Sweet Stuff – Page 11 – The Celiathlete

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!

May 3, 2015May 11, 2015

Product Review: Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix

Product: Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix – $5.99+

Back when I first went gluten-free, the receptionist at my office was on this diet kick. And she brought in these muffins that were made with only two ingredients: spice cake and a can of pumpkin. That’s it. I didn’t get to try them, despite her asking me to at least take a bite…because I didn’t want to feel ill the rest of the day, or perhaps the week. Everyone else who tried them though loved them.

That was over three years ago. And despite there being at least one gluten-free spice cake mix out on the market (made by Namaste Foods)…I hadn’t really gotten around to purchasing the mix and then giving a gluten-free version of those muffins a try.

And then…this past fall as I was strolling down the back aisle of my Whole Foods Market…I saw a display of gluten free fall baking items, all by Pamela’s Products. They were the new Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread Mix and the new Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix. I had just recently gotten a gluten-free pumpkin bread mix from a different company, but the spice cake mix…that made me happy. I turned to my roommate and asked if we could break the budget for this…because I had two ingredient muffins I wanted to make with it. She agreed. YAY! Home came the cake mix.

However, with the busy, hectic holidays…my time for baking things for me (I baked a lot of gluten-free goodies for family/friends/special businesses) and the muffins got pushed to the back burner. As a lot of my great ideas at the time…when I am purchasing something often do. Sadness. But sadness no more…because I needed some easy breakfast food this week…mostly because I’m attempting to get back into a workout routine, despite my injury, and have some early morning sessions at the gym planned out. The easier something is to make afterwards, the better!

So, today, I got out a can of pumpkin (I keep cans of pumpkin on hand like they are going out of style!) from my pantry and snagged the bag of Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix from the baking shelf. It was time to make those muffins as planned.

So, into a bowl went the cake mix and the can of pumpkin. I beat it all together with an electric mixer and then folded in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. So…I made mine with three ingredients. I wasn’t sure how a gluten-free cake mix would take to this recipe (a lot of times you should follow instructions on the package exactly or face epic, massive, culinary fail!), and who doesn’t like a touch of sweet chocolate with their breakfast, right? RIGHT! I filled 18 muffin cups with the mix and popped it into a 350°F oven, allowing them to bake for around 24 minutes. I removed them and let them cool before placing them in a container to keep for the upcoming week.

BUT…I can’t bake something and not try it, right? If it was an epic fail…well…I didn’t want to find out tomorrow morning when there was nothing to do about it.

My worry was for naught. I should have known. Pamela’s Products has always been delicious, no matter if I’m using her flour blends, or product mixes, or feasting on cookies, figgies, or granola bars. I have never met a Pamela’s Products product that I didn’t fall in love with or enjoy. And that continues to hold true.

The Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix has this delicious fall spice flavor to it. A hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, ginger and cardamom bring out that amazing taste of one of my favorite seasons! Nothing like a taste of fall at the height of spring, right? Maybe I was trying to forget that we were in the high 70s already this morning when I set out to make these. The pumpkin added this great flavor and moistness as well. And who doesn’t love a little touch of chocolate when all is said and done, right? Because the addition of the chocolate chips made these a sweet enough treat, without all the guilt. The muffins didn’t puff up, but that’s gluten-free mixes for you. They did bake up gorgeously though…with a golden brown top and a moist, cake-y middle. Loved it at the first bite and will truly enjoy devouring a couple of these each morning this week. Super easy to make…and super delicious in the finished product.

So, let’s discuss the ingredients that go into Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix, shall we? This mix is made from evaporated cane sugar, tapioca starch, white rice flour, potato starch, brown cane sugar, inulin, grainless & aluminum-free baking powder, rice bran, sea salt, cinnamon, gluten-free flavor, nutmeg, allspice, xanthan gum, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper. This mix is certified gluten-free, non-dairy, and kosher.

