Category: Reviews

I’ve been waking up on so many dreary winter days to find that the sun has been blotted out by clouds, and icicles outnumber people outside. On these days, it takes a lot to force a snug sleeper out of bed. Even though breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, most easy options simply can’t compete with a set of soft, warm blankets. Unquestionably, it’s all about staying warm around this time of year. When the mercury drops below the 20’s, the usual offerings of cold cereal or chilled yogurt are simply out of the question. The easy answer is often instant oatmeal, easily prepared even before the coffee has kicked in and cleared up a hazy mind; it’s hot, filling, and comforting. Without those soft, sweet oats, I don’t know what I’d do- And for those who can’t digest most commercial oats, that dilemma is all too real. Luckily, a diagnosis of Celiac’s disease is far from a culinary death sentence, and there are plenty of other tasty grains that could make one mean morning meal. Take for instance, instant quinoa cereal, like that made by AltiPlano Gold.

Offering up five different varieties that sound just like any of the other tasty options one might find on grocery store shelves, I was lucky enough to get my paws on three of those flavors. Each comes in boxes of 12 individual packets, ready go at a moment’s notice and cooked up in a mere 60 seconds- Even my speedy instant oatmeal can’t match that!

Starting out with the flavor most familiar to me, my go-to combination, I dumped the powdery contents of one Spiced Apple Raisin packet into my bowl and heated the water separately, as instructed. After some micro-love, in went the boiling water, and the 60 second countdown began. At first, a watery, soupy mix stared back at me from the depths of my bowl, but almost like magic, it soon thickened into a sturdy porridge. While admittedly not the most photogenic meal, the smell of spice was in the air and I couldn’t wait to dig in.

Mostly smooth but with the occasional sensation of grittiness across the tongue, the texture of the cereal on its own leaves a bit to be desired. I couldn’t help but feel like I was eating baby food after a few spoonfuls, as it was pretty much the definition of “mush.” Thankfully, the addition of some nice chewy raisins and chunks of apple save this concoction by offering up some much needed contrasting texture. Lightly sweetened to a pleasing degree (nothing to start you bouncing off the walls first thing in the morning), I would have been extremely happy with the flavor… If not for the startling lack of spice. Sure, I do like good amount of cinnamon in my food (read: TONS) so this might be the perfect amount for someone who’s a bit more spice-shy. A few quick shakes of my handy cinnamon jar and this was a perfectly palatable breakfast.

When I saw that a envelope of Almond Chai was included in my sample pack, I could hardly contain my excitement. I love, love chai in just about anything- cakes, cookies, or plain old tea- chai is a flavor that makes my taste buds sing. Never before had I even thought of using this delightful combination of spices in a hot cereal, so I was quite curious to see how it was interpreted by AntiPlano Gold.

Mulling over my first bite, the flavors of chai didn’t exactly punch me in the face and make themselves known, but they still were definitely present in a mellow, agreeable tone. The big surprise here were the almonds- While I had originally written them off as the token add-in, they really brought a lot of wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to the party. Ultimately, when I went back and sampled all three flavors one last time, this one came out on the top of my list.

Finally, I was left with one dubious-sounding offering- Oaxacan Chocolate. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for having chocolate for breakfast, but trying to incorporate it into a “real” meal and calling it healthy backfires all too often. Still, I wanted to give this a fair shot and an unbiased review, so I put those initial thoughts behind and spooned up a big serving of this controversial quinoa.

As with the previous varieties, the flavoring was fairly mild; Definitely a “cocoa” taste as opposed to a rounded, rich “chocolate” taste. Thankfully, I’m usually not in the mood for something crazy decadent that early in the morning, so this suited me just fine, although it might disappoint some sugar-fiends or younger kids. Unarguably heartier than a slice of chocolate cake, the flavor really grew on me as I ate it, and I had to admit, it was quite delicious! This is certainly a healthier way of thinking about “hot chocolate!”

