Gluten-Free – Page 99 – The Celiathlete

July 13, 2012July 13, 2012

A show of gratitude for the staff, the chef, and the Skyight Bistro & Wine Bar at The Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel

Restaurant: The Skylight Bistro & Wine Bar @ The Indianapolis Marriott East, Indianapolis, Indiana

I think every good deed should be praised and rewarded. Honestly. Because sometimes something unexpected can happen in the most unlikely of places.

Take for example my recent stay at The Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel. I was in Indianapolis, Indiana for a convention and it was the first night of the event. After a stressful drive up there (heavy traffic and then being the victim of a semi truck tire blow-out/tread shower), I got checked in, hauled in the luggage, and went to go get my badge and program from my roomie’s mom, who was attending, but staying at a hotel across the lot, not at the convention itself.

With that mission accomplished, my roomie and I turned our attention to other pressing matters – dinner.

We were hungry!

With opening ceremonies for the convention getting close, we decided to give the hotel restaurant a shot. The Skylight Bistro & Wine Bar does not have a menu up online so we meandered over that way to glance at the one they had out at the host stand at the entrance of the Bistro. I gave a quick overall glance to what was being offered, and it seemed that salad was once again going to be on my plate.

The host asked if he could help us, and a waiter just happened to meander over. I explained my dietary restrictions – being a vegetarian and gluten-free. He gave a nod, said that I could take my time looking over what they have to offer. And then, after a pause, Mark, who ended up being our waiter that day, said that he would go back and talk to the chef to see if there is something that he could make for me that wouldn’t just be a salad.

I thanked him and he disappeared for a moment. While he was gone, I decided on a salad that I could have in case that plan were to fall through. But when Mark returned, he had happy news from the chef. The chef happened to have gluten-free rice noodles in the kitchen. And he could definitely work some vegetables in with that. It’s been a long time since I have had that much happy! We gave a nod and soon we were being seated in the plush seats of the Skyight Bistro & Wine Bar.

Mark went to retrieve our drink order (hydration – so water!) and when he returned, we were ready to order. My roomie went off the beaten path…and got the BLT Sandwich which came with fries ($9.00). As for me…I eyed the salad again, and decided that I’d be bold…and see what the chef could do for me. So I said the vegetables and rice noodles would be awesome. Mark then inquired if I would like a sauce with that. I told him to ask the chef because not all sauces are safe for someone who can’t have gluten. So, he gave a nod, took the order and went to put it in. A moment later he returned to tell me the chef was going to cook the noodles in a vegetable broth and that way there would be some flavor throughout the dish. He did, however, mention that our food would take a bit longer to come out because the chef would have to make mine completely from scratch.

I told him I was happy to wait.

And so…we waited. It took, just over 20 minutes for our meals to be brought out to us. My roomie looked quite happy to have food settled in front of her. And her BLT sandwich looked really, really good. As for me, a bowl was settled in front of me. In it was the most fantastic, amazing looking Asian Noodle Soup I ever laid eyes on. Huge. The vegetables were steamed and mixed into the broth. The rice noodles were cooked to perfection, laying in this fantastically seasoned vegetable broth. And the chef even did up a beautiful little layering of vegetables and noodles to really make it look fine dining.

It was one of the most amazing things I had ever seen.

And so…as Mark went to retrieve a spoon for me, I took my fork and began tasting what I could spear. The vegetables were cooked to perfection. There were carrots (ribbons of them), mushrooms, asparagus, red peppers, and squash, beautifully chopped and included in the meal. The portion…was much more than I expected. I made my roommate take a taste and even she was happy for me. I mean, everything was seasoned and done to perfection. And all of this was created specifically for me…due to dietary restrictions.

There are few chefs who would step up to a challenge like that, but this one did. And everything in that bowl worked. It was one of the most fantastic soups I’ve had the honor of trying. And, it was made specifically for me. That dish is nowhere on the menu (but, it should be). Yet, here is a shining example of a restaurant stepping up and taking charge of a dietary need. More places should learn from this. My meal was filling, delicious, and special. I’ll always remember it…and I’ll forever recommend the Skylight Bistro & Wine Bar at the Indianapolis Marriott East now to anyone going into that area. Brilliantly executed, stunning to look at, and savory. This was just what I needed that night.

