I love the fall. Not only does cooler weather get ushered in, but so do some of my favorite things to eat. Pumpkin is one. Apples are the other. And I especially love this time of year for the apple cider. I love to drink it…and even more…I love to cook and bake with it.
This morning, after a 5 mile run, I decided to get a little creative with some of the ingredients laying around my pantry and fridge. After all, I have a new CSA bin arriving tomorrow with new produce for me to enjoy, so why not get a little creative?
The base of this recipe is Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal, which instead of cooking in water with salt, I cooked in apple cider with cinnamon. Then I caramelized two Gala apples to top it all off with. The result…a mighty tasty hot cereal for this cool morning. I happened to have some cream cheese icing left over. This is a totally optional addition. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey would work just as well. Without further adieu…the recipe is below.
Recipe: Apple Cider Spiked Hot Cereal with Caramelized Apples, Pecans, and Cream Cheese Icing
Apple Cider Spiked Hot Cereal with Caramelized Apples, Pecans, and Cream Cheese Icing
1/2 cup hot cereal mix (I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal)
2 tbsp butter
2 Gala apples, peeled and sliced
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
dash of ground nutmeg
1 oz chopped pecans (optional)
maple syrup (optional)
cream cheese icing (optional)
Directions:
Heat a nonstick pan on medium-high heat. Add butter and allow it melt down, swirling it around the surface of the pan in circular motions to spread the butter and prevent it from burning.
Meanwhile, pour the apple cider into a pot and add the cinnamon. Bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to very low and pour in the hot cereal. Stir until mixed. Cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Peel and cube the apples. Drop the apples into the butter.
With a wooden spoon, stir them around until they are completely coated with butter. Continue to stir until the the butter in the pan is no longer bubbling. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and continue to stir. Add a dash of ground nutmeg as you stir. Then, cook the apples for approximately 10 minutes, or until the fruit begins to soften and brown slightly.
Remove the pan from the heat. Using your wooden spoon, remove the apples from the pan and place them into a bowl.
Pour the cooked hot cereal into two bowls. Add the caramelized apples to the top of the cereal. Sprinkle with a few chopped pecans. Then add any syrup, honey, or cream cheese icing to the cereal.
Dig in!
~*~*~
This hot cereal tastes like fall. It is sweet and savory all at the same time. Not to mention…healthy and filling. I loved how amazingly soft the apples turned out. It was my first attempt at ever caramelizing apples, so the result was perfection. This would make a great breakfast on a cold winter’s morning as well. If you love the flavors of fall…give this one a try. I promise…you won’t be disappointed.
It was my blog on Sinfully Gluten Free’s Asiago Rosemary Bread that made me hit the 500 mark on my blog. And my…how things have changed since I first started keeping this little documentation of places I eat, recipes I make, recipes I’ve tried, and products that I’ve either enjoyed…or not.
This blog began in February 2011…back when I was just a vegetarian. My early blogs relate to that mostly and were mainly restaurants I visited (in town and out of town) and an occasional blog on a recipe.
But then…the hatchet came down. Doctor’s orders…I was to go gluten-free.
And so, my little vegetarian blog took on a whole new aspect. One that now focused on being a gluten-free vegetarian. The name I gave myself “veggiefoodlover” didn’t always seem to fit now…but it was what I started out with and how people came to know my blog. So…I keep it…for now. It’s so fascinating to see how this blog morphed into what it is today.
Even better…I’ve loved becoming a voice in the gluten-free community. Since going gluten-free, my blog has taken on a whole new dimension and my diet and life have totally changed. I have been called an inspiration to the gluten-free community. I have been able to experiment with a variety of products and taste things I never would have even thought of trying before. I’ve been introduced to a lot of fantastic and not-so-fantastic foods, products, and companies. I have a lot of favorites, many of which I turn to in a pinch.
What I have found through this blog is a voice for a condition that a lot of people still don’t understand. This isn’t me going on a fad diet. This is me doing what I needed to do to properly nourish my body and make myself feel better. Going gluten-free has taught me a lot…as a cook and as a consumer. And it’s a trend I hope to only continue to document and, perhaps, help others who are new to gluten-free and need a little guidance. This wasn’t the blog I started or ever intended to keep…but this is what my blog has morphed into.
And the honest truth is…I wouldn’t change it for anything.
I am proud to be a gluten-free vegetarian blogger. And I hope that I have many, many more blogs in my future. For my loyal readers and any new readers who may have just found me…thank you!
And…on that note…I also want to mention that I’m going to be going through my blog and better categorizing things for the future…to make searching so much easier. So…stay tuned for some upcoming changes.
Product: Pamela’s Products Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies – $4.39+
Gluten-free cookie makers…make note. If you are going to make a cookie that everyone, not just the gluten-intolerant and Celiacs among us want to eat…you need to make something that is full of flavor, delicious, and doesn’t taste like a box. While gluten-free goodies have come a long way since…before I even had to eat gluten-free…I used to try gluten-free items from Whole Foods every now and again and…yuck. Now that I have to eat this way, I am so thankful for companies like Pamela’s Products.
Pamela’s Products has wowed me once again. I don’t know what the secret to making everything so amazing and delicious, but I can promise you, even those who are not following a gluten-free diet would be astounded by the flavor and texture of the cookies. These are definitely not the first cookies I have reviewed from Pamela’s Products (I have previously done the Peanut Butter Cookies and the Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chunk Cookies…as well as the Simplebites Extreme Chocolate Minis…and I have eaten (but didn’t blog about since I was on vacation and forgot to take pictures) the Shortbread Swirl Cookies). What this proves is that once again, something as simple as a cookie can make a big impression.
Tonight’s dessert was Pamela’s Products Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies. These won me over at chunky and chocolate. I was so thrilled to open up the box tonight and pull out one for myself and one for my roommate. Dessert as easy as opening a box…yeah…that’s nice to have every now and again.
