Italian Sandwich Bread (Gluten Free)

Italian Sandwich Bread (Gluten Free)

I panicked when I found out that I was allergic to Gluten…that meant NO BREAD!!! 🙁 I tried the frozen GF Breads in the grocery store, but they all tasted wrong! And the texture was well, also wrong!! So, I decided to hit the internet and cookbooks for a good GF Bread Recipe. I had tried SO many different recipes and was just about to give up when I discovered a wonderful GF Bread Flour Blend by Kim (“letthemeatgfcake”). Everyone in my family couldn’t believe that it was Gluten Free…it tasted JUST like “regular” gluten bread 🙂 I bake at least one loaf per day…sometimes 2….yes, it’s THAT great!!! Now, I can have my GF Bread and eat it, too 🙂
A HUGE “Thank You” to Kim @ “letthemeatgfcake.com” for sharing this delicious recipe!

  • 3 Cups + 3 Tbsp (453 g) GF Bread Flour Blend (recipe in the notes*)
  • 2 Tbsp + 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 2 tsp Quick Rise Yeast (Instant)
  • 2 Cups Milk (You can use Whole, 2%, 1%, Skim, Rice Milk, Cashew Milk, Oat Milk, etc.)
  • 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted; You can also use a dairy-free butter, such as “Earth Balance”)
  1. Thoroughly coat the bread pan/pans with shortening and then a dusting of GF Flour, being sure to bang the pan to get rid of any extra flour. Set aside.
  2. In a small microwave-proof bowl, melt the butter and set aside.
  3. Using a stand mixer, combine (on Low) the GF Flour Blend, Sugar, Salt and Yeast until completely mixed (about 1 minute).
  4. In another microwave-proof bowl, heat the milk for 45-60 seconds or until just slightly warm.
    Note: I use a 2-Cup Glass measuring cup with a pour spout to make it easier to add to the flour mixture.
  5. Pour the melted butter into the luke-warm milk.
  6. Turn the mixer on to Low and slowly pour the Milk/Butter mixture into the Flour blend until completely combined.
  7. Scrape down the sides of bowl and increase the speed to Medium-High and beat for 5 minutes.
  8. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the bread dough into the prepared bread pan and spread dough out evenly.
  9. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot to rise for about 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
    Note: I place my breads on top of our cable box since it is nice and warm 🙂
  10. Once the bread dough is ready to bake, place one oven rack in the lowest position and the other rack in the middle position of your oven. Next, place an oven-proof baking pan/dish on the bottom rack (off to one side, so it isn’t directly underneath where the bread will be baking – you don’t want to block heat to the bread above it); add about 1 cup of water to the pan (this is for producing steam for the baking bread).
  11. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  12. Remove plastic covering from bread loaf and bake for 35-40 minutes. Bread is done with it starts pulling away from the sides and it makes a hollow thud sound when you thump it lightly.
    Note: if bread starts to get too dark on the top, cover with foil – start checking at about 15 minutes.
  13. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack while still in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove bread from pan and continue cooling on the wire rack.
  14. Enjoy with butter and honey or fresh strawberry jam or with your favorite sandwich fixings 🙂

Before I start with the recipe for the Gluten Free Bread Flour blend, I need to point out a few things:

1st, kitchen scales would be very helpful since the ingredients in this recipe have to be weighed (in grams).

2nd, weigh each ingredient separately and then add to the storage container or ziploc baggie used to keep the flour fresh.

3rd, I have found that it is much easier to store my flours and flour blends in large plastic containers with tight-fitting tops – easy to scoop from 😉

GF Bread Flour Blend Recipe (makes 5 Cups):

  • Potato Starch – 280 grams
  • Superfine White Rice Flour – 245 grams
  • Tapioca Starch/Flour – 75 grams
  • Whey Protein Isolate (unflavored) – 75 grams
  • Xanthan Gum – 15 grams
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
American, Italian




Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Coffee Cake (Gluten Free)

Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Coffee Cake (Gluten Free)

Do you like Coffee Cake? Are you Gluten-intolerant or have Celiac’s and miss eating yummy treats, like Brown Sugar Cinnamon Coffee Cake? Well, now you can have your coffee cake and eat it, too 🙂 This is truly one of the BEST Coffee Cakes I have ever eaten!!! A HUGE “Thank You” to Audrey from “Mama Knows Gluten Free” for sharing this delicious recipe…my entire family thanks you 🙂

The Cake Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour, Sifted (I use King Arthur brand; sifted)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum (if your GF Flour Blend doesn’t already have it)
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 4 tsp Baking Powder (make sure it’s GF)
  • 1 1/2 Cups Whole Milk (you can also use Almond, Rice, Cashew or Coconut Milk for a dairy-free option)
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, melted (or use Earth Balance brand for a dairy-free version)

The Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Topping

  • 1 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened (or Earth Balance for dairy-free)
  • 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
  • 2 Tbsp GF All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon

The Glaze Ingredients:

  • 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 5 Tbsp Whole Milk (or dairy-free milk of your choice)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Making the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking pan (preferably glass) with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. Gather the ingredients needed for Cake.
  4. Melt the Butter and set aside.
  5. Using a stand or handheld mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the GF Flour, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Sugar and Baking Powder on Low until thoroughly blended.
  6. Add the Milk, Eggs and Vanilla to the Flour mixture, blending until thoroughly mixed.
  7. Slowly drizzle the Melted Butter into the Flour-Milk mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
  8. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Set aside while you prepare the Brown Sugar topping.

Making the Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Topping:

  1. Using a Stand or handheld mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened Butter, Brown Sugar, GF Flour and Cinnamon until thoroughly mixed and creamy.
  2. Drop this Brown Sugar mixture by spoonfuls onto the coffee cake batter in the baking pan making sure to cover the surface equally.
  3. Using a sharp knife, thoroughly swirl the Brown Sugar mixture throughout the coffee cake batter.
  4. Bake in preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, checking after 30 minutes. Cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Making the Glaze:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Powdered Sugar, Milk and Vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm Coffee Cake and let set for about 10 minutes. Slice into desired-size pieces and Enjoy with a glass of ice-cold milk :)!

Store in an air-tight comtainer. Re-heat slices in microwave for about 10-15 seconds 🙂

Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks, Sweet Breads
American




Gluten Free Lemon Pound Cake

Gluten Free Lemon Pound Cake

This Lemon Pound Cake turns out moist, tasty and delicious every time! Made with Fresh Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest puts this GF Lemon Pound Cake over the top! I have learned to make TWO cakes, since my family tends to inhale the first one within a few hours 😉
A big “Thank You” to America’s Test Kitchen for creating this recipe 🙂

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 Cups King Arthur Gluten Free Multi-Purpose Flour (Sifted)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
  • 1 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon Zest (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (from the Lemons used for Zest)
  • 4 Large Eggs
  • 1/2 Cup Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (Melted)

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2 tsp Lemon Juice

The Cake Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Grease and flour an 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ loaf pan. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the Flour, Baking Powder, Salt and Xanthan Gum until blended. Set aside.
  4. In a food processor, combine the Granulated Sugar and Lemon Zest until thoroughly mixed (about 7 pulses).
  5. Next, add the Lemon Juice, Eggs, Softened Cream Cheese and Vanilla Extract to the Sugar mixture. Process until completely blended (about 20-30 seconds)
  6. With the Food Processor running on Low, slowly drizzle the melted Butter into the Cream Cheese mixture. Continue processing until mixed completely (about 30-40 seconds).
  7. Add this Cream Cheese mixture to the Flour mixture in the large bowl. Whisk until thoroughly blended and smooth.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Decrease the temperature to 325 degrees and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until cake is a light golden brown and toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Remove cake from pan and continue cooling on the wire rack until completely cooled (about 1 1/2 hours).

The Glaze Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Powdered Sugar and Lemon Juice until smooth, adding more sugar if not thick enough.

