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Favorite Things April 1, 2022

one of my favorite things is a big vase of spring daffodils and a cup of hot tea.

This a collection of things I'm loving right now. I've included recipes that are perfect for this season and some of my favorite things. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and scroll through all the stuff I've enjoyed this week.

This week I'm sharing some of my favorite new women's clothes for spring at Target. Whether you are just adding a couple of pieces to your wardrobe or getting ready for spring break they have a lot of options this year.

The big Sephora sale starts today! You can save 30% on the Sephora Collection with the promo code SAVESPRING. I shared my favorite clean picks from the Sephora Collection below.

New Women's Spring at Target

Recipe Ideas for the Week

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Gluten Free Scotchie Cookies

Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole

Stuff I Love

What I'm Reading - I've been a really slow reader lately. So I'm sharing books I just added to my to-be-read list. I added Hunters of the Lost City by Kali Wallace it's a middle grade book and sounds really good! I also added Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman it sounds like a fun romance.

What I'm Watching - We are struggling finding something we love right now. We tried Name That Tune and it was terrible. We got through one episode of Welcome to Flatch and didn't like it either. So, I guess this week I'm bringing you what not to watch.

What I'm Loving - I was sent a few bags of Cynara Artichoke Chyps. I don't always share the things I'm sent, but these are delicious!

What I Want - I love large tote bags for grocery shopping, packing a picnic lunch or just to use as my purse. This black and white striped beach bag is so fun and under $20!

Clean Beauty Items in the Sephora Sale

The Sephora Collection is 30% off right now! Use promo code: SAVESPRING

My Favorite Things From Around The Web

I saw this button front short sleeve dress that would be perfect for a swimsuit coverup or for date night. I love that it's under $25!

While I was looking I also saw this tie belt jumpsuit that is in a pretty nude color. This would be perfect for wedding season, Easter or all summer long.

Target has all new bedding in right now. I love this gingham comforter and sham set, these organic cotton sheets and this reversible striped quilt.

While I was dreaming of warmer weather I saw this beach tote and pouch set and these birkenstock knock off sandals in gold. Cute!

Walmart has some really cute things for spring! I love these braided two band sandals, this crossbody handbag and this sleeveless dress.

CVS carries the Flower Beauty line by Drew Barrymore. Most of the items in the collection are a three or under on the EWG app! I want to try this lip stain, the serum foundation and this shimmer eyeshadow palette.

This Week's Sales

Sephora - 30% off all Sephora Collection. Use promo code SAVESPRING
IT Cosmetics - 25% off sitewide
Macy's - Extra 30% off plus 15% off beauty with code OWNIT
QVC - $100 off the Dyson TP01 Tower Fan & Air Purifier plus get a $30 eGift Card
MADEWELL - Up to 40% off select styles with code YESPLS
Ulta Beauty - 50% off must-haves
Nike - Up to 40% off new markdowns
Carter's - Up to 50% off select styles
Gap Factory - Extra 20% off your purchase
Forever21 - 20% off $50 with code BMSM20 or 30% $75 with code BMSM30
Old Navy - 50% off storewide

Gluten Free Oatmeal Scotchie Cookies

This easy recipe for gluten free oatmeal scotchie cookies uses oatmeal and butterscotch chips. These chewy oatmeal cookies are a classic recipe made gluten free. Baking cookies is a great way to make simple gluten free treats!

a sage green plate of gluten free scotchie cookies next to a small white bowl of butterscotch chips and a small wooden bowl of gluten free rolled oats.

If you are looking for more oatmeal recipes try my Gluten Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, my Gluten Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cake, my Gluten Free Oatmeal Raisin Overnight Oats or my Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal with Streusel Topping.

You can find all of my gluten free cookie recipes here: Gluten Free Cookie Recipes

a small white plate with a gluten free scotchie cookie on it next to a small white bowl of butterscotch chips.
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Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a mixing bowl whisk together the gluten free flour, gluten free oats, baking powder, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Set aside.

In the bowl of your stand mixer add the unsalted butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat together about 3-4 minutes until combined and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat to combine.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined. Add the butterscotch chips and blend or hand mix them with a spatula into the cookie dough.

Refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes so it's easier to work with and won't spread as much in the oven.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon place twelve cookies on each baking sheet. Press them down slightly with your hand. If the dough is sticking to your hand wet your hand with a little water.

Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. The cookies will be dark golden brown when they are done.

Place the cookies on cooling racks and let them cool completely before you store them in an air tight container.

Supplies

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

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Gluten Free Oatmeal Scotchie Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 36 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This easy recipe for gluten free oatmeal scotchie cookies uses oatmeal and butterscotch chips. These chewy oatmeal cookies are a classic recipe made gluten free. Baking cookies is a great way to make gluten free treats! 

