Thursday, April 28, 2011

Millionaire Shortbread Custard Tartlettes... Inspired by the Royal Wedding! But made for my One in a Million Honor Roll Student.




These mini tarts were inspired by a trip to Food52.com last night... while perusing the (very tempting) link to 18 recipes for toasting the very shortly upcoming ROYAL WEDDING...


I used my version of coconut flour shortbread for the crusts/shells. I hadn't made it since November, so I'd forgotten how skimpy the amount was (I'd taken to doubling it, apparently!) But lucky me, it JUST made four shells! Perfect.


Chocolate custard pudding with a few bump ups, like vanilla... vanilla rice milk powder... a few scant Colombian coffee granules...


And my first, well, first SOMEWHAT SUCCESSFUL, caramel sauce. And (mostly) sugar free to boot! I used coconut milk, palm shortening, a mixture of half Splenda and erythritol, with just 1/4 tsp each maple flavored agave and molasses.


After my efforts toward sugarless peeps last weekend, I suspect the erythritol may have actually been able to caramelize a bit on its own, (? ) without darker sweet stuffs helping it along, but I was in a big rush with no time to risk it! It looked FAB, and was cooling nicely, but as I mentioned I was in a BIG rush-- Which turned into mild panic; apparently in my attempt to cool it too quickly, I shocked the mixture, which caused the oil to separate. THANK GOOGLE for this site http://candy.about.com/od/carameltoffee/f/separate_faq.htm which, while it did not reassure me in specific, gave me hope. I added a splash of water, put it back on the heat on HIGH, added 2 tablespoons more Splenda, stirring vigorously, WILLING it to come back together. I'm happy to say, my efforts were rewarded!






As it turned out, at first blush, the result was darker than I'd like. And I even forgot to add the vanilla!



After pouring onto the chocolate custard, and allowing it to further cool and set, it looks a little paler, happily. :D


And my darling son, did he feel duly honored for his scholastic efforts and achievements? Well, I hope so. I know he loved the tarts, anyway!


Gluten Free, Carb Conscious, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Vegan.


But Fully Delectible!





Cheerio & Good Show!


(Mmmmm....)


Congratulations to the Adorable Royal Couple!

Huzzah!




Saturday, April 23, 2011

Happy Easter & Happy Kitchen!

Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Happy Kitchen!














Toasted Coconut Chocolate Orange Nests. Gluten free, Dairy Free, Soy Free. NOT Sugar Free ! ;)














Homemade Chocolate Bunnies & Eggs, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, Corn Free. Also, not sugar free.




I will be attempting Sugar Free Chocolate, and Sugar Free Peeps later today... Wish me luck!




I hope everyone's culinary delights, whether homemade or happened upon, give sweet pause to this lovely gentlest of seasons...









:D