Frozen – Page 19 – The Celiathlete

June 23, 2013

Udi’s wins on size and flavor, but falls short on texture with new Gluten-Free Plain Tortillas

Special Delivery of Udi’s Gluten-Free Goodies – including brand new products!

Product: Udi’s Gluten-Free Plain Tortillas (large) – $5.20+

Mmmm…food in taco form is always a good thing. I love tacos. I love burritos. I love breakfast wraps. I love just about anything you could possibly think about wrapping up in a tortilla. Seriously. As long as it fits into my diet, I’m all about it. And I definitely love Mexican-inspired dishes. The problem with that is that sometimes it’s hard to find full-size tortillas to work with the dish you have in mind.

Well, awhile back, I received a nice box of goodies from Udi’s Gluten-Free Foods, containing a mix of some of their new and some of their classic products. I was overjoyed to see quite a few of the items in that box and have definitely fallen in love with them…or fallen back in love with some of the classics I had ages ago and haven’t yet worked my way back around to purchasing again. Let’s face it…when it comes to taste and texture, Udi’s is constantly one of the front runners in the market.

Udi's Gluten-Free Plain Tortillas (Large) — Udi’s Gluten-Free Plain Tortillas (Large)

One of the new products that was included in this box of Udi’s goodness were the new Gluten-Free Plain Tortillas. Udi’s recently came out with these tortillas that look and feel like regular flour tortillas. Honestly. I was simply amazed when I went to use these in a recipe. I mean…wow. It was just like those days when I didn’t have to worry about eating a flour tortilla. I was so excited about putting my vegan shrimp taco fixings on this tortilla too.

I was sent the package of the larger varieties of these tortillas. Awesome. They also come in smaller, taco-sized tortillas as well. So you get your pick. I was ready to have a soft-shelled taco again in my life. And these were such a different feel than the ones I’ve had from Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery, so I was definitely looking forward to seeing how they worked with my fillings of choice.

I’ve cooked these tortillas up two different ways, and I have to say…while I do enjoy the flavor and the taste of these…I’m having a hard time with the tortillas themselves. They are definitely delicious…but the texture is off.

Udi's Gluten-Free Plain Tortilla (Large) — Udi’s Gluten-Free Plain Tortilla (Large)

The first time I made up my vegan shrimp tacos, I prepared the tortillas using the microwave method. This means I wrapped the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwaved them for the recommended time. Then, these tortillas were piled on with the fillings, lettuce, onion, vegan shrimp, avocado, and some vegan Sriracha sour cream (my invention). I carried a plate of one tortilla stuffed with taco goodness over to my roommate…and sadly…the tortilla crumbled. It just…fell apart. Mine was the same way. So, I ended up grabbing for a fork and we finished off our meal that way.

Last night, I decided to do the warm in a dry skillet technique, hoping for better results. Crossing my fingers, I heated up my large skillet on the stove and placed a tortilla on it to warm before flipping it over and doing the same on the other side. I repeated with the second tortilla. I once again loaded up all the delicious fillings form my Vegan Shrimp Tacos and carried one plate over to my roommate and enjoyed the other for myself. This time, I found that I could pick up the tortilla, however the texture was a bit gummy. So, while my first attempt had the perfect texture, it crumbled…and my second attempt had held up to the toppings, but the texture was off.

I’m at a loss.

I have two more of the 6 toritllas that are included in the pack to go through. I think it will be interesting to see how my third attempt making something with these tortillas turns out. I think I might go classic quesadilla this time and see if that works out in the end. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, because I haven’t read about anyone else having such issues with these tortillas.

I will say this…if you want the feel and the flavor of a flour tortilla…probably something you’ve been missing, this is the tortilla that will fulfill that craving. It is spot on!! However, so far…my attempts at utilizing them for eating has been an epic fail. I love Udi’s…but when I want to eat a taco…I want to pick it up and eat it like a taco.

Yeah…I think the quesadilla thing is next. Hopefully it will have a better result.

Nutritionally speaking, Udi’s Gluten-Free Plain Tortillas aren’t don’t fare too bad. Not really. One tortilla serves up 170 calories and 4 grams of fat. In addition to that, you get served 5 filling grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. They are relatively low in sodium for a processed food (330 mg) and they are cholesterol free. NICE! You can fill them, stuff them, fold them, and do whatever you like to bring them to life and (hopefully) have good results. My attempts have been an epic fail thus far, but I’m not giving up. Not yet.

I have faith in Udi’s and stand behind their products a lot. However…checking the ingredients…not sure how I feel about modified potato starch being on that ingredient list. Gluten-free foods…should be healthy and not laden with excessive calories or fat. For the most part, Udi’s follows this. But…modified foods, I do have a problem with. So, hopefully they will begin working that out of the ingredients in the future.

So, as far as tortilla love goes…I love certain aspects of this product…but other parts of it don’t work for me. You will feel like you’re eating a real flour tortilla…and that is something no gluten-free tortilla that has come before it has managed. If I can just figure out that perfect cooking procedure and get the product to either not crumble or have a gummy texture…we’ll be in business.

I’ll let you know how those quesadillas turn out.

For now…on the fence with these. It’s not love/hate…but it’s love/like/dislike at the moment. So, there is room for improvement. And hopefully…improvement will happen.

Udi's Gluten-Free Plain Tortilla topped with Sophie's Kitchen Gluten-Free Vegan Breaded Shrimp, red onion, avocado, and vegan Sriracha sour cream — Udi’s Gluten-Free Plain Tortilla topped with Sophie’s Kitchen Gluten-Free Vegan Breaded Shrimp, red onion, avocado, and vegan Sriracha sour cream

June 21, 2013

Loving the Gluten-Free Iced Lemon Cake from Truly Wize Bakery

Product: Truly Wize Bakery Gluten-Free Iced Lemon Cake – $6.95

Lemon.

Who doesn’t love lemon. There is just something so refreshing about a dish that is flavored with lemon. It’s crisp. It’s delicious. It’s my favorite flavor to use as a palate cleanser. And…one of my favorite flavors for a dessert. Like I said…it’s refreshing.

