UDI'S WEEK!!!!

May is Celiac Awareness Month. I have been living with Celiacs for 5 years now. It gets easier every year since so many amazing products keep coming out on the market.

I try hard not to pick favorites between companies that produce the gf food that nourishes my body. I want to always go into testing a product with an open mind. No comparisons. Let the product stand alone. I was really good at that until Udi's came into my life. Udi's made me LOVE GF bread.  The cookies, the muffins...every product I have tried is exceptional.So, while I love trying new foods, I always seem to come back to Udi's.

So, in honor of my absolute favorite GF company and Celiac Month, I bring you UDI'S WEEK!!!

To start it off, I bring you old reviews (and slightly embarrassing ones with videos!):

Muffins
Pizza Crust

Check back tomorrow for a brand new review!!!

Glutenfreeda Chicken & Cheese Burrito

OMG, I missed burritos. Like majorly missed them. I would watch people around me eat them and get jealous.

I found Glutenfreeda's Gluten Free Chicken and Cheese Burritos and I am no longer envious of my non-gf friends.

I ate two of these in one sitting. I normally would practice restraint but I couldn't with these burritos.
I am excited to try the other varieties and  enjoy every bite to the fullest!

Treehouse Bakery

At the GFXCon I had the opportunity to meet Corianne Sizemore and her staff from Treehouse Bakery. I took home the samples of the adorable mini-cupcakes (one of my ultimate indulgences!) and I could not wait to try it. 

Seriously, look at this packaging.

I asked specifically about how they prevent cross contamination and they prepare the gluten free items first and in a separate area in order to avoid getting us cross contaminated.

The cupcakes were so adorable I almost didn't want to dig in and ruin the cute factor...I said almost...

Here is the scoop:

Chocolate Cupcake: My favorite cupcake! It was rich,moist and sinful! I honestly wish that I had about a million more of these in my house waiting for me to indulge in. SO DELICIOUS!

Mesquite Mocha Cupcake: I love Mocha flavored anything, so naturally, I adored this flavor. It was the culmination of flavors was perfect!

Vanilla Cupcake- This was delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed it.


Strawberry Cupcake- I liked this one a lot and it had a great strawberry after taste.

All the cupcakes are vegan. The ones I are are obviously GF, I would eat every single one over again! They were that good. I totally recommend the Treehouse Bakery and I hope that you like them as much as I did.

Jason's Deli

Remember that time I asked you to vote to have GF food served at Jason's Deli back in 2010? Well, enough gluties did and Jason's Deli has been serving GF bread for a long while now. I have been a slacker and have not been able to try their sandwiches...whoops way to slack off!

The other day I was out and about town with Jacob, shopping for Stephanie's birthday gift (it is tomorrow , so make sure to show her blog some love!) and I drove past Jason's. Jacob loves sandwiches and I had a feeling he was hungry so I decided we should stop in. 

I am having issues with the photos I took on my camera phone ( I just signed up for mobile blogging,so I am going to try to send the photos on the blog in a few minutes to post those), sorry!

Anyway, Jacob loved the lunch he ate, he ate a non-gf grilled cheese with fruit. I ate a club sandwich on GF Bread with fruit. Jacob ate most of my fruit. I love that he loves fruit so much.

Jason's uses UDI'S bread, so that is great. However, always ask proper questions about cross contamination! The Jason's I went to was careful to prepare mine in a clean area but they don't have a designated toaster (remember my rant about "toaster sex" ) so I didn't get mine toasted.

It was a very delicious lunch and Jacob and I had a great time. It is great having the option to go out and grab a sandwich if I want. Thank you Jason's Deli!


I am so happy they added a GF MENU!

My Favorite Items at Trader Joe's Right NOW!

I am a frequent shopper at Trader Joe's. They have some great GF items that do not break the bank. I go through phases where I think one product is out of this world and everyone and their Mother should be eating it. So, I thought I would share with you my ultimate Trader Joe's Products of the moment.

