Sweet Stuff – Page 12 – The Celiathlete

April 12, 2015May 11, 2015

Product Review: So Delicious Dairy Free Peppermint Star Coconut Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

Product: So Delicious Dairy Free Peppermint Star Coconut Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert – 6.99+

Twas the holiday season and stress was high. I mean…at the top level of high stress. Why? Holiday season…I just told you. People were everywhere, gifts weren’t bought yet, and I had a grocery list to get purchased.

And so…I began working my way through the crowded aisles of Whole Foods. I don’t normally buy much in the freezer section there, but I always make a point to go down the aisles. This time, however, as I was going through the frozen dessert treats, some bright (and new) So Delicious treats seemed to wave at me. I pulled open that freezer door and spotted coconut milk ice cream treats in the shapes of snowmen and stars. The snowmen were vanilla with a chocolate layer forming the hat. The stars…peppermint.

HELLO!

Unfortunately, the budget was tight as it was the holidays, but my roomie and I insisted that the following week we’d come back and pick them up…because we’d make some more room by then.

And so…we did. And the Snowmen treats were there…but the Peppermint Stars (the ones I really, really, really wanted to try) were gone. I got upset, and we bought the “boring” (they were anything but boring, they were delicious!) Snowman treats and devoured them later that week. We kept returning, week-after-week, to Whole Foods, but the Peppermint Stars spot always was empty. They were either really popular…or weren’t ever restocked.

Until something magical happened soon after Christmas.

I was back in Whole Foods and walking down that frozen food aisle. At the frozen treats, I looked toward the So Delicious Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert area and spotted the red, white, and pink box I had been searching for. I pulled open that freezer door and pulled it out, showing it to Cathy. It was the very last box. THE LAST ONE. We had so many errands to run that day, so we asked the Customer Service desk if they could put it in the freezers in the back until we came back. They were happy to do so. And I was happy that I was finally going to have these in my freezer.

However, it seemed my roommate wasn’t as eager to consume them as I was. Every week we polished off another dessert (usually cookies of some sort) and I would list off other dessert options to follow…and the ice cream we had in the freezer was never even considered. BUT…this past week, I asked “Do you want the chocolate cookies from Cuisine Cube or do you want the ice cream bars?”

“Are those the Peppermint Stars?”

“The ice cream I have been referring to all this time that you never want to eat has been the Peppermint Stars.”

“OH! That’s what I want.”

Sometimes…she needs to be smacked. HA!

So…it was Friday night…and it was time to finally dig into the frozen dessert bars that I had coveted since before Christmas and, the dessert gods blessed me with the final box of the season at Whole Foods. I couldn’t wait. So, I got them out of the freezer and pulled out the box. I tore into it, handed one to my roommate and then tore the wrapper off of mine. I had waited three months to finally dig into these. One taste…and I knew it was worth the wait.

The So Delicious Diary Free Peppermint Star Coconut Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert was absolutely amazing. For the first time ever, I didn’t feel as though the peppermint flavor overwhelmed the treat at all. It was subtle…but the highlight of the actual flavor in the ice cream. The bar itself was nice and frozen…but melt-in-your-mouth good. It was so delicious (ha…see what I did there?). I mean…it was light and creamy and just…yum. I loved having a little taste of the holidays in April. I really did. So, maybe the wait was worth it. Well, it was. I just wish I could have enjoyed more of these. I’m so thankful I found that one last box before they disappeared for the season. I will be on the hunt for these this next holiday season and hopefully can have more than two nights worth. Because, sometimes, a treat is just worth it. These were beyond worth it.

Let’s talk about ingredients, shall we? The So Delicious Dairy Free Peppermint Star Coconut Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert is made from organic coconut milk, organic dried cane syrup, inulin, natural flavor, organic beet juice, guar gum, carbo bean gum, and annatto. YUM YUM!! These bars are free of trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, gluten and dairy. They are also kosher. They are perfection in peppermint form.

As for nutrition, you’ll love how these add up. The So Delicious Dairy Free Peppermint Star Coconut Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert has a serving size of 1 bar. Four bars come in the box. One delicious star-shaped frozen dessert bar will serve up 100 calories and 5 grams of fat (much of that will be from the coconut milk), 14 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams of sugar, 5 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Talk about a dessert you can feel good about indulging in. I am a huge fan of So Delicious, and having the chance to try one of their limited-edition seasonal ice cream treats was amazing. Totally in love. It’s like a frozen candy cane in ice cream format. How can you not love that. I hope they bring these back next year. I’ll load up my freezer with them for sure. DELISH!

April 12, 2015May 11, 2015

Product Review: Dolci di Marie Gluten Free Classic Biscotti

Dolci di Maria Gluten Free Classic Biscotti

Product: Dolci di Marie Gluten Free Classic Biscotti – $7.00

I love coffee. I really do. I wasn’t always that way, however. Coffee came to me later in life. I loved the smell and hated the taste…up until I became a barista. Then…life sort of changed. And not only, over time, did I develop a taste for coffee, but I now knew how to properly make it.

Sometimes, I like to spice up my mornings a little bit. No…not by adding cayenne pepper to my scrambled eggs (although I have been known to do that, HA!)…

…I mean having a treat with my morning cup of coffee. And one of my two favorite morning treats with coffee is a biscotti. The other is my homemade madeleines…but I digress.

Well, it just so happened that my March 2015 Cuisine Cube had a container packed with biscotti for the “Breakfast” portion of the box. YAY!

For those of you not familiar with Cuisine Cube…think about how awesome it would be to have lesser-known, smaller company, artisan gluten-free company products shipped straight to your door once a month. Think of the joy opening said box would bring you and how trying new things entices you. You get a product for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert. And sometimes…you get a bonus. Who doesn’t love a bonus? If that got your heart pumping, that’s what Cuisine Cube is all about. And, this subscription service is available for as low as $29.99/month. Pretty awesome, yes? You betcha. So, if you’re curious and want to try something new and exciting and different…hop over to their site.

Because, sometimes, you get products in the box that are like Dolci di Maria Gluten Free Classic Biscotti. I mean, it’s a treat to have while you drink your wine, your coffee, your tea…whatever. Have it any time of the day, but I like to go the classic route and dip my biscotti into my morning coffee. It is love. And who doesn’t love starting off their morning with a cookie, right? Technically, I suppose a biscotti is consider a biscuit, twice baked so that it is extra dry and crunchy. And if you’ve never had one…you’re totally missing out.

Dolci di Maria was created by Mari Tantillo, who created gluten-free and dairy-free desserts for her two young children who had food allergies and sensitivities. She was urged by her friends to start selling her desserts because they were so delicious. Dolci di Maria strives to create fine gluten and dairy-free desserts that strike a perfect balance with texture and taste. Everything is baked fresh with natural and organic ingredients. Even better…many of the products offered by Dolci di Maria are vegan.

So, with all of that being said, this week I decided to stop looking at the container of biscotti that came in my Cuisine Cube, and finally open it up and have one with my morning coffee (a delicious local blend, for those wondering). Despite being a dry treat (they are meant to be dipped, after all), I always take my first taste without anything else. That way I can judge what something tastes like and if I like it. And…when it comes to the Dolci di Maria Gluten Free Classic Biscotti…I like it…but I don’t love it. It has nothing to do with the actual biscuit itself. It actually has a great texture to it…and it holds up to the coffee dunking, that I do religiously when I get gluten-free biscotti in my clutches. So that was the part that I was okay with. The part I wasn’t okay with, when it came to the Dolci di Maria Gluten Free Classic Biscotti…was the overwhelming licorice flavor. I hate licorice. And this biscotti definitely had a heavy taste of it. I inspected the ingredient list on the bottom of the package and discovered the use of anise. That will do it. It was just…too much for me. I think I was hoping for something with more vanilla flavor than the anise. It didn’t go well with my coffee…nor did my tastebuds really enjoy the licorice flavor. A little bit of anise goes a long way…and in this batch…it took it too far. The biscotti itself is great…the flavor just didn’t work for me, and that’s more of a personal preference than anything else.

So, let’s talk about the ingredients that are in the Dolci di Maria Gluten Free Classic Biscotti, shall we? These classic Italian treats are made from brown rice flour, pure cane sugar, cage-free eggs, potato starch, tapioca starch, Earth Balance™, baking powder, xanthan gum, anise and vanilla extract, and sea salt.

The nutrition information for the Dolci di Maria Gluten Free Classic Biscotti is very nice though. You don’t feel so bad treating yourself at breakfast to a crispy Italian biscuit when you look at these stats. A serving is 1 of the biscotti, which will give you 65 calories and 2 grams of fat. You will be consuming 73 mg cholesterol, 102 mg sodium, 2 grams of sugar, 2 grams of protein, and 8 grams of carbohydrates. These have no fiber.

If you don’t mind the flavor of anise (or that licorice-like flavor) than you will probably love everything about the Dolci di Maria Gluten Free Classic Biscotti. For me, the texture was great…it was perfect for dipping, but the anise flavor just overpowered the rest of the biscuit and, for someone like me who dislikes licorice, it was a bit too much. That being said, now that I know I can find Dolci di Maria products at my Lucky’s Market in Louisville, Kentucky (discovered that via the Web site), I am curious to try other products as she has brownies, pancakes and other flavors of biscotti to see if I like them better.

At least I got a morning treat in my Cuisine Cube this month. The Dolci di Maria may not have enticed my taste buds, but I now know to look for other products in my area that might play nicer with my palate.

April 9, 2015May 11, 2015

Product Review: Girl Scout Gluten Free Toffee-Tastic Cookies

Girl Scouts Toffee-Tastic Cookies — Girl Scout Gluten Free Toffee-Tastic Cookies

Product: Girl Scout Gluten Free Toffee-Tastic Cookies – $5.00

GIRL. SCOUT. COOKIES.

Hello!! Welcome back to my life little overpriced morsels of goodness.

No joke, it has been four years since I had a Girl Scout Cookie. Four long years. It seemed each year I would be tortured at the grocery store or local department stores when the little, adorable girls in their sashes and uniforms would ask me if I wanted to buy a box of cookies. And I had to sadly decline, because being a Celiac…me and my Girl Scout Cookie days were over.

It was sad. I mourned the loss.

Because…I’m a cookie monster. My dessert of choice is always the cookie.

Well, last year there was a small group of states that had a test market for gluten-free Girl Scout Cookies. And I wasn’t in that test market. Nor was anyone I knew. So, that was sad. And I went another year without them in my life. But this year…this year the Girl Scouts put out two different flavors of gluten-free cookies.

Yes. TWO!

They are: Toffee-tastic and Trios.

So, with this in mind, I went to my grocery store religiously…I haunted department stores…and not a single Girl Scout could be found. Not one. I was sad. Sad enough to make mention of my woes on Facebook. And then, my very good friend, Jean, up in Utica, New York, sent me an amazing care package with not just one, but two boxes of the Toffee-tastic flavor. I did a dance of joy…if I had room or had been able, cartwheels might have happened. But there was squees of happiness and delight. And…you better believe I immediately tore into one box.

I mean…HELLO!! Four years without Girl Scout Cookies in my life…it was ON NOW!

Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. Yes, it’s another shorbread-like gluten-free cookie…but I don’t care. One…I love shortbread. And two…IT’S A FLIPPIN’ GIRL SCOUT COOKIE! That being said…this rich and buttery cookie is crispy, and smooth and busting with this caramel-y toffee like chips throughout. These cookies are going to wow your tastebuds because they totally wowed mine. The toffee bits are the best part, giving a little extra kick to the crispy, shortbread cookies. I look forward to mine each night when I open up that box and take out a serving. They’ll be gone way too fast, I’m certain. I mean, these boxes contain 1 sleeve of 14 cookies. So, I have two boxes…and then…I wait until next season when they will hopefully be back.

Concerned about how gluten-free these cookies are? They are NSF-certified gluten-free, which ensures that all the ingredients and production complies with federal regulations for gluten-free labeling. I haven’t had a reaction to them, and I’ve been feasting on them all week. So…there is that.

Let’s talk about what goes into these cookies, shall we? The Girl Scout Toffee-Tastic Cookies are made from rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, butter, palm oil, brown rice flour, butter toffee bits, invert sugar, and contains 2% or less of salt, soy lecthin, xanthan gum, and baking soda.

As for nutrition…let’s talk cookies. These are cookies. so they aren’t going to be great for you. But as far as cookies go, these aren’t bad. YAY for Girl Scout Cookies. Especially as a nice treat. (Cookies, as with any sort of sweet or dessert, should be a treat…) The serving size of the Girl Scout Toffee-Tastic Cookies is two (2) cookies. This serving will give you 140 calories, 7 grams fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 90 mg sodium, 19 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams of sugar, and absolutely no protein or fiber to speak of. But…a nice change of pace, especially if Girl Scout Cookies have been off your radar for awhile now.

I was actually surprised and impressed by how much I have been enjoying these cookies. Especially if you are a lover of shortbread…this just takes it to the next level. The right amount of buttery, rich flavor with that hit of sweetness from the toffee bits. Heaven. Pure…Girl Scout…heaven!!

Now…to find some Trios…

April 1, 2015

Product Review: Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Mission Fig Figgies & Jammies

Product: Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Mission Fig Figgies & Jammies – $3.99+

If you weren’t born into the world of Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance, you have probably consumed and become obsessed with these little snack cookies known as Fig Newtons. You know, those fig rolls that are made of a pastry dough with a figgy jam filling. They are magical. Fruity and savory all at once. They make the most perfect cookie, for sure.

And I was obsessed with them, growing up and as an adult. But when I was diagnosed with Celiac, this was one cookie I couldn’t find anything that came close to equaling. I totally gave up thinking about it, for fear of just becoming depressed over a snack long gone. Sure, there were a few companies out there that gave them their best shot…but they weren’t the same. Not even close.

Then, back in July, I won a giveaway put on by Gluten Free Frenzy, that meant I won a package of each of the four flavors of the newest attempt at fig cookies on the market. The difference this time was…it was made by a company I was familiar with and trusted. Enter Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Figgies & Jammies. As I mentioned, the cookies came in four different flavors: Blueberry & Fig, Raspberry & Fig, Strawberry & Fig, and Mission Fig.

Prior to the giveaway, I had managed to find a couple of the flavors at The Raisin Rack in Columbus, Ohio, and had to choose one. I went with the blueberry. And I fell in love with them. I mean, they reminded me so much of Fig Newtons that I think I actually teared up when I took my first bite. But there were three other flavors to try…and now…I had all four in my pantry.

These past few weeks, I’ve been going through a big pantry purge…and in doing so, I’m eating some of the products that I have been negligent in actually consuming. Not that they are bad, I just get distracted from the unprocessed foods I have in my freezer and fridge. It happens, friends. It happens. Well, tonight, I tore into the fourth and final flavor of Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Figgies & Jammies.

Tonight…it was all about the Mission Fig.

I had actually wanted to save this flavor for last. And I am so glad I did. Just like the previous three flavors, the Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Mission Fig Figgies & Jammies are big…larger than any Fig Newton out on the market. Being that I am a cookie monster at heart, the bigger the cookie, the better. The cake-like outer layer is so soft and moist, beautifully encasing the figgy jam on the inside. The fruit itself is full of great flavor. Seriously. Each flavor I ate, I enjoyed it more than the previous one. This held true once more. The Mission Fig is my absolute favorite…mostly because they taste exactly like…if not better than Fig Newtons. And being that it’s been three years since I had a Fig Newton, I turned that judgment over to my roommate. Cathy said they were right up there, if not better than Fig Newtons and Fig Newmans for that matter. It was the cookie I have been waiting for. Soft, delicious, fruity and perfect. Each bite was perfect. I only wish the serving size was more than one cookie.

With that being said, let’s talk about the ingredients that go into Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Mission Fig Figgies & Jammies. The cake-y outer layer of these cookies are made from a flour blend that consists of brown rice flour, white rice flour, tapioca starch sweet rice flour, and xanthan gum, added into evaporated cane sugar, organic non-hydrogenated palm oil, organic invert sugar, grape juice and whole rice syrup, sweet whey powder, glycerin, baking soda, xanthan gum, sea salt and lemon oil. The jam fruit filling is made up of mission fig paste blend, organic invert sugar, grape juice and whole rice syrup, pectin, glycerine, flour base (brown rice flower, white rice flour, tapioca starch, sweet rice flour, and xanthan gum), citric acid, sea salt and gluten-free flavor. These cookies are certified gluten-free, egg-free, contain no artificial flavors or additives, no hydrogenated oils or trans fats, no corn syrup, are low in sodium, kosher, and are cholesterol free.

