Vegan – Page 9 – The Celiathlete

November 16, 2015

Product Review: Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix

Gluten Free Hamburger Buns & Dinner Rolls made with Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix

Product: Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix – $8.99

Of all the products that I received when I was a subscriber to Cuisine Cube, the ones that took me the longest to get to were the bread mixes. I have another mix (which I hope to make in the next few weeks) for gluten-free tortillas…so…this is not an anomoly. It’s just that I already have my own gluten-free bread/dinner roll flour blend that I make amazing bread with. So, why use a mix?

Besides, my bread baking skills in the gluten-free realm are…sort of hit or miss.

But my March 2015 Cuisine Cube brought me a lot of amazing goodies that I have already blogged on. The only hold-out from that cube was…none other than the lunch option (weird, I know…but probably under the impression that sandwich bread would be the end result). And that lunch option was the Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Bread Mix.

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

So, the March 2015’s lunch option was filled by the Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix. Sevierly Good began with the Sevier family, who began their business when they realized how difficult it was to find good, local resources for the things they enjoyed eating. The company blossomed from the need for their family to eat a gluten-free diet due to high gluten intolerances. So, with a completely different diet now being served up, the Seviers decided to get into the kitchen and begin to experiment.
With past experience in the baking industry and some great resources, the family created a list of recipes to begin with…and from there, a set of mixes that are versatile and easy to make emerged. For two (2) years, the Sevier Family made each mix by hand in a local, commercial kitchen. Since then, they have expanded to working with a manufacturer, enabling them to grow their dream and their product. Now, Sevierly Good Gluten Free products can be found in the more stores throughout the United States.

This was actually my first introduction to any of the Sevierly Good Gluten Free products. And while I don’t always appreciate a bread mix…I do love to bake. So, I sucked it up and got together the very few ingredients needed to mix up this bread and set it to baking. Except…I decided not to make a loaf. I wanted to make hamburger buns and dinner rolls. So…I got out the rings I use to make homemade gluten free hamburger buns and got the oven preheating.

All I had to do was mix together the Organic Multigrain Bread Mix with the (included) yeast packet, 2 large eggs (or egg substitute), 2 cups of warm water, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Once mixed together, if you’re baking a loaf, you pour it into an oiled loaf pan and pat/spread it into place with the spatula. For dinner rolls, drop onto an oiled cookie sheet in the desired size. I filled the hamburger bun rings…and the rest i made into 12 small dinner rolls. After they were on the baking sheet, I covered them with lightly oiled cling wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes. Then, it goes into the oven for 10 minutes at 400°F, then I turn down the temperature to 375°F and allow it to finish baking. For a loaf of bread, that’s around 40-50 more minutes. Less for the dinner rolls…but this isn’t indicated on the package. So, watch those rolls!! I got mine out before they got too baked. But, what I did notice was how golden brown they got on the top. I allowed them to cool on a rack…and then…I had to try one immediately.

I admit…I was skeptical. After finally having an amazing gluten-free dinner roll recipe of my own…I don’t stray from it often. But, this product was in my pantry and calling to me to (FINALLY) bake it up. To be honest…I was impressed. This is, perhaps, the best sandwich bread that I ever baked up from a mix. They did actually rise in the rising period, which was a step ahead of most mixes. And then, they baked up to golden rolls just ready for the dining room table. I sliced one in half, finding the center to be soft (a nice contrast to the crispy outer crust) and the texture reminded me so much of what traditional bread was like. Seriously, this is a mix that a hearty bread lover will love, even if they don’t have to eat gluten free. I was so happy with each bite of the roll. So, now I have a backup for when I’m low on ingredients for my own. Completely surpassed all my expectations.

So, let’s take a look at the ingredients. The Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix is made from organic brown rice flour, organic sorghum flour, organic tapioca starch, organic quinoa flour, organic evaporated cane juice, xanthan gum, yeast, and salt. It is non-GMO, certified gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, dairy-free, bean-free and corn-free. Wholesome and wholegrain goodness in one little pouch.

As for the nutrition facts, the Sevierly Good Gluten Free Organic Multigrain Bread Mix has 12 servings in a package. A serving size is 1 slice of bread. Each serving will give you 110 calories, 0.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, 23 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 1 gram sugars, and 2 grams protein.

One would think that with the low amounts of fiber and protein that this bread would not be filling. But I made vegan BLTs for lunch today, using one of the hamburger buns for the sandwich portion instead of bread from my freezer. I toasted the buns in the oven and then topped them with vegan mayo, baby spinach, heirloom tomato slices, and vegan (and gluten-free) bacon. This bread was…AMAZING. I loved using it for this sort of sandwich as it didn’t get soggy (even with toasting) and crumble and fall apart. It’s wonderful to have a traditional bread feel…but be able to bake it up in various ways, without having to blend all the flours myself.

I, once again, have to commend Cuisine Cube for introducing me to the Sevierly Good Gluten Free brand. The Organic Multigrain Bread Mix was amazing…like no other bread mix I have ever baked from before. Now I sort of wish that I had done up an actual loaf, just to see how it turned out. But…that’s why I can order more.

And you can too. If you can’t fiend Sevierly Good Gluten Free products in your area, head over to their Products page and have their mixes shipped directly to you. Then get into your kitchen and bake up something Sevierly Good!

Orders can also be placed online from our Products page and shipped direct to your home.

And, as many have said…”It’s more than good, it’s Sevierly Good”. We thank you for your business!

The Sevier Family

November 13, 2015

Product Review: Barbara’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Puffins Cereal

Product: Barbara’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Puffins Cereal – $5.99+

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to my local Kroger. Because after spending a majority of the fall searching high and low for a few specific products released with a pumpkin flavor…I found very few of them.

Like…Peanut Butter & Co. Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter. Never did find that, and refused to pay more on shipping than I would to order just one jar. That’s just one example. I still haven’t found it and probably won’t at this point.

Bummer.

And I thought that was going to be the case with the Barbara’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Puffins Cereal too. I really did. First of all, when anything seasonal comes out (ie: pumpkin flavor), it is always for a limited time. And that means…you find it as soon as you can and you buy it…no hesitation. Well, I was lamenting that all my usual suspects (my natural food stores in town) all had the regular (gluten free) Puffins cereals by Barbara’s…but no one had the Pumpkin Puffins.

