Pasta Once Again

As many of the GF peeps know, pasta is one tough food item to give up!  I love homemade noodles and making them for my loved ones is an act of love and torture.  Recently, I had dinner at Osteria Mozza in Hollywood.  A friend had recommended the sausage pasta appetizer which really sounded yummy.  My husband couldn't pass it up and once again I thought bummer.  The waiter, knowledgeable on GF issues (what?!  how did that happen!) offered their GF version using corn pasta.  It was fab!  Naturally I asked for the brand of pasta and the waiter was more than happy to provide.  Rustichella D'Abruzzo corn fusilli is wonderful!  I was blown away to find it online - for $8 a pound!  Plus shipping.  There had to be alternatives.  I now am an avid buyer of DeBoles GF Corn pasta, available at most grocery stores.  Whole Foods just had it on sale, 2 boxes for $4.  What a deal!

Ahhh,  to enjoy pasta once again.  Such pleasure!  Thanks Osteria Mozza~!

GF Cake Doughnuts

My little guy asked me this morning for doughnuts!  Ok, I can try that one. Here goes:


2 c sifted GF all purpose flour
3/4 c granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder, aluminum free
1 tsp xanthan gum
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
3/4 c buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 Tbs butter,  unsalted & melted


Preheat oven 425°F.  Lightly spray doughnut pan with non-stick oil.


Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, xanthum gum, nutmeg and salt into large mixing bowl.  Add buttermilk, eggs and butter.  Mix until just combined.  Fill doughnut molds, 2/3 full.


Bake 9 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned and spring back when touched.  Let cool in pan a few minutes, and release onto cooling rack.  


Dust with powdered sugar, or if feeling a little decadent - glaze with chocolate!


Chocolate Glaze
1/4 c semisweet chocolate chips (I prefer Guittard)
1 Tbs butter, unsalted
1 Tbs corn syrup
1 tsp hot water


Melt chocolate chips with butter and corn syrup (either in microwave at half power or in bowl over hot water on stovetop).  Stir frequently until all melted, and stir in hot water until desired consistency. Use immediately to glaze doughnuts.


Really yummy!  My doughnut pan only holds 6, so I thought that I would try something different with the second batch.  I mashed one half banana and mixed it into the batter.  Baked it the same.  It was even better and my boys all loved fresh hot doughnuts!


Enjoy!
Carolyne

Note:  I used King Arthur Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour in this recipe.

Spicing Up Los Angeles

We Los Angelenos are so lucky to have SpiceStation!  They dish up some of the freshest and most interesting spices, herbs, sugars, salts & teas around.  Jars line the walls just waiting for you.  I found the staff to be most knowledgeable and helpful.  They grind your selections on the spot, to your specifications.  The prices are surprisingly reasonable.  You can even bring in your own containers.


Some of my favorites are the Chile Morita and Urfa Biber.  You may see them listed as ingredients in some of my recipes.  

If you find yourself in the Silverlake or Santa Monica area, be sure to visit.


The Spice Station - Silverlake
3819 West Sunset Blvd., LA CA 90026


The Spice Station - Santa Monica
2305 Main Street, Santa Monica CA 90405