Gluten-Free Recipes

Favorite Things August 13, 2021

one of my favorite things are indoor houseplants to purify the air

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.

New Fall Sweaters at Target

I know lots of places are still really hot and in the midst of a summer heat wave, but I've found in years past that women's fall sweaters sell out fast. So, while you're enjoying some air conditioning inside it's the perfect time to do some online shopping! These are some of my favorite sweaters in Target's new fall collection.

Recipe Ideas for the Week

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Roasted Cashews

Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

Gluten Free Raspberry Cornmeal Cake

Stuff I Love

What We Just Tried - We tried the new Kind Frozen Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bars and the new Kind Peanut Butter Ice Cream. We loved the bars, but the ice cream wasn't very good (and it gave me indigestion). My favorite peanut butter chocolate ice cream is still Tillamook!

What I'm Watching - On Apple TV I've been watching Home Before Dark. The first couple of episodes felt like a kids show, but then it picks up and I'm really liking the mystery.

What I'm Reading - I'm currently reading Shoulder Season by Christina Clancy. The book is about a woman that goes to work at the Playboy Resort in Wisconsin in 1981 and then her life during and after her experience. I like the main character and the book has been interesting. If you enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six you would like this book.

What I'm Loving - I've been using these bottles all summer long to hold simple syrups and agua fresca in my fridge door. They seal nicely and are really easy to pour from.

What I Want to Get - I love an elbow length t-shirt for fall and winter. I'm loving this black and white elbow length tee that I have in my cart at Target!

New Items for Fall I'm Loving

Favorites From Around the Web

I love this retro velvet pillow from Drew Barrymore's new line at Walmart. The colors are all really pretty and would make a simple update to your couch for fall.

I'm also loving the small kitchen appliances in the new Drew Barrymore line at Walmart. This air fryer is super pretty in matte black or white.

I'm loving all the black and white access pieces that are popping up for the home this fall. This pillow, this pouf and this rug are three of my favorites.

I've been looking for a new crossbody bag. I think this brown version is so pretty and this black version would go with everything. This brown pleated crossbody bag looks like it would hold all of my stuff!

This long skirt is perfect to go from late summer into fall. I would pair it with sandals now and then switch to boots for fall. The color and pattern is lovely!

Speaking of boots, this brown pair of ankle boots from Target looks like the Fry version, but at a much lower price. This rich brown color is perfect with jeans!

I've been thinking about doing an office refresh. I love this gold wire basket rolling cart and this midcentury upholstered office chair.

All of the simple hoop earrings that are everywhere right now are so pretty! I love this silver pair of oval hoops, this set of three worn gold hoops and this trio of texture gold hoops.

Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

This easy recipe for cantaloupe agua fresca makes the perfect drink for summer. Using the fruit, lime juice and water you can quickly have a tasty mocktail. I love this agua fresca plain or served with sparkling water.

a glass of cantaloupe aqua fresca with ice and lime slice with a bottle of aqua fresca behind it

If you aren't a fan of cantaloupe you can substitute watermelon or honey dew melon. If you are going to add another fruit that is more tart you may need to increase the amount of sweetener you add to the recipe.

This recipe is a great way to use leftover cantaloupe that you sliced up and have in the refrigerator. The lovely orange color is perfect to serve at gatherings. This drink is always a hit served very cold over ice during the hot summer months.

If you are looking for more tasty cold drinks try my Homemade Blueberry Lemonade made with Frozen Blueberries, my Pina Colada Mocktail, my Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktails, or my Homemade Raspberry Lemonade.

You can find all of my drink recipes here: Gluten Free Drink Recipes

Cantaloupe agua fresca is a light, refreshing beverage that captures the sweet, mellow flavor of ripe melon in every sip.

This cantaloupe drink is a staple summer beverage in many warm-weather regions, offering a naturally sweet and hydrating alternative to sugary sodas or heavy juices.

With its smooth texture and vibrant color, this melon agua fresca recipe is a delightful way to enjoy cantaloupe in liquid form-perfect for cooling down on hot days.

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Ingredients

Instructions

Put cantaloupe chunks, lime juice, sugar, sea salt and 1 cup of water into your blender. Blend until smooth.

Strain the cantaloupe mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth into a jar, pitcher or bottle. Discard the solids.

Add the remaining 2 cups of water and stir or shake to combine.

Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Serve over ice. You may want to serve with some sparkling water to add some fizz.

Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is agua fresca made of?

Agua fresca is made of water, fruit, lime juice and a sweetener. For this version I used cantaloupe, granulated sugar and also added a bit of sea salt to cut the sweetness just a little. You could easily replace the cantaloupe with watermelon, honey dew or another fruit that you have.

Depending on how sweet the fruit is you're using you will want to adjust the amount of sugar you add. For this recipe I used ripe cantaloupe which is naturally very sweet. If you want to use fruit that is less ripe or a fruit that is more tart you will want to add more sweetener.

Does agua fresca have alcohol in it?

No, this drink is water based and does not contain alcohol. It is very close to a juice and is great for non-alcoholic drinks and to serve to children. If you wanted to you could add alcohol to make a cocktail or sparkling water to cut down on the sweetness.

