk ingredients. It doesn’t get more simple than this. The Element Dark Chocolate Rice Cakes are made from 60% dark chocolate, 40% rice cakes (wholegrain brown rice, rice). Yep. That’s it. That easy. Real ingredients. Real food.

How about nutrition? Well, a serving of Element Dark Chocolate Rice Cakes is 1 rice cake. This one chocolate coated delight will serve up 80 calories and 4 grams of fat. This one rice cake will provide you with 20 mg sodium and 5 grams of sugar. Love that. They are cholesterol free. And, finally, you will be taking in 1 gram of fiber and 1 gram of protein. So, these won’t fill you up, but you will have the sweet and savory taste to leave you feeling fulfilled.

I give huge kudos to Element Snacks and to Cuisine Cube for these delightful, and surprisingly delicious treats. As a known lover of rice cakes, this just took them to the next level. I think I’m in love. With a healthy dessert. We all win.

February 20, 2015February 20, 2015

Product Review: Danny Macaroons Plain & Chocolate Macaroons

Product: Danny Macaroons Plain & Chocolate Macaroons – $8.50+

Ah…the battle is real. Me…versus coconut. I sometimes love it. I sometimes hate it. It is all in the context of how it is utilized in whatever it is I am eating. Which means…I have this charming love/hate relationship with anything coconut. And that’s how it is. I will either love it…or hate it.

For me, a lot of where coconut goes wrong is the texture. Some people are okay with it…but if it isn’t baked into something enough, coconut can sort of taste like…your chewing dead bugs. Not that I’ve ever made a habit of chewing dead bugs…that’s just the mouthfeel I get from raw coconut. Or…at times…things with coconut on/in them.

So…enter my latest dessert challenge from Cuisine Cube!

Before I go any further…let me introduce, or for some of you, reacquaint you with Cuisine Cube. Cuisine Cube is a gluten-free subscription box that specializes in pantry and meal items. This is actually a very nice change of pace from other subscription boxes, as those tend to be more snack oriented. With Cuisine Cube, you get 5-6 items in each box…always a breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert item. And…at times…a bonus! And we all love bonuses, right? Subscriptions start at $29.99…so head over to their site and check them out. You’ll be glad you did.

I haven’t looked back yet! Loving my monthly box of surprise goodies.

This most recent Cuisine Cube, the Happy V-Day 2015 (aka: February) cube, had a lot to offer. But, naturally, I went straight for dessert. Because…sweet tooth. Hello! And this month, the dessert was brought to us by a local New York City bakery known for…macaroons!! I’m talking about Danny Macaroons, which has been featured in Food & Wine Magazine, ABC News, The Chicago Tribune, Serious Eats, the New York Post, and more! They are the premier coconut macaroon producer in New York City, proud of their “super delicious, gourmet, handmade coconut macaroons.” In fact, Danny Macaroons offers over 45 flavors, so there is bound to be something for someone…even coconut lovers/haters like me.

And they might be right.

This week, with all the snow and sub-zero, my original plan to make my own dairy free ice cream…or raid the two items of dairy free ice cream I have in my freezer…went out the door. Trust me…I can eat ice cream anytime…but…I was cold. Just cold. So I wanted something…not cold. That being said…I went to the pantry and went through items that I had that would make a good dessert. I had a few cookie options, so I went ahead and snagged the little container of four macaroons that came in my recent Cuisine Cube. I’m not the biggest lover of macaroons…but some have won me over. So, it was worth the try. I asked my roomie if she wanted to do the chocolate or the plain ones first. To my surprise, she said chocolate. I figured chocolate would be winning…and said I would have done it the other way around…but went with her decision.

Round 1: Danny Macaroons Chocolate Macaroon – Oh…this was good. This was damn good. While it had that weird coconut texture, I was able to overlook it because of the delicious chocolate. It was decadent and light and fluffy…and just…amazing. The right hit of sweetness from the chocolate and a bit from the toasted coconut. It was soft and made to perfection. I was in love.

Round 2: Danny Macaroons Plain Macaroons – Okay…so this one fell flat for me…and here’s why. It was too much coconut. Yep. Too much. Flavor. Texture. Nothing to really cut it. It was toasted to perfection and light and amazing…but the coconut just took over. And, while I get that macaroons are coconut…it was just too much for me.

So…you win one…you lose one. How’s that?

Danny Macaroons Plain & Chocolate Macaroons are made from sweetened coconut, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, egg whites, pure bourbon vanilla extract, and salt.

This package did not have any of the nutritional information…but…they are a dessert treat. Treat it as such. Take one now…save the rest for later. BAH…who am I to tell you how to eat your treats?! Right?! What works for me doesn’t work for the macaroon lover who scarfed all four in one sitting. And that’s okay. It is, after all, a sweet treat!

Seriously, if coconut and macaroons are your thing, then you will absolutely fall in love with Danny Macaroons. Honestly, when it comes to the macaroons I have tried…these have been some of the best. Despite the handicap of my love/hate relationship with coconut, they still acted as a fantastic, light dessert after two meals this week. I think if you’re looking for a healthy, coconutty treat…these are for you. And with all the flavors on their site…what’s not to love. Next time…I hope I get Salted Caramel. That being said, this wasn’t a complete flop. Coconut lovers will flock to these…so Cuisine Cube totally has that down in this dessert option. For people like me…well…it wasn’t a throw away for sure. In fact, I actually really enjoyed the chocolate one. Just goes to show…everything is better with chocolate.

February 20, 2015

Product Review: Van’s Gluten Free Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters

Product: Van’s Gluten Free Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters – $3.99+

I. HEART. VAN’S.

Honestly…best gluten-free waffles you can find in the freezer section of the grocery store. For real. Best gluten-free French toast sticks too. Some of the best boxed gluten-free pasta meals. Amazing gluten-free crackers. Yes…Van’s has impressed me each and every time they have put out a product for the gluten-free market.

I won’t lie. I have a bit of a Celiac crush on them.

Shhhh.

So, this past week, I was out and about at Target, spending all my money on all the seasons of Game of Thrones (my newest obsession!) on Blu-ray, when it occured to me that my roomie and I didn’t have any gluten-free granola in the house. Considering at least twice a week I make delicious breakfast parfaits that require said granola, this had to be fixed. And, wouldn’t you know it, Target recently started carrying a good amount of gluten-free breakfast things. Technical term…things. So, the two of us meandered over to the grocery section to see if we spotted anything we liked.

Our eyes immediately went to the KIND brand and we snagged a bag of it and then prepared to move on. But my wandering eyes spotted something else. Van’s…granola?! What was this? I didn’t even know that existed. I didn’t know it was out in the wild! And now I really, really wanted to try it. Why? Because Van’s Gluten-Free = OMGYUMMY!

So, without any hesitation, the pack of KIND granola we settled on was back in place and the bag marked NEW carrying that infamous red flag that reads: VAN’S…now made its way into our little shopping basket. Game of Thrones…granola. Do we know how to party or what?!

So, one morning this week, I got everything geared up to make big, big breakfast parfaits. I had the new granola to try…I had kiwi fruit from my CSA bin…I had Greek yogurt. So…the assembly began…but not without me first sneaking a taste of the granola.

Bad idea.

Very, very, very bad idea.

Because one taste of the Van’s Gluten Free Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters and I was beyond hooked. Holy Moses and the Gluten Free Gods! I mean…think of the most fantastic Rice Krispies treat you have ever had…then multiply it by at least ten. Maybe more. This soft baked granola is exactly what that tastes like. Trust me. I used to devour Rice Krispies treats whenever possible. This is a little bit sticky, very soft and chewy, packed with sweetness, with a hit of the dried fruit and the savory nuts to bring it balance and amazing texture. I wanted to eat the entire bag and not share. Not even put it in a parfait. It was sheer perfection the way it was…straight out of the bag. So much love. One big gooey clump of granola…one very happy Celiathlete. Beyond amazed. Beyond impressed. Simply put…I was blown away. This is one of the only granola I now will have in my pantry.

