Frozen – Page 3 – The Celiathlete

April 6, 2016

Product Review: Better Way Gluten Free Hamburger Buns

Product: Better Way Gluten Free Hamburger Buns – $6.69+

Two ladies in my running group have mentioned Better Way Gluten Free Bread to me on various occasions. They said they could find it at their Kroger in the regular bread aisle. I admit, I haven’t visited the regular bread aisle…in five (5) years. My roommate doesn’t eat regular bread these days unless we’re out or visiting someone…because we keep cross-contamination out of the kitchen.

Needless to say, after putting in miles with these ladies, I ultimately forgot, time-and-again, about the bread discussion. Despite usually going grocery shopping directly after running and breakfast. Go figure. That being said, they both posted friendly reminders and rave reviews on my Facebook page that, ultimately, I remembered while at a Kroger in Louisville. The one on my side of the river, near my home…does not carry too much in the line of gluten-free bread, save for the standards in the frozen natural food area (Udi’s and Rudi’s).

The brand I was seeking…Better Way.

I was so happy to find a loaf of their white bread (although I have heard I need to definitely seek out and devour the 7 Grains), which I have already used up an entire package. I haven’t blogged, because I forgot…so with the new one sitting in my pantry…I’ll be sure to do that.

That being said, I had a meal (or 2) on the menu this week that would require hamburger buns. Because when you’re making Pizza Joe’s (plantbased…made with lentils and lots of delicious stuff to make it taste like pizza)…the bread is highly important. Normally, I would pick up sandwich buns from my local allergen-free bakery (Annie May’s Sweet Café), but I forgot. Whoops! So, while I was out running, my roommate took it upon herself to surprise me…by going to a different Kroger than we normally hit up while in Louisville and returning with…Better Way Gluten Free Hamburger Buns!!

They were a part of lunch today!

This morning, I opened up the orange bag and sliced through the freshness seal that the four (4) hamburger buns were placed in. I pulled out two of the buns, noting how soft and squishy they were. That was exciting. Needless to say, I chose my bun for this afternoon and ripped off a small bit to try right then and there.

That was all it took for me to fall absolutely in love with Better Way’s Gluten Free Hamburger Buns. If you have ever been able to eat those hamburger buns you had at picnics and at home as a kid (and perhaps an adult)…this is exactly what this bread tastes like. It is very, very reminiscent of those classic white hamburger buns, which is definitely to be applauded when talking about gluten free bread. Happiness with just one bite. The test would be to see how it held up with the Pizza Joe’s filling heaped all over it.

Pizza Joes topping off the Better Way Gluten Free Hamburger Buns

The great thing about these buns is while they taste and feel like those classic hamburger buns of my pre-Celiac diagnosis state…they have a somewhat stiffer crumb to them. But this is a good thing. This meant that the buns themselves did not fall apart nor become mush under whatever (in this case saucy lentils that taste like pizza) you top it off with or sandwich between. That’s a rare thing with gluten-free buns. Most often I have to toast them and they still fall apart. Not these. Nope. These held up without toasting or warming…it was pure perfection. And I became smitten. Enough that I have already picked up another package of the Better Way Bread and Hamburger Buns when I made my Star Wars run. HA!

Let’s talk about what goes into Better Way’s Gluten Free Hamburger Buns, shall we? These buns are made from water, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, tapioca syrup, corn starch, xanthan gum, potato starch, cultured rice flour, and contains 2% or less of each of the following: whole eggs, extra virgin olive oil, salt, yeast, and enzymes. These amazing gluten-free hamburger buns are made in a gluten-free facility, are dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, contain no high fructose corn syrup (YAY!), and use non-GMO ingredients.

As far as nutritional information goes, these really look good, especially when compared to other gluten-free store-bought brands on the market. A serving size of the Better Way Gluten Free Hamburger Buns is 1 roll (85 grams), and there are 4 servings per package. One roll will deliver you 180 calories, 2.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 270 mg sodium, 36 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 4 grams sugars, and 2 grams protein. That’s relatively close to the same nutrition data on regular white hamburger buns. Totally winning.

I am so glad that I was told (numerous times) and reminded (numerous times) to pick up and try Better Way Gluten Free Bread. I’m addicted. It’s the closest thing I have had to regular bread outside of a gluten free bakery. Having this bread and these hamburger buns on hand is a definite must these days. Totally surprised…totally wowed. Totally in love. If you’ve been searching for the best gluten-free bread in grocery stores…seek out and find Better Way. Check with your grocery stores and see if they can order it if you can’t seem to find it.

Veggie burgers are a must in the very near future…now that I have a bun that will hold up to all the fillings!!

April 4, 2016April 4, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic Bagels – $7.25

I. LOVE. BAGELS.

I come by it honestly. As I’ve stated before, I was raised in New York. New York is the birthplace of the bagel, I’m pretty certain. New York is the land of these carby rounds of delicious bread-y goodness. I have loved them for as long as I can remember being alive. And that’s a damn long time.

One of the hardest things for me when I was diagnosed with Celiac was to say goodbye to my bagels. Sure, there were plenty of gluten-free versions out there…but nothing like a classic New York bagel. Some were small like a doughnut. Some were light and fluffy. Some were just…wrong. All wrong. Some were close or came close…close enough at least in flavor. But what I truly missed was that dense, small round that was schmeared with some variety of cream cheese and devoured while on-the-go or at the table or wherever.

That is…until Sweet Note Bakery found me.

Yes…they found me. Through Twitter. And they told me I needed to try their bagels. I shrugged it off the first time, but they came back…and so…I decided to blindly place an order.

It was the best decision of my life.

Sweet Note began in 2012, when founder and president, Michelle MacDonald, stepped up to a challenge. She had been baking ever since she was a child and was very passionate about it. When her grandfather and sister were diagnosed with Celiac Disease, she took the first steps on her entrepreneurial journey. Her family really missed a good New York Style bagel. (Hey…I can’t blame them…I know this feeling all too well). So with a lot of experimentation and trial and error, MacDonald perfected the recipe, getting huge approval from her family (also bagel lovers). Gluten-free bagels that taste good?! It was a reality. Sweet Note Bakery’s vision is to make gluten-free options more readily accessible. Those of us who live with Celiac understand how isolating this disease can be, when you can’t have a meal while out with friends and family, be it at a restaurant or a ballpark, or wherever your adventures take you. MacDonald wanted to change that…one gluten-free bagel at a time.

And today…until they release a new flavor or put that Gluten Free Rainbow Bagel up in their online store…I devoured the last of their four (4) new flavors they released earlier last month. Hey…new bagels means I get out my credit card and buy, buy, buy. With all that being said, I sense that it’s time to place a new order. I don’t like my freezer to be empty of these. It’s nice to have some on hand. So, the four flavors that they released were Tomato Basil, Garlic & Herbs, Salt and Garlic.

Today…was all about Garlic!

I grew up in a family of garlic lovers. Perhaps that’s why we always seem to carry mints with us. Like…all of us. HAHA! Anyway, if my mom was making garlic bread…it was butter and garlic for days. Just heaped on there. And we loved it that way. There is no such thing as too much garlic. So…garlic bagels…right up my alley.

I was both excited and sad to return from spin class this morning and pull the last package of bagels out of my freezer. Sweet Note…be forewarned…an order is coming your way. *cough* Anyway…

GARLIC!!