Remember that Cinnamon Coffee Cake I picked up at the gluten-free expo I attended in Carmel, Indiana? Well, my roommate got to pick a cake too, and as she is as much of a lemon freak as I am, she went with the Iced Lemon Cake from Truly Wize Bakery. So…here we were…two girls…two cakes…and a freezer. And a time span of a couple months. I knew they were in there…it was just a matter of getting the pantry down to managable levels before hitting up the freezer. My biggest concern was that these cakes would suffer for having spent so much time in the freezer.

They didn’t. Not at all.

As I mentioned previously in my blog on the Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Truly Wize Bakery, a gluten-free and allergen-free bakery, is based out of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Their Web site states that their mission is simple: they want to provide delicious, healthy, premium quality gluten-free and allergy-free cookies, cakes, brownies, and other confections without the use of wheat, gluten, dairy, butter, soy, peanuts, artificial colors and flavors. They carry this out by using the finest selection of premium natural and organic ingredients from growers and suppliers who are committed to the highest environmental standards. Everything they make is from scratch in a dedicated gluten-free facility and baked to order so that everything is also fresh. You gotta love that.

The bakery was brought to life by the Chef/Founder Caren Weaver, who was on a mission to create healthier desserts for her children. Her passion for baking kick-started this plan and she finally decided to really only incorporate organic and natural ingredients in her handcrafted, gluten-free products. With the evolution of the gluten-free market, and the fact that one of her friends was a diagnosed Celiac, Caren set out to make gluten-free products that her friend could enjoy. They had to taste great.

So…obviously if my roommate and I sampled the lemon cake…and then bought it…it actually must have tasted great.

The fact was, it had been so long since we had those samples…I couldn’t remember.

Since the cake was frozen, I set it out on the counter while I was at work that day to allow it to thaw. I wasn’t sure what this would do to the cake. It didn’t seem to harm the Cinnamon Coffee Cake I had a few days before…but this actually had icing on it. So, it was a little bit different. That night, after having leftovers for dinner, dessert was just as easy as slicing into the cake and serving it up. The icing survived the thawing process better than anticipated, though it was nowhere near the beauty it was when I originally purchased it. But…it’s one of those little sacrifices. Aside from that, flavor-wise, you’d never guess this cake was frozen…ever!

Luscious lemon flavor explodes across your taste buds with this fantastic cake. It’s that right balance too. Sometimes lemon can take over and just overwhelm your palate. Not in this case. The lemon cake with the lemon icing finds that perfect citrus balance so that it doesn’t cause your eyes to water and your lips to pucker. This cake is incredibly rich and incredibly moist. And I loved every bite of it. I tried not to hoover it and devour it without any thought, but took time to taste…get the full effect of the flavor and the texture.

And, nutritionally speaking, the nutrition facts attached to this cake aren’t so bad. Not for…a cake. The Iced Lemon Cake serves 4 people and one square of this cake will provide you with 95 calories and 5 grams of fat. That’s not bad for a slice of cake. I love having a dessert under 100 calories. It tastes like it should be laden with calories and fat…but thankfully, it’s not. This cake is rich and moist and tastes so refreshing, it’s hard to believe it’s only 95 calories per serving. Trust me…you won’t believe it either. But…a healthier option for a dessert is always welcome. And while you do only get a little square of cakey goodness…it’s just enough after a meal. A couple of bites and dessert is done.

I know that we don’t all have gluten-free expos that crop up near where we live. I also realize that Truly Wize is based out of Pennsylvania. But, never fear. The Web site is set up to take orders that will be shipped to you. So, yes, now even you can give these fantastic products a try. I highly recommend their fantastic cakes. But now I’m seriously thinking about heading over to their Web site and trying out their cookies, brownies, and OMG…they have cinnamon rolls!!! Go and browse through the goodness (with pictures) at the Truly Wize Bakery Web site and, trust me, order something. If the two cakes I purchased are any indication of how the rest of their products are, then everything is a real treat. A healthier version of a real treat!

I was truly surprised by the products that Truly Wize Bakery offers. The cakes were both fantastic. One was refreshing, the other was sinful. And both were fantastic. I love this lemon cake…because the lemon isn’t too much, nor is it too subtle. It makes that last bite after a meal a truly memorable one. And with it being gluten-free and allergen free as well…even better.

Find their products…or order online. But trust me…this bakery is not to be missed.

A slice of Truly Wize Gluten-Free Iced Lemon Cake

June 21, 2013

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake a Truly Wize splurge

Product: Truly Wize Bakery Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake – $12.95

Oh, great Gluten-Free Expo that I attended back in October…I returned with so many fond memories…and some great items that I either was given to sample or purchased to try. That was a good time. And I came across vendors, brands, and foods that I didn’t even know existed. And that’s saying something being that I have been a member of the Celiac club for over two years now.

But, these tasting fairs and expos are great experiences and a good way to learn about other brands, other companies, local businesses, restaurants, and the like who do cater to the gluten-free community. This particular expo was taking place up in Carmel, Indiana. It was the Gluten-Free Living Now Expo…and unlike the last expo I attended in Indianapolis, this one was HUGE. It filled a banquet hall from end-to-end, rows and rows of vendors, grocery stores, local bakeries, not-so-local bakeries, restaurants, etc. filled the space. I was happily overwhelmed.

My roommate and I took our time, walking the aisles, taking samples, talking to the people at the tables. We wanted to really soak in the experience and not feel rushed like we normally do at these events. We even made some splurge purchases. There are so many great deals at these expos…prices on products you can find in stores that you’ll never get anywhere else. Like I said…we splurged a little.

One such splurge came from a bakery that was giving out samples of some of their cakes. I love cake. And two of these weren’t frosted. Even better…since I don’t like frosting. My roommate and I stepped up and spoke to the nice woman at the table. She offered samples of either the Chocolate Decadence Cake, the Cinnamon Coffee Cake, or the Iced Lemon Cake. Cathy immediately jumped on the sample of the lemon cake. Me…I went with the cinnamon one, as cinnamon is one of my favorite things in the wold.

