Snacks – Page 8 – The Celiathlete

July 9, 2015

Product Review: Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar

Product: Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar – $2.50+

Ever see one of those products that intrigues you…but you just can’t get up the nerve to purchase one to actually try it? That is the relationship I have had for a few years with Bobo’s Oat Bars. I spotted these first at my natural foods store, Rainbow Blossom, on an endcap. Not all flavors are gluten-free, but there was quite a variety. I really wanted to try one, and, for a gluten-free bar…the price isn’t so bad. I just never could actually talk myself into it.

Lo and behold, my May (Is For Mom) 2015 Cuisine Cube brought Bobo’s Oat Bars to me, instead. It was like a “if you build it, they will come,” moment, save more of a, “if you covet it, someone will send it to you.” HA!

So, first let me recap for you what Cuisine Cube is all about, shall I? Cuisine Cube is a subscription service that delivers 5-6 gluten-free, full-size products to your door for as little as $34.99/month. Inside the cube, you will discover full-size products (not sample sizes) that are made by local and smaller, artisan companies, rather than those that you can find at the average grocery store. It has introduced me to so many new and delightful products. Each box contains a breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert product…and then, sometimes, an extra bonus item. Who doesn’t love a little something extra, right? Keep in mind, however, that Cuisine Cube has gone through some changes as of May. No longer do they strictly only offer gluten-free cubes. In addition to their gluten-free option, they now also offer Artisan and Vegan cubes as well. The Artisan cube means that you have no food allergies and foods that contain common food allergens will be included. The Vegan cubes contain products that are dairy and animal free. And, they still have the Gluten Free cubes, which will have products that contain no gluten or wheat. So, if you’re really interested in being introduced to the smaller, lesser-known, artisan companies, give Cuisine Cube a try! It’s like…Christmas…or your birthday…every month! Who doesn’t love that?!

In the May 2015 box, there were quite a few snacks/candies/sweets packed in. It was the Mother’s Day cube, that’s how it should be. And for the Breakfast/Snack option, the people at Cuisine Cube sent me a much coveted, highly anticipated, Bobo’s Gluten Free Oat Bar. The flavor – peach.

Now, peach for me can be hit or miss, honestly. You either get it right, or you get it wrong. As a huge fan and connoisseur of peaches (fresh, tinned, frozen…you name it!), peach is one of those flavors that either wins me over or loses me. So, peach was the risky flavor of bar to send from the gluten-free line, I think. It’s not a common favorite, but, honestly, it is one of the most refreshing and summer-inducing flavors around.

Bobo’s Oat Bars was founded by Beryl Strafford in 2005. This Boulder, Colorado, based business is still headquarted there today. These bars are named after Strafford’s eldest daughter, who she has affectionately called “Bobo.” These bars were developed out of a simple mother-daughter baking tradition, and soon grew to become a sought-after snack bar that are enjoyed by families, athletes, and healthy minded people everywhere. Strafford wanted these bars to embody two of her highest values in life: being a mom, and living an active and healthy lifestyle. Bobo’s Oat Bars are baked from scratch using only the finest organic ingredients, with no additives or artificial sweeteners. These bars are not only convenient, but a wholesome snack choice that are convenient for the busy kids, students, athletes, and adults in life. Not all of Bobo’s Oat Bars are gluten-free, but they have a core selection of flavors that are, including: peach, maple pecan, lemon poppyseed, chocolate almond, apple pie, and peanut butter and jelly.

Cuisine Cube shared probably the flavor I would have picked up last, due to my love-hate relationship with peach flavored items. I am either going to love it or hate it. And after 2 months of not quite getting around to trying the much-coveted Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar, my roommate and I split it tonight as our dessert.

First of all, I loved the texture of this bar. It was substantial, yes, but it was soft and chewy…like an elite granola bar of sorts. The oats were stunning and each bite was chewy and wholesome. I love that these are made with natural ingredients. I love that very little sugar is in these bars. I loved how 1/2 of this bar (which is the serving size) was filling enough to double as a meal. Yes…I loved all of that. What fell a little short for me, however, was the flavor. When something declares that it is peach flavored, by the taste gods, bring me that bold, sweet, amazing peach flavor. At the very edges of this bar, I found it to be very bland. The center part, still bland, but had more of that peach flavor that I was hoping for. At least the flavor didn’t taste fake…there just wasn’t enough of it there. The Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar was filling, for sure, but not all that flavorful. A little bit of a let-down, but not enough to make me not want to try the other gluten-free flavors out there.

So, with that in mind, let’s discuss the ingredients that go into Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bars! These bars are made from organic gluten free rolled oats, brown rice syrup (brown rice, filtered water), Earth Balance [natural oil blend (palm fruit, canola and olive oils), filtered water, pure salt, natural flavor (derived from corn, no MSG, no alcohol, no gluten), sunflower lecithin, lactic acid (non-dairy, derived from sugar beets) and colored with annatto extract], organic sucant (non-refined cane sugar), dried peaches, natural peach extract, and xanthan gum. These bars are gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and now certified kosher!

As for the nutrition facts of Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bars, these stats are pretty fantastic. Do keep in mind, however, that each bar is 2 servings, so cut that baby in half and save the rest for another day. One serving, or half of a bar, will provide you with 180 calories, 6 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 20 mg sodium, 28 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams dietary fiber, 10 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. Is it any wonder with that low sugar, and the higher protein and fiber that this bar feats more like a meal than a snack?! Fantastic.

So, the jury is still out for me. While I wasn’t completely blown away by Bobo’s Gluten-Free Peach Oat Bars, I didn’t dislike them either. In fact, the texture, chewy, yet substantial, was amazing. I loved that. I just wish it was more peachy, given theat it is the peach bar. However, I’m not counting them out yet. Next time I’m at my natural food store, I’m going to snag a different flavor and see if it smacks my taste buds around a little more.

For what it is worth, Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar is a great, healthy snack or meal for the busy and on-the-go type of person. It will leave you feeling full, and with it being made from natural ingredients, keep you feeling full. Your body won’t burn right through this bar, as it would many protein, granola and/or snack bars out on the market. The lower the sugar, the happier I am.

If not for Cuisine Cube, I don’t know if I ever would have convinced myself to purchase one of Bobo’s Gluten Free Oat Bars. That being said, I’m glad that this was shipped to me so I could get a taste of what is out on the market, and what I love and might not love as much about new bars. I’m a marathoner, I’m always looking for new fuel and recovery items. This…is off to a good start.

