FRONTIER SOUPS review...

Hi all. Now I do realize that we have several more weeks before Fall will actually arrive, but I like to have a good bowl of soup anytime of the year. Today it was overcast and gloomy, so what could be better than a warm bowl of soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, Yum. I received several varieties of soup mixes from the good people at Frontier Soups and was really in the mood to try their Potato Leek Soup, and today was just the right day for it.

Now if you have never heard of the company before, then let me tell you a little about them. They are celebrating their 25th anniversary in business, so I believe that pretty much says it all! They are located in Waukegan IL, and most of the ingredients used in their mixes are grown on American farms. The mixes contain all natural premium ingredients, with no salt, preservatives or MSG added. Thirty one of their mixes are lab tested and certified as gluten free, although the facility is not dedicated gluten free. Along with the soup mixes they also offer dips, rubs and marinades (GF) and a few baking mixes that do contain gluten.

The soup was so easy to make. All I had to add was chicken broth, a few extra cubed potatoes and some heavy cream at the end. The taste was really good. The only thing I would wish is that the pieces of leeks and scallions would have been a little more tender. I will try adding a few more minutes of cooking time before adding the potato cubes next time, as I am sure this will solve the problem.You can also puree this soup the next day and serve cold. It took about 40 minutes from start to finish and a grilled cheese sandwich was the perfect combination. A one cup serving is just 180 calories with 0 sugars, and only 7g in carbs.

Ingredients:

Potato cubes and slices, onion, leek, celery, scallions, herbs.

I enjoyed this particular soup and look forward to trying others in their line in the near future. After all, Fall is just around the corner :( Sorry!!! You can view and purchase their line of products at http://frontiersoups.com

Rating 4 1/2 Stars

Qwackers product review...

Hi all. Today I want to tell you about a gluten free cracker,  Qwackers. If you like Gold fish crackers, but can't eat gluten, then this is a great alternative. The crackers come in 1 ounce bags and make great snack packs for lunches or on the go. No cheesy fingers here! Although the crackers are made for kids, they are a great treat for kids of all ages.

The crackers have a great cheddar taste with just a hint of salt. They are baked so you will find no trans fat here. They are also corn and sugar free which makes them a healthier alternative for kids.
They contain no preservatives, artificial ingredients or colors.The 1 ounce bag has 130 calories and serves one. Be careful, as they can be addictive...My grandsons both ate two bags in a setting and I had to hide mine to keep it safe!

Ingredients:
White rice flour, sharp Cheddar,(pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, enzymes) Butter (cream, salt) Water, potato starch, tapioca starch, extract of annatto seed (for color) Cultured buttermilk, sea salt, guar gum, cream of tarter, baking soda
* Contains milk

These are a nice item to have on hand with little ones around, for in between meals, or just a quick snack. They are light, crunchy and cheesy. You can order from their web at QWACKERS

Rating 41/2 Stars

Butterfly Bakery Chocolate chip cookies....

Hi all. Today I would like to share with you a product from the Butterfly Bakery in NJ who was kind enough to ship me some of their chocolate chip cookies for me to to sample and review. (they also sent me mini gluten free blueberry muffins which I will review separately) We all know I love my sweets, and I was excited to review yet another item that had chocolate in it.

The Butterfly Bakery was founded in 1998 by Brenda who is the founder and CEO when her mom was diagnosed with Diabetes. She wanted to be able to create sweets that her mother could still eat and enjoy, now that's a good daughter!  In addition to their gluten free line of just nine items, they also offer products which are sugar free, no sugar added, whole grain and low calorie, a little taste for everyone, with a total of 75 different products in all.

The chocolate chip cookies are a nice size, about 2 3/4 inches across, and come in a round 11 ounce tub which sells for $5.99 on their home site. I could tell before even opening the tub that these seemed to be a fairly delicate cookie, as several were already broken in half and there were lots of crumbles in the bottom of the container.

The taste reminded me somewhat of a mild, airy version of a shortbread cookie loaded with mini chocolate chips, and yet surprisingly enough they did hold up well to dunking in milk without falling apart. In my own personal opinion this is not your everyday chocolate chip cookie, although they did have a nice flavor the texture really threw me off quite a bit.

One cookie contains 137 calories, with twelve servings per container. Although they are gluten free they do contain milk and eggs is you have these allergy issues, and they are packaged in a plant that also manufactures products with nuts/peanuts.

Ingredients:
Amaranth flour, teff flour, sugar, brown sugar, water, butter, soybean oil, chocolate chips, whole eggs, baking soda, salt, natural flavor.

If you would like more of a airy, delicate, shortbread type cookie loaded with chocolate chips then these are right up your alley. I have seen many of the Butterfly Bakeries products in the refrigerated bakery section of our local Giant Eagle stores recently. If you can't locate their products in stores local to you then visit their site at the  Butterfly Bakery for more information.

Rating 3 1/4 Stars 

Although the taste was indeed good it did not have that "original" chocolate chip cookie taste and texture that I prefer. These may however make a excellent pie crust in the near future...

Gluten Free Pantry's chocolate truffle brownies...

Step aside Duncan Heinz...(sorry) but I do believe you have met your equal when it comes to brownies! As you may know from past posts, I have always been a great Duncan Heinz fan, that was before my wheat/gluten free days that is...I had always found that out of all the brownie mixes on the store shelves that I always seemed to return to my fave....Duncan Heinz.

Being wheat/gluten free for many months now I have tried several different brands of brownies, some I have written about, some not. I have to begin by saying that Gluten free Pantry did not ask me to sample and review their product, and this review is being done on my own. I am posting about their Chocolate Truffle Brownie mix because I just had to share.

First let me say that if you are looking to cut calories, read no more, but if it is a awesome deep rich chocolate, creamy, melt in your mouth to die for brownie that you crave, then read on....WOW! Just when I thought I had already found a brownie mix worthy of stocking my pantry shelves.....

I found this company by accident while searching the web, and since I am still learning and trying new things in this new lifestyle of living wheat/gluten free, I ordered several boxes of their brownie mix to save on shipping costs later, should I like them. I am so glad that I did!

These brownies are EXCELLENT in taste and texture.The box makes 12 servings at 150 calories each and are so rich and chocolaty that one serving is all you need. I haven't had a brownie this good so far since my Duncan Heinz days...

Although I have found many products which I love and have actually replaced the wheat laden versions I use to eat, some are just substitutes until can find something better along the way. This is the case here. I am so glad I ordered two boxes, just wish I had ordered more!

Eggs, melted butter, and nuts (if you desire) are all that's needed  to make this mix. Prefer a lower fat version?  The box even has directions for you.

Ingredients:
Sugar, chocolate chips (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract) cocoa powder processed with alkali, white rice flour, potato starch, corn starch, xanthan gum, salt.
*Contains Soy

This mix is a product of Canada, distributed by Glutino which offers a full line of more than 80 products, many of which I am sure you may be familiar with.

You can order this brownie mix from Allergy Free Kosher, click on  Cakes & Pastry Mixes,  then go to bottom of  Page 2 and order for just $4.95.

I know you will enjoy them as much as I did. Oh by the way....you might want to order more than just one!!!

Rating 5 Stars
Have a blessed wheat free day!

Quick, easy and delicious!

Hi all. Yesterday I had made some Brown & Wild Rice Fusion for my side dish from Goose Valley for dinner as you remember. Well today I was stumped for lunch ideas and I was getting pretty hungry. So to avoid eating a whole pan of brownies which I had made last night...I needed to come up with a lunch solution, and fast!