One of those reasons is how much Van’s actually cares about what they put into their products. And the Van’s Gluten Free Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters are no exception. They even put on their label: “Ingredients: (That we are proud of!)”. WINNING! So, what goes into the Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Granola Clusters? Glad you asked! This granola is comprised of gluten-free whole grain oats, brown rice syrup, walnuts, invert cane syrup, non-GMO expeller pressed canola oil, dried blueberries, cane sugar, unsweetened coconut, honey, flax seed, gluten free oat bran, almonds, vanilla extract, sea salt, and mixed tocopherols for freshness. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, cholesterol-free, kosher, made with whole grains, and contain no artificial flavors or colors.

As far as nutrition goes…loving the stats on the Van’s Gluten Free Blueberry Walnut Soft Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters. One serving is actually a whopping 1/3 cup. In this serving, you will be taking in 130 calories and 5 grans of fat. You will also be provided with 30 mg sodium and only 6 grams of sugar. This serving will also dish up 2 grans of fiber and 2 grams of protein.

And, trust me…you’ll just eat it straight out of the bag. You won’t want to stop. You’ll wish you had dished out a portion size. And then you won’t care. Because…just wow!! WOW!! Another winner in the Van’s Gluten Free product line up. I’m going back for more of this granola this week. Because, yeah, we polished it.

February 17, 2015

Product Review: BiAglut Pasta Mia Tagliatelle

Product: BiAglut Pasta Mia Tagliatelle – $8.50+

When it comes to gluten-free pastas…I’ve pretty much tried them all. Made with beans, made with rice, made with corn, made with lentils, made with potato…yeah…there is very little about gluten-free pasta that I haven’t tried. Sure, there are some brands that I still need to explore…but my budget says “NO” for the moment, as they are quite pricey.

However, some pricier gluten-free pastas are worth it. I discovered BiAglut while at a Gluten Free Expo in Carmel, Indiana about three years ago. I was a newbie to the gluten-free world and this nice couple had a booth and totally won me over on this pasta. Seriously…they sold me from first bite. I was in love.

Problem…BiAglut is not available in any stores around my area. BOOOOO!!

I have since found it twice…once at foodie heaven (aka: Jungle Jim’s) up in Cincinnati and also at The Raisin Rack in Columbus, Ohio. None of which are technically near me, but they are places I visit…and therefore, if the budget has some wiggle room, I can splurge a little on pasta.

Because…I have always been and will always be a lover of pasta. Even if it is gluten-free pasta.

That being said…no one would ever guess the Tagliatelle (or any other gluten-free pasta made by BiAglut) is gluten-free if you didn’t tell them. It is some of the most fantastic gluten-free pasta on the market. Why? Because it is 100% Italian. Produced in Italy and made by Italians. The company began in 1964, wanting to fulfill the needs of main customers and individuals with Celiac disease and gluten intolerance, who needed to follow a gluten-free diet. The brand offers a unique and full line of gluten-free products ranging from pasta to breads and bread substitutes, flours, cookies, crackers, snacks and desserts. Fifty years later…still going strong and still producing high quality products for the gluten-free communities.

So…back to me being a lover of pasta. I hate pasta that turns to mush after it is cooked. I hate pasta that doesn’t taste like pasta. And when you do gluten-free…it is hard to find one that really satisfies everything you used to love about regular pasta (if you were ever lucky enough to have that…and I was).

Enter BiAglut. Seriously…there is no comparison out there on the market. I have yet to have a gluten-free pasta best this one. And while I have had a few different varieties of BiAglut pasta…last night, I cooked up the Tagliatelle in a low fat and low calorie cauliflower alfredo sauce. And it was amazing.

BiAglut Pasta Mia Tagliatelle pasta nests

This pasta is not only hearty and delicious, it is also easy to prepare. The BiAglut Pasta Mia Tagliatelle comes in nests. There are 7 nests to a package. A serving is 2 nests. I find that to be a lot of pasta so, my roommate and I split three nets between the two of us. It was perfect. And prep is simple. Boil water with salt and drop in the nests of pasta for about 6-8 minutes. Then…BAM…done. Noodles are cooked to a perfect al dente. Then I just warmed up the alfredo I made from fresh cauliflower…stirred in the noodles and dinner is served.

LOVE. So much love!! The noodles hold up, even to a “creamy” sauce. They don’t turn to mush and they stay in the long, thick ribbons that they are supposed to be. In other words…pasta perfection. These noodles were the perfect compliment to the creamy and healthy alfredo that I made. And it made for a balanced and delicious and filling dinner in the end. So much love for these noodles. Easy to prepare. Perfect in the dish. I can’t say enough good things. Every time I revisit BiAglut for a pasta noodle, I continue to remember why I am willing to overspend my budget for their noodles. Amazing…every time.