ALL THE GARLIC!! These bagels have a nice coating of garlic right on top of it, so be cautious of the bagels beneath the one you are removing…and be sure to leave some garlic on them. Mine pulled apart just fine, without stealing any of the garlic-y goodness. I used my current method for perfect defrosting in the microwave…30 seconds on one side, then flip it over for another 30 seconds. Let it sit for a moment and then slice in half. If you’re not into toasting (like a true New Yorker), then go ahead and schmear this bagel up with whatever goodness you like. If you are a true New Yorker (or not) but love a toasted bagel (like me!)…toast it up. If you have a toaster…go to town. If you, like me, don’t own a toaster, simply put these beauties on a baking sheet and into an oven heated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Since my roomie was awake at this point, I went to shower while our breakfast was toasting up. By the time I was dressed and out of the bathroom…it was time to pull them out.

The apartment smelled SO GOOD!! I was practically drooling as I pulled the pan out of the oven and then schmeared some vegan cream cheese over the tops of each half. I served one bagel to my (gluten-eating) roommate and I took the other one. And grabbed coffee…because…I need to be human. HA!

Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic Bagels with a schmear of Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese and Coffee!!

My roomie was already digging in, so I asked what she thought. She muttered something incoherent as she took another bite. So, I took that as a good thing. This was the flavor she had been waiting for…and somehow managed to save for last. I think she was beyond happy with it. And with that…I took a bite.

Oh…yes. Even with the nice coating of garlic on the top of the bagel, this does not overwhelm or overpower. It is a nice balance, especially with the dense bread of the bagel. This would totally make a great base for a bagel pizza…but it’s all about breakfast for me this time. And this…was heaven. I’m contemplating a bagel sammie with the other ones in the freezer…a nice fried egg on the inside…mmmm…

When I’m daydreaming about the next time I eat a product, you know it’s a winner. I loved the crispy crust and soft insides of this bagel. The bread is chewy and perfect, right at that perfect bagel consistancy. This isn’t your average gluten-free bagel. This feels and tastes just like a “normal” bagel…a “regular” bagel. You know…the kind you buy from a corner bagel shop in NYC. There are plenty to choose from. No other bagels on the market live up to that…and I don’t think any others will. Sweet Note Bakery has the magic touch…and the perfect recipe for the ultimate Garlic Bagel. I might have devoured this faster than I intended today.

Record time. The coffee had to wait.

One of the things that sets Sweet Note Gluten Free Bagels apart from others on them market is the old-school style that these gluten-free bagels are produced in. They hit that traditional New York Style, not only in size, but in texture too! And, yes, I am 100% certain these are gluten free!! You wouldn’t believe it to taste it for yourself, but it’s on the packaging and a big part of the business. The authentic nature of all of the gluten-free bagels from Sweet Note Bakery is that they take you back to the classic 3-inch size of the traditional bagel. No mega-bagel here. You don’t need it. Instead of a 6-inch monstrosity, you’re chowing down on real, natural ingredients that will leave you feeling full and content. Trust me. And, with the way these are constructed, you get an amazing crispy outer crust and that warm, chewy middle that New York bagels are known for. Bagel perfection.

In this case…Garlic Bagel perfection. HA!

Let’s talk about what goes into Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic Bagels, shall we? These bagels are made with love (yep…real ingredient!), white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, brown sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, garlic, and salt. As always when it comes to Sweet Note’s bagels, these bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. Made with love, indeed!!

As far as the nutritional information goes, these bagels really do stack up to the competition. In fact, with real ingredients, it makes every bit of these even better for you. A serving size is 4.5 ounces (128 grams), or one bagel!! Yep…one full bagel. YAY! This one bagel will serve up 280 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 330 mg sodium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 4 grams of protein. This bagel kept me full all morning, thanks to that high protein and fiber count. YES! Loving it.

If you have been hunting for the perfect gluten-free bagel…or just bagel…you need to turn your attention to Sweet Note Bakery. Their bagels (every single flavor…and I have tried them all) has been amazing. They all are packed with flavor, taste amazing, and give you a true texture and mouthfeel of an authentic bagel. Life is so good…thanks to Sweet Note. Don’t just read my blog though…try it for yourself. If your local natural food stores don’t carry Sweet Note Gluten Free Bagels…hop over to their Web site and order from the shop. Keep in mind that the Garlic Bagels, as well as the Garlic and Herb, and the Salt are online exclusive…so get them while you can.

And love breakfast again!

March 31, 2016

Product Review: Buen Sabor Picadillo De Garbanzos Y Camote (Chickpea & Sweet Potato Picadillo)

001 — Buen Sabor Picadillo De Garbanzos Y Camote (Chickpeas & Sweet Potato Picadillo)

Product: Buen Sabor Picadillo De Garbanzos Y Camote (Chickpea & Sweet Potato Picadillo) – $4.99+

I love discovering products I might have not seen, might be new, or just may not have noticed in the past when I go grocery shopping. Such is the tale of me and a line of frozen entrees by the company Buen Sabor.

Whole Foods. Freezer section. At least, that was the beginning of this tale for me. Grocery shopping on a budget isn’t easy…but sometimes you just have to make exceptions to the budget rule. Especially when you have events to be at every Tuesday evening (running event) by 6 p.m. I don’t like to turn up late, because then I feel like I need to try to catch up to everyone, and with the current day-to-day status of the injured hip…I just don’t like to take risks.

Taking risks with food that fits into my kind of restrictive diet…that is sometimes worth splurging on and taking a risk.

So, yes…Buen Sabor.

Buen Sabor was created by Sarah, who grew up on an organic farm in Maine. With the help of her mother, she used to cure, can, freeze, and dehydrate almost everything they ate. The family freezer became an invaluable asset to a busy family that wanted to enjoy humble foods that tasted great. When Sarah became a new mom in 2008, she delved into the quest to solve the “busy persons” food dilemma once again. And, with all that she learned growing up on the farm, she harnessed that knowledge and started Buen Sabor. The team at Buen Sabor is passionate about offering simple, crave-worthy foods that…yes…come from the freezer.

In fact, Buen Sabor actually wants you to become a “freezer believer.” One thing freezer meals have going for it is convenience. But another thing is…given the right ingredients…they can actually be a clean eat. Buen Sabor is deeply committed to creating the best possible (and super convenient) food. All of the sauces are made from scratch, their vegetables are picked and cooked at the height of their freshness, and the proteins are cooked just right and then frozen immediately to preserve the dishes most naturally. Don’t knock delicious frozen meals…simply put, freezing food is nature’s pause button…it is, literally, the most natural preservative there is. Frozen foods are nutritious, have real nutritional value, are convenient, and naturally preserves foods.

Buen Sabor aims to build a business that creates as many happy customers possible, who are able to spend more time doing the things they love. They want their products to exceed all expectations as far as quality, focusing on freshness, flavor, and nutritional value.

But do they achieve this?

Well, I picked up one of their vegan and gluten-free meals at Whole Foods that afternoon, to keep in my freezer for those rushed, hurried, “I need to go run hill repeats” Tuesday nights. Leave work, rush home, eat, change, out the door to drive over the river to meet with a group who simply…runs up a hill…jogs down…repeats it for some set amount of time. It means Tuesdays are rather stressful and rushed. So I grabbed the Buen Sabor Picadillo De Garbanzos Y Camote (Chickpea & Sweet Potato Picadillo) for me and my roomie opted for one of the meaty dishes…the Arroz Con Queso Y Trocitos De Chorizo (Savory Chorizo-Seasoned Rice With Cheese).

