A Healthful Gluten-Free Life

The Butterfly Bakery

2013-11-20T17:49:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure you have seen my other posts about The Butterfly Bakery and their delicious gluten-free products. I received some goodies from them in the mail recently, and I was so excited to try them! Let's talk blueberry muffins…

The Butterfly Bakery offers a package containing mini blueberry treasures, which are surprisingly low in calories and full of fiber. These light and moist muffins make a great snack! Breakfast, lunch, dinner… You name it! My favorite thing about these is the fact that they taste like real muffins. My family couldn't even tell they were gluten-free!

Did I mention that The Butterfly Bakery also offers sugar-free products? Well, they do! Want to find out more? Please visit www.thebutterflybakery.com for more information!

September Favorites

2013-10-04T15:17:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! As you can see, I put together some clips of my favorite gluten-free products in the video above. Naturally, my favorites change every month, but these served as the perfect transition into autumn.

Sea Foam Face and Body Lotion (Cocoa)

I cannot stop raving about the rich chocolate smell! This lotion has worked effectively on my face and skin without causing any unwanted breakouts. If you watched my Conscious Box review, then you already know that I absolutely love this product.

J.R. Watkins Naturals Lavender Essentials

This was actually a gift from my mom, and I was really excited to try all the lotions and potions inside. The scent is one of strong lavender, but nothing too overwhelming. I can honestly say that I enjoyed using all of these, but the cuticle salve stood out. The company offers different gluten-free kits and products, so be sure to check them out!

Morrocco Method Pearl Essence Creme Rinse

It was no surprise that this product made it to my top favorites this month! I have really thick, long, curly hair and let's just say my hair gets tangled... A LOT! Before treating myself to this creme rinse, I washed my hair with the Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and I was surprised to see how clean my hair felt. Out of all the low-foaming shampoos I have tried, this one actually got the job done. Its lovely scent is long-lasting, which is always a bonus. Moving onto the creme rinse, it managed to detangle my hair in a breeze! My hair felt smooth and healthy after using this killer combo.

Red Apple Lipstick

It has been about a year since I began using these, and I haven't used another lipstick brand since. Most lipsticks leave your lips feeling dry, but these actually provide moisture while adding a touch of color. A true must-have inside my gluten-free beauty bag!

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Basil Liquid Hand Soap

My mom and I cannot stop talking about these, especially the basil and lavender scents. It's like aromatherapy in a bottle! The company offers a variety of air fresheners, household cleaners, and laundry detergents.

Stealth Health Lunches Kids Love

I have been using it as a resource to prepare my lunches for weeks... The book contains dozens of healthy gluten-free recipes designed for children, which makes them a blast to prepare! I love the concept behind this cookbook, and the design is absolutely beautiful.

Traditional Medicinals Chamomile with Lavender

This is my go to relaxation tea after a long stressful day. Trust me... Nothing beats grabbing a fuzzy blanket and a freshly brewed cup of tea during a cold day. The taste is exquisite too!

Yogi Vanilla Spice Perfect Energy

Looking for the perfect fall treat? This is definitely something I will continue to purchase. The taste just screams fall to me! Please be aware that some Yogi products contain gluten, so always read the labels.

KIND Bars

There are literally over 15 delightful flavors, and each is uniquely delicious! KIND bars are extremely satisfying, and they are really convenient to carry with you. Sure you want to keep a stock in your pantry, but you definitely want to keep a stash in your purse too!

KIND Healthy Grains Clusters

Pair these with some coconut milk and you have breakfast ready in seconds! In addition to having KIND clusters during breakfast and snack time, I found a way to turn these into an easy dessert cookie. It only takes a couple ingredients, and some mini cake pans. Check out my recipe here!

Oh! I have awesome news to share... Jelly Belly now offers candy corn for people with gluten issues. Eating candy corn is somewhat of a tradition at home, so I was more than excited to get my hands on some. Hope you enjoyed watching the video and reading this post...

Candy Granola Cookies

2013-09-28T12:49:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday! With just a few days away from the second most festive month of the year, I thought it would be a lovely idea to share a quick recipe with you. It really does make for the perfect treat during the upcoming holiday.

Have you tried KIND bars yet? There are literally over 15 delightful flavors, and each is uniquely delicious! KIND bars are extremely satisfying, and they are really convenient to carry with you. Sure you want to keep a stock in your pantry, but you definitely want to keep a stash in your purse too! I like to alternate the flavors with each season, so here are my picks for this fall...