Moist. Delicious. OMGSOGOOD!

Splurge purchase. We bought two of the three cakes…the two we sampled. SOLD…with one little bite. That’s how you know you’re doing something right.

The bakery is actually based out of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. And it is Truly Wize Gluten-Free Bakery…which is a gluten-free and allergen-free bakery. Their Web site states that their mission is simple: they want to provide delicious, healthy, premium quality gluten-free and allergy-free cookies, cakes, brownies, and other confections without the use of wheat, gluten, dairy, butter, soy, peanuts, artificial colors and flavors. They carry this out by using the finest selection of premium natural and organic ingredients from growers and suppliers who are committed to the highest environmental standards. Everything they make is from scratch in a dedicated gluten-free facility and baked to order so that everything is also fresh. You gotta love that.

Well, that mission was definitely a success.

Like I said…this expo took place back in October, so the cakes that we purchased have been taking up space and residence in my freezer. But, with this past week being so crazy and I needed a break from the pre-packaged cookies I’ve been going through in my pantry of gluten-free doom…I reached into the freezer and grabbed the Truly Wize Bakery Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake. I put it on the counter while I was at work to allow it to thaw out. I wasn’t sure how this would affect the cake…but I went with it. Hoping for the best.

Returning home, I had a busy night, including a circuit workout and a dinner to make. I’ve been very pressed for time lately as my schedule is getting kind of crazy and hectic. But…I do get by. With an already hectic day behind me and a super-busy evening, the fact that dessert was ready and waiting for me on my counter made my night. Honestly. I’m a dessert girl…it’s something I always treat myself to. Nothing big. Just a little palate cleanser after a meal. I have to have it.

So, after devouring dinner…it was time to give Truly Wize Bakery’s Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake a try. The expo where I first sampled the cake was so long ago, the flavor memory had left me. I pulled off the top of the eco-friendly packaging and sliced into it. I expected it to be dry from the months it sat in the freezer. Quite the opposite. This cake was moist and soft. I was already elated. I scooped out a slice for my roomie and then one for me. We settled in for dessert…

…and…there it was. The reason I purchased this cake in the first place. Amazing. Moist. Flavorful. Not heavy or dense. This coffee cake is light. Airy. Perfection. The reason I was blown away by it at the expo was just how fantastic it tasted. Texture was better than any coffee cake I had ever had. The balance of cinnamon and coffee…perfection. The crumble on the top…pure decadent heaven. I mean, who doesn’t like a good cinnamon-sugar crumble?! It really just added to the already awesomeness of the cake. This cake was moist. If you pressed your fork to it, it would spring back without any crumbling. Cake perfection. Truly one of the best gluten-free cakes I have ever tasted. That’s saying something. You can tell that only the best ingredients go into this product because it is so damn good!

And…nutritionally speaking…they do provide a healthier option as far as baked goods go. According to the attached nutrition info on the Cinnamon Coffee Cake, the cake serves 4 people and one square of this cake will provide you with 95 calories and 5 grams of fat. That’s not bad for a slice of cake. I love having a dessert under 100 calories. Especially when it tastes like it should have at least 300 calories in it. Not kidding, peeps. This cake is rich and moist and tastes so sinful, it’s hard to believe it’s only 95 calories per serving. LOVING IT!!

I know that we don’t all have gluten-free expos that crop up near where we live. I also realize that Truly Wize is based out of Pennsylvania. But, never fear. The Web site is set up to take orders that will be shipped to you. So, yes, now even you can give these fantastic products a try. I highly recommend their fantastic cakes. But now I’m seriously thinking about heading over to their Web site and trying out their cookies, brownies, and OMG…they have cinnamon rolls!!! Go and browse through the goodness (with pictures) at the Truly Wize Bakery Web site and, trust me, order something. If the Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake is that foodgasmic…then the rest of their stuff has to be just as good, if not more amazing.

Truly Wize Bakery definitely surprised me…wowed me…and won me over. Proof, once again, that allergen-free and gluten-free doesn’t mean taste-free. My local bakery proves that time and time again…and here is another bakery doing the exact same thing.

This is a trend I would love to see continue.

So, if you haven’t tried anything from Truly Wize Bakery…either visit Pennsylvania and stop in…or…trust me when I say their products, especially their cakes, are worth ordering online. So hop over to their site and place an order. You’ll thank me for it. Trust me!

And…I highly recommend the Cinnamon Coffee Cake. Seriously. To. Die. For. (In a good way!)

A slice of Truly Wize Bakery Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake

June 12, 2013

Two decadent bites of dark chocolate brownie bliss from Udi’s Gluten-Free

Product: Udi’s Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites – $5.99+

Nothing is quite as indulgent, quite as sinful, quite as delicious as dark chocolate. It is, by far, my favorite type of chocolate. And a little can go a long way. Maybe that’s what I love about dark chocolate. It’s rich and decadent and bittersweet…so overindulging doesn’t really come into the equation.

A long time ago…no joke…I spotted Udi’s Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites in my grocer’s gluten-free freezer section. Being the chocoholic that I am…I had to have them. And, my roommate was feeling generous that day and offered to purchase them for me as a treat. I had just baked something for dessert that would last a week or so, so these went back into the freezer upon our return home that day. And there they sat. When I bought them, they were relatively new to the market and one of Udi’s new products. These…these are probably old news to much of the gluten-free world these days. But, seeing as I finally dug them out of the freezer yesterday…well…it’s my turn to taste and tell.

Udi’s Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites are beyond amazing. Each brownie is baked inside a mini cupcake wrapper and is about 2-bites per brownie. And these are rich and totally satisfying. I want to take smaller bites just to make them last longer, honestly. The dark chocolate brownie base is like a moist, soft cake. I loved it. And each brownie is infused with fudgy bits of dark chocolate, perfect to melt on your tongue as you savor each sweet bite. Do you realize how difficult it was for me to resist going back for more? If it weren’t for the fact that I know how many servings are in that plastic container, I’d probably be swiping some…constantly…because I love that delicious chocolate flavor. It’s just enough, in each bite, to wake up the palate and keep things interesting. Those dark chocolate chips that are baked into each one…are heaven when you find them. I was in brownie heaven last night. It’s not often I say nice things about pre-packaged brownies…but these were so incredibly moist, soft, decadent, and delicious. They needed to be raved about.