I remembered a Spanish rice recipe my mom use to make when we were kids and short on groceries right before payday. Hamburg, rice, tomatoes, green peppers and onions, most items came from our garden...well with the exception of the hamburg and rice that is :)

Well I had no green peppers on hand, and I really wasn't in the mood for hamburg,  but I did have all the other ingredients on hand and a can of Garbanzo beans to replace the protein in the meat, so on with the cooking!

First I changed out chopped garlic in place of the onion, opened a can of diced tomatoes, a can of garbanzo beans and some of the cooked leftover rice from last nights dinner. Within five minutes a  hot delicious meal filled with fiber and protein was on the table. What could be quicker or healthier!

I have added the recipe below which you can use as a starting point. Like mushrooms...add a few. If you have green pepper's, then by all means throw them in. That's what leftovers are all about, right? This was quick, easy and delicious and I must say I even went back for seconds!!!

Sharon's "Spanish Rice" Recipe

1 teas minced garlic
2 T olive oil...I LOVE Newman's Own
1 - 14 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes
1 - 16 oz can garbanzo beans, drained
1/4 - 1/2 teas crushed red peppers
2 cups precooked ( leftover) rice
Salt & Pepper to taste

Saute garlic in oil for about a minute on medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. Add the drained garbanzo beans and simmer for about 3 minutes until tomatoes and beans are heated through. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red  peppers, 2 cups of precooked rice, and cook an additional minute or two until rice is  heated thoroughly and it has thickened a little, then serve.This goes great with a crusty slice of buttered bread. Serves 4
I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Have a great wheat free day...until next time.

Enjoy Life's Seed & Fruit mixes...

Good morning all. Today I want to tell you about a delicious snack mix from Enjoy Life. I have to tell you that this company is one of my favorites by far. I haven't been disappointed with any of their products I have tried, including their seed and fruit mixes. Their Mountain Mix is loaded with sunflower kernels, pumpkin seeds, raisins, apples, chocolate chips and cranberries. This mixture is my favorite of the two as it contains.....yes you guessed it....chocolate chips.  The Beach Bash is a mixture of sunflower kernels, pineapple, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and apricots. Okay, so in all honesty it is a tie in flavors for me! They are both so delicious that I have a hard time deciding as both are loaded with crunchy seeds and moist chewy fruits.

These mixes are made to be gluten free as well as free from the eight most common allergens such as wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish, shellfish.They are both tasty and filling. I find less guilt in grabbing a handful of these mixes father than reaching for a candy bar.

A 1/4 cup serving  of the Mountain Mambo has only 140 calories, the Beach Bash has 130 calories for the same size serving.  The sugar count on both is only 9g as apposed to 19g to 21 g on the variety of candy bars I now have laying on my kitchen counter.

They come in reclosable bags for easy storage, and make a quick filling snack for anytime of the day. I really enjoyed sampling these mixes and look forward to what Enjoy Life might come up with next in their line! Stop by their site for more products and information at Enjoy Life Foods

 Rating  5 Stars

Until next post...Have a great wheat free day!

Goose Valley Brown & Wild Rice Fusion...

Recently I had received several varieties of rice mixes to review from my friends at Goose Valley. Today I needed a quick side dish for dinner, so I decided to try their Brown & Wild Rice Fusion mix. Goose Valley Wild Rice's are gluten free whole grains, high in fiber and protein. They are also the largest certified wild rice producers around. They use only organic fertilizes with no pesticides or herbicides. The company is family-owned and uses organically certified facilities to process their rice, so you can be sure you are getting a certified gluten free product.
Although their site offers loads of recipe's I opted to cook the rice the old fashioned way....plain, so as to be able to freeze the extra and  use it in several more recipes along the way. I find it is  always easier to cook in bulk, then freeze leftovers,  saving me time in the long haul.
The cooking directions are easy enough. Water, rice and a covered pan. Following the directions on the bag the rice cooked perfectly. I was amazed at the texture, which was quite uniform, even though this particular blend has four different rices in the mix. CalMati Brown rice, Wild rice, Heirloom Red rice, ans Calmochi Sweet Brown rice.
Each particular kind of rice cooked to the texture and density of its own characteristics. They each had unique individual flavors, each playing off one another to perfect a pleasing taste. I thought I was going to have to add butter or seasonings to flavor the rice since I was using this as a side dish for tonight's dinner,  but I was mistaken. The rice was a tasty blend all on its own with a slight hint of spice and nectar. The Brown & Wild Rice Fusion comes in a resealable 10 once bag and serves 8
Other flavors the company carries are:
Certified Organic Wild Rice   5 oz serves 4   10 oz serves 8
Natural Wild Rice   5 oz serves 4   10 oz serves 8
Basmati & Wild Rice Fusion  10 oz serves 8
Arboria & Wild Rise Risotto   11oz serves 6
Rice & Bean Fusion  8 oz serves 6
Goose Valley has loads of recipes ranging from appetizers and soups, to  main course dishes and more on their site for you to try and enjoy. I really enjoyed this product and will be purchasing more in the near future.You can view their site at Goose Valley for products, recipes and more about the company.
Rating   5 Stars

Gluten free flours...

I realize there are many gluten free flour mixes and blends on the market, but having the knowledge about each individual gluten free flour and the many ways in which it can be used, is a beneficial tool. So therefore I have listed many gluten free flours with information about each so as to better equip you in your baking adventures.

Amaranth Flour: From Amaranth grain, considered to be gluten-free it has a sweet taste.

 Bean Flours:Baked goods made with bean flours have a desirable texture, are moist, have higher levels of protein and fiber.

Black Bean Flour: Gluten free used for bean dips, fillings in Mexican dishes and other foods. 

White Bean Flour: A variety of flour most often used in gluten free baking in combinations with other beans. This flour is an excellent mild flour to use with breads, cookies, muffins and other baked goods.

Fava Bean Flour: Made from ground Fava beans, this light colored flour is often used in combination with Garbanzo flour in gluten free baking.

Garbanzo Bean Flour: A variety of flour that is most often used in East Indian and Gluten-free cooking. Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, are processed into a flour that is very similar to millet providing a rich sweet flavor to baked foods. This flour may be listed as besan flour.            

Garfava flour: This flour is a blend of chick-pea flour and fava bean flour and can be used like chick-pea flour.

Buckwheat flour: Considered gluten-free. Musty, robust flavor.

Cassava Flour: Ground from the cassava root, this flour is creamy-white with a slightly fermented flavor and sour taste.Gluten free, it is used to replace wheat flour, and is so-used by some people with allergies to other grain crops.
Coconut flour: Coconut flour is made from ground dried coconut meal. It can replace up to 25% of flour used in most recipes. High fiber content.
Coconut Flour: Is made from dried ground coconut meats. It can be substituted for up to 25% of flours used in most recipes. High fiber contant.
Chia Flour: Flour made from ground Chia seeds. Said to be most like wheat flour in texture and taste when used for baking. Has great health benefits and Omega 3's.

Corn flour: Finely ground corn. Gluten-free and bland slightly sweet flavor.
Masa Harina: Finely ground corn flour used to make authentic Mexican tortillas. It is made from corn soaked in lime then dried before grinding. Literally translated from Spanish it means "dough flour".

Millet flour: Ground from the millet seeds. It is gluten-free and has a buttery, slightly sweet taste.

Nut flours:Made by grinding nuts, these flours are excellent in desserts.High in protein and low in carbohydrates.For long storage, keep in freezer or refrigerator.

Almond Flour:Almond flour is simply ground blanched almonds. It is used as a thickener, a replacement for wheat flour, and a base for cakes and puddings. It is still an essential ingredient in Viennese confections.

Cashew Flour: Made from ground raw cashews, this flour can be added to your favorite cookies or cakes for a surprising taste treat.        

Chestnut flour: This tan flour is made from American chestnuts, the meaty, low fat nuts that are often served as a vegetable. The flour is a little sweet and is traditionally used in Italian holiday desserts.        

Pistachio flour: Ground from pistachio nut, great for desserts, as well as other baking.

Oat flour: Sweet and nutty flavor this flour is made by de-hulling oats and grinding the remain groats. It has a high oil content.

Pea Flour: Gluten free, this flour can be used to thicken soups or to make a hearty pea soup.Also use as natural colorant in baking, noodle making and other foods.

Plantain Flour: Dried and ground plantains produce a gluten-free flour, which can be used in breads, cakes, cookies and rolls.

Potato flour: Made from dehydrated potatoes. This is a white velvety flour, sweetly pungent. Gluten-free. Do not mistake this for potato starch. They are two different products.

Quinoa flour: Higher in fat than wheat flour, quinoa flour makes baked goods moister. Often used in gluten free baking.

Rice flour: Ground from the whole grain. Sweet in flavor. Gluten-free. Brown rice flour is made from whole grain; white rice flour from de-branned rice. Sweet rice flour is made from sweet rice, more starchy.

Sorghum flour: Another gluten-free flour. Ground from sorghum berries is imparts a sweet flavor. Sometimes labeled as Juwar flour.

Soy flour: Slightly bitter flavor, manufactured by milling soybeans. The full fat flour contains all the natural oil of the bean.

Spelt flour: Ground from spelt, it has a mild nutty flavor and is high in protein but low in gluten. It is sometimes substituted for wheat flour in making bread for the gluten and wheat intolerant.
HOWEVER, many Celiac patients find they may also be intolerant of this flour.Available in whole spelt flour and white spelt flour, which is made from de-branned spelt grain.

Sweet Potato Flour:A gluten free flour that is produced from white sweet potatoes. Dull white in color, sweet potato flour is stiff in texture and somewhat sweet tasting. High in fiber, this flour contains more carbohydrates but less protein than common flour. It can be used for baked goods, such as breads, cookies, muffins, pancakes, doughnuts, sauces, and gravies, or as a thickener.

Tapioca flour: Milled from the dried starch of the cassava root, this flour thickens when heated with water and is often used to give body to puddings, fruit pie fillings, and soups. It can also be used in baking.

Teff flour: From T’eff grain, this is an ancient Ethiopian flour.Used to make unleavened bread, soups and other African foods, teff is available in both the natural brown and the natural ivory varieties.

If you have a favorite flour combination you use and would love to share, please leave a comment under this post.
As always...Have a great wheat free day!

Construction..construction...construction..

Wow. Last night was one of those nights when I kept waking up throughout the night with too many thoughts racing through my mind! I have dozens of products to review, a house to clean, posts to write, and on top of that I have been fighting a sore throat and a cough. I guess" it never rains but what it pours" as my mom would say.

I finally fell asleep on the couch after several hours of tossing and turning to awaken this morning  to several construction vehicles parked in front of our house. They are working down the block on Townhouses and it seems that the front our house seems to be their chosen place for designated parking.

 Realizing that I nor my husband had set the garbage can out on the curb for pick up this morning  I threw on some clothes and completed the task before starting my day. So far I have also dropped of a letter that needed to go in today's mail, made the bed, fed the cat, ate breakfast, read scripture form the bible, said my prayers, and checked my daily e-mails. Restless night...hectic morning.

This brings me to the reason of this post. Recently I received a picture of a child which  I have sponsored through Compassion for the past ten years, her name is Griselda. She was just five years old when I started sponsoring her, and this year she will graduate high school. Where has the time gone?

I have received countless letters from her over the past years, all  translated into English for my benefit as she lives in Bolivia, and all of which I have kept. Along the way I have learnt about her family, subjects she likes and dislikes. I have heard stories about field trips, family birthdays, the birth of her pet dogs puppies and more. Like the construction down the block, from start to finish, I have been with her along the way.

This is how my wheat free adventure feels like on many days...CONSTRUCTION.
In a home the electrical has to be put in the exact placement in order for the heating and cooling to function, or the electric to even work. The walls have to provide enough structure to hold the weight of the ceiling and the roof .Yes, even the plumbing must have just the right degree of slant in order for the drains to perform properly. The construction crew may have the best laid blueprints to follow, yet even then, sometimes changes need to be made, or specifications adjusted slightly.

This is the same with my wheat free living journey. Sometimes I need to adjust my eating when away from home visiting family. Gluten free products such as bread are not always available so I have to resort to eating more fruits and salads than I normally would. Sometimes I have to turn down desserts that I might crave to insure that I am true to myself in this adventure. Changes in my "blueprints" are sometimes something that I can't avoid. I am finding I am okay with this....As long as I am reaching my ultimate goal, being  honest with myself, and reaching the completion of the constuuction I have started. I realize the little changes in my blueprints are only a small part in the completion of my better health, so I continue on with the construction, happily.

Until next post...Have a great wheat free day!!!

popchips at Costco's...

Hi everyone. I hope your day is going as well as mine is. I sat down for a snack earlier and just had to share this amazing product with you,  popchips.....I found these delicious chips this past week while shopping at our local Costco store, and only got around to trying them today.

These chips are made with potatoes (flakes) but are popped, not fried, and never baked, so they are a much healthier alternative to snacking. Fried chips just put a lot of stuff in there that we could all do without. And baking chips takes a lot of flavor out. So at popchips they found a way to pop all the flavor in, while keeping all the fake stuff, and at least half the fat of regular flavored chips out.
There are no fake colors, no fake flavors, no preservatives, and no grease, no hydrogenated oils or  MSG along with no preservatives.

WOW! I just couldn't quit eating them. The great part about it is most of their flavors are only anywhere between 100-120 calories per serving! The only flavor Costco had was the Parmesan Garlic and it was less than $5.00 for a 15 oz bag so I bought one to try.  The 15oz bag contains about 15 servings, which averages out to about $.33 a serving.

The flavor was super. They are crunchy, yet seem to just melt in your mouth. The united flavors of the Parmesan cheese and garlic didn't outweigh the chip, and was quite a treat. Knowing I was eating healthier and still satisfying my "snack" attack made me feel good.

popchips offers nine other flavors: Original, Barbecue, Sour Cream & Onion, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Sweet Potato, Jalapeno Cheddar, Salt & Pepper, Chili Lime, and Thai Sweet Chili.

The company recently also introduced a line of Tortilla products with four great flavors: Nacho Cheese, Ranch, Salsa, Chili Limon.You can order the products from their web site in bulk either in 12 or 24 count packs or look for them in your area. They have been written about in such magazines as Shape, Men's Health, Fitness, and Eat This Not That, just to name a few. They are also a certified gluten free product, and most of their products are also Vegan and Vegetarian safe.(Please check ingredients)

Ingredients: (for the Parmesan Garlic Potato flavor that I tried)

Potato Ingredients (potato flakes, potato starch) Sunflower, Safflower, and/or Canola oil, Seasoning(Maltodextrin, whey, salt, dextrose, Parmesan cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), Natural flavors, Garlic powder, parsley, yeast extract, citric acid, lactic acid)Rice flour.
CONTAINS: Milk

Rating: 5 Stars....I can't wait to try their other flavors!

You can visit their site at popchips, and as always have a GREAT wheat free day!

The Pure Pantry... pancake review...

This morning I woke up to rather ominous looking skies here in Ohio and felt like I needed something to help lift the "gloom" that seemed to surround me. Something warm and comforting such as.....Pancakes...

I had recently received some pancake mix from thepurepantry and immediately whipped up some batter, then sat down to a breakfast of pancakes lathered in maple syrup, sliced banana and OJ. Great way to start the day.

This is a organic buckwheat flax pancake and baking mix, and although there is the word wheat in the name, there is virtually no wheat in this product! Buckwheat does not contain wheat!!!!Actually this mix is not only free of gluten, but also contains NO dairy, soy, nuts or eggs, making it also great for Vegans. All of thepurepantry's products are batch tested for absence of gluten to insure that they are certified gluten free, it is a product that is made in  USA and is also organic.

The pancakes were light, fluffy, and quite delicious. Although the texture is not as fluffy as basic pancakes made with white flour, the taste was great. I felt as if I was eating a whole grain pancake without all the guilt or ingredients I no longer want in my diet.

 Now I am not the best pancake maker in the world by any means, but I must say that I didn't do too bad of a job and ended up with quite uniform shaped cakes this morning. All in all I felt pretty good about my accomplishment, and pleasantly pleased with the taste.

Ingredients:

Organic buckwheat flour, organic brown rice flour, organic flax meal, organic white rice flour, aluminum free baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, xanthan gum.

Rating: 5 Stars

You can view their other products such as their Old fashioned pancake and baking mix, Chocolate chip cookie mix, Organic sugar cookie mix, Wholegrain oatmeal cookie mix, Wholegrain dark chocolate cake mix, Organic all purpose baking mix and numerous recipes at thepurepantry

Also if you live near Carlsbad California you can sign up for Elizabeth's cooking classes, or order her book from the site if you don't live near by.

I hope you enjoy, and as always....Have a great wheat free day!!!!

Quattrobimbi products from Italy...

With summer upon us I have been longing for some great pasta salad, so yesterday I decided to finally bread down and make some since I had received several packages of gluten free noodles from Quattrobimbi that I was anxious to try.

Now being fairly new to this wheat/gluten free lifestyle and still in the experimenting stages with many foods,  I have tried my fair share of different noodles and have had some not so favorable experiences with many, but this was not the case with this product. Although the noodles cooked up a little larger than most elbows I have been use to over the years,  the taste was remarkable.

The company has a expanding product line, LeVeneziane, Le Asolane, Farmo, and Farabella with products ranging from gluten free pastas to bread sticks, cake, bread and pizza mixes, gnocchi and even baked cookies.

The pasta I used was the MACCHERONCINI from their Bi Aglut line. Following the directions on the bag I cooked the noodles for exactly 8 minutes, setting my timer so as not to over cook. The noodles were plump with just the right texture and the taste was excellent. I really would have had a difficult time telling they were gluten free if I had not cooked them myself. To be honest I had to go back and check the labeling on the bag to be sure!

The ingredients listed are: Cornstarch,potato flour, lupin flour, lupin proteins, mono and diglycerides(emulsified) THIS PRODUCT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH PEANUT ALLERGIES. CONTAINS LUPIN FLOUR AND LUPIN PROTEIN.

This is a product of Italy...boy do they know their pasta, and the particular Le Veneziane noodles I used are manufactured for H J  HEINZ Co. in Pittsburgh Pa., so you can probably find them at your local supermarket.

After tossing all my extra  ingredients in with the drained pasta I popped it in the refrigerator for about a hour and served it with BBQ ribs for dinner. My husband enjoyed every bite as did I, and he never asked if it was GF...(I am weening him off of wheat/gluten gradually without his knowledge).
Being an Italian himself I have to say he knows his pasta, and since he never asked if it was gluten free, says it all.

I would highly recommend this product and can't wait to try the penne noodles with sauce very soon:)
You can visit their site and view all their products at:Quattrobimbi-Gluten Free from Italy

Rating: 5 Stars

Great vacation...

Hi everyone. I am back from vacation and ready to once again review more products. I had a great time with my daughter and grandsons.  I made gluten free pasta springs while visiting and my grandsons both asked for seconds, and never knew the difference We also made gluten free cupcakes! Wow, I must be doing something right. I got lots of hugs and kisses this past week and I miss them terribly already.

This blog is all about being "REAL", whether it be about good food, recipes, reviews, or just life and family in general. Life is too short to miss out on the little things, so if keeping healthy will give me more time to enjoy each and every moment along the way, then I am hopefully on the right track.

I received two boxes of products while I was  away and I can't wait to start the "tastings". I hope you are all enjoying your summer vacations, and have been brave enough to have tried something new along the way.

I look forward to my next product testing review, as I hope you do. Until then...have a great wheat free day!

Biscuits with Better Batter mix review...

Last night I decided to make biscuits to go with Chili for dinner and change it up a little from everyday bread. I used the Pancake & Biscuit mix from Better Batter and followed the easy directions listed on the box. 2 1/4 C mix, 2/3 to 1 C milk, buttermilk, or water. (I used Almond milk and added 1 T of vinegar to make a mock buttermilk)  I mixed the ingredients by hand using a pastry blender until a soft, sticky dough formed. I used the drop method, although you also have the option of rolling the dough to create rolled biscuits. Quick and easy was what I was in the mood for...and this was both.

The biscuits were soft, flaky, and  tender with a great taste. I smeared butter on them and definitely ate my share. The recipe will make 6-8 biscuits depending upon the size.This mix can also be used to make pancakes and waffles, which I plan to try in the future.

I have tried several of Better Batters products and have been satisfied with each and everyone I have tried. This is a great mix to have on hand as it is quick, easy, and delicious. It is nice to know that the company also gives a percentage of their profits to charities.

Each box is stamped with a" Best Before Date" in print large enough for the most visually challenged person to be able to see, and their site has recipes to share and enjoy, as well as a gluten free community. The products are made in Pennsylvania ( my home state...Yeah!) in the USA. This product is also accepted for Vegetarian, Vegan and OU Kosher.

You can visit their site to find information or to order products at Better Batter

Ingredients:
White rice flour, Brown rice Flour, Tapioca starch, potato starch, Canola oil, Sugar, Potato flour, Sodium acid pyrophosphate, Xantham gum, Pectin, Baking soda, Salt, Cream of tarter, monocalcium, Phosphate Monohydrate.

Rating 5 Stars

Enjoy Life cookie review...

This past week I received four crunchy cookie varieties from Enjoy Life to sample. All these cookies are made in a dedicated nut and gluten free bakery and are products of the USA. I have tried a few of Enjoy Life's products recently and was curious to see if their already baked cookies were going to measure up to their other products, and I was not disappointed.
 It was one of those days when everything that could go wrong seemed to do so, and I needed a "sweet" fix bad, so I tried all four varieties at once!

I hadn't had a sugar cookie for quite awhile so I started with this variety. The cookies were thin and crisp, with just the right amount of sweetness to them, great for dunking in milk. They had that buttery taste and texture like recipes I have made in the past where I have substituted butter for the shortening or margarine called for in a recipe, which results in a flatter and crisper cookie.
I enjoyed the rich taste and even used these to make a crust for a "No Bake Cheesecake." Each variety comes packed in quantities of fourteen cookies to a box, so there are plenty to share. 

