Gluten Free Carrot Cake

I don't often get wild cravings for food that just won't go away. However, carrot cake has been on my mind for weeks now. I'm not even sure if I have ever made one before and it certainly is not my favorite cake. Any cake with chocolate in it takes the top honors for me. But somehow, visions of carrot cake have danced in my mind as I drift off to sleep. While I'm awake, the wind whispers;"carrot cake, carrot cake." I can't take it anymore. I must make a carrot cake to appease the voices in my head. I turned to one of my favorite recipe resources for all things dessert; joyofbaking.com.
Gluten Free Carrot Cake
from joyofbaking modified to be GF
Cake:
1 cup (100g) pecans (toasted and finely chopped)
2-1/2 cups (340g) finely grated carrots
2 cups (260g) gf flour mix
1 tsp baking soda
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 tsp cinnamon
4 large eggs at room temp
1-1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) vegetable or canola oil
2 tsp vanilla
Baking Directions:
Divide batter between 2 well greased 9 inch round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for25-30 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack. This cake can also be made into a single layer 9x13 cake, simply increase baking time to 30-40 minutes.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter at room temp
8 ounces (227g) cream cheese at room temp
2 cups (230g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
finely grated lemon zest from one lemon
Start by toasting the pecans in a 350 degree F oven for 6-8 minutes. Remove from the oven, allow to cool and chop finely. Next, finely shred 2-1/2 cups of carrots. I used my handy Eat Smart scale to weigh out all the ingredients. Finally, combine the gf flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl, set aside. Beat the 4 eggs on medium speed for about 1 minute, reduce the speed and slowly pour in the granulated sugar. Once the sugar and eggs are combined (about 3-4 minutes) slowly pour in the oil and vanilla. Next, add the flour mixture and beat just until combined. Finally, use a spatula to fold in the carrots and toasted pecans.
Divide the batter between two well greased 9 inch round cake pans. Bake at 350 F for 25-30 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack.
While the cake is cooling, beat together the butter and cream cheese. Next, add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Beat until thoroughly combined. Place one layer of cake on a platter, spread an even layer of frosting on top of the cake. Add the second layer of cake. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Eat up and banish your cravings. Refrigerate any leftovers. Enjoy!!!

Quinoa with Grilled Vegetables and Prosciutto

We have had a couple nice bursts of sunshine here in the Portland area lately. My daughter and I made it to the zoo a couple times and I was able to go fishing with my parents at a nearby lake. I love this time of year as spring creeps toward summer. With the brief warm temperatures, I took advantage of dusting of the BBQ and grilling up a nice meal. Quinoa with grilled vegetables isn't exactly rocket science but this dish was light and full of wonderful flavors.
Quinoa with Grilled Vegetables and Prosciutto:
1-3/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup Quinoa (rinsed and drained 2-3 times)
1 small zucchini
6-8 stalks of asparagus
2 green onions
3-4 sprigs of cilantro
1 medium slice of Prosciutto
Olive oil
Sea salt
Prep the zucchini and asparagus for the grill. Peel and slice the zucchini into spears and trim the ends of the asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil and sea salt. Grill the vegetables until they are tender, about 8-10 minutes on my grill.
For the quinoa; bring the chicken broth and 1/2 tsp of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the quinoa, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook until done, about 15 minutes. While the quinoa is cooking, finely chop the cilantro, green onions, and prosciutto.
Coarsely chop the grilled vegetables and add them to the cooked quinoa along with the cilantro, green onions, and prosciutto. Serve alongside just about anything you like. For us, it was a great accompaniment to our BBQ chicken. Enjoy!!!

