Happy Friday!

The past month I've received some feedback for more content focused on product reviews. I spent the past 2 weeks taste testing, reviewing, and using these 5 Bob's Red Mill products in different meals to try out variations and see what worked and didn't work. 

I would love to know your feedback on different products, and if there are other brands you'd like me to review, please let me know here!

Polenta Corn Grits

• The Good: Creamy, smooth, and quick cooking, perfect for a fast after-work dinner with some tomatoes and spinach. About 30 minutes to make, but easy maintenance to leave them simmering on the stove to go relax for a little while. 
• The Not-So-Good: a little coarse, so make sure to cook well with plenty of liquid to get your desired texture. 

Vanilla Protein Powder (Vegan)

• The Good: Super fine texture and honestly my favorite thus far to use in my morning green smoothie. Previously, I've been using Aloha protein, but this one might have me hooked. It's made with pea protein and has chia seeds in there as well. 
• The Not-So-Good: the monk fruit gives an interesting sweet taste - something to get used to, but when mixed with a banana it's rarely detectable! Minimalist Baker does a great review of plant-based proteins, 

Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

• The Good: Honestly, the best shredded coconut on the market. It is soft enough to use a lot in your baking without being overpowering and too crunchy like some coconut can be. Perfect addition to my favorite chocolate chip cookie.
• The Not-So-Good: Since it's unsweetened, make sure to sweeten your baking with some sort of natural sweetener to balance the taste like honey or pure maple syrup. 

1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour

• The Good: My go to. I have snuck this into MANY a recipe (like this one) for family and friends, and no one noticed it was gluten-free. It's 1 to 1 so no weird conversions for non-GF recipes or additions or baking powder. 
• The Not-So-Good: In my opinion, there isn't a better gluten-free baking flour out there. If you know of one, please feel free to let me know! I'd love to try. Contact me here. 

Super Fine Natural Almond Flour

• The Good: Texture is key. Almond flour can get cake-y and ball up if not careful, but this is perfect for almond flour pancakes like these.
• The Not-So-Good: A little grainy when not used with enough moisture, so be sure to taste test.

Bob's Red Mill has countless amazing products which I use daily for Gluten Free cooking and baking. Be sure to let me know if your experience with these products, I'd love to know!

Happy cooking!

- Marina