Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins

Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins are perfect to kick off spring! They have great flavour, texture, and are moist! They are filling and make the perfect breakfast. They freeze well and are versatile. The blueberries can be substituted for your favourite summertime berry!

Im back! It has been a long time since my last post, but I needed a break to focus on finishing school and getting through the ski season. Life has been busy and my cooking and baking began to resemble a caveman that had to gather and scrounge for food, and most of the things I made were sloppy, rushed, and consisted of last weeks left overs and whatever was found at the back of the fridge (not rather appealing).

Spring is in full swing, and that is the perfect time for fresh starts. It is a time when mother earth comes out of hibernation and allows the trees, flowers, and plants to bloom and grow. Spring is a great time to reflect on the long winter, and contemplate the path your following. It is a great time to make any necessary changes to find yourself and your happiness again. Spring is a time for growth, to shed layers from the past that you no longer need, and to allow yourself to be free. It is a time to do the things you have always wanted to and let go of all the thoughts, and ideas that have been holding you back.

To me, spring is a bright and exciting time. I feel like I need less sleep and have more energy than ever. It also marks the beginning of the farmers market, which is one of my favourite places to pick up local plants, produce, and home made gluten free goods. Spring means that soon all fruit and vegetables will be fresh and BERRIES WILL BE EVERYWHERE! The perfect way to mark the start of spring is with these gluten free blueberry muffins! They have great texture and make a great breakfast or snack. They freeze well and taste great with a cup of coffee in the morning! The granola and honey toping ensure that the muffin stays moist and adds extra flavour and texture!

Blueberry Muffins

2 1/2 Cup Gluten Free All Purpose Flour

1/2 Cup Sugar

2 Tbsp Chia Seeds

1/4 Tsp Baking Soda

2 Tsp Baking Powder

1 Tsp Xanthan Gum

Juice of 1 Lemon

1 Tbsp Lemon Zest

1/4 Cup Melted Coconut Oil

2 Eggs

1 Cup Blueberries

1 Cup Greek Yogurt

1/3 Cup Apple Sauce

Topping

2 Tbsp Honey

1/4 Cup Granola (Gluten Free Granola)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In separate bowls combine the wet ingredients and the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until all the ingredients are wet. Do not over mix, just ensure that everything is combined. Fill a greased muffin tin using a 1/4 Cup measuring cup. Bake for 20-25 Minutes. While cooking, mix together to topping ingredients and put on top as soon as the muffins come out of the oven.

I hope everyone has a great spring and has a chance to get outside and enjoy the blooming trees, and the warmth of the sun. I hope everyone has a chance to reflect on the winter and begins to feel energized and refreshed! The changing of the season is the perfect time to make changes in yourself.

K.

Gluten Free Rolled Vanilla Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Vanilla Chip Cookies are sure to be a new Holiday favorite. They have wonderful flavor and pair great with a glass of milk or eggnog! They roll easily and are addicting, one will not be enough!

Day 2: 12 Days of Gluten Free Christmas Baking

Day 2 is here! Yesterday I posted Christmas Coconut Macaroons, and I am sticking with the cookie theme again today. Cookies are a large part of Christmas baking, everyone has their favourites and they are easy to grab when company stops by or for any Christmas Cookie Swap. When I was first diagnosed with Celiac Disease I missed cookies more than anything. They come in so many varieties and are a great snack to satisfy a sweet tooth. 

When I made these cookies I wanted something that was crumbly, but not in the usual gluten free way. I wanted them to taste like the pre packaged store bough cookies, and I think these hit the mark. They are gluten free, have amazing flavor, and crumble in the right way without being dry. They pair perfectly with  a glass of milk, and Santa Clause will love them when he shows up on Christmas!

