The Celiathlete

August 16, 2012

Kildare’s serves up full Irish experience with mediocre food

Restaurant: Kildare’s Irish Pub, Columbus, Ohio

It was one of those risks you take when you try out a new restaurant. You either get what you expect…or more…or it just falls short of everything you hoped it would be.

Being the Columbus, Ohio traveling fools we are (because…an awesome friend lives there…so travel has to happen), my roomie and I have pretty much pillaged every pub up that way. Including ones just outside of Columbus or in neighboring areas. But, it took a trip to the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio to discover Kildare’s Irish Pub, located in Columbus, Ohio. How we overlooked this one I’ll never know…but it was an oversight we sought to correct.

To be honest, the original plan was to drive up to Medina, Ohio to dine at Sully’s (only the best Irish pub this side of the pond!), but after a late night at the Irish Festival the night before…none of us were really feeling energetic or spry enough for the drive there and back. So, to keep the Irish theme alive, we decided to head to Kildare’s Irish Pub instead. This way my roomie still got her fish and chips…I could figure out what I could have…and Jenn…well, I never know what Jenn will order. She’s a sneaky one.

Anyway…finding Kildare’s wasn’t easy. In fact…we drove past it, despite having directions. The image on the internet showed a big red pub, reminiscent of Dublin Ireland’s very own Temple Bar. What we didn’t realize was that the side of the pub was painted red and the wall facing the road…was blue. But, we got there eventually, parked the car, and headed in.

In true pub fashion, you seat yourself. We opted for a table near the back, where we could get a good look at everything. Soon after settling in, the waitress came over to greet us, tell us a little about the pub, and see what we would like to drink. Of important note with Kildare’s…98% of the decor is from Ireland. Seriously. We played a game where we tried to decide what 2% wasn’t. Hey…you do these things while waiting on food. When the waitress returned with drinks (water for me and Magners for my friends), she asked if we had any questions. I told her I was a tricky one in that I was a gluten-free vegetarian…so I might need some menu guidance.

She told me that Kildare’s does fantastic with vegetarian…but not so much with gluten-free. Hey…she was honest! Anyway…with that in mind, she directed me toward the salad section. She even suggested the Kildare’s Salad, which would be safe…as long as I got it without croutons/flatbread. So…that’s what I got. The Kildare’s Salad with a safe balsamic vinaigrette ($5.99). My roommate, of course, ordered the fish and chips ($14.99) and Jenn went completely outside the box(ty)…and got the Philly Cheesesteak Boxty ($11.99). As everything is made fresh at Kildare’s…we settled in to watch some Olympics on the televisions and chat about anything and everything…as we often do.

When food arrived…I was actually surprised at the serving sizes. As my salad was only $5.99, I got a huge containing chopped Iceberg & Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions and julienne carrots. The dressing was kept to the side so I could add it myself (thank you!). It was a lot bigger than I imagined…but it looked fresh and delicious. And it was…but there was nothing that really set this salad apart from one that I could make at home. In fact…those are the usual suspects in a salad I make at home (minus the lettuce…as I’m a spinach girl). So…yeah…not so hugely impressed with the salad, but it was fresh, crisp, and edible. Nothing wrong with it…but…nothing that set it apart either.

My roommate got one plank of fish, which was slightly overdone on the tips. With it…a good serving of fries. Now, I’ve seen platters of fish and chips much larger than this one for the same price, but…it was actually in human portion sizes, so who is to complain about that, right? And as for Jenn’s Philly Cheesesteak Boxty (thin sliced roast beef, American cheese, and onions rolled in an Irish Potato Pancake then drizzled with Cheese Whiz)…well, my roommate tried a bite and said she liked it better than the fish and chips. So…there you have it. But this gluten-free vegetarian was pretty much…limited to salad.

But I’m used to that.

Overall, we decided that the food wasn’t bad…it just didn’t really blow us away. I love that in theory they try to keep things authentically Irish, giving a few meals an American twist (for those people who can’t step outside their food comfort zones). However, none of us walked out of there raving about what to have the next time we happened to be in town. In fact, we had already come up with the restaurant we want to eat at next time.

Good or bad…the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is straight out of Ireland, but the food…well…it was a bit of a letdown.

