Lilac & Pineapple Jelly Processing & Small Shop Update!

                               

Bonjour!

 Yup, it is definitely a house full of lilac smell. We have been in serious work mode. Pooped but sincerely grateful and satisfied!            

As you can see above, there is finally some movement happening with regards to Lilac & Pineapple jelly making! I was a bit concerned at first because lilacs were latethis year and with working, plus a tail-bone injury, I thought this best seller might be shelved for this year. Never been so happy to be wrong!

                         

The pics do not do it all justice but you can get a feel for it. It has been a long 2 weeks, there has been so much to do. 

It is such slow, painstaking work because every delicate bunch of flowers, must slowly be removed. and that means one little flower at a time is picked off, which made up the larger cluster. I feel that it makes a huge difference to the final jam or jelly product though.

                             

 

As you can see we managed to score loads of lilacs out in Hemmingford, Quebec. There was the mother load of lilac bushes in this place we dubbed, "Lilac lane". They were big, beautifully coloured, healthy, and full, fragrant bushes. Some were so tall, we could not reach the tops.

                                         

                                 

In the end we had over a hundred cups of processed lilacs that allowed me to make a full dozen,large ziploc bags of lilac steeping liquid. That is way more than my paltry 4 bags of last year- happy dance moment for me, as it will allow me to make loads more jam and jelly!

                               

Now that I finally have my desperately needed new freezer, (thanks Poppa Bear for the awesome sauce birthday gift!) I actually had a place to put all of these baggies. We got such a great deal on it, we had gone in for a much smaller model that was 45% off but there was a problem with delivery, so, for $25 more we got a freezer 2 sizes up, that should have been an additional $200+. Score!!!

This freezer came just in time, there was loads of packaged lilac juice in need of a place to hibernate, until ready for use. 

As you can see, I had to sit them up, I protected them by doing the initial freeze in a box; when they were set, I was able to remove them and lay them on top of one another.

                                         

So, next steps are to start the long process of canning and then the fun part of adding labels, decorative covers, and making them pretty. 

                                       

We are also making a run out to Dunham very soon, as they have some wonderful berries and honey on hold for me. I cannot get enough of this delectable, healing, not pasteurized, organic honey!

                             

I can start making some more products and finally re-open the Etsy shop, Yipeeeeee!!!!! I have had people asking me about when it will be opened again, and where can they buy what they have had before, or tasted, but the BCGF line is really seasonal. I have to wait and work with what is available, and I am a very small start-up still. This means better taste and quality, but also that small batches come and go quickly. Please bear with me. This year, I am aiming to increase my stores for better availability.

                                    

If you want to read a blog post all about Paradis Des Fruits out in Dunham, and how you can go berry picking with you and the fam this summer, click the link that follows. 

I highly recommend it as an outing because it is gorgeous, the produce is local, tastes amazing, and it is an enviro farm with the most amazing bunch of people, who will welcome you very warmly. You will definitely be making memories and you can taste what they have to offer before you pick or buy.

http://bienconfitglutenfree.blogspot.ca/2016/09/paradis-des-fruits-local-produce.html

                           

This is the work in my near future!

Will write more on those adventure's very soon and will keep all posted as to shop status, giveaway (see pic below for a sneak peek!) finally coming soon, and any places BCGF will be seen and heard in the near future!

                                 

Keep checking in, thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to subscribe!

Take care, be well, love freely.

Paleo Bone Broth aka Stock

Bonjour world,

It is gut healing time! That means bone broth.
This recipe is a basic brown stock that is one of the first recipes you learn in culinary school. What makes it Paleo are the quality of the ingredients along with the addition of a special ingredient to make it more gelatinous. But first, information on the wonders of Bone broth & all it's fantastic health benefits! I got this information from Dr. Josh Axe's site because he is knowledgeable, a trained professional, and specializes in the issues I suffer from. His focus on thyroid, metabolism, autoimmune, weight management, healthy & natural alternatives, make him a great source of info. By the way, I have not been paid to say this. 



Straight from: 
http://draxe.com/the-healing-power-of-bone-broth-for-digestion-arthritis-and-cellulite/

All bone broths beef, chicken, fish, lamb and more are staples in the traditional diets of every culture and the basis of all fine cuisine. That’s because bone broths are nutrient-dense, easy to digest, rich in flavor and–they boost healing.

Bone broth or stock was a way our ancestors made use of every part of an animal. Bones and marrow, skin and feet, tendons and ligaments that you can’t eat directly, can be boiled then simmered over a period of days. This simmering causes the bones and ligaments to release healing compounds like collagen, proline, glycine, and glutamine that have the power to transform your health.

