Some nights I just don't have the energy nor the desire to get in the kitchen and really cook. These nights I am very thankful for convenience. When I happened upon Gluten Free Cafe in the freezer section at my local grocer I was excited. A new convenience product to try out. I'm always looking for new gluten free items to try. While it's a rare day/night that I don't put together a home cooked meal its nice to know I have a quick fix choice. Maybe these products have been around a while, I don't know. They are new to my area so I thought I'd review one of them for now. Maybe the other flavors later.
I purchased the Asian Noodles from Gluten Free Cafe on this particular outing and I think it took me a week to get around to trying them. They microwaved easily and just like most frozen meals we're ready in just a few minutes.
As I peeled the plastic back I was greeted by the warm smell of ginger... I stirred up the noodles and the sauce just as the directions said. Of course it ended up looking nothing like the box, but do these type of meals ever? No.
As I peeled the plastic back I was greeted by the warm smell of ginger... I stirred up the noodles and the sauce just as the directions said. Of course it ended up looking nothing like the box, but do these type of meals ever? No.
I let it cool a minute and took a bite, the first thought that came to mind was that this dish was misnamed, rather than having a definite asian flavor I was tasting curry, strongly. The rice noodles weren't mush however they were a little softer than I would have liked, the chicken pieces had no texture or flavor at all and honestly I think the dish would have been fine if they weren't included. The water chestnuts and peanut bits saved the dish for texture, adding a nice bit of crunch and the carrots still had a bit of firmness to them as well. The portion size was just right for a light meal.
While I wasn't WOWd with this particular microwaveable meal it rated a fair percentage higher than some of the other similar gluten free convenience foods I've tried. Would I buy it again... lower the price a little and I would. Paying almost $5 for this really isn't realistic, I could make a comparable meal at home that would taste much better and be cooked exactly to my liking for less than I can buy this pre-packaged meal at the moment.
2 comments:
Hello,
I couldn't find an e-mail address on your blog, so I'm commenting to see whether you might be interested in receiving a review copy of Gluten Free Every Day Cookbook: More Than 100 Easy and Delicious Recipes from the Gluten-Free Chef by Robert M. Landolphi. We hope that if you like the book you’ll consider a mention or review on your blog, but there is no cost or obligation involved.
Rob, a gluten-free chef and graduate of the Johnson & Wales University culinary school, is a certified culinary arts instructor and culinary operations manager at the University of Connecticut.The dishes in the book are delicious, quick, and easy, offering lots of flavor and not much fuss. Rob offers contemporary recipes for soups, muffins, main courses, sides, cookies, pies, and more, as well as great methods for encrusting and dusting and other tips for a satisfying gluten-free diet.
If you’d like to receive a copy, please just send a shipping address to publicity2@amuniversal.com.
Thanks!
Best,
Tammie
Tammie Barker
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Check out our cookbooks at cookbooks.andrewsmcmeel.com
I haven't bought a pre-packaged meal since giving up the gluten and sugar. It's been a struggle but I have decided I'd rather know what I'm eating and know it's going to be good than take my chances. I agree with you about being able to cook a better meal for less. Sometimes, though, life gets so busy that I'd like to know I could pop a great meal in the microwave. Your review is great - lots of attention to detail.
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