The Celiathlete

February 29, 2012

Glutino Strawberry Breakfast Bars make gluten-free on-the-go easy and delicious

Product: Glutino Strawberry Breakfast Bars – $5.99+

Ah…the days of breakfast bars. I thought I had left those behind when I went gluten-free a year ago. And, for the most part, I had. With the exception of a Larabar or Think Thin bar every now and again after a long run or so, I pretty much nixed everything else. Not just because such things are nigh on impossible to find (albeit that is part of it), but also because the products that are out there are so pricey.

But such is the life of a gluten-free girl, yes? My food budget is soaring and there isn’t a thing I can do about it. Frankly, I have to eat, and that sometimes is a challenge when dietary needs core into the picture.

Breakfast bars then? Frivolous. Costly. And not necessary.

And then, I went to a gluten-free tasting fair at a local natural foods store one afternoon. Different products were set out for people to taste, try, sample, and fall in love with. Some were winners right off the back. Some fell flat. And then there were some that I filed away for days when my roommate wanted to treat me to something gluten-free, or if the budget allowed for a gluten-free goodie.

One such product was the Glutino Breakfast Bars. The tasting fair had out samples of the blueberry bars, and they were fantastic. But, when push comes to shove, I am a strawberry girl all the way. So, one day while out grocery shopping, a box of the Glutino Strawberry Breakfast Bars found their way into my cart and then into my pantry.

Today…I busted out one of them for my afternoon snack. Now, back when I was growing up, one of the fresh, hot, “nutritious” products on the market was Nutri-Grain bars. Remember those? That’s what these remind me of. A layer of gluten-free pastry stuffed with a fruity filling. A little savory and sweet all rolled into one.

Glutino Strawberry Breakfast Bar (wrapped)

Now, one thing I did notice was how deceiving the packaging is on these. The bar is about the length of a point-and-shoot digital camera, yet it’s packed in a full-size bar wrapper. Size deception aside, however, these actually do taste fantastic. The fruit is sweet and quite tasty. It doesn’t have a ‘fake’ flavor to it and no sugar-shock value. The pastry-like outside is a bit on the heavier side, but not too dense. It rounds out the sweet berry flavor and gives the bar a healthy dose of fiber. I liked it. I actually think I preferred the blueberry that I sampled, but the strawberry was quite good.

Would I buy this again? If the budget allowed, you bet. It’s a quick, on-the-go snack or breakfast that is filling and, honestly, delicious.

If the pocketbook allows, and you’re looking for something handy to keep around to grab while on the go, these are a great go-to option. But, then again, they are from Glutino, who has yet to serve me up a product I dislike.

February 28, 2012

150 miles of road behind me…

I have to blog about the amazing race that I ran in on Saturday that helped get me to this point…but thanks to an outdoor run last night and a run this morning, I have reached yet another milestone toward my running goal for the year.

This morning…I topped off the tank at 150 miles.

I’m here on the cusp of March and already down to just needing 350 more miles to achieve my goal. With four half marathons already booked this year, and one more as a possibility, this goal is looking more achievable each day. Now, that’s not to say there won’t be days that I can’t run…or don’t. With upcoming events comes the build up and the taper off. And with that miles come and go. So, while I’m wracking them up currently, I have my first half marathon in May and recovery to follow from that.

I’m excited. And seeing my goal edging closer and closer just only makes me want to lace up my shoes again and head out on the road.

If this sort of weather keeps up, that might be feasible.

Also…in an upcoming blog, I have a new Monday routine thanks to me going out on a whim last night, stepping a little out of my running comfort zone, and just…making myself do something I normally wouldn’t. And in the end…I had fun and got in a great run in some unseasonably mild February weather. It was just what I needed. And, thankfully, I have a good support system in my roommate who, even if I fight it, tells me to go out and run because I’ll feel better. She’s right. I always do.

150 miles is a strong start this year. I hope I can maintain my health, remain injury-free, and keep it up.

Looking ahead now…towards the next 50 miles. Thank you, feet, for carrying me through these 150 miles. Onward…upward…and forward!

