Review – Page 3 – The Celiathlete

July 18, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Blueberry Bagels

bluebagels03 — Sweet Note Gluten Free Blueberry Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Blueberry Bagels – $7.75

Blueberries are always on the top of my list when it comes to favorite fruits and berries. Always. It has always been one of my favorite things to eat…whether in a muffin, pancakes, waffles, jam, donuts…and yes…especially in bagels.

So, leading up to the ONLINE EXCLUSIVE release of their latest flavor, the crazy baglers at Sweet Note Bakery teased a bit on social media as to what they have coming up. I knew immediately from the pictures that it was going to be blueberry. And I knew, the moment they hit the store, I would be ordering.

I think I’ve told you enough about Sweet Note Bakery…their origins and the like in all the past blogs I’ve done about them. If you are just now tuning in…you can read about their history here. If you want to know why size always matters, especially in certain important matters like…bagel size…read all about it here. Seriously…if you want authentic New York-style bagels…that are both vegan and gluten-free…NOTHING beats Sweet Note Bakery! Their bagels are phenomenal. Feel free to go back to all the past entries (and I still have 1 more of their new flavors to review!) and see what every flavor is like. Trust me…I grew up in New York. Bagels and I are BFFs.

And if bagels and I are BFFs…then I would totally date blueberries. This is what makes the latest flavor of the Sweet Note Bakery line up of bagels all the more sweeter. I pre-ordered the blueberry flavor the moment they said they were taking the orders and last Thursday, much to my delight, they arrived safe and sound. It was difficult not to just open one up right then and there and devour it, but my weekend was packed with plans that would keep me full and happy…so the bagels would be my Monday breakfast for sure. Right after the first of my two (2) spin classes that day.

So, one of the crazy and wonderful and remarkable things that sets Sweet Note Bakery apart when it comes to their delicious and epic (yes…epic) gluten-free bagels is…they use real ingredients. And, yes, that means that these blueberries are the real deal. No fake bits. No dried bits. Real blueberries. Giving you real blueberry flavor. And not just a few berries. These bagels are loaded with blueberries. When they sell you a blueberry bagel, you’re getting a blueberry bagel. You will not be disappointed with that. So, you won’t feel like you were left hanging with only a few blueberries scattered in the dough (sort of like when you get chocolate chip cookies and they only have a few chips in them…no, no…load those bitches up!), you will get sweet bursts of berries in every…single…bite. I swear it to you!

Upon returning home from the gym, I pulled the package of blueberry bagels out of the freezer and set to defrosting two (2) of them. One for me. One for my roommate (who doesn’t have to eat gluten-free…but mostly does at home. All her gluten-containing foods are kept away from my foods). I was pretty stoked. So, after doing my usual thawing method (30 seconds on one side…flip…turn…30 seconds on the other side…let sit for a minute…slice in half), I placed each half on the baking sheet and put it in the preheated 350°F oven. While they toasted for about 15-20 minutes, I went to shower and returned in just enough time to pour some coffee, get out the [vegan] cream cheese, and mix up a little cinnamon-sugar topping (an idea I pilfered from Lin-Manuel Miranda as this is how he tops off his cinnamon raisin bagels in NYC). The bagels (which smelled PHENOMENAL) were removed from the oven and I allowed them to cool for a moment before schmearing them with a healthy dose of cream cheese and a smattering of cinnamon-sugar. Breakfast was served.

bluebagels01 — Sweet Note Gluten Free Blueberry Bagels with a schmear of vegan cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar

Normally, I ask my roommate what she thinks as I deliver her plate to her first and she digs in before I return with my own bagel. But, for some reason, today I didn’t do that. I settled in to my own breakfast, coffee nearby, and took a first bite. And…WOW!! For real…just WOW!! There has never been a blueberry anything that I have purchased that has packed this much flavor, great texture, and pure goodness and deliciousness…in every single bite. This is not an exaggeration. If you’ve been conned by previous blueberry bagels on size, taste, and…the amount of blueberries you have in each bagel…then it’s time to look for a better bagel. And there is none better than the (happily) gluten-free (and trust me…no one would guess it!) and vegan (again…no one would guess it!) Sweet Note Gluten Free Blueberry Bagels. When I took my first bite…I went…”OMG…YUM!” To which, as she was devouring yet another bite, my roommate said, “UM…YES!” We were both totally smitten with the newest Sweet Note Bagel in the lineup. Blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse. Pair them with the most perfect bagel recipe (yeah…I said it, Sweet Note!)…and you have a perfect product to satisfy every taste.

I’m dreaming of eating another one as I write this right now.

Good thing there are four (4) in each pack.

So, while on the subject, let’s discuss what Sweet Note Bakery packs into their Gluten Free Blueberry Bagels. I mean, besides the obvious…blueberries. Each bagel is made with LOVE (yep…an actual ingredient…and you can tell), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, apple juice infused blueberries, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, wild blueberry juice concentrate, psyllium husk, and salt. As always when it comes to Sweet Note’s bagels, these bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. Made with love, indeed!!

As far as nutrition goes for the Sweet Note Gluten Free Blueberry Bagels you’ll find you hunger satisfied and here’s why. A serving size is one (1) bagel, which is about 4.5 oz (128 grams). There are four (4) servings per package. Each bagel will deliver 320 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 69 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 17 grams sugars, and 4 grams protein. The sugar count on these is a bit higher due to the inclusion blueberries and the blueberry juice concentrate. BUT…they are amazing nonetheless. And I am going to keep on ordering them until they tell me I no longer can. Which I hope never happens. For real!! THIS…just became my most favorite bagel that Sweet Note has introduced.

And, trust me, I can’t wait to see what else they manage to cook up in the future. Every time they come out with a new flavor, they exceed expectations and previous products. Every. Single. Time. And I never tire of placing orders to keep my freezer properly stocked and ready for a quick, toasted, deliciously schmeared breakfast.

So, yes…whether you love bagels, blueberries, or blueberry bagels…head on over to the Sweet Note Bakery online store and place an order. You won’t find these in locations where Sweet Note Bagels are sold. These are only online. Trust me…you’ll find love at first bite too. Delicious…blueberry…love.

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June 27, 2016

Product Review: Aldi liveGfree Gluten Free Penne Pesto

Aldi liveGfree Gluten Free Penne Pesto Pasta Meal

Product: Aldi liveGfree Gluten Free Penne Pesto – $3.29+

You know…it was because I was told that the liveGfree Gluten Free Tortillas at Aldi wouldn’t fall apart and crumble on me (which was false…they did…and I was sad) that I ended up back at my Aldi to grab some gluten-free goods. Just the tortillas…that was the plan.

But you know how quickly plans fall apart when gluten free products/food are involved.

While standing in line with one item, I spotted the infamous liveGfree box colors on some discounted sale items. There were three different types of pastas sitting there…discounted…looking for a happy pantry to belong to. I thought about just skipping that. I’m trying to move things out, not bring more in, but they were discounted to $1.99…so I grabbed one of each flavor.

With this being an odd week with half days and holidays…my usual meal planning is thrown a bit off. When I’m not going to be here, batch cooking that much just doesn’t make sense. So, I pick and choose and then fill in. So, when my roommate said to just throw together a pasta or something for a lunch on Monday, that’s exactly what I decided to do.

I knew we had these boxes of Aldi lifeGfree Gluten Free Pasta Meals in my pantry, so I gave her the choice of flavors…(all of which will be reviewed here…so watch this space)…and she decided to start with the Aldi liveGfree Gluten Free Penne Pesto Pasta Meal.

Cooking this up is super easy. Simply throw 1-1/4 cup water into a pan and bring it to a boil. Once there, pour the noodles and seasoning mix into the water. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for about 7-9 minutes. Stir it occasionally, and continue to cook until the water is completely absorbed. That’s it. It’s ready to eat.

