Food Review: Bob's Red Mill GF Pancake Mix

Bob looks like he should be painting pictures of the ocean like the dude from PBS or something nautical.  Ever since Whole Foods doesn't carry the brand I really liked, I've been skeptical on spending money on other brands to just have them sit in my cupboard for 10 years (okay more like a year and it's one of the brands listed at the end of this post).

Well I said, Bob, I always see you here in the market so let's do this.

I did and it worked out!  I made some GF Banana Pancakes last week and they tasted lovely.  I used Agave Nectar of course as my syrup.  I didn't add oil though (even if it said a teaspoon or so).

Follow their directions to make the batter but here is what I've learned.  Wait about 3 minutes after you've mixed to let it stand and so some magical stuff that it's suppose to do (so i read on the internet).  Then add 1 smashed banana (no peel, duh), a teaspoon of good REAL Vanilla Extract and a dash of cinnamon.  That's my secret.  If I have Macadamia Nuts, I would chop them up nice and add for a lil' crunch.  Serve with Agave Nectar (cheapest at Trader Joe's).

Other Brands I've tried
Arrowhead Mills - ummm I'll pass.  I tried once and it just wasn't the same. bleech.
365 (I want to say but not sure) - this one brand was the best.  The batter and taste were great, but Whole Foods doesn't carry it anymore and I'm sad.

GF Dinner Party

Well I considered it a party!

I had some friends over last night for a small dinner party.  I made those min-turkey meatloafs in muffin pans (topped with a tomatoe/chipotle paste mix) and instead of the rolled oats, I used GF Bread Crumbs (Tortilla crumbs) so it was 100% GF!  I also made some Sweet Potatoe Fries (eh, they were ok, but I'm supposed to not eat it so much), broccoli and Quinoa Corn Salad.

My friends have never ever had or tried Quinoa and I made a salad that I had never made before in my life. I tossed cooked quinoa with a can of rinsed black beans and a jar of that Trader Joe's Corn Salsa (No tomatoes) and it was like a sweet and spicy kind of taste.  They liked it and even had seconds!

I also had a flourless GF Chocolae Torte.  I had some organic blueberries that I bought at Sunday's Farmer's Market and some walnuts.  Oh and I made them some fresh whipped cream.

Drinks we had a virgin cocktail.  Trader Joe's Mineral water (which I just love) and some Cranberry Juice (no sugar added).

So that was my GF dinner party. =)

Recipe: Quinoa & Corn Salsa Salad

The Title makes it sound gross but really it's not.

This is a broke-down version of a recipe.  I was at Trader Joe's last night with my friend and she grabbed a sample of Quinoa Salad that was just made.  She wasn't adventerous and decided to give it to me.

But I love Quinoa and it was really good.

Recipe: They mixed a can of (rinsed) black beans, cooked Quinoa and Trader Joe's Corn Chili Salsa (no tomatoes).  It was a protein/fiber packed spicy/sweetness taste that was different.

So I bought the Corn Salsa.  I already have Quinoa and Black Beans in my pantry.

I think I'll make it for dinner tomorrow with some baked chicken.

Food Review: Trader Joe Products

Ive been meaning to list some of the items i've tried.

Trader Joe's Corn Tortilla Flat Breads - okay so they are not GF however I still really like them!

Trader Joe's Organic Popcorn with Olive Oil. Use Christopher Walken's voice: "O'WOW". These are so good. Light, not salty and fully kernals! (It is made in a facility that process's wheat, milk, peanuts, tree nuts and soy.)

Trader Joe's Olive Tapenade Spread - this is really good.  If you love green and kalamata olives this will do it.  I had some on TJ Onion & Chive Seeded Corn Crackers (GF).

TJ Onion & Chive Seeded Corn Crackers (GF).  These little chippys are tasty.  Tastes like a corn chip but not really with the onion & chive.  My taste buds like these. =)

But back to the TJ Organic Popcorn w/Olive Oil. OHMG I will have to watch out with this one.  I think I could possibly eat the whole bag.