GF review: Kind Bars

Finding a healthy, yummy , GF snacks that don't rely on prepared GF bread or chips for me is hard. I mean don't get me wrong I appreciate well made GF bread , however its not an everyday snack or even a staple in most my meals. My preferences could make it hard on myself. I could probably make toast or eat safe chips, but I digress...

When I started this whole celiac journey I met this lovely girl named Val. She is probably one of the most caring people in the entire world and ALWAYS ALWAYS thinks of what others need long before what she needs. Well I had barley just met her and she was sending me texts telling me about kind bars. I was okay Ill look them up. I was in the thick of finals , so it took me a while. When I finally tasted some yummy flavors( probably from her house :) ) I was in love.

KIND"S all all fruit and nut healthy bars. They are made with all natural ingredients( no chemical additives, high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils) to make a body stronger and healthier-and every single one is gluten free. And don't worry they don't taste like saw dust. With flavors like peanut butter dark chocolate(protein), cranberry almond(antioxidant), dark chocolate cherry cashew (antioxidant) and pomegranate blueberry pistachio you are going to be sneaking these every chance.

I love them and for me they give me the extra protein and calorie boost I need in my meals. Gluten free can feel limiting but it just takes some practice, sleuth skills and some good friends. So whether you are GF or not try these yummy yummy bars out. If you live in the east bay near me look at REI, Target, some gas stations, Costco, Starbucks, vitamin shoppe and apparently Fry's electronics lol! I also found them at a lot of shops on campus at SFSU. SO just keep your eyes open.

And a kind bar should be in my GF goodie basket for this months giveaway! Don't forget to sign up on my giveaway post for a chance , spread awareness and donate if you can. Go here to hear more about my giveaway http://elephanthour.blogspot.com/2011/05/may-awarness-celiac-awareness-and.html.

Be Gluten Free With Me!

As you may, or may not know, I am a celiac so I have to eat gluten free. I am finding a lot of joy in it through creating my own recipes and dishes. Gluten free does not mean i have to give up yummy food.So take the gluten free journey with me !

This weekend is the tenth annual hardly strictly blue grass festival and I decided to create some goodies to bring along. I created my very own gluten free, nut free, vegan and 100% delicious granola squares.

Nic's Granola Squares done right! (Gluten free, nut free, vegan, and yummy)

Ingredients

1 c. of dried cranberris( or you can use blueberries, cherries, apricots or any mixture)

2 c. pumpkin seeds

2 c. sunflower seeds

2 c. gluten free rice cereal ( not all rice cereals are gluten free, rice krispies are not but if you are not a celiac then use what ever one you like most)

1/3 c. honey ( you can use more or less depending on how sweet you want it)

1/3 c. sugar or brown sugar( I ran out of brown sugar and used white sugar; there was no taste difference in taste)

1/4 c. vegan butter( I use Earth Balance , you can find it almost anywhere)

** Also if you want add some nuts or even some yummy chocolate chips. If you add chocolate chips do it add the end after you mix everything. You can push them into the top before it cools or even drizzle it on top!**

1. Combine honey, butter and sugar into a saucepan. Bring it too a boil and then let it simmer for two minutes.

2. While the honey mixture is coming to a boil mix all your dry ingredients in a large bowl.

3. Add the honey mixture to the dry ingredients and mix it up.

4. Before it cools spread into a pan evenly and add extra honey , Cinnamon, or chocolate to the top.

5. Put in the refrigerator for at least two hours , cut up , and enjoy!

I loved them , the come out chewy and the dried fruit gives it such a great taste. Everyone will ask for more.

( don't mind my picture I am not much of a photographer and I take pictures with my cell phone he he)