Super easy to warm up. I made Cathy’s first, simply by cutting a slit into the plastic on top of the tray and warming it up for 5 minutes. It sits for 1 minute and then…ready to eat. It doesn’t LOOK amazing like it does on the box…but it smelled good. And when Cathy ate it, she said it was good…for a frozen meal.

Okay…

So, needless to say, I wasn’t feeling too optimistic about the Buen Sabor Picadillo De Garbanzos Y Camote (Chickpea & Sweet Potato Picadillo). Just like with the meaty one, the vegan one also had the plastic film sliced through to allow everything to steam. Into the microwave for about 4-5 minutes. I let it go for 5, because I have an old microwave. Peel back the film and stir, letting it stand for one minute.

And…much like Cathy’s…upon taking it out of the microwave and pulling back the plastic, the meal really doesn’t look appetizing. It looks…like a frozen microwave meal. The picture on the box is GORGEOUS…but this is just sort of…one tone…one note…brownish. LOL! Over rice. That being said, once I stirred it up, it looked…slightly more appetizing.

Looks aside, I decided it was time to test the frozen meal waters myself. And, you know what? I was actually really surprised. I mean, packed with flavors. Just loaded with a hint of spice, fresh vegetables, and rice that ended up cooking to perfection. I was expecting something bland, perhaps tasting as unappetizing as it looked. But I was blown away by the flavors. The chickpeas and potato reheated gorgeously. Nothing got mushy And I love that quinoa is included for a bit more of a protein boost. Picadillo translates into “little (savory-yummy) chopped things. And the aim of Buen Sabor with the Buen Sabor Picadillo De Garbanzos Y Camote (Chickpea & Sweet Potato Picadillo) was to deliver “a delightful dance of flavors with roots in the Caribbean and Spain.” I might have devoured mine long before Cathy (who had a headstart on hers) finished hers. A little spicy, but I have an iron stomach for the most part, and I knew this wouldn’t bother me while running hard up some hills in a local park. SO tasty. So good. And really good for you too! I loved the spice and the bit of heat that each bite brought. And I love that brown rice is used instead of white. YES!! This company is speaking my language. None of the vegetables were mushy or soft. Everything had great texture and heated through perfectly. All-in-all…a dinner win! A convenient, easy dinner win.

Speaking of being really good for you, let’s take a look at the ingredients that Buen Sabor puts into the Picadillo De Garbanzos Y Camote (Chickpeas & Sweet Potato Picadillo)! One thing that Buen Sabor prides itself on is that they don’t add any hormones, antibiotics or preservatives to their food. Their products are 100% natural. Pure and simple goodness. The Buen Sabor Picadillo De Garbanzos Y Camote (Chickpeas & Sweet Potato Picadillo) is made from brown rice, onions, quinoa, chickpeas, water, sweet potato, tomatoes, red peppers, poblano chili peppers, olive oil, spice, sea salt, garlic, corn starch, and smoked sweet paprika. All real ingredients. Nothing fake. Nothing that has me questioning my dietary choices. I love that. This particular meal is gluten-free, vegan, contains no added sugar, and has no trans fat.

Now, let’s discuss nutrition, shall we? A serving of the Buen Sabor Picadillo De Garbanzos Y Camote (Chickpeas & Sweet Potato Picadillo) is 1 cup (159 grams) and there are 2 servings per container. Except, if you’re making it an actual meal…you’ll eat the entire thing like I did. No worries, nothing bad or outrageous with these stats. For one (1) serving, however, you will be taking in 160 calories, 5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 570 mg sodium, 25 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams dietary fiber, 3 grams sugar, and 5 grams protein. LOVE IT. Even after running 8 miles of hill repeats, I still felt full. And the heat didn’t bother my system at all. Good food to fuel a tough run that day.

Check your local natural foods stores for the Buen Sabor products. Honestly, you won’t regret it. Freezer section. Good stuff. Very good stuff. I think I might have to pick up a few more…at least until this group stops meeting…which, sadly, happens in a couple of weeks. But, it’s always good to have a quick meal on hand…because you never know when time might get away from you or something might come up! Buen Sabor…has your back!

March 28, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Salt Bagels

001 — Sweet Note Gluten Free Salt Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Salt Bagels – $7.25

It was just over a year ago when I was in NYC, not able to run the New York City Half Marathon, and hurting pretty much with every step I took. I was bummed, but I was going to enjoy my trip regardless. And that meant hitting up all the gluten-free bakeries I could manage in the weekend.

Believe it or not, one of the first places I made it to was Jennifer’s Way Bakery, which is owned and operated by Jennifer Esposito. She makes bagels there. And the morning that my roommate and I wandered in, we were hoping there would be bagels. None were currently out, but they had just opened. And when we inquired…we were told they were in the oven and if we didn’t mind waiting 10 minutes, she’d have them out to us (not Esposito, but the nice lady working the counter, LOL!).

Of course I was willing to wait for a fresh bagel. They had a few options as far as flavors went. My roommate got the Garlic Bagel and I went with the Salt. Because I wasn’t feeling plain or anything else that day. We waited and they were brought out to us. Not your standard fat and fluffy, dense bagels…but more like the way mine turn out when I make them from hand. A little flat and really impossible to cut in half. Regardless…the Gluten Free Salt Bagel was amazing and delicious. And I don’t think I blogged on it…because I can’t seem to find it anywhere…

Anyway…it was my first ever Salt Bagel…and I loved it. I’m usually more of a sweet person (hence why Cinnamon Raisin is often my favorite thing when it comes to bagels) but this was a nice change of pace.

SO…you can only imagine my glee when Sweet Note Bakery announced that they were releasing four (4) new flavors. I ordered all of them right away. And I’ve already given my thoughts on the Garlic & Herb and the Tomato Basil varieties. Well, my friends…we have come to the Salt variety now!

Do you remember what an amazing soft pretzel tastes like. All dense and chewy and salty and amazing, yes? Well…that’s pretty much what a Salt Bagel is. And Sweet Note is doing it absolutely perfectly.

002 — Sweet Note Gluten Free Salt Bagel with a Schmear of Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese (and coffee).

Prepping one of Sweet Note Bakery’s amazing New York-style bagels is super easy. Always keep this precious cargo frozen. Do not thaw it to room temperature. They advise against it. I advise against it. Just simply pull from freezer, place in microwave for 1 minute (I go 3o seconds on one side, and then flip it over for 30 seconds on the other side), and then cut in half. A true New Yorker would stop there…because real New Yorkers don’t eat bagels toasted. I am a real New Yorker, but I prefer to toast my bagel, thank you very much! As you know by now, I do not own a toaster anymore. I toast everything in my oven. So I preheated the oven to 350°F and popped the bagels in this morning. I had just gotten in from my first (of 2) spin classes for the day, so I went and hopped in the shower while the bagels lightly toasted. When I returned to the kitchen, they were ready for a schmear of…something. Today, I opted for the Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese that was hanging out on the shelf of my fridge.

I served one to my roomie…and I took care of the other one. And by take care, I mean I settled in, bagel in one hand, coffee in the other, morning news on TV, and began to take my first bite.

YES! Nailed it!! The outside of the bagel, when toasted, gets slightly crispy, but that center remains all doughy and dense and chewy and…awesome. But with the Sweet Note Gluten Free Salt Bagel…you also get the added bonus of a hit of salt. Or, as their Web site says, an “a-salt on your taste buds.” Puns are funny. Bagels are delicious. There you have it. If you love a little kick of salt with each bite, or if you are a fan of soft pretzels…then this bagel variety is for you. 100% guarantee that you will be hooked from the first bite. My roommate wasn’t too sure about these, wanting to go right to the Garlic (which she has been eager to try)…but I had my heart set on Salt. And I’m glad we went that way. It’s the best of the breakfast and snack worlds…combined into one sweet, or in this case, salty bite. A good schmear of anything, really…be it nut butter or chocolate, or butter, or jelly, or frosting…or even cream cheese (vegan or not)…works with this sort of a flavor. You want salty and sweet…Nutella or Smudge or some chocolate nut spread. Oh yeah…now we’re talking. Or, keep it real and simple with cream cheese. With the Sweet Note Gluten Free Salt Bagel…you have an open canvas and plenty of options.

But trust me…you’ll hoover this down like it’s going out of style.

So, let’s talk about what ingredients the crazy bagelers at Sweet Note put into their Gluten Free Salt Bagels, shall we? These bagels are made with love (yep…that’s a listed ingredient!), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, brown sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, yeast, and salt. The Sweet Note Gluten Free Salt Pretzels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. LOVE IT!! Vegan & Gluten Free bagels are now ready to be delivered right to your doorstep! And when it comes to the Salt variety of the Sweet Note bagels…you can only get them online.

As far as nutritional information goes, you’ll want to eat these up. A serving size of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Salt Bagels is one (1) bagel (4.5 ounces (128 grams)), and there are four (4) bagels per pack. This serving will provide you with 300 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 530 mg sodium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 4 grams protein. With the high fiber and protein, you’ll feel full and satisfied long after your bagel is gone.

Real ingredients, amazing nutritional facts, amazing bagels. Happiness is round and salty and gluten-free. Trust me, you’ll love to love Sweet Note Gluten Free Salt Bagels.

But, as I mentioned, these are on online exclusive, so if you want to try them out yourself, head over to their online store and place an order!

You won’t regret it. Order one of everything while you’re at it. You’ll thank me later!

March 25, 2016

Product Review: Luna Burger BBQ Pure Plant Veggie Burgers

20160324_172756 — Luna Burger BBQ Pure Plant Veggie Burger

Product: Luna Burger BBQ Pure Plant Veggie Burger – $6.99+

There is just something so amazing and comforting about a good veggie burger. The problem that I find, thank you Celiac Disease, is that most veggie burgers on the market use some sort of vital wheat gluten or gluten-containing binder to give them their “meaty” texture. It sort of takes all the veggie burger eating fun out of it for the gluten-free.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are many gluten-free veggie burger options in the freezer sections these days. I’ve pretty much tried them all. And they’re a wide range of amazing perfection to…eh…it’s alright.

And just when I think I have pretty much sampled them all, my roommate finds a new one to try. The Brand…Luna Burger.

Not familiar with Luna Burger? Neither was I at the time. But there it was (only one gluten-free variety among the various Luna Burger line), in the freezer section of Columbus, Ohio’s very own natural food store, Raisin Rack. I. LOVE. RAISIN. RACK. It’s required shopping whenever I go to Columbus. No joke. It really is. Grocery budgets are planned around the Raisin Rack visit.

Anyway, I digress. So, here was this small, unassuming box containing two (2) veggie burger patties…by Luna Burger. Luna Burger is actually based out of Columbus, Ohio. This company makes artisan veggie burgers with Ohio-grown ingredients. How amazing is that? The only gluten-free option they have is the BBQ Burger, but their vegan line-up includes Classic, Garden Thyme, Farmhouse Chili, Peanut-Cilantro, and Kickstart Sausage Patties. I wish I could try all of them, but, alas…the BBQ Luna Burger is it for me. Luna Burgers are available at many of Central Ohio farmers’ markets, as well as stores and restaurants throughout Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania. They can also be ordered for delivery through Green B.E.A.N. Delivery (which I have and use) in certain markets. And, yes…these can also be ordered online.

This past week, since returning from New York City, it’s been a live out of the pantry/fridge/freezer week. Use up some things and not spend money on more groceries. HA! I am on a very tight budget these days thanks to a raise in rent..and those constant medical bills. BLARF! So, yesterday, I was digging around for something to have for dinner and I remembered that I had a box of the Luna Burger BBQ Pure Plant Veggie Burgers in my freezer. I had just picked up some Allergen Free Sandwich Buns from my local allergen-free bakery (Annie May’s Sweet Cafe), and had some greens, tomatoes and onions that needed some using up. I also had some Alexia Fries in my freezer too…so it turned into a burger and fries night.

I love burger and fries night. Not going to lie. The problem is finding a decent gluten-free veggie burger that doesn’t squish out of the bun or crumble with the first bite. It is nearly impossible. Not only that, I don’t want something that is flavorless or tastes like cardboard…or worse. Been there, experienced that. I want something that makes me feel like I’m eating a real burger. I was hoping that the Luna Burgers would live up to my own high gluten-free veggie burger expectations!

20160324_172952 — My amazing veggie burger & fries night made possible by Luna Burger BBQ Pure Plant Veggie Burgers

So, I popped the fries into the oven for the 16 minutes it would take to cook them. Then, I got out my skillet and turned on medium heat. Opening up the box, I found two thick (yes…THICK) four ounce (4 oz) patties ready to hit the heat. I placed each one on the skillet and began to slowly cook it per the instructions on the box. When I flipped the fries and set the sandwich buns on the baking sheet to toast lightly, I flipped the burgers too. A few pieces flaked off, but for the most part, the Luna Burger BBQ Pure Plant Veggie Burgers held their own in the cooking process. I was actually impressed. No trying to piece burgers back together. That was a nice change of pace for sure. When the fries were done, I began to layer up the sandwich buns to build a huge…hefty…but amazing veggie burger. Bun…mustard…greens…Luna Burger patty…tomato, onion, avocado…more mustard…and the other half of the sandwich bun. Oh…I was already trying to figure out how I was going to get my mouth around the entire thing. It was a beautiful thing for sure.

But the big test always comes with that first bite. And this burger delivered. I was really impressed with how the Luna Burger BBQ Pure Plant Veggie Burgers cooked. But I was even more impressed with how they held up when being handled and eaten. Honestly, most gluten-free veggie burgers crumble and fall apart with each bite. They squish out of the bun and lack that “meaty” texture that you want…even with a veggie burger. The opposite was the case with the Luna Burger BBQ Veggie Burger. I loved the texture. It was soft, but got that nice crust on each side, giving it this great burger texture. It didn’t fall out of my bun or crumble when I picked it up and took large bites. I was beyond impressed with the myriad of flavors that came in this burger as well. I don’t know if I got that smokey BBQ flavor that, but I did get a little bit of heat and sweetness. And it definitely made for an amazing and interesting (in a good way) flavor profile. Totally hoping somewhere around here carries these, because I would LOVE to have them in my freezer again. Delicious!!

Let’s discuss the ingredients that go into the Luna Burger BBQ Pure Plant Veggie Burgers. These burgers are made from brown rice, black beans, onion, brown rice flour, carrots, tomatoes, peaches, sunflower seeds, kale, molasses, garlic, jalapeno peppers, apple cider vinegar, salt, ground mustard, and black pepper. This burger is gluten-free, wheat-free, corn-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, and contains no extra oils.

As far as nutrition goes, Luna Burger BBQ Pure Plant Veggie Burgers live up to their healthy packaging. A serving size is 1 burger (114 grams) and there are two (2) burgers per box. A serving will provide you with 170 calories, 2.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 310 mg sodium, 31 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 3 grams sugars, and 7 grams of protein. This is a filling, healthy, completely vegan product that makes you feel good about eating it. I mean, Luna Burger uses locally sourced fruits, grains, vegetables, and herbs. LOVE it.

