I admit it. I’m not ashamed of it. These things happen. They happen all the time. It just doesn’t normally happen to me because normally donuts are off limits. This isn’t a “OMG…my thighs will get huge!” sort of off limits. No, no. This is a…eating that regular donut will hurt me kind of way.
Truth be told. I have always, always loved donuts and not being able to eat them kind of…well…sucked.
There are gluten-free varieties out there. They are limited varieties…but they exist. But none…none have equaled the donuts that I used to be able to indulge in every now and again. And then…along came donuts by Katz Gluten Free.
First it was the Powdered Sugar Donuts. I raved about those already, and rightfully so. I mean…they blew me away. Light, sugary, delicious…it was love at first (low-calorie) bite. And then, while minding my business one day an e-mail comes through advertising KATZ NEW CINNAMON DONUTS. Do you realize the effect my prior experience with their donuts had? Let me fill you in…
The instant, and I’m not kidding, I opened that e-mail, I was on the Katz Web site and placing an order. Honestly. I didn’t hesitate or blink in the process. I knew I had to try them because…I fell so head-over-heels for the powdered sugar variety. These had to be good too, right?
Well, let me tell you, when FedEx arrived with my package two days later I hurried up front to the receptionists desk, snatched the box, opened it up, marveled, put them in the freezer, and promised myself donuts for breakfast on Sunday. I couldn’t do it on Saturday as I had a road race and I have my specific foods I eat those days.
Sunday couldn’t come fast enough. I thawed out two donuts (one for me and one for my non-gluten-free roommate) and then gave them a quick 10 second buzz in the microwave to add a bit of that ‘freshly baked’ warmness to them. As I settled in for breakfast, I anticipated my first bite, wondering if it could live up to the powdered sugar variety.
It did just that and then some. These seem a bit more fluffy than the powdered sugar counterparts, but just as amazing and delicious. I had to keep myself from scarfing it down, remembering to chew each bite, taste the sweet cinnamon, enjoy the light cake-like texture. And I managed, but it was no easy task.
These donuts are beyond amazing. They are one of the best I have ever eaten (and before going gluten-free, I ate lots of different types of donuts). They are a cake-based donut, but they are so light. They don’t feel heavy at all when you eat them. The texture isn’t dense at all, just bite-for-bite delicious. I can’t wait to choose another morning to indulge because every time I open up my freezer, they beckon to me.
Katz, you have once again outdone your gluten-free counterparts. The Cinnamon Sugar donuts are, so far, my favorite thing from your lineup that I have tried. I’m in donut heaven and I have you to thank for it.
And for those of you who might be counting calories, one plump, donut-sized donut will only set you back 160 calories. How’s that for an indulgence? Fall in love with donuts again. And then…go to Katz Gluten Free and place an order for these. You won’t be disappointed. The hard part is not immediately ordering more. Yes…they are that good.
A little sweet, a little spicy, Katz completely captures the essence of the perfect donut with this product. I’m hooked.
Most restaurants go into a slight panic when I turn up. No, I’m not kidding. Unless they are equipped with a gluten-free menu, my preface to an order usually begins with, “I want to let you know that have a gluten allergy…and I’m also a vegetarian.” Usually, and sometimes unsuccessfully, this relegates me to the SALAD portion of the menu.
This was not the case for Louisville’s own, very eclectic, fantastic Hillbilly Tea.
I know, the Yankee (I was raised in New York) in me balks at the name. But for this Appalachian-style tea café offers up all the comforts of home, in a trendy, comforting setting. It’s hard not to immediately fall in love with the rustic style within the walls of this café in downtown Louisville. The wooden tables. The variety of chairs. The tables adorned with simple flowers in small individual vases, so as not to interfere with your conversation across the table. It’s a beautiful setting for a fantastic dining experience.
Hillbilly Tea defines itself as a trendy tea café, which offers a variety of fresh, organic whole leaf teas, which they mix and pair themselves. Additionally, the chef is cooking up Appalachian comfort food, sourced from local organic farms. It’s a dining gem in the hart of Louisville, Kentucky (located right across the street from the First Street White Castle, FYI). It doesn’t look like much on the outside, but it’s what is inside that generates the magic.
I had just finished up the Anthem 5K Fitness Classic in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday and was absolutely starving. On a lark a couple weeks back, I had gone ahead and purchased a Groupon for food and tea at Hillbilly Tea. As we were already downtown, and famished, my roommate and I headed over to Hillbilly Tea for brunch. And it was already bustling at 9:30 when we finally parked and ducked inside.