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a mixing bowl whisk together the gluten free flour, gluten free oats, baking powder, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Set aside.

In the bowl of your stand mixer add the unsalted butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat together about 3-4 minutes until combined and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat to combine.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined. Add the butterscotch chips and blend or hand mix them with a spatula into the cookie dough.

Refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes so it's easier to work with and won't spread as much in the oven.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon place twelve cookies on each baking sheet. Press them down slightly with your hand. If the dough is sticking to your hand wet your hand with a little water.

Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. The cookies will be dark golden brown when they are done.

Place the cookies on cooling racks and let them cool completely before you store them in an air tight container.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Gluten Free

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes. I like to freeze the cookies after they have been baked. I put the baked cookies in a freezer safe container and freeze them for up to a month, but they rarely last that long.

I love to make a double batch of cookies and freeze half of them for lunches on days that I don't have any treats prepared.

How do you keep these cookies from spreading too much when I bake them?

It is important that you refrigerate this gluten free oatmeal scotchie cookie dough for at least one hour before baking. If you don't refrigerate the dough it's harder to work with and the cookies will spread too much when you bake them.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

These gluten free chocolate chip banana muffins are the recipe I make every single time I have overripe bananas sitting on the counter and they never last more than a day or two in our house. Moist and fluffy gluten free muffins loaded with sweet ripe banana flavor and studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips throughout, they are ready in just 30 minutes with simple everyday ingredients and one bowl to clean up.

No complicated steps required. Just mix everything together in your stand mixer, scoop into a muffin tin, and bake until perfectly golden.

a muffin tin of gluten free chocolate chip banana muffins next to a small bowl of chocolate chips and white plate with a muffin on it.

What makes these gluten free banana muffins so good is the combination of both brown sugar and granulated sugar along with the natural sweetness of very ripe bananas. The browner and spottier your bananas are the sweeter and more flavorful these muffins will be so do not throw those overripe bananas away.

A touch of cinnamon in the batter adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips and makes these taste like something from a really good bakery.

They are the perfect gluten free breakfast muffin, an easy after school snack, and a great option for meal prep since they store well all week and freeze beautifully for later.

If you are looking for banana recipes you might also like my Gluten Free Banana Cake, my Gluten Free Banana Oat Muffins, my Gluten Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins or my Homemade Strawberry Banana Popsicles.

You can find more breakfast recipes here: Gluten Free Breakfast Recipes

a white plate with a gluten free chocolate chip banana muffin on it next to a small bowl of chocolate chips, a pan of muffins and a couple of bananas.
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Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add bananas, brown sugar, sugar, butter, egg and milk to the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat until bananas are broken into little pieces. If your bananas aren't overripe you will need to mash them before adding them.

Add the gluten free flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Blend until just combined. Add the chocolate chips and blend just until they are mixed into the batter.

Using a tablespoon place two heaping tablespoons in each cup of your muffin pan. I like to line my muffin tins for easy clean up.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes.

Let the muffins cool completely before storing in an air tight container.

Supplies

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

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Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3 from 1 review

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

These easy gluten free chocolate chip banana muffins are moist, fluffy, and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips in every bite! Made with ripe bananas, gluten free flour, brown sugar, butter, and a touch of cinnamon and ready in just 30 minutes with no baking soda required. The perfect easy gluten free breakfast muffin and the best way to use up overripe bananas!

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add bananas, brown sugar, sugar, butter, egg and milk to the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat until bananas are broken into little pieces. If your bananas aren't overripe you will need to mash them before adding them.

Add the gluten free flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Blend until just combined. Add the chocolate chips and blend just until they are mixed into the batter.

Using a tablespoon place two heaping tablespoons in each cup of your muffin pan. I like to line my muffin tins for easy clean up.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes.

Let the muffins cool completely before storing in an air tight container.

If you made this recipe please leave a star rating and comment below. It helps other readers find this recipe and means so much to me.

Notes

If you use a banana that isn't overripe you may want to add 2 tablespoons of honey for a little extra sweetness.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Muffins
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

If you make these Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins I would love to hear what you think! Leave a star rating and a comment below and let me know how they turned out.

Don't forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again every time you have ripe bananas ready to use!

Storage

Store these gluten free chocolate chip banana muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage place the muffins in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These muffins also freeze beautifully which makes them perfect for meal prep.

Once completely cooled place individual muffins in a freezer safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw individual muffins at room temperature for about an hour or warm them in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds straight from the freezer for a quick and easy gluten free breakfast any morning of the week.

Top Tip

The riper your bananas are the better these muffins will be. Perfectly yellow bananas will work in a pinch but very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are what give these muffins their natural sweetness, deep banana flavor, and incredibly moist texture.

