Gluten Free Christmas in July

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When you are a food allergy mom, you cook and bake. A lot. All of the time. It doesn't matter if it's 98 degrees outside and the rest of the earth is being engulfed in humidity, you turn your oven on and proceed. People who don't have food allergies probably think we are insane. You are baking now?! Yup. The plus side is that no matter what time of year it is, our families get home cooked meals and treats when so many other don't. So for that alone, I'll take having a son with food allergies any day.

I got a holiday gift from my friend Tiffany Hinton (also known as GF Mom Certified) in December - her newest book Santa's Gluten Free Cookie Plate. After reviewing one of her other books (here) I was excited to see what kinds of recipes would be in this book as well. And although I got in so many months back, I thought it would be fun to bring a little holiday spirit back into our house during a time of year when it's least expected. After all, cookies have no specific time of year- they are always enjoyed. Besides, imagine the other kids as they watch us pulling out festive, colorful cookies while all they have are whatever their parents bought and pulled out of a package. 

Tiffany's book is a collection of typical holiday cookies as well as some that are not specifically holiday-oriented but are still those that would warm any kitchen. Her recipes have simple steps and easy ingredients which is always helpful for anyone who is newly diagnosed with food allergies or even those who have been on the food allergy trail a long time and don't want to cook anymore than they have too. She includes recipes for Royal Icing, Buttercream Frosting and Chocolate Dip for those who have been searching for an allergy-friendly version of their long-lost cookie toppings. Also included are resources for the main cookie ingredients used throughout her book for gluten free flour, egg replacer, chocolate chips, dairy replacement, gluten free oatmeal and peanut butter. Just a reader note: Tiffany mentions "favo water" for one of the egg replacers. Favo water is another term for what is typically know as aquafaba, the use of bean liquid to mimic eggs in recipes.

Once you have baked, you want to share, right? Don't miss the link near the end of the book. If you register at http://www.freebies.gfmomcertified.com you can get free Santa's Cookie Plate downloads for holiday bag toppers & tags, gluten free gift tags, jar toppers, gluten free stickers and more.

As always, warm thanks from our family to Tiffany's family for thinking of us and sending this bundle of love.