Boulder Canyon Rice and Adzuki Bean Chips

Boulder Canyon Rice and Adzuki Bean Chips are the focus for today on GFPR. A friend grabbed them for me at the store where she works, and I'm so glad she did! I had never heard of Adzuki Beans before, but apparently they come with some hefty nutritional benefits in the area of fiber and minerals. Yay! Another healthy snack food! This review is for the Sun dried Tomato with Basil flavor, but I hear there's more out there.

Ease of Use

These bags are locked up tight! We had to get the sissors out to open it. I'm okay with that, it just means the food inside is nice and fresh, right?

Appearance

Boulder Canyon Rice and Adzuki Bean Chips are very pretty. Yes, I know, pretty chips? It is true, however. Each chip has an obvious appearance of  texture and flavor. They are bright red with hints of green that let you know there is actual basil there, not just a hint.








Taste and Texture

Sun dried Tomato with Basil is not the only flavor happening here. There is also a spiciness that makes your mouth take notice.  The texture is light and crisp, but not at all hard. The combination of flavor and texture in this bag will ensure that the chips are gone before you know it.

Versatility

Eat many and often.

Overall Value

One dollar and 99 cents! Yep, two bucks a bag!

Rating

These crispy littles snack bites are nothing less than spectacular!

Allen's Seasoned Green Beans and Potatoes

Normally, I don't focus on canned vegetables for GFPR since most of them are naturally gluten free, but I'm very skeptical of cans that say "seasoned".  I tend to avoid those in the grocery store and go for the ones with labels I don't have to study. I decided to review Allen's Seasoned Green Beans and Potatoes because they shouldn't be passed over so lightly.

I'm all about convenience. Now, I love to cook, but there are days when I have had a hectic work schedule or have worked with our horses all day and I'm just too tired to do anything. I have a full pantry of ingredients for meals, but I also have what I call the "just in case" shelf. This is the place where I keep the stuff that takes no effort, but I can still feed it to my daughter and claim to be a health concious mother. The shelf found a new addition this week with Allen's Seasoned Green Beans and Potatoes.

We love green beans at my house. Usually I add onions and bacon bits to boost the flavor. Now, Allen's has taken care of all that for me! Well, not the bacon, but I didn't miss it. Enough of my babbling, on to the review:

Ease of Use

Open the can, heat and serve, that's it.

Appearance

The green beans are very green, and they're the plump kind. The potatoes vary in size and are a tan color. There are plenty of onions in the mix too, which makes me very happy.

Taste and Texture

I was very impressed with both the flavor and texture of Allen's Seasoned Green Beans and Potatoes. I kind of expected this to be an experiment that went awry. I could tell that my daughter did too. She took the first bite before me, and after that she treated each potato piece as a little treasure in her garden of green beans :)

The green beans had the perfect texture and the flavor was delicious. There are relatively few potato pieces. The potatoes took on the flavor of the green beans, like they do in veggie soup. The texture of the potatoes was very good, though, not mushy at all.

Versatility

Allen's Seasoned Green Beans and Potatoes would be a great add-in to soups and casseroles.

Overall Value

You can buy a case (24 cans) of Allen's Seasoned Green Beans and Potatoes on their website for $24. That's only a dollar a can. Also, it is important to note that the cans are the 15oz. size.

Rating

Definitely Recommended.

Katz Gluten Free Hamantaschen

Katz Gluten Free made my daughter very happy this week when they sent a box full of goodies. Our favorite product, and the first up for review is the Katz Gluten Free Hamantaschen in raspberry and apricot flavors.

This gluten free, nut free, dairy free and kosher bakery has introduced a new addiction to my household that will not be leaving any time soon. On to the review!

Ease of Use

Katz Gluten Free Hamantaschen are incredibly difficult to eat. I had to open a box and lift one all the way to my mouth... Okay, sarcasm aside, they were really hard to share. From the first bite I wanted to hide the box in my "private stash" and keep them all for myself.

Appearance

I have decided that, fun though my descriptions are, a picture is worth a thousand words. Starting today, I will provide them whenever possible. One added note, this review covers both the raspberry (above) and apricot flavors. The main difference is that the apricot flavor has a golden filling. They look tasty, don't they?

Taste and Texture

Yummy yum yum! The soft cookie exterior has a soft texture that melts in your mouth. There is just the right amount of filling inside to make the flavors pop and roll in your mouth. The filling is pretty solid, which means there is no drippage on your favorite shirt.

The overall effect of Katz Gluten Free Hamantaschen is fantastic! There is no strange aftertaste or gluten free funk here, only sweet cookie goodness. My daughter, upon her first bite exclaimed, "You know what we have here? Gluten free Newtons!" From her that is high praise indeed.

Versatility

Eat them in the morning, eat them at night, for a snack, dessert... I really can't think of anything they could be used for besides the deliciousness that they are, but that's really all they need to be to make me happy.

Overall Value
Katz Gluten Free Hamantaschen goes for $5.99 a box. With eight in a box that comes out to 75 cents per cookie, they are well worth every penny.

Rating

I love it!

Sandwich Petals

I'm so excited to share this gluten free product review with you today! Mainly because I've been enjoying this product for a week :) I've been hearing about Sandwich Petals (@GFPetals) on Twitter for a long time now, and didn't have a clue what they were.

I was excited to try them until I opened the box and found out they were tortillas (wraps, flatbread). I have only had one other experience with a gluten free wrap and it wasn't pretty. (This was before the days of GFPR, I don't even remember the brand)

Luckily, Sandwich Petals bear absolutely no resemblance to the wrap fiasco of old. On the contrary, they are amazing! I am more than happy to tell you why.

Ease of Use

Gluten Free Sandwich Petals are so easy! You can make a tasty, healthy meal in just a couple minutes.

Appearance

There are three flavors of Sandwich Petals, each with their own color:

• Spinach Garlic Pesto (green)
• Chimayo Red Chile (Dark red-orange) 
• Agave Grain (Light brown/tan)

All three flavors are oval shaped (they look like flower petals!) Each of the flavors has a visible texture. They are very pretty.

Taste and Texture

It's hard not to be enthusiastic, here. Sandwich Petals are awesome! They have a thick texture to them (in spite of being very thin) and are great to bite into. Each one has a blend of seeds and grains that are very hearty and make you feel like you are eating something very healthy (which you are).

The taste is out of this world! Sandwich petals are so good that you believe you are not eating healthy :) Spinach Garlic Pesto was our favorite, which is saying a lot because I am not fond of pesto (and my daughter makes the "yuck" face every time I mention spinach). It has an earthy, hearty flavor that complimented everything we topped it with. Chimayo Red Chile was perfect for our fajitas, and not spicy. Agave Grain has a slightly sweet flavor that reminded me of honey wheat.

Versatility

Sandwich Petals are super versatile. You can use them for anything you can imagine, and the flavors enhance everything.

Overall Value

A variety pack of 36 Petals can be ordered online for $25. They offer free shipping in the Continental U.S. and buy one get one free on Mondays. My initial thought was that $25 dollars is a lot to spend at once, but I broke it down quickly-

1. You only need one Sandwich Petal to have a full lunch.
2. These are so good!
3. They would last longer than the same amount spent on gluten free bread (and in most cases be healthier and tastier).

After the breakdown I decided that they are well worth a measly $25.

Rating

I cannot say enough good things about Sandwich Petals!

Tropical Traditions Baby Silk Moisturizing Cream

The gluten free product review for today comes to us from Tropical Traditions. You won't be putting this one in your pantry, though. Nope, today I have, for your reading pleasure, Tropical Traditions Baby Silk Moisturizing Cream.

Ease of Use

Tropical Traditions Baby Silk Moisturizing Cream comes in an easy open container. It is nice and smooth, making it easy to apply to your face, hands and body. The only problem is that, while scooping out the moisturizer with my fingers, it gets under my nails (which I am not fond of).

It does take a minute or so to soak in. According to the jar this is due to the fact that there is no alcohol in the moisturizer.

Appearance

Tropical Traditions Baby Silk Moisturizing Cream is smooth and creamy. It is slightly off-white in color.

Scent and Texture

Have I mentioned that Tropical Traditions Baby Silk Moisturizing Cream is smooth and creamy :) It really is very rich. The texture is great, it feels good to put on.

The scent is very light and clean. Being a big fan of warm scents like musk and vanilla, it wasn't my favorite. My daughter, and review sidekick, on the other hand, loved it! She tends more toward the cool scents and this one was perfect for her.

Versatility

Tropical Traditions Baby Silk Moisturizing Cream is as versatile as a moisturizer can get. It's light enough to use on your face, yet moisturizing enough to beat the winter dryness on the rest of your body.

Overall Value

A 4oz. jar of Tropical Traditions Baby Silk Moisturizing Cream will set you back $14.50. This is a little pricey for my budget, but not bad for an all natural beauty aid.

