Gluten-Free – Page 93 – The Celiathlete

September 23, 2012

Dream Blends Unsweetened Original Almond, Cashew and Hazelnut Drink a not so nutty non-dairy option

Dream Blends Original Unsweetened Almond, Cashew & Hazelnut Drink

Product: Dream Blends Unsweetened Original Almond, Cashew and Hazelnut Drink – $4.19+

From the company that brings you Almond Dream, Rice Dream, Soy Dream, and Chocolate Dream non-dairy beverages comes an interesting blend of nuts in what is being called…Dream Blends.

I’m going to be honest, the moment I saw this sitting on the shelf of my local Earth Fare grocery store, I wanted to try it. But I didn’t snag it right away. Why? Because I live on a budget. I totally waited for a sale, which came about a week later…and that was when I picked up one of these shelf-stable boxes.

I was almost through the last of my unsweetened almond milk, so my cereal would soon be swimming in an unsweetened blend of almond, cashew and hazelnut milks. Sounds delicious, yes? I thought so.

And it was…except…when I first tasted it, I pretty much expected for there to be more of a nutty flavor to it. I found it rather bland on its own. Which was surprising. With all that nuttiness going in, even if this was unsweetened (cutting down on the sugars, you see), I thought it would taste more nuttier than almond milk (and I love almond milk).

But…it didn’t. And, believe it or not, that disappointed me. Honestly.

Now, don’t get me wrong…this blend isn’t bad at all. I found it rather pleasing to the pallet and it definitely mixed well with my gluten-free peanut butter puff cereal and my gluten-free frosted flakes cereal. I used this in gluten-free carrot cake pancakes as well as gluten-free carrot cake scones. And it cooked up well in those goodies. On its own…just in a glass…it was a disappointment.

But when mixed with something else, or incorporated into a recipe…it was magic.

Along with being a blend of three of my favorite nuts, I also enjoyed that this beverage is a good source of fiber, low in fat, enriched with antioxidant Vitamin E and Vitamins A, B12, D and Calcium. It is also dairy-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol free.

Would I consider this a dream blend…yes. And perhaps the original variety has a stronger flavor than the unsweetened. I didn’t dislike this…I just expected a little more bang from the flavor. But, I would definitely buy it again if the price was right.

Looking for a good dairy alternative and want to try some of your favorite nut milks all in one place…then Dream Blends Almond, Cashew, and Hazelnut Drink is for you. All you have to do is decide if you want the original blend or the unsweetened original blend. The choice is yours.

September 23, 2012September 23, 2012

Recipe: Gluten-Free & Vegan Carrot Cake Pancakes with a Light Vegan Cream Cheese Icing

With the success of my carrot cake experiment…I happened to have a lot of carrots left from my CSA bin. While I definitely used some to chop up for salads and the like, I didn’t want any to go to waste. And I was getting ready to head out of town for the weekend. So…what does one do when it’s early in the morning and you’re staring at a bunch of carrots? Shred them up and throw them into pancakes, of course.

I’m a runner. I love pancakes.

This gluten-free and vegan recipe is simple to make…and simply delicious. I topped mine off with a light vegan cream cheese icing which is also easy. I made mine ahead and put it in the fridge, then pulled it out when I got up in the morning to let it soften up before I applied it to the top of the pancakes.

Recipe: Gluten-Free & Vegan Carrot Cake Pancakes with a Light Vegan Cream Cheese Icing

Servings: 6
Time: Prep 10 minutes; Cook 15 minutes

Ingredients for pancakes:

5 3/5 ounces (about 1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour)
1/4 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts (or you can use toasted walnuts, but I had peanuts on hand)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 dash ground cloves
1 dash ground ginger
1/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk (I used unsweetened almond milk)
1 tablespoon pure pumpkin (I used Libby’s)
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsweetened apple sauce
2 cups (about 1 pound) finely grated carrot

Ingredients for light vegan cream cheese icing:

4 ounces of vegan cream cheese (I used Galaxy Nutritional Foods Vegan Cream Cheese)
2 tablespoons butter (I used Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups of confectioners sugar, sifted

Directions:

Make the pancakes:

Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife.