Gluten Free Doughnut Muffins

The theme this week for "Gluten Free Wednesdays" is muffins. Gluten free muffins are so easy to make and there are many flavors to choose from. I think my top three muffin choices would be; corn muffins, banana nut muffins, and blueberry. However, a newcomer to my muffin making repertoire could easily break into the top three favorites. I present you with the doughnut muffin. The flavors in these muffins taste just like a doughnut and by dipping them in butter and sugar, you ensure that the calorie count is right up there with a real doughnut as well. But they are oh so worth it. Let's get started.
Gluten Free Doughnut Muffins:
from Noble Pig modified to be GF
Makes 12 muffins
Muffins:
1-3/4 cups gf flour mix
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
3/4 cup milk (I used 1%)
Jam of your choice
Topping:
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Baking Time and Temperature:
350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes In a medium bowl, whisk together the gf flour mix, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar. In another bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the oil and milk. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into a well greased or lined muffin pan. Add a small scoop of your favorite jam, about a teaspoon each, to the center of the batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. While the muffins are baking, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. In another small bowl, melt the butter just before the muffins come out of the oven.
While the muffins are still hot, quickly dip the top of the muffin into the melted butter followed immediately by a dip into the cinnamon sugar mix. Repeat for each muffin. Allow to cool slightly and then dig in to your little doughnut-flavored treasure. Enjoy!!!

Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese

Yes, Yes, I'm still alive. It has been a trying couple of weeks. My car broke down and had to have the engine rebuilt and then my wife got strep throat. I figure I'm about a six pack of beer and a lost dog away from a good Country Western song. Here in the Portland area the weather can't seem to decide what to do. One day it's sunny and warm, the next it is cold, windy, and rainy. It's best just to whip up some comfort food and stick close to home this time of year. I don't usually get too crazy with macaroni and cheese. Simple is often best. However, I saw an episode of Barefoot Contessa where Ina made up some mac and cheese that looked delicious, bold, and easy. So, I had to give it a go.
Grown Up Macaroni and Cheese:
courtesy of Ina Garten, modified to be GF
4 ounces thick-sliced bacon
8-12 ounces GF elbow pasta (I use Ancient Harvest Quinoa)
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons GF flour mix
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
3 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated
2 ounces blue cheese, such as Roquefort, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch nutmeg
2 slices GF sandwich bread (I use Whole Foods Brand)
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves Cook the pasta per directions on the package. Drain well and set aside. Cook the bacon, coarsely chop and set aside.
In a medium sauce pan, melt butter and add the gf flour. Stir to combine. Whisk in the milk until it become smooth and coats the back of a spoon. Do not allow the milk to boil. Add all of the cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the chopped bacon, pepper, and nutmeg.
In a food processor, add the gf bread and basil. Pulse until combined into crumbs.
Mix the pasta and cheese sauce together. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish or several smaller baking dishes. Cover with bread crumb mixture. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until the bread topping is golden brown. Enjoy!!!

Gluten Free Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

A little while back my wife subscribed to Bon Appetit magazine as a gift for me. So besides finding new recipes on the Internet to try, Bon Appetit has become my inspiration for new recipes. Unfortunately, some of the recipes that look great in the magazine have ended up in the garbage after one bite. I hate spending the time and money to try something new only to be thoroughly disappointed. On the other hand, I have found some really good recipes in the magazine also. I knew this recipe for glazed chicken was a hit when my wife asked me when I could make it again. The glaze for the chicken is sweet and tangy and the pineapple salsa is fresh and tropical. It is very delicious.
Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
from Bon Appetit
Serves 4
For the chicken:
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 Tbs brown sugar (packed)
1 Tbs yellow mustard
For the salsa:
3/4 cup fresh pineapple cut into 1/4 inch cubes
3 Tbs diced red pepper
3 Tbs chopped cilantro
1-1/2 Tbs diced red onion
1-1/2 Tbs diced jalapeno pepper (adjust amount to your liking)
pinch of salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bring pineapple juice, brown sugar, and mustard to a boil in a small sauce pan. Stir together and boil until the glaze is thickened slightly, about 1 minute. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the chicken on the baking sheet and brush both side of chicken with the glaze. Bake for 15 minutes. Apply another coat of glaze and broil to finish cooking, about 5 minutes longer. Keep an eye on the chicken so it doesn't burn under the broiler.
For the salsa, combine all the salsa ingredients together in a medium bowl. It is best to make the salsa at least an hour ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld a bit.
Spoon the salsa over the chicken. Serve with rice and a vegetable and you are all set to eat a delicious and easy weeknight meal. Enjoy!!!