Bobo's Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar (unwrapped) — Bobo’s Gluten Free Peach Oat Bar (unwrapped)

July 3, 2015

Product Review: gfJules Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour + Recipe Bonus

Product: gfJules Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour – $8.42+

I have had this fun and passing relationship with the famous (in the gluten-free community, anyway) Jules Shepard, formerly known as Jules Gluten Free, now know as gfJules. When I had to go gluten-free three years ago, one of the first people I encountered through social media was none other than Jules Gluten Free. She was funny and knowledgeable, and she had these elusive product mixes (from all-purpose flour to bread mixes to cookie mixes to cake mixes to pizza crust mixes) that nowhere in my area carried. At one point, she was presenting in Lexington, Kentucky, and I had intended to drive down and see her presentation…until the Sherman-Minton bridge here in Louisville was closed indefinitely due to a large crack in the weight bearing portion…making going anywhere from the Indiana side of the river a real nightmare.

I finally met gfJules last year, at a Gluten Free Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. I bought her cookbook. We talked. We laughed. We took a picture together. It was awesome. And it was like meeting a celebrity, to be honest. I have followed her Facebook page, saw her through the very public break from her partners in the company that she founded, Nearly Normal Cooking, and had grandiose plans to find and purchase her flour at some point. Or a mix. I didn’t care.

Until December 2014, that had yet to happen.

But then, my Holiday 2014 (December) Cuisine Cube arrived in the mail with loads of holiday goodness just ready to be explored and used. For those of you who may be new to some of my blogging, let me quickly tell you a little about Cuisine Cube!

Cuisine Cube is a subscription service that delivers 5-6 gluten-free, full-size products to your door for as little as $34.99/month. Inside the cube, you will discover full-size products (not sample sizes) that are made by local and smaller, artisan companies, rather than those that you can find at the average grocery store. It has introduced me to so many new and delightful products. Each box contains a breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert product…and then, sometimes, an extra bonus item. Who doesn’t love a little something extra, right? Keep in mind, however, that Cuisine Cube has gone through some changes as of May. No longer do they strictly only offer gluten-free cubes. In addition to their gluten-free option, they now also offer Artisan and Vegan cubes as well. The Artisan cube means that you have no food allergies and foods that contain common food allergens will be included. The Vegan cubes contain products that are dairy and animal free. And, they still have the Gluten Free cubes, which will have products that contain no gluten or wheat. So, if you’re really interested in being introduced to the smaller, lesser-known, artisan companies, give Cuisine Cube a try!

So…here I was…in December and inside my cube was a 1.5 ounce box of gfJules Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour. With this item, Cuisine Cube also provided a recipe card for Baguettes. I don’t have a baguette pan, so I tucked this box into my pantry to use…and then got distracted by the open bags of Better Batter and Cup4Cup in my pantry. It happens. But it shouldn’t. This product never should have gone untouched for that long. But, before I tell you why, let me first tell you a little bit about Jules Shepard.

Jules Shepard was diagnosed in 1999 as a Celiac. She didn’t see this diagnosis as the end of the world though. In fact, the former attorney was unwilling to accept the dry, gritty, vacuous foods that were the norm for the gluten-free diet back then. After two years of hard work in her kitchen, Shepard perfected an all-purpose gluten free flour blend that allowed her to continue to do something she loved – bake! Even she never would have guessed that this one thing would eventually set her apart in the gluten-free community as a leader, inspiration, and advocate. She perfected her ‘acts-just-like-wheat-flour’ blend, and word spread in her circles. People began to beg her to make her 5-flour blend for them. She introduced this flour to the gluten-free community at large in 2008, with her former company, Jules Gluten Free, but it is now developed and available exclusively through her new company, gfJules, which began in March 2014. From there, her journey has only become more amazing…and her products remain top of the line!

I can vouch for that, mind you, as I was preparing a dessert for a birthday party at the office (and 4th of July celebration) this week. I have delicious local blueberries that my friend, Harry, picked for me. I love blueberries, and always am happy to receive a bunch of his harvest. With all these amazingly fresh berries on hand, it occurred to me that I could make a festive and (hopefully) delicious blueberry cobbler. Because my kitchen is strictly gluten-free, everything I provide to office pitch-ins is gluten-free. Some people at the office won’t even give my food a try, but some do…and most are surprised by the flavor and texture…and how normal it is.

Well, my love affair with gluten-free flours just reached a whole new level. I actually found a recipe for the gluten-free (and vegan) blueberry cobbler on gfJules sight. And being that I had a box of gfJules Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour in the pantry. New recipe…why not go for broke and try a new flour too. As this was one of her recipes, I figured it was best to stick with the flour originally used to make it. Logic!

Let me tell you something…from the get-go, I realized how amazing this flour truly was. When I mixed it with the vegan butter and the egg substitute, it all just came together perfectly. It had this great biscuit texture to it. And this was before topping off my blueberries with it! How’s that for being impressed really early in the game. It worked as a thickener with the heated sugar and water that the blueberries were stirred into, and it produced the most amazing batter for the biscuit-y top that gets baked right on top of the fruit. I was nervous when I popped it into the oven to bake…but I should have never doubted it.

When my cobbler emerged from the oven, piping hot, it was warm and sweet on the bottom, and the cobbler part…that top bready portion, was this perfect crisp, golden brown. I had to wait until the following day to actually taste it…but when I did, I was beyond impressed. The flour really made this remarkable crusty top…and it didn’t have that weird gluten-free flavor or texture to it. No one, save for the fact that I brought it in, would have known it was gluten-free. Seriously…and everyone who was brave enough to try it gave only the highest praise for the treat. The perfect blueberries…with the perfect flour…made for the perfect summer dish for this little pitch-in. As I have failed miserably at gluten-free bread, this makes me want to pick up baguette pans so that I can give the recipe that accompanied this product in my Cuisine Cube. This might happen. Williams-Sonoma…I’m coming for you.

So, now that I’ve gone over why I fell in love with the gfJules Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour, let me tell you a little bit about what is inside. This flour is made from modified tapioca starch, potato starch, corn starch, corn flour, white rice flour, and xanthan gum. It is gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, vegan, KOSHER – and now NON-GMO!

As far as the nutrition information goes, gfJules Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour really falls in with others on the market. A serving size is 31 grams of flour, which will give you 110 calories, 0 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 10 mg sodium, 26 grams carbohydrates, less than 1 gram fiber, 0 grams sugars, and 1 gram of protein.

And if you don’t believe me, the truth is in the use!! And below is the recipe I used this flour in! You should really try it out. I think you’ll be impressed too!

