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Vanilla Bean and Macadamia Nut Layer Cake Last week I posted my Baked Donuts and promised to post the layer cake I made from the same recipe. This cake is so moist and flavorful from the coconut milk, coconut flour, vanilla beans, macadamia nuts, and vanilla Greek yogurt. The frosting adds a layer of fluffiness that's sweet and coconutty...a perfect match. Mr. Spinner donned this
Top 20 Favorite Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes Shirley Braden, who many of you know from Glulten Free Easily (gfe), launched her All Gluten Free Desserts site in November of 2012. To date, the site boasts over 200 gluten free dessert recipes from various bloggers, making them tested and pre-approved! And now she has posted a round-up of the Top 20 Favorite from her site! I am honored to be
Baked Donuts with Vanilla Bean and Macadamia Nuts I enjoyed a donut today for the first time in over four years. YUM! So it's not like I ate donuts all the time prior to living gluten free, but there's something about not being able to have something that makes you want it even more! (Reminds me of the commercial where the little girl explains "more") I want more...which makes me want
Chili Cornbread with Maple Butter In honor of Cinco de Mayo I'm posting my Chili Cornbread. It's deliciously indulgent and a perfect addition to any Mexican Cuisine. Don't forget the Maple Butter...to die for! My Original Post Disfrutar! Ingredients: Makes 6-8 servings Corn Bread: 3/4 cup cornmeal 3/4 cup GF all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt 1 1/2 Tbsp baking powder ½ tsp
Asian Beef Salad Last week's warm Spring weather had us craving anything salad! Asian Beef Salad was on the menu Wednesday and what a choice it was. I used butter lettuce for the crisp yet tender leaves and added julienned carrots, thin sliced red onions, diced cucumber, pea pods, sunflower nuts and sesame seeds with a sweet surprise of mandarin oranges. Grilled sirloin steak
Vanilla Bean New York Cheesecake Cupcakes with Chocolate Cookie Crust Who says we can't have Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes while living gluten free? Well, maybe not the Nabisco Brand Oreo Cookie, but many companies dedicated to gluten free baking offer chocolate sandwich cookies, and my favorite is Midel. They taste every bit as good as the original. These cupcakes were so easy
Cauliflower Mash Cauliflower and a few russets....delicious Some dishes just require mashed potatoes, especially in Mr. Spinner's eyes. So why not lighten up the expected with Cauliflower Mash...it's crazy good. The key to cooking the cauliflower and potatoes is to use a simple steamer basket. I love these baskets for all veggies, they cook fast and fresh while retaining their
Three Cheese Spinach and Dill Quiche A cheesy savory quiche to serve for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The flavors are incredibly robust with garlic, dill, Gruyere, Parmesan, and Cheddar-Jack cheeses. Canadian bacon adds a nice smokiness while the spinach peeks through the creamy layers adding wonderful color and flavor to the entire dish. The crust comes together easily in your
Ice Cream Cake Birthdays....oh happy birthdays! This one for my brother. We celebrate birthday's with the glory they deserve...a very special day celebrating the birth of that very special person. They get to be the "Star of the Day". The Star of this day is my Brother. While growing up my older brother was my idol, my protector, the one person I knew would always be there. He had a
Personalized Scratch-Off Cards for Baby Shower As I mentioned in the last post, I'm going to be a first time grandma! YIPPPPEEEE!! While I was looking for games and activities to play at my daughters baby shower, I saw an ad for scratch-off cards to order. I thought it was a fun idea, but I didn't want generic ones, I wanted personalized ones! Hmmm...there must be a way. Good Ol'
Baby Feet Sugar Cookies Everything's coming up babies at our house because we're expecting our first grandchild this Spring! Hooray for Babies! We celebrated this weekend with a Baby Shower for my daughter, and my home transformed into a world of Kiwi Green, White, and Charcoal Grey, which are the colors of her nursery. I found so many great ideas for the shower on Pinterest and these
Buffalo Shrimp This recipe is a classic example of my motto, "don't miss it...make it" . Here's the scene... My best buddies and I sharing a glass of wine at one of our favorite restaurants, Redstone American Grill to celebrate a birthday. The atmosphere is lively and fun with the buzz of happy customers enjoying the center bar open and visible throughout the restaurant. We were
Book Review I can't think of a better time than Easter Weekend to review Jeanine Friesen's new book, "The Everything Guide to Living Gluten Free", afterall, it was her sweetbread dough recipe for the Best Cinnamon Buns that helped me bring back a holiday tradition for Potica Bread. Her recipe was the perfect solution for the special sweet dough I needed to re-make the Potica gluten free,
Roasted Chicken Easy and Perfect Every Time I made my first whole roasted chicken just a year ago. I had roasted bone-in breasts, best of fryers, and turkeys, but never a whole roasting chicken. I guess I never understood the need or desire to make one when they are so easily purchased in the Deli section of our market. (Always check ingredients as some use gluten-filled seasonings.)
