Raspberry-Lemon Scones ~ Gluten-Free

Raspberry-Lemon Scones ~ Gluten-Free

These delicious Scones are so easy to make and only require about 10 ingredients (including the usual staples – baking soda, baking powder, etc.) that we usually have in our kitchens. Plus, you can substitute whatever berries you have on hand 😉 A huge “Thank You” to Chris Scheuer of “thecafesucrefarine” for sharing the original version of this recipe – I made a few small changes to make it Gluten-Free and allergy-friendly for my family. 🙂

The Scones:

  • 1 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 8 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill GF “1 to 1 Baking Flour”)
  • 6 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 Large Lemon (Zest (reserving the Juice for the glaze))
  • 1/2 Cup Fresh Raspberries, broken in half (or any other fresh berries that you have on-hand)

The Lemon Glaze:

  • 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 3 Tbsp Half & Half (or whole milk)
  • Lemon Juice from 1 large lemon (from the Lemon used in the scone mix above)

Making the Scone Dough:

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking pad; set aside.
  2. Pour the 1 Cup of Heavy Cream in a freezer-proof container and freeze for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Next, melt the butter in a microwave-proof container (I do this in 30 second increments until butter is fully melted); set aside to cool a little while you prepare the rest of the dough.
  4. In a Large mixing bowl, whisk the GF Flour, Baking Powder and Soda, Sugar, Lemon Zest and Salt until thoroughly mixed.
  5. Once the Heavy Cream has been in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, combine it with the melted Butter and stir with a fork until clumps appear (looks kind of like curdled milk).
  6. Pour this Cream/Butter mix into the Flour mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until ingredients are well-combined.
  7. Gently fold the halved-raspberries into the Scone dough until the berries are evenly distributed.
  8. Dump the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and form/pat it into a circle (about 12″-14″ in diameter); place in refrigerator for 15-45 minutes.
  9. Meanwhile, place oven rack in the middle position of your oven and Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  10. Once the dough has been refrigerated for at least 15 minutes, remove from the freezer and cut into 6 or 8 “pie pieces” (triangles) – this works best with a really sharp knife that has been sprayed with a non-stick cooking oil; separate and place the triangles evenly on the sheet, leaving at least 2″ between each one.
  11. Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes (remember, all ovens heat and cook at different rates, so keep an eye on your scones) or until they are golden brown around the edges.
  12. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before icing.

Making the Lemon Glaze:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the Powdered Sugar, Half & Half and Lemon Juice; whisk until smooth and pourable (add more Powdered Sugar for a thicker consistency or add more Half & Half for a thinner consistency).
  2. Enjoy!
Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
American, English, Irish, Scottish




Pasta Primavera in a Lemon-Butter Sauce ~ Gluten Free

Pasta Primavera in a Lemon-Butter Sauce ~ Gluten Free

What better way to celebrate Spring than making “Pasta Primavera,” a healthy Spring Vegetable & Pasta dish…after all, “primavera” means ‘spring style’ in Italian 😉 I love this easy and very versatile recipe….I use as many veggies that I can find in my refrigerator before they go bad. Asparagus, squash, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, onions, snow peas…the possibilities are endless! And, the light lemony-butter sauce makes this recipe irresistible 🙂
*The original version of this recipe came from evolvingtable.com – thank you SO much for sharing! I have adjusted the original recipe in order to make it gluten-free and allergy-friendly for my family.

The Pasta:

  • 4 Cups Gluten-Free Pasta, dry (any style is fine)

The Vegetables:

  • 1 lb Asparagus (trim ends and cut into 2″ pieces)
  • 1 large Yellow Squash (quartered lengthwise & cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1 large Zucchini (quartered lengthwise & cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 2 large Bell Peppers, any color (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1 large Vidalia Onion (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2-1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Marjoram
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Basil

The Lemon-Butter Sauce:

  • 4 Tbsp Butter, salted ((1/2 stick))
  • 1 Large Lemon (Zest and juice)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Garlic, minced (I use the already-minced Garlic in a jar)
  • 1/2 Cup Water (reserved from the pasta water)
  • 1 Tbsp Dried Basil (or 1/4 Cup fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2-3/4 Cup Parmesan, grated (fresh is best)
  • 1/2-1 tsp Salt (to taste)

The Pasta:

  1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions for al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water for the sauce before draining the rest of the water; set the pasta aside in a colander & keep the large pot available for cooking the sauce, etc.

