Praline Buttercream & Chocolate Cashew Cake

Praline Buttercream may be my favorite way to top a cake ever - even if it isn't chocolate. A couple of months ago I experimented with with a basic buttercream recipe. (On that day it crowned the Moon Rabbit Foods chocolate cupcakes). I had wanted to use coconut sugar which has a really rich, wonderful flavor. I decided to whirl it in the food processor until it was almost as fine as powdered sugar, but with a little bit of texture left for a bit of a praline crunch. Beating the ground coconut sugar with yummy Kerrygold butter and a bit of ground vanilla powder made the most amazing flavor and texture. While not exactly health food, both the coconut sugar and Kerrygold have lots of benefits.

Marc, Mom, Aiden, Dad & Marie.

Yesterday I made Praline Buttercream again with a quick from-scratch cake for an early birthday celebration for Marc. 

Marc's cake was made from cashew meal, honey, eggs and cocoa - so good and so easy in the Vitamix. 

I think it would have been just as delicious if I'd used a stand mixer but using the Vitamix made the cashew meal very smooth and gave the cake a light texture. Again, the cake wasn't exactly health food but it was full of protein to balance the sugar.

Praline Buttercream & Chocolate Cashew Cake

For the Buttercream:

2 cups         Organic Coconut Sugar

1 cup           Kerrygold Butter, softened

1 teaspoon   Ground Vanilla Bean Powder

In a food processor whirl coconut sugar until almost powdery. You'll probably have a little sugar dust escape through the vent and it should look something like mine does here. You will notice it will get a shade or two lighter.

Transfer sugar to mixing bowl and beat with butter and vanilla powder. I have used both the whisk and paddle attachments in my stand mixer and both worked well. I would assume a hand mixer would work just as well. Beat until creamy and set aside until the cake has cooled.

For the Cake:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and butter the bottom of a 13 x 9 pan.

Place the following ingredients into Vitamix in order. 

4                Eggs

1 lb.           Cashew Meal

1 cup         Honey

1/2 cup      Cocoa

1 teaspoon Vanilla

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon Salt

Using the tamper through the lid, turn the Vitamix on low and scrape the ingredients down toward the blades so that everything is thoroughly mixed. Adjust the Vitamix to high while continuing to use the tamper for about a minute. 

Using a spatula pour cake mix into pan and spread evenly. 

Bake for 30 minutes or until just set. Center will be springy to touch.

Cool and spread Praline Buttercream over the cake, then serve to the people you love.

Enjoy!

Introducing Aiden Christopher!

This sweetest little boy was born last week to Marc and Marie. Since you have seen their wedding posts and had a short video on the gender reveal post it seems only right you get one here, too. Here he is the day after he was born. Thanks M&M for letting me share this sweet moment.

Marc and Marie have been blessed with a beautiful, healthy, happy and content baby. Marie had a short and natural labor and both baby and mom are doing really well. Of course I think Aiden looks very much like his daddy did as a baby but there's a lot of Marie's side in the mix, too. It's going to be so fun to watch him grow and change into the wonderful boy God intends him to be. Marc and Marie are already including him in their family devotions which melts his ChaCha to no end. I love you Aiden!

Happy Birthday Leora!

Today would have been Leora's 74th birthday.

When Chris and I were married my sweet friend Corrie put together a very special book for us fill with quotes, photos and special messages from the people I love.

This is what Leora wrote to us way back when and it still makes me teary because it's so beautiful. I'm thankful that I have this happy photo and a note in her beautiful handwriting nearly 25 years later.

In messaging my cousins to let them know about posting Leora's Coconut Pie I found out that while I had missed out on it all these years coconut pie a family favorite that everyone loves. Some of her grandkids even bake themselves now and some of us had it for Easter.

Steve's Family at Easter.

If Diane had been home with these three they might have had pie.

Michelle's beauties!

David's family and that yummy pie!

Well no pie for Matt but I love this old shot of Leora, Cindy and Matt.

Dad with his sister's pie!

Leora and Bob flanked by half of Pat & me at Judy's wedding. This is
is the only picture I have of Leora and I together and
love that Bob and Pat are sharing the moment.

