UrbnSpice

"A Taste Of Heart & Home"

Kids in the Kitchen

Junior Chefs’ Best Cookies – GF, DF, Low Refined Sugar

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Kids in the Kitchen Series

It is no secret that I enjoy having children in my kitchen. I love being a part of their eagerness and excitement when I suggest that we do some baking together. Today, we were presented with a different type of baking challenge. Their grandfather requested cookies that included some of his most favourite ingredients. Additionally, we had to consider several dietary restrictions: the cookies had to be healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free and low in refined sugar. Together we came up with a delicious cookie recipe that the children appropriately named, “Junior Chefs’ Best Cookies.”  Skip to Recipe

Junior Chef's Best Cookies | urbnspice.com

Junior Chef’s Best Cookies are Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Low Refined Sugar and delicious!

Baking is a great opportunity to teach children all about measurements such as fractions, weight, volume and calculating yield. These are skills that they need to learn and it sure is a fun way to create memories that will last a lifetime.

“Always eat something that the farmer grows as part of your snack” was the standing rule that we had with our daughters and now that same rule applies to our grandchildren. Okanagan apricots are in season. We really enjoy this fruit, which is juicy and sweet and always creates a drippy mess on our fingers. The rewards for eating what the farmer grows are these delicious healthy cookies! How great is that?…

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Dark Cherry Vanilla Dairy-Free Ice (Nice) Cream with Dark Cherry Vanilla Compote

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Kids in the Kitchen Series

Cherries are in season in the Okanagan and there are so many ways to enjoy them. I could only eat so many raw cherries, and I needed to expand my repertoire of ways how to use these beautiful cherries. With that in mind, I have been playing with recipes for cherry compote, cherry cordial, cherry Danish and the featured recipe, Dark Cherry Vanilla Dairy-Free Ice (Nice) Cream.

Dark Cherry Vanilla Dairy-Free Ice (Nice) Cream | urbnspice.com

Dark Cherry Vanilla Dairy-Free Ice (Nice) Cream and Dark Cherry Vanilla Compote

There are members of my family who are dairy intolerant; so I developed my own version of a dairy-free dark cherry ice cream.   One option is to use coconut milk for a dairy free alternative because it provides the same texture and creamy mouthfeel that an ice cream base made with cream would provide. Full Fat Coconut milk is quite expensive when compared to the cream that is used in regular ice cream. Therefore, for a number of reasons, I have used bananas to supplement the base mixture. Bananas add flavour and a natural sweetness to the base and are a more economical way to make dairy-free ice cream rather than using only coconut milk.

Dark Cherry Vanilla Dairy-Free Ice (Nice) Cream | urbnspice.com

Dark Cherry Vanilla Dairy-Free Ice (Nice) Cream

It is interesting to note that when bananas are utilized as a major ingredient in dairy-free ice cream, it is called “Nice Cream.” The term ‘Nice Cream’ has become a common culinary term. “Nice Cream” is defined by the process of puréeing or blending chunks of frozen bananas into a soft style ice cream. While I enjoy the smoothness of this frozen dessert, it does not hold up well when you serve it. The addition of coconut milk creates a much more stable velvety texture with a delicious creamy flavour. When chopped dark cherries are added, this dairy-free frozen treat is taken to a new level. I have included almond extract in the ingredients because it pairs so well with cherries (omit for nut allergies).

There is one ingredient that you might not expect in this dairy-free ice cream and that is gelatine powder. Gelatine helps with the texture of this dairy-free ice cream, which can often be as hard as a puck due to the lack of fat and sugar. CHEF’S NOTE: Granulated sugar is often used in ice cream recipes because it does not freeze and keeps the ice cream from over crystalizing. You can use any type of sugar (granulated, liquid sugar such as maple syrup, honey, etc.). Sugar unquestionably gives the ice cream a more familiar texture. As Julia Child said, “Everything in moderation – including moderation.” It is really all about balance in everything that you eat. As frozen desserts go, a small portion of this ice cream treat is a healthier and enjoyable dairy-free option. Dark Cherry Vanilla Dairy-Free Ice (Nice) Cream is also gluten-free, egg-free, refined sugar-free and nut-free (if you omit the almond extract).

Typically, I will have lots of cherries left over, so I also want to share with you a recipe on how to make a delicious Dark Cherry & Vanilla Compote that is ready in less than five minutes. Dollop a spoonful of this compote on top of a serving of Dark Cherry Vanilla Dairy-Free Ice (Nice) Cream and you will have your guests and family coming back for seconds as this delicious compote goes so well with the Nice Cream….

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Holiday Cookie Roundup by Food Bloggers of Canada

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RECIPE ROUNDUPS

Recently, the Food Bloggers of Canada had a call-out for Holiday Cookies.  You are going to have fun with this recipe roundup of 40 cookies.  I am thrilled to say that one of my cookie recipes was chosen as part of this Holiday Cookie Roundup.  I had a bit of food fun in the kitchen with a very young child and he was thrilled to help out the colourful Vanilla Bean Poppers – Holiday Food Fun Variation.  I hope you will enjoy browsing through this roundup of amazing cookies from Food Bloggers of Canada and have some fun baking this holiday season.  Please visit the bloggers and tell them how much you enjoyed their recipes.

You want cookies? We've got cookies! 40 different kinds in our FBC Holiday Cookie Guide – 40 recipes from classic…

Posted by Food Bloggers of Canada on Saturday, December 10, 2016

 

Here is a photo of the Vanilla Bean Poppers – Holiday Food Fun Variation. Bake with a young helper – believe me, you will have just as much fun as the little one.  I give you step by step details in the recipe.

Vanilla Bean Poppers - Christmas version | urbnspice.com

Lay the cut Vanilla Bean Poppers on their side on a parchment lined tray and bake according to the directions given in the recipe below

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Vanilla Bean Poppers

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The Inspiration of Urb’n’Spice Series

This is a recipe that I had so much fun creating. My challenge was first, to come up with a cookie using cream cheese, and second, a cookie that could also be made gluten-free, if necessary, without any difference in appearance or quality. Cream cheese makes any baked item very tender and rich tasting, so I knew that this was going to be a good cookie. I also liked the idea of making cookies so tiny that they could be mistaken for candy drops. Eureka! Success! Everything I wanted to achieve in my little cookie challenge became a reality – my little cookies became so popular that I was confident entering my recipe into a competition for edible gifts. I call the cookies Vanilla Bean Poppers because they are delightful delicate little cookies that are so irresistible you will keep popping them in your mouth – literally!

These cookies are lots of fun to make with children. Even very young children will love helping you roll the dough into long rope-like snakes before you cut them into small pillows or balls. The little ones will love giving these cookies to their teachers.  I also make tons of these teeny, tiny cookies during the holiday season and put them in pretty jars or beribboned cellophane bags to give away as hostess gifts.  And, for further food fun, I made variations of the same cookies: Urb’n’Spice Rainbow Poppers and Vanilla Bean Poppers – Holiday Food Fun Version.

Urbnspice Vanilla Bean Poppers | urbnspice.com

Urbnspice Vanilla Bean Poppers

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Bannock – Have you tried it lately?

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Kids in the Kitchen Series

Have you made Bannock lately? Do you know what you are missing?  Bannock is a variety of fry bread.  It originated in Scotland and was passed on to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada by the Scottish fur traders.  Historically, bannock was cooked over an open fire in a cast iron pan or in front of a campfire on a stick.  When I was first shown how to make this traditional bread, I was taught to wrap the dough around a stick.  The stick was then placed in the ground near the fire, and the heat from the fire would bake the bannock in just a few minutes.  It is one of my favourite childhood memories that I enjoy sharing with children.Bannock | urbnspice.com

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Best Ever Banana Muffins

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Kids in the Kitchen Series

I have been making these Best Ever Banana Muffins for so many years now that I know the recipe by heart.  What does this tell you?  It tells you that this Best Ever Banana Muffin recipe will become a family favourite in your household, too!

My little daughters helped make these often…(sometimes with surprising results).  Like the time the baking soda perhaps found its way into the mixing bowl a few too many times and our muffins tasted mighty soapy.  Or the time that we forgot the baking powder and they ended up a little on the flat side.

Baking with children is always an adventure and one that I would not have missed for the world.  We look back on those times with fond memories and now have carried it into another generation with grand kiddies.  They enjoy it just as much as their mommas did.

Banana Muffins | urbnspice.com
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Smashed Potato Pizza

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The UrbnSpice kitchen is a creative place and I love that. Sometimes, inspiration falls into my lap unexpectedly and then ideas and possibilities materialize so quickly that I cannot create fast enough. This is what happened when I was presented with an opportunity to develop recipes using nugget potatoes. So, how did the idea of a Smashed Potato Pizza come about?

Recipe development is definitely a large part of what I do as a chef, and many of the recipes that I develop for folks are for gluten-free dishes. One of the dishes that they tell me they miss the most is pizza. Now add to that another dietary restriction that indicates a grain free limitation – well, that gets a bit more complicated, doesn’t it? I took that challenge of finding a grain-free, gluten-free option that would not leave anyone sitting on the sidelines while everyone else was enjoying pizza. Thus, the recipe for Smashed Potato Pizza was born.

Smashed Potato Pizza - Ready to Eat | urbnspice.com

Smashed Potato Pizza – Grain Free, Gluten Free – So no one is left out

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Crumb Truffles! A Journey in Gluten Free Recipe Development

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What are Crumb Truffles?  I have a little story and words of encouragement for you if you have ever tried to develop or follow a recipe and it did not go exactly as planned.  Follow me as I tell you about my journey in Gluten Free Recipe Development.

Crumb Truffles as part of a Mignardise plate | urbnspice.com

Truffles as part of a Mignardise plate

 

CRUMB TRUFFLES!

A Word of Encouragement

In every journey, there a few tumbles.

Recently, the Urb’n’Spice kitchen is a hive of activity testing for a new cookbook in the series,

“Chocolate Desserts Made Easy and Delicious”.

This book is a little different in that all of the recipes are gluten-free

– and all chocolate.

In gluten-free baking, we can expect

that there is the possibility of, shall we say, “interesting” results.

I have had more than my share of fiascos during the research,

testing and tasting for this book.

My words of advice:

Do not let disappointing results discourage you!

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!

In other words, if your gluten-free baking experiments

Inadvertently provide you with more crumbs

than you can think of ways to use them,

Make CRUMB TRUFFLES!

Crumb Truffles by urbnspice.com

Crumb Truffles!

That is exactly what I did!

And, they were a hit!

The Formula:

Place the crumbs in a mixer  with a paddle attachment

Add any chocolate ganache (roughly 4 to 1 ratio)

(this is why it is great to make a little extra ganache)

If it is a little too sticky, add more crumbs. A little dry? Add a bit more ganache.

Mix until it becomes friendly – a nice moldable dough of sorts.

Use a small cookie scoop. Roll into balls. Chill until firm.

Roll the chilled balls into Chocolate Dip

(or tempered chocolate for my pastry chef colleagues)

Decorate the truffles, if you want with a little chopped chocolate,

chocolate jimmies,

or, as in the photo, a little chocolate caviar!

A medley of Crumb Truffles by urbnspice.com

A medley of Crumb Truffles

Crumb Truffles!  Share!  Enjoy! 

“Nobody knows the truffles I’ve seen”

LEARNING TIPS:  

Please CLICK the link above to access my UrbnSpice LEARNING TIPS, which are listed alphabetically on the Learning Tips blog post under the following subheadings:

  • Cream
  • Ganache
  • Perseverance
  • Vanilla Extract
    __________

More like this:

Dark Chocolate Truffles by Urb’n’Spice

A Unique Cheesecake:  Double Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake with Chocolate Pecan Crust

How to Make Decadent Dark Chocolate Tart

Chocolate Almond Torte

Want More Chocolate?

Chocolate Desserts Made Easy and Delicious – Gluten-Free Chocolate Desserts

Happiness is Baking with Children!

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“Happiness is Baking with Children”

The UrbnSpice Chef

One thing I am known for as a Mom, Grandmother, and culinary educator is welcoming children into my kitchen. Baking with Children – I love it!  My children would literally come running happily into the kitchen when it was baking time with Mommy.  Their friends knew that they would always have a place in my kitchen island when they visited.  Birthday parties often had a baking or kitchen activity component to them.  My grandchildren are willing little helpers – I have even had dreams of all four of them around me at the kitchen island.

Best Banana Muffins Ever: Kids in the Kitchen | urbnspice.com

Best Banana Muffins Ever: Kids in the Kitchen helping top the muffins with streusel

There are some tips to keep things organized and (somewhat) mess-free.  Each situation is going to be a little bit different.  If a child has been involved in a fun baking activity, this is going to be easier than a child who has never experienced any sort of kitchen activity with an adult.  Many of my daughter’s friends told me that they were not allowed anywhere in the kitchen.  Sadly, this happens.  My goal is to change that….

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Chocolate Gnocchi, anyone?

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Chocolate Gnocchi?  Why?

I had to think of an Italian themed dessert bite for an event this week – isn’t this fun?

I thought I would share.  It is like having a tootsie roll – only it’s a cookie!

I show you how to make these by using my recipe for Chocolate Caramel Cookie dough

Chocolate Gnocchi, Anyone? You can make it from Cookie Dough. UrbnSpice Chef shows you how | urbnspice.com

Chocolate Gnocchi, Anyone? You can make it from Cookie Dough. 

Chocolate Gnocchi, anyone?

“Make a list of important things to do today.

At the top of your list, put “eat chocolate.”

Now, you’ll get at least one thing done today.”
— Gina Hayes

METHOD:

  • Use my recipe for Caramel Cookies for this gnocchi.  You will find the recipe for Chocolate Caramel Cookies here in the post called Chocolate and the Oscars.
  • Follow the recipe for the chocolate cookie dough, omitting the caramel centres.
  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
  • Take small amounts of the cookie dough and roll it into thin snakes or skinny logs.
  • Cut the snakes into pieces that resemble pillow-like shapes, just like gnocchi.  Place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.  Chill the cookies again for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350oF (175oC) or 325oF, if using a convection oven.
  • Bake them on a parchment lined sheet for 5 – 7 minutes.  Cool.
  • Toss with a little chocolate sauce and sprinkled with chopped pecans.  And Voila!  Chocolate Gnocchi.  Bet your guests never had anything like this before!

This recipe for Caramel Chocolate Cookies is from my second book, called Chocolate Cookies, Brownies and Squares from UrbnSpice’s Chocolate Desserts Cookbook Series

As always, if you give this recipe for Chocolate Caramel Cookies a try, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback.

You can find me on social media – just be sure to tag @urbnspice and #urbnspice so I am sure to see it. Enjoy! 

Denise Pare-Watson - The Urb'n'Spice Chef | urbnspice.com

 

Denise Paré-Watson

The Urbnspice Chef

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