One bite was all it took. These cookies are super soft. For being processed and boxed…I was thinking they would have the texture of a shortbread…but I was wrong. When I say soft, I mean soft. That’s how I like my cookies because they remind me of being fresh out of the oven. The cookies themselves are not overly sweet. The flavor isn’t rich and buttery, but the crumbly texture almost gives that illusion. Actually, while looking at the ingredients, the surprise addition has to be the grape juice. I never would have pegged that. But I love how natural sweeteners are used. While the cookie itself is all good, the star of these baked treats is certainly the chocolate chips. Huge chunks are scattered throughout the cookies so that each bite is a chocolate burst of flavor. So delicious. For the chocoholic in us all…this is the best part of these soft, chewy cookies. They remind me of what Chips Ahoy soft-baked cookies were like…except much better (in regards to flavor and nutrition…for a cookie).
Pamela’s Products Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies are Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, and Gluten-Free. The serving size is one cookie (they are about 1.5 inches round), which sets you back 120 calories and 6 grams of fat. These contain no high fructose corn syrup (Chips Ahoy do) and no artificial colors or flavors. Less sugar too!
So, if you are like me and enjoy a delicious, soft, yummy cookie (like I said in previous posts…I am a Cookie Monster!)…look for Pamela’s Products. These products have never let me down and I don’t foresee that happening any time soon. And I have quite a stash going in my pantry for upcoming reviews. But so far…Pamela’s Products is the name I trust when it comes to cookies, baking, and more.
It’s my own little gluten-free love affair…with one of the best providers of gluten-free foods on the market.
It was just a couple weeks ago that I first set foot in one of my new favorite spots near Dayton, Ohio. The place – Sinfully Gluten Free in Centerville, Ohio. That’s right. A dedicated gluten-free bakery/restaurant that offers up not just delicious baked goods, but a small dining menu as well. No need to worry about cross-contamination here. Peace of mind when you sit down to eat at a restaurant is a beautiful thing, my friends.
A beautiful thing is also finding yourself in Dayton a couple weeks later and already knowing where you want to go eat. Sure…there is a plethora of restaurants in the Dayton area…but I’m truly addicted to Sinfully Gluten Free. And after getting a bite of my friend Jenn’s pizza the last time we were there, I was craving one of their pizzas like mad. Cathy and I split one of their 8 inch pizzas (with cheese, onion, and mushroom on it) and got an order of their Cheese Bread as well. Oh…and we did get another lemon bar to split for dessert…which I took a picture of this time.
But I don’t go into Sinfully Gluten Free just for the menu. Although…that is reason enough to bring me back whenever I am in Dayton. I also go there to stock up on amazing gluten-free baked items. Honestly. After trying everything I bought on my first visit and loving every amazing gluten-free bite…I was ready for more.
And more is what I got. While food was being prepared…I went and did some gluten-free goodie shopping. One of the items that I chose to give a try was their in-house baked Asiago Rosemary Bread. How amazing does that sound. I originally was going to go in for the sandwich bread (which is what I had on my Pizza Sandwich the last time I ate there), but when I asked how much the bread was and they asked what kind and the first one they mentioned had the words Asiago and Rosemary in it…I was sold. I didn’t even wait for them to continue. I just said, “I’ll take a loaf of that.” I gathered up the other goods, of which are some that I tried before, and some new ones you’ll see in future blogs, paid, and went to await the arrival of my pizza.
Fast forward to my return home from Ohio, and my freezer now full of gluten-free goodies just beckoning to me every time I open the door. I hadn’t expected to break into the goodness this soon, but after a rough day at the office, and my roomie’s hair appointment being postponed until much later in the day, I had a limited amount of time to prepare something to eat before rushing off to the haircut. So…once I walked through the door of the apartment, I began to heat up my electric skillet, pulled out four slices of Sinfully Gluten Free Asiago Rosemary Bread, grabbed the last of the Teese Vegan Mozzarella, my Mozzarella Flavored Rice Shreds (and real mozzarella for the roomie), and my homemade marinara and began to make my own gourmet grilled cheese…or version of a pizza sandwich, as it were.
Two slices of Sinfully Gluten Free Asiago Rosemary Bread
With the skillet heating, I had to thaw the bread, which I did via the microwave. As it was thawing, I began to smell the rosemary and hit of Asiago cheese. It really made the kitchen smell amazing. My mouth was literally watering at the very aroma of the bread, so I was already anticipating that first bite.
I smeared each slice with a hit of my homemade marinara, then put two slices of the Teese Mozzarella on one slice. I topped it off with the shredded mozzarella, then the other slice of bread. A spray of olive oil on the bread and onto the skillet it went to toast up. And the mouthwatering aroma only became more prominent with that. I flipped each sandwich over, carefully, toasting the other side. Then, to make sure I got a good melt on the cheese, I threw some water in, threw a lid on the skillet and let it steam.
The sandwiches were plated, sliced, and ready to consume.
Cathy didn’t even wait for me to grab my sandwich before she began devouring hers. I could tell she really liked it just by how quickly it was disappearing. When I settled in with mine…I eagerly took my first bite.
WOW. Flavor-city! For real. You get that nice hit of rosemary and the saltiness of the Asiago cheese. The bread crusted up beautifully on the skillet, but remained that perfect texture and level of soft for each bite. I found that it paired beautifully with the marinara and mozzarella. The bread is truly one of the best things I have eaten since going gluten-free. I have found gluten-free bread that has been good, but this was life-changing. I couldn’t stop raving about the flavor throughout it. The bitter, but fragrant, hit of rosemary paired beautifully with the cheese baked in with it. The pairing was sheer culinary genius. Doing it in a bread makes it a versatile treat that can be served up as a side, or used, as I did, in a savory, gourmet-ish sandwich.
I was in sandwich heaven, to be honest. No gluten-free bread has ever made me want to write sonnets about its flavor. I can’t wait to come up with another creative means of using it in my cooking. Perhaps in a stuffing. The possibilities are not just endless…but delicious.
Sinfully Gluten Free…you are a heavenly treat. I hope your business thrives and you continue to bring gluten-free goodness to the community where you are, the visitors (like me) who happen by, and to those who order products from afar.
And for those of you reading this…yes…according to their Web site…Sinfully Gluten Free does ship their products. Just understand that if you want the freshest product possible, shipping is quite expensive. But if it’s for something as amazing as this bread…I think it’s totally worth it.
Homemade Marinara, Teese Mozzarella, and Mozzarella Flavor Rice Shreds sandwiched between two slices of Sinfully Gluten Free Asiago Rosemary Bread
Me crossing the finish line at the Republic Bank Big Hit 1/4 Marathon – Louisville, Kentucky
Race: Republic Bank Big Hit 1/4 Marathon
Place: Louisville, Kentucky
Date: September 23, 2012
Time: 52:46
It was another chilly morning in the low 40s when I woke up at home to get ready for the Republic Bank Big Hit 1/4 Marathon. I was actually pretty excited about this race. I ran it last year…in 1:03:49. It was held at the end of October last year, however, instead of the end of September. They moved the date due to the bitter cold weather we had. A lot of people initially complained, saying September would still be too hot for the races. Boy…were they ever wrong.
The Big Hit race series is actually a double race. Not only is there the rare 1/4 Marathon, but it runs with the 1/2 Marathon as well. For over four miles, the races are together. There was the split, where the 1/4 Marathoners turn left and the 1/2 Marathoners turn right around 3rd Street in downtown Louisville. They still have a lot of race to go…while those of us in the 1/4 Marathon are coming into the home stretch.
A 1/4 Marathon is a 6.55 mile run, just over a 10K. And I love this distance. Don’t get me wrong, I love my half marathons as well, due to the challenge and the stress I have to work through to run them. But when it comes to races, the 10K distance is one of my favorites to run. This was another reason I was super-psyched to be out this morning at this race. Not only that, I have been a part of the Big Hit race series now for the two years it has been around. Both times running in the 1/4 Marathon. Maybe next year I’ll do the half. We’ll see. It depends on my training schedule as I have a much bigger race that I’m prepping for that fall.
But, the journey to the race actually starts at the expo the morning before the big race. While there is race day packet pick-up at this race, I prefer to have my stuff prior to the big day. I feel a bit more together when I don’t have to go stand in line and then jostle everything around, trying to get pinned up and ready to run. It’s race day. I need to feel relaxed. Eat my banana. Stretch. Talk to people. Chill. Zen. Get in the zone. So, Saturday morning after running a few important errands (local coffee, picked up my gluten-free birthday cake, indulged in gluten-free pumpkin doughnuts), my roommate and I pulled up to Slugger Field in Louisville, Kentucky and parked. We climbed out of the car and made the stroll to the stadium, entering through the main doors and stepping inside.
Now, I love race expos. I think they are a great way to showcase other races in or around the area, and get vendors in to sell products to the runners. But…as with a lot of the races around here…this expo had next to nothing in it. The local running store was there. And Jam Active was promoting the fall Tap ‘N Run (which runs this weekend)…so my face was front and center on the promotional backdrop once again. A few local companies were there…but that was it. You know…I spend money at race expos. This is a great opportunity for businesses and vendors and other races to get out there and promote. That’s something I hope they work on for the future events.
Packet pick-up was a breeze. My line was short…with only one other woman in front of me. And…my bib number was the start of that line. Number 2500. It was funny. I was asked what my bib number was and when I told them, the lady in charge of that line went, “AH! Karen! I feel like I know you. I’ve been staring at your name all day!” It made me giggle. I told her that now she didn’t have to. And she replied that now it was Kristen she’d get to stare at. I collected the envelope with my timing chip in it and my bib. Then I was directed over to the next line of tables which had the drawstring swag bag and the t-shirt pick-up. One thing I also hope they go back to from the previous year is the women’s cut tech shirts. I loved that option the previous year, but they weren’t doing it this year. The shirts were back to being short sleeve. And I signed up to get a small. I got a small, but it’s still freakin’ big on me. I find this to be an issue with most t-shirts I receive at races. I am not built like a man…so the shirts just look strange on me. Doesn’t matter though. I still wear them proudly. I collected my swag bag and shirt and then…I was done. With no vendors to really walk through, my roommate and I headed home.
That afternoon…I did my new pre-race ritual…and went out for a belated birthday lunch (my birthday was September 19) with my roommate’s family. I chose to eat at the Mellow Mushroom in Louisville as I knew they had gluten-free pizza. And my superstitious athletic brain now has my consumption of pizza the day before a big race as linked to my fantastic finishing times I have had as of late. The big races I ran after eating pizza (or something pizza-like) have me setting new PRs and turning out a great race. The one recent time I deviated (pad thai before the Indianapolis Women’s Half Marathon), the race went horribly wrong. So…pizza it is. Until that fails me. After a delicious couple of slices of Gluten-Free Kosmic Karma pizza…it was back to the apartment for presents and the most amazing gluten-free strawberry cake I have ever had, compliments of a local allergen-free bakery, Annie May’s Sweet Café. Even if you don’t have food allergies…check them out. Their products are awesome! When everyone left, I picked up a little and then settled in for a relaxing evening. Because I know how high-strung I can be on race mornings.
And so, it was another early 4 a.m. wake-up for me. I got up with my alarm and got out of bed. The first thing I have to do is get dressed. Even though I was home, I had laid out my clothing for the race the night before. As the primary colors of the half and quarter marathons are orange and purple (the 1/4 Marathon is orange), I dug out my Frostbite 5K tech shirt (long sleeves) and my really crazy fun shorts. Problem was, you couldn’t tell I had the shorts on when I wore the shirt, so I went to my regular running shorts instead. I topped off the look with some fun knee-high socks and my running shoes. The hair extensions were purple and orange that morning and my hair was properly put up in pigtails. One of the BondiBands I picked up in Dayton was my headband of choice…it simply said, “iRun.”