Leora would be so proud of her kids, their spouses and grandkids. Everyone one of them is bright and gorgeous - inside and out - and taking on the world in their own way.

Happy birthday to my dear aunt! 

Easter Blessing and a Sweet Treat!

Happily shared on Gluten Free Wednesdays April 12, 2014!

I was beyond blessed to celebrate Easter with the people I love at Bobby and Bev's beautiful house. Bev invited our Feks and it was so fun to see the kiddos enjoy meeting all the pups and dipping their toes in the cold pool water!

And what a treat to have an entirely gluten free Easter meal thanks to Trevor! Yep, another one bit the dust and we gluten free family members are growing. Trevor apparently tipped the scales in our favor!

Everyone brought awesome gluten free goodies to share. Since we've also got some vegetarians our salads and sides have been changing and getting better with each gathering. Yay Carmen and Dev! Quinoa, black rice, pesto, spinach and  beets - those wouldn't have seen the table even a couple of years ago but we had several delicious salads lined up to choose from.

Chris' favorite was the potato salad Marie made with tiny potatoes and Dijon mustard. I couldn't decide between the pesto quinoa salad or the beet salad - they were so, so good.

There was still ham and Bev's scalloped potatoes and homemade mac and cheese for the purists in the group. Gabby's beachy fruit salad made a first time appearance to rave reviews.

The dessert table was smaller but awesome - mom's gluten free chocolate cupcakes with her amazing dark chocolate frosting, Carmen's cheesecake with blueberries and blackberries swirled in, Aunt Leora's Coconut Pie sprinkled with chocolate chips and some super simple chocolate crispy rice treats.

Hoppy Easter!

The crispy rice treats are a variation of a treat the wonderful Shirley Braden of Gluten Free Easily posted on Facebook a few days ago. The original Easter Chocolate Crackle from The Gluten and Dairy Free Bakehouse were made in Easter molds and look so pretty.

Milk chocolate and crispy rice is a combination Joe loves so I made a quick batch when I read Shirley's post. I couldn't find my molds so just spread the mixture out on a parchment lined baking sheet. We broke of delicious hunks of candy and devoured it in no time.

Easter morning after I popped Leora's Coconut Pie in the oven I made them again. This time I used a larger amount of crispy rice cereal and scooped the mixture into a mini muffin pan (thanks Shirley!) filled with paper liners with a cookie scoop.

Joe loves the ratio of crunch to chocolate and says they remind him of his old favorite Kit Kat bars. We haven't had a Kit Kat since 2005 when we joined Feingold and began avoiding food dyes and additives so I can't really vouch for the accuracy of that opinion. But he loves these and that's what is important.

So, here's all I did to make these treats:

Line 18 mini muffin wells with paper liners.

Melt one package Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips over very low heat in a skillet.

When melted through, add two cups of Crispy Rice Cereal, I used Erewhon's. Stir quickly to cover all the cereal.

Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, fill each liner evenly.

Chill about fifteen minutes to set.

Serve and store at room temperature. We haven't had any last beyond the next day so I can't tell you how long they will keep.

I think this recipe has a lot of potential for easy variations, too. Next time I'll cut the crispy rice in half and add some coconut. Dried fruit, nuts and/or seeds could all by good. Of course dark chocolate would be delicious, too.

Enjoy!

Aunt Leora's Coconut Pie!

Leora was an amazing lady. She was one of my dad's two younger sisters and mom to six of my cousins. She was my godmother and I loved her dearly. Leora was named after my Grandmother Leora and in all these years I've only met one other woman with the same name. One fun fact about my dad's sisters is that Leora and her sister Pat both married men who shared the same first and middle names with my dad. Leora shared a birthday with my brother Bobby and since it's coming up next week she's been on my mind.

Aunt Leora, Uncle Tom, Grandma Lee, Dad & Aunt Pat

About thirty years ago a friend and I put together a cookbook full of recipes from our families and friends. I love looking through it all these years later - we all eat so differently now. When I pulled it out recently and looked for her recipes I came across this Coconut Pie. I can't recall ever seeing this on the table all those years ago but coconut wasn't one of my favorites back then and I might have not noticed.

