Food – Page 14 – The Celiathlete

January 19, 2016

Product Review: Qrunch Classic Curry with Lentils Quinoa Burger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 15, 2016

Product Review: Walkers Gluten Free Ginger and Lemon Shortbread

Product: Walkers Gluten Free Ginger and Lemon Shortbread – $4.99+

The great kitchen purge continues!! It started with my cookware…got rid of all my old pots and pans and utensils I haven’t looked at in years…replaced what needed to be replaced…and now working my way through the last of the holiday impulse sweets that I purchased.

Hey…it happens.

A lot.

When it involves me and…COOKIES!

While I love my healthy and fit lifestyle, I do have a very soft spot for cookies. I am a Cookie Monster through and through. No doubt about that. Not even a little bit. Cookies are my kryptonite. Offer me any sort of dessert item…and if there are cookies…that’s what I want. Nothing beats the perfect, buttery, soft, crumbly, cookie.

Kooky for cookies. That’s me.

So, imagine the grab-and-buy mentality I had when I stepped into my local World Market just before I left for home for the holidays and found those infamous plaid Walkers shortbread boxes…but two…yes…TWO of them were labeled…GLUTEN FREE. HELLO. GOODNIGHT. TAKE MY MONEY!

Seriously…that’s how it all went down. With the holidays over and me at home, my roommate and I are working through the plethora of impulse buys and purchased sweets that have accumulated in the pantry. And after revisiting the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s (a holiday favorite and one I never pass up!), this past week, tonight it was time to choose a new treat. My roommate made the choice to give one of the two (there are three varieties – Ginger and Lemon; Chocolate Chip; Original…our World Market didn’t have the Original) boxes of the Walkers Gluten Free Shortbreads a try. And, since it was on top…the Ginger and Lemon was up first (scientific approach to choosing dessert…mastered).

Walkers Gluten Free Shortbreads contain the same butter and sugar content as their regular versions, but the wheat flour is replaced by a blend of rice flour, maize flour, and potato starch. Keeping true to Walkers custom, these cookies contain no artificial flavoring, coloring, or preservatives. They are certified gluten-free by the UK Coeliac Association, and meet the FDA standard for gluten-free as well. Walkers promise is that the cookies have “all the pure-butter taste, aroma, and texture you love, but without the gluten.”

Now…keep in mind, I am the girl that shipped a large tin…YES…TIN…of Walkers shortbread cookies to myself when I was in Scotland. I love…love shortbread. A good shortbread is crispy, crumbly, and buttery. Smooth, delicious, and rich. That’s a good shortbread. And let’s face it…when it comes to shortbread…Walkers is one of the best.

One bite…and I knew that Walkers can do anything when it comes to shortbread. They can make perfect, gluten-free, shortbread rounds and make them taste exactly like “the real thing.” The Walkers Gluten Free Ginger and Lemon Shortbread was flaky and buttery and savory and sweet and melt-in-your-mouth amazing. I loved the refreshing hits of lemon that followed up each tasty bite. And the little nibs of candied ginger just spark that much more flavor in each bite. I totally loved this cookie. In unhealthy, but healthy, ways. You know? I wasn’t expecting this product to be so like their original recipe. But the nice, cry crumb that you expect to find in shortbread, with that rich buttery flavor…it’s all there. This particular variety just turns it up a notch with a little citrus and spice. So much love.

Let’s talk about the ingredients that go into the Walkers Gluten Free Ginger and Lemon Shortbread, shall we? These cookies are made from their own gluten free flour blend (rice, potato starch, maize, stabilizer: xanthan gum), butter, sugar, candied stem ginger (stem ginger, sugar), ground ginger, lemon oil, and salt. Notice how you recognize every ingredient listed. Sure, this may be all about cookies, but at least they are cookies laden in chemicals, fillers, and preservatives.

As for the nutritional information, Walkers Gluten Free Ginger and Lemon Shortbread are…well…just as you would expect for a treat of cookies. A serving size is two (2) cookies and there are five (5) servings per box. Your two cookies will dish up 16o calories, 8 grams of fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 25 mg cholesterol, 75 mg sodium, 21 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 9 grams sugars, and 1 gram of protein. These are cookies and they are not meant to be filling, so don’t expect them to fill you up.

