Clean Eating – Page 9 – The Celiathlete

September 1, 2015

Product Review – Sweet Note Gluten Free Sesame Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Sesame Bagels – $7.25

There are few things in life as perfect as a bagel, right? All my New Yorkers, let me hear those cheers of agreement. They are crispy, and soft and chewy and…just amazing little morsels of bready goodness that actually due fill you up and keep that motor running all the way through lunch time. Bagels and I have been BFFs for years.

Well, we were breakfast besties until I was diagnosed with Celiac. Then the bagel and I had to break up. Yep…because I just couldn’t find a decent one out on the market. Which…sucks. Yep. Sucks. The closest I came to bagel perfection was Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels (now available in a variety of flavors) and also Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free Bagels (Plain & Everything), which were just released this past year. They weren’t perfect…but they were the best out there. Most of the other ones I tried were wrong in texture, taste, or everything. Katz Gluten Free offered some good ones…but again…not anything like the bagels I grew up consuming.

And then, one day, that all changed…

I had just posted on Twitter about trying the new Canyon Bakehouse bagels, when I was tweeted at by the PR person at this random gluten free bagel company, called Sweet Note Bakery. I was, naturally, intrigued. So…I did find myself scoping out their Web site and seeing all the amazing bagel flavors they have to offer. Their bagels not only looked amazing, but sounded amazing too. To top things off and really sweeten the deal for this former New Yorker and bagel-enthusiast, they were New York style! And yes…New York does have a style for bagels. Smaller and more dense. For such a big and bustling city, you wouldn’t think small and dense would sum up the bagel style. But it does…beautifully.

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

And, as you know, I have already sung the praises of the Plain, Everything, Cinnamon Raisin, Chocolate Swirl and Poppy. Which means…Sesame was the last holdout. I’d been meaning to place an order with Sweet Note Bakery…but life’s been a bit hectic as of late. It kept slipping my mind, although in the mornings I’d be all “I wish I had bagels.” So, one would think I would take drastic action. But, alas…craziness.

But then I finally made the trip up to Columbus, Ohio, to visit my friend Jenn for a weekend. And, one of my favorite stops to make (and one reason I travel with a cooler) is at The Raisin Rack. It’s a great natural food store with a gluten-free section that blows my mind. And, as I was meandering down the aisle…what should I see in the freezer…but Sweet Note Bagels – Poppy and Sesame variety. The two that I hadn’t tried yet. It was an omen. It was a sign. Yes…both flavors were in my basket, in my shopping bag, in my cooler, and then in my freezer.

With Poppy long gone, and a hectic and even more stressful week this week than originally planned…the Sweet Note Gluten Free Sesame Bagels made their debut in my kitchen (and my belly) yesterday and were polished off today. Let me tell you…these were completely worth the wait. I pulled the sleeve of Sweet Note Gluten Free Sesame Bagels out of the freezer yesterday morning, just as I was about to make them. Why? Because the bagel goddesses in charge of the Sweet Note Bagel Empire instruct per the packaging that you should not let these bagels thaw to room temperature…and instead, microwave them to perfect softness for about 60 seconds. Allow to cool (or don’t) and slice in half. Toast these bagel halves to perfection, either in a toaster, or, if you’re like me and don’t own a toaster, in the oven at 350°F for about…15-20 minutes. What emerges is sheer toasty bagel perfection, all golden brown and ready for their liberal schmear of the vegan cream cheese that is in my fridge. Time to dig in.

I love anything with sesame seeds on it, honestly, and these get a nice toasting, making the flavor really…pop. I was hooked at first bite, for real!! The Sweet Note Gluten Free Sesame Bagels are what sesame bagels are meant to be like. Perfectly coated, because bagel perfection is what Sweet Note Bakery is all about. They hit up the top with a nice layer…and speckle that bottom. No plain bottoms here. No way! Every bite gives you that sesame flavor that you love. The bagel itself…a nice crisp on the outside with that soft, chewy center. It’s amazing what a good bagel can do to start your day off right. And the Sweet Note Gluten Free Sesame Bagel is not just a good way to start your day off on a sweet note (heh…see what I did there?), it’s a great way! This bagel is everything you love about that sesame flavor, without having to go to your favorite Asian bistro at 5 am. They aren’t open. But your freezer is open 24/7…365 days a year. So stock happy bagels in your happy freezer…whichever flavor makes you happiest. But trust me, a good sesame bagel…no…a great sesame bagel like the one from Sweet Note…is a happy place and a happy food. Even better, the inner bread, that soft, chewy part, is perfect. No holes or airpockets, like those you can find in the gluten-free bagels in the supermarket. You know what I’m talking about…so you don’t have that “I paid for holey products!” moment and feel like you wasted your money and you’re not getting your fill. Sweet Note Gluten Free Sesame Bagels are, like all their bagels…love in a bag. Every flavor has now been consumed with eager anticipation and foodie amazement…and everyone has left me satisfied. Bagel perfection…in a gluten-free, New York-style way. It doesn’t get any better than this!

So…let’s talk about ingredients, shall we? The Sweet Note Gluten Free Sesame Bagels are made with LOVE (and you can tell!), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, sesame seeds, and salt. These bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. LOVE IT!! Vegan and gluten-free…yes, please. I also love that their ingredient list is all real food. No weird chemicals and preservatives. Just real…tasty…perfect ingredients.

And now…here is where we discuss the nutrition facts of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Sesame Bagels. A serving size is 1 bagel (128 grams), and there are 4 bagels in a sleeve. This one bagel will dish up 310 calories, 5 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 22 mg cholesterol, 350 mg sodium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 5 grams of protein. Seriously…this is a great choice for breakfast as it does keep you energized and full throughout the entire morning. So much love. Oh yes…a sesame coated love-fest for sure.

And guess what? This is not where my Sweet Note Gluten Free Bagel journey comes to and end. Nope. For one thing…I intend to always have some of these delights in my freezer. I’d be missing out on life if I didn’t. BUT…more importantly…it is September and that means they have just released their limited time fall flavor…PUMPKIN SPICE!

