Friday, May 18, 2012

Product Review: The Gluten Free Bar



We all know how hard it is to find a protein or meal bar that meets all expectations - I myself usually end up eating a protein bar with dairy because there aren't other options. The folks at the Gluten Free Bar were kind enough to send me some samples to try - and I'm always happy to try samples!

They sent me three flavors: peanut butter, peanut butter chocolate, and cranberry almond. That stats for these bars are quite impressive: vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, with 12 grams of protein. They're also a decent size, which is important. Usually bars like this are "raw-" in other words, made mostly of nuts and dried fruit, which makes them very high in calories (sometime upwards of 400 cals/bar).



If I compare them to the bar I normally eat in the morning at work (some form of this) they stack up pretty well, though clearly they don't have as high amounts of protein and fiber. They do however have less saturated fat, sodium, and carbohydrates.

However, the big difference here is the ingredients: the gf bar is dairy-free. This is huge - it is extremely different to find a protein bar that doesn't use dairy. I can tolerate small levels of dairy, but there are days when I just can't add any extra irritants into my system (don't we all have those days). They're also quite tasty, with a texture that falls somewhere between a lara bar and a power bar. The bars are chewy and slightly-sweet - the peanut butter chocolate and the peanut butter are the best flavors. What I also liked was that they were rolled out into a large, thin squares which took longer to eat than the typical bar-size. They kept me full till lunch, and no stomach ache!

The only con: they aren't available in any stores in the bay area yet, so you have to buy them online, and they are a little expensive - about $28 for a box of 12. I imagine if you find them in stores they will cost you more. But if you have the means, definitely check them out.

In all, a strong A.

Buy them here

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

And Now for Something Completely Frivolous: Gluten-free Marshmallow Cereal Squares



Oh Pinterest, sometimes you are silly (see this for proof), but sometimes you are genius. Because without you, I never would have thought to make a batch of these last Friday.

They are super colorful, not all that good for you, and full of sugar.  (Though they're pretty low on fat, if I stop to think about it.) In other words, fun.



~ Gluten-Free Marshmallow Cereal Squares ~


Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan (if made with vegan marshmallows)


I used Trix, but you can use any gluten-free cereal you like. I was THISCLOSE to using Reece's Puffs (for obvious reasons - they are puffs of Reece's), but opted for the Trix because it had 1.5 grams less fat per serving, because that matters when you're making something that is 85% sugar.  (Ssssh. It does.) Also, the squares come out looking like something straight out of a Lisa Frank-themed party, which makes this very sneezy-itchy-allergy time of year seem a little better.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups gluten-free cereal of choice

  • 3 tablespoons Earth Balance

  • 1 bag marshmallows


Melt Earth Balance over low heat in a non-stick skillet, add marshmallows. Stir occasionally until marshmallows are completely melted (a silicone spatula works wonders here), mix half of the cereal into mixture while pan is still over very low heat.

Once incorporated, add remaining cereal and smooth out into a lightly-greased pan (a few sprays of Pam will do). A baking pan about 10 x 10 will work. Let sit till cooled, cut into squares and store in an airtight container.

A Note: If you make these with a gf rice cereal, there is a certain one that many health food stores sell in bulk that doesn't work as well in this recipe. They look like Rice Crispies (without the malt) but they're much harder and crunchier, and don't soften up as well after being combined with the marshmallow - they come out more crunchy than chewy. Last summer we were promised a GF version of Rice Crispies, but I have yet to see them on shelves. In the end I think you're better off with a fun cereal. Kix would be good too!