Vegetarian – Page 112 – The Celiathlete

March 4, 2012

Hillbilly Tea – no backwoods operation, just delicious tea, food, and the comforts of home

Restaurant: Hillbilly Tea, Louisville, Kentucky

Most restaurants go into a slight panic when I turn up. No, I’m not kidding. Unless they are equipped with a gluten-free menu, my preface to an order usually begins with, “I want to let you know that have a gluten allergy…and I’m also a vegetarian.” Usually, and sometimes unsuccessfully, this relegates me to the SALAD portion of the menu.

This was not the case for Louisville’s own, very eclectic, fantastic Hillbilly Tea.

I know, the Yankee (I was raised in New York) in me balks at the name. But for this Appalachian-style tea café offers up all the comforts of home, in a trendy, comforting setting. It’s hard not to immediately fall in love with the rustic style within the walls of this café in downtown Louisville. The wooden tables. The variety of chairs. The tables adorned with simple flowers in small individual vases, so as not to interfere with your conversation across the table. It’s a beautiful setting for a fantastic dining experience.

Hillbilly Tea defines itself as a trendy tea café, which offers a variety of fresh, organic whole leaf teas, which they mix and pair themselves. Additionally, the chef is cooking up Appalachian comfort food, sourced from local organic farms. It’s a dining gem in the hart of Louisville, Kentucky (located right across the street from the First Street White Castle, FYI). It doesn’t look like much on the outside, but it’s what is inside that generates the magic.

I had just finished up the Anthem 5K Fitness Classic in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday and was absolutely starving. On a lark a couple weeks back, I had gone ahead and purchased a Groupon for food and tea at Hillbilly Tea. As we were already downtown, and famished, my roommate and I headed over to Hillbilly Tea for brunch. And it was already bustling at 9:30 when we finally parked and ducked inside.

We were greeted warmly by the front of house and shown to a table near the back. I fell in love with the rustic decor, how no tables were clothed, how the silverware was served wrapped in a napkin and held together with a clothespin. Yes…I was already in love with this place before even settling on food and a tea to try. We were given menus and left with them to mull over for a moment while he went to seat other patrons heading in to eat as well.

Tea was the first thing on my mind as it had been a very, very cold morning and I was still chilled from my 3.1 mile run in shorts in 30 degree weather. I settled on hot herbal tea ($3.50), choosing the Sweet Dream variety, which is a delicate mix of chamomile with a hint of peppermint and lemon. My roommate, who is just learning the wonders of tea, opted for a black tea ($3.50), whether it’s because it would have more caffeine or what, I don’t know. She chose the Morning Dew, which is billed as brisk and bold, begging for milk and sugar. Actually, she chose it because it sounded like the Irish Breakfast tea that I fell in love with in Ireland (Bewley’s…in case you were wondering). We put in our tea orders and then turned our attention to the food portion of the menu.

On Saturdays, brunch is served at Hillbilly Tea, although throughout the week they have a menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The brunch menu is a conglomeration of all of them, I think, scaled down, and perfect for a Saturday crowd. You see, Hillbilly Tea, on Saturdays, serves food from 8 am – 4 pm, so the brunch menu is honestly ideal. I had finally settled on what I was going to get when the hot tea was served at our table, just freshly put in the infuser. I was told to let mine steep for 5 minutes, my roommate for 3 minutes. Instructions well received and followed. Our waiter then was ready to take our order for brunch.

I led off, giving my usually spiel about my food allergies and vegetarianism. Without hesitation. Without even blinking an eye, my server said, “We have a fantastic gluten-free menu. In fact, with the exception of (named off dishes here), everything else is gluten-free or can be made without the bread or scone to accommodate.” A knowledgable staff…this is not something I am used to. I don’t like the guessing game when it comes to what I might be eating or what might be in my food. And this…this put me right at ease. So, I ordered the Breakfast Platter ($7.00) without the toast and with a side of the Pit Roasted Sweet Potatoes ($3.00). My roommate opted for the Eggs and Biscuit and Gravy ($8.00) with a side of the Corn Pone ($3.00). The order was in and we settled in to enjoy the atmosphere, conversation, and some fantastic hot tea.

I was quite happy with the food when it arrived. It looked and smelled amazing. My meal actually consisted of three scrambled eggs, which looked to be seasoned with fresh herbs, and served with a potato and mushroom hash. The Pit Roasted Sweet Potatoes looked like healthy, ungreasy, sweet potato fries. Not what I was expecting at all.

