Luscious Lemon Cake: A Gluten Free Delight!

Now that we're pretty certain my youngest son has a gluten allergy, I've begun the great search for easy and delicious gluten free recipes.

There are a ton of gluten free recipes out there. Some are good, some not so good. Many are complicated employing a seemingly odd and difficult to attain collection of ingredients designed to mimic the chemical reaction of baking with gluten flour.

I'm all about simple and clean baking. I need easy, quick recipes that I can rely on again and again.

I can't stand the aftertaste of xanthan gum and I'm not a fan of most gluten free flour blends.

Almond flour -I love!

I've been experimenting with recipes that call for almond flour and am slowly amassing a collection of favorites.

This lemon cake is one of them!

Moist, tantalizingly tart, and free of processed sugar, I feel good about giving my kids this dessert and I love the expression on people's shocked faces when I tell them they're eating a sugar free, gluten free cake- WHAT?!?

It's that good my friends!

Want to try my Luscious Lemon Cake? A true gluten free delight?

Here's what you'll need:

3 large lemons

3 large eggs

3 cups Almond Flour

1 cup pure maple syrup (I prefer Grade B)

1/3 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon lemon extract

Here's what to do:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

To start, you'll need to thoroughly wash your lemons. If there's a waxy coating on the skin, try to get that off! Place your lemons in a pot of boiling water and bring to a boil then simmer covered for about 20 minutes.

Strain your lemons and set aside to cool.

In a small bowl, whisk your eggs together until fully combined. Add your lemon extract, the olive oil and the maple syrup. Set this bowl aside.

In a large bowl, mix your almond meal and baking powder together. Add to this mixture your wet ingredients from the small bowl.

Revisiting those lemons which should be cool by now. Slice them in half, doing your best to remove any seeds before placing the halves inside a blender.  Puree your lemons until you've got a lovely lemony puree.

Add your lemon puree to your mixing bowl.

Stir until everything is uniformly combined.

Grease a 9x9 circular baking pan. For consistency, I use more olive oil.

Bake at 325 degrees F for bout 60 minutes.

Allow to cool and set about thirty minutes before removing from the pan.

Adorn with powdered sugar and lemon slices or enjoy as is.

Either way, you'll love this lemony gluten free delight!

No Trip to Montreal is Complete Without a Visit to the Notre-Dame Basillica

Perhaps it's the colors- vibrant sea foam green, dark cherry wood, coquettish robins egg blue and sharp accents of gold. Or the aroma, frankincense, welting max. There is a warmth all around, the energy of tranquility and peace resonate from within.

Whatever it is, Montreal's famed Notre-Dame Basilica is a true refuge and a work of astounding beauty.

No Trip to Montreal is Complete Without a Visit to the Notre-Dame Basillica

Built in 1824, the Notre-Dame Basilica is easily one of the most impressive structures in the historic district of Old Montreal.

Known in a more modern context as the place where Celine Dion got married, the Notre-Dame Basilica is home to a large collection of priceless religious art and archaeological finds.

Visited by Pope John Paul II, the Notre-Dame Basilica has been host to many prominent historical events and in 1989 was assigned the designation as a National Historic Site of Canada.

Despite the pomp and circumstance surrounding the Basilica, it runs as an active church. For the people, the Basilica offers a full host of religious services from mass to marriage, baptisms and funerals.

A site frequented by religious pilgrims, the Basilica is also open, for a nominal fee, to tourists.

I find during my travels that there are few things, more grounding and calming than visiting religious sites. I've visited mosques and temples, basilicas and shrines, each one, regardless of the religion it was attached to, resonated that special energy that comes from being in the presence of the "Divine." The Basilica is not just for Catholics or Christians.

Located in the heart of Old Montreal, the Notre-Dame Basilica is within easy walking distance of the water, restaurants and shops.

The cobblestone streets of Old Montreal are historic and unique. There's so much to do in the neighborhood, which feels like a suburb of Paris.

I still don't know if it's the colors, or the aroma, the stained glass, the velvety seats, but I am called again and again to the Notre-Dame Basilica. This wasn't my first visit and I'm sure it won't be my last. Montreal, is one of the most charming and unique cities in North America!

