Eban Bakery baking up delicious flavors of versatile gluten-free breads

Eban Bakery Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread
Eban Bakery Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread

Product: Eban Bakery Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread – $5.99+

Ah…Dayton, Ohio.  I have so many things to thank you for.  First and foremost…Sinfully Gluten Free.  I can’t go to Dayton and not stop in there for a treat, or lunch, or dinner.  It is one of my favorite things in your city.

BUT…that’s not all.  I also feel the need to thank you for this little grocery store chain called Dorothy Lane Market.  If you are unfamiliar with Dorothy Lane Market, you are not alone.  The only reason I took note was that, while driving through Dayton for a chocolate festival, we saw a few of them along the way.  My friend Jenn and I were intrigued, and as lunch was not yet being served at Sinfully Gluten Free, we thought to drop in and check it out.

Dorothy Lane Market is a grocery store that sort of specializes in hard-to-find items and products.  NICE!!  I mean, it has your general produce and brands, but it had a lot of things I had never seen before.  Evidence by the fact that I walked out of there with quite a few gluten-free goodies that were not available in my area.  So much for just checking it out, right?

One very interesting fact was that they had this amazing gluten-free aisle.  And while I was perusing it, an employee came over to talk about the gluten-free items and the fact that a gluten-free tasting fair was coming up.  I would have loved to come back for it, but it happened on the weekend I was going to be running in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  No good.  But I was totally interested in some of the products she was highlighting.

Out in the asile, there was a tray of sample gluten-free bread.  The one that happened to be cut up was the Cranberry Walnut Bread from Eban Bakery.  She mentioned that Dorothy Lane Market often sells products from local businesses, and they had items from Sinfully Gluten Free as well as Tina’s Sweet Treats, among others.  I was overjoyed with the fresh baked items from local bakeries…and ended up picking up a few items.  Nothing from Sinfully Gluten Free, as I was going to do that when I got to the bakery itself.  But, some Sub Rolls from Tina’s Sweet Treats and a loaf of the bread I sampled, Eban Bakery Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread, did make the cut.

Eban Bakery Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread (sliced)
Eban Bakery Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread (sliced)

With that purchase made, we headed out to eat at Sinfully Gluten Free, enjoy the chocolate festival, and then drive back to Columbus, Ohio.

When it came time to leave Ohio and head back to Indiana, I packed up the cooler with all the gluten-free goodness that I bought from Dorothy Lane Market and Sinfully Gluten Free.  And it came home with me.  And it got cozy…in my freezer.  While the sub rolls were used rather quickly, a loaf of bread sometimes takes some getting around to eating.  And, sadly, this one got buried under a lot of other stuff in my freezer.  It happens.

Until I cleaned it the other day and organized it.  And I knew immediately what to do with this bread.

French Toast.

Oh.  Hell.  Yes.

But first…it had been so long since I had sampled this bread, I needed to have it on its own.  Just to see what all the hype was when I snagged it from the shelf.

Eban Bakery Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread is awesome.  It is a bit dense and heavy, but a lot of gluten-free breads are.  It is just something I have come to expect.  However, slice it up, and the slices feel light.  They are certainly filling.  But the best part is the flavor.  The bread is sweet, with the bits of cranberry scattered throughout.  In addition, the walnuts bring a saltiness to it, as well as add something to the texture of the bread itself.  It is delicious.  And I knew it was going to make really amazing gluten-free French toast.

I sliced four pieces of the bread from the loaf and began to prep the egg with some vanilla and cinnamon.  I even added a touch of nutmeg.  I beat all of that together, then dipped the bread into the egg mixture.  The great thing about this bread was that it absorbed the egg without becoming soggy and falling apart.  Onto the griddle the slices of bread went to brown and crisp up like French toast should.

In the meantime, I warmed up some gluten-free real maple syrup and mixed together some cinnamon and sugar to dust over the top of the finished product.  I flipped the bread over to toast the other side and before I knew it…breakfast was served.  Maple syrup and cinnamon and sugar topped it all off.

I settled in with my roommate for breakfast.  She was halfway through her French toast before I managed my first bite.  She was raving about how yummy it was, so that was a good sign.  She was right.

This bread worked fantastic as a base for French toast.  Being that it was sturdier than regular sandwich bread, the egg wash didn’t make it crumble or become soggy.  Instead it just absorbed it and made it toast up golden and beautiful.  The flavor of the walnuts and cranberries took on a caramelized and toasted flavor which only elevated it to the next level.  It was phenomenal.

On its own or dressed up, Eban Bakery really blew me away with the flavor, taste, and texture of their gluten-free bread.  The Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread is definitely a welcome addition to my kitchen any day.

Eban Bakery is a gluten-free bakery based out of Ohio that specializes in breads, baked goods and sweet treats in small batches that use all natural and organic ingredients, free of gluten, preservatives, and additives.  In other words…no bad stuff goes into their goods.  Ever.  And that is evident with how delicious and amazing their products taste.  Love at first bite.  When I next find myself anywhere with Eban Bakery goods, I’ll definitely purchase some more.  Very impressed.

And thanks to Dorothy Lane Market…I now know of this otherwise unknown gluten-free bakery.  Eban Bakery…you’ve definitely won the heart of this Indiana girl.  When I next find myself in Ohio, I’m seeking out more of your products and going on a tasting frenzy.  The Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread was certainly a great place to start.

French Toast made from Eban Bakery Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread
French Toast made from Eban Bakery Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread

Flippin’ the best gluten-free pancakes at Nashville’s The Pfunky Griddle

The Pfunky Griddle, Nashville, Tennessee
The Pfunky Griddle, Nashville, Tennessee

Restaurant: The Pfunky Griddle, Nashville, Tennessee

As a gluten-free vegetarian, sometimes eating while on the road can be a challenge.  Fast food joints don’t work for me.  And I’ve never been big on fast food regardless.  This often means, especially when I travel to visit my family, that finding a restaurant to stop and eat is a priority.  Thankfully…in this brave new world of smart phone apps, there is an app for that.

Find Me Gluten Free.

If you have not put this app on your phone…do so now and then continue reading this blog.  I’ll wait.

Okay…congratulations!  Your dining life just got a lot easier.  Trust me.

The midway point between my home and my parents home is…Nashville, Tennessee.  There is no shortage of places to eat in Nashville.  There are also plenty of places that have gluten-free options.  Normally, we’d probably make it easy and stop off at Taco Mamacita or even go to McCreary’s Pub in Franklin, Tennessee.  But…while I know there are things I could eat at either one of those places (McCreary’s does not have a gluten-free menu, FYI, but Taco Mamacita does), I just wasn’t feeling the usual haunts.  So this necessitated a search.

