Sweet Stuff – Page 10 – 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, 2015July 3, 2015

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels – $8.50

I’ve been burned by gluten-free products in the past. You hear about them via the Internet and you either find them at your local store (grocery or natural food) and you take them home and try them out and you find out all the hype was just hype. It sucks. You’re out a good meal/snack and money.

So, imagine how it felt for me to pour some money into a company that found me via my Twitter feed, when I was talking about the new Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free Bagels (plain and everything). They reached out to me, and didn’t say they had a better product, just that if I enjoyed those, I’d love theirs. They did it twice…and with me…this shows persistence and a great belief in the product they have. I had already made my way over to their page upon the first contact and was intrigued by what I found. The second time, they had me convinced I just needed to pull the trigger and place an order.

And this is where my love affair with Sweet Note Bakery and their New York style gluten free bagels began…

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

No buyer’s remorse happened either after I checked out of their online store. A couple of days later, a box arrived bearing my bagels. I made room for them in my packed freezer until it was time to crack into them. So far, they have wowed me with the Plain, Everything, and Cinnamon Raisin varieties. These are all commonly found as flavored with other gluten-free bagels on the market…

But Sweet Note really knows how to sweeten the deal. And this chocoholic jumped at the chance to try their latest flavor…

Chocolate Swirl.

Chocolate for breakfast? Hell yes! In fact, I am no stranger to incorporating sweet chocolate into my breakfast. I’ve made chocolate gluten-free hot cereal. My mom grew up making chocolate chip pancakes for my friends and I. And sometimes, I throw chocolate chips into my overnight oats or my breakfast parfait. We all deserve a little something sweet sometimes.

Per instructions on the packaging, in order to get your bagels done right, do NOT ever let them thaw to room temperature. This goes against how I prepare anything gluten-free from my freezer, but there is a reason for this. So…do it. Pop these into your microwave for about 1 minute, until they are soft. Cool slightly, and then the slice and toast. If you’re like me and you don’t own a toaster, pop them in an oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. They come out perfect.

Let me tell you, this bagel has everything working for it. Everything. It satisfies your sweet tooth without taking it too far. I mean, who doesn’t love chocolate for breakfast? The best part is…the Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels keep the chocolate subtle so that it doesn’t become more of a doughnut or cake, than a bagel. It is smoothly swirled into the bagel, creating this gorgeous pattern when you slice into the breakfast treat itself. And, let me tell you, nothing makes your morning better than the aroma of chocolate as it toasts in the oven (or toaster if you have one…I don’t!). My mouth was watering as it was being thawed in the microwave for a minute. This is more than a bagel. This is everything you want in a breakfast – savory and sweet – crunchy and chewy. Amazing. Just all-around amazing.

Want to know what else is amazing? The old-school style that these gluten-free bagels are produced in. They hit that traditional New York Style, not only in size, but in texture too! And, yes, I am 100% certain these are gluten free!! You wouldn’t believe it to taste it for yourself, but it’s on the packaging and a big part of the business. The authentic nature of all of the gluten-free bagels from Sweet Note Bakery is that they take you back to the classic 3-inch size of the traditional bagel. No mega-bagel here. You don’t need it. Instead of a 6-inch monstrosity, you’re chowing down on real, natural ingredients that will leave you feeling full and content. Trust me. And, with the way these are constructed, you get an amazing crispy outer crust and that warm, chewy middle that New York bagels are known for. Sweet Note, you’re doing it all right.

And by adding chocolate to create your very own (and unlike any other gluten-free bagel on the market) Chocolate Swirl Bagel, you’re taking it to the next level. All of us with a sweet tooth, or who enjoy a little treat in the morning, are dancing a happy dance. I happened to top off my Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels with some of my own homemade strawberry jam. Let me tell you…it was magical. Yep. I said magical. Because if you love chocolate-covered strawberries, imagine how amazing strawberry covered chocolate is. Yep…it’s amazing. And these bagels were the perfect vehicle to showcase my own hard work in the kitchen with fresh, local berries. Ah, the joys of being a foodie.