When my roommate got up, I poured us some cereal to get something in our stomachs this early. Then I grabbed a Luna Bar for her breakfast later and my banana to eat about an hour before the race. This is another combination that seems to work for me. No peanut butter this time. No honey either. Just the banana. And, with that, we grabbed my race bag with my change of clothes, the sign, and away we went.
Since we left with plenty of time to spare, we had no trouble getting to Slugger Field at all. That’s how it always works. No worries though. This just meant we had our pick of parking in the lot. So we pulled in, chose a spot, and parked. Grabbing our stuff, we headed into Slugger Field toward where the packet pick-up/expo was. Packet pick-up for those who didn’t make it there on Saturday was open, but Cathy and I bypassed everything to claim a spot near the ticket booths (and a heating vent) to just sort of settle in until it was race time. We dropped off our goods and I decided to hit up the bathroom at the stadium then because it would be empty…and they flushed. As I’ve stated before…I’m a princess. If flushing toilets are available…I use them before I even consider a port-a-pottie. I know…princess. I can’t help it. I’m a germ-a-phobe! So, I did that and made my way back, glancing longingly at the crew that was setting up the beautiful Finish banner across home plate at Slugger Field. I told the Finish that I would see it soon. Then, I hurried out of the cold and back into the heated interior of Slugger Field. Just as I settled in, a text message from my friend Nikky came through. She was asking about if I was wearing long or short sleeves. I told her long sleeves but shorts (because…that’s how I roll…or run in this case). She said she was going to layer up. I told her I would see her at the end of the race, when we planned to meet up.
Here we have the ever-present LONG wait to the start happens. While I like not feeling rushed when I arrive at a race, the hurry up and wait game gets a little old a lot fast. Runners…you know what I mean. So, Cathy and I just stood around talking, watching as the first few runners filtered in. Soon…there were more. All of them were doing pre-race routines. The guy from Fleet Feet was giving out free massages with a roller and screaming at runners about putting Band-Aids on their nipples and using Body Glide (which they supplied) to prevent chafing. It made me giggle. A lot. Runners were now filling up the interior of Slugger Field, some finding places to stretch out, or eat a power bar of some sort, or just meet up with the people they were running with. It was nearly 6:50 a.m. now, so I handed Cathy her Luna Bar and I started peeling my banana to snack on and give some time to digest (I usually allot an hour) before the big run. We chatted and after I finished the banana, I got up to throw away the peel and then begin my own stretches. This definitely got me loosened up. I did what I could to stay warm. But it was inevitable…it was time to head out to the Start line. That meant…stepping out into the 43 degree morning air. I kept my hoodie on, of course, and away I went.
The morning was cold. And as we walked with other runners towards the start line, we just sort of talked about the previous year and how much colder it was then. So, this was a blessing in disguise. The signs for the pace groups were up for the race, and I said I was going to hang out with the 9 minute per mile club. Cathy told me to move up to the back of the 8 minute per mile group, so I did. She was a bit more optimistic than me, apparently. It was cold, so I told her I was just going to run a comfortable race. Get warmed up and go from there. My only goal was to beat last year. Despite having a fantastic race at the Rock ‘N Sole Quarter Marathon in Milwaukee and setting a new PR of 54:52, I wasn’t confident I could beat that here…despite the flat course. I started to let my Garmin search for satellites as Cathy gave me a hug, told me to have a good race, and went to stand on the other side of the Start line to cheer me on as I got started on the race.
The announcer at this race was great. We had a bit of a delay with the start simply because the time clocks needed to be synched. So, once that happened, he began the big countdown. And then…as I started my iPod…we were off. I crossed the starting line, started my Garmin, and flashed a peace sign at Cathy as I took off on the opening stretch of downtown Louisville street. Despite the cold…I already felt good being out and doing the run. I love races because I get to run with other people. Even if we don’t say anything…the camaraderie is amazing and it does help with pacing. I followed the people in front of me around a corner and through the first mile of the race. I actually didn’t even hear my watch beep at me. As I came through the first mile…I didn’t see a time clock or mile marker…but I did see a group of people up near the corner. We were running back past Slugger Field and some spectators stayed out to cheer people through the first mile. Cathy was one of them. I spotted her and the sign when I rounded the corner. It does make a huge difference to see your friends and family throughout the race. Even if this was early…it made me smile. And, with her telling me to “GO!”…I was through the first mile and heading into the rest of the race, feeling refreshed.
I headed into the second mile, this time seeing a mile marker and a time clock. The clock was wrong…displaying the time for one mile…but that’s why I have a Garmin. I really wasn’t interested in my time. I was taking on this race with a very zen attitude. I wasn’t going to look at my pace. I was just going to keep it comfortable. I could have pushed it. I need to start doing that more, to be honest. But not this race. This race I was taking on with a whole new attitude than normal. Let the pace set itself. Run your comfort zone. Push only if you feel the need to. And that was how I did it. Mile 3 was upon me in no time. And then…Mile 4. I didn’t see a mile marker or clock here either…but I might have just been zoned in. What I did know was that the big race split was coming. I needed to hang to the left. And all half marathoners were going right. So, I moved left on the road and sure enough, I could see a volunteer directing race traffic to the proper route, a giant sign behind her giving the split information as well.