The original recipe called for milk, butter and regular flour. I believe the coconut Leora would have used would have been sweetened flakes but I used unsweetened. I knew a touch of coconut flour would sub for the regular flour easily and decided to ditch the dairy and use coconut milk and coconut oil.

I can see why this recipe appealed to Leora, as busy as she was, because it is as delicious as it is easy. Leora's pie didn't call for a garnish but since I had coconut flakes and mini chocolate chips nearby I sprinkled some on just because. My pie took much longer to bake than Leora's recipe - no doubt due to the subs.

Version 1.0 - the breakfast edition.

We had the same friends for dinner twice this week and we shared version 1.0 and 2.0 with them. I have to say the presentation of 1.0 wasn't very special looking. The soft custard was still warm and the slices were really more like spoonfuls. A yummy crust had formed on the top due to the coconut and chocolate chips I'd added. It was much like a creme brule topping. We all really loved the texture and the taste. I chilled what was leftover and "tested" it for breakfast. Amazing but still soft for pie.

Version 2.0 made us all happy. It plated up much better. The texture was better and the taste was a exactly the same. This time only one slice remained and it, too, was delicious the next day. I can't really decide whether I prefer it served warm or cold - both are yummy and completely addictive.

This is definitely going in the dessert rotation. It is sweeter than I am used to so I'll probably cut the sugar next time I bake it. It would be an easy, wonderful treat to make for Easter.

Leora's Coconut Pie
Grease pie plate with coconut oil, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add all ingredients below in blender container:

1 can Light Coconut Milk, I used Trader Joe's
4 large Eggs
1 cup Coconut, unsweetened shredded
1 cup organic cane sugar
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Coconut Flour
1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla
Dash of salt

Blend until well combined. Pour into prepared pan and garnish, if desired, with additional coconut and mini chocolate chips. I used Enjoy Life which are dairy free.

Bake for approximately one hour. Insert a sharp knife in the center, if it comes out clean the pie is done. Cool or chill before serving.

Enjoy!

November Gratitude - Days 24 & 25

This weekend flew by.....great plans to clean and paint and organize and blog - most of which didn't happen.

Can I still blame it on the turkey?

After Friday night's photo party with the adorable Katelyn I have to admit that I spent my Saturday morning coffee time looking at those amazing wedding pics again. I ordered a bunch to send to Chris' mom and had the best time putting a little album together.

We, meaning mostly Chris, got Christmas lights up outside and I love how they sparkle and brighten up the house when it gets dark way too early this time of year. I am thankful he's feeling a bit like Clark Griswold this year.

Yesterday with Elle in tow, we walked across the street and picked out our Christmas tree. I love my delivery guys and I love our new tradition. After years of artificial trees because of my allergies we went back to real, fresh trees. The trick to no allergies? We keep it on the back deck. It makes the whole living room glow and there's not one wayward needle on the carpet!


Later that night we enjoyed a long overdue visit with friends Saturday night and I'm thankful for being able to reconnect. They're the kind of neighbor friends we would love to spend more time with if life wasn't so crazy and I'm thankful we can call so many of our neighbors friends.

This afternoon I finished up Suzie's album and updated Chris' mini album that he keeps in his bag for travel. I am so thankful that my husband is a man who carries his family with him on the road.

November Gratitude - Day Twenty Three

This is one of my favorite shots of Marc and Marie.

Tonight our darling wedding photographer came over with her mom Julie to show us all her beautiful photos.  Marc and Marie, Terri and Jerry were here and we had the best time looking through hundreds of gorgeous photos.

Katelyn did such an amazing job. Here's the thing. Katelyn is 14. She's got such God-given talent and a great eye and she is wonderful to work with and professional beyond her years. Check out her site at Katelyn McKay Photography.

I am so blessed by this family - love mom and dad here. 

Our two families - such a joyous day.

So thankful for the love God has put in their hearts for each other.

November Gratitude - Thanksgiving

Poor Trevor - the turkey did him in and he tried to nap but it was cousin photo time!

