03/15

My FAV-orite Gluten-Free Products

I’m a hard working #Supermomma who always tries to feed her family the best that I can.  I wish I could make every meal from scratch, but like most moms, time is not always my friend.  That’s when I lean on products I can on trust and that taste good.  In life, I believe in balance.  From my work hard, play hard mantra all the way down to what I eat.  Eating a healthy balanced diet is the key to looking and feeling great.  I believe that is the key to longevity, too!  I’ve given you my own personal recipe for gluten-free cookies, now it is time to share some of my very favorite gluten-free products.

Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizzas and Crust:  Whether I’m making my own gourmet pizza with Udi’s yummy crust or baking off a couple of Udi’s creations, like the spinach and feta or Cheese Pizza for a play date party; I have to say that Udi’s pizzas and crust are my type of perfection.  Spare yourself the call and $$ for pizza delivery and get your pizza fix the Gluten-free way.

Speaking of Italian cuisine, my Brooks LOVES pasta. My pantry always contains a plethora of different types of pasta for my little man.  I like the Macaroni or Rotini pastas by Glutino as well as the organic Penne Rigate by Bionaturae.

I think it is incredibly important to start your morning with a filling and healthy breakfast.  It is the fuel we use to get through the day.  Especially now that Brooks is in school, I make sure we take time as a family to eat a good breakfast together.  I really believe it sets the tone for the day.  Scott loves the Udi’s whole grain bread, and Brooks has never met a pancake or muffin he didn’t like.  For me, I am a Udi’s steel cut oatmeal or granola girl. A super easy and healthy dessert that I like to make is baked apples topped with Udi’s granola.  It couldn’t be easier or more delicious.

Granola Baked Apples

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granola (I used Udi’s cranberry granola)
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 Tablespoons cinnamon
• 2 Apples (I like using the sweeter varieties)

Directions:

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place granola into a Ziploc bag and give it a few wacks with a wooden spoon.
• Core your apples and half them before placing into a baking dish.
• Sprinkle cinnamon over apples before covering generously in granola.
• Melt your butter and pour evenly over your granola covered apples.
• Cover in foil and put in the oven for 20minutes.
• Remove foil and bake uncovered for approximately 10more minutes or until granola is nicely toasted.
• Plate each slice of apple topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a light sprinkle of cinnamon.  Serve immediately.

Snack Time is the right time

I already sang Udi’s praises in my post about livening up toddler lunches but I will happily do it again because my Brooks loves an Udi’s granola bar.  My favorite for snacking would have to be the ancient grain crisps they are delicious alone, but if you are looking for a little dip love, then you have to try this recipe.  This recipe takes hummus to the next level.  I’m also a fan of the Glutino pretzel sticks and I would be remiss if I didn’t include my cookie monster, Brooks’ favorite, Udi’s cookies and brownie bites.  For Valentine’s day, I made heart shaped brownies from Cherrybrook kitchen.  Talk about a snack made with love!!!

What is amazing is that there are so many Gluten-Free choices out in the marketplace right now.  I applaud companies like, Udi’s for being on the forefront of the gluten-free movement.  I implore everyone to learn to decode nutrition labels and empower themselves as shoppers.  There is no reason to sacrifice good taste or nutrition if you are eating gluten-free.