Sandwich – Page 2 – The Celiathlete

September 14, 2015

Restaurant Review: Deschutes Brewery, Portland, Oregon

Restaurant: Deschutes Brewery, Portland, Oregon

What do you think of when you think of Portland, Oregon? Food trucks…yes…but a lot of people would also point to the amazing array of brew pubs that the city has to offer. Oregon is very much a foodie haven, and there is plenty of places to whet your appetite.

Research began on Find Me Gluten Free…which pulled up hundreds and hundreds of restaurants that cater to people with gluten intolerance and Celiac. I knew that my traveling partners, Cathy and Jenn, were being very good about where we ate on Hawaii (often out of Jenn’s comfort zone) due to my dietary restrictions…so…going to a brew pub in Portland wasn’t just a necessity, it was a way of thanking them for being so flexible with the food choices while island hopping in Hawaii.

That being said, we narrowed it down to two choices…and Cathy and I made Jenn pick the place. This was no biggie for me…there were options I was interested in at each place…but it was a matter of whether Cathy got Chicken and Waffles or Roasted Lamb.

Jenn didn’t really care where we went, but in the end, she chose Deschutes Brewery…and that was our Friday night dinner.

After lunch at the food pods, we continued our exploration of Portland, meaning bookstores, record stores, chocolate shops, coffee shops, and all that good stuff. But all that shopping does work up an appetite. So, after spending a long time exploring Powell’s Books, we were ready to get some dinner. And it was just a short hike to Deschutes Brewery…and I loved it from the moment we stepped inside.

Deschutes Brewery is a brew pub located in the heart of Portland and is described as a popular destination for great beer, delicious food, and a relaxed urban atmosphere. It features 26 taps that include Deschutes mainstays plus a selection of seasonal and experimental beers developed and brewed on site exclusively for the Portland pub.

In addition, no pub is worth its salt without pub grub. Executive Chef Jill Ramseier leads a talented culinary team that has put forth classic pub food, but elevated it. In fact, each item on the menu is created, from scratch, with the best possible local ingredients. SO Portland. Love it!

We arrived shortly after 5 p.m. and it was already hopping. We were seated immediately and given menus to peruse. Water was brought to our table and our waiter, Zach, came over to pour some water and ask if we wanted anything else to drink. Jenn and I were sticking with water, but Cathy had it on her to-do list to sample a local brew. She went with the Deschutes River Ale ($3.25). He went to grab her drink while we finished up decisions for dinner.

With beer delivered, it was time to place an order. Jenn went with the Dungeness Crab Roll ($17.75), which is pacific crab tossed with onion, celery, lemon and mayonnaise in a seared East coast-style bun. It came with a serving of fries on the side.

Cathy opted for the Spicy Fried Chicken and Waffle ($16.50). This dish is a Nashville-style basted chicken breast and thick sliced smoked provolone over a housemade sourdough waffle with maple dressed kale, fenel and pecan salad, served with a maple honey sauce. For an additional $2…you can add bacon. Cathy left the bacon off.

As for me…I was given a gluten-free menu. And on that menu was plenty of items to choose from. Had I not had a great sandwich for lunch from Juniper at the food pods, I would have opted for the Quinoa Burger ($13.25), which is described as a crispy quinoa cashew patty with chipotle aioli, Rock Face Creamery aged white cheddar (which I would have left off), lettuce, tomato, onion and served, I am assuming, on a gluten free bun. BUT…I DIDN’T get that. I could have…and, as I said, had I not had a sammie for lunch, this would have been my dinner.

My dinner, instead, was the half portion of their Spinach and Quinoa Salad ($7.00) with a plate of their Garlic Rosemary Fries ($6.75), which I got minus the manchego cheese that comes served with it. YES…the fries are gluten-free!!! *HAPPY DANCE!* Hey…I eat healthy most of the time, dessert and an occasional plate of fries are treats to me and ones I never turn down when they are available. A healthy life doesn’t mean there aren’t treats every now and again!

Orders in.

And in true brew pub (and pub) fashion, the food didn’t take too long to come out. Just long enough to know that everything was prepared fresh and made to order. Our plates came out…and they were heaped with food. Even without the plate of fries (which I did share!), my salad would have been plenty filling at the half portion on its own. So, that was actually a good call on my part.

Deschutes Brewery's Spicy Fried Chicken & Waffle — Deschutes Brewery’s Spicy Fried Chicken & Waffle

Jenn and Cathy both loved their meals. Cathy said that while the chicken was spicy, it wasn’t overpowering. The provolone cheese helped to cool things down and the waffle was a nice hit of sweetness to mesh with the savory heat of the chicken. When paired with the maple and honey, it was a perfect bite. In fact, after years of wondering why chicken and waffles were such a thing in the south…it took a trip to Portland, Oregon for her to “get it.” Yes…she gets it now. And I think she has a new craving in life. She ate until she was full…and then had to surrender to the dish. But she made a healthy dent in it, loving and raving about every bite. So there is that.

Let’s start with the salad. The Spinach and Quinoa Salad comes with Briar Rose Creamery feta cheese (which I left on…because feta and I get along for the most part), blueberries, pickled beets, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked quinoa. It is topped with a delicious vinaigrette, which does come on the side so it isn’t swimming in dressing. That’s something I totally appreciated. This salad was filling and provided a myriad of different flavors and textures. It was inviting with each bite. Tangy, tart, smooth and creamy. The quinoa and spinach are both nutritional powerhouses…and I devoured every last bit of this salad. Besides, you put roasted beets on anything and you have my full attention. Seriously! OH…and it came with a gluten-free breadstick laid across it. I questioned it when it arrived at the table…”This is gluten-free, right?” “OH yes,” I was reassured. Happiness comes in breadstick form sometimes. It’s the little things that aren’t so little for other people but are for people like me.

But the star…as much as I want to point to the salad…was the gluten-free Garlic Rosemary Fries. These fries are made from hand cut Kennebec potatoes and seasoned with fresh garlic (LOTS of it) and rosemary and served with a rosemary aioli. These were to DIE for. Seriously. I took one bite and I was hooked. I didn’t want to stop eating them. Even with some self-control (HA!) and a little help from my friends, this plate wasn’t emptied. It probably could have been, but we all have our limits. These were some of the best gluten-free fries I have ever been served in a restaurant. And fries are hard for me to get in a restaurant. Everything shares a fryer…so this is always a nice treat. And this is one splurge I was glad I made. Holy cow. I want to recreate these. I’m going to do the best I can. WOW!

Save for fries (from both Jenn & I) and a bit of chicken and waffle on Cathy’s plate…we ate the hell out of our meals. And for good reason…they were amazing. I was beyond impressed with the caliber of food that came to our table. Everything looked beautiful and tasted amazing. Nothing was soggy or overdressed. Nothing was burnt. It was pure dinner perfection in true brew pub form. I am a huge fan…and I wish I lived in Portland so I could continue to go back and try other options from their extensive gluten-free menu. Just…WOW!!