The Luna Burger BBQ Pure Plant Veggie Burgers definitely rank up there in gluten-free veggie burger options. Not my #1 choice, but definitely close. Perfect texture, flavor, and so satisfying. You can’t go wrong. Need to treat yourself to some comfort food…turn to Luna Burger for your veggie burger needs.

But remember…only the BBQ variety is gluten-free and vegan!

March 25, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Tomato Basil Bagels

Sweet Note Bakery Gluten Free Tomato Basil Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Tomato Basil Bagels – $7.25

I just got home from New York City. When you’re in New York, you eat bagels. It’s what you do. Fortunately for me, there are a lot of places that offer gluten-free bagels throughout the city. Most of the bagel shops use a store brand version (like the one I went to…Tompkins Square Bagels), but at least I got to indulge. BTW…if you go to Tompkins Square Bagels, they have a variety of tofu cream cheeses (for people like me who don’t handle dairy well), which makes the bagel experience that much more authentic. For the record, I got a plain gluten free bagel there which I had them load up with the tofu veggie cream cheese. It was mighty good.

But…you can tell when a bagel is a store brand.

Tompkins Square Bagels could really benefit from picking up bagels from a company that does New York-style bagels right!

SWEET NOTE BAKERY!

You want to talk about an appropriate bagel…you look to these ladies (and gentleman).

What’s even more exciting is that Sweet Note has expanded their flavor profile on their bagels. While they are getting rid of the Sesame Bagels (due to allergen concerns with sesame seeds now), they have added 4 new varieties to their already sought-after, highly delicious, amazing bagel lineup.

I think I have stumbled upon my new favorite from their latest creations. Seriously…i should have ordered 10 packs of these…

While I have already reviewed their new Garlic & Herb Bagels a few weeks ago…today I stepped it up, reached into my freezer, and delivered to my oven the epitome of every gluten-free bagel out there. Seriously…no comparison…nothing could live up to the flavors, texture, and sheer awesomeness of every bite of the brand new…

…wait for it…

SWEET NOTE GLUTEN FREE TOMATO BASIL BAGEL!!!!!!

Before I begin to wax rhapsodic about this bagel…let’s start with the basics. Keep these frozen . Do NOT thaw them out to room temperature ahead of time. It’s on the instructions on the packaging and in the box they arrive in. Do not ever think you know best. Simply place in the microwave for a minute to begin to thaw bagel from frozen. I have found that if I start with 30 seconds, then completely flip the bagel over for the remaining 30, they thaw out evenly and perfectly. If you eat a bagel in true New York fashion…stop here. If you, like me (despite being a New Yorker), like to toast up that bagel a wee bit…then stick it in your toaster (or if you, like me, do not own a toaster, get that oven going at 350°F and place on a baking sheet…toasting for about 15-20 minutes or less). My roommate was awake at this point, so I let them toast lightly while I went to shower, since I had just returned from my Friday morning spin class.

Timing is everything…and that just seems to be the perfect toasting time for these bagels for me. I don’t get them to the crispy on the inside point, but do get a nice, light, golden color to them. My apartment smelled frickin’ awesome this morning while these were working.

Since Tomato Basil is a bit more of a savory flavor, I opted for something different than your standard cream cheese. Because…why do anything normally? This was a brand new, exciting, culinary adventure. LIVE IT UP! I had a container of Heidi Ho Organics Ne Chevre Pure Live Culture Cashew Cheeze. I used that! I’ll review Heidi Ho in a little while..but this is some of the best plant-based cheese I have ever had!! Goat cheese without the goat!! OH HELL YES!! On a tomato basil bagel…now I’m just out of control!! Somebody stop me!!

Or don’t…because…

HOLY GARDEN OF EATING!! Let me just say…the Sweet Note Gluten Free Tomato Basil Bagels are like eating a pizza first thing in the morning. It’s a bagel..that tastes like pizza. In fact, if I wanted to make bagel pizzas like I used to…this bagel would be the ideal base. No joke…packed…just loaded…overloaded…full of flavors. It has this rich tomato flavor to it, but the herb-y nature of the basil keeps the flavor profile balanced and just…awesome. Yep. Awesome is now a flavor profile descriptor. There are no other words to describe how life changing just one bite of this bagel was. If you are into savory flavors…THIS bagel will blow your culinary mind! Your taste buds will applaud each and every bite you take…whether you savor it (I tried…I tried…) or mow it down on the go (I might have power ate mine…a little…). If you’re a pizza freak (she’s a pizza freak…pizza freak…so hot and cheesy)…like I am…this bagel is calling your name. Loud and proud, my friends. I am in total and absolute love and now needing to go and buy at least 5 more packs of these. I will not rest until my freezer is properly stocked. Just…WOW!! Wow-factor…off the scale…off the chart…OFF THE CHAIN!!! Pairing it with a more “cheezy” spread was a wise decision I think too. While regular cream cheese would work just fine…this…highly complimented every bite. It was…virtually…pizza for breakfast. Just like when I was in college…ah…those good ol’ days.

Gluten Free and Vegan Pizza Bagels made with Sweet Note Bakery Gluten Free Tomato Herb Bagels

And…if that wasn’t enough, I went back for more. YES…MORE!! I came home from work and toasted up another round of these bagels. This time, along with the Heidi Ho Organics Ne Chevre Cheeze, I topped it with marinara and some dried basil…making bagel pizzas for dinner. And they were BEYOND fantastic. They were superbagelfragalisticexpizzalidocious! Blew me away. Pizza bagels…now that really did bring back some memories, LOL!! You’d think I was carb loading or something. But I’m not. I’m just LOVING these bagels.

If I don’t have your attention yet…then you’re not reading a thing I’ve written. But in case you need a little more…let’s talk about all the good things that go into the Sweet Note Gluten Free Tomato Basil Bagels, shall we? Real ingredients for starters. And it all starts with…LOVE. Yes…that’s an actual listed ingredient. Everything that makes these amazing New York-style, gluten-free bagels is listed here: Love, water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, brown sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, garlic, salt, tomato paste, and basil. Nothing fake or processed…just high quality, real products to make a high-quality real product. Eating a clean breakfast just got so much tastier. Sweet Note Gluten Free Tomato Basil Bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. LOVE IT!! Vegan & Gluten Free bagels are now ready to be delivered right to your doorstep!

As far as nutrition goes, I LOVE that these bagels keep calories and fat in check. Honestly! A serving size is one (1) full bagel (not a half a bagel, but a full)…which is about 4.5 ounces (or 128 grams) of bagel-y goodness. Each pack of bagels comes with four (4) bagels inside. The Sweet Note Gluten Free Tomato Basil Bagel will deliver unto you…290 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 320 mg sodium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 8 grams sugars, and 5 grams of protein. We are talking about the ultimate powerhouse of nutrients in a delicious carby package. Mmmm…carbs. With the high fiber and protein, you’ll feel full and satisfied long after your bagel is gone.

This flavor is not an online exclusive, but in case your local stores don’t carry Sweet Note Bagels or have yet to get their hands on the new flavor…you can order this (and go overboard, for real!) in their ONLINE STORE!