I have fallen in love with a lot of cookies in my life. But Walkers really stepped up and created a fantastic line of gluten-free versions of their famous, sought-after, amazing shortbread cookies. I am never going to give these up…because this took me back to a memory…and that is worth every bite of those cookies. And another trip to World Market. For more, of course.

January 13, 2016January 13, 2016

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

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

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

YES!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is one of my new favorite treats.

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

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

January 12, 2016

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

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

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

I was fortunate enough to be sent one loaf of each of the Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads from Food For Life. These loaves come in Original 3 Seed, Almond, Cinnamon Raisin, and Flax.

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

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

How could this be a bad thing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s discuss the ingredients that go into the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread, shall we? This particular type of bread is made from organic sprouted quinoa (red and/or white), filtered water, organic arrowroot, organic potato starch, organic raisins, organic sprouted millet, organic tapioca, organic applesauce, fresh yeast, organic safflower oil, organic cactus, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic agave, organic vanilla organic cinnamon, sea salt, vegetable gum (xanthan, cellulose), and organic psyllium. Made with sprouted chia, sprouted quinoa, and sprouted millet, this bread is a trio of health. Not only is it made with sprouted grains (which are SO good for you!), it is also vegan, gluten-free, and high in fiber. It is so rare for a gluten free bread to be high in fiber. This is a welcome addition to my freezer.

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

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

Recipe: Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter Coconut Bread Pudding

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

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

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

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

Drizzle melted butter over bread.

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

Once liquid is absorbed, pour into the baking dish.

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

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

~*~*~

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

ENJOY!

December 1, 2015December 1, 2015

Product Review: Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar

ee080a2e-3a96-441b-888b-fa0cd29262dd_zpsi4tea8zk — Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar

Product: Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar – $2.49+

I am not going to lie. I’m never without a protein bar of some sort. When you have food allergies, it is always best to be prepared. And, sometimes I get a little daring and try new things. New brands can be a scary thing. Sometimes you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.

On a recent trip up to Columbus, Ohio, I was (shockingly) shopping at Raisin Rack and raiding all the gluten free stuff. Seriously. This is what I do. Upon reaching the checkout, I spotted, in their line up of protein bars (there are few candy bars at their checkouts…mostly energy bars/protein bars)…something marked gluten-free…and the words…PUMPKIN SPICE printed on it.

So, I picked it up…flipped it over…looked it over…and put it back. Cathy (the roomie) spotted this and reached over, snagged it, and put it up on the belt for checkout. Guess I was going to get to try it after all. The bar was Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar.

It came home with me, and due to a lack of preparation, I had nothing to nosh on after my swim this morning at the gym, so I tossed the Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar into my bag, went for my swim, and then came into work.

Good! Greens has a goal, which is to help everyone be their best good. What is good? Good is a mindset that drives everything we do and make. For Good! Greens, it’s all about good ingredients, good practices and good community. Good is what we eat, how we care for ourselves, and how we care for others. And Good! Greens uses a formula in all of their bars that uses 100% fruits and vegetables, providing an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants, and a clinically proven probiotic for digestive and immune health. It’s a power bar that gives you everything your body needs…without all the filler.

I had a few doubts, to be honest. Upon opening the wrapper, I pulled out this little bar that was coated in this white confectionery coating. I broke it in half, noting the Lärabar-like middle. I took a taste…and was actually impressed. The texture was a bit chewy and hard, but I think some of that was from sitting in the cold car while I was swimming at the gym. But the flavor was great. The pumpkin flavor was just enough…not overpowering. And that coating…amazing. It really made it feel more like a dessert than a protein bar. It even filled me up. I ended up being surprised by this bar. Not my favorite…but not bad. It was a nice surprise and one that makes me even more curious about their other flavors of bars.