Combine flour and next 7 ingredients (through ginger) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Combine 1/4 cup brown sugar and next 4 ingredients (through applesauce), stirring just until moist.

Fold in carrot.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and coat the pan with cooking spray.

Spoon 4 1/4-cup batter mounds onto pan, spreading with a spatula.

Cook for 2 minutes or until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked. Carefully turn pancakes over; cook 1 minute or until bottoms are lightly browned.

Repeat procedure twice with remaining batter.

Make the icing:

Place the cream cheese and butter in a medium-size mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined, 30 – 45 seconds.

Stop the machine and add the vanilla and 1 cup of the confectioners’ sugar. Beat with the mixer on low speed until combined, 30 seconds.

Add another cup of sugar and beat on low speed until combined, 15 seconds.

Add the remaining cup of confectioners’ sugar and beat until smooth, 15 – 30 seconds.

Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat the frosting until fluffy, 30 seconds longer.

Spread on top of pancakes and garnish with chopped nuts and a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.

~*~*~

The end result is fluffy, delicious carrot cake pancakes that taste just like a carrot cake. For real. Even a co-worker of mine got to sample one and she said it tasted even better than carrot cake. She doesn’t even like vegetables, so that was a high compliment. And…she is neither gluten-free nor a vegetarian/vegan…so the compliment meant even more when she gave it.

My roommate devoured these every morning I had them. I made up the entire batch and then we had a couple mornings worth. These reheat very well in the microwave and the icing makes plenty to get you through…with some left over. I just used that on another carrot cake recipe I’ll share a little later.

Want to change up breakfast…maybe get in a serving of vegetables first thing? Treat yourself to some gluten-free and vegan carrot cake pancakes. Top them off with the cream cheese icing and savor each bite.

September 22, 2012

Cracked Pepper Lentil Crackers a delicious, spicy snack by Mediterranean Snacks

Mediterranean Snacks Cracked Pepper Lentil Crackers

Product: Mediterranean Snacks Gluten-Free Cracked Pepper Lentil Crackers – $3.99+

The last time I tried Mediterranean Snacks’ Lentil Crackers…I wasn’t impressed. And it was the flavor I had the biggest hope of enjoying. They were the Rosemary Herb. And…I just found them to be bland. Regardless, dressing them up might have saved them…but I was looking for a crunchy snack for my afternoon at work where I could just reach and snack…and not worry about spreading hummus or loading it up with veggies in order to add flavor.

The same time I had bought the Rosemary Herb crackers, I had purchased the Cracked Pepper variety as well. And as it was the next up in my gluten-free pantry for snacks…it was what I was working with this week while at work. I wasn’t thrilled to say the least when I measured out the 28 gram serving, I was already dreaming of what else I’d rather be having. That’s how unthrilled I was with the last flavor I tried from Mediterranean Snacks.

But…I shouldn’t judge too quickly.

I settled in at the office and was working away. And when my mid-afternoon stomach rumblies occurred, out came my container with the Mediterranean Snacks Cracked Pepper Lentil Crackers. I sighed…picked one up…and took a bite.

And…the difference was amazing. Honestly. I actually liked these.

Not only are Mediterranean Snacks Lentil Crackers baked, which makes them a healthy option, they are also gluten-free. The ingredients include protein-rich lentils, which are also packed with iron and vitamin B1. These don’t remind me anything of the tasteless Rosemary Herb Lentil Crackers I had from them prior. These had good salty flavor with a hint of spice from the cracked pepper. I found that rather appealing, making these far less bland than the previous crackers. I actually look forward to snacking on these.

These would also taste amazing with a topping, such as hummus, salsa, or vegetables. However, these crackers are just fine on their own. I happily munched away on my snack, not feeling the need to put anything on it. I think Mediterranean Snacks hit it out of the park with this flavor.

