Products – Page 79 – The Celiathlete

March 7, 2012

Oasis gives hummus a spicy kick with Jalapeño Hummus

Product: Oasis Jalapeño Hummus – $2.19+

When I went to Whole Foods last Saturday, hummus was not on my grocery list. And I was sticking to my list because so often I veer off from it and then wonder why I ended up spending a small fortune. So, I promise you, this wasn’t even in my shopping basket as I went through the store.

Yet…I’ve been eating it all week.

So, how did it come into my life?

Simple story…that involves a Whole Foods employee who was being featured at her register. Listed as one of her favorite products was Oasis Jalapeño Hummus. Well, I love spicy things…and I love hummus. So, as it caught my eye, I turned to my roommate and said, “Jalapeño hummus? That sounds epically awesome.”

Amanda, our cashier, caught my interest and said that was her most favorite thing and that she’d be happy to give me a free container of it to try. Um…yes, please!! So, after she finished ringing up the food I purchased to make my vegetable pad thai and gluten-free skillet cheesy pasta this week, she hurried out to the refrigerated area and grabbed a container of the Oasis Jalapeño Hummus to send home with me. I thanked her profusely.

Well, that was the best marketing strategy ever because now, after having enjoyed it for the better part of this week, I’m absolutely hooked.

It looks like your basic, run-of-the-mill hummus, with a dollop of jalapeño in the center. Mmmm. But the slight heat is apparent throughout the entire spread. I dish up a serving each morning (2 tablespoons) and bring a serving of baby carrots with me to work and this is my afternoon snack. And it’s so perfect.

The hummus is smooth and creamy. It has that standard hummus flavor of the chickpeas and tahini with a touch of garlic and all. But it’s that slow heat from the jalapeño that really makes this a stand out among other hummus brands, types, and spreads. I even had my roommate give it a taste, and even she liked it. In fact, she commented on how amazing that would be on a sandwich as neither of us are big on mayonnaise. That comment shocked me because before she was very anti-hummus, but she seemed to honestly like this. Perhaps all she needed was a little spice to get those taste buds on par with everything else.

So, I want to thank Whole Foods, Amanda, and Oasis for this product. Now that it’s in my life, I think it will start making the grocery list. Fantastic hummus with a spicy kick. It pairs well with vegetables, bread, etc. The options are endless and that’s what I love to see in a product.

So, if you want to take hummus to the next level…find Oasis Jalapeño Hummus and get dipping. Because it really is worth raving about.

March 6, 2012

Katz proves once again with Cinnamon Donuts that gluten-free is delicious

Product: Katz Gluten Free Cinnamon Donuts – $6.49 (plus shipping)

I had another “Mmmmm…donuts!” moment.

I admit it. I’m not ashamed of it. These things happen. They happen all the time. It just doesn’t normally happen to me because normally donuts are off limits. This isn’t a “OMG…my thighs will get huge!” sort of off limits. No, no. This is a…eating that regular donut will hurt me kind of way.

Truth be told. I have always, always loved donuts and not being able to eat them kind of…well…sucked.

There are gluten-free varieties out there. They are limited varieties…but they exist. But none…none have equaled the donuts that I used to be able to indulge in every now and again. And then…along came donuts by Katz Gluten Free.

First it was the Powdered Sugar Donuts. I raved about those already, and rightfully so. I mean…they blew me away. Light, sugary, delicious…it was love at first (low-calorie) bite. And then, while minding my business one day an e-mail comes through advertising KATZ NEW CINNAMON DONUTS. Do you realize the effect my prior experience with their donuts had? Let me fill you in…

The instant, and I’m not kidding, I opened that e-mail, I was on the Katz Web site and placing an order. Honestly. I didn’t hesitate or blink in the process. I knew I had to try them because…I fell so head-over-heels for the powdered sugar variety. These had to be good too, right?

Well, let me tell you, when FedEx arrived with my package two days later I hurried up front to the receptionists desk, snatched the box, opened it up, marveled, put them in the freezer, and promised myself donuts for breakfast on Sunday. I couldn’t do it on Saturday as I had a road race and I have my specific foods I eat those days.

Sunday couldn’t come fast enough. I thawed out two donuts (one for me and one for my non-gluten-free roommate) and then gave them a quick 10 second buzz in the microwave to add a bit of that ‘freshly baked’ warmness to them. As I settled in for breakfast, I anticipated my first bite, wondering if it could live up to the powdered sugar variety.

It did just that and then some. These seem a bit more fluffy than the powdered sugar counterparts, but just as amazing and delicious. I had to keep myself from scarfing it down, remembering to chew each bite, taste the sweet cinnamon, enjoy the light cake-like texture. And I managed, but it was no easy task.

These donuts are beyond amazing. They are one of the best I have ever eaten (and before going gluten-free, I ate lots of different types of donuts). They are a cake-based donut, but they are so light. They don’t feel heavy at all when you eat them. The texture isn’t dense at all, just bite-for-bite delicious. I can’t wait to choose another morning to indulge because every time I open up my freezer, they beckon to me.

Katz, you have once again outdone your gluten-free counterparts. The Cinnamon Sugar donuts are, so far, my favorite thing from your lineup that I have tried. I’m in donut heaven and I have you to thank for it.

And for those of you who might be counting calories, one plump, donut-sized donut will only set you back 160 calories. How’s that for an indulgence? Fall in love with donuts again. And then…go to Katz Gluten Free and place an order for these. You won’t be disappointed. The hard part is not immediately ordering more. Yes…they are that good.

A little sweet, a little spicy, Katz completely captures the essence of the perfect donut with this product. I’m hooked.

March 2, 2012

Kinnikinnick’s graham-style crackers will make you want S’more

Product: Kinnikinnick Graham Cracker Style S’moreables – $4.59+

Remember those nights in the summer, either at camp or at home, when you’d sit around a fire and roast marshmallows on a stick, layer a graham cracker half with a piece of a Hershey’s bar, slather on the toasted, gooey marshmallow, and smoosh it all together with the other half? That was the life, yes?

S’mores are every campfire’s guilty pleasure. But I had to give them up. Three years ago, when I became a vegetarian, marshmallows were nixed from my diet (they have gelatin in them). And then, a year ago, when I had to go gluten-free, my graham crackers went bye-bye as well.

I’m not going to lie, it was not easy to give up my S’mores. Especially when I would attend a bonfire and watch everyone make them. It was a bummer, for sure. But, you know, you just get used to it.

Does that mean the craving goes away? Of course not!

And then grocery store karma happened. I had one of those magical moments when I was walking through the small gluten-free section of one of the grocery stores in town when I spotted these on the bottom shelf. Kinnikinnick Foods had come out with a Graham Style Cracker that they were marketing as (ready for this?) S’moreables. And right there…right on the front of the box, screaming at me from the bottom shelf, was a delicious, ooey-gooey looking S’more made from these gifts from gluten-free heaven.

I was sold. And so was that box because, budget or not, it found its way into my grocery basket and then in my pantry soon after.

Last night, without a dessert prepared, I decided to bust out my impromptu S’mores as my treat. But these were not just any S’mores, friends. Nope…I made mine a Gourmet Gluten-Free Vegetarian S’moreable Treat. Too much Top Chef? Perhaps. But I went all out.

Kinnikinnick Foods S'moreables Graham Style Cracker

I admit it…I was immediately skeptical about this product after busting open the box and pulling out a cracker for myself and my roommate. They are much smaller than an actual graham cracker is, and they look like little sheets of cardboard. Looks can be deceiving though, so I ran with it and prayed that it would be delicious. After breaking them in half, carefully, with the assistance of a butter knife, I grabbed a Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Hazelnut square from my chocolate stash and placed them on one side of the cracker. Because I am a vegetarian, I reached for marshmallow fluff for the marshmallow bit of this treat. But…how to get that roasted flavor?

Simple.

Kitchen torch. And I just happen to have one. (Too many cooking shows bring about spontaneous purchases).

A simple torching of the fluff, and the marshmallow-goodness was roasted as though it had been done over a fire. AWESOME! So, it was with great trepidation that I flipped it over onto the chocolate half, and delivered one to my roommate while I toasted up the fluff for the other one.

But when I heard an approving sound from the other room, I knew we hit gluten-free money! Gone was my concern over the appearance of the product. With my kitchen torch now stored, I joined my roommate in the other room with my own gourmet s’more. One bite…and it was better than anything I had before. The crackers not only smelled like ‘real’ graham crackers, but the taste was so close you’d be hard pressed to tell me these were gluten-free. Amazing, sweet, delicious and the texture was dead on. I was beyond impressed.

Even better…only 60 calories a cracker. Guilt-free graham cracker style dining. YES!!

Kinnikinnick impressed me once again with one of their products. I am honestly loving finding brands where every product I have tried has been great. When I find a name I can trust, I tend to stick with it. Kinnikinnick is becoming one of those gluten-free brands that I could just go to and find something good without having to worry about it.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve had a S’more due to gluten intolerance…well, those days are numbered. Find these crackers and treat yourself to that campfire treat…right in the comfort of your own home. Oh…and if you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can toast up marshmallows (if you aren’t vegetarian) or the fluff in the oven via the instructions on the box of S’moreables.

So here’s to those summer nights filled with a messy handful of graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow goo. Because anyway you toast it up…that’s just good stuff.

Gourmet Gluten-Free S'more made from Kinnikinnick Foods S'moreables, a Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Hazelnut square, and Marshmallow Fluff

March 2, 2012

Pacific cooks up a delicious, creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Product: Pacific Natural Foods Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup – $1.00+

I admit it.

As a child, I loved those days when dinner was one of those tomato-based canned monstrosities like…”Uh-oh, Spaghetti O’s.” Yes…admit it. You loved them too. Who didn’t?

I stopped eating Spaghetti O’s a couple years ago. Now, because of my gluten intolerance, I can’t eat them at all. And, that’s okay. I really don’t miss them.

I do, however, have a love for delicious soups. And when I picked up Pacific Natural Foods Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup, I didn’t realize what kind of a treat I was in for. It looks like an unassuming, creamy tomato soup. And for the most part, that’s exactly what you get.

What I didn’t expect when I sat down with a bowl of this for dinner last night was how much it would take me back to my childhood days. Honestly. My gluten-free grilled cheese sandwich took a back seat to the soup.

Here’s the thing about this soup…not only is it a rich, tomato flavor, but the roasted red peppers and hint of garlic give it this delicious sweetness in each spoonful. And yes, the flavor was very reminiscent of those cans of Spaghetti O’s. In fact, upon my first slurp of this soup, that was the first comment I made. However, unlike Spaghetti O’s…this soup is kosher, gluten-free, and low fat. Additionally…much healthier and made with organic produce and products…nothing processed. Just delicious.

I fell in love with this soup. I’m so glad I have more of these little packages in my pantry to enjoy. Soup can either be amazing or fall flat. And when it’s such a simple soup, it’s a risk flavor-wise. But this had the right hint of sweetness, followed by the rich flavor of tomatoes that makes a creamy tomato soup worth diving into. And when it’s made with organic produce and made creamy with an organic low fat milk, you feel confident in the product and the health benefits you get from choosing this over…say…Spaghetti O’s or one of those processed canned soups made from…words you don’t even recognize. I’ll never go back to those. I can’t go back to those. Honestly.

Once again, Pacific Natural Foods has wowed me with one of their soups and I think it’s landed itself right at the top as one of my absolute favorites.

Looking for a sweet, creamy soup to take the chill off your winter day? Reach for a trusted, delicious, nutritious product. Find Pacific Natural Foods and take a chance on a flavor. But if you’re looking for that rich comfort of tomato soup, reach for the Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. You’ll discover it’s awesome flavor too.

February 29, 2012

A slice of heaven served up however you like it thanks to Against The Grain Gourmet’s pizza shell

Product: Against The Grain Gourmet Gluten-Free Pizza Shell – $8.49+

Pizza is a god-given right in this world and the gluten-free community is getting more and more options these days, allowing those of us who otherwise couldn’t have pizza, a chance to indulge. And why shouldn’t we get our own little slice of comfort topped whatever way we like it?

It’s simple…we shouldn’t.

Gluten-free doesn’t mean tasteless or going without anymore. And when it comes to breads and pizzas, I’ve found one brand that I can rely on regardless.

Against The Grain Gourmet.

I’ve reviewed their baguettes as well as one of their frozen pizzas. Well, tonight I got to make their pizza my own because they sell their amazing gluten-free pizza crust.

This frozen pizza shell is the perfect base for a pizza. Any pizza worth its weight begins with a fantastic crust. Like their baguettes, this shell is infused with three cheese. Yes. Cheese baked right into the 12-inch crust. And that’s why there is magic in each bite.

Preparation is simple too. The shell is frozen. Simply place on a pan or pizza stone, top with desired toppings (in my case, a little sauce, some mushrooms, and then half regular cheese (for the roomie) and half Daiya vegan mozzarella cheese (for me). Simple toppings. Because pizza shouldn’t be complicated or overladen with heavy toppings. Place in the oven at 375° for 10-15 minutes and dinner is served.

One bite…and you’ll see why Against The Grain Gourmet produces magic. Whatever cheese infusion they use in their products…it’s sheer awesome when it comes down to flavor. It’s perfect with every bite. Honestly.

Against The Grain Gourmet Pizza Shell topped with mushrooms and mozarella/Diaya vegan mozzarella cheese — Against The Grain Gourmet Pizza Shell topped with mushrooms and mozzarella/Diaya vegan mozzarella cheese

The crust was very light and thin, which is the best kind of pizza crust to have. And it had this flakiness to it that made it that much more authentic. You wouldn’t even guess it was frozen. It tastes rustic and homemade, which is beyond amazing. Not just for gluten-free food, but for frozen food in general. Against The Grain Gourmet knows what it is doing and does it well, as is evident in each product they put out on the market. I have yet to find a flop.

One word of caution, however. While it is tempting to indulge fully in this amazing pizza and devour it slice-for-slice…if you are a calorie counter, you’ll want to restrain yourself just a little. One slice of the eight servings of the crust itself will set you back 158 calories. That’s without your toppings. Another good reason not to laden it down with too much. Is it worth it? Sure. Just make sure you take a walk if you are feeling guilty. But some foods are just made to enjoy and savor. After all, you don’t eat it every day. So why not be a little bad every now and again, help yourself to a second slice, and just savor gluten-free pizza at its absolute finest.

Now might also be a good time to mention that these pizza shells do not come cheap. One crust was $8.49. Worth it? Yes. Totally. Definitely. But it’s not something I can do often. And that is why there are other pizza crust options out there. But if you want pre-made awesomeness…it doesn’t get much better than Against The Grain Gourmet. I think I can stretch the budget every now and again when a cheesy pizza crust calls my name. It won’t be every time the pizza craving hits, but sometimes a treat is a treat and you just reach for the best.

Against The Grain Gourmet…my chef’s hat is off to you once again. Well done.

Slices of mushroom and vegan cheese pizza on Against The Grain Gourmet Pizza Shell

February 29, 2012

Glutino Strawberry Breakfast Bars make gluten-free on-the-go easy and delicious

Product: Glutino Strawberry Breakfast Bars – $5.99+

Ah…the days of breakfast bars. I thought I had left those behind when I went gluten-free a year ago. And, for the most part, I had. With the exception of a Larabar or Think Thin bar every now and again after a long run or so, I pretty much nixed everything else. Not just because such things are nigh on impossible to find (albeit that is part of it), but also because the products that are out there are so pricey.

But such is the life of a gluten-free girl, yes? My food budget is soaring and there isn’t a thing I can do about it. Frankly, I have to eat, and that sometimes is a challenge when dietary needs core into the picture.

Breakfast bars then? Frivolous. Costly. And not necessary.

And then, I went to a gluten-free tasting fair at a local natural foods store one afternoon. Different products were set out for people to taste, try, sample, and fall in love with. Some were winners right off the back. Some fell flat. And then there were some that I filed away for days when my roommate wanted to treat me to something gluten-free, or if the budget allowed for a gluten-free goodie.

One such product was the Glutino Breakfast Bars. The tasting fair had out samples of the blueberry bars, and they were fantastic. But, when push comes to shove, I am a strawberry girl all the way. So, one day while out grocery shopping, a box of the Glutino Strawberry Breakfast Bars found their way into my cart and then into my pantry.

Today…I busted out one of them for my afternoon snack. Now, back when I was growing up, one of the fresh, hot, “nutritious” products on the market was Nutri-Grain bars. Remember those? That’s what these remind me of. A layer of gluten-free pastry stuffed with a fruity filling. A little savory and sweet all rolled into one.

Glutino Strawberry Breakfast Bar (wrapped)

Now, one thing I did notice was how deceiving the packaging is on these. The bar is about the length of a point-and-shoot digital camera, yet it’s packed in a full-size bar wrapper. Size deception aside, however, these actually do taste fantastic. The fruit is sweet and quite tasty. It doesn’t have a ‘fake’ flavor to it and no sugar-shock value. The pastry-like outside is a bit on the heavier side, but not too dense. It rounds out the sweet berry flavor and gives the bar a healthy dose of fiber. I liked it. I actually think I preferred the blueberry that I sampled, but the strawberry was quite good.

Would I buy this again? If the budget allowed, you bet. It’s a quick, on-the-go snack or breakfast that is filling and, honestly, delicious.

If the pocketbook allows, and you’re looking for something handy to keep around to grab while on the go, these are a great go-to option. But, then again, they are from Glutino, who has yet to serve me up a product I dislike.

February 27, 2012

Gluten-Free Powdered Sugar Donuts are the Katz meow

Product: Katz Gluten Free Powdered Sugar Donuts – $6.49 (plus shipping)

To quote the timeless Homer Simpson: “Mmmmm…donuts!”

Throughout the food allergy blogosphere over the past month, I had been hearing tales of the new gluten-free donuts from Katz Gluten Free. I was unfamiliar with any of their products, but had definitely heard good things about what they produce. In fact, in my freezer is a free sample pack of their products that you can order straight off their Web site. You just pay shipping. Honestly. Which reminds me…I need to break into that.

But it was because of a “Groupon” like offer from Gluten-Free Saver that I was able to bring Katz Gluten-Free Powder Sugar Donuts into my life. And for that, I am forever in their debt.

Katz Gluten Free is definitely a reliable company. All of their products are certified gluten-free, as well as nut free and dairy free. All products are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility that has been certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group. Peace of mind. I love it.

These donuts arrived at my office on Thursday. Per instructions, I put them in the freezer upon arrival, took them home to my own freezer and on Friday…had one for breakfast. I thawed them overnight in a plastic bag and then just popped them in the microwave for a few seconds to give them that ‘fresh-baked’ sort of feel to them. Mind, when I did this, the powdered sugar became a bit more like a glaze than a powdery topping, but…it’s still a donut.

First bite…and it was fluffy and cakey. There was no fried taste to these at all. Just fresh baked goodness. And they were light. Well, they were as light as a cakey donut could possibly be. I didn’t feel like I just filled my stomach with a heavy cake donut like those you can pick up at the convenience store, compliments of Dunkin’ ‘Time To Bake The Donuts’ Donuts. Nope. These were fantastic and went beyond any donut that I have had, whether made at a specialty shop or by those box shops (Krispy Kreme & Dunkin’ Donuts) or even those store-bought kind. And all that was pre-gluten-free life. Since then I have had two other gluten-free donuts, and while they were good…these were fantastic. It’s like…when I finish this stash I’ll just have to order some more.

I’m okay with that. My waistline is okay with that too. At only 150 calories per donut, and being a cakey-base…these are filling without filling you out. One was plenty to see me through the morning.

Aside from that, these donuts are also Kosher and now a permanent fixture on the Katz Gluten Free Web site. (And there was much rejoicing throughout the land). If this is any indication of the goodies that await me in that sample pack…well, I’m sold. I don’t mind ordering products via the net if the product is worth it.

To me…the powdered sugar donuts from Katz is totally worth it.

Besides, this is the ingredient list: GLUTEN FREE FLOUR (WHITE RICE, CORN STARCH, TAPIOCA), WATER, SUGAR, EGGS, CANOLA OIL, BAKING POWDER, XANTHAN GUM, SALT, CONFECTION SUGAR

I have all of that in my own kitchen. So it’s made with ingredients I recognize. Nothing strange. Nothing that makes me question what I am putting in my mouth. Pure, awesome, delicious gluten-free donuts. Savor each bite because otherwise you’ll devour the entire package of six in one sitting. Best to just thaw out what you’re eating that day and leave the rest in the freezer to just cut out the temptation entirely.

Because, believe me…it will tempt you.

Thank you, Katz Gluten Free, for delicious, light, powdered sugar donuts that completely blew me away at first bite. Your products are filled with gluten-free love. I can taste it in each powdered sugar bite.

February 24, 2012

Amy’s Kitchen holds the salt in Organic Lentil Vegetable soup

Product: Amy’s Kitchen Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup (Light in Sodium) – $2.89+

What is more comforting after a long day than a nice, piping hot, bowl of soup. It’s one of those things that I find comforting, warming me from the inside out. It’s like a blanket in food form. I love soup. I always have. And it’s so versatile and varied. Even the same type of soup can vary in flavor when it comes to brand or, in my favorite scenario, who made it.

Being a strong believer in homemade soups, I’ve been testing the waters again when it comes to the packaged and canned stuff. The thing I have to watch for, however, is soups that might have gluten in them.

Thankfully, there is Amy’s Kitchen. While not all products are gluten-free, they are clearly labeled on the products. I like that. I’m more likely to buy something that is labeled gluten-free than take a risk by just guessing by looking at the ingredients.

Well, tonight I came home. And since I’m packing up to head down to Birmingham, Alabama for a a gluten-free expo this weekend (and 5K race), I wanted something quick and easy for dinner. The other day, my grocery store was running a sale on soups by Amy’s Kitchen. So, being the intrepid grocery shopper I am, I snagged a few different varieties.

Tonight…my pantry grab brought out Amy’s Kitchen’s Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup (the light in sodium variety).

Upon opening the can and emptying the contents into a pan on my stove, the first thing I realized was just how much the soup resembled the picture on the front. You got to love a company that is very straightforward about what their product is. No gussied up, photoshopped, images on the cans that look nothing like the slop you poured out. No…with Amy’s Kitchen, what you see is truly what you get. I admire that in a company.

As the soup was heating through, it smelled fantastic. I was prepping my gluten-free table crackers and giving an occasional stir every now and again to help keep the heating process even. It was ready within five minutes. You can’t complain when dinner is served within minutes of opening the can.

I am a huge, huge fan of Amy’s Kitchen. I’ve yet to have a product I dislike yet. And that’s still the case. That being said, while I liked this soup, I didn’t love it. It was loaded with vegetables and protein-packed lentils (the runner in me LOVES that). However, I found it to be a bit bland. It didn’t lack flavor, not at all. The vegetables and the lentils were delicious. I just felt it lacked a bit of seasoning. But, I did buy the lighter in sodium variety of this soup, because I am a heart healthy individual and find that the sodium levels in soups and frozen meals can be rather ridiculous on sodium content. So, I give this one a pass on the seasoning thing. I do appreciate a company that puts forth the effort to slice sodium levels in their products for the masses.

This soup was definitely filling, despite only being 160 calories per serving. The lentils, I’m sure, had something to do with that. I did enjoy dipping my crackers into this soup and scooping up the vegetables and lentils to enjoy. I just wasn’t over-the-moon with this soup. I would probably buy it again, but it’s not at the top of my list for soups I just have to stock in my pantry for lazy supper nights.

I admire Amy’s Kitchen and the foods that they provide. It’s one of the few companies out there that caters to the gluten-free vegetarian. Perfect. And I still have yet to find a product that I don’t like. I just happen to like others a little more than this one.

But in the end, it filled me up, warmed me up, and satisfied my hunger. And that’s the important thing.

February 22, 2012

Envirokidz Leapin Lemurs no giant leap for gluten-free cereal kind

Product: Envirokidz Leapin’ Lemurs Cereal – $4.99+

I’ve been pretty impressed, although not always blown away, by the Envirokidz line of gluten-free snacks and cereals that I’ve purchased.

This cereal was given to me by my boss. And just looking at the box made me incredibly stupid-happy (technical term) because it combined two of my most favorite things in the world: chocolate and peanut butter. Oh, if I didn’t already have an open box of cereal in my pantry, this would have been opened and consumed long before now. But the moment for this ultimate cereal-gasm finally arrived this morning, when I opened up the box and dished out a serving of Envirokidz Organic Leapin’ Lemurs cereal. All I added was a splash of unsweetened almond milk and settled in on the couch to feast before heading out for my morning run.

I had anticipated this first bite since being given the cereal and the moment had finally arrived. My spoon went into the swimming cereal, lifted up a bite, and my moment of longing was over.

I don’t know where to start…with the good or the bad. Hmmm…

The good:

Well, on the positive side of things, this cereal had a lot of crunch to it. If you are an avid viewer of morning television (I am not), do not pour a bowl of this cereal if you wish to hear what the morning news is all about. It is one loud bite after another. I like this though, because the cereal doesn’t get mushy in the milk bath it sits in. So often, I’m futzing with a blanket or booting up my computer, or something that it takes a moment after I add my milk to actually enjoy my cereal. By then, most of it is mush. Not this cereal. Lots of crunch and it stays that way.

Also, as mentioned on all previous posts about Envirokidz products, a 1% donation from your purchase of the product is donated to habitat and species conservation or education programs for kids. Who doesn’t love that.

Oh…and the ingredients are organic. The box specifically lists all ingredients with the word ‘organic’ in front of it where, applicable. For example, some of the ingredients include organic corn meal, organic whole grain corn meal, organic evaporated cane juice, organic peanut butter, organic molasses, organic cocoa, organic soy oil, etc. And, the ingredients are all words that I recognize and can point to and say, “Ah, I know what that is!” That is a comfort given the use of high fructose corn syrup, chemicals that act as preservatives, etc. in today’s products.

The bad:

It really, really, really has no flavor. When you get something that is peanut butter and chocolate flavored, you expect these flavors to pop. Well, these fizzle. Eventually, as you eat more and more, the flavor begins to show up, but it takes awhile and it isn’t immediate. When I have a cereal that is made of organic peanut butter and organic cocoa, by God, I want this cereal to taste like peanut butter and cocoa, not just corn puffs flavored (I guess) with these ingredients. I love peanut butter. I love chocolate. I wanted to love this cereal.

But I didn’t. It is okay. And, of course, I’ll polish off the box. But, if given the choice, I don’t think I’d purchase this on my own. There are too many cereals out there with fantastic flavor to waste on a bland breakfast.

I love what Envirokidz is doing for gluten-free cereal and for the environment. And, for the most part, their products have been awesome. This one just didn’t have me leaping for joy and wanting to screw the serving size and down a little more.

February 21, 2012

Pamela’s Products Simplebites a simple bite of extreme chocolate

Pamela's Products Simpebites Extreme Chocolate Mini Cookies

Product: Pamela’s Products Simplebites Extreme Chocolate Mini Cookies – $4.49+

The name should say it all.

These aren’t just called chocolate cookies. Or double chocolate cookies. No, my chocolate loving, cookie monster friends. These are called Extreme Chocolate Mini Cookies for a reason.

Simply put…they are a chocolate rush of rich, decadent, chocolate goodness.

Pamela’s Products delivers to us (yet again) another great product. This time…in bite-size form. I’ve had Pamela’s cookies before. A few different varieties (although I think I’ve only reviewed one of them – the peanut butter ones, if you were wondering). And they have all been a gastronomical delicacy that has provided my sweet tooth with plenty of gluten-free goodies. I swear by this brand. And these once again make me stand further by these products.

It’s an unassuming product name at first. Simplebites. Little cookies that make great finger-foods. Just grab and go. Tuck them away for a snack. Perfect size. And then you catch the Extreme part of the name. At first, you think…there is no way these unassuming chocolate morsels could live up to the ‘extreme’ name. And then you take a bite. They are the right mix of chewy and crunchy. The perfect amalgamation of textures and flavor. The chocolate immediately stands up and gets your taste buds ready for more. Honestly, it’s a good thing I portion these out (a serving size is 4 cookies) because it would be so easy to just open up the package and eat the entire thing.

We all know I’m a bit of a cookie fiend as it is. So when I say these are one of the most amazing cookies I have ever eaten since going gluten-free…it’s no exaggeration. In fact, I intend to use my new ice cream maker to create a gluten-free chocolate strawberry cheesecake ice cream with every intention of using these cookies as the “cookie crust” portion of the mix. Oh yes…these little cookies pack an extreme chocolatey punch.

If you extremely love chocolate, then these cookies are chocolate to the extreme and are made for you and your sweet tooth. Honestly…they are in a league of their own. Extremely simple. Extremely delicious. Extremely gluten-free. Extremely chocolate.

It’s a wonderful gluten-free world we live in…thanks to simple products like this that make an extreme name for themselves.

Pamela’s Products…you’ve done be proud yet again!