1. Cilantro and Chive Yogurt Dip: I eat this with GF chips or fresh veggies and I am over the moon. I love the fresh flavor that this dip packs. So incredible. 
2. Gluten Free Brownie Mix: It is not an expensive mix, I like the packaging and it is easy to make. So, those are three pros and I cannot find a con. It even cuts like a cake because it doesn't holds together well. Trader Joe's, you did well when you created this mix!
3. Gluten Free Granola: I have seen two varieties and both are frequent visitors in my home. The packages are generous and for around $3.00 a bag, I think that is a pretty good deal!
4. Trader Joe's 100 Calorie Chocolate Bars: YUM! Five bars come in a box and they are so delicious.

Surf Sweets Gummy Swirls

This is my favorite Surf Sweets product. They are called Gummy Swirls. They are Heaven in your mouth. Like every Surf Sweets product, they are:

• Organic and natural
• Provide 100% of daily vitamin C
• GLUTEN FREE/CASEIN FREE
• Made with organic fruit juice
• Free of dyes or preservatives
• Contains no corn syrup 

Gummy Swirls also contain a full serving of calcium and are vegan.  My whole family and I devour these! We are total fans!

Surf Sweets Jelly Beans

Surf Sweets makes delicious candy! As I have stated in the past, they are:

• GLUTEN FREE/CASEIN FREE!
• Organic! Using only natural ingredients and juices
• No corn syrup
• Some of the products are vegan or vegetarian
• Contains 100% vitamin C

There Jelly Bean are really good. I prefer them to Jelly Belly any day. Those were my favorite...not anymore, Jelly Belly can kiss me goodbye. I am now a loyal Surf Sweet kind of gal. Did you know that Surf Sweets could be found at Whole Foods? Well, now you do! Have you guys tried them? If so, what is your favorite product in the line? I will reveal my favorite product in the line soon! It is so delicious!

Kettle Cuisine Soup: Chicken Chili with White Beans

This is the third Kettle Cuisine Soup I have tried and so far it is my favorite. I actually think it will be hard to beat. I love this product line. I am a soup person and while I never though of myself as a chili person (I believe I stated that in a previous post), Kettle Cuisine is changing my mind. They really know how to blend their flavors and craft their soups. 

I made such a fuss about how amazing this soup was after my first bite, that my boyfriend begged to split it it with me. Yes, my non-gluten free boyfriend...who can eat anything he desires shared my delicious soup with me. Well, love won and I shared my soup. I guess this is one item I will have to add to the must have GF items in my house.

Kinnikinnick S'moreables!

Summertime makes me think of a few foods...hot dogs (but I don't eat meat), beer (but I don't drink) and s'mores. Many of us think that s'mores are not an option because gram crackers are well, gluten filled time bombs for our intestines. Think again, we now can indulge because Kinnikinnick has made it possible with S'moreables! Summer is almost over...go out and buy a box! Indulge!

Kinnikinnick Personal Size Pizza Crusts!

OH MY! I love these! I cannot talk these up enough. These have become my life savers. I always have tomato sauce and cheese in my house and it has become a lot of fun to figure out what toppings I have around the house.

I had a friend come over for dinner that was not gluten free and she told me she would pick this pizza over a "traditional" pizza any day! It made me smile from ear to ear!

Here are my two favorite ways to make this pizza!

Cheese and broccoli:

Pizza with three types of cheese:

Have you tried this yet? What would you put on your personal pizza?

Namaste Foods: Chocolate Cake Cupcakes & My First Giveaway!

I have made my fair share of gluten free cakes, so I would have to say that it takes a lot to impress me. Namaste Foods has a Chocolate Cake Mix that calls out to the chocoholic in all of us. Plus, if you glance at the label, it is a safe bet that it fits your dietary needs because of all of the allergens it is not using in its products. I know a lot of people that are not only Celiac but are also allergic to soy or corn and this product is safe and delicious for them to consume.

The cake mix itself is very easy to make. I made cupcakes...of course...with homemade lemon frosting.
The mix made a ton, about 30 of them! I was in cupcake heaven. I didn't expect to be wowed though, like I said, I have made a lot of cakes in my day. But, I was WRONG. This gluten free cake did not even taste gluten free. I easily was able to pick it up with out the cupcake crumbling in my hands. The taste was airy and moist. I took some of the cupcakes to my Boyfriend's house to serve and didn't tell anyone they were gluten free and no one even knew. That is how amazing these are!