Oh, I will be buying these again. If you like a great cracker that is light, healthy, and has a little heat behind it…these are for you.

Discover all natural Mediterranean Baked™ Lentil Crackers – your gluten free choice for great snacking! Our crackers are baked with all natural ingredients and protein rich lentils for a uniquely healthy and tasty snack cracker. A staple since ancient times, lentils are among the world’s healthiest foods and are high in protein, iron, vitamin B1 and essential minerals for a healthy diet. Our gluten-free Lentil Crackers provide a rustic taste you’ll love in a low fat, healthier snackea

September 22, 2012

Simply Organic makes gluten-free carrot cake a simple pleasure

Product: Simply Organic Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Mix – $5.49+

My CSA bin sometimes surprises me. Not that I don’t know what I am getting each week. But the fact of the matter is that sometimes what I get is so much more than I expected. For example…this past bin I received was to have organic carrots in it. And they did. Huge. Beautiful carrots.

And I thought to myself…what can I make with carrots?

My first thought…carrot cake. I’ve been craving carrot cake since I went gluten-free. I haven’t had the time nor the ingredients to make one myself. But here I had big, beautiful organic carrots in my hand. I found a recipe for one and had pretty much everything for it. I set out grocery shopping and was beginning to find myself outside of my budget. The thought of creating salads from these amazing carrots just didn’t seem right. But, as I was thinking it…I glanced up at my new favorite grocery store and there on the baking rack was a cake mix. A gluten-free cake mix.

Simply Organic Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Mix (baked)

Simply Organic’s Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Mix.

Well…right here was the answer to my problem. The mix pretty much did the work. I just had to add water, 2 eggs, and 1 cup of shredded carrots. And I already had all of that back at my apartment. Awesome. I figured I might as well give it a try. Gluten-free baking on a budget is sometimes a necessary evil. I pretty much would prefer to make everything from scratch…but money has been tight recently thanks to the injury to my foot. You work with what you can and do what you can in the budget you have sometimes.

I must say…I had my doubts as to how good a boxed carrot cake could be.

But, determined to make it before my carrots went bad, I stayed up late the other night and gave the Simply Organic Gluten-Free Carrot Cake a shot. Really easy to put together. Just put eggs, lightly beaten, water, and cake mix into a bowl. Mix together, then fold in the carrots. Pour into prepared cake pan and bake according to the directions on the box. I was milling about in the kitchen as this was baking and it smelled heavenly. So, that was a good start, I thought. When it cooked for 40 minutes, I removed it from the oven, made sure it was cooked through, and let it cool. It felt soft and bounced back like a sponge when I tested it for doneness. Maybe it was possible to get a moist carrot cake from a box.

Simply Organic Gluten-Free Carrot Cake (topped with Homemade Vegan Light Cream Cheese Frosting)

Once it cooled, I tipped it out of the cake pan and prayed that it wouldn’t crumble and fall apart on me. Much to my delight, it emerged in perfect round cake form. I did a happy dance of joy and then got to work on my Vegan Light Cream Cheese Icing (the cake isn’t vegan, but my icing is). With the cooled cake waiting for me, I spread the icing over the top and then immediately cut into it to try. I didn’t care that it was 10:30 p.m. I really wanted to try it before I put it in the refrigerator.

Let me tell you, I was elated with this mix. I shouldn’t discount all cake mixes…but a fresh carrot cake always is the best option. A dry carrot cake (like what you buy in stores) is not what I like. Well, this was amazing. Very light. Very soft. Moist. Amazing. My roommate doesn’t like carrot cake, but she told me she liked this one. And she ate a very large piece of it for dessert the other night. I had one too. And was quite content to polish off my plate. The cream cheese icing is the perfect compliment to this moist carrot cake.

Simply Organic uses organic ingredients in their cake mixes. To make this one gluten-free, Simply Organic amps up the flavor by using robust maple granules and brown rice flour. It has just a hint of spice, and the delicious flavor of carrot cake. You can’t even tell it wasn’t done from scratch.