Nutrition researchers Sally Fallon and Kaayla Daniel of the Weston A. Price Foundation explain that bone broths contain minerals in forms that your body can easily absorb: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and others. They contain chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine, the compounds sold as pricey supplements to reduce inflammation, arthritis and joint pain.

A study of chicken soup (broth) conducted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center wondered what it was in the soup that made it so beneficial for colds and flu. They found that the amino acids that were produced when making chicken stock reduced inflammation in the respiratory system and improved digestion. Also, research is proving it can also boost the immune system and heal disorders like allergies, asthma, and arthritis.

Sally Fallon explains that most store bought “stock and “broth” today aren’t “REAL”. Instead, they use lab-produced meat flavors in bouillon cubes, soup and sauce mixes. Also, manufacturers began using monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is recognized as a meat flavor but in reality is a neurotoxin.

Thank you Dr. Axe! There's loads more info should you need it, on his site. 

Now we get down to the recipe! 
If you want real bone broth you have to make it yourself at home. Here is my recipe which is from culinary school with slight modifications. 


(There is nothing fancy in the chopping method as you will be straining this stock once cooking is complete. Try to use organic ingredients wherever you are able to.)The preparation is called Mise-en-Place, in professional terms and the vegetable mix is called a Mire-poix.

INGREDIENTS:
-5-6 good quality, hormone free, grass fed (if possible), large beef bones*
-2 medium onions large chop
-3 carrots peeled & chopped
-2 celery stalks, peeled, chopped
-1 bunch parsley
-4 Bay leaves
-2 cloves garlic
-salt & paper to taste
-1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 
-3 Tbsp olive oil 

METHOD:
preheat oven to 375 degrees F

Lay your bones out on a parchment lined tray & roast in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. 



Use a large stockpot, add 3 tbsp olive oil & heat. 
Sauté the onions until translucent then add celery and carrots, cook for 2 minutes while stirring occasionally. When vegetables are ready stack bones in carefully, add the rest of the ingredients, minus the vinegar, then add water to cover. 




Lastly, add vinegar, stir & bring to just the beginning of a boil. Quickly reduce temperature to a very low simmer. Do not cover! 


(I start this recipe very early in the morning.) Allow to cook for 24 hours, every 2-3 hours add 1-2 cups water. Before you go to bed add 2 cups water. During the night, I wake up once to check it & add a bit more water. 
When you wake, be careful to strain the stock using an equally big stock pot to catch the liquid you waited so long for. 
DO NOT SKIP THE FOLLOWING STEP, YOU COULD END UP WITH FOOD POISONING, AS HOT STOCK CAN TAKE UP TO 7 HOURS TO COOL IN THE FRIDGE! 
Place the pot in a bain-marie (cold water bath) in your clean sink, with water that has ice cubes that surround the stock pot-not in the broth! You will need to add ice 2-3 times before it will bring the temperature down enough for you to be able to transfer it to smaller containers. Stir to evenly cool the broth. (If you want to reduce some of the broth for a more intense & robust flavour for a particular recipe, scroll down the page as I have included instructions.)
At this point I usually freeze a lot in ice cube trays, then keep a bit of it for imbibing during the week, I keep the beef tallow for cooking along with reducing some of the broth for recipes. Sometimes I refrigerate the broth to get it all cold & gelatinous before dividing it into containers. 







To reduce bone broth, simply take 4 cups broth, place it in a pot & simmer on a low heat until half the liquid is reduced. 

*you can use chicken bones in place of beef bones. I use at least 2 chicken (whole carcasses) that I roast and 1 carcass that is not roasted, to give a lot of flavour & depth to my broth. The other ingredients/instructions remain the same. 



Remember to be patient and treat your stock with love! Let me know how this recipe works out for you or just leave a comment below.

Take care, be well, love freely...

Seville Orange Marmalade is Calling

                         


Good morning sweetie's!

It is now mid-February and thoughts have turned to Seville oranges and marmalade.
It is depressingly cold, snow laden (40-50 cm in the last few days!) and we all are experiencing the winter blah's.
I need some zing in my life, as such, I am on a quest to find these bitter babes, in my neck of the woods. The above picture of the beauteous orange orbs is courtesy of:

http://www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/food/seasonal-food-calendar/buying-and-using-seville-oranges

Here's some of the info. I have gleaned from the site with regard to these elusive fruit.