The amazing folks at Namaste are hosting a giveaway right here on the blog! So, if you want to try the mix for yourself, please enter! You will not be disappointed...
The GIVEAWAY!!!!

How To Enter:

1. Follow my blog if you are not all ready a follower. You can follow by clicking on the top of the screen where it says follow!

2. Leave me a comment on the blog, email (littleblognotes@yahoo.com), or Twitter (shelovestoblog) that states what your favorite gluten free food is to make. Also, please look at the Namaste Website and tell me what item you would be most interested in trying.

3. For an extra entry, please re-post my contest on your blog if you have one! Just let me know about it :)

4. Make sure you leave me a valid email address to contact you!

Applicants Must be US residents only. If you win, I will contact you. Please no P.O. Boxes. I will relay your information to Namaste Foods and they will send out your winnings!

Ends 7/12/2010 at Midnight AZ time! Good luck!

Trader Joe's Gluten Free & Dairy Free Homestyle Pancakes

I have been on a total pancake/ waffle kick with my son. I think my obsession is mainly based because I can load up pancakes with berries, bananas and raisins and we are starting our day off right. My new favorite is not a mix but a box with makes it totally easy because sometimes I don't have time in the morning to deal with the hassle of mixes. Trader Joe's has a GF and Dairy Free box available in their freezer section. My favorite part is that they come wrapped already packaged according to serving size. The picture shows the serving size (3 pancakes with syrup and raspberries) This breakfast is awesome!

The stats (pancakes only)
Serving size: 3 pancakes
calories: 230
total fat: 4.5
carbohydrats: 41 grams
sugars:
protiens:5

Glutino: Cinnamon French Toast

I got so excited when I saw these at my grocery store! I have been longing for french toast for a while and I love Glutino products so I knew that I had to pick these up. It was the first time ever that my son and I both ate French Toast at breakfast together!

While I did really enjoy the product, it was slightly rubbery at first so I had to add more syrup to it and then it was perfect!

If you guys are hankering for french toast, pick up Glutino Cinnamon French Toast!

Katz Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sorry that my picture is not wonderful but that is no reflection on the cookies whatsoever. These are hands down the best gluten free chocolate chip cookies I have had. When they ship to your door (how easy is that?) you freeze them till you are ready to enjoy them. All you have to do is thaw them... I have to be honest; I was hesitant of these cookies because I was worried that they wouldn't taste good because they were frozen. Some frozen foods do not that taste as good when they are freshly baked. Do not let that throw you off, I was mistaken. These cookies taste like soft baked cookies! I could not stop eating them and now I am dying for more! I love soft bake cookies and I have not been able to find them since I have gone GF. I am not sure if they are meant to be soft bake tasting or not but I love these cookies!

These cookies are not just gluten free but also dairy free and nut free too! Katz Gluten Free sure knows how to make amazing gluten free chocolate chip cookies.

The Stats:
Serving size: 1oz
Total Fat: 8 grams
Total Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 18 grams
Sugar: 1o grams
Protein: 1 gram

Kinnikinnick Tapioca Rice Cinnamon Buns

These were AH-MAZING! I added a bit more frosting because after all I am a glutton an I love frosting on my cinnamon rolls! I have been craving cinnamon rolls so badly that I have been asking around on Twitter for them.

I put the extra frosting on and heated these for 20 seconds in the microwave and I indulged in amazing cinnamon bun goodness. These totally hit the spot! Thank you Kinnikinnick for helping me get my fix!

Glutino Gluten Free Candy Bar

I have not one bad thing to say about either one of these amazing flavors of candy bar goodness. I learned the hard way several times now though that I cannot have a box around because I have no self control with these in my house. The milk chocolate reminds me of a Kit Kat bar. Which let me tell you, those were once my favorite, so eating these bring my taste buds back to a pre-gluten free Heaven. The chocolate peanut butter are extraordinary too! They hit the spot and are fabulous with a glass of milk.


MILK CHOCOLATE:

The Stats:
Serving Size: 1Bar
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 8 grams
Total Carbs: 14 grams
Protein: less than 1 gram


For Chocolate Peanut Butter Lovers:

The Stats:
Serving Size: 1 Bar
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 9 grams
Total Carbs: 13 grams
Protein: 2 grams

Mixes From The Heartland :Impossible Coconut Pie

Day SEVEN of Every Day is A New Post This Week!