Now, let’s talk ingredients for a moment, shall we? The Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels are made from water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, vanilla extract, salt, chocolate chips (evaporated cane juice, natural chocolate liquor (non-alcoholic), and non-dairy cocoa butter). As always, these bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, and peanut & tree nut free. The Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels are a little more expensive because they have to go the extra mile to add allergen-free chocolate to the mix. It’s worth it. Vegan, gluten-free goodness in every delicious bite. Trust me…you don’t want to miss out. This little bagel company is going places. BIG places.

As far as nutirtion goes, for bagels, this hits the sweet spot. A serving is 1 bagel (4.5 ounces or 128 grams). There are four servings per package. This one serving will give you 310 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 22 mg cholesterol, 280 mg sodium, 4 grams fiber, 18 grams sugars, and 4 grams of protein. See why you’ll feel full? Fiber-rich and packed with protein. Gotta love it!

Trust me, if you can’t find these in stores in your area, pop over to Sweet Note Bakery’s Web site and place an order. They need to be in your gluten-free life, stat!! And then, talk to your local natural food store, or Whole Foods, about stocking these. They would sell like hotcakes (or bagels) in an instant. Trust me. These are not to be missed. Sweet Note Bakery offers eight (8) different varieties of their NY style bagels: plain, everything, cinnamon raisin, sesame, poppy, chocolate swirl, snickerdoodle, and pumpkin spice. Their Web site says a Spinach Garlic is in the works. HELLO!! Want that. So, if you are a bagel lover like me…and gluten-free bagels have left you feeling cheated…get the real deal. And, if you like a little treat in the morning, twist up tradition with the Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels. They are not to be missed.

And this, sadly, concludes my stash in the freezer…so I guess it’s time to try out the other four flavors!

Sweet Note Gluten Free Chocolate Swirl Bagels topped off with my own homemade strawberry jam

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 30, 2015

Product Review: Kite Hill Ricotta

Product: Kite Hill Ricotta – $9.99+

Color me charmed. For real. A couple of weeks ago, I took a chance and tried a new product I discovered (exclusively) at my local Whole Foods. In fact, all of the products from this particular brand are only available at Whole Foods…currently. They are a little pricey, but as I’ve been discovering…they are totally worth it.

Kite Hill was started due to a vision for a plant-based food that would have all the qualities we love in the best artisan dairy cheeses. Using simple ingredients and using traditional methods, Kite Hill has created artisan cheeses, yogurts, and cream cheeses that can all be incorporated into entrées and desserts. Created by a dedicated team with deep culinary, cheese-making, and scientific expertise, including Tal Ronnen, Monte Casino, Jean Prevot, Pat Brown, and Matthew Sade, Kite Hill has stepped up to the challenge to create a non-dairy cheese that met their high standards for quality. So often, vegan cheese tastes fake or plastic-like. After years of recipe testing and countless trials and errors to develop the perfect nut milk, cultures, and enzymes needed to create a worthy product, Kite Hill emerged on the market place.

You will recall that I have already given a raving review for the Kite Hill Plain Cream Cheese Style Spread. Well, I had pasta on my mind this past week. Really. And I had gluten free lasagna noodles in my pantry. And ramekin dishes in my cupboard. See where this is headed? Yep…individual mini lasagnas…all made possible by the introduction of Kite Hill’s Ricotta – which is completely soy free, vegan, gluten free and dairy free.

Let me tell you, I was beyond blown away by this product. It surprised me. It really, really did. The Kite Hill Ricotta is light and fluffy right off the bat. It looked just like real ricotta…the stuff I am incapable of consuming anymore. Damn lactose intolerance. But let me say this, if Kite Hill continues to produce their version of ricotta cheese, then I will never miss it again. I know that tofu can be substituted in pasta dishes for ricotta…as can Tofutti’s Better Than Ricotta…and I have actually used both in successful recipes. But…it wasn’t the same. The texture was different. The flavor was different.

