Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix......

Well Christmas and New Years  have come and gone, and as always I am in the kitchen experimenting with new flour mixtures and recipes. It has been a very hectic past few months to say the least. I had to pack a whole house to move. Clean and get ready our new home. Wait for carpet shampooers, loading and unloading persons, as well as starting a job, all after enjoying the peace and quiet of retirement. I still feel like I am in a whirlwind learning things at my new job, feeling overwhelmed leaving a part of my life behind even though I look forward to new adventures and being once again close to my family. I guess I  shall do as they say...."When life gives you a basket of lemons...make  lemonade"...Well in this case it's chocolate chip cookies!!!

I have been accumulating recipes using a new flour mixture I have come up with in the hopes of one day publishing a cookbook. Baking has always been something I have enjoyed doing and it relaxes me when stressed. I don't know if its the sweet smells that permeate the air from the oven, the hands on when preparing a recipe, or the wonderful taste of the finished treat....Whatever the reason I reach  for my flours, bowl, and recipes, when I feel low.

A few months ago I started using a special blend I accidentally fell upon when our local store didn't have one of the flours I needed and I had to "sub" it out. LUCKY me....This new combination it seems has made the fluffiest pancakes and chocolate chip cookies I have had in my whole course of gluten free living....As you can see from the photos, the cookie on the left is a basic gluten free flour mixture most of us can purchase in the stores locally. The cookie on the right uses my new flour mixture and tastes as close to the original "Nestle Toll House Cookies" recipe that I have ever had along my journey.

I would like my readers opinion on this mix, and will send the first 5 people who respond to this post the cookie mix absolutely free to try. All I ask is that they give me their opinion on the results they have after making the cookies.

If you are interested, leave a comment with your name and address in the comment forum below this post. No information  is ever seen by the readers as all comments are moderated by myself personally before ever being posted to the site.

I really have to say this is the best chocolate chip cookie I have eaten in years...My family rants and raves about them, and didn't even have a clue they were gluten free!!!

Hope to hear from you soon, and as always have a great gluten free day!!!
Sharon

Testing....1....2....3....

Hi all! Recently moved and needed to change my information with Google. Just making sure my site is working.

Hope everyone had a great gluten free Christmas and New Year. More great recipes to come in the near future once I am settled in!!!

Sharon

Spiced Hot Cocoa mix....

Okay...So you liked my past post with Christmas ideas in jars, right? So here is another great tasting idea. It has the chocolaty taste we all love with just a little kick added. Its quick, easy, and sure to please.


Spiced Hot Cocoa mix:

2 cups confection's sugar
1 cup unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa powder
2 teas cornstarch
2 teas ground cinnamon
1/4 teas salt
1 small pinch of cayenne pepper

Mix all together, put in a mason screw top jar, and top with marshmallows. Attach the directions and you have a tasty, beautiful gift for someone you love...

Directions:

Place 1/4 cup mix into a mug. Heat 1 cup milk then pour over the mix. Stir until well mixed. Top with mini marshmallows and enjoy....

Sharon
 

Sorghum Flour...

Did you know that Sorghum flour is a powerhouse of nutrition which can add a superb flavor to your
gluten-free baking. It is high in protein, contains iron, and dietary fiber, making sorghum flour a welcome addition to pantries around the world. Sorghum flour is high in antioxidants, which support cardiac health. Also in addition to this, the starch and protein found in sorghum take longer than other similar products to digest. This slower digestion is particularly helpful for those with diabetes.

Traditionally this flour has been used as a cereal food to create pancakes, porridge's, and flat breads throughout different cultures, such as in India. In the United States it is fast becoming more common to use sorghum flour in gluten free baked goods as well as other baking methods. It can be added or substituted in any recipe that calls for flour such as in cakes, cookies, breads and muffins.

While some gluten free flours, such as rice flour, can add a gritty texture to cookies or bread, sorghum flour has a smoother texture that many people prefer, although it is a little darker in color. 
Due to its very mild taste, sorghum flour is a natural choice to incorporate into sweet breads, cookies, or other baked goods in your gluten free recipes.