There is nothing better than taking your first bite of breakfast and being blown away by the intense, amazing flavors that touch your palate. This was the ideal way to start my Friday. Definitely sets the standard for the rest of what I consume today…which is in no way as interesting as my breakfast. For real. I mean, a gluten-free peanut butter & jelly sammie just isn’t the same as a gluten-free tomato basil bagel with a schmear of ne chevre cheeze. When you hear the old adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day…believe it…and make it epic.

Sweet Note Bagels will definitely take you above and beyond that epic level. Don’t wait any longer if you haven’t tried these yet. DO IT!!

March 16, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic & Herb Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic & Herb Bagels – $7.25

You know, I’m already one of those “crazy bagelers” that your parents warned you about. I’m a girl who grew up in the capital of bagel country. New York. If you are from New York, you better know how to get your bagel on.

Bagels, while they get a bad rep, are one of my most favorite things in life. Mmmm…carby goodness for sure. They are filling, crunchy, chewy, and slathered with some sort of delicious schmear of goodness…making it both an epic morning breakfast and a treat.

And while the gluten-free market is becoming inundated with gluten free versions of bagels…none have really had that authenticity…that dense, chewy, but crispy on the outside authenticity of a true New York-Style bagel.

Until…Sweet Note Bakery…

Now, Sweet Note and I have a really fun history. It all began with a simple tweet. Yep. The Twitter is what brought them into my life. I had reviewed Canyon Bakehouse’s new bagels and Sweet Note chimed in with how if I liked Canyon Bakehouse…I’d love their stuff. So, I took the bait…went to their Web site…and found a plethora of gluten free and vegan bagel goodness. It took me awhile to talk myself into ordering anything…but when I did…it was the start of something good. Now, my freezer is never without some variety of Sweet Note Bagels.

And, with winter finally leaving and spring warming our hearts and bodies, Sweet Note decided to spread a little spring fever as well…with the introduction of not one (1) but FOUR (4) new bagel flavors.

I must have died and gone to gluten-free bagel heaven. The four flavors are Tomato Basil, Salt, Garlic, and Garlic & Herb. The last three are exclusively available ONLY online in their shop. When the release date for the bagels came…I immediately placed an order and got all four new flavors. When it comes to bagels, I don’t mess around. They arrived on Thursday of last week…so this week…I’m starting to try them out.

I asked my roommate what flavor she wanted to try first, and, without any hesitation, she said, “Garlic & Herb.” I had a feeling that would be the case, though. Anything with garlic makes her happy…throw in some herby goodness…and she’s in food heaven (or coma…depending…).

Yesterday was the big premier. After my 5:30 am spin class, I came home and pulled the Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic & Herb Bagels out of the freezer and pulled 2 from the packaging. I thawed them for a minute (I have discovered that if you do 30 seconds on one side, then flip it over and do 30 seconds on the other, you get the perfect thaw) in the microwave and sliced each one in half, placing it on a baking sheet and prepping it for some toasting while I took my shower. Into the preheated 350°F oven it went.

I showered, I dressed, I came out of the bathroom and noticed that the aroma in the apartment was crazy goodness. It was like I stepped into an Italian Trattoria or something. Roasted garlic and those powerful herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil, and oregano…plus others) just invaded the apartment…and it was enough to set my mouth to watering. I couldn’t wait to get these out of the oven and tried them. If they tasted as good as they smelled…these could be dangerous indeed. A few more minutes (between 15-20 total) in the oven, and I pulled the bagels out, noting the light toast on the cut side and the golden color of the crust…a perfect bagel toasting if I did say so myself. Each half got a hearty schmear of Daiya Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Style Spread and…breakfast was served.

bagels2 — Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic & Herb Bagels with a schmear of Daiya Onion & Chive Cream Cheese Style Spread

I didn’t wait to even sit down before taking a bite of mine…

The Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic & Herb Bagels…are bagels at their finest. Rich with powerful flavors and packed with hearty and healthy herbs (that can come straight from an herb garden!), this bagel was one of the most delicious things I have put into my mouth. And, as a marathon runner, I eat a lot. HAHA! The garlic was a strong flavor, but it was tampered down and kept in balance by the earthy and robust flavors of the herbs that were incorporated into the batter. I loved the intense, but subtle flavors each bite brought. I love how Sweet Note Bakery makes their bagels in the proper New York-style. Not the size of a steering wheel, but smaller…denser…thicker…yummier. Hey…I know a good bagel when I bite into one. These toasted up to perfection. These tasted of perfection. The ladies (and gentleman) of the Sweet Note Bakery team hit this one out of the bagel ball park. MVB (Most Valuable Bagel)…right here. SO GOOD!

So…let’s discuss the ingredients that go into Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic & Herb Bagels. These bagels are made from LOVE (yep…that’s an ingredient!), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, brown sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, garlic, salt, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, sage, basil and oregano. As always when it comes to Sweet Note’s bagels, these bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. LOVE IT!!

As far as nutrition goes, I love how all four of the new flavors are under 300 calories per bagel. One full bagel (not half a bagel…but a full bagel) with under 300 calories. Yep…speaking my language. The Sweet Note Gluten Free Garlic & Herb Bagels come with four (4) bagels per package. The serving size is one (1) bagel. This one bagel will deliver unto you 280 calories, 3.5 grams fat, .5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 320 mg sodium, 60 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 4 grams of protein. POWERHOUSE of nutrition…especially for the endurance athlete. And the higher fiber and protein content will keep you fuller longer!

This flavor is only available in their ONLINE STORE!

I am so thankful for Sweet Note for bringing authentic bagels to the gluten-free world. No fillers…just real ingredients. That’s one reason their bagels are so amazing. Making them in the classic New York-style also helps. So, my dearest friends at Sweet Note…keep making these awesome breakfast goodies…keep exploring new flavors…and keep bringing only the best…because it is companies like you…and products like this…that make the this gluten-free girl rise and shine in the morning. Your Garlic & Herb Bagels are a ray of sunshine…schmeared with a healthy dose of awesomesauce!

March 2, 2016

Product Review: Schär Gluten Free Hazelnut Croissants

schar — Schär Gluten Free Hazelnut Croissants

Product: Schär Gluten Free Hazelnut Croissants – $5.99+

Let’s face it…when it comes to gluten-free breakfast (or dinner or whenever) treats…one of the most difficult to find is the croissant. And I used to be a sucker for the warm, buttery, flaky little roll of baked dough. Croissants simply…rock.

Going gluten-free, I’ve pretty much been able to find a recipe or something to satisfy any void in any treat that I want. Puff pastry is the tricky one. At least puff pastry that acts like puff pastry. The recipe is WAY too complicated and the one I purchased in stores doesn’t exactly…puff.

Croissants have also been rather elusive. Granted, my gluten-free bakery, Annie May’s Sweet Café, does offer croissant rolls…and I purchase them around Thanksgiving every year as they are my Black Friday breakfast (filling and full of carbs for shopping energy!). It is the one time every year that I get to enjoy that special treat. (As a side note, I could order these from my allergen-free bakery at any point…but there are so many goodies there…I have to pace myself, LOL!).

But then Schär filled this void recently with the introduction of their frozen croissants. I was excited when they made the announcement, also noting that they had two (2) different versions – Plain and Hazelnut. And for the longest time, I searched my usual gluten-free go-to stores for these. But, no joy. No one carried them. I figured they would be the unicorn of my gluten-free life…sort of like Rudi’s Gluten Free Texas Toast (still haven’t found that anywhere).