I hope to try more of Simply Organic’s gluten-free baking mixes in the future. But this one will definitely find it’s way back into my pantry for sure. I already am craving another slice. Good thing there is one in the refrigerator waiting on me…

A slice of Simply Organic Gluten-Free Carrot Cake with a Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese Icing

September 22, 2012

I’m glad I know where Highland Coffee Company is!

Restaurant: Highland Coffee Company, Louisville, Kentucky

Awhile back, I lost my favorite local coffee shop in Louisville, Kentucky. I went there every weekend and enjoyed a delicious latte or mocha made with almond milk. They diligently knew what to leave out because they knew I was lactose intolerant. And then…without warning…they were closed. Gone. And I have had a coffee void in Louisville ever since.

That changed. In a big way. Today.

I knew of Highland Coffee Company. I drove by it every time I headed down to Bardstown Road. They used to have this amazing sign…until Urban Outfitters moved in. But, that hasn’t kept people from this little gem. Sign or no sign, this place was packed when we showed up. I can see what all the buzz (get it…coffee…buzz…heh heh…) is about.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when we strolled in. I just knew what the locals were saying. And it was all good. Since the sign came down, there had been an outpouring of support from local businesses on both sides of the river because, let’s face it, Highland Coffee Company is sort of off the beaten track. And to anyone unfamiliar with the area…you could drive right by it and never even know it was there.

Sad. Honestly. Because it’s nothing short of awesome.

After a moment of looking over the menu board, both my roomie and I were already set with what we were going to get. She ordered first…a small mocha with skim milk and some of their homemade chocolate whipped cream ($3.45). As for me…I first asked if they had almond milk…and they did. And I jumped up and down with joy for a moment. And with that happy bit of knowledge, I ordered a small pumpkin spice latte with almond milk ($4.00). And as we were being rang up at the register, Cathy spotted the gluten-free goodies on the counter. Gluten-Free Brownies and Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread. The gluten-free pumpkin bread ($3.50) was screaming my name…so Cathy and I decided that we would split a slice of it.

Highland Coffee Company's Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread — Highland Coffee Company’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Let me start by saying this…I loved that they had the gluten-free items away from the regular stuff in the case. These were out and tightly wrapped on the counter. Much appreciation for that. That means they are taking extra care to make sure no cross-contamination happened. And for this gluten-free girl…I love that.

The pumpkin bread was unwrapped and placed on a plate for us…with two forks. It looked moist and awesome. I was just too happy about it. I thanked them and took the plate to a table while Cathy went and waited for our drinks. While I was waiting, I went ahead and sliced the pumpkin bread in half. And then…it looked so amazing, I just couldn’t wait any longer. I took a bite of my half.

For anyone who thinks that gluten-free baked goods taste funny, are heavy, or have a strange texture…then they are eating in all the wrong places. For real. This Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread was moist, light, and simply delicious. I love pumpkin and this had the right amount of flavor and spic without being overdone. It was a great treat to enjoy as a late-morning snack.

Then…our coffees came up to order. Cathy got hers first and came to set it on the table. Mine was being remade because the barista realized after she steamed the milk that I ordered almond milk and she did whole milk. That would have set my stomach into a tizzy, yes? Anyway…they got it straightened out and my almond milk pumpkin spice latte was up in no time.

Cathy brought the drinks over to the table…and it was go-time. I took my first sip and have to say…anything Starbucks does, Highland Coffee Company does better. WAY better. I fell in love with their pumpkin spice latte. Simple flavor. The pumpkin wasn’t overdone or overpowering. It was just pure flavor with a great shot of espresso. The pour was perfect. No bitterness. And definitely not too weak. It was love at first sip.

I think I found my new favorite coffee spot in Louisville, Kentucky. For real. Because they cater to people like me. They have dairy-free options. Gluten-free options. Amazing employees. A great atmosphere. And really good food and coffee. I’m once again in love with a local coffee shop in Louisville.