Me celebrating at the finish line of the Republic Bank Big Hit 1/4 Marathon with finisher’s medal in hand
I turned left and could see only a couple of runners ahead of me. I think the majority of people taking part in the races were doing the half marathon. And as I headed after them, I saw the marker for Mile 5 ahead. One more mile and then the last .55 and I was done. This is where I can always taste it. And my legs felt good. My feet felt amazing. So, I picked it up a little. Like I said, I would push where I felt I needed to. I didn’t need to, but my run was feeling so great, I figured why not just speed up slightly. So, down and around the downtown hotels I went. Then, around a corner and toward Slugger Field. It was getting real here. I was so close…I knew I was close. Mile 6 ticked off and I was heading toward the stadium. I could hear the announcer as I pushed myself into the open area of the outfield wall and turned to make the run toward the finish line. I rounded the left field area and hit the white cloth laid out across the baselines. I sprinted down past third base and toward home plate, where the finish line was calling to me. My time looked awesome. It was at 52 minutes when I crossed, meaning, without even trying, I not only beat out (by a long-shot) my previous year’s time…but I also set a new PR for a Quarter Marathon…beating out Milwaukee by 2 minutes.
I felt amazing when I crossed that finish line. I heard the announcer say my name as I was nearing the actual finish. She said, “And here comes Karen…with her pigtails flying.” I guess I’ll always get called out for my pigtails…but that’s my racing style…and it won’t change unless I drastically cut my hair. LOL! I received my finisher’s medal and continued on to where I saw Cathy, shaking the cow bell and waving the sign at me. I threw my arms up in victory. She said something like, “Holy crap!” And then she told me to go get my stuff and to meet her at the end of it. So, into the Race Recovery area I went. I snagged another banana, an orange, some water, and a granola bar for Cathy…who I knew was probably hungry by now. Then, I managed to cut the timing tag off my shoe on my own and head up the stairs to the top of the stadium to meet her. I was bouncing with happiness. I downed my orange and some water before posing in front of the Republic Bank Big Hit backdrop.
Then Cathy told me to go and get my results. I did. And when I was handed the slip with my name and time on it…I was shocked. Not just by my time, but by the fact that it had me listed as 1st in my division (30-34). I think I said, “Holy shit!” and passed it off to Cathy, telling her, much like Geist…that was sure to change. I nibbled on my banana and we headed down to sit on some chairs and wait for Nikky to finish up her run. She said she would text me when she got done, but I was hoping to catch her as she came through the finish. I missed her though because I got the text suddenly…so I told her to meet me at Results. I went up to the table again and had them pull my results again…and I was still listed as first in my division. Guess this time it stood.
Nikky and I after we both finished the Big Hit 1/4 Marathon – Louisville, Kentucky
Nikky found me and we hugged and congratulated each other on a good race. We had a good time just standing around and talking. I told her to come out to the BlueMile Fun Run’s on Monday (yes, Keith…I am coming back to those) and she said she would definitely consider joining in. We discussed other races in the area that we are running. And things we want to do next year. It was fun to meet her in person, finally. And we just easily fell into conversation, discussing anything and everything. I got to meet her husband. And after we talked and talked and talked…we all parted ways. I wanted to go get into warmer clothes as I was currently still in running shorts and my lips were turning blue. So, I grabbed my running bag from Cathy and ducked into the bathroom to change into jeans and my hoodie. When I emerged, she was settled in near the Papa John’s area of the stadium where awards were going to be handed out. And…as I won my division…I was getting an award. The ceremony still had about 30 minutes until the start, so we cheered on the half marathon runners coming in for their finish.
Then…awards were given. Three deep in each division…and then for overall men and women (three deep). When my name was called, Cathy made a lot of noise. I went up to receive my certificate to pick up my engraved bat once it was ready. I can’t even express how surprised I still feel over that division placement. I am just amazed with how I just set out to run a comfortable race and then ended up having my best one yet. My actual award had to be custom made…so I have to wait to receive it. But it will be next week.
The official results of the Republic Bank Big Hit 1/4 Marathon have me finishing in 52:46. I was 54/486 finishers overall. I was 13/322 women runners to cross the finish line in the 1/4 Marathon. And I placed 1/58 in my age division. Not only did I just set a new PR for a 1/4 Marathon, but I placed first in my division too. This means that next week, I get to head down to Fleet Feet and pick up a custom engraved bat with my name, time, and division placement on it. It was so unexpected to even place in this race. I am still shocked…and thrilled. Maybe all this hard work I’m pouring into my training is paying off.
For a race well run…I went to the North End Café in Louisville and treated myself to a delicious (and BIG) gluten-free pancake. Just what the race doctor ordered. Post-race carbs always taste the best.
And now…I’m ready to hit up this race again next year and see if I can do even better!
Crunchmaster Gluten-Free Original Multi-Seed Crackers
Product: Crunchmaster Gluten-Free Original Multi-Seed Crackers – $3.79+
Honesty is the best policy.
So, this isn’t the first time I have eaten the Original variety of Crunchmaster’s Multi-Seed Crackers. They are the crackers that are tucked inside my GoPicnic Hummus Meals and were the gluten-free crackers that my boss spotted at Sam’s Club…saw the gluten-free label and thought of me. And then bought me a bulk box of them. Which, I happily devoured, mind you. I mean…I gave him a hug when he gave me the entire box because he saw gluten-free and wanted me to be able to have snacks at the office when they bring stuff in, since normally I can’t as they are donuts, muffins, cakes, etc. that all have lots of gluten in them.
However…this was the first actual bag of these crackers that I bought myself…and that is why they are only now being reviewed.
So first…the nitty-gritty.
The Original flavor of Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers has and will always be one of my favorite gluten-free crackers out there. These very versatile crackers are packed with a variety of flavorful toasted seeds, of which include sesame, quinoa, flax and amaranth. Then, these are lightly seasoned with a wheat free tamari soy sauce. They are all natural and made from 100% whole grain. In addition, they are cholesterol free, gluten-free, sugar free, and also vegan and dairy free. These snack crackers only set you back 140 calories for 15 of the crackers…which are by no means small. In fact, they are the size of a saltine, just shaped in a octagon.
But what about flavor? Well, they are one of my favorites for a reason, yes? Packed with flavor and not loaded with salt, these crackers are a delicious treat for any time of the day. They are amazing on their own, but I have enjoyed them with a schmear of peanut butter, or hummus, or even some non-dairy cheese. They can be topped off in a variety of ways…or just eaten plain and on their own. That’s where the magic is. And trust me when I say they are delicious. They pack a flavorful crunch that keeps you satisfied.
Yeah…I devour these whenever I have them on hand.
So good. So…I think when you see these at your grocery store…take a chance…try them out. And I promise, you will not be disappointed. Crunchmaster wins again!
Ah…I love fall. Want to know why? Aside from sweaters, hot cider, hot chocolate, and beautiful colors throughout the landscape, autumn ushers in the official start of soup season. What makes soup season even more exciting and interesting this year is the fact that I now get a bin of fresh, organic, and local produce from my CSA…giving me a lot of creative license when it comes to cooking up some sort of soup.
Recently, thanks to Pinterest, I found a recipe that really caught my attention. Even more so because, save for the parsley, some spicy peppers and the avocado, I had everything else from my CSA bin. It was as if I were being told to make it. The original recipe turned up on a page called Naturally Ella, but, as I most often do, I changed the recipe slightly as far as how much of something got added and so forth. The soup yields 4 delicious servings and it is very low in calories for being so creamy. In fact, only one serving will set you back 231 calories. And that’s with the avocado as garnish (it’s a healthy belly-flattening fat!).
So, below is my modified recipe. This is gluten-free, low calorie, and completely vegan as well.
Dice onion and peppers, add to pot. Cook until onion is translucent, 4-5 minutes
Remove corn from cob and add to cooked peppers/onion mixture. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes.
Stir in 2 cups veggie broth and salt, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Let cook for 15-20 minutes.
Remove from heat and using either an immersion blender or regular blender, puree soup.
Return to heat and stir in cilantro, heavy cream, and more veggie broth if needed. Heat for 1-2 more minutes over medium low. Taste and add more salt if needed.
To serve, slice avocados and add to top of soup.
~*~*~
This soup was a delicious blend of sweet and spicy with the fresh combination of sweet corn and the spicy peppers. The spice didn’t overwhelm the rest of the meal. It was just the right level of heat. Even my roomie, who is a spice-wimp loved the level of heat in this soup. If you do not like heat, remove seeds from jalapeños and serranos as much as possible. I did this just because I knew my roommate would be eating it as well as me. But if you love a hit of spice in your soup, leave the serrano and jalapeño seeds in!
In the end, you are left with a creamy, delicious soup that is not just filling…but healthy too.
It’s soup season, friends. Let’s get that soup on!
I don’t know how I didn’t know about this place sooner. Well…I actually found out about it months ago and have been following their Twitter feed, hearing about the gluten-free goodies that they are whipping up, not just in their bakery, but for breakfast and lunch too. Why it took me this long to check them out probably had to do with me putting my foot down and saying that this year I really didn’t want to bake my own birthday cake. Because, let’s face it…no one should have to bake their own cake.
That was what lit a fire under my roommate and she made a call to Louisville’s only completely gluten-free, soy free, peanut free, and tree nut free bakery. Even better, upon request, most items can also be made without egg and/or dairy products. Living in this area with food allergies just got a lot more delicious.
You see, the owner of Annie May’s Sweet Café, Annie May McGill, was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance back in 2009. What grew out of that was a mission to create amazing allergy-free recipes. She is joined by Kenna Nelson, a pastry chef who was also a Biology major. She finds the chemistry behind gluten-free baking fascinating and from this pair…Annie May’s Sweet Café grew. By 2010, Annie May’s was a wholesale delivery service. And a year later, their current shop opened up. And thank the gluten-free gods for them. Annie May’s mission is to provide desserts that taste so good, you wouldn’t even be able to guess that they are gluten-free. Let me tell you…mission accomplished. In fact, the recipes that she developed over the years taste so amazing, many of the customers who visit or frequent Annie May’s Sweet Café don’t even have food allergies. Food that good is worth opening a shop for. In addition to the small selection of goodies in the bake case each day, Annie May’s also offers a dine-in eating option. And, you can place an order on anything and customize it as you need.
Once again…how did I not get to this place until now?
I guess I just needed to have my birthday roll around. And when it did, my roommate made a call and ordered me a simple 6″ Strawberry Cake with a Vegan Chocolate Ganache icing. Nothing fancy, you wouldn’t think. Just a simple gluten-free cake that myself and her family could enjoy after my birthday lunch. I actually did a happy dance of joy when she came over to my office and told me she had just placed an order with Annie May’s Sweet Café for my birthday cake. I had to wait until Saturday, the day of the lunch with her family, for the cake, but…I could do it. Of course, all week it was all I talked about and I totally couldn’t wait to go and pick it up on Saturday morning.
Anticipation makes the week move slowly, but Saturday morning arrived. After going for a very short run (I was running a 1/4 Marathon on Sunday morning), Cathy and I hopped into the car and drove over to Louisville to get some morning coffee, pick up my race packet, and…finally set foot in Annie May’s Sweet Café. Coffee was first, and we did that in rather quick time at our new favorite local spot in Louisville. From there, it was time to hit up the bakery.
As we drove up Frankfort Avenue…we missed the little corner shop at first. I spotted it as we drove by, actually. So, we turned around and came back, parking and preparing for our first visit to Annie May’s.
As we stepped inside, there was a large group of people around a table, drinking coffee and enjoying some food. I skipped up to the counter with Cathy, who let the lady behind the counter know we were picking up my birthday cake. As she went to go get it, I began scoping out the bake case. Everything looked so delicious. I was drooling. And, the cereal I ate for breakfast was now long gone…and the café smelled so good. I think Cathy felt the same way because she said we should get something to eat.
