Food – Page 13 – The Celiathlete

February 15, 2016

Top 10

Another weekend has come and gone, and what a weekend it was. This week, I had a fantastic meeting with my physical therapist. She had me working so much more on strength and balance. Afterwards, she did a strength test on me and discovered that my legs and hips are FINALLY equal in strength. That took awhile. And, with 6 days that day to the day the injury began to really bother me…she was very excited about my first upcoming double-digit run on Saturday. 10 miles was the goal…and I was both terrified and excited about it.

And then…my other hip/quad started to act up. It felt like a muscle strain, but it was enough that got me worried about Saturday morning. So, on Friday, I contacted Katie (my amazing physical therapist) and we went back and forth as to where the pain was, how it felt, and what I should do. In the end, she told me to stretch, foam roll, and give the run a shot. If I didn’t hit 10…then to try again the following week.

On Saturday morning, in air temps that felt like 1°F…I struck out on my run…on a steep hilly course…and got through it. Pain free. No limping. No pain. Nothing. It made me feel confident and amazing and strong…all at the same time. And relieved. This is an ongoing battle, for sure…but I needed that run. More than I even knew until I was done.

Anyway…here is a list of 10 fantastic and wonderful things for this week…just because sometimes you find blessings…

1. A short, but amazing visit from my sister and nephew

12728779_10100114844982120_2660799171343200042_n — Me, Chace, and Karla

Side-by-side or miles apart, we are sisters connected by the heart. Seriously, my sister and I have always been close. We have seen and done so much together. We have been with each other through thick and thin. Our bond is amazingly strong. When we get together…watch out. Insanity ensues. She wanted to come and visit and chose Valentine’s Day weekend to do so. And we had an absolute blast. Added bonus…she brought one of her boys with her…Chace (age 6). And we had SO much fun. We braved the cold air and the snow…which Chace loved…we ate good food…we shopped…we played video games…we attempted to play Chinese jumprope, we laughed, snorted, and curled up together to watch a movie. Chace and I baked a special cake. Chace told me that he loved me. Do you know how much that made me want to cry (in the good, happy way)? These are the moments I live for…and miss out on…because I live away from the rest of the family. I hated it when they had to leave. I cried a little this afternoon. But, she’s already planning another trip…and bringing Landon (age 9) this time. I love my sister. And next time, the weather should be better so she and I can finally get that run in together.

2. BOSU
I am now the proud owner of a BOSU. I have wanted one for a long time now, but when this became part of my physical therapy, not having to go to the gym to do it became a bit of a priority. The BOSU Balance Trainer is an exercise tool that targets multiple areas of fitness like endurance, strength, balance, and stability. The squishy dome side on top offers a bouncy surface for everything from cardio to strength training. Flip it over…and you work your on your core, lower body , and flexibility. Due to lots of amazing Dicks coupons and a gift card…I didn’t pay anything out of pocket for this. I love it. It’s pink…not blue like they normally are (because…princess). And now I can work on the strength and balance exercises that Katie (the PT) gave me to work on…in the comfort of my own home. SO happy!

3. Feeling like one of the group again

IMG_20160213_103112[1] As I mentioned, this Saturday I was set to run 10 miles. I had originally made plans to do this early to have a bit more time with my sister and nephew…but those plans didn’t pan out. Probably for the best, with how cold it was. All that being said, I got up and went out to run with the training group, and ended up striking out for the first 3.5 miles with people from my old running group. It felt so good to be back out with them. They ended up not tackling the heavy hill climb at Iroquois, but since I skipped hill day due to weather, I decided I needed to climb, even though my PT said to try to stick to flat roads. Seeing them, running with them, talking to them…it all just lifted my spirits. I hadn’t felt that good in a long time. I knew I missed it…but I really miss them.

4. New Running Shoes
Sometimes something as simple as a new pair of shoes can make the world feel better. Everyone knows that I love running in Newtons…but…I also love me some bright colors on my feet. And the new version of my Newton running shoes are…silver. Life’s too short to be stuck with boring running shoes. And, as I was in need of new shoes, I went out to fleet feet and went to see Jackson (it was his last day there)…and tried on the shoes I originally went in for…the Adidas Pure Boost X (the ones that were made by women for women). They were…not what I expected. Very different. And, while they felt good, I was a bit worried about lack of support on the arch of my foot. So, Jackson went to work. After I said no to the Adidas Energy Boosts (too much shoe)…he brought out a few more to try. After I gave the Asics Gel Cumulus a try (liked them), and then the Brooks Women’s Launch 3 (loved them), and then the Nike Pegasus Air Zoom 32 (really loved them)…I did something I didn’t expect. I went back to a Nike shoe. Of course, I still have to really road test them, but they felt really good in store. I have heard only good things about the Pegasus…so here’s hoping! THANKS, JACKSON!

5. My nephew’s reaction to the snow this morning

I’ll just let the video speak for itself…

He wanted to see snow…he got his wish. He was so excited. And so cold. Love this boy!

6. Being treated to a cake by Chace
Chace is like his Auntie KJ…he loves to cook and bake. And this weekend, he brought the chef hat and apron I got him for Christmas and go to work baking a cake for dessert and to take home to his dad, brother, and sister. It was a gluten-free funfetti cake (sprinkles rule!) with a strawberry frosting and decorated with some red sprinkles for the Valentines Day holiday. He’s an amazing little boy in the kitchen, and he’s got quite a future as the chef he talks about becoming. The cake…for the record…was super-moist…and super-yum! Afterwards, we all snuggled on the couch and watched Pixar’s Ratatouille.

