Gluten & Dairy Free Living
Oh, ooh, oooh…these banana muffins are so good. I have to agree with Tutti Dolci. Her recipe might just be, the “best ever” for banana muffins. They are rich with a banana-vanilla flavor, soft and tender with a golden crumb topping and not too sweet, but perfectly delicious with every bite. To top it off,…
Even though all the Holiday baking is done and gone, Valentine’s day is right around the corner. And with this love-struck day, comes lots and lots of chocolate! So, what better time to try the perfect, decadent and dark chocolate brownie recipe. This recipe is unique because it has a new, to the market, ingredient…Bailey’s…
It’s the Holidays and that means cookie time at our home! Lots and lots of baking, fun and delicious treats. This recipe is a new favorite – Chocolate Crinkle Cookies adapted from “salt and baker.” When you bite into this rich and decadent chocolate cookie, it’s sure to satisfy any chocolate craving. Oh…and don’t forget…
While I was at William Sonoma they were sampling “Instant pot Italian Herb Quinoa Starter.” It was so yummy, I had to get one. We decided to try it for Thanksgiving dinner, only we added toasted pecans and dried cranberries. It was a hit and added to our holiday menu. If you are ever near…
Cranberries are one of God’s little tasty gifts to all of us. I think it’s just to remind us that the tart comes with the sweet. Naturally sweetened, in this recipe, of course. It’s simple to make, simple in just 5 – 10 minutes, simple ingredients and simply delicious! Oooh, and for those of us…
The combination of orange and pumpkin is a new favorite in our home this season. I came across this recipe from a Natural Grocers “Delicious Living” magazine. It looked like an easy replacement for pumpkin pie, so I tried it and it’s absolutely delicious. Bringing together the flavors of pumpkin, orange and ginger is rich…
Fresh cranberries and pumpkin…delightful! These muffins baked up beautifully, with rounded tops and a moist-dense texture. The chopped, fresh cranberries add a tart yet sweet surprise with every bite. The combination of pumpkin and orange zest add a little hint of freshness and warmth…perfect for the season. Adding these muffins to your holiday baking list,…
I love Fall and I love Thanksgiving…don’t you? Not just because it’s so beautiful outside, with the changing colors of the leaves, the berries on the trees and the crisp, cool breeze in the air, but it’s time to start baking and cooking all the warm, yummy food that we all love to eat when…
This Crostata is a little different version of my “Blackberry Crostata.” It’s actually a combination of the pie crust from the Blackberry Crostata and the filling from my “No -Bake Apple Pecan Tart.” Bringing the two together to make an Apple-Peach-Cranberry Crostata was brilliant and so delicious. Being gluten free, I have missed good old…
Okay, so, here are some Trick-Or-Treating treats you can feel good about. Just google “fork and beans.” Cara Ansis is a food blogger, cookbook author and creator of Fork & Beans where she shares her passion of creating fun, kid-friendly recipes for any diet. Find her on Instagram @forkandbeans. When I came across Cara’s blog I knew I had…
On Sundays, at church, I teach eleven and twelve year old children the gospel of Jesus Christ. I always have a special treat for them. Since it’s almost Halloween, I decided to make them a Halloween treat. When searching, I came across a blog called “Chlesea’s Messy Apron.” She has amazing, simple Halloween Oreo Pops….
A delicately delicious muffin filled with tart sweet cherries, toasted pecans and topped with a buttery crumb topping inside and out…an unforgettable favorite! My husband and I use to visit this little muffin shop that had the most amazingly delicious muffins. You could pick any muffin they offered and it would be delightful. Our favorite…
It’s Spring and nature seems to be waking up and coming alive. Blossoms are turning to flowers, grasses are turning green, pastel colors are back and the sweet sound of birds chirping can be heard everywhere. I love Spring! This Lemon Zucchini Loaf is perfect for celebrating Spring. I have made a few changes from…
Crunchy on top, soft in the middle and filled with toasted pecans, cranberries and chocolate morsels…if you love oatmeal cookies, well these are to die for! This recipe is a remake of my original posting…Gluten-free Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies. Not that the original isn’t as good…this one is just better. You can make them with or…
I came across this recipe in a Costco magazine book review. The book is called “The Night the Lights Went Out” by Karen White. White states that in her novel the two main characters are separated and ultimately connected by home baking. She remembers that when she was growing up “all those homemade goodies were…
For all of you that are “bah hum bug” on holiday fruit cake, don’t give up so quickly. You actually might just like this recipe. It’s one of my new Christmas favorites. This little gem is my adaption from Elana’s “Christmas Cake” at elanaspantry.com It’s filled with delicious dried cherries, cranberries, dates and pecans, all…
“What do you want for dinner” – a phrase we hear way too often in our house. Well, this night was no exception. Chicken was on the menu and I was wondering what I could possibly do that would be different and spice things up. So I pulled out a red and yellow bell pepper,…
