This Autumn I’ve been enjoying some homely baking and wanted to share some of the tasty vegan and gluten-free bakes I’ve been enjoying.
Autumn Baking – Gluten free and Vegan
Tag: puddings
Vegan Coconut and Pineapple Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is making a big comeback in my life as a naturally gluten free dessert which can be made vegan so easily and with so many options. Today I’ve made rice pudding with Alpro Coconut Milk, pudding rice, carob syrup and dried pineapple and papaya pieces.
Many coconut rice puddings will used canned coconut milk which is very dense and high in fat. I’m using the Alpro milk alternative made from coconut as it’s much healthier coming in at only 20 calories and less than 1g fat per 100ml. Start by adding 500ml of coconut milk to a pan and gradually bring to heat.
When the coconut milk starts gently boiling add in carob syrup. I’ve used 3 tablespoons to sweeten the pudding whilst still avoiding refined sugars. Thoroughly stir through the syrup until blended well with the coconut milk
Once the coconut milk and carob base is ready add half a cup of pudding rice and turn the heat down low to simmer for 45 minutes whilst occasionally checking in to stir.
Shortly before serving I’ve mixed through dried pineapple and papaya pieces to complement the coconut flavour.
Rice pudding is a classic which so much reminds me of Sunday dinner in Yorkshire with my gran (and a thick skin on top) but the tropical flavours and the hob cooking give it an adult twist making it fresh and tasty in the here and now.
Carob Syrup Crumble
Spring time is here so I’m starting to think about delicious light spring puddings. This carob syrup crumble with peach is super easy to bake and a very tasty vegan and gluten-free dessert.
Start by layering sliced peaches along the base of a baking dish. I’m using tinned peaches to save time and to make sure I don’t leave my tins too long.
Melt dairy free spread in a pan on a medium heat. I use Pure Soya as it is my favourite vegan alternative. Add a few tablespoons of carob syrup to the melted spread and stir through to mix. Carob syrup is an excellent alternative to honey and will both sweeten desserts and act as a binding agent.
Add gluten free oats to the syrup and melted spread mix and use this to top the peaches. Bake on 200° for approximately 20 minutes before serving warm and enjoying a tasty, peachy pudding.
Henderson’s Vegan, Thistle Street, Edinburgh
I have found my new favourite place in the world. Please prepare yourself for a lot of excitement in this post…
I’m visiting Edinburgh this weekend and looking for coeliac, vegan food requires planning and research in advance. Henderson’s staff were really helpful when we phoned and booked a table in the restaurant area. Henderson’s Vegan have two eating areas, one which is a self service cafe and another with waitress service and… live jazz. Seriously. I’m moving in.
I explained I was allergic to nuts anx mushrooms in addition to coeliac and vegan and was impressed to find I actually had a choice of meals. To start I had falafel and coconut sauce, although I encouraged my sister to have the Thai wraps. Both were excellent.
Tucking in to such amazing vegan food in a relaxed, friendly and jazz filled environment was really exciting and it was nice to feel normal despite my allergies.
Main course – risotto. This was a really well cooked vegan risotto and the vegetables were crisp and fresh and it was nice to find surprise fennel as well as butternut squash, rocket and garden peas.
I don’t even know where to start telling you about dessert. So our waitress came over really excited and told us not to look at a menu. She said I have 3 desserts for you. All nut free, vegan and coeliac. A chocolate mousse, a raspberry cheesecake and a chocolate cheesecake pot. She said we had to have the last one so we went for that and the raspberry.
Let’s just be clear. These puddings were amazing. I’m genuinely still trying to get my head around the chocolate pot as I’m not sure how they made it that good, it was really creamy and my non vegan, non coeliac sister thinkd it is better than dairy and gluten based puddings.
Henderson’s Vegan is a safe, happy and tasty place.
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