Kildare's House Salad (no croutons/flatbread) with Balsamic Vinaigrette — Kildare’s House Salad (no croutons/flatbread) with Balsamic Vinaigrette

August 15, 2012

So Delicious introduces Unsweetened Almond Plus – an almond milk with a boost in protein

Product: So Delicious Dairy Free Unsweetened Almond Plus Almond Milk – $3.37+

Almond milk is my favorite beverage out on the market. Since I became lactose intolerant, it has been my non-dairy beverage of choice. While So Delicious is normally equated to the coconut milk products that have been out on the market for years, this time…they are focusing on those of us who are enamored with almond milk. But, unlike the other almond milk out on the market, So Delicious has given their product an amazing boost in protein.

Where most almond milk has 1 gram of milk (despite being made from protein-rich almonds), So Delicious Almond Plus brings an astounding 5 grams of protein to each serving.

For me, as a gluten-free vegetarian, the chance to boost my protein intake is something I have been striving to work on. With the added boost in protein without overloading with sugars, So Delicious Dairy Free Unsweetened Almond Plus finally made it into my fridge.

I say finally because it took some time to get it into stores here. In fact, I have only seen it at Wal-Mart, where I normally don’t shop, but I had to go in there for some race clothes one day. While there, I scoped out some products I normally buy elsewhere to compare prices. And what did I find? Yep…the elusive Unsweetened Almond Plus from So Delicious. Needless to say…it came home with me.

And so, my Apple Cinnamon Chex are being dressed, each and every morning, with a healthy serving of Unsweetened Almond Plus. This delicious take on almond milk is 100% free of soy and dairy. It also has 9 essential amino acids that the body needs. As it is unsweetened, this has no sugar added to it. And each serving (1 cup) is only 40 calories. Combine that with the extra boost of calcium that almond milk provides in each glass, and I’m sitting pretty each morning.

This almond milk in no way lacks flavor. It has a great texture and isn’t too thick like some can be. I found the taste to be “so delicious”…honestly. I fell in love with it from first sip. And, I shouldn’t be surprised…So Delicious also provides my gluten-free life with amazing coconut milk and dairy-free/soy-free ice cream goodies.

They have become a go-to brand…and this only solidifies their standing. I’m once again falling in love…with a beverage.

A healthy…does your body good…kind of beverage.

August 14, 2012August 14, 2012

GIVEAWAYS GALORE FROM RUDI’S GLUTEN-FREE BAKERY

My friends, the talented people at Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery, are at it again. That’s right…they are releasing some new products onto the market and they want you, my readers, to take part in a fantastic giveaway that is currently going on…NOW!

Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery just began their What’s Under Wraps Facebook Campaign this week! For the next three weeks, starting August 13 (yesterday!), Facebook fans for Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery get the opportunity to guess which kitchen gizmos are wrapped in the NEW Rudi’s Gluten-Free Tortillas and immediately get entered to win what’s underneath. Additionally, once fans “like” Rudi’s Gluten-Free on Facebook, they also receive a coupon for $2.00 off so they can rush out to the store and try the three flavors of Gluten-Free Tortillas.

Yes…three flavors. Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery has created Plain, Spinach, and Fiesta tortillas. Go ahead…dance a jig of happiness. You know I did. Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery is founded on the idea that when you go gluten-free, you shouldn’t have to give up anything. And thanks to them, this new line of three different tortilla flavors means you can still have your wraps like everyone else.

Even better yet…you don’t even have to guess correctly to receive the prize that is wrapped up beneath the tortilla. Prizes include a Cuisinart Stainless-Steel Ice Cream Maker, Bella Quesadilla Maker, Tiago Tortilla Warmer, and a Le Creuset Dutch Oven, and the new Rudi’s Gluten-Free Tortillas. Each daily winner is chosen at random and announced on Facebook the following day. So…be watchful because it could be you!

Keep in mind that Rudi’s Gluten-Free products are free of all artificial ingredients, preservatives and genetically modified organisms – including the new tortillas. This means when you look at the ingredients on the package…you will recognize them all. No guesswork here. And that is part of the magic of Rudi’s Gluten-Free. The tortillas are all made with whole grain flours and have a soft, pliable texture, ready to be rolled into a burrito or sandwich wrap. And with the three varieties, there is something that will satisfy everyone’s tastes.

