Snacks – Page 25 – The Celiathlete

October 27, 2013

Product Review: KIND Healthy Grains Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters

Product: KIND Healthy Grains Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters – $4.99+

Granola.

I have it in my pantry every week. The thing is…the brand and the flavors change. A lot. Why? Because I love a good gluten-free granola. And while I have found some rather amazing ones…I love to change things up…try new things…sample new flavors.

Now, I am a huge fan of KIND. The KIND bars are amazing, nutritious, all-natural snacks of deliciousness. For real. I have enjoyed every flavor I have ever sampled…and there are still more that I have yet to try. Imagine that!! But KIND doesn’t just do bars. They also do this fantastic granola line as well. Before I picked up the Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters, I tried Vanilla Blueberry Clusters with Flax Seeds…and it was love at first bite.

So, after returning from being out of town, and no CSA bin to work with…I had the opportunity to pair the apples I had in my fruit basket at home with whatever I wanted to in the morning parfaits I make with breakfast. Trying not to stop at too many grocery stores as we were now grocery shopping on a weekday…I asked my roommate to just pick one of the gluten-free options available at that store. She immediately locked onto the KIND varieties and snagged the Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters from the shelf.

Peanut butter…KIND product…this was going to be a match made in heaven…for sure. Peanut butter…as you may well be aware…is one of my most favorite things in life. In the world. I could eat it for live and never get bored with it. So…anything peanut butter flavored makes me one happy little vegetarian and gluten-free foodie.

As I said…apples were what I had at home. So, one morning, I set out to caramelize them to put in the Greek yogurt chilling in the fridge. But, to make this a true breakfast parfait…it needed a bit of crunch. It needed that granola topping. And peanut butter and apples go together so amazingly well. I mean…HELLO! They were meant for each other. In fact, one of my favorite snacks is slicing apples, coating them with peanut butter and raisins, and making them into sandwiches. YUMMY.

So, this parfait was definitely on the verge of epicness…before I even tasted it.

KIND Healthy Grains Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters…are beyond delicious. I mean…holy gluten-free granola goodness. Holy KIND awesomesauce. OM NOM NOM NOM. I would eat this stuff by the handful. I mean, it’s great on a caramelized apple and Greek yogurt…but it’s SO fantastic on its own. So, you can enjoy this any way you want and truly enjoy it. Each bite has that nice peanut flavor. In fact, little bits of peanuts are throughout these clusters. And that adds a nice bit of texture and salty-sweetness…that peanut butter is all about.

KIND Healthy Grains Peanut Butter Clusters are a blend of gluten-free oats, brown rice, millet, buckwheat, amaranth, and quinoa. In addition to the whole grains, these whole grain clusters include evaporated cane juice, peanut butter, soy crisp, peanuts, whey protein, canola oil, sea salt, and natural vitamin E. Do note…these are not vegan due to the whey protein. Sort of sad about that. But, let’s face it…these are super delicious.

Nutritionally speaking, a serving of the KIND Healthy Grains Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters is 1/3 cup. This serving provides 130 calories and 3.5 grams of fat…which isn’t bad for granola. And since some of that fat comes from the nuts…it’s at least a healthy fat. These clusters are low in sodium and sugar, containing 80 mg sodium and 5 grams of sugar. I love a granola that isn’t loaded with sugar. LOVE it. These also contain 2 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. Filling, and delicious!

Not only are these clusters gluten-free, but they are all natural, contain no refined sugars, are non-GMO, contain no trans-fats, are cholesterol free, and as mentioned above…low in sodium. Every ingredient is obvious in the mix…and the ingredients are all real and prodnouncable. No hidden chemicals or preservatives. All natural goodness.

So…do try these out. Especially if you are a peanut butter freak like I am. Do something KIND for yourself, your body, and your diet. Find KIND Healthy Grains Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters and devour them. Devour them for the awesomeness that they are adding to your diet. Eat them on their own, over yogurt, or like cereal with milk. Whatever you want. Just go and get them…eat them…and love them as much as I do.

Yeah…these will be on the definite “purchase again” list! Whole grains…good for you…peanut buttery crunchy goodness. It’s all of life’s treats in one simple bag.

Kind Healthy Grains Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters over caramelized apples and vanilla Greek yogurt

October 27, 2013

Product Review: Peas of Mind Baked Apple Fries

Product: Peas of Mind Baked Apple Fries – $5.99+

Sometimes…it happens.

Okay…with me it happens all the time…but let’s ignore that fact for a moment here.

