Heinz BiAglut DolciSfizi Cannola alla Nocciola
We are going global for this sweet treat that is actually manufactured by Heinz in their Italian BiAglut line. Yes, you read that correctly, good old Heinz actually makes a very nice selection of gluten-free products in Europe but we can only hope that one day they might be available here in the United States. This hazelnut crisp bar was courtesy of an Italian Celiac friend who gave it to me to sample.
At first bite it instantly took me back to my school days in Europe where we would get crisp chocolate-filled wafers during breaks at school. I always loved hazelnut cream so this bar really took me back. It had a wonderfully crisp wafer shell that was filled with the most delicious rich and creamy chocolate hazelnut cream. I actually had to double-check the package because the texture was just so perfect I really doubted it was gluten-free. It is products like this that can instantly transport you to another place and time in a single bite. Alas, my journey was short-lived as I basically inhaled the entire bar and was left with gluten-free remorse. We have all been there before.
You can read more about BiAglut products on their Web Site.
At first bite it instantly took me back to my school days in Europe where we would get crisp chocolate-filled wafers during breaks at school. I always loved hazelnut cream so this bar really took me back. It had a wonderfully crisp wafer shell that was filled with the most delicious rich and creamy chocolate hazelnut cream. I actually had to double-check the package because the texture was just so perfect I really doubted it was gluten-free. It is products like this that can instantly transport you to another place and time in a single bite. Alas, my journey was short-lived as I basically inhaled the entire bar and was left with gluten-free remorse. We have all been there before.
You can read more about BiAglut products on their Web Site.
GFM Dessert Week: Mary’s Gone Crackers Love N’Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
I have long been a fan of Mary’s Gone Crackers cracker assortments but was floored when I saw they had branched out into cookies. Not first of all I have to confess; I thought I was buying oatmeal cookies giving the box a quick glance. It was not until I got home that I realized these were in fact oat-free oatmeal cookies – hence the N’Oatmeal branding. Now I was hesitant at first because I simply love a good, soft, oatmeal cookie. I was not sure what to expect with N’Oatmeal so I took and deep breathe and tore into the package.
Well, I am here to tell you that these were absolutely amazing. Had I not actually read the package I would have thought I was eating a wonderfully soft and delicious gluten-free oatmeal cookie and that’s the kicker because there are absolutely no oats in these but rather quinoa and a gluten-free flour blend. I took another bite and looked at the box, then looked at the cookie, then looked at the box. My mind simply could not register that it was eating a no oat oatmeal cookie that tasted like an oatmeal cookie. What’s even better is that they are Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO, Wheat-, Gluten-, and Dairy-free. They are contain low glycemic sweeteners, no hydrogenated oils, and no trans-fats. What more could you ask for – oh, right, they taste GREAT.
Confusing, I know but everything about these cookies was fantastic. Their soft and moist texture coupled with the grainy nuttiness of the quinoa and flour blend and the delicate sweetness of the raisins made for the absolute most authentic non-oat oatmeal cookie I have ever come across. If you are an oatmeal cookie fan like me get online and visit Mary’s Web site to place and order or find out where you can score these delicious morsels. While you are there, check out their entire product portfolio.
Well, I am here to tell you that these were absolutely amazing. Had I not actually read the package I would have thought I was eating a wonderfully soft and delicious gluten-free oatmeal cookie and that’s the kicker because there are absolutely no oats in these but rather quinoa and a gluten-free flour blend. I took another bite and looked at the box, then looked at the cookie, then looked at the box. My mind simply could not register that it was eating a no oat oatmeal cookie that tasted like an oatmeal cookie. What’s even better is that they are Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO, Wheat-, Gluten-, and Dairy-free. They are contain low glycemic sweeteners, no hydrogenated oils, and no trans-fats. What more could you ask for – oh, right, they taste GREAT.
Confusing, I know but everything about these cookies was fantastic. Their soft and moist texture coupled with the grainy nuttiness of the quinoa and flour blend and the delicate sweetness of the raisins made for the absolute most authentic non-oat oatmeal cookie I have ever come across. If you are an oatmeal cookie fan like me get online and visit Mary’s Web site to place and order or find out where you can score these delicious morsels. While you are there, check out their entire product portfolio.
GFM Dessert Week: Glow Gluten Free Double Chocolate Cookies
I have been meaning to try Glow Gluten Free Cookies for a while but I am the type of person that does not really actively seek out sweets – so when I was shopping the other day and saw the range of Glow cookies on a shelf I decided I’d give them a go. I am a huge chocolate fan so their Double Chocolate variety really spoke to me.
While their boxes may look small, there are seven very nice sized cookies in each box. Better yet, each cookie is just 110 calories not to mention all natural casein-, trans fat-, and preservative-free. It is also nice to be able to recognize the ingredients that go into each cookie – no questionable or surprised ingredients here.
All of the above is great but I know you are wondering how they taste? They are absolutely delicious. They are crisp and wonderfully flakey. The chocolate cookie base has just the right amount of sweetness as the chocolate chips add an additional layer of sweetness. These cookies are perfectly balanced so you can appreciate both the earthy cocoa and the sweet chocolate morsels. Something tells me these cookies would make the most perfect ice cream sandwiches – which I would have tried but somehow managed to eat the entire box before I thought of it…and yes, I did share with my other half.
I am looking forward to trying the remaining varieties of Glow cookies. You can check out their Web site and get more information about their products along with where to find them.
While their boxes may look small, there are seven very nice sized cookies in each box. Better yet, each cookie is just 110 calories not to mention all natural casein-, trans fat-, and preservative-free. It is also nice to be able to recognize the ingredients that go into each cookie – no questionable or surprised ingredients here.
All of the above is great but I know you are wondering how they taste? They are absolutely delicious. They are crisp and wonderfully flakey. The chocolate cookie base has just the right amount of sweetness as the chocolate chips add an additional layer of sweetness. These cookies are perfectly balanced so you can appreciate both the earthy cocoa and the sweet chocolate morsels. Something tells me these cookies would make the most perfect ice cream sandwiches – which I would have tried but somehow managed to eat the entire box before I thought of it…and yes, I did share with my other half.
I am looking forward to trying the remaining varieties of Glow cookies. You can check out their Web site and get more information about their products along with where to find them.
GFM Dessert Week: Andean Dream Cocoa-Orange Quinoa Cookies
I came across these cookies while on a recent outing to Whole Foods. I had not seen this brand before but the promise of chocolate and orange essence piqued my interest. The first thing that I absolutely love about this brand is that each cookie is individually wrapped. That’s right, you can pull out a cookie any time after opening and the last will be as fresh as the first. Let’s face it, we tend to pay a premium for our gluten-free delights and nothing frosts my proverbial cookies more than a product going stale before I can finish it.
I was surprised at the great texture and flavor of the quinoa – it made for a perfect cookie that was firm with just the right amount of give. The flavor was truly unique – the subtle notes of cocoa were not overpowering or overly sweet. It was just sweet enough to allow the very subtle orange essence to come through. These are complex cookies with subtle flavor undertones. I actually enjoyed them as an accompaniment to some wonderful gluten-free vanilla ice cream.