If you haven’t found Highland Coffee Company yet…get down to Bardstown Road in Louisville, Kentucky. Look for Urban Outfitters. Turn into the lot and walk into the place under the giant coffee cup. You’ll feel right at home. And, much like me, you’ll anticipate your next visit and already be thinking of what to try next.

Happiness does come served in a cup. At Highland Coffee Company anyway.

Highland Coffee Company's Pumpkin Spic Latte with Almond Milk — Highland Coffee Company’s Pumpkin Spice Latte with Almond Milk

September 18, 2012

Warm up an easy Indian meal with Tasty Bite’s Peas Paneer

Product: Tasty Bite Peas Paneer – $3.29+

It’s been awhile since I’ve reached into my pantry and pulled out one of my numerous Tasty Bite Indian meals. But…with my fridge running low on fresh produce (I was out of town last weekend and didn’t get a produce bin), I had to come up with something easy for dinner tonight. I had just finished an intense circuit workout and was definitely ready for some food.

Thankfully, it doesn’t get easier than Tasty Bite’s Indian entrees. Honestly.

The next one up in my pantry was the Peas Paneer. I know…at first it doesn’t sound like the most delicious option in there. I mean, it’s peas, paneer cheese, and a sauce. It’s simple though, and sometimes the simplest ingredients can yield the best flavor.

Once again, making this couldn’t have been easier. I immediately got some jasmine rice on the stove to cook. As it was cooking up, all I had to do was tear a 2-inch slit in the bag, place it in the microwave, and heat for 90 seconds. Once the rice was done, this just got poured over it and dinner…was served.

Yep. That easy.

As is normally the case with Indian food…it doesn’t always look the most appealing when it comes to presentation. Let’s face it, the Tasty Bite Peas Paneer is simply green peas and paneer cheese simmered with onions, tomatoes, spices and herbs. When I poured it over the rice, it was this brown liquid with peas and cubes of paneer cheese in it. But…as is the case with many ethnic cuisines…looks can be deceiving.

While I wasn’t expecting spice (and this one is M-I-L-D), I was hoping it would have a little more heat with it. But, the mildness was actually quite good. And the flavor of the entire dish was excellent. The peas were soft, not mushy. The paneer cheese was incredibly soft and absorbed much of the flavors in the sauce. Putting it over the jasmine rice made it a more complete meal.

And…as far as packaged foods go…this one doesn’t hit too hard on the nutrition. A serving is half the container, so splitting it with my roommate made this easy. That serving only sets you back 200 calories and hits you up with 10 grams of protein. Because of the cheese, however, there are 13 grams of fat in this particular one. The sodium level, however, is at a nice 400 mg per serving. So, there are pluses and minuses to choosing this one.

My roommate, a self-professed spice wimp, loved this. She liked how the spices and seasonings didn’t overpower anything else and that every component really got a chance to shine with each bite. She’s absolutely right. And, she also liked how this one wasn’t as spicy as she anticipated. I keep reminding her that just because it is Indian food, doesn’t mean it’s going to hit you up with heat.

Would I buy this one again? Sure…but I have other ones I have tried that I’ve liked a little more. As it stands though…an easy, quick meal after a busy, stressful week. It was the perfect way to wind into the weekend. Keeping it simple…and delicious!

Tasty Bite Peas Paneer over jasmine rice

September 17, 2012

Nothing persnickety about Snikiddy Cheddar Cheese Fries

Product: Snikiddy Cheddar Cheese Baked Fries – $3.49+

I buy a lot of snacks when they are on sale…or part of a manager’s special. I rarely ever buy any of my gluten-free goodies at full price. I honestly just can’t afford to.

For awhile, I had been eying the Snikiddy line up of snacks (which include Baked Fries, Cheese Puffs, and the Eat Your Vegetables chips) with big kid eyes…hoping that my store would have a sale on them soon. Well, my prayers were answered one week when I walked into my grocery store and they were, in fact, on sale. I grabbed two of the Baked Fries to try (different flavors) for starters. I still had to remain in my food budget that week…so I started one place and would move to the rest another time.

