Tag Archives: dairy-free

  1. Mint Chocolate Chip Cashew Cream Cake {Gluten-free, Vegan and Refined Sugar-free}

    Mint Chocolate Chip Cashew Cream Cake {Gluten-free and Vegan}

    Before you jump ahead and read the ingredient list on this cake and get pissed at me for adding a vegetable to your dessert – please, please hear me out and give it a chance! This cake is life changing. It is creamy, thick, rich and so decadent.

    I know I tell you guys this all of the time, but the true litmus test to a successful gluten-free dessert or baked good that I create – is the reaction of my husband. As a man that literally can and will eat just about anything, the gluten-free treats that I get so excited for are oftentimes totally unappealing to him. He likes traditional sweets, the sweeter the better – that man most times would prefer a cookie from a tube, than a less than perfect homemade gluten-free cookie fresh from the oven. The same also goes for (and usually more-so) the vegan creations I develop. I can’t blame him though – he literally can eat anything, no food intolerances, no responses or  reactions. Just a stomach of steel!

    The thing is, when I can create something gluten-free, that isn’t made with refined sugars, that uses an alternative to cream and butter that he actually goes nuts for – nothing makes me happier and that’s how I know I’ve created something amazing. He really loved this one and he cannot stop talking about it, he actually ate a piece for breakfast today. That’s a WIN!!

    Mint Chocolate Chip Cashew Cream Cake {Gluten-free and Vegan}

    I’ve been obsessed with cashew cream cakes a while now, I love the versatility and how it appeals to all eaters, vegan or not. The No-Bake Vegan “Cheesecake” I made last summer is something I have made for many of our friends and every single one has always been impressed that the creaminess is all from soaked cashews.

    This cashew cream cake has the perfect amount of subtle mint flavor, both from the fresh mint and the mint extract and the chocolate of the crust and the chocolate chips on top compliment it so well. I love serving it with a little whipped coconut cream on top. Plus, rather than the beautiful green color coming from an artificial dye, it comes from some fresh baby spinach!  Whether you want to believe it or not, there isn’t a bit of flavor from the baby spinach – just a beautiful, fresh and natural green hue. Read the rest of this entry »

  2. How-to Make Whipped Coconut Cream

    Tutorial Tuesdays // Tasty Yummies

    How-to Make Whipped Coconut Cream

    Over the past few years, whipped coconut cream has become one of my favorite tricks I’ve come up with in the kitchen. I love whipping up (literally) a batch for dinner guests, not even bothering to tell them it isn’t heavy whipped cream. I love how amazed people are when I tell them that it’s totally vegan and just 3 simple ingredients. I have shared how to make this glorious stuff within several of my recipe posts before, but I thought what better way to kick off my new Tutorial Tuesdays series than with this favorite how-to!

    Plus, since canned coconut milks can vary drastically, I wanted to give you my comparison of 5 different coconut milk brands. You’ll be shocked at how different each one is. Because of the vary degrees of whipability (is that a word?) – the results and the work can be quite challenging if you choose incorrrectly. Due to the different stabilizers in each brand and sometimes even where the coconuts originate from, these can cause the much needed separation of the coconut cream from the water to just not work – no matter what you do.

    Outside of the varying brands, I have also read that extra air in the can, may also cause less separation to occur. This isn’t something I have tested too much myself, but if you want to shake cans of coconut milk at the store, I say go for it. You are listening for little to no swishing around of the liquid in the can.