As far as nutrition goes, a serving of the Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Mission Fig Figgies & Jammies is one cookie. This serving will provide you with 90 calories and 2 grams of fat. These cookies contain 40 mg sodium and 11 grams of sugar. You will also be consuming 17 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, and 1 gram of protein. A light, and non-filling snack or dessert. LOVE IT.

And you will love these too. If you are a fan of figs…if you loved Fig Newtons…if you have friends who aren’t gluten-free but love Fig Newtons, then you (and they) will surely love these. Honestly, one of the healthiest, tastiest, best gluten-free cookies on the market. They may remind me of a favorite treat as a child, but they taste so much better…and that is a treat in and of itself.

March 31, 2015

Product Review: Jessica’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Chocolate Hazelnut Granola

Product: Jessica’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Chocolate Hazelnut Granola – $6.99+

It was Whole Foods and Cuisine Cube that got me hooked on the amazing and healthy granola that I have more than indulged in since first discovering it in the breakfast aisle at my local Whole Foods. This granola is Jessica’s Natural Foods. I haven’t met one of her granola’s that I haven’t liked. And the one I am reviewing today is my third variety I have tried.

This speaks very highly of any product when I keep going back to the brand. And let me tell you, when it comes to gluten-free granola, Jessica’s Natural Foods does it right. You’ll want to eat it straight out of the bag. I’ve done it…while sprinkling it on top of my fruit and Greek yogurt parfaits.

As stated above, the granola I chose this time around was the Gluten Free Chocolate Hazelnut Granola from Jessica’s Natural Foods. Jessica’s Natural Foods was started by Jessica Mindell, an avid baker with a background in engineering. Back in 2009, her husband discovered that he was gluten-intolerant and said that he missed oat-based granola. Once Mindell was able to find gluten-free oats and a certified gluten-free facility, she was able to launch her healthy, delicious granola. Since then, her bags of granola have expanded to over 25 states. Mindell’s passion for natural foods means that she always bakes with simple, pure ingredients and keeps health and nutrition at the forefront of her products. How can you not love that?

Originally called Motor City Crunch, Jessica’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Chocolate Hazelnut Granola is just what it sounds like. Toasted oats that are loaded with cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and hazelnuts. Think…Nutella in gluten-free granola form. Does that peek your interest? It did mine! This was the original flavor that I had wanted to try when my roomie (Cathy) and I first discovered this brand at Whole Foods. It was the flavor she waved at me, then selected a different flavor in the end. Talk about a tease. That wasn’t happening this time. When we needed granola to go with the 2 pounds of fresh strawberries we received from the CSA bin, I said that the Chocolate Hazelnut Granola from Jessica’s Natural Foods would be the perfect match. Cathy couldn’t argue with that.

So…this week’s breakfast…Greek yogurt, fruit and granola parfaits. One of my favorite things in life. For real. Building these is simple. A little granola on the bottom, then some Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey or agave, fresh berries. Repeat. Then top off the last of it with the granola and honey/agave. It makes a filling, fresh, nutritious, and amazing breakfast. Trust me.

And, let me tell you, I was completely right about this granola. It is exceptional. I mean, completely indulgent and sinful. But, it isn’t bad for you at all. The rolled oats are toasted to a great crunchy texture, and coated with chocolate. Hazelnuts and semi-sweet chocolate chips are incorporated throughout. And when the chocolate chips hit your tongue, they melt. It is…A-MAZ-ING! I can’t think of a time I fell so in love with the flavor of the granola. But this…this was true love. Love at first bite. Love in a Nutella-like formation. Love for a food might seem strange, but, until you taste what I have, you won’t know the true level of obsession you might develop for a granola. Honestly. The absolute best. THE BEST I have ever tasted. I would eat it in a bowl on its own, on a parfait, over dairy-free ice cream, by the handful, spoonful, or 1/4 cup full. If you love chocolate…this will satisfy your tastebuds. Bite after bite after bite.

Let’s discuss the ingredients that go into Jessica’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Chocolate Hazelnut Granola. This granola is made from certified gluten-free rolled oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, organic honey, brown sugar, expeller pressed sunflower oil, hazelnuts, ground flax seed, coconut, cocoa powder, maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, sea salt, cinnamon, and tocopherols (natural vitamin E). This granola is gluten free, cholesterol free, kosher, and non-GMO.

As for nutrition, for being a chocolate based granola…this is actually really, really impressive. A serving of Jessica’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Chocolate Hazelnut Granola is 1/4 cup. This serving will provide 135 calories and 7 grams of fat. This granola will provide you with 30 mg sodium and 7 grams of sugar. That’s amazing for a granola. You will also be consuming 18 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. So, yes…you will feel full after eating it. As this is lower in sugar than most granola, that helps keep you satiated as well.

Love is chocolate. Breakfast love is chocolate for breakfast. Jessica’s Natural Foods totally gets this and understands that sometimes we just want something decadent, but healthy, for breakfast. And that is what you get in Jessica’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Chocolate Hazelnut Granola. It’s a healthy, filling treat that will definitely liven up your breakfast, your snack, your lunch, your dinner, or even your dessert. Jessica’s Natural Foods does it right…and nothing is more right than this Chocolate Hazelnut Granola.

Delicious!

March 31, 2015

Product Review: Luna & Larry’s Organic Coconut Bliss Salted Caramel & Chocolate Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

Product: Luna & Larry’s Organic Coconut Bliss Salted Caramel & Chocolate Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert – $5.99+

It finally happened. I gave up on ice cream. Seriously. It had been months…months…since I have had any sort of dairy based ice cream. My stomach just can’t handle it. No matter what sort of supplement I take to offset the reaction to the lactose…it was no longer helping. And I was suffering.

And it makes me sad.