Spicy Chicken Soup with Hominy Spicy, zippy, flavorful and easy! This southwest soup comes together quickly using leftover chicken or shredding a rotisserie broasted chicken. Chipotle Peppers in Adobe Sauce add the spicy kick and smokiness while hominy, beans, peppers, and chilis make for a hearty meal. Enjoy! Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter 1 large onion,
Key Lime Pie - Revisited - My key lime pie is a favorite and one of the most requested desserts from my family, especially Mr. Spinner. Each time I reference it on my site (which is often) I promise myself to update the photo and the crust, which is a little different than the first Key Lime Pie I posted. The actual pie filling hasn't changed, it's classic and perfect every time.
Cherry, White Chocolate, & Macadamia Nut Cookies Enjoy a little time for yourself this weekend... Grab a good book, a cup of tea, and a few of these sweet temptations. Not only will these cookies satisfy your sweet tooth, but two of the featured ingredients pack some health benefits as well. Take Montmorency Cherries for instance, have you tried these cherries on their own as a snack?
Three Pepper Taco Dip Taco dip isn't new to anyone, but I've put a little 'spinn' in this version for a fresh crisp change, and it's reeeeeally good...devoured every time I serve it. Three Pepper...bell peppers in this case, red, yellow, and green. The crisp juicy flavors of all three peppers are the attraction to this appetizer along with the festive presentation they command.
Cappuccino MousseMy Cappuccino Mousse tastes like a rich creamy vanilla latte' that you eat with a spoon. Each bite coats your tongue in a velvety smooth cloud of cappuccino heaven. It's sweet, but not overly so, and rich...yet light.The recipe makes two large or four smaller servings, depending on the dishes you choose. I also make these as mini desserts by piping the
Tropical Shrimp SaladLight, fresh, crisp, and tropicalUpon returning from the Caribbean in beautiful Punta Cana, I'm craving many of the dishes we enjoyed during our stay. This was the first dish I wanted to re-create as I enjoyed it for lunch every day. But would it taste the same? As we all know, everything tastes better on vacation, especially in the tropics as it's fresh, dif
Very Naughty Valentine CupcakesThe name says it all in my Valentine Cupcakes...they are Very Naughty.When I set out to create these pillows of heaven I decided that if I'm going to indulge in a cupcake, they would be worth every bite.The cake would need to deliver a deep rich chocolate flavor while remaining soft, moist, and fluffy as it bounces back after each bite.The frosting would have to be t
Chicken Caesar Saladwith Creamy DressingI'm lovin me some tasty salads lately and a grilled chicken caesar is my all-time favorite.I posted a Caesar salad recipe in 2010 and today I'm posting another with my Caesar chicken marinade and homemade creamy Caesar dressing.Let's not forget the homemade croutons...essential. Today I'm adding cucumbers, red onions, and tomatoes which aren't traditional in
Mexican Stuffed Shellswith Green Chili SauceSetting out to make chicken enchiladas with a green chili sauce took a quick spin when I realized I didn't have tortilla shells. Whooops! Kind of an important ingredient for enchiladas, but with a fun-filled yet tiring weekend behind us I wasn't up for a trip to the store. A quick scan of the pantry led me to a package of Grand Shells by Tink
~ ~Pizza Crust~ ~~ ~Bread~ ~One Fabulous Recipefrom Gluten Free Girl and the Chef This post is dedicated to all the pioneer's of learning to live and cook gluten free...specifically, Gluten Free Girl and the Chef.I've been watching what I eat and following a specific diet plan since January 2nd to lose a few pounds before heading on vacation to a beach destination. Scary thought of putt
Mimi's ChickenAfter the holidays nothing sounds better than Italian, right? Have you noticed all the grocery ads promoting pasta, sauce, and anything Italian? Well I've got a treat for you today...a long awaited post for many.My Mimi's Chicken is probably one of the most shared recipes in my entire recipe box. I was given the original recipe over 15 years ago by a co-worker who m
Sugar Cookie Cutoutsfor ChristmasYes, more cookies! I thought I was done baking for Christmas when Mr. Spinner says, "I love sugar cookie cut-outs...they're my favorite Christmas cookie".Whaaaat?? I should know this, right? And here I thought it was the peanut butter blossom. Actually it's not that much of a surprise...prior to my gluten free life I didn't bake much...