    How-to Make Whipped Coconut Cream - Step-By-Step Tutorial

    Whipped coconut milk is creamy, rich and thick, much like traditional whipped cream and the coconut flavor is very faintly there. Not nearly what you would expect it to be. The best part about homemade whipped coconut cream is all of it’s many uses and how much you can vary the flavor. You can add raw cacao powder for a chocolate cream, muddle some fruit and fold that in, maybe a squeeze or two of your favorite citrus, or even just a good quality all natural extract, you can even add a bit of your favorite liqueur. It would be hard to choose my favorite way to customize my homemade whipped coconut cream, but the easy part is actually making it. So, let’s get to it. Read the rest of this entry »

  3. Spiced Orange Chocolate Chip Waffles {Gluten-free + Dairy-free} with Orange Spice Maple Syrup

    Spiced Orange Chocolate Chip Waffles (Gluten-free + Dairy-free) with Orange Spice Maple Syrup

    It’s rare that I have a morning with enough time to make a big breakfast. Most days I start with my warm lemon water, a home yoga practice, then I make a quick smoothie and get right into my work for the day.

    On the rare occasion where I don’t have to rush to my desk or to some sort of commitment, I love making a scramble or frittata of some sort, or on the extra special days, a delicious and comforting waffle.

    Spiced Orange Chocolate Chip Waffles (Gluten-free + Dairy-free) with Orange Spice Maple Syrup

    I have been playing around with a different waffle recipe from the ones I have used in the past. I was looking for a lighter waffle, that wasn’t dense and heavy in the center, but would also get a nice crispy outside to it, which is my favorite part. I have made several variations to this waffle recipe and they always come out amazing.

    I happened on this recipe from Aretha Frankenstein a while back and I adapted it to make it gluten-free. Since I had picked the last of the beautiful oranges from our tree, I also updated the recipe with a fun new flavor combination. The orange spice flavor is subtle in the actual waffles, but it is brought out and complimented nicely by the little bits of dark chocolate chips. Two things that go so perfectly together, if you ask me.

    The specially made Orange Spice Maple Syrup I created to compliment these waffles is a very simple-to-make addition, that shouldn’t be overlooked if you have an extra few minutes to spare. To me, that delicious unique maple syrup really sets this recipe over the top!

    My waffle iron makes two massive waffles with this recipe and usually hubby and I share one and save the other for the next day.

    Spiced Orange Chocolate Chip Waffles (Gluten-free + Dairy-free) with Orange Spice Maple Syrup

    Read the rest of this entry »

  4. Grain-Free Double Chocolate Brownies {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo-Friendly}

    Grain-Free Double Chocolate Brownies – Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo-Friendly

    Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!! What better way to celebrate LOVE than with chocolate, am I right? I can’t get enough chocolate this month, in case you couldn’t tell. I have been seeing chocolate everything, everywhere and  I am not sure what made me think of it, but I realized the other day that I hadn’t made brownies in forever. And that made me sad! What is wrong with me?

    Grain-Free Double Chocolate Brownies – Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo-Friendly

    I mean really, brownies are happy-making, magical squares of my very favorite stuff!! Soft cocoa-y chocolate chewiness and little bits of dark chocolate in every bite. Ahhhh! It is torture just writing about it.

    Though hubby and I don’t generally celebrate Valentine’s Day, I’d like to think we celebrated  a little bit early with these beauties. It’s rare that I make a gluten-free or grain-free baked-good and my husband doesn’t tell me what about it makes it taste not quite like the “real thing”. I mean, I don’t blame him. He doesn’t have to eat gluten-free. He gets to enjoy all the “normal” bakeries and their delectable delights, whenever he wants. Jerk Generally he eats and loves whatever I make (with exceptions, of course), but I think given the opportunity he would still choose it’s gluten-containing inspiration. This time around, he couldn’t get enough of the gluten-free version. He was obsessed with these brownies and we were literally fighting over the last one. I let him have it, but I really should have told him to back-off and take a hike to the neighborhood bakery. At one point during the few days we were eating through these, he walked to the corner store to get a pint of vanilla ice cream, he heated one of these brownie squares up and served it à la mode. What can I say? He’s a sweets guy, the man sure knows how to eat his desserts.

    Grain-Free Double Chocolate Brownies – Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo-Friendly Read the rest of this entry »

  5. 12 Gluten-free Chocolate Recipes

    12 Gluten-free Chocolate Recipes for Valentine's Day

    With Valentine’s Day being just a week away, I have had chocolate on the brain! So, I thought I would share some of my very favorite gluten-free chocolate recipes that would make just about anyone swoon this Valentine’s Day.