Best of all, despite having to create the dish on the fly, I was only charged $14.00 for my large bowl of gluten-free, vegetarian goodness. Basically, I was charged the entree price on a Chicken Pasta. Nice.

Like I said, every good deed should be praised. Well, here is a shining example of restaurant staff stepping up to a challenge and conquering it. I am forever grateful to Mark and the chef for really making my dining experience at the Skylight Bistro & Wine Bar one to remember. I was blown away by the service, the care, the technique, and the food.

No simple salad for me…not this time.

Thank you.

My Rice Noodle Vegetable Soup compliments of and created by the chef of the Starlight Bistro & Wine Bar — My Rice Noodle Vegetable Soup compliments of and created by the chef of the Skylight Bistro & Wine Bar

July 13, 2012

Not quite sold on ‘exotic’ flavors in Terra Exotic Harvest Sea Salt Chips

Products: Terra Exotic Harvest Sea Salt Chips – $3.49

I have to say, the last time I bought Terra Chips, I fell in love with them. They were different, but made from fresh vegetables, seasoned to perfection…and crunchy. Oh, I loved that they were crunchy. The right combination meant a happy palate.

So, when my grocery store had some of the chip flavors on special, I snagged one of the bags and figured I would give it a shot. After all, Terra actually does label their products so I could rest assured that these were indeed gluten-free.

The flavor that I ended up with was Terra’s Exotic Harvest Sea Salt Chips. What exactly is considered to be an “exotic harvest”? Well, this means the chips are made from carrots, blue potatoes and kobacha squash. Yep. These aren’t your average potato chips, friends.

But…I’m sort of on the fence when it comes to the flavor. Unlike the previous variety I bought, this one has yet to grow on me. I still love the crunchiness in each bite. And I love that all the ingredients are recognizable…vegetables, oil. That easy. But…I don’t know if the carrot chips are winning me over completely.

The blue potatoes and the kobacha squash make fantastic flavors for these chips. They are the right level of salty with the perfect hint of crunch. Especially the blue potato chips. But chips are made from potatoes, so that’s expected. The squash is sweet, but sturdy. They pack more of a crunch than the blue potato chips do. And I love that. But the carrots…this brings a whole new level of sweetness to the mix. And while they aren’t bad, I don’t know if I’m 100% sold on the flavor of them. It might take a couple more servings to decide for sure.

However, all-in-all Terra Chips once again brings a healthier variety of chips to the market. I love that these are gluten-free and low in calories and fat. For chips, anyway.

As for the taste…all together…four out of five stars. It’s the carrots that are throwing me off. While I am a huge lover of carrots and could eat them every day without growing tired of them…I just don’t know if they make good chips. In the end…when mixed with the rest…it’s not so bad. It just takes some getting used to.

Need to break out of your potato chip slump? Find Terra brand at your local grocery store and try one of their exotic varieties. It’s a fun, flavorful way to try a new twist on a classic snack.

July 12, 2012

Recipe: Gluten-Free Creamy Avocado Pasta

My roommate is finally coming around to the glorious, delicious, healthy wonders of the innocent and sometimes intimidating avocado. It’s true. She has eaten guacamole for the first time and enjoyed it. And now…she even let me replace an Alfredo sauce over a pasta with something a little different and a little healthier…avocado.

Seriously.

And…to be honest, I once again have Pinterest to thank for this recipe turning up. Not only is this version gluten-free, but it’s full of healthy fats and delicious flavors. Better yet, it’s so versatile…you can dress it up however you want. While the regular recipe called for toasted pine nuts (yeah…I can’t afford those), I instead crumbled up some blue corn tortilla chips as a garnish. Voila. Add whatever seasonings suit your fancy. Get creative. Just know…you are in for a decadent, creamy treat.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Creamy Avocado Pasta

Servings: 4
Time: Prep 10 minutes; Cook 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

10 – 12 small Campari tomatoes, quartered
3 – 4 tbsp olive oil
4 servings of pasta noodles (I used Hodgson Mill Gluten-Free Penne)
2 ripe avocados, seed and skin removed
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup pine nuts
grated fresh Parmesan cheese
salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 ºF.

Wash and quarter the tomatoes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 1 – 2 tbsp olive oil, just enough to make the tomatoes glisten. Bake for 1 hour in the oven.