Picture walking through the frozen food section of your local natural foods store (this was Whole Foods, in case you were wondering) and catching just a quick glimpse of an interesting sounding product. That’s what happened here. I normally never would have thought twice about this little green bag of sliced apples…but…the fact that they were frozen apple fries…that got my attention. Baking apple strips and making them into a healthy alternative to potato fries. BRILLIANT!

So…I bought them. I had to. I needed to give these a try.

The brand is Peas of Mind, and they tout all-natural eats for growing children.

Kid food. Kids sometimes get the best food. And the fact that these were all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, fat-free, egg-free, soy-free and vegan…well…they were definitely safe for me to eat. I didn’t care that these were intended for children. This kind of food was good for all ages. That’s how I figured it.

Peas of Mind makes a variety of healthy eats for kids. And their veggie fries come in a few different flavors, including carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and apple. YUM! But the apple ones were the ones that caught my eye…so those were the ones making the trip to my freezer.

And, as with most things…I bought these and then kept forgetting to cook them up. Until the last time I prepared my gluten-free veggie burgers. I figured a side of fries would go nicely. But instead of slicing up a sweet potato or potato and baking them up in the oven…I pulled these out of the freezer and prepared a baking sheet to get them cooking. I have to say…they were a lot thicker than I anticipated…not the gorgeous fry-shape that is shown on the packaging. But…my food doesn’t have to look like the package. It just has to taste good.

Before we get to that, however, let’s hit up the ingredients and nutritional information. The Peas of Mind Baked Apple Fries are made up of apple, dehydrated potato, water, canola oil, cinnamon, sea salt, and baking powder. One serving is 57 grams (or about 14 fries). In this serving, you will be consuming 70 calories and 0 grams of fat. Remember…fat free! You also get served 50 mg sodium and 2 grams of sugar. These will not be very filling as that serving has only 1 gram of fiber and 1 gram of protein. Each bag provides 6 servings of fruit. Definitely healthy. Definitely different.

So…how were they?

Different. They were…different. In fact, I’d venture to say they were slightly on the bland side. I felt that they needed a dip of some sort. Peas of Mind recommends (on the packaging) ketchup or honey. I’m not a fan of honey on its own nor am I fan of apples in ketchup. So…I ate them without. Although now I”m tempted to do up a whipped agave dip for the next time I make these. Hmmm.

Anyway…the apple flavor is barely there…and they seem to need more cinnamon, quite honestly. The dehydrated potato sort of gave them this odd…blandness. If it were just apple strips, these would have been amazing. But the added flakes of potato just subtract from that sweet apple flavor. So, they were definitely a disappointment. I think next time I bake up a round from my bag in the freezer, I might sprinkle with a bit more cinnamon and try to draw out more flavor.

So, they weren’t bad…but they didn’t wow me either. Next time…I might just slice an apple into slices and give them a good bake in the oven and see how that goes. I wasn’t blown away, but I am definitely curious enough to try the other veggie varieties to see if they work out better than this fruity version.

Peas of Mind has definitely drawn me in…even though this first product I sampled from them didn’t really thrill me, I am eager to see what else they have to offer. I love healthy alternatives to foods. And this was definitely a healthy choice…just not one that was as delicious as it was healthy. I hope that changes as I give the other versions of the veggie fries a chance in the future.

Peas of Mind Baked Apple Fries (prepared)

October 9, 2013

Product Review: Love Grown Foods Apple Walnut Delight Oat Clusters

Product: Love Grown Foods Apple Walnut Delight Oat Clusters – $4.99+

Granola is something that I buy…every week…when I’m at the grocery store. I have to be selective. I have to. The requirement is it must be gluten-free and have a low amount of sugar. I don’t want my granola to be packet with sugar. I already take in way more sugar every day than I should. So…two requirements. You’d be surprised how many granola brands on the market do not fit that bill.

A lot.

That being said, there are a few select brands that do…and they are brands that I am quite familiar with and return to in my constant rotation of granola through my pantry.

This week…I let my roommate choose. She and I both adore, love, and cherish the granola we get from Love Grown Foods. So, she opted with that brand. YAY! Her flavor choice, however, was a new one for us to try. It is their Apple Walnut Delight. Since I am putting this granola over Greek yogurt and caramelized apple…I figured this was actually a very good choice. Therefore…it was the granola gamble of the week.

I have fallen in love with every flavor of the Love Grown Foods Oat Clusters that I have brought home. They strike that perfect balance, whether eaten on their own, with milk, or in one of my infamous breakfast parfaits. The seasoning is spot on, the sweetness is at the right level. The flavors are subtle…yet…just there, so your taste buds catch every part of the cluster…the granola mix…but it doesn’t overwhelm the palate. Love Grown Foods distributes love with each sack of granola. For real.