Honestly, I’ve come up with dessert ideas that revolve around these little bite-size brownies of awesomesauce!

We are talking a snack and sweet treat here, so nutritionally speaking…keep that in mind. A serving size is two of these little two-bite brownies. That will set you back 180 calories and 8 grams of fat. A serving also provides you with 100 mg sodium, 16 grams of sugar (it’s dessert…it’s dessert…it’s dessert), 1 gram of fiber and 2 grams of protein.

Treat these brownie bites as they are intended…as a bite-size treat. The entire container doesn’t need to be consumed all in one or two sittings. It’s best to savor…or…expand on it with little touches of your own. A mini scoop of ice cream, some nuts, whatever your heart desires. Just know that when that chocolate craving hits…whether you are gluten-free or not…these are the little treats you should be consuming…because they are just that awesome. I wouldn’t lie. In fact, I can’t wait to get to dessert tonight. Four bites of heaven. I can’t wait.

May 29, 2013

Wholesome nutrients and a powerhouse of flavor make Udi’s Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread a favorite

Special Delivery of Udi’s Gluten-Free Goodies – including brand new products!

Product: Udi’s Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread – $5.99

Dear Udi’s Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread:

What can I say? It wasn’t that I was trying to ignore you. I just…I was worried about trying you out. Gluten-free breads and I have this weird relationship. I either love them…or I don’t. I was so concerned about breaking my budget on another relationship that just goes bad at the very start that, despite you always catching my eye…I never acted or sought you out.

I simply…kept you at a safe distance. Always wondering, but never just going for it.

I deeply regret this now. Because, my dearest Udi’s Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread…you have caught me off guard. You have wowed me. And now…I never want to let you go.

Call me needy…but I need you in my life from now on.

Love,
Me

Udi's Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread — Udi’s Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread

Oh…the wonderful things I get to discover due to my dietary restrictions. Not too long ago, I received a lovely package in the mail from Udi’s Gluten-Free Foods. Inside was a mix of some of their most famous products…and even some new ones that were hitting the market. I was elated. Sometimes finding products, old or new to the market, can be difficult in this area. And now…I had the opportunity to see and taste what I was missing out on…due to geography and some lack of variety in local stores.

In this box, I received two loaves of Udi’s Gluten-Free Ancient Grains Bread. One of these loaves was the Millet-Chia Bread.

Now, perhaps you are like me at first and sort of…turn up your nose at the very thought. Chia…chia…like ch-ch-ch-chia pets. Yes…that sort of chia. But the lesson here is…don’t just a book by it’s cover. Or, in this case, don’t judge a bread just because it contains seeds that usually grow on a pointless head planter on your windowsill. Just sayin’.

Udi’s Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread is, in a word, awesome. This ancient grain loaf is baked with hearty grains and contains a wholesome balance of nutrients, vitamins, and a unique flavor. Even more unique is the texture of this bread. It’s soft and chewy, but the chia seeds that are throughout the slices give it this nice hearty, crunchy texture. It was love at first taste and first bite. This bread has a fantastic earthy flavor to it, and the blend of omega-rich chia sees with the millet (yes…like the birdseed!) lends to the fantastic play of flavors and textures on your palate. It’s unique. It’s tasty. It’s…different. I loved it.

Bird seed…and ch-ch-ch-chia. It doesn’t sound like a delicious combination…but it is. Not just delicious, but nutritious too. Let’s take a look at the nutritional value of Udi’s Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread, shall we?

One serving is 2 slices of bread, which will set you back 150 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. That’s not too bad. In fact, it’s better than most gluten-free breads on the market. Especially for 2 slices. In addition, you get 5 grams of filling fiber and a protein punch of 6 grams. That’s awesome. This bread is naturally low in sodium (only 280 mg) and also low in sugar, topping out at 3 grams per serving. This bread is cholesterol free. And, this bread contains 350 mg of Omega 3.

Nutritious…and delicious. And made from something you’d water to grow over a clay head and birdseed, you wouldn’t think there would be anything appetizing about this blend of grains in bread. But the fact of the matter is…the seeds add this great texture. And when toasted, the flavor is even more incredible. My only complaint, as always with Udi’s bread…is that the slices are so tiny. Like…fit in the palm of your hand tiny. At least these pack a huge punch for such a small portion.

Ancient Grains are all the rage…so seek out and try Udi’s Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread. I think you’ll be as surprised as I was. And perhaps you’ll be inspired to write your own love letter to a loaf of gluten-free bread. Don’t be ashamed. I’m not. Because this bread is truly worth the love.

A gluten-free grilled cheese and guacamole sandwich made with Udi's Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread — A gluten-free grilled cheese and guacamole sandwich made with Udi’s Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread

May 28, 2013

It’s Qrunch time…and veggie burgers have never tasted so good!

Product: Qrunch Foods Original Qrunch Burgers – $5.99+

Sometimes a product comes along…and it’s intriguing. It sounds like it could be the most amazing thing ever. It’s vegan. It’s gluten-free. It’s a veggie burger that I don’t have to sit there and ponder the contents of the box. It’s all laid out…right on the packaging. No second guessing. No searching the internet for an FAQ on the company. No secrets. Nothing to hide.

That’s what I first loved about Qrunch Foods Qrunch Burgers.

What is a Qrunch Burger, you might ask. Aside from the earlier prelude that this is, in fact, a veggie burger…let me explain a little more. Because this is not your ordinary veggie burger. Not one bit. In fact, it may be the ultimate veggie burger. I’ve eaten every brand of gluten-free veggie burger out on the market that I can find in this area. And while I have raved about many, disliked a few…believe me when I state that the Original Qrunch Burger is…

THE BEST VEGGIE BURGER EVER!