My roommate’s plate was a delicious looking platter with house-made hearty biscuits, smothered in a vegetarian gravy that is made up of shitake mushrooms and thyme, and then topped with two perfectly poached eggs. It was actually the first time my roommate ever had a poached egg (and for this, I don’t know whether to blame Gordon Ramsay or Anthony Bourdain), but she figured she can’t say she doesn’t like something if she never tries it. And, with the exception of a taste of biscuits and gravy at Nat’s (a divey diner in Los Angeles, CA), she never had biscuits and gravy either, just always said she despised them on their looks. But, she went out of her dining comfort zone again and took a chance. For her, it was victory. She fell in love with poached eggs and raved about the dense biscuit and how it paired well with the gravy on top. As for the corn pone…well, she loved how it wasn’t sweet, it was perfectly scored with grill marks, and was ideal to sop up the remaining gravy from her plate. Brunch success.

So, how did the Breakfast Platter fare? Well, this was the first time in a very, very, very long time where I didn’t top off my eggs with hot sauce. And, these eggs, honestly, didn’t need it. They were scrambled to perfection, so that they clumped together, but were still soft. No cheese (loved that part!) was added to bulk it up or flavor it out. It was very nicely seasoned with the fresh herbs folded into the eggs. It didn’t need anything else. Perfect flavor and I didn’t even miss my hot sauce (and that’s saying something!). The potato and mushroom hash was divine. Honestly. The potatoes were seasoned to perfection and cooked to a nice light brown. The mushrooms weren’t watery or overcooked, and folded in perfectly with the potatoes. I was in carb heaven. Add to it the delicious Pit Roasted Sweet Potatoes and my dining experience was beyond amazing. What I loved about the sweet potatoes was they weren’t salted, they weren’t fried. They were sweet and roasted to perfection so that they held up when forked and were tender yet on the inside. It was the best sweet potato anything I ever got anywhere…and I order sweet potatoes a lot.

We each polished off our plates and sat to finish up our tea. The check was brought over but we were told not to rush. We did have a lot on our plate today, so we paid, bid adieu to this fantastic little restaurant, and headed out with the promise that we would come back for a lunch during the week sometime and also try it out for dinner another time. Not only is the food great, but most items on their menu don’t even hit the double-digit mark. Upscale, organic food at an affordable price…I’m beyond okay with that.

If you happen to live in the Louisville, Kentucky area or might be passing through or in town for some reason, do make an effort to stop by Hillbilly Tea. They serve up some of the most amazing food in the city from this little unassuming place in the heart of downtown. It’s comfort food taken up a notch and served to perfection. I can’t wait to return and bring a couple of friends with me. While it’s tempting to keep this place all to myself, I can’t stop myself from wanting to share it with others either. Therefore, it’s best to bring in a fresh crowd and get them hooked as well. Places like this need to stay open for a long time to come. Healthy, delicious comfort food…right in the heart of downtown Louisville. No joke…this place does exist. And it goes by the name of Hillbilly Tea.

Hillbilly Tea's Breakfast Platter (no toast) with a side of Pit Roasted Sweet Potatoes

March 2, 2012

Kinnikinnick’s graham-style crackers will make you want S’more

Product: Kinnikinnick Graham Cracker Style S’moreables – $4.59+

Remember those nights in the summer, either at camp or at home, when you’d sit around a fire and roast marshmallows on a stick, layer a graham cracker half with a piece of a Hershey’s bar, slather on the toasted, gooey marshmallow, and smoosh it all together with the other half? That was the life, yes?

S’mores are every campfire’s guilty pleasure. But I had to give them up. Three years ago, when I became a vegetarian, marshmallows were nixed from my diet (they have gelatin in them). And then, a year ago, when I had to go gluten-free, my graham crackers went bye-bye as well.

I’m not going to lie, it was not easy to give up my S’mores. Especially when I would attend a bonfire and watch everyone make them. It was a bummer, for sure. But, you know, you just get used to it.

Does that mean the craving goes away? Of course not!

And then grocery store karma happened. I had one of those magical moments when I was walking through the small gluten-free section of one of the grocery stores in town when I spotted these on the bottom shelf. Kinnikinnick Foods had come out with a Graham Style Cracker that they were marketing as (ready for this?) S’moreables. And right there…right on the front of the box, screaming at me from the bottom shelf, was a delicious, ooey-gooey looking S’more made from these gifts from gluten-free heaven.

I was sold. And so was that box because, budget or not, it found its way into my grocery basket and then in my pantry soon after.

Last night, without a dessert prepared, I decided to bust out my impromptu S’mores as my treat. But these were not just any S’mores, friends. Nope…I made mine a Gourmet Gluten-Free Vegetarian S’moreable Treat. Too much Top Chef? Perhaps. But I went all out.

Kinnikinnick Foods S'moreables Graham Style Cracker

I admit it…I was immediately skeptical about this product after busting open the box and pulling out a cracker for myself and my roommate. They are much smaller than an actual graham cracker is, and they look like little sheets of cardboard. Looks can be deceiving though, so I ran with it and prayed that it would be delicious. After breaking them in half, carefully, with the assistance of a butter knife, I grabbed a Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Hazelnut square from my chocolate stash and placed them on one side of the cracker. Because I am a vegetarian, I reached for marshmallow fluff for the marshmallow bit of this treat. But…how to get that roasted flavor?

