Entree – Page 13 – The Celiathlete

March 10, 2015

Product Review: Hodgson Mill Lemon Pepper Quinoa & Brown Rice

Product: Hodgson Mill Lemon Pepper Quinoa & Brown Rice – $2.49+

There are quite a few brands and companies out there that I entrust my gluten-free lifestyle to. These are the ones that I can find on a regular basis…the few, the proud, the ones carried in most, if not every, grocery store or department store with a food section. One such brand is Hodgson Mill…who has brought quite a few different products to the gluten-free folks that make up a good percentage of the population these days, whether for medical or dietary reasons.

We all have to have these go-to brands that we can hit up in a pinch. So, when I find new products by such brands, I don’t really hesitate to purchase them. They go into my shopping basket (if the budget allows) and then into my pantry. That’s the circle of my gluten-free foodie life.

While at Raisin Rack in Columbus, Ohio, awhile back, I stumbled across a couple of packets of Hodgson Mill products that I hadn’t seen around my area. These were for their new Quinoa & Brown Rice sides, which come in five flavors: Lemon Pepper, Garlic & Herb, Italian, Mediterranean, and Spicy. I normally would have immediately lunged for the Spicy version, but as this is something I’d be sharing with my roommate (who is a self-professed spice wimp), I opted for something else. As she is a connoisseur of all things lemony…the Hodgson Mill Lemon Pepper Quinoa & Brown Rice Side seemed like a win to me.

And so…it came home…and sat in my pantry. Until tonight. Because of having no CSA bin delivery for the past two (going on three) weeks, I’ve been trying to make due mostly with what I have in the fridge, freezer, and pantry. As these next couple nights are going to include me packing for my upcoming trip to NYC, for my roomie’s birthday, some Broadway shows, and the NYC Half Marathon, I needed foods that wouldn’t demand too much of my time, but still be healthy and filling.

Instead of reheating some of the risotto I made last weekend, I decided to save that for tomorrow and plucked the package of Hodgson Mill Lemon Pepper Quinoa and Brown Rice out of the pantry. Instead of serving it as a side, we’d simply split the entire package and have it as a meal. We do that a lot with sides. I mean…why not? If it has the nutritional value to double as a meal for two people…might as well go for it.

So, after a long, frustrating, and tiring day at the office…I came home and immediately put 1-3/4 cup of water onto the stove to bring to a boil. I emptied the contents of the Hodgson Mill Lemon Pepper Quinoa & Brown Rice packet into the boiling water, covered it, and lowered the heat to allow it to simmer and continue to cook…which took about 15 more minutes. Once the water was absorbed, it was done. I took the pan off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. While all this was cooking, I was able to put together everything I needed for lunches and snacks for both my roomie and I, which freed up some additional time for me later on. Love that. When the five minutes ticked past, I fluffed the mixture with a fork and served it up between the two of us. We settled in for dinner.

I want to say, this mix cooks up to the perfect texture. The quinoa and brown rice are a perfect match for each other, making a filling, and satisfying dish (whether a meal or as a side). However, that being said, the seasoning was definitely lacking. In fact, my roomie and I actually had to add some salt (which we never do) and even gave it a hit of berbere. Because, hey, why not? But, once we had everything properly seasoned, this was really delicious. I think Hodgson Mill took extra precaution not to overwhelm the mix with the lemon and pepper flavor, but that’s really what I want when I purchase something that boasts a lemon pepper flavor. So, while the taste was a little bland, this was a really great dish. Easy to prepare…just season it when all is said and done.

As far as ingredients go, the Hodgson Mill Lemon Pepper Quinoa & Brown Rice side is made from organic whole grain prewashed quinoa, whole grain parboiled long grain brown rice, organic garlic, organic onion, organic herbs, organic carrot, organic black pepper, organic bell pepper, organic tomato, organic red pepper, organic spices, organic orange peel, organic lemon peel, and citric acid (contains mustard). This blend is gluten-free, cholesterol free, low in sodium, all natural, and kosher.

Nutrition-wise…this isn’t a bad choice to serve as a side or as a main dish. There are 3.5 servings per pouch, with one serving being 1/4 cup. This serving will provide you with 140 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. This serving will also give you 45 mg sodium and less than 1 gram of sugar. You gotta love that. One serving will also give you 2 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. God bless quinoa!