And you know me…I love PUMPKIN EVERYTHING! As my birthday is in 19 days…I think I’m going to have to celebrate by ordering some of their Pumpkin Spice bagels. I mean, I’ve earned it, right?

If you are a bagel aficionado like me…and if you have to eat gluten free (or not…because you really won’t care. These are awesome and my gluten-loving roomie LOVES these!), hurry over to their Web site and place an order. OR…check your local natural food stores, as they might carry them. Me…I still have to do the online order…but they ship fast and get here in amazing condition. I am so glad that they pinged my tweet about my blog or I’d never know the goodness of a perfect gluten-free bagel.

Sweet Note…I am definitely a #CrazyBageler!! Proud flag waver and supporter of your crazy-good, crazy-tasty, crazy-flavorful, crazy-that-they-are-gluten-free New York Style Bagels!! Love is all I have, which works…because love is what you give us! Thank you!

Sweet Note Gluten Free Sesame Bagels topped with a schmear of vegan cream cheese

August 29, 2015

Product Review: Biatalia Gluten Free Couscous di Mais

Product: Biatalia Gluten Free Couscous di Mais – $5.00+

Here’s the story…of a lovely lady…who used to always cook with couscous. Then she was diagnosed…as a Celiac…and couscous had to vamoose.

Here’s the story…of this thing called Cuisine Cube…who was packaging up gluten-free products. And in May, the box included couscous…and there was much rejoicing in the land.

*cough*

Sorry…I couldn’t resist. My last name is Brady…so the Brady Bunch theme has pretty much been a big portion of my life. And, for just over a year, I can honestly say that Cuisine Cube was a big portion of my life. I hated to have to give up my monthly subscription, but I had medical bills from this torn hip labrum eating into my budget big-time. But that’s not to say that I don’t miss it. I am in the process of using up the final few things that I have from past cubes…and part of me hopes to jump back into the subscription again soon.

So, first let me recap for you what Cuisine Cube is all about, shall I? Cuisine Cube is a subscription service that delivers 5-6 gluten-free, full-size products to your door for as little as $34.99/month. Inside the cube, you will discover full-size products (not sample sizes) 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? Keep in mind, however, that Cuisine Cube has gone through some changes as of May. No longer do they strictly only offer gluten-free cubes. In addition to their gluten-free option, they now also offer Artisan and Vegan cubes as well. The Artisan cube means that you have no food allergies and foods that contain common food allergens will be included. The Vegan cubes contain products that are dairy and animal free. And, they still have the Gluten Free cubes, which will have products that contain no gluten or wheat. So, if you’re really interested in being introduced to the smaller, lesser-known, artisan companies, give Cuisine Cube a try! It’s like…Christmas…or your birthday…every month! Who doesn’t love that?!

So, as my sing-songy typed up intro to this blog explained…one of the May (Is For Mom) 2015 Cuisine Cube included an 18 ounce box of Biatalia Gluten Free Couscous. I was thrilled…because I used to use couscous all the time in recipes. And now, it wasn’t off limits. Here, right in my clutches, was an amazing box of gluten-free couscous. And I totally get that it took me until the end of August to actually get around to using it, but…wow…was it ever worth the wait.

First of all, the Biatalia Gluten Free Couscous is simple and easy to prepare. Pour one cup of boiling water over one cup of the uncooked couscous. Add a pinch of sea salt and cover, allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes. After the water is absorbed, gently separate the grains with a fork and spoon, add olive oil, and top with your favorite condiments. Which…is normally what I would do. But I went a little CRAZY this last week.

A couple of weeks ago, my roomie picked up some lamb chops at the local farmer’s market for me to cook up. Hey…I have dreams of appearing on Master Chef…so she said I needs to learn to cook all the proteins, even if I don’t eat them. She volunteers for that. So, with the recipe on hand for Honey Balsamic Lamb Chops ready to go, I pulled up a recipe online from Giada De Laurentiis’ couscous cakes…which involved cooking up the Biatalia Gluten Free Couscous Cakes. I just took 2 cups of the cooked couscous (which was made from 1 cup dry), mixing it with fresh basil, 2 eggs, ground coriander, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and gluten-free all-purpose flour. Place 1/4 cup of olive oil into a pan and pat the mix into little 1/4 cup cakes (it will make 8) and fry them up, draining them on a paper towel.

Of course, with the leftover couscous, I had to try it out. Untouched. And…OH MY GOD…this is really the first gluten-free couscous (I tried 2 others) that really has that real couscous texture. I would have questioned the authenticity of the gluten-free status of this product, but it’s right there in print. Amazing. And, let me tell you, when I combined it with the listed ingredients from Giada’s recipe and made the couscous cakes…the flavor was only elevated. The taste and texture of the Biatalia Gluten Free Couscous was phenomenal. I mean, I was beyond surprised. In fact, I had to double-check the box just to make sure it truly was gluten-free. To say I am blown away is an understatement. This wowed me in every way possible. It paired great with her honey balsamic lamb chops and my honey balsamic portobello mushroom cap. Seriously. So yum!

Let’s discuss the ingredients of Biatalia Gluten Free Couscous. This amazing couscous is made from organic corn flour and water. That’s it. Yep. It’s that easy. Clean eating at its best.

As for the nutritional information, one serving is 1/4 cup of the couscous (about 40 grams). This serving will provide you with 140 calories less than 1 gram of fat, less than 1 gram of saturated fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of sodium, about 0.5 grams of sugar, 3 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber. Isn’t that fantastic?

So, without a little help from Cuisine Cube I never would have known about Biatalia Gluten Free Couscous. Made from 100% corn, the taste and texture are amazing and honestly…spot on. You would never guess that this was a gluten-free version of one of my favorite grains to cook with. And now, it is back in my life again. You can order Biatalia Gluten Free Couscous from online shops such as The Shop Agora. Trust me, this one is not to be missed!

Honey Balsamic Glazed Portobello Mushroom Cap with Couscous Cakes made from Biatalia Gluten Free Couscous di Mais

August 17, 2015

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Poppy Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Poppy Bagels – $7.25

They’re back!! Not just bagels my friend. And not just those crazy poppy seeds that get everywhere, screw up drug tests (or so I’ve heard), and make everything taste amazing. Nope. I’m talking Sweet Note Bagels! If you missed out on my initial fawning over this brand of gluten-free bagel…then you’ve missed out. So it up and pay attention! And if you remember it all too well, welcome back…because they hit another one out of the endzone…or something!

