Product Review: Hamburger Helper Classic Cheesy Hashbrowns – gluten free

Posted on | July 25, 2010 | 2 Comments

Lately I have read online all the hoopla about the new Bisquick and some Hamburger Helper mixes now labeled gluten free ( big thumbs up to Betty Crocker!). When I was in my local Harmon’s grocery store last week and noticed these meals were on sale, I picked some up. It’s always nice to have some quick dinner options for busy nights. I must admit though, I never used Hamburger Helper pre-celiac days.

The first boxed meal I tried was the Cheesy Hashbrowns boxed meal. Inside the box was a small bag of dehydrated shredded potatoes and a packet of cheese flavored powder. Per the instructions on the box, I browned a pound of hamburger, simmered/cooked the mixture until the edges looked crispy. When I tried to flip to sections of hashbrowns for even cooking/ crisping, it all became a jumbled mess. Ooops.  I mixed the cheese powder with milk for the topping and, quite honestly, it was disgusting.  It wouldn’t completely blend which resulted in a lumpy, semi-separated, liquid sauce. Off to the garbage it went. In the end, I sprinkled some cheddar cheese on top and called it good.

Overall, I wasn’t overly impressed with this product prepared as-is. The dish had a weird combo of chewy and crispy potato, with a greasy feeling in my mouth from the beef. I still can’t get over how gross that cheese sauce was!  I think that some tweaking could make it much better, though. For example, pairing the potatoes with sausage, eggs, and cheddar cheese instead of using hamburger and the powdered cheese sauce. Nevertheless, I think it is fantastic that there are more mainstream products for gluten free consumers.

Pros: shelf stable, easy prep

Cons: so-so flavor and texture.

Rating: 3 stars

Nutritional Snapshot per serving ( mix only, doesn’t include fat and calories from the beef): 110 calories, 1.5g fat, 760 mg sodium, 23g carbohydrates, 2 g. fiber and 2 g. protein

Restaurant Review: Snoopy’s Pier, Corpus Christi, TX

Posted on | May 19, 2010 | 2 Comments

Snoopy’s Pier

13313 S. Padre Island Drive

Corpus Christi, TX 78414

(361) 949-8815

www.snoopyspier.com

I just returned from a fabulous trip to Corpus Christi and San Antonio and just had to share this! Snoopy’s is a casual, family friendly, open air shack of an eatery where the employees are friendly and easy going. It is a perfect place to stop on the way way from a day at the Padre Island National Seashore.

Years ago, I dined at this eatery, and simply loved it. It is right on the water  and the fresh seafood is incredible.  Since then and since learning I have celiac disease, I felt apprehensive if they would have anything I could eat, with cross contamination being my #1 fear. The problem: 95% of the menu is fried, sauted, breaded, or otherwise inedible for gluten free diners.

After scanning the menu and noticing they featured one “broiled” fish option, I chatted with the cooks and they simply said ” no problem” when I explained my dietary restrictions. It couldn’t be so easy, could it? I was afraid they didn’t understand what I was talking about when I asked them to check the labels on the seasonings, etc. They acted like  it wasn’t a big deal. I really appreciated that, since there is nothing I hate more than feeling like a “special” case when I go out to eat.

My mahi arrived with fresh lemon and a side of plain white rice with a touch of seasoning and garnish on an unassuming paper plate with a can of soda ( I told you this is a casual place!) Well, my meal was nothing less than delicious. The rice was perfectly cooked and my fish tasted moist,  flaky, and was incredible drizzled with fresh lemon. I was able to enjoy my food while my family munched on their breaded fish and shrimp and I didn’t feel left out at all. Success.

Granted,  the broiled fish and plain rice are really your only safe gluten free seafood options at Snoopy’s , and that is OK.  I was just glad to be included in our post-beach feast and the delicious fish was the icing on the cake to my day.

Dining Tips: Snoopy’s only accepts cash and travelers checks, NO credit cards or checks. You order at the main counter and then seat yourself. Condiments are centrally located next to the counter where you pick up your food, reminiscent of  fast  food style eating. Most plates and cutlery are disposable.   All seats are open air. If you want to be served and waited on, look elsewhere. Part of the charm of Snoopy’s is the “come as you are” mentality and offers an excellent view of the sunset and water, especially if you sit on the dock.

