Virtuous Gluten-Free Ginger Cardamon Pear Cake

Pears mark the very end of in season fresh fruit here in Canada. I couldn't resist buying a whole basket even if I was the only one home to eat them. William was away on a road trip and I wanted to have lots of simple meal options on hand. Naturally, I figured it was a great time to bake.

Baking a cake can be a very dangerous act. Especially if you are home alone with a whole cake afterwards. For this reason, and because I knew I'd want the "cake" to supplement light meals, I opted to more of a "loaf". By that I mean there was almost no processed sugar in it at all. It does have loads of fruit (sugar) and crystallized ginger (sugar) that make it plenty sweet - but not quite dessert.

1/4 cup oil
1/4-1/3 cup brown sugar
3 organic eggs
1 ripe banana
1 cup chick pea flour
1/2 cup brown rice flour
1tsp gf baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1tbsp garam masala
1-1/2 tsp cardamon 
5 firm pears - diced
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1/4 cup finely chopped organic crystallized ginger

This is pretty darned healthy - so great for breakfast on the run, or warmed up with a cup of tea. Chick pea flour is high in protein and fibre. Fruit is also high fibre and integrating any fruit typically means a moister outcome without having to use much oil (not that I'm into low fat in any way - if it's good fat!). 

I'm pretty lazy when it comes to baking. I'm sure it would be lighter and possibly even rise higher if I mixed this in another way - but I'm happy with my lazy food processor, um, "process". 

Pulse the ingredients in a food processor in the order presented using the paddle attachment (not the blade). Oil sugar and eggs first until well combined. Whip in the banana and you'll have a paste. Now measure in the dry, pushing sides down with a spatula as necessary between pulses. Pears, ginger and walnuts go in last so they don't get pulverized into the batter. Pour into a non-stick or greased angel food or bundt pan. Bake for one hour in a 350 degree oven. 

If you eat a quarter of the cake in the first day by yourself, you can easily justify that you just ate a pear, some chickpeas and rice, an egg, walnuts and ginger with a trace of sugar sprinkled on top. I mean seriously - your practically a saint. 

I made this "cake" two weeks in a row as it was so easy and yummy. I preferred the first version when the pears were less ripe. Apples would work perfectly in this recipe - in which case I'd add raisins and or dates too. The point for me was to make it chock full of nutritious ingredients so that it could cover a meal here and there.  

This is very similar to the carrot ginger cake that I've posted about in the past. You can find that sweeter and slightly less virtuous recipe for that cake HERE. 

New York, Anna & the gluten-free adventure

My cousin Anna and I have been writing to each other from distant lands for more than 20 years.  Our mothers are sisters who both left England in the 1960's and head in very different directions. Anna's mum emigrated to Australia and my mum came to Canada. Last week we met for the very first time in New York City. Within minutes of meeting our pen pal status was elevated to great friends. 

Anna was a serious trooper when it came to trekking around the city to try famed gluten-free bakeries. Being a vegetarian she was quite empathetic to how restaurants were chosen, and was open to shopping in the Chelsea Market near our guest house (where we had a kitchenette) so that we could have some fresh foods at home and to pack for days of hiking the cityscape. A new adventurous food friend - this was sheer bliss!

First stop: Tulu's Bakery. I've linked all of the names of the establishments to their websites so that you can find out what you need. 

 

Despite the late hour, Tu-lu's door was constantly swinging open with people coming in for an end of day cupcake fix. 

We met a bloke named Benny here - who referred to himself as a "Glutard", much to Anna's amusement.  When she asked if he'd been to La Risotteria he was quick to share he'd been picked up not once but twice, by girls who were looking for a gluten-free boy toy. When we left, Anna wondered aloud if this might be Benny's best selling point.  

On to the grub - I ordered the cinnamon coffee cake loaf, a brownie and a chocolate cupcake. Anna opted for a selection of mini cupcakes (image above). In an unusual state of self control we actually made it back to our hotel with our loot in tow.  That loaf was gobbled up for breakfast the next morning with tea. We conferred that Tu-lu's had been worth the trek.

Babycakes is probably the most famous of the gluten-free bakeries in NYC. The owner Erin, has been on many TV shows and has published a beautiful cookbook. On our last night we made this our pilgrimage. 

  

Yowza. I just didn't know where to start! While this bakery is known for their cupcakes - I thought I'd try a donut and a madeleine as I'd never had either before. Worth. Every. Penny. Can't believe I showed such self control.. and a part of me is relieved that this place isn't too close or I'd be needing to run more often!        

One of the best things about food - is how it bonds us. In our gleeful perusal of goodies we got to know Hanna, who sat in the window enjoying a cupcake. Hanna kindly offered up a couple of her favourite gluten-free restaurants in the city. As our NYC visit was winding down, we didn't get a chance to try them this time - but I've linked to Nizza and Fiorello so that you can check them out. 

 

We ate at La Risotteria, which is without a doubt a "must do". According to Benny - you might even get a date out of it! This was my third visit to the establishment, and I can't imagine a trip to NYC without a stop here. Even Anna commented that her risotto was the best she'd ever eaten. I normally opt for pizza, but this round had the spinach and sausage risotto. SO GOOD!

There is something incredible about arriving at a restaurant where gluten-free bread sticks are greeting you! This place only seats 20 and doesn't take reservations, so unless you are willing to hang out for a bit - I recommend you go early. A special thanks to my Auntie Thea for treating us to this special night out on the town! 

Finally, a shout out to Benny's Burritos (nope, not the same Benny)...where we had yummy Mexican food - notations on the menu clarified the gluten-free factor, and there was a huge selection. The place is packed in the evenings (a good sign) so we did lunch. Bill and I have eaten here on previous visits and I always have a hugely satisfying meal. 

Looking forward to checking out Hanna's suggestions on our next visit to NYC.... but will miss having my dear cousin, the lovely Sunshine Anna by my side. 

If you're heading to NYC anytime soon be sure to bookmark this post. If you have other great options to share - please do so in the comments or on this blog's Facebook fan page HERE. If you come from a place where gf treats are hard to find... I recommend that you bring an extra suitcase to cart home some goodies... and bring some stretchy pants for the ride home :)

 

gluten free portion control

this photo almost never happened: note the self control!

My experience with celiac disease has gone through a number of phases. One that I can't seem to shake is a complete lack of control where gluten-free baked goods are concerned. If there is something I CAN eat... I EAT it. Be it an entire box of cookies in less than 24 hours, or an entire cake. I don't exaggerate. I'm confessing. This likely stems from having grown up in a world where I rarely saw a box of cookies that I could eat. Perhaps I'm just making up for lost time :).

Admitting the problem is step one. One of my more recent management techniques, is to get out of the grocery store without buying VOLUME. I'm very frugal by nature, but sometimes, paying more for an individual serving means not feeling lousy about having overindulged. 

One of my latest finds has been this single serving chocolate walnut brownie by Sweets of the Earth. It is so sweeeeeet - that I can actually walk away (for at least half an hour) after eating only a few bites. 

For those of you who have more discipline, I would highly recommend the flourless cashew cookies - I've linked to their website HERE. I had to stop purchasing them as I can't find the strength to put them away before I've finished the box. I've also tried their vegan, gluten-free chocolate cake. I wouldn't dream of bringing home a cake just for me, but I'm very happy to see it turn up again and again at events so that I can enjoy a piece. These treats also work well for those who are unable to eat dairy or eggs.This is not a paid endorsement - I critique gf foods based on what I find, purchase and want to tell you about.

Next I need to locate where I can purchase their new gluten-free frozen cookie dough... that way I can make only as many cookies as I should eat in one sitting.

gluten-free spiced carrot cake

One of my favourite finds on our trip to Copenhagen was the little bakery across the street from our apartment. They made a carrot cake with a distinct cardamon flavour that knocked my socks off and inspired me to try my hand at some renegade baking when I got home. I say renegade, because I'm not a very scientific baker (read more on my technique HERE). I like to play - and assuming the textures feel right as I'm going, I feel pretty sure that the final outcome will be edible. 

I recognize that this is not the comfort zone of most people - so this time, I wrote down what went into the food processor (you could use a mix master - I'm too lazy to pull ours out). The outcome was a springy and delicious cake that we shared with Bennett and Angela. Last weekend I followed my notes and made the cake again in honour of my Mum's birthday. A hit on both occasions. It's a big and hearty cake - best shared.

My flour of choice is chick pea. I mix it with a little brown rice. If you have a favourite flour concoction - feel free to use it. Also, alter the spice quantities to suit your taste. Adding veggies and fruit makes most cake recipes more forgiving - eggs are important too. I don't use xanthan gum any more and don't miss it in cakes, muffins or cookies. I use organic ingredients when I can find them.