Not with Kite Hill. My roommate and I both tried some of the Kite Hill Ricotta on its own before I blended it with some herbs for the actual meal. Oh. My. God. I probably could have eaten the entire tub on my own, with just a spoon. There is that much amazing flavor in this cheese. The texture is light, but with a bit of heft to it. So, it mimics that of real ricotta. Oh…this was already looking good for my mini lasagnas. I just had to keep myself from eating all the cheese out of the container and to use it, instead, in the actual recipe.

No easy task.

But I did end up blending it with my herbs and some Daiya Mozzerella Shreds to complete the cheesy filling of the lasagna, which would also include sautéed onion and kale with some garlic. YUMMY!! The noodles were cooked, cooled, and put into the dishes. The ricotta & cheese filling was added, and layered with the vegetables…and of course an amazing sauce from Rao to top it all off. Into the oven for 40 minutes and…viola…we’re in business! The mini-lasagnas came out of the oven bubbling hot with cheese and sauce and a whole lot of goodness. I eased them out of the ramekins and dinner was served.

Oh. My. God. This was the best ricotta cheese substitute I have tried yet. Not only was this flavorful, mimicing both ricotta and/or mascarpone cheese, but it didn’t make the dish heavy at all. The ricotta has a slight tanginess to it, making it a nice addition not just to pastas, but also to desserts. This product is ridiculously tasty. I want to make ricotta pancakes now. And I think I might just do that…maybe tomorrow. We’ll see. I have some left over to do just that. And I have all these fresh local blueberries to use as well. Oh yes…I sense an epic gluten-free and dairy free pancake breakfast. It’s the best ricotta substitute I have ever stumbled upon. It’s made from almond milk, so if you have a nut allergy, it’s not for you, but it’s nice to have a soy-free alternative.

So, now let’s talk about the ingredients. Nothing beats real, wholesome ingredients. What’s even better, the Kite Hill Ricotta only has 5 ingredients in it. Yep. Just five! These include: almond milk (water, almonds), salt, enzyme, tartaric acid, and cultures. This product, as mentioned before, is gluten-free, soy free, dairy free and vegan. It also contains no cholesterol, no saturated fat, and no trans fats!

And with that in mind, this is the best time to discuss Kite Hill Roctta nutritional facts, yes? A serving of the Kite Hill Ricotta is 1 ounce (28 grams…or about 2 tablespoons). This serving will provide you with 70 calories, 6 grams of fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 90 mg sodium, 2 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams dietary fiber, 0 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. Are you loving it? I’m loving it!

Seriously, you won’t find anything better than Kite Hill Ricotta. It’s so versatile. Pastas, pizza toppings, desserts, or even in hot chocolate, this will do it all. And the taste, oh my God, the taste is fantastic. I am hooked. I’ll pay the price to have a good tasting, good quality product. And Kite Hill totally makes it worth it. If you live near a Whole Foods, I encourage you and highly recommend that you check out the Kite Hill lineup of vegan artisan cheese.

Mini Vegan Kale Lasagna (made with Kite Hill Ricotta)

June 26, 2015

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bagels – $7.29+

Some leaps of faith are just worth taking. Seriously. And nothing has surprised me more than how deeply I have fallen in love with the bagel creations by Sweet Note Bagels. It was fate that introduced me to these gluten-free goodies. Actually, it was a fantastic PR person at Sweet Note Bagels who was quick on the draw after seeing my blog on Canyon Bakehouse’s Gluten Free Bagels (both plain and everything). And I have to say…persistence always pays off with me. Always. The recommendation that if I liked Canyon Bakehouse’s Bagels then I would LOVE theirs, had me clicking on a provided link and heading over to their Web site to check them out.

And then my curiosity got the best of me. Without any further knowledge about their products, without looking up any reviews as to what other consumers thought of their products, I was on their online store, purchasing half of their bagel selections. Yep, I didn’t start with just one variety. I went into this believing that these would blow me away…and thus…I ordered four (4) of their eight (8) varieties that they currently offer.