    What’s your favorite way to enjoy chocolate?

    This post is part of my restricted diet series from the Free People Blog BLDG 25.

    12 Gluten-free Chocolate Recipes for Valentine's Day

    Dark chocolate Almond Butter Mini Cups (vegan)

    12 Gluten-free Chocolate Recipes for Valentine's Day

    Joyful Almond Coconut Bites (vegan)

    12 Gluten-free Chocolate Recipes for Valentine's Day

    Dark Chocolate Red Wine Truffles (vegan)

    12 Gluten-free Chocolate Recipes for Valentine's Day

    Grain-Free Salted Chocolate Tart (vegan)

    12 Gluten-free Chocolate Recipes for Valentine's Day

    Dark Chocolate Bark with Pistachios, Dried Bing Cherries and Grey Sea Salt (vegan)

    12 Gluten-free Chocolate Recipes for Valentine's Day

    Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas (vegan)

    Head over to the Free People Blog BLDG 25 to get the other 6 recipes.

     

  6. Southwestern Quinoa Bites Recipe with Avocado Dipping Sauce – Gluten-free and Vegan

    This month of guest-bloggers just keeps on going and bringing more and more of my favorite foodie ladies here to share amazing treats with you guys. Today, we have the amazingly talented Cara, of Fork & Beans, with us, sharing an incredible recipe that would be perfect for your Super Bowl party this weekend or heck for any occasion really and they are a super creative way to use up some of your leftover juice pulp! 

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    Beth. Oh Beth. My love story goes way back with this girl from almost the beginning of Fork & Beans. I adore her personality from behind the computer and in person–she is the kind of girl you want fighting on your team. It is of my upmost pleasure to be here with all her loyal readers–YOU–sharing this recipe today!

    Southwestern Quinoa Bites - Fork & Beans

    Over the past couple years I have become a huge lover of juicing. I even bought an Omega (which I LOVE) and I now make a tradition of going to the farmer’s market every Sunday to buy fresh produce to juice at home for the entire week. The thing about juicing, however, is that there is a ton of pulp left over from the vegetables. I always feel guilty about throwing it all away because there is still food to be eaten despite the fact that it is the leftover fiber of the vegetables and fruit. I just never really have known what to do with it (translation: I never put that much thought into it) That is, until now.

    Southwestern Quinoa Bites - Fork & Beans

    Now I am starting to get creative with all that extra fiber and beginning to throw it into everything I can think of. About a year ago I made these Italian Quinoa Bites which were a HUGE hit (and unbelievably good!) and it immediately hit me that the pulp would pair perfectly with a new-and-improved flavor. And trust, it so is! These make the perfect appetizers or even meal in and of itself. Read the rest of this entry »

  7. Grain-free Chinese Almond Cookies – Gluten-free, Paleo and Vegan

    I am so excited to introduce you guys to a super-sweet lady today, Erin, of Texanerin Baking! Erin shares amazing healthy baked goods!! Though not all of her recipes are gluten-free, this girl sure knows her way around a mixer and an oven, because whenever she starts experimenting with almond flour and other gluten-free flours, the results are just incredible! You’d think she’s been doing this her whole life. I hope you enjoy this amazing grain-free cookie recipe she created today in honor of the Chinese New Year.

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    Grain-free Chinese Almond Cookies - Gluten-free and Vegan

    Hi, everyone! I’m Erin and blog over at Texanerin Baking, which is all about healthier baked goods. I started off blogging about 100% whole grain recipes but then one day, I tried almond flour, just to see what it was like. Turns out that I love it and although I don’t have any dietary restrictions, I post quite a few grain-free recipes.