Recipe: Gluten Free Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cobbler

Servings: 8
Time: Prep 10 minutes; Bake 40 minutes

Gluten Free Old Fashioned Blueberry Cobbler (made with gfJules Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour)

Ingredients:

3 Tbs. gfJules Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
4 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup gfJules Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour
¼ cup lightly packed brown sugar or unrefined coconut palm sugar
¼ cup milk, dairy or non-dairy
1 egg or favorite egg substitute
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
¼ cup butter or non-dairy alternative (Earth Balance® Buttery Sticks)

Directions:

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine gfJules™ Flour, sugar and water. Stir and cook over medium heat until thickened, approximately 12-15 minutes. The mixture will over-boil and burn if not stirred often, so watch the pot and reduce the heat if the mixture is too bubbly or is browning. Add the vanilla extract.

Wash and remove all blueberry stems. Stir the blueberries into the cooked sugar mixture to coat.

Pour the filling into a 9- or 10- inch, deep pie plate (it’s important not to bake the cobbler in too small or too shallow of a plate, or the hot blueberry filling will bubble all over the sides).

Preheat oven to 375° F.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together gfJules™ Flour, brown sugar, baking powder and baking soda. Using a pastry cutter or two butter knives, cut in the butter until the flour looks like small gravel or pebbles.

In a separate bowl, stir the egg and milk to mix. Slowly add this mixture to the flour bowl and stir with a fork until completely combined.

Scoop several large spoonfuls of this batter onto the top of the filling in the pie plate. It will rise and touch the other spoonfuls as it bakes, to cover most of the top of the filling, as pictured.

Line the oven rack with foil and place the filled pie plate on top of the foil to prevent any bubbly mixture from falling onto your oven floor and burning.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or just until the cobbler is browning and somewhat firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the cobbler, then removed, should be clean.

Serve warm or cold.

~*~*~

This flour is the best yet. Honestly, it bakes up perfectly. It is light, fluffy, and amazing. It would fool the unassuming person into not even guessing that it was gluten-free. This product is as amazing as the woman who created it. Thank you gfJules (Jules Shepard) and Cuisine Cube…for finally giving me the opportunity to try this fantastic flour. Now…to get more!

June 26, 2015June 26, 2015

Product Review: Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash

Product: Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash – $9.90+/-

Sometimes trying to find balance in your diet isn’t easy. There are some days my macro and micro nutrients are so out of whack that I have a hard time seeing where things went awry. That being said…I am always looking for new and inventive ways to have a food that I love, minus the guilt and the excess.

Enter Cuisine Cube! For those of you just tuning in, I have been a firm supporter and happy subscriber of Cuisine Cube for awhile now. But, Cuisine Cube has gone through some changes as of May. No longer do they strictly only offer gluten-free cubes. In addition to their gluten-free option, they now also offer Artisan and Vegan cubes as well. The Artisan cube means that you have no food allergies and foods that contain common food allergens will be included. The Vegan cubes contain products that are dairy and animal free. And, they still have the Gluten Free cubes, which will have products that contain no gluten or wheat. These box subscriptions start at $34.99/month. And, part of the charm is that you will receive 5-6 full-size (not sample size) products. WOOT! These usually fall into every meal category for the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and dessert…with an added bonus from time-to-time. So, if you’re really interested in being introduced to the smaller, lesser-known, artisan companies, give Cuisine Cube a try!

So, when my February 2015 (Happy V-Day) Cuisine Cube arrived, I was happy, excited, elated, and over-the-moon happy to find an easy-to-prepare (not that the real thing is difficult, but this was certainly less time consuming) Cauliflower Mash from Zero Cuisine. Now, I have heard and even made cauliflower mash before, but this was the first time I ever saw it come in packaged form. I was beyond intrigued. And yet, the perfect moment to use it never quite arrived…until just recently when I spotted a recipe for Portobella Mushroom Steaks. What goes best with a steak (of sorts) than potatoes. So, why not replace the mashed potatoes with something a bit healthier and lower in calories and carbohydrates? It was ideal.

Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash in powdered form

Zero Cuisine brings you a leaner, better-looking cousin of the traditional mashed potato. Their Cauliflower Mash, available in two flavors – Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt and Wasabi & Chives – is a low carb, low calorie, low GI, gluten-free, preservative-free, high fiber, high in vitamins, all natural product that can easily replace your favorite starchy carbs with low carb vegetables which just about every diet recommends. From the Ketogenic, Atkins, Paleo, diabetic diets…reducing carbohydrate intake is highly touted. Zero Cuisine…just makes it easier for you to enjoy a substitute for starchy carbs without any guilt or any cravings for the carb-laden real thing. Cuisine Cube included the Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt version in the February cube.

But, how good can a powdered form of cauliflower mash be? Well…just as good, but healthier for you, than those powdered potato flakes that turn into mashed potatoes. Honestly. I had my doubts upon opening up this little package, but it was so quick, easy, and really tasty when all was said and done.

Let’s face it…it doesn’t get any easier than this…

In a saucepan, heat up water (4 ounces per serving, so if you make the entire thing like I did…2 cups of water) and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and add 1/3 cup of the Cauliflower Mash powder (or…if you make the entire pouch instead of one serving…just pour the entire package) into the hot water. Stir continuously until desired consistency is achieved, which for me was in less than 3 minutes. Might have only taken a minute. For extra creamy flavor, add butter and milk if your diet allows.

I didn’t add butter or milk, but I did get a beautiful, rich, thick cauliflower mash when all was said and done. It was like really creamy mashed potatoes. Great consistency. Of course, the biggest test comes with the taste.

Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash (prepared)

Zero Cuisine does a phenomenal job of capturing the texture of mashed potatoes with their Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash. I was actually quite impressed as I watched the powder turn into this gorgeous swirl of thick mash. And, with only a lack of a bit of seasoning, the flavors really stood out too. The garlic and herbs don’t overpower the cauliflower itself. It just would have been a bit bland if not for the seasoned portobello mushroom steak I was serving, which came with a sauce that I drizzled over the entire dish. It was an amazing addition to the meal and took a lot of prep time out of the occasion. It’s always best to make things yourself, but this is a healthy and very easy alternative when time restrictions play a huge part in your life.

Let’s talk about ingredients, shall we? The Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash is made up of dried cauliflower, garlic and spices, sea salt, and guar gum. It is naturally gluten-free, trans fat free, free of saturated fat, and cholesterol free. Gotta love it. Also, every pack of this cauliflower mash is made from approximately 2.6 pounds of fresh cauliflower and every serving of Zero Cuisine Cauliflower Mash contains 1-1/2 servings of vegetables.

As far as nutrition information goes…you’re going to love this even more. A serving size is 1/3 cup package or 2/3 cup prepared. There are 4 servings per container. In one serving, you will be consuming 60 calories, 0.5 grams fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 270 mg sodium, 15 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 10 grams sugars, and 3 grams protein. This is spectacular given that a regular serving of mashed potatoes would provide 160 calories, 24 grams carbs, 6 grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber, and 445 mg sodium HUGE difference. Feel good about your food. Eat something that is better for you and your body in the long run.