Putting it all Together:

  1. Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the Glaze over the top of the cake, letting it run down the sides. Sprinkle fresh Lemon Zest on top and let Glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy 🙂

Store cake at room temperature in a large plastic baggie, sealed tightly.

Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks, Sweet Breads




Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie-Cream Sandwiches

Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie & Cream Sandwiches

These little treats are sinfully rich, moist and delicious 🙂 They are certain to please any Gluten-Free Chocoholic! I converted this recipe from The Pioneer Woman’s (aka: Ree Drummond) “Chocolate Devils,” which were intended to be a cake-like consistency, but to our delight the Gluten-Free version turned out to be a moist, brownie-like consistency. A 5-Star hit in our household 🙂

Brownie Ingredients:

  • 2 Cups Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour, sifted (must be sifted to reduce grittiness)
  • 2 Cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 Cup Butter, salted (2 sticks)
  • 4 Tbsp Cocoa (heaping Tbsps)
  • 1 Cup Boiling Water
  • 1/2 Cup Buttermilk
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Large Eggs

The Cream-Filling Ingredients:

  • 5 Tbsps All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour, Sifted (again, must be sifted to reduce grittiness)
  • 1 Cup Whole Milk
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup Salted Butter, Softened ((2 sticks))
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar

The Ganache Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups Heavy Cream
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 4 Cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Making the Gluten-Free Brownies

  1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Gather the ingredients.
  3. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray the paper as well. Set aside.
  4. In a stand mixer, combine the Flour, Sugar and Salt on low. Set aside while moving to the next step.
  5. In a small or medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the Cocoa Powder and mix until completely combined. Add 1 Cup boiling water to the saucepan, mixing well and bring to a boil. Let boil for about 30 seconds. Add this mixture to the Flour mixture and blend on low until combined. Let cool slightly.
  6. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the Buttermilk, Baking Soda, Vanilla and Eggs until thoroughly combined. Pour this into the Flour-Butter mixture and blend on low until completely combined.
  7. Scrape the Brownie mixture into the prepared cookie sheet, spreading evenly over the parchment paper.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely! This is very important – if brownies are not cooled all the way, the cream filling will just melt and turn to goop 🙁 If I have the time, I let mine cool overnight.
  9. Once completely cooled, cut the brownies into 2″ squares and place on a wire rack on another cookie sheet (you can use a square cookie cutter if you have one). Set in a cool spot while you prepare the cream filling.

Making the Cream Filling:

  1. In a small saucepan, whisk the GF Flour and Milk together and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until very thick (like pancake batter). Remove and cool completely. Add the Vanilla and blend thoroughly.
  2. Meanwhile, in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened Butter and Sugar until VERY light, smooth and fluffy.
  3. Next, add the completely cooled Flour-Milk-Vanilla mixture to the Butter-Sugar mixture and beat on medium to medium-high for about 5-7 minutes – you want it to look like whipped cream.
  4. Using a pastry bag or plastic freezer (these are thicker and sturdier than regular ones) baggie fitted with a large star tip, fill the bag with the Cream Filling and pipe onto one of the cooled brownies. Place another brownie on top and press down gently. Repeat with the remaining brownies, reserving a small amount of the cream for the tops of the brownies. Set aside while you prepare the Ganache.

Making the Ganache:

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the Heavy Cream over medium-low until VERY hot. Add the Vanilla and Chocolate Morsels and stir until all of the chocolate is melted and blended completely.
  2. Remove Ganache from the heat and ladle over each Brownie Sandwich. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  3. When ready to serve, top each Brownie Sandwich with some of the Cream and perhaps a cherry or raspberry 🙂
  4. Enjoy!

I know that there are a lot of steps involved, but believe me it’s well worth it!!!

Desserts, Snacks




Gluten Free Chocolate Hydrangea Cupcakes

Gluten Free Chocolate Hydrangea Cupcakes

Even though I love Blue Hydrangeas, I just couldn’t bring myself to decorate these yummy cupcakes with Blue Icing….so, Pink Hydrangeas it is! The wonderful Chocolate of the cupcakes compliments the creamy Butter-Cream Icing perfectly….an instant hit in our household!!! Enjoy 🙂
A HUGE ‘Thank You” to America’s Test Kitchen for sharing this incredible Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcake recipe!

Cupcake Ingredients:

  • 1/2 Cup Canola Oil
  • 3 oz. Bittersweet Chocolate (chopped)
  • 1/3 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 Cup + 2 Tbsp King Arthur Gluten Free Multi-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 3/4 tsp Gluten Free Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/3 Cup Whole Milk

Buttercream Icing Ingredients:

  • 12 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (Softened)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Heavy Cream
  • 1 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/8 tsp Salt
  • 1 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • Red Food Coloring Gel (as much or as little as you desire)

Making the Cupcakes:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. Set aside.
  3. Gather the ingredients.
  4. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the Oil, Chocolate and Cocoa until chocolate is fully melted (about 2 minutes). Be sure to stir the mixture often to thoroughly mix ingredients and to prevent clumping. Remove from microwave and set aside to cool slightly.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted GF Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum and Salt. Set aside.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk together the Eggs, Vanilla Extract and Sugar until thoroughly blended.
  7. Next, whisk the Chocolate mixture and Milk into the Egg Mixture until thoroughly combined.
  8. Add the Flour Mixture to the Chocolate/Egg mixture, whisking until smooth and creamy.
  9. Using a 2″ cookie scoop or large spoon, scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake tin.
  10. Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating the tin halfway through the baking time (my oven tends to run a little on the hot side, so 15 minutes is perfect for me), or until toothpick inserted into the middle of the cupcake comes out clean.
  11. Let cool in the cupcake tin for 10-15 minutes before transferring the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Buttercream Icing:

  1. In a Stand Mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the Butter, Heavy Cream, Vanilla Extract and Salt together on medium-high until smooth and creamy.
  2. Reduce speed to Low and slowly add the Powdered Sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until well-blended.
  3. Increase speed to medium-high and whip until fluffy (about 5 minutes).
    If adding food coloring, do so halfway through this step and while mixer is turned OFF (I learned this the hard way ;))
  4. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, you can begin icing them with the prepared icing/frosting using either a knife or pastry bag fitted with desired tip. Add sprinkles, too!
  5. Enjoy 🙂
Desserts, Snacks




Gluten Free Lasagna in Creamy Turkey-Vodka Sauce

Gluten Free Lasagna in Creamy Turkey-Vodka Sauce

Sweet and Savory is what this Gluten Free Lasagna in Turkey-Vodka Sauce is all about!!! I have been tweaking my Vodka Sauce recipe and I think I finally got it just right 🙂 Adding 93% Lean Ground Turkey makes it thick and hearty! So, I decided to try it in my Gluten Free Lasagna dish and it passed the family’s taste test with flying colors!!! 🙂

The Turkey-Vodka Sauce Ingredients

  • 3 lbs Lean Ground Turkey (I used Butterball 93% lean)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Medium Onion, finely chopped (I used a Vidalia)
  • 3 tsp minced garlic ((or 2 cloves, minced) I used the already minced Garlic in a jar)
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 3 15 oz. Cans Tomato Sauce (45 oz. total)
  • 1/3 + 1/4 Cup Vodka (Any unflavored Vodka will do)
  • 3 Tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Pepper
  • 1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Basil
  • 1 Cup Half & Half

The Lasagna Ingredients

  • 8-10 Sheets Gluten Free Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles (I used Barilla brand)
  • 30 oz. Ricotta Cheese (I used the Low-Fat version)
  • 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Or you can use 12 Mozzarella Cheese Slices)
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Making the Turkey-Vodka Sauce

  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. In a Large Lidded Cooking Pot, brown the Ground Turkey until thoroughly cooked. Drain any leftover liquids and set cooked Turkey aside in large bowl.
  3. In the same large pot, heat the 2T of Olive Oil over medium-low heat. Add the chopped Onion and Garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
  4. Add the Red Pepper Flakes and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Next, add the Tomato Sauce, Vodka and cooked Turkey. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes.
  6. Throughly mix in the Tomato Paste, Balsamic Vinegar, Sugar, Salt & Pepper. Simmer on Low for 15-20 minutes, partially covered.
  7. Stir in the Basil and Half & Half and continue cooking for another 5 minutes on low.