You see, a long time ago in a Twitter-verse far, far away, I posted a blog regarding the Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free Bagels that I had actually found in my area. Much praise and accolades were given. And then…a highly efficient PR person for another gluten-free bagel company replied to my tweet and told me that if I enjoyed Canyon Bakehouse…then I would love what they were serving up.

I was skeptical, naturally…but found myself clicking on the link to go to their Web site. And lo and behold…a virtual gluten-free bagel bakery awaited my every bagel desire. Well…maybe not every desire…but they had quite the variety. And what was even more important, especially to this former New Yorker and bagel-enthusiast, they were New York style! And yes…New York does have a style for bagels. Smaller and more dense. For such a big and bustling city, you wouldn’t think small and dense would sup up the bagel style. But it does…beautifully.

And, as you know, I have already sung the praises of the Plain, Everything, Cinnamon Raisin, and Chocolate Swirl. Which means…Poppy and Sesame are all that remains. I’d been meaning to place an order with Sweet Note Bakery…but life’s been a bit hectic as of late. It kept slipping my mind, although in the mornings I’d be all “I wish I had bagels.” So, one would think I would take drastic action. But, alas…craziness.

And last Monday, I busted out the Sweet Note Gluten Free Poppy Bagels for breakfast. Per the instructions on the packaging, do not thaw these bagels on the counter. Just don’t. Obey the bagel goddesses who are in charge of these fantastic bagel-y treats. They say nuke each one for 60 seconds, until they are soft. Allow to cool slightly (or don’t)…and then slice in half. Toast…in a toaster or, if you’re like me and don’t own a toaster, in the oven at 350°F for about…10 minutes. This gave me time to toss them in the oven and then toss myself into the shower (Hey, Monday morning is spin class…and I had an office I didn’t want to offend with my workout funk!)…and upon my return, I pulled them out of the oven. And they were perfect. I mean…golden brown perfect. Each half got a liberal schmear of the vegan cream cheese that is in my fridge and then my roommate and I dug into the Poppy variety.

DUDE! YUM! The packaging says…“For flavor that POPS…” like Poppy Seeds…get it? HAHA! Well, the fact of the matter is, those little black seeds really are a powerhouse for flavor. And what’s more is that Sweet Note Bakery knows how to properly coat a bagel, prep a bagel, and put out a good quality bagel. Sure, some seeds fleck off, but that’s what happens. That’s life. You simply wet a fingertip and pluck them up, or turn your cream cheese side down and dab at them. It’s all good. The bagel itself…a nice crisp on the outside with that soft, chewy center. It’s amazing what a good bagel can do to start your day off right. And the Sweet Note Gluten Free Poppy Bagel is not a good bagel…it’s a damn good bagel. It’s a happy bagel. A poppin’ fresh bagel. It’s an everything is going to be okay bagel. The poppy seeds bring this nutty flavor and aroma to the toasted bagel. The bread itself is perfection…no airpockets of “WTF WHERE IS MY PRODUCT?” that can happen with gluten-free bread products. It’s…love in a bag. Every flavor I’ve tried has been outstanding. And this one just got added to the list.

So…let’s talk about what goes into the Sweet Note Gluten Free Poppy Bagels, shall we? These bagels are made from LOVE (Yes, that is on the ingredient list), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, poppy seeds, and salt. These bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. LOVE IT!! Vegan and gluten-free…yes, please. More of these! Like for life. Just keep them coming!

Now, let’s look at the nutritional information. A serving size is one (1) of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Poppy Bagels. This bagel will provide you with 310 calories, 5 grams of fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 22 mg cholesterol, 520 mg sodium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 7 grams of sugars, and 5 grams of protein. Yes…these bagels are filling, and that’s what I love about them. With other gluten-free bagels on the market, I am full for an hour, then hungry again, despite being twice as big. Most others on the markets are made with fillers rather than real ingredeints, and that’ makes a difference by leaps and bounds.

Love. Love is their main ingredient. And love is what I give back. Sweet Note Bagels is doing the gluten-free community a lot of justice by putting out quality, delicious, amazing bagels. If these were served to anyone, no one would be able to tell that they are gluten-free. That is how outstanding these bagels are. With this package polished off, all that remains is the Sesame…before I need to restock. Maybe the Pumpkin Spice will be back by then…

Stay tuned!

Sweet Note Gluten Free Poppy Bagel topped off with a schmear of vegan cream cheese

August 17, 2015August 17, 2015

Recipe: Tomato-Miso Soup

If there is one thing that I love almost as much as breakfast…it’s soup. I am a soup junkie. I will eat soup at any time of the year…even in the summer. I think it can be the most perfect meal. And, when made right, it can be quite good for you too.

I bought some white miso paste a few weeks ago to use in an eggplant recipe and had quite a bit still left over in the fridge. I was interested in what I might be able to make with it…and that’s when Food & Wine Magazine sent through one of their recipe e-mails, and this one was timely, indeed.

This Tomato-Miso Soup both light and hearty…and definitely healthy. It became one of my favorite lunches I have brought to work thus far. And it’s made from real ingredients…which makes it even better. The flavor is earthy and sweet…bringing this fantastic balance. And the star…the shiitake mushrooms.

Recipe: Tomato-Miso Soup

Servings: 6
Time: 10 minutes; Cook 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded, caps thinly sliced
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 1/2 cups water
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup light miso paste (shiro)
1 teaspoon soy sauce (I used reduced sodium tamari)
3/4 pound soft tofu, cut into 1-inch dice
3 large scallions, thinly sliced
6 small to medium radishes, thinly sliced

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large saucepan.

Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Cover and cook over low heat, stirring a few times, until the mushrooms are tender, about 6 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Pour in the water, stir well and bring to a boil.

Add the tomatoes, cover and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.

Whisk in the miso and soy sauce and return to a simmer.

Add the tofu and simmer for 2 minutes.

