Peppermint Jelly

With the end of summer past and my herbs getting leggy, I gave them a good haircut, laying the leaves out to dry. Once dried, I grind and store them in sealed jars for use during the winter months.

One of the things I trimmed was my peppermint. Ummm! The aromatic fragrance of freshly cut mint is just beautiful. But, instead of drying, I decided to make Mint Jelly (recipe follows), which only has five ingredients.

One question that was brought to me attention was “What are you going to do with so much jelly—peppermint jelly, to be specific?” Good question! Ah! I have the perfect answer. Gifts! With a little fabric topper in a pretty fall print tied with packing twine and a little gift card attached, you have a perfect hostess gift.

Remember that mint jelly is great with lamb or over cream cheese spread over ginger snaps. Enjoy!

Homemade Sun Butter

When asked about becoming a part of the outreach ministry for my church, I got to thinking about what I could share in addition to the words of Jesus with others. And because I am so keenly aware of the many, many folks with food allergies, some severe, in addition to those with diseases such as my husband's Celiac disease, I came up with a two part idea that is easy enough children can help. Use canola oil to eliminate all of the recognized allergens.

First, we will make Homemade Sun Butter (recipe follows). Second, the sun butter that is our gift along with a recipe for Sun Butter Cookies ( Click here for the recipe) which the family we are visiting can make with the their children and family. 

My Homemade Sun Butter is terrific on gluten free crackers or as a substitute in any recipe that calls for peanut or any other nut butter. My version is much cheaper than the store bought stuff and tastes better. Why does my Homemade Sun Butter taste better? Because it is made with love.

The attached card is easily made with any desk-top publishing program and a color printer, or hand write the recipe and simply add a fall sticker from the craft store.

Lemon Herb Mayo Spread

Being rather tired of traditional burger condiments, I set out to develop a spread for burgers that was both bright and took advantage of my spring herbs. The amazing result was the birth of my Lemon Herb Mayo Spread (recipe follows). Here it tops my Lamb Burger (click for recipe). In addition to being a delicious topping for burgers, it is a tasty dip.

Honey Butter

Looking for a super easy spread to go with  a breakfast bread? Look no further! I have just what you need. I like to make up a cup or so to keep in the frig to go on gluten free bagels, nut and fruit breads.

Banana Nut Bread with Orange Liqueur Laced Whipping Cream

This is the most delicious banana nut bread ever and very moist. My friends cannot believes this bread is gluten free! This is my hubby's favorite! 

Here is my recipe:

1 1/4 cups Jackie's Quick Bread Flour Blend (recipe follows)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon Rumford baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), softened

1 1/4 cups sugar

5 medium overly ripe bananas, mashed

2 large eggs

1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

And, here is what I did:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. Grease and flour 1 8 1/2-inch loaf pan; set aside.

2. Place dry ingredients, except sugar, in medium sized mixing bowl. Blend together thoroughly; set aside.

3. In the work bowl of an electric stand mixer, place softened butter and sugar. Beat on medium speed until thoroughly mixed. Add overly ripe bananas, one at a time. Beat thoroughly after each addition. Add eggs and continue to beat. Add dry ingredients in 1/2-cup increments, beating well after each addition. Stir in walnuts.

Just look at the rise on this loaf!

4. Pour mixture into greased and floured loaf pan. Allow to rest for 15 minutes before placing in pre-heated oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes our clean. Remove from oven and place loaf pan on cooling tack for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn out on to a platter.

5. To serve, slice into 1/2 -inch slices. Place a dollop of Orange Liqueur Laced Whipped Cream (recipe follows) and a sprig of mint.

Servings: 8              Yield: 1 loaf

Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 340 calories, 156 calories from fat, 17.9g total fat, 77mg cholesterol, 357.4mg sodium, 320.6mg potassium, 44.5g carbohydrates, 2.6g fiber, 35g sugar, 3.8g protein

Here are my tips for success:

1. Overworking gluten free flour is impossible. The longer you mix gluten free breads and the longer you let them rest prior to baking. the better the product.

2. Once cooked, handle as little as possible because the texture is very fragile.

3. If bananas are not overly ripe, the bread will not be nearly so moist or have such a rich banana flavor.

4. Cooking time may vary dramatically with the amount of moisture in the bananas, the weather and the size of  your oven. Begin checking at 45 minutes and ever 10 minutes thereafter until a toothpick comes out clean.

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