The Apple Walnut Delight Oat Clusters are truly…delightful. The granola is a blend of gluten-free oats, honey, walnuts, coconut, agave syrup, expeller pressed canola oil, dried apples, sunflower seeds, pure vanilla, milled flaxseed, cinnamon, and sea salt. There is truly a touch of sweet and savory in this one…but it means you keep on going back for a little more…then…a little more. It’s a fantastic balance.

The dried apples are really good, and the walnuts add a bit of rustic flavor to the mix. But the star is the sweetened gluten-free oats. The way the agave and cinnamon play against each oat flake is amazing. The touch of vanilla livens everything up. And each bite will leave you quickly spooning your bowl for another one. Or, at least that’s what happened in my case. I was loving the clusters in this one…the pockets of cinnamon and vanilla, mingling with the nuts and the fruit. It’s one flavor party in a bag…in my breakfast…and in my belly.

Let’s talk nutrition for a moment. A serving of Love Grown Oats Apple Walnut Delight Oat Clusters is 1/4 cup. This serving provides you with 130 calories and 6 grams of fat. A serving is low in sodium (only 35 mg) and only contains 7 grams of sugar. That is fantastic for a granola. Trust me. Each serving provides 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein as well. This granola is cholesterol free, gluten-free, and non-GMO!

Loving it.

And loving Love Grown Foods once again. If you love the taste of apples and cinnamon…with a hint of nuttiness with the addition of the walnuts…then you should definitely try this granola. These oat clusters are fantastic. Love Grown Foods really does put a lot of love into their products. That is beyond evident. Every time I try a new product from their lineup.

Still impressed. Still loving it!

Caramelized Apple and Greek Yogurt Breakfast Parfait with Love Grown Oats Apple Walnut Delight Oat Clusters

October 8, 2013

Recipe: Gluten-Free and Vegan Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

I love pumpkin.

I’ve said it countless times before…because, after all, this is pumpkin season. So…I’ll say it again.

I. LOVE. PUMPKIN.

Get it? Got it? Good!

Well, this past weekend I met up with some great friends at the local ice cream shop. There, I indulged in a great ice cream called “Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice.” Why? Because it’s pumpkin time and it’s one of the seasonal rotating flavors. It only comes around in the fall, my friends…so I take advantage…believe me! Of course, as I am sitting there eating it, I’m wondering if I could make something like this…but using the coconut milk and the cans of pumpkin I had in my pantry.

After a little researching, it turned out I could. And with a little guidance from PBS and Kitchen Explorers, I was able to make my own pumpkin spice ice cream…completely vegan…gluten-free…packed with flavor. I was one happy girl when I took this out of the ice cream maker.

Recipe: Gluten-Free and Vegan Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

Servings: 8
Time: Prep 10 minutes; Freeze 30 minutes

Ingredients:

One 13.5 ounces can coconut milk (do not use skim or low-fat) (I used the 11 ounce carton of So Delicious Culinary Coconut Milk)
1-1/2 cups unsweetened canned pumpkin puree (I used Libby’s)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Whisk all the ingredients in a large bowl until well mixed and smooth.

Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover the ice cream with plastic wrap, cover with the lid, then freeze until firm.

~*~*~

Yes…it truly is that easy. And the flavor. OMG…the flavor. This is now going to be incorporated into my Thanksgiving Day menu. I’m hosting this year…and I got inspired with this ice cream to do a dessert for the occasion. No pumpkin pie at my house. I hate pumpkin pie with a passion. But this…this will blow away the pie competition anyway. The flavor of this ice cream is like eating a chilled pumpkin pie…except that it tastes good. It’s hard to stick to just the one serving, but if you do…you’ll have 8 delicious 1/2 cup servings of this amazing ice cream.

It’s my favorite one I have made so far. And now I just want to keep making it to keep it stocked in my freezer. You will too. Trust me.

October 7, 2013

Product Review: Katz Gluten Free Vanilla Rugelech

Product: Katz Gluten Free Vanilla Rugelech – $5.49

It is because of Katz Gluten Free that I have been introduced to the awesomeness of rugelech. I had never heard of rugelech before, let alone ever tried it…until I was received some from Katz Gluten Free. My life…my foodie world…changed.

For those of you who may be like me and have been in the dark as to what rugelech is…well…read on.

Rugelech is a traditional Jewish pastry that is eaten year-round, but particularly on holidays. It is made of rolled up dough and a sweet, fruity filling.

These little rolled cookies are life changing. Honestly. I had the chocolate ones first as part of the sample pack I ordered from Katz when I first went gluten-free. The cinnamon flavor I ordered on my own…and they were like eating miniature cinnamon rolls. My personal favorite. During a special, I ordered enough product to get a free pack of rugelech from Katz Gluten Free. I requested the vanilla because it was the only one I had yet to try.

Wise choice.

Katz Gluten Free has yet to really let me down on a product. I trust them and their food. And the Gluten-Free Vanilla Rugelech is just as amazing as I thought it would be. These moutwatering treats are perfect as a palate cleanser after dinner. But…they are really good anytime. In fact, I like to give mine a little 15 second warm in the microwave so they taste like they are fresh out of the oven. The Vanilla Rugelech taste like a cinnamon roll…if it were made with vanilla instead. Amazing flavor. The sweetness tingles across the tongue with each bite. It’s just…so delicious. I savor mine, nu-spiriling them in little pieces and nipping them so that the time I am enjoying them lasts a little longer. You can’t blame me. Once you try them, you’ll want the moment to last as well. These are fantastic. And I am going to be sure to stock up on more of them…very soon!

When it comes to ingredients, I know what everything is that Katz Gluten Free uses in their products. For the Vanilla Rugelech…it’s a mix of their gluten-free flour (potato, tapioca, white rice, brown rice, sorghum, corn), sugar, canola oil, eggs, orange juice, water, dry yeast, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt, and pure vanilla.

Looking at it nutritionally speaking…these are cookies…little pastries of delicious gluten-free joy. Treat them as a treat. But do enjoy them. Do try them. A serving of the Gluten Free Vanilla Rugelech is 1 cookie. This one cookie provides you with 90 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. One cookie also serves up 30 mg sodium and 6 grams of sugar. The Vanilla Rugelech also will provide you with 1 gram of fiber and 1 gram of protein. It’s not awful…not at all. I usually eat two of them though…so whoops!

Ah well…the goodness and the great flavor makes the splurge worth it. These are delicious and amazing and I would buy them again in a heartbeat. Any of the three flavors that Katz offers, actually. I’m a huge fan. now, of rugelech. And you will understand why when you give these a try to. You can order them from Katz off their Web site, or check with your local natural foods stores. Many carry a few of Katz products, and I most often see their rugelech.

Enjoy!!

October 7, 2013

Product Review: Udi’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins

Product: Udi’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins – $6.99+

I feel as though I may have stumbled into an anomaly…or perhaps some alternate universe. Why?

Because I managed to find a new product before many other places had it. And in this area, that is a rare and unnatural thing.

You see, I was in my Whole Foods just browsing. I had to just browse because the food budget purse strings had been tightened. There were so many things I wanted to try, but the roomie said, “Not this week…next week.” Which is code for…NEVER. Or so it seems. Because whenever I am told that…it seems like forever until I actually get to have said product that caught my attention. But…the budget was tight coming back from my epic vacation…so I guess never it will be.

That was…until I spotted something I had never seen before on the top shelf of the gluten-free bread area in my store. I pointed to them…”What is that?” I asked. My roommate looked up…looked at me and sighed. “Want them?” As if she had to ask. The product I am speaking about is the Udi’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins. And you better believe those were put in the cart and immediately shuttled to the register for ringing up before she changed her mind.

Then the week from hell happened and these delicious muffins remained untouched in my fridge for the whole of the week. Until Friday morning.

Friday morning I was going to be working from home. So, I allowed myself to get up later, go for a 5 mile walk, go into work to drop off a few items and pick a few more up, then head home. The roommate was up after a rough week of being in the hospital…and she was ready for breakfast. She didn’t even bother to pour herself any cereal…so that’s what she got started off with. Next time, she can manage that on her own. But I needed a main course for our brekkies that morning and these muffins were quick and easy and would allow me to get myself logged into work and getting my job done a lot sooner. So…out came the muffins. I warmed one up for her and one up for me…and breakfast was done.

These scream fall flavor. Pumpkin flavored everything is everywhere and I eat it up. I love pumpkin. I love the taste and flavor of pumpkin. The only time I do not like pumpkin is pumpkin pie. I’ve never liked pumpkin pie. Pumpkin anything else and…DING DING DING…we have a winner. I’m weird…I know.

So, how were the Udi’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins?

