Thursday, March 21, 2013

“Best of the West


This year I was bowled over by the depth and breadth of gluten-free food introduced at Expo West.  It would be hard to mention everything, but I want to whet your appetite with a few of the things I tasted.

Pasta:
Jovial (www.jovialfoods.com) introduced a new tagliatelle noodle with egg in the pasta. Pappardelle’s (www.pappredellespasta.com) introduced some new flavors, sweet potato and dark chocolate, and a chipotle lime orzo style pasta.  RP’s Pasta (www.rpspasta.com) featured fresh GF Lasagna Sheets.  Le Veneziane has microwave pasta dishes…penne al pomodoro e basilico that is ready in nine minutes (www.quattrobimbi.com).

Sauces:
San J introduced a new Mongolian Beef stir fry & Marinade (www.san-j.com) and Saffron Road burst on to the scene with a bevy of simmer sauces (www.americanhalal.com).

Breakfast:
Kinnikinnick has a blueberry bagel made the old fashioned way, boiled first and then baked.  It really bursts with blueberry flavor (www.kinnikinnick.com).   Bakery on Main introduced two new instant oatmeal flavors, Blueberry Scone and Carrot Cake (www.bakeryonmain.com) and Glutenfreeda also introduced portable instant oatmeal in a cup (www.glutenfreeda.com).  I tasted the Komplete Meal Replacement Shakes packed with 21 superfoods and the Jav ‘a Latte was my favorite (www.katefarms.com).

Snacks:
So much good stuff, it is hard to know what to report.  Ener-G showcased Garlic Pretzels that were stuffed with garlic goodness, thank goodness for the post snacking breath mints (www.ener-g.com).  Simple Squares Organic Snack Bar, once again I loved the coffee bar. (www.simplesquares.com). Mary’s Gone Crackers introduced a new graham cracker that is coming to stores soon (www.marysgonecrackers.com).  Lucy’s introduced Combo Snack & Go packs and a new pumpkin cookie (www.drlucys.com)

Easy-Peasy GF Dinner ideas:
Starfish Seafood introduced a new line of gluten-free fish sticks and a parmesan encrusted cod filet (www.star-fish.com).   Glutenfreeda also launched a Pocket Sandwich; I tried the Hickory Smoked Ham and Cheese (www.glutenfreeda.com), my always hungry, always growing 13 year old son is going to be so happy when I buy these.  Second Helping featured Corn Puppies; gluten-free batter dipped cocktail size franks (www.secondhelping.com), really a great idea and totally delicious.   If you prefer a bun for your franks, Schar launched hot dog rolls (www.schar.com).

Baking:
King Arthur Flour introduced its new all purpose baking mix (www.kingarthurflour.com) and Pamela’s had their Artisan Flour Blend (www.pamelasproducts.com).  123 Gluten-Free showcased their sugar free Pound cake Mix (www.123.glutenfree.com) which is coming to stores soon.  This adds to their line of sugar free mixes so the consumer may choose the sweetener!

What’s the category?
For those of you who make a green bean casserole for Thanksgiving and miss those crunchy onions, Brad’s Raw Foods introduced Brad’s Raw Onion Rings in a variety of flavors…another time I was thankful for breath mints!  (www.bradsrawfoods.com)
Numi’s introduced Savory Teas, I tried the Tomato Mint and I have to say this is a great idea as something warm and soothing without caffeine to get through a long winter’s afternoon. (www.numitea.com)

Mr. Dewie’s Almond Milk frozen dessert (www.mrdewies.com) was my absolute favorite thing…right now this is only available in the Bay Area of California, you lucky Californians!  Oh.My.Gosh….this is a creamy “iced almond milk” frozen dessert that I could easily sit down with a pint and eat the whole thing.  Hopefully store distributors agreed with me….

I have stacks of sell sheets for new gluten-free items like Evol Burritos and Pure Bars that I haven’t even mentioned!  There was Wallaby Yogurt, Glutino Pop Tarts, Hope Hummus in single serve squeeze tubs, Lotus Foods exotic rice and so much more…

As more and more people care about what they eat, gluten-free or just healthier, these new businesses will grow and I intend to look for them, buy them and vote for my food preferences at the cash register.

Kendall Egan




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