#the tradition I got from my mom is gifting homemade fudge :)

[terrainofheartfelt]

if I may brag on my accomplishments of the evening a lil bit...

stopped in at the store on the way home to pick up some essentials

assembled dinner for myself (carnitas tostadas btw)

made chex mix to replenish my work snacks stash

made a batch of muffins for my workplace elevenses stash

assembled fudge gift mugs for boss and grandboss

showered

and now, I'm gonna sit on the couch with a heating pad on my back and do silly fandomy things on the computer. like a grownup.

[doofus-and-dragons]

Every Christmas my mamaw (I'm from the south) makes Hash: cool whip, fruit cocktail, and whole pecans. She's giving Me her Christmas fudge recipe. Because I'm southern, I get bone deep, absolutely feral cravings for things like hot Corn Bread, Homemade Fried chicken-mashed potatoes-buttermilk biscuits-and white gravey dinners, biscuts and gravey-and chicken and dumplings (also with biscuits). Southern sweet tea has to be cavity inducing

In the summer time, my family goes to celebrate the warm weather by going on the boat or having bonfires and cook outs multiple times a month. I grew up hearing phrases that some of my city-born friends have no idea about.

During Christmas, we spend the whole month of December celebrating and doing activities to get ready. My sister and I fill stockings for each other with candy and gag-gifts.

Every Thanksgiving, we make sure to have my papaw's homemade stuffing (he gave us the recipe himself)

Every fall, the county is covered in craft fairs and farmers markets

Anytime there's a foot ball game with one of our favorite teams (pro or college) we all gather around my papaws TV and shout and holler for our boys-of-choice, even if it's just to pick at the other family members.

For thanks giving, old women make the SAME green bean casserole that they got from the back of a soup can, but they say it's their own.

In my town, you may not like the way someone is, but you respect them none the less (it's very refreshing)

Also mmm chocolate gravey. Mmm potato candy

Also, there are some schools here that still teach you how to square dance. I need to learn. My mom never taught me.

TLDR:

Anyway, all that to say that the culture of my area is very important to me and I love my small hick town. No one can tell me that this place isn't bustling with culture, because every family has their own traditions and ways of doing things that are similar in branch of everyone else, but also wildly different.

'White Americans don't have any culture, they're just [normal/boring/generic/empty]. 'Culture' is when you're quaint and exotic and have interesting ethnic foods and holidays." is such a grating bit of nonsense to have somehow become progressive commonsense in a lot of places.

[sweetescape01748]

The recipe that started it all...

Kate O’Connor | Photo Essay | March 13 2021

At 5:00 a.m. when most people are slamming the “snooze” button on their alarm clocks to get some extra rest, Melissa Roiter is packing her kids lunches, walking the dog, and getting ready to prepare some delicious desserts. Shortly after that, she then wakes her 13 year-old triplets up to start her day as a single mom, and being a self-employed bakery owner. After a short drive to Yummy Mummy Bakery, Roiter scurries inside to begin gathering brownie ingredients and whip up the first batch of the day-as the aroma of Semi-Sweet cocoa fills the air. 

Roiter is a successful businesswoman carrying on her grandmother’s baking legacy at Yummy Mummy Bakery in Westborough Massachusetts. Her introduction to baking is “all about nostalgia and fudge-style brownies”.

Yummy Mummy specializes in homemade, delicious, American sweets. Roiter proudly exclaims that “our best seller is our brownies and our most popular varieties are salted caramel, peanut butter, espresso and cheesecake”. 

Roiter of Southboro grew up in Holden Massachusetts, attended Worcester Academy and graduated from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. With her family background, Roiter seemed destined for the food business. Her mother, Nancy Benjamin was a caterer, and owned “Smart Cookies Catering” in Worcester; her aunt, Jody Garber, owned the Cambridge -based company, “A Mere Truffle”, and her grandmother was a baker at heart. Roiter excidelty adds, “my grandmother’s homemade fudge brownie recipe was the start to my whole business”. Roiter describes her mother as a perfectionist who would test a recipe up to four times before putting it on a menu. “She’s a great cook, really the best ever’. While sighing, Roiter said she personally isn’t into cooking. “I think it’s because my mom spoiled me,” she said. “I really have an appreciation of how hard she worked and what she accomplished. To this day, my mom cooks for family and friends and still loves it”.