Gluten Free Easter Candy & Treats

Posted on | April 1, 2010 | 2 Comments

After my reviewing sabbatical, I am back and getting to all of those great reviews I have waiting in the wings. So why not kick things off with an Easter post? Even if you don’t celebrate Easter, the candy is still pretty tempting. Check out the links below to get the scoop on which candy is safe for those of us with Celiac disease, wheat allergies or gluten intolerance.

celiacfamily.com – a comprehensive list of safe and unsafe candies and chocolates. A must read!

glutenfreemom- great info about Easter sweets, including jelly beans and chocolate bunnies

Hillbillyhousewife.com –  great candy and gift ideas for children’s Easter baskets

triumphdining.com – info about baked treats and candies for Easter- including peeps!

glutenfreeproductlist.com – a list complete with pictures of gourmet gluten free chocolate bunnies and eggs via chocolate.com

Butterball Turkey: gluten free thanksgiving turkeys AND gravy?!?

Posted on | November 20, 2009 | 1 Comment

Thanks to Megan at Triumph Dining for sending me this link- apparently Butterball has reformulated their new gravy packets to be gluten free- all of them! Click HERE to check out the whole story published by Tiffany at The Essential Gluten Free blog. . . . I think Thanksgiving just got a little easier for many gluten free consumers.

And the winner is . . .

Posted on | November 20, 2009 | 1 Comment

We have a winner for the November gluten free give-away prize pack from MyBlogSpark.com

Congrats to Kris with her comment:

Kris Nov 9

Uno! When we have family game night, Uno is always the kids first pick!

Kris, email me at glutenfreefoodreviews at gmail dot com with your shipping information so you can receive your prize! This prize pack is great for a family night or even as stocking stuffers for the kids.

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Bummed you didn’t win? No worries! The give-away for December will feature gluten free flours and baking basics to help with all the holiday baking coming up. Be sure to check back the first week in December for details!

Gluten Free Thanksgiving Menu: recipes, products and tips

Posted on | November 12, 2009 | 3 Comments

Thanksgiving is getting close – and I can’t wait! I see the grocery stores stocking up on frozen turkeys and cans of pumpkin and cranberries, and it reminds me that it is time to plan for my gluten free Thanksgiving dinner.

I admit, my first gluten free Thanksgiving wasn’t so great. I tried to make yummy gluten free rolls, pies and stuffing, but thanks to my inexperience the result was less than stellar.    I like to think each year gets a little better and tastier. It helps that with each year, the gluten free recipes and mixes seem to be better as well.

This year I am hosting our turkey day feast and may have up to 17 family members at my home. Of the potential 17 guests, only myself and my sister have Celiac and eat gluten free. I want to make sure every feels like their meal is delicious- period- not just good for being gluten free.

I wanted to share some links to hints, recipes and gluten free products that I think would be a fantastic for the  big day. A gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner can be just as delicious as a gluten one!

Frozen Turkey:  Be careful! The solution or broth injected into the turkeys may have gluten- check the label carefully and jump for joy if it is actually labeled gluten free. I usually purchase a frozen Norbest turkey simply because it IS labeled gluten free. Otherwise, check  the organic and minimally processed turkeys as well, they tend to have little or no added flavoring or solutions.

Gluten Free Stuffing: Catherine, from A Gluten-Free Guide, posted some great stuffing recipes you might enjoy- both a classic stuffing and cornbread  stuffing recipe- take your pick! I haven’t liked most of the gluten free stuffing mixes I have tried, so sometimes I will simply stuff the turkey with onion and herbs if I want to keep it simple.

Gluten Free Gravy: Shauna, the Gluten-Free Girl, has a great post that describes how insanely easy it is to make homemade gluten free gravy ( feel free to substitute cornstarch for the sweet rice flour; I have tried both and they work well.)

Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole:  Some love it, some hate it, and if you love it and want to make a gluten free version, Natalie ( the Gluten Free Mommy) can help! Her recipe is simply yummy! To save time, I substitute a can of Health Valley organic cream of mushroom soup, instead of the soup recipe, and thicken it with a bit of brown rice flour. Tasty!

Gluten Free Rolls: These can be tough, because I have yet to find the perfect light and fluffy dinner roll that I used to love.  The closest I have come is the Kinnikinnick’s Kinni-kwik Bread & Bun mix- it is incredibly easy to prepare and comes out light and airy, not grainy and heavy. I am also hoping to try one of these recipes as well:

Rosemary-Thyme rolls: Book of Yum has me seriously tempted with this recipe!

Yeast Rolls: compliments of Gluten Free Steve

Gluten Free Croutons: I actually haven’t tried any gluten free croutons in a salad yet, but I have found a great recipe for making my own:

5 slices of bread ( I used Le Garden Bakery gluten free bread)
5 tbsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. thyme

Cube the bread. In a pan on medium heat, combine the garlic, olive oil and spices. Saute for a minute or so. Add the bread cubes and saute until bread cubes are slightly crunchy on the outside. Cool on a paper towel or napkin to absorb extra olive oil.

