Entree – Page 6 – The Celiathlete

January 19, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels – $7.25

It’s no secret. Not anymore. When it comes to gluten-free bagels, my mind has been blown by the amazing ladies (or the crazy bagel ladies, as they dub themselves), at Sweet Note Bakery, based out of Bensalem, Pa.

Seriously, I had loved Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels…and Canyon Bakehouse’s Gluten Free Bagels…and I had been less excited about other brands…but it was the pioneering spirit of the Sweet Note Bakery ladies that really got me to step outside of the commercially known product line and try something…different.

And after a little prodding on Twitter…I took the leap and ordered their standard bagel offerings (Plain, Sesame, Everything, and Cinnamon Raisin). I fell in love with the very first bite of the very first kind I tried. And my appreciation has only since grown. During the fall and winter, two seasonal flavors are introduced to the line-up…Pumpkin Spice and Snickerdoodle.

HELLO SNICKERDOODLE!

But…before I digress on how Sweet Note Bakery took my favorite cookie and turned it into my favorite breakfast (I’m a New Yorker…of course I love bagels!)..let me introduce you to Sweet Note Bakery…that is, if you don’t know anything about them.

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.

This is truly a love story between me and these bagels. Every single flavor has been outstanding. No joke. You know, I’m very blunt about things I eat and if I don’t like them, you know it. There is nothing NOT to like about the bagels that Sweet Note Bakery puts out there. Fantastic quality…fantastic flavor. Never once have they let me down. And that’s why all other bagels stay in the freezer section now…and Sweet Note is the only one that actually makes the journey home to my own freezer.

So…Snickerdoodle Bagels.

Yes…they really are as epic as they sound. Yes…they really do taste like a snickerdoodle. YES…this is coming from a cookie monster who just happens to call the snickerdoodle her favorite cookie. Ever. In the history of cookies. Seriously.

This morning, I returned to my apartment after my 5:30 am spin class (yeah…you read that time right), ready to have something substantial for my post-workout breakfast. I pulled out a package of the Sweet Note Bakery Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels and tore them open. I had been waiting a long time to try these. I pulled out two (1 for my roommate and 1 for me) and gave them the standard 1 minute defrost in the microwave before slicing each one in half and placing them on a baking sheet to toast up in the oven while I took a shower and got cleaned up for work. Don’t worry, the roomie was awake and in the vicinity of the kitchen, so I wasn’t leaving anything unattended. That’s a no-no. I love my home too much to burn it down. When I emerged…the apartment was smelling like…warm cinnamon and sugar. I might have said, “Mmmmmmm!” as I strode toward the kitchen to check on the bagels. Toasted to perfection. I removed them from the oven, I knew these would not disappoint me. They smelled like perfection. If perfection had an aroma…it would be warm cinnamon and sugar. For sure.

I went to get my vegan cream cheese out of the fridge, but, alas…I had used it up and failed to put it back on the grocery list. It was also 4 degrees out this morning, so I wasn’t going to just pop on down to the car (wet hair and all) to scoot down the street to my grocery store to pick some up. Instead…I used peanut butter. Delicious, amazing, delightfully yummy peanut butter. Natural. No added sugars, salts or any of that craziness. This required a good amount of stirring, but I got the peanut butter right to the creamy consistency that signifies a perfectly stirred peanut butter…and then…slathered a healthy schmear on each bagel half. I served my roommate hers, went to pour my coffee, then sat down on the couch with the morning news on and a delicious bagel on my plate.

THIS…my friends…is the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Perfect. I loved how the cinnamon sugar coating hits your tongue first, and then it melts into that classic, bready, bagel flavor. The peanut butter really tamped down on the sweetness, and really kicked up that savory level, making a perfect balance between both worlds. I am certain I would have loved this just as much with my usual schmear of vegan cream cheese, but the peanut butter was the perfect match, in my opinion. The bagel is all kinds of amazing. I love how the focus of the bagels by Sweet Note is not so much as the “bigger is better” but the quality and taste. In fact, they take it back to the classic New York-style bagel…smaller, denser, and perfect. PERFECT. Every single flavor has been perfect. When toasted, the outside gets that perfect golden crust and the inside remains chewy. It’s dense, and flavorful, and just…awesome. It’s awesome. There. And the snickerdoodle flavoring kicks this bagel up to iconic status. It’s the Freddie Mercury of bagels. They will rock you. They are the champions. You’ll want them all. Yep. Freddie Mercury of bagels.

What I love about Sweet Note Bagels is there is nothing artificial in their recipes. In fact, the Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels are made from LOVE (yes…that is a true ingredient and one that is in every variety of their bagels), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. All of this…makes one hell of a bagel. Because…hello…SNICKERDOODLE = BEST THING EVER!

Let’s discuss nutrition now, shall we? A serving of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels is 1 bagel (128 grams) and there are 4 servings per package. One bagel will provide you with 310 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 65 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 14 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. These bagels are a bit higher in sugar due to their snickerdoodliness. But that’s okay. They are filling and amazing and one of the best bagels ever created. These bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, vegan, peanut-free, tree nut-free, kosher and non-GMO.

Snickerdoodle Bagels are real and they are taking on the classic snickerdoodle cookie for sure. I can’t thank Sweet Note Bakery enough for their innovative thinking and coming up with a merger of the best cookie ever with the best bagel ever. If you can’t find the Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagel in stores…order those puppies on line. They will rock your world. But act now…as they are only available for a limited time.

I also encourage you to order from their regular menu as well…get a taste for their amazing New York-style bagels and fall in love like I did. But first…order the Snickerdoodle.

Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels with a schmear of Peanut Butter — Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels with a schmear of Organic Peanut Butter

January 19, 2016

Product Review: Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger

Product: Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger – $5.99+

Veggie burgers are one of my current favorite treats. I just find something so amazingly comforting and…yes…crave-worthy…about burgers. Since I gave up meat and then had to give up gluten…really good and different veggie burgers have been hard to come by.

Thankfully, there seems to have been a lot of growth in the market. Some have been outstanding; others have been truly outshined by their competitors.

With growth comes flavor variations, and one of the first to really move beyond the classic or black bean varieties has been Qrunch.

