The Celiathlete

October 16, 2011

Udi’s cookies a chip off the ol’ gluten-free block

Product: Udi’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies – $5.99+

Just call me a real-life cookie monster. They are my second favorite treat. Ice cream will always be my first. So, one day while perusing my local grocery store for manager’s specials, I found Udi’s brand cookies on a table in the bakery. These were not on sale, but I knew I had to try them.

Why?

Because Udi’s was the first really delicious gluten-free brand I tried after having to go gluten-free. I was in Boulder, Colorado…and eating out at a restaurant called The Buff. I was prepared to, as I normally have to do now, order something without the included toast, but I noticed on the menu the option for gluten-free toast. SOLD! And it just so happened to be Udi’s bread. Back at the hotel in Denver, I had purchased a loaf of Udi’s bread for my roommate and I to use for our breakfast/lunch so we wouldn’t eat out all the time. I loved what I tasted at The Buff…and so, my love affair with Udi’s began.

And it has never stopped. I’ve tried two types of their muffins, I’ve had their bagels, and, of course, I’ve had their bread. But the cookies…this was the first I had seen of them in the area. The store only had a few packages…and they were all chocolate chip (which is my favorite type of cookie anyway so…that didn’t matter!), so I picked one up and actually paid full price for them. Don’t judge. I’m a woman with a gluten-free sweet tooth.

The package made it as far as the car before I had it open and my roommate and I were each trying one out. Instant cookie heaven. These look like they would be hard and crumbly, but they are actually the perfect cookie texture. A little crunch, but soft. And sweet. They are flavored with molasses, vanilla, and evaporated cane juice. It was the perfect level of sweetness and the chocolate chips were the star. Honestly…great chocolate chip cookies to munch on! I only wish they were bigger. These cookies are, honestly, about the side of a half dollar.

But the flavor does make up for the lack in size, and the serving size is two cookies. So it really is the perfect amount in the end.

The difficult thing now is finding them. That grocery store no longer carries them. My local Whole Foods and Rainbow Blossom don’t carry them. My other go-to grocery stores stock different varieties of gluten-free cookies…but not Udi’s. So, I found a delicious treat, but now I can’t buy it.

Hopefully they will work their way back into the products stocked by my local grocery store. Thankfully, they are a bit more plentiful in other places. Next time you feel like a cookie monster, reach for Udi’s gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. They are…cookie perfection!

October 15, 2011

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse brews up satisfying (but small) gluten-free menu

It was my birthday a couple weeks back.

My first gluten-free birthday at that. This made the choice of where to eat a bit more of a challenge. Since my birthday falls on International Talk Like A Pirate Day…the normal go-to spot was Joe’s Crab Shack. But…two years ago I became a vegetarian and back in February, I was instructed to go gluten-free (and, wow…I feel SO much better)…so the fried fishes at Joe’s were no longer an option for me. At all. And who really just wants a salad on their birthday?

I had found out via quite a few blogs about how BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse had added a gluten-free menu to their restaurant. And…it just so happened that we have a BJs in the Louisville area. So, my roommate suggested it to her mom, who was treating me to the birthday meal out, and the decision was made.

BJ’s was a busy place that day. We had to wait a couple minutes to be seated, but that was fine. With one of the major bridges closed between Southern Indiana and Louisville, KY…half of the dinner party was still trying to get into Kentucky. So…the wait was a good thing. We were seated, everyone made it, and we all began to peruse the menu. While the gluten-free at BJ’s is small (for the moment), it did have quite a few options for me.

Plenty of salads…a vegetable stuffed baked potato…a huge baked potato…soups (Tuscan tomato bisque or broccoli cheddar)…or a thin-crust pizza with any choice of their gluten-free toppings (which is all of them except the meatballs…which this vegetarian wasn’t interested in anyway). There is even a dessert option (something rarely seen in restaurants around here) for a gluten-free “pizookie” or basically a giant chocolate chip cookie served in a deep-dish pan and topped with vanilla ice cream. Pause for a moment…to drool.

I went with the pizza. After all…that would mean leftovers because…there was no way I could eat a 10-inch thin-crust pizza in one sitting. Well, I could, but I wouldn’t feel too good afterwards. I opted to top mine with mushrooms and roasted garlic…because that sounded really good. Everyone else did a variety of things…from sandwiches to pork chops, to a deep-dish pizza….to fish and chips. So, we had quite the variety on our table when all was said and done.

