Crisps: Kitchen Table Bakers- Flax Seed

Okay so I'm developing a few favorites here from Kitchen Table Bakers... I admit I also love the Flax Seed which is another milder version of the crisp. Still crunchy and wondrously rich with the cheese, the flax lends an almost buttery flavor to the cracker which would pair soooo nicely with a creamy cheese on top.

So it's been tough trying all these wafers... with their incredible crispiness, crunch and to die for cheese-iness. These are all natural, gluten free, wheat free, and sugar free- uh maybe a bit high in fat- but the taste is absolutely decadent.

Ingredients:
Pasteurized part skim milk, flax seeds, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.

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

Crisps: Kitchen Table Bakers- EverythingNutrition Facts:

Okay I may have to change my mind... Rob and I have been reviewing Kitchen Table Bakers range of crisps that range from herbs to garlic to sesame etc. I had professed my love for the Italian herb and stuck by it... until I tried their Everything crisp.

Uh the Everything is just the perfect melding of so many flavors- it's a regular Studio 54 right in the mouth! It's a wondrous mix of garlic and cheese and herbs, poppy seeds, sesame, onion- that I almost can't even imagine sharing with a wedge of cheese.

Who cares! This is a FABULOUS gluten free cracker - and believe me your wheat-eating friends will have no idea. Get ready for a taste explosion.

Wonderful!!
Ingredients:
Pasteurized part skim milk, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, minced onions, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 3 crackers (15g)
Servings per container: About 6
Calories: 80
Calories from fat: 50
Total fat: 6 g
Sat. fat: 3.5 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total carb: 2 g
Dietary fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 7 g

Crisps: Kitchen Table Bakers- Rosemary

So we are on the Rosemary crisps made by Kitchen Table Bakers. I need to review these quickly as Rob and I both seem unable to contain ourselves and finish the packs before we know it.

The Rosemary crisp is just as delectable as the rest - meaning it has a wonderful crunch in the mouth, a fresh burst of rosemary (which you can see baked in)- and a marriage with the rich cheese which is deeply satisfying.

These all natural, all cheese crackers are a wonder- and though I love the rosemary, I almost wonder if its flavor isn't a bit overwhelmed by the rich cheese-ness. But perhaps it's just a competition- the strong herb with the strong cheese married together into one sublime experience. Don't get me wrong- I love the rosemary but I still think it's competing too hard with the cheese.

Yep I still think my favorite is the Italian herb... Rob's is the garlic. Who cares! They're all fabulous!

Ingredients:
Pasteurized part skim milk, rosemary, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 3 crackers (15g)
Servings per container: About 6
Calories: 80
Calories from fat: 50
Total fat: 6 g
Sat. fat: 3.5 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total carb: < 1 g
Dietary fiber: 0 g
Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 7 g

Crisps: Kitchen Table Bakers- Italian Herb

Wow! I think I found my favorite cracker to date! Rob and I have been reviewing a fabulous gluten free, wheat free and sugar free product made by The Kitchen Table Bakers. These are truly crisps/wafers/crackers- however you prefer to term them- for the adult palette and they will seriously erase any barriers between the gluten free world and the wheat-filled world of eaters. I guarantee no one would ever suspect these delicious delights are gluten free. These are an intensely flavorful crisp with loads of crunch.

I just love the Italian Herb flavor of crisps where I can actually taste the oregano and basil- and see the herbs baked into a crunchy wafer. This is no shrinking violet- but clearly not as pungent as it's garlic counterpart. These taste fresh- if a cracker can actually do that- and I enjoyed a few with my dinner salad the other night. But I would imagine they would be as equally at home as a side next to gluten free pasta.

Ingredients:
Pasteurized part skim milk, oregano, basil, parsley, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.

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

I should note here that as the crisps are made from all cheese, they are nearly pure protein and contain almost no carbs- and uh no fiber, and uh contain mostly fat calories. Other than that- don't miss this great find.

Crisps: Kitchen Table Bakers- Garlic

To date we've reviewed The Kitchen Table Bakers' Aged Parmesan and Sesame wafer crisps. Here is what we thought of the Garlic version. These crisps are made from "all cheese, [are] all natural and all delicious." So far we couldn't agree more.

