Product of the Month

August 2015: Cheerios

Hello, it’s me.

Attempting to channel my inner Adele… anyways, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it? I do apologize for my rather lengthy hiatus. Fall of senior years is never what you expect; you never know exactly what you’re in for uni you’re in it. But I’m back and I’m back for good. I’m going to try to make up for lost time over these next few weeks… and before we know it, it’ll be the New Year!

Moving on, I don’t know if this resonates with any of you, but before I was diagnosed with Celiac, Cheerios was one of my childhood favorites. It’s a classic cereal. I can’t quite articulate why I chose that adjective but it just feels right. Originally made from whole grain oats that were contaminated by wheat, rye, and barley grains (remember, oat in and of itself is gluten-free, however is often times contaminated in production by gluten-containing ingredients), Cheerios has now officially GLUTEN-FREE having removed these contaminants. I was almost leaping with joy when I heard this news! For those of you who have been eating gluten-free Cheerios for a little awhile like me, you know why I’m raving about this. For those of you who are just learning about this, this warrants a trip to the grocery store.

My brother attests to the fact that the taste has not changed– its the same old, great Cheerios just gluten-free so we, gluten-free foodies, can enjoy too! I personally enjoy the taste of original Cheerios– it certainly beats Glutino’s Apple Cinnamon Rings and all other wannabe Cheerios. However, I do like to jazz up my Cherrios: topped with Craisins in vanilla almond milk is a delicious way to start the day. You can also top with  bananas, blueberries, strawberries, chopped pecans, walnuts, and brown sugar. Or add your Cheerios to your favorite yogurt. Or even make a trail mix with Cheerios, raisins, cashews, and chocolate pieces. Pick up a box in the local grocery store and share in the comments how you are eating your (gluten-free) Cheerios! Welcome back to your childhood!

Cheers,

Anika

July 2015: Chex Honey Nut Granola Mix

“Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” -Buddha

Each day is a new day. A chance to meet someone new or try something new. An opportunity to tackle a problem or accomplish a goal. A new beginning to make a change. To make the most of each precious day, you need to start off your day right. And we’ve all read the magazine articles, seen it all over the internet, and heard it from our friends and family: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And lucky for us, the most important meal is also the trickiest meal for those of us who steer clear from gluten.

I have always struggled to find good gluten-free breakfast options. Let me rephrase that, I have always struggled to find healthy and tasty gluten-free breakfast options. Yes, there are some decent cinnamon and chocolate gluten-free donuts in the freezer aisle, but as far as truly delicious cereals and granolas that are good for you? Oh, please! That is until just a few weeks ago I discovered Chex Honey Nut Granola– I’ve been eating it every morning since with 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk. This granola has a great nutty texture with Chex squares, almonds, and nut clusters and just a bit of honey to sweeten it up, making a truly a satisfying breakfast. I was immediately reminded of my childhood eating Honey Bunches of Oats every morning– something I have not been able to indulge in since I was diagnosed with Celiac. I do like the Chocolate and Cinnamon Chex cereals as well, however, this is by far the best gluten-free granola I’ve had! And no cholesterol and only 1 gram of saturated fat! And if you’re not a fan of the Honey Nut Chex cereal (like me), do try this granola, you won’t regret it! There’s also a Mixed Berry Almond variety of this granola that I haven’t been able to get my hands on, but do comment and let me know if you have!

What are your favorite gluten-free granolas and cereal? Comment below!

Cheers,

Anika

June 2015: Betty Crocker GF Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

“C is for cookie, that’s good enough for me” -Cookie Monster

Summertime means block parties celebrating the 4th of July. Summertime means weekend trips to the Big Apple and nation’s capital. Summertime means lazy afternoons binge-watching tv shows on Netflix. But summertime also means homemade baked goods. No, those aren’t just for Christmas time and the New Years. Any occasion– summer or winter– calls for a plate of homemade cookies!

