baking

Going gluten free, even if you’re not celiac, is becoming increasingly common. While it might seem like a fad–alongside the sudden popularity of kale and bacon–there is research to back this growing trend.

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with fiery red cinnamon hearts and decadent truffles, not to mention sugar cookies, lava cake, and other sugar-rich treats. These sweets have their place, but if you’re looking to share the gift of health–without sacrificing taste–check the hydrogenated oils, chemical sweetener and preservatives at the door and make these goodies from scratch (and with love) instead.

If traditional baking is a science, does that make gluten-free vegan baking rocket science? The answer is no; it doesn’t have to be! To put it lightly, I have a sweet tooth, and a hard time turning down baked goods. However, as a vegan who is gluten-free, I have learned that buying those incredibly overpriced, dense, heavy treats is a waste of time and money. So, over the years, I have challenged myself by dabbling in gluten-free, vegan baking, and have learned a few valuable tricks along the way.

The agave plant ranges from the southwestern United States down through Central America to the northern regions of South America. It is the same plant that is used to make tequila. For centuries, the native peoples gathered the plants and removed the leaves to extract the sap from the core. They boiled the sap to form a thick nectar. Agave nectar did not find its way into modern America until the 1990’s when the process of hydrolysis could be applied to the agave. This process heats the extracted agave juice in a mass production, making it a viable commercial product.

Get your garlic fix with these vegan pizza rolls. Using only pizza dough, a little olive oil, and some spices, you can make a tasty vegan version of this classic appetizer. The ingredients are simple and easy to put together which leaves plenty of room for experimenting and making the recipe your own!  Try melting some vegan cheese on top of the rolls by adding it about half way through the baking time.

Say it with me: fall is fabulous. So, how do we take advantage of this special time of year, while it’s here? We plan, and make sure our weekends are jam-packed with activities that just scream “fall.” Duh. To bump up your family’s fall spirit, give these 15 super enjoyable fall activities a whirl.

What to do with all those pumpkin seeds after carving is done? Roast them and eat them, of course! After cleaning off the seeds simply coat them in the seasonings of your choice and spread them out on a baking sheet to be cooked until golden brown (30-45 minutes, flipping halfway through) at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Sweet: Butter, Cinnamon & Sugar

There is nothing quite like the smell of butter, sugar and cinnamon baking away in a cozy house. Bring the fall season to life with this sweet seasoning for your pumpkin seeds.

Vegan Pie Crust

*Yields 2 crusts

Treat yourself or some party guests to a homemade vegan pie (or two) this season. With the holidays in sight, colder weather is the perfect excuse to stay inside and bake! Whether you prefer the classic apple pie, a fruity berry blend, or creamy key lime, the options for delicious vegan pie fillings are endless. Pro tip: to achieve the creaminess of key lime, or zest up your pumpkin pie, try adding some silken tofu to the filling!

Ingredients:

2 cups Flour

¼ teaspoon Salt

Enjoy this departure from the typically heavy and sugary French Toast! With all natural sweeteners like vanilla extract and bananas, you can satisfy your need for weekend brunch and still feel good about it later. The silken tofu in this recipe helps to add thickness to the batter and a little bit of protein to keep you going. For a delicious treat, top it off with some fresh berries and whipped coconut cream!

Ingredients____________________________Supplies___

People often equate healthy food to bland food. However, you can still enjoy savory meals while being healthy. The trick is the ingredients used in the meals. Granted, if you buy most of your items from a store, you’re bound to find some unwanted additives in the things you take home. But with a little time and planning, you could find yourself welcoming desserts back into your diet without any of the “consequences.”