Amazing Chocolate Layer Cake (Gluten Free or Regular)

Recently I saw an article in my local newspaper with a recipe for a 12-Layer Chocolate Cake. This has always been one of my very favorite cakes for my birthday, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion or holiday. Most of my children also love it. However, since going gluten free I have not been able to have this fantastic treat.

I don't typically get in the kitchen and create wonderful gluten free things because I am the only one in my family that has to eat gluten free, and I don't usually want to "make" them eat gluten free. Often my solution is to keep pre-made, store bought gluten free desserts in my freezer in individual servings so when we have a special dessert I can just pull it out and have something. Somehow it's never as satisfying as the wonderful creation that everyone else is having. So I decided to change that.

When I saw this, I got in the kitchen and made this fabulous cake, gluten free. The only change I made was using Jules Gluten Free All Purpose Flour (definitely one of my favorite gluten free flours!) in place of the flour called for in the recipe. I used a cup measure to scoop the batter into my pans, but there was only enough for 10 layers instead of the 12 that the recipe calls for--but I didn't miss the other two!

As the article states, this was time consuming because of baking the layers at separate times, but it wasn't hard. It was fun! And the results were DEFINITELY worth it.So, gluten free friends--go for it! Why not? Or pass this recipe on to your friends or family. Who knows--maybe you'll get lucky and get surprised on your birthday!And for all you regular gluten eaters out there, don't be afraid--bake this cake! Use any flour you like, but I always prefer White Lily.

Let me know if you make it. I bet you all have someone in your family that would be thrilled to have this as their birthday cake!

It's Been a Long Time.....and I Have Some Amazing Bread to Share!

I've been absent from this blog for many, many months for many, many reasons. The last year was like a whirlwind for me. Once 2012 arrived I have been determined to begin blogging again. I have a lot to share, but for now I want to share two fantastic recipes.

Recently, we were honored to be joined at dinner with our son's wife (Betsy), our granddaughter (Ada) and our daughter's husband (Myles). It was a precious time and we loved every minute of our time together. So unusual to have time with our "in-law" kids and not have our kids there as well. We had a pretty simple dinner, but I wanted to try something new so I made two loaves of homemade bread. I wanted to be able to eat some, so I made one loaf gluten-free using this recipe and another loaf that was not gluten-free using this recipe. Now I will be the first to say that making bread can feel very intimidating, and I don't have much experience with it. But the few times I have attempted it I have always had success, so I think it gets a bad rap. Both of these recipes are very simple and take very little time. I encourage you to give one or both a try!

I was very interested to see what the others enjoying dinner would say about the difference in the two breads. The loaves were both beautiful, as you can see here:

First, the regular, gluten filled loaf:

Yummy looking, huh? Makes me wish I could have a bite! It was a very traditional bread, good for spreading with butter or whatever your favorite topping is, or dipping in your favorite olive oil or dipping sauce. Now I bet a lot of you are thinking....who cares about the gluten-free loaf?

Well, don't dismiss it too quickly. Here is the gluten-free beauty:


And another:


I asked each person to give their honest opinion on both breads, and they all agreed that the gluten-free loaf was best! I don't think it means the regular loaf was bad (they all loved it!). But the gluten-free one was just better. It is a lovely, rustic bread that is full of flavor and is made from several different flours. Perfect to serve with dinner, or to have with breakfast or for a snack. It reheats beautifully in the microwave. Who could ask for more?