7. Morning smiles on an early, cold, running day

12742614_533123900192145_892004465850865809_n I have met some of the best people through running. After taking an entire (basically) year off due to this nagging injury, it feels good to be out and running (even if it is slower than I would like) with people. Sometimes, I end up alone and on my own. But I always start with a group. And in these groups, there are people who just make you feel welcome. That’s how Melissa made me feel on Saturday, when I was standing around, arms crossed, just dreading going out in the cold. She pulls me into a picture…and everything just felt better that morning. Sometimes it is the smallest gesture that makes all the difference. Thanks, Melissa!!

8. Gluten-Free and Vegan Cookie Dough
My local allergen-free bakery…Annie May’s Sweet Cafe…sold out, but reserved a cup of their cookie dough for me…because Valentine’s Day isn’t much fun when you’re single…so a big cup of cookie dough is a good meal choice, yes? The hardest decision after getting it out of the fridge today was to have it with red or white. HA! I love my bakery!!

9. Funny Faces
Sometimes you just have to be goofy…in a nice restaurant…with your nephew who requested to sit by you. Because life only happens once. Just be goofy! I love him!

10. Chocolate!!
Forget Valentines Day. Just give me chocolate. Dark chocolate, especially. I’ll love you for life. And, trust me, I ate plenty of chocolate this weekend. Because I love enjoying the sweeter things in life with the sweetest people in my life. And we are a family of chocoholics. It’s a lifestyle.

~*~*~

Heading into a new week…here’s hoping this upward trend in my recovery continues. Here’s hoping that the winter weather goes away for good. Here’s hoping for many more good days over bad.

Have a great week, friends!

February 11, 2016February 11, 2016

Product Review: Freedom Foods Chewy Oats, Apple & Cinnamon Granola Bar

20160211_080632 — Freedom Foods Chewy Oats, Apple & Cinnamon Granola Bar

Product: Freedom Foods Chewy Oats, Apple & Cinnamon Granola Bar – $4.99+

It was at the Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest in Indianapolis, Indiana this past October that I was introduced to one of Freedom Foods newest products. Now, I’m already a huge supporter of the amazing, healthy, gluten-free products from Freedom Foods, but what I didn’t know up until that point was that they have moved beyond just cereals and (the best thing ever) Smudge (a dairy-free and nut-free version of Nutella).

I made a purchase of the Freedom Foods Fruity Rainbow Rocks at the expo, and for my purchase (of umpteen million boxes), they threw in a free box of one of their new (at the time) products…their Freedom Foods Chewy Oats, Apple & Cinnamon Granola Bar.

NICE!! As I have been a huge fan of everything I have tried from Freedom Foods, this was a nice treat and a huge added bonus for me. I’m really cautious when it comes to buying protein bars and granola bars, as so often they are just laden with processed sugars, preservatives, chemicals and all that stuff that does the body no good.

But not so when it comes to Freedom Foods. Their food should always find a spot in your pantry, bag, shopping cart…because their products are all free from gluten, low in salt, a great source of fiber, are non-GMO project verified, have NFCA Certification, are vegan, are kosher, and contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Basically…what you see is what you get. And I absolutely LOVE that.

In fact, Freedom Foods offers a variety of products, although only a few items are available in the United States at the moment…and most of these include cereals, which, for the record, are made in a dedicated and specially built allergen-free facility in the Riverina region of New South Wales, in Australia. As Freedom Foods was specifically developed to make allergen-free foods, they test every batch made in their facilities, to the most stringent levels possible, leaving no doubt that the Freedom Foods products you pick up will be free of the allergens that are necessary to avoid.

LOVE THAT TOO!

Because we live in a world where it’s not enough to just be health conscious. Now we have to be allergen conscious too. With the growing number of food allergies and intolerances, it is nice to find a company that really proves that it is dedicated to creating products that are safe to consume. Freedom Foods has been around for over 20 years, making great-tasting and nutritious allergen-free food. I can attest to this, as I am a huge fan of the products I have had from them thus far. All of their products adhere to the strict guidelines laid out by Australia’s food industry, meaning all their products are non-GMO. They even test for GMOs just to make sure.

So, here I am…4 months after the GFFAF and just now tearing into the box of free goodies from a company that I adore and trust. What is wrong with me? Well, just been working my way through the pantry and trying to do so systematically. But this was to be paired with my container of Chocolate Chia Superfood Pudding after my gym sessions this week. And, I admit, I was a small bit concerned that I wouldn’t like it, even packing a backup bar…just in case.

Back up bar wasn’t necessary though.

The Freedom Foods Chewy Oats, Apple & Cinnamon Granola Bar was…simply put…fantastic. It’s the perfect snack as it’s small and easy to pack into a purse or pocket…ideal for an on-the-go breakfast or when that snack attack happens mid-afternoon, yes? Hey…it happens. Pretty much every day for me. And having something healthy to reach for, rather than candy or sweets, is good for me. Because, we all know I have quite the sweet tooth.

Well, not only does the Freedom Foods Chewy Oats, Apple & Cinnamon Granola Bars fulfill any sweet craving, I don’t feel guilty noshing on it either. Not only are they low in salt, with no added artificial colors or flavors, but they are also free of gluten, wheat, almonds, hazelnut, walnuts, dairy, soy, and eggs…and instead contain a whole heap of wholegrain oats, tasty apples, raisins, and sweet cinnamon. They prove to be a great source of filling fiber. And…guess what? They taste amazing. No backup bar required.

I loved these bars at first bite. They are sweet, without being sugary. They are crumbly and chewy, and not dry. They are packed with fruit flavors and have amazing texture with the coconut, oats, apples and raisins. Seriously…love. LOVE. And, like I said, I can be pretty picky about my bars. But these are a dream. A serious granola bar lovers dream. I devoured them the past two gym days if that tells you anything.