Spiced Carrot Cake

1/2 cup oil (safflower, canola, anything of quality with little flavour) you could also use softened butter

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3 large eggs

1/2 cup brown rice flour

1 cup chick pea flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tbsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cardamon
pinch salt

2 large carrots - grated

1/2 cup pitted dates chopped fine

1/4 cup crystalized ginger chopped fine 

1/4 cup walnuts chopped

Add ingredients in order shown into the food processor. Whirl them around on low with the paddle attachment between additions. Before you get to the carrots your mixture should be fairly stiff. Add carrots and turn up the speed so that they integrate well. At the end throw in the last bits and stir enough to blend them into the batter. 

Pour batter into a non-stick pan. Mine is 10" diameter and has a hole in the middle. This type of pan means that the batter never needs to rise across a wide distance. I credit the pan to the success of this. I'm sure you could also make two small non-stick loaf pans or a 10" diameter round pan work, but I cannot commit to the outcome :)

angel food cake pan or a bundt cake pan both seem to help with gluten-free cake success

The oven. I put the rack in the middle and crank it hot (ours is gas). When at least 400F I pop the cake in and turn the temperature down to 350F. Here it will sit permeating your home with a lovely spicy smell for the next hour. 

If you are not sharing - you can carve it up into about 16 healthy sized pieces. Wrap individually and freeze. They make an excellent emergency breakfast - and are handy for a last minute treat with tea at any time of the day!

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

Queen B Pastry = gluten-free decadence

I think that this photo speaks volumes. A few months back I tried a chocolate walnut Queen B Pastry cookie at Dark Horse Espresso Bar here in Toronto. It was so delicious that I ate it all before even considering that I might want to photograph it for this blog. A few weeks back I was in the same cafe and discovered this amazing "CROWNIE" (a cross between a cookie and a brownie.... hell yes!).

I was down to the last two bites when panic struck. I'd almost eaten the whole shebang... and these were too good not to share the word...so I took this little morsel home in the gorgeous package so that I could capture it on film and share it with you. I'm going to let their website tell the rest of the story. Click HERE to read up on where you'll find Queen B Pastry's incredible goods. The flavours have layers. I'm telling you, gluten-free has never tasted this decadent.

Prairie Girl Cupcakes

Prairie Girl bakery has been a hot spot with the gals in my office for some time now. I'd heard that they made great gluten-free cupcakes, but had yet to make the trek to one of their downtown locations to give them a try. A couple of weeks ago we had an office celebration... and imagine my delight when I found this box beside the larger offering of gluten-laden cupcakes. There are 3 gluten-free gals in our office, and someone had gone out of their way to make sure we were part of the festivities. 

I tried a chocolate one - and ate two of the vanilla ones pictured in the box above. About 50% of these cupcakes are icing - the good kind. Quality. I've posted a link to the Prairie Girl website HERE so that you can learn more about where to get your hands on some. If you want to jump on the cupcake crazed bandwagon... this is the way to go.

betty crocker gluten-free cake mix

This is a piece of Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Cake made from their mix. The kind of cake that I drooled over in the 70's as a little kid. The kind of cake that was completely forbidden to me, until recently. 

I haven't changed my tune. Baked goods made from scratch with fresh ingredients are certainly my preference, but I'm not a big baker myself. It's nice to know I don't have to be. 

We made the chocolate cake for my Dad's birthday party. We served half of this cake at the dinner - the other half I devoured over the next 24 hours. Sliver by glorious sliver. The icing is Duncan Hines (also gluten-free, although not always marked as such). Ingredient list is frighteningly unhealthy... but let's not kid ourselves, this is junk food.

One of my final memories before diagnosis, was of toddler cuisine - tiny concoctions made from Betty Crocker "Easy Bake Oven" cake mixes. Soon after, I was diagnosed with celiac disease. This cake made me feel like I'd come full circle. The world of mass market junk cake mix was back at my disposal. Yum. 

Organic Works gluten-free raisin bread

Yummy cinnamon bread... and more importantly, good right from the bag (unlike many gf breads that I will only eat if toasted first). 

This bread had a texture that held together well with a nice flavour - that was not too sweet. Check out their website HERE to learn more about where you can find it in Canadian stores... or order this (and numerous products) online!

gluten-free new year's resolution

When I started the blog this summer I gave myself license to eat more gluten-free packaged foods... to be honest, I rarely ate gluten-free bread anymore, as I'd found other options that were healthier and also easier on my wallet. 

I'm not quitting sugar, fat and carbs like most people at this time of year... but will aim to cut back on all of the xanthan gum, cellulose, corn starch etc that is often used to make gluten-free baked goods replicate "normal" baked goods.  

Nothing super virtuous - just putting more emphasis back on whole grains like quinoa, millet and buckwheat in my diet. I look forward to combining these with other nutritious ingredients to make new breakfast, lunch and side options for dinner...more fodder for future posts! 