Qrunch Foods was created by Jim Adams (a former restaurant marketing executive) and Brad Holley (a classically trained chef). Adams’ wife and Holley’s daughter were both gluten intolerant, and both knew from experience that finding delicious, but also convenient gluten-free products could be hard. That and the “good for you” products on the market were tasteless or…just disgusting. Gluten free had become associated with “anything free of good flavors” and vegan was simply thought of as “yuck.”

Knowing there were better things out there in the vegan and gluten-free world, Adams and Holley began tasting and experimenting with organic grains, produce, spices and other ingredients, having a goal to incorporate them into something that they would want to eat themselves – but more importantly, be able to offer to their loved ones. They didn’t want to use soy, so they looked into some lesser-used, unique ingredients that could meet the requirements of their gluten-free family members. It was from this idea and these trials that the Qrunch Burger was born. One of the main ingredients and flavors in all of their products is quinoa, hence the “Q” in Qrunch. With health in mind, millet and organic vegetables were added to each burger base…and they nailed it. With a goal to create great-tasting, gluten free foods…they have certainly exceeded all expectations.

I have eaten quite a few of Qrunch’s products…the Original Qrunch Burger and the Spicy Italian Burger for starters…and also their Cinnamon-Vanilla Toastables. So, when I spotted one of their Qrunch Burger varieties with the word Curry in it…the Indian food lover in me jumped at the chance to stuff my face with it. I purchased the box and rushed it home to my freezer. Then started on a meal plan where most processed and packaged foods aren’t used…and they were forgotten.

Except with the passing of the holidays…I’m on a tight budget so now is the “survive off your pantry/freezer/fridge” days. And thank goodness I stocked up on some things…like veggie burgers…because I’ve been coming up with new and fun ways to eat these foods that I have hunted and gathered at various grocery stores…and incorporated them into my meals.

This weekend, instead of taking the easy (and more expensive route) for lunch on Sunday, I decided to get a little creative. I knew I had the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burgers in my freezer…and I had some salad fixings from the previous night’s dinner (I made homemade dolmades with a Greek side salad)…so I thought…a salad would be good, but I wanted it to be more substantial. The answer…Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger. No bun needed…just flavor.

I simply got out my skillet and toasted these up on each side, about five minutes per side, and while they were browning, I got out the greens, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and the tzatziki. When the burgers were done, I chipped them up, scattered them over the salad and topped it off with the cucumber and dill dip. One amazing salad…ready to devour.

Using the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Burger as the main protein source in the salad was genius. First of all, as the base of this burger is quinoa, it is a bit softer in texture and a little more…crumbly. So, not trying to stuff it between a gluten-free bun and not have it spill anywhere was PERFECTION! This is Qrunch’s newest flavor, and was created to sort of recreate the flavor of samosas, which are available at fine Indian restaurants. The lentils were added to give it a mild, earthy flavor, and the curry seasoning was a blend of both sweet and spicy. That is the perfect blend to create the perfect flavor in what might be the perfect burger. And serving it up with the raw veggies and topped with tzatziki was ideal. Seriously…it was a blend made in heaven. The burger had this nice crisp outside, but was flaky and soft on the inside. It was packed…packed…with fine flavors and just…really impressed me. I am already going to prepare the other two burgers the same way this coming Wednesday, per the request of my (carnivore) roommate…who absolutely fell head-over-heels for this combination. We were both very impressed.

So, let’s take a gander at the ingredients that go into the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Burgers, shall we? These burgers are made from organic millet, organic quinoa, organic lentils, organic coconut oil, organic onion, organic carrots, organic broccoli, organic spinach, organic arrowroot starch, organic apple cider vinegar, organic psyllium seed powder, sea salt, organic garlic, organic non-GMO canola oil, and organic spices. This is how you can still eat clean and do it out of your grocer’s freezer section. I know what all of those ingredients are and love that most of them are organic. Yep…happiness can be achieved through an amazing, healthy veggie burger. The Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger is gluten-free, wheat-free, corn-free, soy-free, animal-free, egg-free, nut-free, dairy-free, MSG-free, non-GMO, and low in sodium.

The nutritional information reflects a product that is made from wholesome grains and real food. A serving size of the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger is 1 burger (91 grams). There are 4 burgers in each box. A serving will provide you with 200 calories, 10 grams fat (health fat), 2.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 200 mg sodium, 25 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 0 grams sugars, and 4 grams of protein. It is a nutritional powerhouse to be certain. And filling. The lack of sugars and the higher fiber and protein ratio helps satiate any appetite.

I fell in love with the taste, texture and popping flavor of the Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burgers. I am so excited that I am having them again so soon. Because…total yum. They were so good and amazing in this salad. I’m not sure how they would have been sandwiched between a bun, and I’m in no hurry to find out. I think I found my one true pairing with this salad. I’ve got a busy day planned on Wednesday, so this will be the ideal dinner to come home to. I can’t wait.

A delicious salad topped off with Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger

January 13, 2016January 13, 2016

Product Review: Bake Me Happy Blueberry, Goat Cheese & Basil Take & Bake Scones

Product: Bake Me Happy Blueberry, Goat Cheese & Basil Take & Bake Scones – $10/box

Scones. To quote the minds behind Thug Kitchen, “Scones are the bastard blend of a biscuit and muffin. They sound so wrong but taste so right.” HAHA!

YES!

I have a deep, passionate, never-ending love for scones. No joke. They were one of the first things I ate when I went to Europe…Ireland, to be exact, and I’ve been in love with them ever since. I’ve attempted to make gluten-free versions of scones in my own kitchen, but nothing has ever quite lived up to the crumbly, golden, amazing food profile of a scone.

Until…Bake Me Happy stepped up to the plate…and hit a home run…all the way over the center field wall. It’s true.

Bake Me Happy was started by the lovely Wendy and Letha, committing themselves to making each and every bite that you have from their products the most decadent thing you’ve had since sliced bread. Sliced bread, however, is not on their menu. After being self-diagnosed with gluten intolerance in 2006, Wendy immediately felt relieve from a life of digestive issues. The only problem was…the gluten-free food choices available lacked flavor and texture, seriously limiting what she would be willing to consume (and who can blame her!?). After many years of self-study, she decided to take the plunge and signed up for an immersion course at the Culinary Institute of America, experimenting with recipes and trying them out on unsuspecting friends. Soon, both friends and family began requesting her treats for parties, and none of them were gluten intolerant. From there, Wendy expanded and began offering her products to the public. And from the huge response she got from her goodies…Bake Me Happy, the bakery, was born. And because Wendy understands what it is like to have a food intolerance , you can guarantee that she takes great care and pride in the products that she puts out for the public. Not only does she understand the importance of what she does, she also knows that a perfect recipe cannot be rushed and that the best things in life are worth waiting for.

Perfection is key, and perfection is what they managed with their scones. The scones at Bake Me Happy are available to purchase already cooked and ready to eat…or in their Take & Bake versions. When I was up in Columbus, Ohio over Halloween, we dropped into the bakery and purchased one scone to devour on the go…and then my roommate promised I could select a Take & Bake variety to bring home. At the bakery, I chose the Almond, Coconut and Chocolate Chip Scone to devour on the way home. So, that being said, my roomie (who was paying) decided that she would choose the Take & Bake version…and as there was only one other vegetarian one…she lunged at the opportunity to try the Blueberry, Basil & Goat Cheese scones. Besides, she’s a happy girl whenever goat cheese is involved. Note…the Take & Bake Scones do contain butter, sour cream and 3 of the 4 flavors contain cheese. All of them contain egg. So…not vegan.

I am not (completely) vegan as of yet. Maybe one day. That being said, I do still eat eggs and use eggs in my own baking at home. I am, however, lactose intolerant, so I had to be sure to take something prior to consuming this delectable treat.

Let me start off by saying, I actually ate these before the holidays. Life has been insanely busy with me starting physical therapy again and…in general…the holiday madness that happens from Thanksgiving through the New Year. So, yeah, I am a bit delayed on getting this review up. But good things come to those who wait…

And I can’t say enough good things about these amazing scones. The Bake Me Happy Blueberry, Goat Cheese & Basil Scones are fantastic. I mean, they are just as good as the scones that hooked me on eating scones when I went overseas. And the Take & Bake versions are just as amazing as the ones they have ready at the bakery. And it’s not hard either.

Simply thaw the scones in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, or at room temperature for an hour. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the desired number of scones on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until baked through and golden brown on top. Allow to cool and enjoy! Yep…that easy. And they really are that easy to bake too. Mine came out of the oven smelling like blueberry heaven and all golden and crispy on the outside. I was impressed. It is SO rare that gluten-free baked goods get that amazing golden color. This was a nice treat.

Even more of a treat was what I discovered when I took a bite. The Bake Me Happy team made sure each scone (there are 5 per box) was loaded with plump blueberries, creamy goat cheese, and fresh basil. Each bite was a little savory and a little sweet. Each scone was crispy and golden on the outside and light and flaky on the inside. No gluten-free scone I have had before this or attempted to make myself has been anything like this. I was blown away. The sweetness of the berries paired amazingly well with the tangy goat cheese and the herby flavor of the basil. It was a flavor explosion in each bite…and I kept wanting to take more and more bites. And soon…my scones were gone. Not all in one sitting, but within 3 days. HA! Then I wish I had shelled out some money for more. I mean…HELLO!! It doesn’t get much better than this.

No other scone will ever come close to living up to the standard Bake Me Happy has set. I can pretty much guarantee that.

So, let’s talk about the ingredients that Bake Me Happy put into their Blueberry, Goat Cheese & Basil Take & Bake Scones, shall we? These delicious pastry hybrids are made with Bake Me Happy’s top-secret flour blend (sweet rice flour, brown rice flour, sorghum flour, tapioca starch, cornstarch, white rice flour), butter (sweet cream, natural flavoring), sour cream, blueberries (blueberries, sugar, sunflower oil), goat cheese (pasteurized goat milk, culture, vegetable rennet, salt), sugar, egg, basil, baking powder (cornstarch, bicarbonate of soda, sodium aluminum sulfate, monocalcium phosphate), xanthan gum, salt, and baking soda. These scones are completely gluten-free.

As for nutrition goes, well, butter, cheese, and sour cream are involved. You do the math! That being said, I have scones as a treat…like Sunday breakfast or something. Or…post-workout (you think I’m kidding, but I’m not). The Bake Me Happy Blueberry, Goat Cheese & Basil Take & Bake Scones serving size is one (1) scone and there are five (5) scones per box. One scone will fill you up with 390 calories, 20 grams fat, 12 grams saturated fat, 0.5 grams trans fat, 80 mg cholesterol, 430 mg sodium, 48 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 14 grams sugars, and 6 grams of protein. They are hockey-puck sized and…seriously…worth the calorie overload for breakfast every now and again. Trust me, I love to eat fresh and clean…but sometimes, you just need to have a treat.

This is one of my new favorite treats.

So, ladies of Bake Me Happy…I love you. I love your scones. I can’t wait to come back and buy out half your bakery again. Because…that’s what I do. That’s how I work. And with scones waiting for me to take and bake…well…it should be sooner rather than later.

Brilliantly done Bake Me Happy. You definitely have baked up one happy customer here!

January 12, 2016

Product Review: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread + Recipe Bonus

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

It has taken me way too long to review this product, for sure. Which is strange, because I am very enthusiastic and happy with the Sprouted For Life Gluten Free breads from Food For Life. In case you’re new to this blog, I have previously reviewed the other three varieties of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads: Original 3 Seed, Almond, and Flax.

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.

But I think I was saving the Cinnamon Raisin version…because cinnamon raisin bread (or anything) has always been one of my greatest flavor loves in life. I was very fortunate to have a loaf of each of Food For Life’s Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads to try. I flew through the other three…but the Cinnamon Raisin version has waited a very long time for its turn to shine.

That being said, I am doing a lot of baking and cooking these days (okay…that’s not unusual for me…but I’m trying to create amazing foods with fresh, healthier ingredients). And I had a thought about a bread pudding that would incorporate some of my favorite things in life: cinnamon raisin bread, peanut butter, banana, and coconut.

How could this be a bad thing?

And, thankfully, I had saved the loaf of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread. I pulled it out of the freezer this past weekend and allowed it to come down to room temperature (and thaw beautifully) before getting to work in my kitchen. I pulled 12 slices of bread and cut them up into large cubes. This bread is absolutely perfect for a bread pudding recipe as it is not a soft bread. This bread is sturdy, and when eaten on its own, I prefer it toasted. Although, I nipped a few of the cubes of bread, just to get a taste for it as I knew I’d be blogging on it.