We were greeted warmly by the front of house and shown to a table near the back. I fell in love with the rustic decor, how no tables were clothed, how the silverware was served wrapped in a napkin and held together with a clothespin. Yes…I was already in love with this place before even settling on food and a tea to try. We were given menus and left with them to mull over for a moment while he went to seat other patrons heading in to eat as well.
Saturday's brunch menu at Hillbilly Tea
Tea was the first thing on my mind as it had been a very, very cold morning and I was still chilled from my 3.1 mile run in shorts in 30 degree weather. I settled on hot herbal tea ($3.50), choosing the Sweet Dream variety, which is a delicate mix of chamomile with a hint of peppermint and lemon. My roommate, who is just learning the wonders of tea, opted for a black tea ($3.50), whether it’s because it would have more caffeine or what, I don’t know. She chose the Morning Dew, which is billed as brisk and bold, begging for milk and sugar. Actually, she chose it because it sounded like the Irish Breakfast tea that I fell in love with in Ireland (Bewley’s…in case you were wondering). We put in our tea orders and then turned our attention to the food portion of the menu.
On Saturdays, brunch is served at Hillbilly Tea, although throughout the week they have a menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The brunch menu is a conglomeration of all of them, I think, scaled down, and perfect for a Saturday crowd. You see, Hillbilly Tea, on Saturdays, serves food from 8 am – 4 pm, so the brunch menu is honestly ideal. I had finally settled on what I was going to get when the hot tea was served at our table, just freshly put in the infuser. I was told to let mine steep for 5 minutes, my roommate for 3 minutes. Instructions well received and followed. Our waiter then was ready to take our order for brunch.
Hillbilly Tea's Sweet Dream herbal tea
I led off, giving my usually spiel about my food allergies and vegetarianism. Without hesitation. Without even blinking an eye, my server said, “We have a fantastic gluten-free menu. In fact, with the exception of (named off dishes here), everything else is gluten-free or can be made without the bread or scone to accommodate.” A knowledgable staff…this is not something I am used to. I don’t like the guessing game when it comes to what I might be eating or what might be in my food. And this…this put me right at ease. So, I ordered the Breakfast Platter ($7.00) without the toast and with a side of the Pit Roasted Sweet Potatoes ($3.00). My roommate opted for the Eggs and Biscuit and Gravy ($8.00) with a side of the Corn Pone ($3.00). The order was in and we settled in to enjoy the atmosphere, conversation, and some fantastic hot tea.
I was quite happy with the food when it arrived. It looked and smelled amazing. My meal actually consisted of three scrambled eggs, which looked to be seasoned with fresh herbs, and served with a potato and mushroom hash. The Pit Roasted Sweet Potatoes looked like healthy, ungreasy, sweet potato fries. Not what I was expecting at all.
My roommate’s plate was a delicious looking platter with house-made hearty biscuits, smothered in a vegetarian gravy that is made up of shitake mushrooms and thyme, and then topped with two perfectly poached eggs. It was actually the first time my roommate ever had a poached egg (and for this, I don’t know whether to blame Gordon Ramsay or Anthony Bourdain), but she figured she can’t say she doesn’t like something if she never tries it. And, with the exception of a taste of biscuits and gravy at Nat’s (a divey diner in Los Angeles, CA), she never had biscuits and gravy either, just always said she despised them on their looks. But, she went out of her dining comfort zone again and took a chance. For her, it was victory. She fell in love with poached eggs and raved about the dense biscuit and how it paired well with the gravy on top. As for the corn pone…well, she loved how it wasn’t sweet, it was perfectly scored with grill marks, and was ideal to sop up the remaining gravy from her plate. Brunch success.
So, how did the Breakfast Platter fare? Well, this was the first time in a very, very, very long time where I didn’t top off my eggs with hot sauce. And, these eggs, honestly, didn’t need it. They were scrambled to perfection, so that they clumped together, but were still soft. No cheese (loved that part!) was added to bulk it up or flavor it out. It was very nicely seasoned with the fresh herbs folded into the eggs. It didn’t need anything else. Perfect flavor and I didn’t even miss my hot sauce (and that’s saying something!). The potato and mushroom hash was divine. Honestly. The potatoes were seasoned to perfection and cooked to a nice light brown. The mushrooms weren’t watery or overcooked, and folded in perfectly with the potatoes. I was in carb heaven. Add to it the delicious Pit Roasted Sweet Potatoes and my dining experience was beyond amazing. What I loved about the sweet potatoes was they weren’t salted, they weren’t fried. They were sweet and roasted to perfection so that they held up when forked and were tender yet on the inside. It was the best sweet potato anything I ever got anywhere…and I order sweet potatoes a lot.
