Sweets

Rhubarb Pudding Cake

By in Cakes, Fruit, Sweets 3 Comments Tags: , , ,

rhubarb pudding cake

I’ve always been a huge fan of rhubarb. Growing up we enjoyed it one of two ways, fresh from the garden – dipped into a bowl of sugar after each mouth puckering bite, or in my mom’s delectable rhubarb crumble. We would hover in the kitchen, stealing stalks of rhubarb while she chopped them up and tossed them in sugar before sandwiching them between spiced crumbles of dough and tucking it all away in the oven. Once the rhubarb filling would start bubbling through the top, making our mouths water with each sticky rhubarb pop we knew we’d be savouring that familiar sweet-tart flavour very soon.

I have so many good memories surrounding those stalks of rhubarb that they can’t really help but hold a special place in my heart. Every year the moment they come into season I can’t help but nab them all up and get into the kitchen immediately. This year, for the first time ever, I have my own rhubarb plant growing in my back yard, hidden amongst the bushes. My kids sneak slices while I prepare a rhubarb treat, all my childhood memories come flooding back, and I know my kids are making memories of their own.

This is my happy place.

I love how the tartness of rhubarb pairs with desserts to offset their sweetness. My go-to has always been this rhubarb crisp, but I felt it was time to switch things up a bit. This cake is now tied for first in my rhubarb studded heart. The cake itself is tender and soft with the taste of vanilla and a light hint of cinnamon. Underneath is a layer of sweetly tart and sticky rhubarb that soaks up into the bottom of the cake, creating a gooey pudding texture without being soggy.

I’m usually pretty good at portioning off my desserts but I will admit to having a second piece of this, and that I had to cover it and put it far away to avoid a third. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream, would just send it over the top. If you’ve never tried rhubarb before I encourage you to seek it out and give this recipe a try. It’s an easy, lazy, summertime cake that does not disappoint. And, who knows the memories you’ll make along the way.

Rhubarb Pudding Cake

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 cups sliced rhubarb (1 inch slices)

In a medium sized bowl stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

Beat together together butter and 2/3 cup sugar until creamy. Beat in vanilla and egg. Beat in flour mixture alternatively with milk in three additions, starting and ending with flour. Beat just until smooth.

In a separate bowl mix together rhubarb and remaining 2/3 cup sugar. Pour into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Pour batter over top; smooth top (it’s ok if it doesn’t perfectly cover).

Bake at 350ºF for 45-50 minutes, or until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes: 9 servings

Adapted from My Recipes.

Rhubarb Strawberry Floats

By in Beverages, Cold, Cool, Sweets 4 Comments Tags: , , , , ,

rhubarb strawberry floats

As far as I’m concerned summer is here. We’ve had a couple weeks of gorgeous weather, I’ve got my garden planted, the neighbourhood splash park is open, and we’ve been having picnics like nobodies business. It may not say so on the calendar but we had such a hard, long winter that I’m kind of ok that we skipped past spring. Next fall Max is heading to kindergarten and starting the arduous journey of leaving me behind. Sniff. He already asks me pretty much every day why he’s not grown up yet. “How long is it going to take? When can I be a police man?” And, I’ve been informed that I can’t come visit the police station unless I become a police woman. But, he will come visit me for coffee or when he’s sick. Good to know. So in light of all that, I’m going to be taking advantage of this leisurely season and and enjoy having them all to myself for just a little bit longer.

Summer means one thing in the blogging world, cobwebs start to form on our web pages and comment boxes. Everyone is too busy enjoying the outdoors to spend time on the Internet. And, I think that’s awesome! I’m going to be right there with you. I’ll still be posting plenty of delicious recipes but my posting schedule may be a little more erratic then usual. When you live in the Great White North there is just too much to fit into the short summer months to spend any time inside. And, I’m so glad it’s finally here.

rhubarb strawberry floats

Now, I hope you listened to me a couple weeks ago and made some rhubarb strawberry jam because you’re going to need some to make these delicious floats. Having the jam on hand makes these floats a breeze to whip up. Just turn the jam into a quick sauce, mix it with some vanilla ice cream and sparkling water and you can have yourself a delicious and refreshing float anytime you please – very handy for last-minute entertaining.