Roiter’s journey began in the corporate world at a bank, and she felt that the financial world was not suited for her. However, when her friend, Stephen Kramer got married, Roiter offered to give the couple a brownie bar as their wedding gift. And from that point on, people were begging for more brownies. 

Roiter reminisced by explaining, “My business started over 15 years ago out of my home. It was called Yummy Mummy Brownies. Based on my grandmother’s recipe, I baked and sold over 20 different varieties of brownies.” When Roiter started her business, her triplets were 2 years old, “I was a momtrepreneur!” she said giggling. 

Roiter sold her first few batches of brownies at farmer’s markets and online. “My business grew and grew until after 8 years, I could no longer do it out of my home. I had taken up too much of my house with ovens and extra refrigerators in the basement, freezers in the garage and the only things to eat were eggs, butter, sugar and chocolate” Roiter said while laughing. With limited kitchen space,  Roiter decided to open a retail bakery. At first, she had a small space for 3 ½  years which enabled her to “get started”. Now, the bakery has fifteen employees, and has relocated to a bigger space, at 50 East Main Street, right down the road from their former site.

Being the owner of this small business, Roiter quickly moves around taking calls, making coffee, boxing up goods, and directing her staff in the kitchen. “I put in about 70 hours per week at my business but I don’t consider this work. Yummy Mummy’s talented staff of thirteen employees consisting of bakers and cake decorators, help to produce not only decadent brownies (of course!),  but other American sweets like cookies, cupcakes, coconut bundt cake, bars, cake pops, etc.” According to the momtrepreneur, “brownies are the most popular as that’s what I’m already known for. However, I highly recommend the doughnut muffin, double chocolate pecan cookie, coconut cake and pb&j bar”. 

According to Roiter, “after sweets all day (shhh, don’t tell anyone), I like to make a big salad with fresh veggies, feta cheese, slivered almonds and topped with homemade lemon dressing”.

Owning a small business is difficult. Roiter explains that she has learned a lot of life lessons throughout her time of being an entrepreneur. Some of the most challenging lessons she has had to face are learning “to incorporate a business, getting my food permits, negotiating my leases”. However, she explains that she is learning as she goes. Some of the struggles she faces on a daily basis include “being a single mom and finding work/life balance, learning how to stand up for myself in business matters like my bakery build out, negotiating best prices on ingredients, managing an ever growing staff, being organized and (finally) being a fair yet effective boss” said Roiter.  

What makes Yummy Mummy Bakery different from others? According to Roiter, “Everything, and I mean everything, is made fresh and from scratch every morning”. There’s no cutting corners, “only real butter, eggs and chocolate are used”. Every recipe is tested multiple times until it is yummy. The baked goods are also traditional American treats: chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and popovers. There’s nothing too fancy - just real and just real good. “Just the smell of brownies baking in the oven is enough to make you swoon” said Roiter. 

Roiter said she is fortunate to have been surrounded by strong women who have supported her on her journey. As Yummy Mummy continues to expand, Roiter said she is busy scouting other channels of sales. The business currently caters events, ships corporate and personal mail orders nationwide, participates in farmers markets and wholesales many of its products.

“We recently started offering cake and cookie decorating classes,” added Roiter. “We try to have fun each and every day while making people’s lives sweeter.”

As expected, business at Yummy Mummy Bakery has been disrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic back in March. Bakery hours were condensed, and Yummy Mummy asked customers to pre-order at www.yummymummybakery.com to keep the baked goods comin’. Roiter even set up Saturday pop-ups for the safety and convenience of customers.   

The bakery used social media to its advantage as another way to publicize at-home events, such a cooking challenge they coined as “Chopped.” Roiter challenged customers to tackle a bag of mystery ingredients she put together and sold at the shop. “We threw our own Food Network ‘Chopped’-inspired party,” she said. Participants were asked to use the mystery ingredients to make something special at home and then post a photo on Facebook.

