Celiac Food Reviews

Flour: Premium All Purpose Flour from the Nearly Normal Kitchen

2009-11-11T07:03:00.000-05:00

I had the rather fortunate opportunity to try out a gluten-free premium all purpose flour from the Nearly Normal Kitchen- (now apparently re-named Jules Gluten Free). Touted as "a combination of softer starches and flours that mimic the taste and texture of whole-wheat flour," I was anxious to see how it fared in a recipe calling for all-purpose flour.

Since it was fall and I always seem to have a yen for figs in the fall- I found a tasty-sounding recipe for Chocolate Fig Oatmeal Cookies. (I think it came from the Sun-Maid Mission fig package). The ingredients are as follows: butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, milk, vanilla, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, figs, quick oats, chocolate morsels, nuts, and crunchy nugget cereal.

Before I could get started I had to do some searching for a gluten free crunchy nugget cereal. I didn't want granola- so I used Nature's Path Organic Acai Apple Granola with Pomegranate. Minor/Major disclaimer here: this cereal is not specifically branded gluten free- but Rob gave it his okay. (Ingredients: organic rolled oats, organic evaporated cane juice, organic crispy rice (organic brown rice flour, organic evaporated cane juice, sea salt, organic molasses), organic pomegranate juice concentrate, organic oat syrup solids (organic oat syrup solids, tocopherols (natural Vitamin E)) organic dried coconut, organic acai powder (organic freeze dried acai, citric acid). This cereal is produced in a facility that uses wheat, peanuts or tree nuts.

But back to my Chocolate Fig Oatmeal Cookies. I followed the recipe to the letter, forming the dough into balls, flattening into 2 in. rounds, and baking on an ungreased cookie sheet for 9 minutes. I took the first batch out of the oven and let them cool for 2 minutes as directed. And then disaster sort of struck. I could not get them off the pan. Each time I wedged the spatula under a cookie the cookie parts went flying; they literally just fell apart. Now I must admit this is often the case with gluten free flours- there just isn't the same gluten that keeps your baking together. But I can't be for sure- I mean it could have also been my oven which has a hard time maintaining 375 degrees, or maybe I made the cookies too thin.

But on the up-side the cookie pieces tasted fabulous. And all was not lost. Instead of baking on a sheet, I Pam'd a square glass pyrex dish, pressed the dough in and baked until the toothpick came out clean. Well I can just tell you these now Chocolate Fig Oatmeal bars were astoundingly delicious. They were dense enough to stay together and tasted fabulous.

In wrapping up my adaptive-gluten-free re-use cooking experience- I would highly recommend From the Nearly Normal Kitchen's Premium All Purpose Flour. My cookie bars were great and gave no whiff of being gluten free. They certainly weren't around for very long.

Please note we did receive a free sample.

Ingredients:

Potato Starch, Corn Starch, Expandex, Modified Tapioca Starch, White Rice Flour, Cornflour, Xanthan Gum.

Nutritional Facts:

Serving size: 30 g (1.1 oz.)

Servings per container: 32

Calories: 100

Calories from fat: 0

Total Fat: o g

Sat. fat: 0 g

Trans fat: 0 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 5 mg

Total Carb: 25 g

Dietary Fiber: 3 g

Sugars: 0 g

Protein: 1 g

Restaurant: Pie By the Pound, NYC Pizza

2009-11-06T11:32:00.006-05:00

Admittedly I've been a bit lax lately in getting my reviews to you. But a recent gluten free dining experience put some urgency back in my tank. Last week Rob excitedly told me about Pie By the Pound, located at 124 4th Avenue in NYC. Actually he was more like a kid on his first trip to the candy shop. Pie By the Pound creates gluten free pizzeria style pizza - and for a life-long celiac to find a real pizzeria serving up gluten-free pie - well you can imagine how his enthusiasm spread like wild fire.

So of course we had to go- and pronto. Like any authentic pizzeria the pies were displayed behind glass and you could select which one you wanted. The gluten free pizza does have to be specially made- but all you have to do is let your server know how you want it. We ordered up 2 pies - the Fresh Cubed- made with cubed tomatoes, cubed fresh mozzarella, extra tomato sauce, oregano, garlic and basil; and a Caprese- made with mozzarella, sliced tomato, basil, no sauce, plus we added portobello mushrooms.

