Category Archives: homemade gifts

Spiced Apple Zucchini Muffins (Cupcakes) w/Chai Buttercream Frosting

07 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by in breakfast, dessert, Events, gluten-free, homemade gifts, seasonal

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DSCN4017Food:

Spiced Apple Zucchini Cupcakes (Muffins) w/Chai Butter Cream Frosting
makes 12-16

(In my picture below I didn’t have cupcake liners when I photographed these muffins, I HIGHLY recommend that you use them!)

2 1/3 c. flour (I use a combo of 1 c. buckwheat flour, 1 c. oat or rye flour and 1/3 c. coconut flour)

2 t. baking soda

2 t. cinnamon

1 t. allspice

1 t. nutmeg

1 inch ginger, peeled and grated

½ t. salt

3 local eggs

1 c. local honey

1 c. coconut oil

1 – 1 1/2c. zucchini grated (you could sub carrots)

1 c. apple, grated

1 ½ c. walnuts, toasted and chopped

Directions:

1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees, line a muffin pan with liners. Sift all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside.

2. In a small saucepan melt the coconut oil and honey together until just melted, to not over heat or bring to a boil. Remove the mixture from the heat and let cool just a bit, whisk in eggs one at a time.

3. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, add the fresh ginger and whisk just to combine.

4. Add the grated zucchini and apples, fold into the mixture. Add the walnuts and fold them in until well blended.

5. Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin and place in the warm oven. Bake for 30-35 or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.

Chai Butter Cream Frosting

1 c. butter, room temp

¼ c. half and half (I think I used my homemade cashew milk)

2-4 c. powdered sugar (I use less sugar because I like my frosting a little more buttery than sugary, your preference)

½ t. cinnamon and ginger (you can use fresh ginger)

¼ t. cardamom and cloves

pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Using a standing mixer or hand held mixer blend the butter, half and half and spices until mixed.

2. Add the powdered sugar 1 c. at a time until desired frosting consistency is reached.

3. Frost the cupcakes!

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If you can believe it I still have zucchini from my garden! I thought I had planted a cucumber plant but it ended being a zucchini plant, I was overwhelmed with the abundance that just ONE plant yielded. I now know why people gift those tenacious little buggers and just like everyone else I was scrambling to find something to do with them.

Since I had all that zucchini and apples were starting to show up at my Farmers Market, these muffins where my solution to the seasons changing, utilizing what I had and the need to bake something warm and comforting.

Here’s the real deal, these are a muffin recipe that can be tricked out with butter cream frosting and passed off as a cupcake! Sneaky right? They are perfectly delectable on their own, so much so that my friend is making these for her new bakery. They are perfect with tea or coffee, a co-pilot for your green smoothie, and they are totally gluten-free! Equally as impressive frosted and served to your book club or child’s birthday party. ENJOY!

 

Honey Sriracha

10 Tuesday Jun 2014

Posted by in appetizer, dips, DIY, dressing, gluten-free, homemade gifts

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DSCN3853Food:

Honey Sriracha– makes about 2 ½ c.

Inspired and Adapted from bon appétit

1 lb Fresno chile (red jalapeno)

3 garlic cloves

1 T. real salt

1/4c. apple cider vinegar

1/4c. fresh lime juice

2 tsp. local honey

Plus 1/2c. local honey

Directions:

1. Pulse chilies, garlic, and salt in the food processor to a fine paste. Transfer to a half pint mason jar, cover with cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band. Let sit at room temperature at least 2 days (I think mine sat out for 3 or 4!)

2. Transfer chile mixture to the blender, add fresh lime juice, apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp. local honey, blend until smooth. Transfer to a clean pint Mason jar and cover with cheesecloth again, let sit at room temp for 1-2 more days. After those two days, add remaining 1/2c. local honey. Mix well and store the fridge for at least a day. Eat!

DSCN3827DSCN3832DSCN3837DSCN3840Nutrition:

Usually during the summer time I take a break from this section of my blog, mainly so I can spend more time with friends in the sunshine. I hope you are doing the same.

Love:

I’ve been struggling between two areas of my life lately, my work life and my home life. Last year I worked my toosh off and my sweet house, my sweet husband and my well-being got no love. So this year I vowed to work a little less and spend a little more time on my personal space, but as you know things don’t always go as planned. The first part of this year was a mixed bag of stuff, some good -10 year anniversary trip, having friends in town, exciting work projects, some not so good- very sick (expensive) kitty and losing my wonderful grandpa (still can’t fully grasp this). I know we all have stuff, but February, March and April kicked my butt and here we are half way through the year!

I needed a break. So needless to say I took no extra jobs or worked on my blog last month but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t still playing in the kitchen (and around the house!).