And then, one day while winging past an end cap of an aisle I never at, there was this HUGE display of Barbara’s cereals. And right there…front and center…were the Gluten Free Pumpkin Puffins.

HAPPY DANCE!! (Seriously, the other grocery shoppers may never be the same).

Barbara’s was founded back in 1971, but 17-year-old Barbara Jaffe. In the Bay Area, Barbara was striking out, and discovering her her love for real food, and opened up a bakery in Northern California. Her plan was simple: make wholesome food taste incredibly delicious. Using whole grains and oats, she began her business with bread, and soon, her business went from a small storefront start-up to a thriving wholesale business. Now over 40 years later, the product line has grown to include cereals, snack bars, cookies, and cheese puffs…among other things. And, true to Barbara’s initial business plan, the company still upholds the commitment to create simple, wholesome and delicious products with the most honest ingredients.

So, the weird thing is, in the four years I have been gluten-free, I haven’t tried any of the Barbara’s gluten free products. Not even the original Puffins cereal. Go figure. I have no idea why…but…true story. So, this morning when I opened the box of Barbara’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Puffins to eat before heading to spin class, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I tore into the bag and dished up a serving of this cereal.

First thing I noticed were all puffy and full each little…er…puff was. I mean…we’re not talking little deflated cereal puffs. These orange puffs mean business. Seriously. I popped a few in my mouth before topping off with my unsweetened cashew milk. Oh…WOW! Here’s what I love…

I love that this cereal is made with whole grains. I love that this cereal has only 5 grams of sugar per serving. I love that this cereal has just the right level (and this coming from a pumpkin-everything advocate) of pumpkin. I love that this cereal has the right amount of sweet and spice, with nothing outdoing the other. It’s a perfect pumpkin balance, for sure. If you want to know what fall tastes like…just pop a handful of these little delights. Seriously. I love the crunchy texture. The amazing flavor. And, best of all, this cereal is actually made with real pumpkin. No fake stuff here. I was beyond impressed. And, you better believe I won’t shy away from the gluten-free cereals that Barbara’s offers anymore. So happy!

Speaking of real pumpkin, let’s take a look at everything that goes into Barbara’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Puffins. This cereal is made from corn, whole grain brown rice, cane sugar, whole grain pure oats, fructan (natraflora prebiotic dietary fiber), unsulfured molasses, oat hull fiber, calcium carbonate, pumpkin, sea salt, natural flavor, annatto (for color), cinnamon, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), iron (ferric orthophosphate), tocopherols (antioxidants to maintain freshness). This cereal is gluten-free, non-GMO verified, vegan, low in fat, low in sugar, made with whole grains, and made with real pumpkin.

As far as nutrition information goes…you’ll love this. A serving of Barbara’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Puffins Cereal is 1 cup (30 grams), and there are about 9 servings per box. A serving will provide you with 110 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 grams monsaturated fat, 0 grams polyunsaturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 75 mg sodium, 80 mg potassium, 25 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram soluble fiber, 2 grams insoluble fiber, 5 grams sugars, and 2 grams of protein. It’s nutritious and delicious!

For being my first Barbara’s product to try, the Gluten Free Pumpkin Puffins Cereal really hit it out of the park. I am excited at the prospect of trying out more of her gluten-free cereal line-up to see how they measure up. But with a great ingredient list and amazing nutritional value…this is definitely a cereal I would easily add to my pantry every week. Just…wow!

Delicious. Pumpkin-y goodness. It’s a sweet taste of heaven in a pumpkin spiced package that’s perfect for your morning cereal bowl.

November 10, 2015

Product Review: Ian’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Onion Rings

Product: Ian’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Onion Rings – $5.99+

If there is a food indulgence that I miss the most…it’s being able to eat onion rings. I mean, there are few things as amazing as biting into a savory, salty, fried ring of vegetable goodness. Sure, it’s not healthy, but it’s been ages since I’ve had good onion rings.

I have, on occasion, made a batter, thick-sliced an onion, poured oil into a pan and made my own…but that’s a lot of hassle. And I always make way too many and my roommate and I eat them all and then feel like we just ate the entire State Fair afterwards. Needless to say, I haven’t made gluten-free onion rings in a very, very long while.

Then, while out at Raisin Rack this past Halloween weekend, I was filling up a basket with gluten-free treats, when my roommate comes skipping over and drops a sack of something into the basket. Lo and behold…it was gluten-free onion rings.

The gluten-free angels sang and a heavenly light shown down from the fluorescent lights of the natural food store.

Ian’s Natural Products is the creator of the Gluten Free Onion Rings. I was a bit hesitant, however, as things have been pretty hit and miss with Ian’s Natural Products gluten-free (basically allergen-free) selection. I love the French Bread Pizza…but disliked the French Toast Sticks. Go figure. But, I’m never to turn my nose up at trying a product I haven’t had before.

Especially when it’s onion rings.

And especially when there is an option to bake them instead of frying them (there is a frying option too…but…I went the healthier, more hassle-free, less clean-up route).

Ian’s Natural Foods was created in 2001, when the founder wanted to be sure his son, Ian, received natural and nutritious foods – ones that didn’t contain artificial ingredients, clors, preservatives, and other unacceptable and unhealthy ingredients. Frustrated with the lack of options, he took matters into his own hands and decided to do something about it…for everyone.

The primary focus of Ian’s Natural Foods was to provide tasty, all-natural and organic foods, which expanded to gluten-free foods for kids. It began with kid favorites, like chicken nuggets and patties. Then…grew from there.

Today, Ian’s is part of the Elevation Brands’ family and has grown into a national brand with 35 products sold throughout the United States and Canada. This brand makes it easy for families to manage food allergies by providing a wide variety of allergy-friendly meal solutions, all of which are made with simple, honest ingredients and no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, no trans fat, and no added hormones or antibiotics. Everything you need to know is summed up in the motto of Ian’s Natural Foods: “Trust made simple.”

So, it was Sunday afternoon and after a morning spent swimming and wrapping up a few errands, my roommate and I returned home and needed a small bite to eat to tide us over until our dinner that evening with the downstairs neighbors. I have been trying to clear a few things out of the pantry, fridge and freezer, and after she mentioned tater tots (we didn’t have any), I reminded her we had the Ian’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Onion Rings in the freezer. That made her happy…and so I set out to prepare them.

I got out a baking sheet and poured the contents of the bag onto the pan and spread out the onion rings so that they weren’t crowded and all were in a single layer. Then, I put them into an oven (which I preheated to 450°F). I then baked the onion rings for 10 minutes before flipping them over and letting them back another 5 minutes to get them nice and crispy. And then…I served them up.

The Ian’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Onion Rings are the answer for anyone one who has been craving a gluten-free take on a classic diner food…the onion ring. The onions are sweet and delicious, and coated with their special homemade batter, which comes out perfectly crispy…yes…even when baked. I loved the flavor. It had this sweet yet savory flavor to them. The cornflake crumbs bring this amazing flavor, and give the onion rings a great crunchy texture and they even golden up slightly in the oven. These are a perfect, simple, hassle-free product that will satisfy your onion ring craving. You don’t even have to be gluten-free to appreciate these. My roommate has had great onion rings (she doesn’t have to eat gluten free) and she said these were fantastic…especially since they are a frozen product.

Let’s talk ingredients. Ian’s Natural Foods stands by their promise of using real ingredients. The Gluten Free Onion Rings are made from onions, coated with batter (water, yellow corn flour, corn starch, sea salt, gralic powder, baking powder) and breaded with cornflake crumbs (milled corn, sugar, salt). These are cooked in non-GMO expeller pressed canola oil. The Ian’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Onion Rings contain no wheat or gluten, no milk or casein, no eggs, no nuts, no soy, no preservatives, no artificial flavors, and no artificial colors.

As for nutritional information, the Ian’s Natural Foods Gluten Free Onion Rings make for a good side or snack, especially if you opt to bake them in the oven instead of deep fry or pan fry them. A serving size of the Gluten Free Onion Rings is 5 rings (70 grams) and there are 4 servings per bag. This serving will give you 130 calories, 6 grams of fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 115 mg sodium, 18 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 2 grams sugar, and 2 grams protein. They won’t fill you up, but you will love every single bite of these.

I think Ian’s Natural Foods has won my heart back again with their Gluten Free Onion Rings. What a great product that definitely helps with any of those longing cravings that strike for this delicious treat. Bake it up and help yourself. You’ve earned it.

November 6, 2015

Product Review: Freedom Foods Fruity Rainbow Rocks

Product: Freedom Foods Fruity Rainbow Rocks – $2.99+

I will be the first person to admit that in the past couple of months, I fell off of the cereal train. I did. Don’t get me wrong…I absolutely love cereal…but I was just in a rut and really just needed something different in the morning. I went to fruit and yogurt and enjoyed it well enough and was content with it.

Until I went to the Gluten Free Food Allergy Fest in Indianapolis, Indiana back on October 24, 2015. My mom, also a Celiac, came up from Birmingham, Alabama, with my dad and we all went together to scope out the expo. Trust me, I do this event every year that it has been in Indianapolis…and I love it. Freebies, samples, and local products/businesses all come out and reel me in. I won’t lie…I walk out of there broke…but it’s worth it in the end. I have never regretted a moment.

Now, one of the booths I have started to look for each year belongs to Freedom Foods. Why? Well…I’m getting to that.

Freedom Foods makes a variety of products, although only a few items are available in the United States at the moment…and most of these include cereals, which, for the record, are made in a dedicated and specially built allergen-free facility in the Riverina region of New South Wales, in Australia. As Freedom Foods was specifically developed to make allergen-free foods, they test every batch made in their facilities, to the most stringent levels possible, leaving no doubt that the Freedom Foods products you pick up will be free of the allergens that are necessary to avoid.

LOVE THAT!

Because we live in a world where it’s not enough to just be health conscious. Now we have to be allergen conscious too. With the growing number of food allergies and intolerances, it is nice to find a company that really proves that it is dedicated to creating products that are safe to consume. Freedom Foods has been around for over 20 years, making great-tasting and nutritious allergen-free food. I can attest to this, as I am a huge fan of the products I have had from them thus far. All of their products adhere to the strict guidelines laid out by Australia’s food industry, meaning all their products are non-GMO. They even test for GMOs just to make sure.

One of my favorite products, mind you, is the Tropico’s cereal, which is a gluten-free version of Froot Loops, but made without artificial colors, ingredients, partially hydrogenated crap…you know…all that bad stuff that Kellogg’s puts into their cereals and people consume freely. I am a cereal girl. I start most of my mornings with a small bowl. A serving. And yes…I do measure. You knew that already though, right?

So, imagine how my mind was blown when I found the booth at the GFFAF and saw that they had a new fruity cereal out. Like…brand new this year. It’s the Freedom Foods Fruity Rainbow Rocks (think Fruity Pebbles). They gave me a little cup to sample and it won me over wholeheartedly. It was like…little flakes of everything I love about Tropico’s. Well, I might even prefer them to the Tropico’s…which, naturally would happen, since I haven’t seen the Freedom Foods Fruity Rainbow Rocks anywhere outside of the GFFAF that day. I purchased two boxes. I should have bought them out, HA!

I almost didn’t want to pop open a box so soon, but with the cereal that brought me back into cereal now completely consumed (that would be the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin O’s, for the record), I needed something else this morning. Yes…this very morning. Before heading to the gym for my 5:30 a.m. spin class…I needed some fuel. And with two boxes staring at me from the pantry…I grabbed one and tore it open, measuring out a serving (1 cup), topping it with some unsweetened cashew milk, and then devouring it while standing right there at the counter in my kitchen.

It really is that amazing and that good. This cereal is everything all rolled up into one healthier package than average regular and gluten-free cereals out on the market. And, because of the fruity flavors, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on my cut fruit and yogurt. Honestly, this cereal amazed me. The little flakes of fruity goodness get a little soft in the milk, but it only helps to emphasize the flavor. And, when your cereal is made with real ingredients, not fillers and artificial bad stuff, well, I give it a pass on how long it swims around in a pool of cashew milk before getting soft. It didn’t bother me, as I was standing in my cycling clothes, hunched over my Eeyore cereal bowl, just shoveling this stuff into my face. Food is fuel. Real food is the best kind of fuel.