Today we were blessed to spend the day with family and new friends enjoying delicious food at Bobby and Bev's house. Bev always hosts Thanksgiving. She honors her own dad's tradition of preparing the huge meal almost completely on her own. Tables are set beautifully, the coffee table is full of appetizers and the entire house smells heavenly.

This year she invited Marie's parents, Jerry and Terri, and Carmen's friends Jessie and Ernesto from divinity school, too.

My pic of Jerry & Terri was totally blurry so instead I'll use this only slightly blurry shot of Marc and Marie celebrating their first Thanksgiving together. =D

I only made a couple of things - dozens of these little gluten free cheese rolls.

And I made a big batch of gluten free corn bread stuffing. Bev bought a giant additive free turkey from Whole Foods (turkey sold with solution and broth can be gluteny) and made delicious gluten free gravy, too.

Bev made not only the turkey, but a ham, stuffing, a citrus flavored yam dish, the most amazing roasted parsnip and carrot dish, bacon and shallot topped green beans, sesame soy topped broccoli, brussel sprouts, a giant vat of mashed potatoes and more.

Shannon helped cook and serve and we had fun helping with the veggies together. Isn't she gorgeous? And so talented, too. She's a middle school art teacher and not surprisingly a very talented artist.

When mom and dad arrived we realized Mom and Carmen were wearing matching blouses.

And Marie and Shannon must have coordinated their dresses. =D

Somehow Bev always looks relaxed and completely pulled together during this entire day of cooking.

I guess I got excited and forgot to take a photo of the buffet but purposely cropped the enormous serving of mashed potatoes that is making Joe smile.

Chris and I sat with Dev, Carmen, Ernesto and Jessie. It was interesting hearing a bit about their experiences at Duke and what their goals were after divinity school.

The desserts were amazing. Terri made the most delicious gluten free pecan pie. I hadn't had pecan pie since before going gluten free and her pie was delicious. Mom brought a gluten free Almond Joy torte which I always love. Marc and Marie made their first pumpkin pie together and I missed trying it but it looked yummy. Carmen's cheesecake with a cookie crust and a caramel and chocolate topping looked awesome - I need to get her recipe and figure out how to make it gluten free because she clearly won't make it gluten free for me. ;-)

Devo and Carmen brought my Fred along and after dinner and dishes he came in to visit with Bobby and Bev's dogs. Fred stole my heart several weeks ago and every time I see him I want to steal him away.

He is the sweetest, most loving pup. I love this pic of Marc and Joe with Fred.

We are blessed beyond measure by our God who has given us our family, our friends, our home and food to share.

Highlight of the drive home is this massive Christmas light display.
Every year it gets bigger and and brighter.

November Gratitude - Day Eighteen

Tonight I am grateful for this silly man who makes me laugh.

For a house full of family to join us for dinner.

For a fridge full of food to share with them.

For many laughs also shared.

For making plans for Thanksgiving together.

For arguing over the smell of brussel sprouts and nothing more.

For so many blessings it's hard to pick just one.

xoxo

November Gratitude - Day 6

On Day 6 I am thankful for our family.

For my mom and dad always being here for us even though dad is hiding from the camera above. For my mother in law Suzie and our French family who couldn't be here but were in spirit. For Aunt Pat who planned to be here for the wedding but was derailed by Sandy. For my sister in law Bev and beautiful niece Shannon who, with mom, helped get our house ready for a crowd while we rehearsed on Friday.

For Bev again and again for all her help with so many parts of the wedding preparations and always for her salsa!  For Dev and and his amazing wife Carmen being with us I am so thankful.

For the Marc Muellers in the photo at the top of the page who gathered from all over the east coast to be with us for Marc and Marie's wedding I am thankful.  It had been twelve years since we had all been together. What a gift to have a house full of Muellers if only for a short while.

For Kelsey and Katelyn representing our GA McKernies I am so thankful. Love these beautiful girls and hardly got to see them in the whirlwind of the wedding weekend but having them here with us was wonderful. For Trevor who is photo bombing the photo I am especially thankful as he brought K1 and K2 to us!

For these three smiles I am thankful.

For all the rest of the family who sent love and prayers from other states I am truly grateful.

Photo thanks to Katelyn Soderlund, Josh Stevens and Kelsey McKernie.