Food – Page 130 – The Celiathlete

October 13, 2011October 13, 2011

Fall flavors ignite the palate in Alexia’s Harvest Sauté

It’s that time of year. The days are growing shorter. The air is getting that crispness to it. The leaves are changing color. And farmer’s markets are shutting down for the season. Grocery store produce aisles are packed with fall vegetables – potatoes, squashes, apples, etc. These are some of my favorite flavors which is why autumn is one of my favorite seasons. The foodie in me eagerly awaits those sensuous fall flavors and aromas…how simple spices can ignite a simple dish.

What Alexia Foods does with their Harvest Sauté is mix together some fall favorites and create a treat that is colorful and packed with flavor. This frozen bag is meant for a side…but my roommate and I split it between us and enjoyed it as our main course the night I cooked it up. Nothing could be easier. Inside are the frozen vegetables and a pack of sage-infused olive oil. Simply thaw the oil pouch in hot water and pour into a pan. Heat and add the blend of red potatoes, onions, whole green beans, and carrots. Sauté for about 10-12 minutes, until the potatoes begin to brown. Serve.

It’s that easy.

No additional seasoning is needed. The sage-infused olive oil adds tremendous flavor, and is enough to help cook the vegetables without leaving them laden in oil, greasy and inedible. The vegetables absorb the cooking oil, so each piece is seasoned in the pan as it cooks. Nothing is left undercooked. The time given to sauté everything is perfect. The potatoes almost fall apart on your fork.

What I loved about this blend was how reminiscent it was of foods I was given in Ireland. Most Irish meals are served with vegetables in the colors of the Irish flag (green, white, orange). And here we have green beans, potatoes, and carrots. Even for being a pre-packed frozen side, what Alexia Foods manages is to bring together healthy items, cooked in a healthy manner, and good enough to be eaten on its own or shared with others as a side.

I picked up four different types of these potato sides from Alexia Foods on a trip to the grocery store…and this was just the first tantalizing taste of what else was in store for me. What a way to start.

Looking for a fantastic flavor this autumn? Add some of Alexia Foods’ delicious potato and vegetable sides to your Thanksgiving feast. Or, wrap yourself up in your snuggie one night and treat yourself to something indulgently simple and delicious for supper. It’s not only a side…it can be what is for dinner.

October 12, 2011

Ooh la la…Van’s Gluten-Free French Toast Sticks a delicious morning treat

Van's Gluten-Free Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

No one is on top of their game in the morning. Not even me…the constant early-riser. There are days that I love to stand over the stove and cook up an omelet or some egg scramble, perhaps mix up some gluten-free pancakes, or bake up some home fries. And then there are mornings when the last thing I want to do is spend the morning in the kitchen, draped in my apron, trying to keep my work clothes clean while I attempt to make something edible.

That’s when the freezer section in the grocery store comes in handy for most people. When you have to eat gluten-free…it can be a bit more of a challenge. However, unlike other frozen breakfast food companies, Van’s Natural Foods seems to have embraced the gluten-free community. In my grocery store, I’ve found waffles and the cinnamon French toast sticks. It’s a start for this area, and I have no doubt that soon I will see other options there.

My local grocery store was running a 2/$5.00 special on Van’s products one day when I was in there. Spotting the blueberry waffles and the cinnamon French toast sticks (both clearly marked as wheat and gluten free), I decided to give them a try. Why not splurge a little on the grocery budget for a few more moments of rest on the sofa in the morning with my book? Sometimes it’s worth it.

Thank goodness…Van’s was more than worth the purchase.

Now…the packaging is a little deceiving when it comes to the French toast sticks. The image shows sliced bread sticks, covered in cinnamon and sugar, looking ample and fluffy and…picture perfect. The actual product is a lot different. The actual frozen bread is very thin. There is no sprinkling of cinnamon-sugar on the top. And not even when toasted does it begin to look fluffy and as picture-perfect as the box. But…I try not to judge a product on its cover…meaning, I don’t always give credence to the appearance on the box. What product actually looks exactly like what’s pictured anyway?

So, the bread-shaped slices went into the toaster, long enough to crisp and give me time to warm up the syrup to pour over the top. I tore the sticks apart, drizzled with a bit of syrup and settled in for my quick breakfast…already having my doubts. But when I sliced into one of the sticks, it had the perfect level of crispness. The texture was pleasing to the palate – light, not heavy. That way you don’t feel like taking a snooze immediately following your morning meal. It’s okay that the bread is thin, because instead you get a nice crispy outside, but a soft center. The bread is more cinnamon-flavored than topped with cinnamon. It’s sweet, which the brown sugar that is in the flour mixture plays a roll in, I’m sure. However, it meshed well together.