Ten minutes before tomatoes are finished, fill a large pot with water and a sprinkle of salt. Bring to a rapid boil. Add the dry pasta to the water and cook until al dente.

While the pasta is boiling, add 2 tbsp olive oil, avocado, garlic, salt and lemon juice to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are smooth and creamy.

Strain the pasta, and combine with the sauce in a large bowl, until all the pasta has been covered.

Add the roasted tomatoes, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and pine nuts. Add some salt and black pepper to taste.

~*~*~

I never, ever would have thought to make a sauce out of avocado, but it works brilliantly. I loved the green hue it coated the pasta in. It was light and colorful. You won’t miss the creamy, heavy Alfredo sauce because the avocado easily balances it out. The roasted tomatoes give the dish a needed sweet and tart zing that helps level off that creaminess of the sauce. And the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese is a great topper for seasoning it to perfection.

Avocados are a fantastic food. They contain up to 30% healthy fats that are essential to your diet and your body. They can help reduce the risk of heart disease, help reduce inflammation from arthritis or the onset of arthritis. They are a natural belly flattener and can help your body actual absorb nutrients better when combined with other fat burning foods. Avocados also reduce the signs of aging, regulate blood sugar and promote eye health.

What’s not to love? So, go ahead…give this recipe a try. I promise…you’ll never go back to that heavy, fattening Alfredo sauce. This also veganizes the recipe. Sweet!

Avocado was a surprise sauce for me…but in the end…I loved it. Top it off and spice it up however you like. The possibilities…are endless.

July 12, 2012

Recipe: Gluten-Free Lemon White Chocolate Chip Scones

What happens when you have a random lemon show up in your CSA bin? That’s what happened to me recently. You see…my CSA group will not give out produce that is not up-to-par. They set a standard and they see that it is maintained. So when the organic eggplants were not fit to go out in our bins, they replaced it…with an organic lemon.

So, I did what any self-respecting girl would do when handed a random lemon. I zested it, put the zest in the freezer, and then juiced it. I knew fresh lemon juice and zest could be used for whatever my heart desired. Well…it apparently desired scones.

I know. Shocker.

But this time, instead of pairing it with fruit as I have in the past (mainly blueberries), I paired it with white chocolate chips. And what emerged is pure decadence on a plate.

If you love lemon flavor and the sweet taste of white chocolate…this recipe is sure to make you happy.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Lemon White Chocolate Chip Scones

Servings: 12
Time: Prep 10 minutes; Bake 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2-1/4 cups Pamela’s Products Gluten-Free Baking & Pancake Mix
1/3 cup sugar (I used Truvia)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
5 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp lemon zest
2/3 cup lemonade juice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°.

Mix the dry ingredients together.

Add the lemon zest, apple sauce, and lemon juice. Mix together with a fork. Dough will be thick.

Drop large, tall dollops of dough (scones will spread when baking) onto lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake for 15-17 minutes.

~*~*~

The tang of lemon mixed with the sweetness of the white chocolate is amazing. I am very in love with the flavor of these scones. Lemon is such a refreshing flavor anyway and it pairs so well with so many things. I have to say…these were quite delicious. The texture is light and fluffy, and each bite zings you with lemon flavor. Yeah…I’d most certainly make these again in a heartbeat.

Got a lemon? Get baking. I promise…you’ll love these.

July 12, 2012

Recipe: Gluten-Free Summer Squash Pizza with Goat Cheese

I’m of two sides of the coin when it comes to how to prepare the perfect pizza. While I think nothing is better than a fresh pizza dough, made from scratch and perfectly seasoned and cooked on a pizza stone…I’m a gluten-free girl. And sometimes the gluten-free crusts made from scratch are a lot more hassle than they are worth. The different flours and techniques used to make the perfect pizza dough is just something I don’t have time for…at the moment.

So, if you have a fail-proof gluten-free pizza dough recipe…please…feel free to use it in this recipe. I am not there yet. However…I do know where to get some pretty fantastic gluten-free pizza shells to use…and for this pizza I turned to Rustic Crust Gluten-Free Napoli Herb Pizza Shell. It was the perfect choice for this pizza.