Food was delivered and my pizza looked and smelled amazing. I have always preferred thin-crust pizzas to pan or deep-dish pizzas, so this was exquisite! I waited for everyone to get their food, then as we all dove in for our first tastes, I picked up a slice, moved it to my plate (it was hot), and picked up a fork and knife to have my first taste.

It was…delicious. The gluten-free pizza crust was crispy, yet still had a bit of give to it. Just how I like my pizzas. I want them to hold up to the sauce and toppings and not fall apart when picked up. But I don’t want to be crunching on my crust either. And BJ’s had just the right consistency with theirs. The cheese, tomato sauce, roasted garlic, and mushrooms just melted together, the flavor just incredible. Pair it with the herb-infused crust and it was gluten-free magic. Honestly…this pizza was something to rave about. And I do…often. Because this experience made me want to go back to BJ’s and bring other people with me to try it out.

With leftovers in hand, we skipped dessert (but I will go back with a couple people and get that gluten-free chocolate chip pizookie!) as I had some homemade strawberry shortcakes at home for my birthday treat.

The service was fantastic. The restaurant caters to people with food allergies. And I felt safe eating there. I knew…what was put in front of me would not make me feel sick or hurt after eating it. And that was a confidence I wish I had when I ate out at more places. Big kudos to BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse for their foray into the gluten-free market and helping gluten-free diners like me feel confident in eating there.

Can’t wait to come back and try another gluten-free treat!

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse gluten-free thin-crust pizza — BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse's gluten-free thin-crust pizza (my toppings, roasted garlic & mushrooms)

October 14, 2011

I scream (and you should too) for ice cream from The Comfy Cow

There was a gem right in my backyard and I didn’t even know about it. I had no clue it even existed until I saw it was being featured on Man v. Food Nation on The Travel Channel. And it involved ice cream. ICE CREAM. Only my most favorite thing in this world and I didn’t know about this place!! Thank God for Adam Richman and those crazy food challenges!

The place I am speaking of is The Comfy Cow, Louisville, Kentucky’s very own ice cream destination. It’s here that customers get to sample and enjoy creative flavors of handcrafted, super-premium ice cream that is made right there on location. In fact, the Web site states that only the freshest and finest ingredients are used in each of their flavors. I can assure this is true, because on my last visit there, I saw staff hauling in the fresh ingredients to take to the back of the Westport Village location to begin making more of their delicious flavors.

One big draw to The Comfy Cow is the food challenge. Called The Comfy Cow, this sundae comes with fifteen scoops (or 90 ounces) of any of their signature flavors, which are then covered in fresh whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and served with four sidecars of any of their sauces and toppings, and finally finished off with chopped nuts. I learned from someone who actually ate this to choose the flavors wisely…as they were so excited about a bourbon flavor and a lemon flavor, that they had those added first, so they were the last to get eaten, and after she and her friends consumed the other flavors, all that was left was a melting bourbon lemony mess. But they managed to finish, despite the odd flavor at the end.

But what drew me to The Comfy Cow was a different sort of sundae. It has always been my go-to treat when it comes to ice cream. The Banana Split.

At The Comfy Cow, this treat is listed as A Monkey’s Delight. Gotta love the clever names on their menu! And what it includes is three scoops of their signature ice cream flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, and their “Strawberry” Fields Forever (MY FAVORITE!). These are then topped with a different topping (chocolate – hot fudge; vanilla – pineapple, strawberry – strawberries), covered with whipped cream, sprinkled with chopped peanuts, and then topped off with a maraschino cherry…all laden on top of one split banana.

It was the most exciting thing to eat. The flavors explode in your mouth. You can tell the ice cream is handcrafted and fresh. And I cannot say enough good things about their Strawberry Fields Forever flavor. Honestly…the best freakin’ strawberry ice cream I have ever eaten. Anywhere. Ever! Pair it with the vanilla and chocolate and you have Neapolitan Dynamite (heh…I made that up!), because they are the richest, finest flavored ice creams. Paired with the toppings and the ripe banana, this is simply one of the best sundaes you will ever consume. Fresh. Cold. Amazing. And save the Strawberry Fields Forever flavor as your last bite. Trust me. It’s awesome! But bring a friend or two…these sundaes are not meant to be consumed alone!

But why just go there for sundaes? This is an ice cream shoppe. There is so much more to try and I intend to work my way down the menu however I can. With my food allergies, however, anything with a cookie, cake, brownie or bar is off my radar. But that’s why I have friends!

This last visit, my parents were in town visiting, so my roommate and I decided to bring them here to try this ice cream that we’d been raving about. We all decided to go for regular scoops…and then sample each others. My mom got the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip. My dad took my advice about the Strawberry Fields Forever flavor and stuck with that. My roommate went for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and I got the Lemon with Raspberries flavor.

The Comfy Cow's Lemon with Raspberries ice cream

OMG…mine was fantastic. So fresh and creamy. The lemon and raspberry flavors really meshed well. It was a delightful treat and just so packed with fresh flavors. I couldn’t get enough of it. I did sample everyone’s ice cream as well and they were all AMAZING! But my lemon one was so delicious, I’m going to have to make myself try another flavor and not just stick with it or go with the Strawberry Fields Forever. Yeah…amazing, vibrant, light, and delicious!

The Comfy Cow is Louisville, Kentucky’s best ice cream shoppe around. Hands down. You can’t beat the atmosphere, the customer service, and the flavors that this place has to offer. How I didn’t know about it before, I’ll never know. Now that I do know about it…I’m hooked. And I’m always looking forward to going back and trying something else.

And maybe one day…me and about 15 other people will tackle that Comfy Cow Sundae (with flavors that won’t taste odd when melting together at the end). Maybe. Until then, I’ll happily share a sundae with a friend or lap up one of their fine scoops of ice cream. Calories don’t count when something makes you this happy.

And ice cream…good hand-crafted ice cream at a local location…makes me stupid happy!

The Comfy Cow's banana split (aka: A Monkey's Delight Sundae)

October 13, 2011

Chebe makes naturally gluten-free bread naturally delicious

Side dishes can be the bane of my existence sometimes when it comes to meal planning. While making a gluten-free main course is easy now, finding the perfect side isn’t always as simple. In fact, sometimes it can be a nightmare. Especially when you are having guests over and gluten-free spaghetti is on the menu. Who doesn’t like a little bread with their pasta? After all…it’s one of the best things to sop up all that extra sauce, right? (Okay…so I know how un-Italian it is to have bread with the pasta, but I’m an Irish girl, LOL!)

The idea that something is gluten-free doesn’t always sit right with people. The uninformed automatically assume that it is going to lack flavor…or taste of cardboard. Surprise all you naysayers out there…gluten-free food is full of flavor and often better tasting than what others might call “the real thing.”

While out shopping at a local natural foods store, I stumbled across a couple packages of Chebe bread mixes on sale and decided a splurge was necessary. After all…I had spotted other Chebe mixes at the grocery store, but was never brave enough to pay full price for them in case I didn’t like it. But…decision made…the mixes were purchased and I now had some options in my pantry should I need them.

That case did arise a few weeks later, when my roommate and I invited our friend Greg down to help me celebrate my birthday. That night, I was going to cook up some gluten-free spaghetti and vegetarian meatballs. My roommate suggested I make one of the mixes up to accompany the dish. I agreed, selecting the Original Bread Mix from the pantry. Then, I gathered all the necessary ingredients (olive oil, shredded Parmesan cheese, 2 eggs) and got to work on following the directions on the packaging to create the little bread balls that were shown on the cover.

Chebe Original Bread (pre-bake) rolled and ready for the oven

The dough was easy to mix and roll, each little ball staying in the right form. The oven was preheated and ready by the time I finished, so into the oven they went while I prepared the rest of the meal. By the time the pasta was cooked, drained, and mixed in with the sauce and vegetarian meatballs, Greg had arrived and everyone was hungry. The Chebe bread was pulled from the oven, smelling AMAZING, mind you, and I topped them off with a brush of melted margarine and garlic powder.

The bread cooled as I plated up the pasta and took it out to my roommate and our guest. I returned for the bread, stacking it in a small bowl and bringing it out to my eager (and hungry) guinea pigs. Keep in mind, these two do not have to eat gluten-free…so the gauntlet was thrown down. My roommate took a bite and immediately went back for another one. I asked what she thought and she said, “These are good!”

But Greg…my real challenge as he is very particular about his food…had to have his own say. “These aren’t good,” he said. “These are AWESOME!”

And that was when I knew Chebe had hit it out of the ball park. Grabbing my own little bread-ball of goodness, I took a bite, finding it perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. PERFECTION. Absolute perfection. And so delicious. The bread not only baked to perfection, but it wowed me (the chef) and my two fellow diners. I mean, knocked us off our feet. In fact, we all just kept grabbing for more, leaving only a few standing in the bowl. They later were reheated to have with breakfast the next day. And guess what…they were still crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Who needs “real” bread? Real bread is what Chebe is about.

In fact, the company prides itself on the fact that it never was about being gluten-free. The recipe for this bread, which is a staple in Brazil, is naturally gluten-free. Naturally good for you. Naturally delicious. It’s gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free, rice-free, potato-free, yeast-free, tree nut-free, iodine-free, sugar-free, peanut free, and non-GMO. Nothing gets added to make it better. All ingredients are recognizable…and the list is short on the package. Seriously. If that doesn’t make you feel good about a product, well, I don’t know what will.

This bread would have been equally delicious with just the mix and no added flavors (the Parmesan, the garlic butter, etc). I can attest to that. And now…I’m hooked on Chebe. I don’t want to make pasta again until I have more. I want to cook up other mixes…create meals around them. When a product makes me want to create a meal around it…then there is something special to it. I will sing my praises for Chebe because when something is this good by nature…then everyone needs to try it.

Everyone.

Chebe Original Bread, lightly brushed with a melted garlic butter

October 13, 2011

Van’s Gluten-Free Blueberry Waffles bring dimples of joy to the breakfast table

Hey! Leggo my…

On second thought…keep your Eggo waffles. They have yet to go gluten-free.

I’m not trying to be facetious here, but breakfast options can be limited for people on a gluten-free diet. I eat a lot of eggs. But after awhile…eggs get boring, no matter how you season or serve them.

Thank the gluten-free gods for companies like Van’s Natural Foods, who seem to be embracing the gluten-free community and offering up a variety of breakfast items that are quick and easy. Just pop into the toaster and serve.

While I have limited options around where I live, I have managed to find two gluten-free options from Van’s in my grocery stores. The previously reviewed gluten-free French toast sticks…and the gluten-free blueberry waffles.

Now, there is a plethora of gluten-free waffles out on the market. I’ve found one other kind here…and as a previous blog indicated, I didn’t like them. So I was a bit skeptical when it came to how Van’s waffles would measure up. But…my trepidation was short-lived.

First of all, they smell of blueberry heaven as they toast in the toaster. Despite being frozen, they emerge crisp and slightly brown from my toaster and hit the plate. A quick drizzle of syrup and I’m ready to eat. Breakfast is served…in less than five minutes. That doesn’t happen often for me…so this is a nice treat.

One bite…and I’m hooked. These waffles are sweet, probably in part to being flavored with fruit juices as well as berries. These hold up a little better to the syrup, as opposed to the Nature’s Path Wildberry ones I had previously consumed. While still growing soft as the syrup soaked up, these maintained a level of toastiness that satisfied my waffle-loving breakfast-foodie soul. The addition of the blueberries and blackberries gave the waffle the right amount of flavor. These were “Van”-tastic. (See…I made a pun!)

So many people think gluten-free means tasteless, bland, and boring. Thank goodness there are companies like Van’s Natural Foods out there striving to prove people wrong by producing quality gluten-free products. Gluten-free is delicious. And now…gluten-free mornings can be simple and satisfying. Check your grocer’s freezer and give these waffles a try.

October 13, 2011

Pacific Natural Foods squashes competition with low sodium versions of fall favorites

Pacific Natural Foods Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup. There are fewer things in life that make me happier than butternut squash soup. Seriously…THIS is comfort food to me. The rich, creamy flavor of soups made from squash just hit the mark for me. Some people consider comfort food a casserole or a rich dessert. To me, nothing beats a steaming bowl of soup.

Why?

Well, soups have potential. Every soup can act as a base for something else. But the true challenge of any soup is if it can stand on its own.

As far as pre-packaged soups go, I’ve had a lot of success with Pacific Natural Foods. Even better, quite a few of their savory flavors are available with 50% less sodium. Since The Agriculture and Health and Human Services departments released the dietary guidelines earlier this year, lowering American’s intake of sodium to 1500mg a day (or about half a teaspoon), sodium has been the topic of conversation. But, it is something that my roommate and I have been watching for years. High blood pressure runs in her family, so keeping an eye on sodium intake is just something we’ve always done when choosing processed foods.

My local grocery store has quite a huge lineup of different soups from Pacific Natural Foods. Since I LOVE squash soups, their Creamy Butternut Squash soup was one of the first to hit the cart during a recent sale. And nothing could be easier to make. Pour out serving, heat on stove. Serve. It’s that simple. You have time to make a grilled cheese sandwich to accompany it if you so desire.

I had high hopes for this soup when I settled in one chilly evening for dinner. One spoonful and I was swimming in soup heaven. This creamy soup has so much going for it. It has a slightly nutty flavor in part due to the fresh butternut squash that Pacific Natural Foods ensures is used in their soups. But, it’s seasoned and there is a hint of a spice behind that initial flavor. Closer inspection of the ingredients show that hits of nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger are used to season this soup. Flavor. This soup is bursting with it. From the smooth, creamy texture to the hint of spice as you swallow…this is everything a butternut squash soup should be. And only 280mg of sodium per serving. Winning!

This soup is also gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free. Which fits right into my dietary guidelines. Well done, Pacific Natural Foods…for once again showing that less really is more and that processed foods don’t have to load up on sodium to be packed with flavor. Food can naturally be good. And Pacific Natural Foods proves it over and over again with their delicious soup lines.

It’s soup season…don’t just take my word for it…savor it for yourself.

A bowl of Pacific Natural Foods Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

October 13, 2011October 13, 2011

Fall flavors ignite the palate in Alexia’s Harvest Sauté

It’s that time of year. The days are growing shorter. The air is getting that crispness to it. The leaves are changing color. And farmer’s markets are shutting down for the season. Grocery store produce aisles are packed with fall vegetables – potatoes, squashes, apples, etc. These are some of my favorite flavors which is why autumn is one of my favorite seasons. The foodie in me eagerly awaits those sensuous fall flavors and aromas…how simple spices can ignite a simple dish.

What Alexia Foods does with their Harvest Sauté is mix together some fall favorites and create a treat that is colorful and packed with flavor. This frozen bag is meant for a side…but my roommate and I split it between us and enjoyed it as our main course the night I cooked it up. Nothing could be easier. Inside are the frozen vegetables and a pack of sage-infused olive oil. Simply thaw the oil pouch in hot water and pour into a pan. Heat and add the blend of red potatoes, onions, whole green beans, and carrots. Sauté for about 10-12 minutes, until the potatoes begin to brown. Serve.

It’s that easy.

No additional seasoning is needed. The sage-infused olive oil adds tremendous flavor, and is enough to help cook the vegetables without leaving them laden in oil, greasy and inedible. The vegetables absorb the cooking oil, so each piece is seasoned in the pan as it cooks. Nothing is left undercooked. The time given to sauté everything is perfect. The potatoes almost fall apart on your fork.

What I loved about this blend was how reminiscent it was of foods I was given in Ireland. Most Irish meals are served with vegetables in the colors of the Irish flag (green, white, orange). And here we have green beans, potatoes, and carrots. Even for being a pre-packed frozen side, what Alexia Foods manages is to bring together healthy items, cooked in a healthy manner, and good enough to be eaten on its own or shared with others as a side.

I picked up four different types of these potato sides from Alexia Foods on a trip to the grocery store…and this was just the first tantalizing taste of what else was in store for me. What a way to start.

Looking for a fantastic flavor this autumn? Add some of Alexia Foods’ delicious potato and vegetable sides to your Thanksgiving feast. Or, wrap yourself up in your snuggie one night and treat yourself to something indulgently simple and delicious for supper. It’s not only a side…it can be what is for dinner.

October 12, 2011

Ooh la la…Van’s Gluten-Free French Toast Sticks a delicious morning treat

Van's Gluten-Free Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

No one is on top of their game in the morning. Not even me…the constant early-riser. There are days that I love to stand over the stove and cook up an omelet or some egg scramble, perhaps mix up some gluten-free pancakes, or bake up some home fries. And then there are mornings when the last thing I want to do is spend the morning in the kitchen, draped in my apron, trying to keep my work clothes clean while I attempt to make something edible.

That’s when the freezer section in the grocery store comes in handy for most people. When you have to eat gluten-free…it can be a bit more of a challenge. However, unlike other frozen breakfast food companies, Van’s Natural Foods seems to have embraced the gluten-free community. In my grocery store, I’ve found waffles and the cinnamon French toast sticks. It’s a start for this area, and I have no doubt that soon I will see other options there.

