Lazy long weekends...

With a little extra time this long weekend I have been very busy in the kitchen. Friday morning I felt like baking but decided on a few shortcuts to save on time and frustration. I am a big fan of the Kinnikinick company and order their mixes in large quantities. One of my favourites is the Bun and Bread mix. Great on it's own but a little boring at times. I have been dreaming of sticky, gooey cinnamon buns lately so wondered if I could make something close. I started by following the basic bread recipe and added about a tsp of cinnamon. The mix seemed very runny so on to plan B. I added about a cup of raisins and poured everything into a loaf pan which went into the oven. So now with a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread cooking I started again. This time I put half as much liquid so that I had a sticky but more manageable dough. With a little extra mix dusting the counter I turned out the dough and flattened out a rectangular shape. Then I spread about a tsp of cinnamon and 2 Tbsps of brown sugar onto the dough before rolling it up and slicing it. Slices went into a greased baking pan and then the whole thing went in the oven for 40 mins. After cooling I drizzled a little icing on top and voila gluten free cinnamon rolls :0) Next time I will add a little Earth balance spread/ brown sugar to the bottom of the baking pan to make a nice gooey caramel bath for my beauties. Life is good!

I was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease after years of feeling less than great and picking up any bug making the rounds. With renewed energy and much improved health I am tackling cooking with a new list of requirements. As well as being gluten free these new recipes must be dairy and tree nut free as well.

Now I am normally a patient person but have given up on making my own baked goodies for now. Baking has proven to be extremely frustrating as the flour substitutes make better bricks than bread. After many attempts and wasted ingredients that went to the birds I have decided to focus on cooking instead. When I get a craving for chocolate anything, cookies or even fresh bread I will use the more expensive but reliable mixes. So far my favourite mixes come from Kinickinik, celi-mix and Gluten Free Pantry (Glutino).