But…thankfully, one day I was at Whole Foods and spotted a pint of Luna & Larry’s Organic Coconut Bliss Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert that really caught my eye. I’d seen and even had some of the Luna & Larry’s Organic Coconut Bliss products before. But this was a brand new flavor. And it was my favorite flavor to boot.

Yes, friends…we are talking Salted Caramel. Not just salted caramel though – for Luna & Larry’s took it to the extreme (which is good!) and added…CHOCOLATE! So, you can imagine the worlds Salted Caramel & Chocolate on a dairy-free ice cream pint would grab my attention, right?

You bet your coconuts!

And that’s how this pint of frozen non-dairy goodness ended up in my freezer. True story. And, as I’m working my way through the stuff I’ve stockpiled in my freezer and pantry, this dessert was up tonight. As I am quite familiar with non-dairy ice creams needing a bit of time to thaw in order to scoop the stuff, I went ahead and set it out while my roommate and I partook of the dinner I cooked up (a delicious meal of green beans and almonds). Once dishes were done and the kitchen was cleaned up…dessert was up next.

Prior to this pint of ice cream, I have only tried the Luna & Larry’s Organic Coconut Bliss Dark Chocolate Bars…and I loved them. This brand is a bit pricey, which means I don’t treat myself to it very often. That being said, they have won numerous awards for their ice cream treats. All of which, mind you, are dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free. Award winning ice cream in numerous magazines and food awards? Yes…I needed these in my life more often. And so…a pint of the actual non-dairy frozen dessert (ice cream) made it to my freezer.

Let me just say this…WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!! Seriously, wow!! I loved this ice cream at first bite. First, you get this toasted coconut flavor, followed by this rich salty caramel tone. And throughout the entire spoonful are little bits of chocolate. It makes for the ultimate and perfect bite. The dessert itself is cool and refreshing. And creamy! So often non-dairy desserts like this get flaky and overly frozen, but this was smooth and decadent. I was beyond impressed. In fact, if I had my way, I’d eat the entire pint without sharing. But I did…share. And my roommate (who loves ice cream and can have regular stuff) absolutely loved it. She agreed, the coconut-caramel base really makes this dessert shine. I am in love!!

Let’s discuss the ingredients that go into this pint of Luna & Larry’s Organic Coconut Bliss Salted Caramel & Chocolate Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert. This ice cream is made from organic coconut milk, organic agave syrup, organic caramel, organic caramel swirl, organic fair trade dark chocolate, organic coconut cream, organic coconut oil, and sea salt. This delicious dessert is cholesterol free, soy free, gluten free and vegan.

Now, let’s talk about nutrition. Welcome to the world of coconut milk. You will see a few more calories and a bit more fat. But it is a healthy fat, so try not to freak. That being said, this is a dessert and should be treated as a treat. Don’t eat the entire pint (even if you want to!). A serving of Luna & Larry’s Organic Coconut Bliss Salted Caramel & Chocolate Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert is 1/2 cup. This serving will dish up 210 calories and 14 grams of fat. This serving will also give you 200 mg sodium and 18 grams of sugar. You will be taking in 21 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein, and 1 gram of fiber. It’s ice cream…it’s not going to fill you up.

Looking for a new way to shake up your dessert? I highly recommend the much acclaimed Luna & Larry’s Organic Coconut Bliss line of non-dairy frozen desserts. Especially the Salted Caramel & Chocolate pint…because it doesn’t get much better than salted caramel and chocolate. For real!

March 30, 2015

Product Review: Master’s Hand BBQ With Integrity (Medium) BBQ Sauce

Product: Master’s Hand BBQ With Integrity (Medium) BBQ Sauce – $6.99

It was the heat of summer, August 23rd, when I ventured up to the Indianapolis to visit the Exposition Hall of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. I was attending the Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest and was so excited to see the number of big name brands who had booths there. But even more exciting were the booths from local artisans and businesses that had gluten-free products to offer.

One such booth was the Master’s Hand BBQ booth. Master’s Hand BBQ line of products was created by Steve Beers over 20 years ago. He began with the original flavor (now called A Taste of Heaven), and after people who would eat the foods he would put with it (meatballs, pulled pork, and other food varieties for weddings, graduations, and get-togethers), it was suggested that he start marketing his sauce. It didn’t really go further than that until his daughter, Amanda, came to him and insisted that they look into the process for marketing the infamous sauce. Once everything was in place, they began with famers markets and had such success that they moved on to fairs and craft shows. Meat markets and grocery stores began finding them and they have now grown their production line to being available in over 80 retail locations. This business is based out of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

We had the great opportunity to try some of their spice rubs and their BBQ sauces that they had out for sampling while there. While I am a fan of hot, my roomie is a spice wimp. We wanted to definitely get one of the sauces, so we compromised and went for the medium heat one. When I was craving a pizza last night, I decided to do it up with some BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and top it off with my vegan pepper jack shreds, some sauteed onions and some roasted Brussels sprouts. Then, to cap it off…some vegan and gluten-free bacon. YUMMY! I was out of BBQ sauce in the fridge…so…it was between this one and the Stubbs Sweet Heat that my roomie and I purchased before I reorganized the pantry and found this jar of Master’s Hand BBQ sauce. As I had Master’s Hand longer…it won.

And it kept winning. This is one fantastic sauce. I, naturally, had to try it before slathering it on top of the gluten-free flatbreads that were making up our pizza crusts. The Master’s Hand With Integrity (Medium) is a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce. The Web site says it is great for bits, chicken, sloppy joe’s and ham. However…I can now say it’s great on a BBQ pizza as well. Even one topped off with roasted veggies. Fantastic. I loved the smokey flavor and the sweetness and how the medium heat doesn’t overwhelm anything, but leaves a nice spicy note on the tip of your palate. It simply is BBQ sauce perfection. And now I know where I need to get my BBQ sauce from now on. Seriously unlike any other sauce out there. Thick, rich, sweet, savory…it’s everything you want a BBQ sauce to be. So in love with the Master’s Hand line.