If you like fruity cereals…low in sugar…big in flavor, then Freedom Foods Fruity Rainbow Rocks is the cereal for you. Who knows, you might even find yourself hunched over a bowl in your kitchen.

Let’s talk about what goes into Freedom Foods Fruity Rainbow Rocks, shall we? This cereal is made from a gluten free flour mix (rice flour, yellow corn flour), sugar, resistant dextrin, psyllium husk, paprika oleoresin color, carrot oil color, sweet potato color, turmeric oleoresin color, tricalcium phosphate, salt, sunflower lecithin, and natural flavor. It is free from gluten, nuts, wheat, dairy, eggs, soy and sesame. Freedom Foods believes that the less salt you eat, the healthier you are, so they only put in a pinch of salt in this cereal. This cereal also contains a natural, grain-based prebiotic that help to nourish the good bacteria in our digestive tracts which…helps with good digestion and overall health. This is a simple cereal that is doing really amazing and big things for your body and your health. And that’s why I love this brand so much!

As for nutritional information, hold onto your gluten-free knickers, my friends. Freedom Foods Fruity Rainbow Rocks is a healthier take on cereal, and that’s evident in the nutritional facts. A serving of Freedom Foods Fruity Rainbow Rocks is 1 cup. This serving will give you 180 calories, 1 gram fat, 0 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 75 mg sodium, 36 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 3 grams protein. For being little flakes of fruit flavor, these can actually feel and be quite filling thanks to that fiber and protein. Fruity Pebbles has 0 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein, if that tells you anything. What a difference real ingredients and no artificial…anything makes!

There is a lot to love about Freedom Foods. They set a high standard for themselves and aim to create delicious food that is free from the “stuff” that your body doesn’t need— gluten, nuts, wheat, dairy, eggs, fructose, soy, yeast, GMO’s, and artificial flavors. Here you have a truly allergy friendly cereal. YAY! Not only this, but all the products from Freedom Foods focus not only on allergen-free safety, but, better nutrition and taste. They use clean and recognizable ingredients so you won’t feel guilty noshing on a serving.

Come on, what’s not to love. So, whether you are a kid at heart or just love fun cereals in the morning, I encourage you to seek out, or even order, Freedom Foods. Your body will thank you for it!

November 5, 2015

Product Review: Gratify Gluten Free Tuscan Herbs Baked Bites

Product: Gratify Gluten Free Tuscan Herbs Baked Bites – $2.99

When it comes to gluten-free bites, very few do it as deliciously well (or as affordable) as Gratify Gluten Free. I first became familiar with this brand when out shopping at Meijer, seeing shelf-after-shelf of their pretzel varieties…including both yogurt and milk chocolate covered varieties. During the holidays last year, a dark chocolate peppermint version was introduced to the market. You better believe I devoured that bag. By myself. In an airport. And I didn’t feel any shame. Not one bit.

That’s the thing about Gratify though…it’s the little brand with the big promise of fitting tasty snacks into your lifestyle. And when a company that focuses on gluten-free snacks states that they are “obsessed with great taste,” you expect them to deliver all the high notes of flavors and textures. You want to be able to break these out at a cocktail party and not have anyone glance at them sideways and give you the “that must taste like cardboard” eyebrow and then ignore the snacks entirely.

Whether gluten-free or not, Gratify definitely knows how to deliver on their promises. With simple and basic products, these are as “reliable and comfortable as your favorite pair of jeans.” Flavors are big and bold, and textures are so amazing that no one would guess these were gluten-free…unless they read the box. Be proud of your gluten-free snacking tendencies. Don’t hide the box…because this brand knows how to keep you and your guests…”Gratified.”

See what they did there? HA!

With all that being said, I had never seen a box of the new Gratify Gluten Free Baked Bites Crackers. In fact, I had no idea they even existed until I was at Raisin Rack in Columbus, Ohio and found them on the clearance shelf. Seriously. For $1.99 on sale. HELLO! Into my big basket of gluten-free goodness it went, and with a gluten-free and vegan chickpea noodle soup on tap for dinner tonight, I figured there was no better time to bust out these crackers than now.

Because soup and crackers…are BFFs.

The boxes that were available at Raisin Rack for the Gratify Gluten Free Baked Bites were the Tuscan Herbs flavor, although these bite-size crackers (they look like mini saltines, no joke!) also come in Original, Everything, and Cinnamon flavors. I broke out the kitchen scale and measured out a serving of these adorable crackers to serve alongside a big, satisfying bowl of the homemade soup. And, guess what…

They were perfect. Absolutely perfect. Texture-wise…just as light and airy as a regular saltine, with that crumble you get when you bite down. It was fantastic to pop these into my mouth on their own or after being dipped into my soup and picking up some of the chunky vegetables that I cooked into it. Packed with great seasoning and flavor, each bite was amazing and satisfying (or gratifying). I found myself eating the crackers more on their own than in or with the soup. That, my friends, is a huge deal since I’m a bit of a dipper when it comes to things I eat with soup (sammies and crackers!). I loved these from the first to the last bite. In fact, I even have dished up servings to take to work to have with the leftover soup for lunch. Can’t go without these. Now, I just hope Meijer or some other local store that carries the Gratify brand has these in stock. I never want my pantry to be un-Gratified. HA!

So, let’s talk about what goes into the Gratify Gluten Free Tuscan Herbs Baked Bites, shall we? These adorable bite-size crackers are made from corn starch, palm fruit oil (RSPO certified), rice flour, sugar, inulin, sea salt, corn grits, maltodextrin, dehydrated vegetables (garlic, onion), leavenings (ammonium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, disodium diphosphate), spices, cellulose gum, emulsifier (soy lecithin), dried yeast, dextrose, rice starch, cottonseed oil and/or canola oil, and natural flavors. These crackers are wheat free, dairy free, egg free, and contain non-GMO ingredients. They are certified gluten-free.

As for nutritional information, a serving of Gratify Gluten Free Tuscan Herbs Baked Bites is 30 grams (which is A LOT of little crackers) and there are 4 servings per box. A serving will provide you with 120 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 240 mg sodium, 21 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, and less than 1 gram protein.

