Schär has most notably become one of my go-to companies for gluten-free products. Why? Because I have yet to really be disappointing by something that they have out on the market. When it comes to that gluten-free “wow” factor, Schär constantly delivers, whether it is their par-baked bread products or pasta or otherwise.
As I am working my way through my gluten-free snack stock in my pantry, this week brought me to the small package I had of Schär Gluten-Free Cheese Bites. Now…I can tell you right now, I loved these at first bite. I had actually sampled a few at a Gluten-Free Expo back in February and it was honestly love at first bite. First freakin’ bite.
But, that was awhile back and it had been a long time since my taste. But there wasn’t any of that trepidation when I loaded up a serving (30g) for work on Friday. I knew my afternoon snack would be enjoyed. I remembered that much.
But when snack time rolled around, I remembered exactly why these were stocked in my pantry. First of all, they were on sale one week. I just hadn’t gotten to them yet as I work (in expiration date order) through my snacks. Secondly…they are yummy! Beyond yummy, actually. They are a fantastic cheesy treat.
Forget Goldfish crackers (which are not gluten-free, so I have had to forget them anyway). These take the taste above and beyond what those smiling snack crackers ever did. Schär provides a gluten-free bite-size treat of cheese and powerful flavor. What’s not to like?
These are love in cheese cracker form. They actually remind me a lot of Ritz cheese crackers. Buttery, cheesy goodness that you just pop into your mouth. They have the right amount of saltiness to them to bring out the richness of the crackers. And I find that these would be amazing as croutons in a tomato soup, or sprinkled with some olive oil and ranch dressing mix. Yummy. They could be used as croutons in a salad as well. But my favorite way to eat them…straight out of the bag.
I let my co-worker, who is trying to learn more and taste gluten-free products to see how she likes them (most of them she doesn’t…but she is picky), try one and she loved them. Honestly. These are amazingly good. I applaud Schär for this nutritious and delicious snack. One serving is only 140 calories and 5 grams of fat. Not bad for a cheese cracker at all. And definitely not bad for an afternoon snack.
Schär…I hope you introduce more snack crackers like this one. These are to be raved about…for life. And I intend to savor every bite-size morsel from the remainder of the bag.
Product: Pamela’s Products Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies – $4.39+
Gluten-free cookie makers…make note. If you are going to make a cookie that everyone, not just the gluten-intolerant and Celiacs among us want to eat…you need to make something that is full of flavor, delicious, and doesn’t taste like a box. While gluten-free goodies have come a long way since…before I even had to eat gluten-free…I used to try gluten-free items from Whole Foods every now and again and…yuck. Now that I have to eat this way, I am so thankful for companies like Pamela’s Products.
Pamela’s Products has wowed me once again. I don’t know what the secret to making everything so amazing and delicious, but I can promise you, even those who are not following a gluten-free diet would be astounded by the flavor and texture of the cookies. These are definitely not the first cookies I have reviewed from Pamela’s Products (I have previously done the Peanut Butter Cookies and the Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chunk Cookies…as well as the Simplebites Extreme Chocolate Minis…and I have eaten (but didn’t blog about since I was on vacation and forgot to take pictures) the Shortbread Swirl Cookies). What this proves is that once again, something as simple as a cookie can make a big impression.
Tonight’s dessert was Pamela’s Products Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies. These won me over at chunky and chocolate. I was so thrilled to open up the box tonight and pull out one for myself and one for my roommate. Dessert as easy as opening a box…yeah…that’s nice to have every now and again.
One bite was all it took. These cookies are super soft. For being processed and boxed…I was thinking they would have the texture of a shortbread…but I was wrong. When I say soft, I mean soft. That’s how I like my cookies because they remind me of being fresh out of the oven. The cookies themselves are not overly sweet. The flavor isn’t rich and buttery, but the crumbly texture almost gives that illusion. Actually, while looking at the ingredients, the surprise addition has to be the grape juice. I never would have pegged that. But I love how natural sweeteners are used. While the cookie itself is all good, the star of these baked treats is certainly the chocolate chips. Huge chunks are scattered throughout the cookies so that each bite is a chocolate burst of flavor. So delicious. For the chocoholic in us all…this is the best part of these soft, chewy cookies. They remind me of what Chips Ahoy soft-baked cookies were like…except much better (in regards to flavor and nutrition…for a cookie).
Pamela’s Products Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies are Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, and Gluten-Free. The serving size is one cookie (they are about 1.5 inches round), which sets you back 120 calories and 6 grams of fat. These contain no high fructose corn syrup (Chips Ahoy do) and no artificial colors or flavors. Less sugar too!
So, if you are like me and enjoy a delicious, soft, yummy cookie (like I said in previous posts…I am a Cookie Monster!)…look for Pamela’s Products. These products have never let me down and I don’t foresee that happening any time soon. And I have quite a stash going in my pantry for upcoming reviews. But so far…Pamela’s Products is the name I trust when it comes to cookies, baking, and more.
It’s my own little gluten-free love affair…with one of the best providers of gluten-free foods on the market.
It was just a couple weeks ago that I first set foot in one of my new favorite spots near Dayton, Ohio. The place – Sinfully Gluten Free in Centerville, Ohio. That’s right. A dedicated gluten-free bakery/restaurant that offers up not just delicious baked goods, but a small dining menu as well. No need to worry about cross-contamination here. Peace of mind when you sit down to eat at a restaurant is a beautiful thing, my friends.
A beautiful thing is also finding yourself in Dayton a couple weeks later and already knowing where you want to go eat. Sure…there is a plethora of restaurants in the Dayton area…but I’m truly addicted to Sinfully Gluten Free. And after getting a bite of my friend Jenn’s pizza the last time we were there, I was craving one of their pizzas like mad. Cathy and I split one of their 8 inch pizzas (with cheese, onion, and mushroom on it) and got an order of their Cheese Bread as well. Oh…and we did get another lemon bar to split for dessert…which I took a picture of this time.
But I don’t go into Sinfully Gluten Free just for the menu. Although…that is reason enough to bring me back whenever I am in Dayton. I also go there to stock up on amazing gluten-free baked items. Honestly. After trying everything I bought on my first visit and loving every amazing gluten-free bite…I was ready for more.
And more is what I got. While food was being prepared…I went and did some gluten-free goodie shopping. One of the items that I chose to give a try was their in-house baked Asiago Rosemary Bread. How amazing does that sound. I originally was going to go in for the sandwich bread (which is what I had on my Pizza Sandwich the last time I ate there), but when I asked how much the bread was and they asked what kind and the first one they mentioned had the words Asiago and Rosemary in it…I was sold. I didn’t even wait for them to continue. I just said, “I’ll take a loaf of that.” I gathered up the other goods, of which are some that I tried before, and some new ones you’ll see in future blogs, paid, and went to await the arrival of my pizza.
Fast forward to my return home from Ohio, and my freezer now full of gluten-free goodies just beckoning to me every time I open the door. I hadn’t expected to break into the goodness this soon, but after a rough day at the office, and my roomie’s hair appointment being postponed until much later in the day, I had a limited amount of time to prepare something to eat before rushing off to the haircut. So…once I walked through the door of the apartment, I began to heat up my electric skillet, pulled out four slices of Sinfully Gluten Free Asiago Rosemary Bread, grabbed the last of the Teese Vegan Mozzarella, my Mozzarella Flavored Rice Shreds (and real mozzarella for the roomie), and my homemade marinara and began to make my own gourmet grilled cheese…or version of a pizza sandwich, as it were.
Two slices of Sinfully Gluten Free Asiago Rosemary Bread
With the skillet heating, I had to thaw the bread, which I did via the microwave. As it was thawing, I began to smell the rosemary and hit of Asiago cheese. It really made the kitchen smell amazing. My mouth was literally watering at the very aroma of the bread, so I was already anticipating that first bite.
I smeared each slice with a hit of my homemade marinara, then put two slices of the Teese Mozzarella on one slice. I topped it off with the shredded mozzarella, then the other slice of bread. A spray of olive oil on the bread and onto the skillet it went to toast up. And the mouthwatering aroma only became more prominent with that. I flipped each sandwich over, carefully, toasting the other side. Then, to make sure I got a good melt on the cheese, I threw some water in, threw a lid on the skillet and let it steam.
The sandwiches were plated, sliced, and ready to consume.
Cathy didn’t even wait for me to grab my sandwich before she began devouring hers. I could tell she really liked it just by how quickly it was disappearing. When I settled in with mine…I eagerly took my first bite.
WOW. Flavor-city! For real. You get that nice hit of rosemary and the saltiness of the Asiago cheese. The bread crusted up beautifully on the skillet, but remained that perfect texture and level of soft for each bite. I found that it paired beautifully with the marinara and mozzarella. The bread is truly one of the best things I have eaten since going gluten-free. I have found gluten-free bread that has been good, but this was life-changing. I couldn’t stop raving about the flavor throughout it. The bitter, but fragrant, hit of rosemary paired beautifully with the cheese baked in with it. The pairing was sheer culinary genius. Doing it in a bread makes it a versatile treat that can be served up as a side, or used, as I did, in a savory, gourmet-ish sandwich.
I was in sandwich heaven, to be honest. No gluten-free bread has ever made me want to write sonnets about its flavor. I can’t wait to come up with another creative means of using it in my cooking. Perhaps in a stuffing. The possibilities are not just endless…but delicious.
Sinfully Gluten Free…you are a heavenly treat. I hope your business thrives and you continue to bring gluten-free goodness to the community where you are, the visitors (like me) who happen by, and to those who order products from afar.
And for those of you reading this…yes…according to their Web site…Sinfully Gluten Free does ship their products. Just understand that if you want the freshest product possible, shipping is quite expensive. But if it’s for something as amazing as this bread…I think it’s totally worth it.
Homemade Marinara, Teese Mozzarella, and Mozzarella Flavor Rice Shreds sandwiched between two slices of Sinfully Gluten Free Asiago Rosemary Bread
Crunchmaster Gluten-Free Original Multi-Seed Crackers
Product: Crunchmaster Gluten-Free Original Multi-Seed Crackers – $3.79+
Honesty is the best policy.
So, this isn’t the first time I have eaten the Original variety of Crunchmaster’s Multi-Seed Crackers. They are the crackers that are tucked inside my GoPicnic Hummus Meals and were the gluten-free crackers that my boss spotted at Sam’s Club…saw the gluten-free label and thought of me. And then bought me a bulk box of them. Which, I happily devoured, mind you. I mean…I gave him a hug when he gave me the entire box because he saw gluten-free and wanted me to be able to have snacks at the office when they bring stuff in, since normally I can’t as they are donuts, muffins, cakes, etc. that all have lots of gluten in them.
However…this was the first actual bag of these crackers that I bought myself…and that is why they are only now being reviewed.
So first…the nitty-gritty.
The Original flavor of Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers has and will always be one of my favorite gluten-free crackers out there. These very versatile crackers are packed with a variety of flavorful toasted seeds, of which include sesame, quinoa, flax and amaranth. Then, these are lightly seasoned with a wheat free tamari soy sauce. They are all natural and made from 100% whole grain. In addition, they are cholesterol free, gluten-free, sugar free, and also vegan and dairy free. These snack crackers only set you back 140 calories for 15 of the crackers…which are by no means small. In fact, they are the size of a saltine, just shaped in a octagon.
But what about flavor? Well, they are one of my favorites for a reason, yes? Packed with flavor and not loaded with salt, these crackers are a delicious treat for any time of the day. They are amazing on their own, but I have enjoyed them with a schmear of peanut butter, or hummus, or even some non-dairy cheese. They can be topped off in a variety of ways…or just eaten plain and on their own. That’s where the magic is. And trust me when I say they are delicious. They pack a flavorful crunch that keeps you satisfied.
Yeah…I devour these whenever I have them on hand.
So good. So…I think when you see these at your grocery store…take a chance…try them out. And I promise, you will not be disappointed. Crunchmaster wins again!
So…a couple weeks ago, I tried out my first ever Snikiddy product. While this company makes a plethora of gluten-free snacks, I had yet to pick any up. Why? Mostly my budget. But when my grocery store ran a sale on them, I was all about seeing what they were all about.
Prior to this, I had only tried the Snikiddy Cheddar Cheese Baked Fries. And I loved them. They were packed with cheesy flavor, but didn’t leave that crazy orange residue on your fingers. I loved the texture, the taste, everything about them.
The other flavor I bought at the time was Snikiddy’s Southwest Cheddar Baked Fries. I was quite excited to be trying these out after how much I enjoyed the plain cheddar ones. I dished up a serving size, 28 grams, and took them to work with me this week. At snack time, I pulled them out of my desk drawer, and popped the top. I snagged my first little fry, popped it in my mouth.
And BAM…cheese flavor. Right off the bat. My first thought was that these weren’t spicy at all. And then, that was when the heat kicked in. It wasn’t hot, but you could totally taste that jalapeno flavor through the mix of cheese, tomato, onion and garlic. I loved the spice. But just hadn’t expected it to be that pronounced. I actually coughed a little bit. My office mate looked over at me, and I said, “Wooo…spicy!”
But, that was what set these apart from the regular cheddar ones. These baked fries have that nice addition of heat to them, which blends well with the mix of cheddar and parmesan cheese that are incorporated onto each fry. I thought they tasted a lot like a fry that had been dipped into a cheesy, spicy queso. So delicious. That hit of heat at the end of each bite really makes these a showstopper. My palate was on fire…but in a good way.
Just as before, the Southwest Cheddar Baked Fries by Snikiddy are all-natural, gluten-free, wheat-free, contain no hydrogenated oils, no trans fats, and are low in saturated fat. These snacks are also very low on sodium and contain 50% less fat than regular potato chips. Snikiddy Southwest Cheddar Baked Fries are vegetarian, kosher, cholesterol free, and contain no MSG. One serving will only set you back 130 calories, and the serving size is a decent amount.
And they are spicy. These amazing little finger snacks are like having seasoned fries without the guilt. And the nice crunch is like what you would get when biting into Cheetoes…but with more healthy ingredients and nutritional stats.
These amazing snacks are hot, hot, hot…so if you like to add a little spice to your snack time, I highly recommend these.
There is just something so whimsical about ice cream cones? Perhaps it just reminds me of my childhood. There wasn’t a summer that went by that my family didn’t get into the car and drive across town to The Dairy Barn, which served up soft serve ice cream during the summer season. It was a fun treat and I savored the crunchy cone as much as I did the sweet ice cream that topped it off.
I think that is why being able to have ice cream cones means so much to me now. When I had to go gluten-free, I didn’t think I missed them. It had been ages since I had truly devoured ice cream in a cone. I was grown up now. I always got a bowl. It wasn’t a big deal. I wasn’t really missing out on anything, right?
Well, that was what I thought. And then gluten-free ice cream cones went on sale at my local grocery store. They were running a closeout on their entire gluten-free section, so my roommate and I grabbed what we thought we could use and took it all home. About a month ago, I had an ice cream cone for the first time in years…and for the first time since going gluten-free.
It was actually a surprise the other day when I sent my roommate out on a mission to get a few missing items from the grocery store. She headed out and when she returned, she had the necessary items…and a surprise. A different brand of gluten-free ice cream cones.
This time, the brand is Goldbaums, which is a company that was established in 2007 wanting to fill the gluten-free niche in the U.S. food industry. Gluten-free products were already out on the market, but CEO, Leah Parnes, felt they lacked certain qualities. With a mission in mind, Goldbaums set out to create gluten-free food perfection, starting with pasta and then branching out from there.
One of these products is the Goldbaums Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cones. These ice cream cones are not only gluten-free, but low in calories. In addition, these are flavored with vanilla, giving them a very pleasing sweetness to them. I also loved the crispy nature of the cones themselves. They didn’t get soggy when the ice cream began melting, and they held up against the dripping ice cream as well. I didn’t end up with a mess on my jeans or shirt, so that spoke volumes to me. I loved how crisp and light these were, not taking away from the flavor of the ice cream, but adding a touch of flavor to the palate.
These ice cream cones are very low in calories. A scant 11 calories is all you’ll be set back. These also only contain 3 grams of fat per cone. Not bad for a treat. Not bad at all. The cones are also kosher, GMO-free, and vegan.
These flavorful, sweet, and crunchy ice cream cones really rounded out my scoop of ice cream. I was tempted to make up another one, but resisted the urge. I’ve been savoring the cones ever since. My roommate is even in love with these.
And…Goldbaums makes a variety of different cones. So as long as I can track down the rest…I can continue to sample more gluten-free goodies. And that just might mean getting more dairy-free ice cream. I can live with that sacrifice.
Major props to Goldbaums for an amazing, high quality, very tasty product. My ice cream is once again a true treat to eat.
Goldbaums Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cone topped with a scoop of So Delicious Neapolitan Ice Cream
Bakery on Main’s Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars
Product: Bakery on Main Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars – $5.49
I really, really, really wanted to like these granola bars. Honestly. Why? Well, for one thing, they are the product of one of the best gluten-free companies out there. I fell in love with Bakery on Main through their gluten-free oatmeal and then again through their granola. But, since then, I have had little luck when it comes to their products. When I spotted these granola bars at the Gluten-Free Trading Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I thought it was too good to be true.
Come on…it’s granola bars made to taste like everyone’s favorite go-to sandwich, yes? Peanut Butter and Jelly. Let me tell you…I was sold.
They came home with me and I put them in the pantry…where they taunted me as I worked my way through the snacks with earlier expiration dates. Then, last week, the moment I had been anticipating arrived. These delicious sounding granola bars were going to be my afternoon snack at the office. So, I excitedly opened up the box and placed one of the bars into my lunchbox and happily headed to work.
When my afternoon snack time rolled around, I eagerly took the granola bar out of my desk drawer and opened it up. I paused only long enough to snap a picture of it before I tore into it. Before I get into the flavor, let me tell you a little more about the product itself.
These chewy granola bars are made with certified gluten-free oats, amaranth and quinoa, making them a great source of whole grains. Couple that with the addition of flax and chia seeds and you also get a great source of not just Omega 3, but also Omega 6 fatty acids. Awesome. These bars are also made with real peanut butter and dried strawberries. Bakery on Main’s Web site says that these taste like an actual peanut butter and jelly sandwich. So, yeah, I was ready for my first bite.
Bakery on Main’s Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bar
So, imagine my disappointment when I took it…and was hit with not as much salty, nutty flavor as I anticipated. In fact, I feel that these bars suffer from lack of that peanut butter flavor. As for the dried strawberries, they didn’t help matters either. In fact, instead of lending that sweet “jelly” flavor to these bars, what I got was this weird chemical-like taste. The flavor was very off-putting. I tore of a piece of it and walked it over to where my roommate was working and told her I didn’t know what I thought of them and to try it. She said it had a weird aftertaste and I totally agreed with her. I was disappointed…but I was hungry, so I ate the rest of it.
Sadly though, when I got home I couldn’t bring myself to pack another one for the next day. Normally I don’t waste my gluten-free foods, even if I’m not a big fan of them…but I just couldn’t eat these the rest of the week. The flavor was so strange and chemical-like. Which is weird, since Bakery on Main uses no chemicals in their ingredients. Every ingredient listed on the box is something that I recognize immediately. And it is real food…nothing fake. No strange preservatives. These just didn’t sit right with my palate…and so…they were tossed. Since these are not cheap, I took the financial hit in order to enjoy my afternoon snack the following day.
This experience however has not soured me on Bakery on Main. I believe in their products. While I seem to have an on again – off again relationship with their variety of gluten-free offerings, I actually hope I can try their other flavors of granola bars. Maybe a different flavor will sit better with me and my taste buds.
As for Bakery on Main’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Soft & Chewy Granola Bars…I think I’ll stick to the actual sandwich instead. These just didn’t satisfy me and the taste was just off.
Bakery on Main’s Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bar (unwrapped)
It was the eve of the Air Force Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K events…of which I was running in the 10K event. So, I found myself in Dayton, Ohio and in need of a place to eat. Now, Dayton has plenty of places to eat, but the night before a major road race, I try to be a little more careful when I eat out. Obviously, I don’t want to find myself feeling sick because of restaurant cross-contamination.
Thankfully, with the help of my favorite iPhone app, Find Me Gluten Free, I was directed to the Web site of a place called Sinfully Gluten Free in Centerville, Ohio. That day, after checking out the race expo, checking into the hotel, and doing a little book shopping, my friends, Jenn and Cathy, and I headed off to get dinner. I had researched the menu a little prior to the trip to Dayton, so I had an idea of what they offered. And while there isn’t much on their menu, what they offer has a little bit of something for everyone. And that is the important thing.
It was just around 6:00 p.m. when we showed up for dinner that night. I didn’t quite remember the menu, so I went to go and examine the one on the front counter where you place your orders. Cathy already knew what she wanted to get so she was set. Jenn also needed a moment to check it out, since we sort of sprung this place on her. But…she’s always had an open mind when it comes to my gluten-free needs, which is one reason she is so awesome! After a few moments, we all placed our orders.