So, let’s talk ingredients. Master’s Hand BBQ With Integrity (Medium) BBQ sauce is made from tomato concentrate, brown sugar, cane sugar, onion, molasses, kosher salt, onion powder, cayenne powder, spices, paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, and celery powder. All of the products that Master’s Hand offers are free of high fructose corn syrup, gluten, and MSG. They are all natural! And they are all delicious too.

As for nutrition, a serving of Master’s Hand BBQ With Integrity (Medium) BBQ sauce is 2 tablespoons. This serving will provide you with 80 calories. This is a fat-free condiment. It is also cholesterol free and trans fat free. You will be consuming 160 mg sodium and 22 grams of sugar. A serving gives you 24 grams of carbohydrates, but no protein or fiber to fill you up.

Seriously, if you love BBQ sauce, you need to give Master’s Hand With Integrity (Medium) BBQ Sauce a try. Trust me…when it comes to a smokey/sweet flavor that feels good going down and tastes amazing…this is the sauce for you. Once you’ve had this, all those store brands will seem inferior. Very impressed. Craving more for sure.

And if you don’t live anywhere near Fort Wayne, IN…you can order their products online. Highly recommended.

Gluten Free BBQ Brussels Sprouts Pizza made with Master's Hand BBQ With Integrity (Medium) BBQ Sauce — Gluten Free BBQ Brussels Sprouts Pizza made with Master’s Hand BBQ With Integrity (Medium) BBQ Sauce

March 29, 2015

Product Review: Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix

Product: Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix – $4.49+

It was October 2014 and I was entering the great land of Trader Joe’s in Louisville, Kentucky. I had just passed the big center display of bananas when my gaze fell upon an end cap that was holding a bunch of pumpkin goodness. I love anything pumpkin. This is no secret. And a Trader Joe’s mix with pumpkin pancake-y goodness? HELLO! Sign me up.

I snagged a box of it and gave the sad Celiac eyes to my roommate. And…yes…we fit them into the budget. Sad Celiac eyes work wonders!! So, checkout was complete. And fall turned into winter. And then spring came around. And while I had been making things for breakfast…pancakes even…I had other mixes and flour blends that had to be used first. But, as the great kitchen pantry purge continues…Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix was up to bat today!

So, this morning, I decided to haul out the Mickey (Mouse) waffle maker and make some pancake waffles. Why? Because waffles are delicious and fun…and these are shaped like Mickey. They win. Always. I mean, pancakes probably would have been less labor intensive but…I was craving waffles for awhile. In fact, I sort of promised my roommate I’d make waffles after we went to our gluten free bakery Saturday morning for breakfast and she lamented that she wished they still offered their gluten free waffles (and pancakes). So, a promise is a promise.

Mixing up the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pancake Mix is super easy. Simply get out a bowl and crack an egg inside. Then, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter (or oil). I melted down 2 tablespoons of Earth Balance. Then, whisk them together. Add in 2/3-cup of water plus 2 additional tablespoons and whisk that up as well. Then, scoop out a cup of the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix and add it to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. It’s okay if it’s a little lumpy.

So easy. I had all that done by the time my roommate hauled herself out of her room. Perfect timing. I ladled the mix into the waffle maker and closed the lid, allowing it to cook to that perfect crusty outside, soft inside consistency. It usually takes about five minutes to get there. And while that was working, I warmed up some pure maple syrup to pour over it. YUMMY! I lifted the lid of the waffle maker when the steam subsided and lo and behold…the perfect pumpkin-y gluten-free waffle shaped like Mickey Mouse. YES! I was already feeling good about this mix. I slathered it up with some Earth Balance spread and then dowsed it in some maple syrup. I then got my own waffle working and prepared to do the same thing. Once again, the perfect waffle emerged, with this golden crust on the outside. I was elated. As the third (and final) waffle (now in the freezer) was working, I settled in to enjoy my breakfast.

So…it was awesome. Let me just say that. Some flour mixes and pancake mixes don’t get that golden crust on the outside, but Trader Joe’s managed it to perfection with this mix. It had the perfect amount of pumpkin spice flavor. Not too much. And not too little (although my roomie says that she didn’t get much pumpkin). I disagree with the roomie and think that the amount of pumpkin flavor was spot on. As I am the pumpkin freak…I know best. The crust on the outside was crisp and crunchy and the inside of the waffle was light and soft and just…so amazing. I was in love with each bite. I may have hoovered it, using the last bite to mop up any extra syrup lingering on the plate. Really, very impressed.

The Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix was a new product that was introduced last October due to numerous requests from their fans of the original Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake Mix, who had found themselves now eating a gluten-free diet. The Trader Joe’s peeps went to work for months to get the right texture (no soggy, heavy pancakes allowed) and finally it it spot on, even getting the seasoning right to bring that warm fall-ish feeling to the finished product. The recipe for the pumpkin pancakes (the one I listed above) was on the side of the box to make sure you succeeded on your pumpkin pancake quest. They did well. They did very well.

The Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix is made from white rice flour, potato starch, cane sugar, dehydrated pumpkin flakes, buttermilk powder, tapioca flour, molasses powder, baking powder, sea salt, organic vanilla flavor, expeller pressed canola oil, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground ginger, xanthan gum, annatto for color, and ground nutmeg. This mix is gluten-free and cholesterol free.