Gluten Free Grilled Cheese and Short Rib Sandwich

I was just looking back through my blog the other day when I realized that I have been at this for a year now. February 24th is when I started my little venture into blogging. At the time I didn't know what to expect. I thought it would be cool if one or two people stumbled across my site. The first comment I received was from Kim at Gluten Free Green Mommy. The next few comments came from Lori at Living Chronically, Cathy at Noble Pig, and Linda at The Gluten Free Homemaker. I really want to thank you four. Your positive comments and feedback gave me the motivation to keep posting with the realization that, yes people really are reading my blog.
Now let's get to this sandwich. I am a very visual person. When I look at recipes I love to see pictures of what it is that I'm trying to make. I've passed by many cookbooks that are all words and no photos. I'm sure they may have some great recipes, but I need to see what I'm making. This sandwich was featured smack-dab on the front cover of last months Bon Appetit magazine. Gooey melty cheese, crisp toasty bread, and perfectly browned short ribs. There it was just staring at me. Of course it wasn't meant to be gluten free, but that has never really stopped me. I have always wanted to try short ribs and this seemed like a perfect excuse to do so.
Grilled Cheese and Short Rib Sandwiches:
from Bon Appetit, modified to be GF
Serves 8 with the full recipe. I made half but I'll give you the full recipe here.
Short Ribs:
5 pounds beef short ribs
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
3 celery stalks, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/4 cups dry red wine
1/2 cup low-salt beef broth
1/3 cup medium-dry Sherry
2 garlic cloves, peeled
2 bay leaves
1 large fresh thyme sprig
Pickled Caramelized Onions:
1 tablespoon butter
2 large red onions, halved, thinly sliced crosswise (about 6 cups)
4 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
Assembly:
Butter, room temperature
16 slices gf sandwich bread (We use Whole Foods brand)
8 slices Monterey Jack cheese (I used Colby Jack cheese)
2 cups baby arugula (I used Romaine lettuce)
For the ribs, sprinkle the ribs with salt and pepper. In a dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Working in two batches, brown the ribs on all sides then transfer to a plate. Next, saute the celery, onion, and carrot until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the wine, broth, Sherry, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, scraping up all the browned bits. Season with a little more salt and pepper. Return the ribs to the pot, propping them up on their side in a single layer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, turn the ribs over. Cover and continue cooking for 1-1/2 hours. After the ribs are done cooking, remove them from the pot. Trip off excess fat and remove them from the bone. Cut the meat into 3/4-1 inch pieces.
While the ribs are cooking, prepare the caramelized pickled onions. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, sprinkle with salt, and saute until they begin to brown, about 10 minutes-stir frequently. Add the vinegar and sugar and cook until most of the vinegar is absorbed, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl.
To make your sandwich, butter two sides of bread. Add the cheese, meat, onions, and arugula. (I used Romaine lettuce) Top with the other slice of bread and grill until crisp and the cheese is melted.
Crispy, gooey, and hearty. Everything a sandwich ought to be. Enjoy!!!
I almost forgot. This beautiful blue Dutch oven that I cooked my ribs in came from Margo at Off The Wheaten Path. She had a contest a few months back and I won. This was my first time using it. Thanks again Margo, I love it.

Gluten Free Smoky Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

I really can't believe I haven't shared this recipe with you yet. Yes, it's hard to believe that I eat salads on occasion, not just desserts. When I am craving salad, I love fresh salad dressing from scratch. Most salad dressings are easier to whip up than you may realize. The freshness and flavor of homemade dressing is unbeatable by the bottled stuff. I found this recipe last year on one of my favorite blogs; Noble Pig. The key addition to this smooth, creamy, buttermilk ranch is a little smoked paprika. The smoked paprika adds such a unique touch to this amazing salad dressing.

Smoky Buttermilk Ranch:

from Noble Pig
2 cloves garlic, pressed

1 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup sour cream

2 Tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 Tablespoons fresh chives

2 green onions, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

pinch of Salt

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the buttermilk. Whisk in the buttermilk, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Prepare your favorite greens and top with your homemade smoky buttermilk ranch. Enjoy!!!