Simple.

Kitchen torch. And I just happen to have one. (Too many cooking shows bring about spontaneous purchases).

A simple torching of the fluff, and the marshmallow-goodness was roasted as though it had been done over a fire. AWESOME! So, it was with great trepidation that I flipped it over onto the chocolate half, and delivered one to my roommate while I toasted up the fluff for the other one.

But when I heard an approving sound from the other room, I knew we hit gluten-free money! Gone was my concern over the appearance of the product. With my kitchen torch now stored, I joined my roommate in the other room with my own gourmet s’more. One bite…and it was better than anything I had before. The crackers not only smelled like ‘real’ graham crackers, but the taste was so close you’d be hard pressed to tell me these were gluten-free. Amazing, sweet, delicious and the texture was dead on. I was beyond impressed.

Even better…only 60 calories a cracker. Guilt-free graham cracker style dining. YES!!

Kinnikinnick impressed me once again with one of their products. I am honestly loving finding brands where every product I have tried has been great. When I find a name I can trust, I tend to stick with it. Kinnikinnick is becoming one of those gluten-free brands that I could just go to and find something good without having to worry about it.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve had a S’more due to gluten intolerance…well, those days are numbered. Find these crackers and treat yourself to that campfire treat…right in the comfort of your own home. Oh…and if you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can toast up marshmallows (if you aren’t vegetarian) or the fluff in the oven via the instructions on the box of S’moreables.

So here’s to those summer nights filled with a messy handful of graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow goo. Because anyway you toast it up…that’s just good stuff.

Gourmet Gluten-Free S'more made from Kinnikinnick Foods S'moreables, a Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Hazelnut square, and Marshmallow Fluff

March 2, 2012

Pacific cooks up a delicious, creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Product: Pacific Natural Foods Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup – $1.00+

I admit it.

As a child, I loved those days when dinner was one of those tomato-based canned monstrosities like…”Uh-oh, Spaghetti O’s.” Yes…admit it. You loved them too. Who didn’t?

I stopped eating Spaghetti O’s a couple years ago. Now, because of my gluten intolerance, I can’t eat them at all. And, that’s okay. I really don’t miss them.

I do, however, have a love for delicious soups. And when I picked up Pacific Natural Foods Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup, I didn’t realize what kind of a treat I was in for. It looks like an unassuming, creamy tomato soup. And for the most part, that’s exactly what you get.

What I didn’t expect when I sat down with a bowl of this for dinner last night was how much it would take me back to my childhood days. Honestly. My gluten-free grilled cheese sandwich took a back seat to the soup.

Here’s the thing about this soup…not only is it a rich, tomato flavor, but the roasted red peppers and hint of garlic give it this delicious sweetness in each spoonful. And yes, the flavor was very reminiscent of those cans of Spaghetti O’s. In fact, upon my first slurp of this soup, that was the first comment I made. However, unlike Spaghetti O’s…this soup is kosher, gluten-free, and low fat. Additionally…much healthier and made with organic produce and products…nothing processed. Just delicious.

I fell in love with this soup. I’m so glad I have more of these little packages in my pantry to enjoy. Soup can either be amazing or fall flat. And when it’s such a simple soup, it’s a risk flavor-wise. But this had the right hint of sweetness, followed by the rich flavor of tomatoes that makes a creamy tomato soup worth diving into. And when it’s made with organic produce and made creamy with an organic low fat milk, you feel confident in the product and the health benefits you get from choosing this over…say…Spaghetti O’s or one of those processed canned soups made from…words you don’t even recognize. I’ll never go back to those. I can’t go back to those. Honestly.

Once again, Pacific Natural Foods has wowed me with one of their soups and I think it’s landed itself right at the top as one of my absolute favorites.

Looking for a sweet, creamy soup to take the chill off your winter day? Reach for a trusted, delicious, nutritious product. Find Pacific Natural Foods and take a chance on a flavor. But if you’re looking for that rich comfort of tomato soup, reach for the Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. You’ll discover it’s awesome flavor too.

February 29, 2012

A slice of heaven served up however you like it thanks to Against The Grain Gourmet’s pizza shell

Product: Against The Grain Gourmet Gluten-Free Pizza Shell – $8.49+

Pizza is a god-given right in this world and the gluten-free community is getting more and more options these days, allowing those of us who otherwise couldn’t have pizza, a chance to indulge. And why shouldn’t we get our own little slice of comfort topped whatever way we like it?

It’s simple…we shouldn’t.

Gluten-free doesn’t mean tasteless or going without anymore. And when it comes to breads and pizzas, I’ve found one brand that I can rely on regardless.

Against The Grain Gourmet.

I’ve reviewed their baguettes as well as one of their frozen pizzas. Well, tonight I got to make their pizza my own because they sell their amazing gluten-free pizza crust.

This frozen pizza shell is the perfect base for a pizza. Any pizza worth its weight begins with a fantastic crust. Like their baguettes, this shell is infused with three cheese. Yes. Cheese baked right into the 12-inch crust. And that’s why there is magic in each bite.

Preparation is simple too. The shell is frozen. Simply place on a pan or pizza stone, top with desired toppings (in my case, a little sauce, some mushrooms, and then half regular cheese (for the roomie) and half Daiya vegan mozzarella cheese (for me). Simple toppings. Because pizza shouldn’t be complicated or overladen with heavy toppings. Place in the oven at 375° for 10-15 minutes and dinner is served.

One bite…and you’ll see why Against The Grain Gourmet produces magic. Whatever cheese infusion they use in their products…it’s sheer awesome when it comes down to flavor. It’s perfect with every bite. Honestly.

Against The Grain Gourmet Pizza Shell topped with mushrooms and mozarella/Diaya vegan mozzarella cheese — Against The Grain Gourmet Pizza Shell topped with mushrooms and mozzarella/Diaya vegan mozzarella cheese

The crust was very light and thin, which is the best kind of pizza crust to have. And it had this flakiness to it that made it that much more authentic. You wouldn’t even guess it was frozen. It tastes rustic and homemade, which is beyond amazing. Not just for gluten-free food, but for frozen food in general. Against The Grain Gourmet knows what it is doing and does it well, as is evident in each product they put out on the market. I have yet to find a flop.

One word of caution, however. While it is tempting to indulge fully in this amazing pizza and devour it slice-for-slice…if you are a calorie counter, you’ll want to restrain yourself just a little. One slice of the eight servings of the crust itself will set you back 158 calories. That’s without your toppings. Another good reason not to laden it down with too much. Is it worth it? Sure. Just make sure you take a walk if you are feeling guilty. But some foods are just made to enjoy and savor. After all, you don’t eat it every day. So why not be a little bad every now and again, help yourself to a second slice, and just savor gluten-free pizza at its absolute finest.

Now might also be a good time to mention that these pizza shells do not come cheap. One crust was $8.49. Worth it? Yes. Totally. Definitely. But it’s not something I can do often. And that is why there are other pizza crust options out there. But if you want pre-made awesomeness…it doesn’t get much better than Against The Grain Gourmet. I think I can stretch the budget every now and again when a cheesy pizza crust calls my name. It won’t be every time the pizza craving hits, but sometimes a treat is a treat and you just reach for the best.

Against The Grain Gourmet…my chef’s hat is off to you once again. Well done.

Slices of mushroom and vegan cheese pizza on Against The Grain Gourmet Pizza Shell

February 28, 2012

Special diets not a problem for Taco Mamacita

Restaurant: Taco Mamacita, Nashville, Tennessee

I know…I know. I reviewed Taco Mamacita already.

But, some things bear repeating. Back when I last reviewed them, I had not yet had to go gluten-free. And that’s why they are getting a second review.

Coming back from a trip to Birmingham, Alabama, hunger usually strikes around the Nashville, Tennessee area. No problem. Nashville is a plethora of restaurants and dining destinations. But when you know there is good food to be had at a good price…well…why go anywhere else?

Since we had (not-so-good) pub grub the previous night, Mexican food was sounding more our speed, rather than hitting up our go-to pub in the area. Since we knew we got great service last trip to Taco Mamacita…we returned with a vengeance. We were greeted by a very friendly waitress who happily grabbed the vegan menu for me upon request.

Our waitress, Rebecca, came over to make sure we understood the menu and to take our drink orders. I told her that I was a gluten-intolerant vegetarian, so if anything I order raises a red flag, to let me know. She said they had menus for both and would be happy to help me through it. Off she went to retrieve our drinks and when we returned, we put in an appetizer for the Chips and Salsa ($2.99).

Soft corn tortillas for my chips and salsa order

And this is how I knew it was going to be okay to eat here, especially after the horror of the pub the night before. When the order came out, half of the chips were fried up into tortilla chips. The other half, were soft corn tortillas, untouched by the frier. Safety, for those of you with gluten allergies know that cross-contamination can be tricky when it comes to shared friers. Here, they took that question right out of the equation and my chips and salsa were just as amazing with unfried tortilla chips. And, as we settled in to eat, I spotted the Taco Mamacita Chipoltle Sauce. One quick inquiry with Rebecca about whether it was gluten-free or not, which she didn’t know but went to check and returned a moment later with the answer – yes, and I was in safe dining heaven.