Ladle into bowls, garnish with the scallions and radishes and serve.

~*~*~

I loved everything there was about this soup. There were so many textures, and this bold flavor, thanks to the miso. The radishes and scallions added before eating brought a bit of crunch, while the mushrooms gave this soup a meatiness to it, without any actual meat. I can’t wait to make this one again. If you have a great love of soup and rich flavors without simmering it all day…this is the soup for you.

August 10, 2015

Product Review: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread

Product: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread – $5.99+

I have a bone to pick with gluten free breads. I really do. They are either stiff and crumbly, or they are full of holes. Nevermind just outward appearance, so often, these products are either packed full of fillers or they are made with real ingredients but have no actual nutritional value to them.

When I first had to go gluten free four years ago…I gave up bread. Gluten free breads were too expensive to even factor into my budget. I convinced myself that I wouldn’t miss it anyway. But…sometimes a gluten free sandwich just sounds amazing. So, after about half a year of no bread at all…I gave in and started eating Udi’s…then Rudi’s…and now I’ve tried Aldi’s liveGfree brand and Canyon bakehouse. All the while, another brand was staring at me from the grocer’s freezer…but I paid it no heed. The brand: Food For Life.

I don’t know how or why I continued to overlook this brand…but I have been shown the error of my ways. 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.

As an athlete, active every day in some way, shape or form, 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 have already blogged about the Flax and Almond varieties…so now…the latest from my freezer: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread!

One of my most favorite things to devour for breakfast these days is avocado toast. It’s simple…but delicious…and packed with healthy fats and nutrients. Avocados are one of my favorite fruits in life right now. And I use it often and in various ways. But…simply mashed across a slice (or two) of toast is one of my most favorite ways…with a touch of bereber seasoning or salt or lemon pepper…whatever strikes my fancy. And, as I discovered, the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free breads are perfect vehicles for such cravings. The bread, when thawed, still is a bit stiff and not soft and moist like the likes of liveGfree and Canyon Bakehouse. And a little more substantial (and definitely lacking the holes) that you’d find with Udi’s or Rudi’s. This means these slices of bread are going to hold up to whatever you decide to sandwich between them…or pile onto them.

The Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread is just as fantastic and perfect for whatever your bread craving might be as the two flavors I have tried before. This particular variety was specifically developed using three (3) super seeds that benefit you throughout the day by helping your body perform at its best. What are they, you may ask? Chia, Quinoa, and Millet!

So, I let the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread thaw on the counter overnight. Then, the following morning, after my spin class, I returned home hungry and ready for a nutritious, healthy breakfast. I placed each slice of bread on a baking sheet and then stuck it in the oven while I went to go shower. This was not left unattended. My roommate was awake at this point…so no safety concerns, I promise. I get done with my shower and dressed just as the bread is finishing up in the oven. Perfect timing. I pull it out and get an avocado ready to slice and mash onto the surface of each slice of bread. I loved how this bread smelled…like fresh baked. Really. The aroma just filled my kitchen. Love it when seeds incorporated into the bread toast up and get that rich aroma to them. Ahhhh…refreshing. So, I plated each piece of toast, mashed the avocado on top, seasoned my roomie’s with lemon pepper and mine with bereber…and breakfast was served, with a side of sauteed cheery tomatoes. YUMMY!

This bread is hearty, dense, and the perfect base for a breakfast like this. It works well as a sandwich bread, too, of course. I used it for grilled cheese that very night. But, there is just something about this bread that I could doctor up all day. Rub it down with garlic…top it off with butter, garlic and seasoning…perfect garlic toast. I could make it into a pizza. I could do a lot of things with it, but the very nature that this bread is incredibly perfect to hold a simple smashed avocado and still taste amazing…speaks volumes about this simple, healthy, and amazing loaf. I am beyond wowed by the flavor and texture that this bread delivers. It is definitely best toasted…but would work even without that added step.

I’m hooked.

So, the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Three Original 3 Seed Bread is made from simple, natural, and healthy ingredients. These include organic sprouted quinoa (red and/or white), filtered water, organic arrowroot, organic potato starch, organic sprouted millet, organic tapioca, organic applesauce, fresh yeast, organic safflower oil, organic cactus, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic agave, organic vanilla, sea salt, vegetable gum (xanthan, cellulose), and organic psyllium. This bread is high in fiber, vegan, gluten-free, and made with sprouted grains of goodness.

So let’s discuss the nutritional information for the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread. Since studying nutrition, first in a basic and now an advanced course, 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? A serving size is one (1) slice. In this serving, you will be provided with 110 calories, 2 grams of fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 120 mg sodium, 20 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 0 grams sugars, 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.

This past weekend, when I was visiting Columbus, Ohio, I spotted the four (4) different varieties of this bread in the freezer section of the local natural food store, Raisin Rack. I try to go shopping there every time I’m in Columbus because I can find things I normally can’t find here in Louisville. I noticed that these breads were priced at around $10.49 there. For ONE loaf of bread. So, it can be expensive, but I’ve found it at Whole Foods for $5.99. Price shop.

Trust me, this bread is totally worth it. Nutrition and ingredients are two things I key in on, and this bread tops the charts in both. I am beyond impressed, for sure. I will always find a space in my budget and in my freezer for the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads. And if you really want a good base to work with…the Original 3 Seed is the way to go. Total yum!

Avocado Toast made with Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread

July 21, 2015August 6, 2015

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

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

Sometimes a product you never thought about trying serves you up a good reason to keep getting it. And if anything, that is exactly the experience I had with the new line of Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads from Food For Life. In particular, the gluten free Almond Bread has really struck a chord with me.

I can’t explain it.

It wasn’t too long ago that 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 on-the-mend 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.

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.

This past week, I decided to reach into the freezer and pull out the loaf of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread. Why? Because I was about to make something sweet and savory, and somehow the thought of bread with a hint of almond flavoring just sounded like it would pair well. I mean, do I really need a reason? You see, I was serving this up as a side dish to my Mexican Corn Dip. I had vegan Kite Hill Ricotta Cheese in my fridge and a jar of fig preserves from Charleston, South Carolina. It was an odd side to have with the corn dip, but it actually worked out really well.

I simply preheated the oven and placed two slices of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread on the baking sheet. Into the oven it went to get a nice toast on it. When it was perfectly toasted, I removed the slices from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, each slice got a schmear of the Kite Hill Vegan Ricotta and then a dollop of the Charleston fig jam. I plated each slice with the corn salsa and dinner was strange…but served.

One bite, and I knew I was in love with this bread. For real! The Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread had the most amazing flavor that I have tasted in bread in a long time. I was blown away with the slight hint of sweetness, making it the ideal vehicle for this spread of ricotta and jam that I topped it off. It was heaven. But this bread doesn’t have to be limited strictly to sweet spreads. In fact, this morning I slathered two slices of it with mashed avocado and it was divine. Honestly, the pairing of the sweet, nutty almonds makes this bread beyond amazing. It makes it a nutritious powerhouse too. The slight nutty flavor compliments anything that you could think to top it off with. I have been impressed each time I have used this bread out of my freezer. And, yes…it was delicious as a grilled cheese sandwich as well. In fact, the nutty flavor with the vegan cheese that I put in my sandwich meshed so well. Delicious any way you slice or slather it. It’s fantastic.

Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread is made with organic almonds for extra flavor, nutrition and to help aid in blood glucose regulation. This bread is specifically developed to help keep you on the go and perform at your best. When you toast it…that rich nutty flavor is released and it is awesome.

So, what all goes into the making of Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread? Well, it’s simple. It really is. This bread is made from organic sprouted quinoa (red and/or white), filtered water, organic arrowroot, organic potato starch, organic sprouted millet, organic tapioca, organic applesauce, fresh yeast, organic almond meal, organic safflower oil, organic cactus, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic agave, organic vanilla, sea salt, vegetable gum (xanthan, cellulose), and organic psyllium. Made with sprouted chia, sprouted quinoa, and sprouted millet, this bread is a trio of health. Not only is it made with sprouted grains (which are SO good for you!), it is also vegan, gluten-free, and high in fiber. It is so rare for a gluten free bread to be high in fiber. This is a welcome addition to my freezer.

So let’s discuss the nutritional information for the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread. Since passing my final exam in personal nutrition for the nutrition course I was taking and moving on to the advanced nutrition,my nutrition course, 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? A serving size is one (1) slice. In this serving, you will be provided with 110 calories, 3 grams of fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 110 mg sodium, 19 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, 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 used to turn my nose up at the Food For Life breads due to the high calories, but I have learned a lot about nutrition since then, and it turns out this is one of the best, nutrition-wise, gluten free breads on the market. If you love a hint of nutty sweetness in your bread, I highly, highly recommend the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread. It was truly love at first bite. A bit of a surprise, but this is, by far, one of my favorite gluten-free breads I have ever tasted. I was very fortunate to be sent these loaves. I spotted them in Whole Foods the other day. I’m going to be well stocked for the future.

Vegan Ricotta and Charleston Fig Jam on top of toasted slices of Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread

July 14, 2015

Product Review: Neat – A Healthy Replacement For Meat Italian Mix

Product: Neat – A Healthy Replacement for Meat Italian Mix – $4.99+

I am so glad that Neat exists in the world. I really, really am. Because, it is sometimes hard to find a good protein base when you are not only a vegetarian (or perhaps a vegan), but also gluten-free. Trust me…the struggle is real…FOR REAL!! Most of the vegetarian/vegan faux-meat products out on the market have some sort of vital wheat gluten or glutenous substance inside (for texture purposes, I’ve been told). I don’t need faux-meat in my life, but sometimes it’s nice to step away from the mushrooms and whatever else I get creative with and use something that is already prepared.

And that…brings me to Neat – A Healthy Replacement for Meat. Ever since I became a subscriber to Delight Gluten Free magazine I noticed ads for this vegan meat replacement called Neat. I was beyond intrigued and immediately went on the hunt in my local natural food stores. Sadly, but not surprisingly, no one in my area carried this product. At least not yet. I said I’d get online and see if I could order it, but, naturally, I forgot to do that. Story of my life. But after a pouch of the Mexican Mix turned up on my Cuisine Cube, I started finding it on the shelves of my local Kroger stores, my natural food stores. I was getting Neat where I could purchase it when I suddenly decided to make something spontaneous for dinner.

YAY!

So, what exactly is Neat? Neat is a meat replacement that is derived from nuts and other non-GMO natural ingredients. It is a product that was created by a mother of two children who decided that they were going to become vegetarians. At first she would puree beans into sauces to help her girls get the protein they wanted, but after awhile, everyone got tired of it. And that was when she got into the kitchen, experimented, and created what is now marketed at Neat.

Neat comes in this shelf-stable pouch in a powdered form. All you do to prepare it is pour the pouch into a bowl, add two eggs (or a vegan egg replacer), plus two tablespoons of water. Stir all the ingredients together and throw it into a skillet over medium heat. Or…if you happen to have the Italian Mix and want to make meatballs…well…you just change it up a little.

I wanted meatballs to make vegan meatball subs and some vegan spaghetti and meatballs for lunch the following day at the office. SO…I took the mix from the pouch and poured it into a bowl, adding 1 egg, about 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast (although now I think I should have gone for the full 1/3 cup (which was the amount of Parmesan cheese the recipe said to add), and 1 tablespoon of water and gave it a mix. Then, with clean hands, I ended up rolling 12 meatballs (you normally would do 8 larger meatballs, but I had multiple meals planned for these…this way my roommate and I each got 3 in each dish I prepared). Then, into an oven at 350°F for about 18 minutes, turning them over once. That simple.

Near the end of their cooking time, I began warming up some marinara sauce on the stove. And when these meatballs came out of the oven, into the sauce they went. I gave the sauce a stir and just coated the meatballs the best I could. I was using an open jar of sauce, so I had a little less than I wanted, but I figured the entire point of the meatball sub was the meatball itself. So…with any luck, I didn’t screw those up. Into the gluten-free hotdog buns they went (no one around here seems to carry the Schär Gluten Free Sub Rolls anymore). I topped them with a bit of the sauce, then some Daiya mozzarella style shreds then placed them back in the oven under the broiler for about a minute to get the vegan cheese as gooey as I could manage.

