Gluten Free Food Reviews

Alisa from GoDairyFree.org gave me the heads up that their site is giving away Gluten Free Essentials mixes in June. Please check out their site if you are interested in finding out more.

Curious about Gluten Free Essentials mixes? Feel free to check out my reviews of some of their products

Who doesn’t love a summer cook out? Whether you prefer a juicy burger, spicy bratwurst or a skewer of roasted veggies, there is something for everyone. Thankfully, when I am the host, I can ensure the affair will be gluten free, so I can eat and enjoy without worry.

However, I love my Minnesota brats with all the fixings. And to handle all of those condiments, you need a good, hearty bun. At a gluten free cookout, what’s a girl to do? I found these Kinnikinnick gluten free hot dog buns in the frozen foods section and wanted to give them a shot. I am very picky about gluten free bread, and realized this would either be very good or very, very bad.

To eat these buns, you need to defrost them. I wrapped a bun in a paper towel for 30 seconds or so and it was ready to go. To lightly toast the buns ( to minimize crumbling, and enhance flavor), I baked mine in the oven for a few minutes. Both versions tasted OK- neither one better than the other.

First of all, these buns are hearty big and thick with lots of gluten free bread to support even the largest hot dog. In fact, they are almost too big and can overwhelm whatever you choose to put inside.

The texture of these gluten free hot dog buns is a bit textured and spongy and tasted a bit of the white rice flour. They are also very soft- no coarse crumbs. To me, these buns tasted gluten free, but did what they were meant to do- cradled my cookout meat of choice without becoming a soggy mess when slathered with my favorite ketchup.

The best thing about these gluten free hot dog buns is that they have a whopping 7 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein. That was a nice bonus I wasn’t expecting.

PROS: soft, hearty, lots of fiber and protein

CONS: spongy, very thick, you can tell these are gluten free, just “OK”

Rating: 3 stars

To Purchase: Click HERE to get them at WellnessGrocer.com

Ingredients: white rice flour, tapioca starch, water, sugar, poly dextrose, egg whites, dextrose, yeast, sunflower oil ( and/or canola oil), pea protein, sodium carboxy methylcellulose, salt, vitamin blend (thiamine, viatmin B2, niacin, folic acid, iron)

Kinnikinnick has started it’s own blog- “The Gluten Free Insider”

It’s informative and fun- click HERE to check it out!

**Don’t forget to check out my other Kinnikinnick gluten free product reviews!

I picked up this 22 ounce Gluten Free Pantry gluten free bread mix from Nature’s Pantry for $5.19. I thought it would pair well with yummy chicken soup on a chilly spring evening. I was not disappointed!

The prep for this bread was fairly simple with the help of my KitchenAid Artisan Mixer mixer. I added vinegar, milk, honey salt, melted butter, and eggs and let it rise for 40 minutes. I brushed the top with egg and baked for 40 minutes. The dough was sticky and a bit fussy to spread in the pan, but with the help of a wet spatula, it smoothed just fine. Total prep and cook time totaled 1 1/2 hours.

I have to tell ya, fresh from the oven this bread smelled just like “regular” french bread. I thought I hit the jackpot!

The exterior of this gluten free french bread was golden, chewy, and slightly flaky that provided the perfect crunch. The inside of the bread is soft, spongy and chewy, which was a little disappointing. After some cooling time, I sliced it warm with an electric knife. Yum! It tasted great warm from the oven- something that doesn’t work for many other gluten free breads.

This gluten free french bread isn’t a perfect replacement for “regular” gluten french bread, but it will definitely curb your craving if that is what you want.

PROS: wonderful french bread smell, slightly flake crust, slices fairly well

CONS: you have to add lots of extra ingredients, texture is a little spongy

Rating: 4 stars

Want to try it for yourself? Click the link below:

Gluten-Free Pantry - French Bread and Pizza Mix
From: glutenfree.com

Ingredients: white rice flour, potato starch, corn starch, guar gum, granulated honey, salt, yeast

Want to make homemade gluten free french bread? Check out the following recipes to get you started:

Karen at Gluten free Sox

Ashley at Recipezaar

Mike from Gluten Free Blog

AOL Canada

( I can’t believe this is my 200th post!)