To help inspire that kitchen creativity, the Facebook application also includes a daily recipe featuring food that is created with different flavors of Rudi’s Gluten-Free Tortillas, such as Dessert Nachos, Mini-Mexican Pizzas and Picnic Tortilla Roll-Ups. These recipes were all created by Rudi’s Gluten-Free experts to help maximize the taste and texture of the tortillas.

BUT WAIT…THERE IS MORE!!

One lucky reader of this blog will also get the opportunity to win another prize from Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery.

That’s right.

My friends at Rudi’s Gluten-Free have presented me with a phenomenal gift basket in honor of their Gluten-Free Spinach Tortillas. This amazing prize pack is pictured here:

This includes a picnic basket with service for four people, including flatware, plates, glasses, a wine opener, and napkins. In addition, there is also a picnic blanket included.

And who doesn’t like a good picnic, right?

All you have to do is comment below with your answer to this question:

What is your absolute favorite food to take on a picnic?

One winner will be chosen at random to receive this beautiful gift basket, compliments of Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery.

So…make sure you join in the fun with the What’s Under Wraps Facebook Campaign and then be sure to leave a comment here to be entered to win the prize pack shown above.

Go leave your best guess…then hurry back and tell me your favorite picnic food and some amazing gifts could be headed your way.

Eating gluten-free just got a lot more tasty and fun!

August 14, 2012

Holy gluten-free donuts! Katz introduces amazing Chocolate Frosted Donuts!

Product: Katz Gluten-Free Chocolate Frosted Donuts – $6.99

Katz Gluten-Free has done it again. This company has been winning my gluten-free heart and taste buds over with the fantastic products provided via their Web site. No joke. Whenever I see a special being offered regarding their products, I leap on the chance to use it. So, despite having two coupons for half off an order, the other day, Katz put up a special – order $30 worth of product and get donuts…free. One pack of donuts…of your choosing…free.

Well, I just happened to be heading out of town, and Katz donuts are one of my favorite things on the gluten-free market. They are amazing. No…seriously. You wouldn’t even suspect they were gluten-free if you didn’t know. In fact, you might even assume it came from a local bakery, homemade, soft, amazing.

I was absolutely stoked when Katz announced they had a new product – chocolate frosted donuts. I had been asking for chocolate donuts…and here was the closest thing I was getting to it (so far). I was thrilled with this announcement and was making plans to buy some using some of my coupons at home…until the donut deal came over my e-mail. As I was heading out of town to visit my friend Jenn, I figured I could order a few products, tack on some donuts, and take them up to Ohio with me to enjoy for breakfast with Jenn one morning of my visit.

And that’s what I did.

The donuts arrived…and I went to put them in the freezer for the time being. They were transported to Ohio via a cooler and made the journey very well. The night before the morning we decided to indulge in some donuts, we left them out on the counter to thaw. The following morning…it was time to make the donuts.

Nothing could be easier. As I like my donuts to be warm (like they were fresh baked), I gave it a quick heat in the microwave (about 10 seconds), which got the icing all gooey, delicious and warm. The donut was soft, like a yeast donut (think Krispy Kreme). The sprinkles melted in the thawing and warming process, but that was okay. They just add a little color.

The chocolate was sweet, and the perfect compliment to the light donut that it coated. Each bite was a sweet treat. But, unlike Krispy Kreme (not gluten-free!), Katz is making donuts a little easier to stomach. A chocolate frosted yeast donut (with sprinkles) at Krispy Kreme would set you back 260 calories, 12 grams of fat, and load you up with 23 grams of sugar. Compare that donut to Katz gluten-free’s nutritional stats and one donut is only 170 calories, 8 grams of fat, and only 7 grams of sugar. You can’t argue with those statistics. Katz gluten-free managed to make a healthier donut. And they don’t lack anything in texture or taste. They are…simply amazing.

Jenn, my roomie, and I happily noshed on our gluten-free chocolate frosted donuts that morning, enjoy every last bite of them. And, we were quite satisfied at the end of our breakfast. Full, even. And that’s saying something with only 2 donuts each. It was a nice way to start off the day with a morning treat.

Katz makes fantastic products…and these donuts are just another fine example of the quality of their products. I am once again impressed. I brag about this company as much as possible, because they continue to churn out the best gluten-free foods out on the market. I have yet to be let down.

Thank you, Katz…for a healthier indulgence for this donut lover. Now my sweet tooth and my chocolate cravings are satisfied all at once.

Yum.