The Vegetables:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Line a large baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
  3. While the Pasta is cooking, cut up all of the vegetables into bite-size pieces and place them into a large bowl. *This step can be done ahead of time, if desired (just keep veggies refrigerated until ready to use).
  4. Add the Olive Oil and spices to the vegetables in the bowl and toss to thoroughly coat; spread the veggies evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until veggies are tender.

The Lemon-Butter Sauce:

  1. Using the same pot that you used to cook the pasta, add the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice and garlic; cook over medium-low heat until the butter is completely melted and the garlic becomes fragrant (about 2 minutes).
  2. Add the cooked Pasta, the reserved Pasta Water and the roasted vegetables to the Lemon-Butter mixture, tossing until thoroughly coated.
  3. Next, add the Basil, 1/2 cup Parmesan and Salt (to taste); toss to combine.
  4. Serve with freshly-grated Parmesan and fresh chopped Basil, if desired.
  5. Oh, so yummy! Enjoy 🙂
Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish
American, Italian




Quick & Easy Lemon-Garlic Salmon ~ Yum!

Quick & Easy Lemon-Garlic Salmon ~ Yum!

As many of you already know, Salmon is one of my family’s most-requested meals…so, I am always looking for new Salmon recipes to try. And, this one is a winner! It’s not only delicious and nutritious, but it’s SO quick and easy to prepare. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do 🙂
A huge “Thank You” to wellplated.com for posting the original version of this wonderful recipe. Please note: I have made substitutions and changes to the original recipe to suit my family.

  • 1 2-2.5 lbs Salmon Fillets w/ Skin (I purchase a whole fillet and bake it in tact)
  • 4 Tbsp Salted Butter, softened ((1/2 stick))
  • 1 Large Lemon (Zest & Juice)
  • 2-3 Heaping Teaspoons Garlic, minced (I use the already minced Garlic in a jar)
  • 2 tsp Dried Parsley
  • 1-2 large pinches Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  3. Rinse the Salmon in cold water, pat dry with paper towels and place in the center of the prepared baking sheet, skin side down; set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, mash together the Softened Butter, Lemon Zest, Garlic, Parsley, Pepper and Salt until well-combined.
  5. Using a butter knife, rubber spatula or your fingers, spread the Butter paste over the Salmon Fillets; Note: I usually end up using my fingers to spread the Butter mixture ~ the warmth of your skin helps spread the butter more easily.
  6. Next, squeeze the Lemon Juice evenly over the Salmon Fillets and sprinkle with extra salt and pepper, if desired.
  7. Bake in pre-heated oven on the center rack for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fillets will flake apart easily with a fork when done and should measure 145 degrees.
  8. Serve with wedges of fresh lemon and sprinkle with extra Parsley. Enjoy!
Dinner, Main Dish




Zucchini Bread – Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free

Zucchini Bread – Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free

This moist, delicious Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Zucchini Bread is packed full of nutrients and spices! I always make a double batch (this recipe is for 2 loaves), because it disappears very quickly in our house 😉 I attempted to make a Vegan version (substituting applesauce for the eggs) for my daughter, but it turned out like a VERY wet brick…I will continue trying different Vegan versions until I succeed! In the meantime, let me know what you think of this GF, DF version 🙂

  • 3 Cups Zucchini, shredded (water squeezed out)
  • 4 Cups Better Batter All Purpose Gluten Free Flour Mix (You can use other cup-for-cup GF flours, but end results may vary)
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2-3 Tbsp Granulated Sugar (for sprinkling in both pans)
  • 1/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar (Firmly Packed)
  • 5 tsp Baking Powder, GF
  • 1 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest
  • 1 1/2 Cups Plain Rice Milk (or any other non-dairy unflavored milk (if you’re not DF, you can use Skim, 1%, 2% or Whole Milk))
  • 1/4 Cup + 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (I use Canola)
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Large Eggs (lightly beaten)
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray
  • 1/2 Cup Pecans or Walnuts, chopped (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Gather the ingredients.
  3. Spray two 8″ x 4″ loaf pans with the non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle all sides and bottom of each pan with about 1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar. Set aside.