So, now that I’ve raved over the Chewy Oats, Apple & Cinnamon Granola Bars from Freedom Foods, let’s talk about their ingredients! These bars are made from whole grain rolled oats, glucose syrup, rice cereal (rice flour, yellow corn flower, psyllium husk, whole grain sorghum flour, sugar, canola oil, salt, sunflower lecithin, sultana raisins, glycerin, erythritol, dried apple (contains sulfites), canola oil, resistant dextrin inverted sugar, coconut (contains sulfites), maltodextrin, natural flavor, sunflower lecithin, and sodium bicarbonate.

And as far as that coveted nutritional information goes…Freedom Foods Chewy Oats, Apple & Cinnamon Granola Bars have amazing stats. Seriously. A serving size is one (1) bar, and there are 6 bars in each box. This one bar will provide you and your body with 130 calories, 3 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 10 mg sodium, 21 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 6 grams sugars, and 2 grams of protein. Filling…but filled with good stuff, that’s for sure.

I love how Freedom Foods continues to hold itself to the highest of standards when it comes to their products. Their focus on a better and healthier diet, through the food they produce, is evident in the products that they put out on the shelves. I have yet to be let down. Totally amazing. Totally delicious. And yes…filling.

I’m sold…for life.

February 6, 2016

Eight Blessings for Eight Miles

I have said it numerous times since once again striking out on the road and attempting to come back from the torn hip labrum, the injury that has plagued me now for a year. Exactly a year. I noticed my Facebook memories showed where I posted that I had “pulled a muscle in my back…” That was where this all started. The beginning of the downward spiral.

EVERY RUN IS A BLESSING!

While my weekday runs have been kept short and easy, my mileage is slowly increasing. By about 1-2 miles a week. Physical therapist approved.

Last week, I ran 5 miles. This week…I gave 8 miles a go. And I finished it. Around Mile 6, my hip flexor started to twinge, which made me evaluate my running form, and do exactly what my physical therapist instructed to do. I kept my footfalls as light as possible and brought that knee up, so that the right hip and leg wouldn’t get lazy. My Bambi leg will get stronger. It has to.

So…with 8 miles down, I thought I’d share 8 blessings in my life these days. Here goes:

1. My sister and nephew coming to visit me next weekend.

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We are a fun-type of goofy when we are together. Seriously, there is never a dull moment when the Brady sisters get together. And her youngest boy is a ham…as you can tell from this picture. HAHA! I have been dying to have her come back to visit, and this time we get an added bonus of Chace. Karla, seriously, I can’t wait to see you and spend some time with you!!

2. Annie May, Ashley, and Laura – and the rest of the crew at Annie May’s Sweet Cafe on Frankfort Road in Louisville, Kentucky.

anniemays

If you live in the Louisville area, or are visiting, or passing through…make a point of getting over to Frankfort Avenue and stopping in at Annie May’s Sweet Cafe. This place feeds me 3 times a week (Soft Pretzel Wednesday, Saturday Breakfast, and Sunday…with the take-home breakfast goodies). Amazing gluten-free eats. Most are vegan as well. The Apple-Cinnamon French Toast…is amazing. And right now…heart-shaped doughnuts. Oh…hell yeah. This place has been giving me a variety of foods, all safe for me to eat…for almost 5 years now. I am so lucky and thankful to have this place in my area. If you have food allergies or not, if you love good food, you gotta stop here. And if you don’t see yourself coming to the area, check out their site, because they do ship some items nationwide! And while there, go ahead and peruse the menus. BTW…I highly recommend the vegan mac & cheese (OMG), the chocolate chip cookies, the COOKIE CAKE!, the toaster pastries, and…well…EVERYTHING, really. I do think I’ve had it all.

3. Sales. Sales. Sales.

sales
It’s not that I’m cheap, but I like to buy things and not spend a lot of money. I am a sale-seeker, a bargain-hunter. I love me a good sale. And today, after my run and breakfast, I went to the mall and bought about 7 items…for less than $30. LOVE a good sale. And good (and cute) clothes to boot. Oh yeah…retail therapy.

4. MyBread Gluten Free Pita Bread.

mybread
You know what love is? Love is never having to be without pita bread. And that’s not easy when you are a Celiac. Not only does MyBread Gluten Free Bakery make gluten-free pita bread (and sell it….at stores…I get mine at the Whole Foods in Louisville, Kentucky), they make it deliciously good. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free. And they are SO SO SO good!! I’m making Italian nachos tonight for dinner…and these will be the nacho part of said dinner.

5. Tea.

dryadtea
Specifically…Dryad Tea, based out of Denver, Colorado. I discovered them at the sci-fi convention, StarFest a couple of years ago. I’ve been ordering ever since. Their artisan teas are hand blended and all inspired by music, mythology, geekery, and works of literature. AND…my roommate, Cathy, had a blend made specifically for me for Christmas. It’s called “In Summer” (like Olaf) and contains green tea (my favorite), strawberry, ginger, chamomile and mint. It’s fantastic. My favorite tea…and it was blended specifically for me. All teas are vegan and gluten-free friendly. Check out their site…place an order…for real!