I loved these crackers at first bite. Gratify Gluten Free does manage to do something that most gluten-free crackers don’t do…and that’s taste like and feel like a real cracker. The mouthfeel, the crispy texture, the flavor…it’s all there and it’s all perfection. And that’s what really astonished me and blew me away. These crackers are perfect for every crowd…and I hope to be able to find more in my area. Otherwise, next time I’m in Columbus, I’m stocking up!

Trust me…these are worth a spot in the pantry.

November 3, 2015

Product Review: Choice Batter Gluten-Free Allergen-Friendly Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Mix

Product: Choice Batter Gluten-Free Allergen-Free Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Mix – $5.99+

I am going to be the first to admit that I get really, really, REALLY excited when I spot a product that sounds like something I would eat, or would have eaten before Celiac struck, and usually, despite trying to clean up the diet a little more, purchase it and stuff it into my pantry and fridge for use at a future date. I mean, you just never know when some sort of celebration is needed. Always be prepared.

Well, I was happily prepared a few weeks ago when my parents, after not visiting me for 5 years, came up to the area for the weekend. We had big plans, to drive up to Indianapolis and check out the Gluten Free Food Allergy Expo and then tour Indy before stopping by Cheeseburger in Paradise (Gluten Free Veggie Burger & FRIES). The expo was in-freakin-credible. Seriously. So many good vendors, freebies, and samples. It was totally amazing. In fact, my parents vowed to come back next year and make it an annual event. SO glad.

The following morning, I had every intention of introducing them to my favorite Louisville food truck, Sweet ‘N’ Savory, as it was the truck’s last outing at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Cancer event. After that event and one final one that evening (which we almost went to, but were too late), they were packing up for the winter and heading back to Louisiana until next April. However, my parents needed to hit the road before the event actually started, so no gluten-free crepes for them. Bummer. I was really looking forward to introducing them to Ashley and Richard, the food truck owners, and people I consider good friends!

With the plans I had come up with for breakfast now scratched, it was time for a backup. That would be…I would cook something for them and Cathy and I would hit up Sweet ‘N’ Savory for gluten free crepes when the event started. So, as my dad is not a big breakfast eater (and I am!), I asked him what sounded good. I had the gluten free harvest muffins that I baked previously in my freezer that I could thaw and warm up. I have SO MANY gluten-free pancake mixes, it’s ridiculous (but, I LOVE pancakes and waffles!). I had cold cereal, hot cereal, I could cook up eggs, make my famous breakfast hash, or…I had a muffin mix.

He said, “Muffins are fine.” And was not prepared for the, “Harvest Muffins or Lemon Poppyseed Muffins?” He decided that if he was driving home and was pulled over, he might as well fail the drug test…Lemon Poppyseed it was.

That morning, after my mom and I took a long, brisk walk together, I returned to the apartment and set out to bake them breakfast. I had found at my local Meijer store, a new brand I had never seen before when it came to some items.

Tucked into their gluten free section were these yellow and blue boxes with the name Choice Batter on them. Que the moment when I see a new product, get super excited, buy it regardless of it not being on my grocery list, and then bring it home and shove it into the pantry. I do this every freakin’ time. My pantry has a shelf dedicated to cake, muffin, brownie, cookie, all the sweets mixes! I know I’m big on dessert, but I do get carried away at times.

Regardless, this was the box I pulled out that Sunday morning and set out to bake up some muffins so my parents could hit the road with some breakfast in their tummies. Usually gluten free mixes require a lot of stuff to be added to them, but Choice Batter prides itself on being not just gluten-free, but allergen-friendly. This means that they are completely free of the Top 8 food allergies (egg, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy). LOVE that. But, with that in mind, you also have to live up to the flavor and texture test…and that, with gluten-free and allergen-free, is the ultimate test. I hate baking up something only to have it be heavy, dense, and tasting of cardboard or some other unappetizing packing material (not that I’ve had packing material, but sometimes, I think that some products must taste like it).

So, I pulled out my large muffin tin and mixed up the Choice Batter Gluten-Free Allergen-Friendly Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Mix, per my dad’s request. This was SO easy!! All I needed was a mixing bowl. Into this bowl went the baking mix from the box, 1 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. That’s it. Preheat the oven to 400°F, stir together the mix, then divide among muffin cups. Bake for 16 minutes until done. Let cool for 1 minute. Then I turned them on their side in the muffin tin (a trick I learned from Annie May (of Annie May’s Sweet Cafe in Louisville), and let them cool slightly more. By this time, my dad had emerged from the bedroom and I poured him some decaf coffee and invited him to the big plate of muffins (I baked 10 muffins total). He took one to start with and settled in to eat. My mom did the same. As Cathy and I had breakfast plans, I cut one muffin in half and we shared it…because I had to taste these fresh from the oven, of course.

Let’s start here by saying, I loved that these muffins didn’t require milk, butter or eggs. Let’s hear it for vegan baking! WOOHOO!! Second of all, I loved how well these baked up. So often, especially in gluten-free baking, baking times have to be adjusted. Not these muffins. The Choice Batter Gluten-Free Allergen-Friendly Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Mix baked up perfectly the first time. Not surprising, with all the science that goes into all of Choice Batter’s mixes. These mixes are created with a special blend of rice flours developed by the USDA – Agricultural Research Service scientists to minimize the amount of oil that is absorbed into the batter while still creating a delicious and perfect result. SCIENCE. I love it. And, it actually works. The muffins were soft, moist, and delicious. One bite and I got a small tinge of lemon flavor, but all the spongy and with that thin golden crust and that slight rise at the dome. Ah…that’s muffin perfection! And that is, quite honestly, what emerged from the oven. Happiness is a gluten free mix that delivers what I expect from a product.

The heft and texture of these muffins were great. Not too dense and heavy, but not airy and light either. The perfect muffin. I loved when I sliced it in half, the little pockets that were visible in the cake, but without being too big or too much. They weren’t sticky or heavy or dense. In fact, it was everything I expect from a muffin. These went above and beyond most muffins that I have cooked up from a mix. I was impressed. In fact, if I had only one complaint, it would simply be that there wasn’t enough of a lemon flavor to these. The lemon was there…but not enough for my liking. But, then again, I like my lemon eats to be…LEMON. Give me bold or don’t bother, right? Regardless, I thought this was a phenomenal mix and was impressed with the way these turned out. My parents took some of the leftovers home with them. I count that as a win.