I’m a sucker for spicy food and the balance of sweet and spicy in this Honey Sriracha is out of this world! There is nothing like homemade hot sauce, the flavor is so fresh and this recipe is ridiculously easy. I have served it on eggs, over rice and veggies and like pictured above on apples/cheese and crackers, holy yum!

In order to self preserve and spend more time with my sweetie working on our love shack my post might be a little farther in between, they might. I’m planning on only attending the farmers market every other week (trust me this will be hard for me) this season and investing in a CSA with BUG Farms. Some times taking a step back and slowing down can be a good thing. ENJOY!

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Love Muffins- Vegan & Gluten-Free

02 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by in breakfast, dessert, gluten-free, homemade gifts, vegan

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Food:

Love Muffins- makes 12

8 oz. buckwheat flour or oat flour (you can use your blender or flour mill to grind your own flour, that is what I do, or find at grocery store. Also, I did use my scale to measure the flour. It’s slightly over a cup.)

1/2 c. local honey (I use Clifford Farms)

1 T. baking powder

1/2 tsp. real salt

1 1/4 c. nut milk (I use homemade)

1/3 c. heaping, favorite nut butter (I used Barney Butter Chunky Almond Butter)

1 T. chia seeds mixed w/ 3 T. water

2 T. coconut oil

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 c. heaping of your favorite jam (I used Amour Spread Raspberry Jam, this would be a great recipe to use your own canned jam)

DSCN3146DSCN3147Directions:

1. Start by pre heating your oven to 400 degrees. Next line your muffin tin with parchment muffin liners, or if you are like me and ran out of liners oil your muffin pan with coconut oil.

2. In a medium size bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a small saucepan heat the coconut oil, nut butter and honey until smooth and mixed well. Do not over heat or let the mixture come to a boil. Take off the heat and add nut milk, vanilla and chia seed mixture. Mix. (I was able to skip this step and just mix everything in a bowl with a whisk because it has been so hot!)

4. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and fold all of the ingredients together. Don’t overmix.

5. Using a big spoon, spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, only half way. Next, add a teaspoon of jam to the middle of each muffin. Then spoon more of the batter over the jam, fill to the top.

6. Bake for 22 minutes. Let cool and then devour!

DSCN3149DSCN3150DSCN3151Love:

I call these ‘Love Muffins’ for a few reasons, 1. Who doesn’t love nut butter and jelly? 2. I got to use my favorite local jammer Amour Spreads! 3. I have been working on this recipe for sometime and finally cracked it. These are super easy to throw together, are a crowd pleaser and totally worth turning on the oven for. My husband was so happy when he walked in and saw these fresh out of the oven, he immediately shoved one in his face. (Notice in the pic below that one is missing!)

Amour Spreads and I are getting ready to work on a little project together (stay tuned!) and I wanted to make and share these with them. I hope they like how I used their love to share a little love with all of you.

I think these would be amazing with your own canned jam or jelly, you could attach this recipe to one of your jars of jam and give it as a gift. ENJOY!

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Peach Honey Coconut Ice Cream

25 Tuesday Jun 2013

Posted by in dessert, DIY, gluten-free, homemade gifts, seasonal

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DSCN3062Love:

Well, I think it is safe to say it is summer! My lack of posting recipes is beacuse I am busy having lots of fun (follow me on intstagram @cosmohippiechef for extra food pics and adventures). Time to break out your ice cream makers and get busy making homemade ice cream, like this Peach Honey Coconut. You are probably thinking peaches? I haven’t seen peaches at the farmers market yet? You are right, I used my canned peaches that I canned last summer. After taking inventory of my canning pantry I realized I need to start using up those goodies I spent all that time last summer preserving. So I started with my canned peaches, this ice cream is creamy and lightly sweetened with local honey. This recipe makes a lot of ice cream so you’ll be stocked up for a while. One of my most important tips is, make sure the liquid mixture is cold before you pour it into the ice cream machine! You are ready to rock and roll, hurry and make a batch of this and then get back to soaking up summer. Enjoy!

Food:

Peach Honey Coconut Ice Cream- makes a lot!

2 c. whole milk (organic)

1 c. canned coconut milk (full fat)

1 quart size canned peaches, liquid drained

3/4 c. honey (local, I use Clifford Family Farms and I get it at the farmers market)

2 eggs, (local, I use Clifford Family Farms and I get it at the farmers market)

juice of one lemon

pinch of salt (I like Real Salt, local or Celtic Gray Salt)

Directions:

1. Using your standing mixer, crack and beat the two eggs until creamy and the color has changed to a lemony pale yellow, about 5 minutes. Turn the mixer down and add the honey slowly, it will stick to the sides so turn the mixer off and scrape down the sides and mix again.

2. Next, with the mixer on low add the whole milk and coconut milk. Add the lemon juice and a healthy pinch of salt.

3. Pour the drained peaches into food processor and pulse them down until they are saucy and no longer have any chunks. Add the pureed peaches to the milk mixture, stir to combine.