Almond Walnut Macadamia

Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan

Cashew & Ginger Spice

Madagascar Vanilla Almond

Nut Delight

Trust me... You will not regret trying these! Aside from tasty gluten-free snacks in bar form, the company also offers a line of all natural Healthy Grains Clusters that I have been enjoying just a bit too much. Seriously, pair these with some coconut milk and you have breakfast ready in seconds! In addition to having KIND clusters during breakfast and snack time, I found a way to turn these into an easy dessert cookie. It only takes a couple ingredients, and some mini cake pans. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Candy Granola Cookies

Yield: 4 servings

Gluten-Free

4 tablespoons butter

2 cups mini marshmallows

2 cups KIND Healthy Grains Clusters

gluten-free candy corn

Lightly grease four mini cake pans. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows have completely melted and add the clusters while continuing to stir until well combined. Divide the mixture evenly into the prepared mini cake pans and press into even layers. Top with candy corn and press lightly until they stick. Allow cookies to cool and carefully remove them from the pans.

Strawberry Coconut Shortcakes

2013-09-24T15:44:00.001-04:00

Is it too early for Halloween themed sweets? Nah... Surprisingly, I have never made strawberry shortcakes before! I whipped up this recipe to share with you and I truly hope you enjoy giving it a try. These shortcakes are delicious, and the unconventional flavor combinations add a nice twist to a traditional dessert dish! In my opinion, these make for a great Halloween party treat!

Strawberry Coconut Shortcakes

Yield: 12 servings

Gluten-Free, Rice-Free, Corn-Free

For the cupcakes

1 ¼ cups coconut flour

¾ cup dark brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup vanilla coconut milk

¾ cup vegetable oil

2 eggs, beaten

2 teaspoons almond extract

For the topping

12 fresh strawberries, sliced

whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Whisk together coconut flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly until crumbly. Divide mixture evenly into 12 baking cups and press into even layers. Bake for 15 to 30 minutes or until firm and golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Top with strawberries and whipped cream.

Crunchy Pebbles

2013-09-23T14:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday! When noon rolls around, I like to grab a quick snack. Oftentimes, making your very own snacks at home is much more budget-friendly than grabbing something from the store. With that said, I'm always on the lookout for healthy snack recipes, especially those that are vegan and gluten-free. My schedule is another important factor that can determine whether I will be able to make something from scratch, so simple recipes that don't require much effort are my go to!

This brings me to a lovely cookbook titled Stealth Health Lunches Kids Love: Irresistible and Nutritious Gluten-Free Sandwiches, Wraps and Other Easy Eats by the talented Tracy Griffith. I have been using it as a resource to prepare my lunches for the past week... The book contains dozens of healthy gluten-free recipes designed for children, which makes them a blast to prepare! I love the concept behind this cookbook, and the design is absolutely beautiful. My favorite recipe is hands down the Crunchy Pebbles (crafty name for baked chickpeas). It's free of the most common allergens, but still bursting with flavor. Simple gluten-free recipes that are also tasty and satisfying... What more could you ask for?!

Crunchy Pebbles

Yield: 3 servings

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Rice-Free, Corn-Free

1 (16 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

⅛ teaspoon ground paprika
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

⅛ teaspoon sea salt

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat dry chickpeas once they have been rinsed and drained. Transfer to a bowl and add remaining ingredients. Toss until the chickpeas are evenly coated and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes and rotate the baking sheet. Continue to bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until crispy.

Adapted from Stealth Health Lunches Kids Love by Tracy Griffith!

I love this recipe mainly because it requires a small amount of ingredients, which most are often inside my pantry. These deliciously baked chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container for a week, which means you can make a large amount and save some for later. Alright... That's enough chickpea talk! If you're interested in getting your hands on one of these delightful cookbooks, please visit www.tracygriffith.com for more details and a complete list of Tracy's work!

Conscious Box

2013-09-22T20:19:00.000-04:00

Hellooooooo! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend... Can you believe it's now officially autumn?! This means Halloween is just around the corner, and my brain is overwhelmed with ideas! Anyway... I wanted to make a quick post to let you know about Conscious Box - a monthly subscription service that delivers healthy and sustainable product samples right to your door!

If you're like me and you love learning about new gluten-free products, then this is certainly a great resource for you! The company offers two special diet options. One being vegan, and the other gluten-free. I had the privilege to get my hands on a Conscious Box, and I was surprised to see the amount of goodies inside the box. There was a perfect balance between health, beauty, and food products! Plus, it also included coupons and special offers. Moreover, I love the fact that all products are natural, and the company donates 1% of their annual net revenues to environmental organizations worldwide. As you can probably tell, I have been raving about Conscious Box...

Please visit www.consciousbox.com for more information. You should definitely check out the Sea Foam Face and Body Lotion from Health Endeavors (my latest skincare favorite). It's a must-have for all chocolate lovers!

