Category Archives: Recipes – Dessert

Vanilla Pudding Squares with Whipped Cream and Pistachios

Posted on March 18, 2012 by | 8 comments

My colleague, Steve, has made pistachio squares for office functions over the past number of years. Last week, in preparation for my company’s dessert potluck, I asked him if he would share the recipe so I could see if I could make it without refined sugar. When he showed me the recipe, I started to get excited, because I could easily make the crust, cream cheese and whipped cream layers. As for the pudding…how could I make it without cane sugar? I was puzzled. I found a recipe for vanilla pudding and decided to give it a go.

My first batch looked like sweet milk…it never solidified. Hmm…I was stumped. So I tried again, this time using a bit more cornstarch and stirring the warm mixture on the stove for much longer. Within one hour in the fridge I had pudding! Instead of making pistachio-flavored pudding I stuck to the basics and created the vanilla version although I added chopped pistachios in the second layer and on the top. I enjoyed the result – it was nice and sweet with pudding and whipped cream and a nice crust. Thanks, Steve, for the original recipe that inspired this version!

Here are a few cooking notes: Make the vanilla pudding (third layer) first. While it is chilling, bake the crust (first layer) and allow to cool. Next, make the whipped cream (for the second and fourth layers) and then chop the pistachios (for the second layer and topping). Once all of these pieces are made and cooled, assemble the layers and voila – vanilla squares with pistachios!

First Layer (Crust):
Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 cup melted butter. Press the mixture into a 9×13 pan. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Allow to fully cool before layering.

Second Layer:
Blend 8 ounces of cream cheese with 2/3 cup agave nectar, 1 cup homemade whipped cream (see fourth layer for instructions) and 1/3 cup chopped pistachios.

Third Layer (Homemade Vanilla Pudding):
In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat 2 cups milk until bubbles form at edges. In a bowl, 1/3 cup agave nectar, 4 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour into hot milk, a little at a time, whisking to dissolve. Continue to cook and stir until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 tablespoon butter. Chill completely (about one hour); add as the third layer.

Fourth Layer (Homemade Whipped Cream):
Blend 1 pint whipping cream, 1/4 cup agave nectar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a mixer on a high speed until stiff peaks form. Use 1 cup to blend in the second layer, and the rest as the fourth layer.

Sprinkle with you favorite toppings, such as chopped pistachios and chocolate. Cover and keep chilled until ready to serve.

I am sharing this recipe with Simply Sugar and Gluten Free, Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Food Trip Friday, Cybele Pascal Allergen-Free Cuisine and Sweet as Sugar Cookies.

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Anjou Too Will Enjoy These Pear and Oat Scones

Posted on March 11, 2012 by | 7 comments

I have been on a bit of a scone kick lately. It all started with the raisin millet scones, which have turned out to be a lovely snack at any time during the day or evening. When I saw this recipe for apple and oat scones in the February 2012 Martha Stewart Living magazine, I became inspired and decided to add them to my repertoire.

The next morning I took out my mixing bowl and ingredients. Since I did not have any apples I used pears instead. In order to eliminate the brown sugar and turbinado sugar, I added maple syrup and maple sugar to retain the sweetness. I shortened a few of the steps (I did not rotate the baking sheet while cooking or flatten the dough into disks as suggested in the original recipe). The result is a sweet and chewy treat that is delicious with a cup of tea. I also discovered the beauty of parchment paper – it makes baking sheet cleanup a breeze. Enjoy these scones with pears or apples, or perhaps a combination of the two!

Ingredients
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
1 1/3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, plus more for topping
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 1/2 cups diced pears (cut into 1/4-inch cubes)
2/3 cup cold buttermilk (or 2/3 cup milk plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
Maple sugar, for sprinkling

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Whisk together flour, oats, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in butter with two knives (or rub in with your fingers). The batter will resemble crumbs. Add pears and buttermilk (or milk plus lemon juice), stirring until dough just comes together.

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Pat dough into a 6-by-8-inch rectangle, and cut into twelve 2-by-2-inch squares with a floured knife. Place about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with maple sugar and oats. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 22 minutes. Let cool on sheets for 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

I am sharing this recipe with Simply Sugar and Gluten Free, Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Something Swanky, Food Trip Friday, Cybele Pascal Allergen-Free Cuisine and Sweet as Sugar Cookies.

