Aidells Italian Style Chicken and Turkey Sausage
Good sausage is one of my weaknesses and I tend to eat a lot of the pork variety fairly often. Always watching the waistline, I decided to give Aidells chicken and turkey mix variety a go. Now, to be completely honest, I was never a fan of chicken or turkey sausage. In fact, I do not like ground chicken or turkey s a substitute for ground beef – it just has always put me off. Think of me as a sausage purist. Having gone to high school in Germany I love all types of brats and würstchen with pork and veal tending to dominate my repertoire. Being Italian, I love a good spicy or sweet pork sausage as well. Somehow, I the chicken or turkey varieties I tended to try over the years were never very good. One night while placing a FreshDirect order, I thought why not give something a bit healthier a try and had seen Aidells in the grocery before so bit the proverbial bullet and clicked on one package of their Italian-style chicken and turkey sausage with mozzarella.
I procrastinated and let them languish a few days in the freezer but one morning removed them from their frozen slumber and put them in the refrigerator to thaw for that evening’s dinner. When I opened the package the first thing that struck me was the color, they actually looked like sausage. Next, the smell – the actually smelled like, well, sausage – off to a fine start. I decided to bake them in the oven and was still apprehensive about how they would taste.
Dinner is served. I plated the sausage with some fresh broccoli rabe and potatoes and my other half and I dug in. The first thing you notice about the sausage is the crisp snap you get when you cut into it – so good so far. I moved the first slice closer to my mouth and popped it in. Chewing, chewing…wait a minute, taste buds reporting that this actually tastes GREAT. The texture was perfect, nice and firm and not at all chewy. The flavor was wonderfully complex with the cool mozzarella playing off the Italian the spiciness of the secret spices Aidells throws in. These are actually at the more robust end of the spice spectrum so think more spicy Italian sausage rather than sweet. A bit of good mustard made for the perfect compliment to the sausage though they were really very good all alone.
I am eagerly looking forward to my next FreshDirect delivery which has a few more flavors on their way. Now I am still a sausage traditionalist but when I am looking for something a bit more healthful, I know what company is going to be my go-to. Actually, in my most recent grocery order there is not a pork sausage to be found. If you are hesitant like I was, bite the bullet and give these a go – you will not be disappointed. Oh, and the best part is, the suasage are fully cooked so they are the perfect option when you need to make a quick, great tasting meal. Just heat and serve – my kind of product. GFM Note: Not all of Aidells products are GF but they clearly tell you which ones to avoid (along with other food allergy ingredients) in the FAQ section of thier site.
I procrastinated and let them languish a few days in the freezer but one morning removed them from their frozen slumber and put them in the refrigerator to thaw for that evening’s dinner. When I opened the package the first thing that struck me was the color, they actually looked like sausage. Next, the smell – the actually smelled like, well, sausage – off to a fine start. I decided to bake them in the oven and was still apprehensive about how they would taste.
Dinner is served. I plated the sausage with some fresh broccoli rabe and potatoes and my other half and I dug in. The first thing you notice about the sausage is the crisp snap you get when you cut into it – so good so far. I moved the first slice closer to my mouth and popped it in. Chewing, chewing…wait a minute, taste buds reporting that this actually tastes GREAT. The texture was perfect, nice and firm and not at all chewy. The flavor was wonderfully complex with the cool mozzarella playing off the Italian the spiciness of the secret spices Aidells throws in. These are actually at the more robust end of the spice spectrum so think more spicy Italian sausage rather than sweet. A bit of good mustard made for the perfect compliment to the sausage though they were really very good all alone.
I am eagerly looking forward to my next FreshDirect delivery which has a few more flavors on their way. Now I am still a sausage traditionalist but when I am looking for something a bit more healthful, I know what company is going to be my go-to. Actually, in my most recent grocery order there is not a pork sausage to be found. If you are hesitant like I was, bite the bullet and give these a go – you will not be disappointed. Oh, and the best part is, the suasage are fully cooked so they are the perfect option when you need to make a quick, great tasting meal. Just heat and serve – my kind of product. GFM Note: Not all of Aidells products are GF but they clearly tell you which ones to avoid (along with other food allergy ingredients) in the FAQ section of thier site.
Deb & Lynne's Gluten Free Granola
I recently had the opportunity to sample all three varieties of natural gluten-free granola from Deb & Lynne’s. They make Simply Cinnamon, Nut n’ But Seeds, and Cha Cha Chai varieties of granola.
The Simply Cinnamon was really very good. It was perfectly sweetened with pure maple syrup which made it sweet but was not overpowering. The granola itself was fantastic. It was not hard as s rock (which granola sometimes can be) but rather wonderfully soft clusters that held together but alleviated any worry of damaging a tooth on any rock hard bits. When milk was added, the granola really shined as they milk was quickly flavored with the essence of spicy cinnamon with the hint of maple syrup sweetness. I also tried the cinnamon variety on some plain vanilla ice cream and it made for a FAB topping that perfectly complemented the creamy texture of the ice cream. To be even a bit more decadent I added a bit of gluten-free chocolate syrup and was in absolute heaven.