I mean, what says summer pizza more than summer squash and goat cheese? Very little. That’s right. So, when Food & Wine Magazine shared this recipe, I immediately knew I had to make it. As luck would have it, my CSA was delivering local summer squash in the bin to my door that week too. It was perfect. And this pizza…was one of the best I have ever tasted.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Summer Squash Pizza with Goat Cheese

Servings: 4-12 (depending on size of pizza crust)
Time: Prep 15 minutes; Cook 5-15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 garlic clove, minced
All-purpose flour, for dusting (if making own dough)
6 ounces pizza dough or 1 store-bought pizza crust/shell (I used a store-bought gluten-free crust)
Pinch of crushed red pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup shredded part-skim-milk mozzarella (I used non-dairy cheese shreds for my half of the pizza)
1 teaspoon chopped summer savory (I used or 1/2 teaspoon thyme and 1/2 teaspoon oregano)
1/4 pound summer squash, thinly sliced on a mandoline
2 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts (optional)

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the minced garlic and let stand.

If making your own dough: Preheat the oven to 500°. Preheat a pizza stone. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to form a 12-inch round, 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the round to a lightly floured pizza peel.

Once your dough is ready or if you are using a store-bought crust/shell:

Leaving a 1/2-inch border of dough, brush the round with the garlic oil and sprinkle with crushed red pepper, salt and black pepper.

Scatter the onion slices over the round; top with the mozzarella and savory.

Arrange the squash slices on top in a single layer, overlapping them slightly.

Dot with the crumbled goat cheese.

Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for about 5 minutes, until the bottom is crisp and the squash is slightly browned. Transfer the pizza to a work surface. Sprinkle with the walnuts, if using, and drizzle with olive oil.

Cut into wedges and serve.

~*~*~

I didn’t use the walnuts on my pizza because I didn’t think they were necessary to the recipe. Granted, I may try this again using the walnuts to see if it adds anything to it. I know walnuts seem like an odd topping for a pizza, but I use them all the time on my Meditenuttian Pizza and it is amazing what they can add to the dish. I simply…forgot this last time, working this recipe from memory.

Again, feel free to make your own dough. I wish I had a good recipe that I could use to make my own pizza dough. Sometimes that perfect flour mixture is just an experiment away. Maybe in the coming weeks I’ll play around with what I have in my pantry and see if I can make something work. But for people like me…or if you simply don’t have time, something straight out of the store (shelf or frozen) will work just as well.

The flavors of the squash, the onion, the garlic, the red pepper…they all work so well in combination with the salty tang of goat cheese and mozzarella. This pizza is perfect for the summer. Light. Crispy. Delicious.

You know you’re craving pizza now. So use what’s in season and do it proud.

July 12, 2012

Pacific Natural Foods offers smooth taste of chocolate and hazelnut in one fantastic beverage

Product: Pacific Natural Foods Chocolate Hazelnut Non-Dairy Beverage – $1.99+

Chocolate and hazelnut are best mates. Seriously. This is why things like Nutella exist in life, yes? It just works. You can’t explain the science behind it, but you don’t have to…because it is so smooth and delicious.

Since becoming lactose intolerant, I’ve been experimenting with different types of non-dairy ‘milk’ products. I’m incredibly fond of almond milk, with coconut milk ranking up there as well. But every now and again I allow myself to branch out and try something different. Something I normally wouldn’t purchase.

My roommate surprised me the other day by bringing home a carton of Pacific Natural Foods Chocolate Hazelnut Milk.

Let me preface this by saying that I have coveted trying this beverage for the better part of the last year. I spot it all the time at my grocery store and stare longingly at it. Why I didn’t buy it…probably had to do with necessity over desire. But every now and again, I get a gluten-free, dairy-free treat from my roomie and this time…it was this magical box of chocolate hazelnut goodness.

I was elated.

Out came the glasses and I poured us some to give it a try.

The verdict? How many ways can you say YUMMY?

Pacific Natural foods blends together roasted Oregon hazelnuts and real chocolate, which turns into a rich and decadent beverage. Not only do you get the sweetness from the chocolate, but the nutty flavor that comes with the roasted hazelnuts provide an extra kick. It isn’t something I am used to, but…it wowed me.

Think…liquid Nutella.