Coconutty Owl Sandwiches

2013-09-20T12:06:00.000-04:00

So... I think it's time for a quick update on my life. As you probably know, I took a break from blogging for about a year. Naturally, a lot can happen during that time. I transferred to a new school, and I am now pursuing a degree in graphic design. It's pretty exciting! In other news, I went through a series of allergy tests, which was a less exciting experience. That is, until I got my results back! As it turns out, I am not allergic to peanuts nor tree nuts. Also, I have been gradually incorporating corn into my diet, and so far so good! However, I am still gluten-free and my diet is mostly plant-based. With that said, I have been able to enjoy PB&J sandwiches again!

If there is one thing to love about the fall season, is being able to get crafty with food. From sweets to snacks, the opportunities are endless! This is definitely the case when you have all sorts of fun cookie cutters in your cabinets. As my tea was brewing this morning, I decided to make little PB&J owls and have some fresh strawberries on the side. It was quite satisfying, and I got to try the new Creamy Coconut & Peanut Spread from Earth Balance. If you are allergic to nuts, you can always substitute peanut butter for some delicious SunButter (my favorite nut-free alternative). Here's a cute idea for an easy autumn-inspired snack!

Coconutty Owl Sandwiches

Yield: 1 serving

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Soy-Free

2 slices gluten-free bread

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1 tablespoon grape jelly

¼ teaspoon unsweetened shredded coconut, for garnish

Place bread slices on a plate and cut out fun shapes with a cookie cutter. Evenly distribute nut butter and grape jelly, layering the sandwiches to your liking. Sprinkle shredded coconut for garnish... Voila!

Gluten-Free Find: Fruit Bliss

2013-09-18T00:19:00.001-04:00

It's Wednesday again... I am so excited to finally share the new review series that will be incorporated into this blog! As you probably know, I have been doing "Gluten-Free Find" posts for a while now, so I decided to do something a little different by occasionally making videos. Feedback is much appreciated, especially since these are purely for your enjoyment!

So... Today's topic is Fruit Bliss - a lovely company dedicated to making wholesome gluten-free snacks. These are great for individuals who are incredibly busy and need a satisfying snack on the go! All Fruit Bliss products are deliciously packed without any added sugars, guilt, or preservatives. Plus, they are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins! But wait... Where does the fruit come from? These healthful snacks are made with high-quality fruit sourced from Turkey, France, and Tunisia. Apricots, dates, figs, and plums... You name it. Fruit Bliss is a hit with the kids too!

Personally, I really enjoy having some Fruit Bliss goodness between meals. I have a feeling you will too, so give these tasty snacks a try! Please visit www.fruitbliss.com for more information. Thanks Fruit Bliss!

Gluten-Free Find: Qrunch Foods

2013-09-15T13:00:00.000-04:00

Helloooooo! It has been quite a long time since my last blog post, but I am really happy to be back! Fall is just around the corner, so I decided to celebrate the parting of summer with a simple formula for a delicious lunch (or dinner). What's the secret? Qrunch Burgers! These are a great gluten-free alternative for individuals on vegetarian and vegan diets. Surprisingly, these are also dairy-free, soy-free, corn-free, egg-free, and nut-free! Aside from being the most allergy-friendly burgers I have ever eaten, Qrunch Burgers are certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.

More importantly, Qrunch Burgers are incredibly tasty, and they come in four varieties: Original, Spicy Italian, Sweet Curry, and Green Chile. The beauty of it all is the fact that you can prepare these in a toaster. Now, I only had the opportunity to try the Original (my favorite) and Spicy Italian variations, but I am really looking forward to trying the other few. Did you hear that Qrunch Tots are coming soon? I am pretty excited for those... Overall, I truly recommend Qrunch products, especially if you are a quinoa enthusiast like me!

For a quick lunch fix, layer a warm Qrunch patty and your favorite condiments inside a gluten-free bun with some lettuce and tomato. Serve with chips and voila! A healthy lunch ready in just a few minutes...

Please visit www.qrunchfoods.com for more information.

Fried Goat Cheese

2012-05-17T20:42:00.000-04:00

Hello! Hope you've been enjoying the recipes I've posted so far... Here's another delicious one from the spring issue of Delight Gluten-Free Magazine!