If you are looking for a healthy side or a hearty dinner without breaking the bank and without having to spend a long time in the kitchen, Hodgson Mill has you covered. Just make sure you check the seasoning when you finish cooking these up. You’ll also get a nice protein kick from the quinoa…and the brown rice is a great addition to add a bit of bulk and body to the dish. Lacking the lemon…that’s my only complaint. Otherwise…a nice product!

March 10, 2015

Product Review: Qrunch Foods Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastables

Qrunch Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastables — Qrunch Foods Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastables

Product: Qrunch Foods Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastables – $3.99+

Ah…back to one of my favorite things to talk about.

No. Not food. Although I do like to talk about food.

Nope. What I’m about to introduce you to is yet another way that being Celiac/gluten-free doesn’t have to detract from what options are out there for breakfast. Aside from the natural gluten-free goodness of real foods, such as eggs, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits…there are a plethora of gluten-free breakfast mixes that can help you bake up pancakes, muffins, and scones. There are frozen waffles, pancakes, French toast sticks, bagels, muffins, cinnamon rolls…the list is endless.

But what really caught my eye a couple of months ago when I randomly dropped into my local Meijer was a new product from a company that I trusted. The company being Qrunch Foods. The product – something they call Toastables.

Qrunch Foods set out with a mission, and have since worked hard to carry it out – to create great-tasting, gluten free foods.

Those of us who have made our way through the gluten-free foods out on the market know that gluten-free foods have come a long way. No longer do you need to fear something tasting like cardboard or wood pulp (although…there are instances this still holds true). But finding something that stops you in your tracks and makes you go, “Damn…I’d never guess this was gluten free!” is a rare find at times.

Qrunch Foods came out with their line of Toastables back in 2013. Prior to this, you might have seen and tried (and loved, like me!) their gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian Qrunch Burgers. LOVE me those Qrunch Burgers. So, that’s why I didn’t hesitate to pick up one of the two varieties (of four!) of the Qrunch Foods Toastables from my grocery store. A trusted brand can speak volumes.

My choice: Qrunch Foods Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastables.

Qrunch Foods Toastables are made from ancient whole grains (organic quinoa, organic amaranth, and organic millet) which provides a unique and filling breakfast. They are, as always, 100% natural and 100% gluten-free. The idea behind the Toastables is that they are lightly sweetened and go great with any sort of breakfast topping you might enjoy…from syrup to honey to nut butters to jellies to cream cheese. Whatever floats your breakfast boat. They look like a mix between a cereal-coated French Toast stick and a hash brown. I’m okay with this. And making them is easy too.

Simply pop these into your toaster for a couple of cycles and they are ready to eat. I was eating these after going to the gym and heading into the office. This meant that I didn’t have a gluten-free toaster to use. Other options include cooking over medium-high heat in a skillet for 3-4 minutes per side…except I didn’t have a stovetop. Luckily, my office does have a taster oven, so I baked these for about 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees until they were nice and warm throughout. I served these up with a little bit of maple syrup. Yummy.

I bet you’re wondering how they taste. Well, they were nothing like I anticipated. I loved the crunchy outer shell that I got from baking it (and you would too if you baked, used the skillet, or toasted it in the toaster). If you microwave it, you will lose that aspect of the Toastable itself. The Qrunch Foods Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastable had a grittiness to it, which comes from the various grains that are used to comprise it. I’m on the fence on whether I liked that aspect or not. It tasted a little dry…but the maple syrup I topped it off with helped with that. The flavor was subtle, but I could definitely catch hints of the cinnamon and vanilla that were incorporated into the Toastable. It was a quick bite, but quite filling. Sort of like a dry, crunchy French toast or waffle…which isn’t a bad thing. I just sort of expected a little more tenderness on the inside. Although, overall, not bad. Not bad at all. Thank goodness for maple syrup!

Let’s discuss ingredients. The Qrunch Foods Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastables are made from water, organic millet, organic quinoa, organic amaranth, organic refined coconut oil, organic arrowroot starch, organic cane sugar, organic apple cider vinegar, organic vanilla extract, sea salt, organic cinnamon, and organic non-GMO canola oil. They are not only made with ancient whole grains, but also 100% gluten-free, soy-free, wheat-free, egg-free, dairy-free, and corn-free.