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Posted in Recipes - Bread, Recipes - Breakfast, Recipes - Dessert, Recipes - Snacks

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One-Bowl Chocolate Agave Cake with Agave Whipped Cream

Posted on January 30, 2012 by | 7 comments

Have you ever just been in the mood for a piece of cake? And you look around the kitchen in search for a delectable dessert only to come up empty-handed? This happened to me a few weeks ago, but fortunately it was the weekend and I had a spare hour. So I searched the internet and found a recipe for a one-bowl chocolate cake. The name sounded promising, for fewer bowls used would equal fewer bowls to clean up later on. The recipe also showed promise because the ingredients were all things that I normally have in my cupboards. I halved the recipe to just make one round pan instead of a more complicated layer cake, swapped the flour for the whole wheat version, and used agave instead of sugar. While the cake baked I searched the internet for a frosting. Whipped cream sounded good to me, especially because it only required three ingredients.
It turns out that I did have a cake in my kitchen. All of the ingredients were there, it just took a little bit of creativity and some mixing to make the cake a reality. Within an hour SensitiveHusband and I were able to enjoy this great dessert.

One Bowl Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
2/3 cup agave nectar
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup boiling water

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour one nine-inch round pan.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the agave nectar, egg, milk, oil and vanilla. Mix for 2 minutes on medium speed of mixer. Stir in the boiling water last. Pour into the prepared pan.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the cake tests done with a toothpick. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Whipped Cream Topping
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
1/8 cup agave nectar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation:
Whip cream until almost stiff. Add agave and vanilla; beat until cream holds peaks. Spread over top of cooled chocolate cake or another dessert. Top the whipped cream with grain-sweetened chocolate chips if desired.

I am sharing this recipe with Simply Sugar and Gluten Free, Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Food Trip Friday, Cybele Pascal Allergen-Free Cuisine and Sweet as Sugar Cookies.

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Whoopie! It’s the New Year! Fill 2012 with Agave-Sweetened Whoopie Pies!

Posted on January 3, 2012 by | 8 comments

Happy New Year to you!
May every great new day
Bring you sweet surprises–
A happiness buffet.

Happy New Year to you,
And when the new year’s done,
May the next year be even better,
Full of pleasure, joy and fun.

By Joanna Fuchs

I always get nostalgic at this time of year, thinking about the moments that made the biggest impressions on me during the past year along with hopes for the future. The turn of the calendar marks one year that I have been yeast and sugar free. It’s quite an accomplishment for me, who always used to crave a chocolate candy at 3pm and loaded up on more sugar than I ever realized. With the help of my family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, cookbook authors, blog readers and authors, and so many others, I am learning how to keep my foods and life sweet while staying cane sugar free. And for that – I thank all of you!

And whoopie for 2012! It’s time to celebrate with some agave-sweetened whoopie pies! Have you ever tasted a fresh, homemade whoopie pie? Just picture two chocolate discs, cookie sized, with a layer of sweet vanilla buttercream frosting in the middle. Yum! I first acquired a hankering for whoopie pies when I went out to eat with two friends and one ordered them for dessert. I looked at her delicious dessert and thought, “I bet I could make that.” So I found a recipe and went to work altering it – I used whole wheat flour, eliminated the Crisco and substituted with plain yogurt and butter, and used agave nectar instead of sugar. The results were phenomenal. I hope that you enjoy this recipe and that your new year is filled with sweetness.

For Cake:
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 cup milk
2/3 cup agave nectar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tbsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Blend the first five ingredients together. Then add the remaining ingredients to complete the batter. Drop by the tablespoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes at 375 degrees or until a toothpick comes out clean.

For Filling:
1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup agave nectar
1 tbsp  flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup warm milk

Beat with a mixer for approximately 5 minutes until a fluffy, frosting-like filling emerges.

Assembly:
Once the cakes are cool, match each with its closest in size. Spread some filling on the flat side of one, then place the second on top. Repeat with remaining cakes.

I am sharing this recipe with Simply Sugar and Gluten Free, Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Food Trip Friday, Cybele Pascal Allergen-Free Cuisine, Sweet as Sugar Cookies, This Chick Cooks and Something Swanky.

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Honey-Sweetened Pumpkin Pie

Posted on December 28, 2011 by | 1 comment

I am a big fan of pumpkin. It is a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals – plus it tastes great in cookies, breads and pie. My FIL created this pie, which starts with a basic recipe and switches the refined sugar with honey, does not use molasses (also made from cane sugar), and unsweetened evaporated milk (as opposed to condensed milk which has a lot of added sugar). This pie is tasty with a light a fluffy filling. Pair it with a glass of milk for a most satisfying dessert.

Ingredients:
1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 eggs
1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin
1 (12 fluid ounce) can unsweetened evaporated milk

Directions:
–Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
–Combine honey, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in a small bowl. Beat eggs lightly in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and honey-spice mixtures. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shell.
–Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees F.; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

I am sharing this recipe with Sweet as Sugar Cookies.