A serving of Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix is 1/3 cup dry mix or 2 pancakes prepared. A serving of the mix will provide 130 calories and 0.5 grams of fat. It contains 250 mg sodium and 7 grams of sugar. The dry mix will also give you 29 carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, and 2 grams of protein. When it is prepared as per the instructions on the side of the box, you will be taking in 210 calories and 8 grams of fat. You will be taking in 70 mg cholesterol, 270 mg sodium, and 7 sugars. Prepared, you will have29 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber and 4 grams of protein.

Honestly, it is one of the better gluten-free pancakes mixes out there. I was above and beyond happy with the way my Mickey waffles came out. Not only were these full of perfect pumpkin flavor, they were crispy and soft and the texture was right where it needed to be. Trader Joe’s definitely nailed the gluten-free pumpkin goodness in these. I hope this mix is back on the shelves this upcoming fall. Total yum!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Mickey Waffles made with Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix — Gluten Free Pumpkin Mickey Waffles made with Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix

March 24, 2015

Product Review: Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Coconut Shrimp

Product: Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Coconut Shrimp – $5.99+

Dear Sophie’s Kitchen:

I love you. I love everything about you. I love everything you develop and offer to the vegan and gluten free community. Your products have gone from wowing me to astounding me. Sometimes I go into something thinking that it will end up horribly wrong, but then…everything about it just seems right.

That was how I felt about the Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Coconut Shrimp.

For the record, back when I used to eat seafood (and other meats)…shrimp was my favorite thing in life. However, that being said, I never developed a taste for coconut shrimp. I don’t know why…but that was the case. It disgusted me. So, why, then, was I ever tempted to even purchase a vegan version of a seafood I didn’t like? I have no clue. No answer. Nothing except that I get really excited when I see new products from a beloved and trusted company, and that is the case with Sophie’s Kitchen. I have loved everything from the Fish Filets to the Crab Cakes to the Calamari to the Shrimp and Prawns. Love. Just lots of vegan seafood love. I went into it nervous and a little bit concerned and found out that sometimes, the vegan version from Sophie’s Kitchen is even better than I remember the original and actual seafood version being.

Talk about amazing, right?

So that…my dearest readers…has to be why I picked up a box of the Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Coconut Shrimp. I got new product happy. I couldn’t help it. It was in my freezer for awhile…just begging to be made. And with a little determination to clear out items that I’ve been hoarding in my freezer/pantry/fridge…I made sure that this box of vegan seafood got used this weekend. Enter…Sunday night.

My roommate was craving shrimp po’boys. She told me so. And she reminded me of the box of vegan coconut shrimp in the freezer. I told her that I was a little bit nervous about those as I never liked coconut shrimp to begin with…but she insisted. Po’boys. Besides…one more item out of the freezer. So, Saturday night, I pulled the shrimp out of the freezer and placed it in the fridge to thaw. I finished up grocery shopping (and discovered my local store stopped carrying the gluten-free sandwich rolls…so I had to purchase gluten-free hotdog buns…which are SO not the same!) and came home to a fun afternoon of hanging out with my downstairs neighbors, eating gluten-free lemon chiffon birthday cake (I made it…as my roomie requested it for her birthday and that happened while we were in New York City), cleaning up the apartment, getting laundry done, and taking a nice walk in the beautiful weather. We were both ready for dinner soon after 5 p.m. And Sophie’s Kitchen makes it a breeze.

While my makeshift sandwich rolls (aka: hotdog buns) toasted in the oven, I prepared a sweet chili aoili to put on top of the sandwich itself. I sliced up some grape tomatoes and washed a mixture of various super greens (kale, spinach, arugula). Then, as the hotdog buns were finishing up in the oven, I put a spoonful of coconut oil into a hot pan and gave a quick pan fry to 12 of the Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Coconut Shrimp. I mean, coconut oil just seemed logical to me. I allowed them to cook on one side for about 3 minutes, then flipped them over to find them a perfect golden brown on the side that had cooked through. So, I did the same on that side, then removed them to a paper towel and began to assemble the po’boys. A little Veganaise…the greens, the tomatoes, the vegan shrimp, then the aoili to top it all off. It all came together so well…even if the bread was a bit of a challenge.

Okay…so I ate a bit of the shrimp on its own first. Why? Because I needed to taste it without my drizzle of aoili on it. Guess what? My tastebuds lit up. And I was amazed with how much I loved this flavor. Honestly…the texture was meaty and perfect…with the crispiness of the breading on the outside and the soft vegan shrimp on the inside. There was this nice sweet kick in the breading that I absolutely adored. And sort of wished I was eating these outside of the actual sandwich itself. Both my roommate and I saved a shrimp to eat alone. Sophie’s Kitchen definitely did it once more and let me know that I can, in fact, love coconut shrimp. Either tastes change or, more likely, they just do it better than the real thing. But, I devoured this faster than any other product I’ve tried from Sophie’s Kitchen. Big, big love!!

So…what exactly is vegan seafood made from? Well, the Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Coconut Shrimp is made from water, konjac powder, pea protein, potato starch, coconut powder, rice flakes (from brown rice), canola oil, paprikia, fenugreek, organic agave nectar, sea salt, turmeric, white pepper, alginate (from seaweed), and calcium hydroxide. Is it clean eating…nope. Not even close. But…it’s not too bad as processed, frozen products go. Not at all. These are soy-free, vegan (100% plant based), non-GMO, gluten-free, contain no artificial preservatives, no artificial colors, no MSG, they are free of trans fats, and they are cholesterol free. These also contain no added sugar. Nothing about them is artificial. Nothing.

So, let’s talk nutrition. A serving of Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Coconut Shrimp is 4 pieces of shrimp. This serving will provide you with 130 calories and 10 grams of fat. This serving also gives you 150 mg sodium and 1 gram of sugar. A serving will give you 12 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, and less than one gram of protein. You’ll feel full, but mostly due to what you pair it with. In this case…I made it into a sandwich…and that definitely gives it a dinner heft that kept me full until the next morning.