Ingredients

10 ounces goat cheese

1/3 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 egg, beaten with a splash of water

1 ¼ cups gluten-free bread crumbs

¼ cup honey

¼ teaspoon hot pepper flakes, finely crushed

Vegetable oil, for frying

Preparation

Cut the goat cheese into 16 even pieces. Roll into 1-inch sized balls. Place on a baking sheet covered with waxed paper and freeze for 20 minutes. Combine gluten-free flour and salt in a shallow bowl. Place egg and water mixture in another bowl, and the gluten-free bread crumbs in a separate shallow bowl. Set aside. Stir together honey and hot pepper flakes- set aside. In a large saucepan, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375 degrees F. Once the cheese is out of the freezer and is no longer sticky, roll the balls into the flour mixture and shake off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, and then coat evenly in the breadcrumbs. Working in batches, gently drop the coated goat cheese balls into the hot vegetable oil. Fry each ball for about 2 minutes, turning over once after 1 minute. The balls should be golden brown. Remove the balls with a slotted spoon, drain, and place on a plate with paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Once all of the balls have been fried, place on a serving plate and drizzle the spicy honey mixture over the goat cheese. Serve immediately with toothpicks.

Vegan Crispy Rice Treats

2012-05-15T19:35:00.002-04:00

Hello world! I realized it has been a really long time since my last post. I'm planning on giving this blog a new look very soon, and I will also be expanding my posts into other of my interests. Hope you're as excited as I am! Here's a recipe from the spring issue of Delight Gluten-Free Magazine! Please enjoy...

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. Earth Balance Vegan Butter Spread
4 C. Dandies Vegan Marshmallows
6 C. Gluten-Free Crispy Rice Cereal

Preparation

Lightly grease a square pan and set aside. Melt butter in a saucepan on medium/low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Add cereal and continue to stir. Transfer to pan and press with a spatula. Let cool and cut into square shapes.

Easy Peasy Chocolate Robot Cake

2012-01-11T13:18:00.002-05:00

Happy birthday to my little brother! Even though he is not so little anymore, he will always be my little brother. As usual, I was kindly asked to bake his birthday cake... I agreed! I love baking, especially if I have a legit reason for engaging in this activity. Don't worry! I haven't forgotten my New Year's resolution. I'm working on some healthier recipes for you guys, but yesterday was a special occasion!

I wanted to do something fun... something different! I'm quite fond of cake decorating, but I never got myself to take a course. As an independent learner, I generally enjoy learning through observation. After a few minutes of looking at cake ideas and loads of pictures, I decided I wanted to bake him a robot cake!

I started off with a basic box of gluten-free chocolate cake mix (Gluten Free Devil's Food Cake Mix from Betty Crocker to be exact)! Before preparing the mix, I lightly greased a square baking pan and three baking cups. Basically, what you are going to be doing is baking a square cake and three cupcakes. Once all the preparation and baking is done, allow everything to cool.

With your choice of frosting, smooth the top of the square piece. Take two cupcakes and slice the top off (slice one of the top portions in half for the ears and use the other to create the mouth). Place cupcakes on top for the eyes. Smooth some frosting on the eyes and top with your choice of sprinkles. Voila!

That wasn't so bad, right? Many people think baking something fun is too complicated. Personally, I think this is a fairly easy way to create something the whole family will love!

P.S. What's your favorite gluten-free cake mix?

Showing King Arthur Flour Some Love

2012-01-04T13:51:00.005-05:00

I have been working with King Arthur Flour products for quite some time now. I baked a couple of gluten-free gifts for family and friends over the holidays. Of course, I didn't tell them that what they were eating was gluten-free at first. I did tell them once I saw a smile on their face. I'm trying to teach people (very skeptical people) that gluten-free food can taste even better than your average glutenous foods.

I visited some family in Miami about a week ago. It was my first time in Miami, so I was excited! The city is beautiful and the people are lovely! The restaurants are pretty good too! I made sure I stuck to my new pescetarian diet and ordered a delicious "Mahi-Mahi" Filet from a restaurant called La Carreta! I had no idea Cuban cuisine was that good!

Anyway, sorry I got sidetracked! Like I said, I visited some family and I baked a delightful gluten-free bread loaf to give. My aunt absolutely loved it! If there was something she liked more than my bread, it had to be the presentation of the gift. I used KAF's tasty Gluten-Free Bread Mix and their bake and give wooden bakers! They definitely did the trick in adding a nice touch to an extremely simple gift idea.

Likewise, I have been using other KAF bake and give pans as well as sugar decorations (picture above) to make all sorts of gifts. Yes, their sugar decorations are also gluten-free! King Arthur Flour offers great quality products and wonderful gluten-free options. From baking ingredients to baking tools and decorations, you can definitely trust KAF to deliver beautiful results! Looking to learn more about KAF gluten-free products? Feel free to visit them at www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/special-diets for more information!

P.S. Want to take a look at my New Year's resolutions? Click here!

