Mixed Berry Gluten-Free Parfait and a #VansSimplyDelicious #Giveaway

Whether you're gluten-free by choice or by necessity, I'm sure you're thankful for the progress GF products have made. Both in quality and versatility. There has never been a larger selection than there is today.

Van's Simply Delicious has just widened that selection with a few more products added to their already delicious line-up. I'm talking about Van's Soft-Baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters and a variety of Van's Whole Grain Pastas Sides.

And I'm here to tell you a little about them and how I used them.

First...the Soft-Baked Granola.....omg...YUM! Like seriously. There are two varieties: Blueberry Walnut and Cranberry Almond. Both are equally delish and only lasted 2 days in my house. They're soft, chewy and crunchy with hints of cinnamon.

I made a delicious Mixed Berry Parfait with with Blueberry Walnut granola. The next day the bag was empty. So I grabbed the unopened Cranberry Almond bag and took it to work (to guarantee that I'd get some, otherwise my girls would've gobbled that bag up in no time as well). One day...poof...all gone. Not only did I have some for breakfast but munched on it all day long and then I let my co-workers have some. They also fell in love with it. So much so that one gal found it at the store that night and brought the bag to work the next day!

The parfait was very basic, simple and absolutely delish! All I did was layer the following ingredients in my glass:

Greek Yogurt
Sliced Bananas
Sliced Strawberries
Whole Blueberries
Van's Soft-Baked Granola Clusters of your choice.

Grab a spoon and enjoy. If you're in a hurry and not worried about presentation, toss it all in a bowl and have at it. Either way it's good!

The granola, like I said, is GF plus it's free of artificial flavors, colors and high fructose corn syrup.

Now for the Pasta selections: There's Rotini & Red Sauce, Creamy Herb and Garlic and Ultimate Cheddar Penne.

I used the Creamy Herb & Garlic Whole Grain and Lentil Pasta Side as a base for a casserole by adding a bit more milk to the sauce, Well, let me just give it to you in recipe form:

Chicken with Creamy Herb & Garlic Casserole

1 box of Van's Creamy Herb & Garlic Whole Grain Lentil Pasta
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted - divided
1 cup cooked chicken cut into bite-sized chunks
1/4 diced tomatoes
1/4 gluten free bread or cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon finely chopped basil or flat leaf Italian parsley to garnish

Preheat the oven to 350' F

Following the directions on the package, prepare the pasta.

Heat a large, oven-proof skillet (I used a cast iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, add the seasoning packet contents, then whisk in the milk, until smooth. Reduce heat to low.

Add the cooked pasta, chicken and tomatoes, stirring to combine. Top with crackers and drizzle the final tablespoon of melted butter over the crumbs.

Bake for about 20 - 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired.

Quick and easy and very tasty. I had one serving. No one else was home when I made it but the when I woke up the next morning, it was gone (I was hoping to have some leftover for lunch...but no such luck). I'd say it was a success!

I also had fun with the Rotini & Red Sauce Whole Grain and Lentil Pasta Side and made it into a meal in itself by topping it with some ground beef, sauteed onions and mushrooms then added cheese and  diced tomatoes. If I still had fresh basil or even green onions, I would've add those as well.

Another great dish for hectic nights when you need a quick, healthy and delicious meal.

I haven't made the Ultimate Cheddar Penne Whole Grain Rice Pasta Side yet, but when I do, I'll be adding some chunks of ham and topping it with cheddar cheese. I just have to get to the market to buy some ham.

I've had various kinds of gluten free pasta over the years. Some good. Some not so good. I am thrilled with this pasta, both in flavor and texture. It held together wonderfully, had great flavor and texture.

What I would really love, is to see Van's package the pasta on it's own. I think it would be a huge success, especially coming from an established brand that is already known for its quality gluten free products.

For more information on Van's Simply Delicious and their products, you can visit them:

Van's Food Website
Van's Food Facebook Page

And yes, I did mention a 

GIVEAWAY, 

didn't I? 

How would you like to win 3 coupons for 

FREE Van's Simply Delicious products 

and a few $1.00 off coupons as well? 

You could be the lucky winner by entering below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US residents only. This giveaway will run from Monday, February 16, 20145 through Sunday, February 22, 2015 (11:59 pm PT). A winner will be notified within 48 hours of the close of the contest and given 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. 

I was not compensated for this post, however Van's Natural Foods supplied me with samples. They are also supplying 3 coupons for free product and $1.00 off coupons for the giveaway.  All opinions are my own.

** Have you heard of Yummly? Did you notice the little "Yum" button at the very top center of my blog? It's a great way to collect your favorite recipes....quick click of a button. You can find me and my recipes on my Yummy Profile.