6. Swimming.

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I. HATE. SWIMMING. Okay, technically, I really don’t hate it. I just haven’t learned to embrace it yet. There is something about the water that makes me anxious. Maybe it was my near-drowning experience as a child. I can swim. I’m a good swimmer (just ask my coach), I just have some weaknesses. One of which is convincing myself I won’t drown if I put my face in the water. I’ve gotten better about that, but, UGH, I get worn out. Endurance in the pool doesn’t happen if I have to breathe out in the water. I hate it because this makes me feel nonathletic and weak. Top that off with the fact that I don’t like not being good at something. So, whenever I have to get into the pool, it’s a struggle. But I keep doing it. Even when I don’t want to.

7. Disney.

Disney_Logo Whether it’s the parks, the movies, the races, or just the store…I’ve always had a soft-spot for Disney. And now that they pretty much rule the world…

Don’t hate…I used to dream of becoming an animator for Disney. I could draw every Disney character. I probably still can! I love visiting Disney World and Disneyland. I never went as a kid, but I think that makes me appreciate the trips now more than ever. I love RunDisney events. They’re always amazing and fun. And I love Disney Movies. I’m still working my way through all the animated films in order…but, progress is being made. This weekend…Toy Story 3.

8. The X-Files.

xfiles2016
Anyone else out there an X-Phile? I was beyond elated when The X-Files returned to television. Sure, it’s only for 6 episodes, and they are halfway through them, but it’s like hanging out with old friends again. I was the biggest X-Files fan in Big Flats, New York, I believe. And I was okay with that. This show was life-changing. And being able to hang out with Mulder & Scully again has been a nice treat, for sure. I can’t wait to start the entire series from the beginning…which is happening soon!

~*~*~

Little things and big things…everything and anything can be a blessing.

February 2, 2016

Life’s Too Short to Miss the Sweeter Things

Two fun facts about me:

1. I love eating healthy
2. I love sweets (especially chocolate)

What we have here, my friends, is a constant battle of sheer willpower. But, the fact of the matter is…sometimes you just have to find a way to treat yourself. Naturally, I stick to my necessary gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian lifestyle…however, this doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy some of the finer things in life.

That being said, 2016 is a year of change for me. I’m trying to improve myself, my body, my soul, my mindset…I’m trying to reach both long-term and short-term goals. And part of that is definitely making certain tweaks to the diet.

I’m not saying I am cutting out sweets and desserts entirely. That’s inhuman. But, I am cutting back on them. And once the current ones in the pantry are moved out…they aren’t coming back in. I buy gluten-free…so I’m too cheap to just toss the stuff away.

That being said, I’m always game for trying new ways to make an indulgence healthier. And awhile back, the amazing Lottie Bildirici, better known in the social media world as “Running on Veggies” posted about the treat she made for Kara Goucher (yes…THE Kara Goucher) when she was coming to NYC to run the NYC Marathon. Kara chose blondies as her treat and Bildirici got to work researching and coming up with a recipe that would not only seem like a treat, but be made with real ingredients, nothing processed, and be healthy. When the recipe posted, I was beyond intrigued. Granted, my foray into baking using beans as a base resulted in brownies that tasted like black beans, so I did have my reservations going into this…but I decided to give it a try.

Blondies made without flour…and by using garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and dates as the sweetener. Well…there was only one way to find out how this would turn out. I hoped for the best, since Kara Goucher was a fan…but…hey…some things you have to try yourself.

So this was what I put into my food processor this past Sunday afternoon:

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Everything but the dairy-free dark chocolate chips, that is. Any nut butter (or nut-free butter) will work, but I’m a huge fan, and an ambassador, for NuttZo…and it really is the best stuff on the market. Find it. Trust me…it’s worth the price!

After giving everything a whirl in the food processor, I was left with a light and fluffy fatter. I folded in the chocolate chips, sprayed down some muffin tins and began to evenly distribute the batter into 24 muffin tins.

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After baking for around 40 minutes, I removed the pans from the oven and let everything sit, untouched for over an hour. At that point, I moved everything to a sheet pan (carefully) and then into the freezer. But not without trying one.

First of all, they don’t taste bean-y…and they don’t taste like dates either. They actually taste like a decadent little dessert or muffin. Especially when warmed up in the microwave for about 30 seconds or longer. Although, I love them frozen too…but I’m weird like that. These are an amazing treat and one that I don’t feel bad about eating because…it was made from real food.

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I know a lot of people look down on those who enjoy a treat every now and again…but the fact of the matter is…we’ve got it all wrong. Not all calories are created equal. Just like now not all carbohydrates and fats are either. That’s the being said, I am a firm believer in counting nutrition, not calories. And that’s what making something like this is all about.

And trust me…they are SO good.

If you want to give them a try…you can get the recipe here! They are easy to make, and delicious. Trust me…you’ll want to keep these on hand! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack or dessert…these are truly a delicious and healthy treat.

Eat real food. These treats are more like a healthy choice than an indulgence. And what’s not to love about that?!

February 1, 2016

Product Review: Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables

Product: Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables – $8.50

Risotto is one of those dishes that you love to hate. Not so much in the dining and devouring part…but the making of said dish. Don’t get me wrong, I am a risotto fanatic as much as the next person, however…I much prefer the unorthodox way of cooking it…in a dutch oven…in the oven. Baked.

Stovetop…just never seems to want to work out fright for me.

That being said, back in my April (Spring) 2015 Cuisine Cube, I received a package of risotto from Bountiful Pantry’s gluten free selection. I was pretty stoked. Gotta love risotto. I couldn’t wait to find a night to cook it up.

And then…I just never got around to it. With everything that was going on with my hip injury, recovery, broken leg, travel, more travel, more recovery, the holidays…it’s been pretty non-stop since I received this box in the mail. Thankfully, it was good through April of 2016…so it wasn’t a waste.

Before I get into the product itself…here’s a little bit about Cuisine Cube. 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 soon.

