Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!
I hope your day is filled with love and joy and family. And plenty of food, too!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:11-12

-Bethany

Gluten Free Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

These gluten free chocolate chip cookies are so soft and delicious that they will instantly become a favorite!

There is nothing I love better than a really good chocolate chip cookie. They are the ultimate comfort food for me. I love these cookies because they are super soft and thick and have a great flavor from the vanilla pudding that is added to them!

Gluten Free Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 1 Flax-Egg (directions on side of blog)
• 1/2 Cup Butter, softened
• 1/2 Cup Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 Cup plus 2 Tablespoons White Rice Flour
• 1/3 Cup Tapioca Starch
• 1 3.5 oz Box Vanilla Pudding
• 1 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Cup Chocolate Chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, combine white rice flour, cornstarch, vanilla pudding, xanthan gum, baking soda and salt. Whisk together.
3. In the bowl of your mixer combine butter and sugars and beat for 2 minutes.
4. Add flax-egg and vanilla to butter/sugar mix on low until combined.
5. Stir dry ingredients into wet ones, mixing only a few times before adding chocolate chips. Mix until incorporated.
6. Scoop onto parchment lined baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes. 

Enjoy!

-Bethany

Chocolate Scotcheroo Fudge

Love all things chocolate and peanut butter? This chocolate scotcheroo fudge combines both of those amazing flavors!

I love making fudge at Christmastime. I am always trying to come up with new recipes for it, and this one is a real hit! I can't wait to share it with all of my family on Christmas day.

Chocolate Scotcheroo Fudge

• 1 Tablespoons Sugar
• 1 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
• 1 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
• 6 Tablespoons Crispy Rice Cereal (gluten free, of course)
• 1 Cup Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 Cup Butterscotch Chips (make sure they are gluten free)
• 1/2 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly greased foil.
2. In a microwave safe bowl, combine sugar and corn syrup. Microwave 10 seconds, stir, and then 10 seconds more, stir, and 10 seconds more, or until sugar granules have disappeared.
3. Stir in peanut butter.
4. Stir in cereal. Set aside.
5. In another microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring, until melted.
6. Add a dash of salt and stir.
7. Pour half of the fudge into prepared loaf pan and spread out.
8. Add the scotcheroo mixture on top, pressing out evenly.
9. Pour over the rest of the fudge and spread until smooth.
10. Place in the refrigerator until solid. Then cut, eat, and store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge.

Enjoy!
-Bethany

Gluten Free/Vegan Chocolate Cutout Cookies

These chocolate cutout cookies are gluten free and vegan, allowing everyone to have a bit of Christmas cheer! They are delicious and perfect for eating around the holidays or any time of the year.

If you love chocolate and pretty cookies that you can decorate, then you are going to be a huge fan of these cookies! They are soft and chewy and perfect with a full chocolate flavor!

Gluten Free/Vegan Chocolate Cutout Cookies

• 2 Tablespoons Applesauce
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 2 Tablespoons Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Rice Flour (I used superfine Asian, might require a bit less with regular rice flour)
• 1/4 Cup Tapioca Starch
• 3 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a small bowl, combine applesauce and baking soda. Set aside for a few minutes.
3. In a medium size mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, sugar, rice flour, tapioca starch, cocoa powder, xanthan gum, and salt. Whisk together.
4. Add the applesauce mixture, oil, and vanilla to dry ingredients and mix until combined. Will be very dry and crumbly.
5. Pat dough together and roll out between two sheets of plastic wrap. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes. Makes about a dozen cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
7. Cool and frost with a powdered sugar/water glaze, if desired.

Enjoy!

-Bethany

12 Gluten Free Desserts Perfect For The Holidays

From chocolate cookies to crunchy peanut butter cups, these 12 gluten free holiday desserts will keep you and your guests happy and full!

One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to bake cookies and make fudge and all kinds of treats. Below I have listed twelve amazing gluten free desserts that are sure to make your holidays special.

