Bob's Red Mill Review
Bob's Red Mill Chia Seeds:
"I don’t know about you, but I never knew you could actually eat those little seeds used to make Chia Pets! And not only can you eat them, but the tiny seeds of the chia plant are high in fiber and provide “a nutritional boost comparable only to flaxseed in Omega 3 and dietary fiber content.” Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to try Chia Seeds from Bob’s Red Mill.
I followed one of the two recipes on the back of the bag and made myself a loaf of Lemon Chia Bread. Not only was the recipe easy to follow, but the bread tasted fantastic! It was moist and had the perfect amount of lemon. Overall, it reminded me of lemon poppy seed bread, but I could taste a subtle difference between the chia seeds and the (more commonly used) poppy seeds. The most unique thing I noticed about chia seeds is that they have a bit of a crunch to them. It’s hard to describe, but the texture that they added to the Lemon Chia Bread was perfect. I also tried sprinkling some of them into vanilla yogurt, which I also enjoyed. I plan on making the other recipe on the back of the bag, courtesy of The Chia Company. It’s called Chocolate “Mousse” Cake—doesn’t that sound yummy!?"
Bob's Red Mill Coconut Flour:
"Bob's Red Mill is one of my favorite companies for all sorts of flours and mixes, so this newly discovered gluten-free Coconut Flour is a dream. I've been cooking with coconut oil a lot lately, so to be able to find ways to use this high fiber, organic, healthy coconut flour as well, is fantastic. My first experiment was with banana bread, I already had a great recipe involving coconut oil and almonds, so I simply supplemented some of the regular flour for coconut (about 25%) and it added a whole new texture and taste that blended perfectly with the bananas. It has it's own natural sweetness (which means less reason to add more sugar) and it has a rich texture that just works great in a variety of baked goods. Add on top of that the fact that it's a source of protein and a great way to get more fiber in your diet and well, it makes me happy! I love experimenting with different flours and alternatives to your standard processed white flour. I am tackling chocolate macadamia nut cookies next using coconut flour and I can't wait. Anyone who battles a gluten intolerance should definitely learn how easy this flour is to use."
"I baked with Bob’s Red Mill’s Organic Coconut Flour. It was my first time using coconut flour and I was pleasantly surprised. When you open the bag of flour it already smells like baked cookies before you’ve begun cooking! The flour, itself, has a beautiful aroma of coconut and has a fluffy and light texture. This coconut flour appears to be even lighter than all-purpose flour or cake flour. When used in baking, it has a subtle flavor without being overpowering. I baked the Vanilla Almond Sugar Cookies recipe on the back of the bag, which incorporated the Organic Coconut Flour, as well as Bob Red Mill’s White Rice Flour and Potato Starch. These cookies are healthier than the average cookie, thanks to the fact that the Organic Coconut Flour is high in fiber, low in carbohydrates and gluten free! Whether one maintains a gluten-free lifestyle or not, these cookies are certainly delicious and have less guilt! Wheat flour can sometimes alter flavor when baking, but this flour does the job and enhances flavor! I can’t wait to use Bob’s Red Mill’s Organic Coconut Flour again!"
"Prior to one of my colleagues baking up a batch of fantastic Vanilla Almond Sugar Cookies, I hadn’t even given a thought to baking with coconut flour, but I’m definitely thinking about it now! Bob’s Red Mill produces a lovely Organic Coconut Flour that helped make these cookies light, fluffy, sweet, and delightful. The coconut flour is a good source of protein and fiber, something most folks I know need more of in their diets, and it adds a touch of sweetness that gave these cookies a straight-from-the-bakery flavor without the specialty bakery price tag. It was balanced nicely with their White Rice Flour, and I have to admit I found the cookies quite addictive. Next time I shop for baking goods, I will be seeking out Bob’s Red Mill Organic Coconut Flour…you should too!"
"I must admit that when I tried cookies prepared with coconut flour, I was a bit nervous. I don't like coconut or coconut flavored foods, so I figured I wouldn't be a fan. Luckily, I was wrong! The King Arthur's Coconut Flour added moisture to the cookie - they were the perfect texture. I also like the added health benefits (more fiber less carbs than plain white flour). I didn't taste any hint of coconut, just nuts (there were almonds in the cookies). I would definitely use this flour in my future baking endeavors."
