Gluten-Free Oreos

When I first started a gluten-free diet, there were a few things that I was sure I would never be able to eat again: doughy bagels, gooey cinnamon rolls, and, of course, delicious chocolate-y Oreos. But after a year of baking gluten-free I have learned that a gluten-free diet is not so much a restriction as it is an extra challenge. Anything is truly possible in this diet, all it takes is a little sense of adventure and a fair bit of experimentation. Still need convincing? Well, here it is: homemade gluten-free Oreos. Try these amazing little cookies and I am sure that in moments you will be transported to blissful childhood memories featuring this iconic (and now gluten-free!) snack.

Vanilla Rhubarb Custard Bars

For me,the delights of spring can be summed up in one amazing plant: Rhubarb. An often misunderstood plant, rhubarb is an absolutely incredible ingredient in baked goods as its characteristic tart flavor makes it the perfect accent to a variety of sweet desserts. Rhubarb is often dismissed for being simply a pie plant, but its uses extend far beyond this; crisps, muffins, and cakes are just a few examples of the many vehicles featuring this delicious ingredient.

For years, my traditional go-to rhubarb recipe has been Rhubarb Sour Cream Coffeecake. Although this recipe is indeed delicious,  I have recently become interested in using rhubarb in different types of baked goods as a tribute to its great versatility. For my most recent rhubarb experiment I tried my hand at rhubarb cookie bars, and the result was simply incredible!

Cranberry Orange Scones

For the past few weeks the weather in Seattle has been far from summer-like. Although it is officially June, a daily high of 60 degrees and frequent rain showers seem to indicate otherwise, leaving most Seattleites in dire need of a little pick-me-up. And what is a better reminder of warm, sunshine-filled days than the bright citrus flavor of orange? Well, for all of you who are looking for such a comforting baked good, look no further, for these cranberry orange scones offer the perfect antidote to the gloomy-weather doldrums!