We each polished off our plates and sat to finish up our tea. The check was brought over but we were told not to rush. We did have a lot on our plate today, so we paid, bid adieu to this fantastic little restaurant, and headed out with the promise that we would come back for a lunch during the week sometime and also try it out for dinner another time. Not only is the food great, but most items on their menu don’t even hit the double-digit mark. Upscale, organic food at an affordable price…I’m beyond okay with that.
If you happen to live in the Louisville, Kentucky area or might be passing through or in town for some reason, do make an effort to stop by Hillbilly Tea. They serve up some of the most amazing food in the city from this little unassuming place in the heart of downtown. It’s comfort food taken up a notch and served to perfection. I can’t wait to return and bring a couple of friends with me. While it’s tempting to keep this place all to myself, I can’t stop myself from wanting to share it with others either. Therefore, it’s best to bring in a fresh crowd and get them hooked as well. Places like this need to stay open for a long time to come. Healthy, delicious comfort food…right in the heart of downtown Louisville. No joke…this place does exist. And it goes by the name of Hillbilly Tea.
Hillbilly Tea's Breakfast Platter (no toast) with a side of Pit Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Product: Kinnikinnick Graham Cracker Style S’moreables – $4.59+
Remember those nights in the summer, either at camp or at home, when you’d sit around a fire and roast marshmallows on a stick, layer a graham cracker half with a piece of a Hershey’s bar, slather on the toasted, gooey marshmallow, and smoosh it all together with the other half? That was the life, yes?
S’mores are every campfire’s guilty pleasure. But I had to give them up. Three years ago, when I became a vegetarian, marshmallows were nixed from my diet (they have gelatin in them). And then, a year ago, when I had to go gluten-free, my graham crackers went bye-bye as well.
I’m not going to lie, it was not easy to give up my S’mores. Especially when I would attend a bonfire and watch everyone make them. It was a bummer, for sure. But, you know, you just get used to it.
Does that mean the craving goes away? Of course not!
And then grocery store karma happened. I had one of those magical moments when I was walking through the small gluten-free section of one of the grocery stores in town when I spotted these on the bottom shelf. Kinnikinnick Foods had come out with a Graham Style Cracker that they were marketing as (ready for this?) S’moreables. And right there…right on the front of the box, screaming at me from the bottom shelf, was a delicious, ooey-gooey looking S’more made from these gifts from gluten-free heaven.
I was sold. And so was that box because, budget or not, it found its way into my grocery basket and then in my pantry soon after.
Last night, without a dessert prepared, I decided to bust out my impromptu S’mores as my treat. But these were not just any S’mores, friends. Nope…I made mine a Gourmet Gluten-Free Vegetarian S’moreable Treat. Too much Top Chef? Perhaps. But I went all out.
Kinnikinnick Foods S'moreables Graham Style Cracker
I admit it…I was immediately skeptical about this product after busting open the box and pulling out a cracker for myself and my roommate. They are much smaller than an actual graham cracker is, and they look like little sheets of cardboard. Looks can be deceiving though, so I ran with it and prayed that it would be delicious. After breaking them in half, carefully, with the assistance of a butter knife, I grabbed a Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Hazelnut square from my chocolate stash and placed them on one side of the cracker. Because I am a vegetarian, I reached for marshmallow fluff for the marshmallow bit of this treat. But…how to get that roasted flavor?
Simple.
Kitchen torch. And I just happen to have one. (Too many cooking shows bring about spontaneous purchases).
A simple torching of the fluff, and the marshmallow-goodness was roasted as though it had been done over a fire. AWESOME! So, it was with great trepidation that I flipped it over onto the chocolate half, and delivered one to my roommate while I toasted up the fluff for the other one.
But when I heard an approving sound from the other room, I knew we hit gluten-free money! Gone was my concern over the appearance of the product. With my kitchen torch now stored, I joined my roommate in the other room with my own gourmet s’more. One bite…and it was better than anything I had before. The crackers not only smelled like ‘real’ graham crackers, but the taste was so close you’d be hard pressed to tell me these were gluten-free. Amazing, sweet, delicious and the texture was dead on. I was beyond impressed.