Though I tend to eat garlic regularly and consume large quantities of it- I don't often think to buy garlic-flavored crackers. But maybe that's because they are "flavored." This however is the real deal. It honestly tastes like fresh minced garlic was added just before baking into a delectable cheese paradise. I'm not sure I would equate the experience with garlic bread- which for me is more of a soft and chewy pleasure- but there can be no denying the melding of cheese and garlic works wonders here.

The garlic is Rob's favorite and I barely could snatch a few for this review before they disappeared. Just so you know... be prepared to chew some parsley or mints etc. to cover the garlic!! Yep it's that real!!


Ingredients:
Pasteurized part skim milk, minced garlic, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.

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

Crisps: Kitchen Table Bakers- Sesame

Next up in the taste test is the Sesame crisp made by Kitchen Table Bakers. So far we are finding an outstanding and sophisticated product that is gluten free, wheat free and sugar free.

So the Sesame has the same great rich cheese and crunch as the Parmesan but is a bit milder. You can see the sesame seeds baked right in the crisp giving it a nutty flavor. The Sesame is less intense than the powerful Parmesan- true- but I'm becoming addicted to the snap and crackle of each bite. These are hard to put down and I think they would pair nicely with a mild cheese or even a bit of apple- something with a hint of sweetness to it. Or hey- just continue to finish them off in their unadulterated state!


Ingredients:
Pasteurized part skim milk, sesame seeds, salt, enzymes.

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

Crisps: Kitchen Table Bakers- Aged Parmesan

Have you ever been to a party and found yourself with no crackers on which to support a tantalizing daub of Camembert? Yeah- we've faced that problem too. It's rough being celiac at cocktail parties with mostly wheat-based wafers being offered. However- we've started bringing our own- and we've found it's much to the relief of our hosts who suddenly realize they don't have anything that's actually gluten free for Rob to eat other than carrot sticks. And unfortunately carrots are poor absorbers of alcohol...

But fear not- there is an emerging variety of sophisticated options that are safe for celiacs- and a delicious alternative for non-celiacs. You'll never have to fear social embarrassment again! Rob can remember a time when all he could tote along was a bag of Styrofoam-flavored rice cakes.

So here it is- our first review of wheat free, gluten free, sugar free and trans fat free Aged Parmesan wafer crisps from The Kitchen Table Bakers. We're moving on up in the world - they aren't even called crackers!!

The Aged Parmesan crisps are packed like the other flavors in a square plastic box with a lid. On first glance, I wished the packaging could be more green- but after trying my first bite- I can understand why.

These are a cheese-lover's dream- extremely crunchy and laden with rich Parmesan flavor. You can see how the cheese melded together- but still maintain a light taste. They are just like Parmesan too in that they do have a bit more saltiness to them. I love the size of these crisps too- they are about twice the size of normal rice crackers. What is especially tempting about the crisps is their satisfying crunch and complex flavors. I think a wedge of cheese on top would almost be superfluous and detract from the crisp itself.

The Kitchen Table Bakers have created a masterpiece with their Aged Parmesan wafers. It's a bit of decadence in an otherwise beige world!

Ingredients:
Pasteurized part skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 3 crackers (15g)
Servings per container: About 6
Calories: 80
Calories from fat: 50
Total fat: 6 g
Sat. fat: 3.5 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total carb: <1 g
Dietary fiber: 0 g
Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 7 g

Kitchen Table Bakers

Rob and I were recently contacted with an opportunity to review a great (new for us) gluten free product. From Kitchen Table Bakers we received a free sampling of their "Gourmet Wafer Crisps". These wafer crisps are made from 100% Parmesan cheese and are wheat free, gluten free, sugar free and trans fat free. They are touted as a quick healthy snack that are "great with your favorite dips and topping." We'll let you know what we think- so be on the lookout in the next few weeks for our taste results of the following:

Aged Parmesan
Sesame
Garlic
Italian Herb
Rosemary
Everything
Jalapeno
Flax Seed



We can't wait to try them all!

Crackers: Asian Gourmet Seaweed Rice Crackers

I've been consuming rice crackers for years and used to enjoy just one brand. Now there are dozens of gluten-free rice crackers available. I couldn't find a website for Asian Gourmet Seaweed Rice Crackers and they are imported from China. With all of the food related concerns coming out of Chinese imports I'm concerned, but I ate them without a problem.