The dinner feature in the April (Spring) 2015 Cuisine Cube was the Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables. Bountiful Pantry is best known for their healthy, easy-to-prepare, and delicious mixes ranging from appetizers, to soups, to salads, to dips, to stews, to chilies, to chowders, and various sides, among other things. Inspiration for their mixes stem from their home on the island of Nantucket, where the often cool, damp weather would inspire the desire for an inviting pot of soup. By starting with family favorites and classic New England favorites, Bountiful Pantry has created delicious and satisfying recipes that are easy to share. Since the creators follow a healthy, low-sodium diet, focusing on taste, they are seeking and finding new ways to pack flavor into their mixes using a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices. They use the finest all-natural ingredients, including vegetables picked and dried at their peak of freshness. There are no preservatives, added salt of MSG in their mixes, and they are gluten free as well. Even better, meals can be prepared in as little as 30 minutes. Gotta love that.

Well, this weekend seemed like the ideal time to cook up a risotto because Sundays I’m usually batch cooking anyway. And as I’m working on clearing out my pantry, this was a logical choice. And I was pretty excited about it too. Because…risotto!! The only thing I wasn’t excited about was cooking it. But, no worries, it’s super easy. I first heated up 5 cups of vegetable broth. Then, I melted 4 tablespoons of vegan butter (Earth Balance) in a pan. Once it was melted, I added chopped onion and let it soften to the point of translucency. I took 1 cup of the broth and put it in a bowl with the dried vegetables and let it soak. Then, in went the rice to the skillet with the butter and onion. I gave it a stir to coat it all. And then…the long and tedious task of adding 1/2 cup broth and stirring began. Each time more broth went in, the rice would begin to plump up more and more. And when the broth was gone…and my rice was still a little crunchy…in went water until I got that perfect rice consistency. Then, the vegan parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of white wine went in. More stirring…and then…dinner was served.

With a glass of the white wine I used in the risotto. Just sayin’.

The Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables was amazing. Creamy and rich. The vegan parmesan really enriched the flavor and texture, bringing it to that perfect risotto consistency. The Arborio rice took a little longer to cook, but once it got to the proper texture…it was a fantastic dish to devour indeed. There is, naturally, an option to serve this as a side dish, but my roommate and I chose it for our dinner, so we took 4 servings of it instead of 8…having leftovers for lunch later this week. And I can’t be more excited about having it again. I loved how perfectly this cooked up, and despite having to add a bit of water, it got to that perfect rich and creamy consistency and the flavor…was spot on. The vegetables softened up and the seasonings perfectly added to the taste, no added salt or anything. Perfection. And all in a bag, ready to go.

So, what all is in the Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables? Nine ingredients. Yes…just nine. They are: Arborio rice, peas, carrot, corn, onion, tarragon, chervil, parsley, and chives. This mix is gluten-free, non-GMO, no MSG, and no added salt or preservatives. This product is certified by the Celiac Sprue Association.

As for nutritional information for the Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables…this isn’t bad. Even when you add in the butter, onion, cheese, veggie broth and wine, it is reasonable for risotto. A serving of the dry mix is 1/4 cup (51 grams) and there are 8 servings per package. In each serving, you will be consuming 170 calories, 0.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 10 mg sodium, 40 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, and 4 grams protein. Not bad at all.

If you love decadent, rich, creamy and and flavorful risotto…why do it all from scratch yourself? Bountiful Pantry helps make it a little easier with their package of Risotto with Garden Vegetables. Big flavor. Big eats. It was amazing from the first bite to the last. My roommate and I probably could have eaten the entire pan if I hadn’t set the rest of it aside for lunches. It’s that good.

So, head over to Bountiful Pantry‘s Web site and place an order for one of their numerous mixes. But, if nothing else, try the risotto.

Bountiful Pantry's Risotto with Garden Vegetables — Bountiful Pantry’s Risotto with Garden Vegetables

January 28, 2016January 28, 2016

Three Things on Thursday

My life is a roller coaster these days. Good days. Bad days. Highs and lows. There are days I feel unstoppable and days that stop me cold. There are days where I feel on top of the world, and days where the tears just won’t stop.

There are pain-free days…and days where it hurts just getting out of bed.

This is my life…and has been since February 16, 2015.

Almost a year.

Still not better. Still fighting. Still not where I imagined I’d be.

I’m going to be honest, I came out of the weekend, despite the slip and fall on ice, feeling good. My pain levels were down. I was moving without problems. And then…Tuesday hill repeats. UGH! JUST UGH!! I did fine, but when I stop that’s when the problems start. And despite a round of stretches my physical therapist assigned me, I was still feeling it yesterday and this morning when I worked in my training runs.

All that being said, I’ve powered through a lot, and despite my demanding work/training/recovery schedule…I’ve done some pretty amazing things so far this week. I thought I’d share!

1. THEMED SPIN CLASSES

blog01 — I think I have the perfect (always colorful) tights for a Disco-themed spin class, yes?

Rocking perfect tights for a disco-themed spin class, yes?

My amazing and inspiring friend, Deana, is a very fun spin instructor. It’s always a mixed bag with her. And when you attend one of her classes, you are going to walk out of there a sweaty mess. She’s in training for her first Half Ironman, and we’re in training with her, in a way. At least on the stationary bike in the safety of the walls of the YMCA. HA!