4. Place this mixture into the fridge overnight or at least 4 hours, this step is very important. You want your mixture to be very cold when adding it to the ice cream machine. I had to process mine in two batches, I have made the mistake of poring it all in at once and had major spillage!

5. Process according to your manufactures directions. Freeze for a couple of hours and then EAT!

*optional- I toasted unsweetened coconut flakes in a dry saute pan until lightly toasted and fragrant. Sprinkle on top of your ice cream.

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Here are some of my other favorite homemade ice creams:

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Rhubarb Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

03 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in breakfast, cake, cookies, DIY, homemade gifts, seasonal

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Love:

I need pumpkin bread in my life, here’s to hoping you do to. ENJOY!

Food:

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread- makes 2 loaves

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Dry ingredients:

2 3/4 c. oat flour, (you can make your own by placing thick raw oats into the food processor or blender and grinding down into flour)

3/4 c. coconut flour (can be found at Whole Foods, Harmon’s, Good Earth, adds fiber, flavor and can replace up to 20% of flour in a recipe)

1/2 tsp. salt

2 1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. clove

1/4 tsp. ginger

2 c. chocolate chips (semi-sweet)

1. Sift all dry ingredients together in a bowl. Toss in the chocolate chips and set aside.

Wet ingredients:

4 eggs

3/4 c. almond milk (I used homemade)

1 c. applesauce (I was given a jar of homemade from my favorite apple farmers’ wife this summer at the Farmers Market)

3/4 c. honey (I used Clifford Family Farms)

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 c. fresh pumpkin puree (*recipe to follow)

2. Place all the wet ingredients in the food processor or blender and pulse till all wet ingredients are mixed together.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix well, be sure not to over mix.

4. Pour into two greased loaf pans (regular sized, not small) and bake @350 for 1 hour.

5. Let cool completely before diving in!

*Fresh Pumpkin Puree

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1. Wash your pumpkin. Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds (dry seeds and make roasted pumpkin seeds). Place cut side down on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake @400 degrees for about an hour. Half way through turn right side up.

2. Let pumpkin cool enough to a handle, scoop flesh out into your food processor or blender. Puree. You may need to add a bit of water to get things moving.

3. Place a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a bowl, scoop the pureed pumpkin into the strainer. Let this strain for about 1 hour. Ready to use!(I use my leftovers in our hot cereal or our raw oatmeal!)

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Nutrition:

Pumpkin- Winter squash especially the darker-fleshed varieties like pumpkin and acorn provide exceptional amounts of carotenes, which as been shown to exert a protective effect against many cancers particularly lung cancer. In addition to cancer and heart disease, diets rich in carotenes also appear to offer protection against developing type 2 diabetes, with pumpkin consumption being the most protective. Pumpkin seeds have also been shown to be helpful in reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Zucchini Muffins- Gluten Free and Vegan

27 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by in breakfast, dessert, homemade gifts, seasonal, vegan

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Love:

Every summer aren’t we all trying to figure out what to do with all the zucchini growing in our gardens?! Or maybe you have a friend or neighbor who keeps gifting the git of zucchini that just keeps on giving. Well, I thought why not make Oatmeal Zucchini Chocolate Bread and Zucchini Muffins and do a taste test to see which one my peeps prefer, the muffins were the winner. They were my favorite, but I do this all for you so I was glad they were a hit. I think this is the third batch I have made, the first batch was to test out, the second batch we took camping and this third batch is for my cute friend Ashton who just had a baby. They are perfect for any occasion and they are great to grab on the run. Maybe you could make these for whom ever keeps bringing these beauties to your door, ENJOY!

Food:

Zucchini Muffins– makes 12

3/4 c. quinoa flour

3/4 c. buckwheat flour

1/3 c. coconut flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

2 very ripe bananas

1 medium zucchini, shredded

1/2 c. nut milk

6 T. coconut oil

6 T. local honey or pure maple syrup

2 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pan with muffin liners.

2. In a large mixing bowl, sift all the dry ingredients together.

3. In a food processor pulse together the banana’s, nut milk, coconut oil, honey or maple syrup and vanilla until mixed.

4. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir well. Don’t over mix. Next add the shredded zucchini and mix again until the zucchini is well incorporated.

5. Fill the muffin liners with the batter and bake for 20- 25 minutes until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream- Happy Birthday Y’all

09 Thursday Aug 2012

Posted by in dessert, DIY, homemade gifts

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Love:

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Truth be told I’m not actually a huge ice cream fan, but this recipe changed my mind. It’s not to sweet, it’s the perfect amount of chocolate and super easy to make. Not to mention with the heat we have been experiencing here in the City of Salt, it has been the perfect cold treat in the evening out on the deck. I have made 4 batches already this summer, one batch was for my sweeties b-day just a few weeks ago. I’m thinking about whipping up another batch for my b-day this weekend! It’s perfect for any old reason but especially sweet for someones birthday. Know anyone who could use some Homemade Ice Cream? Well get out the ice cream machines, this recipe is a hit!