DeVine Lip Shimmers

2011-12-30T01:44:00.008-05:00

Hello world! As you probably noticed, I have been making a few changes here and there. In addition to a new layout, I'm also happy to announce that A Healthful Gluten-Free Life will now have a gluten-free beauty section. From gluten-free cosmetics to skincare to hair care... You name it! It's important for those with Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance to be aware of the hazards that can be caused by gluten in beauty products. I will go into more detail further on, so be sure to check back frequently! Believe it or not, there are many gluten-free companies that offer beauty products, and one of them is DeVine! Below is a guest post from Michelle Bucaro (Brand Manager DeVine Lip Shimmers):

We created DeVine with a health conscious consumer in mind, and we believe that living a gluten-free lifestyle doesn't mean giving up the thrill of a great lip shimmer.

DeVine Lip Shimmers are completely natural, gluten free, and made with all the finest ingredients. We have taken the benefits of wine and placed them into 5 different varieties of lip shimmers: Rosé, Merlot, Champagne, Bordeaux, and Vanilla Spritzer. Each luscious tube adds health, beauty, and incredible moisture to your lips. They provide a beautifully tinted shimmer that lasts longer than a standard lip balm.

Initially our main focus was on the ingredients. I asked myself the following questions: What supplements contain the best benefits for beauty and health? Which of these are easily absorbed into your body and provide instant results? What would I feel safe enough to use several times a day? We found the answer in Grapeseed Oil, Resveratrol and Red Wine Polyphenols.

Grape Seed Oil is easily absorbed into your lips and has the ability to lock in moisture on contact. Known to be slightly astringent, Grapeseed Oil easily penetrates the skin due to its thin consistency and is a wonderful carrier of other nutrients. There is nothing like the soft, silky feeling of Grapeseed Oil to truly nourish the lips. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound with anti-oxidant properties that is found in the skin of red wine grapes. Resveratrol’s anti-oxidant power helps your lips to fight against the cellular damage that leads to aging. Red Wine Polyphenols together with Resveratrol fights against free radicals with potent long term anti-aging benefits to naturally further your youthful look!

DeVine Lip Shimmers have naturally combined these ingredients to create what I believe to be a fabulous product that is healthy and good for you and your lips. More than just a great product, it’s also a great value! DeVine Lip Shimmers are available at www.devineshimmers.com and other various online retailers. We hope you will take a look - your lips will thank you!

Thanks Michelle! I can't wait to get my hands on DeVine Lip Shimmers! You can follow Michelle on twitter @1DeVineGal! Check back soon for more information on gluten-free beauty products and wonderful tips!

P.S. How do you like the new layout?

Coconut Cranberry Oat Bread

2011-12-20T15:49:00.002-05:00

Here's another recipe inspired by the holidays! My favorite kind of holiday cookie is a classic oat cookie with cranberries and white chocolate chips. I came up with this recipe yesterday by adding ingredients as I went along, and the final result was a huge hit! The beauty of this recipe is that it can be easily turned into a delightful gift. Have you heard of King Arthur Flour Bake and Give Pans? I sure have, and I love using them! Aside from being convenient, you won't have to worry about your pan returning. Click here to see a full selection of pans and supplies!

Ingredients

1 Toosie's Gluten-Free Bread Mix

2 Large Eggs

1 ¼ Cup Water

1 ½ Tablespoon Vinegar

¼ Cup Butter (Softened)

¼ Cup Walnuts

¼ Cup Packed Brown Sugar

½ Cup Shredded Coconut (Sweetened)

½ Cup Dried Cranberries
½ Cup Gluten-Free Rolled Oats

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine eggs, water, vinegar, and butter. Mix thoroughly and add mix as well as yeast package included in the box. Stir and add walnuts, sugar, coconut, cranberries, and oats. Pour batter into bread pan of your choice. Smooth top and let stand for 50 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for 40-50 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

P.S. What's your favorite holiday bread recipe?

- Janice

Cherry Pecan Coffee Cake

2011-12-20T14:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays! I finally finished decorating for Christmas and shopping for gifts. With that said, I had a little bit of free time yesterday and I decided to work on some recipes. My family loves having warm coffee in the morning during this time of year, especially if it's accompanied with something extra. From bagels to coffee cake, it's always a treat! Here's a delicious recipe for coffee cake...

Ingredients

1 Toosie's Gluten-Free Muffin Mix

2 Large Eggs

6 Tablespoons Butter (Softened)

1 ½ Cup Dried Cherries

¾ Cup Milk

¼ Cup Chopped Pecans

¼ Cup Gluten-Free Rolled Oats

¼ Packed Brown Sugar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease pan (square or round) and set aside. In a large bowl, combine mix, eggs, butter, cherries, and milk. Mix thoroughly and pour into pan. Smooth top and sprinkle pecans, oats, and sugar. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

P.S. What's your favorite coffee cake recipe?

