Mini Peach & Blueberry Upside Down Cakes

I was watching 'The Great British Bake-off' (season 3) and they were making upside down cakes. They were able to choose whatever combination they desired and it had me thinking. I have never made nor tasted an upside down cake! I had just purchased some blueberries (to make blueberry compote which would then be used to pour all over pancakes) and peaches, so I decided to make mini peach and blueberry upside down cakes made using ramekins! These were seriously so good and I can't wait to try different fruits and ingredients in the future. Give it a shot!

*Makes: 12 mini cakes

Ingredients

• 9 tbsp butter, divided
• 3/4 cup (170g) dark brown sugar
• 6 medium peaches, peeled
• 9 tbsp ground ginger or ginger powder
• 1 1/2 cup (200g) all purpose flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cup (360g) buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 24 blueberries, 2 for each cake (or more if you want!)
• Powdered sugar for dusting on tops

Bite Size Pretzels with Cheddar Cheese Sauce

The past two weeks have been crazy busy. I decided to sign up for Betty's 2-week cookery course here in England and it was the best two weeks of my life. I learned so many new techniques and recipes. That is why I have been a little non-existent. BUT, I am now posting my pretzel bites I made a few weeks ago and am now wishing I had them right in front of me. These were a lot of work to make but oh so good, especially with the cheese sauce. If you are into pretzels and cheese and the whole shebang, check out this recipe! 

*Makes: 70+ pieces

Ingredients

For the pretzels:

• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 4 1/2 cups (580g) all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (60g) butter, melted
• Vegetable oil
• 8 cups water, for boiling
• 2/3 cup (85g) baking soda
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• Sea salt for sprinkling

For cheese sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 2 cups (160g) extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 
• Salt & pepper for seasoning

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Mini Pound Cakes!

I had the urge to make pound cake and I hadn't used peanut butter or my chocolate chips in a while (since I have been super "healthy" using fruit) so I decided to make these mini pound cakes! They were super easy to make and easy enough for my fiance to take to work, considering the portions were perfect (you can eat the mini cake in two bites!). I drizzled peanut butter and chocolate on top and it just hit the spot with a cold glass of milk. And, I always like to heat my treat in the microwave for 10 seconds to make it a but warm. Perfect! Take a look!

*Makes: 60 mini pound cakes, give or take

Ingredients

For pound cake:

• 3 cups (400g) all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 sticks (230g) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup (260g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (250ml) milk
• 1 cup (180g) bittersweet chocolate chips

For peanut butter glaze:

• 1/3 cup (50g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 3-4 tablespoons milk

Homemade Mini Sweet Potato Chicken Pot Pies

Chicken Pot Pies are the perfect meal for when Fall & Winter arrive and it's super chilly outside. I had never made Chicken Pot Pie previously to last night, and considering it took FOREVER to make, it was probably my favorite/best tasting dinner I've made thus far. Yes, it did take quite some time to make, but it was nice being in the kitchen for hours, having some alone time. These Mini Chicken Pot Pies are to die for, and I've added some other ingredients that make the traditional pot pie with peas and carrots, just plain boring. Check it out!

*Makes: 4 pot pies

Ingredients

For crust:

• 2 1/4 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (230g) of cold butter, cut into pieces
• 6-10 tablespoons ice cold water

For filling:

• 1 pound (450g) or 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup (150g) of chopped carrots
• 2 baby broccoli heads (or 1 normal sized head would work)
• 1 sweet potato, peeled, chopped
• 1/3 (50g) cup of butter
• 1/3 cup (5 tbsp) of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 cup (250ml) of water 
• 2 chicken stocks
• 1/2 (125ml) cup of milk

Homemade Mini Soft Salted Pretzels

What do pretzels remind you of? They remind me of so many wonderful places, including the movie theater, the German Market, and now my kitchen. These are much simpler to make than you think and even more delicious once they are done. I have already eaten two while typing this (don't tell my fiance!) If you are a pretzel lover like me, then you should definitely give these bad boys a try, and try not eating them all like me, too. They will only take you about 20 minutes to make the dough and then 15 minutes to cook in the oven. Go ahead, knock your socks off!

*Makes: 14 pretzels

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups (375ml) warm water 
• 1 packet (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) active instant yeast 
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 1/4 cups (550g) all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 large egg, beaten
• course sea salt for sprinkling
• granulated sugar for sprinkling

Gluten Free Mini Cinnamon Sugar Apple Pies

I have never made a pie in my life and I thought today was the day I would give it a try. I know that everyone prefers miniature size over regular size (I know I do), so I decided to make mini apple pies using my muffin pan. I added a few ingredients that I thought would go well with the apples, and I also tried making different pie tops! Check out this fun, all day baking in the kitchen, recipe. Enjoy!