I thought I would end this week off with an amazing food review! I was a little intimidated by the name of the mix, IMPOSSIBLE COCONUT PIE, but how hard could it really be?

I soon discovered that the Impossible Coconut Pie was not called that because of the preparation. That aspect was easy! You follow the simple directions and you have this delicious looking pie!
I baked this at my house in the morning with the plans to take it to my Boyfriend's house in the evening. I had to smell and stare at the pie all day long. It was sheer torture. I was still confused as to why this pie was called impossible. I had no problems at all making it.
I didn't even want dinner when I got to his house. I just wanted the pie. That is what happens when I have to look at a pie all day and I don't get to try it. When I cut into it, I discovered why it was called "Impossible Coconut Pie".

The top layer was full of coconut and it was a perfect firm texture. The inside, middle layer was custard like. That layer was like heaven in my mouth. The very bottom had formed a crust. However, when I made the pie, I did not have to do any work for any of this. It was impossible to expect so much greatness from such a simple mix!

I had to practice some restraint on the pie that night. When I left in the morning, I left some of the pie at my Boyfriend's house and then I took the rest home! It was just too good not to keep eating. I also had to take a plastic spoon...
I want this pie NOW...just blogging about it is making my mouth water. Mixes from the Heartland got it right!I also love that the pie is low in sodium, has no trans fat and is cholesterol free! This pie is one that I will be having again!

Rice & "Chorizo" Dinner!

Day Four of Every Day Is A New Post Week: Rice & "Chorizo" Dinner!

I made this awesome dinner the other night! If you follow me on Twitter, you would know that I was nervous cooking with Soyrizo. It ended up turning out great! I will be cooking with it again. You cannot see the Soyrizo because of how it crumbles, but it is in there and it adds a great flavor into the meal!

This is the recipe, you can use chorizo where Soyrizo is listed.

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 BOX SADAF Rice Mix (found at Middle Eastern Store)
- Soyrizo (1/2 package)
- Diced tomatoes (canned,strained, 1/4 cup)
- Sweet Peas (canned, strained, 1/2 cup)
- Corn (canned, strained, 1/2 cup)
- Green Mexican Salsa (Optional)
- Tortilla Chips (Optional)

How To:

Cook rice according to directions. Take Soyrizo and take it out of wrapping. Crumble it up and let it cook well with rice in a skillet. Then once it is cooked, add the vegetables until everything is cooked.

Serve with chips and salsa if you desire!

Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pancake & Waffel Mix

Every Day Is A New Post This Week! DAY TWO! TODAY I BRING YOU....

I like pancakes, yes I do, I like pancakes...how about you? Woo hoo! I am giddy! I like pancakes and I like this week. It is exciting!

Do you know what, I also like? I like these pancakes! Trader Joe's, you know your stuff. I am rarely disappointed in you. The packaging does not lie, it is easy to prepare! I made these for breakfast and I was full until dinner!
I am not going to post nutritional information like I normally do. You can add anything to these and it changes the stats. I served mine with butter, fresh fruit and syrup! YUM!

Pick these up and try them for yourself!

Cupcake Pebbles! OMG!

I received an email asking me if the new Cupcake Pebbles cereal was gluten free the other day. When I saw the words cupcake and Pebbles in the same sentence, I almost squealed with delight! I got on the Post Cereals Website and checked out the ingredients. Everything looked gluten free, just like my favorite gluten free cereal, Fruity Pebbles! I quickly responded to the emailer (thank you by the way for letting me know about this) and I couldn't wait to see if my local store carried this!

I went to the store yesterday to look for this brand spankin new cereal. When I found the box I got super excited! I ended up eating this for dinner!

The Review:

You all know I adore cupcakes! So, do these actually taste like cupcakes? Yeah they do! These taste like cupcakes mixed with Rice Crispy cereal. These are very tasty, however, I am not sure if these will become my favorite cereal. I think that I need to eat more to find out if it can dethrone Fruity Pebbles!


The Stats:

Serving Size: 3/4 cup
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 26 grams
Protein:1 gram