My local grocery store was running a 2/$5.00 special on Van’s products one day when I was in there. Spotting the blueberry waffles and the cinnamon French toast sticks (both clearly marked as wheat and gluten free), I decided to give them a try. Why not splurge a little on the grocery budget for a few more moments of rest on the sofa in the morning with my book? Sometimes it’s worth it.

Thank goodness…Van’s was more than worth the purchase.

Now…the packaging is a little deceiving when it comes to the French toast sticks. The image shows sliced bread sticks, covered in cinnamon and sugar, looking ample and fluffy and…picture perfect. The actual product is a lot different. The actual frozen bread is very thin. There is no sprinkling of cinnamon-sugar on the top. And not even when toasted does it begin to look fluffy and as picture-perfect as the box. But…I try not to judge a product on its cover…meaning, I don’t always give credence to the appearance on the box. What product actually looks exactly like what’s pictured anyway?

So, the bread-shaped slices went into the toaster, long enough to crisp and give me time to warm up the syrup to pour over the top. I tore the sticks apart, drizzled with a bit of syrup and settled in for my quick breakfast…already having my doubts. But when I sliced into one of the sticks, it had the perfect level of crispness. The texture was pleasing to the palate – light, not heavy. That way you don’t feel like taking a snooze immediately following your morning meal. It’s okay that the bread is thin, because instead you get a nice crispy outside, but a soft center. The bread is more cinnamon-flavored than topped with cinnamon. It’s sweet, which the brown sugar that is in the flour mixture plays a roll in, I’m sure. However, it meshed well together.

While they weren’t much to look at, even upon toasting, what Van’s brings to the breakfast table is a gluten-free treat that is not only fun to eat, but also delicious. Food doesn’t have to look just like the box, as long as it delivers in flavor. Van’s product may not look like much, but what it lacks in appearance is quickly made up for in texture, and more importantly, taste.

Gluten-free breakfasts are simple and simply good again. Thanks to Van’s Natural Products.

October 12, 2011

Rudi’s makes a heavenly slice of (gluten-free) pizza

It is virtually impossible for me to eat pizza these days. Which is sad…honestly. Because I love pizza. I love everything there is about pizza. In fact, I love playing around with different toppings and seeing how the flavors mesh. But, being a gluten-free vegetarian doesn’t always make this easy. Especially around where I live. In fact…unless I venture over the Ohio river to one of two local places that offer a gluten-free pizza…then I’m usually out of luck.

And then Rudi’s gluten-free pizza crust came into my life. Literally. In a box from UPS.

Suddenly pizza was back on the menu. And better (and healthier) than any restaurant-served pizza, I now had the opportunity to prepare my own…any way I wanted it. The little allergic chef in me rejoiced at the opportunity to not only try a new product, but to lay down some new flavors in a pizza.

Here’s what I love about Rudi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crust…EVERYTHING!! First of all…the calorie and fat content beats any ready-made crust in stores. My roommate wanted to make regular pizza while I had gluten-free…but she didn’t like the nutrition information she was looking at. Aside from that, all the weird and unpronounceable ingredients in a lot of the store-bought pizza crusts can’t be good for your body. I recognized everyingredient on the Rudi’s gluten-free pizza crust package. In the end…my roommate got to have some gluten-free goodness for her pizza as well.

Seasoned Rudi's Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts — Rudi's Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts, seasoned with olive oil, rosemary and some crushed red pepper

That night’s pizza was a goat cheese and potato pizza with a splash of rosemary. Epic goodness…but only enhanced by the amazing crust that acted as it’s base. I laid out the crust, brushed it with a bit of olive oil and seasoned it with rosemary and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. I laid down some Mozzarella Flavor Veggie Shreds (that’s non-dairy mozzarella cheese), some very thinly sliced potato, chunks of goat cheese, and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes.

Into the oven it went and I crossed my fingers.

Here’s what I expect from a pizza crust (even the ready-made ones)…for it to bake to a delicious crisp. For it to not fall apart and drop all my toppings into my lap or onto my plate. For it to only add to the flavors of the pizza, and not take away from it. So, after baking in the oven, I pulled the pizzas out, sliced them to perfect portion size, and took my first bite.