And naturally…I find a place that specializes is…breakfast and brunch.

When breakfast is your favorite meal of the day…this is one hell of a find.  It had brilliant ratings on Find Me Gluten Free, so my roommate and I decided we would stop there on the way home and dine on some pancakes for lunch.  Breakfast for lunch.  Yep…my favorite way to eat.

The Pfunky Griddle is located on Bransford Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee.  This is a quaint neighborhood with houses done up into businesses and offices.  My kind of area.  Parking, however, was a nightmare.  We arrived sometime just after noon and there were already parties of people standing around outside.  No parking was available in the lot, so Cathy dropped me off to go check on the wait time and she went to circle around and see if she could find somewhere to park.  I ducked into the building and stood in a short line at the front where the coffee drinks were being made.  I asked about wait time for a party of 2 and was told it would be about 25 to 30 minutes.  That wasn’t unreasonable, so I put my name in and went to go see if I could find Cathy and tell her.  She had just managed to find a parking spot, so we stood around outside for a moment before I asked if she’d like some coffee while we waited.

The Pfunky Griddle's Honey Child Latte with Almond Milk
The Pfunky Griddle’s Honey Child Latte with Almond Milk

Caffeine while on the road is never a bad thing.  And…The Pfunky Griddle has almond milk.  Could I love this place any more already?  Is it possible?  After giving it a little bit of thought, Cathy agreed that caffeine might be a good idea (DUH!) so I told her I would treat us to our café order.  She went with a Peppermint Mocha with skim milk ($3.75).  As for me…I went with something that I couldn’t get anywhere else.  Not that I’m aware of, anyway.  Stepping away from my order of a Cafe Au Lait for a moment, I opted for what they call a Honey Child Latte with almond milk ($3.75).  The Honey Child Latte is a double shot of espresso, combined with honey, cinnamon, vanilla and your steamed milk of choice.  Never heard of anything like it…but it sounded epically delicious.  So, I had to have one.  Besides, I can get cafe au laits anywhere.  This was something I had only seen here.  Why not go for it?

The coffee orders were backed up, so it took around five minutes to get our actual drinks.  No worries though, Cathy and I weren’t in any hurry.  And it gave both of us time to stand in line to use the bathroom before getting seated.  Her peppermint mocha was up first, and she commented on how awesome it smelled when I passed it off to her.  My Honey Child Latte was up next and when I received it…I couldn’t wait to try it.  Photos first…then the taste test.

One sip and I was in love.  The combination of the rich espresso worked so well with the spice from the cinnamon, the sweetness of the honey, and the smooth vanilla after tones.  It all just meshed so well.  Love at first sip.  I even made Cathy try it and even she commented on how delicious it was.  Smooth, dreamy, and sweet.  Just how I like it!

Dedicated gluten-free griddle (placed over the one built into the table) at The Pfunky Griddle
Dedicated gluten-free griddle (placed over the one built into the table) at The Pfunky Griddle

I was about halfway through my latte when my name was called.  We eagerly followed the hostess to our table in the back room near the window.  The table was outfitted with a griddle in the middle because at the Pfunky Griddle…you flip your own pancakes, bitches!  Sorry…but it’s a really, really awesome concept.  As we were handed menus, I looked at Cathy and said, “I don’t know what they are going to do, but I need this hot griddle completely cleaned…or I can’t eat on it.  Cross contamination.”  She nodded and went back to the menu…and lo and behold…there at the bottom was a note that said if you were a Celiac, a special griddle would be provided for you.

I admit…I smiled.  I smiled a lot.  I was already feeling better about the situation.  Our waitress came over to take out drink orders.  As we both still were downing or pre-game coffee drinks, we opted for water.  Cathy went ahead and told her that I was a Celiac…so the waitress said she would send someone out with a new griddle for us.  A few moments later, one of the other employees was flipping off the griddle in the center of the table and putting a new griddle across our table.  He had it wiped down and left it there.  I felt a whole lot better.

And, when eating at The Pfunky Griddle…you get something you put on that griddle.  Cathy and I already had our mind made up.  They have an all-you-can-eat pancake deal going.  So, we opted for that.  We got the gluten-free pancakes ($6.99 per adult per person, including 1 topping each).  Cathy chose chocolate chips for her included topping and added walnuts for another option ($0.75).  For my included topping, I went with blueberries, then added bananas for an additional choice ($0.75).  As we were really hungry, we each got a side with our pancake order.  Cathy opted for the 2 biscuits ($1.00), which came with butter and jam.  As for me, as it was labeled gluten-free, I stuck with the potatoes ($3.00).  Order in.

I noted that our griddle wasn’t turned on, so I went ahead and turned it on, giving it some juice.  I wasn’t sure how high to set it to cook, so I opted for around 300 degrees, because I didn’t want to burn anything, so I figured a little extra time on the griddle wouldn’t hurt anyone.  Not one bit.  Our waitress came out with a a bowl that had packets of ketchup and hot sauce in it.  And soon…or food followed.

We received a pitcher of gluten-free pancake batter and little plastic containers that contained our toppings of choice.  The waitress set this heaping bowl of potatoes down in front of me and told me to cook them for three minutes on each side.  I could handle that.  With that…we were left to our own devices to cook up our meal at our table.  FUN!

Cathy poured her first pancake and went to sprinkle just her chocolate chips over the top.  I would have thrown the nuts in too, but she kept them to just sprinkle over the top after her pancake was plated.  I got a couple of spoonfuls of potato working on the griddle then poured my own pancake.  I poured way more than I expected and had this monster to start off with.  I went ahead and tossed some blueberries and banana slices onto it and let it sit to brown on the one side.  The heat was definitely too low as both the pancakes and my potatoes were taking awhile to cook.  Cathy went ahead and dived into eating her biscuits, really enjoying the flaky, lightness of them.  I turned the heat up slightly, which helped.  Soon I found myself flipping her pancake and my own because her first attempt was pretty much a fail.  But, I cook pancakes on a griddle at home…so I’m sort of a master.

Gluten-Free pancakes and potatoes on the dedicated gluten-free griddle at The Pfunky Griddle
Gluten-Free pancakes and potatoes on the dedicated gluten-free griddle at The Pfunky Griddle

With the other side working, I went ahead and tried the potatoes.

Oh.  My.  GOD!  No, these were honestly some of the most amazing breakfast potatoes ever.  Laced with a delicious garlic flavor, these mashed up spuds were crispy from the griddle on the outside, soft on the inside…and really freakin’ fantastic.  The flavor was awesome.  I told Cathy she had to try some, and she said she intended to.  She went ahead and scooped some up for herself to get it working on the griddle while I plated our first pancakes and poured more batter for our next round.  We threw on toppings and then settled in for our first taste.