If your bananas are not quite ripe enough you can speed up the process by placing unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and baking them at 300 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until the skins turn black and the bananas are soft and sweet all the way through. Let them cool before adding them to the batter and you will get the same result as naturally overripe bananas every single time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my gluten free banana muffins dry?

The most common reason for dry gluten free banana muffins is the flour blend you are using. Different gluten free flour blends absorb moisture at very different rates and some absorb significantly more liquid than others. If your batter seems very thick and dry before baking add a tablespoon or two of extra milk to loosen it up slightly.

Also make sure you are using very ripe bananas as they provide the most natural moisture and sweetness. Measuring your gluten free flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off the top rather than scooping directly from the bag can also help prevent using too much flour which leads to a dry muffin.

What is the best gluten free flour for banana muffins?

I use Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour and King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour work well. Keep in mind that different flour blends absorb moisture differently so you may need to adjust the amount of milk slightly depending on which brand you use. Always look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture and rise.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen bananas work beautifully in this recipe and are a great way to use up bananas you have frozen before they went bad. Thaw the bananas completely at room temperature or in the microwave before adding them to the batter. Drain off any excess liquid that has collected as the bananas thaw and then add them to the mixer as you would fresh ripe bananas. Frozen and thawed bananas are often even sweeter and more flavorful than fresh overripe bananas so your muffins will be incredibly delicious.

Can I make these muffins without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! If you prefer plain banana muffins simply leave out the chocolate chips and the recipe works exactly the same way. You can also substitute other mix ins for the chocolate chips to customize the muffins to your taste. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch, dried cranberries add a tart and chewy element, and white chocolate chips are a delicious and slightly sweeter alternative to semi sweet chocolate chips.

Can I make these muffins dairy free?

Yes! To make these muffins dairy free substitute your favorite unsweetened dairy free milk for the regular milk and use melted coconut oil or a dairy free butter alternative in place of the unsalted butter. The texture and flavor will be very similar to the original recipe and the muffins will still be moist and delicious. Make sure your chocolate chips are also dairy free if you need a completely dairy free muffin.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes but keep in mind that different gluten free flour blends absorb moisture at different rates so if you are doubling the recipe may need to adjust the amount of milk to get the right batter consistency. The batter should be thick but scoopable and not crumbly or dry before baking. If the doubled batter seems too dry add extra milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Bake in two muffin tins at the same temperature and keep an eye on the bake time as it may vary slightly.

Favorite Things March 25, 2022

one of my favorite things are fresh bouquets of tulips in the spring.

This a collection of things I'm loving right now. I've included recipes that are perfect for this season and some of my favorite things. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and scroll through all the stuff I've enjoyed this week.

This week I'm sharing lots of Easter kitchen and dining items along with gluten free Easter basket ideas. There are lots of fun options beyond candy for Easter baskets, although there are also quite a few gluten free candy options too.

Easter Kitchen and Dining

Recipe Ideas For The Week

Gluten Free Strawberry Cobbler

Gluten Free Orange Bundt Cake

Gluten Free Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Stuff I Love

What I'm Reading - I'm still reading The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey and really liking it so far. I enjoy books that jump back and forth between present time and years past. I also just added The Fashion Orphans by Randy Susan Meyers and The Good Left Undone by Adriana Trigiani.

What I'm Watching - We watched all ten episodes of Life and Beth with Amy Schumer this week. I didn't love it, but it did have some funny parts. Overall, we both thought it was a little odd and had some really awkward parts.

What I'm Loving - I ordered two of these Universal Thread V-Neck T-shirts and liked them so much that I order two more. They are soft and comfy without being paper thin. I ordered up a size so they would be roomy.

What I Want - Target just added some really pretty women's short sleeved tops that would be perfect for spring. I really like this coral Short Sleeve V-Neck Eyelet Henley Shirt, this floral Short Sleeve V-Neck Eyelet Henley Shirt and this Dolman Short Sleeve Utility Button-Down Shirt.

Gluten Free Easter Basket Ideas

My Favorite Things From Around The Web

Target has really pretty plastic and melamine tableware for this summer. I love this pitcher and glass set, these plates and this tall tumbler.

World Market has a beautiful gold and metallic egg wreath. They also have really cute bunny appetizer plates for Easter.

Did you know Amazon has the Amazon Aware line of products that are EWG verified? I want to try the Hydrating Face Cleanser, the Balancing Face Moisturizer and the Daily Body Lotion. All of the products are under $20!

I love this three piece set from Beautiful by Drew Barrymore of tongs, a turner and a wooden spoon. I use these pieces a lot while cooking and this set is $20.

This jade dinnerware set would be so pretty on an Easter dinner table! I love the scallop edges and the lovely color. This jade cake stand is pretty too!