First…a little bit on the company itself. It was founded in 2006 by a mother and daughter team that wanted to put out products for families that were seeking healthier foods to satisfy their snack cravings. And that’s what they did – creating a line of better for you snacks.

As for the brand name…well, it’s the shortened form of the word persnickety, referring to picky eaters. Who doesn’t know one or perhaps is one? Honestly.

So…good for you snack foods? Well, just glancing at the nutritional information…it does seem possible. A serving (1 ounce) is 130 calories. It will set you back 4.5 grams of fat for the day. These are low in sodium, cholesterol free, vegetarian, gluten-free, all natural, kosher snacks that contain no trans fats or hydrogenated oils. They have 50% less fat than regular potato chips and 35% less fat than Veggie Straws.

Intrigued? Impressed?

I was. But…the big test comes with the taste.

Today was the day that I dished out a serving of these to have at work for my afternoon snack. The first thing I noticed was how light they were. Secondly, even though they are cheddar cheese…they do not leave a residue of cheese dust on your fingers. This means my paperwork remains clean. YAY! So…after careful inspection…it was time for the first bite.

The texture reminds me a lot of Funyuns. And they taste cheesy (as anything that is Cheddar Cheese flavored should) without being overly done. They weren’t greasy like potato chips either. And…for what it was worth, I’d take these over french fries any day. And I love french fries!! But these were just as satisfying, without all the fat. They are light so while they will take away the afternoon hunger pangs, they won’t fill you up before dinner either.

Perfect snack. Perfectly delicious.

I can’t wait to try the other flavor.

When snack foods are done right…they are worth buying again. These will certainly be bought again. I was impressed.

September 12, 2012

Forget a boring bowl! Edward & Sons Let’s Do…Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cones bring a little joy back to ice cream

Product: Edward & Sons Let’s Do…Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cones – $3.99+

I never, ever thought I would miss ice cream cones. I mean…they often get soggy, and sometimes can be a bit messy. So, it’s always a bowl for me. And when I’m out at an ice cream shoppe or a fro yo place, that’s the way it has to be. Gluten-free isn’t offered just anywhere. And around here…it’s practically non-existent. At those kinds of places…it’s all about the bowl, cup, or whatever it is served in.

No cone.

And I never thought anything about it.

But then my local grocery store was running a closeout on their gluten-free aisle. Which, immediately sent me into a panic. What if they were getting rid of all of this? What if I’d have to really just start shopping at the expensive natural food stores (I would do it…but my food budget is already crazy!)? What if all of this was going away never to be seen again? I literally grabbed a cart and my roommate and I began piling things inside. Whatever we felt we would most definitely like to try, already knew we liked, and just were curious about.

One of the boxes that made the gluten-free closeout cut…was Edward & Sons Let’s Do…Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cones.

Now, growing up my mom used to buy ice cream cones and would scoop up some amazing ice cream into it. And we, as a family, would enjoy this for dessert. During the summer months in my small town, a little restored barn up the way sold ice cream (soft serve) and we would always go down there for dessert. They knew our order and had it ready when our car turned in. It was a treat. And we are an ice cream loving family. Despite lactose intolerance…I still am very much this way.

So, yeah…while I never thought I would miss that crunch of an ice cream cone…I discovered…I did.

With some So Delicious Dairy-Free Ice Creams in the freezer, last night I was looking for something easy for dessert. It could have been ice cream…or cookies. But, I have been craving ice cream. And I had a bad day, and my roommate mentioned ice cream. And I knew there was no getting to The Comfy Cow on a weeknight, so…ice cream at home it was. But…then it dawned on me that we had those gluten-free ice cream cones as well. So as I finished up my dishes, I asked her to go grab them. It was going to be an ice cream cone night!

Out of the freezer came So Delicious Dairy Free Chocolate Velvet Soy Milk Ice Cream (OMG YUM!!!). And I carefully opened up the box of Edward & Sons Let’s Do…Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cones.

They looked like every ice cream cone my mom ever bought for us growing up. They looked like the standard kids cones you would get at an ice cream parlor these days. The only thing was…these were gluten-free. So…I could eat them!! I dished up a serving of the rich, decadent chocolate ice cream into each done (one for me; one for my roomie) and we settled in for a true treat indeed.

As with any cone, it takes a moment to get down to it. First you have to devour the ice cream piled on top. I did that, lick-by-lick, savoring, and anticipating that cone. And when I got there…I discovered it was worth the wait. First of all, these cones did not get soggy. At all. They held their shape and their crunch as I worked my way through it. Second of all…the flavor was just as good, if not better, as the ice cream cones I grew up eating, at home or at the ice cream parlors. Honestly. And the best part is…these cones only set you back 12 calories. Yes. 12. Twelve. 1-2. They are fat free, sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan! In other words…my dream ice cream cone.

They taste sweet without being too sweet. In fact, it is more of a compliment to the ice cream that is stuffed inside. The crunch is fantastic…not too soft and not too hard. But it adds that bit of texture to the ice cream experience. Man…I was one happy girl sitting on my couch enjoying a good old-fashioned vegan ice cream cone with vegan ice cream.

If the little things in life are what make people happy, then a simple gluten-free ice cream cone brought me one of the happiest moments of my life. And I had another one tonight. I’m not ashamed. In fact, I’m hooked. I don’t think I’ll ever not have ice cream cones in this house.

Thank you, Edward & Sons…for such a simple treat that even the gluten-intolerant can once again enjoy.

Edward & Sons Let's Do...Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cone topped with So Delicious Dairy Free Chocolate Velvet Soy Milk Ice Cream — Edward & Sons Let’s Do…Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cone topped with So Delicious Dairy Free Chocolate Velvet Soy Milk Ice Cream

September 10, 2012

Chocolate Velvet from So Delicious Dairy Free means rich chocolate soy milk ice cream treat

Product: So Delicious Dairy Free Chocolate Velvet Soy Milk Ice Cream – $6.99+

There is nothing more satisfying after a bad day then to treat yourself to something that might make it better. Some people turn to drinking. Not me. Nope.

When I have a bad day…I turn to chocolate. More often than not…chocolate ice cream.

But wait…I’m lactose intolerant.

It’s okay…because there is amazing, rich, decadent, smooth non-dairy ice creams out there. Sure, they cost a lot more than regular ice cream, but…they can be just as amazing. And it is really fun to play around with the base and check out the differences. I mean, there is ice cream made from almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, soy milk, etc.

Well…it had been a bad day. I went for a run to work off some steam, clear my head, and came home for dinner. But I still felt wound up. What I needed was chocolate.

And thanks to a sale at my local grocery store a couple of weeks back, I just happened to have some So Delicious Dairy Free Chocolate Velvet Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert in my fridge. In other words…soy milk ice cream.

Now, I really enjoyed the So Delicious Dairy Free Neapolitan Ice Cream I tried awhile back, so I had an idea that this would live up to the “so delicious” part of the brand. Little did I know how much it would live up to it.

Some women would blame the quickness of which I ate this on stress. Not me. I’ll be honest…while I was still stressed, despite a run and relaxing at dinner, one bite of the Chocolate Velvet and I was unstoppable. That was all it took. Hoovering now in process. My only saving grace was that I put it on a gluten-free ice cream cone (because bad days mean you get ice cream in a cone!), which meant I had to at least eat a little slower and savor it a little.