A crostata is an Italian baked tart or pie, also known as coppi in Naples. In France it is called a galette. It is a “rustic free-form version of an open fruit tart.” The crostata looks so refined but is remarkably simple to execute. First, since there’s no top, roll out just one sheet of…
Oats used to be a staple in my diet until I started eating gluten-free. Then sadly, I had to give them up. Now I’m using gluten-free oats and loving it. Oatmeal cookies are a favorite in my house and with this recipe they are absolutely scrumptious. I adapted this recipe from Erin at texanerin.com where…
One of my favorite date nights used to be going out for Chinese food. I loved take out, in those little white boxes. Everything tastes better eaten out of those boxes, especially leftovers. When I started eating gluten-free, Chinese restaurant food wasn’t on the menu anymore. So, I decided to look for alternatives, healthy ones,…
Quinoa is a new staple in my house and we are loving it. This plant food is enriched with healthy amino acids, it’s high in protein and is gluten-free. It is also high in fiber, magnesium, B-vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and has various beneficial antioxidants. No wonder it’s a popular substitute for…
Renewal and healthy challenges. That’s what’s happening at my house. My husband has been on a cleanse and elimination diet. That has meant no baking and no sugar…ugh. But, in all honesty I find it always enlightening to learn about and try new and healthy food and recipes. This morning I came across a video…
More doggy treats! Our pup – JoJo, loves treats, especially the ones I bake. When I’m in the kitchen baking, he is close at hand. He even waits after he finishes his breakfast or dinner, staring us down, just to get his treat. Okay, yes, he is spoiled, but he is our little pup and…
I love Mexican food! One of my favorite meals is Chicken Tortilla Soup. I can honestly say this recipe for Chicken Enchilada Soup just topped my favorite. Actually, they are both very similar, with lots of south-of-the-border ingredients; cilantro, cumin, chili powder and adding quinoa, fire roasted tomatoes and enchilada sauce…well, that’s brilliant, healthy and…
Carrot cake is a favorite at my house. It actually was my daughters choice for her wedding cake. Moist and rich and oh, the decadent cream cheese frosting…yum! This recipe is a healthy twist on the traditional and just as delicious. Cinnamon, ginger and honey add spicy sweetness your taste buds will love. Zucchini adds…
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and what better way to celebrate, than with chocolate. Dark, rich chocolate and pecans all in a scrumptious, gooey cookie. This recipe is easy and delicious. The recipe calls for a lot of chocolate, but it is worth every bite. Be sure to eat them while they are warm…and share with…
Yum! It’s Fajita night at our house. The temperature outside may still be in the 30’s…burr, but the sun is out and we’re anxious for spring and summer. I think fajita night is just what we need…with fresh veggies, chips and salsa, of course. A simple fajita made with tender chicken, colorful peppers, zucchini and…
We have been in a cold weather funk, an inversion, for a few months here in Idaho…burr! But the is snow is melting, the rain has stopped and the sun is out and it feels, oh, so good. On one of the gloomy cold days, I pulled out an old family favorite recipe, chicken vegetable…
Thank you all for following and visiting my blog. This has been the first year for “sweetly obsessed” and I have been blessed and inspired by friends and fellow bloggers . I’m looking forward to sharing my new cooking inspirations with you in 2017. Wishing you all a Happy and Joyous New Year. Roasted Maple…
In my previous post Pumpkin Pecan Streusel Pie, I mentioned that I hadn’t tasted the pie yet because it was for dessert after Christmas Eve dinner. Well the tally is in and everyone loved it. It was rich and decadent and there wasn’t even any chocolate in it. It’s a new holiday tradition in our…
It’s Christmas Eve! Christmas music is playing and baking and cooking is in full swing. Comforting, warm and delicious aromas fill the air. Usually we have a special breakfast on Christmas morning but Christmas falls on Sunday this year, so our traditional breakfast is today. Tomorrow is church and rightfully so, this is when we…
This pie is my rendition of Pumpkin Pecan Streusel Torte by Once Upon A Chef. I wanted to switch up the pie crust I use for pumpkin pie. When I stumbled upon this recipe it looked absolutely delicious and perfect for what I was looking for. We have been invited to have Christmas Eve dinner…
Chicken Florentine is the inspiration behind this absolutely delectable recipe. If you are looking for an elegant dish for the holidays or just the right meal for that special someone, look no more, this is it. These chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy spinach pesto and cranberries. Then drizzled with a roasted apple glaze…
This little gem is a different take on my No-Bake Apple Pecan Tart. If you liked the no-bake tart you will love this rendition. The same delicious juicy apples and cranberries, just a new crust. The ginger and pecans give this pie the perfect accent of a rich, sweet and spicy flavor. So if you’re looking…
Oh My Gosh…this recipe is so delicious. What a great combination, pumpkin, pecan and apple. Make it into a loaf or make into muffins. Keep them or share them. Either way they won’t last. This recipe is my new favorite. Light and fluffy, a hint of pumpkin and apple and the rich taste of pecans…yum…