Then…dinner was served.

Given that this was my first attempt at the “neatballs,” I was quite happy with them. As I said, I should have done a perfect swap for the Parmesan cheese with the nutritional yeast, but I didn’t want to overkill it. My oven is old, so I set it a little higher in temp, and baked these for the full 18 minutes, instead of maybe just 15…so they were slightly dry, but the texture was very meaty and very dense, like a meatball should be. I thought these were amazing in both the subs and the pasta I cooked up for the following work day. While I might have overcooked them slightly, it didn’t make me dislike what emerged from the oven and saucepan. I loved biting into a vegetarian meatball sub and having it feel like I was actually eating a sub. That was a nice treat. I loved forming these meatballs to cook, because it’s like making it yourself instead of pulling them from the freezer (for the record, I know of only 2 kinds of vegan/gluten-free meatballs…Franklin Farms (which I can’t find anymore) and Beyond Meat (which I haven’t found here) which are both kept in the fridge/freezer. So, this was a bit more rustic and a bit more like you were putting in the work yourself to make the protein base for your meal. It was messy, but quite fun and quite satisfying.

Let’s first delve into the nitty-gritty ingredients and nutrition of Neat – A Healthy Replacement For Meat Italian Mix. The Italian Mix version of Neat is made from pecans, garbanzo beans, organic whole grain gluten free oats, garlic, onion, sea salt, and spices. So, where this is meat-free and dairy-free, and also gluten-free…it is NOT nut-free. So, if you have a nut allergy…this product is not for you.

As for nutrition, a serving of Neat Italian Mix is 40 grams and each pouch contains 4 servings. This serving will give you 190 calories, and 15 grams of fat (healthy fat as it is coming from beans and nuts), 1.5 grams saturated fat, 218 mg sodium, 12 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, and 4 grams protein. These meatballs will fill you up. Seriously. I really appreciate when a faux protein is made with filling, real foods that won’t leave me feeling hungry an hour or so later. Trust me, that isn’t a problem with Neat.

I am so in love with the two mixes I have picked up from Neat – A Healthy Replacement to Meat. I still have the Breakfast Mix and the Original Mix to try so I’ll be picking those up soon. They also make an Egg Replacer as well, which I’d love to try. So far, there isn’t anything bad I can say about Neat. So, if you haven’t tried it and you, perhaps, have been missing your spaghetti and meatballs or meatball subs…you gotta try this!! Order online if you can’t find it in your stores. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Spaghetti & Neatballs and Neatball Sub made with Neat - A Healthy Replacement for Meat Italian Mix — Spaghetti & Neatballs and Neatball Sub made with Neat – A Healthy Replacement for Meat Italian Mix

July 9, 2015

Product Review: Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar

Product: Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar – $2.50+

Ever see one of those products that intrigues you…but you just can’t get up the nerve to purchase one to actually try it? That is the relationship I have had for a few years with Bobo’s Oat Bars. I spotted these first at my natural foods store, Rainbow Blossom, on an endcap. Not all flavors are gluten-free, but there was quite a variety. I really wanted to try one, and, for a gluten-free bar…the price isn’t so bad. I just never could actually talk myself into it.

Lo and behold, my May (Is For Mom) 2015 Cuisine Cube brought Bobo’s Oat Bars to me, instead. It was like a “if you build it, they will come,” moment, save more of a, “if you covet it, someone will send it to you.” HA!

In the May 2015 box, there were quite a few snacks/candies/sweets packed in. It was the Mother’s Day cube, that’s how it should be. And for the Breakfast/Snack option, the people at Cuisine Cube sent me a much coveted, highly anticipated, Bobo’s Gluten Free Oat Bar. The flavor – peach.

Now, peach for me can be hit or miss, honestly. You either get it right, or you get it wrong. As a huge fan and connoisseur of peaches (fresh, tinned, frozen…you name it!), peach is one of those flavors that either wins me over or loses me. So, peach was the risky flavor of bar to send from the gluten-free line, I think. It’s not a common favorite, but, honestly, it is one of the most refreshing and summer-inducing flavors around.

Bobo’s Oat Bars was founded by Beryl Strafford in 2005. This Boulder, Colorado, based business is still headquarted there today. These bars are named after Strafford’s eldest daughter, who she has affectionately called “Bobo.” These bars were developed out of a simple mother-daughter baking tradition, and soon grew to become a sought-after snack bar that are enjoyed by families, athletes, and healthy minded people everywhere. Strafford wanted these bars to embody two of her highest values in life: being a mom, and living an active and healthy lifestyle. Bobo’s Oat Bars are baked from scratch using only the finest organic ingredients, with no additives or artificial sweeteners. These bars are not only convenient, but a wholesome snack choice that are convenient for the busy kids, students, athletes, and adults in life. Not all of Bobo’s Oat Bars are gluten-free, but they have a core selection of flavors that are, including: peach, maple pecan, lemon poppyseed, chocolate almond, apple pie, and peanut butter and jelly.

Cuisine Cube shared probably the flavor I would have picked up last, due to my love-hate relationship with peach flavored items. I am either going to love it or hate it. And after 2 months of not quite getting around to trying the much-coveted Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar, my roommate and I split it tonight as our dessert.

First of all, I loved the texture of this bar. It was substantial, yes, but it was soft and chewy…like an elite granola bar of sorts. The oats were stunning and each bite was chewy and wholesome. I love that these are made with natural ingredients. I love that very little sugar is in these bars. I loved how 1/2 of this bar (which is the serving size) was filling enough to double as a meal. Yes…I loved all of that. What fell a little short for me, however, was the flavor. When something declares that it is peach flavored, by the taste gods, bring me that bold, sweet, amazing peach flavor. At the very edges of this bar, I found it to be very bland. The center part, still bland, but had more of that peach flavor that I was hoping for. At least the flavor didn’t taste fake…there just wasn’t enough of it there. The Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar was filling, for sure, but not all that flavorful. A little bit of a let-down, but not enough to make me not want to try the other gluten-free flavors out there.