The batter cooks up beautifully.  We each achieved this gorgeous golden color on our pancakes.  My bananas even caramelized after I flipped my pancake over and the toppings began to work into the pancake itself.  I love a light pancake.  Nothing is worse than eating one pancake and feeling stuffed.  And here, you can make them as big or as small as you want.  You can add one topping, both, or more.  Whatever your whim…it’s yours to create.  And these pancakes really hit the spot.  They were sweet, without being overly sweet.  And thin.  And light.  And just plain delicious.  The batter wasn’t heavy at all, making the pancakes almost as light as air when I removed them from the griddle and onto our respective plates.  And those potatoes.  Oh…hell yes!!  Those potatoes were one of my favorite thing.  Cathy and I both enjoyed them, getting them golden on each side then moving them to the plate.  I added hot sauce to mine, just a dab, which only enhanced the amazing flavor.  All together…a carby, delicous, amazing, happy dining experience.  One of the best gluten-free pancakes I have ever tasted…and I eat a lot of gluten-free pancakes.

This may be a new go-to place in the near future when passing through Nashville.  Very happy.  I never felt like I needed to worry about my food.  The spatulas were rubber, not the metal ones other tables got, so I am certain they were for gluten-free foods only.  I felt completely safe, and completely satisfied with my experience there.  I’d go back and stuff myself silly with more of their gluten-free pancakes and potatoes.

For the record, they also have gluten-free bread, so you could have one of their sandwiches, or even French toast if your little heart desired it.  The point is…this is a business doing gluten-free right.  And I am forever thankful for them.  And I’m also glad we stopped in and ate here.  On the way out, I even purchased a bag of their gluten-free pancake mix for $5.50.  So now I can make some at home too.

My gluten-free joy knows no bounds.  Doing flips over everything at The Pfunky Griddle.

Love in brunch form!

My Gluten-Free Blueberry and Banana Pancake with Gluten-Free Potatoes that I safely prepared at The Pfunky Griddle
My Gluten-Free Blueberry and Banana Pancake with Gluten-Free Potatoes that I safely prepared at The Pfunky Griddle

Simply Shari makes a fabulous gluten-free Almond Shortbread Cookie

Simply Shari's Gluten-Free & Fabulous Almond Shortbread Bite Size Cookies
Simply Shari’s Gluten-Free & Fabulous Almond Shortbread Bite Size Cookies

Product: Simply Shari’s Gluten-Free & Fabulous Almond Shortbread Bite Size Cookies – $4.29+

It has become quite evident as of late that shortbread is totally in.  Totally.  Why?  Because I have been eating a lot of it recently.  Oh, nothing is better than that slight crunch, that buttery flavor, that sweetness that sort of hits on the light side of savory.  Yeah…shortbread is pretty amazing.

Gluten-free shortbread can go either way.  I’ve had some that have impressed, and I have had some that have fallen short of all expectations.  I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I picked up a bag of Simply Shari’s Gluten-Free & Fabulous Almond Shortbread Bite Size Cookies…but it was a risk I was, apparently, willing to take.  I had previously only tried one other product from Simply Shari…a frozen pizza…and I fell in love with it.  I think that was where my confidence in this product came.  That and the fact that I really am a cookie monster…and where there are gluten-free cookies…you will find me.

Simply Shari’s Gluten-Free & Fabulous Almond Shortbread Bite Size Cookies are a simple blend of recognizable and common ingredients: sugar, unsalted butter, rice flour, brown rice flour, sweet rice flour, tapioca flour, cornstarch, potato starch, xanthum gum, water, baking soda, and modified corn starch.  Basic, key ingredients to any shortbread, yes?  Even better…the products that Simply Shari’s produces are all made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.  It definitely takes some of the guess work out of what you are eating…even if it is simply a cookie (or three).

Given that these are almond shortbread cookies, be assured that almonds are a prevalent and important part of the flavor and texture in this flavor of shortbread.  This particular flavor has almond slivers throughout the crumbly, buttery cookies.  And that…honestly…is what sets it apart from other gluten-free shortbread.

Let me first start by saying…this is, hands down, one of the better gluten-free shortbread cookies out on the market.  The almond flavor really meshes well with the buttery, sweet flavor of the shortbread itself.  In fact, these are so reminiscent of homemade shortbread cookies.  Honestly.  The sweetness is just the right amount to make it feel like a dessert.  It definitely cleanses the palate.  And it has that wonderful shortbread crunch, coupled with the taste and smell of almonds…it’s right at shortbread perfection.

And…even better…is that these cookies aren’t loaded down with calories and fat either.  When it comes to other gluten-free treats on the market, these will definitely fit into your diet plan, for sure.  There might be a little guilt, but nothing a good yoga session won’t burn off.

A serving of these cookies is 3 bite-size cookies.  Yep.  Three.  These cookies are about the width of a quarter and stand about a half an inch tall.  So, they are just the right amount of dessert at the right time.  Three cookies will only set you back 120 calories and 6 grams of fat.  That’s not bad for a cookie, as I said before.  Additionally, you will take in only 80 mg sodium, 1 gram of protein, and a scant (for cookies) 7 grams of sugar.  Loving it?  I am.

I’m so very impressed with these cookies that I’m looking forward to opening my next bag of them…which just happens to be the Lemon Shortbread variety.  Lemon + Shortbread…two of my most favorite dessert flavors in one?  With Simply Shari’s…I bet they are beyond simply delicious.

As for Simply Shari’s Gluten-Free & Fabulous Almond Shortbread Bite Size Cookies…delicious doesn’t even begin to cover the amazing flavor, texture, and lightness that are all pulled together in this fine product.  Spectacular snacking and sweet treat potential.  And I’m loving every serving of them.

A harvest of berry good flavor and texture in every bite of Udi’s Gluten-Free muffins

Special Delivery of Udi's Gluten-Free Goodies - including brand new products!
Special Delivery of Udi’s Gluten-Free Goodies – including brand new products!

A couple of weeks ago, I was the proud recipient of a box of goodies from Udi’s Gluten-Free, one of the first gluten-free companies to really wow me with their products.  This two year journey into the gluten-free world was a struggle at first, and then…I discovered the wonder of Udi’s.  First bread I liked.  First cinnamon rolls I had after going gluten-free.  First muffins that tasted like they were fresh out of the oven at a corner bakery.  Yep…I had a deep love affair with Udi’s, which continues to this very day.  I have yet to meet one of their products that I don’t love.