Andean Dream has a full line of gluten-free cookies so head on over to their Web site and check them out today.
I was surprised at the great texture and flavor of the quinoa – it made for a perfect cookie that was firm with just the right amount of give. The flavor was truly unique – the subtle notes of cocoa were not overpowering or overly sweet. It was just sweet enough to allow the very subtle orange essence to come through. These are complex cookies with subtle flavor undertones. I actually enjoyed them as an accompaniment to some wonderful gluten-free vanilla ice cream.
Andean Dream has a full line of gluten-free cookies so head on over to their Web site and check them out today.
GFM Dessert Week: Sunstart Caramel and Chocolate Dessert Delights
I absolutely love it when I come across new (to me) products when I am not even looking for them. These dessert bars were truly out of this world. They start with a gluten-free cookie base, then add an absolutely decadent layer of rich and creamy caramel, only to top it off with a crowning layer of chocolate. I mean what is not to like? What I really liked about the packaging was that each bar had its own individual space in the tray which kept the bars intact and made service a breeze – just pop them out onto a plate.
The soft crunchiness of the cookie base (which is delicious by the way) paired with the creaminess of the sweet caramel and rounded out with the rich chocolate made for a near religious experience. If you are a fan of all things caramel like me, you will definitely not was to miss these bars.
The company also makes what looks like an absolutely decadent Rocky Road Bar that is next on my list of must haves. I picked up the caramel variety at my local Whole Foods in the gluten-free section of the cookie aisle. Check out Sunstart’s Web site for a more information on the company and its products.
The soft crunchiness of the cookie base (which is delicious by the way) paired with the creaminess of the sweet caramel and rounded out with the rich chocolate made for a near religious experience. If you are a fan of all things caramel like me, you will definitely not was to miss these bars.
The company also makes what looks like an absolutely decadent Rocky Road Bar that is next on my list of must haves. I picked up the caramel variety at my local Whole Foods in the gluten-free section of the cookie aisle. Check out Sunstart’s Web site for a more information on the company and its products.
Jo-Sef Gluten-Free Chocolate Squares
Once again my local supermarket did not disappoint as yet another new brand appeared on the shelves. I have a sweet tooth – no shocking revelation there – and I am always on the prowl for new sweet items. I also happen to be a self-proclaimed chocoholic so when I saw a product that was the perfect marriage of my two vices I quickly placed a package in my shopping cart.
I cracked open the package the other evening and have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. The cookies are a good size and more importantly they taste great. The texture is somewhere between a firm graham cracker and shortbread – crisp but with just the right amount of give. The rich chocolate taste is subtle without being overly sweet and the notes of cocoa are perfectly balanced by both sugar and brown sugar which gives a very slight caramel-like undertone. As you savor each cookie you will find that the ending tasting note is a wisp of vanilla that sneaks up on your palate.
I love finding new brands to try but always remain hesitant that, should I not like it, as I am then stuck with an entire package. If you happen to come across this brand in your grocery definitely give it a try. I actually have the Cinnamon Squares lined up as soon as I finish the chocolate. Oh, and a few of these cookies go a long way. They are extremely filling and I do not think I have indulged in more than four (okay perhaps five) in a sitting. They go great with a nice glass of milk or, if you are feeling really creative, place some softened vanilla ice cream between two squares for a perfectly petite gluten-free ice cream sandwich – Kismet!
You can check out all of Jo-Sef’s products (and there are quite a few) on their Web site where you can also order online and have their products shipped right to your door. Oh, and their prices are really very reasonable – under $5 for a box of these delectable squares.
I cracked open the package the other evening and have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. The cookies are a good size and more importantly they taste great. The texture is somewhere between a firm graham cracker and shortbread – crisp but with just the right amount of give. The rich chocolate taste is subtle without being overly sweet and the notes of cocoa are perfectly balanced by both sugar and brown sugar which gives a very slight caramel-like undertone. As you savor each cookie you will find that the ending tasting note is a wisp of vanilla that sneaks up on your palate.
I love finding new brands to try but always remain hesitant that, should I not like it, as I am then stuck with an entire package. If you happen to come across this brand in your grocery definitely give it a try. I actually have the Cinnamon Squares lined up as soon as I finish the chocolate. Oh, and a few of these cookies go a long way. They are extremely filling and I do not think I have indulged in more than four (okay perhaps five) in a sitting. They go great with a nice glass of milk or, if you are feeling really creative, place some softened vanilla ice cream between two squares for a perfectly petite gluten-free ice cream sandwich – Kismet!
You can check out all of Jo-Sef’s products (and there are quite a few) on their Web site where you can also order online and have their products shipped right to your door. Oh, and their prices are really very reasonable – under $5 for a box of these delectable squares.
KinniToos Chocolate Vanilla Sandwich Cookies
I recently spied these cookies from Kinnikinnick Foods out of Canada on the shelf at my local supermarket. Now, I have to admit I was skeptical at first because in my pre-celiac days I was known to indulge in my fair share of Oreos. There was something about those little crème-filled cookies that instantly transported me back to my childhood (when they were made with real sugar). While not that long ago it was a different time when trans-fats and hydrogenated oils were not really front of mind. But I digress…
I cracked open the package of KinniToos one evening when I was craving something sweet. I took a bite and the first thing I noticed was how wonderfully crisp the cookie was while still having that familiar give as you make your way through the layer of vanilla cream. You can instantly tell that these are made with real sugar versus corn syrup which, in my opinion truly makes a cookie. The vanilla cream has quite possibly the most perfect consistency with just a subtle hint of sugary grittiness when you catch it between your teeth – perfection. You get a full bodied chocolate taste that not overly sweet and paired perfectly with the sweetness of the vanilla crème – which, while sweet is not overpowering. Think perfect cookie equilibrium.
If you see these in your local market, do yourself a favor and pick them up – you’ll wonder why you ever saw in those other black and whitecookies. You can view Kinnikinnick Foods full product portfolio on their Web Site and even order online. For my multi-allergic comrades out there, per the company's Web site: Kinnikinnick Products are produced in dedicated Gluten/Wheat/Nut free facilities that use Soy, Eggs and Sesame Seeds.
I cracked open the package of KinniToos one evening when I was craving something sweet. I took a bite and the first thing I noticed was how wonderfully crisp the cookie was while still having that familiar give as you make your way through the layer of vanilla cream. You can instantly tell that these are made with real sugar versus corn syrup which, in my opinion truly makes a cookie. The vanilla cream has quite possibly the most perfect consistency with just a subtle hint of sugary grittiness when you catch it between your teeth – perfection. You get a full bodied chocolate taste that not overly sweet and paired perfectly with the sweetness of the vanilla crème – which, while sweet is not overpowering. Think perfect cookie equilibrium.
If you see these in your local market, do yourself a favor and pick them up – you’ll wonder why you ever saw in those other black and whitecookies. You can view Kinnikinnick Foods full product portfolio on their Web Site and even order online. For my multi-allergic comrades out there, per the company's Web site: Kinnikinnick Products are produced in dedicated Gluten/Wheat/Nut free facilities that use Soy, Eggs and Sesame Seeds.