I need to find out where I can find this in my area, because Zero Cuisine made prep and cooking so easy. Especially on hectic nights, this is something that is worth having in the pantry. Loved the flavors and the texture of the Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash. And it was because of Cuisine Cube, that I now know it exists. Happiness comes in all sorts of packages!

Portobello Steak over Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash

June 20, 2015

Product Review: OLOMOMO Maple Garam Masala Kettle-Roasted Pecans

Product: OLOMOMO Maple Garam Masala Kettle-Roasted Pecans – $4.99+

One of my fondest memories of my roommate’s late father was taking him to the ballpark on Thunder Over Louisville day here in Louisville, Kentucky. He had just been re-diagnosed and started treatment for his second round of prostate cancer. And he was having a good day. He ordered a foot-long brat and enjoyed that, then bought some German roasted nuts to share with us.

Little did I know that Cuisine Cube was going to bring those memories back to me with the simple inclusion of one product in their March 2015 cube.

Before I explain, let me begin by telling you a little bit about Cuisine Cube. Cuisine Cube has gone through some changes as of May. No longer do they strictly only offer gluten-free cubes. In addition to their gluten-free option, they now also offer Artisan and Vegan cubes as well. The Artisan cube means that you have no food allergies and foods that contain common food allergens will be included. The Vegan cubes contain products that are dairy and animal free. And, they still have the Gluten Free cubes, which will have products that contain no gluten or wheat. These box subscriptions start at $34.99/month. And, part of the charm is that you will receive 5-6 full-size (not sample size) products. WOOT! These usually fall into every meal category for the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and dessert…with an added bonus from time-to-time. So, if you’re really interested in being introduced to the smaller, lesser-known, artisan companies, give Cuisine Cube a try! I can’t wait to get back to receiving these in the mail.

Tucked into my March Cube was the product that surprised me when I tried it last night as my dessert. Sometimes it takes me a little while to get around to products, but I always do it. They all serve a purpose. And, even though Cuisine Cube presented this product as the Snack portion of their cube, it can be so much more.

I’m talking about OLOMOMO Masala Maple Pecans.

OLOMOMO Nut Company launched in one of my favorite places on Earth – Boulder, Colorado, in 2008 with one simple mission plan: be The Good Nuts and create one of the first socially and environmentally conscious nut companies. Their beginnings were humble, selling samples at the Colorado farmers markets, and then, eventually hitting the big time with a national debut on the Cooking Channel. OLOMOMO is quickly becoming a national brand. Currently, the product is available through natural grocery stores like Whole Foods and in coffee shops and smoothie shops (like Smoothie King) across the country. OLOMOMO is committed to developing fun, healthy products that infuse exotic flavors with familiar flavors, enticing your taste buds more than you thought possible. They use simple, real, natural ingredients, including fair trade, organic and sustainable packaging when possible. OLOMOMO is also the first US nut snack company to become certified as a B Corp for their socially and environmentally sustainable business practices. What’s not to love? Even more, what’s not to love about a company that strives to inspire people to be more nutty, good and adventurous. Now you’re speaking my language!

But, how do they taste? Well, the OLOMOMO Masala Maple Pecans look like the German roasted nuts you see around ballparks and in the malls during the holidays. My biggest concern was going to be how well the garam masala played with the flavor. Garam masala is an amazing Indian spice blend that contains cinnamon and cardamon tones. I love Indian food…I just wasn’t sure how well this flavor would play with the coating on the nuts. The answer…was brilliantly. The nuts, even with the hint of garam masala, have more of a sweet than savory flavor…and it isn’t a spicy tone either. A lot of people hear the word “Indiana food” and immediately imagine everything to be at volcanic levels of spice. This is like adding cinnamon to your nuts. Seriously, the combination of cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and maple sweeten up the nuts while the dash of salt gives it that perfect balance salty/sweet combination. And, yeah, they taste dead up like those German roasted nuts. Except…better. Yep…better!! I’m addicted to them and sad that they are only available in 3.25 ounce bags at the moment. Don’t let the strange combination of maple and Indian spices throw you off. These are truly a delightful treat that will entice your taste buds and leave you reaching for more. It’s a good thing I weigh out all portions of foods I consume…

These are great by the handful, but would really spice up a salad or some fresh yogurt as well. Go nutty! Be adventurous. That’s the entire point.

Let’s discuss ingredients, shall we? OLOMOMO Masala Maple Pecans are made with pecans, organic evaporated cane juice, fair trade organic maple syrup, garam masala, and love. YES…my second product in a week that includes LOVE as an ingredient. It has to be good!! Food made with love is honestly really amazing food.

Even more enticing is the nutrition information of OLOMOMO Masala Maple Pecans. This snack is a nutrition powerhouse. A serving size is 1/4 cup (30 grams) and there are about 3 servings per package. This one serving will provide you with 190 calories and 18 grams of (healthy) fat. You will be devouring 120 mg sodium, 9 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams dietary fiber, 6 grams sugars, and 2 grams of protein. These nuts are all natural, gluten free, and cholesterol free.

Trust me…this little snack is so addicting. If you aren’t like me and dish out a serving, you could easily eat the entire package.

I probably have seen OLOMOMO nuts at my Whole Foods and just never given them a second glance. Or, perhaps my area doesn’t carry them. But now that I know they exist, I’ll be searching for them for sure. Without this introduction by Cuisine Cube, I’d be a little less nutty today. Spice up your nut habit…try OLOMOMO!

June 14, 2015

Product Review: Good Boy Organics Organicasaurus Tangy Tomato Baked Organic Corn Snacks

Good Boy Organics Organicasaurus Tangy Tomato Baked Corn Puffs — Good Boy Organics Organicasaurus Tangy Tomato Baked Corn Snacks

Product: Good Boy Organics Organicasaurus Tangy Tomato Baked Organic Corn Snacks – $3.59+

It’s been awhile since I’ve reviewed a product from Cuisine Cube. Farmer’s Market season is in full swing and I, sadly, had to drop the subscription for the time being. With my hip injury, my medical bills have to take precedence. So, the last Cuisine Cube box that I received was the May 2015 (For Mom) box.

Cuisine Cube has gone through some changes as of May as well. No longer do they strictly only offer gluten-free cubes. In addition to their gluten-free option, they now also offer Artisan and Vegan cubes as well. The Artisan cube means that you have no food allergies and foods that contain common food allergens will be included. The Vegan cubes contain products that are dairy and animal free. And, they still have the Gluten Free cubes, which will have products that contain no gluten or wheat. These box subscriptions start at $34.99/month. And, part of the charm is that you will receive 5-6 full-size (not sample size) products. WOOT! These usually fall into every meal category for the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and dessert…with an added bonus from time-to-time. So, if you’re really interested in being introduced to the smaller, lesser-known, artisan companies, give Cuisine Cube a try! I can’t wait to get back to receiving these in the mail.

For the snack option in the May 2015 Cuisine Cube, I received a 2.3 ounce bag of the Good Boy Organics Organicasaurus Tangy Tomato Baked Organic Corn Snacks. This, naturally, couldn’t be more timely. Well, at least my devouring of them couldn’t be. And here’s why…I ate these, for the first time, on Wednesday night, along side a new recipe I was trying for vegan carrot “hot dogs.” No joke…I made carrots into hot dogs. And they were rather fantastic…but I digress…

Good Boy Organics was founded in 2012 and is dedicated to providing delicious, healthy products that are USDA Certified Organic and Verified by the Non-GMO Project. The company sources ingredients from fair trade certified producers and develop gluten-free products whenever possible. YAY. Founded by David and Victoria Byrnes, a husband and wife team, Good Boy Organics was born through their dedication through a decade of success launching progressive and successful organic food brands with the sales and marketing company they founded in 2001 – Integrated Organics Company (IOCO). In 2009, Integrated Global Organics (IGLO) joined IOCO and from there…Good Boy Organics was born. The two of them, along with their dedicated team, are working to help families everywhere make better, delicious, nutritious decisions when it comes to foods, encouraging purchasing certified organic foods and helping to make such products readily accessible and affordable.

So…they just seemed like the perfect side, on the cusp of an early screening the following night of Jurassic World, to accompany dinner that evening. First of all, the vegan carrot hot dogs were fantastic. But that’s not the point of this blog…

Truly, I was a bit underwhelmed by the Good Boy Organics Organicasuarus Tangy Tomato Puffs. They were crispy and slightly crunchy, sure. They made a great snack if you were looking for a little salty, a little sweet, a little tangy, and a little crispy. But I just felt that they came across more like…stale cheesy puffs. That being said…the flavor was amazing. It definitely had a bit of a zip to it. The tomato flavor was there, but it didn’t overpower the rest of the snack. The puffed corn made it a healthier choice than, say, potato chips, and the dinosaur shape…ingenious. I just felt like it was lacking…something. Maybe I expected a little bit more, but at least they tasted good enough to devour the rest of the bag in the days that followed. So…good…not great.

Let’s discuss ingredients, shall we? The Good Boy Organics Organicasaurus Tangy Tomato Puffs are made from organic corn (flour and/or grits), organic sunflower oil, and organic sun dried tomato seasoning (tomato, salt sugar, corn flour, yeast extract, paprika, tomato concentrate, black pepper, sunflower oil, garlic, silicone dioxide, paprika extract). These snacks are baked, not fried, contain 40% less fat than their fried counterparts, are non-GMO verified, certified organic, and certified gluten-free.

As for nutrition, the facts for Good Boy Organics Organicasaurus Tangy Tomato Puffs will astound you! A serving is 14 little brontosaurus shaped puffs, or around 28 grams if you weigh your food like I do. There are 2.5 servings per package. This serving will provide you with 140 calories, 6 grams of fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 19 grams carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of dietary fiber, 0 grams of sugars, and 2 grams of protein. I may not have fallen head-over-heels for these, but the real ingredients and the fantastic dietary standards are appealing.

I love a healthy snack that doesn’t seem like it should be good for you. That’s what Good Boy Organics has done with their Organicasaurus Tangy Tomato Baked Organic Corn Snacks. I wasn’t raving about them, but I wouldn’t turn my nose up at the chance to try them or other Good Boy Organics products again. Never heard of this company before Cuisine Cube and now am more than intrigued to see what else they have to offer. Total win.

May 26, 2015

Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mocha Sorbet

We all know that two of my favorite things in life is ice cream and chocolate. Well, unfortunately, real ice cream and I don’t get along, so I’ve taken to exploring other avenues, such as frozen desserts made out of coconut milk, almond milk, or even sorbets. Even better…I have an ice cream maker and often do a lot of experimenting on my own. Sometimes it works brilliantly. Other times…not so much.

But…HELLO PINTEREST! While browsing through my Pinterest one afternoon, I ran across a recipe from King Arthur Flour for none other than a dark chocolate sorbet. WOO! I had every intention of making this sooner rather than later, so I went home that night and started chilling the bowl for the ice cream maker. I prepped the actual recipe and let it chill overnight in the fridge.

My roomie and I were having her mom over for dinner the following night, so that morning, I went ahead and made the ice cream up to freezer. It was brilliant…

Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mocha Sorbet

Servings: 10
Time: Prep 15 minutes; Chill 8-12 hours

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
2/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa
pinch of salt
2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional, but it really does enhance the chocolate flavor)
1/2 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
2 1/4 cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons Peppermint Mocha Kahlua, regular Kahlua, or vodka, (optional, but it keeps the sorbet from freezing solid)

Directions:

Combine the sugar, cocoa, salt, espresso powder, chocolate chips, and water in a saucepan set over medium heat.

Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until the chips and sugar are dissolved.

Remove from the heat, and stir in the vanilla and Kahlua or vodka. Transfer the mixture to a heatproof bowl, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled; overnight is best.

Freeze the mixture in your ice cream maker, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’ll remain quite soft; freeze for several hours before serving, to firm up.

~*~*~

This was a rich, decadent treat. The Peppermint Mocha Kahlua was the perfect touch. Not only did it lend an amazing flavor to the recipe, but it honestly does help prevent the ice cream from becoming hard as a rock. LOVE. This was one of my favorite treats I’ve made in my ice cream maker.

May 14, 2015

Product Review: Laughing Giraffe Organics Cherry Ginger Snakarola

Product: Laughing Giraffe Organics Cherry Ginger Snakarola – $7.99+

When a product goes by the name “Laughing Giraffe” I take notice. Funny thing though…I’d never heard of this brand before. Trust me…if I had, it would probably have already been a staple in my pantry.

This brand and product came to me courtesy of my monthly subscription to Cuisine Cube. I know most of you, by now, are familiar with this service, but let me give you a quick rundown. For as little as $29.99/month, you can have Cuisine Cube delivered to your door . What this service provides is 5-6 gluten-free, full-size products that are made by local and smaller, artisan companies, rather than those that you can find at the average grocery store. It has introduced me to so many new and delightful products. Each box contains a breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert product…and then, sometimes, an extra bonus item. Who doesn’t love a little something extra, right?

