VEGETARIAN GLUTEN FREE MALLOMARS RECIPE & VEGETARIAN MARSHMALLOW RECIPE

Posted by Bryna Bear aka Gluten Free Baking Bear

     I have been doing my holiday baking.  I tend to make the same favorite cookies every year and then try a new recipe.  This year, for my vegetarian friends and family, I wanted to make a GF Mallomar that had homemade marshmallow cream without animal gelatin.  

     I used the traditional whipped egg white base, but replaced animal gelatin (Knox unflavored) with a kosher unflavored gelatin (Gefen Jell Dessert).  The only kosher gelatin I could find in a store near me was really unflavored jello which is meant to make a large bowl of jello not to help things gel.  This kosher gelatin is made from a seaweed, carageenan, and includes sugar and other ingredients.  Some kosher gelatin is made from fish so be sure to real the labels if using it for a vegetarian.  I was not sure how much to use to replace the plain gelatin.  I reasoned that one Tbs. may not have enough of the gelling ingredient because of the other fillers, so I decided to use 2 Tbs. of the kosher jello and one tsp. of xanthan gum.  It worked like a charm.  The marshmallow whipped up much faster than regular gelatin.  The texture was great, soft, fluffy and smooth.  When set the marshmallow had a nice spring to it. 

     The Mallomars came out wonderful.  I piped out little marshmallows with the extra cream.  Then, after setting for several hours, I coated them with confectioner’s sugar so they would not stick to each other.  These will be perfect in hot cocoa or just for eating plain.  

VEGETARIAN MALLOMARS

1. First make a recipe for Gluten Free Graham Crackers.
2. Then make the recipe for Vegetarian Marshamallow Cream below.

VEGETARIAN MARSHMALLOW CREAM 

(NO ANIMAL GELATIN)

Enough for 2 dozen cookies.

Ingredients

1/4 cup	Water
1/4 cup	Corn Syrup or Golden Syrup
3/4 cup	Sugar (I used the evaporated cane juice crystals.)
2 Tbs.	Unflavored Kosher “Jello”
1 tsp.	Xanthan Gum
2 Large	Egg whites at room temperature
1/4 tsp.	Vanilla Extract

Directions

1. Line baking sheets with wax paper and place the cookies out on the baking sheets.  It is necessary to have everything set up to pipe out the marshmallow cream quickly, as soon as you finish beating it.  The marshmallow will set as it cools and become impossible to pipe out.
2. In a small or medium saucepan combine the water, sugar and corn or golden syrup.
3. Bring to a boil and continue stirring and heating the mixture until it reaches the temperature of 235 degrees or the ‘soft-ball stage’.  Use a candy thermometer or an instant read thermometer to check the temperature.   
4. When the mixture is nearing the 235 degrees temperature mix the kosher ‘jello’ and xanthan gum together in a small bowl.  Add the 2 Tbs. of water and mix well.  Allow to sit.
5. When the hot sugar mixture reaches 235 degrees remove the pan from the heat and place into the sink.  Add the ‘jello’ and xanthan gum mixture to the hot sugar mixture and stir.  Set aside.
6. Beat the egg whites to the soft peak stage in a stand mixer or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer.
7. Add the hot sugar and ‘jello’ mixture to the whipped eggs and continue beating until stiff peaks form.  This will happen much faster than with regular marshmallows so keep an eye on the mixer.

   

   Vegetarian Marshmallow Cream beaten until stiff peaks formed.

8. Transfer the marshmallow cream to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round or star tip.  You will probably have to refill the bag at least once to use all the cream.
9. Pipe out mounds of the marshmallow onto each cookie.  I made “kiss” shaped mounds with a star tip.

   

   Marshmallow cream piped onto cookies.

10. Leave the marshmallow topped cookies to set at room temperature for at least 2 hours.  Avoid touching the marshmallow as it will stick to you and anything in its path.
11. Left over cream can be piped out into kiss shapes on wax paper that has been dusted with confectioner’s sugar.  When these set, dust the tops with confectioners sugar so that they will not stick to each other and store in the fridge in a baggie or container.  These are great in hot cocoa or just plain.  You can even dip some in the left over chocolate after dipping the cookies.

    

    Marshmallow cream piped out onto waxed paper dusted with confectioner's sugar.

C) After the marshmallow has set, dip the cookies in chocolate as per the directions on the GF Mallomar page.  Enjoy!

Cookies dipped into chocolate on waxed paper waiting for the chocolate to set.