As for the food…well…with such a diverse menu sometimes it is hard to choose. But, my roommate went with their two taco plus a side combo – the Shrimp Po Boy BLT Taco and the Caribbean Jerk Taco with a side of Green Chili Rice ($8.99). As for me, I ordered the Vegilladas (vegetarian enchiladas), which consist of corn tortillas filled with sweet corn, tomatoes, black beans, and topped off with a spicy jalapeño-cilantro sauce ($8.99). Normally crumbled feta is on top of it, but as I was ordering from the vegan menu, it was kindly left off, which I appreciated. I chose the Jalapeño Corn Slaw as my side.

After a small wait, Rebecca brought out the food, which looked absolutely amazing. By now, we had polished off the chips and salsa and were ready for our substantial meal of the day. And…just as before, the food didn’t disappoint.

I love the Vegilladas. Not only are they packed full of protein and vegetable nutrients, but they were so full of flavor. Nothing bland about this nice mix of corn and black beans. The jalapeño-cilantro sauce was the perfect touch for the dish. Mixing it with the provided pico de gallo only added to the food experience. And, while not big on any sort of slaw, what I found was pairing this mildly spicy dish with the jalapeño corn slaw provided a nice, clean palate cleanser between bites. And this slaw wasn’t overly dressed either. It was perfect, so the different components were still there in each bite, and not being masked by way too much dressing. I liked that. A lot.

We finished our plates, happily stuffed and politely turned down desserts. Rebecca was such a rockstar when it came to helping me out with my menu choices and ensuring a very safe dining experience. I loved coming to Taco Mamacita before but now I have even more of a reason to do so.

Best of all, I wasn’t charged extra for having a special dietary need. So often, when you go gluten-free the price goes up. Not here. Everything (even my half of the chips and salsa) was kept at menu price. I wish more places would do that instead of punishing gluten-intolerant people with at least $1.00 extra for their “special” food.

This was a refreshing and much needed restaurant trip. I felt completely at ease and Rebecca and the kitchen staff saw to it that I had a safe, pleasant, and delicious dining experience.

Food and service like that will make you stand up and say, “Whoa Mama!” And that…is their motto, which makes it only fitting. So, if you happen to be traveling through Nashville, swing by Edgehill Village and dine at Taco Mamacita. It’s worth the stop for great food, great service, and a great price. And when you go back…and you will…try something else. So many interesting flavor combinations…so little time.

Taco Mamacita's Gluten-Free Vegilladas with Jalapeño Corn Slaw

February 27, 2012

Irish pub grub gone wrong at The Red Shamrock

Restaurant: The Red Shamrock, Birmingham, Alabama

I really, really, really wanted to like this place. I did. An Irish pub is not a common establishment in Birmingham, Alabama. Honestly. I had been seeking out something aside from the horror show that is The Tilted Kilt for awhile now. And, finally, at long last, The Red Shamrock opens up in Mt. Laurel and my dreams of going to a pub while in Alabama came true.

The actual pub itself is quite small. A single room with a bar taking up an entire side of the room. We (being my mom, dad, grandpa, roommate, and myself) took up residence at the only table available that could seat all of us. Sadly, it was right in front of the door and Saturday night was a wee bit chilly. Ah well, at least we had seats.

The server brought us menus and let us look them over while he grabbed our drinks. Waters. All around. It was a long day full of racing, a gluten-free expo, and a birthday party for my nephew and my niece. We were all exhausted, and ready for some good food and down time.

Our orders were simple. My dad and grandpa were splitting a fish and chips ($8.95). My roommate was, of course, getting fish and chips. My mom and I were each getting a Shamrock Salad ($5.99). I got mine with a side of their waffle fries. When I placed my order, the server asked if I wanted to add chicken. I shook my head and informed him that I was a vegetarian.

After a short wait, food arrived. As my salad was put down in front of me, I noticed that it was sprinkled with bacon. BACON! I had just said I was a vegetarian. So, I informed the person (not the same server) of the issue and he took it away to bring me back another one.

Now…here is where I have an issue. First of all…nowhere on the menu did it say that bacon came on this salad. In fact, the official description via the online menu says that the Shamrock Salad consists of arugula, lettuce and cabbage mixed with red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, grated cheese, and a side of my choice of dressing (which I opted for balsamic vinaigrette). No bacon. Not even mentioned on the description. So, already I was put out. A few moments later, my new salad arrives. This pub is quite dimly lit, it’s hard to see, but there were no bits of meat hanging out this time on my salad. It looked okay. I then had to remind him I also got a side of fries, which he then had to go retrieve…now…after my second salad had come out. That eventually made its way out as well.

The Red Shamrock's side order of waffle fries

One bite into my salad and I noticed the cheese on top is blue cheese! Now, blue cheese is normally not gluten-free. UGH. I moved it to the side and ate the untouched parts because nowhere in the salad description did it mention blue cheese either. I was now more put out than anything. Do NOT substitute something without asking if it is okay. While the salad was good, it wasn’t what I ordered. Literally.

