Category: Dessert

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Dessert Gluten Free Recipes

Oeey Goey Cheerio Brownies Gluten Free

CheerioBrownie

I think some of the yummiest things are created when you don’t have all the necessary ingredients. That is what happened here. My middle daughter had requested dessert and I totally forgot about it. So, when she came home from school she immediately asked, “So, Mom what did you make for dessert?” I had promised her and didn’t want to disappoint her so I pulled out my go to, brownies.  I have this easy brownie recipe that I have been making for years. Its one of those ones you have memorized to heart and use it in a pinch.  If I forgot bible study treat or something to send in with the girls its my go-to but this time was different. I have been diligent about being eating gluten free and I knew if I made brownies that I was going to not only want to taste one but definitely indulge.

My brownies for scratch are way better than your store bought or boxed brownie mix which is hard to come by sometime.  I knew that we had no more gluten free flour and I had used the last of the oatmeal for breakfast. I typically use oat flour when baking because its cheap and gluten free. I usually grind up my gluten free oatmeal and presto oat flour. So, scouring the kitchen I came up with an alternative.  The babies cheerios. Cheerios are gluten free AND put those bad boys in the grinder and you have cheerio flour. But would it work? Not only did it work my husband said, “These are the best brownies you’ve ever made.” I think partly because Cheerios have sugar in them and on top of my normal amount of sugar I put in my brownies my husband overly sweet sweet tooth was more than satisfied.  I had another request for the brownies recently and thought I definitely need to share this quirky recipe.  When you taste these you would never believe that the flour was made of cheerios.

cheeriobrownies

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:14]

 

 

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Breakfast Dessert Gluten Free Recipes

Apple Crisp for 1, please

 

Yep, It’s that time of year! Apple Picking! It brings back so much nostalgia and memories and a tradition that I happily keep each year with my girls.  It’s been especially fun the last two years apple picking with a curious toddler.  The older girls make it fun too but those little eyes of amazement and little hands stuffing apples in a bag melts this Mama’s heart.

I know everyone has gone Pumpkin crazy but we can’t forget about, good ole American apple pie.  I am a huge fan of both Pumpkin and apple so this recipe actually works for both! It takes 2-5 minutes and you will be in that fall-warmth-comfort-food-bliss in less than 10 minutes and it is so much better for you!

applecrispfor1

There are so many to both as a snack!

Apples have many benefits to your diet four benefits:

  1. It’s good for you I know you’re like “Duh, an apple a day…” but they are a great source of soluble fiber which is needed in your diet for healthy protection, diabetes prevention, and weightloss and one medium apple is half of your daily 2 cup of fruit goal based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Apples also provide 14% of the daily value of Vitamin C requirements.
  2. It’s helps you with weight loss. How? You say? Apples are a great hunger crusher and for fewer calories than most small meals or snacks.  There has also been studies that daily diet of apples will lower your cholesterol and heart disease.
  3. It’s great for your Heart health. Numerous studies has connected apples to lower risk of death due to heart diseases and cardiovascular disease.  It is believed there are mutiple factors that contribute to this such as:
    • antioxidants found in apples
    • Helps prevent LDL cholesterol and lower cholesterol
    • Inhibits inflammation
    • Soluable fiber
  4.  It helps prevent and protect you against metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is symptoms that causes the body to function improperly increasing the risk for heart disease and diabetes. A study found that apple eaters has 27% less chance to have metabolic syndrom symptoms.
  5. Give you a boost. Apples contain an antioxidant called querctin, which helps make more oxygen for your lungs helping with endurance.  So, it’s a great preworkout snack.

This recipe has no refined sugar and is a great treat for this fall.  What is your favorite fall dessert?

 

Check out my Chai Spice Recipe!

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Faith & Self Care Family Gluten Free Mealtime Monday Sugar Detox

Gluten Free Expo 2017

It’s that time of year again the air is getting cooler and crisp. The lil divas are back in school and despite whether we want to or not the Holiday’s are quickly approaching. It’s the perfect time for the Gluten Free Expo to come to town.  Last year, my sister and I were able to explore all the newest allergy friendly items from food to skin care.  It was a great opportunity to see all that Gluten-free has to offer. Also, to get some ideas for my gluten-free holiday baking which went well last year. I have been mostly Gluten Free for two years.  I have my slip ups, and I always suffer, and that is why I am grateful for how far gluten-free has come in the marketplace.  Now, not all gluten-free items some are still made of way too many processed ingredients. You can find some quality products if you look hard enough.  That is a great reason to come to the gluten-free expo it’s like a try and find all the newest and great allergy-friendly finds.  Last year, I discovered some treats that my family uses today.

This year I am really excited because the entire family is mostly allergy friendly now.  We found that living a gluten-free/allergy friendly diet has helped all of my daughters with their seasonal allergies and digestive issues and allowed me to stop making two meals. The only way this can be possible sometimes if we amazing gluten-free and allergy-friendly products that don’t make you miss Gluten or other allergens.