Cookies. Such a simple baked good. Just add 1 stick of butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 egg to Betty Crocker’s GF Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. Mix throughly– I’d recommend mixing with a spoon or spatula first and then kneading it with your hands– it makes the dough softer. The instructions call for an ungreased cookie sheet, however I’m a fan of using Pam. And I found that if you choose to make smaller, bite-size cookies, you can make approximately 24 cookies from 1/2 the chocolate chip cookie mix. Moreover, only bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to over-bake the cookies.Keeping all these tips in mind, this recipe is simple. So simple even a fourth grader could bake these cookies. These are soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. Hands down my favorite chocolate chip cookies!

Also try out Betty Crocker’s GF Brownie Mix! The best gluten-free brownie mix I’ve had thus far. I haven’t been able to get my hands on the gluten-free cake mix yet, but I’m dying to try it. Comment with your favorite gluten-free baking mixes!

Cheers,

Anika

May 2015: Simple Mills Pumpkin Muffin Almond Flour Mix

Here we are. The first day of summer. You know what that means? No, I am not on my way to the shore with a light summer romance novel and sunscreen in hand. But rather, this is finally the time for me to catch up on my posts from this past month of exams, standardized testing, and traveling. As we are a few days into June, I think it’s about time I write about May’s product of the month: pumpkin muffins made from an almond flour based mix.

These pumpkin muffins are scrumptious and easy to make. With the addition of simply eggs, water, and oil, you have yourself a dozen muffins. Moist and soft if you follow the recipe exactly as it is stated on the back of the box. I could smell the pumpkin flavor from halfway across the kitchen! If you like your muffins extra soft, I would recommend adding half  banana into the mix or extra butter.

These muffins are different than most other gluten-free ones as they are also paleo-friendly. So instead of the typical rice flour, tapioca flour, and corn flour based baked goods, these are almond flour based, adding a little extra protein. And they are made from only 12 organic, simple ingredients. You can also spruce up these muffins by adding chopped walnuts, cream cheese icing, or a sprinkle of sugar on top. You can also try the banana muffin mix from Simple Mills (also gluten-free and paleo)– they are almost as delicious (I am personally biased towards banana bread in terms of my favorite banana baked good, so pumpkin muffins trump banana muffins in my books).

 

 

 

April 2015: Tonya’s Kitchen Original Soft Pretzels

Happy belated National Pretzel Day! Missed it by just a few days (but can you blame me? I have yet to find a calendar that has this holiday!), but thankfully I just made in time for National Pretzel Month. In addition to birthdays in my family, the start of spring, the return of Rita’s water ice, and the beginning to the oh-so-hellish end of the academic year, April marks the wonderful celebration of National Pretzel Month. As a fellow gluten-free foodie, I promise, there is much to celebrate when it comes to gluten-free pretzels.

Let me start with the classic pretzel twists and rods, Glutino and Snyder’s GF pretzels are my two favorite when it comes to old-fashioned pretzels. They’re great on their own, with some Sriracha hummus, or even to make those wacky little edible Halloween spiders that kids get weirdly excited about (you know, the ones made from two crackers as the body, 8 pretzels for the legs, raisins as eyes, and some peanut butter to hold it all together?). As for “dessert” pretzels or pretzels for those you with a mean sweet tooth, Glutino has great chocolate covered pretzels: chocolate fudge, yogurt, and peppermint yogurt– I whole-heartedly vouch for all three flavors! As for my most recent discovery, a new branch of the gluten-free pretzel family: warm n’ delicious of pretzels.

I don’t know this for a fact, but until I see anything that proves the contrary, I’m going to assume it to be fact. Tonya’s Kitchen GF Soft Pretzels are the only gluten-free soft pretzels I had ever seen, found, bought, or eaten. Ever. These scrumptious little savory treats are hand-twisted buttery delights! As a source a of validation, I can honestly say my mom thinks they are up to par with Auntie Anne’s soft pretzels. As for me, not having eaten a soft-pretzel in years (or even in lifetimes?), I don’t exactly recall what my expectations were– maybe hard or dry or discolored, or disfigured or simply lacking the original soft pretzel taste. But this, this exceeded any possible expectations I could have had. Possibly, or quite probably, my new favorite gluten-free product (huh, maybe that’s why this is the product of the month?). If you adore cute, little packets of salt to add to your liking and not ginormous and not minuscule but rather “normal” sized gluten-free food and you want to taste an out-of-this-world gluten-free soft world (a phenomenon I wouldn’t have believed existed until this month), then do yourself a favor and try Tonya’s GF soft pretzels! And if salty or savory foods aren’t your thing, Tonya’s Kitchen also has GF Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels ! I haven’t tried them yet, but if y’all try it out first, please let me know how it is.

