Alternative Baking Co. - Chocolate Explosion - Oct. 8, 2014

Chocolate of the Day: 

Alternative Baking Company, Inc.
Chocolate Explosion cookie
Good
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in 1 cookie
Calories: 240 calories in 1 cookie
Cost: $1.79 for 1 cookie
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #8 of Chocolate and Gluten-Free Cookie Theme Week.

This Chocolate Explosion cookie from Alternative Baking Company (Sacramento, CA) was gluten, egg, and dairy free. Chocolate chips or chunks created small bursts of chocolate flavor and texture with each bite. The cookie base was cohesive (consistent texture and it did not crumble), with a slight doughy taste.

Alternative Baking Co. - Fudge cookie - Oct. 7, 2014

Chocolate of the Day: 

Alternative Baking Company, Inc.
Fudge Indulgence cookie
Good - Good +
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in 1 cookie
Calories: 220 calories in 1 cookie
Cost: $1.79 for 1 cookie
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Gluten-Free Cookie Theme Week.

However, given the large number of gluten-free cookies with chocolate this week, I'll be stretching this week out -- to a baker's dozen of 14 days.

Today's individually wrapped Fudge Indulgence cookie from the Alternative Baking Company, Inc. (Sacramento, CA) was vegan, egg free and dairy free. It hung together well and was not too crumbly. And it was also a good size for dessert. Not too small, not too large. The sealed plastic package made the individually-wrapped cookie easier to transport for a lunch or snack on the go.

The Fudge Indulgence cookie was one of five different gluten-free cookie flavors available. I will sample the company's "Chocolate Explosion" gluten-free cookie tomorrow.

The Plant - Spicy Chewy Chocolate Cookies - Oct. 6, 2014

Chocolate of the Day: 

The Plant Cafe Organic
Spicy Chewy Chocolate Cookie(s)
Good ++ - Very Good
Weight: 2.1 oz. (59 g.) (estimate) for 2 cookies
Calories: 375 calories (estimate) in 2 cookies
Cost: $1.65 x 2 = $3.30 for 2 cookies
Purchased from: The Plant, Strawberry Village, Mill Valley, CA

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Gluten Free Cookie Theme Week.

It's been a pleasure to try so many great-tasting gluten-free cookies this week. When I stopped eating wheat and gluten, 15+ years ago, there weren't many wonderful gluten-free baked goods. Times have changed.

The Plant Cafe Organic (San Francisco) has been a reliable source of organic, vegan and gluten-free chocolate dessert options.

The Spicy Chewy Chocolate Cookies from The Plant Cafe location in Mill Valley, CA, were light, crunchy, crispy and -- as advertised -- spicy and chewy as well. It was a perfect interplay of chocolate with these flavors and textures.

I was worried that the "spicy" in this case might be the hit-you-in-the-face variety. But, the spices were wonderfully mysterious and intriguing. Was that a hint of chili? A glimmer of ginger?

Rebecca's - Chocolate Chip - Oct. 5, 2014

Chocolate of the Day:

Rebecca's Mighty Muffins
Chocolate Chip cookie
Good ++
Weight: 3 oz. (84.9 g.) (estimate) in 1 cookie
Calories: 300 calories (estimate) in 1 cookie
Cost: $3.00 (estimate) for 1 cookie
Purchased from: Rebecca's Mighty Muffins table, California Ave. Farmers Market, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and Gluten Free Cookie Theme Week, and I found today's chocolate treat at a local farmers market. Rebecca's booth/table included several types of muffins and baked goods -- some vegan and some gluten free.

Rebecca's Mighty Muffins (based in Santa Cruz, CA) gluten free chocolate chip cookie tasted fresh, and had just the right amount of crunch. This generously sized cookie also had a very subtle hint of coconut that I liked -- perhaps from a touch of coconut oil or coconut flour). 

Amore - Chocolate Biscottini - Oct. 4, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Amore, Inc.
Glutenetto - Asst. Biscottini (Chocolate and Almond)
Good
Weight: 1.33 oz. (37 g.) (estimate) in 2 cookies / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total container
Calories: 160 calories (estimate) in 2 cookies
Cost: $8.99 for 1 container of 9 cookies
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #4 of Chocolate and Gluten-Free Cookie Theme Week.

Firm, bar-shaped, Italian-style biscotti cookies have a longer shelf-life than many cookies, and are sometimes used for dunking in cappuccino or are nibbled on with a tiny glass of Vin Santo (Italian dessert wine).

Today's gluten-free Chocolate (and Almond) Biscottino from Amore, Inc. (Vista, CA) were crunchy, slightly crumbly, and stood up to a dip in some sherry -- the closest thing I had to Vin Santo.

Liz Lovely - Chocolate Moose Cookie - Oct. 3, 2014

Chocolate of the Day:

Liz Lovely, Inc.
Chocolate Moose Dragon - Chocolate Fudge Cookie
Good - Good +
Weight: 3.17 oz. (90 g.) in 1 cookie
Calories: 380 calories in 1 cookie
Cost: $2.50 for 1 cookie
Purchased from: SweetE Organic, Mill Valley, CA

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate and Gluten Free Cookie Theme Week.

This Chocolate Moose Dragon - Chocolate Fudge Cookie was designed by Liz Lovely, Inc. (Waitsfield, VT). This dark, fudgey and crumbly cookie was covered with sparkling sugar crystals.

I would suggest eating this tasty, individually-wrapped cookie over a plate or napkin -- to catch the gluten free, dairy free, egg free, kosher/pareve, Non-GMO crumbs.

Liz Lovely - Gluten Free Cowgirl Cookie - Oct. 2, 2014

Chocolate of the Day: 

Liz Lovely, Inc.
Gluten Free Cowgirl Cookie - Soft Baked Chocolate Chip
Good
Weight: 3.17 oz. (90 g.) in 1 cookie
Calories: 420 calories in 1 cookie
Cost: $2.50 for 1 cookie
Purchased from: SweetE Organic, Mill Valley, CA

Today was Day #2 of Chocolate and Gluten-Free Cookie Theme Week.

This generously sized, soft baked chocolate chip Cowgirl Cookie from Liz Lovely, Inc. (Waitsfield, VT) was gently striped with chocolate.

This is a noteworthy item for people with dietary restrictions. And, weighing in at 420 calories in 1 individually-wrapped cookie, this gluten free, dairy free, egg free, Non-GMO, vegan and kosher treat is a substantial dessert or snack.

Given that this cookie was crafted without egg or gluten, it held together well and had a rich, satisfying texture (not too crumbly or mealy).