Category: Food

Product: Amy’s Kitchen Sonoma Veggie Burger – $4.99+

It’s a crazy allergic world out there.  At times, it can be a challenge to navigate.  I usually run into roadblocks when it comes to finding a vegetarian meat-replacement that does not contain some sort of wheat protein.  It’s not easy.  It’s nigh on impossible at times.  But…there are some companies out there that are moving to the forefront, taking the risk, and allowing gluten-intolerant vegetarians to have their faux meat and eat it too!

I think I let out a little squee of joy when these were spotted in the freezer section of my local grocery store.  Honestly.  I put back my other gluten-free splurge and got these instead because…it’s not everyday a gluten-free vegetarian burger waltzes into my life.  Purchase made, I needed to plan out a burger night!  No problem.

Take note veggie burger enthusiasts: not only are Amy’s Kitchen’s Sonoma Veggie Burgers gluten-free, but they are also dairy-free and soy-free!  Each patty is made from organic vegetables, mushrooms and quinoa (which is a very protein-rich grain and one that I am very fond of!).  To cook this up, I simply warmed a non-stick pan, spritzed a bit of olive oil on to prevent sticking and laid the patty on there to cook.  It didn’t take long for each side to brown up to beautiful perfection.

As that was cooking, I sauteed up some slice mushrooms.  Once the burger was perfectly cooked on each side and warmed all the way through (about 6-7 minutes total), I topped it off with the mushrooms, then through a piece of non-dairy Swiss cheese over the top, put a lid on to allow it to steam, and a minute or two later…the ultimate allergy-friendly burger was created.

I had used up the last of my gluten-free hamburger buns prior to this venture, but I decided to just plate it and eat it as is.  Amy’s Sonoma Veggie Burger not just topped my list of veggie burgers…it blew away the competition.  The texture was light and very soft, and the vegetables added a nice hint of flavor to the burger itself.  I loved the way it flaked on my fork.  Very tender and very tasty.  I am already looking forward to my next burger night just so I can cook up another one.  No bun needed, it was perfection on its own.  Dress this burger up however you like.  Add some condiments of your choosing.  Any way you like it…it continues to be delicious.

Nothing I have every had from Amy’s Kitchen has made me turn up my nose.  This brand is one that I can trust and that offers not just vegetarian food, but a wide variety of gluten-free vegetarian options as well.  And for that, this gluten-free vegetarian foodie is forever in their debt.

Next time you want to indulge in a veggie burger, give Amy’s Sonoma Veggie Burger a try.  Taste the difference.  Taste the awesomeness.  You’ll never go back to Morningstar or Boca again.  I promise.

Product: SnapDragon Pan-Asian Cuisine Bangkok Sweet Chili Baked Rice Crisps – $3.99+

SnapDragon Pan-Asian Cuisine should put a warning label on all of their boxes: Caution – may be addictive.

That would be especially true for the Bangkok Sweet Chili Baked Rice Crisps.  Trust me.  These unexpectedly came into my life and now I’m sorry that they were devoured so quickly!

This box was another gift from my friend, Amanda, who has been very helpful in acquiring gluten-free goodies.  And with the added bonus of these being vegan as well…my addiction is being properly fed.  Literally.

Upon first glance, much like the other flavor that I tried, these little brown rice crisps don’t seem like much in the scheme of things.  Little shaped crackers with a dusting of seasoning.  Nothing special.  Until you eat one.  Because that one becomes another and another and another and this deliciously vicious cycle begins.

Of the two flavors I’ve tried…this one is by far my favorite.  I love a hint of spice, and the roasted sweet chili peppers and various Asian spices used on these.  The box indicates a medium heat quotient in this variety…which is a safe judge of the “heat” factor.  I didn’t find them particularly spicy, but I’m a spice lover and can handle a lot of heat in my foods.  But these did come with an added punch in the spice category and it only made me love them more.

At first bite, you taste the brown rice in the cracker, slowly followed by a bit of Asian flair, and then the chili kicks in.  Ah…it’s like the perfect snack, delivering layers of flavor that only entice the taste buds and have your hand reaching for another one to follow it up and experience it all over again.

Like I said…these can be addictive.  No.  These are addictive.  Thank goodness I know a store nearby where I can purchase them.  And the other flavors that SnapDragon has to offer as well.  Because life without sweet chili is no life at all.  Need a healthy, flavorful snack?  Look no further than these crispy treats.  Find them.  Buy them.  Enjoy them.  And just try to stop eating them.

Product: Simply Shari’s Gluten-Free & Fabulous Cheese Pizza – $7.99+

Prior to this pizza, I had only had restaurant-prepared gluten-free pizza and those I created using gluten-free pizza crusts from Rudi’s and Udi’s.  This was my first foray into the world of gluten-free frozen pizzas.

And I have Frankfort, Kentucky to thank for it.  Seriously.  Because before I raced one night there, my roommate and I were killing some time in town at the grocery store.  As we were perusing their gluten-free section, she spotted a manager’s special on the Simply Shari’s Gluten-Free & Fabulous Cheese Pizza in the freezer section nearby.  We vowed that we would stop back into the grocery store after the race before the drive back home and pick one up to try.  Hopefully there would still be one for us.

The gluten-free gods shined upon us that night because we returned and were able to purchase one at the special rate.

So…one weekend when I was too busy to really prepare anything for dinner and I blinked at it was almost 8 p.m…this little treasure went into the oven.  While it cooked up, I was able to get some dishes done and a few other minor tasks until I removed this from the oven and set it down to slice.

First of all, I love a good thin-crust pizza.  Honestly.  This one browned up beautifully in the oven and crisped up on the edges really well.  When I sliced through it, however, I found the middle to be a lot softer, but it’s a frozen pizza.  We’re not talking on the verge of gourmet here.  The cheese melted fairly well, although the part in the center wasn’t as melted as it was at the edges.  But only tasting it would tell.

The crust was packed full of flavor.  It really complimented the oregano tomato sauce and the mild cheese that topped it off.  There were no frills or fancy additions to this pizza.  It was simply cheese, tomato sauce and a thin crust.  And you know what?  It worked.  The flavors melted together well.  And the texture was awesome…especially the crispy bits of crust on the edges.

Simply Shari’s was previously marketed as “Gluten-Free & Fabulous” so if you spot those in the grocery store, go ahead and give it a whirl.  Nothing will ever beat the real thing, but for a quick and easy meal, which still happens to be healthy (your portion is half the pizza and the calorie count is around 190 for the serving) comfort food, I highly recommend this brand.  Easy to prepare, delicious, gluten-free and fabulous.  When you can’t make it yourself…let someone else do the work for you.  Just make sure it’s worth it.  Simply Shari’s…is totally worth it.