Don’t believe me? Try it yourself. But…trust me…you’ll want to believe me.

Where was I?

Oh yes…what is a Qrunch Burger. The answer to this is simple. It’s a veggie burger that is “powered” by the superfood – quinoa. And, as a gluten-free vegetarian, we all know that quinoa is one of my most favorite things in this world. But the awesomeness doesn’t end there. This burger is also loaded with organic millet and organic vegetables. It is free of virtually all common allergens (gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, corn-free, wheat-free, egg-free, nut-free) and made in a gluten-free facility. These burgers are made from all natural ingredients and do not contain any artificial flavors, colors or GMOs.

Even better…it’s fantastic.

Being that it is Memorial Day, my roommate and I decided that we would have the customary all-American holiday feast. But for us…that means veggie burgers (as opposed to hamburgers) and hand cut shoestring fries, which I bake in the oven to crispy perfection. I had a box of the Original Qrunch Burgers in my freezer. As I received a CSA bin with plenty of fresh veggies that I could utilize for these burgers. Yep…we were good to go.

Qrunch Foods Original Qrunch Burger patty

So, after I made fresh guacamole to go on the burgers (trust me…it’s awesome) and I got the potatoes cut, seasoned, and into the oven, it was time to turn my attention to the actual burgers. I pulled out my skillet and got it warming up while I pulled the box of Original Qrunch Burgers out of the freezer. Once my skillet was properly heated, the patties were put on to cook through. This takes about 5 minutes on each side. I went ahead and put a slice of vegan cheese on the patties to go along with the rest of the Memorial Day festivities. Once each side had been properly warmed and browned on the skillet, it was time to dress the burgers.

I didn’t have any gluten-free hamburger buns on hand this week…so I used gluten-free bread. I dressed the bread with a light coating of vegan Sriracha sour cream, then placed the red leaf lettuce down. The Original Qrunch Patty was next, followed by a tomato, red onion, and then a spoonful of my homemade guacamole. I adorned each plate with a healthy serving of my hand-cut shoestring fries. With the burger assembled, it was now time to settle in for the holiday feast.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I took my first bite. I’ve had some pretty epic fails when it has come to taste and texture of veggie burgers. While most have been passable, the gluten-free varieties just don’t seem to live up to the standard other veggie burgers I used to be able to eat (can’t anymore…because they have gluten in them) laid down.

That is not the case anymore. I took one bite of my Original Qrunch Burger and was in a new happy place. Honestly. What I loved about these was not just the flavor, although it is definitely the best I have had…to date. The texture is awesome. The outside of the patty gets this nice crunch to it. The inside…soft, with that perfect “meatiness” to it that actually makes you believe you are, in fact, eating a burger. I loved how seasoned this patty was. You can even see the organic onion, organic carrots, organic broccoli, and organic spinach in the patty. Nothing fake about these burgers. Seasoned to perfection with garlic and kosher salt. The flavors just popped in my mouth. I was so happy that it took everything in me not to just go into devour mode and shove as much each bite into my mouth at a time. I savored…and I’m glad I did.

Nutritionally speaking, these burgers do rate a little higher on the calorie scale. One patty is 190 calories and contains 11 grams of fat. So…probably not one of the leaner options out there, but not bad as a whole. I’ve definitely encountered worse. Each patty will also supply you with 2 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein. Love that quinoa…a protein powerhouse! In addition, these patties are low in sodium, topping out at 150 mg. Loving it.

For a burger that elliminates so many foods and allergens from their line-up of ingredients, what emerges is one of the most amazing veggie burgers I have ever had the simple joy of eating. I don’t think any other burger will find its way back into my freezer. Qrunch Foods has definitely raised the bar with their highly delicious and very tasty Original Qrunch Burgers.

In fact, it seems that other people agree. In a recent taste test done by the Washington Post Food Section, the Qrunch veggie burger came in third on overall merits. And…it was the only allergen-free burger in the top seven. So, it’s not just me. Others agree that Qrunch Burgers are something special.

I noticed these are also available in a Spicy Italian flavor. Oh yeah…I’m going to be trying that out. And very soon.

If you’re looking for a different flavor or a different sort of veggie burger…Qrunch is the way to go. Honestly. Veggie burgers have great potential…but these blew away the competition. No question about it. Qrunch rocks!

A burger made from Qrunch Foods Original Qrunch Burger and served with homemade hand-cut shoestring fries

May 27, 2013

Create your own pizza on Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

Special Delivery of Udi’s Gluten-Free Goodies – including brand new products!

Product: Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts (2 Pack) – $5.99+

It was October 24, 2011 when I first was able to finally try Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts. I remember the day like it was just yesterday instead of almost two years ago. At this point, my gluten-free journey was in the beginning stages. I had tried Udi’s bread…and loved it. But that was basically all I could find in my area…until one day…the gluten-free gods smiled upon me…and one of my local stores started carrying Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts in their freezer section. I was so happy (and hungry) at that moment, I damned my budget, threw a pack of them into my cart and went home to make some gluten-free pizza for dinner.

Almost two years ago.

Sometimes things change over the span of a couple years. Companies toy around with recipes…sometimes because it is needed (Udi’s Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls…yes…you…and I still am not the biggest fan of those)…and sometimes because they just want to see if they can improve on the awesome product they already have on the market (Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bread…your new recipe is awesome!).

One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the quality, taste, and sheer awesomeness that comes in each pack of Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts. Sure, Udi’s now makes pre-topped frozen pizzas…and those are all fine and good. But sometimes…most of the time…I have my own pizza toppings in mind and I want to get into my kitchen and draw on my inner allergic chef and just…create.

Most people would think that would mean…make your own gluten-free crust. I have. And sometimes I still do. But when you’re hungry or in a hurry…you work with what is available to you. And what my area happens to have in almost every grocery store now…are Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts. And I couldn’t be happier about it.

Recently, I received an amazing box of gluten-free goodness from Udi’s of products, both classic and new…to try for my blog. One of the included items was a pack of their Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts. As I run a lot and my favorite pre-race meal is gluten-free pizza…this had me stoked. I already knew I was a huge fan of their pizza crusts…although it had been…probably about a year since I had last had one.