Roiter judged the challenge. “It was fun and well received,” she said about the more than 300 submitted photos.

When asked about her success, she responded with “Strong support, especially from the community, family and friends, has helped as we innovate during difficult times. Definitely being at the right place at the right time helps as well. It’s not all just about luck” chuckled Roiter.

Roiter has been appreciative of all the love she received during these past few, difficult months. “I’ve been blown away by online orders. I feel very fortunate, and I am very thankful.”

[consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis]

55 Healthy Gluten Free Dessert Recipes for the Holidays

New blog post! Now that Thanksgiving has passed, it's socially acceptable to fully embrace alll the holiday spirit...and all the holiday food. That's why I'm ringing in December with a round-up of 55 delicious and healthy gluten free dessert recipes for the holidays! These gluten free desserts certainly aren't "health food" but I scoured the blogosphere for gluten free desserts that have slightly healthier twists, like hidden veggies, mostly whole-food ingredients or lower amounts of sugar. Plus, this round-up includes plenty of keto, paleo, vegan, low carb, dairy free and egg free dessert options...so whatever your dietary needs or desires this holiday season, you can still find a yummy gluten free holiday recipe to celebrate with!

And if you do decide to leave out one of these 55 gluten free holiday desserts for Santa instead of your usual sugar cookies, I'm sure he wouldn't complain...

1. Pumpkin Spice Cream Danish (Keto, Refined Sugar Free) - Keen For Keto

This gluten free danish features mozzarella as one of its surprise ingredients, and is not only keto but also refined sugar free.

2. No-Bake Chocolate Covered Tahini Gingerbread Bars (Vegan, Refined Sugar Free Option) - Moon and Spoon and Yum

You won't believe how decadent nuts, dates and coconut flour can really be!

3. "Mr. Grinch" Berry Banana Bread (Vegan, Oil Free, Refined Sugar Free) - Casey the College Celiac

This super dense, thick and (dare I say) fudgy vegan banana bread is loaded with spinach (for a festive green color!), raspberries and classic Christmas spices like cinnamon and vanilla.

4. Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips (Vegan, Oil Free) - Nutriciously 

You'll be amazed how delicious gluten free oats, vegan chocolate, peanut butter and a lil' lemon juice can taste together.

5.  Dark Chocolate Hummus (Dairy Free) - Really Are You Serious

Chickpeas just got a sweet and chocolatey makeover.

6. Mock Apple Pie Filling (Keto) - Two Sleevers

It's hard to believe, but this gluten free apple pie recipe actually uses eggplant instead of apples. And according to the recipe's reviews, the swap is pretty dang convincing!

7. Healthy Almond Joy Bars (Vegan) - Crowded Kitchen 

Who needs store-bought candy when you can make your own gluten free and vegan chocolate instead?

8. Carrot Cake Raw Balls (Vegan, Refined Sugar Free) - Simply Healthy Vegan

Use gluten free oat flour and nuts to whip up these snack-sized versions of carrot cake.

9. Almond Thumbprint Cookies - Debra Klein 

Homemade cranberry chia jam take these gluten free Christmas cookies to the next level.

10. Pumpkin Pie with Nut-Free Crust (Paleo, Refined Sugar Free, Dairy Free, Grain Free) - Paleo Gluten Free Guy

You don't need any refined sugar or grains to make a gluten free pumpkin pie that everyone will enjoy.

11. Chocolate Mousse (Paleo) - Cook At Home Mom

This paleo dessert is as vibrant as it is delicious thanks to ingredients like sweet potato and pomegranate seeds.

12. Carrot Cake Cupcakes (Keto) - The Flying Couponer 

These keto cupcakes are moist, tender, and prove that adding some sneaky veggies into your Christmas desserts can create super tasty results. 

13. Healthy Apple Crisp - Hot Pan Kitchen

This gluten free apple crisp features almond meal in its crumble to boost the dessert's fiber and protein.

14. Lemon Mug Cake for One (Grain Free, Keto and Dairy Free Options) - The Helpful GF

This gluten free mug cake is not only sugar free, but it's also high in protein.