Guess what? Even not toasted, the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread is just layers of flavor. Not only is each slice loaded with plump, juicy, organic raisins, but it has this nutty flavor to it as well. It’s amazing. I couldn’t wait to taste it toasted and in my recipe I was working on.

The beginnings of a Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter Coconut Bread Pudding using Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread

After combining it with the other ingredients of the bread pudding, which also includes NuttZo Original Crunch 7 Nut and Seed Butter, a ripe banana, unsweetened coconut flakes, unsweetened cashew milk, Earth Balance, and 4 large eggs. All of this went into my (vintage) Pyrex bowl, and I gave it a good toss and tucked it into the liquid, allowing the bread to really absorb the liquid for about 5 minutes. Then…I loaded it into a baking pan and popped it into the oven. I then proceeded to clean up my apartment, stopping briefly to really admire and fully absorb the fantastic smell that was coming from my oven. Nutty and sweet…it smelled like heaven. I am assuming, of course, that heaven smells like a bakery…and peanut butter. And if so…I’m okay with that.

Once the bread pudding was set, I removed it from the oven, and barely allowed it to cool at all before cutting a small piece to give it a try.

OH…YEAH!! While the flavor profile mostly goes to the peanut butter and coconut, the bread is the main vehicle of any bread pudding…and the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread was ideal…no…it was perfect…absolutely perfect, for this recipe. The bread toasted up gorgeously, developing a richer, nuttier flavor to it after being toasted. The raisins remained plump and sweet. The edges of the bread…crispy…sweet…savory…and amazing. The flavor of this bread meshed SO well with the other ingredients. I fell in love with this cinnamon raisin bread…and that means it has to be good, due to my affinity for cinnamon raisin products. Just…YUM!!

Let’s discuss the ingredients that go into the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread, shall we? This particular type of bread is made from organic sprouted quinoa (red and/or white), filtered water, organic arrowroot, organic potato starch, organic raisins, organic sprouted millet, organic tapioca, organic applesauce, fresh yeast, organic safflower oil, organic cactus, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic agave, organic vanilla organic cinnamon, 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.

Now let’s take a look at the nutritional information, because, honestly, in this day and age, it’s important to pay attention to those labels. A serving of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread is 1 slice of bread (43 grams). This serving will dish up 110 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 95 mg sodium, 22 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 5 grams sugars, 1 gram protein. When I was first introduced to this bread, the high calories on only one slice of bread really freaked me out. But, a good reminder is that not all calories are created equal and there is nothing fake…no colors, preservatives, or fillers…going into this bread. It’s all healthy, all good, all nutritious. It’s a great choice of bread for those of you who are (like me) really trying to eat clean.

Has this product sparked your interest? I really encourage you to give it a try. And…if you’re feeling saucy…you can always give the recipe for my bread pudding a go.

Recipe: Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter Coconut Bread Pudding

Servings: 12
Time: Prep 10 minutes; Bake 40 minutes

Ingredients:

12 slices Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
2 tablespoons Earth Balance vegan butter, melted
1/2 cup organic unsweetened coconut flakes
1 large ripe banana, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
4 large eggs
2 cups unsweetened cashew milk
1 cup NuttZo Crunchy Original 7 Nut & Seed Butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Prepare an 9×13 inch pan with nonstick baking spray.

Cut the cinnamon raisin bread into cubes and place in a large bowl.

Drizzle melted butter over bread.

Add shredded coconut, banana slices, eggs, cashew milk and peanut butter; gently toss to combine and lightly push down until bread is covered and soaks up the liquid.

Once liquid is absorbed, pour into the baking dish.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top springs back when tapped.

Serve warm with a drizzle of blueberry (or maple…or any flavor) syrup, or additional peanut butter.

~*~*~

I absolutely adore how amazing this bread is, not just in this recipe, but on its own as well. Depth of flavor is delicious. And it baked up so well in the recipe, I couldn’t imagine making this again without using the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread. I have a few extra slices left…so I can’t wait to toast them up next week, once I polish off this amazing bread pudding.

ENJOY!

November 16, 2015

Product Review: Nature’s Path Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Chip Waffles

Product: Nature’s Path Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Chip Waffles – $4.99+

There is just something so decadent about having a bit of chocolate with your breakfast, isn’t there? Growing up (and even now), one of my favorite things to have for breakfast (and it was only done on nights I had sleepovers or special occasions like my birthday) was chocolate chip pancakes. I mean…it’s the perfect amount of chocolate, so you sort of feel like you’re being wicked…but really, you’re just indulging that sweet tooth a little bit.

Well, I often do my own take on something with chocolate in it for breakfast every now and again. The problem is…I’m in charge of making it. And there are definitely mornings when the last thing I want to do is stand around in the kitchen and attempt to make a decent (and decadent) breakfast when I’m already short on time or just…busy.

I’m often busy.

Well, it just so happens that Nature’s Path has released a new product in its gluten free line-up. And I just happened to be shopping in a different Kroger this past weekend and stumbled across it. You better believe the moment I saw it, it was going into my shopping cart. My grocery list wasn’t very long this week so I had a bit of wiggle room. And having something quick and easy on hand for breakfast is never a bad idea.

Especially when it involves dark chocolate.

Nature’s Path Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Chip Waffles…are a gift from heaven. The gluten free heaven. Where chocolate reigns and waffles are all the rage. Seriously. I love chocolate chip anything…but chocolate chip waffles are a rare frozen find…in the gluten-free realm of the grocery store. Homestyle…perhaps blueberry…maybe an oddball pumpkin or berry…but…dark chocolate…that’s not a common find.

Nature’s Path is known for their healthy, great-tasting organic foods. One of their biggest incentives is to promote sustainability…and that’s why growing organic, healthy food is their passion and the cornerstone of this family company. But, in addition to that, they naturally want to put out products that they can stand behind, making sure that everything that hits the market is delicious and exciting. Because healthy food doesn’t need to be boring and tasteless.