Let’s talk about the ingredients that go into the Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar! This bar is made from fruitrim (natural fruit juices and grain dextrin), sunflower seed butter (sunflower kernels, sunflower oil, soybean oil, molasses, salt), dairy free confectionery coating (evaporated cane juice, palm kernel oil, soymilk powder, soy lecithin [emulsifier], vanilla), brown rice protein, good greens superfood powder, agave syrup, gluten free oats, soy protein crisps, chicory root fiber, natural pumpkin flavor, peanut paste (peanuts, salt). This bar is vegan, gluten free, contains probiotics, and is made from real fruits and vegetables.

As for nutritional information, this actually stacks up really nice for a protein bar. A serving of the Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar is the entire bar. This bar will deliver 189 calories, 8 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 19 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 14 grams sugar, and 10 grams of protein. It is a nutritional powerhouse, for sure!

These days, I’m searching for better foods with less processed ingredients that are more real than fake. Good! Greens Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Bar definitely fit that demand. I was quite happy with this bar. It was a nice change from my usual suspects.

November 23, 2015November 23, 2015

Product Review: Milton’s Craft Bakers Gluten Free Everything Baked Crackers

Product: Milton’s Craft Bakers Gluten Free Everything Baked Crackers – $3.59+

I wish I could remember where I picked up the pouch of Milton’s Craft Bakers Gluten Free Everything Baked Crackers…but I don’t remember. I think…think…they came from my local Kroger. Possibly one of those days where my roommate threw something into the cart, off list, to surprise me. Who knows for sure.

What I do know is that I have a pouch of Milton’s Craft Bakers Gluten Free Everything Baked Crackers…so why not pair it with a hearty (and healthy) chowder for lunch today? Hey, if I have the product, I best use said product! It does no good just sitting in my pantry (or in this case, in the basket on top of my fridge).

Today, I popped them open.

Milton’s Craft Bakers began in 1995 with the opening of Milton’s Restaurant and Delicatessen in Del Mar, California, offering up wholesome and great tasting foods in the tradition of the delis of New York City. The founders then continued their passion by creating their own breads for any sandwiches they served. The customers loved the bread so much that they wanted to take it home with them…and thus…Milton’s Baking Company was born. Since then, their line of delicious and nutritious breads has grown, and they have since developed an assortment of flavorful crackers made with the same whole grains that they make those famous breads with. But, wait for just a moment. That’s not all. This past summer, Milton’s stepped into the gluten-free realm by offering a new line of crackers and cookies, that they state are so good that consumers won’t know for a moment that they are gluten-free. The crackers come in four (4) varieties: Cheddar Cheese, Crispy Sea Salt, Everything and Multi-Grain. The cookies have three (3) varieties: Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate Chip, and Snickerdoodle.

I haven’t seen the cookies yet…but…now that I’ve had the crackers…I’d love to try them. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty here. I never do anything basic, so when faced with a flavor option, I aim to be different. Now, these might have been the only offerings at the mystery store where I mysteriously picked these up…but…either way, why start with Multi-Grain and Crispy Sea Salt? I can’t do cheese…so EVERYTHING!

Being a New Yorker…I love me a good (gluten free) everything bagel. I really, really do. It has every wonderful flavor packed into each bite. You want poppy seeds…yep…in there. Sesame seeds…also in there. Onion and caraway…got that too! EVERYTHING literally means…everything. And any New Yorker appreciates this flavor.

But…did the flavor come across in cracker form? YES! Oh yes. First of all, these crackers have an abundance of flavor, without being a distraction. Everything about this cracker is right and good in the world. Simple pleasures come in simple packages…and this was one I am glad I somehow ended up with. These crackers are made with 7 grains and 4 seeds, which are perfect for snacking, stacking and dipping. For reals. The texture is thin, and crispy. I don’t want a cracker that wilts in soups and stews. I want it to keep that texture and crispiness when I dip, or spoon heaps of the soup onto the top of these. Oh yeah…these went above and beyond all expectations. And, yes, they have that perfect everything I love about everything everything (did you follow that?) flavor. It’s turning the best bagel in the world into a chip…that makes it so versatile and amazing. And I am a happier snacker because of it.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that Milton’s Craft Bakers puts into the Gluten Free Everything Baked Crackers. These crackers are made from brown rice flour, gluten free oats, potato flakes, potato starch, corn flour, high oleic sunflower oil (tocopherols, rosemary extract and ascorbyl palmitate added as an antioxidant), rice flour, cane sugar, white toasted sesame seeds, molasses granules (syrup, molasses), spice blend (poppy seeds, caraway seeds, sesame seeds, dehydrated onion), sugar, black sesame seeds, sea salt, millet, whey protein concentrate, poppy seeds, quinoa seeds, amaranth, autolyzed yeast, baking soda, monocalcium phosphate, sunflower lecithin, salt, sodium acid pyrophosphate, garlic powder, natural butter flavor, and caraway seeds. These crackers are non-GMO verified, certified gluten free, wheat free, kosher, and vegetarian.