Gone almost as soon as they arrive, the Seville orange season runs from the end of December through to mid February. Luckily these knobbly-skinned, bitter marvels can be enjoyed year-round as they freeze well whole, so when you see them, stock up.

Sevilles are generally unwaxed, so don’t let them hang around in the fruit bowl for more than a week as they lose their moisture content quickly and become tough, mean and unusable.

When buying, look for fruit with plump, firm skin to ensure the oranges are not ruining already.

Although most often used to make marmalade, a little Seville rind adds zing to meat dishes and a squeeze of the juice gives sophistication to a gin and tonic.


              

As it turns out our season here is Canada is a bit longer than the U.K, seeing as most of our Seville oranges are imported from Spain, and can take a bit longer to arrive.
I have been hunting down possible purchase locations in and around Montréal-thank you Chow Hounders, your posts have been invaluable.
This wonderful looking marmalade picture (above), comes from another blog that I stumbled across, while on a Seville orange marmalade recipe quest.You can check Kevin Lynch's blog for the above right here:
http://www.closetcooking.com/2011/02/marmalade.html 

I got the idea to try this out, as men were asking for orange marmalade at the markets, fairs, and even in passing conversation when I mentioned that I make jams and the like. I sadly had to say no, but it got me thinking. I really do adore a good marmalade, my Nanou-God rest her soul, used to have it almost every morning with her toast and tea.
I can still clearly remember the way she would carefully, patiently, and lovingly spread her favourite marmalade. It was a ritual of sorts, I was always in a rush and was mesmerized by her languid and purposeful movements, I picked up the jar and remember seeing Seville Orange Marmalade Thick Cut. I found this to be perplexing as I had only ever seen regular marmalade jam at my home on the rare occasion, and I do mean rare, and this Seville Thick Cut thing was very new to me. I began to pepper her with questions, to which she replied, "Try some Krissy, it's really good. Some people prefer regular cut but I like the thick cut oranges, it gives a stronger flavour and more bite. They also have a regular marmalade like your mom buys, and ginger marmalade; you can even get lemon marmalade but personally I always buy Seville orange marmalade."
Lemon marmalade? I was mind-blown, mind you, being a youngin' discovering new things is always pretty cool, and that my Nanou was schooling me was even cooler.
I decided to partake in jam and tea with her and have been a Seville orange marmalade convert ever since. She liked Shirriff brand, Robertson's brand on occasion-which my mother prefers but is more bitter, and I have fallen for St.Dalfour brand, sweetened with juice.
Here's my Nanou and I on Christmas morning, many, many years ago:

Good ole'19-take-it-easy. Heh,heh.
Yeah, I had a Skedoodle, Lego set, and a View Master set, that was a pretty awesome Christmas!

   So, here I am many years later and I can honestly say, that I have no idea why it never occurred to me to make marmalade. I suppose it was because it was always in the fridge, often passed over for my mixed berries, raspberry, or cherry with plum and blueberry spread. It was obvious that someone bought it at some point, and we never ran out, or had a need to make it.
I know, I know, that sounds really silly in a way but when it's there you take it for granted, when it's gone you miss it.
Kind of like when your grandparent goes back to heaven.
I miss her laugh the most, she always had a great sense of humour and even as her health diminished in her later years, she still loved a good laugh.
So, in honour of my beloved Nanou, I am hunting and rooting for some precious Seville Oranges.
                           
(Photo courtesy of: http://sevilleoranges.com/)

Right now, it seems there are about 4 locations to check out, we will be doing this today and over the weekend. Because of the short shelf-life, it looks like I will be very busy canning, quite shortly.
I came across a recipe for some Seville orange marmalade in this charming book I got on discount at the bookstore. It's called The Gentle Art of Preserving by Katie & Giancarlo Caldesi
                   

It is not an exaggeration when I say it has charmed me, there are some truly fabulous recipes and flavour combinations, along with cute family moments, that make this a wonderful addition to any homesteaders/canning enthusiast's library.

I managed to score it for $10 and am very happy with it. You should check it out!

So that's all for now, wish me luck finding some Seville oranges and when I succeed, I will let you know more and do a post on this sweet, citrus, memory lane, of an adventure!
                       
(picture courtesy of The Spruce:)
https://www.thespruce.com/difference-between-jelly-jam-and-marmalade-435612

Take care, be well, love freely...

Valentine's GF Vegan Smoothies: Creamy Spiced Banana N' Oat and Creamy Mango N' Oat

                

Hello Lovelies!