The crust…was perfection. It had a sweet flavor to it, which really balanced out the flavors of the pizza toppings. It had a nice texture. The flavor was outstanding. I was hooked at my first bite. Seriously. I closed my eyes and took another bite, focusing on every burst of flavor from the crust. The texture was outstanding. And, the other half of the pizza was dinner the next night, so into the refrigerator it went. In most cases, pizza crusts grow soggy overnight in the fridge, making the next day’s pizza experience…not anywhere near as delicious as when it was freshly baked. But after about a minute in the microwave, the cheese was sizzling, the pizza was heated through, and the crust…still had crispness. It didn’t fall apart, even when reheated. That speaks volumes. I couldn’t believe how amazing this product was.

I will sing my praises for Rudi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts…because it is a slice of gluten-free heaven. The perfect combination of natural ingredients created the perfect crust for any pizza. It’s fantastic…either way you slice it. Choose your own toppings, go to town, and rest assured that your pizza will taste better than anything a local place with a gluten-free option can offer.

Craving pizza? Go hit up your grocery store for Rudi’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts. They do pizza a favor by taking pre-made crusts to the next level, providing a gluten-free option, and making it naturally healthy and delicious. You can’t argue with perfection and that’s what Rudi’s offers in every delicious slice.

Pizza is back on this girl’s gluten-free menu…and it has never tasted so good!

Rosemary, Potato & Goat Cheese Pizza on Rudi's Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

October 11, 2011

Veggie Slices give a dairy-free twist to (grilled) cheese

It’s a classic. Grilled cheese. We eat it when we’re kids. We eat it as adults. There is just something that is so comforting about that sandwich. It’s comfort food. You can enjoy it in any season because it pairs well with soups, salads, or a side of potato chips. You can eat it with just cheese, or dress it up with caramelized onions, a slice or two of tomato, sauteed mushrooms, or whatever might please your palate that day. Gourmet grilled cheese restaurants and food shops are popping up everywhere. And we love it.

But sometimes cheese doesn’t love you back. When I discovered I was lactose intolerant, I had to find an alternative to one of my favorite comfort foods. My local grocery store, while it doesn’t have much, did have a variety of different flavors of Veggie Slices, one of the products that Galaxy National Foods produces. Having had good luck with their Veggie Shreds, I decided I would give it a shot.

Out of all the choices offered, I decided to go with the pepper jack flavor for my sandwich. After purchasing it, I brought it home and immediately started to warm up a skillet to make my sandwich. I opened the pack and pulled out one of the slices, very much like American cheese slices. Peeling back the plastic, I took out the “cheese” slice and placed it on some gluten-free bread. And so…into the pan it went.

A slice of Veggie Slices Pepper Jack Flavor "cheese"

My biggest concern was how it would melt. I love a gooey sandwich, where when you pull the grilled cheese slices apart, the cheese just stretches with it. I noticed that as my bread was toasting, the cheese wasn’t really melting. I gave it a flip, and continued it on the other side.

Plating up, I sliced it up…

Veggie Slices do melt…a little. But, I won’t hold the lack of gooey melty goodness against the company. Why? Because it tastes good. Just like cheese. This pepper jack flavor doesn’t have the spicy bite of real pepper jack, but there are undertones of that flavor. I mean, nothing will be as good as the real thing. But this is a good enough substitute. The “cheese” tasted like cheese…so that was a good start. And the slice did melt…just not up to what I grew up with. But…this is a different sort of grilled cheese, right? So it will be different.

Another thing I loved about Veggie Slices is how they are loaded with calcium. These slices don’t have any cholesterol or lactose in them. AND…they are gluten-free. Not only that, the calorie and fat content of these little slices are quite low, making them a great option for cheese lovers who are looking to cut a little fat out of their diet.

I think a lower heat might help the Veggie Slices melt better. A gradual heating of the bread as it toasts might give it a bit more time. But this product has a place in my fridge now. And I have two other flavors just waiting for me to give them a try. And I can’t wait…because for a cheese alternative…Veggie Slices does well. I was impressed. When my only complaint is that the pepper jack lacked the spice associated with it, well…that’s speaks highly of the product.

I look forward to trying Veggie Slices on gluten-free veggie burgers and other meals in the very near future. Great product for the cheese lover in all of us.

Veggie Slices Grilled Cheese — Grilled cheese sandwich using gluten-free bread and Veggie Slices Pepper Jack Flavor "cheese"