Let me put it this way…the first day of fall is coming…and this was like the flavor of fall in one amazing and delicious bite. Honestly. The Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins actually do taste like pumpkin. It’s not just a name for the product. It doesn’t overpower, but strikes that right balance. The muffin itself is light and fluffy. I always heat mine up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds and it’s like taking them fresh from the oven. Soft, springy, and warm all the way through. I loved the addition of pumpkin seeds throughout the muffins themselves. It really added to the pumpkin experience. The hints of cinnamon and nutmeg were so warming…just what you want in anything that includes pumpkin. After all, the weather is getting cooler…the food should definitely make you feel warm and cozy. These muffins are, probably, my second favorite thing in the Udi’s line-up. My favorite being the Harvest Crunch Muffins…these probably are tied with Blueberry Muffins for second. Yeah…they’re that good.

I think my only comlaint would be how uneven the muffins were. My batch looked like they were set on their side when they baked. But, you know…at least they tasted amazing.

So, let’s take a look at what Udi’s puts into these muffins, shall we? Ingredients include dried cane syrup, eggs, pumpkin, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, water, palm oil, canola oil, dry molasses, pumpkin seeds, salt, cinnamon, orange zest, caramel color, xanthan gum, ground ginger, nutmeg, and baking soda. So…yes…the first ingredient is basically sugar…but…it is a muffin. And, let’s face it, muffins are sweet.

Nutritionally speaking, these aren’t a complete waistline buster. One muffin is the serving size. And with that one muffin, you will be consuming 260 calories (which isn’t the best for a muffin, but not bad either!) and 10 grams of fat. While there are 200 mg of sodium in these muffins, the high 19 grams of sugar is a bit of a shock. Yikes. That’s over half the sugar I am actually allotted each day. Well, as long as it’s not an every day thing…right? In addition, one muffin also provides 1 gram of fiber and 3 grams of protein. So with that sugar level and the lower levels of fiber and protein, don’t expect this muffin to keep you full through lunch. It’s not happening.

Be that as it may…they are super-duper delicious. If you love the flavor of fall…the flavor of pumpkin…you’ll definitely want to pick up these if you can find them in your area. I haven’t seen these since, so I’m glad I splurged that week and picked them up. And now, naturally, I just want more of them.

Guess that’s how it works.

Keep an eye out this holiday season for Udi’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins. You’ll fall in love at first bite.

October 4, 2013May 11, 2015

Product Review: Nature’s Path Gluten Free Selections Summer Berries Granola

Product: Nature’s Path Gluten Free Selections Summer Berries Granola – $5.99+

Gluten-free granola is a staple in my apartment and my pantry. Honestly. My roommate and I go through it each week, using it on the breakfast parfaits that are part of the morning rotation every other day. It’s nice to change things up every now and again and have something other than cereal. I often will pair Greek yogurt and granola with fresh berries…or caramelized apples or pears. Sometimes even banana. It just depends on what produce I happen to have in the house.

Recently, while scouting the grocery store for some granola, I had my roommate choose the one she’d like to have. Now, she, like me, has her favorites. But, she chose one we hadn’t tried before. I was actually surprised. Even more as this was actually a newer product from Nature’s Path.

Now, Nature’s Path has a few great gluten-free options. I have eaten their EnviroKidz cereals (and still do!) and have even given some love to their regular cereals and one of their frozen waffle options. So, Nature’s Path is rather consistent on quality products. I don’t think I’ve had a product that I haven’t liked. Which is why I am not ashamed of my EnviroKidz Koala Crisps in my pantry.

But…granola? Why not?

My roomate chose the Gluten Free Selections Summer Berries Granola. This granola is a blend of gluten-free rolled oats, yogurt chips, freeze-dried blueberries, freeze-dried strawberries, and freeze-dried strawberries. Now, I’ve always been a fan of the dehydrated fruits in cereals because I find them to be so packed with flavor. I was actually looking forward to sampling this one.

Well…Nature’s Path really nailed it. The Gluten Free Selections Summer Berries Granola is amazing. While the sweetened and seasoned gluten-free rolled oats make for a great base, and the intensity of the freeze-dried berries brought a great sweet tang to each bite. But the star of this granola…far and away…was the yogurt chips. They really won me over with each bite.

I always sample the granola on its own, and would have been happy eating just this, on its own, for breakfast. But granola hits the Greek yogurt and the fruit in my kitchen, so I caramelized apples and served them up over the Greek yogurt, topping them off with this granola. How would the berries blend with the sweet caramelized apples? Perfectly. Every bite of this granola, whether on its own or in my breakfast parfaits was a burst of flavor. But should you get a bite with a yogurt chip…the magic happens. I commend Nature’s Path for that decision!