Case in point…

Last week, my mornings were hectic and stressful.  I was pulling extra hours at the office, trying to fit in my training runs, and still make it to the gym every other day.  It meant that cooking something for breakfast was near impossible.  I didn’t have time for that.  At all.  Thankfully, this box came along at the perfect time…and with it…brought perfect breakfast bliss.

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

Udi's Gluten-Free Moist & Tasty Blueberry Muffins
Udi’s Gluten-Free Moist & Tasty Blueberry Muffins

 

Back in January of last year, I blogged on the epic tastiness that are Udi’s Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins.  What I said back then still applies today.  And let me tell you, I have devoured the blueberry muffins on more than one occasion.  My mom tends to buy some sort of muffin from Udi’s lineup when I come home for Christmas to visit.  This past holiday…blueberry.  Yep.  Love.  Every morning was full of blueberry love.  A simple warming in the microwave and it was like it was hot out of the oven.  They are soft and moist, and you would never, ever guess that they were frozen or refrigerated prior to consumption.  That’s how good Udi’s is with these products.  That’s how much care they put into their food.  It doesn’t taste manufactured.  My favorite part of the blueberry muffins, aside from the sweet berries and moist cakey muffin part…is the crystal sugar that is dusted over the top.  It puts a little crunch into the product, which is already flavored with lemon and vanilla.  Blueberry muffin bliss…every time.  These have never disappointed.  And, as long as Udi’s keeps this tradition alive…they never will.

In my mind then…nothing could ever top the Udi’s Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins.

Or so…I thought.

Udi's Gluten-Free Moist & Delicious Blueberry Muffin
Udi’s Gluten-Free Moist & Tasty Blueberry Muffin
Udi's Gluten-Free Harvest Crunch Muffins
Udi’s Gluten-Free Harvest Crunch Muffins


Product: Udi’s Gluten-Free (NEW) Harvest Crunch Muffins – $6.99+

Enter…a new product from Udi’s Gluten-Free.

Yes…a brand new product.

What might this product be?  Well…muffins for starters, duh!

But, these were nothing like what I expected.

Enter…Udi’s Gluten-Free Harvest Crunch Muffins.

What in the world are Harvest Crunch Muffins?  Well,  I can elaborate for you.

Udi’s Gluten-Free Harvest Crunch Muffins are everything you want a muffin to be…and then some.  Not only do they pack a nutritious punch with each muffin, being that they are filled with healthy ingredients that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals…but they are just sheer awesomeness baked in muffin form.  Allow me to elaborate.

Harvest Crunch Muffins are a Udi’s take on a more savory, yet still sweet, muffin, making these ideal for any time…but I devoured mine at breakfast.  And when I say devour…I mean devour.  What made them so nom-worthy?  Well, for one thing, they combine the sweetness of cranberries, with the salty (and texture-giving) pepitas (pumpkin seeds), along with sweet potato and quinoa flour.  What emerges is this rich, sweet and savory flavor that is so satisfying to the palate, you’ll find yourself digging in for more.  I hope my area gets these muffins soon (we tend to run a year behind on new products in the gluten-free market), because these were crazy-good.  Stupid-good.  Amazing.

And, as I mentioned a bit earlier…nutritious too.

A serving is one muffin.  These come in a pack of four.  And with one muffin, you are served 250 calories and 10 grams of fat.  That’s really, really good when it comes to muffins.  Regular muffins can sometimes be twice that for an entire muffin.  I am SO impressed.  In addition, you get 4 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein in each serving.  LOVING it.  These are also low in sodium as well.  And I love that the ingredients are all real food that I recognize and don’t need to hit up a dictionary to know what it is I am consuming.

Blueberry muffins will always be one of my favorites, but I really think Udi’s outdid itself with the texture, flavor, taste, and just sheer awesome nutritiounal powerhouse with those Harvest Crunch Muffins.  Look for them.  Buy them.  DEVOUR!!  Trust me…you won’t just eat them…you honestly will devour them.

But that’s okay…

Gluten-free goodness can still be hard to come by.  Thanks to Udi’s…it’s a given.

Udi's Gluten-Free Harvest Crunch Muffin
Udi’s Gluten-Free Harvest Crunch Muffin

Bakery on Main goes Traditional and then gives a fun spin to their gluten-free oatmeal

Bakery On Main
Bakery On Main

I have to admit…when I saw the news coming out of Expo West from Bakery On Main, touting two brand new oatmeal flavors.  Two very delicious brand new oatmeal flavors.  In fact, the flavors just happened to be two of my most favorite treats in the world…which I usually only get if I make them, due to being gluten-free.  What might these new flavors be?

Carrot Cake and Blueberry Scone.

Go ahead and read those again.  Your eyes are not deceiving you.

Now, back when I was first getting used to my gluten-free diet, I was looking for something I could eat at work that wouldn’t cost me an arm and a leg and would be quick and easy to make…as well as eat at my desk.  The answer: gluten-free oatmeal.

I tried numerous brands, but absolutely fell in love with Bakery On Main.  Nothing has come close to the flavor profiles that they weave into their oatmeal.  It took a lot of gluten-free oatmeal sampling…but I have become dedicated to this particular company when it comes to oatmeal.  It is the best out on the market, and I will forever say that.  I should know…I eat it every day for lunch.

Yep.  Every.  Single.  Day.

It makes the anticipation leading into lunch even greater…knowing that I’ll soon have a piping hot bowl of oatmeal to eat and enjoy…and savor.  Because I love to savor this oatmeal.

Well, soon after Expo West, I was sent sleeves of each flavor oatmeal they try.  I have been eating, enjoying, and growing even more in love with their Strawberry Shortcake, their Apple Pie, and their Maple Multigrain Muffin (which since that post, I have eaten more and more of, and love just as much as the others.  Honestly…I should do a blog redux on that flavor.  It has earned my respect and the respect of my oatmeal-craving palate).  Already I knew their oatmeal was epic.  But…there were three flavors I had yet to try.  And now…they were in my possession.

Product: Bakery On Main Gluten-Free Traditional Flavor Instant Oatmeal – $5.99+

 

Bakery On Main Gluten-Free Traditional Flavor Instant Oatmeal
Bakery On Main Gluten-Free Traditional Flavor Instant Oatmeal

 

The first one, actually, had been out on the market for awhile.  It’s simple.  It’s basic.  It’s Bakery On Main’s Gluten-Free Traditional Flavor Oatmeal.  It doesn’t get much more basic than that.  Simple.  And sometimes that can be a bad thing.  But that is not the case here.  In fact, this was the oatmeal I was least enthusiastic about trying.  I even brought some fruit to throw into it.  Guess what?  It didn’t need anything to touch it up.  Not in the slightest.  While I have never been a fan of just plain oatmeal…I am a fan of this one.  A huge fan.  I actually incorporated the fruit and then was sorry that I did, because the oatmeal was much more amazing without it.  Lesson learned.

This is no ordinary traditional oatmeal.  This is traditional taken to the next level.  The flavor was amazing.  It didn’t lack any sweetness.  And the texture…as with the other flavors I have been eating for…over a year now…fantastic.  Just amazing.  Warm.  Rich.  Filling.  This, once again, proves how amazing Bakery On Main is when it comes to their products.  They ensure the quality and flavor of their products.  And that means they work hard to achieve flavor perfection.  This…is perfection.

Nutritionally speaking, the Traditional Flavor Oatmeal from Bakery on Main is 200 calories per serving and 4 grams of fat.  Not too shabby.  And just right for a light lunch.  Trust me.  But the amazing nutritional worth doesn’t stop there.  Nope.  Let me continue.  You see, Bakery on Main has achieved oatmeal perfection with their tried-and-true blend of certified gluten-free oats, chia seeds, flax meal, quinoa, and amaranth.  What this does is boost that nutrition profile a little, giving each serving of this oatmeal 8 grams of protein per bowl and 6 grams of fiber.  This flavor has no sodium, no cholesterol, no trans-fat, and is sugar-free as well.  LOVING that.

Oh…did I mention that it is amazing?  Even if you don’t think you like plain oats…you’ll love this one.  If I did…I can guarantee that you will too.  Trust me, leave the fruit at home.  You won’t need it and you’ll only ruin perfection.

Product: Bakery On Main Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Flavor Instant Oatmeal – $5.99+

 

Bakery On Main Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Flavor Instant Oatmeal
Bakery On Main Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Flavor Instant Oatmeal

 

The newest flavors were what I was looking at trying first.  And the first one selected:

Carrot Cake.

Yep.  Bakery On Main Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Flavor Oatmeal.  Sounds like dessert for breakfast, yes?  Oh…trust me…it is so much more.  I am a huge lover of carrot cake.  Honestly.  It doesn’t get much better than a delicious slice of carrot cake.  In fact, I’ve created quite a few carrot cake flavored things (pancakes, scones, etc.) just because I love the taste of carrot cake so very much.  It’s one of my guilty pleasures.  And I am unashamed.

That being said, when I set about preparing this oatmeal just as I have all the rest of Bakery On Main’s oatmeal.  I poured out the contents of the packet, which, as always is a base of certified gluten free oats, amaranth, chia seeds, flax meal, and quinoa, making even a dessert-y oatmeal a great source of whole grains.  Love it.  I added 2/3 cup of water and tossed it into the  microwave for 90 seconds.  While it was cooking…oh my gluten-free god…it smelled fantastic.  I might have drooled more than a little.  When it was done cooking, I gave it a stir…and went to take my first bite.

Yep.  Dessert for breakfast (or in my case lunch, but really…it’s carrot cake…it’s good anytime!).  No doubt about it.

In fact, as I was eating it, my roommate stopped by my desk and asked what smelled so good.  I let her have  a taste.  She’s not a fan of oatmeal at all and she can take or leave (but mostly leave) carrot cake…but she was blown away by this one.  Now that’s saying something.  I didn’t have any nutrition information on these, but I’m guessing that the calories fall around where the other flavors do, about 200 per sleeve of oatmeal.  Remember…these are brand new to the market…as in they hit shelves just recently.  But, what I do know from Bakery On Main’s Web site is that this particular flavor was adapted from an actual carrot cake recipe.  No wonder it tastes so good.  If you like a little bit of dessert in your life without a lot of calories, fat and sugar…give Bakery On Main’s Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Flavor Instant Oatmeal a try.

Product: Bakery On Main Gluten-Free Blueberry Scone Flavor Instant Oatmeal – $5.99+

 

Bakery On Main Gluten-Free Blueberry Scone Flavor Instant Oatmeal
Bakery On Main Gluten-Free Blueberry Scone Flavor Instant Oatmeal

 

Lastly, but certainly not least is the other brand new flavor from Bakery On Main in their instant oatmeal lineup.

Blueberry Scone.

Mmmm…scones.  We all know that I bake plenty of scones pretty much every week.  They are portable, delicious, and guaranteed to be gluten-free when I make them.  Among my favorites…blueberry.  So, when an oatmeal is given the flavor of one of my favorite breakfast treats, you better believe that I’m anticipating each and every spoonful.

I first fell in love with scones when I visited Europe back in 2003.  Every time I’ve gone back, I’ve devoured one or more somewhere…normally at a local café for an on-the-fly snack.  But, then I had to go gluten-free…and now scones have to be made by me if I’m going to eat them at all.  No problem.  But…here…Bakery On Main takes this classic coffee house treat and turns it into a bowl of oatmeal.  Not only are pieces of real blueberries incorporated into the mix, but the normal blend of certified gluten-free oats, chia seeds, flax meal, amaranth and quinoa…all providing the perfect nutritional balance to this sweet oatmeal treat.

Let me tell you…not only does this oatmeal smell fantastic as it warmed and cooked in the microwave, it tasted beyond fantastic as well.  Just like a blueberry scone.  A soft, mushy scone…like the dough before it bakes, warmed through.  Yep…nailed it, Bakery on Main.  This one totally took me by surprise.  I am a huge fan.  LOVING each and every spoonful.

Again, this is a brand new flavor and currently there is no nutrition information up on the Web site…but again I anticipate it to fall around 200 calories per serving, with low fat, low sodium, and high in protein with a good dose of your daily fiber.  Nutrition while feasting on something that tastes like a treat.  It doesn’t get much better than that.  YUM!

Total oatmeal love going out to Bakery On Main once again.  They won me over with their first three flavors, and they totally went above and beyond all expectations with the release of their new flavors.  From Traditonal to Carrot Cake to Blueberry Scone…Bakery On Main is totally making over oatmeal for the better.  And all of this gluten-free goodness is hitting shelves in your area…soon.  If it hasn’t already.  Go seek.  Go find.  Go enjoy.  These flavors are totally worth it.

Satisfy your cravings for a coffee house scone with a savory bowl of Bakery On Main’s Blueberry Scone Instant Oatmeal. This breakfast treat won’t let you down with pieces of real blueberries, chia seeds and our favorite ancient grains, Amaranth and Quinoa.

Gluten-free Chocolate O’s sandwich cookies get the Schär treatment

Schär Gluten-Free Chocolate O's
Schär Gluten-Free Chocolate O’s

Product: Schär Gluten-Free Chocolate O’s – $4.89+

Oreos.

It has been forever since I’ve had an Oreo.  Going gluten-free takes simple pleasures like a simple sandwich cookie and sometimes makes them…untouchable.  But…not with sandwich cookies.  Quite a few brands are actually out on the market.  Some are better than others.  But…that’s to be expected.