So, April 2015’s Cuisine Cube featured Laughing Giraffe Organics Cherry Ginger Snakarola for the Breakfast/Snack item. I was immediately intrigued. Loved the name of the company and the name of the product. And I love a good granola…and this looked like it was quality in a little pouch. So, yeah…excitement.

Laughing Giraffe Organics is a family run business owned by the Gilmour family, based out of the San Francisco Bay Area. They entered the health food business out of a desire to learn about healthy eating and how it could improve their own well-being. Laughing Giraffe Organics mission is to provide quality nutritional snack foods that taste great and only use the purest organic ingredients that are nutrient dense and minimally processed. I am loving this already. Basically, they make foods that they believe will satisfy hunger without detracting from quality of life. This is a company that truly wants you to eat well and live better.

Who can’t get on board with that, right?

It was my 5:30 a.m. spin class day at the gym yesterday. I love my class, but it’s an hour long, and I have to go home, shower, and get everything together to get out the door to work. It makes for a huge time crunch. SO…in order to have something my roommate can eat and that I can take with me to work, it is often something like a Greek yogurt parfait or something of the sort. This was the case this past Wednesday, and so, before heading off to the gym, I made up two bowls of my infamous breakfast parfaits…Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries.

I try to keep healthy (ie: low sugar) granola in the house, and since Cuisine Cube had provided me with some, I figured I’d take full advantage on such a chaotic morning. I washed the berries and prepped the to-go bowl and the nice bowl (for the roomie to eat at home) for the actual assembly of the parfaits. I put a small handful of the granola in each bowl, then spooned over the Greek yogurt, then added the berries. Repeat. Then finish off with another handful of granola. It’s a filling, amazing, delicious and nutritious way to start the morning. Of course, I had to try this granola on it’s own, as well as as a mixer with the parfait.

The Laughing Giraffe Organics Cherry Ginger Snakarola is a better granola. It’s soft (like Van’s Granola), and packed with nuts and and tons of flavor. I was a bit concerned with the ginger in the name of the product, but the ginger that is included in the mix isn’t candied or overwhelming. It’s blended in perfectly and offset by the salty-crunchy nuts. Then…to add to the decadence…dried cherries. Honestly, it was a perfect blend for me. Almost like a muesli while still being a granola. It was amazing. And it could be used over dairy-free (or regular) ice cream, in cookies, or eaten straight out of the bag…among other tings. That’s the great thing about a fantastic granola…it can be so versatile. The Laughing Giraffe Cherry Ginger Snakarola is all of that. And…it’s addictive…in a good, healthy, and delicious way.

So, let’s take a look at the simple, basic, organic ingredients that go into each pouch of Laughing Giraffe Cherry Ginger Snakarola, shall we? This granola is made up of organic walnuts, organic pecans, organic agave nectar, organic dried cherries, organic ginger powder, organic vanilla extract (gluten-free) and Himalayan pink salt. This product compliments a Paleo diet, has a low glycemic point, is nutrient-rich and power-packed, is a fantastic source of healthy fats, and is packed with fiber to keep you feeling full. This product is gluten-free, certified organic, raw, vegan and non-GMO.

As for nutrition information, don’t be frightened. Remember much of this granola is made up of healthy nuts, which, are higher in calories and fats (but healthy…just keep to the serving size or below!). A serving of the Laughing Giraffe Cherry Ginger Snakarola is 1/2 cup. This serving will give you 290 calories and 25 grams of fat. You will also be taking in 50 mg sodium, 13 grams carbohydrates, 8 grams of sugars, 3 grams of fiber, and 8 grams of protein. This granola is cholesterol free.

It was definitely love at first bite with this granola. It wasn’t too sweet, nor was it spicy. It was crunchy without being over toasted. And it was soft and delicious. Filled with the best sort of foods for healthy and fitness…yeah…this was a definite win. Now to get more for my pantry. Perhaps in another flavor. Thanks to both Laughing Giraffe Organics and Cuisine Cube for this fantastic product!

May 11, 2015May 11, 2015

Product Review: So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Cashew Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

Product: So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Cashew Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert – $6.99+

God bless So Delicious! Because after swearing off the regular ice cream I used to indulge in each weekend (I miss my local ice cream parlor, but the dairy was too much for this stomach, even with supplements to help with the lactose intolerance), I can now have my indulgence back. Yes…yes I can. And in so many different varieties for a base. Soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk…they have a little bit of everything.

But I’m currently on the biggest cashew milk kick. Seriously. It’s the companion to my cereal in the morning…a creamy addition to my overnight oatmeal…a key component to my dairy free (and creamy) gluten-free and vegan macaroni and cheese. I love it more than soy milk, more than coconut milk, more than almond milk…and it seems to be holding true for the frozen items as well.

Then again, So Delicious has yet to really disappoint me with any product I have ever ventured to try of theirs. It is one very trusted brand in my book.

So, with temperatures soaring outside this weekend, my roommate and I were cooking in and treating dessert as our cool down. So, Saturday evening, after a simple and delicious dinner (after a long day of shopping and buying groceries and other such weekend sundries), I pulled the pint of So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Cashew Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert out of my freezer. It was the other flavor of the new cashew milk frozen desserts that my roommate and I splurged on one day while out grocery shopping. I already reviewed the Snickerdoodle flavor. While we ate, I allowed it the 10 minute defrost time, which is common with non-dairy frozen treats, so that it was scoopable. Then, after clearing and washing dishes up…it was time to unveil the ice cream that awaited us.

I eased off the lid and pulled back the white plastic that sealed in the freshness. I saw an amazing looking white ice cream, speckled with dark chocolate chunks and swirls of golden caramel. I got out the ice cream scoop and easily dished up two servings into the ice cream bowls I had dug out of the cabinet. Delivering one to my roommate, I returned to the kitchen to tuck the pint back into the freezer. By the time I took up my own bowl, Cathy had already taken a taste of hers.

“How is it?”

“Mmmmmm.”

Well…that was all I needed to hear. MY spoon touched the scoop in my bowl, dug in, getting a little bit of everything, and then was introduced to my taste buds. It tasted like a smooth, creamy, rich…butter pecan (minus the nuts) base with a burst of amazing sweetness from the dark chocolate covered cashews. Those, I think, were my favorite part. But this ice cream definitely enhanced all the taste senses. Salty and sweet, it was a perfect blend of flavor and richness. I loved how the caramel ribbons were soft and accented the cashew milk base and the dark chocolate covered nuts that were scattered throughout the pint. They were little bites of joy, for sure. And I happily devoured each bite. My only complaint, and this is a personal one, was that there weren’t enough of the dark chocolate covered cashews for my liking. If these “clusters” are going to be significant to the name of the ice cream, be sure you load your pint down with them. It was a hide-and-seek game with the scoop…but I managed to get these tasty morsels into each serving for both myself and my roommate.