The salad that I received at The Red Shamrock was not the Shamrock Salad via the description on their menu. Somewhere, be it the chef in the kitchen or the server pressing something wrong on the app they use to take the order, I ended up with a conglomeration of the Irish Iceberg (which has bacon, egg and blue cheese crumbles on it). You know…this is a new establishment, so I can give it a pass on some things, but it’s a salad. Look at your menu and know what is on it, please!! I was not impressed.

Oh, and after I ate my side of waffle fries, it occurred to me that this is a small establishment and that…more than likely, they use the same frier to do the potatoes as they do the breaded fish as well. Which between that and the bit of blue cheese might indicate why I had an upset tummy and digestive track for the evening and into the next day.

It’s ironic that this happen on the eve of my attendance at at Gluten-Free Expo and being a part of the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K that was in town. Then…one miscommunication in the kitchen and my order goes horribly wrong.

Lesson learned.

And sadly…nothing really to rave about when it comes to The Red Shamrock. It sounded like a fantastic place when I read up on it. But it fell short of anything amazing. Once it figures out whether it wants to be a sports bar or an Irish pub, maybe gets its menu sorted, maybe trains it’s chef as to what goes on what order and why substitutions without asking are not wise, then…maybe I’ll return. Oh, and it would have been nice if the server (our third of the night!) returned with my dad’s change after he paid in cash, but that never happened either.

For now, I’ll stick to what I know is safe to eat in the Birmingham area when I’m in town to visit my parents. The luck of the Irish was not with me that night and sadly, this isn’t an establishment that I would recommend to anyone looking to dine on amazing Irish food. It was mediocre at best…and incapable of getting my order correct. Sad, because I really, really wanted to like it.

The Red Shamrock's Shamrock Salad/Iceberg Salad (???)

February 27, 2012

Gluten-Free Powdered Sugar Donuts are the Katz meow

Product: Katz Gluten Free Powdered Sugar Donuts – $6.49 (plus shipping)

To quote the timeless Homer Simpson: “Mmmmm…donuts!”

Throughout the food allergy blogosphere over the past month, I had been hearing tales of the new gluten-free donuts from Katz Gluten Free. I was unfamiliar with any of their products, but had definitely heard good things about what they produce. In fact, in my freezer is a free sample pack of their products that you can order straight off their Web site. You just pay shipping. Honestly. Which reminds me…I need to break into that.

But it was because of a “Groupon” like offer from Gluten-Free Saver that I was able to bring Katz Gluten-Free Powder Sugar Donuts into my life. And for that, I am forever in their debt.

Katz Gluten Free is definitely a reliable company. All of their products are certified gluten-free, as well as nut free and dairy free. All products are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility that has been certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group. Peace of mind. I love it.

These donuts arrived at my office on Thursday. Per instructions, I put them in the freezer upon arrival, took them home to my own freezer and on Friday…had one for breakfast. I thawed them overnight in a plastic bag and then just popped them in the microwave for a few seconds to give them that ‘fresh-baked’ sort of feel to them. Mind, when I did this, the powdered sugar became a bit more like a glaze than a powdery topping, but…it’s still a donut.

First bite…and it was fluffy and cakey. There was no fried taste to these at all. Just fresh baked goodness. And they were light. Well, they were as light as a cakey donut could possibly be. I didn’t feel like I just filled my stomach with a heavy cake donut like those you can pick up at the convenience store, compliments of Dunkin’ ‘Time To Bake The Donuts’ Donuts. Nope. These were fantastic and went beyond any donut that I have had, whether made at a specialty shop or by those box shops (Krispy Kreme & Dunkin’ Donuts) or even those store-bought kind. And all that was pre-gluten-free life. Since then I have had two other gluten-free donuts, and while they were good…these were fantastic. It’s like…when I finish this stash I’ll just have to order some more.

I’m okay with that. My waistline is okay with that too. At only 150 calories per donut, and being a cakey-base…these are filling without filling you out. One was plenty to see me through the morning.

Aside from that, these donuts are also Kosher and now a permanent fixture on the Katz Gluten Free Web site. (And there was much rejoicing throughout the land). If this is any indication of the goodies that await me in that sample pack…well, I’m sold. I don’t mind ordering products via the net if the product is worth it.

To me…the powdered sugar donuts from Katz is totally worth it.

Besides, this is the ingredient list: GLUTEN FREE FLOUR (WHITE RICE, CORN STARCH, TAPIOCA), WATER, SUGAR, EGGS, CANOLA OIL, BAKING POWDER, XANTHAN GUM, SALT, CONFECTION SUGAR

I have all of that in my own kitchen. So it’s made with ingredients I recognize. Nothing strange. Nothing that makes me question what I am putting in my mouth. Pure, awesome, delicious gluten-free donuts. Savor each bite because otherwise you’ll devour the entire package of six in one sitting. Best to just thaw out what you’re eating that day and leave the rest in the freezer to just cut out the temptation entirely.

