Easter Treats and Bakes GF & SCD

Since it's Good Friday today and surprisingly a beautifully warm and sunny day in West Yorkshire, I thought I would share a few recipes from my archives in case you're still planning your holiday meals and treats.

Free From & Vegan Easter Eggs at Sainsbury's

Sainsbury's have a wonderful range of reasonably priced "free from" chocolate eggs to choose from! There are several brands of chocolate that are certified gluten free but finding tasty chocolate Easter eggs which are gluten free AND dairy free can be quite a challenge especially if you're searching for children who don't always want to be presented with a rich, dark chocolate egg - though that would make me very happy!

Grain Free Hot Cross Carrot Muffins GF SCD

This morning I had a brainwave, why not use strips of courgette (zucchini to most of you) to make a cross on the top of muffins? I was going to make carrot cake this Easter for the family but instead I decided to make Hot Cross Carrot Muffins instead using the spices of a Hot Cross Bun. I'm so pleased I decided to make them because they taste wonderful!!

Allspice - Grain Free Hot Cross Buns GF SCD

Used by the Mayan Indians to embalm their dead and by the Aztecs in their chocolate drinks, Allspice (Pimento dioica) was reportedly discovered by Christopher Columbus in the late 15th Century, when he was searching for new sources of pepper. Its botanical name is derived from the words pimenta (Portuguese) and pimienta (Spanish), which mean pepper, due to its similarity in appearance to peppercorns. Allspice was so named because of its powerful aroma and flavour, which resembles cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon but with some peppery heat.

Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Cake GF

This is one of the best gluten free, vegan chocolate cakes I have ever eaten. It's a family favourite which is made for all birthdays and special occasions and on this occasion, Easter Sunday. OK, the decorations aren't vegan but you can decorate with any eggs you like, the cake itself is delicious.