Crackers: Kitchen Table Bakers: Aged Parmesan Mini Crisps

At this point Rob and I have sampled quite a few of Kitchen Table Bakers' crisps. But really how can we count when these wheat free, gluten free and sugar free delectables are so good. We recently had the chance to try one more - the Aged Parmesan Mini Crisp. Every bit as full flavored and yummy as their larger-sized counterparts, I really loved the minis. They are about half the size and are packed with the same rich parmesan flavor. Because these crackers are made entirely of cheese the smaller size makes them slightly less decadent. The mini crisps will certainly appeal to a sophisticated palette and pairs perfectly with a glass of wine. The only draw-back if I may say is that you really don't need more cheese with them. These are best left on their own.

So without a doubt - you would never even guess the Aged Parmesan Mini Crisp contains no wheat or gluten. These can and should be appreciated by everyone- not just the gluten-intolerant. It's definitely one of the few products out there that can be served with confidence. You won't even have to offer the usual gluten free disclaimer- which Rob hates- other than to indicate to your celiac friends that they are indeed safe and delicious!

Ingredients:

Aged parmesan cheese (pasteurized part skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, non-animal rennet). 100% Aged Parmesan is made in the United States.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 15 crisps (15g)

Servings per container: about 3.3

Calories: 80

Calories from fat: 50

Total fat: 6g

Sat fat: 3.5g

Trans fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 15mg

Sodium: 150 mg

Total carb: <1g

Dietary fiber: 0g

Sugars: 0g

Protein: 7g

Snack bars: Glenny's Brown Rice Marshmallow Treats - Peanut Caramel

Admittedly I'm not a big snacker - and I try pretty hard not to eat too much sugar and/or carbs. This can be a particular challenge with so many gluten free snack foods out there- which tend to contain tapioca and rice flours, etc. On the one hand when you are running out the door and haven't prepared a decent breakfast - or you're on the road traveling and looking for something celiac-safe - and there is only fast food in view- having a convenient travel-sized gluten free snack is a necessity.

Here's where the Glenny's Brown Rice Marshmallow Treats come in. Brightly packaged these yummies contain 9 grams of whole grains, are gluten free, contain 100 calories, are certified USDA organic and 100% vegan. The first one I tried was the Peanut Caramel. I was a bit surprised at how miniscule the bar actually was- I guess I was thinking traditional Rice Krispie treats- which tend not to be celiac safe. Ok so yes- Glenny's does contain all natural ingredients and they certainly resembled those marshmallow bits of heaven, and did indeed have a "peanutty" caramel flavor - but I really found them too sweet. Kids on the other hand - especially those with a gluten intolerance, will love them - and possibly even forget they are gluten free.

Happy (Gluten-Free) Snacking!

Ingredients:

Organic whole grain brown rice, organic marshmallow recipe (organic brown rice syrup, organic evaporated cane juice, organic guar gum, sea salt) organic peanut butter, vegetable glycerol, organic rice bran extract, organic peanut flavor, organic caramel flavor. Allergens: May contain traces of tree nuts, sesame seeds and soy.

Nutrition Info:

Serving size: 1 bar 24g

Servings per container: 5

Calories: 100

Calories from fat: 20

Total fat: 2.5g

Sat. fat: 0.5g

Trans fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 35mg

Total Carb: 17g

Dietary fiber: less than 1g

Sugars: 7g

Protein: 2g

Simply Boulder Culinary Sauces: Pineapple Ginger

Rob and I at last had an opportunity to do some grilling and we were anxious to try Simply Boulder's Pineapple Ginger culinary sauce. These sauces are gluten free and dairy free and made with agave nectar and extra virgin olive oil. We tested ours out by marinading 4 chicken breasts in most of a bottle of the Pineapple Ginger for about 8 hours.

Once we had the grill sizzling we let the chicken cook about 20 minutes. We shared our Pineapple Ginger chicken with an ear (each) of grilled corn and a grilled sweet potato. Wow what a delectable dinner this turned out to be! Our chicken was tender and had a terrific taste that wasn't too overpowering. It was such a treat too to have a gluten free sauce that didn't contain wheat free tamari or soy sauce as its main ingredient. Nothing against it- but it sure is nice to catch a break from it. This pineapple ginger rather had a fresh, light flavor that complemented the chicken rather than became it.

We will definitely be purchasing more Pineapple Ginger in the future- especially if this heat keeps up!

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 2 tbsp.
Servings per container: 12
Calories: 45
Calories from fat: 20
Total fat: 2.5g
Sat. fat: 0g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 130mg
Total carb: 6g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 0g

Ingredients:
Water, organic agave nectar, cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, pineapple juice concentrate, organic blackstrap molasses, lime juice concentrate, ancho chile powder, dried garlic salt, dried onion, hungarian paprika, xanthan gum, spices, dried ginger.

Please note the manufacturer provided a free sample, but that didn't change the taste one bit.

Crackers: Kitchen Table Baker's Sesame Parmesan Crisps

I had the fortunate opportunity to try Kitchen Table Baker's Sesame Parmesan Crisps on a train ride from New York to D.C. Granted I was a bit hungry- but with a purchased fruit plate and a glass of chardonnay- I enjoyed a tiny bit of gluten free heaven. Made entirely of cheese, the sesame crisps were smooth, rich and buttery. The nuttiness of the sesame seemed to balance the potentially over-saltiness of the parmesan- and all rolled wonderfully well with the wine.

So yes though I have reviewed all the Kitchen Table Baker crisps I could get my hands on- the Sesame Parmesan really is my fave. It's not as intense as the Everything or the Rosemary; but it just has that perfect combination of a mild crunchy gourmet cracker without overpowering the palette. Sometimes you just want a delicious bite that works together. Make no mistake I'm not saying these yummies are bland- just perfectly delectable and of course wheat free, gluten free, sugar free and all natural to boot.

Ingredients: Pasteurized part skim milk, sesame seeds, cheese cultures, salt, non-animal rennet.

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

Crackers: Grace Island's Baked Asiago Cheese Crisps

This is the last in a series on Grace Island Baked Cheese Crisps that Rob and I had an opportunity to taste test.

Asiago Cheese Crisps

Like the Parmesan & Italian Herb, Baby Swiss, and Romano & Black Pepper, Grace Island's Baked Asiago crisps are gluten free, grain free, sugar free, MSG free, contain no artificial flavors or chemicals, contain 10 grams of protein per serving, 3 grams of fiber per serving and are low carb.

But the taste is what really appealed to me. The Asiago is crunchy, sophisticated and flavorful; complex enough to please the palette but not as salty as the Parmesan or Romano. These definitely remind me of cheese straws and like the straws- preferably served on their own. They are the best part of the cheese in a cracker- so rich in fact that adding more cheese would just be over the top too much (see the fat content). Yes I definitely see these paired nicely with a good wine. No additional cheese necessary. I think I see a an upscale celiac-safe cocktail party in the near future. But be fore-warned I doubt there is a party-size package- so you will be opening quite a few 1 oz. bags to satisfy the crowds.

Ingredients:

Cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, vegetable-based rennet, calcium chloride, salt), egg white, sesame seed, garlic, onion, salt, spices, natural flavorings. Contains milk, egg.

Nutritional Facts:

Serving size: 1 bag (29g) (approximately 18 crackers); Servings per container: 3

Calories: 160

Calories from fat: 120

Total fat: 13g

Sat. fat: 4g

Monounsaturated fat: 4.5g

Polyunsaturated fat: 3.5g

Trans fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 10mg

Sodium: 200mg

Total Carb.: 4g

Dietary fiber: 3g

Sugars: 0g

Protein: 10g

Crackers: Grace Island's Baked Baby Swiss Cheese Crisps

Recently Rob and I taste-tested Grace Island's Baked Cheese Crisps in Baby Swiss flavor. The crisps are wheat free, gluten free and soy free. Here's what we thought-

Baby Swiss

Like the Parmesan & Italian herb, these Baby Swiss cheese crisps are an irregularly shaped artisinal product. These are (not surprisingly) lighter in color and don't have the same wonderful aroma of the parmesan and herb- but still distinctly tasty. The Baby Swiss reminded me of a decidedly gourmet Cheez-it. Now I mention this because Cheez-its are absolutely NOT gluten free and not edible for celiacs. However maybe prior to diagnosis you might have had them- so these may conjure up a few sentimental memories. I know they did for me! Fortunately Grace Island's Baby Swiss are much better for us all. They have a mild buttery smoothness just like swiss itself, and are slightly less in fat and sodium than the Romano & Black Pepper.

Ingredients:

Cheese (part skim milk, cheese cultures, rennet, calcium chloride, salt, annatto (vegetable sourced) color), egg white, sesame seed, salt, natural flavor. Contains milk, egg.

Nutritional Facts:

Calories per 1 oz serving (approximately 15 crackers)

Calories: 160

Calories from fat: 120

Total fat: 14g

Sat. fat: 4.5g

Monounsaturated fat: 5g

Polyunsaturated fat: 4g

Trans fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 10mg

Sodium: 140mg

Total Carb.: 4g

Dietary fiber: 3g

Soluble fiber: 0g

Insoluble fiber: 3g

Sugar: 0g

Protein: 10g

Crackers: Grace Island's Baked Romano & Black Pepper Cheese Crisps

Recently Rob and I were asked to try a new brand of cracker aka cheese crisps that are wheat free, gluten free and soy free. We received a free sample of Grace Island's Baked Cheese Crisps. I had a chance to try out the Parmesan & Italian Herb, Baby Swiss, Romano & Black Pepper, and Asiago Cheese. Here are the results of our taste test.

Romano & Black Pepper

Like the Parmesan & Italian Herb, the Romano & Black Pepper crisps have a rich aroma of cheese and pepper. This is clearly an artisinal product, and browned to a toffee color. They are satisfyingly crunchy and the pepper gives the crisp a nice kick. My only issue with the Romano is they are a bit on the salty side. I probably wouldn't eat a whole package without copious amounts of water but I would put them high on the list of gluten free consumables. Note to self- these are extremely addictive - and not surprisingly rather high in fat.

Ingredients:

Cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), egg white, sesame seed, garlic, onion, salt, spices, natural flavor. Contains milk, egg.

Nutritional Facts:

Calories per 1 oz serving (approximately 12 crackers)

Calories: 170

Calories from fat: 120

Total fat: 14g

Sat. fat: 4.5g

Monounsaturated fat: 5g

Polyunsaturated fat: 4g

Trans fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 10mg

Sodium: 370mg

Total Carb.: 4g

Dietary fiber: 3g

Soluble fiber: 0g

Insoluble fiber: 3g

Sugar: 0g

Protein: 10g