Because, believe me…it will tempt you.

Thank you, Katz Gluten Free, for delicious, light, powdered sugar donuts that completely blew me away at first bite. Your products are filled with gluten-free love. I can taste it in each powdered sugar bite.

February 24, 2012

Amy’s Kitchen holds the salt in Organic Lentil Vegetable soup

Product: Amy’s Kitchen Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup (Light in Sodium) – $2.89+

What is more comforting after a long day than a nice, piping hot, bowl of soup. It’s one of those things that I find comforting, warming me from the inside out. It’s like a blanket in food form. I love soup. I always have. And it’s so versatile and varied. Even the same type of soup can vary in flavor when it comes to brand or, in my favorite scenario, who made it.

Being a strong believer in homemade soups, I’ve been testing the waters again when it comes to the packaged and canned stuff. The thing I have to watch for, however, is soups that might have gluten in them.

Thankfully, there is Amy’s Kitchen. While not all products are gluten-free, they are clearly labeled on the products. I like that. I’m more likely to buy something that is labeled gluten-free than take a risk by just guessing by looking at the ingredients.

Well, tonight I came home. And since I’m packing up to head down to Birmingham, Alabama for a a gluten-free expo this weekend (and 5K race), I wanted something quick and easy for dinner. The other day, my grocery store was running a sale on soups by Amy’s Kitchen. So, being the intrepid grocery shopper I am, I snagged a few different varieties.

Tonight…my pantry grab brought out Amy’s Kitchen’s Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup (the light in sodium variety).

Upon opening the can and emptying the contents into a pan on my stove, the first thing I realized was just how much the soup resembled the picture on the front. You got to love a company that is very straightforward about what their product is. No gussied up, photoshopped, images on the cans that look nothing like the slop you poured out. No…with Amy’s Kitchen, what you see is truly what you get. I admire that in a company.

As the soup was heating through, it smelled fantastic. I was prepping my gluten-free table crackers and giving an occasional stir every now and again to help keep the heating process even. It was ready within five minutes. You can’t complain when dinner is served within minutes of opening the can.

I am a huge, huge fan of Amy’s Kitchen. I’ve yet to have a product I dislike yet. And that’s still the case. That being said, while I liked this soup, I didn’t love it. It was loaded with vegetables and protein-packed lentils (the runner in me LOVES that). However, I found it to be a bit bland. It didn’t lack flavor, not at all. The vegetables and the lentils were delicious. I just felt it lacked a bit of seasoning. But, I did buy the lighter in sodium variety of this soup, because I am a heart healthy individual and find that the sodium levels in soups and frozen meals can be rather ridiculous on sodium content. So, I give this one a pass on the seasoning thing. I do appreciate a company that puts forth the effort to slice sodium levels in their products for the masses.

This soup was definitely filling, despite only being 160 calories per serving. The lentils, I’m sure, had something to do with that. I did enjoy dipping my crackers into this soup and scooping up the vegetables and lentils to enjoy. I just wasn’t over-the-moon with this soup. I would probably buy it again, but it’s not at the top of my list for soups I just have to stock in my pantry for lazy supper nights.

I admire Amy’s Kitchen and the foods that they provide. It’s one of the few companies out there that caters to the gluten-free vegetarian. Perfect. And I still have yet to find a product that I don’t like. I just happen to like others a little more than this one.

But in the end, it filled me up, warmed me up, and satisfied my hunger. And that’s the important thing.

February 21, 2012

Recipe: Gluten-Free Lemon Streusel Pancakes with Berry Compote

It’s Pancake Tuesday!

In honor of today, I am posting up my successful soiree into a different pancake flavor. Lemon. Oh…and it was really light and delicious. Definitely a palate pleasing flavor in the morning.

So, turn on those skillets and make some pancakes today in honor of the big day.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Lemon Streusel Pancakes with Berry Compote

Servings: 3
Time: Prep 10 minutes; Cook 10 minutes

Ingredients for Berry Compote:

1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries/strawberries (no sugar added)
1 tsp. cornstarch
2 packets artificial sweetener
1/4 c. water
Dash of salt (optional)

Ingredients for the Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour (I used Gluten-Free Bisquick)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (I used Truvia)
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/4 cup butter, melted

Ingredients for Lemon Pancakes:

1 cup gluten-free pancake or baking mix (I used Pamela’s Products)
1 egg, large
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

Directions:

Begin with the berry compote.

In small saucepan blend cornstarch, salt, sweetener and water.

Cook over medium heat until clear and slightly thickened, stirring constantly.

Add blueberries (or strawberries, or whatever berry you fancy) and heat until warmed.