Well, yesterday I ran two 5K races…one in the morning and one in the evening. And that meant…Friday night was gluten-free pizza night. Normally, my roomie and I would just pick a local restaurant that had a respectable, safe gluten-free pizza on the menu. But…we’re on a tight budget this month…and now…I had pizza crusts in my freezer. So…yes…I would make my own.

I got out my pizza stone, put some cornmeal down, then got the pizza crusts out of the freezer. I removed one of them and put the other one away. Once my pizza stone was properly heated and the corn meal beginning to brown, I placed the crust down on the stone and began to top it with what ingredients I had on hand. I made my own version of a gluten-free and vegetarian Hawaiian pizza. A little marinara, some homemade gluten-free and vegan bacon, some red onion, chunks of fresh pineapple, and topped it off with Daiya mozzarella vegan cheese. Oh…my pre-race meal was already making me drool and it still had to bake.

Udi's Gluten-Free Pizza Crust (ready for toppings and baking) — Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crust (ready for toppings and baking)

Into the oven it went for about 10-12 minutes. It smelled fantastic as it started to bake, the cheese getting melty and gooey…the pineapple beginning to caramelize under the heat of the oven, the crust turning to that perfect golden brown. Oh yes…this was gluten-free pizza that was going to get me through two races in one day. And it was turning into pizza perfection.

And the best part was…I still LOVED it. Every last bite of it. My pizza turned out brilliantly. The crust baked to a crispy, yet still chewy, perfection. It was able to sustain the heavy pineapple chunks among the other toppings. And it tasted so good. SO good. This crust is light and thin, so you don’t feel like a glutton for downing half of the entire crust (which is the serving size, BTW). I am just as in love with these pizza crusts now as I was almost two years ago. Nothing about them has changed. They are amazing. Top them off however you wish. You can’t go wrong when you’re making it your own. And thanks to Udi’s…you can do this on a super busy night…or if you just want to have some time to relax. Pizza doesn’t have to be about making your own crust. Let Udi’s do that for you…because this is a crust worth slicing into and devouring.

Nutritionally speaking, this is also one of the best pre-made gluten-free pizza crusts on the market. The serving size, as I mentioned before, is 1/2 of the pizza. It makes sharing with someone so simple and easy. My roomie gets her half and I get mine. I leave a zone between the halves for easy slicing, as she uses real cheese on hers…whereas I am lactose intolerant and use vegan cheese on mine. It works out beautifully. A serving of the crust alone will only set you back 190 calories and 5 grams of fat. Trust me…this is on the low end of most of the pre-made gluten-free crusts out there. Believe me…I have searched. On top of that, your half of a pizza serves up 4 grams of protein. AWESOME.

These crusts are made from a blend of tapioca starch, brown rice flour, water, canola oil, egg whites, evaporated cane sugar, tapioca syrup, tapioca maltodextrin, salt, xanthan gum, yeast, and cultured corn syrup solids (to prevent mold). Combine it and what you end up with is one of the best gluten-free pizza crusts in your grocer’s freezer section. These have been on the market for quite awhile…but if you are new to the gluten-free lifestyle or just haven’t spent the money to try them out…I encourage you to do so…and do so now. These are fantastic and…make having a pizza party a whole lot less stressful.

Bake up one for yourself and taste the awesomeness of Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts. No really. Do so. Pizza waits for no one.

Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Hawaiian Pizza made on Udi's Gluten-Free Pizza Crust — Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Hawaiian Pizza made on Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

May 23, 2013

Another great seafood stand-in found with Sophie’s Kitchen Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Scallops

Product: Sophie’s Kitchen Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Scallops – $5.99+

Yes…more vegan seafood!

Don’t judge.

When you’re a gluten-free vegetarian…you buy and try products like this. There is nothing wrong with that, right? In fact, I encourage all you seafood lovers to give these a shot. Maybe start with the most amazing gluten-free and vegan breaded shrimp…then try some of the other offerings.

You see, this little company called Sophie’s Kitchen, is making these frozen vegan seafood dishes…and I couldn’t be happier about it.

I was on the fence with their Gluten-Free Vegan Fish Filets…but I fell in love with the rich and bold flavors and texture of the Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Shrimp. Well, I had pasta to use up…so I got it in my head to do something with the Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Scallops.

Why not? A nice gluten-free angel hair pasta dish with some sort of garlic sauce would pair perfectly with scallops, yes? Of course it would. Pasta, garlic and scallops are…like…best mates.

So, the other night for dinner, that’s exactly what I set out to make. I got my gluten-free angel hair pasta going on the stove top, worked on a side of roasted asparagus (done in the oven with olive oil, balsamic, a little salt and a dash of black pepper). Then, I pulled the Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Scallops out of the fridge (I put them in there to thaw while I was at work) to get them onto their own baking sheet and ready for the oven as well.

Sophie's Kitchen Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Scallops (cooked) — Sophie’s Kitchen Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Scallops (cooked)

That’s really all there is to these. You place them in the 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden on top, and then…you’re ready to serve them up, however your little heart desires.

My pasta turned out to be an epic fail. My sauce was awesome. And as for Sophie’s Kitchen Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Scallops?

I really liked these! I mean…really liked these. Not to the epic scale that I love the Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Shrimp…but the scallops are really tasty as well. The texture was great. They weren’t grainy or anything. They didn’t taste like rubber. They had the perfect texture of a seared scallop. I felt that it really was the star of the entire dish that I whipped together. These just looked and tasted authentic. I was very happy with feasting on them. I actually saved a scallop as my last bite since the pasta was an epic fail (see blog post before this one). My sauce was awesome though. But the vegan scallops, as any “meat” portion of a dish should be, was the star.