Even better…only 60 calories a cracker. Guilt-free graham cracker style dining. YES!!
Kinnikinnick impressed me once again with one of their products. I am honestly loving finding brands where every product I have tried has been great. When I find a name I can trust, I tend to stick with it. Kinnikinnick is becoming one of those gluten-free brands that I could just go to and find something good without having to worry about it.
If it’s been awhile since you’ve had a S’more due to gluten intolerance…well, those days are numbered. Find these crackers and treat yourself to that campfire treat…right in the comfort of your own home. Oh…and if you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can toast up marshmallows (if you aren’t vegetarian) or the fluff in the oven via the instructions on the box of S’moreables.
So here’s to those summer nights filled with a messy handful of graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow goo. Because anyway you toast it up…that’s just good stuff.
Gourmet Gluten-Free S'more made from Kinnikinnick Foods S'moreables, a Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Hazelnut square, and Marshmallow Fluff
Pacific Natural Foods Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Product: Pacific Natural Foods Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup – $1.00+
I admit it.
As a child, I loved those days when dinner was one of those tomato-based canned monstrosities like…”Uh-oh, Spaghetti O’s.” Yes…admit it. You loved them too. Who didn’t?
I stopped eating Spaghetti O’s a couple years ago. Now, because of my gluten intolerance, I can’t eat them at all. And, that’s okay. I really don’t miss them.
I do, however, have a love for delicious soups. And when I picked up Pacific Natural Foods Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup, I didn’t realize what kind of a treat I was in for. It looks like an unassuming, creamy tomato soup. And for the most part, that’s exactly what you get.
What I didn’t expect when I sat down with a bowl of this for dinner last night was how much it would take me back to my childhood days. Honestly. My gluten-free grilled cheese sandwich took a back seat to the soup.
Here’s the thing about this soup…not only is it a rich, tomato flavor, but the roasted red peppers and hint of garlic give it this delicious sweetness in each spoonful. And yes, the flavor was very reminiscent of those cans of Spaghetti O’s. In fact, upon my first slurp of this soup, that was the first comment I made. However, unlike Spaghetti O’s…this soup is kosher, gluten-free, and low fat. Additionally…much healthier and made with organic produce and products…nothing processed. Just delicious.
I fell in love with this soup. I’m so glad I have more of these little packages in my pantry to enjoy. Soup can either be amazing or fall flat. And when it’s such a simple soup, it’s a risk flavor-wise. But this had the right hint of sweetness, followed by the rich flavor of tomatoes that makes a creamy tomato soup worth diving into. And when it’s made with organic produce and made creamy with an organic low fat milk, you feel confident in the product and the health benefits you get from choosing this over…say…Spaghetti O’s or one of those processed canned soups made from…words you don’t even recognize. I’ll never go back to those. I can’t go back to those. Honestly.
Once again, Pacific Natural Foods has wowed me with one of their soups and I think it’s landed itself right at the top as one of my absolute favorites.
Looking for a sweet, creamy soup to take the chill off your winter day? Reach for a trusted, delicious, nutritious product. Find Pacific Natural Foods and take a chance on a flavor. But if you’re looking for that rich comfort of tomato soup, reach for the Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. You’ll discover it’s awesome flavor too.
Pacific Natural Foods Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Product: Against The Grain Gourmet Gluten-Free Pizza Shell – $8.49+
Pizza is a god-given right in this world and the gluten-free community is getting more and more options these days, allowing those of us who otherwise couldn’t have pizza, a chance to indulge. And why shouldn’t we get our own little slice of comfort topped whatever way we like it?
It’s simple…we shouldn’t.
Gluten-free doesn’t mean tasteless or going without anymore. And when it comes to breads and pizzas, I’ve found one brand that I can rely on regardless.
Against The Grain Gourmet.
I’ve reviewed their baguettes as well as one of their frozen pizzas. Well, tonight I got to make their pizza my own because they sell their amazing gluten-free pizza crust.
Against The Grain Gourmet Gluten-Free Pizza Shell
This frozen pizza shell is the perfect base for a pizza. Any pizza worth its weight begins with a fantastic crust. Like their baguettes, this shell is infused with three cheese. Yes. Cheese baked right into the 12-inch crust. And that’s why there is magic in each bite.
Preparation is simple too. The shell is frozen. Simply place on a pan or pizza stone, top with desired toppings (in my case, a little sauce, some mushrooms, and then half regular cheese (for the roomie) and half Daiya vegan mozzarella cheese (for me). Simple toppings. Because pizza shouldn’t be complicated or overladen with heavy toppings. Place in the oven at 375° for 10-15 minutes and dinner is served.
