Udi’s Gluten Free Ziti & Meatballs – Review

I was very delighted tonight to finally try Udi’s Gluten Free Ziti & Meatballs Frozen entree tonight.  I even got two thumbs up from my husband who is very finicky!!

Nevertheless, I bought 3 bags since an 18oz  bag only contains two servings. I tossed all 3 bags into a large glass bowl and placed it into the microwave for 10 minutes. When the buzzer went off I stirred gently as to not to break the ziti and then placed it back into the microwave for another 10 minutes.

The aroma in the kitchen smelled like I had been making sauce all day long! My husband at first was leery and had an “OMG what is for dinner look on his face?”

One bite in he said he LOVED this meal, ate 3 helpings and told me I needed to stock up on more bags!!!So I would say he like it, LOL!!

And of course, I love easy meals like this when I have a busy day due to the kids being in Scouting. And having it ready in 20 minutes is perfect. The price was roughly $8.00 at Walmart the last time I saw it, but I bought these bags at the Grocery Outlet today for $2.49/bag which is a fantastic price especially when you are buying 3 bags to feed a family of 5. AND there was at least one helping leftover for lunch tomorrow!

All in all, Udi’s Gluten Free Ziti & Meatballs  was great tasting, easy to prepare and no one squawked over not wanting to eat. Everyone left happy and satisfied.

I will be going back to the Grocery Outlet tomorrow to see if they have any more on the shelf so I can stock up!!

 

 

Udi’s Gluten Free Jalapeno Cheddar Ancient Grain Crisps

Originally written on September 9, 2014

So tonight I cracked open a bag of Udi’s Gluten Free Jalapeno Cheddar Ancient Grain Crisps to add to my Taco Salad because I didn’t have any tortilla chips. Now I was skeptical, like I always am about new chips and always hope for the best.

Well, tonight I can tell you these were D-LISH! They were crispy nice sized chips with a great cheese flavor and a kick of jalapeño to go with! And not too spicy to where the kids liked them as well!

The crisps are full of nutritious amaranth, quinoa, flax, sesame, millet, & black seeds which makes it healthier than most fried chips on the market. Definitely worth a purchase.

If you need more information on where to get a bag for yourself check out Udi’s site: http://udisglutenfree.com/products/jalapeno-cheddar-ancient-grain-crisps/

*** Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Udi’s. I am not required to write a positive review. And all opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Udi’s Gluten Free Soft N’ Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

So I received a box of Granola Bars from Udi’s — I normally love Udi’s. However, I just tried their Gluten Free Soft N’ Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars and was hoping for something that was in fact soft and chewy, but these were not. The bar was hard to chew with a crunchy texture. Not what I had hoped for. Now for flavor – the granola bar was quite tasty with a hint of nuts. Nevertheless, I was really hoping for a true chewy granola bar. Now my kids loved them – texture, flavor and all… and wanted more. I am either really picky or I just remember what Gluten Granola Bars texture use to be. If you would like to check them out go to:

http://udisglutenfree.com/products/chocolate-chip-granola-bars/

*** Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Udi’s. I am not required to write a positive review. And all opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Asian Box Restaurant

As I walked into Asian Box in Mountain View’s quaint downtown, I knew I was in for a delicious lunch just from eyeing the line of people waiting to place their order. I picked this specific restaurant because it is a 100% gluten free establishment and I just couldn’t wait to try it out.

My family and I sat in the back where it was quieter so I could be a people watcher and mainly wait for the rush to die down. Plus, it gave me a few minutes to look over Asian Box’s order form and to start thinking about what kind of box I wanted to get for the kids and I.

The kids ended up getting a Kids Box with Lemongrass marinated Pork and Caramel Sauce. According to the very delightful and very gracious restaurant Manager, Michelle, “Asian Box’s Caramel Sauce is their version of Teriyaki sauce.” And from tasting it I will say, it is way tastier than traditional teriyaki any day in my opinion!

For my meal I ordered a box with Brown Rice, Caramelized Lime Basil Shrimp, fresh bean sprouts, pickled vegetables, crispy shallots, chopped peanuts and fresh herbs topped with Peanut Sauce which is a creamy blend with lime & coconut.

Yep, I was in heaven when my food was ready! I tasted cilantro and mint — and just savored every bite. The food is a cross between Vietnamese and Thai and it is sooooo delicious!

My kids and I enjoyed our meal tremendously because Asian Box has high quality, fresh, authentic food and best of all it is gluten free. If you want to have a great authentic experience you need to try Asian Box. And for an added convenience you can even order your meal online at: https://asianbox.wufoo.com/forms/asian-box-order-ahead/

Visit Downtown Mountain View’s Asian Box and give Michelle and her staff your order — you will be so glad you did.

http://www.asianbox.com/

142 Castro St.
Mountain View, Ca 94041
Phone (650) 584-3947
Fax (650) 963-9328

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Today we had lunch at Chipotle Mexican Grill at N. Capital Road in San Jose, CA. It was a wonderful lunch. The server changed her gloves when we said we were gluten intolerant which was really awesome customer service! The staff were really accommodating and attentive to our needs… A+ in my book!

I had their soft corn tacos filled with their braised carnitas… The order came with 3 tacos, but I gave 1 to my daughter. Oh my goodness two were so filling! And probably because it was filled not only with pork but also with salsa, rice, pinto beans, cheese, sour cream, avocado and shredded romaine lettuce…. My mother had the same but as a salad.

All the veggies are fresh and they use meat from animals (whenever possible) raised without antibiotics or added hormones – “food with integrity.”

The food was tasty, fresh and delicious! I will definitely be coming here again!

Find a location near you: http://www.chipotle.com/en-us/find/find.aspx

Giorgio’s Italian Restaurant Review

My mom, the kids and I decided we would go to the mall for back to school shopping. After running from this store to that store everyone was hungry. AND everyone knows that shopping makes you ravenous, LOL. Ok, not really, but since it was past noon we were definitely ready for lunch. We left the mall and headed to Giorgio’s Italian Food & Pizzeria in Milpitas.

It is a casual Italian joint wherethey serve pizza, pasta & other Italian comfort foods. And best yet, gluten free items as well!! Since their gluten free pizzas are only 10″ pies, we ordered two. One was a Pesto with Ricotta Cheese and the other topped with Italian Sausage, Pepperoni and Mushrooms.

And of course we had to get a side of gluten free Rotelli Pasta with Alfredo sauce. The 5 of us devoured almost both pizzas except for a couple of slices and pretty much half the pasta was gone. We had the leftovers boxed up to take home for later enjoyment. The pizza crust was so good we had to ask the waiter for the brand name. He informed us it was from the Venice Bakery. Mental note — will need to order some pizza crusts from there!

I love Alfredo Sauce — it is one of my food pleasures. The Alfredo sauce at Giorgio’s was one of the best I have tasted in a long time. It was flavorful, creamy and garlicky! A nice surprise.

If you are ever in the Bay Area and find yourself in Milpitas, head over to Giorgio’s Italian Food & Pizzeria located on E Calaveras Blvd.

http://www.fjlmountainview.com/gif-mi.html

Giorgio’s Milpitas
643 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035
Phone: 408.942.1292

Zoodles with Tomato Meat Sauce

Originally written on July 9, 2014

Tonight I used the Spiralizer to make Zucchini Noodles. It is so easy and quick to use. It makes perfect noodles with every zucchini or yellow squash I tried. If you would like to get one yourself go to Amazon at:http://goo.gl/uyz84g

What I did for dinner tonight was…

Zoodles with Tomato Meat Sauce

Ingredients

Ground turkey
Parmesan Cheese
a jar of Classico pizza sauce
a jar of Classico Alfredo sauce

Normally I make my own sauce but realized I was out of canned tomatoes. Anyhow, I improvised and ended up eating 3 helpings because it was soooo tasty. My daughter even asked for 2nds!

*** Disclaimer: I received the Spiralizer® Tri-Blade Vegetable Spiral Slicer for free from Bitoni USA. I am not required to write a positive review. And all opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Stuffed Burrito on a Gluten Free Tortilla

Tonight I had the opportunity to try out Venice Bakery’s Gluten Free Tortilla Wraps for the first time. My husband and I were discussing what we wanted for dinner and I suggested Burritos since I had some leftover seasoned ground turkey in the fridge.

I am so glad I made burritos because these 10″ Tortilla Warps are probably the best gluten free tortillas I have had in years. Even the kids asked if they were eating “Wheat Tortillas” that is how tasty they were.

These tortillas were soft and flexible that usually most gluten free tortillas lack. And because the tortillas were soft and flexible my burrito didn’t fall apart – a total shock — yet such a bonus!

The tortillas are so delectable that I just can’t get over they aren’t “wheat tortillas.” Thank you Venice Bakery for making a good-tasting Tortilla!

I would definitely recommend Venice Bakery’s Gluten Free Tortilla Wraps to everyone and anyone!

Stuffed Burrito on a Gluten Free Tortilla

Seasoned Ground Turkey
Venice Bakery’s Gluten Free Tortilla Wraps
Seasoned Black Beans
White Rice
Cheese, Shredded
Diced Tomatoes
Cilantro, chopped
Sour Cream
Romaine Lettuce, Shredded
Sriracha sauce (Optional)

Take your tortilla and warm it up on a grill

Place the tortilla flat and smear on even layer of sour cream then layer turkey, beans, rice, cheese, tomatoes, cilantro and lettuce. Add Sriracha sauce if you like a lil heat – then wrap it up tight and eat whole, or slice in half.

*** Disclaimer: I received Gluten Free Tortilla Wraps for free from Venice Bakery. I am not required to write a positive review. And all opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”