Let’s discuss the nutrition information of Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix, shall we? This mix makes 12 servings (I made 18 muffins though!), so it’s 1/12th of the dry mix or 1/12th of the finished cake that you bake. In this serving, you will be consuming 150 calories and less than 1 gram of fat. This mix will provide you with 340 mg sodium, 36 grams carbohydrates, 15 grams of sugar, 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. Not bad for a cake mix, right? Normally, this mix is prepared using eggs, butter and milk, so your nutrition facts will change when it’s mixed with baking ingredients.

For those interested, the nutrition information for the Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Muffins that I made with this mix is that 1 muffin will give you 141 calories, 2 grams of fat, 228 mg sodium, 30 grams carbohydrates, 14 grams sugar, 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. Only three ingredients. Easy to bake. And…YUMMY!

I hope that the fall isn’t the only time I can find the Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix. I haven’t looked recently at my natural foods stores…but if they have another package of it, I’ll be more than happy to pick it up and bake up another batch of these muffins. Or, maybe next time, I’ll bake up the actual cake itself. As always, Pamela’s Products impresses me beyond all expectations. And this is why this is a big-name gluten-free brand I trust.

Gluten Free 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Muffins (made with Pamela's Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix) — Gluten Free 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Muffins (made with Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Spice Cake Mix)

May 3, 2015May 11, 2015

Product Review: WB Kitchen Maple Pecan Honey Cookies

Product: WB Kitchen Maple Pecan Honey Cookies – $3.29+

I love seeing what my Cuisine Cube sends to me each month. This month, however, hasn’t been a good one for me to actually dive into my box. Most of the items…okay…all of the items…were in the box up until I returned from the Boston Marathon. We all know from previous posts, leading into that were days and nights of stress and emotional overload…just trying to find out if I was going to get to race or not. And then, afterwards, I was having a hard time moving around, putting things away sounded like a tedious task.

That being said, the six items that were inside my April 2015 (Spring) Cuisine Cube have been put away. And have stayed put away. Up until last night. And that was mostly because I had nothing ready for dessert…

Hooray for convenience!

Of course, first I want to remind you of what Cuisine Cube is and what they do…and why you should consider a subscription with them. Cuisine Cube is a monthly subscription service were a gift box will be sent to your door with goodies inside. These are meal/pantry items that are the full-size products, not little sample sizes. That’s a huge deal, as most of the time these services send you sample products only. You can sign up for a monthly, three-month, or six-month subscription, which begin as low as $29.99 per month. Each box you receive will contain one item from each major meal of the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert. And then, sometimes, you get a bonus treat. Bonus treats are always a nice and welcome surprise. I’ve had Cuisine Cube for over a year now and love, love, love it!

In the April Box, the Breakfast/Snack option that was presented was a package of cookies. Yes…cookies. Cookies for breakfast. You have my attention! The cookies are a product of WB Kitchen. WB Kitchen was founded in 2012 by Chris Feuille and his wife, Anna. Feuille strives to show that businesses can succeed and be profitable while utilizing unconventional methods of operation. WB Kitchen offers natural honey sweets. Fueille believes that our food choices directly reflect the level of conscious awareness we bring into the rest of our lives. When people choose to nourish their bodies with real and harmonious foods, they are more in balance with the community and the planet. By making foods that are Paleo-friendly and use no preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and are sweetened simply with maple syrup and honey, Fueille hopes that consumers who eat the foods that mother nature intended will show them how to live a healthier, happier and more vibrant life.

The WB Kitchen Maple Pecan Honey Cookies were the item that Cuisine Cube shared with us in April. And I was really excited about trying them, after looking over the ingredients, and more impressively – the nutrition information. Last night was the ideal day to try them after a big breakfast at my local gluten-free bakery and then movie theater popcorn (just the kid’s snack pack) while seeing Avengers: Age of Ultron. I cooked up a simple dinner…gluten-free veggie burgers with sweet potato fries, to eat while watching the Kentucky Derby (I live in Louisville…that’s what we do one day out of the year). Afterwards, I knew I wanted my palate cleansing dessert. And I felt no guilt in reaching for the WB Kitchen Maple Pecan Honey Cookies. I tore into the package, giving one of the cookies to my roommate and taking the other one for myself. Dessert…and a horse race.