While they weren’t much to look at, even upon toasting, what Van’s brings to the breakfast table is a gluten-free treat that is not only fun to eat, but also delicious. Food doesn’t have to look just like the box, as long as it delivers in flavor. Van’s product may not look like much, but what it lacks in appearance is quickly made up for in texture, and more importantly, taste.

Gluten-free breakfasts are simple and simply good again. Thanks to Van’s Natural Products.

October 12, 2011

Rudi’s makes a heavenly slice of (gluten-free) pizza

It is virtually impossible for me to eat pizza these days. Which is sad…honestly. Because I love pizza. I love everything there is about pizza. In fact, I love playing around with different toppings and seeing how the flavors mesh. But, being a gluten-free vegetarian doesn’t always make this easy. Especially around where I live. In fact…unless I venture over the Ohio river to one of two local places that offer a gluten-free pizza…then I’m usually out of luck.

And then Rudi’s gluten-free pizza crust came into my life. Literally. In a box from UPS.

Suddenly pizza was back on the menu. And better (and healthier) than any restaurant-served pizza, I now had the opportunity to prepare my own…any way I wanted it. The little allergic chef in me rejoiced at the opportunity to not only try a new product, but to lay down some new flavors in a pizza.

Here’s what I love about Rudi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crust…EVERYTHING!! First of all…the calorie and fat content beats any ready-made crust in stores. My roommate wanted to make regular pizza while I had gluten-free…but she didn’t like the nutrition information she was looking at. Aside from that, all the weird and unpronounceable ingredients in a lot of the store-bought pizza crusts can’t be good for your body. I recognized everyingredient on the Rudi’s gluten-free pizza crust package. In the end…my roommate got to have some gluten-free goodness for her pizza as well.

Seasoned Rudi's Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts — Rudi's Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts, seasoned with olive oil, rosemary and some crushed red pepper

That night’s pizza was a goat cheese and potato pizza with a splash of rosemary. Epic goodness…but only enhanced by the amazing crust that acted as it’s base. I laid out the crust, brushed it with a bit of olive oil and seasoned it with rosemary and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. I laid down some Mozzarella Flavor Veggie Shreds (that’s non-dairy mozzarella cheese), some very thinly sliced potato, chunks of goat cheese, and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes.

Into the oven it went and I crossed my fingers.

Here’s what I expect from a pizza crust (even the ready-made ones)…for it to bake to a delicious crisp. For it to not fall apart and drop all my toppings into my lap or onto my plate. For it to only add to the flavors of the pizza, and not take away from it. So, after baking in the oven, I pulled the pizzas out, sliced them to perfect portion size, and took my first bite.

The crust…was perfection. It had a sweet flavor to it, which really balanced out the flavors of the pizza toppings. It had a nice texture. The flavor was outstanding. I was hooked at my first bite. Seriously. I closed my eyes and took another bite, focusing on every burst of flavor from the crust. The texture was outstanding. And, the other half of the pizza was dinner the next night, so into the refrigerator it went. In most cases, pizza crusts grow soggy overnight in the fridge, making the next day’s pizza experience…not anywhere near as delicious as when it was freshly baked. But after about a minute in the microwave, the cheese was sizzling, the pizza was heated through, and the crust…still had crispness. It didn’t fall apart, even when reheated. That speaks volumes. I couldn’t believe how amazing this product was.

I will sing my praises for Rudi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts…because it is a slice of gluten-free heaven. The perfect combination of natural ingredients created the perfect crust for any pizza. It’s fantastic…either way you slice it. Choose your own toppings, go to town, and rest assured that your pizza will taste better than anything a local place with a gluten-free option can offer.

Craving pizza? Go hit up your grocery store for Rudi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts. They do pizza a favor by taking pre-made crusts to the next level, providing a gluten-free option, and making it naturally healthy and delicious. You can’t argue with perfection and that’s what Rudi’s offers in every delicious slice.

Pizza is back on this girl’s gluten-free menu…and it has never tasted so good!