Last year, I discovered BFree Foods and Udi bread which is my go-to for my girls.  It tastes pretty great and it’s gluten-free, AND it doesn’t have a lot of junk in the ingredients label.  I also learned some great, baking tips from some of the vendors.  Another thing that I have been considering is the household and skincare products that we used. I never realized how many skincare products contain wheat until my allergies which has a direct effect on my complexion.  I find that when I use products without wheat, I have clearer skin and don’t have itchy flare-ups. For my teenage daughter using wheat-free skincare products has also cleared her skin she rarely has flair ups or outbreaks any longer. I also contribute wheat free hygienic products to my younger daughters no longer have eczema issues which I have written about before too.  It’s funny how eliminating one common culprit can improve your quality of life.

The beauty about expo’s online google that you get to try, smell and taste everything right there and talk to the exhibitors who produce the products. Some of the stories on how it has helped their families or where the product came from can be inspiring as well as mind-blowing on how changing your food can change your life.Is your family Gluten Free or Allergy Friendly? Would you consider trying it and why?

Is your family Gluten Free or Allergy Friendly? Would you consider trying it and why?

If you’re in the Seacacus, NJ area in October 14-15th, I am giving away TWO Tickets to gain access to the Expo.  Winners will be announced on 10/1/17 for TWO 1 Day Adult Passes. Enter below for a chance to win! I hope to get to meet you at the event!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can also get your tickets at a 20% discount with code “ADVANCE” until October 13th. 

 

 

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Dessert Mealtime Monday Recipes

Eat Your Rind

 

Watermelon Rind

Happy Independence Day!  Are you planning on attending a Barbecue today? Will there probably be Watermelon served? Have you been told that if you eat the Watermelon Rind, it will make you sick? Well, I am a living testament that is a myth. People toss the watermelon when it gets to the crunchy white part of the watermelon, but this is probably the most nutritious part of the fruit. The entire watermelon from flesh to seed is edible and delicious. I prefer the rind over the pink flesh, but I am not your typical person.

Seeded Wateremelon

Watermelon Rind has so many great nutrients in it, a very mild flavor and an excellent way to save on waste. If those reasons don’t persuade you there are also these four:

  1. Chlorophyll
    Helps with blood building contains more of the amino acid; Citrulline than the pink flesh.
  2. Additional Vitamins
    Contains Vitamin C, Fiber, Potassium and small amount of Vitamin B6
  3. Low Calorie
    It contains fewer calories. Therefore, it will add bulk and variety without adding to your caloric intake.
  4. Taste
    Taste like a cucumber; everything from skin to seeds of a watermelon is edible.

Watermelon is a staple at our house whether cooking out or just another day is Watermelon. I typically keep the rinds and freeze them to juice. So, I will cut the skins off before serving and place them in a storage container to freeze. I try to stock up during the summer in Watermelon Rinds because they are readily available and useful for you all year long. They have very bland flavor and if eaten raw a big crunch.

There are so many ways that you can eat Watermelon Rind; pickled, preserved, chutney, raw, in a salad, stir-fry, juice or a smoothie. The easiest way that I have found to get my kids to eat it is to make it a refreshing smoothie or popsicle. It’s a great way to get those wonderful nutrients in and save the waste.

watermelon rind popsicles

I’ve tried it both ways with the skin and without the skin. If you have a good blender, like a Vitamix or Ninja would include the skin because it is edible and will break it down so that it doesn’t affect the texture. If you do not, I would recommend including the skin because it can be a weird texture kind of like pulp in Orange Juice. Also, as far as taste goes it will not overpower the Popsicle so don’t be scared!

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:26]

Meal Time Monday

 

 

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Dinner Gluten Free Recipes

Bruschetta Chicken

BruschettaChicken

I live in New Jersey also known as the garden state and for the last three years, I have had a Spring, Summer, Fall garden that is getting larger with every year. We have a small backyard, and I am either going to have to move to some acres or just forget to let the kids play and take the whole yard for my garden. I never thought I would be the type of girl to garden, but it has taught me patience. I usually start my seeds in the winter end of January indoors and by Mother’s Day, they are ready to be planted. Usually around now is where I am reaping my rewards. My herbs are first like my oregano and basil that I use in this recipe and then my tomatoes. This year I have four varieties all heirloom tomatoes. I cannot wait for more garden to table meals to come from them. I have six different peppers. This year will be my first year trying Cruciferous veggies like Broccoli, Orange Cauliflower, and Red Cabbage. I have already harvested my first crop of Arugula, Spinach, Lettuce, Mesclun, and Kale. I still don’t think I could live in the country, but I do prefer my garden fresh over store bought veggies any day.

BruschettaChicken

This meal is a great summer time easy meal you can make in minutes. Its low in fat and high in taste. A real crowd pleaser, and anything that my in between diva can’t get enough of must be good because she has a very sensitive pallet meaning she hates everything. I used to make this meal with a lot more oil, crushed tomatoes and just lots of unnecessary processed extras. Now, that we’re clean eaters I find when I take out the garbage; add fresh herbs and ingredients. It not only tastes better that processed meals it also leaves you feeling better afterwards. All the helpers and one pot skillet starters are no comparisons to fresh ingredients. So, whether these ingredients come from your backyard or the store, please choose fresh over canned when it comes to trying this recipe. Are you a gardener or do you save that for the farmers?

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:23]

Meal Time Monday

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