One bite…and you’ll see why Against The Grain Gourmet produces magic. Whatever cheese infusion they use in their products…it’s sheer awesome when it comes down to flavor. It’s perfect with every bite. Honestly.
Against The Grain Gourmet Pizza Shell topped with mushrooms and mozzarella/Diaya vegan mozzarella cheese
The crust was very light and thin, which is the best kind of pizza crust to have. And it had this flakiness to it that made it that much more authentic. You wouldn’t even guess it was frozen. It tastes rustic and homemade, which is beyond amazing. Not just for gluten-free food, but for frozen food in general. Against The Grain Gourmet knows what it is doing and does it well, as is evident in each product they put out on the market. I have yet to find a flop.
One word of caution, however. While it is tempting to indulge fully in this amazing pizza and devour it slice-for-slice…if you are a calorie counter, you’ll want to restrain yourself just a little. One slice of the eight servings of the crust itself will set you back 158 calories. That’s without your toppings. Another good reason not to laden it down with too much. Is it worth it? Sure. Just make sure you take a walk if you are feeling guilty. But some foods are just made to enjoy and savor. After all, you don’t eat it every day. So why not be a little bad every now and again, help yourself to a second slice, and just savor gluten-free pizza at its absolute finest.
Now might also be a good time to mention that these pizza shells do not come cheap. One crust was $8.49. Worth it? Yes. Totally. Definitely. But it’s not something I can do often. And that is why there are other pizza crust options out there. But if you want pre-made awesomeness…it doesn’t get much better than Against The Grain Gourmet. I think I can stretch the budget every now and again when a cheesy pizza crust calls my name. It won’t be every time the pizza craving hits, but sometimes a treat is a treat and you just reach for the best.
Against The Grain Gourmet…my chef’s hat is off to you once again. Well done.
Slices of mushroom and vegan cheese pizza on Against The Grain Gourmet Pizza Shell
Ah…the days of breakfast bars. I thought I had left those behind when I went gluten-free a year ago. And, for the most part, I had. With the exception of a Larabar or Think Thin bar every now and again after a long run or so, I pretty much nixed everything else. Not just because such things are nigh on impossible to find (albeit that is part of it), but also because the products that are out there are so pricey.
But such is the life of a gluten-free girl, yes? My food budget is soaring and there isn’t a thing I can do about it. Frankly, I have to eat, and that sometimes is a challenge when dietary needs core into the picture.
Breakfast bars then? Frivolous. Costly. And not necessary.
And then, I went to a gluten-free tasting fair at a local natural foods store one afternoon. Different products were set out for people to taste, try, sample, and fall in love with. Some were winners right off the back. Some fell flat. And then there were some that I filed away for days when my roommate wanted to treat me to something gluten-free, or if the budget allowed for a gluten-free goodie.
One such product was the Glutino Breakfast Bars. The tasting fair had out samples of the blueberry bars, and they were fantastic. But, when push comes to shove, I am a strawberry girl all the way. So, one day while out grocery shopping, a box of the Glutino Strawberry Breakfast Bars found their way into my cart and then into my pantry.
Today…I busted out one of them for my afternoon snack. Now, back when I was growing up, one of the fresh, hot, “nutritious” products on the market was Nutri-Grain bars. Remember those? That’s what these remind me of. A layer of gluten-free pastry stuffed with a fruity filling. A little savory and sweet all rolled into one.
Glutino Strawberry Breakfast Bar (wrapped)
Now, one thing I did notice was how deceiving the packaging is on these. The bar is about the length of a point-and-shoot digital camera, yet it’s packed in a full-size bar wrapper. Size deception aside, however, these actually do taste fantastic. The fruit is sweet and quite tasty. It doesn’t have a ‘fake’ flavor to it and no sugar-shock value. The pastry-like outside is a bit on the heavier side, but not too dense. It rounds out the sweet berry flavor and gives the bar a healthy dose of fiber. I liked it. I actually think I preferred the blueberry that I sampled, but the strawberry was quite good.
Would I buy this again? If the budget allowed, you bet. It’s a quick, on-the-go snack or breakfast that is filling and, honestly, delicious.
If the pocketbook allows, and you’re looking for something handy to keep around to grab while on the go, these are a great go-to option. But, then again, they are from Glutino, who has yet to serve me up a product I dislike.