Gluten Free Essentials Extreme Chocolate Cake Mix
One of my all-time favorite gluten-free baking mix companies is Gluten Free Essentials (GFE). Not only are their founders quite possibly two of the nicest people you will ever meet, but their mixes are 100% fool-proof and super easy to whip-up.
I have long been a fan and customer so was excited when a sample of their New Extreme Chocolate Cake and Pancake & Waffle mixes arrived courtesy of my friend Gluten Free Dee. I made the chocolate cake which involved adding some eggs, applesauce, butter, and water. Oh, you do have to mix it as well but I mean come on, could it get any easier? I am always leery when baking because it is definitely not one of my strong areas but GFE truly have their mixes down to a science and I have never been disappointed in the end results.
The chocolate cake lived up to its name – EXTREMEly delicious that is. The cake rose like a dream and cooked to moist perfection. I have said it before and I will say it again the thing that really sets GFE mixes apart from the competition is that they are a perfectly sweetened without being too overpowering. This allows for the chocolate to really shine as it melts across your palate. This cake did not stand a chance with both me and my non-GF other half eating our way through it in three days. We had it plain, drizzled with chocolate sauce, with ice cream, and with ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce. I am planning on trying the pancake mix this weekend and will report back.
Head on over to GFE’s Web site and check out their baking mixes. You can also view their entire portfolio of products that goes well beyond the realm of baking.
I have long been a fan and customer so was excited when a sample of their New Extreme Chocolate Cake and Pancake & Waffle mixes arrived courtesy of my friend Gluten Free Dee. I made the chocolate cake which involved adding some eggs, applesauce, butter, and water. Oh, you do have to mix it as well but I mean come on, could it get any easier? I am always leery when baking because it is definitely not one of my strong areas but GFE truly have their mixes down to a science and I have never been disappointed in the end results.
The chocolate cake lived up to its name – EXTREMEly delicious that is. The cake rose like a dream and cooked to moist perfection. I have said it before and I will say it again the thing that really sets GFE mixes apart from the competition is that they are a perfectly sweetened without being too overpowering. This allows for the chocolate to really shine as it melts across your palate. This cake did not stand a chance with both me and my non-GF other half eating our way through it in three days. We had it plain, drizzled with chocolate sauce, with ice cream, and with ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce. I am planning on trying the pancake mix this weekend and will report back.
Head on over to GFE’s Web site and check out their baking mixes. You can also view their entire portfolio of products that goes well beyond the realm of baking.
Glutino Gluten Free Organic Bars (Chocolate Peanut and Chocolate Banana varieties)
These bars were part of my gluten-free contingency pack that I took along on my recent trip to Switzerland. They not only made for a portable snack in my carry-on, but also were perfect breakfast supplements when I just wanted something quick and satisfying while on the go. I have long been a fan of Glutino but had never seen this product (or varieties) before. Being a self-confessed chocoholic, I decided to sample the chocolate peanut and chocolate banana varieties.
What’s nice about these bars is that they are small but have a bit of bulk to them. They really reminded me of the chewy granola type bars that you may remember from your school lunch boxes. The bars had a great chocolate taste that was not overly sweet. The hint of peanut or banana was perfectly paired with the chocolate base. The banana was quite possibly the most intriguing and unexpected of the lot. The banana taste was fresh and crisp and how Glutino managed it I do not know – but am definitely not complainingJ. I would definitely recommend picking up a box (or two) to have on hand when you are craving a quick, relatively healthy, sweet snack. You can view Glutino’s entire product portfolio on their Web site.
What’s nice about these bars is that they are small but have a bit of bulk to them. They really reminded me of the chewy granola type bars that you may remember from your school lunch boxes. The bars had a great chocolate taste that was not overly sweet. The hint of peanut or banana was perfectly paired with the chocolate base. The banana was quite possibly the most intriguing and unexpected of the lot. The banana taste was fresh and crisp and how Glutino managed it I do not know – but am definitely not complainingJ. I would definitely recommend picking up a box (or two) to have on hand when you are craving a quick, relatively healthy, sweet snack. You can view Glutino’s entire product portfolio on their Web site.
Glutino Wafers, Lemon
Ah, sweet wafers. How do I love thee? I am a big texture person and I like tactile as well as olfactory stimulation when I eat (I know, I am a dork). Until recently, gluten-free options were, well very much lacking in the stimulation department but over the past couple of years the category has really taken off and there is a wealth of interesting foods out there.
Enter the Glutino wafers. I have had many of their flavors but absolutely adore the lemon. There is something about the zesty bite of the citrus paired with the crisp crunch of the wafer that sends my senses into overdrive. These have a fantastic blend of crisp and creamy filling and there is NO way that you could discern the gluten-free version from their gluten-filled counterparts.
Next time you are looking for a sweet treat, pick up a package of these. They are terrific on their own or pair well with say a nice creamy bowl of ice cream. You can view Glutino’s entire product portfolio on their Web site.
Enter the Glutino wafers. I have had many of their flavors but absolutely adore the lemon. There is something about the zesty bite of the citrus paired with the crisp crunch of the wafer that sends my senses into overdrive. These have a fantastic blend of crisp and creamy filling and there is NO way that you could discern the gluten-free version from their gluten-filled counterparts.
Next time you are looking for a sweet treat, pick up a package of these. They are terrific on their own or pair well with say a nice creamy bowl of ice cream. You can view Glutino’s entire product portfolio on their Web site.
Nature’s Path Organic EnviroKidz Organic Koala Crispy Rice Bars, Chocolate
Again, I am all about portability and these definitely make the mark. These bars make for a delicious sweet treat and remind me very much of a chocolate Rice Krispy treat. They are super crunchy and not too sweet with just a subtle taste of cocoa. I love the marshmallow stickiness of the bars, but fear not as their wrappers will keep your hands clean.
What’s also nice is the fact that one bar is just 110 calories (10 from fat) making me feel less guilty when I indulge. I really like that they use organic cane juice and molasses as their sweeteners of choice and that all of the ingredients are organic or natural. In addition to being gluten-free, these sweet, sweet nuggets are also low fat, low sodium, trans-fat free, and vegetarian.
When you are craving a bit of nostalgia, be sure to reach for one of these. Check out Nature’s Path Organics’ complete line of products on their Web site.
What’s also nice is the fact that one bar is just 110 calories (10 from fat) making me feel less guilty when I indulge. I really like that they use organic cane juice and molasses as their sweeteners of choice and that all of the ingredients are organic or natural. In addition to being gluten-free, these sweet, sweet nuggets are also low fat, low sodium, trans-fat free, and vegetarian.
When you are craving a bit of nostalgia, be sure to reach for one of these. Check out Nature’s Path Organics’ complete line of products on their Web site.