To start with, try adding just 15% to 20% sorghum flour to your flour mixtures to make delicious breads, cakes, and cookies until you have tweaked  your own basic flour formula to your own needs and tastes. Bob's Red Mill flours are my choice of preference, because of their cost and availability in my area. I also prefer to make my own gluten free flour mixtures, as opposed to buying pre-made mixes, to save in cost.

I hope you will share how this flour works for you once you have given it a try!!!

Enjoy your G-F week!
Sharon

Thanksgiving memories and applesauce cake....

Thanksgiving is just 4 days away and its hard to believe another year has come and gone, my how the time flies! Its a time when we give thanks for all the things we have been blessed with. People, jobs, good health, a warm bed at night....Its also a time when we gather as family and friends and enjoy a delicious meal and each others company.

Although thoughts of pumpkin pie comes to mind on this special day we need not forget the ever abundant "apple" that the super markets are loaded with during this time of year. Since I like to make my own apple sauce in the crock pot with these ever favorite varieties, I always have some readily in stock. I then like to make a delicious gluten free applesauce cake to serve my guests as a special treat. Its quick, easy, and as moist as can be.

I hope you will enjoy it as much as our family does, and that it will become a new tradition over the Thanksgiving season for you as well...

Enjoy!
Sharon

Gluten Free Applesauce cake recipe...

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
2 eggs

1/2 cup white rice flour
1/2 cup potato starch
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup corn flour
1/4 cup tapioca flour

*(or use 2 cups of your own favorite GF flour blend in place of flours. I used my favorite blend and it worked beautifully) (also admit xanthan gum if your mix already has it added)

2 teas Xanthan gum
1 teas ground cinnamon
1/2 teas ground cloves
2 teas baking powder
1 teas baking soda
1/2 teas salt
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup raisins
1cup unsweetened applesauce
1 T apple cider vinegar
 Confectioners sugar to dust after baking

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 baking pan.

Cream together the granulated sugar and shortening until fluffy using a electric mixer. Then add eggs one at a time, beating well.

In a medium bowl mix together the flours and all dry ingredients. Stir the raisins and nuts into the flour mixture.

Mix together the applesauce and vinegar.

Add the applesauce mixture and the flour mixture alternately to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until the center of the cake is firm to the touch.

Cool completely then sprinkle with confectioners sugar, and serve. Top with some whipped topping for a special treat!

Christmas in a jar....

Wondering what to give for Christmas this year when you don't have time to make all those cookie trays from previous years? Everyone rants and raves when they receive my gluten free cookie trays, but this year I find I just don't have the time to spend in the kitchen with all the other projects on my calendar that needs my attention.

For years now I have given these as gifts as a token of my appreciation and because... lets face it....they are just so darn good!!!.

That is when I decided this year to give the gift of convenience – both for me and the recipient of the gift, and to make up gluten-free cookie mixes in jars. Much easier for me, and beautiful too!

For me the gift is so perfectly convenient since no baking is required and many jars can be assembled at one time. For the recipient the gift is perfect since they can bake the cookies after the holidays when all the hustle and bustle has subsided and their stomachs have settled from the many platters of holiday cookies that have been gobbled up.

For this project I use a 1 quart mason jar with a screw top lid. A wide mouth jar is easier to get the ingredients in layers, and using a canning funnel makes the job easier too.

Remember that there is 4 cups in 1 quart. This means that all of the ingredients that you include in your 1 quart jar should equal approximately 4 cups. So it is best to stick to recipes where the dry ingredients needed measure around this amount.

Making jar mixes is somewhat like dressing for any occasion....layer it.  When you layer the ingredients put the lighter ingredients such as gluten-free flours and granulated sugars at the bottom of the jar. Then layer with the medium textured items like oatmeal or raisins. At the top is where you them place the chunkier ingredients such as candy bar pieces, chocolate chips or M&M's.

After you put in your first layer of ingredients  push the ingredient down with the back of a spoon. This will make a better presentation and helps ensure that all the ingredients fit into the jar.

For example the recipe for Double Chocolate Chip Cookies that follows should be layered like this:

1 quart Mason jar. layer in first the flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt mixture. Then a layer of cocoa powder followed by a layer of sugar, and finally the layer of chocolate chips. make sure you use a spoon to press down each layer before adding the next. Then add a tag with baking directions on a bow to finish off the gift jar...

