This batch of brownies received the ultimate test, a potluck dinner.  Five other desserts displayed, including a fancy plate with chocolate-chip studded slices of chocolate cake (from an insanely expensive grocery store might I add), and not a special dieter in the house.  I set out the pan of Namaste Brownies prepared just two hours before, and crossed my fingers.

At first, I watched the brownies like a hawk to see if anyone was taking, but not a single dessert had been touched.  I finally relaxed and mingled.  Within an hour I heard, “who brought these brownies” followed by a “those brownies are awesome”.  Two more “these are good” comments and an empty pan confirmed success!  Did I mention, only two of the chocolate cake slices were eaten.  The full fat, dairy laden chocolate cake amongst a crowd of cheese eaters remained practically untouched.  Yet the wheat, gluten, dairy, corn, potato and soy free brownies vanished.  Of course, I didn’t mention the special diet advantages, why ruin their indulgence and blow my cover?

I left a few at home for us to sample as well.  These brownies had a very dark chocolate taste, which was offset slightly by the sprinkling of chocolate chips that I couldn’t help but throw on prior to baking.  My husband agreed, they were very good, second only to mine.  He won some “brownie” points for that.  Excuse the bad pun.  I must admit, I wouldn’t notice that these were gluten-free.  Texture-wise, they fell right in between “cakey” and “fudgey”, and had a great melt-in-your-mouth quality. 

These were super easy to bake.  Though the mix is vegan, baking them without eggs could be a problem, since the mix calls for three of them.  It also requires one cup of oil, which tacks on some indulgence, but the mix did make a very big (13x9) batch.  The price is higher than your average brownie mix, but for a 2lb package, these are much cheaper than you could buy gluten free / casein free brownies for, if you could even find them.  Plus, you can buy it in bulk!

• Pros:  Wheat, gluten, dairy, corn, potato and soy free; Great environmental packaging can be re-used as a closable lunch sack; Popular with everyone, regardless of diet
• Cons:  Price is higher than your average mix

Recommended For:

• Potlucks
• Baking with Kids
• Brownie Sundaes
• An Everyday Dessert

Where to Buy:

• Online:  Direct from www.NamasteFoods.com
• In Stores:  U.S. & Canada

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