Product review...Sun Flour Mills GF Chocolate cake mix

As most of you know by now I love to bake. Cakes, cookies, brownies, breads...you name it I like to bake it. When I was younger it was kind of a stress reliever for me, however it seems that as of late it has become more of a passion, as a whole new world of taste choices has opened up right before my eyes.
I recently made a Gluten free whole grain chocolate cake from a mix compliments of Sun Flour Mills, a company located in Boise Idaho. All of Sun Flour Mills mixes and their flour mix  are free of dairy, soy, wheat/gluten, nuts and eggs. Whole grains are incorporated into the mixes to provide not just great tasting products but also healthier products high in fiber and protein, something that many gluten free products on the market lack.
They were awarded "Best Overall Dessert" for their chocolate cake mix in both 2009 and 2010, both awards were  in gluten free contests, and I can see why. The cake was moist, chocolaty and delicious. The top of the cake seemed to look very tender so instead of icing  it I sprinkled a little powdered sugar on the top and dug in while still warm  from the oven.  I did seem to get a slight whole grain taste and texture in my mouth, but once the cake cooked this mostly seemed to go away. I do however like the fact that the fiber in the cake makes you feel full longer so I didn't have to go back for seconds as I normally would have. The edges of the cake seemed to pucker slightly and looked "dry" but this was not the case as it was still as moist as the rest of the cake.
The cake tasted even better the second day  because  I could really get the full effect of the creamy chocolaty taste of the cake itself, so moist and tender. The directions on the box were very simple to follow, just add eggs, oil and water. They even have "egg free" instructions on the box.
The directions said to use two 9" cake pans and since I was in a lazy mood I used a 9'x13' cake pan and my cake sunk slightly in the middle, so I do recommend following the directions if you want a well raised cake. This may have even been the cause for my top to have been so moist...
On their home site you will find recipes for variations of using this mix from a Caramel chocolate cake, Molton lava cake, Double chocolate chip cookies and several more, as you will with each of their mixes.
They even have a Resource list  where you can find out more about the effects of gluten in your life.
Although the cake seemed very "tender" on the top and I chose not to attempt to put icing on mine, it may have just been because I used a larger pan.  My family enjoyed the cake and it disappeared within days.
I would give this mix a 4 3/4 Star.
You can view all their products at http://sunflourmills.com

Ingredients:
Cane sugar
Cocoa
White rice flour
Sorghum flour
Cornstarch
Baking powder
Xanthan gum
Salt
Baking soda

Product review..." Flamous" Falafel Chips

On rainy days like today I like to sit around, relax and snack. Today both my Internet and TV were non- existent because of the rain storms passing through our area, so snack it was!
I had a light healthy snack with my lunch today, compliments of Flamous Falafel Chips.
Now for those of you who have been following the blog, you know that lately healthy eating is on top of my to do list. Well these chips are well on top of that list when it comes to health benefits. Ounce for ounce, the total antioxidant value of these chips measure 10x more than those of vegetable juice or green tea. They are a good source of fiber, protein and antioxidants.
You will find NO wheat, dairy, lactose, trans fat, cholesterol, MSG, hydrogenated oil, GMO, preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors or nuts in these chips, just great taste. They are also Certified Gluten Free and are Kid Kritics approved..
The chips come in two flavors, Original and Spicy. The company also has four flavors of Hummus Dressing and Dip. Sweet Cranberry, Ranch Dill, Mediterranean Basil and Smoked Chipolte.
Although the chips have a great taste straight from the bag they are both excellent dipped in hummus. After all this is THE chip for hummus dipping!
While I prefer the Originals dipped in garlic hummus my husband loves his a little on the spicier side, so the Spicy chips suite his tastes better.
The Original chips have a crisp texture and hold up well to the hummus.  They are crunchy and satisfying, and you can actually taste the array of spices and vegetables in every bite. The Spicy chips have just the right amount of heat to them. The heat isn't immediate but comes slowly. My husband likes these dipped in hot salsa as much as he enjoys them dipped in hummus.
These are not only a good healthy choice but also a delicious choice. They go great with tuna or grilled chicken salad sandwiches for a great light lunch.
 I  give this chip 5 stars and highly recommend them. You can find them at http://www.flamousbrands.com

Ingredients for Original Chips:
Organic Non-GMO whole corn
One or more of the following Organic Non GMO whole beans:
(Chickpeas, Fava beans, Black beans)
One or more of the following Organic oils:
(Med-high Oleic expeller pressed  Safflower, Sunflower)
Organic cumin
Organic onion
Organic basil
Organic garlic
Organic coriander seeds
Organic parsley
Organic spinach
Organic carrot
Organic red bell pepper
Organic tomato
Organic ginger
Organic turmeric
Organic lemon grass
Organic majoram
Organic oregano
Organic rosemary
Organic thyme
Organic green bell peppers
Organic celery
Organic cayenne chili
Sea salt