It just so happened that Annie May’s had a delicious looking selection of Pumpkin Doughnuts done four ways – Maple Glazed, Chocolate Ganache, Cinnamon Glazed, and Cinnamon Sugar. I was in heaven. First a birthday cake…now allergen-free and vegan pumpkin doughnuts. Pardon me while I pull a Wayne’s World here and bow down to both Annie May and Kenna and chant, “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!” Well, since there were doughnuts involved we each had to get one. I went with the Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Doughnut ($2.49) and Cathy opted for the Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Doughnut ($2.49). They graciously packed them up in a box, we paid, tipped, and headed out to the car.
And then…the cop moment of the day happened. I was sitting in the parking lot of Annie May’s Sweet Café with my Pumpkin Spice Almond Milk Latte from Highland Coffee, noshing on a gluten-free pumpkin doughnut. Life had never seemed so good than that moment. I eagerly opened the little box that cradled the doughnuts in paper. I handed Cathy a napkin and her chocolate ganache covered doughnut. Then I grabbed mine and eagerly took a bite.
OH. MY. GOD. The gluten-free doughnut gods were smiling on me that day. These were beyond fantastic. These were beyond amazing. These topped Katz Gluten-Free Donuts (because these didn’t have to be frozen…these were fresh and you could tell). These were one of the best doughnuts I had ever eaten. The consistency was that of a normal cake doughnut. It had that heavy, filling feel to it. The flavor was tops. I loved the sweetness of the added cinnamon and sugar on the outside of it. It was soft, chewy, and sooooooooo delicious. Cathy was making happy noises as she noshed on the chocolate ganache version. And, of course, we each broke off a piece of ours to share with the other. Let me tell you…the chocolate ganache pumpkin doughnut was out of this gluten-free world. The chocolate added a kick of rich sweetness that blended so well with the cake-like doughnut that it coated. I loved it. Seriously.
So, if the doughnuts were any indication of what would happen with my cake…I was riding high on gluten-free cloud nine. We left Annie May’s Sweet Café, resisting the urge to go back in for more doughnuts…although the temptation nearly won us over. After a quick swing by Slugger Field to pick up my race packet, we headed back home with the cake…and a lot of growing anticipation to cut into it. But lunch had to happen first. And so…it did.
My birthday cake from Annie May’s Sweet Café: Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake with Vegan Chocolate Ganache
Afterwards, however, we all congregated back at our apartment for gifts and goodies. Goodies being…a slice of my 6″ Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake with Chocolate Ganache Icing ($20.00). I opened up the box and was just wowed by the cake. And that was before even slicing into it. It looked beautiful. No corners were cut. Annie May’s took great care and even wrote Happy Birthday Karen on it in delicious vegan icing. Seriously…they are artists there. They have to be, because my cake was one of the most beautiful desserts ever presented to me. Especially since I had to go gluten-free. I almost cried.
Cathy and Amanda took on the task of dressing up my cake with candles. And after I made a wish and blew them out…I went into the kitchen and began to slice into this gluten-free birthday masterpiece. This 6″ round cake is meant to serve 8 people. We had five. So, I cut pieces accordingly. And when I scooped out the first sliver…I was wowed. Not only was this cake a work of art on the outside…it was also one on the inside. Layers of strawberry cake with the vegan chocolate ganache greeted me. It was just beautiful. I cut out slices for everyone, then settled in on the living room floor with a fork and took my very anticipated first bite.
If Heaven were a birthday cake…it would look and taste like this one. In fact, I hope Heaven is a birthday cake that looks and tastes like this one. The strawberry cake itself was loaded with flavor. Often times, strawberry cakes can fall short when it comes to taste, but not this one. The cake was moist, bright pink, very strawberry (my favorite fruit, by the way), and not heavy or dense. And the vegan chocolate ganache was to die for. Rich with chocolate flavor, it coated each layer and made an amazing icing for the cake. Yeah…Heaven better be a lot like this cake because it sure as hell (heh…pun) tasted like Heaven to me. For the next couple of days, my roommate and I got to enjoy a couple more slices, making me one very pleased birthday girl.
I was beyond impressed by the quality and care that goes into the goods at Annie May’s Sweet Café. Honestly. The doughnuts were a great way to get a first impression. But the birthday cake they made for me was the chocolate-coated icing on the cake (literally!). I am so impressed that Annie May’s is now going to become a frequent stop on our trips over to Louisville on the weekend. Why? Because I love to support local businesses, even more when they cater to dietary restrictions like what I have. I want to try everything in their bake case. I want to stop in for their dine-in food and give everything they make a try. They didn’t just make me a gluten-free birthday cake…they made me one of the most delicious cakes I have ever eaten a slice of. No exaggeration. It beats out anything I had before I was diagnosed as gluten intolerant. It made me want to order a cake just for the hell of it. Sort of that need to try everything. Start working down the list.
I will resist…but I won’t keep myself from going back in and getting more goodies from the bake case. There is plenty of amazing allergen-free goodies to go around and for me to sample. For now, I thank Louisville for this gem of a business. It has definitely just made my list of favorite spots to go in Louisville. And…being right in my backyard, I sense that my Saturday mornings just got a lot more delicious.
Thank you, Annie May’s Sweet Café for making my birthday special…and for keeping an allergen-free business where I know I can safely enjoy the food and goods that you serve. I am forever in your debt.
And you better believe I’ll be back.
Now…excuse me while I go and sing your praises once more to everyone…
A slice of my Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake with Vegan Chocolate Ganache birthday cake, prepared by Annie May’s Sweet Café
It was the day before a big race. And for me…that means…pizza.
Seriously…it brings me good racing mojo. It’s superstitious, yes, but it seems to work out. As of now, all my best races have been run the day after I had pizza for dinner. Why mess with the system, right? It also just so happened to be the weekend of my birthday. My birthday was earlier in the week, but my roommate’s family wanted to treat me to a lunch at any place of my choosing.
Now, this normally wouldn’t be a problem, but I tend to attempt to choose places that have options for everyone…and as a gluten-free vegetarian this isn’t always easy. Not everyone is keen on the tofu scene, if you catch my drift.
