Melting chocolate.........be in control!

Some folks have asked this question, "Whats the best way to melt chocolate?". Ok, so I thought I would give you a few options. First, chop or grate the chocolate because it will melt much more evenly this way. Below are four options for melting. Here ya go!

1. You can melt it in a heavy saucepan on very, very low heat stirring constantly. However, you must be super vigilant to avoid scorching. Chocolate can be very tricky.

2. You can melt it in the oven at 200 degrees F till its stirrable and soft.

3. You can melt it in the microwave in a glass bowl for a minute or more. You must keep an eye on it here though.

4. This is the best way to melt chocolate. I prefer in the top of a double boiler, over some simmering water and stirring constantly. You have more control here, which is the best way to melt chocolate . Being in control.

Once you have determined you need to be eating gluten free, its important to read labels to be sure you know exactly whats in the foods you are eating.

The following are frequently overlooked foods that may sometimes contain gluten:

Thickeners
Soy Sauce
Seasonings
Marinades
Coatings
Broths
Candy
Croutons
Soups

The above sometimes can have hidden traces of wheat and /or gluten. Don't take a chance. You can always get in touch with the manufacturer to be sure.

Duh-its rich!

These cupcakes were made with our Gluten Free & Dairy Free cupcake mix. Instead of topping the with our organic nilla bean frosting or our vegan frostings, we glazed them with a gluten and dairy free ganache. Now you have a cupcake thats fudgy inside, and a rich chocolate topping made dairy free.  The ganache is a mix of rice milk, vegan margarine, and vegan chocolate chips.There- just wanted to share!

How do I know when my egg whites are soft peaks?

Generally you will see a recipe call for eggs to be at "soft peak" stage when the egg whites need to be folded into another mixture. You would do this to give it a light and fluffy texture. If you are baking, it will allow the mixture to expand while in the oven. If using it for making mousse, this allows a lighter texture to the finished product. Omg...that's so good! You can tell when you have reached the perfect soft peak stage if your egg whites are white, shiny and foamy. As you lift up the beater or whisk, the whites will gently form a peak. There ya have it. Start whipping!

Start drooling.....

Let me tell you about these lil gems. You see them- they look like normal cupcakes, right? They are better! The cupcake part is completely gluten and dairy free and we used our Vegan Funky Fudge Frosting here. I really believe the true test is to serve these to someone with no food allergys, no sensitivity to gluten at all. If that individual loves it- its a truely delicous gluten free product that everyone can enjoy.

Easy to follow instructions-and ready to bake. We don't usually like to brag about our products, but I just couldn't not share this with you! Have a great week -end!

More Reasons to Go Organic.....

OK-we know your trying, but you must try harder! Its more important than ever to eat organic. I'm not trying to scare you here but the facts are the facts. There have been enough articles and studies done out there, and its time to really get serious about this. You realize that most non-organic foods have been sprayed with toxic chemicals that are just not fit for human consumption don't you? These toxins accumulate in your body and over time can cause many health issues.

Its true-non-organic fruit has been sprayed with poison. Its that simple.

Another advantage of organic is that it makes for a clean body, which makes for clean skin, which then will give you more energy. This is just good stuff! Don't you want to just feel better?

Oh-here is another good thing about eating organic . Its such a green thing ya know! Organic farms practice ecological farming practices, and by you supporting them, you are making a statement you would like your foods "free of toxins". But if your still not convinced, the last point I have to make is this. Organic foods just taste better! That's all!

Feed Your Mind!

I am always impressed by others who have the power and vision to see beyond the ordinary. They see a better way in which things can be done, and have ideas for how to make it happen.

Always thinking of "outside the cookie jar", and trying

to come up with the best way to make something better.

Yes, that's the way it should always be done. Think about that for a second, a better way is always more productive, more creative and more helpful.

Step back for just a moment today on this Friday in January of a new year and come up with something fabulous. Just spend a few minutes over lunch, while feeding yourself, feed your mind with an idea on how to do something in a much more incredible way. It may be for you or someone else, but it will be an idea that's all your own.

Then, pass it along if it can help someone else. A great idea that can help others is always something that should be shared. OK-so, that's your project for today! Come up with something good!