all-star recipes…Kumquat

It is quite an honor to be a part of this talented and inspiring crew of gluten-free bloggers for this 2012 Gluten-Free All-Star Recipes event. It’s been awfully fun to see what have turned out to be hit recipes on these blogs… and now it’s time for me to share the winners from my site.

But first, let me introduce myself… I’m Gretchen. By training, I’m a registered dietitian, recipe developer and food stylist. Almost six years ago, after a life-time of health issues and tummy pains, I omitted gluten from my life and everything seemed to turn around. A few years later, now a full-time mommy, I craved a creative outlet for sharing gluten-free recipes and the photographs I wanted to take of them. Even more I wanted to spread hope and deliciousness to those who, like me, cannot eat gluten but aren’t willing to skimp on taste. So that’s how kumquat was born…

Before I share the 2012 Gluten-Free All-Star Recipes, let me pause to tell you about one of my very favorite gluten-free food blogs, that is if you haven’t already discovered it. In my opinion, Coco of Roost has one of the loveliest and most inspiring sites. Her recipes are all very clean and delightful, both visually and in ingredient list. All of her posts make me swoon a bit. But when I saw her Cinnamon Roll Almond Flour Donuts I knew I had to try them. Their simplicity is just as satisfying as their delicate flavor and tender texture.

Kumquat 2012 Gluten Free All-Star Recipes

Now, back to kumquat… Admittedly, my site contains a heavy dose of sweets. I’ve yet to successfully curb my sweet tooth and my blog seems to be where most of those creations land. A proper dietitian would have a healthier balance, I know, so I’m working on that. Slowly. So it’s no great surprise that the top recipes from my site were a bit on the sweet side.

Blueberry Coconut Pecan Breakfast Cookies

The recipe that has been above and beyond, by miles and miles, the greatest hit this year are these Blueberry Coconut Pecan Breakfast Cookies. Maybe it’s the title… who wouldn’t want a cookie for breakfast? Whatever the reason, my reason for developing them is because I wanted something not only quick and simple, but also tasty and healthy for breakfast. These fit every description and have clearly hit a cord with lots of folks. Click here for the recipe.

Nutella Crepe Cake

Next up is this Nutella Crepe Cake. Okay, I’m a full disclosure girl… this cake was sinfully delicious and truly lovely to behold. However, it was a bit of work and a fantastic mess. I say fantastic because it is Nutella we’re talking about and I don’t think it’s possible to complain about chocolate-hazelnut dripping down your chin. If you disagree, then luckily a little chill time in the fridge helps keeps things a little tidier. If you dream of Nutella Crepes, like I do, then this is a must try! Click here for the recipe.

Iced Coconut Chai Latte

The third All-Star Recipe was a bit of an unexpected one to me… Iced Coconut Chai Tea Latte. I think people are really inspired by easy beverage recipes that are a tasty change-up from their usuals. Because dairy isn’t a friend of mine, those iced coffee house drinks are mostly off limits to me… so like many recipes on my site, I decided to make my own. So, as an easy off-the-cuff idea stirred together, photographed and posted, this recipe has been a hit! Click here for the recipe.

2012 has been quite a year for me, both personally and professionally! Truly a year I won’t ever forget. In all of the chaos and joys and pains of 2012, I’ve been so grateful for my little space.  And I’ve been humbled and thrilled by both the fellow bloggers, like [insert your name here], whose creativity inspires me and the generous readers whose kind comments encourage me! Thanks, too, to Lexie‘s kitchen wrangling us all together to share a little bit and pass our love around.

May you all be blessed as this year comes to an end… I certainly look forward to what next year will bring, and I hope to share some of it with you over at kumquat.

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