Shabtai Gourmet Raspberry Roll
It is no secret that I love Shabtai Gourmet’s products. So, here is yet another one of their delicious desserts as I eat my way through their entire product portfolio. Enter the famed jelly roll…
This is a moist and spongy rendition that is absolutely indiscernible from its gluten-laden version. The cake itself is light and filled with delicious jam. The outer layer is rolled in shredded coconut giving the roll an added textural dimension that makes for the perfect marriage when you take your first bite. Perhaps the best thing about this product is that it freezes beyond compare and can be quickly thawed when surprise gluten-free friends show up unannounced.
This is a moist and spongy rendition that is absolutely indiscernible from its gluten-laden version. The cake itself is light and filled with delicious jam. The outer layer is rolled in shredded coconut giving the roll an added textural dimension that makes for the perfect marriage when you take your first bite. Perhaps the best thing about this product is that it freezes beyond compare and can be quickly thawed when surprise gluten-free friends show up unannounced.
Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
Having enjoyed the brownies, I decided to give the chocolate chip cookies a go. Like the brownies, the prep was very easy – stir in the wet ingredients, mix well, and spoon onto a greased baking sheet. Again, it was all super easy which I really like.
The cookies themselves were, like the brownies, a bit flat. Not sure if this had something to do with the size of my scoops but I did follow the directions exactly as they were written. The texture was light and airy and there was a very good balance between crispy and chewy.
From a taste perspective, they did in fact taste like the “real deal” and even my non-Celiac other half enjoyed them as well. I tend to prefer a more bulked-up cookie so perhaps next time I will try adjusting the scoop size to see if these can be bulked up just a bit.
The cookies themselves were, like the brownies, a bit flat. Not sure if this had something to do with the size of my scoops but I did follow the directions exactly as they were written. The texture was light and airy and there was a very good balance between crispy and chewy.
From a taste perspective, they did in fact taste like the “real deal” and even my non-Celiac other half enjoyed them as well. I tend to prefer a more bulked-up cookie so perhaps next time I will try adjusting the scoop size to see if these can be bulked up just a bit.
Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Brownie Mix
I have been meaning to publish my review of Betty Crocker’s GF brownie mix for a while but kept getting sidetracked by other sweet GF offerings. I have to start out by saying that it is fantastic that there is finally a mainstream brand out there that is recognizing (and meeting) the sweet tooth needs of Celiacs -- and it can be picked up at your local grocer.
I carefully read the instructions which warned that the mixture would be stiffer than usual and they were not kidding. After mixing in the wet ingredients, I got a very through workout trying to stir the batter by hand. The prep could not have been easier though, which was a good thing. I dumped the batter into a greased baking pan and had to work it so that it would spread out evenly. Even then, I noticed that the mix yields a rather thin layer of batter. As it baked in the oven, the kitchen was filled with a nostalgic scent of store bought brownies and this is going to sound strange but it smelled like the Betty Crocker I remembered pre-Celiac.
The end result, a rather thin brownie but it was moist and actually really quite nice tasting. Betty Crocker was able to, in my opinion, successfully replicate their famous mix in a GF variety. It definitely has a place in the mass market and will no doubt delight millions of children who can now become part of the Betty Crocker generation. For the gourmet dessert aficionados out there, it is worth a taste and good in a pinch but you will probably want to look elsewhere to get your brownie fix. Check out Betty Crocker's complete GF line here.
I carefully read the instructions which warned that the mixture would be stiffer than usual and they were not kidding. After mixing in the wet ingredients, I got a very through workout trying to stir the batter by hand. The prep could not have been easier though, which was a good thing. I dumped the batter into a greased baking pan and had to work it so that it would spread out evenly. Even then, I noticed that the mix yields a rather thin layer of batter. As it baked in the oven, the kitchen was filled with a nostalgic scent of store bought brownies and this is going to sound strange but it smelled like the Betty Crocker I remembered pre-Celiac.
The end result, a rather thin brownie but it was moist and actually really quite nice tasting. Betty Crocker was able to, in my opinion, successfully replicate their famous mix in a GF variety. It definitely has a place in the mass market and will no doubt delight millions of children who can now become part of the Betty Crocker generation. For the gourmet dessert aficionados out there, it is worth a taste and good in a pinch but you will probably want to look elsewhere to get your brownie fix. Check out Betty Crocker's complete GF line here.
Gluten Free Essentials Decadent Brownie Mix
Continuing with my sampling of Gluten Free Essential’s baking mixes I recently ordered the Decadent Fudge Brownie mix (among others) and it did not disappoint.
First things first, the mixes are just so simple to make you do not need any advanced planning or a weekend to bake any more. In fact, I made the brownies yesterday after a long day at the office. It was a whim, but I felt like something sweet and the oven was already on heating-up dinner so I though Why Not? The brownie mix requires one additional ingredient than some of the cookie mixes I have had before – apple sauce – so make sure you have some on hand when these arrive.
So, I melted one stick of butter, combined it with some apple sauce and two eggs, mixed and voila, Brownies. Well, almost – you do actually have to bake them J. So about 30 minutes later, just as dinner was coming out of the oven so too were the brownies for cooling. What I love about GF Essentials is that their products are decadent but not overly sweet. I actually tweaked this mix just a bit as I has some chocolate chips laying around and decided to add them to the already generous amount in the mix. Hey, I just could not resist! These brownies also rose much more than Betty Crocker’s GF variety (which I like as well) but these were more cake-like in texture.
The end result? A fabulously moist brownie that was rich but light and airy at the same time. I have the remaining brownies chilling in the fridge for a cool treat this evening.
First things first, the mixes are just so simple to make you do not need any advanced planning or a weekend to bake any more. In fact, I made the brownies yesterday after a long day at the office. It was a whim, but I felt like something sweet and the oven was already on heating-up dinner so I though Why Not? The brownie mix requires one additional ingredient than some of the cookie mixes I have had before – apple sauce – so make sure you have some on hand when these arrive.
So, I melted one stick of butter, combined it with some apple sauce and two eggs, mixed and voila, Brownies. Well, almost – you do actually have to bake them J. So about 30 minutes later, just as dinner was coming out of the oven so too were the brownies for cooling. What I love about GF Essentials is that their products are decadent but not overly sweet. I actually tweaked this mix just a bit as I has some chocolate chips laying around and decided to add them to the already generous amount in the mix. Hey, I just could not resist! These brownies also rose much more than Betty Crocker’s GF variety (which I like as well) but these were more cake-like in texture.
The end result? A fabulously moist brownie that was rich but light and airy at the same time. I have the remaining brownies chilling in the fridge for a cool treat this evening.
Gluten Free Essentials Vanilla Sugar Cookie Mix
I wanted to make these cookies a week ago but when the mood struck me I realized I was out of eggs. While luxuriating in a day off yesterday, and with my egg coffers replenished, I decided to make these sugar cookies. I have always been a fan of the sugar cookie with its uncomplicated sweet goodness. It makes no pretentions and is quite possibly the most versatile cookie out there.
The mixes from Gluten Free Essentials could really not be easier (see my previous review of their Cocoa Mudslide cookies). You simply dump the mix into a bowl, add 1 stick of melted butter (delicious), and stir in two beaten eggs. Oh, and then you chill it for half an hour. I mean really, does it get any easier. Well, I suppose they could arrive baked but GFE mixes let me pretend that I am actually a baker and know what I am doing. Both mixes I have tried were completely fool proof.