I have Jenn to thank for actually sending us to Deschutes Brewery in the end…and to me, it was the perfect way to round out an amazing and unforgettable trip. No better way to end a vacation then with good friends, good food, and good times. Deschutes…made that all possible…right in the heart of Portland.

Deschutes Brewery's Spinach & Quinoa Salad with the Garlic Rosemary Fries — Deschutes Brewery’s Gluten Free Spinach & Quinoa Salad with the Garlic Rosemary Fries (also gluten free)

September 13, 2015

Restaurant Review: Juniper, Portland, Oregon

Restaurant: Juniper, Portland, Oregon

Twas the end of my vacation, and after a late flight in from Honolulu, Hawaii, and a walk of doom from the wrong train stop to the hotel my friends and I were staying in…around 11 p.m. at night…my Friday morning started off really well. My two friends who have no food allergies took in a Portland, Oregon staple…Voodoo Doughnut…for breakfast.

It had been discussed that we would do some shopping around Portland and then hit up the food pods for lunch. In fact, after a bit of researching, my roomie found the perfect pod for us to visit…due to one food cart where she knew I could get something to eat.

The food cart…Juniper.

Juniper is a worker-owned food cart that was founded by five (5) women – Kashi, Lizz, Elena, Frencesca, and Summer. They serve nourishing, vibrant, whole-foods that are consciously sourced. Their menu is seasonal and features local and global flavors that pair lesser known produce with familiar favorites. They are proud to offer meals that are mostly organic, local farm sourced and made from scratch. They encourage you, above all else, to “Love Your Food.”

Speaking of food, this team of ladies work hard to source foods grown locally, supplied by small businesses, with worker-focused and community driven practices. They keep the food on their menu in sync with natural availability, which also helps keep our bodies in sync with the seasons. They believe that access to healthy and sustainable food is a social justice issue and have set sort and long term goals for themselves aiming at using their position in the food industry to open doors to people who have trouble accessing healthy and steady food sources. And with all that going on, these ladies do their best to keep prices on the menu sustainable for them to stay in business, to be able to source foods in a way that is in line with their mission, and to also stay accessible to a large cross-section of people.

But, that’s not all…these intrepid food cart entrepreneurs built their menu with high awareness of food sensitives and allergies. Their menu items are and always will be gluten-free and vegan (completely free of dairy, meat, honey, and egg), and limited on the amount of soy ingredients – meaning they sparingly use tamari, tofu and soy curls. If necessary, they are happy to substitute or eliminate the tofu or soy curls completely from an order.

I Love This Cart's Small Loaded Tater Tots — I Love This Cart’s Small Loaded Tater Tots

With all that said…on Friday morning, I spent the day drinking amazing coffee, ducking into local shops, and just checking out as much of Portland as I could while hobbling around. I handled it well enough, but when noon rolled around, I was more than ready to eat. I knew what I was getting from the food pod, and Cathy pretty much knew what she wanted…so we walked the other carts so Jenn could figure out what she wanted to eat. And after a little wandering…we made our choices. Cathy was left over at I Hearth This Cart, as she had her eyes on the small Loaded Tater Tots ($4.00), which are tots layered up with Tillamook cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onion, served w/ chipotle ranch. These are, by the way, gluten-free. Jenn got a quesadilla…I don’t remember from what cart. She gave Cathy her avocado. I was waiting on my dish for most of their orders and eating. But…I won’t complain.

The one reason I chose Juniper over all other food carts at that specific pod was because of the vegan and gluten-free options. This was one very safe cart for me to dine in without wondering how I would feel afterwards. And, honestly, the one dish that caught my eye first and foremost was one of their offered sandwiches…

The Vegan BBQ Bacon Sandwich.

OH HELL YEAH!!

Juniper’s Vegan BBQ Bacon Sandwich (7.00) is BBQ soy curls, cabbage and carrot slaw, avocado, and coconut bacon, piled onto two grilled slices of their homemade gluten-free bread. I got mine with a T.A.S. Coconut Water ($2.50). I waled up to the cart and said I had heard stories of this sandwich and said that was what I wanted for lunch. It was a bit of a wait, but they were hopping at lunch time. Never a bad thing. And I don’t mind waiting for food I can see being prepared right there in front of me. And trust me…this sandwich was worth the time standing on the sidewalk holding a can of coconut water. HA!

But the wait was well worth it. The sandwich looked and smelled amazing. The soy curls gave the BBQ “meaty” portion of this sandwich a great depth of flavor. It really made the sandwich feel like a sandwich. The coconut bacon was amazing, as smokey, delicious bacon made out of coconut always is. And the slaw and avocado just completed the full affect, adding texture and a bit of cooling deliciousness. The toasted gluten-free bread was done to a golden perfection. And this was all served up with a side of greens, lightly dressed. How amazing.

First bite was love. I shared a piece with Cathy, and she said it was “pretty tasty.” Which means, she liked it but didn’t love it. HA! She was eating deep fried potato tots…of course my healthy and amazing sammie wasn’t going to win out. But to me, this was perfection. It’s a food I can’t get from any of the meager selection of food trucks here in the area, nor anywhere else I have visited…which was the main reason that Juniper was where I wanted to eat. There was no getting around that. I wanted that sandwich before I even left for Hawaii…and before I made it to Portland. And it was everything that I expected. For the record, the coconut bacon tastes like bacon…not coconut. And it is awesome. So, pretty tasty is a total understatement and doesn’t do this cart the justice it deserves for the quality and standard of food that they are putting out. Above all else, one of the best vegan and gluten-free sandwiches I have ever been able to eat. So far above anything else offered anywhere else. Miles above. I love sammies…and this one…was just what I wanted, needed, and ended up devouring. I was so happy it was on the menu when I got to Juniper’s food cart.

If you are in Portland, be sure to make the most out of your stay. Check out all the different varieties of food pods out there…eat at a food cart. But if you have food allergies and food restrictions like I do, head over to Juniper at the food carts on SW 3rd and Washington. If they have it…get the Vegan BBQ Sammie. Trust me…all expectations of any sandwich that is vegan and gluten-free…will be exceded. This was sandwich nirvana for me. I only wish I had been able to go back for another one before leaving town.

I will be back though. And I know where I’m catching a bite.

Juniper's Gluten Free Vegan BBQ Bacon Sandwich — Juniper’s Gluten Free Vegan BBQ Bacon Sandwich

September 9, 2015

Restaurant Review: Tucker & Bevvy Breakfast, Honolulu, Hawaii

Tucker & Bevvy Brealfast, Honolulu, Hawaii

Restaurant: Tucker & Bevvy Breakfast, Honolulu, Hawaii

Hangry.

That was all there was to it. We were all hangry. Our flight out of Kauai to island hop over to O’ahu was the earliest one available. We were up at 4 a.m. Some of us sooner. Some of us without getting much sleep. But between the three of us, we were all just picking at everything.