Christmas baking doesn’t seem complete without the traditional gingerbread man. Nothing fancy just easy, fun and tasty. These little guys are all that and gluten free. I adapted this recipe from alittleinsanity.com. where Erika says her recipe makes the best gluten free gingerbread cookies and she’s right. After a little tweaking on the recipe to…
I use to buy chocolate dipped mangos in the bulk section at Whole Foods. It was rather pricey, so they became a once in a while decadent treat. Then I realized how easy it would be to make these little treats and I could save on the cost. Now who doesn’t like to save a…
Do you remember “date bars?” Back in the 60’s and 70’s you could buy these little treats, ready to be made, at the local grocery store. The brand was Betty Crocker or Pillsbury, I don’t quite remember. But they were so yummy. As I was making them, I would eat the ingredients right out of…
I have been obsessed with finding the perfect crisp and rich chocolate biscotti cookie. Not one that turns soft the next day, but a cookie that stays crisp. This little treasure is the one. Adapted from nancycreative, it is gluten and dairy free, crisp, rich and decadent…the perfect little treat for a wintry day. Perfect…
Sugar cookies are a buttery cookie classic and perfect for the holidays. These buttery little gems are the ultimate for making cutout cookies in all kinds of shapes. They make the ideal holiday cookie when festively decorated with icing. Get out your measuring cups, mixing bowls, cookie cutters, and baking trays and get started on your own batch…
Gingerbread cookies are cute and addictively tasty. These little creations are just so adorable! You’ll be questioning whether you’ll want to eat them or hang them on the tree. Either way this recipe is a delicious holiday treat. Christmas Gingerbread Cookies adapted from Martha Stewart 2 cups blanched almond flour 1 cup brown rice flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon…
Smoothies…all in one fruit and veggies, I’m in! I love smoothies, making them and drinking them. I guess it’s my creative side emerging, when I think of all the different delicious combinations that can be made. Quick, easy, healthy and so refreshing. A few years back, I use to be a manager for a Zuka…
Yep more Pumpkin…and this one is “dunkin good.” Why not more pumpkin…it’s the season. This pumpkin biscotti is healthy, crisp and just yummy. After researching for the perfect recipe, I stumbled across this one from “Plated with Style.” The original recipe is Paleo, but I did a little tweaking and came up with my…
Every so often when I ask my husband what he wants for desert he’ll say Pumpkin Pie. Actually I know he’s thinking of a Marie Calendar’s Razzleberry Pie. It’s his favorite. One day I’ll recreate a healthy version. But for now it’s Pumpkin Season. Pumpkin is not only for Thanksgiving, but it’s refreshing and healthy…
Tis’ the season for Pumpkin! If you like pumpkin pie, this cookie will be on your baking list. These little cookies are easy, moist and surprisingly light. The sweet but spicy, pungent flavor of cinnamon and ginger will tantalize your taste buds and have you reaching for seconds or thirds. It’s the Holidays…invite some friends…
Dogs like treats, I like dogs… hence I make dog treats. Not any treats (cookies), but healthy ones. My dog JoJo, loves these cookies. When he hears the word cookie, his ears perk up and he’s at my feet – waiting patiently, of course, for his tasty little treat. If you have a dog you will love…
Apple-Zucchini Loaf This apple-zucchini loaf is the perfect, delicate combination of a healthy sweet loaf. For added texture and crunch add some of your favorite nuts… be sure they’re roasted. I promise your house will permeate with the aroma of an apple – cinnamon heaven. Don’t forget to share… this loaf is a favorite. Apple-Zucchini Loaf Adapted…
This recipe was given to me by a nutritionist at “New Seasons Market.” When I was first diagnosed with gluten intolerance I met with her to learn about the gluten-free foods New Seasons offered. She gave me a packet of information and this recipe was in the packet. I felt like I had opened a box…
One of the many joys of Fall is fresh apples. Right off the tree, crisp and juicy. When we lived in northern California, I used to work at one of the apple farms in Apple Hill. We would sample all the different apples and fresh hot cider. Each apple had its own unique texture and…
Oh my gosh… this is delicious. I mean, mouth watering, I can’t wait to have another bite, delicious. Have you ever tasted anything, that’s not a dessert, but has you dreaming about another sweet and savory bite? This Italian dish of turkey meat balls, spaghetti squash and chickpea noodles is all that and more. I’m…
Confession time… as a mom I use to make the traditional rice crispy treats for my kids all the time. It was simple to make, fun and yummy. My kids and I loved the gooey cream from the melted marshmallows. It was like camping and roasting marshmallows, only over the stove. Which we did on occasion… shhh…
One of the blogs I follow is nancycreative.com. Her quick bread recipes are amazing and easy to adapt to my baking style. If you get a chance, click on over to her site, it’s crisp and fresh and I think you’ll enjoy her recipes. This quick bread recipe is one of my favorites. The sweet-spicy…
Where’s the beef? Have a turkey burger instead!