Rosemary, Potato & Goat Cheese Pizza on Rudi's Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

October 11, 2011

Veggie Slices give a dairy-free twist to (grilled) cheese

It’s a classic. Grilled cheese. We eat it when we’re kids. We eat it as adults. There is just something that is so comforting about that sandwich. It’s comfort food. You can enjoy it in any season because it pairs well with soups, salads, or a side of potato chips. You can eat it with just cheese, or dress it up with caramelized onions, a slice or two of tomato, sauteed mushrooms, or whatever might please your palate that day. Gourmet grilled cheese restaurants and food shops are popping up everywhere. And we love it.

But sometimes cheese doesn’t love you back. When I discovered I was lactose intolerant, I had to find an alternative to one of my favorite comfort foods. My local grocery store, while it doesn’t have much, did have a variety of different flavors of Veggie Slices, one of the products that Galaxy National Foods produces. Having had good luck with their Veggie Shreds, I decided I would give it a shot.

Out of all the choices offered, I decided to go with the pepper jack flavor for my sandwich. After purchasing it, I brought it home and immediately started to warm up a skillet to make my sandwich. I opened the pack and pulled out one of the slices, very much like American cheese slices. Peeling back the plastic, I took out the “cheese” slice and placed it on some gluten-free bread. And so…into the pan it went.

A slice of Veggie Slices Pepper Jack Flavor "cheese"

My biggest concern was how it would melt. I love a gooey sandwich, where when you pull the grilled cheese slices apart, the cheese just stretches with it. I noticed that as my bread was toasting, the cheese wasn’t really melting. I gave it a flip, and continued it on the other side.

Plating up, I sliced it up…

Veggie Slices do melt…a little. But, I won’t hold the lack of gooey melty goodness against the company. Why? Because it tastes good. Just like cheese. This pepper jack flavor doesn’t have the spicy bite of real pepper jack, but there are undertones of that flavor. I mean, nothing will be as good as the real thing. But this is a good enough substitute. The “cheese” tasted like cheese…so that was a good start. And the slice did melt…just not up to what I grew up with. But…this is a different sort of grilled cheese, right? So it will be different.

Another thing I loved about Veggie Slices is how they are loaded with calcium. These slices don’t have any cholesterol or lactose in them. AND…they are gluten-free. Not only that, the calorie and fat content of these little slices are quite low, making them a great option for cheese lovers who are looking to cut a little fat out of their diet.

I think a lower heat might help the Veggie Slices melt better. A gradual heating of the bread as it toasts might give it a bit more time. But this product has a place in my fridge now. And I have two other flavors just waiting for me to give them a try. And I can’t wait…because for a cheese alternative…Veggie Slices does well. I was impressed. When my only complaint is that the pepper jack lacked the spice associated with it, well…that’s speaks highly of the product.

I look forward to trying Veggie Slices on gluten-free veggie burgers and other meals in the very near future. Great product for the cheese lover in all of us.

Veggie Slices Grilled Cheese — Grilled cheese sandwich using gluten-free bread and Veggie Slices Pepper Jack Flavor "cheese"

October 11, 2011

Koops’ Arizona Heat mustard spices up life

Mustard doesn’t have to be boring. Because…let’s face it. When we think of mustard, we usually think of that blinding yellow spread that gets slathered on sandwiches across the nation. Right? But mustard can be more than that and…it can taste better too.

Koops’ mustard products are a great example. Not only does Koops’ step outside of the usual flavors of mustard (you know…Dijon, yellow, etc.), but it gives consumers 8 options to choose from. Even better…all ingredients are natural and every flavor is gluten-free.

My friend, Amanda, dropped off two flavors at my apartment awhile back. I already reviewed the Dijon mustard in an earlier blog. The other one she handed over was Koops’ Arizona Heat mustard. Since I began this blog, my general rule is that if it is gluten-free and vegetarian, I will try everything.

This certainly fit the bill, so I started small with the mustard…and went from there. My first sojourn into the Arizona Heat was as a condiment on a grilled cheese sandwich. Normally, I add a smear of Laughing Cow cheese to my grilled cheese before placing it in the skillet. This time, I went for Koops’ Arizona Heat mustard. And…I found the flavor deliciously spicy. My next taste test was as a dip for my vegetarian chicken nuggets. PERFECT.

What makes this mustard work is the smooth, sweet taste at the beginning, and then the bite of spice that comes soon after. It’s that bite from the peppers that are blended into the mustard that bring the heat and really makes this blend of mustard work. I love it. It’s the right level of heat…not enough to overpower the flavor of the mustard itself, but enough to make it distinct. And that’s why Koops’ makes some of the finest mustard out there. Now, the tricky part is finding somewhere that carries this particular flavor…as I am running low since I use it on A LOT of my dishes.