So, let’s talk about ingredients in the Choice Batter Gluten-Free Allergen-Friendly Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Mix! This mix is made of a combination of rice flour, sugar, potato starch, baking powder (sodium pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, cornstarch, monocalcium phosphate), contains less than 2% of the following: poppyseeds, citric acid, cellulose, xantan gum, lemon oil, lemon juice, salt. This muffin mix, as well as all of Choice Batter’s products are free from the top 8 allergens, including egg, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. These muffins are gluten-free and vegan, free of MSG, cholesterol and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

As for nutritional information, the Choice Batter Gluten-Free Allergen-Friendly Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Mix does really well for all you calorie and fat watchers. Truly. A serving is 1/14 of the mix, and the mix makes…14 servings. One serving, when prepared per box directions, will give you 140 calories 2.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grans trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 110 mg sodium, 30 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 13 grams sugars, and 1 gram protein.

Now that I know about Choice Batter and the good results I had from the preparation of the Gluten-Free Allergen-Friendly Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Mix, I can’t wait to try more offerings from their product lineup. And with a company founded on a desire to develop healthy, great tasting, gluten-free and allergen-friendly so everyone can enjoy food together…their promise to deliver a taste you can love in a brand you can trust is right on the mark!

Choice Batter was founded with a desire to develop healthy, great tasting, gluten-free and allergen-friendly products the entire family can enjoy. Our promises is to deliver “A Taste You Will Love, a Brand You can Trust.”

October 21, 2015

Product Review: Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Fishless Sticks

Sophie's Kitchen Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks — Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks

Product: Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Fishless Sticks – $5.99+

Sometimes, after searching high and low for a product you have seen on a company’s Web site, you end up purchasing a cooler and some dry ice and get some amazing frozen goodness while you can, especially when said product has never once been spotted in your local area.

While my local natural food stores do carry a few items from Sophie’s Kitchen, I have never found the Breaded Vegan Fishless Sticks here. So, when I was visiting Columbus, Ohio, and spotted them in the freezer section of Raisin Rack…I knew there was no way I was going to leave without them.

And so, they made the journey home…and into my freezer. Thank you Styrofoam cooler and dry ice from Kroger. And with all the fresh meals I have been preparing, my go-to easy grabs from the freezer have stayed put. But, that changed this week with the closing of my Farmer’s Market and my CSA bin not yet starting back up. As budgets have been a little tight, we decided to do most of our feasting this week on the fresh meals I froze and items that I have in the pantry and fridge. And, for some reason, seafood has been the theme this week. Well…vegan seafood. Last night, I used what was left of the Breaded Vegan Shrimp to make shrimp tacos…and tonight, it was time to get our Fishless Sticks on.

Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks were so easy to prepare. The products are already fully cooked, so you simply have to reheat. They recommend thawing the product in the refrigerator (do NOT microwave!). Then, you can either bake the Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks for 10-15 minutes, browning both sides. Or, you can do what I did, because I find the “fish” based products to be better with the proper crunchy crust is to pan fry them for about 2-4 minutes on each side in coconut oil. Pan fry is worth it…trust me.

So, how do they taste? Amazing. I served these up with a serving of the Veganaise Tartar Sauce (OMG, yum!). I took my first bite without the assist of the dip, wanting to really taste the product. These Fishless Sticks have a great seafood flavor to them. And I loved the golden crunchy crust that came with each bite. The inside was soft and flaky and just tasted like the fish sticks I consumed weekly as a child. I don’t know how Sophie’s Kitchen works this kind of voodoo, but I am so glad that they do. Because I love having seafood products back in my life.

So…what exactly is vegan seafood made from? Well, the Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Fishless Sticks are made from water, pea protein, potato starch, rice flakes (from brown rice), canola oil, konjac powder, organic agave nectar, sea salt, seaweed powder, turmeric, white pepper, ginger, and calcium hydroxide. Is it clean eating…not technically. 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.

Let’s discuss the nutritional information for the Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks. A serving size is 2 pieces (65 grams or 2.3 ounces). My roommate and I just split the package, which contains 4 servings, or 8 pieces. The normal serving will provide 140 calories, 6 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 400 mg sodium, 16 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, and 6 grams of protein.

Once again, I am astounded and amazed by the plant-based alternatives that Sophie’s Kitchen brings to the table. As someone who used to devour seafood, this brings one of my favorites back into my vegetarian plate. And, the best part…it’s really, really delicious. I hope that my local stores eventually start to carry Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Breaded Fishless Sticks. It was a blast from the past, recalling the fish sticks I devoured in my childhood…and I loved every bite. No guilt.

October 20, 2015

Product Review: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s

Product: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s – $2.49

You know, there is something that is so comforting about cereal. I grew up eating cereal as a child…and not just the frosted sugary type either. I was a huge fan of Cheerios and Corn Flakes and even Wheat, Corn, and Rice Chex. I loved it all.

As I’ve gotten older, cereal has remained a staple in my morning routine. It’s easy for me to eat a bowl and then get ready for a run…and have the energy to get through it. Some people run on empty stomachs in the morning, but my sports nutritionist and my own foray into the nutrition field, both have shown me why this is not such a good idea. As my sports nutritionist said…even if it’s just a handful of cereal or nuts or toast…eat something before you head out.

Not a problem with me, because I LOVE breakfast. And one of my greatest breakfast loves is…as I mentioned above…cereal. I had recently stopped eating cereal, subbing in some fruit and yogurt instead. But…when something so unique comes along that you simply must have it…cereal is back in the bowl in the morning. And now part of me wonders why I stopped eating it in the first place.

The cereal that changed my entire morning routine back to the way it was happens to be a product of Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s. Yes…Pumpkin O’s. As in a Cheerio-like cereal flavored with mega pumpkin flavor. Oh, and they are about the size of Froot Loops (or the size Froot Loops used to be when they made them right…like…when I was a kid and all).