As for nutrition information, the Milton’s Craft Bakers Gluten Free Everything Baked Crackers are actually a healthy option when paired against other snacks out there. A serving size is about 14 crackers (30 grams) and there are around 4.5 servings per package. A serving will provide you with 130 calories, 4 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 180 mg sodium, 21 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 3 grams sugars, and 2 grams protein.

These baked (not fried) crackers definitely deliver on their promise to provide a healthier snack without the gluten! These are one of the best crackers I have had in my gluten-free life. And I love crackers. They are even (dare I say it?) better than Crunchmaster! Pair it with a spread, soup, or just snack on them on their own. However you do it…just do it. I’d hate to have you miss out on these delicious snack crackers.

November 23, 2015

Product Review: Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop Holidrizzle Pumpkin Spice Kettle Corn

4deb8ef5-48fb-471b-b5a8-575408a22f2b_zpsrksmisr2 — Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop Holidrizzle Pumpkin Spice Kettle Corn

Product: Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop Holidrizzle Pumpkin Spice Kettle Corn – $4.99+

Thanks to my dear friend, Jenn, I was able to get my hands on a bag of the latest Holidrizzle flavor from Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop Kettle Corn line. Because, I never did get my hands on a bag around here. I just couldn’t find it.

So, up until then, I figured the Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop Holidrizzle Pumpkin Spice Kettle Corn was simply a rumor. But, I have friends who are beyond aware of my obsession with pumpkin…EVERYTHING (save pumpkin pie…gross!).

Yep. I’m one of those pumpkin freaks. But…even more important, I am a popcorn freak. It is, by far, my favorite snack. EVER! I love popcorn and could eat it every day. And when Angie’s came along with their extensive lineup of Boom Chicka Pop popcorn flavors…life got a little sweeter for sure. And then…one winter season around Christmas…the first of the Holidrizzle bags arrived. And I was hooked for life. The original two flavors: Dark Chocolatier Sea Salt and White Chocolatier Peppermint – and, trust me, they were beyond addictive. I could eat an entire bag if I didn’t dole out serving sizes to nosh on. They are that amazing.

So, when summer faded into fall and the first of the Pumpkin Spice treats began emerging (I think everyone waits on Starbucks and the latte). And I had heard of this new Holidrizzle flavor from Angie’s. But, all I could find out here was the Candy Corn flavor. I don’t like candy corn, so I wasn’t interested. I was, however, beyond interested in the Pumpkin Spice variety.

And Jenn picked me up a bag. And last night…after my delicious dinner…it was dessert.

Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop began in a garage in Minnesota where Dan and Angie Bastian wanted to do something fun with their kids, while showing them the value of hard work. And, from that decision, their amazing kettle corn recipe emerged into a business, with product being sold at local events. Soon, even the NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings, took notice. The rest was history. The Boom Chicka Pop kettle corn recipes are all non-GMO and certified gluten-free. Every product. All of them. Every variety is a better-for-you snack with simple ingredients, calorie transparency, and great taste. It pairs well with EVERYTHING and ANYTHING. Trust me. I ate mine after eating Chinese food. HA! It doesn’t get much better than small-batch popcorn being made with simple ingredients and wowing even the casual popcorn lover with flavor and taste.