*Makes: 12 mini pies

Ingredients

For gluten free pie crust:

• 2 1/4 cups (320g) gluten free plain flour
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your blend already contains it)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup (60g) confectioner’s sugar 
• 10 tablespoons (140g) butter, chopped and chilled
• 1/2 cup (125ml), iced water (don’t count ice cubes in the volume measurement)

Apple filling:

• 3 apples, peeled and chopped
• 3 tbsp lemon juice (to keep apples from turning brown)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tbsp ground cloves
• 2 tbsp maple syrup 
• pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp gluten free plain flour
• 1 tsp vanilla 

Gluten Free Mini Snickerdoodle Sandwiches

Snickerdoodles are my all-time favorite cookie. They remind me of my mom because if she ever spontaneously made cookies, it would be these. Probably because they are fairly simple and require minimal ingredients (almost every household should have these ingredients!) Well, I made these sandwiches before for my fiance to take to work, but that was when I wasn't baking gluten free. This time, I decided to make them miniature and also gluten free. Boy let me tell you, they are as soft as fluffy pillows. They just melt in your mouth! Give them a shot, you won't regret it. 

*Makes: 50+ cookies

Ingredients

For dough:

• 1 stick plus 5 tablespoons (13 tablespoons) butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 1/8 cups (400g) gluten free plain flour 
• 2 teaspoons xanthan gum 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon combined with 6 tablespoons sugar for rolling 

For spread:

• 1 large tablespoon of peanut butter
• 1 large tablespoon of nutella

Gluten Free Nutella Cheesecake Brownie Bites

My fiance has been begging me to make cheesecake and I finally caved in. Kind of. I had to add a little something to this cheesecake to make it pop and stand out. I decided to do a Gluten Free Nutella Cheesecake Brownie baked in a muffin pan. But, I made these guys miniature, so you can devour them in one big bite! I'd say I just made a lot of people's dreams come true. Your welcome. Enjoy!

*Makes: 24 brownie bites

Ingredients

For brownie batter:

• 1/2 cup (70g) gluten free plain flour mix
• 1 tbsp xanthan gum
• 1/4 cup (70g) cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (8 tbsp) Nutella 
• 1/2 cup (120g) butter, melted
• 1 tbsp vanilla

For cheesecake batter:

• 7 oz (200g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 (4 tbsp) cup Nutella
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla

Gluten Free Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes

This is a classic here in England. I tried making a Victoria sponge cake months ago and it just didn't work out. From the cream to it just falling apart completely (every baker has to admit his or her flaws right?!). Well this time, I thought, what would be cuter than mini Victoria sponge cakes? You are right, nothing would! I made mini Victoria sponge cakes that are easy to pick up and eat in a few bites. These pretty little cakes are perfect for parties or to bring into the office, but they look the best sitting on my counter top. Enjoy!

*Makes: 6 mini cakes

Ingredients

For cake:

• Gluten free Victoria sponge cake mix
• 3 medium eggs
• 4 tablespoons (85g) of butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (40ml) water 

For filling:

• 7oz (200g) of cream cheese, room temperature
• 5 tablespoons (100g) butter, room temperature
• 1 pound (500g) confectioners' sugar (add more, tablespoon by tablespoon to make thicker)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Raspberry jam (seedless, or any other jam you prefer)

Gluten Free Homemade Mini Pop Tarts

I have been wanting to make pop tarts for quite some time now, but thought it would be more difficult with gluten free flour. I was wrong! It was quite simple. Lately, (since making my last two desserts) my favorite part of the whole process is the last bit where you get to put your final touches on your creation (decorating, duh!). The same goes for this recipe. Once the pop tarts have cooled, that is when the show really starts. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did (and hopefully you don't eat them all too!)

*Makes: 15 pop-tarts

Ingredients

For dough:

• 2 1/2 cups (350g) plain gluten-free flour
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum 
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup (150g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 8 tablespoons (120g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (125ml) milk, at room temperature

To assemble dough:

• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons of water
• brush

For fillings:

1. Brown sugar

• 5 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 5 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2. Nutella
3. Raspberry jam
4. Any other filling you'd like to use

For glaze:

• 3/4 cup (85g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 4 teaspoons milk, plus more as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

*Or you can just use milk and powdered sugar for a cinnamon-free glaze.

Gluten Free Mini Cinnamon Roll Cookies

I've been craving cinnamon rolls for a while now and then it struck me. Cinnamon roll cookies! Plenty of people have done these before, but what about Gluten Free? And miniature? These mini cookies have everything a cinnamon roll has, even that warm sugary icing poured on top. They are easy to take to work, to school, or to just have at home for you to munch on! Take a look.

*Makes: 20 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 ounces (85g) cream cheese 
• 1/3 (70g) cup  sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups gluten-free plain flour
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon for sprinkling
• 2 tablespoon granulated sugar for sprinkling 

For icing

• 2 ounces (55g) cream cheese, softened
• 7 tablespoons of butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 1 1/2 cups (200g) of powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt