With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I have been seeking out sweet recipes that match the occasion. And what could be more fitting (in both color and indulgence) than a luxurious Red Velvet Cake. But this isn't any old cake recipe. This is a creation by Cybele Pascal, from her latest cookbook, The Allergen-Free Baker’s Handbook: How to Bake Without Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Eggs, Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, and Sesame. Yes, it is dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and ready to dazzle all of your loved ones.

From Cybele, "My whole family goes crazy for red velvet cake. It’s so gorgeous and festive and sounds so luxe. This old-fashioned Southern favorite can be made even healthier by using Seelect Natural Food Coloring, which I order online. That way, you can let them eat cake without the slightest tinge of guilt."

And the recipe ...

In looking through the recipes on my blog, I couldn’t believe I had yet to post a waffle recipe. Though I go through phases, I somewhat frequently whip up batches of the insanely easy Oatmeal Blender Waffles from Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook to have on hand. They freeze beautifully, and make a hearty breakfast that I can have ready in just five minutes (a quick pop in the toaster) when I don’t feel like making a big effort for breakfast.

Also, I do love oats, but I find a bowl of oatmeal weighs really heavy on my stomach as the first meal of the day … and though I can see how many bloggers love putting nut butter in their oats, the resulting texture is not pleasing to my palate. But, when I did some experimenting with my trusted blender waffle recipe, injecting it with some naturally healthy nut butter, I ended up with amazingly quick and easy waffles that don’t weigh you down. Yet, they are rich in fiber, and have just enough healthy fats and protein to keep me satiated.  And for you multiple free-from foodies, this recipe is vegan (dairy-free / egg-free), soy-free, and it can be made gluten-free and nut-free if you so desire. Head to One Frugal Foodie for the Recipe.

January, 2010 - In response to a growing demand for gluten free products and a lack of high fiber products within the category, gluten free granola manufacturer Bakery On Main announced today the availability of its new line of gluten free high fiber granola, Fiber Power. This is good news for individuals with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune response to gluten that affects approximately 1% of the U.S. population, and others who follow a gluten free diet due to intolerance or other health reasons.

The FDA recommended daily fiber intake is 20 - 35 grams per day for older children, adolescents and adults. The majority of packaged high-fiber products contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and most oats due to cross-contamination with other gluten-containing grains. Not surprisingly, medical research shows that people on gluten free diets tend to eat inadequate amounts of fiber.

Aunt Gussie's Gluten-Free English Muffins and Focaccia Loaves were actually announced in late June, 2009, but we just discovered them here at Go Dairy Free, and wanted to share the knowledge. The press release below offers some more details on these new products in addition to some of the other products in Aunt Gussie's product line. But, what they don't tell you is that all of Aunt Gussie's gluten-free products (including those big cookies) are also dairy-free, and that the focaccia loaves and English muffins are also soy-free and vegan ...

January, 2010 - Aunt Gussie’s Cookies and Crackers, known for all natural premium baked goods in classic, sugar free and gluten free varieties, has expanded its line of gluten free products by introducing new gluten free breads including English Muffins and Focaccia Bread. The new gluten free breads offer tasty alternatives for individuals with Celiac disease or those following a gluten free diet. Both the English Muffins and Focaccia Bread come in individually wrapped servings and are baked with the finest all natural and wholesome ingredients delivering a gluten free product with exceptional taste and unique texture.