Building the Lasagna

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Spray a 9″ x 13″ or 10″ x 14″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. In a medium or large mixing bowl, stir salt & pepper into the Ricotta Cheese until thoroughly mixed. *I used about 1/2 tsp Salt and 1/8 tsp Pepper.
  4. To assemble the Lasagna layers, evenly spread a layer of the Turkey-Vodka sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking pan – it takes about 2 cups.
  5. The next layer is the sheets of Lasagna Noodles – since I used a 10″ x 14″ pan, I used 4 whole sheets placed side-by-side and 1 broken sheet to fill in any large empty gaps/spaces. If you’re using a 9″x13″ pan, 4 sheets should suffice.
  6. Top the Lasagna Sheets with another layer of Vodka Sauce, making sure that the sheets are completely covered with sauce.
  7. Sprinkle about 1/3 each of the shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheeses evenly over the sauce layer. *If you’re using Mozzarella slices, sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese first, then place Mozzarella slices on top of the Parmesan.
  8. Next, add a thick layer of the Ricotta Cheese and spread with a fork. *The Ricotta Cheese is easier to spread on Mozzarella Slices 😉
  9. Repeat steps: Add another layer of Sauce, Lasagna Sheets, Parmesan & Mozzarella, another thick layer of Ricotta Cheese, another layer of Sauce, and sprinkle top with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. *Note: I had a little bit of Ricotta Cheese leftover.
  10. Spray the underside of a sheet of Aluminum Foil with non-stick cooking spray and cover the Lasagna.
  11. Bake covered in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  12. Let rest about 15 minutes before slicing.
  13. Enjoy!

I used a 10″ x 14″ baking pan and cut the Lasagna into 15 pieces – each serving contains approximately:

388 Calories

17.5 g Total Fat

552 mg Sodium

32.15 g Protein

 

 




Gluten Free Monster Cookies

Gluten Free Monster Cookies

Inspired by Ree Drummond’s “Monster Cookies” recipe! To make these incredibly delicious cookies Gluten Free and Allergy-Friendly for my family, I just swapped out a few of the ingredients, decreased the oven temperature and baking time and voila! These are the BEST Gluten Free cookies that I have converted from a “regular” recipe 🙂 They are just the right blend of sweet, savory, chewy AND crunchy!
A HUMONGOUS “Thank You” to Ree Drummond (aka: The Pioneer Woman) for sharing her “Monster Cookies” recipe!!!

  • 2 Sticks Salted Butter, Softened ((16 Tbsps) I used “Land O Lakes”)
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 1/2 Cups Light Brown Sugar (Firmly packed)
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour, Sifted (I used “King Arthur” Brand)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Gluten Free Baking Powder (I use “Clabber Girl” brand)
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 1/2 Cups Oats (I used “Quaker” Old Fashioned Oats)
  • 1 Cup Chocolate Coated Candies (I used “M&M’s”)
  • 3/4 Cup Mini Chocolate Morsels (I used “Enjoy Life” semi-sweet mini chips)
  • 2 1/4 Cups Rice Cereal (I used “Rice Krispies” cereal)
  • 1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans ((Optional) I did not include these due to allergies)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line cookie sheet with a Silpat Baking Pad or parchment paper. Set aside.
  3. Using a Stand Mixer fitted with the Paddle attachment, cream together the Butter and Sugars until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Add the vanilla and continue mixing until all is blended, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the Sifted GF Flour, Salt, Baking Powder and Baking Soda.
    Note: please be sure to sift the flour since it helps prevent grittiness.
  6. Add the Flour mixture to the Butter mixture. Mix until well-combined.
  7. Next, add the Oats and Chocolate Chips and mix until incorporated. Note: add the chopped nuts now if you’re including them.
  8. Lastly, add the M&M Candies and Rice Cereal and mix well using a large, sturdy spoon.
  9. Using a 2 Tbsp cookie scoop, drop dough balls at least 2″ apart onto the prepared cookie sheet. I only placed 8 cookie dough balls on each baking sheet.
  10. Bake in preheated oven for 10-14 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Cookies are done when they turn a light golden brown.
  11. Let cookies cool for a couple of minutes on baking sheet, before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
  12. These cookies store well in an airtight container for 3-5 days, if they last that long! They also ship well…I send these cookies to one of my daughters, who states that they arrive looking like they were just baked 🙂