Today we are celebrating Valentine's Day, with Smoothies that say I looooooooove you AND I want you to stay healthy so you can be around for a looooong time. 

Romantic and caring in one sip of yumminess. I say, DO IT!!!!!!!!

I know you saw Oats in the title and may have gone, whoa la! 

Fear not, for I used gluten-free oats and was quite happy. I will say that some people have a reaction to the proteins in oats even when they are GF, I personally indulge very rarely as I do not want to set any itchy rashes off, which oats that were not GF have done to me in the past. I have no problem with Mum's GF Oats and  I can tell when I am a bit more sensitive, digestion-wise on a given day. That's when I omit them and use Maca powder or I cook the oats and use those instead. Explore and do what works best.

                          

Creamy Spiced Banana N' Oat Smoothie

Ingredients:

1/2 Ripe Organic Banana

2 Tbsp GF Mum's Quick Cooking Oat Flakes or use 1 Tbsp Maca Powder

1 Tbsp Unsweetened Almond Butter

1 Scoop Vanilla Protein of choice

1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Pie Spice mix

1 Tbsp Grade B Maple Syrup

1 Cup Unsweetened Almond milk 

Method:

-Place all in blender and blend for 30 seconds until smooth, add a bit of extra almond milk if too thick and serve immediately over ice.

                        

I know there are some of you who need an alternative to bananas as not everyone can eat them, mangoes say love to me, so I am using them in this slight variation. 

                       

Creamy Mango N' Oat Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 Cup Mango chunks

1 Cup Unsweetened Almond milk

1 Tbsp Organic cold-pressed Coconut oil

1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1Tbsp Unsweetened Almond butter

2 Tbsp Mum's GF Quick Cooking Oat Flakes or 1 Tbsp Maca Powder

1 Scoop Vanilla protein of choice

Method:

-All ingredients in blender, whizz for 30 seconds, serve immediately over ice.

                        

Delicious and filling vegan bliss. Sigh...

Enjoy & spread the healthy love this Valentine's morning for you and your cutie patootie!

Guy Help for Girlie Valentine's (NMBP) and DIY Box of Love

        

Bonjour monde!

This is part 2 of the Valentine's DIY Box of Love Gift, and is it girlie! I wanted this post to be a no-brainer for you poor gentlemen who feel like you are drowning in a vat of peanut butter on the 14th. 

Today, we give you the mighty mani/make-up suggestion box, among other things. See for yourself:

             

Help!!!! That's what I hear men screeching when it comes to dreaded V-day. I have simplified an overly trashy, overly expensive, overly commercial, and confusing holiday gift ideas, for you non-romantic, but she will strangle me if I don't make an effort, and I do love her so please assist me, gift box. You must purchase a box at the Dollar Max or Dollar tree, but first buy the items you want to put into it, that way the stuff will fit into this box-I know, you would have gotten that wrong. Shhhh, it's our little secret. So, when you have a girlie girl ,you need to speak the lingo and that's actually easier than you think. remember this: 

NMBP

N=Nails     M=Make-up   B=Bodycare   P=Perfume/Plushies

Nails: A gift box full of colours that your girl likes and are trendy, will be a huge hit if she's into that stuff. Essie is a very popular brand and is now sold in all kinds of stores, pharmacies, and places like Sephora. Feel overwhelmed, ask the lady who works there to pick out the season's latest colours and here's the link so you can find out more on your own. 

http://www.essie.com/

They range from $9.99-$12 a pop. I recommend adding some fun sparkly colours from other companies that are a bit less expensive, so she can have a few colours and add a base coat that is clear-why? Base coats protect the nail and btw, gel nail colours are all the rage right now. They just stay on longer and are more vibrant, I am not into it that much but you may hear your lady talking about it as your eyes glazed (pardon the pun) over in absolute boredom. Back to other brands of nail colour. Sometimes they go on sale for less than $3, just make sure you know her favourite colours. Look through her wardrobe, ask her friend, or check what polishes she has, you may even overhear her squealing as she looks at her Pinterest board. Feign interest and write it down, tuck it away in your wallet and you are good to go-just don't be obvious. If it's all too much or not enough, throw a mani/pedi gift certificate from her favourite place (ask a friend of hers) and then add a card, chocolate or candy and watch the kisses fly your way.