And, I can promise you that there is nothing boring about the Nature’s Path Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Chip Waffles. Nothing. I toasted them in my oven this morning while I took a shower after my spin class. I gave 2 waffles to my roommate and I settled in with another two. A drizzle of agave maple syrup was the only flourish I had on these. And they were spectacular. They got to this amazing golden color in the oven, crisping up gorgeously on the outside. Inside, aside from the rich dark chocolate chips was a soft center that just begged you to carve off another bite and indulge once again. It was amazing that my waffles weren’t just hoovered off the plate this morning. But I did take my time, to chew and to enjoy, each and every single bite. What good is food if you don’t savor it a little, right?

So, let’s discuss the ingredients that Nature’s Path puts into their Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Chip Waffles! These waffles are made from water, organic brown rice flour, organic potato starch, organic corn flour, organic chocolate chips (organic granulated sugar cane juice, organic chocolate liquor, organic cocoa butter, soy lecithin, organic vanilla extract), organic soy oil, organic tapioca starch, organic granulated sugar cane juice, baking powder, organic potato flour, organic soy lecithin, organic pear juice concentrate, organic flavor, and sea salt. These waffles are vegan, gluten free, and contain 10 grams of whole grains per serving and are a fantastic source of ALA Omega-3, meaning they are nutritious…indulgent…and tasty. What a great combination from the freezer aisle, yes?

As for nutritional information, for waffles with dark chocolate in them, these aren’t too bad on the caloric scale. A serving size is two (2) waffles. There are 3 servings per box (I hate this…I wish I could at least get an even number of servings). Each serving will provide you with 220 calories, 7 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 3.5 grams polyunsaturated fat, 2 grams monounsaturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 490 mg sodium, 34 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 2 grams of protein. I think my biggest complaint was that after I feasted on two of these waffles, I was hungry about an hour and a half later. The lack of filling fiber and the small hit of protein are much to blame for this. And…even with only 7 sugars…it is still a waffle. So, definitely pair this (or just 1) with something with protein. Instead of maple syrup, perhaps a spoonful of nut butter would be nice. Actually…that does sound frickin’ fantastic. I think I want to do that tomorrow with the last couple of waffles. YUM!

Dark chocolate chip waffles sound decadent, but they just bring one of the best flavors in the world (chocolate) to your breakfast table. And now, even the gluten-free consumer can easily pop these into their toaster and have an indulgent, delicious breakfast…without having to whip them up themselves. Leave the waffle mix, mini chocolate chips, and the waffle iron in the pantry. Thanks to Nature’s Path…you just have to reach into your freezer.

And for that, I am one very happy chocoholic.

November 16, 2015

Product Review: Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix

Gluten Free Hamburger Buns & Dinner Rolls made with Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix

Product: Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix – $8.99

Of all the products that I received when I was a subscriber to Cuisine Cube, the ones that took me the longest to get to were the bread mixes. I have another mix (which I hope to make in the next few weeks) for gluten-free tortillas…so…this is not an anomoly. It’s just that I already have my own gluten-free bread/dinner roll flour blend that I make amazing bread with. So, why use a mix?

Besides, my bread baking skills in the gluten-free realm are…sort of hit or miss.

But my March 2015 Cuisine Cube brought me a lot of amazing goodies that I have already blogged on. The only hold-out from that cube was…none other than the lunch option (weird, I know…but probably under the impression that sandwich bread would be the end result). And that lunch option was the Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Bread Mix.

For those of you who are not familiar with Cuisine Cube, let me give you the rundown. 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?! I did love it and I hope I’m able to resubscribe next year.

So, the March 2015’s lunch option was filled by the Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix. Sevierly Good began with the Sevier family, who began their business when they realized how difficult it was to find good, local resources for the things they enjoyed eating. The company blossomed from the need for their family to eat a gluten-free diet due to high gluten intolerances. So, with a completely different diet now being served up, the Seviers decided to get into the kitchen and begin to experiment.
With past experience in the baking industry and some great resources, the family created a list of recipes to begin with…and from there, a set of mixes that are versatile and easy to make emerged. For two (2) years, the Sevier Family made each mix by hand in a local, commercial kitchen. Since then, they have expanded to working with a manufacturer, enabling them to grow their dream and their product. Now, Sevierly Good Gluten Free products can be found in the more stores throughout the United States.

This was actually my first introduction to any of the Sevierly Good Gluten Free products. And while I don’t always appreciate a bread mix…I do love to bake. So, I sucked it up and got together the very few ingredients needed to mix up this bread and set it to baking. Except…I decided not to make a loaf. I wanted to make hamburger buns and dinner rolls. So…I got out the rings I use to make homemade gluten free hamburger buns and got the oven preheating.

All I had to do was mix together the Organic Multigrain Bread Mix with the (included) yeast packet, 2 large eggs (or egg substitute), 2 cups of warm water, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Once mixed together, if you’re baking a loaf, you pour it into an oiled loaf pan and pat/spread it into place with the spatula. For dinner rolls, drop onto an oiled cookie sheet in the desired size. I filled the hamburger bun rings…and the rest i made into 12 small dinner rolls. After they were on the baking sheet, I covered them with lightly oiled cling wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes. Then, it goes into the oven for 10 minutes at 400°F, then I turn down the temperature to 375°F and allow it to finish baking. For a loaf of bread, that’s around 40-50 more minutes. Less for the dinner rolls…but this isn’t indicated on the package. So, watch those rolls!! I got mine out before they got too baked. But, what I did notice was how golden brown they got on the top. I allowed them to cool on a rack…and then…I had to try one immediately.

I admit…I was skeptical. After finally having an amazing gluten-free dinner roll recipe of my own…I don’t stray from it often. But, this product was in my pantry and calling to me to (FINALLY) bake it up. To be honest…I was impressed. This is, perhaps, the best sandwich bread that I ever baked up from a mix. They did actually rise in the rising period, which was a step ahead of most mixes. And then, they baked up to golden rolls just ready for the dining room table. I sliced one in half, finding the center to be soft (a nice contrast to the crispy outer crust) and the texture reminded me so much of what traditional bread was like. Seriously, this is a mix that a hearty bread lover will love, even if they don’t have to eat gluten free. I was so happy with each bite of the roll. So, now I have a backup for when I’m low on ingredients for my own. Completely surpassed all my expectations.