Food:

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream– Makes 1 quart

2 c. organic whole milk

2 local eggs

1 c. sugar (I use succant)

1 tsp. vanilla

4 oz chocolate (I used an endangered species chocolate bar that was 80% cacao)

pinch salt

Directions:

1. Melt the chocolate over a double boiler (place a glass bowl over simmering water in a small saucepan). When the chocolate has melted, whisk in 1 c. milk. Blend well, take bowl off the saucepan and let cool.

2. Beat the eggs until light in color, about 5 minutes (I use my food processor to do this). Next add sugar, mix until sugar is dissolved. Then add vanilla, salt and milk. Blend until well mixed.

3. Add the eggy milk mixture to the melty chocolatey mixture and whisk all together.

4. Refrigerate this mixture until cold 1-2 hours. Then pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream machine and process for 30 minutes. Scoop into a freezer safe container and let the ice cream set up for at least an hour before devouring (if you can wait that long!). ENJOY, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Y’all!

*Sugared Almonds-topping*

Place 1 c. sliced almonds in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle on a couple teaspoons of sugar. Toss the almonds and sugar around in the pan until the sugar has melted and the almonds start to clump together.

Spicy Cranberry Pomegranate Jam

10 Saturday Dec 2011

Posted by in appetizer, dessert, homemade gifts

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In the summer we get blueberries, strawberries and raspberries to enjoy for just a short time, and if your like me you made jam and shared with those you love. Well in winter we get cranberries and pomegranates for just a short time so I just had to whip up some jam to savor these beauties. I am planning on sharing some as gifts and the rest will help me out with all those parties we have to attend where we are required to bring something to share, I can’t wait! I hope this recipe helps you out like it will be. Happy Holidays! ENJOY!

-Spicy Cranberry Pomegranate Jam- Makes 4 8oz jars

2 1/2 c. organic cranberries
1 c. organic pomegranate seeds
1 Fresno chili seeds and all, chopped (these add a sweet heat, if you want a spicier jam use a jalapeno)
1 1/2 T. lemon juice
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. pomegranate juice
2 tsp. pectin powder (I followed the directions from the Pomona’s Universal Pectin that best suited my recipe, be sure to adjust for whatever Pectin you choose to use. This brand contain no sugar or preservatives.)
4 tsp. calcium water (same info for this as above with the pectin powder)

-Directions-

1. In a large pot on the stove add the pomegranate juice, lemon juice and calcium water. Turn on the heat to medium, bring to a boil.
2. When the juice mixture begins to boil add the cranberries and Fresno chili, let this mixture boil until most of the cranberries have popped. Stir the mixture just a bit during this time.
3. When most of the cranberries have popped add the sugar and pectin powder, stir until those two ingredients have dissolved.
4. Pull the pot of the heat and add pomegranate seeds and stir to combine. Let the mixture cool just a bit and then portion it into your jars. Let cool completely before you top with the lids. Will keep for a month in the refrigerator.

Aunt Jo’s Homemade Kahlua (by CM Herold, eHow Member)

30 Sunday Oct 2011

Posted by in DIY, homemade gifts

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I first have to mention where I got this recipe before I get on with it, last year I was looking for something to make for Christmas gifts. My sweet grandma Little Polly was in the hospital and between being with her and my family I was at work, so I needed something I could make for gifts when I had some time at home. I did a search for homemade Kahlua and this is what I found and even though I don’t know Aunt Jo I was so thankful for this recipe, it made my gift giving easy when my life was so hard. Thanks Aunt Jo where ever you are- Cheers! I just got done making two batches of this for the upcoming holidays (it take 10 weeks to cure), I’m getting a head start this year. Enjoy!

Ingredients: 

10 tsp. instant coffee
3 c. sugar (this time I used organic powdered sugar, it’s the only sugar I had in the house)
3 c. water
3 tsp. vanilla
1 quart vodka

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan combine the instant coffee, sugar, and water, whisk together. Simmer, make sure the mixture does not boil. Simmer on low for two hours. Let cool.
2. In a mixing bowl combine (whisk) the vodka and vanilla. When the coffee sugar water mixture is cool add it to the vodka and vanilla. Stir or whisk to combine.
3. Pour into bottles, let age for 10 weeks before gifting.

– We like Kahlua in our coffee during the holidays, it’s also good over ice with a little milk with dessert. Another great way to enjoy Kahlua is with Homemade Vegan Eggnog (recipe is on the blog).