- Janice

Pressed Sugar Cookies

2011-12-06T17:32:00.003-05:00

It is finally December, my favorite month of the year! Over the last two weeks, I have managed to finish up all my school work. With only one course left for the semester (which ends in March), I can happily take some time off to enjoy with my family this holiday season. We finished putting up Christmas decorations this weekend, indoor decorations that is. There are still some lights we plan on putting up here and there, and I'm thinking we will be doing that this coming weekend.

So anyway, I also finished working on some assignments for Delight. Speaking of, if you are interested in subscribing to the magazine (and you should)... click here! I asked you guys on Facebook about what recipes you would like to see on my blog during December. My first reply was... sugar cookies! With that said, I decided to take one of my favorite recipes from my cookbook and share it with you! In addition to being gluten-free, this recipe is also dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free and nut-free! There are two ways of making these cookies. The original recipe is meant to be made with the help of a cookie press, but you can certainly make these delicious cookies without it! Enjoy...

Ingredients

Cherrybrook Kitchen® Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Mix

½ Cup Butter (Melted)

¼ Cup Dairy-Free Vanilla Milk

2 ½ Teaspoons Gluten-Free Vanilla Extract

Preparation

Preheat oven at 325°F. Combine ingredients in a bowl. Place dough inside cookie press. Using your shape of preference, press cookies onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Sprinkle decorating sugars. Bake for approx. 15 minutes or until slightly golden.

P.S. Looking for more holiday recipes? Check out Sweets & Treats: A Gluten-Free Guide to the Holidays! Click here to see...

- Janice

Choco-Coco Peanut Butter Squares

2011-11-22T23:20:00.002-05:00

Hey guys! I feel like it has been ages since the last time I made a blog post. Last night, I was feeling a little guilty because I used to post recipes during most days of the week, and that hasn't been the case lately. For this reason, I really wanted to create something to make-up for all those recipes I haven't been posting. The holidays are finally here (almost), and it's time to indulge a little. I combined a variety of my favorite ingredients and formulated the ultimate dessert recipe. Even though I can't eat peanut butter, I still like to incorporate it into my recipes from time to time. Just because I can't eat it, doesn't mean anyone else can't. To me, it can be very rewarding seeing people smile as a result of trying my gluten-free creations. Those moments are the ones that give me the motivation to continue blogging and sharing my recipes.

On a side note, school has been great. I just passed a Humanities, Literature, and Arts course final! I felt so relieved! Only one more course to go and I'm done with school for the year! I'm really excited about finishing up and focusing on other things, which brings me to... I've been working on some delightful recipes for the spring issue of Delight Gluten-Free Magazine. Now, I can't share any details yet, but I will say that you're in for a treat! I'm truly enjoying each and every moment that I spend working on Delight recipes. Did I tell you guys? In addition to contributing, I will also be doing food and photo styling. It has been an awesome experience so far, and I have a feeling there are even greater things to come. The winter issue came out recently and you can check it out here. In other news, the paperback edition of Sweets & Treats: A Gluten-Free Guide to the Holidays will be released on Thursday, November 24, 2011. I can't think of a better day to release it than Thanksgiving Day! I will be posting updates on Facebook, so if you haven't liked my page yet please do! Here's the recipe...

Ingredients

1 Package of Dr. Lucy's Chocolate Cookies

¼ Cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

1 Cup Unsalted Butter (2 Sticks)

1 Cup Peanut Butter

1 Cup Granulated Sugar

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 (8 oz.) Package Cream Cheese

½ Cup Granulated Sugar

2 Large Eggs

Preparation

Preheat oven at 350°F. Line a square pan with parchment paper, letting the parchment extend up two sides of the pan and overhang slightly on both ends. Lightly grease parchment paper and set aside. Place chocolate cookies and shredded coconut in a food processor. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and unsalted butter. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir until smooth. Microwave an additional 30 seconds if necessary. Continue to stir while adding coconut and cookie crumbs along with the granulated and brown sugars. Pour mixture into pan and set aside. Combine cream cheese, sugar, and eggs in a food processor. Pour mixture into pan as well. Bake for approximately 50 minutes. Remove from oven and top with your choice of chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, milk, or white). Let cool and freeze for 2-3 hours. Refrigerate another hour and cut into squares. Enjoy and remember to be thankful this holiday season!

P.S. What do you think of A Healthful Gluten-Free Life's new look?

- Janice

Gluten-Free Find: Navitas Naturals

2011-11-04T10:17:00.002-04:00

Even though I'm not vegan, I still like to eat raw food from time to time. I came across Navitas Naturals and knew I wanted to try their products for sure! I love the Organic Raw Power Snacks, which come in three different varieties: Cacao Goji, Blueberry Hemp, and Citrus Chia. These are perfect as a post-workout snack simply because they provide all the necessary nutrients to restore your body's energy. This is the beauty of Navitas Naturals products! They taste great, but they are also bursting with all sorts of vitamins and nutrients. These include antioxidants, iron, omega fatty acids, and protein. Considering the fact that I can't eat several foods, Navitas Naturals products have become an essential. These help replace any nutrients my body doesn't obtain due to my restricted diet.

Aside from the snacks, I'm also a huge fan of their Organic Superfood Chocolate Kits. Something chocolaty that's also healthy and good for me? I will take that any day! This brings me to coconut oil. I haven't tried it yet, but everyone seems to be reaching for it nowadays. According to research, it does wonders for your skin, and it also promotes a lean physique. What do you think? Have you ever tried coconut oil?

Sweets & Treats: eBook Is Out Now!

2011-10-31T00:10:00.000-04:00

Like what you see? This is one of many eye-catching recipes you will find in my cookbook titled Sweets & Treats: A Gluten-Free Guide to the Holidays. It consists of 25 delightful recipes that are free of the most common allergens (gluten, dairy, peanuts, and eggs). This cookbook is the perfect holiday gift for anyone seeking to live allergy-free! The digital version is now available on Lulu! Paperbacks will be available on Thanksgiving Day, but for now get the eBook. Thanks for all your support! ♥

It's Now Officially Official...

2011-10-27T23:53:00.001-04:00

Hello world! I hope everyone is having an awesome week! I'm really excited to properly announce that the digital version of my cookbook with be released on Monday, October 31st, 2011. Once Halloween is over, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas is only a block away! Christmas is my favorite time of year, which is why I decided to make my first cookbook all about the holidays. I'm particularly looking forward to spending more time with my family this year. Everyone has been so busy doing their own thing and we haven't really had time to enjoy "the sweetness of doing nothing" together. What are you looking forward to? I bet all of you have something wonderful planned out, and I'm curious to see what my fellow foodie friends have in store!

I guess here's where I'm supposed to talk about my book. After all, that's what this post is about, right? The question is, where to begin? I think it would be appropriate to go back to where it all started... I began blogging about the 'this and thats' of gluten-free living during the summer, and I immediately discovered my passions: gluten-free living and photography. Before that I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, but now I have a clearer picture. As time went by, I realized I wanted to do something special for the holidays, something I could use as a mean of passing years of holiday get-togethers and traditions from my home to yours. That's how the idea for this cookbook emerged. Sweets & Treats: A Gluten-Free Guide to the Holidays includes 25 delightful recipes that are free of gluten, dairy, peanuts, and eggs. The cookbook is also vegan-friendly for those of you who like to indulge every once in a while. All in all, the recipes are delicious, and each is made with a fun twist! It has been two crazy months of research, testing, writing, and living. I have enjoyed each and every minute of it, and I truly hope you will enjoy the product that came from this creative process.

Oh, before I forget... Paperback editions of Sweets & Treats: A Gluten-Free Guide to the Holidays will be available on Thursday, November 24, 2011. Thanksgiving Day is a great day to start shopping for Christmas presents, and this cookbook is the perfect gift for anyone living allergy-free!

Gluten-Free Find: Wilton

2011-10-25T10:49:00.002-04:00

Once the holidays come around, you know it's time to get crafty. I used to work with all sorts of Wilton products before my allergies took over, so I decided to contact them and ask for a gluten-free list of their products. They were so kind in taking their time to get the list together, and here it is for me to share...

√ Bake Easy! Pan Spray

√ Cake Release

√ Sprinkles (Sugars, Jimmies, Nonpareils, Mixes, Shapes)

√ Icing Decorations

√ Candy Melts

√ Sugar Sheets

√ Icing Colors

√ Color Mist

√ Candy Colors

√ Candy Flavors

√ Gel Food Colors

√ Flavorings (Vanilla, Butter, Almond)

√ Cookie Icings

√ Sparkle Gels

√ Decorating Gels (Ready-To-Use Gel Tubes)

√ Icing Writers

√ Pearl Dust

√ Gum Paste Mix

√ Ready-To-Use Gum Paste

√ Color Flow Mix

√ Glycerin

√ Gum-Tex Karaya

√ Glucose

√ Meringue Powder

√ Piping Gel

√ 1 LB (White and Chocolate) and 4.5 LB Decorator Icings

√ Buttercream Icing Mix

√ Whipped Icing Mix

√ Royal Icing Mix

√ Dessert Designs

√ Favor Candy (Mint Drops, Candy Sticks/Lollipops, Pillow Mints, Cut Rock, Pearls, Jellybeans, Bling Rings, Double Hearts, Doves, Wedding Bells, Conversation Hearts, and Jordan Almonds)

√ Bracelet and Necklace Candy Kits

√ Candy Ring Kits

√ Color-A-Mouth Candy Kit

√ Cake Sparkles

√ Color Dust

√ FoodWriters

√ Fondant

√ Edible Glitter

The indication of the Wilton® products listed as being gluten-free is based on 2011 formulations for such products.