Katz Gluten-Free Chocolate Frosted Donut

August 2, 2012

Color me blue…bandaged…and bummed

Taped up foot to help with torn plantar fascia

Remember my letter to my left foot? Epic fail. Instead of doing me a favor and getting better…it decided it was going to ignore my pleas all together and so something of its own accord. It decided to get painful.

After my 4 mile run over a week ago, where I carefully taped up my foot and got through the race with no issues…my foot decided to fight back. So, after cooling down and standing around and chatting with my friend Keith afterwards, I stepped off the curb to start toward my car and found myself literally paralyzed with white-hot pain coursing through my foot. Not good. And from there…it got worse. To the point that after fighting all day to move, when I got home that Saturday late afternoon, my foot had enough. And I could no longer put any weight on it.

It was like that on Sunday too. So, Monday morning I made a phone call to my doctor to see about getting an appointment. I figured something had to be wrong because any pressure I put on my foot led to lots of pain and tears. She was booked up until 3:30 p.m. on Monday, so I ended up taking time off from work and finally getting in to see the doctor. This meant I needed some help from Cathy (the roomie) because I couldn’t walk anywhere. She got me up to the office, back to the scale, and then to the exam room.

My doctor came in and asked me some questions. At that point, my ankle was still a little swollen, but it wasn’t as bad as it had been. I had been icing it religiously and taking Ibuprofen though. Well, she decided it was Plantar Fasciitis, which is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is the plantar fascia and it connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot. She said she would schedule me with a podiatrist, but until then I was given some exercises to help with my foot. She offered to write me a prescription for crutches, but someone at the office had already volunteered to bring some in for me.

Every day, I would say a little prayer that when I woke up, I would be able to stand on my foot. But it didn’t happen. The pain didn’t lessen either. To bear any sort of weight on my left foot was excruciating. I’d try…oh, I would try, but it hurt like hell. The crutches were a Godsend, except they hurt my arms. That following day after I saw my doctor, I got a call from her office saying my appointment with my podiatrist would be the following Monday. A whole week away. I was more than a little frustrated. And I still hoped that I would be better by the weekend and could cancel my appointment with the podiatrist and get back to my active lifestyle and daily runs.

It didn’t play out like that. And one reason I had hoped to be better by that weekend was I was registered (for a whopping $55) to be a runner at The Color Run in Louisville. What is so great about The Color Run? Well, they throw paint powder on you as you run the 5K. A few ladies in my office were doing it. Every time they brought it up, I started to cry. Because I knew…I couldn’t do it. Not even walk it. Not with crutches. Could you imagine going 3.1 miles on crutches. My arms hate me for even thinking about it. It sucked. But I consoled myself with the fact that I was out of luck…and out of my entry fee on this 5K.

I thought I was dealing with that well, until I went to packet pick-up (after all, I paid $55, I should at last go get my number and swag bag…with t-shirt and all). I got my race number, my packet, my t-shirt and hobbled back to the car. And started to cry. I had really wanted to be a part of that race. And my foot had other ideas. No amount of consoling from my roommate helped either, but she tried. She really did. As the day went on, I endured pictures of the race going up on Facebook by not just my co-workers, but friends of mine who were able to be a part of the fun event. I had to stop going to Facebook, because it only made me cry again.

The very next day was my appointment with my podiatrist. That morning, I hobbled into the office and turned in my paperwork. They soon took me back to an exam room, got me prepped for some X-rays. Let me tell you, when you can’t put any weight on your foot, stepping up to a platform to get X-rays of your foot sucks. It sucks scissors.

But with the help of the X-ray technician, we got me up there and positioned for a few different X-rays…of both feet, the left foot, and the right foot. And then, with my crutches, I was back to the exam room and waiting on the podiatrist. He arrived…and introduced himself. He seemed very nice. He asked me to give some background as to what happened, so I told him the story about the race and everything. So…he was quite aware that I am a runner. Oh…and then I broke some more news to him…I am signed up for a half marathon on September 1, 2012…exactly a month away.

He hung his head, “Oh crap.” When he inquired as to my training schedule, I whipped out my iPhone and pulled up my app for that (Yes…I do have an app for that). He looked at it and then handed the phone back to me. And the said that it looked like I had tiny tears in my plantar fascia. He pulled up the X-rays and began to show me the evidence of this. And when he was done with that, he said that normally he would give patients a Cortisone shot in the foot, but as I am a runner, he wouldn’t do that. He believes giving runners a Cortisone shot is sending them on a suicide mission. So, he instead taped up my feet (yes…both of them) and got down to the nitty-gritty.

