It’s a tradition in my house to eat apple crisp for breakfast on Christmas morning. We used the same recipe for many years but when my mother discovered that she had a gluten intolerance we of course had to switch it up a bit. After searching on the internet for recipes I remained unsatisfied with everything I found. I instead decided to make my own using a few as templates as well as the recipe we always used. In our recipe we use a technique where we add cornstarch and water to the apples. I could not find this technique with any recipe but I like it as it gives more substance to the fruit than traditional recipes.

I was worried that this would not be sweet enough but it came out perfect. I love this recipe because it’s healthy enough to eat for breakfast yet indulgent enough for Christmas. We usually assemble this the night before and then just pop it in the oven in the morning.



Gluten Free Apple Crisp

3-4 large apples (like granny smith)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup agave nectar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup warm water

3/4 cup gluten free oats
1/4 cup rice flour
1 tbsp ground flax seed
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and get out an 8 by 8 inch pan
Chop up the apples into coarse bite sized pieces (you can leave the peels on its easier, healthier, and more delicious). Put into the pan and toss with vanilla extract, lemon juice, cinnamon, agave nectar, and cornstarch. Then add the warm water. Spread evenly.




Before going into the oven


In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the oats, rice flour, ground flax seed, brown sugar, maple syrup, and spices. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender, two knives, or even you hands until the mixture is crumbly and the largest pieces of butter are the size of peas. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples.

Bake for about an hour, or until the apples are cooked and liquid is seeping in through the topping.



After, mmm... look at that delicious apple juice. It looks like caramel!


Serve with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to make it extra special!

Stollen has always been a part of my Christmas. My German dad buys it every year from the store. I can't remember a year that I haven't eaten a bit of Stollen. Sometimes filled with marzipan or rum flavored. I've been looking for a reason to make it myself and what better reason than my first Daring Bakers challenge? Plus its a great way to practice my German. Fröhliche Weihnachten!




Stollen is a sweet bread, much like fruit cake but denser and I think usually not as sweet. Traditionally Stollen is filled with a role of marzipan to symbolize the baby Jesus wrapped in cloth. I chose not to fill my Stollen with marzipan. If you would like to, its easy to make or you can buy marzipan.

"And a piece of Stollen in a Christmas tree"

My mom's birthday comes the day before the first day of winter. As I've mentioned before, she has a gluten allergy. Of course no birthday is complete without cake so I make her a special gluten free dessert.



The base is fluffy, the cream cheese on top is smooth and dreamy like cheesecake, and the strusel gives it all a nice sweet crunch.

Sorry for the long hiatus. I wish I could say that I was doing something exciting but I spent most of my time studying :( and then imaging all the yummy things I was going to make over winter break. I can't wait!
And now for the long awaited oatmeal recipe!


Mmmm...chocolate, banana, and peanut butter. These are possibly the best foods in existence! I'm not sure about you guys but I need to eat peanut butter and chocolate every day. What's not to love about this great combination?
If you thought that putting juice in oatmeal was a great idea just wait until you try hot cocoa mix powder!
This recipe is sweet and smooth like pudding. You can add more or less peanut butter and hot cocoa to your own taste preferences.




Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pudding Oatmeal

1/3 cup quick oats
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 banana
1 tbsp hot cocoa mix powder (or to taste)
1 tbsp peanut butter (or to taste)

Combine oats, water, and milk in a saucepan over medium high heat.
Thinly slice banana and add to the mix.
Allow mixture to cook until it starts to bubble and then stir the banana in.
Lower heat and cook, stirring frequently until all liquid is absorbed
Top with more banana and peanut butter if desired