Let’s talk ingredients! The BiAglut Pasta Mia Tagliatelle is made from cornstarch, tapioca starch, eggs, milk proteins, carrot pulp, carob seed flour, and salt. That’s it. Love it. It is gluten-free and wheat free.

As for nutrition, this pasta is amazing. A serving size is 2 nests of noodles. This serving gives you 250 calories and 2 grams of fat. This serving will also provide you with 100 mg cholesterol, 160 mg sodium, and 1 gram of sugar. One serving will also dish up 2 grams of fiber and 8 amazing grams of protein. I told you…it doesn’t look like a lot…but it will fill you up.

Whenever it comes to making room in the pantry for a gluten-free pasta, it will always be BiAglut Pasta Mia for me. A new favorite…the Tagliatelle. I’m hooked. And I am loving it.

BiAglut Pasta Mia Tagliatelle in a Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce

February 16, 2015

Product Review: Kitchen Table Bakers Parmesan Mini Crisps

Product: Kitchen Table Bakers Parmesan Mini Crisps – $4.99+

The pantry is being hit up hard this month, and this is only a good thing, my friends. This means I’m finally not dragging my feet anymore and attempting to clear things out that I’ve been ignoring over time. When I get busy…things get pushed further and further to the back and I get lazy and just put things in front of it and grab for that stuff first. I’m human…it happens.

But I’m making a total effort in my attempt to reorganize my home…my kitchen…my life…and my schedule…to get the older stuff out and make some room on these shelves. I’m also using more fresh produce, so sometimes the boxed and packaged stuff just falls to the wayside.

But, I’ve been making a concerted effort to combine the packaged items I’ve been ignoring with the fresh produce I get from my local CSA. It’s a good way to compromise. And this past week, my roommate and I have eaten dinner at home every night, packed up healthy lunches and snacks, and incorporated fresh produce into healthy breakfast options to eat while busy and on-the-go. And it’s been awesome and amazing. And even though it was tempting to say, “Screw this, I’m going to Shalimar for some Indian food!” tonight…we didn’t. We came home. I got out some items and I used the last of last week’s produce to create…dinner.

Awhile back I made Crispy Broccoli, and homage to Red Lobster’s Fried Calamari appetizer that is served with amazing fried broccoli and red peppers. When I had to go gluten-free…the fried plate of deliciously bad for me things was off the plate. I used another product in my pantry when I made this the first time. And yes, much like this time around, it was a Cuisine Cube item.

Cuisine Cube, as I am sure all of you are aware by now (but if not…pay attention!), is a great service that provides amazing gluten-free products from small, artisan, and lesser-known companies, delivering them right to your door each month. You get 5-6 items in each cube (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert…and sometimes…a bonus). They scour the gluten-free foodie world finding the highest quality, not-found-in-the-grocery-store products to send to you to try. I have found so many amazing products I never would have known about because of Cuisine Cube. Even better, plans start as low as $29.99 a month. If you haven’t checked them out yet…hop over to their site and do so. You will not regret it.

In my November (Thanksgiving 2014) Cube, I had a package of Kitchen Table Bakers Parmesan Mini Crisps. And yes…these little crisps are just what they sound like – little discs that are made entirely of aged Parmesan cheese. Oh…that peeked your interest, didn’t it? It certainly grabbed my roommate’s attention…because she is a cheese fanatic. So, a snack chip that is made only of cheese…that’s her dream come true!

Kitchen Table Bakers was created by Barry Novick, who at the age of 55, left his every day job as a hospital administrator and began to learn the ins and outs of starting his own business. With a lot of help and encouragement, he set out to make these little wafer crisps made completely of cheese, just like the ones they began making in their own kitchen. The first All Parmesan Gourmet Wafer Crisp was created in the summer of 2003, and soon they were in such demand that larger batches had to be made. Their goal, since beginning the business, was to create a gourmet product that would satisfy even the most discerning palate while meeting diverse nutritional requirements. They are always careful to use only the highest quality of aged cheeses and seasonings. The wafer crisps can stand on their own, be used as a chip for dipping, as a base for a canapé or with a fine glass of wine. Even those this endeavor has moved beyond their own humble kitchen, they believe in keeping the integrity of their products to reflect the true beginnings of the company.