It took one of my trips to Columbus, Ohio, to finally find these. In the freezer section. Happy dance ensued. Thank you, Raisin Rack, for your extreme awesomeness and LARGE gluten-free selection. This made my day. And I purchased them, the Hazelnut ones, put them in a cooler with dry ice, and got them home and to my freezer. Where I promptly forgot about them…as I just piled other things on top.

But, when my freezer begged for some organizing this past weekend, I discovered the bag all the way in the back and I moved it forward…because these were going to happen this week. For sure. And what better day to test them out than a Wednesday after a 4 mile run and 20 mile spin class? Yep…no better time.

I left the bag of croissants out on the counter to thaw while I was at the gym, and when I got back, I preheated the oven to 350°F and removed the Schär Gluten Free Hazelnut Croissants from the package and moved them to a baking sheet. They went into the oven for about 7-8 minute (around 10-12 in my old-ass oven that doesn’t heat right)…giving me time to shower while they cooked. When I removed them from the oven, they were golden brown and looking like…amazing, beautiful, perfect, croissants. I moved them to plates and served them up for breakfast.

My roommate got to hers first (I was pouring myself coffee…because…priorities). I asked her what she thought and she said, “They’re pretty good.” Now, with her, that means they are either good…or they aren’t so good, but they are edible. And I never know which way it goes until I try it myself. At least she didn’t say, “They’re okey-dokey,” because that, friends, means she hates them…and is just being polite. I settled in with the morning news, my laptop, my Wonder Woman coffee mug (now filled with piping hot, fresh coffee) and my plate with my own Schär Gluten Free Hazelnut Croissant on it. I sliced into it with the side of my fork tines, and then, stabbing the flaky (and yes…it actually was flaky) pastry with it…took my first taste.

When I think about croissants, I think of this flaky, rich, buttery breakfast goodie. And Schär definitely provided the rolled up pastry form. As for taste, it was airy, and not as dense as I had thought they would be. That was a nice surprise. I was a little disappointed with the lack of the hazelnut filling in each bite, but, I sort of figured that would be the case. I was just hoping I’d be wrong. The croissant itself…buttery flavor in every bite. Which, if you managed to get a bite with at least a little of the filling…it was indeed heavenly. The hazelnut (like Nutella) filling was chocolate-nutty goodness and I was digging for more. But filling or not, these weren’t dense…but they were definitely filling. Small…much smaller than I anticipated…but filling. It made for a good treat for breakfast for sure. Not nearly as amazing as the ones Annie May’s Sweet Café provides for me each holiday season…but lighter and flakier than those…and ranking right up there. For a frozen product, this was love at second bite (the second bite had some of the hazelnut filling, for the record).

Let’s talk about ingredients for a moment. Because, at first glance, what goes into Schär Gluten Free Hazelnut Croissants might…scare you. My mind was put to ease awhile back with an article discussing Schär’s use of gluten free wheat starch. Yep, you read that right. GLUTEN. FREE. WHEAT. STARCH. If you have a wheat allergy…DO NOT EAT THESE!! I was mostly concerned as I am very sensitive…but no affects on me whatsoever in regards to a gluten reaction. So, that’s a win. The Schär Gluten Free Hazelnut Croissants are made from gluten free wheat starch, water, vegetable margarine [vegetable fats and oils (palm, palm kernel, coconut, canola), water, salt, mono- and diglycerides, butter flavor], hazelnut
cream (sugar, canola oil, hazelnuts, skimmed cocoa powder, skimmed milk powder, whey (milk) powder, lactose, sunflower, lecithin), eggs, yeast, chicory fiber, dextrose, fructose, glucono delta-lactone, baking soda, egg albumin, skimmed milk powder, sugar, salt, mono- and diglycerides, xanthan gum, and butter flavor. Believe me…these croissants ARE gluten-free.

As far as nutrition goes…let’s face it…it’s a croissant. These aren’t going to be packed with a wide array of nutrients. But it is nice to have a treat every now and again. The serving size of the Schär Gluten Free Hazelnut Croissants is one (1) croissant and there are four (4) in each package. This serving will dish up 240 calories, 10 grams fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 160 mg sodium, 34 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 2 grams of protein. Yep…I admit…there are far better choices for a breakfast out there, but dammit, sometimes you just need to treat yourself.

I was surprised by the flavor, the texture, and with the overall deliciousness of the Schär Gluten Free Hazelnut Croissants. I wish they had more filling than they did, but aside from that, each bite was heavenly and totally worth the indulgence. Love sometimes comes in packages that are in your natural food store freezer. Impressed.

February 25, 2016

Product Review: Feel Good Foods Gluten Free Vegetable Fried Brown Rice

20160223_165930[1] — Feel Good Foods Gluten Free Vegetable Fried Brown Rice

Product: Feel Good Foods Gluten Free Vegetable Fried Brown Rice – $6.99+

Once again, I have Raisin Rack in Columbus, Ohio, to thank for introducing me to some amazing gluten-free goodness. It was on one of my numerous trips to Columbus to visit my friend Jenn that we made our (now) official stop in at the natural food store. The budget was small this time thanks to holiday (and doctor) bills, but I was able to stock up on a few things of interest.

One of said items was from Feel Good Foods, makers of gluten free eggrolls and dumplings. Apparently, they now make actual microwaveable meals. I didn’t know this, and I keep really up-to-date on the new products out there, especially from companies and brands that I love. I spotted the one vegetarian option (the fried rice mentioned above) and picked out the General Tso’s Chicken for my roommate…and it was game on. Purchased. It made the budget cut for sure.

Feel Good Foods has the slogan: Don’t worry. Eat happy. And, with the promise of having no added MSG, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors, I was already feeling good about my purchase. Creators, Tryg and Vanessa met at a restaurant where he was the chef and she was working. When he discovered that she couldn’t have the staff-created meals, he began creating gluten-free versions of the dish. They created Feel Good Foods gluten-free frozen foods after they opened a gluten-free restaurant and were told that they needed to put their food out on the market. Their foods are non-GMO, all-natural and completely gluten-free. You see…Vanessa is a Celiac…so they take food allergies really seriously.

Well, these meals were in our freezer for a few weeks, because I figured they would be a perfect “need a quick dinner” meal for busy nights…something we’ve finally been having more of these days. Because…running. Well, Tuesday nights are my hill repeat nights, and this happens in Louisville…at 6 pm. So, after working until 4:30, I literally have time to come home, throw on some running clothes, warm something up, down it, and get over the river to the event. The past couple of weeks, due to weather, I’ve hit the treadmill due to cancellations and/or…me not wanting to be out in the elements. But…yesterday…despite some apprehension (got some niggling pain in the hips), I decided I was going to go and at least attempt to tackle the hills.

So, this meant the frozen meals have to come out. And so…without any further adieu…out came the Feel Good Foods Gluten Free Vegetable Fried Brown Rice (and my roommate’s General Tso’s Chicken, too!) for a quick heat and eat.

The Feel Good Foods Vegetable Fried Brown Rice is super easy to prepare. Simply open the box and remove the little bowl. Cut a 1-inch slit into the plastic overwrap. Place in the microwave and cook on high for about 3-4 minutes. Let it sit for one (1) minute. Then remove the overwrap, stir, and devour. Simple…

…and delicious. In fact, it turns out that this particular fried rice dish is one of Chef Tryg’s favorites. Feel Good Foods Vegetable Fried Brown Rice highlights the amazing flavors of the leeks and ginger. Also…I love that brown rice is used instead of rice, not just for flavor, but health reasons too. Let’s face it, brown rice is better. Any…freakin’…day! As for this meal, in general…it definitely is a frozen dinner, but leaps and bounds above your average frozen meal. Made with real ingredients and seasoned to perfection. I didn’t have to add a thing to this (not even Yum Yum Sauce). And I devoured it. I think my favorite thing that was in there were the waterchesnuts. Nice texture. The entire meal had a variety of flavors and textures going. The vegetables were steamed to perfection, the brown rice wasn’t dry…and, as I said, seasoning was spot on. Plus, this was a nice way to fuel up before taking on 6 miles of hills. It was gone in record time.