He gave me 6 exercises for my foot/ankle/calf muscles to do three times a day. I could still run. But I really had to dial it back. No more than 2 miles. Slow. Easy. And then…for the rest of my training, I was to move to the pool or the bike or the elliptical (as long as my heel doesn’t come up off the machine). Two miles of running. When I’m training for 13.1? Yep. But…I want to get better, yes? He then said, that if the pain didn’t let up…then we would have to nix the half marathon in 4 weeks. I almost cried. Almost. The only reason I didn’t was because it was still green lighted for now. FOR NOW.

Then he told me he wanted me back in the office on Thursday to get fitted for some orthotics for my shoes. Okay…I was supposed to go out of town to Columbus after work on Wednesday…but getting my foot back in working order did have to take precedence. So…I agreed and scheduled the appointment. Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to be until later in the afternoon. GAH!

Two reasons this frustrated me. For one…I was entered in a 5K (which I knew I couldn’t do…so now I was out another $30 I was out), and had to postpone my journey out of town to visit with a friend. But…it was for the best and in the best interest of my foot. It just sucked. Oh…and he told me I was not to use the crutches unless I was in a lot of pain. So, I sucked it up…and walked my way out of the office. Wouldn’t you know it…having my feet taped up helped!

So…here I sit…$85 poorer from races I don’t get to run. Plus out my co-pay at the doctor’s office…plus the co-pay I have to pay tomorrow when I go back. Let’s not forget the cost of my inserts for my shoes…

Yeah…it’s not pretty, friends. Not at all.

But, there is a silver lining to this cloud. Tonight I was able to stand on my left foot as I was changing into my pajamas. It didn’t hurt enough to make me think that I should sit down to do it. So, I see that as a good thing and as an improvement. I’ve been good about taking the anti-inflammatory he prescribed me. And I’ve been doing my exercises three times a day. I haven’t gone back to the gym yet…and I haven’t tried running…yet. I’m scared to. I don’t want it to hurt and I don’t want to do further damage.

But not running is killing me more, I think. I’m irritable, I’m cranky, and I’m missing it. Even if I can go for just two, slow miles…then…I’ll take it. So, I think on Monday…I might give it a shot. Even if I last for a few steps. I’m at least trying. I’ll get back to it. I hope. I was just reaching the peak of my running. I was better than I ever had been. And then I was sidelined. So…here’s to thinking positively and hoping for continued improvement. I’d really like to run in that half marathon. It’s women only race…which I love. I ran the 5K last year and said that this year it would be the half. I hope to still be able to do it. But that’s up to my doctor in the end. I trust him. After all, he called me the day after my visit to see how I was progressing, if the prescription was working, and if I was staying off the crutches.

As for the tape…it’s been a huge help. I’ve been walking on my own since he taped me up…and that was leaps and bounds ahead of where I was prior to going into his office to see him.

So, I’m bummed to sit out of yet another race I paid for…but I hope this will mean I can come back to the 13.1 miles I want to run in the beginning of September. Keep your fingers crossed. And here’s hoping my foot continues to heal properly, perfectly, and remains strong so that I can get back to pounding the pavement and building my speed and endurance back up.

Yeah…I miss running.

A whole hell of a lot.

August 1, 2012

Adding variety to their already varied line, General Mills launches Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Chex

Product: General Mills Apple Cinnamon Chex – $3.39+

You know what I love? Cinnamon. Really. I mean, obviously. My favorite kind of cookie is a Snickerdoodle…and I just love the sweet-spice flavor that cinnamon adds to certain things.

Already a fan of Cinnamon Chex, I was elated to hear that General Mills was expanding on their gluten-free line of Chex cereals. The new flavor – Apple Cinnamon.

Yep. Apple Cinnamon Chex. I figured I’d have to wait as long as I did for Gluten-Free Rice Krispies around here…but it wasn’t long after the launch that these were on the shelf of my local grocery store. And you better believe they came home with me.