As far as nutrition goes, a serving is 1 of the Qrunch Foods Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastables. There are four Toastables in each box. This one serving will give you 120 calories and 4 grams of fat. This will also give you 135 mg sodium and 1 gram of sugar. Loving that. These are cholesterol free and free of trans fat. You will also be taking in 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. So don’t let the size of them make you think they won’t fill you up. These will hold you for the morning.

So, not an astounding find, but one that does make for a different and tasty breakfast for sure. It’s easy to prepare…just takes a little time if you are toasting it up in the toaster oven or toaster, but as long as you aren’t famished, that’s not a problem at all.

Qrunch Foods Toastables are available in four flavors: Cinnamon-Vanilla, Blueberry-Lemon, Rich Maple and Original. Look for them in your grocery store freezer.

Qrunch Foods Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastables (toasted)

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 6, 2015

Product Review: Julian’s Recipe Gluten Free Sweet Potato Pancakes

Product: Julian’s Recipe Gluten Free Sweet Potato Pancakes – $3.99+

Breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day, but it is also my favorite meal of the day. If I have said it once, I have said it 456,793 times (or more)…I. LOVE. BREAKFAST.

And I don’t always even stick to traditional breakfast either at breakfast time. That being said, you can also find me devouring breakfast foods at lunch and dinner. At times, I have eaten breakfast food at every meal of the day. Those are the best days. Nothing makes me happier than a good, delicious breakfast…at any time of the day.

Lucky for me, this doesn’t always have to mean time in the kitchen. Now, pancakes are one of the best food inventions in life. You will find no shortage of pancake mixes, syrup, and toppings in my kitchen. They are, positively, one of my most favorite breakfast foods to ever exist. And I LOVE to make them…especially on Sunday morning so that they are hot and ready by the time my roomie decides to get up and join me for some coffee.

And while I think from scratch is the best, I do not scoff at gluten-free mixes and even frozen pancakes that have hit the market. While Julian’s Recipe has put out a few other gluten-free pancakes in the past (Belgian Chocolate, Blueberry, Buttermilk)…this was their first foray into gluten-free savory pancakes. And…it just so happens to be made from one of my second favorite things in life – sweet potatoes.

Enter Julian’s Recipe Gluten Free Sweet Potato Pancakes to your grocer’s freezer. I’ll be honest, I don’t remember where I might have picked these up. Maybe Whole Foods. Maybe Earth Fare. Maybe even Rainbow Blossom. I might have gotten them from Raisin Rack when I was in Columbus, Ohio…or I might have picked them up at Organic Harvest while in Birmingham, Alabama. Where I bought them is unimportant. What is important is how they taste.

On this cold morning, where I am packing to leave for Birmingham, Alabama just before noon…I figured it was a good day to break these out of my freezer and give them a try. Nothing is more comforting on a snowy, cold, March morning…than pancakes. Especially savory pancakes.

Don’t believe me? Do it yourself. HA!

So…let’s first talk about Julian’s Recipe. Mostly known for their gluten-filled Belgian waffles and European-style breads, Julian’s Recipe has broken out a line of gluten-free pancakes. Which, I have never tried…despite myself. The company is named after founder Alexander Dzieduszycki’s son, Julian. The recipes are ones he adapted from his own family’s recipes. And the family tradition won’t stop there as Julian has developed a love of cooking and is often Dzieduszycki’s inspiration and muse for new products and recipes. So, when they stepped up and began offering gluten-free pancakes…the gluten-free world got to see what all the fuss was about. In addition to the sweet pancakes (chocolate, buttermilk, blueberry) offered for gluten-free consumers, this new line Julian’s Recipe introduced has three savory options…Vegetable Medly, Yukon Gold, and…naturally, the Sweet Potato ones that I am trying out.

Preparing these are easy. You can do it two ways…via the oven or the stove. I love cooking frozen pancakes in my oven, so that’s how I did it. Simply put the pancakes on a baking sheet and into a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes. When they emerge, they will be toasty and warm, and smelling amazing. I loved these at first whiff.

Savory pancakes are a different beast for sure. And, my non-gluten-free roomie said that these tasted “odd” to her. “They don’t taste like pancakes.” Then again…savory pancakes won’t. They are good though. Crispy and golden on the outside with that soft pancake in the middle. Sweet potato flavor throughout. We ate ours this morning with some maple syrup, however, next time I might put some marshmallow fluff over them with some pecans and use the kitchen torch…take them to that next level of pancake goodness. Overall…they were good. Great texture. All flavor.

