Soft Gluten Free Anisette Cookies

These wonderful Italian cookies are perfect for holiday baking!

INGREDIENTS:

For the cookies:

2 cups (280 g) all purpose gluten free flour

1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your blend already contains it)

1/2 cup cornstarch (or try arrowroot)

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 eggs at room temperature, beaten

2 teaspoons pure anise extract or 1/2 tsp. anise oil

2 to 3 tablespoons milk (any kind), at room temperature

For the glaze:

1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon pure anise extract or 1/4 tsp. anise oil

1 tablespoons milk (any kind), plus more by the 1/4 teaspoonful if necessary

Nonpareils, for decorating (Cake Mate & Betty Crocker brand nonpareils are gluten free in the U.S.)

See the entire recipe and directions at Gluten Free on a Shoestring.

4 Ingredient Banana Almond Mini Muffins (Vegan, Grain-Free)

These muffins are a snap to put together, and are made with only four healthy ingredients! I think they taste best straight out of the oven. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup (250 mL) mashed, very ripe banana (between 2 and 3 large bananas)

• 2 tablespoons (13 g) flaxseed meal

• 1 and 1/2 cups (168 g) blanched almond flour

• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

See the entire recipe and directions at Power Hungry.

Keto Pizza Crust (Grain Free, Low Carb)

This pizza crust is perfect for people on keto and gluten free diets since it is completely grain free! It makes an amazing pizza crust! It’s also very filling, which helps with portion control.

Ingredients:

1 3/4 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

3/4 c. almond meal/flour or 1/4 c.

2 tbsp cream cheese

1 egg

pinch salt to taste

1/2 tsp dried rosemary/ garlic (optional)

your choice of toppings

See the entire recipe and directions at Ditch the Carbs.

Lemon Glazed Donut Holes (Keto, Paleo, GF, Vegan)

If you’ve ever made regular donuts from scratch, this recipe is 1000 times easier since it’s made almost entirely in a blender. It’s also secretly healthy and makes an amazing sweet treat!

The ingredients are simple and wholesome. Nothing crazy or unusual. Nothing artificial.

1. almond flour

2. neutral oil (I used avocado oil)

3. lemon

4. monk fruit (or coconut sugar)

See the entire recipe and directions at Pretty Pies.

One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread (GF)

This delicious and healthy banana is quick to whip up and makes an amazing breakfast or snack!

1 batch flax egg* (1 flax egg = 1 Tbsp / 7g flaxseed meal + 2.5 Tbsp /37 ml water)

3 medium ripe bananas (3 bananas yield ~1.5 cups or 425 g)

1/4 heaping cup unsalted almond butter (or sub other nut or seed butter)

3 Tbsp avocado oil (or melted coconut oil)

1/2 cup coconut sugar (or sub organic brown sugar)

2-3 Tbsp maple syrup (or sub agave nectar or coconut nectar)

1/2 tsp sea salt

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk, such as rice or hemp)

1 Tbsp baking powder

1 ¾ cup almond meal (ground from raw almonds)

1 ¼ cup gluten-free flour blend*

1 ⅓ cup gluten-free oats

1/2 cup chopped raw walnuts

See the entire recipe and directions at the Minimalist Baker.

Edamame Quinoa Salad

With March on the way, I'm basically pretending it's spring. Well, this is a perfect salad for pretending it's springtime, it's fresh and delicious- plus it's full of good vegetarian protein!

Ingredients
2 cups uncooked quinoa
4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup celery , sliced
1 (15-oz) can corn, drained
1 (15-oz) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup cilantro, finely minced
1 heaping cup dried cranberries
1 (12-oz) package edamame, cooked and shelled
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 cup sliced almonds (or any nut you like)
3 Tablespoons olive oil (more or less to taste)
5 Tablespoons lime juice (more or less to taste)
salt to taste

See the full recipe and directions at The Girl Who Ate Everything.

Italian Parmesan Crisps (GF)

This is an amazing, simple recipe that is full of delicious flavor and is a perfect light accompaniment to any holiday gathering!

1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (use the larger side of the box grater)

1 tablespoon white rice flour

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon black pepper

See the entire recipe and directions at Gluten Free Living.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Blondies

These grain free blondies are absolutely delish, and you'd never guess their secret ingredient after tasting them- cannellini beans! 

Ingredients:

Cooking Spray
1    can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/2    cup peanut butter or nut butter of your choice
1/3    cup pure maple syrup
2    teaspoons vanilla
1/2    tsp Kosher salt
1/4    teaspoon baking powder
1/4    teaspoon baking soda
1/3    cup combination chocolate chips and chocolate chunks

See the entire recipe and directions at Hello to Fit.

Three Ingredient Flourless Banana Bread Cookies

These simple cookies are a delicious and healthy treat or snack on the go- they're great for kids too!

Ingredients:

2 large overripe bananas, mashed
1 cup gluten free oat bran (can sub for rolled or quick oats)
4 T smooth almond butter (can sub for any nut butter of choice)
Add ins of choice- Chocolate chips etc

See the entire recipe and directions at Big Man's World.

Confetti Quinoa and Chickpea Lettuce Wraps (Vegan)

This makes an absolutely gorgeous, healthy lunch! Replacing tortillas with lettuce leaves reduces your carb load and adds an extra boost of health!

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked quinoa
1½ cups cooked chickpeas
1 cup diced bell pepper
1 cup shredded kale
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
2 tbsp chopped chives
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp hemp oil (olive, avocado, flax, or sacha inchi oils are also fine)
1 tsp dijon mustard
Sea salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
16 romaine lettuce leaves

Read the entire recipe and directions at The Full Helping.

Curried Cauliflower Rice Kale Soup

The cauliflower in this soup helps to make this a nice, substantial soup while still being low in calories. Plus the recipe is both Paleo and vegan!

INGREDIENTS:

5-6 cups of cauliflower florets (about 3-4 cups when "riced'). See notes.
2- 3 tbsp curry powder or curry seasoning (turmeric should is usually included in the curry seasoning/powder)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp sea salt
2-3 tbsp olive oil for roasting
3/4 cup red onion chopped
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp olive oil or avocado oil
8 kale leaves with stems removed and chopped
2 cups (5oz) chopped carrots
4 cups broth (vegetable or chicken if not vegan)
1 cup almond milk or coconut milk (the drinking kind works best and is smoother).
1/2 tsp red pepper or chili flakes (use less if you don't want as spicy)
1/2 tsp black pepper
salt to taste after cooking

See the entire recipe and directions at Cotter Crunch.

Perfect Paleo Lemon Bars (GF & Nut Free)

These are a delicious, fresh tasting treat for gluten-free and Paleo diets! They're definitely a crowd pleaser!

Ingredients
Crust:
1/4 cup raw honey
1/3 cup ghee room temp*
1 egg room temp
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup tapioca flour
1/8 tsp sea salt
grated zest of 1 lemon

Filling:
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice about 4 lemons
Grated zest of one lemon
1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp raw honey
3 eggs plus 1 yolk
1 Tbsp tapioca flour
1/2 tsp coconut flour

See the entire recipe and directions at Paleo Running Mama.

Spring Risotto with Brown Rice and Asparagus

Spring is nearly here, and delicious young shoots of asparagus can be found in the grocery store! This is a wonderful risotto recipe that uses whole grain brown rice instead of the processed white rice found in most risotto recipes. It makes a great side dish or light dinner!

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
½ Vidalia onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup brown rice
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth if vegetarian)
¼ cup 1% milk
1 bunch fresh asparagus, cut into 1-2 inch pieces using only the top ¾ of stalk
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

See the entire recipe and directions at Tastefully Julie.

Coconut Flour Chocolate Chunk Bars (GF, DF, & Paleo)

These healthy dessert bars are gluten free, dairy free, and suitable for a Paleo diet- plus they're absolutely delicious!