However, just recently, a new pizza joint opened up in Louisville, Kentucky. It was one I had been wanting to try out for ages, as they have locations throughout the states. Yes…I realize that this makes them a chain, but the gluten-free pizza is worth writing about. The place I speak of…is The Mellow Mushroom.
Now, a year ago, I had been invited up to Indianapolis for a birthday party that the birthday girl set at The Mellow Mushroom due to the gluten-free options. Just for me. And then, sadly, due to reasons I couldn’t get around, I couldn’t attend. But I had been talking about getting to a Mellow Mushroom ever since the invite…and it just never happened. I knew that Louisville was in the process of getting one, and a week before my birthday, as I drove by the location, I noticed that it was open. The answer to where to have my birthday lunch was answered.
So, Saturday afternoon rolled around and Cathy’s family arrived at the apartment. We took two cars over and figured we would meet up inside of the Mellow Mushroom itself. There is little to no place to park on Shelbyville Road, so we ended up parking at a lot up the way. Cathy’s mom managed to find a close spot, which was good for her and Aunt Judi. So, it all worked out. We were actually the first to arrive in the end, however, so Cathy, Amanda and I went inside and got a booth for five people. The three of us shared one side, and we left the other side open for Cathy’s mom and aunt. We were perusing the menu and trying to decide on what to get when the rest of the party showed up.
That being said…an appetizer was ordered. Not for me though, as there really are no gluten-free appetizers for me to enjoy. I was actually okay with that though, as I knew that the only size the gluten-free pizza came in was rather large, despite my roommate and I splitting it. They got the Spinach Artichoke Dip (7.95), which was this bowl full of cheesy, gooey cheese and artichoke hearts served with garlic toast. The rest of the table devoured it. And we were ready to place an order for our meals.
Amanda and Judi each contented themselves with one of the half hoagies that the menu offers. And Cathy’s mom got a 10″ Funky Q Chicken Pizza ($13.95).
Cathy and I were pretty set on what we wanted to get. We ordered the Gluten-Free Kosmic Karma Pizza ($19.95), which is served on a 12″ crust, which in Mellow Mushroom land…is six slices all together. The Kosmic Karma pizza means my gluten-free crust was topped with their red sauce base, then covered with feta and mozzarella cheeses, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and Roma tomatoes. The extra finishing touch is a beautiful pesto swirl. I mean, this pizza was a work of art.
The Mellow Mushroom makes no qualms about the amount of time that it takes to serve their pizzas. They put a lot of work into them and that means, yes, they do take some time. That was the whole point of the appetizer that the rest of the table had. But when food arrived, we all were very happy with the items we had.
The Kosmic Karma pizza is absolutely delicious. I love the tomato-y combination of Roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and the red sauce, which made an amazing base for the crust, which is made at The Mellow Mushroom and is a great combination of bean flour, tapioca flour, and rice flour. This made for a very crispy crust that didn’t fall apart when I bit into it. And the flavors just worked so well with the vegetarian toppings. I was one happy girl upon my first bite. And I savored each one. Honestly. I went back for a second piece, while my roommate tried out a slice of her mom’s regular pizza. She told me she preferred the gluten-free crust to the regular. That is definitely saying something.
I was so happy with the pizza that the Mellow Mushroom brought out. Their gluten-free crust was crunchy, flavored well, and held up to the toppings. I devoured it and then took the rest home to nosh on throughout the week. Guess what…the crust reheated with a crunch still. It made me love the Mellow Mushroom even more. I can’t express my elation with the flavors, the food, and the service we received there. I had a great experience and just loved everything about the establishment.
I intend to go back very soon for more amazing gluten-free pizza. Why? Because it really was that good.
So…a couple weeks ago, I tried out my first ever Snikiddy product. While this company makes a plethora of gluten-free snacks, I had yet to pick any up. Why? Mostly my budget. But when my grocery store ran a sale on them, I was all about seeing what they were all about.
Prior to this, I had only tried the Snikiddy Cheddar Cheese Baked Fries. And I loved them. They were packed with cheesy flavor, but didn’t leave that crazy orange residue on your fingers. I loved the texture, the taste, everything about them.
The other flavor I bought at the time was Snikiddy’s Southwest Cheddar Baked Fries. I was quite excited to be trying these out after how much I enjoyed the plain cheddar ones. I dished up a serving size, 28 grams, and took them to work with me this week. At snack time, I pulled them out of my desk drawer, and popped the top. I snagged my first little fry, popped it in my mouth.
And BAM…cheese flavor. Right off the bat. My first thought was that these weren’t spicy at all. And then, that was when the heat kicked in. It wasn’t hot, but you could totally taste that jalapeno flavor through the mix of cheese, tomato, onion and garlic. I loved the spice. But just hadn’t expected it to be that pronounced. I actually coughed a little bit. My office mate looked over at me, and I said, “Wooo…spicy!”
But, that was what set these apart from the regular cheddar ones. These baked fries have that nice addition of heat to them, which blends well with the mix of cheddar and parmesan cheese that are incorporated onto each fry. I thought they tasted a lot like a fry that had been dipped into a cheesy, spicy queso. So delicious. That hit of heat at the end of each bite really makes these a showstopper. My palate was on fire…but in a good way.
Just as before, the Southwest Cheddar Baked Fries by Snikiddy are all-natural, gluten-free, wheat-free, contain no hydrogenated oils, no trans fats, and are low in saturated fat. These snacks are also very low on sodium and contain 50% less fat than regular potato chips. Snikiddy Southwest Cheddar Baked Fries are vegetarian, kosher, cholesterol free, and contain no MSG. One serving will only set you back 130 calories, and the serving size is a decent amount.
And they are spicy. These amazing little finger snacks are like having seasoned fries without the guilt. And the nice crunch is like what you would get when biting into Cheetoes…but with more healthy ingredients and nutritional stats.
These amazing snacks are hot, hot, hot…so if you like to add a little spice to your snack time, I highly recommend these.
The Celiathlete 