8.23.2012

ricotta in gluten free muffins

I don't see this site as a baking resource, and as noted in a previous post (found HERE)... I like to bake a little ad hoc. This was my first time replacing fruit or veg in my muffins - with ricotta. Divine. This light and airy cheese creates a wonderful flavour and texture. These are also packed with protein. I kind went with an Indian flavoured theme here...

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola (or light) oil
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups fresh ricotta cheese
1 cup chick pea flour
2/3 cup brown rice flour
1tsp baking powder
1/2 cup raisins
1 tsp each of cardamom and garam masala

In a food processor fitted with a paddle - add ingredients in order of appearance. These were sweet - you could cut back sugar to 1/2 cup if you prefer. Spices are important when using chick pea flour, because while very good for you - it has a distinct flavour that I like to mask in non-savoury baked goods. I'd like to try this next time with lots of lemon zest and a tsp of ground ginger in place of the raisins and spices listed here. I find it pretty hard to mess up  muffins. Be brave! Line muffin tray with paper cups and fill with the mixture which should be the consistency of cake batter, 30 mins at 350 degrees. Makes 12 muffins that freeze well. We typically buy ricotta to use in our baked ziti dish - and this is an excellent use for the leftovers. Check out another simple gf recipe inspired by the Sopranos right HERE!

www.claudinecrangle.com

8.01.2012

farmers market - local, fresh & organic





Many of us can now easily  buy food directly from our local farmers even when we live in the heart of a big city. For awhile now, Bill and I have frequented a large outdoor farmer's market that we need the car to get to. This spring a tiny little organic market sprung up just 3 blocks from our home. As the summer roles in, the size of the market grows along with the offering of gorgeous produce.

It's a shame that our season is so short here in Canada... this may just be the year I look into canning and preserves. I've spent my whole life reading labels to know what's in my food. I'm coming to believe that knowing WHERE it's coming from and how it's grown is just as important.