Pie, Pie & More Pie: Right now my current favorite  is Gluten Free Mama’s pie crust mix - it is excellent with fruit pies and I look forward to trying it with a pecan pie and pumpkin pie this year. In the past I have also used the ‘Cause You’re Special pie crust mix with great results.

I might give these pie recipes a whirl:

*Karina’s pumpkin pie: it looks heavenly!

*Land O’ Lakes’ website features gluten free pie recipes- there is something for everyone! Check out their Mixed Berry Meringue, Harvest Nut Tart, and Lemon Upside Down Pie recipes.

I probably shouldn’t give these away, but I just can’t help it . . . these recipes are a staple at my home at the holidays. Sorry I don’t have photos, but these pies disappear quickly! The french apple creme pie is a traditional apple pie with a twist – in the center there is a layer of tangy custard creme that is simply amazing. The pecan pie is ultra buttery and flavorful. Enjoy!

French Apple Creme Pie - adapted from Welcome Home for the Holidays – Gooseberry Patch

Start with a  two crust unbaked gluten free pie crust of your choice. Place one crust in pie tin. Roll out the second crust and use a 3 inch ( or so) cookie cutter and use in the center of the top pie crust to create an opening. DO NOT remove the dough inside the cookie cutter after use, the entire crust will be baked and the cookie cutter will create a shape on the top of the crust that you can remove after baking. This is important so you can add the custard later on.

Apple Filling:

3/4 c. sugar

2 tbsp flour ( I use brown rice flour with perfect results)

3/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1 tbsp. grated lemon rind

5 to 5 1/2 cups of peeled and sliced granny smith apples

2 tbsp butter

Combine all except apples and butter. Add apples and toss to coat. Turn into shell and dot with butter. Top the apples with the pie crust that has the cookie cutter shape in the center. Bake for 10 minutes at 425 degrees, then 30 minutes at 350 degrees. While the pie is baking, cook the creme sauce.

Creme sauce:

2 eggs beaten

1/2 c. sugar

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

3 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese, cut into pieces at room temperature

1/2 cup gluten free sour cream ( I use Daisy or Great Value brands)

In a saucepan, combine eggs, sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick. Add cream cheese and sour cream and stir until smooth. After your pie is baked, spoon through the cookie cutter opening on the top crust. I have also used a mini baster to get the cream spread evenly under the crust. Chill before serving.

Buttery Pecan Pie – adapted from Words Worth Eating, by Jacqueline G Legg

3 eggs

1/2 c.  granulated sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

1 c. dark corn syrup

1/3 c. butter ( do not substitute for best results)

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 c. pecan halves

One 10 inch unbaked gluten free pie crust or two 9-inch unbaked gluten free pie crusts

Preheat oven to 350. Beat egg thoroughly with sugar, salt and corn syrup. Add butter, vanilla and pecans. Pour into pie shell for 50 minutes or until an inserted knife halfway between the center and and the crust comes out clean. Be careful not to over bake, and cool at least one hour before serving.

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I hope your enjoy your gluten free Thanksgiving this year! If you have a yummy recipe or favorite gluten free product you’d like to share, please feel free to comment and provide a link.

Product Review: Gluten-Free Naturals Pizza Crust Mix

Posted on | November 10, 2009 | 2 Comments

November’s Gluten Free Give-Away: “Simple Joys” Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks Prize Pack

Posted on | November 8, 2009 | 15 Comments

The give-away this month is a super fun “Simple Joys” prize pack from MyBlogSpark.com for your favorite kid or kid at heart.  The prize pack includes:

*Two boxes Betty Crocker fruit snacks with the fantastic “gluten free” label on the front ( who-hoo!)

*one pick up sticks game

*one frisbee

*one light up yo-yo

Fun in a box, that’s what it is! My kids and I had a blast playing together with the toys and tasting the fruit snacks ( they were better than I remembered, and didn’t last long.)

HOW TO ENTER:

1) One entry per person, US residents only please.

2) To enter, post a comment and tell me what your favorite game is.

To post a comment, simply click the “# comments” text under the title of this post.

3) Entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 15th.

4) The winner will be announced via this site, via email to subscribers, and posted on my Facebook page ( click here to become a fan!)

You may subscribe via the feedburner box in the right sidebar.

Good Luck!

Product Review: Gluten Free Mama Pie Crust Mix

Posted on | November 4, 2009 | 6 Comments

Product Review: Enjoy Life Granola “New & Improved” – Cranapple Crunch, Very Berry Crunch, Cinnamon Crunch

Posted on | November 3, 2009 | 9 Comments