Anyway, this week, Deana has had themed spin classes. And I am loving it. Monday morning, my 5:30 a.m. class was treated to Spinning to the ’90s. All the music was songs straight out of the 1990s…and I knew and even sang along with every single one of them. Not loudly, because, I wouldn’t put anyone through the torture of hearing me sing, but it really takes your mind off of that hill climb and definitely brought a lot of hoots and hollers from the class. And Friday morning, we’re getting a disco ball and having our own Disco Inferno all up in the spin room. And I am already working on what I intend to wear for said Disco day. There might even be a lava lamp. Regardless, I’ll be ready to work hard to the tune of the best disco songs.

Themed spin classes…who knew?!

2. HILL REPEATS

Bright colors, bright lights, and loving that I'm DONE with hill repeats. — Bright colors, bright lights, and loving that I’m DONE with hill repeats.

Love them or hate them…hill repeats are real. In fact, hill repeats are what my physical therapist currently wants me doing. So, every Tuesday, I’m out at either Cherokee Park or Iroquois Park here in Louisville…running me some major hill repeats. The past two weeks, I’ve knocked out 4 miles of hill repeats each Tuesday night. 4 freakin’ miles. To this point, that is the furthest I have run since…the stress fracture in my leg back in August.

I won’t lie…a little part of me panics every time I go out there for these. Hills do make you a stronger runner…but they hurt. In my case, they really hurt. But, I feel strong while doing them, and after some plyometric exercises and stretches…and a little TLC from my foam roller…I’m usually back in the game the next day. So yeah…hills. YAY!

I don’t worry about my time or how long I’m out there or even my speed. What’s important to me is that I am actually out and running again. Not completely pain-free…but being out there is SO much better than where I have been. I’ll take every chance I can get to attempt to get stronger again.

3. CHILI COOK OFF

Hawaiian Chili (with a bit of Gluten Free Corn Spoonbread and Gluten Free Breton Original with Flax Crackers) — Hawaiian Chili (with a bit of Gluten Free Corn Spoon Bread and Gluten Free Breton Original with Flax Crackers)

So, yesterday was the annual chili cook off at my office. Now, I have never actually submitted a chili to this cook off because, prior to this year, the co-owner (who has since retired) used to always tell me not to bother with bringing in a vegetarian chili, since his wife was making one. I just never argued the fact. With this year being wide open, I got a little carried away and ended up making 2 chilies and 1 batch of my gluten free corn spoon bread recipe that I’ve killed every time I’ve made it. Meaning, it’s extremely awesome. When it comes to cooking, especially in a quasi-competitive manner, I can be pretty indecisive on what chili to make. So, I did what any chef would do…

…I made both.

Pizza Chili (which I figured would be my star) and Hawaiian Chili.

I realized I was splitting my odds at winning, but…I love both of these chilies and they were both very different. VERY different. Even from the other chilies (there were 7 entries…2 of which were mine) that were entered into the annual cook off.

And, shocking me (and probably the rest of the office who doesn’t always want to venture into my plant-based, gluten-free goodies)…I won. With…Hawaiian Chili. So not the chili that I expected to win. I was seriously surprised. Of the two I brought in, I thought Pizza Chili would be the more popular one. And it was a very near thing with the runner-up, a Mexican Beer Chili. The winning chili is pictured above with the corn spoon bread.

I am so happy. This is the first time a vegan/vegetarian chili has won. And it’s the first time I have won anything at work. So…YAY!!

I’ve had many requests for this recipe, so I will leave it here. Do try it. It’s amazing.

Recipe: Hawaiian Chili
Makes 4 very large servings

Ingredients:

1 small onion, diced
2 garlic clove, minced
2 bell pepper, seeded & diced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
2 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups pineapple, diced
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
Crackers (optional…to serve on the side)

Directions:

Line a large pot with vegetable broth.

Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until onions are translucent and bell peppers are soft.

Add spices, stir to coat vegetables.

Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Serve with crackers

~*~*~

Seriously…make this stuff.

If you live in the area…come to tomorrow’s 5:30 a.m. spin class at the YMCA of Southern Indiana in New Albany and let Deana bring the funk and disco back…disco ball included.

And…run hills. Feel strong.

January 28, 2016

Product Review: Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers

Product: Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers – $4.59+

Growing up, I remember eating Dare Breton Crackers (the wheat versions) at my friends houses at little get-together or parties. I remember schmearing port wine cheese over them and devouring them by the box-full.

So, you can imagine how excited I was to see boxes of Gluten Free Breton Crackers on the shelves of my local Kroger and Walmart stores. Yep. Very excited. But, I never really could think of something I could use with them. And being on a super-strict budget these days, I had to pass them over time-and-time again.

Well, when I went home for Christmas, my mom picked up a box of the Herb & Garlic Breton Gluten Free Crackers…but we never quite got around to eating them. While I love cooking and making homemade dishes, with the craziness of the holidays and all the family, we tend to eat out more than in. And that’s fine. But it means the crackers remained untested and untasted.

However, the other day while killing off some time on a Sunday morning (after a snowstorm), my roommate and I were walking the aisles of our local Fresh Market, because we hadn’t gone out there in months. On sale, there in the cracker aisle, were boxes of Dare Breton Gluten Free Crackers. Of the gluten free varieties available, my roomie suggested we begin sampling them by going with the original flavor. So, it was settled. A sale meant they came home, so a box of the Dare Breton Gluten Free Original Flax with Crackers made it to my pantry.

And didn’t stay there long.

This week’s meal planning called for 2 days of soup and some chili too. I was participating (and ended up winning) in the office chili cookoff and…hey…crackers are great with both soup and chili.

So, Monday morning, out came the crackers, stashing some in little traveling baggies for my roommate and I to have at lunch when we heated up our homemade vegan Smokey Potato Soup. Lunch time rolled around, soup was assembled, and the crackers came out.

