Strawberry Pretzel Yogurt Cups + a $100 President's Choice Gift Card Giveaway (Giveaway Closed)

Part Two.

After my husband was diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity, we had to change the way we ate. Our pantry had an overhaul, swapping out semolina pasta for buckwheat noodles and bran flakes for crispy rice cereal. We became diligent label readers, looking for any ingredients that could cripple my husband's insides. Lunchtime was no longer as simple as reaching into the bread bin for a loaf of bread to make a sandwich. A majority of gluten-free bread was sold in the freezer section of the supermarket and had to be thawed, toasted, and camouflaged in an array of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments for it to be consumed without making a face. Friday night pizza dates were kiboshed until we could find a decent substitute.

Food was quickly losing its flair with me.

My first attempt at a gluten-free baked good came from a trusted gluten-free blogger. I had made their blueberry muffins, excited for the outcome. They were good, but nothing to write home about. I'm not entirely sure it was their fault; the taste and texture of fifteen different flours that were required to make said muffins took our palates some getting used to. I eventually broke down and attempted to made my own GF all purpose baking mix. Unfortunately, it became quite laborious, very expensive and still left an acrid aftertaste. I also felt like I had a million small plastic bags from my trip to the bulk store jammed into my pantry, forgetting which flour was in which bag. It wasn't long before I began to loathe the flavour of buckwheat and the smell of chickpea flour.

We branched out and tried a few gluten-free products that grocery stores did carry. The better ones were mediocre at best while the others left much to be desired. We plodded along, improvising where we could and did our best to make the most of the situation. As time went on, gluten-free products began to get a makeover and significantly improve. More and more companies were introducing and implementing the pleasing flavours and textures of rice, corn, and quinoa into their goods.

Then something delicious happened. In 2013, President's Choice released a gluten-free coconut cookie; a soft cookie bursting with coconut flavour and a texture that mimicked those of their glutinous counterparts. Finally, a sweet treat that didn't taste like cardboard. In fact, they were so good, I read the label several times to ensure they were in fact gluten-free. I purchased an obscene amount of these cookies that first month and found creative ways to use them. Our favourites were ice cream sandwiches and this dessert. 

Not long after, President's Choice began to implement more products into their gluten-free line, which made both of us excited about food again.

Fast forward to today. President's Choice offers a delicious and wide selection of affordable gluten-free, lactose-free, and peanut-free products (readily available at all Loblaws and affiliate grocers) that encourages compromise-free eating without compromising on taste or texture.

Compromise-free eating simply means one can enjoy meals, desserts, and treats that have all the flavour, taste and texture of food without the restrictions or harmful effects many people get when they consume such products.

I created these Strawberry Pretzel Yogurt Cups (see recipe below) using PC's gluten-free pretzels and lactose-free yogurt. It's a take on a popular dessert I ate as a child. I swapped out cream cheese for yogurt, added a few ingredients and honestly, it's an incredible, compromise-free substitution with less calories and more protein. So feel free to indulge.

Give them a go and let me know what you think.

To make it much more tempting to try these recipes, I'm giving one lucky Canadian the chance to win a $100 PC gift card. Think of the many COMPROMISE-FREE dishes you can purchase, prepare, and consume with this card - nachos, macaroni and cheese, vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, or even just some cheese and crackers to pair with that gorgeous Italian wine you've been saving for a special occasion.

Follow the Rafflecopter prompts and be sure to comment on my blog which PC gluten-free or lactose-free product you're hoping to try and you'll be entered into the drawing. It's that simple. Be sure to take a photo of your favourite President's Choice gluten-free or lactose-free products, tag @PresChoice and don't forget the hashtag, #CompromiseFree.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to all legal residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority at the time of the contest in the province or territory in which they reside. Void in Quebec. 

No purchase necessary to enter. 

Giveaway will run from Friday, April 28, 2017 at the time of posting and end on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 11:59pm. Winner is chosen at random via Rafflecopter. Winner will be contacted via email and given 48 hours to respond.  If not, a new winner will be chosen. Winner selected MUST correctly answer a skill-testing mathematical question. Winner's name will be displayed on Rafflecopter widget. Email address will never be given out to a third party or anyone for that matter. 

STRAWBERRY PRETZEL YOGURT CUPS

2 cups PC Gluten-free Pretzel Bites, crushed
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups PC Lactose-free plain yogurt
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon PC Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste
2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons strawberry jam

To make pretzel base:
In a food processor, gently pulse pretzel pearls to coarse crumbs. Pour into a small mixing bowl. Add in granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix together until thoroughly blended.

To make yogurt mixture:
In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt, maple syrup (or honey if using), and vanilla bean paste until blended.

To prepare strawberries:
In a heat-proof dish, microwave strawberry jam for 30-45 seconds until jam is melted. Pour over chopped strawberries and stir to coat.

To assemble cups:
In six six-ounce glass dishes, scoop pretzel mixture into dish and lightly press to conform to the shape of the bottom. Gently spoon yogurt mixture into glasses over top the pretzel mixture. Carefully spoon strawberry bits over top yogurt.

Garnish with a few pretzel bites and fresh mint and serve.


Disclosure: This post is sponsored by President's Choice. As anything and everything I review, all opinions and views are completely my own. I will never endorse anything I don't love, use or believe in, but I will always give my honest opinion regardless.