As the wait was about 20 minutes I ordered up a regular Snow White slice to keep my hunger pangs at bay- and to compare how the regular fared with the gluten free. My Snow White was delectable with a thin, flavorful crust and just the right amount of cheese. When our gluten free pies arrived, I was struck that they looked exactly similar to the regular pizza. There was the same thin crust, bubbling cheese, fresh tomatoes etc. Not that this should strike anyone as particularly notable- just sometimes the gluten-free pizza is smaller or has a thicker crust.

Okay okay so we literally attacked both pizzas and it was awesome. The thin gluten free crust was so similar to the regular I'm not totally sure I could tell the difference. Usually the gluten free pizza offered by restaurants has the tell-tale gluten-free after-taste. Pie By the Pound had none of it. I really loved the Caprese with the portobello which had the perfect marriage of flavor and texture. Though the Fresh Cubed was just as tasty I think the extra sauce makes the crust a bit softer. How in the world Pie By the Pound makes such a perfect gluten free crust- I'm sure I will never know- but take my word for it- it defies all the gluten free odds.

Our hope was that with 2 pies we would take the rest home- fat chance of that. We couldn't stop ourselves and ate it all. It was pure heaven.

Bread: Glutino Gluten Free Sesame Breadsticks

2009-09-12T09:25:00.002-04:00

Diana came across these Glutino breadsticks at the local health food store this week and I (Rob) must say they aren't too bad.

Asking Diana for her feedback:

1. Their coloring makes them look uncooked, almost like a cross between a meringue and a cheese stick.

2. They taste airy and have a starchy taste with a nice hint of sesame.

3. You need to serve them right side up, as they do have a weird looking baked side.

So if you're a celiac and you never had real bread sticks you probably are fine, but if you're a gluten ingestor living with a celiac you're probably not impressed.

Ingredients:

Corn starch, potato flour, rice starch, cocoa oil, sesame seeds, yeast, dextrose, carob seeds flour, and salt

Nutrition Facts:

Serving size 9 sticks

Servings per container ~10

Calories 60

Calories from fat 15

Total fat 1.5g

Saturated fat 1g

Trans fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 100mg

Total Carbohydrate 12g

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 0g

Protein 0g

Enjoy Life Foods deal at Amazon

2009-09-12T09:21:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since we've updated the site. Our personal lives have been a bit hectic, but we will be getting back on the horse this week.

I did come across this 15% off of Enjoy Life Gluten Free offer at Amazon.com.

We love their products.

Cookies: Josef Glutin-Fre-ee O's Chocolate Sandwich

2009-04-19T19:31:00.007-04:00

Rob brought me some Josef Glutin-Fre-ee gluten free chocolate O's- which are happily Oreos for celiacs. Not such a bad thing. So the O's resemble Oreos with two chocolate wafers hinging on a slab of cream, and they even have the filigree imprint stamped on each cookie. In addition to being gluten free, the O's are egg free and contain no wheat and dairy. They are also made in a dedicated gluten, lactose, casein, peanut, and tree nut-free bakery. Wow!

Taste-wise Josef O's are pretty good. They aren't as chocolaty as Oreos, but they have a good crunch and the cream filling is not too sweet and certainly rich enough. They look decadent but fortunately aren't- meaning that after having a few you can still button your jeans. It's probably not likely that we'll make a steady diet of O's- but who can resist a gluten free Oreo from time to time.

Ingredients:
Chocolate sandwich cookie ingredients:
Base: gluten free flour: Contains brown rice flour, tapioca flour, soy flour, white rice flour, potato starch, non hydrogenated shortening (palm oil), powdered sugar, sugar, water unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, vanilla, xanthan gum. Contains soy.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 2 cookies (31g)
Servings per container: 9
Calories: 150
Calories from fat: 70
Total fat: 8g
Sat. fat: 3.5g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg

Bagels: Glutino Bagels

2009-03-29T21:02:00.010-04:00

I've been seeing many more Glutino gluten free products lately. Though I shouldn't have been, I guess I was surprised to find Glutino brand bagels in the frozen section. I've had Glutino mac and cheese and pretzel sticks, etc. but it was a relief to think Rob would have something to eat for breakfast over the weekend that wasn't too time consuming to make.