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Holiday Menu Ideas and Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes Recipe

Posted on December 10, 2011 by | 7 comments

This past Thanksgiving was a very special one for me because it was the first holiday that SensitiveHusband and I hosted, and the menu was free from yeasts and refined sugars. My family members were so kind by making sure that the foods they brought did not contain those sensitive foods, which resulted in one of the most delicious dinners! Plus the love and camaraderie around the table made for a very enjoyable holiday. The picture shows all of the wonderful dishes at our meal, and below lists the menu. Over the next few blog posts, I will share the recipes with you in case you would like to incorporate one or all of the foods at your next holiday celebration meal.

Holiday Dinner Menu:
Roasted Turkey with Gravy
Mashed Potatoes with Cauliflower
Golden Raisin and Apple Stuffing
Brussels Sprouts with Grapes and Walnuts
Green Beans with Almonds
Spinach Au Gratin
Pumpkin Raisin Bread

And for Dessert…
FIL’s Deep Dish Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie

Is reading the menu making you hungry? I know that I could use a snack right now!

Let’s get started with the recipe for mashed potatoes and cauliflower. They are seen in the picture above, on the far side of the table, in a big bowl with a blue rim. What is great about them is that they tasted just like mashed potatoes, although with the moisture in the cauliflower you don’t have to add lots of cream. The result is a hearty mash with lots of vitamins and less fat. Even people who don’t really care for cauliflower (I loosely fall into this category) will enjoy this dish. My MIL made them for thanksgiving last year and we requested them again! Here is the recipe:

Potato/Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
5 lbs. red potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large cauliflower, stems removed and chopped
1 stick butter
1/2 cup low fat sour cream
milk to desired consistency (1 to 1 1/2 cups)
sprinkle of garlic powder
salt and pepper

Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring water to a boil, and cook for 20-25 minutes or until very tender. Add the cauliflower to the potatoes when there is about 10 minutes left so they can also cook. Drain well. Add cauliflower, butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Start to mash, then add about 1/2 cup milk and mash until desired consistency. You may want to add another 1/2 cup milk, depending on how much moisture is in the cauliflower. The 1 cup milk total will create a consistency that is a little chunky; add another 1/2 cup milk (1 1/2 cups total) for a smoother consistency. If you wish, sprinkle a bit of paprika on top for a festive finish.

I am sharing this recipe with Simply Sugar and Gluten Free, Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Food Trip Friday and Cybele Pascal Allergen Free Cuisine.

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FIL’s Absolutely Delicious and Sugar-Free, Deep-Dish Apple Pie

Posted on November 14, 2011 by | 4 comments

My father-in-law, also affectionately known as FIL, is a wonderful apple pie baker. I became aware of his talent many years ago. My family was invited to a dinner at the home of my future MIL and FIL. I remember a delicious feast and lingering at the table for awhile. Then Future FIL presented us with a gorgeous, picture-perfect pie whose taste matched its looks.

So last year when I found out I had food sensitivities, I began to wonder if I would ever be able to sample this scrumptious pie again. Well, of course I would, because FIL made sure that the pie crusts were without yeast and sugar, and substituted the sugar in the filling with honey. The revised pie tastes just as sweet and I appreciate the fact that FIL altered his recipe so I can enjoy it too! I am thankful that sugar free apple pie will be at our thanksgiving dinner. Perhaps you will also include it in your celebration.

FIL’s Sugar-Free, Deep-Dish Apple Pie
Ingredients:
8 apples (such as 4 Empire and 4 Ida Red)
1 9-inch deep dish pie shell, thawed (such as Oronoque)
1 frozen pie crust, thawed (such as Pillsbury)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of salt
1/2 cup honey
4 tablespoons butter

Preparation:
Peel and core the apples, then cut into bite-size pieces. Mix flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and honey in a bowl. Mix in apples until well coated. Pour the apple mixture into the pie shell. Chop 2 tablespoons of butter into about 6 pieces and place evenly on top of the apple mixture. Place the pie crust on top and seal around the edges using a fork. Make 4 or 5 slices in the pie crust with a knife to allow the steam to escape while cooking. Sprinkle some additional cinnamon on top. Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into 4 or 5 slices and place evenly on top of the pie crust. Use aluminum foil to cover the bottom and the edges of the pie. Bake at 425 degrees for 40-50 minutes. During the last 15 minutes, remove aluminum foil from the edges of the pie. You will know that the pie is cooked when you see juicy bubbling. Serve to adoring family members, friends and fans.

I am sharing this recipe with Simply Sugar and Gluten Free, Beauty and Bedlam, This Chick Cooks, Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Food Trip Friday and Sweet as Sugar Cookies.

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Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze – for Halloween or a Snowy Evening

Posted on October 29, 2011 by | 6 comments

As I write this post, I am humming the tune of “Sleigh Ride” and watching the snow fall. And no, I am not at the North Pole! It has been a crazy October 29 here in the Northeast – the day started with the trees on full autumnal color display and is ending with a winter wonderland. What a wacky day! I have to keep reminding myself that Halloween is only two days away.