The Julian’s Recipe Gluten Free Sweet Potato Pancakes are made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, milk, gluten free flour (blend of white rice flour, potato starch, corn starch, organic brown rice flour, tapioca starch, xanthan gum), egg whites, whole eggs, canola oil, brown sugar, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, and yeast extract. These are kosher and gluten-free.

As far as nutrition goes, you are going to love these! A serving of Julian’s Recipe Gluten Free Sweet Potato Pancakes is 1 pancake. But because these nutrition facts are awesome, my roomie and I each had two this morning. Sticking to the serving size though, 1 of these savory pancakes will give you 70 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. Stay with me…it gets better. A serving has only 10 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, and 2 grams of sugar. If you are a carb counter…only 13 grams of carbohydrates. And, you get 1 gram of fiber and 2 grams of protein per pancakes…so, yeah, doubling up makes it awesome…and filling.

Nothing is better than a breakfast that is delicious, filling, and not guilt-inducing (like donuts or muffins or the like). While pancakes are not hard to make or cook from scratch, frozen pancakes, especially ones with savory ingredients, are nice to have on hand for those mornings, afternoons, and evenings where you are just short on time, patience, and money in your budget. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, these new savory pancakes from Julian’s Recipe are sure to fulfill any breakfast or pancake craving.

February 28, 2015

Product Review: gfJules Cornbread Mix + Recipe Bonus

Product: gfJules Cornbread Mix – $6.26+

I am a stranger in a not so strange land. Seriously. Because for the past three three years that I’ve had to be gluten-free…I’ve followed, discussed, and even met the infamous Jules Shepard, AKA: Jules Gluten Free, AKA: gfJules. And, despite all of that…it has taken me up until now to actually try one of her products! Hard to believe, right? Truth of the matter is…no store in my area currently carries any of the Jules line. I hope that changes.

So…it was due to my November 2014 Cuisine Cube (aka: the Thanksgiving Cube) that my Jules drought finally came to an end. Thank you, Cuisine Cube. Because, honestly, I was beginning to wonder if I was ever going to be able to give this an easy try, without it involving some online ordering and shipping and…yeah. So, yes, Jules brand is not new to me…but it is. Confused yet? Don’t be.

Jules Shepard is one of the biggest advocates and leaders that I know in the gluten-free community. She was diagnosed with Celiac back in 1999 and embarked upon her new diet. As a former attorney who was unwilling to accept the dry, gritty, vacuous foods that the gluten-free community was limited to. Two years later, Shepard perfected an all-purpose flour blend that allowed her to continue her passion for baking. Soon, people were begging for her to sell it commercially…which she did. She introduced this flour blend back in 2008, with her former company, Jules Gluten Free, and now exclusively through her new company – gfJules. Not only is she an entrepreneur, but Shepard has written three highly regarded books and attends various speaking engagements at gluten-free consumer, business, and trade gatherings. She is the mother of two children, hosts a weekly radio show, pens one of the gluten-free community’s most active blog, organizes an annual Gluten Free Cookie Swap, and personally monitors all forms of her social media network. She’s doing it all…but not letting her high standards slip in the slightest.

So…here I was, three years after having discovered Jules via Facebook and Twitter, having met her in person last year at a Gluten Free Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana, and having spent forever longing to try her flour and mixes…it finally happened. Thanksgiving. A time for giving thanks and eating comforting and hearty foods. Like…cornbread. And that is what Cuisine Cube sent me!

gfJules Cornbread Mix (prepared) — gfJules Cornbread Mix (mixed)

The gfJules Gluten Free Cornbread Mix is a gluten free cornbread mix that “will put a smile on anyone’s face.” Or, so I was told by the Web site. As cornbread is one of Jules’ favorite sides, she took extra care when she crated this mix, making it so authentic, some restaurants even serve it and don’t promote it as being gluten-free. It’s really easy to prepare and make too. Simply whisk together sour cream, milk and an egg. Stir in the mix using a fork or whisk until smooth. Spread into a hot buttered pan (or into muffin cups) and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cornbread is done when the edges are crispy and brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. That is…if you bake it according to the instructions on the box.

By now, you should know…that’s not what I do.

Before I get to the recipe I used this amazing product in, let’s discuss it, shall we?

I loved how a light and airy this batter was once I had it all mixed together. It just whisked up beautifully and perfectly. I had a good feeling that this wasn’t going to bake up heavy and dense like most gluten-free cornbread…and I was right. The cornbread turned a perfect golden in the oven, the edges browning perfectly. And it had this amazing crust that gave it some great texture. And the inside was light and soft and moist and…so good. It ranks up in my top gluten-free cornbreads I have made and tried. I am blown away by just how delicious and perfect this bread was. Now I want to try more of her mixes…and will have to skip over to her Web site and make it happen. This was one of the best parts of this entire dish.

gfJules Cornbread Mix (prepared, not baked)

The gfJules Cornbread Mix is made from the following ingredients: yellow cornmeal, modified tapioca starch, cane sugar, potato starch, cornstarch white rice flour, corn flour, baking powder, flaxseed meal, xanthan gum, baking soda, salt, tocopherols (vitamin E). It is made in a certified facility free of gluten, wheat, dairy – all of the Top 8 food allergens. All her ingredients in the cornbread mix are also non-GMO. Love it.

The gfJules Cornbread Mix makes 8 servings per box. In each serving, you will be provided with 160 calories and 1 gram of fat. This serving will give you 490 mg sodium and 5 grams of sugar, which is really good for cornbread, if you ask me! And, finally, you will be taking in 2 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein.

And now…how about the recipe that featured the always amazing gfJules Cornbread Mix? I won’t keep you waiting any longer, I promise…

Recipe: Gluten Free and Vegan Cheddar Chili Cornbread Pasta Bake

gf Jules Cornbread (prepared) on top of the Gluten Free and Dairy Free Cheddar Chili Cornbread Pasta Bake

Servings: 6
Time: Prep 4 hours; Cook 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups uncooked gluten-free elbow noodles (I used Meijer Gluten Free Corn Pasta Elbow Noodles)
3/4 cup Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds (if you do dairy…freshly shredded cheddar works!)
2 1/2 – 3 cups of leftover chili (I used Mary Ann’s Beans Gluten Free White Chili)
1 batch of your favorite cornbread (I used gfJules Cornbread)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425° F.

Bring the water to a boil and prepare the pasta according to the directions on the package, taking about 1-2 minutes off of the cooking time, as the noodles are going into the oven.

While the noodles are cooking, mix up a batch of your favorite cornbread (just the batter…do not cook it!) and get the cheese prepared.

Drain the pasta when it’s ready.

In an 8 x 8 inch baking dish, spray non-stick cooking spray. Add the pasta to the botom of the dish. Then top it with a layer of cheese. Then add the chili. Top with the cornbread batter, spreading it evenly over the top with a spoon. It’s okay if it doesn’t reach the edges.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden on top and cooked all the way through. You can use a spoon to lift up the cornbread layer to make sure that it is completely cooked. Cooking times may vary with the cornbread mixture you use, but keep an eye on it and check it. The cooking time might increase due to the “wet” layers that are underneath the layer.

Serve immediately.

~*~*~

I don’t think a better upper crust could have existed. No doubt about it. gfJules lives up to the high pedestal that I have regarded it on since I first discovered Jules Gluten Free three years ago. So happy that, because of Cuisine Cube, I finally got to try one of her amazing products. It was everything I thought it would be. Maybe even more. Count me one happy cornbread loving girl!

And, if you have yet to give gfJules a try, or Cuisine Cube for that matter…head over to the Cuisine Cube page and sign up for at least a month. If you aren’t impressed (but, trust me, you will be), you can opt out after that. With plans starting as low as $29.99/month for each cube, you get the convenience and amazing pleasure of having box of gluten-free goodies arrive each month, featuring lesser-known and smaller gluten-free artisan products. I have been amazed, wowed, and completely blown away at times by the items I have had the opportunity to find out about and try thanks to Cuisine Cube. We aren’t talking sample sizes either…you get a full size product, as you would purchase it in the store. So…what are you waiting for? Go sign up!

And, gfJules…I loved meeting you this past year…and I have really enjoyed finally getting to try one of your outstanding and top-of-the-line gluten-free products. I hope more people hop over to your site and order. Now that I have tried it…there’s no stopping me now!

February 28, 2015

Product Review: Mary Ann’s Beans Gluten Free White Chili Mix + Recipe Bonus

Product: Mary Ann’s Beans Gluten Free White Chili Mix – $8.00

It’s the New Year. Time to make resolutions and then, over the course of a month…break them. Right? Yes. Right. It’s the way it works every year. You vow to stop eating chocolate…to go to the gym…to eat more vegetables and less potato chips. You promise to get into a habit…make it a routine. But then…by MLK Day…you’re already off the wagon.