Did you just get goosebumps? Yeah. It’s so good. While I normally am a girl who goes for unsweetened non-dairy beverages, I can’t complain about the flavor in this one. Sweetened with brown rice sweetener and evaporated cane juice, this drink is sweet enough without being overpowered. The chocolate and the hazelnut flavors are in perfect balance, allowing each one to really shine in each sip, gulp, or chug.

I am going to use some of this over the weekend to create a new variety of scone (you know me and my gluten-free scones) because I really think the flavors I want to include will pop with the inclusion of this beverage.

I’m going to say it again to get my point across…liquid Nutella.

There you have it. I bow down to the flavor gods at Pacific Natural Foods for bringing chocolate and hazelnut together in a beverage form. I’m addicted. I want more. And thankfully…there is a container in my fridge at the ready. Why I waited so long to try this is a mystery…but now that I have…I think it will be readily available in my fridge.

Yeah…it’s really that fantastic.

July 12, 2012

Crunch into double chocolate, bite-size cookies by Home Free’s gluten-free line

Product: Home Free Gluten-Free Crunchy Mini Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies – $5.49+

A big thank you to the allergy conscious people at Home Free for creating a line of cookies that are free of the top 8 allergens in food. It means a lot to me, as a consumer with food allergies, and as a self-professed foodie, to have some options out there on the shelves. Granted, the only place I have spotted Home Free products has been at a local Home Goods store, but they are out there and available for me…and others with similar food allergies/intolerance…and for that I am thankful.

My discovery of Home Free products began at the Gluten-Free Expo in Birmingham, Alabama. There was a table of some of their products out and I grabbed a couple of samples and moved on. While I tried the mini chocolate chip cookies…I stopped there. They were good. Very good. But I didn’t have this brand, that I knew of, anywhere in my area.

Until the day I went into Home Goods and spotted their Gourmet Foods aisle, which, believe it or not, is home to a lot of different brands of gluten-free foods. A huge variety too. I went on a bit of a spree, and one of the items that made its way into my overloaded basket…were Home Free Crunchy Mini Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies.

First of all…what’s not to love about anything that contains the word chocolate, not once…but twice? Yeah…I couldn’t think of anything either.

Originally, these cookies were not part of the gluten-free line that Home Free offered. But the decided to include them to give those of us with a gluten intolerance a delicious tasty chocolate treat. I thank them for this. These cookies are peanut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free, and dairy-free as well. These cookies also contain 1/2 serving of whole grain. You gotta love that. So, while they are cookies, they also become a wholesome snack. Oh…did I mention that they are delicious?

Here’s the great thing about these cookies…aside from being double chocolate and all…they are amazing. Honestly. The crunch is there, but subtle, which I absolutely love. Every bite…and I mean every bite is packed with sweet chocolate. And yes…the amazing chocolate chips just add to that chocolate experience. These aren’t as crunchy as the vanilla counterpart, but they are a fantastic sweet treat. I could eat these by the handful (but I only allow myself one serving at a time).

Even better, a serving (6 cookies) only sets you back 130 calories and 5g of fat. They are trans-fat free and cholesterol free. The sodium and sugar content is quite low, considering these are cookies, but this doesn’t detract from the flavor at all. In fact, when something is double chocolate…it better taste sweet. You will love every bite and every morsel of these. I swear. I’m addicted. These have become one of my favorite desserts to polish off a meal with. Absolutely double-chocolate fantastic.

If you love chocolate and love cookies…these are the ones to try. Just a bit of a crunch, followed by a lot of chocolate goodness. Gluten-free and allergen friendly. You gotta love that. I know I do.

Home Free…you make my cookie habit oh so worth it!

July 12, 2012

Home Free sweetens up life with Gluten-Free Mini Crunchy Vanilla Cookies

Product: Home Free Gluten-Free Mini Crunchy Vanilla Cookies – $5.49+

Growing up, one of my favorite cookies to buy at the store and eat the hell out of were Nilla Wafers. Weird, yes? I mean there is nothing special about them. They are processed cookies loaded down with high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oil, and artificial flavorings…among other things. Perhaps becoming gluten intolerant saved me from continuing to live on these cookie science experiments.

But, honestly…I missed them. I missed that crunch and that sweet vanilla (yes…I know…artificial flavors) flavor that would come with each bite. I had already cut out high fructose corn syrup from my diet…but I still missed these.

