Powdered Sugar in a Pinch

Ever been baking and realize you're short or out of powdered sugar? I was today when I wanted to experiment with making a white streusel, so I was finally able to try out an idea I read on another blog a while back for making powdered sugar at home.

Whole Grain Gluten Free Pancakes (gf, df)

A strong nutty, whole grain flavour makes these a distinct break from the traditional pancake, as well as being much healthier. I developed this recipe from the cornmeal pancake recipe on the front of the Bob's Red Mill Course Grind Cornmeal package.

Farro, White Bean & Lemon Salad (gf, v)

This is a recipe I found over at Serious Eats, and created by Blake Royer, but its the recipe that turned me on to the greatness of the whole grain farro so I want to pass it on to you. I've made a few adjustments of my own, but the original recipe is here. This is another great make-ahead lunch.

Sorry, I forgot to take a photo of this one!

Banana Upside-Down Cake

This treat was inspired by a banana tart from British restauranteur Simon Rimmer in his cookbook The Accidental Vegetarian. This version however is a little more cost-concious with fewer bananas and easier to make with a batter rather than a puff pastry base.

Mushroom Tartlets

Sophisticated mushrooms, aged parmesan cheese and fragrant rosemary will bring style to your next dinner party with these savoury little tartlets. Incorporating puff pastry shells also add a fanciful aesthetic to these appetizers.