And you know what? That’s okay. We’re in the midst of winter here. Cold temperatures and lack of sunlight have a funny way of killing off any bit of motivation out there. We’re human. It happens. But, it’s also okay to enjoy the little things in life and to be less strict with yourself. Resolutions can be broken…but they can be picked right back up on where we left off. That’s the best part.

Being that it is January…and the New Year has come and gone…and the weather outside is frightful(ly cold)…I’m a lover of all things comforting when it comes to food. Tis the season for those hearty meals that make you just want to curl up with a good book in front of the fireplace and dig in while losing yourself. Ah…it’s a wonderful thing. And, when it comes to winter comfort foods…nothing is better than soups, stews, chili, and pasta, right? Of course!! Those are classic comfort foods if you ask me.

Well, in the January Happy New Year 2015 Cuisine Cube, we were served up a few products that were good for you…but also a guilty pleasure and comfort. That’s the wonderful thing about Cuisine Cube…you just never know what to expect from one box to the next. One cube guarantees a product that is good for a breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner and dessert. And sometimes, like in the case of January, you get a bonus item. In this case…another snack. YAY!

I know, if you’re reading this blog regularly, you are familiar with the service that Cuisine Cube offers…but just in case you are a newbie…first of all…welcome. Secondly…hop on over to Cuisine Cube’s Web site and take a look at this fantastic service. This small group of foodies put together a completely gluten-free box of goodness each month with 5-6 products from small, lesser-known artisan producers…some local…some not-quite-so-local. I’ve discovered so many amazing products after I signed up for this service back in May. And…you get a cube delivered right to your door each month…starting at $29.99. So, yeah…I encourage you to check them out. Have a little surprise each month and enjoy a few products you might never have tried or known about before. It doesn’t get much better than that.

With that said, the January Cube was packed with a lot of healthy foods. Seriously. The dessert was dark chocolate covered rice cakes. Yes, there will be blog on those soon…stay tuned. Even the most comforting of foods inside…is healthy-ish! And I’m okay with this. But…I’m also dealing with a bit of the winter blues…so when I saw the unassuming cloth pouch of Mary Ann’s Beans Gluten Free White Chili Mix…my brain immediately turned to comfort food. And with that, I set out to do more than just make the chili and eat it. You know, reinventing a product is something I love to do.

First, let me talk a little bit about Mary Ann’s Beans. Chili can be comfort food, but Mary Ann’s Beans is making it a part of a healthy lifestyle. All of the soup and dip mixes are nutritious and low in sodium. They have options for vegetarians, gluten-free, and offer all seasoning mixes that are made with no salt, no sugar, and no MSG. In other words…it’s good for you. And these soups tastes great too.

Mary Ann's Beans Gluten Free White Chili Mix (dried beans and seasoning packet) — Mary Ann’s Beans Gluten Free White Chili Mix (dried beans and seasoning packet)

Make Mary Ann’s Beans part of your heart healthy lifestyle with our delicious and nutritious low sodium soup mixes. With flavors to please every palate, and options including vegetarian and gluten-free, your whole family will love our soups. Our all natural soup, dip and seasonings mixes are hand made with no salt, no sugar, and NO MSG. Mary Ann’s Beans most famous mix is the Gluten Free White Chili Mix that was in the January Cuisine Cube. And, honestly, I can see why!! These mixes do take some time to make, but, trust me…it’s well worth it.

Mary's Ann's Beans Gluten Free White Chili Mix (beans soaked) — Mary’s Ann’s Beans Gluten Free White Chili Mix (beans soaked)

Last night, I soaked the packet of dried white beans in water. I drained them and rinsed them. And then…set out to cook them. The instructions included on this chili mix package give two ways to cook it…in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours or…on the stove top for 3-4 hours. I went with the stove top method. And making this chili is super easy. The actual instructions do call for chicken, as it is a white chili. But, as a vegetarian, I just left it out and kept it strictly the beans and the can of chopped green chilies. I used Vegetarian No-Chicken Broth as well, instead of chicken broth. Cooking it is time consuming, but it yields amazing results. With the stove top method, you simply combine the white chili beans, 6 cups of broth (vegetable, non-chicken, chicken…), a 4 ounce can of chopped green chilies, 1-1/2 – 2 cups of boneless cooked chicken (if you are using…if you are a vegetarian like me…it’s fine to leave it out!), and the contents of the spice packet that is included, into a large pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and allow it to simmer for 3-4 hours, or until tender. I let mine go for about 3-1/2 hours and it was perfect. Add a bit of salt at the end voila…your chili is ready to eat.