So…what exactly are these seafood imitations made from? The answer is…konjac root, which is an ancient superfood staple across Southeast Asia and is very popular in traditional Japanese cuisine. It’s also known as the elephant yam. The konjac is combined with seaweed and other ingredients and viola…vegan (and in most cases, gluten-free) seafood. In this case, the Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Scallops are made from water, konjac powder, beta glucan, modified potato starch, organic agave nectar, sea salt, rice flakes, potato starch, white pepper, carrageenan, and seaweed. Put them together…and you get…amazing imitation scallops that have some of the best texture and definitely soaked up the garlic and olive oil in my sauce. Delicious.

Nutritionally speaking, a serving of Sophie’s Kitchen Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Scallops is 8 pieces. This serving will only set you back 50 calories! FIFTY CALORIES!! You will also be taking in only 1 gram of fat, 3 grams of fiber…and sadly…no protein here. These little breaded vegan scallops of awesome have no cholesterol, no trans-fat, no preservatives, no added colors, no MSG, no added sugar, are naturally low in sodium…and basically contain no artificial…ANYTHING!

Loving it!!

This is the third product that I have tried by Sophie’s Kitchen and these are definitely my second favorite thus far. I would love to try them in another way for preparation purposes. I am really loving what Sophie’s Kitchen is brignign to my gluten-free and vegetarian table. Thanks to their vegan line of seafood…fish can be back on my menu!

I think I’m in love with Sophie’s Kitchen.

No…I know I am.

Thank you…great people behind Sophie’s Kitchen…for giving this gluten-free vegetarian delicious options for a seafood dinner.

Sophie's Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Scallops (served over DeBoles Gluten-Free Rice Plus Golden Flax Angel Hair Pasta) — Sophie’s Gluten-Free Breaded Vegan Scallops (served over DeBoles Gluten-Free Rice Plus Golden Flax Angel Hair Pasta)

May 21, 2013

Slide into a vegan and gluten-free burger season with SoL Cuisine’s Original Sliders

Product: SoL Cuisine Original Sliders – $5.49+

For the past month or so, I’ve been experimenting with dinner rolls…as slider buns. And having found out that my very own local allergen-free bakery, Annie May’s Sweet Café, makes the best I’ve ever tasted…well…sliders have become one of my go-to menu items. And with summer on the way, despite not having a grill, it is burger time.

BUT…being a gluten-free vegetarian sometimes means…I have to make my own sliders. And, trust me, some recipes work out better than others. For one thing, mine tend to not want to hold together, turning to mush and not really having that “meaty” texture to them. Granted, the two recipes I’ve done haven’t really lent themselves to being faux meat, but…the thought was there. When you bite into something that is meant to be a burger…that’s sort of the texture and taste that you are going for.

The other day, after buying yet another bag of allergen-free dinner rolls from Annie May’s…and knowing I had plenty of fresh produce in my fridge…I thought…sliders for dinner on Sunday might be awesome. The thing was…I really didn’t want to make my own. It was a super-busy weekend as it was…and Sunday I had spent a majority of my day listening to the Dalai Lama speak in Louisville. I was starving when I got out of there (no gluten-free and vegetarian options at the venue) and after downing some ice cream…I went grocery shopping for…the Poblano Chick(pea) patties I blogged about not too long ago. Except…the store didn’t have them anymore. My plans were about to go down the tubes.

But…then I remembered the glorious day I spotted SoL Cuisine Sliders (vegan and vegetarian, mind you) at Whole Foods in their freezer section. While it would mean I’d have yet another blog to write (I was backlogged enough I thought) on a product I could eat…I really wanted some real food for dinner that night. So…neglecting my initial response to make something I’ve already had before…my roommate and I headed over to Whole Foods and picked up a box of SoL Cuisine Original Sliders.

It was like it was meant to be. Because this box contained six sliders…and I had six dinner rolls. Awesome! Granted, the serving size for this product is 2 patties…we really weren’t out that much more by adding one more for each of us for dinner. A serving (2 sliders…remember…) will set you back only 100 calories. Yep. 50 calories per slider. Not too shabby, right? I thought it was awesome. The normal serving size also provides a fantastic 13 grams of protein! These vegan and gluten-free burgers are are low in sodium (240 mg) and have 3 grams of fiber. I think I should also mention that two patties is only 3 grams of fat as well. How awesome are these little veggie burgers of gluten-free wonder?!

And they weren’t difficult to prepare either. You can grill them, microwave them, cook them stove top, or put them in the oven. I had other things to prep with dinner…so I decided to do the oven method. I hoped this wouldn’t backfire, as I’m sure grilling or even doing it stove top would have gotten a nice crisp on the outside of these little patties. That being said, I prepped a cooking sheet and laid out all six patties, putting them into a 350°F oven. They had to cook for about 10 minutes on one side…and then flip them over and cook for another 10 minutes on the other side. Perfect, as I would have to throw my dinner rolls in to toast them up for my condiments and add-ons.

They smelled fantastic while they were cooking. And in that time I mashed up an avocado for the sliders, cut up some lettuce, chopped up a tomato, and sliced into an onion…all in the name of gluten-free vegan slider goodness. When the rolls and the sliders emerged, it was time to assemble the burgers. And I was starving and ready to eat.

So easy. A touch of avocado, then lettuce, the slider, vegan cheese, tomato, onion, and then more avocado before placing the top of the dinner roll on and making…the perfect slider. I did this for all of the rolls and patties and served them up to my roommate and I for dinner. She was already digging in by the time I finished putting mine together…and she was raving about the flavor. This was good news, as the SoL Cuisine Tofu Rubs were just…meh…okay. I settled in for my own dinner and lifted a slider to taste.

Oh…yeah…these are keepers. These are one of those products that will continue to find its way into my freezer. Seriously!

The SoL Cuisine Original Sliders are amazing. They are perfection. They taste meaty without being made from meat. In fact…they have such great texture and taste, if you closed your eyes, you’d think you were truly eating a burger. It’s amazing. It’s awesome. I am in love with these. Not only do they have fantastic texture and flavor, but they pair so well with any topping you might want to put on there. I heaped these sliders full with different condiments and vegetables, and they didn’t detract at all from the taste of the burger. These definitely compliment anything you top it off with. Or…if you want to sneak a taste on its own (like I did…for the sake of the blog) know that they are also very delicious on their own. Three sliders were so filling. But I was happily stuffed.