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies:

2 cups all purpose gluten free flour (Better Batter works well or use your own favorite blend)
1 teaspoon xanthan gum ( omit if the mix you are using already has it in)
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teas baking soda
1/2 teas salt
1 1/2 c granulated sugar
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

** The above ingredients are layered into the jar.


To bake add:

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 teas pure vanilla extract
2 extra large eggs, slightly beaten at room temperature

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large bowl combine flour, xanthan gum, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt and sugar and whisk until well combined. Place the chocolate chips in a small bowl and toss with 2 T of the dry ingredients to coat and set aside.

Add the softened butter, vanilla, and eggs to the dry ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. Add the chips and stir until the chips are evenly distributed in the dough. Place bowl with dough if refrigerator to chill for about 15 minutes.

Using a cookie scoop place balls of dough on a non stick cookie sheet, pressing down just slightly, into the preheated oven and bake 10-12 minutes until just set. Cool completely before placing on cookie racks. Then enjoy!!!


Have a great gluten free day...
Sharon


 

Chicken and Tagliatelle soup recipe...

I believe that soup is delicious any time of the year. Its quick, tasty, and filling. It is believed that those who eat a small bowl of soup at the beginning of the meal will consume smaller portions during the main course. A great tip if you are watching your weight...It is one of those comfort foods that I just enjoy most anytime.

This is a pretty basic down to earth recipe that is virtually fail proof, even for a novice. The preparation is quick and easy, with delicious results....


Ingredients

4 cups College Inn Chicken Broth (or other gluten free broth of choice)

Generous dash ground black pepper

1 medium carrot, sliced

1 stalk celery, sliced

1/2 cup UNCOOKED Schar brand Tagliatelle noodles

1 cup shredded COOKED chicken OR turkey

 

 

Cooking Directions

 

Heat broth, black pepper, carrot and celery in 2-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat to a boil. Cooking veggies until just tender-crisp.

Stir noodles and chicken into saucepan. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 10 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.

 

With the cold weather now upon us this is a great soup to have on hand. Double the recipe for extra portions, as I always like my soup better the second day. Add some crusty gluten free bread, a salad, and you have a delicious comforting dinner against the cold elements of the outdoors!

 

Enjoy!

Sharon

New "Nuts" Affiliate added......

There has been a new Affiliate site added today for your gluten free pleasure. The products are delicious! So if your nuts about nuts... stop by and check them out, and enjoy what they have to offer!!! This company boasts healthy benefits in their line: They’re filler-free, organic, gluten-free and 100% Vegan, and the mix of nuts and seeds is high in healthy Omega-3 fatty acids."

Twist on plain ol grilled cheese....

Let me be the first to admit that I sometimes like different...I have been known to throw a breakfast or lunch together with what ever I seem to have in the pantry or refrigerator. Sometimes I just cant decide what it is that I have a hankering for, and other times I am just to lazy to make a run to the store for ingredients, and actually have to use my imagination on these occasions... What ever the reasons are, I just like a change in my cuisine from time to time.

 

Grilled cheese is a all time favorite "go to" food in my house, but it can be just plain boring. Recently I came across a recipe for a Spinach-Artichoke grilled cheese sandwich  that caught my eye. The pic looked delish and I just knew that it was a must try....

 

I have to say the ingredients have such a smooth blend, and the taste was out of this world. So if plain old grilled cheese has left you in a rut, give this recipe a try.

 

Ingredients:

 

1 tablespoon butter

1 clove garlic, minced or grated

1 tablespoon gf flour (rice is fine)

1/2 cup milk (I used 2%)

1 ounce cream cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup Greek yogurt 

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup (about 5 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed

1 (6.7 ounce) jar marinated artichokes, chopped

8 slices gluten free bread

butter, for spreading

 

Directions:

 

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a couple of minutes. Whisk in flour until it makes a paste. Cook over medium-low heat for a minute or two, then pour in milk. Stir and cook one minute, if your paste gets too thick add a little more milk. Remove from heat.

 

Add cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan and pepper flakes. Stir until cheeses are melted. Stir in the Greek yogurt until smooth. Chop artichokes and spinach and add to the sauce. Stir to combine. Dip will be pretty thick at this point!