And the added unseasonable humidity wasn’t helping matters. For me…I was doing okay…but my traveling companions don’t take to the humidity well. So, lack of coffee and food was setting in. But…we made the short hike over to Hee Hing Plaza and climbed the stairs to the second floor. We stepped inside, happy to be in some air conditioning and took a table near the middle of the dining area. A nice waitress came over with glasses of water and menus and explained to us the three new specials that Tucker & Bevvy Breakfast was now offering. After that, she let us ponder what we wanted and returned soon after when we looked ready to order.

Jenn had one question about the pancakes, and when she was given an answer as to what size they were, she ordered up. One single Ricotta Pancake ($4.00) with a side of bacon ($4.00). Cathy went with the House Omelette (bacon, potato, cherry tomato, spinach & parmesan) with Sourdough Toast ($11.50). As for me, I wanted one of the new specials for the menu:

The Smashed Avocado Toast ($9.50) on Gluten Free Toast with a Side of Fresh Fruit ($6.00).

Order in, and we continued to sit there and attempt to wake up. This usually meant that Cathy rambled on about something while Jenn and I pretended to listen or just simply blinked at her. It was one of those mornings. We watched as plates were brought out to fellow diners…all of the food looking amazing. I was ready to get something other than a protein bar in my tummy, that was for sure.

After a bit of a wait…out came some food. Happiness is food arriving at your table when you are hot, tired, and hungry. Jenn’s pancake was fluffy and looked and smelled amazing. The Web site says they serve 100% maple syrup…but she tasted it and shunned it. Not pure maple.

Tucker & Bevvy Breakfast's House Omelette with Sourdough Toast — Tucker & Bevvy Breakfast’s House Omelette with Sourdough Toast

Cathy’s omelet was packed with vegetables. In fact, the entire top layer was vegetables. Inside the egg was the bacon and potatoes. It looked amazing. And, she does love her sourdough toast when we’re out to eat. She’s always stuck with the gluten-free stuff in our apartment due to the kitchen needing to be completely gluten-free (save for her own boxed snacks and cereals). She devoured it.

And my Smashed Avocado Toast was fantastic. I knew this was what I wanted the moment I saw it on the board at the restaurant. It is no secret that avocado and I are BFFs and when smashed over toast…I’m in a happy place. This version of Avocado Toast was made with lemon juice, an Egyptian spice blend, and toasted pistachios on top. The pistachios were a nice touch, and one I never would have thought of. But…lo and behold…it totally changed my idea of Avocado Toast. This was amazing. It was love at first bite…all the way down to the last bite. Because, yes…I ate it ALL! ALL of it. Completely all of it. And the big bowl of fresh fruit as well. The fruit was fresh and ripe and sweet…and I didn’t need it, but damn, it tasted good. Bananas, strawberries, blueberries and grapes. That’s the good breakfast life.

We all pretty much ate what was put in front of us. Cathy ate most of hers. She almost had all the eggs gone and left two of the slices of bread.

In the end, we were happy with the fact that we now had delicious food in our stomachs. It was an unexpected breakfast stop, but well worth it. I am forever dressing up my avocado toast with toasted pistachios. I mean…HELLO! Mind blown. Culinary eyes opened. Heck yeah…LOVE.

So, while Tucker & Bevvy was a spur-of-the-moment choice so the three of us didn’t claw each other’s eyes out…our hanger pains were tamed by the delicious breakfast foods at Tucker & Bevvy. Seriously, I’d go back for that toast in a heartbeat. Breakfast is love…and this was true love.

Gluten Free Avocado Toast with a Side of Fresh Fruit

August 14, 2015August 17, 2015

Product Review: Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread

Product: Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread – $4.99+

You know…I’ve been searching for the newer additions to the Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery bread selection since they were first introduced back in early 2014. But, it seems that no store in the Louisville area carries anything apart from the traditional three: White, Multigrain, and Cinnamon Raisin. That is all I can ever find around here.

So, imagine my delight upon a stop at my favorite Columbus, Ohio, store – Raisin Rack, and spotting the two missing pieces of my Rudi’s Gluten Free bread dilemma. I could only afford 1 loaf this time around, and after a little back and forth with the roomie, we decided on the Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread.

And no soon had I transported it home and put it in my freezer…it was back out again. I’ve been spending a lot of time out on the road, and to save money, and time (because fast food is not exactly easy for a gluten-free vegetarian)…I’ve been packing peanut butter & jelly sandwiches to eat for dinner. Yep. That’s how I roll. And while I had two slices of a previous, regular Rudi’s Gluten Free White Bread loaf in my freezer, I delegated that for my roommate’s sammie while I went ahead and tried the Deli-Style.

I can’t say the overall appearance of the Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread looks much different from the other varieties on the market. It doesn’t. BUT…my blonde self (haha!) didn’t quite register that this was a loaf of bread that was definitely geared more toward delicatessen-style sandwiches…like…those with meat in them. And since I don’t eat meat…not exactly a bread that would normally find its way into my freezer. Nope. That didn’t register at all. So, here I was, making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the Deli-Style bread, not even considering that this bread was made to be like a rye bread and that the caraway seeds might add an aromatic anise-like flavor. I just thought it was like the sprouted seeded bread I had been eating recently.

So, you can imagine my extreme surprise when I unwrapped my peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread…and took a bite. NOT A GOOD TASTE!! Nope. The bread definitely had that rye and anise flavor to it, which is all fine and good with a savory sandwich…but peanut butter and jelly is anything but a savory sandwich. This combination did not work at all. I somehow managed to finish off the sandwich regardless…but I was…beyond disappointed.

And then…I remembered one of my favorite foods in life to dine on is avocado toast. And while the Rudi’s Gluten Free Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread was an awful match for PB&J…it was a delightful flavor enhancer for the avocado toast I often toast up for breakfast…and sometimes dinner. When I toasted up this bread and mashed an avocado over it, seasoning it with a hit of bereber…that was so much better. To me, I think when I saw Deli-Style, I was thinking size of the bread. The caraway seed part didn’t even register. So, after an initial taste that went…not so well, the next few times I ate this bread, I ate it in a savory way…and it tasted perfect. The hit of dilliness with the caraway seeds perfectly complimented the avocado and seasoning…and for that, my confidence in this bread was back. So, if you are a fan of rye bread, Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery is bringing it to you…and you can have it back in your life with their Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread. My one compliant (as is the case with most gluten-free breads) is that some of the slices had some pretty massive holes in them. Sad face.

Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery prides itself on using real ingredients…so it is no surprise that this holds true for their Gluten Free Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread. This bread is made from water, potato extract, tapioca starch, rice flour, high oleic canola/sunflower oil, inulin, rice starch, psyllium husk, egg white, yeast, sea salt, caraway seeds, xanthan gum, ground caraway seeds, vinegar, sodium bicarbonate, and natural enzymes. It is non-GMO, soy-free, dairy-free, nut-free, kosher, and contains no high-fructose corn syrup.

As far as nutritional information goes, the Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread looks amazing in print. The serving size is 1 slice of bread. This slice will provide you with 70 calories, 0 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 170 mg sodium, 16 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar, and 1 gram protein. It isn’t a very filling bread, a common problem with gluten-free breads…but it sure is delicious. Pair it with the right thing, and you have a very filling breakfast, lunch or dinner.

So, at first bite, I was not in love with the Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread. Not at all. But I had paired it wrong due to not fully understanding what deli-style bread was all about. Once I figured it out and paired it with the right sort of topping and filling, that was where I learned to enjoy it. It’s all about the food you pair with it. Not recommended for PB & J or something like a french toast…but for any sort of savory sandwich…or even a grilled cheese, it just might work better. So, if you love rye bread, this one is perfect for you.

The ill-conceived Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich made on Rudi's Gluten Free Bakery Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread (note you can see the seeds!) — The ill-conceived Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich made on Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery Deli-Style with Caraway Seeds Bread (note you can see the seeds!)

August 10, 2015

Product Review: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread

Product: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread – $5.99+

I have a bone to pick with gluten free breads. I really do. They are either stiff and crumbly, or they are full of holes. Nevermind just outward appearance, so often, these products are either packed full of fillers or they are made with real ingredients but have no actual nutritional value to them.

When I first had to go gluten free four years ago…I gave up bread. Gluten free breads were too expensive to even factor into my budget. I convinced myself that I wouldn’t miss it anyway. But…sometimes a gluten free sandwich just sounds amazing. So, after about half a year of no bread at all…I gave in and started eating Udi’s…then Rudi’s…and now I’ve tried Aldi’s liveGfree brand and Canyon bakehouse. All the while, another brand was staring at me from the grocer’s freezer…but I paid it no heed. The brand: Food For Life.

I don’t know how or why I continued to overlook this brand…but I have been shown the error of my ways. I was fortunate enough to be sent one loaf of each of the Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads from Food For Life. These loaves come in Original 3 Seed, Almond, Cinnamon Raisin, and Flax.

As an athlete, active every day in some way, shape or form, it’s important to properly fuel my body and eat wholesome foods. Most products on the market for the gluten-free diet happen to be junk food. It drives me nuts. I hit that gluten-free section of a store and I can find a vast array of cookies, crackers, chips, pretzels, and the like. It is one of the biggest pet peeves of the grocery store. Yes, a lot of people with Celiac and gluten intolerance do miss out on some of the finer treats like Oreos and the like, but the shelves are literally overrun with products that aren’t going to feed your body right and healthy.

But Food For Life set out to change that. Through a lot of research and development, Food For Life released the first ever gluten free breads made from sprouted grains, such as quinoa, millet and chia. A majority of gluten-free breads, while satisfying the “gluten free” bread requirement, don’t address the overall health needs of consumers. Without the gluten to give bread the soft, elasticity of regular breads, most manufacturers choose alternative ingredients that mimic the feel of gluten, using egg, milk, and refined starches in order to achieve a softer and chewier texture. But these breads are created from ingredients that you wouldn’t expect to find in natural breads, many of which are devoid of nutrients.

Food For Life stepped up and decided to start a line with four varieties of completely gluten-free breads that were specifically created with the health of consumers in mind. Not only are they gluten free, but they are also vegan and made from nutrition packed ingredients that have been sprouted to maximize nutrition and digestibility.

I have already blogged about the Flax and Almond varieties…so now…the latest from my freezer: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread!

One of my most favorite things to devour for breakfast these days is avocado toast. It’s simple…but delicious…and packed with healthy fats and nutrients. Avocados are one of my favorite fruits in life right now. And I use it often and in various ways. But…simply mashed across a slice (or two) of toast is one of my most favorite ways…with a touch of bereber seasoning or salt or lemon pepper…whatever strikes my fancy. And, as I discovered, the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free breads are perfect vehicles for such cravings. The bread, when thawed, still is a bit stiff and not soft and moist like the likes of liveGfree and Canyon Bakehouse. And a little more substantial (and definitely lacking the holes) that you’d find with Udi’s or Rudi’s. This means these slices of bread are going to hold up to whatever you decide to sandwich between them…or pile onto them.

The Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread is just as fantastic and perfect for whatever your bread craving might be as the two flavors I have tried before. This particular variety was specifically developed using three (3) super seeds that benefit you throughout the day by helping your body perform at its best. What are they, you may ask? Chia, Quinoa, and Millet!

So, I let the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread thaw on the counter overnight. Then, the following morning, after my spin class, I returned home hungry and ready for a nutritious, healthy breakfast. I placed each slice of bread on a baking sheet and then stuck it in the oven while I went to go shower. This was not left unattended. My roommate was awake at this point…so no safety concerns, I promise. I get done with my shower and dressed just as the bread is finishing up in the oven. Perfect timing. I pull it out and get an avocado ready to slice and mash onto the surface of each slice of bread. I loved how this bread smelled…like fresh baked. Really. The aroma just filled my kitchen. Love it when seeds incorporated into the bread toast up and get that rich aroma to them. Ahhhh…refreshing. So, I plated each piece of toast, mashed the avocado on top, seasoned my roomie’s with lemon pepper and mine with bereber…and breakfast was served, with a side of sauteed cheery tomatoes. YUMMY!

This bread is hearty, dense, and the perfect base for a breakfast like this. It works well as a sandwich bread, too, of course. I used it for grilled cheese that very night. But, there is just something about this bread that I could doctor up all day. Rub it down with garlic…top it off with butter, garlic and seasoning…perfect garlic toast. I could make it into a pizza. I could do a lot of things with it, but the very nature that this bread is incredibly perfect to hold a simple smashed avocado and still taste amazing…speaks volumes about this simple, healthy, and amazing loaf. I am beyond wowed by the flavor and texture that this bread delivers. It is definitely best toasted…but would work even without that added step.

I’m hooked.

So, the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Three Original 3 Seed Bread is made from simple, natural, and healthy ingredients. These include organic sprouted quinoa (red and/or white), filtered water, organic arrowroot, organic potato starch, organic sprouted millet, organic tapioca, organic applesauce, fresh yeast, organic safflower oil, organic cactus, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic agave, organic vanilla, sea salt, vegetable gum (xanthan, cellulose), and organic psyllium. This bread is high in fiber, vegan, gluten-free, and made with sprouted grains of goodness.

So let’s discuss the nutritional information for the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread. Since studying nutrition, first in a basic and now an advanced course, I have learned that there is more to counting calories. Sure, it is important, but it shouldn’t be the focus. It’s all about the nutritional aspects of the food. Avocados are high in fat and calories…but SO much better for you than that chocolate bar with the same amount of fat and calories. See what I mean? A serving size is one (1) slice. In this serving, you will be provided with 110 calories, 2 grams of fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 120 mg sodium, 20 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 0 grams sugars, and 2 grams of protein. I was freaked out at first with the high calories per slice, but, again, not all calories are created equal and there is nothing fake going into this bread. It’s all healthy, all good, all nutritious. Making this a fantastic choice.