So, let’s take a look at the ingredients. The Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix is made from organic brown rice flour, organic sorghum flour, organic tapioca starch, organic quinoa flour, organic evaporated cane juice, xanthan gum, yeast, and salt. It is non-GMO, certified gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, dairy-free, bean-free and corn-free. Wholesome and wholegrain goodness in one little pouch.

As for the nutrition facts, the Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix has 12 servings in a package. A serving size is 1 slice of bread. Each serving will give you 110 calories, 0.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, 23 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 1 gram sugars, and 2 grams protein.

One would think that with the low amounts of fiber and protein that this bread would not be filling. But I made vegan BLTs for lunch today, using one of the hamburger buns for the sandwich portion instead of bread from my freezer. I toasted the buns in the oven and then topped them with vegan mayo, baby spinach, heirloom tomato slices, and vegan (and gluten-free) bacon. This bread was…AMAZING. I loved using it for this sort of sandwich as it didn’t get soggy (even with toasting) and crumble and fall apart. It’s wonderful to have a traditional bread feel…but be able to bake it up in various ways, without having to blend all the flours myself.

I, once again, have to commend Cuisine Cube for introducing me to the Sevierly Good Gluten Free brand. The Organic Multigrain Bread Mix was amazing…like no other bread mix I have ever baked from before. Now I sort of wish that I had done up an actual loaf, just to see how it turned out. But…that’s why I can order more.

And you can too. If you can’t fiend Sevierly Good Gluten Free products in your area, head over to their Products page and have their mixes shipped directly to you. Then get into your kitchen and bake up something Sevierly Good!

Orders can also be placed online from our Products page and shipped direct to your home.

And, as many have said…”It’s more than good, it’s Sevierly Good”. We thank you for your business!

The Sevier Family

November 6, 2015

Recipe: Gluten Free Magners Hard Cider Brown Butter Waffles

So…it’s a thing that we do whenever there is a weekend at my friend Jenn’s house (aka: Weekend at Jenn’s)…where we bake up or cook up something different, fun, unsual, and (hopefully) delicious every Sunday morning. It’s nice because it’s a great way to spend the morning, and, it means that Cathy and I depart with full bellies to get us home to Louisville. It’s a fun little tradition. And, both Jenn and I make it a point to find interesting recipes to attempt each time.

Except, as this past weekend approached, we realized we hadn’t done our usual scouring of Pinterest for something new, exciting and fun. So, aside from the Pink Salad (a must!) that she makes and that we managed to eat in 2 days, we thought of revisiting the the Gluten Free Strawberry Breakfast Cake, which we made the last time we were there. And, while this was definitely a tasty option, I was in the mood to try something new.

And, for some reason, I was thinking waffles!

So, after a bit of google-fu, I stumbled across the website Buttercream Blondie: Flirt With Desserts. And the google search that brought me there involved Magners Irish Cider (the best hard cider!) and the word…WAFFLES. Hence, her recipe for the Magners Hard Cider Brown Butter Waffles. Jenn and I simply had to swap out the flour with some of the gluten-free ones she keeps on hand (because she is awesome like that!) and we had breakfast in the making. We also adjusted some of the measurements because we were not going to open up a bottle of Magners and only use part of it at 8 am in the morning. Not happening. So, below is the adjusted recipe to fit my diet and what we had on hand! Guess what…theses were phenomenal.

Mickey shape not required…but with a Disney trip in the planning stages, I figured it was appropriate!

Recipe: Gluten Free Magners Hard Cider Brown Butter Waffles

Gluten Free Magners Hard Cider Brown Butter (Mickey) Waffles

Servings: 7-8 (depending on waffle iron)
Time: Prep 15 minutes; Cook 10 min per waffle

Ingredients for Waffles:

2 cups Gluten Free All Purpose Flour (we used King Arthur Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Mix)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
4 ounces unsalted butter, browned (or Earth Balance Vegan Butter)
1 bottle Magners Irish Cider
1/4 cup whole milk (or non-dairy milk)
2 eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for Magners Syrup:

1 bottle Magners Irish Cider
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or Earth Balance vegan butter)

Directions:

Make the syrup.

Bring Magners and light brown sugar to a boil in a medium-size sauce pan.

Reduce heat to medium and allow mixture to buble away for about 10-20 minutes. It should reduce down to about 5 ounces or so. Stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.

Meanwhile…make the waffles.

Brown the butter. To do this, simply start melting butter over medium heat in a pan with a light-colored bottom so that you can keep track of the color. Swirl the pan occasionally to be sure that the butter is cooking evening. As it melts, the butter will begin to foam and the color will progress from lemony-yellow to golden-tan, and finally, a toasty-brown. Once you smell that nutty aroma, take the pan off the heat and transfer the browned butter to a heat-proof bowl to cool.

Heat the waffle iron.

In a bowl or measuring cup, mix together the milk (dairy or non-dairy), vanilla extract, and 2 egg yolks.

In a larger bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar).

Add the cider, milk-yolk-vanilla mixture, and browned butter to the dry ingredients and whisk together until smooth.

Whip up 2 egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the batter.

Spoon into waffle iron and cook until golden brown.

ENJOY!

~*~*~

Let me start by saying that I think that this syrup is the best syrup I have ever had the pleasure of drinking…er…pouring over my waffles. It is sweet and delicious and amazing. And yes…tastes like Magners (aka: BEST HARD CIDER EVER!). And when paired with a waffle, that has a batter that is prepared with the fizzy goodness of Magners, well, you have a winning combination. The waffles were crispy, golden, amazing on the outside, and boozy, soft, and warm on the inside. It was Disney Boozy Breakfast perfection. And I was one happy waffle-eating gluten-free girl.

This recipe is phenomenal. Especially the syrup. Just don’t over reduce the syrup or you’ll end up with Magners caramel…which happened to us on our first attempt to make the syrup. We ended up with boozy Magners caramels though, so it all worked out okay. And the second batch of syrup cooked up perfectly while I made Mickey waffles with the boozy-good batter. Best. Breakfast. Ever.

November 4, 2015

Product Review: Udi’s Gluten Free Egg White & Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich

Udi's Gluten Free Egg White and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich — Udi’s Gluten Free Egg White and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich

Product: Udi’s Gluten Free Egg White & Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich – $5.99+

I love a good breakfast sammie. I really, really do. I mean, anything breakfast makes me a happy girl, but there are somethings that are so simple, yet so satisfying. I classify a good breakfast sandwich under that category. But, I mean…it has to be good.