Desserts, Snacks




Gluten Free White Pearl Cupcakes

Gluten Free White Pearl Cupcakes

I think these cupcakes would be perfect for a Bridal Shower, Wedding, Anniversary, Birthday or any special occasion 🙂 Plus, they’re SO easy to make and absolutely delicious! Enjoy!

The Cupcake Batter

  • 1 Stick Salted Butter, softened ((8 Tbsp))
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3 Large Egg Whites
  • 1/2 Cup Whole Milk
  • 1 1/2 Cups Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour (I use King Arthur brand)
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

The Buttercream Frosting

  • 2 Sticks Salted Butter, softened ((16 Tbsp))
  • 4 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/8 tsp Salt
  • 1/3 Cup Heavy Cream

Making the Cupcake Batter

  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
    Line cupcake tin with cupcake liners and set aside.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the GF Flour, Baking Powder and Salt. Set aside.
  4. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the Softened Butter with the Granulated Sugar and Vanilla Extract until light and fluffy.
  5. Add the Egg Whites to the Butter mixture, mixing until well-blended.
  6. Slowly begin adding the Flour Mixture to the Butter mixture, alternating with the Milk, until all of the ingredients are mixed together and batter is smooth.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared cupcake tin, filling each cupcake liner 2/3 full (you may have enough batter for a couple of extra cupcakes).
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes (my oven runs a little bit hot, so my cupcakes are ready in 15 minutes), or until toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pan for about 10 minutes before transferring the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting

  1. Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Slowly add the powdered sugar to the creamed butter until completely mixed. Increase speed to medium-high and whisk until fluffy.
  3. Next, add the Vanilla Extract and Heavy Cream, whisking on medium-high until light and fluffy (you may add extra Heavy Cream, if needed).
  4. Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes, using whichever tip you desire (I used a Star tip)…or simply spread onto the cupcakes with a butter knife for a smooth effect. Top with Pearl candies or any other sprinkle, etc.
  5. Enjoy!

I want to thank “The Toasty Kitchen” for sharing her recipe for Easy White Cupcakes, which I adapted to a Gluten-Free Version 🙂

Desserts, Snacks




Gluten Free Lemon Bundt Cake

Gluten Free Lemon Bundt Cake

Fresh Lemon Zest and fresh Lemon Juice make this Gluten Free cake moist and delectable! My son requested this cake for his 21st Birthday and was shocked when I informed him that it was Gluten Free. I truly believe that sifting the flour is the key to making Gluten Free baked goods taste like baked goods that contain gluten. 🙂
Thank You to America’s Test Kitchen for sharing this wonderful recipe!!! #America’sTestKitchen

The Cake Release

  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, Melted
  • 1 Tbsp Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour (I use King Arthur brand)

The Cake

  • 2 3/4 Cup All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour, Sifted (King Arthur Brand)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
  • 3/4 Cup Whole Milk
  • 3 Tbsp Lemon Zest (3 Lemons)
  • 1/3 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 12 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, softened (1 1/2 Sticks)
  • 1 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 4 Large Eggs

The Glaze

  • 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 4-6 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice (approximately 2 Lemons)
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.