Rolled Gluten Free Vanilla Chip Cookies

1/3 Cup Butter

½ Cup Sugar

½ Cup Coconut Flour

½ Cup All Purpose Gluten Free Flour

1 Egg

½ Tsp Baking soda

1 Tsp Xanthan Gum

1 Tsp Vanilla

½ Cup Vanilla Christmas Chips

Beat together Butter, Sugar, and Egg

Mix in remaining ingredients, adding the chips when mixing is almost complete.

Divide the dough in half and roll into two logs approx 1.5 Inches in diameter, wrap in plastic wrap, and let chill in fridge overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees

Slice Cookies 1/3 inch thick

Bake for 12 Minutes

Makes approx. 30 Cookies

Christmas is full of family traditions. Many families bake goodies together during the holiday season. This can be hard for a person adjusting to having Celiac Disease, or a gluten intolerance. But there are so many option for Gluten Free baking that they no longer have to feel left out or discouraged. Make Gluten Free baking apart of your holiday regimen and everyone will feel the love and spirit of Christmas!

Have a Great Day, 

See you tomorrow for day 3!

K.

Christmas Coconut Macaroons

These Christmas Coconut Macaroons are soft and chewy! They are quick and easy to make and the base only requires three ingredients which makes them fuss free! They can be enjoyed plain, or with whatever toppings you prefer!

Day 1: 12 Days of Gluten Free Christmas Baking

Its December! That means the holidays are upon us and it is time to start baking yummy goodies, tasty treats, and all those sugary cookies that usually lead to a New Years diet. While this sounds like a sugar induced coma for most, for a person struggling with Celiac Disease this means a month of fear of being glutenized and constantly drooling over something that is forbidden! Many of these goodies are not gluten free, and sometimes a person can feel left out while everyone else enjoys a Christmas snack. Today kicks off 12 Days of Gluten Free Christmas Baking! I will be posting the recipes of many holiday favorites, but as gluten free for all the fellow celiac sufferers that are unsure of what they are going to eat this Holiday Season! I have been busy baking, mixing, and experimenting and I cannot wait to share all these holiday treats with you over the next few days! There is something for everyone!

When Christmas rolls around I always make sure to take gluten free baking anywhere I go. It’s a great gift for any hostess, and ensures that I will be able to eat something at the party. And you never know who else suffers from gluten intolerance, so you might just make someone’s day by making gluten free treats accessible to them! And that is exactly what Christmas is about, spreading cheer and happiness everywhere you go!

Coconut macaroons are great anytime of year. They are quick and easy to make in a pinch and do not require many ingredients. They are chewy, sweet and can be topped however you like. I like mine loaded with jam and chocolate, but sometimes they are just as rewarding when enjoyed plain!

Christmas Coconut Macaroons

2 ½ Cups Flaked Coconut

2/3 Cups Canned Condensed Milk

1 Tsp Vanilla

½ Cup Jam (Raspberry Blackberry Freezer Jam)

1/3 Cup Chocolate Wafers

-Preheat oven to 350 Degrees

-Line two Cookie Sheets with Parchment Paper

-Use a 2 inch cookie cutter to shape the cookies, place an ice cream scoop amount of batter into the cookie cutter and fill the circle.

-Bake for 10 minutes until the edges begin to brown.

-Let cool on wire racks.

-Put a tablespoon of jam on each cookie. I used my homemade Raspberry Blackberry Freezer Jam, but you can whichever you prefer.

-Melt the Chocolate Wafers and spread approx ½ a tablespoon on top of the jam.

-Let set on wire racks for approx 30 Minutes and transfer into storage containers.

Makes approx. 10 Cookies

These cookies are fairly large, a smaller round cookie

cutter would result in more, smaller cookies. However, if topped with ice cream or sorbet these cookies would make a wonderful dessert for the celiac at the dinner table!

I hope everyone gets a chance to try these cookies! Stay tuned because there are still 11 days of gluten free Christmas baking to come! I love baking and cooking, so if there is anything in particular you want to see or are struggling with in the kitchen this year leave a comment and I will do my best to assist!

I am off to study for my last final this winter season, and eat a few cookies while I do it!

Have a good day!

K.

Gluten Free Cheeky Cherry Banana Loaf

Full of fresh local cherries and packed with many healthy benefits! Cherries are a summer favourite and the texture and flavour of this cherry loaf will make you forget that it is gluten free!

The last month has been jam packed with visiting, travelling, and endless fun back home in Saskatchewan! The trip home was long overdue, I have not been back to Saskatoon for over two years. It was great to catch up with family and friends, and to visit all the places that I found comforting and that offered me a piece of silence when I lived there. It was busy, but I managed to eat healthy while away. I did not gain any weight. However, I did not lose any either. Now that I am back I can get back onto weight watchers and continue on my journey to a healthier lifestyle.


Before leaving for Saskatchewan my mom decided that we should take something to eat for breakfasts and snacks in the hotel. This was the perfect opportunity to create a healthy and filling loaf that was gluten free. I was so excited to use all the fresh fruits available to me in the Okanagan! My fruit of choice was cherries. Cherry season lasts from June to mid-July, but you can still find some in the grocery stores and at the fruit stands. If you get a chance, this is a great loaf and I definitely recommend trying it out!

Cherries are full of healthy benefits! They are a great antioxidant and will help keep you looking young and prevent against cancer and disease.  Cherries are jam packed with fibre and can help with weight loss, improve the quality of your diet, and boost the immune system to keep you healthy! Cherries naturally contain melatonin and help regulate sleep patterns, they are also a great source of potassium and many other vitamins! If this isn't enough of a reason to eat cherries I will remind you that they are low in calories and taste amazing! The best part of living in British Columbia is that cherry season comes fast and it lasts long enough to ensure that you indulge in enough cherries (guilt-free) until the next season!

Gluten Free Cheeky Cherry Banana Loaf

Loaf
2 Cups Gluten Free Flour
1 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Guar Gum
1 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Nutmeg
2 Tsp Vanilla
3/4 Cup Soured Almond Milk
1/2 Cup Apple Sauce
1/2 Cup Coconut Milk Yogurt
1 Cup Banana
1 Cup Cherries

Mix all dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately. Place all wet ingredients in the blender (excluding the cherries) until smooth. Combine both mixtures and fold in the cherries. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. While loaf is baking make the glaze.

Glaze

1 Tbs Butter

2 Tbs Corn Syrup

1 Cup Chopped Cherries

1/2 Cup Chopped Almonds

Boil down slowly and add water as needed to help the glaze boil down. I added rum at the end to add some moisture and flavour. 

I learned a lot about myself while I was gone. Going home made me realize that Saskatoon is not my home anymore. I made a good decision when I moved to Kamloops and I would not change a thing about my life today! I was a different person and believe that I have grown up since leaving. I truly believe that moving away is what helped me grow and change into the person I am today. For that I am grateful. People change and people move on, they leave their comfort zone and the challenge helps them become something great. People grow apart from the ones that they know, and the places that they call home. There is nothing wrong with growing and changing, but it is a easier process when you are surrounded by the ones who love you for who you are and not what you can do for them. I am deeply and truly grateful for my friends and family that give me support everyday to be the best person I can be. Thank you.

Saskatchewan's Provincial Flower

I hope everyone enjoys their long weekend!
k.

Zoku Gluten Free and Healthy Summer Slushes

I had a great find this week at a store in Kelowna! It was the Zoku Slush and Shake maker! It creates healthy slushes and shakes in seven minutes! From what I understand, the liquid in it freezes incredibly cold and then what you place in the cup freezes quickly. You keep stirring the fluid until it reaches the desired consistency. It is great! I have tried two slushes and it really does work in seven minutes. I was thinking that this will be a great way to change up my morning protein shake, however protein powder does not freeze very well because my first slush was a complete bust. However, I made one with almond milk and watermelon puree and it turned out perfectly! My only complaint about the Zoku product is that all recipes require blending first. I am not a fan of this and am going to try to prevent it. If I am going to take the time to blend a shake, I am not going to then place it in the slush maker, I will just drink it from the blender.

