Baked Doughnuts For Everyone!

I hope those photos got you interested!  What you see above are almond joy doughnuts... some of the BEST doughnuts ever from a cookbook called Baked Doughnuts for Everyone.  I borrowed it from the library awhile ago because Rem requested doughnuts for his birthday in December.  That's when I made my first recipe from the cookbook: maple glazed doughnuts.  They were DELICIOUS!  After that I went on a doughnut hiatus, but I woke up today with a strong urge to make doughnuts again, and almond joy doughnuts sounded too good to resist.  I thought the maple glazed ones were good but these were even better.  Soft, pillowy, coconutty doughnuts with a sweet chocolate glaze.... and can you believe ALL of the doughnuts in this cookbook are gluten-free?  Ashley, the author of Baked Doughnuts for Everyone, also writes an incredible blog filled with gluten-free recipes called The Edible Perspective.  Check out the blog The Edible Perspective  for more great gluten-free recipes or buy/borrow the book Baked Doughnuts for Everyone.

Now if we have another snow day from school this week, I may or may not try to bake my way through the rest of the book...

P.S.  Thank you, dad, for the doughnut pan you got me for Christmas!  It is certainly coming in handy!  

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Although cauliflower rice is often considered a great paleo substitute for rice, it is also just a delicious side dish in it's own right!  We love eating this version with taco meat or grilled chicken, guacamole, and salad.  

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

1-2 T coconut oil
1 large head (or 2 small heads) cauliflower
1 small red onion or 1/2 large red onion, minced
1/2 c fresh cilantro, chopped
juice of 1 lime

In a large skillet or dutch oven, heat the coconut oil on medium heat, then add the onion and saute until the onion begins to brown a bit.  Meanwhile, get out your food processor and use the grating attachment to "rice" the cauliflower.  It fills up the food processor pretty fast, so you'll need to do this in batches.  Once the onions are browned, add the riced cauliflower and cook 10-15 minutes or until soft.  Add lime juice, salt, pepper and cook 2 minutes more.  Then remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro.  Serve hot!

Apple Pie Bites

Very reminiscent of apple pie lara bars, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and satisfy any sweet craving!

Apple Pie Bites

1/2 c walnuts
1/2 c almonds
1/2 c cashews
10-12 medjool dates (the big, soft, chewy kind that still have the pits- but take the pits out!)
3/4 c dried apple slices
1 T cinnamon
1 T apple butter or applesauce

Process nuts in food processor until coarsely ground.  Add remaining ingredients and process until the mixture comes together and the nuts are finely ground.  (The mixture shouldn't be too wet or dry, but easy to roll into balls).  Roll mixture into balls (I made mine into balls that were about 1 1/2 inches in diameter) or press into a pan to make bars.  Store in the refrigerator or freezer.  You can eat these straight from the freezer, as they don't completely harden.  Enjoy!