Prepping the Bundt Pan

  1. Mix the 2 Tbsp melted Butter with 1 Tbsp GF Flour, making a smooth paste. Using a small pastry brush, spread the paste into the Bundt pan, covering the entire inside of pan. Set aside.

Making the Cake Batter

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the GF Flour, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking Soda and Xanthan Gum. Set aside.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Milk, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice and Vanilla Extract until well-blended. Set aside.
  3. Using a Stand Mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened Butter and Granulated Sugar on Medium-High until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the Eggs, one at a time, to the Butter mixture, blending until well-combined.
  5. Reduce the speed to Low and begin alternately adding the Flour Mixture and Milk Mixture to the Butter Mixture. Continue mixing until all ingredients are combined, scraping the sides as needed.
  6. Scrape the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake in preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, turning the pan halfway through baking. Cake is ready when it is a light golden brown and wooden skewer comes out clean.
  8. Cool cake in pan for about 10-15 minutes before running a knife around the edges to loosen. Turn out onto a wire rack to completely cool before applying the glaze.

Making the Glaze

  1. Whisk the Powdered Sugar with 4 tsp Lemon Juice until smooth. Add the remaining 2 tsp Lemon Juice, one at a time, until glaze is pourable. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the Bundt cake, letting the glaze drip down the sides.
  2. Slice and Enjoy!
Desserts, Snacks




Gluten Free Sandwich Bread

Gluten Free Sandwich Bread

After trying several Gluten Free Breads available in the stores, I decided to try making my own. I finally found a recipe that is simple, delicious and easy on the purse…the total cost per 2 pound loaf is just $5.43 (give or take a few cents, depending on price fluctuations of ingredients).
An enormous “Thank You” to America’s Test Kitchen for creating this recipe!!! 🙂

  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (Melted and cooled)
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 2 Cups Warm Water (110 degrees – do NOT use water over this temperature, because it will kill the yeast)
  • 2 1/3 + 1/4 Cups King Arthur Gluten Free Multi-Purpose Flour (Sifted)
  • 1 1/3 Cups Gluten Free Oat Flour (Sifted)
  • 1/2 Cup Nonfat Dry Milk Powder
  • 3 Tbsp Powdered Psyllium Husk
  • 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp Rapid Rise or Instant Yeast
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Spray loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  3. Melt the Butter and set aside to cool a little.
  4. In a Stand Mixer, using the paddle attachment (not the dough hook), mix the dry ingredients – GF Flour, Oat Flour, Dry Milk Powder, Psyllium, Sugar, Yeast, Baking Powder and Salt on Low until blended (about 1 minute).
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk the Eggs with the 110 degree Water and melted Butter until well-blended.
  6. Slowly add the Water mixture to the Dry Ingredients in the Stand Mixer, mixing on Low until all ingredients are blended, scraping sides as needed. Increase speed to Medium and mix for 6 minutes. Dough will look like cookie dough.
  7. Using a rubber spatula that is sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, scrape dough into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out surface with wet hands. Note: if using an 8 1/2″ pan you will need to wrap a foil collar around the pan (staple ends together), in case dough rises above the top (see photo).
  8. Spray or flick water with hands onto the top of the bread dough and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
  9. Place in a warm spot to rise about 50% – usually about 1 hour.
  10. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and put oven rack in the middle position.
  11. When ready to bake, remove plastic and spray or flick water onto the top of bread and bake for 1 – 1 1/2 hours (our oven runs a bit hot, so I usually only bake my bread for 1 hour). Bread is ready when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  12. Let cool for about 10 minutes in pan. Then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy with butter and honey (or your favorite jam).
  1. Bread keeps on shelf tightly sealed in a plastic bag for 3-5 days.
  2. Freezes well, too, if you can resist eating the entire loaf!
  3. I keep a back-up Ziploc Baggie with all of the dry ingredients already sifted and mixed in the refrigerator for a quick start 🙂
Lunch, Main Dish, Snacks