Rating

I really like this moisturizing cream and recommend it to people who enjoy cool, fresh scents.

GIVEAWAY!

Tropical Traditions sent me the Baby Silk Moisturizing Cream to try. I was under no obligation to give a good review or sponsor a giveaway......
But why wouldn't I??? I LOVE giving things to my readers!

So, to enter to win your own 4oz. jar of Tropical Traditions Baby Silk Moisturizing Cream:

1. Sign up for the Tropical Traditions Newsletter.
2. Leave a comment below telling why you could use a bit of tropical pampering. (Be sure to include a URL where you can be reached)
3. Winner will be chosen at random from the comments below on March 3, 2010. The winner will be contacted for information about prize delivery.

This giveaway has been completed, Thank You! 

Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crust

The product on the table today (pun definitely intended) is gluten free pizza crust from Udi's. It can be found in the freezer section of a growing number of grocery stores. There are two in a package, meaning one for you and one to share (right...)

Ease of Use

Udi's Pizza Crusts are very easy to use. Just top them with your favorite toppings and bake for ten to fifteen minutes. I piled mine pretty high, and the baking times were accurate.

Appearance

Udi's makes their gluten free pizza crust super thin! You can tell they have been prebaked, which is good because they won't be doughy inside.

Taste and Texture

Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crusts make some tasty pizza! The crusts are delicious. There is no weird taste or smell to deal with.

As for texture, we had two very different results in my house. I baked my daughter's pizza for ten minutes. It came out gooey on top with a soft bottom crust. The edges had a slight crisp to them. It was exactly the way she likes it.

I baked my pizza for fifteen minutes. The cheese on top was golden brown and the bottom crust was firm. The crust was crispity crackly on the edges- Just the way I like it!

Versatility

You can top Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crust with anything your heart desires. Try brushing it with olive oil and sprinkling with garlic powder and parmesan for a tasty big crouton:)

Overall Value

A two pack of Udi's Pizza Crust is available through their online store for $5. That's a good price!

Rating

Yummy Yummy, Pizza Pizza....Enough said.

Tefflecake Mix from Be Free Bakers

Te gluten free product review for today comes from a local bakery just getting it's start. Be Free Bakers tries hard to blur the lines between health food and tasty treats. Tefflecake Mix is a good representation of this goal.

Tefflecakes get their name from the teff flour that is used to make them. They are actually whole grain pancakes with a super cute name.

Ease of Use

Making the Tefflecakes was an adventure for my daughter and I. The directions were not as clear as I would have liked.

For instance, the directions called for 2-3 eggs. We debated for awhile whether two or three would be better. In the end, we decided to use two eggs (should've gone for three).

It took a couple more debates and a little finagling, but we managed to produce a usable batter.

Appearance

Once mixed, the Tefflecake batter was thick and dark brown. After they were cooked, the Tefflecakes themselves were a deep chocolate brown. They looked thick and fluffy.

Taste and Texture

Tefflecakes turned out to be worth the work. They were light, fluffy, sweet and delicious. They had a whole grain flavor and texture that I have been missing.

We used vanilla soy milk to make the batter. That, combined with the vanilla extract called for created a heavenly smell.

Versatility

There is plenty of room in the directions themselves to make different kinds of Tefflecakes. Other than that, I would need to experiment more before stating all of the things that Tefflecake Mix can be used for.

Overall Value

You can order Tefflecake Mix from Be Free Bakers online for $8. The mix will make about 30 pancakes.

Rating

I enjoyed my Tefflecakes. They were a refreshing change of pace :)

Kinnikinnick Foods Ginger Snap Cookies

I am happy to share this gluten free product review with you today, my friends. As I write this, I am sitting at my computer, drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying Kinnikinnick Foods Ginger Snap Cookies. Maybe I haven't made the healthiest choice for lunch today, but I can't stop eating them :)

Ease of Use

So easy that your two year old and your great grandmother could enjoy them together with no effort exerted between the two of them.

Appearance

These little gems are brown and about two inches in diameter. I really wish there were more to say here...moving on!

Taste and Texture

Kinnikinnick Foods Ginger Snap Cookies are what every gluten free cookie should be! They are sweet and spicy, even leaving a tad bit of heat in your mouth. The texture is even better than the flavor! They are light and crisp, without being hard. They are pure joy to eat.