So…the Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop Holidrizzle Pumpkin Spice Kettle Corn was ripped into last night. I breathed it in. And it smelled…like buttery popcorn. Huh. Interesting. I dished out a serving in a really awesome skull and crossbones bowl and served it up to my roommate. From the initial handful, I noticed that the popcorn pieces were dusted (some more heavily than others) with different seasonings. I didn’t see a drizzle anywhere. But when I went to dish up mine…my fingers round the melty bit of white chocolate on one of the pieces. There was my delicious, sweet, and addicting drizzle. I was trying to figure out how it could be a Holidrizzle without a drizzle…so, thankfully, the drizzle was there. Panic averted. I asked Cathy what she thought of it and she said, “It tastes like cinnamon…I don’t really get pumpkin.”

And…she’s right. So, if you’re “not a fan of pumpkin” then you will actually like this. Because when I tested it, I got the warm fall spices (cinnamon, nutmeg…and then the sweetness from the very light drizzle that some of the pieces were treated to. It was definitely delicious. And I would certainly eat and eat and eat these quite happily…but if you are one who wants that powerful pumpkin flavor, this is not the mix for you. Not at all. But, if you like a pumpkin spice latte…that’s what this is. That’s the flavor. Delicate spices…but not really pumpkin. Just…pumpkin-y…without any real…pumpkin. It’s a gentle, generous flavor and it blended so well with the sweet and salty nature of the kettle corn. Beyond addictive for sure.

Let’s look at ingredients, shall we? Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop Holidrizzle Pumpkin Spice Kettle Corn is made with cane sugar, popcorn, sunflower oil, palm and palm kernel oil, whey powder, nonfat milk powder, spices, sea salt, natural flavors, and soy lecithin (emulsifier). This popcorn is certified gluten free. And certified tasty.

As for nutritional information, Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop Holidrizzle Popcorn is not bad…or a drizzled treat. A serving of this popcorn is 1-1/2 cups (28 grams). There are about 4.5 servings per bag. In this serving, you will be consuming 140 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 80 mg sodium, 18 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 11 grams sugars, and 1 gram protein. Not a filling treat, but then again, it doesn’t need to be. Careful though…it’s addictive.

While I think a part of me expected a little more of that BOOM…PUMPKIN flavor in Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop Holidrizzle Pumpkin Spice Kettle Corn, it doesn’t deminish the fact that this popcorn is awesome. It’s light, salty, sweet, and tastes like fall. If you are a snob about your pumpkin flavor, this may not be the product for you. But, if you love something that screams pumpkin spice flavors…with a little drizzle of sweet heaven…then I encourage you to purchase a bag of this popcorn and eat it at your own risk. Trust me, it won’t last long.

November 19, 2015

Product Review: Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers

Product: Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers – $3.99+

Growing up, I often cherished the smaller, simpler things in life. Like…drinking soda at Grandma and Grandpa’s house…because they let us have an entire can instead of splitting it three ways between us. Or…being treated to pre-dinner cookies while at the lake cabin with my grandparents (grandparents are the best!). This often meant Pecan Sandies or…Nilla Wafers.

Yep…I blame my absolute love of Nilla wafers on my grandma. My grandma LOVED her sweets (I come by it honestly), and while she was very much a chocolate lover…she always seemed to have a box of Nilla Wafers at the lake or in her pantry at home. Without fail.

And if we looked like we needed or wanted a snack…Nilla Wafers were it.

Already a big cookie monster (yeah…you know I am!)…I haven’t had Nilla Wafers in a long time. And when I was diagnosed as a Celiac…they were gone for good.

*sad violin*

Or…so I thought! One afternoon, while walking the aisles at my local Meijer, I dropped into the gluten-free section just to see if there was anything new or interesting. Turned out…there was!

GLUTEN. FREE. VANILLA. WAFERS.

The image on the box had the buttery looking rounds that I remembered from my childhood. And so…a box traveled from store to pantry just like that. And in my head…I had it all planned out. I was going to make a banana cream pie with them. How great would that be?! Except…I’m not the biggest fan of pie…so that aspiration sort of fell to the wayside and this box sort of just…sat on a shelf. And cookies should never just sit on a shelf.

Tonight, that all changed. With the banana cream pie out of the question now…I thought, “Hey…I used to eat these things straight up, right out of the box…why should that have to change?” The answer: It doesn’t. And tonight…it didn’t.

