Springtime gluten-free favorites
One thing I’ve found after years of developing gluten-free recipes and writing about gluten-free topics and products is that people who need to be gluten-free truly enjoy discovering new gluten-free products and learning more about the gluten-free lifestyle. When you need to restrict certain foods, you welcome the knowledge of ones that you can eat. This is why I’m happy to share information with you about the delicious gluten-free products I’ve had the pleasure of trying. Today, I’m sharing with you some of my springtime gluten-free favorites!
These are products that are great for any time of the year, of course, but these particular flavors and varieties are what I’ve been cooking up and snacking on this season.
Gluten-Free Nation Snickerdoodle Cookies
Nothing I’ve had from Gluten-Free Nation is less than amazing. The flavor, texture, and look of the product is as close to ‘traditional’ as you can get from a gluten-free product. Their pumpkin bread, for example, is so moist and dense yet light at the same time – our editor nearly ate the whole loaf herself. And then you have their lemon bread which is light and tart and tastes like a fresh-from-the-oven loaf. But lately, I’ve been snacking on the snickerdoodle cookies. Perhaps it’s because spring reminds me of childhood and so do snickerdoodle cookies, which makes this time of year excellent for a mid-afternoon cookies-and-milk snack. Gluten-Free Nation’s products are made in a 100% gluten-free facility and are certified gluten-free.
If you want the taste of traditional baked goods, check out Gluten-Free Nation’s products here.
BOU Chicken Bouillon Cubes
If the idea of bouillon cubes reminds you of your grandmother’s over-salted dinners, it’s time to break out of that mindset! BOU is a brand of bouillon cubes that contain 30% less salt than leading brands. And, if the idea of bouillon cubes reminds you of winter soups, it’s time to think outside the stock pot! Bouillon cubes are surprisingly versatile and can be used all year round – whether it’s hot soup weather or time for something lighter for spring or summer. Take that gorgeous photo above, for example. Those devilled eggs are made with chicken flavored bouillon and are oh-so delicious!
Check out BOU, the lower-sodium bouillon cube, here.
Starlite Cuisine Vegan Taquitos
My family and I love Mexican food. One of my sons is vegan, so I like to make sure I have food he can easily eat at my house for when he stops by. These taquitos are on hand not only for him, but for me, too! We can share a plate of taquitos, knowing that they are safe for both of us. These might not have a particular “springtime” vibe to you, but here’s why they remind me of spring. Here in Florida, the weather is at it’s best in those few weeks we call “spring” and those few weeks we call “fall” and there’s no better time to sit outside on my patio than that. We sit at the outside table and share a piping hot plate of taquitos while we catch up on the day. Starlite Cuisine’s taquitos are available in chicken style, beef style, and chorizo and black bean style. All are delicious! They also make gluten-free enchiladas. Please note, however, that their rolled tacos are not gluten-free.
Check out Starlite Cuisine’s gluten-free line here.
ParmCrisps
Nothing like springtime to make you want to cut back on carbs! It’s almost swimsuit season so many of us are trying to watch what we eat and avoid consuming too many carbs, especially at snack time. ParmCrisps are my year-round chip alternative, but they are particularly satisfying in springtime when I’m really kicking my diet into full gear and being a bit more strict. I love all the flavors of ParmCrisps, but their newest one – Pizza – is pretty incredible. I serve these with a healthy dip, like hummus, for a flavorful snack. You can also use these like breadcrumbs by crumbling them and coating chicken with them for a low-carb breaded chicken. They are made with 100% Parmesan cheese, plus herbs and simple ingredients for flavor.
Check out the full line of ParmCrisps here.