For the pancakes, mix all ingredients together until there are no lumps. Batter should be not too thin or too thick.

Pour 1/4 cup batter onto a preheated, lightly oiled griddle (medium low heat, or 350° for electric griddles), flip once.

Serve warm with a topping of berry compote and lemon streusel.

~*~*~

These were lemon-fresh and really delicious. The image above shows my blueberry compote, but the second day I served up the extras, I made a strawberry compote, which was just as delicious topping these lemon pancakes. And the streusel topping added an extra flavor punch.

So, happy (gluten-free) Pancake Tuesday. Get those flapjacks flipping…not just today, but any day!

February 20, 2012

Whole Foods Bakehouse slices up a small piece of gluten-free pizza pie

Whole Foods Gluten-Free Bakehouse Pizza Crust – $6.49+

Pizza.

It’s America’s comfort food. It’s a tradition. It’s saucy, cheesy, laden with a variety of toppings. You can make it however you like, whenever you like. Even better, now you can simply buy pre-made pizza crusts (often in a freezer) instead of pizzas that are already loaded up with what the company thinks is your choice of toppings.

Pizza is a fantastic treat. Even more so when you have a gluten intolerance.

Over the last few months, I’ve gotten to try pizza crusts from Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery and Udi’s Gluten-Free Foods. I could top them however I liked, and often made a variety of options with these pizza shells. What I loved about them was that for only 150 calories, I could consume half of the pizza. Which means, I didn’t feel bad about the toppings I chose to add to it.

Whole Foods Gluten-Free Bakehouse Pizza Crusts (thawed and brushed with olive oil)

And then, one day while out at Whole Foods, I spotted the Whole Foods Bakehouse Gluten-Free Pizza Crust in the freezer. Without even looking at anything else, I grabbed it, tossed it into my shopping basket, and happily made my purchase. I had pizza on the brain and some delicious gluten-free tomato sauce and some fantastic vegetarian and gluten-free toppings to throw on them at home. A couple nights of pizza were heading my way.

That was until I got home and as I was putting away the groceries, I flipped over to the nutrition information. At first, I was quite pleased. 120 calories per serving. Nice! And then, I looked at the serving size. Simply put…1/6th of a pizza crust. So, where I could eat half a pizza before for only 30 more calories, I was now delegated to one measly, child-size slice of pizza…not to mention the toppings that still needed to be added. This pizza crust sat in my freezer for a couple of weeks before I came to the only conclusion I could think of to justify the calories in the crust. Margherita pizza. No sauce, just a drizzle of olive oil. Some sliced fresh tomatoes. Freshly chopped basil. And a sprinkling of Daiya vegan mozzarella shreds. Nothing with it. Just two slices of pizza.

Gluten-Free Magherita Pizza (on Whole Foods Gluten-Free Bakehouse Pizza Crust)

With that in mind, the pizza was thrown in the oven to bake. I thawed the pizza out in the microwave before topping it with my low-calorie, light toppings. And then for about 30 minutes, it happily baked, the cheese melting down, the crust browning to a perfect golden color. Out of the oven and sliced into six small pieces. To think only one would constitute a meal for an adult is ludicrous in my opinion.

That being said, the pizza crust is actually quite delicious. It has a soft, chewy texture, that is a bit reminiscent of pan pizzas (back when Pizza Hut was my go-to pizza joint and a gluten allergy wasn’t even on my mind). I liked it. A lot. It was a nice change of pace from the “tortilla-thin” crust pizzas (despite being a huge fan of thin-crust pizza…as it is my favorite after all) that the gluten-free community do normally get handed. However, despite its great texture and flavor, I still find it hard to swallow the calorie count with each slice. I mean, really? Granted, I love a good Margherita pizza (and I must say, I make a damn good one!), but it would have been great to sauce this up, top with a variety of cheeses and not feel the need to honestly stick to just one, small sliver of a slice in order to not go into calorie shock. I have a fantastic gluten-free baguette which would have been a fine side with the pizza, which remains frozen in my freezer because, yes, it’s really hard to get past the calories in 1/6th of the pizza.

If you don’t care about the amount of calories you consume throughout the day, or if you want to make a light, white pizza like myself, or even just want to treat yourself to a ‘restaurant-style’ pizza…this is a great one to get. It’s expensive, but it is the closest to an actual pizza crust I have found so far. And sometimes, that’s really all that matters. Calories can be burned off in the end, right?

I wish Whole Foods could find a way to make the calorie count on this a little better as far as calories per slice go. But, if in the end it just means you leave the sauce off, lightly cheese it, and put fresh vegetables on it, well, it still makes one fantastic gluten-free pizza. And, really, that’s what should matter.

Two small slices gluten-free Margherita Pizza on Whole Foods Gluten-Free Bakehouse Pizza Crusts