Appearing as toast with jam for breakfast, a vegan sandwich for lunch, or a basket of rolls with dinner, bread makes an appearance multiple times each day on most tables.
Seems there may be a degree of truth in that English saying, Bread is the staff of life.
The right bread certainly can be a staff on which one rests their health. And that right bread just may be gluten free.
That's because gluten free breads tend to incorporate novel flours such as millet and sorghum, both of which are whole grains containing a multitude of vital nutrients.
In a recent conversation with a 35-year veteran of the grain industry, I learned about the unique properties of grains such as these and how important they can be to achieving optimal health.
Finding quality breads that incorporate healthful grains rich in macrominerals like magnesium and phosphorus is essential for the newly diagnosed gluten free eater, especially if there is a diagnosis of Celiac Disease.
I strongly believe that consuming the right nutrients can lead to a much faster healing of a gluten-ravaged gut.
While I enjoy baking, there are those occassions when it's nice to rely on the convenience of a quality ready-made bread when time is short.
Because I know you're busy, too, I decided to conduct some research to find a product that we can trust.
And that is how I found Smart Treat bakery just outside Asheville, NC, where Bonnie and Chef Brian are baking up fresh gluten and allergen free bread for you! It’s ready to ship from the bakery to your front door!
Smart Treat bread will not arrive frozen, so you can dig right in and have that sandwich you’ve been missing (I did!).
These are my findings:
Flax & Millet slices have a smooth texture and mild flavor, making the perfect partner for your favorite fruit spread or nut/seed butters. Toasted and cut into triangles, this bread substitutes for pita wedges - I enjoyed it with roasted red pepper hummus!
Cinnamon Raisin bread and a cup of coffee or tea will get you off to a terrific start each morning! Moist and full of plump juicy raisins and plenty of cinnamon flavor, this bread is fabulous on its own; however, if you prefer something more substantial, try this: slather warm slices of the bread with sunflower seed butter (or nut butter) and top with finely grated carrot and thin slices of apple. The kids will be begging for this healthy sandwich!
Onion Caraway bread has the mild flavor of sweet onion and the perky zip of caraway seeds throughout, lending just the right amount of flavor to your lunchtime sandwich!
The Sourdough Boule will complement your favorite gluten free Italian meal! The dense, yet tender, crumb of this pure white round is ideal for toasting and pairing with a roasted garlic spread, then dipping in your favorite marinara. It also makes a grilled (vegan) cheese like no other – the slices toast to a golden brown in the skillet with a crisp outer crunch, while remaining soft inside.
Smart Treat didn’t stop with bread! They’ve got you covered for dessert, too!
I tried Chocolate Brittle, Apricot Raspberry Krispies, and Vanilla Macaroons. The rest of the family sampled the Lemon Cookies (they contain soy, so I wasn’t able to taste those).
Although my family supports my blog and reads every post, I’m hoping they will skip this review.
I have a confession: I hid the Vanilla Macaroons. I tucked them behind the 2 large cans of roasted red peppers in the pantry, and I ate one each and every day until they were gone.
It wasn’t my intention at all. I share. Usually. The macaroons were an exception.
I even melted dairy and soy free chocolate and enrobed the macaroons. You have no idea. These little rounds of coconut goodness are currently in first place on my list of favorites. With their moist texture throughout, an abundance of finely grated coconut, and more flavor than any purchased treat I’ve ever eaten, I will be placing my order soon!
The Lemon Cookies were gone in 2 days. There were so many openings and closings of the pantry door, I finally left the container on the kitchen counter.
Little Chef dipped hers in milk and they held up beautifully, which surprised me because Mr. GFGigi commented on how delicate they are and their “buttery” tenderness. I didn’t bother telling him they are totally free of anything remotely close to butter. Why bother?
One more confession: I hid 2 pieces each of the Chocolate Brittle and the Apricot Raspberry Krispies. If you try them, you'll understand
Want your own secret stash? Visit Smart Treat on the web!
And take my advice, order extras...
Complimentary samples provided by Smart Treat bakery did not influence the opinions expressed in this review.








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