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!
Yes, these are the Attune bars that I featured in my April free product give-away. And I think they will surprise you.
The Attune website boasts “Attune’s probiotics help those friendly bacteria and keep your digestive system in balance, which helps strengthen your immune system. By keeping your digestive system healthy, it can help keep you healthier overall.”
Now, who doesn’t want that?
The Attune website also contains a wealth of information about immunity, digestive comfort, and health & wellness.
I tried their chocolate gluten free flavors and really enjoyed all of them. Each bar is approximately 2/3 the size of a Hershey bar, is crunchy, and and has a smooth texture- no gritty or chalky taste. In fact, it’s hard to believe they are good for you! It tastes more like a treat than a health-conscious supplement to your diet.
Each bar has 100 calories and 25-30% of daily calcium. Each bar also contains 6 or 7 grams of fat with l3 grams of fiber. They also contains five times the live active cultures in yogurt. Wow! One important fact to note: these bars should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their probiotic properties. You might want to let them sit a bit before consuming to soften the crunchiness factor.
Chocolate Crisp: Contains chocolate flavor and rice crisps. It is almost like eating a Nestle Crunch bar, but isn’t a sweet.
Dark Chocolate: (This is the only vegan flavor) This actually tastes like a piece of mildly sweet piece of dark chocolate.
Chocolate Mint: This is exactly like the chocolate crisp flavor, but with a cool minty flavor added. This one was my favorite!
Blueberry Vanilla: This flavor reminded me of mildly sweet white chocolate with a fresh blueberry flavor. Now, I do not like blueberries at all, but this flavor was actually really good.
I tried all the flavors, one each day for 8 days. I did not have any type of negative reaction to them, but I can’t really say how much they helped me. I think I would need to take them for a longer period of time to determine any true benefits from the probiotics.
Want to give these a try?
Buy them online HERE;
or click HERE to find a local store near you.
Read what others have to say about Attune Probiotic wellness bars!
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:
( 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:
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
Yes, my blog has a different look- again! I am hoping this will be my temporary look until I can get a designer to help me tweak it just the way I want. I know it is a little, well, boring, but at least I can post reviews again.
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Amy’s gluten free pizza is found in the frozen foods section, and I wanted to compare it to Glutino’s spinach and feta pizza that I just LOVE ( as soon as I can find it locally, a review will definitely be posted!). This medium sized pizza could feed about two hungry people and cost $6.19. Kind of pricey, but I hoped it was worth it.
Well, right away I was disappointed. the actual pizza fresh from the box seemed to lack cheese in a huge way- much less coverage than I expected. But really, I guess I shouldn’t bee too surprised, since most packaging tried to make the product look good enough to buy it. I guess I was a sucker it his regard.
After i baked the pizza for 13 minutes, I noticed a strong garlic scent. Hmm, maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all . . .
. . .or, maybe it was.
The crust on this Amy’s gluten free pizza tasted mealy and coarse, although it baked very soft, comparable to a warm slice of rice bread with a touch of crispness on the outer edges thanks to a touch of olive oil.
The toppings boasted an overpowering fresh spinach flavor with tangy tomato sauce. So-so- flavor -not super yummy, but definitely edible. The soy based mozzarella and ricotta cheeses were just “OK” as well, si nce i am used to the flavor of dairy based cheeses. The pizza could definitely use more cheese since it seemed more like a garnish than an actual topping. The cheese also requires broiling for it to really melt and cook. The funny thing is, I thought this pizza tasted better cold than fresh from the oven.
Overall, this pizza was average for a gluten free pizza. I would eat it if I were really hungry, but I wouldn’t consider it a staple in my freezer for a quick meal option. I guess I am just really picky.
PROS: fresh topping flavors, 8 grams of protein per serving, 4 grams of fiber
CONS: crust is too soft and coarse, high in fat- 20 grams per serving
Rating: 3 stars
Since the ingredient list so sooo long, click HERE to view it and see the packaging as well!
To purchase this pizza, your best bet is to check your local grocery store’s natural foods section or a local natural foods store.
Read what PaperGirl, Lisa B. from Vegsource.com, Ken from Vgean Lunchcast, Roseann from Supervegan, Jenny from LivingVegan, and Jim from EZ GFCF have to say about this gluten free pizza product!
Also, feel free to check out my review on Amy’s Rice Crust Cheese pizza!
Did you know that May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month?
Since my diagnosis just over two years ago, I am amazed at how much more awareness and information is available today for those that either have the disease, or know someone who does. And chances are, you do know someone that has it, because 1 in 133 have Celiac Disease. Surprisingly, since there are hundreds of possible symptoms (or even no obvious symptoms at all) it may be a difficult disease to diagnose. That was definitely what happened to me ( click here for my story).
I received the following press release via email, and felt it may be of interest to many of my readers. Upon reading the abbreviated list of symptoms, I had eight of the symptoms before changing to a gluten free diet.
One aspect that surprised me when I changed to a gluten free diet was that all of my symptoms did not disappear like I expected them to. I assumed that once I went gluten free, I would feel “normal” again. Nope, wrong. I still have some of the symptoms, they are just less severe. I hope with time they will continue to decrease. Now on to the Press Release . . .
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For Immediate Release
Mary’s Gone Crackers and the Celiac Disease Foundation Highlight Symptoms of the Condition in Recognition of Celiac Awareness Month
Gourmet Gluten-Free Snack Company and Non-Profit Support Organization Promote Education, Diagnosis and Lifestyle Changes
Gridley, Calif. (May 7, 2008) – In recognition of National Celiac Disease Awareness Month in May, Mary’s Gone Crackers, makers of gourmet gluten-free foods, and the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF), have released a checklist of symptoms of the disease, which affects one in 133 adults and children. More than three million Americans are estimated to have Celiac Disease, yet 97 percent of people go undiagnosed. Those with Celiac Disease are unable to tolerate gluten, the common name for the natural proteins found in wheat, barley and rye.
Some common symptoms of Celiac Disease include: