Lessons, Tips, & Recipes — Christmas

Winter Wonderland… (Mama’s Eggnog Cupcake with Eggnog Frosting)

Christmas Joy… Dark Chocolate Cupcake with Chocolate Ganache  or Chocolate Mousse)

Lefse is a holiday tradition I was introduced to when I married into the Carlyle family. Both of my husband Chris’ parents are 50% Norwegian. Therefore, my oldest two children are 25% Norwegian. Grandma Bette has been making Lefse for our family for years at Christmas time. Lefse is a traditional Norwegian

It took me three years to convert Grandma Bette’s recipe to gluten free so that Lexie and I can enjoy it too. The first year and second year it did not get Grandma Bette’s seal of approval. She said it was good but too dry. This final recipe, she said I nailed it by adding a little more butter and a little less flour. 

Spritz Cookies have been a holiday favorite for generations!  Spritz cookies are a German cookie referred to as “Spritzgebäck”, which are made from flour, butter, sugar and eggs.  They are made using a cookie press that has different templates and make different designs, or can be made using a pastry bag with a star tip. They are called Spritz cookies because they come from the word “spritzen” which means “to squirt”. They are a fragile cookie in nature with a rich buttery taste.

Sometimes I want coffee and sometimes and want coffee flavored food!  If you are a coffee lover you will love this delicious gluten free Espresso Chocolate Chip Quick Bread.  Now when I say quick…I am really meaning quick.  It is so easy to throw together and its done baking in 35 minutes if using the mini bread pans and about an hour using the regular pan. 

Gluten Free Mama’s Gluten Free Pretzel Toffee with Glutino Pretzels has got to be hands down the best candy to serve, give away as gifts and eat at Christmas time!  Today I am going to share with you my updated version to this recipe.  It is featured in my second cookbook, In the Kitchen with Gluten Free Mama