Cathy had decided to go with the Chicken Strips ($6.99), which was three pieces breaded chicken strips served with a side of crinkle-cut fries. Jenn opted for the 8-inch cheese pizza ($8.99). As for me, I chose to go with the Pizza Sandwich (no pepperoni for this vegetarian) ($8.99), which came with a side of crinkle-cut fries as well. With the orders in, we were told it would take about 20 minutes and to go ahead and find a table and they would bring it out to us when it was ready.
We did exactly that, already discussing what might be a good dessert option while we waited. I mean…we were around food. We were going to discuss the food. We already had it picked out. The three of us would share a Lemon Bar at the end of our meal. It would be perfection.
After our wait, which I appreciate because it means everything is actually done from scratch and not just reheated and brought out, our food arrived. It all looked really amazing. Cathy’s Chicken Strips were not overdone, juicy, and the side of fries was an actual serving! Amazing. She devoured her chicken and fries, complimenting the taste the entire way. Jenn really enjoyed her pizza too. She let me snag a piece of it and I absolutely loved it. Seriously. The crust tastes like it has cornmeal in it, and it baked up crispy and perfect. It wasn’t soggy in the middle. The sauce was fantastic. And it was topped with lots of cheese. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. One of the best slices of pizza I have had.
As for me…my Pizza Sandwich arrived. I double-checked it to make sure the pepperoni was left off of it. And it was. So, my sandwich consisted of pizza sauce, onions, and cheese. Now…that was the perfect sandwich, yes? Just like eating pizza without eating pizza. It looked like it was on Udi’s gluten-free bread, although it must have been bread that they bake up there at Sinfully Gluten Free. I failed to ask, although I should have. But I noticed the loaves in the refrigerator behind the counter that were for sale, which leads me to believe that they use their own bread for their sandwiches. Regardless it was toasted up well and had a nice crispness to it when I bit into it. Like I said…it was like eating a pizza without eating a pizza. I loved it. And the side of fries was a nice touch to my carb-up diet pre-race. Or, at least that’s what I tell myself. The fries were done well. Not soggy. Not burned. Perfect. Not too salty either. I appreciated that, because too much salt can leave a runner feeling dehydrated, which is the complete opposite of what you want pre-race. I hoovered my sandwich, loving every bite of it. And I knew…it was time to go pick dessert.
But then my roommate, Cathy, sprung a surprise on me. Just right of the bake case was some of their baked cookies and brownies up for sale. And I was thrilled when Cathy said I could pick some out to take home with us. I got distracted at this point and immediately started to peruse the goods. In the end, I ended up grabbing one of their Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies, their Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, their Gluten-Free Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies, and their Gluten-Free Mint Chip Cookies. The Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies were the splurge. They were the most expensive, but Cathy said she could tell I really, really wanted them. So…we spent a lot more than intended…but well…more gluten-free goodies for me to try and review, yes?
However, we were on a dessert mission as well. And that meant it was time for a Lemon Bar ($3.50). Sadly, by the time I had snagged like, one of everything, from the goodies, the last couple of lemon bars had been snagged already. I made a very sad face, but the lady behind the counter said they had more in the back. I had never been so happy in my life. She brought them out and put one in a dish for us to take to the table. She told me I might want to give it a chance to warm up, as it was in the freezer. No problem. I went back to the table with every intention of taking a picture of it for the blog…then totally didn’t. And before I realized that, I had already sliced it into three pieces and we had each eaten it. So, without a visual, let me tell you this…
The Lemon Bar at Sinfully Gluten Free is much different from the one I had at Cherbourg Bakery in Columbus, Ohio. This one had a shortbread crust, and on top of it was more of a cheesecake-like lemon topping. It was good. Trust me, it was good. In fact, Jenn said she preferred this one over the one at Cherbourg. The buttery shortbread is a nice touch to the rich, thick lemon topping. And it all balances out quite well. I loved it down to the last bite…which is about where I realized I hadn’t actually taken my picture. Too late. Trust me…this is one of their most popular desserts for a reason. It is fantastic.
That rounded off the evening at Sinfully Gluten Free…but my trial of their products didn’t end there as I left with a bag full of their bakery cookies and a brownie.