The Flour Mixture:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the GF Flour, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Baking Powder, Spices and Lemon Zest. Mix thoroughly and form a well in the center. Set aside.

The Zucchini Mixture:

  1. Using a food processor or handheld grater, shred the Zucchini and place on paper towels in a large bowl to absorb the water.
  2. In another large bowl, mix the milk, oil, vanilla and eggs until well combined. Add the shredded zucchini and mix well.

Making the Batter:

  1. Add the Zucchini Mixture to the center of the Flour Mixture.
  2. Mix well using a fork to start with to help break up the Zucchini. Then switch to a large spoon to ensure that you get all of the ingredients off of the bottom. (Note: if you’re adding nuts, do so at this step).

Baking the Bread:

  1. Divide the batter between the two prepared loaf pans. If desired, you may sprinkle the tops with additional granulated sugar.
  2. Bake on the center rack for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Cool in their pans for about 10 minutes.
  4. Transfer loaves to wire cooling rack and let cool completely before slicing.
  5. Enjoy!
Breakfast, Desserts, Lunch, Snacks, Sweet Breads




Rustic Strawberry Tart (Gluten Free)

Rustic Strawberry Tart (Gluten Free)

We look forward to Spring every year because we get to make jam, jelly, frozen yogurt pies and yummy tarts with our buckets of fresh, plump Strawberries! This recipe was adapted from two of my favorite cooks/bakers/chefs….Ree Drummond (aka: The Pioneer Woman) and Kim (“letthemeatgfcake”). I simply swapped out the “regular” pie crust with Kim’s recipe for Gluten Free Pie Crust and filled it with a GF version of Ree’s Strawberry Filling. Topped with freshly whipped cream, this tart is out of this world!!! Enjoy 🙂

The Gluten Free Pie Crust:

  • 1 1/2 Cups Unsalted Butter (Chilled and Cut into 1/2″ pieces)
  • 3 Cups Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour Blend (this blend must include Xanthan Gum )
  • 1 Large Egg (beaten)
  • 1 Tbsp White Vinegar
  • 7-9 Tbsp Ice-cold Water
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 Large Egg (for outside of crust)
  • 1 Tbsp Water (for outside of crust)

The GF Strawberry Filling:

  • 4 Cups Strawberries (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour (plus more for dusting work surface)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/3 Cup Orange Marmalade (This is for using as a glaze for the strawberry filling; you can use just about any preserves, jams or marmalades that you have in your frig ;))
  • Splash Water

The Fresh Whipped Cream:

  • 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream (cold)
  • 3-4 Tbsp Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Making the GF Pie Crusts:

  1. NOTE: This recipe makes 2 pie crusts. You can refrigerate any unused & uncooked dough for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months, well wrapped. To thaw the dough, move it to the refrigerator overnight, then let dough warm a little for about 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Gather the ingredients for the pie crusts.
  3. In a food processor, pulse together the GF Flour Blend and Salt until well combined.
  4. Next, add the Cold Butter pieces to the food processor and pulse until the butter is in large chunks.
  5. Add the Beaten Egg and Vinegar to the Butter/Flour mixture and pulse until just combined.
  6. Slowly add the Ice-cold Water, 1 Tablespoon at a time, to the dough mixture while pulsing. Note: depending on the humidity, you may not need all of the water. Pulse until the dough comes together.
  7. Divide the dough in half (I weigh mine) and wrap each half in plastic wrap, flattening the dough into discs. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Strawberry Filling (while the Pie Dough is chilling):