What emerges is this hearty and thick chili that has this light, and slightly spicy taste to it. White chili is amazing, even without the chicken, and it makes for a beautiful and eye-catching addition to any potluck or chili cook-off. But I was not just going to cook up this fantastic product and just eat it straight. You know better than that. I did, however, take a few spoonfuls to see how it was. And, let me tell you, Mary Ann’s Beans is doing comforting winter food right. The flavor is familiar…the texture is hearty and rich…and the spice is a mild heat. If you like hotter (I do), you can put in jalapenos instead of chilies, but my roommate isn’t a lover of spice, so I kept it mild. At the end of cooking, I added some salt and a hit of berbere seasoning…and it made pure chili perfection. If you love chili…you will love this.

Mary Ann's Beans White Chili Mix (prepared) — Mary Ann’s Beans Gluten Free White Chili Mix (prepared)

Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? Mary Ann’s Beans White Chili Mix is made from great northern beans, navy and yellow eyed beans, dried onions, garlic and spices. As stated before, these are gluten-free, contain no salt, no sugar, and no MSG. This mix is also cholesterol free.

One pouch of Mary Ann’s Beans Gluten Free White Chili Mix contains about 6 servings. One serving will give you 190 calories and 1 gram of fat. A full serving will also dish up only 10 mg sodium and 1 gram of sugar. As for being filling…it’s chili…it will be filling. You get 13 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein in each serving. I do love hearty, nutritious, comfort food. And this is all of that rolled into one.

But wait…there’s more!! I created an amazing (vegan and gluten-free) ultimate comfort food dish using the prepared Mary Ann’s Gluten Free White Chili Mix. Trust me, your winter blues will disappear while you dive into this dish.

Recipe: Gluten Free and Vegan Cheddar Chili Cornbread Pasta Bake

Servings: 6
Time: Prep 4 hours; Cook 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups uncooked gluten-free elbow noodles (I used Meijer Gluten Free Corn Pasta Elbow Noodles)
3/4 cup Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds (if you do dairy…freshly shredded cheddar works!)
2 1/2 – 3 cups of leftover chili (I used Mary Ann’s Beans Gluten Free White Chili)
1 batch of your favorite cornbread (I used gfJules Cornbread Mix)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425° F.

Bring the water to a boil and prepare the pasta according to the directions on the package, taking about 1-2 minutes off of the cooking time, as the noodles are going into the oven.

While the noodles are cooking, mix up a batch of your favorite cornbread (just the batter…do not cook it!) and get the cheese prepared.

Drain the pasta when it’s ready.

In an 8 x 8 inch baking dish, spray non-stick cooking spray. Add the pasta to the bottom of the dish. Then top it with a layer of cheese. Then add the chili. Top with the cornbread batter, spreading it evenly over the top with a spoon. It’s okay if it doesn’t reach the edges.

Serve immediately.

~*~*~

Oh. My. Gluten. Free. Comfort. Food. Gods. No…really. If you love a hearty winter meal, this is the way to go. I loved the rich flavors that the Mary Ann’s Beans White Chili brought to the dish. It was the centerpiece…the middle layer…the glue. And it was an absolutely amazing addition to this entire dish. When winter has you hiding under the blankets longing for something warm and wonderful to eat…this will definitely fulfill that desire. Either that…or a big, steaming bowl of just the chili on its own. However you serve it up…flavorful, creamy, and just…so good!

It was thanks to the amazing products that Mary Ann’s Beans put out and Cuisine Cube sent me that I was able to piece together this hearty, and amazing dinner. For the record, the gfJules Cornbread Mix (review to follow) is also a product I received from Cuisine Cube in November. So, as you can see…it is definitely a service worth trying out. Seriously, your inner foodie will thank you for it.

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 27, 2015

Product Review: Earth’s Best Gluten Free Sweet Potato Nuggets

Product: Earth’s Best Gluten Free Sweet Potato Nuggets – $4.99+

We are all young at heart, right? Right!