If you like a bit of heat that doesn’t take away from the flavor of the condiment itself…nor the food…then try Koops’ Arizona Heat mustard. You will probably find yourself using it whenever and wherever possible too! Tasting is believing.

October 10, 2011

Easy to make, easy on the stomach – Annie’s gluten-free macaroni and cheese is easy to enjoy

Annie's Homegrown Gluten-Free Rice Pasta & Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

I feel the need to clear the air. I find boxed processed foods to be the enemy of our society. Yes, they are easy. Yes, they are quick when we have a busy day (and who out there doesn’t?), but fresh is best. That’s always been ingrained in my head, even growing up when my mom stopped buying the orange-powder mac & cheese in a box and made her own (and far more delicious) from scratch. I normally do this. But…sometimes the last thing I want to do is stand over a hot stove, stirring my almond milk and gluten-free flour to make my white sauce to melt my cheese over my noodles with.

On a weekend, sure. But when a macaroni and cheese craving hits while heading home from the office and your stomach has a case of the rumblies because your mid-afternoon snack didn’t hold you as long as you wanted.

Normally someone would grab the Kraft EZ Mac or the box with the pouch of neon orange powder off the shelf and spend the next 10 minutes whipping up an easy, satisfying mac and cheese meal. But when you are gluten-free, Kraft is not the answer.

Thank goodness for Annie’s Homegrown…the answer to a quick and inconvenient mac and cheese craving. Annie’s gives the gluten-free community a delicious, creamy, and healthy mac and cheese option. No…seriously! And while it does come complete with the neon orange powder pouch, the comparison ends there!

The noodles in Annie’s Homegrown are rice pasta. And they hold up very well under the boiling process to get them to the perfect consistency. They don’t fall apart like some cheaper gluten-free pastas do. And, more importantly, they don’t stick together. The calorie count, when compared to Kraft is cut cut dramatically. Annie’s gluten-free option is about 280 calories a serving as compared to Kraft’s 400. The sodium content in Annie’s is 390mg as compared to Kraft’s 580mg. Annie’s has less sugar and less cholesterol too.

Cheese sauce — Cheddar cheese powder mixed with unsweetened almond milk

It’s prepared like regular boxed macaroni and cheese. Boil water, add rice noodles…cook for about 10-12 minutes at a boil. However, instead of adding the powder to the cooked noodles, in a separate container, you take 1/4 cup of milk (I use unsweetened almond milk) and dump the cheese powder into it, mixing it up separately. Then, drain the noodles, put back in the pan and pour over the now-liquid cheese. For a creamier texture, the box invites you to add margarine/butter, but it’s not necessary and this is only an option. I chose not to use the margarine, and settled in with my bowl of easy gluten-free macaroni and cheese.

One bite and I was in easy-mac heaven. Seriously. It was creamy without the margarine. And by mixing the cheese separately, it meant that it didn’t have lumps or that grittiness that often comes with those boxed & powdered varieties. The flavor was cheddar cheese heaven. Just the right amount of flavor. The noodles were spot-on with consistency and texture.

While processed is never my first choice, on those days when I’m strapped for time, this is a great meal to prepare and enjoy without doing damage to your waistline or your budget. This gluten-free treasure is one of the less-expensive gluten-free food options out there. It’s hard to say no when it’s affordable and easy.

It will never replace my homemade macaroni and cheese, but it will always have a spot on a shelf in my pantry. In fact, I currently have two boxes on there for my next emergency dinner crisis! Thank you Annie’s Homegrown for giving us a flavor-filled burst of macaroni and cheddar cheese when needed most. My tummy thanks you!

Annie's Homegrown Gluten-Free Rice Noodles & Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese...done.

October 10, 2011

Nuts for Chex Honey Nut cereal

Thank goodness for flavor-packed gluten-free cereals of the variety I grew up with. Sometimes those brands and cereal names in the gluten-free aisle at the store and seem like a risk when it comes to finding the perfect breakfast cereal. Because if it doesn’t live up to expectations…if it isn’t as good as you hoped, well, you’re out of money and either stuck with it or have to throw it away. Neither of which are a good option in the end.

But then…there is General Mills’ Chex cereals. Growing up, this brand was only available in three flavors. Two of which are gluten-free. All of them made a delicious snack mix when combined with a few extra ingredients. But, recently, General Mills introduced three new flavors to their gluten-free lineup. Cinnamon, Chocolate, and Honey Nut. I have blogged about the first two. I couldn’t leave Honey Nut Chex out, right?

And why should I? I loved this flavor more than I thought I would. It was perfectly flavored, just the right amount of sweetness in each bite. Any more and it would have been too much. Any less and it would have lacked something. The sweet corn flavor is only enhanced with a touch of honey. It doesn’t overpower the cereal. Instead, it gives it a bit of added kick and a delicious end result.

I was skeptical when I bought this one, figuring I wouldn’t like it as much as the much more appealing Cinnamon Chex and Chocolate Chex. This was a nice surprise. And with Chex being the most affordable gluten-free cereal out there, the five gluten-free flavors available mean I can change it up whenever I want. Sometimes you want your breakfast to taste like breakfast, so cinnamon and chocolate aren’t your first go-to option. Honey nut, however, is a breakfast flavor I grew familiar with as a child while eating Cheerios. But the flavor in Honey Nut Chex far surpasses anything that bee was hawking.

Affordable and delicious…Honey Nut Chex has forever won a place in my pantry, my cereal bowl, and my heart. Don’t spend a fortune on gluten-free cereals you are unsure of. Find a brand you trust. And try every variety you can. Chex wins…with every gluten-free flavor they offer. Well done, General Mills. Well done, Chex!

October 5, 2011

Adding a little spice to your soup life

Pacific Natural Foods Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup

Soup is one of my favorite things in this world. I love soup. It’s light, but filling. It can be served alone or with a grilled cheese sandwich. It warms you up on a cold day. And the best part about this time of year is…it is totally soup season!

The problem since I went gluten-free, however, was finding brands that were safe for me to eat. Gluten hides in many things and soup can be a bit tricky.

Pacific Natural Foods is a brand I trust. A lot (not all) of their soups are gluten-free, which makes them a great go-to for boxed soups…when I need a quick meal and can’t make my own from scratch.

While out grocery shopping one morning, my roommate spotted Pacific Natural Foods’ Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup on closeout. It was labeled gluten-free, so I didn’t have to second-guess any of the ingredients, and it was on a major sale. So, we picked up two small boxes of it and decided to give it a try.

That week, the weather got a bit cooler so I made soup that night for dinner. It had been a busy day at the office, so something simple to warm up on the stove was ideal. The soup itself isn’t much to look at when you first pour it into the pan. As it cooks, however, the magic starts. It smells amazing as it warms itself on the stove. It was making my mouth water. Seriously!!

This is where the idiom of “Don’t judge a book by its cover” should be brought into play. As I said…it doesn’t look like much. I dished it up for my roommate and I, and settled in for dinner. My main concern was my roommate. She’s new to foods that have a bit of a “kick” to them. Spicy foods are something she’s adjusting her palate to. So the “chipotle” part of this soup was what concerned me. As for me, I love foods with spice. I like the flavor spices add to many dishes. So, I went into this feeling confident I would like it.

The verdict: we both loved it.

The spice wasn’t overpowering. In fact, it was just the right amount of heat. The sweet potatoes added a nice chunky texture to the soup, so it wasn’t just a thin broth. In fact, it bulked it up, made it a bit thicker than many of the Pacific Natural Foods soups. I didn’t expect to fall in love with this soup like I did, but it packs a flavor punch that excited every tastebud on my tongue. No lie. Spicy, thick, sweet, warm, rich, smooth…it was everything a soup should be.

And, sadly, as it was on closeout, I haven’t been able to find it at any grocery store since. Such a shame since I’d buy out the store if I found it again.

If you can find this soup at your grocery store…honestly, it’s worth buying. Packed with bold flavor, it was a fantastic find. I just wish I could find it on shelves now. It saddens me that such a fantastic product is no longer available here. However, I’m constantly on the search and one day…I’ll find it again. This soup is worthy of the hunt. I wouldn’t do it for any soup…just this one. It is that good.

A bowl of Pacific Natural Foods Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup

October 5, 2011May 9, 2013

French Meadow Bakery cupcake falls just short of délicieux

French Market Bakery Gluten-Free Yellow Cupcakes — French Meadow Bakery Gluten-Free Yellow Cupcakes

I’ll admit something straight off…I am not a big cake eater. I never have been. Add frosting to the mix and you’re setting yourself up for more of a challenge with me, because I’m the girl who scrapes off the frosting and gives it too a friend. So, when my roommate and I picked up a box of French Meadow Bakery’s Gluten-Free Yellow Cupcakes to celebrate an occasion, this product was already handicapped.