15. Secret-Ingredient Chocolate Avocado Truffles with a Kick (Keto, Paleo, & Vegan) - Whole New Mom

Looking for food Christmas gifts? These paleo truffles would make anyone smile.

16. Easy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies - Natural Deets

This gluten free cookie recipe is given a healthy twist with the addition of banana for some natural sweetening.

17. Dessert Salty Chocolate Pecan Bark (Low Carb, Keto) - Healthy with Jamie

This gluten free holiday dessert only requires three ingredients and you can mix and match different nuts and seeds to make this the bark of your dreams. ;)

18. Christmas Cheesecake (Low Carb) - The Gluten Free Option

This festively-colored cheesecake uses freshly ground almonds to make its cheesecake crus.

19. Sweet Potato Brownies (Vegan) - My Pure Plants

While these brownies certainly aren't superfoods, the sweet potato used in the gluten free brownies and frosting adds Vitamin A and antioxidants.

20. Pecan Pie Bars (Paleo, Egg Free, Refined Sugar Free) - Allergy Free Alaska

If you're craving pecan pie, but want a slightly higher option, these gluten free pecan pie bars should land high up on your to-do list.

21. Fruit Cake (Paleo) - A Sweet Alternative

This is one fruit cake that people will actually want to dig into! Instead of candied fruit, this gluten free dessert features raisins and dates, and also features paleo-friendly ingredients like coconut flour.

22. Chewy Pumpkin Popcorn Balls (Vegan, Refined Sugar Free Option) - Casey the College Celiac

These chewy pumpkin popcorn balls are easy to make and even easier to eat! Plus, they're made with healthy ingredients like banana, dates, coconut flour, popcorn and fall spices.

23. French Silk Pie (Keto, Vegetarian, Refined Sugar Free) - Low Carb Spark

An oreo-like pie crust that's also gluten free, keto and keto? Sold.

24. Easy Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (Paleo) - Cook, Eat Paleo

These cookies don't have any flour, refined sugar or butter, but they still hit the spot when you're craving a chocolate chip cookie.

25. Creme Brulee (Keto, Sugar Free) - Whole Lotta Yum

This keto dessert recipe only calls for five ingredients, and you'd never guess this treat is sugar free.

26. Quick Key Lime Pie Icebox Cake (Keto-Friendly, Low Carb) - Appetite For Energy

If you need a low carb dessert for the holidays and are on a time crunch, you'll love that you can whip up this icebox cake in just 30 minutes. 

27. Bhapa Doi (or Creamy Yogurt) in an Instant Pot or Oven - Indian Ambrosia

If you're craving cheesecake but want something a little less decadent, this Greek yogurt dessert with strawberry topping is a delicious alternative.

28. Cinnamon Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies (Vegan, Paleo) - Any Reason Vegan

You only need three ingredients for these gluten free cookies, and they'll be sure to win over sweet potato lovers.

29. Tahini Halva Cake (Keto, Vegan) - Mind, Body and Spirit Wellbeing 

If you've never tried tahini in a dessert, this gluten free cake recipe is your sign to change that ASAP.

30. 5 Minute Quick Blend Banana & Avocado Chocolate Mousse Pudding (Paleo) - Recipe This

When those late-night chocolate cravings hit, this quick gluten free dessert is the perfect secret weapon.

31. Chocolate Hazelnut Cake (Grain Free) - And Here We Are

This gluten free chocolate cake recipe is grain free, and it can easily be made sugar free depending on what sugar and chocolate you use.

32. No Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Truffles (Low Fat) - Fresh, Fit N Healthy

These no bake truffles are low in sugar, and high in protein, fiber and flavor.

33. Cinnamon & Raisin Almond Flour Cookies (Grain Free, Paleo, Refined Sugar Free) - Emma Eats and Explores

If you need a healthy gluten free Christmas cookie recipe, this one just might do the trick! I loooove cinnamon and raisins, so this sounds like a delicious treat to me.

34. Best Raspberry Lemon Tart (Dairy Free) - Welcome to the One Perfect

This gluten free pastry is actually made from two simple ingredients - nuts and dates - and the filling is equally simple and scrumptious.

35. No-Bake Molasses Cookies (Vegan, Paleo) - Evolving Table

If these paleo Christmas don't have you drooling, I don't know what will.

36. Pumpkin Brownies (Vegan, Refined Sugar Free, Oil Free, Nut Free Option) - Rhian's Recipes 

If you like fudgy brownies, you're sure to loooove these healthy brownies, which are higher in protein and fiber than your typical dessert.

37. Peppermint Bark (Vegan) - Pink Fortitude

This vegan bark dessert is easy to make and only calls for five simple ingredients.

38. Dye-Free Coconut Rainbow Cookies (Vegan, Refined Sugar Free) - Casey the College Celiac

If you want a Christmas dessert that can also double as a fun craft for kids, you'll love these gluten free cookies, which are dyed with superfoods like turmeric and spirulina!

39. Fudge (Vegan, Paleo) - Texanerin

This homemade fudge only requires six ingredients, is a bit higher in protein than the traditional version thanks to the addition of almond butter, is can easily be made paleo.

40. Apple Pie With Crumb Topping (Dairy Free, Vegan) - Healthy Taste of Life

With a pie crust made from oat flour, cassava flour, sorghum flour and flax seed flour, this ain't your mama's apple pie. But it is still very delicious.

41. Chocolate Crunch Bars (Vegan) - Served From Scratch

I personally love a lil' crunch with my chocolate, so this vegan chocolate recipe is my kind of holiday treat!

42. Instant Pot Arroz con Dulce, or Puerto Rican Rice Pudding (Dairy Free) - Beyond Mere Sustenance 

Who says rice can't be transformed into a festive and delicious dessert?

43. The Ultimate Flourless Chocolate Chilli Cookies (Vegan) - The Fiery Vegetarian 

This gluten free chocolate cookie recipe is full of surprising ingredients like chickpeas and balsamic vinegar, so if you want to shake up your usual holiday baking, this is a delicious place to start.

44. Sweet Potato Pudding (Vegan, Oil Free) - Delightful Adventures

Warm, fall-inspired spices and a few other simple ingredients take mashed sweet potato to the next level.

45. Healthy Black Bean Brownies (Sugar Free) - In The Kids Kitchen

You won't believe how black beans can transform into a soft, super chocolatey gluten free brownie.

46. Mini Purple Cheesecakes (Vegan, Raw) - Vegan Doll House

Add a pop of purple to your holiday parties by bringing these adorable purple cheesecakes. Plus, they feature mostly whole-food ingredients like almond flours and cashews.

47. Better Than Reese's Healthy Peanut Butter Cup (Vegan Option) - Radial Strength

This gluten free chocolate recipe only calls for four ingredients and you can whip them up in as little as 10 minutes! Chocolate and peanut butter heaaaaven.

48. Paleo "Sugar" Cookies (Grain Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free) - Titus 2 Homemaker

These aren't your mama's sugar cookies, but they're still a delicious alternative if you're on a gluten free or paleo diet during the holidays.

49. Delicata Squash Coconut Flour Brownies (Paleo, Refined Sugar Free) - Fearless Dining

If you keep the hidden veggie in this paleo brownie a secret, no one will be able to guess!

50. No Bake Protein Balls with Rosehips (Vegan) - Simply Beyond Herbs

These gluten free protein balls taste like dessert but are packed with protein, antioxidants and fiber.

51. Chaffles Recipe Five Ways (Keto) - Wholesome Yum 

Ever heard of chaffles? Apparently, they're a kind of keto waffle made mostly from egg and cheese...and you can even make sweet versions like cinnamon sugar and pumpkin. Mind. Blown!

52. Mini Cheesecakes with Raspberry Sauce (Keto, Low Carb) - Keto Cooking Christian 

Raspberries give this keto cheesecake a pop of color and make it perfect for the holidays.

53. Pistachio And Pomegranate Frozen Yogurt Bark (Low Carb) - Recipes From a Pantry

You only need four simple ingredients to turn frozen yogurt into a healthy but addictive frozen treat.