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gluten-free gingerbread house kit... home sweet home!

I walked by the kit twice before I finally picked up the box and gave in to the urge. I have never actually built AND eaten a gingerbread house in my life. El Peto just made it too easy to walk away. 

While this model won't make it into Architectural Digest... I'm pretty pleased with myself for making the effort - and will be just as pleased to demolish it over the holidays and eat the cookie slabs (as opposed to just picking off the decorations!). Do you have any classic yuletide favorites you are looking to find, or replicate this holiday season?

www.claudinecrangle.com

non recipe for gluten-free muffins...hard to go wrong!

I'm a renegade baker. I don't follow instructions well... so muffins and cookies are pretty much my limit. I am posting this little ditty simply to encourage other non-bakers to experiment every now and then. 

I made these banana muffins without a recipe. I can hear gasps of disapproval as I type... but truth be told, I just toss a bunch of ingredients fairly ad-hoc into my food processor... pour and bake. Now, I must admit that muffins are something I can do by "feel" - as long as my batter has the consistency of molasses I seem to do just fine. I tossed the following into the processor in this order without any measuring utensils: canola oil, brown sugar, 3 small eggs, two bananas, brown rice flour, baking powder, pinch of salt, garam masala spice, walnuts & raisins. Muffins baked at 375 for 30 minutes.

Sometimes I use different spices, sometimes chickpea flour replaces the rice or applesauce replaces the banana.  

 

I'm not saying you don't need to know what you are doing to make a well-risen cake or replicate a danish in gf form, however, it's hard to fail with muffins and I encourage you to give it a go once and awhile without feeling intimidated. (There are lots of recipes on the net if you want some measurement guidelines). Things like pancakes are also very forgiving...Would love to hear of other easy/no-fail recipes non-bakers like me are experimenting with!

Goodbye Gluten - leave your reading glasses at home!

This ginger cookie hails from a pretty divine place.

I finally made it up to gluten-free heaven. Entering Good Bye Gluten (GBG) was probably the only time in my entire life that I've walked into a store and could pick anything off of a shelf and "know" that it was gluten-free.

I was also very happy to have a chance to speak with owner Ricki, who explained that she had decided to open the store because her daughter had been diagnosed with celiac disease at the age of 15 (nearing 20 years ago) at a time when gluten-free was hard to come by.  

At Goodbye Gluten she has culled the best gluten-free goods on the market and brought them to Toronto. What's not on shelves is freshly prepared and served behind the deli & bakery counter - or in the fridge and freezer. I could make an extensive list... but trust me, you will want for nothing.

Oh, and you need an event catered? They've got that covered too. A colleague of mine at work had her wedding cake made here.  Both she and her guests were delighted with the results.

GBG claims to be the first 100% gluten-free food store of its kind in Canada with this range of offerings. All I know is that Torontonian celiacs couldn't be luckier! Click on the hyper link above for their website.

new gluten free products I've checked out

I try not to buy gluten-free cookies. I try, because I have no willpower. Because I have no willpower, I buy gluten-free cookies. It's an ongoing battle. One I typically lose when I see a new cookie on the market that I haven't tried before. Luckily, at $7.95 a box, my budget keeps me from buying every flavour (at once anyway!). 

These GAGA for Gluten Free cookies are made in Toronto, which appeals to my "buy local" attitude. I tell myself it's important to help out new local start up bakeries. You can see I have this dialogue about why I should buy a box of cookies down to an art. 

As usual, I ramble. What you really want to know is whether to part with your $8 should you stumble upon these cookies. There were two other flavours on the shelf  - I naturally lunged for the "chocolicious" ones. If you like a really rich chocolate taste, and a slightly sandy cookie (shortbread-like texture) indulge in a box. They are soft and a little crumbly (not a problem as they are small and can be popped directly in your mouth in one go). I'll probably talk myself into another box of these again soon.

Now onto the savoury. I have been a fan of Mary's Organic Crackers for a few years now. I'm pleased to see them turning up on tables next to dips and cheese at the homes of my gluten eating friends too. A nice change from the Asian rice crackers I've been eating for years. 

