Titles:
If You Haven't Checked Out The Great Harvest Bread Co., You're Missing Out
Check Out Great Harvest Bread Co. For Great Desserts & Gluten-Free Bread
Deck:
the greatest desserts & gf bread
Bread was never a staple in my diet before I found out I had to become gluten-free. This wasn't because I thought bread was bad for me or anything, I was just never big into classic meals that had bread, like sandwiches or toast. However, you know how once you find out you can't have something, it makes you crave it? Yeah. I always knew that there were brands of gluten-free bread, but finding a good one wasn't easy. Some crumbled in my mouth, while others just didn't taste like the soft, flavorful, gluten-filled bread that I ate before my gluten-free diet. Then, I found Great Harvest Bread.
My mom's work in Mayfield, Ohio holds a farmers market on Thursday's and she began bringing home the most incredible gluten-free energy bars before I went to college. These bars are filled with chocolate chips, oats, dried cranberries, and so many other great ingredients. I found out that the company that makes these amazing products is called The Great Harvest Bread Company. I loved them so much that my mom began to purchase other gluten-free products from them. They have such a wide variety of breads that are both gluten-free and regular. Luckily for me, before I had to go gluten-free I did try some of their regular bread; each bread that they make is just as good as the next.
Whether you are craving a sweet Cherry Apple Berry Bread or a savory Bacon Cheddar Beer Burger Bun, Great Harvest Bread Company has you covered. Sadly, these two options aren't gluten-free, but don't worry their gluten free options are still just as delicious. But if slices of bread aren't your favorite, they have plenty of other high quality choices. Here's a few of my favorites that I think you should give a try if you ever are near one of the branches of The Great Harvest Bread Company, which are all over the US.
My Favorite Gluten-Free Bread
My favorite gluten-free bread option is the Whole Grain Gluten X Bread. This is a little bit of a denser bread, so it will definitely fill you up. It has simple flavor, so it works with anything. I think it makes a great base for avocado toast. The center of the bread is soft and doughy. This makes it taste like it just came out of the oven. The creamy avocado and soft texture bread will melt in your mouth. If you are looking for a crispy textured bread this bread can be transformed easily. This gluten-free bread also works great for homemade croutons. Just cut the bread into small pieces, toss them in olive oil and salt, and bake in the oven at 375 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will make any salad ten times better.
My Favorite Non-Gluten Free Bread
My favorite non-gluten free bread is the Cinnamon Swirl Bread. This bread is perfect plain or with delicious toppings ranging from a warm honey butter to creamy brown sugar cream cheese spread. The center of the bread has a perfect swirl of cinnamon that makes the bread not only delicious, but also super appealing to look at. Personally, if I go with a simple spread I like to toast my bread for about two minutes to warm it up. This bread also works perfect for french toast. Try it using your favorite french toast recipe. If you don't have a Great Harvest Bread Company store near you check out the blog Six Sisters Stuff for their copy cat version of the cinnamon swirl bread.
Their Bars
Their Trek Bars are my absolute favorite energy bar. They are not gluten-free, but can be easily made gluten-free. Just use gluten-free oats in one of the copy cat recipes online. My favorite copycat recipe comes from Mother's Kitchen Blog. They are made with oats, chocolate, dried cranberries, and creamy peanut butter. This sweet bar is perfect for an on the go breakfast or a post workout snack. They are so good that they will even satisfy your sweet tooth if you are looking for a healthier dessert option. If you are into eating energy bars, I would highly recommend giving these a shot if you ever have the opportunity to buy one.
Their Savannah Bar with Blueberries is like a step above a classic short bread cookie bar. This bar has a thick chewy buttery crust that melts in your mouth when you bite into it. The sweet jelly like blueberry compote that tops the crust helps to bring this bar to the next level. The jelly compote is then topped with a dense but light crumble topping that completes the bar perfectly. The Blueberry Savannah Bar is the perfect mash up of a short bread cookie and blueberry cobbler.
Their Desserts
The Pumpkin Cheesecake Roll is to die for. Talking about pumpkin rolls at college has taught me that many people have no clue what they. If you fall into that category, all I have to say is go find one to try. A pumpkin roll is a moist cake that has been rolled in a cylinder shape with a thick frosting swirling the center. It is the perfect fall flavor combination.
The Apple Spice Muffins from Great Harvest Bread Company are addictive. If you love apples as much as I do, or apple pie, or fall, then you will love these muffins too. They are filled with crunchy pecans, Granny Smith apples, and warm cinnamon flavors. The muffin has a sugary topping that melts into the muffin if you heat it up for a few seconds. Try cutting this muffin in half and microwaving one of the halves for about ten seconds. Then, top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup. This will give you the perfect dessert.
All Hail Bread
I would definitely recommend trying any of my favorites, but I don't think you can go wrong with anything that Great Harvest Bread Company makes. When you go to the store they normally offer a sample of one of their breads. This isn't just a small piece of bread either -- they give you a giant slice of bread, so if you are hungry they've got you covered. If you don't have a store near you that is okay. A few branches of Great Harvest Bread Company offer bread and gift deliveries. You won't get the whole selection that the actual store has to offer, but if you are dying for a homemade loaf of bread then this will work for.