This past weekend, when I was visiting Columbus, Ohio, I spotted the four (4) different varieties of this bread in the freezer section of the local natural food store, Raisin Rack. I try to go shopping there every time I’m in Columbus because I can find things I normally can’t find here in Louisville. I noticed that these breads were priced at around $10.49 there. For ONE loaf of bread. So, it can be expensive, but I’ve found it at Whole Foods for $5.99. Price shop.

Trust me, this bread is totally worth it. Nutrition and ingredients are two things I key in on, and this bread tops the charts in both. I am beyond impressed, for sure. I will always find a space in my budget and in my freezer for the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads. And if you really want a good base to work with…the Original 3 Seed is the way to go. Total yum!

Avocado Toast made with Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Original 3 Seed Bread

July 21, 2015August 6, 2015

Product Review: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread

Product: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread – $5.99+

Sometimes a product you never thought about trying serves you up a good reason to keep getting it. And if anything, that is exactly the experience I had with the new line of Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads from Food For Life. In particular, the gluten free Almond Bread has really struck a chord with me.

I can’t explain it.

It wasn’t too long ago that I was introduced to a couple of new breads on the market. While the brand name has been producing gluten-free breads for awhile now, it wasn’t a brand that I actively sought out. Yes, I saw it all the time in the freezer section of Whole Foods and other natural food stores, but I had grown accustomed to snagging Rudi’s or Udi’s or (now) the Aldi liveGfree brand or Canyon Bakehouse. Food For Life was there…I just always overlooked it.

And why?

Who knows? As an active (even now, with an on-the-mend injury) athlete, it’s important to properly fuel my body and eat wholesome foods. Most products on the market for the gluten-free diet happen to be junk food. It drives me nuts. I hit that gluten-free section of a store and I can find a vast array of cookies, crackers, chips, pretzels, and the like. It is one of the biggest pet peeves of the grocery store. Yes, a lot of people with Celiac and gluten intolerance do miss out on some of the finer treats like Oreos and the like, but the shelves are literally overrun with products that aren’t going to feed your body right and healthy.

I was fortunate enough to be sent one loaf of each of the Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads from Food For Life. These loaves come in Original 3 Seed, Almond, Cinnamon Raisin, and Flax.

This past week, I decided to reach into the freezer and pull out the loaf of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread. Why? Because I was about to make something sweet and savory, and somehow the thought of bread with a hint of almond flavoring just sounded like it would pair well. I mean, do I really need a reason? You see, I was serving this up as a side dish to my Mexican Corn Dip. I had vegan Kite Hill Ricotta Cheese in my fridge and a jar of fig preserves from Charleston, South Carolina. It was an odd side to have with the corn dip, but it actually worked out really well.

I simply preheated the oven and placed two slices of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread on the baking sheet. Into the oven it went to get a nice toast on it. When it was perfectly toasted, I removed the slices from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, each slice got a schmear of the Kite Hill Vegan Ricotta and then a dollop of the Charleston fig jam. I plated each slice with the corn salsa and dinner was strange…but served.

One bite, and I knew I was in love with this bread. For real! The Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread had the most amazing flavor that I have tasted in bread in a long time. I was blown away with the slight hint of sweetness, making it the ideal vehicle for this spread of ricotta and jam that I topped it off. It was heaven. But this bread doesn’t have to be limited strictly to sweet spreads. In fact, this morning I slathered two slices of it with mashed avocado and it was divine. Honestly, the pairing of the sweet, nutty almonds makes this bread beyond amazing. It makes it a nutritious powerhouse too. The slight nutty flavor compliments anything that you could think to top it off with. I have been impressed each time I have used this bread out of my freezer. And, yes…it was delicious as a grilled cheese sandwich as well. In fact, the nutty flavor with the vegan cheese that I put in my sandwich meshed so well. Delicious any way you slice or slather it. It’s fantastic.

Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread is made with organic almonds for extra flavor, nutrition and to help aid in blood glucose regulation. This bread is specifically developed to help keep you on the go and perform at your best. When you toast it…that rich nutty flavor is released and it is awesome.

So, what all goes into the making of Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread? Well, it’s simple. It really is. This bread is made from organic sprouted quinoa (red and/or white), filtered water, organic arrowroot, organic potato starch, organic sprouted millet, organic tapioca, organic applesauce, fresh yeast, organic almond meal, organic safflower oil, organic cactus, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic agave, organic vanilla, sea salt, vegetable gum (xanthan, cellulose), and organic psyllium. Made with sprouted chia, sprouted quinoa, and sprouted millet, this bread is a trio of health. Not only is it made with sprouted grains (which are SO good for you!), it is also vegan, gluten-free, and high in fiber. It is so rare for a gluten free bread to be high in fiber. This is a welcome addition to my freezer.

So let’s discuss the nutritional information for the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread. Since passing my final exam in personal nutrition for the nutrition course I was taking and moving on to the advanced nutrition,my nutrition course, I have learned that there is more to counting calories. Sure, it is important, but it shouldn’t be the focus. It’s all about the nutritional aspects of the food. Avocados are high in fat and calories…but SO much better for you than that chocolate bar with the same amount of fat and calories. See what I mean? A serving size is one (1) slice. In this serving, you will be provided with 110 calories, 3 grams of fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 110 mg sodium, 19 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, and 2 grams of protein. I was freaked out at first with the high calories per slice, but, again, not all calories are created equal and there is nothing fake going into this bread. It’s all healthy, all good, all nutritious. Making this a fantastic choice.

I used to turn my nose up at the Food For Life breads due to the high calories, but I have learned a lot about nutrition since then, and it turns out this is one of the best, nutrition-wise, gluten free breads on the market. If you love a hint of nutty sweetness in your bread, I highly, highly recommend the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread. It was truly love at first bite. A bit of a surprise, but this is, by far, one of my favorite gluten-free breads I have ever tasted. I was very fortunate to be sent these loaves. I spotted them in Whole Foods the other day. I’m going to be well stocked for the future.

Vegan Ricotta and Charleston Fig Jam on top of toasted slices of Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread

July 14, 2015

Product Review: Neat – A Healthy Replacement For Meat Italian Mix

Product: Neat – A Healthy Replacement for Meat Italian Mix – $4.99+

I am so glad that Neat exists in the world. I really, really am. Because, it is sometimes hard to find a good protein base when you are not only a vegetarian (or perhaps a vegan), but also gluten-free. Trust me…the struggle is real…FOR REAL!! Most of the vegetarian/vegan faux-meat products out on the market have some sort of vital wheat gluten or glutenous substance inside (for texture purposes, I’ve been told). I don’t need faux-meat in my life, but sometimes it’s nice to step away from the mushrooms and whatever else I get creative with and use something that is already prepared.

And that…brings me to Neat – A Healthy Replacement for Meat. Ever since I became a subscriber to Delight Gluten Free magazine I noticed ads for this vegan meat replacement called Neat. I was beyond intrigued and immediately went on the hunt in my local natural food stores. Sadly, but not surprisingly, no one in my area carried this product. At least not yet. I said I’d get online and see if I could order it, but, naturally, I forgot to do that. Story of my life. But after a pouch of the Mexican Mix turned up on my Cuisine Cube, I started finding it on the shelves of my local Kroger stores, my natural food stores. I was getting Neat where I could purchase it when I suddenly decided to make something spontaneous for dinner.

YAY!

So, what exactly is Neat? Neat is a meat replacement that is derived from nuts and other non-GMO natural ingredients. It is a product that was created by a mother of two children who decided that they were going to become vegetarians. At first she would puree beans into sauces to help her girls get the protein they wanted, but after awhile, everyone got tired of it. And that was when she got into the kitchen, experimented, and created what is now marketed at Neat.

Neat comes in this shelf-stable pouch in a powdered form. All you do to prepare it is pour the pouch into a bowl, add two eggs (or a vegan egg replacer), plus two tablespoons of water. Stir all the ingredients together and throw it into a skillet over medium heat. Or…if you happen to have the Italian Mix and want to make meatballs…well…you just change it up a little.

I wanted meatballs to make vegan meatball subs and some vegan spaghetti and meatballs for lunch the following day at the office. SO…I took the mix from the pouch and poured it into a bowl, adding 1 egg, about 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast (although now I think I should have gone for the full 1/3 cup (which was the amount of Parmesan cheese the recipe said to add), and 1 tablespoon of water and gave it a mix. Then, with clean hands, I ended up rolling 12 meatballs (you normally would do 8 larger meatballs, but I had multiple meals planned for these…this way my roommate and I each got 3 in each dish I prepared). Then, into an oven at 350°F for about 18 minutes, turning them over once. That simple.

Near the end of their cooking time, I began warming up some marinara sauce on the stove. And when these meatballs came out of the oven, into the sauce they went. I gave the sauce a stir and just coated the meatballs the best I could. I was using an open jar of sauce, so I had a little less than I wanted, but I figured the entire point of the meatball sub was the meatball itself. So…with any luck, I didn’t screw those up. Into the gluten-free hotdog buns they went (no one around here seems to carry the Schär Gluten Free Sub Rolls anymore). I topped them with a bit of the sauce, then some Daiya mozzarella style shreds then placed them back in the oven under the broiler for about a minute to get the vegan cheese as gooey as I could manage.

Then…dinner was served.

Given that this was my first attempt at the “neatballs,” I was quite happy with them. As I said, I should have done a perfect swap for the Parmesan cheese with the nutritional yeast, but I didn’t want to overkill it. My oven is old, so I set it a little higher in temp, and baked these for the full 18 minutes, instead of maybe just 15…so they were slightly dry, but the texture was very meaty and very dense, like a meatball should be. I thought these were amazing in both the subs and the pasta I cooked up for the following work day. While I might have overcooked them slightly, it didn’t make me dislike what emerged from the oven and saucepan. I loved biting into a vegetarian meatball sub and having it feel like I was actually eating a sub. That was a nice treat. I loved forming these meatballs to cook, because it’s like making it yourself instead of pulling them from the freezer (for the record, I know of only 2 kinds of vegan/gluten-free meatballs…Franklin Farms (which I can’t find anymore) and Beyond Meat (which I haven’t found here) which are both kept in the fridge/freezer. So, this was a bit more rustic and a bit more like you were putting in the work yourself to make the protein base for your meal. It was messy, but quite fun and quite satisfying.

Let’s first delve into the nitty-gritty ingredients and nutrition of Neat – A Healthy Replacement For Meat Italian Mix. The Italian Mix version of Neat is made from pecans, garbanzo beans, organic whole grain gluten free oats, garlic, onion, sea salt, and spices. So, where this is meat-free and dairy-free, and also gluten-free…it is NOT nut-free. So, if you have a nut allergy…this product is not for you.

As for nutrition, a serving of Neat Italian Mix is 40 grams and each pouch contains 4 servings. This serving will give you 190 calories, and 15 grams of fat (healthy fat as it is coming from beans and nuts), 1.5 grams saturated fat, 218 mg sodium, 12 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, and 4 grams protein. These meatballs will fill you up. Seriously. I really appreciate when a faux protein is made with filling, real foods that won’t leave me feeling hungry an hour or so later. Trust me, that isn’t a problem with Neat.

I am so in love with the two mixes I have picked up from Neat – A Healthy Replacement to Meat. I still have the Breakfast Mix and the Original Mix to try so I’ll be picking those up soon. They also make an Egg Replacer as well, which I’d love to try. So far, there isn’t anything bad I can say about Neat. So, if you haven’t tried it and you, perhaps, have been missing your spaghetti and meatballs or meatball subs…you gotta try this!! Order online if you can’t find it in your stores. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Spaghetti & Neatballs and Neatball Sub made with Neat - A Healthy Replacement for Meat Italian Mix — Spaghetti & Neatballs and Neatball Sub made with Neat – A Healthy Replacement for Meat Italian Mix

June 26, 2015

Product Review: Field Roast Original Grain Meat Co. Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices

Field Roast The Original Grain Meat Co Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices — Field Roast Original Grain Meat Co Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices

Product: Field Roast Original Grain Meat Co. Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices – $4.99+

I had another “ah-ha!” moment in Whole Foods a few weeks ago. While perusing the vegan cheeses and trying to convince myself not to just settle on another inadequate sliced vegan cheese that just stays a hard lump of…whatever vegan stuff it is made out of…I decided that the next time I needed cheese for my infamous grilled cheese sammies, I was going to get something new. Try something different. Maybe get better results instead of toasted bread with a warm slice of cheese that didn’t melt stuck in the middle.

One could hope.

Here is where not being able to tolerate much dairy is a downfall. Vegan cheese…it just doesn’t melt like the real stuff. But if I eat the real stuff, my stomach hates me for hours and hours. So, I do what is best for me. I get the cheese that doesn’t get creamy and gooey and stretchy when I pull my cheese slices apart. You know, for the sake of my health…it’s the sacrifice I have made.

But it doesn’t mean I’m not disappointed.

So, while I had spotted some new vegan cheese slices at Whole Foods one weekend while grocery shopping, these made by the Field Roast Original Grain meat Co., I was hesitant to take the leap and to actually purchase them. So…I stared longingly at them for the next few weeks until…my roommate surprised me by buying them for me. With them now in my clutches…and safely in my fridge, it was time to bust out some soup and sandwiches for sure! And this past Sunday was the perfect day to do just that.

After a long day on Saturday of hitting up the Farmer’s Market and getting absolutely soaked…before seeing Jurassic World for the second time (we wanted to see Inside Out, but it was sold out) and then hitting up our local professional soccer team match (we are season ticket holders), Sunday was a pretty easy day. Hit the gym in the morning, saw Inside Out, finished grocery shopping, did some meal prep for the week, remembered I was heading out of town in the middle of the week, then cooked up a quick soup and made my infamous grilled cheese sandwich (or…as I call it…toasted cheese!) to go with it.

My roomie had picked up the Field Roast Original Grain Meat Co. Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices at Whole Foods as my surprise. She knows I love a bit of spice in everything I eat. So, she chose wisely, for sure! These slices of cheese are a rich and deep orange with speckles of green and red throughout it. They looked amazing and actually felt like the real cheese slices that go atop her grilled cheese sandwich. I used my Earth Balance spread and buttered up each slice of bread before placing it on the griddle and topping each slice with a piece of cheese, real for her, and one of the Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices for me. The other slice of bread topped off the sandwich and I was toasting away to a perfect golden brown.

At the start of the grilling process, I noticed that, like with every vegan cheese I have put on a sandwich, the edges weren’t melting. “Here we go, another warmed through slice of cheese that doesn’t really melt.” I was actually feeling let down…betrayed once again by the non-dairy options that are left to people like me. I flipped the sandwiches over, watching the real cheese melt to a perfect stretchy-gooeyness in my roommate’s sandwich. I placed the soup in bowls and got out plates for the sandwiches. I got my roommate’s done first, slicing it in half and carrying her dinner over to her to start feasting on while we polished off another episode of Friends. I went to retrieve mine, slicing it into little triangles and realizing, that despite those corners, the inside was melted. It was warm and melty-gooey. Almost stretchy gooey, but not there. But melty-gooey was a definite improvement.

But the true test would come with the taste. So many vegan cheeses taste like…plastic. Or in the case of Daiya…it tastes like Daiya, which isn’t a bad thing, it just is very distinctive. I have to say, I was surprised when I took my first bite of my toasted cheese that was stuffed with a slice of the Field Roast Original Gran Meat Co. Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese. I mean, honestly surprised. No plastic flavor. No fake taste at all. Just a creamy, rich, smooth melted bit of cheese. Forget the unmelted corners of the cheese, the inside of the sandwich is really what counts, and what I found was a delicious, melted center. Something I hadn’t experienced since giving up dairy. The cheese itself was rich in flavor. I could taste the subtle tomato flavor with the hit of spicy cayenne. The green flecks…those are dried bell peppers…and they add a nice touch of sweetness to this cheese as well. I was completely, 100% in love with this cheese. I forgot what melted cheese in a sandwich was like. Now…I was in complete melted cheese heaven…with a flavor kick to boot. One that I could actually taste (Go Veggie Slices, I’m looking at you!)…one that actually tasted real. You don’t know true bliss until you get a vegan grilled cheese that has melted cheese inside. Truly.

Field Roast’s Chao cheese slices are the newest memeber of their vegan food lineup. This cheese is made from a coconut cheese alternative and seasned with a traditionally fermented soybean cured called Chao by the Vietnamese. Hence…the name. As Field Roast loves blending Asian and European heritages, the cheese is a perfect fit.

So what is the Field Roast Original Grain Meat Co. Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices made from? Good question. I’m going to tell you. These slices of cheesy goodness are produced with filtered water, coconut oil, modified corn and potato starch, tomato juice, potato starch, fermented chao tofu (soybeans, water, salt, sesame oil, calcium sulfate), sea salt, green and red dried bell peppers, cayenne pepper, natural flavor, olive extract (antioxidant used as a preservative), paprika extract and beta carotene. These slices are free vegan, non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten free, cholesterol free, and free of trans-fats.

As for nutrition, I loved these stats. A serving size is one slice and there are 10 slices per package. One slice will serve up 60 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 4 grams saturated fat (remember…coconut based), 180 mg sodium, 4 carbohydrates, no fiber, no sugars, and no protein. So, not filling…but tasty!!

Definitely going to have to try more of the Field Roast Grain Meat Co Chao Vegan Cheese Slices in the future. These cheese alternatives come in three flavors: Tomato Cayenne, Creamy Original, and Coconut Herb. Yes…I really want to try them all! What a great find!

Gluten Free & Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich using Field Roast Original Grain Meat Co. Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices

June 14, 2015

Product Review: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread

Product: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread – $5.99+

A little while ago, I was introduced to a couple of new breads on the market. While the brand name has been producing gluten-free breads for awhile now, it wasn’t a brand that I actively sought out. Yes, I saw it all the time in the freezer section of Whole Foods and other natural food stores, but I had grown accustomed to snagging Rudi’s or Udi’s or (now) the Aldi liveGfree brand or Canyon Bakehouse. Food For Life was there…I just always overlooked it.

And why?

Who knows? As an active (even now, with an injury) athlete, it’s important to properly fuel my body and eat wholesome foods. Most products on the market for the gluten-free diet happen to be junk food. It drives me nuts. I hit that gluten-free section of a store and I can find a vast array of cookies, crackers, chips, pretzels, and the like. It is one of the biggest pet peeves of the grocery store. Yes, a lot of people with Celiac and gluten intolerance do miss out on some of the finer treats like Oreos and the like, but the shelves are literally overrun with products that aren’t going to feed your body right and healthy.

I was fortunate enough to be sent one loaf of each of the Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads from Food For Life. These loaves come in Original 3 Seed, Almond, Cinnamon Raisin, and Flax.

The hardest part, for me, was choosing where to begin. It had been a long and tiring week and I was looking for a nutritious, but filling dinner. And, as breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day, I decided to hit up one of my favorite recipes and have breakfast for dinner. Hence, it was time to bust out a very British, and all-time favorite in my book, breakfast recipe – Mushrooms On Toast.

And I had the perfect vehicle for the toast portion in my kitchen freezer. I consulted with my roommate and we decided to start with the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread.

I thawed out four slices of the bread and then prepped them to toast in the oven while I prepared the rest of the meal. This involved sauteing up mushrooms, red onion, garlic, seasoning, and some of my homegrown fresh thyme. I made it creamier with rice milk. And then poached some eggs to top off the entire dish.

Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread turned out to be the perfect vehicle for Mushrooms On Toast. The bread is firmer, and stands up a bit more to toppings and the like. I was a bit worried when I thawed it out, as it seemed really dense and heavy, but that was ideal. That was, actually, a good thing in this case. The Flax variety of the Sprouted For Life line of gluten-free breads is amazing. It is dense and has this rich nutty flavor to it. The texture, if made into a sandwich might be a bit dry and heafty, but in a dish like this, where a sturdy bread is needed, it is ideal. In fact, this bread was almost like a sourdough, and that was where the magic was with this bread.

I loved the crunchy, sturdy nature of the bread when topped off with the creamy garlic and mushroom sauce. It held up to the runny middle of the poached egg and even a smattering of hot sauce. It was crispy, and delightful with each spoonful. Seriously, any other bread would have gotten damp and soggy, but this…this held up and stayed a piece of toast throughout the entire eating process.

Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread is rich in essential fatty acids and was developed specifically to help you perform at your best. With a great balance in the nutritional aspect, this bread is quite appealing. Made with sprouted chia, sprouted quinoa, and sprouted millet, this bread is a trio of health. And the flax is an added bonus for sure.

Let’s talk about ingredients. Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread is made from organic sprouted quinoa (red and/or white), filtered water, organic arrowroot, organic potato starch, organic sprouted millet, organic tapioca, organic sprouted flax, organic applesauce, fresh yeast, organic safflower oil, organic cactus, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic agave, organic vanilla, sea salt, vegetable gum (xanthan and cellulose), and organic psyllium. It is gluten-free, vegan, high in fiber, cholesterol free, and free of added sugars.