One bite…and I knew…I knew this was cracker gold. Gluten free crackers either are amazing or they taste like cardboard. These…are amazing. Light and buttery in flavor, these Breton Crackers reminded me so much of their original counterparts. They were great for dunking in the soup, piling chili on top and noshing, and just busting up to have a little added crunch in the soup. They’d be great to schmear whatever schmeary things you like to schmear on crackers. Cheese, butter, peanut butter, hummus…whatever. These crackers are perfect for all of it. The box even comes with two cracker-type recipes on it, in case you’re feeling uninspired. But crackers this good will leave you feeling anything but uninspired. Trust me. Love their crisp and flaky texture. So amazing. And, with the added addition of flax, the Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers add a little bit of omega goodness to each serving.

I will probably always have a box of these in my pantry. No doubt. And one can always use crackers, yes?

Let’s talk about the ingredients that go into the Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers. These crackers are made from corn starch, arrowroot flour, canola oil, coconut oil, green lentil flour, rice bran, flax seeds, sugar, salt, sesame seeds, modified milk ingredients, baking soda, ammonium bicarbonate, xanthan gum, soy lecithin, and natural flavor. They are processed in a peanut-free facility also.

As far as nutrition information goes, you’ll love this! The rather large, circular crackers that are Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers are a great way to enjoy a snack without the guilt. A serving size is 4 crackers (18 grams) and the box contains about 8 servings. One serving will provide you with 90 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0.5 grams polyunsaturated fat, 2 grams monounsaturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 80 mg sodium, 12 grams carbohydrates, less than 1 gram fiber, less than 1 gram sugars, and less than 1 gram of protein. They won’t fill you up or really wipe out your calorie count for the day. Gotta love it.

So, if you are still on the hunt for a cracker that lives up to the standards of the crackers you may have grown up with…try to find the Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers. Their tender-crisp texture and wholesome taste are reminiscent of the Breton crackers I devoured before the Celiac diagnosis. What a great way to bring great taste from a trusted brand to the gluten free community. And for a very fair price.

So happy.

January 28, 2016

Product Review: McCabe’s True Original Granola

Product: McCabe’s True Original Granola – $5.49+

One of my favorite things to purchase at the grocery store on occasion is…granola. Especially granola that isn’t loaded down with sugar. Granola is so versatile. You can eat it on its own, put it atop yogurt, or ice cream, or oatmeal. It’s the perfect thing just to have on hand in the pantry.

And for a little while…I was without. But then my local Kroger ran a Manager’s Special on some items and one of them was McCabe’s Original Granola. With $3 off the regular price, I couldn’t pass up the chance to try this granola I had been eyeing on the shelves.

I admit to being a bit of a granola snob. Most gluten free granola is laden with excessive sugars and are far from healthy. But McCabe’s caught my eye because all ingredients are recognizable (no chemicals), and it was low in sugars and carbohydrates. It took me a major sale to actually buy it though because I never could fit it into my budget. But…now I think it’s worked its way into one of my favorite brands. And this is simply based off the True Original variety. Because, you gotta start with the basic.

McCabe’s Granola is a family owned business, run by Susan (mom), Chris (dad) and their sons Jameson and Michael. Their goal is to provide you with the healthiest, most flavorful granola and granola bars possible. They take great pride in their products and their family, and the products they produce definitely reflect this.

I purchased the McCabe’s True Original Granola. Basic. Simple.

But basic and simple doesn’t mean boring. Especially in the McCabe’s True Original Granola. I have eaten this over fruit, over yogurt, by the handful…and I never get tired or bored with it. For a granola that isn’t just a bunch of sugar…the flavor is awesome. This granola is proof that original isn’t simply plain. Becasue there is nothing plain or tasteless or boring about this granola. The bag refers to it as “The freshest, most natural, nuttiest granola in town,” and it’s not that far off. It’s low in sugar, it’s made with natural (non-GMO) ingredients, it’s gluten free. It’s awesome. The blend of oats, seeds, raisins, and coconut bring great variety for texture and taste. I love every handful (oh yes…I can (and do) eat this by the handful) of this granola. My pouch is almost empty, but now I’m willing to pay the full price. I know whatever flavor I end up purchasing, it’s going to be good.

McCabe’s True Original Granola is made from 100% natural ingredients that include: rolled oats, 100% pure maple syrup, sunflower seeds, cashews, ground flax seeds, raisins, pumpkin seeds, extra virgin olive oil, almonds, and unsweetened coconuts. Seriously, how can a blend of those ingredients not be amazing. It’s impossible. This blend of granola is amazing. The raisins are my favorite part…

As far as nutritional information goes, McCabe’s True Original Granola is awesome when compared to other gluten-free granola is outstanding. A serving size is 1/4 cup (28 grams) and there are about 12 servings per container. One serving will dish up 130 calories, 8 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fats, 0 grans trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 13 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 4 grams sugars, and 4 grams protein.

Lower in calories, sugars and carbohydrates when compared to other brands of gluten-free granola, McCabe’s really shines as a healthy granola choice. I can eat granola for breakfast or a snack, and I don’t feel at all guilty when I reach for this package. McCabe’s is certainly fulfilling their statement to provide a healthy and flavorful product. I am beyond impressed.

McCabe’s Granola is available in the following flavors: True Original, Delta Blueberry, Cran With A Twist, and PB & Chocolate. If you want a great choice for granola…this is definitely one that you should consider purchasing. For real. So go. Find it. Buy it. And devour it.

January 28, 2016

Product Review: Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix

Product: Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix – $3.99+

Who doesn’t love sprinkles?!