Well, the horse I chose (the names didn’t impress me this year, so I went for the prettiest horse in the field – Frosted!) came in 4th…but dessert…that was definitely winning in my book. The texture, at first, is a little weird. Sort of like a non-date-y Laräbar…soft and chewy…with a lot of emphasis on the “chew.” It wasn’t gummy though. But the flavor…that’s where these cookies totally won. The honey flavor for sweetness is perfect. Not too much…not too little. Just the right amount. And the pecans gave it this nutty flavor and a bit of crunch in each bite. Top it off with one of my favorite things – maple…and you have a recipe that I truly enjoyed. Every bite (which, technically was only three…but…). Just loving the way everything came together. And once that first bite was taken and I was able to adjust to the texture…it was dessert perfection. And no guilt. Cookies without the guilt. Loving that!

So, let’s discuss the ingredients in the WB Kitchen Maple Pecan Honey Cookies. These cookies are made with almond flour, raw unfiltered honey, organic maple syrup, organic pecans, sea salt, organic cinnamon, organic coconut oil, and organic vanilla extract. That’s it. Real. Simple. Ingredients. I recognize everything. Nothing makes me question what I’m about to devour. I love that. These cookies are produced in a dedicated gluten, grain, dairy, and soy-free facility. On top of being gluten-free and vegan, these are also cholesterol free.

Now, I told you I was impressed by the nutrition facts on these cookies and I’m going to share with you why. A serving size is 1 cookie, so there are 2 servings per container. This one cookie will provide you with 68 calories (a cookie for 68 calories!) and 4 grams of fat (mostly from nuts). You will also be taking in 54 mg sodium, 6 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams of sugar, less than 1 gram of fiber and 1.4 grams of protein. They won’t be filling, but they sure make a nice way to end the day.

So, if you’ve been looking for a great, healthy, cookie-type snack/breakfast/dessert…look into WB Kitchen and what they have to offer. Their Web site has other varieties of cookies and bars that make for healthy, nutritious, and clean eating. If maple is your thing…I highly, highly recommend these though. Soft, chewy, and good for you. What’s not to love? Thanks, Cuisine Cube for another wonderful food discovery!

April 30, 2015May 11, 2015

Product Review: So Delicious Dairy Free Snickerdoodle Cashew Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

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

A life without ice cream isn’t a very happy life. But, where I used to be able to take something to help me digest milk proteins, my lactose intolerance has only become a little stronger. Sadly, I have said goodbye to my dairy-filled favorite treat in life. Ice cream and I just don’t get along like we used to.

But…thanks to So Delicious Diary Free…ice cream isn’t gone from my life. It’s just…well…a little different. And not a sorbet. Sorbets are all fine and good, but sometimes you just want something rich and creamy and sinful.

Cashew milk is, honestly, my latest obsession. It is my go-to milk of choice these days. Over coconut milk and almond milk. Why? It’s creamier. It’s thicker. It just, to me, tastes better. I love the nutty flavor that comes with it and it just tastes amazing. It’s all I want in my refrigerator these days.

So…talk my favorite beverage of the moment and combine it with…one of my favorite desserts…

That’s what So Delicious did. They have created a new line of non-dairy frozen desserts that are made with cashew milk, instead of soy, almond, or coconut milks. Currently, these ice cream pints come in five different flavors: Cappuccino, Creamy Cashew, Dark Chocolate Truffle, Salted Caramel Cluster, and Snickerdoodle.

You know my first purchase would have been Salted Caramel Cluster…but my Kroger store didn’t have that particular flavor when I was shopping and treating myself. So…my next favorite thing after salted caramel anything (especially ice cream) is Snickerdoodle cookies. Therefore, Snickerdoodle was the pint I purchased. I also have the Salted Caramel Cluster in my freezer now…but Snickerdoodle came first…therefore it gets consumed first.

After dinner tonight, as the week has been crazy stressful and I’ve been on this roller coaster of emotions. Ice cream seemed like the perfect way to wrap up the day. I took out the pint of So Delicious Dairy Free Snickerdoodle Cashew Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert and let it thaw slightly on the counter while I ate dinner. That way it was scoop-ready by the time dessert rolled around. I opened it up, spooning out beautiful servings of the ice cream treat and serving it up to myself and my roommate.

Snickerdoodle anything has a lot to live up to, as it has always been my most favorite cookie. Ever.

So, when my roommate dug in first while I was dishing up my serving and I hear, “Holy crap! That tastes just like a snickerdoodle!” I knew I was about to experience dessert magic. I stuck the pint back into the freezer and settled in with my own bowl of ice cream. I ran my spoon through the serving and lifted my first taste to my mouth. As it began to melt against my tongue it was love. Sheer, pure, happy love. Meant to be love. Because, YES, it does taste just like a snickerdoodle cookie. We’re talking a cinnamon infused ice cream that is infused with generous bites of actual gluten-free snickerdoodle cookie dough. This just happens to make this THE BEST ICE CREAM EVER! It reminded me of the holidays, as that was when my mom always made her famous snickerdoodle cookies. It reminded me of growing up, of old friends, of home, and of happy places. THIS…was one fantastic scoop of ice cream. It is, by far, the best ice cream (dairy and non-dairy) that I have ever consumed. In my life. If Cookie Monster and the Good Humor Man had children…it would be weird…but it would probably introduce something like this to the world. I almost want to dive in for another serving. But I will resist. For now. I must.

Or not…

Let’s talk ingredients. The So Delicious Dairy Free Snickerdoodle Cashew Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert is made from cashew milk (water, cashews, non-GMO canola oil), organic dried cane syrup, snickerdoodle dough (dark brown cane sugar, natural oil blend (palm fruit, canola and olive), natural flavor, sunflower lecithin, lactic acid, annatto rice flour, potato flour, tapioca flour, cane sugar, invert sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, guar gum, baking soda) cinnamon, gum acacia, guar gum, and sea salt. It is verified non-GMO, vegan, kosher and gluten-free.

As far as nutrition goes…well…it’s basically ice cream without the dairy that hurts my tummy. It isn’t going to be a powerhouse of good things…but it’s tasty. And, sometimes, that’s all you need. A serving size of the So Delicious Dairy Free Snickerdoodle Cashew Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert is 1/2 cup. In this serving you will be provided with 190 calories and 10 grams of fat (much of which is the healthy fat that comes from the nuts themselves!). You will also be taking in 45 mg sodium, 24 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 20 grams sugars, and 2 grams of fiber. It’s a dessert, so you won’t be feeling full after a serving, but it should fill you up after a meal. This ice cream has no cholesterol.

And…it’s basically a cookie on frozen crack. Frozen cashew ice cream crack. It’s…amazing, is what I’m trying to say. If you are like me and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Snickerdoodle cookies…then this ice cream is going to satisfy your love of the cookie and your crave for the ice cream. It’s creamy and rich and perfect. Yes…I said perfect.

I’m in love.

A serving of So Delicious Dairy Free Snickerdoodle Cashew Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

April 30, 2015April 30, 2015

Product Review: Kellogg’s Gluten Free Eggo Waffles

Product: Kellogg’s Gluten Free Eggo Waffles – $3.49+

I had heard the rumors…

I had. There had been word of Eggo putting out two (yes two!) gluten-free versions of their infamous waffles. I had seen photographs of the boxes. And yet…despite checking the freezer section at virtually every store with frozen waffles inside…I hadn’t had the fortune of seeing them out in the wild. I didn’t give up though. I never do.

As luck would have it, I finally stumbled across a freezer that held these majestic boxes…at a Target in Louisville, Kentucky. This has now been dubbed “the best Target in my area!” I have since checked other Target stores and NONE of them have these inside. Believe me…if I can get them on this side of the Ohio River, I would…but…for now at least, I’ll have to journey over the river into Louisville if I want to indulge in these beauties.

