Gluten Free Raspberry Muffins
A gluten-free diet has been shown to relieve fatigue, “foggy mind,” and abdominal pain even in those without Celiac Disease. Most gluten-free mixes use rice flour or cornstarch, which often creates a “gummy” texture. The main ingredient in Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour is garbanzo flour. I think Bob’s Red Mill is the best gluten-free flower to use as it has the best flavor, texture and color.
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 1/2 Cups Plus 1 Tablespoon Gluten Free Flour
1 Large Egg
1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Melted Unsalted Butter
1/2 Cup Whole Milk
1 Teaspoon Finely Grated Peeled Ginger
1 1/2 Cups Fresh or Frozen (Thawed) Raspberries
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 standard 6 cup muffin pans. In a medium-size bowl combine baking powder, kosher salt, and 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour. In a large-size bowl whisk together egg, brown sugar, butter, milk, and ginger. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. In a small-size bowl toss together raspberries with remaining 1 tablespoon flour. Gently fold raspberries into batter. Pour batter into muffin cups. Place into oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes in pan before removing. Serve warm. Makes 1 dozen muffins.
Even More Skinny Cocktails
There is a huge demand for “Skinny Cocktails,” but it’s not easy coming up with reduced-calorie cocktails. There are several lighter-calorie alcohol brands that have come onto the market in the past few years. Skinnygirl Vodka and Voli Light Vodka are two low-cal vodka brands that have become quite popular. Skinnygirl was launched by former Real Housewives of New York cast member Bethenny Frankel who sold it to Beam in March 2011. Voli is owned by singers Pitbull and Fergie. TY KU Sake is a low-calorie, gluten-free premium sake brand which is owned by singer/producer CeeLo Green and The Millionaire Matchmaker, Patti Stanger.
Gin & Lime Juice
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 Ounces Gin
3/4 Fresh Lime Juice
1 Teaspoon Simple Syrup
1 1/2 Ounces Seltzer Water
Lime Wedge
Add all ingredients except the seltzer water into a shaker. Shake and pour into a glass filled with ice. Top with seltzer water and garnish with a lime wedge. Serves 1. 155 Calories.
Daiquiri
INGREDIENTS
2 Ounces TY KU Sake
1 1/2 Ounces Light Rum
1/2 Ounce Lime Juice
1/2 Ounce Agave Nectar
Add all ingredients into a shaker. Shake and pour into a glass filled with ice. Serves 1. 163 Calories.
Light Bloody Mary
INGREDIENTS
2 Ounces Low-Calorie Vodka
2 Ounces Tomato Juice
1/2 Ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 Teaspoon Hot Sauce
1/8 Teaspoon Celery Salt
Lime Wedge
Cucumber Slice
Celery Stalk
Add all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake and pour into a glass. Garnish with lime wedge, cucumber slice & celery stalk. Serves 1. 122 Calories.
Victoria's Solutions For Special Diets
EVERYONE deserves a special holiday so it is important to be prepared for friends and family who may have dietary preferences or restrictions. We all know that food allergies are no joke. Here are some tips for special diets.
When you shop read the labels for dairy free, gluten free, etc.
When making mashed potatoes or creamy soups for dairy free guests or vegan make sure to replace milk or cream with unsweetened almond milk, ricemilk or soymilk.
When baking and sautéing replace butter with olive oil, non-hydrogenated butter spread or margarine or coconut oil.
When making gravy choose gluten free cornstarch or arrowroot instead of flour. For vegan guests use vegetable broth, sautéed onions and mushrooms.
When making stuffing use gluten free cornbread or sandwich bread. For vegetarian guests swamp vegetable broth for chicken broth.
When making salads and desserts use toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of nuts.
When making desserts and dips use tofu instead of milk, cream cheese or sour cream.
When serving dinner make sure to label each prepared dish for special diets or which ones contain ingredients that should be avoided.