The bagels- even in their frozen state are actually normal sized- not small and shrunken. I microwaved one for 20 seconds, then split in half before toasting. It was not like slicing a gluten bagel- it was smoother in consistency. When the bagels had popped and were nicely browned, I did the shmear of cream cheese on one side and olive oil on the other. Though this is going to sound bizarre, the hot bagels emitted a bit of that gluten free flour smell. Maybe it's the glucono-delta-lactone- or perhaps just my sensitive nose. Who knows, but once I got past that and took a bite and actually tasted the bagel- there was redemption!

These bagels are actually quite good- with a crunchy exterior crust and a soft inside. Did I say they are regular sized? That of course is a definite plus too. The best thing is that they can be on hand in the freezer and made just like a Lender's Bagel. Remember them? But really this makes eating gluten free in the a.m. not too hard.

Ingredients:
Corn mix (corn starch, skim milk powder, evaporated cane juice, salt, glucono-delta-lactone, pectin, sodium bicarbonate, sodium alginate, modified vegetable cellulose), water, tapioca starch, margarine (palm and palm kernel oils, soy lecithin), skim milk powder, evaporated cane juice, liquid egg whites, safflower oil, liquid yolks, guar gum, yeast, salt, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, riboflavin, iron, calcium.

This product may contain sesame seeds.
Nutrition Info
Serving size: 1/2 bagel
Servings per container: 10
Calories: 200
Calories from fat: 50
Total fat: 6g
Sat fat.: 1g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 330mg
Total Carb: 36g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 3g

Glutino plain bagels are labeled gluten free, wheat free, with no refined sugar and no hydrogenated oils.

Restaurant: Ago, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

2009-03-26T08:00:00.002-04:00

This past December Rob and I celebrated our fourth annual “Festivus” trip to Las Vegas One of the 5-star highlights however, was dinner at Hard Rock’s Ago.

On a whim, Rob emailed the renowned restaurant and explained his celiac disease and intolerance to gluten. Truly we hadn’t expected anything other than the normal, “when you arrive for dinner just tell the wait-staff and we’ll see what we can do”- conversation.

Instead Rob received an email back from the executive chef of the entire Casino, Mark Sharlin, who assured him that it was no problem. Upon arriving at Ago, we were pleasantly surprised at the spacious room- other diners were far enough apart, yet there was a casual, intimate and sophisticated ambiance all at once.

After being seated, Rob informed our waiter, Victor, of his prior conversation- and within a few minutes- to our utter astonishment, Ago's chef Sergio himself appeared at our table! Obviously we are neither rich nor famous so this type of treatment was so unexpected and wonderful for us. There was to be no harried wait-staff acting as middle-person between Rob and the necessity of a gluten free meal- and a busy chef who may or may not have gotten the memo on the dinner ticket. It completely threw us for a loop!

In any case, Chef Sergio suggested the Wild Boar Ragout which he had prepared as a special. Sipping a crisp Sauvignon Blanc over a tasty bed of greens, Rob awaited the ragout. It arrived piping hot and picture-perfect. Nothing though could have prepared him for such a sumptuous gluten-free feast! It was divinity on earth with tender-cut-melt-in-your-mouth cubes of wild boar served with a rich sauce over gluten free papardelle pasta. Rob was positively ecstatic and nearly ate the plate. Mark Sharlin even stopped by as well to check in on how we were enjoying the meal.

It was probably the most memorable and comfortable dining experiences Rob has ever had. Not only was it fabulous- but assuredly gluten-free.

Thank you Ago!! Hope to see you in December!!

-Diana

Bread: Bob's Red Mill Hearty Whole Grain Bread Mix

2009-03-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Bob's Red Mill is to me like a beacon of light in an otherwise dark supermarket. Bob's offers a wide variety of gluten free cookies, brownies, bread mixes, and flours. The Hearty Whole Grain Bread mix is a great product to have on hand in the cupboard- particularly on a cold weekend when you are inclined to drag out the bread machine.

Generally in our gluten free household we bake up a loaf of bread, freeze it and consume it over a few weeks. Since it does take some effort, we don't make it all that regularly- though we certainly should- especially if it's Bob's Red Mill.

I really love this bread- but mainly it has to do with what's in it. This is no shrinking violet; it has major heft to it, weighs a ton and is hearty beyond all recognition. But the best thing is that it can be sliced, frozen, toasted and consumed- all without falling into a crumbled mass like most gluten free breads. Bob's Hearty is one of the few breads that can actually survive being made into a sandwich- a rare feat in the world of mainly tapioca and starch-based gluten free flours. I can't even count how many times I've made Rob a sandwich- only to have it fall apart each time he picked it up to the point where the chicken salad sandwich has to be consumed with knife and fork.

Yes so Bob's is a bit on the heavy side- kind of like a dark brown molasses bread, but as I said, it's worth every slice- kind of like gluten free gold!

Ingredients:
Whole grain buckwheat, garbanzo bean flour, potato starch, cornstarch, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, whole grain sorghum flour, tapioca flour, turbinado sugar, cocoa powder, evaporated cane juice sugar, fava bean flour, dried molasses (molasses, maltodextrin, silicon dioxide), xanthan gum, caraway seeds, active dry yeast, sea salt, whole grain teff, potato flour, onion powder, guar gum, soy lecithin

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 1/16 of pkg (35g)
Servings per container: 16
Calories:
Mix: 130
Baked: 190
Calories from fat:
Mix: 30
Baked: 70
Total fat: 3.5g
Sat. fat: 0g
Trans fat; 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total Carb.: 23g
Dietary fiber: 4g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 4g

What You Need:
1 3/4 cups Water
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs
1 tsp. cider vinegar

This mix can be made by hand or by a bread machine.

"Bob's Red Mill products labeled Gluten Free are batch tested in our quality control laboratory. We use ELISA Gluten Assay test to determine if a product is gluten free."

Pizza: Amy's Cheese Pizza

2009-03-18T20:32:00.006-04:00

Recently I was thrilled to find that Amy's has made a gluten free frozen pizza. We are huge fans of Amy's Gluten free Mac and cheese so we looked forward to it. The rice crust cheese pizza is made with organic rice flour and tomatoes; it is marked gluten free and contains sunflower seeds.

Since I had some diced onion and peppers in the fridge, I heated the oven to the recommended 375 degrees and added the chopped veg on top. I did notice the cheese seemed to be a bit on the sparse side; quite a few frozen cheese bits fell off while I removed the pizza from the plastic wrap. In any case I drizzled the top with olive oil and sent it to the oven. This time I followed the directions and only cooked the pizza for 12 minutes. The package states that the pizzas are pre-cooked and delicate. I took this to mean the pizza could burn to a crisp if not removed in time- and I couldn't risk losing our lunch!

After the allotted 12 minutes, the cheese was melted and ready to go. I sliced and served up. I liked it- but didn't love it. The crust seemed at first grainy- as is often the case with gluten free flour products. But on further reflection, the crust was just very buttery. It was flavorful- but maybe more appropriate for a dessert pie than a pizza pie. There is no denying that the crust is light- not heavy like some of the mix-your-own types, but not like a gluten-filled pizza. It's on the sweet side too- which I guess shouldn't surprise me as honey, potatoes, tapioca flour and sunflower seed meal are listed in the ingredients.

So yes, though I think I would buy Amy's again, if I had a choice between Amy's and Foods by George Pizza, I would definitely opt for the George.

Ingredients:
Part-skim mozzarella cheese, organic sweet rice flour, organic tomato puree, filtered water, organic sunflower seed meal, organic tapioca flour, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic potatoes, organic honey, organic red onions, sea salt, expeller pressed high oleic safflower oil, yeast, soy lecithin, spice (100% pure herbs & spices (no hidden ingredients)), organic garlic, black pepper.
Contains Milk, Sunflower Seeds and Syou.
"This product is made in a facility that processes foods containing wheat, tree nuts and seeds. Amy's Kitchen does not use any peanuts, fish, shellfish or eggs."

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1/3 pizza (113g)
Servings per container: 3
Calories: 320
Calories from fat: 150
Total fat: 16g
Sat. fat: 4g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 590mg
Total Carb: 34g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 10g

Follow us on Twitter

2009-03-15T13:21:00.003-04:00

We're setup on Twitter since we figured it would be nice to have another outlet to discuss celiac safe foods. Things that would normally not merit a blog post can now be tweeted out. See gluten-free foods being prepared live, pictures of new products we find in the store, etc.

Follow us here.

Beer: Redbridge Label Update

2009-03-14T23:13:00.004-04:00

Just in case you haven't noticed, ANHEUSER-BUSCH got even smarter and redesigned Redbridge's labeling. It's now really CLEAR that it's gluten-free. This not only helps those celiacs who are unaware discover Redbridge, but helps increase general awareness.

Thanks again AB!

Wishing Everyone a Happy and Healthy Gluten-Free Holiday

2008-12-25T09:31:00.002-05:00

We're going to pick-up the reviews in 2009 with a kick-off post of our gluten-free dinner at Ago in the Hard Rock Casino Hotel in Las Vegas.

Best Wishes

Diana and Rob

Crackers: Mary's Gone Crackers- Black Pepper

2008-12-15T21:42:00.007-05:00

Okay Okay- so I cannot believe I've never reviewed Mary's Gone Crackers brand of crackers. To be perfectly honest, we practically live on them. They've become such a staple in our diet that I guess I forgot to share! Major mea culpa on my part.

But back to basics. Mary's Gone Crackers are crisp, delicious and filled with flavor. They are best consumed by themselves- but certainly can accommodate any cheese, hummus, or side accompaniment you choose. These tasty crackers are organic, kosher, non-GMO, whole grain, heart-healthy, vegan, dairy free, wheat free, gluten free and contain no hydrogenated oils or trans fats. They also contain 450 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving. So it is a wonder to me too that they taste so divine! Ahh but they are nothing short of pure delicious-ness!

The black pepper flavor comes out best after a few crackers. You can't see the pepper but you can definitely taste the spice baked right in with the flax and sesame seeds. I think what I love best is the crunch and then the burst of flavor that follows. They really are a unique cracker- never mind that they are gluten-free. What's even better is that these are good for you with no sugar, yet contain a fair amount of fiber and protein. The no sugar part is usually the challenge when it comes to GF products. The one caveat is the price- and for the volume we consume- $6 for a 6.5 box can get steep.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 13 crackers (30g)
Servings per container: about 6
Calories: 140
Calories from fat: 45
Total fat: 5g
Sat. fat: 0.5g
Polyunsat. fat: 2.5g
Monounsat. fat: 1.5g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 180mg
Potassium: 160mg
Total carb.: 21g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 3g

Ingredients:
Organic short grain brown rice, organic whole quinoa, organic brown flax seeds, organic brown sesame seeds, filtered water, organic black pepper, organic wheat-free low sodium tamari (water, whole organic soybeans, salt, organic alcohol), sea salt.

Manufactured in a dedicated wheat-free, gluten-free facility

Chips: Arico Cassava Chips- Ginger on Fire

2008-06-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

I am utterly baffled by Arico's Ginger on Fire Cassava Chips. I mean I just can't believe how much they resemble bar-be-cue- but they aren't. Instead these delectable little chips are actually made from cassava, a potato-like root grown in South America, and are cooked with spices, are free of artificial flavors and colors, are gluten free, trans fat free, cholesterol free, dairy free and contain a fair amount of fiber.

They have a smoky barbecue taste without all the faux ingredients that make regular barbecue-flavor chips verboten. Who knew gluten free could be so much better!

Ingredients:
Cassava, palm or sunflower or safflower oil, evaporated cane juice, sea salt, autolyzed yeast extract, spices, onion powder, garlic powder, leeks, silicon dioxide (natural anti-caking agent), natural flavors, medium chain triglycerides, natural Vitamin E to preserve freshness. Contains soy.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 1 oz. (28g) approx. 23 chips
Servings per container: 5
Calories: 150
Calories from fat: 60
Total fat: 6 g
Sat. fat: 3 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total Carb.: 18 g
Dietary fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 1 g
Protein: 1 g

Chips: Arico Cassava Chips- Sea Salt Mist

2008-06-02T22:17:00.000-04:00

Rob and I are loving Arico's gluten free products. This particular post is about their Sea Salt Mist Cassava Chips. With 30% less fat than potato chips, no trans fat, a bit of fiber and fairly low sodium- you'll be in for snack that's hard to resist.