So, now we went for a personal favorite…

Cinnamon Raisin.

I love everything about cinnamon raisin baked goods. I was a huge cinnamon roll lover growing up. Anything with a little hit of spice and that bit of sweetness is winning in my book. Raisins…well, they are one sweet treat I love indulging in, without the guilt. Put them together in some sort of bread-like form and you have a happy girl on your hands.

So, it was this morning after my 5:30 a.m. spin class that I dodged some rain home and immediately removed the Sweet Note Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bagels from my freezer. I grabbed two of them (one for me and the other for my non-gluten-free roomie!) and got onto thawing them in the microwave. You don’t bring these to room temperature like most gluten-free foods. Just 1 minute or so in the microwave, until they are squishy soft, and you’re golden. Cool them for a moment, slice in half, and toast. Because I don’t own a toaster, these bad boys went into the oven. And I left my roommate in charge of not letting the apartment burn down while they toasted and I went to shower.

No tragedies. My oven didn’t burn anything while I was getting cleaned and dressed for my physical therapy appointment before finally making my way into work. I came out to an apartment that was carrying the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon sweetness. I peaked into the oven, just to make sure I was hitting that perfect golden color, and not having it begin to char. It was right on point. And as I closed the oven to let the bagels finish up, I commented to the roomie, “Those smell SO good…like cinnamon rolls.” I got out the Kite Hill Plain Vegan Cream Cheese Spread and some local Whipped Vanilla Honey that we had picked up at the recent Buy Local Fair in Louisville, Kentucky.

And so…out came the baking sheet with the perfectly toasted Sweet Note Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bagels. And I contained myself by not drooling on them or devouring all four halves. I took one half of each bagel and gave it the classic schmear of the vegan cream cheese spread. The other half of each bagel got a touch of the local Whipped Vanilla Honey. We were in business now. I served my roommate her bagel then went to pour my coffee and settle in to do my PT stretches and eat some breakfast.

I was no longer apprehensive and wondering if I had thrown away my money when it came to Sweet Note Bagels. Nope…I knew they were amazing. But how amazing were the New York Style Cinnamon Raisin offerings? AMAZING! There is no way anyone could eat these and immediately say that these are gluten-free. They taste just like a good, classic New York Bagel. The resemble them too! A perfect three inches in diameter, dense, and just thick. Honestly…I am so impressed with the appearance right off, resembling traditional bagels…just without the gluten! This style of bagel means that you get this crispy, golden outer crust and a soft, chewy, dense center where all the good stuff hides. And it’s perfection. A swirl of cinnamon and dabbling of sweet raisins complete this bagel from the first bite to the last. There wasn’t too much spice or too few raisins. It was an ideal and perfect balance. And I took my time this time, to savor, each half…one bite of one, then another, pairing it with the selected topping and finding how each one worked uniquely with this flavor of bagel.

Cinnamon Raisin + Gluten Free + Bagel = HAPPY GIRL!

Let’s talk about what Sweet Note Bagels puts into their Gluten Free New York Style Cinnamon Raisin Bagels, shall we? Well…as with their other products, the first ingredient is LOVE! So, you have LOVE, water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, raisins, olive oil, molasses, vanilla extract, cinnamon, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, and salt. These bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

And now…the nitty-gritty. Let’s discuss the nutritional information of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bagels, shall we? A serving size is one (1) bagel (135 grams) and four (4) bagels come in the package. One serving will dish up 310 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans-fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 290 mg sodium, 69 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 17 grams sugar, and 4 grams protein.

One of the best things about these bagels is that they are really filling because they use real ingredients, No fillers, chemicals, and weird preservatives. This is real food…and will give you plenty of energy to get through the morning. I love eating a breakfast and knowing that my body is getting something good from it.

When it comes to Cinnamon Raisin anything…Sweet Note Bagels has won me over. My favorite flavor of bread-item…done in a perfect New York style bagel…yeah…you’ve won me over and won my gluten-free food loving heart. The bagels made by the fantastic team at Sweet Note Bagels has done their job and done it to perfection because, so far, their bagels have not let me down. If anything, they have shown me that there is so much more to the bagel market than the Udi’s and Canyon Bakehouse standards that are readily available in stores.

And thanks to their intrepid social media perseverance…I am forever a fan! If, like me, you love Cinnamon Raisin…then these will blow you away. Sweet and oh, so amazing!

Sweet Note Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bagels (one half with Kite Hill Vegan Cream Cheese Spread and one half with local Whipped Vanilla Honey)

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 19, 2015

Product review: Kite Hill Plain Cream Cheese Style Spread

Product: Kite Hill Plain Cream Cheese Style Spread – $5.99+

I’m always looking for good and healthy alternatives to the not-quite-so-healthy alternatives that I have to east since my body can’t really process the lactose in dairy. Dairy and I have all but broken up for the most part. It wasn’t an easy break-up either…but something had to give.

For awhile now, I’ve been purchasing vegan versions of cream cheese from Tofutti and Daiya. And these worked. They double as a cream cheese alternative, minus the actual dairy. Texture works. Tofutti tastes just like cream cheese. Daiya tastes like…Daiya…as pretty much all Daiya products do…but still amazing. These have been staples in my fridge since I found amazing gluten-free bagels (Udi’s, Canyon Bakehouse, and now Sweet Note) and have made a few attempts at making my own gluten free bagels.

But then…one day while in Whole Foods, I saw something new. Something…different.

And then…my weekly stop in at Whole Foods. I went early, because my allergen-free bakery wasn’t open yet. This allowed me time to sip on coffee from my local coffee shop and just roam, see what I normally would blow past because I was trying to miss the crowd or just in a hurry. There, over with the cheeses…I saw it. Kite Hill products galore. Something new!! Something vegan! Something I knew I wanted to try. I had places to be that day, though, so I couldn’t stock up. A few trips later, I still hadn’t tried it. So, one day, my roommate just surprised me with a container of the Kite Hill Cream Cheese Style Spread. I was SO excited. While there are two varieties (Plain and Chive), she had started with the plain…because…it’s the original. The classic.

I had to polish off the container of Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese that was in the fridge before tackling this…but this morning, the packaging was ripped off. It was time to try Kite Hill for myself.

I had toasted up the amazing Sweet Note Bakery Gluten Free Plain Bagels (go to their Web site…order them…STAT!) this morning. And, in true New York Bagel style…I needed my hefty schmear of cream cheese on top of each half. I lifted the lid and pulled back the plastic, revealing this soft and creamy spread. I thought it looked a little more like ricotta cheese than cream cheese. I scooped up a serving size and placed some on my roommate’s bagel and then some on mine.

Moment of truth.

First of all…I loved how it was all light and fluffy. Straight out of the refrigerator, it was the perfect texture to immediately spread on the bagel. No need to battle it out with a knife. This was smooth as (dairy-free) butter. The texture was very ricotta cheese like. It had this faint bit of sweetness…almost like a cottage cheese, without all the gross lumpy bits. The flavor was very light…not quite like you expect cream cheese to taste…(Tofutti has honestly been the closest on the flavor that I have tried)…but it worked. It worked brilliantly. I fell in love with it at first bite. The smooth, light, airy texture was the perfect complement to a dense, New York style bagel. It was harmony on my breakfast plate. I don’t want to ever have another brand again. This was it for me. Pure love in every bagel-y bite. Not sweet, but not savory…a perfect balance.