While out at a Home Goods store, my roomie and I discovered their food section. And the gluten-free gems we found inside filled up a basket and made me one very happy gluten-free girl. Much of it was on sale…and that helped spur the gluten-free food-spree.

Among them…Gluten-Free (and allergy friendly) Mini Crunchy Vanilla Cookies by Home Free.

We all know my feelings on cookies. Especially fantastic cookies. Well, I am here to tell you that Home Free is doing a lot of good for the food allergic community. These cookies are free of the top 8 allergens, low in sodium, contain no trans fat, cholesterol or saturated fat. You won’t find high fructose corn syrup or any partially hydrogenated oil in these miniature cookies. They are certified vegan, a good source of whole grain (9 grams per serving), and certified kosher. Best of all, the ingredients they use are 70% organic, so they are also certified organic.

But…here is where I should mention that these cookies…are also fantastic.

I remember being over-the-moon in love with Nilla Wafers as a kid. And while it has been…years…ages…since I had them, I can say this…Home Free’s Gluten-Free Mini Crunchy Vanilla Cookies…trump them…hands down. These cookies have the perfect crunch and the perfect sweetness to them. They taste fantastic…like vanilla cookies should. I’m already making plans to crush them down and make a pie crust out of them…perhaps for key lime pie or a banana pudding. These don’t get soggy. In fact, the crunch is one thing that sets them apart. And I…am addicted to them. These not only brought back childhood memories…they improved them.

While the Nilla Wafers Minis would set me back 140 calories per serving and 6g of fat, the amazing cookies from Home Free only serve up 130 calories (in 6 mini cookies) and 5g of fat. The low sodium and low sugar is a plus as well. They are definitely a ‘healthy’ choice if you are looking for cookies. And why load up on chemicals and all those bad preservatives when Home Free gives you a quality product, safe for the food allergic, and also taste so great.

Take my word on this…Home Free is worth seeking out if you are looking for a tasty cookie. The vanilla ones are divine. I think I’m happily addicted.

July 12, 2012

Rustic Crust Gluten-Free Napoli Herb pizza crust is a crispy base for any gluten-free pizza

Product: Rustic Crust Gluten-Free Napoli Herb Pizza Crust – $4.99+

This is another case of looks can be deceiving when it comes to the gluten-free products on the market. I’ve seen these crusts on the shelf of my local grocery store for over a year now and have never bought them. Why? Because…they looked…funny. I know, that’s a bit fickle coming from a foodie like me, but…they just always looked green and crumbly and…there were products I knew were good like Udi’s pizza crusts in the freezer section…

And then…one word struck fear into my gluten-free heart one day while out at the grocery store:

CLOSEOUT!

Trust me…when you live off of a section of five shelves, the fact that anything suddenly is labeled as a closeout item means…it may not be coming back. And over half the section was now on closeout. I went into panic mode. I purchased everything I really, really wanted to try. And I did it without remorse, despite my bank account screaming in agony.

One of the products that made it home with me were the pizza crusts by Rustic Crust.

And with my weekly deliveries of delicious farm produce…I had some vegetables that were just screaming out to be made into pizza toppings. And so…I decided to give this crust a shot. The worst thing that could happen would be that it wasn’t any good. I’d still eat the pizza because I don’t waste anything…but…I’d prefer it to be delicious all the way around.

My pizza was a simple white pizza. A touch of garlic-infused olive oil on the crust, crushed red pepper flakes, some thinly sliced summer squash, some sliced red onion, a smattering of goat cheese, a little sprinkle of mozzarella…what’s not to love? Into the oven it went for 15 minutes to cook. I had to admit, as the time ticked on…it was beginning to smell delicious.

I was actually quite surprised by the outcome of this pizza crust. A shelf-stable shell…it was either going to be amazing or…not. I let the pizza sit for a moment so that it wouldn’t fall apart when I sliced into it. And once I did, what I found was that this specific pizza crust baked up to a crispy perfection. And I mean…Chicago-style pizza crust crispy. It had a nice golden shell on the outside, but the center was still soft…as if baked right at home and made from scratch.

So, already I was feeling better about this pizza crust. But even the best baked items can fall short in the flavor test.