    With the Chinese New Year coming up on the 31st, I thought it’d be fun to share these healthier grain-free Chinese almond cookies with you! Are they authentic? Probably not. But who really cares when they’re perfectly soft, chewy and awesomely delicious? 🙂

    One of my favorite cookies growing up was my mother’s almond cookies. The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, Crisco and a load of white sugar. I’m sure I’d still enjoy them (although I don’t know if I could handle the Crisco), but then I’d eat 19 of them only to be depressed about it afterwards. That’s just how I roll with this kind of stuff. Read the rest of this entry »

  8. Creamy Kale Salad w/ Cracked Pepper Polenta Croutons – Gluten-free and Vegan

    I so happy to have Sherrie of With Food + Love  joining us today as our guest blogger, with an incredible, super-yummy looking gluten-free and vegan creamy kale salad with polenta croutons. Sherrie has been an absolute godsend this month while I am away at Yoga Teacher Training, helping me with all kinds of Tasty Yummies related tasks each day. So thank you, thank you, thank you Sherrie!! 

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    Creamy Kale Salad w/ Cracked Pepper Polenta Croutons - Gluten-free + Vegan

    Hey guys – I’m Sherrie the girl behind the fresh vegetarian + naturally gluten-free food blog, With Food + Love. I’m both honored + excited to be guest posting today on Tasty Yummies. Beth is one of my most fave bloggers – like, ever, and I’m a pretty lucky to girl to call her both my colleague and my friend. Her style is simple, clean + honest; just the way I like it.

    Creamy Kale Salad w/ Cracked Pepper Polenta Croutons - Gluten-free + Vegan

  9. Gluten Free Vegan Oatmeal Molasses Muffins

     

    I am very excited to have Sarah of Sarah Bakes Gluten Free Treats joining us today as our guest blogger, with an amazing gluten-free recipe for a delicious breakfast treat.

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    Gluten Free Vegan Oatmeal Molasses Muffins

    Good morning, Tasty Yummies readers! It’s a new day and a new year. Many of us are taking the time to make resolutions for 2014. We are thinking about how to change the way we are living. Changing the way we treat our bodies, by how much we exercise and what foods we eat. We know it’s the right thing to do to feel better, but it can be so hard to stick to the plan!

    Even when we are trying to eat a healthy, balanced diet, we still need to do some baking once in awhile (I know I sure do). These gluten free vegan oatmeal molasses muffins are not too sweet and have a great texture. I’m happy to say they are low-fat and sweetened with both coconut sugar and molasses. The applesauce and banana make them super moist. I like to make a batch at the beginning of the week and I’m set. A great grab-n-go breakfast or yummy guilt-free snack! Read the rest of this entry »

  10. Lentil Mahkani with Potatoes and Spinach (Dal Aloo Palak Makhani) – Gluten-free and Vegan

    Lentil Mahkani with Potatoes and Spinach (Dal Aloo Palak Makhani) - Gluten-free and Vegan

    Oh my gosh do I love Indian food. The unique flavors and spices are unlike any other cuisine and they instantly make me so happy. Although Indian food may be intimidating to some, I find that once you experiment and learn some of the foundational spices used, you can really very easily make many of your favorite dishes at home.

    Lentil Mahkani with Potatoes and Spinach (Dal Aloo Palak Makhani) - Gluten-free and Vegan

    This particular classic Indian dish is one of my favorites when I order at restaurants and although it is traditionally a butter based tomato sauce with heavy cream, most places will substitute the coconut milk for the cream and leave out the butter,  if you are dairy-free or vegan. The name Makhani isn’t exactly accurate without the butter, since Makhan literally means butter and we are leaving it out here, but for the sake of being an alternative to the traditional recipe, I kept the name the same. I personally think it is just as good this way, if not better.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  11. Dairy-free Peppermint Mocha or Hot Cocoa (Gluten-free with Vegan Option)

    Dairy-free Peppermint Mocha (Gluten-free with Vegan Option) // tasty-yummies.com

    This time of year, I am all about the familiar comforting flavors of the holiday season. Gingerbread, cinnamon rolls, egg nog and of course, chocolate and peppermint, etc. The Starbucks Peppermint Mocha used to be one of my favs, but I just really don’t love all of those sugary syrups and other junk, plus since I prefer to avoid dairy, my only option there is soy milk, which I really don’t like drinking, either. That said, those flavors are the perfect way to get me in the holiday mood. We have been known to go out of our way to get peppermint mochas, just to sip on while we pick out our tree or check out the holiday lights. It’s holiday perfection in a cup!