Well, here is the downside. A box contains only 1-1/2 servings. Yes…one and a half servings. I don’t know where the logic is with that, but after I had this cooked up and split it between my roommate and I…there was hardly anything in our lunch bowls. So, I reached into my freezer and pulled out the Beyond Meat Gluten Free and Vegan Italian Meatballs, cooking up some of those to add to the dish to bulk it up and make it bigger than just a side dish. So, please be aware…1-1/2 servings per container. If there is more than 1-1/2 of you eating…plan accordingly.

Aldi liveGfree Gluten Free Penne Pasta Meal (cooked) with Beyond Meat Vegan and Gluten Free Italian Meatballs

At lunch today, I retrieved the Pyrex containers with the pasta and “meatballs” in it and popped each one in the microwave to heat. Once heated all the way through…lunch was ready to go. I do love a no-hassle, fuss-free, easy lunch to prepare at work when the kitchen can get quite chaotic with everyone fighting for counter space and the microwave.

I settled in at my desk, gave it a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (because I like it hot, LOL!) and dug in.

First of all, I was very impressed with the way the pasta held up, not just in the cooking process, but also in the reheating. It didn’t fall apart or get gummy. So, that’s a huge plus. I loved the seasoning that was cooked down over the noodles. A blend of basil and spinach, mixed with a touch of garlic and Parmesan. So, yeah…not exactly dairy-free, eh? I didn’t notice that when I bought it…but…it was all I had for lunch. I’m not allergic to dairy…just highly intolerant to lactose. So, I just hoped for the best. Very full of flavor…which surprised me. I never expect much from boxed pasta meals, but this one was actually very delicious. I am, however, quite happy that I opted to include the vegan meatballs to bulk it out. It also added to the depth of flavor of the dish. For a pasta meal that I spent under $2 to purchase…this was the happy surprise of the week. Didn’t see that one coming.

Let’s discuss the ingredients that go into Aldi liveGfree Gluten Free Penne Pesto Pasta Meal, shall we? This boxed meal is made from gluten free pasta (corn flour, rice flour), process cheese food in powder [cheese blend (pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes), whey powder, salt, sodium citrate, disodium phosphate], cream powder (cream, milk), natural flavor, potato starch, parmigano reggiano cheese (milk, salt, rennet), dehydrated spinach, dehydrated basil, salt, garlic powder, and turmeric powder. This pasta meal is gluten free and wheat free.

Now that we know what goes into Aldi liveGfree Gluten Free Penne Pesto Pasta Meal, let’s look at the nutrition ingredients. A serving size of this product is 2/3 cup (or 3/4 cup prepared), and there are 1.5 servings fer container. One serving will provide you with 250 calories, 6 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 570 mg sodium, 42 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram dietary fiber, 4 grams sugars, and 8 grams protein. If you were to eat the entire box yourself, you would only be consuming 375 calories in total. Which, really isn’t too bad. I just think that Aldi should either round it down to 1 serving or up to 2 servings, because this half serving really annoyed me, if you couldn’t tell.

I wasn’t expecting much from this Aldi meal, but, once again, Aldi surprised me. I should have trusted them a little more. If you can get your hands on the Aldi liveGfree Gluten Free Pasta Meal’s…it’s a cheap and delicious way to have something on hand for when you don’t really have time or energy to cook something else up.

Check your local Aldi…and pick some up.

June 25, 2016

Product Review: Pillsbury Gluten Free Sugar Premium Cookie Mix

20160619_180954 — Gluten Free Sugar Cookies made from Pillsbury Gluten Free Sugar Premium Cookie Mix (and topped with Dollop Gourmet Hot Chocolate Spread Frosting and sprinkles)

Product: Pillsbury Gluten Free Sugar Premium Cookie Mix – $3.99+

I blame my neighbor. I do. Because she knows how much I like to cook and bake and make tasty treats for myself, my roomie, my friends, my co-workers, and just…people in general. So, while she was out at one of the discount stores, she snagged me four (4)…yes…FOUR…boxes of the Pillsbury Gluten Free Sugar Premium Cookie Mix and one (1) box of the Immaculate Baking Company’s Gluten Free Fudge Brownie Cookie Dough. I love it when she surprises me with gluten free goodies.

All that being said…I was out at Michael’s a couple of weekends ago and spotted a T-Rex cookie cutter. Don’t judge. My roommate loves dinosaurs. Yes…she’s in her mid-30s…but…that’s just who she is. And then…there was the Unicorn cookie cutter. UNICORN COOKIE CUTTER. I used to have a unicorn collection. I am a Boston Marathon runner. Unicorns are sort of my spirit animal.

Now, sugar cookies and I don’t have the best relationship. Every time I have attempted to make them, be it from a mix or from scratch…they have been ultimate fail. And, while the Pillsbury Gluten Free Sugar Premium Cookie Mix gives instructions for round cookies, I really wanted to make cut-out cookies. So, learning from my past in sugar cookie baking, I made up the dough and wrapped it in Saran wrap before sticking it in the back of the fridge and letting it chill while I was out and about running errands that day.

That afternoon, when I returned…and called my dad to wish him a Happy Father’s Day…I set out rolling out the chilled dough between two pieces of plastic wrap, flattening it out. Then, I took my new cookie cutters and carefully (there were some really tiny parts that were not easy to come out of the cookie cutter (hello unicorn horn)) cut out T-Rex and Unicorn shapes as I chatted with my dad. The mix set up perfectly for this…and I kept it chilling when I wasn’t using it. So, onto a baking sheet these cookies went and…BAM…into a preheated 375°F oven.

So, while these are virtually baking in my blog, let me tell you how easy this mix is to make. All you need is the cookie mix, 1/2 cup of butter (I used Earth Balance Vegan Butter Sticks – room temperature), 1 tablespoon water, and 1 egg. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until soft dough is formed. From here, you can form dough by rounded teaspoons and put onto a baking sheet 2 inches apart…or you can chill it like I did (this was me being stubborn…I wanted cut-out cookies, dammit!) and roll it out after it’s chilled and cut out fun shapes like dinosaurs and unicorns. Adults can have fun-shaped sugar cookies too, you know?

I lost track on the first batch as my dad was a fun and worthwhile distraction. These bake for about 8-10 minutes, except in my oven, because it is old and doesn’t get as warm as it says at times. So, the cookies weren’t ready after 10 minutes, so I figured I’d go for 2 more minutes. Didn’t set a timer, and as I was rolling out the second batch and chatting with my dad…remembered those were in there and pulled them out. The edges got a little toasted, but they were still fine. I noted, much to my dad’s amusement, that the unicorns became fat unicorns. They did spread slightly…but still resembled the original shape.

20160619_141650 — T-Rex and Unicorn Cut-Out Sugar Cookies made from Pillsbury Gluten Free Sugar Premium Cookie Mix

While out grocery shopping early that weekend, I picked up a jar of Dollop Gourmet Hot Chocolate Spread Frosting. And some green sparkle sprinkles for the dinosaur cookies. I had rainbow sprinkles at home already for the unicorn cookies. HA! So, after the cookies cooled and I was off the phone and not browning the edges of the rest of the cookies, I cooked dinner…and knew these cookies would be dessert.

I snagged one T-Rex and one Unicorn cookie and gave each a schmear of the Dollop Gourmet Hot Chocolate Spread Frosting. Topped each off with some sprinkles…and dessert was ready.

I have been really impressed with the Pillsbury Gluten Free products, and these were no exception. This mix was not only easy to make…but tasted great. I always had a soft spot in my heart for sugar cookies (I used to bake them with all the neighborhood kids at a neighbor’s home every Christmas)…because they are so versatile. Top them off with frosting, sprinkles, stuff them with ice cream, or more frosting…add nuts or chocolate chips…the possibilities are endless. Sugar cookies are the ultimate decoration cookie. And while I’m not big on frosting at all (I really am not a fan), these required delicious frosting (hence…Dollop Gourmet), and sprinkles…because sprinkles are awesome.

Know what else is awesome? These cookies. They have that buttery flavor, with a touch of the sweetness from the sugar in the mix. I asked my roommate what she thought and she said they tasted just like “regular” sugar cookies. And they should. The only difference is rice flour and tapioca starch and potato starch replace the all-purpose flour that would go into regular ones. These cookies have that nice crunch on the outer edge with a soft center. SO good. And this made SO many of these. So, I have sugar cookies for days…and am wondering if I’ll ever run out at this point. At least they are amazing and yummy.

So, let’s discuss what Pillsbury puts into their Gluten Free Sugar Premium Cookie Mix, shall we? This mix is a blend of sugar, rice flour, tapioca starch, canola oil, potato startch, contains 2% or less of: salt, baking soda, cellulose, xanthan gum, cellulose gum, natural and artificial flavors.

As for nutrition information…keep in mind…these are sugar cookies. Mmmm…cookies. COOKIE MONSTER strikes again. Anyway, a serving size is 1/18th of the mix (if you make the drop cookies, this box makes 3 dozen; if you make the cut-out cookies, it varies. I got 22 cookies in mine). A serving size (for drop) is 2 cookies and for the cut-outs 1 cookie. This serving (when prepared per package instructions) will provide you with 160 calories, 6 grams fat, 3.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 25 mg cholesterol, 240 mg sodium, 24 grams carbohydrates, 14 grams sugars, 1 gram protein.

I am very happy with the mix that Pillsbury has created for those of us who, perhaps, missed the amazing cookies that a company like Pillsbury puts out. I am also intending to use a box of this to make Strawberry Streusel Bars or Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars for the office birthday party that is happening next week. Just have to decide on which one I want to make. Trust me, with an office that usually turns its nose up at anything that is gluten-free, I wouldn’t serve this mix to them if I didn’t think it was worth it.

Thank you, Pillsbury, for making gluten-free baking mixes for those of us who love to have an easier and more convenient way to make cookies. Especially sugar cookies. Because sugar cookies are evil. But this was so easy and my cut-out cookies were…perfect.

And that always makes this cookie monster happy!!

June 23, 2016

Product Review: Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free Broccoli Cakes

IMG_20160617_133330 — Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free Broccoli Cakes

Product: Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free Broccoli Cakes – $3.99+

Sometimes, I don’t remember why I pick things out to try…they just sort of intrigue me at the time when I am at the grocery store. It happens. And while I have been steering mostly clear of packaged and processed foods, sometimes you just have to give in and try something that calls to you.

And that is apparently what happened when I snagged a box of Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free Broccoli Cakes. Let me tell you…the box makes these things look amazing. Like little broccoli hashbrowns. Or…broccoli and potato latkes.

I love potato pancakes (latkes)…and I love broccoli. So this was basically Dr. Praeger’s brilliantly meshing the two of them together. BRILLIANT!!

Dr. Praeger’s is a multi-generation, family-owned food company founded by two heart surgeons. The company is committed to encouraging a more sensible and healthier way of eating. Everything created by Dr. Praeger’s begins with their no-compromise recipes that help support an active lifestyle. Every ingredient that goes into each and every Dr. Praeger’s product is pronounceable and recognizable. You know how I love that!

As I stated above, I LOVE Broccoli! Like…LOVE IT! Always have. Always will.

giphy (21)
So, imagine my elation when I spotted this little box in the freeze section of one of the many grocery stores I frequent. I don’t know why I felt the need to snatch it up and try it…but it was like…meant to be. Because it was BROCCOLI…and…

giphy (22)
…POTATO!

I’m Irish. Potatoes and I are BFFs. Like…for real BFFs. I eat at least…at least two potatoes a week, but usually more. No joke.

The box of Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free Broccoli Cakes describes these little treats as a savory blend of broccoli, potatoes and onions. There are six (6) cakes in each box, making it easy to decide whether you want to eat these as a snack, a side, or as a meal.

For me…MEAL!

Oh yes…meal time.

It was actually a Friday afternoon where these were pulled out of my freezer. I had a half day at the office and was going to head into Louisville to get my grocery shopping done early so that I could go pick blueberries Saturday afternoon instead of running around and grocery shopping then. So, I wanted something that was easy to make, not too big (as I was cooking up Gluten Free & Vegan BLT Sammies…with a side of guac and blue tortilla chips. So, an easy, fast, and filling lunch was what I was looking to make for my roommate and I before we hit the numerous grocery stores. Because otherwise we are a bit like this with any samples at said grocery/natural food stores.

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The Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free Broccoli Cakes are really easy to prepare. Each round cake is individually wrapped, so, again, you can pick how many you make. The serving size is two (2) cakes, but as this was lunch, I made up all 6, so each of us could have three (3) each. The preferred method for cooking these is the one I used…preheating the oven to 450°F and putting the cakes on an ungreased baking pan. The cakes go into the oven for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Then, you carefully flip them over, cook for another 4-6 minutes, until heated through and browned. You can also cook these in a skillet or in the microwave, but the oven baked these up to perfection.

They honestly looked like little broccoli hashbrowns. Which is fine. Because hashbrowns are one of life’s best foods to ever be invented, created, and consumed. They smelled fantastic. And I ended up topping them off with a drizzle of a vegan lemon cream sauce that I had made earlier that week for another dish. Lunch was served…and it took less than 20 minutes. LOVE it.

First of all, the oven technique really does cook up the Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free Broccoli Cakes to a crispy perfection, all without the use of butter or oil. And as I’m trying to cut back on some of that…that was a big thing with me. I was afraid they would be mushy and soft, but they totally crisped up on the outside, getting that gorgeous golden color and crunchy texture. The inside…warm…soft…and perfect. You get a lot of broccoli flavor in each bite, but you get potato and onion and whatever spices are blended into the mix. It was delicious. I was beyond surprised. I had one without the sauce, and it was fantastic. They have the same consistency as a latke or potato pancake…but the flavor is more complex with the addition of the broccoli. I loved these. So simple…yet so delicious!

So, let’s take a look at the ingredients that go into the Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free Broccoli Cakes. These amazing cakes of green goodness are made from broccoli, potatoes, onion, expeller pressed canola oil, oat bran, potato flakes, egg whites, arrowroot powder, sea salt, garlic, and black pepper. The Broccoli Cakes are gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO.

As far as nutrition goes, with ingredients like that, you will love the nutritional info in the Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free Broccoli Cakes. A serving size is two (2) of the cakes and their are 3 servings (or 6 individually wrapped cakes) per box. This serving will provide you with 130 calories, 6 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 250 mg sodium, 16 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 2 grams sugars, and 4 grams protein. Believe it or not, these are quite filling…because the sampling snack monsters were kept at bay.

Dr. Praeger’s as a remarkable line of gluten-free and vegetarian offerings in their product line-up. Not everything they make is gluten-free and vegetarian though, so read the boxes. They label everything, so you will know just by looking at the box. I have never had a Dr. Praeger’s product that I haven’t loved…and I think lots of that is that they really do strive to use real ingredients and real foods in each and every one of their products. If you haven’t tried the Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free Broccoli Cakes yet…go to wherever Dr. Praeger’s items are sold near you…and grab a box. Trust me…you will not be disappointed.

June 3, 2016June 5, 2016

Product Review: Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Soft Donuts

Product: Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Soft Donuts – $6.59+

It’s National Donut Day. No really…it is national donut day! Mmmm…donuts…

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I have a soft spot in my life (and stomach…poke, poke)…for donuts. And they aren’t something that I get to have very often. Sure, my local bakery, Annie May’s Sweet Cafe, offers them (and sometimes donut holes) in a variety of flavors, every Saturday (and they go FAST. Like…FAST!), I don’t always treat myself to one. I am tomorrow…because…they have my favorite flavor…BLUEBERRY!