1. Chocolate Kiss Cookies. These cookies have a rich chocolate flavor and are so pretty they will make any holiday treat tray better.

2. Chocolate Brownie Peanut Butter Cups. These are a fun take on peanut butter cups with a delicious chocolate twist, and you and your guests will love them. They would also make a great gift idea!

3. Gluten Free/Vegan Chocolate Cookies. If you are a vegan, or you know a vegan, then these delicious cookies are the perfect treat for you to make around the holidays, or anytime!

4. Two Ingredient White Chocolate Cups. These little cups are simple to make and have a great white chocolate flavor. Put sprinkles on top and they will look festive!

5. Peanut Butter Pretzel Puppy Chow. This is a fun take on the classic puppy chow and is perfect for serving at a casual get together. 

6. Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies have the perfect look for Christmas and are super tasty.

7. Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bites. These little guys couldn't be any cuter or easier to make!

8. Four Ingredient Mint Chocolate Fudge. Fudge is the perfect treat for this time of the year, and this fudge is simple to make and full of mint and chocolate deliciousness.

9. Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. They are not only pretty, but they are also delicious and perfect for any chocolate lover!

10. Crunchy M&M Peanut Butter Cups. Another fun take on the classic peanut butter cup, these treats are extra special and perfect for gifting or serving to guests.

11. Chocolate Chip Vanilla Snowball Cookies. Treat yourself to a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treat with these snowball cookies.

12. Easy Mint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies. What is better than an easy to put together dessert? These cookies look and taste like you have put a lot of work into them even while being easy!

Happy holiday baking!

-Bethany

Gluten Free "Oreo" Cookies

Gluten Free "Oreo" Cookies. These are fairly simple to make, are super tasty, and will bring back all kinds of childhood memories.

The dark cocoa in these cookies really gives them an Oreo flavor, and if you are a big fan of the real thing, then you will be sure to love these homemade, gluten free treats. They aren't quite as crunchy as the real thing, but they are still amazing!

Gluten Free "Oreo" Cookies

• 1 Flax-egg (directions on side of blog)
• 1/2 Cup Butter, softened
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 Cup White Rice Flour
• 1/3 Cup Cornstarch
• 1/3 Cup Dark Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

1. Prepare flax-egg (see directions on side of blog.)
2. In a medium size bowl, combine sugar, white rice flour, cornstarch, dark cocoa powder, xanthan gum, baking soda and salt. Whisk together.
3. In the bowl of your mixer, place butter and flax-egg. Beat until combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients and beat again, until it's all combined.
5. Cut two pieces of parchment paper and roll dough out between them (get it thin, but keep in mind that the thinner it is the crunchier they will be.) Place dough in freezer for 15 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
7. Cut into 2" round cookies and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. and bake for about 6 to 8 minutes.
8. Cool and then frost with frosting of choice.

Adapted from this recipe.

Enjoy!

-Bethany

Mini Gluten Free/Sugar Free Black Bean Cupcakes

These little cupcakes contain no sugar, are gluten free and vegan, and are super tasty! They have a great texture, just like a "normal" chocolate cupcake, and they have a great chocolate-y taste, as well. 

Bake up these cupcakes, and no one will guess the ingredients that make them secretly healthy!

If you want to make these cupcakes extra tasty, try adding some of my Sugar Free Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting on top.

Mini Sugar Free Black Bean Cupcakes

• 9 Tablespoons Water
• 3 Tablespoons Flaxseed Meal
• 2 Cups Black Beans
• 2 Tablespoon NuStevia Cocoa Syrup
• 2 Tablespoons Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Put the water and flaxseed meal in the bowl of your blender and pulse a couple of times. Let sit a few minutes.
3. Add all of the rest of the ingredients besides the baking soda and vinegar and blend until very smooth.
4. Move batter into a medium size bowl and sprinkle baking soda over the top. Add the vinegar and fold in just until combined.
5. Scoop into a greased 24 cup mini muffin tin. Bake for about 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

-Bethany

11 Unique Desserts to Make In Your Mini Muffin Tin

Your mini muffin tin can be used for so much more than just muffins and cupcakes, and you will adore all 11 of these creative recipes! These treats are tiny and delicious, and you will have fun making them for your guests or as gifts!