So, with that in mind, let’s discuss the ingredients that go into Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bars! These bars are made from organic gluten free rolled oats, brown rice syrup (brown rice, filtered water), Earth Balance [natural oil blend (palm fruit, canola and olive oils), filtered water, pure salt, natural flavor (derived from corn, no MSG, no alcohol, no gluten), sunflower lecithin, lactic acid (non-dairy, derived from sugar beets) and colored with annatto extract], organic sucant (non-refined cane sugar), dried peaches, natural peach extract, and xanthan gum. These bars are gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and now certified kosher!

As for the nutrition facts of Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bars, these stats are pretty fantastic. Do keep in mind, however, that each bar is 2 servings, so cut that baby in half and save the rest for another day. One serving, or half of a bar, will provide you with 180 calories, 6 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 20 mg sodium, 28 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams dietary fiber, 10 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. Is it any wonder with that low sugar, and the higher protein and fiber that this bar feats more like a meal than a snack?! Fantastic.

So, the jury is still out for me. While I wasn’t completely blown away by Bobo’s Gluten-Free Peach Oat Bars, I didn’t dislike them either. In fact, the texture, chewy, yet substantial, was amazing. I loved that. I just wish it was more peachy, given theat it is the peach bar. However, I’m not counting them out yet. Next time I’m at my natural food store, I’m going to snag a different flavor and see if it smacks my taste buds around a little more.

For what it is worth, Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar is a great, healthy snack or meal for the busy and on-the-go type of person. It will leave you feeling full, and with it being made from natural ingredients, keep you feeling full. Your body won’t burn right through this bar, as it would many protein, granola and/or snack bars out on the market. The lower the sugar, the happier I am.

If not for Cuisine Cube, I don’t know if I ever would have convinced myself to purchase one of Bobo’s Gluten Free Oat Bars. That being said, I’m glad that this was shipped to me so I could get a taste of what is out on the market, and what I love and might not love as much about new bars. I’m a marathoner, I’m always looking for new fuel and recovery items. This…is off to a good start.

Bobo's Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar (unwrapped) — Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar (unwrapped)

July 3, 2015July 3, 2015

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels – $8.50

I’ve been burned by gluten-free products in the past. You hear about them via the Internet and you either find them at your local store (grocery or natural food) and you take them home and try them out and you find out all the hype was just hype. It sucks. You’re out a good meal/snack and money.

So, imagine how it felt for me to pour some money into a company that found me via my Twitter feed, when I was talking about the new Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free Bagels (plain and everything). They reached out to me, and didn’t say they had a better product, just that if I enjoyed those, I’d love theirs. They did it twice…and with me…this shows persistence and a great belief in the product they have. I had already made my way over to their page upon the first contact and was intrigued by what I found. The second time, they had me convinced I just needed to pull the trigger and place an order.

And this is where my love affair with Sweet Note Bakery and their New York style gluten free bagels began…

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

No buyer’s remorse happened either after I checked out of their online store. A couple of days later, a box arrived bearing my bagels. I made room for them in my packed freezer until it was time to crack into them. So far, they have wowed me with the Plain, Everything, and Cinnamon Raisin varieties. These are all commonly found as flavored with other gluten-free bagels on the market…

But Sweet Note really knows how to sweeten the deal. And this chocoholic jumped at the chance to try their latest flavor…

Chocolate Swirl.

Chocolate for breakfast? Hell yes! In fact, I am no stranger to incorporating sweet chocolate into my breakfast. I’ve made chocolate gluten-free hot cereal. My mom grew up making chocolate chip pancakes for my friends and I. And sometimes, I throw chocolate chips into my overnight oats or my breakfast parfait. We all deserve a little something sweet sometimes.

Per instructions on the packaging, in order to get your bagels done right, do NOT ever let them thaw to room temperature. This goes against how I prepare anything gluten-free from my freezer, but there is a reason for this. So…do it. Pop these into your microwave for about 1 minute, until they are soft. Cool slightly, and then the slice and toast. If you’re like me and you don’t own a toaster, pop them in an oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. They come out perfect.

Let me tell you, this bagel has everything working for it. Everything. It satisfies your sweet tooth without taking it too far. I mean, who doesn’t love chocolate for breakfast? The best part is…the Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels keep the chocolate subtle so that it doesn’t become more of a doughnut or cake, than a bagel. It is smoothly swirled into the bagel, creating this gorgeous pattern when you slice into the breakfast treat itself. And, let me tell you, nothing makes your morning better than the aroma of chocolate as it toasts in the oven (or toaster if you have one…I don’t!). My mouth was watering as it was being thawed in the microwave for a minute. This is more than a bagel. This is everything you want in a breakfast – savory and sweet – crunchy and chewy. Amazing. Just all-around amazing.

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

And by adding chocolate to create your very own (and unlike any other gluten-free bagel on the market) Chocolate Swirl Bagel, you’re taking it to the next level. All of us with a sweet tooth, or who enjoy a little treat in the morning, are dancing a happy dance. I happened to top off my Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels with some of my own homemade strawberry jam. Let me tell you…it was magical. Yep. I said magical. Because if you love chocolate-covered strawberries, imagine how amazing strawberry covered chocolate is. Yep…it’s amazing. And these bagels were the perfect vehicle to showcase my own hard work in the kitchen with fresh, local berries. Ah, the joys of being a foodie.

Now, let’s talk ingredients for a moment, shall we? The Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels are made from water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, vanilla extract, salt, chocolate chips (evaporated cane juice, natural chocolate liquor (non-alcoholic), and non-dairy cocoa butter). As always, these bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, and peanut & tree nut free. The Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels are a little more expensive because they have to go the extra mile to add allergen-free chocolate to the mix. It’s worth it. Vegan, gluten-free goodness in every delicious bite. Trust me…you don’t want to miss out. This little bagel company is going places. BIG places.

As far as nutirtion goes, for bagels, this hits the sweet spot. A serving is 1 bagel (4.5 ounces or 128 grams). There are four servings per package. This one serving will give you 310 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 22 mg cholesterol, 280 mg sodium, 4 grams fiber, 18 grams sugars, and 4 grams of protein. See why you’ll feel full? Fiber-rich and packed with protein. Gotta love it!