These chips are on the small side- more like small oval disks- but man do they pack a flavor that surely rivals regular brand potato chips. These are so delicious, crisp and light. And you surely won't miss the greasy residue left by full fat potato chips.

The Sea Salt Mist are my favorite because the cassava/potato flavor really comes through with no other spice overpowering the taste.

Yep- they are a winner.

Ingredients:
Cassava, palm or sunflower or safflower oil, sea salt, natural vitamin E to preserve freshness.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 1 oz. (28g) approx. 23 chips
Servings per container: 5
Calories: 150
Calories from fat: 60
Total fat: 7 g
Sat. fat: 3.5 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 140 mg
Total Carb.: 18 g
Dietary fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 1 g

Cookies: Arico Double Chocolate

2008-05-20T21:59:00.000-04:00

Okay I know it's nearly impossible not to love a double chocolate cookie- particularly if it's gluten free, and I certainly love all of Arico's cookies- but the double chocolate gluten free is not my favorite.

Absolutely the double chocolate is rich with actual chocolate pieces baked in- but I find the cookie part itself a bit on the chalky side. It's almost like the cookie can't compete with the density of the chocolate pieces. I would love to taste a bit of walnut with it... but hey this is just me- and I'm not a huge choc-o-holic like my other half.

I can guarantee though that any chocolate bits that find their way to the bottom of the pouch cannot possibly disappoint!

Ingredients:
Flour base (organic brown rice whole grain flour, rice starch, rice protein, baking soda), organic dark chocolate (organic cane sugar, organic cocoa paste, organic cocoa butter, non GMO soy lecithin, organic vanilla, [chunks may contain traces of milk protein due to manufacturing equipment]), organic cane sugar, organic cage free eggs, organic agave nectar, chicory extract, organic palm oil, cocoa powder alkalized, organic sunflower/safflower oil, calcium carbonate, natural flavors. Contains eggs, soy and may contain traces of milk protein.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 2 cookies (27g)
Servings per container: 5
Calories: 100
Calories from fat: 40
Total fat: 4.5 g
Sat. fat: 1.5 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholest.: 15 mg
Sodium: 70 mg
Total Carb: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sol. fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 7 g
Protein: 2 g

Cookies: Arico Triple Berry

2008-05-15T07:18:00.000-04:00

So as of this review I've tried Arico's peanut butter, chocolate chunk and lemon ginger cookies and I definitely think they are all delicious on their own- but add in the fact that they are gluten free- and you really can't go wrong!

Their Triple Berry gluten free, dairy free cookie is also quite good but completely different than the rest. On opening the efficient pouch, you can catch a strong whiff of berries- and the cookies themselves have a great amount of berry flavor. It's not really like a granola bar-type berry- but almost like a cookie with baked in blueberries and raspberries and strawberries. So I imagine you might need to be in the mood for these if it's cacao you are craving.
Still these are moist and tasty and would pair extremely nicely with a glass of port!

Ingredients:
Flour base (organic brown rice whole grain flour, rice starches, rice protein, baking soda), organic cage free eggs, organic agave nectar, chicory extract, organic cane sugar, organic palm oil, organic sunflower/safflower oil, strawberry (strawberry, apple juice concentrate, organic rice flour), raspberry (raspberry, sugar, rice flour, sunflower oil), blueberry (blueberries, apple juice concentrate, sunflower oil), calcium carbonate, citric acid, natural flavor, sea salt. Contains eggs.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 2 cookies (27g)
Servings per container: 5
Calories: 90
Calories from fat: 30
Total fat: 3.5 g
Sat. fat: 1 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholest.: 15 mg
Sodium: 80 mg
Total Carb: 16 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sol. fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 6 g
Protein: 2 g

Cookies: Arico Peanut Butter

2008-05-13T08:24:00.000-04:00

Yum Yum! I truly found a favorite in Arico's peanut butter cookies- and I still can't believe they are gluten free. These taste like childhood peanut butter cookies- minus the criss-cross fork imprint and the fact they are chewier than I remember. But still- these come the closest. So delicious; totally rich peanut buttery and there are actual peanuts baked right in. These are not to be missed!