    Though I am not a regular coffee drinker these days, I do enjoy a cup of joe – now and again. It’s a nice treat once in a while, but I love not being a slave to the caffeine like so many regular coffee drinkers. I only drink it when it sounds good, not because I have to. I find I enjoy coffee and coffee drinks so much more since I tend to indulge only about once a month or so.

    This holiday season, I was determined to recreate the classic Peppermint Mocha, so that I could enjoy it without the junk. Dairy-free, refined sugar-free, made with high-quality ingredients! I am super happy with my homemade version, I like it better than any that could come in a cardboard cup with snowflakes on it. It’s thick and creamy, rich in chocolatey goodness and it has just the right amount of peppermint flavor. Read the rest of this entry »

  12. Mini Caramel Apple Pies with Cinnamon Streusel {gluten-free, vegan}

    Mini Caramel Apple Pies with Cinnamon Streusel {gluten-free, vegan}

    In case you haven’t noticed, I have a thing for mini stuff! Why make a single large-sized pie, when you can have 12 tiny ones? I am not sure where or when this love affair began, but I constantly find myself opting for littler things over the traditional size. (spoiler alert: I have another mini dessert coming to the website later this week)

    When Attune Foods contacted me to develop a holiday-worthy dessert recipe using one of their Erewhon Supergrain cereals, I was excited for the challenge of recreating a classic sweet treat, like apple pie. I opted for mini apple pies with a deliciously simple crust and filling, a crunchy spiced streusel topping made with the buckwheat hemp cereal, all topped with a drizzle of my very easy-to-make vegan caramel sauce.

    Mini Caramel Apple Pies with Cinnamon Streusel {gluten-free, vegan}<

    Read the rest of this entry »

  13. Vegan Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix (Gluten-free)

    Vegan Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix

    There a some flavor combinations that for me are the classic quintessential tastes of the holiday season. The combination of chocolate and peppermint this is definitely one of those. For my final giftable recipe this month in my series with Free People, I thought a handmade gift that was not only pretty, but tasted amazing would be the best way to end things.  Hot cocoa is not just for kids, but also for the kids at heart.

    Layer the delicious ingredients for this homemade candy cane hot chocolate in a jar and add some fun decorative touches like a fresh clipping of evergreen, wrap fabric over the lid, tie twine or ribbon and add a pretty tag. It not only looks beautiful, but it is so tasty, too! The bonus is this hot cocoa mix is vegan and gluten-free and depending on the ingredients you use,  low in refined sugars, as well.

    On it’s own or with a nice mug to compliment it, this simple DIY gift is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face! It’s a great hostess gift, it’d perfect for the secret santa giveaway, or just a thoughtful handmade gift for the chocolate loving vegan in your life. This simple ratio of ingredients can also be used to make a small batch for yourself, anytime you’d like!

     

    Vegan Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix

    [print_this]Vegan Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix
    Fills a 1 quart jar, makes 12 servings

    • 1 cup powdered non-dairy milk, such as soy or rice (or powdered dairy milk, if you aren’t vegan)
    • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (be sure it is vegan)
    • 3/4 cup coconut sugar (or raw cane sugar)*
    • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1/2 cup miniature semi-sweet vegan chocolate chips
    • 1/2 cup crushed vegan peppermint candy (these particular candy canes are great – no GMOs, no HFCS, no artificial dyes, etc )

    Optional:

    • 1/2 cup vegan mini marshmallows
    • A few additional mini or full-sized candy canes

    Layer the powdered non-dairy milk, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, salt, chocolate chips, and peppermint candy. If you’d like, you can add mini marshmallows to the top of the jar, if there is room or attach a plastic bag full to the jar. On the back of the gift tag, write:

    “Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. For each serving, place 1/4 to 1/3 cup cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup boiling water or non-dairy milk. Mix keeps in airtight container at room temperature for up to six months.”