Let’s talk about what So Delicious Dairy Free puts into their Salted Caramel Cluster Cashew Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert, shall we? This ice cream flavor is made from cashew milk (water, cashews non-GMO canola oil), organic dried cane syrup, chocolate coated cashews [coating (cane sugar, coconut oil, cocoa (processed with alkali), chocolate liquor, natural vanilla flavor), roasted cashews (canola oil, safflower and/or sunflower oil, salt)], caramel sauce [organic tapioca syrup, water, molasses, pea protein, natural flavors, organic cocoa butter, sodium citrate, salt, pectin], natural flavor, sea salt, fair trade vanilla extract, gum acacia, and guar gum. It is gluten-free, vegan, cholesterol free, free of trans-fats, and non-GMO.

As far as nutrition goes…aside from being a dessert and an ice cream treat at that, this is actually quite impressive and not half bad as far as the data goes. One serving is 1/2 cup and there are 4 servings in each pint. One serving will provide you with 180 calories, 9 grams of fat, 130 mg sodium, 18 grams of sugars (YIKES…but then again…ice cream!), 24 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, and 3 grams of protein.

As tempting as it is to devour the entire pint in one sitting, definitely savor it and eat only the serving. It’s okay to treat yourself to a nice, cold, delicious treat and when you do…if you can’t handle dairy like me…then So Delicious has you covered for sure. And…I am a HUGE fan of the new cashew milk frozen desserts. I can’t wait to try the three other flavors!

BIG YUM!

Oh…yeah…it was polished off Sunday night. Didn’t last long. Never does.

A serving of So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Cashew Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

May 8, 2015May 8, 2015

Product Review: Pretzel Perfection Salted Caramel Clusters

Product: Pretzel Perfection Salted Caramel Clusters – $4.99+

One thing that most everyone who knows me knows about me is that I have this huge crush on anything salted caramel. If it’s salted caramel, I want it in my belly. Seriously…there is no better flavor combination that something that is rich and sweet and salty and yummy and…

I’m making myself hungry again…

So when my Spring (April 2015) Cuisine Cube hit my doorstep this past month, I was really excited about pulling out a little 3 ounce pouch of probably the most perfect snack food in history. But, before I go into that, a quick recap on what Cuisine Cube is all about. You see, Cuisine Cube is a gluten-free subscription box that specializes in pantry/meal items. The best part being, you get full-size products, not just sample sizes. Each month, you get 5-6 items (a breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert, and sometimes a bonus!) inside your little box of wonder from smaller artisan companies that specialize in some gluten-free goodness. Subscriptions start as low as $29.99. So, if you haven’t yet…hop on over to their site and check them out.

Anyway, what I was getting to just before that was that in my Spring cube, the most perfect dessert option arrived. Sure, it was only 3 ounces of goodness, but everything about this treat screamed for me to just EAT IT ALL RIGHT THERE AND RIGHT THEN. I didn’t. I resisted…because I’m a blogger and I need to take pictures…but I now had a new product in my clutches!

The product – Salted Caramel Clusters from Pretzel Perfection. First thing that won me over…the words SALTED CARAMEL. The next thing…the delightful photo of these chocolaty covered pretzel things on the front of the pouch. Chocolate covered pretzels have always been (and will always be) one of my favorite snacks/treats/desserts in the world. I mean, the salty and sweet with rich and crunchy all rolled into one…HELLO!! That’s perfection right there. As the founders of this company must know given the name “Pretzel Perfection.”

Pretzel Perfection was created by Amy Holyk and actually began as a one-person operation in a converted garage. Since then, Pretzel Perfection has grown into an expanding and thriving business, with focus on treats that are made of real food. This company creates products that consumers can trust in and are committed to providing products that are of a higher quality, all-natural, and gluten-free. They take great pride in the fact that they do not use any artificial flavors, colorings, or preservatives.

So…yeah…they had me with pretzels…dark chocolate…salted caramel. They were already winning without me even tasting them yet. But…this was the night. These little bundles of pretzel goodness were my dessert tonight. So, after a healthy dinner…it was time to indulge a little.

The Pretzel Perfection Salted Caramel Clusters are in their line of gourmet pretzel treats. These treats are gluten-free pretzel clusters wrapped with caramel, coated in dark chocolate, and then sprinkled with sea salt and dark chocolate chips. What’s not to love about that, right? EXACTLY!! They look like something I’d make to take into the office…which I love. And I dove right in. First of all, the dark chocolate is a nice bittersweet note to blend with the saltiness of the pretzel and the sea salt that adorns the top of the cluster itself. The dark chocolate chips make for a nice compliment and an added burst of sweetness. The pretzels are crunchy…I mean…dark chocolate coated to perfection. The little square of caramel holes it all together and is the magic in the middle of this cluster. Honestly…if heaven exists…it is inside this bag. I am doing all I can not to raid it and eat the remnants. Seriously.

My roommate and I devoured these in record speed. I had a feeling I was going to like these…even love these…but I LOVE these. Caps lock love. That’s real love right there.

Let’s talk about ingredients, shall we? The Pretzel Perfection Salted Caramel Clusters are made from dark chocolate, caramel, gluten-free pretzels, dark chocolate chips, and sea salt. Yep. that’s it. They are gluten-free and kosher.

As far as nutrition goes…dark chocolate pretzels aren’t going to be good for you in the long run, but…these really are worth a bit of a splurge. A serving size is 1 ounce (about 2 pieces), and the pouch holds 3 servings. One serving will give you 130 calories, 7 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 420 mg sodium, 18 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 11 grams of sugars, and 1 gram of protein. Delicious…and…compared to some desserts…a healthy and delicious option. Or, as they say on their Web site: ” Life is simply too short to not have fun with your food.” Amen.

Seriously…everything about Pretzel Perfection Salted Caramel Clusters is…perfection. The taste, the texture, the ccare and love that goes into the products they make. Oh yeah…I’m a fan. I have seen that these might be sold at Target. You best believe I’ll be on the lookout for them and the other flavors that Pretzel Perfection makes.

Hop on over to Pretzel Perfection‘s web site and check out the products they offer and…if you’re feeling a little crazy…ORDER SOME!! Seriously. All my love and praise to Cuisine Cube for doing dessert oh, so right this month!