For anyone who’s looking for just another oatmeal alternative, this might not be for you. However, if you want a hot breakfast option that’s in a whole different category, definitely give this flavored quinoa a try. When it’s all said and done, these wee little packets made for a seriously hearty meal and kept me full all morning. Much healthier than most commercial instant oatmeal as well, substituting some quinoa could help you sneak a bit more protein into your routine. For those with severe gluten intolerance or just the health nuts among us, AltiPlano can keep you satisfied throughout those cold winter days.

[Written for Go Dairy Free]

Ever eat so much that it feels like you’re pregnant with a humpback whale, you’ve been filled up with cotton and polyester like a soft toy, you can’t even move because you’re so stuffed but can’t remain sitting up straight due to the strain on your back from that bloated belly hanging past your knees? That’s how I feel right now, and I blame it all on Trader Joe’s. Yes, I adore the place and all of their wonderful creations, but at this moment, I’m cursing their name in between hiccups and burps. They just had to come out with a special holiday edition of their already delectable Joe-Joe’s, including pieces of real crushed candy canes no less, and then flaunt those festive red-striped boxes right in front of my nose? The nerve! Listen to me, my dear readers: Do not buy the Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s, whatever you do! Otherwise you’ll attempt crazy stunts like eating the entire box in one sitting, and you too will develop a terribly tummy ache, inconsolably gurgly and burbly with saccharine holiday cheer. I have no pictures for you because… Well… I think you can guess where all the cookies are at this point.

Take my word for it, these cookies are so incredibly addictive, you won’t be able to stop at 1, or 10, for that matter, so don’t even think about tossing them into your cart!

Sorry to make this so short, but I can feel the sugar coma coming any minute now, so if you would excuse me…

No matter how many different types of granolas I try, and no matter how many I fall in love with, I just can’t seem to stop browsing through the shelves of boxed grains and picking out new varieties to try. With so many different flavor combinations and formulations that all beg for a place in my bowl, how could I possibly resist? Poking further through the expansive line put out by Nature’s Path that has already proven to include some very tasty options, I couldn’t wait to see what else this reliable brand might bring to the table.

Spicy ginger, nutty cashews, and sweetened oat clusters- What’s not to love? From the moment I laid eyes on the box of Ginger Zing Granola, all I needed to do was read the description and I knew that this would become an instant favorite. Speckled with serious, sizable chunks of cashews, this is a product that makes no bones about the quality of its ingredients- Anyone with eyes can see that much! Pleasingly crunchy, the generous clumps of puffed rice and oats brought with them a bright, zesty ginger flavor that bordered between mellow and moderate, tempered perfectly with a modest sweetness. Being a ginger-lover, I could have sworn that this cereal was made with me in mind, but I’m betting that those who prefer a more tame spice would still enjoy this, perhaps softened with a good slug of soymilk if need be. Factor in the roasted, nutty notes from the cashews and you have a perfectly balanced harmony of flavors and textures. This is one granola that will definitely find its way back into my cupboard, no matter how many other granolas spark my curiosity.

My obsession with all things pomegranate meant that picking up the new creation going by the name of Pomegranate Granola with Cherries was an absolute no-brainer. Pouring out a double serving and watching the contents spill out, I must say I was unhappily surprised to see that unlike most of Nature’s Path’s offerings which include ample amount of add-ins like nuts and fruits, there was a notable lack of dried cherries. At most, there might have been one in every serving- Not enough to really constitute a mention in the title, if you ask me. Nonetheless, they provided a nice burst of tart but sweet flavor and chewiness when they could be found, providing a great contrast and adding interest to the cereal overall. Pomegranate is definitely a difficult flavor to translate into baked good or processed foods like this, so I can’t say for sure that I could identify it if I weren’t told it was included. Tasting lightly fruity but not of any specific fruit, this was still a delicious breakfast to wake up to- Something sweet, healthy, and generally agreeable to a wide range of palates.

Finally, how could any [non-allergic] body resist the siren song of Peanut Butter Granola? Promising to “tempt the taste buds” and claiming to be the first of its kind, I was excited to see how this innovative and enticing cereal measured up to my high expectations. With full peanuts spilling out of every last spoonful, there was no skimping on this mixture of grain and goodies! Intensely nutty, the smell alone filled my head with the memory of peanut butter treats and the creamy spread, so alluring that I could barely wait long enough to even close up the box before shoveling some into my mouth. The taste definitely lives up to the hype- I would have to say it’s a must buy for peanut butter fans! The only draw back is that like full-fledged, pure peanut butter, it’s rather rich, and a bowlful can sit quite heavily in the stomach. Taken in moderate amounts however, this is one decadent cereal delight!

Yet again proving to be a quality company with tasty new products, I don’t think you can really go too far wrong with anything by Nature’s Path, but you can be sure that I’ll keep on trying their new goods… Just to make sure, of course.

Forget the cherry on top- What really counts is that fluffy cloud of sweet whipped cream below. Topping off sundaes, cakes, and pies perfectly, cutting through even the densest desserts, and adding that ephemeral kiss of sweetness that leaves you wanting more, there’s simply nothing like whipped cream. I for one missed that lovely white matrix of milk fat and bubbles dearly when I first went vegan, as it has proven to be one of those mysterious substances that doesn’t easily convert into a vegan alternative. Of course, great progress has been made in recent years, bringing us Hip Whip (although it seems that the company has since gone under, sadly) and Soyatoo, my current guilty pleasure. Still, there’s empty space on the grocery store shelves for a product that can actually be whipped, not just extruded from a can. If it were possible to whip vegan creme from the start, then the culinary possibilities would be endless…

Thankfully, I’m not the only one who thinks so, and First Foods from the UK has taken the initiative to create Oat Supreme, the very first heavy cream substitute that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing for myself. Upon first exhuming the carton from that unassuming brown, cardboard packing box, I could scarcely contain my excitement, and quickly moved both it and my mixing bowl into the fridge so that my experimentation could begin asap. Of course, nowhere on the carton did it explicit say that it could be whipped, but with anxious optimism, I hoped against hope that this would be the answer to my whipped cream prayers.

Shaking up that little blue box a few hours later, I cut open the tab and unleashed a flood of thick, creamy white liquid, pouring it quickly into my chilled bowl. Having abstained from using heavy cream for so many years, I was actually quite surprised at how viscous it really was- Practically a ready-made sauce, it reminded me instantly of coconut milk, which might explain how coconut whipped creme is possible.

Getting right down to work, I cranked up my trusty mixer to its highest setting and let it rip. Barely five minutes had elapsed before I was staring straight into a bowl full of pillow soft whipped topping, at least doubled or tripled in volume!

Deceptively rich and heavy for such a light and fluffy composition, it was certainly a decadent way to top of any dessert. Tasting almost exactly like my beloved Soyatoo, it was the most I could do to restrain myself from eating it plain by the spoonful! After getting my fill of this delicious, creamy fluff, I decided to store it in the fridge overnight and see how it would hold up. Come daytime, there it all was, still perfectly whipped, and without even the slightest sign of separating! Not one to let this opportunity go to waste, I used to remnants to make a delightful mint chocolate chip semifreddo, which was eaten just as soon as it had solidified enough to be considered “semi-frozen.”

Of course, such a versatile product could also be used for countless other savory applications, such as cream sauces and gravies… Truly, I don’t think that there’s anything that Oat Supreme can’t do! If only I had more than one carton to play around with, and if only it were more readily available in the states… but alas, for now we must hope that American markets clear some shelf space for this miraculous product, and soon!

[Written for Go Dairy Free]

Making the transition into college life means a lot of things- Moving further away from childhood and closer to the “real world,” meeting new people that could become your life-long friends, learning vital skills to form the foundation of your career… And of course, neglecting your diet just in time to put on a couple extra pounds of insulation for winter. The dreaded freshman 15 is the result of too much freedom for some, but I know that my own downfall would be the lack of time. Cooking will probably fall by the wayside as my schedule fills up with classes and assignments, so in trying to circumvent such horrible eating habits, I did some research in advance to find convenient but also nutritious ways to fuel up between study groups. Cereal is already my go-to snack, meal, and comfort food when pressed for time, so I knew that I would need to go find some good options that wouldn’t leave me comatose from sugar or lack of nutrients.

That’s why I naturally turned to Nature’s Path, producers of many different cereal products that I’ve loved for ages now. From oatmeal to waffles to hand pies, everything they make is organic and generally vegan (but not all) so I figured it would be hard to go wrong with this established brand. Venturing away from my usual buys and treading through unexplored waters, it was hard to pick and choose through the extensive selection of whole grain goods, but eventually I arrived at the checkout line with some enticing new options in hand.

With such an extensive product line, how is one to choose just a few different items? They all sounded potentially tasty, so I just grabbed the first box that caught my eye- Acai Apple Granola, with Pomegranate. Filled with decently sized clumps of crispy rice, oats, and chunks of dried apple, I could clearly see that there would be no mystery add-ins with unpronounceable names here, although there was still one ingredient that had me stumped. Acai has been popping up more and more often lately, purportedly used as a source of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids, but to be perfectly honest, I couldn’t tell you what it tastes like if it bit me on the nose. Keeping that in mind, what hit me upon first bite was the wonderfully crunchy texture and light, natural sweetness. Lacking an overwhelming or intense flavor profile, it was quite agreeable to the palate nonetheless, something that a whole family with very different tastes could probably enjoy. Easy to eat and sufficiently filling to stave away hunger until the next meal, I can’t tell you that it necessarily tasted like pomegranate, but the tart apples did provide a nice crisp counter point to the simple, sweet grains.

Straying momentarily from my initial objective, I just couldn’t resist the lure of their Peanut Butter Granola Bars. As a huge fan of granola bars, it only makes sense to find some more portable snacking options too, right? Well that’s what I told myself as the package went through the checkout line, and let me tell you, I didn’t regret this quick pick for a moment once I took my first bite. Thick, chewy, but somehow not the least bit sticky or sickening, I don’t know that I’ve ever tasted such a delicious peanut creation! Packed full of hearty oats and full peanuts, you can literally see the quality ingredients that make up such an incredible nutty flavor, slightly toasty and completely delicious. Boasting a nice rounded sweetness that pairs perfectly with the strength of the peanut flavor, it somehow managed to be completely rich and indulgent on the tongue, but not the least bit unsettling in the stomach. Seriously satisfying, I could easily have gone hours before even thinking of my hunger again!

Being a fan of all things pumpkin, I was excited to see the title of Flax Plus Pumpkin Raisin Crunch plastered across the cardboard box near me, and into the cart it went. Upon opening up the inner sleeve at home, I was a bit disappointed to learn that the “pumpkin” in the title only referred to the seeds, not the actual flavor. All the same, it really didn’t need any additional character, making an impression as is. The thick, substantial flakes crunched solidly between my teeth, tasting vaguely nutty and decidedly hearty from the abundant flax seeds visible from the outside. These are not your typical bland wheat flakes- They’re an entirely different creature altogether, and in a very good way. Mixed in with these flakes were the most delicious oat clusters, bringing in a delightful sweetness to the party and lightening up this otherwise heavy cereal. Raisins can be a tricky addition, as some people are terribly adverse to them, while others want tons of the dried grapes in everything. In my opinion, there was a good amount in this mixture- Not so many that it completely overwhelms the other components, but enough that you occasionally get a small burst of fruit flavor and nice textural contrast to the crisp grains. Only occasionally would I come across one or two pumpkin seeds, but they were certainly a treat to discover, even if I wish there had been more. All things considered, I would definitely purchase this one again for a fast, hearty breakfast.

[UPDATE: Nature’s Path seems to have changed the formula on this variety recently to include honey and is thus no longer vegan!  What a shame…]

Although I could have easily continued sampling many more varieties of cereals and granolas, I decided to cap off my grain-guzzling spree with a box of Soy Plus Granola. Pouring out a bowl of sizable granola chunks containing crispy rice and oats interspersed with spherical soy puffs, I wasn’t sure what to think of this final offering, since “soy” doesn’t evoke thoughts of any specific flavor. Thankfully, it wasn’t just a bowl of bland protein pieces like so many other soy cereals tend to be, but actually a lightly sweet, almost fruity taste. The soy puffs were the absolute best- Just like corn pops, but so much healthier! Unlike that sugar kid’s cereal though, this one is nothing to feel guilty about later; it won’t leave you feeling as though you just ate candy for breakfast.

With these delicious and healthy new choices in hand, I’m sure that rushed meals or fast snacks won’t get the better of me in
college!

[Written for Go Dairy Free]

Having just downed four pints of insanely good gelato, you would think that I couldn’t handle cracking open another container for weeks, but lo and behold, the very next day found me standing anxiously in front of the freezer, breaking into the remaining cartons. What can I say- I just love frozen desserts! Besides, if there was tempting sorbetto (otherwise known as sorbet) chilling out so nearby, I’m sure few people would leave it there for long, either.

Not one to wait around and waste time, I immediately uncovered the Strawberry sorbetto first, unveiling the most shockingly vivid red color ever seen in natural food. A screaming fire engine red, brighter than strawberries themselves, it was truly a hue worthy of admiration, giving me pause even as my appetite clamored for a taste. Scooping smoothly, straight into my mouth, I was blown away by the bright, clean, and authentic flavor. Tasting just of frozen strawberries but with a creamier texture and a healthy sprinkling of seeds, evidence of the real fruit was found throughout. As someone who prefers textured fruit preserves to slimy, jello-esque jam, it was a refreshing change of pace from those flat, unvaried and artificial offerings more commonly found on grocery store shelves. It’s so easy for a delicate berry like strawberry to translate poorly into other creations, tasting either too watery, weak or terribly fake, so this concoction was quite a delicious feat indeed.

Nestled between frozen peas and aging leftovers sat my next victim, the Lemon sorbetto. Finally clearing out enough room in my freezer to access this flavor, it was like unearthing a wonderful treasure that aroused my curiosity and hunger. White as snow without some false chemical coloring to give it that typical neon yellow tint, I could hardly discern any smell, making it quite an enigmatic, mysterious sorbet from afar. Digging in and letting it melt on my tongue, bright, tangy hits of citrus struck me at once. Sour but tempered by a serious sweetness, it reminded me of those classic Italian ices I used to enjoy at carnivals many years ago. Wonderfully and intensely lemon by all accounts, this mouth-puckering sensation might be too much for the kids, but it is an excellent option for the more sophisticated palate looking for a taste of childhood.

Continuing with the citrus theme, it only made sense to try out the Orange flavor directly afterwards in order to compare and contrast. Noticing that it felt a bit softer and creamier as I scooped out a serving, it was no surprise that it felt a bit smoother than the previous as well. Mellower than the lemon, the citrus flavor was definitely pronounced without any sort of sour bite to speak of. Taking a page more from tangerines than oranges, this light and almost flowery sorbet was a delight to eat. Wonderfully light, it was easy to eat on a hot day or in any other weather for that matter. I’m sure that all members of the family would agree on this flavor as well, catering to a whole spectrum of tastes with a deliciously simple, uncomplicated, and straight-forward fresh flavor.

My tasting menu of frozen desserts was finally coming to an end as only one last container remained. How I wish that I could simply keep pulling new cartons out of my freezer endlessly! Reality bites, and soon enough I went ahead and took a bite out of that final flavor, the Raspberry sorbet. It’s a good thing that I didn’t delay sampling it for too long as this deep, dark red delight knocked my socks off! Seedless unlike the strawberry, there was nothing to distract the tongue from its intense berry flavor. Having eaten my weight in raspberries this season, I think I know a good rendition when I taste it and a spoonful of this stuff was absolute heaven- All that was missing was the experience of picking the berries straight from their bushes. Slightly tart, vaguely floral, and perfectly refreshing, it was the perfect ending to an amazing series of frozen desserts.

If you’re tired of artificial, lack-luster snack foods and are looking for real food that’s really delicious, look no further. Blackwell’s makes some of the best sorbetto that I have ever enjoyed, tasting just like creamy, frozen versions of each individual fruit flavor. Perhaps it’s a good thing that I don’t have such easy access to these products, because I don’t know that I would ever be able to stop eating them otherwise!

[Written for Go Dairy Free]