The packaging clearly states Gluten Free as well as oven baked, low fat, and cholesterol free.

The crackers are light and crunchy, a little bit of salt with seaweed flakes sprinkled on. This is a departure from other rice crackers where the seaweed is actually baked into the cracker. My guess is this is an attempt to create economies of scale for manufacturing. Just change the coating versus the cracker manufacturing ingredients.

Not bad for celiac safe cheese and crackers.

Ingredients:
high grade rice, palm oil, seaweed powder, malto dextrin, salt
May contain traces of dairy, soy, sesame, nuts.

Crackers: Blue Diamond Pecan Nut-Thins

So for years now we've been enjoying Ka-me rice crackers in a variety of flavors. But you know it's easy to lose taste-bud interest. Here's a product that woke mine up and brought around a regular fiesta!

From Blue Diamond comes Pecan Nut-Thins. These are nut & rice cracker snacks that contain 0 grams of trans fat and are pure deliciousness. The crackers have a rich almost smoky flavor, are super crisp and have the right amount of saltiness too. You can clearly taste the pecans as if you toasted them and crushed them into a cracker yourself. I was truly impressed by their full-bodied buttery flavor.

One thing we did notice is that although on the package it says that [Blue Diamond are] "proud sponsors of the Celiac Disease Foundation", I was unable to locate anything that said the Pecan Nut Thins were actually gluten free. Hmmm- that is a bit disconcerting, however I will just say to eat at your own risk even if the ingredient list appears celiac-safe. I mean I would hope that if they are supporting Celiac Disease research right on the package, they might actually manufacture a gluten free product- and not just use it as an advertising ploy.

So if you do decide to give these a try, please be forewarned that they are highly addictive!

Ingredients:
Rice flour, pecan meal, potato starch, expeller pressed safflower oil, salt, natural pecan flavor and natural butter flavor (contains milk).

Processed in a facility that also makes products containing wheat, soy, almonds and hazelnuts.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 30 g (about 16 crackers)
Servings per container: About 4
Calories: 130
Cal from fat: 30
Total fat: 3.5 g
Sat fat: 0 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 130 mg
Total carb: 23 g
Dietary fiber: less than 1 g
Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 2 g

Crackers: Health Valley Rice Bran Crackers

Let's face it, there are a ton of gluten free crackers out there, and I personally think they are all pretty good; some of course are fabulous like Mary's Gone Crackers or Ka-Me's sesame rice rounds. It is more rare however to find a sweeter gluten free cracker that resembles the whole-wheat version. I love that sweetness with a creamy Camembert.

So I was very happy when I found Health Valley's Rice Bran crackers. These are 70% organic and have no trans fat, and of course are gluten free. These bites are almost like a cookie and just sweet enough in my opinion to offset a soft cheese. They do have a "wheat-like" crunch, but not a crunch like a crisp rice cracker. These are definitely denser with a brown sugary or almond flavor. Be aware though that the cracker size pictured on the package is shown far larger than actual cracker. In reality the crackers are about 1/3 the size and resemble oversize postage stamps.

These are definitely tasty, but maybe not everyone will like them as much as I do.

Ingredients:
Organic brown rice flour, organic cane juice, organic corn flour, organic soy flour, organic soybean oil, soy protein, rice bran, natural vanilla flavor, natural almond flavor, soy lecithin, baking soda, concentrated lemon juice, vegetable glycerin, acacia gum.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 6 crackers (28 g)
Servings: about 8
Calories: 110
Fat cal: 25
Total fat: 3 g
Sat fat: 0 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 70 mg
Total carb: 19 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 4 g
Protein: 3 g

Crackers: Roland Feng Shui Rice Crackers

A second Roland product we taste-tested was the Feng Shui Original Rice Cracker. These too are gluten free, fat free, cholesterol free and MSG free. The air-tight pack is filled with fun, surprisingly shaped crackers.

I especially gravitated towards the big squares which were very crisp and had a baked in shine of celiac-safe soy sauce. The orange moon pieces contained the paprika, though only a hint of the flavor was noticeable. On first bite there is an almost candy-like sweetness which provided a fascinating mouth-feel. But then you crunch into the crispy cracker and they uh just resemble rice crackers. Again, I'll just preface that with an "I'm not sure how much flavor rice crackers are intended to have" comment.