 

Heat a skillet,or griddle, oven medium-low heat. Butter the outsides of every bread slice, then spread about 3 tablespoons of the spinach and artichoke dip on the inside (the non-buttered side) of each slice of 4 pieces of the bread. Top off with another slice of bread, buttered-side up. Cook until each side is golden and crisp and cheese is melted, then gently flip and do the same.

Slice and serve.

 

If you  have any leftover spinach and artichoke dip you can use it for sandwiches or as a yummy dip the next day!

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Flour Tortillas that are gluten free...

Lately I have had a craving for a good Mexican burrito, or a great  sizzling hot fajita, or taco's...yum. I am so over most of the pre-made gluten free tortilla shells that you find in the stores, as I find most of them tough and tasteless. So I decided I must try to make my own. Although these take a little effort they are soft, pliable, and rather tasty. Hope you will give them a try and let me know what you think.

Although I use my own flour blend mix I am sure most gluten free all purpose flour blend mixes on the market would do.

Ingredients:

2 c. Gluten free all purpose flour mix
2 Tbsp. shortening (may sub lard or butter)
1 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 c. warm water

Add all the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. Cut the shortening, lard, or butter into the flour so that it’s evenly distributed. (I use a pastry blender, and prefer shortening)

Add the cup of warm water to the bowl and mix the dry goods into the water with your hand. Just squish it all up until all of the dry ingredients are no longer dry.  If you think it is too dry at this point add a little more water, as all flour blends are NOT created equal :-)

Separate the dough into 8 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Place all but one of the dough balls back into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap until you’re ready to work with them.

Sprinkle a clean, flat surface with a bit of rice flour and then roll you dough ball into a roughly circular shape. Get is as thin as possible. I roll mine between parchment paper taped to my counter for easy cleanup.

Place each rolled tortilla onto a hot griddle, one at a time, with just a bit of shortening or oil, and let it cook approximately 1 minute or until it has started swelling up and the bottom side is getting puffy brown spots. Flip the tortilla over and cook the other side until it is toasted as well.

Repeat until you have cooked all 8 tortillas. Recipe makes 8 nice size shells...

Enjoy!!!
Sharon 

Pure Maple syrup substitutions...

There are basically two main maple syrup baking substitutions, although a few
others exist as well. The simplest form is to use an equal measurement of honey
in the recipe which calls for maple syrup. Basically a 1-1 exchange.

A slightly more involved substitute is using a corn syrup mixture made with
butter and maple extract. Lets say that a recipe calls for 1 cup of maple syrup,
combine 3/4 cup of corn syrup with 1/4 cup of melted butter, plus 1/2 tsp. of maple
extract.

Many cooks believe refined sugar can replace maple syrup in many baked goods.
Use 1 cup of granulated sugar to replace 3/4 cup of maple syrup. Then increase the
amount of liquid in the recipe by 3T for each cup of sugar that was used as a replacement.

Brown rice syrup could be another option. Brown rice syrup is created by fermenting
brown rice with enzymes to break down the rice's starches. The liquid is then strained and
cooked to a syrup like consistency. Brown rice syrup is organic and known to contain
complex sugars that are slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, helping to stabilize one's
blood sugar levels. It is amber in color with a light flavor similar to that of butterscotch.

Molasses is another sweetener that can be used, although the darker the color of the
molasses the stronger the flavor. So if its a lighter flavor you want, try the lightest
colored molasses you can find.

Pancake syrup is most  likely the first maple syrup substitution that comes to
mind. After all, pancake syrup is widely available, frequently used, as a  inexpensive
maple syrup alternative for use on pancakes and waffles. Please note however that
pancake syrup is basically a corn syrup with added  artificial flavoring. You can use
it on waffles and pancakes in place of pure maple syrup or in your baked goods in a 1-1 ratio.

Just like with all gluten free baking, substituting real maple syrup can be a hit and miss if
you are new to this lifestyle. I recommend making 1/2 a recipe for a test batch, and if
you like the results then go ahead and make the full recipe the next time. Cutting recipes
in half has been a real money saver over the past years for me personally when I am trying
something new.

I hope this information helps in your future baking. I would love to hear your comments
and feed back about how these substitutions worked in your recipes.


Have a great gluten free day!

Sharon