Another treat to myself when I was last in Minneapolis, Minnesota was these Gluten-Free Chocolate O’s, Schär’s version of the gluten-free sandwich cookie.  In every sense of the world…an Oreo.  Chocolate cookies with a vanilla cream center sandwiched between them.  I saw the box while at Cub Foods, and again, at the time, had yet to see that in my area.  Since then, they have been incorporated into at least a few of the natural foods stores that I frequent.  But, I’m just a little backed up on my cookie obsession in my gluten-free pantry.  I’m getting there!  So, naturally, since these were not available, at the time, in my region, I purchased them and carried them home with me.

Mmmm…sandwich cookies!

And, after all this time, they were next up in my gluten-free cookie backlog of epic proportions!  So, two days ago, I broke into this box and pulled out a serving of Schär’s Gluten-Free Chocolate O’s.  That, by the way, is 3 cookies.  Yes…THREE cookies.  Don’t get too excited though.  These are definitely not the size nor stuffed portion you would find in Oreo cookies.  These cookies are about the size of, or maybe slightly bigger (very slightly) than a quarter.  Yep.  One bite delight.  But, that’s the good part…they are at least delicious!

The chocolate biscuits that make up the cookie portion of these little bite-size cookies are a rich and have that crisp softness to it.  Sound contradictory?  Well, you won’t break your teeth biting into these, but they aren’t soft either.  They have just the right amount of crispness to them to make them taste like a cookie.  And the center…so delicious.  Not too sweet, but so reminiscent of the Oreo stuffing (just less of it), that it wowed me.  I was in sheer heaven, looking for a glass of almond milk to dunk these in for good measure.  Yes…they are truly amazing.  I loved them.   The chocolate is rich, but balanced by the cream in the middle.  Just delicious bite-sized cookie goodness.

While these cookies are wheat-free and gluten-free, they do contain milk and soy.  So be aware!  The chocolate cookie is simply made from sugar, palm oil, corn flour, cocoa powder, soy flour, milk powder, potato starch.  The filling is a blend of palm oil, milk powder, dextrose, sugar, lactose, soy lecithin, and natural vanilla flavor.

The three cookies in your serving will only set you back 170 calories and 8 grams of fat.  Not too shabby for sandwich cookies, I think.  The sodium is low (135 mg).  As for sugars, for sandwich cookies, 11 grams per serving isn’t bad.  And each serving does offer 3 grams of protein.  Keep in mind…these are sandwich cookies you are eating.  Indulge a little.  You can have broccoli tomorrow.

While these are not at the top of my list for gluten-free sandwich cookies, these were very delicious and I have enjoyed indulging my inner cookie monster with a these dunkable, sweet, bite-size treats.  Would I buy them again…sure.  Would they be the first ones I reached for?  Nope.  But they are definitely worth the money.

Flipping over fluffy, hearty gluten-free pancakes, compliments of Namaste Foods

Namaste Foods Gluten-Free Waffle & Pancake Mix
Namaste Foods Gluten-Free Waffle & Pancake Mix

Product: Namaste Foods Gluten-Free Waffle and Pancake Mix – $5.99+

I can be pretty particular about certain foods.  And anything pertaining to breakfast…well…that’s my favorite meal of the day, so it needs to impress.  It needs to be good.  I don’t want my breakfast to go to waste.  I live for breakfast.  I sometimes eat breakfast three times in a day.  That’s how much breakfast means to me.

I’m working on clearing out a good bit of my pantry overstock in the gluten-free items I have stockpiled.  And my roommate had a craving.  Pancakes.  Well, we had quite a few pancake mixes kicking around on the shelves, so I grabbed the next one up as far as expiration dates, and it was a company I had yet to try any products from.  Namaste Foods.  Being a yoga enthusiast, I already loved the name of it.

So, I ended up with this gluten-free pancake and waffle mix from Namsate Foods because it was one of the items marked down when my local grocery store decided to put almost all of its gluten-free shelves on closeout and totally freak me out into thinking that I was going to lose a store to get gluten-free foods.  False alarm.  I think they just needed to make room for new items.  These items I bought on the big, panic, closeout are still on the shelves there.  Ah well…worked in my advantage.

Anyway…it was the morning after the Boston Marathon bombing and I was really feeling my fellow runners that morning.  What better way to honor runners than to make one of their favorite carby meals?  Pancakes.  To add to the runnerific awesomeness of pancakes…I thought to make peanut butter and jelly pancakes.  Mine just had to be gluten-free…for the sake of my digestive system.  And this mix made it simple.

Normally, the Namaste Gluten-Free Waffle and Pancake Mix calls for the addition of 2 tablespoons of oil, 2 eggs, and milk or water.  Well, I don’t like to use oil or eggs in my pancakes, so I decided to gamble…and added applesauce and melted peanut butter instead.  I used water to keep the calorie count down with the peanut butter being a big portion of the mix.  I wasn’t sure what this would do to the texture, but I figured gluten-free cooking is all about taking risks anyway.  And pancakes can be saved someway if it turns out to be a bust on the flavor.

That being said, I mixed everything together, added 2 cups of the mix, and blended it all together.  At first the batter was way too thick, so I added a little more water and that helped even out the consistency.  Onto the griddle it went.  And it took a little while to get that crisp, golden layer on one side.  But…it got there.  I didn’t want to turn the heat up, because I tend to burn pancakes that way, but trying to cook them faster.  It’s one of the biggest complaints I have with gluten-free pancakes…getting that perfect golden crust on the outside.  It’s difficult at times.  Anyway…I flipped them and continued to cook the batch, making a total of 8 pancakes with one batch of the batter.  Nice.

Then…to conclude the epic breakfast to honor the Boston Marathon, I spread some organic strawberry preserves across the top of each pancake, drizzled some melted peanut butter over the top, then added a swirl of dark chocolate because…I was upset about the marathon and needed chocolate, then topped each one off with a fresh, organic strawberry.  Work of pancake art, let me tell you.

So, the moment of truth was upon us…how did they taste?  My roommate was the first to dig into the perfect pancake breakfast…and she didn’t have any complaints.  In fact, she hoovered the pancakes down.  It had been a long time since I’d seen her do that with any product.  So, this was a very good sign.  I settled in with my two pancakes and sliced into one.  Oh…oh yes…these were good!