54. Spirulina Chocolate (Keto, Sugar Free) - Primal Edge Health

Chocolate that is also packed with hidden superfoods? What could be better?

55. Strawberry Coconut Crisp (Dairy Free) - Maple and Mango

This gluten free crisp recipe is vibrant and a bit healthier thanks to ingredients like strawberries, almond flour and chopped nuts.

Reminder: Some Places to Find Gluten Free, Celiac-Safe Nuts and Seeds

As you've probably noticed, a lot of these gluten free recipes feature nuts and seeds. Make sure yours are gluten free and non-cross-contaminated. (Same with any oats you use!) Some of my favorite brands to buy gluten free nuts and seeds from are Nuts.com and Anthony's Goods (I usually order the latter on Amazon). I'm also an ambassador for Foods Alive, which offer a variety of delicious seeds and nuts, from hemp seeds to walnuts. Some of my favorites are their organic sunflower seeds and organic pumpkin seeds.  

And just a hint, but celiac-safe baking ingredients are always my kind of gluten free Christmas gifts... ;) 

Happy Holidays!

Whatever holidays you're celebrating in the next month, I hope that it's full of good memories, fun times with friends and family and some delicious gluten free food. And if you need even more ideas for gluten free holiday recipes, check out my previous round-ups: 41 Gluten Free Party Food Recipes for the Holidays and 33 Gluten Free Christmas Cookie Recipes For the Holidays. Which of these gluten free desserts sound the most drool-worthy to you? Tell me in the comments! via Blogger https://ift.tt/37Yq2vA

[kensingtonbooks]

Christmas Family Traditions by Judy Duarte

The following is a guest post from SILVER BELLS co-author, Judy Duarte, on how her family’s Christmas traditions have changed over the years:

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, especially the night before, when all my aunts, uncles, and cousins would come over to celebrate.  It was a big deal in my family, especially for me and my dad.  It also provided me with many special memories.  I’ll always remember how my grandmother began preparing days in advance by making candied figs, fudge, and divinity.  And her homemade cinnamon rolls? They were to die for.

When my grandmother passed away, my dad took over as the Christmas Eve host.  Picture a short, jovial man wearing an automated Santa hat.  As the family grew, the annual parties grew bigger and merrier. They ended up taking on a life of their own, and things often got chaotic.  One year my six-year-old son opened an empty box and said, “Thanks for the air, Grandma.”  My husband opened his present and found a pair of sweat pants—size 3T.  Several weeks later, a representative from Macy’s called my mom at home to tell her she’d left several packages in the gift wrapping department.  Yes, things got a little wild at times, but Dad’s special eggnog recipe, which consisted of vanilla ice cream, rum, and nutmeg, put a smile on everyone’s face.

Unfortunately, my dad passed away five years ago.  My daughter and I have tried to keep the tradition alive, but it hasn’t been the same.  This year, my mother’s failing health has put a hold on our holiday planning. On top of that, four of my five children will be out of town with their spouses’ families, so plans for fun and a festive night are up in the air.

But chin up, right?  I can hold onto the memories and do what I can to make the day memorable.  I love shopping in a festive mall, with carols playing in the background, finding the perfect tree, and baking goodies.  While I can’t actually be with all of my grandkids this year, technology has blessed us with FaceTime, so I can still watch them laugh and squeal in delight when they unwrap my  gift. I can also enjoy a classic Christmas movie marathon on television, complete with a fire in the hearth.  We might feel Home Alone, but we’ll remember that It’s a Wonderful Life.

There’s another upside to a change in routine.  I’ll have a chance to do a few things I’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t because they were difficult to fit into my busy holiday schedule.  I’ll be able to attend a late church service on Christmas Eve. I can also volunteer my time at a shelter or retirement home, where I can share the day with people who might be all alone on a special day.   And who knows?  Maybe I’ll go see The Nutcracker.

If you were breaking away from your family traditions this year, what’s something you would want to do?

Preorder/order SILVER BELLS → http://bit.ly/2xRqqJg