These cookies were delicious. They remained soft after cooling and were not sugary sweet – just the right amount of sweetness to bring out the wonderful vanilla undertones. My non-GF partner also raved about these cookies so if you have a GF/non-GF household these are sure to please even the most hardcore cookie fanatics. Next time I make these I might even get bold and add a few mix-ins or toppings. Somehow the thought of a Hershey’s kiss centered in each cookie seems quite perfect.
The mixes from Gluten Free Essentials could really not be easier (see my previous review of their Cocoa Mudslide cookies). You simply dump the mix into a bowl, add 1 stick of melted butter (delicious), and stir in two beaten eggs. Oh, and then you chill it for half an hour. I mean really, does it get any easier. Well, I suppose they could arrive baked but GFE mixes let me pretend that I am actually a baker and know what I am doing. Both mixes I have tried were completely fool proof.
These cookies were delicious. They remained soft after cooling and were not sugary sweet – just the right amount of sweetness to bring out the wonderful vanilla undertones. My non-GF partner also raved about these cookies so if you have a GF/non-GF household these are sure to please even the most hardcore cookie fanatics. Next time I make these I might even get bold and add a few mix-ins or toppings. Somehow the thought of a Hershey’s kiss centered in each cookie seems quite perfect.
Shabtai Gourmet Mini Black and White Cookies
Perhaps Jerry Seinfeld said it best, “Look to the cookie” when describing the goodness that is known as the black and white cookie. I am on a roll, and a few pounds heavier, thanks to my discovery of Shabtai-Gourmet products. So, I have been sampling their dessert offerings back to back over the past couple of weeks. Most recently I indulged in their black and white cookies. Now these are the mini version of the infamous oversized variety but every bit as good.
The cookie itself is wonderfully spongy in consistency (as a good b&w cookie should be). The icing is nice and thick allowing for the crunch sensation when you first break it sugary crust. You can really taste the subtle notes of apricot and orange that make this otherwise simple cookie very complex. Again, Shabtai-Gourmet has taken an iconic classic dessert (and personal favorite) and perfectly cloned it in a gluten free variety.
No, I do not own any Shabtai stock, I just love good quality, good tasting items. I am particularly fond of Shabtai-Gourmet because they not only use ingredients I can easily recognize, but they managed to replace a huge chunk of desserts that I quite honestly thought were gone with my Celiac diagnosis. If you have not yet sampled Shabtai’s offerings head over to their site to check out their entire sweet portfolio.
The cookie itself is wonderfully spongy in consistency (as a good b&w cookie should be). The icing is nice and thick allowing for the crunch sensation when you first break it sugary crust. You can really taste the subtle notes of apricot and orange that make this otherwise simple cookie very complex. Again, Shabtai-Gourmet has taken an iconic classic dessert (and personal favorite) and perfectly cloned it in a gluten free variety.
No, I do not own any Shabtai stock, I just love good quality, good tasting items. I am particularly fond of Shabtai-Gourmet because they not only use ingredients I can easily recognize, but they managed to replace a huge chunk of desserts that I quite honestly thought were gone with my Celiac diagnosis. If you have not yet sampled Shabtai’s offerings head over to their site to check out their entire sweet portfolio.
Shabtai Gourmet Rainbow Cookies
Continuing with my Shabtai-Gourmet kick, I had a box of these cookies in my freezer and thought why not give them a try the other evening. Well, I have been eating the steadily for the past few days. I grew up loving what is affectionately known as the rainbow cookie. When I was diagnosed Celiac, a huge and quite frankly delicious, part of my childhood was wiped away. That is until I came across these delectable gems.
For those of you not familiar with the rainbow cookie, it is layers of brightly colored sponge-like cake held together by fruit jam and then…wait for it…covered in rich chocolate. I mean does it get any better? Shabtai’s version is the real deal. While eating them the other evening my non-Celiac other half also was eating them and made the comment, “These taste real”. They certainly do and it is largely because they are made from real ingredients (as with all Shabtai’s products).
One you remove these cookies from the freezer they return to their soft and moist state. They are no worse the wear for being frozen and honestly I actually enjoy them frozen as well. Shabtai-Gourmet excels at taking classic, memorable recipes, and keeping them simple, honest, and real. Check out their complete product line which is available for online ordering.
For those of you not familiar with the rainbow cookie, it is layers of brightly colored sponge-like cake held together by fruit jam and then…wait for it…covered in rich chocolate. I mean does it get any better? Shabtai’s version is the real deal. While eating them the other evening my non-Celiac other half also was eating them and made the comment, “These taste real”. They certainly do and it is largely because they are made from real ingredients (as with all Shabtai’s products).
One you remove these cookies from the freezer they return to their soft and moist state. They are no worse the wear for being frozen and honestly I actually enjoy them frozen as well. Shabtai-Gourmet excels at taking classic, memorable recipes, and keeping them simple, honest, and real. Check out their complete product line which is available for online ordering.
Shabtai Gourmet Ring Ting Cupcakes
As many of you know, I love sweets. I love chocolate, I love cookies, and I love cake. Unfortunately in the world of gluten free, it is often a challenge to find original creations – well my gluten free friends, your search is over.
Shabtai Gourmet features a portfolio of products that would make Willy Wonka weep tears of joy. Their Ring Ting Cupcakes are, in a word, amazing. Think the Hostess chocolate cupcakes of your childhood which were full of real ingredients and not corn syrup and preservatives.
Shabtai’s cupcakes are a throwback to the glory days of baking where a few simple ingredients combined to make magical desserts. The cupcakes are rich, devil’s food cake filled with a wonderfully sweet white cream icing center. Ah, the icing…you can feel the grit of the real sugar between your teeth as you savor every bite. You are not going to find this in today’s mass produced products. There is no corn syrup here. In fact here is a list of the ingredients: whole eggs, sugar, potato starch, organic palm fruit shortening, cocoa, cottonseed oil, tapioca starch, all natural vanilla extract, cocoa butter, and salt. Each cake is enrobed in a fantastically rich chocolate coating that, when coupled with the moist cake and rich cream, makes for a truly magical experience.
Shabtai has broken the proverbial gluten free mold and provided Celiacs (and a range of allergy sufferers) with wonderfully decadent dessert options. I have a few more products sitting in my freezer and will be posting additional reviews in the very near future. You can view their products here and even order online and have their creations shipped direct to your door.
Shabtai Gourmet features a portfolio of products that would make Willy Wonka weep tears of joy. Their Ring Ting Cupcakes are, in a word, amazing. Think the Hostess chocolate cupcakes of your childhood which were full of real ingredients and not corn syrup and preservatives.