One of the biggest draws to Kite Hill is their ingredient list. While Tofutti and Daiya both have a lot of added fillers like ground nut pastes, stabilizers and artificial ingredients to make their cheese-like products, Kite Hill’s cream cheese spread is made from a short list of real ingredients. We’re talking clean cheating…er…eating at it’s very best. Kite Hill Plain Cream Cheese Style Spread is made from almond milk (water, almonds), salt, enzyme, vinegar, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, guar gum, and cultures. That’s it. It is soy-free, vegan, dairy-free, contains no saturated fat, trans-fat free, cholesterol free, and gluten-free. Is this love or is this love?

Yeah…love.

And I am also loving the nutrition facts as well. A serving size of Kite Hill Plain Cream Cheese Style Spread is 1 ounce (28 grams)…or about 2 tablespoons. There are 8 servings per container. One serving will provide you with 78 calories, 7 grams of fat (keep in mind this is made from almonds, so this is actually a healthy fat), 170 mg sodium, 2 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams dietary fiber, 0 grams of sugars, and 3 (yes…3!) grams of protein! When compared to the other, more commonly found, vegan cream cheeses out there…hands down, this one wins the nutrition and ingredient prize!

So, if you’re ready to turn your gluten-free bagel up to eleven…then you need to get to your local Whole Foods (yes…Kite Hill is only available at Whole Foods) and find this brand ASAP! Now that I’ve tried it, I can’t wait to taste the other cream cheese and artisan cheese offerings that Kite Hill has to offer. Beyond impressed. I’m completely converted. Forget the rest…Kite Hill is best.

Really…it is. But you should try it for yourself. So…go on…Whole Foods awaits.

Kite Hill Plain Cream Cheese Style Spread on Sweet Note Bakery Gluten Free Plain Bagels

June 15, 2015

Recipe: Lemony Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Earl Grey Strawberry Compote

If there is one thing that my roommate loves…it is anything citrus. Especially lemon. But, then again, I know very few people who don’t appreciate the zippy flavor of something infused with lemon. I am a huge fan myself.

Imagine, then, receiving an e-mail from Vegetarian Times with the spotlighted meal for the week. It was from their June 2015 issue, which I had just finished eating, and had made mention of this recipe to my roommate. The only thing I lacked in order to make this dish was Earl Gray Tea. I love Earl Gray Tea, I was just out of it at this point. So, we went grocery shopping and made a point of picking up some good Earl Gray Tea.

Today was a big day. This morning, Cathy (that’s the roomie for those of you just joining my blog) was heading out to Atlanta for her Jeopardy audition. I wanted to make sure her drive got started on the right foot…and that was with a healthy, nutritious and filling breakfast. Per her request, this recipe was breakfast.

Recipe: Lemony Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Earl Grey Strawberry Compote

Servings: 4
Time: Prep 10 minutes; Cook 27 minutes

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice, divided
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large coins fresh ginger
1/4 cup low-fat milk (I used rice milk)
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup strongly brewed Earl Grey tea
1 cup halved fresh or frozen strawberries
4 tablespoons sliced almonds

Directions:

Add 3 tablespoons lemon juice and enough water to make 1-2/3 cups liquid in 2-cup measuring cup; pour into medium saucepan, and bring to a boil.

Stir in quinoa, salt, and ginger, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, and stir in milk and lemon zest. Cover, and let stand 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring maple syrup and tea to a boil in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Boil 6 minutes, or until liquid thickens and bubbles turn frothy. Pour over strawberries in bowl, and stir gently to coat. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon lemon juice.

Spoon 3/4 cup quinoa into each serving bowl, top each with 1/4 cup berry compote, and sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon almonds.

ENJOY!

~*~*~

I don’t think it was love at first bite. Cathy said that there was a lot going on and she wasn’t immediately sure what she thought of it. That being said, she ate it all, so that says something about the recipe. Me…I enjoyed the new play on quinoa. It paired really well with the strawberries and, when hit up with that lemon zest, was a bright and flavorful base for this dish. I had an issue with the syrup and tea sauce going solid the minute it was drizzled in with the strawberries. I did my best to improvise, but that was the only problem I encountered.

All of that aside, an amazingly light, but filling way to start your day. Give it a try!

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!