Ingredients:

White rice flour, Millet flour, Buckwheat flour, Evaporated cane juice, Palm oil, brown pure cane sugar, Natural flavor, Salt, vanilla, Baking soda, Sodium acid pyrophosphate, Xanthan gum, Rosemary extract

Rating: 4 1/2  Stars

Next I tried the Honey Vanilla Graham cookie. These cookies resemble a graham cracker in taste, loaded with vanilla. I do like graham crackers on occasion, but the slight buttery flavor of these cookies seemed to contradict with the graham taste for my liking.

Ingredients:

Brown and white rice flour, Buckwheat flour, Millet flour, Palm oil, Brown pure cane sugar, Evaporated cane juice, Honey, Natural flavors, Vanilla, Salt, Baking soda, Xanthan gum, Sodium acid pyrophosphate, Rosemary extract.

Rating: 3 stars

The third variety was the Double Chocolate crunch. If you love chocolate this is going to be a big hit. The cookie was loaded with a rich chocolaty flavor, and each cookie is loaded with chips.

Ingredients:

White rice flour, Buckwheat flour, Millet flour, Chocolate chips (evaporated cane juice, chocolate liquor, non dairy cocoa butter) Palm oil, Brown pure cane sugar, Evaporated cane juice, Natural process cocoa powder, Natural flavors, Vanilla, Salt, Baking soda, Sodium acid pyrophosphate, Xanthan gum, Rosemary extract.

Rating 4 1/2  Stars

The last variety was the crunchy Chocolate Chip. What can I say about these except that they were rich, crunchy and tasty! I must admit that if it is a dense doughy cookie you are looking for,  these will not fit that bill. Yet, if it is a buttery, crunchy treat you desire, than these are right down your alley.

Ingredients:

White rice flour, Buckwheat flour, Millet flour, Chocolate chips (evaporated cane juice, chocolate liquor, non dairy cocoa butter) Palm oil, Evaporated cane juice, Brown pure cane sugar, Natural flavor, Salt, Vanilla, Sodium acid pyrophosphate, Baking soda, Xanthan gum, Rosemary extract.

Rating 4 1/2 Stars

Enjoy Life offers quite a variety of Gluten Free products on their home site. All their products are gluten free and contain No artificial ingredients, trans fat,s or genetically modified ingredients

You might have seen their products featured on numerous programs such as Food Network's Unwrapped,"or the Today Show's segment "Healthy Lunch Box Finds," to name a few.

The company just  introduced "Plentils...Enjoy Life's first salty snack product in March 2012.
To visit their site to order, or for information, visit....Enjoy Life You can also find many of their products in your local supermarket nationwide.
        
As always, have a wheat free kind of day!

Namaste Foods Pasta Pisavera Review...

Tonight my husband and I decided to have a light dinner. A nice green salad and a Pasta Pisavera meal kit from Namaste Foods sounded just about right. I was hoping this Italian Pasta kit was going to be as good as others were saying it was.
Now to know me, you would know I have never been a great lover of meal kits. Hamburger Helper has never reached my pantry shelves, SORRY!) So to try a meal in a bag is a adventure in itself for me.
The directions looked simple enough. All I needed was 3 Tablespoons of oil.

Ingredients:
Vegetable pasta (brown rice, spinach powder, tomato powder, carrot powder, water).
Shelled Hemp seed, tomato powder, salt, granulated garlic, Italian seasoning, granulated onion, and silicon dioxide (added to prevent caking).
*Namaste products are made in a dedicated facility free of: Gluten, Wheat, Soy, Corn, Potato, Peanuts, Tree nuts, Dairy and Casein for those with these food allergies.

Okay...I wasn't sure what shelled hemp seed was but I didn't have to look far as they tell you right on the bag. It seems that it is an excellent source of easily digestible, gluten free protein. It has more protein than nuts, fish, meat or poultry. It also has essential fatty acids your body needs as well as all essential amino acids. Tasty, and good for you? ...I'm in!

When I opened the bag there was a package of spiral noodles in three different colors. Great, as I love vegetable noodles! The second packet was a small packet of seasonings.
After the noodles cooked all I had to do was add the packet of seasoning to the oil, toss into the cooked, drained pasta and I was done. Quick, easy and painless!
The bag does offer suggestions on adding a variation of other ingredients but I skipped this part because tonight I wanted quick and easy, besides  I already had fresh ingredients and veggies in the salad.

I must say this dish was a big hit. Not only was it easy to prepare but delicious also. I am now anxious to try their two other varieties of meal kits which include the Say Cheez and Taco Pasta meal. All sell for $4.79 on their site and currently the Say Cheez meal  is on sale for $4.49. This kit makes 4 side dish servings or 2 entree servings, so it was perfect for the two of us. This kit will soon become a handy staple in my pantry for those hectic, or not so hectic days.
You can view these and all other Namaste products at http://www.namastefoods.com

Rating: 5 Stars

Busy, busy, busy...

Wow has this week flown by. I haven't stopped to catch my breath the past few days it seems. Grocery shopping, making meals ahead to freeze, getting ready for company, it has been non stop.
I just wanted to take a break and sit for a few minutes to try and catch my breath, so here I am.
The power outage here in Ohio really set me back this past week. EVERYTHING in both our refrigerator and freezer had to be thrown out. All that baking and cooking I have done these past few months had to be tossed. It broke my heart to see bag after bag get tossed into the trash can! What a waste!
Well hopefully things will get back to normal this coming week and I can start posting more reviews and recipes.
Until then have a GREAT wheat free weekend!!! 

Power outage....

If you have been watching the news this past week you will know that several states had been hit with severe power outages, our area was one of those affected. Our home, along with those in the surrounding areas were without power for five full days, a few areas are still without power as I type.

Now I am not afraid of the dark, and I can even handle no air conditioning for a period of time, but this past week was unbearable with the heat in the high 90's and low 100's. So after only one day of no air, no lights, and definitely no way to cook meals, the heat sent us packing. Since we had nothing else to do we headed off to visit family in a different state and settled into a hotel for four full days.

My husband, smart man that he is, used forethought and booked a hotel room on the Internet from his cell on one of those sites that give you great prices, so we got a super deal on the price of the room. Cell phones are wonderful things but like everything else in our home they need to be recharged, and sitting in your car with the motor running just to recharge your cell phone is not my idea of fun so we packed our bags and headed out..

Needless to say we lost everything in our refrigerator and freezer while our home was without power. All my gluten free meals which I had prepared ahead were gone, ( not to mention all staples such as mayonnaise, ketchup, my special gluten free flours and such had to be tossed. As my mother always says..."Don't cry over spilt milk"...(well in this case spoiled milk), so its off to the grocery store to shop today.

I hope that those of you reading this who were without power are finally back to normal. Life gets bumpy along the way and sometimes throws you a curve ball when you least expect it. I might have lost hundreds of dollars of food but I got to spend unexpected precious time with those I love, and quality time with my husband. This reminds me of a saying I saw posted on a local church just awhile back..."Don't give up, ...Even Moses was a basket case once". So I will count my blessings, make out my grocery list, and go shopping.....again!
So till next post, be blessed and have a super wheat free day!


 

Product reviews...or not!

Hey everyone...I am so sorry there haven't been any posts the past few days. I had worked my "butt" off to review several products to post for you over the 4th of July only to find that when my husband bought and set up my new computer that they got lost somewhere in the transition :(
I will now have to take the time to re-write them so they can be posted. BUMMER!!!

I hope you all enjoyed the 4th and have new memories to hold on to. This was actually the first time in years that we went to see the fireworks, and they were spectacular! We visited family and I got to see my youngest grandson Levi, who is now slightly over two years old,  actually enjoy being in the water without the aide of someones assistance. My daughter had found this neat device that not only has arm floaters, but also goes around his chest to keep him afloat.

Then came the moment.... when he told her "no mommy" and pushed her away as he bobbed along in the water. She was hurt at his independence as most mothers would be, yet proud. Her little guy was growing up and was making a important decision to go it on his own, if even for just a moment. I must say it even put a little ache in my heart.

 For those of you who have children, you know that feeling...That very first step of independence gets you every time. Whether it be tying their shoe laces for the first time, the first "No" they utter, getting on the school bus for the very first time, whatever the first,  it tugs at your heartstrings each and every time.

I can remember back to several firsts in my life....My first boyfriend, first and favorite job, which just happened to be in a bakery....go figure!!! The birth of my first child. Every first involves decisions...the decision to learn, have children, become independent, become healthy.

This past week after once again "slipping" off my wheat free lifestyle I have come to this realization. If I do not stay true to my decision to be wheat free, no one else is going to do it for me. It is my choice...my decision...my first! I can once again feel the changes in my body from just a week of "cheating'. I am achy, tired, upset stomach, and just out of sorts. So this week it is back on track once again, with the realization that I need to really take responsibility for my decision and plan ahead for such trips. Others don't always understand our choices and are therefore not prepared to accommodate out lifestyle changes, so we must make the decision to be responsible for ourselves.
Unlike my grandson who will need his mother close to protect him and make the important decisions for him until the time he is able to do so himself, I need to take full responsibility for the decisions I make.

I personally don't like the old way I felt both physically nor mentally. I do enjoy the new healthier version of myself. So once again I am back on track with more determination than ever, trying to remind myself this is MY decision....not that of everyone around me!
Until later...Have a great wheat free day!

Way Better Snacks product review...

Sever weeks ago I received all six varieties of Way Better snacks chips to try. Wow! The bags were all full size and I was wondering how I was going to review these products from this generous company. I didn't want to open each bag to sample just a few and take a chance of them going stale, so they set on my pantry shelf for awhile.
Then last week I came up with the idea for a "Snack Party". I invited a few friends over to ask their opinion and made sure I got to sample each and every snack chip myself.
I set the table with guacamole, salsa, and hummus, along with all varieties of the chips and a huge bowl of fresh fruit salad and some homemade lemonade.
The party was a big hit and not only did I get to visit with all my friends, but I also got a few added opinions on the product. Everyone really enjoyed all varieties and there was not a chip left!
I really like the fact that these snacks are all natural, vegan, gluten free, kosher and have no MSO's, are low in sodium and a excellent source of fiber.
Although the chips are  first baked in a special oven to reduce moisture and then fried for a short time in Sunflower Oil, there is no greasy taste here.They all had a crisp delicious corn tortilla taste.

Although the chips are not totally organic, most of the ingredients used are certified organic such as the blue Corn, golden flax, quinoa. daikon radish seed, and the chia seeds. The company also first sprouts the grains and seeds which increases their nutrients and allows the body to better absorb them, and each chip was loaded with seeds!.

The large bag of chips sells for $3.49 on their web site and a single serving bag sell for $1.19. I feel that in comparison to chips found on the shelves of your local grocery store this is a great value for your money, and a healthier life choice.

The Muti-grain is the closest to a regular tortilla chip and my all time favorite. It tasted great with hummus as well as the salsa. It had a light salty taste and was crunchy. These are even good alone.

Rated 5 Stars (my all time favorite)

The Sweet Potato chip was nicely salted and tasted like a lightly buttered baked sweet potato to me. I especially enjoyed these with Hummus.

Rated 5 Stars 

The Sweet Chili had a kick to it and I highly recommend a tall glass of lemonade or water to help keep the heat at bay. I am somewhat of a sissy when it comes to spicy...so if you like the "heat" then go for it!

Rated 4 Stars   (just a little to spicy for this girls taste buds)

Unbeatable Blues tasted similar to the blue tortilla chips you find on the grocery shelves and go well with corn salsa.

Rated 4 1/2 Stars

Black Bean Tortillas were lightly salted and these could be used in place of crackers with a nice bowl of turkey chili, or dipped in hummus.

Rated 5 Stars

The Naked Blues have no salt added and therefore was a little bland all alone but great with salsa.

Rated  4 Stars  (only because I like salt on my chips)

The company even sent me a book with information about the products wrapped in recycled paper full of wildflower seeds that will sprout when planted. Now this is a company that knows about "sprouting"...

You can visit their site at http://www.gowaybetter.com to order products or to view nutritional information.

Double Chocolate Crunch Granola product review

This morning I woke knowing I was going to have quite a busy day ahead of me. It is my Stepson's birthday this weekend and we are going for a visit so I had a million things to do. Run errands, pack suitcases, fill the car up with gas, well you know the rest...
I decided on a quick breakfast of granola and decided to give the Double Chocolate Crunch from Enjoy Life a try. It is a Nut & Gluten free Granola, and we all know I love chocolate, so why not for breakfast too!
A 1/2 cup serving has 200 calories, and I added milk which gives it a few more calories, but I do like my granolas with a little added milk to them. It is now almost 3:00 in the afternoon and I must admit I just now had my lunch, so the granola left me full for quite some time.
It has a sweet chocolaty taste and stayed quite firm in the milk while eating. I could taste the tiny semi sweet chocolate chips in each bite, and the rice flakes were sweet and crunchy.
I can imagine this would make a great topping for vanilla ice cream or sprinkled into some plain yogurt to add flavor, or alone as a snack. The ideas are limitless!
All Enjoy Life's products are free of wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish and shell fish. They are also casein, potato, sesame and sulfite free.
The granola comes in a resealable stay fresh package. There are seven servings per container and it sells for $5.99 on their site.
Enjoy life also offers cookies, chewy bars, seed and fruit mixes, chocolate for baking, chocolate bars, plentils and cereals. On their site you will also find lots of tips and recipes for their products. They even have printable coupons !!!


Ingredients:
Brown Rice Flakes, Chocolate Chips (Evaporated Cane Juice, Natural Chocolate Liquor (Non-Alcoholic), Non-Dairy Cocoa Butter), Evaporated Cane Juice, Brown Rice Syrup, Rice Bran, Rice Crisps (Rice Flour, Rice Bran, Raisin Juice Concentrate, Honey, Salt), Natural Process Cocoa Powder, Inulin (Chicory Root Fiber), Ground Flaxseed, Natural Chocolate Flavor, Honey, Vanilla, Expeller-Pressed Vegetable Oil (Safflower Oil and/or Sunflower Oil), Salt, Rosemary Extract

I really enjoyed this granola and am anxious to try their other flavors as well. I am off to print some coupons, so till next post...Have a great wheat free day! To view their products or to order go to their site at http://www.enjoylifefoods.com

Rating: 5 Stars

Breads from Anna... Banana Bread Mix Review...

Yesterday I tried the Banana Bread mix by Breads from Anna. I had previously tried her Classic Herb Bread mix and was quite pleased with it so I was excited to give the Banana bread mix a try.
I was also in the mood for a good warm sweet bread, as I wanted to wind down after a busy day with a cup of tea and a warm slice of  something sweet.
The directions are as simple as can be, 1/3 cup oil, 2 large eggs well beaten, 3 medium bananas purred, and 2/3 cup chopped walnuts and the mix, all of which I had on hand.
I mixed the ingredients according to directions and baked the full hour called for. I even let it cool for the full hour specified, even though I wanted to cheat and dive in. The smell of bananas and walnuts filled the room as it baked, and my mouth was watering with anticipation.
While cooling the top sank slightly. Also when cutting the bread it seemed slightly tough on the outside, although moist on the inside. The first bite set me back a little, as the taste of the flours seemed to have slightly a little more control over the taste than that of the banana's.
Although the bread was quite moist it was not as light and fluffy as I had hoped, probably because of the density of the flours used. The flavor that showed through the greatest was actually that of the walnuts.
It seems to taste slightly better the next day which left me a little disappointed as I had truly been looking forward to a nice warm slice lathered in butter.
I do however give the company kudos for using flours that are healthier for you in this mix and even thought it was not one of my favorite mixes I look forward to trying the other mixes in their line.

Ingredients:
Crystallized honey, tapioca starch, arrowroot, millet flour, potato starch, chia flour, pinto bean flour, navy bean flour, sea salt, cream of tarter, baking soda, xanthan gum.

I must admit this is the only Banana bread mix I have sampled so far on my wheat free journey, so therefore I have no other banana bread mixes to compare it to.Yet based on my own personal taste test, and that is what this review is all about....I would have to give it a a lower rating than their Classic Herb bread (which was definitely at the top of my scale).

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

You can visit their site at http://www.breadsfromanna.com for more products and information.

Gardening day...

Hi everyone. It is beautiful today and so I thought I would take a break and do a little gardening, or should I say weeding!
A few years back I planted a beautiful pink flower in the garden that is suppose to attract butterflies and humming birds. The first year I did indeed see a few humming birds, and once a butterfly, but as of late all they have only been attracting are bee's and dragonfly's.
I don't mind I guess, as bees need pollen, and the dragonfly's are a beautiful illuminating blue in color. What I do mind it that the flowers have virtually taken over!
From what started as three small plants has multiplied into a mass that now surrounds the other flowers and shrubs in the garden and has drifted into my yard and rooted there.
I have pulled them out roots and all several times now, but they keep reappearing at a alarming rate. Who ever said I don't have a green thumb?????
I even saw a neighbor enter the yard one day, which is only about 10' x 6' in size, and pluck a few, possibly in the hopes of replanting them. I hope she has better luck controlling them than I have.
I know this post has nothing to do with my wheat free journey other than gardening is the form of exercise I opted for today instead of my usual walk around the lake. The sun is still shining and I still have a few flowers on the rampage that need to be plucked, so till next post.....Have a great wheat free day!

Everything breakfast bake...

Sometimes I just want something different for breakfast other than a cold bowl of cereal, fried eggs and toast, or pancakes. Today was that day. I have been known to be an adventurer in the kitchen even though my culinary skills are limited to my years of Home Economics in High School, so lets face it, a Chef I am not. Yet on those rare occasions I do sometimes hit the mark when it comes to my experimentation's in the kitchen, and today just happened to be one of those days.
Since starting on this adventure months ago, I have found that eating wheat/gluten free can have a few draw backs to it, if you let it that is. And since I am not much of a red meat eater these days figuring out where to get my protein throughout the day can be challenging. You can only eat so much PB or eggs.
I decided to make a "bake" this morning, throwing in pretty much everything I had in in the kitchen minus the kitchen sink.
Okay, I had a can of garbanzo beans...loaded with protein and fiber, great starter.  Canned tomatoes, low in calories yet high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Canned diced potatoes. Although these contain carbs they area good source of fiber and have 0 grams of fat. A raw onion which contain sulfides known to lower blood lipid levels and reduce blood pressure. Last but not least were eggs. Although these have brought great debate over the years as to whether they are indeed good for you or not, they do contain almost all vitamins with the exception of Vitamin C.
As you can see I was quite hungry, and although I did not awake with the  intention to create a "healthy" Breakfast, I have been stocking my pantry a little more wisely as of late.
I found this new creation to be rather tasty. It has been a few hours now and I am still feeling quite full and  satisfied. Mmmmm, wonder what it would have tasted like with some frozen spinach and a small can of Salmon??? Maybe next time!
Hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we did. Until next post, have a great wheat free day....


Everything Bake Recipe:

2 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1  16 oz can Garbanzo beans drained
1 14 1/2 oz can Diced potatoes drained
1 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
1 small sweet onion diced
1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
4 medium eggs beaten
Salt & Pepper to taste
Salsa

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly oil a 8" square glass pan.

In a large skillet lightly saute the onion in the olive oil until tender firm. Add drained potatoes and cook over med high heat until potatoes are lightly browned. Toss in the drained garbanzo bean until heated. Lower heat to medium. Stir in the canned tomatoes and cook until most of liquid is absorbed.
Pour cooked mixture into oiled baking dish. Pour beaten eggs evenly over top of potato, bean mixture. Top with shredded cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes or until eggs are set. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting to serve. Serve with Salsa on the side.
Serves 4-6

Tip: Stock up on canned items when they are on sale. Also, don't be afraid to email companies and ask for coupons. You might just be surprised at the response you get!

Surf Sweets review...

Recently I received some samples from Surf Sweet. I had missed my jelly beans at Easter and was so glad to receive several samples to review from this company. Surf Sweet candy is made with all natural organic fruit juice and sweeteners. The flavors as well as the colors, are all natural, with no artificial ingredients. The snacks are also fortified with vitamin C which is helpful if your kids or grand kid's don't eat their fruits and veggies like they should.
They are also free of corn syrups and GMO's, and are gluten, and allergy friendly. They are made in a nut-free facility and are great if you are living a Vegan lifestyle also.

I first tried the jelly beans they sent and was surprised at the softness of them, not hard and rubbery like so many on the market. The flavors of each were distinct, but not over powering. They didn't stick to my teeth and made a nice light treat. A serving size is about 31 pieces at a mere 140 calories and 0 fat calories.

I would definitely add there to my Easter baskets and keep on hand for a nice fruity treat.

Rating: 5 Stars

The Gummy bears were soft and sweet with a creamy texture and just the right amount of chewiness to them. They were a big hit with the grand kid's who wanted more.They are 130 calories for for a serving of 16 pieces.

Rating 5 Stars

Next to try was the Sugared gummy bears. The taste was the same as the regular fruity bears with the exception of a light coating of sugar. I must admit that next to the jelly beans this was my next favorite.

Rating 5 Stars

Gummy Worms....this was my Grandson's all time favorite as he is all "BOY" and loves anything that resembles a critter. I had trouble prying even 1 off him to try, but by the looks of it he certainly seemed to enjoy them as there was not one left in the pack.

Rating 5 Stars

I like the fact they come in snack size bags also so they can be tossed in with lunches as a quick pick me up. To view Surf Sweets products or to get nutritional information visit them at http://surfsweets.com

Food Should Taste Good product review...and "LET'S SUMMER" contest!

Most everyone loves a good Tortilla chip and my family is no exception. Food Should Taste Good was kind enough to send me five of their flavors to sample and I have been in Tortilla chip heaven! These chips are All natural, have no MSG, low in sodium, no trans fat, gluten free, Kosher, lactose free, have No preservatives, cholesterol free, and supply a good source of dietary fiber. They make a great snack, go well with sandwiches, taco's, or use as desserts (chocolate variety, kettle corn)

The first variety I tried was the Kettle Corn. This variety had a sweet and salty taste just like the kettle corn you find at fairs, the only difference is it is more crunchy than regular popcorn. I found it hard to put the bag down!
Ingredients: Stone ground corn, High Oleic Sunflower oil, and/or Safflower oil, and/or Canola oil, toasted corn gum, evaporated cane juice, corn bran, sea salt. A serving is 12 chips at 140 calories.