Not Rustic Crust. The Gluten-Free Napoli Herb Pizza crust was delicious all the way around. This crust was flaky and crispy and chewy and amazing and just…WOW! It worked as a white pizza. I was so nervous that without sauce it might just fall flat. But this pizza crust is packed with flavor and great texture. And…each slice is only 80 calories. As I topped mine off with mostly vegetables and a smattering of goat cheese and (for me) vegan shreds, it meant it was a rather nutritious slice of pizza all the way around.

Not only is Rustic Crust Gluten-Free Napoli Herb Pizza crust wheat-free and gluten-free, but it is also dairy-free and egg-free. It’s a vegan, gluten-free crust of wonder. This seven inch shell held up splendidly in the oven and with my toppings. I will say…it doesn’t reheat all that well the next day, but what pizza does? Pizza just hates the microwave…period. And that is no poor reflection on this crust…because even reheated and needing to be eaten with a fork…it still tasted great.

So…I have to bow down to the great gluten-free gods once more. I shall never again (or at least try to never again) doubt a product or judge it by its looks alone. This is my second favorite pizza crust I have tried so far (the winner so far belongs to Katz Gluten-Free), so that speaks volumes. It has certainly found a spot in my pantry from here on out. No doubts. No questions.

Simply delicious, crusty, warm, amazing pizza is right at your grasp. Go ahead…pick up Rustic Crust Gluten-Free Napoli Herb pizza crust and try it out for yourself. I promise…it will take you back to those pizza parlor days.

July 11, 2012

Livwell Gluten-Free English Muffins a smashing, healthy hit

Product: Livwell Gluten-Free English Muffins – $4.99+

You don’t realize how much you enjoyed something until you can’t have it anymore. For real. For the longest time after going gluten-free…the fact that I couldn’t have a doughnut or enjoy a bagel really started to bother me. These were foods that I used to have all the time, no second thoughts, and now…they were completely hands off.

One such food for me is English muffins. Laugh if you must, but I used to use English muffins religiously for breakfast goodies. Or…I’d grab one to eat on it’s own with either cream cheese or some soft butter or jam. Yeah…I missed having them.

That’s not to say that gluten-free varieties didn’t exist. They did. Unfortunately, the one brand I could find in my area was loaded with calories. No kidding. Just around 250 calories for one English muffin. No thank you. I love breakfast breads as much as the next person, but…damn…let’s save some wiggle room for the toppings, yes?

So, imagine my elation the day I walked into Whole Foods and spotted a new line of gluten-free products near all their gluten-free bread items. The brand is Livwell, and they make gluten-free, wheat-free, and dairy-free products that vary from different types of bread (flat breads, sandwich breads, diner rolls) to scones, to crumpets, to cakes, to pancakes, to…wait for it…English muffins.

Livwell Gluten-Free English Muffin (straight out of packaging)

At first glance, you wouldn’t think much about them. They are much like Schar products in that they are vacuum sealed and sitting on a shelf. Normally I would run from this madness, but these intrigued me. I can’t explain it, but they did. So…I picked up one of the packets of English muffins (I just had to) and made my purchase.

The other day for breakfast I decided my roomie and I would break these out and give them a go. So, I tore into the packaging and pulled out two of the English muffins. They were quite light and airy. I liked that. It means I wouldn’t feel overly stuffed because they were too dense or heavy. Winning already. I sliced each one in half and into the toaster they went.

I was a bit nervous, not quite sure they would be like or how they would toast up in a toaster. The packaging, after all, told me to grill them and I wasn’t feeling that brave so early in the morning. Toaster it was, and they did brilliantly. They were a beautiful golden brown upon popping up. And I lightly spread each half with a bit of Laughing Cow Light Cream Cheese. Order up.

I settled in for my breakfast and happily took my first bite. While these do not taste like classic English muffins, they are perfectly textured. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making for the perfect breakfast bite. And, each English muffin only sets you back 141 calories. I absolutely adored how light and soft these were. They satisfied my craving and were even better than the regular English muffins I used to devour.

Livwell…if this is just a taste of what you have to offer with your other products, well, I’m lining up to try some more. These were fantastic and I absolutely loved every delicious bite.

English muffins…welcome back into my life!

Livwell Gluten-Free English Muffins (halved and toasted)