So, let’s discuss what goes into the Feel Good Foods Vegetable Fried Brown Rice, shall we. This meal is made from brown rice (water, rice, expeller-pressed canola oil), leeks, carrots, green peas, gluten-free soy sauce (water, soybeans, salt), expeller-pressed canola oil, ginger, eggs (whole eggs, citric acid, water), waterchesnuts, garlic, scallions, sesame oil, salt, and spices.

As far as nutrition goes, I was impressed with the nutritional facts that came with the Feel Good Foods Gluten Free Vegetable Fried Brown Rice. A serving size is 1 package (255 grams), and there is one (1) serving per container. One serving will provide you with 350 calories, 18 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 490 mg sodium, 40 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 5 grams sugars, and 7 grams protein. It is gluten-free, vegetarian, and made using minimally processed, non-artificial ingredients.

Thanks to Tryg and Vanessa, someone like me, who usually has to bypass the Chinese Food, can start to enjoy it again. While I am not big on consuming frozen dishes, these sure did come in handy for a busy weeknight. Quick and easy to prepare…and just as quick and easy to eat. You’ll love the flavor. For the record, my roommate truly enjoyed her General Tso’s Chicken, saying it wasn’t too spicy or anything. So…there is that.

I know Whole Foods carries Feel Good Foods products…so next time I’m there, I might have to contemplate picking up another box of this…for another busy night in my future. I encourage you to do the same.

January 19, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels – $7.25

It’s no secret. Not anymore. When it comes to gluten-free bagels, my mind has been blown by the amazing ladies (or the crazy bagel ladies, as they dub themselves), at Sweet Note Bakery, based out of Bensalem, Pa.

Seriously, I had loved Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels…and Canyon Bakehouse’s Gluten Free Bagels…and I had been less excited about other brands…but it was the pioneering spirit of the Sweet Note Bakery ladies that really got me to step outside of the commercially known product line and try something…different.

And after a little prodding on Twitter…I took the leap and ordered their standard bagel offerings (Plain, Sesame, Everything, and Cinnamon Raisin). I fell in love with the very first bite of the very first kind I tried. And my appreciation has only since grown. During the fall and winter, two seasonal flavors are introduced to the line-up…Pumpkin Spice and Snickerdoodle.

HELLO SNICKERDOODLE!

But…before I digress on how Sweet Note Bakery took my favorite cookie and turned it into my favorite breakfast (I’m a New Yorker…of course I love bagels!)..let me introduce you to Sweet Note Bakery…that is, if you don’t know anything about them.

This is truly a love story between me and these bagels. Every single flavor has been outstanding. No joke. You know, I’m very blunt about things I eat and if I don’t like them, you know it. There is nothing NOT to like about the bagels that Sweet Note Bakery puts out there. Fantastic quality…fantastic flavor. Never once have they let me down. And that’s why all other bagels stay in the freezer section now…and Sweet Note is the only one that actually makes the journey home to my own freezer.

So…Snickerdoodle Bagels.

Yes…they really are as epic as they sound. Yes…they really do taste like a snickerdoodle. YES…this is coming from a cookie monster who just happens to call the snickerdoodle her favorite cookie. Ever. In the history of cookies. Seriously.

This morning, I returned to my apartment after my 5:30 am spin class (yeah…you read that time right), ready to have something substantial for my post-workout breakfast. I pulled out a package of the Sweet Note Bakery Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels and tore them open. I had been waiting a long time to try these. I pulled out two (1 for my roommate and 1 for me) and gave them the standard 1 minute defrost in the microwave before slicing each one in half and placing them on a baking sheet to toast up in the oven while I took a shower and got cleaned up for work. Don’t worry, the roomie was awake and in the vicinity of the kitchen, so I wasn’t leaving anything unattended. That’s a no-no. I love my home too much to burn it down. When I emerged…the apartment was smelling like…warm cinnamon and sugar. I might have said, “Mmmmmmm!” as I strode toward the kitchen to check on the bagels. Toasted to perfection. I removed them from the oven, I knew these would not disappoint me. They smelled like perfection. If perfection had an aroma…it would be warm cinnamon and sugar. For sure.

I went to get my vegan cream cheese out of the fridge, but, alas…I had used it up and failed to put it back on the grocery list. It was also 4 degrees out this morning, so I wasn’t going to just pop on down to the car (wet hair and all) to scoot down the street to my grocery store to pick some up. Instead…I used peanut butter. Delicious, amazing, delightfully yummy peanut butter. Natural. No added sugars, salts or any of that craziness. This required a good amount of stirring, but I got the peanut butter right to the creamy consistency that signifies a perfectly stirred peanut butter…and then…slathered a healthy schmear on each bagel half. I served my roommate hers, went to pour my coffee, then sat down on the couch with the morning news on and a delicious bagel on my plate.

THIS…my friends…is the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Perfect. I loved how the cinnamon sugar coating hits your tongue first, and then it melts into that classic, bready, bagel flavor. The peanut butter really tamped down on the sweetness, and really kicked up that savory level, making a perfect balance between both worlds. I am certain I would have loved this just as much with my usual schmear of vegan cream cheese, but the peanut butter was the perfect match, in my opinion. The bagel is all kinds of amazing. I love how the focus of the bagels by Sweet Note is not so much as the “bigger is better” but the quality and taste. In fact, they take it back to the classic New York-style bagel…smaller, denser, and perfect. PERFECT. Every single flavor has been perfect. When toasted, the outside gets that perfect golden crust and the inside remains chewy. It’s dense, and flavorful, and just…awesome. It’s awesome. There. And the snickerdoodle flavoring kicks this bagel up to iconic status. It’s the Freddie Mercury of bagels. They will rock you. They are the champions. You’ll want them all. Yep. Freddie Mercury of bagels.

What I love about Sweet Note Bagels is there is nothing artificial in their recipes. In fact, the Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels are made from LOVE (yes…that is a true ingredient and one that is in every variety of their bagels), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. All of this…makes one hell of a bagel. Because…hello…SNICKERDOODLE = BEST THING EVER!

Let’s discuss nutrition now, shall we? A serving of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels is 1 bagel (128 grams) and there are 4 servings per package. One bagel will provide you with 310 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 65 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 14 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. These bagels are a bit higher in sugar due to their snickerdoodliness. But that’s okay. They are filling and amazing and one of the best bagels ever created. These bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, vegan, peanut-free, tree nut-free, kosher and non-GMO.

Snickerdoodle Bagels are real and they are taking on the classic snickerdoodle cookie for sure. I can’t thank Sweet Note Bakery enough for their innovative thinking and coming up with a merger of the best cookie ever with the best bagel ever. If you can’t find the Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagel in stores…order those puppies on line. They will rock your world. But act now…as they are only available for a limited time.

I also encourage you to order from their regular menu as well…get a taste for their amazing New York-style bagels and fall in love like I did. But first…order the Snickerdoodle.

Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels with a schmear of Peanut Butter — Sweet Note Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Bagels with a schmear of Organic Peanut Butter