Normally, I’m one to make my own breakfast sandwiches. Usually by toasting up some gluten free bread, then frying up an egg and adding some greens. It’s not hard, and it takes, at most 10-15 minutes of my day.

But, you see, I’ve been out and about in the grocery stores, and at my local Kroger, I discovered some of Udi’s Gluten Free Breakfast Sandwiches. I picked up two different kinds, the Chicken Maple Sausage Breakfast Sandwich for my carnivorous roommate, and the Egg White and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich for me. I was hoping to find a non-dairy variety, but none, sadly, exist.

No worries. I figured these would be great for the two gym mornings we have before going into the office. We always eat when we get into the office, so these were simple enough to throw into a cooler, warm up there, and devour. So, despite being rather pricey, they went into my freezer. And last week we put them to the test.

I can’t tell you anything about the Udi’s Gluten Free Chicken Maple Sausage Breakfast Sandwich, but my roommate pretty much loved it. So…there is that. As for mine…

The Udi’s Gluten Free Egg White and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich is really easy to prepare. Simply open box and pull out one (1) of the two (2) sandwiches in the box. Wrap in a paper towel (I used a damp one…because it works with corn tortillas…) and microwave on defrost (30%) for a minute and a half. Then, flip the sandwich over and cook on high for an additional 45 seconds. Then…the sandwich should be ready. You might need to heat a little longer depending on how well your microwave works.

First of all…I know how they kept the calorie count down on these…and the box, sadly, does a bit of false advertising. The biscuits on the box look fluffy and amazing. but the reality is, they are these circular flatbreads that do not puff up when you cook. So, that. I also want to say, that I loved that the bread, egg, and cheese, while stored together, were not all frozen together. This meant, to save myself any issues with the cheese square inside the sandwich, I could simply pull the frozen square of cheese out and toss it. And then just enjoy an egg white sammie. Works for me.

So, how did the Udi’s Gluten Free Egg White and cheddar Breakfast Sandwich taste? Well, I ate mine without the cheddar cheese, so it definitely made for a good egg white sandwich. The egg was fluffy and quite tasty. I might have added a bit of hot sauce to the sandwich as well. But…that biscuit. It was tasteless and flat and probably my least favorite thing about this sandwich. It, honestly, had no flavor and was just rather unimpressive and didn’t do much to dazzle my taste buds. The rest though, was stellar. I think next time I’d cook up a fluffy gluten-free biscuit of my own to sandwich the egg white between and ditch the bread that comes in the package itself.

Let’s talk about ingredients that go into the Udi’s Gluten Free Egg White and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich. The egg white patty is made from egg whites, corn starch, salt, xanthan gum, citric acid, and pepper. The biscuit is made form water, palm oil, rice flour, egg whites, corn starch, resistant corn starch, suga, tapioca starch, pea hull fiber, corn meal, baking posder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, monocalcium phosphate, calcium sulphate), xanthan gum, salt, natural flavor, and cellulose powder. The cheddar cheese square is made from milk cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. These sandwiches are certified gluten-free.

As for nutritional information, the serving size of the Udi’s Gluten Free Egg White and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich is one (1) sandwich. There are two (2) sandwiches per box. One breakfast sandwich will provide you with 240 calories, 13 grams fat (!!), 7 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 470 mg sodium, 21 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 3 grams sugar, and 10 grams of protein. I love that, despite their flat and unexciting appearance, they are quite filling. So, there is that.

I don’t know if I would go ahead and purchase these again. For the price, I was hoping for a bit more of a sandwich, not just an egg patty, a square of cheese (which thankfully this dairy-free girl can remove easily), and two very cardboard-like biscuits that resemble a pale flatbread. It is quite a price tag for a product that didn’t wow me. Granted, the filling is amazing…but those biscuits need a lot of help. Perhaps a redo is in the future. I’d rather make my own breakfast sandwiches though. These are convenient, but they weren’t amazing.

October 21, 2015

Product Review: Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Fishless Sticks

Sophie's Kitchen Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks — Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks

Product: Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Fishless Sticks – $5.99+

Sometimes, after searching high and low for a product you have seen on a company’s Web site, you end up purchasing a cooler and some dry ice and get some amazing frozen goodness while you can, especially when said product has never once been spotted in your local area.

While my local natural food stores do carry a few items from Sophie’s Kitchen, I have never found the Breaded Vegan Fishless Sticks here. So, when I was visiting Columbus, Ohio, and spotted them in the freezer section of Raisin Rack…I knew there was no way I was going to leave without them.

And so, they made the journey home…and into my freezer. Thank you Styrofoam cooler and dry ice from Kroger. And with all the fresh meals I have been preparing, my go-to easy grabs from the freezer have stayed put. But, that changed this week with the closing of my Farmer’s Market and my CSA bin not yet starting back up. As budgets have been a little tight, we decided to do most of our feasting this week on the fresh meals I froze and items that I have in the pantry and fridge. And, for some reason, seafood has been the theme this week. Well…vegan seafood. Last night, I used what was left of the Breaded Vegan Shrimp to make shrimp tacos…and tonight, it was time to get our Fishless Sticks on.

Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks were so easy to prepare. The products are already fully cooked, so you simply have to reheat. They recommend thawing the product in the refrigerator (do NOT microwave!). Then, you can either bake the Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks for 10-15 minutes, browning both sides. Or, you can do what I did, because I find the “fish” based products to be better with the proper crunchy crust is to pan fry them for about 2-4 minutes on each side in coconut oil. Pan fry is worth it…trust me.

So, how do they taste? Amazing. I served these up with a serving of the Veganaise Tartar Sauce (OMG, yum!). I took my first bite without the assist of the dip, wanting to really taste the product. These Fishless Sticks have a great seafood flavor to them. And I loved the golden crunchy crust that came with each bite. The inside was soft and flaky and just tasted like the fish sticks I consumed weekly as a child. I don’t know how Sophie’s Kitchen works this kind of voodoo, but I am so glad that they do. Because I love having seafood products back in my life.