So, I did manage to do that. Here’s the thing…So Delicious can put that brand on their products because they always live up to it. In fact, I would wager to say that the Chocolate Velvet goes beyond being So Delicious into So Epically Mind Blowing Delicious. It’s rich. It’s smooth. And it has the same texture of ice cream. So, it’s like indulging in the stuff I crave…only better for me. Perhaps not calorie-wise (1/2 cup is 130 calories, and 3.5 grams of fat), but it’s far better than some decadent chocolate ice creams out there, which can top over 200 calories per 1/2 cup serving.

This soy-based non-dairy dessert tastes like a rich, sinful ice cream you would get at a parlor. It’s like frozen fudge…with all it’s creamy, chocolate taste. Yeah…I think I have a new favorite. Now, the difficult part will be not raiding my freezer when a chocolate craving hits. After all…it’s a dessert…a treat. I shall treat it as that.

As with many of So Delicious Dairy Free frozen treats, this non-dairy dessert is gluten-free, vegan and kosher. It is non-GMO certified and completely organic. It doesn’t taste or feel heavy. In fact, for an ice cream…it’s on the light side and after a meal, you want a light dessert just to cleanse the palate. This…is an ideal one.

If you are a chocoholic and want to try a new frozen dessert…try something out of the norm (or, like me, in the norm). Go dairy free and try on So Delicious for size. Honestly…once you taste the Chocolate Velvet…you’ll want to grab the quart and a spoon and go to town.

So Delicious Dairy Free Chocolate Velvet Soy Milk Ice Cream on an Edward & Sons Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cone

September 7, 2012

Recipe: Spicy Spaghetti Squash with Black Beans

A food that I have ended up loving more and more as I’ve gotten older is squash. All squash. As is pretty evident from my blogs. I use it in a lot of things, dress it up different ways, and turn it into casseroles, soups, etc. The possibilities are endless.

Even more so with the advent of Pinterest. For real. I can spend hours on Pinterest. It’s crazy-ridiculous what I find on there and I file away to revisit and even attempt to make. This rarely happens…but I have it saved…just in case.

However, when my CSA bin arrived with a spaghetti squash last week, I knew just the recipe I needed to make. I pinned this one awhile back, compliments of Whole Foods. I had most of the ingredients as it was either in my fridge, on my counter, or in my pantry. All I needed were some Serrano chilies and a red pepper to make it. Epic win. And this…was just as good as I hoped it would be. Not spicy at all…at least not for me.

Recipe: Spicy Spaghetti Squash with Black Beans

Servings: 2-4
Time: Prep 20 minutes; Bake 40 minutes

Ingredients:

1 medium spaghetti squash
2 teaspoons olive or corn oil
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1 jalapeño chili, seeded, minced (I used 2.5 Serrano chilies instead)
1/2 cup red pepper, chopped
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained well
1/2 cup sweet corn, frozen or fresh (I used fresh)
1 teaspoon chili powder
All of the reserved cooked squash, about 4 cups
1/3 cup cilantro, minced (optional)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

Roast squash in a 375°F oven for 50 minutes until tender or cut squash in half and place in a microwave dish with 1/2 inch of water, lightly covered with plastic wrap for 20 minutes on high until tender. Cool. When cool, scoop flesh from squash halves leaving the shell intact for stuffing.

For the filling, heat oil in a large pan and sauté red onion, chili pepper(s) and red pepper for 2 minutes. Add beans, corn and chili powder; sauté 1 minute longer. Add cooked squash, cilantro, lime juice and salt, cook 1 minute until heated through.

Fill squash halves with filling, mounding mixture in the center.

Serve.

~*~*~

This was really good and really filling. It could easily feed 4 people, although my roommate and I just ended up eating half each. Loaded with protein (13 grams) and low in calories (292 calories for half the recipe), this makes for a delicious, easy meal for any night of the week. Can’t eat both halves? No problem. Wrap up the other half in plastic wrap, place in refrigerator, and simply reheat in the microwave. It’s that easy.

And yes…this was an epic yum. I’ll probably make it a bit spicier next time. My roommate doesn’t like too much spice…so we keep it milder whenever I cook up “spicy” recipes. Play around with it to your liking.

I can’t wait to make this again.