But, some things bear repeating. Back when I last reviewed them, I had not yet had to go gluten-free. And that’s why they are getting a second review.
Coming back from a trip to Birmingham, Alabama, hunger usually strikes around the Nashville, Tennessee area. No problem. Nashville is a plethora of restaurants and dining destinations. But when you know there is good food to be had at a good price…well…why go anywhere else?
Since we had (not-so-good) pub grub the previous night, Mexican food was sounding more our speed, rather than hitting up our go-to pub in the area. Since we knew we got great service last trip to Taco Mamacita…we returned with a vengeance. We were greeted by a very friendly waitress who happily grabbed the vegan menu for me upon request.
Our waitress, Rebecca, came over to make sure we understood the menu and to take our drink orders. I told her that I was a gluten-intolerant vegetarian, so if anything I order raises a red flag, to let me know. She said they had menus for both and would be happy to help me through it. Off she went to retrieve our drinks and when we returned, we put in an appetizer for the Chips and Salsa ($2.99).
Soft corn tortillas for my chips and salsa order
And this is how I knew it was going to be okay to eat here, especially after the horror of the pub the night before. When the order came out, half of the chips were fried up into tortilla chips. The other half, were soft corn tortillas, untouched by the frier. Safety, for those of you with gluten allergies know that cross-contamination can be tricky when it comes to shared friers. Here, they took that question right out of the equation and my chips and salsa were just as amazing with unfried tortilla chips. And, as we settled in to eat, I spotted the Taco Mamacita Chipoltle Sauce. One quick inquiry with Rebecca about whether it was gluten-free or not, which she didn’t know but went to check and returned a moment later with the answer – yes, and I was in safe dining heaven.
As for the food…well…with such a diverse menu sometimes it is hard to choose. But, my roommate went with their two taco plus a side combo – the Shrimp Po Boy BLT Taco and the Caribbean Jerk Taco with a side of Green Chili Rice ($8.99). As for me, I ordered the Vegilladas (vegetarian enchiladas), which consist of corn tortillas filled with sweet corn, tomatoes, black beans, and topped off with a spicy jalapeño-cilantro sauce ($8.99). Normally crumbled feta is on top of it, but as I was ordering from the vegan menu, it was kindly left off, which I appreciated. I chose the Jalapeño Corn Slaw as my side.
After a small wait, Rebecca brought out the food, which looked absolutely amazing. By now, we had polished off the chips and salsa and were ready for our substantial meal of the day. And…just as before, the food didn’t disappoint.
I love the Vegilladas. Not only are they packed full of protein and vegetable nutrients, but they were so full of flavor. Nothing bland about this nice mix of corn and black beans. The jalapeño-cilantro sauce was the perfect touch for the dish. Mixing it with the provided pico de gallo only added to the food experience. And, while not big on any sort of slaw, what I found was pairing this mildly spicy dish with the jalapeño corn slaw provided a nice, clean palate cleanser between bites. And this slaw wasn’t overly dressed either. It was perfect, so the different components were still there in each bite, and not being masked by way too much dressing. I liked that. A lot.
We finished our plates, happily stuffed and politely turned down desserts. Rebecca was such a rockstar when it came to helping me out with my menu choices and ensuring a very safe dining experience. I loved coming to Taco Mamacita before but now I have even more of a reason to do so.
Best of all, I wasn’t charged extra for having a special dietary need. So often, when you go gluten-free the price goes up. Not here. Everything (even my half of the chips and salsa) was kept at menu price. I wish more places would do that instead of punishing gluten-intolerant people with at least $1.00 extra for their “special” food.
This was a refreshing and much needed restaurant trip. I felt completely at ease and Rebecca and the kitchen staff saw to it that I had a safe, pleasant, and delicious dining experience.
Food and service like that will make you stand up and say, “Whoa Mama!” And that…is their motto, which makes it only fitting. So, if you happen to be traveling through Nashville, swing by Edgehill Village and dine at Taco Mamacita. It’s worth the stop for great food, great service, and a great price. And when you go back…and you will…try something else. So many interesting flavor combinations…so little time.
Taco Mamacita's Gluten-Free Vegilladas with Jalapeño Corn Slaw
To quote the timeless Homer Simpson: “Mmmmm…donuts!”
Throughout the food allergy blogosphere over the past month, I had been hearing tales of the new gluten-free donuts from Katz Gluten Free. I was unfamiliar with any of their products, but had definitely heard good things about what they produce. In fact, in my freezer is a free sample pack of their products that you can order straight off their Web site. You just pay shipping. Honestly. Which reminds me…I need to break into that.
