Everyday Baby Steps

Today’s tip is actually a recipe.  I’ve been talking about getting healthy, and I’ve shared with you my allergies to wheat and milk.  I believe I promised that I’d share my favorite - a wheat and dairy-free banana muffin recipe.  I try never to break a promise, so here it is:

Banana Muffins with Cinnamon Frosting (from The Gluten, Wheat, and Dairy-Free Cookbook)

Ingredients

generous 1 cup gluten-free all purpose flour

1 tsp gluten-free baking powder

pinch of salt

generous 1/4 cup superfine sugar

6 tbsp dairy -free milk

2 eggs lightly beaten

5 1/2 ounces dairy-free margarine, melted

2 small bananas, mashed

Frosting

scant 1/4 cup vegan cream cheese

2 tbsp dairy-free margarine

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

scant 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1. Preheat oven to 400F.  Place 12 paper cases in deep muffin pan.  Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into mixing bowl.  Stir in sugar.

2. Whisk milk, eggs, and margarine together in separate bowl.  Slowly stir into the flour mixture.  Fold in the mashed bananas.

3. Spoon mixture into the paper cases and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until risen and golden.  Turn onto wire rack and let cool.

4. To make frosting, beat cream cheese and margarine together in a bowl.  Then beat in cinnamon and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy.  Chill frosting in refrigerator for 15 min. to firm. Then top each muffin with a spoonful.

I actually don’t even make the frosting, and they’re really good.  You should be able to find the dairy and wheat-free ingredients at a health food store or possibly in the organic section of your grocery store.

For gluten-free flour, mix:

6 Cups white rice flour, 2 cups potato starch flour, and 1 cup tapioca flour

I found these ingredients at a bulk food store.  You may be able to purchase gluten-free flour in a box, but this is what I use.

Now, my new job announcement.  To help me along my path to getting healthy, I’ve accepted the position of Health and Wellness Writer for Moms in a Blog!  This is a great site featuring many topics of interest to parents, from book reviews to home decorating.  And, of course, health!  I’m excited about this opportunity because I love reading about health and wellness news, and now I can apply what I learn to my own life while gaining fabulous writing experience.  Please come visit me at Moms in a Blog!