Shabtai’s cupcakes are a throwback to the glory days of baking where a few simple ingredients combined to make magical desserts. The cupcakes are rich, devil’s food cake filled with a wonderfully sweet white cream icing center. Ah, the icing…you can feel the grit of the real sugar between your teeth as you savor every bite. You are not going to find this in today’s mass produced products. There is no corn syrup here. In fact here is a list of the ingredients: whole eggs, sugar, potato starch, organic palm fruit shortening, cocoa, cottonseed oil, tapioca starch, all natural vanilla extract, cocoa butter, and salt. Each cake is enrobed in a fantastically rich chocolate coating that, when coupled with the moist cake and rich cream, makes for a truly magical experience.
Shabtai has broken the proverbial gluten free mold and provided Celiacs (and a range of allergy sufferers) with wonderfully decadent dessert options. I have a few more products sitting in my freezer and will be posting additional reviews in the very near future. You can view their products here and even order online and have their creations shipped direct to your door.
Gluten Free Essentials Cocoa Mudslide Cookie Mix
I recently had the opportunity to sample a brand that I had never seen before and was excited to give it a try. As many of you know, I am not a baker by any stretch of the imagination so welcome any product that can help me become just a little more like Betty Crocker. Well Gluten Free Essentials was just the little helper that I needed.
I tried the Cocoa Mudslide Cookie Mix, because quite frankly can you go wrong with chocolate and marshmallows? First, the instructions could not be simpler – all you need to do is add 2 eggs and a stick of melted butter, mix in the cookie mix, and chill for at least a half hour in the refrigerator.
Once the dough was chilled all I had to do was form it into balls, place on a cookie sheet, and put it in the oven to bake. It really was fool proof and prep took no time at all. I had reserved making these on a weekend but now realized that these are so simple, I could easily whip them up after a long day at the office.
The cookies were really delicious. They were moist and full of chocolate chips and marshmallows but at the same time were not overly sweet. Their consistency was really smooth and not at all mealy as is sometimes the case with gluten free mixes. Honestly, you could serve these cookies up to any non-Celiac and they would never be able to tell that they were gluten free. Gluten Free Essentials clearly got their flour mix right (in this case sorghum and rice) and even when you look at the mix in the bag you can tell it is finely milled to an almost powder-like consistency.
One 16 oz. bag yielded 9 rather large cookies which were my personal size preference. If you made more normal-sized cookies you could easily double that amount. I also have Gluten Free Essentials’ sugar cookie mix to sample next and I am definitely looking forward to it – just as soon as I finish these cocoa mudslide treats.
Be sure to check out Gluten Free Essentials' website.
I tried the Cocoa Mudslide Cookie Mix, because quite frankly can you go wrong with chocolate and marshmallows? First, the instructions could not be simpler – all you need to do is add 2 eggs and a stick of melted butter, mix in the cookie mix, and chill for at least a half hour in the refrigerator.
Once the dough was chilled all I had to do was form it into balls, place on a cookie sheet, and put it in the oven to bake. It really was fool proof and prep took no time at all. I had reserved making these on a weekend but now realized that these are so simple, I could easily whip them up after a long day at the office.
The cookies were really delicious. They were moist and full of chocolate chips and marshmallows but at the same time were not overly sweet. Their consistency was really smooth and not at all mealy as is sometimes the case with gluten free mixes. Honestly, you could serve these cookies up to any non-Celiac and they would never be able to tell that they were gluten free. Gluten Free Essentials clearly got their flour mix right (in this case sorghum and rice) and even when you look at the mix in the bag you can tell it is finely milled to an almost powder-like consistency.
One 16 oz. bag yielded 9 rather large cookies which were my personal size preference. If you made more normal-sized cookies you could easily double that amount. I also have Gluten Free Essentials’ sugar cookie mix to sample next and I am definitely looking forward to it – just as soon as I finish these cocoa mudslide treats.
Be sure to check out Gluten Free Essentials' website.
Hudson Valley Dessert Company
While visiting the in-laws who were in the United States this weekend up in the Catskills, my mother in-law mentioned that a new chef had taken over one of the bakeries in Saugerties and that she had seen some gluten free options. That was all I needed to hear and we were soon on our way driving the 20 minutes or so to the town. I had been to the previous incarnation of the bakery many times but alas there was nothing I could ever eat. The new chef is clearly sensitive to the food allergic consumer and offers a small but delicious repertoire of gluten free sweets.
I looked around and at first could not spy any items then I focused in on a Lucite case atop the counter with the two magic words every Celiac dreams of finding in a bakery – gluten free. There were four items on offer: a decadent looking large chocolate cookie that the counter person raved about, coconut macaroons, and two types of cupcakes (vanilla with butter cream frosting and chocolate with chocolate frosting). I opted for a vanilla cupcake (to eat while antiquing) and a couple macaroons and five chocolate cookies for later.
First the cupcake, it was good not great. The consistency was a bit too much like a gluten free cornbread versus a smoother, cake-like texture. It was a bit mealy for my liking but was not at all bad. The icing was fabulous but I was left thinking I should have went for the chocolate instead.
The counter person was right about the giant chocolate cookies though – they were DE-LISH. They were sweet but not overpowering and had a nice subtle undertone of chocolate and just enough nuts to not take away from the cookie itself. These were almost like brownies with a fantastically crisp crust surrounding a moist and soft interior. My non-Celiac partner also raved about these cookies. The macaroons were over the top. A perfect balance of sweetness married with the subtle taste of the coconut. They were not overly sweet with just the right amount of sugar and seemed to be more coconut than anything else.
Finally, the bakery will also make gluten free cakes for special occasions on order so this is a definite plus for Celiacs. Check out their Web site for their full range of products.
I looked around and at first could not spy any items then I focused in on a Lucite case atop the counter with the two magic words every Celiac dreams of finding in a bakery – gluten free. There were four items on offer: a decadent looking large chocolate cookie that the counter person raved about, coconut macaroons, and two types of cupcakes (vanilla with butter cream frosting and chocolate with chocolate frosting). I opted for a vanilla cupcake (to eat while antiquing) and a couple macaroons and five chocolate cookies for later.
First the cupcake, it was good not great. The consistency was a bit too much like a gluten free cornbread versus a smoother, cake-like texture. It was a bit mealy for my liking but was not at all bad. The icing was fabulous but I was left thinking I should have went for the chocolate instead.
The counter person was right about the giant chocolate cookies though – they were DE-LISH. They were sweet but not overpowering and had a nice subtle undertone of chocolate and just enough nuts to not take away from the cookie itself. These were almost like brownies with a fantastically crisp crust surrounding a moist and soft interior. My non-Celiac partner also raved about these cookies. The macaroons were over the top. A perfect balance of sweetness married with the subtle taste of the coconut. They were not overly sweet with just the right amount of sugar and seemed to be more coconut than anything else.
Finally, the bakery will also make gluten free cakes for special occasions on order so this is a definite plus for Celiacs. Check out their Web site for their full range of products.
Schär Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Chocolate dipped cookies, ah, three magical words when placed in sequence. I love chocolate and I love cookies and was so impressed with the other Schär varieties I had tried, I knew these would not disappoint – and they did not.