But it was because of a “Groupon” like offer from Gluten-Free Saver that I was able to bring Katz Gluten-Free Powder Sugar Donuts into my life. And for that, I am forever in their debt.
Katz Gluten Free is definitely a reliable company. All of their products are certified gluten-free, as well as nut free and dairy free. All products are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility that has been certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group. Peace of mind. I love it.
These donuts arrived at my office on Thursday. Per instructions, I put them in the freezer upon arrival, took them home to my own freezer and on Friday…had one for breakfast. I thawed them overnight in a plastic bag and then just popped them in the microwave for a few seconds to give them that ‘fresh-baked’ sort of feel to them. Mind, when I did this, the powdered sugar became a bit more like a glaze than a powdery topping, but…it’s still a donut.
First bite…and it was fluffy and cakey. There was no fried taste to these at all. Just fresh baked goodness. And they were light. Well, they were as light as a cakey donut could possibly be. I didn’t feel like I just filled my stomach with a heavy cake donut like those you can pick up at the convenience store, compliments of Dunkin’ ‘Time To Bake The Donuts’ Donuts. Nope. These were fantastic and went beyond any donut that I have had, whether made at a specialty shop or by those box shops (Krispy Kreme & Dunkin’ Donuts) or even those store-bought kind. And all that was pre-gluten-free life. Since then I have had two other gluten-free donuts, and while they were good…these were fantastic. It’s like…when I finish this stash I’ll just have to order some more.
I’m okay with that. My waistline is okay with that too. At only 150 calories per donut, and being a cakey-base…these are filling without filling you out. One was plenty to see me through the morning.
Aside from that, these donuts are also Kosher and now a permanent fixture on the Katz Gluten Free Web site. (And there was much rejoicing throughout the land). If this is any indication of the goodies that await me in that sample pack…well, I’m sold. I don’t mind ordering products via the net if the product is worth it.
To me…the powdered sugar donuts from Katz is totally worth it.
Besides, this is the ingredient list: GLUTEN FREE FLOUR (WHITE RICE, CORN STARCH, TAPIOCA), WATER, SUGAR, EGGS, CANOLA OIL, BAKING POWDER, XANTHAN GUM, SALT, CONFECTION SUGAR
I have all of that in my own kitchen. So it’s made with ingredients I recognize. Nothing strange. Nothing that makes me question what I am putting in my mouth. Pure, awesome, delicious gluten-free donuts. Savor each bite because otherwise you’ll devour the entire package of six in one sitting. Best to just thaw out what you’re eating that day and leave the rest in the freezer to just cut out the temptation entirely.
Because, believe me…it will tempt you.
Thank you, Katz Gluten Free, for delicious, light, powdered sugar donuts that completely blew me away at first bite. Your products are filled with gluten-free love. I can taste it in each powdered sugar bite.
What is more comforting after a long day than a nice, piping hot, bowl of soup. It’s one of those things that I find comforting, warming me from the inside out. It’s like a blanket in food form. I love soup. I always have. And it’s so versatile and varied. Even the same type of soup can vary in flavor when it comes to brand or, in my favorite scenario, who made it.
Being a strong believer in homemade soups, I’ve been testing the waters again when it comes to the packaged and canned stuff. The thing I have to watch for, however, is soups that might have gluten in them.
Thankfully, there is Amy’s Kitchen. While not all products are gluten-free, they are clearly labeled on the products. I like that. I’m more likely to buy something that is labeled gluten-free than take a risk by just guessing by looking at the ingredients.
Well, tonight I came home. And since I’m packing up to head down to Birmingham, Alabama for a a gluten-free expo this weekend (and 5K race), I wanted something quick and easy for dinner. The other day, my grocery store was running a sale on soups by Amy’s Kitchen. So, being the intrepid grocery shopper I am, I snagged a few different varieties.
Tonight…my pantry grab brought out Amy’s Kitchen’s Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup (the light in sodium variety).
Upon opening the can and emptying the contents into a pan on my stove, the first thing I realized was just how much the soup resembled the picture on the front. You got to love a company that is very straightforward about what their product is. No gussied up, photoshopped, images on the cans that look nothing like the slop you poured out. No…with Amy’s Kitchen, what you see is truly what you get. I admire that in a company.