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1/3 cup honey, agave nectar or maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs, slightly beaten
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup coconut flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
3 oz your favorite dairy-free dark chocolate bar, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup coconut flakes, optional

Gluten Free Baking Contest Winner: Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Glaze

This recipe was the Kid's Choice Winner for our Gluten Free Baking Contest made by Denise Jean! It was absolutely delicious and is definitely one to try!

Pastry Ingredients:

2 c. gluten-free flour blend

1 c. shortening

4-5 tbs. water

Directions:

Cut shortening into flour. Add water one tablespoon at a time to form a ball.  Roll dough flat between two pieces of parchment paper.

Filling Ingredients:

6 granny smith apples, peeled and cored

2 tbs. brown sugar for each apple

1 tbs. butter for each apple

Directions:

Place apples in pan and add brown sugar and butter into the core of each apple.

Form the dough around each apple in the pan.

Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes and then reduce heat to 350 degrees and cook an additional 35-40 minutes.

Cinnamon Glaze:

1 c. powdered sugar

1/8 tsp. cinnamon extract

1-2 tbs. Half and half

Directions:

Mix ingredients together and drizzle over warm apple dumplings.  Enjoy!

Gluten Free Baking Contest Winner: Carrot Cake

This recipe won First Prize for our Gluten Free Baking Contest!  The recipe was made by Jessie Gramont and it was completely amazing!  Please forgive our poor photography!
 

Ingredients:

2 cups gluten free all purpose flour blend
1 ½ gluten free sugar
1 cup canola oil
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
2 cups finely shredded carrots (about 6 large carrots, peeled)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix together sugar, oil, and eggs in one bowl and set aside.
3. In another bowl, mix gluten free flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients.  Once that is all mixed, then add the crushed pineapple with the juice and the shredded carrots.
5. Grease two 8” round pans, and divide the mixture evenly between the two pans.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until the cake tester comes out clean.  
7. Cool and then frost with the cream cheese frosting below and enjoy!

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

8 oz. block of cream cheese, softened
1 stick (or ½ cup) of salted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions: 

Cream together butter and cream cheese.  Slowly add in powdered sugar and vanilla until it becomes smooth and creamy.  Frost gluten free carrot cake and decorate with chopped nuts (if desired) and enjoy!
 

Gluten Free Baking Contest Winner: Chocolate Lovers Dream Cupcakes

This recipe won Second Prize for our Gluten Free Baking Contest!  The recipe was made by Mary Dabrowski and it was ridiculously good! If you like chocolate, you absolutely must try these- plus they’re dairy free too! Please forgive our poor photography!

Ingredients:

2 c. sugar
1 ¾ c. Bob’s Red Mill GF All Purpose Flour
¾ c. Hershey’s cocoa
1 ½ tsp. baking soda
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
¾ tsp. Bob’s Red Mill xantham gum
2 eggs
1 c. Almond Breeze almond milk
½ c. canola oil
2 tsp. Madagascar vanilla extract
1 c. boiling water
 
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Beat in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.  Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Stir in boiling water (batter will be on the thin side).
Pour into cupcake pans ¾ full (cupcake liners are recommended), and bake for 17-20 minutes.
Note: They are done when a wooden toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before filling and frosting.
 

Chocolate Lovers Dream Frosting

Ingredients:

½ c. Earth Balance Soy Free Buttery Sticks
2/3 c. Hersheys cocoa
3 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. Almond Breeze almond milk
1 tsp. Madagascar vanilla extract
½ tsp. Kraft minute tapioca (optional)
 
Directions:
Melt butter, then stir in cocoa
Alternately add powdered sugar and almond milk beating to a spreadable consistency.
Note: Add small amounts of powdered sugar or milk to create the thickness you desire.
You may tapioca to thicken frosting- it helps to thicken frosting without making it too sweet.
 