Chicken Parmigiana is a traditional and authentic Italian dish. Tender breaded breasts of chicken covered with a rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese and topped with grated fresh Parmesan cheese. This recipe has been passed down through my family for generations. The combination of flavors from fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil and…
I love Fall and who doesn’t… the crisp chill in the air, the lightly falling rain and the beautiful colors from the leaves on the trees. It’s my favorite time of year. All the different apples are in season and squash is abundant everywhere. And the holidays are around the corner. Hence this warm, creamy…
These muffins are so moist and chocolaty delicious, they deserve a little story and a glass of milk or hot chocolate to go with them. Story time… I teach a Sunday school class of 11 year-olds. The class meets around lunch time, so I bring treats. Okay, truth be told, between these children and my…
November is a special month for my husband and I. It’s a month of celebration… our anniversary and my husband’s birthday. It’s a month of special treats for both of us. One of my husband’s favorite desserts is German Chocolate Cake. A few years back I went on line in search of the perfect, healthy…
It seems like pumpkin is everywhere…cookies, cakes, pies, breads, cereals, chips, salsa, soups, pasta and the list goes on. If you can put pumpkin in it, it (whatever that may be) is being created. That being said, who doesn’t love pumpkin? It’s a holiday favorite and rightfully so. I love pumpkin, especially seasoned, ever so…
I love to share. When making quick breads it’s so easy to do. That’s why I always use 4 small loaf pans. There is usually 2 or 3 left over to share with friends and family. This recipe is ideal for that forgotten banana and the abundance of zucchini from your garden. Who doesn’t love…
Harry and David call this sweet and crunchy treat “Moose Munch.” If I could get them to share their name that would be awesome… it’s so cute. I love it… almost as much as I love this recipe. The aroma of sweetly caramelized pecans with honey and vanilla make this treat addictively delicious and will…
You know Fall is here when the warm and delicious aroma of pumpkin and molasses and spices (like ginger and cloves) fills the air of every bakers kitchen. These little gems of a muffin are lightly seasoned with pungent, spicy ginger. They are soft and moist with every bite. Mmmm, how I love the taste…
Sweet Golden Corn Bread This basic recipe for cornbread is so easy and forgiving that you’ll be asking for seconds. Not only is it gluten and dairy free it’s sweet, golden and simply delicious. Added to a bowl of my Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chili and well… you’ve got a good old fashion, warm, comforting country meal….
Fall is in full swing and winter is around the corner. It’s CHILI time! Time to get fired up. Whether you like a little heat or a full blaze, you can make this chili recipe your own creation. Warm and tender, sweet and spicy, every bite is mouthwatering good. My husband’s version of this recipe is…
These cookies are an old fashioned classic and holiday favorite. Slightly crisp around the edges and chewy in the center, they have the magical ability to stay fresh for days. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and ginger and full of the sweet and sassy taste of molasses and to top it off they are lightly sprinkled with sugar….
Who doesn’t love an easy, healthy one dish meal? Try some moist succulent Tilapia and Shrimp set on a bed of brown rice and spinach, topped with tequila lime seasoning and cilantro. In this recipe the Tilapia and Shrimp are frozen and from Costco. The seasonings are from Whole Foods – Tequila Lime and Chimichurri…
Oh My Goodness – these are so yummy and so simple! Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, agave and a healthy oil…that’s it! A healthy delicious snack full of protein. Add to any salad and enjoy! Roasted Pumpkin and Sesame Seeds 3 cups Pumpkin seeds (I use green pumpkin seeds or pepitas) 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds 2…
The joys of quick breads (loafs). Quick breads are usually a sweet bread and one of my favorite’s in baking. Quick bread’s are easy, rather “quick” to prepare and delicious treats to share. I like to use four little loaf pans. That’s why I refer to this tasty little bread as a “loaf.” This warm and comforting banana loaf just got bumped…
Our dog, JoJo, loves it when I bake him treats. His favorite treat is chocolate chip cookies without the chocolate chips, of course. When I bake everything is gluten & dairy free and processed sugar free. So it’s healthy for him. The other night I didn’t have any cookies for him. After dinner JoJo jumped…