VEGETARIAN MALLOMARS First make a recipe for Gluten Free Graham Crackers. Then make the recipe for Vegetarian Marshamallow Cream below. VEGETARIAN MARSHMALLOW CREAM (NO ANIMAL GELATIN) Enough for 2 dozen cookies. Ingredients 1/4 cup Water 1/4 cup Corn Syrup or Golden Syrup 3/4 cup Sugar (I used the evaporated cane juice crystals.) 2 Tbs. Unflavored Kosher “Jello” 1 tsp. Xanthan Gum 2 Large Egg whites at room temperature 1/4 tsp. Vanilla Extract Directions Line baking sheets with wax paper and place the cookies out on the baking sheets. It is necessary to have everything set up to pipe out the marshmallow cream quickly, as soon as you finish beating it. The marshmallow will set as it cools and become impossible to pipe out. In a small or medium saucepan combine the water, sugar and corn or golden syrup. Bring to a boil and continue stirring and heating the mixture until it reaches the temperature of 235 degrees or the ‘soft-ball stage’. Use a candy thermometer or an instant read thermometer to check the temperature. When the mixture is nearing the 235 degrees temperature mix the kosher ‘jello’ and xanthan gum together in a small bowl. Add the 2 Tbs. of water and mix well. Allow to sit. When the hot sugar mixture reaches 235 degrees remove the pan from the heat and place into the sink. Add the ‘jello’ and xanthan gum mixture to the hot sugar mixture and stir. Set aside. Beat the egg whites to the soft peak stage in a stand mixer or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer. Add the hot sugar and ‘jello’ mixture to the whipped eggs and continue beating until stiff peaks form. This will happen much faster than with regular marshmallows so keep an eye on the mixer. Transfer the marshmallow cream to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round or star tip. You will probably have to refill the bag at least once to use all the cream. Pipe out mounds of the marshmallow onto each cookie. I made “kiss” shaped mounds with a cute pointy tip. Leave the marshmallow topped cookies to set at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Avoid touching the marshmallow as it will stick to you and anything in its path. Left over cream can be piped out into kiss shapes on wax paper that has been dusted with confectioner’s sugar. When these set dust the tops with confectioners sugar so that they will not stick to each other and store in the fridge in a baggie or container. These are great in hot cocoa or just plain. You can even dip some in the left over chocolate after dipping the cookies. C) After the marshmallow has set, dip the cookies in chocolate as per the directions on the GF Mallomar page. Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS RECIPE ROUNDUP

Posted by Bryna Bear aka Gluten Free Baking Bear

      At this time of year I like to bake lots of different things, for serving guests, giving as gifts and eating!  Baking cookies is a long standing tradition at our house.  When my son was very young he would help cut out and decorate cookies, now I am on my own.  
     I have begun to bake cookies and plan for Christmas dinner.  When I was gathering my recipes I realized that I have already posted many of my favorites.  
     Here is a roundup of my holiday recipes.  I hope you try some and enjoy the holidays!

GLUTEN FREE SWEET TREATS
Almond Crescent Cookies 

Delicate, easy to make and good. 

Chocolate & Vanilla Thumbprint Cookies 

Make these with caramel or jam.  Yum.

Eggnog Flan &
Traditional Flan 

Traditional or Eggnog, both are delicious.
This old fashioned recipe creates a soft creamy light custard.

Eggnog Eclairs 

Crisp shells and amazing cream fillings.
Enjoy as eggnog or vanilla cream eclairs.

Gingerbread Biscotti Cookies 

A holiday twist on a popular cookie.
Sugar, spice and everything nice.

Heavenly Chocolate Brownie Cookies 

Like bite sized brownies!

Mallomars 

Lots of work, but worth it.
Amazing.

Marzipan Candy (vegan) 

A recipe with out egg whites so good for vegans
or those with egg allergies.

Mint Chocolate Brownies  

Combines two of my favorite things:
Brownies & Creamy Mint Frosting.

Mint Chocolate Cupcakes 

Chocolate cake and mint cream filling.
Can also be filled with vanilla cream.

Mint Chocolate Roll Cake 

A family favorite.  Moist cake with a
light mint filling and mint glaze.

 
Mint Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies 

Pretty and delicious.
A bit more work than most cookies.

Orange Cookies 

Delightful orange flavor!
Can dip half in chocolate for a
pretty presentation.

Pecan Caramel Bars 

So delicious.  The caramel is
surprisingly easy to make.

Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies 

If you love peanut butter you have to make these!

Rich Roll Cookies 

Rich butter cookies.
Takes time to make the shapes.

Russian Tea Cakes 

Melt in your mouth buttery and nutty.

Scottish Shortbread 

If you like shortbread, you will love these.

GF SAVORY FOODS
Eggnog Biscuits 

A unique and delicious twist on biscuits.

Pumpkin Biscuits 

Flavorful, gently spiced and sweet.