Now, I grew up in the age of the changing flavors of Cheerios. Now, normally, unless they were Honey Nut, I didn’t care for the different varieties. However, that changed with the introduction of Apple Cinnamon Cheerios. For some reason…those…I liked. I was hoping that’s what this cereal would remind me of. Then again, it has been forever since I had Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, I’m not sure I actually remember what they tasted like.

Well, I had just polished off the brand of cereal I had open, so this morning, I cracked open the box of Apple Cinnamon Chex. They smelled fantastic. Like baked apples. For real. Who wouldn’t like that? So if the initial aroma had anything to say about the flavor, I was already anticipating my first bite.

I poured myself a serving (3/4 cup) of the cereal, noting that there were plain Rice Chex mixed with those dusted with the apple powder and cinnamon. I tried a couple just dry. The plain ones, like in the other varieties…are flavorless. However, grabbing one of the ones dusted with the apple-cinnamon flavor and yeah…that’s good.

That’s beyond good. What was even better was when I poured my unsweetened almond milk over it. Once those flavors got mingled in with the milk…the cereal was breakfast heaven. Honestly. I was just spooning that stuff up like it was going out of style. Another great flavor in the gluten-free cereals I can trust to taste good. Thank you, General Mills, for expanding on one of your gluten-free varieties and mixing up a delicious blend of apple-cinnamon flavor. And, each serving is only 130 calories with 2 grams of fat. So it’s not going to break your diet either. So, a gluten-free breakfast cereal that is nutritious and tastes like apple-cinnamon does exist…thanks to General Mills. And trust me, this lover of apples and cinnamon thanks them for it.

And so does my tummy…at breakfast every morning this week.

August 1, 2012

Getting back to good with Back To Nature Gluten-Free White Cheddar Rice Thin Crackers

Product: Back To Nature Gluten-Free White Cheddar Rice Thin Crackers – $4.59+

Rice crackers.

You either love them or hate them. In most cases, I hated them. Honestly. They tend to remind me a lot of what communion wafers tasted like. Just dry, flavorless, unimpressive crunchy bites. Yeah…not my most favorite thing.

The last variety of rice crackers I tried…left me rather reluctant to try more. They reminded me of…cardboard. Not that I ever ate cardboard, but it was just not to my liking. I found them dry, lacking flavor, and just…blah.

So, when I ran across a sale at my grocery store where certain products were on close-out, my roomie and I just grabbed some items we had thought about trying…but just couldn’t justify the risk of not liking it at that price. So, despite not being completely sold on rice crackers, the Back To Nature Gluten-Free White Cheddar Rice Thin Crackers made their way into the cart…and then into my pantry.

And there…they sat. I am working my way through gluten-free snacks by their expiration date, so these had to wait a couple of weeks. But today…they were given their moment to shine.

I opened up the box to pull out a serving to take to work with me for my afternoon snack. These crackers are little circles made from rice. They are naturally gluten-free. I pulled out a serving of them and then called my roommate over for a taste test. As my roomie doesn’t have to eat gluten-free, I like to get her take on the items I buy to indulge in and eat. She took one of the crackers and took a bite, looking very thoughtful. She popped the rest in her mouth, then asked for another. When she nibbled on that, she said…”These remind me of Bugles.” Remember Bugles? Those little cone-shaped snacks that everyone puts on their fingertips before eating? Yeah…those. I ate those a lot growing up…so that was a good sign. And now that I can no longer eat them…well…maybe this would be a good substitute.

At work today, I pulled them out for my afternoon snack. A little bit of caution was taken when I took my first bite. But when I did, what I found was how light these crackers were. The crackers were dusted with white cheddar powder, which stayed on the crackers and didn’t coat my fingertips (like Cheetos would). This is good, because I snack on these while I’m working on some paperwork. I wouldn’t want to get that all over my papers. I loved the crunch these crackers packed. But, more than anything, I appreciated the fact that these had flavor. My roommate was absolutely correct…they tasted like Bugles. Huh. Go figure. They weren’t bland or lackluster when it came to texture.

Even more, they aren’t an unhealthy snack. The serving size is 30 grams (or about 18 crackers). These are very low in fat. Even better, they contain no cholesterol, no gluten, no hydrogenated oils, and are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. WIN! So…naturally good. That’s even better. No chemicals. No guessing. No wondering what exactly it is you are eating. It’s all laid out for you.

While rice crackers are still not my favorite snack to munch on…these aren’t bad. Not at all. In fact, they are quite good. Delicious even. And I’m happily packing up another serving for tomorrow.