Kitchen Table Bakers Parmesan Mini Crisps are little wafer crisps made out of aged Parmesan cheese…with each crisp being about the size of a quarter. They (as with all of Kitchen Table Bakers products) are wheat free, gluten free, trans fat free, sugar free, rich in calcium and protein, and naturally low in calories and carbs. I was using mine as a coating for broccoli which I was going to crisp up in the oven. But, I naturally had to try one of the crisps on their own. One bite…and I kind of felt bad crushing these up in a food processor…because it reminded me of that crispy edge of cheese you’d get on pizzas. I mean…exactly in taste. It was one of the most amazing snacks I ever popped into my mouth. Rich, buttery, seasoned to ignite each and every taste bud on my tongue. These little crisps were just…fantastic. And, being that they were made completely of cheese, I wasn’t sure how they would work as a coating for my broccoli…whether I would get that crispy effect or whether I would just have a cheesy mess. But there was only one way to find out. So…I ground them up, coated the vegetables, and let it all bake.

They did not become that much of a cheesy mess. But it did layer on this crispy, amazing layer of flavor to every bite of broccoli or red pepper. Seriously…it was amazing. The Kitchen Table Bakers Parmesan Mini Crisps were fantastic. Next time…I’m just keeping them as a snack and not re-purposing them. SO rich and delightful. Like eating a bit of the best part of the pizza in each bite. I was beyond blown away. Cruncy, caramelized goodness, but also very light and flakey. It was the perfect bite…all in one little cheesy wafer.

The Kitchen Table Bakers Parmesan Crisps come in 8 flavors: aged Parmesan, sesame, garlic, rosemary, Italian herb, everything, flax seed, and jalapeno.

I want to try them all. That is how much I loved these.

So, let’s talk about ingredients. So easy here. The Kitchen Table Bakers Parmesan Mini Crisps are made from aged Parmesan cheese. That’s it.

As for nutrition, a serving of the Kitchen Table Bakers Parmesan Mini Crisps is 15 crisps, with there being about 3.3 servings per bag. One serving will provide you with only 80 calories and 6 grams of fat. One serving will dish up 15 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, and 0 grams of sugar. So healthy. And, finally, you will not be taking in any fiber, but these mini crisps do give you 7 grams of healthy protein. WOW!

Yet another fantastic product introduced to me by Cuisine Cube. If you haven’t signed up yet…stop hesitating and start doing. And, hop over to Kitchen Table Bakers and see about locating these in your area and/or ordering from them online. Trust me…you will not regret it.

You outdid yourselves this time, Cuisine Cube!

Crispy Broccoli made with Kitchen Table Bakers Parmesan Mini Crisps with a side of homemade Gluten Free Tomato Herb Foccacia Bread

February 13, 2015

Product Review: Lundberg Family Farms Organic Whole Grain Lentils &Rice – Mild Curry

Product: Lundberg Family Farms Organic Whole Grain Lentils & Rice – Mild Curry – $3.99+

I’m having one of those weeks. One of those weeks where it just seems like I don’t have enough time. For anything. Let alone cooking. And despite some fresh produce still in my crisper, it was the eve of an early gym morning, late afternoon emotional burnout, and a long day at the office. The last thing I wanted to do, especially with Valentine’s Day goodies to make still, was try to make dinner from scratch. I did that last night…having to eat my delicious Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts…standing up, while stirring a pot of melting chocolate that would become a decadent and rich chocolate mousse.

SIGH!

Don’t get me wrong…I love making gifts for people who appreciate it…but sometimes I just want to sit down and relax. More and more these days, there isn’t enough time to think let alone relax. What would be ideal would be something that I could simply throw in the oven, the microwave, or on the stove, set a timer, and get some stuff done. Like lunches and snacks for lunch the next day.

So, after much searching through both pantry and freezer, I decided to pick out one of the boxes of rice meal things that were lurking right up front. I had about three or four to choose from, but ultimately reached for a brand I know, I love, and I trust.