How should I store cantaloupe agua fresca?

I like to put mine in a bottle, but you could also store your agua fresca in a jar with a sealed lid. You can store this cantaloupe agua fresca in the refrigerator for 7-10 days.

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!

Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

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No reviews

Author: Elaine VanVleck
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 cups 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This easy recipe for canteloupe agua fresca makes the perfect drink for summer. Using the fruit, lime juice and water you can quickly have a tasty mocktail. I love this agua fresca plain or served with sparkling water.

Ingredients

Scale

1 Cantaloupe, peeled, seeds removed and cut into chunks
⅓ cup Lime Juice
1 Tbsp. Granulated Sugar
¼ tsp. Sea Salt
3 cups Water

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Instructions

Put cantaloupe chunks, lime juice, sugar, sea salt and 1 cup of water into your blender. Blend until smooth.

Strain the cantaloupe mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth into a jar, pitcher or bottle. Discard the solids.

Add the remaining 2 cups of water and stir or shake to combine.

Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Serve over ice. You may want to serve with some sparkling water to add some fizz.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Blender
Cuisine: Gluten Free

Favorite Things July 16, 2021

a favorite house plant in a basket on a stool in front of a white wall

New Home Favorites

There are so many cute pieces showing up in stores already for this fall! I know it's just July, but I don't need any more patio furniture or summer clothes, so I'm ready to start looking at the new stuff for fall. Plus, if we purchase now it won't be sold out. I'm sure some of these items will sell out!

Recipe Ideas For The Week

Homemade Lemon Lime Sports Drink

Gluten Free Hummingbird Bundt Cake

Gluten Free Kale Caesar Salad

Stuff I Love

What I'm Watching - I had never watched Dawson's Creek and am going back and watching it now on Netflix. I can't believe I missed out on this classic when it aired on television.

What I'm Reading - I just finished The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton by Eleanor Ray. I really liked this book and tore through it in five days. I have to admit I thought I knew how it was going to end and I was pleasantly surprised!

What I'm Loving - Every few months I like to change my shampoo and conditioner to help my wavy hair not get a build up. I just started using Acure Build Up Balancing Hemp and ACV Shampoo and Acure Build Up Balancing Hemp and ACV Conditioner. I'm loving how smooth and soft it leaves my hair.

What I Want To Get - I want these black, Doc Martin knock-off sandals. I used to love to wear this style with dresses and even with tights and dresses during the winter. So many nostalgic 90s memories with the clothes and shoes this season!

Clothing Items to Go from Summer to Fall

Favorite From Around the Web

I ordered a couple of these inexpensive glass bottles to store drinks (like the lemon lime sports drink above) in our refrigerator. I've been really happy with them!

Speaking of glass bottles, I love a glass water bottle. I know they are easier to break, but I think the water tastes better and doesn't get a metallic taste like it can from stainless water bottles.

I love this oversized, faux leather hunter green bag for this fall! It looks expensive and the color is a great neutral option.

I always wear my blue blocker glasses when I'm on my computer. I think they really do help with eye fatigue. I'm loving this green pair of blue blockers!

This pair of flowered canvas sneakers (they look like Ked's knock-offs) are so fun! I really want a pair to wear with jeans.

I love this highlighter and blush combo compact! These colors are so great for a bit of color on your cheeks and then some highlighter on our cheekbone and down the center of your nose.

I really want this brushed gold flatware!! It looks like what Anthropologie carries, but is much less expensive.

I added these faux leather chargers to my cart and want to get them ordered before they sell out. They will be perfect for Thanksgiving and fall table settings.

The new Gap Collection at Walmart is really pretty. I love all the mix and match colors. I really like this pretty throw pillow.

I'm loving this simple cookie jar. There's also a cute coffee jar with a wooden spoon. This whole line is so pretty!

Gluten Free Strawberry Jam Bars

This simple recipe for gluten free strawberry jam bars uses fresh strawberries and strawberry jam. They have a shortbread like base and an oatmeal crisp topping. These are the best gluten free fruit bars for dessert, breakfast or brunch.

I love these bars warm with homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a dessert option. They also work well for a breakfast or brunch option and are delicious served with coffee. These gluten free strawberry jam bars can easily be made the day before you want to serve them.

If you are looking for more strawberry recipes try my Gluten Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble, my Gluten Free Strawberry Cobbler, my Gluten Free Strawberry Pretzel Dessert or my Gluten Free Strawberry Rhubarb Bars.

You can find all of my dessert recipes here: Gluten Free Dessert Recipes

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Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8 baking dish with butter or coconut oil. Set aside.

In the bowl of your stand mixer add the room temperature unsalted butter, vanilla and granulated sugar. Beat until well blended together. Add the gluten free flour, and sea salt and mix until blended into a dough.

Press the dough into the 8x8 baking dish.

Spread the strawberry jam over the dough mixture and then top with the chopped strawberries. Set aside.

In your stand mixer blend the gluten free rolled oats, brown sugar, brown rice flour, sea salt, melted butter and chopped nuts until a crumbly mixture forms.