In that little bowl above is a newer product from Mary's called Sticks & Twigs. Kind of like pretzels. What I particularly like about these is they are so healthy! I never buy "flavoured" chips, crackers or rice cakes. The less chemicals, the better my tummy operates. This means I rarely venture beyond "plain". These are curry flavour. The flavour comes from one ingredient - curry powder (no weird sounding additives). I know, curry powder is made up of a variety of spices... but that is all they are. I eat a little bowl like the one above and my craving for salty snack is satiated. Unlike the cookies... I eat these guilt free.

gluten free bread - no matter how you slice it

Gluten-free bread has come a long way from its humble (or should I say crumble?) beginnings. Nowadays with the growing market there are numerous varieties to choose from. 

While I have access to at least half a dozen different bread options in my neighbourhood at any given moment, many are still rather disappointing.  

To this day, I won't even entertain the idea of eating most packaged gluten-free bread until it's made a trip to the toaster first. Slipping the bread impersonator into a toaster greatly improves its texture and strength, and gives the anemic little rectangles a healthier glow. With some bread I've learned that open-face sandwiches are the best way to go. Less bread, less money, more flavour from the filling and less agitation for the roof of my mouth!

Gluten-free bread doesn't have a long shelf life. Most of it can only be bought frozen and those that aren't are sold on the shelves often because of the expense for small stores to refrigerate them. Always check those baked goods carefully, as there is nothing more disappointing than bringing home a $7 loaf only to find the underside sprouting green fuzz. Sorry for the unappealing visual. Back to bread...

One last tip: to avoid chiseling away at your frozen bread in the morning.... aaarrrgghh! Be sure to jiggle the slices carefully in the bag to separate them before putting them back into your freezer at home. I've just preserved your dinner knives.  

Kvetching behind me. I'd like to comment on my current three favourite breads on the market. I can't believe how lucky I am to have such a selection!

Glutino English Muffins

The only bread I will consider eating without toasting (although much improved with warming). These travel really well too - so the best choice for the road trip. Also a perfect hamburger bun.

Kinnikinnick Sandwich Bread

Just discovered - enjoyed my first loaf in Nova Scotia last week. Incredible. Good texture and taste. Perfect for making "normal" looking sandwiches for your kids. 

Udi's Whole Grain Loaf

This much lauded bread finally made its way into my home. I'd picked it up in the freezer a few times, and the bag always felt too light for my liking. Silly me. Great texture - and surprising taste... which I'd attribute to the molasses. I prefer to eat this toast dry (yep, that good) with tea. 

Of course, you can always bake your own bread - but for that I'd recommend one of the links to the great baking blogs listed on the right side of this post :)

gluten free market - it's hip to be gluten free!

This morning Bill and I went to the the Brick Works - an amazing place in Toronto that was once the location of the brick making kilns responsible for producing much of our city. Today this historic site is run by Evergreen, an environmental non-profit. Every Saturday they run an organic & local market. It was our first visit to this super lively venue. Among all the gorgeous fresh organic produce, there were five stalls selling baked goods.  The sweetest surprise was that of these five, three offered delicious gluten free goodies.

I am also noting another trend... many bakers are making goods that are both gluten-free AND vegan as a way of expanding their market with one product. Personally, I prefer butter and eggs in my baked goods... but I don't turn my nose up at any gluten free treat. 

I inhaled an enormous chocolate chip cookie from LPK's Culinary Groove... the image above shows the goods I left behind (this time!).  

Tonight I will scarf down a ginger loaf for dessert with friends. Jose from Pimenton gave me a sample... yum!! I asked him why they were offering gf - he replied that the market had driven the new products. I think that he too is curious to see how this "trend" will pan out.... I'm interested in hearing more about other's take on where this is all going. After all of these years going without - I'm still in shock at what is available around me these days.

brunch - gluten free style

gluten-free bread served with eggs, bacon and home fries at little fish

The gluten-free stars really have aligned for me - a year ago a bakery called littlefish opened in my neighborhood directly across the street from my home on Dundas Street West. This is essentially an all day brunch establishment - that is NOT gluten free. However, when you order your gluten-free toast they actually offer you a selection of white or brown. My typical classic breakfast is pictured above. Delish.

Last December, a totally gluten-free (and vegan) bakery opened up less than a block from my home. Bunners makes a cupcake so rich that it should only be eaten in two sittings - and the red velvet birthday cake? Divine. 

The Beet (a mere 3 blocks away) has a number of healthy, tasty, local, organic & gluten-free entres clearly marked on the menu. I particularly like the bbq chicken rice wraps.

My neighborhood in Toronto is known as the Junction. Ten years ago there was literally nothing to draw people here - today, it has certainly made me feel very much at home. 

Finally on the topic of local baked goods... a shout out to my dear friend Angela, who showed up at my door with a gift of homemade gluten free carrot muffins last weekend. The universe is keeping the baked goods coming!
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