Be Free For Me Blog

We’re really going to spice things up a bit for this week’s Friday Favorite. Being grilling season and all, I love to shake up my ho-hum grilling every once in awhile and season up my chicken, meat and veggie’s with a little spicy love.

That is when I go for my collection of The Spice Hunter Seasonings.

The Spice Hunter spices and spice blends are gluten-free (with the one exception of Grill Shakers Rib Seasoning) so the varieties to try are endless.

Some of my favorite spice blends for the BBQ are the Salt-Free Varieties and include the Cowboy BBQ Rub, Jamaican Jerk Blend and the Mesquite Seasoning blend. These blends are all natural, kosher and contain no MSG or preservatives. Using these flavorful and zesty spice blends adds a zip to your food with no salt at all! An added bonus: Using spices is healthy way to add flavor to foods without adding extra fat or calories.

Spice Hunter Seasonings is awarded this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe because they add a spicy kick, as well as a sassy & sensational flavor to any barbeque… all without adding any extra fat or calories. Congratulations!

Want to Buy? Check out these links on Amazon.com:
Jamaican Jerk Blend

Mesquite Blend

Cowboy BBQ Rub

Yay! It’s Friday again! This week seemed extra long and Friday couldn’t seem to get here fast enough. But finally the end of the week has arrived and it’s once again time for the Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com.

This week’s Friday Favorite is another sweet treat.  Cybele’s Free-To-Eat Cookies. These cookies are not only gluten-free and vegan – but also free of the top 8 allergens – Dairy, Eggs, Wheat, Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish and Shellfish. They come in three flavors: Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate Chip, and my favorite, Oatmeal Raisin.

O.K. – I know by now many of you are also thinking that these cookies must be free of flavor too. But, a-ha, you are wrong my friends. These cookies are soft (like, really, really soft… which I love), moist, full of raisins, chocolate chips & chunks and all the other fixins’. They’re a really treat for those on a gluten-free diet, celiac disease, or with food allergies.

But the true taste test is that the non gluten-free and food allergic peeps gobbled them up quick too.

These cookies may be free of many things, but they mean business when it comes to being a cookie that doesn’t make you a prisoner to celiac disease and food allergies. Cheers to you Cybele’s Free-To-Eat Cookies!

All these tasty reasons are why I am so very thrilled to award Cybele’s Free-To-Eat Cookies this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com. Congrats!

P.S. It seems these cookies are just making their way onto supermarket shelves. Be patience. It will be worth the wait once they arrive!

Salty & Sweet. My all time favorite taste combo that there is. There’s nothing like the contrast of tasting a sweet smoothness that is awakened by a snappy saltiness.

And The Whole Earth Kettle Corn is the benchmark when it comes to salty & sweet perfection.

The Whole Earth Kettle Corn is made with all natural organic ingredients, has no trans fat or gluten ingredients, is made with non-GMO ingredients, and has 16 grams of whole grain per serving.

So if you’re looking for something a little sweet that is punched-up with some saltiness reach for The Whole Earth Organic Kettle Corn.

Congrats to this sweet and salty little snack for being this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com!

This week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com is awarded to little puffs that offer more that you ever thought they could!

Kay’s Naturals Protein Puffs. Tasty little gluten-free puffs that are full of flavor, high in fiber and protein, gluten-free, low glycemic and super low in calories.

I love that Protein Puffs come in a variety of flavors to satisfy those sweet or savory snacking moods you may be in. The Almond Delight is a sweet snack that I enjoy with my mid-afternoon tea, or even as a breakfast-on-the-go. The Tomato Basil and Veggie Pizza are savvy savory snack (say that three times fast!), while the Mac and Cheese is… well… Mac and Cheese – comfort food at it’s best, but without all the calories and guilt.

One single serve bag of the Protein Puffs delivers a heaping portion… which is awesome. And, best yet,  although the portion size is satisfying, it’s only a measly 110 to 120 calories per bag. (Note: For all of the Weight Watcher point counters…  these snacks are only 2 to 3 points per serving/ bag… Tasty, filling and low points!)

All these wonderful reasons are why Kay’s Naturals Protein Puffs are this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com. These snacks really are all they are puffed up to be!

Congratulations!

Want to buy? Check out this link on Amazon.com:
Kay’s Naturals Protein Puffs 12 – 12 oz bags (34 g) Al

During the first week of spring here in Boston, and like many other places in the country, we had record breaking temperatures. Really? 80 degrees Fahrenheit in March… wicked crazy (said like a true Bostonian)!

But as the temperatures rose, I was skipping my way to the office freezer that housed one of my favorite products I discovered at the Natural Product Expo West in Anaheim, California earlier this month.

Power of Fruit Frozen Bars.

These bars are awesome. Each bite is a bursting mouthful of refreshing fresh fruit. It’s so fitting that the tag line for Power of Fruit is “The fruit, whole fruit, and nothing but the fruit”.

But please, check out the ingredients for yourself. Each ingredient label on a Power of Fruit product not only lists what it does have in it (real fruit), but also what it does not… sugar, color, corn syrup, or preservatives.

And I’m not the only one that loves these bars… over 10,138 people like The Power of Fruit on Facebook. That’s a LOT of fans!

These frozen bars come in plenty of flavors too: Tropical, Orange Tango, Cherry Berry, Banana-Berry, and my all-time favorite, All-Fruit.

And I love, love, love that these bars have only 27 to 35 calories (that’s IT!) per bar, so you can feel good about indulging in these bars. They are perfect for kids and adults. Great for snacking or desserts.

Power of Fruit Frozen Bars are perfect any day. Any time of the year. Even the first week of spring!

~ Want to Buy Power Of Fruit Bars? Check out this link and find a store near you that carries them!

This week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe goes to a fantastic new yogurt that I recent discovered… Green Valley Organic Yogurt.

This is the real stuff too… REAL DAIRY yogurt that is lactose-free. Creamy. Rich. Real dairy.

I love all the yogurt  flavors, including Vanilla, Blueberry, Honey, Plain and Peach,  but my favorite is the Strawberry. Creamy, rich and just sweet enough, I found myself scraping the sides and bottom of the cup for more… it was just that good.

This lactose-free, gluten-free yogurt is great for those that are sensitive to lactose, as well as gluten. The yogurt also contains 10 live and active cultures, is probiotic rich, and kosher. I’m loving that it is organic too.

Green Valley Organics also makes other lactose / gluten-free dairy products including kefir and sour cream. YES… REAL SOUR CREAM! =) Creamy, dairy-full sour cream.

No wonder Green Valley’s logo is “Peace. Love. Dairy.”

I met the folks at Green Valley Organics at a tradeshow last year, and they are a great bunch of great people. They are passionate about the products they make, and are so happy to make  top-notch dairy products that all of us gluten/lactose free  people can enjoy… and love!

For all of these reasons Green Valley Organics gluten and lactose-free rich, creamy dairy products are this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com. Cheers!

Note: Want to buy these lactose and gluten-free products? Check out the “Where To Buy” page on the Green Valley Website.

Whoever said that gluten-free crackers are boring and bland, needs to try this sweet decadent dessert using Glutino Gluten-Free Table Crackers.

As of now, gluten free crackers  have been used for only cheese, dips, and spreads – but now they are making a debut into desserts! Welcome deliciousness!

While I was pining and ogling over gluten-FULL cookies recipes found in a magazine, I decided to attempt making one of these recipes with a gluten-free twist.

The result? Our very own Gluten-Free Crackling Chocolate Crackers – a no-bake recipe (perfect when your oven is packed with other baked goods), that is a mix of sweetness and saltiness, and loved by both the gluten-free and non-gluten free folks.  They are simple to make and made with products from two of our Friday Favorite gluten-free brands: Glutino & Kinnikinnick.

For the crispy, nutty topping we sprinkled the tops with Heath Bits o’ Brickle Toffee Bits (we called Hershey’s and they confirmed this item is indeed gluten-free), but you could always sprinkle the tops with crushed Glutino crackers too.

These Gluten-Free Crackling Chocolate Crackers are also great for gifting … we’ve been bundling them up in tins and have been gifting all week!
Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Crackling Chocolate Crackers
The beauty of this recipe is that it is a no-bake dessert, that is great for gifting. If a nut-allergy is a concern, omit the toffee topping and use crushed gluten-free pretzels instead.

One 4.4-ounce package of Glutino Gluten-Free Table Crackers (Check label for allergens)
1 cup of Kinnikinnick Graham Crumbs (Check label for allergens)
1 cup of dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1 stick of butter, plus enough to lightly grease the cookie sheets
1/3 cup of light cream
3 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups dark chocolate chips
1 ½ tablespoon shortening or butter
1 8-ounce package of Hershey’s Heath Bits o’ Brittle Toffee Bits (check label for allergens)

Place the Glutino Gluten-Free Table Crackers in a single layer on a lightly greased cookie sheet. You will need 2-3 sheets. If that crackers are broken, that is o.k.

In a small saucepan over high heat, combine the Kinnikinnick Graham Cracker Crumbs, brown sugar, the stick of butter (cut into pieces), and the light cream. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves, butter melts and the mixture is well blended and starts to boil. Reduce heat to medium, and continue to stir for another 6-7 minutes – being careful not to scorch the mixture. Spoon over the crackers, and using the back of the spoon spread evenly. Place the crackers in the refrigerator until cooled – about ½ to 1 hour.

Next, melt the dark chocolate chips and the shortening in a small saucepan, making sure you keep stirring to prevent scorching. Once melted, remove the crackers from the refrigerator and evenly spoon the melted chocolate over the crackers.

Immediately sprinkle the toffee pieces over the crackers. Refrigerate for several hours to overnight.

Break into bite sized pieces. Store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Yields: 2-3 dozen pieces.

Recipe adapted from: Better Homes & Gardens, 100 Best Cookies

Want to buy the Glutino Table Crackers and the Kinnikinnick Graham Cracker Crumbs? Check out these links:
Glutino Gluten Free Table Crackers, 4.4 oz
Kinnikinnick Crumbs – Graham Style Gluten Free, 10.5000-Ounce (Pack of 3)

This week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe goes to a new product that has recently been developed by one of our favorite gluten-free companies – Goldbaum’s…the folks that offer the Gluten Free Ice Cream Cones (that are also Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free and Peanut-Free too!).

Their new item is a shelf-stable dinner (yes folks… NO refrigeration needed!) that is not only gluten-free, but also free of corn, nuts and soy. The product is also kosher and contains no preservatives.

At first we were a bit leery. A shelf-staple dinner that can be ready in minutes that also tastes good? Is this possible?

And 2 minutes later (the total amount of time it took to cook the Beef Stuffed Cabbage) we discover that not only is it possible – but it’s a reality!

The tomato sauce topping is sweet and flavorful, and the cabbage & filling is just seasoned enough. The portions were hearty and filling, yet there are only 200 calories per package / serving.

These meals are perfect for keeping in your desk or bag for a quick and easy gluten-free meal.

No refrigeration, good taste, convenience, and just 200 calories per meal are ALL the awesome reasons that Goldbaum’s Wonder Meal Beef Stuffed Cabbage is this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com.

Congratulations Goldbaums!

Want to purchase these meals? Check out this link at Amazon.com: Goldbaum’s Wonder Meals: Beef Stuffed Cabbage – Case of 6

For those of you that love popped corn you are going to LOVE this week’s Friday Favorite… Mini Pops Air Popped Sorghum Grain … which is similar to a popcorn – but far, far better!

Mini Pops is air-Popped sorghum grain. When this gluten-free grain is exposed to high heat, the water inside the center of each grain heats up and expands causing the grain to explode… just like popcorn. But unlike popcorn, Mini Pops do not have a hull – those aggravating little buggers that get stuck in teeth and your gums!

Mini Pops are fun to eat and delicious too. Just like popcorn, Mini Pops comes in several flavors including Baby White Cheddar, Cutie Carmel Clusters, Hot & Chilly Chili, Itsy Bitsy Chili Cheese, Itty Bitty Butter, Nano Pepper & Herb, Petite Plain, plus my favorite Subatomic Sea Salt.

If you’re not familiar with sorghum it is fifth most harvested cereal grain in the world. Compared to corn it also has less calories, fat and sodium.

Not only are Mini Pops gluten-free, they are also made in a nut-free facility and free of pesticides or genetic modification.

All these popping good reasons are why this week’s Friday Favorite goes to Mini Pops Air Popped Sorghum Grain! Congratulations!

This week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe goes to yet another one of my favorite “go-to” items… Lean on Me Baking Company Quiches.

These single-serve crustless quiches are one of my favorite quick & easy, and low-calorie breakfasts. They come in four varieties: Spinach & Swiss, Broccoli & Cheddar, Mushroom & Swiss, and my favorite; Tomato, Basil, Onion & Mozzarella. I like these quiches for my morning meal, but they’d also be perfect for lunch paired with a side tossed salad.

And the best part about these quiches, gals? They are just 3 points in Weight Watchers! (See Calculator Chart to the right).

Lean on Me Baking Company was founded by Steven Leyva, an award-winning baker who has been honored for his high quality cheesecakes, breads, quiches, cakes and other desserts and baked goods.

Over five years ago, Steven recognized the need to offer great tasting alternatives for people with Celiac disease, diabetes, hypertension, gluten allergies and other dietary restrictions. So Steven transformed his proven recipes to create a one of a kind line of reduced fat, sugar free and gluten-free product line.

Lean on Me Baking Company also makes a line of gluten-free cheesecakes (Original, Blueberry, Chocolate Dipped and Marble) and cakes (Carrot and Chocolate Mousse) and, according to their website, will soon be coming out with some new products including Cookies, Brownies, Frozen Cookie Dough and Cupcakes.

Find a store near you that sells Lean On Me Baking Company products by clicking this link.

Thanks Lean On Me Baking Company for making such delicious, quick, easy (and low-calorie) gluten-free quiches! And congratulations on being awarded this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com