But I am digressing…as always. The point is…it is a rare thing for me to get a donut. Because, let’s face it, there aren’t a lot of places where you can easily get a gluten-free donut. Fresh. Hot out of the oven or fryer or whatever.

13323369_10100111282757361_3756048887518979699_o — Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Soft Donuts with Vanilla Icing

That being said, not too long ago, a rep for Kinnikinnick Foods contacted me about sending me a couple of their products to try. As I am a food blogger, I never, ever turn this down. When the box arrived, I was beyond elated to find a box of Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers and Kinnikinnick Foods NEW Gluten Free Soft Donuts with Vanilla Icing. I put the cookies in my pantry and the donuts in my freezer, waiting for the perfect opportunity to break them out.

Hello!! I’m lucky I was working my way through gluten-free bagels, because that meant I had these in my freezer when National Donut Day rolled around. So, whereas prior to finding out it was National Donut Day, I was planning on opening the one pint of Ben & Jerry’s Vegan Ice Cream that I can safely eat (Chunky Monkey)…that soon became “Let’s have donuts for dessert.”

Hey, everyone at work got donuts provided by the boss from a local bakery. I got a banana. Yes…she brought me a banana. I love bananas and all…but…IT. IS. NATIONAL. DONUT. DAY. Sometimes you just take matters into your own hands…and freezer. (For the record, Annie May’s had donuts today…I just didn’t have time to drive over there).

So, after devouring dinner tonight (because I knew donuts were happening), I pulled the box out of the freezer and tore into it. I was so excited. DONUTS. ON NATIONAL DONUT DAY! Don’t mock me. When you’re a Celiac, it’s the little things in life.

13316998_10100111283361151_8853423102703463820_o — My hand showing the true (and small) size of the Kinnikinnick Gluten Free Soft Donut

But, my excitement waned slightly (very slightly) when I pulled out the sealed package of six (6) donuts. Because, in my head I expected this giant box to contain six amazing, Dunkin’ Donuts or Krispy Kreme-sized donuts. But…these donuts were small. Like…three bites…amuse-bouche small. I was a little let down. I just expected…DONUTS…not donuts. But…you know…it was a minor thing. I removed a donut for my roommate and myself and tore off a packet of the vanilla icing that was included in the box. These are super easy to prepare…microwave from frozen for about 20-30 seconds (my microwave in older than God, so I had to do 30 seconds), then drizzle with the icing pack. Then…cram into mouth and devour. I handed my roommate hers and she wasted no time, going on about how soft it was, how it wasn’t dense or heavy…and she licked the icing off her plate. No joke. Licked it.

So, the Kinnickinnik Foods Gluten Free Soft Donuts are…just as advertised. Soft. They aren’t quite as light as a yeast donut would be, but they don’t have the heft and density of a cake donut. They are a perfect medium between the two popular types of donuts. The icing…is soft of like the icing that you’d drizzle over a warm toaster strudel…and added a nice sweet glaze to the donut as well. I lifted the little donut and took a bite…

Usually when I settle in to try a new gluten-free product…I’m like…

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…and sometimes I’m surprised…and sometimes I’m disappointed. As for these…

Oh…these were definitely good. They sort of have the flavor of a funnel cake. No joke. Lighter than that fried dough treat, these donuts are a sweet treat that I would have savored more, had it not disappeared within three bites. I’ll stop ragging on the size to say…YES…these are amazing. They have a fantastic flavor, texture, and sweetness to it. I felt like I was eating a donut…and you can’t even tell they are frozen. It’s donut voodoo, I’m sure. No disgusted face. I ate this faster than I probably should have. I was tempted to go fix up the remaining four, but restrained myself. It wasn’t easy…because these easily left me wanting MORE.

So, let’s take a look at what ingredients go into Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Soft Donuts, shall we? These donuts are made from water, white rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, fuctose, non-hydrogenated palm oil shortening (palm oil, modified palm oil), egg whites, cellulose powder, tapioca syrup, psyllium fiber, cellulose, yeast, glycerin, salt, pure vanilla extract, enzymes, Icing (icing sugar (sugar, corn starch), water, glucose, xantham gum, sodium citrate, natural flavor, salt, locust bean gum, natural color (titanium dioxide), citric acid)). These Soft Donuts are gluten free, dairy free, nut free, soy free, and cholesterol free. And…they are soft, light, and fluffy donuts…with a glaze!!

As far as nutrition goes, the small Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Soft Donuts with Vanilla Icing aren’t bad…I don’t think…for the size of these donuts. A serving size is one (1) donut (45 grams), and there are six (6) servings per box. One donut will provide you with 130 calories, 4 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, 23 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 8 grams sugars, and 1 gram protein. Not filling, but also not too high in sugar either. I was impressed, before opening the box, with the 130 calorie count, but, these donuts are about 3-4 bites…so the 130 calories is sort of right in line with the higher calorie count a regular (and normal-size) donut would hand you. Yeah…pastries are calorie bombs, I get that. But…NATIONAL DONUT DAY. It was totally on. And I am not ashamed and I regret nothing.

I haven’t had a lot of Kinnikinnick Foods products, but I’m definitely open to trying more. These donuts are just the tip of the iceberg, I’m sure. And, don’t let my disappointment in the size fool you…these were actually really good. I’ve seen other versions of Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Donuts (and other snacks) in regular grocery stores, so I may investigate a few more.

National Donut Day or not…these are definitely worth a taste. So stock your freezer and be prepared to be wowed by the flavor. Not the size…but the flavor. And I guess, when it comes to gluten-free treats, that’s all that really matters. Treat yourself. And enjoy.

June 3, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels – $7.25

Breakfast. Breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day…but the most versatile and best meal…in the history of ever.

Anything can be breakfast, honestly. There was a time when a cold slap of pizza would carry me through my morning classes to lunch time. That was a very long time ago. Back when a container of spaghetti was fair game for brekkies.

That being said, I have always been a fan of “real” breakfast food. Seriously. Breakfast has always been the most magical and wonderful meal of the day. My mom made it a point to cook a hot breakfast for myself and my two siblings every morning before sending is off to school. It was always something different…nothing fancy…but just what we needed.

We were also that family that would eat pancakes for dinner. Or scrambled eggs. Maybe waffles or French toast. Yep…breakfast has always been one of my favorite things in the history of ever.

So, you can only imagine how my mind was blown when the Crazy Bagelers at Sweet Note Bakery put together the ultimate fusion of ultimate breakfast favorites. Bagels (because…New Yorker here!)…and French toast.

YES…introducing the ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Gluten Free French Toast Bagel.

FRENCH. TOAST. BAGEL.

Let those three words sink in for just one moment…

…one epic moment.

Because this, my friends, is epic breakfast food. Bagel fusion at its finest, for real! Imagine, if you will, the most perfect, dense, chewy, amazing New York-style bagel. Now…imagine if it tasted like maple syrup and dreams. Can you imagine it? If not, you’re in luck…because this heavenly breakfast food is available through Sweet Note Bakery’s online store.

It’s Friday…and I was out of the vegan and gluten-free pumpkin pancakes I made earlier in the week. I asked my roommate if bagels were okay in the morning. She agreed. So, as is my typical Friday morning…I did my core work, my physical therapy exercises, and all that before heading to my 5:30 am spin class. Upon my return, I turned on the oven, greeted the roomie who was on the couch, ready for the freshly brewed coffee. She got a nice warm cup of coffee and I pulled the last package of Sweet Note Bakery bagels out of my freezer (don’t worry…four new packages that I ordered came in today). It was the (amazing sounding) Gluten Free French Toast Bagels. I set out to my usual perfect thawing method…heat for 30 seconds on side, flip over, heat for another 30 seconds. Let sit for about 30 seconds…slice…toast in oven. It’s simple…and this has been the best way to not get harder parts on the bagel when you thaw them in the microwave. My microwave is ancient…but it came with the apartment…so maybe that just happens with my caveman microwave…but this helps even out the heat and allows the bagel to get to that right level of softness to make the knife slip right through. I placed them on a baking sheet, stuffed them in the oven, and went to take a shower. 15 minutes later, I was out of the shower, dressed, and pulling these amazing smelling bagels out of the oven. Seriously…it smelled like…like warm maple syrup and pancakes. But like toasty bagels too.

Before leaving for spin, I pulled the Daiya Vegan Cream Cheese out of the fridge and measured out two servings. Then, I sifted in a bit of confectioners sugar and drizzled in a bit of maple syrup. I whipped it all together and put it back in the fridge to chill. This is what got spread over each half of the Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels. To finish it off in true chefy fashion, each half got a small additional drizzle of pure maple syrup. I walked out a bagel to my roommate, schmeared with my special cream cheese and set her to feasting. I went back to prepare my own…ready to dive in because I was H-U-N-G-R-Y. And these smelled A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

As I was preparing to grab my own cup of coffee and settle in on the couch to watch some of the news before heading to work, I asked her what she thought. She was chewing…and didn’t actually answer me. I asked her later on and she said, “I don’t know where the French Toast part came from, but they were tasty.” I explained that the French Toast part of the name probably comes from the cinnamon and maple flavor that infuse the bagel and rests atop it too. Finger-licking-good!

Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels with a schmear of Vegan Sweet Maple Cream Cheese and Coffee!!

So, here is my more thorough take on the Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels. Do you love a breakfast that you can pour maple syrup over and devour? Do you like French Toast? Do you like bagels? Texture-wise…the Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels taste like…a bagel. But the sugar-y, maple-infused top and bagel itself, with that little brush of cinnamon flavor…definitely makes you think of French Toast. Without that weird egg-y flavor/texture that you can sometimes get. It’s, honestly, the perfect fusion of two of the most amazing breakfast foods. I loved the little hint of spice that the cinnamon adds, and the sugary sprinkle on top was a very nice touch. That maple flavor is key, though, making it taste like pancakes and bagels and French toast and breakfast. All the breakfast. I think the sweetness that the confectioners sugar added to the cream cheese made for the perfect topping for this breakfast treat. I mean, powdered sugar and French Toast go together like…pancakes and syrup. The maple syrup that was stirred in added to that French Toast appeal. And yeah…I had to remind myself to slow down and savor my breakfast instead of just gobbling it down mindlessly because it tasted so amazing. That perfect golden toasted crust and that soft and chewy dense center…ah…so good. So very good…and reminiscent of the bagels I could eat back before the Celiac diagnosis. Seriously, no one would guess these were gluten-free if they were just given one to eat.

So, what exactly goes into this breakfast nosh of dueling breakfast treats? Well, I can tell you! The Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels are made from love (yep…that’s an actual ingredient), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, molasses, maple syrup, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. As with all other Sweet Note Bakery bagels, the French Toast variety is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. And breakfast heaven.

As far as nutritional information goes, these bagels have all the basics covered. A serving of the Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels is 4.5 ounces (128 grams), or one (1) bagel. This bagel will serve you up 310 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 65 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 14 grams sugar, and 4 grams protein. Due to the higher fiber and protein, these will leave you feeling full all the way through lunch. I know the sugars seem a bit high, but it’s a French Toast bagel. There’s going to be sugar. Worth it.

Okay…so if you still haven’t tried Sweet Note Gluten Free Bagels…what are you waiting for? I have reviewed every single one of them…so look up the tag “Bagels” on my site and look them over. Seriously…you need these in your life. Whether you have to eat gluten-free or not, these taste amazing and are the most authentic gluten free bagels I have ever eaten. The first time I ate one, I had to double-check the package to make sure they were seriously gluten free. Small, dense, and NY-style all the way…you’ll love every bite of the French Toast bagels…or any of the other varieties.

Hop over to their Web site and check them out. Just…trust me!

June 2, 2016

Restaurant Review: Hops & Fire: Craft Tap House

Restaurant: Hops & Fire: Craft Tap House, Greenwood, Indiana

Normally, whenever I venture up to Indianapolis for an event, race, or whatnot, my one requirement is a stop at Cheeseburger in Paradise…because I can get a gluten-free veggie burger with gluten-free fries (or sweet potato fries)…and the burger custom made (no cheese; no sour cream) to fit my dietary needs. This is awesome, as any frozen burger patty, or even homemade burger, tend to be a bit mushy and end up slipping out of any sort of gluten-free bread used as a bun (be it an actual gluten-free bun or just some gluten-free bread). Cheeseburger in Paradise doesn’t have that problem…and it’s nice to be able to safely eat a veggie burger (so many use breadcrumbs as binder) out at a restaurant AND not have to eat it with a fork and knife (meaning…they have a gluten-free bun and I can pick it up).

Needless to say, I ran two half marathons, two weeks apart up in Indianapolis. After the first one (OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon), I did hit up Cheeseburger in Paradise. But two weeks later, I wasn’t ready to revisit Paradise. I just had it. My craving had been satisfied.

That being said, when I returned to the Indianapolis to run the Geist Half Marathon, I wanted to try something different. Step out of the comfort zone…try something new.

I had been hearing some buzz around a place located in Greenwood, Indiana, by a bunch of my friends up in that area. It was a craft beer tap house called Hops & Fire. And what was pointed out more than once was that when you step inside to be seated, the hostess will ask if you require any special menus. In addition to their regular menu, they have extensive vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus. I told her I was a gluten-free vegetarian and she grabbed both of those menus and a regular one for Cathy and told me that the menus don’t often cross over each other, but anything on either menu can be made gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian. She took us to our table and we were seated.

Our waiter was totally adorable and came over to introduce himself. His name was Kyle and he asked how we were doing. Cathy pointed at me and said, “Well, she just ran a half marathon…” He raised his eyebrows and said, “So I’m guessing you want water.” HA! He was so right. Cathy had thought about trying one of their craft selections, but in the end started with the water.

Two menus and having so many options was a bit overwhelming to me. The only thing I knew I wanted to try was Gluten Free 3-Cheese Garlic Bread. I bought Lactaid specifically for this meal. No joke. We went ahead and mentioned that we wanted that as an appetizer and Kyle said he’d put that in while we finished making our decisions on what to eat, as it was the appetizer that took the longest to prepare. While he was gone, I started to narrow down my choices, getting it down to three options. After a little back and forth and pros and cons, I went for the one that didn’t contain cheese…as I was certain I was about to consume more cheese than my body was going to like momentarily.

Kyle returned to take our order, and as usual, as I’m the complicated one, I ordered first. I went with the Gluten Free California Wrap…keeping the House Chips as a side. Cathy went with the Stout Pork Belly BLT, which was served with a side of their Parmesan House Chips. Orders were in…after Kyle had to go and figure out how to combine two menus to make a dish. Poor guy!

Hops & Fire Gluten Free 3-Cheese Garlic Bread

Only a few moments late, a large plate was being carried to our table and put in front of us. Clearly, when I saw the fact that I could get Gluten Free 3-Cheese Garlic Bread…I didn’t read the description. This plate and appetizer was HUGE. Definitely enough for 4-8 people. Hops & Fire Gluten Free 3-Cheese Garlic Bread ($9.00), is a full gluten-free baguette, which is drenched in roasted garlic and salted butter, served with a gooey, melted blanket of shallots and chives, which are smothered in Provolone, Mozzarella, and Romano cheeses. This is then baked so that the top of the cheese gets golden and everything is melty and ooey-gooey. It comes with a side of marinara. I took my Lactaid and hoped for the best (sometimes it helps; other times, it doesn’t). I grabbed the slice on the end and pulled it away, the cheese stretching and making me…so happy. I cut it up, dipped a piece into the marinara…and immediately lost my mind. If you go to Hops & Fire, this is their signature appetizer and it is not to be missed. The gluten-free baguette was crispy on the outside and that perfect toasty, but still soft on the inside. The cheese was melted to perfection. The garlic was superb. Yeah…this made me SO happy. And, for the record, the Lactaid worked…this time. Thank goodness! This was A LOT of food, so Cathy and I said we’d eat half of it and get a box and take the rest of it home. That’s what we did as our food arrived. We boxed it up…and it was lunch the next day.