Sinfully Gluten Free’s Peanut Butter Peanut Butter Cup Cookie
Even though I returned to my little town in Indiana, I was now equipped with gluten-free desserts to last over a week. This made me beyond elated. And the first one that my roommate and I tried was the Peanut Butter Peanut Butter Cup Cookie ($4.50). Now, I had seen these before on Pinterest (not gluten-free), so I was quite excited about this. I love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups as it is. And one of those is the very heart of this cookie. Honestly. These come in a box of 6 cookies, as they are all bite-size. The peanut butter cookie envelops a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. The result…a soft outer shell that surrounds the perfect bite of chocolate and peanut butter. This was one of the best cookies I have ever eaten, combining two of my favorite things…peanut butter and chocolate. And…peanut butter cups are involved. I was in love.
I was on a chocolate and peanut butter kick, so the next sweet that grabbed my attention and got my mouth
watering was the Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies ($7.99). First of all, let me reiterate that two of my favorite things in life are chocolate and peanut butter. Put them together and I am one very content cookie monster. These cookies intrigued me and I hesitated for the longest time snagging them to take home with me? Why? They come at a heftier price tag than the rest of the cookies that were out to purchase. But Cathy insisted that if I wanted to try them, I go ahead and get them. And who am I to argue with that kind of logic when it comes to cookies. I’m glad she encouraged me. Because these cookies are sinfully amazing. They start as Sinfully Gluten Free’s basic peanut butter cookie, which is a chewy, soft, light cookie. Oh yeah…forget those hard-as-a-brick peanut butter cookies you are used to buying and/or making. These are super-soft and super rich in flavor. Then, dip half of the cookie in a rich chocolate and you take it to the next level. I love the salty/sweetness to these cookies and really enjoy biting into a soft peanut butter cookie for a change. These…wowed me.
Sinfully Gluten Free’s Chocolate Brownie
The next contender from my gluten-free sweets shopping spree was the Chocolate Brownie ($1.75). Now, I’ve made many a gluten-free brownie at home, but this one was magic. Let me explain. You see, this little brownie loaf, which is about 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches is not heavy at all. Forget that crazy gluten-free aftertaste a lot of brownies have. Not these. These have a rich, fudgy feel to them. That was the best part. Despite having sit on my counter for a couple of days, this brownie was still very soft with every bite. I found it to be one of the best gluten-free brownies I have had to date. I savored each bite of this, as did my roommate. We split it in half and were both just over-the-moon in love with the texture, flavor, and how soft it was. This was a total win in my book. Honestly…a good brownie is one thing, but this sinfully gluten-free one was out of this world. I would buy more of these in a heartbeat.
The last purchase that I sampled was the Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies ($4.50). These come packaged in a bag of six cookies that look a lot like
Sinfully Gluten Free’s Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie
chocolate chip cookies until closer inspection. What I noticed were the bits of creme de menth chocolate in there (like chopped Andes candies). The first bite yielded a buttery, soft, rich flavor that paired beautifully with the mint chips that were incorporated. I love mint and these were minty without overpowering the rest of the cookie. You get a taste of the original cookie batter and then you get that kick of mint. I love that the two flavors compliment each other without one outweighing the other on the flavor. I absolutely adore how soft the cookie is. I’m not a fan of hard cookies at all, and this one will just melt in your mouth. Super delicious. And with the addition of mint…super refreshing for the palate as well. Mint chocolate chip cookies never tasted so good.
You know…it’s not every day that I can flat out say that everything that I tried from someplace blew me away. But with Sinfully Gluten Free, that seems to be the case. They have a magic recipe for making light, delicious, fantastic, rich, soft gluten-free baked goods that just blow away the competition. The lemon bar was extremely interesting as I had had one from a different gluten-free bakery earlier that morning. They were nothing like each other…but the rich, cheesecake-like variety at Sinfully Gluten Free was a nice contrast to the other one I had sampled before heading to Dayton. If anything, I hope that this blog sends more people over to this amazing establishment. Try it out for lunch or dinner. And be sure you get dessert and take some of their baked goods home. There were plenty more delicious looking items in the bakery case which were enticing me to try. So…when I go back next time…and there will be a next time, I intend to try something else…and probably snag more lemon bars.
Sinfully Gluten Free proves once again to all the naysayers out there that gluten-free doesn’t have to taste different or be hard, heavy, dense, or dry. Everything I had there popped with flavor and tasted fresh. I will forever rave about this little establishment. So, if you are heading through Dayton, Ohio…take the short trip to Centerville and try out Sinfully Gluten Free. You won’t be disappointed. None of us were. I’m already contemplating my return this coming weekend.
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.
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
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