Maple Macadamia Cake

Maple Macadamia Cake

Recipes like this just make me happy.  I spent most of the day outside today with my family and we had a late lunch of grilled turkey hot dogs around 3pm.  So once we were all back inside and dinner time was getting close, I knew that no one would want a big meal and I certainly didn't feel like cooking anything much.  But I did feel like baking and trying out an idea I had stirring around in my head using home made nut butter as the base of a recipe. Initially I had intended this cake to be chocolate, but knowing my kids would be eating it close to bedtime on a school night, I thought that something without a dose of caffeine might be better.  (Definitely plan to make a chocolate version soon as well).  So I grabbed a few ingredients out of my pantry and fridge and literally made this recipe up on the spot.  I had my husband jot down the measurements as I eyeballed everything and hoped for the best.  And my hopes were answered.  This is one of the most delicious, moist and flavorful yellow cakes I have ever made, and it is gluten free and full of super healthy macadamia nuts.  My daughter had hers with some Nutella "frosting" but it is perfect plain as well, and great for an after dinner snack or a quick breakfast. And it was all mixed together in my food processor which made clean up a breeze.  I can't say I was completely surprised by how good it came out, but I am smiling with pride, and a happy tummy,  just the same.

Raw Piña Colada Bars

Raw Piña Colada Bars

After experimenting successfully with almond flour and coconut flour in a couple of cake recipes, I had to try a healthier twist, using all raw, natural ingredients.  Having recently bought a food processor I knew I now had the option of pureeing dried fruit in order to add sweetness to a recipe and after looking through my cupboards for inspiration I came up with this combination.  My son is not a big fan of chocolate like I am, and prefers sweet, fruity desserts, so this was made with him in mind.  And because it is made with nutrient, calorie and fat dense ingredients, I also knew that it would be perfect for my extremely active and quite skinny nine year old athlete.  Basically all you have to do is mix everything in a food processor, press into a pan and refrigerate, so it doesn't get any easier than that.  I had read different reports about not overusing or overcooking with almond flour because it is higher in fat and calories than other flours and because heat can disrupt the fat composition of the nuts.  But since this recipe uses the flour raw, the result is a delicious gluten free "dessert" that is also high in protein, and therefore perfect as an after sports snack, mid morning pick me up, or even a quick breakfast on the go.  My family ate them all up in a matter of days so I know they were a hit.

Mini Almond Cupcakes

Mini Almond Cupcakes

Happy Easter everyone!  Aren't these treats cute?  I made them for an Easter party at the gym daycare where I work out, and although kids can be picky about anything that isn't a brightly colored cupcake or a chocolate cookie, I know that a few smart kids, and a bunch of adults, enjoyed these mini cupcakes.  To be honest, they are my second attempt using almond flour, since my first try came out a little odd*, and although I always eat what I make no matter how strange looking it turns out, I was happy when I peeked into the oven this time around and saw perfect little cupcakes forming. The trick is in the combination of almond and coconut flours that I used which makes a perfectly light, moist and intensely flavorful cake.  This recipe made enough for 24 mini cupcakes as well as a 9- inch cake, so although I brought most of the minis to the party, I was able to enjoy the whole cake at home with my husband, over the course of a few days.  And it was honestly one of the best, non chocolate, treats I have ever had.  I definitely plan to make it again, probably for my birthday next month, in the form of a three layer strawberry shortcake recipe.  Stay tuned for more ideas!! And Happy Easter 2014!!!!

* photos of my slightly disastrous first attempt are displayed at the bottom of the page.