Mary’s Gone Crackers is a brilliantly-crafted line.

Wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, non-GMO, with no hydrogenated oils or trans-fats: These delicious crackers are the poster food for everything that is trending in specialty food today.

Yet, the brand dates to 1994, when Mary Waldner discovered that she and her son were allergic to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and most oats.

Eliminating those grains from their diet cured the condition.

However, in the food store environment of 25 years ago, it left her with nothing to eat in the area of bread, crackers and baked goods.

A lifelong baker, Mary began to experiment with the alternative gluten-free flours—corn, garbanzo bean, potato and rice flour, tapioca, potato starch and others.

She ultimately created a satisfying gluten-free version of her conventional brownies, cookies, muffins, pancakes and waffles.

But at parties, there wasn’t a cracker or bread stick that she could eat with the cheeses and dips. Mary went back to work using brown rice as a base for crackers.
 
 
MARY’S CRACKER VARIETIES

You don’t have to be gluten-free to become a fan. These whole food, organic crackers are so crunchy and delicious that almost everyone will find them irresistible.

The line is Certified Certified Gluten Free, Certified USDA Organic, Certified Vegan, Certified Whole Grain. It is also Non-GMO and Certified Kosher by OU.

The original four flavors of crackers have expanded to 16:
 
Original Seed Crackers

Original Seed Crackers combine organic, gluten free, whole grain brown rice, quinoa, flax seeds and sesame seeds. The result: a rich, earthy flavor with a great crunch in:

 
Super Seed Crackers

Mary’s Super Seed Crackers are packed with poppy, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. More seeds means more protein—enough to provide an energy boost (5 grams of protein per serving.

 
Real Thin Crackers

Mary’s Real Thin Crackers are made with sustainably sourced palm oil. It helps to create a buttery, toasty-tasting vegan cracker in:

 
Now you have all the crackers you need for cheeses, dips, and what-you-will.

If you have friends who eat gluten-free, surprise them with some boxes of Mary’s. It could be the best gift they get all year.

And now…

It’s time to go crackers!
 
 
Discover more at MarysGoneCrackers.com.

[1] A healthful spread with Mary’s Real Think Crackers (all photos © Mary’s Gone Crackers).

[2] Whatever your favorite dip, Mary’s crackers are at the ready.

[3] The seeds used to make the crackers.

[4] A selection of Super Seed flavors.

[5] You can have it all, with these Everything crackers.

[1] Banana Trio: banana cake, banana ice cream and caramelized fresh banana (photo © Good Food On Montford | Charlotte).

[2] Deconstructed Banana Split with grilled bananas at Sushi Samba (photo © Sushi Samba).

August 27th is National Banana Lover’s Day, and April 21st is Banana Day. Time for a choice of banana recipes!

You won’t believe what the original banana looked like: nothing you’d want to eat! Check out the history of bananas and see the photos.

So how should you celebrate National Banana Day?

Consider this idea (photo #1) from Good Food On Montfort in Charlotte, North Carolina.

 
 
MORE BANANA RECIPES

 
 
> THE HISTORY OF BANANAS

CHECK OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING ON OUR HOME PAGE, THENIBBLE.COM.

Add a burger, lettuce and tomato to this week’s products and you can make a different type of bacon cheeseburger.

Vive la différence!
 
 
1. DIESTEL UNCURED TURKEY BACON

Diestel Family Ranch sells turkey in every form imaginable, from the whole turkeys and cuts to ground turkey, hot dogs and sausages.

The birds are sustainably raised with care on family farms, with no antibiotics, growth stimulants, hormones or nitrates.

They eat a wholesome vegetarian diet, get plenty of fresh air, and have room to roam.

The latest in the product line is Uncured Turkey Bacon. Just crisp it in a pan or microwave, to serve with breakfast or to quickly add to a burger or sandwich.

 
Every Diestel product we’ve had has provided juicy turkey goodness, but switching to turkey bacon make us feel good about eating a healthy, lean meat alternative to conventional bacon.

 
Learn more at DiestelTurkey.com, and check out the recipes.
 
 
2. JARLSBERG SLICES

Many people who are lactose-intolerant have given up dairy cheeses for vegan cheeses—or no cheese at all.

But there are two cow’s milk cheeses that are 100% lactose free: Cheddar and Jarlsberg.

The total freedom from lactose—as opposed to other cheeses that have low lactose—is a function of the ripening process, where the remaining lactose is consumed by lactic acid bacteria.

Both are available in slices, ready for your burger.

 
Learn more about this delicious, nutty cheese at Jarlsberg.com.
 
 
3. NANDO’S HOT PERINAISE

Nando’s famous hot Peri-Peri Sauce has been subtly blended with creamy mayonnaise.

The result: fiery mayo for everyone who likes a hit of heat.

Use it:

 
Nando’s adds the fire and flavor of the peri-peri chile pepper to a range of sauces, marinades, spices, rubs and snacks.

The line is all natural, preservative- and MSG-free.

See the entire product line at Nandos.com.

[1] A turkey bacon cheeseburger with Diestel turkey bacon and burger, and slices of Jarlsberg cheese (photo © Diestel).

[2] Diestel Uncured Turkey Bacon is ready for eggs, a burger or other sandwich (photo © Good Eggs).

[3] We’ve long enjoyed Jarlsberg slices on burgers. Now Jarlsberg Cheese Snacks hit the spot for noshing (photo © Creative Pool).

[4] Hot Perinaise will spice up sandwiches, burgers, and much more (photo © Nando’s).