Until next year #nationalpretzelmonth!

Cheers!

Anika

March 2015: Luna Bars

Whether it has passed or is yet to come, I wish you all a very happy spring break! Hopefully you’re one of the smarter ones who migrated to a warmer climate and currently are lying on a beach in Miami with a strawberry daiquiri in hand. If not, I wish you the best of luck as you brace yourselves against the cold front in the north– I suggest a ski mask.

This month’s product is one of my favorite go-t0-any-time-of-the-day-snacks and is a much overdue product of the month: Luna Bars. There aren’t enough words to express the rush of emotions I felt when I saw the little pink stamp on Luna Bars officially certifying them as “gluten-free”. It’s a wonder how impactful the small things in life can be.

Twitter GF Luna Bars

Luna Bars are now a staple part of my diet. Previously, I bought Luna Protein Bars on occasion, as they were already declared as being gluten-free, however with newly-granted access to all Luna flavors, there is simply no reason to resist. With the oats being gluten-free certified, Luna Bars are something I insist everyone with celiac, eating gluten-free, and anyone who likes a delicious AND healthy snack try. And yes, even men. I promise this whole nutrition bar for women is not just for women. From white chocolate macadamia to honey salted peanut to carrot cake, there is a flavor (or two, or three, or nine) for everyone. For first timers, the lemon zest bar is a Luna classic- a great first Luna Bar. From there, the world is your oyster. Explore you local grocery store and check out a Wegmans, Whole Foods, etc. to find even great variety in flavors. I’m still trying to get my hands on all 13 original Luna flavors and the 6 protein bars!

Cheers,

Anika

January 2015: Trader Joe’s GF Brownie Mix

This is questionably the most disquieting and rejuvenating time of year. Rounding the last corner of 2014, some of us leave behind familiarity, take comfort in the newly found ability to change, and seek a new beginning. Others are content in with their choices and their seemingly inevitable fate and pray for nothing to change. Some choose to confront our actions of the past year and others choose to move forward without taking a glance at the powdered rubble that lay where they once trekked.

Where do you stand as a new year and new opportunity stand right before us? Are you smiling as you replay back intimate, cherished memories in your head from the year past? Are you regretfully looking back on a year full of mistakes ready for a clean slate? No matter what events transpired in 2014, 2015-or simply the mere idea of a new year- can bring about a fresh start or a reminder of who we are and who we want to be.

How are you going to play the next chapter in the game of life? Well, that is that’s up to you, my friend.

* * * * * *

And the holiday baking continued. Over this winter break, a friend of mine kindly baked me a batch of gluten-free brownies. It’s not too often people are willing to share their baked goods (obviously with good reason) – so do be appreciative of when they do!

They were absolutely de-licious. In each bite, the brownie crumbles apart in your mouth into a perfect combination of silky chocolatey-ness with an immensely chewy texture. I thought I had reached a heaven for brownie-enthuiasts with Betty Crocker’s GF Brownie Mix; however, I was shocked to find that these Trader Joe’s brownies hands down beat out the former reigning champion. Now, mind you, I did not bake these brownies, so I can only pray that they will turn out just as good when I do. Additionally, to mix things up a little, my friend added chopped walnuts to the brownie mix for a little nutty flavor. If you would like to experience the perfection of gluten-free brownies, simply purchase the baking mix from Trader Joe’s, follow the directions on the box, add some chopped walnuts, and voila!

Happy baking and cheers to the endless possibilities the new year may bring!

Anika

September 2014: Glenny’s Greek Yogurt Lovers Bar

… And we’re back at it! The school year is in full tilt, however thanks to our dear Jewish friends, we had a little break in the seemingly perpetual cycle. So, what better time to introduce you to an effortless and delicious on the go snack?