After wrapping up an amazing dinner of Texas Queso-dillas (vegan, gluten-free noms!), I did up the dishes and retrieved this box from the pantry shelf. The time had come. And I had high hopes that these would bring back all those feels from my childhood. I dished up a serving to my roomie and a serving to me…and as we finished up The Muppets episode that we missed…we noshed.

She never was into Nilla Wafers (because she’s weird), so she thought these were “pretty good.” *sigh* She doesn’t know something amazing when she bites into it. These cookies were beyond fantastic. Every happy moment from grandma’s house involving Nilla Wafers came rushing back to me when I bit into my first Kinnikinnick Gluten Free Vanilla Wafer. The taste was sweet and vanilla-y. The cookie had that soft center and that golden outside, that wasn’t crunchy, but wasn’t just chewy either. It was the full-out, real-deal, fantastic gluten-free interpretation of a childhood favorite. And if I didn’t portion out these things before settling in to eat, I probably would have devoured the entire box. Kinnikinnick has been awesome about bringing back childhood favorites…like graham crackers (S’moreables…HELLO S’MORES!), and Oreos (KinniTOOS), and pumpkin spice donuts (I haven’t actually found these yet…), and BLUEBERRY bagels (which have been reformulated, so while I didn’t LOVE them back when I began this gluten-free journey…a revisit might be happening). I haven’t found any other gluten-free company turning out childhood classics that are SO close to the real thing that it actually makes you double-check the box.

Yep…Kinnikinnick has definitely won my heart over once again. And all it took was these little vanilla cookies. Because this, my dear friends…this was my childhood!

Let’s discuss the ingredients that go into Kinnikinnick’s Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers! These cookies are made from cane sugar, water, potato starch, white rice flour, non-hydrogenated palm oil shortening (palm oil, modified palm oil), pea starch, tapioca starch, egg whites, cellulose powder, tapioca syrup, pure vanilla extract, salt, cellulose, baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, pea starch, mono calcium phosphate), sunflower lecithin, natural colour, and natural flavor. This product is gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and are kosher. These cookies are also free of soy, sulphites, mustard, fish/shellfish, sesame, corn, and yeast.

As for nutritional information, the Kinnikinnick Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers are cookies and a treat. So…remember that. A serving is 8 wafers (36 grams) and there are about 5 servings per box. You will be chowing down on 160 calories, 5 grams fat, 2.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, 27 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 12 grams sugar, and 1 gram of protein. I love that they are bite-size cookies that give you a treat without really feeling guilty about it. Their vanilla sweetness is just enough to satisfy without being too sugary sweet. LOVE that balance.

So, yeah…the great pantry clean-out is on. And these are the last remaining cookies in there. I am sort of sad to polish these off and move onto something else…but now that I know where to buy these, you better believe they’ll be an every-now-and-again treat.

And, who knows…maybe I will get around to making that banana cream pie someday.

November 16, 2015

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

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

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

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

I’m often busy.

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

Especially when it involves dark chocolate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

And for that, I am one very happy chocoholic.

November 16, 2015

Product Review: Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix

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

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

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

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

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

For those of you who are not familiar with Cuisine Cube, let me give you the rundown. Cuisine Cube is a subscription service that delivers 5-6 gluten-free, full-size products to your door for as little as $34.99/month. Inside the cube, you will discover full-size products (not sample sizes) that are made by local and smaller, artisan companies, rather than those that you can find at the average grocery store. It has introduced me to so many new and delightful products. Each box contains a breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert product…and then, sometimes, an extra bonus item. Who doesn’t love a little something extra, right? Keep in mind, however, that Cuisine Cube has gone through some changes as of May. No longer do they strictly only offer gluten-free cubes. In addition to their gluten-free option, they now also offer Artisan and Vegan cubes as well. The Artisan cube means that you have no food allergies and foods that contain common food allergens will be included. The Vegan cubes contain products that are dairy and animal free. And, they still have the Gluten Free cubes, which will have products that contain no gluten or wheat. So, if you’re really interested in being introduced to the smaller, lesser-known, artisan companies, give Cuisine Cube a try! It’s like…Christmas…or your birthday…every month! Who doesn’t love that?! I did love it and I hope I’m able to resubscribe next year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sevier Family