Back To Nature did gluten-free rice thin crackers a favor…and they can’t get much better than this White Cheddar variety. Really well done!

July 31, 2012

More love for Livwell…this time for Gluten-Free Crumpets

Product: Livwell Gluten-Free Crumpets – $4.99+

In honor of the Olympic games carrying on in London right now, I am feeling more connected to the English and British. Therefore, I’ve been planning some meals accordingly and preparing certain dishes with London on my mind.

Thanks again to the fabulous people at Livwell…another delicacy is once again back in my diet. What might this be, you ask.

Crumpets.

Yes…those very English breakfast griddlecakes…that are somewhat of a hybrid of an English muffin and a pancake. I, for on, have always loved crumpets. But, alas, being gluten-free usually means I have to pass on any baked goodie unless I make it myself. While I’m certain I am more than capable of giving this a go, my mornings are often rushed and busy. So…now I know where I can purchase some and know for sure they are safe for me to eat.

First of all, these thin, flat cakes are, in my opinion, best served with butter and jam. I also tacked on a little drizzle of honey…but I’ll get to that.

I found the Livwell products on the shelf of my local Whole Foods. I have insisted that they never, ever get rid of the products because I keep finding new ones in their line that I absolutely love (Hello, gluten-free pita bread!). They said that most people who don’t like Udi’s like the Livwell stuff, and if you like Udi’s, you don’t like Livwell. I’m the happy medium…I like both. Seriously. So far, I’ve enjoyed everything. So, I like the way this is going and will continue to try other products in the line.

The crumpets come in a pack of four, all vacuum sealed. All the preparation that is needed is giving it a short toasting in the toaster. That easy. I opened up my package of them for my roommate and I this morning. These spongy cakes smelled amazing just coming out of the package. And so, into the toaster they went to warm. When the popped up, they were toasty, warm, and ready for a schmear of butter, strawberry jam, and a drizzle of honey.

In a word…it was a gluten-free breakfast of awesomeness. The only way my breakfast could feel more English would be to devour it with some tea. Which…is exactly how I intend to eat these tomorrow…dressed the same, but with a delicious cup of hot tea. Nothing could be better in the morning while I get caught up on Olympic news. These light, low calorie, soft little griddlecakes are so good, you won’t even know they are gluten-free. Absolutely loved them. And at only 110 calories for one crumpet…you can’t go wrong. Spread a topping on and enjoy however you like it.

Again, Livwell…I continue to sing your praises.

Livwell Gluten-Free Crumpet (topped with margarine, strawberry jam, and honey)

July 30, 2012August 1, 2022

Recipe: Gluten-Free Perogies

With the onset of gluten-intolerance last year…I was missing out on an important piece of food from my life. My mom used to make them. I’d eat them as fast as she could cook them up. I’m talking about perogies. Yes. Perogies. Those delicious Polish dumplings that are stuffed with goodies in the filling. In my case, it has always been potatoes and cheese.

Believe me, when the wonderful Jules Gluten Free posted this recipe on her blog, I couldn’t wait to make it. Even better, my CSA bin was going to have Yukon gold potatoes in it…so I had the filling. Some extra-sharp Cabot cheese was the other part of the filling. And together…with the dough recipe…I was finally going to have perogies in my life again.

I couldn’t wait.

The recipe is super simple. Not a lot goes in to them. Just remember to not let your dough dry out as you stuff them.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Perogies

Servings: 36
Time: Prep 50 minutes; Cook 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the dough:

2 cups Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large egg
1/4 cup sour cream, dairy or non-dairy alternative (I used Tofutti’s Better Than Sour Cream)
1/4 cup +/- very warm water

For the filling:

1 pound Yukon gold potatoes
3/4 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese (I used Cabot)

Directions:

In a large-bottomed bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Whisk together with a fork. Form a well in the center and pour the oil and cracked egg into the well.

Whisk these together without incorporating much flour, until well mixed. Add the sour cream to the well next, whisking to integrate.

Gradually begin stirring the flour in with the wet mixture in the center. Meanwhile, pour 1/8 cup of water on top of the dry ingredients and stir that in as well. As the dough gets too dry, add in the additional 1/8 cup water. Continue stirring with the fork until all the liquid is completely integrated. If the dough is too dry, add more water, one tablespoon at at time. The dough should hold together without being overly wet and sticky.