    OR

    If you wish to leave the powdered milk out, shake all of the remaining ingredients together (you may want to increase the ingredients by 25-50% to fill up the jar without the powdered non-dairy milk). Once fully mixed, add it to the jar and layer marshmallows on top, if there is room. Change the directions on the gift tag to read:

    “For each serving, heat 8 ounces of your favorite non-dairy milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot (alternatively, microwave 2-1/2 minutes at full power). Whisk in 1/4 to 1/3 cup hot chocolate mix. Mix keeps in airtight container at room temperature for up to six months.”

    *Consider making a homemade vanilla sugar first, using my recipe for vanilla sea salt, replacing the salt with sugar. Use an equal amount of the vanilla sugar instead of plain sugar in in this recipe and it takes it to a whole new level!!

    **Note: if your container is a different size, just keep the ratio of ingredients constant.**[/print_this]

     

    This recipe originally appeared on the Free People blog BLDG 25.

  14. Paleo Double Chocolate Donuts with Coconut {Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free}

    Double Chocolate Donuts with Coconut - Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free

    Double Chocolate Donuts with Coconut - Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free
    This weekend was the last hurrah for getting things done on the house. The realtor comes in the morning and we are starting the process of getting the house on the market, finally. Yay! Since yesterday afternoon my project was to re-caulk the bath tub and shower walls, it had to sit for at least 24 hours before getting wet. I woke up this morning, realized that I couldn’t shower before leaving for yoga, but felt so gross from all the house work yesterday, so I decided to take the day off and lay in bed for a bit this morning with hubby and the pooch to watch a movie! It felt really nice to just get up at my leisure and be lazy for a bit. It has been a while since I have done that. I will likely squeeze some time in later today for a brief yoga practice at home on the grass in the yard.

    After the movie was over, I rolled over and asked Mark what he wanted for breakfast. Since most mornings I don’t even eat breakfast since I am at yoga, I get really excited when I have the time to make something special. Mark exclaimed “donuts!” and I jumped out of bed and made my way to the kitchen to start creating. Even though we don’t have kids and Mark may only be a daddy to our pooch, our two cats and our business, I still thought that he should be spoiled this morning for Fathers day. So his wish was my command.

    I used Coco from Roost’s recipe for donuts not too long ago and I was incredibly impressed, so I decided to make that my starting point for these. I also decided to play around with a simple frosting recipe that didn’t require any sugar. Topped with some shredded coconut and some mini-chocolate chips, these were perfect and Mark was happy!

    Double Chocolate Donuts with Coconut - Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free

     

    [print_this]Double Chocolate Donuts with Coconut- Gluten-free, Grain-free, Dairy-free + Refined Sugar Free
    (makes 6 regular sized donuts or 18 mini donuts)

    • 1 1/4 cup blanched almond flour (I prefer Honeyville brand)
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp baking soda
    • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
    • 3 organic farm fresh brown eggs
    • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (you could also use ghee, grape seed oil, etc)
    • 2 tablespoons honey (you could also use maple syrup, brown rice syrup, agave, etc)
    • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Preheat oven to 350F. Grease your donut pan with coconut oil.

    In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients. Transfer to the blender*.
    In the same bowl, whisk together all of the wet ingredients. Add to the blender.
    Blend the batter until is very smooth. Pour into greased donut molds, filling them about 2/3 of the way.
    Bake for 12 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE or they will be dry. Remove the donut pans from the oven, allow to cool in the pan for 3 minutes, then pop them out and all them to cool the rest of the way on a rack. Make your frosting in the meantime.

