Gluten Free Bacon, Ranch and Cheese Macaroni Cups

Gluten Free Bacon, Ranch and Cheese Macaroni Cups are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. They are packed with bacon, cheese, and asparagus. Their ranch flavour is perfect with the bacon, and they are delicious anytime of the day. These cups freeze well for a quick snack or meal on the run, and they will leave your guests begging for more!

I hope you all had a great Christmas, filled with family, happiness, and lots of food! I spent the holidays back in Saskatchewan with my family. It was great to be home, even if the temperature was a little chilly! Hopefully everyone was able to find something in the 12 Days of Gluten Free Baking series they could enjoy. People with food intolerances should be able to enjoy a sweet treat over the holidays, no matter what the intolerance is! The goal of 12 Days was to give someone with celiac disease the ability to enjoy a holiday cookie or treat with everyone else, to help them feel included, and ensure that they would have gluten free options available.

Tonight we ring in a new year. Many people believe that as the year changes they are given a fresh start and a clean slate to make past wrongs right, and begin living the best life they can. Many people (including myself) often make resolutions that they stick to for a few weeks or months, and then slowly life begins to get busy and all those great goals and ideas are forgotten. This year when you are considering what goals to set,and how you want your life to change, make sure you make a plan of attack so even when life gets tough you can reach those goals. Also, your goal doesn't have to be life changing. It can be something small, it just has to be something that will make you happy! If it is something you enjoy, you are more likely to stick to it!

Many people head out tonight, while many others stay in. One of my favourite ways to ring in the new year is with lots of food and friends! Pot lucks are great, they ensure you won't have to wait in a long line at the bar, and do not have to yell over obnoxious music or crowds. These Bacon, Ranch and Cheese Macaroni Cups are gluten free, and perfect for any pot luck. They make a great appetizer and are a crowd favourite! They are full of bacon and your guests will be asking for more. I took them to a small Christmas pot luck and they were a delicious hit with none left at the end of the night! They are full of cheese, and have an amazing flavour with the mixing of the bacon and the ranch. 

Bacon, Ranch and Cheese Macaroni Cups

12 Ounces Cooked Gluten Free Macaroni (I used elbow noodles)

1 Pound Bacon (Cooked Crisp and chopped)

3 Cups Grated Tex Mex Cheese

2 Cups Ricotta Cheese (I used low fat)

1 Cup Low Fat Sour Cream

1/2 Cup Almond Milk

1 Package Ranch Salad Dressing

1/2 Cup Chopped Green Onions 

1/2 Cup Chopped Asparagus

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees

In a large bowl mix together all of the ingredients. Leave out 1/4 of the Bacon and 1 Cup of Grated Cheese

In a well greased muffin tin, fill the cups half full with the macaroni

Top with bacon and cheese

Bake for 23 Minutes

Let cool well before removing from the pans. If they are to warm they will break when removed. It also helps to cool upside down, they will fall out when they are cool. 

I wish everyone a safe and happy New Year! Please be safe and responsible. When you wake up it will be 2015, which means a new year to grow, change, and learn. Do not pass up any opportunities because they may not come again, and follow your heart the entire way. Remember to set goals and resolutions that you can stay committed to! 

See you next year, 

K. 

Gluten Free Cheesy Crackers

These Gluten Free Cheesy Crackers are perfect for dipping, or eating plain. They are a great side with soup and chili. They are versatile and will keep your guests coming back for more!

Day 6: 12 Days of Gluten Free Christmas Baking

Yesterday I posted my holiday version of baked brie cheese. Brie pairs perfectly with some French bread, but those days are long gone. Now I usually enjoy brie with some corn chips or gluten free crackers. However, when I was deciding what to make for Christmas I remembered these delicious cheese crisps that I had when I was a child. They were not gluten free, but they were amazing! I played around with the recipe and got these wonderful cheese filled crackers. They can be made any size you want. Larger ones would be great for pizza-like appetizers, or wrapped around cheese and prosciutto. I kept these small so they are perfect for dipping and snacking!

Gluten Free Cheesy Crackers

2 Cups Gluten Free All Purpose Flour

1 Cup Grated Cheese

½ Tsp Baking Soda

½ Tsp Xanthan Gum

½ Tsp Cayenne Pepper

½ Tsp Garlic Powder

¼ Cup Oil

½ Cup Water

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Mix Together Dry Ingredients

Add Cheese

Mix in Oil and Water. Stir until a ball forms.

Cover and place in fridge to cool.

Roll out in sections on waxed paper, cut into preferred size slices or wedges.

Sprinkle top with Parmesan Cheese

Bake at 350 Degrees for 10 Minutes

These have great flavor, and freeze well so they can be saved for later. These are the perfect side for your baked holiday brie and any other dips you are serving this holiday season!

Day 1: Christmas Coconut Macaroons

Day 2: Gluten Free Rolled Vanilla Chip Cookies

Day 3: Gluten Free Gingersnaps

Day 5: Gluten Free Gingerbread Eggnog Donuts

Day 6: Honey Glazed Holiday Brie Cheese

Today was day 6 of the 12 days of gluten free Christmas baking series, and I am so excited about the next six days! There are so many sweet goodies waiting to be posted! Have a great Saturday! I hope you don’t have to venture to far into the hectic malls or packed department stores! See you tomorrow.

K.

Honey Glazed Holiday Brie Cheese

Honey Glazed Holiday Brie Cheese is naturally gluten free, and when cooked with goats milk brie it is also lactose free! It is sweet, but is a great alternative to all the cookies and baking most people indulge in over the holiday season! It is quick and easy to make, and the options for toppings are endless.

Day 5: 12 Days of Gluten Free Christmas Baking

Today I am taking a break from all the sweet treats. Many Christmas functions require appetizers and something more than cookies. People often forget about  the wonderful taste of brie cheese. I love cheese, but brie especially. It is sweet, gooey, and gluten free! This year I bought goats milk brie, so it was even lactose free! Its easy to make as well. I use a brie baker, however you can use any oven safe dish. The options and combinations are endless! You can bake it with whatever toppings you like. I like to keep it sweet, but red pepper jelly is also a delicious treat.

Honey Glazed Holiday Brie Cheese 

1 Round Brie Cheese
2 Tbsp Cranberries (Dried)
1 Tbsp Shaved Almonds
3 Tbsp Orange Flavoured Honey

Place Cheese in Brie Baker
Top with Cranberries and Almonds
Drizzle Honey on Top
Put lid on and bake at 350 Degrees for 15-20 Minutes.
Serve with crackers or bread


This recipe is super easy to make, which is great during the hectic Christmas Season! You can keep the ingredients on hand in case you get unexpected company, or want a change from all the holiday baking and turkey! It has big flavours. It is great to get something warm during the cold days of winter.



Day 1: Christmas Coconut Macaroons
Day 2: Gluten Free Rolled Vanilla Chip Cookies
Day 3: Gluten Free Gingersnaps
Day 4: Gluten Free Gingerbread Eggnog Donuts

See you tomorrow!
k.