The Nut n’ But Seeds variety was also quite delicious. It had a great nutty flavor from the assortment of seeds in the mix. I loved the pumpkin seeds which paired perfectly with the flax, granola, and other nuts in the mix. This variety was also perfectly sweetened with just a hint of maple sweetness so as not to take away from the complexity of this granola mix.
Finally is their Cha Cha Chai variety which was quite possibly the most unexpected taste sensation of the entire portfolio. This variety is really where the brand shines because it is so very different from any other granola I have come across to-date. The chai was terrifically spicy and from the first bite I fell in love with the mix. I have to be honest, I am not a chai drinker and was a bit hesitant to give this one a go but the taste was so unique (in a very good way) that I just could not help myself and the sample-sized bag was gone in one sitting. If you are looking for something that has a bit of a spicy kick and changes the breakfast playing field, then I highly recommend giving this one a try.
You can check out Deb & Lynne’s complete product line and learn a bit more about the company on their Web site.
The Simply Cinnamon was really very good. It was perfectly sweetened with pure maple syrup which made it sweet but was not overpowering. The granola itself was fantastic. It was not hard as s rock (which granola sometimes can be) but rather wonderfully soft clusters that held together but alleviated any worry of damaging a tooth on any rock hard bits. When milk was added, the granola really shined as they milk was quickly flavored with the essence of spicy cinnamon with the hint of maple syrup sweetness. I also tried the cinnamon variety on some plain vanilla ice cream and it made for a FAB topping that perfectly complemented the creamy texture of the ice cream. To be even a bit more decadent I added a bit of gluten-free chocolate syrup and was in absolute heaven.
The Nut n’ But Seeds variety was also quite delicious. It had a great nutty flavor from the assortment of seeds in the mix. I loved the pumpkin seeds which paired perfectly with the flax, granola, and other nuts in the mix. This variety was also perfectly sweetened with just a hint of maple sweetness so as not to take away from the complexity of this granola mix.
Finally is their Cha Cha Chai variety which was quite possibly the most unexpected taste sensation of the entire portfolio. This variety is really where the brand shines because it is so very different from any other granola I have come across to-date. The chai was terrifically spicy and from the first bite I fell in love with the mix. I have to be honest, I am not a chai drinker and was a bit hesitant to give this one a go but the taste was so unique (in a very good way) that I just could not help myself and the sample-sized bag was gone in one sitting. If you are looking for something that has a bit of a spicy kick and changes the breakfast playing field, then I highly recommend giving this one a try.
You can check out Deb & Lynne’s complete product line and learn a bit more about the company on their Web site.
Foods by George GF Cheese Pizza
GF Pizza is a tough one to get right – particularly when it is a frozen pizza. I have tried many and liked few. I do like this variety for two reasons: (1) they are more individual in size than a traditional pie so if you are the lone Celiac in your household it will not go to waste; and (2) the crust crisps up very well when placed directly on the oven rack. The portion size also helps keep the waistline in check because let's face it, gluten-free pizza is not a diet food by any stretch of the imagination.
My only gripe (and it is a minor one) is that there could be a bit more cheese on the pies. I tend to add some additional cheese to these as well as my favorite toppings – try some prosciutto and black olives or pepperoni to make a delicious custom creation straight from your own oven.
These make for a quick and easy lunch or light dinner when paired with a nice salad as a side. You can view their full product line online.
My only gripe (and it is a minor one) is that there could be a bit more cheese on the pies. I tend to add some additional cheese to these as well as my favorite toppings – try some prosciutto and black olives or pepperoni to make a delicious custom creation straight from your own oven.
These make for a quick and easy lunch or light dinner when paired with a nice salad as a side. You can view their full product line online.
Glutino Honey Nut Cereal
GFM is a huge fan of Glutino because when traveling I can normally find it at local supermarkets (it is not available in my local supermarket but it is easily found online). I loved Honey Nut Cheerios pre-Celiac and missed them dearly. One day while perusing the aisles at a supermarket when visiting my parents I came across these. It was my first foray into the Glutino brand and this was a while ago so GF options were nowhere near as abundant or accessible as they are today.
These are crisp and sweet with just a hint of honey. They hold up well to a cold milk bath remaining crunchy until you take your last bite. They are a bit smaller than I remember their gluten-filled counterparts being but, hey, you can get more into your bowl. For a decadent snack try replacing the rice cereal in rice krispie treats with these for a truly unique taste sensation.
These are crisp and sweet with just a hint of honey. They hold up well to a cold milk bath remaining crunchy until you take your last bite. They are a bit smaller than I remember their gluten-filled counterparts being but, hey, you can get more into your bowl. For a decadent snack try replacing the rice cereal in rice krispie treats with these for a truly unique taste sensation.
