1 Lb. Lean Ground Beef

Chocolate Eclair Cake

1 (8 oz.) box Gluten Free graham crackers

1 large instant vanilla pudding

2 1/2 c. milk

Pinch of salt

1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip

1 (16 oz.) container Gluten Free chocolate frosting

1. Mix pudding and salt with milk and let stand for 15 minutes.

2. Fold in Cool Whip. 

3. Line a square pan with whole graham crackers.  Cover with pudding.  Layer twice, ending with crackers on top. 

4. Melt chocolate frosting in the microwave (about 30 seconds).  Pour melted chocolate frosting over the top.

5. Refrigerate until set (at least one hour).  Serve.

Oreo Balls

8 oz. package Gluten Free chocolate cream-filled cookies, crushed

8 oz. package cream cheese, softened

14 oz. package white melting chocolate chips

Sprinkles

1. Beat the cream cheese until fluffy.  Add the chocolate cream-filled cookies and beat until well combined.

2. Roll into small balls and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.  Place in the freezer for at least 1 hour.

3. In a double boiler, melt white chocolate chips (I used pink colored white chocolate for Valentine's Day).  Continuously stir until melted and continue stirring to prevent burning. 

4.  With a fork, cover the oreo balls.  Shake off the excess chocolate and, using a tooth pick, gently place back onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.  Sprinkle with decoration immediately, before the chocolate hardens.  Chill in the refridgerator for at least one hour.  Serve.

Peach & Cherry Crisp

{Photo via Bakers Royale}

Ingredients:

3 peaches, peeled and sliced

3 nectarines, peeled and sliced

1 lb. cherries, pitted

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 cup sugar

3 Tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 cup Gluten Free oats

1/2 cup rice flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 Tablespoons non-dairy butter, cold, cut into cubes

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 8" or 9" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine the peaches, nectarines, cherries, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and pumpkin pie spice.  Toss well to combine; set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.  Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Spread the fruit mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.  Sprinkle the top evenly with the oat mixture.

Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.  Serve warm.

{Print via LilyandVal}

Jell-O Cookies

Enjoy these light, flavorful cookies as a allergen-free alternative for baby showers, birthday parties, or a simple springtime treat.  A twist on the classic sugar cookie, this simple dessert can be easily adapted using any Jell-O fruit favorite. (Pictured above: Strawberry and Berry Blue)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup non-dairy butter substitute, room temperature

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1/2 cup sugar

1 3 oz package Jell-O (any flavor)

Egg Replacer for 2 large eggs (3 tsp. Egg Replacer + 1/4 c. warm water)

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups Gluten Free all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening, sugar and Jell-O.

3. In a separate bowl, prepare the Egg Replacer mixture.  Dissolve completely.  Add the vanilla.  Pour into the sugar mixture.  Beat well.

4. Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and xanthan gum.  Add slowly to the sugar mixture while beating.  Mix just until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

5. With a small spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and roll into a 1" ball.  Place the ball onto a nonstick cookie pan, leaving about 2" between cookies.  Once all the cookies are on the pan, take a small bowl and gently press the cookies down into a circle.  Sprinkle the top with granulated sugar.

6. Bake for 6-8 minutes.  Let cool.  Serve.

  Yield: approximately 30 cookies

“Like all magnificent things, it's very simple.”

- Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting