Two Moms in the Raw

I have been working hard to live a gluten-free, grain-free lifestyle, and while I gave up pasta a long time ago, there are still some things that are difficult to have on a grain-free diet.  One of those things is crackers. Without bread, and without pretzels, etc. crackers are sometimes the next best option. There are few grain-free, raw "crackers" I've tried, and they were acceptable.  Then recently I had some extra dips in my fridge, and Two Moms in the Raw crackers happened to stumble into my life. I new of the brand for its granola, but apparently the brand has evolved and they now have some rather tasting raw nut bars, as well as what they're calling "sea crackers." 

The crackers come in three flavors: garden herb, pesto, and tomato basil. The ingredient list is also fairly simple: flaxeseed, pinenuts, and then from their its a variety of spices. Of course these are not crackers that the average wheat-eating, meat-eating, grocery shopper would define as a cracker, but they are good. The only thing close to them both in texture and in taste I would say is the Skinny Crisp brand, and those still contain beans, chickpea flour is their base.

Beans are however not a food group you're really supposed to eat when on a paleo diet, but I am by no means on a paleo diet- I can't give up dairy, but I feel better being grain-free, no beans. Therefore, based on your dietary needs or desires, you can choose which way you want to go with that. In any case I'm a pretty big fan of this brand. Their nut bars are pretty awesome too. 

FrugAlert: New Grocery Store Finds

Spotted at Sprouts in Roseville, CA one of the best gluten free tortillas around: Sandwich Petals. 

Spotted at Raley's, a line of gluten free scones right next to mainstream Betty Crocker. 

I love this oatmeal and saw they had ready to go packaging, also at Raley's. 

Hodgson Mill Cookie Mix

Hodgson Mills makes a great fried chicken coating, but sometimes there is a reason why gluten free mixes end up at places like the grocery outlet or food co. Sometimes you luck out; other times you don't. This cookie mix was interesting. It had potential based on it's ingredient list containing more high end flours like amaranth, but then again if not blended right it leaves a funny/bad after taste.  As most cookie mixes go this mix had the issue of not having enough liquid to actually mix without hurting your wrist and/or adding more moisture. The end result was, well, one big fat cookie blob.