In preparation for a Halloween potluck lunch on Monday, I baked some cookies today. I was inspired by a recipe for Old-Fashioned Soft Pumpkin Cookies, and was especially impressed when the degree of difficulty was noted as “easy.” I played around with the ingredients, adding some whole wheat flour and substituting the refined sugar with honey. The result was a light and fluffy cookie…that really needed a sweet glaze topping. So I got out my saucepan and melted a few ingredients…into a sweet, yummy concoction. I drizzled the glaze onto the cookies and that looked much better. However, I had to try another one with the glaze just to make sure that they were good enough to bring to the potluck. I think that my coworkers will enjoy them…if the plate of cookies lasts until Monday!

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup honey
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
1 cup pure canned pumpkin
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze (recipe follows)

Directions
PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

COMBINE flours, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger (or nutmeg) and salt in medium bowl. Beat honey and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto baking sheets.

BAKE for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.

FOR GLAZE:
COMBINE 1/2 cup maple sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in small saucepan on low heat until smooth. Allow glaze to cool for a few minutes before drizzling on the cookies.

I am sharing this recipe with Joy of Desserts, Simply Sugar and Gluten Free, Lady Behind the Curtain, Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, This Chick Cooks, Something Swanky, Food Trip Friday, Sweet as Sugar Cookies, Beauty and Bedlam and Everyday Sisters.

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Nuts About Fudge Brownies and Walnut Statistics

Posted on October 21, 2011 by | 6 comments

I could not resist baking these fudgy brownies that I found in the September 2011 issue of Cooking Light. Could I change the recipe so it did not have sugar but still had that fudge quality? I was willing to give it a try.

Walnuts, of the tree nut family, are optional in this recipe. According to the George Mateljan Foundation, walnuts are a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Almost 40% of the world’s walnuts are grown in the U.S., mostly in California. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 485,000 tons of walnuts will be harvested in California in 2011, down 4% from the previous year. The crop is supposed to be of high quality because of the mild temperatures during the growing season. The price per ton of the harvested walnuts is not yet confirmed for 2011 although last year’s price of $2,110 per ton was the second highest price in the past 20 years. During those 20 years, the highest price per ton was $2,290 in 2007, and the lowest price was $886 in 1999.

All of this talk about walnuts is leading me to think about these delicious brownies…and my successful attempt at creating this dessert without refined sugar. Hooray! Enjoy the dessert!

Refined-Sugar Free Walnut Fudge Brownies

Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup agave nectar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup grain-sweetened chocolate chips
1/3 cup fat-free milk
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, divided

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl. Combine 1/2 cup chocolate and milk in a small saucepan; melt chips on low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir in butter, vanilla, and eggs. Add milk mixture, 1/4 cup chocolate, and 1/4 cup nuts to flour mixture; stir to combine.
3. Pour the batter into a 9-inch square metal baking pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup nuts. Bake at 350° for 19 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs clinging. Cool in the pan on a rack. Cut into squares.

I am sharing this recipe with Joy of Desserts, Simply Sugar and Gluten Free, Beauty and Bedlam, Lady Behind the Curtain, This Chick Cooks, Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Food Trip Friday, Sweet as Sugar Cookies and Something Swanky.

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Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with a Modern Twist

Posted on October 15, 2011 by | 4 comments

Recently my aunt shared some family cookie recipes with me. They were all recipes of her grandmother and passed down to my grandmother, my aunt and now me. Last weekend as the temperatures cooled and the first feelings of autumn were in the air, I decided to try the recipe for Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies. However, I gave the cookies a modern twist: I substituted the refined sugar with honey, substituted the solid shortening with canola oil, and reduced the amount of water. While I made the cookies, I felt a connection with my family – I really enjoyed making the same cookie that my aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother made for themselves and their families over the years. The entire house smelled of cinnamon and raisins while the cookies baked. And the result was a light and chewy cookie that tasted delicious. I hope that you enjoy this old-fashioned recipe with a modern twist.

Modern Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup raisins
1 cup water
3/4 cup canola oil
1 cup honey
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour (a combination of all purpose and whole wheat works well)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
2 cups oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:
Simmer raisins and water in a saucepan over medium heat until raisins are plump, about 15 minutes. While the raisins are simmering, mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the raisins and a bit (about 1/4 cup) of the water from the saucepan into the bowl and mix together with all the ingredients. Spoon level tablespoonfuls of the batter onto greased cookie sheets and bake at 400 degrees for approximately 10 minutes.

I am sharing this recipe with Joy of Desserts, Simply Sugar and Gluten Free, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, This Chick Cooks, Lady Behind the Curtain, Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Food Trip Friday, Sweet as Sugar Cookies and Joy of Desserts – Vintage Recipes.

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