I have created a plan for shopping gluten free. I pick up all the tried and true item and then, quite tentatively most weeks, choose 2 extra item that we haven't tried before that claim "Gluten free" on the label.
I have had a lot of stuff that has just tasted like cardboard. Even a few things that make cardboard a desirable option! So I hesitate a lot, make sure there are no bean flours in the ingredients of sweets, *pancakes should never taste like beans!* and in general stand around in the store looking pained and confused.
This week I chose -
1. Hail Merry Persian Lime Miracle Tart
And
2. Against The Grain Gourmet 3 Cheese Pizza Shells
I tried the lime tart first with very low expectations. It was also pricey for how small it was and I regreted buying it not long after getting it home. The package claimed that half should be enough and it was very rich. I rolled my eyes dramaticly as I opened it. There was no way something that toted stamps for being kosher, vegan, gluten-free, dairy free, non-gmo, and even paleo friendly was going to be too rich for my tastebuds!
The first bite was an exposion of lime and coconut with a nutty sweetness. I have been baking since I was 9 and I was impressed! I honestly think it is the best thing I have tasted that has the certified gluten free sticker. Overall I would say-
Rated - 10 out of 10.
Texture, flavor, it was all spot on. Not buying 3 of them a week just for me may be a struggle.
On to the pizza crust. I had heard good things about the Against the Grain Pizza Shells so I was optimistic. I decided on my very busy Wednesday evening that pizza would be perfect, even though my husband huffed and eyed the clock worriedly. We have a bible study every week on Wednesday nights across town at our church. With 45 minutes to make dinner and get out the door he was not impressed with trying something new. I tossed 6 peices of frozen chicken breast into a pan with garlic, onion, olive oil, italian seasoning, and a little salt and pepper. I turned it to medium and covered it. Then changed a diaper, packed the diaper bag, and changed out of house clothes.
hurrying back to the stove, I found my chicken mostly soft and cooked on one side. Flip, cover, and run off to dress the toddler, and argue about what clothes you can wear out of the house with the 7 and 9 year olds.
The chicken quickly finished, even in the insanity and I proceeded to chop it up in the pan with my spatula because thats how I get things done in a hurry. Also, when you are in a rushed, 1/4 of a jar of Ragu is a pretty good substitute for homemade pizza sauce! Topped with a bit of shreaded cheese and parmesan over the chicken breast I was feeling pretty good about looks and crossing my fingers for taste.
I popped it in the oven at 325° for 18 mins.
It wasn't as crisp as I would like it but was pretty good! I'm calling this two wins in a week!
Rated - 7 out of 10.
It was good and didn't fall apart. I should have cooked it at a higher temp and that's my fault. the only thing I found to be lacking was I prefer the fluffy, yeast filled crusts and this one did not have that flavor... not my ideal pizza crust by a long stretch but would work great when you are in a hurry and want to make your own pizza!
Until next time!