You can also get these awesome nail decals aka nail wraps from Jamberry, that are easier on the nails, are full of fun designs and very au courant, from this place on-line and they have Valentine special designs along with gift cards, if it's all too much. Here:

https://www.jamberry.com/us/en/

https://www.jamberry.com/us/en/shop/shop/for/nail-wraps?collection=collection%3A%2F%2F1120#.VrAAyOYrmwI

https://www.jamberry.com/us/en/shop/shop/for/giftcards#.VrABG-YrmwI

Perfume= A scent she loves, has been bugging you for, talks to her girls about, or is running low on. 

YOU MUST find out through stealth mode tactics because perfume is highly personal. What does that even mean? Well, you may like a scent but she may hate it and that's because when a person likes a scent, it usually indicates that the perfume will smell good on them. When they do not like a scent, it usually means that it will stink to high yuckie Mc Yuckerson's on them or they may be allergic, it's a chemical thing and our bodies instinctively know.

                 

And now we move forward to Make-up:

Lip balms, lip gloss, false lashes and glue, Mascara, Lip pencils, Eye pencils, and colour whispers are great if you have no clue what she likes to wear. Again, do some recon, and try to take pics to bring with you of what she already has. This way when you go to the pharmacy or Sephora (which you can buy on-line if you can not stand shopping), you can show the lady who works there and she will guide you to the right stuff, usually (Be clear out the gate with her about your budget). 

Have fun and think about what you find she looks sexy in, throw some choices with chocolate and a card or note then you are good to go! 

                          

Bodycare: Body scrubs are awesome, I have a recipe that I make but I highly recommend you go to Lush or seek them out on Etsy. Get stuff she likes and you can even throw in massage lotion bars or sexy body butter. 

For Lush products, and they already have Valentine box sets, here is a link. If you go to a store be prepared to be overwhelmed by smells of scented everything!!!!!!
http://www.lush.ca/

              

Another fun item I have discovered at the pharmacy are lipsies, they have a slight wash of colour and smell yum-scrum. Throw in some lipstick that is a trendy new colour with some awesome sparkle face powder and you will be receiving happy smiles. Keep your receipts in case she needs to return or exchange, sometimes a girl may buy what you bought, before hand unknowingly.

                

My last suggestion is a Plushie: Try to get something different than the usual bear, unless she adores those. I am an Eeyore fan, but you can get a Kawaii Hello Kitty, or a giant Soot Sprite or Lobster-if she's your lobster and that's your thing. Here are some links to help you out, gift cards are also very acceptable so do not panic, and remember to add your card or note with actual writing from you and something nice. See previous post if you are needing help in the writing department, I linked fonts in that one too.

http://www.sephora.com/?country_switch=ca&lang=en

https://www.etsy.com/ca/search?q=body%20scrubs

https://www.etsy.com/search?q=body%20butter

https://www.etsy.com/search?q=pokemon%20plushie&ref=auto2

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/116379403/big-soot-sprite-pillow?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=soot%20sprite&ref=sr_gallery_5

                                      

(Poppa Bear showed me this and I am obsessed with it, I think soot sprites are too cute! Big time want for our couch.)

http://www.sanrio.com/plush-and-toys/

http://www.sanrio.com/hello-kitty-valentine-shop/

The Best Gf, Vegan, Salted Chocolate Ganache Recipe for Rich Chocolatey Cupcakes (Soy-free)

Bonjour my lovelies,

This is the yummiest post in the Valentine's DIY Love series and I thought this special day was perfect for gorgeous, chocolatey, vegan, gluten-free cupcakes (two ways)!

Hard to believe but those beauties are gluten-free & vegan! 

Yes, I know. 

Amazing, magically decadent and delicious.

I would personally make these cupcakes for that special someone, and give them with a bunch of different colour lipstick kisses with a note that explains what each kiss is for, kinda like this...

                                      

The pic is from boholoco.com because I didn't take a pic of the one's I did for Poppa Bear last Year's Valentine's. 

I also did it a bit differently, I had these cute small envelopes, wrote on the outside what each kiss was for, used loads of different lip colours and put a cut out, paper kissed piece of my lip imprint, then wrapped it all in pretty ribbon. 

It went over really well!

Here is a fun idea of how you can incorporate the cupcakes into a romantic or scary or action flick movie night for Valentine's, it need not be expensive either. I tried to add the link to momsandmunchkins.ca to get you the free printables but for some weird reason it would not load, no matter what I tried. At least you have a pic with a good idea. 

Below the first pic is a cheapie breakdown idea from the sweetsandsavorylife.com blog.

                         

                              

I am including a recipe for the vegan gf chocolate cupcakes from The Pretty Bee blog (no the cake part is not my recipe, I am giving you a sumptuous vegan ganache recipe), I changed some ingredients and added coffee to the adjusted liquids because as a Chef, I like the enhancing flavour coffee adds to chocolate. 