Christmas Cookies!!All...Gluten FreeThis is the first year I've baked an assortment of gluten free Christmas cookies and I'm excited to share them all with you! I wanted to make sure to post this at least a week before Christmas so you would have a chance to make them for your holiday table.We are hosting our annual Couples Christmas Party this year, which was my inspiration for baking these
Pear and Strawberry TartEasiest and Best tart crust ever...just in time for the Holidays!I spent yesterday baking Christmas Cookies which had me in the kitchen most of the day...and I loved every minute of it! This will be the first year I've decided to make an entire assortment of Christmas Cookies...gluten free of course. I have about three more full days of baking before I post all
Blackened Salmon with Pineapple Pepper SalsaAnother salmon recipe that's quick, easy, and so very good.You know how I love salmon, right? Well this recipe came together quickly with great results and I'm excited to share it with you. I lightly seasoned the salmon with sea salt and pepper then made a paste-rub of adobe chipotle peppers, garlic, butter, and oregano. How easy i
Happy Thanksgiving!!! A few ideas for your Thanksgiving Feast(Appetizers, Salads, Sides, Desserts) AppetizersKeep your appetizers light...just a little nibble before the big feast! Spring RollsLayered Taco DipRoast Beef Tapas~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ SaladsA salad can be a great addition to your Thanksgiving Menu offering a light fresh choice to compliment the traditional menu items.
Black Bottom Orange CheesecakeOrange and Chocolate...a winning combination.We spent this past weekend at the cabin cutting down brush and splitting wood in anticipation of the winter months ahead. It was a beautiful 47 degrees, which is a treat on this third week of November.Early Friday morning our neighbor called to alert us to the trumpeter swans enjoying the open water on the lake.&
Roasted Bone-in Pork Loin with ApplesSunday Summer BBQ's on the deck have been replaced with warm cozy nights around the dining table. It's November in Minnesota and I'm loving every minute of it. The scene:Warm amber flames flicker in the fireplace, Amos Lee serenades me in the background with 'Arms of a Woman', tea lights glow on the table set with cloth napkins and wine glasses, and
Tripleberry Pie with Pastry CrustYes this really is a gluten free pastry crust! Flaky, light, tasty, and delicate like days of old and it came from a package of Gluten Free Pantry's Perfect Pie Crust.Having made a few gluten free pastry crusts that turned out well (but not great), I was skeptical when I bought this mix. But I needed something at the cabin for last minute dessert o
Spaghetti PieEasy and Totally Delicious!Oh my...it's been much too long between posts! I have so many new recipes to share with you, cross my heart I'll find the time to post them. Here goes one....Do you remember making Spaghetti Pie? I sure do...and I remember how easy it was. Funny how forgotten recipes re-surface as we comb through our recipe files looking for inspirati
Monster CookiesRevisiting an old favorite and adding a little spinnThese tasty little gems filled with grains and goodies were a favorite in our house when the kids were little, and at that time their natural gluten free qualities weren't even recognized as such (with gluten free oats of course).Two weeks ago my nephew came for a visit and brought a batch of Monster Cookies that his mom made knowi
Marble Cheesecakewith Chocolate Ginger CrustA tattered 'Easy Desserts' booklet hiding in my recipe bin gave me the inspiration for this recipe, and yes...it was super simple to make. My spinn is the chocolate and ginger cookie combination that creates a flavorful crust to surround swirls of vanilla and chocolate cheesecake. Ohhh Yum! And there are no fancy toppings here...nope...not in
Raspberry Filled Devil's Food Cakewith Whipped Cream FrostingA birthday Dessert filled with sweet dreamy love. It's a combination I adore...chocolate, raspberries, and whipped cream, and with three of us having August birthday's, one big celebration calls for a very special cake.One of my favorite go-to's for chocolate cake is my the devil's food cupcake recipe which I've used in many applica
Zesty Refrigerator PicklesCucumbers....glorious cucumbers!The fragrance alone of a fresh cut cucumber says Summer unlike any other vegetable, and our favorite preparation is the refrigerator pickle.Mr. Spinner's birthday was this past weekend so I made a two quart jar filled with refrigerator pickles just for him. But these aren't your ordinary pickle, oh no...these are zesty with the additi