I was a longtime fan of LU’s Petit Ecolier biscuits but since going gluten free years ago, I have only been able to glance at the little school boy sitting on the grocery shelf, longing to taste their buttery saltiness coupled with the rich deep dark chocolate. Schär is THE closest I have come to replicating the LU experience. The cookies are wonderfully crisp and buttery. Each cookie has a generous portion of dark chocolate that is smooth and provides just the right amount of sweetness coupled with a cacao bite. If you happen to stumble across these in your shopping travels, do yourself a favor and pick them up.
I was a longtime fan of LU’s Petit Ecolier biscuits but since going gluten free years ago, I have only been able to glance at the little school boy sitting on the grocery shelf, longing to taste their buttery saltiness coupled with the rich deep dark chocolate. Schär is THE closest I have come to replicating the LU experience. The cookies are wonderfully crisp and buttery. Each cookie has a generous portion of dark chocolate that is smooth and provides just the right amount of sweetness coupled with a cacao bite. If you happen to stumble across these in your shopping travels, do yourself a favor and pick them up.
Schär Chocolate Hazelnut Bars
When I find a brand I like, I stick to it. Since my recent discovery of Schär I have been steadily working my way through their products. Their chocolate hazelnut bars are really excellent. It is akin to eating a giant chocolate covered wafer filled with hazelnut goodness. They are crisp with a delectable smooth cream layered on the inside. The chocolate coating is not to thick, not too thin, but just the right amount to add a fair amount of sweetness to the bar. Perhaps the best thing about the bars is that a single bar is only 200 calories so while not exactly a diet food, one bar will certainly not ruin your waistline. One tip: refrigerate the bars as, particularly in the summer, their chocolate coating tends to melt rather quickly.
Hodgson Mill Mutli-Purpose Baking Mix
I was looking for a baking flour to test a new brownie recipe. I needed an all-purpose type flour and came across this while up in the mountains. I have had some other Hodgson Mill products in the past so knew the name. What’s nice about this flour is its versatility. It is a millet, sorghum, brown rice mix – even better is it is whole grain which helps in the fiber department. Actually the only other ingredient in the mix is xanthan gum. So this simple mix makes for a wholesome choice in baking recipes. I only needed a small amount for my brownies and the mix worked extremely well and I look forward to using it in the future. It did not have an overpowering flour taste and incorporated well without being gritty or even noticeable in the recipe.
Pamela's Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies
Every now and then I wax nostalgic for a chocolate chip cookie. Yes, there are quite a few gluten free options out there but most are of the hard variety and I miss the softer varietals. Pamela’s has an extensive range of gluten free cookie options but my personal favorite is their chunky chocolate chip. These are large size cookies that have a great texture and a just soft enough to fill the void left by other brands. Each cookie is chock-full of rich, creamy chocolate chunks so that every bite is a marriage of chocolate goodness and cookie.
When I am feeling particularly hedonistic, I take a small scoop of my favorite ice cream that has softened just a bit and put it between two cookies. Smoosh it down and wrap in waxed paper then return to the freezer and in a half-hour to an hour once it gets good and frozen you will have a fantastic little treat.
When I am feeling particularly hedonistic, I take a small scoop of my favorite ice cream that has softened just a bit and put it between two cookies. Smoosh it down and wrap in waxed paper then return to the freezer and in a half-hour to an hour once it gets good and frozen you will have a fantastic little treat.
Schär Shortbread Cookies
Continuing with my Schär shopping trip I picked up these shortbread cookies. I am a big cookie fan and cannot remember the last time I was able to eat a shortbread cookie. My grandmother, who was a phenomenal baker had THE best shortbread recipe. Alas, she also NEVER wrote anything down so her recipe (along with many others) left this world when she did. So, taken by the promise of being able to recreate a childhood taste sensation that was also gluten free sold me on these cookies.
They did not disappoint. They were buttery and had a really nice texture – not too grainy as is sometimes the case. But here is where it gets good. While chewing away, suddenly, through the sweet, was the bite of saltiness that instantly took me back 20 years to my grandmother’s cookies. The contradiction of sweet with the slight touch of savory IS what makes a good shortbread, so my compliments to Schär.
They did not disappoint. They were buttery and had a really nice texture – not too grainy as is sometimes the case. But here is where it gets good. While chewing away, suddenly, through the sweet, was the bite of saltiness that instantly took me back 20 years to my grandmother’s cookies. The contradiction of sweet with the slight touch of savory IS what makes a good shortbread, so my compliments to Schär.
Aunt Gussie's Chocolate Spritz Cookies
I love chocolate and I love cookies so what better product than these Chocolate Spritz cookies from Aunt Gussie's to get my chocolate cookie fix. First off these are relatively small cookies so rather than consuming the entire box I would recommend eating them along with something, like, oh, I don’t know, vanilla ice cream. Okay, you caught me…I showered these little spritzs atop a glorious mountain of vanilla ice cream – and I make NO apologies. It was a match made in heaven.
The cookies have a wonderfully smooth texture on their own and honestly they are dense for their size so when eating them alone a few most definitely suffice. Not an overwhelmingly strong chocolate flavor but more of a subtle buttery flavor with a chocolate undertone…nice.
The cookies have a wonderfully smooth texture on their own and honestly they are dense for their size so when eating them alone a few most definitely suffice. Not an overwhelmingly strong chocolate flavor but more of a subtle buttery flavor with a chocolate undertone…nice.
Turtle Mountain Purely Decadent GF Cookie Dough "Ice Cream"
I always love it when I come across new gluten free items to sample – particularly when it is one of my favorite guilty pleasures, cookie dough ice cream. I was looking in the freezer section for some dessert options and could not believe my eyes, when I saw the most wonderful words in perfect sequence: Cookie Dough Ice Cream, Gluten Free. Was I dreaming or had the GF stars aligned and decided to smile upon GF Mike? Alas, the stars had indeed aligned with this offering from Turtle Mountain.
Now this dessert is not only gluten free but vegan, dairy- and lactose-free, and has less fat than its traditional counterpart. Initially when I had my first spoonful I was somewhat surprised because I was expecting ice cream and this is a frozen dessert sans dairy. However, once I adjusted it really was actually very good. It had a good texture, though not as creamy as ice cream and was not overly sweet. Yet, perhaps the moment of pure nirvana took place when a small bit of cookie dough made its way onto my palate. Now we’re talking! It actually tasted like cookie dough…real honest to goodness cookie dough dotted with bits of chocolate making for a one-way flashback to my non-Celiac days.
So this might not be for everyone but it got my cookie dough on and made for a nice treat from my normal vanilla (a personal preference and not at all GF-related – just an ice cream purist).
Now this dessert is not only gluten free but vegan, dairy- and lactose-free, and has less fat than its traditional counterpart. Initially when I had my first spoonful I was somewhat surprised because I was expecting ice cream and this is a frozen dessert sans dairy. However, once I adjusted it really was actually very good. It had a good texture, though not as creamy as ice cream and was not overly sweet. Yet, perhaps the moment of pure nirvana took place when a small bit of cookie dough made its way onto my palate. Now we’re talking! It actually tasted like cookie dough…real honest to goodness cookie dough dotted with bits of chocolate making for a one-way flashback to my non-Celiac days.
So this might not be for everyone but it got my cookie dough on and made for a nice treat from my normal vanilla (a personal preference and not at all GF-related – just an ice cream purist).
Nana's GF Cookie Bars (Berry Vanilla and Chocolate Munch Flavors)
The good thing about friends and family knowing you live GF is they tend to always be on the lookout for new products. Yesterday my partner brought home a new cookie find in two flavors no less. He saw them while grabbing lunch at a new bistro near his office.
I had personally never seen or even heard of this brand before – ah, everyday is still a GF adventure. So after dinner I was itching to give both flavors of Nana’s Cookie Bars a try. These are not only GF but egg-, dairy- and refined sugar-free. First, the Berry Vanilla variety was truly an unexpected delight. If you remember (P.C. pre-celiac) the Good Humor strawberry shortcake ice cream bars – these taste very similar complete with little crunch bit that provide the berry tang, The bars are relatively light and airy versus being too dense. They are also only 130 calories per 1 bar serving (both flavors).
The Chocolate Munch flavor was not an overpowering chocolate favor but paired nicely with the crunchy bits that gave them an added dimension. I think I might try breaking a chocolate bar up and putting over some plain vanilla ice cream next time. These are the perfect no-so-guilty sweet pleasure and have become a regular staple to my evening dessert repertoire.
Nana’s offers a wide-range of GF offerings so be sure to check out their Web site.
I had personally never seen or even heard of this brand before – ah, everyday is still a GF adventure. So after dinner I was itching to give both flavors of Nana’s Cookie Bars a try. These are not only GF but egg-, dairy- and refined sugar-free. First, the Berry Vanilla variety was truly an unexpected delight. If you remember (P.C. pre-celiac) the Good Humor strawberry shortcake ice cream bars – these taste very similar complete with little crunch bit that provide the berry tang, The bars are relatively light and airy versus being too dense. They are also only 130 calories per 1 bar serving (both flavors).
The Chocolate Munch flavor was not an overpowering chocolate favor but paired nicely with the crunchy bits that gave them an added dimension. I think I might try breaking a chocolate bar up and putting over some plain vanilla ice cream next time. These are the perfect no-so-guilty sweet pleasure and have become a regular staple to my evening dessert repertoire.
Nana’s offers a wide-range of GF offerings so be sure to check out their Web site.
Gullón Cookies de Cacao
I came across this brand of GF cookies that I had not seen before. They are Gullón brand cocoa cookies with chocolate chips. This brand comes from Spain and apparently has some other varieties as well. The cocoa cookies were quite good.
They have an interesting consistency which is grainier that other brands I have sampled but not in a bad way and likely stems from the corn flour utilized. What is nice about this particular brand is that the cookies themselves are smaller than some of the more traditional GF brands out there making a portion 7 cookies at only 150 calories. Now my GF friends out there will know that many GF dessert options, while tasting great, are often high in calories given the GF replacement flours incorporated into the recipes. I have had GF cookies where a single cookie or so equaled 150 calories. Yes, the cookies are small but I prefer eating several vs. one or two to extend the sweet enjoyment.
If you come across this brand in your local market, please do give it a try.
They have an interesting consistency which is grainier that other brands I have sampled but not in a bad way and likely stems from the corn flour utilized. What is nice about this particular brand is that the cookies themselves are smaller than some of the more traditional GF brands out there making a portion 7 cookies at only 150 calories. Now my GF friends out there will know that many GF dessert options, while tasting great, are often high in calories given the GF replacement flours incorporated into the recipes. I have had GF cookies where a single cookie or so equaled 150 calories. Yes, the cookies are small but I prefer eating several vs. one or two to extend the sweet enjoyment.
If you come across this brand in your local market, please do give it a try.
Glenny's Oatmeal Raisin (and Chocolate Chip) Cookies
Today’s product review is for something I have longed for since going gluten free – soft, moist, oatmeal cookies. I tend to stumble across new offerings each time I hit a grocery store which is certainly a good thing and shows that we Celiacs are in fact mainstreaming, woo-hoo! However, I am also finding that these products seems to disappear once they are out of stock, sometimes never returning. So what’s a fabulous Celiac to do? Speak up – ask the manager of the store to carry specific gluten free items or simply order directly from the source. Most companies now feature online stores where you can order direct from the manufacturer. Also, in the case of Glenny’s, you can put items on auto-ship which makes life so much easier.
But I digress…back to the cookies. I was a bit hesitant to try these because I have tried “moist” or “soft” gluten free cookies before and, well, let’s just say the companies were using artistic license. Glenny’s get’s it right though. These cookies were just like I remembered, good oaty consistency, good amount of raisins, and…wait for it…the were as soft as fresh baked! De-lish! I highly recommend giving these a try if you have an oatmeal fetish. Oh, and they also have an equally as good chocolate variety as well if raisins are not you thing.
But I digress…back to the cookies. I was a bit hesitant to try these because I have tried “moist” or “soft” gluten free cookies before and, well, let’s just say the companies were using artistic license. Glenny’s get’s it right though. These cookies were just like I remembered, good oaty consistency, good amount of raisins, and…wait for it…the were as soft as fresh baked! De-lish! I highly recommend giving these a try if you have an oatmeal fetish. Oh, and they also have an equally as good chocolate variety as well if raisins are not you thing.
Starbucks GF Valencia Orange Cake
Today I had the absolute pleasure of stumbling across the Valencia Gluten Free Orange Cake at Starbucks. Now I had heard rumors that these magical cakes existed, but quite frankly never pay much attention to the food on display as I can never indulge.
Well today was different. While waiting for the guy in front of me to rummage through his pockets to pay, my eye caught a quick glimpse of the magical cake sitting regally atop a white cake dish. Could it be? Is that the…t’was! As the tears welled up in my eyes I was able to mutter and a gluten free orange cake please. Kismet.
I was like a giddy little school girl as I rushed back to my office to dig in. The little cake did not disappoint. It has a really nice texture from the almond base (very similar to a Torta Caprese). It was chock-full of orange making for a deliciously moist little cake. They come individually wrapped to maintain their gluten free integrity and at 290 calories are really not bad in the calorie corner. But quite frankly it could have had twice as many calories and I still could not get it into my big gob fast enough.
Update: Unfortunately Starbucks discontinued these little darlings soon after their launch and now offer KIND bars as a gluten-free option.
Well today was different. While waiting for the guy in front of me to rummage through his pockets to pay, my eye caught a quick glimpse of the magical cake sitting regally atop a white cake dish. Could it be? Is that the…t’was! As the tears welled up in my eyes I was able to mutter and a gluten free orange cake please. Kismet.
I was like a giddy little school girl as I rushed back to my office to dig in. The little cake did not disappoint. It has a really nice texture from the almond base (very similar to a Torta Caprese). It was chock-full of orange making for a deliciously moist little cake. They come individually wrapped to maintain their gluten free integrity and at 290 calories are really not bad in the calorie corner. But quite frankly it could have had twice as many calories and I still could not get it into my big gob fast enough.
Update: Unfortunately Starbucks discontinued these little darlings soon after their launch and now offer KIND bars as a gluten-free option.