Ingredients:
Organic peanut butter, flour base (organic brown rice whole grain flour, rice starches, rice protein, baking soda), organic cane sugar, organic cage free eggs, chicory extract, organic agave nectar, organic quinoa flour, calcium carbonate, natural flavor, sea salt. Contains eggs and peanuts.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 2 cookies (27g)
Servings per container: 5
Calories: 110
Calories from fat: 45
Total fat: 5 g
Sat. fat: 1 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholest.: 15 mg
Sodium: 95 mg
Total Carb: 13 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sol. fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 6 g
Protein: 4 g

Cookies: Arico Lemon Ginger

2008-05-08T23:16:00.000-04:00

Here's another cookie made by Arico that is completely different than the expected chocolate chip/chocolate chunk.

Made with organic grains, Arico's Lemon Ginger cookie is zesty with visible ginger pieces. This is a cookie filled with citrus tang- but is no delicate tea cake to be sure. I really like these- they are bold and different- but of course still moist and chewy. These would make a great dessert with a scoop of ice cream- and no one would be the wiser that it's gluten free.

Ingredients:
Flour base (organic brown rice whole grain flour, rice starches, rice protein, baking soda), organic cage free eggs, organic agave nectar, diced ginger (ginger, sugar), chicory extract, organic cane sugar, organic palm oil, organic sunflower/safflower oil, calcium carbonate, citric acid, natural flavor, lemon oil, ginger, sea salt. Contains eggs.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 2 cookies (27g)
Servings per container: 5
Calories: 90
Calories from fat: 35
Total fat: 3.5 g
Sat. fat: 1 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholest.: 15 mg
Sodium: 85 mg
Total Carb: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sol. fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 6 g
Protein: 2 g

Cookies: Arico Chocolate Chunk

2008-05-01T12:11:00.000-04:00

It's tough not to like chocolate chip cookies - no matter what. Arico makes a tasty gluten free chocolate chunk version that is hard to put down. It does have a bit of the aftertaste that is due to it's non-gluten ingredients- but not hard to overlook. The cookies are moist and chewy and with large chocolate pieces. The cookies are efficiently packaged in a re-sealable pouch and contain 4.76 ounces. Likely re-sealing won't be a problem- Rob only left me 2 to review.

Arico chocolate chunk cookies contain no trans fat, no preservatives, no artificial color or flavor, are a source of fiber, plus contain calcium, and are certified organic.

Ingredients:
Flour base (organic brown rice whole grain flour, rice starches, rice protein, baking soda), organic dark chocolate (organic cane sugar, organic cocoa paste, organic cocoa butter, non GMO soy lecithin, organic vanilla, [chunks may contain traces of milk protein due to manufacturing equipment]), organic cage free eggs, organic cane sugar, chicory extract, organic agave nectar, organic palm oil, organic sunflower/safflower oil, calcium carbonate, natural flavor, sea salt. Contains eggs, soy and may contain traces of milk protein.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 2 cookies (27g)
Servings per container: 5
Calories: 100
Calories from fat: 40
Total fat: 4.5 g
Sat. fat: 2 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholest.: 15 mg
Sodium: 105 mg
Total Carb: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sol. fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 7 g
Protein: 2 g

Crisps: Kitchen Table Bakers- Flax Seed

2008-04-29T07:08:00.000-04:00

Okay so I'm developing a few favorites here from Kitchen Table Bakers... I admit I also love the Flax Seed which is another milder version of the crisp. Still crunchy and wondrously rich with the cheese, the flax lends an almost buttery flavor to the cracker which would pair soooo nicely with a creamy cheese on top.

So it's been tough trying all these wafers... with their incredible crispiness, crunch and to die for cheese-iness. These are all natural, gluten free, wheat free, and sugar free- uh maybe a bit high in fat- but the taste is absolutely decadent.

Ingredients:
Pasteurized part skim milk, flax seeds, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 3 crackers (15g)
Servings per container: About 6
Calories: 80
Calories from fat: 50
Total fat: 6 g
Sat. fat: 3.5 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total carb: 2 g
Dietary fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 6 g

Crisps: Kitchen Table Bakers- EverythingNutrition Facts:

2008-04-20T23:02:00.000-04:00

Okay I may have to change my mind... Rob and I have been reviewing Kitchen Table Bakers range of crisps that range from herbs to garlic to sesame etc. I had professed my love for the Italian herb and stuck by it... until I tried their Everything crisp.

Uh the Everything is just the perfect melding of so many flavors- it's a regular Studio 54 right in the mouth! It's a wondrous mix of garlic and cheese and herbs, poppy seeds, sesame, onion- that I almost can't even imagine sharing with a wedge of cheese.

Who cares! This is a FABULOUS gluten free cracker - and believe me your wheat-eating friends will have no idea. Get ready for a taste explosion.

Wonderful!!
Ingredients:
Pasteurized part skim milk, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, minced onions, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 3 crackers (15g)
Servings per container: About 6
Calories: 80
Calories from fat: 50
Total fat: 6 g
Sat. fat: 3.5 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total carb: 2 g
Dietary fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 7 g

Crisps: Kitchen Table Bakers- Rosemary

2008-04-17T20:53:00.000-04:00

So we are on the Rosemary crisps made by Kitchen Table Bakers. I need to review these quickly as Rob and I both seem unable to contain ourselves and finish the packs before we know it.

The Rosemary crisp is just as delectable as the rest - meaning it has a wonderful crunch in the mouth, a fresh burst of rosemary (which you can see baked in)- and a marriage with the rich cheese which is deeply satisfying.

These all natural, all cheese crackers are a wonder- and though I love the rosemary, I almost wonder if its flavor isn't a bit overwhelmed by the rich cheese-ness. But perhaps it's just a competition- the strong herb with the strong cheese married together into one sublime experience. Don't get me wrong- I love the rosemary but I still think it's competing too hard with the cheese.

Yep I still think my favorite is the Italian herb... Rob's is the garlic. Who cares! They're all fabulous!

Ingredients:
Pasteurized part skim milk, rosemary, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 3 crackers (15g)
Servings per container: About 6
Calories: 80
Calories from fat: 50
Total fat: 6 g
Sat. fat: 3.5 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total carb: < 1 g
Dietary fiber: 0 g
Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 7 g

80 Votes for Starbucks

2008-04-15T22:56:00.002-04:00

Quick update for all our readers - we have 80 votes so far on our quest for Starbucks to label their gluten-free products.

Please let all your fellow celiacs and celiac supporters know about this and forward the link. You'll have to register on the site, but it'll be worth it.

CLICK HERE to vote.

Let's show how the power of the Internet can affect change for celiacs worldwide!

Crisps: Kitchen Table Bakers- Italian Herb

2008-04-15T22:55:00.000-04:00

Wow! I think I found my favorite cracker to date! Rob and I have been reviewing a fabulous gluten free, wheat free and sugar free product made by The Kitchen Table Bakers. These are truly crisps/wafers/crackers- however you prefer to term them- for the adult palette and they will seriously erase any barriers between the gluten free world and the wheat-filled world of eaters. I guarantee no one would ever suspect these delicious delights are gluten free. These are an intensely flavorful crisp with loads of crunch.

I just love the Italian Herb flavor of crisps where I can actually taste the oregano and basil- and see the herbs baked into a crunchy wafer. This is no shrinking violet- but clearly not as pungent as it's garlic counterpart. These taste fresh- if a cracker can actually do that- and I enjoyed a few with my dinner salad the other night. But I would imagine they would be as equally at home as a side next to gluten free pasta.

Ingredients:
Pasteurized part skim milk, oregano, basil, parsley, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 3 crackers (15g)
Servings per container: About 6
Calories: 80
Calories from fat: 50
Total fat: 6 g
Sat. fat: 3.5 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total carb: 2 g
Dietary fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 6 g

I should note here that as the crisps are made from all cheese, they are nearly pure protein and contain almost no carbs- and uh no fiber, and uh contain mostly fat calories. Other than that- don't miss this great find.