But I liked them and enjoyed finishing off the bag- and Rob was left wondering where they went. At least they didn't find themselves thrown across the room! He'll just have to go back to the AOL store in Dulles, VA and pick-up another pack.

Ingredients:
Rice, naturally fermented soy sauce(soybean, salt, no gluten), sugar, tapioca starch, natural paprika color.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 1/2 cup (30g)
Servings per container: about 3
Calories: 110
Calories from fat: 0
Total fat: 0 g
Sat fat: 0 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 280 mg
Total Carb: 25 g
Dietary fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 1 g
Protein: 2 g

Crackers: Roland Feng Shui Hot Wasabi Rice Crackers

Recently Rob picked up a pack of Roland Feng Shui Hot Wasabi Rice Crackers for us to try. These all natural rice crackers are gluten free, fat free, cholesterol free and MSG free.

We gave them first to my father-in-law to taste; unfortunately his tongue hit the wasabi before he had a chance to chew them and the cracker landed halfway across the room. Guess he didn't really like them.

Undeterred, I gave the crackers a try and fared far better. The crackers are round in shape, very light and you can see the wasabi bits baked right in. But yes they do have quite a wasabi bite to them at first! Once you chomp them up though the wasabi sting fades quickly. Other than the initial surprise, they generally taste just like regular rice crackers. They don't really have a lot of flavor to them- though I'm not sure how much flavor, rice crackers are intended to have.

In any event, Rob definitely enjoyed them and finished off the pack in no time flat.

Ingredients:
Rice, naturally fermented soy sauce (soybean, salt, no gluten), sugar, tapioca starch, wasabi and seaweed.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 1/2 cup (30 g)
Servings per container: about 3
Calories: 110
Calories from fat: 0
Total fat: 0 g
Sat fat: 0 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 280 mg
Total Carb: 25 g
Dietary fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 1 g
Protein: 2 g

Puppodums - Sharwood's Indian

It's been a while since I've made my favorite Keema Matar over Ghee Rice, so I figured last night was a great time to do it. While shopping for ingredients, I came across Sharwood's Indian Puppodums in plain and in spicy.

These gluten free Indian crackers can be microwaved or deep fried and cook up in seconds. They were the perfect accompaniment to a celiac safe Indian dinner.

As we're still trying to watch our waistlines, I popped them in the microwave as directed, on a paper towel, spread with just a tad of Smart Balance Omega, as I don't have corn oil. In 45 seconds, the flat tortilla blossomed into a puffy cap. (The directions do advise you monitor their progress to prevent a burnt puppodum). The puppodum was marvellously crispy and light as air. And with no fat, approx. 20 cal. a pup, and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, how can you go wrong? In all fairness, deep frying would likely make them dangerously delicious- but someday I'll probably give it a try.

I will surely make a habit of stocking Sharwood's gluten free Indian puppodums from now on.

Rob, my husband, make a short video of a puppodum cooking in the microwave.



Plain Indian Puppodums
Ingredients: Black gram bean flour, salt, raising agent: lime (calcium oxide), rice flour, sunflower oil.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 4 pieces (30 g)
Servings per container: about 4
Calories: 80
Cal from fat: 0
Total fat: 0
Sat fat: 0g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 720 mg
Total Carb: 14 g
Dietary fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 7 g

Spicy Indian Puppodums
Ingredients: Black gram bean flour, salt, raising agent: lime (calcium oxide), spices, rice flour, sunflower oil.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 4 pieces (30 g)
Servings per container: about 4
Calories: 80
Cal from fat: 0
Total fat: 0
Sat fat: 0g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 720 mg
Total Carb: 13 g
Dietary fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 6 g

Crackers: Glutano Crackers

Moving a bit closer to my speed (Rob loves gluten-free chips- I thrive on cheese and crackers!)- I recently had the pleasant experience of tasting Glutano brand crackers.

Packed efficiently in 6 separately wrapped stacks, the Glutano crackers were a wonder to me! Not only were they buttery, light, and crisp- I think I preferred them to one of their gluten counterparts. The Glutano crackers are definitely a lighter version of Carr's butter crackers- minus all the heaviness and density.

My only complaint are that they are too small. I would prefer them a bit larger, and I wouldn't hesitate to serve them with a velvety camembert to my non-celiac friends. I don't think anyone would even notice they taste so good!