Lundberg Family Farms.

Lundberg is committed to producing the finest quality rice and rice products. And since 1937, the Lundberg family has been growing healthy, great tasting rice while respecting and sustaining the earth. With the third and fourth generations currently carrying on the family heritage, using eco-friendly farming methods to produce wholesome, healthful rice, rice cakes, rice chips, risottos, and pastas while improving and protecting the environment for generations to come.

Gotta love a company that has a heart.

So, Lundberg Family Farms recently began expanding their line of rice products into these little rice and pasta sides. I picked up some pasta awhile back…but this time I had my eyes set on the new rice sides. I was visiting my friend Jenn in Columbus, Ohio, and stopped into my new favorite store there, The Raisin Rack. I filled up a small basket of items and products I wanted to try that I had a hard time finding in my area. And one of these, at the time, was Lundberg Family Farms Organic Whole Grain Lentils & Rice – Mild Curry flavor. The Mild Curry was what actually caught my attention. The other being that these little boxes make for easy meals every now and again. And while I don’t like to cook out of packages, sometimes it just becomes necessary. But, the best part is, you can choose what you purchase to use in these situations. And, for me, Lundberg Farms uses great ingredients, non-GMO, and really cares about the environment. I have never had an issue with any of their products, so…for me…this made for a great meal (my roommate and I split the box between us instead of using it as a side dish).

It was very easy to make. Just combine water, rice, lentils and the seasoning packets into a pan and stir well. Bring it to boil, then turn the heat down, cover it, and allow it to simmer and cook for about 30-32 minutes. Do not lift the lid. Just let it cook. Remove it from the heat and allow it to stand for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving it up. Simple. And it was so hands free. No need to babysit the pan and remember to stir it every now and again. It was perfectly ideal for a night like tonight. I finished up my prep work for lunches and snacks, talked to my sister on the phone, changed into pajamas…and got some gluten-free focaccia bread heated up to accompany the meal. Then, I dished the rice and lentil mixture into two bowls.

It smelled fantastic. Honestly. It had this great cumin and garlic aroma that just wafted up from the pan when I lifted the lid and began splitting the dish between us. The rice was fluffy and the lentils to that perfect al dente. The yellow hue was brought about by the use of most of the curry spices, especially turmeric. I love turmeric. It’s a great anti-inflammatory. And with how bad my back has been lately…it’s my new best friend! So…dinner was served.

And HOLY CURRY GOODNESS…this was fantastic. For one thing, the flavor is mild. So, when it says “Mild Curry” on the box…believe it. This will not burn your tastebuds off or set your mouth aflame. In fact, my roommate actually turned into me for a small moment and said she missed it having a bit more heat. That’s weird for her to say, since she is a heat wimp. But…yes…the mild flavor compliments the grains, rather than overpowers. And that is a good thing. I agree though, I could have used a little more spice level regardless. But, it tasted absolutely amazing. It cooked up to be light and full of these rich Indian flavors. And it was packed with nutrients and healthy carbs…so it made for two very happy diners as we ate our meal.

Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? One thing I love about Lundberg Farms is their use of real ingredents. You won’t see ingredients you don’t recognize in their products. In the Lundberg Family Farms Organic Whole Grain Lentils & Rice – Mild Curry, you will find organic parboiled brown rice, organic lentils, organic rice flower, sea salt, organic spices (ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, and fenugreek), organic garlic powder, organic rice concentrate. This box of whole grain goodness is also vegan, non-GMO, cholesterol free, and kosher.

As for nutrition, a serving of Lundberg Family Farms Organic Whole Grain Lentils & Rice – Mild Curry is 1 cup, prepared. There are three servings per box. In this serving, you will be consuming 210 calories and 2 grams of fat. This serving provides 460 mg sodium and 0 grams of sugar. Both of these are really low for a boxed product. In addition, you will feel full after dining on this because one serving also provides 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein.

I asked Cathy if she would be happy having one of these boxed rice meals from Lundberg Family Farms again, and she totally said she would. And I have to agree. Great flavor. Great texture. And wholesome ingredients. What’s not to love when it’s so easy to cook up and so easy to eat. And good for you too! Gotta love that.

Another product win from Lundberg Family Farms!