So, like most great food stories, this one all started at the grocery store. I had only a small list of items to buy at Trader Joe’s. But the moment I walked in the door, I saw the big display of all the seasonal pumpkin everything everywhere stuff. I noted the cereal and let out a small sigh. Pumpkin cereal. Pumpkin O’s to be exact. Oh, to not be Celiac.

But then, Cathy (the roomie) spotted the print in the corner. Low Fat. Vegn. Gluten Free.

It was as though the pumpkin gods were smiling down upon me that day. Whatever I did right that day, thank you great cereal gods for watching out for my particular cereal wants/needs. Happy dance. Happy dance all the way up and down the aisles. Seriously…there was no stopping me.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s are “round like pumpkins rounder, actually) and fun like jack o’lantenrs (maybe more fun, since you can eat them)” and are the sibling cereal to the Original Joe’s O’s. The box claims that the pumpkin wizards created this cereal with a stroke of their pumpkin-shaped wands, which are difficult and challenging to control) so this particular flavor of cereal will only be around for pumpkin season. So, if you’re a pumpkin nut-case like me…you best get to Trader Joe’s.

This morning, with my Dole pineapple (also purchased at Trader Joe’s) gone…this was my breakfast of choice before hitting the gym. I measured out a serving, loving the size of the little round o’s. I snagged a few to taste dry from my bowl and crunched on them while I went to retrieve the unsweetened cashew milk. Into the bowl it went, giving the cereal a little lift.

In went the spoon. Spoon went to mouth. Down the hatch.

And holy Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! This cereal is amazing. If you’re a pumpkin lover like me, you’ll love this. Here’s why. This cereal is LOADED with pumpkin flavor. No skimping on that. No way. It’s crunchy, even in the cashew milk. And it tastes amazing. I was tempted to pour myself another bowl, but I opted to behave and stick to the serving recommendation. I had coffee and the gym to tackle. That being said, I sort of want to buy Trader Joe’s out of this cereal and just have it in my kitchen for all those mornings, not in pumpkin season, when I just want to have it be pumpkin season again.

I am beyond impressed.

Let’s discuss the ingredients in Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s. This cereal is made from whole grain brown rice, cane sugar, whole grain oats, brown sugar, pumpkin, sea salt, natural flavor, calcium carbonate, sodium phosphate, cinnamon, annatto (color), mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E as an antioxidant for freshness). It is gluten-free, vegan, low in fat, and contains 20 grams of whole grains per serving. LOVE that.

As for nutritional facts, the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s actually stack up to be a healthier breakfast cereal choice than most commercial cereals. A serving is 1 cup (30 grams). This serving will provide 110 calories, 1 gram fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 140 mg sodium, 25 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 9 grams sugar, and 2 grams of protein. It’s not going to fill you up, but it will get you through the morning.

Trader Joe’s did one better than most gluten-free cereals already out on the market. Trader Joe’s latched onto the pumpkin flavor craze…and it paid off in spades. If you have a Trader Joe’s in your area, go there…and get a box as soon as you can. The Pumpkin O’s will only be around for a limited time.

Time for me to restock…

October 19, 2015

Product Review: Sweet Note Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagels

Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagels – $7.25+

As much as I want for the weather to stay warm and mild…it’s already cold outside. The nip of fall is in the air, and while I do love this time of year, there is one thing even more important that I can count on around this time:

PUMPKIN SPICE…EVERYTHING!

And while this is a lot easier to come by when you don’t live in a bubble (aka: food allergies), it’s little things like non-dairy pumpkin spice flavoring in coffee…and my homemade (because no one else has made it yet) vegan pumpkin ice cream. And it’s Sweet Note Bagel Girls getting me all kinds of “OH HELL YES” with the return of their Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagels.

Seriously, these ladies are my new BFFs. OR…as they say on their Twitter account, GFFs (Gluten Free Friends). If they ever want to sponsor an athlete to endorse their stuff, I am their girl. Because when it comes to things that runners (and New Yorkers, mind you) love…it’s BAGELS! Especially this native New Yorker who just happens to be…a runner. And while the gluten-free market has a good number of companies that have gluten-free bagels out…none have tasted like the actual real thing…until Sweet Note Bakery found me and enticed me to give them a try.

They totally peaked my curiosity. So, without any further knowledge about their products, without looking up any reviews as to what other consumers thought of their products, I was on their online store, purchasing half of their bagel selections. Yep, I didn’t start with just one variety. I went into this believing that these would blow me away…and thus…I ordered four (4) of their eight (8) varieties that they offered at that time. To be clear, they normally have five (5) standards: Plain, Everything, Sesame, Poppy, and Cinnamon Raisin…and they add limited time goodies like Snickerdoodle (didn’t get to try that one, so I hope it makes a return appearance this holiday season), Chocolate Swirl, and yes…Pumpkin Spice.

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

This is truly a love story between me and these bagels. Every single flavor has been outstanding. No joke. You know, I’m very blunt about things I eat and if I don’t like them, you know it. There is nothing NOT to like about the bagels that Sweet Note Bakery puts out there. Fantastic quality…fantastic flavor. Never once have they let me down. And that’s why all other bagels stay in the freezer section now…and Sweet Note is the only one that actually makes the journey home to my own freezer.

Now, let me be the first to admit…I am a pumpkin spice junkie…fanatic…enthusiast. I love all things pumpkin. So, when I discovered that they were bringing back Pumpkin Spice for a limited time to their bagel line-up…I treated myself to a birthday present and purchased a package of them. I was out of town a lot, so I’m just now getting to devour…I mean…taste them. But with things finally settling into a rhythm…I pulled these bad-boy bagels out of my freezer this morning to have for breakfast.

I grabbed two of them (one for me and the other for my non-gluten-free roomie!) and got onto thawing them in the microwave. You don’t bring these to room temperature like most gluten-free foods. Just 1 minute or so in the microwave, until they are squishy soft, and you’re golden. Cool them for a moment, slice in half, and toast. I will note, the Pumpkin Spice are special because you actually see flecks of orange pumpkin in the halved bagel itself. Love that. Because I don’t own a toaster, these bad boys went into the oven. They smelled amazing as they toasted away, getting to that perfect level of golden on top. Out they came, cooling for a moment…then I topped off one half with vegan cream cheese and the other half with organic pumpkin butter. I passed one plate off to my roommate and, after pouring myself a cup of coffee, I settled in to my own.