At least, that’s what I’m telling myself as I sit here with a box of frozen nuggets that are geared toward, and honestly meant, for children. HA! I don’t care.

(You will note I am eating off of Wonder Woman plates so…)

You see, I’ve been craving the hell out of some vegetarian chickenless nuggets. But, sadly, the only gluten-free and vegan chickenless nuggets I have ever found…are no longer produced by that company. Which…is really too bad, because they were awesome. I wish, out of things I’ve stocked in my freezer, had I known those would stop being made, I had stocked my freezer full of them. For when that weird craving hits.

That being said, the other snowy day while cruising the aisles of Target, I started walking the refrigerator aisles. In truth, I was searching for the gluten-free Eggo waffles. Which…I know is all Monsanto, but…I kinda want to find them and try them just once. Don’t hate. They didn’t have those, but the bright blue box of Earth’s Best caught my eye. They had LOTS of great options for children, from gluten-free nuggets (real ones with the clucking chickens and all) to gluten-free French toast sticks (I need to try those too!). But the box labled “Sweet Potato Nuggets” caught my eye. I pointed to it…”Those don’t have chicken, do they?” My roommate opened up the freezer and checked. Sure enough…made from sweet potato. No chicken.

Welcome to my freezer little potato nuggets.

And as I’m marathoning (not the running kind…not right now!) Game of Thrones currently as much as possible (halfway through Season 4!), and am without my CSA bin because I was supposed to be out of town last weekend…I’m making due with what I have in my pantry, fridge, and freezer. And these were in my freezer. And as I’m trying to move more processed food out, this seemed like a good day to do this (most of what is left is easy breakfast fixings…so…be prepared for easy morning meal time!).

These are so easy to prepare. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place all the nuggets on a pan. Cook for 15 minutes, turning the nuggets over halfway through. Let sit for a minute before serving.

I divided the entire box of Earth’s Best Gluten Free Sweet Potato Nuggets between my roomie and I as three nuggets each would not do! Nope. It’s okay though…and you’ll see why when you hit that nutrition information below. What I ended up with was a plate of food…that children will love. Me, as an adult with a more developed palate…liked these well enough. But love…nah. Not quite love. The breading is really good. It doesn’t get crispy in the oven, but it does toast up nicely. Inside the nuggets is this deliciously sweet filling that is primarily sweet potato. It’s rich and soft and just…flavorful. My roommate said that they tasted “like those nuggets you would get in TV dinners.” I didn’t eat TV dinners growing up, so I can’t vouch for that…but if I had eaten TV dinner nuggets…this is probably what they would taste like. Not bad. Just…not what I was expecting. Like I said…the little ones in your life will LOVE these. I might purchase them again if a nugget craving hits unexpectedly. Maybe.

The Earth’s Best Gluten Free Sweet Potato Nuggets are made by the Hain Celestial Group. The sweet potato filling is made from sweet potatoes, egg whites, evaporated cane syrup, rice starch, corn starch, expeller pressed canola oil, non fat milk, sea salt, organic maltodextrin, organic natural butter flavor, spices, dehydrated onion, garlic powder, vitamins & minerals. The breading around these little potato nuggets is made from dried potatoes, rice flour, salt, spices, dried garlic, dried onion, maltodextrin, natural flavors, expeller pressed canola oil and water. The batter mix is made from corn starch, yellow corn flour, rice flour, xanthan gum, and spices. That’s a lot to go into these little nuggets. I think anyway. That being said, these nuggets are gluten-free, an excellent source of Vitamin A and beta carotene, fortified with iron, zinc, and 6 B vitamins, and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Let’s talk nutrition. I am a growing woman, not a child…so my roomie and I ended up splitting the entire box, which is about 18 nuggets in total. That being said, a serving size is normally 3 of these nuggets. A regular serving of Earth’s Best Gluten Free Sweet Potato Nuggets will dish up only 120 calories and 4 grams of fat. A serving will also provide 140 mg sodium and 2 grams of sugar. These nuggets are cholesterol free. A serving will also give you 1 gram of fiber and 2 grams of protein. So, not made to be super filling either.

So, overall…these were…okay. Not brilliant, but not bad either. A great way to get children to eat their veggies and get some important nutrients, for sure. Oh…and they pair well with ketchup. Just sayin’.

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 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!