Misadventures in Gluten Free Baking: Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies

I’ve been insanely busy lately, so I’ve had no time (or occasions) to try new recipes! I was baking several gluten-filled batches of my favorite cookie ever, so I decided to try and tweak it to be GF and it worked!

I simply substituted the 1C wheat flour with 1C Featherlight Mix (can be bought at Wholefoods or Amazon). They tasted a little off because I slightly burned the chocolate, but other than that I could not tell the difference between the regular and GF versions!!

Three cheers for another success!!

Misadventures in Gluten Free Baking: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now that my confidence is building, I attempted Chocolate Chip Cookies using Alton Brown’s recipe.

Dough seems to look like cookie dough (much thicker and stiffer) and tastes something like cookie dough.

My little helper :)

Ready to go in the oven (non GF apple pie in the background)

Hey - those are cookies!

I call this a definite success! They taste almost like regular chocolate chip cookies, with a slightly nutty flavor. I think it has something to do with the flour mixture I’m using. And the dough chills very well, so this gives me hope of eating cookie dough ice cream again one day!

On a side note, I was baking at a friends house, so I do not own the puggle or the silicone baking mats, but if she’s ever willing to part with either, I’d gladly take them :)

I’m 2-2 now! Almost have a winning streak!

Misadventures in Gluten Free Baking: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

I started freaking out about not perfecting GF baking yet and we’re hosting Community Group tomorrow night, so I jumped in all the way and attempted Pumpkin Whoopie Pies.

I found the recipe for the cookies on MyKidsMake.com and the filling from A Baking Life.

This was a really nerve-wracking process since my last two baking attempts were such failures, so I took pictures along the way just in case I had to review each step in the event of another catastrophe.

Dry ingredients.

Dough complete.

In the oven.

Delicious pumpkin cookies!

Okay, so honestly, I haven’t made the filling yet, but just looking at those ingredients I know it’s going to be a winner. Yay for success!!!

Misadventures in Gluten Free Baking: Shortbread

Attempt number two to bake GF was shortbread for a Halloween party (I’m not counting baking with mixes because those always turn out well). I used a recipe from the GF baking book I’ve got and added some almond extract because I love almond shortbread. The batter tasted exactly like my regular non-GF batter, so I added some fun orange glitter, poured it into a pan for baking.

I’m guessing it’s the almond extract’s fault, because it bubbled like toffee.

It’s two days later and it’s still squishy. Next time I’ll add more flour when I add the extract.

This does not look like shortbread.

Misadventures in Gluten Free Baking: Rosemary Bread

My first attempt at making gluten free (GF) bread was a total disaster. Since I knew I had to just jump in with two feet, I got some multi-purpose GF flour (a premade mix of several GF flours) and substituted it for the regular flour in the recipe. I made sure to add the xanthan gum and set Brenda the Breadmaker to work.

Halfway through the cycle I checked and the dough was extremely dry. So I added some more water until it was the correct GF consistency (similar to brownies or banana bread).

When all was said and done, I had myself a loaf of bread worthy of being repurposed as a brick, doorstop, or paper weight. I was so mad I left it in Brenda for almost a week.

In the dough phase.

Finished product. It came out exactly like this.

I have since gotten a GF bread book, but haven’t gotten up the nerve to try again.

Miscellany Monday 10/3/11

There is so much on my mind at the moment – I apologize if my thoughts are not coherent!

1. Friendship
I’ve been thinking about friendship a lot lately and will be coming up with a post pretty soon. The long and short is that God has blessed me with some amazing friends! More coming soon…

This awesome lady has spoiled me with Salted Caramel Mochas, thrifting trips, and lots of laughter!

2. Dance Pictures

I’m giving a quiz in dance on Wednesday and was going through pictures online when I found these two neat ones. It’s all in the little things!

What a fun bridal picture!

This makes the photographer in me giddy. I might need to try this one!

 3. Gluten Free

Look what came today!!!! I can’t wait to start working through this. Gluten free has made a huge difference in my energy level and my GI issues, so I am starting to think this will be a long term change. Once I’ve got the time, I’m going to make some gluten-free brownies :)

I want to try the Gluten Free Gormet Bread book next!

4. Gypsies

On Thursday I’m taking 10 of the dance team kiddos to the Southern Utah University Shakespeare Festival on Thursday. It’s going to be a blast and we’re even bring a piece to compete with! Our piece is inspired by Act 4, Scene 1 of the Scottish Play (aka MacBeth) and includes 3 gypsy witches and 7 cauldron creatures. I’ve just about finished the costumes tonight, so I’m getting really excited!

Inspiration for the witches' costumes.

5. A Dream Come True

I’ve been wanting an apple corer for ages. Pretty much ever since making my first apple pie. I think I was probably 9, so, yea, it’s been awhile. Found a really nice one at Ross for $4, so my dreams are coming true! One day I’ll even get a fancy corer/peeler. But for now, I’m content with this fun little tool:

Yes, I found one in red that matches my Kitchenaid :)

6. Obsession

Just in case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m completely obsessed with Starbucks’ new Salted Caramel Mocha. I love the sweet and saltiness. I’m so in love with it that I’m gathering all the ingredients to be able to make it at home. Yum.

This is happiness in a cup. Donations accepted.

all images from google.com image search

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Since it’s another Miscellany Monday, I’m linking up to the party:

 

Strawberry Frosting

Since I had to head back east for Grampa’s funeral before break, I never got to make “Happy Spring Break” cupcakes for my department!

I took care of that and even changed it up a bit by making strawberry frosting.

I can honestly say this frosting rivals my favorite; don’t worry, chocolate buttercream, you’ll always have my heart!

Yellow Cake Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting

Devil's Food Gluten Free Cupcake with Strawberry Frosting

Check out the frosting recipe here: Sprinkles Strawberry Frosting courtesy of Martha Stewart