The Musician's Wife

Review: Schar Gluten Free Ciabatta parbaked Rolls

 

Our house has been gluten free for about three years now (including my husband for almost two years! Yay!) and let me tell you, finding gluten free breads that have an enjoyabe taste and texture is really, really hard. 

I stumbled upon these rolls at a local gluten free health store.  I was looking for something different than the usual loaf of bread that would become dry and fall apart within two days of buying it. I don't care how good something tastes...if it HAS to be frozen and then HAS to be toasted it's a little too high maintenance for me.

Seeing these on the shelf, I grabbed the bag, shifted my eyes around like a guilty shop-lifter and sort of squeezed the rolls through the packaging when no one was looking. 

They were...soft! 

If you're not familiar with gluten free baked goods you won't realize what a big deal this is.  Let's just say that the closest I'd gotten to soft bread so far was a local gf bakery's french bread loaf who's crust made such a terrible creaking noise in my mouth as I chewed it I threw almost the whole thing away.

I decided to gamble and buy the rolls, which weren't cheap...I think either $4.99 or 6.99, I can't remember. 

I took them home, opened the bag and proceded to cut one in half, add some butter and eat it.

Right away. 

Without heating it up, toasting it or otherwise doctoring it up beyond adding a little unsalted butter.

A M A Z I N G.

Soft, slightly chewy, delicious.

Now, I know the package says these are parbaked (which I just found out means the bread is baked to about 80% finished, cooled, packaged and then shipped) and are supposed to be finished in an oven at home, but I have yet to do that with these rolls.  They don't need it. 

Maybe one day I'll get a package and finish baking them to see what they're like.

But that'll have to be a day when there's no butter, no jam and no peanut butter in the house to entice me to serve (and eat) these babies immediately after bringing them home!

You can visit Schar's website to find out more.  They have an online club I'm checking out and you can purchase their products online.  I have also found them in the Seattle area at Fred Meyer, Albertsons, online on Amazon.com and of course in our local GF stores, which I prefer shopping at if our budget allows it. 

Eight items I want to share with you

I try to only assign the world love to the living, breathing people and pets in my life. 

So here is a list of eight items that I really, really like and wanted to share with you.

Dish Scrubbies by Two Five

These are the best darn dish scrubbers around.  They do a great job have been safe on all my dishes/counters and wash right up with all my other kitchen laundry.  Since they're wool you're supposed to hang them dry but I've forgotten before and it hasn't really been a big deal.  The biggest reason why I love like these is that they are hand made with yarn gathered through thrift stores and other recycling means which keeps the environmental profile low.   Plus, they are reusable and cost less in the long run than sponges (that leave blue or green bits behind and fall apart after a couple of weeks!)

Laundry Soap by Two Five

This is another win/win.  We've been using this soap for a few months now and, YES, you only use a tablespoon per regular size load.  Seriously.  ONE TABLESPOON.  If you have an He machine it's half that.  YES.  HALF a tablespoon.  YES.  We double it for wet-the-bed type messes that have not gotten right into the washer but that's the only time we've done so.  A jar of it seems to last forever and there are five of us in the family! 

ImagiPLAY Toys

I just can't get over how adorable these toys are.  Also eco friendly, they are hand crafted and really well made.  Our youngest is getting this unique set for Christmas.   Buy now on Amazon!: Imagiplay Arctic Expedition Playset (40136)

Anamalz!

These animals just make me smile.  They are made from sustainable materials, totally eco and kid-safe.  A couple of ours have gotten tossed in the bathtub and after being quickly extracted and set on a window sill to dry were none the worse for wear.  I give these as baby gifts and they always get rave reviews!  Buy now on Amazon: Anamalz - Zoo Characters - Lion

Avalon Organics Lavender Facial Skincare Line

I use the facial cleansing gel, the hydrating toner and the spf18 moisturizer.  These products have a very light scent and really make my skin feel great.  I tend to have less redness and blotchiness when I use them morning and night...sometimes I forget in the morning and I can always tell the difference.  I purchase mine at Fred Meyer but you can purchase online as well: Avalon Organics Moisture Plus Lotion with SPF 18, Lavender, For Sensitive Skin, Renewal Vitality, 7-Ounces (Pack of 2)

Desert Essence Facial Cleansing Pads

My skin tends to be oily and also can feel rough and...icky.  I hate that.  I don't really like facial scrubs, though, partly because they are a little too harsh for my skin but also because I have a nose ring and those little crumblies tend to get caught up around my piercing and cause problems.  SO, I found these at Fred Meyer and they are great.  They do a great job exfoliating and the circle shape allows me to get all around my schnoz without any problems.  My face feels refreshed after and seems to take the toner and lotion in better as well.  I use these every other day in the shower before I wash with my usual cleanser.  Good stuff!  You can also get these online: Facial Cleansing Pads

My purse, made by Textiles by Heather (Go check her Flickr page to see more amazing designs!)

This isn't my exact purse but this looks just like it.  I think my flowers have chubbier petals and that's the biggest difference.  So here's the story with this bag.  I LOVE IT.  I really do.  I am attached to this thing like one of the family.  I bought this at the Urban Craft Uprising in Seattle in 2008.  I've been using it ever since.  It is washable, sturdy and gets so many compliments on a regular basis.  The problem is that I gave away all the business cards that I was given and then completely forgot the name of the company.  I finally had the big idea to search online for the vendor list at the 2008 UCU and eureka! I found it!  Her designs are beautiful but if I woke up tomorrow and the flowers had magically walked off the flap I would still love this bag.  The flap has a magnetic button snap and when you flip the flap open, the inside of the bag has a main compartment with to large pockets sewn into one side and three smaller pockets sewn into the other.  No zippers, nothing to get in the way and the compartments are roomy and there are enough of them to keep all my stuff organized.  The main pocket is big enough to hold a magazine or even my Eee PC netbook.  There is an outside pocket along the whole length of the bag and that is where I keep my keys and cell phone and other things I want easy access to.  The strap is very sturdy seat belt like material attached with thick plastic D rings and easily adjustable.  I have spilled coffee on it, water in it and washed it several times over the last two years and it has always washed up nicely.  I have used it exclusively for two years and there isn't a rip, tear, crack or stain on it anywhere.   I may just have the love in my heart to add another one of these to my life.  Or two.

My Necklace from 2nd Nature Jewelry @ CO.

This necklace is awesome.  It looks like it would be heavy and bulky, but it's not.  It's gorgeous and I love that I can wear it with my wedding rings that are gold.  So many pieces like this are made in silver,  so it was so great to find something like this that went with the jewelry I already have.  Plus it is so fun and unique! 

What's that you say? 

You like my necklace, too? 

Well...you can't have it!  But...I may or may not have  happened to order another equally beautiful necklace that may or may not have come with earrings as well.  And I may or may not be giving said necklace and said possibly existing earrings away on Monday. 

I guess you'll have to tune in then to see if I may or may not be telling the truth!

Muah ha ha!

(That's my evil laugh if you didn't get it...)

Tea time

Millie and I like to have tea time.

Apparently I like to have tea time while editing photos for writing a post about tea.

 

I have been looking for a good, local, organic tea. I've also been looking for Oolong tea, which I've read has great positive effects on metabolism and is tasty too.

I found a great one at the Sno-Isle Food Co-op. 

 

This brand is made right here in Seattle and it is organic.

Well, packed in Seattle.  It doesn't say on the box where the tea is grown, but further research found that they are grown in many places but are certified Fair Trade.  Another check in the awesomeness box! 

The box (the tea box, not the awesomeness box) is 100% recycled and the tag & string are attached with a knot and not a staple.  Which I really like.  I mean, who wants a little piece of metal from questionable origins soaking in their tea? Ew.

This tea is also really, really good.  I had some decent oolong at a friend's house a while ago and this beats the pants of it.  It has a mild flavor but isn't wussy.  They don't add a bunch of other flavors with it so it is what it is...no foofiness. 

Not that foofiness is bad, but sometimes you just want your tea straight up.

So, if you're into tea and like to buy local, fair and organic, now you know you have a Choice! Choice Organic Tea.  Many varieties can be purchased at the Sno Ilse Food Co-op and also online on Choice's website.  I'm sure they can be found other places as well.  I bet if you ask your local grocery to carry them they might just think that's a fabulous idea.

**please note that the Choice Organic Tea company doesn't know me and didn't ask me to write a review and tell y'all how great they are!**

WOW! Wednesday

Garlic is amazing.  Not only because it can make food taste divine (if used correctly) but also for it's uncanny ability to make me smelly for weeks after eating even small quantities. 

(Like my festive product presentation?)

I found this product at Winco and it's a great staple to have in the fridge.  I cut these little gems up and use them in eggs, soups and all manner of delicious recipes. They're simple and free of preservatives and other icky whatnot.  Just roasted garlic, salt and pepper.  The bestest thing of all? NO PEELING!! Hooray!

Unfortunately, having been in the veterinary biz for so long, these little buggers remind me of

Never mind...you don't need to know.  They're natural, tasty and make my life and my cooking easier and yummier! (Is that a word? It should be.)

p.s. The Christopher Ranch Company does not know me and all I know about them is that their product is wonderful.

*********************************************************************

Now, ladies and gentlemen, I have something special for you!!

(applause)

I am giving a way a copy of Ree Drummond's soon to be released cookbook, Pioneer Woman Cooks!!

 

This cookbook is filled to the brim with amazing recipes and beautiful, full color photographs. Ree's personal writing style (witty accompanied by dry hilarity) is present throughout.

It is being released in SIX days and I have already pre-ordered a copy...and I want to give it to YOU!  Even if this isn't a cookbook you'd like in your library I just know with all my heart there's someone you know who would love this for Christmas or Hanukkah or their birthday or because you made them angry and you need to do some suckin' up.

THE RULES

Answer the entry question below in a comment on this blog entry.  One entry per person, please. (Note: If you do not see your entry right away, please don’t enter a second time. Your entry will show up shortly!)

No entries after 9:00 pm Pacific Time Thursday.

One winner will be randomly selected and posted here Friday morning at 9:00 am Pacific Time.

The Question:

What is your most vivid Halloween memory?  Did you dress as a zombie pageant contestant and win most beautiful costume? Did you get so scared at the haunted house you peed your pants?  Tell me your most poignant Halloween story and you will automatically be entered to win the cookbook!

Good Luck!!