Let’s dive deeper into this product, shall we? Nature’s Path upholds its commitment to providing safe, gluten-free products. The ingredients in this granola are organic, non-GMO, and free of synthetic preservatives and additives. I love that.

A serving of this granola is 1/4 cup. This serving will provide you with 140 calories and 4 grams of fat. Impressive, yes? Each serving only has 8 grams of sugar, 55 mg sodium, and is cholesterol free. You also are provided with 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. Not bad at all.

Nature’s Path Gluten Free Selections Summer Berries Granola is sweet, savory, and so refreshing. Start your day off right with a granola that sings across your taste buds and tastes like summer. Even with fall creeping in, you can still enjoy that sweet taste of summer each morning. And do seek out those yogurt chips…and see why I say they really make the mix.

Nature's Path Gluten Free Selections Summer Berries Granola over a Caramelized Apple and Greek Yogurt Breakfast Parfait — Nature’s Path Gluten Free Selections Summer Berries Granola over a Caramelized Apple and Greek Yogurt Breakfast Parfait

September 29, 2013

Recipe: Gluten-Free and Vegan Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

I love ice cream. The problem is…ice cream doesn’t always love me back. And, more so, some of my favorite flavors from the “pre-gluten-free” days, I am no longer able to consume. Totally bums me out on occasion.

But then…I haul out the ice cream maker and do something about it. In this case…I make my own gluten-free and vegan ice cream. This is actually very simple and uses basic ingredients. Nothing too outlandish or crazy. No dairy either. The base is coconut milk. Seriously. Full fat coconut milk. So good.

I used Glutino sandwich cookies for the “cookie” portion of this recipe and sweetened it with coconut palm sugar. The recipe is super simple…and super good. As my friend Greg said…”This is rich…and delicious!”

YAY!

So, the recipe is below, adapted from Food Babe so that it fit my dietary needs.

Recipe: Gluten-Free and Vegan Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

Ingredients:

Base:

1 can of full fat coconut milk (13.5 ounces)
1 tbsp arrowroot powder (optional thickener)
3frozen bananas or ½ cup coconut palm sugar (I used the coconut palm sugar)
pinch of sea salt

For Cookies & Cream Flavor:

1 tbsp vanilla extract
10 Glutino Chocolate Vanilla Creme Sandwich Cookies broken into pieces (or cookie of your choice)

Instructions:

Combine base ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Add vanilla into blender and blend again.

Pour mixture into ice cream machine and turn on.

Mix for at least 20 minutes or until ice cream is formed.

Stir in cookies.

Serve.

Store in an airtight container in the freezer.

~*~*~

Hello delicious ice cream that won’t upset my stomach. Where have you been all my life? I still have some Glutino cookies and just bought more coconut milk. You know what’s going back in my freezer very soon? Yep. Because this recipe is SO easy to make and yes…it really does make a delicious, rich ice cream. You don’t have to be gluten-free or a vegan to enjoy this.

Make some for yourself. I promise…the real ingredients will change the way you think about ice cream.

Besides…I got to have cookies and cream ice cream again. Pardon me while I sit down with a spoon and indulge a little…or a lot.

September 14, 2013

Product Review: Udi’s Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Cashew Soft-Baked Cookies

Product: Udi’s Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Cashew Soft-Baked Cookies – $5.99+

For all my loyal followers up to this point…you know it doesn’t need to be said…but I will state it one more time.

I. LOVE. COOKIES.

They are, in fact, one of my favorite indulgences. Especially after dinner. I don’t know what it is about cookies, but they just seem like the perfect way to end your day. Dessert at its finest, especially when the cookies are crumbly, soft, buttery, sweet and delicious.

HOWEVER…this combination doesn’t always fall into place when gluten-free cookies are concerned. Too often, the packaged cookies at the store are hard, crunchy, crumbly (and not in a good way) paper weights of wrongness that just don’t work for me. I’ve found some decent enough cookies in the past…but at a price. They are expensive for a reason. That reason being…they are GOOD!

Well, at Expo West this past year, Udi’s Gluten-Free unveiled a bunch of new products. And while Udi’s already has a line of cookies out on the shelves (the bite-size Snickerdoodles being my favorite), they introduced three new flavors in what they are calling a “Soft-Baked Cookies” line. These include Peanut Butter Coconut (yes please!), Maple Pecan Chip (yum!), and, the one that caught my attention immediately…Salted Caramel Cashew. Why did this one stand out? Because Salted Caramel whatever the thing is will always win in my book because salted caramel is one of my favorite flavors. It’s that sweet and salty combination. Add my favorite nut in the whole entire universe…the cashew…to the mix and you are totally Charlie Sheen WINNING!