Glenny’s Greek Yogurt Lovers Bar. Yes, it may sound strange. A lovers bar? But I can assure you, it is appropriately named. One of the most delicious and healthy gluten-free treats out there with the added benefits of protein and fiber. Even my brother, who is typically a harsh critic and doesn’t like greek yogurt, couldn’t believe how great it tasted!

So let’s start with the essentials. This bar is essentially fruits & nuts and gluten-free oats in the inside with a layer (or rather three layers!) of strawberry filling on top all dipped in a coating of greek yogurt. And it’s what I like to call fun-size! Only 130 calories and 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. This bar comes in three flavors: strawberry, chocolate coconut, and chocolate cherry. I have only had the pleasure of trying the strawberry, however I would expect great things from the other two as well.

It’s a great breakfast bar, midday snack, or post-workout replenisher. You can buy these versatile bars at Wholes Foods or go online and buy directly at Glenny’s website or on amazon. It’s a worthwhile investment! Happy snacking!

Cheers,

Anika

August 2014: Whole Foods Thai Ginger Marinade

“There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart”

These fleeting summer months are coming to an end. So go outside, seize the day, and get a little extra vitamin D! Before you know it, it’ll be Labor Day weekend- the last chance for barbecues and wearing white jeans. These past few months, we have been doing a lot of grilling. From salmon on cedar planks to tandoori spiced chicken to thai peanut veggie skewers.

Now, typically I like to do pizzas or cookies or rolls for the product of the month. Something that’s originally not gluten-free, but I have discovered a great alternative. However, this month, I’m sharing with you a new category of products that you may not have known could contain gluten: sauces, dips, dressings, and marinades. Many sauces use wheat flour as a thickener in addition to or as oppose to cream or butter. Apparently the flour adds “a little something” to the texture. So when browsing for a new red pasta sauce or a new variety of ranch dressing, remember to read the label!

As I’ve had a little more free time on my hands, I’ve actually managed to go to a grocery store! Believe it or not, it’s been months since I’ve been inside one because of my crazy schedule! So at Whole Foods, we recently bought a new thai ginger marinade. We’ve been grilling veggies skewers, chicken kebabs, and even paneer (an Indian cottage cheese like dish) in these marinade. It is finger-licking-ly, lip-smacking-ly delicious. (Yes, I’m going to make up my own vocabulary as we go on.) However, my favorite, by far, was the cedar plank thai ginger salmon. Now, maybe I’m slightly biased because grilled salmon is a treat in my family. We typically bake our salmon- now when I say we bake it, I mean we really bake it. Until the weird whitish yogurty stuff starts seeping out of the pores of the fish- do fish even have pores? So, yes, having grilled, not overdone salmon was wonderful. Simply wonderful. But more importantly, the combination of the thai ginger flavors and the hints of the cedar’s essence were exquisite. So if you do swing by the grocery store, so give this a try before the summer’s up!

Cheers,

Anika

July 2014: Larabars

And I seem to be starting a trend here. Well, what can I say? This summer may actually be busier than the school year! Anyways, I hope y’all are having a  restful summer and are lying on a beach, making those tan lines more prominent, and doing some light summer reading! If you’re headed out to the shore or taking any road trips before the summer wraps up (only one month left… yikes!), snacks are essential. What’s convenient, mess-free, delicious, and healthy? Bars, bars, bars. From KIND bars to LUNA protein bars, they are my favorite on-the-go snack. However, this summer, I’ve discovered a new bar that is slowly but surely taking precedence over the others: Larabars.

Gluten-free. Pure. Simple. Whole foods. Raw. What else could you ask for? And did I mention they’re deliciously scrumptious? The flavors range from Cashew Cookie to Cherry Pie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough to Key Lime Pie. Each bar contains no more than nine ingredients. How they make these little bars of magical joy blows my mind! The four flavors listed above are some of my favorites as well as Chocolate Chip Brownie, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Carrot Cake. Larabars are great as either midday snacks or pre workout fuel.

Comment below with your favorite bars or Larabar flavors!

Cheers,

Anika