I love this new gingham bedding from Target! They have a comforter and sham set or a duvet and sham set. There are a lot of colors to choose form too!

I make my own popsicles during the summer. This popsicle mold set is really cute! Here's my Homemade Strawberry Banana Popsicle Recipe that would be perfect in these molds.

This Week's Sales

Carter's - 50% off sitewide
Macy's - Extra 30% off plus 15% off beauty with code OWNIT
Ulta Beauty - 50% off must-haves
Old Navy - Up to 50% off sitewide
Boden - Up to 50% off plus 10% off with code B2M6
Banana Republic Factory - 40% off everything plus extra 40% off clearance
Carols Daughter - 40% off family favorites plus up to 25% off sitewide 
Nike - Up to 40% off new markdowns
CB2 - Up to 20% off outdoor 
Fossil - 25% off almost everything
Zulily - Up to 50% off tupperware
Levi's - 20% off 2 items, 25% off 3 items, 30% off 4+ items

Gluten Free Orange Bundt Cake

This recipe for gluten free orange bundt cake is easy to make from scratch. This moist cake is citrus infused and delicious. I used a simple, homemade glaze to top it off.

a gluten free orange bundt cake with orange icing and small orange wedges on top on a sage green plate next to a bowl of sliced oranges.

This Gluten Free Orange Bundt Cake is the perfect treat for anyone craving a moist, citrus flavored dessert. Made with fresh orange juice, it's a delightful twist on a traditional orange pound cake that's completely gluten free.

This easy to make cake is perfect for a brunch cake or a gluten free holiday gathering. With a homemade orange glaze made from scratch, this tasty cake is a crowd pleaser.

The light, zesty flavor of the citrus bundt cake pairs perfectly with a simple powdered sugar glaze, giving it that irresistible finish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

If you are looking for more gluten free bundt cakes try my Gluten Free Lemon Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze, my Gluten Free Eggnog Bundt Cake, my Gluten Free Gingerbread Bundt Cake or my Gluten Free Double Chocolate Bundt Cake.

You can find more cake recipes here: Gluten Free Cake Recipes

a slice of gluten free orange bundt cake on a white plate next to a glass of almond milk.
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Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a bundt pan with butter or coconut oil. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of your stand mixer beat together the butter, sugar and orange zest until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, sour cream, milk and orange juice. Beat together just until combined.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat together until blended and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. 

Pour the batter into your greased bundt pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. The cake will be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Let set for 10-15 minutes and then turn the cake out of the pan onto your cake stand or cooling rack.

After the cake has cooled for at least two hours mix together the glaze and pour evenly over the cake. 

Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add orange flavor to the cake?

To get the best pop of orange flavor it's best to use fresh orange zest and fresh orange juice. You can use two large oranges to get the two teaspoons of zest and half cup of juice that you need.

This is a great way to use up the last oranges in your fruit bowl. Even if they are starting to get too ripe they will work perfect for this recipe and give a sweet citrus flavor.

How long should a bundt cake cool before glazing?

It is best to let your gluten free orange bundt cake cool completely before adding the glaze. I like to let mine set for at least two hours.

I prefer to make the cake the day before I need it and glaze it the next day before serving or guests arrive. This lets the cake cool completely and allows the glaze to be fresh.

How can I enhance the orange flavor?

If you are using orange juice from a carton and/or dried zest you could also add ½ teaspoon of orange extract or orange oil to enhance the orange flavor.
There is nothing wrong with using juice from a carton or dried zest.

Sometimes that's all I have access to depending on the season. However, the orange flavor won't be as strong, so adding the orange oil will enhance your cake.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

Print
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Gluten Free Orange Bundt Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This recipe for gluten free orange bundt cake is easy to make from scratch. This moist cake is citrus infused and delicious. I used a simple, homemade glaze to top it off. 

Ingredients

Scale

Icing:

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a bundt pan with butter or coconut oil. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of your stand mixer beat together the butter, sugar and orange zest until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, sour cream, milk and orange juice. Beat together just until combined.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat together until blended and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. 

Pour the batter into your greased bundt pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. The cake will be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Let set for 10-15 minutes and then turn the cake out of the pan onto your cake stand or cooling rack.

After the cake has cooled for at least two hours mix together the glaze and pour evenly over the cake. 

Notes

For the cake if you are using dried orange zest and/or orange juice from a carton also add ½ tsp. orange flavoring to the cake batter.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Gluten Free

Top Tip

This cake is a great way to use up those last two oranges that are in your fruit bowl. Fresh orange zest and fresh squeezed orange juice make this cakes flavor pop! If you only have orange juice in a carton and dried zest that will work too.

This is a great recipe to use with a smaller individual bundt cake pan too. The individual little cakes look so pretty served with the glaze at a gathering or on a dessert table.