I was afraid these products would be scarce in my area for awhile. This sometimes happens, especially when I get excited about a new product that is introduced by a brand I trust. But…I was at Walmart of all places one day and there they were…shining at me from a lower shelf…begging me to purchase it and devour ALL the cookies. I have no willpower when it comes to cookies, so they were in my arms and in a shopping bag in record time.

But I didn’t devour them all at once. In fact, I had other dessert items that needed my attention first. But yesterday marked the magical date where I ripped into the box, opened up the package and removed one of Udi’s Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Cashew Soft-Baked Cookies. I breathed in the smell that came from the packaging itself. It was so familiar. In a good way. I handed off one cookie to my roommate, took one for myself…and then put everything away to devour another day. I stick to serving sizes even when I don’t always want to.

These cookies are amazing for processed goodies. Trust me on this one. The familiar smell…well…the taste made it all fall into place. These cookies taste like butter pecan ice cream. NO JOKE! They are perfectly balanced in sweetness and saltiness, lending that bit of savory flavor to each flaky, buttery bite. And these soft, chewy cookies are just a delight on the tastebuds. I honestly had to remind myself that I was eating a cookie…not butter pecan ice cream. Either way, I was one happy cookie monster. Oh yes…that cookie was gone in no time flat and I enjoyed every single delicious bite. Soft throughout, these cookies are just what I love when I bite into a gluten-free treat. Nothing tasted off or fake. Nothing crumbled. Nothing crunched in a loud and obnoxious way. These were sheer perfection in flavor, texture, and everything else. I was one very, very happy gluten-free cookie.

So…now the science of things…

Ingredient wise, these cookies are baked up by using tapioca starch, dried cane syrup, palm oil, brown rice flour, cashew pieces, eggs, tapioca syrup, toffee bits, potato starch, molasses, salt, natural flavors, vanilla extract, xanthan gum, baking soda, and caramel color. So, every ingredient is definitely something I recognize and might have even used myself. I have quite an eclectic blend of flours going on…especially as I’ve been doing some paleo baking recipes as one of my runners on Saturday is doing a paleo diet. Regardless…the fact that nothing sounds like a chemical or like a chemistry experiment makes me feel even better about eating these.

Nutritionally speaking…a serving of Udi’s Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Cashew Soft-Baked Cookies is one cookie. This one cookie will cost you 120 calories and 6 grams of fat. These cookies are much bigger than the two-bite Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Chip, and Oatmeal Raisin cookies that they originally put out in their lineup. And the eclectic flavors of the new soft-baked varieties definitely tempt the palate. Anyway…these cookies also contain 130 mg sodium and 7 grams of sugar. Seven grams of sugar isn’t bad for a cookie! That’s quite impressive. These cookies do not provide any fiber to your diet and only 1 gram of protein, so not filling…but definitely a nice sweet way to end your meal.

So treat yourself to one of the most amazing cookies out on the market. The sweet and salty combination of flavors will entice and liven up your taste buds and leave you wanting more. And if you love butter pecan ice cream, you will especially fall in love with the butterscotchy flavor of the Salted Caramel Cashew Soft-Baked Cookies.

Once again, Udi’s Gluten-Free…you impress me with your products. Another winner in my books.

September 14, 2013

Product Review: Love Grown Foods Cocoa Goodness Oat Clusters

Product: Love Grown Foods Cocoa Goodness Oat Clusters – $4.99+

Gluten-free granola is becoming a staple in my apartment. Why? Because it is so versatile…and personally, I love the texture and flavor that it adds to my morning breakfast parfaits. Honestly. The most important part, for me, however, is to find one that is more nutritious than it is indulgent. Indulgent is all fine and good, but I’m trying to cut down on sugars in a lot of goods…and my breakfast shouldn’t be just a wash of sugar. I’ll burn through that in no time and then need to snack more. So, I’m very particular about the granola that finds its way into my pantry.

That being said, I have always…always trusted Love Grown Foods when it comes to their Oat Clusters. I find that they use real ingredients and cut back on things like sodium and sugar and still manage to put out one of the most fantastic products on the market.

I’ve reviewed quite a few of their products before…but somehow had never blogged on their Cocoa Goodness Oat Clusters. What’s up with that? I mean…HELLO…chocolate for breakfast?! Yes please. Even better when you don’t feel bad about what you are eating. And when it comes to the products that Love Grown Foods puts out on the market…I never feel guilty.

And when I am able to pronounce every ingredient on the package…well…it’s a safe bet that I’ll feel comfortable putting it in my body. At Love Grown Foods, founders Alex and Maddy create delicious foods that are full of nutritional benefits that everyone can enjoy. Everyone. Even someone like me…who is gluten-free. In fact, they believe that kids (and adults) should have access to a healthy, wholesome breakfast…and that belief is what helped them create Love Grown Foods…a company with a passion to make true change when it comes to making changes in the food world and, in the bigger picture, improving kids’ nutrition.

As I am running the Chicago Marathon for Action For Healthy Kids, a non-profit charity organization that emphasizes nutrition and exercise to children, you can see how passionate I am about this cause. Love Grown Foods hits on the exact thing I am running for next month. It’s a worthy and important cause. Children are our future and so many of them go without good nutritious food, nor are they learning about proper nutrition. Processed and unhealthy foods (fast food, etc) is cheaper and more affordable…and that’s what these kids are growing up on. That…and game systems, computers, and anything that makes them live a more sedentary lifestyle. It needs to change. And thanks to the options provided by Love Grown Foods…it’s happening.

With that being said…let’s talk about chocolate for breakfast! Mmmm. Doesn’t sound very nutritious does it? Sort of sounds like the complete antithesis of what I just rambled on about. But, guess again. We’re talking about Love Grown Foods here…and they actually get their Cocoa Goodness Oat Clusters a healthy dose of important nutrients. And with the subtle, sweet flavor of real dark chocolate…kids will be eating healthy and thinking they are totally getting dessert for breakfast.

I thought that too when I opened up my bag of Love Grown Foods Cocoa Goodness Oat Clusters. For real. Sweet, indulgent chocolatey goodness was inside. I had to try some on its own for the sake of the blog. But after a couple of pinches, I knew it was time to build my breakfast parfait. And I was making a new one. With PB2, vanilla Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, fresh slices of banana, and now…Cocoa Goodness Oat Clusters. With the initial tasting…I knew this would be one epic breakfast parfait. And it didn’t disappoint.

Here’s the fantastic thing about this granola, aside from being made from real ingredients, Love Grown Foods Cocoa Goodness is a sweet indulgence that you don’t feel bad about eating. Not one bit. Yes…it is chocolate. But who doesn’t like chocolate for breakfast? I live for chocolate for breakfast. And this is a much better and healthier way of doing it than say…chocolate chip pancakes or a high sugar chocolate cereal. These oat clusters are little chunks of gluten-free oats that have been sweetened with agave and honey instead of refined sugars or (even worse) artificial sweeteners. To hit the sweetness right on the money, 63% dark chocolate chips are added to the mix. So, with no junk this is really a guilt-free chocolate indulgence that you can feel good about eating. So…it’s sweet, but it comes by it honestly and naturally. And it isn’t “give-me-a-cavity-with-each-bite” sweet either. It’s subtle…savory…and decadent without being too much. And that’s a very fine line when it comes to chocolate. Trust me…I’m a chocoholic. I could eat this straight from the bag (and have!) and not need it with anything else. Seriously…it is that super good. Mixed in with the contents I chose for the parfait and it was a nice, rich, and deliciously filling breakfast treat.

Ingredients are simple and understated. Nothing is processed and everything is real and something you would recognize if you were walking down the aisles of your grocery store. Certified gluten-free oats, honey, organic agave syrup, expeller pressed canola oil, coconut, 63% chocolate, sunflower seeds, pure vanilla, milled flaxseed, 100% pure cocoa powder and sea salt. Ten simple and recognizable ingredients and you get BIG flavor and epic deliciousness without feeling bad about taking a little more than intended.

Now…down to the nutritional nitty-gritty! A serving of Love Grown Foods Cocoa Goodness Oat Clusters is 1/4 cup. In this small, but filling serving, you will receive 130 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. In addition, you will be served up a scant 35 mg sodium and 8 grams of sugar. These chocolatey oat clusters also provide you with 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. Not bad at all!!

We all like a sweet indulgence every now and again. With Love Grown Foods Cocoa Goodness Oat Clusters you can indulge all you want and never, ever feel guilty. Love Grown Foods serves up nutritious and delicious products with a whole lot of love.

And that’s why I keep buying the brand. I believe in what they are selling and the mission they have set out for their company and products. I’m a believer. And I’m totally hooked.