Trust me, if you can’t find these in stores in your area, pop over to Sweet Note Bakery’s Web site and place an order. They need to be in your gluten-free life, stat!! And then, talk to your local natural food store, or Whole Foods, about stocking these. They would sell like hotcakes (or bagels) in an instant. Trust me. These are not to be missed. Sweet Note Bakery offers eight (8) different varieties of their NY style bagels: plain, everything, cinnamon raisin, sesame, poppy, chocolate swirl, snickerdoodle, and pumpkin spice. Their Web site says a Spinach Garlic is in the works. HELLO!! Want that. So, if you are a bagel lover like me…and gluten-free bagels have left you feeling cheated…get the real deal. And, if you like a little treat in the morning, twist up tradition with the Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels. They are not to be missed.

And this, sadly, concludes my stash in the freezer…so I guess it’s time to try out the other four flavors!

Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels topped off with my own homemade strawberry jam

June 30, 2015

Product Review: Kite Hill Ricotta

Product: Kite Hill Ricotta – $9.99+

Color me charmed. For real. A couple of weeks ago, I took a chance and tried a new product I discovered (exclusively) at my local Whole Foods. In fact, all of the products from this particular brand are only available at Whole Foods…currently. They are a little pricey, but as I’ve been discovering…they are totally worth it.

Kite Hill was started due to a vision for a plant-based food that would have all the qualities we love in the best artisan dairy cheeses. Using simple ingredients and using traditional methods, Kite Hill has created artisan cheeses, yogurts, and cream cheeses that can all be incorporated into entrées and desserts. Created by a dedicated team with deep culinary, cheese-making, and scientific expertise, including Tal Ronnen, Monte Casino, Jean Prevot, Pat Brown, and Matthew Sade, Kite Hill has stepped up to the challenge to create a non-dairy cheese that met their high standards for quality. So often, vegan cheese tastes fake or plastic-like. After years of recipe testing and countless trials and errors to develop the perfect nut milk, cultures, and enzymes needed to create a worthy product, Kite Hill emerged on the market place.

You will recall that I have already given a raving review for the Kite Hill Plain Cream Cheese Style Spread. Well, I had pasta on my mind this past week. Really. And I had gluten free lasagna noodles in my pantry. And ramekin dishes in my cupboard. See where this is headed? Yep…individual mini lasagnas…all made possible by the introduction of Kite Hill’s Ricotta – which is completely soy free, vegan, gluten free and dairy free.

Let me tell you, I was beyond blown away by this product. It surprised me. It really, really did. The Kite Hill Ricotta is light and fluffy right off the bat. It looked just like real ricotta…the stuff I am incapable of consuming anymore. Damn lactose intolerance. But let me say this, if Kite Hill continues to produce their version of ricotta cheese, then I will never miss it again. I know that tofu can be substituted in pasta dishes for ricotta…as can Tofutti’s Better Than Ricotta…and I have actually used both in successful recipes. But…it wasn’t the same. The texture was different. The flavor was different.

Not with Kite Hill. My roommate and I both tried some of the Kite Hill Ricotta on its own before I blended it with some herbs for the actual meal. Oh. My. God. I probably could have eaten the entire tub on my own, with just a spoon. There is that much amazing flavor in this cheese. The texture is light, but with a bit of heft to it. So, it mimics that of real ricotta. Oh…this was already looking good for my mini lasagnas. I just had to keep myself from eating all the cheese out of the container and to use it, instead, in the actual recipe.

No easy task.

But I did end up blending it with my herbs and some Daiya Mozzerella Shreds to complete the cheesy filling of the lasagna, which would also include sautéed onion and kale with some garlic. YUMMY!! The noodles were cooked, cooled, and put into the dishes. The ricotta & cheese filling was added, and layered with the vegetables…and of course an amazing sauce from Rao to top it all off. Into the oven for 40 minutes and…viola…we’re in business! The mini-lasagnas came out of the oven bubbling hot with cheese and sauce and a whole lot of goodness. I eased them out of the ramekins and dinner was served.

Oh. My. God. This was the best ricotta cheese substitute I have tried yet. Not only was this flavorful, mimicing both ricotta and/or mascarpone cheese, but it didn’t make the dish heavy at all. The ricotta has a slight tanginess to it, making it a nice addition not just to pastas, but also to desserts. This product is ridiculously tasty. I want to make ricotta pancakes now. And I think I might just do that…maybe tomorrow. We’ll see. I have some left over to do just that. And I have all these fresh local blueberries to use as well. Oh yes…I sense an epic gluten-free and dairy free pancake breakfast. It’s the best ricotta substitute I have ever stumbled upon. It’s made from almond milk, so if you have a nut allergy, it’s not for you, but it’s nice to have a soy-free alternative.

So, now let’s talk about the ingredients. Nothing beats real, wholesome ingredients. What’s even better, the Kite Hill Ricotta only has 5 ingredients in it. Yep. Just five! These include: almond milk (water, almonds), salt, enzyme, tartaric acid, and cultures. This product, as mentioned before, is gluten-free, soy free, dairy free and vegan. It also contains no cholesterol, no saturated fat, and no trans fats!

And with that in mind, this is the best time to discuss Kite Hill Roctta nutritional facts, yes? A serving of the Kite Hill Ricotta is 1 ounce (28 grams…or about 2 tablespoons). This serving will provide you with 70 calories, 6 grams of fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 90 mg sodium, 2 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams dietary fiber, 0 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. Are you loving it? I’m loving it!

Seriously, you won’t find anything better than Kite Hill Ricotta. It’s so versatile. Pastas, pizza toppings, desserts, or even in hot chocolate, this will do it all. And the taste, oh my God, the taste is fantastic. I am hooked. I’ll pay the price to have a good tasting, good quality product. And Kite Hill totally makes it worth it. If you live near a Whole Foods, I encourage you and highly recommend that you check out the Kite Hill lineup of vegan artisan cheese.

Mini Vegan Kale Lasagna (made with Kite Hill Ricotta)