The Sensitive Pantry - Gluten-free, Egg-free, Dairy-free, & Vegan Recipes

Sunday

May222011

Deep Dark Chocolate Muffins

May 22, 2011 tagged

Dairy-free,

Egg-free,

Gluten-free,

Vegan

Photos memorialize our lives. Each snapshot is meant to be viewed later to stir memories of what was.

Just like the blog posts, journal entries, letters, and emails we write are memorials to the moments we cherish. The moments we don’t want to forget. Or, the moments we want to remember so we’ll not repeat ourselves.

Yeah, folks, I’m rambling a bit. What does any of this have to do with chocolate muffins? Well, nothing. It has to do with friends and memories and holding on to both.

I lost a dear friend this week and need to carve a little place right here as a memorial. I have an intense desire to hold on to him—just like in Peter Pan when Wendy sews Peter’s shadow back on. I want to sew the shadow of my friend firmly somewhere so he doesn’t disappear. So he doesn’t wander off. So he’s here in my heart forever.

It was an unexpected and shocking loss. I’ve known my friend since grade school and expected to know him into old age. I only share that because when something like this happens you think not only about the loss of your loved one but about the people who are still here. Your husband (or wife), your children, siblings, parents and friends. You desire to make each moment memorable. To make each moment count. To tell them you love them, appreciate them, to be with them.

You know what? These muffins are good but don’t make them. That’s right. (At least not right now.) Go spend some time with family and friends making memories. Tell them you love them. Smile and laugh with them. Do that and you’ll create moments that will last a lifetime. I promise.

Deep Dark Chocolate Muffins

Deep Dark Chocolate Muffins

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Prepare your muffin pan with liners—makes about 6 or 7 jumbo or 12 cupcake sized muffins.

Whisk to combine and set aside:

½ teaspoons EnerG Egg Replacer
2 tablespoons warm water

In a large mixing bowl mix together:

1½ cups GF Flour Blend
½ cup pulverized walnuts*
2/3 cups organic coconut or cane sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

In a 2 cup measuring cup whisk together:

1 6oz container plain or vanilla yogurt (for dairy-free/vegan use coconut milk yogurt)
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon molasses (optional)
½ cup water
egg replacer you prepared earlier
1/3 cup grapeseed or other vegetable oil

Pour about half the wet mixture into the dry and give it a few turns with a spoon or silicone spatula. Add the rest of the liquid and stir until combined.

Add to the batter and mix in:

½ cup Enjoy Life chocolate chips

Spoon into the paper liners filling them about ¾ full. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool and enjoy.

*I pulverized the walnuts in a small food processor (or you might be able to use a coffee grinder) until they were the size of large grains of sand. Measure after they’re chopped.

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Wednesday

May182011

Easy Gluten-Free Living: Tips for BBQs & Picnics

May 18, 2011 tagged

Gluten-free

Foil Cooking: Grilled Cabbage & Potato Packets

Thanks for checking in to see what 30 Days To Easy Gluten-Free Living is all about. It’s the brainchild of Diane Elbin of The WHOLE Gang fame. She’s a zippy lady who decided it was time to share that gluten-free living can be pretty easy. She rallied the troops—a group of some 30 GF bloggers—and asked us to help by sharing our tips on a variety of GF subjects. You’ll find blog posts on everything from how to use your garden to enhance GF living to feeding kids and teens to travel tips.

Here we are at Day 18 where I’ve chosen to talk about how to stay safe while enjoying the outdoor BBQs and picnics that come hand in hand with spring and summer weather. (Don’t forget to check out Days 1-17 and stay tuned for more Easy GF Living through the month of May.)

I had a little help with my post—a few gluten-free friends shared their tips and wow they’re really good ones! Looking forward to hearing some of your ideas, as well, so please tell us about them in the comments below.

Easy GF Living: Tips for BBQs & Picnics

BBQs are all about the grilling. But, some of us might be fearful one too many rolls have been toasted on said grill. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family from grill related cross-contamination.

Cooking in parchment wrapped aluminum foil is a great way to be sure your food is gluten-free. The options for foil cooking are plentiful. Put your individual meals together and transport them to the backyard or your best friend’s house to be popped onto their grill for safe cooking.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Grilled Cabbage and Potato Packets—shredded cabbage and thinly sliced onions and potatoes topped with grated cheese. Mix it up a bit—how about sweet potatoes and sliced apples with shredded Brussels sprouts and onions? Some GF pre-cooked apple sausages sliced into coins will make this a full meal.

Orange Teriyaki Salmon—layer baby bok choy, thinly sliced carrots and oranges, snow peas, salmon filets, and a few tablespoons GF teriyaki sauce. Cook about 10 minutes (timing will depend on the temperature of the grill) on each side over medium low heat. Test to make sure the fish is cooked to your liking.

For the kids—check out a whole host of foil packet dinners and desserts courtesy of the Scouts that will make any kid happy. (Note that most, but not all, the recipes on the site are GF. Use your best judgment when choosing.)

Grilled Mediterranean Kabobs

If foil cooking is not your thing you can bring GF burgers and dogs to the picnic and grill them using your own grill topper that’s never been touched by a wheat flour bun or roll. One friend brings her own tabletop portable grill—I love that idea! Or, how about using pre-soaked cedar planks which when placed on the grill will add a new (and safe dimension) to your cooked foods. Kebobs are easy to make ahead and will work with any of the safe grilling options mentioned here.

Most GF folks I spoke with like to bring their own food and tend to make one dish dinners that serve many. Layered and roasted veggies, sprinkled with cheese makes a great, light dinner. Or for the kids you can’t go wrong with GF mac and cheese or tuna casserole.

If possible try to have your gluten-free food on a table separate from the non-GF food. It will protect the serving utensils—and food—from being cross-contaminated. If that isn’t possible be sure to serve yourself and your family first before the other guests are served. Some folks may not understand utensils used across dishes can be hazardous to anyone who is gluten-free.

Condiments can be a cause for concern for many celiacs and gluten sensitive folks. It’s likely the knife hanging out in that mustard just smeared the inside of a nice fluffy gluten-filled roll. To alleviate that worry bring your own GF condiments in individual serving packages. Or, if you’re hosting serve your mustard, mayonnaise and ketchup in handy squeeze bottles.

Tropical Black Bean Salad

Munchie foods are easy to make and share. Everyone loves salsa or guacamole and GF corn chips. Hummus is another favorite. Or how about this great black bean salad?

I personally think you can eat chili at any time—so why not at a BBQ? It’s easy to make a big pot of slow cooker chili and bring it with you. Kids will find this especially fun if you serve them Frito Pie. (Just make sure that chili isn’t too hot!)

And, the options for desserts are endless so pick your favorite GF cake, cupcakes, cookies—or these sweet little ice cream sandwiches that can be made ahead—and pop those in your picnic cooler to bring along.

It’s true we GF folks all seem to bring a ton of food with us when invited to a summer potluck. No worries. It’s fun to hang with friends and not have to worry about getting “glutened”. Your friends will be thankful you’re with them and having a good time. And, they’re going to enjoy some of the wonderful GF food you’ve brought along to share.

The takeaway is life doesn’t stop because we’re gluten-free. It’s not that complicated if you choose to have fun with it and if you have a little help along the way. So make sure to visit the other 30 days of Easy Gluten-Free Living to get some ideas and tips from some of the best gluten-free bloggers out there—and remember to share your own tips and ideas in the comments section!