Gluten-Free Dutch Baby

I've recently discovered the Dutch Baby or German Pancake. It is so good!!! For me it is very close to french toast when drizzled with syrup. I add cinnamon to mine but traditional is completely plain with no added spices or flavorings.

A Dutch Baby has a puffy crisp crust and a custard center. The first time I made it I didn't realize it was supposed to have a custard center and thought I had not made it properly. I like it with extra butter so that when it is done there is a little pool of melted butter. If you want to reduce the butter in the pan by half, it will still come out nicely. Traditional toppings are lemon and butter, powdered sugar, sauteed fruit, or syrup.

I plan to try various versions including savory ones. I will post any that turn out good. There are numerous recipes out there, and most are the same. I adapted my version off of this recipe.

Gluten-Free Dutch Baby

1/2 cup brown rice flour
2 Tbsp arrowroot flour
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 Tbsp butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup milk, room temperature
2 to 3 Tbsp butter for the pan

Preheat oven to 425.

Melt 2 Tbsp butter and set aside to cool a little. In a glass baking dish (mine is a 2 quart) add the 2 or 3 Tbsp of butter and place in the preheating oven to melt. Be careful not to burn it.

While the butter is melting and baking dish is preheating, mix the flours, sea salt and cinnamon in a bowl. I used a whisk to combine. Whisk in the eggs and milk until smooth. Whisk in the cooled 2 Tbsp of butter.

By now the butter is done melting and baking dish is preheated. Take the baking dish out of the oven and coat the dish with the butter by tilting or using a brush. Pour the batter into the dish. The butter will pool but do not mix. Place immediately in the oven.

Bake for 15 minutes and then reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 10 minutes. When done, allow the dutch baby to set for a few minutes in the oven with the door open. The dutch baby will fall when taken out of the oven so don't think you did anything wrong. Drizzle with syrup or topping of your choice and serve immediately.

*** NOTES:  You can also make this in a cast iron pan. If you do, increase the beginning baking temperature to 450. Be sure to preheat the pan before adding the batter. If you wish to make a double batch you can use a 9x13 baking dish. You can also use ramekins to make individual dutch babies. Adjust baking time.

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Duffy's Tavern & Grill Kennebunk, Maine : Gluten-Free Friendly

This is my first review of gluten free friendly restaurants so please bear with me. I am in no way affiliated with the restaurant, nor was the review requested.

I recently had lunch with my sister and her husband, both of which are gluten intolerant. I wanted to treat them to something special and not a home cooked meal. I did some searching online and found Duffy's Tavern & Grill in Kennebunk, Maine. They are located in the historic Lafayette Center overlooking the Mousam River. The restaurant has a nice, comfortable atmosphere. Seating over 200, you have the choice of a table or sitting at the bar. If you are into catching a game while dining, you can watch it on one of their big screen TVs.

Duffy's has an extensive gluten-free menu which made making a decision of what to order take longer than normal. Usually you're lucky if you can find a restaurant with more than a few basic gluten-free options. You can download their current menu here. If you have allergies they recommend you consult the manager prior to placing an order to ensure that all your needs are met. This is always a wise decision regardless of where you dine.

Duffy's offers gluten-free beers O-Mission and Redbridge, as well as, all of their wines and cocktails being gluten free. A number of non-alcoholic choices are available as well. They can serve your burger or sandwich on GF bread, they offer GF pasta, GF pizza, GF baked haddock by swapping crumbs for fresh pico de gallo, and all their fresh salads are gluten-free to which you can add chicken, steak tips, turkey or lobster to make the ultimate gluten-free salad. With a number of GF starters and main dishes to choose from, Duffy's is definitely on my list of top gluten-free friendly restaurants.

My sister and her husband ordered Duffy's Burger which came with lettuce, tomato and onion on GF Allergeena's homemade honey buttermilk bread. They also had a side of the house vegetable which was steamed carrots I believe. They both enjoyed their burgers and were impressed with the menu selection.

Would we recommend them? Yes. If you have anyone in your family with gluten intolerance, Duffy's really is a great place for everyone to feel satisfied with the options offered. They certainly won't feel they are missing out.

What about the cost? The Duffy's Burger was $11.99.  I thought their prices were average for a nice sit down restaurant and reasonable when you consider that gulten-free breads and other options are usually more expensive. The do offer take-out as well. You can order online but I would recommend you call to ensure your gluten-free needs are met.

With Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, a Duffy's Gift Card would be a terrific gift for anyone local to the area. Visit their website for more information www.duffyskennebunk.com Do you have a favorite Gluten-Free friendly restaurant you would like to share with others? If so, please share in the comments below.

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Gluten Free Baked Oatmeal

I am not an oatmeal for breakfast fan. It's the texture of gloppy glue and no matter how much butter and goodies I add, I just can't stand it. Baked oatmeal is completely different. I've made baked oatmeal in the past and my husband and I really enjoyed it.

It is easy to change it up and add fruit, berries, and/or nuts to your liking. Below is a reduced sugar version. Believe it or not when I made it this morning I reduced the sugar by half and we enjoyed it. If you have someone in your family that likes stuff super sweet you could drizzle raw organic honey, agave, or maple syrup over the top to sweeten it up for them. Topping with yogurt or on the side makes for a terrific breakfast.

Note: I made this with extra thick rolled oats. If you are using thinner oatmeal you may want to reduce the milk by 1/4 cup.

Gluten Free Baked Oatmeal

1 1/2 cups GF Oatmeal - Bob's Red Mill Extra Thick
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 pear, peeled & chopped
1/4 cup raisins * optional
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped * optional

Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9x9 baking dish.

Mix together the butter, eggs, and milk.  In another bowl combine the oats, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry and mix well. Stir in the fruit and/or nuts. Spread in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Server warm as is or drizzle with raw honey, agave, or maple syrup. Top with yogurt or serve on the side. 

* Any variation of fruits, berries, dried fruits, and nuts will work. You can also add other spices and/or vanilla. Get creative and enjoy!!

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