I have been doing a lot of experimenting lately, trying to recreate my favorite dessert recipes, in a brand new way (sans gluten). And I’m not just talking about recreating a few favorites either. I have a LOT of recipes, since the bulk of my 20 plus years as a chef has spent doing pastry and baking, and 6 of my cookbooks are completely devoted to scrumptious desserts. But just because I can’t eat gluten anymore, doesn’t mean that I am willing to give up on delicious desserts. Oh no!
When I first realized that I wouldn’t be able to eat gluten anymore, I shed a few tears. Well, it might have been more of a pity party. I felt like the rug was being pulled out from under me. How could I not bake and eat everything that I loved? And everything that I loved suddenly seemed to be full of that evil, mean stuff, that was causing my stomach such horrible distress.
I honestly think that I knew it was coming. Call it a premonition, or a gut feeling (literally). Maybe it was the subtle warning signs at the time that I was conveniently ignoring. I started thinking that with so many people avoiding gluten, maybe I should become better versed in gluten-free baking, and share recipes that everyone can enjoy.
It was when I dove into the kitchen to bake GF, that I realized that it isn’t cut and dry. I’ve had some amazing successes (like my cupcakes, macaroons and chocolate cups), and a few awful flops (like the pina colada cake that was seriously akin to a rubber tire). As frustration set in, I decided that I needed to be patient. I needed to push my sleeves up and experiment. I needed to have fun. Sometimes the recipes will work, and sometimes they won’t. So I not only made peace with being gluten-free, but I have lit a candle to the gluten-free baking gods, and am having a lot of fun time learning to do something that I love, in a whole new way.
And, since I know you’re wondering, the cake above is something that I baked a few weeks ago, to celebrate my son’s 19th birthday, as well as his going off to college. Yay! It was a pumpkin spice bundt cake with a chai glaze, and it was delicious! But, I am still tweaking the recipe, so it’s not quite ready to share. Oh, and did I tell you that I am crazy for Bundt cakes? I am obsessed because I think they are the coolest things ever!
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Sheree October 3, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Drool, drool, drool! I use your dessert recipes all the time. Now that Jr and Brandie are GF I am always looking for recipes that they can enjoy! I am with you on Bundt cakes. They are awesome. so much more fun then a simple 9 x 13. lol… hugs!
Julie Hasson October 3, 2012 at 7:07 pm
Thanks Sheree. We should start a Bundt cake fan club! Hopefully I’ll have more GF dessert recipes to share soon. I just ordered a new flour blend that I’m excited about, so we’ll see how it goes.
Jen October 3, 2012 at 1:05 pm
You are such a tease!!
Julie Hasson October 3, 2012 at 7:07 pm
I know Jen! I do need to tinker with the recipe still though. I hope you feel better soon too.
Brandie October 3, 2012 at 1:27 pm
You have a son who’s NINETEEN!? You can’t possibly. You’re only like 30. 35 tops. Love the bundt cake – I LOVE chai… yum yum yum.
Julie Hasson October 3, 2012 at 7:09 pm
Ha, thanks Brandie! You just made my day. I started young, but I’m a just a wee bit past 35; )
ameyfm October 3, 2012 at 3:26 pm
bundt cakes are totally awesome. I have a really beautiful bundt pan too! I’m so glad that you are experimenting with xgfx baking – I have great faith that you will provide us with many amazing recipes! I’m not GF, but I have friends and family members and yoga students who are – so I do a fair amount of gf baking.
Julie Hasson October 3, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Yay, let’s really start a Bundt cake fan club! Which pan do you have? I have a traditional one, and then a more decorative one. Oh, and some mini pans too; )
That’s so cool that you bake GF for your GF friends Amey. I wish you lived closer to Portland! Kittee and I would have so much fun baking and eating with you.
Katrina October 3, 2012 at 6:54 pm
Pumpkin? Chai? I think you need to move to our neighborhood, sweetie. We shall be great friends.
Julie Hasson October 3, 2012 at 7:14 pm
I love it Katrina! How far are you from Portland?
Katrina October 4, 2012 at 6:34 pm
A little more than a hop, skip, and a jump. Boston.
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family October 5, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Oh a chai glaze? What a delicious combo!