Chocolate Lovers Dream Cupcake Filling
 
Ingredients:

8 oz. Tofutti brand cream cheese (GF and Dairy Free)
3 to 3 ½ tbs. Earth Balance Buttery Sticks
½ tsp. Madagascan vanilla extract
2 ½ c. powdered sugar
2 ½ tbs. Hershey’s cocoa (sifted)
 
Directions:
Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy, about a minute.
Add vanilla and powdered sugar then sift in cocoa mix until smooth.

Gluten Free Baking Contest Winner: Gluten Free Cookies with Salted Pecans

This recipe won Third Prize for our Gluten Free Baking Contest!  The recipe was made by Caryl Zierbes and we all loved them!  Please forgive our poor photography!

INGREDIENTS:

1 ¾ cup Gluten-Free Flour Blend (see recipe below)
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon xanthan gum
½ teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
1 cup gluten-free semi-sweet chocolate chips
¾ cup chopped toasted pecans
6 wrapped caramels, chopped (I used Fannie May’s) (optional)
Sea Salt, coarse (optional)

1. To toast pecans, heat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Starting with about 2-4 ounces of raw pecan halves, place on baking sheet and toast in oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and remove nuts frim the baking sheet to prevent residual cooking. When the nuts have cooled, give them a rough chop to prepare for use in the cookies.
2. Next, whisk flour blend, baking soda, xanthan gum, and salt together in medium bowl; set aside. 
3. Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in large bowl until well combined and smooth. 
4. Whisk in egg, milk, and vanilla and continue to whisk until smooth. 
5. Stir in flour mixture with rubber spatula and mix until soft, homogeneous dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rest for 30 minutes. (Dough will be sticky and soft.)
6. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a medium ice cream scoop, about 1 1/2 tablespoons, portion dough and space 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Add several caramel pieces to the top of each cookie. Sprinkle each cookie with ¼ teaspoon of coarse sea salt.
7. Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, rotating sheet halfway through bakingtime, until edges are golden brown and have begun to set but centers are still soft, 10- 11 minutes.
8. Let cookies cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. 
9. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Cookies are best eaten on day they are baked, but they can be cooled and placed immediately in airtight container and stored at room temperature for up to 1 day.)

This recipe has been adapted from America’s Test Kitchen.

Gluten Free Flour Blend from America’s Test Kitchen

24 ounces white rice flour
7 ½ ounces brown rice flour
7 ounces potato starch
3 ounces tapioca starch
¾ ounce non-fat dry milk powder
Whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl. Store the blend in an air-tight container. It can be refrigerated up to 3 months.

Gluten Free Baking Contest Winner: Lemon Blueberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe won Honorable Mention as well as our Kid's Choice Award for our Gluten Free Baking Contest!  The recipe was made by Tommi Sellers and was absolutely delicious!  Please forgive our poor photography!

INGREDIENTS:

For the Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes:

1 and 3/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill Baking Flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, if using frozen do not thaw first
1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very soft
(1) 8 ounce block full-fat cream cheese, very soft
5 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon lemon extract (optional, but really amps up the lemon flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl combine 1 and 3/4 cups of the Bob’s Red Mill Baking Flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a separate bowl combine the sour cream, and 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice; whisk well to combine and set aside.
3. In a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Add in the granulated sugar and beat until well combined. Add in the egg and mix well. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add in 1/flour mixture and mix until just combined (this should take about 5 seconds). Add the sour cream mixture and mix until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the floured blueberries (and any excess flour in the bowl) and lemon zest.
4. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. 
5. For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
6. In a medium bowl using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium-speed until smooth and creamy. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add in the powdered sugar and lemon juice, beating until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract, lemon extract (if using); beat until smooth.

Roasted Green Beans, Mushrooms, and Onions

Forget the gross canned green bean casserole this Thanksgiving and wow your guests with these gourmet (and simple to make) green beans for a fresh take on the Thanksgiving staple!

1 1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed
1 medium red onion, sliced into rings
8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
8 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 c. fresh bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan
Juice and zest of 1 lemon

See the entire recipe and directions at Delish.