How am I just learning about this?

Steven at JK Gourmet asked me if I wanted to try their Almond Flour and pointed me towards a couple of recipes that use Almond Flour (here is the link to those). I checked it out and I was in. After getting the flour I looked at the ingredient (notice no "s") it was simply blanched (no skin) almonds perfectly ground up-- this must be a skill because if you go too far you will have almond butter and not enough you will not have the perfectly fine flour that was contained in my box. So what do you do with almond flour? After getting my box I popped on the internet (go figure) and was amazed at how versatile this is and how many people could benefit from using it since well it is almonds and they are great for your health but also those following a gluten free diet, low carb diet and many others. So what did I do with mine? Made some muffins. I saw dozens of recipes and modified my own to use what I had on hand and to try and keep them on the healthy side. Here is what I used:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large ripe mashed bananas
• 4 eggs
• 1/3 cup almond milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• handful of crushed walnuts

Mixed, heated oven to 350 and they took about 15 minutes to be done.

Delicious almost guilt free muffins (any ideas on how to nix the sugar-- email me!). I realized just how many variations there could be on these simple muffins-- use applesauce instead of bananas then insert other fruits, nuts etc... I want to try ones using cocoa powder next to see if they will have a brownie effect since these turned out so moist. I would not attempt to make almond flour at home so luckily you can order yours up here

JK Gourmet also has other grain free products including granola bars (come in the cutest little boxes-- would make great gifts with a gift card strapped to them or as a stocking stuffer and they are delicious) and granola which shocked me that it was grain free-- its granola just how I like it no added fat and loaded with good stuff like fruit and nuts.

Check this out:
We guarantee that all of our products are:
• Made from whole, natural foods
• Grain-free (that’s no wheat, bran, oats, rice, spelt, barley, rye or corn)
• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free and lactose-free
• Soy-free
• Trans fat–free
• Sweetened only with honey
• Legal for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet
• A source of fibre and calcium
• Labeled accurately and include all ingredients
• Able to help lower LDL cholesterol
• Part of a healthy eating plan

Inspired by Chocolate!

There is not a day that goes by that I do not crave or for that matter, indulge in chocolate. That I why I was so happy to get the chance to try Chocolate Inspirations vegan chocolates and their creative pretzel bites. The vegan chocolates were totally amazing and I have to give a very special mention particularly to the Vegan Granola Bark covered in chocolate. I could not have dreamt up a better combination in my wildest dreams. Crunchy granola filled with almonds, walnuts, berries then coated in Swiss dark chocolate. You will not be disappointed with any of their dairy free confections that you decide to try- they have toffees, brittles, caramels and much more. Everything I tasted was heavenly. The pretzel bites are also amazing and in cute little bite size nibs (my fave was the cinnamon sugar).

Daily De-Lish!

If you read my blog AT ALL you know granola holds a very special place in my heart. When someone lets me sample theirs I am always more than willing. I was especially excited to try the granola by Daily De-lish because they use all whole ingredients when making up their irresistible batches! The Daily De-lish original flavor granola is bursting at the seams with Old Fashioned Oats, Almonds, Walnuts and Organic Sunflower Seeds accented with brown sugar and cinnamon. They also have a new variety that will appeal to a lot of you: Agave Nectar Granola. Much like their original blend but sweetened with the healthy goodness of Agave (a low G.I. sweetener). Everything that they make is hand-crafted and gourmet using all-natural, some organic ingredients.

The Stark Sisters!

They make the “Best Granola on the Planet”—let me be the judge! I am a granola freak so I don’t mind trying to determine this one bit. Since their “Original” is the “Maple Almond” variety I figured I would start there. I am a huge fan of Maple and Almonds! They slow roast this blend with oats, almonds and pure maple syrup. You can tell it is made with only the best ingredients that are necessary for energy, keeping us full, and to provide us with GOOD carbs and ESSENTIAL fats. So to the good stuff—the taste. OMG—it was hands down the crunchiest, nuttiest, most filling AND addicting granola I have ever tasted.

I still have more flavors to go including: Nutty Maple and Lo-fat Raspberry Blueberry with freeze dried berries. Yum!
PS—If you are really lucky they carry the Stark Sisters fabulous blends at your local health food store. If not, you are still in good to go—you can buy it online! Oh and their customer service is great—I talked to Debra (Stark Sister) who was very nice!

Energy for you!

Granola Gourmet makes these totally irresistible, natural granola bars. My weakness? Granola—this is the same thing just in a different format. What sets this bar apart is it is VERY soft, very thick, hearty and filling! Most bars don’t fill me up but this bar lasted me through the morning probably because it is filled with organic oats, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds and sweetened with low-GI agave and honey. They have four flavors—Spiced Orange Cranberry, Brownie, Very Berry and Chocolate Espresso.

Very Berry: Soft, moist, delicious and berry filled.
Brownie: Was my favorite but the Very Berry followed right behind. How can I resist something that is thick, oat filled, sweet and most of all rich cocoa flavored?