    * I never thought to blend a batter like this, but I went with Coco’s suggestion and it is brilliant. It can be challenging to get a smooth batter with nut flours, but using the blender definitely gives you a very nice, smooth batter.

    Chocolate Frosting – Gluten-free, Grain-free, Vegan + Refined Sugar Free

    • 3/4 cup pitted Medjool dates
    • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
    • 1/4 cup sustainable organic palm oil shortening or coconut butter
    • 1/3 – 1/2 cup water (you may need less or a tad bit more depending on how soft your dates are, be careful not too add too much though)

    Add all of the ingredients to a high-speed blender, start with just 1/3 cup of water, you can always add more. Let everything sit for a few minutes, especially if your dates are very firm.

    Blend everything together at a high speed. It may take a little bit to get the it started, so you can start at a slower speed and increase the speed a little at a time.

    Continue blending long enough to get a smooth, velvety consistency, this may take 5 minutes or more. If the frosting seems like it isn’t moving around in the blender because it is too thick, before you add more water, use a spatula to unstick the mixture from the blades and make some room in there. Put the lid back on and keep blending. When there are relatively no bits of dates and you have a rich, smooth chocolatey mixture, your frosting is ready.

    In addition to donuts, this icing would be great on cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, etc. Store any remaining icing in the refrigerator.

    SERVING THE DONUTS:

    Additional toppings:
    1/4 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut
    1-2 tablespoons of semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

    Once the donuts have cooled, spread a thin layer of frosting on top and sprinkle with some finely shredded unsweetened coconut and a few mini chocolate chips. Instead of these toppings or in addition to them, you could also add some crushed cocoa nibs, chopped nuts or anything else you might like.

     

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  15. Asparagus & Leek Frittata

    Asparagus and Leek Frittata - Gluten-free (dairy-free options)

    Asparagus & Leek Frittata - Gluten-free (dairy-free options)

    I had some asparagus and leeks in the refrigerator that I really needed to use up and I was contemplating what to do with them as I laid awake in bed this morning (yes, I think about food when I am waking up). Since I woke up pretty early and wasn’t falling back asleep, I decided I would get up and make a hearty Sunday morning breakfast for me and the hubby. An Asparagus and Leek Frittata sounded like the perfect Spring weekend wake-up to me and it was. The subtle crisp from the fresh asparagus, the oniony bite from the leeks, the creamy cheeses and the tasty farm fresh eggs that we grabbed at the farmers market were all so perfect together. This recipe would also make for a great dinner.

    Asparagus & Leek Frittata - Gluten-free (dairy-free options)

    Asparagus & Leek Frittata - Gluten-free (dairy-free options)

    [print_this]Asparagus & Leek Frittata
    serves 4-6

    • 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
    • 1 cup chopped leeks (white and light green parts only)
    • 1 bunch of thin asparagus, cut diagonal into 1-inch pieces
    • 7 large farm fresh eggs
    • 1 cup fontina cheese, diced or grated (optional)
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
    • 1/4 cup grated fresh parmigiano-reggiano (optional)
    • a pinch or two of red pepper flakes (optional)

    Preheat the oven to 400° F

    Melt butter (or heat olive oil) in heavy cast iron skillet (9 or 10 inches in diameter) over medium heat. Add leeks, sauté 4 minutes. Add asparagus and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Whisk eggs, fontina cheese, salt and pepper in medium bowl. Add egg mixture to the skillet, fold gently to combine. Allow the eggs to begin to set. With a spatula, lift up an edge of the frittata and tilt the skillet to allow the uncooked mixture to flow to the bottom of the pan. Continue to lift until the egg on top is no longer runny. Sprinkle some of the freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano on top and slide the skillet into the oven. Bake the frittata until it is firm to the touch, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with a bit more fresh parmigiano-reggiano when it comes out of the oven. Cut into wedges and serve. [/print_this]

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