Yum! Cali did it again- another tasty seasoning mix that is free from gluten! I am always wary of the seasoning packets at the grocery store that are supposed to be gluten free. I worry that the spices may not be pure or the formulation may have changed to contain new gluten ingredients. One thing I really like about the Cali seasoning mixes is that I can cook conveniently and eat with peace of mind that they won’t make me sick.

I used this versatile one ounce Spicy fiesta gluten free seasoning mix as a yummy variation on an old favorite- crunchy beef gluten free tacos.

I added the seasoning mix to one pound of cooked ground beef for a quick and easy Tex Mex dish. I found this mix to contain just the right amount of heat - a bit of a kick without burning your mouth. I loved the layered flavors of the chili pepper, garlic, leek and black pepper, supported by a touch of carrot, green pepper, cumin, cayenne and sea salt.

The packaging also provides a recipe for vegetarian tacos and use for this seasoning on veggies, as a marinade, chip and veggie dip, with pasta and beans, and on burgers. Let your imagination go wild- you can use this mix on just about anything!

PROS: great, high quality flavor, versatile, individual packets for ease of use

CONS: if you like really spicy foods, this may not be for you

Rating: 5 stars

Want to try this gluten free spice mix for yourself?

Click the link below to see packaging and purchase:

Cali Spicy Fiesta Seasoning from glutenfree.com

Ingredients: chilli pepper, garlic, onion, black pepper, celery, carrot, leek, green pepper, cumin, sea salt, spices, tapioca starch, brown rice flour, fructose, cayenne, citric acid

To check out more Cali product reviews, click HERE

Want to try making homemade taco seasoning? Click below for some recipes to get you started:

Stephen’s Recipes

All Easy Cookin’

Celiac.com

Pennythoughts

What is your favorite gluten free Tex Mex or Mexican food dish?

Gluten free Pantry Gingerbread Cake Mix, originally uploaded by Gluten Free Food Reviews.

I used to love warm spice cake in the fall. It just seemed to fit with crunchy leaves and crisp fall evenings. Even though I do not consider it a staple, or favorite dessert, it is nice every so often. When I found this 14 ounce Gluten Free Pantry Spice Cake & Gingerbread mix, I thought it would be fun try it. It cost $4.69 at Nature’s Pantry.

I decided to try the gluten free spice cake version by adding eggs, oil and buttermilk. I mixed the cake by hand and baked the 8 x 8 pan for 35 minutes. Simple prep- just my style.

The cake smelled great fresh from the oven- and looked even better, just like a “real” gluten cake. Yum! I topped it with whipped cream and dug right in.

I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed. The flavor of the cake was quite bland- not the strong spice flavor I was hoping for. However, the texture and crumb was great- no coarse or gritty crumbs. The cake was soft, somewhat moist, springy, and rose nicely in the center. The cake also lasted about 48 hours on my counter top before it dried out. I think by adding just a little more cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves, it would taste just right to me. My sample piece was warm from the oven, sliced easily, and would pair well with a variety of toppings ( whipped topping, cinnamon cream, powdered sugar, apple compote)

I checked out the recipe for the gingerbread on the back of the box, and it looked promising with the addition of molasses and ginger. I think this is a decent, basic mix that has potential - just a bit more spice and it would really be great.

PROS: great texture, minimal crumbs, quick and easy prep

CONS: the flavor is pretty bland, needs more spice

RATING: 4 stars

Want to try this gluten free spice cake & gingerbread mix for yourself?

Click the link below:

Gluten-Free Pantry - Spice Cake and Gingerbread Mix
From: glutenfree.com

Ingredients:white rice flour, sugar, potato starch, brown sugar, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, sodium bicarbonate, cinnamon, salt, xanthan gum, ginger, nutmeg, cloves

Click HERE for more Gluten Free Pantry Reviews!

Bread of Life Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Cookie, originally uploaded by Gluten Free Food Reviews.

Yummmmm, this one is a keeper!

When Bread of Life sent me this fresh baked cookie to review, I have to be honest, I was skeptical. I haven’t had many really great gluten free cookies in the two years I have been gluten free. I don’t like the gritty, course, and crumbly texture of many gluten free baked treats. I am really picky about my cookies! But this one was different.