The Notre-Dame Basilica

11o Rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, QC

Add Coconut Oil to Your Coffee If You're In Need of a Boost!

If you're a lover of coconut, then you'll go crazy over this tip! 

Add coconut oil to your coffee if you're in need of a boost! 

Coconut oil in coffee? 

I first discovered coconut oil coffee when I was living in Brooklyn. Before hopping on the C train at Franklin Ave. I'd pop into Daily Press Cafe. One day, I noticed a coconut oil infused espresso on the menu, I gave it a try. The coconut oil gave my drink a smooth aromatic coconut flavor.  

The next day I tried the coconut oil coffee- I was hooked! 

Not only is coconut oil in coffee absolutely and undeniably yummy, it provides a bunch of health benefits and boosts! 

Adding a heaping teaspoon of organic unrefined coconut oil to your morning cup of coffee:

•  Boosts metabolism  because the healthy fat from coconut oil is converted directly to fuel which also boosts energy!
• Boosts the immune system. Coconut oil is naturally anti microbial protecting you from illnesses and germs. If you've been a reader for a while, you know how much I love to use coconut oil in the bath and body products I make, it's for this same reason!

You've got to give it a try! Add a heaping teaspoon of coconut oil to your next cup of coffee.

You may also want to try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a hint of vanilla extract- the results are blissful! 

Cheers! 

Making A Rafiki In Zanzibar

Wanderlust Photo Wednesday! Images that inspire us to travel- Zanzibar!

Happy Wanderlust Photo Wednesday! Today, I'm featuring photos from the Island of Zanzibar (just off the coast of Tanzania in Eastern Africa).

This little lady was more than a monkey, she became a rafiki or friend (in Swahili, the language spoken in Zanzibar).

My little monkey friend, was a domesticated pet belonging to a friend of a friend, who owned an enormous house right on the beach where we were invited to stay.

It's easy to make a rafikis in Zanzibar! One is not limited to humans. The landscape, flora and fauna will welcome you with open arms.

The Three Things You Must Do When Visiting Newport, Rhode Island!

Newport, RI

Every once in a while along my travels, I step into a place that just fits. A space that speaks to me in the way I need to be spoken to, one that nourishes my senses, appeals to my love of art and culture while offering breathtaking landscapes. Rhode Island, Newport in particular is one such place.

Newport was our little vacation spot last summer and I can't wait to go back!

The Three Things You Must Do When Visiting Newport, Rhode Island!

Rhode Island is perhaps the number one, supremo uno, most beautiful, stunning and awe inspiring state in the union. Aesthetically speaking, Rhode Island, with it's lush floral green contrasted by boulder studded azure, from the funky sidewalk cafes of Providence to the palatial seaside mansions of Newport and Kingston, may be one of the best kept secrets in New England.

Be it tiny, the oft forgotten state of Rhode Island leads the way when it comes to natural beauty!

The tiny ocean side town of Newport is one of Rhode Island's shining gems!

On our latest mini-break (I consider anything less than three nights to be just that), we visited the tranquil ocean side town of Newport.

Newport is a nautical pleasure!

More down to earth than her cousins (The Hamptons and Martha's Vineyard), Newport has something for everyone, from families with small children, to couples, to a group of girlfriends and retirees. Under whatever guise you may arrive, here are three simple things that I recommend doing if you've got a day or a weekend to spend in this breezy azure wonderland.

The Three Things You Must Do When Visiting Newport, Rhode Island!

1. Drive Along Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive is a historic, ten mile strip that snakes along the sparkling ocean coast. Don't rush through it! The views are spectacular. Lighthouses, parks, gardens, historic mansions all vie for attention. This is a wonderful picnic destination and provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic stroll or photo shoot. The area is also known for kite flying.

2. Explore Downtown Newport

Downtown Newport is small but charming. Completely walkable, Ocean Drive lets out in Downtown where you can walk the piers, shop for nautical treasures at local boutiques or dine at one of the many seafood restaurants.

3. Eat Lobster

Lobster of Newport, RI

Need I say more! If you love lobster, Newport serves it up to perfection.

Newport is one of the most scenic seaside cities along the east coast!

If you're planning a stay in Newport, you'll want to book ahead. Hotels and properties for rent, especially during the busy summer season fill up fast and come at a steep price.