It was not enough to make it taste like coffee because I don't care for coffee, as I am an avid tea drinker, however, I have noticed the taste difference when it's not in there. I used her recipe as I wanted to try something different and because she also includes a vegan vanilla buttercream for those of you who prefer both vanilla buttercream and chocolate ganache choices be on offer. Both are splendid. I am putting the link to her blog and down below my pics, and my vegan ganache recipe follow, which is a decadent chocolate bowl of, slather it everywhere delightfulness!

 Yes, you may slather it everywhere, it will be our little secret.

( I used Bob's Redmill Flour which can be a bit beanie at times, so I make my cupcakes the night before to allow the flavours to mellow and settle. You may use a gluten-free boxed mix if you prefer to make life easier, I won't judge. Do as you please and are able to.

                                    

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting.

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

30 mins

Easy chocolate cupcakes with creamy vanilla bean frosting.

Author: The Pretty Bee

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1½ cups gluten free flour blend (all purpose flour works well, too!)
• 1 cup turbinado sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup water (I use half water and half coffee)
• for frosting:
• 3 Tablespoons vegan buttery spread
• 2-3 Tablespoons almond milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar (I prefer the corn free kind from Whole Foods)
• ½ vanilla bean pod, inside scraped out to get the seeds

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the oil, water, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
4. Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about ⅔ full.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
6. Cool in pan, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the vegan buttery spread and the vanilla bean on medium speed. Add one cup of the powdered sugar and continue to beat. Add a little of the almond milk, then more powdered sugar, and keep alternating until all the powdered sugar is in the mixing bowl. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more almond milk.
8. Frost cooled cupcakes. Store the frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator.

http://theprettybee.com/2014/09/vegan-chocolate-cupcakes-vanilla-bean-frosting.html

These were my cupcakes...           

               

                                                Chocolate cake batter fun!

               

                                                      Ready to bake

               

Let these sit overnight if you use a strong tasting flour, I place them in ziploc bags and freeze em'.

Now it's salted chocolate ganache making time. Whoohoooooooo!!!! Make this the day of serving or make ahead 2-3 days and coat cupcakes then freeze right away. The day of serving, remove from freezer and let sit 15 minutes on counter.

THE BEST GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN, SALTED CHOCOLATE GANACHE

INGREDIENTS:

500 Ml Coconut milk

2 Tbsp Earth Balance Margarine (soy-free)

1/4 Cup Maple syrup or agave

2 Pkgs. Enjoy life chips (283g each)

2 Tbsp Vanilla extract

1 ½ tsp grey sea salt

*For cinnamon add 1½ tsp cinnamon (This is optional but I really find it adds a wonderful punch, whisk it in at the very end, you will see how awesome it is!)

  

Method:

-Heat coconut milk, margarine, add shortening, and whisk

-Our over chips in a bowl, whisk til smooth, whisk in salt

-Add vanilla and whisk well.

-Place plastic wrap touching and covering all ganache top to prevent skin from forming, chill 3-4 hours until scoopable with a spoon, thickened but still a bit loose. You don't want to pipe it, this gets spooned over your cupcakes.

-Spoon over cooled cupcakes until well covered, add sprinkles, cool in fridge for 15 minutes and serve.

They can be frozen and keep up to 1-2 weeks in the freezer.

  

             

                       Aw yeah, chocolate love happening right here baby!

              

Yumminess in the making, I highly recommend you be a dear and taste some. Just to be sure it's good and all ;P

              

It should look like this and have this consistency when out the fridge, if it has gotten too hard leave it on the counter for about 30 minutes and see if it's right. I beat it with a hand mixer for 30 seconds if it's a bit too stiff, this gives the right pouring texture.

                

                                                     Sprinkleration time!

                

Placing them in the fridge really stiffens up the texture and makes for a wonderful mouth feel when you bite it. Now for the hard part, waiting...

                                

  You must sacrifice and taste test once more, you're so kind hearted, you giver you.

                               

                                           2 bites are a really good idea

                             

Here you go, I made some with chocolate that were vegan and some non-vegan carrot cake one's for others who requested something cream cheesy. 

I hope this ganache recipe works well for you and adds that extra touch to your special occasion. Leave your comments or questions down below and let me know how it goes.

                       

Poppa Bear and I wish you a wonderful and blessed Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

                               Remember to fill it with love and great memories.