Cinnamon Chex Cereal
Well, perhaps not an entrée per se but breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I am not a real big breakfast person but do indulge from time to time and quick gluten free options were few and far between. So now when I am craving something sweet and quick in the morning I can grab one of the varieties of Chex and quickly be on my way. I have enjoyed the plain variety of Chex since they went gluten free but am now loving the other varieties.
Just this morning I indulged in the cinnamon variety and it as really very good. The crisp cereal is perfectly matched with a sugary sweet coating and a touch of cinnamon. The flavorings mix well with the mix making for a truly sweet experience. As always, the cereal holds the milk well without going limp and soggy. Outside of the breakfast world I also like to sprinkle some of these on top of some vanilla ice cream as they add a crunchy sweetness that makes plain vanilla a bit more interesting.
Just this morning I indulged in the cinnamon variety and it as really very good. The crisp cereal is perfectly matched with a sugary sweet coating and a touch of cinnamon. The flavorings mix well with the mix making for a truly sweet experience. As always, the cereal holds the milk well without going limp and soggy. Outside of the breakfast world I also like to sprinkle some of these on top of some vanilla ice cream as they add a crunchy sweetness that makes plain vanilla a bit more interesting.
Amy's Baked Ziti Bowl
Everyday is a shopping adventure and I never cease to be amazed when I see new gluten free items on the shelves or in this case in the freezer. My partner was away one evening and I was looking for something quick and easy for dinner after a long day. To my surprise I stumbled across this offering from Amy’s.
Now I am skeptical of pre-made Italian food to begin with being Italian. Would the sauce be edible? Would the macaroni heat well after being frozen? Well, my questions were answered with a resounding Yes in both cases. The dish heated up nicely in the oven (GF Mike does not even own a microwave) and the rice pasta was not mushy at all and was accompanied in a nice tomato sauce that was actually very good. There was just the right amount soy cheese that I did not even realize was soy until after I had finished eating the dish – so that is saying something.
This pasta bowl made for a quick dinner though you will need a side to go with it as the portion (for me anyway) was a bit small.
Now I am skeptical of pre-made Italian food to begin with being Italian. Would the sauce be edible? Would the macaroni heat well after being frozen? Well, my questions were answered with a resounding Yes in both cases. The dish heated up nicely in the oven (GF Mike does not even own a microwave) and the rice pasta was not mushy at all and was accompanied in a nice tomato sauce that was actually very good. There was just the right amount soy cheese that I did not even realize was soy until after I had finished eating the dish – so that is saying something.
This pasta bowl made for a quick dinner though you will need a side to go with it as the portion (for me anyway) was a bit small.
Applegate Farms GF Chicken Nuggets
As many of you may already know, I am a big fan of interesting textures – likely given the lack thereof while I was becoming acclimatized to a GF lifestyle. Well, I stumbled across these chicken nuggets on Fresh Direct (a local online grocery delivery service here in N.Y.C.).
I can safely say that aside from my own GF cutlet recipe (which you can find on my Recipes page) these are a close second and do not require nearly as much effort. Quite frankly can't we all use a little convenience? My gluten eating partner has also given them his seal of approval (something that does not always happen, particularly with my GF replacements).
I have long been a fan of Applegate Farms Sunday Bacon which does not contain nitrates so when I saw they made a gluten free offering that was antibiotic-free, I thought why not give them a try? Well, I was not disappointed. If you bake them on a well sprayed foil-covered cookie sheet flipping them once one side becomes golden brown – the result is a super crispy morsel that will make you forget all about Mc Nuggets (though as a rule I do not eat fast food). Now, they do tend to stick a bit, even on a very well greased pan, but a little gentle nudging does the trick.
After my initial order of 2 packages I immediately ordered another 8 to store in the freezer – no joke. These are great on the weekends or when your other half might have a hankering for gluten one evening. I serve them with a homemade creamy horseradish sauce or my version of spicy cocktail sauce (both recipes to follow soon). Delish!
I can safely say that aside from my own GF cutlet recipe (which you can find on my Recipes page) these are a close second and do not require nearly as much effort. Quite frankly can't we all use a little convenience? My gluten eating partner has also given them his seal of approval (something that does not always happen, particularly with my GF replacements).
I have long been a fan of Applegate Farms Sunday Bacon which does not contain nitrates so when I saw they made a gluten free offering that was antibiotic-free, I thought why not give them a try? Well, I was not disappointed. If you bake them on a well sprayed foil-covered cookie sheet flipping them once one side becomes golden brown – the result is a super crispy morsel that will make you forget all about Mc Nuggets (though as a rule I do not eat fast food). Now, they do tend to stick a bit, even on a very well greased pan, but a little gentle nudging does the trick.
After my initial order of 2 packages I immediately ordered another 8 to store in the freezer – no joke. These are great on the weekends or when your other half might have a hankering for gluten one evening. I serve them with a homemade creamy horseradish sauce or my version of spicy cocktail sauce (both recipes to follow soon). Delish!