So, why do I care if I can eat Eggo Waffles? I mean, plenty of mid-size gluten-free companies have had waffles on the market for years. Van’s, by far, have been my favorite, but Nature’s Path also offers quite a selection of these frozen breakfast options. I guess I cared because I grew up eating Eggo Waffles. I did. I was diagnosed as a Celiac until I was 30. My entire childhood is made up of mornings where my mom would toast up some Eggo Waffles (she believed in sending us to school with a hot breakfast in our bellies, whether she made pancakes or French toast, or toasted up something like waffles from the freezer) before sending us out to catch the bus to school. We saved cereal for the weekends. And when I struck out on my own, working a job that didn’t pay much, and just living paycheck to paycheck, Eggo was there to make sure my mornings at least had some sustenance to them. I loved Eggo’s. I mean, what child (or adult, I don’t judge!) doesn’t get a little giggly when they say, “L’eggo my Eggo” to someone, right?

So, yeah…the fact that Kellogg’s was making an effort to put out a gluten-free version of one of their most popular breakfast items was pretty huge. And I was pretty excited. Even the Vice President of Marketing and Innovation for Kellogg’s frozen foods, AnneMarie Suarez Davis, stated that Kellogg’s is making sure to not sacrifice the crispy texture and wholesome flavor of their waffles as they move into the gluten-free territory. It was critical for them to avoid the pitfall of some gluten-free items that actually due sacrifice taste and texture when being compared to the original versions. So…their goal…to be as delicious and wholesome as the original Eggo’s.

I’d like to say I could tell you right off if these were just as good as the original versions. However, it has been about 3-4 years since I last had an Eggo Waffle. So, I don’t exactly remember what they tasted like. There are a lot of things I don’t remember what they tasted like since going gluten free. It’s a bit sad at times. And sometimes it is a relief. But this…this is a bit more on the sad side than anything. I know I loved them…both as a child and as an adult…so it was time to put the gluten-free version to the test.

This past week, I needed some non-stressful, easy breakfasts to make. I was beyond tired and sore from the Boston Marathon and my sleep schedule is way off. WAY off. As in…not happening much. I had appointments out the wazoo as well, so the less I needed to do to prepare a breakfast, the better. Additionally…my CSA bin failed to deliver to me on Friday, so I had little to no fresh produce to use. Perfect excuse to just reach into the freezer.

I don’t own a toaster. I got rid of it after the Celiac diagnosis…back before my roommate said our kitchen could be 100% gluten free…and she still had regular bread. I toast everything up in the oven instead, so I preheated the oven to about 450°F and laid out four (a serving size is 2 waffles) of the Kellogg’s Gluten Free Eggo Waffles on a baking sheet. Into the oven they went, where they toasted up in about 5-7 minutes. My oven is never as hot as it’s supposed to be (it’s old!)…so it takes a bit longer on some things. When they came out, they smelled like Eggo Waffles…and were this light golden color…just like regular Eggo Waffles. I spread a little butter and poured on some maple syrup.

I was already in a better mood that morning, just for having Gluten Free Eggo Waffles. No joke. Seriously, it’s sometimes just the simplest things in life.

My roommate settled in with her two waffles first. When she took a first bite, I asked how they tasted. And she said, “They taste like Eggo Waffles.” That being said, she hasn’t had Eggo Waffles in 3-4 years either, because of me…but…we’ll just go with it. I tucked in that morning with my breakfast and sliced off a bite of the waffle. The outside of the waffle was crispy and flaky. It sort of broke into a few little pieces. The inside…soft…and arm. It was almost perfection. I don’t remember much about how Eggo Waffles tasted, but I could definitely tell a bit of a difference with these. Probably the use of oat flour over the enriched wheat flour that the other varieties have. Other than that, however, I couldn’t really tell if there was much of a difference. Soft and fluffy on the inside, crisp and toasted on the outside. That’s waffle perfection. And…to top it off…it was a bit satisfactory to stroll over to my roommate that morning, handing her a plate of waffles and saying, “L’eggo my Gluten Free Eggo.” HAHA! I told you…simple pleasures.