Gather the dough into a ball and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Set out on the counter for at least 30 minutes while you prepare your fillings.

Cover the potatoes with water and add a little salt. Bring to a boil and cover. Allow potatoes to cook until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain the water and mash with a potato masher. Add the cheese. Stir well. Season to taste.

After 30 minutes, prepare a clean counter or pastry mat by dusting with All Purpose Flour. Divide the dough in half, turning one half of the dough onto the dusted surface and leaving one half of the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Begin rolling the dough by rolling gently in one direction, then in the other, to form a 1/8 inch thick round of dough.

Using a 3-inch round cutter (or larger), cut out circles of dough until all the dough is used. One half of the dough should yield about 18 3-inch rounds.

Scoop out a marble-size ball of your prepared filling and place it just off the center line of one pastry circle. Press each ball into a longer shape, more like the last knuckle of your index finger, so that the filling will fill the cavity of the crescent formed by folding the dough over itself.

Dip your finger in water and lightly dab around the edge of each pastry circle to wet it, helping one side to adhere to the other when folded over the filling.

Fold one side of the pastry over the filling, forming a semi-circle.

Press gently, being sure to seal the edges, then press again lightly with the tines of a fork. Set each formed pierogi aside and cover with a damp towel until ready to boil.

Bring a large pot of water to boil and gently submerge each pierogi in the boiling water. Put only as many pierogies into the pot as can boil without crowding (I boiled 6 at a time). Stir once in awhile, if necessary to prevent them from sticking together. Once they begin to float, boil another 5 minutes – total boil time should be approximately 6-7 minutes.

Remove with a skimmer or slotted spoon to rinse and drain. Try not to let the pierogies touch while they are draining, so that they will not stick to one another. Repeat until all pierogies are boiled.

Serve at this point, or pan fry in butter or non-dairy alternative until slightly crisp.

~*~*~

For my first attempt, these didn’t work out quite as planned. But, they were still good. They lacked some seasoning, but that was my own fault. I ended up boiling them, then searing them off in a pan with some butter. Very yummy. Gave them a little crisp on the dough.

While these do require some work, some time, and yes…some patience…being able to eat perogies again made it all worth it. And I, once again, have the marvelous Jules Gluten Free to thank for this recipe!

July 29, 2012

Recipe: Vegan and Gluten-Free Blackberry Cornmeal Muffins

I am laid up with an injured foot. And it sucks. So, what does this mean? Well, it means if I want to do more than sit on my duff on my couch and waste away, I make myself hop somewhere in the kitchen and do something…productive. I’ve been doing it a lot this past week, seeing what I can create from some of the goodies from my CSA bin.

Today, my ingredient of choice was blackberries. I received 6 ounces of them in my bin, and while I could just eat them straight from the container, my roommate is a little apathetic when it comes to blackberries. No worries…I can work around that. I’ll just…bake them into something.

So, I hit up my gluten-free pantry and realized I had some Arrowhead Mills Cornmeal that I needed to use up as the expiration date was approaching. No problem. I got online and did a little recipe hunting to get some ideas. And I found one that I then totally altered to make…vegan. No eggs and no oil. Instead…I simply used applesauce. And this…my good friends…worked beautifully…and totally lowered the calorie count!

Recipe: Vegan & Gluten-Free Blackberry Cornmeal Muffins

Servings: 12
Time: Prep 10 minutes; Bake 20-25 minute

Ingredients:

1-1/4 cups gluten-free flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour)
3/4 cup fine grind yellow cornmeal (Arrowhead Mills)
2/3 cup sugar (I used Truvia)
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
zest of 1 lemon
1 cup. milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)
1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
1-1/2 cup blackberries ( I used fresh organic)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Line a muffin pan with paper cups.

In a large bowl combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.

In a separate bowl, mix together the milk and applesauce milk.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir just until blended.

Stir in berries.

Spoon batter into muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

~*~*~

The result? A sweet corn muffin with a hit of the sweetness of the blackberries mixed in. These were really delicious, especially warm. I loved the way the cornmeal and blackberries worked together and just bring a punch of fruity-savory flavor to each muffin.

Best part…each muffin is only 88 calories and 1 gram of fat. Healthy, delicious, and fresh. Can’t argue with that.