Brownies. The Evolution.

When the mood strikes me to bake brownies are my go-to.  I almost always have all the ingredients on hand and I LOVE chocolate.  I've been gluten-free for almost two years, and now I'm venturing into the world of the Paleo diet.  Last night, while I was enjoying an empty apartment and kitchen (both of my roommates were at weddings out of town), I had the desire for brownies.  I hadn't yet attempted a grain-free version, but I found a recipe that used ingredients I already had, so I went for it.  I made a few substitutions to this recipe to suit me and they came out fudgy, moist, and just a touch chewy.  A perfect snack for a cozy night in.

Gluten and Grain Free Brownie

makes 8 large or 12 small

Ingredients:

3/4 c almond meal

3 T cocoa powder

1/2 t baking soda

1/4 t salt (this is more than the usual amount, but I like my chocolate salty)

3 eggs

1/4 melted and cooled butter, ghee, or coconut oil

1 t vanilla extract

1/3 c maple syrup

1/4 c Enjoy Life chocolate chips (gluten, dairy, and soy free)

1/4 c shredded unsweetened dried coconut

2 T cocoa nibs

Procedure:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease an 8'x8' brownie or baking pan.

In a large bowl, combine the almond meal, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.  Use a whisk to thoroughly mix.

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs butter, ghee, or coconut oil, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.

Fold the wet ingredients into the dry using a rubber spatula.  Fold in the chocolate chips, coconut, and nibs.  Pour into the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 30-35 minutes and until the center is set.  Let cool before slicing.

Another wonderful Good Commons Weekend

I believe that when the universe gives you a sign, you should listen, so when I met Elyse Sparkes at the Jazz-Age Lawn Party on Governors Island, I knew I was in for something special.

I've been heading up to Good Commons in Plymouth, Vermont a lot lately, and most recently cooked for a vegetarian meditation and yoga retreat over Memorial Day weekend.  I became acquainted with Good Commons at a yoga retreat with Erica Mather and Pravassa a few years ago, and knew I wanted to return.

slanted rocks in Quechee Gorge

When I was attending the Jazz-Age Lawn Party with a friend, we were sharing our picnic with some of her friends.  I was getting some compliments on my dishes and I brought up my experience as a private chef, and most recently as a guest chef at a house in Vermont.  When Elyse mentioned that she was going to be teaching yoga classes with a focus on digestive health the following weekend in Vermont, I got that tingly feeling that the world is a much smaller place that we realize.  She was headed to Good Commons, and I really needed some revitalization, so I made a quick call that night and arranged a spot for myself on the Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend.  I've been exploring a more gluten-free lifestyle lately, and I feel so healthy after eating without it all weekend.

chocolate sandwich cookies

The food was amazing, the yoga was invigorating, the massage was both intense and relaxing, and the new friends I made were inspiring.  As always, Good Commons gave me just what I needed.  I also got a chance to explore Queeche Gorge and swim at Echo Lake, which was only recently reopened after the Hurricane Irene clean-up.  It was a nice change to get out and experience some Vermont nature that I haven't yet, despite having visited multiple times.

For more Gluten-Free recipes, articles, and resources check out these websites:

Chef Olivia Dupin:  www.livglutenfree.com
Chef Matthew Wexler: http://www.roodeloo.com/
Erin Smith: http://glutenfreefun.blogspot.com/
Holistic Health Coach and Massage Therapist:  http://jessicaruthshepard.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com/

GF pasta night