February 28, 2012

Special diets not a problem for Taco Mamacita

Restaurant: Taco Mamacita, Nashville, Tennessee

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

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

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

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

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

Soft corn tortillas for my chips and salsa order

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 27, 2012

Irish pub grub gone wrong at The Red Shamrock

Restaurant: The Red Shamrock, Birmingham, Alabama

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Red Shamrock's side order of waffle fries

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

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

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

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

Lesson learned.

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

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

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

February 27, 2012

Gluten-Free Powdered Sugar Donuts are the Katz meow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Because, believe me…it will tempt you.

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

February 24, 2012

A Family Affair

In just a couple of hours, I’m hitting the road. Not running. At least…not yet. I’m hopping into the car and driving South. To beautiful Birmingham, Alabama.

Why?

Well, for starters, my family lives there. My parents, siblings, their spouses, and their offspring. All of them.

And on Saturday morning…bright and early…something amazing is going to take place at Veterans Park in Hoover, Alabama. What might this glorious event be?

A race of course.

More precisely, it’s the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K Race. Benefits for this race go to Center For Celiac Research and the Birmingham Celiac Disease Support Group. And for this gluten-free runner, this is a big thing.

But that’s not the reason this race is so important.

This race will mark the debut of my brother-in-law, Bryan Morrow, as a road racer. Yes…he took up running a little while back and he’s actually quite good at it. I had the honor of being able to run with him when I was home at Christmas time, which was a nice treat. My runs are usually solitary, so it was nice to have a little relaxed conversation and just hit the road with another person outside of a race. I’m so excited to be a part of this event that will welcome him into the fold of races. I hope it only makes him want to enter more. I know after my first race I was hooked and ready for another one…and then I just kept searching and finding more and more to enter, working up the miles slowly, until I ran my first half marathon back in September. I want this for him. Maybe not at the pace I took for myself, but I do hope that he fines the joy I did through running. Taking time to enter a race is a great start. I love the race atmosphere and just can’t wait to get his take on the event.

And then…something else amazing happened. I got a phone call from my dad last night. He informed me that my grandpa, the one I wrote about in my past entry about my road hero, is going to be in town. He was just going to stay one night, and then my dad told him about the race Bryan and I are doing. He said he’d just have to stay for that. Then he inquired if I’d mind if he ran it too. Of course, grandpa is no longer running, but the option for him to walk it is there and I hope that he takes advantage of it.

These are exciting days and I’m so ready to get on the road, get to my family, and have a great race day tomorrow.

If you are in Birmingham, Alabama and want to check out the Gluten-Free Expo (on the campus of Jeff State Culinary and Hospitality Institute) or participate in the 5K Run/Walk…head over to the Web site and check it out: The Great Gluten-Free Expo – Birmingham, AL.

And Bryan…I’m proud of you. I can’t wait to run with you again!

February 24, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 22, 2012

Envirokidz Leapin Lemurs no giant leap for gluten-free cereal kind

Product: Envirokidz Leapin’ Lemurs Cereal – $4.99+

I’ve been pretty impressed, although not always blown away, by the Envirokidz line of gluten-free snacks and cereals that I’ve purchased.

This cereal was given to me by my boss. And just looking at the box made me incredibly stupid-happy (technical term) because it combined two of my most favorite things in the world: chocolate and peanut butter. Oh, if I didn’t already have an open box of cereal in my pantry, this would have been opened and consumed long before now. But the moment for this ultimate cereal-gasm finally arrived this morning, when I opened up the box and dished out a serving of Envirokidz Organic Leapin’ Lemurs cereal. All I added was a splash of unsweetened almond milk and settled in on the couch to feast before heading out for my morning run.

I had anticipated this first bite since being given the cereal and the moment had finally arrived. My spoon went into the swimming cereal, lifted up a bite, and my moment of longing was over.

I don’t know where to start…with the good or the bad. Hmmm…

The good:

Well, on the positive side of things, this cereal had a lot of crunch to it. If you are an avid viewer of morning television (I am not), do not pour a bowl of this cereal if you wish to hear what the morning news is all about. It is one loud bite after another. I like this though, because the cereal doesn’t get mushy in the milk bath it sits in. So often, I’m futzing with a blanket or booting up my computer, or something that it takes a moment after I add my milk to actually enjoy my cereal. By then, most of it is mush. Not this cereal. Lots of crunch and it stays that way.

Also, as mentioned on all previous posts about Envirokidz products, a 1% donation from your purchase of the product is donated to habitat and species conservation or education programs for kids. Who doesn’t love that.

Oh…and the ingredients are organic. The box specifically lists all ingredients with the word ‘organic’ in front of it where, applicable. For example, some of the ingredients include organic corn meal, organic whole grain corn meal, organic evaporated cane juice, organic peanut butter, organic molasses, organic cocoa, organic soy oil, etc. And, the ingredients are all words that I recognize and can point to and say, “Ah, I know what that is!” That is a comfort given the use of high fructose corn syrup, chemicals that act as preservatives, etc. in today’s products.

The bad:

It really, really, really has no flavor. When you get something that is peanut butter and chocolate flavored, you expect these flavors to pop. Well, these fizzle. Eventually, as you eat more and more, the flavor begins to show up, but it takes awhile and it isn’t immediate. When I have a cereal that is made of organic peanut butter and organic cocoa, by God, I want this cereal to taste like peanut butter and cocoa, not just corn puffs flavored (I guess) with these ingredients. I love peanut butter. I love chocolate. I wanted to love this cereal.

But I didn’t. It is okay. And, of course, I’ll polish off the box. But, if given the choice, I don’t think I’d purchase this on my own. There are too many cereals out there with fantastic flavor to waste on a bland breakfast.

I love what Envirokidz is doing for gluten-free cereal and for the environment. And, for the most part, their products have been awesome. This one just didn’t have me leaping for joy and wanting to screw the serving size and down a little more.

February 21, 2012

Recipe: Gluten-Free Lemon Streusel Pancakes with Berry Compote

It’s Pancake Tuesday!

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

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

Recipe: Gluten-Free Lemon Streusel Pancakes with Berry Compote

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

Ingredients for Berry Compote:

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

Ingredients for the Streusel Topping:

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

Ingredients for Lemon Pancakes:

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

Directions:

Begin with the berry compote.

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~*~

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

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

February 21, 2012

Pamela’s Products Simplebites a simple bite of extreme chocolate

Pamela's Products Simpebites Extreme Chocolate Mini Cookies

Product: Pamela’s Products Simplebites Extreme Chocolate Mini Cookies – $4.49+

The name should say it all.

These aren’t just called chocolate cookies. Or double chocolate cookies. No, my chocolate loving, cookie monster friends. These are called Extreme Chocolate Mini Cookies for a reason.

Simply put…they are a chocolate rush of rich, decadent, chocolate goodness.

Pamela’s Products delivers to us (yet again) another great product. This time…in bite-size form. I’ve had Pamela’s cookies before. A few different varieties (although I think I’ve only reviewed one of them – the peanut butter ones, if you were wondering). And they have all been a gastronomical delicacy that has provided my sweet tooth with plenty of gluten-free goodies. I swear by this brand. And these once again make me stand further by these products.

It’s an unassuming product name at first. Simplebites. Little cookies that make great finger-foods. Just grab and go. Tuck them away for a snack. Perfect size. And then you catch the Extreme part of the name. At first, you think…there is no way these unassuming chocolate morsels could live up to the ‘extreme’ name. And then you take a bite. They are the right mix of chewy and crunchy. The perfect amalgamation of textures and flavor. The chocolate immediately stands up and gets your taste buds ready for more. Honestly, it’s a good thing I portion these out (a serving size is 4 cookies) because it would be so easy to just open up the package and eat the entire thing.

We all know I’m a bit of a cookie fiend as it is. So when I say these are one of the most amazing cookies I have ever eaten since going gluten-free…it’s no exaggeration. In fact, I intend to use my new ice cream maker to create a gluten-free chocolate strawberry cheesecake ice cream with every intention of using these cookies as the “cookie crust” portion of the mix. Oh yes…these little cookies pack an extreme chocolatey punch.

If you extremely love chocolate, then these cookies are chocolate to the extreme and are made for you and your sweet tooth. Honestly…they are in a league of their own. Extremely simple. Extremely delicious. Extremely gluten-free. Extremely chocolate.

It’s a wonderful gluten-free world we live in…thanks to simple products like this that make an extreme name for themselves.

Pamela’s Products…you’ve done be proud yet again!