Everyday Product Review Part 3

Continuing on our theme, we have moved on to the final part of our product review posts- baking mixes and misc. products! We do tend to mix flours and make our own starchy sides from scratch, but we can't fool ourselves into thinking they taste just like their regular counterparts. And while we have gotten used to the unique tastes and textures that gluten free products take on, we know many of our friends and family still prefer the real deal. All of these products are so close to normal when prepared they are well worth any cost.

Part 1: Baked Goods

Part 2: Snacks

Pasta – Tinkyada - We went through quite a few gluten free pasta brands before settling on this one. We had originally received it as a gift from east coast relatives, but it has since shown up at the Safeway near us, so we no longer need it shipped! The ‘not mushy’ on the front of the package says it all- it doesn’t get soggy and break down over time, like many gluten free pastas.

Jason here. I love the “not mushy” it says on the front. These are a little more finicky to cook then regular pasta, but when done right they come just fine and of course, not mushy.

Brownie mix – Gluten Free Pantry Double Chocolate Brownie Mix - This was actually the first ‘gluten free’ product I purchased- seemed like a quick and easy option. They come out very moist and chewy, with tiny chocolate chips sprinkled throughout to give surprise bursts of flavor. We tend to keep a box in the pantry for last-minute gatherings.

Jason here. This chocolate brownie mix creates really good brownies quickly. The key part for me is that it is nearly zero work to actually make these, and they taste just like regular brownies. For a nice addition, I like to drizzle some chocolate syrup into the brownie ban just before putting it into the oven. This creates some interesting swirls and can sometimes leave chocolate syrupy areas.

Pancake Mix – King Arthur Gluten Free Pancake or Waffle Mix - Fantastically simple to whip up, perfect for a sleepy Sunday morning when you just want to enjoy the peace and quiet a bit longer. They come out fluffy, springy, and slightly sweet- just like what you would find at an old fashioned diner. If you feel like putting in the extra effort, figure out some add-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, or pecans, or make some sort of fruit compote to top them. Worth the extra effort!

Jason here. One of my favorite breakfast items is chocolate chip pancakes. I don’t know why every restaurant doesn’t offer these, as all you have to do is add chocolate chips to the batter or drop them right in the pancake as it cooks. The pancake mix we used did make fluffy pancake that tasted great. However, making your own homemade pancake mix is fairly easy.