Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Hot Cross Buns


2 1/2 c.gluten-free flour
1 3/4 tsp. xanthan gum (omit if your blend already contains it)
1/2 c. sugar
3 tsp. instant yeast
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. allspice
3/4 tsp. salt
1 c. cranberries
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. vinegar
3/4 c. warm water
2 eggs
1/2 c. butter, melted and cooled

1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons water

In the bowl of a stand mixer, place the flour, xanthan gum, granulated sugar, yeast, cream of tartar, cinnamon, allspice and salt, and whisk to combine well. Add cranberries and toss.

Add the vanilla, vinegar, water, eggs and butter, and mix until dough forms a large ball. Divide the dough into 12 pieces and roll each piece of dough into a tight ball. Place the buns about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. 

Place in a warm and humid, draft-free environment to rise until about 140% of their original size. They will rise more during an “oven spring.” 

Bake at 350 degrees until the buns are golden brown and firm to the touch, 25 to 35 minutes. Allow the buns to cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the buns are cooling, make the icing for the cross. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup confectioner’s sugar with 2 teaspoons water. Mix to combine well. Once the rolls have cooled completely, use the icing to make a "cross" on the top of each bun.

Adapted from: http://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/hot-cross-buns-revisited/

These are soooo good and surprisingly easy!

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars


1 3/4 sticks salted butter, cut into pieces
1 1/2 c. gluten-free flour
1 1/2 c. oats
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
One 10 to 12-ounce jar strawberry preserves (or any flavor)

Mix together the butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Press half the oat mixture into a 9x13" baking dish sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper. Spread with the strawberry preserves. Sprinkle the other half of the oat mixture over the top and pat lightly. Bake until light brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely, and then cut into squares.

From: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/strawberry-oatmeal-bars-recipe.html

Easy and delicious!