Once again, blown away by how much I am loving the products that come from Sophie’s Kitchen. Seriously, if you turned vegan, vegetarian, or are gluten-free and want some breaded “seafood”…I encourage you to seek out Sophie’s Kitchen and try it. Take it from me…you’ll fall in love with the products. If Sophie’s Kitchen can make me fall in love with coconut shrimp…imagine what it can do for you.

I’m so glad to be dining on this once more tonight. Beyond YUM!

Sophie's Kitchen Gluten Free Coconut Shrimp in a Gluten Free Vegan Coconut Shrimp Po'Boy — Sophie’s Kitchen Gluten Free Coconut Shrimp in a Gluten Free Vegan Coconut Shrimp Po’Boy

March 24, 2015

Product Review: Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Strawberry & Fig Figgies & Jammies

Product: Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Strawberry & Fig Figgies & Jammies – $3.99+

And so the great kitchen purge continues…

So…let me explain this once more for those just tuning in. At some point, last year, I won an online sweepstakes where the prize was a box of each flavor of Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Figgies & Jammies. They arrived in the mail and I dutifully placed them on the shelf of my pantry to enjoy at a later time. As I am currently working on getting a majority of processed foods out of my pantry, desserts for the rest of the month are pretty much covered…with Figgies & Jammies.

Now, I was already aware of these amazing little Fig Newton type cookies from when they first debuted back in 2014. I went searching high and low, but my area just didn’t have them in stock. I eventually found them in Columbus, Ohio at The Raisin Rack…and purchased one (of all four flavors…because I was on a budget) and immediately fell in love with them. Luckily I can pretty much find them anywhere now. But…I won these. And winning things is awesome.

If you’ve been sleepwalking through your own gluten-free journey, haven’t found these, didn’t know about them, or missed it in my previous blog, Pamela’s Products Figgies & Jammies come in four different flavors: Blueberry & Fig, Raspberry & Fig, Strawberry & Fig, and Mission Fig.

Tonight…I was all about the Strawberry & Fig.

Prior to the Strawberry & Fig flavors, I have already delved and devoured my way through Pamela’s Blueberry & Fig and Pamela’s Raspberry & Fig Figgies & Jammies. I mean, you can’t beat having gluten free Fig Newtons that actually taste good. Trust me…there are a few other attempts at fig stuffed cookies…but none of them have set this level of high standards. And, naturally, it comes from Pamela’s Products. One brand I trust with everything. No exaggeration. And every flavor I like more than the last. So blueberry is delicious, but at the bottom of my list…then raspberry…now strawberry…

…I like this trend.

I also enjoy having a guiltless treat for dessert after a long day and a quick dinner. I believe in dessert. We all have the right to reward our hard efforts of the day, the long hours, the struggle to get through, with some sort of treat. Fruit…cookies…cake…brownies…ice cream…whatever your poison…treat yourself. It’s actually good for you. Good for the soul. Nothing big…just a taste is all you need. And luckily, Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Figgies & Jammies are a 2-3 bite wonders (which is bigger than traditional fig cookies, for sure! I’m looking at you Fig Newtons!). LOVE.

So…Strawberry & Fig. Strawberry. Fig. Two of my most favorite things in the world. I am obsessed with figs. I am beyond obsessed (and have been for my entire life) with strawberries. So, naturally, this pairing seemed like a match made in heaven. Oh…trust me…it is. One bite…and that’s all I needed to fall in love. Just like the previous two flavors, Pamela’s Gluten Free Strawberry & Fig Figgies & Jammies are moist, spongy cookies that are filled with real fig and strawberry. Think Fig Newton minus the gluten. But not minus the flavor. In fact, I think I enjoy Pamela’s version of these cookies more than I ever enjoyed Fig Newtons. No joke. Even the different flavors. But Strawberry & Fig is definitely bursting with this classic combination of fruit. Blending it with the soft cookie on the outside adds a level of savoriness to the product itself. It’s magic in every bite. I. Am. Truly. Addicted.

So…now that I’ve raved about the flavor, let’s take a look at what goes into Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Strawberry & Fig Figgies & Jammies. The cake-y cookie on the outside is made from a gluten-free flour blend of brown rice flour, white rice flour, tapioca starch, sweet rice flour, and xanthan gum, in addition to evaporated cane sugar, organic non-hydrogenated palm oil, organic invert sugar, grape juice and whole rice syrup, sweet whey powder, glycerin, baking soda, xanthan gum, sea salt, and lemon oil. The jam filling is made from strawberry paste, fig paste, and citric acid. These cookies are gluten-free, egg free, contain no artificial flavors or additives, no hydrogenated oils, no trans fat, no corn syrup, no cholesterol, are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility, and are kosher certified.

As for nutrition…well…these are cookies. But I am not ashamed to eat one of these cookies. They really have fantastic stats for being a treat. A serving is 1 of the Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Strawberry & Fig Figgies & Jammies. This one cookie will provide you with 100 calories and 2 grams of fat. You will be taking in 25 mg sodium, 11 grams of sugar (it is a cookie…so I try not to panic!), and 18 grams of carbohydrates. Finally, you will be consuming 1 gram of fiber and 1 gram of protein. A treat that won’t fill you up, but is just enough to satisfy. You gotta love that.

Once again, beyond impressed with the standard, quality, and amazing flavor that I find in every Pamela’s item I try. The gluten-free community no longer has to fear missing out on some of their favorites or having their version taste flat and boring. With Pamela’s…that won’t happen. Flavor, quality…and just sheer awesomeness in every bite. Total win!