Sprinkle the crumbly mixture over top of the strawberries.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. When done the edges will be bubbling and the top will be lightly browned.

Let cool before cutting into bars.

Serve on its own or with homemade whipped cream (recipe in notes) or vanilla ice cream.

Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries with this recipe?

Yes. Be sure to completely defrost the strawberries and then strain them so they don't have excess water or juice. Although, I think this recipe is the most delicious with fresh strawberries.

Do gluten free strawberry jam bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes. The fruit mixture in these bars needs to be refrigerated. They are ok out for a bit, but should be refrigerated when you are done serving them. It's especially important to refrigerate your bars during warm months. Without preservatives your bars can go badly quickly if left out on the counter.

How should I store strawberry jam bars?

You can place a lid or plastic wrap over the container you baked the bars in and store them like that. I also like placing each bar in a small glass container so they are ready for single servings.

Then they can be taken out of the fridge for a quick treat or to be put into a lunch box. If they've been in the refrigerator for over three days I put the individual containers in the freezer for later.

Recipes You Might Also Enjoy

Gluten Free Strawberry Jam Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Elaine VanVleck
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 9 bars
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Base Layer:
2 cups Gluten Free Flour
1 cup Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
½ cup Granulated Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
½ tsp. Sea Salt

Filling:
2 cups Fresh Strawberries, chopped (16 or 1 lbs. container)
1 cup Strawberry Jam

Topping:
¾ cup Gluten Free Rolled Oats
½ cup Brown Sugar
¼ cup Brown Rice Flour
½ tsp. Sea Salt
¼ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
½ cup Pecans, Almonds or Walnuts, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8 baking dish with butter or coconut oil. Set aside.

Press the dough into the 8x8 baking dish.

Spread the strawberry jam over the dough mixture and then top with the chopped strawberries. Set aside.

In your stand mixer blend the gluten free rolled oats, brown sugar, brown rice flour, sea salt, melted butter and chopped nuts until a crumbly mixture forms.

Sprinkle the crumbly mixture over top of the strawberries.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. When done the edges will be bubbling and the top will be lightly browned.

Let cool before cutting into bars.

Serve on its own or with homemade whipped cream (recipe in notes) or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

For homemade whipped cream add 1-2 cups of heavy whipping cream, ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your mixer. Using the whisk attachment beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Gluten Free

Top Tip

I used fresh strawberries, but you could also use frozen strawberries. You will want to thaw the frozen strawberries completely and then drain any excess water or juice from them before adding them to the recipe. Although, I like fresh strawberries best in this recipe.

Favorite Things July 9, 2021

one of my favorite things is a vase of dahlias on my coffee table

New at Target

I love the clothes for this season as they start to transition to styles that will work for late summer and into fall by adding layers. The colors this year are really pretty too! I want to order a couple of pairs of the new women's jeans. I also love these dresses. They would be so simples to put a sweater on with and wear when the temperatures start to get cooler.

Recipe Ideas for the Week

Gluten Free Chocolate Breakfast Cookies

Gluten Free Sausage, Kale and Potato Skillet

Gluten Free Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Stuff I Love

What I'm Watching - We are watching The Mosquito Coast on Apple TV. I like the show, but my hang up is the son's character. We only have two episodes left and I'm hoping there is a reason his character has been so annoying.

What I'm Reading - I just tore through in under a week Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It is so good! I highly recommend this multi-generational novel.

What I Just Ordered - I just restocked my Sunwarrior Chocolate Protein Powder. It's my favorite protein powder for smoothies and yogurt bowls.

What I'm Loving - I'm so glad I purchased outdoor lounge chairs for our backyard! I love sitting in these chairs and reading a book. The exact two I have aren't available any longer, but this pair of lounge chairs are very similar.

What I Want to Get - I was just watching a video of man oiling and selling wooden bowls in a french market and thought I need a wooden salad bowl! This wooden serving bowl looks like exactly what I want. It's a bonus that it's only $25!

New Clean Beauty Options

Favorites From Around The Web

I love this simple initial necklace. It gives me a bit of a Carrie from Sex in the City vibe. Or maybe it just feels likes the 90's to me.

This jute area rug looks sturdy and would add a bit of ruggedness to my living room. I love the layered rug look to add some coziness to a room.

This gold flatware is so pretty! I think it would be amazing for fall and holiday place settings.

I'm a big fan of canisters for storing things I buy in bulk and also baking supplies that come in bags. I find canisters in my pantry are so much easier to keep track of and find what I need.

I'm a little bit in love with this white duvet cover set! I think the chenille pattern looks so pretty and it has a bit of a french vibe. So pretty! (I must be dreaming of France lately)

This geometric lamp with it's soft gold and white coloring is beautiful. I don't need new lamps for my nightstand, but if I did I would scoop these up!

I love pretty things for around our house. This waist basket is so pretty! I could leave it sitting out in our bathroom. Although, let me be honest, one of our cats would knock it over and spread it everywhere.

One of the items I use the most in my kitchen is my weighted bottom steel mixing bowl. It's always my go to and I've been using it constantly with all the fruits and veggies from our garden.

I'm a fan of culottes coming back into style. I love this white pair of culottes with their button details on the front.