Meatball Melt

2011-10-20T13:26:00.000-04:00

Hi! It's been a while since my last post. The weather is really nice around here. It was a little cold yesterday, so I went ahead and made myself a cheesy melt. After thinking of simple ways to make it more flavorful, I realized I had some meatballs in the freezer...

Ingredients

2 Slices Gluten-Free Bread

4 Al Fresco Tomato & Basil Chicken Meatballs

2 Slices American Cheese

Preparation

Follow package instructions to prepare meatballs. Toast bread until crisp. Place meatballs on a slice of bread, topping them with cheese and other bread slice. Place in the microwave for approximately 15 seconds or until cheese has melted... Enjoy!

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

2011-10-13T11:50:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it has been over a week since my last post. A lot of events took place, and among them was a final assessment for my management class. Great news! I passed! Now I'm moving on to the next one. I will be learning about literature and art, which is definitely something of interest. Before I began writing, I was into drawing and painting. I still engage in those activities sometimes, but now photography and writing are my priority (when school doesn't get in the way of course).

Time to talk about the bread. One word: delicious. The texture is as nice and soft as regular bread. Better? Perhaps. Now the question is, how do I get my hands on it? Simple, look for Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread Mix from Bob's Red Mill. Once you have it, follow the instructions on the back of the package to prepare it. Honestly, it's really easy! Out of all the bread mixes I've tried in the past, this one is by far the best. I think it has something to do with the sweet taste of cinnamon. Maybe? Cinnamon is one of my favorite spices to use during this time of year, or anytime of the year for that matter. If you like cinnamon, I promise you'll love this bread!

Oh, before I go... I have a couple friends who also blog, and I know they would really appreciate it if you checked them out. Beauty & Grace is all about enhancing your beauty! Tiana has great advice and just started blogging recently, so please show her some support. Next is Sean Doherty's Blog! Here's a question for you... Do you ever feel like you need a little encouragement to get going? I do sometimes, especially after a stressful day(s). Getting a positive perspective on my day always helps. Sean does an awesome job at helping people get a positive outlook on life. Sometimes that's all you need!

Well, that's it for now! Soon I will be giving all of you an update on my cookbook. It's going to be great! Until then, take care and have a wonderful gluten-free weekend!

Vegan Halloween Spritz Cookies

2011-10-04T13:30:00.003-04:00

It's finally October! The weather has been really nice around here lately. As I walk through my neighborhood, I sense the smell of homemade pies and treats. Oh autumn, thou dost not know how much I love thee! Aside from enjoying the beginning of the fall season, I recently dove into the vegan scene. Surprisingly, vegan food is unbelievably flavorful! Since Halloween is coming up, I wanted to create some treats. Don't worry, there are no tricks involved! This recipe is quite simple and doesn't require a whole lot of ingredients!

There are a couple of options as to shaping these cookies. One, you can use a Cookie Pro Ultra II Cookie Press (or any that includes the pumpkin shape). Two, you can roll out the dough and shape with a cookie cutter of your choice. For decoration purposes, I topped my cookies with a little Nature's Colors Marigold Orange Decorating Sugar from India Tree. Just in case you haven't heard of India Tree before, they have an amazing line of all natural party decoratifs (sprinkles), decorating colors, and decorating sugar! These are all made with vegetable colorants and are GMO Free. The reason why I found out about India Tree was due to research I was conducting for my cookbook. Speaking of, it's coming along great! Anyway, here's the recipe...

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. Flax Meal

3 Tbsp. Water

1 ⅓ Cup All Purpose Flour

¾ Cup Granulated Sugar (or Stevia)

1 Tsp. Baking Powder

½ Tsp. Salt

½ Cup Earth Balance Butter (Softened)

½ Tsp. Vanilla Extract

½ Tsp. Almond Extract

Preparation

Mix flax meal and water. Let stand for approximately 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt). Add butter, extracts, and flax mixture. Once dough is ready, roll out or use a cookie press to shape the cookies. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Let cool... Enjoy!