Hops & Fire Stout Pork Belly BLT with a side of Parmesan House Chips

So, let’s start with Cathy’s lunch, shall we? My om-nom-nomnivore (haha) friend loves to eat pig in any form she can. This is no joke. She loves her pork products. So it was no surprise to me that she chose the Hops & Fire Stout Pork Belly BLT ($12.00) off of their Brewed Baskets selections on the regular menu. It came with a decent serving of their Parmesan House Chips on the side. This sandwich is not your typical BLT. Hops & Fire serves up a stout beer and kosher salt-brined local pork belly, which is seared, roasted, sliced thin, and pan fried, then topped with baby bibb lettuce, beefsteak tomatoes, and homemade apricot onion jam…served on their grilled garlic shallot bread. Here’s the thing…they do NOT skimp on the pork belly bacon in this BLT. Not one bit. You’ll see by the photo I’m putting up here for those of you who are not a gluten-free vegetarian like me. I mean…it was BACON. FOR. DAYS. She had more bacon than Parmesan House Chips. And that’s not a bad thing, as the protein is, honestly, what you are shelling out money for. She said the garlic shallot bread was amazing (we Celiacs will never know…). She said it could have used a slight bit more mayo…but it was awesome. And yes…she devoured it all and the chips. Carnivores. Oy!

Hops & Fire Gluten Free California Wrap with a mountain of House Chips — Hops & Fire Gluten Free California Wrap with a side of House Chips

As for me…I went ahead and combined an offering on the Vegetarian Menu and asked that it be made gluten-free. I opted for the Gluten Free California Wrap ($12.00)…mostly because it didn’t have cheese and avocado always wins. The California Wrap is a gluten-free tortilla that is stuffed and rolled up around fresh sliced avocado, beefsteak tomato, bibb lettuce, pickled onions, and a roasted garlic aioli. OH MY GLUTEN FREE GODS!! This was a simple, basic, wrap, but it tasted amazing to me. Maybe it was because I had just pounded out 13.1 miles and was living off of watermelon and water at that point, but this wrap was great. Gluten-free tortillas are nothing to write home about, and I’m pretty certain this was the standard gluten-free teff tortilla. But it just serves as a way for me to pick up and devour the veggie-licious produce that was stuffed and rolled up inside. The aioli, by the way, was delicious. The avocado was ripe and sweet. The tomatoes…so good. I loved every bite of this wrap. It came with a mountain…no…a landslide of their House Chips, which I couldn’t even finish. Where Cathy had a decent side of hers, the chips serving was bigger than my wrap…so…I ate what I wanted and left the rest.

Hops & Fire Gluten Free and Vegan Ice Cream Sundae

We were full, but we couldn’t end our experience there. Kyle tempted us with a dessert menu, pointing out that those marked with a gf were gluten free and also the codes for vegan and vegetarian as well. We were very tempted to get one of the Desserts For Two (yeah…we so wanted the Gluten Free and Vegan S’mores Cast Iron Cake), but in the end, decided we were too full for that and went with splitting a single serving of the Vegan Ice Cream Sundae ($5.00). This was a small bowl (thank goodness) that had a scoop of vegan ice cream, drizzled lightly with hot fudge. It was perfect and a great way to end the meal. It was amazing. The ice cream was not as creamy as regular ice cream, but it was cold and melty and amazing. And the hot fudge…that’s always a welcome addition to anything ice cream-ish.

Kyle brought us our check once we had polished it off and we paid in cash and got our things together to go. We talked about the food for a bit of the drive home…and how amazing and good it was. I was beyond happy with the service and the attention paid to each dish that was ordered, making sure that it fit my dietary needs…nothing that made me take pause and question whether it was safe for me to eat or not.

I’m already planning my return to Hops & Fire. So, if you happen to be in the Indianapolis area, or traveling through, do make the trip to Greenwood and check out this amazing and delicious place. You have a specialty diet…they have you covered. And I love it.

Next time…gluten-free onion rings. It’s happening!

May 21, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagels – $9.99

You didn’t think they existed…but they do. You thought they were a myth…but they are not. Yes…the infamous Rainbow Bagel gets a gluten-free makeover thanks to the crazy bagelers at Sweet Note Bakery.

God, I love them!

Just before…and I mean…right before…as in DAYS before I went to New York City back in March, the big article about the Rainbow Bagel that The Bagel Store in NYC was offering hit the mass media…and it was…insane. I felt a little pang of judgement (okay…okay…resentment) because I, myself, could not have one. And they looked so, so pretty! And delicious. Pretty delicious too!

So, my bagel experience in NYC was left up to the gluten free offerings at Tompkins Square Bagels…which was fine…but it wasn’t a true NY-style bagel…and it just didn’t seem perfect to me. And…the Rainbow Bagel was out there. Sometimes schmeared with birthday cake cream cheese.

Life wasn’t fair.

But then the rain lifted and the sun came out, and the amazing ladies over at Sweet Note Bakery said, “You know what? Celiacs shouldn’t have to miss out on tasting the rainbow. Skittles got nothing on us.” And so, a little while after my return from NYC…I saw a prototype of their own rainbow bagel on their Instagram feed.

And I coveted it. I said if they put it out on the market, I’d buy it. I needed it. No, I wanted it! They had asked if people would be interested in buying it…and that they were going to look into more natural food dyes as well (although their first attempt was with natural food dye and it baked out)…before offering it on the Web site. I immediately chimed in with my calm, cool and collected, “I would buy them”…which…the more times the Rainbow Bagel appeared on their feed…the more this became…”OMG I NEED THESE IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW!”

Well, last week…it happened. They aren’t using natural food dies yet…but those crazy baglers have made their version of the Rainbow Bagel…called the Unicorn Bagel (don’t you love it??!) available as an Online Exclusive purchase in their store. So…yes…for now, you can only order these online.

So…I threw more money at these wonderful people and put in my order.

Here’s the thing…I have been a collector of unicorn things since I was a child. No joke. Then, when I became a runner and qualified for the Boston Marathon…unicorns returned to the forefront of my obsessions. So…you give me a swirly breakfast bread of wonderment in fun colors and call it a “Unicorn Bagel”…my money is coming at you and these are finding a way into my life. No doubt about it. And that, my friends, is how I wound up with the new Unicorn Bagel in my freezer…which lasted all but 15 hours before they were out and being thawed in the microwave and toasted in my oven.

It’s important. Because…NEW GLUTEN FREE BAGEL. Because…COLORS! Because…UNICORN. And because it’s a RACE WEEKEND. So the unicorn theme should be good luck, yes? Good omen, yes? Oh…I hope so.

Just really quickly though, I will revisit the proper way (or at least the best way) to evenly thaw out the frozen bagels. DO NOT thaw these on the counter. It’s easy. It only takes 60 seconds out of your daily routine. Simply place a bagel on a plate and place in the microwave. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. Then, flip the bagel completely over and turn it about 180°. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Let it sit for a few seconds and then slice in half. Place each half in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet and in the oven and let it toast up for about 15-20 minutes. This is normally about the time I leave the kitchen to shower and let my roommate make sure that if she smells smoke to shut off the oven. But I’m always done before anything gets burned.

Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagel with a schmear of Kite Hill vegan cream cheese and rainbow sprinkles

I can’t even begin to tell you how giddy these bagels made me. Seriously. They were swirly and rainbow-y and just plain fun! I pulled them out of the oven when they reached that perfect level of toasty. I mean…perfect crispy outer crust with the dense and chewy dough in the middle. Bagel perfection. I gave each half a schmear of vegan cream cheese from Kite Hill. And then, because, I’m eating the rainbow here…I gave the cream cheese a smattering of rainbow sprinkles.

DUH! You can’t eat a Unicorn Bagel without rainbow sprinkles. And with that…breakfast was served.

Who doesn’t love fun food, right? The more fun, the more exciting breakfast is. I loved eating a colorful breakfast. They say to eat the rainbow…well…they may not have had a Unicorn Bagel in mind when they said that…but…I successfully ate the rainbow today. HAHA! And it was tasty. I get it…it’s a plain bagel with all the dressings of a sparkly soul, but it somehow makes it fabulous, you know? It tasted sweet, but I don’t know how much of that was the bagel and how much of that was the little sprinkles of rainbow goodness I topped the cream cheese with. Nevertheless…this bagel is made of complete awesomeness. You can top it off without whatever floats your boat. Frosting would have been pretty epic. I mean, you’re devouring a breakfast bread that is dyed to every amazing color in the color spectrum…have frosting and sprinkless…or whatever…whatever makes you feel like a kid at heart. Or a Boston Marathoner. Or a lover of unicorns. Or just…a lover of bagels. Or rainbows. Or all of the above.

So, let’s discuss what goes into each of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagels. Each bagel is made from love (because all rainbow-type food is made with love…and unicorn tears), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flower, sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, salt, food coloring (red 40, red 3, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1, blue 1, titanium dioxide, modified corn starch, vegetable gum, citric acid, and less than 1/10 of 1% sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate). They are still experimenting with natural food dyes that won’t fade…and I have every faith that they will find something that works. But…for now…if food dyes don’t bother you, these are totally epic and worth a try. As always when it comes to Sweet Note’s bagels, these bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. Made with love, indeed!!

As far as nutrition goes for the Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagels…well…here are the magical facts. A serving size is one (1) bagel, which is about 4.5 oz (128 grams). There are 4 servings per package. Each bagel will deliver 280 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 320 mg sodium, 60 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 4 grams protein. The mythical morning hunger pangs remained at bay…this was delicious and filling. Loving the rainbow.

Breakfast should be fun. After all, it is the most important meal of the day. You might as well color it up, top it off, and eat it with a smile. That’s the magic that is inside the Unicorn Bagels. They are simple…but simply wonderful. Just because you have to eat gluten-free doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun bagels for breakfast. Sweet Note Bakery is taking the standard bagel and making it for the gluten-free and vegan bagel lovers. No limits. No boundaries. Anything goes. Like rainbow unicorn bagels. The Unicorn Bagel will totally win you over.

Maybe it will make me run faster.

Maybe.

I’ll go for my run…and you go ahead and run over to the Sweet Note Bakery online store and purchase a pack or five of the Gluten Free Unicorn Bagel!

May 17, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels – $9.99

To a former New Yorker…love is a good gluten-free bagel. And when I say good, I mean that it has to actually be NY-style bagel quality. For the longest time, this is exactly what every single gluten-free bagel I tried wasn’t. Not to say the big corporation names that have placed gluten-free bagels in the freezers of grocery stores and natural food stores didn’t put out a quality product. In fact, I’ve been smitten by both Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels and the Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free Bagels (EVERY. SINGLE. VARIETY). But then…

…the ultimate gluten-free bagel tweeted its way into my life. This is not a joke. It literally tweeted its way into my life.

I’m talking about Sweet Note Bakery and their amazing, gluten-free, vegan, delicious NY-style bagels! Sweet Note saw my link to my blog on the Canyon Bakehouse bagels and challenged me to try their bagels. While I was hesitant at first, I finally decided that it was actually worth a try. Their Web site intrigued me. The bagels looked phenomenal…and they made traditional NY-style bagels. Not these giant monstrosities the other gluten-free bagel manufacturers were producing…but dense, thick, and perfect NY-style bagels. Size does matter when it comes to bagels. An authentic bagel should be about 3 inches in diameter, have a crunchy crust and a chewy, dense center. And this…this is what Sweet Note recreated to perfection.

Sweet Note began in 2012, when founder and president, Michelle MacDonald, stepped up to a challenge. She had been baking ever since she was a child and was very passionate about it. When her grandfather and sister were diagnosed with Celiac Disease, she took the first steps on her entrepreneurial journey. Her family really missed a good New York Style bagel. (Hey…I can’t blame them…I know this feeling all too well). So with a lot of experimentation and trial and error, MacDonald perfected the recipe, getting huge approval from her family (also bagel lovers). Gluten-free bagels that taste good?! It was a reality. Sweet Note Bakery’s vision is to make gluten-free options more readily accessible. Those of us who live with Celiac understand how isolating this disease can be, when you can’t have a meal while out with friends and family, be it at a restaurant or a ballpark, or wherever your adventures take you. MacDonald wanted to change that…one gluten-free bagel at a time.

And she did…and now she’s delivering these bagels, one step at a time, to the gluten-free (and even the non-gluten-free community). Seriously, purchasing (and continuing to purchase so that my freezer is never without bagels) bagels from Sweet Note was one of the best gluten-free food decisions I have made…in the history of ever!

I know that I recently reported on the latest four flavors (three of which were online exclusive), but Sweet Note has been busy prepping new flavors and have released three more!! YES!! And, for the record…YES…I bought them. Like…the day that they were announced. I am not ashamed. I proudly wave my gluten-free bagel lovin’ flag. A happy freezer contains a package of some sort of Sweet Note’s amazing bagels.

Well, the three new flavors are actually quite playful and fun. They introduced the French Toast Bagel, the Sunrise Swirl Bagel, and the Unicorn Bagel (aka: Rainbow Bagel). My Unicorn Bagels are on the way, but the freezer has been happily cradling my packages of the French Toast Bagel and Sunrise Swirl Bagel…up until yesterday when breakfast rolled around.

I came home from spin class that morning and asked my roommate, who had emerged from her room and was shambling toward the couch, which bagel she’d like to try today. I won’t lie…I also have the Tomato Basil in the freezer…as they make amazing Bagel Pizzas. HA! She immediately said, “Sunrise Swirl.” Okay…it might have been sort of sleepily slurred (she hadn’t had coffee yet), but I pulled out the bagels that were beautifully swirled with reds and oranges and yellows and set about the usual prep on a Sweet Note Bagel.

My current thawing method seems to be perfect. So, you can always give this a go too, because I expect you to order at least ONE variety of their bagels. You won’t be disappointed. Anyway…my currrent method for perfect defrosting in the microwave…30 seconds on one side, then flip it over for another 30 seconds. Let it sit for a moment and then slice in half. If you’re not into toasting (like a true New Yorker), then go ahead and schmear this bagel up with whatever goodness you like. If you are a true New Yorker (or not) but love a toasted bagel (like me!)…toast it up. If you have a toaster…go to town. If you, like me, don’t own a toaster, simply put these beauties on a baking sheet and into an oven heated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. I left them to toast while I showered and changed…and emerged in enough time to get my breakfast chef skills on.

An Egg & "Cheese" Bagel Sammie made with the Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels — An Egg & “Cheese” Bagel Sammie made with the Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels

Deciding to do something a little different, I (*GASP*) skipped the cream cheese schmearing this particular morning and instead, dug out my little egg pan and cracked an egg into it, frying it to perfection. While the egg was working, I pulled some Daiya Cheddar-Style Slices out of the fridge and placed them on the bottom half of the bagels as they finished up their toasting time in the oven. This gave the cheese some time to melt (as well as vegan cheese melts). Afterwards, I placed fried eggs on each bagel and topped it off with the top half. Breakfast sammies…DONE!