I am very excited to see what fun creations for healthy shakes and slushes I can come up with! This one was very easy. It was one cup of almond milk, and one cup of watermelon cut small. It had great flavour and was refreshing! The best part was that it was only one weight watchers point! It was completely quilt free

There are so many possibilities! I want to try making a slush with coconut water and cherries, as well as a milkshake with almond milk and cocoa. You can make them healthy and don't have to run to the store when you are craving a unhealthy treat! This is also the perfect solution to avoid dairy and still enjoy a shake! Zoku has other great products that I would love to try such as a ice cream maker, and popsicle molds.

The last few days have been relaxing. I have been swimming laps every morning at 6, and have been doing my best to eat healthy. Friday involved some wine tastings, so I am counting that as a serving of fruits (sometimes you just have to have a little bit of fun!). This week is filled with many more adventures in Kelowna, so I am going to have to get motivated on my class in order to enjoy the week!


K.

Dijon Garlic Marinade

This marinade is perfect on any meat and can be used on the grill, in the slow cooker, or substituted as a salad dressing! It has the perfect balance of garlic and mustard, without being over the top! It is soon to be a staple during BBQ season!

It is finally grilling season! I am definitely not a BBQ connoisseur, but last week I found myself at the meat market and decided to get some pork chops. I am not a huge fan of pork, but I thought I would give it a whirl and see how I could make something with great flavour and was seasonal. I am so happy I did! These pork chops turned out to be better than I imagined.

I covered the pork chops in a Dijon garlic marinade and grilled them! The marinade was the perfect mix of tangy and sweet. I was able to use it as a salad dressing as well! Even more exciting - It was zero weight watchers points!


Dijon Garlic Marinade
1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
2 Tbs Dijon Mustard
Fresh Dill
3 Cloves Garlic
1 tsp Olive Oil

Mix all ingredients together and cover over meat of choice. The longer it sits the better. However, 20 minutes is long enough if you are in a hurry! I also put this on the meat while it was on the grill, and after flipping the pork chops. 

This was perfect on top of a fresh green salad! Trying new things makes eating healthy exciting. When you can find guilt free ways to change things up, there is no reason not to eat healthy! It is about experimenting with what works for you, your lifestyle, and your body! No one is the same, but if you stay dedicated and motivated things will seem a lot easier!

Enjoy your day!
k.

Citrus Cinnamon Fruit Salad Dressing

This fruit salad has a citrus kick that keeps it fresh in the fridge for a few days! It is a great way to change the way you usually eat fruit, and it quick and easy to make! There are so many possibilities and combinations of fruit that you can enjoy it time and time again!

One of the hardest things about eating healthy is finding the time and energy to cook healthy. To make this easier I make a lot of my meals and snacks on Sunday so I am prepared for the week. I do not want to eat the same thing everyday for a week so I either make a variety, or I plan to cook again on Wednesday. On weekends I enjoy fresh meals and my favourite foods! One food that gets boring is fruit. I get tired of eating apples, bananas and kiwis day in and day out. I eat these because they are an easy grab and go snack. However, this week I made a fruit salad that stays fresh for a few days! Fruit salads tend to get soggy and brown fast. While covering them in lemon juice can fix this problem, it can overpower the flavour. Thankfully, any type of citrus juice can keep fruits fresh longer. The perfect fruit salad comes down to using the right fruits and dressings to keep things fresh.

It is finally spring and so many fresh fruits are available! I was so excited to see melons like honeydew, cantaloupe, and papaya in the produce section at the grocery store.  I stocked up on my favorite berries and melons and came home to make a salad. I used all my favorites - strawberries, blackberries, mango, kiwi, and papaya. These are what i find stay freshest in a fruit salad that you plan on eating for a few days. To keep it fresh I added a cinnamon citrus dressing for some punch!