Let’s talk about the ingredients in the Kellogg’s Gluten Free Eggo Waffles, shall we? These waffles are made from water, rice flour, whole oat flour, eggs, sugar, soybean and palm oil, leavening (baking soda, sodium aluminum phosphate, monocalcium phosphate), 2% or less artificial flavor, xanthan gum, salt, soy lecithin, and whey. These waffles are gluten-free and free from trans-fat.

As for nutrition…for gluten-free waffles, the Kellogg’s Gluten Free Eggo Waffles don’t do too bad at all. A serving size is 2 waffles, and 8 come in a box. This serving of 2 Gluten Free Eggo Waffles will provide you with 170 calories, 5 grams of fat, 25 mg cholesterol, 260 mg sodium, 75 mg potassium, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 4 grams sugar, and 4 grams of protein. So it actually is a filling breakfast without being really big. And the waffles are pretty large in size too. Like standard Eggo Waffle big. Bigger than Van’s and Nature’s Path gluten-free versions.

Kellogg’s Gluten Free Eggo Waffles come in two different flavors – Original and Cinnamon. I only have found the Original, but that’s fine. I’m okay with that. I’m okay with these waffles. They were tastier than I anticipated and really live up to the high standard that Kellogg’s set with their regular versions of Eggo Waffles. Seriously, for a quick, easy breakfast, I’d be more than happy to keep a box of these in my freezer. Totally happy. Worth hugging the box in the aisles of Target. And totally worth devouring in the mornings. Really…really good!

April 14, 2015

Product Review: Nuttzo Original Crunchy Seven Nut & Seed Butter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 13, 2015April 13, 2015

Product Review: Krumville Bake Shop Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Krumville Bake Shop Gluten Free Double Chocolate Chip Cookie

Product: Krumville Bake Shop Double Chocolate Chip Cookies – $24.00+/-

Don’t panic. Don’t panic at that price. That’s for about 8 cookies. So $3.00 per cookie from a gluten-free bakery…that’s about what my local allergen-free bakery runs.

Okay…with that public service announcement, welcome to yet another Cuisine Cube item! I’ve been doing really well this month working my way through my box of delicious goodies, not really leaving much to settle in the snack drawer or kitchen pantry. YAY!

You all know everything there is to know about Cuisine Cube by now, but in case there are some newbies out there…the quick run-down is this…

Cuisine Cube is a monthly subscription service were a gift box will be sent to your door with goodies inside. These are meal/pantry items that are the full-size products, not little sample sizes. That’s a huge deal, as most of the time these services send you sample products only. You can sign up for a monthly, three-month, or six-month subscription, which begin as low as $29.99 per month. Each box you receive will contain one item from each major meal of the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert. And then, sometimes, you get a bonus treat. Bonus treats are always a nice and welcome surprise. I started with Cuisine Cube a year ago, and absolutely love it.

So, as I’ve been working my way through the March Cube, I got into the dessert yesterday. We all know that I am a strong believer in dessert. I am even more of a believer when said dessert is…cookies. Because, first and foremost, I am a cookie monster. They are the perfect dessert and there are so many variations and textures. Love. You just don’t get bored with cookies.

In the March 2015 Cuisine Cube, the dessert was a container of Gluten Free Double Chocolate Chip Cookies from Krumville Bake Shop, which is located in Brooklyn, New York. Krumville Bake Shop was founded by Antonella Zangheri, who was diagnosed with Celiac in 2009. She grew up in Emilia Romagna, a region of Italy known for its rich culinary heritage, and now she would be giving up many of the foods she grew up eating. Not only that, she was highly disappointed with the gluten-free products that were available, noting that she saw a need for more exciting options. And that is how Krumville Bake Shop was born. In fact, Zangheri creates amazing focaccia, cookies, muffins, and specialty cakes that taste as good as the foods she grew up eating – just minus the gluten! Krumville Bake Shop’s mission is to provide wholesome, fresh, and delicious gluten-free products, using only the best ingredients. All of Krumville’s products are free of GMOs, artificial flavorings, and preservatives. They use high quality flour blends that are made with whole grains (sorghum, brown rice, millet) and utilize a vast selection of ancient grains as well. By perfecting their special flour blends, Krumville can offer baked goods with unique flavors and extraordinary textures. And, to limit the use of refined sugar, the bake shop uses agave nectar as much as possible.

I am falling even more in love the more I learn about this company.

This month’s dessert option had me at Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. I mean…double your chocolate, double your delicious fun, right? I think so. I actually paid attention this time and noted the “Refrigerate Me” tag on the Cuisine Cube product rundown, so into the fridge these went. And as April has gotten under way, I decided it was time to bust into these. So, last night after eating my Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian Cheeseburger Pie…this was going to be dessert. I went to retrieve the clam-shell container from the fridge and popped it open. I removed two cookies…one for myself and one for my roommate to try. It was a very good thing that I then put the container back in the fridge, because I don’t know if I would have stopped at one cookie.

First of all…these cookies have a perfect texture. Crunchy outside and a bit of chewiness on the inside. They explode, with each bite, with fantastic chocolate flavor. I mean…wow. Not overpowering. Not too much. But just right. It satisfies that every craving for chocolate. Seriously. Because the cookie has this richness to it, and then you get this little burst of dark chocolate with the chips baked into them. It’s one of the most perfect cookies ever. They are about the size of a Chips-Ahoy Cookie…but way better than any of that processed garbage I used to eat. These…are amazing. Bite-for-bite. But hide them away in the fridge, or you may find yourself cookie-less and 3 pounds heavier for it.

Worth it. Totally worth it.

The container doesn’t have any of the nutrition information on there, so I can’t give you the rundown of calories/fat and all that per serving…but I can tell you what ingredients go into these fantastic cookies. The Krumville Bake Shop Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are made from Guittard chocolate, unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, brown rice flour, light brown sugar, sorghum flour, eggs, pure cane sugar, potato starch, milk, sweet rice flour, rice starch, vanilla extract, baking soda, sea salt, and xanthan gum.

Believe me when I say that these cookies are phenomenal. They are the right hit of sweetness and that perfect level of chocolate for this major chocaholic. For real. I am glad these get tucked away after I pull out that night’s worth for my roommate and I because we’d probably kill off the entire container in one go. Dessert and cookie perfection. Nicely done Krumville Bake Shop and Cuisine Cube.

April 13, 2015April 13, 2015

Product Review: Moon Rabbit Foods Pastry & Pie Crust Mix

Moon Rabbit Farms Gluten Free Pastry & Pie Mix — Moon Rabbit Foods Gluten Free Pastry & Pie Mix

Product: Moon Rabbit Foods Pastry & Pie Crust Mix – $8.79+

So, for awhile now, I’ve been wanting to revamp another one of my mom’s famous recipes. Making it not only gluten-free, but also vegetarian. Oh…and dairy free too…but that’s pretty much a given when it comes to me, right? The actual dish is her delicious Cheeseburger Pie. Normally, the crust of this amazing meal is made from crescent rolls from the grocery store fridge area zone. You know, that place I hardly visit these days.

Sadness.

But…then I got to thinking…what if I cooked up a pie crust and used that instead. Sure, it wouldn’t be the flaky crescent roll shell that this meal was known for, but I was already going to get rid of the whole meat thing (using a meat substitute) and use Daiya cheese for the cheese. So…why not give a different sort of crust a try?

The problem is…pie crusts and I have never really gotten along. We are anything but BFFs. Then…lo and behold…the Thanksgiving (November 2014) Cuisine Cube arrived in the mail. And inside was Moon Rabbit Foods Pastry & Pie Crust Mix. Everything in the November Cuisine Cube could have been used for Thanksgiving itself…but I wasn’t allowed to host this year so most of it was used at my own discretion. Well, the final product is up now…but first…

Cuisine Cube is run by a small group of foodies who have put together a completely gluten-free box of goodies and then sends them to your doorstep each month. These boxes contain 5-6 full-size products from small, lesser-known artisan producers…mostly local…some not as local. Some you may even have heard of before, but most will be new to you. I signed up for Cuisine Cube back in May and have never looked back. Subscriptions start as low as $29.99…which is a great price and great incentive to sign up for this subscription box service and try out some gluten-free products you have been too nervous about purchasing yourself or, perhaps, didn’t even know existed.

Such as Moon Rabbit Foods. Never head of this brand before in my life. Moon Rabbit Foods follows a philosophy of choosing the finest ingredients and using the latest techniques of the craft of baking to give those living a gluten free lifestyle (like me!) a rare opportunity to enjoy delicious refined pastries and baked goods. Their baking and pastry blends provide a source for hard-to-find gluten-free products, allowing customers to enjoy that high quality at home, and even allowing them to add their own inspirational touches. So, here, in my clutches was a pie crust mix. I had no reason to make a pie. No one ever wants desserts at the family dinners. I usually do because I never really get to eat much of what is offered (part of why I love to host). But, I also hate being the only person to eat dessert, especially when I’m the one providing it. So, instead of going sweet, I opted to go savory and attempt to recreate a gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian version of my mom’s Cheeseburger Pie recipe.

Cross your fingers…

This mix makes 3 9-inch pie crusts. I went ahead and cooked them all up because…well…I could freeze the rest of them instead of just letting the mix sit and having to haul out all the equipment (a food processor, really) and ingredients (only 3) to do whenever I felt the need to make a pie. Because if I did that, it would only get used this one time. Therefore…all or nothing. So, I took 1 cup of the pie mix and mixed it with one stick (4 ounces) of butter (or vegan butter) and pulsed it until it looked like cornmeal. Then, in went 3 tablespoons of cold water and I ran the food processor until it all came together. I formed the dough into a 6-7 inch disk and then put it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then I rolled it out and fit it into a pie pan. It fell apart at some points because pie crusts hate me, but I managed to get it into the pie pans and into a 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Out come the par baked crusts…and there you have it. Use it as you will.

For the rest of the recipe, I used NEAT original mix and prepared the recipe from my mom’s cookbook as it would have been prepared regularly. YAY! That recipe will go in the review for NEAT. So stick with me here. Let’s talk about how the pie crusts cooked up and the rest of that important stuff.

A slice of Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian Cheeseburger Pie on the pie crust made from Moon Rabbit Foods Gluten Free Pastry & Pie Mix

First of all, I think I sort of expected them to be a little more golden. They cooked, but they were still a pale white color. I poked it to make sure it wasn’t still dough. Then I figured it would get more golden as it cooked with my filling of Neat, tomato paste, onion, and vegan cheese…but it still remained a pale shade of…pale. It was cooked…it just didn’t look that way. It was a bit disconcerting. It tasted good though, so I guess that’s the important thing. It may look underdone, but it is quite a good pie shell. I was actually happy to have a pie crust that didn’t incorporate sugar into the mix as I was using it for a savory dish. This made this a great substitute for the refrigerated croissant rolls that used to make this light, flaky crust for this dish. Being a thinner crust also helped as well. So, once again, looks can be a wee bit deceiving. It’s all in the taste, when it all comes down to it.

So, what exactly is in the Moon Rabbit Foods Pastry & Pie Crust Mix? According to the package, this mix is made up of potato starch, cassava flour, rice flour, sea salt, unrefined cane sugar, and xanthan gum. That’s it. Small list and all recognizable ingredients makes me a happy girl. This crust is gluten-free and vegan. It is also cholesterol free and fat-free until you add the butter…

As for nutrition, the Moon Rabbit Foods Pastry & Pie Crust Mix has around 24 2 tablespoon servings in the package. A serving will provide 60 calories, 115 mg sodium, 16 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber and no sugar or protein. No sugar or protein is added to the mix so…it remains that way in the end. When it’s prepared, all of this changes depending on your ingredients and the like.

If you need an easy pie crust, I highly recommend Moon Rabbit Foods Pastry & Pie Crust. Yet another product I never would have even know existed (and, hence, never would have made my mom’s Cheeseburger Pie (albeit vegetarian and dairy free)) if not for Cuisine Cube. Loving this service and the new products and companies that it introduces to me.