  1. Gather the ingredients for the filling.
  2. Place one of your oven racks in the center position and preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cut-up Strawberries, Sugar, GF Flour, Vanilla Extract, Lemon Zest and Juice until the Strawberries are well coated. Set aside while you roll out the pie dough.
  4. Lightly flour a piece of parchment paper and place one of the pie dough discs on top. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into an oval shape about 19″ x 11″ (thickness of dough should be about 1/4″).
  5. Transfer the rolled-out dough and the Parchment Paper to a baking sheet and spoon the Strawberry filling onto the center of the dough. Spread the filling evenly out, leaving a 1-2″ border of dough.
  6. Very gently fold the edges of the dough over the Strawberries, pinching together any folds in the dough.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Large Egg and 1 Tbsp of water. Brush this egg wash onto the folded edges of the dough.
  8. Bake on the center rack for about 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to evenly bake.
  9. While the tart is baking, warm the Preserves (or Jam/Jelly/Marmalade) with a splash of water (to help the Preserves spread).
  10. Once the crust is a golden brown, remove the Tart from the oven and gently brush the Strawberry filling with the warmed Preserves. Cool completely.

Making the Whipped Cream:

  1. Using a Stand Mixer, fitted with the Whisk attachment, whisk the Heavy Whipping Cream, Powdered Sugar and Vanilla Extract on Medium-High until soft peaks have formed.
  2. Serve the cooled Tart with a large dollop of freshly made Whipped Cream and watch it disappear!
Desserts, Lunch, Snacks
American




Gluten Free Lemon Cookies with Lemon-Cream Cheese Frosting

Gluten Free Lemon Cookies with Lemon-Cream Cheese Frosting

Crispy Lemon-Butter Cookies accented with Fresh Lemon Zest and topped with a Creamy Lemon Frosting infused with more Fresh Lemon Zest make these cookies sinfully delicious! I have to make a double batch every time I make these, because my family gobbles them up so quickly 🙂 If you like Lemony desserts, you’ll LOVE these cookies!

The Lemon Cookies

  • 1 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened ((2 Sticks))
  • 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 Cups Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour (Sifted)

The Creamy Lemon Frosting

  • 1/2 Cup Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/8 tsp Butter, Unsalted
  1. Gather the ingredients needed for the Lemon Cookie dough.
  2. Using a Stand Mixer fitted with the Paddle attachment, cream together the Butter, Powdered Sugar and Salt until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the Vanilla Extract, Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice to the Butter mixture, mixing until combined.
  4. Next, gradually add the GF Flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to the mixing bowl, blending thoroughly between each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. Once the cookie dough has been thoroughly blended, turn the dough out onto a large cutting board and roll into a log about 9″-10″ in length. Wrap this log tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer for at least 2 hours.
  6. When dough is chilled enough for slicing, preheat oven to 350 degrees and remove chilled dough from the freezer.
  7. Line a cookie sheet with a nonstick baking mat or Parchment paper. Set aside.
  8. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into 1/4″ thick sections and place each disc about 2″ apart onto the prepared cookie sheet.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges turn a light golden-brown.
  10. Let cookies cool on pan for 1-2 minutes until removing to a wire cooling rack. Cool completely before applying the frosting.

Making the Creamy Lemon Frosting

  1. Using a Stand Mixer fitted with the Paddle attachment, cream together the softened Cream Cheese and Powdered Sugar until well-blended.
  2. Add the Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice and Salt to the Cream Cheese mixture. Continue beating until completely mixed.
  3. Transfer the Frosting to a piping bag, fitted with a large star tip. Please Note: this is optional, as you can apply the frosting either using a butter knife or a piping bag (or plastic storage bag) with the end snipped off.
  4. When the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the desired amount of frosting onto each cookie. Enjoy 🙂

Note: I usually make the frosting while the cookies are baking, so I can place it into the refrigerator to set. If you find that the frosting gets too soft while piping, place it into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to harden a little.

Desserts, Snacks