Citrus Cinnamon Fruit Salad Dressing

The juice from one orange
1 Tbs Cinnamon
1 Tsp Honey

Pour over fruit salad and enjoy :)

Seems pretty simple right? Thats because it is! It tastes good, and gives some variety to snacks. Being healthy should be exciting and refreshing! That is one of the keys to staying motivated and excited about your success!

I hope everyone is having a good week!

k.

Chicken Cabbage Soup

Chicken Cabbage Soup is perfect for a cold day! It will warm you up from the inside out and fills the house with the coziest smells. It can be topped with your favourite Mexican toppings for a completely different experience, such as avocado, sour cream, corn chips, and salsa, or enjoyed on its own!

The weekend has been cold and rainy. However, I am not too upset about it because I have caught a bad virus and do not have the energy to do much besides lay around. To help with the rainy day blues, and to fight this virus, I made some chicken cabbage soup! The smells are wonderful and make me feel warm and fuzzy, and it is a great comfort food for those blue days.

While feeling under the weather it can be difficult to eat healthy, or eat at all. I have found it easiest to fill the body with comfort foods and smoothies for some substance. I have not been overly hungry so I have been focusing on eating small meals so my body has some fuel. Once this virus is gone I will get back to eating regular meals and snacks. 

Chicken Cabbage Soup

12oz Chicken Breast Cooked
1 Can Low Sodium Diced Tomatoes
1 Carton Low Sodium Chicken Broth (4 Cups)
1/4 Cup Chopped Onion
1/2 Cup Snow Peas
1/2 Cup Carrots
1/2 Cup Broccoli
2 Cloves Garlic
2 Cups Cabbage
Fresh Dill, Fresh Parsley, Cayenne Pepper, Chilli Powder, and Black Pepper

In a pot saute onions and garlic until clear, add chicken, broth, and the fresh dill and parsley. Bring to a boil.
In a separate pan fry cabbage with 1tsp oil (I used coconut oil) and the cayenne and chilli powder until light brown.
Add tomatoes and remaining vegetables to the soup pot. Once boiling again add cabbage and let simmer for 30 minutes.

This makes 10 cups of soup and is very low in weight watchers point values.

I topped my soup with a quarter of an avocado and some corn chips. It would also be delicious with grated cheese and a tablespoon of sour cream, but I am still avoiding dairy.

Happy Sunday!

k.

Summertime popsicles

These creamy and fruity popsicles have a splash of pomegranate juice, and are perfect for a hot day/ They are gluten, dairy, and guilt free! One will not be enough, and that is okay!

Summer is finally right around the corner! The weather is heating up and the sun is shining (or it should be. As always, the long weekend has brought rain with it)! Summer brings cravings for slurpees, ice cream, and other cold delights that aren't always healthy. I have a love for ice cream that is only satisfied by eating A LOT of it. To try and stop these cravings before they start I made fruity frozen snacks with a creamy twist. They are gluten free, dairy free, and healthy! They fit perfectly into the weight watchers points plus allowance and are great on a hot day.


Fruity Frozen Snacks with a Creamy Twist
1 Cup Almond Milk
1/2 Cup Cultured Coconut Milk
1 Cup POM pomegranate juice
1 Banana
1 Cup Strawberries
1 Cup Blackberries

In a blender combine milk, yogurt, and banana until creamy.

Divide strawberries and blackberries into popsicle trays (I used 2 trays with 8 molds. They were $3 at wal mart)

Pour pomegranate juice into trays until they are approx 1/4 full.

Fill with the cream in the blender.

This recipe makes 16 servings.

If eating healthy can be this yummy, I think reaching my goals will be easier AND enjoyable. You should not have to suffer in order to lose weight and get in shape. Its about making the right choices. Depriving yourself of the things you love will only lead to binging later on. Treat yourself and things will seem easier and worth it!

I hope everyone is having a great long weekend! Stay safe.
k.