Rating: 5 Stars

Next I sampled the Lime flavor. This was definitely a tart chip which reminded me of a Lime Martguerita from days gone by. I teamed this up with some plain guacamole and a taco for lunch. Great mixture! A serving is 140 calories  for 12 chips.
Ingredients; Stone ground corn, High Oleic Sunflower oil and/ or Safflower oil, corn bran, lime juice, sea salt.

Rating: 5 Stars

Cantina chips: These chips remind me of the tortilla chips most Mexican restaurants serve except they lack all the loaded oils and they are actually GOOD for you. I loved the flavor with some mild salsa. A serving of 9 chips is 140 calories.
Ingredients: Stone ground corn, High Oleic Sunflower and/or Safflower oil, and/or Canola oil, sea salt/

Rating 5 Stars

Toasted Sesame chips: These chips are mild in flavor and lightly salted. You can see whole sesame seeds in each chip, and although they taste good by themselves, I liked them dipped in peanut butter. These would be good also with hummus or salsa.
Serving size is 11 chips at 150 calories.
Ingredients: Stone ground corn, High Oleic Sunflower oil and/or Safflower oil, sesame seeds, corn bran, sea salt.

Rating 4 1/2 Stars

The last variety I sampled was the Chocolate style chips. You all know from my posts by now that I LOVE chocolate. Maybe it is the added saltiness of the chip, or the fact that I like my chocolate to be creamy in texture, but this was my least favorite of the varieties I tried. Although it does definitely have a good chocolaty taste I found this chip more to my liking when crushed over some vanilla ice cream or topped with sliced bananas. It is 140 calories for a 10 chip serving.
Ingredients;  Stone ground corn, High Oleic Sunflower oil, and/or safflower oil, Semi -sweet chocolate powder (sugar-chocolate) Evaporated cane juice, corn bran, Dutch cocoa powder, vanilla extract, sea salt.

Rating: 4 Stars

Food Should Taste Good offers 23 varieties in all, all in healthy versions. There are also recipes to make on the site ranging from dips, salsas, spreads, and pesto for which to accompany the chips.

The company is also sponsoring a "LET'S SUMMER" contest right now in which they are giving away 100 prizes every day so be sure to stop by and enter...No purchase necessary to enter.
You can order from their site at http://foodshouldtastegood.com although you are also likely to find their products in stores in your area.

Until next post...Have a wheat free day!

Better Batter chocolate cake mix review...

Today I have been in a baking mode and made a chocolate cake compliments of Better Batter. The instructions were as easy as any cake mix you will find on the shelves of your local store. I just added
1-1/4 cup of water, 1/2 cup oil and 2 eggs. The recipe calls for 3 eggs but since I always purchase large eggs I only used two in the batter.
There are also recipe instructions on the box for a lower fat vegan version of the cake for those of you who are also Vegan.
The cake came out moist, rich in taste, and delicious. I used two 9 inch cake pans and lined the bottoms with parchment paper. The cake came out of the pans easily and held up to icing very well. 
Now I have always been a Duncan Hines kind of women, and surprisingly this cake mix is head to head in the race in my opinion.
The batter does thicken as you beat it, and becomes similar to a thick chocolate pudding, so if you want a smooth top be sure you spread it very evenly in the pan. Although the top wasn't completely smooth it made no difference as it was not noticeable when iced. 
I chose a Betty Crocker gluten free icing from my local store and the results were something I would be proud to serve guests. I feel I could serve this cake to anyone and they would not have any idea it was gluten free. 
The cake sells for $7.50 and can be found at their site http://www.betterbatter.org or your local grocery store. The mix will make 2-8" cakes, 2-9" cakes, 13x9" cake, bundt pan or 24 cupcakes.
I loved this cake and it is going fast as I type....Oh by the way, there are strawberry muffins in the oven, gotta run...


Rating: 5 Stars

Crunchies product review...

Yesterday I tried two products compliments of Crunchies Food company, their Roasted Veggies and the Mixed fruit.

I love veggies and fruit, but sometimes I just get tired of chewing!!! Crunchies has solved that dilemma for me it seems, with their freeze dried products. A  2.25 oz bag of roasted veggies actually has 2 ears of corn, 1/4 cup of peas, 1 carrot, 2/3 of a pepper and 2/3 of a tomato. All this and only 100 calories per 1/2 cup!  They can be eaten straight from the  convenient resealable bag that’s great for kids lunches, hiking, school, work, or any in-between meal snack on-the-go, or used in cooking or baking. The 2.25 oz bag sells for $4.99 on their site and contains 2 servings.
I made homemade vegetable soup and added the pack of roasted veggies in place of the canned vegetables I usually use. The taste was great. I could actually taste the "roasting" of the veggies. The veggies stayed firm in the broth and were slightly chewy as fresh vegetables should be. The roasted taste was a welcome change to the soup.

                                                                                 
The second product I tried was their Freeze-Dried Mixed Fruit which is 100 % real fruit with a great-tasting mix of peach, blueberry, raspberry, mango, strawberry, and apple. It sells on their sits for $4.99 for a 1.5 oz bag. The fruit bag has 6- 1/2 cup servings. I tried this mixed in with my breakfast cereal and thoroughly enjoyed it. The fruit softened slightly in the milk and I felt as I was eating fresh fruit from the tree. I especially enjoyed the flavors of the berries in the mix.


Crunchies unique freeze drying process is where water is removed in a refrigerated vacuum leaves only the essence of the veggie or fruit with a crunchy texture. Nothing else is added and it is manufactured in the USA.

These products are wheat and gluten free. And while all of the fruits are considered raw, all frozen vegetables are flash-blanched within a few hours after picking. This stops the deterioration of the enzymes and nutrients (and it preserves color) so they are not considered raw. As you probably already know, unless fruits and vegetables are eaten shortly after picking, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables are typically more nutritious than fresh produce. I would recommend Crunchies to anyone, and especially for those who have children who are picky eaters. They offer assorted veggies, fruits and corn snacks. What a great way to get all your servings of fruits and veggies! You can purchase their products at http://crunchiesfood.com Rating for Veggies   5 Stars Rating for Mixed Fruit   5 Stars

Namaste bread mix product review...

I have been looking for that special gluten free bread mix to meet all my needs or a great gluten free recipe, which I have yet to find,  to make in my recently purchased bread maker. The fact is I have tried quite a few bread mixes and although most have supplied many of my needs, they have not quite hit the "mark". I thought I would give Namaste's bread mix a try since they were so kind to supply me with a free mix.
I followed my bread makers directions to the "T", adding all the wet ingredients first, then the dry. The bread filled the room with a warm aroma while baking.
After it finished baking, I let the bread cool completely and cut it in uniform slices on my Presto bread slicing system. I was excited to see how easy the bread was to slice. I noticed very little crumbling or breakage. It was very soft and moist,  with a crisp crunchy crust. So far so good, now on to the taste test.
I made a egg salad sandwich with sliced tomato and lettuce. My mistake was I didn't toast the bread first. I found the bread to be almost too moist, because it seemed almost as soft and gooey as the egg salad itself, although the texture seemed fairly smooth with lots of nooks and crannies.  On a brighter note, the flavor seemed very much like a traditional white bread and held its own a little better when toasted. 

I would rate this bread mix 3- 1/4 Stars

Ingredients:

Brown Rice Flour

Sorghum Flour

Tapioca Flour

Arrowroot Flour

Rice Milk Powder

Evaporated Cane Juice

Millet Flour

Salt

Xanthun Gum

Yeast

To order this and other Namaste products visit http://www.namastefoods.com