Puerto Rican Pasteles Vegan

Traditional food for a Puerto Rican Christmas meal.
A bit of work.  Faster and easier if you can get some help.
This is a vegetarian recipe using tofu.
 Usually the filling is made of pork.

GLUTEN FREE BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA with VEGAN & DAIRY FREE instructions

Posted by Bryna Bear aka Gluten Free Baking Bear

     I have been using this recipe for many years.  It makes an elegant and unique vegetarian main dish for a holiday meal.  This lasagna is delicious and satisfying yet much lighter than a traditional cheese laden one.  A great crowd pleaser,  there is never a drop left at pot lucks or holiday meals.  
     Originally a wheat recipe from a magazine, at our house it has changed over the years into a GF, vegan and soy free version.  I use GF lasagna noodles instead of wheat ones;  I use rice flour and corn starch to thicken the sauce instead of all purpose flour; and to make it dairy free I use a dairy free milk such as almond or rice milk and dairy free parmesian cheese.  At our house, our soy free person is able to eat dairy, so I make the lasagna GF and Dairy Free to accommodate the GF and vegan eaters and leave out the parmesian cheese from the sauce.  Then the grated cheese is served on the side.  I serve real parmesian cheese for the dairy full and soy free folks and vegan but soy full parmesian cheese for the dairy free or vegan ones.  If your soy free person is also dairy free just leave out the parmesian cheese all together, it still tastes great.  I can’t really tell the difference between the dairy free or dairy full versions, both are yummy.

GLUTEN FREE BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA

Ingredients
PASTA

1 package/12	GF Lasagna Noodles
1 Tbs.	Olive Oil

FILLING

1 Tbs.	Olive Oil
1 1/2 lbs.	Swiss Chard or Baby Spinach
to taste	Salt and Pepper
5 cloves	Garlic thinly sliced or crushed
3 lbs.	Butternut Squash

SAUCE

2 Tbs.	Butter or Oil (for Vegan or Dairy Free use oil)
3 Tbs.	Corn Starch (or potato starch or arrowroot or tapioca starch)
2 Tbs.	Brown Rice Flour
1/2 tsp.	Himlayan Sea Salt
1/4 tsp.	Black Pepper
1/4 tsp.	Ground Nutmeg
1/4 tsp.	Ground Thyme
1/4 tsp.	Granulated or Powdered Garlic
1/2 tsp.	Granulated or Powdered Onion
4 cups	Milk (for Dairy Free or Vegan use non-dairy milk such as almond or rice)
1/4 cup	Grated Parmesian Cheese (for Dairy Free or Vegan use dairy free parmesian cheese such as GoVeggie brand) Optional, can serve on the side or omit all together
2 Tbs.	Grated Parmesian Cheese for topping the lasagna (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450℉.  Grease a 9”x13” lasagna pan with oil, set aside.
2. Cut the butternut squash in half, lengthwise, and remove the seeds.  Place the squash, cut side down, on a rimmed baking sheet and add 1/4-inch of water to the pan. Bake 30-45 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.  Remove from oven and allow to cool down.  When cool enough to handle, scrape out the cooked squash from the skin, dispose of the skin.  Place the squash in a bowl and mash with a fork until there are no large lumps.

   

   Cooked butternut squash,  mashed.

3. Lower the oven temperature to 375℉.
4. Cook the lasagna noodles by boiling them in salted water to which the Tbs. of olive oil has been added. You want the noodles firm as they will get softer after being baked with the other ingredients layered inside.  I usually cook them 5 minutes less than the directions on the package and check them at that point.  They should be firm and just cooked but not crunchy.  Do not let them cook too long and get mushy or the lasagna texture will be off.  When cooked, drain the noodles and spread them out on parchment paper so that they do not stick to each other.

   

   This is my favorite brand of pasta.
   It is just like regular pasta in taste and texture.

   
   

   

   Water salted and boiling with oil added.

5. In a large pan, over medium heat, sauté the thinly sliced or crushed garlic in the Tbs. of olive oil for about 30 seconds.  Do not let it burn or cook too much as it will be bitter.  Add the chopped Swiss chard or whole baby spinach leaves and 1/4 cup of water.  Stir and cover.  Cook until wilted and tender about 7 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

   

   Sautéing garlic slices.

   
   

   

   Baby spinach almost all cooked.

6. To make the sauce:  Heat the butter or oil in a large saucepan and add the corn starch and brown rice flours.  Stir with a whisk and cook for 1-2 minutes.  Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly with the whisk until smooth.  Add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, thyme, garlic and onion and mix in well.  Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils and thickens.  If using, add the parmesian cheese and stir.  Remove from the heat.

   

   Adding flours to heated oil or butter.

   
   

   

   Cooking the flour mixture while stirring constantly.

   
   

   

   Sauce all cooked.

7. To assemble the lasagna:  Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce over the bottom of the oiled lasagna pan.  Arrange 4 noodles over the sauce, overlapping to fit.  Place all of the cooked Swiss chard or spinach (liquid drained) on top of the noodles.  Spread out evenly.  Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the greens.  Top with 1 cup of sauce.  Spread all of the butternut squash evenly over this layer of noodles and sauce.  Top with the remaining 4 lasagna noodles.  Then spread the rest of the sauce over the top.  Sprinkle with 2 Tbs. parmesian cheese, if using.  If the lasagna noodles break up a bit while cooking, don’t worry.  Save the 4 best ones for the top layer.  Use the broken ones for the bottom layers, no one will ever know.  Patch the pieces of noodles as best you can to completely cover each layer. 

   

   ½ cup of sauce on bottom of pan.

   
   

   

   First layer of noodles.
   Some have broken and are patched to cover the pan. 

   

   Spinach layered over noodles and sauce.

   
   

   

   Squash spread over second layer of noodles.

   
   

   

   Lasagna after all the layers are complete with
    the last layer of noodles and the rest of the sauce on top.

8. Cover with foil and bake at 375℉ for 30 minutes.  Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.  Remove from the oven.  Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before cutting.

   

   Baked lasagna.

   
   

   

   Lasagna after being cut into.

GLUTEN FREE BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA Ingredients PASTA 1 package/12 GF Lasagna Noodles 1 Tbs. Olive Oil FILLING 1 Tbs. Olive Oil 1 1/2 lbs. Swiss Chard or Baby Spinach to taste Salt and Pepper 5 cloves Garlic thinly sliced or crushed 3 lbs. Butternut Squash SAUCE 2 Tbs. Butter or Oil (for Vegan or Dairy Free use oil) 3 Tbs. Corn Starch (or potato starch or arrowroot or tapioca starch) 2 Tbs. Brown Rice Flour 1/2 tsp. Himlayan Sea Salt 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper 1/4 tsp. Ground Nutmeg 1/4 tsp. Ground Thyme 1/4 tsp. Granulated or Powdered Garlic 1/2 tsp. Granulated or Powdered Onion 4 cups Milk (for Dairy Free or Vegan use non-dairy milk such as almond or rice) 1/4 cup Grated Parmesian Cheese (for Dairy Free or Vegan use dairy free parmesian cheese such as GoVeggie brand) Optional, can serve on the side or omit all together 2 Tbs. Grated Parmesian Cheese for topping the lasagna (optional) Directions Preheat oven to 450℉. Grease a 9”x13” lasagna pan with oil, set aside. Cut the butternut squash in half, lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Place the squash, cut side down, on a rimmed baking sheet and add 1/4-inch of water to the pan. Bake 30-45 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and allow to cool down. When cool enough to handle, scrape out the cooked squash from the skin, dispose of the skin. Place the squash in a bowl and mash with a fork until there are no large lumps. Lower the oven temperature to 375℉. Cook the lasagna noodles by boiling them in salted water to which the Tbs. of olive oil has been added. You want the noodles firm as they will get softer after being baked with the other ingredients layered inside. I usually cook them 5 minutes less than the directions on the package and check them at that point. They should be firm and just cooked but not crunchy. Do not let them cook too long and get mushy or the lasagna texture will be off. When cooked, drain the noodles and spread them out on parchment paper so that they do not stick to each other. In a large pan, over medium heat, sauté the thinly sliced or crushed garlic in the Tbs. of olive oil for about 30 seconds. Do not let it burn or cook too much as it will be bitter. Add the chopped Swiss chard or whole baby spinach leaves and 1/4 cup of water. Stir and cover. Cook until wilted and tender about 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. To make the sauce: Heat the butter or oil in a large saucepan and add the corn starch and brown rice flours. Stir with a whisk and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly with the whisk until smooth. Add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, thyme, garlic and onion and mix in well. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils and thickens. If using, add the parmesian cheese and stir. Remove from the heat. To assemble the lasagna: Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce over the bottom of the oiled lasagna pan. Arrange 4 noodles over the sauce, overlapping to fit. Place all of the cooked Swiss chard or spinach (liquid drained) on top of the noodles. Spread out evenly. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the greens. Top with 1 cup of sauce. Spread all of the butternut squash evenly over this layer of noodles and sauce. Top with the remaining 4 lasagna noodles. Then spread the rest of the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with 2 Tbs. parmesian cheese, if using. If the lasagna noodles break up a bit while cooking, don’t worry. Save the 4 best ones for the top layer. Use the broken ones for the bottom layers, no one will ever know. Patch the pieces of noodles as best you can to completely cover each layer. Cover with foil and bake at 375℉ for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the oven. Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before cutting.