But…I always approach food with an open mind, because sometimes something will surprise me.

The box these four cupcakes come in states that inside are “delicious gluten-free yellow cupcakes topped with vanilla frosting.” I decided to give the entire thing a chance. Forget that I’m not a big cake eater and that I don’t like frosting and just…enjoy a simple treat.

French Meadow Bakery did cook up a good cupcake. But it didn’t wow me.

Thinking back on it, however, I think this product was handicapped in two ways:

I picked it up from my grocery store freezer section. Meaning…this had to thaw in the fridge before I could consume it.
After one bite with frosting, I scraped it off and gave it to my roommate.

When I took my first bite of the cupcake, I found it to be soft, but a little spongy. It wasn’t dense or too heavy. It was very light, packed with flavor, but the texture was a bit off for me. When I do eat cake, I like it to be moist, rich, soft. This was a little dry for my liking. Again, though, I have to remember this had previously been frozen.

I did give the vanilla frosting a fair shake. I ate a bite with it on there. But frosting just is too sweet for me in the end, so my roommate threw herself on it. She loved it and said it really added to the taste of the yellow cupcake. Perhaps that’s why she liked it more than I did. Her frosting added a touch of flavor. Maybe even improved on the dryness and spongy texture. I don’t know…and won’t know because the following night, I didn’t even eat the frosting. Just scraped it off and gave it to my roommate straight away.

This wasn’t a bad product by any means. As I said, the cupcake did have a lot of flavor. But it was just slightly off of delicious for me. It was good. But it wasn’t great. I was a bit let down by this, as it was my first gluten-free cupcake since parting ways with glutenous goodies.

Would I try their products again? Sure. I might even find a better way of ensuring the product is at its best when I sample it, instead of thawed in a refrigerator. And maybe next time…the wow factor will be there.

It just wasn’t this time.

As for the French Meadow Bakery…my grocery store does carry other items of theirs and I look forward to giving them a fair taste.

But for you connoisseurs of le petit four (that’s French for cupcake), give this product a fair shake. Perhaps it is more to your taste than mine.

Bon appétit!

French Market Bakery Gluten-Free Yellow Cupcake with Vanilla Frosting — French Meadow Bakery Gluten-Free Yellow Cupcake with Vanilla Frosting

October 4, 2011

Maple Grove Farms Butter Flavor Syrup – How Sweet It Is

Maple Grove Farms Syrup — Maple Grove Farms Sugar-Free (and Gluten Free) Butter Flavor Syrup

Honestly, French toast, waffles and pancakes (of the freshly made variety) are never as good when they aren’t drizzled with that sticky, sweet topping of syrup. They just seem unfinished. Plain. Not ready for consumption. Yet, the moment a garnish of syrup is applied to said breakfast food of choice…it’s like the finishing touch. And the finale is how delicious it tastes when you take bite after bite of it.

Growing up, I never liked maple syrup. Never. I’m still not overly fond of it, finding many varieties to be too sweet by nature. And, many store-bought varieties have added sweeteners and sugar. Even the sugar-free brands don’t always taste right.

Such was not the case with Maple Grove Farms syrup. The first thing that, naturally, got my attention was that it was labeled gluten-free. Bonus. It was sugar-free. Good. And it came in not only a maple flavor, but a butter flavor too, thus eliminating any need to smother extra butter on a delicious gluten-free waffle or pancake prior to submerging said breakfast in syrup. Since I was in need of a gluten-free syrup for breakfast, I decided to give Maple Grove Farms a try.

I wasn’t disappointed either. The butter flavor is just right. The fact that it is sugar-free means that it isn’t too sweet. And, naturally it is low in calories. When some breakfast foods already wrack up that calorie count, it’s nice to add flavor without totally destroying your allotment for the day.

Now…flavor. Buttery and rich, this easily coats the breakfast of choice and fills your mouth with flavor. It is smooth and not overpowering. The syrup isn’t meant to be the highlight of the dish, merely a compliment of it. And that’s what Maple Grove Farms managed with their sugar-free butter flavor syrup. It’s delicious. And I’ve run out to the store specifically for this syrup when I run out or run low unexpectedly. It’s the perfect addition to a carb-filled breakfast, without being too much. And that’s what makes this my favorite syrup…ever.

I promise, even if you aren’t big on syrup like me, you’ll enjoy this one!