As the soup was heating through, it smelled fantastic. I was prepping my gluten-free table crackers and giving an occasional stir every now and again to help keep the heating process even. It was ready within five minutes. You can’t complain when dinner is served within minutes of opening the can.
I am a huge, huge fan of Amy’s Kitchen. I’ve yet to have a product I dislike yet. And that’s still the case. That being said, while I liked this soup, I didn’t love it. It was loaded with vegetables and protein-packed lentils (the runner in me LOVES that). However, I found it to be a bit bland. It didn’t lack flavor, not at all. The vegetables and the lentils were delicious. I just felt it lacked a bit of seasoning. But, I did buy the lighter in sodium variety of this soup, because I am a heart healthy individual and find that the sodium levels in soups and frozen meals can be rather ridiculous on sodium content. So, I give this one a pass on the seasoning thing. I do appreciate a company that puts forth the effort to slice sodium levels in their products for the masses.
This soup was definitely filling, despite only being 160 calories per serving. The lentils, I’m sure, had something to do with that. I did enjoy dipping my crackers into this soup and scooping up the vegetables and lentils to enjoy. I just wasn’t over-the-moon with this soup. I would probably buy it again, but it’s not at the top of my list for soups I just have to stock in my pantry for lazy supper nights.
I admire Amy’s Kitchen and the foods that they provide. It’s one of the few companies out there that caters to the gluten-free vegetarian. Perfect. And I still have yet to find a product that I don’t like. I just happen to like others a little more than this one.
But in the end, it filled me up, warmed me up, and satisfied my hunger. And that’s the important thing.
Amy's Kitchen Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup (Light in Sodium)
I’ve been pretty impressed, although not always blown away, by the Envirokidz line of gluten-free snacks and cereals that I’ve purchased.
This cereal was given to me by my boss. And just looking at the box made me incredibly stupid-happy (technical term) because it combined two of my most favorite things in the world: chocolate and peanut butter. Oh, if I didn’t already have an open box of cereal in my pantry, this would have been opened and consumed long before now. But the moment for this ultimate cereal-gasm finally arrived this morning, when I opened up the box and dished out a serving of Envirokidz Organic Leapin’ Lemurs cereal. All I added was a splash of unsweetened almond milk and settled in on the couch to feast before heading out for my morning run.
I had anticipated this first bite since being given the cereal and the moment had finally arrived. My spoon went into the swimming cereal, lifted up a bite, and my moment of longing was over.
I don’t know where to start…with the good or the bad. Hmmm…
The good:
Well, on the positive side of things, this cereal had a lot of crunch to it. If you are an avid viewer of morning television (I am not), do not pour a bowl of this cereal if you wish to hear what the morning news is all about. It is one loud bite after another. I like this though, because the cereal doesn’t get mushy in the milk bath it sits in. So often, I’m futzing with a blanket or booting up my computer, or something that it takes a moment after I add my milk to actually enjoy my cereal. By then, most of it is mush. Not this cereal. Lots of crunch and it stays that way.
Also, as mentioned on all previous posts about Envirokidz products, a 1% donation from your purchase of the product is donated to habitat and species conservation or education programs for kids. Who doesn’t love that.
Oh…and the ingredients are organic. The box specifically lists all ingredients with the word ‘organic’ in front of it where, applicable. For example, some of the ingredients include organic corn meal, organic whole grain corn meal, organic evaporated cane juice, organic peanut butter, organic molasses, organic cocoa, organic soy oil, etc. And, the ingredients are all words that I recognize and can point to and say, “Ah, I know what that is!” That is a comfort given the use of high fructose corn syrup, chemicals that act as preservatives, etc. in today’s products.
The bad:
It really, really, really has no flavor. When you get something that is peanut butter and chocolate flavored, you expect these flavors to pop. Well, these fizzle. Eventually, as you eat more and more, the flavor begins to show up, but it takes awhile and it isn’t immediate. When I have a cereal that is made of organic peanut butter and organic cocoa, by God, I want this cereal to taste like peanut butter and cocoa, not just corn puffs flavored (I guess) with these ingredients. I love peanut butter. I love chocolate. I wanted to love this cereal.
But I didn’t. It is okay. And, of course, I’ll polish off the box. But, if given the choice, I don’t think I’d purchase this on my own. There are too many cereals out there with fantastic flavor to waste on a bland breakfast.
I love what Envirokidz is doing for gluten-free cereal and for the environment. And, for the most part, their products have been awesome. This one just didn’t have me leaping for joy and wanting to screw the serving size and down a little more.
The Celiathlete 