They included a very informative booklet with their bars giving information on sweeteners, dieting (how it is NOT possible while you are hungry contrary to popular beliefs) and relevant information from various doctors about following a healthy diet and lifestyle. I wish everyone could read this pamphlet to set some of the common myths to rest. For the meantime—visit their website for more information. Pssst—you can pick these up at Whole Foods on the West Coast or click here to find a location near you !

New England Natural Granola

This granola by New England Natural Bakers had something very original in it-- brazil nuts! They have various types including: Organic Antioxidant, Organic Gluten Free, Organic Omega Hemp & Flax, All Natural Honey Nuts & Cinnamon and All Natural Banana Walnut. I was drawn to trying the Honey Nuts & Cinnamon first. For some reason, put anything to do with honey or nuts in the description and I am ready to eat! New England Natural's has been making granola for over 30 years in bulk but now has their granolas in pouched varieties, that are resealable (if you can leave some behind). It is all organic and whole grains but with enough sweetness that it could be used to top yogurt, as ac ereal with milk, or even on ice cream!

Oatbran Granola!

Different is GOOD. Okay-- more than good it is GREAT. Michaelene's Gourmet Granola is made right here in the Midwest but don't let that stop you from getting your hands on some! I had the "Honey Nutty Raisin" variety and it lived up to every expectation and then some that I had when I was ripping open the pouch. They explain it so much better than me so here is theirexcerpt:
All natural toasted oats sweetened with wildflower honey and/ or brown sugar, with a selection of supreme quality whole almonds, cashews and walnuts and raisins, to form crunchy granola chunks. No cholesterol, no hydrogenated oils, or trans fats. Low carbohydrates, sugars and very low sodium. A good source of fiber. Ingredients: rolled oats, raisins, wildflower honey, canola oil, peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, walnuts, cinnamon, natural almond flavor.

If you love granola like me you will fall head over heels for this cereal. They did not scrimp on any ingredient-- there were huge, whole cashews, walnuts and almonds- it was perfectly spiced and toasted with just the right amount of sweetness from the honey and raisins. I am very much looking forward to trying more mixes by Michaelene's!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert

I could eat this Partners granola for any meal, snack or dessert and be satisfied. That is how good it is! Now, I do have a weakness for granola but this was off the charts. Crunchy, sweet and just plain good. So here is their descriptions and my takes on them!
Gourmet MultiGrain Granola: If you have trouble keeping kids interested in cereal that is good for them, then this is your answer. This terrific chunky blend of nuts and grains is the greatest cereal or snack ever. Sweetened with honey and currants this mixture is slow baked to lock in the crispness of all the ingredients. Great as a snack or meal this all natural no sugar added granola is high in fiber from rolled oats barley and rye and has no preservatives. Great healthy munchin'!
My take: KIDS?! I must be a giant kid because this was my favorite. I couldn't believe how sweet this variety was without added sugar or fruits.It was so simple and good, hands down my favorite. I can not imagine that anyone could not like this cereal, topper, snack, meal!

Harvest Fruit: Sour cherries, dried cranberries, apricots and blueberries make this a flavor explosion. This mix of all natural harvest fruits tingles the tastedbuds with a sweet and tart combination created with only fruit and honey. The best for snacking!
My take: It was truly a flavor explosion. I had it in a bowl like a cereal but it would be scrumptious for just digging it straight out of the bag. It was sweet and tart all while keeping that great granola crunch from the multi-grain variety.
Green Apples and Cinnamon: Tart green apples and fragrant cinnamon make this breakfast standard a gourmet treat. No preservatives and sweetenedonly with honey and fruit, this all natural breakfast is excellent as a snack or topping.
My take: Have not yet tried this one, but I will. It sounds fabulous. I love the use of the green apples since I typically only see dried red apples. Yum!
Check out Partners, they have other organic snacks like cookies and crackers too!

Seventh Heaven

Okay, I know I went OFF yesterday about how good these Grizzlies/ Wildtime Foods mixes are but take a look at this one:

"Seventh Heaven Organic Trail Mix" and let me tell you the name does not lie. Chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cranberries, raisins, huge SHREDS of coconut (made the mix) and sunflower seeds.

Wildtime Foods – Grizzlies Brand

Have you ever had something so good that you wish that it was rationed for your own sanity? I can not be trusted around the blends of cereals, trail mixes, oatmeals and porriges put together by Grizzlies. I have a severe weakness for oats, nuts, honey, vanilla, seeds and so many of these mixes contained ALL of this and more! These mixes are my ultimate comfort foods. Some people mess all this up by adding refined sugars, heavy syrups, oils and un-natural ingredients but not Wildtime Foods. Every thing I have tried from their product line so far has been remarkable. If you made me pick a favorite there would be tie between Aunt Maples Crunchy Granola (oats, raisins, coconut, maple, walnuts, almonds, almond butter, hazelnuts, almonds, cinnamon and vanilla) and Organic Oregon Trail Mix (CHOCOLATE chips, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried peaches, sunflower seeds, raisins and cranberries).

Look forward to a review of their seasonal: Mistleto Mojo Holiday Oatmeal. Made with loads of cranberries, hazelnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and spices. This is one review I can NOT wait to complete!