Sunday, April 5, 2015

Good Natured Selects Baked Multigrain Crisps

               It has become apparent that even though we are watching our weight and health we still love what the world calls junk food.  But does it mean that these snacks have to be bad for us?  No, because today we have many healthy alternatives.
                A new one we found is from Good Natured Selects.  They are making baked multi-grain crisps in three flavors that are gluten-free.  The flavors are: Original Grains, Tuscan Garden Medley, and Cheddar Cheese.  We found the crisps at Woodman’s.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Gluten-Free on a Shoestring Bakes Bread: Biscuits, Bagels, Buns, and More by Nicole Hunn

              Thanks to The Great British Baking Show, I have become absolutely fascinated with baking.  This is especially true with bread, for some reason.  With this new found interest, I decided to look for different bread baking books on the library website.  That is where I came across Gluten-Free on a Shoestring Bakes Bread: Biscuits, Bagels, Buns, and More.  It seemed interesting and I reserved the book not knowing what I was going to get once it arrived.
                I got a lot.  First are the recipes for the gluten-free flour blends.  Then there are the different bread loaves.  After that it is a huge amount of goodies.  I’m not talking about just sweet things, but all those things we come across that we have to wonder about whether or not they are gluten-free.  I’m talking about tortillas, muffins, pancakes, garlic knots, pizza doughs, pita bread, and crepes.  Those are just some of the recipes in this book.  Then on top of that, the back section has more recipes suggesting how you can use the bread you have baked.  That is, of course, if it hasn’t all been eaten yet.  Bread does not always last long in my house.
                As I mentioned, I borrowed this book from the library.  It’s a great way to take some time with a book before deciding whether or not it is one you want to own.  If you’re ready to purchase Gluten-Free on a Shoestring Bakes Bread, it can be ordered from Boswell Book Company as well as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.                

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Skinnygirl Tasty Nutrition Bars

              It’s that time of year.  Spring is coming and many people are still working on their New Year’s resolutions to either lose weight or eat healthier.  Some have resolved to do both.
                To help with this, I have been introduced to Skinnygirl Tasty Nutrition Bars.  They have protein, fiber, and reduced calories; all the things we should look for when building our diet.  There are three flavors to choose from: Banana Oatmeal Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Multi-Grain Pretzel, and Chocolate Peanut Butter with Sea Salt.  The bars are gluten-free and you can find them at Target.  For more information, visit www.skinnygirldaily.com

Friday, February 20, 2015

KIND Bars

                   Since I don’t eat a lot of meat, I am often looking for something fast I can grab that also has a lot of protein.  This is not always easy to do.  My own allergy prevents me from eating a lot of items on the market.  Some of the ones I can eat have far too many ingredients for my liking.  Others are too sweet for me and I end up only being able to eat a little bit.  Fortunately for me, my mother and I have found KIND bars.  With them I don’t have any of the problems I listed above, and they taste great too.
                There are a lot of different flavors of KIND bars, and they’re not all chocolate.  One of my favorites does not have any type of frosting at all.  It is great to grab when I know I’ll probably need some protein but don’t want any additional sweet taste.  Other days I do want a little bit of chocolate or some sort of extra sweetness.  With KIND bars I have those options too.  Pretty much there is a flavor option for whatever taste I feel like having that day.
                To make these bars even better, I have yet to find one that is not gluten-free.  Every bar I have enjoyed has all its benefits clearly labeled on the package.  Gluten-free is always near the top of the list, making it easy to spot.  I’m not saying every bar is gluten-free, because I do not know that for sure, but a good many are, which gives those who are gluten-free a lot of possibilities. 
                After discovering KIND bars at Woodman’s, I have found myself seeing them all over the place.  There have been a number of times where I have happened to turn and a KIND bar has caught my eye.  Other than Woodman’s, the places where I have primarily found KIND bars are at Sendik’s Food Market and Target.  As there are so many flavor options, each store has their own varieties and you’ll never know when you may come upon a flavor you have never seen before.   
                www.kindsnacks.com   

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Sandwiches at O’ What a Day Café

   It is said that the Earl of Sandwich invented the sandwich so he didn’t have to leave the gaming table to eat.  The Colonists, as we are still sometimes called, have made the sandwich an art form.
        At O’ What a Day Café they have interesting combinations of ingredients for their sandwiches.  You can choose to have just the sandwich or opt for the sandwich combination which comes with fruit and your choice of kettle chips or the side of the day.
           On a recent trip we sampled the Ham Sandwich made with ham, Muenster cheese and apples.  The apples were a good contrast to the ham.  The side of the day was roasted carrot curls. 
            O’ What a Day Café makes all their sandwiches with the option for gluten-free bread. Think of this restaurant the next time someone suggests going out to lunch. They are located at 17385 W. Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI 53045. Check website for directions. www.owhatadaycafe.com