Versatility

Kinnikinnick Foods Ginger Snap Cookies are great for ice cream sandwiches and pie crusts! When pumpkin season comes around again they will definitely be making the base for my pumpkin cheesecake! (They're really good to eat at the computer with a cup of coffee too)

Overall Value

Kinnikinnick Foods Ginger Snap Cookies come in a 24 pack for less than $4. I pronounce them a good value!

Rating

Since I am now out of cookies, I can honestly tell you that I'm thinking about buying a new package. I love them! (By the way, I didn't eat the WHOLE package today. They actually lasted a few days)

Chex Cereal from General Mills

This gluten free product review was so much fun to do! I have signed on to a blogger network called My Blog Spark, sponsored by General Mills. I did it in order to keep track of all the new gluten free products they are releasing (and there are a lot of them!) They sent me coupons to try their cereals, so, try them I did! They also sent along some helpful information about how beneficial cereal can be.

For this review, I worked my way through most of the Chex line. I grabbed Strawberry Chex, Corn Chex, Chocolate Chex and Cinnamon Chex. I cover them all below :)

Ease of Use

As easy as only cold cereal can be! Chex Cereals are easy to serve and eat, perfect for those mornings before school.

Appearance

Chex have always reminded me of little baskets (Come to think of it, I'm not sure why :)

The Strawberry Chex ranged in color from almost red to pink to white.  Chocolate Chex are varying shades of chocolate brown. Cinnamon Chex are light in color, and glisten a bit with cinnamon and sugar. Corn Chex (which I have to admit are my favorite) are golden in color.

Taste and Texture

To do each of the General Mills Cereals justice, I'll branch out a bit here and do each one individually.

Strawberry Chex- I was really surprised when I tasted these. I admit that I expected them to be super sweet with a fake strawberry hint. I was so wrong! They actually have a very rich flavor to them, not overly sweet at all. They reminded me of a cereal I ate as a kid that had real strawberries inside. They were crisp and delicious.

Chocolate Chex- Again, I was surprised that these were not candy-sweet. They had a great chocolate flavor and great texture. They are great to snack on right out of the box.

Cinnamon Chex-These Chex are super tasty! There is the perfect mix of cinnamon and sugar on each one, meaning that nothing is over-powering.

Corn Chex- They taste as golden as they look! The corn flavor is slightly sweet, but not at the same time (I know, real clear, right?) They are fantastic with a bit of vanilla soy milk.

The thing I really liked about all of the flavors (besides the taste) is the way each little square grabs the milk and holds onto it. You have a minute before sogginess sets in, so enjoy!

Versatility

More good news here! Chex Cereals have been known for years for being perfect for snack mixes, but with all the new sweet flavors the possibilities are endless. Try making chocolate and strawberry bars, or a savory and sweet mix. The plain varieties are great to crush and use as crispy toppings and coatings.

Overall Value

You can grab a box of Chex Cereal for under $3.50. Best part is, they are available in the cereal isle of every grocery store. There is no hunting for specialty sections with this gluten free cereal. Here's another bonus for you! Along with the coupons I received,  My Blog Spark and General Mills have also supplied a $1 off coupon for you! Get yours by clicking this link.

Rating

I love Chex Cereal and highly recommend all the flavors!

Kinnikinnick Sesame Bagels

Kinnikinnick Sesame Bagels are on the review block today.  Back in my gluten eating days, I was a bagel addict. I loved to smear them with cream cheese and munch away. Since going gluten free I've been looking to recapture the glory of the bagel days. That did not happen today :(

Ease of Use

Kinnikinnick Sesame Bagels are premade, but not pre-sliced. Be careful that you don't cut your hand! The cutting is the hardest part, though, they are pretty easy to eat. the sesame seeds come off easily, so be prepared with a crumb catcher.

Appearance

Kinnikinnick Sesame Bagels are nice and round with a perfect golden brown glazed top (as in shiny, not sweet frosting glaze). They are topped with a thick layer of sesame seeds.  After cutting one open, you can see that the inside texture is not dense and chewy like regular bagels, the holes in the crumb are too large.

Taste and Texture

Both of these categories leave much to be desired. The texture is very soft, more like an english muffin. The flavor is lacking in many areas and the bagels themselves have an odd odor to them, especially while being toasted.

Versatility

Kinnikinnick Sesame Bagels can be used for pizza, sandwiches or smeared with cream cheese.

Overall Value

A package of Kinnikinnick Sesame Bagels sells for $5.60 for a package of four. Not great in the value department.

Rating

As a bread, these might have been ok, but as a bagel I can't recommend them.