I mean, be honest here! Who in the world doesn’t love sprinkles?!

Sprinkles make the world go ’round. Sprinkles bring happiness and joy. Sprinkles are what smiles are made of. Sprinkles…totally rule!

And pancakes…who doesn’t love an amazing, buttery, soft, amazing pancake?!

Pancakes are awesome.

I mean…seriously…they are one of life’s most perfect food. Don’t argue this with me. It’s true.

So…imagine my glee…my elation…my “I MUST BUY THIS NOW AND EAT THIS” attitude when one day, while in Louisville and shopping the aisles of the Walmart Neighborhood Market (because, hey, it’s less skeevy than the regular Walmart), I spotted a gluten free mix that involved both sprinkles…and…pancakes.

It wasn’t a dream. Nope. It was a reality. And this very special (and happiness-inducing) product is brought to your grocery store shelves by the one and only…Hungry Jack. Yes…the Hungry Jack known for potatoes and syrup and regular amazing pancake mixes. That Hungry Jack.

Turns out they now offer a Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix.

Yep…you read that right…Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix. How many different ways can you say, “Get in my belly!”?

I purchased this box of pancake and waffle mix back in…October. I had every intention of making them while my parents were visiting, but, instead, my dad requested lemon poppyseed muffins…so this had to wait. However…good things come to those who wait. And patience is a virtue. One I don’t normally have when pancakes and sprinkles are involved, but, hey, I can be an adult.

I ended up bringing the mix with me to Columbus, Ohio, over the New Year weekend. It’s tradition to spend said holiday with my friend Jenn…and Jenn is quite open to gluten-free foods. She even has gluten free foods stashed in her kitchen for my visits. She eats said gluten free foods with me. Well, since Sunday we traditionally cook the breakfast, I told her I’d bring the mix and we could have some pancakes that morning. She upped the carb-fest with the promise of using up some more of the Magners Syrup we made when we made boozy waffles the last time I visited.

And so…game on.

The pancakes are super easy to mix up. The box says that 1 cup of the mix and 3/4 cup of water will make enough batter for 6-8 pancakes. This is false. Since there were 3 of us, this is what I made, thinking we all could have 2 pancakes, but I ended up adding more mix and water just to get the last necessary pancake for 6 pancakes each made from about 1/4 cup of the batter. So…trust me, you’ll need a slight bit more for those 6 pancakes. 8 isn’t happening.

All that being said, when these were browning on the skillet, they not only puffed up beautifully, but they got that rich, golden color too. The pancakes had that nice crisp outside, but were cake-y and soft and fluffy on the inside. And…they had sprinkles. Seriously…so, so, so good. Kind of like eating a slice of cake for breakfast, because…sprinkles!

All that being said, I am only now getting around to typing up this review. But in that time, I have also decided to give the waffle recipe a try. This just involved 2 cups of the mix (lots of sprinkles), 1-1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup vegetable oil (I substituted unsweetened applesauce), and 1 egg (or egg replacer). Just stir it up until you get rid of any large lumps…pour into the waffle iron…and let them cook to that perfect golden brown. This made 6 large Mickey Mouse waffles…but the box claims it will make 12 (4×4-inch) waffles.

The waffles were even better than the pancakes. And for the first time, my gluten free waffles got to a perfect golden brown on the outside. I was so impressed. And when I served them up (with a splash of real raspberry maple syrup from Michigan), it was like…a food epiphany. I mean…cake. Cake all over the breakfast plate. Not only were my waffles Mickey Mouse shaped, but they had sprinkles in them…and looked and tasted like an indulgent treat. Oh yeah.

So…I had the mix as pancakes…and then as waffles…so…how was it?

The product that the Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix produces is fantastic in either form. From the splattering of rainbow sprinkles to the rich, buttery flavor that comes from the buttermilk base…it’s pancake perfection. A rainbow of pancake perfection. These are the unicorns of gluten free pancakes. The pancakes and waffles are soft and fluffy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside. And that…it pancake and waffle perfection if you ask me. In addition, this mix actually is a good source of calcium. And a nice way of having candy (or sprinkles) for breakfast.

I might still be a little (or a lot) excited about these.

Anyway, as always, let’s take a look at what goes into the Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix. This mix is made from rice flour, sugar, dextrose, leavening (baking soda, calcium phosphate, sodium aluminum phosphate, candy bits (sugar, vegetable oil [palm and palm kernel], modified corn starch, confectioners glaze, soy lecithin, colored with [yellow 5, red 40, blue 1, yellow 6]), potato starch, pea fiber, buttermilk, tapioca starch, canola oil, and contains 2% of less of: salt, potassium bicarbonate, hydroxypropyl, methycellulose, xanthan gum, calcium carbonate, eggs, artificial flavor, cellulose gum, yellow 5, and red 5. Yeah…not a very clean eat, but nice for a treat every now and again.

As far as nutrition goes, the mix isn’t too bad. The serving size is 1/3 cup of the dry mix (or about 3 4-inch pancakes) and the box contains about 11 servings. This serving will dish up 190 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, less than 5 mg cholesterol, 540 mg sodium, 40 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 10 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. Despite being a pancake and waffle mix with sprinkles in it…the fiber and protein is higher than most to make you feel full longer. So, there is that. There is also 15% calcium and 4% iron in each serving.

So, yeah…delicious, amazing, fun, and fluffy…it’s everything pancakes should be. It’s everything waffles should be. And it is what so many gluten-free pancake mixes fail at being. I loved these. I have no shame in admitting it. It’s nice to change things up and have a bit of a treat every now and again. This mix was a fun, and also delicious way of brightening my breakfast plate…and my morning.

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