Vegan Chocolate Fork Cookies

Having posted a number of gluten free desserts I have realised that most of them are not suitable for vegans. I thought it was time that I rectified this by providing a recipe that is yummy and vegan. I haven't been able to make a satisfactory vegan and gluten free recipe as I find an egg very helpful to bind it altogether. I am going to have a go with egg replacer and hopefully I will be able to post a vegan and gluten free cookie recipe in the near future.

This is a great basic cookie recipe (or biscuit as we call them in the UK) which can be whipped up in a jiffy for any unexpected guests or just to help cure midnight munchies. However, I should probably warn everyone that once you have learnt how easy and quick it is to make these biscuits from store cupboard standbys there will be nothing to stop you fulfilling your cravings within half an hour. Consider yourself warned and I accept no responsibilty for the impact this may have on your waistline!

Pinenut and Almond Cookies

These little cookies are sweet morsels with a crusty outside and soft and moist centre. This recipe is kind of a mix between an Italian style pinenut macaroon and Claudia Roden's Maronchinos from her 'The Book of Jewish Food '. I liked the sound of both recipes so combined the elements of each that I liked, the texture of the maronchinos and pinenut topping of the macaroon. They turned out yummy and would be great to serve with coffee. They are quite sweet and rich so you only need one or two to be satisfied which is why this recipe only makes around 15. They are best served the day they are made as they can lose their crunch after a day or two.

Happy Mummys' Day Gluten Free Jam Thumbprints

Yesterday it was Mothers Day in the UK and I am sure there were lots of kids bringing their deserving mummys breakfast in bed. This set me to thinking about the importance of families in teaching children invaluable life lessons such as cooking. I was always encouraged to help with the cooking at home and this is one life skill that continues to served me well. My mum cooked with me from an early age and has instilled a love of all things foodie. Even if the memories of my mum making Ellie Ice Cream named after the Jersey cow next door are very faint I know that these formative years of being fed yummy, fresh food has had an impact on my palate even today. A recipe that sticks in my mind is Jam Thumbprints, a buttery jam filled biscuit that even small children can help to make even if it is only to help make the thumbprint middles. This is one recipe that my mum made with me as a small child and as a small gesture to my lovely mum who is across the other side of the world I thought I would try to make a gluten free version of this simple but delightful little biscuit. Love you Mum!