Rainy Days = Baking



So like I said I would, this morning I woke up with a strong desire to bake something sweet.  I live with two roommates who are both gluten free and dairy free, so I've been learning a lot about how to adapt my baking skills to suit these needs.  Otherwise, if I didn't change up the recipes, I'd be forced to eat ALL of the baked goods myself, and I can imagine that wouldn't end well for my health and weight....

Plus, I like the challenge and nuances that come with trying something new or adapting existing skills.  So I used this recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Muffins and changed it up a bit.  I used this flour from Pillsbury.  I have learned from my roommates that Xantham gum is a very important ingredient when doing gluten free baking.  (One of my roommates is a great baker and has been a great source of information for me!)  Some gluten free flours do NOT have this ingredient already included, so you have to be sure to check what you are buying.  You can buy xantham gum seperately and add it to those flours, but I prefer being able to buy a ready to use all-in-one substitute for regular flour.  I ALSO added some dark chocolate chips to these muffins because we are a chocolate loving household and will never change.

Note: These muffins are not really sweet, so try spreading a bit of jam or jelly on them to make a pb&j style snack!

I always love the smell that comes from the oven when you are baking.  Today it smelled like peanut butter in my kitchen for a few hours in the morning and it was glorious.  It reminded me of when I would bake as a child with my mother (who taught me!!!) and the warmth and happiness that baking always brought me.

Maybe baking with those you live with can be a way to bring some light to this dark week (at least in MA) and some happiness to the gloomy news surrounding COVID-19.

Cheers!

-Vicky

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