While they didn’t have that perfect golden crust on the outside, the pancakes themselves were fluffy and packed with flavor.  The texture of these pancakes is light and fluffy. But, they are filling.  Just two was all I needed and the breakfast stayed with me all the way to my snack time, about 4 hours later.  I loved that.  It was nice not to eat breakfast and be hungry about an hour or so later.  It was very nice, indeed.  I loved that each bite had a hint of vanilla to it, which I could still taste, even with my toppings and additions.  And the lack of eggs and oil didn’t affect the flavor or texture at all, in my opinion.  This was one of the better pancakes I had made from a gluten-free mix.  I tested the gluten-free pancake gods again later on that day because I needed to make easy pancakes for workout mornings.  I left the eggs and oil out again and substituted pumpkin, then folded in some chocolate chips.  Same thing.  The pancakes were a little more dense this time around, but they cooked all the way through.  They still didn’t get that golden color, but the pumpkin sort of distracts from that anyway.  But yeah…filling…and fantastic.  Loved the flavor, the texture, the chewy nature of the pancakes.  Delicious.  Very pleased with this mix.

The Namaste Foods Waffle and Pancake Mix contains no wheat, gluten, soy, corn, potato, dairy, casein, peanuts or tree nuts.  It is all natural, has no preservatives, and is non-GMO.  LOVING it.  You will recognize all eight ingredients that go into the mix itself, starting with sweet brown rice flour, tapioca flour, arrowroot flour, rice milk powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and ground vanilla bean.  It’s always a comfort when you can identify what goes into your processed and packaged foods.  I think so anyway.

As I said, this was the first product I tried from Namaste Foods, and now I am eager to try other mixes that they have on the market.  Total win.  Pancake perfection when I needed it most.

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancakes made with Namaste Foods Gluten-Free Waffle & Pancake Mix
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancakes made with Namaste Foods Gluten-Free Waffle & Pancake Mix

Pure flavor and pure ingredients make Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Fig Granola purely amazing

Purely Elizabeth Gluten-Free Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola Cereal
Purely Elizabeth Gluten-Free Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola Cereal

Product: Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola Cereal – $7.99+

Granola is one of those foods that can walk a fine line between healthy and…not so healthy.  It all comes down to the ingredients.  I have had some really amazing gluten-free granola in the past…but my problem with it is that it is always laden with extra sugars.  WHY?!  Granola doesn’t have to be rich in sugar in order to taste good.

Proof is in the package – and in this case it’s Purely Elizabeth’s Pumpkin Fig Granola.

I admit, I was apprehensive about my choice to pick up the Pumpkin Fig Granola.  My local Whole Foods store had a couple of other selections from Purely Elizabeth…but after looking at the Cranberry Pecan and the Original flavors, I decided to go with a flavor that no other gluten-free granola company had tackled yet.  Pretty much any fruit would pair well with it…so that’s what I decided on.  As to why I decided to hop brands to a different gluten-free granola…it wasn’t any reason, per se…just the fact that this one happened to be on the shelves at Whole Foods and caught my eye.

I like to utilize granola in fruity breakfast parfaits.  I will layer it with vanilla Chobani yogurt and a fresh fruit of some sort, whether it’s fresh organic berries, kiwi, or apples and pears that I caramelize…it makes a nice change from having cereal every morning.  So, it falls into rotation every other morning, normally when my roommate and I are not hitting up the gym for our 60 minute cardio and strength training.

What I loved, immediately, about Purely Elizabeth was that the items that the company produces are all natural and organic, using nutritious alternative grains and superfood seeds.  The products are free of sugar, dairy, wheat and gluten.  Loving it already.  Purely Elizabeth founder, Elizabeth Stein, was perusing a career as a holistic nutrition counselor where she learned about the connection between what you eat and how you feel – specifically how sugar, wheat and dairy can negatively impact health.  Her mission became simple…to create gluten-free and vegan products that were not overly processed that still tasted good.  She totally succeeded.

A serving of Purely Elizabeth Gluten-Free Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola Cereal
A serving of Purely Elizabeth Gluten-Free Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola Cereal

This morning marked the inaugural tasting of the Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Fig Granola.  I was going to pair it with the vanilla Greek yogurt and some organic strawberries that came in my CSA bin.  Pumpkin, fig, strawberry?  Could it possibly work?  Only one way to find out…but first…I needed to see if my palate was going to appreciate the flavor of Pumpkin and Fig together in this granola form.  I reached into the pouch of granola and swiped a pinch of the ancient grain cereal.  I popped it in my mouth…and knew it was going to be okay.

I loved how the pumpkin flavor wasn’t overpowering.  Sometimes, as much as I love pumpkin, it can get to be a bit much.  It can really take away from the product itself.  And the balance of the sweet dry figs made the ideal blend.  Match that with the  variety of flavors and textures that come with the inclusion of gluten-free oats, organic puffed amaranth, organic quinoa flakes, organic pumpkin seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic chia seeds, and the sweetness of the organic coconut palm sugar, and cinnamon…and what you have is a recipe for amazing flavor.  Add in the organic raw virgin coconut oil and a hint of sea salt…and that’s what you’ll find in every bag of Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola Cereal.

Amazing?  You better believe it.

Even more amazing than the blend of flavors and textures is the nutritional value of a serving of this cereal.  The combination of ingredients are all natural, organic, and gluten-free…the ancient grains all providing excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.  Loving that.  One serving is 1/3 cup, which serves you up 140 calories and 6 grams of fat.  Not too shabby.  Especially since the fat content is derived from the raw virgin coconut oil, and this sort of fat gets used as energy, rather than stored.  Loving that.  A serving of this granola has only 6 grams of sugar and will provide you with 4 grams of protein.  It is low in sodium (110 grams) as well.  All the granola is hand baked and made with over 70% certified organic ingredients.  No artificial colors or flavors are added either.  Which means…what you see is what you get.

And what you get is a delicious blend of oats, seeds, ancient grains, and dried figs.  And all together it provides a delicious, and not overpowering flavor to whatever you choose to add it to…or if you just enjoy it on its own with a splash of milk.  Either way, you should feel good about the food you are eating.  I feel good about choosing Purely Elizabeth and I highly recommend the Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola Cereal.

It’s different.  It’s tasty.  It’s purely…delicious.

A Strawberry and Greek Yogurt Breakfast Parfait made with Purely Elizabeth Gluten-Free Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola Cereal
A Strawberry and Greek Yogurt Breakfast Parfait made with Purely Elizabeth Gluten-Free Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola Cereal

Wholesome Cravings Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Protein Snack Cake brings unwholesome taste and unwelcome texture

Wholesome Cravings Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Protein Snack Cake Mix
Wholesome Cravings Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Protein Snack Cake Mix

Product: Wholesome Cravings Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Protein Snack Cake Mix – $4.99+

Thank you, Wholesome Cravings, for teaching me an important lesson when it comes to new products.

What lesson might that be?