From peanut butter cups to little brownie bites, here are some great fun and unique recipes for you to enjoy!

1. Crunchy Peanut Butter Cups. These cups are easy to make and are an extra special little treat!

2. Brownie Bites. They are delicious, pretty, and easy to serve!

3. Chocolate Scotcheroo Cups. The flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch are combined in these crunchy cups.

4. Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bites. They melt in your mouth just like a good shortbread should!

5. Salted White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. They are a fun take on the original and have a great salty white chocolate flavor!

 6. Cinnamon Roll Bites. They are the perfect fun and tasty breakfast food!

7. Easy Chocolate Cake Cups. Chocolate cake, frosting, and a chocolate coating. Does it get any better?

8. Birthday Cake Donut Muffins. They have sprinkles in them and frosting on top. The perfect little treat!

9. Chocolate Brownie Peanut Butter Cups. Peanut butter and chocolate come together well in these delicious cups!

10. Double White Chocolate Cups. Only two ingredients are used for these simple, tasty treats!

11. Peanut Butter Cups. These are the traditional peanut butter cups, but they can be made with soy butter for a nut free alternative!


I hope you enjoy these recipes and find a new use for your mini muffin tin!
-Bethany

Gluten Free/Vegan Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

There gluten free and vegan dark chocolate crinkle cookies are thick, chewy and fudgy, and not too sweet.

I am starting to think about Christmas and all of the desserts I will be making then, and the gifts I need to buy. And the decorations I will be putting up. Anyone with me on that? I even had "Winter Wonderland" in my head today. I'm not looking forward to the snow that is sure to fall soon, though!

There are many great cookies to make at Christmastime, and these cookies will make any chocolate lover's dreams come true!

These cookies need to chill for a while, so make sure that you mix them up ahead of time!

Gluten Free/Vegan Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• 6 Tablespoons Water
• 2 Tablespoons Flaxseed Meal
• 3/4 Cup White Rice Flour
• 1/4 Cup Tapioca Starch
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Cup Dark Cocoa Powder
• 3/4 Cup Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Powdered Sugar, for rolling

1. Heat the water for 30 seconds in the microwave and then add the flaxseed meal to it. Set aside for ten minutes.
2. In a medium size bowl, add the white rice flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt. Whisk together.
3. Combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and oil in the bowl of your mixer. Beat together.
4. Add half of the flax-egg mixture at a time, beating after each addition. Add the vanilla and beat again until combined.
5. Add in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Put the dough in a bowl with a cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.
7. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Pour about 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a small bowl. 
9. Scoop one Tablespoon of dough at a time and roll in powdered sugar.
10. Place dough on the lined pans, flatten down if desired, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Adapted from this recipe.

Enjoy!
-Bethany

Gluten Free Applesauce Bundt Cake

Soft, moist, and loaded with delicious applesauce flavor, this gluten free applesauce bundt cake it something special. It looks pretty when it comes out of the pan and is coated in a thin layer of frosting, and it tastes even better. Serve it the next time that you are having guests over, and they will be impressed.

This cake is perfect for Autumn! Serve it with a mug of hot coffee and it will be a hit.

Gluten Free Applesauce Bundt Cake

• 1 Flax-Egg (directions on side of blog)
• 1/2 Cup Butter, softened
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 1/2 Cup Applesauce
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/3 Cup Brown Rice Flour
• 2/3 Cup Cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon, optional

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Whisk together rice flour, cornstarch, baking soda, xanthan gum and salt (and cinnamon, if using.)
3. Cream together butter and sugar.
4. Add flax-egg, applesauce and vanilla and beat until combined.
5. Fold in the dry ingredients.
6. Dump into a well greased bundt pan.
7. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes.

Adapted from this recipe.

I hope you enjoy it!
-Bethany