Today I’m excited to introduce talented blogger Beth from Tasty Yummies. I love Beth’s recipes because they emphasize clean, fresh, seasonal ingredients. Welcome, Beth!
Hi, I’m Beth from Tasty Yummies. I’m thrilled to be guest posting on Jeanette’s Healthy Living as part of the 2012 Gluten-Free All-Star Recipes series. Many thanks to Jeanette for inviting me!
I began sharing gluten-free recipes on Tasty Yummies nearly three years ago after deciding to overhaul my diet: to remove processed foods and be more intentional about what I eat and where it comes from. Although I had followed a strict gluten-free diet for more than five years, I found myself relying on overly processed “gluten-free” convenience foods. I was hesitant to experiment with baking and creating my own recipes beyond what was naturally gluten-free, and despite being gluten-free I still felt sluggish, got frequent headaches, and gained weight because of the poor-quality foods I was eating.
Once I committed to whole, seasonal foods and gained confidence in the kitchen, the changes were dramatic. I lost 30 pounds fairly quickly and have maintained that healthier lifestyle since. This shift was the easiest, most sustainable change I’ve ever made, and I’ve never felt better.
My Favorite From 2012
Before sharing Tasty Yummies’ 2012 Gluten-Free All-Star Recipes, I want to celebrate a fellow blogger I admire and one of her outstanding recipes. Brittany from Real Sustenance developed a grain-free pizza crust that I absolutely adore. Every recipe I’ve tried from her delivers, but this crust exceeded my expectations. It’s thick and fluffy, with a pleasant grainy texture and a crisp exterior that holds up well under toppings. I even adapted it to replace eggs and made a vegan cobbler topping with it. This crust is now my go-to pizza dough.
Tasty Yummies 2012 Gluten-Free All-Star Recipes
Below are the most popular recipes from Tasty Yummies this year. Looking at page visits, my readers clearly love sweets and chocolate—something that always amuses me since I personally prefer savory dishes. Sweet treats tend to attract attention in the food blog world, and these three recipes are not only reader favorites but staples in my kitchen. I’ve made each many times with variations.
1) Dark Chocolate Coconut Treats (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free)
These simple chocolate-coconut treats are a household favorite. The combination of dark chocolate and coconut is irresistible, and this refined sugar-free version feels like an indulgence without the guilt. I often use a mini muffin pan to make bite-sized pieces that last longer. They’re quick to prepare and always disappear fast.
2) Kalamata Olive and Herb Socca with Roasted Vegetables (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
I discovered socca this year and it has become a favorite. Socca is easy to make and versatile—savory or sweet variations both work well. The Kalamata olive and herb version pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables and makes a satisfying, quick lunch. It’s adaptable and kid-friendly, and a great base for experimenting with different toppings and flavors.
3) Chocolate Peanut Butter Road Trip Energy Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Refined Sugar-Free)
These energy bars are a road-trip staple for us. They’re quick to make, portable, and so delicious it’s hard to believe they’re also nutritious. I tweak the recipe depending on what I have in the pantry; for example, I’ve made a seasonal Chewy Pumpkin Spice version that’s perfect for fall. These bars are versatile, satisfying, and kid-approved.
Follow Tasty Yummies
If you’d like more gluten-free recipes focused on clean, seasonal ingredients, visit the Tasty Yummies blog. You can also follow the blog’s social channels to see new recipes and updates. I appreciate all the readers and fellow bloggers who’ve supported this community and participated in the All-Star series.
Thank you to Lexie for organizing the series and to everyone involved. I’m honored to be part of such a creative, supportive group of bloggers. Wishing you all a healthy, tasty, and happy 2013!