No matter what, always try the new product out while at home.  Do NOT think that just because it smells amazing while baking that it will taste good too.

That was my mistake I made when I baked up this Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Protein Cake from Wholesome Cravings this past weekend to use for breakfast on gym mornings this work week.  Streamline.  Make something that can be eaten throughout the week.  Perfect.  And, hello, cake…for breakfast.  Sounds like a dream come true.  And an apple cake at that.  I love apples!

I also loved how easy this cake was to make.  Simply mix together 3 eggs, 1/4 cup of zero calorie sweetener, and 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce, then add the mix to the other ingredients, make sure they are blended well, and pour into a cake pan.  Bake as directed at 330°F.

Simple.  Efficient.  And, I wasn’t lying when I said that this cake smelled fantastic as it baked.

But…scents can apparently be very deceiving.  I know this now.

Wholesome Cravings Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Protein Snack Cake
Wholesome Cravings Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Protein Snack Cake

The following morning, I sliced two pieces of this cake and packed it into a container to take to the office for my roommate and I to enjoy after working out at the gym.  We had a great workout…and when we were done, we were both famished and ready for some food.  We headed over to the office and I went into the kitchen to peel some blood oranges and throw a slice of the cake into the microwave to warm up for our cake-for-breakfast pleasure.  It still smelled amazing.

I took my roomie her slice first, and then went to warm mine up.  As I walked back toward my desk, I stopped by hers and asked what she thought of the cake.  She gave me an unenthusiastic, “Eh, it’s okay…I mean…I’ll eat it.”  That is never a good sign.  I thought perhaps she was exaggerating.  So, I went and settled in at my desk and took my first bite of the cake.

First of all, the texture is rather spongy.  Yep.  Spongy.  I really didn’t like that at all.  It really didn’t sit well on my taste buds.  I mean, food needs to have a pleasing texture, so when it feels like you are gnawing on a sponge, something is definitely wrong.  The flavor…chemically.  The apple tasted fake and the caramel flavor was rather nonexistent.  I was not impressed.  In fact, I messaged my roommate and told her that I would eat this slice because I was hungry, but when I got home, the rest of the cake was going into the garbage.  I didn’t like it at all.  I think I disliked it more than her because I didn’t even want to eat it.  The things exercise induced hunger drive you to.

Totally unimpressed.

Totally disgusted by it too.  It certainly doesn’t make me want to try any of the other cake offerings from Wholesome Cravings.

In case you like fake apple-flavored spongy cakes, though, the nutritional breakdown is this.

A serving is 1/7 of the cake.  Who cuts a cake into 7 pieces?  I made it 8.  The calories per serving once prepared (and done in 8 servings) are 118 calories per slice and only 4 grams of fat.  That’s not bad for a cake, right?  Right.  Too bad it tastes so awful.  Also of note, each slice of cake serves up a healthy dose of protein, in this case, 12 grams.  And you also get 2 grams of fiber.  This cake made of 100% whole grains, contains zero trans fats, has no preservatives or artificial sweeteners, and is 100% all natural.

But none of that can save it from the fact that it is just…bizarre, in flavor and in texture.  I was not a fan.  And I really don’t recommend anyone wasting their money on this product.  I’m more than a little upset that I did…because I feel cheated out of what should have been a delicious breakfast cake.  Perfect, with the protein content, for post workout eats.  But…instead…I got one of the more disgusting gluten-free products I have tried yet.

Disappointed?  You have no idea.

A slice of Wholesome Cravings Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Protein Snack Cake
A slice of Wholesome Cravings Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Protein Snack Cake

Cookies taken from great to super with Annie May’s Sweet Café’s Super Cookies

Annie May's Sweet Café Gluten-Free Super Cookie
Annie May’s Sweet Café Gluten-Free Super Cookie

Product: Annie May’s Sweet Café Gluten-Free Super Cookie – $3.99

I’ve stated it in the past two posts I have done on cookies from Annie May’s Sweet Café in Louisville, Kentucky.  Nothing will ever, ever top their allergen-free chocolate chip cookies.  For real.  They are, by far, the best and most amazing gluten-free cookies that I have ever had the pleasure of sinking my teeth into.  For real.  They don’t get much better than this.  Buttery, smooth, soft, chewy, sweet…perfection.

Could it get any better?

Oh…believe it or not…it can.

How, you might ask?

By making a chocolate dipped cookie sandwich out of them, of course.  I mean, when something is already as amazing as a single allergen-free chocolate chip cookie…take two of them, place some amazing icing between them and dip half of the cookie in dark chocolate.  What emerges is what Annie May’s likes to call their Super Cookies.

Super sinfully satisfying, that’s for damn sure.  Be prepared to share, because these cookies are epic big and epic filling.  But worth every calorie-filled sweet, indulgent bite.

For real.

I have been eying the Super Cookies for a long while now.  Especially after the amazing yumminess of the chocolate chip cookies on their own.  How could two with filling and chocolate be bad?  It can’t.  It can only elevate the already amazing flavor of the cookies.  I can guarantee that.

After a long run this morning, my roomie and I decided to head to Annie May’s for our usual Saturday breakfast.  But, as an added bonus, we picked up one of the Super Cookies after I stared longingly at it the entire time we were there.  Hey…my sweet tooth was acting up.  I can’t help it.  We agreed that we would get one cookie to split between us as dessert tonight, so we got it wrapped up to go and headed out for a day full of grocery shopping and hitting up a few stores in search of some items we have been searching for.

Then, after dinner tonight, I excitedly pulled out the Gluten-Free Super Cookie (this is not vegan) from Annie May’s Sweet Café and carved it in half.  One half went to Cathy…the other half was mine.

One bite.  One sinful bite and I was transported back to the days my sister and I would fill up on The Great American Cookie Company’s Double Doozy cookies.  Except…these were far tastier…far more delicious…far more indulgent…far more…EVERYTHING.  Take what you know about chocolate chip cookie sandwiches and multiply it to the nth degree.  Because that is how amazing the Super Cookies are from Annie May’s Sweet Café.  I wanted to savor each bite.  I tried.  But the sweetness kept luring me in for another bite.  Then another.  And before I knew it…I was left only with crumbs and the lingering taste on my palate.

Yeah…my favorite gluten-free chocolate chip cookie elevated to the next level.  Not a thing wrong in the world with that.  Not one thing.

Just bliss.  Sweet, satisfying, sinful bliss.  Creamy, chocolatey, cookie goodness…bite-for-bite.  Entice your inner cookie monster today.  Head to Annie May’s Sweet Café and get one for yourself.  Super delicious Super Cookies from the super bakery…Annie May’s!

Something this sinfully sweet never tasted so good.