May 5, 2015

Product Review: Daiya New York Cheezecake

Product: Daiya New York Cheezecake – $8.99+

Earlier this year, around the time Expo West was going on (one day…I will get there!), the leading name in vegan cheese products, Daiya, unveiled a line of cheesecakes. For those of you unfamiliar with the sheer awesomeness of Daiya, let me tell you about my love affair with their products. Daiya is a household name for so many vegans. This brand offers a vast array of vegan options, including cream cheese, frozen pizzas, cheese-like wedges/blocks, non-dairy cheese slices, and, what they are most famous for, their cheese shreds (which melt the best of any vegan option out there). You can imagine the ruckus I made when it was revealed that they were dipping their toes into the cheesecake world.

I grew up in New York – and New York is in love with its…cheesecake. And who doesn’t appreciate a good cheesecake, right? They are rich, creamy, dense, and “oh-so-bad-for-you-it’s-so-good.” Nothing beats a perfect crust with the perfect, dense, creamy layer of cream cheese goodness baked on top. It is the ultimate comfort dessert. You eat a cheesecake when you just don’t give a flying flip about anything else. You eat cheesecake as a treat. You eat cheesecake and you savor each bite.

It has been years since I’ve had a cheesecake. I mean…a real cheesecake. I have made a couple of dairy-free versions of cheesecake…but they haven’t worked out so well. One spilled out of my springform pan, while the other one was the perfect density and tasted good…but it cracked on top…so it wasn’t perfect and pretty. But, hey…I tried.

So, leave it to Daiya to swoop in and save the day.

All hail Daiya!

So, I figured it would be awhile before these turned up in my area. That’s usually how new products unveiled at Expo West happen. BUT…it was different this time. A few weeks ago, I was in Whole Foods and as I was walking down the frozen food aisle, I glanced over and saw a shelf of all four flavors of the cheezecakes that Daiya has put out on the market. For those wondering, these four flavors are: New York, Strawberry, Key Lime, and Chocolate. I made a few happy noises and my roommate and I vowed to pick up one of the Daiya Cheezecakes the following week, when we could bring a cooler and not leave it in the car while we finished up the rest of our shopping.

True to our word, we did return. And after a very short discussion over which flavor we should try first, we unianimously settled on the Daiya New York Cheezecake. Why? Because nothing is better or more versatile than a New York-style cheesecake. Trust me. I know. We purchased the dessert and brought it home, where I put it in the freezer and let it sit while I made some out of town trips and all that good stuff.

But, with my running on hold (which, granted, probably isn’t the time to develop a dessert-crust on a high-fat treat) while I am in recovery and physical therapy for a torn hip labrum, I am making my way through some of the things in my pantry, freezer, and fridge. This Sunday, it was all about the cheesecake!

Daiya New York Cheezecake is fairly simply to prep for devouring. Simply remove the cheezecake from the package and transfer it to a cutting board or plate, and then place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw for 5-6 hours. Then, slice into it (it says it feeds 4-6 people, for the sake of my waist and my weight, I opted for 6) and transfer it to plates. Thaw these slices for an additional 20 minutes at room temperature before serving and refrigerate any unused pieces immediately. If you don’t have 5-6 hours to kill, you can thaw the unwrapped cheezecake at room temperature for 30 minutes, slice it, and then thaw an additional 45 minutes. You should NOT refreeze this dessert. And, according to the box, it is best if consumed within 48 hours of thawing.

So…I did all of the above on Sunday afternoon, allowing the Daiya New York Cheezecake to thaw in the fridge while I went about my crazy Sunday afternoon. After eating dinner that night, I popped into the kitchen and sliced up the dessert, serving up tiny little wedges to both myself and my roommate. Settling in, I was eagerly anticipating my first bite. So…I took it.

And fell in love. Seriously. My first thought was that these were going to taste like Daiya. Let’s face it, my vegan and Daiya loving friends…Daiya products have this particular taste about them. But the Daiya New York Cheezecake doesn’t have that. It is light and soft and tastes like a New York Cheesecake. That’s the great thing about a plain cheesecake. You can dress it up if you want with berries or jams or even caramel or chocolate. But I’m a purist. I wanted to taste it on its own so I could draw a good conclusion on how I felt about the taste. And, I was beyond impressed. While it is nowhere near the density and richness of an authentic New York style cheesecake, it was creamy and rich. I actually appreciated that sort of texture because some New York style cheesecakes are a little hard to swallow. This could be, honestly, the most perfect dessert. I also loved that the graham cracker crust is only a tiny, itty-bitty layer on the bottom, because this made the main focus the cheesecake itself. I don’t want a lot of crust. It isn’t the star of the dessert. It’s that creamy topping that everyone wants. And this was smooth and light. And that…was a winner for me. The cheesecake itself is rather small when compared to a regular one, but…I appreciated the size. No over-indulging. Just right.

So, let’s talk about what goes into a Daiya New York Cheezecake, shall we? The Cheezecake Filling is made from filtered water, dessicated coconut, evaporated cane sugar, coconut oil, tapioca starch, non-GMO expeller pressed canola and/or non-GMO expeller pressed safflower oil, potato starch, pea protein isolate, vanilla extract, sea salt, vegan natural flavors, vegetable glycerine, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, lactic acid, tricalcium phosphate, cultured sugar, agave syrup, titanium dioxide, and vegan enzyme. The Gluten-Free Crust is made from tapioca starch, coconut oil, evaporated cane sugar, brown rice flour, white whole grain sorghum flour, potato starch, filtered water, non-GMO expeller pressed canola and/or non-GMO expeller pressed safflower oil, blackstrap molasses, vanilla extract, milled flax seed, psyllium, leavening, sea salt, xanthan gum, and sunflower lecithin. Whew. This dream come true dessert is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, cholesterol free, and vegan.

So, let’s talk about the nutrition facts of the Daiya New York Cheezecake, shall we? I know it’s a dessert, but it is about half the size of a regular cheesecake…but it will eat like a real cheesecake. I cut my portion down by making 6 servings instead of four, but if you stick to the 4 slices per the box recommendation, you’ll be taking in 16 grams of saturated fat. My thighs are already planning their revenge at the gym today. The fat and sugar contents are both high as well…but…this is a dessert. I get that. SO…with that preface…a serving size is 1 slice (100 grams), with 4 servings per box. One serving will give you 360 calories, 24 grams fat, 16 grams saturated fat, 420 mg sodium, 34 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 17 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. So, it’s up there on the calories and fat…so remember…it is a treat. Do not overindulge.

This was, truly, one of the most amazing, decadent, and fantastic store bought desserts I have had the honor of indulging in since having to give up gluten and dairy. Rich, creamy, and sinfully good. Daiya definitely did an amazing job creating this line of cheesecakes and I look forward to trying the other three flavors. In moderation. And after hitting the gym.

Well done, Daiya!