You could substitute purchased jam if you’re not up the the task of making some yourself but it will more then likely be a quite a bit sweeter, so you may not need the added honey. Also purchased jam will not have as fresh of a flavour, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it, just keep these things in mind if you decide to substitute. But, I say go ahead and make the jam, it has so many delicious uses!

rhubarb strawberry floats

Rhubarb Strawberry Floats

Rhubarb Strawberry Sauce

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Store, covered, in the fridge.

Makes enough for approximately 7 floats

To assemble floats

Add ice cream to the bottom of a glass, top with sauce and soda water. Stir and serve.

Vanilla Chia Pudding with Honeyed Strawberries

By in Creamy, GF Sweets, Snacks, Sweets 4 Comments Tags: , , , ,

vanilla chia pudding

Are you familiar with chia? Besides the pet. ;) I’ve been seeing a lot of chia puddings out there these days, and for good reason. These little seeds boast so many healthful properties – tons of protein, fibre, Omega 3′s, antioxidants and much, much more.  I’ve tried a couple different versions, even chocolate ones, but this was the first chia pudding that turned out just right for me and that we actually found crave worthy. It’s delicious on it’s own but the addition of in-season strawberries doesn’t hurt one bit.

These little seeds get a gel coating that expands as they soak up the liquid, turning milk into the thickness of pudding. The end result is very reminiscent of tapioca pudding except that the chia seeds retain their crunch. Keep in mind that while they are perfectly fine to eat without soaking them first, they can potentially dehydrate you, because of their eagerness to soak up surrounding liquids. But, this shouldn’t be a problem as long as you make sure you’re drinking lot’s of water, which you should be anyways!

Growing up, my mom used to chop up our fresh hauls of strawberries and toss them in sugar. I’d eagerly wait for them to soften and release their juices so we could start spooning them onto ice cream, pancakes, or anything we could get our grubby little hands on. Going with the healthier theme of this dessert I decided to toss them in honey just to give them that little bit of extra oomph they need to become soft and saucy. This is also one of our favourite topping for homemade yogurt.

With all the warm days ahead this is a refreshing, energizing and healthful treat to help power you through your day.

P.S. I buy my chia seeds from Costco. You should also be able to find them at your local health food store.

Vanilla Chia Pudding with Honeyed Strawberries

Chia Pudding
  • 2 cups milk (or almond milk)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds

In a medium sized bowl or tupperware container, whisk honey and vanilla into milk until honey is dissolved. Gradually whisk in chia seeds. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours, whisking to break up clumps after one hour.

Honeyed Strawberries
  • 1 cup diced strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Mix together strawberries and honey in a small bowl. Let sit five minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries have softened and release their juices. Spoon over pudding to serve.

Makes: 4 servings

Pudding adapted from Weelicious.

Raspberry Truffle Cupcakes

By in Cakes, Chocolate 8 Comments Tags: , , , , ,

raspberry truffle cupcakes

We had a late Easter celebration a couple weeks ago. I decided to stray away from the more traditional pies and tarts and make cupcakes instead. Partly because they transport so well, and we were driving 2.5 hours to get to my parents, but mostly because I was in the mood to make cupcakes! And when the mood strikes for cupcakes, I listen.

When it comes to cupcakes, chocolate is where it’s at. But since this was an Easter celebration I wanted something a bit more springlike than just plain chocolate. So, I took my favourite triple chocolate cupcakes and adapted them to be chocolate raspberry. Seriously. Yum. I’m not exaggerating when I say that everyone who tasted them immediately fell in love. And really, how could they not? A fluffy, not too sweet, chocolate cupcake gets stuffed with rich raspberry ganache and topped with a whipped raspberry frosting. Divine!

raspberry truffle cupcakes

I had one last jar of homemade seedless raspberry jam from our raspberry haul last summer and I really think that made a big difference in the flavour. If you don’t have homemade, go with the best quality you can, because you want maximum flavour not just sweetness. I made eight grain-free cupcakes alongside the regular ones, and the filling and frosting were enough for those as well, so you may have some leftover or you can just pile on extra frosting and drizzle the tops with extra ganache. I don’t think you’d here any complaints about that!

I had a heck of a time making the frosting. I used my mom’s old handheld mixer that she got as a wedding gift 30+ years ago. Ha ha. It was a gong show and slightly terrifying. The beaters would randomly come flying off or it would shut off suddenly because the cord fell off. It took both me and my husband to keep that thing together and pieces were still flying off. So the frosting was probably not as smooth and fluffy as it would normally be, but we had a good laugh. :) And, it was worth all the flying pieces in the world because that frosting, oh that frosting, it was absolutely scrumptious. And it ended up being everyone’s favourite part. When frosting beats ganache, you know it’s good!

raspberry truffle cupcakes

Raspberry Truffle Cupcakes

Chocolate Sour Cream Cupcakes
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk*
  • 2 large eggs

Sift flour, sugars, baking soda and salt through a fine-mesh sieve. Set aside.

Place chocolate, butter and cocoa into a large bowl. Pour boiling water over. Let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Whisk in vanilla, sour cream, buttermilk and eggs until well combined. Add dry ingredients, whisking until smooth.

Spoon 1/4 cup batter into regular-sized muffin tins prepared with cupcake liners (you will need 15-18). Bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes before removing to cool on a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.

*To make a quick sub for buttermilk add 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice to a 1/2 cup measuring cup. Fill the rest of the way with milk. Let sit for 5 minutes. Use as directed in recipe.

Raspberry Ganache
  • 5 oz. semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream

Put the chocolate and jam in a small bowl. Bring cream to a boil and pour over the chocolate and jam. Let stand 3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature before using. If making ahead store, covered, in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave until spoonable.

Whipped Raspberry Frosting

We love the frosting just the way it is, but it will be hard to pipe because it’s on the sticky side. Feel free to add more icing sugar to make it more pipe-able, just keep in mind that the more sugar you add the sweeter it will be and less raspberry punch you’ll get. Kept as is, you can just spread it on with an offset spatular or with the back of a spoon or knife.

  • 1 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
  • 2 cups icing (confectioners) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

In a stand mixer, beat butter until pale and creamy. Add remaining ingredients and beat until fluffy and creamy.

Assembly
  • fresh raspberries, for garnish

Cut out a small cone in the centre of each cupcake. Save scraps for another use, or discard. Spoon ganache into each cupcake and spread a small amount over the top to smooth it out (see here for a visual). Refrigerate to set, if needed. Spread on frosting in desired fashion. Top with raspberries just before serving. Store, covered, in the fridge.

Makes: 15-18 cupcakes.

Cupcake recipe adapted from My Recipes. Filling and Frosting adapted from Annie’s Eats, originally from Culinary Concoctions by Peabody.

(Easy Gluten-Free) Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Raisin Cookies

By in Cookies & Bars, GF Sweets, Gluten Free 9 Comments Tags: , , , ,

gf oatmeal cookies

Oh man, am I yearning for spring. I mean, technically it is spring, but apparently Alberta hasn’t gotten the memo. Last weekend we woke up to snow, I made myself a mug of tea, grabbed some of these cookies out of the freezer, planted myself in the corner of the couch with a soft blanket, and watched the snow fall. It all sounds so cozy, if we hadn’t had six months of this already. I am supremely jealous of all the spring photos I’m seeing everywhere. I’m happy for you, I really am. But I am so sad for me. Poor, poor me. ;) At least I have these cookies to comfort me. With the prediction of snow again this weekend I have a feeling I’m going to need them!

I’m always on the lookout for good gluten-free recipes that satisfy even the pickiest wheat-eaters palate. I think it’s important to make everyone feel included at social gatherings, but making separate food for everyone isn’t really the optimal thing to do. So why not just make delicious gluten-free recipes that everyone can enjoy together? That is what my Easy Gluten-Free series is all about.

