Not actually a fruit...

The first stalks of fresh, local rhubarb have started to appear in my area and I simply could wait to start concocting delicious yummies.

Traditionally I have always opted to combine this tart vegetable (yes rhubard is a vegetable) with fresh berries (as I did a couple of weeks ago during ‘Strawberry Madness‘).

In looking for more rhubarb inspiration however I stumbled across a couple of recipes that coupled this flavour with orange. I was skeptical but decided to be adventurous. I’m really glad I did!

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So Berry Good!

Though it is still early for these yummy red berries in my part of the world, strawberries from more temperate parts of the world are starting to make an appearance in my local stores.

Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C and potassium, and regular intake has been linked to a reduction in body inflammation, which is involved arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis and cancer. Though nothing beats locally grown strawberries that you’ve picked yourself, getting four quarts for five dollars at the store comes pretty close.

My almost hubby (2 months to go!) knows me well… despite my insistence that I could go to the store and come back with the one single item I went for he gave me a knowing ‘I told you so’ look when I saw the near mountain of strawberries before me.

When we got home I managed to find a spot in my fridge for the delicious red morsels. Finding a spot in my tummy or freezer before they all started to turn was another matter however. I let almost hubby know I could take care of ‘the problem’ – and today I did just that!

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No excuses really. I simply got really busy around Christmas and never seemed to get back into my posting groove.

Today I finally work up to the sun shining, birds singing, and a sense of resolve. I guess Spring will do that?

The good news is that during my time away from blogging I haven’t necessarily given up on my grain-free adventures in the kitchen. I now have a few really solid recipes up my sleeve that I can’t wait to share. I guess that means I have to bake soon in order to take photos.. oh darn!

On another note, my Birthday is coming up and I’ve been hinting for one of these:

Sucker for Gadgets

Even if I end up buying myself a present I am hoping to start experimenting and sharing some raw ‘baking’ adventures soon!

Spicy Hermit Cookies - Let the holiday baking begin!

Though the busy work schedule continues I am well aware that time is marching on – before I know it the holiday season will be in full swing!  I have managed to finish most of my decorating already – now it is time to turn my attention to holiday baking. This year will be my first ‘grain free’ Christmas and should be lots of fun!

I’m going to do my best to re-create as many of ‘Mom’s’ Christmas recipes in grain free form. I intend the crown jewel to be a traditional Christmas pudding (wish me luck), but first I will try my hand at various cookie and bar recipes.

One of my favourite cookies growing up was the Spicy Hermit cookie. As the name suggests these cookies are full of yummy spices. This particular recipe also has small pieces of apple, as well as more traditional raisins.

As these were baking and the scent of spices filled the air, childhood memories came flooding back. At first bit I knew I had been successful at recreating a grain free version of a Christmas favourite.

Continue reading Spicy Hermit Cookies

Perfect for snacking!

After being sick for nearly two weeks and then getting very busy with work I have sadly been neglecting my kitchen lately. Since I don’t eat grains, you can imagine that this has led to some pretty boring ‘quick’ meals, especially at breakfast time. Once can only stomach scrambled eggs alternated with cheese omelettes for so long.

I have finally found some time this weekend to catch up on some bread baking and decided to add a little extra by making cinnamon, raisin mini loaves. These are perfect toasted with almond butter or just on their own.

I think I’ll make a double batch of these next time so that I can freeze some to have when life gets hectic again!

Continue reading cinnamon raisin mini-loaves…

Fruit and Nut - Chocolate Inspiration

These lower sugar, vegan, gluten free cookies are inspired by my obsession with fruit and nut chocolate bars. Something about the mix of sweet fruit with bittersweet chocolate and toasted nuts has always been pure joy for my taste buds. These cookies have all the flavour of my favourite chocolately treat with the additional of actual nutrients!

These cookies are great with coffee or tea, and I’ve been told they aren’t too shabby as dessert with ice cream. Even my mom asked for the recipe, which is saying a lot!

Continue reading Chocolate Fruit and Nut Cookies…

Spicy Pumpkin Pie Squares

Most traditional pumpkin pie recipes have nearly a cup of brown sugar in them. Though I can’t claim that this version is completely sugar free (uses fancy molasses), I am confident that the sugar content has been greatly reduced without sacrificing a traditional flavour. The use of coconut milk creates a smooth, creamy custard. Couple this with the crispy, gluten free crust and a delicious dessert or on the run snack is born!

Though I chose to make more portable bars, this recipe will also work for a smaller pie – a great way to end any festive meal.

Continue reading Pumpkin Pie Bars…

mmmmuffins

Since going grain-free, I’ve been craving a good, moist, healthy muffin. After a few failures, I think I am close with this one.

Coconut flour can be found in any good health food store. It may seem like an expensive investment, but take heart that most recipes only use about 1/4 to 1/3 of coconut flour vs. traditional gluten flours. One bag keeps going and going!

Continue reading Banana Date Muffins…

An Ode to Autumn Flavour

I enjoyed this loaf on its own as well as toasted with some generous slatherings of apple butter… mmmm…

Continue reading harvest loaf

Apple crisp for breakfast anyone?

Last night we made a fancy feast. While it was cooking, we realized that a lovely meal is made even lovelier when eaten with good friends. Thus, the texting began!

20 minutes later people were on their way when I realized that though we were well stocked with supper, wine, and even a baguette for our grain eating peers, this event was still missing a key ingredient… dessert!

Continue reading apple crisp…