Two Moms in the Raw - Blueberry Granola Bar

Recommendation: Two Moms in the Raw - Blueberry Granola

Review: When traveling for business, it's the little things that make me happy. Like a hotel room with a beautiful old-fashioned lobby, or a cab ride with a driver who is a local expert, or finding new gluten free treats in an airport store or eatery!

Recently, I tried a blueberry granola bar from Two Moms in the Raw. It was hearty and chewy and hit the spot for hungry me. But I was a little bummed that I couldn't really taste any blueberry. In fact, it lacked flavor overall.

The good news? It was dairy free, wheat free, and gluten free. Handmade from 100% raw and 100% organic. Even if my taste buds weren't over-joyed, my aging body was happy.

Where to try: http://www.twomomsintheraw.com/

Larabar Uber Bananas Foster

Recommendation: Larabar Uber Bananas Foster

Review: I've tried many Larabar varieties and am not the biggest fan. They all taste very similar and don't give you that rewarding eating experience... due to the very dense, pressed bar composition. I was skeptical about trying another, but am always in search of GF food that tastes good. So I tried it. And I'm glad I did.

This "uber" bar has a nut bar texture and the banana nut bread flavor that hits the spot. Definitely a good snack bar to keep in the pantry for grab and go goodness.

Where to try: http://www.larabarstore.com/

Gluten Free New York Cheesecake

Recommendation: Gluten Free New York Cheesecake

Review: Cheesecake is one of those desserts I'm not too upset about not eating now that I eat gluten free. Don't get me wrong. I love cheesecake. But avoiding the fat and calories makes it an easy decision.

Unfortunately (wink, wink), my husband has made it his life's mission to make me the most awesome gluten free food. So on the 18th anniversary of our first date, I arrived home to some surprise dinner guests and a dessert that should have probably been served first, and taken the place of the main course.

It was the creamiest, tastiest, didn't taste like anyone took out the gluten, cheesecake I've ever had. It is my duty to share this recipe with you!

Where to try: http://glutenfreecooking.about.com/od/dessertsandsweets/r/glutenfreenewyorkcheesecakerecipe.htm

BoBo's Oat Bars

Recommendation: Bobo's Oat Bars - Maple Pecan

Review: It's hard to spend more than 5 hours with someone and not reveal that you eat gluten free. Inevitably eating options are discussed and my selection process and preferences quickly become noticeably different than everybody else's.

What makes me smile is when one of those people goes out of their way to accommodate my eating needs or remembers the next time they see me. And that's just how I found out about Bobo's Oat Bars. A talented woman named Maggie (I met her only once before in Seattle) brought me a new gluten free bar to try.

I used to be a granola junkie. Bars. On top of yogurt. With milk. I loved eating granola. The hearty, "oatie," filling bites of this super crunchy treat. All these memories came rushing back after eating the very dense and very enjoyable maple pecan flavored Bobo's Oat Bar. 

Where to try: http://bobosoatbars.com/

It's Easy. You Should Try It.

Recommendation: Eat gluten free, wherever you eat out

Review: Doesn't that sound great? Recently, I was traveling with a colleague who has Celiac and she told me every time she goes to a restaurant, she asks her waiter for gluten free bread, pasta and a gluten free menu. She does this even at places she frequently goes to where she knows they don't have these things.

Here's the thing. Every time she asks, the waiter becomes aware of the need, may become enlightened about what gluten free eating is, and most importantly goes back to the kitchen and talks to the chef about gluten. After a while, all of these conversations will certainly have to pay off. Especially if we all take the time to do it. It doesn't take much, and could have big consequences that would make lots of us GF eaters very happy. 

Imagine having a whole bunch of delicious GF options to choose from no matter where you go to eat. 

Where to try: Every restaurant 

Jo-Sef's Cinnamon Cookies

Recommendation: Jo-Sef's Cinnamon Cookies

Review: This is a two-fer review. For the 20th anniversary of our first date, my husband surprised me with a delicious meal, followed by a homemade gluten free New York cheesecake. He's always been a master in the kitchen, but this time he ventured into dessert territory. Something new for him. No disrespect to my Mom who has always made awesome cheesecakes for Christmas each year, but this cheesecake...well, takes the cake! He found the recipe on About.com and substituted the graham crackers with Jo-Sef's Cinnamon Cookies. Even though I planned to divide the large cheesecake and freeze it, every night that week we ate cheesecake after dinner. And we savored every last morsel. A little taste of heaven.

Cheesecake recipe: http://glutenfreecooking.about.com/od/dessertsandsweets/r/glutenfreenewyorkcheesecakerecipe.htm

Where to buy: http://www.amazon.com/Josefs-Cracker-Cinnamon-8-Ounce-Multi-pack/dp/B005GWTJFE

My Dad's Chocolate Fancy Double Stuffed Chocolate Cream Filled Cookie

Recommendation: My Dad's Chocolate Fancy Double Stuffed Chocolate Cream Filled Cookie

Review: Two vanilla flavored cookies sandwich-ing (new word) a creamy, gooey center of chocolate cream. As I opened my mouth to take the first bite, a swirl of cinnamon rushed around the cookie and hopped on, which only made the whole experience even yummier. Drizzeled with chocolate on top, My Dad's Chocolate Fancy Double Stuffed Chocolate Cream Filled Cookie are a delicious snack, worth the calories.

Where to buy: http://www.mydadscookies.com/Gluten_Free_Cookies-Chocolate_Fancy.html

Hodgson Mill Yellow Cake Mix

Recommendation: Hodgson Mill Yellow Cake Mix

Review: While recently strolling around the ever-growing Walmart store (kingdom), I stumbled upon an entire gluten free section (in Freehold). I was pretty surprised to find they had more brands than many large food store chains. I decided to try a new brand of yellow cake mix, mostly because the price was really cheap (under $3) - nothing to lose, right? Made the mix last night. It required buttermilk, which I didn't have. Google said if I put a tablespoon of white vinegar in a cup (minus a tablespoon) of milk and let it sit for 5 min, the recipe would taste the same. Well, I've only made this one box, so I can't compare it. But, I can say it came out very tasty. Most of the flavor came from the almond and vanilla extracts. So, go ahead and experiment with whatever flavors you like. Banana and anise are two of my favorites. Always make sure your extracts are GF if you have Celiac. Overall, the Hodgson MIll Yellow Cake was very tasty. A tad chewy, but definitely not crumbly (a common GF baking issue). I almost forgot the icing on the cake, literally! Chocolate Duncan Hines icing - it's gluten free too.

Where to buy: Walmart

Enjoy Life Chocolate Bars

Recommendation: Enjoy Life Chocolate Bars

Review: Enjoy Life makes delicious gluten and dairy free chocolate. Enough said.

Where to buy: http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/chocolate-bars/

Udi's Gluten Free Bagels

Recommendation: Udi's Gluten Free Bagels

Review: Udi's plain bagels hit the spot for me. They come frozen so I pop them in the oven to defrost and toast up. They are light with a nice crispy crust. If you prefer dense bagels, these aren't for you. But if you want a nice bagel with a good crust to make a sandwich or put something creamy on like peanut butter or cream cheese, Udi's Gluten Free bagels will fit the bill.

Where to buy: http://udisglutenfree.com/products/Bagels

Aleia's Oatmeal and Golden Raisin Cookies

Recommendation: Aleia's Oatmeal and Golden Raisin Cookies

Review: Aleia's Oatmeal and Golden Raisin Cookies are just what I dreamed they would be when I bought the brown, filled to the brim brown bag. These hearty, crunchy yet moist cookies, leave behind a hint of salt flavor and a request for just one more. You won't be disappointed.

Where to buy: Health food aisle of Stop and Shop