Forget pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin spice waffles and pumpkin spice oatmeal…or whatever might be out on the non-gluten-free market…that we don’t have. We have one better. We have The Great Pumpkin of all things pumpkin spice: Sweet Note Bakery’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagels. OH YEAH! Real…REAL New York-style bagels here…made from real ingredients and not all that processed…stuff. These bagels have to be filled with hocus-pocus, because they are, perhaps, one of the best things I have ever had for breakfast. The bagel itself is full of pumpkin flavor. No skimping there. And that’s important, when you bill yourself as a “pumpkin spice”…whatever. So often, that flavor goes missing…but not here. It is spooky how much flavor is packed into these dense, little bagels. The crust of the bagel was toasted and crisp…the inside…chewy and just…filled with pumpkin goodness. I was blown away. And, even as I told myself to savor each bite, I think I hoovered the bagel like it was candy. I’m thinking another order is happening in the very, very near future.

So, let’s get down and talk about some of what goes into making the Sweet Note Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagels. These bagels are made from Love (yes…an actual ingredient!), Water, White Rice Flour, Tapioca Flour, Sweet White Rice Flour, Sorghum Flour, Sugar, Cane Syrup, Pumpkin, Carrots, Molasses, Yeast, Xanthan Gum, Psyllium Husk, Salt, Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger. Note…all recognizable and real ingredients. These bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

As far as nutrition goes, you’ll love these stats like I love pumpkin! A serving size is 1 bagel (128 grams). This serving will give you 260 calories, 1 gram fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 10 grams sugars, and 4 grams of protein. I said it before, and I’ll say it again, it’s amazing how much more filling a food is when it’s made with real ingredients. These bagels will definitely get you through your morning!

What are gluten-free bagels made of? Pumpkin Spice and everything nice…if you’re talking about the return of Sweet Note’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagel. And if you’re not, then you should be…so head over to their Web site and place an order. Don’t delay…these are only around for a limited time!

And…if you haven’t already, you might as well order some of their standards while you’re on their page. I promise you…you’ll fall in love with these bagels too.

Sweet Note Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Bagel with a schmear of vegan cream cheese and organic pumpkin butter

October 15, 2015

Product Review: Wonderfully Raw Lemon Pie Mini Coco-Roons

Product: Lemon Pie Mini Coco-Roons – $2.99+

Welcome to the final round of “Cookies I Bought At Jungle Jim’s International Market.” Hey…cookies are awesome and when I find cookies that I have never spotted in my area of the country…I take every opportunity to try them. I mean, come on, cookies are the perfect treat after a long day. A little savory…but also sweet. You can’t go wrong.

While shopping in the gluten-free section of Jungle Jim’s International Market on my birthday, Cathy spotted a small line-up of little macaroon-type cookies. I used to despise coconut. I thought it tasted like having bugs in your mouth. Texture-wise…a fail. That being said, as I’ve gotten older, the more times I try coconut, the more I have come to enjoy it…in certain forms.

One of such forms is in…macaroons…those sweet lumps of toasted coconut with that golden crust at the bottom. Yep…I devour those now. Go figure. They are just a nice, healthier cookie to indulge in every now and again. So, imagine my excitement when Cathy spotted a shelf with little pouches of macaroon cookies called Coco-Roons. I knew I wanted to try one of the different varieties…but I had to narrow it down to the one that interested me most.

Coco-Roons are made by the company Wonderfully Raw. Wonderfully Raw was started by Sequoia Cheney, who had a passion for good food that wasn’t exactly good for her. When she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she knew something had to change in order for her to heal herself. She decided to change her path and began a journey into good health. Her son, Eric Hara, a renowned chef in New York City, gave her a lot of inspiration and encouragement. So Sequoia decided to create delicious food that was also good for her. She began to train at Living Light Culinary Institute in Mendocino, California, where she trained with the best raw food chefs in the business. And with what she learned there, she could now prepare food that could support and heal the body. This dynamic mother and son duo have come together to create Coco-Roons, which are produced using only the finest organic ingredients.

Perfect segue here to tell you what is actually in these miniature cookies of wonderful lemony goodness, yes? The Wonderfully Rw Lemon Pie Mini Coco-Roons are made from organic dried unsweetened coconut, organic almond flour, organic unfiltered maple syrup, organic cold-pressed coconut oil, organic lemon zest, organic vanilla extract, and Himalayan crystal salt. That’s it, my dear readers. That’s it. These miniature macroons are vegan, gluten-free, and paleo (if cavemen ate desserts…and I’m still not convinced that’s true). These are also raw and certified non-GMO.

As far as nutrition goes, the Wonderfully Raw Lemon Pie Mini Coco-Roons are a fantastic treat at the end of the day. A serving size is 3 of the miniature cookies. There are 2-4 servings per bag, as I think they actually go off weight. One serving will provide you with 80 calories, 6 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat (from coconut oil), 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 30 mg sodium, 6 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 4 grams sugars, and 1 gram protein. Not filling, but not horrible by any standard when it comes to a treat.

And since this is kind of out of my usual order, how about I tell you how much I LOVE these cookies, yes? First of all, they don’t taste coconutty at all. Nope. You get a bit of the texture, but that fresh lemon flavor is what tempts your taste buds into popping the next one. These cookies are tiny, little bite-size mounds of goodness. I was sad to only eat three of them tonight. I mean, totally amazing flavor…and you can’t beat how good these are for you…as fr as cookies go. I love that these are sweetened with maple syrup instead of granulated white sugar. And I love that I don’t feel bad just digging into these. If you’re a lemon lover…these will definitely make you happy. My roommate got to her serving first and all I heard was, “These are amazing.” And…she was absolutely right. I have a new soft spot in my heart for the Wonderfully Raw Lemon Pie Mini Coco-Roons. I hope a store around here carries them, otherwise I’ll be scooping up more of these and the other flavors on my next trip to Jungle Jim’s. And, if nothing else, they are available to order online on the Wonderfully Raw Web site.

Beyond enthusiastic and happy with these cookies for sure. I loved these from first bite and simply can’t wait to dig in tomorrow for more. Here’s a no-guilt, fantastic, healthy dessert or snack you’ll love. Trust me.