So, let’s talk nutrition. Since starting my nutrition course (oh…did I not mention that yet?), I have learned that there is more to counting calories. Sure, it is important, but it shouldn’t be the focus. It’s all about the nutritional aspects of the food. Avocados are high in fat and calories…but SO much better for you than that chocolate bar with the same amount of fat and calories. See what I mean? So, a serving of Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread is one slice of bread. This slice of bread will give you 110 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. This bread is free of saturated fat and trans fat (YAY!). The Flax Bread also will provide 115 mg sodium per slice, 0 mg cholesterol, 21 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. I was freaked out at first with the high calories per slice, but, again, not all calories are created equal and there is nothing fake going into this bread. It’s all healthy, all good, all nutritious. Making this a fantastic choice.

I was so excited to receive the loaves of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads. And if they are all as amazing and delicious as the Flax variety, then I am in for a treat for sure. My hat is off to the nutritional value, the top-notch ingredients, and the amazing taste of the new Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread from Food For Life. My only complaint, as with most gluten-free breads out there, is the small size of the loaf. Aside from that…amazed. Happy to have been given the opportunity to really try it out. I am beyond impressed.

Garlic Mushrooms on Toast made with Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread — Garlic Mushrooms on Toast made with Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Brea

April 14, 2015

Product Review: Nuttzo Original Crunchy Seven Nut & Seed Butter

Product: Nuttzo Original Crunchy Seven Nut & Seed Butter – $12.99+

When it comes to food, nothing completes me more than any sort of nut butter. Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter (technically, not a nut butter…but close enough!), etc. I love them. Give me any flavor (add in honey, chocolate, coconut) too. I love it. It is, perhaps, my ultimate comfort and snack food. When I’m stressed out, I just want a spoon and the nearest container of peanut butter. No joke.

For awhile now, I’ve noticed and heard of a brand of nut butter that contains seven different nuts and seeds. Needless to say, I knew a few people who swore by this stuff. Loved this stuff. And…as chance would have it…I found this stuff at my local Whole Foods Market.

Problem…it was between $12.99 – $17.99 a jar. And, as much as I love nut butters…even I couldn’t justify spending that much on a simple (seven variety) peanut butter. As much as it intrigued me.

Until…it went on sale. Granted, the original crunchy is in the lower end ($12.99) regular price, but it was on sale for $9.99 one day I was in Whole Foods. I still have money on a gift card I received for Christmas (best gift ever!), so I figured…why not? I wouldn’t find it any cheaper. I made my purchase and never felt one iota of remorse. YAY! Expensive peanut butter. Now I’m living large.

So what is it about Nuttzo? Nuttzo is a gourmet nut and seed butter that, each variety, contains seven different nuts and seeds. It is billed as the healthiest and most unique super-butter on the planet. They have three different flavors…available in the crunchy and smooth varieties: original, power fuel with chia, and Peruvian dark chocolate. Said to be, perhaps, the next big next big thing in nut butter. They are easy to spot too…standing upside down on the shelf. Why upside down? Because they are a little “nuttzo.” Heh. Actually, it’s because all the oils that naturally separate in natural peanut butters will now be at the bottom of the jar and not the top. Open it without the mess. YAY! All of the Nuttzo flavors and products are 100% organic, contain no added sugars or oils, are high in healthy fats and protein, contain flax in every flavor for your daily Omega 3 ALA’s, are gluten-free certified, non-GMO certified, and kosher certified.

I love it already. Good to know there are ways for a gluten-free. dairy-free, vegetarian to get those important Omega 3’s.

So, while the price had me doubting my purchase…on Sunday, I needed a light lunch (as I had made an epic breakfast and would be making an epic dinner!), so my roommate suggested open face peanut butter sandwiches. I said, “Should we try the expensive peanut butter?” She said that it had to happen sometime. So…down from the top shelf of the pantry my jar of Nuttzo Original Crunchy Seven Nut & Seed Butter came. I flipped the jar over, opened it up, looked inside and the chunky, nutty and seedy goodness, and gave it a swirl. I doled up spoonfuls for my roomie and I to “sample” while I put a schmear of it on two pieces of gluten-free toast.

My roomie thought the honey I was going to drizzle on top would make it better. Me…I was quite happy with all the different things going on in the Nuttzo. I love smooth peanut butter, but chunky peanut butter…that’s another level. And this…this is the supreme being…the god of all crunchy and chunky nut butters. You actually have, swimming in this smooth sea of nutty goodness, chunks of cashews and peanuts and the other nuts (which I will get to), not to mention flax seeds and sunflower seeds, just adding to the texture. Happy day. I loved it straight off the spoon. I loved it spread across a toasted slice of gluten-free bread. I loved it driizzled with honey. The only thing I don’t love about it is the steep price tag. But with all those expensive nuts and seeds inside…I can see why that’s the case. It just means that if I decide to splurge on nut butter…it will happen only once or twice a year. This stuff is fantastic…but it is pricey. Like…I could buy 13 individual cups of Greek yogurt for the price of one jar of this nut butter. Is it worth it…yeah. I think it is. I mean, what’s not to love about something that excites your palate and is smooth and chunky and gritty and rich and tasty and just everything you want from a nut butter all in one? Absolute nothing. Except Nuttzo.

Granted…I have a great Vitamix now. I can probably make this myself for a lot less…but sometimes…convenience wins out.

Let’s talk about ingredients, shall we? With nut butters you usually have 1 to 2 ingredients. Well, if you buy organic and natural, like I do. This is that…but loaded with nuts and seeds. In fact, the Nuttzo Original Crunchy Seven Nut & Seed Butter is made up of organic peanuts, organic cashews, organic almonds, organic flax seeds, organic brazil nuts, organic hazelnuts, organic sunflower seeds, sea salt. LOTS of flavorful nuts and seeds…all that give it this fantastic flavor, sweetness, and texture. All without adding unnecessary things like sugar. LOVE!!

As far as nutrition information goes, this is one very super-nutritious, high protein, amazing nut butter. One serving, of the Nuttzo Original Crunchy Seven Nut & Seed Butter is 2 tablespoons. This serving will provide you with 180 calories, 16 grams (healthy) fat, 70 mg sodium, 7 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram sugar, 3 grams fiber, and 7 grams of protein. Like I said…powerhouse. This nut butter, for someone with my dietary restrictions, is definitely worth the cost. Heck, it’s worth it’s weight in gold!!

Love comes in so many different forms. When you’re an athlete with food allergies, sometimes love is as simple as a jar of expensive nut butter called Nuttzo. I might be “Nuttzo” for being willing to pay for said nut and seed butter, but this gives me so many nutrients in just a serving that I think it’s worth it. Bought it on a whim, scoffed a little at the price, loved it when I tried it…now…completely obsessed. It’s hidden so I just don’t take a spoon and eat the entire jar. Because, trust me, it would happen.