Even better…gorgeous breakfast sammies at that. The colors were amazing and bright and just…beautiful in the Sunrise Swirl Bagels. What makes that even better is that the colors (that smattering of sunshine) are added naturally to their original plain bagel recipe by using spices such as paprika, annatto, and turmeric. Yep. No fake chemicals, dyes, or bad stuff. Don’t you love it?

Needless to say…the bagels are not only colorful and uplifting to your spirit on an early morning…but they taste good too. This was the first time I stuck a fried egg between a Sweet Note bagel…but it certainly won’t be the last. The Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels taste like an ordinary bagel, but they are extraordinary. You’ll love how it will perk up your breakfast, whether you schmear it with butter, cream cheese, jam, nut butter…whatever floats your breakfast boat, right? OR…go ahead and use it as a vehicle for a fried egg, or some (vegan) bacon or (vegan) sausage…layer it with (vegan) mayo and stick some tomato and greens in there. The gorgeously swirled carb-loaded disk of goodness is your canvas…so accessorize it however you want.

Let’s discuss what goes into Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels, shall we? These bagels are made from love (yep…actual ingredient that is…and one that makes ALL the difference), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, salt, paprika coloring, annatto coloring, and turmeric coloring. As with all of Sweet Note’s bagel offerings, these are completely gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free.

As for nutritional information, Sweet Note really stacks up when it comes to fueling and providing for your body. These stats are equal to if not better than standard bagels out on the market. A serving size of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagels is 4.5 ounces (128 grams) and there are four (4) servings per package. One bagel will provide you with 290 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 320 mg sodium, 170 mg potassium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 8 grams sugars, and 5 grams of protein. The higher protein and fiber definitely helps keep you feeling full throughout the day.

Here’s something all those big corporation gluten-free bagel producers aren’t doing…they aren’t stepping outside of the box when it comes to bagels. But Sweet Note is not only thinking outside the box, but they are stepping up and really taking charge of the gluten-free bagel market out there. Where else will you be able to find a gluten-free bagel that is gorgeously swirled with colors…no where. While they do offer the standards as well, Sweet Note has really stepped up and created bagels that you normally could only get in a glutenous form at a bagel shop, probably in New York City. The Sunrise Swirl Bagel is a definite example of that. And it is not only a joy to look at, but also to eat. It will brighten up your morning for sure.

The Sweet Note Gluten Free Sunrise Swirl Bagel is an Online Exclusive offering, so hop on over to their Bagel Shop and place and order ASAP. While you’re at it, try out a few of their other flavors, standard, or artisan…it doesn’t matter. I swear, you won’t be disappointed.

May 2, 2016

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagels

005 — Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagels – $7.25

Oh yeah…Sweet Note Bakery is back with some brand new flavors in their online store…and this just means morning are bagelicous again. Bagelicious is a word, for the record. I used it in a sentence. HA!

The moment the announcement of the store carrying their new Online Exclusive flavor on Sweet Note Bakery’s social media sights, I was heading over there to make a purchase? Because…that is how much I love these bagels. No other gluten-free bagels live up to the amazing flavor, texture, taste, and size of these bagels. And I don’t mean bagels as big as your head, either.

If you have looked at past reviews of other Sweet Note Gluten Free Bagels that I have written, you will know that they developed a gluten-free (and vegan) New York-style bagel for all of us to enjoy. There is no law that says you have to be on a gluten-free or vegan diet to want to devour these at each setting. My roommate is neither of those things, and she eats these faster than I do at times. Anyway, what sets the Crazy Bagelers at Sweet Note apart from the other gluten-free bagels on the market is that they are true to New York-style, creating a smaller, thicker, denser bagel. When toasted, it has this amazing crunchy crust and a chewy center. That’s bagel perfection. BAGEL PERFECTION. Other gluten-free bagels on the market are light as air, packed with chemicals, and gigantic. They aren’t as filling and they just don’t have that true bagel mouthfeel. This is where Sweet Note hits the sweet spot. Authentic bagels are made with real ingredients and in real size…not super-mega-jumbo. And I’m okay with that. I love a good authentic bagel…size, texture, feel…the whole carby package.

Those Crazy Bagel Ladies sure do make this former New York-er, who had to go gluten-free after a Celiac diagnosis 5 years ago, one happy girl. But I am not alone. There is an entire community…nationwide…of crazy bagelers who are also in love with ALL THE BAGELS!! Sweet Note has definitely hit a sweet note with those who are daring enough to try.

So, they have released a few new flavors…at a variety of times, these past few weeks. But the first of these was none other than…ONION!

Yes…the ever popular, Onion Bagel! The Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagel is amazing. Seriously. I prepared this as I normally do any Sweet Note Bagel. I pulled it out of the freezer this morning after a short run and a spin class and microwaved two bagels…one at a time…for 30 seconds. Then, flipped it over and hit it up for another 30 seconds. I then sliced each bagel in half and placed it on a baking sheet. You all know by now that I don’t own a toaster or a toaster oven, so I put these into the oven and left them in the mindful watch of my roommate while I went to shower off and get ready for work. About 15-20 minutes later, the amazing aroma of roasted onion wafted through the apartment and I was pulling the baking sheet out of the oven and making goo-goo eyes at the golden bagels that now awaited a schmear of some sort of topping.

Today…Daiya Vegan Cream Cheese.

006 — Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagel with a schmear of Daiya Cream Cheese

It just made sense. And, technically…was all I had in my fridge for this bagel. Although…mashed avocado…ooooh…I know what I’m doing on Wednesday…

So, now properly schmeared with some cream cheese, I delivered one bagel to my roommate and went to pour myself some (very important) coffee before settling in with my own bagel while the news droned on over the presidential campaign and such nonsense. Ignoring the news, I turned my full attention to my bagel. My roommate had already devoured one of her halves…so I had a good feeling about this. I drew in a breath…inhaled that sweet onion smell…and took a bite.

OH YES! Layers (onions…layers…get it?) of flavor. Seriously. I thought that this bagel might have reached bagel perfection. You have that bitter/sweet/caramelized flavor of the bagels that sit atop the upper half of the bagel. You have this flavor penetrating all the way through the dough, the chewy center, the crisp crust…all of it…infused with this great, but not overpowering, onion flavor. The flakes of onion on the surface were a nice touch. I saw my roommate making sure she swiped up any bit of onion that might have fallen away from the bagel itself. Nothing goes to waste. That is the sign of a winner-winner-bagel dinner! If you’re an onion lover, these are sure to make you tear up (I did it again…onions…tears…HA! I’m punny!). With joy. Tear up with joy.

So, let’s discuss what goes into each Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagel, shall we? These bagels are made from: Love (yes, that is an ingredient!), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, brown sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, onion, and salt. As with all their bagels, the Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. Made with love, indeed!!

As for nutritional information for the Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagels…you’ll eat this up! They really do stack up to the competition. Since they are made with real ingredients, every bite of these bagels are better for you and your body. A serving size is 4.5 ounces (128 grams), or one (1) bagel. ONE FULL ONION-Y BAGEL! One bagel will serve you up 290 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 320 mg sodium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 8 grams sugars, and 5 grams of protein. With the higher fiber and protein counts, these bagels will keep you feeling full all morning. Gotta love that!

Your search for the perfect bagel has come to an end. Sweet Note Bakery definitely has the top of the line bagels…and you would never guess that these are vegan and gluten-free…unless you were told or read their packaging. That being said, they really nail the bagel…and make it for everyone to love and enjoy. The new Sweet Note Gluten Free Onion Bagel packs a great onion flavor, but won’t overwhelm your palate either. Top these off however you like…and feast on them often. They would make the perfect vehicle for a burger or sandwich as well. So. Much. Love.

I urge you to check your local stores for Sweet Note Bagels as soon as you can. Their products are carried here at Whole Foods and in CVS stores. But their online exclusive flavors are NOT to be missed.

Go on…place an order. You’ll thank me!