When I opened the package of this gluten free Snicker Doodle cookie, I was immediately struck by how big it was. It is huge!

I took my first bite and marveled at the texture- it did not have the gritty and grainy gluten free texture I was familiar with. Instead, I found this gluten free snicker doodle cookie to be dense and chewy with just the right balance of softness. The cinnamon sprinkled on top was just right, and did not overpower the flavor. I did not detect any type of aftertaste. Nice.

Now, I have to say, this is not the traditional snicker doodle I consumed before Celiac Disease. The flavor is richer and more “wholesome” tasting thanks to the sorghum flour and date paste. I have to admit this is one of my new favorite gluten free treats. If you want an extra sinful but heavenly treat, warm this gluten free cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds, and it will literally taste like it melts in your mouth.

Bread of Life warned me that these cookies- as with their other tasty muffins and cookies- are not low in fat or calories and should be consumed knowing they are a treat. I appreciated that they pointed this out to me, and didn’t’ try to pass their products off as healthy, wholesome “snacks.” Very honest. It also makes me feel good, knowing that these yummy concoctions are made in a dedicated gluten free facility.

PROS: perfectly chewy, rich spiced flavor, individually packed makes them perfectly portable, smooth texture

CONS: not quite a “traditional” snickerdoodle thanks to the sorghum flour

Rating: 5 stars

Where Can I Buy these Cookies?

Visit Bread of Life’s website HERE

Ingredients: sorghum flour, organic evaporated cane juice, date paste, butter, free range eggs, tapioca flour, cinnamon, xanthan gum, baking soda, sea salt.

Feel free to check out my reviews of these other Bread of Life gluten free products:

Bread of Life Buttery Gluten Free Sugar Cookie

Bread of Life Chocolate Chip Gluten Free Muffin

Congratulations to

Sam

with the comment: My favorite cracker is Natural Nectar Sundried Tomato & Oregano Cracklebread. They sell it on glutenfreemall.com and at Whole Foods. They are so good, tastes kind of like pizza, and they are low in calories so you can have a lot!!

 You have won six snack size bags of Mary’s Gone Crackers ! Please email me with your mailing address to claim your prize at glutenfreefoodreviews{at}gmail [dot] com.

 Don’t forget to check back on June 1st for the next free give-away!

No, I am not talking about basketball. Although, I did take this picture at the PSU vs. Michigan State basketball this season. Wow, was that a good game! However,  March Madness describes how I feel about this past month- it has been crazy busy and I have run out of time before running out of baking and cooking ingredient reviews. I discovered a month isn’t nearly enough time to give gluten free baking and cooking ingredients the attention and promotion they deserve.

This month I also started modifying my site format. Unfortunately, I think my tinkering may have caused problems with my loyal feedburner subscribers. So, before I announce my April giveaway on April 2nd, please verify you are still subscribed so you don’t miss the give-away email announcement.

April will actually feature two gluten free give-aways. Fun!

To close this month’s theme, feel free to browse the following cooking and baking reviews:

Baking & Cooking Basics:

Ener G Gluten Free Bread Crumbs 

Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Gluten Free Oats 

Cream Hill Estates Gluten Free Rolled Oats 

Authentic Foods Gluten Free Vanilla Powder 

Hain Gluten Free Baking Powder 

Gluten Free Flour Mixes, Blends:

 Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flour

Authentic Foods Multi Flour All Purpose Flour Blend

Beth’s Gluten Free All Purpose Flour 

Pamela’s Products Baking  & Pancake Mix 

Arrowhead Mills Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Mix 

Bob’s Red Mill All Purpose Baking Flour 

Gluten Free Seasonings:

Gluten Free Pantry Taco Seasoning 

Cali Foods Herb Medley Gourmet Seasoning 

Cali Foods Sweet & Spicy BBQ Mix- Spicy hot 

Cali Foods Garlic Gusto Gourmet Seasoning

Gluten Free Sauces:

San-J Organic Tamari Gluten Free Soy Sauce 

 Mr. Spice Honey BBQ Sauce