Monday, December 20, 2010

Happy Holidays!

December has been a crazy, hectic, snow filled month here in MN. Hard to believe Christmas is just 4 days away (as Doodle reminds me every morning!) It's been a crazy month in our house this year and I've had little time to post. Doodle heads to have an umbilical hernia repaired the day after Christmas and I am frantically studying for a major certification test in my field - throw Christmas on top of all of that - and I'm darn near a melt down.

Here's wishing you all a Merry, Peaceful, Bright Christmas and a Happy New Year!

See you in 2011!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Gluten Free Cake Balls

Have you heard of Cake Balls? Their delightful! I recently made my first batch, completely by accident. I had no intention of making cake balls, but found that the cake mix I had mixed up was too crumbly when I pulled it out of the pan. There was no saving it! So, when life gives you crumbly cake....make cake balls! The recipe is simple and the results are delicious. Try some this holiday season to delight your co-workers, party guests, or just as an every day treat.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Cake Balls

1 Package Gluten Free Cake Mix - mixed up dairy free
3/4 Can Dairy Free Frosting - I use Pillsbury brand
1 Package Dairy Free Chocolate Chips

1. Bake cake mix according to the diary free instructions - it doesn't matter what size pan you choose.
2. Cool cake. Remove cake from pan and crumble into a large bowl.
3. Add packaged frosting and stir until cake and frosting are mixed thoroughly. Form cake batter into small balls using a melon baller.
4. Place cake balls on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Place in freezer for several hours.
5. Prior to taking cake out of freezer, melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl or in a double broiler. If using the microwave, melt for 30 seconds and stir. Melt in 15 second increments, stirring frequently, until all chocolate is incorporated. I usually stop microwaving when the majority of chocolate is melted and stir the remaining chocolate mixture until all chips are melted. This ensures you don't over cook the chocolate.
6. Drop the cake ball into the chocolate mixture. Lift out with a fork. Using a spoon, drizzle the chocolate over the remainder of the ball until completely covered. Place on a wax paper lined cookie sheet to cool. Repeat until all balls are covered.
7. Allow the balls to cool and enjoy!

These are a great holiday treat and very addicting - you can't eat just one!