VcB

Coconut Macaroons (Dairy-Free, Egg Free) Posting over on Vancity Buzz

March 29, 2014

Happy Weekend!

coconut macaroons

Well, I would say spring is definitely here by the amount of rain we have had over the past few days. Yesterday it was sunny, bright and pouring down rain all at once. I took Lainey out for a walk but she turned around in protest after a short few strides. Lainey doesn’t do rain – or water for that matter. It was quite pretty, even though we were drenched in seconds. 

I hope all this rain means we will have a beautiful spring and summer ahead.

I’ve begun ‘spring cleaning’ around the house. Items tackled so far: Kitchen Cabinets, pantry and bedroom closet. Lots of items are going to the thrift store! I even properly planted my little fig plant I bought a while ago – here’s hoping he lives a little longer and is in better shape because of it. It’s quite a shame I was a landscapers daughter and I have no idea how to properly take care of any and all plants.

I do however, know how to bake. I shared a recipe this week over at Vancity Buzz for Dairy-Free and Egg-Free Coconut Macaroons! Head on over to Vancity Buzz for the Recipe!

Breakfast, Waffles, Wheat Free

Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Waffles

March 28, 2014

WafflesWaffles

This past Tuesday just happened to be International Waffle Day – the same day I decided to make a big ol’ waffle breakfast for Adam before he left for work. 

I had received a package of Pancake Mix from GoGo Quinoa along with some of their other products and really wanted to use their mix to try and make waffles. The difference between waffle and pancake recipes is usually more eggs and flour in a waffle recipe – so I decided to add an extra egg and an extra 1/2 cup of the pancake mix to the batter to use it in the waffle iron. 

Waffles

I was happy to see that their product – like all of their products – is vegan and wheat/gluten free. The ingredients for the pancake mix include organic brown rice flour, organic tapioca flour, organic kaniwa flour, organic pink salt, Xanthan gum, Baking soda and baking powder. I was happy to see there wasn’t any added sugar in the mix either. You can also use any milk/milk alternative as well. 

I used to think everyone felt ‘sick’ after eating breakfast foods like pancakes or waffles because they were just ‘unhealthy,’ before learning of my own allergies/food intolerances that include corn, wheat and dairy. After trying alternative flours and mixes for waffles and pancakes I can say my stomach is satisfied and happy. I also like that the mix is whole grains instead of white flour. 

I cooked them on medium heat on my waffle maker, for about 3-4 minutes each. They were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside like a belgium waffle would be. They’re definitely filling too, one or two waffles is plenty topped with lots of fresh fruit. 

WafflesWafflesYou can find GoGo Quinoa online, or at London Drugs, Superstore and HomeSense. 

 

Cupcakes

Cookies & Cream Cupcakes

March 25, 2014

Cookies & Cream Cupcakes // bakeaholic.ca

This past weekend I had a party for Adam’s 30th birthday. With his new work schedule (home for 1 week, working out of town for 2 weeks) it was the first weekend he was home after his actual birthday earlier this month. I had planned a nostalgic black & white themed party, with plenty of old photos of a young Adam. He really hasn’t change much since he was little. Seriously. 

Cookies & Cream Cupcakes // bakeaholic.ca

In keeping with the theme I asked the guests to wear some black and white, and the desserts were in theme too. One of Adam’s favourite ice-cream flavours is cookies & cream, so naturally I had to make the cupcakes that flavour. Plus, they fit the theme. 

Cookies & Cream Cupcakes // bakeaholic.ca

Thanks to Pinterest, I made a large 30th birthday sign and taped old black and white photos of the birthday boy on it. It was simple – just cut out a large number from thick poster board. Then, I actually took pictures of old pictures (so I wouldn’t ruin them), and then develop them in black and white. I also made a rice crispy treat cake (a request after seeing one online), almond-flour brownies, and cookies. It’s funny, because everyone loves a good rice crispy treat. Even when your 30. It’s a classic.

Cookies & Cream Cupcakes // bakeaholic.ca

I used the cupcake recipe from the Butter Baked Goods cookbook, and adapted the frosting recipe to make the cookies & cream part. I topped each one with a mini oreo.

Cookies & Cream Cupcakes // bakeaholic.ca Cookies & Cream Cupcakes // bakeaholic.ca

Chocolate Cupcakes with Cookies & Cream Frosting
Yields 24
Dense chocolate cupcakes topped with fluffy cookies and cream buttercream frosting
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For the Cupcakes
  1. 2 1/2 cups AP flour
  2. 1 1/4 cup dark cocoa
  3. 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  4. 1 cup butter, softened
  5. 1 cup sugar
  6. 1 cup dark brown sugar
  7. 3 eggs
  8. 1 1/2 cups milk (or almond milk/coconut milk)
  9. 3/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  10. 1/2 cup warm water
  11. vanilla
For the Frosting
  1. 1 cup (2 sticks) Butter, softened
  2. 4 cups icing sugar, sifted
  3. 1/2 cup whipping cream
  4. splash of vanilla
  5. 1/2 cup chocolate graham crumbs
  6. mini oreos (optional) for garnish
For Cupcakes
  1. preheat oven to 350.
  2. 1. Sift together dry ingredients. Set aside.
  3. 2. In stand mixer with paddle attachment cream butter and both sugars on medium-high speed. Scrape down sides of the bowl.
  4. 3. Add eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. Scrape down bowl.
  5. 4. In liquid measuring cup whisk together wet ingredients. Turn mixer to low, and add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with liquid ingredients. Begin and end with dry. Scrape down bowl.
  6. 5. Use a small ice-cream scoop to fill cupcake liners 3/4 full.
  7. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until toothpick inserted inside comes out clean.
For Buttercream
  1. 1. In stand mixer with paddle attachment beat the butter until pale. Stop to scrape down along the way.
  2. 2. Turn to low, and add the icing sugar 1 cup at a time, whip until fully incorporated. Scrape down bowl. Continue with remaining icing sugar.
  3. 3. Add the milk and vanilla. Scrape down bowl. Add in the graham crumbs and mix.
  4. 4. Turn mixer to medium-high and run for 10 minutes, scraping down bowl in the middle.
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Cookies & Cream Cupcakes // bakeaholic.ca