So…what exactly is vegan seafood made from? Well, the Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Fishless Sticks are made from water, pea protein, potato starch, rice flakes (from brown rice), canola oil, konjac powder, organic agave nectar, sea salt, seaweed powder, turmeric, white pepper, ginger, and calcium hydroxide. Is it clean eating…not technically. But…it’s not too bad as processed, frozen products go. Not at all. These are soy-free, vegan (100% plant based), non-GMO, gluten-free, contain no artificial preservatives, no artificial colors, no MSG, they are free of trans fats, and they are cholesterol free. These also contain no added sugar. Nothing about them is artificial. Nothing.

Let’s discuss the nutritional information for the Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks. A serving size is 2 pieces (65 grams or 2.3 ounces). My roommate and I just split the package, which contains 4 servings, or 8 pieces. The normal serving will provide 140 calories, 6 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 400 mg sodium, 16 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, and 6 grams of protein.

Once again, I am astounded and amazed by the plant-based alternatives that Sophie’s Kitchen brings to the table. As someone who used to devour seafood, this brings one of my favorites back into my vegetarian plate. And, the best part…it’s really, really delicious. I hope that my local stores eventually start to carry Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks. It was a blast from the past, recalling the fish sticks I devoured in my childhood…and I loved every bite. No guilt.

October 19, 2015

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagels – $7.25+

As much as I want for the weather to stay warm and mild…it’s already cold outside. The nip of fall is in the air, and while I do love this time of year, there is one thing even more important that I can count on around this time:

PUMPKIN SPICE…EVERYTHING!

And while this is a lot easier to come by when you don’t live in a bubble (aka: food allergies), it’s little things like non-dairy pumpkin spice flavoring in coffee…and my homemade (because no one else has made it yet) vegan pumpkin ice cream. And it’s Sweet Note Bagel Girls getting me all kinds of “OH HELL YES” with the return of their Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagels.

Seriously, these ladies are my new BFFs. OR…as they say on their Twitter account, GFFs (Gluten Free Friends). If they ever want to sponsor an athlete to endorse their stuff, I am their girl. Because when it comes to things that runners (and New Yorkers, mind you) love…it’s BAGELS! Especially this native New Yorker who just happens to be…a runner. And while the gluten-free market has a good number of companies that have gluten-free bagels out…none have tasted like the actual real thing…until Sweet Note Bakery found me and enticed me to give them a try.

They totally peaked my curiosity. So, without any further knowledge about their products, without looking up any reviews as to what other consumers thought of their products, I was on their online store, purchasing half of their bagel selections. Yep, I didn’t start with just one variety. I went into this believing that these would blow me away…and thus…I ordered four (4) of their eight (8) varieties that they offered at that time. To be clear, they normally have five (5) standards: Plain, Everything, Sesame, Poppy, and Cinnamon Raisin…and they add limited time goodies like Snickerdoodle (didn’t get to try that one, so I hope it makes a return appearance this holiday season), Chocolate Swirl, and yes…Pumpkin Spice.

Now, let me be the first to admit…I am a pumpkin spice junkie…fanatic…enthusiast. I love all things pumpkin. So, when I discovered that they were bringing back Pumpkin Spice for a limited time to their bagel line-up…I treated myself to a birthday present and purchased a package of them. I was out of town a lot, so I’m just now getting to devour…I mean…taste them. But with things finally settling into a rhythm…I pulled these bad-boy bagels out of my freezer this morning to have for breakfast.

I grabbed two of them (one for me and the other for my non-gluten-free roomie!) and got onto thawing them in the microwave. You don’t bring these to room temperature like most gluten-free foods. Just 1 minute or so in the microwave, until they are squishy soft, and you’re golden. Cool them for a moment, slice in half, and toast. I will note, the Pumpkin Spice are special because you actually see flecks of orange pumpkin in the halved bagel itself. Love that. Because I don’t own a toaster, these bad boys went into the oven. They smelled amazing as they toasted away, getting to that perfect level of golden on top. Out they came, cooling for a moment…then I topped off one half with vegan cream cheese and the other half with organic pumpkin butter. I passed one plate off to my roommate and, after pouring myself a cup of coffee, I settled in to my own.

Forget pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin spice waffles and pumpkin spice oatmeal…or whatever might be out on the non-gluten-free market…that we don’t have. We have one better. We have The Great Pumpkin of all things pumpkin spice: Sweet Note Bakery’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagels. OH YEAH! Real…REAL New York-style bagels here…made from real ingredients and not all that processed…stuff. These bagels have to be filled with hocus-pocus, because they are, perhaps, one of the best things I have ever had for breakfast. The bagel itself is full of pumpkin flavor. No skimping there. And that’s important, when you bill yourself as a “pumpkin spice”…whatever. So often, that flavor goes missing…but not here. It is spooky how much flavor is packed into these dense, little bagels. The crust of the bagel was toasted and crisp…the inside…chewy and just…filled with pumpkin goodness. I was blown away. And, even as I told myself to savor each bite, I think I hoovered the bagel like it was candy. I’m thinking another order is happening in the very, very near future.

So, let’s get down and talk about some of what goes into making the Sweet Note Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagels. These bagels are made from Love (yes…an actual ingredient!), Water, White Rice Flour, Tapioca Flour, Sweet White Rice Flour, Sorghum Flour, Sugar, Cane Syrup, Pumpkin, Carrots, Molasses, Yeast, Xanthan Gum, Psyllium Husk, Salt, Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger. Note…all recognizable and real ingredients. These bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

As far as nutrition goes, you’ll love these stats like I love pumpkin! A serving size is 1 bagel (128 grams). This serving will give you 260 calories, 1 gram fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 10 grams sugars, and 4 grams of protein. I said it before, and I’ll say it again, it’s amazing how much more filling a food is when it’s made with real ingredients. These bagels will definitely get you through your morning!

What are gluten-free bagels made of? Pumpkin Spice and everything nice…if you’re talking about the return of Sweet Note’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagel. And if you’re not, then you should be…so head over to their Web site and place an order. Don’t delay…these are only around for a limited time!

And…if you haven’t already, you might as well order some of their standards while you’re on their page. I promise you…you’ll fall in love with these bagels too.

Sweet Note Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagel with a schmear of vegan cream cheese and organic pumpkin butter