These cookies are just what an oatmeal cookie hopes to be – nice and chewy with hint of spice. One bite tastes like a chocolate chip cookie, the next like cinnamon and raisins. It’s a happy surprise with every bite. They’re a tad bit crumbly compared to a traditional flour-based chocolate chip cookie, especially after you freeze them, but I think they fall nicely into the oatmeal cookie category. Just don’t go smashing them around, ok?  ;)

gf oatmeal cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Raisin Cookies

  • 4 1/2 cups rolled oats*, divided
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder*
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup raisins

*check the labels to ensure they’re gluten free.

In a blender or food processor, process 1.5 cups rolled oats until finely ground. Pour into a medium-sized bowl along with cornstarch, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually beat in oat mixture until evenly mixed. Stir in chocolate chips and raisins, along with remaining 3 cups rolled oats.

Drop cookies 2 inches apart onto parchment lined baking sheets (about 2 tablespoons each), forming into a rough ball shape. Bake at 350ºF for 15-18 minutes, or until they begin to turn golden brown on the edges. Let cool 2 minutes before removing to wire racks or paper towel to cool completely.

Makes approximately: 3 dozen

Adapted from Everyday Food.

Caramel-Pecan Chocolate Ripple Ice Cream (Dairy Free)

By in Cool, GF Sweets, Sweets 11 Comments Tags: , , , , ,

caramel pecan chocolate ice cream

A couple weeks ago I celebrated my birthday. My hubby and mom cooked up a steak dinner with all the trimmings and I took care of dessert. My parents are gluten and dairy free so I knew I wanted to make cake and ice cream that they could enjoy along with us. I love dreaming up new ice cream flavours, and making goodies that everyone can enjoy just makes me happy, so it was perfectly suitable for me to make my own birthday cake and ice cream. Plus, they can be made ahead so there was no real work to be done the day of.

I knew I wanted to make a simple chocolate cake. I had found a great looking gluten-free cake that I wanted to try for my mom and dad so it seemed like the perfect time. Since I was going with a simple cake I wanted to make an ice cream that would steal the show, and did it ever!

caramel pecan chocolate ice cream

Instead of making a custard based ice cream and simply swapping out the milk and cream for coconut milk, like I usually do, I decided to just do coconut milk – no eggs – since it’s so creamy on it’s own. You honestly could not tell that this wasn’t a custard based ice cream, which means my dairy-free ice creams just got that much easier. Of course I had to go and complicate things by adding caramelized sugar. But really, who’s going to complain about that?

I got my inspiration from Turtle’s chocolates and made a caramel ice cream with tons of toasted pecans and a swirling of chocolate sauce. Yes, it does taste just as good as it sounds.

Why are you still sitting here? Get on this!

caramel pecan chocolate ice cream

Caramel-Pecan Chocolate Ripple Ice Cream

Caramel Ice Cream
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cans coconut milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Place sugar in saucepan set over medium heat. As it begins to melt, gently push the melted sugar into the center to help the process along. Allow to cook until a deep amber colour (if you’re unsure you can test a small spoonful on a white plate to check the colour). Keep a close watch because it can burn quickly. Once desired colour is reached, remove from heat and stir in one can of coconut milk, along with salt. Set over low heat and cook until any hardened sugar has melted. Remove from heat and stir in remaining can of coconut milk, along with vanilla. Allow to cool, then refriderage for 8 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.

To Assemble

If using the recipe for chocolate sauce that is linked to, substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk to make it dairy free. Also feel free to substitute dark chocolate for the semi-sweet.

  • 1 recipe caramel ice cream (above)
  • 1.5 cups toasted pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chocolate sauce, chilled

Freeze ice cream according to manufacturers instructions. Once ice cream has reached desired consistency, add pecans. Churn until evenly mixed. Spoon ice cream into a storage container, alternating with spoonfuls of chocolate sauce. Place in the freezer for several hours to firm up.

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