Kale and Zucchini RollsA bunch of leafy kale, 1 ripe zucchini, and 3 Roma tomatoes are the remaining vegetables I received as gifts from my gardening friends. I'm always honored when they share their harvest with me as I appreciate the work and talent in growing your own. But I'm not much of a gardener, and honestly I could be if I didn't have to encounter bugs, worms, and other creatu
Grilled Chicken with Orange and Rosemary...And a little SecretOne warm Wednesday night as I enjoyed my Pinot Grigio and Mr. Spinner his G&T, my neighbor strolls over with a beautiful summer salad to share with us. Having a gluten intolerance makes it even more special when someone cooks for us! Her first words were, "it's all gluten free...enjoy". And oh did we!Sitting on the fron
Marco Polo SaladI've been making this Marco Polo Salad for years and it's one of my kids' favorites...but I totally forgot about it until a good friend called to ask for the recipe. By switching out just one ingredient, the noodles, it was easily converted to gluten free and I was able to add back another family favorite.I also found another reeeeally good brand of gluten free noodles that m
My Best Banana Choc Chip Bread EverI revisited my chocolate chip banana bread recipe and am excited to share it with you as it's the best ever!I was thrilled to serve it to friends and be challenged that it was gluten free...that's success! The crumb was perfect and it stayed moist and delicious for days. The best way to store is to wrap each loaf in parchment paper first, then in plas
Coconut Cream PieSummer fun has been claiming my time lately as we enjoy our newly built cabin. We spent most of last summer working on the sale of our previous cabin and finalizing the plans for our new which is when the real work started. Although the majority of the building process was through our builder and contractors, it was the painting, staining, tiling, sanding, etc that kep
Jalapeno PoppersThis has been my 'go-to' appetizer this summer as it's received with oooh's and ahhh's every time...and it's easy!A friend gave this recipe to me who got it from her sister-in-law who got it from...well, let's just say it's one of those great recipes that travels the network chain quickly. And there's good reason why.Cream cheese, hot spicy sausage, and jalapeno boats baked o
Chili Cornbread with Maple ButterThere is a restaurant near our home called, "Redstone Grill" and it's one of those places where you always leave happy and satisfied. The warm atmosphere has a classy-rustic feel from the woodfire grill that fills your senses with smokey fireside aroma's as you walk through the mahogany doors. Fireplaces glow on both sides of the foyer framing the cente
Snap Pea SaladA deliciously light and fresh salad bursting with the flavors of Summer. Racing out the door on those busy mornings often has me scrambling to find something to pack for lunch. Options are limited when on the road so I either drink a lot of water or snack on gluten free protein bars. Not the best plan for increasing my metabolism, so I keep my eye out for quick salad idea
Dreamy Carrot CakeI love carrot cake...especially with cream cheese frosting, but I've never made it from scratch - even in my gluten eating days. Remember, I wasn't much of a baker then, but with my gluten free motto, "don't miss it...make it!", I was spinning all day until I got it right. And ohhh boy is this right (or maybe wrong)...but dreamy to be sure. I used my favorite gluten
Spring RollsI've been making Spring Rolls of every variety lately, and I'm having fun doing it. Once you start making them you'll think of all the fresh veggies, seafood, meats and herbs you can add to make another variation. I've been bringing them to parties for an appetizer and they are always well received, which is also where I first learned of fresh spring rolls. Last year
Eating Organic = Jerk?This morning before heading out for my walk I saw a short blurp on the news about eating organic and how it can turn you into a jerk. Hmm...now that's food for thought.I came back and Googled, "Organic Food Turns You Into a Jerk" and sure enough there were dozens of commentaries on the findings by Kendall Eskine, of psychological sciences at Loyola University in New Orl
Chicken Fingers for MadelineI've been meaning to experiment with chicken fingers since my son-in-law's niece, only two years old, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease last November. Sweet-Sweet Madeline.It's one thing to learn to eat gluten free and carry on with your normal routine as an adult, but it's entirely different when it's your child...all of two years old. Oh my, what a challen