The SoL Cuisine Original Sliders are gluten-free and vegan. They are also kosher, and are a great source of calcium and iron. And what, exactly are they? Well, according to their ingredient listings, these little patties of meat-free, gluten-free goodness are composed of filtered water, soy protein concentrate, sunflower oil, dried onion, modified vegetable gum, dried tomato, sea salt, dried garlic, spices, organic lemon juice concentrate, and caramel color. I love seeing ingredients that I recognize. Love it.

So, not only are these a healthy choice for a meal, but they are delicious as well. I can’t wait to purchase more of these, or even try the other two slider varieties in the freezer section: Spicy Black Bean Sliders and Quinoa Sliders. Both sound…awesome! They will both be purchased for the sake of the blog and consumed. I hope they can live up to the high bar the Original Slider set. Totally loving my gluten-free and vegan sliders. Thanks to SoL Cuisine…I don’t always have to make my own. Sometimes…I can just cook them up and leave the prep to someone else.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Sliders made with SoL Cuisine Original Sliders

May 21, 2013

Katz Gluten Free strips down the common cinnamon roll with their Cinnamon Strip

Product: Katz Gluten Free Cinnamon Strip – $7.24

Cake.

Cake for…breakfast.

That’s basically what I’ve been enjoying this week. I’m not even joking.

And why should I joke about such a thing. When my roomie ordered the Cinnamon Strip from Katz Gluten Free, she did so without my knowledge. You see, I gave her carte blanche to place an order for Katz goodies using a Groupon or Gluten Free Saver certificate that I bought…without me knowing what would be arriving. One of the items she chose was…the Cinnamon Strip.

I had no idea what the Cinnamon Strip was, honestly. No joke. When it arrived at my office and I unpacked it…it looked like a loaf of bread. I took it home that night, put it in the freezer…and there it remained. But, you see, summer is coming and I need room in my freezer for my ice cream maker. So, I’m making my way through the items I’ve stored in there. And this week…I thought something called a Cinnamon Strip might be a delicious idea for breakfast. I mean, it’s probably a cinnamon-y loaf of some sort, right?

Well…I was kind of right.

I took the Cinnamon Strip out of the freezer the night before and placed it in the fridge to thaw. The next morning, I wasn’t exactly sure what to do with it…but assuming it was a loaf of something, I thought…maybe making it into French toast. So, the Cinnamon Strip came out of the fridge and I heated up a skillet and cracked an egg and scrambled it up to dip it in. And then…only then…did I retrieve a cutting board and knife and actually slice into the Cinnamon Strip.

On Katz Gluten Free Web site, the Cinnamon Strip is simply described as being a great-tasting and decadent treat with rich layers of cinnamon filling. I didn’t read this nor look at a picture before deciding to make French toast from it. Obviously. Because when I sliced into the Cinnamon Strip…I was not expecting what I got. In fact…the Cinnamon Strip is less like a cake or a loaf of bread…and more like a cinnamon roll…before you actually slice them into rolls to bake. Since I already had the egg ready to go, I went ahead and did that day’s up as French toast…topping it off with a small amount of real maple syrup. It was delicious…but I wanted to eat this in the actual way it was meant to be eaten.

Sliced…warmed…and just rich with cinnamon flavor.

The next day, that’s exactly what I did. I retrieved the Cinnamon Strip from the fridge and sliced into it again. This time, I only intended to give it a few seconds (about 20 total) of warming in the microwave. The first slice went to my roommate. And as I was warming mine up, she was digging in. I asked her if she preferred this over my attempt to make it French toast. She said that it tasted like a cinnamon roll.

Well, we all know I have a deep love and appreciation…and addiction…to cinnamon rolls. If a gluten-free bakery is doing them…I want them. Well, this seems to be Katz Gluten Free’s answer to the cinnamon roll. That’s exactly what it smells like as it warms in the microwave. If I had some icing handy, I’d have spread it over the top. But I ran out of icing a little while ago. I checked. None was currently lurking in my freezer. Trust me…I hunted. That being said..when I settled in to taste this for myself…I couldn’t have agreed more. Like eating a a slice of cinnamon roll. It was sweet with a cinnamon and sugar crust on the outside, but soft on the inside, the cinnamon rolled between the dough giving that perfect sweetness to each bite…even the ones without that candied outside crust.

In other words…super yummy!

I admit…this is probably not the healthiest choice for breakfast, but, honestly, it’s like a smaller, lighter cinnamon roll. So…how bad can that be? I sliced up my Cinnamon Strip into 10 slices, because the servings per container said 9, and I hate odd numbers when there are two people in my apartment that eat something. So, these are already slightly less caloric than they would be had I sliced them into 9 servings, as directed. That being said, normally a slice of Katz Gluten Free Cinnamon Strip would set you back 210 calories and 8 grams of fat. It is rather high on sugar, containing 17 grams, but it’s no different than eating a cinnamon roll, honestly. If you’re going sweet treat for breakfast…that sugar will be higher. Higher than I like…but I wasn’t sure what I was slicing into. This is probably meant to be a dessert…but for me…it’s a delicious breakfast treat this week.

Katz Gluten Free Cinnamon Strip is made from their gluten-free flour blend (a mix of potato, tapioca, white rice, brown rice, and sorghum flours), sugar, canola oil, water, eggs, confection sugar, orange juice, vanilla sugar, dry yeast, cinnamon, xanthan gum, baking powder and salt. And what you get is this strip of cinnamon-sugary sweetness that is ideal for dessert, but perfectly works for breakfast as well. If you are a conneasuier of cinnamon rolls like I am…then you will want to devour this. It’s hard to keep it to just one slice when something as moist, delicious, and sweet emerges ready to eat. Toast it, warm it…or eat it straight. It’s delicious any way you slice it.

Katz Gluten Free just won me over with yet another product. They are on one sweet, sweet roll!

Katz Gluten-Free Cinnamon Strip (sliced)