Hot Cross Buns - Any Day of the Week!

Ever wonder why we seem to feel that traditional Holiday Fare must be served solely on their respective observed Holiday? Wouldn't it be wonderful to both awaken the energy held in said Holidays and enjoy the foods served, during other times of the year?

The dark chocolate chunks made this a dessert. Of course you're welcome to use a few raisins instead.

ChiPPY Hot Cross Buns

Dry Ingredients:

  • 3¼ cups gluten-free flour (about 1 lb.).
    For the best results use a GF flour blend; 1-1/4 c. Sorghum flour 1-1/8 c. Gluten Free Oat Flour (e.g. Bob's Red Mill) 1/4 c. Potato Starch, generous 1/2 c. Almond Flour/Meal

  • 2 Tbs. Coconut Palm Sugar or Birch Xylitol

  • 2 Tbs. Apple Pectin (opt)

  • 2½ tsp. Yeast

  • 2½ tsp. Psyllium Husk powder

  • 1 tsp. Ceylon Cinnamon

  • 1 tsp. Pink Sea Salt

  • ¼ tsp. each: Ginger, Cardamom, Nutmeg

  • 3/4 c. Dark Chocolate Chips or 1/2 c. Raisins

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1½ c. Almond Milk

  • 3 Range Free Eggs

  • 4 Tbs. organic, grass-fed Ghee, melted

  • 2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract

Next day:

  • 1/4 teaspoon Instant Yeast ( or regular yeast mixed with 1 Tbs. warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes)

  • 1 Tbs. Warm Water

Egg Wash:

  • Mix 1 large Egg with 1 Tbs. Almond or Coconut Milk

Method

  1. Combine all dry ingredients (except fruit or chocolate chips)

  2. Combine wet ingredients and then add to the mixed dry ingredients. Fold in fruit or chocolate chips.

  3. After mixing dough thoroughly, cover tightly with wax paper, then a clean dish towel and refrigerate in a bowl overnight.

  4. The next day: Dissolve the 1/4 teaspoon of instant yeast in the water. Stir this into the dough.

  5. Grease two 8"x8" square or two 9" round pans with coconut oil, and place 8-9 balls of the dough into each pan. Preheat oven to 350º F.

  6. Smooth out the tops of the buns and brush with the egg wash.

  7. With a sharp knife, slice a shallow cross (+) in the top of each roll. Let them rest in a warm room (or 100 degree oven) for about 10-12 minutes.

  8. Place baking pan in the center of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating once during baking, until the buns are golden brown and firm to the touch.

  9. Allow buns to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely... if you can wait that long!

No icing necessary, but you must try them warm with a smear of coconut oil and sprinkle of cinnamon.

Decadent Dairy-Free Mousse - Vegan + Sugar Free

Minted Chocolate Tofu Mousse

I love the combination of mint and chocolate.  If you don't, you can substitute orange zest or Rum extract for the mint.

  • 10 oz. (1-1/4 c.) organic Silken Tofu

  • 1 c.  Dark Chocolate, in pieces (I used 75% dark)

  • 1/4 c. organic raw Cocoa powder

  • 1/4 c. Green tea or Water

  • 1 Tbs. Almond extract

  • 1/2 c. Birch Xylitol or 4-5 packets Stevia

  • 1/4 c. fresh organic Mint leaves, chopped  ( or 1 tsp. dry mint)

Place chocolate, cocoa, water, extract and sweetener in pot over medium-low heat (or in a double-boiler over simmering water). Stir until chocolate pieces melt and mixture is blended.

Remove from heat.

In a food processor, whip tofu until smooth.

Add chocolate mixture and process until shiny and well blended. Add mint leaves and pulse 4 - 5 times just until mixed.

Scoop into dessert cups or bowl. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Your mousse will be thick, rich and oh-so-good!  Sprinkle additional chopped mint on top for garnish.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

'Curl up with a Book' Dairy Free Hot Chocolate

Yes, there are treats we can have on this diet!  Just gotta stay in the guidelines... :o) If you want a sweeter version you may add 2 tsp. Xylitol or a packet of Stevia.

  • 1 can unsweetened Coconut or Almond Milk
  • 1-1/4 oz. finely chopped Dark Chocolate (75% cocoa+)

Heat milk in small pot until hot - not boiling.  Add chocolate and stir until it is completely melted.  Sprinkle with Cinnamon. (opt.)

~ Yum! ♥